Observed Gender Differences Research Articles

Do Gender Differences in Perceived Prototypical Computer Scientists and Engineers Contribute to Gender Gaps in Computer Science and Engineering?

Women are vastly underrepresented in the fields of computer science and engineering (CS&E). We examined whether women might view the intellectual characteristics of prototypical individuals in CS&E in more stereotype-consistent ways than men might and, consequently, show less interest in CS&E. We asked 269 U.S. college students (187, 69.5% women) to describe the prototypical computer scientist (Study 1) or engineer (Study 2) through open-ended descriptions as well as through a set of trait ratings. Participants also rated themselves on the same set of traits and rated their similarity to the prototype. Finally, participants in both studies were asked to describe their likelihood of pursuing future college courses and careers in computer science (Study 1) or engineering (Study 2). Across both studies, we found that women offered more stereotype-consistent ratings than did men of the intellectual characteristics of prototypes in CS (Study 1) and engineering (Study 2). Women also perceived themselves as less similar to the prototype than men did. Further, the observed gender differences in prototype perceptions mediated the tendency for women to report lower interest in CS&E fields relative to men. Our work highlights the importance of prototype perceptions for understanding the gender gap in CS&E and suggests avenues for interventions that may increase women’s representation in these vital fields.

Perceived stress among 20-21 year-olds and their future labour market participation \u2013 an eight-year follow-up study

BackgroundLabour market participation among young adults is essential for their future socioeconomic status and health. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between perceived stress among 20–21 year-olds and their labour market participation 8 years later as well as investigate any potential gender differences.MethodsA cohort of 1640 young adults born in 1983 completed a questionnaire in 2004 in which perceived stress was measured. The cohort was followed in a register of social benefits for 12 months in 2011–2012 and was categorized into active and passive labour market participation. Logistic regression was used to analyse the association between perceived stress and future labour market participation, taking into account effects of potential confounders. The analyses were stratified by gender.ResultsThe effects of perceived stress on future labour market participation differed significantly among young women and young men (p = 0.029). For young men, higher levels of perceived stress reduced the risk of future passive labour market participation, when adjusting for socioeconomic factors, self-rated health and copings strategies (p = 0.045). For young women, higher levels of perceived stress increased the risk of future passive labour market participation, when adjusting for the same potential confounding factors, although unlike the men, this association was not statistically significant (p = 0.335).ConclusionThe observed gender difference has important implications from a public health point of view. Healthcare professionals might need to differentiate between the genders in terms of health communication, research and when developing preventive strategies.

Effects of Workplace Generalized and Sexual Harassment on Abusive Drinking Among First Year Male and Female College Students: Does Prior Drinking Experience Matter?

ABSTRACTBackground: Workplace harassment, a known risk factor for adult drinking, is understudied in college samples, but may help explain observed gender differences in drinking patterns. Objective: We examine effects of sexual and generalized workplace harassment on changes in drinking behavior over the first semesters of college, and the extent to which these effects differ based on prematriculation drinking for men and women students. Method: Data derive from two waves of a longitudinal study of eight Midwestern colleges and universities. Data were collected from 2080 employed students via a Web-based survey assessing sexual and generalized workplace harassment, stressful life events, drinking to intoxication, and binge drinking prior to freshman year (fall 2011) and approximately one year later (summer to fall 2012). At baseline, lifetime drinking status, frequency of alcohol consumption, and demographics were also assessed. Results: Linear-mixed modeling indicated that employed women students who were frequent drinkers prematriculation were at risk for high levels of drinking associated with workplace harassment, while men who were nondrinkers were most at risk of increasing problem drinking over time when exposed to workplace harassment. Conclusions: Alcohol use prevention efforts directed towards employed students are needed both prior to and during college, to instruct students how to identify workplace harassment and cope in healthier ways with stressful workplace experiences. These efforts might be particularly useful in stemming problematic drinking among women who drink frequently prior to college, and preventing men who are nondrinkers upon college entry from initiating problematic drinking during subsequent enrollment years.

Cutaneous melanoma in women.

BackgroundGender disparity in melanoma outcome is consistently observed, suggesting that gender is as an important prognostic factor. However, the source of this gender disparity in melanoma remains unclear.ObjectiveThis article reviews advances in our understanding of gender differences in melanoma and how such differences may contribute to outcomes.MethodsA broad literature search was conducted using the PubMed database, with search terms such as ‘gender differences in melanoma’ and ‘sex differences in melanoma.’ Additional articles were identified from cited references.ResultsHerein, we address the gender-linked physiologic differences in skin and melanoma. We discuss the influence of estrogen on a woman’s risk for melanoma and melanoma outcomes with regard to pregnancy, oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and UV tanning.ConclusionsThe published findings on gender disparities in melanoma have yielded many advances in our understanding of this disease. Biological, environmental, and behavioral factors may explain the observed gender difference in melanoma incidence and outcome. Further research will enable us to learn more about melanoma pathogenesis, with the goal of offering better treatments and preventative advice to our patients.

Pursuing Quality: How Search Costs and Uncertainty Magnify Gender-based Double Standards in a Multistage Evaluation Process

Despite lab-based evidence supporting the argument that double standards—by which one group is unfairly held to stricter standards than another—explain observed gender differences in evaluations, it remains unclear whether double standards also affect evaluations in organization and market contexts, where competitive pressures create a disincentive to discriminate. Using data from a field study of investment professionals sharing recommendations on an online platform, and drawing on status theory, we identify the conditions under which double standards in multistage evaluations contribute to unequal outcomes for men and women. We find that double standards disadvantaging women are most likely when evaluators face heightened search costs related to the number of candidates being compared or higher levels of uncertainty stemming from variation in the amount of pertinent information available. We rule out that systematic gender differences in the actions or characteristics of the investment professionals being evaluated are driving these results. By more carefully isolating the role of this status-based mechanism of discrimination for perpetuating gender inequality, this study identifies not only whether but also the conditions under which gender-based double standards lead to a female disadvantage, even when relevant and objective information about performance is readily available.

Self-Reported Pain in Male and Female Iraq/Afghanistan-Era Veterans: Associations with Psychiatric Symptoms and Functioning.

To examine pain symptoms and co-occurring psychiatric and functional indices in male and female Iraq/Afghanistan-era veterans. Self-reported data collection and interviews of Iraq/Afghanistan-era veterans who participated in a multisite study of postdeployment mental health. Veterans were enrolled at one of four participating VA sites. Two thousand five hundred eighty-seven male and 662 female Iraq/Afghanistan-era veterans. Nonparametric Wilcoxon rank tests examined differences in pain scores between male and female veterans. Chi-square tests assessed differences between male and female veterans in the proportion of respondents endorsing moderate to high levels of pain vs no pain. Multilevel regression analyses evaluated the effect of pain on a variety of psychiatric and functional measures. Compared with males, female veterans reported significantly higher mean levels of headache ( P < 0.0001), muscle soreness ( P < 0.008), and total pain ( P < 0.0001), and were more likely to report the highest levels of headache ( P < 0.0001) and muscle soreness ( P < 0.0039). The presence of pain symptoms in Iraq/Afghanistan-era veterans was positively associated with psychiatric comorbidity and negatively associated with psychosocial functioning. There were no observed gender differences in psychiatric and functional indices when levels of pain were equated. Although female Iraq/Afghanistan-era veterans reported higher levels of pain than male veterans overall, male and female veterans experienced similar levels of psychiatric and functional problems at equivalent levels of reported pain. These findings suggest that pain-associated psychological and functional impacts are comparable and consequential for both male and female veterans.

Intake of vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc and polyunsaturated fatty acids and upper respiratory tract infection-a prospective cohort study.

Antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have a role in the human immune defense and may affect the susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). To examine dietary intake of vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc and PUFAs in relation to URTI incidence in a prospective cohort study. A total of 1533 Swedish women and men aged 25-64 years were followed for nine months during 2011-2012. Information on dietary intake was assessed through a web-based food frequency questionnaire, and events of URTI were self-reported prospectively as they occurred. Cox proportional hazards regression was applied to obtain incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals. The mean number of URTI events was 0.9 among all participants, 1.0 among women and 0.7 among men. In women, the incidence rate ratios (95% confidence interval) for high compared with low intake were 0.69 (0.55-0.88) for vitamin C, 0.77 (0.62-0.96) for vitamin E, 0.57 (0.39-0.83) for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 0.80 (0.65-0.99) for arachidonic acid (AA). No association was found for selenium or zinc among women. In men, an increased URTI incidence was seen with medium vitamin E intake (1.42 (1.09-1.85)) and high zinc intake (1.50 (1.04-2.16)). No association was found for vitamin C, selenium or PUFAs among men. We found an inverse association of URTI incidence among women for vitamin C, vitamin E, DHA and AA intake and a positive association among men for vitamin E and zinc intake. The observed gender differences warrant further investigation.

Immediate effects of mobile phone radiations on heart rate variability in college going students

Background: The use of mobile phone has increased excessively these days which can have a deleterious effect on human tissues and organs, especially cardiovascular system (CVS). The effects on CVS can be detected at an early stage by analyzing alterations in heart rate variability (HRV). Aims and Objectives: This study was designed to determine the effect of mobile phone use with different components of HRV. Materials and Methods: In our study, HRV was measured in 95 college-going students (males: 49 and females: 46) using root mean square polyrite-D during 3 phases with each phase being recorded continuously for 2 min: Phase 1: Basal recording; Phase 2: Mobile phone use during active call with direct contact to the ear; and Phase 3: Mobile phone use during active call with earphones. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using repeated measures non-parametric test followed by multiple comparison tests. Results: There was a significant increase in mean HR and decrease in mean RR interval from baseline through Phase 3 to Phase 2. This study shows that there was statistically significant change in root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences, low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and LF/HF ratio between basal recording and during active call (direct contact of mobile phone to the ear and also with use of earphones); however, no change was seen between direct contact of mobile phone to the ear and during the use of earphones. Standard deviation of all normal-to-normal intervals did not show any significant change. We also observed gender differences in some of the HRV parameters. Conclusion: There is a considerable effect of mobile phone use on HR and HRV parameters. Furthermore, the changes noted are less with earphone use than when compared with the use of mobile phone in direct contact with the ear though these differences were not significant statistically.

Attentional focus strategies used by regular exercisers and their relationship with perceived exertion, enjoyment, and satisfaction

Individuals can focus their attention in different ways during exercise and different foci may influence psychological states experienced. The present study examined the distribution of attentional focus strategies in exercisers and their relationships with gender, perceived exertion, enjoyment, and satisfaction. Regular exercisers (176 females, 144 males) completed a measure of attentional focus and rated their perceived exertion, enjoyment, and satisfaction during an exercise session. All participants used more than one type of attentional focus during an exercise session. Males spent more time than females attending to task-relevant thoughts and external cues whereas females spent more time attending to task-irrelevant thoughts and external distractions. In females and males, time spent engaging in task-irrelevant thoughts was negatively correlated with perceived exertion and satisfaction with exercise. For females only, time using external distractions was negatively correlated with satisfaction and positively correlated with enjoyment. For males only, time attending to task-relevant external cues was positively correlated with perceived exertion and enjoyment. The observed gender differences in attentional focus preferences and the relationships with psychological states have implications for advice given to exercisers and approaches that aim to promote adherence to exercise programs.

Superfund Locations and Potential Associations with Cancer Incidence in Florida

ABSTRACTUncontrolled hazardous wastes sites have the potential to adversely impact human health and damage or disrupt ecological systems and the greater environment. Four decades have passed since the Superfund law was enacted, allowing increased exposure time to these potential health hazards while also allowing advancement of analysis techniques. Florida has the sixth highest number of Superfund sites in the US and, in 2016, Florida was projected to have the second largest number of new cancer cases in the US. We explore statewide cancer incidence in Florida from 1986 to 2010 to determine if differences or associations exist in counties containing Superfund sites compared to counties that do not. To investigate potential environmental associations with cancer incidence; results using spatial and nonspatial mixed models were compared. Using a Poisson–Gamma mixture model, our results provide some evidence of an association between cancer incidence rates and Superfund site hazard levels, as well as proxy measures of water contamination around Superfund sites. In addition, results build upon previously observed gender differences in cancer incidence rates and further indicate spatial differences for cancer incidence. Heterogeneity among cancer incidence rates were observed across Florida with some mild association with Superfund exposure proxies.

Dietary intake of fibers: differential effects in men and women on perceived general health and immune functioning

ABSTRACTBackground: It has been reported previously that dietary fiber intake provides health benefits. Nevertheless, only a limited number of human studies have investigated whether gender differences exist in the relationship between fiber intake and perceived health and immune status.Objective: To investigate potential gender differences in the effects of dietary fiber intake on perceived health and immune status of healthy young adults.Design: A survey was conducted among university students in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Data were collected on perceived general health status and perceived immune functioning. Dietary intake of fibers was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Perceived general health status and immune functioning were associated with daily intake of fibers using nonparametric (Spearman) correlations. Statistical analyses were conducted for the group as a whole, and for men and women separately.Results: N = 509 subjects completed the survey. Mean (SD) age was 20.8 (2.6) years old. 71.9% of the samples were females. Mean daily dietary fiber intake was 15.5 (6.9) g. Daily dietary fiber intake correlated significantly with general health rate (r = 0.171, p = 0.0001) and perceived immune functioning (r = 0.124, p = 0.008). After controlling for total caloric intake, the partial correlation between fiber intake and general health remained significant (r = 0.151, p = 0.002). In men, dietary fiber intake correlated significantly with perceived general health status (r = 0.320, p = 0.0001) and immune functioning (r = 0.281, p = 0.002). After controlling for caloric intake, the association between dietary fiber intake and perceived general health (r = 0.261, p = 0.005) remained significant. Remarkably, no significant correlations were observed in women.Conclusion: A significant association between daily dietary fiber intake and perceived general health status and immune rate was found in men, but not in women. Future studies should further address the nature and causes of the observed gender differences, including validated biomarkers for immune responsiveness.Abbreviations: FFQ: Food frequency questionnaire; GIT: Gastrointestinal tract; NCDs: Non-communicable diseases; SCFA: Short-chain fatty acid

Can test construction account for varying gender differences in international reading achievement tests of children, adolescents and young adults? – A study based on Nordic results in PIRLS, PISA and PIAAC

Gender differences in reading seem to increase throughout schooling and then decrease or even disappear with age, but the reasons for this are unclear. In this study, we explore whether differences in the way ‘reading literacy’ is operationalised can add to our understanding of varying gender differences in international large-scale surveys. We first compare the impact of gender on reading literacy in PIRLS 2011 (10-year-olds), Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2009 (15-year-olds) and Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) 2012 (16–24-year-olds), respectively, across the Nordic countries. Then we compare how reading literacy is operationalised in those surveys. We find similar patterns of gender differences across the Nordic countries, with the largest effect sizes in PISA and the smallest in PIAAC. Further, even though the three surveys define reading literacy in similar ways, they operationalise and assess that construct differently. The magnitude of the observed gender differences appears to be associated with certain assessment features including text type, item format, aspects of reading and implementation.

Meta-analysis of gene expression and integrin-associated signaling pathways in papillary renal cell carcinoma subtypes.

Papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) is the second most common renal cell carcinoma (RCC) that can be further subdivided into type 1 (PRCC1) and type 2 (PRCC2) RCCs based on histological and genetic features. PRCC2 is often more aggressive than PRCC1. While integrin-associated protein complexes mediate tumorigenesis and metastases in many types of cancers it is not known whether integrin-mediated signaling impacts PRCC and differs between PRCC1 and PRCC2. In this study, we combined the analysis of five PRCC gene expression datasets derived from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) by using integrative bioinformatics pipelines. We found 1475 differentially expressed genes among which 37 genes were associated with integrin pathways. In comparison with PRCC1, PRCC2 cases showed upregulated expression of α5-integrin (ITGA5) whereas the expression of α6- (ITGA6) and β8-integrins (ITGB8) was downregulated. Because PRCC2 occurs more frequently in men, the meta-analysis was extended to explore the gender effects. This analysis revealed 8 genes but none of them was related to integrin pathways suggesting that other mechanisms than integrin-mediated signaling underlie the observed gender differences in the pathogenicity of PRCC2.

Understanding the Conditions of Bias: Essays on Gender Differences in Evaluation Outcomes Across Three Empirical Contexts - Dissertation Executive Summary

Whereas existing research has importantly documented that gender differences in evaluation outcomes exist, this dissertation shifts the focus to uncovering the conditions under which this is the case as well as the underlying mechanisms driving these observed gender differences. Specifically, the three papers in this dissertation contribute to our understanding of the evaluative mechanisms perpetuating gender inequality by answering the following overarching research question: Under what conditions and how do evaluation processes lead to different outcomes for comparable men and women, particularly when more relevant indicators of quality are available to evaluators?

Gender and hormonal influences in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome

The reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes, including postpartum angiopathy, have been characterized over the last decade. Women are predominantly affected. Some studies suggest that postpartum angiopathy carries a worse prognosis. We compared the clinical, neuroimaging, and angiographic features of 36 men, 110 non-pregnant women and 16 postpartum women included in our single-center cohort of patients with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes encountered from 1998 to 2016. As compared to men, non-pregnant women were older (48 ± 11 vs. 34 ± 13 years, p < 0.001), had more underlying migraine (49% vs. 19%, p = 0.002), depression (53% vs. 14%, p < 0.001) and serotonergic antidepressant use (45% vs. 11%, p < 0.001), developed more clinical worsening (18% vs. 3%, p = 0.022), more infarcts (39% vs. 20%, p = 0.031) and worse angiographic severity scores (23 ± 14 vs. 10.9 ± 10.3, p < 0.001), but had similar discharge outcomes (modified Rankin scale scores 0-3, 90% vs. 91%, p = 0.768). Sexual activity was an important trigger in men (22% vs. 4%, p = 0.002). As compared to non-pregnant women, postpartum angiopathy patients were younger (33 ± 6 years, p < 0.001) and had less vasoconstrictive drug exposure (25% vs. 67%, p = 0.002) but showed similar clinical, radiological and angiographic findings and similar discharge outcomes (modified Rankin scale scores 0-3 in 94%, p = 0.633). There were no significant differences between pre- and post-menopausal women, or those with and without hysterectomy. The observed gender differences in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes may result from hormonal or non-hormonal factors. Hormonal imbalances may trigger reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes. Given the absence of significant differences in the female subgroups, hormonal factors do not appear to significantly affect the course or outcome of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes.

Uptake, depuration and bioconcentration of bisphenol AF (BPAF) in whole-body and tissues of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Bisphenol AF (BPAF) is an analog of Bisphenol A (BPA) and is widely used as a raw material in the plastics industry. However, an understanding of the potential risks posed by BPAF in the aquatic environment is lacking. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) is a measure used to assess the secondary poisoning potential as well as risks to human health. In this work we measured the accumulation and elimination of BPAF in the whole-body and in liver, muscle and gonad tissues of zebrafish. BPAF uptake was relatively rapid with equilibrium concentrations reached after 24–72h of exposure. We observed gender differences both in whole-body and in tissue accumulation. Muscle was the primary BPAF storage tissue during the uptake phase in this study. In the elimination phase, BPAF concentrations declined rapidly during depuration, especially during the initial 2h, and the rate of elimination in males was faster than females from the whole-body and from tissues. The appearance of BPAF glucuronide (BPAF-G) at the start of the uptake phase indicated the rapid biotransformation of BPAF to BPAF-G in vivo. The high lipid content of female gonad could act to delay the diffusion of the xenobiotic within the body in a contaminated environment, but it also acts to delay xenobiotic elimination from the body.

Why do men eat how they eat? : Considerations from anutritional- and gender-sociological perspective

There are nutritional differences between the sexes: eating behavior in men is often rated as "unhealthy" compared with that in women. Nutrition in men and women is rather more of an expression of social gender roles and expectations than biologically determined. Meat and alcohol, for instance, are regarded as "powerful" foods and thus have masculine connotations. Fruit and vegetables, on the other hand, are considered "weak" and therefore feminine foods. This overlooks the fact that a"typically" female diet is often oriented toward attractiveness and is associated with restricted eating behavior. The so-called "healthier" nutrition of women is also accompanied by greater nutritional knowledge and competence. However, it needs to be questioned whether male family or household members are absolved from responsibility for their own health or whether they are happy to leave this to women because of the socially perceived feminine responsibility for all aspects of nutrition, sustenance and care-giving. The advanced knowledge and competence of women in questions of healthy eating and food preparation compared with men often act as an obstacle to men engaging and actively participating in nutritional issues.Emphasizing the observed gender differences is not expedient in terms of effective communication on nutrition and health and can run the risk of reproducing gender stereotypes and neglecting other more powerful social categories. Alternative strategies consist of focusing more on the "eating person" and following agender-neutral communication and counseling strategy.

The contemporary face of gender differences and similarities in depression throughout adolescence: Development and chronicity

BackgroundWe probe the adolescent gender difference in depression, asking two critical questions. First, most longitudinal studies of gender differences in adolescent depression date from the 1980s and 1990s, raising the need for a body of evidence on whether the developmental pattern is similar or different today. Second, despite the importance of chronicity to depression, we do not know whether there is a gender difference in the chronicity burden of the disorder. MethodsIn a contemporary longitudinal sample of U.S. adolescents, depression symptoms were assessed at ages 11, 13, 15, and 18, and depression diagnoses were assessed at age 20. To capture the chronicity burden of clinical depression, we assessed for every depressive episode in an individual's lifetime and summed the total number of days spent in episode. ResultsA gender difference emerged at age 13 for depression symptoms and at ages 13–14 for diagnoses. These findings are similar to those in the 1980s and 1990s despite many social changes that have occurred. However, the magnitude of the gender difference in symptoms at ages 13 and 15 may be larger than those documented previously. Latent growth curve modeling of depression symptoms indicated that girls’ symptoms accelerated early in adolescence whereas boys’ symptoms accelerated later. Although more girls (24%) than boys (15%) experienced major depression or dysthymia by age 20, the chronicity burden among those with depression showed gender similarities (median=2.6% days depressed for boys and 2.4% for girls). LimitationsDepression diagnoses were assessed retrospectively; however, symptom data were assessed prospectively, and symptom and diagnostic data converged. The sample was also predominantly White, limiting generalizability. ConclusionsIn a contemporary adolescent sample we observed gender differences in depression symptoms and diagnoses beginning at age 13. We documented distinct developmental trajectories of depression for adolescent girls and boys, suggesting different developmental windows for depression prevention programs. We also discovered a gender similarity in the chronicity burden of clinical depression.

In vivo triglyceride synthesis in subcutaneous adipose tissue of humans correlates with plasma HDL parameters

Backgrounds and aimsLow concentrations of plasma HDL-C are associated with the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Here we aimed to explore the relationship between the in vivo fractional synthesis of triglycerides (fTG) in subcutaneous (s.q.) abdominal adipose tissue (AT), HDL-C concentrations and HDL particle size composition in non-diabetic humans. MethodsThe fTG in s.q. abdominal AT was measured in 16 non-diabetic volunteers (7 women, 9 men; Age: 49 ± 20 years; BMI: 31 ± 5 kg/m; Fasting Plasma Glucose: 90 ± 10 mg/dl) after 2H2O labeling. HDL-C concentration and subclasses, large (L-HDL), intermediate (I-HDL) and small (S-HDL) were measured. ResultsLinear regression analyses demonstrated significant associations of fTG with plasma concentration of HDL-C (r = 0.625,p = 0.009) and percent contribution of L-HDL (r = 0.798,p < 0.001), I-HDL (r = −0.765,p < 0.001) and S-HDL (r = −0.629, p = 0.009). When analyses were performed by gender, the associations remained significant in women (HDL-C: r = 0.822,p = 0.023; L-HDL: r = 0.892,p = 0.007; I-HDL: r = −0.927,p = 0.003) but not men. ConclusionsOur study demonstrated an in vivo association between subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue lipid dynamics and HDL parameters in humans, but this was true for women not men. Positive association with L-HDL and negative with I-HDL suggest that subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue lipid dynamics may play an important role in production of mature functional HDL particles. Further studies evaluating the mechanism responsible for these associations and the observed gender differences are important and warranted to identify potential novel targets of intervention to increase the production of atheroprotective subclasses of HDL-Cs and thus decreasing the risks of development of atherosclerotic conditions.

Living alone predicts mortality in patients with ischemic stroke before 70 years of age: a long-term prospective follow-up study.

BackgroundLiving alone is associated with increased mortality after myocardial infarction but little data is available about whether this applies to prognosis after stroke. We aimed to examine the association between living situation and long-term mortality in patients with ischemic stroke and a control group, and to explore whether this association is modified by patient gender.MethodsThis is a prospective case-control study of 600 patients with ischemic stroke before 70 years of age and 600 age- and sex-matched controls who have been included in the Sahlgrenska Study on Ischemic Stroke. Mortality data were collected through national registers and medical records. We used Cox regression models for identifying predictors of mortality.ResultsIn the entire sample, mean age was 57 years, proportion of males 64 %, proportion living alone 28 %, and median follow-up 8.6 years. Mortality rates were 36 % among patients living alone, 17 % among cohabitant patients, 15 % among controls living alone, and 9 % among cohabitant controls. Living alone was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in cases after adjustment for stroke severity, stroke subtype, and vascular risk factors including physical activity, alcohol consumption, and socioeconomic status. A significant interaction was found between gender and living situation; the adjusted hazard ratio for mortality was 3.47 (95 % Confidence Interval 2.13–5.65) in male patients living alone, whereas no significant association was observed in women. Living alone was also a predictor of vascular mortality among cases and of all-cause mortality among controls.ConclusionsLiving alone is associated with increased long-term mortality after ischemic stroke in men. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the observed gender difference and to identify modifiable factors underlying this increased risk.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12883-016-0599-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.