Role Of Sex Research Articles

Intimate partner violence: impact of a faith-based biopsychosocio-spiritual approach to intervention

ABSTRACT The dominant prevention programs for intimate partner violence are based on Duluth-type models, which attribute patriarchy as the root cause of abusive behavior. The gender paradigm has dominated criminal justice policy and the development of interventions for over four decades. The current study presents a novel theoretical framework grounded in the I-cubed metatheory, as well as evaluates the impact of a faith-based Relationship Violence Intervention Program. The research approach was mixed methods. The aim of the study was twofold. Firstly, to describe and explore factors that may influence partner abuse. Secondly, to evaluate an intervention that falls within the ambit of a biopsychosocio-spiritual approach. The short version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales was administered pre-posttest to assess the effect of the intervention. The sample consisted of a cohort of 35 respondents who were court-referred for assaulting their partners. The qualitative strand of the research revealed that a myriad of factors may contribute to intimate partner violence. The quantitative strand reflected an average reduction in the scores for depression, anxiety and stress, where the scores for depression and stress proved to be statistically significant pre-posttest. The findings suggest that a faith-based intervention has the potential to deter partner abuse.

Pulmonary involvement in systemic sclerosis: can sex play a role?

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare and complex autoimmune disease with significant complications. During the last few years, research interest focuses on the differences between female and male patients. However, there is a lack of data regarding the role of sex in the presence of small airway disease (SAD). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of sex on pulmonary involvement in a cohort of SSc patients, focusing primarily on small airways. For this retrospective study, consecutive patients with a diagnosis of SSc, that visited our department until January 2024, were recruited. Demographic data, disease manifestations, serological profile, and internal organ involvement were compared between the two groups. In total 393 patients (female-to-male ratio 6:1) were included. Median time to diagnosis after the onset of Raynaud's was significantly longer for female patients. Electrocardiogram abnormalities were more common in male patients, while telangiectasias, calcinosis and arthralgias were more common in female individuals. Moreover, male SSc patients exhibited a higher prevalence of ILD and shorter time until the diagnosis of ILD. However, female individuals demonstrated a lower maximal-mid expiratory flow rate (MMEF) and higher ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity. Interestingly, sex remained an independent predictor of MMEF, in the multivariate analysis. Our results showed that, although ILD is more common in male SSc patients, SAD was more prevalent among female individuals. Importantly, female sex remained an independent predictor of SAD. This study further supports the presence of sex-related differences in SSc, with important implications in disease course and management.

Biodevelopmental Correlates of Sexual Orientation in Men: Evidence from a Polish Sample.

Biological mechanisms proposed to play a role in the development of sexual orientation in men include hormonal, genetic, and immunological factors. The posited roles of these factors are not mutually exclusive; instead, they may be at play to different degrees in different individuals. Direct measurement of these influences is challenging; thus, researchers rely on putative markers. We collected data on five well-established markers in a sample of gay and heterosexual men. We then (1) compared the levels of those markers in gay and straight men, (2) identified latent profiles based on those markers, and (3) compared the proportions of gay and straight men within the profiles. Gay men reported less gender conformity in childhood, a higher proportion of older brothers, were more right-handed, had more non-heterosexual relatives, and had more feminized digit ratios. Of the six identified profiles, the most numerous, containing a significantly higher proportion of straight men, had masculine digit ratios, masculine behavior in childhood, and was the most right-handed. Proportions of gay and straight men did not differ in the profile with the most feminine digit ratio, the profile associated with the highest proportion of older brothers, and the profile associated with left-handedness. Two remaining profiles, associated with familiality, and the most feminine childhood gender behaviors, consisted predominantly of gay men. The study suggests that further investigations of differences within sexual orientation categories are warranted.

The Role of Sex in the Effects of Smoking and Nicotine in Cardiovascular Function, Atherosclerosis, and Inflammation.

Cigarette smoke (CS) invokes an inflammatory response associated with vascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis. The role of sex and nicotine in CS effects on cardiovascular function and atherosclerosis is unexplored. Male and female C57Bl/6 WT (wild type) and ApoE-/- mice were exposed to CS and nicotine with access to chow and water ad libitum for 16 weeks to fill this gap. Heart rate and endothelial function were measured in the aorta of WT mice, while the lipid profile, cytokines, chemokines, and plaque area and composition were assessed in ApoE-/- mice. CS increased heart rate similarly in both sexes and induced a more substantial impairment in endothelial function in males and more plaque in females than nicotine. Necrotic core areas were similar for both treatments in both sexes, while females had higher collagen deposition across treatments. Both treatments elevated senescence-associated GLB1/-galactosidase (SA-GLB1) and interleukin 17A (IL17A) similarly in both sexes. CS upregulated cholesterol in both sexes, triglycerides, VLDL, HDL, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand-5 (CXCL5/LIX) only in males, and LDL and IL1A only in females. Additionally, nicotine metabolism showed sex-specific responses to nicotine but not smoking. Findings suggest sex influences cardiovascular function and atherosclerosis following exposure to nicotine and CS. The purpose of this study was to fill the existing literature gap through assessment of the differential sex effects of CS and nicotine on vascular function and atherosclerosis to identify sex-specific risk factors. We show sex-specific differences in endothelial function, plaque, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) regulators with exposure to CS and nicotine, which underscore the importance of assessing sex in tobacco and nicotine exposure studies. This study also shows the negative effect of oral nicotine administration as many oral dissolvable nicotine products, like pouches and gum, are becoming increasingly popular among adolescents and young adults.

Association between Weight-Adjusted Waist Index and Depression in NAFLD: the modulating roles of sex and BMI

BackgroundThe Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI) is a novel indicator of obesity that accurately reflects body composition. However, the association between WWI and depression in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclear. This study aims to explore this relationship through a nationally representative cross-sectional analysis.MethodsThis study included adult participants diagnosed with NAFLD from NHANES 2017–2020. WWI was calculated as the waist circumference (cm) divided by the square root of body weight (kg). NAFLD diagnosis relied on vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) with a controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) exceeding 248 dB/m to indicate hepatic steatosis. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), with scores ≥ 10 indicating the presence of major depression.ResultsAfter adjusting for all covariates, a significant positive association was found between WWI and depression in NAFLD (OR = 1.725, 95% CI: 1.442–2.063, p < 0.00001), with a dose-response relationship indicated by restricted cubic spline analysis. The association was stronger in men and lean/normal weight NAFLD patients. Adjusting further for BMI did not alter these findings (OR = 1.643, 95% CI: 1.357–1.989, p < 0.00001). BMI’s association with depression was negated after adjusting for WWI.ConclusionsWWI had a positive association with depression in NAFLD, independent of BMI. This association was more pronounced in men and lean/normal weight NAFLD. These findings suggest that WWI may be a novel indicator of depression in NAFLD and potentially valuable in depression prevention.

Sex Differences in the Association Between 24-hour Rest-Activity Rhythms and Frailty Among U.S. Older Adults: Findings from NHANES 2011-2014.

Little is known as to how rest-activity rhythms (RAR) are associated with frailty and how this relationship differs by sex. This study examined the relationship between RAR and frailty in a nationally representative sample of US older adults, focusing on the moderating role of sex. 2,531 participants aged ≥60yrs [Females:55.2%; Frail:5.15% (4.02-6.29); Pre-frail:33.49% (31.29-35.68)] were included using the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Non-parametric RAR parameters, including inter-daily stability (IS), intra-daily variability (IV), relative amplitude (RA), most active 10-h, and least active 5-h, were estimated from wrist-worn actigraphy data. Frailty status was assessed using a modified version of frailty phenotype (range:0-5): frail (≥3), pre-frail (1-2), and non-frail (0). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the interest of associations, adjusting for potential confounders. Frail and pre-frail older adults exhibited significantly lower RA, IS, higher IV, and phase delay when compared to non-frail older adults (p's<.05). Particularly, older adults with low RA had significantly greater odds of being frail and pre-frail [aOR(95%CIs); Frailty:5.60(2.61-12.04); Pre-frailty:1.58(1.13-2.20)]. Significant sex-interaction was observed (p<.01), with this association being greater in females than in males [aOR(95%CIs); Females:7.78(2.98-20.30) for frailty, 2.31(1.60-3.32) for pre-frailty; Males:4.48(1.38-14.54) for frailty, 1.12(0.61-2.07) for pre-frailty]. Weakened RAR strength is unfavorably associated with frailty, particularly in females. RAR may be a useful indicator associated with frailty in older adults, but sex-specific differences should be considered. Further longitudinal research is necessary to investigate the bidirectionality of their association.

NOTCH1 drives sexually dimorphic immune responses in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma presents strong sexual dimorphism, being 2-3 times more frequent in males than in females; however, the role of sex in response to immunotherapies in HCC remains unknown. We demonstrate that NOTCH1, an understudied oncogene in HCC, elicits sexually dimorphic anti-tumor immunity and response to FDA-approved immunotherapies. Surprisingly, males harboring NOTCH1-driven tumors displayed enhanced anti-tumor immune responses, which, in mice, were mediated by dendritic and T cells. Conversely, females harboring NOTCH1-driven tumors presented immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapies through a defect in DC-mediated priming and activation of CD8+ T cells in mice, which was restored therapeutically with CD40 agonism. Mechanistically, the sexually dimorphic immunity was mediated by genes in the sex chromosomes but not by sex hormones. Together, our study unravels an unexpected association between NOTCH1 and sex in cancer immunity and highlights the potential of restoring the DC-CD8+ T cell axis with CD40 agonism to improve outcomes.

Duration of kissing in different intimate positions among men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional study.

Despite mounting evidence showing that kissing (tongue-kissing) may transmit gonorrhoea between men who have sex with men (MSM), little data exists on factors influencing the duration of kissing while they are above and/or lying underneath a partner for this population group. Between May 2019 and March 2020, we invited MSM aged ≥18years who attended the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) to participate in a survey about the duration of their kissing (minutes) and intimate position while kissing (i.e., kissing while above, or while lying underneath) their most recent partner. Univariable and multivariable negative binomial regressions were performed to examine the associations between the duration of kissing in different intimate positions, and demographic and behavioural characteristics (including age, region of birth, HIV status or PrEP use, and role in anal sex). Of the 965 men with a recent male kissing partner, 89.0% (n = 859) also had sex with that partner. Of the 166 men with a recent female kissing partner, 71.7% (n = 119) also had sex with that partner. Our adjusted analyses showed that, on average, men born in Asia (mean 8.52 vs 11.69min, p < .001) and South America or the Caribbean (mean 8.61 vs 11.69min, p = .022) spent less time kissing compared to men born in Oceania, and the same was also observed for kissing while above or lying underneath. Men who had only receptive anal sex spent less time kissing while above than those who only had insertive anal sex (mean 3.04 vs 5.86min, p < .001). Our study is the first to examine factors that influence duration of kissing in different intimate positions. These factors could be associated with oropharyngeal gonorrhoea if saliva transmitted gonorrhoea and if gravity played a role.

Adherence to preventive behaviors and perceived risk of Iranian medical students in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Structural Equation Modeling

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant threat to people’s lives. Detection of adherence to preventive behaviors and risks perceived by people is essential for infection control. Medical students are future healthcare providers.ObjectiveThis study explored adherence to preventive behaviors and risk perception of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran’s medical students.Material and methodsIn this cross-sectional study, Iranian medical students participated whose preventive behaviors and risk perceptions of COVID-19 were assessed by an online tool. Generalized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with a beta-regression family was used for mediation analysis.ResultsA total of 654 medical students participated. The mean risk perception of COVID-19 on a 1 to 7 range scale was 3.53±1.7 for themselves and 3.66±1.7 for their family members. The risk perception for disease severity was 2.9±1.5. According to SEM, male sex, COVID-19 history, and living with parents were predictors of adherence directly and through the mediator pathway of risk perception (P &lt;0.1). Briefly, the male sex reduced adherence directly and through risk perception reduction. The history of COVID-19 directly reduced adherence, but through the mediation pathway of risk perception, it increased adherence. However, the total effect was in favor of adherence reduction. Living with parents directly increased adherence but reduced adherence through the mediation pathway of risk perception. However, the total effect was in favor of adherence increase.ConclusionsAlthough conventionl statistical analaysis did not support the association of risk perception and adherence, the generalized SEM showed risk perception as a potential mediator with a small effect. The present study showed the roles of sex, COVID-19 history, and living with parents as the factors affecting risk perception and preventive behaviors on the basis of SEM results. Among the results, living with parrants was a modifiable factor to increase the adherence.

Percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass grafting in left main disease according to patients' sex: A meta-analysis.

The role of sex in choosing between coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease has gained interest. Randomized controlled trials and adjusted observational studies comparing PCI versus CABG in ULMCA patients with outcomes by sex were included. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), with secondary endpoints being all-cause mortality and repeated revascularization. Ten studies (3 randomized, 7 observational) involving 22,141 ULMCA disease patients (13,411 PCI, 8730 CABG) with a median 5-year follow-up were included. Among males, PCI was associated with a higher risk of MACE (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.38), while no significant difference was seen in females. However, moderator analysis showed no significant interaction between sex and revascularization strategy for MACE (p for interaction .422). No differences in all-cause mortality were observed between PCI and CABG for either sex. Repeated revascularization risk was significantly higher with PCI for both sexes (HR 3.51, 95% CI 2.21-5.59 in males and HR 4.20, 95% CI 2.57-6.87 in females). In males with ULMCA disease, CABG was associated with a lower risk of MACE compared to PCI, while no significant differences were seen in females. The lack of a significant interaction between sex and revascularization strategy suggests that these findings may not reflect true sex-based effect modification. PCI was linked to a higher risk of repeated revascularization in both sexes compared to CABG. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (ID: CRD42024537726).

Abstract 4138397: Gender Difference in Prevalence and Survival of Pulmonary Hypertension: A Prospective Cohort Study of 502,173 UK Biobank Participants

Background: Research into pulmonary hypertension (PH) reveals significant sex-based disparities in long-term survival rates. Notably, women, despite being more susceptible to PH, often experience better survival outcomes than men—a phenomenon possibly linked to the "estrogen paradox." This study leverages the comprehensive UK Biobank to examine the role of sex in influencing these outcomes. By exploring differences in PH incidence and survival rates across genders, our research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms at play and inform more effective, gender-specific analysis. Methods: This prospective cohort study utilized data from the UK Biobank, with baseline assessment between 2006 and 2010 and follow-up until November 30, 2023, for England and Scotland, and May 31, 2022, for Wales. Through diagnostic codes, medical records, and imaging studies, 3,296 PH cases and 497,580 cases without PH were identified . We followed them for the mortality rates over a period of 10 years. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models to assess sex-specific survival differences, adjusting for confounders like age, BMI, ethnic, menopause, smoking status, and comorbidities. Results: During 7,978,349 person-years of follow-up, of 502,173 participants in this prospective cohort, 3,296 were diagnosed with PH, while 497,580 did not receive the PH diagnosis. The prevalence of PH in the male cohort and the female cohort were 0.76% (1743 of 228,991 men) and 0.57% (1553 of 273,182 women), respectively, with significant difference between the two groups (p&lt;0.001). In the PH cohort, the mortality rates of patients were 47.06%. In the male patients with PH, the mortality rate was significantly higher than the female PH patients (51.78% vs. 41.53%, p&lt;0.001). After stratifying women into menopause and no-menopause group, Kaplan-Meier curves showed that even the age of male group was significantly younger than the menopause group (p&lt;0.001), the male still had worse survival situation. Conclusion: To conclude, the prevalence of PH in the male participants was significantly higher than the female participants. While the mortality rate in the male participants was also significantly higher than the female participants.

The relationship between sleep difficulties and externalizing and internalizing problems in children and adolescents with mental illness.

Sleep difficulties are presumably a transdiagnostic factor in the complex aetiology of psychiatric disorders in youth. This study assessed the prevalence of sleep difficulties in children and adolescents seeking specialized psychiatric care, examined the relationships of internalizing and externalizing problems, and considered the moderating role of sex and age on these relationships. Parent-reported data on difficulties initiating sleep, difficulties maintaining sleep, early morning awakenings and daytime fatigue from a large sample of children and adolescents referred for specialized psychiatric care (n = 4638; < 18 years) were used to estimate prevalence rates. To examine associations between these sleep difficulties and internalizing/externalizing problems, multiple linear regression analyses were conducted on available data (n = 3768) stratified in three age groups (1.5-5 years; 6-11 years; 12-18 years). Overall prevalence, i.e. at least one sleep difficulty was reported to be often or always present, was 65%. Difficulties initiating sleep occurred the most, closely followed by daytime fatigue. In all age groups, sleep difficulties were positively related to internalizing and externalizing problems. In young children and school-age children, age moderated the interaction between sleep difficulties and internalizing problems. To conclude, prevalence rates of sleep difficulties in children with mental illness appear higher than it has been reported in the general youth population, especially difficulties initiating sleep and daytime fatigue. We observed that the associations between internalizing problems and sleep difficulties in young children and school-age children seemed to be amplified with age, suggesting a negative, bidirectional, spiral in development.

EXTH-26. EXPLORING THE ROLE OF ANDROGEN RECEPTOR SIGNALING IN GLIOBLASTOMA IN AN ORTHOTOPIC ANIMAL MODEL

Abstract OBJECTIVE Gliomas, particularly glioblastoma which is the most common and deadly type, frequently express androgen receptors (AR). We systematically characterized AR expression in low- and high-grade gliomas to investigate whether disrupting AR signaling with readily available blood-brain-barrier penetrant drugs could improve treatment. METHODS Low- and high-grade glioma samples were stained for AR by immunohistochemistry, with AR-expression correlated to grade and sex. Localization of AR and the influence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and anti-androgens in glioblastoma cell line (U251) were determined by immunofluorescence and immunoblot. Building on previous in vitro data, we used an orthotopic AR-positive patient-derived model (RN1) to test the efficacy of seviteronel, a blood-brain-barrier penetrant anti-androgen. RESULTS Two thirds of biopsy samples were positive for AR expression by IHC (n=25/39). AR expression correlated with increasing tumor grade (p&amp;lt;0.05) but was similar between sexes (p=0.94). Anti-androgens enzalutamide and seviteronel prevented DHT-induced nuclear translocation of AR; however, seviteronel did so to a lesser extent, as measured by immunofluorescence and immunoblot. In the mouse model, seviteronel significantly improved survival compared to vehicle (n=12, 36.0 vs 27.5 days, p=0.03), and demonstrated reduced Ki67 expression in tumors at the endpoint (68.9% vs 85.0%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Combining seviteronel with temozolomide limited tumor growth as measured by bioluminescence imaging, but did not significantly extend survival compared to temozolomide alone (n=16, 63.5 vs 56.5 days, p=0.37). Adding seviteronel to radiotherapy did not extend survival compared to radiotherapy alone (n=16, 33.0 vs 39.0 days, p=0.19). CONCLUSIONS Targeting AR signaling with blood-brain-barrier penetrant anti-androgens may represent a promising biomarker-directed therapeutic strategy. The mechanisms underlying the effects of seviteronel are being further investigated through affinity-purification mass spectrometry analysis and CUT&amp;RUN sequencing of untreated and treated glioma cells. Additional animal experiments are underway to examine the role of biological sex and the glioma immune microenvironment on the efficacy of anti-androgens in vivo.

Associations Between Gender Diversity and Eating Disorder Symptoms in Early Adolescence.

To assess associations between multiple dimensions of gender diversity with eating disorder symptoms in a national cohort of U.S. early adolescents. This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (N = 10,092, Mage = 12.9 years, 2019-2021). Gender diversity was measured using multiple dimensions, including categorical gender identity (e.g., transgender, cisgender), categorical and continuousfelt gender (congruence between gender identity and assigned sex), ordinal gender non-contentedness (dissatisfaction with one's gender), and ordinal gender expression (communication of gender through appearance and mannerisms). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations among gender diversity measures and eating disorder symptoms, adjusting for potential confounders. Greater felt gender diversity was associated with self-worth tied to weight (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.11-1.53), binge eating (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.06-1.46), and distress with binge eating (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.09-1.59). Greater gender expression diversity was associated with self-worth tied to weight (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.33), distress with binge eating (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.04-1.51), and characteristics of binge eating episodes (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.06-1.66). Gender non-contentedness was associated with self-worth tied to weight (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.20-1.58) and compensatory behaviors related to weight gain (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.26). Transgender identity was not significantly associated with any eating disorder symptoms. We found that greater gender diversity across multiple dimensions was associated with various eating disorder symptoms, and that measures beyond binary gender identity may be important to assess gender diversity in early adolescence.

Altered immune response is associated with sex difference in vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease in human prefrontal cortex.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with a higher risk incidence in females than in males, and there are also differences in AD pathophysiology between sexes. The role of sex in the pathogenesis of AD may be crucial, yet the cellular and molecular basis remains unclear. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis using four public transcriptome datasets of AD patients and age-matched control individuals in prefrontal cortex, including bulk transcriptome (295 females and 402 males) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) data (224 females and 219 males). We found that the transcriptomic profile in female control was similar to those in AD. To characterize the key features associated with both the pathogenesis of AD and sex difference, we identified a co-expressed gene module that positively correlated with AD, sex, and aging, and was also enriched with immune-associated pathways. Using snRNA-seq datasets, we found that microglia (MG), a resident immune cell in the brain, demonstrated substantial differences in several aspects between sexes, such as an elevated proportion of activated MG, altered transcriptomic profile and cell-cell interaction between MG and other brain cell types in female control. Additionally, genes upregulated in female MG, such as TLR2, MERTK, SPP1, SLA, ACSL1, and FKBP5, had high confidence to be identified as biomarkers to distinguish AD status, and these genes also interacted with some approved drugs for treatment of AD. These findings underscore the altered immune response in female is associated with sex difference in susceptibility to AD, and the necessity of considering sex factors when developing AD biomarkers and therapeutic strategies, providing a scientific basis for further in-depth studies on sex differences in AD.

Conformed to Gender Conformity? Gender Nonconformity Stigma is Buffered by Personal Contact

Research has shown that individuals from sexual and gender minorities are more likely to be stigmatized. Taking the perceiver’s perspective, we conducted two experimental studies to examine gender nonconformity stigma and the conditions under which such stigma is more (or less) likely to emerge. In both studies, participants were asked to read descriptions of targets varying in gender (non)conformity and assigned sex (Study 1; N = 337) or sexual identity (Study 2; N = 406). Results from both studies showed that participants preferred more social distance from gender nonconforming (vs. conforming) targets, tended to dehumanize them (i.e., attributed them more primary and less secondary emotions), and reported less anti-violence behavioral intentions and justifications. In both studies, results further showed that having more frequent and positive personal contact with gender nonconforming individuals helps buffer against gender nonconformity bias. Unexpectedly, results from Study 2 showed that humanizing gender nonconforming targets (rather than dehumanizing them) was associated with more violence predispositions for participants who reported having more negative personal contact with gender nonconforming individuals. No differences were found according to the targets’ assigned sex or sexual identity. Taken together, our findings highlight the need to understand the causes and boundaries of gender nonconformity bias.

‘They don’t have bad intentions.’ The disciplinary power of heteronormative communication in upper secondary Polish physical education – a case study

ABSTRACT Background Previous studies have shown unequal treatment of female and male students during PE. However, few studies have focused on gendered communication between teachers and students. Particularly, students’ perceptions of communication have often remained unexplored. Understanding this process appears to be highly significant for ensuring gender equality in schools. In this study, we applied Foucault’s theory of normalization and Butler’s theory of gender performativity and heteronormativity to present data obtained during PE lessons in Polish upper secondary school. In Poland PE teachers still do not formally acquire knowledge of the significance of gender equality in the education process. No policies are formulated on teaching gender equality in schools. Hence, analyzing gendered communication during PE classes in Poland, where no specific gender equity legislation has been introduced, complements the ongoing discussion regarding prevailing gender structures in PE. Purpose The purpose of the study was to explore gendered communication between PE teachers and students in Polish upper secondary school, and perceptions about this communication specifically among male PE teachers and girls. Methods Data were gathered through three qualitative methods: observation of 60 PE lesson units, 17 focus group interviews with male (n = 27) and female students (n = 33), and 5 semi-structured in-depth interviews with PE teachers whose lessons were observed. Discourse analysis, informed by content analysis, was conducted to uncover fundamental communication patterns between teachers and students in the context of gender performativity and heteronormativity. Findings Communication between PE teachers and students demonstrated gender bias, indicating deeply rooted practices of heteronormativity. The male teachers communicated more frequently with female students than with male students and a significant portion of the communication took the form of jokes, teasing, and comments related to the physical appearance of the girls, romantic relationships and dating, and traditional gender roles assumed by women. Students’ statements obtained in the interviews indicate a significant degree of downplaying the impact of teachers’ way of communicating and ‘defending teachers’. They encountered a strong normalization process that restricted their ability to resist teacher communication. Although the PE teachers emphasized the importance of being ‘sensitive’ when communicating with students, PE the teachers’ understanding of gender issues appeared to be fragmented and unrefined, with insufficient recognition of the importance of proper communication with students. Conclusions The implications of this study emphasize the necessity for Polish PE teachers to acquire a deeper understanding of how gender operates within school environments and PE classes, recognizing its impact on students. This awareness is pivotal in recognizing and addressing heteronormative structures during lessons. In connection with that, a thorough discussion on the impact of political and cultural factors shaping the knowledge acquired by teachers and the curriculum in schools is required. Additionally, the research highlights a need for appropriate student education because they are currently subject to strong normalization processes. The normalization processes they undergo hinder their recognition of dominant gender relations in the school environment, and, consequently, their resistance to them.

Impact of weight loss on the risk of urinary incontinence: the role of sex and body type.

Although weight loss is known to alleviate urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms, the effects of sex and body size on this relationship remain insufficiently explored. We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018, comprising 28,161 participants. Weighted logistic regression analysis, fitted curves, and subgroup analysis were used to assess the association between the percentage of weight loss and UI. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to account for potential confounding factors. After PSM, multivariate logistic regression showed an inverse relationship between weight loss percentage and UI risk (odds ratio [OR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94-0.99). Compared with weight loss percentages < 0%, the risk of UI significantly decreased with weight loss percentages > 5% (weight loss percentage 5.1-10%: OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70-1.00; weight loss percentage 10.1-15%: OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.55-0.97; weight loss percentage > 15%: OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.39-0.70). Furthermore, subgroup analysis indicated that this relationship was more significant in males and non-overweight/non-obese populations. There was an inverse relationship between weight loss percentage and UI risk, with noticeable differences based on sex and body size. However, these findings warrant further investigation.

Large-scale characterization of cocaine addiction-like behaviors reveals that escalation of intake, aversion-resistant responding, and breaking-points are highly correlated measures of the same construct.

Addiction is commonly characterized by escalation of drug intake, compulsive drug seeking, and continued use despite harmful consequences. However, the factors contributing to the transition from moderate drug use to these problematic patterns remain unclear, particularly regarding the role of sex. Many preclinical studies have been limited by small sample sizes, low genetic diversity, and restricted drug access, making it challenging to model significant levels of intoxication or dependence and translate findings to humans. To address these limitations, we characterized addiction-like behaviors in a large sample of >500 outbred heterogeneous stock (HS) rats using an extended cocaine self-administration paradigm (6 hr/daily). We analyzed individual differences in escalation of intake, progressive ratio (PR) responding, continued use despite adverse consequences (contingent foot shocks), and irritability-like behavior during withdrawal. Principal component analysis showed that escalation of intake, progressive ratio responding, and continued use despite adverse consequences loaded onto a single factor that was distinct from irritability-like behaviors. Categorizing rats into resilient, mild, moderate, and severe addiction-like phenotypes showed that females exhibited higher addiction-like behaviors, with a lower proportion of resilient individuals compared to males. These findings suggest that, in genetically diverse rats with extended drug access, escalation of intake, continued use despite adverse consequences, and PR responding are highly correlated measures of a shared underlying construct. Furthermore, our results highlight sex differences in resilience to addiction-like behaviors.

Socioeconomic inequalities and dyslipidaemia in adult population of the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease Cohort Study: the role of sex and age

ObjectivesThis study represents a pioneering attempt to quantify the contribution of age, sex and socioeconomic status (SES) to the observed inequalities in lipid profile components.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe data from the Ravansar...