Gender Differences Research Articles

Development of Father- and Mother-Child Intimacy and Their Association with Internalizing and Externalizing Problems among Early and Middle Chinese Adolescents.

Parenting styles and the developmental environment of adolescents in China have undergone significant changes. However, the development of parent-adolescent intimacy among contemporary Chinese adolescents and its impact on internalizing and externalizing problems remain unclear. To address this research gap, this study explored the development of father-child and mother-child intimacy during early and middle adolescence and examined their effects on internalizing and externalizing problems. Further, it investigates the potential gender differences in these developmental processes. In total, 1,370 early adolescents (M age T1 = 12.31, SD age T1 = 0.49; 51.17% girls) and 1381 middle adolescents (M age T1 = 15.19, SD age T1 = 0.50; 50.16% girls) participated in this one-year, three-wave longitudinal survey. The results showed that father-child and mother-child intimacy decreased over one year in early adolescents, while in middle adolescents, father-child intimacy increased, and mother-child intimacy decreased. Furthermore, the development of parent-child intimacy in both early and middle adolescents negatively predicted internalizing and externalizing problems one year later. Regarding sex differences, early adolescent girls had lower initial levels of father-child intimacy but higher initial levels of mother-child intimacy compared to boys. In middle adolescents, girls also showed higher initial levels of mother-child intimacy than boys. Additionally, the decline in father-child intimacy had a stronger impact on anxiety and aggression in early adolescent girls and a more significant effect on depression in middle adolescent girls. These findings offer new insights into how parent-child intimacy changes in Chinese adolescents and its impact on internalizing and externalizing problems, providing valuable guidance for targeted interventions.

The roles of cannabis potency and gender in cannabis dependence and anxiety in recent cannabis users with trauma exposure histories.

Over the past 20 years, levels of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis have significantly increased, while levels of cannabidiol (CBD) have increased much less in comparison. Cannabis with higher THC potency (commonly assessed via THC:CBD ratio) may increase the risk for cannabis dependence and trigger/exacerbate anxiety. However, few studies of cannabis potency effects on cannabis dependence and anxiety have examined gender moderation. Additionally, there are issues with how cannabis potency is calculated via the THC:CBD ratio that may contribute to inconsistencies in the literature. N = 202 (55.8 % women) recent cannabis users (>1 g in the past month) with trauma histories - a group at high risk for anxiety and cannabis dependence - completed an online survey including a self-report measure of THC and CBD levels in participants' typically-used cannabis product. Cannabis potency was calculated as THC:CBD ratio (THC%/CBD%) and as relative THC proportion (THC%/[THC%+CBD%]). Cannabis dependence and anxiety levels were self-reported on the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test-Revised (CUDIT-R) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively. Consistent with prior findings in the general population, cannabis potency was significantly positively correlated with cannabis dependence, p = .002, and anxiety levels, p = .020, but only when assessed via THC proportion and not THC:CBD ratio. Consistent with prior research, women reported significantly higher anxiety levels but also unexpectedly, higher THC:CBD ratios, than men. No significant gender differences were found in the associations of either potency measure with either outcome variable. Results are consistent with recent reports of gender convergence in cannabis use prevalence. Additionally, these results identify relative THC proportion as a superior predictor of adverse cannabis and anxiety outcomes than the THC:CBD ratio in both men and women.

Gender and sex differences in colorectal cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Males have a higher incidence and mortality rate from colorectal cancer (CRC) compared with females. This review examines the reasons for these differences, including risk factors, screening participation, interpretation of screening tests, presentation and tumour types, pathophysiology (particularly the impact of sex hormones on tumour-related gene expression, microsatellite instability, micro-RNA expression, and the tumour microenvironment), and the efficacy and toxicity of treatment. Sex differences in hormones and body composition are responsible for some of the sexual dimorphism in CRC incidence and outcomes, particularly the pathophysiology, CRC presentation, the pharmacokinetics of cytotoxic therapies, and the impact of treatment on outcomes. However, gender differences also play a role, affecting risk factors, access to or participation in screening and treatment, and patients' experience of treatment (e.g. adverse events and sequelae). Sex and gender issues warrant further investigation in CRC to optimise treatment outcomes for patients.

Gender disparities in industry payments to neurosurgeons: a comprehensive analysis of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Open Payments data (2016-2022).

This study aimed to investigate the extent of gender disparities in financial interactions between neurosurgeons and the medical device industry, examining the differences in the number, amount, and types of payments made to male and female neurosurgeons. Utilizing data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Open Payments database covering 2016-2022, the authors conducted a comprehensive analysis of industry payments to neurosurgeons. This methodology included univariate and multivariate analyses to examine the disparities in payments, with a focus on identifying significant differences in compensation across genders. An analysis of 24,074 industry transactions totaling $388,916,456.88 underscored pronounced gender disparities, with female neurosurgeons involved in merely 2.47% of these transactions and receiving just 0.91% of the overall financial value. The data revealed significant discrepancies in compensation between genders across all contributing companies. Male neurosurgeons engaged in a higher average number of annual transactions compared with their female counterparts (4.60 vs 2.75, p < 0.001), across various financial interactions. This included a greater participation in royalties and licenses (1.49 vs 0.31, p < 0.001), consulting fees (2.16 vs 1.63, p = 0.024), and acquisitions (0.01 vs 0.00, p = 0.006). On average, female neurosurgeons were compensated $16,303.66, starkly lower than the $75,523.20 average received by their male counterparts (p < 0.005). This gap was especially significant in royalties and licenses, where females earned an average of $5168.57 compared with $61,898.47 for males (p = 0.004). Additionally, in acquisitions, female neurosurgeons received no payments at all, whereas males averaged $2153.43 (p = 0.042). Several of these disparities remained significant even after accounting for potential confounding factors, highlighting a systematic bias in compensation and industry engagement against female neurosurgeons. The study underscores a significant gender-based disparity in the financial interactions between neurosurgeons and the medical device industry. These disparities highlight the need for systemic changes to address the underlying factors contributing to inequity in compensation and industry collaboration opportunities. Implementing equitable compensation structures, mentorship programs, and inclusive policies is a crucial step toward achieving gender parity in neurosurgery and ensuring the field benefits from the diverse skills and perspectives of all its members.

Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve - anatomical peculiarities and clinical aspects.

The expanding number of parotid ablations, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeries of the head and neck, considerably increased the risk of the marginal mandibular branch (MMB) injury. The purpose of our study was to determine the anatomical peculiarities of the MMB depending on the facial nerve branching pattern (FNBP), gender and cephalometric type. The MMB was dissected on 75 hemiheads of adult embalmed cadavers. The origin, number of branches, topography and connections of the MMB were analyzed. Seven FNBP were identified: Type I (18.7%); Type II (14.7%); Type III (20%); Type IV (14.6%); Type V (5.3%); Type VI (18.7%); Type NI (8%, non-identified types). In males 1-3 MMB were determined and in females 1-4 MMB; p = 0.845. In males, bilaterally were identified 1-3 MMB. In females on the right side were found 1-2 MMB and on the left - 1-4 MMB; p = 0.204. A single MMB was revealed in 41 cases (54.7%), 2 MMB - in 29 cases (38.7%), 3 MMB - in 4 cases (5.3%) and in a single case 4 MMB (1.3%) were determined. Depending on the FNBP, the number of the MMB was: Type I - 1.2 ± 0.43; Type II - 1.5 ± 0.52; Type III - 1.6 ± 0.63; Type IV - 1.5 ± 0.52; Type V - 1.3 ± 0.50; Type VI - 1.9 ± 0.95; Type NI - 1.7 ± 0.82. IGFV = 1.403 (intergroup frequency variation); df = 6 (degree of freedom); p = 0.226. According to the cephalometric type the number of the MMB in mesocephalic type (MCT) was 1.5 ± 0.68; in brachycephalic type (BCT) - 1.6 ± 0.52; in dolichocephalic type (DCT) - 1.9 ± 0.60. IGFV = 1.698; df = 2; p = 0.190. A rare variant of the MMB origin from the temporofacial division of the facial nerve was highlighted in 5.3% of cases. The MMB varies depending on the FNBP, gender and cephalometric type. The highest variation degree was characteristic of females, Type VI and DCT. The lowest variation degree was determined in Type I and in MCT, without gender differences. The risk of iatrogenic lesions of the MMB is conditioned by two important aspects: its anatomical variability and large number of surgical interventions at that level.

Gender differences in the prognostic impact of uric acid in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

BackgroundUric acid has been identified as an independent predictor of poor outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, the impact of gender differences on this association is not fully explored.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included hospitalized patients with HFpEF from June 2018 to October 2022. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint, defined as the occurrence of all-cause mortality and heart failure readmission. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and stratified Cox regression examined the combined effect of gender and uric acid on the composite endpoint, and restricted cubic spline curves were applied to visualize the relationship.ResultsThe study included 547 patients, with 267 females and 280 males. In the entire cohort, each mg/dL increase in uric acid was associated with a 4% increase in the risk of the composite endpoint (HR: 1.04, 95%CI:1.01–1.09). This association was more pronounced in females, with a 9% increase in the risk of the composite endpoint per mg/dL increase in uric acid (95%CI: 1.02–1.17). Restrict cubic spline curves analysis demonstrated a significant linear correlation between increasing uric acid levels and higher risk of the composite endpoint in female patients (P = 0.028). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed higher survival probabilities for females compared to males (P = 0.002). However, survival rates for females with high uric acid levels were similar to those for males with high uric acid levels.ConclusionsBaseline serum uric acid levels are significantly associated with the composite endpoint in patients with HFpEF, particularly among females.

The relationship between interpersonal trust, family capital, and physical activity behavior among university students: a cross-lagged study

To explore the interaction mechanism between interpersonal trust, family capital, and physical activity behavior among college students using a cross-lagged study design, providing a theoretical basis for the healthy development of their physical and mental well-being. A longitudinal follow-up survey was conducted among 412 college students in Sichuan Province, using the Interpersonal Trust Scale, Physical Activity Rating Scale, and Family Capital Scale, in two phases over eight weeks from early March (T1) to early May (T2) 2024. (1) The autoregressive path coefficients for interpersonal trust, family capital, and physical activity behavior were 0.51, 0.41, and 0.66, respectively, indicating good stability (p < 0.001). (2) Interpersonal trust at T1 positively predicted family capital at T2 (β = 0.28, p < 0.001), and family capital at T1 also positively predicted interpersonal trust at T2 (β = 0.23, p < 0.001), indicating a mutual influence between family capital and interpersonal trust. (3) Family capital at T1 did not predict physical activity behavior at T2 (p > 0.05), but physical activity behavior at T1 positively predicted family capital at T2 (β = 0.20, p < 0.001), indicating that physical activity behavior is a causal variable for family capital. (4) Interpersonal trust at T1 positively predicted physical activity behavior at T2 (β = 0.16, p < 0.001), while physical activity behavior at T1 did not predict interpersonal trust at T2 (p > 0.05), suggesting that interpersonal trust is a causal variable for physical activity behavior. (5) Family capital mediated the relationship between interpersonal trust and physical activity behavior (α = 0.046), with a confidence interval of [0.014,0.097]. There were no gender differences in the relationship between interpersonal trust, family capital, and physical activity behavior among college students. There was a longitudinal relationship between interpersonal trust, family capital, and physical activity behavior, where family capital and interpersonal trust mutually influence each other. Physical activity behavior was a positive causal variable for family capital, while interpersonal trust was a positive causal variable for physical activity behavior. Additionally, family capital mediated the relationship between interpersonal trust and physical activity behavior.

Workforce Attrition Among Emergency Medicine Non-Physician Practitioners.

Non-physician practitioners, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, increasingly practice in emergency departments, especially in rural areas, where they help mitigate physician shortages. However, little is known about non-physician practitioner durability and demographic trends in emergency departments. Our objective was to examine attrition rates and ages among non-physician practitioners in emergency medicine. We conducted a repeated cross-sectional analysis using the Medicare Data on Provider Practice and Specialty and Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data. The study included non-physician practitioners providing at least 25 independent evaluation and management services annually for Medicare beneficiaries between 2014 and 2021. Attrition rates, defined as the absence of emergency medicine clinical services in subsequent years, were stratified by gender, clinician type, and practice urbanicity. The emergency medicine non-physician practitioner workforce grew from 14,559 to 17,679 between 2014 and 2021. Women non-physician practitioners comprised 64.6% of the workforce, and rural non-physician practitioners accounted for 15.7%. Across study years, the weighted annual attrition rate was 13.8%, rising from 12.1% in 2014 to 17.6% in 2019. Attrition rates were higher among physician assistants as well as women and rural non-physician practitioners, with median ages at attrition of 40.2 years for women and 45.9 years for men, and 38.6 years for urban non-physician practitioners versus 43.6 years for rural non-physician practitioners. The rate of non-physician practitioner attrition from the emergency medicine workforce is considerably higher and occurs at younger ages than prior work evaluating emergency physician attrition, with similar identified gender and geographic disparities. Targeted retention strategies are needed to support a more durable emergency medicine workforce and reduce disparities.

Impact of protein intake from a caloric-restricted diet on liver lipid metabolism in overweight and obese rats of different sexes

In addition to being linked to an excess of lipid accumulation in the liver, being overweight or obese can also result in disorders of lipid metabolism. There is limited understanding regarding whether different levels of protein intake within an energy-restricted diet affect liver lipid metabolism in overweight and obese rats and whether these effects differ by gender, despite the fact that both high protein intake and calorie restriction can improve intrahepatic lipid. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects and mechanisms of different protein intakes within a calorie-restricted diet on liver lipid metabolism, and to investigate whether these effects exhibit gender differences. The Sprague-Dawley rats, which were half female and half male, were used to construct a rat model of overweight and obesity attributed to a high-fat diet. They were then split up into five groups: the normal control (NC) group, the model control (MC) group, the calorie-restricted low protein (LP) group, the calorie-restricted normal protein (NP) group, and the calorie-restricted high protein (HP) group. Body weight was measured weekly. Samples of plasma and liver were obtained after eight weeks and analyzed for glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and hormones in the plasma as well as the liver fat and factors involved in the liver’s synthesis and degradation. For the male rats, compared to the HP group, the weight of liver fat in the LP and NP group was significantly higher (P < 0.05). However, for the female rats, there was no significant variation among the three calorie-restricted groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant variation in the concentration of total cholesterol (TC), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) among the three male calorie-restricted groups (P > 0.05), while the TC and VLDL concentrations in the female LP and NP group were significantly higher compared to those in the HP group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the trend of expression in the signaling pathways of adiponectin/phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and adiponectin/peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) in the liver was consistent with that of the liver fat content, and leptin acted in the same way as adiponectin. Compared with the three calorie-restricted groups, the expressions of nuclear sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-2 (nSREBP-2) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) involved in cholesterol synthesis and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase (CYP7A1) involved in cholesterol clearance in the MC group were significantly lower (P < 0.05). A 40% energy restriction can significantly reduce the body weight, body fat, liver fat, and the blood concentration of TG in both male and female overweight and obese rats, but it can significantly increase the blood concentration of TC in overweight and obese male rats. At the same time of 40% calorie restriction, increasing dietary protein intake to twice the normal protein intake has a stronger effect on promoting hepatic triglyceride oxidation and reducing liver fat content in the male overweight and obese rats by increasing the levels of adiponectin and leptin in the blood, and can also significantly reduce the plasma cholesterol concentration in the female overweight and obese rats through inhibiting cholesterol synthesis most likely by increasing glucagon level in the blood.

Development and validation of the online agentic and communal behaviour scale: implications for emotional well-being

ABSTRACT Agentic behaviours are often characterised as actions that revolve around being assertive and achievement-oriented, whereas communal behaviours are centered on cooperation, empathy, and promoting social harmony. While extensive studies have demonstrated how these behaviours can be reproduced in online environments from offline, there is a lack of a suitable scale to measure them. The current study focuses on developing and validating an online agentic and communal behavioural survey scale. Through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, two correlated factors emerged and corresponded with the definitions of the agentic and communal dimensions. Through linear regression modelling, it was found that although each dimension was negatively associated with Internet users’ emotional well-being, the positive impact of online communal behaviour on emotional well-being is more pronounced at higher levels of online agentic behaviour. This reflects a theoretical perspective that both dimensions are complementary and should be ‘balanced’ to achieve optimal well-being. In a three-way interaction, it was found that gender moderates the above positive interaction effect in both gender groups. Specifically, gender differences play a part in determining the impact of high vs. low online AC behaviours on emotional well-being. This finding aligns with the theoretical framework explaining gender roles in societies.

Empowering Nurses as Key Players in the Regional Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance

This study explores the differences in knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) across gender, experience, residence, and ethnicity among 316 nurses. Understanding these variations is essential to tailor effective interventions that promote better knowledge acquisition and application in the long battle against antimicrobial resistance. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 316 participants (89 males, 227 females) to assess KAP metrics. Data were analyzed using incidence rate ratios (IRR) to explore relationships between demographic factors and KAP scores. Correlation analyses were performed to determine the strength of relationships between knowledge, attitude, and practice across various subgroups, including gender, residence (rural/urban), experience levels, and ethnicity. Significant gender differences were found, with females scoring higher in knowledge (IRR=1.03, p=0.024) and attitude (IRR=1.03, p=0.030) than males. Urban participants had significantly higher knowledge scores than rural participants (IRR=1.19, p&lt;0.001). Experience levels also impacted knowledge, with participants having 3-6 years of experience showing lower scores than those with over ten years of experience (IRR=0.89, p&lt;0.001). Attitude positively correlated with knowledge and practice (p&lt;0.05). The findings reveal notable disparities in KAP across gender, experience, and residence. Females and urban participants demonstrate higher knowledge and attitude, while experience correlates with greater knowledge. Interventions should target rural areas and less experienced individuals and focus on improving attitudes to drive better knowledge and practice outcomes. Tailored educational programs addressing these disparities are recommended for more equitable KAP improvements.

Gender differences in entrepreneurial equity financing—a systematic literature review

Abstract A growing body of literature explores whether and why female and male entrepreneurs differ in their access to equity financing. This trend has led to an increasing fragmentation of the research field, as many studies analyze various mechanisms and focus on a certain form of equity financing. To advance research on gender differences in equity financing, it is necessary to identify patterns and inconsistent findings in the literature related to these mechanisms. Therefore, we perform a systematic literature review to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on gender differences in the key forms of entrepreneurial equity financing (venture capital, angel investment, and equity crowdfunding). Based on 75 studies from 2001 to mid-2024, our review indicates that male entrepreneurs have an advantage in raising capital from venture capitalists and business angels, whereas female entrepreneurs are more successful in equity crowdfunding. These gender differences stem from a complex combination of mechanisms, which we categorize into four thematic dimensions that capture entrepreneurs’ characteristics, investors’ characteristics, the ventures’ characteristics and strategies, and contextual factors. We propose specific future research directions for each dimension, and discuss theoretical and methodological research opportunities that are applicable across dimensions to improve our understanding of gender differences in equity financing.

Medical negligence compensation claims in knee meniscal surgery in Norway: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMeniscal surgery is one of the most frequent orthopaedic procedures performed worldwide. There is a wide range of possible treatment errors that can occur following meniscal surgery. In Norway, patients subject to treatment errors by hospitals and private institutions can file a compensation claim free of charge to the Norwegian System of Patient Injury Compensation (NPE). The purpose of this study was to systematically analyse compensation claims filed to the NPE following meniscal surgery and evaluate gender effects on accepted claims. Our hypothesis was that there was no gender difference in accepted claims.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study assessing all registered claims at the NPE after meniscal surgery from 2010 to 2020. The surgical procedures were stratified into subgroups following data collection. Data from the Norwegian Patient Registry were collected to obtain information on the numbers of the different procedures performed in hospitals and private institutions. We calculated frequencies and relative frequencies of categorical data. Differences in categorical data were calculated using the Pearson Chi-square test.ResultsThe total number of meniscal resections and sutures in the study period was 119,528. A total of 372 compensation claims were filed, 241 male and 130 female. Of these, 152 (40.9%) claims were accepted, while 220 (59.1%) were rejected. The most frequent reasons for filing a compensation claim were pain (114), followed by infection (98), wrong technique (38) and impaired function/instability (25).There was a significant gender difference in the acceptance of claims in favour of men (121 vs. 31, p < 0.001). A sensitivity analysis excluding infection as reason for compensation claim found no gender difference (p = 0.16) in acceptance of claims.ConclusionCompensation claims after meniscal surgery are rare, with only 0.3% of patients filing a compensation claim. There was a marked preponderance of men with accepted claims due to a higher frequency of postoperative infections. Surgeons should be aware of this and take this into account in the decision-making before surgery.

Gender differences in the influencing factors of violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundIn this study, we investigated the gender differences in the influencing factors of violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia.MethodsAbout 519 patients were evaluated using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). A regression analysis model was used to investigate the gender-related factors that influence violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia. We also investigated gender differences in cognitive function among schizophrenia patients exhibiting violent behavior.ResultsWe found that male patients are more likely to engage in violent behavior than female patients (57.28 vs. 46.80%). Previous risk behaviors, police-assisted admission, and education were independently associated with violent behavior among male patients, whereas previous risk behaviors, police-assisted admission, and employment status were independently associated with violent behavior among female patients. Moreover, significant differences were found in immediate memory, visuospatial/constructional, language, delayed memory, and total RBANS scores between the violent and non-violent groups among female patients. Prominent differences were found between the two groups in terms of immediate memory and total RBANS scores among males.ConclusionThese findings suggested that there are gender differences in the influencing factors and cognition of violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia.

Gender Disparities in Pandemic-Related Strains, Digital Coping Strategies, and Protective Mechanisms Among Rural-to-Urban Migrant Working Adolescents in China.

The COVID-19 pandemic placed significant strains on daily life, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as rural-to-urban young migrant workers. Based on General Strain Theory (GST), these pandemic-related strains lead to delinquent copings, including excessive Internet use. However, the association between pandemic-related challenges faced by migrant youth and their digital copings has yet to be investigated. GST also posits that some conditioning factors, such as conventional beliefs, internal resilience and life satisfaction, might serve as protective factors, which can help to alleviate the disruptive consequences of the pandemic-related strains. Utilizing the fourth sweep of International Self-Report Delinquency Survey (ISRD4) in China comprising 769 working migrant adolescents aged 16 to 19, who did not attend high school, the present study examines variations in pandemic-related strains, frequent use of the Internet for gaming and social media, and their associations. In addition, this study investigates the moderating effect of three protective factors: conventional beliefs, internal resilience and life satisfaction. Results indicated that economic strain, information strain and health-related strain significantly influenced digital coping strategies, with notable gender differences. Conventional beliefs served as a significant moderator for males, while life satisfaction played a more significant moderating role for females. Relevant policy implications are then discussed.

Macroeconomic and institutional determinants of human capital wealth: gender disparities and implications

Macroeconomic and institutional determinants of human capital wealth: gender disparities and implications

Transcriptomic landscape of Hras12V oncogene-induced hepatocarcinogenesis with gender disparity

The genesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is closely related to male factors and hyper-activated Ras signals. A transcriptomic database was established via RNA-Seq of HCC (T) and the adjacent precancerous liver tissue (P) of Hras12V transgenic mice (Ras-Tg, HCC model) and the normal liver tissue of wild-type mice (W) of both sexes. Comparative analysis within W, P, and T and correlation expression pattern analysis revealed common/unique cluster-enriched items towards HCC between the sexes. Specifically, the numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were much higher in females than in males, and tumor suppressor genes, such as p21Waf1/Cip1 and C6, were significantly higher in the female P. This finding denotes the higher sensitivity of female hepatocytes to the Ras oncogene and, therefore, the difficulty in developing HCC. Moreover, convergence in HCC between the sexes suggests the underlying mechanisms for the ineffectiveness of sex hormone therapies. Additionally, expression pattern analysis revealed that the DEGs and their relevant pathways were either positively or negatively associated with the HCC/Ras oncogene. Among them, the vital role of glutathione metabolism in HCC was established. This work provides a basis for future research on elucidating the underlying mechanisms, selecting the diagnostic biomarker, and planning the clinical therapy in HCC.

Gender Differences Are a Leading Factor in 5-Year Survival of Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis over Antifibrotic Therapy Reduction.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease with a median survival of 3-5 years. Antifibrotic therapies like pirfenidone and nintedanib slow progression, but the outcomes vary. Gender may influence disease presentation, progression, and response to treatment. This study evaluates the impact of gender on the 5-year survival, pharmacological management, and clinical outcomes of patients with IPF. A retrospective cohort study of 254 IPF patients was conducted, with 164 (131 males:33 females) having complete data. Patients underwent spirometry, DLCO, and 6 min walk tests. Data on comorbidities, smoking, antifibrotic therapy type, dosage adjustments, and adverse events were collected. We used Kaplan-Meier survival curves and logistic regression to assess gender-related differences in outcomes. Men had worse lung function at diagnosis (FVC 74.9 ± 18.5 vs. 87.2 ± 20.1% of pred.; p < 0.001) and a higher smoking prevalence (74% vs. 30%; p < 0.001). Women had better survival (51.2 vs. 40.8 ± 19.2 months; p = 0.005) despite more frequent biopsy use (36% vs. 17%; p = 0.013). Women tolerated longer therapy better (p = 0.001). No differences were found between patients receiving reduced antifibrotic dosing and those receiving full dosing. Gender has a significant impact on IPF outcomes, with women demonstrating better survival and tolerance to long-term therapy. In contrast, reducing antifibrotic treatment does not appear to significantly affect survival outcomes. These findings underscore the need for future research on gender-specific management approaches.

Gender inequalities in prescribing and initiation patterns of guideline-recommended drugs after acute myocardial infarction

BackgroundEuropean guidelines recommend the prescription of certain drugs after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The existence of gender differences in pharmacological treatment after an AMI has been described. This study aims to describe and analyse, using real-world data (RWD), whether there are gender differences in the prescribing patterns and initiation of treatment in secondary prevention after a first AMI, and which are the factors that explain these differences.MethodsA population-based observational study of RWD was conducted in the CARhES (CArdiovascular Risk factors for hEalth Services research) cohort. The study included subjects who had experienced a first episode of AMI between 2017 and 2022, had survived the event, and had a minimum follow-up of 180 days.Results3,975 subjects were followed 180 days after a first AMI. Women (27.8% of the study population) were older and had more comorbidities. Of the main guideline-recommended drugs, antiplatelets, lipid modifying agents and beta-blockers, were prescribed less often in women. Comedications such as rivaroxaban and calcium channel blockers were more likely to be prescribed in women. The proportion of subjects initiating treatment was similar in both genders.Overall, age and morbidity burden were the main contributors to differences in the prescribing patterns. Living in an urban area seemed to be a protective or mitigating factor. There were controversial results regarding socioeconomic level. ConclusionIn our study population, women are older, have greater comorbidities and lower socioeconomic status. Despite this, gender inequalities in the prescribing patterns after a first AMI remains, as women appear to experience less therapeutic effort. It is crucial to analyse them from an intersectional perspective, considering the influence of multiple axes of inequality on health, in order to develop gender-sensitive strategies with a multidisciplinary approach.

Gender Differences in Academic Resilience: A Study Among Secondary School Students

Gender Differences in Academic Resilience: A Study Among Secondary School Students