The thyroid gland is an endocrine organ whose hormones enable the proper functioning of the organism. The normal function of this organ is influenced by internal and external factors. One of the external factors is trace elements. Trace elements in appropriate concentrations are necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid. Fe, Cu, Mn, I, Zn, and Se are part of the enzymes involved in oxidative stress reduction, while Cd, Hg, and Pb can increase ROS production. Cu and Fe are necessary for the correct TPO synthesis. An imbalance in the concentration of trace elements such as Fe, Cu, Co, I, Mn, Zn, Ag, Cd, Hg, Pb, and Se in thyroid cells can lead to thyroid diseases such as Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, and postpartum thyroiditis. Lack of adequate Fe levels may lead to hypothyroidism and cancer development. The thyroid gland’s ability to absorb I is reversibly reduced by Co. Adequate levels of I are required for correct thyroid function; both deficiency and excess can predispose to the development of thyroid disorders. High concentrations of Mn may lead to hypothyroidism. Furthermore, Mn may cause cancer development and progression. Insufficient Zn supplementation causes hypothyroidism and thyroid nodule development. Cd affecting molecular mechanisms may also lead to thyroid disorders. Hg accumulating in the thyroid may interfere with hormone secretion and stimulate cancer cell proliferation. A higher risk of thyroid nodules, cancer, autoimmune thyroiditis, and hypothyroidism were linked to elevated Pb levels. Se deficiency disrupts thyroid cell function and may lead to several thyroid disorders. On the other hand, some of the trace elements may be useful in the treatment of thyroid diseases. Therefore, the effects of trace elements on the thyroid require further research.

Experiencing a traumatic situation such as breast cancer can, beside negative consequences, have a positive impact, described as post-traumatic growth (PTG). A factor that facilitates psychological recovery when coping with stressful events is psychological resilience. The aim of the present study was to assess whether PTG occurs in a group of women with breast cancer and whether resilience is a personal trait contributing to its occurrence. The study group comprised 100 women with breast cancer, aged 31–80 years, almost half of whom were aged 61–70 years (n = 46, 46%). The Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, the Impact of Event Scale, and the Resilience Assessment Questionnaire (KOP) were used for the study. All women manifested PTG, with a mean intensity of 76.61 ± 13.45 points. The greatest changes were observed in the subjects’ appreciation of life, and the smallest in their relations with others, self-perception, and spiritual changes. The KOP scale measured a mean resilience of 103.80 ± 16.57. The results obtained confirm the co-occurrence of psychological resilience and PTG, especially personal resilience and social competences. Additionally, women subjected to additional traumatic events other than cancer manifested a higher level of PTG.

Postpartum psychosis is rare, but is a serious clinical and social problem. On its own, it is not included in DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) or ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems) as a disease entity, and current diagnostic criteria equate it with other psychoses. This poses a serious legal problem and makes it difficult to classify. The disorder is caused by a complex combination of biological, environmental, and cultural factors. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms of postpartum psychosis remain very poorly understood. There is a need for further research and increased knowledge of the medical sector in the prevention and early detection of psychosis to prevent stigmatization of female patients during a psychiatric episode. It is necessary to regulate its position in the DSM5 and ICD-10. Attention should be paid to the social education of expectant mothers and their families. This article aims to review the current status of risk factors, prevention, and management of postpartum psychosis.

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks third in terms of cancer-related deaths and is the fifth most commonly diagnosed type of cancer. Its risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, Epstein–Barr virus infection, the consumption of broiled and charbroiled animal meats, salt-preserved and smoke-enhanced foods, alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, exposure to ionizing radiation, and positive family history. The limited effectiveness of conventional therapies and the widespread risk factors of GC encourage the search for new methods of treatment and prevention. In the quest for cheap and commonly available medications, numerous studies focus on herbal medicine, traditional brews, and spices. In this review, we outline the potential use of spices, including turmeric, ginger, garlic, black cumin, chili pepper, saffron, black pepper, rosemary, galangal, coriander, wasabi, cinnamon, oregano, cardamom, fenugreek, caraway, clove, dill, thyme, Piper sarmentosum, basil, as well as the compounds they contain, in the prevention and treatment of GC. We present the potential molecular mechanisms responsible for the effectivity of a given seasoning substance and their impact on GC cells. We discuss their potential effects on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. For most of the spices discussed, we also outline the unavailability and side effects of their use.

Oncofertility is any therapeutic intervention to safeguard the fertility of cancer patients. Anti-cancer therapies (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.) entail the risk of reproductive disorders through cytotoxic effects on gamete-building cells, especially those not yet fully developed. This literature review analyzes the available data on securing fertility in pediatric and adolescent populations to identify the methods used and describe aspects related to financing, ethics, and the perspective of patients and their parents. Topics related to oncofertility in this age group are relatively niche, with few peer-reviewed articles available and published studies mostly on adults. Compared to pubertal individuals, a limited number of fertility preservation methods are used for prepubertal patients. Funding for the procedures described varies from country to country, but only a few governments choose to reimburse them. Oncofertility of pediatric and adolescent patients raises many controversies related to the decision, parents’ beliefs, having a partner, ethics, as well as the knowledge and experience of healthcare professionals. As the fertility of young cancer patients is at risk, healthcare professionals should make every effort to provide them with an opportunity to fulfill their future reproductive plans and to have a family and offspring. Systemic solutions should form the basis for the development of oncofertility in pediatric and adolescent populations.

Fetal brain development is an important determinant of neuropsychological performance in children. Any alterations in the intrauterine environment at different stages of pregnancy, such as maternal metabolic disorders, can lead to the development of chronic conditions in the offspring. Therefore, maternal diabetes, especially gestational diabetes mellitus, is an important factor in the development of pathological changes, such as miscarriage, fetal macrosomia, or neurodevelopmental disorders. During pregnancy, the hyperglycemic intrauterine environment adversely affects fetal brain development. A growing body of scientific research indicates that prenatal environmental factors, by affecting fetal brain development, can contribute to the appearance of autism spectrum disorders. According to the latest estimates from the International Diabetes Federation (2021), approximately 21.1 million live births worldwide (16.7%) have been affected by some form of hyperglycemia during pregnancy. The condition is more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, where access to obstetric care is limited. The following factors have been identified as potential risk factors for gestational diabetes: advanced maternal age, overweight and obesity, family history of diabetes, and any form of diabetes. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent studies evaluating the effect of prenatal and maternal risk factors such as maternal pre-pregnancy diabetes, gestational diabetes, and obesity on the risk of developing autism spectrum disorder in offspring.