Caffeine is among the most commonly used and consumed stimulants worldwide. It is a naturally occurring stimulant mainly found in coffee and tea. It is also present in sweetened beverages, which are very popular among young people. Recently, the consumption of energy drinks has been increasing, which are other examples of drinks containing caffeine. Is caffeine beneficial or harmful to human health? Due to its antioxidative properties, it has become attractive for many scientific studies. Caffeine consumption can have both positive and negative effects on the human body; it affects the activity of the digestive and respiratory systems, the function of the urinary tract, and the function of the central nervous system. Caffeine is a psychostimulant. It increases brain activity and alertness, reducing the perception of fatigue. Many people consume beverages containing caffeine to experience these effects, which can help them stay awake and focused. However, high consumption may not be beneficial to health; it is also associated with increased headaches and insomnia. The effects of caffeine on the body depend on its dosage, the type of drink consumed, and individual variability. It is also essential to know its effect on the body during pregnancy. This review discusses the latest knowledge about caffeine’s positive and negative impacts on the human body, as nowadays, more and more people, especially younger people, reach for energy drinks.

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes listeriosis, a severe foodborne illness that is particularly dangerous during pregnancy. It thrives in diverse environments, including refrigerated conditions and food production facilities, due to its adaptability to varying temperatures, pH levels, and salt concentrations. Its virulence stems from the ability to invade host cells, particularly macrophages and epithelial cells, and avoid, or at least postpone, immune detection by utilizing virulence factors such as internalins, listeriolysin O, and actin assembly-inducing protein. This intracellular motility and biofilm formation make LM a persistent pathogen in food safety and public health. Pregnant women are at a much higher risk of listeriosis, which can result in serious fetal complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm labor due to LM’s affinity for placental tissues. The vertical transmission of LM from mother to fetus can lead to neonatal listeriosis, which can result in sepsis and meningitis, with high mortality rates if not promptly treated. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics, such as ampicillin or gentamicin, are crucial for maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Breastfeeding is universally recognized for its extensive health benefits for both infants and mothers. However, for some women, the experience of breastfeeding can be complicated by intense negative emotional and physical reactions, including phenomena such as dysphoric milk ejection reflex and breastfeeding aversion/agitation. This review explores the neuroendocrine underpinnings of these conditions, emphasizing the interplay between oxytocin, prolactin, and dopamine. Oxytocin, traditionally viewed as a hormone promoting bonding and emotional regulation, can paradoxically provoke a stress response in vulnerable individuals. Prolactin, a key hormone for lactation and maternal behaviors, is implicated in stress resilience and mood regulation, but its dysregulation may contribute to depressive states. Dopamine, critical for reward processing and emotional stability, may underlie the acute emotional dysregulation seen in dysphoric milk ejection reflex. Together, disturbances in these neurohormonal systems may explain the aversive emotional experiences during breastfeeding. An improved understanding of these mechanisms offers critical insights into maternal mental health during lactation and underscores the importance of supportive clinical approaches for affected women.

Background/Objectives: Phytoestrogens are secondary plant metabolites produced via the phenylpropanoid pathway. They include a broad spectrum of chemical compounds, such as phenolics, flavonoids, isoflavones, coumestans, lignans, and others. Their chemical structures resemble those of estradiol, and they exhibit biological effects similar to those of human estrogens, influencing many physiological processes throughout life in both men and women—including the timing and progression of puberty. Methods: The literature search included databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar with the use of specific keywords. Studies were considered eligible if they reported original findings from observational studies (cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional) or from experimental studies. Results: Phytoestrogens can modulate estrogenic activity and interact with a variety of biological pathways. These compounds may play a role in human development and pubertal processes, contribute to overall health, and potentially help alleviate menopausal symptoms and reduce the risk of certain cancers. Conclusions: Phytoestrogens have numerous positive effects on the human body across various stages of life. Their overall impact and potency, however, seem to be influenced by factors such as intake level, individual genetic variability, and the specific phytoestrogen class consumed.

Endometrial cancer is a heterogeneous disease with outcomes influenced by a range of clinicopathological and molecular factors. Identifying reliable prognostic markers and developing robust predictive models are critical for individualized patient management. This chapter examines the role of established and emerging prognostic markers, including tumor grade, lymphovascular space invasion, and molecular alterations, in stratifying patients by risk. Additionally, it discusses the development of prognostic models that integrate these markers with clinical variables to predict outcomes such as recurrence risk and survival. Special emphasis is placed on the utility of nomograms—graphical prediction tools that offer personalized risk assessments and guide clinical decision-making. The integration of these tools into clinical practice promises to enhance the precision of endometrial cancer management, optimizing treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.