Evaluation of a Question Prompt List About Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Prevention After Hypertensive Pregnancy: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to pilot test a question prompt list (QPL) about cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction after hypertensive pregnancy (HDP).

Methods: In a prospective cohort study of adult women who had HDP given the QPL before and surveyed after a physician visit, we assessed perceived person-centred care, self-efficacy for self-management, perceived self-management and QPL feasibility.

Results: Twenty-three women participated: 57% of diverse ethno-cultural groups, 65% < 40 years of age and 48% immigrants.

The role of nutrition and gut microbiome in the progression of multiple myeloma and its precursor disease.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy, characterized by unregulated monoclonal proliferation in the bone marrow. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) are premalignant conditions that can progress to MM. Identifying etiological risk factors for MM and its precursor diseases is crucial for prevention.

Diagnosis and management of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in adults: A position statement from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immune-mediated interstitial lung disease (ILD) relating to specific occupational, environmental or medication exposures. Disease behaviour is influenced by the nature of exposure and the host response, with varying degrees of lung inflammation and fibrosis seen within individuals. The differentiation of HP from other ILDs is important due to distinct causes, pathophysiology, prognosis and management implications.

Exogenous Opioids and the Human Endocrine System: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement.

The use and misuse of opioids are a growing global problem. Although the effects of these drugs on the human endocrine system have been studied for decades, attention on their related clinical consequences, particularly on the hypothalamic-pituitary system and bone health, has intensified over recent years. This Statement appraises research data related to the impact of opioids on the gonadal and adrenal function.

Immunotherapy after progression to double immunotherapy: pembrolizumab and lenvatinib versus conventional chemotherapy for patients with metastatic melanoma after failure of PD-1/CTLA-4 inhibition.

Background: Programmed cell death 1 receptor (PD-1) inhibition as monotherapy followed by Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) inhibition in case of progression or as upfront double co-inhibition has drastically improved the survival outcomes of metastatic melanoma. Still, many patients develop primary or acquired resistance to both agents, relapse soon, and survive less. For these patients, the therapeutic options are very limited, and for many years, conventional chemotherapy (CC) was the standard of care.

Comparing Perinatal Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)-Induced vs. Naturally Conceived Twin Pregnancies.

The occurrence of multiple pregnancies is consistently and significantly linked to the growing use of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Even very young women opt for having multiple embryos implanted by medical professionals in order to increase the chances of a successful outcome. Our aim is to review the research on cesarean section rates and perinatal outcomes, like perinatal morbidity, risk of preterm delivery, and low birth weight (LBW) of neonates in multiple pregnancies that resulted from ART in comparison to those that were naturally conceived.

Association between Unmet Social Need and Ambulatory Quality of Care for US Children.

Objectives: Children who experience socioeconomic adversity often have worse health; however, less is known about their quality of care. We sought to evaluate the association between parent/caregiver-reported socioeconomic adversity and quality of pediatric primary, acute, and chronic ambulatory care on a national level.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 5368 representative US children (1-17 years) in the 2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.

Gender differences in spine surgery for degenerative lumbar disease: prospective cohort study.

Objective: Despite efforts toward achieving gender-based equality in clinical trial enrollment, females are frequently underrepresented and gender-specific data analysis is lacking. Identifying and addressing gender bias in medical decision-making and outcome reporting may facilitate more equitable healthcare delivery. This study aimed to determine if gender differences exist in the clinical evaluation and surgical management of patients with degenerative lumbar conditions.

Evaluating Prostate Cancer: The Diagnostic Impact of MRI and Its Relationship With Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS)-Guided Biopsy.

Background Prostate disorders, including benign enlargement and malignancy, are commonly evaluated through imaging techniques. Historically, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) has been used for prostate imaging and biopsy. However, multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), which integrates structural and functional imaging methods, offers enhanced diagnostic capabilities.

COVID-19 shed light on Virchow's law of thrombosis.

Virchow's law of thrombosis states that thrombosis in a vessel occurs as a combination of the following: (i) injury to the vessel wall, (ii) stasis of blood flow, and (iii) blood hypercoagulability. Injury to the wall includes infection/inflammation and/or injury to the resident cells of the wall. We postulate that in COVID-19, the SARS-CoV-2 virus directly infects the alveolar type II cell or directly or indirectly infects/injures the pericyte, promoting inflammation and interaction with endothelial cells, thereby causing a cascade of events leading to our observation that thrombosis occurred within the walls of the pulmonary vessels and not in the lumen of the vascular circulation.

Adenomyoepithelioma of the Breast: A Case Report.

Adenomyoepithelioma (AME) is an uncommon breast tumor distinguished by the presence of both epithelial and myoepithelial cell proliferation. It often presents clinically as a well-circumscribed, non-painful mass, although it can also be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging. This case report describes a 32-year-old woman with a tumor that progressively increased in size.

Navigating the Intersection of Monkeypox and Pregnancy: A Call for Vigilance and Research.

The recent global spread of monkeypox has raised significant concerns, particularly regarding its impact on vulnerable populations such as pregnant individuals. While limited data suggest possible adverse outcomes, including vertical transmission and fetal demise, there remains a critical need for comprehensive research to inform clinical management and public health strategies. The lack of specific guidelines and tailored public health messaging for pregnant individuals underscores the urgency for focused attention in this area.

A Retrospective Study of Routine Preoperative Blood Grouping and Saving in Laparoscopic Surgeries: A Minimally Utilized Expenditure.

Introduction Patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic appendicectomy typically undergo routine preoperative blood grouping and saving (G&S). Despite the low incidence of blood transfusion in this context, the acquisition and processing of G&S samples incur a cost of £31 ($40) per sample. This study aims to review blood transfusion usage in these procedures to determine whether routine G&S sampling is clinically necessary or represents an avoidable expense.

Sperm DNA Fragmentation: Unraveling Its Imperative Impact on Male Infertility Based on Recent Evidence.

Male factors may be present in up to 50-70% of infertile couples and the prevalence of male infertility accounts for 20-30% of infertility cases. Understanding the mechanisms and causes behind male infertility remains a challenge, but new diagnostic tools such as DNA fragmentation might aid in cases where the routine semen analysis is insufficient. DNA fragmentation, which refers to damages or breaks of the genetic material of the spermatozoa, is considered one of the main causes of male infertility due to impaired functional capability of sperm.

Factors Influence Breastfeeding Duration after High Risk and Low Risk Pregnancies.

Background: Breastfeeding provides vital nutrients and fosters maternal-infant bonding, benefiting both mother and child. However, breastfeeding duration is influenced by various factors, especially in women of high-risk pregnancy. This study aims to identify predictors of breastfeeding duration among women of high-risk and low-risk pregnancy, focusing on exclusive and mixed feeding practices.