Screening vs. no screening for preterm delivery in low-risk singleton pregnancies: comparison by propensity score analysis.

Purpose: To compare the effect of a policy of screening for spontaneous preterm delivery (SPD) by transvaginal cervical length (CL) measurement versus a no screening policy in the prevention of severe prematurity.

Methods: Retrospective study on low-risk singleton pregnancies examined at 20-24 weeks. Two cohorts, one with SPD screening and the other without screening, were matched using propensity analysis to create the study groups.

EMAS position statement: Vitamin D and menopausal health.

Introduction: There is increasing evidence that vitamin D has widespread tissue effects. In addition to osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, infections and neurodegenerative disease. However, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on non-skeletal outcomes requires clarification, especially in postmenopausal women.

The Rates of Breastfeeding in Baby-Friendly Hospitals in Greece: A Nationwide Survey.

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remains the cornerstone of infant nutrition for the first six months of life, presenting multiple short and long term benefits. The purpose of this study is the demonstration of EBF rates of infants born in baby-friendly hospitals (BFH) and the factors that positively influence EBF.

Methods: The study was conducted in all four of the BFH that exist in Greece, between 2020 and 2022.

Neonatal Sepsis Caused by Complicated with Pulmonary Hypertension: A Case-Report and a Systematic Literature Review.

() has been linked to the development of infections in adults; however, in neonates sepsis is very rare and resembles Group B Streptococcal infections. In this case report, we present the case of a full-term neonate who developed early-onset sepsis due to . A systematic review of the literature was also conducted.

Asphyxia-Induced Bacterial Translocation in an Animal Experimental Model in Neonatal Piglets.

Background: The term "bacterial translocation" (BT) refers to the migration of bacteria or their products from the gastrointestinal tract to tissues located outside it, and may occur after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury. The term "endotoxin" is synonymous, and is used interchangeably with the term lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS, a component of Gram-negative gut bacteria, is a potent microbial virulence factor, that can trigger production of pro-inflammatory mediators, causing localized and systemic inflammation.

Prevalence of preeclampsia and uterine arteries resistance in the different phenotypes of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Aims: This study aims to investigate the different phenotypes of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), in correlation to preeclampsia and uterine arteries resistance.

Materials: This is a prospective cohort study including women with and without GDM per the IADPSG criteria. Three phenotypes of GDM emerged, women with only abnormal fasting (AF) glucose levels, women with only abnormal post-load (AP) glucose levels at 60' and/or 120' and women with abnormal combined (AC) fasting and post-load glucose values.

On the Centennial of Vitamin D-Vitamin D, Inflammation, and Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Web of Links and Implications.

The 100th anniversary of the discovery of vitamin D3 (VitD3) coincides with significant recent advances in understanding its mechanism of action along with accumulating knowledge concerning its genomic and nongenomic activities. A close relationship between VitD3 and the immune system, including both types of immunity, innate and adaptive, has been newly identified, while low levels of VitD3 have been implicated in the development of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). Active 1,25(OH) D3 is generated in immune cells via 1-α-hydroxylase, subsequently interacting with the VitD3 receptor to promote transcriptional and epigenomic responses in the same or adjacent cells.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Outcomes in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review.

The impact of COVID-19 on pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) is still not clear and the knowledge acquired over the last 2 years is still evolving. This study aims to investigate the risk and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with PIBD. A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted to identify studies published up until September 2022.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic drainage of peripancreatic fluid collections: a retrospective multicenter European study.

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transmural drainage allows treatment of symptomatic peripancreatic fluid collections (PFCs), with lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) and double pigtail plastic stents (DPPS) being the 2 most frequently used modalities.

Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing PFC drainage in 10 European centers were retrospectively retrieved. Technical success (successful deployment), clinical success (satisfactory drainage), rate and type of early adverse events, drainage duration and complications on stent removal were evaluated.

Hemostasis in Neonates with Perinatal Hypoxia-Laboratory Approach: A Systematic Review.

Birth asphyxia, with an estimated prevalence of 1 to 6 per 1,000 live births, may lead to multiorgan dysfunction due to impaired oxygen and/or blood supply to various organ systems, including the hemostatic system. Coagulopathy, a common complication of perinatal asphyxia, has been described since the 1960s. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature for records on the use of hemostasis tests in the evaluation of coagulation disorders, in neonates who had suffered from perinatal hypoxia or asphyxia.

Menopause, androgens, and cardiovascular ageing: a narrative review.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide; however, women tend to be less affected than men during their reproductive years. The female cardiovascular risk increases significantly around the time of the menopausal transition. The loss of the protective action of ovarian oestrogens and the circulating androgens has been implicated in possibly inducing subclinical and overt changes in the cardiovascular system after the menopausal transition.

Development and validation of a sepsis diagnostic scoring model for neonates with suspected sepsis.

Background: We aimed to develop and validate a diagnostic model for sepsis among neonates evaluated for suspected sepsis, by incorporating thromboelastometry parameters, maternal/neonatal risk factors, clinical signs/symptoms and laboratory results.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 291 neonates with presumed sepsis, hospitalized in a NICU, from 07/2014 to 07/2021. Laboratory tests were obtained on disease onset and prior to initiating antibiotic therapy.

Subcapsular Liver Hematoma-A Life-Threatening Condition in Preterm Neonates-A Case Series and Systematic Review of the Literature.

The subcapsular hematoma (SLH) of the liver is a rare finding in living infants. The clinical presentation of rupture is non-specific, with the signs of hypovolemic shock dominating. The causes are several, with prematurity, trauma and sepsis playing a leading role in the creation of an SHL.

The impact of maternal smoking during pregnancy on hemostatic profile of neonates using thromboelastometry (ROTEM). A pilot observational study.

Introduction: In adults, the negative effect of smoking on hemostasis has been well established. Contrarily, data regarding the hemostatic status of neonates exposed to tobacco during pregnancy are limited. This study aimed to investigate the influence of antenatal tobacco exposure on the hemostatic profile of neonates using Thromboelastometry (ROTEM).

How do the home food environment, parenting practices, health beliefs, and screen time affect the weight status of European children? The Feel4Diabetes Study.

Background: Childhood obesity remains one of the most significant challenges in public health globally.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the association between home food availability, parenting practices, health beliefs, screen time, and childhood overweight/obesity.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of 12 041 parent-child dyads from six European countries.

The effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on perioperative neurocognitive disorders in patients undergoing elective noncardiac surgery under general anesthesia. A prospective cohort study.

Background And Aims: Preliminary evidence suggests a possible relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and perioperative neurocognitive disorders (NCD). We sought to investigate whether patients with T2DM, undergoing elective noncardiac surgery under general anesthesia, are at increased risk of perioperative NCD.

Material And Methods: A prospective cohort study was designed.

Primary hemostasis in fetal growth restricted neonates studied PFA-100 in cord blood samples.

Background: Platelet function of fetal growth restricted (FGR) neonates remains a field of debate. Platelet function analyzer (PFA-100) offers a quantitative assessment of primary, platelet-related hemostasis. Our aim was to examine platelet function using PFA-100 in FGR neonates and associate our results with perinatal parameters.

Breastfeeding in Neonates Admitted to an NICU: 18-Month Follow-Up.

Introduction: The admission of neonates to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) has been identified as a primary inhibiting factor in the establishment of breastfeeding. The aims of this study were to (1) estimate the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding in infants/toddlers who had been admitted to an NICU in Greece and (2) to investigate factors, associated with the NICU stay, which affected the establishment and maintenance of breastfeeding in infants/toddlers previously admitted to the NICU. Materials and methods: Data for this cohort study were retrieved from interviews with mothers of infants/toddlers who had been admitted to our NICU as neonates during the period of 2017−2019.

Human Breast Milk: The Key Role in the Maturation of Immune, Gastrointestinal and Central Nervous Systems: A Narrative Review.

Premature birth is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the pediatric population. Because their immune, gastrointestinal and nervous systems are not fully developed, preterm infants (<37 weeks of gestation) and especially very preterm infants (VPIs, <32 weeks of gestation) are more prone to infectious diseases, tissue damage and future neurodevelopmental impairment. The aim of this narrative review is to report the immaturity of VPI systems and examine the role of Human Breast Milk (HBM) in their development and protection against infectious diseases, inflammation and tissue damage.

Development and Analytical Validation of a 6-Plex Reverse Transcription Droplet Digital PCR Assay for the Absolute Quantification of Prostate Cancer Biomarkers in Circulating Tumor Cells of Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

Background: Gene expression in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be used as a predictive liquid biopsy test in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). We developed a novel 6-plex reverse transcription droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) assay for the absolute quantification of 4 prostate cancer biomarkers, a reference gene, and a synthetic DNA external control (DNA-EC) in CTCs isolated from mCRPC patients.

Methods: A novel 6-plex RT-ddPCR assay was developed for the simultaneous absolute quantification of AR-FL, AR-V7, PSA, and PSMA, HPRT (used as a reference gene), and a synthetic DNA-EC that was included for quality control.

Factors associated with failed epidural blood patch after accidental dural puncture in obstetrics: a prospective, multicentre, international cohort study.

Background: Epidural blood patch is commonly used for management of post-dural puncture headache after accidental dural puncture. The primary aim was to determine factors associated with failed epidural blood patch.

Methods: In this prospective, multicentre, international cohort study, parturients ≥18 yr receiving an epidural blood patch for treatment of post-dural puncture headache were included.

The Utility of NATEM Assay in Predicting Bleeding Risk in Critically Ill Neonates.

We aimed to investigate the hemostatic status of diseased neonates using nonactivated rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) assay (NATEM) assay and, in addition, to evaluate the discriminative power of NATEM parameters in predicting the risk of bleeding in critically ill neonates and compare it to that of EXTEM (extrinsically activated ROTEM) parameters. This cohort study included 158 consecutive, critically ill neonates with presumed sepsis, perinatal hypoxia, or respiratory distress syndrome. The EXTEM and NATEM assays were performed on the first day of disease onset.