Open Population Research Articles

Health self-rating and its association with the level of trait anxiety in an open population: a gender aspect

Health self-rating and its association with the level of trait anxiety in an open population: a gender aspect

Personal anxiety and its associations with stress at work in an open urban population

Personal anxiety and its associations with stress at work in an open urban population

An incubation water eDNA method for a non-destructive rapid molecular identification of Pinna nobilis and Pinna rudis bivalve juveniles

The pen shell Pinna nobilis is critically endangered due to a disease that has affected all open water populations since late 2016. Collection of early spats is considered a fundamental step for pen shell conservation. However, the identification between P. nobilis and P. rudis juveniles by morphology is a very difficult task. Furthermore, due to the small size of juveniles and high sensitivity to handling, the sampling for this purpose must not damage individuals. As a consequence, the application of molecular techniques for conservation strategies to identify threatened and endangered bivalve species is every day more and more necessary.In this study, we present the development of a multiplex-PCR procedure for the rapid identification of two Pinna species from eDNA water samples. Using species-specific primers, designed in the rRNA16S and rRNA12S mitochondrial genes, identification of species was obtained by cellular or extracellular DNA dissolved in water and differentiated based on the size of the amplified DNA fragments.• Development of a molecular multiplex-PCR procedure for the rapid identification of two Pinna species from eDNA water samples• Using specie-specific primers, the different species can be differentiated basing on the size of the amplified DNA fragments• This technique removes many of the limitations commonly associated with sampling of threatened and endangered juvenile bivalves for conservation strategies (sampling does not damage individuals).

Associations of the prevalence of hostility and stress at work in an open urban population

Associations of the prevalence of hostility and stress at work in an open urban population

AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF FORAGE CORN CULTIVARS IN HIGH AND LOW PHOSPHORUS

Silage produced with the entire corn plant (Zea mays L.) has been an increasingly widespread alternative as bulky food for ruminants. One of the main care in crop management with a view to silage production is related to fertilization. In tropical soils (such as those in the south of the state of Pará) phosphorus is the most limiting nutrient for agricultural production. Because of the above, the present work aims to know the agronomic performance of forage corn cultivars in high and low phosphorus in the South of the state of Pará. For this, two competition trials of maize cultivars under contracting conditions of phosphorus (P) were carried out: high P (100 kg ha-1 from P2O5) and low P (50 kg ha-1 from P2O5), using as a source the simple superphosphate (18% from P2O5). The experimental design was randomized blocks with fourteen treatments and three replications. The treatments were composed of fourteen cultivars, eleven of these were the hybrids: AG1051, AG8088, BM3061, BR2022, BR205, BR206, BRS3046, CR-120, M274, ORION, and PR27D28, and the other three were open pollination populations (PPA): AL BANDEIRANTE, ANHEMBI, and CATIVERDE. The variables evaluated were: height of insertion of the ear (AE) and plant height (AP), total weight per plant (PPT), the weight of the cob with straw (PESP), and weight of the ear without straw (PESP). The medium was compared by the test of groups of Scott and Knott, the 5% of significance, using the program SISVAR. Considering the overall performance of the cultivars, in all traits evaluated in the two trials, the sum of their results points to the cultivar BRS3046 as the most promising for silage production. The high test P, as expected, has been used about the low P.

Some indicators of the attitude to their health and medical care in the presence of coronary heart disease in men and women of the open population of Western Siberia

Some indicators of the attitude to their health and medical care in the presence of coronary heart disease in men and women of the open population of Western Siberia

Population self-reported health parameters associated with the prevalence of coronary heart disease in an open population of a medium-urbanized city in Western Siberia: gender specifics

<h3></h3> Изучение общественного здоровья в европейских странах продемонстрировало в качестве приоритетного направления анализ самооценки здоровья населения в области национальных исследований от макросоциальной сферы через клинические индикаторы. При определении популяционных закономерностей по ассоциативным взаимосвязям ишемической болезни сердца (ИБС) с самооценкой здоровья гендерный подход является основой формирования определенных стереотипов поведения для лиц разного пола и связанных с этим физиологических особенностей и социальных ролей. <h3>ЦЕЛЬ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ</h3> Определение самооценки здоровья населения в группах с наличием и отсутствием ИБС на примере открытой популяции среднеурбанизированного города Западной Сибири в гендерном аспекте. <h3>МАТЕРИАЛ И МЕТОДЫ</h3> <i></i> Одномоментные эпидемиологические исследования проведены в рамках кардиологических скринингов на репрезентативных выборках численностью 1000 пациентов каждая, сформированных методом «случайных чисел» среди мужчин и женщин 25—64 лет Тюмени (с откликами 85,0 и 70,3% соответственно). Выделение разных форм ИБС осуществляли на основании стандартных эпидемиологических методов, группа сравнения была определена как отсутствие ИБС. Самооценку здоровья населения проводили при использовании стандартной анкеты ВОЗ МОНИКА-психосоциальная «Знание и отношение к своему здоровью». <h3>РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ</h3> В открытой популяции среднеурбанизированного города Западной Сибири негативная самооценка здоровья в целом превалировала над позитивной самооценкой как в группах с наличием, так и с отсутствием ИБС. Вывялена тенденция к росту негативной самооценки здоровья в группах лиц обоего пола при наличии ИБС, причем у женщин такая тенденция была более выраженной по сравнению с мужчинами. <h3>ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ</h3> Таким образом, при планировании профилактической программы для населения среднеурбанизированного города Западной Сибири, с учетом приоритетного воздействия на субъективно-объективный показатель здоровья населения, реализации популяционной стратегии, вероятно, будет недостаточно в связи с низкой самооценкой здоровья, выявленной не только в группах с уже имеющейся тяжелой сердечно-сосудистой патологией, но и среди населения в целом. Учитывая полученные закономерности роста негативной самооценки здоровья в группах с наличием ИБС, преимущественно у женщин, наряду с популяционной стратегией, оптимальным будет использование стратегии высокого риска с комплексным подходом воздействия на психосоциальные факторы.

Sex Differences in Association of Depression with Self-Rated Health and Awareness of Cardiovascular Preventive Measures

Aim: To determine gender differences in the relationship between depression and self-rated health and awareness of measures for cardiovascular prevention in an open population of 25-4 years in Russia/Siberia (Novosibirsk). Methods: Under the screening based on the budgetary theme No. AAAA-A17-117112850280-2, a random representative sample of the male and female population who were residents in one of the districts in Novosibirsk was examined in 2013-2016 (n=975, 43.8% males, mean age 34.5±0.4 years). Selfassessment of health and awareness of preventive measures was assessed using the questionnaire "Knowledge and attitude to own health". Depression was assessed using the depression scale based on the adapted MMPI questionnaire. Results: There was a linear increase in the proportion of those who considered themselves "not entirely healthy" or "sick" with an increase in the level of depression in 25-34 and 35-44 years age groups of studied population. Women aged 35-44 years with a moderate level of depression are 15-20% more likely than men to report that they are “not entirely healthy” and “sick” and have health complaints (p &lt;0.05). Men aged 25-34y with major depression were more likely to report negative self-esteem and health complaints but these differences were not statistically significant. In both age groups, with an increase in the level of depression by 20-40%, the proportion of people who “clearly did not take care of their health” among men and women increased. However, the presence of depression eliminate statistical gender differences. In the presence of depression, women are 16% more likely than men to consider it highly likely to develop a serious illness in the next 5-10 years, while they are 10% less likely to have regular health checks. Women were 4-12% more likely than men to doubt the possibilities of preventive medicine, regardless of the level of depression. Conclusions: As depression rises, self-rated health falls and confidence in the effectiveness of preventive measures among both sexes decreases. And while women are more likely to report pessimistic responses to health and prevention, the presence of high levels of depression deletes gender differences.

ANÁLISIS GENEALÓGICO EN LA POBLACIÓN ABIERTA DE CABALLOS SILLA ARGENTINO PERTENECIENTES A LA POLICÍA NACIONAL DE COLOMBIA

This study aimed to evaluate population parameters, genetic diversity and identify the ancestors with the highest genetic contribution of an open population of Silla Argentino horses in Colombia using pedigree data. 508 horses born between 1998 and 2018 were evaluated, called reference population (RP). The ancestors of the RP were added, defining the total population (TP) whit 1,861 horses born since 1905. Population parameters were estimated, including inbreeding coefficient (F), effective population size (Ne), effective number of founders (fe), ancestors (fa), and founder genomes (fg) and generation interval (GIN). The GIN was 10.1 (TP) and 7.7 (RP) years. The estimate of F for the RP was 0.3%, indicating control in mattings. The Ne was 317 (RP) and 179 (TP). The probability of genes origin indicated values for fe, fa and fg of 386, 187 and 351 (TP), and 161, 64 and 56 (RP), respectively, evidencing a reduction of genetic variability in the RP. Half of the genetic variation in the equine population studied was explained by 40 ancestors. The results show loss of genetic diversity in the RP and the genetic contribution of the ancestors suggests the need to increase the number of stallions for breeding and guide mating to increase genetic diversity in the new generations of Silla Argentino horses of the Colombian National Police

Grouping of Districts Based on Poverty Factors in Papua Province Uses The K-Medoids Algorithm

Poverty is an essential issue for every country, including Indonesia. Poverty can be caused by the scarcity of basic necessities or the difficulty of accessing education and employment. In 2019 Papua Province became the province with the highest poverty percentage at 27.53%. Seeing this, the district groupings formed in describing poverty conditions in Papua Province are based on similar characteristics using the variables Percentage of Poor Population, Gross Regional Domestic Product, Open Unemployment Rate, Life Expectancy, Literacy Rate, and Population Working in the Agricultural Sector using K-medoids clustering algorithm. The results of this study indicate that the optimal number of clusters to describe poverty conditions in Papua Province is 4 clusters with a variance of 0.012, where the first cluster consists of 10 districts, the second cluster consists of 5 districts, the third cluster consists of 12 districts, and the fourth cluster consists of 2 districts.

PENINGKATAN EKONOMI MASYARAKAT DENGAN MEMANFAATKAN SAMPAH RUMAH TANGGA MELALUI KELOMPOK SADAR SAMPAH DESA WINONGO KECAMATAN MANGUNHARO KABUPATEN MADIUN

Garbage with open population growth is a straight comparison, therefore the waste problem will not run out to be discussed. The purpose of this research is to analyze and apply the pattern of solving the problem of waste that is environmentally sound and to determine the success rate of waste awareness education as a medium for environmental preservation and economic improvement in Winongo Village. This study uses the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method. The study population was 286 households in Hamlet 4 spread over 5 RTs in Karangtengah Village with a sample of 71 families with data collection techniques using FGD (focus group discussion), semi-structural interviews, mapping, transects, household spending surveys. The data validation technique was carried out by triangulation of composition, triangulation of tools and techniques, triangulation of diversity of information sources. Data analysis techniques by looking at the Ven Diagram of the Winongo Village community. The research results in the absence of sustainable waste management in the Karangtengah Village environment, especially RT 19. The low level of public knowledge and awareness about waste makes people indifferent to cleanliness. The Community Assistance process is carried out by forming a waste awareness group. There is no significant economic development through waste that has an impact on society.

The effect of sleep duration on the risk of diabetes mellitus in an open population of men aged 45–64 years (international epidemiological studies)

Objective: to study the effect of sleep duration on the 16-year risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in an open population of men aged 45–64 years living in Novosibirsk.Patients and methods. In 2003–2005 during the IV screening (HAPIEE project), a representative sample of men aged 45–69 years (n=781; mean age – 56.48±0.2 years, response rate – 61%) was examined. A standard clinical and epidemiological examination was carried out: sleep duration was assessed using the Jenkins scale, the level of state-trait anxiety (STA) – using the Spielberger self-assessment scale, depression, life exhaustion, family and workplace stress – with MONICA-MOPSY scales. Social support was assessed with Berkman–Syme Social Network Index. The cohort was followed up for 16 years.Results and discussion. In the studied population of men aged 45–64 years, the most common sleep duration was 7 hours (44.7%), in second place – 8 hours of sleep (27.6%), in third place – 6 hours of sleep (16.4%). Among people with newly diagnosed DM, 7-hour sleep prevailed – 39.2%, 6- and 8-hour sleep – 25.3% each (÷2=7.774; df=5; p&gt;0.05). In men with 5–6 hours of sleep, compared with men sleeping for 7–8 hours, we found a 1.72-fold increased 16-year risk of developing diabetes (95% CI 1.066–2.776; p&lt;0.05), and in men aged 45–54 years – a 1.868-fold increase (95% CI 1.089–3.927; p&lt;0.05). In the Cox-proportional multivariate model, an independent effect on the diabetes risk was observed for: 5–6 hours of sleep at night: hazard ratio (HR) 1.561 (95% CI 1.063–2.83; p&lt;0.001), depression (HR 1.767; 95% CI 1.058–2.952; p&lt;0.05), life exhaustion (HR 1.511; 95% CI 1.266–2.984; p&lt;0.05), and low and medium-1 SNI (HR 1.956; 95% CI 1.074–3.560; p&lt;0.05).Conclusion. Short and very short sleep duration could be defined as a major risk factor of DM.

Association of frailty with cognitive impairment in Mexican older adults from the open population

AbstractBackgroundFrailty and mild cognitive impairment are highly prevalent and disabling conditions in the older adult population, which can coexist. Since fragility represents wear and tear of multiple systems that put the subject in a condition of physical, cognitive, and social vulnerability,MethodThis report contains information from an observational cohort design study, the inclusion criteria included adults older than 65 years or older at the beginning of follow‐up, who completed the baseline evaluations and three years of follow‐up, within the protocols of the GID 10 / 66. Data from 1,823 adults older than 65 years without dementia were analyzed in the initial evaluation. Frailty was evaluated by modified Fried criteria (excluding grip strength), the presence of 3 of the 4 remaining criteria was considered fragility. They were considered for the analysis of variables such as sex, age, education, marital status, occupation, diabetes, hypertension, depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment level in the initial evaluation. The incidence of cognitive impairment was determined by the presence of MCI or dementia at the follow‐up evaluation.ResultThe prevalence of frailty in the baseline evaluation was reported in 6.1%. Frailty was more prevalent in older ages. The occupation was also found to be associated with frailty, more prevalent in unemployed older adults. Comorbidities such as diabetes, a history of cerebral vascular disease, depression, and anxiety were found to be associated with frailty. The incidence of cognitive impairment in the total sample was 14.6%, in the group with frailty in the baseline evaluation it was 30.0%, which translates into a risk ratio of 2.2, which is reduced to 1.8 when adjusted for risk variables for incident cognitive impairment such as age, schooling, diabetes, depression, and anxiety.ConclusionIn older adults from the open population, frailty is associated with the incidence of cognitive impairment independently of some of the known risk factors for dementia and mild cognitive impairment.

Construct validity and internal consistency of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression screening measure translated into two Ugandan languages.

In Uganda, depression is a major public health issue because of its direct disease burden and as a risk factor and co-morbidity for other pervasive health issues. Psychometric assessment of translated depression measures is critical to public health planning to ensure proper screening, surveillance, and treatment of depression and related outcomes. We examined aspects of the validity and reliability of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) translated into Luganda and Runyoro in a large population-based cohort of Ugandan adolescents and adults. Data from the ongoing open cohort AMBSO Population Health Surveillance study were analyzed from the Wakiso and Hoima districts in Uganda. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the overall sample and stratified by translated language. Construct validity was assessed for each translated scale using confirmatory factor analysis for ordinal data. The internal consistency of each translated scale was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega total and omega hierarchical. Compared to the Runyoro-speaking subsample from Hoima (n=2297), participants in the Luganda-speaking subsample from Wakiso (n=672) were older (27 vs 21 years, p < 0.01) and a greater proportion were female (62% vs. 55%, p < 0.01). The Luganda-translated PHQ-9 had a sample mean of 3.46 (SD=3.26), supported a single-factor structure (RMSEA=0.05, CFI=0.96, TLI=0.94), and demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.73, McDonald's omega total=0.76, McDonald's omega hierarchical=0.53). The Runyoro-translated PHQ-9 had a comparable sample mean of 3.58 (SD=3.00), also supported a one-factor structure (RMSEA=0.08, CFI=0.92, TLI=0.90), and demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.72, McDonald's omega total=0.76, McDonald's omega hierarchical=0.57). Our preliminary findings indicate that the Luganda and Runyoro translations of the PHQ-9 had satisfactory construct validity and internal consistency in our sample of Ugandan adolescents and adults. Future studies should expand on this promising work by assessing additional psychometric characteristics of these translated measures in other communities in Uganda.

P.0271 Association of polymorphic marker val158met of comt gene with depression in an open population 25-44 years: epidemiological study

P.0271 Association of polymorphic marker val158met of comt gene with depression in an open population 25-44 years: epidemiological study

Population structure, residency, and abundance of whale sharks in the coastal waters off Nosy Be, north‐western Madagascar

Abstract Between September and December, whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) aggregate in the coastal waters off Nosy Be, an island in north‐western Madagascar. Swimming with these sharks has become an important tourism activity, but no formal protection is in place in Madagascar to protect this endangered species from the potential negative effects of tourism or other human impacts. Boat‐based surveys (n = 405) were conducted from tourism vessels from September to December, 2015–2019. For most sightings (98%), whale sharks were sighted while foraging for bait fish at the surface, in association with mackerel tuna (Euthynnus affinis) and seabirds (Sternidae). A total of 408 individual whale sharks were individually photo‐identified over this period. All individuals were immature, and 82% of sexed sharks were male. Sharks ranged from 3.0 to 8.0 m in total length (TL), with a mean TL of 5.65 ± 0.94 m (n = 66) for females and 5.46 ± 1.09 m for males (n = 295). Most sharks (72% of the identified individuals) were only identified once within the study period. Movement modelling showed an open population with a short mean residence time of 7.2 days. Resightings were recorded from up to 12 years apart (2007–2019). Ten sharks were seen in all five seasons during 2015–2019. A basic POPAN mark–recapture model estimated a total population size of 681 (608–763) sharks over the 2015–2019 period. Nosy Be waters are an important foraging ground for juvenile whale sharks. Sighting data demonstrate that a high proportion of the sharks’ preferred habitat lies outside existing protected areas, but within an identified Key Biodiversity Area. National species‐level protection and increased spatial management is warranted to secure the continued presence of whale sharks in this region.

Opening of a cryptic pocket in β-lactamase increases penicillinase activity

Understanding the functional role of protein-excited states has important implications in protein design and drug discovery. However, because these states are difficult to find and study, it is still unclear if excited states simply result from thermal fluctuations and generally detract from function or if these states can actually enhance protein function. To investigate this question, we consider excited states in β-lactamases and particularly a subset of states containing a cryptic pocket which forms under the Ω-loop. Given the known importance of the Ω-loop and the presence of this pocket in at least two homologs, we hypothesized that these excited states enhance enzyme activity. Using thiol-labeling assays to probe Ω-loop pocket dynamics and kinetic assays to probe activity, we find that while this pocket is not completely conserved across β-lactamase homologs, those with the Ω-loop pocket have a higher activity against the substrate benzylpenicillin. We also find that this is true for TEM β-lactamase variants with greater open Ω-loop pocket populations. We further investigate the open population using a combination of NMR chemical exchange saturation transfer experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. To test our understanding of the Ω-loop pocket's functional role, we designed mutations to enhance/suppress pocket opening and observed that benzylpenicillin activity is proportional to the probability of pocket opening in our designed variants. The work described here suggests that excited states containing cryptic pockets can be advantageous for function and may be favored by natural selection, increasing the potential utility of such cryptic pockets as drug targets.

A Preliminary Abundance Estimate of an Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) Contingent Within an Open Riverine System

Abundance estimates are essential for fisheries management, but estimating the abundance of open populations with low recapture rates has historically been unreliable. However, by using mark-recapture data modulated with survivability parameters obtained from analysis of acoustic telemetry data, more accurate abundance estimates can be made for species that exhibit these characteristics. One such species is the Atlantic sturgeon, for which abundance estimates were designated a research priority following precipitous population declines throughout the 20th century. We addressed this research need in the Saco River Estuary (SRE), a system where the Atlantic sturgeon has been extensively studied using mark-recapture and acoustic telemetry methods since 2009. These data were analyzed using Bayesian analysis of a Lincoln-Peterson estimator, constrained with parameters from a Cormack-Jolly-Seber model, to provide an initial abundance estimate for the system. The resulting estimate indicated that approximately 3 299 (95% Credible Interval: 1 462–6 828) Atlantic sturgeon utilize the SRE yearly, suggesting that the SRE provides critical foraging habitat to a large contingent of the species within the Gulf of Maine. The present study demonstrated the method utilized herein was effective in generating a reasonable estimate of abundance in an open system where recapture events are rare, and therefore may provide a valuable technique for supplying initial estimates of fish abundance in additional systems that display similar characteristics.

Long‐term decline in abundance of male sperm whales visiting Kaikōura, New Zealand

AbstractKaikōura, New Zealand, is one of the few places worldwide where sperm whales can be routinely found close to the coast. Although whales are present nearly all year round, no individuals are truly resident. In this study, we analyzed photo‐identification data collected over 27 years to investigate long‐term trends in inshore abundance. We contrasted two analytical approaches: Cormack‐Jolly‐Seber (CJS) mark‐recapture models, and the “Robust Design,” which can incorporate temporary emigration of individuals. CJS models for open populations showed a significant decline in the annual number of individual males, from 89, 95% CI [60, 133] in 1991, to 40, 95% CI [33–49] in 2017. The Robust Design models indicated that the trend was driven by a decline in abundance of whales using Kaikōura during summer, from 54, 95% CI [18, 156] in 1990, to 23, 95% CI [16, 33] in 2017. In contrast, there was no evidence for change in the numbers of whales using Kaikōura during winter. Incorporating temporary emigration had the most support, indicating Robust Design was more appropriate for estimating abundance. The results of Pradel recruitment models suggest that recruitment to the population using the study area during summer declined during the late 1990s/early 2000s, potentially explaining the decline in abundance.

Personal Digital Health Assistants

The Aim: To determine gender differences in the dynamic of job stress indicators in an open population of 25-64 years over a long-term period - 29 years in Russia / Siberia (Novosibirsk). Methods: Within the framework of the screening in 1988-89 under the WHO MONICA-psychosocial (MOPSY) program (n=1676, 49.5% males, mean age 44.1±0.4 years), in 2003-2005 under the international project HAPIEE (n=1650, 34.9% males, mean age 54.25±0.2 years), in 2013-2016 (n=975, 43.8% males, mean age 34.5±0,4 years) and 2016-2017 (n=663, 41.3% males, mean age 51.95±0.32 years) within the framework of the budgetary theme No. AAAA-A17-117112850280-2, random representative samples of men and women in one of districts in Novosibirsk were examined. Job stress indicators were assessed using the Karasek’s scale adopted by MONICA-MOPSY. Results: About 40% of male and female population in 1988 reported a change in occupation in the previous 12 years. The highest proportion of such persons was observed in the younger age groups and significant gender differences were also found there. By 2016-17, the proportion of those who changed their specialty decreased but gender differences were not determined. In 2016-17, the proportion of men and women who enjoy their job increased slightly compared to 1988, but the gender difference was insignificant. Responsibility at work increased up to 58.2% and 54.5%, respectively in dynamics among young men and women. In 2016-17, the perception of responsibility at the workplace returned to the semblance of 1988 without gender differences. Regarding changes in the workplace, in 1988, the most frequent were "change of salary" and "change of workplace" for both sexes. Men more often than women indicated conflicts with their superiors and subordinates. In 2013, the change of workplace was reported more often than changes in salary (especially in the youngest group of 25-34 years old) but in 2017 these answers correlated with each other, amounting to 11-12%. No gender differences were observed. In 2013-16, share of men and women who reduced their workload increased to 20%. This proportion decreased in 2016-17. And the trend towards an increase in workload at the workplace moved at a faster pace, especially among middle-aged and older men. The proportion of women who cannot relax and rest after usual working day in the period from 1988 to 2013-16 was stable at 38-39%; but by 2016-2017 it decreased by a third. The proportion of such men has been growing over 29 years and began to exceed women by 10% in 2016-17. Conclusions: Both genders began to perform additional work tasks more often and to assess their responsibility at work as high over 29 years of observations. There is a trend towards eliminating of sex differences.