Female Research Articles

Predictors of Utilization Frequency of and Expenditure Amount for Chiropractic Care in U.S. Adults: A Retrospective Cohort Study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the prospective associations of baseline personal characteristics with utilization frequency and expenditure of chiropractic care in US adults (≥18 years). MethodsData are from the 1358 respondents to the 2014 to 2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey who utilized chiropractic care. Individual, familial, health-related, and behavioral factors were included as covariates in the multivariate analytic model. Poisson and multinominal logistic regressions were modeled to examine the associations between the predictors and chiropractic utilization and expenditure. ResultsThe mean annual number of visits was 8.2 visits (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.9, 8.5), with annual expenditure of $677.43 U.S. dollars (95% CI: $595.47-$759.39) and $84.84 (95% CI: $77.89-$91.78) per visit. Female sex was associated with a 19% higher number of visits (rate ratio [RR] = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.41) than males. Publicly insured and uninsured were associated with a 44% higher (RR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.82) and 36% lower (RR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.86) visit frequency, respectively, than those privately insured. Rheumatoid arthritis was associated with 7.38 times the risk of high expenditure (95% CI: 2.61, 24.67) than medium expenditure, compared to no arthritis. Relative to physically active individuals, physical inactivity was associated with a 27% higher visit frequency (RR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.49) and an 82% higher risk (relative risk ratio = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.14) of high expenditure than low expenditure. ConclusionThis analysis found distinct usage and expenditure patterns that vary according to specific baseline predictors. Female sex, being publicly insured, having rheumatoid arthritis, and physically inactive were associated with variance in expenditure. Results from this study may help identify chiropractic patients with tendencies for higher utilization or spending and may indirectly assist in predicting patients with slower response to care.

Analysis of computed tomography venography for the diagnosis and endovascular treatment of iliac venous compression syndrome with venous leg ulcers: a retrospective study

Iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) is a clinical condition defined as obstruction of the iliac vein caused by chronic compression imposed by various causes. Currently, the clinical role of computed tomography venography (CTV) in the diagnosis of IVCS is unclear. Accurately diagnosing IVCS using CTV may enhance the understanding of the pathological anatomy of iliac veins, which may lead to better treatment outcomes, especially for recalcitrant venous leg ulcers (VLU). We aimed to investigate diagnostic criteria, contributing clinical factors, and stenting for IVCS with VLU in this study. CTV, digital subtraction angiography (DSV), and Doppler ultrasound (DUS) data were obtained from the medical and imaging records of 62 patients. Additionally, contributing factors and stenting for IVCS were analysed. Patients (100%) had clinical, aetiological, anatomic, or pathological C6 disease. CTV reduced the procedure time and contrast medium dose and provided more information than DSV. Risk factors for IVCS with VLU included female sex (P = 0.036) and advanced age (P = 0.014). The rate of ulcer healing was lower in the IVCS group without stent implantation (P = 0.020). Significant improvements were noted in venous clinical severity scores (P < 0.001) and chronic venous insufficiency questionnaire-20 scores (P < 0.001) after stenting for IVCS with C6 ulcers. CTV provides a more accurate diagnosis than DUS and DSV and allows detection of possible causes of IVCS. Female sex and advanced age were potential contributing factors for IVCS. Satisfactory outcomes were observed with stenting in the treatment of IVCS with C6 ulcers.

Pregnancy Among Reported Lyme Disease Cases-United States, 1992-2019.

Lyme disease (LD), the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, typically presents with a localised erythema migrans rash (EM). Left untreated, infection can disseminate to cause severe heart, joint or nervous system manifestations. Summaries of LD surveillance data have been published previously but did not include the frequency, demographic or clinical characteristics of LD cases during pregnancy. We summarised confirmed and probable LD cases by pregnancy status as reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during 1992-2019. We defined an LD case during pregnancy as one with (1) female sex, (2) age 14-49 years and (3) positive pregnancy indication. We evaluated the frequency, seasonality, age distribution, race and ethnicity, geographic distribution and clinical manifestations of LD cases during pregnancy and cases among non-pregnant females. We compared proportions using chi-squared tests. Among 698,876 reported LD cases, 112,002 (16%) were confirmed or probable cases among females aged 14-49 years; 32,301 (29%) were specifically reported as non-pregnant and 643 (0.6%) (568 confirmed and 75 probable cases) reported as pregnant. Illness onset peaked in June among LD cases during pregnancy, but in July for cases among non-pregnant females. A higher proportion of confirmed LD cases during pregnancy had only EM rash than did cases among non-pregnant females (66% vs. 60%, p = 0.019). LD cases during pregnancy are rare. Compared to non-pregnant females, cases among pregnant females more commonly involve early clinical manifestations. These patterns could suggest earlier detection or more complete reporting of LD cases during pregnancy than their non-pregnant counterparts. Earlier detection could be due to frequent contact with healthcare or increased self-advocacy during pregnancy. Prompt antimicrobial treatment is critical for preventing severe disease and reducing risk of adverse pregnancy or birth outcomes.

Epidemiology of Patient Record Duplication.

Duplicate patient records can increase cost and medical errors. We assessed the association between demographic factors, comorbidities, healthcare usage and duplicate electronic health records. We analyzed the association between duplicate patient records and multiple demographic variables (race, Hispanic ethnicity, sex and age) as well as Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), number of diagnoses, and number of healthcare encounters. The study population included 3,018,413 patients seen at a large urban academic medical center with at least one recorded diagnosis. Duplication of patient medical records was determined by using a previously validated enterprise Master Person Index. Unknown or missing demographic data, Black race when compared to White Race (OR 1.35, p < 0.001), Hispanic compared to non-Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.48, p < 0.001), older age (OR 1.01, p < 0.001), and "Other" sex compared to female sex (OR 4.71, p < 0.001) were associated with higher odds of having a duplicate record. Comorbidities (CCI, OR 1.10, p < 0.001) and more encounters with the health care system (OR 1.01, p < 0.001) were also associated with higher odds of having a duplicate record. In contrast, male sex compared to female sex was associated with lower odds of having a duplicate record (OR 0.88, p < 0.001). The odds of duplications in medical records were higher in Black, Hispanic, older, non-male patients with more healthcare encounters, more comorbidities, and unknown demographic data. Understanding the epidemiology of duplicate records can help guide prevention and mitigation efforts for high-risk populations. Duplicate records can contribute to disparities in health care outcomes in minority populations.

Prevalence and associations of parapapillary scleral ridges: the Beijing Eye Study

PurposeTo explore the prevalence and associated factors of parapapillary scleral ridges (PSRs).MethodsOut of the cohort of the population-based Beijing Eye Study (n=3468 participants), the study included all eyes with an...

Predictive Blood Biomarkers of Targeted Intervention for Chronic Mental Health Symptoms following Traumatic Brain Injury.

The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of predictive blood biomarkers in predicting responsiveness to targeted treatments for chronic psychological issues years after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Targeted Evaluation Action and Monitoring of TBI (TEAM-TBI) was a prospective six-month interventional trial of participants with chronic TBI sequelae (n=95). Plasma biomarkers were analyzed pre-intervention: glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), tau, hyperphosphorylated tau Thr231 (p-Tau), von Willebrand factor (vWF), brain lipid binding protein (BLBP), ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1), vascular endothelial growth factor-a (VEGFa) and claudin-5 (CLDN5). Clinical outcomes included the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18). Regression models were built for change in PCL5/BSI-18. Biomarkers and covariates were included. Two models were built to identify responders (improved beyond the minimum clinically important difference). The model to predict change in PCL5 (R2=0.64; p<0.001) included vWF ( p=0.032), BLBP (p=0.001), tau (p=0.002), VEGFa (p=0.015), female sex (p=0.06) and military status (p=0.014).The model to predict change in BSI-18 (R2=0.42; p=0.003) included vWF (p=0.042), VEGFa (p=0.09), BLBP (p=0.01), CLDN5 (p<0.001), female sex (p=0.012), and military status (p=0.004) as predictors. The model to differentiate participants who improved for PCL5 (R2=0.68; p<0.001; AUC=0.93) included vWF (p=0.02), VEGFa (p=0.008), and BLBP (p=0.006). The model to differentiate participants who improved for BSI-18 (R2=0.25; p=0.04; AUC=0.75) included UCH-L1 (p=0.03), GFAP (p=0.06), and vWF (p=0.03). Combinations of pre-intervention blood biomarkers were able to differentiate responders from non-responders in both post-traumatic stress and overall psychological health domains.

Detection of antiretroviral drug-resistant mutations and HIV-1 subtypes in circulation among men who have sex with men, SEM females and female sex workers: results of Vietnam's HIV Sentinel Surveillance Plus (HSS+) system, 2018 - 2020.

HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) can reduce the effectiveness of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in preventing morbidity and mortality, limit options for treatment, and prevention. Our study aimed to assess HIV-1 subtypes and HIVDR among key populations in HIV Sentinel Surveillance Plus Behavior (HSS+) in 2018 and 2020. One-stage venue-based cluster sampling was used to recruit participants at hotspots identified for Men who have sex with men (MSM) in 7 provinces and SEM females and female sex worker (FSW) in 13 provinces. Participants completed a standard questionnaire about risk and preventive behaviors, and ART history, and provided intravenous blood for HIV testing. HIVDR testing was conducted on HIV-positive samples with VL >1,000 copies/ml. A total of 185/435 (42.5%) HIV-positive samples had viral load ≥1,000 copies/ml, of which 130/136 from MSM and 26/49 from FSW, were successfully sequenced. Six HIV-1 subtypes were detected (CRF01_AE, A, CRF07/08_BC, B, C, CRF25_cpx), with CRF01_AE (82.7%, 129/156) the most common. Drug resistance mutations were detected in 16.7% of participants overall (26/156), in 15.4% (20/130) of MSM, and in 23.1% (6/26) of FSW. Mutations associated with resistance to NNRTI were the most frequently detected (73.1%, 19/26). The high level of resistance was presented in NNRTI and NRTI classes. There are 10 major resistance mutations detected with NRTI (M184VI-25.0%, K65KR-50.0%, Y115F-25%), NNRTI (K103N-21.1%, E138A-10.5%, V106M-5.3%, K101E-5.3%, G190A-5.3%) PI (L33F-40.0%, M46L-20.0%). Vietnam's HSS+ system identified an emerging strain of HIV-1 and mutations associated with resistance to multiple drug classes among MSM and FSW.

Incidence of contrast-induced neurotoxicity following endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a single-centre cohort study.

Contrast-induced neurotoxicity (CIN) is a recognised complication of endovascular procedures and has been increasingly observed in recent years. Amongst other clinical gaps, the precise incidence of CIN is unclear, particularly following intracranial interventional procedures. A retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing elective endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) was performed. Patients with previously ruptured aneurysms were excluded. The primary aim of this study was to determine the incidence of CIN following endovascular UIA treatment. Our secondary aim was to isolate potential predictive factors for developing CIN. From 2017 to 2023, a total of 158 patients underwent endovascular UIA treatment, with a median age of 64 years (IQR: 54-72), and 70.3% of female sex. Over the study period, the crude incidence of CIN was 2.5% (95% CI: 0.7 - 6.4%). The most common clinical manifestation of CIN was confusion (75%) and seizures (50%). Statistical analysis was conducted, and prolonged procedural duration was found be significantly associated with developing CIN (OR 12.55; p = 0.030). Clinicians should be aware of the risk of CIN following endovascular neurointervention, particularly following technically challenging cases resulting in prolonged procedural time.

External Validation of a Vision Prognostication Tool for Vision Loss After Plaque Brachytherapy

Introduction Vision loss remains a significant concern for patients undergoing radiation treatment for uveal melanoma. Herein, we identify predictors of vision loss after plaque brachytherapy at our academic medical center and, using this independent data set, evaluate a published vision prognostication tool. Methods A retrospective chart review identified 252 posterior uveal melanoma patients treated with iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy from 2013 to 2018. Interval-censored nonparametric survival analysis estimated risk for moderate (&amp;lt;20/50) and severe (&amp;lt;20/200) vision loss at 3- and 5-years post-brachytherapy. Factors affecting vision loss were evaluated using interval-censored proportional hazards regression models. The prognostication tool was evaluated using a receiver operating curve and comparing predicted risk to observed risk. Results Increased age, tumor height and radiation dose to optic disc were associated with vision loss for patients with baseline VA ≥ 20/50. For those with baseline VA ≥ 20/200, risk factors included dose to optic disc, female sex and baseline vision worse than 20/50. The vision prognostication tool demonstrated a moderate ability to differentiate patients with 3-year vision &amp;lt; 20/200, with an area under the curve of 0.75. Conclusion The vision prognostication tool was predictive for vision loss but generally overestimated risk, possibly reflecting evolving practice patterns including anti-VEGF use for radiation retinopathy.

Association of female sex with cataract surgery in the general population but not in plaque brachytherapy-treated uveal melanoma patients

Cataract is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, necessitating a deeper understanding of its risk factors. We analyzed two cohorts: 1000 individuals from the general Swedish population and 933 patients who received plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanoma. Using Kaplan-Meier and cumulative incidence analyses, as well as Cox and competing risk regressions, we assessed whether there is a relationship between sex and cataract surgery. In the general population, female sex was a significant risk factor for cataract surgery, with a 10-year incidence of 16% compared to 10% for males (subdistribution hazard ratio adjusted for age, 1.35, P < 0.001). In the brachytherapy cohort, female sex was not associated with an increased incidence of cataract surgery, with a 10-year incidence of 25% versus 23% for males (HR 1.08, P = 0.61). Visual acuity at the time of cataract surgery did not significantly differ between sexes in either cohort, suggesting that differences in surgery rates are not due to health-seeking behavior or surgery assessment thresholds. These findings indicate that female sex is associated with a higher risk of cataract surgery in the general population, but not among those treated with plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanoma.

Determinants of long-term survival in patients with IDH-mutant gliomas.

Survival times of patients with IDH-mutant gliomas are variable and can extend to decades. Many studies provide progression-free rather than overall survival times and prognostic factors remain ill-defined. Here we explored characteristics of short- and long-term survivors within a cohort of patients with extended follow-up. This single-center, case-control study included 86 patients diagnosed between 1998 and 2023 who either died within 6 years after diagnosis or survived at least 15 years. Patient characteristics and prognostic factors were stratified by short- (< 6 years) versus long-term (≥ 15 years) survival. Forty-seven patients (55%) diagnosed with astrocytoma and 39 patients (45%) with oligodendroglioma were included retrospectively. Median follow-up of the survivors was 16.6 years (range 15-28.9). Thirty-four deaths (40%) had been reported at database closure. Long-term survival was associated with CNS WHO grade 2 (p < 0.01), smaller tumor volumes (p = 0.01), lack of contrast enhancement (p < 0.01), wait-and-scan strategies (p < 0.01) and female sex (p = 0.04). In multivariate analyses for oligodendroglioma, larger T2 tumor volumes were associated with shorter survival (HR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.05; p = 0.04). In patients with astrocytoma, lack of contrast enhancement (HR 0.38; 95% CI 0.15-0.94; p = 0.04) and wait-and-scan strategies (HR 5.75; 95% CI 1.66-26.61; p = 0.01) were associated with longer survival. Large T2 tumor volume and contrast enhancement may be important risk factors for shorter survival, while age might be of lesser importance. Wait-and-scan strategies may yield excellent long-term survival in some patients with astrocytoma.

Complication frequency of mechanical chest compression devices: A single-center, blinded study using retrospective data

AimUse of mechanical chest compression devices for patients with cardiac arrest is increasing. As cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines and LUCAS are updated, the evidence requires updating. MethodsThis single-center, retrospective study observed adult patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receiving CPR from emergency services. Patients were assigned to LUCAS or manual CPR groups, matched by propensity score, and evaluated through computed tomography images by a radiologist blinded to their data. The primary outcome was complications from chest compressions, and logistic regression was used to analyze their risk factors. ResultsOverall, 261 patients were selected and divided into manual and LUCAS groups (n = 69 each). The manual CPR group exhibited higher witnessed cardiac arrest percentages (p = 0.023) and shorter times from scene to emergency department (p = 0.001) and total CPR duration (p = 0.002), versus the LUCAS group. Complication rates showed no significant intergroup differences in overall CPR complications (p = 0.462); however, the LUCAS group reported more hemothorax incidents (p = 0.028), versus the manual group. Logistic regression indicated that female sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.743, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.333–10.506), older age (OR 1.089, 95 % CI 1.048–1.132), and longer CPR durations (OR 1.045, 95 % CI 1.006–1.085) significantly correlated with compression complications, whereas LUCAS use did not (OR 0.713, 95 % CI 0.304–1.673). ConclusionNo association was observed between LUCAS use and the overall incidence of chest compression complications in adults with OHCA. LUCAS is associated with more hemothorax cases and longer transport time, versus manual CPR. Evaluating LUCAS’s benefits necessitates multiple perspectives and further research.

Factors associated with loss and recovery of smell and taste after COVID-19 infection.

To identify predictors associated with loss and recovery of smell and taste after COVID-19 infection. The Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) 2021 National Health Interview Series (NHIS) database was used to analyze factors associated with loss and recovery of smell and taste in respondents who had a previous COVID-19 infection. Significant variables from univariate analysis were included in a stepwise backward regression model to identify independent predictors. Of the 3844 individuals who answered yes to having contracted COVID-19, 51.1% and 48.9% reported losing smell and taste, respectively. 95.7% recovered smell and 97% recovered taste. Predictors associated with higher odds of reporting a loss of smell included younger age (odds ratio [OR] 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98-0.99), female sex (OR 1.38; CI 1.17-1.63), use of e-cigarettes (OR 1.59; CI 1.25-2.02), and Mexican ethnicity (OR 1.61; CI 1.22-2.11). Predictors of taste loss were younger age (OR 0.98; CI 0.98-0.99), female sex (OR 1.31; CI 1.08-1.58), and higher BMI (OR 1.02; CI 1.00-1.04). Female sex was associated with decreased odds of reporting a recovery of smell (OR 0.74; CI 0.59-0.92) and taste (OR 0.54; CI 0.42-0.69). Black/African American race (OR 1.44; CI 1.03-2.03) and non-Mexican Hispanic ethnicities (OR 1.55; CI 1.02-2.34) were associated with an increased likelihood of reporting the recovery of smell. Various factors may be associated with the loss and recovery of smell and taste after COVID-19 infections. Clinicians may use this information to better counsel patients with these symptoms. 4.

Does the Risk of Hypersensitivity Reactions to Iopromide Differ by Sex, Race or across Regions/Countries? An Analysis of 152,233 Patients from Four Observational Studies and the Company's Pharmacovigilance Database.

To analyze the potential impact of patients' sex, race and region/country on the risk of hypersensitivity reactions after intra-venous or intra-arterial administration of iopromide. Two analyses were performed. 1.) The "Phase-IV-Analysis" evaluated an integrated pooled database of 4 non-interventional studies. 2.) The "GPV-Analysis" evaluated case reports from the company's pharmacovigilance database.The Phase-IV-Analysis was a nested case-control analysis of patients who received an injection of iopromide 300/370 mg iodine/mL. Cases had typical/unequivocal HSRs as defined by the ACR Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media 2018.The GPV-Analysis was based on HSR case reports in the company database. Exposure estimates were derived from sales/market research data. The Phase-IV-Analysis comprised 152,233 patients from 37 countries. In the full-analysis-set 145,033, 59,412 and146,649 patients were included in the sex, race and region/country cohort, respectively. The GPV-Analysis was based on 78.72 million administrations for sex and 118.56 million administrations for region/country. No GPV exposure data by race was available. Phase-IV-Analysis: The HSR-incidence was significantly higher for women (0.72%) vs. men (0.55%) (p ≤ 0.0001). The unadjusted odds ratio (OR) was 1.3 (CI 1.154; 1.499), the adjusted OR was 1.156 (CI 1.006; 1.328) (p = 0.04).GPV-Analysis: Reporting rates were 0.0102% for women and 0.0075% for men (p < 0.0001). OR: 1.36 (CI 1.3; 1.43). Phase-IV-Analysis: No significantly different HSR incidences for white (0.70%) and Asian (0.61%) patients (p = 0.3094) were detected. Phase-IV-Analysis: The overall world HSR-incidence was 0.62%. Europe: 0.52%, Asia: 0.70%, USA: 0.75%, Germany: 0.51%, China: 0.41%, South Korea: 0.76%.GPV-Analysis: The overall world HSR-reporting rate was 0.015%, varying across regions/countries. Women showed a slightly higher risk for HSRs than men. Impact of race was not found. HSR-reporting varied by region/country. Risk for HSRs was increased by female sex but not by race or region/country.

Patient sex and use of tranexamic acid in liver transplantation

BackgroundDifferences in medical treatment between women and men are common and involve out-of-hospital emergency care, the intensity of pain treatment, and the use of antifibrinolytic treatment in emergency trauma patients. If woman and man receive different antifibrinolytic treatment in highly-standardized major transplant surgery is unknown.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study on patients who underwent liver transplantation at Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany between 2004 and 2017. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine if sex is associated with the administration of TXA during liver transplantation. Secondary endpoints included venous thrombotic complications, graft failure, mortality, myocardial infarction, hepatic artery thrombosis, and stroke within the first 30 days after liver transplant as well as length of hospital stay and length of intensive care unit stay.ResultsOut of 779 patients who underwent liver transplantation, 262 patients received TXA. Female sex was not associated with intraoperative administration of TXA [adjusted OR: 0.929 (95% CI 0.654; 1.320), p = 0.681]. The secondary endpoints graft failure (13.2% vs. 8.4%, women vs. men, p = 0.039), pulmonary embolism (3.4% vs. 0.9%, women vs. men, p = 0.012), stroke (1.7% vs. 0.4%, women vs. men, p = 0.049), and deep vein thrombosis (0.8% vs. 0%, women vs. men, p = 0.031) within 30 days after liver transplantation were more frequent in women. Mortality, myocardial infarction, and other secondary endpoints did not differ between groups. However, in women, the use of TXA was associated with a lower rate in thromboembolic complications.ConclusionOur data indicate that different from other scenarios with massive bleeding complications the administration of TXA during liver transplantation is not associated with sex. However, sex is associated with the risk for complications, and in woman TXA might have a preventive effect on the rate of thromboembolic complications. Reasons underlying the observed sex bias rate remain uncertain.

Do acute mountain sickness and psychiatric disorders show overlapping symptoms?

The Lake Louise Score (LLS) is a common tool for diagnosing acute mountain sickness (AMS) after a recent gain in altitude. Required symptoms (headache, dizziness, fatigue or gastrointestinal symptoms) are unspecific, subjective and not detectable by physiological parameters. (Talks et al., 2022; Boos et al., 2018) This study aimed to enhance present knowledge concerning the impact of mental health on LLS. In a cross-sectional questionnaire study, we assessed 3 groups: 100 inpatients (Ward for psychosomatic medicine – Innsbruck, PSY), 73 mentally healthy individuals (Innsbruck, Austria at an altitude of 570 m, CO) and 223 mountaineers in Nepal (Pheriche 4,371 m and Dingboche 4,410 m, NEPAL). Beside social demographics and LLS 2018 (cutoff for LLS-positivity: LLS ≥ 3 including at least 1 point for headache), we examined symptoms of anxiety (Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale [SAS], General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire 7 [GAD-7]), affective states (International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short form [I-PANAS-SF]) and sleep (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]). In this preliminary analysis, the average age was 39 ± 16 years in PSY, 34 ± 16 years in CO and 40 ± 14 years in NEPAL. Gender distribution showed greater portion of women in PSY and CO (PSY: 72% female 24% male 3% non-binary, CO: 64% female 36% male) contrary to NEPAL (36% female 64% male). At sea level, 67% scored LLS-positive in PSY and 12% in CO (Fishers exact test, p &lt; 0.001). In NEPAL 25% met AMS-criteria by LLS. CO and NEPAL score significantly lower in LLS than PSY (ANOVA: diff = -3.70, p &lt; 0.0001; diff = -3.68, p &lt; 0.0001, respectively). PSY and CO showed significant weak to moderate correlations (Spearman-Rho, p &lt; 0.001) of anxiety (SAS, GAD), affective states (I-PANAS-SF) and sleep impairment (ISI) with LLS-sum. NEPAL showed significant very-weak to weak correlations of insomnia, anxiety and negative affect with LLS-sum. Using logistic regression analysis (Figure 1), higher odds of LLS-positivity are significantly associated with insomnia and anxiety (ISI, SAS) in PSY, with anxiety in CO (SAS) and insomnia and negative affect in NEPAL. While of course a recent gain in altitude is a prerequisite for the diagnosis of AMS this study shows that patients with pre-existing mental illness at low altitude score more frequently false-positive on the LLS than a mentally healthy cohort. Symptoms of anxiety, negative affect and sleep disturbance can affect the AMS-defining questionnaire of LLS both at sea level and at high altitude. There is still uncertainty on a possible common pathophysiological pathway of psychiatric diseases and AMS since there is no Gold Standard in diagnosing AMS. Concerning (well-)established risk-factors for AMS like speed of ascent (Berger et al., 2023) and female sex (Hou et al., 2019), we see no evident data. The data presented here suggest that strength of expression of negative affect can cause positive LLS scoring. Acute mountain sickness and psychiatric disorders show overlapping symptoms at sea level. At high altitudes, negative affect seems to be a possible cause for the development of AMS. Further research focus should be placed on mountaineers in high altitude with psychiatric disorders and their mental state.

Female sex bias in Iberian megalithic societies through bioarchaeology, aDNA and proteomics

Uncertainties regarding traditional osteological methods in biological sex estimation can often be overcome with genomic and proteomic analyses. The combination of the three methodologies has been used for a better understanding of the gender-related funerary rituals at the Iberian megalithic cemetery of Panoría. As a result, 44 individuals have been sexed including, for the first time, non-adults. Contrary to the male bias found in many Iberian and European megalithic monuments, the Panoría population shows a clear sex ratio imbalance in favour of females, with twice as many females as males. Furthermore, this imbalance is found regardless of the criterion considered: sex ratio by tomb, chronological period, method of sex estimation, or age group. Biological relatedness was considered as possible sociocultural explanations for this female-related bias. However, the current results obtained for Panoría are indicative of a female-centred social structure potentially influencing rites and cultural traditions.

Distinct characteristics of various autoimmune liver diseases: A 22‐year hospital‐based study in Taiwan

AbstractBackground and AimThe characteristics of autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs), including primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and PBC‐AIH overlap syndrome (OS), have rarely been investigated and compared in Asia.MethodsAt the Taiwan tertiary referral center, 330 PBC patients (87% treated with ursodeoxycholic acid [UDCA]), 143 AIH patients (94.4% treated with immunosuppressive therapy [IST]) and 21 PBC‐AIH OS patients (85.7% treated with UDCA and IST) were enrolled.ResultsCompared with AIH patients, PBC patients were older at baseline and had greater female‐to‐male sex ratios, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ‐glutamyl transferase (γ‐GT) levels, and liver cirrhosis (LC), dyslipidemia, and hepatic and cardiometabolic complication rates. PBC patients had the lowest transaminase levels, whereas AIH patients had the highest transaminase levels. PBC patients had greater 22‐year all‐cause mortality and liver transplantation (ACMaLT) (43.5 vs 25.4%, P = 0.004), LC (75 vs 58.5%, P &lt; 0.01), dyslipidemia (54.4 vs 45.9%, P = 0.001), and cerebrovascular accident (11.3 vs 0.8%, P = 0.019) cumulative incidences (CIs) than did AIH patients; PBC‐AIH OS patients had greater systemic lupus erythematosus (28.9 vs 8.9%, P = 0.009) CI than did PBC patients. Baseline ALP (hazard ratio: 1.001), albumin (0.514), platelet count (0.997), and LC (3.438) were associated with ACMaLT; age (1.110), albumin (0.350), cirrhosis (46.219), and hepatitis C virus antibody positivity (5.068) were associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); and female sex (2.183) and body mass index (1.054) were associated with autoimmune diseases.ConclusionsCompared with AIH patients, PBC patients had greater cardiometabolic CI, and ACMaLT CI, which was associated with cholestasis, liver functional reserve and LC. Older AILD patients with LC and females with obesity demand special caution for the development of HCC and extrahepatic autoimmune diseases, respectively.

Abstract B141 Self-reported distress in multiple myeloma patients at first consultation at a transplant referral center

Abstract The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends screening all cancer patients for distress to facilitate psychosocial support and referrals. This distress is associated with treatment delays and other obstacles that may affect patient outcomes. The prevalence of distress in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and its variation among underrepresented minorities and vulnerable groups is unknown. We hypothesized that patients with advanced disease, racial minorities, and vulnerable individuals would report higher distress levels. New patients with MM seen between 1/1/2015-12/31/2022 at a tertiary medical center were identified. All patients receive the NCCN Distress Thermometer (DT) survey for completion at initial consultation as standard of care. Baseline characteristics of patients who completed the survey were compared with those of patients who did not. Among those with survey data, DT score was categorized as &amp;lt;4 (low), 4–6 (moderate), and &amp;gt;6 (high). DT score was analyzed by sociodemographic and disease-related factors. The 2020 Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) at the county level was calculated using Zip codes and categorized as less vulnerable (score &amp;lt;50) or more vulnerable (&amp;gt;=50). Of 1,011 new MM patient consultations, 683 patients had an available DT survey at initial consultation. In patients without the survey (N=328), a higher proportion was older than 75 years (21% vs 16% P=0.04), non-Hispanic Black (NHB) [22% vs. 9%, P&amp;lt;0.01], and with more advanced disease (ISS III 20% vs 14%, P&amp;lt;0.01). There was lower autologous stem cell transplant utilization in the group with missing survey data (71% vs 79%, P&amp;lt;0.01). Among those with DT survey, younger age, female sex, advanced stage, and shorter time from diagnosis to consult was associated with higher distress. In patients with DT survey data and SVI (N=683), the mean SVI was 0.37 (std dev 0.31) and 166 (28%) had more vulnerability. Younger age and NHB race were associated with more vulnerability. The more vulnerable group also had a shorter time from diagnosis to consult (1.2 vs 1.8 months, P&amp;lt;0.01). In the more vulnerable group, high DT score was seen with younger age and NHB race. There was no difference in transplant utilization by SVI group. No significant differences were found in the proportion of patients reporting concerns for physical, practical, emotional, social concerns by vulnerability. In this tertiary referral center study, we observed the greatest disparity by the completion of the NCCN DT survey highlighting a missed opportunity to identify individuals who may benefit from additional services. Among those who completed the survey, patient-reported distress was influenced by age, sex, and MM stage. Younger age was associated with more vulnerability. This may be due to minority status as a theme in the SVI calculator and the known association of younger age at MM onset in NHB individuals. Next steps including an adjusted analysis will be shown in the final presentation. Citation Format: Noel Estrada-Merly, James F Wu, Anita D'Souza. Self-reported distress in multiple myeloma patients at first consultation at a transplant referral center [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B141.

Anal carcinoma - exploring the epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Anal carcinoma is a relatively rare tumor that accounts for approximately 2% of gastrointestinal malignancies and less than 7% of anorectal cancers. Most anal tumors originate between the anorectal junction and the anal verge. Risk factors for the disease include human papillomavirus infection, human immunodeficiency virus, tobacco use, immunosuppression, female sex, and older age. The pathogenesis of anal carcinoma is believed to be linked to human papillomavirus-related inflammation, leading to dysplasia and progression to cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of anal tumor, with an annual incidence of approximately 1 to 2 per 100000 persons. Treatment regarding anal cancer has emerged over time. However, chemoradiation therapy remains the mainstay approach for early localized disease. Patients with metastatic disease are treated with systemic therapy, and salvage surgery is reserved for disease recurrence following chemoradiation. This article aims to provide background information on the epidemiology, risk factors, pathology, diagnosis, and current trends in the management of anal cancer. Future directions are briefly discussed.