Inter-gender Differences Research Articles

GENDER DIFFERENCE IN INTENTION TO HAVE A CHILD AND ITS PREDICTORS AMONG HIGH SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN HAWASSA CITY, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA: USING A THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR MODEL

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Adolescent pregnancy is a public health concern worldwide. In developing world, onethird to one-half of women becomes mothers within 19 years of age. In Ethiopia, teenage pregnancies and deliveries is common, which has been associated with consequences including school dropout, high infant and maternal mortality and morbidity.OBJECTIVE: To determine gender difference in intention to have a child and its predictors among high school adolescents in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia from February to March 2015. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in selected high schools of Hawassa City. Eight hundred sixteen adolescents were enrolled in the study using stratified sampling technique. Data were collected by using self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered and analyzed using Epi-data version 3.1 and statistical package for social science version 20 statistical software respectively. Multivariable linear regression model was used to compare intention to have a child by gender and other predictors. RESULT: Eight hundred seven adolescents participated in the study making the response rate of 98.8%. More than half of the respondents 470(58.5%) were in the age category of 15-17 years and 403(49.9%) of them were female. The proportion of adolescents who had desire to have a child before 20 years of age was 56(6.9%). Attitude (?=0.165, p<0.001), subjective norm (?= 0.408, p<0.001) and perceived behavioral control (?=0.168, p<<0.001) were significantly associated with intention to have a child. Being female (?= 0.0.021, p< 0.048), age group of 18-19 years (?= 0.0.041, p=0.021) and having low school performance (?=0.064, p=0.038) increases the intention. While in grade 12th adolescent students (?=- 0.034, p=0.03) and for those having good knowledge about family planning, pregnancy and related complications (?=-0.109, p=0.002) the intention to have a child decreases significantly. CONCLUSION: There was a gender difference in intention to have a child. Females had more intention than males. The theory of planned behavior variables was found to be significant predictors of intention to have a child. While working to control adolescent pregnancy, focus should also be given to their referents and changing their perception of on the understanding of their controlling ability. KEY WORDS: Adolescent Pregnancy, Intention to have a Child, a theory of planned behavior mode, Southern Ethiopia (Ethiopian Journal of Reproductive Health; 2018; 10; 4: 1-

Motivation, Cognitive and Resource Management Skills: Association of Self-Regulated Learning Domains with Gender, Clinical Transition and Academic Performance of Undergraduate Medical Students

Studies have associated self-regulated learning with better medical academic performance. However, limited data depicts inter-gender variabilities and differences between pre-clinical students and those undergoing clinical transition. Our study aims to bridge this gap. In this comparative cross-sectional study, Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire was administered to 550 undergraduate students of Army Medical College. Three hundred thirty-nine of 550 students responded. Reliability analysis was performed (Cronbach's α = 0.936). Extrinsic motivation was higher than intrinsic. Use of cognitive, metacognitive, and resource management skills was modest. Academic performance was weakly but significantly correlated with intrinsic goal orientation (p = 0.031), extrinsic goal orientation (p = 0.003), elaboration (p = 0.001), time/study environment (p = 0.009), and effort regulation (p = 0.009). Extrinsic goal orientation mean score was significantly lower (p < 0.001) for third year students when compared with that of pre-clinical students. Females had higher task-value scores (p = 0.009) while males had higher self-efficacy (p = 0.002) and critical thinking (p = 0.012) scores. Study concludes that academic performance and self-regulated learning domains are weakly but significantly correlated. Students undergoing clinical transition have lower extrinsic motivation. Inter-gender variabilities exist in task-value, critical thinking, and self-efficacy domains. This study opens up new vistas for educationists who should revise curricula, academic reward systems, and pedagogy forms. Interventional studies should be designed to bring improvements in self-regulated learning domains.

Lateral Cephalometric Standards for Mongolian 6-15 Year Old Children with Normal Occlusion

Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish the age and gender-specific lateral cephalometric standards for Mongolian children with normal occlusion. Methods: A total of 541 children between 6 and 15 years of age were selected based on the normal occlusion criteria. Lateral cephalograms of each subject were scanned and analyzed with the use of WinCeph version 11.0 software package. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were calculated for all measured variables. Independent t-tests were performed to assess the intergender differences. Results: Cephalometric angular measurements remain largely constant, whereas most cephalometric linear measurements change with advancing age, such as anterior facial height (N-Ans, Ans-Me), hard palatal length (Ans-Pns) mandibular ramus height (Cd-Go), mandibular body length (Cd-Gn) were increasing significantly by dental age in both gender. Gender differences were not statistically significant for any of the angular measurement at ages studied, but linear measurements of male subjects had larger average values than female subjects. Conclusion: Our results showed that linear cephalometric dimension of the hard tissue was gender-dependent. Therefore, gender-specific differences of craniofacial distances should be taken into account during diagnosis and treatment planning. The results from this study can be used as reference values for 6-15 years old children of Mongolia.

Do Gender-Related Stereotypes Affect Spatial Performance? Exploring When, How and to Whom Using a Chronometric Two-Choice Mental Rotation Task.

It is a common belief that males have superior visuospatial abilities and that differences in this and other cognitive domains (e.g., math) contribute to the reduced interest and low representation of girls and women in STEM education and professions. However, previous studies show that gender-related implicit associations and explicit beliefs, as well as situational variables, might affect cognitive performance in those gender-stereotyped domains and produce between-gender spurious differences. Therefore, the present study aimed to provide information on when, how and who might be affected by the situational reactivation of stereotypic gender-science beliefs/associations while performing a 3D mental rotation chronometric task (3DMRT). More specifically, we assessed the explicit beliefs and implicit associations (by the Implicit Association Test) held by female and male students of humanities and STEM majors and compared their performance in a 3DMRT after receiving stereotype- congruent, incongruent and nullifying experimental instructions. Our results show that implicit stereotypic gender-science associations correlate with 3DMRT performance in both females and males, but that inter-gender differences emerge only under stereotype-reactivating conditions. We also found that changes in self-confidence mediate these instructions’ effects and that academic specialization moderates them, hence promoting 3DMRT performance differences between male and female humanities, but not STEM, students. Taken together, these observations suggest that the common statement “males have superior mental rotation abilities” simplifies a much more complex reality and might promote stereotypes which, in turn, might induce artefactual performance differences between females and males in such tasks.

Analýza úrovně antropometrických a rychlostních charakteristik tenistů a tenistek ve věku 13–14 let

Strength is important factor impacting performance. Speed manifests not only by court movement,but also in reaction speed and in speed of individual shots. The aim of the paper is to analyze the levelof basic anthropometric (body height, H; body weight, W) and speed characteristics of young Czechtennis players, to assess inter-gender differences and to determine the correlation between individualvariables. The research sample consists of Czech junior male tennis players (n = 221) and female players(n = 217) between the ages of 13 and 14 years. Research data was acquired using test battery TENDIAG1between years 2000 and 2015. Based on the data following basic static characteristics were calculated;for male players n = 212, H = 170.30 ± 8.96 cm, W = 57.20 ± 9.25 kg, AT = 13.56 ± 0.69 s) and forfemale players (n = 217, H = 168.70 ± 12,22 cm, w = 55.85 ± 11.10 kg, AT = 14.05 ± 1.18 s). Substantivesignificance of differences between male and female tennis players was assessed using Cohen’s d. Nosignificance dependence was measured in anthropometric levels between male and female players (H,d = 0.14; W, d = 0.13), medium significance dependence was found in run speed test (d = 0.50) in favor ofmale players. Medium significance dependence between running speed and body height and weightrespectively (r = 0.45, resp. r = 0.43) was demonstrated at male players, small significance betweenrunning speed and body height and weight respectively (r = 0.24, resp. r = 0.16) at female players. Forpurposes of training, co-educated training units can be considered.

Comparison of the long-term treatment outcomes of women and men diagnosed with schizophrenia over a period of 20 years. A prospective study

Numerous studies into the differences in course of schizophrenia between women and men produce contradictory results. Few research teams undertook long-term prospective observations. ObjectiveTo assess the long-term clinical and social outcomes of treatment and the subjective quality of life in the group of women and men diagnosed with schizophrenia over a period of 20 years. Group and methodA total of 57 people: 34 (60%) women and 23 (40%) men with DSM III diagnosis of schizophrenia and DSM IV T-R re-diagnosis after 12 years, were examined during their index hospitalization and again at 7, 12, and 20 years thereafter. The examination instruments were: the Anamnestic and Catamnestic Questionnaire, the GAF scale, the BPRS-LA, the DSM III Axis V social scale, CFI and the Lehman Quality of Life Interview. ResultsAt the start of the study there were significant inter-gender differences concerning age at onset (p = 0.027), age at first psychiatric hospitalization (p = 0.033), social functioning (p = 0.009), marital status (p = 0.014), social contacts (0.009), schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders (p = 0.006) and symptoms severity (p = 0.045). However, after 7, 12, and 20 years from index hospitalization, no significant differences were found in any of the above mentioned indicators. In terms of subjective QoL assessment at long-term follow-ups, the women had better, but not statistically significant results than the men. Conclusions1. The initial differences between men and women in terms of symptoms severity in favour of women fade out in 20-year course of illness. 2. Over the years of illness, differences between men and women in terms of social and professional functioning, and subjective quality of life are not statistically significant, but a trend towards more favourable outcome in women is observed. 3. Over the course of the illness, men get married more frequently, which improves their social status.

Morphologic Analysis of the Normal Right Ventricle Using Three-Dimensional Echocardiography–Derived Curvature Indices

Right ventricular (RV) remodeling involves changes in size, wall thickness, function, and shape. Previous studies have suggested that regional curvature indices (rCI) may be useful for RV shape analysis. The aim of this study was to establish normal three-dimensional echocardiographic values of rCI in a large group of healthy subjects to facilitate future three-dimensional echocardiographic study of adverse RV remodeling. RV endocardial surfaces were reconstructed at end-diastole and end-systole in 245 healthy subjects (mean age, 42±12years) and analyzed using custom software to calculate mean curvature in six regions: RV inflow tract (RVIT) and RV outflow tract, apex, and body (both divided into free wall and septal regions). Associations with age and gender were studied. The apical free wall was convex, while the septum (apex and body) was more concave than the body free wall. Septal curvature did not change significantly from end-diastole to end-systole. The RV outflow tract and RVIT became flatter from end-diastole to end-systole. In keeping with the "bellows-like" action of RV contraction, the body free wall became flatter, while the apex free wall changed to a more convex surface. There were no intergender differences in rCI. In older subjects (≥55years of age), the RV free wall and RV outflow tract were flatter, and from end-diastole to end-systole, the RVIT became less flattened and the apex less pointed. These changes suggest that the right ventricle is stiffer in older subjects, with less dynamic contraction of the RVIT and less bellows-like movement. This study established normal three-dimensional echocardiographic values for RV rCI, which are needed to further study RV diastolic dysfunction and remodeling with disease.

Awareness and Utilization of e-Learning Resources by Trainee Counsellors of Counselling Education in Calabar, Nigeria

In Nigeria, electronic-learning (e-learning) resources have emerged as a modern tool for enhancing the quality of delivery and acquisition of education content. Yet, hardly has there been any meaningful research report on the application of this innovative and invaluable tool to counselling education service delivery efforts. This study, ‘awareness and utilization of e-learning resources by trainee Counsellors in counselling education in Calabar, Nigeria’ was designed to fill this literature gap. A structured questionnaire with reliability index of 0.83 titled “Awareness and Utilization of E-learning Questionnaire (AUEQ)” was used to collect data from a sample of 300 students and analyzed using t-test statistics. The results of the study indicate that while the awareness of e-learning resources by trainee Counsellors was generally high, their rating in terms of availability, currency, adequacy and quality of these resources within their schools was rather very low. The results also indicated that the extent of utilization of e-learning was also very insignificant. Furthermore, the outcomes of the study show inter-class, inter-school and inter-gender differences with regards to both awareness of availability and utilization of e-learning resources. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Universities and other higher education settings should be equipped with current, functional and adequate e-learning resources for enhanced service delivery. It was also recommended that both counsellor educators and trainees should be systematically trained in appropriate skills required for the use of e-learning facilities. It was further recommended that assurance of constant and adequate power supply should be improved upon to enhance the use of e-learning in our Universities.

Drinking behaviours and alcohol preferences of female and male students at a Polish university in 2000–2016

The aim of this study was to describe and compare the drinking behaviours and alcohol preferences of female and male university students. A total of 5514 female and 4264 male students (Poland) participated in the study. Empirical data were collected every 2 years in 2000–2016, with the use of an anonymous questionnaire. The respondents were asked about the frequency of alcohol consumption, the preferred alcoholic beverages and their attitudes towards drinking. Data were analysed statistically by the Kruskal–Wallis test, Dunn’s post-hoc test and the Mann–Whitney U test. Around 60–70% of the surveyed students were drinking sporadically, whereas 10–12% abstained from alcohol. Around 9–10% of the subjects had experienced alcohol-induced blackouts. Beer was the most popular alcoholic beverage, and it was consumed by 50–60% of the respondents. Seventy percent of the respondents were of the opinion that alcohol should be available on campus, and they had no intention to abstain from drinking. Both similar trends and inter-gender differences were observed among female and male students, most of whom had liberal attitudes towards alcohol consumption. Vodka continues to be popular among male students. Female students traditionally opted for weaker–strength alcoholic beverages and were more willing to try new types of alcohol.

Standards for permanent tooth emergence in Czech children

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to develop a population-specific reference for permanent tooth emergence among 4–15 years old Czech Republic children. The reference derived from this sample population are essential for pediatric dental diagnostics, orthodontic treatment planning, as well as anthropological and forensic applications.MethodsIn this cross-sectional epidemiological survey, dental examinations of 1,370 Czech children (696 girls (50,8%) and 674 boys (49,2%), whose parents or legal guardians all signed informed consent forms) from 11 elementary schools and kindergartens were performed in the classroom. During the examination, previously emerged permanent teeth (other than third molars), the child's age and gender were recorded. A tooth is defined as having erupted when at least any part of the crown penetrates the gingiva, and is clinically seen in the oral cavity. A logistic regression model was used to calculate the median emergence age per tooth for both genders and the total sample. The data was statistically processed (using IBM SPSS Statistics 23) and carried out at a deviation level of 0.05. The statistical significance of the differences in the emergence of permanent teeth (contralateral, intermaxillary, inter-gender differences) was evaluated by the McNemar test.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were observed in the emergence times between right and left sides. In addition, mandibular teeth emerged earlier than the corresponding maxillary ones (with the exception of the first and second premolars). Permanent teeth were found to emerge sooner in girls. Furthermore, the greatest inter-gender difference was observed in maxillary canines.ConclusionsThe new data reported can now be used as standards when assessing permanent tooth emergence of Czech children.

MCNAMARA’S CEPHALOMETRIC NORMS OF EGYPTIAN CHILDREN

Objective: To establish McNamara Cephalometric Analysis normative data for Egyptian children. Materials and Methods: Twenty boys and forty girls (mean age 9.37, SD 1.60) of Egyptian ethnicity were selected based on the following criteria: Class I molar relationship, lack of crossbite or scissor-bite, adequate amount of space in dental arches, no visible asymmetry, and good facial proportions. Eleven selected variables from McNamara’s cephalometric method were digitally traced and analyzed on the lateral cephalograms of each subject. Results: McNamara’s skeletal and dental variables were assessed and statistically significant inter-gender differences were noted in both effective midface length (condylion to point A) and effective mandibular length (condylion to gnathion). Conclusions: Young Egyptian boys had a lengthier midface and mandible than girls. The Upper incisors to point A vertical and lower incisor to A-PO line were slightly more pronounced in girls.

Early and late effects of aspirin and naproxen on microRNAs in the lung and blood of mice, either unexposed or exposed to cigarette smoke.

We recently showed that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are able to inhibit the lung tumors induced by cigarette smoke, either mainstream (MCS) or environmental (ECS), in female mice. We used subsets of mice to analyze the expression of 1135 microRNAs in both lung and blood serum, as related to the whole-body exposure to smoke and/or oral administration of either aspirin or naproxen. In a first study, we evaluated early microRNA alterations in A/J mice exposed to ECS for 10 weeks, starting at birth, and/or treated with NSAIDs for 6 weeks, starting after weaning. At that time, when no histopathological change were apparent, ECS caused a considerable downregulation of pulmonary microRNAs affecting both adaptive mechanisms and disease-related pathways. Aspirin and naproxen modulated, with intergender differences, the expression of microRNAs having a variety of functions, also including regulation of cyclooxygenases and inflammation. In a second study, we evaluated late microRNA alterations in Swiss H mice exposed to MCS during the first 4 months of life and treated with NSAIDs after weaning until 7.5 months of life, when tumors were detected in mouse lung. Modulation of pulmonary microRNAs by the two NSAIDs was correlated with their ability to prevent preneoplastic lesions (microadenomas) and adenomas in the lung. In both studies, exposure to smoke and/or treatment with NSAIDs also modulated microRNA profiles in the blood serum. However, their levels were poorly correlated with those of pulmonary microRNAs, presumably because circulating microRNAs reflect the contributions from multiple organs and not only from lung.

Correlation between chronological age and third molar developmental stages in an Iranian population (Demirjian method).

Third molar development is the only available tool for estimating the age of individuals after puberty. Since this tooth has very high interethnic variability, formulas calculated to estimate the age from its development stages cannot be generalized to other populations and should be adjusted for each region. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate this method in a sample of Tehran individuals for the first time, and also to compare the development of third molars across sexes and arches, and to estimate cutoff developmental stages for legal minor/major identification. A total of 150 dental patients aged between 15 and 25 years old were prospectively enrolled, and their Demirjian stages were recorded. The associations between chronological age and Demirjian stages were evaluated. Dental formation was compared between sexes and jaws. Cutoff stages were determined to identify legal minor/major cases (above or below 18 years old). Age estimation formula was found for this population. Of the 150 included patients, 56 were males. The difference between the ages of males and females at each given developmental stage was nonsignificant (P > 0.05), except for the H stage. Age difference between same stage teeth of the maxilla and mandible was nonsignificant. Each of the G and H stages was significantly above 18 years old (P < 0.001). Furthermore, E and F stages were below 18 years old (P < 0.001). All the correlations between Demirjian stages and age were above 90% (all P < 0.001). Third molar development was positively affected by the chronological age (P = 0.000) and being maxillary (P = 0.000) but not sex (P = 0.113). Regression formula for age estimation was: age = 6.52+ (0.64 × sex) + (0.32 × arch) + (1.86 × Demirjian stage). Development of third molar might complete after the age 22. Iranian individuals with third molars at the G and H stages are likely above 18 while those at E and F are likely below 18. Pace of molar development differs for jaws, but intergender differences are open to further investigations.

Aerobic capacity of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Physical fitness is a resultant of the efficiency of adaptive mechanisms for physical effort. People with intellectual disabilities may exhibit limited adaptive capacities, not only regarding their mental development, but also physiological, social and emotional development. Dysfunctions of the central nervous system observed in individuals with intellectual disabilities cause difficulties in gaining movement experience as well as problems with coordination and kinesthetic sense. Thus, intellectual disability might cause low physical activity and, consequently, low physical fitness. The aim of the present investigations was to evaluate aerobic capacity of intellectually disabled adults and determine its potential relationships with the degree of intellectual disability, somatic parameters, age and gender. The study group consisted of 85 intellectually disabled adults aged 20 to 40 years. The investigations were based on direct observation of the participants. The following somatic parameters were measured: body height and weight, waist and hip circumference, body fat percentage, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio. Physical fitness was evaluated based on PWC170; VO2max was also calculated. Qualitative assessment of physical fitness level was carried out using Astrand's classification (with respect to age and gender). 30% of women and 46.3% of men had very low level of aerobic capacity. Absolute values of PWC170 and VO2max were significantly higher in men. However, relative values expressed in millilitres of oxygen per kilogram of body weight did not reveal statistically significant inter-gender differences. Age and degree of intellectual disability did not significantly influence the level of physical fitness. Multiple regression analysis to estimate VO2max/kg revealed a negative correlation with %FAT and WHR. 1. A large sample of the study population (30% female, 46,3% male) showed very low levels of aerobic capacity. 2. Our investigations did not demonstrate a relationship between physical fitness and age or the degree of intellectual disability. Gender turned out to be a differentiating factor but only for the absolute PWC170 and VO2max. 3. The level of physical fitness was significantly related to somatic parameters including body mass, waist and hips circumference, percentage of body fat, BMI and WHR.

Inter-Gender sEMG Evaluation of Central and Peripheral Fatigue in Biceps Brachii of Young Healthy Subjects.

PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate inter-arm and inter-gender differences in fractal dimension (FD) and conduction velocity (CV) obtained from multichannel surface electromyographic (sEMG) recordings during sustained fatiguing contractions of the biceps brachii.MethodsA total of 20 recreationally active males (24±6 years) and 18 recreationally active females (22±9 years) performed two isometric contractions at 120 degrees elbow joint angle: (1) at 20% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for 90 s, and (2) at 60% MVC until exhaustion the time to perform the task has been measured. Signals from sEMG were detected from the biceps brachii using bidimensional arrays of 64 electrodes and initial values and rate of change of CV and FD of the sEMG signal were calculated.ResultsNo difference between left and right sides and no statistically significant interaction effect of sides with gender were found for all parameters measured. A significant inter-gender difference was found for MVC (p<0.0001). Initial values of CV were higher in females than in males at both force levels (20% MCV: p<0.0001; 60% MCV: p<0.05) whereas a lower initial estimate of FD was observed in females compared to males (20% MCV: p<0.05; 60% MCV: p<0.0001). No difference in CV and FD slopes was found at 20% MVC between genders. At 60% MVC significantly lower CV and FD slopes (CV and FD: p<0.05) and a more protracted time to exhaustion were found in females than in males (p<0.0001). When considering time to exhaustion at both levels of contraction no difference in percentage change (Δ%) of CV and FD slopes was found between genders (p>0.05). During the sustained 60% MVC no statistical correlation was found between MVC and CV or FD initial estimates nor between MVC and CV or FD slopes both in males and females whereas. A significant positive correlation between CV and FD slopes was found in both genders (males: r = 0,61; females: r = 0,55).ConclusionsFatigue determines changes in FD and CV values in biceps brachii during sustained contractions at 60% MVC. In particular males show greater increase in the rate of change of CV and FD than females whereas no difference in percentage change of these sEMG descriptors of fatigue was found. A significant correlation between FD and CV slopes found in both genders highlights that central and peripheral myoelectric components of fatigue may interact during submaximal isometric contractions.

Blood and lung microRNAs as biomarkers of pulmonary tumorigenesis in cigarette smoke-exposed mice

Cigarette smoke (CS) is known to dysregulate microRNA expression profiles in the lungs of mice, rats, and humans, thereby modulating several pathways involved in lung carcinogenesis and other CS-related diseases. We designed a study aimed at evaluating (a) the expression of 1135 microRNAs in the lung of Swiss H mice exposed to mainstream CS during the first 4 months of life and thereafter kept in filtered air for an additional 3.5 months, (b) the relationship between lung microRNA profiles and histopathological alterations in the lung, (c) intergender differences in microRNA expression, and (d) the comparison with microRNA profiles in blood serum. CS caused multiple histopathological alterations in the lung, which were almost absent in sham-exposed mice. An extensive microRNA dysregulation was detected in the lung of CS-exposed mice. Modulation of microRNA profiles was specifically related to the histopathological picture, no effect being detected in lung fragments with non-neoplastic lung diseases (emphysema or alveolar epithelial hyperplasia), whereas a close association occurred with the presence and multiplicity of preneoplastic lesions (microadenomas) and benign lung tumors (adenomas). Three microRNAs regulating estrogen and HER2-dependent mechanisms were modulated in the lung of adenoma-bearing female mice. Blood microRNAs were also modulated in mice affected by early neoplastic lesions. However, there was a poor association between lung microRNAs and circulating microRNAs, which can be ascribed to an impaired release of mature microRNAs from the damaged lung. Studies in progress are evaluating the feasibility of analyzing blood microRNAs as a molecular tool for lung cancer secondary prevention.

Research on pediatric glomerular disease and normal kidney with shear wave based elastography point quantification

To evaluate the renal cortex stiffness in children with glomerular disease by shear wave based elastography point quantification (ElastPQ), and to investigate the association between shear wave velocity (SWV) in the renal cortex and age in normal children, and the inter-gender differences. One hundred and five children who were pathologically confirmed with glomerular diseases were selected as the disease group. Meanwhile, 120 healthy children were selected as the control group. Effective values were measured 5 times at the same kidney sites on each side. Comparisons of SWV measurements between left and right kidneys in the disease and control groups all showed significant differences (left kidney t=6.896, P=0.004; right kidney t=7.415, P=0.001). In the control group, left and right kidney SWV measurements were all positively correlated with age (left kidney r=0.792, P=0.003; right kidney r=0.794, P=0.004). Moreover, inter-gender difference was present in the right kidney measurements. ElastPQ technology has certain advantages in predicting pediatric glomerular disease compared to conventional ultrasound. ElastPQ technology contributes to the early diagnosis of the disease.

Workload impact on gender-based differences in delta blood lactate concentrations from supramaximal exercise

BACKGROUND: Gender-based delta blood lactate concentration (Δ[BLa−]) differences may be impacted by the volume of work performed during exercise. Thus workload can act as a confounding influence when data from men and women are compared. OBJECTIVE: To examine workload’s impact on gender-based disparities in delta blood lactate concentration (Δ[BLa−]) values from supramaximal exercise. METHODS: Subjects (49 women, 31 men) did two workouts on an exercise device (Impulse Technologies; Newnan, GA) comprised solely of either tonic or phasic repetitions. Total work (TW) and Δ[BLa−] were quantified from each workout. TW and rawΔ[BLa−] values were each examined with 2× 2 ANOVAs, with repeated measures for workout. Δ[BLa−] values were also examined with TW as a covariate using a 2 × 2 ANCOVA and repeated measures for workout. RESULTS: Raw Δ[BLa−] and TW results each yielded predictable inter-gender differences. However our ANCOVA data produced a two-way interaction and the following significant differences: men-phasic, women-phasic > women-tonic > mentonic. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the idea that the volume of TW performed exacerbates inherent metabolic differences among men and women that heighten gender-based blood lactate differences. Future research on inter-gender lactate differences should consider workload as a covariate.

Numerical simulation of emitted particle characteristics and airway deposition distribution of Symbicort® Turbuhaler® dry powder fixed combination aerosol drug

One of the most widespread dry powder fixed combinations used in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management is Symbicort® Turbuhaler®. The aim of this study was to simulate the deposition distribution of both components of this drug within the airways based on realistic airflow measurements. Breathing parameters of 25 healthy adults (11 females and 14 males) were acquired while inhaling through Turbuhaler®. Individual specific emitted doses and particle size distributions of Symbicort® Turbuhaler® were determined. A self-developed particle deposition model was adapted and validated to simulate the deposition of budesonide (inhaled corticosteroid; ICS) and formoterol (long acting β2 agonist; LABA) in the upper airways and lungs of the healthy volunteers. Based on current simulations the emitted doses varied between 50.4% and 92.5% of the metered dose for the ICS, and between 38% and 96.1% in case of LABA component depending on the individual inhalation flow rate. This variability induced a notable inter-individual spread of the deposited lung doses (mean: 33.6%, range: 20.4%–48.8% for budesonide and mean: 29.8%, range: 16.4%–42.9% for formoterol). Significant inter-gender differences were also observed. Average lung dose of budesonide was 29.2% of the metered dose for females and 37% for males, while formoterol deposited with 26.4% efficiency for females and 32.5% for males. Present results also highlighted the importance of breath-holding after inhalation of the drug. About a half of the total lung deposition occurred during breath-hold at 9.6s average breath-hold time. Calculated depositions confirmed appropriate lung deposition of Symbicort® Turbuhaler® for both genders, however more effort for optimal inhalation technique is advised for persons with low vital capacity. This study demonstrated the possibility of personalized prediction of airway deposition of aerosol drugs by numerical simulations. The methodology developed in this study will be applicable also to other marketed drugs in the future.

The management of sexual dysfunctions according to the principles of sexual medicine

Sexual Medicine is a discipline concerned with the impact of psychophysiology, relationships, socio-cultural influences, developmental effects, sexual preference and variations, gender identity and inter-gender differences on the sexual function and experience of men and women of all ages, both as individuals and within the context of their relationships. Its aim is the restoration or improvement of function, and the optimisation of sexual experience and well-being, and of personal and interpersonal satisfaction with sexuality. According to sexual medicine, sexual problems are divided into four categories: sexual concerns, difficulties, dysfunctions and disorders. Two linear (Masters and Johnson, Kaplan) and a circular model (Basson) are the three most commonly used models of sexual response in sexual medicine. According to the latest sexuality studies a new classification has been introduced by the International Committee of Sexual Medicine. Sexual dysfunctions are not divided into physical or psychogenic anymore; the cause should be clarified through the etiology. A biopsychosocial approach, which systematically considers biomedical, psychological and socio-cultural history, is used in the assessment of a sexual problem. The basic modelling system of psychosexual therapy is the PLISSIT model. A biopsychosocial approach was used on 127 women with a sexual dysfunction, average age 34.3 (from 19 to 64), treated at the gynaecological outpatient clinic in General hospital Novo mesto between 2013 and 2015. In addition, the PLISSIT model proved to be simple and successful.