Male Samples Research Articles

Results of HDV RNA detection in male seminal fluid and female cervical swab samples using RT-PCR

Mongolia has an extremely high prevalence of hepatitis D virus (HDV), which leads to increased morbidity and mortality from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HDV is the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis (CVH). A recent study estimated that the prevalence of anti-HDV was 67.5% among hepatitis B surface antigen-positive cases in Mongolia. HDV infection is particularly prevalent in sexually active young people. The virus may be transmitted through sexual intercourse, and it is crucial to confirm this by detecting HDV RNA in semen and cervical swabs of patients with chronic hepatitis delta. This pilot study was conducted with 16 participants, including eight males and eight females. Viral RNA was isolated from the blood, male seminal fluid, and female cervical swab samples of all participants in the study. HDV RNA was quantified using RT-PCR in samples from blood, seminal fluid, and cervical swabs. This study found that the detection rate of HDV RNA differed between male and female samples, with 62.5% of seminal fluid samples in the male cohort being positive compared with 87.5% in the female cohort. The data shows a statistically significant difference between genders for the presence of HDVRNA in seminal fluid and cervical swabs (OR 0.238, 95% CI= 0.02-3.01). A significant correlation was found between blood HDV RNA quantity and HDV RNA presence status in seminal fluid and cervical swab samples, indicating a potential risk of sexual HDV transmission. The R2 values for semen and cervical swab samples were 0.1095 and 0.9755, respectively.

Stimulant Treatment and Potential Adverse Outcomes in Pediatric Populations With Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Objective: To explore outcomes of stimulant treatment for ADHD in pediatric populations with particular attention to bipolar disorder (BPD). Method: We conducted a literature search of PubMed articles published prior to August 25, 2022 that focused on BPD, mania, and psychosis prior to, or as result of, stimulant treatment. We excluded studies: (1) unrelated to stimulants, (2) general stimulant research, (3) articles older than 40 years, (4) study protocols, or (5) case reports. Results: A total of 11 articles met all inclusion/exclusion criteria. Some reports found stimulant treatment safe and well-tolerated in children with comorbid BPD and ADHD. Others found evidence of treatment-emergent mania (TEM), discontinuation, and other adverse events with stimulant treatment. Conclusion: Poor outcomes associated with stimulant treatment in pediatric populations with BPD necessitate work to identify patients at risk of serious stimulant-related adverse events. Our results were limited by automated search filters and a pediatric, primarily male sample.

Identification of reproductive sex-biased gene expression in Asparagopsis taxiformis (lineage 6) gametophytes.

The sub-tropical red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis is of significant interest due to its ability to store halogenated compounds, including bromoform, which can mitigate methane production in ruminants. Significant scale-up of aquaculture production of this seaweed is required; however, relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms that control fundamental physiological processes, including the regulatory factors that determine sexual dimorphism in gametophytes. In this study, we used comparative RNA-sequencing analysis between different morphological parts of mature male and female A. taxiformis (lineage 6) gametophytes that resulted in greater number of sex-biased gene expression in tips (containing the reproductive structures for both sexes), compared with the somatic main axis and rhizomes. Further comparative RNA-seq against immature tips was used to identify 62 reproductive sex-biased genes (59 male-biased, 3 female-biased). Of the reproductive male-biased genes, 46% had an unknown function, while others were predicted to be regulatory factors and enzymes involved in signaling. We found that bromoform content obtained from female samples (8.5 ± 1.0 mg·g-1 dry weight) was ~10% higher on average than that of male samples (6.5 ± 1.0 mg·g-1 dry weight), although no significant difference was observed (p > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in the marine bromoform biosynthesis locus gene expression. In summary, our comparative RNA-sequencing analysis provides a first insight into the potential molecular factors relevant to gametogenesis and sexual differentiation in A. taxiformis, with potential benefits for identification of sex-specific markers.

Measuring criminal thinking among convicts imprisoned in Punjab prisons of Pakistan

PurposeThis study aims to differentiate crime-related characteristics (such as the number of cases filed against current convictions and criminal history) based on the criminal thinking prevailing among convicts. However, because of the low reliability of subscales and poor structural validity of indigenous and translated versions of international instruments, a new instrument criminal attitude measure (CAM) was extracted to measure criminal thinking patterns among convicts incarcerated in central prisons of Punjab.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional research design was used. Data was collected from 1,949 male convicts (extracting mutually exclusive data from 649 respondents for EFA and 1,300 respondents for confirmatory factor analysis [CFA]). Both data samples were collected from convicts incarcerated in the nine (all) central jails of Punjab, Pakistan.FindingsThe results of this study showed poor model fit for both the indigenous criminal thinking scale and the translated version of criminogenic cognition scale. CAM was extracted through principal component analysis and proposed as a 15-item questionnaire with five factors extracted through varimax rotation. Those five factors are power orientation, mollification, entitlement, mistrust toward authorities and short-term orientation. The results of CFA for CAM confirmed the proposed five-factor structure for the construct. Findings based on MANOVA further found that CAM differentiates between the thinking patterns of recidivists, convicts with multiple charges filed against them in current convictions and convicts with a familial criminal record. The findings of this study showed that CAM is a practical, valid and reliable instrument for measuring criminal thinking among convicts.Research limitations/implicationsIn this study, using the survey method was inevitable because of the restrictions imposed by the granted permission. However, this time duration was extended because of the courtesy of the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent of each jail. This study is focused on a male sample only, and the findings cannot be generalized to females. The phenomena proposed (based on large data sets) in this study can further be elaborated using qualitative research designs and methods (using a small sample with an in-depth study). So, it is also suggested to test this new instrument on a comparative study between prisoners and non-prisoners to explore whether scale can differentiate between these two groups.Practical implicationsA short-scale and easy-to-administer instrument was developed for assessing major criminogenic needs among convicts for prison management, i.e. assigning barracks, allocating treatment and also detecting changes in attitude after imprisonment.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first study to explore and validate the construct of criminal attitudes among convicts using both the EFA and CFA. A small and valid instrument facilitates the measurement of criminogenic needs among prisoners. Data was collected from all central jails in Punjab. This study explored comparatively less researched crime characteristics in a relatively large sample.

Assessment of muscle strength using handgrip test in a middle-aged and elderly Russian population and its association with health characteristics

Aim. To establish reference values of handgrip test for a middle-aged and elderly population (35-74 years), as well as study the association of health characteristics and muscle strength.Material and methods. For the analysis, we used data from the Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and their Risk Factors in Regions of Russian Federation-3 (ESSE-RF3) study, conducted in 2020-2022. The sample was selected similarly to the previous ESSE-RF stages. The sample included 27689 men and women aged 35-74 years from 14 Russian regions. Of the individual variables, the characteristics with the highest evidence level of influence on muscle strength were taken as covariates. Muscle strength was assessed by a handgrip test using a MEGEON 34090 device with an accuracy of 0,1 kg. Three measurements were taken for each arm in a standing position, and the maximum value was used in the analysis. Normative sex-specific handgrip test values were established regardless of age: a participant's handgrip value was considered reduced if it was 2 standard deviations below the average value of participants at the age with the best/highest scores.Results. The average handgrip test values for the entire male sample were 43,4±11,1 kg, while for the female sample — 27,6±6,1 kg. In men under 53 years of age, muscle strength decreases at a rate of 0,12 kg/year, then the decline accelerates to 0,48 kg/year. In women under 45,5 years of age, a slight and insignificant increase in muscle strength was detected by 0,02 kg/year, and after 45,5 years, handgrip value falls at a rate of 0,2 kg/year. Therefore, both men and women lose 1,3% of muscle strength per year to year and the decline rate do not differ. The peak age can be considered 35 years old, since at this age, the average muscle strength in men and women is 47,6±11,5 and 29,2±5,7 kg, respectively, and the calculated norm (M–2SD) for men was 47,6–2´11,5≈24 kg using rounding down, and for women it was 29,2– 2´5,7≈17 kg. With age, as expected, the proportion of people of both sexes with a metabolic syndrome level below the threshold increases, reaching 7,5% after 65 years. Multivariate regression analysis showed that, taking into account adjustments for covariates, for every 10 years, muscle strength decreases by an average of 3,1 kg in men and by 1,7 kg in women. Negative associations of metabolic syndrome with inflammation markers (fibrinogen and C-reactive protein) and noncommunicable diseases are also significant, but only men have significantly lower rates of metabolic syndrome in the presence of anxiety and depression, low income and urban residence.Conclusion. The use of handgrip test in any age range during medical examinations or preventive examinations of the adult population and informing primary care specialists about the results obtained can help improve the general health of the population.

Temporal and Spectral Models as Correlates to Auditory-Perceptual Judgments of Overall Severity and Listener Comfort in Tracheoesophageal Voice.

This study pursued two objectives: (1) to determine the potential association between listener (n = 51) judgments of 20 male tracheoesophageal speaker samples for two auditory-perceptual dimensions of voice, overall severity (OS) and listener comfort (LC); and (2) to assess the temporal and spectral acoustic correlates for these auditory-perceptual dimensions. Three separate correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the association between OS and LC. First, scores of OS and LC from all listeners were pooled together, and then the correlation between OS and LC was computed. Second, scores of OS and LC were averaged over all listeners to derive a single estimate of OS and LC for each TE speaker sample; the correlation between the average OS and LC was then computed. Third, listener-to-listener variability in the association between OS and LC was evaluated by computing the correlation between OS and LC scores from each listener across all TE samples. Finally, two stepwise multiple regression models were created to relate the average LC score to spectral and temporal variation in the acoustic signal. While the pooled OS and LC scores had a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.66, p < 0.00001), the averaged OS and LC exhibited a near perfect positive correlation (r = 0.99, p < 0.00001). The significant differences between the pooled and averaged scores were explained by significant listener-to-listener variability in the association between OS and LC. OS and LC scores from 5 listeners had non-significant correlations, 10 had moderate correlations (r < 0.7), 35 listeners had high correlations (0.7 < r < 0.9), and 1 listener had a very high correlation (r < 0.9 < 1). Finally, the acoustic models created based on the spectral and temporal variations in the signal were able to account for 87.7% and 61.8% of variation in the average LC score. The strong correlations between OS and LC suggest that LC may, in fact, provide a more comprehensive auditory-perceptual surrogate for the voice quality of TE speakers. Although OS and LC are distinct conceptual dimensions, LC appears to have the advantage of assessing the social impact and potential communication disability that may exist in interactions between TE speakers and listeners.

LATER-ADULTHOOD TRAUMA RE-ENGAGEMENT AMONG VIETNAM VETERANS: A COORDINATED ANALYSIS

Abstract Later-Adulthood Trauma Reengagement (LATR) is a framework for understanding the later-life emergence of trauma-related memories among aging veterans. LATR unfolds within the context of aging-related challenges such as retirement, physical decline, and bereavement. We developed a scale to assess LATR, the late-onset stress symptomatology short form (LOSS-SF). In this study, we compare the LOSS-SF scale across multiple samples of Vietnam veterans. Samples were surveyed between 2001 and 2020; all completed the LOSS-SF scale as well as measures of combat exposure and PTSD. We studied three male samples (256 repatriated US prisoners of war [RPW], 260 combat veterans [CV], and 507 deployed American Legion [AL] members) and one sample of 1956 women deployed to Vietnam, mostly nurses [WV]. Across samples, we examined three questions: 1) How prevalent is LATR? 2) Is LATR correlated with combat exposure and PTSD? 3) Using a regression framework, what factors (military characteristics, combat, PTSD) are related to LATR? Prevalence of LATR ranged from 5% to 38%. Mean LATR scores were higher among AL and CV samples than among the RPW and WV. LATR was modestly related to combat exposure (rs = .08 - .36) and moderately related to current PTSD symptoms (rs = .56 - .79). Regressions demonstrated the importance of PTSD to LATR across samples, and combat exposure was related to LATR only for WV. This study indicates that LATR varies across samples differing in gender and warzone experience and suggest further exploration of the overlap between PTSD and LATR among aging Vietnam veterans.

An update and frequency distribution of Y chromosome haplogroups in modern Japanese males.

Japanese males belong to the Y chromosome C1a1, C2, D1a2a, D1a2a-12f2b, O1b2, O1b2a1a1, O2a2b1, and O2a1b haplogroups. Notably, the regional frequency of each haplogroup is homogeneous. Owing to recent developments in genome sequencing technology, the phylogenetic tree of Y chromosome haplogroups is updated annually. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to provide an update on the Y chromosome haplogroups of modern Japanese males and examine their regional distributions. Using 1,640 samples of Japanese males from seven Japanese cities (Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Tokushima, Osaka, Kanazawa, Kawasaki, and Sapporo), haplogroups C1a1, C2, D1a2a, D1a2a-12f2b, O1b2, and O1b2a1a1 were updated based on the latest phylogenetic tree. Haplogroup C1a1 was mainly classified into C1a1a1a and C1a1a1b subgroups; C1a1a1b was more common in Tokushima and Osaka than in the other regions. Haplogroup C2 was mainly classified into C2a, C2b1a1a, C2b1a1b, C2b1a2, and C2b1b subgroups and exhibited frequency differences in Osaka. Haplogroup D1a2a was classified into D1a2a1c1 and D1a2a2 subgroups, and its frequency varied between Tokushima and Osaka. Haplogroup D1a2a-12f2b was classified into D1a2a1a2b1a1a and D1a2a1a3 subgroups; however, no significant frequency differences were observed. Haplogroup O1b2 was classified into O1b2a1a2a1a, O1b2a1a2a1b, and O1b2a1a3 subgroups, with frequency differences between Nagasaki and Kanazawa. Haplogroup O1b2a1a1 was mainly classified into O1b2a1a1a, O1b2a1a1b, and O1b2a1a1c subgroups; however, no significant frequency differences were observed. Our findings suggest that gene flow in the Kinki region is caused by human migration.

Psychosocial interventions for suicidal and self-injurious-related behaviors among adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of Chinese practices.

Suicidal and self-injurious-related behaviors (SSIRBs) are a serious public health challenge in China. However, a comprehensive systematic review of psychosocial interventions for SSIRBs among Chinese adolescents has not been performed. To fill this gap, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine psychosocial interventions for SSIRBs among Chinese adolescents. Eight international (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Clinical Trial, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) and four Chinese (Wanfang, SinoMed, CEPS, and CNKI) databases were searched from inception to 31 January 2023. Data extraction and quality assessment were independently conducted by two groups of researchers. Qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis were both used. The initial search yielded 16,872 titles. Of the 649 full texts reviewed, 19 intervention articles focusing on SSIRBs met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen out of the 19 included studies involved cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Seven non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) studies assessing self-injurious behaviors were included (six short-term studies and three long-term studies). Compared with long-term interventions [-1.30 (95% CI: -1.84, -0.76)], short-term psychosocial interventions had a higher standardized mean difference (SMD) value [1.86 (95% CI: -2.72, -0.99)]. Meta-regression showed an inverse relationship between the treatment response and sample size (slope = 0.068, Z = 2.914, p = 0.004) and proportion of females (slope = 1.096, Z = 5.848, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that compared with the "less than 1 month" group [-0.494 (-0.783, -0.205)], in the "immediate postintervention" group, the pooled estimate was significantly lower [-2.800 (-4.050, -1.550), p < 0.001]. Our review systematically summarized the key characteristics and effectiveness of existing psychosocial interventions for SSIRBs among Chinese adolescents. Short-term psychosocial interventions for NSSI were significantly effective in reducing self-injurious behavior scores, especially in the immediate postintervention period. More favorable treatment responses could be observed in both male and small samples.

Not a Fairy Tale at All! Examining the Factors Underlying the Myths About Domestic Violence Among Romanian, Highly Educated Adults

ABSTRACT The myths about domestic violence refer to the false, stereotypical beliefs aimed to minimize, deny, or justify the aggression. The present research explored the factors underlying the myths about domestic violence using a socio-cognitive perspective. In a sample of 364 Romanian adults with a university degree, aged 19 to 75 (M = 36.46, SD = 10.97, 79.9% females), we explored how sexism, patriarchal beliefs, moral disengagement, and the Dark Triad traits might predict participants’ views on domestic violence. Regression analyses suggested that, in the male sample, the only predictor for the acceptance of the myths regarding domestic violence was moral disengagement, and the model accounted for more than 50% of the variance of the dependent variable. In the female sample, the strongest predictor was hostile sexism, and the model accounted for more than 40% of the variance of the acceptance of the myths regarding domestic violence. We discuss our results focusing on the practical implications of people’s beliefs about domestic violence and the importance of examining the underlying personal and cultural factors.

The transformation of sources providing medical information in male youths of military age in decade dynamics

In 2021, according to results of survey of citizens of military age, 71.5% of respondents considered their state of health as satisfactory or poor. The negative dynamics was noted by 41.6% and 64.4% stated about absence of chronic diseases. At that, according to Rosstat data, up to 72% of young males have chronic pathology of various organs and systems that indicates insufficient information about health status of respondents. The analysis was applied concerning ways of obtaining medical information by young males aged 17-20 years in the Moscow Oblast in 2012 (n=423), 2017 (n=568) and 2021 (n=814). The sampling of young males participating in survey was 1,805 respondents. It was established that in in the Moscow region main share of medical-oriented information is drawn by young males aged 17-20 years from the Internet and social networks (more than 72%). The medical and pedagogical personnel provide only 4.4% of this information. Over the past 10 years, the role of schools and polyclinics in the formation of healthy lifestyle has decreased by more than in 6 times.

The effect of radiation and cement dust on the DNA of femaleand male samples

The effect of radiation and cement dust on the DNA of femaleand male samples

Breaking stigma: enhancing sexual health literacy for heterosexual men with mental health conditions through a psycho-educational group intervention

ABSTRACT This pilot study evaluated a novel psycho-educational group intervention addressing sexuality and intimacy issues among male heterosexual individuals with mental health conditions. Despite the universal need for fulfilling relationships, stigma and lack of support often distort views and promote high-risk behaviors in this population. A cognitive-behavioral framework was used in a six-session program to enhance knowledge and promote healthy sexuality among six participants recruited from an integrated vocational rehabilitation service center in Hong Kong. Quantitative pre- and post-testing alongside qualitative observations revealed that participants significantly improved their understanding of relationships, communication skills, and ability to identify safe practices. Limitations included the small, exclusively heterosexual male sample and evaluation methods. As sexuality is an important yet under-researched topic impacting this population’s quality of life, these findings suggest structured group interventions may equip individuals with adaptive tools for intimacy. However, larger trials with expanded curricula are needed to validate this approach.

Barriers and Facilitators to Risk Reduction of Cardiovascular Disease in Hypertensive Patients in Nigeria.

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the prevalence of hypertension is increasing due to many factors like rapid population growth, globalization, stress, and urbanization. We aimed to characterize the perceptions of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among individuals with hypertension living in Nigeria and identify barriers and facilitators to optimal hypertension management. This cross-sectional survey study was conducted at a large teaching hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. We used a convenient sample of males and females, aged 18 or older, with a diagnosis of hypertension who presented for outpatient visits in the cardiology, nephrology, or family medicine clinics between November 1 and 30, 2020. A semiquantitative approach was utilized with a survey consisting of closed and open-ended questionnaires focused on patient knowledge, perceptions of CVD risk, and barriers and facilitators of behavioral modifications to reduce CVD risk. There were 256 subjects, and 62% were female. The mean age was 58.3 years (standard deviation (SD) = 12.6). The mean duration of the hypertension diagnosis was 10.1 years. Most participants were quite knowledgeable about hypertension; however, we observed some knowledge gaps, including a belief that too much "worrying or overthinking" was a major cause of hypertension and that an absence of symptoms indicated that hypertension was under control. Barriers to hypertension management include age, discomfort or pain, and lack of time as barriers to exercise. Tasteless meals and having to cook for multiple household members were barriers to decreasing salt intake. Cost and difficulty obtaining medications were barriers to medication adherence. Primary facilitators were family support or encouragement and incorporating lifestyle modifications into daily routines. We identified knowledge gaps about hypertension and CVD among our study population. These gaps enable opportunities to develop targeted interventions by healthcare providers, healthcare systems, and local governments. Our findings also help in the promotion of community-based interventions that address barriers to hypertension control and promote community and family involvement in hypertension management in these settings.

Effect of Gender and Muscle Type on Fatty Acid Profile, Sanogenic Indices, and Instrumental and Sensory Analysis of Flemish Giant Rabbit Meat

The aim of this study was to represent quality characterization, by gender and muscle type, of rabbit meat from the Flemish Giant (FG) breed, following the fatty acid profile, sanogenic indices, and instrumental (color and texture) and sensory analysis. The biological material comprised 40 rabbits (20 females and 20 males) whose Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscles were sampled. Compared to female samples, the meat from males was more qualitative in terms of higher ratios of polyunsaturated vs. saturated fatty acids and proportions (+42%) of Essential and Desirable Fatty Acids (+21.6% EFA; +6.7% DFA). Also, the Atherogenic Index (AI) and Thrombogenic Index (TI) were better in males (−37.1% AI; −34.3% TI), as were the ratio of hypocholesterolemic/Hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (+27.8%) and the Nutritive Value Index (NVI, +11.6%). The Polyunsaturation Index (PI) was higher for females (+57.5%), with the widest differences in hind leg muscles (SM muscles), while the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio was also better (+11.3%). Female meat was more tender due to lower shear force (−6.2%… 9.3%) in both muscles. Female meat was less pigmented than that of males, while the overall sensory attributes were better scored in male samples (+3.1%… +7.1%) (p &lt; 0.01). The meat of males proved to be more sanogenic (richer in EFA and DFA, with a better h/H ratio and NVI, while AI and TI were lower). We would recommend slaughtering 3–4 weeks earlier in females vs. males to avoid excessive fat deposition and, consequently, the development of unfavorable sanogenic indices for consumer health.

Internal parasitic helminth infecting reared fishes from the West Region of Cameroon: Epidemiological profile and effects on fish health

Intensification of the fish farming sector in Cameroon can result to reduction of profitability and public health concerns due to emergence of parasites amongst which zoonotic ones. Unfortunately, limited and outdated data are available on internal parasites of reared fish as well as their impact on the infected fish. A total of 2254 live fish samples of males and females were randomly obtained made up of Clarias gariepinus (692), Cyprinus carpio (593) and Oreochromis niloticus (969). The skin, the gastrointestinal tract of the fish was examined for the presence of parasite, using standard procedures. An overall prevalence of 8.47% coupled with a very low intensity was assessed. This study revealed a diverse parasitic fauna made up of Acanthocephala sp. (4.84%), Cappilaria sp. (1.91%), Eustrongylides sp. (1.06%), Camallanus sp. (1.2%) and Orientatractis sp. (0.34%). Meanwhile, intensities mean values were higher in Cappilaria sp. followed by Eustrongyloides sp., Camallanus sp. and finally Acanthocephalus sp. Prevalence of internal parasites was higher in Cyprinus carpio (8.77%). Clarias Gariepinus on the other hand, had a higher intensity. Fish were mostly infected during the dry season. Nevertheless, a high parasitic load was observed in the rainy season. Specimens collected in the earthen ponds show a higher prevalence (p &lt; 0.05), while those in concrete ponds had a higher infection intensity. Females were more prevalent contrary to males which have a higher intensity. Parasites were identified from the body cavities and gastrointestinal tracts of fishes. Comparison of Length/Weight relationship and Fulton condition index K does not show any differences between the parasitized and non-parasitized specimens. Parasites with a zoonotic potential were detected in this study, highlighting the importance of intensifying biosecurity and parasite control measures in fish farms in West Cameroon.

Child Sexual Abuse: Comparison of Male and Female Victims.

In the scientific literature, few authors deal with child sexual abuse (CSA) in boys. In addition, these authors debate this phenomenon in most available articles without statistically evaluating the occurrence of different or similar distributions of variables under sex. In light of the above, the authors compared multiple variables between female and male samples. The aim was to explore the characteristics of boys' CSA, identifying the main differences existing compared with the same phenomenon occurring in girls. The authors selected 2 samples for sex: group A, females; group B, males. The authors statistically compared the main variables between the 2 groups. The study yielded the following main results: the population was characterized by 607 children (476 were females-group A; 131 were males-group B); the variables' source of the referral and the type of anogenital findings were statistically significant. These data gave new insights into the CSA phenomenon. Because this study pointed out that sexual abuse does not have the same characteristics in boys and girls, researchers and safeguarding agencies should consider the abovementioned differences when planning preventive strategies against CSA.

Gender differences in the pathway of childhood trauma, impulsivity and adult eating behaviour: a cross-sectional study

Objective: The current cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association between childhood trauma, impulsivity, binge eating symptoms, and body mass index (BMI) in a sample of males and females. We also aimed to investigate the indirect association of childhood trauma with binge eating through impulsivity while controlling for BMI. Method: Participants were 410 young adults (mean age = 20.9 years, range 18–24; female = 73.9%) who completed online measures of childhood trauma, impulsivity, binge eating symptoms, and self-reported height and weight. Mediation models were tested using multi-group structural equation modelling. Results: Childhood trauma and impulsivity were associated with an increased risk of binge eating symptoms in females but not males, corroborating previous studies. There was a significant difference in the binge eating symptoms index between sexes, but not regarding the index of childhood trauma and impulsivity. Additionally, adverse childhood experiences were associated with impulsivity and the association of childhood trauma with binge eating was mediated by impulsivity in the female sample. Conclusions: Our results suggest sex-dependent patterns and risk factors that may impact binge eating symptoms. The implications of our results suggest that impulsivity might be a vulnerability factor for binge eating, especially for females.

Gut microbiota in the short-beaked echidna(Tachyglossus Aculeatus) shows stability across gestation.

Indigenous gut microbial communities (microbiota) play critical roles in health and may be especially important for the mother and fetus during pregnancy. Monotremes, such as the short-beaked echidna, have evolved to lay and incubate an egg, which hatches in their pouch where the young feeds. Since both feces and eggs pass through the cloaca, the fecal microbiota of female echidnas provides an opportunity for vertical transmission of microbes to their offspring. Here, we characterize the gut/fecal microbiome of female short-beaked echidnas and gain a better understanding of the changes that may occur in their microbiome as they go through pregnancy. Fecal samples from four female and five male echidnas were obtained from the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Queensland and sequenced to evaluate bacterial community structure. We identified 25 core bacteria, most of which were present in male and female samples. Genera such as Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella, and Lactobacillus were consistently abundant, regardless of sex or gestation stage, accounting for 58.00% and 56.14% of reads in male and female samples, respectively. The echidna microbiome remained stable across the different gestation stages, though there was a significant difference in microbiota composition between male and female echidnas. This study is the first to describe the microbiome composition of short-beaked echidnas across reproductive phases and allows the opportunity for this novel information to be used as a metric of health to aid in the detection of diseases triggered by microbiota dysbiosis.

Study of possible relation between chronic use of tobacco, cannabis, and tramadol on semen quality in a sample of Egyptian subfertile males

Study of possible relation between chronic use of tobacco, cannabis, and tramadol on semen quality in a sample of Egyptian subfertile males