"My heart was in my stomach": Texas-based obstetricians' and gynecologists' experiences post anti-abortion legislation.

This study examines the experiences of 11 obstetricians and gynecologists (OBGYNs) in Texas following the implementation of anti-abortion legislation. The healthcare professionals shared their feelings and concerns about how these laws impact their ability to provide care.

Three main issues emerged from the interviews. Firstly, many OBGYNs expressed feelings of conflict, as they sought support from colleagues but often felt frustrated and distrustful of the healthcare environment. Secondly, they noted that patients with wanted pregnancies might receive inadequate medical care because doctors were hesitant to perform necessary life-saving procedures due to the legal risks associated with the anti-abortion laws.

Lastly, the participants voiced concerns that these restrictive laws could lead to a shortage of healthcare providers in Texas. They fear that current doctors may leave the state and that potential new doctors might be discouraged from training there, ultimately making it harder for patients to access quality reproductive care.

CIMT as a sensitive indicator of cardiovascular risk in PCOS: a case-control study of sortilin and sclerostin.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is linked to various health issues, including increased risk of cardiovascular problems. This study explored the use of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) as a marker for cardiovascular risk in women with PCOS.

The research involved a case-control study that measured CIMT, along with levels of sortilin and sclerostin, proteins that may influence metabolic conditions. The findings suggest that PCOS patients have higher CIMT values, indicating heightened cardiovascular risk compared to women without PCOS.

Overall, the study highlights the importance of using CIMT as a sensitive indicator for assessing cardiovascular health in women with PCOS. Understanding these relationships can lead to better management and prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases in this population.

Prenatal maternal selenium plasma concentration and motor development in early infancy.

The study investigates how maternal selenium (Se) levels during pregnancy affect motor development in infants. Selenium is a vital micronutrient that plays an essential role in brain development. Previous research indicated that a significant portion (36%) of pregnant women in Nepal had selenium levels below the recommended threshold of 71.1 µg/L in early pregnancy.

This cohort study specifically looked at the link between maternal plasma selenium concentrations and the motor skills of infants assessed at 8 to 12 weeks of age. The findings suggest that higher maternal selenium levels may be associated with better motor development outcomes in infants.

Overall, the research underscores the importance of adequate selenium levels during pregnancy for the optimal motor development of infants, raising awareness about maternal nutrition and its implications for child health.

Dairy Intake and Risk of Incident Inflammatory Bowel Disease in US Men and Women.

This study investigated the relationship between dairy intake and the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a large group of men and women in the United States. Dairy consumption has previously been associated with autoimmune diseases, so researchers aimed to see if a similar link existed with IBD.

The research involved a prospective cohort study that included 197,763 participants who were initially free of IBD. Data was collected from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII), covering their dietary habits and health outcomes over time.

Findings from the study indicated that higher dairy intake could potentially be linked to a greater risk of developing IBD. These results suggest that dietary choices, particularly concerning dairy, may play a significant role in the onset of this chronic condition.

Comparative cardiometabolic effects of high, moderate, and low intensity exercise in PCOS: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This study reviews the effects of different exercise intensities—high, moderate, and low—on cardiometabolic health in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common condition that can lead to various health issues, including obesity and insulin resistance, making exercise an important aspect of management.

The researchers conducted a systematic review and a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to compare how these exercise intensities impact health markers such as body weight, insulin sensitivity, and cholesterol levels in PCOS patients. The results reveal that all exercise intensities can be beneficial, but there are variations in effectiveness based on intensity.

The findings emphasize that individualized exercise programs could lead to better health outcomes for women with PCOS. This suggests that healthcare providers should consider varying exercise regimens based on intensity to optimize cardiometabolic health in their patients.

Role of Self-Sampling Devices for HPV Detection in Cervical Cancer Screening: A Systematic Review.

The study evaluates the effectiveness of self-sampling devices for detecting Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in cervical cancer screening. It was conducted as a systematic review following established guidelines to ensure reliable and comprehensive analysis.

The review involved a literature search across multiple databases for studies published between 2014 and 2025. It included clinical trials and comparative studies that analyzed the performance of self-sampling tests, focusing on their sensitivity and specificity. Seven studies met the criteria for inclusion.

Results showed that various self-sampling devices, such as brushes, swabs, and sponges, are well-accepted and usable by women, particularly in underserved communities. The sensitivity of these tests ranged from 75% to 91%, while specificity varied between 34% and 74%. Overall, the findings suggest that self-sampling could be a valuable tool in improving HPV detection during cervical cancer screening.

The impact of COVID-19 on women's mental health and coping during pregnancy and postpartum.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected women's mental health, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Research indicates that rates of depression and anxiety in pregnant individuals have increased compared to levels seen before the pandemic.

A study involving interviews and assessments of 20 postpartum women revealed the emotional and psychological challenges faced during this time. The analysis focused on differences in their experiences and coping strategies, highlighting the various ways women managed stress and anxiety while adapting to the changes brought on by the pandemic.

Overall, the findings underscore the need for enhanced mental health support for pregnant and postpartum women, considering the adverse effects of global crises like COVID-19 on their well-being.

The effect of prenatal education on the fear of childbirth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The study evaluated how prenatal education impacts pregnant women's fear of childbirth. Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of previous research, specifically looking at randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies, to gather comprehensive data.

In total, the review included 28 studies with over 3,000 participants. The findings indicated that prenatal education significantly reduced fear of childbirth both before and after the birth. The statistical analysis showed a strong, positive effect of education on alleviating this fear.

Furthermore, the meta-regression analysis revealed that various factors, such as the type of study design, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tools used for data collection, and the characteristics of the educational content, did not significantly influence the outcomes of the studies included in the review.

Coffee and Tea Intake, Dementia Risk, and Cognitive Function.

Importance: The relationship between coffee and tea consumption and cognitive health is still uncertain, with many studies not distinguishing between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee.

Objective: This study aims to explore how coffee and tea intake may relate to the risk of developing dementia and overall cognitive function.

Design and Participants: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 86,606 women from the Nurses' Health Study and 45,215 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Participants were free from cancer, Parkinson's disease, or dementia at the start of the study.

Methods: Participants reported their intake of caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea every 2 to 4 years using validated food frequency questionnaires. The main outcome measured was the incidence of dementia.

Findings: The study provides new insights into how different types of coffee and tea consumption may influence dementia risk and cognitive decline, advancing our understanding of dietary factors that affect brain health.

Women's pain and psychogenic diagnoses.

Healthcare providers often make assumptions about patients with unexplained symptoms, particularly in cases of chronic pain, where symptoms without a physical cause are often attributed to psychological factors. This tendency is especially problematic for women, as it reflects broader gender biases within the medical field.

The article explores how diagnostic uncertainty and identity prejudice, particularly regarding women's pain, can lead to inappropriate psychogenic diagnoses. It addresses the issues stemming from gendered research gaps and male-dominated diagnostic frameworks that contribute to misunderstandings and misdiagnoses in women.

The authors discuss the negative consequences of psychogenic diagnoses, which can harm patients by dismissing their pain and suffering. They argue against the notion that such diagnoses are justified pragmatically and advocate for a more nuanced and empathetic approach to diagnosing and treating chronic pain in women.