Sex Comparisons Research Articles

IMPACT OF Plasmodium falciparum PARASITAEMIA ON SOME HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILES AMONG CHILDREN 6-59 MONTHS: A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED HOSPITALS IN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE

Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for millions of deaths globally, with children under five (5) years old the most vulnerable. It is associated with some haematological changes. As a result, this study was carried out to evaluate the effects of P. falciparum parasitaemia on certain haematological parameters in Malaria-affected Children in Maiduguri. To ascertain the prevalence and haematological alterations brought on by infection, blood samples were taken from 421 kids during the months of December 2021 and June 2022 (7 months). Overall results show 182 (43.23%) patients were positive to malaria while 239 (56.77%) were negative. Similarly, the PCV, RBC and thrombocytes count respectively (23.95%, 2.94x10-9/µL and 346.23X10-9/µL and 147.15X10-9/µL) of the malaria positives subjects were significantly (p=0.05) lower compared to the malaria negative (34.69%, 4.0 X10-9/µL and 346.23 X10-9/µL) subjects. Furthermore, the mean WBC, lymphocytes and neutrophils respectively of the malaria positive subjects were significantly higher compared (18.67 x10-9/µL, 59.88% and 66,05%) to the infected ones (12.92 x10-9/µl, 37.69% and 47.05%). The result also shows the mean of sex comparison of haematological parameters of children infected with malaria, with the PCV and thrombocytes of male positive subject been significantly lower than that of the female negative children (24.40% and 145.98X10-9/µ) versus (34.82% and 337.00X10-9/µl) appropriately (p=0.05), whereas the mean WBC, lymphocytes and neutrophils were significantly higher compared to female positive subjects (17.48X10_9/µl, 59.46% and 63.95%) versus (18.64 x10-9/µl, 60.48% and 69.04%), (p=0.01, 0.05). In conclusion, malaria is highly prevalent among children, 21-30 months old in Maiduguri and it is associated...

Electroencephalographic Characterization by Covariance Analysis in Men with Parkinson’s Disease Reveals Sex- and Age-Related Differences

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the fastest growing neurological disease associated with ageing; its symptomatology varies between sexes. Several quantitative electroencephalography analyses have been used to study the early stages and progression of PD. In this study, we aim to characterize the brain activity by considering the five brainwaves in an eyes-closed resting state, using covariance wavelet analysis (CWA) of electroencephalographic records (EEGs) to analyze the influence of sex and age. To effectively eliminate artifacts from the EEG dataset and extract pertinent brain activity, we employ the inverse wavelet analysis. EEGs from men with PD were divided into two age groups (PD < 60 and PD > 60 years old) with their respective age-matched controls (CL). Brain activity patterns in frequency and power domains were analyzed with the CWA. Main frequency profiles, global wavelet curves, power anomalies, and power per brainwave were used to illustrate the CWA patterns. Power anomalies were used to generate anteroposterior power gradients. In PD < 60 men, frequency and power for the α brainwave decreased, while the δ brainwave increased. The θ brainwave increased and was dominant over the α brainwave in PD > 60 men. The anteroposterior power gradient in PD < 60 men had a positive slope, but it was negative in CL. In both PD and CL > 60 men, the anteroposterior gradient was negative. In PD > 60 men, the θ brainwave increased and became dominant. Men with PD had twice the θ brainwave increase. An inverse relationship between α and δ brainwaves was detected in a PD < 60 sex comparison. A conventional EEG spectral analysis using CWA indicated significant differences in brain activity patterns in the PD/CL groups affected by sex and age, yielding previously unknown information.

Human Head and Helmet Interface Friction Coefficients with Biological Sex and Hair Property Comparisons.

Dummy headforms used for impact testing have changed little over the years, and frictional characteristics are thought not to represent the human head accurately. The frictional interface between the helmet and head is an essential factor affecting impact response. However, few studies have evaluated the coefficient of friction (COF) between the human head and helmet surface. This study's objectives were to quantify the human head's static and dynamic COF and evaluate the effect of biological sex and hair properties. Seventy-four participants slid their heads along a piece of helmet foam backed by a fixed load cell at varying normal force levels. As normal force increased, static and dynamic human head COF decreased following power-law curves. At 80 N, the static COF is 0.32 (95% CI 0.30-0.34), and the dynamic friction coefficient is 0.27 (95% CI 0.26-0.28). Biological sex and hair properties were determined not to affect human head COF. The COFs between the head and helmet surface should be used to develop more biofidelic head impact testing methods, define boundary conditions for computer simulations, and aid decision-making for helmet designs.

Are animal personality, body condition, physiology and structural size integrated? A comparison of species, populations and sexes, and the value of study replication.

A major question in behavioural ecology is why behaviour, physiology and morphology are often integrated into syndromes. In great tits, Parus major, for example, explorative males are larger (vs. smaller) and leaner (vs. heavier) compared to less explorative individuals. Unfortunately, considerable debate exists on whether patterns found in specific studies are replicable. This debate calls for study replication among species, populations and sexes. We measured behavioural (exploration), physiological (breathing rate) and morphological traits (body mass, tarsus length, wing length, bill length) in two species (great vs. blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus), two populations (Forstenrieder Park vs. Starnberg) and two sexes (males vs. females). We then tested whether the same pattern of integration characterized all unique combinations of these three biological categories (hereafter called datasets). We used a multi-year repeated measures set-up to estimate among-individual trait correlation matrices for each dataset. We then used structural equation modelling to test for size-dependent behaviour and physiology, size-corrected (i.e. size-independent) behaviour-physiology correlations and size-corrected body mass-dependent behaviour and physiology. Finally, we used meta-analyses to test which structural paths were generally (vs. conditionally) supported (vs. unsupported). We found general and consistent support for size-dependent physiology and size-corrected body mass-dependent physiology across datasets: faster breathers were smaller but heavier for their size. Unexpectedly, condition-dependent behaviour was not supported: explorative birds were neither leaner, nor was this relationship heterogeneous across datasets. All other hypothesized patterns were dataset-specific: the covariance between size and behaviour, and between behaviour and physiology differed in sign between datasets, and both were, on average, not supported. This heterogeneity was not explained by any of our moderators: species, population or sex. The specific pattern of size- and condition-dependent physiology reported for a unique combination of species, population, and sex, thus generally predicted those in others. Patterns of size- or condition-dependent behaviour (i.e. 'personality'), or behaviour-physiology syndromes reported in specific datasets, by contrast, did not. These findings call for studies revealing the ecological background of this variation and highlight the value of study replication to help understand whether patterns of phenotypic integration reported in one study can be generalized.

Population-based normative data and language effects of the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessmentand Cognitive Testing (ImPACT)

Objective When test results are interpreted based on the norms of the U.S. population, misdiagnoses of neurocognitive impairment could occur with subgroups of individuals whose demographic characteristics differ from the overall population. The present study compared locally-based normative test data of the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) of high school athletes in Hawaii, where diverse ethnicity and bilingualism are prominent, versus published test norms. Method 8637 high school athletes in Hawaii underwent ImPACT baseline testing. Non-parametric group comparisons of age, sex, and language groups were performed. Classification ranges for the ImPACT Composite scores and Total Symptom of the Hawaii sample were presented in percentile ranks that corresponded to the published ImPACT normative tables. Results Mann–Whitney U Test indicated significant differences in ImPACT Verbal Memory, Visual Memory, Visual Motor Speed, and Reaction Time Composite scores between age groups and sexes, although the effect sizes were small. Kruskal–Wallis H Test indicated no differences among the language groups. Percentile ranks of the Hawaii scores were predominantly similar to the ImPACT norms, except for Visual Motor Speed in the Impaired and Borderline ranges. Conclusion The findings suggest that locally based normative data should be considered for sub-populations that may differ from the general population. Language factors, such as bilingualism, did not have significant effect on the ImPACT scores.

Understanding Transcription Factors and How They Affect Processes in Cucumber Sex Determination.

Plant reproduction is a fundamental process on Earth from the perspective of biodiversity, biomass gain, and crop productivity. It is therefore important to understand the sex determination process, and many researchers are investigating the molecular basis of this phenomenon. However, information on the influence of transcription factors (TFs), genes that encode DNA-binding proteins, on this process is limited, although cucumber is a model plant in this regard. In the present study, based on RNA-seq data for differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we aimed to investigate the regulatory TFs that may influence the metabolic processes in the shoot apex containing the forming flower buds. Therefore, the annotation of the genome of the B10 cucumber line was supplemented with the assigned families of transcription factors. By performing ontology analyses of the DEGs, the processes they participate in were identified, and TFs were located among the results. In addition, TFs that have significantly overrepresented targets among DEGs were detected, and sex-specific interactome network maps were generated, indicating the regulatory TFs based on their effects on DEGs and furthermore, on the processes leading to the formation of different-sex flowers. Among the most overrepresented TF families in the sex comparisons were the NAC, bHLH, MYB, and bZIP families. An interaction network analysis indicated the most abundant families among DEGs' regulatory TFs were MYB, AP2/ERF, NAC, and bZIP, and those with the most significant impact on developmental processes were identified, namely the AP/ERF family, followed by DOF, MYB, MADS, and others. Thus, the networks' central nodes and key regulators were identified with respect to male, female, and hermaphrodite forms. Here, we proposed the first model of the regulatory network of TFs that influences the metabolism of sex development in cucumber. These findings may help us to understand the molecular genetics and functional mechanisms underlying sex determination processes.

Trends and disparities in incidence and mortality of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) in the United States (1999-2019).

e15551 Background: There has been a startling rise in the reported incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) among adolescents and young adults (AYA; ages 15-39 years) in the US.These patients are often diagnosed with advanced stage and have a relatively poor prognosis.Population-based data on disparities and trends in incidence and mortality in this understudied population are lacking. Methods: We used the Centers for Disease Control WONDER cancer statistics database to extract data on annual age-adjusted incidence (AAIR) and mortality (AAMR) rates per 100,000 population for “colon and rectal cancer” in AYA. We compared AYA statistics with the overall as well as the non-AYA population (40-85 years). Sex and race comparisons were analyzed. Variations in AAIR and AAMR over time, assessed with Joinpoint regression modelling (Joinpoint regression program 4.9.1.0), were expressed as estimated average annual percentage change (AAPC). Comparisons were reported using average annual percentage change difference (AAPCD). Results: 83,371 cases of EOCRC were reported between 1999-2019. We recorded an increase in AAIR of EOCRC (AAPC 2.9, p < 0.001). We noted a concomitant decline in AAIR of CRC overall (AAPC -2.4, P < 0.001) and among the non-AYA population (AAPC -2.4, p < 0.001). Subgroup comparisons showed statistically significant differences in AAIR of EOCRC for females vs males (AAPCD 0.6, p = 0.04), Whites vs Blacks (AAPCD 1.8, p < 0.001), and White females vs White males (AAPCD 0.6, p = 0.02) [table]. AAMR increased for EOCRC over the study period (AAPC 0.8, p = 0.001), as opposed to a decline in AAMR of CRC overall (AAPC -2.5, p < 0.001) and among the non-AYA population (AAPC -2.5, p < 0.001). The increase in AAMR of EOCRC was similar among males and females (AAPCD 0.3, p = 0.351), but higher among Whites vs Blacks (AAPCD 1.1, p = 0.007). Conclusions: This analysis from a large population-level database shows an increasing trend in incidence and mortality of EOCRC in the US, despite a concomitant decline in the incidence and mortality of CRC overall. The incidence appears to be rising more rapidly among females, particularly White females. Both incidence and mortality of EOCRC appear to be rising more rapidly among Whites compared with Blacks. Our analysis underscores the critical need to develop strategies to identify high-risk AYA populations who may benefit from more aggressive CRC screening and prevention interventions. [Table: see text]

Pancreas Transplant Alone in the USA, Where Do We Stand?

Currently, over 63,000 pancreas transplant procedures have been performed worldwide, with only approximately 8% of all pancreas transplants having been a pancreas transplant alone. Our study aimed to quantify outcomes following pancreas transplant alone in the United States from 2001 to 2020, with an emphasis on graft and patient survival. We performed a retrospective registry analysis utilizing the OPTN/UNOS database for pancreas transplants alone performed in the United States from January 2001 to May 2020 to assess transplant outcomes. The study population was divided into two subgroups: patients receiving a pancreas transplant between 2000 and 2009 and those receiving a pancreas transplant between 2010 and 2020. 3008 allograft recipients were included in the study. 1679 (54.87%) transplants were done from January 2000 to the end of 2009. 1381 (45.13%) transplants were done from 2010 to May 2020. Although the BMI and recipient sex comparison indicate a statistically significant difference, the differences are not clinically significant. The overall 5-year allograft survival rate was 52.17% in the 2000-2009 group, which increased to 58.82% in pancreas transplants alone from 2010 to 2020 (P = 0.02). The overall 5-year patient survival rate was 74.52% in the 2000-2009 group, which increased to 74.92% in pancreas transplants alone from 2010 to 2020 (P = 0.81). With all the progress in terms of surgical techniques, organ allocation and preservation, and immunosuppressive regimens, the pancreas transplant alone allograft survival has been improving over the years, although it has been still being underutilized around the US.

Long-term static stretching can decrease muscle stiffness: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Stretch training increases the range of motion of a joint. However, to date, the mechanisms behind such a stretching effect are not well understood. An earlier meta-analysis on several studies reported no changes in the passive properties of a muscle (i.e., muscle stiffness) following long-term stretch training with various types of stretching (static, dynamic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular stretching). However, in recent years, an increasing number of papers have reported the effects of long-term static stretching on muscle stiffness. The purpose of the present study was to examine the long-term (≥2 weeks) effect of static stretching training on muscle stiffness. PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO published before December 28, 2022, were searched and 10 papers met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. By applying a mixed-effect model, subgroup analyses, which included comparisons of sex (male vs. mixed sex) and type of muscle stiffness assessment (calculated from the muscle-tendon junction vs. shear modulus), were performed. Furthermore, a meta-regression was conducted to examine the effect of total stretching duration on muscle stiffness. The result of the meta-analysis showed a moderate decrease in muscle stiffness after 3-12 weeks of static stretch training compared to a control condition (effect size = -0.749, p < 0.001, I2 = 56.245). Subgroup analyses revealed no significant differences between sex (p = 0.131) and type of muscle stiffness assessment (p = 0.813). Moreover, there was no significant relationship between total stretching duration and muscle stiffness (p = 0.881).

Sex comparisons in the association of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes with cognitive function, depression, and quality of life: The Maastricht study.

There are sex differences in the excess risk of diabetes-associated cardiovascular disease. However, it is not clear whether these sex differences exist with regard to other complications like mental health aspects. Therefore, we investigated sex differences in the association of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D) with cognitive function, depression, and quality of life (QoL). In a population-based cross-sectional cohort study (n = 7639; age 40-75 years, 50% women, 25% T2D), we estimated sex-specific associations, and differences therein, of prediabetes and T2D (reference: normal glucose metabolism) with measures of cognitive function, depression, and physical and mental QoL. Sex differences were analysed using multiple regression models with interaction terms. In general, T2D, but not prediabetes, was associated with higher odds of cognitive impairment, major depressive disorder, and poorer QoL. The odds ratio (OR) of cognitive impairment associated with T2D was 1.29 (95% CI: 0.96-1.72) for women and 1.39 (1.10-1.75) for men. The OR of major depressive disorder associated with T2D was 1.19 (0.69-2.04) for women and 1.68 (1.02-2.75) for men. The mean difference of the physical QoL score (ranging from 0 to 100, with 100 indicating the best possible QoL) associated with T2D was -2.09 (-2.92 to -1.25) for women and -1.81 (-2.48 to -1.13) for men. The mean difference of the mental QoL score associated with T2D was -0.90 (-1.79 to -0.02) for women and -0.52 (-1.23 to 0.20) for men. There was no clear pattern of sex differences in the associations of either prediabetes or T2D with measures of cognitive function, depression, or QoL. In general, T2D was associated with worse cognitive function, depression, and poorer QoL. The strength of these associations was similar among women and men.

A Comparison of Squat Depth and Sex on Knee Kinematics and Muscle Activation.

The squat is an essential exercise for strengthening lower body musculature. Although squats are frequently employed to improve lower extremity strength and neuromuscular control, differences between sexes and slight modifications, such as squat depth, can dramatically alter muscle recruitment and thus the foci of the exercise. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of sex and squat depth on lower extremity coactivation and kinematics. Twenty recreationally active (female = 10) participants were recruited. The first visit consisted of one repetition maximum testing. For the second visit, muscle activation was recorded of the gluteus maximus (GM), semitendinosus, biceps femoris (BF), vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and gastrocnemius. Reflective markers were placed on the lower body for three-dimensional motion capture. Participants performed a series of squats to 90 deg knee flexion and 120 deg knee flexion. Benjamin-Hochberg procedure was employed and the alpha level was set at 0.05. Knee flexion (p < 0.001), adduction (p < 0.001), and external rotation (p = 0.008) were reduced during 90 deg compared to deep squats. Hip flexion, abduction, and external rotation were greater in deep squats (p < 0.001). Males had greater hip extensor to quad (HE:Q) cocontraction in 90 deg compared to deep squats (p = 0.007); females produced greater posterior chain activation in deep squats (p = 0.001) on ascent. When comparing sexes, males displayed greater HE:Q in the 90 deg squat during ascent (p = 0.013). The addition of deep squats into a preventative training program could be beneficial in reducing deficits prevalent in females and decrease injury incidence.

Indigenous suicide rates in the United States, Australia and New Zealand between 2006 and 2019.

Indigenous suicide prevention is an important focus for national health policies. Indigenous suicide rates in formerly colonial English-speaking countries such as the United States, Australia and New Zealand are considerably higher than the general population, particularly in young males. Given the similarities in their sociocultural history, a time series analysis was conducted to assess recent sex and age trends of suicide in the Indigenous and general populations in the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Using the number of deaths by intentional self-harm and estimated resident population, suicide incidence rates were calculated for the years 2006-2019 and stratified by Indigenous status, year, time period, sex and age group (above 15 years). Incidence rates were plotted. Using the Poisson regression model, calculated suicide incidence rate ratios were used to make comparisons for sex and age. Across all countries studied, Indigenous suicide rates have increased over time, with Indigenous males having higher suicide rates than Indigenous females. However, the increase in Indigenous female suicides was greater than that for Indigenous males in Australia and New Zealand. Indigenous males aged 15-44 years have the highest suicide rates across all countries. Indigenous suicide rates have remained consistently high in the United States, Australia and New Zealand, with Indigenous males aged 15-44 years showing the highest rate. However, suicide rates for Indigenous females in Australia and New Zealand are increasing more rapidly than males. Given this, it is critical that further research is dedicated to understanding and addressing the issues driving this problem, particularly in youth.

Abstract LB064: Using a genomic only approach to a radiation-age association for supplementing differentiation amongst lung diseases and cancer using PMBCs

Abstract Purpose: Ionizing radiation may serve as a reference variable to estimating biological age since it mirrors cumulative DNA damage similar to aging processes. To do this, we aim to establish a rad-age association using genomics as its foundation and clinical applicability with lung disease as an overlapping health concern. Methods: Two datasets were combined and used to empirically find the age cutoff between young and old patients: GSE42488 (Data-A1) and GSE53351 (Data-A2). With age as both a categorical and continuous variable, two other datasets that include radiation exposure are used to test the interaction between radiation and age: GSE21240 (Data-B1) and GSE23515 (Data-B2). A radiation only data was also used in conjunction to evaluate trend analysis with increasing exposure levels: GSE20173 (Data-R1). The gene lists are oriented in preranked lists for both pathway and diseases functional analysis. Finally, these genes are used to evaluate another dataset via GSE42834 (Data-D1) on the clinical relevance in differentiating lung diseases given ethnicity and sex using both pairwise t-tests and linear models including pneumonic, tuberculosis, active and non-active sarcoidosis, lung cancer, and healthy controls. Results: Using 12 well-known genes associated with aging, a threshold of 29 years old was found to be the difference between young and old patients. The two interaction tests (rad and age as continuous plus rad and age as categorical) yielded 234 unique genes such that pathway analysis flagged IL-1 signaling and PRPP biosynthesis as significant with high cell proliferation diseases and carcinomas being a common trend. From the radiation only t-tests, we see a trend of continued upregulation in gene expression as radiation levels increase in 15 of the 17 common genes. When looking at pairwise comparison of disease, ethnicity, or sex, 10 genes were statistically significant, 3 of which had a combination of pairwise significance and fold-change, while LAPTM4B (probe identifier ILMN1680196) was the only gene with significant interaction (p-value=0.004) between lung disease, ethnicity, and sex and fold change greater than two. Conclusion: The results corroborate an initial association between radiation and age given inflammation and metabolic pathways and multiple genes emphasizing mitochondrial function, oxidation, and histone modification. Being able to tie rad-age genes to lung disease supplements a geroscience approach in future work. Citation Format: Nathan A. Ruprecht, Sonalika Singhal, Kalli Schaefer, Jappreet S. Gill, Benu Bansal, Sandeep K. Singhal. Using a genomic only approach to a radiation-age association for supplementing differentiation amongst lung diseases and cancer using PMBCs [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 2 (Clinical Trials and Late-Breaking Research); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(8_Suppl):Abstract nr LB064.

Age and Sex Comparisons in Pediatric Track and Field Hurdle Injuries Seen in Emergency Departments of the US

There is limited literature analyzing pediatric hurdle injuries based on sex and age. This study compares hurdle-related injury types, injured body parts, and injury mechanisms by age and sex in pediatrics. Hurdle-related injury data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System were used to retrospectively review the injuries of hurdlers 18 years and under. Differences in injured body parts, injury types, and mechanisms were analyzed by age (pre-high school vs. high school) and sex (male vs. female). A total of 749 cases were extracted. Fractures were more common in pre-high schoolers (34.1% vs. 21.5%, p = 0.001), while more sprains were identified in high schoolers (29.6%) than pre-high schoolers (22.8%, p = 0.036). Males suffered more fractures than females (35.1% vs. 24.3%, p = 0.001). Females sustained more joint sprains (29.1% vs. 21.0%, p = 0.012) and contusions/hematomas (12.7% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.020). Ankle injuries were more common in females (24.0%) than males (12.0%, p = 0.001), while wrist injuries were more prevalent in males (11.7% vs. 7.2%, p = 0.034). The most common injury mechanism was apparatus-related, with no differences based on age or sex. Injury types and injured body parts differed depending on age and sex in pediatric hurdle injuries seen in emergency departments. These findings may be helpful for injury prevention and medical care for pediatric hurdlers.

Self-Locking Polymeric Clips Are Safe for the Closure of Appendiceal Stump in Laparoscopic Appendectomy.

Background: Closure of the appendix stump is critical to avoid serious postoperative complications. There are a number of options, but the best one has not been identified yet. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of appendiceal stump closure using self-locking polymeric clips and endoloops. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the prospectively maintained database of patients with acute appendicitis was performed. Patient demographic details and surgical characteristics, including the duration of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and also the cost of the appendix stump closure, were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups according to the appendix stump closure method: the clips group if it was closed with self-locking polymeric clips and the loops group if Vicryl or PDS loops were used. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's chi-squared test, Wilcoxon rank sum (Mann-Whitney U) test, and Fisher's exact test in R statistical software package version 4.2.1. Results: 515 patients were included in the study from June 2016 to April 2021. There were no significant differences in terms of demographics (p-value in comparison of groups' sex > 0.99, age p-value 0.16), postoperative complications (p-value > 0.99), histological findings (p-value 0.27), or length of hospital stays (p-value 0.18) between the two patient groups (clips group, N = 454 and loops group, N = 61). The price of operation while using different appendiceal stump closures is significantly different. In a laparoscopic appendectomy, one stump closure with self-locking clips costs 7.69 €, with Vicryl loops-91.35 €, with PDS loops-96.51 €, and with a stapler-514.50 €. Conclusions: Self-locking polymeric clips can be used for the safe and effective closure of an appendiceal stump. There were no significant differences in the postoperative time (30 days) or complication rates among patients in both (clips and loops) groups. Thus, this might be a technique to reduce expenses while maintaining good postoperative results after laparoscopic appendectomy.

Sex and country differences in gout: cross-country comparison between Sweden and the UK

Objective Compare characteristics, sex differences, and management of gout in Sweden and the UK. Method The results from two separate primary care gout surveys from Sweden and the UK were compared. Participants aged ≥18 years with gout were sent a questionnaire asking about lifestyle, gout characteristics, uratelowering therapy (ULT), comorbidities, disability, and disease impact. For sex comparison, participants were pooled across countries. Results In total, 784 (80% male) participants from Sweden and 500 (87% male) from the UK were included. Swedish patients were significantly older at gout onset, mean (SD) age 72 (12) versus 63 (13) years, (p<0.0001), with more comorbidities, and more frequent use of ULT (48% vs 35%, p=0.0005, age-adjusted). Use of alcohol and diuretics was significantly more common among UK patients, who also reported a higher number of gout flares, mean (SD) 2.2 (1.7) versus 1.6 (3.6), (p=0.003) age-adjusted. Females with gout were older at gout onset, mean (SD) age 67 (13) versus 56 (15), (p<0.0001), more often obese, and reported higher use of diuretics. Furthermore, females reported greater impact of gout, more pain and physical limitations, whereas no sex differences were seen in ULT or flares. Conclusions In the UK, gout was more frequently associated with modifiable risk factors. People with gout in Sweden were more commonly taking ULT and had lower frequency of gout flares and impact of gout. Females with gout more commonly took diuretics, had higher body mass index, and reported greater physical disability, which should be considered when managing gout in women.

Integrating Reference Intervals into Chimpanzee Welfare Research

Animal welfare researchers are committed to developing novel approaches to enhance the quality of life of chimpanzees living in professional care. To systematically monitor physical, mental, and emotional states, welfare scientists highlight the importance of integrating non-invasive, animal-based welfare indicators. This study aimed to create species-specific reference intervals for behavioral measures and physiological biomarkers. Specifically, we analyzed data from 40 adult chimpanzees (22 females, 18 males) residing at 16 zoological facilities to generate reference intervals for behavioral states and events, behavioral diversity, fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (GCMs), and fecal immunoglobulin-A (IgA). Comparisons of sex and age using linear regression models revealed significant differences for several behaviors. The proportion of time spent engaged in mutual/multiple social grooming significantly decreased as individuals aged. Furthermore, males spent a higher proportion of time performing aggressive contact behaviors and displaying to other chimpanzees when compared to females. Males also performed sexual examination behaviors at a higher rate than females. Behavioral diversity, fecal GCM, and fecal IgA did not vary by sex or age. In the future, values for individual chimpanzees can be compared to the ranges reported here for particular age/sex classes. Ultimately, animal care professionals can utilize reference intervals to make evidence-based decisions regarding management practices and environmental conditions.

Effect of developmental stress on the in vivo neuronal circuits related to excitation-inhibition balance and mood in adulthood.

Traumatic events in early life have a deleterious effect on the development of normal brain developments, which may be a cause of various psychiatric disorders in adulthood. Most prior studies focused on molecular biological aspects, and research on functional changes in neural circuits is still limited. We aimed to elucidate the effect of early life stress on in vivo excitation-inhibition and serotonergic neurotransmission in the adulthood using non-invasive functional molecular imaging (positron emission tomography, PET). To compare the effect of stress intensity, early life stress animal models were divided into single trauma (MS) and double trauma groups (MRS). MS was derived from maternal separation, whereas MRS was derived from maternal separation and restraint stress after birth. And to evaluate the stress vulnerability on the sex, we used male and female rats. The MRS group showed greater weight loss and more severe depressive/anxiety-like behaviors than the MS and control groups. Corticosterone levels in MRS showed a greater extent of decline than in the MS group; however, there was no significant difference in the change of T3 and T4 between MS and MRS. In the PET, the stress exposure groups showed lower brain uptake for GABAergic, glutamatergic, and serotonergic systems compared with the control group. The excitatory/inhibitory balance, which was derived by dividing glutamate brain uptake into GABAergic uptake, increased as stress intensity increased. Neuronal degeneration in the stress exposure groups was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. In the sex comparison, female showed the greater changes of body weight, corticosterone level, depressive/anxiety-like behavior, and neurotransmission systems than those in male. Taken together, we demonstrated that developmental stress induces dysfunction of neurotransmission in vivo, and that females are more vulnerable to stress than males.

Characteristics and circumstances of cocaine-related completed suicide in Australia, 2000–2021

BackgroundThere has been a substantial global increase in cocaine use and associated harms. The current study aimed to: 1. Determine the case characteristics and circumstances of death of cocaine-related suicide in Australia 2000–2021; and 2. Determine the toxicological profiles of cases. MethodsRetrospective study of cocaine-related death in Australia, 2000–2021, retrieved from the National Coronial Information System (NCIS). Suicide intent was based upon the NCIS code for “Intentional Self-harm”, derived from case circumstances and coroners’ conclusions. Sex comparisons were made for all major variables. ResultsA total of 157 cases were identified, 82.2% male, 79.5% employed, with a mean age of 32.3 years. Concerns for mental health were documented in 65.6%, a previous suicide attempt in 21.0%, a history of substance use treatment and/or negative consequences of substance use in 45.9% and injecting drug use in 14.6%. Manner of death amongst both sexes was predominantly by physical means (82.8%). Written intent was documented in 29.3%. Intense agitation prior to the incident was noted in 28.0% and conflict in 24.8%. The median blood cocaine concentration was 0.060 mg/L (range 0.007–5.500). Other drugs were present in 95.5%, most commonly alcohol (63.1%) with a median concentration of 0.140 g/100 ml. Psychostimulants other than cocaine were present in 31.2%. ConclusionsThe ‘typical’ cocaine-related suicide case was a male, aged in their early thirties, who was highly likely to be employed. The majority of cases used physical means, and a substantial minority were highly agitated and engaged in conflict prior to the fatal incident.

Assessment of Physical Tests in 6-11 Years Old Children: Findings from the Play Lifestyle and Activity in Youth (PLAY) Study.

The purpose was to evaluate selected physical tests in children and to compare the outcomes by sex. A cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate children 6-11 years who completed five physical tests: hand grip, vertical jump, sit and reach, Y-balance, and obstacle course (time and score). The outcome measures including test results were descriptively examined and compared by sex. The study participants consisted of 133 children (62 males and 71 females, with a median age of 7.8 years). Girls showed superior sit and reach performance (p = 0.002) compared with boys. Boys demonstrated better Y-balance scores (p = 0.007) and faster obstacle time (p = 0.042) than girls. Sex comparison within three age groups (6-<8 years, 8-<10 years, and 10-<12 years) showed that girls performed better on the sit and reach compared with boys in the in 6-<8 years (p = 0.009). Boys demonstrated higher Y-balance scores (p = 0.017) and faster obstacle time (p = 0.007) compared with girls in the 8-<10-year age group. These data will serve to guide future efforts to evaluate normative measures of physical literacy and guide targeted training interventions to promote sustained physical activity in children with deficits relative to their age and sex norms.