Medicina
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Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive treatment technique for vertebral body compression fractures. The complications associated with this technique can be categorized into mild, moderate, and severe. ⋯ While the majority of these complications manifest without symptoms, they can potentially lead to severe outcomes. This review aims to consolidate the various complications linked to vertebroplasty, drawing from the experiences of a single medical center.
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Breast milk (BM) is a constantly changing fluid that represents the primary source of nutrition for newborns. It is widely recognized that breastfeeding provides benefits for both the child and the mother, including a lower risk of ovarian and breast cancer, type 2 diabetes mellitus, decreased blood pressure, and more. ⋯ Various factors, such as the baby's sex, the health status of the mother and child, the mother's diet, and the mode of delivery, can affect the composition of breast milk. This review focuses on the biological impact of the nutrients in BM on the development and functionality of vital organs to promote the benefit of health.
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Background and Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and accurate assessment of axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) is crucial for patient management and outcomes. We aim to summarize the current state of ALN assessment techniques in BC and provide insights into future directions. Materials and Methods: This review discusses various imaging techniques used for ALN evaluation, including ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. ⋯ However, challenges such as standardization of imaging protocols and interpretation criteria need to be addressed. Future research should focus on large-scale clinical trials to validate emerging techniques and establish their efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Over-all, this review provides valuable insights into the current status and future directions of ALN assessment in BC, highlighting opportunities for improving patient care.
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Background and Objectives: The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been recognized as a beneficial nutritional pattern that promotes human health, decreasing the risks of a variety of human disorders and pathological states, including adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this aspect, the current survey aimed to assess the potential association of compliance with the MD during gestation with various sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters, perinatal outcomes, and breastfeeding practices. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed on 5688 pregnant women from 10 distinctive Greek areas. ⋯ Conclusions: A higher level of compliance with the MD for the period of gestation was associated with several favorable lifestyle factors that may promote maternal health. Further studies with a prospective design as well as studies exploring the potential effects of maternal compliance with the MD for the period of pregnancy on the health of children should be performed. Future studies should also be extended beyond the MD by assessing the potential beneficial effects of adopting a Mediterranean lifestyle on maternal and child health.
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Background and Objectives: Patient- or woman-centered care, prioritizing women's perspectives, needs, and preferences, is a widely recommended approach to enhance the quality of maternity care services. It aligns with the broader principles of patient-centered care, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative and respectful relationship between healthcare providers and women. This study evaluates low-risk pregnancies managed by midwives and obstetrician-gynecologists in Lithuania using patient-reported outcome measures and patient-reported experience measures. ⋯ Conclusions: Adopting patient-centered approaches enables healthcare systems to understand and address women's specific needs and preferences, fostering high-quality and woman-centered care. This research adds to the growing evidence supporting midwife-led care and emphasizes the importance of personalized, woman-centered approaches in maternity care, ultimately enhancing maternal health outcomes and promoting positive experiences for low-risk pregnant women. The quality of care provided by midwives remains uncompromised and equivalently proficient compared to the care provided by collaborative teams.