Male Group Research Articles

The pursuit of gender equality: a substudy of the PACE-CONDUCT trial on gender differences in His bundle pacing implantation

Abstract Background His bundle pacing (HBP) is an effective alternative to traditional right ventricular pacing, providing physiological pacing. The impact of gender on the success of HBP implantation has not been extensively explored. We conducted a substudy of the PACE-CONDUCT registry to investigate gender differences in HBP implantation success. Methods We analyzed successful HBP implantations performed from 2021 to 2023. A total of 61 patients were included, comprising 22 females (36%) and 39 males (64%) . The mean age of the entire cohort was 73 years, with ages ranging from 51 to 86 years. His bundle thresholds were assessed at implantation, the day following implantation, and four weeks post-implantation. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0, and thresholds were converted into volts × milliseconds for statistical analysis. Results The minimal HBP threshold across all measurements was 0.10 volts × milliseconds, equivalent to a standard threshold of 0.25 volts by 0.4 milliseconds, while the maximal threshold was 7.13 volts × milliseconds, corresponding to a standard threshold of 4.75 volts by 1.5 milliseconds. Gender differences were examined, dividing the patient cohort into male and female groups, and an independent-samples t-test was conducted. The results did not reveal any statistically significant differences in HBP threshold between the two groups at the time of implantation, one day post-implantation, or one month post-implantation. Chi square tests were conducted to determine if there could be any gender differences analyzing the complication rates, also finding negative results. Conclusion This substudy of the PACE-CONDUCT trial found no significant gender-based differences in the success of His bundle pacing implantations, taking the threshold at implantation, one day after and four weeks after implantation as a surrogate of goodness of the HBP implantation itself. Although the cohort size was limited, our findings provide initial insights, suggesting that gender is not a decisive factor in HBP threshold outcomes or in complication rates. Further investigations with larger sample sizes are warranted to explore this topic in greater depth.statistics output

Evaluation of CHA2DS2VASc scale as a tool of prognosis of death in transvenous lead extraction patients in long term follow-up

Abstract Background CHA2DS2VASc scale is commonly used to risk stratification of stroke in atrial fibrillation patients. With the exception of female gender, the remaining components of the scale are also risk factors for long-term prognosis. Aim Assessment of the usefulness of the CHA2DS2VASc scale for predicting the short and long term risk of death in the population of transvenous lead extraction (TLE) patients. Methods Retrospective analysis of data of 3822 consecutive patients underwent TLE followed by to 6239 days: median (Q1-Q3) 1846 (852 – 3146). Results The strong corelation between number of CHA2DS2VASc scale points and mortality was detected both in 30-days, 1-year, 3-year and all time of follow-up (Spearman r for all follow-up = 0.983, p<0.001). In all TLE population multivariable Cox regression shown that number of points of CHA2DS2VASc scale is independent predictor of death [HR=1.181; 95%CI (1.104-1.264), p<0.001], alongside Carlson index, atrial fibrillation, infective TLE indications and renal dysfunction. A scale value higher by 1 point is associated with an increase in the risk of death by 18.1%. In female group the risk increased by 37.5% [HR=1.375; 95%CI(1.193-1.584), p<0.001)] and in male group the risk increased by 22.00% [HR=1.220; 95%CI 1.110-1.342), p<0.001)]. Conclusion The commonly known stroke risk CHA2DS2VASc scale may be a useful tool for predicting the risk of death both in short and long-term observation in the group of patients after transvenous lead extraction.Table 1

Gender differences in plasma S100B levels of patients with major depressive disorder

BackgroundLow concentrations of S100B have neurotrophic effects and can promote nerve growth and repair, which plays an essential role in the pathophysiological and histopathological alterations of major depressive disorder (MDD) during disease development. Studies have shown that plasma S100B levels are altered in patients with MDD. In this study, we investigated whether the plasma S100B levels in MDD differ between genders.MethodsWe studied 235 healthy controls (HCs) (90 males and 145 females) and 185 MDD patients (65 males and 120 females). Plasma S100B levels were detected via multifactor assay. The Mahalanobis distance method was used to detect the outliers of plasma S100B levels in the HC and MDD groups. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to test the normality of six groups of S100B samples. The Mann–Whitney test and Scheirer-Ray-Hare test were used for the comparison of S100B between diagnoses and genders, and the presence of a relationship between plasma S100B levels and demographic details or clinical traits was assessed using Spearman correlation analysis.ResultsAll individuals in the HC group had plasma S100B levels that were significantly greater than those in the MDD group. In the MDD group, males presented significantly higher plasma S100B levels than females. In the male group, the plasma S100B levels in the HC group were significantly higher than those in the MDD group, while in the female group, no significant difference was found between the HC and MDD groups. In the male MDD subgroup, there was a positive correlation between plasma S100B levels and years of education. In the female MDD subgroup, there were negative correlations between plasma S100B levels and age and suicidal ideation.ConclusionsIn summary, plasma S100B levels vary with gender and are decreased in MDD patients, which may be related to pathological alterations in glial cells.

Endosulfan induces reproductive & genotoxic effect in male and female Swiss albino mice

BackgroundToxicity by pesticide has become a global health issue and leaves a harmful impact on human health via various ways. The people exposed to pesticides in the rural population get affected by the harmful effects of it as they enter the human body system through skin, inhalation, oral administration, food chain and many more ways. The present work is designed to study the toxic effect of endosulfan in male (n=30) and female (n=30) Swiss albino mice. Endosulfan was administered by oral gavage (oral administration) method, at the dose of 3.5 mg/Kg body weight daily for period of 3 weeks, 5 weeks and 7 weeks. After the completion of the treatment, the mice were sacrificed and their ovary and testis tissues were dissected out to check the degeneration. The blood was collected for karyotyping, biochemical and hormonal analysis of pesticide induced genotoxicity. After 7 weeks of administration with Endosulfan, various abnormalities were observed in male and female mice.ResultsTreatment with endosulfan at the dose of 3.5 mg/Kg body weight caused a higher degree of degeneration in the reproductive organ of Swiss albino mice . Treatment by this pesticide generated degeneration in long duration of dosage for 3,5 and 7 weeks. Ovaries of endosulfan administered groups showed degenerated germinal epithelium, Graffian follicles and corpus luteum. In testis of endosulfan treated mice, microscopic examination showed that there is significant damage and reduction in the tissue of seminiferous tubules and primordial germ cells. High degree of degeneration caused the disarrangement and deformation of spermatogonia with the decrease in the number of Sertoli cells. Biochemical and hormonal properties was also affected by endosulfan treatment. There was significant 5 folds decrease in the testosterone value of endosulfan in 7 weeks treated mice in comparison to control (p < 0.0001) and similarly there was significant elevation in the estrogen levels found in 7th week endosulfan treated mice. It also influenced the level of free radicals as there was significant decrease (p < 0.0001) in the value in catalase levels in 7 weeks endosulfan treated male and female mice, while significant (p < 0.0001) increase in the values of lipid peroxidation levels as 8 folds and 10 folds in 7 weeks endosulfan treated male and female Swiss albino mice respectively. This study hence speculates that the endosulfan exposed population are at the risk of reproductive health hazards.ConclusionsThe present study thus concludes that, endosulfan after 7 weeks of exposure caused significant reproductive damage to both male and female Swiss albino mice groups. Moreover, the karyotyping study also correlated the genotoxic damage in the mice.

Impact of Heavy Metal Pollution on Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein Levels among Car Maintenance Workshop Workers

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between heavy metal pollution and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) among workers in car maintenance workshops in Baghdad, Iraq. Blood samples were collected from 70 male workers, including car maintenance and vehicle painting workers, along with a control group of healthy males. The levels of heavy metals, specifically cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), as well as OxLDL and the marker of lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured. The results revealed a significant increase in the level of Pb in the blood of workers compared to the control group, whereas Cd levels did not exhibit a significant difference. Furthermore, both groups of workers exhibited significantly elevated levels of OxLDL compared to the control group. Additionally, the MDA level was significantly increased across all the study groups. Correlation analysis demonstrated positive associations between OxLDL levels and the extent of Pb and Cd pollution in the car maintenance worker group. These findings indicate an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among workers in car maintenance workshops due to exposure to heavy metals. The observed elevation in the levels of OxLDL and lipid peroxidation markers underscores the potential health issues associated with occupational exposure to these polluted environments.

Body Composition and Its Interaction with Bone Mineral Density and Biochemical and Nutritional Parameters in Chilean Adults with Overweight/Obesity and Normal Weight.

This study aimed to compare and relate the body composition (obtained through anthropometry with the pentacompartmental model and the tricompartmental model by DXA) with bone mineral density and biochemical and nutritional parameters in Chilean adults with overweight/obesity and normal weight from La Araucanía region, Chile. A case-control study was conducted with 116 adults and volunteers from the PURE cohort, collecting sociodemographic data, BMI assessment, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and body composition using the pentacompartmental model (5CM) and tricompartmental model (3CM) by DXA, as well as bone mineral density (BMD). Blood biochemical parameters (fasting glucose and lipid profile), physical activity (PA) measured by GPAQ, and average dietary habits (R24h) were measured. In the overweight/obesity group, the 5CM and 3CM adipose mass were indirectly and moderately correlated with PA (p < 0.05), except in the male 5CM group. In the overweight/obesity group, muscle and fat-free mass (FFM) of the 5CM and 3CM correlated directly and moderately with blood fasting glucose (BFG) and BMD (p < 0.05), except in females, where FFM was not related to BMD but was related to residual mass (p < 0.01). Independent of gender and BMI, bone mineral content was positively and highly correlated with BMD (p < 0.0000). In the male overweight/obesity group, bone, skin, and residual mass were correlated with BFG (p < 0.05). In conclusion, for the assessment of non-athletic adult populations, more routine use of the 5CM in clinical practice is recommended.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE INDICATORS AMING MEDICAL STUDENTS AT POLTAVA STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

The aim of the research is to study the indicators of a healthy lifestyle among Master students at Poltava State Medical University, and factors influencing this choice. The article analyzes the results of a survey among 228 students of the 1st-3rd years of study at Poltava State Medical University. We used the Google Forms service (https://docs.google.com/forms) to conduct the survey. The questionnaire was distributed through student groups in Viber and Telegram social networks. Results. In this study, 94.7% of students agreed to participate. Male students made up 29.6% of participants, female participants constituted 70.4%. The average value of BMI was 22.34 (CI [20.16-24.35]) in men and 21.07 (CI [19.23-22.29]) (p=0.019) in women. A statistically significant difference was observed between the BMI values of students who lived in a dormitory, the average BMI was 20.82 (CI [19.26-21.76]), compared to those who lived with their families in their own housing, where BMI was 21.54 (CI [19.46-22.82]), and those in rented housing, where BMI was 21.87 (CI [19.22-23.74]) (p&lt;0.0001). The mean score for tendency to crash diet for weight loss in the male group was 0.15 (CI [0-1.0]), compared to the female group, where it was 0.41 (CI [0-1.0]) (p=0.0104). The mean score for the frequency of walking in the group aged 16-18 was 2.25 (CI [1.0-3.0]), 19-21 - 2.33 (CI [1.0-3.0]), 22-24 - 1.33 (CI [1.0-2.0]), &gt;24 - 2.0 (CI [1.0-2.0]) (p=0.00805). The mean score for the frequency of walking in the group of students living in rented housing was 2.18 (CI [1.0-3.0]), in the group living in a dormitory - 2.47 (CI [1.0-3.0]), in the group living with family - 2.07 (CI [1.0-2.0]) (p=0.0014). Conclusion. A healthy diet, sleep, and exercise must be balanced to improve mental and physical health, and thus to improve the performance of medical students. In general, students should be instructed to maintain proper sleep hygiene, recommended reducing the time spent using the devices, especially in the evening, avoiding alcoholic beverages, as well as setting various reminders and alarms.

Tiktok Usage, Social Comparison, and Self-Esteem Among the Youth: Moderating Role of Gender

TikTok has swiftly risen to prominence as one of the world’s top social media and entertainment sites. Every day, millions of users log on to the site. The platform’s users generate millions of moments and post several videos every minute. Nevertheless, research shows that TikTok usage is more prevalent among those with high self-esteem and less among those with poor self-esteem. This study examines the relationship between TikTok usage, social comparison, and self-esteem using gender as a moderator. The research used a cross-sectional survey design in which structured questionnaires were used to collect data from a sample of 314 TikTok users among university students in Nigeria. Structural Equation Modeling-Analysis of Moment Structures (SEM- AMOS) was employed to test the study hypotheses. The results showed that TikTok usage has a positive and statistically significant direct effect on self-esteem with a path coefficient (Beta) =.330, (p = 0.000) and critical ratios (z-values) = 3.402. Additionally, the study revealed that social comparison has statistically significant effects on self-esteem with a path coefficient (Beta) =.570, p = 0.000, and critical ratios (z-values) = 7.870. However, the result of moderating analysis shows that the effect is more pronounced in the female group than in the male group. The study provides empirical evidence on the moderating role of gender in the relationship between TikTok usage, social comparison, and self-esteem among Nigerian university students.

Assessing the joint effects of mitochondrial genes and physical activity on the psychiatric phenotype of subjective well-being based on the UK Biobank data.

Subjective well-being (SWB) is an important measure for mental health status. Previous research has shown that physical activity can affect an individual's well-being, yet the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be clarified. In this study, we aim to evaluate the potential interactions between mitochondrial genes and physical activity (PA) as well as their combined effects on individual well-being. SWB phenotype data in UK Biobank were enrolled for this study including nine aspects such as work/job satisfaction, health satisfaction, family relationship satisfaction, friendships satisfaction, financial situation satisfaction, ever depressed for a whole week, general happiness, general happiness with own health and belief that own life is meaningful. We made analysis for each aspects separately. Firstly, mitochondria-wide association studies (MiWAS) was conducted to assess the association of mitochondrial Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms SNP with each aspect of SWB. Then an interaction analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation and PA was performed to evaluate their joint effect on SWB status. Meanwhile, these two analysis were made for female and male group separately as well as the total samples, all under the control of possible confounding factors including gender, age, Townsend Deprivation Index (TDI), education, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and 10 principal components. MiWAS analysis identified 45 mtSNPs associated with 9 phenotypes of SWB. For example, m.15218A > G on MT-CYB in the health satisfaction phenotype of the total subjects. Gender-specific analyses found 30 mtSNPs in females and 58 in males, involving 13 mtGenes. In mtDNA-PA interaction analysis, we also identified 10 significant mtDNA-PA interaction sets for SWB. For instance, m.13020T > C (MT-ND5) was associated with the SWB financial situation satisfaction phenotype in all subjects (P = 0.00577). In addition, MiWAS analysis identified 12 mtGene variants associated with SWB, as MT-ND1 and MT-ND2. However, in mtDNA-PA interactions we detected 7 mtDNA affecting psychiatric disorders occurring, as in the friendships satisfaction phenotype (m.3394T > C on MT-ND1). Our study results suggest an implication of the interaction between mitochondrial function and physical activity in the risk of psychiatric disorder development.

Differences in the effects of plyometric squat jumps and bileg band training on leg strength increases in volleyball players of different gender

Background and purpose This study aims to determine differences in the effects of plyometric jumps, squats, and double leg band training on leg muscle strength gains in volleyball players of different genders. Material and methods This study was conducted at SMP Negeri 3 Karanganyar, Jalan Lawu No. 86, Ngarjosari, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java. This study was conducted over a six-week period, beginning February 5, 2024, and ending March 16, 2024, with meetings occurring three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The experimental method is chosen to identify certain symptoms through an intervention carried out on a test sample. An experiment is a design that allows researchers to simultaneously study the effects of two or more types of experimental variables. Results After the analysis in the group of men, an increase in leg strength indicators was obtained as a result of the experiment by 2.468%. Meanwhile, in the group of women, an increase in leg strength indicators was obtained as a result of the experiment by 2.892%. Comparing the two female groups, there is a higher percentage increase than the male groups, which is 2.892% in females compared to 2.468% in males. Thus, the female group showed a more pronounced increase in results than the male group, with a significance of p &lt; 0.05. Thus, hypothesis 2 «there is a difference in the growth of leg muscle strength as a result of training using plyometric exercises in male and female students» is accepted. Conclusions Significant differences in the indicators of leg muscle strength increase in male and female volleyball players as a result of the use of special training were revealed. This is evidenced by the average increase in leg muscle strength in men by 2.468%, and in women by 2.892% at p &lt; 0.05.

Age- and Sex-Dependent Effects of Moderate Exercise on Endogenous Pain Inhibition in Rats.

Diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNICs), or the pain inhibits pain phenomenon, refer to reduced pain-like behaviors that are displayed following a noxious conditioning stimulus located far from the test stimulus and have also been referred to as "descending control of nociception" when measured in awake-behaving animals. In this study, we sought to determine the impact of moderate long-term exercise on the DCN response and determine if this effect differed across age and sex. After a six-week exercise program consisting of 30 min of moderate treadmill running 5 days a week, the animals' forepaws were injected with capsaicin, and DCN responses were assessed using thermal withdrawal latencies of the hind paw. Young, exercised male and female rats displayed prolonged DCN responses relative to their sedentary counterparts, with the young exercised male group displaying longer-lasting DCN facilitation than the young exercised females. Exercise did not impact DCN responses in either male or female aged rats. Additionally, the serum testosterone levels did not change following exercise in any group. Importantly, the levels of corticosterone did not change following the exercise program, indicating that changes in the DCN response are not due to stress-induced analgesia. Our findings suggest that moderate exercise can facilitate the DCN response in young animals, even when this exercise does not change the levels of serum testosterone.

A national study exploring the association between triglyceride-glucose index and risk of hyperuricemia events in adults with hypertension

BackgroundThe triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been recommended as a practical surrogate of insulin resistance (IR). However, the association between the TyG index and hyperuricemia among adults with hypertension remains to be elucidated. MethodsWe included and analyzed 3134 HTN patients and 4233 non-HTN participants from the cross-sectional 2013–2018 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to explore the association between the TyG index and hyperuricemia. Stratifed analyses were performed to assess the association in populations with different subgroups of hypertension. ResultsThe prevalence of hyperuricemia was higher in HTN patients (28.00 %) than in non-HTN participants (12.47 %). The multivariable logistic regression showed that the TyG index was significantly associated with hyperuricemia. After multivariable adjustment, higher TyG index levels were found to be associated with a higher prevalence of hyperuricemia in HTN patients (OR: 2.39, 95 % CI: 1.37–4.17, Ptrend < 0.001) and non-HTN participants (OR: 2.61, 95 % CI: 1.45–4.69, Ptrend < 0.001). Restricted cubic spline regression showed linearity of the associations between the TyG index and hyperuricemia (p-nonlinear > 0.05). In the subgroup analysis suggested that the positive association seemed to be strong among male, alcohol use, and diabetes group (P for interaction < 0.05). ConclusionsTyG index, a practical surrogate of IR, was linearly and positively associated with hyperuricemia in HTN and non-HTN participants. Proactive measures are needed to prevent the comorbidity of IR-driven hyperuricemia in the future.

Gender differences in attitudes towards psychological help-seeking among chinese medical students: a comparative analysis

BackgroundMedical students are known to be at a greater risk of psychological disorders compared to the general population. However, their rate of help-seeking behavior is low. The purpose of this study was to explore the influencing factors of attitudes towards psychological help-seeking among Chinese medical students and to examine its gender differences.MethodsA total of 3,453 medical students from three medical colleges in Hainan Province, China, completed anonymous questionnaires that included socio-demographic attributes, the Family APGAR Index, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-20), and the Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Short Form (ATSPPH-SF). Associations between predictor variables and attitudes towards help-seeking were explored using multivariate linear regression, and regression models with interaction terms were employed to test gender difference.ResultsThe mean score on ATSPPH-SF Scale was 15.04 ± 3.45, with males scoring significantly lower than females (14.34 vs. 15.64, P < 0.0001). For both male and female groups, psych knowledge, mental health status, family function and help-seeking utility perception significantly influenced attitudes toward psychological help-seeking. Furthermore, having more than once psycho-help experiences was positively correlated with women’s attitudes. Significant interactions were found between gender and mental health status.ConclusionAttitude towards seeking psychological help was relatively negative among Chinese medical students. The implementation of interventions should take into account the at-risk population, especially the males and individuals with poor mental health.

Evaluation of the correlation of mandibular ramus to base ratio with mandibular incisor angulation: A cephalometric study

: The cephalometric evaluation of an individual case using floating norms is the contemporary approach in orthodontic diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of mandibular ramus to the mandibular base ratio with mandibular incisor proclination in a mixed Indian population.A total of 100 cephalograms were selected from the archives of the department of orthodontics fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria.The mean age of cases studied was 17.09 ± 2.61 years, with an age range of 13–26 years. The sample comprised 47 males and 53 females. The results of this study showed that the higher incisor mandibular plane angle (IMPA) has statistically and clinically significant association with a higher ramus to mandibular base ratio in both male and female groups. The unit increase in IMPA is significantly associated with a 0.004 unit increase in the ratio of ramus to mandibular base. This study concludes that the IMPA and ratio of ramus to mandibular base are the closest counterparts of each other and explains the variations in the IMPA even in the population group with similar skeletal characteristics. These two components interacts with each other to give a balanced occlusion and function.

Third-generation PacBio sequencing to explore gut bacteria and gender in colorectal cancer

BackgroundGut bacteria have an important influence on colorectal cancer (CRC). The differences of gut bacteria between genders have been the hot spots. ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between gut bacteria and gender differences in patients with CRC. MethodsA total of 212 patients with CRC and 212 healthy volunteers were recruited. The subjects' fecal samples were obtained, and the fecal microorganisms were analyzed by the third-generation sequencing PacBio. The composition of gut bacteria was analyzed. Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) was used to analyze the differences in gut bacteria. Pearson coefficient was used to calculate the correlation between differential bacteria. CRC risk prediction models were used to rank the importance of effective differential bacteria. ResultsEscherichia flexneri and Phocaeicola vulgatus were the most frequent bacteria in both male and female CRC patients. Bacteroides, Verrucomicrobia and Akkermansiaceae were highly enriched in male CRC group, while Bacteroidetes, Phocaeicola and Tissierellales were highly enriched in female CRC group. Peptostreptococcus anaerobius and Phocaeicola vulgatus were important CRC related bacteria in males and females, respectively. Peptostreptococcus anaerobius was the most important characteristic bacterium of males (AUC = 0.951), and the sensitivity and specificity of the discovery set were 78.74 % and 93.98 %, respectively. Blautia stercoris was the most important characteristic bacterium of females (AUC = 0.966), and the sensitivity and specificity of the discovery set were 90.63 % and 90.63 %, respectively. ConclusionGut bacteria varied in different genders. Therefore, gender should be considered when gut bacteria are applied in the diagnose and prevention of CRC.

Comparison of Visual Evoked Potential Latency and Amplitude Values According to Visual Acuity among Normal Adult Eyes in dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital

Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) is a diagnostic procedure to evaluate pathological conditions affecting the visual pathway with several protocols, including pattern onset/offset VEP, flash VEP, and pattern-reversal VEP (PRVEP), standardized by International Society For Clinical Electrophysiology In Vision (ISCEV). PRVEP, the most common protocol used in clinical practice, is not always directly proportional to visual acuity (VA). Clarity of the refractory media and gender are presumed to affect it; thus, using PRVEP reference value based on refractory status is not casually applicable when the VA does not resemble refractory status. This study aims to determine the changes in VEP latency and amplitude value according to various subjective VA, and to examine and analyze these latency and amplitude values within male and female subject groups. The research was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital from August to October 2017. Latency and amplitude values were measured with PRVEP. Measurement was performed on normal VA and defocus-induced VA to 6/18, 6/30, and 6/60 values, using small and large-sized checkerboard stimuli. Prolonged latency and decreased amplitude were found in male and female subject groups, corresponding with decreasing VA levels. Using 18 min arc and 48 min arc-sized checkerboards gave the closest result to the reference value. The difference in VEP value according to subjects' gender was found in amplitude but not in latency.

Comparison of Visual Evoked Potential Latency and Amplitude Values According to Visual Acuity among Normal Adult Eyes in dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital

Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) is a diagnostic procedure to evaluate pathological conditions affecting the visual pathway with several protocols, including pattern onset/offset VEP, flash VEP, and pattern-reversal VEP (PRVEP), standardized by International Society For Clinical Electrophysiology In Vision (ISCEV). PRVEP, the most common protocol used in clinical practice, is not always directly proportional to visual acuity (VA). Clarity of the refractory media and gender are presumed to affect it; thus, using PRVEP reference value based on refractory status is not casually applicable when the VA does not resemble refractory status. This study aims to determine the changes in VEP latency and amplitude value according to various subjective VA, and to examine and analyze these latency and amplitude values within male and female subject groups. The research was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital from August to October 2017. Latency and amplitude values were measured with PRVEP. Measurement was performed on normal VA and defocus-induced VA to 6/18, 6/30, and 6/60 values, using small and large-sized checkerboard stimuli. Prolonged latency and decreased amplitude were found in male and female subject groups, corresponding with decreasing VA levels. Using 18 min arc and 48 min arc-sized checkerboards gave the closest result to the reference value. The difference in VEP value according to subjects' gender was found in amplitude but not in latency.

Higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased vertebral osteoporotic fracture, but reduced hip fracture in men based on the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort

BACKGROUND CONTEXTLipids are currently known to play an important role in bone metabolism. PURPOSEThis study aimed to investigate the effect of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) on osteoporotic fractures beyond its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGThis was a retrospective, observational study that used data from the National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening cohort database. PATIENT SAMPLEThis study included 318,237 participants who were 50 years or older and with HDL-C levels of 10 to 200 mg/dL. OUTCOMES MEASURESPhysiologic measure—Diagnosis of osteoporotic fracture during the follow-up period. METHODSThe study participants were categorized into four quartiles according to baseline HDL-C levels. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess osteoporotic fracture risk according to HDL-C levels. RESULTSAfter full adjustment and with the Q1 group as the reference group, estimates of hazard ratios (HRs; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for any osteoporotic fracture in men were 1.03 (0.94–1.12), 1.02 (0.93–1.11), and 1.07 (0.98–1.18) for the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups, respectively. After classifying osteoporotic fractures according to the body location, the fully adjusted HRs for vertebral and hip fractures in the men's Q4 groups were 1.16 (1.02–1.31) and 0.74 (0.57–0.96), respectively. In women, fully adjusted HRs (95% CIs) of the female Q4 group for any osteoporotic, vertebral, and hip fractures were 1.03 (0.95–1.11), 0.96 (0.86–1.07), and 1.06 (0.80–1.41), respectively. CONCLUSIONIn this study, HDL-C levels were positively associated with vertebral fractures in both men and women but inversely related to hip fractures in men. Therefore, monitoring the lipid profiles of patients with osteoporosis may be beneficial for the prevention of osteoporotic fractures.

Investigation of intersegmental coordination patterns in human walking

BackgroundIntersegmental coordination between thigh, shank, and foot plays a crucial role in human gait, facilitating stable and efficient human walking. Limb elevation angles during the gait cycle form a planar manifold describes the by the planar covariation law, a recognized fundamental aspect of human locomotion. Research questionHow does the walking speed, age, BMI, and height, affect the size and orientation of the intersegmental coordination manifold and covariation plane? MethodsThis study introduces novel metrics for quantifying intersegmental coordination, including the mean radius of the manifold, rotation of the manifold about the origin, and the orientation of the plane with respect to the coordinate planes. A statistical investigation is conducted on a publicly available human walking dataset for subjects aged 19–67 years, walking at speeds between 0.18 and 2.3 m s−1 to determine correlations of the proposed quantities. We used two sample t-test and ANOVA to find statistical significance of changes in the metrics with respect to gender and walking speed, respectively. Regression analysis was used to establish relationships between the introduced metrics and walking speed. ResultsHigh correlations are observed between walking speed and the computed metrics, highlighting the sensitivity of these metrics to gait characteristics. Conversely, negligible correlations are found for demographic parameters like age, body mass index (BMI), and height. Male and female groups exhibit no practically significant differences in any of the considered metrics. Additionally, metrics tend to increase in magnitude as walking speed increases. SignificanceThis study contributes numerical metrics to characterize ISC of lower limbs with respect to walking speed along with regression models to estimate these metrics and related kinematic quantities. These findings hold significance for enhancing clinical gait analysis, generating optimal walking trajectories for assistive devices, prosthetics, or rehabilitation, aiming to replicate natural gaits and improve the functionality of biomechanical devices.

Social network dynamics, infant loss, and gut microbiota composition in female Colobus vellerosus during time periods with alpha male challenges.

The gut microbiota of group-living animals is strongly influenced by their social interactions, but it is unclear how it responds to social instability. We investigated whether social instability associated with the arrival of new males and challenges to the alpha male position could explain differences in the gut microbiota in adult female Colobus vellerosus at Boabeng-Fiema, Ghana. First, we used a data set collected during May-August 2007 and May 2008-2009 that consisted of (i) 50 fecal samples from adult females in eight social groups for V4 16S rRNA sequencing to determine gut microbiota composition, and (ii) demographic and behavioral data ad libitum to determine male immigration, challenges to the alpha male position, and infant births and deaths. Sørensen and Bray-Curtis beta diversity indices (i.e., between-sample microbiota variation) were predicted by year, alpha male stability, group identity, and age. Next, we used a more detailed behavioral data set collected during focal observations of adult females in one group with a prolonged alpha male takeover and three cases of infant loss, to create 12-month versus 3-month 1-m proximity networks that preceded and overlapped the gut microbiome sampling period in that group. The long versus short-term networks were not correlated, suggesting temporal variation in proximity networks. In this group, beta diversity among the five adult females was predicted by similarity in infant loss status and short-term (rather than yearly) 1-m proximity ties. Although the mechanism driving this association needs to be further investigated in future studies, our findings indicate that alpha male takeovers are associated with gut microbiota variation and highlight the importance of taking demographic and social network dynamics into account.