Indices In Women Research Articles

Effect of Furocyst on Lipid Profile and Insulin Resistance Across Different Categories of Body Mass Index in Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Effect of Furocyst on Lipid Profile and Insulin Resistance Across Different Categories of Body Mass Index in Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

In Their Own Words: Muslim Women Reconstruct the Sexual Script

Using semi-structured, qualitative interviews of 25 heterosexual Muslim women residing in the US, the author examines the extent to which respondents simultaneously constructed and deconstructed the gender dichotomy when explaining sexuality, countering reductionist accounts of Muslim women’s sexuality. Integrating concepts of religiosity and gender norms, respondents reconfigured the dominant discourse of power and sexuality in innovative ways. One of the main themes that emerged from this research is that male sex drive discourse, typically associated with power and “machismo” within the traditional sexual script, was reimagined by Muslim women as an indicator of women’s greater strength in the eyes of God.

Electrokinetic indices of erythrocytes as diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia

Objective. To evaluate the features of changes in the morphofunctional status of peripheral blood erythrocytes during normal pregnancy and in preeclampsia based on rapid analysis of biophysical parameters of cells.Materials and methods. A total of 136 pregnant women were examined at 22–24 and 34–35 weeks of gestation. The comparison groups included: 40 pregnant women with moderate preeclampsia (PE), 30 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia, 30 pregnant women with chronic arterial hypertension (CAH), 36 women with normal pregnancy who do not have signs of hypertensive disorders. Electrokinetic features of peripheral blood erythrocytes were studied using cellular microelectrophoresis, the average value of the amplitude of oscillations of mobile erythrocytes (μm) and the proportion of mobile cells (%) were analyzed.Results. At 22–24 weeks, the percentage of immobile erythrocytes in pregnant women with moderate PE increased by 2.8 times (p<0.05), the amplitude of oscillations of mobile cells decreased by 21% (p<0.05). In pregnant women with severe PE, the proportion of immobile erythrocytes increased by 3.2 times (p<0.05), the amplitude decreased by 30% (p<0.05). In pregnant women with CAH, a slight increase in the percentage of immobile cells (8.2 vs 6.8%) and a tendency to a decrease in the average amplitude (21.5 vs 23.2 μm) were noted. At 34–35 weeks in the group with moderate PE, the% of immobile erythrocytes exceeded the corresponding indicator in women with physiological pregnancy by 3.3 times (p<0.05), the average amplitude decreased by 28% (p<0.05), in pregnant women with severe PE, the% of immobile erythrocytes increased by 3.7 times (p<0.05), the amplitude decreased by 36% (p<0.05). In pregnant women with CAH, there was a tendency for a slight increase in the proportion of immobile erythrocytes.Conclusion. The functional and morphological usefulness of erythrocytes as active participants in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia can be objectively assessed using indicators of electrokinetic activity of cells, and erythrocytes can be considered as biomarkers of the disease and a promising tool for stratifying patients for early detection of high-risk pregnancies.

Vital Predictive and Prognostic Roles of Triglyceride-Glucose Index in Women With Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

As a biomarker of insulin resistance (IR) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) has received significant attention. However, most research on AMI has focused on male patients, as it is traditionally believed to primarily affect males. Therefore, this study was conducted on a female population with AMI to investigate the potential correlation between the TyG index and their outcomes. A total of 320 women who were admitted to Fujian Provincial Hospital for AMI between January 2017 and December 2019 were included in this study. The TyG index was calculated using the following formula: ln [fasting triglycerides (TG) (mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (mg/dL)/2]. The primary endpoint of the study was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), which included all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, rehospitalization for heart failure and stroke. The association between the TyG index and unfavorable outcomes in female patients was investigated using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. It was ultimately estimated that 111 patients developed MACCEs. Females with high TyG indices had a higher prevalence of diabetes, elevated heart rates, and hemoglobin A1c, as well as a higher likelihood of undergoing thrombus aspiration and stent placement. The TyG index was found to be positively correlated with the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, and damaged vessels. However, this correlation was modest, yet statistically significant. Furthermore, after adjusting for conventional risk factors, the TyG index (HR: 4.292, 95% CI: 2.784-6.616, p < 0.001) was independently associated with MACCEs. As an independent risk predictor, the TyG index has the potential to enhance clinical outcomes for women with AMI.

A Comparative Analysis of Serum Irisin Levels and Body Composition Indices in Women With and Without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Introduction Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine-metabolic disorder impacting women of reproductive age, often manifesting during adolescence. This study aimed to determine serum irisin levels in subjects with PCOS compared to healthy controls and explore the correlation between irisin levels and body composition indices. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Thirty-three women with PCOS and 32 healthy, age-matched controls were recruited. Relevant socio-demographic and clinical data were collected, and body composition was analyzed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Serum irisin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and statistical analysis was performed using CoGuide software (Evidencian Research Associates, Bengaluru, India). Results PCOS subjects exhibited significantly higher levels of clinical features associated with hyperandrogenism, including elevated systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index, waist-hip ratio, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), serum testosterone, body fat percentage, subcutaneous fat percentage, visceral fat percentage, and fat mass index, along with lower high-density lipoprotein levels and lean mass percentage, compared to controls. Serum irisin levels were significantly higher in PCOS cases (10.82 (8.5-14.31) ng/mL) than in controls (2.57 (2.19-4.65) ng/mL). There was a moderate positive correlation between serum irisin and SBP, DBP, hirsutism, total cholesterol, LDL, visceral fat, and serum testosterone levels. Weak correlations were observed between serum irisin and other body fat indices. Subjects with metabolic syndrome exhibited higher irisin levels and significantly elevated body composition indices, including body fat percentage, visceral fat percentage, fat mass index, and fat-free mass index, compared to those without metabolic syndrome. Conclusions PCOS subjects have elevated serum irisin levels, which correlate positively with clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism, total cholesterol, LDL, and visceral fat. These findings suggest that irisin may play a role in the metabolic and hormonal dysregulation observed in PCOS.

Indicators of Women’s Electoral Participation in India

Indicators of Women’s Electoral Participation in India

Freeze-all indications in women with subfertility undergoing in vitro fertilisation: a cohort study

Freeze-all indications in women with subfertility undergoing in vitro fertilisation: a cohort study

The role of microenvironmental factors in the pre-ovulatory oocyte in the pathogenesis of “poor” ovarian response to in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs

Background. The “poor” response to ovarian stimulation during IVF (in vitro fertilization) cycles depends on various factors, including the biochemical composition of the follicle microenvironment. Recent studies have focused on the relationship between vascular tone regulators, angiogenic factors, oxidative stress, and the quality of oocytes. Despite this, there is still no consensus on the exact effect of these factors on folliculogenesis or their role in “poor” responses.Objective. To evaluate the content of biochemical factors and regulators of vascular tone and angiogenesis in follicular fluid in patients with a “poor” ovarian response to stimulation in IVF programs, compared to similar indicators in women with a normal ovarian response.Materials and methods. An open prospective cohort study was conducted, including 56 patients who were part of the IVF program. The criterion for separating the cohort of women was their response to controlled ovarian stimulation during the IVF cycle. Women with a “poor” response (n=32) were placed in the main group, while those with a normal response (n=24) were in the comparison group. Follicular fluid samples from women with a “poor” response were divided into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of an oocyte-cumulus complex in the follicle. The biochemical and soluble regulatory factors in follicular fluid were analyzed in both groups after controlled ovarian stimulation was completed. Statistical analysis of the data was done using methods from variation statistics. A critical level of significance for the differences was set at p ≤0.05.Result. The levels of urea, glucose, high-density lipoprotein, and total antioxidant status (TAOS) in follicular fluid (FF) from patients with a “poor” ovarian response were statistically significantly higher compared to those in the control group. The levels of bilirubin, low-density lipoprotein, and uric acid were also significantly lower in VF from patients in the main group compared to the control group, p&lt;0.05. The indices of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and vascular endothelial growth receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) in FF from women with a “poor” response were significantly lower than those from patients with a normal response, while the levels of endogenous nitric oxide were significantly higher in the former group compared to the latter, p&lt;0.05.Conclusion. The absence of an oocyte-cumulus complex in the pre-ovulatory follicle, which is associated with a “poor” response of the ovary to stimulation, is likely due to a disruption in vascularization processes. This is supported by a decrease in the levels of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors, such as VEGF-A and VEGFR-2.

Preconception and Early-Pregnancy Body Mass Index in Women and Men, Time to Pregnancy, and Risk of Miscarriage

Obesity in women is associated with reduced fertility and an increased risk of miscarriage. These associations might also be present across the full range of body mass index (BMI) categories as well as among men. To investigate the associations of preconception BMI in both partners with time to pregnancy and miscarriage. This population-based prospective cohort study was conducted in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, between August 9, 2017, and July 1, 2021. A total of 3604 women and their partners were included from the preconception period onward with follow-up until birth. The date of analysis was July 12, 2024. Body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) measured in preconception or early pregnancy. Fecundability, defined as the probability of conceiving within 1 month; subfertility, defined as time to pregnancy or duration of actively pursuing pregnancy of more than 12 months or use of assisted reproductive technology; and miscarriage, defined as pregnancy loss before 22 weeks of gestation. These measures were assessed using questionnaires and via the obstetric caregiver. The study population for time-to-pregnancy analyses consisted of 3033 episodes among women (median age, 31.6 years [IQR, 29.2-34.5 years]; median BMI, 23.5 [IQR, 21.2-26.5]) and 2288 episodes among men (median age, 33.4 years [IQR, 30.5-36.8 years]; median BMI, 24.9 [IQR, 23.0-27.4]). The study population for miscarriage analyses consisted of 2770 pregnancy episodes among women (median age, 31.5 years [IQR, 28.9-34.3 years]; median BMI, 23.5 [IQR, 21.3-26.7]) and 2189 pregnancy episodes among men (median age, 33.5 years [IQR, 30.4-36.8 years]; median BMI, 25.0 [IQR, 23.0-27.5]). Higher BMI in women and men was associated with lower fecundability: for every unit increase in BMI, fecundability decreased (fecundability ratio [FR]: women, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.97-0.99]; men, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.98-1.00]). Women with overweight (FR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.80-0.98]) and obesity (FR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.63-0.82]) had lower fecundability compared with women with normal weight. Compared with normal weight in women, underweight (odds ratio [OR], 1.88 [95% CI, 1.22-2.88]), overweight (OR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.11-1.63]), and obesity (OR, 1.67 [95% CI, 1.30-2.13]) were associated with increased odds of subfertility. In men, obesity was associated with increased odds of subfertility (OR, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.24-2.31]). Compared with normal weight in women, overweight (OR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.12-1.98]) and obesity (OR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.00-2.08]) were associated with increased odds of miscarriage. In this cohort study, BMI outside of the normal category in women and men during the preconception or early-pregnancy periods was associated with time to pregnancy and miscarriage. Optimizing BMI in women and men from the preconception period onward might be an important strategy to improve fertility outcomes.

Osteopathic status and quality of life of pregnant women in megacities

Introduction. According to the World Health Organization, the natural and human-transformed natural environment affects the health of urban residents. In modern socio-economic conditions of megapolis there are unfavorable trends of deterioration of health and quality of life indicators of urban population. Pregnancy is a crisis state for both the woman herself and her family as a whole, so it is during this period that a woman needs to ensure a high level of quality of life, which is often not given due attention due to the high rhythm of life in megacities. The course of pregnancy is determined by the development of structural and functional changes in a woman′s body, which in turn affect not only physical well-being, but also mental health, thus changing the level of quality of life of a woman. Along with this physiological changes during pregnancy can serve as a background for the formation of somatic dysfunctions, the clinical manifestations of which are determined by the compensatory capabilities of the body of the pregnant woman. Pregnancy support at the present stage dictates the necessity of timely detection of functional changes and quality of life disorders in order to prevent complications during pregnancy.The aim of the study: to evaluate the osteopathic status and the level of quality of life of pregnant women in megacitiesMaterials and methods. In a cross-sectional cohort study conducted in the period from 03.2018 to 05.2023g on the basis of medical clinics in St. Petersburg (LLC «Institute of Osteopathy Mokhov»), in Moscow (Balashikha Maternity Hospital), in Kazan (City Clinical Hospital № 16) and Medical Clinic «Medexpert» (Kazan) were included 225 somatically healthy pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy, aged 25–45 years. The mean age of the subjects was 34±3,8 years at the time of follow-up. A unified osteopathic examination was performed in all pregnant women with the formation of an osteopathic report and the level of quality of life was assessed according to the criteria of the SF-36 questionnaire.Results. The analysis of the results of the conducted studies demonstrated that as pregnancy progresses, somatic dysfunctions of the pelvic region come to the forefront (p&lt;0,05), and the indicators of the level of both physical and psychological components of the quality of life significantly decrease (p=0,02) with increasing gestational age. At the same time, a significantly lower level of quality of life indicators at baseline and as pregnancy progresses is observed in the residents of Moscow compared to pregnant women living in St. Petersburg and Kazan.Conclusion. Healthy pregnant women are characterized by the presence of somatic dysfunctions of regional and local level, and the frequency of their detection, degree of severity and level of manifestation depends on the term of pregnancy and does not statistically differ in the residents of the cities of St. Petersburg, Moscow and Kazan. As pregnancy progresses, the inhabitants of megacities are characterized by a decrease in both physical and psychological components of quality of life. The fact that we have revealed a statistically significantly lower level of quality of life indicators in women living in Moscow compared to those living in St. Petersburg and Kazan needs further study by specialists.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: Evaluation of symptoms, using a questionnaire, in a research setting, before and after treatment.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a common condition, yet there is no defined, objective, and reproducible intervention with which to make a diagnosis. There are many different treatment options available, but without the correct diagnosis, affected women are unable to access the right therapy. This paper reports on the questionnaire arm of the VAN study (VAginal Health - What's Normal?) which aimed to evaluate the performance and acceptability of the methods of assessment of GSM, described below. To determine the value of the Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA) questionnaire: a multidimensional measure of the impact of vaginal symptoms on functioning and well-being in postmenopausal women, in a prospective, observational, feasibility study. 60 women were recruited to the study (20 premenopausal, asymptomatic women (control group) and 40 peri- and postmenopausal, symptomatic women). All women had a baseline assessment, using three different interventions, in addition to the DIVA questionnaire and symptomatic women were offered treatment, followed by a second assessment undertaken at 16weeks, using the same interventions. This paper focusses on the outcomes for the questionnaire and specifically on the paired data sets, before and after treatment. An improvement in the score for all four sections of DIVA (Activities of daily living, Emotions, Sexual Activity, and Feelings about yourself and your body (female embodiment)) was observed, following any treatment. Additional questions were added to DIVA, to assess patient preference in relation to the different diagnostic interventions. These included a speculum examination as part of the clinical assessment, a smear taken from the lateral vaginal wall to assess the vaginal maturation index, both undertaken by a clinician and a self-administered tampon to collect vaginal secretions, to determine the small molecule metabolite profile, using NMR spectroscopy, and to enable analysis of the vaginal microbiome. The medical standard tampon was the preferred intervention, before and after treatment, for women eligible for treatment. The VAN study demonstrates that DIVA, a previously tested questionnaire, is an easily accessible intervention, to assess the impact of urogenital symptoms on quality-of-life indicators in women in the United Kingdom with GSM and that women prefer to use a tampon themselves, rather than have a clinician performed vaginal speculum examination or a vaginal smear.

Cardiovascular Risk is Independently Associated with Body Mass Index in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Lagos, Nigeria

Among female subjects of reproductive age, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that may be linked to a number of health risks for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The study aims to determine some CVD risk variables and how they relate to body mass index (BMI) in female subjects with PCOS. Fifty healthy women without PCOS (controls) and 90 women with PCOS between the ages of 18 and 45 were enrolled in the study. Standard methods were used to evaluate the serum sex hormones, lipid profile, troponin-I, highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), fasting blood glucose, and atherogenic indices. Compared to controls, the mean age of women with PCOS was substantially lower ([Formula: see text]). The mean values of BMI, waist circumference, and hip were not significantly different from one another. While the cardiometabolic variables were higher in women with PCOS than in healthy subjects, no significant difference between obese/overweight and nonobese women with PCOS in terms of mean BMI, fasting blood glucose, insulin, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), troponin-I, hs-CRP, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol were observed. In PCOS-affected women, AIP ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), lipid accumulation product (LAP) ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), and hs-CRP ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) all showed positive correlations with BMI. Regardless of BMI status, there was an independent correlation between cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and PCOS. This implies that regardless of a woman’s BMI, PCOS may increase her risk of CVD. Treatment combined with lifestyle modifications may be useful in lowering the risk of CVD in PCOS-afflicted Nigerian women. The finding suggests that PCOS itself, independent of weight, may increase the risk of heart disease. Nigerian women with PCOS are at increased risk of CVD, regardless of their BMI, and early detection, prevention, and treatment of CVRFs in women with PCOS is desirable.

Predictors of match performance in the South African Rugby Union Women's Premier Division

Purpose Performance indicators in women's rugby union are under-researched. The aim of this study was to describe the match activities and determine the predictors for winning/losing and points difference in the South African Rugby Union (SARU) Women's Premier Division competition. Methods During the 2021 and 2022 seasons, SARU-coded matches included 33 indicators (including attacking, defensive, set plays, and error categories) which were analysed for two outcome variables: winning/losing and points difference (points for MINUS points against). Results The results of the study showed that for winning compared to losing, tries (OR = 6.48; p = 0.0001), goal kicking success % (OR = 1.03; p = 0.0245), and dominant tackles % (OR = 1.45; p = 0.0333) increased the odds of winning, whilst yellow cards decreased the odds (OR = 0.27; p = 0.0199). For points difference, Factor 1 (OR = 1.016) including variables related to clean breaks, tries and conversions thereof, were predictive of a larger points difference, whilst Factor 6 (positive tackles, lineout wins; OR = 0.958) favoured a close match/smaller points difference. Conclusion The predictive indicators differed from those found in previous literature. However, there was little to no data available on women's rugby union to compare to, and therefore comparisons were made to men's rugby. More data and studies are required to confirm these findings.

Metabolic fatty liver disease as a risk factor for early renal dysfunction in women of reproductive age

Objective. To study the correlation of adipocytokines with early renal dysfunction indicators in women of reproductive age with obesity and metabolic fatty liver disease. Materials and methods. The study included 100 obese females divided into 2 groups. The 1st group consisted of patients (n=50) diagnosed with metabolic fatty liver disease aged 40,5±2,8, and the 2nd group contained patients (n=50) without metabolic fatty liver disease (MFLD). The level of insulin, cystatin C, resistin, leptin, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin 6 (IL 6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) were determined in blood serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Albumin-to-creatinine ratio, TNF- α, MCP-1, IL 6, cystatin C, b2-microglobulin, VEGF were determined in morning urine. Results. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and endothelial dysfunction were revealed in group 1 in relation to both the comparison and control groups. In patients with MFLD associations of resistin level were the following: with HOMA(r=0,60), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (r=0,54), aspartate aminotransferase (r=0,71), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (r=0,71), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (r=‒0,54), VEGF (r=0,54), TNF- α (r=0,44), MCP-1 (r=0,57) р0,05. In the 1st and 2nd groups cytokine urinary excretion and renal dysfunction markers were higher than in the control group. Associations of urinary excretion of b2-mic­ro­globulin with BMI (r=0,33), НОМА (r=0,34), resistin (r=0,30), uric acid level (r=0,50), creatinine (r=0,34), thyroglobulin (r=0,31), urinary MCP-1(r=0,60), IL 6 (r=0,70) р0,05 were revealed in the 1st group. In group 1 associations of urinary IL 6 with BMI (r=0,35), waist/hip circumference (WC/HC) (r=0,33), uric acid level (r=0,44), urinary MCP-1(r=0,74) were positive, and associations with HDL (r=‒0,44) р0,05. Conclusions. Resistin can be considered as an unfavourable marker of cardiometabolic disturbances in patients with MFLD. The association of subclinical inflammation markers and endothelial dysfunction with the markers of early renal impairment in patients with MFLD which was determined allows to expand the understanding of cardio-renal-metabolic continuum.

Ophthalmological Disorders and Laboratory and Clinical Indicators in Women with Hypertensive Pregnancy Complications

Introduction. Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, despite many epidemiological studies, scientific developments, and the improvement of laboratory and instrumental techniques for searching for predictors of preeclampsia, are a serious problem of perinatal obstetrics. One of these areas may be an in-depth ophthalmological examination.The aim of the work is to perform an analysis of ophthalmological disorders and laboratory, clinical parameters in women with hypertensive complications of pregnancy.Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of 573 cases of hypertensive pregnancy complications was performed. The age of the patients ranged from 15 to 50 years. All patients received a standard general clinical and obstetric examination, examined by an ophthalmologist. A correlation analysis of some laboratory and clinical signs of arterial hypertension (AH) and preeclampsia (PE), including ophthalmological signs of PE, was carried out. Results: PE was accompanied by retinal angiopathy in 67 % of cases. In 9 cases (1.86 %), peripapillary edema was detected in PE. In the presence of peripapillary edema, earlier delivery dates and a lower Apgar score were observed in the newborn. Macular edema was registered in 3 cases (0.62 %) against the background of gestational diabetes mellitus.Conclusion. Comparative analysis has shown the presence of correlations between signs of hypertensive complications of pregnancy and changes in the organ of vision. The expansion of ophthalmological research may provide new markers-indicators for the differential diagnosis of hypertensive complications of pregnancy, assessment of the severity of the condition, dynamic monitoring and choice of management tactics for patients with hypertensive complications of pregnancy.

Investigation of the Relationship between Women Indicators and Socio-Economic Development Index using Spatial Econometrics Models

Investigation of the Relationship between Women Indicators and Socio-Economic Development Index using Spatial Econometrics Models

Modes of delivery and indications in women with COVID-19: a regional observational study in Japan

Background During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caesarean section (CS) has been the preferred deliver method for pregnant women with COVID-19 in order to limit the use of hospital beds and prevent morbidity among healthcare workers. Methods To evaluate delivery methods used during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the rates of adverse events and healthcare worker morbidity associated with caesarean deliveries. Methods We investigated maternal and neonatal backgrounds, delivery methods, indications and complication rates among pregnant women with COVID-19 from December 2020 to August 2022 in Mie Prefecture, Japan. The predominant mutation period was classified as the pre-Delta, Delta and Omicron epoch. Results Of the 1291 pregnant women with COVID-19, 59 delivered; 23 had a vaginal delivery and 36 underwent CS. Thirteen underwent CS with no medical indications other than mild COVID-19, all during the Omicron epoch. Neonatal complications occurred significantly more often in CS than in vaginal delivery. COVID-19 in healthcare workers was not attributable to the delivery process. Conclusion The number of CS with no medical indications and neonatal complications related to CS increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this study included centres that performed vaginal deliveries during COVID-19, there were no cases of COVID-19 in healthcare workers. It is possible that the number of CS and neonatal complications could have been reduced by establishing a system for vaginal delivery in pregnant women with recent-onset COVID-19, given that there were no cases of COVID-19 among the healthcare workers included in the study.

Influence of Music Therapy on the Improvement of Perceived Well-Being Indices in Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Hormonal Treatment

ABSTRACT Background Although there are a growing number of studies investigating the benefits of music therapy interventions with patients diagnosed with cancer, few studies have taken an approach that specifically examines indices of perceived well-being in women with breast cancer. Overcoming these challenges can be an important step in the recovery process. Purpose The purpose of our study was to know the positive influence of responsive music therapy through gong sounds, emitted live, on different areas of well-being of women with breast cancer. Methods Four individual sessions of responsive music therapy with live gong sounds were conducted in which three women (M = 54; SD = 5.57) participated both in the music therapy program and in the completion of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Breast (FACT-B) and a semi-structured interview with ad hoc designed questions about perception of qualitative aspects. Results The results showed that the music therapy sessions significantly improved, p = .043 < 0.05, various domains of perceived well-being in women with breast cancer. Discussion This article highlights several key benefits associated with music therapy and various indices of well-being in women with breast cancer, identifies the limitations of the study, and discusses the findings. It is considered necessary to replicate this practice in future studies that include a larger sample and age range over longer follow-up periods. Translation for Health Education Practice The text highlights the importance of considering music therapy as a complementary intervention in comprehensive cancer care programs, which may be relevant to health educators when considering intervention and support approaches for cancer patients. Health education interventions targeting the enhancement of cancer patients’ well-being should incorporate music therapy techniques.

The Influence of Media Leaflet on Increasing Knowledge of Reproductive Health of Brides-to-Be in Padang City

According to WHO (2019), the Maternal Mortality Rate is the number of maternal deaths resulting from pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum processes, which are used as indicators of women's health status. Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is one of the global targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to reduce maternal mortality (MMR) to 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. Several efforts to reduce MMR have been carried out by the Padang City government, including implementing the Childbirth Planning and Prevention of Complications (P4K) Program, using MCH books, implementing classes for pregnant women, and health counseling activities. This quantitative research uses a pocketbook of the bride and groom using leaflet media. This is a guide for brides-to-be as part of marriage advice and guidance for those who have registered their marriage at the Regional Office of Religious Affairs (KUA). The subject of this study was a bride-to-be in Padang City. Providing reproductive health counseling on women's knowledge in premarital preparation in the working area of KUA Koto Tangah District has an influence.

Generation and Validation of Normative, Age-Specific Reference Curves for Bone Strain Index in Women.

Bone Strain Index (BSI), based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), is a densitometric index of bone strength of the femur and lumbar spine. Higher BSI values indicate a higher strain applied to bone, predisposing to higher fracture risk. This retrospective, multicentric study on Italian women reports the BSI normative age-specific reference curves. A cohort of Caucasian Italian women aged 20 to 90 years was selected from three different clinical centres. Bone mineral density (BMD) and BSI measurements were obtained for the lumbar spine vertebrae (L1-L4) and for the femur (neck, trochanter and intertrochanter) using Hologic densitometers scans. The data were compared with BMD normative values provided by the densitometer manufacturer. Then, the age-specific BSI curve for the femur and lumbar spine was generated. No significant difference was found between the BMD of the subjects in this study and BMD reference data provided by Hologic (p = 0.68 for femur and p = 0.90 for lumbar spine). Spine BSI values (L1-L4) increase by 84% between 20 and 90 years of age. The mean BSI of the total femur increases about 38% in the same age range. The BSI age-specific reference curve could help clinicians improve osteoporosis patient management, allowing an appropriate patient classification according to the bone resistance to the applied loads and fragility fracture risk assessment.