Changes In Index Research Articles

Voltage-induced modulation of interfacial ionic liquids measured using surface plasmon resonant grating nanostructures.

We have used surface plasmon resonant metal gratings to induce and probe the dielectric response (i.e., electro-optic modulation) of ionic liquids (ILs) at electrode interfaces. Here, the cross-plane electric field at the electrode surface modulates the refractive index of the IL due to the Pockels effect. This is observed as a shift in the resonant angle of the grating (i.e., Δϕ), which can be related to the change in the local index of refraction of the electrolyte (i.e., Δnlocal). The reflection modulation of the IL is compared against a polar (D2O) and a non-polar solvent (benzene) to confirm the electro-optic origin of resonance shift. The electrostatic accumulation of ions from the IL induces local index changes to the gratings over the extent of electrical double layer (EDL) thickness. Finite difference time domain simulations are used to relate the observed shifts in the plasmon resonance and change in reflection to the change in the local index of refraction of the electrolyte and the thickness of the EDL. Simultaneously using the wavelength and intensity shift of the resonance enables us to determine both the effective thickness and Δn of the double layer. We believe that this technique can be used more broadly, allowing the dynamics associated with the potential-induced ordering and rearrangement of ionic species in electrode-solution interfaces.

A Prospective Study on Lifestyle Factors, Body Mass Index Changes, and Lipitension Risk in Japanese Young and Middle-Aged Women.

Background: This study investigates how lifestyle factors and westernization contribute to obesity and examines the influence of body mass index (BMI) changes and lifestyle factors on "lipitension," a significant risk factor for heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Methods: This prospective study focused on women aged 20-64 without pre-existing hypertension and dyslipidemia who underwent regular medical checkups between April 2016 and March 2022. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure, along with low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides levels, were assessed. Results: Over an average 46.5-month follow-up, 11.5% of initially healthy young and middle-aged women developed lipitension. Categorizing participants based on BMI changes revealed stable (63.8%), decreased (12.5%), and increased (23.8%) groups within this 11.5%. Increased BMI is linked with a heightened hazard risk for lipitension. Women with increased BMI who refrained from snacking (aHR [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 2.750 [1.433-5.279]), avoided late-night eating (aHR [95% CI] = 1.346 [1.032-1.754]), and engaged in alcohol consumption (aHR [95% CI] = 2.037 [1.138-3.646]) showed an elevated risk. Conversely, within the decreased BMI group, behaviors like skipping breakfast (aHR [95% CI] = 0.190 [0.047-0.764]), eating quickly (aHR [95% CI] = 0.457 [0.215-0.972]), and not eating late (aHR [95% CI] = 0.665 [0.467-0.948]) were associated to a reduced lipitension. Subgroup analysis for women with BMI <23 revealed specific behaviors influencing lipitension risk in both BMI-increased and BMI-stable groups. Conclusion: Customized interventions, including for women with BMI <23, enhance heart health, mitigating global lifestyle diseases and obesity.

Adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is associated with lower visceral and hepatic lipid content in recent-onset type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

To investigate the associations of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score with subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissue volume and hepatic lipid content (HLC) in people with diabetes and to examine whether changes in the DASH diet were associated with changes in these outcomes. In total, 335 participants with recent-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) from the German Diabetes Study were included in the cross-sectional analysis, and 111 participants in the analysis of changes during the 5-year follow-up. Associations between the DASH score and VAT, SAT and HLC and their changes were investigated using multivariable linear regression models by diabetes type. The proportion mediated by changes in potential mediators was determined using mediation analysis. A higher baseline DASH score was associated with lower HLC, especially in people with T2D (per 5 points: -1.5% [-2.7%; -0.3%]). Over 5 years, a 5-point increase in the DASH score was associated with decreased VAT in people with T2D (-514 [-800; -228] cm3). Similar, but imprecise, associations were observed for VAT changes in people with T1D (-403 [-861; 55] cm3) and for HLC in people with T2D (-1.3% [-2.8%; 0.3%]). Body mass index and waist circumference changes explained 8%-48% of the associations between DASH and VAT changes in both groups. In people with T2D, adipose tissue insulin resistance index (Adipo-IR) changes explained 47% of the association between DASH and HLC changes. A shift to a DASH-like diet was associated with favourable VAT and HLC changes, which were partly explained by changes in anthropometric measures and Adipo-IR.

Longitudinal changes in a claims-based frailty proxy measure compared to concurrent changes in the Fried frailty phenotype.

Frailty is a dynamic aging-related syndrome, but measuring frailty transitions is challenging. The Faurot frailty index is a validated Medicare claims-based frailty proxy based on demographic and billing information. We evaluated whether three-year changes in the Faurot frailty index were consistent with concurrent changes in the frailty phenotype in a cohort of older adults. We used longitudinal data from the National Health and Aging Trends (NHATS) study with Medicare claims linkage (2010-2018). We identified older adults (66+ years) in the 2011 and 2015 NHATS cohorts with at least one year of Medicare fee-for-service continuous enrollment (N=6,951). We described annual changes in mean claims-based frailty for up to three-years, based on concurrent transitions in the frailty phenotype. At baseline, 32% were robust, 48% prefrail, and 19% frail based on the frailty phenotype. Mean claims-based frailty for older adults who were robust at baseline and worsened to frail increased over three-years (0.09-0.25). Similarly, those who worsened from prefrail to frail experienced an increase in mean claims-based frailty (0.14-0.26). Improvements in the frailty phenotype did not correspond to decreases in claims-based frailty. Older adults whose frailty phenotype improved over time had a lower baseline claims-based frailty score than those who experienced stable or worsening frailty. Older adults who experienced a frailty phenotype worsening over three years experienced concurrent increases in the Faurot frailty index. Our results suggest that claims data may be used to identify clinically meaningful worsening in frailty.

Refractive insensitive directional bend sensor based on specialty microstructure optical fiber with dumbbell shape core

With the development of information society, more and more special occasions are calling for a wide range of sensors with special properties. In this work, a refractive index insensitive directional bend sensor is proposed based on a specialty microstructure optical fiber with dumbbell shape core, which works as a dual core fiber (DCF). Firstly, this specialty microstructure optical fiber with dumbbell shape core has been fabricated with self-pressurised drawing technique. Then, it has been constructed as a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) sensor. Consequently, its bend sensing characteristics has been investigated from both theory and experiment. The response of the proposed sensor to the bending evidently displays the directional dependence. In the bending along x direction, the interference peak wavelength is almost insensitive to the curvature. But the transmission is sensitive, which almost obeys the exponential function. Correspondingly, in the bending along y direction the wavelength almost linearly varies with curvature, giving out an averaged sensitivity of 2.44 nm/m−1 in the curvature range of 0–3.79 m−1. But the peak transmission fluctuates without typical principle. In addition, the response of the proposed sensor to the refractive index variation has been checked. It is found that the peak wavelength is almost insensitive to the change of refractive index from 1.33 to 1.45, and the peak transmission fluctuates without clear principle. All these results demonstrate that the proposed sensor has great potential for future internet of things (IoT) applications.

Hydrolysis of Babool wood biomass using carbocation scavengers assisted ionic liquid pretreatment for the production of sugars and furfurals

The present study highlights the performance of carbocation scavengers for the pretreatment of hardwood biomass followed by the production of bio-based products. The behaviour of different carbocation scavengers namely; 2-Napthol, 4 Hydroxybenzoic acid, Vanillic acid, Catechol, Hydroquinone, Resorcinol and Phenol and their mitigating effect on the rate of hydrolysis was explored under different operating conditions. All the carbocation scavengers show significant changes in the crystallinity index leading to distinct morphological and physiochemical changes in the biomass structure. Results revealed that the addition of carbocation scavengers not only reduces the inhibitory effect of structured lignin but also enhances the accessibility of cellulose and hemicellulose and facilitates the production of sugars and 5-Hydroxymethyl Furfural. Maximum 5-HMF yield was observed using 2-Napthol at an optimised concentration of 2 wt% (1.5 mL) at 190 °C in 60 min. Further, to evaluate the effect of acetyl groups, biomass deacetylation was also performed. The highest deacetylation effect was observed at 170 °C and showed ∼73% and ∼94% reduction in the holocellulosic content in 60 min. The proposed study develops a sustainable and viable route to suppress the inhibitory effect of lignin with the utilization of carbocation scavengers and enhances biomass digestibility that favours the production of bio-based chemicals.

Dual-wavelength dye laser combined with betamethasone injection for treatment of keloids: protocol of a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionKeloids, benign fibroproliferative tumours characterised by excessive fibroblast proliferation and over-deposition of extracellular matrix, pose a therapeutic challenge with high recurrence rates. Betamethasone (diprospan) injection (BI) is one of the...

The ecological traits of birds in the context of future changes of their ranges under the impact of global climate change

Over the next 70 years, the average annual temperature in Europe is projected to increase by 4.1 °C. In Zhytomyr Oblast, this figure is likely to increase by 4.4 °C. The amount of precipitation in Europe is expected to increase by an average of 60.3 mm per year, with Zhytomyr Oblast experiencing an 87.2 mm per year increase in precipitation compared to the current state. As a consequence of the global climate change, the habitat-preference index will decline for 159 species (60.1%), remain virtually unchanged for 20 species (7.6%), and improve for 83 species (31.7%). The primary factors influencing the differentiation of avian ecological niches by climate regimes are thermal gradient, precipitation gradient, and temporal variability of precipitation throughout the year. With regard to the landscape aspect, bird species can be differentiated according to their campophi­lous/dendrophilous characteristics, their water-intensive/rural or urban/rural tendencies. Soil conditions are a determining factor in the landscape aspect of ecological niches. As a consequence of the global climate change, the habitat preference index will increase for species that are more thermophilic and prefer conditions with higher precipitation. According to predictions, over the coming 70 years, the number of campophilous birds will increase as compared to dendrophilous birds as a result of the global warming. Moisture-loving campophiles will be outcompeted by rural species, and rural species will be outcompeted by urban species. In response to the climate change, populations of bird species are shifting their geographical ranges to regions with suitable climatic conditions. The knowledge of the characteristics of ecological niches is the foundation for anticipating alterations in species distributions in response to global climate change in the future. The estimation of niche parameters is contingent upon the model employed to fit the observed data. The beta model is a flexible and versatile tool that enables comparisons to be made between species complexes. The thermal projection of ecological niche was employed to categorise bird species into ecological groups based on the position of the optimum zone and the width of tolerance amplitude. Ecological groups differ in their prospects in the context of global climate change. It can be predicted that the trends of stenotopic megatherms will improve, whereas those of all other bird species will deteriorate. The most pessimistic scenario is expected for stenotopic microtherms. The analysis of the ecological properties of birds in the region identified 10 functional axes, three of which correlate with the sensitivity of bird species to the global climate change. The prediction of impact of landscape factors on species distribution is challenging. However, the structure of the functional axes allows us to identify which ecological niche parameters, determined by landscape conditions, are more sensitive to birds. Functional axes 1 and 6 indicate a positive trend in urban bird life in the context of global climate change. It is anticipated that positive prospects will emerge in connection with the global climate change for birds belonging to the families Anseriformes, Podicipediformes, Gruiformes, Charadriiformes, Gaviiformes, and Pelecaniformes. Conversely, negative prospects are expected for forest birds (Columbiformes, Strigiformes, Piciformes) and birds of forest and open spaces (Falconiformes). The functional axis 1 correlated with bird weight. A positive correlation between bird weight and the predicted change in the habitat-preference index over the next 70 years was identified exclusively for species belonging to Charadriiformes. The positive effect of weight on the probability of habitat improvement within Charadriiformes can be attributed to the fact that rurally occurring species within this order are usually heavier than those in natural ecosystems, and those in urban habitats are heavier than those in rural habitats. Functional Axis 4 identifies the group of urban birds whose habitat conditions are likely to deteriorate in the near future due to global warming. This group includes woodpeckers, which can be considered an indicator of the biodiversity of bird communities that are sensitive to the global climate change.

Clinical Outcomes of Rural Patients with Diabetes Treated by ECHO-Trained Providers Versus an Academic Medical Center.

Despite clinical practice guidelines prioritizing cardiorenal risk reduction, national trends in diabetes outcomes, particularly in rural communities, do not mirror the benefits seen in clinical trials with emerging therapeutics and technologies. Project ECHO supports implementation of guidelines in under-resourced areas through virtual communities of practice, sharing of best practices, and case-based learning. We hypothesized that diabetes outcomes of patients treated by ECHO-trained primary care providers (PCPs) would be similar to those of patients treated by specialists at an academic medical center. Specialists from the University of New Mexico (UNM) launched a weekly diabetes ECHO program to mentor dyads consisting of a PCP and community health worker at ten rural clinics. We compared cardiorenal risk factor changes in patients with diabetes treated by ECHO-trained dyads to patients treated by specialists at the UNM Diabetes Comprehensive Care Center (DCCC). Eligible participants included adults with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes on insulin, or diabetes of either type with A1c > 9%. The primary outcome was change from baseline in A1c in the ECHO and DCCC cohorts. Secondary outcomes included changes in body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol, and urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR). Compared to the DCCC cohort (n = 151), patients in the ECHO cohort (n = 856) experienced greater A1c reduction (-1.2% vs -0.6%; p = 0.02 for difference in difference). BMI decreased in the Endo ECHO cohort and increased in the DCCC cohort (-0.2 vs. +1.3 kg/m2; p = 0.003 for difference in difference). Diastolic blood pressure declined in the Endo ECHO cohort only. Improvements of similar magnitude were observed in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in both groups. UACR remained stable in both groups. ECHO may be a suitable intervention for improving diabetes outcomes in rural, under-resourced communities with limited access to a specialist.

Childhood sexual abuse and IL6 mediated by change in BMI over an 18-year period: A growth curve model

BackgroundChildhood sexual abuse can increase both body weight and inflammation later in life. Higher weight or faster changes in weight, as measured by changes in body mass index (BMI), may mediate the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and inflammation, however, most studies to date have used a cross-sectional design limiting causal inferences. ObjectiveThe current study aimed to investigate the interrelationships between childhood sexual abuse, BMI, and C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL6).Participants and Setting.Data from 461 adults who participated in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study were utilized. MethodsGrowth curve modeling was used to test initial levels of BMI and changes of BMI over an 18-year period as mediators linking childhood sexual abuse to CRP and IL6. ResultsSexual abuse was not significantly associated with the initial level of BMI; however, sexual abuse was associated with the slope of BMI (b = 0.072, p = .006). BMI intercept (b = 0.080, p = .001) and slope (b = 0.240, p = .002) predicted IL6 values whereas the slope of BMI (b = 0.398, p = .033) but not intercept predicted CRP values. The indirect effect from sexual abuse to IL6 through BMI slope was significant (b = 0.017, 95 % [CI.001, 0.033]) while the indirect effect from sexual abuse to CRP through BMI slope was not significant (b = 0.028, 95 % [CI -0.004, 0.061]). ConclusionChildhood sexual abuse was indirectly associated with IL6 through rates of change in BMI over time.

Transverse Inscription of Silicon Waveguides by Picosecond Laser Pulses

AbstractIn this work, picosecond laser inscription of segmented waveguides in crystalline silicon based on a deterministic single‐pulse modification process is demonstrated. Pulses of 43 ps duration at 1.55 wavelength are used to transversely inscribe periodic structures with a pulse‐to‐pulse pitch of ≈2 . Infrared shadowgraphy images and Raman spectroscopy measurements indicate that the modifications exhibit a spherical shape. Characterization of waveguide performance at 1.55 for various pulse energies and periods is carried out. Direct comparison with numerical simulations confirms the presence of graded index waveguides, encompassing a micrometer core size and a maximum refractive index change of . This short‐pulse inscription approach can pave the way for 3D integrated photonic devices in the bulk of silicon.

3D Bulk Metamaterials with Engineered Optical Dispersion at Terahertz Frequencies Utilizing Amorphous Multilayered Split-Ring Resonators.

A 3D bulk metamaterial (MM) containing amorphous multilayered split-ring resonators is proposed, fabricated, and evaluated. Experimentally, the effective refractive index is engineered via the 3D bulk MM, with a contrast of 0.118 across the frequency span from 0.315 to 0.366 THz and the index changing at a slope of 2.314 per THz within this frequency range. Additionally, the 3D bulk MM exhibits optical isotropy with respect to polarization. Moreover, the peak transmission and optical dispersion are tailored by adjusting the density of the split-ring resonators. Compared to reported conventional approaches for constructing bulk MMs, this approach offers advantages in terms of the potential for large-scale manufacturing, the ability to adopt any shape, optical isotropy, and rapid optical dispersion. These features hold promise for dispersive optical devices operating at THz frequencies, such as high-dispersive prisms for high-resolution spectroscopy.

Symmetrical dual-D and dual-core single-mode fiber surface plasmon resonance liquid sensor

A symmetrical dual-D and dual-core single-mode fiber surface plasmon resonance (SPR) liquid sensor is designed for biological detection. The dual-core design optimizes the transmission path, improves the momentum matching between free electrons and photons, and facilitates bidirectional coupling, consequently amplifying the SPR effect and enabling sensitive monitoring of the refractive index changes of biological solutions. In this structure, a gold wire is placed in the middle of the polished surface of the double-D-shaped single-mode fiber (SMF) to produce high-quality free electrons and promote the mode-coupling excitation of the SPR effect. The characteristics of the sensor are analyzed by the finite element method, and the important structural parameters are optimized systematically. The sensor can be operated in the near-infrared region for a refractive index (RI) range of 1.31–1.40 with a maximum wavelength sensitivity (WS) of 21,000 nm/RIU, amplitude sensitivity of 586.62RIU−1, as well as resolution of 4.76×10−6RIU. Small changes in the refractive index can be detected by the sensor and it can be produced easily by conventional manufacturing techniques. The sensor thus has wide application prospects in biomedical and chemical analysis and related applications.

3D Bulk Metamaterials with Engineered Optical Dispersion at Terahertz Frequencies Utilizing Amorphous Multilayered Split-Ring Resonators.

A 3D bulk metamaterial (MM) containing amorphous multilayered split-ring resonators is proposed, fabricated, and evaluated. Experimentally, the effective refractive index is engineered via the 3D bulk MM, with a contrast of 0.118 across the frequency span from 0.315 to 0.366 THz and the index changing at a slope of 2.314 per THz within this frequency range. Additionally, the 3D bulk MM exhibits optical isotropy with respect to polarization. Moreover, the peak transmission and optical dispersion are tailored by adjusting the density of the split-ring resonators. Compared to reported conventional approaches for constructing bulk MMs, this approach offers advantages in terms of the potential for large-scale manufacturing, the ability to adopt any shape, optical isotropy, and rapid optical dispersion. These features hold promise for dispersive optical devices operating at THz frequencies, such as high-dispersive prisms for high-resolution spectroscopy.

Hinesol attenuates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis through the suppression of Src-mediated NF-κB and chemokine signaling pathway.

As a common inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis (UC) is featured with inflammation, oxidative damage, and the impairment of intestinal mucosal barrier, which bring threat to patients' quality of live. Hinesol, derived from Atractylodes lancea, is a unique sesquiterpenoid. Our study proposed to survey the effects and mechanism of hinesol in UC. UC mouse model was constructed using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was applied for RAW264.7 cells stimulation to construct cell inflammatory model. The changes of disease activity index (DAI), body weight, colon length, and intestinal pathology in mice were analyzed to estimate the severity of colitis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied to check the changes of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated by corresponding reagent kit. The changes of phosphorylated (p)-NF-κB P65, and p-IκBα, ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1, Src, XCL1, CCL2, and CXCL16 protein were examined using western blot. Flow cytometry and cell counting kit-8 assay were utilized for assessment of cell apoptosis and viability. We found that DSS reduced mice body weight, increased DAI, shorten colon length, and led to severe enteric mucosal injury, while hinesol improved the above symptoms induced by DSS. In DSS mice, hinesol raised the levels of ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1, SOD, GSH-px, and CAT and decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-6, MPO, and MDA. Additionally, in DSS mice and LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, hinesol inhibited the high expression of Src, XCL1, CCL2, CXCL16, p-NF-κB P65, and p-IκBα. The molecular docking showed that there was a good interaction between hinesol and Src. Moreover, in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, Src overexpression partially reversed the inhibition of hinesol on cell apoptosis, pro-inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress. In conclusion, hinesol alleviated DSS-induced colitis, which might have a bearing on the inhibition of Src-mediated NF-κB and chemokine signaling pathway.

Permethrin exposure impacts zebrafish lipid metabolism via the KRAS-PPAR-GLUT signaling pathway, which is mediated by oxidative stress

Permethrin (Per) is a widely used and frequently detected pyrethroid pesticide in agricultural products and the environment. It may pose potential toxicity to non-target organisms. Per has been reported to affect lipid homeostasis, although the mechanism is undefined. This study aims to explore the characteristic transcriptomic profiles and clarify the underlying signaling pathways of Per-induced lipid metabolism disorder in zebrafish liver. The results showed that environmental exposure to Per caused changes in the liver index, histopathology, and oxidative stress in zebrafish. Moreover, transcriptome results showed that Per heavily altered the pathways involved in metabolism, the immune system, and the endocrine system. We conducted a more in-depth analysis of the genes associated with lipid metabolism. Our findings revealed that exposure to Per led to a disruption in lipid metabolism by activating the KRAS-PPAR-GLUT signaling pathways through oxidative stress. The disruption of lipid homeostasis caused by exposure to Per may also contribute to obesity, hepatitis, and other diseases. The results may provide new insights for the risk of Permethrin to aquatic organisms and new horizons for the pathogenesis of hepatotoxicity.

How do Macroeconomic Indicators Shape Nonperforming Loans?

This study examines the influence of macroeconomic indicators on nonperforming bank loans. This research focuses on the period from 2010:1Q to 2019:4Q to capture significant trends and fluctuations in the economy. Data for receivables to be liquidated as a proxy for nonperforming loans, the consumer price index as a proxy for inflation, total private consumption expenditures as a proxy for economic activity, gross domestic product and total (private) fixed capital expenditures as proxies for economic growth are analyzed using the ARDL bound test, FMOLS, DOLS and VECM Granger methodologies. This study addresses several key questions. First, it examines how the receivables to be liquidated relate to changes in total private consumption expenditures (LNPCE). The findings indicate that higher LNPCE decreases the ability of receivables to be liquidated in both the long run and short run. Second, it explores the impact of gross domestic product (GDP) fluctuations on the amount of receivables to be liquidated, revealing that a higher GDP increases the amount of receivables to be liquidated in both the long and short run. Last, the study assesses the extent to which changes in the consumer price index (CPI) influence the receivables to be liquidated, finding that a higher CPI increases the receivables to be liquidated in the long run.

Eating Disorders in Adolescent Girls. Gynecologist’s Point of View

This review presents an analysis of the literature data for the last 10 years (2012–2022) investigating the effect of eating disorders on the health of adolescent girl, its diagnosis, and possible tactics of gynecologist. The most common predictor of restoring menstrual function in girls with this pathology is body mass index change, however normalization of weight does not lead to remission in all cases. Thus, estimation of fat percentage, insulin-like growth factor, and leptin is more effective. We suggest directing further research on the study of more effective methods of reproductive disorders correction and the development of multidisciplinary clinical guidelines for the effective diagnosis and management of eating disorders and any gynecological complications.

Eating Disorders in Adolescent Girls. Gynecologist’s Point of View

This review presents an analysis of the literature data for the last 10 years (2012–2022) investigating the effect of eating disorders on the health of adolescent girl, its diagnosis, and possible tactics of gynecologist. The most common predictor of restoring menstrual function in girls with this pathology is body mass index change, however normalization of weight does not lead to remission in all cases. Thus, estimation of fat percentage, insulin-like growth factor, and leptin is more effective. We suggest directing further research on the study of more effective methods of reproductive disorders correction and the development of multidisciplinary clinical guidelines for the effective diagnosis and management of eating disorders and any gynecological complications.

Does Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Change the Hemodynamic Responses of the Inferior Vena Cava in Pregnant Women? A Prospective-Controlled Study.

This study was aimed at exploring the immediate impacts of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs) on various maternal physiological parameters in pregnant women. The study included a total of 52 women, 26 pregnant (Pregnant group: 28.04±6.01 years; 26.83±3.81 kg/m2) and 26 nonpregnant (Control group: 29.42±5.73 years; 25.41±3.03 kg/m2) individuals. All women received PFME as follows: PFME was performed for 5 min (6-s holding contraction, 10 s of relaxation, 3 rapid PFM contractions). Evaluations were conducted before, immediately after, and 5 min post-exercise, with measurements including inferior vena cava (IVC) diameters and pulsatility index, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rates. Two-way analysis of variance was performed for group and time comparisons in repeated measurements. In both groups, the IVC collapsibility index values were lower 5 min after exercise, although this decrease, although clinically significant, did not reach statistical significance (p= 0.057). Post-exercise systolic blood pressure significantly decreased in both groups, whereas diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the pregnant group (p= 0.001, p= 0.023). The study found no statistically significant changes in the collapsibility index of the IVC after PFME but observed a clinically suggestive decrease. The clinical decrease in the collapsibility index can be interpreted as PFME in the supine position increasing venous return. Additionally, PFME was found not to alter maternal and fetal heart rates but contributed to the decrease in maternal systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Our study supports the view that the acute effects of PFME neither induce fetal stress nor pose maternal risks.