Introduction: HE4 protein (human epididymis protein-4), which is the fourth subfraction of human epithelial protein, is a glycoprotein widely used as a tumor marker in ovarian cancer. If was first discovered in the epididymal epithelium and recognized as a protease inhibitor contributing to sperm maturation. The plasma HE4 concentration may also be increased in gynecological pathologies other than ovarian cancer. Material and methods: The study was conducted between 2016 and 2017 among patients hospitalized in the Academic Department of Gynaecology. A total of 191 women were examined. Depending on the type of pathology which was the reason for hospitalization, 4 groups of patients were identified in the study. The first of these included 30 patients with ovarian cancer, the second 33 patients with benign ovarian lesion, the third 50 patients with endometrial cancer, and the fourth 28 patients with leiomyomas. Results: The highest concentration of HE4 protein was found in women with ovarian cancer, and it was statistically significantly higher compared to all other groups. Lower HE4 protein concentration than in women with ovarian cancer was reported in women with endometrial cancer, but it was statistically significantly higher compared to patients with uterine fibroids. Conclusions: This marker may have significant clinical value in the differentiation of benign ovarian pathology from ovarian cancer. The study confirms the validity of using HE4 results in the assessment of potential malignancy of ovarian and endometrial lesions.

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Advances in medicine and the evolution of health-related behaviors through time and across cultures have contributed to changes in attitudes toward natural alimentation. In the past, women who breastfed their babies were educated by word of mouth and family traditions passed on by their female relatives and communities, and the act of breastfeeding itself constituted a socio-cultural process. The health-related benefits of breast milk for infant nutrition have long been known. Throughout the ages, the image of the breastfeeding woman has inspired many artists and promoted natural alimentation. Ancient beliefs and religious practices were combined with the teachings of the church as well as alchemy principles, and lactation counseling was based on popular belief rather than scientific or medical knowledge. In modern times, breastfeeding has experienced a rise in popularity and is recommended to mothers during pregnancy and as part of contraception education. Anecdotal beliefs regarding the beneficial effects of breastfeeding on children’s overall psychological wellbeing have become a subject of scientific investigation. Within the current pregnancy-related standards, the modern promotion of breastfeeding encompasses nutritional, immunological and psychological aspects. In this paper we have summarized the evolution of the beliefs that have surrounded breastfeeding from antiquity to the present day.

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high-risk disease (endometrioid G3, serous, clear cell, and carcinosarcoma) in 64(43.8%). After oncological surgery, nodal and/or distant metastases were found in 18(12.33%) cases. CA-125 levels were higher in low-risk women with pathological evidence of dissemination, compared to nonmetastatic disease [24.86(20.4-56.5) vs. 11.4(7.05-17.80)U/ mL, p<0.001], with a sensitivity of 85.71% and specificity of 83.56%, at a concentration threshold of 19.55U/mL (AUC=0.86, p=0.002). CA-125 values did not attain statistical difference in high-risk patients for prediction of metastasis (p=0.51). Conclusions CA125 levels are elevated in low-risk EC patients with nodal and/or distant metastases. Further studies are warranted to substantiate these findings and possibly favor CA-125 as a parameter for an individualized surgical approach.