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This study evaluates whether women with PCOS have a different body composition than non-PCOS women (controls), estimated by anthropometric methods, and whether body composition and PCOS condition could be predictors of insulin resistance (IR) and lipid profile (LP) in an independent manner. A case-control study was conducted in which women (126) were diagnosed with PCOS by the Rotterdam criteria and controls (159) were women without PCOS attending the gynecological clinic for routine examinations. Women with PCOS had higher body mass index, percentage of fat mass, and testosterone than controls. A higher fat mass predicted higher levels of triglycerides, LDL-c, and lower levels of HDL-c independently of PCOS condition. HOMA-IR was related to fat mass and was more significant in patients with PCOS. A higher bone mass was associated with lower total cholesterol and LDL-c independent of PCOS condition. Lower HOMA-IR remained associated with PCOS regardless of bone mass. Lean mass percentages predicted a better metabolic profile (lower triglycerides and higher HDL-c), and was also modulated by PCOS condition. Our results highlight the importance of body composition as an anthropometrical characteristic of PCOS, and the relationship of fat mass with a worse metabolic profile. In addition, PCOS condition was associated with worse HOMA-IR independent of body composition.

Many studies support the importance of vitamin D in several physiological functions beyond bone and muscle health (Joergensen et al., 2014), influencing a significant number of physiological activities. In particular, during pregnancy, vitamin D is involved in many embryogenesis pathways, especially in skeletal development and calcium homeostasis of the foetus (Hollis et al., 2011). In fact, associations between vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and higher prevalence of many adverse maternal and foetal outcomes, such as gestational diabetes mellitus (Rajput et al., 2019), preeclampsia

Anthropometric assessment during pregnancy is a widely used, low-technology procedure that has not been rigorously evaluated. Our objective is to investigate fat mass distribution during pregnancy by examining changes in anthropometrics measures, in order to evaluate the reliability of these measures. An observational, longitudinal, prospective cohort study was performed in 208 pregnant women. Anthropometric measurements were taken following the ISAK protocol during the three trimesters and a generalized linear model for repeated measures was used to evaluate differences. Variability was assessed using the coefficient of variation, and Propagated Error (PE) was used to sum of skinfold thicknesses (SFT). SFT showed a general increase in fat mass during the three trimesters of pregnancy (∑SFT7 p = 0.003), and was observed in specific anatomical locations as well: arms (∑Arm SFT, p = 0.046), trunk (∑Trunk SFT, p = 0.019), legs (∑Leg SFT, p = 0.001) and appendicular (∑Appendicular SFT, p = 0.001). Anthropometric measures for skinfold thickness were taken individually during pregnancy and were reliable and reproducible during the three trimesters, which could help to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.

ObjectiveIn this video, we present our technique for ureter assessment during pelvic ultrasound examination.MethodsWe used a general electric Voluson E10 (General electric, Wauwatosa, WI, USA) to perform transvaginal ultrasonography. These images were shared after thorough counselling, and obtaining informed consent from the patient. This video was edited using FinalCut ProX® (Apple Inc, Cupertino, CA, USA).ResultsWe systematized this routine after assessing the cervix, uterus, and adnexa. The vaginal probe was slightly removed to focus on the urethra. Next, we approached the hand on the contralateral thigh to the ureter. At this point, the probe was directed to the lateral pelvic wall where the ureteric orifice was found. Then, we raised our hands and perform an internal rotation movement to ascend the ureteral segments until it is related to the iliac vessels.ConclusionThe urinary tract may be involved in gynecological pathologies. Transvaginal ultrasound is an easy, reproducible, and well-tolerated examination that can be used to evaluate the ureters below the pelvic brim.