Gender Differences In Association Research Articles

34 Gender Difference in the Association between Handgrip Strength and Cognitive Performance of Older Adults in Rural Malaysia

Abstract Introduction Handgrip strength is an easy and safe measurement to evaluate the physical functioning of older adults. Lower hand grip strength is associated with cognitive decline, and can be used as an effective method for early detection of cognitive impairment. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the gender differences in association between hand grip strength and cognitive performance among older adults in rural Malaysia Methods This was a cross-sectional study done among 200 community dwelling older adults (100 men and 100 women) aged ≥ 50 years. The study was embedded in the ongoing longitudinal study of South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) in Segamat district of Johor, Malaysia. Data was collected by trained data collectors during home visits. Cognitive performance was assessed using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Hand grip strength was measured using digital grip dynamometer. Results The mean age of study participants was 61.5 years (SD= 8.4). Women had lower mean hand grip strength (19.8, SD=5.6) compared to men (33.4, SD= 8.2). The mean MMSE score for women and men were 23 (SD= 4.5) and 25.1(SD=3) respectively. Cognitive impairment was detected in 26% of men and 21% of women. Hand grip strength showed positive association with MMSE score, among women (ß coefficient= 0.302, p<0.001), but not among men (p= 0.077). Hand grip strength was significantly association with MMSE score among women (ß coefficient=0.162, 95% CI = 0.026- 0.298; p=0.02) after controlling for age, level of education and body mass index. Conclusion The study shows that lower hand grip strength is associated with poor cognitive performance among women, while hand grip strength is not associated with cognitive performance among men.

Gender differences in associations of household and ambient air pollution with child health: Evidence from household and satellite-based data in Bangladesh

Abstract Reduction in health risks from household air pollution (HAP) and ambient air pollution (AAP) is critical for achieving sustainable development globally, especially in low-income countries. Children are at particularly high risk because their respiratory and immune systems are not fully developed. Previous studies have identified the adverse impacts of air pollution on child health. However, most studies do not focus on HAP and AAP simultaneously nor address differences in the timings and magnitudes of prenatal and postnatal exposures across genders. Therefore, this study examines how prenatal and postnatal exposures to ambient particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) along with household use of solid fuels (a main cause of HAP) are correlated with child health in Bangladesh. We combine individual-level data from nationally representative surveys with satellite-based high-resolution data on ambient PM2.5. We find that (1) the use of solid fuels is associated with respiratory illness among girls but not boys, (2) prenatal exposure to ambient PM2.5 is associated with stunting in boys but not girls, and (3) postnatal exposure is associated with stunting in both genders. These results provide new evidence for heterogeneous influences of AAP and HAP on child health across gender and timing of exposure. The main policy implications are that interventions against HAP would be more effective by targeting girls, and interventions against AAP should also target pregnant women. In sum, our findings highlight the importance of protecting women from air pollution and achieving Target 3.9 of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Childhood adversity and mental health comorbidity in men and women with opioid use disorders

IntroductionTo examine gender differences in associations between mental health comorbidity and adverse childhood experiences (ACE) among adults with DSM-5 lifetime opioid use disorders (OUD). MethodsIn 2018, we analyzed 2012–13 nationally-representative data from 388 women and 390 men with OUD (heroin, prescription opioid misuse). Using weighted multinomial logistic regression, we examined factors associated with mental health comorbidity, tested a gender-by-childhood-adversity interaction term, and calculated predicted probabilities, controlling for covariates. ResultsAmong adults with OUD, women are more likely than men to have comorbid mood or anxiety disorders (odds ratio [95% CI] 1.72 [1.20, 2.48]), and less likely to have conduct disorders. More women than men have prescription OUD (3.72 [2.24, 6.17]), and fewer have heroin use disorder (0.39 [0.27, 0.57]). Among both genders, ACE prevalence is high (>80%) and more than 40% are exposed to ≥3 types of ACE. Women more than men are exposed to childhood sexual abuse (4.22 [2.72, 6.56]) and emotional neglect (1.84 [1.20, 2.81]). Comorbid mood or anxiety disorders are associated with female gender (1.73 [1.18, 2.55]) and exposure to ≥3 types of ACE (3.71 [2.02, 6.85]), controlling for covariates. Moreover, exposure to more ACE elevates risk for comorbid mood or anxiety disorders more among women than men. ConclusionAmong adults with OUD, ACE alters the gender gap in risk for comorbid mood or anxiety disorders. Using gender-tailored methods to address the harmful effects ACE on the mental health of individuals with OUD may help to prevent and ameliorate the current opioid epidemic.

A Study on the Relationship between Urban Residents’ Perception of Recreational Sports and Their Participation in Recreational Sports: Based on Gender Differences

Background: The health of urban residents plays an important role in increasing the well-being of citizens, and therefore promoting the sustainable development of cities. Studies in Western countries have provided some evidence of the relationship between the urban residents’ perception of the recreational sports (RS), including perception of industry, space, experience, type, and support affecting recreational behaviors. Yet, evidence in China is not sufficient and, particularly, gender difference has not been discussed anywhere. Objectives: The present study aimed to see urban residents’ perception of RS and its effect on recreational sport participation by the residents. Method: The study was conducted in three big cities (Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Shanghai) of China to test the association between the urban residents’ perception of RS and their RS participation, in which gender differences were discussed. After taking their consent, a total of 764 participants (397 male and 367 female) aged from 15 to 65 were approached between April and October, 2018. The participants were given a survey to assess their perception and behavior of RS. T-test and the structural equation modeling were used to analyze gender differences in association between perception and behavior of RS. Results: For females, industry perception (β = 0.17, p = 0.00), space perception (females: β = 0.16, p = 0.00), and support perception (females: β = 0.09, p = 0.03) had a significant positive effect on RS participation. For males, industry perception (males: β = 0.13, p = 0.01) and type perception (males: β = 0.23, p = 0.00) showed a significant positive impact on participation of RS. However, space perception of males (β = −0.12; p = 0.01) and type perception of females (β = −0.11; p = 0.01) are negatively associated with their RS participation. The perception of experience was the most important factor influencing RS behaviors. Significant gender differences have appeared in all five different perception factors. The industry perception has significant and positive effects on both males and females’ RS participation. The type perception has significant positive effects on the male but negative on the female RS, while the space perception is just the opposite. The support perception has significant positive effects on the female RS practice but the influence is not obvious in the case of males. Conclusion: By adopting some measures, perception of RS may improve urban residents’ participation in RS.

Gender Difference in Association between Metabolic Factors and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: A gender difference in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that men have 2-5 times higher incidence than women-has long been noted and can be explained by the cross-talk between sex hormones and HBV/HCV virus. Whether metabolic factors yield similar sexual difference in non-HBV-HCV related HCC remains elusive. Methods: 74,782 HBsAg/anti-HCV negative residents participating in the Keelung-Community-Based-Integrated-Screening program were followed in 2000-2007. Incident HCC was identified by linkage to the Taiwan Cancer Registry. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the association between metabolic factors and HCC stratified by gender. Findings: With 320,829 person-years of follow-up, 99 developed HCC. The adjusted hazard ratios were 2.10 (95% CI=1.07-4.13) and 3.71 (95% CI=2.01-6.86) for prediabetes and diabetes, respectively, in males. The corresponding aHRs were attenuated to 1.16 (95% CI=0.48-2.83) and 1.47 (95% CI=0.65-3.34) in females. Compared to normal weight (BMI 23-25), underweight (BMI<21, HR=3.23, 95% CI=1.14-9.12) and overweight (BMI 25-<27.3, HR=3.07, 95% CI=1.24 -7.61) were associated with an elevated risk in men. The significant gradient relationship per advanced BMI category was noted in females (aHR=1.41, 95% CI= 1.07-1.87). The HCC/fasting glucose (p=0.046) and HCC/BMI (p=0.031) associations were significantly modified by gender. Elevated fasting blood sugar tended to affect HCC more in men, while higher BMI was more prominent in women. In addition, elevated AST, APRI fibrosis index and habitual alcohol consumption were related to HCC only in men while increased ALT and lower platelet levels predicted HCC risk in women. Interpretation: We found gender disparities for diabetes and obesity in relation to HCC. The elevated HCC risk began from glucose impairment in men, indicating that insulin-resistance-related hepatocarcinogenesis occur years before a diabetes diagnosis. This provides a new insight into sexual difference in good glycemic and weight control in reducing HCC risk. Funding: NSC-94-2314-B002-268 from the National Science Council, Taipei, Taiwan. Declaration of Interest: We declare that there are no conflicts of interest. Ethical Approval: All participants provided informed consent and the study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Chang Gung University.

Application of Ion Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry for Human Serum and Urine Metabolomics

Biomarkers that indicate the presence or severity of organ damage caused by diseases and toxicities are useful diagnostic tools. Metabolomics platforms using chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) have been widely used for biomarker screening. In this study, we aimed to establish a novel metabolomics platform using ion chromatography coupled with MS (IC-MS) for human biofluids. We found that ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) plasma is not suitable for IC-MS metabolomics platforms because of the desensitization of MS. IC-MS enabled detection of 131 polar metabolites in human serum and urine from healthy volunteers. Pathway analysis demonstrated that the metabolites detectable using our platform were composed of a broad spectrum of organic acids with carboxylic moieties. These metabolites were significantly associated with pathways such as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle; glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; butanoate metabolism; and the pentose phosphate pathway. Moreover, comparison of serum and urine samples showed that four metabolites (4-hydroxybutyric acid, aspartic acid, lactic acid, and γ-glutamyl glutamine) were abundant in serum, whereas 62 metabolites, including phosphoric acid, vanillylmandelic acid, and N-tiglylglycine, were abundant in urine. In addition, allantoin and uric acid were abundant in male serum, whereas no gender-associated differences were found for polar metabolites in urine. Our results demonstrate that the present established IC-MS metabolomics platform can be applied for analysis of human serum and urine as well as detection of a broad spectrum of polar metabolites in human biofluids.

Gender differences in the association between body mass index and health-related quality of life among adults:a cross-sectional study in Shandong, China

BackgroundThis study aims to assess the association between body mass index (BMI) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and to further explore gender differences in BMI-HRQOL association among adults.MethodsWe used data from the fifth Health Service Survey of Shandong Province, which was part of China’s National Health Service Survey (NHSS), a total of 27,257 adults aged 18 and over were interviewed. The HRQOL was measured using the EuroQOL-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) instrument. One-way ANOVA and Post hoc tests were used to compare EQ-5D utility values and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores between BMI categories. Tobit regression models were used to identify the association between BMI and HRQOL for male and female separately after controlling for influential confounders, and to assess gender differences on the relationship between BMI and HRQOL.ResultsThe prevalence of underweight in men and women were 3.2 and 5.3%, respectively, while the prevalence of overweight/obesity in men and women were 35.7 and 34.6%, respectively. Men had higher EQ-5D utility values and VAS scores than women. The mean EQ-5D utility value and VAS score was highest in obese men and normal-weight women, respectively. After controlling potential confounders, being underweight was significantly and negatively associated with lower HRQOL among adults. The relationship between obesity and gender was that in women obesity was negatively and significantly associated with HRQOL, whereas in men this association was positive but not statistically significant. Results of gender by BMI interaction in regression model showed that this difference between men and women in this respect was significant.ConclusionsThe association between BMI and HRQOL differed by gender and the so-called “obesity-HRQOL paradox” phenomenon was verified in male adults. Gender difference should be considered when implementing targeted weight control programs and appropriate interventions to improve HRQOL.

Friendship Quality and Gender Differences in Association With Cyberbullying Involvement and Psychological Well-Being.

Current literature has documented the detrimental effects of cyberbullying which include a range of internalizing and externalizing problems for those involved. Although critical, this research can sometimes ignore social-ecological aspects of a child’s life that can potentially ‘buffer’ the negative psychological effects of such involvement. With this in mind, this cross-sectional investigation of 12–16 year olds [M(SD): 13.5(1) years] in Ireland focused on the role of friendship quality and gender in association with cyberbullying involvement and psychological well-being (N = 2410). The Cyberbullying and Online Aggression Scale was used to measure cyber perpetration and victimization. A modified version of the Cambridge Friendship Questionnaire was included to investigate peer friendship quality. Finally, the Moods and Feeling Questionnaire and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were chosen to provide a measurement of psychological well-being. Prevalence rates for various types of cyberbullying roles (cyber bullies, victims and bully/victims) are presented, as well as differences for psychological well-being, friendship quality and cyberbullying involvement. In addition, regression models were used to determine the associations between gender, age, friendship quality and involvement in cyberbullying with psychological well-being. The results are considered in terms of the current literature and directions for future research are suggested.

Gender differences in associations of depressive symptoms and anxiety with inflammatory markers in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine gender differences of the associations between depressive symptoms and anxiety with inflammatory markers in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD). MethodsDepressive symptoms and anxiety (Beck Depression Inventory BDI and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale HADS) were examined in 524 patients with NOCAD (52% women, mean age 64 ± 9 years) as part of the TweeSteden Mild Stenosis (TWIST) observational cohort study. Blood samples were analyzed for neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and leukocyte differentiation. Multivariate analysis for the inflammatory markers with main effects of depressive symptoms or anxiety, gender, and their interactions were observed. ResultsWomen had elevated levels of hsCRP, and a lower monocyte and eosinophil count than men, with small to medium effect sizes (range η(p)2 = 0.019–0.047). After Holm-Bonferroni correction depressive symptoms according to the BDI were associated with an overall elevated hsCRP level explaining 2.4% of the hsCRP variance. A significant positive association between BDI cognitive symptoms with elevated hsCRP level was observed in men (R2 = 0.045), but not in women (R2 < 0.001). Adjustment for age, body mass index, smoking, and physical activity attenuated this finding. ConclusionSmall associations of inflammatory markers with depressive symptoms and anxiety were confounded by lifestyle factors, predominantly smoking. The interacting roles of gender, smoking, and psychological factors on inflammatory markers may point toward different behavioral and inflammatory pathways for women and men with NOCAD, which remains to be further explored.OBSERVATIONAL COHORT REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01788241

Gender Differences in Longitudinal Associations Between Intimate Care, Resiliency, and Depression Among Informal Caregivers of Patients Surviving the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit.

Informal caregivers (e.g., family and friends) are at risk for developing depression, which can be detrimental to both caregiver and patient functioning. Initial evidence suggests that resiliency may reduce the risk of depression. However, gender differences in associations between multiple psychosocial resiliency factors and depression have not been examined among neuroscience intensive care unit (neuro-ICU) caregivers. We explored interactions between caregiver gender and baseline resiliency factors on depression symptom severity at baseline through 3 and 6months post-discharge. Caregivers (N = 96) of neuro-ICU patients able to provide informed consent to participate in research were enrolled as part of a prospective, longitudinal study in the neuro-ICU of a major academic medical center. Caregiver sociodemographics and resiliency factors (coping, mindfulness, self-efficacy, intimate care, and preparedness for caregiving) were assessed during the patient's hospitalization (i.e., baseline). Levels of depressive symptoms were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline, 3months, and 6months post-discharge. Baseline depressive symptoms predicted depressive symptoms at both 3- and 6-month follow-ups, with no difference at any time point in rates of depression by gender. At baseline, greater levels of coping, mindfulness, and preparedness for caregiving were individually associated with lower levels of concurrent depression regardless of gender (ps < 0.006). The main effect of baseline coping remained significant at 3-month follow-up (p = 0.045). We observed a trend-level interaction between gender and baseline intimate care, such that among male caregivers only, high baseline intimate care was associated with lower depression at 3-month follow-up (p = 0.055). At 6-month follow-up, we observed a significant interaction between caregiver gender and baseline intimate care, such that male caregivers reporting high intimate care reported lower symptoms of depression than females reporting high intimate care (p = 0.037). Results support implementation of psychosocial resiliencyinterventions for caregivers of patients admitted to the neuro-ICU early in the recovery process. Male caregivers may particularly benefit from strategies focused on increasing intimate care (e.g., physical and emotional affection with their loved one)and quality of the patient-caregiver dyadic relationship.

Obesity and Health Care Experiences among Women and Men Veterans.

Obesity is highly stigmatized, especially for women, and therefore may negatively affect health care experiences. Past findings on the relationship between obesity and health care experiences are mixed, perhaps because few studies examine relationships by gender and obesity class. Our objective was to evaluate whether women and men with more severe obesity report worse health care experiences related to Veterans Health Administration (VA) care. Health care experiences (self-management support, mental health assessments, office staff courtesy, communication with providers) and overall provider ratings were assessed with the 2014 VA Survey of Health Care Experiences of Patients. Using multiple regression analyses (n=13,462 women, n=268,180 men), we assessed associations among obesity classes, health care experiences, and overall provider ratings, adjusting for sociodemographic, health, and primary care use characteristics. The greatest differences in health care experiences between patients with and without obesity were in self-management support experiences, which were more favorable among women and men of all obesity classes. There were gender differences in associations between obesity and mental health assessments: for men, but not women, those in any obesity class gave higher ratings than those without obesity. For most other health care experiences and provider ratings, men with obesity reported slightly less favorable experiences than those without. There was no consistent pattern for women. It is promising that VA patients with obesity report more self-management support, given the behavior change required for weight management. Lower health care experience and provider ratings among men with obesity suggest a need to further investigate possible obesity-related stigma in VA primary care.

Assessment of Gender-Based Linguistic Differences in Physician Trainee Evaluations of Medical Faculty Using Automated Text Mining

Women are underrepresented at higher ranks in academic medicine. However, the factors contributing to this disparity have not been fully elucidated. Implicit bias and unconscious mental attitudes toward a person or group may be factors. Although academic medical centers use physician trainee evaluations of faculty to inform promotion decisions, little is known about gender bias in these evaluations. To date, no studies have examined narrative evaluations of medical faculty by physician trainees for differences based on gender. To characterize gender-associated linguistic differences in narrative evaluations of medical faculty written by physician trainees. This retrospective cohort study included all faculty teaching evaluations completed for the department of medicine faculty by medical students, residents, and fellows at a large academic center in Pennsylvania from July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016. Data analysis was performed from June 1, 2018, through July 31, 2018. Word use in faculty evaluations was quantified using automated text mining by converting free-text comments into unique 1- and 2-word phrases. Mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was performed to assess associations of faculty gender with frequencies of specific words and phrases present in a physician trainee evaluation. A total of 7326 unique evaluations were collected for 521 faculty (325 men [62.4%] and 196 women [37.6%]). The individual words art (odds ratio [OR], 7.78; 95% CI, 1.01-59.89), trials (OR, 4.43; 95% CI, 1.34-14.69), master (OR, 4.24; 95% CI, 1.69-10.63), and humor (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.44-3.73) were significantly associated with evaluations of male faculty, whereas the words empathetic (OR, 4.34; 95% CI, 1.56-12.07), delight (OR, 4.26; 95% CI, 1.35-13.40), and warm (OR, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.83-6.49) were significantly associated with evaluations of female faculty. Two-word phrases associated with male faculty evaluations included run rounds (OR, 7.78; 95% CI, 1.01-59.84), big picture (OR, 7.15; 95% CI, 1.68-30.42), and master clinician (OR, 4.02; 95% CI, 1.21-13.36), whereas evaluations of female faculty were more likely to be associated with model physician (OR, 7.75; 95% CI, 1.70-35.39), just right (OR, 6.97; 95% CI, 1.51-32.30), and attention (to) detail (OR, 4.26; 95% CI, 1.36-13.40). The data showed quantifiable linguistic differences between free-text comments about male and female faculty in physician trainee evaluations. Further evaluation of these differences, particularly in association with ongoing gender disparities in faculty promotion and retention, may be warranted.

Adult attachment and testosterone reactivity: Fathers' avoidance predicts changes in testosterone during the strange situation procedure

We assessed parents' testosterone reactivity to the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP), a moderately stressful parent-infant interaction task that pulls for parental nurturance and caregiving behavior. Parents (146 mothers, 154 fathers) interacted with their 1-year-old infants, and saliva samples were obtained pre- and post-task to assess changes in testosterone. We examined whether testosterone reactivity differed between mothers and fathers, the extent to which parents' characteristic approaches to closeness (i.e., adult attachment orientation) contributed to testosterone changes, and whether any influences of adult attachment orientation were independent of more general personality characteristics (i.e., the Big Five personality dimensions). Results revealed that mothers and fathers showed comparable declines in testosterone during the SSP, and that these declines were attenuated among fathers with a more avoidant attachment orientation (i.e., those less comfortable with closeness). Associations between fathers' avoidance and testosterone reactivity were statistically independent of broader personality traits. Our findings provide some of the first evidence for short-term changes in both mothers' and fathers' testosterone in contexts that pull for nurturance. Moreover, these findings demonstrate that individual differences in adult attachment may play an important role in understanding such changes. We discuss possible explanations for gender differences in associations between adult attachment and parents' testosterone reactivity, and the extent to which testosterone reactivity might be sensitive to changes in context for mothers versus fathers.

Gender differences in associations between pain-related anxiety and alcohol use among adults with chronic pain

ABSTRACTBackground: Over 100 million Americans live with chronic pain, and adults with chronic pain may be more likely to experience alcohol-related problems or Alcohol Use Disorder. An evolving conceptual model posits that bidirectional effects between pain and alcohol exacerbate both pain and drinking. Pain has been shown to motivate alcohol urge and consumption, and drinking for pain-coping predicts escalations in alcohol use over time. Pain-related anxiety is a transdiagnostic vulnerability factor that has been implicated in both pain and substance-related (i.e., tobacco, opioids, cannabis) outcomes, but has not yet been studied in relation to alcohol use.Objective: We sought to conduct the first test of cross-sectional associations between pain-related anxiety, gender, and alcohol use.Methods: Adults with chronic pain (N = 234; Mage = 29.54, 67% Female) self-reported pain-related anxiety, gender, and alcohol use (i.e., consumption frequency/quantity, alcohol-related consequences, and dependence symptoms measured with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test; AUDIT). Hierarchical regression and conditional effects models were used to test associations between pain-related anxiety, gender, and alcohol use.Results: Pain-related anxiety was positively associated with alcohol-related consequences and alcohol dependence symptoms measured by the AUDIT among males, but not females. Pain-related anxiety was not associated with the frequency/quantity of alcohol consumption in our sample.Conclusions: These findings are consistent with prior research, which has demonstrated associations between pain-related anxiety and deleterious substance use outcomes. Results provide initial evidence that pain-related anxiety may be a relevant factor to consider in the context of alcohol research and treatment among male drinkers.

Gender differences in plaque characteristics of nonculprit lesions in patients with coronary artery disease

BackgroundAlthough numerous reports suggest sex-related differences in atherosclerosis, limited data describing gender-associated differences in plaque morphology and composition are currently available. The aim of the present study was to compare coronary nonculprit plaque characteristics in women and men with coronary artery disease (CAD) by optical coherence tomography (OCT).MethodsThis was a retrospective study. A total of 187 nonculprit plaques were identified in 103 patients with CAD who underwent OCT imaging of all 3 coronary arteries. These patients included 77 (74.8%) men and 26 (25.2%) women.ResultsFemale patients were significantly older than males (mean age, 70.8 ± 7.3 vs 60.8 ± 9.8 years; P < 0.001) and less likely to be current smokers (P = 0.007). OCT analysis included the presence of lipid-rich plaque, maximum lipid arc, lipid-core length, lipid index (LI), fibrous cap thickness, and the incidence of thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA). Nonculprit plaques in men exhibited greater lipid-core length and LI compared with those of women (9.4 ± 4.5 vs. 7.3 ± 4.3 mm, P = 0.024; 1615.1 ± 893.8 vs. 1237.8 ± 859.8, P = 0.035, respectively). In the univariate linear regression model, sex and current smoker were all associated with a larger LI, whereas only use of statin was independent risk factor for a larger LI in multivariate analysis.ConclusionsCoronary nonculprit plaques in male patients with CAD contain larger lipid cores than those of female patients.

Foot Morphology in Chinese Adolescents Aged Between 13 to 18 Years Varies by Gender and Age.

BackgroundWe recently reported age and gender differences in foot shape and size in Chinese school children aged between 7–12 years. This study aimed to analyze age and gender differences in foot shape and size in Chinese adolescents aged between 13–18 years.Material/MethodsThe study included 1,252 adolescent boys and 1274 adolescent girls from seven regions in China. Twelve measurements of foot shape were recorded using a video filming system. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) compared the changes in the measurements with age. An independent t-test was used to analyze gender-associated differences in foot size and shape.ResultsIn adolescent boys, foot length and width increased significantly at 13–14 years and heel width, arch height, and fifth metatarsal head height increased until 18 years (P<0.05). In adolescent girls, most foot measurements ceased to increase after 15 years, except for arch height. Adolescent boys showed significantly larger foot length, width, height, and girth compared with adolescent girls (P<0.05) (Cohen’s d effect size >0.8). Adolescent boys showed a significant increase in ball width and girth, and instep length and height compared with adolescent girls, who had a longer medial foot length and higher fifth metatarsal head height compared with adolescent boys (P<0.05) (Cohen’s d effect size >0.5).ConclusionsAge and gender associated differences were found in foot measurements in Chinese adolescents, aged between 13–18 years. These differences should be considered by shoe manufacturers and when making clinical decisions about normal foot development.

Gender differences in association between uric acid and all-cause mortality in patients with chronic heart failure

BackgroundElevated serum uric acid (SUA) is associated with poor prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease, yet it is still not decided whether the role of SUA is causal or only reflects an underlying disease. The purpose of the study was to investigate if SUA was an independent predictor of 5-year all-cause mortality in a propensity score matched cohort of chronic heart failure (HF) outpatients. Furthermore, to assess whether gender or renal function modified the effect of SUA.MethodsPatients (n = 4684) from the Norwegian Heart Failure Registry with baseline SUA were included in the study. Individuals in the highest gender-specific SUA quartile were propensity score matched 1:1 with patients in the lowest three SUA quartiles. The propensity score matching procedure created 928 pairs of patients (73.4% males, mean age 71.4 ± 11.5 years) with comparable baseline characteristics. Kaplan Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to investigate the independent effect of SUA on all-cause mortality.ResultsSUA in the highest quartile was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in HF outpatients (hazard ratio (HR) 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.37, p-value 0.021). Gender was found to interact the relationship between SUA and all-cause mortality (p-value for interaction 0.007). High SUA was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in women (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.24–2.20, p-value 0.001), but not in men (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.89–1.25, p-value 0.527). Renal function did not influence the relationship between SUA and all-cause mortality (p-value for interaction 0.539).ConclusionsHigh SUA was independently associated with inferior 5-year survival in Norwegian HF outpatients. The finding was modified by gender and high SUA was only an independent predictor of 5-year all-cause mortality in women, not in men.

Effect of gender and body mass index on cardiorespiratory parameters after an acute bout of aerobic exercise: A physiology laboratory-based study

Background: Exercise testing is a way to assess the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Conventionally, it has been reported that CRF decreases with an increase in body mass index (BMI). Moreover, there are gender-associated differences in the CRF. However, in the under-equipped physiology laboratory, the results of exercise testing may not produce the ideal results, as it has been accepted traditionally. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of BMI and gender on the cardiorespiratory parameters after dynamic exercise. The primary objective of the study is to set an example for students to report authentic results rather than making falsified ideal results. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one females and 23 males were involved in the study that was further divided into three groups based on BMI – normal weight, underweight, and overweight. Participants performed a 3-min exercise bout on the cycle ergometer. Cardiorespiratory parameters of each participant were recorded in front of other participants just before and after the exercise by the locally available instruments available in the laboratory. Analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey was applied and P ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Pre-exercise cardiorespiratory study parameters were unaffected by BMI, although males showed a higher resting blood pressure than the females. Post-exercise cardiorespiratory parameters remained unaffected by BMI, but females showed a significantly higher percentage change in post-exercise systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, rate pressure product, and respiratory rate than the males. Conclusion: The results of the present study are far from the traditionally accepted results; however, it has set an example for the budding doctors to report genuine results.

Gender differences in the relation between Q223R polymorphism of leptin receptor gene and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus

The gender differences in association between LEPR Q223R polymorphism and risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity were studied. The study included 244 patients (152 diabetic and 92 non-diabetic) with equal representation of both genders. The association between T2D and obesity was more prominent in females (P=0.031). The Q223R polymorphism of LEPR was associated with an increased risk of T2D regardless of sex (OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.27-3.90; z statistic=2,81; P=0.005). Females demonstrated the close association between LEPR Q223R polymorphism and overweight/obesity: both GG and AG genotypes were associated with an increase in BMI >25 (P=0.034), as well as elevation of LDL and C-peptide levels. In contrast, in men, the increase in BMI >25 was determined predominantly in the homozygotes GG (P=0.02). The revealed gender differences of LEPR Q223R polymorphisms role in risk of overweight and obesity stimulate the further study of the sex-associated mechanisms of regulation of adipogenesis and lipid metabolism.

The longitudinal trajectory of body mass index in the Chinese population: A latent growth curve analysis.

AimsThe objective of this study was to investigate the longitudinal trajectory of BMI in the Chinese population, and to assess whether the gender or other personal characteristics were related to BMI, and whether there was a change in trajectory over time.MethodsData were obtained from 3,574 Chinese (5 to 89 years of age) who participated in the 2000–2011 of the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Latent growth curve models were used to investigate the longitudinal trajectory of BMI, and to examine the effect of some personal characteristics on BMI trajectory.ResultsThe linear model resulted in a mean initial BMI value of 22.90 and a significant mean slope (Ms = 0.19, t = 10.73, p<0.001), suggesting a steady increase in BMI over time for the whole sample. For covariates, the educational level, alcohol and physical activity had differences on initial scores for BMI (β = 0.05, p<0.001; β = -0.12, p<0.05; β = -0.08, p<0.05; respectively.), and the age had differences on both the initial scores and slope for BMI (β = 0.01, p = <0.05; β = -0.03, p<0.01; respectively.). Baseline measures revealed gender-associated differences on initial scores for BMI, and the slope for male was significantly steeper than that for female (β = -0.11, p<0.05). The initial BMI status of Chinese living in the rural areas was significantly higher than that of Chinese living in the urban areas, and the slope for rural status was significantly steeper than that for urban status (β = 0.21, p<0.001).ConclusionsResults indicated a linear trajectory of BMI in the Chinese population over a 12-year period. The longitudinal trajectories differed by age, gender and urban-rural status, suggesting different interventions should be adopted for different groups.