Male Group Research Articles

Comparative Anatomical Studies of Adrenal Glands in Large White Yorkshire Pigs Reared at Low and High Altitudes in Kerala

The adrenal gland plays a crucial role in the body's homeostasis and during the stress response. However, less attention was given to the structural variation of the adrenal glands in pigs reared at different altitudes. Hence, the present study was conducted to correlate structural variation in the adrenal glands in 24 ten-month-old Large White Yorkshire pigs of either sex reared at low-altitude and high-altitude regions of Kerala, India. Microscopically, the adrenal gland presented the three typical concentric cortical zones: zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, zona reticularis, and a central medulla. The arrangement pattern of cells of the zona glomerulosa resembled the arcs; zona fasciculata, similar to cords separated by intervening trabeculae; and zone reticularis, like irregularly anastomosing cords. Two types of cells were present in the medulla: large, granular, intensely-stained cells towards the periphery and small polyhedral cells towards the centre of the medulla. Chromaffin was identified in the medulla, while undifferentiated cells were identified within the capsule, subcapsular zone, the transitional zone between zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata, and even medulla. Zona fasciculata formed the largest zone of the adrenal cortex, and its thickness was significantly higher in the low-altitude male and female groups than in the corresponding high-altitude groups, which was correlated to serum cortisol levels. The comparative micrometrical data revealed a larger zona fasciculata in the low-altitude male and female groups than in the corresponding high-altitude groups, indicating variation between the groups.

Schistosomiasis endemicity and its role in sexually transmitted infections – a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionSchistosomiasis, a tropical parasitic disease, affects 779 million people globally, with 85% of cases in Africa. The interplay between schistosomiasis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can exacerbate health burdens, but most attention has focused on interactions with HIV, neglecting coinfections with other STIs. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to understand the role Schistosoma infections play in STIs within schistosomiasis-endemic populations.MethodsThe study is a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the link between Schistosoma infections and STIs in endemic regions. It uses PRISMA guidelines, electronic databases, and Google Scholar to assess prevalence, associations, and heterogeneity, reducing bias using a Meta-Mar statistical tool.ResultsA quantitative synthesis of 33 articles from 1975–2024 involved 22,587 participants from 13 countries, including regions in Africa, France, and China, examining coinfections of schistosomiasis and STIs, including HIV. The pooled estimates showed a significant risk association between schistosomiasis and STIs [RR (95% CI) = 1.18, (1.13–1.24); z/t = 7.55, p<0.0001] using a fixed effect model. Cochran’s Q test (Tau2 = 0.5061, Chi2 = 476.65, df = 32, p<0.01) indicated significant heterogeneity. The Higgins I2 statistic of 93.0% (91.5%–94.7%), H = 3.86 (3.43–4.33), highlighted substantial variance between studies. Subgroup analysis showed West Africa [Weight IV = 1.7%, RR (95% CI) = 1.78 (1.28–2.47), I2 = 59%], East Africa [Weight IV = 10.5%, RR (95% CI) = 0.99 (0.86–1.13), I2 = 54%], and Southern Africa [Weight IV = 82.0%, RR (95% CI) = 1.16 (1.10–1.21), I2 = 97%] contributed significantly to the high heterogeneity in the pooled analysis. Females had a notably higher risk of STIs in the context of schistosomiasis (k = 17, RR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.23–1.37, Q = 316.78, I2 = 94.9%), compared to males (k = 6, RR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.77–1.15, Q = 53.44, I2 = 90.6%) and the combined group of females and males (k = 9, RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.88–1.02, Q = 16.38, I2 = 50.2%).ConclusionThe study found a high risk of coinfections between schistosomiasis and STIs, particularly in West and Southern Africa, confirming female genital schistosomiasis as a major risk for STIs.

Can Stylized Products Generated by AI Better Attract User Attention? Using Eye-Tracking Technology for Research

The emergence of AIGC has significantly improved design efficiency, enriched creativity, and promoted innovation in the design industry. However, whether the content generated from its own database meets the preferences of target users still needs to be determined through further testing. This study investigates the appeal of AI-generated stylized products to users, utilizing 12 images as stimuli in conjunction with eye-tracking technology. The stimulus is composed of top-selling gender-based stylized Bluetooth earphones from the Taobao shopping platform and the gender-based stylized earphones generated by the AIGC software GPT4.0, categorized into three experimental groups. An eye-tracking experiment was conducted in which 44 participants (22 males and 22 females, mean age = 21.75, SD = 2.45, range 18–27 years) observed three stimuli groups. The eye movements of the participants were measured while viewing product images. The results indicated that variations in stimuli category and gender caused differences in fixation durations and counts. When presenting a mix of the two types of earphones, the AIGC-generated earphones and earphones from the Taobao shopping platform, the two gender groups both showed a significant effect in fixation duration with F (2, 284) = 3.942, p = 0.020 < 0.05, and η = 0.164 for the female group and F (2, 302) = 8.824, p < 0.001, and η = 0.235 for the male group. They all had a longer fixation duration for the AI-generated earphones. When presenting exclusively the two types of AI-generated gender-based stylized earphones, there was also a significant effect in fixation duration with F (2, 579) = 4.866, p = 0.008 < 0.05, and η = 0.129. The earphones generated for females had a longer fixation duration. Analyzing this dataset from a gender perspective, there was no significant effect when the male participants observed the earphones, with F (2, 304) = 1.312 and p = 0.271, but there was a significant difference in fixation duration when the female participants observed the earphones (F (2, 272) = 4.666, p = 0.010 < 0.05, and η = 0.182). The female participants had a longer fixation duration towards the earphones that the AI generated for females.

Can long-term care insurance prevent worsening of frailty among older Chinese adults? A difference-in-differences study based on CHARLS data

Frailty, which is accompanied by negative health outcomes associated with aging, is an increasingly serious public health problem. Long-term care insurance (LTCI) is an effective intervention for frailty in older adults, but few studies have linked LTCI to frailty prevention. This study aimed to determine the role of LTCI in preventing worsening of frailty in older adults. This study used five-wave panel data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2011 to 2020 to construct an indicator system to assess the frailty index (FI) of surveyed older adults and used a difference-in-differences (DID) method to assess the policy effect of LTCI on frailty among older adults. We found that the full-sample mean of the FI of older adults in China was 0.196, and the implementation of LTCI had a significant negative effect on the FI of older adults. The effect was heterogeneous across sex, age, education and medical insurance groups. LTCI had a more significant negative effect on male group, the middle-aged group, the less educated group, and the URRBMI group, while the effect was less significant for the female and the UEBMI group, and not significant for the more educated and other age groups. That is to say, older Chinese adults are generally frail to different degrees, and the implementation of a LTCI system can prevent worsening of frailty among them, but the effect is not equal across populations. The institutional coverage of LTCI should be further strengthened in the future to slow down the frailty process of the enrollees, so as to promote healthy aging.

Deciphering gender disparities in laboratory biomarkers among deceased COVID-19 patients in Erbil city-Iraq: A retrospective study

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 was a new strain of the Coronaviridae family. It caused the coronavirus disease in December 2019 that first arose in Wuhan, China, and it developed into a worldwide health issue. COVID-19 gives rise to a wide range of symptoms which can range from having no symptoms to having extensive fatal pneumonia. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to figure out how infecting the virus could influence and impact the various laboratory biomarkers among dead male and female patients. Patients and Methods: The data and statistics were obtained from the dead patients of West Emergency Hospital and the data was investigated directly. The investigation was conducted from June 1st to November 1st, 2020. Epidemiological, clinical as well as lab data of approximately 659 dead cases of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals were examined in that period. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique was applied to confirm infecting of SARS-CoV-2. The deceased cases were categorized into 2 fractions, which were a male and female group. The male group had 407 individuals and the female group had 252 individuals. Results: This study revealed that the male cases had lower lymphocyte and platelet counts than females but substantially higher levels of urea and creatinine, also the male cases were older compared to the female cases. However, D-dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP ) levels did not indicate any notable differences between the two groups. Conclusion: The study showed a gender-situated differences in the laboratory biomarkers of dead COVID-19 cases.

Effect of tarhana soup on serum lipid profile in BALB/c male mice fed a high-fat-diet

Aim: With industrialization, there has been an increase in chronic diseases due to continuous change of nutrition. Tarhana is a traditional grain-based product fermented by lactic acid bacteria in Turkish cuisine. This study aims to evaluate possible effects of tarhana on the impaired lipid profile parameters and serum glucose values in male BALB/c mice fed a high-fat diet. Materials and Methods: Male BALB/c mice were grouped into three different strain male mice groups: control group (n=10), high fat diet (HFD) (n=10) and high fat diet supplemented with tarhana (n=10). Standard pellet feed was given to the control group, high-fat feed with 60% fat content in the HFD group, high-fat feed and 0.3 mL (8-10mL/kg) of tarhana were given to the other group. Results: A significant difference was detected in epididymal fat weights, lipid profiles and serum glucose values between the groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: It may have beneficial effects in many metabolic diseases, especially coronary heart disease and diabetes with its positive effects on lipid profile, epididymal adipose tissue and glucose level.

Sex differences in constructing dose-response calibration curves for micronuclei using cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay for radiation biological dosimetry in the Iranian population

Biological dosimetry, using chromosome damage biomarkers, can be considered as a key measure for radiation overexposure assessment. Therefore, for accurate dose estimation through biodosimetry, it's imperative for each biological dosimetry laboratory to establish its own specific dose-response calibration curve. In this research, the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay was utilized to determine the frequencies of micronuclei (MN) per binucleated cell in human peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed to x-ray radiation using a LINAC (6 MV) at doses up to 4 Gy. The aim was to establish an in vitro dose-response calibration curve in our laboratory for the Iranian demographic by analyzing blood samples of ten participants (5 males and 5 females) through CABAS and Dose Estimate software. Our findings indicate an over-dispersion of the Poisson distribution in the pooled data across both sexes, coupled with a linear-quadratic increase in MN yield with dose which was particularly pronounced in the female group. The constructed dose-response curves for micronuclei yield are represented by equations Y= (0.0102 ± 0.0016) +(0.0296 ± 0.0054) D+(0.0232 ± 0.0017) D2 and Y= (0.0084 ± 0.0010) +(0.0212 ± 0.0034) D+(0.0160 ± 0.0011) D2 for the female groups, respectively. The alpha and beta coefficients, derived from the Dose Estimate software for each male and female group, were closely comparable with those obtained from the CABAS program and previous studies. The analysis of statistical parameters such as the Weighted Chi Squared (χ2) and p-value suggests that using distinct curves for each sex, rather than a unified biodosimetry formula for pooled data, ensures more accurate radiation dose estimates. Consequently, the findings of this study provide us with the assurance to utilize the derived calibration curve of MN for upcoming biological dosimetry needs in Iran. However, to enhance the reliability of results, it's essential to use biodosimetry with diverse assays and consider all clinical and physical parameters, given the limitations of cytogenetic assays.

Insights from cross-cultural memes: An empirical study on instagram and Douban

As one of the most prevalent types of memes, visual memes often transcend individual cultures and languages and reach broad online communities of disparate actors. However, how the intrinsic factors of visual memes shape cross-cultural diffusion and whether visual memes can positively promote digital cultural globalization remains unclear. To answer these questions we identified 1147 visual memes with 11,729 instances from four online communities on Instagram and Douban and manually annotated the memes in three dimensions, i.e., form, content, and emotion. Then, regression and structural causal models were designed to investigate the intrinsic factors affecting cross-cultural diffusion. Empirical results reveal that memes expressing focused and positive emotions, conveying universal topics, sourcing from films, using short captions, and featuring African or Caucasian roles are more likely to attain cross-cultural diffusion. In contrast, the memes featuring female or Asian roles are just the opposite. Moreover, the structural analysis of emotions, topics, and social identities suggests that although the dominance of Western culture and male groups persists in cross-cultural memes, visual memes have the potential to challenge the hegemonic power structures. From the prism of cross-cultural diffusion, the connotation of memes is enriched—expressive repertoires using multimodal discourses that can act as bridges between different cultures and languages. In summary, this research uncovered the effects of the intrinsic factors of visual memes on cross-cultural diffusion using regression and causal models for the first time and can help perform effective memetic engagement across different communities and cultures.

Physical activity, body weight, and liver function as factors increasing Insomnia index among Korean adults: a cross-sectional analysis.

This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between physical activity, body weight, liver function, and insomnia in Korean adults, thereby providing a foundation for health promotion strategies. We recruited 11,645 adults (8,051 males and 3,594 females). Participants underwent assessments using the Korean version of the Insomnia Severity Index, measures of physical activity (PA), anthropometric data (body weight, height, body mass index [BMI], and waist circumference [WC]), and liver function (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase [AST], and gamma-glutamyl transferase). One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences among male groups in height (p < .001), weight (p = .036), BMI (p = .002), diastolic blood pressure (p = .008), AST (p = .036), recreational PA (p = .026), moderate PA (p < .01), vigorous PA (p < .01), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (p < .001). Similarly, significant differences were found among female groups in height (p < .001), weight (p = .001), BMI (p = .006), WC (p = .013), moderate PA (p < .001), vigorous PA (p < .001), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (p < .001). To prevent insomnia, it is essential to enhance physical activity and manage factors related to body weight and liver function, such as BMI, WC, and AST. Increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is particularly crucial, as it has a substantial positive impact on reducing body weight and improving liver function.

Sensitivity to rewards and punishments in karate athletes: an examination of the temperamental characteristics and profile of karate competitors according to the revised reinforcement sensitivity theory

BackgroundThe revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (rRST) assumes the existence of three systems controlling motivation and behavior: the behavioral activation system (BAS), the behavioral inhibition system (BIS), and the fight-flight-freeze system (FFFS). This study aims to examine for the first time the features of BAS, BIS, and FFFS among karate players in comparison with athletes representing other sports disciplines (physical education students) and physically inactive people. The specific configuration of temperament traits and profiles characterizing karate players will also be found.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was performed among male karate athletes and control groups (physically active and inactive men). The study used the modified Reinforcement Sensitivity Questionnaire (rRSQ) to measure BAS, BIS, and FFFS.ResultsThe ANOVA showed that both karate competitors KS and KK scored significantly higher in BAS than the sample of PI participants. In addition, KK athletes scored significantly lower in Freeze than in PI and KS groups. Research also suggests that KK athletes presented significantly lower overall scores in FFFS than PI individuals. Furthermore, the results of K-means cluster analysis indicated the existence of two distinct patterns of temperamental traits: (1) Cluster 1 suggests avoidance tendencies (high Flight and Freeze, and low BAS, BIS, and Fight levels); while (2) the Cluster 2 describes approach tendencies (high BIS, BAS and Fight scores, and low levels of Flight and Freeze). Significantly more KK athletes were included in Cluster 2 than in Cluster 1, compared to PI, PA, and KS samples.ConclusionsThe research indicates that individuals engaged in karate, particularly those practicing Kyokushin karate, tend to exhibit a heightened sensitivity to rewards (high BAS). This finding holds significance for coaches and sports instructors, suggesting that motivating karate athletes through incentives is more effective, while the use of punishment should be minimized during training. Additionally, the study proposes that the practice of Kyokushin karate has the potential to significantly diminish the freezing response in threatening situations and enhance overall fear management by reducing levels of the Fight-Flight-Freeze System (FFFS). Consequently, the Kyokushin karate style may be considered more advantageous than the Karate Shotokan (KS) style in these aspects, despite both styles contributing to the improvement of BAS. Given that a higher BAS is linked to positive emotions, optimism, and happiness, karate training emerges as a form of health intervention, acting as a preventive measure against mental disorders and promoting overall well-being.

Exploring the CIEDE2000 thresholds for lightness, chroma, and hue differences in dentistry

ObjectiveTo evaluate the perceptibility and acceptability CIEDE2000 (KL:KC:KH) thresholds for lightness, chroma and hue differences in dentistry. MethodA Python-based program was developed to conduct a psychophysical experiment based on visual assessments of computer-simulated images of human teeth. The experiment was performed on a calibrated display. A 40-observer panel: dentists and laypersons (male and female; n=10), evalu- ated three subsets of simulated human teeth: the lightness subset (%∆L00 ≥ 98 %), the chroma subset (%∆C00 ≥ 98 %) and the hue subset (%∆H00 ≥ 98 %), using ∆E00 ≥ 5 units. A Takagi-Sugeno-Kang Fuzzy Approximation model was used as fitting procedure, and 50:50 % lightness, chroma and hue CIEDE2000 (1:1:1) and CIEDE2000 (2:1:1) perceptibility (PT00) and accept- ability (AT00) thresholds were calculated. Data was statistically analyzed using t-test (p < 0.05). ResultsThe 50:50 % PT00 for KL=1 were ∆L00=1.04, ∆C00=1.58 and ∆E00=1.01; and for KL=2 were ∆L00=0.51, ∆C00=1.58 and ∆E00=0.71. The 50:50 % AT00 for KL=1 were ∆L00=2.82, ∆C00=3.04 and ∆E00=2.66; and for KL=2 were ∆L00=1.40, ∆C00=3.04 and ∆E00=1.78. PT00 and AT00 ∆H00 may be considered no computable. A significant difference was found between CIEDE2000(1:1:1) and CIEDE2000(2:1:1), between lightness and chroma metrics, and between observer groups. No differences for lightness and chroma PT00 were found between male and female groups. ConclusionsIt is important to use PT00 and AT00 for lightness, chroma and hue specific to evaluate perceptual sensitivity for color changes in the tooth color space. AT00 for lightness and chroma are influenced by the observer's experience and gender. Males and laypersons show more tolerance for changes in chroma (∆C00) and in lightness (∆L00). SignificanceHue and chroma mismatch are more difficult to be accepted in dental color space.

Normative Values and Anthropometric Prediction Models for Lean Mass and Fat Mass in the Northeastern Thai Population.

Background: Data on reference values for lean mass (LM) and fat mass (FM) in the Southeast Asian populations are currently lacking. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the normative values and generate anthropometric prediction models for LM and FM in the Thai population. Methods: Consecutive community-dwelling individuals aged 20-90 years were recruited from Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand, between 2010 and 2015. LM and FM were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Age and sex stratified percentile of LM and FM were presented. Anthropometric prediction models for LM and FM were developed by using linear regression to generate competing models. Results: A total of 832 individuals (334 males and 498 females) were included in the study. The mean ± SD age, LM, and FM were 50.0 ± 16.2 years, 38.9 ± 8.0 kg, and 15.5 ± 7.7 kg, respectively. LM decreased with age from 49.4 kg in 20-29 years group to 42.3 kg in ≥70 years group in male and 34.6 kg in 30-39 years group to 30.8 kg in ≥70 years group in females. FM has an inverse U-shaped association with age, which peaked at 11.9 kg in 60-69 years group in males and 20.7 kg in 50-59 years group in females. Among the various anthropometric models, the models incorporating age, sex, weight, and height were considered the best fit for predicting both LM and FM. Conclusion: In the Thai population, peak LM was reached during early adulthood and decline with age, whereas FM showed an inverse U-shaped association with age. The prediction models incorporating age, sex, weight, and height were proposed as practical tools for assessing LM and FM in clinical practice.

Sex-related differences in toxic manifestations induced by Bothrops atrox venom in mice

Lancehead snakes of the genus Bothrops are responsible for 90% of the snakebites in Latin America. The objective of this study was to assess the LD50, physical, and hematological manifestations induced by B. atrox venom in male and female mice inoculated by different routes. B. atrox venom was inoculated in male and female mice by intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SC), intravenous (IV), and intraperitoneal (IP) routes. B. atrox venom LD50 was lower in male than female groups, regardless of the injection route. However, it was the lowest when the venom was inoculated by the IP route. Moreover, comparisons between male and female responses according to the injected venom dose showed higher edema-forming, local hemorrhagic, dermonecrotic, and myotoxic activities in male than in female mice. While the minimal hemorrhagic, and necrotic doses were not statistically different between the two groups, the difference between males and females was more pronounced at high venom doses. Hematological parameter changes were also more significant in male than in female mice. The venom decreased the levels of total leukocytes after 24 h of injection in male and female mice, with a more profound decrease in the male group. The micronucleus test, a tool for genotoxicity assessment, documented the mutagenic effects of B. atrox on leucocytes. We demonstrate the higher susceptibility of male mice to B. atrox venom than females. Sex differences must be considered when conducting experimental studies on snake venoms.

SexAnnoDB, a knowledgebase of sex-specific regulations from multi-omics data of human cancers

BackgroundSexual differences across molecular levels profoundly impact cancer biology and outcomes. Patient gender significantly influences drug responses, with divergent reactions between men and women to the same drugs. Despite databases on sex differences in human tissues, understanding regulations of sex disparities in cancer is limited. These resources lack detailed mechanistic studies on sex-biased molecules.MethodsIn this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of molecular distinctions and regulatory networks across 27 cancer types, delving into sex-biased effects. Our analyses encompassed sex-biased competitive endogenous RNA networks, regulatory networks involving sex-biased RNA binding protein-exon skipping events, sex-biased transcription factor-gene regulatory networks, as well as sex-biased expression quantitative trait loci, sex-biased expression quantitative trait methylation, sex-biased splicing quantitative trait loci, and the identification of sex-biased cancer therapeutic drug target genes. All findings from these analyses are accessible on SexAnnoDB (https://ccsm.uth.edu/SexAnnoDB/).ResultsFrom these analyses, we defined 126 cancer therapeutic target sex-associated genes. Among them, 9 genes showed sex-biased at both the mRNA and protein levels. Specifically, S100A9 was the target of five drugs, of which calcium has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of colon and rectal cancers. Transcription factor (TF)-gene regulatory network analysis suggested that four TFs in the SARC male group targeted S100A9 and upregulated the expression of S100A9 in these patients. Promoter region methylation status was only associated with S100A9 expression in KIRP female patients. Hypermethylation inhibited S100A9 expression and was responsible for the downregulation of S100A9 in these female patients.ConclusionsComprehensive network and association analyses indicated that the sex differences at the transcriptome level were partially the result of corresponding sex-biased epigenetic and genetic molecules. Overall, SexAnnoDB offers a discipline-specific search platform that could potentially assist basic experimental researchers or physicians in developing personalized treatment plans.

Blunted cardiac autonomic dynamics to active standing test in postmenopausal women.

Although both aging and menopause influence cardiovascular autonomic control, the effect of menopause per se remains unclear. The current study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that post-menopausal women (PMW) have a blunted cardiovascular autonomic adjustment to active standing compared to pre-menopausal women. Thus, we compared the heart rate variability (HRV) indexes from supine (SUP) to orthostatic (ORT) positions among young women (YW), young men (YM), older men (OM), and PMW. The participants rested for 10 min in SUP and then stood up and remained for 5 min in ORT. ECG was continuously recorded, and R-R time series of about 300 beats were analyzed using linear (spectral analysis) and non-linear (symbolic analysis) methods. The variation from SUP to ORT was calculated (Δ = ORT-SUP) for each HRV index. In SUP, no difference was found for any HRV index among groups. However, Δ0V% and ΔLFn (cardiac sympathetic modulation) were reduced in PWM compared to all groups (OM, YW, and YM), while Δ2UV% and ΔHFn (cardiac vagal modulation) were reduced in PMW than the younger group (YW and YM). No differences were found among the male groups (OM and YM). In light of our results, the cardiac autonomic dynamic response to orthostatic stress is blunted in post-menopausal women compared to younger women and older men, a finding that might be influenced not only by aging.

The influence of sex on the dosage of remimazolam co-administered with remifentanil for loss of consciousness in adult patients: an up-and-down sequential allocation trial

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the 50% effective dose of remimazolam co-administered with remifentanil for loss of consciousness in men and women as well as to investigate whether there are between-sex differences.MethodsUsing a modified Dixon’s up-and-down allocation approach, we sequentially enrolled male and female patients aged 19–60 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or II who were scheduled for robotic surgery. For both sexes, the starting remimazolam dose was 0.15 mg/kg, with a step size of 0.05 mg/kg. After achievement of a target effect-site concentration 2.0 ng/ml of remifentanil, and administration of a bolus dose of remimazolam, we assessed whether adequate loss of consciousness (defined as a Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scale score < 2 within 2 min) was achieved.ResultsWe included 22 male and 22 female patients. Based on Dixon’s up-and-down method, the 50% effective dose of remimazolam (mean ± standard error) was 0.13 ± 0.01 mg/kg and 0.17 ± 0.01 mg/kg in the male and female groups, respectively (P = 0.34). Isotonic regression analysis revealed that the 95% effective dose (95% confidence interval) was 0.19 (0.18–0.20) mg/kg in the male group and 0.29 (0.29–0.30) mg/kg in the female group.ConclusionsThere was no between-sex difference in the 50% effective dose of remimazolam for loss of consciousness; however, the 95% effective dose was significantly higher in female patients than in male patients.Trial registrationThis study protocol was registered at Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS No. KCT0007951, 02/12/2022).

Prevalence and Risk by Age and Sex of Sleep Dysregulation and Depressive Episodes in Bipolar and Depressive Disorders in a Community Survey in Sardinia, Italy.

Background/Objectives: Sleep disturbances often accompany mood disorders and persistent insomnia after mood symptoms have resolved may be a marker of poor outcome. The association between sleep symptoms and mood disorders seems to change with age and sex. This study aims to assess the frequency of depressive episodes and sleep disorders in the general population through an agile screening questionnaire and to evaluate the association of depressive episodes and sleep symptoms by sex and age categories. Methods: 774 women and 728 men from Sardinia aged > 16 years old were enrolled. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was administered through a computer-assisted telephonic interview. Results: The frequency of depressive episodes was double in women (10.6% vs. 4.4%; p < 0.0001), with the highest values in women > 75 yo (17.4%). The frequency of sleep dysregulation was double in women (18.7% vs. 9.6%; p < 0.0001), with the highest values in women > 75 yo (35.9%) and the lowest in the group of men > 75 yo. The group of young males showed the lowest frequency of depressive episodes (1.4%) and a frequency of sleep dysregulation (9.1%) similar to that of the other groups of age and sex. Sleep dysregulation without depressive episodes presented a higher distribution in the elderly, both in males (20.7%) and in females (18.5%). No significative differences were found across sex and age groups in the distribution of depressive episodes without sleep dysregulation. Conclusions: The use of an agile screener such as PHQ9 in the general population and/or in populations at risk can be a valuable tool in finding those individuals in whom sleep dysregulation may represent an early warning signal, one that may be thoroughly evaluated to identify and treat possible sleep disorders early.

Analysis of Antioxidant Effects of Quercetin, Rutin and Phagnalon Rupestre on Rats Intoxicated by Aluminium

Aluminium (Al) is one of the most abundant chemical elements in nature and metal in the earth’s crust. Accumulation of Aluminium ions (Al3+) in target tissues results into formation of oxygen radicals causing oxidative damage through inducing cytotoxicity. The aim of this study is to analyse the antioxidant effect of selected polyphenols (quercetin, rutin and a medicinal plant phagnalon rupestre) on rats intoxicated by aluminium with specific focus on the heart.This experiment was carried out on 6 groups of wistar albino rats ,group 1; positive control, group 2; Al male intoxicated group treated with quercetin, group 3; Al male intoxicated group treated with rutin, group 4; Al female intoxicated, group 5; Al intoxicated treated with phagnalon rupestre , group 6; female control. Several Biochemical assays were carried out such as protein test, Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assay, catalase assay (CAT), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) assay, superoxide dismutase (SOD) assay, Glutathione reduced and glutathione peroxidase (GSH &amp; GPX) assay, lipids (cholesterol &amp; triglycerides) assays. Aluminium intoxicated group showed decrease in the content of protein compared to the control and treated groups. Aluminium intoxicated group showed an increase in the activity of thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) but a significant decrease in the activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione S transferase assays (GST) compared to the control group. Biomarkers of oxidative stress significantly reduced in heart Al-induced oxidative stress by administration of Quercetin. Therefore, Quercetin is an effective antioxidant against oxidative stress caused by free radicals produced because of aluminium exposure. Keywords: antioxidant ;aluminium ; quercetin ; rutin ; phagnalon rupestre

The Impact of the Social Insurance System on Chinese Adults’ Subjective Well-Being

Abstract Previous studies have shown that a single social insurance project may improve subjective well-being. Yet, the effect of the overall social insurance system and the underlying mechanism are unknown. This study investigates the impact of the social insurance system on individuals’ subjective well-being and the impact mechanisms using the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) conducted in four consecutive waves (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020). By applying the structural equation modeling approach, we construct a focused longitudinal path model and find that the social insurance system has a direct positive effect on individuals’ subjective well-being, measured by life satisfaction and job satisfaction. We explored three longitudinal mediation patterns including self-rated health, household income, and trust in the government, however, none of them are significant mediators. Through subgroup analysis, it is found that the male group and the age over 60 group benefit more from the social insurance system regarding life satisfaction improvement.

Bilateral hip stability variation in the functional ambulation and kinetic parameters after total hip arthroplasty during leveled walking.

This study determines gender variation, comparing the significance level between men and women related to functional ambulation characteristics after hip arthroplasty. The study focuses on the broader female pelvis and how it affects the rehabilitation regimen following total hip arthroplasty. In this cross-sectional study, 20 cases of right hip arthroplasty were divided into 10 male and 10 female cases, aged 40-65years. The functional ambulation parameters (walking cadence, gait speed, stride length, and gait cycle time) were acquired from the GAITRite device, as well as kinematic values for hip frontal plane displacement and kinetic parameters for ground response force in the medial-lateral direction. An independent t-test showed a significant difference in the kinematic parameter variables for the anterior superior iliac spine, more significant trochanter displacement, and hip abduction angle between the operated and non-operated limbs for each group separately. Regarding the functional ambulation parameters, there was a significant difference in the walking cadence between the operated and non-operated limbs of both male and female groups. Moreover, the output variables of ground reaction force measures revealed significant differences between their operated and non-operated limbs. The linear regression model used was consistent with the current results, demonstrating a weak negative correlation between the abduction angle of the operated hip and gait speed for both male and female groups. Based on the findings, we draw the conclusion that improving a rehabilitated physical therapy program for the abductors of both male and female patients' operated and non-operated limbs is essential for normalizing the ground reaction force value, avoiding focus on the operated hip, and reducing the amount of time that the operated hip's abductors must perform. This involves exposing the surgically repaired limb to the risk of post-operative displacement or dislocation, particularly in female patients.