Efficacy of Oral Probiotic Supplementation in Preventing Vulvovaginal Infections During Pregnancy: A Randomized and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background/objective: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of oral probiotic supplementation in preventing vulvovaginal infections (VVIs) in pregnant women, specifically focusing on abnormal vaginal flora (AVF), bacterial vaginosis (BV), and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).

Methods: A multicenter-prospective-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted during 2016-2019. Women with normal vaginal flora (Nugent score < 4 and no candida) were divided into a research group, receiving 2 capsules/day of oral probiotic formula containing , , , , , and , or a control group, receiving a placebo until delivery.

Self-esteem, defense mechanisms, sexual satisfaction and stress coping mechanisms in individuals treated for vaginismus: A controlled study.

The aim of study was to analyze the extent to which treatment for vaginismus affect self-esteem, defense mechanisms, sexual satisfaction and coping with stress. Was conducted as aquasi-experimental, cross-sectional study. The population of the study consisted of womenwho were followed up with the diagnosis of vaginismus in obstetrics clinic.

The effect of coronavirus disease perception on somatic sensations and cognitive emotion regulation in pregnant women.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of coronavirus disease perception on somatic sensations and cognitive emotion regulation in pregnant women. The study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 144 pregnant women.

Weight and Procedural Abortion Complications: A Systematic Review.

Objective: To systematically assess the existing empiric evidence regarding a potential relationship between higher body weight and procedural abortion complications.

Data Sources: EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched.

Exploring Racial and Ethnic Differences in Utilization of Medications for Obesity Management in a Nationally Representative Survey.

Background: The burden of obesity falls disproportionately on some racial and ethnic minority groups.

Objective: To assess for racial and ethnic differences in the utilization of obesity-management medications among clinically eligible individuals.

Design: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2011-2016, 2018 and 2020) data and a cross-sectional study design was used to assess for racial and ethnic differences in obesity-management medication utilization.

Anti-NMDA receptor autoimmune encephalitis associated with ovarian teratoma: A case series and literature review.

Autoimmune encephalitis is a group of disorders characterized by symptoms of dysfunction of the limbic and extra-limbic systems that occur in association with antibodies against intracellular antigens, synapses, or proteins located on the surface of nerve cells. Anti-NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor encephalitis was first described in 2007 and has become one of the most commonly recognized autoimmune encephalitides. The disease is predominantly female (81%) and affects young patients (37% <18 years old, 95% <45 years old), with up to 58% of women over 18 years old having ovarian teratoma.

Effects of multilevel postpartum family planning intervention on the reduction of unintended pregnancy and induced abortion rates within 12 months of delivery: A cluster randomized controlled study in China.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a multilevel promoting postpartum family planning (PPFP) intervention on the reduction of unintended pregnancies and induced abortions in China.

Study Design: We performed a cluster randomized intervention study to assess the effects of a multilevel PPFP intervention on the rates of unintended pregnancy and induced abortion within 12 months postpartum. Thirty-six hospitals were included and randomly allocated to two groups at a 1:1 ratio, enrolling 180 pregnant women per hospital starting in January 2019.

Comparing fractional microneedle radiofrequency and fractional CO2 laser for striae distensae treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Striae distensae (SD) are a prevalent dermatological concern of women and approximately 90% of pregnant women experience these stretch marks. Fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) and fractional CO2 laser (FCL) have gained substantial attention in the treatment of SD. In clinical studies, a clear superiority between FMR and FCL treatments is not found due to limited studies and sample sizes.

Intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasound during laparoscopic myomectomy: a narrative review.

Intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasound (IOLUS), a dynamic imaging technique, has emerged as a valuable instrument for guiding surgery in various medical specialties. As IOLUS provides accuracy, improved visualization, and real-time guidance, the integration of IOLUS into many surgical procedures has occurred and IOLUS assists surgeons during advanced procedures. Today, laparoscopic myomectomy has become a prominent surgical procedure in gynecology.

Assessing patient autonomy in the context of TeamBirth, a quality improvement intervention to improve shared decision-making during labor and birth.

Background: Respectful maternity care includes shared decision-making (SDM). However, research on SDM is lacking from the intrapartum period and instruments to measure it have only recently been developed. TeamBirth is a quality improvement initiative that uses team huddles to improve SDM during labor and birth.

Diagnostic and Predictive Value of LncRNA MCM3AP-AS1 in Sepsis and Its Regulatory Role in Sepsis-Induced Myocardial Dysfunction.

The present study focused on exploring the clinical value and molecular mechanism of LncRNA MCM3AP antisense RNA 1 (MCM3AP-AS1) in sepsis and sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD). 122 sepsis patients and 90 healthy were included. Sepsis patients were categorized into SIMD and non-MD.

Telemedicine and Patient Experience Ratings at an Academic Integrative Medicine Practice: Retrospective Examination.

Background: The use of telemedicine (TELE) increased exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic. While patient experience with TELE has been studied in other medical disciplines, its impact and applicability to integrative medicine practices remain unknown.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the impact of visit modality, TELE versus face-to-face (F2F) encounters, on patient experience at an integrative medicine practice at a single academic medical center.

Circadian serum progesterone variations on the day of frozen embryo transfer in a modified natural cycle protocol.

Study Question: Is there a circadian variation of serum progesterone (P) on the day of frozen embryo transfer (FET) in a modified natural cycle (mNC)?

Summary Answer: There is a statistically significant diurnal variation of serum P on the day of a FET in an mNC protocol.

What Is Known Already: In recent years, the proportion of FET cycles has increased dramatically. To further optimize pregnancy outcomes after FET, recent studies have focused on serum luteal P levels in both natural and artificially prepared FET cycles.

Recommended measurement instruments for genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause: the COMMA (Core outcomes in menopause) consortium.

Objective: The aim of the study is to identify appropriate definitions and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for each of the eight core outcomes previously selected for genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause: pain with sex, vulvovaginal dryness, vulvovaginal discomfort or irritation, discomfort or pain when urinating, change in most bothersome symptom, distress, bother or interference of genitourinary symptoms, satisfaction with treatment, and side effects.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review to identify possible definitions and PROMs, including their measurement properties. Identified definitions and relevant PROMs with acceptable measurement properties were entered into an international consensus process involving 28 participants from 10 countries to achieve final recommendations for each core outcome.

Recommended measurement instruments for menopausal vasomotor symptoms: the COMMA (Core Outcomes in Menopause) consortium.

Objective: The aim of the study is to identify suitable definitions and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to assess each of the six core outcomes previously identified through the COMMA (Core Outcomes in Menopause) global consensus process relating to vasomotor symptoms: frequency, severity, distress/bother/interference, impact on sleep, satisfaction with treatment, and side effects.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify relevant definitions for the outcome of side-effects and PROMs with acceptable measurement properties for the remaining five core outcomes. The consensus process, involving 36 participants from 16 countries, was conducted to review definitions and PROMs and make final recommendations for the measurement of each core outcome.

Lactation duration and development of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome in postpartum women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus.

Background: The World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund recommend exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of an infant's life. Although evidence suggests that maintaining breastfeeding has positive impacts on glucose and lipid metabolism in postpartum women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), no study has investigated whether such effects differ between breastfeeding intensities. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of maintaining breastfeeding on prediabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) six months postpartum in women with GDM.

Impact of postpartum weight change on metabolic syndrome and its components among women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus.

Background: While postpartum weight changes may affect the levels of metabolic parameters, the direct effects of weight changes in the postpartum period on changes in the prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome and its components remain unstudied. This study aimed to investigate the effects of postpartum weight changes between 6 weeks and 6 months on changes in the prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome and its components in women who have recently experienced gestational diabetes mellitus.

Methods: This prospective cohort study included 171 postpartum women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus, who underwent serial weight and metabolic risk factor assessments at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum.

Selective peripheral tissue response to high testosterone levels in an infertile woman without virilization signs.

Summary: Total testosterone, which is peripherally converted to its biologically active form dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is the first-line hormone investigation in hyperandrogenic states and infertility in premenopausal women. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common cause of hyperandrogenism and infertility in young women, is often associated with mild elevations of total testosterone. Whereas very high levels of total testosterone (>2-3 SD of normal reference), are most often associated with hyperandrogenic signs, menstrual irregularity, rapid onset of virilization, and demand a prompt investigation.