Male Group Research Articles

Evaluation of sarcopenia's relationship with overall survival and treatment toxicity in soft tissue sarcomas.

The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between sarcopenia, overall survival (OS), and chemotherapy toxicity in patients with unresectable/metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS) treated with adriamycin and ifosfamide. Patients with unresectable/metastatic STS over the age of 18, diagnosed between 2015 and 2023, were included in the study. The study was conducted retrospectively in a single center. Total muscle volume at the lumbar 3 (L3) vertebra level was measured from the patient's computer tomography (CT) images. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated for each patient. Additionally, the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) was calculated for each patient using blood values. Fifty-eight patients were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 51years, Thirty-six (62.1%) were female and 22 (37.9%) were male. The SMI median was 49 cm2/m2 in male patients. ROC analysis demonstrated a statistically significant prediction of OS when the SMI index was < 49.2 cm2/m2. In female patients, the median SMI was 40 cm2/m2. ROC analysis demonstrated a statistically significant prediction of OS when the SMI index was < 40.3 cm2/m2. Median OS in the SMI < 49 cm2/m2 male group was 9months (95% CI 7.99-10.08). In the SMI ≥ 49 cm2/m2 male group, the median OS was 30.2months (95% CI 0.0-66.66). OS was statistically significant between the two groups (p = 0.003). The median OS in the SMI < 40 cm2/m2 female group was 20.5months (95% CI 7.69-33.30). In the SMI ≥ 40 cm2/m2 female group, the median OS was 59.1months (95% CI 21.36-96.98). OS was statistically significant between the two groups (p = 0.025). The relationship of SMI, as well as PNI, age, and EasternCooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) with OS, was assessed. The relationship between SMI and chemotherapy toxicity was also evaluated. Chemotherapy-related toxicity was found to be significantly higher in sarcopenic patients (male SMI < 49 cm2/m2, female SMI < 40 cm2/m2) (p = 0.025). A significant relationship was found between SMI and OS, but no significant relationship was found between PNI and OS. A significant relationship was also detected between SMI and treatment toxicity. Our study reveals that evaluating ECOG PS and sarcopenia in addition to grade and histological subtype when making treatment decisions will be associated with longer survival and less toxicity.

Relationship between dietary intake and atherogenic index of plasma in cardiometabolic phenotypes: a cross-sectional study from the Azar cohort population

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of global mortality, with diet playing a key role in their progression. The Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) is a predictive marker for cardiovascular risk, but its association with dietary intake across cardiometabolic phenotypes remains underexplored. This study investigates the relationship between dietary intake and AIP, hypothesizing that energy intake and macronutrients influence AIP and, consequently, cardiovascular risk.MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed data from 9,515 participants aged 35–55 in the Azar cohort study. Based on Body Mass Index (BMI) and metabolic syndrome (MetS), participants were classified into four phenotypes: metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUHNW), metabolically healthy obese (MHO), and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUHO). Dietary intake was evaluated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and AIP was calculated. Adjustments were made for age, gender, socioeconomic status, and physical activity.ResultsA notable difference was observed in demographic and clinical status between cardiometabolic groups of males and females. The AIP was highest in the MUHNW (0.42 for males; 0.28 for females) and lowest in the MHNW (0.05 for males; -0.05 for females, P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean energy intake and the percentage of energy intake from protein among the cardiometabolic phenotypes (p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, only weak but meaningful correlations remained for energy, carbohydrate, and protein intake in the MUHO (r = 0.048, P = 0.01; r = 0.057, P = 0.003; and r = 0.050, P = 0.01) and for carbohydrate and lipid intake in the MHO (r = 0.034, P < 0.01 and r = -0.055, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe study found weak but meaningful correlations between energy, carbohydrate, and protein intake and AIP in the MUHO phenotype and between carbohydrate and lipid intake and AIP in the MHO phenotype. This highlights the role of energy and carbohydrates in AIP within specific subgroups. Future research should focus on the effects of macronutrient combinations on AIP and long-term dietary impacts on metabolic health instead of BMI.

CD56-Positive NK Cells and CD138-Positive Plasma Cells in Basal Decidua of Term Placentas in Singleton Pregnancies After Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatment of Endometriosis-Related Infertility

A eutopic endometrium in endometriosis shows altered immune responses, including abnormalities of NK cells and expression of plasma cells, related to reproductive issues. This study investigated the counts of CD56-positive NK cells and CD138-positive plasma cells in the basal decidua of term placentas in singleton pregnancies after endometriosis-related infertility conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART). This single-center, case-control study involved immunohistochemical analysis of CD56-positive NK cells and CD138-positive plasma cells in basal decidua using primary monoclonal mouse antibodies, followed by secondary antibodies using a standardized protocol. CD56 and CD138 immunohistochemically positive cells were reported as the total cell count for each studied antibody expressed per 1 mm2 of basal decidua (Olympus BX46 and Olympus Image Analyzer). Placental samples containing basal decidua from 36 participants with endometriosis-related infertility who conceived by ART, 31 participants with male factor infertility who conceived by ART and 40 healthy controls were included. Endometriosis decidua showed the lowest median count of CD56-positive NK cells (11.5 / mm2, p = 0.039) in BD compared to male factor group (25 / mm2) and healthy controls (24.5 / mm2). No differences were found for CD138-positive plasma cells counts between study groups. Basal decidua in pregnancies after endometriosis-related infertility showed reduced total count of CD56-positive NK cells, without differences in the CD138-positive plasma cell counts compared to control groups. Future studies should investigate how changes in NK cells throughout pregnancy affect the development of perinatal complications and placental pathologies in women with endometriosis, which could uncover potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Motivational Climate, Satisfaction, and Intrinsic Motivation in University Students After the Application of a Gamified Intervention Using Traditional Sports Games

Abstract Gamified learning environments are widely used within the educational context in the subject of Physical Education. The aim of this study was to analyze the perception of the motivational climate, satisfaction, and intrinsic motivation of university students in practical classes according to gender and the type of methodology used. A total of 76 university students aged 20.58±1.69 participated in twelve two-hour practical sessions. The sessions were developed through traditional sport games, which were divided according to the type of methodology used: traditional (TRA, n=6) and gamified (GAM, n=6). Afterwards, to detect the differences in mean scores obtained for each of the methodologies used, the following tests, if needed, were performed: a non-parametric Friedman’s test with a post-hoc Wilcoxon test for pair-wise comparisons, or a two-factor repeated measures with a post-hoc Bonferroni test. Additionally, a Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the cut-off point of the variables studied as a function of the classification of the study participants according to gender. The results showed differences in the perception of motivational climate according to gender in the traditional instructional approach. More specifically, the score for the dimension task climate was higher (M=4.21±0.58) than that recorded for the female students (M=4.57±0.45). In addition, for intrinsic motivation, the male students showed differences between both methodologies, with a higher score in the gamified program in the dimensions competence (M=3.63±0.51) effort-importance (M=3.57±0.55) and tension-pressure (M=2.92±0.85). Finally, there were significant differences between the two methodologies for satisfaction scores with the classes by gender. In each and every dimension that showed significant differences, the scores obtained by the female students were higher than those recorded for the male group in both methodologies. The application of a gamified intervention emerges as a powerful tool that could increase the motivation and satisfaction of students, favoring the teaching-learning process.

Quantitative Analysis of Relationship between Paraspinal Muscle Degeneration and Degree of Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis.

Clinical retrospective study. The authors aim to analyze the relationship between paraspinal muscle degeneration and degree of L4-5 Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS). While paraspinal muscle degeneration is thought to contribute to spondylolisthesis severity, this relationship has yet to be fully characterized. A retrospective analysis was performed of all neurosurgical patients admitted to the Columbia Neurosurgery Spine Division for treatment of L4-5 DLS between January 2018 and March 2024. Preoperative lumbopelvic parameters and slip percentage (SP) were calculated from standing radiographs; paraspinal muscle volume (MV), fatty volume (FV) and fatty infiltration (FI) of posterior paraspinal muscle were derived from MRI images using 3D Slicer (Earth, TX). Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between SP and paraspinal MV, FV, FI, and spinopelvic parameters. 221 patients with average SP of 23.74±0.09% were included. The female patients had higher SP, lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI) and lower IVA than the male patients. However, paraspinal MV was lower and FI was higher in the Meyerding Grade II and female groups compared to the Grade I and male groups (P<0.01). There was a positive correlation between SP and metrics of fat replacement (P<0.01) and a negative correlation between SP and metrics of paraspinal muscles volume (P<0.01) at the L4-5 level. A stepwise multivariate regression ultimately included MFI, IVA, and LL and accounted for 15.2% of the variance in SP. In this single center retrospective study, greater degree of spondylolisthesis was modestly associated with lower MV and increased FI of the lumbar paraspinal muscles, suggesting that paraspinal muscle degeneration may be one of several important factors in the development of spondylolisthesis.

Iron regulatory hormones and their associations with iron status biomarkers among healthy adults of East Asian or Northern European ancestry: A cross-sectional comparison from the Iron Genes in East Asian and Northern European Adults Study (FeGenes).

Individuals of East Asian (EA) ancestry have greater risk of elevated iron (Fe) stores compared with individuals of Northern European (NE) ancestry, but no studies have assessed differences in Fe regulatory hormones between these populations. This study aimed to evaluate hepcidin, erythropoietin, and erythroferrone as a function of ancestry and examine their associations with Fe status markers in United States adults of genetically confirmed EA or NE ancestry. Participants in this cross-sectional study were healthy EA (n = 251) or NE (n = 253) males and premenopausal, nonpregnant females, aged 18-50 y, and without obesity. Serum hepcidin, erythropoietin, and erythroferrone concentrations were measured using ELISAs. Fe status [serum ferritin (SF), soluble transferrin receptor, total body iron, and transferrin], hematologic (complete blood count), and inflammatory (C-reactive protein and IL-6) markers were measured. Results are shown as the geometric mean (95% CI). Hepcidin (ng/mL) was significantly higher in EA (43.9; 95% CI: 39.6, 48.7) compared with NE (31.3; 95% CI: 28.4, 34.5) males (P < 0.001) but did not differ between EA (21.8; 95% CI: 19.4, 24.6) and NE (21.3; 95% CI: 19.0, 23.8) females (P = 0.66). Interestingly, the hepcidin:SF ratio was lower in EA males (0.26; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.28) and females (0.51; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.57) compared with NE males (0.37; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.40; P < 0.001) and females (0.65; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.73; P = 0.01), respectively. These differences remained significant after adjustment for C-reactive protein (males: P-adjusted < 0.001; females: P-adjusted = 0.008) or IL-6 (males: P-adjusted < 0.001; females: P-adjusted = 0.006). Erythropoietin did not differ between ancestry groups in males (P = 0.11) or females (P = 0.96). Lastly, erythroferrone (ng/mL) was higher in EA (1.3; 95% CI: 0.8, 1.9) compared with NE (0.6; 95% CI: 0.4, 0.9; P = 0.009) males but did not differ between females (EA: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5, 1.1; NE: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3, 0.7; P = 0.11). A lower hepcidin:SF ratio in EA compared with NE participants suggests that among EAs, hepcidin concentrations are lower relative to the load of Fe present. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed differences. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04198545.

The sex differences in diseases progression and prognosis among persons with HIV and HBV coinfection

To investigate sex differences in liver disease development and prognosis in individuals with HIV and HBV co-infection. This study comprised 752 HIV/HBV co-infected people who were diagnosed with HIV and started on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) between January 31st, 2015 and January 31st, 2023. Their clinical data, including CD4+ T lymphocyte counts, HBV-DNA, and FIB-4 scores, were tracked once a year. The prognosis was determined during the long-term surveillance period. Risk factors related with the progression of liver diseases were included in both univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Then, sex differences in CD4+ T lymphocyte counts, HBV-DNA, FIB-4 scores, changes in liver fibrosis levels, and prognosis were investigated. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified male as an independent risk factor for liver disease progression. Compared to the male group, the female group had a significantly greater decline of HBV DNA levels at years 1, 2, 3, 3–5, and > 5 post-cART. At each assessment point, the female group showed a significantly greater rise in CD4+ T lymphocyte counts than the male group based on their respective baseline values. Furthermore, females had greater CD4+ T lymphocyte counts and a lower prevalence of liver cirrhosis than males throughout the study period. Compared to female, higher incidence of end-stage-liver disease (1.190/100 person-years vs 0.714/100 person-years), higher all-cause mortality (0.440/100 person-years vs 0.148/100 person-years) and higher mortality associated with end-stage-liver diseases (0.273/100 person-years vs 0.074/100 person-years) were found in male. Among individuals with HIV and HBV coinfection, males had a worse therapeutic effect of HBV-active therapy and poorer prognosis than females.

Male champion groups for gender equality: Big potential, major challenges

Male champion groups for gender equality: Big potential, major challenges

Disparities in outcomes of pancreatic cancer hospitalizations: A ten-year trend study.

683 Background: Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States with 51,750 estimated deaths from Pancreatic cancer in 2024. Demographic variations have been reported with Pancreatic cancer. Our aim was to identify trends in demographic-specific disparities in inpatient pancreatic cancer outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective longitudinal trends study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2010-2019). We identified hospitalizations with pancreatic cancer using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. We highlight disparities in mortality outcomes stratified by age, gender and race. Results: There were 992,550 hospitalizations of pancreatic cancer patients between 2010 and 2019. Over the period, the mean age at hospitalization was similar at 68 years (P = 0.006). A majority of the admissions were elderly patients (≥65 years) identifying as males and Caucasians (P &lt; 0.01). Most patients had Medicare and were in large and urban teaching hospitals (P &lt; 0.001). Over the decade, there was an overall decline in inpatient mortality, from 8.2% in 2010 to 7.1% in 2019 (P trend = 0.004). Amidst the age subgroups, only the elderly patient group experienced a significant decline in mortality rate (8.8% to 7.3%; P trend = 0.004). The young adult population (&lt;45 years) had a trend towards increasing mortality rate, but it was not significant (P trend= 0.139). On gender subgroup analysis, only males had a significant decline in mortality rate (P trend= 0.003). On racial subgroup analysis, only Caucasians had a significant decline in mortality trend (P trend= 0.004) during the study period. Conclusions: There was an overall improvement in the mortality outcome of pancreatic cancer hospitalizations. On sub-group analysis, significant decline in mortality over the decade were seen only in elderly, male and Caucasian patient groups. Targeted research is needed in understanding the root causes of these disparities in pancreatic cancer outcomes and develop effective intervention to bridge this gap. Trends in mortality outcomes of pancreatic cancer hospitalizations by demographic subgroups. Mortality rate, % 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 P- Trend value Overall 8.21 7.94 7.85 7.70 7.73 7.68 7.46 7.87 7.47 7.14 0.004 Young (&lt;45 years) 4.45 5.55 5.23 6.08 6.27 5.32 3.63 6.84 6.95 6.35 0.14 Middle-aged (45- 64 years) 7.55 7.24 7.74 7.32 7.03 6.99 7.62 6.80 6.74 6.91 0.06 Elderly (&gt;65 years) 8.81 8.44 8.04 8.00 8.22 8.19 7.54 8.48 7.87 7.29 0.004 Females 7.72 7.32 7.23 7.15 6.99 7.31 6.72 7.38 7.01 6.87 0.08 Males 8.67 8.57 8.44 8.22 8.44 8.04 8.13 8.32 7.90 7.38 0.003 Whites 7.94 7.49 7.48 7.39 7.81 7.29 6.81 7.39 7.19 6.80 0.004 Blacks 9.87 9.40 9.38 9.15 8.35 8.13 9.40 9.01 8.55 8.41 0.07 Hispanics 7.10 8.99 8.02 6.85 6.66 8.80 7.54 7.43 7.10 6.14 0.05

Maternal Separation Exhibits a Sex Dimorphism in Memory Impairments in Adolescent Rats: Acute Methylphenidate Administration as a Treatment.

Rodents are highly dependent on maternal care after birth. Disturbing mother and pup interactions leads to detrimental alternations for the rat and the mother. Maternal separation (MS) is an accepted model for investigating disruption of mother and pup relationship. In addition to other detrimental effects, MS is a model known to induce permanent changes in learning and memory. Methylphenidate has been effective in memory enhancement in individuals suffering from memory deficits, attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), as well as healthy subjects for better performance in exams. In this research, a 21-day separation for 3 h was implemented, and the effects of MS on spatial and passive avoidance learning, and memory were evaluated in the mid-adolescence period of rats, in both males and females. Also, a drug intervention of a high therapeutic dose of 5 mg per kg was used in a five-day period in different control and MS groups. Morris water maze was utilized for spatial learning and memory analysis, and a shuttle box paradigm was used for passive avoidance learning and memory. Through our behavioral tests, we have shown that MS can alter spatial learning and memory in males. On the other hand, females are protected from the detrimental effects of MS on spatial learning and memory. Furthermore, passive avoidance learning was not different among groups, be it male or female. However, in the case of memory evaluation in the passive avoidance test, the male did not exhibit a significant difference in step-through latency. However, maternally separated females had poor performance in the memory phase with shorter step-through latencies. Methylphenidate compensated for the deleterious effects of MS on learning and spatial memory for the male group and passive avoidance memory in the female group at the behavioral level.

Innate and SARS-CoV-2 specific adaptive immune response kinetic in neutralizing monoclonal antibody successfully treated COVID-19 patients.

The impact of anti-Spike monoclonal antibody (mAbs) treatment on the immune response of COVID19-patients is poorly explored. In particular, a comparison of the immunological influence of different therapeutic regimens has not yet been performed. Aim of the study was to compare the kinetic of innate and adaptive immune response as well as the SARS-CoV-2 specific humoral and T cell response in two groups of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients treated with two different mAbs regimens: Bamlanivimab/Etesevimab (BAM/ETE) or Casirivimab/Imdevimab (CAS/IMD). SARS-CoV-2-infected patients (n=39) with mild/moderate disease were enrolled before (T0) and after 7days (T7) and 30day (T30) from mAbs infusion. Patients were divided in two groups on the basis of the mAb regimen: BAM/ETE (n=15) and CAS/IMD (n=24). The phenotype/function of immune cell subsets was evaluated by flow-cytometry and by ELISA. The Spike-specific T cell response (IFN-γ) and anti-Nucleocapside IgG were evaluated by chemiluminescence assay. SARS CoV-2 RNA in nasal swabs was evaluated by RT-PCR. Eleven out of the thirty-nine enrolled patients tested negative at T7, among which nine (81.8%) had been treated with CAS/IMD regimen. A comparable increase in CD4 and CD8 T cells was observed in both treatment groups. Moreover, a reduction of CD38 expression on T (CD4, CD8 and Vδ2) and on NK cells was observed in both groups, as well as a reduction overtime of the perforin expression in T (CD8, Vδ2) and in NK cells reaching significance only in CAS/IMD-treated patients. The SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells response increased at T7 in BAM/ETE-treated patients and at T30 in CAS/IND group. Of note, at T30 SARS-CoV2-specific T cells was higher in CAS/IMD than in BAM/ETE group. Furthermore, the titre of anti-N IgG increased overtime in both groups with a faster kinetic in CAS/IMD group. The spontaneous production of inflammatory cytokines by monocytes and neutrophils was similar the two mAb regimens, as well as the level of plasmatic IL-6. Finally, patients were also analysed according to sex. The male group showed a higher frequency of activated CD4 T cells, NKG2A-expressing CD8 T cells and perforin-expressing Vδ2 T cells compared to female group. Moreover, a higher specific T cell response at T30 was observed in the male compared to female group. In conclusion, these results show similar effects of both mAb regimens in restoring T and NK cell homeostasis and in reducing inflammation. In contrast, CAS/IMD allows a better humoral and cellular SARS-CoV2 specific immunization.

Description of HbA1c Levels in Patients with Fatty Liver Disease at a Private Hospital in West Jakarta (2018-2019)

Fatty liver disease is a chronic disease that is very often found in the community and is often called "silent" liver disease because there are no specific symptoms in patients. The incidence of fatty liver disease in Indonesia is quite high by 30 percent and this disease can develop into liver cirrhosis. The high incidence of fatty liver disease can be caused by various factors such as obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, unhealthy lifestyles and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can be characterized by an increase in HbA1c levels in the blood. This study aims to determine the description of HbA1c levels in patients with fatty liver disease. This research is an observational descriptive study using a cross-sectional approach by using medical record data of fatty liver disease patients who have been on radiologic examination and doing HbA1c examination. Fatty liver disease affects more male sex groups by 55.4 percent, with the most age range at 51-60 years by 34.9 percent. Diabetes HbA1c levels (59%) are more than prediabetes (25.3%) and normal HbA1c levels (15.7%). Abnormal HbA1c levels (prediabetes and diabetes) were found to be higher in men (47 % vs 47,3%). The most accompanying diseases in patients with fatty liver disease are diabetes mellitus (51.8%), hypertension (33.7%), dyslipidemia (26.5%), dyspepsia (28.9%), and hyperuricemia (15.7%). Fatty liver disease patients were also found to have metabolic syndrome by 54.2% which was dominated by female sex by 53.3% with 91.1% having 3 components of metabolic syndrome and 8.9% having 4 components of metabolic syndrome.

Sex-related effect of exercise on RV-PC coupling in asymptomatic patients with significant primary mitral regurgitation

Abstract Background Right ventricular–pulmonary circulation (RV-PC coupling) serves as an index to evaluate RV function in relation to underlying RV afterload. Although impaired RV-PC coupling has been proposed as a predictor of adverse outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (MR), there is limited data available for patients with primary MR and moreover, if there is a sex-related trend. Purpose This study aimed to assess RV-PC coupling at rest and during exercise with bicycle stress echocardiography in patients with asymptomatic moderate to severe primary MR and compare these alterations between men and women. Methods All patients and controls underwent stress echocardiography with a supine bicycle. RV systolic function was evaluated with TAPSE and S’. The non-invasively measured RV-PC coupling was evaluated by indexing TAPSE to right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) during baseline echocardiogram and peak workload stages of bicycle SE. Results Among the 48 patients, 28 (58%) were women and 20 (42%) were men (mean age 54.07+14.16 and 52.7±16.81 years, p. NS, respectively). 39 patients had moderate MR (81.3%), 5 patients had moderate-to-severe MR(10.4%), and 4 patients had severe MR(8.3%). The duration of stress echocardiogram was significantly longer in the male MR group (9.32+1.62 min vs 7.22+2.50 min, respectively; p .001). Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) was within normal limits in both groups {67.59+13.71 % vs 72.93+10.21 %(p=NS)} and the dimensions of left ventricular cavity (end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters) were significantly larger in the male group compared to female group (51.5+5.10 mm vs 47.64+4.73mm (p .011) and 34.00+4.06mm vs 30.25+3.74mm (p .002) respectively}. TAPSE and RVSP increased from baseline to peak dose for both men [Rest: 22.95±2.93mm and 14.13±1.99cm/sec (p. NS) respectively, Peak exercise: 29.55 ±3.41mm and 20.84±2.00cm/sec (p. NS) respectively] and women [Rest: 23.86±3.13 and 14.54±1.88cm/sec (p.NS), Peak: 30.21±3.56mm and 20.07±2.60cm/sec (p. NS) respectively]. Moreover, a steady decrease was observed in TAPSE/RVSP from baseline to peak workload both in men (0.81±0,13mm/mmHg to 0.75±0.21mm/mmHg) and women (0.86±0.16mm/mmHg to 0.69±0.16mm/mmHg, respectively). Interestingly, a significant change was observed between men and women in TAPSE/RVSP (-0.05±0.17 and -0.16±0.17, p .029 respectively). Conclusions RV-PC coupling decreases during exercise in asymptomatic men and women with moderate to severe MR. Therefore, future studies should aim to evaluate the incremental role of this novel index not only in the assessment and evaluation of men and women with MR but also as a potential prognostic marker between them. TAPSE/RVSP change Graph

Echocardiographic nomograms of heart chambers and great arteries in peruvian children living at high altitude according to sex

Abstract Background Reference values in pediatric echocardiography are crucial for clinical decision making. The availability of nomograms may support interpretation of the echocardiographic findings and clinical diagnosis. Cardiac chamber dimensions vary according to body size, age, sex, and to some extent, geographic background in children. Purpose The aim of this study was to establish two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiographic reference values for cardiac chambers, outflow tracts and great vessels for school children living at high altitude, differentiated between male and female. Methods This is a post-hoc analysis from a cluster randomized cross-sectional survey of rheumatic heart disease in school children in Arequipa, Peru. Children with normal echocardiographic screening were included for this sub-study. The echocardiograms were acquired with a portable machine and the images were analyzed centrally with a standardized methodology. Body surface area (BSA) was used as an independent variable to predict the mean values of echocardiographic measurements for both male and female groups. Reference values are presented with z-scores and nomograms based on the sex. Results A total of 985 students from ages 5-16 years were included. The Haycock formula provided the best fit and was used when presenting data as predicted values for a given BSA. The z-score and nomograms for all essential dimensional measures of cardiac chambers and great vessel, as well as functional surrogates are presented based on sex. Left ventricular chamber and mass are presented in Figure 1 and right ventricular dimensions are presented in Figure 2. Conclusions Normal reference values and nomograms of cardiac chamber, outflow tracts and great arteries in healthy school children living at high altitude based on sex were reported. These data partly cover a gap in existing pediatric echocardiographic nomograms. Left ventricular chamber and mass Right ventricular dimensions

The impact of technologies on the development of repetitive speed in handball, basketball and volleyball

Introduction and objective: The study focused on identifying the differences regarding the implementation of a program that uses Fitlight technology and targets the development of simple and reactive repetitive speed in manual and bilateral manual executions. Methodology: There were 311 subjects in the study, including 243 student-athletes (handball, basketball, and volleyball) and 65 recreational subjects (control group). Study phasing: initial testing; implementing a 6-week experimental program using the Fitlight technology to improve manual, repetitive speed; final testing. Study tests: the Tapping the plates test-unilateral execution with the dominant hand (TP_dominant hand), the random reactive plate touching test_unilateral execution with the dominant hand (TPR_dominant hand), Touching the plates test- bilateral execution (TP_bilateral), Test Touching the plates bilateral execution-random reactive (TPR_bilateral). Results: The ANOVA analysis highlighted significant differences between the male and female groups, respectively, for all four versions of the Tapping Plate Test, for p&lt;0.05. While analyzing the results of the male/female sports game groups, the most significant differences in progress were recorded in TP_dominant hand between Volleyball-Basketball with 0.179/0.126 executions; TPR_ dominant hand between Volleyball-Basketball -0.126/0.086 executions; TP_bilateral between Volleyball-Basketball -0.154/-0.173 executions; bilateral TPR_ between Volleyball-Handball -0.016/-0.033 executions. Analyzing the study results, we found that the control group recorded lower results than all the experimental groups. Conclusions: The Fitlight technology positively impacted the environment of simple and reactive repetitive speed as part of practicing an experimental program of specific exercises adapted to team sports games.

Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the body image life disengagement questionnaire in a sample of adolescents

BackgroundThe negative consequences of body image concerns manifest in ways such as negative emotional experiences, eating disorders, and problems with social life. The Body Image Life Disengagement Questionnaire (BILD-Q) is an instrument for assessing the impact of body image concerns specifically on adolescents’ life disengagement. The objective of this study is to create a Chinese version of the BILD-Q and assess its validity and reliability with Chinese adolescents.MethodsA total of 593 adolescents were recruited, of whom 316 (Sample 1) completed only the BILD-Q and 277 (Sample 2) completed the BILD-Q, Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), and Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2). Data from Sample 1 were used for the item analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and test-retest reliability, while data from Sample 2 were used for the BILD-Q’s confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and associations of BILD-Q with EAT and BAS-2. Both samples were used together for calculating descriptive statistics, measurement invariance, and internal consistency. EFA and CFA were used to verify the single-factor structure of the BILD-Q. Measurement invariance across genders was verified by multi-group CFA. The reliability of the instrument was verified using Cronbach’s alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Finally, the convergent validity of the instrument was verified by correlating the BILD-Q scores with the EAT and BAS-2 scores.ResultsThe results support a single-factor structure for the Chinese version of the BILD-Q, with good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.888, ICC value = 0.759). Gender invariance was established: no significant differences were found in BILD-Q scores between the male and female groups. Life disengagement was positively correlated with eating disorder psychopathology and negatively correlated with body appreciation, supporting the convergent validity of the BILD-Q.ConclusionThe Chinese version of the BILD-Q has strong psychometric properties when used with Chinese adolescents and can be used to assess the impact of body image concerns on their life disengagement.

Association Between Euthyroidism and Muscular Parameters in Adults with an Excess of Fat Mass: A Preliminary Study

Background/Objectives: Thyroid hormones (THs) are correlated with body composition regardless of the presence of thyroid dysfunctions, whereas little is known regarding THs’ influence on muscular fitness components. This cross-sectional study investigated whether THs may affect muscular parameters in adults who are overweight and affected obesity. Methods: One hundred and five volunteers (65 females and 40 males, BMI: 33.5 (8.0) kg/m2) in an euthyroid state were enrolled. Body composition was evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Muscular parameters of interest were grip strength—evaluated using the handgrip test (HG) and muscular performance –evaluated using the 10-repetition chair-stand test (CST). Free-triiodothyronine (FT3), free-thyroxine (FT4) and their ratio (FT3/FT4) were evaluated to assess thyroid function. Results: In the female group, the Pearson linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between FT3 and HG (R = 0.261, p = 0.036) and a negative correlation between FT3/FT4 and CST (R= −0.266, p= 0.032). In the male group, a positive correlation between FT3 and skeletal muscle mass was found (R = 0.354, p = 0.025). No correlations were found between THs of interest and adiposity indexes (BMI, fat mass) in either group (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: FT3 and FT3/FT4 ratio levels in euthyroidism may influence muscular parameters differently in females and males affected by an excess of fat mass. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this correlation and whether THs could be a potential biomarker for muscle-related parameters.

Relationships Between Motor Skills and Academic Achievement: An Exploratory Study on Italian Primary School Children

Several studies in recent decades have investigated the relationship between physical activity and learning, emphasising the role of corporeality as an effective tool for embodying knowledge, as well as skills, motor skills, and life. The aim of this exploratory study is to analyse and interpret the correlations existing between motor competence and school performance in all the disciplines included in the curriculum of primary school. Through non-probability sampling, a sample of 120 Italian children aged 6–10 years was involved. The TGMD-3 test was used to assess gross motor competence, while academic achievement was assessed based on the children’s GPA (grade point average) evaluation. Additional information on extracurricular sports practice was acquired through a questionnaire completed by parents. The Spearman correlation conducted between the children’s TGMD-3 scores (Gross Motor Index, Locomotion, and Ball scaled scores) and the academic achievement showed weak intensity and no statistical significance. In the analysis by sex, only weak and non-significant correlations, mostly of a negative type, were revealed in the group of males. In the group of females, on the other hand, positive, mostly moderate, and statistically significant correlations emerged between GMI and the scaled Ball scores with the learning assessments, except for Physical Education. The results suggest the need to expand studies investigating the quantity and quality of physical education and sports in the formal school context to understand whether, in sharing the educational project, it can promote better school performance and, more generally, more harmonious development of cognitive, motor, and social skills.

Factors affecting risk perception of COVID-19: differences by age and gender.

Addressing emerging infectious diseases is a major task in public health. This study investigated the factors influencing the perception of risk related to COVID-19. This study analyzed data from the 2020 Social Survey conducted nationwide in South Korea, targeting 34,909 individuals aged 13 years and older. Using an ordered logit regression model, we examined the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and its predictors across age groups (20-44 years, 45-64 years, 65 years and older) and gender groups. The predictors included in the analysis model were demographic factors, socioeconomic factors, health and quality of life factors, levels of social trust, and climate change factors. The results demonstrated that COVID-19 risk perception was higher among older individuals and women compared with men. In the young population group (20-44 years), mental stress was related to COVID-19 risk perception, but this was not observed in other population groups. In the older adult population group (65 years and older), education level was related to COVID-19 risk perception, whereas this was not observed in the young population group. In the male group, economic variables such as income and employment status were related to COVID-19 risk perception, whereas in women, family-related variables such as marital status and housing type were related. In most subgroup analyses, lower income levels or lower life satisfaction were associated with higher COVID-19 risk perception. The findings of this study suggest that health authorities need to tailor their responses to COVID-19 risk perception based on different populations and social groups. For the older adult population with a high-risk perception, it is necessary to provide reliable information to reduce anxiety caused by excessive risk perception. For the young population, proactive responses from health authorities regarding mental health are needed.

P1250 Spondyloarthritis before and after inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis and risk factors: a temporal trends analysis in a population-based cohort

Abstract Background Axial and peripheral spondyloarthritides (SpA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are immune-mediated diseases with overlap in clinical and immunological features. However, temporal correlation of SpA and IBD in individual patients is not well characterized. Methods We conducted a nationwide population-based study between January 1, 1998 and July 31, 2022 to determine SpA prevalence before, and incidence after IBD diagnosis. Using ICD-10 codes in cross-linked Danish registers, we identified all residents with IBD diagnosis between January 1, 2006 and July 31, 2014 as well as controls matched 1:5 on age, sex, calendar year, and municipality of residency. We determined the odds ratios of SpA in the IBD group in the preceding years. Using adjusted Cox regression analysis, we determined the hazard ratios of new-onset SpA following IBD diagnosis in the proceeding years. Results Of 111,696 individuals included in the study, 18,616 (16.7%) were diagnosed with IBD. The prevalence of SpA was higher in IBD cases relative to matched controls (Figure). The aOR of SpA among those who later developed IBD, UC, or CD, compared to matched controls, was 1.98 (95% CI 1.81, 2.17), 1.67 (95% CI 1.49, 1.87) and 2.76 (95% CI 2.37, 3.21), respectively, in the 8-year period preceding IBD diagnosis. The odds of SpA were highest in the 2 years preceding IBD diagnosis. Among those with IBD, UC, and CD, compared to those without IBD, the aHR of new-onset SpA was 2.47 (95% CI 2.30, 2.65), 2.18 (2.00, 2.37), and 3.20 (95% CI 2.84, 3.60), respectively. When stratifying the IBD effect of SpA on sex and age, both females and the age group 8-45 years had higher risks for SpA following IBD diagnosis, when compared to male and older age groups, respectively. Conclusion In a population-based cohort, we demonstrate that the odds of SpA diagnosis are increased at least up to 8 years preceding IBD diagnosis and are highest 2 years preceding IBD diagnosis. SpA risk is increased among those with IBD, particularly among women and young adults. These clinical associations can improve early diagnosis and treatment of both IBD and SpA.