Gender Differences Research Articles

Sex-specific differences in NAFLD development: effect of a high-sucrose diet on biochemical, histological, and genetic markers in C57bl/6N mice

ABSTRACT Sucrose intake is a potential risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Individual characteristics such as sex, play arole in the biological variation of the disease, potentially related to genetic regulation. This research evaluated sex differences in biochemical, histopathological, and gene expression responses associated with NAFLD in C57bl/6N mice on a high sucrose diet. Female and male mice were assigned to control or high sucrose diets (50% sucrose solution) for 20 weeks. After sacrifice, blood and hepatic tissue were collected for analysis. Female mice revealed moderate-to-high NAFLD, whereas male mice showed mild-to-moderate NAFLD. Sex-specific variations were observed in Cd36 gene expression, an upregulation in females compared with the male group, and Adipor1 gene expression showed significant downregulation in the female group in response to high sucrose diet compared with the control group. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender disparities in the treatment and management of NAFLD.

Signaling confidence

We study gender differences in confidence in an experimental hiring market, focusing on how signaling confidence affects the likelihood of being hired. We document that moderate (versus low) levels of confidence enhance the probability of being hired, while excessive confidence, characterized by high performance estimates and high certainty, diminishes employment prospects. Men display greater levels of confidence than women, and this gender gap widens in forward-looking scenarios, where performance estimates are provided ex ante rather than ex post. These findings provide a cautionary reminder of the potential negative consequences of signaling excessive confidence. Hence, encouraging both men and women to signal performance predictions that are aligned with reality instead of simply advising women to be more confident may well be a safer way to foster equity in labor market outcomes.

Evaluating Linear Heuristics for Ventricular Volume in Healthy Adults Using a Fully Automated Algorithm: Implications for Defining the Normal.

Linear metrics for ventricular volume play a large role in the rapid, approximate evaluation of ventricular volume. In this article, we automatically extract linear measures of ventricular volume to explore their correlation with lateral ventricular volume (LVV) in the healthy adult population and comprehensively define normal values. We automatically extract Evans' ratio (ER), Frontal-Occipital Horn Ratio (FOHR), and anteroposterior lateral ventricle index (ALVI) from an open MRI data set of healthy adults (https://brain-development.org/ixi-dataset/). Indices have been correlated with corresponding LVVs and lateral ventricular volumes divided by supratentorial brain volumes. Spearman rank correlation was used to compare strength of correlation. ER shows correlation with lateral ventricle volume based on sex (r = 0.58; men, r = 0.65; women P < .001), including when controlling for supratentorial volume (r = 0.57; men, r = 0.63). ER did not profoundly correlate with age (r = 0.29, men; r = 0.35, women; P < .001) and seemed normally distributed around 0.25. ALVI showed strong correlation with LVV with only slight gender differences (r = 0.83, men; r = 0.84, women) and LVV to supratentorial cortical volume ratio (r = 0.9, men; r = 0.86, women). FOHR was also normally distributed around a value of 0.37 and showed moderate correlation with LVV (r = 0.68, men; r = 0.73, women) and LVV to supratentorial cortical volume ratio (r = 0.69, men; r = 0.74, women). ALVI is a newer index with strong correlation with LVV and has strong potential for clinical use. Both FOHR and ER show moderate correlation with LVV. Reference values for linear estimates of ventricular volume may help clinicians better identify patients with pathological ventriculomegaly.

Gender Gap in Cardiothoracic Surgery Randomized Controlled Trial and posthoc analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial Authorship from 2014 to 2020.

To estimate gender disparities among first and last authorships in cardiothoracic randomized controlled trials(RCTs) and association of gender with publications in high impact journals. PubMed/MEDLINE database was searched from January 1st , 2014-December 31st , 2020 using R statistical software via "easyPubMed" package to retrieve pertinent data. The "gender" package was utilized to determine gender using the United States Social Security Administration Baby Name Data. The percentage of women first and last authors were computed along with determining the uniqueness of the names. The association of gender and publication in high impact peer-reviewed journals was delineated. Jonckheere'e trend was computed. The database search retrieved total of 4820 RCTs. Of which, gender was encoded for first author of 3247 [67%] RCTs, among which 911[28%] studies had women as first authors with a similar trend across seven years [P value 0.23]. Gender was encoded for last author of 3204 [66%] RCTs, of which 622 [19%] studies had women as last authors with a similar trend across seven years [P value 0.45]. A total of 627 studies were published in high impact factor journals, among which 79[16%] studies had women first authors and 67[13%] studies had women last authors. There is an obvious gender disparity of first and last authors in cardiothoracic surgery related RCTs with a similar trend across seven years. However, the post-hoc analysis did demonstrate a positive trend with increase in the number of female first authors demonstrating progress.

The effect of cinnamon supplementation on eating disorder indices among people suffering from binge eating disorder: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundBinge eating disorder is one of the main eating disorders that is characterized by recurrent binge eating episodes that lead to complications like high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, etc. Many psychological and biological factors can lead to binge eating disorder and one of the main physiological reasons is insulin resistance. Cinnamon is an old favorite that has positive effects on insulin sensitivity. So, we examined the effect of cinnamon on binge eating disorder in this study.MethodsThis study was conducted on 40 binge eating disorder patients with a BMI between 25 and 39.9 kg/m2. They were divided into two groups one of them consumed 6 g of cinnamon per day while the other group consumed 6 g of white wheat as a placebo. Before and after the study we examined weight, height, Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), and Binge Eating Scale (BES) scale in all participants and did the statistical analysis.ResultsThere were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, gender, height, weight, BMI, education, and marriage status between the two groups. There were no significant changes between BSQ, BES, weight, and height after the study either.ConclusionAccording to our findings, although the weight of the patients in the cinnamon group decreased significantly, after the end of the study, no significant difference was observed in the weight, BMI, and BAS and BSQ indices between the two groups.Trial registrationThe study protocol was registered in the Iran Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) center (IRCT code: IRCT20090822002365N26, Registration date: 2021/11/7).

Investigating gender, race, and geographic disparities in bronchus and lung cancer mortality in the United States: a comprehensive longitudinal study (1999-2020) utilizing CDC WONDER data

Background: Lung and Bronchus cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Understanding the patterns of mortality is an absolute requirement. Methods: This study analyzed Lung and Bronchus cancer-associated mortality rates from 1999 to 2020 using death certificate data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging OnLine Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER). Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs), per 100,000 people, and Annual Percentage Change (APCs) were also calculated. Results: 3,599,577 lung and bronchus cancer-related deaths occurred in patients aged&lt;1 to 85+ years between 1999-2020. Overall AAMRs declined from 59.1 in 1999 to 58.9 in 2001 (APC: -0.1364) then to 55.9 in 2005 (APC: -1.4388*) 50.5 by 2010 (APC: -2.0574*) 44.7 by 2014 (APC: -2.9497*) and 35.1 by 2020 (APC: -4.1040*). Men had higher AAMRs than women (overall AAMR men: 61.7 vs women: 38.3). AAMRs were highest among non-Hispanic (NH) Black or African American (52.7) patients followed by NH White (51.8), NH American Indian or Alaska Native (38.6), NH Asian or Pacific Islander (24.7) and Hispanic or Latino race (20.2). AAMRs varied in region (overall AAMR; South: 52.4; Midwest: 52.3; Northeast: 46.3; West: 39.1). Non-metropolitan areas had a higher AAMR (55.9) as compared to metropolitan areas (46.7). The top 90th percentile states of Lung and Bronchus cancer AAMR were Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Conclusion: An overall decreasing trend in AAMRs for lung and bronchus cancer was seen. Public health measures to regulate risk factors and precipitating events are needed.

Not All Powerful People Are Created Equal: An Examination of Gender and Pathways to Social Hierarchy Through the Lens of Social Cognition.

Across four studies (N = 816 U.S. adults), we uncovered a gender stereotype about dual pathways to social hierarchy: Men were associated with power, and women were associated with status. We detected this pattern both explicitly and implicitly in perceptions of individuals drawn from Forbes magazine's powerful people lists in undergraduate and online samples. We examined social-cognitive implications, including prominent people's degree of recognition by individuals and society, and the formation of men's and women's self-concepts. We found that power (status) ratings predicted greater recognition of men (women) and lesser recognition of women (men). In terms of the self-concept, we found that women internalized the stereotype associating women with status more than power implicitly and explicitly. Although men explicitly reported having less status and more power than women, men implicitly associated the self with status as much as power. No gender differences emerged in the desires for power and status.

Careers after COVID: examining the influence of vocational anticipatory socialization on post-pandemic career values and choices of emerging adults in the United States

ABSTRACT The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on society includes the careers and career decision-making of emerging adults. This impact could influence how emerging adults approach careers and work-life balance. Vocational anticipatory socialisation examines how sources of career information influence the career decision-making process. With the COVID-19 lockdown access to career sources was limited. The current study examines ways in which the career values of this post COVID-19 workforce in the United States have been impacted. An online survey was completed by 349 young/emerging adults. An examination of gender differences found the women to place work–life balance in higher regard than men post-COVID-19. However, male respondents now report interest in examining careers as first responders. Further, this generation reports a lack in socialisation information from the vocational anticipatory socialisation sources of part-time jobs, schools and peers which were unavailable during the pandemic.

Gender Difference in the Impact of Total Energy Intake on the Association between Low Fiber Intake and Mental Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

The effect of dietary fiber intake on mental health is controversial. This study aimed to examine the association of fiber intake with mental health in Korean adults. This cross-sectional study included 11,288 participants aged ≥40 years who participated in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (2004–2013). Fiber intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and categorized into sex-specific quintiles. Multiple logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between the lowest quintile of fiber intake and poor mental health. Mental health was assessed using acute stress perception, the Psychosocial Well-Being Index-Short Form, self-rated health, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale in Korea. Compared to those with higher fiber intake, having the lowest quintile of fiber intake was associated with higher odds of poor mental health risk, a higher risk of high-stress perception, poor psychosocial distress in males, poor psychosocial distress, and depression in females. Low fiber intake had profound negative mental health effects on males with high total energy intake and females with low total energy intake. In conclusion, there is a gender difference in the impact of total energy intake on the deleterious effect of low fiber intake on mental health.

COVID-19 and stroke in women: impact on clinical, psychosocial and research aspects.

Despite the growing interest in gender medicine, the influence of sex and gender on human diseases, including stroke, continues to be underestimated and understudied. The COVID-19 pandemic has overall impacted not only the occurrence and management of stroke but has also exacerbated sex and gender disparities among both patients and healthcare providers. This paper aims to provide an updated overview on the influence of sex and gender in stroke pathophysiology and care during COVID-19 pandemic, through biological, clinical, psychosocial and research perspectives. Gender equity and awareness of the importance of sexual differences are sorely needed, especially in times of health crisis but have not yet been achieved to date. To this purpose, the sudden yet worldwide diffusion of COVID-19 represents a unique learning experience that highlights critical unmet needs also in gender medicine. The failures of this recent past should be kept as food for thought to inspire proper strategies reducing inequalities and to address women's health and wellbeing issues, particularly in case of future pandemics.

Gender differences in citation rate: An analysis of randomized controlled trials in nephrology high impact journals over two decades.

Historically, women's scientific contributions have been under-recognized. We investigated whether the number of citations, a key metric used for academic promotions and scientific productivity, differs in nephrology high impact publications based on author's gender. We identified randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from 2000-2021 in ten high impact journals. We assessed author gender, citations, h-index, m-index, years active publishing, education, and grant funding. The main predictor of interest was the gender of the first author. The main outcome was the standardized citation count for analysis of the selected publications. Additionally, we evaluated standardized author citation counts using the author, rather than paper. Among the selected publications, women were first authors of 65 (17.1%) and men of 315 manuscripts (82.9%). In crude analyses, publications with male first authors had a significantly higher median number of standardized citations (14 vs. 10, P=0.01). Adjusted analyses revealed, the m-index (β=29.48, P≤0.01) and journal impact factor (β=0.78, P<0.001) were significantly associated with the standardized citation index. In contrast, neither the gender of the first author (βmale gender=1.42, P=0.71) nor of the last author (βmale gender=8.89, P=0.38) were significantly associated with the standardized citations. Similarly, in adjusted analyses based on author profiles, male authorship was not significantly associated with the standardized author citation number (βmale gender=-7.79, P=0.08). Our study highlights marked disparities in the overall number of women publishing high impact nephrology trials and the number of papers with women scientists as first authors of high impact trials in the nephrology literature. Although crude citation rates were lower in papers with female first authors, the gender of the first author was not independently associated with citation metrics. Addressing gender disparities in academic recognition requires nuanced approaches extending beyond authorship and a broader focus on complex factors that influence academic recognition and scientific contributions.

Exercise improves load bearing bone structural properties in female secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) null mice but not in males.

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is the most abundant glycoprotein in bone and is thought to play a critical role in bone remodeling and homeostasis. However, the effect of SPARC in relation to gender and exercise on bone quality is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to quantify differences in the structural and biomechanical properties between calvarial and femoral bone from male and female wild-type (WT) and SPARC null (SPARC(-/-)) mice as well as the ability of exercise to rescue bone health. Male and female WT and transgenic SPARC(-/-) mice were given either a fixed or rotating running wheel for exercise. Bone structural, biomechanical, and morphological parameters were quantified using micro computed tomography, push out testing for the calvaria, three-point flexural testing for the femurs, histological and immunofluorescent staining. Similar reductions in structural and biomechanical strength were observed in both male and female SPARC(-/-) calvaria, most of which were not significantly affected by exercise. In femurs, SPARC(-/-) had a significant effect on structural parameters in both sexes, but was more pronounced in females with some properties being rescued with running. Interestingly, the effect of SPARC(-/-) on bone mineral density was only detected in female SPARC(-/-) mice, not males, and was subsequently rescued with exercise. This study emphasizes the differences between sexes in WT and SPARC(-/-) mice in regard to structural parameters and biomechanical properties. Research into gender differences can help inform and personalize treatment options to more accurately meet patient needs.

Characterising repetitive behaviours in children and adolescents with Down syndrome.

Individuals with intellectual disability, including people with Down syndrome (DS), often exhibit restricted and repetitive behaviours (RRBs). However, RRBs have not been deeply characterised in children and adolescents with DS. The study encompassed a cohort of 151 participants aged 4 to 18years with DS. RRBs were assessed utilising the Repetitive Behaviour Scale-Revised. Additionally, data pertaining to cognitive and adaptive functioning, linguistic abilities, sleep patterns and emotional/behavioural issues were gathered. Self-injurious behaviours were reported less frequently whereas parents most commonly endorsed items related to behaviours associated with the need for sameness and ritualistic behaviours. We observed very few gender differences, whereas some age-related differences emerged, with adolescents exhibiting higher scores in items related with higher-level RRBs. The analysis of the association between RRBs and clinical features revealed that RRBs were associated with parent-reported sleep difficulties, as well as with internalising and externalising problems. We also observed a negative correlation with IQ whereas associations with adaptive skills emerged mainly for lower-level RRBs, such as motor stereotypies. Finally, RRBs were negatively associated with linguistic abilities, both expressive and receptive. RRBs in children and adolescents with DS are of significant clinical interest due to their associations with various clinical dimensions. Therefore, psychological and neuropsychiatric assessment should include an accurate evaluation of RRBs for young people with DS.

Gender differences in school principals’ ethical decision-making processes

PurposeThis study will examine the school principals’ ethical decision-making processes and to explore gender-related differences.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a mixed-method research design, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with a sample of 10 male and 10 female principals, who were presented with ethical dilemma scenarios. The qualitative component utilized a phenomenological analysis, while additional quantitative analyses were performed on the same dataset to explore gender-related differences.FindingsOur analysis of principals' ethical evaluations identified three key areas where gender-related differences were evident: decision-making approaches, leadership styles, and philosophy/value orientations. The analysis revealed that women more frequently employed personal approaches, while men favored institutional approaches in their ethical evaluations. Secondly, men tended to adopt a democratic style, while women leaned towards an autocratic style. Finally, men exhibited a relativist orientation, while women displayed an idealist orientation in their ethical decision-making processes.Originality/valueGender-based analysis of school principals’ ethical decision-making process has remained an under-researched area. This study contributes to the understanding of gender-related differences in principals’ ethical decision-making processes.

A modified arthroscopic en masse suture bridge repair is effective for delaminated rotator cuff tears.

This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of delaminated rotator cuff tears (RCTs) and evaluate the clinical outcomes of a modified arthroscopic en masse suture bridge repair for delaminated RCTs. Patients with full-thickness RCTs, who underwent arthroscopic suture bridge repair with a minimum 2-year follow-up, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence of delamination. Delaminated RCTs were treated using a modified en masse suture bridge technique, while nondelaminated RCTs received a conventional suture bridge technique. Preoperative and postoperative Constant scores and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were determined to evaluate clinical outcomes. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was carried out to identify the integrity and retear of the repaired rotator cuff. A total of 172 patients were included in our study cohort, in which 67 (39%) delaminated RCTs were confirmed intraoperatively. The prevalence of delamination was significantly higher in large tears (53/102, 52%) compared to medium tears (14/70, 20%) (p < 0.001). No significant differences in age (n.s.) or gender (n.s.) were observed between the two groups. Both groups showed significant improvements in Constant and ASES scores postoperatively (both p < 0.001), with no significant differences between the groups (n.s.). The retear rates were 2/67 (3.0%) in the delamination group and 3/105 (2.9%) in the nondelamination group, showing no significant difference (n.s.). The modified arthroscopic en masse suture bridge technique was effective for repairing delaminated RCTs, yielding favourable clinical outcomes comparable to those of nondelaminated tears. Level IV.

Assessment of seasonal variations in dry eye syndrome prevalence among office workers

Background: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is prevalent among office workers and influenced by various environmental and individual factors. This study assesses the prevalence, seasonal variations, symptom severity, and environmental influences on DES among office workers. Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of DES among office workers in Warangal, Telangana, India, and to evaluate the impact of seasonal variations, symptom severity, and environmental factors on DES. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 office workers aged 25–55 years old. Data were collected through questionnaires on DES symptoms, environmental conditions, and demographics. The prevalence of DES was calculated, and seasonal variations were analyzed. Symptom severity was recorded on a scale from 1 to 10. Environmental factors such as humidity, air-conditioning use, screen time, and indoor air quality were examined for their correlation with DES prevalence. Results: The overall prevalence of DES was 45%, with females showing a higher prevalence (50%) compared to males (37.5%). Seasonal variations showed the highest DES prevalence in winter (40%) and the lowest in summer (16%). Symptom severity scores were highest in winter (6.5 overall) and lowest in summer (3.8 overall). Low humidity in winter was associated with a 55% prevalence of DES, especially among females (65%). High air-conditioning use in summer correlated with a lower DES prevalence (12.5%). Increased screen time (&gt;6 h/day) resulted in a 60% prevalence of DES, with seasonal peaks in winter (65%). Poor indoor air quality was reported by 70% of participants and linked to a 50% prevalence of DES. Conclusion: The study highlights significant gender differences, seasonal variations, and environmental factors impacting DES prevalence and severity among office workers. Interventions focusing on improving workplace conditions, managing screen time, and enhancing indoor air quality may mitigate DES symptoms.

Nierówność płci w wychowaniu i resocjalizacji młodzieży w perspektywie badań przedstawicieli oświaty, resocjalizacji i pracy socjalnej

My interest in issues of social inequality, in particular gender inequality, as well as my desire to understand the gender differences I observed in the causes of girls’ placement in the Youth Education Centre, contributed to my research and this follow-up article. Studies have been carried out as qualitative research. The researcher, applying an instruction manual, interviewed eight representatives of education, resocialization, and social work. The interviews concerned social inequality and the situation of contemporary youth. The main research problem was the question of how representatives of education, resocialization, and social work perceive girls’ and boys’ behaviour and correction applied to them due to gender? Analysis and interpretation of the interviewees’ opinions indicated a meaning of the internalized gender image. Moreover, the research can help realize that the disproportionately high number of women working in education, resocialization, and social issues has an impact on the reproduction of cultural patterns and social standards, which further consolidates gender inequality.

Exploring the Factors that Facilitate Gender Disparity in Access to Fertile Farmlands in Nadowli-Kaleo District

The paper explores the factors contributing to gender disparity in access to fertile farmlands in the Nadowli-Kaleo district. It highlights the significant imbalance in land ownership between men and women, influenced by cultural norms, inheritance practices, and patriarchal systems. The study emphasizes the need for interventions to promote gender equity in land ownership and empower women economically. The research employed a case study design to investigate the specific phenomenon of gender disparities in land access in the Nadowli-Kaleo district. This approach allowed for an in-depth exploration of sociocultural, economic, and environmental factors contributing to the gender gap in land ownership. Purposive selection was used to choose 198 participants for the study. The study focused on individuals residing in the Nadowli-Kaleo district, particularly those involved in agriculture and land ownership. The participants ranged from 24 to 65 years old, providing diverse perspectives on the issue of gender disparities in access to farmland. Face-to-face interviews with the assistance of interview guides were utilized to collect data from the participants. The data collected were transcribed, organized, and presented with relevant quotations to support the findings. The study revealed a significant gender disparity in land ownership, with men predominantly owning larger tracts of farmland compared to women who typically owned 1-3 acres or none at all. Factors such as gender, kinship, marital status, and cultural customs were identified as influencing access to land in the district. Based on the findings, recommendations were made.

Looking at the Gender Disparity in Interventional Radiology: A Scoping Review.

The underrepresentation of women within Interventional Radiology (IR) is profound. This scoping review aims to evaluate the current literature on gender disparity within IR. To uncover relevant themes and research gaps to inform future research and to recommend changes aimed at increasing application and retention of women in IR. A review of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science was conducted. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to gather all relevant literature. Thematic analysis of included literature highlighted themes and commonalities between papers. Of 396 articles only 15 met the inclusion criteria. Many papers were excluded due to their lack of relevance to the topic. Thematic analysis identified six themes radiation exposure, mentorship, male dominance, work-life balance, research, and early exposure to IR. Recommendations relating to each theme have been made. Establishing a high-quality mentoring scheme, for medical students, is the priority. Followed by accurate information, regarding radiation safety and teaching opportunities provided by medical schools and placement trusts, to demonstrate the value of IR and the need for a representative workforce.

Breaking the Gender Imbalance: Female Presence in the Computational Chemistry Group at Viva Biotech.

The growing field of computational chemistry and artificial intelligence is drawing unprecedented attention in drug discovery. However, the underrepresentation of female scientists persists in the field. While the gender disparity is acknowledged in academic settings, the issue is less addressed and intensifies in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry both at the entry-level and leadership positions. At Viva Biotech, we challenge this norm: over 60% of the full-time employees in our computational chemistry group are women, a testament of our commitment to the pursuit of gender equality. We share our vision of the evolving role of computational chemistry in drug discovery and where women stand and rise in the field. In this article, we discuss how we engage female empowerment with tactical approaches and from personal experiences. The intention is to offer actionable guidance for female computational chemists at early career stages to bring visibility to their impacts, and ascent to senior positions.