Nebulization with saline solution, although commonly used to alleviate respiratory symptoms, particularly in children, is often questioned concerning its effectiveness. In this study, we investigated the effects of isotonic saline nebulization on lung function in 40 children (mean age of 14 +/- 1 years) suffering from different types of airway disorders. Measurements were carried out directly before and up to 15 min after nebulization, for six days in a row, always on the same day time in the morning. The children were divided into two study groups according to the baseline ratio of forced expired volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), below and above 80 %. We found significant improvements after saline nebulization in FEV1, mid-expiratory flow at 50 % and 75 % of FVC (MEF50 and MEF75), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) in the group with the baseline FEV1/FVC less than 80 %. In contradistinction, children with an index greater than 80 % displayed no appreciable changes in the lung function variables when compared with the baseline level before saline nebulization. We conclude that isotonic saline nebulization might mitigate the functional signs of threatening pulmonary obstruction and as such may be clinically useful in pediatric patients with mild respiratory problems.

To systematically review the results of maternal microbial transfer in shaping microbial diversity, improving neonatal development, and evaluating the microbial transfer procedure's adverse events. A comprehensive search was conducted on April 25, 2024, using PubMed/MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies published in English from 2000 to 2023. The following keywords were used: "vaginal seeding," "microbiota," "maternal fecal microbiota transplantation," "maternal microbial transfer," and "bacterial baptism." The review included English-language, peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized interventional studies investigating maternal microbial transfer in neonates born via elective cesarean delivery. Data were extracted and analyzed for key outcomes, including severe adverse effects, alpha diversity, beta diversity, and the abundance of key taxa such as Bacteroides spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Lactobacillus spp. A total of 10 studies, including 4 randomized controlled trials and 6 nonrandomized interventional studies with 1450 participants, were included in this qualitative review. The findings regarding changes in alpha diversity (a measure of microbial richness within individual samples) were inconclusive, while several studies indicated a potential increase in beta diversity (reflecting differences in microbial composition between samples) associated with the procedure. Bacteroides spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Lactobacillus spp. were the most frequently assessed taxa, with some studies suggesting beneficial changes in their abundance. Developmental outcomes, such as anthropometric measures and allergy risks, showed limited evidence of benefit, with one study reporting preliminary findings of improved neurodevelopmental scores. No significant increase in severe adverse effects was observed in any of the included studies. The efficacy of maternal microbial transfer in restoring neonatal microbiota and promoting health outcomes remains uncertain, with neonatal outcomes addressed in only 3 of the included studies-one on allergy and one on neurodevelopment. However, while no serious adverse effects have been consistently reported, data on safety remain limited.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a widely prevalent condition that affects approximately 5–10% of women of reproductive age. Although first described in the 18th century, a detailed account of the disease was not provided until Stein and Leventhal's 1935 report. Due to the varied symptomatology of PCOS, treatment must be tailored and often involves using multiple drugs for optimal pharmacotherapy. Berberine, an alkaloid with a longstanding history of use, has gained popularity as a potential treatment option for PCOS. Previous studies have demonstrated that berberine can improve hormonal imbalances by reducing testosterone and FAI, increasing SHBG, and mitigating the clinical symptoms of androgen excess, including hirsutism and acne. Moreover, berberine enhances the therapeutic effects of other drugs commonly used in PCOS, such as metformin and oral contraceptive pills. It is generally well-tolerated with a favourable safety profile. However, further research is warranted to establish conclusive evidence regarding berberine's mechanistic underpinnings, therapeutic potential, and long-term safety as a PCOS treatment modality. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a widely prevalent condition that affects approximately 5–10% of women of reproductive age. Although first described in the 18th century, a detailed account of the disease was not provided until Stein and Leventhal's 1935 report. Due to the varied symptomatology of PCOS, treatment must be tailored and often involves using multiple drugs for optimal pharmacotherapy. Berberine, an alkaloid with a longstanding history of use, has gained popularity as a potential treatment option for PCOS. Previous studies have demonstrated that berberine can improve hormonal imbalances by reducing testosterone and FAI, increasing SHBG, and mitigating the clinical symptoms of androgen excess, including hirsutism and acne. Moreover, berberine enhances the therapeutic effects of other drugs commonly used in PCOS, such as metformin and oral contraceptive pills. It is generally well-tolerated with a favourable safety profile. However, further research is warranted to establish conclusive evidence regarding berberine's mechanistic underpinnings, therapeutic potential, and long-term safety as a PCOS treatment modality.

Objectives: The impact of infection with novel coronavirus — SARS-CoV-2 — on women's and fetus' was unclear; therefore, it was the reason for many worries. We wanted to understand and describe the worries of pregnant women, assess mental well-being, and analyse the problems affecting prenatal care and hospital stay in this unprecedented time. Material and methods: We designed an original 23-question survey aimed at women who were pregnant during the pandemic or who gave birth at that time. The survey included demographic data, questions about prenatal care, mental status and worries, and hospitalisation. Results: Our study included 1321 women: 1010 (76.5%) during pregnancy and 311 (23.5%) after the delivery in the studied time. For 1168 (88,4%) respondents, the pandemic had a negative impact on their mood. The three main concerns were: the need for isolation from the child (n = 498, 37.7%), the childbirth without a partner/trusted companion (n = 417, 31.6%) and the risk of infection of the child in hospital (n = 381, 28.8%). Conclusions: The novel coronavirus pandemic affects the mental health of pregnant women. Pregnant patients should be considered a group of particular concerns. Patients consider remote obstetrical consultations as an insufficient approach. The reason for the highest worries of pregnant patients is a lack of companionship during labour. There was no difference between the rate of childbirth via caesarean sections over vaginal delivery during the first wave of the pandemic. Objectives: The impact of infection with novel coronavirus — SARS-CoV-2 — on women's and fetus' was unclear; therefore, it was the reason for many worries. We wanted to understand and describe the worries of pregnant women, assess mental well-being, and analyse the problems affecting prenatal care and hospital stay in this unprecedented time. Material and methods: We designed an original 23-question survey aimed at women who were pregnant during the pandemic or who gave birth at that time. The survey included demographic data, questions about prenatal care, mental status and worries, and hospitalisation. Results: Our study included 1321 women: 1010 (76.5%) during pregnancy and 311 (23.5%) after the delivery in the studied time. For 1168 (88,4%) respondents, the pandemic had a negative impact on their mood. The three main concerns were: the need for isolation from the child (n = 498, 37.7%), the childbirth without a partner/trusted companion (n = 417, 31.6%) and the risk of infection of the child in hospital (n = 381, 28.8%). Conclusions: The novel coronavirus pandemic affects the mental health of pregnant women. Pregnant patients should be considered a group of particular concerns. Patients consider remote obstetrical consultations as an insufficient approach. The reason for the highest worries of pregnant patients is a lack of companionship during labour. There was no difference between the rate of childbirth via caesarean sections over vaginal delivery during the first wave of the pandemic.

Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is one of the most difficult challenges for modern medicine and health care. Since the beginning of its outbreak in different regions of the world, researchers have noticed differences in incidence and mortality rates. We herein present ten hypotheses that were a topic of scientific discussions and might explain this observation. Cultural, demographic, sociological characteristics of societies, differences in healthcare systems and vaccination schedules, genetic polymorphism, and other factors can serve as variables affecting the pandemic’s course in the world’s different regions. Further study of those hypotheses might provide us with valuable insight and broaden knowledge in this unprecedented epidemiological situation. Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is one of the most difficult challenges for modern medicine and health care. Since the beginning of its outbreak in different regions of the world, researchers have noticed differences in incidence and mortality rates. We herein present ten hypotheses that were a topic of scientific discussions and might explain this observation. Cultural, demographic, sociological characteristics of societies, differences in healthcare systems and vaccination schedules, genetic polymorphism, and other factors can serve as variables affecting the pandemic’s course in the world’s different regions. Further study of those hypotheses might provide us with valuable insight and broaden knowledge in this unprecedented epidemiological situation.