Antenatal Magnesium and Cerebral Palsy in Preterm Infants

To evaluate the relationship of maternal antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) with neonatal cranial ultrasound abnormalities and cerebral palsy (CP)

Association of Short-Term Changes in Menstrual Frequency, Medication Use, Weight and Exercise on Bone Mineral Density in College-Aged Women

To evaluate if experiencing a short-term exposure (18-months) to factors such as menstrual irregularities, dieting, changes in exercise or body weight, and medication usage is associated with bone mineral density (BMD) in college-aged females. A retrospective survey assessing health behaviors during a recent 18-month time period and a DXA scan were completed in 641 females. A total of 45.5% of participants reported amenorrhea during the 18-month time period. Those who experienced amenorrhea had lower femoral neck BMD (p = 0.018), trochanter (p = 0.018) and spine BMD (p = 0.022) compared to eumenorrheic women. Lifetime oral contraceptive usage longer than six months was negatively associated with BMD at femoral neck (p = 0.018) and total hip (p = 0.021). Women who lost weight trended towards having the lowest BMD at all sites compared to women who gained weight. Following a very-low calorie diet during the time period was negatively correlated with spine BMD (p = 0.001). Time spent in vigorous and very vigorous activity was weakly correlated with some hip BMD sites but time spent in extremely vigorous activity was not. In conclusion, females who experienced weight loss, amenorrhea, or a very low-calorie diet within an 18-month period of time in young adulthood had lower BMD. Additionally, oral contraceptive usage for longer than six months during their lifetime was associated with lower BMD

Nutritional Concerns among Female International Volunteers Based on the Income and Development Status of Their Country of Service

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of female athlete triad risk factors among female international volunteers based on the development and income status of their country of service. A total of 2164 past volunteers completed a retrospective survey. Countries’ income and development statuses were coded using the respective annual United Nations World Economic Situations and Prospects reports. Independent t-tests, ANOVAs, and Pearson’s Chi-Squared tests were used to assess group differences; corresponding odds ratios were calculated. Volunteers in nondeveloped (OR = 2.25, CI = 1.85–2.75) and non-high-income (OR = 2.17, CI = 1.75–2.70) countries had over twice the odds of experiencing secondary amenorrhea. More volunteers who served in nondeveloped countries reported an increase in exercise while serving (p = 0.005). Those who served in a nondeveloped (OR = 1.52, CI = 1.16–1.98) or non-high-income (OR = 1.45, CI = 1.08–1.94) country had higher odds of weight loss. However, volunteers serving in nondeveloped (OR = 0.52, CI = 0.44–0.63) and non-high-income (OR = 0.50, CI = 0.4–0.61) countries were less likely to report food insecurity compared to those in developed and high-income countries. Bone mineral density was within the expected range regardless of income and development status. Female volunteers who served in nondeveloped and non-high-income countries experienced higher odds of secondary amenorrhea, which was likely influenced by an increase in exercise and higher odds of weight loss