Search

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of ultrasound guided attenuation parameter (UGAP) for evaluating liver fat content with different probe forces and body positions, in relation to sex, and compared with proton density fat fraction (PDFF). Methods: We prospectively enrolled a metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) cohort that underwent UGAP and PDFF in the autumn of 2022. Mean UGAP values were obtained in supine and 30° left decubitus body position with normal 4 N and increased 30 N probe force. The diagnostic performance was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: Among 60 individuals (mean age 52.9 years, SD 12.9; 30 men), we found the best diagnostic performance with increased probe force in 30° left decubitus position (AUC 0.90; 95% CI 0.82–0.98) with a cut-off of 0.58 dB/cm/MHz. For men, the best performance was in supine (AUC 0.91; 95% CI 0.81–1.00) with a cut-off of 0.60 dB/cm/MHz, and for women, 30° left decubitus position (AUC 0.93; 95% CI 0.83–1.00), with a cut-off 0.56 dB/cm/MHz, and increased 30 N probe force for both genders. No difference was in the mean UGAP value when altering body position. UGAP showed good to excellent intra-reproducibility (Intra-class correlation 0.872; 95% CI 0.794–0.921). Conclusion: UGAP provides excellent diagnostic performance to detect liver fat content in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver diseases, with good to excellent intra-reproducibility. Regardless of sex, the highest diagnostic accuracy is achieved with increased probe force with men in supine and women in 30° left decubitus position, yielding different cut-offs. Clinical relevance statement: The ultrasound method ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter shows excellent diagnostic accuracy and performs with good to excellent reproducibility. There is a possibility to alter body position and increase probe pressure, and different performances for men and women should be considered for the highest accuracy. Key Points: • There is a possibility to alter body position when performing the ultrasound method ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter. • Increase probe pressure for the highest accuracy. • Different performances for men and women should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusion Editors‐in‐Chief (EiC) play a key role as gatekeepers in academic medicine, often shaping research agendas. Women have historically been underrepresented in editorial leadership roles in academic medicine. The purpose of this study was to examine gender representation among EiC of contemporary transplantation and nephrology journals.This cross‐sectional study evaluated gender disparities among EiC of transplantation and nephrology medical journals. The study population was drawn from journals in two subject categories (1) ‘Transplantation’ and (2) ‘Urology and Nephrology’ in the 2023 Journal Citation Reports. Binary gender classification (woman/man) was determined by the names/pronouns used to describe the EiC on the journal or institutional webpage. The primary outcome was the proportion of women EiC. Secondary outcome was the proportion of women EiC based on journal topic, location and metrics. Descriptive statistics were used. Gender differences were compared using students t‐test or Fisher's exact test.A total of 79 EiC were identified of which 16 (20%) were women and 63 (80%) were men (p < .001). Transplantation and nephrology journals had 21% and 20% women EiC, respectively. The proportion of women to men EiC was not impacted by journal category (p = .93), journal location (p = .61), journal impact factor (p = .71) or quartile (p = .59).There was a disparity in gender representation in EiC in nephrology and transplantation journals, with men holding 80% of all positions. These findings, among growing evidence of gender disparity, highlight a need for targeted efforts to promote gender equity in academic medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our study examined the impact of sex, ADHD subtype, and comorbid illnesses (depression/anxiety) on the timing of diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Method: To analyze ADHD patients, four health databases were used to assess subtype, comorbid mood, and antidepressant or anxiolytic drug exposure. Analyses were stratified by sex and age. Standardized mean differences measured intergroup differences. Results: Females with ADHD were identified at older ages and had higher rates of depression and anxiety diagnoses and treatments before and after their initial ADHD diagnosis. Predominantly inattentive ADHD patients were diagnosed later and more likely to receive mood disorder diagnosis and treatment than hyperactive impulsive ADHD patients. Conclusions: Results suggest a more complex ADHD presentation in females, potentially causing late diagnosis and delayed treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics at childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) in our hospital over the past decade, and to analyze the relationship with sex and anti-extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) antibodies. Methods We included 171 children with cSLE admitted to our hospital from January 2012 to December 2021, collecting their data on age, sex, onset symptoms, and system involvement, as well as serum complements C3 and C4, immunoglobulin, and ENA antibodies. We analyzed the clinical features at disease onset, compared the above indicators between sexes, and determined the relationship between anti-ENA antibodies and organ/system involvement. Results The misdiagnosis rate before the definitive diagnosis of the children was 43.27%. The initial symptoms were mainly rashes and fever (28.31% each). Hematological involvement occurred in 73.68% of the children. The proportion of anemia was significantly higher in females than in males (χ2=3.863,P

Background/Aim. Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, with the highest incidence in low-middle-income countries. Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) plays a significant role in diagnosing coronary artery disease. The aim of t he study was t o examine the influence of gender on the accuracy of DSE and on the prognostic significance of the left ventricular wall motion score index (WMSI) as a parameter of DSE for adverse cardiovascular events (ACEs). Methods. The prospective, observational study conducted at the Clinic for Cardiovascular Diseases of the University Clinical Center of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, included 143 patients who, due to suspicion of coronary disease, underwent a DSE from January 1, 2021, until February 1, 2022. ACEs that we observed one year after DSE were: unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, in-stent restenosis, aortocoronary bypass, heart failure, and death. Results. A positive DSE was more common in men (45%) compared to women (25%), which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The sensitivity of the test in men was 96.0%, and the specificity was 93.9%. In women, the sensitivity was 86.7%, and specificity was also 86.7%. ACEs were more frequent in men (43%) than in women (19%), which was statistically significant (p < 0.01). In men, WMSI had a sensitivity of 96.0% and a specificity of 82.4%. In women, WMSI had a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 90.6% in predicting ACEs. Conclusion. Our results confirmed the influence of gender on the accuracy o f D SE i n diagnosing coronary artery disease. WMSI as a parameter of DSE was identified as a significant prognostic factor for ACEs in both sexes, with the sensitivity being higher in men and specificity in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Clinical Healthcare is the property of Chinese Journal of Clinical Healthcare and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Women are underrepresented in orthopaedic surgery, especially in Japan. Authorship is associated with representation and career advancement, but the academic representation of women in Japanese orthopaedic surgery has not been elucidated. This study aimed to elucidate the proportion of female first authorship and its associating factors, as well as trends in the Journal of Orthopaedic Science (JOS), the official journal of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association. The study reviewed original articles published in JOS from 2002 to 2021 using data from PubMed on March 16, 2022. The gender of the first and last authors was determined using genderize. io, an online gender detection tool and manual search. The study used multivariable logistic regression to identify the factors associated with female first authorship and visualized the trend of predicted probability using restricted cubic spline curve. Among 2272 original articles, 148 (6.5%) and 79 (3.5%) had female first and last authors, respectively. Compared with 2002–2006, female first authorship significantly increased in 2012–2016 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–4.05; p = 0.03) and 2017–2021 (aOR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.46–5.276; p = 0.002). Affiliation with an institution in Japan (aOR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.35–0.74; p < 0.001) and affiliation in orthopaedics (aOR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.11–0.23; p < 0.001) were negatively associated with female first authorship. Around 2020, the trend showed a gradual then rapid increase in women with non-orthopaedic affiliations. Only a very small increase was observed in women with an orthopaedic affiliation. Female first authorship in JOS has been increasing. However, the proportion of female authors remains low. Authors outside of Japan and not affiliated with orthopaedics largely affect female authorship statistics. The results indicate the persistent gender gap in the academic representation of women in Japanese orthopaedic publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThe association between exposure to cadmium (Cd) and cardiovascular health (CVH) has received considerable scientific interest. However, findings thus far have been inconclusive, particularly regarding sex-specific effects and dose–response relationships. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationships of blood Cd levels with the overall and component CVH scores.MethodsWe used data from the 2011–2018 NHANES to assess CVH using indicators such as BMI, blood pressure, lipid profiles, glucose levels, diet, physical activity, nicotine use, and sleep quality, each rated on a 0–100 scale. The overall CVH score was calculated as the average of these indicators. We employed both multiple linear and restricted cubic spline analyses to examine the relationship between blood Cd levels and CVH scores, including nonlinear patterns and subgroup-specific effects.ResultsOur analysis revealed that higher blood Cd levels were associated with lower overall CVH, nicotine exposure, sleep, and diet scores, with nonlinear decreases observed in overall CVH and nicotine exposure scores at specific thresholds (−1.447 and −1.752 log μg/dL, respectively). Notably, sex differences were evident; females experienced more adverse effects of Cd on CVH and lipid scores, while in males, Cd exposure was positively correlated with BMI, a link not observed in females.ConclusionOur study highlights the complex interplay between blood Cd levels and various aspects of CVH, revealing significant dose–response relationships and sex disparities. These findings enhance our understanding of the biobehavioral mechanisms linking Cd exposure to cardiovascular risk.

Background Stroke is an acute cerebrovascular disease in which blood fails to flow into the brain, resulting in damage to brain tissue, with high rates of disability, death, and recurrence, and most of the related studies in Ningxia region are clinical analyses of strokes, which lack trend analysis of stroke hospitalization in Ningxia in recent years. Objective To analyze the disease prevalence characteristics and distribution of stroke hospitalized patients in Ningxia, and provide a basis for the development of comprehensive prevention and treatment measures for stroke. Methods The case home page data of 55 hospitals of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine in Ningxia region were collected, and the data discharged from 2013 to 2019 with a primary diagnosis of stroke [International Classification of Diseases (ICD) -10 coded as I60-I63] were screened and analyzed. SPSS 24.0 software was applied to analyze the differences in gender and age using the chi-square test, and a geographic information system (GIS) was applied to analyze the distribution of stroke hospitalization rate data across Ningxia from 2013 to 2019 using global spatial auto correlation analysis. Results A total of 190 634 stroke patients were finally included. The hospitalization rate of stroke in Ningxia region showed an increasing trend year by year from 2013 to 2019 (hospitalization rates of 24.302/10 000, 30.045/10 000, 34.949/10 000, 39.397/10 000, 44.049/10 000, 47.617/10 000, and 52.944/10 000, respectively, χ2trend=5.982, P=0.014) , and the hospitalization rates were higher during the cold season of each year, with a significant peak in March and a slight decline thereafter. Among the stroke inpatients in Ningxia from 2013 to 2019, there were 167 194 cases of ischemic stroke and 23 440 cases of hemorrhagic stroke; there was significant difference between ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke patients in gender and age (χ2=473.533, 7 518.543, P

Futile recanalization hampers prognoses of ischemic stroke after successful mechanical thrombectomy, hypothetically through post-recanalization perfusion deficits, onset-to-groin delays and sex effects. Clinically, acute multiparametric imaging studies remain challenging. We assessed possible relationships between these factors and disease outcome after experimental cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, using translational MRI, behavioral testing and multi-model inference analyses. Male and female rats (N = 60) were subjected to 45-/90-min filament-induced transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Diffusion, T2- and perfusion-weighted MRI at occlusion, 0.5 h and four days after recanalization, enabled tracking of tissue fate, and relative regional cerebral blood flow (rrCBF) and -volume (rrCBV). Lesion areas were parcellated into core, salvageable tissue and delayed injury, verified by histology. Recanalization resulted in acute-to-subacute lesion volume reductions, most apparently in females (n = 19). Hyperacute normo-to-hyperperfusion in the post-ischemic lesion augmented towards day four, particularly in males (n = 23). Tissue suffering delayed injury contained higher ratios of hypoperfused voxels early after recanalization. Regressed against acute-to-subacute lesion volume change, increased rrCBF associated with lesion growth, but increased rrCBV with lesion reduction. Similar relationships were detected for behavioral outcome. Post-ischemic hyperperfusion may develop differentially in males and females, and can be beneficial or detrimental to disease outcome, depending on which perfusion parameter is used as explanatory variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cardiac troponins are the preferred biomarkers for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Although sex‐specific 99th percentile thresholds of troponins are recommended in international guidelines, the clinical effect of their use is poorly investigated. The DANSPOT Study (The Danish Study of Sex‐ and Population‐Specific 99th percentile upper reference limits of Troponin) aims to evaluate the clinical effect of a prospective implementation of population‐ and sex‐specific diagnostic thresholds of troponins into clinical practice. Methods This study is a nationwide, multicenter, stepped‐wedge cluster‐randomized trial of the implementation of population‐ and sex‐specific thresholds of troponins in 22 of 23 clinical centers in Denmark. We established sex‐specific thresholds for 5 different troponin assays based on troponin levels in a healthy Danish reference population. Centers will sequentially cross over from current uniform manufacturer‐derived thresholds to the new population‐ and sex‐specific thresholds. The primary cohort is defined as patients with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome having at least 1 troponin measurement performed within 24 hours of arrival with a peak troponin value between the current uniform threshold and the new sex‐specific female and male thresholds. The study will compare the occurrence of the primary outcome, defined as a composite of nonfatal myocardial infarction, unplanned revascularization, and all‐cause mortality within 1 year, separately for men and women before and after the implementation of the new sex‐specific thresholds. Conclusions The DANSPOT Study is expected to show the clinical effects on diagnostics, treatment, and clinical outcomes in patients with myocardial infarction of implementing sex‐specific diagnostic thresholds for troponin based on a national Danish reference population. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT05336435.

Background/Aim. Insufficient levels of physical activity and poor nutrition, have led to an increase in the number of obese adolescents and cardiometabolic problems. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between eating habits and low physical activity levels among adolescents. Methods. The cross-sectional study, conducted in May 2017, included a total of 389 participants, aged 15–19 years. The study instrument was a questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form), as well as eating habits. The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results. A total of 131 participants (33.7%) had a low level of physical activity, and 258 (66.3%) had a moderate/high level of physical activity. Adolescents with moderate/high physical activity were significantly more likely to be male and medical school students. Moreover, they had breakfast significantly more often, consumed fish more than twice a week or at least twice a week, ate fruit once a day or more, and generally ate healthy, compared to the high school students with low physical activity. Among the factors associated with low physical activity were the following: the female gender, eating breakfast never/sometimes, consuming fish less than twice a week, fruit less than once a day, maintaining a healthy diet, and adolescents aged 18–19 years. Conclusion. This study identified several statistically significant independent factors associated with low physical activity in adolescents. Based on the obtained results, it is necessary to undertake certain interventions, promote physical activity, correct eating habits, and the overall lifestyle, with a special emphasis on the female population and teenagers aged 18–19 years. The education of both adolescents and their parents is essential.

Background Fatty liver disease is a common frequently-occurring disease in daily life, and the number of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients has been gradually increasing in recent years with an important impact on people's health. The differences in lifestyle and basal metabolism in different gender groups may lead to differences in the prevalence of NAFLD. However, few studies have been conducted to investigate the prevalence of NAFLD in different gender populations. Objective To explore the prevalence and influencing factors of NAFLD in different gender groups, so as to provide reference for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Methods A total of 29 271 subjects received physical examination in the Physical Examination Center of Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University were selected in the retrospective case-control study from August 2020 to August 2021. General data, physical examination data, laboratory indexes, combination of underlying diseases, and imaging findings of the subjects were collected. The included subjects were divided into the NAFLD group and control group according to the diagnostic criteria of NAFLD, and the prevalence and characteristics of NAFLD in different gender groups were analyzed. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of NAFLD by gender; the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of related indicators for NAFLD in different gender groups, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Results There were 10 524 cases of NAFLD among 29 271 subjects with an overall prevalence of 35.95%, including 7 854 NAFLD patients in the 18 322 male subjects with a prevalence of 42.87%, 2 670 NAFLD patients in the 10 949 male subjects with a prevalence of 24.39%. There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of NAFLD among subjects with different genders (χ2=1 016.505, P

Background/Aim. Insufficient levels of physical activity and poor nutrition, have led to an increase in the number of obese adolescents and cardiometabolic problems. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between eating habits and low physical activity levels among adolescents. Methods. The cross-sectional study, conducted in May 2017, included a total of 389 participants, aged 15--19 years. The study instrument was a questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire- Short Form), as well as eating habits. The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results. A total of 131 participants (33.7%) had a low level of physical activity, and 258 (66.3%) had a moderate/high level of physical activity. Adolescents with moderate/high physical activity were significantly more likely to be male and medical school students. Moreover, they had breakfast significantly more often, consumed fish more than twice a week or at least twice a week, ate fruit once a day or more, and generally ate healthy, compared to the high school students with low physical activity. Among the factors associated with low physical activity were the following: the female gender, eating breakfast never/sometimes, consuming fish less than twice a week, fruit less than once a day, maintaining a healthy diet, and adolescents aged 18--19 years. Conclusion. This study identified several statistically significant independent factors associated with low physical activity in adolescents. Based on the obtained results, it is necessary to undertake certain interventions, promote physical activity, correct eating habits, and the overall lifestyle, with a special emphasis on the female population and teenagers aged 18--19 years. The education of both adolescents and their parents is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A knowledge gap exists in the relationship between suicide and psychiatric hospitalization in Asia. This study investigated inpatient service utilization before suicide and suicide risk at different periods of hospitalization in Taiwan. Methods: Using the National Health Insurance Research Database, we applied a nested case–control design with controls being alive on the date each case died by suicide. Results: A total of 56 939 suicide cases and 1 138 780 controls were included (2:1 male‐to‐female ratio). Only 5.7% of suicide cases had a history of psychiatric hospitalization in the preceding year. Patients with a history of psychiatric hospitalization were associated with a higher risk of inpatient and postdischarge suicide than those without prior hospitalization. The risk was greatest in the first postdischarge week, decreased gradually, and remained significantly elevated over 7 years after discharge. The suicide risk increased more in females. Patients with affective disorders had higher inpatient and postdischarge suicide risks than those with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Discussion: A low rate of psychiatric hospitalization before suicide implies that inpatient treatment of psychiatric disorders could be enhanced. Community‐based approaches to suicide prevention can improve the treatment utilization of those with suicide risk and bridge continuous care from hospital to community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Several serious complications can accompany both spontaneous and post-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) such as the development of intracranial hypertension, hydrocephalus, re-bleeding, cerebral hypoxia, cerebral vasospasm, impaired pituitary function, electrolyte imbalance, and electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities. Although there is a declining trend in mortality, the treatment of SAH and its complications represents a challenge even in imposing neurosurgical centers. The aim of the study was to compare some clinical characteristics and complications between spontaneous and post-traumatic SAH. Methods. The retrospective study included 138 patients treated at the Department of Neurosurgery from January 2018 to January 2023. There were 71 patients with spontaneous and 67 patients with post-traumatic SAH. Results. A predominance of spontaneous SAH in female and post-traumatic SAH in male patients (p < 0.001) was found. There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of hydrocephalus between groups of spontaneous and post-traumatic SAH patients (p = 0.013). Cerebral vasospasm was significantly more prevalent in patients with spontaneous SAH (p < 0.001). A statistically significant association was also obtained between the thickness of the coagu-lum in these two groups (p < 0.001). Patients with spontaneous SAH were significantly more likely to have a negative T wave in ECG findings (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference regarding electrolyte imbalance in these two groups of patients with SAH. Conclusion. There were statistically significant differences between gender distribution, the frequency of abnormal ECG findings in the form of a negative T wave, greater coagulum thickness, vasospasm occurrence, and a higher rate of hydrocephalus in patients with spontaneous SAH compared to patients with post-traumatic SAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are the main causes of disability and death, and atherosclerosis is an important cause. The incidence of atherosclerosis in premenopausal women is significantly lower than that in men of the same age, while the incidence of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women is significantly higher than that in men of the same age, which is closely related to estrogen levels. In this paper, sex differences in atherosclerosis were reviewed from the aspects of imaging examination, risk factors, intestinal microbiome and vascular inflammatory effects on atherosclerosis, to provide evidence for precision medical treatment of atherosclerosis.

Purpose: To evaluate gestational age (GA) and small-for-gestational age (SGA) as continuums and gender on the incidences of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and co-occurring intellectual disability (ID). Methods: This is a population-based cohort study using the 2004–2008 Taiwan Maternal and Child Health Database. The diagnosis of ASD was determined by International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9). Generalized estimating equations models were fit to evaluate associations between perinatal variables and ASD. Results: This study included 916,315 individuals. A total of 9474 (1.0%) children were diagnosed with ASD, among whom 1594 (16.8%) had co-occurring ID. Lower GA carried higher odds of ASD with ID (GA < 28 weeks, aOR: 4.26, 95% CI: 2.13, 8.50; GA 28–30 weeks, aOR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.57, 4.97; GA 31–33 weeks, aOR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.55; GA 34–36 weeks, aOR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.67) and ASD without ID (GA < 28 weeks, aOR:2.05, 95% CI: 1.25, 3.36; GA 28–30 weeks, aOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.46, 2.79; GA 31–33 weeks, aOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.77; GA 34–36 weeks, aOR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.29). Male preterm infants had ASD risks negatively correlated to GA, while ASD risks were significantly increased only among female infants born late preterm. The degree of SGA showed a stepwise increased risk for ASD with and without ID in both male and female infants. Conclusion: Lower GA and the degree of SGA are both associated with ASD susceptibility, either with or without co-occurring ID, and remarkably increased the risk of ID.

Background/Aim. The iliopsoas muscle [musculus (m.) iliopsoas] originates from the Greek word psóa, which means loin and represents the only muscle in the body with anatomical preconditions to simultaneously and directly contribute to the stability and movement of the trunk, pelvis, and legs. M. iliopsoas belongs to the inner thigh muscle group and forms part of the posterior abdominal wall. This muscle is the major flexor of the hip joint, and it is functionally essential for proper posture, walking, running, and other physical activities. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the anatomical parameters of the pelvis and nervus (n.) femoralis, as well as the relationship between the same pelvic parameters and m. psoas major. Methods. The study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, on cadaveric material of the Institute of Anatomy "Niko Miljanić". For measurement purposes, 14 cadavers were used, seven of which were male and seven female, aged 67-79 years. The measuring instruments used in this study were a ruler and an electronic digital caliper (measuring range 0-500 mm, resolution 0.01 mm). Statistical data processing was performed in the SPSS 11.0 program using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results. The results of this study indicate a significant statistical difference in pelvic width between male and female cadavers, which was observed in the reduction of the bituberal line in females, while the parameters of the bispinal line showed no significant difference between the two genders. The decrease of the bituberal line in females was followed by an increase in the width of the proximal origin with a statistically significant decrease in the length of the proximal origin of the m. psoas major. Furthermore, the vertical distance of n. femoralis from the exit point of the muscle to the bispinal line was significantly reduced in the male cadavers. Conclusion. Based on our results, we can assume that, in most cases, due to the smaller bituberal and bispinal line or narrower pelvis, a shorter proximal attachment of the m. psoas major will occur with greater width (L2-L5 level) in the female than in the male gender, resulting in a longer vertical distance of n. femoralis. Such results indicate a close correlation between the anatomical parameters of the m. psoas major, which may affect the distance of n. femoralis exit from the muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the main cause of gastric cancer, but with the increase of H. pylori antibiotic resistance, the eradication rate has not substantially improved in many areas. Objective To understand the H. pylori antibiotic resistance situation in Wenzhou from 2013—2020, and analyse the difference of H. pylori antibiotic resistance with time period, age and gender. Methods From 2013-01-01 to 2020-12-31, a total of 47 658 patients undergoing gastroscopy in Wenzhou Central Hospital were selected. Gastric mucosa specimens were collected for H. pylori isolation and culture, and the isolated H. pylori strains obtained from the culture were analyzed for drug susceptibility to six antibiotics, including levofloxacin, clarithromycin, amoxicillin, metronidazole, tetracycline and furazolidone. A chi-square test was used to compare H. pylori antibiotic resistance rate between years, age groups and sexes. Results Multiple antibiotic resistance existed in 16 847 H. pylori strains isolated in Wenzhou from 2013—2020. Separate statistics on the resistance rates of H. pylori to the six commonly used antibiotics revealed that the resistance rates to levofloxacin, clarithromycin and metronidazole were high in the region, respectively 32.81% (5 536/16 874) 、26.02% (4 390/16 874) 、95.67% (16 144/16 874) . The resistance rate to amoxicillin was low, only 0.28% (47/16 874) , and 1.36% (25/1 844) in 2017. No strains were found with resistance to tetracycline hydrochloride and furazolidone. From 2013 to 2020, there were statistically significant differences in H. pylori resistance rates to levofloxacin, clarithromycin and amoxicillin (P88.00%) with no statistical difference (P>0.05) . There was statistically significant difference in the H. pylori resistance rate for evofloxacin, clarithromycin and metronidazole between female and male (P0.05) . There was statistically significant difference in the H. pylori resistance rate for levofloxacin or clarithromycin among different age groups in the region (P0.05) . Conclusion The H. pylori antibiotic resistance rate differed by year, and varied across different age and sex groups of H. pylori-positive cases in Wenzhou during the period. The overall H. pylori resistance rate was high. The eradication regimens based on metronidazole, clarithromycin or levofloxacin are difficult to achieve satisfactory results, so clinical H. pylori eradication treatment based on drug sensitivity test results should be encouraged.

Purpose: To evaluate gestational age (GA) and small-for-gestational age (SGA) as continuums and gender on the incidences of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and co-occurring intellectual disability (ID).Methods: This is a population-based cohort study using the 2004-2008 Taiwan Maternal and Child Health Database. The diagnosis of ASD was determined by International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9). Generalized estimating equations models were fit to evaluate associations between perinatal variables and ASD.Results: This study included 916,315 individuals. A total of 9474 (1.0%) children were diagnosed with ASD, among whom 1594 (16.8%) had co-occurring ID. Lower GA carried higher odds of ASD with ID (GA < 28 weeks, aOR: 4.26, 95% CI: 2.13, 8.50; GA 28-30 weeks, aOR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.57, 4.97; GA 31-33 weeks, aOR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.55; GA 34-36 weeks, aOR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.67) and ASD without ID (GA < 28 weeks, aOR:2.05, 95% CI: 1.25, 3.36; GA 28-30 weeks, aOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.46, 2.79; GA 31-33 weeks, aOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.77; GA 34-36 weeks, aOR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.29). Male preterm infants had ASD risks negatively correlated to GA, while ASD risks were significantly increased only among female infants born late preterm. The degree of SGA showed a stepwise increased risk for ASD with and without ID in both male and female infants.Conclusion: Lower GA and the degree of SGA are both associated with ASD susceptibility, either with or without co-occurring ID, and remarkably increased the risk of ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Traffic accident injuries are a major public health problem worldwide, with millions of people dying every year. Although the improvement of traffic safety is based on preventive action, it is necessary to conduct an analysis of victims in traffic in order to prevent future traffic accidents with the help of such findings. The aim of the study was to determine the manner of occurrence of abdominal injuries (AIs), gender differences, and the sitting position in the vehicle that affects the severity of AIs, as well as which AIs lead more often to fatalities in traffic accidents. Methods. Materials for the present study were collected from the medico-legal autopsies, showing AIs that occurred in road traffic accidents. The total number of people who died from sustained injuries or complications of the injuries after road traffic accidents was 525. Results. In the study sample, 38.3% of subjects sustained abdominal trauma. Men were more likely to have AIs, and passengers in the front seat and motorcycle drivers were identified as the most vulnerable category of these types of injuries. The liver was the most commonly injured abdominal organ. Liver destructions, liver lacerations, spleen lacerations, intestinal injuries, the simultaneous occurrence of head, chest, and AIs, or the simultaneous occurrence of head and AIs in a higher percentage led to death at the scene. Conclusion. The results of this study represent the basis for creating educational content for all traffic participants as well as the legislation in the field of traffic safety.

Background/Aim. Suicide and homicide are crucial social problems, especially frequent among the population younger than 40 years. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of different sociodemographic factors and relevant psychoactive substances on the difference between homicide and suicide victims. Methods. A cross-sectional study analyzed autopsy reports of 714 suicide and 166 homicide cases autopsied in five years (2011–2016). Out of these, 666 suicide and 127 homicide cases met the inclusion criteria for this study. Blood-ethanol concentration was determined by headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Analysis of substances other than ethanol was accomplished by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Results. There was a significant difference in age, level of education, and employment rate between suicide and homicide cases (p < 0.05). The distribution of suicide and homicide cases differed significantly on weekdays compared to week-ends [odds ratio(OR) = 1.5; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1–2.3; p < 0.05]. The presence of a psychoactive substance remained a nonsignificant predictor of whether a person would become a homicide or suicide victim (p > 0.05). Homicide victims were more likely to have significantly higher blood alcohol concentration (0.2–0.3 g/dL) than suicide victims (OR = 2.2; 95 % CI = 1–5; p < 0.05). Conclusion. The age, level of education, employment status, and high blood alcohol concentration (0.2–0.3 g/dL) of the victim were significantly different between suicide and homicide cases.

Objective To investigate the association of pronunciation error with age and sex in children with functional articulation disorders (FAD), and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical rehabilitation training. Methods A prospective control study was performed for 74 children who attended the outpatient service of Department of Child Healthcare, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, from January to December, 2019 and were diagnosed with FAD for the first time. According to age, they were divided into

Oxytocin and vasopressin share a similar chemical structure but have different functions. Both hormones are produced in different brain areas, are transported through the hypophyseal portal system, pass to the anterior hypophysis, and released to reach their target organs. These hormones also act as neuromodulators, where its receptors are found in the lateral septum, the middle amygdala, the hippocampus, the hypothalamus, and the brain stem. These brain structures regulate socio-sexual behaviors in vertebrates. Moreover, the oxytocinergic and the vasopressin systems are sexually different. The sexual steroids promote oxytocin release and the oxytocin receptor synthesis, as well as promoting or inhibiting vasopressin release and its receptor genetic transcription. Both neuropeptides are involved in social recognition, male-female pair bonding, aggression, and cognition. Furthermore, the disruption or malfunctioning of the oxytocin and vasopressin systems adds to the causes of some psychiatric disorders like depression, schizophrenia, autism, and borderline personality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This narrative review provides new insights, and it reports the current state of knowledge on occupational cancers among women based on previously published research, particularly in three female working categories: beauticians and hairdressers, farmers, and healthcare workers. Finally, a focus on breast cancer is presented among female workers. The facts that occupational cancer in women is under-investigated, with few in-depth analyses are well known. In recent decades the workforce has changed, with an increasing number of women employed. Therefore, the inclusion of women in occupational cancer studies has become more urgent and feasible than in the past decades. The difficulties to evaluate occupational causes of female gynecologic tumors in most past cohorts and the potential variation in outcome responses between men and women must be taken into consideration. This narrative review discusses women's occupational cancer as a current area of research, focusing on three groups of workers characterized by peculiar exposure to occupational carcinogens and where women are often employed: beauticians and hairdressers; farmers; and healthcare workers. We discuss the most relevant cancers in each working category, with a particular focus on female breast cancer. In the three industries reviewed in detail, there are some risk factors which may affect primarily women, inducing breast cancer and cervical cancer, as well as risk factors that are carcinogenic in both genders, but whose effects are less well known in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement is critical for optimal cardiovascular risk management. Age-related trajectories for cuff-measured BP accelerate faster in women compared with men, but whether cuff BP represents the intraarterial (invasive) aortic BP is unknown. This study aimed to determine the sex differences between cuff BP, invasive aortic BP, and the difference between the 2 measurements. Methods: Upper-arm cuff BP and invasive aortic BP were measured during coronary angiography in 1615 subjects from the Invasive Blood Pressure Consortium Database. This analysis comprised 22 different cuff BP devices from 28 studies. Results: Subjects were 64±11 years (range 40–89) and 32% women. For the same cuff systolic BP (SBP), invasive aortic SBP was 4.4 mm Hg higher in women compared with men. Cuff and invasive aortic SBP were higher in women compared with men, but the sex difference was more pronounced from invasive aortic SBP, was the lowest in younger ages, and the highest in older ages. Cuff diastolic blood pressure overestimated invasive diastolic blood pressure in both sexes. For cuff and invasive diastolic blood pressure separately, there were sex*age interactions in which diastolic blood pressure was higher in younger men and lower in older men, compared with women. Cuff pulse pressure underestimated invasive aortic pulse pressure in excess of 10 mm Hg for both sexes in older age. Conclusions: For the same cuff SBP, invasive aortic SBP was higher in women compared with men. How this translates to cardiovascular risk prediction needs to be determined, but women may be at higher BP-related risk than estimated by cuff measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effect of gender on the activation ratio of vastus medialis oblique to vastus lateralis during straight leg raising and stepdown activities. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Taibah University, Medina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from September 2021 to March 2022, and comprised recreationally active subjects without knee pathology who were distributed in 2 gender-based groups. All the participants were subjected to straight leg raising and stepdown activities thrice and the average value of each activity was noted. The vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateralis electromyographic activity of the dominant limb was recorded using surface electromyography during the activities. The normalised value of the activation ratio of vastus medialis oblique to vastus lateralis levels was calculated. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Results: Of the 60 subjects, there were 30(50%) males with mean age 30.00±5.91 years, mean height 167±5.63cm, mean body weight 66.76±6.14kg, and mean body mass index 23.97±3.02kg/m2. There were 30(50%) females with mean age 29.03±5.34 years, mean height 186±6.20cm, mean body weight 68.5±5.6 kg and mean body mass index 23.76±3.22 kg/m2. There was no significant difference in the normalized electromyography activities of the vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateralis muscles between males and females (p>0.05). Also, no significant difference was found in the activation ratio between the genders (p>0.05). Conclusion: There were no gender-based differences in the activation ratio of vastus medialis oblique to vastus lateralis during weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing activities. Keywords: Quadriceps muscle, Patellofemoral pain, Sex factors, Weight, Electromyography.

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Clinical Healthcare is the property of Chinese Journal of Clinical Healthcare and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rarely detected at early stage, and often found when merged with metabolic disorders. Currently, the predictive value of noninvasive indicators for NAFLD with metabolic syndrome (MS) has been rarely reported. Objective To assess the predictive value of monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) for NAFLD with MS in community residents, and to evaluate the associated factors using multivariate regression tree analysis. Methods From June to December 2020, among 9 812 permanent community residents (>45 years) who underwent physical examination in Songjiang District Sijing Community Health Center, 5 727 eligible individuals were selected, including 4 652 with MS, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia and other metabolic disorders〔1 948 with no NAFLD and MS (controls) , 1 248 with NAFLD (NAFLD cases) , 1 456 with both NAFLD and MS (MAFLD cases) 〕, and 1 075 without metabolic disorders (healthy controls) . General data, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, biochemical parameters and routine blood test results of all participants were collected. Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation of MHR and lipid accumulation product (LAP) index with NAFLD and MS. ROC analysis was conducted to analyze the optimal cutoff value of noninvasive indicators〔including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) , platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) , lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and MHR〕for NAFLD with MS. Factors associated with the predictive value of above-mentioned noninvasive indicators for NAFLD with MS were identified using multivariate regression tree analysis. Results The prevalence rates for metabolic disorders and NAFLD in this group were 76.61% (7 517/9 812) and 27.59% (2 704/9 812) , respectively. The controls, NAFLD cases, MAFLD cases, and healthy controls had significant differences in female ratio, mean age, BMI, waistline, hipline, waist-to-hip ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-C, total bilirubin, serum uric acid, ALT, AST, ALT/AST ratio, GGT, eGFR, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, monocyte count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, NLR, PLR, LMR, MHR, alcoholic fatty liver disease to NAFLD index, LAP index, and atherogenic index of plasma, and distribution of waistline and BMI, as well as prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia (P

Background It is very difficult to contain persistently high incidence and mortality rates of gastric cancer. Moreover, the age at onset of gastric cancer is becoming earlier. However, there are few studies on the prediction of the age at gastric cancer onset. Objective To investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mitochondrial displacement loop (D-Loop) and age at gastric cancer onset. Methods A total of 150 patients with confirmed gastric cancer by pathologically examination of biopsy samples taken during gastroscopy were recruited from Department of Gastroenterology, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University between July 2007 and December 2008. PCR was used to amplify the targeted fragment of peripheral blood mitochondrial DNA, and the mitochondrial D-Loop region was sequenced. Survival curves for patients with different ages of onset of gastric cancer were plotted by the Kaplan-Meier method, and compared by the Log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with age of onset of gastric cancer. Results The age of onset of patients with different degrees of education was statistically significant (P

Objective To explore the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and renal function decline in adults. Methods A total of 12 138 normal physical examination subjects were selected as research subjects. General data of subjects were collected by questionnaire, and serum creatinine (Scr), SUA and fasting blood glucose were measured. Subjects were divided into two groups based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): the abnormal renal function group (1 607 cases) and the normal renal function group (10 531 cases). Men and women of subjects were divided into the hyperuricemia group and the normal uric acid group according to 420 μmol/L and 360 μmol/L uric acid levels, respectively. The normal uric acid group was then divided into four sub-groups according to SUA quartile. Trends in the proportion of patients with abnormal renal dysfunction with SUA levels were analyzed in different genders. Logistic regression was used to analyze the influence of SUA level and renal function in subgroups with different gender, age, education level, exercise, hypertension and diabetes. Results In men and women, with the increase of SUA level, the proportion of SUA quartile groups and hyperuricemia patients in the renal dysfunction group showed an increasing trend (Z male =6.411; Z female =23.800, P＜0.01). Logistic regression results showed that compared with the first quartile group, the second, third, and fourth quartile groups and hyperuricemia group were all risk factors of renal dysfunction (P＜0.05). There was a significant dose-response relationship between SUA and renal dysfunction in both men and women (P for trend＜0.01). The relationship was statistically significant across subgroups of age, education, physical activity, hypertension and diabetes. Conclusion Elevated SUA are related with an increased risk of renal dysfunction in a dose-response relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Women have worse outcomes than men in several conditions more common in men, including cardiac surgery and burns. Objectives: To describe the relationship between sex balance within each diagnostic group of ICU admissions, defined as the percentage of patients who were women, and hospital mortality of women compared with men with that same diagnosis. Methods: We studied ICU patients in the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society's Adult Patient Database (2011-2020). We performed mixed effects logistic regression for hospital mortality adjusted for sex, illness severity, ICU lead time, admission year, and hospital site. We compared sex balance with the adjusted hospital mortality of women compared with men for each diagnosis using weighted linear regression. Measurements and Main Results: There were 1,450,782 admissions (42.1% women), with no difference in the adjusted hospital mortality of women compared with men overall (odds ratio, 0.99; 99% confidence interval [CI], 0.97 to 1). As the percentage of women within each diagnosis increased, the adjusted mortality of women compared with men with that same diagnosis decreased (regression coefficient, -0.015; 99% CI; -0.020 to -0.011; P < 0.001), and the illness severity of women compared with men at ICU admission decreased (regression coefficient, -0.0026; 99% CI, -0.0035 to -0.0018; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Sex balance in diagnostic groups was inversely associated with both the adjusted mortality and illness severity of women compared with men. In diagnoses with relatively few women, women were more likely than men to die. In diagnoses with fewer men, men were more likely than women to die. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this three-part study, we investigate whether the associations between binge and problematic drinking patterns with a negative emotional memory bias (NMB) are indirectly related through coping motivations and depressive symptoms. We also address potential sex differences in these relations. Methods: Participants (N = 293) completed the Timeline Followback to assess binge drinking, the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) to assess problematic alcohol use, the Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised to assess coping motivations, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21 to assess depression. Participants were asked to identify whether 30 emotional sentences were self-referent or not in an incidental encoding task; 24 h later they were asked to recall as many sentences as possible and a negative memory bias score was calculated. Results: Across all three studies, we found significant bivariate relations between AUDIT scores, coping, depression, and an NMB, particularly for sentences participants deemed self-referent. In two undergraduate samples, there were significant indirect effects through coping motivations and depressive symptoms between binge drinking and an NMB in females as well as between AUDIT scores and an NMB in females only. In the community sample, there was only an indirect effect through coping motives, but this was observed in both females and males. Conclusion: These findings support a relation between binge drinking as well as problematic alcohol use and a self-referent NMB in the context of coping motivations for alcohol use and depressive symptoms. Moreover, the pattern of findings suggests this model primarily holds for females, yet may also apply to males at higher levels of problematic alcohol use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite diversity initiatives, inequities persist in medicine with negative implications for the workforce and patients. Little is known about workplace inequity in nephrology. Aim: To describe perceptions and experiences of bias by health professionals in the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN), focussing on gender and race. Methods: A web‐based survey of ANZSN members recorded degree of perceived inequity on a Likert scale, ranging from 1 (none) to 5 (complete). Groups were compared using Mann–Whitney U‐test and logistic regression. Comments were synthesised using qualitative methods to explore themes of inequity and pathways to an inclusive future. Results: Of the 620 members of the ANZSN, there were 134 (22%) respondents, of whom 57% were women and 67% were White. The majority (88%) perceived inequities in the workforce. Perceived drivers of inequity were gender (84/113; 75%), carer responsibilities (74/113; 65%) and race (64/113; 56%). Half (74/131) had personally experienced inequity, based on gender in 70% (52/74) and race in 39% (29/75) with perceived discrimination coming from doctors, patients, academics and health administrators. White males were least likely (odds ratio 0.39; 95% confidence interval 0.18–0.90) to experience inequity. Dominant themes from qualitative analysis indicated that the major impacts of inequity were limited opportunities for advancement and lack of formal assistance for those experiencing inequities. Proposed solutions to reduce inequity included normalising the discourse on inequity at an organisational level, with policy changes to ensure diverse representation on committees and in executive leadership positions. Conclusions: Inequity, particularly driven by gender and race, is common for nephrology health professionals in Australia and New Zealand and impacts career progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) is one of the earliest noticeable symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. While there is no current cure for dementia, research indicates that at least 35% of dementia risk may be modifiable by decreasing exposures years or even decades before cognitive decline becomes clinically evident. Prior research has shown that the risk of dementia in individuals with cognitive impairment is higher in women than in men, as is the overall risk of dementia. Among a nationally representative population of over 200,000 adults, ages 45 years and older, SCD prevalence was 11% for both women and men. Women and men also had nearly equivalent overall population-attributable fractions to explain subjective cognitive decline (39.7% for women versus 41.3% for men). The top three contributing risk factors for both women and men were social isolation, depression, and hypertension, which explained three-quarters of the overall population-attributable fraction.

BackgroundHyperuricemia (HUA) is a common metabolic disease, which may cause damage to multiple target organs. Studies have showed that HUA is strongly related to inflammatory markers. It is of great importance to study the relationship of HUA with monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), a new inflammatory marker that could be obtained easily in the community, for community-based prevention and treatment of HUA.ObjectiveTo examine the overall and sex-specific associations between MHR and HUA, to assess the predictive value of HUA for HUA.MethodsThe demographic and 2020 physical examination data of 12 305 subjects over 50 years old〔5 498 men (44.7%) and 6 807 women (55.3%) 〕 from Laogang community of Shanghai's Pudong New Area were analyzed retrospectively. HUA was defined as serum uric acid level > 360 μmol/L in women, and >420 μmol/L in men. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to examine the association between MHR and HUA in all participants, and in men and women, respectively.ResultsThe prevalence of HUA in all participants, men and women was 15.8% (1 948/12 305), 17.7% (974/5 498), and 14.3% (974/6 807), respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, monocyte〔male, OR=2.010, 95%CI (1.265, 3.194) ; female, OR=5.427, 95%CI (3.059, 9.627) 〕 and MHR〔male, OR=1.918, 95%CI (1.111, 3.313) ; female, OR=6.073, 95%CI (2.984, 12.358) 〕 were independently associated with HUA in both men and women (P

Background/Aim. Risk factors concerning computer use-related migraine onsets are still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of headaches in computer users as well as the effects of computer use and behavior on the prediction of migraine presence. Methods. A cross-sectional study included 1,500 subjects from the general population who were given a questionnaire to assess the presence and type of headache and questions regarding computer-assisted behavior. All examinees were divided into two groups: the first group consisted of respondents who had a headache, and the second group consisted of subjects without a headache. Results. A total of 67.9% of the subjects had a headache, of which 23.9% had a migraine. Results of multinomial regression analysis showed that significant predictors of the migraine group, compared to the group without headache, were gender (female) and family anamnesis positive for migraine, as well as spending more time on the computer, making shorter and infrequent breaks in which physical activities were less included. Furthermore, members of the migraine group, compared with the group with other types of headaches, were younger and had family anamnesis, rarely made pauses during computer use, and their pauses were shorter. Conclusion. Improper and excessive computer use could be considered a risk factor for migraine occurrence, particularly in young people who have positive family anamnesis for migraine.

Background/Aim. Determining the value of Gissane’s angle (GA) plays a role in the diagnosis and prognosis of heel fractures, determining treatment methods, and assessing the outcome of surgical treatment. Normal values of the GA vary in relation to ethnicity, age, and gender of the examined group, which indicates its anthropometric significance. The aim of this study was to determine the range of normal GA values in the population of Central Serbia. Methods. GA was determined on lateral radiography of the foot of 145 subjects of both sexes (67 women and 78 men), with subjects divided into 6 age groups. The patients included in the study did not have a calcaneus fracture. The obtained results were processed in the Graph Pad program. Results. The average value of GA in Central Serbia was 110.8° ± 8.1°, ranging from 93° to 132.9°. The mean value of GA decreased with age, and no difference was observed between women and men, except in the youngest age group, where women had higher GA values than men. Conclusion. The results of the study showed a wide range of normal GA values, as well as the existence of a difference in subjects of different ages and sex.

BackgroundIn this three-part study, we investigate whether the associations between binge and problematic drinking patterns with a negative emotional memory bias (NMB) are indirectly related through coping motivations and depressive symptoms. We also address potential sex differences in these relations.MethodsParticipants (N = 293) completed the Timeline Followback to assess binge drinking, the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) to assess problematic alcohol use, the Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised to assess coping motivations, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21 to assess depression. Participants were asked to identify whether 30 emotional sentences were self-referent or not in an incidental encoding task; 24 h later they were asked to recall as many sentences as possible and a negative memory bias score was calculated.ResultsAcross all three studies, we found significant bivariate relations between AUDIT scores, coping, depression, and an NMB, particularly for sentences participants deemed self-referent. In two undergraduate samples, there were significant indirect effects through coping motivations and depressive symptoms between binge drinking and an NMB in females as well as between AUDIT scores and an NMB in females only. In the community sample, there was only an indirect effect through coping motives, but this was observed in both females and males.ConclusionThese findings support a relation between binge drinking as well as problematic alcohol use and a self-referent NMB in the context of coping motivations for alcohol use and depressive symptoms. Moreover, the pattern of findings suggests this model primarily holds for females, yet may also apply to males at higher levels of problematic alcohol use.

Pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rates are increasing and are highest in female adolescents. Complete ACL tears are typically surgically reconstructed, but few guidelines and very limited data exist regarding the need for surgical reconstruction or rehabilitation for partial ACL tears in skeletally immature patients. To evaluate the effects of partial (anteromedial bundle) and complete ACL transection on joint laxity and tissue forces under anterior and rotational loads in male and female stifle joints throughout skeletal growth in the porcine model. Descriptive laboratory study. Laboratory. We studied 60 male and female Yorkshire crossbreed pigs aged 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, and 18 months (n = 6 pigs per age per sex). Joint laxity was measured in intact, anteromedial bundle-transected, and ACL-transected joints under applied anterior-posterior drawer and varus-valgus torque using a robotic testing system. Loading of the soft tissues in the stifle joint was measured under each condition. Anterior-posterior joint laxity increased by 13% to 50% (P <.05) after anteromedial bundle transection and 75% to 178% (P <.05) after ACL transection. Destabilization after anteromedial bundle transection increased with age (P <.05) and was greater in late female than late male adolescents (P <.05). In anteromedial bundle-transected joints, the posterolateral bundle resisted the anterior load. In ACL-transected joints, the medial collateral ligament (MCL) contribution was largest, followed by the medial meniscus. The MCL contribution was larger and the medial meniscus contribution was smaller in male versus female specimens. Partial ACL transection resulted in moderate increases in joint laxity, with the remaining bundle performing the primary ACL function. Destabilization due to partial ACL transection (anteromedial bundle) was largest in late adolescent joints, indicating that operative treatment should be considered in active, late-adolescent patients with this injury. Increased forces on the MCL and medial meniscus after ACL transection suggested that rehabilitation protocols may need to focus on protecting these tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent of sotalol‐induced QTc prolongation on the electrocardiogram, is variable among subjects and influenced by sex. However, the influence of baseline QTc on the extent of drug‐induced QTc prolongation remains unclear. This was studied around peak plasma concentration in a large cohort of 376 healthy male and 614 healthy female subjects who received 80 mg of sotalol orally. Baseline QTc was 379 ± 16 ms in men and 393 ± 15 ms in women (P <.0001). The change in QTc from baseline was highly variable among both sexes and was greater in women than in men (26.5 ± 13.2 vs.13.0 ± 10.8 ms; P <.0001). The slope of the regression line between QTc on sotalol and baseline QTc did not significantly differ from unity in men and in women, indicating that the extent of QTc prolongation with sotalol was not influenced by baseline QTc. Assessing QTc after administration of an IKr blocker may be more important than measuring a baseline QTc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of built environment (BE) elements on older people's (OP) leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and leisure-time walking (LTW) level in the city of Ningbo. Older participants numbering 312 were randomly recruited using cross-sectional survey in 2019. International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short version (IPAQ-S) and Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale—abbreviated (NEWS-A)—were used to gather LTPA data and the perceive scores of BE, respectively. Liner regression analysis was performed to investigate the association relationship between the perceived scores of BE and OP's LTW and LTPA. The study's results showed that, when not considering different sex groups, OP's LTW was significantly related with the perceived scores of access to services (AE, p = 0.045), walking/cycling facilities (W/CF, p = 0.007), aesthetics, and land use mix diversity (LUMD, p = 0.04). OP's LTPA was significantly related with AE (p = 0.04) and aesthetics (p < 0.001). The association relationships of BE with LTW and LTPA varied in different sex groups. Three elements (AE, W/CF, and LUMD) and one element (pedestrian/traffic safety and P/TS) of BE were found be related with older male and older female's LTW, respectively. One element (aesthetics) and two elements (aesthetics, LUMD) of BE were found be related with older male and older female's LTPA, respectively. The results indicated that the effects of BE on OP's LTW and the effects of BE on OP's LTPA were different. The effect also varied in different sex groups. More studies are needed to confirm the effect of BE on OP's LTW and LTPA in different sex groups to globally enrich the scientific data base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As mobile phone uptake in India continues to grow, there is also continued interest in mobile platform–based interventions for health education. There is a significant gender gap in mobile phone access—women’s access to mobile phones is constrained by economic and social barriers. Pregnancy and postpartum care is one of many targets for mobile health (mHealth) interventions that particularly rely upon women’s access to and facility with mobile phone use. Objective: We aimed to describe the dynamics and patterns of married pregnant and postpartum women’s mobile phone access and use (among both phone owners and nonowners) who participated in an mHealth postpartum care intervention and to identify potential barriers to their participation in mobile platform–based interventions. Methods: A secondary analysis was performed on mixed methods data obtained for a pilot mHealth intervention for postpartum care of mothers in rural Punjab from July 2020 to February 2021. Two formative sources included exploratory in-depth interviews among postpartum women (n=20; 1-3 months postpartum) and quantitative maternal health survey among women who were pregnant or who had recently given birth (n=102). We also utilized mixed methods intervention assessment data from early postpartum women who participated in the pilot intervention (n=29), including intervention moderator perspectives. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed, and pertinent findings were grouped thematically. Results: The majority of women owned a phone (maternal health survey: 75/102, 74%; demographic survey: 17/29, 59%), though approximately half (53/102, 52%) still reported sharing phones with other family members. Sharing a phone with female family members typically allowed for better access than sharing with male family members. Some households had strict preferences against daughters-in-law having phones, or otherwise significantly restricted women’s phone access. Others reported concerns about phone use–related health hazards for mother and infant during the pregnancy or postpartum period. Conclusions: These findings suggest nuance regarding what is meant by women’s phone ownership and access—there were numerous additional constraints on women’s use of phones, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Future research and mHealth interventions should probe these domains to better understand the dynamics governing women’s access, use, and fluency with mobile phones to optimally design mHealth interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have confirmed the sex difference of gray matter asymmetry in typically developing controls and the abnormal gray matter asymmetry in autism spectrum disorders. However, whether and how sex differences of gray matter asymmetry exist in autism spectrum disorders remains studied. This paper analyzes the above issues and explores correlations between gray matter asymmetry and autistic symptoms. Data from 72 children (36 males and 36 females) with autism spectrum disorders and 72 typically developing-controls (36 males and 36 females) between 8 and 14 years were included and obtained from the autism brain imaging data exchange repository (autism brain imaging data exchange I and autism brain imaging data exchange II). The voxel-based morphometry approach was used to assess gray matter asymmetry in T1-weighted brain data, and gray matter asymmetry was quantified as asymmetry index. A 2 × 2 analysis of covariance was used to identify asymmetry index differences among the four groups. Pearson correlation analysis was performed for asymmetry index values extracted from the clusters with significant differences between the four groups and autistic symptoms (social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive behaviors) measured by the revised autism diagnostic interview scale. Results showed that specific brain regions showed significant main effects for diagnosis in which autism spectrum disorders patients had more leftward asymmetry than typically developing-controls for the parahippocampal gyrus and the postcentral gyrus; specific brain regions showed significant main effects for sex in which females showed more rightward asymmetry for the middle temporal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, angular gyrus, and postcentral gyrus and minor rightward asymmetry for the superior frontal gyrus than males; significant diagnosis × sex interaction effects were identified in the angular gyrus and middle occipital gyrus. Pearson correlation analysis showed that males with autism spectrum disorders had a positive association between the asymmetry index value in the middle occipital gyrus and more significant verbal impairment measured by the revised autism diagnostic interview (r = 0.387, p = 0.026). The asymmetry index value in the parahippocampal gyrus was positively associated with more severe social impairment in females with autism spectrum disorders (r = 0.422, p = 0.020). We identified that the sex difference of gray matter asymmetry in children with autism spectrum disorders is qualitative rather than quantitative, which is relatively novel. Our findings provide the theoretical basis for conducting separate studies and using sex-specific diagnostic methods and treatments for males and females children with autism spectrum disorders.

Background: Prior research indicates that at least 35% of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia risk may be amenable to prevention. Subjective cognitive decline is often the first indication of preclinical dementia, with the risk of subsequent Alzheimer's disease in such individuals being greater in women than men. We wished to understand how modifiable factors are associated with subjective cognitive decline, and whether differences exist by sex. Methods: Data were collected from men and women (45 years and older) who completed the U.S. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Cognitive Decline Module (2015–2018), n = 216,838. We calculated population-attributable fractions for subjective cognitive decline, stratified by sex, of the following factors: limited education, deafness, social isolation, depression, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Our models were adjusted for age, race, income, employment, marital and Veteran status, and accounted for communality among risk factors. Results: The final study sample included more women (53.7%) than men, but both had a similar prevalence of subjective cognitive decline (10.6% of women versus 11.2% of men). Women and men had nearly equivalent overall population-attributable fractions to explain subjective cognitive decline (39.7% for women versus 41.3% for men). The top three contributing risk factors were social isolation, depression, and hypertension, which explained three-quarters of the overall population-attributable fraction. Conclusions: While we did not identify any differences in modifiable factors between men and women contributing to subjective cognitive decline, other factors including reproductive or endocrinological health history or biological factors that interact with sex to modify risk warrant further research. Highlights: Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) is one of the earliest noticeable symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. While there is no current cure for dementia, research indicates that at least 35% of dementia risk may be modifiable by decreasing exposures years or even decades before cognitive decline becomes clinically evident. Prior research has shown that the risk of dementia in individuals with cognitive impairment is higher in women than in men, as is the overall risk of dementia. Among a nationally representative population of over 200,000 adults, ages 45 years and older, SCD prevalence was 11% for both women and men. Women and men also had nearly equivalent overall population-attributable fractions to explain subjective cognitive decline (39.7% for women versus 41.3% for men). The top three contributing risk factors for both women and men were social isolation, depression, and hypertension, which explained three-quarters of the overall population-attributable fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the World Health Organization calling for sexuality to be recognized as an aspect of well-being, no studies have explored sexual activity and physical tenderness in older adults aged ≥ 75 years in Belgium or those aged ≥ 85 years worldwide. To assess the prevalence and predictors of sexual activity and physical tenderness in a sample of older adults. Using data from a Belgian cross-sectional study on sexual violence (UN-MENAMAIS), information on sexual activity, physical tenderness, and associated characteristics was collected during structured face-to-face interviews with older adults living in the community, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes. Cluster random probability sampling with a random route-finding approach was used to select the participants. Current sexual activity and physical tenderness in the previous 12 months, sociodemographic characteristics, chronological age, subjective age, number of sexual partners, sexual satisfaction, attitudes toward sexuality in later life, quality of life, and lifetime sexual victimisation. Among the 511 participants included, 50.3% were in a relationship, mainly living with their partner; 31.3% indicated they were sexually active; and 47.3% of sexually inactive participants reported having experienced forms of physical tenderness in the previous 12 months. Sexual activity was associated with the presence of a partner, satisfaction with sexual life, permissive attitudes regarding sexuality in later life, a younger age, and a lack of disability. Physical tenderness was associated with the presence of a partner, community residency, and permissive attitudes regarding sexuality in later life. Raising awareness among the general population, healthcare professionals, and older adults about sexuality in later life could contribute to ending this taboo and should therefore be a priority for society. Our study fills a gap in the literature regarding sexual activity and physical tenderness in older adults aged ≥ 70 years, including respondents aged up to 99 years. Additionally, we explored different forms of sexual expression beyond intercourse, and face-to-face interviews contributed to the quality of the collected data. The main limitation of this study was the sample size, although the findings were similar to recent statistical indicators in Belgium. One in 3 older adults aged ≥ 70 years living in Belgium are sexually active. These findings provide an opportunity to inform the general public and older adults about later life sexuality and to educate healthcare professionals about aging sexuality to increase discussions and avoid assumptions of asexuality in later life. Cismaru-Inescu A, Hahaut B, Adam S et al. Sexual Activity and Physical Tenderness in Older Adults: Prevalence and Associated Characteristics From a Belgian Study. J Sex Med 2022;19:569–580. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In forensic odontology, Dental Age (DA) assessment has gained popularity, since it is less variable than other indices and is less impacted by environmental variables. One of the methods used in estimating dental development is radiological method which is most practical and reliable. Aim: To compare accuracy of Demirjian's, Willems, Nolla's and modified Cameriere's DA estimation methods in young western Indian children. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, KM Shah Dental College and Hospital, Sumandeep University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, from May 2014 to May 2017. A total of 224 orthopantograms (OPGs) of children aged between 3-11 years having the anthropological roots in the western part of India, were analysed for the accuracy of the following age estimation methods: 1) Demirjian's; 2) Willems; 3) Nolla's; and 4) Modified Cameriere's method in various age group ranges and in both the genders of the study population. To avoid observer bias, each digital OPG of an individual was coded with a numerical identity number. Results were analysed using unpaired t-test and Spearman's correlation test (p-value <0.05). Results: An over estimation was observed in the Demirjian's and Willems DA estimation methods in all the age groups and both the genders, while modified Cameriere's method gave over estimation in the older age groups and approximation to the Chronological Age (CA) in younger age groups. Nolla's method proved to be the best method in study population. Conclusion: Nolla's method of age estimation was more accurate than other methods for determining the age in 3-11 years old western Indian children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]