Frequency Of Movements Research Articles

Biofeedback combined with percutaneous electrical pudendal nerve stimulation for the treatment of low anterior rectal resection syndrome: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLow anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a distressing condition that affects approximately 25–80% of patients following surgery for rectal cancer. LARS is characterized by debilitating bowel dysfunction symptoms, including fecal incontinence, urgent bowel movements, and increased frequency of bowel movements. Although biofeedback therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in improving postoperative rectal control, the research results have not fulfilled expectations. Recent research has highlighted that stimulating the pudendal perineal nerves has a superior impact on enhancing pelvic floor muscle function than biofeedback alone. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a combined approach integrating biofeedback with percutaneous electrical pudendal nerve stimulation (B-PEPNS) in patients with LARS through a randomized controlled trial (RCT).Methods and analysisIn this two-armed multicenter RCT, 242 participants with LARS after rectal surgery will be randomly assigned to undergo B-PEPNS (intervention group) or biofeedback (control group). Over 4 weeks, each participant will undergo 20 treatment sessions. The primary outcome will be the LARS score. The secondary outcomes will be anorectal manometry and pelvic floor muscle electromyography findings and the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Colorectal 29 (EORTC QLQ-CR29) scores. Data will be collected at baseline, post-intervention (1 month), and follow-up (6 months).DiscussionWe anticipate that this study will contribute further evidence regarding the efficacy of B-PEPNS in alleviating LARS symptoms and enhancing the quality of life for patients following rectal cancer surgery.Trial registrationChinese Clincal Trials Register ChiCTR2300078101. Registered 28 November 2023.

Motion analysis of and experimental research on a magnetic and elastic coupling oscillation system

To analyze the motion laws of a magnetic and elastic coupling system under the influence of various factors, this paper proposes a magnetic coupling pendulum based on spring pieces and magnets—a magnetic–mechanical oscillator. By fixing spring pieces onto two non-magnetic bases and attaching magnets to their upper ends, which repel each other, the potential energy during oscillation is expanded using Fourier series. Subsequently, Lagrange equations are solved to study the effects of the first two terms of potential energy. spring piece Using algebraic simplification and transformation, as well as model experiments, its dynamic behaviors, such as its motion frequency and phase characteristics, were explored according to different influencing factors, including the magnetic potential energy, the elastic modulus of the spring, and the external environment. We analyzed the impact of the simplified system's main parameters on its vibration modes, deriving the model formulas and the experimental results. The conclusions from the formula derivation indicate that the motion frequency of the simplified system is a superposition of two frequency. Under certain conditions, these frequencies can be separated, simplifying the system's dynamics. Equally, the experimental results corroborated the findings from the formula derivation, providing a reference for the design and study of dynamic behaviors in magnetic coupling systems.

Movement and Pressure Injury Prevention Care for Nursing Home Residents: Addressing the Nescience.

To compare movement associated with position changes among nursing home residents who remain in lying versus upright positions for more than 2 hours and among residents living with obesity, dementia, or neither condition. The authors conducted a descriptive exploratory study using secondary data (N = 934) from the Turn Everyone And Move for Ulcer Prevention (TEAM-UP) clinical trial to examine transient movements (<60 seconds) within prolonged periods of 2 to 5 hours without repositioning. Nursing home residents exhibit significantly more episodic transient movements when upright than lying. Residents with obesity or dementia exhibited similar frequencies of episodic transient movements compared with residents with neither obesity nor dementia. Upright or lying movements were more frequent among residents with obesity than among those with neither obesity nor dementia selectively when prolonged events ranged from 2 to 4 hours. Pairwise comparisons of movement rates among resident subgroups (living with obesity, living with dementia, or neither group) across repositioning intervals showed episodic transient movements were significantly higher across all subgroups for repositioning intervals up to 3 hours when compared with repositioning intervals of greater than 3 hours. Findings challenge assumptions that nursing home residents are inactive and at risk for prolonged sitting. These preliminary findings, along with TEAM-UP findings where no pressure injuries occurred in up to 5 hours in prolonged positions, support establishing a standard 3-hour repositioning interval with use of high-density mattresses without a negative impact on pressure injury occurrence. There should be caution when considering repositioning intervals greater than 3 hours. Further research is indicated to explore protective effect of episodic transient movements of other subgroups.

Effects of divided attention on movement-related cortical potential in community-dwelling elderly adults: A preliminary study

Dual-tasking is defined as performing two or more tasks concurrently. This study aimed to investigate the effect of divided attention on movement-related cortical potential (MRCP) during dual-task performance in 11 community-dwelling elderly individuals while the load of the secondary task was altered. MRCP was recorded during a single task (ST), simple dual task (S-DT), and complex dual task (C-DT) as no-, low-, and high-load divided attention tasks, respectively. The ST involved self-paced tapping with an extended right index finger. In the S-DT and C-DT, the subjects simultaneously performed the ST and a visual number counting task with different levels of load. The coefficient of variation of movement frequency was significantly more variable in the C-DT than in the ST. The MRCP amplitude from electroencephalography electrode C3, contralateral to the moving hand, was significantly higher in the C-DT than in the ST. Higher attention diversion led to a significant reduction in MRCP amplitude in the participants. These results suggest that attention division in dual-task situations plays an important role in movement preparation and execution. We propose that MRCP can serve as a marker for screening the ability of older individuals to perform dual-tasks.

Redesign of workstations to minimize musculoskeletal disorders for guitar workers in Indonesia

This study aims to determine and analyze body parts that experience musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and muscles that experience fatigue in guitar-making workers. The method used is the Nordic Body Map (NBM) to determine MSDs complaints, including complaints of pain in 28 parts of the worker's body, and the Muscle Fatigue Analysis (MFA) method to determine muscle fatigue that occurs in each part of the body by determining the level of effort, duration of work, and frequency of work movements. The results of research using NBM were 2 workers with high risk, 3 workers with medium risk, and 7 workers with low risk. The results of the MFA method were that 3 workers experienced muscle fatigue in the very high category with priority in the neck, back, shoulders, right arm, wrist and feet. Efforts to minimize the risk of MSDs by redesigning work facilities using SolidWorks software and reducing the risk of muscle fatigue by improving work facilities, improving the layout of the production floor, and encouraging workers to stretch their muscles and exercise regularly.

Portable Multi-Layer Capsule-Shaped Triboelectric Generator for Human Motion Energy Harvesting.

This paper introduces a novel portable multi-layer capsule-shaped triboelectric generator (CP-TEG), aimed at optimizing the performance of triboelectric generator technology in terms of miniaturization, modularity, and efficient energy collection. The CP-TEG utilizes a unique multi-layer, stacked structure and an elliptical cylindrical design to increase the effective frictional area and enhance power generation efficiency. Its portable design allows for flexible application in various environments and scenarios. Experimental results demonstrate that the CP-TEG can maintain stable and efficient electrical output under various motion amplitudes and frequencies, and it shows good adaptability to the direction of motion excitation. With a motion amplitude of 7 cm and a frequency of 1.94 Hz, the CP-TEG can charge a 220 μF capacitor to 1.3 V within 100 s. The power generation unit's output voltage and current are more than three times higher than that of traditional single-layer contact-separation mode triboelectric devices. Particularly, its performance in harvesting energy from human motion underscores its effectiveness as a renewable energy solution for wearable devices. Through its innovative structural design and optimized working mechanism, the CP-TEG demonstrates excellent energy collection efficiency and application potential, offering new options for sustainable energy solutions and development.

Effectiveness of Basil Leaf Nanoparticle Supplementation on Stress Levels and Breast Milk Adequacy in Postpartum

The prevalence of stress events in postpartum increases every year, the result can inhibit the adequacy of breastfeeding in postpartum. To overcome the problem of stress and adequacy of breast milk, basil leaves are an alternative plant that can function as a lactagogue and prevent stress complications is the supplementation of basil leaf nanoparticles. increase the absorption of drugs by the body. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of basil leaf nanoparticles on stress levels and adequacy of breast milk in post-partum. The research method uses quantitative research with quasi-experimental methods with probability sampling, design pre and post-test with control group. The results showed that the stress level in the intervention group was proven to reduce stress levels with an average of 18.50 before being given treatment and an average of 11.18 after treatment. Administration of basil leaf nanoparticles showed a significant difference in reducing stress levels. In the indicator of adequacy of breastfeeding in the form of baby's weight (p&lt;0.005) frequency of bowel movements (p&lt;0.005) frequency of bowel movements (p&lt;0.005) and frequency of breastfeeding (0.369&lt;0.005) means that there are differences in baby's weight, frequency of bowel movements, frequency of urination, and the frequency of breastfeeding in the intervention group and the control group

Toward a core outcome set for faecal incontinence-A systematic review of outcomes reported in the literature.

Faecal incontinence (FI) is a prevalent issue which can have a detrimental impact on the patient's quality of life. Current international guidelines lack strong treatment recommendations due to few studies in the field, in combination with the heterogeneity in outcome reporting. To address this, a core outcome set (COS) is proposed to standardize outcome reporting in FI studies, facilitating meta-analyses and enhancing therapeutic recommendations. Through several steps outlined by COMET 'what' to measure will be determined prior to determining 'how' to measure these outcomes. This systematic review aims to identify 'what' outcomes have been used in FI intervention studies so far in adult patients as a starting phase for the development of a future COS for FI. Medline, Embase and the Cochrane library were searched to identify all outcomes reported in comparative effectiveness trials assessing one or more treatment option in adult patients suffering from FI. The outcomes were categorized according to the Core Outcome Measurement in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) taxonomy to standardize outcome terminology, assess completeness, and inform subsequent steps in COS development. A total of 109 studies were included, which revealed 51 unique outcomes classified into 38 domains within four core areas. On average four outcomes were reported per study (range 1-11). The most commonly reported outcomes were "severity of FI" (83%), "quality of life" (64%), "number of FI episodes" (40%), "anorectal motor function" (39%), and "frequency of bowel movements" (16%). This systematic review offers an overview of outcomes reported in FI studies, highlighting the heterogeneity between studies. This heterogeneity emphasizes the need for standardizing outcome reporting which can be established through the creation of a COS.

Functional Constipation: Pathophysiology, evaluation, and management.

Functional constipation (FC), a disorder of the gut-brain interaction of multifactorial pathophysiology that is prevalent in paediatrics. It is associated with bothersome symptoms, increased healthcare costs, disgruntled caregivers and impaired health-related quality of life. Paediatric FC is a clinical diagnosis based on the Rome IV criteria and is characterised by decreased bowel movement frequency and/or hard, painful stools and can be complicated by retentive faecal incontinence. Stressful life events, difficult temperaments and emotional and behavioural challenges have been implicated in increasing risk of developing paediatric FC. To provide current concepts in pathophysiology, evaluation and management of paediatric FC. We reviewed pertinent literature after a comprehensive search utilising PubMed with keywords FC, chronic childhood constipation and paediatric FC. In the last decade, advances in our understanding of paediatric FC have changed the landscape of diagnosing and treating this disorder. Although polyethylene glycol is the first-line treatment for maintenance of FC, the armamentarium of therapeutics has expanded including the first Food and Drug Administration- agent, linaclotide, for children 6-17 years of age in conjunction with more emphasis on behavioural and physical therapy interventions. Treatment approach to paediatric FC should be individualised and integrated focusing on parental education, lifestyle and behavioural modifications, and pharmacological therapy to maximise therapeutic success. This review highlights advances in pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of FC in children.

Temporal variations of the ‘in-situ’ nonlinear behaviour of shallow sediments during the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake sequence

SUMMARY Strong ground shaking has the potential to generate significant dynamic strains in shallow materials such as soils and sediments, thereby inducing nonlinear site response resulting in changes in near-surface materials. The nonlinear behaviour of these materials can be characterized by an increase in wave attenuation and a decrease in the resonant frequency of the soil; these effects are attributed to increased material damping and decreased seismic wave propagation velocity, respectively. This study investigates the ‘in-situ’ seismic velocity changes and the predominant ground motion frequency evolution during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence. This sequence includes two foreshocks (Mw 6 and Mw 6.2) followed by a mainshock (Mw 7.2) that occurred 24 hr after the last foreshock. We present the results of the seismic velocity evolution during these earthquakes for seismological records collected by the KiK-net (32 stations) and K-NET (88 stations) networks between 2002 and 2020. We analyse the impulse response and autocorrelation functions to investigate the nonlinear response in near-surface materials. By comparing the results of the impulse response and autocorrelation functions, we observe that a nonlinear response occurs in near-surface materials. We then quantify the velocity reductions that occur before, during, and after the mainshock using both approaches. This allows us to estimate the ‘in-situ’ shear modulus reduction for different site classes based on V$_{S30}$ values (V$_{S30}\lt 360$ m s−1, $360\lt $V$_{S30}\lt 760$ m s−1 and V$_{S30}\gt 760$ m s−1). We also establish the relationships between velocity changes, shear modulus reduction, variations in predominant ground motion frequencies and site characteristics (V$_{S30}$). The results of this analysis can be applied to site-specific ground motion modelling, site response analysis and the incorporation of nonlinear site terms into ground motion models.

Dynamic responses of ROV system experiencing vessel heave during deployment and recovery processes

Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) system is significantly affected by the excitations coming from the top-end vessel motion and the environmental hydrodynamic forces. Especially, during initial deployment and final recovery stages, the relative motion between suspending ROV and moving top-end vessel gets more complicated and even larger. This may cause a body collision, and consequently the cable tension can also be severely changed by larger ROV motion. Sometimes, cable slack may occur, which seriously affects structural safety.To study the dynamic responses of ROV system induced by vessel heave during initial deployment and final recovery processes, the FEM numerical simulations, combining with the hydrodynamic model are conducted. Then the ROV displacement and cable tension time histories are presented. The influences of vessel motion amplitude and frequency, along with initial condition, on the dynamic responses of ROV system are also discussed. Moreover, to explore the dynamic behaviors of the ROV system further, we discuss the physical mechanisms driving response amplification through theoretical models. The governing equation of ROV system dynamics with a vertical moving boundary is established, and a dimensionless control parameter called amplitude-frequency factor, which characterizes the dynamic excitation effect of vessel heave, is proposed. Then, in order to study the influences of nonlinear hydrodynamic damping effect on ROV response, an empirical formula for hydrodynamic damping ratio is proposed based on ROV displacement time histories. Finally, under consideration of the nonlinear damping effect, the unstable regions of vessel motion amplitude and frequency at different initial conditions are obtained.The results show that the vessel heave may induce a parametric excitation response to the ROV system. Particularly, parametric resonance is most pronounced, when the vessel motion frequency is close to twice the natural frequency of the ROV system. While, under the nonlinear damping effect generated by hydrodynamic force, the parametric resonance occurs when the amplitude-frequency factor reaches its threshold. The unstable regions under hydrodynamic damping are smaller compared with that without damping. Furthermore, as the initial angular displacement of ROV increases, the unstable region becomes smaller further, or, in other words, the parametric conditions of vessel heave for ROV response amplification become more demanding.

Prediction of sensorimotor contingencies generates saccadic omission

With every movement of our eyes, the visual receptors in the retina are swiped across the visual scene. Saccades are the fastest and most frequent movements we perform, yet we remain unaware of the self-produced visual motion. Previous research has tried to identify a dedicated suppression mechanism that either actively or passively cancels vision at the time of saccades.1 Here, we investigated a novel theory, which states that saccadic omission results from habituation to the predicted sensory consequences of our own actions. We experimentally induced novel, i.e., artificial visual consequences of saccade performance by presenting gratings that were drifting faster than the flicker fusion frequency and that became visible only when participants performed saccades. We asked participants to perform more than 100 saccades in each session across these gratings to make the novel contingencies predictable for the sensorimotor system. We found that contrast sensitivity for intra-saccadic motion declined drastically after repeated exposure of such motion. The reduction in sensitivity was even specific to the saccade vector performed in habituation trials. Moreover, when subjects performed the same task in fixation, no reduction in sensitivity was observed. In a motion speed comparison task, we found that the reduction in contrast sensitivity is the consequence of silencing-predicted intra-saccadic visual motion. Our data demonstrate that the sensorimotor system selectively habituates to recurring intra-saccadic visual motion, suggesting an efficient prediction mechanism of visual stability.

World Agronomy: A Study of Pesticides Usage and Its Harmful Effects

Agriculture is the science as well as the art of cultivation of crops and also includes activities associated with it like animal husbandry. Agronomy is a part of agriculture which is restricted to the management of field only. The scope of agronomy includes every activity related to field management and better yield of crops. This study lays emphasis on the adverse effects of pesticide usage on crop, non-target plant, humans, soil and the overall environment. As per the data of Environews Forum, around 1 million people die of pesticide poisoning every year, several illnesses like redness in eyes, salivation, sweating, coughing, vomiting, frequent bowel movements, respiratory problems and most importantly the Parkinson’s disease, are a threat to the people who are exposed to the pesticides.

Motion frequency exploration based force separator for surgical robots interacting with a beating heart

Robotics-assisted beating heart surgery holds significant potential for application as it can reduce the risks of infection. A crucial requirement in beating heart surgery is the real-time and accurate feedback of the interaction forces between the end-effector and cardiac tissues. The primary challenge is developing a sensorless scheme to separate the beating motion-coupled force (MCF) from the robot dynamic state-coupled force (SCF). Acquiring the accurate beating frequency before surgery is often challenging, which limits the use of conventional force observers. To address these difficulties, this article proposes an online force separation scheme. Specifically, we establish a robot-cardiac tissue coupled model that considers robot dynamics, force generation mechanisms, and heart motion characteristics. Based on this, we design a motion frequency exploration-based force separator (MSEFS), utilizing an online expectation–maximization procedure for the joint estimation of the motion state and frequency parameter. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme surpasses existing force estimation schemes in performance due to its capability for motion frequency exploration.

Hydrogel Wound Dressings Accelerating Healing Process of Wounds in Movable Parts.

Skin is the largest organ in the human body and requires proper dressing to facilitate healing after an injury. Wounds on movable parts, such as the elbow, knee, wrist, and neck, usually undergo delayed and inefficient healing due to frequent movements. To better accommodate movable wounds, a variety of functional hydrogels have been successfully developed and used as flexible wound dressings. On the one hand, the mechanical properties, such as adhesion, stretchability, and self-healing, make these hydrogels suitable for mobile wounds and promote the healing process; on the other hand, the bioactivities, such as antibacterial and antioxidant performance, could further accelerate the wound healing process. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in hydrogel-based movable wound dressings and propose the challenges and perspectives of such dressings.

Carbody hunting behaviour of high speed vehicles in low effective conicity of wheel-rail contact

In the past, bogie hunting instability garnered more attention due to its potential for causing serious safety issues. However, with the rise in high-speed vehicle speeds and operational mileage, the concerns arising from carbody hunting can no longer be overlooked. This article investigates the causes and solutions for low-frequency carbody swaying under low effective conicity in wheel-rail contact, employing a combination of experimental and numerical techniques. Initially, the study involves an in-depth analysis of time-domain signals from lateral and vertical accelerations of the carbody and bogie frame during a high-speed train field-test. The carbody vibration mode resulting from carbody hunting displays a swaying motion at a frequency of 1.5 Hz. Subsequently, a dynamic system model of the high-speed vehicle was established and the suspension mode of the model were verified. The frequency of the carbody upper sway motion is determined to be 1.39 Hz. Low effective conicity is induced when grinding wheel match with new rail or new wheel match with grinding rail. Under this low effective conicity, the hunting frequency of the vehicle is around 1.5 Hz, close to the frequency of the carbody upper sway motion. The coincidence of the hunting frequency and the upper sway motion frequency leads to the low-frequency swaying of the carbody. At last, the effects of wheel profiles, rail profiles and suspension parameters on the carbody hunting have been studied. The study demonstrates that addressing low-frequency carbody swaying can be achieved through targeted rail grinding. This process involves modifying the rail profile while ensuring careful grinding of the rail inner corner. Furthermore, it has been confirmed in the article that replacing suitable yaw dampers is also effective.

Quantifying the effectiveness of brucellosis control strategies in northern China using a mechanistic and data-driven model

In recent years, with the frequent movement of livestock and related products on the Chinese mainland that have resulted in a rise in brucellosis cases in certain regions, the Chinese government has implemented “vaccination + culling” strategy to control the spread of brucellosis, but the epidemiological situation and the intensity of prevention and control measures vary from province to province, and much of the situation has not yet been reversed. Thus, it is crucial to understand and assess the combined effects of vaccination and culling on brucellosis transmission behind the data from multiple provinces and cities. In this paper, we combine an ordinary differential equation model and a deep neural network model to develop a hybrid model that not only characterizes the propagation mechanism of brucellosis, but also describes control strategies as time-varying parameters to track the dynamic evolution of brucellosis transmission under control measures with varying intensity. In addition, the real-time reproduction number is calculated and taken as an evaluation index. We then train and test the hybrid model using actual data from four provincial administrative regions in Northern China from 2010 to 2020. It is found that in Inner Mongolia, the sheep vaccination rate (θ(t)) and the culling rate of infected sheep (c(t)) have a weak effect on reducing the brucellosis transmission. In Gansu, the incomplete culling of infected sheep was the main reason for the increase in human brucellosis cases after the introduction of whole-flock vaccination in 2016. Culling and vaccination contributed to the decrease in human cases in both Xinjiang and Jilin. Prevention and control measures for human brucellosis are inadequate in Xinjiang. However, prevention and control measures for human brucellosis are inadequate, while indirect transmission of Brucella from the environment to humans and sheep poses a greater risk than direct contact with infected sheep in Jilin. The above analysis can provide theoretical foundation for decision-making on public health policies to control the pandemic.

Pore-pressure-dependent performance of rocking foundations

This study explores the concept of rocking foundations to mitigate damage during seismic events. By weakening the footing intentionally, the foundation acts as a “fuse” to prevent plastic hinges from forming in columns. Shake table experiments were conducted on a lightweight prototype deck mass-column-footing model founded on a fine, medium-dense sand, in two states of nearly dry and saturated. Kinetic energy dissipation, hysteresis, and decay are examined for various structure masses, for two nominal low and high motion frequencies. Findings suggest that energy dissipation is higher in saturated sands ― as compared to nearly dry and despite the absence of liquefaction ― due to fluctuating pore water pressure and a suction effect that evolves beneath foundations’ edge. Where the substrate retains its original porosity, flow of water and subsequent damping becomes pivotal mechanisms to enable the rocking motion. In dry sands, energy dissipation occurs mainly through rotation, and enhances with motion frequency (from testing 3–5 Hz). In saturated sands, energy dissipation occurs predominantly through plastic settlement, and becomes less effective with motion frequency. Lighter structures experience greater rotational movement, especially in the case of dry sands. That enhanced rotational movement is drove by lower rotational stiffness. Overall, lighter structures facilitate the re-centring of the foundation upon rocking motion.

Clinical and diagnostic value of transrectal ultrasound in assessing the severity of ulcerative colitis

Background. Endoscopic and histological studies play a decisive role in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases, as they allow confirming the diagnosis, determining the degree of inflammatory activity, the extent of intestinal damage, and monitoring the course of disease and the effectiveness of therapy. Howe­ver, it is not possible to assess the state of all intestinal layers with colonoscopy. Modern non-invasive methods such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging cope best with this purpose. With their help, you can assess the state of the intestinal wall and obtain a cross-sectional image of the intestine, evaluate extraintestinal structures (lymph nodes, vessels, fatty tissue). It can be said that endoscopy and ultrasound search for the same type of information but look at different things. Deepening the knowledge about the role of ultrasound of the distal parts of the colon in ulcerative colitis (UC) will contribute to the improvement of diagnosis, development of methods for determining the activity of UC, control of therapy, which will allow optimizing the choice of adequate treatment measures. The goal of the work: to improve the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis based on the study of ultrasonographic parameters of the rectum. Materials and methods. Transrectal ultrasound was performed on an expert-class SonoScape S60 ultrasound scanner using a low-frequency convex probe of 3.5 MHz and a rectovaginal convex probe of 6 MHz. Transperineal and transrectal approaches were used. Results. Wall thickness and submucosal thickness differed significantly in moderate and severe UC. Analysis of transrectal ultrasound indicators depending on the endoscopic activity of the UC revealed no significant differences in the rectal wall thickness. But there was a tendency to increase in the thickness of the mucous layer and the coefficient of deformation with increasing endoscopic activity. Most patients had an increase in the degree of blood flow density, which depended on the disease severity. During the regression analysis, a relationship was found between the intestinal wall thickness (r = 0.44; p = 0.0121) and submucosal layer thickness (r = 0.86; p = 0.006) with the Mayo index. A correlation was revealed between the thickness of the colon wall and the frequency of bowel movements (r = 0.37; p = 0.018), leukocytosis (r = 0.38; p = 0.016) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.35; p = 0.027). The blood flow density in the intestinal wall positively correlated with the presence of edema (r = 0.32; р = 0.045), the severity of the vascular pattern (r = 0.42; р = 0.008), the presence of erosions (r = 0.4; р = 0.011) and bleeding of the mucous membrane (r = 0.50; p = 0.001). The coefficient of deformation positively correlated with the presence of flatulence (r = 0.35; р = 0.048). Conclusions. Endoscopic exa­mination in patients with UC should be supplemented with transrectal ultrasound. A correlation was found between the intestinal wall thickness and the thickness of the submucosal layer in patients with UC and the Mayo index. A tendency to increase in the thickness of the mucous layer and the coefficient of deformation with increasing endoscopic activity was determined. Relationships between endoscopic and ultrasound parameters can be used to assess disease activity.

Long-distance movement dynamics shape host microbiome richness and turnover.

Host-associated microbial communities are shaped by host migratory movements. These movements can have contrasting impacts on microbiota, and understanding such patterns can provide insight into the ecological processes that contribute to community diversity. Furthermore, long-distance movements to new environments are anticipated to occur with increasing frequency due to host distribution shifts resulting from climate change. Understanding how hosts transport their microbiota with them could be of importance when examining biological invasions. Although microbial community shifts are well-documented, the underlying mechanisms that lead to the restructuring of these communities remain relatively unexplored. Using literature and ecological simulations, we develop a framework to elucidate the major factors that lead to community change. We group host movements into two types-regular (repeated/cyclical migratory movements, as found in many birds and mammals) and irregular (stochastic/infrequent movements that do not occur on a cyclical basis, as found in many insects and plants). Ecological simulations and prior research suggest that movement type and frequency, alongside environmental exposure (e.g. internal/external microbiota) are key considerations for understanding movement-associated community changes. From our framework, we derive a series of testable hypotheses, and suggest means to test them, to facilitate future research into host movement and microbial community dynamics.