Vitamin D supplementation higher than 2000 IU/day compared to lower dose on maternal-fetal outcome: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Although vitamin D is widely known as an essential micronutrient during pregnancy, the exact supplementation dose to prevent maternal-fetal outcomes remains a question. This study aims to provide a systematic review and a meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trial on > 2000 IU/day vitamin D supplementation compared to ⩽ 2000 IU/day; and ⩽ 2000 IU/day compared to placebo, on their effects on the incidence of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth, and differences on birth weight.

Methods: A systematic literature search on PubMed, EBSCO-MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases was carried out to evaluate randomized controlled trial studies on the effects of oral vitamin D > 2000 IU/day versus ⩽ 2000 IU/day; and ⩽ 2000 IU/day versus placebo, on preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth and birth weight.

Maternal and fetal characteristics to predict c-section delivery: A scoring system for pregnant women.

Introduction: Cesarean section is one of the most common obstetrical interventions that has been performed at an increasing rate globally, due to both medical and non-medical reasons. This study aims to develop a prediction tool for pregnant women potentially needing c-section, such that necessary preparations from the mothers, families, and health providers can be made.

Methods: A total of 603 pregnant women were recruited in the first phase of c-section prediction tool development.

Preeclampsia: From Cellular Wellness to Inappropriate Cell Death, and the Roles of Nutrition.

Preeclampsia is one of the most common obstetrical complications worldwide. The pathomechanism of this disease begins with abnormal placentation in early pregnancy, which is associated with inappropriate decidualization, vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and spiral artery remodeling, leading to endothelial dysfunction. In these processes, appropriate cellular deaths have been proposed to play a pivotal role, including apoptosis and autophagy.

Shaping effective communication skills in first-year medical students through community diagnosis exercise.

Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of students' participation in this community diagnosis (CD) exercise on their competency development.

Methods: The CD was performed by 235 first-year students through a home visit to obtain health data through questionnaire and physical examination; the data was analysed using the IBM® SPSS® version 24 statistical analysis software. The impact of CD participation on student skills development was evaluated using a cross - sectional questionnaire - based survey using the Likert five - point scale to assess student attitudes.