Introduction: Sleep is a crucial physiological process impacting cognitive function, emotional resilience, and physical health. It is fundamental to overall well-being and understanding its nuances is imperative for unraveling the secrets of restorative sleep. Purpose: This review explores sleep cycles, synthesizing research on physiology, variability, and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) / Rapid Eye Movement (REM) dynamics to understand optimal rest. It assesses how disruptions, from lifestyle or sleep disorders, affect overall health. State of Knowledge: Sleep behaviors vary among individuals, influenced by factors like age, environment, health and lifestyle. Aging leads to changes in sleep patterns, impacting sleep quality. Sleep disorders, such as epilepsy and apnea, significantly alter sleep architecture, illustrating the close link between health and sleep. Lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity and drug use, affect sleep quality, emphasizing the need for promoting healthy habits. Conclusion : The comprehensive exploration of sleep architecture, individual variability in sleep patterns, circadian rhythms, age-related changes, impact of drugs and sleep disorders, sleep hygiene, and associations with mental health underscores the intricate relationship between sleep and overall well-being. Sleep disorders pose an increased risk for mental health disorders, such as anxiety, stress, depression and ADHD. Conversely, mental health issues can significantly affect sleep quality and patterns. Developing strategies to promote healthy sleep hygiene and lifestyle habits is crucial in improving sleep quality, ultimately contributing to enhanced mental health, physical performance and well-being.

Introduction: Adolescent pregnancy remains a contentious issue despite improvements in quality of life and increased access to sexual education. The average age of first pregnancy has shifted due to financial instability among young people, leading to delayed pregnancies until financial stability is achieved. Teenage mothers face social stigma, and early sexual initiation not only increases the risk of pregnancy but also sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Often, adolescent pregnancies are unwanted, resulting in delayed medical consultation due to fear or ignorance. Aim of the Study: This study aims to investigate the medical and social implications of adolescent pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of early sexual education and comprehensive healthcare support. Description of the State of Knowledge: Adolescent pregnancy, defined as pregnancy between ages 10 and 19, is a global concern with millions of cases annually. It poses significant health risks, including premature birth, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction. Socially, it affects educational attainment and financial stability, with adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds facing greater challenges. Early sexual initiation and risky sexual behaviors further compound the issue, increasing the risk of STIs. Lack of comprehensive sexual education exacerbates these risks, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary support from healthcare professionals. Conclusions: Adolescent pregnancy requires a holistic approach encompassing medical, social, and legal dimensions. Effective sexual education programs, involving gynecologists, pediatricians, and educators, are essential for prevention. Legal frameworks must protect adolescents and address issues of consent and sexual health. Additionally, access to comprehensive healthcare services, including prenatal care and contraception, is crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of adolescent pregnancy on both individuals and society.

Introduction: Quadriceps contusion is a common injury in contact sports like football, rugby, and basketball, resulting from a direct blow to the anterior thigh. This causes muscle damage, bleeding, and inflammation. While often considered minor, poor management can lead to complications, delayed recovery, and impaired athletic performance. Purpose: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness and the role of orthobiologic treatments such as PRP in enhancing healing and functional recovery for a swift return to sport. Summary: Quadriceps contusion, resulting from direct trauma to the quadriceps muscle group, leads to hematoma formation and varying degrees of injury severity. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, often supported by ultrasound and MRI to assess the extent of muscle damage. Treatment is typically non-operative, involving rest, ice, compression, physical therapy, and a gradual return to activity. One significant complication is myositis ossificans, characterized by abnormal bone formation within the muscle, which can cause chronic pain and restricted movement. Recent advances, such as ultrasound-guided PRP injections, offer promising results by enhancing healing, relieving pain, and accelerating functional recovery. PRP therapy, particularly popular among athletes, promotes tissue repair by stimulating cell regeneration and reducing inflammation, helping speed up recovery and potentially lowering the risk of complications like myositis ossificans. Although preliminary evidence supports the effectiveness of PRP in helping athletes return to play sooner, more research is needed to validate its full impact on musculoskeletal injuries. Continued exploration of nonoperative treatment and rehabilitation protocols is also necessary to ensure optimal outcomes. Preventive strategies, including the use of protective gear and conditioning exercises to strengthen muscles, are critical in reducing the risk of injury and enhancing athletic performance.

Introduction: Mastocytosis is a rare hematologic neoplasm characterized by the abnormal proliferation and accumulation of mast cells in various tissues. Its clinical manifestations vary widely, ranging from cutaneous lesions to systemic involvement with potentially life-threatening symptoms. Understanding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of mastocytosis is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of mastocytosis, including its epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies. By synthesizing current knowledge on mastocytosis, this study aims to enhance understanding of the disease and guide clinical practice. Description of the State of Knowledge: Mastocytosis is classified into cutaneous and systemic forms, with various subtypes based on clinical and histopathological features. Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical suspicion, serum tryptase levels, histological examination of bone marrow biopsies, and genetic testing. Management strategies include symptomatic treatment, avoidance of triggers, and targeted therapies such as monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Advanced forms may require cytoreductive therapy or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). Conclusions: Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, achieving lasting remission in mastocytosis remains challenging, especially in advanced cases. Further research into the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease and the development of novel therapeutic modalities are needed to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Background/Objectives: The soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio is an established biomarker in the diagnosis of preeclampsia; however, its significance outside overt hypertensive disorders of pregnancy remains unclear. Emerging evidence suggests that angiogenic imbalance may reflect subclinical placental dysfunction even in otherwise low-risk pregnancies. To investigate associations between the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and maternal and neonatal outcomes in a low-risk term obstetric population, beyond established diagnostic cut-offs. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 87 women with singleton term pregnancies. Serum sFlt-1 and PlGF concentrations were measured at hospital admission before delivery, and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was calculated. The primary outcome was estimated blood loss at delivery. Secondary maternal outcomes included postpartum hemoglobin decline, uterine atony, and fibrinogen concentration. Neonatal outcomes included birthweight, umbilical artery pH, and bilirubin concentration. Multivariable regression models were used to evaluate associations between the ln-transformed sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and outcomes after adjustment for prespecified maternal and obstetric covariates. Results: Each doubling of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was associated with greater estimated peripartum blood loss (+78.0 mL, 95% CI 42.1–113.9; p < 0.001), a larger postpartum hemoglobin decline (+0.078 g/dL, 95% CI 0.008–0.148; p = 0.030), lower fibrinogen concentration (−20.7 mg/dL, 95% CI −30.5 to −10.9; p < 0.001), and lower neonatal birthweight (−64.6 g, 95% CI −102.0 to −27.2; p = 0.001). No significant associations were observed for uterine atony, premature rupture of membranes, or umbilical artery pulsatility index above the 75th centile. Conclusions: In low-risk term pregnancies, higher sFlt-1/PlGF ratios were associated with greater estimated peripartum blood loss, lower fibrinogen concentrations, and lower neonatal birthweight. These findings support the hypothesis that variation in angiogenic balance may reflect subclinical placental dysfunction even in apparently uncomplicated pregnancies. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these exploratory observations and determine their clinical relevance.

Introduction Resistance training volume is a key determinant of muscle hypertrophy and strength development. However, mental fatigue can significantly impact this volume, ultimately affecting performance. One prominent source of mental fatigue in modern gym environments is smartphone use, which has become pervasive and may reduce workout efficiency and overall training volume. Purpose This review examines the dual effects of smartphone use on resistance training outcomes and offers strategies to balance these impacts effectively. Conclusions Smartphone-induced mental fatigue increases perceived exertion, leading to reduced performance during resistance training by lowering volume-load and endurance, particularly in low- and moderate-intensity exercises. Despite this, maximal strength appears to remain unaffected. Additionally, smartphone use diverts cognitive resources, resulting in mental fatigue and impairing both physical and technical performance due to distractions during workouts. It can also unintentionally prolong rest periods, which disrupts the balance between muscle recovery and mental readiness, further decreasing training efficiency. However, smartphones also offer valuable benefits, such as access to fitness apps, progress tracking, and motivational music, which can help maintain or even enhance performance by improving focus and motivation. To minimize distractions and optimize training outcomes, strategies such as using airplane mode or scheduling specific times for phone use are recommended. While excessive smartphone use can impair training efficiency, careful management and strategic use can enable athletes to capitalize on its benefits and improve resistance training results. Future research should focus on developing best practices for incorporating smartphone use in fitness settings to balance its advantages while minimizing its downsides.