Sensitivity In Women Research Articles

Women's sensitivity to threat in online dating and the (in)effectiveness of standard safety warnings

Acts of sexual aggression are sometimes initiated through an online dating arrangement or encounter (e.g., through Tinder, Bumble). Certain personality and physical traits may be predictive of such sexual aggression propensity, and thus evident in online dating profiles (e.g., biographies and photographs). However, it is unclear whether (1) people are sensitive to such “red flags” and (2) whether safety recommendations employed by online dating platforms effectively enhance such sensitivity. For the first time, using an online dating simulation, we experimentally investigated the extent to which women's (n = 167) expressions of interest in men were sensitive to (i.e., influenced by) cues of threat in the men's online dating biographies and photographs, and whether the presence (vs absence) of safety recommendations enhanced this sensitivity. We find fewer expressions of interest for high (vs low) threat dating profiles, although the magnitude of this threat sensitivity/aversion effect varied across women and was not enhanced by safety recommendations. We identify some individual difference factors associated with this threat sensitivity/aversion, but our work underscores the importance of developing other interventions, technologies, or safeguards that screen for, or assist with, identifying such threats, making online dating interactions safer for all users.

Women Sports Participation and Gender Sensitivity Towards Enhanced Sports’ Program

This study explores women's participation in sports and the level of gender sensitivity within sports programs. Using comprehensive methods, including reliability measurements and statistical analyses, it assesses women's exposure and awareness of gender sensitivity. Data collected from athletes at ShanTou Polytechnic provide valuable insights into participant profiles, exposure levels, and gender sensitivity awareness. Reliability measurements indicate strong internal consistency in exposure and gender sensitivity, ensuring the study's credibility. Demographic analysis reveals a higher proportion of female athletes, mainly around the age of 20, with a predominant involvement in sports dance. The study systematically addresses respondents' personal information concerning gender, age, and sports types. It delves into women's exposure in sports, focusing on public interest, participation, representation, and frequency of sports involvement. Findings indicate a high level of support, encouragement, and recognition for female athletes within the sports community. The study also explores respondents' awareness of gender sensitivity faced by female athletes, emphasizing mutual encouragement, equal treatment, and rejecting gender stereotypes. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of women's sports participation and gender sensitivity, offering valuable insights for enhancing inclusivity and support for women in sports. It underscores the significance of promoting equal opportunities, breaking stereotypes, and ensuring a conducive environment for the health and recognition of female athletes.

Increased Clinical Pain Locations and Pain Sensitivity in Women After Breast Cancer Surgery: Influence of Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy.

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs), which potently inhibit estrogen biosynthesis, are a standard treatment for hormone sensitive early-stage breast cancer. AIs have been associated with substantial joint pain and muscle stiffness (aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal syndrome). However, the link between AIs and number of clinical pain locations and pain sensitivity are less well understood. The aim of this study was to compare longitudinal changes in clinical pain and quantitative pain sensitivity between women who did or did not receive AI therapy. Women with early-stage breast cancer were prospectively enrolled and assessed for clinical pain in surgical and nonsurgical body areas using the Brief Pain Inventory and Breast Cancer Pain Questionnaire, and for pain sensitivity using quantitative sensory testing preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively. Pain outcomes between participants who did and did not begin adjuvant AI therapy were compared using Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks and generalized estimating equation linear regression analyses. Clinical pain and pain sensitivity were comparable between AI (n=49) and no-AI (n=106) groups preoperatively. After adjusting for body mass index, AI therapy was associated with a greater increase in the number of painful nonsurgical body sites (significant time by treatment interaction, P =0.024). Pain location was most frequent in knees (28%), lower back (26%), and ankles/feet (17%). Quantitative sensory testing revealed a significant decrease in pain sensitivity (increased pressure pain threshold) in the no-AI group over time, but not in the AI group. AI therapy was associated with increased diffuse joint-related pain and greater post-treatment pain sensitivity, potentially implicating central sensitization as a contributing pain mechanism of aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal syndrome worthy of future investigation.

Church Affirmation Moderates the Relationship Between Weight-Rejection-Sensitivity and Body Dissatisfaction in Young Adults in the USA.

Systematic research on the role of social affirmation from one's religious community on body evaluations is absent. This study therefore explored the relationships among feeling affirmed-from-church, weight-rejection sensitivity, and body evaluations. Drawing from self-affirmation theory, we tested whether a social aspect of religiosity (i.e., feeling affirmed from one's religious community) attenuated the relationship between weight-rejection anxiety and body dissatisfaction, controlling for body mass, affect, and church attendance. We also examined gender differences in religiosity, body image, and fat talk in secular and religious circles in a sample of young adults in the USA (187F, 84M; Mage = 18.59, SD = 0.83). As predicted, both men and women reported hearing less fat-talk at church than among friends, and women reported a positive relation between feeling affirmed-from-church and hearing body-acceptance talk at church. The moderation prediction was supported for women. Greater affirmation-from-church weakened the effect of women's weight sensitivity on body satisfaction (but not weight esteem). For men, affirmation-from-church strengthened the effect of their weight sensitivity on body dissatisfaction and low weight esteem. Feeling affirmed from church may facilitate women's body satisfaction despite their weight-sensitivities. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Abstract 12692: Central Sensitization in Women With Ischemia and No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Myocardial ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) is more common in women and associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. INOCA patients have recurrent chest pain and reduced quality of life, and therapeutic strategies are poorly defined. Central nervous system factors can promote and maintain spontaneous clinical pain. We explored central sensitization in INOCA. Methods: Twenty-nine women diagnosed with INOCA based on coronary angiography were enrolled. Baseline demographics, risk factors, and angina burden by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) was assessed. Generalized pain hypersensitivity was assessed using the validated Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), with scores ≥40 indicating the presence of central sensitization. Functional capacity was determined by Duke Activity Status Index (DASI). A DASI score ≤34 is prognostic of major adverse cardiac events. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations were performed; p-value ≤.05 was considered significant. Results: Mean age was 55.4±10 years and body mass index (BMI) was 30.1±7 kg/m 2 . Cardiac risk factors were prevalent with 59% hypertension, 55% hyperlipidemia, and 21% diabetes. SAQ scores indicated a high angina burden: 49.3±25.7 (angina frequency) and 39.3±27.6 (angina stability). Mean CSI score was 40.5±17, and 62% had CSI scores ≥40, indicating central sensitization. Mean DASI score was 33.3±18.6. A majority (52%) had a DASI score ≤34, indicative of guarded prognosis. CSI scores correlated positively with depression (r=0.78, p=0.00001) and BMI (r=0.39, p=0.04), and negatively with DASI (r=-0.36, p=0.05), indicating impaired physical functioning in those with higher levels of central pain sensitivity. Conclusions: Nearly two-thirds of women with INOCA have central sensitization. Central pain amplification is associated with angina, depression, obesity, and a limited functional capacity in mid-life INOCA women. The role of the central nervous system in persistent chest pain should be further investigated and may lead to novel therapeutic strategies.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Central Sensitization in Women with Endometriosis

To assess prevalence of central sensitization (CS) and its association with demographic and clinical factors in patients with endometriosis. Single-center, observational, cross-sectional study. Tertiary center. Consecutive patients with endometriosis referred to the center from January 15, 2022, to April 30, 2022. For each enrolled patient, demographic and clinical data were collected, and the presence of CS was measured using the CS Inventory questionnaire (score ≥40). Primary study outcome was CS prevalence, and secondary study outcomes were the associations between demographic and clinical factors and CS. The 95% confidence intervals for CS prevalence were obtained with Bayesian-derived Jeffreys method, and the associations between CS and demographic and clinical factors were evaluated with the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, where appropriate. The variables significantly associated with CS were then included in a multivariable logistic regression model. The significance level was set at .05 for all analyses. During the study period, 285 eligible women were enrolled. CS prevalence was 41.4% (95% confidence interval, 35.8-47.2). At univariable analysis, infertility, moderate to severe pain symptoms (except for dyschezia), altered bowel movements, posterolateral parametrium involvement, hormonal therapy failure (HTF), and most of central sensitivity syndromes were significantly associated with CS occurrence. Multivariable analysis only confirmed the significant association of CS with moderate to severe chronic pelvic pain, posterolateral parametrium involvement, HTF, migraine or tension-type headache, irritable bowel syndrome, and anxiety or panic attacks. CS has a high prevalence in patients with endometriosis, especially in those with moderate to severe chronic pelvic pain, posterolateral parametrium involvement, HTF, and 3 central sensitivity syndromes (i.e. migraine or tension-type headache, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety or panic attacks). Given the association with HTF, identifying CS through CS Inventory might be useful to counsel the patient and to choose multimodal treatment.

A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Availability of Targeted Treatments for Central Sensitization in Women With Endometriosis.

Central sensitization (CS) contributes to patient variability when treating pain in endometriosis. Targeting this process may alleviate hyperalgesia and allodynia in women refractory to current treatments. Currently, there has been no review of targeted treatments for central sensitization in women with endometriosis. Therefore, this review aims to identify and summarize the findings of studies regarding the availability and efficacy of targeted treatments for CS in women with endometriosis. A systematic review was conducted searching MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria: primary research articles, women with endometriosis and CS features, and description of treatments for CS, or its effects on hyperalgesia and allodynia. Exclusion criteria: review articles, letters to the editor, commentaries, editorials, protocols, or women with endometriosis infiltrating nerves. Risk of bias analysis was conducted. Data was reviewed and summarized by treatment method. Eight studies met inclusion criteria, demonstrating limited research in this area. Four treatment options were addressed: surgical approaches, nerve stimulation approaches, injection-based therapies, and hormonal therapies. Surgery and nerve stimulation appear the most promising treatments for CS. Injections have limited and mixed evidence of efficacy. Limited evidence suggests hormonal therapies may be ineffective. Given the lack of evidence for any treatment, all require further research to determine treatment efficacy before options will be available clinically. There is a clear need for consistency in defining and identifying CS in study populations. This review identifies areas of interest, particularly surgery and nerve stimulation, from which future research must stem.

561-P: The Effect of Time-Restricted Eating on Glycemic Control and Insulin Sensitivity in Women with Prediabetes: A Pilot Study

Time-restricted eating (TRE) is a dietary pattern in which daily food intake is restricted to a 6-h period without any caloric intake for the rest of the day. TRE improves glucose homeostasis in animal models even independent of weight loss and calorie intake. However, the weight-loss independent effect of TRE on glucose homeostasis in people remains debatable. We conducted a pilot study to investigate whether TRE without weight loss improves glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in women with prediabetes. Participants were randomized to the TRE (9-h daily eating period) or Control group (15-h daily eating period) for 12 weeks. We studied five participants (TRE n = 3 and Control n = 2) with overweight/obesity, prediabetes, and habitual daily eating period greater than 14 hours ([means and SD] age 50 ± 16 years, BMI 31 ± 5 kg/m2) . The daily eating period decreased in the TRE group (13.8 ± 0.5 vs. 8.5 ± 0.5 h) , but not in the Control group (13.9 ± 0.9 vs. 14.1 ± 1.1 h) . Participants’ weight, diet composition, and number of eating occasions remained unchanged during the study period for both groups. Glycemic control in free-living conditions assessed by using continuous glucose monitoring tended to improve in the TRE group (24-h area under the curve for interstitial glucose concentration: 2572 ± 286 vs. 2161 ± 216 mg/dl/24 h) , but not in the Control group (23± 59 vs. 2374 ± 2mg/dl/24 h) . Skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity assessed by using a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedure tended to increase in the TRE group (median and IQR: 27 (21, 37) vs. 34 (27, 41) μmol/kg/min) , but not in the Control group (41 ± 9 vs. 36 ± μmol/kg/min) . These preliminary results suggest that TRE may lead to weight-loss-independent improvements in glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in women with prediabetes. Further ongoing research will establish the effect of TRE without weight loss on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in people at high risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Disclosure M.Chondronikola: None. S.Zhu: None. P.Surampudi: n/a. B.Roshanravan: None. C.Sanchez: None. Funding NIH-UL1-TR001860, Clinical and Translational Science Center-Highly Innovative Pilot Award and USDA NationalInstitute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch project numberCA-D-NTR-2618-H

Age, Body Mass Index, and Waist-to-Hip Ratio Related Changes in Insulin Secretion and Insulin Sensitivity in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Minimal Model Analyses.

Insulin resistance is believed to be an integral component of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Beta (ß) cell dysfunction is also found in PCOS. In the study, we determined the influence of age, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) on insulin response to oral glucose load (OGTT) and on insulin sensitivity (Si) and ß-cell function in young women with PCOS. One hundred fourteen patients with PCOS and 41 controls with normal basal plasma glucose were studied. A 75-g OGTT was performed to determine glucose tolerance and insulin response. Insulin sensitivity and ß-cell function were studied using a modified frequently sampled IV glucose tolerance test (FISGTT) to determine the acute insulin response (AIRG), as well as Si by minimal model analysis. Si was decreased in PCOS women (2.49 0.18 vs. 3.41 ± 0.36, p < 0.05), but no difference in AIRG existed between the PCOS and control group (75.1 ± 4.6 vs. 63.4 ± 4.6, p < 0.05). BMI and WHR correlated negatively with Si (r = −0.43; r = −0.289, p < 0.001, respectively), but not with AIRG (r = 0.116; r = −0.02, p > 0.05, respectively). Increasing age correlated negatively with AIRG (r = −0.285, p < 0.001). There was a significant interaction between disease (PCOS), BMI, and WHR on Si as well as between age and PCOS on AIRG. Thus, patients below the age of 25 with PCOS showed enhanced AIRG (89.5 ± 7.1 vs. 65.1 ± 6.7, p < 0.05) and decreased Si (2.43 ± 0.25 vs. 4.52 ± 0.62, p < 0.05) compared to age-matched controls. In conclusion, these data suggest that not all patients with PCOS have basal and stimulated hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose tolerance. Based on these data in young PCOS subjects, the development of insulin resistance and T2DM may be prevented with appropriate treatment strategies.

Editorial of Special Issue “Application of Mathematical Modelling and Symmetry in Neuroscience”

The first article is “Spectral Clustering Reveals Different Profiles of Central Sensitization in Women with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)” [...]

Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation During Walking on Pain Sensitivity in Women With Obesity With Knee Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo assess the extent to which pain sensitivity is altered in women with obesity with frequent knee symptoms who walk with either a hybrid training system (HTS) that provides antagonist muscle electrical stimulation vs sensory transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). DesignRandomized, double-blinded, controlled trial. SettingUniversity-based fitness center. ParticipantsTwenty-eight women (N=28) with obesity, aged 40-70 years, with daily knee symptoms. InterventionsParticipants were randomized to 12 weeks of biweekly 30-minute walking exercise with either HTS (HTSW group) or sensory TENS (control group). Main Outcome MeasuresPressure pain thresholds (PPTs) at the more symptomatic knee (local PPT) and PPT at the ipsilateral pain-free wrist (remote PPT). ResultsAfter adjustment for preintervention values and body mass index (BMI), there was a statistically significant improvement in local PPT in the HTSW group compared with the control group (P=.039). After adjustment for pretraining value, age, and BMI, changes in remote PPT when comparing groups did not reach statistical significance, although the HTS group tended to demonstrate increased remote PPT (P=.052) compared with the control group. Moreover, after adjustment for pretraining value, knee pain, and quality of life, comparing groups did not reach statistical significance, although the HTS group tended to demonstrate decreased knee pain (P=.069) compared with the control group. ConclusionsAugmentation of walking exercise with HTS was more effective than application of sensory TENS in improving local pain sensitivity at the knee but not at the wrist in women with obesity with frequent knee symptoms.

Executive Functions and Reinforcement Sensitivity in Women with Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms.

Objective: Obsessive-compulsive disorder is associated with cognitive and motivational deficits caused by abnormal activities in certain neural circuits. This study sets out to determine the contribution of each component of executive function and reinforcement sensitivity in prediction of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Method : In this cross-sectional study, the study population consisted of all adult women living in Sabzevar city (Iran). Using cluster sampling, 365 women were selected as the study sample. Participants completed the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory, Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire - Revised and Clarified (SPSRQ-RC) as well as Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Data analysis was conducted using correlation and regression tests. Results: The results of stepwise regression analysis showed that inhibition, shift and initiation variables as well as sensitivity to punishment and reward were best predictors of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (adjusted R square = 0.34, F = 38.93, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: It seems that impaired executive functions in cognition and sensitivity to reinforcement in motivation contribute to the emergence or sustainability of obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

An Interdisciplinary Program Promoting the Adoption of a Healthy Lifestyle Increases Insulin Sensitivity in Women With Obesity and Infertility

Insulin resistance contributes to the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome and may play a role in obesity-associated infertility. Since lifestyle modifications are recommended in women affected by these conditions, we hypothesize that such modifications may increase their insulin sensitivity.

Gender and the environmental concerns of young farmers: Do young women farmers make a difference on family farms?

Although the visibility of women farmers in agriculture is increasing, we have little knowledge about the impact this will have on the environmental management of family farms. Numerous studies have documented that young women farmers show high concern for environmentally friendly farming practices relative to young male farmers. However, family farms are still a prominent business form globally, and it is still unclear whether or not we can expect young women farmers in different employment statuses (manager, or full-time farm worker and spouse) and work schedules (full- or part-time) to show any differences in the adoption of environmental practices compared to young male farmers. This study investigates the question of how increasing the visibility of women on family farms, and young women's sensitivity to environmental concerns relative to male's, plays out in the dynamic of adopting Agri-Environment-Climate Measures (AECMs). Our results confirm gender differences in AECM adoption behavior when we investigate the employment statuses of young women farmers; however, for part-time family farms, gender differences in the adoption behavior disappears, while they emerge for environmental subsidies received. We argue that gender aspects of the adoption behavior of AECMs contain several overlapping issues, particularly gender differences in the spouse's involvement in farm work.

Spectral Clustering Reveals Different Profiles of Central Sensitization in Women with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Identification of subgroups of patients with chronic pain provides meaningful insights into the characteristics of a specific population, helping to identify individuals at risk of chronification and to determine appropriate therapeutic strategies. This paper proposes the use of spectral clustering (SC) to distinguish subgroups (clusters) of individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), making use of the obtained patient profiling to argue about potential management implications. SC is a powerful algorithm that builds a similarity graph among the data points (the patients), and tries to find the subsets of points that are strongly connected among themselves, but weakly connected to others. It was chosen due to its advantages with respect to other simpler clustering techniques, such as k-means, and the fact that it has been successfully applied to similar problems. Clinical (age, duration of symptoms, pain intensity, function, and symptom severity), psycho-physical (pressure pain thresholds—PPTs—over the three main nerve trunks of the upper extremity, cervical spine, carpal tunnel, and tibialis anterior), psychological (depressive levels), and motor (pinch tip grip force) variables were collected in 208 women with clinical/electromyographic diagnosis of CTS, whose symptoms usually started unilaterally but eventually evolved into bilateral symmetry. SC was used to identify clusters of patients without any previous assumptions, yielding three clusters. Patients in cluster 1 exhibited worse clinical features, higher widespread pressure pain hyperalgesia, higher depressive levels, and lower pinch tip grip force than the other two. Patients in cluster 2 showed higher generalized thermal pain hyperalgesia than the other two. Cluster 0 showed less hypersensitivity to pressure and thermal pain, less severe clinical features, and more normal motor output (tip grip force). The presence of subgroups of individuals with different altered nociceptive processing (one group being more sensitive to pressure pain and another group more sensitive to thermal pain) could lead to different therapeutic programs.

Androgen Effects on Baroreflex Sensitivity in Women with AE‐PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive endocrinopathy affecting approximately 10% of reproductive age women. Hyperandrogenism in women may be associated with increased sympathetic activity and impaired blood pressure (BP) regulation. Women with the Androgen-Excess PCOS (AE-PCOS) phenotype can have severe clinical metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities, including elevated BP. We tested the hypothesis that androgen exposure in AE-PCOS increases BP and impairs BP regulation, as indexed by sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). We measured BRS in 5 women with AE-PCOS (mean±SD, age=25±5 y; BMI=40±2 kg/m2) at Baseline (BSL), after 4 days of reproductive hormone suppression with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist (ANT, 250 μg/day) and 4 days of GnRH ant+testosterone (T, 5 mg/day). Before participating, subjects were screened to demonstrate insulin resistance using an oral glucose tolerance test (AUC=25949±11038 IU for insulin, AUC=23385±2561 mg/dl for glucose). Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), expressed in bursts/100 heartbeat (Hb), and diastolic BP (DBP) were measured during the Modified Oxford technique, and sympathetic BR gain (MSNA/DBP) served as an index of sympathetic BRS. We also assessed integrated BR gain with forearm vascular resistance changes as a function of lower body negative pressure (LBNP). Reproductive hormone suppression decreased resting mean arterial pressure compared to BSL (114±10 mm Hg) under both ANT (107±2 mm Hg) and T conditions (106±9 mm Hg, P=0.04). Sympathetic BR gain during ANT was greater compared to BSL (-0.922±0.506 vs. -0.800±0.542 bursts/100 Hb/mm Hg, respectively), and gain was unaffected when androgens were reintroduced (T=-0.819±0.276 bursts/100 Hb, P=0.29). Integrated BRS during LBNP was unaffected by hormone treatment (BSL=0.911±0.653; ANT=0.794±0.967; T= 1.002±0.367 units/mm Hg). In obese, insulin resistant women with AE-PCOS, suppressing testosterone and estrogen (E2) improved arterial BR control of MSNA, while testosterone administration did not restore BR control. Thus, our initial hypothesis that T impairs baroreflex control of MSNA is not supported by these data but suggests that the continued suppression of E2 during ANT and ANT+T may play a more important role. The potential impact of E2 could be a promising clinical intervention and will be directly tested in our future studies.

Influence of Aromatase Inhibitors on Pain and Pain Sensitivity in Women with Breast Cancer

Influence of Aromatase Inhibitors on Pain and Pain Sensitivity in Women with Breast Cancer

Handling Injustice - Are Women Too Sensitive?

At time of COVID-19 pandemic, not only isolation and loneliness were increasing, but injustice was increasing, as well. Scholars argue, workplace is quite unjust toward women in general suggesting salary, benefits, little value to their voice, career growth and it shows COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates injustice at work moreover. The aim of the contribution was to analyze the character of relationship between women's sensitivity to injustice, emotions, employment sector and coping with injustice at work during COVID-19. 208 women with the average age of 26.08 years (SD = 7.39) answered the questions measuring sensitivity to injustice by Justice Sensitivity Inventory (Schmitt et al., 2010), emotions by Positive Affect Scale and Negative Affect Scale (Džuka &amp; Dalbert, in Džuka, 2019) and coping by Brief COPE (Carver, 1997). The results showed that women were sensitive to injustice at work (M = 4.49; SD = .89), felt anger mostly (M = 4.35; SD = 1.31) and used adaptive coping strategies more than maladaptive coping strategies (t(207) = 15.47, p &lt; .001). The analysis of character of relationship between selected variables showed that negative affect and employment sector were predictors of coping with injustice at work. Specific results are part of the contribution.

Vestibular Anatomic Localization of Pain Sensitivity in Women with Insertional Dyspareunia: A Different Approach to Address the Variability of Painful Intercourse.

The pathophysiology underlying painful intercourse is challenging due to variability in manifestations of vulvar pain hypersensitivity. This study aimed to address whether the anatomic location of vestibular-provoked pain is associated with specific, possible causes for insertional dyspareunia. Women (n = 113) were assessed for “anterior” and “posterior” provoked vestibular pain based on vestibular tenderness location evoked by a Q-tip test. Pain evoked during vaginal intercourse, pain evoked by deep muscle palpation, and the severity of pelvic floor muscles hypertonicity were assessed. The role of potential confounders (vestibular atrophy, umbilical pain hypersensitivity, hyper-tonus of pelvic floor muscles and presence of a constricting hymenal-ring) was analyzed to define whether distinctive subgroups exist. Q-tip stimulation provoked posterior vestibular tenderness in all participants (6.20 ± 1.9). However, 41 patients also demonstrated anterior vestibular pain hypersensitivity (5.24 ± 1.5). This group (circumferential vestibular tenderness), presented with either vestibular atrophy associated with hormonal contraception use (n = 21), or augmented tactile umbilical-hypersensitivity (n = 20). The posterior-only vestibular tenderness group included either women with a constricting hymenal-ring (n = 37) or with pelvic floor hypertonicity (n = 35). Interestingly, pain evoked during intercourse did not differ between groups. Linear regression analyses revealed augmented coital pain experience, umbilical-hypersensitivity and vestibular atrophy predicted enhanced pain hypersensitivity evoked at the anterior, but not at the posterior vestibule (R = 0.497, p < 0.001). Distinguishing tactile hypersensitivity in anterior and posterior vestibule and recognition of additional nociceptive markers can lead to clinical subgrouping.

Mood sensitivity to estradiol predicts depressive symptoms in the menopause transition.

The risk for depression markedly rises during the 5-6 years leading up to the cessation of menstruation, known as the menopause transition. Exposure to extreme estradiol levels may help explain this increase but few studies have examined individual sensitivity to estradiol in predicting perimenopausal depression. The current study recruited 101 perimenopausal women. During Phase 1, we quantified each woman's sensitivity to changes in estradiol using 12 weekly measures of estrone-3-glucuronide (E1G), a urinary metabolite of estradiol, and concurrent depressive symptoms. The weekly cortisol awakening response was measured to examine the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in mediating mood sensitivity to estradiol. In Phase 2, depressive symptoms and major depression diagnoses were assessed monthly for 9 months. The relationship between Phase 1 E1G sensitivity and Phase 2 depressive symptoms and major depressive episodes was examined. Several baseline characteristics were examined as potential moderators of this relationship. The within-person correlation between weekly E1G and mood varied greatly from woman to woman, both in strength and direction. Phase 1 E1G mood sensitivity predicted the occurrence of clinically significant depressive symptoms in Phase 2 among certain subsets of women: those without a prior history of depression, reporting a low number of baseline stressful life events, and reporting fewer months since their last menstrual period. HPA axis sensitivity to estradiol fluctuation did not predict Phase 2 outcomes. Mood sensitivity to estradiol predicts risk for perimenopausal depression, particularly among women who are otherwise at low risk and among those who are early in the transition.