Gender-specific Behavior Research Articles

INFLUENCE OF THE PRENATAL PCDD/F AND PCB EXPOSURE ON ADRENARCHE AND GENDER SPECIFIC ROLE BEHAVIOUR - RESULTS FROM THE DUISBURG BIRTH COHORT STUDY

Background and aims: PCDD/F and PCBs have been described to interfere with the endocrine system. We examine if the prenatal exposure to these chemicals will influence the development of children during their childhood. The Duisburg Birth Cohort Study (Wilhelm et al., 2008, Mutat. Res. 659, 83-92) was initiated 2000-2002. Here we present data from examinations at 6-8 and 8-10 yrs after birth of the children. Methods: PCDD/F and PCB concentrations in blood samples from mothers during pregnancy and in milk samples were measured using GC/HRMS. Blood serum samples were collected from 111/96 children aged 6-8 and 8-10 yrs, respectively, and were assayed for testosterone, estradiol and dihydroxyepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S). Gender specific role behavior was measured using the Pre-School Activities Inventory (PSAI) at 6-8 yrs by scoring gender specific activities. Data analyses were performed by linear regression analysis using GEE to account for repeated measurements of the hormones. Results: The average age of children was 6.6 and 8.5 yrs, respectively. PCDD/F and PCB levels were in the range of 4.3–97.3 (blood) and 3.0-78.7 (breast milk) pg WHO TEq/glipid base, respectively. Serum levels (geometric means) of DHEA-S at first examination were 144 and at second 282 ng/ml. Linear regression analysis showed a positive association between DHEA-S and breast milk WHO TEq (increase of 1.36, 95% CI 1.12-1.65 per doubling of WHO TEq). The total gender specific activity score ranged from -30 to +36. Means of activity scores were 20.4 (boys) and -9.5 (girls). The total activity scores significantly increased only in girls per doubling the prenatal exposure to ∑6 PCB and mono-ortho PCB (increase of: ∑6 PCB: 1.46, 95%-CI 1.04-1.88; mono-ortho PCB: 1.52, 95%-CI: 1.05-1.98). Conclusion: Prenatal exposure to PCDD/F and PCB increases the levels of DHEA-S and also alters the gender specific role behaviour in girls.

아동의 또래괴롭힘 참여유형의 판별변인 분석

This paper was an examination of gender-specific behaviors in children and the types of bullying behavior among 1,181 fifth and sixth grade elementary schools student identified were then classified. Differences were identified in individual variables, family variables, and school variables. The data thus collected were subjected to descriptive and comparative statistical analysis using the SPSS software program. Our results showed that multiple discriminant analysis yielded a function of individual, family and school variables that proved effective in classifying bully, reinforcer, assistant, victim, outsider and defender types in boys. In girls, multiple discriminant analysis yielded a function of individual variables that was effective in classifying bully, reinforcer, assistant, victim, outsider and defender types.

Chlorination byproducts induce gender specific autistic-like behaviors in CD-1 mice

In 2000, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) released a report concerning elevated autism prevalence and the presence water chlorination byproducts in the municipal drinking water supply in Brick Township, New Jersey. The ATSDR concluded that it was unlikely that these chemicals, specifically chloroform, bromoform (Trihalomethanes; THMs) and tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene; PCE) had contributed to the prevalence of autism in this community based upon correlations between timing of exposure and/or concentration of exposure. The ATSDR conclusion may have been premature, as there is no conclusive data evidencing a correlation between a particular developmental time point that would render an individual most susceptible to toxicological insult with the development of autism. Therefore, it was our aim to determine if these chemicals could contribute to autistic like behaviors. We found that males treated with THMs and PCE have a significant reduction in the number of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) emitted in response to maternal separation, which are not attributed to deficits in vocal ability to or to lesser maternal care. These same males also show significantly elevated anxiety, an increase in perseverance behavior and a significant reduction in sociability. The sum of our data suggests that male, but not female mice, develop autistic like behaviors after gestational and postnatal exposure to the aforementioned chemical triad via drinking water. We believe development of such aberrant behaviors likely involves GABAergic system development.

Changed preference for sweet taste in adulthood induced by perinatal exposure to bisphenol A—A probable link to overweight and obesity

BackgroundThe preference of obesity has risen dramatically worldwide over the past decades. Some latest reports showed significant increase of obesity in men compared to women. Implication of environmental endocrine disruptors has been focused more and more. Numerous studies in vitro and vivo implied metabolic actions of bisphenol A (BPA), however much less consideration is given to the possibility of BPA exposure-induced change in gender-specific behaviors which result in obesity and overweight. ObjectivesTo examine whether perinatal exposure to BPA at relative dose to environmental levels can influence sweet preference of male and female rats and consequently lead to alteration in bodyweight. MethodsRats perinatally exposed to BPA at doses of 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0mg/L were tested sweet preference for 0.25%, 0.5% saccharin and 15% sucrose by two-bottle choice (water vs. saccharin/sucrose). The food intake, liquid consumption and bodyweight of each rat were monitored daily. At the end of the test, the fat percentage and tail blood pressure were measured. ResultsSignificant sex difference of preference for 0.25% and 0.5% saccharin was shown in control and all BPA-treated groups (p<0.001, female vs. male). 0.1 and 1.0mg/L BPA treatment induced the increase of preference for 0.25% saccharin solution in males, but not in females. 0.1mg/L BPA treatment increased sucrose preference in males at postnatal day (PND) 70 and 140 (p<0.05 and p<0.001, compared to control respectively) but decreased sucrose preference in females at PND 140 (p<0.05, compared to control). The males treated by BPA showed overweight (p<0.001), high fat percentage (p<0.001) and tail blood pressure (p<0.05) than control at PND 140. ConclusionPerinatal exposure to a low dose of BPA could increase sweet preference of male rats. Calorie intake may be programmed during early life, leading to changes of body weight depending on the gender. Although further researches concerning the mechanism are required, the results of the present study are particularly important with regards to the more significant increasing prevalence of obesity in men and the environmental endocrine disruptors.

Physical Activity, Gender, Weight Status, and Wellbeing in 9- to 11-Year-Old Children: A Cross-Sectional Survey

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity and wellbeing in children, and to further explore the extent to which this may vary by gender and weight status. A representative sample of 1424 9- to 11-year-olds completed a self-report measure of physical activity, the Child Health and Illness Profile, KIDSCREEN, and a self-esteem scale. Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements were also obtained. 24% of children achieved the recommended level of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) per day, with more boys than girls achieving this level. Children achieving the recommended level of MVPA scored significantly higher on measures of the Child Health and Illness Profile (F(5, 1354) = 5.03; P < .001), KIDSCREEN (F(3, 1298) = 4.68; P = .003), and self-esteem (F(1, 1271) = 18.73; P = .003) than less active children although the effect sizes were small (ηp2 ≈ .01). Substantial gender differences in wellbeing were found reflecting gender specific behaviors and socialization. Weight status had negligible influence on wellbeing. Children who meet the recommended guidelines of MVPA were more likely to have better wellbeing. When attempting to raise children's physical activity levels consideration should be given to the specific relationships between wellbeing and physical activity.

Diversity and Distribution of White-Tailed Deer mtDNA Lineages in Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Outbreak Areas in Southern Wisconsin, USA

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy affecting North American cervids. Because it is uniformly fatal, the disease is a major concern in the management of white-tailed deer populations. Management programs to control CWD require improved knowledge of deer interaction, movement, and population connectivity that could influence disease transmission and spread. Genetic methods were employed to evaluate connectivity among populations in the CWD management zone of southern Wisconsin. A 576-base-pair region of the mitochondrial DNA of 359 white-tailed deer from 12 sample populations was analyzed. Fifty-eight variable sites were detected within the sequence, defining 43 haplotypes. While most sample populations displayed similar levels of haplotype diversity, individual haplotypes were clustered on the landscape. Spatial clusters of different haplotypes were apparent in distinct ecoregions surrounding CWD outbreak areas. The spatial distribution of mtDNA haplotypes suggests that clustering of the deer matrilineal groups and population connectivity are associated with broad-scale geographic landscape features. These landscape characteristics may also influence the contact rates between groups and therefore the potential spread of CWD; this may be especially true of local disease spread between female social groups. Our results suggest that optimal CWD management needs to be tailored to fit gender-specific dispersal behaviors and regional differences in deer population connectivity. This information will help wildlife managers design surveillance and monitoring efforts based on population interactions and potential deer movement among CWD-affected and unaffected areas.

Is the Animal Woman a Meek or an Ambitious Figure in Japanese Folktales? An Examination of the Appeal of Japanese Animal-Wife Tales

This study will examine what creates the appeal of Japanese animal-wife tales. To reach this end, this study undertakes two parallel tasks. One is to understand what characterizes these tales in terms of gender-specific behaviour of the two tale figures, an animal woman (i.e., an animal in human female form) and a human male. The other is to delve into the motivation of that gender-specific behaviour, and to understand how these tales revolve around the symbolic inversion of social codes concerning normative connubial manners.

Thought Short Report: Body as a means of non-verbal communication in Iran

Bodies move, and they express. There is a body language, and there is a language employed to refer to body, its parts and the states of its being in all cultures. Consciously and unconsciously people judge each other according to body and clothing behavior. What one thinks one expresses, is not necessarily how one is seen and judged. The meaning of self, body, gesture and behavior are culture specific. The limits of culture are time dependent and its borders are more and more porous. In my paper on the Iranian body, I shall concentrate on the non-verbal communication through the body. First various meanings of the self are considered and then gender specific behavior in the public domain is discussed. I shall argue that in the nonverbal public domain, the most eloquent expressions are not those of clothing, gesture or behavior, but those of the eyes, the doors toward one's inner self and feelings. As we pass the threshold from the public into the private domain, from the street into the house, we first encounter the formal private domain, and then the dance world. Although this world requires some degree of informality and intimacy, it nonetheless has its specific regulations and boundaries, preventing it from becoming totally informal or chaotic. In a country where many layers of culture lie in every word and act, it is definitely not sufficient to attend to the words, it is essential to search in the non-verbal to get a more holistic view of intended meaning.

Your Mother Should Know: A Comparison of Maternal and Paternal Attitudes and Behaviors Related to Gambling among Their Adolescent Children

Parental attitudes and behaviors are significant factors in the gambling behavior of their children yet few attempts have been made to explore them in depth. The current study compared mothers and fathers on these factors with particular attention paid towards the gambling of their own teenage children. Surveys were completed by 3,089 parents across Canada with at least one child between the ages of 13 and 18 years. Participants responded to items in three general areas: (1) parental attitudes towards gambling among adolescents, (2) parental involvement in gambling with their children, and (3) parental awareness of and involvement in youth gambling education and prevention measures. Several gender differences were revealed. Fewer fathers compared to mothers viewed gambling as a serious issue among teens, particularly fathers of teenage boys. Mothers were more likely to report gambling on raffle and lottery scratch tickets with their children; fathers were more likely to report engaging in gambling activities with their children, particularly sons, involving sports or competitive themes (i.e., poker, games of skill, sports lotteries, and sports pools). Mothers were also more likely to report having conversations with their children about gambling and to be more aware of educational materials to which their children are being exposed. Given the differences between mothers and fathers in how they view and react to youth gambling as a serious issue, prevention programs should aim to address the gender-specific attitudes and behaviors of parents.

Gender-specific oral health attitudes and behaviour among dental students in Palestine

This study assessed gender differences in oral health knowledge, attitude and behaviour among undergraduate dental students in Palestine. Students aged 18-22 years at Al Quds University (n=260) completed the English version of the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioral Inventory. Females had more positive dental health attitudes and behaviours (making regular visits the dentist, being more educated about professional toothbrushing and taking more care with brushing their teeth). Half the students of both sexes thought they could not avoid having false teeth when they were old. Some aspects of oral health behaviour and attitudes were different between males and females, but in other aspects professional training may have compensated for these differences.

또래괴롭힘 행동경향성에 관련된 개인, 가족 및 학교환경변인 탐색

We examined gender-specific behaviors in children and classified types of bullying behavior among 1,181 fifth and sixth grade elementary schools students. Differences were identified in individual variables, family environment variables, and school environment variables. Furthermore the behavioral tendencies of those variables towards bullying were also investigated. Collected data were subjected to descriptive and comparative statistical analysis using the SPSS program(Ver 15.0). Results showed that tendency towards bullying was gender specific. Bullying behavior, reinforcing behavior, assistant behavior, and onlooking behavior in boys were influenced by individual factors only. However, defending behavior in boys was influenced by individual and school factors, while victimizing behavior was influenced by individual and family factors. In girls, onlooking behavior was only influenced by individual factors, while reinforcing behavior was influenced by individual and family factors. Bullying behavior, defending behavior, assistant behavior, and victimizing behavior in girls were influenced by individual, family, and school factors.

Occupational risk of overweight and obesity: an analysis of the Australian Health Survey.

BackgroundAdults spend about one third of their day at work and occupation may be a risk factor for obesity because of associated socioeconomic and behavioral factors such as physical activity and sedentary time. The aim of this study was to examine body mass index (BMI) and prevalence of overweight and obesity by occupation and explore the contributions of socioeconomic factors and lifestyle behaviors (including leisure time and commuting physical activity, diet, smoking, and alcohol) to occupational risk.MethodsSecondary analyses of the National Health Survey in Australia (2005) were conducted for working age adults (20 to 64 years). Linear and logistic regression models using BMI as either dichotomous or continuous response were computed for occupation type. Model 1 was age-adjusted, Model 2 adjusted for age and socioeconomic variables and Model 3 adjusted for age, socioeconomic variables and lifestyle behaviours. All models were stratified by gender.ResultsAge-adjusted data indicated that men in associate professional (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.10-1.63) and intermediate production and transport (OR 1.24 95% CI 1.03-1.50) occupations had a higher risk of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 than those without occupation, and women in professional (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.61-0.82), management (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.56-0.92) and advanced clerical and service occupations (OR 0.73 95% CI 0.58-0.93) had a lower risk. After adjustment for socioeconomic factors no occupational group had an increased risk but for males, professionals, tradesmen, laborers and elementary clerical workers had a lower risk as did female associate professionals and intermediate clerical workers. Adjustment for lifestyle factors explained the lower risk in the female professional and associate professionals but failed to account for the lower odds ratios in the other occupations.ConclusionsThe pattern of overweight and obesity among occupations differs by gender. Healthy lifestyle behaviors appear to protect females in professional and associate professional occupations from overweight. For high-risk occupations lifestyle modification could be included in workplace health promotion programs. Further investigation of gender-specific occupational behaviors and additional lifestyle behaviors to those assessed in the current Australian Health Survey, is indicated.

Gender-specific Problem Behaviors of School-aged Children according to Parenting Characteristics in Poverty

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine the association between the parenting characteristics and problem behaviors of school-aged children living in poverty. Methods:With a cross-sectional study design, the ChildBehaviorChecklist (CBCL) was utilizedtocollectdatafrom190primarycaregiversof childreninlow income families in one middle-size city in South Korea. Results: Among the children's characteristics, only school performance showed significant association with problem behaviors and children's age and gender were not associated with problem behaviors. Among the primary caregivers' parenting characteristics, discipline style, rearingconfidence,andconcernsfor their childrenshowedsignificant associationwithproblembehaviorsfor girls, but not for boys. Parenting attitude was not related to problem behaviors with either girls or boys. Conclusion: Thefindingsofthisstudyindicatethat theparentingcharacteristicsof low incomeprimarycaregiversareimportant in children's problem behaviors, especially for girls and parent education programs for child rearing, including methods of discipline for both boys and girls, are effective nursing interventions.

Ageing and Mobility in Germany: Are Women Taking the Fast Lane?

Results from travel demand research in many countries show that - on average - women are less mobile and have different mobility patterns than men. Recent longitudinal studies of gender specific travel demand reveal converging mobility of males and females. Moreover, in some countries results show convergence between cohort and gender specific travel demand: women and men display more and more similar travel behaviour while older individuals today have higher mobility demands than ever before. Do these developments hold also for Germany? Based on socio-economic and demographic analysis of gender specific travel behaviour using the German mobility survey data from 2002, we ask what individual travel patterns can be expected for the future in the year 2025. We place emphasis on the importance of educational attainment and labour force participation for the assessment of future personal mobility.

Competitiveness, Gender and Ethics in Legal Negotiations: Some Empirical Evidence

AbstractThe role of gender in negotiation has been extensively explored and documented in a now rich body of literature. A main strand of empirical evidence suggests that women, largely due to their gender socialization, tend to be weaker negotiators relative to men and consequently, less effective in pursuing their economic, social or family interests in diverse bargaining settings. We present findings from a Greek setting that paint a different picture, in which gender does not have a strong impact on the negotiating process when the negotiating parties are members of a competitive profession. We selected three different groups (Greek attorneys-at-law, Greek business students and a control group comprised of young employees in public and private organizations) and distributed self-assessment questionnaires to test for negotiating style and gender-specific negotiation behavior. Our findings suggest that differences which may be attributed to gender are less pronounced for Greek legal practitioners. Stronger determinants of successful outcomes in negotiations are negotiators' individual characteristics (competitive negotiating style, persuasion, social and emotional intelligence) and the conformity of Greek lawyers of both sexes to the competitive group norms of their profession. Therefore, the shared norms and values of professional culture play a critical role in how lawyers negotiate. We discuss these findings in the context of a larger social setting, especially by reference to the changing hierarchies and shifts in power in a legal profession increasingly populated by women.

Influence of American acculturation on cigarette smoking behaviors among Asian American subpopulations in California.

Using combined data from the population-based 2001 and 2003 California Health Interview Surveys, we examined ethnic and gender-specific smoking behaviors and the effect of three acculturation indicators on cigarette smoking behavior and quitting status among 8,192 Chinese, Filipino, South Asian, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese American men and women. After adjustment for potential confounders, current smoking prevalence was higher and the quit rate was lower for Korean, Filipino, and Vietnamese American men compared with Chinese American men. Women's current smoking prevalence was lower than men's in all six Asian American subgroups. South Asian and Korean American women reported lower quit rates than women from other ethnic subgroups. Asian American men who reported using only English at home had lower current smoking prevalence and higher quit rates, except for Filipino and South Asian American men. Asian American women who reported using only English at home had higher current smoking prevalence except for Japanese women. Being a second or later generation immigrant was associated with lower smoking prevalence among all Asian American subgroups of men. Less educated men and women had higher smoking prevalence and lower quit rates. In conclusion, both current smoking prevalence and quit rates vary distinctively across gender and ethnic subgroups among Asian Americans in California. Acculturation appears to increase the risk of cigarette smoking for Asian American women. Future tobacco-control programs should target at high-risk Asian American subgroups, defined by ethnicity, acculturation status, and gender.

Gender Identification of Grasshopper Sparrows Comparing Behavioral, Morphological, and Molecular Techniques

Correct gender identification in monomorphic species is often difficult especially if males and females do not display obvious behavioral and breeding differences. We compared gender specific morphology and behavior with recently developed DNA techniques for gender identification in the monomorphic Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum). Gender was ascertained with DNA in 213 individuals using the 2550F/2718R primer set and 3% agarose gel electrophoresis. Field observations using behavior and breeding characteristics to identify gender matched DNA analyses with 100% accuracy for adult males and females. Gender was identified with DNA for all captured juveniles that did not display gender specific traits or behaviors in the field. The molecular techniques used offered a high level of accuracy and may be useful in studies of dispersal mechanisms and winter assemblage composition in monomorphic species.

Lernstrategien oder strategisches Lernen? Gender-abhängige Erfolgsstrategien im Medizinstudium an der Medizinischen Universität Wien

Analysis of the fact that male medical students have a higher success rate at the written test (multiple-choice questions) at the end of the first study year (SIP-1), although female students perform significantly better in school (school marks in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and English) and school performance is a positive predictor of study success. It is hypothesized that aspects of strategic learning influence study success and that sex-specific differences exist. In a prospective study including 726 medical students data on strategic learning (written questionnaire, 45 items) were collected. Factor analysis produced 11 factors, which then were related to results of SIP-1 (passed/failed), and to sex. Eight out of the 11 factors were dependent on sex or study success, four of them dependent on sex as well as study success ("confidence in success", "learning a lot and ab initio", "high learning capacity", and "distressed/diligent/aimless"). Overall, male students showed a more distinct methodical learning approach. Moreover, "learning by understanding" seems not to be relevant for study success. Gender-specific learning behaviour, which generally leads to better performance of girls in school, fails in the situation of SIP-1. Future developments of curriculum and examination system should take into account gender specific requirements.

Brain Sex Differences and Function of the fruitless Gene in Drosophila

The fruitless (fru) gene in Drosophila plays a pivotal role in the formation of neural circuits underlying gender-specific behaviors. Specific labeling of fru-expressing neurons has revealed a core circuit responsible for male courtship behavior. Females with a small number of masculinized neuronal clusters in their brain can initiate male-type courtship behavior. By examining the correlations between the masculinized neurons and behavioral gender type, a male-specific neuronal cluster, named P1, which coexpresses fru and doublesex, was identified as a putative trigger center for male-type courtship behavior. P1 neurons extend dendrite to the lateral horn, where multimodal sensory inputs converge. Molecular studies suggest that fru determines the level of masculinization of neurons by orchestrating the transcription of a set of downstream genes, which remain to be identified.

The Kisspeptin Receptor GPR54 Is Required for Sexual Differentiation of the Brain and Behavior

GPR54 is a G-protein-coupled receptor, which binds kisspeptins and is widely expressed throughout the brain. Kisspeptin-GPR54 signaling has been implicated in the regulation of pubertal and adulthood gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, and mutations or deletions of GPR54 cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in humans and mice. Other reproductive roles for kisspeptin-GPR54 signaling, including the regulation of developmental GnRH secretion or sexual behavior in adults, have not yet been explored. Using adult wild-type (WT) and GPR54 knock-out (KO) mice, we first tested whether kisspeptin-GPR54 signaling is necessary for male and female sexual behaviors. We found that hormone-replaced gonadectomized GPR54 KO males and females displayed appropriate gender-specific adult sexual behaviors. Next, we examined whether GPR54 signaling is required for proper display of olfactory-mediated partner preference behavior. Testosterone-treated WT males preferred stimulus females rather than males, whereas similarly treated WT females and GPR54 KO males showed no preference for either sex. Because olfactory preference is sexually dimorphic and organized during development by androgens, we assessed whether GPR54 signaling is essential for sexual differentiation of other sexually dimorphic traits. Interestingly, adult testosterone-treated GPR54 KO males displayed "female-like" numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive and Kiss1 mRNA-containing neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus and likewise possessed fewer motoneurons in the spino-bulbocavernosus nucleus than did WT males. Our findings indicate that kisspeptin-GPR54 signaling is not required for male or female copulatory behavior, provided there is appropriate adulthood hormone replacement. However, GPR54 is necessary for proper male-like development of several sexually dimorphic traits, likely by regulating GnRH-mediated androgen secretion during "critical windows" in perinatal development.