Sex Differences In Frequency Research Articles

Sex Differences in Frequency, Severity, and Distribution of Cerebral Microbleeds

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is associated with various cerebrovascular outcomes, but data on sex differences in SVD are scarce. To investigate whether the frequency, severity, and distribution of cerebral microbleeds (CMB), other SVD markers on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and outcomes differ by sex. This cohort study used pooled individual patient data from the Microbleeds International Collaborative Network, including patients from 38 prospective cohort studies in 18 countries between 2000 and 2018, with clinical follow-up of at least 3 months (up to 5 years). Participants included patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack with available brain MRI. Data were analyzed from April to December 2023. Outcomes of interest were presence of CMB, lacunes, and severe white matter hyperintensities determined on MRI. Additionally, mortality, recurrent ischemic stroke, and intracranial hemorrhage during follow-up were assessed. Multivariable random-effects logistic regression models, Cox regression, and competing risk regression models were used to investigate sex differences in individual SVD markers, risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events, and death. A total of 20 314 patients (mean [SD] age, 70.1 [12.7] years; 11 721 [57.7%] male) were included, of whom 5649 (27.8%) had CMB. CMB were more frequent in male patients, and this was consistent throughout different age groups, locations, and in multivariable models (female vs male adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80-0.92; P < .001). Female patients had fewer lacunes (aOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74-0.90; P < .001) but a higher prevalence of severe white matter hyperintensities (aOR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01-1.20; P = .04) compared with male patients. A total of 2419 patients (11.9%) died during a median (IQR) follow-up of 1.4 (0.7-2.5) years. CMB presence was associated with a higher risk of mortality in female patients (hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02-1.31), but not male patients (hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.84-1.07) (P for interaction = .01). A total of 1113 patients (5.5%) had recurrent ischemic stroke, and 189 patients (0.9%) had recurrent intracranial hemorrhage, with no sex differences. This cohort study using pooled individual patient data found varying frequencies of individual SVD markers between female and male patients, indicating potential pathophysiological differences in manifestation and severity of SVD. Further research addressing differences in pathomechanisms and outcomes of SVD between female and male patients is required.

Age and Sex Differences in Pediatric Neuropathic Pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Scoping Review.

Age and sex differences may exist in the frequency (incidence, prevalence) or symptoms of neuropathic pain (NP) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) due to biopsychosocial factors (eg, neurodevelopment, physiological and hormonal changes, psychosocial differences) that evolve through childhood and adolescence. Age and sex differences may have implications for evaluating screening and diagnostic tools and treatment interventions. To map the existing literature on pediatric NP and CRPS with respect to age and sex distributions, and age and sex differences in symptomology and frequency. A scoping literature review was conducted. Databases were searched from inception to January 2023. Data were collected on study design, setting, demographics, and age and sex differences in frequency and symptoms. Eighty-seven studies were included. Distribution of participants with CRPS (n=37 studies) was predominantly early adolescence (10 to 14y) and female sex, while NP (n=42 studies) was most commonly reported throughout adolescence (10 to 19y) in both sexes. Forty-one studies examined age and sex differences in frequency; 6 studies reported higher frequency in adolescence. Very few studies (n=11) examined differences in symptomology. Large epidemiological studies are required to further understand age and sex differences in frequency of pediatric NP and CRPS. Age and sex differences must be considered when evaluating screening and diagnostic tools and treatment interventions to ensure relevance and validity to both sexes and across ages. Validated tools will improve understanding of age-dependent and sex-dependent differences in symptoms, pathophysiology, and psychosocial impact of pediatric NP and CRPS.

Sex Differences in Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Institutionalized Patients with Advanced Alzheimer’s Disease

AbstractBackgroundBehavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD) are highly prevalent in patients with Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). We examined sex differences in the frequency and severity of BPSD in patients with advanced AD residing in long term care or admitted to inpatient psychiatric units. Also, sex differences in the frequency and severity of BPSD symptom clusters were explored.MethodWe analyzed data from the Standardizing Care for Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Quality of Life in Dementia (StaN) study (ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03672201). BPSD was assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Clinician rating scale. Chi‐squared tests and Mann‐Whitney U tests were used to determine sex differences in frequency and severity of BPSD, respectively. Bonferroni correction was used for multiple comparisons. Generalized linear models were performed to examine effect of sex on severity of BPSD while controlling for age and residence. BPSD symptom clusters were defined as: (1) psychosis (hallucinations and delusions), (2) emotional distress (depression and anxiety), and (3) agitation (agitation, aggression, irritability, aberrant motor behavior, and aberrant vocalizations).Result194 participants (99 female, 95 male) were included. Females had higher frequency of delusions (X2(N = 176) = 8.47, p = .004) and males had higher frequency of sleep disturbances (X2(N = 176) = 9.89, p = .002). Further, females had greater severity of delusions (N = 176, U = 2976, p = .001), and sleep disturbances (N = 176, U = 2950, p = .002). In generalized linear models, sex was associated with severity of delusions (Wald X2 = 3.97, N = 176, p = .046), but not with sleep disturbances. Examination of clusters revealed that females had higher frequency of psychosis (X2(N = 176) = 4.25, p = .039).ConclusionWe observed sex differences in the frequency and severity of specific BPSD. Future studies should aim to understand potential mechanisms underlying these differences, and to study their relevance for screening, and individualized management of BPSD.

Sex differences in frequency of instrumental activities of daily living after cardiac rehabilitation and its impact on long-term mortality in patients with heart failure

Abstract Introduction While the major outcome of cardiac rehabilitation for heart failure (HF) is the improvement of exercise tolerance, prognosis, and quality of life, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) has also been focused on as one of the its outcomes. IADL has been reported to be associated with all-cause mortality and quality of life in community-dwelling people and in patients with stable heart disease, but no report has examined the relationship between IADL after cardiac rehabilitation for HF and prognosis. In addition, it is assumed that sex differences may affect the frequency of performing each component of IADL, but there are no reports examining the association with prognosis by sex. Purpose The present study aimed to investigate the sex differences in frequency of IADL and its impact on outcomes. Methods We retrospectively studied 490 consecutive patients who were admitted due to acute decompensated HF and participated in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation after discharge. The study was performed in accordance with the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki, and the protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of our institution. IADL frequency was assessed using the questionnaire-based Frenchay Activities Index (FAI). The primary endpoint was all-cause death and secondary endpoint was combined events (all-cause death and/or readmission due to HF). We performed the Kaplan–Meier and log-rank tests and multivariable Cox regression analysis to evaluate the prognostic predictive capability of the FAI. Results The study population had a median age of 69 (interquartile range [IQR]: 58–76) years, and 33.9% of patients were females. The median FAI score was 24 (IQR: 16–29) points. According to the Youden index based on the area under the curve calculated by the receiver operating characteristics curve, the cut-off values of FAI for all-cause death in all-over, females, and males were 23, 22, and 23 points, respectively. Over a median follow-up period of 4.8 years (IQR: 2.3–6.6 years), all-cause death and combined events were occurred in 95 (19.4%) and 213 (43.5%), respectively. After adjustment for several pre-existing prognostic factors, IADL assessed by the FAI was independently associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.961, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.937–0.986) and combined events (HR: 0.968, 95% CI: 0.952–0.985), respectively. In addition, there was no interaction between sex in prognostic capability (P=0.664). Conclusion Lower IADL frequency assessed by FAI at the end of outpatient cardiac rehabilitation was shown to be associated with poorer prognosis in patients with HF, regardless of sex. The IADL level is generally higher in females than in males but seems to be a useful marker for risk stratification at the end of cardiac rehabilitation in both females and males. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Grant-in-Aid [JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number JP 19K19884]

Sex Differences in Frequency of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living after Cardiac Rehabilitation and Its Impact on Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure.

Although instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are included in the outcomes of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), the relationship between IADL frequency at the end of CR and outcomes between the sexes remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the differences in frequency of IADL between the sexes and its impact on the outcomes. We retrospectively investigated 490 consecutive patients who were admitted for heart failure (HF) and participated in CR post-discharge. IADL frequency was assessed using the questionnaire-based Frenchay Activities Index (FAI). The primary endpoint was all-cause death, and the secondary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death and readmission due to HF. The cut-off values of the FAI for all-cause death in the overall cohort, females, and males were 23, 22, and 23 points, respectively. After adjusting for several factors, IADL assessed using the FAI was independently associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.961, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.937–0.986) and combined events (HR: 0.968, 95% CI: 0.952–0.985), respectively. Additionally, there was no interaction between sex and all-cause mortality. In conclusion, higher IADL frequency after CR was associated with favourable outcomes in patients with HF.

Sex differences in frequencies in a species with modest sexual size dimorphism

ABSTRACT Sex differences in vocalizations are found across the animal kingdom, which may be due to different vocal apparatus, call function, and context. Rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis) of both sexes are vocal, but the sexes differ in repertoire size, call usage, and amplitude. In this study we examined sex differences in vocalization frequencies and predicted that they will be low and that frequency ranges will overlap since sexual size dimorphism in this species is modest (~ 15%). We utilized two datasets: recordings of captive hyraxes using a condenser microphone; and audio files of wild-living individuals recorded via a miniature recorder mounted on a collar. With the exclusion of two proximate call types recorded in the wild, all calls featured an ultrasonic component. However, in females there was an effect of duration on minimal frequency. Warning trills, which are heard by humans far away, featured the highest maximal visible harmonic in both datasets. No relationship was found between calling distance and the maximal harmonic in males, while in wild females, distant calls featured higher frequencies. Our results show sex differences in hyrax vocalization frequencies. Exploring the information encoded in frequencies beyond the human hearing range may expand our understanding of animal communication.

OP0073 NEW PERSPECTIVES IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS - FIRST RESULTS OF GENDER-SPECIFIC ASSESSMENT OF MRI IMAGING CRITERIA

BackgroundGender-specific differences in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are often seen in the clinical presentation and may differ in MRI findings1. Male axSpA patients tend to show structural changes earlier, whereas in female axSpA patients the peripheral joints are more often affected2. This can lead to a delay in axSpA diagnosis in women. For this reason, gender-specific data collection and establishment of gender-specific imaging criteria are of particular importance.ObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of different combinations of imaging markers to derive data-driven imaging criteria for MRI in axSpA, separately for men and women.MethodsA total of 1194 patients were included in the study. Considering the exclusion criteria (available MRI image data sets, confirmed diagnoses), 684 patients (379 axSpA and 305 control group) were included for further statistical analysis. Two trained readers scored the MRI images separately for the presence of ankylosis, as well as erosion, sclerosis, fat metaplasia, and bone marrow edema differentiated for 3 regions (ventral/mid/dorsal) for sacral-sided and iliac-sided sacroiliac joint. Chi^2 test was applied to compare lesion frequencies per group. Contingency table analysis was performed to assess diagnostic performances. The diagnostic performances were compared using the diagnostic odd ratio (DOR).ResultsOverall, 136 female and 243 male axSpA patients were included. Higher prevalence for ankylosis (24.3 vs. 7.4%) and fat metaplasia (58.8 vs. 42.6%) was shown in male axSpA patients; in contrast, sclerosis was more common in female axSpA patients (75.0 vs. 57.6%). No sex differences in frequency were shown for bone marrow edema and erosion. In male axSpA patients, the most significant difference in individual parameters was shown for ankylosis (DOR 40.1) compared with females (DOR 4.7). The detection of erosion and fat metaplasia as markers was also better in male axSpA patients (DOR 17.6 vs. 11.1 and 18.6 vs. 6.3). Sclerosis and bone marrow edema were better suited in female axSpA patients (DOR 3.0 vs. 2.5 and 5.0 vs. 3.7). Overall, diagnostic accuracy was improved when only lesions in the middle and dorsal articular compartments were considered.ConclusionThe diagnostic performance of established image markers on MRI is significantly lower in female axSpA patients. This is especially true for ankylosis, which provides the risk for false-positive findings in women. Based on these findings, future revisions of imaging criteria may include gender-specific recommendations to improve diagnostic accuracy for male and female axSpA patients.

Sex- and mutation-specific p53 gain-of-function activity in gliomagenesis.

In cancer, missense mutations in the DNA-binding domain of TP53 are common. They abrogate canonical p53 activity and frequently confer gain-of-oncogenic function (GOF) through localization of transcriptionally active mutant p53 to non-canonical genes. We found that several recurring p53 mutations exhibit a sex difference in frequency in patients with glioblastoma (GBM). In vitro and in vivo analysis of three mutations, p53R172H, p53Y202C, and p53Y217C revealed unique interactions between cellular sex and p53 GOF mutations that determined each mutation's ability to transform male versus female primary mouse astrocytes. These phenotypic differences were correlated with sex- and p53 mutation- specific patterns of genomic localization to the transcriptional start sites of upregulated genes belonging to core cancer pathways. The promoter regions of these genes exhibited a sex difference in enrichment for different transcription factor DNA-binding motifs. Together, our data establish a novel mechanism for sex specific mutant p53 GOF activity in GBM with implications for all cancer.

Age- and sex-mediated differences in T lymphocyte populations of kidney transplant recipients.

Graft failure rates increase through childhood and adolescence, decline in adulthood, and are higher in female than male kidney transplant recipients (KTR) until middle age. We aimed to describe age- and sex-related differences in T-cell subsets among KTR to determine which differences may help to explain the differences in kidney graft failure rates. Effector T (Teff)-cell and regulatory T (Treg)-cell phenotypes in PBMCs from healthy controls and KTR, who were at least 1year post-transplant with stable graft function under immunosuppression, were analyzed by flow cytometry. The effects of age, sex, and status (KTR or control) were analyzed using linear regressions. We enrolled 20 male and 21 female KTR and 20 male and 20 female controls between 3 and 29years of age. CD3+ T-cell frequencies were not associated with age or sex but were higher in KTR than controls. There were no differences in CD4+ and CD8+ frequencies. Th1 (IFNγ+ IL-4- IL-17A-) and Th17 (IL-17A+) frequencies within the CD4+ T-cell population were higher at older ages. The frequencies of FOXP3+Helios+Treg cells in CD4+ CD25+ CD127- T cells were lower in females than males and in KTR than controls. Increasing frequencies of Th1 and Th17 cells with increasing age mirrors the increasing graft failure rates from childhood to young adulthood. Importantly, sex differences in frequencies of circulating Treg cells may suggest a role in the sex differences in graft failure rates.

The role of sex and gender in the selection of Alzheimer patients for clinical trial pre-screening

BackgroundAlzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting the elderly with a prevalence of 7.1% in women and 3.3% in men. Sex-related patterns have been reported in prognosis, biomarker status, and risk factors. Despite this, the interaction of sex has received limited attention, with AD trials persistently recruiting lower numbers of women than the population distribution and a lack of information on the sex-disaggregated effects of anti-dementia therapies. This is the first study aiming to identify the role of sex in the selection for screening in AD clinical trials.MethodsThis cross-sectional study provides a comprehensive analysis of screening eligibility according to a set of pre-selection criteria currently applied at Fundació ACE memory clinic for a more efficient trial screening process. A cohort of 6667 women and 2926 men diagnosed with AD dementia (55%) or mild cognitive impairment (45%) was analyzed. We also assessed the frequencies of men and women effectively screened for trial enrolment over a period of 10 years. Additionally, data from AddNeuroMed study was used to explore trends in eligibility based on the education criteria.ResultsWomen showed a significantly lower chance of being eligible for screening than men (OR = 1.26; p < 0.01). This imbalance was confirmed by a lower frequency of women screened for enrolment compared to the study population (63.0% vs. 69.5%). Education was revealed as the key criterion contributing to this unbalance, with men showing over twice the chance of being screened compared with women (OR = 2.25, p < 0.01). Education-based differences were greater in earlier born patients, but the gap narrowed and achieved balance with increasing year of birth. This observation was replicated using data from other European populations included in AddNeuroMed study. Comorbidity was the most limiting criterion with sex differences in frequencies and significant discrimination against the selection of men (OR = 0.86, p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe large number of low-educated elderly women with AD demands for a sex-focused approach in clinical research. New assessment tools insensitive to education level should be developed to enable a proportional representation of women. Although this gender education gap is mostly inexistent in developed countries, economic or cultural factors may lead to different scenarios in other regions. Overlooking the impact of sex may lead to a handicap in AD research with a direct adverse impact on women’s health.

Sex differences in text-mined possible adverse drug events associated with drugs for psychosis.

Understanding sex differences in adverse drug reactions to drugs for psychosis could potentially guide clinicians in optimal drug choices. By applying a text-mining approach, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between drugs for psychosis and biological sex differences in frequencies and co-occurrences of potential adverse drug events (ADEs). Electronic patient records of a psychiatric population (1427 men and 727 women) were text mined for potential ADEs. The relative risk of experiencing specific ADEs and co-occurrence of ADEs were calculated for each sex. Findings included 55 potential ADEs with significantly different frequencies between the two sexes. Of these, 20 were more frequent in men, with relative risks of 1.10-7.64, and 35 were more frequent in women, with relative risks of 1.19-21.58. Frequent potential ADEs were psychiatric symptoms, including sexual dysfunction and disturbances in men, and gastrointestinal symptoms, suicidal and self-injurious behaviour and hyperprolactinemia-related events in women. Mention of different hyperprolactinemia-related ADEs often co-occurred in female patients but not in male patients. Several known sex-related ADEs were identified, as well as some previously not reported. When considering the risk-benefit profile of drugs for psychosis, the patient's sex should be considered.

Using Dyadic Concordance Types to Understand Frequency of Intimate Partner Violence

Findings regarding women's perpetration of physical partner violence (PV) and bidirectional PV are a major source of controversy in the family violence literature. Questions remain as to how frequently women use PV, in comparison to men, when they are the sole perpetrators of PV and when involved in bidirectionally violent relationships. We also do not know much about women's perpetration and the bidirectionality of nonphysical forms of PV. To answer these questions, we used dyadic concordance types to categorize couples into bidirectionally violent, male-only violent, and female-only violent, and then analyzed the frequency with which the men and women used violence. We conducted these analyses for physical PV, verbal sexual PV, severe psychological PV, and controlling behaviors, among a population-based sample of 1,601 men, ages 18–59, who reported ever having a romantic relationship with a woman. Results indicated that for physical PV, severe psychological PV, and controlling behaviors, bidirectional PV was the most common, followed by female-only perpetration. Within bidirectionally aggressive relationships, women committed significantly more physical PV and controlling behaviors; there were no sex differences in frequency of PV perpetration for these three forms of PV for male-only versus female-only PV. The exception to this pattern was verbal sexual aggression, with men committing significantly more of these acts and male-only perpetration just as common as bidirectional aggression. Bidirectionally aggressive relationships were also the most aggressive. These findings lend support to a family systems perspective when seeking to understand PV and for assessing both victimization and perpetration when investigating PV.

Sex Differences in LVAD Implantation Strategies and Associated Outcomes from the TransAtlantic Registry on VAD and Transplant (TRAVIATA)

Introduction The prevalence of heart failure (HF) in men and women is similar. However, guideline directed medical and advanced heart therapies, including left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) and heart transplant (Htx) are underused in women. Hypothesis Sex-related differences are observed in advanced heart failure and may affect outcomes after LVAD and Htx. Methods TransAtlantic Registry on VAD and Transplant (TRAVIATA) is a retrospective, multinational (Italy, Sweden, Croatia, Netherlands, Belgium, USA) registry that includes patients with LVAD (HeartWare, Heartmate II) with bridge to transplant (BTT) strategy. Patients with HeartMate 3, BIVAD or total artificial heart devices were excluded. Primary outcomes include frequency of Htx, waitlist time and survival. Results A total of 524 patients (15.6% women) received LVAD with BTT treatment strategy from 2008 to 2017. Baseline characteristics between men and women were matched, including HVAD use (38.7% vs 47.6%, p = 0.142) with notable differences in LVEDD (7.0 (1.5) vs 6.3 (1.5) cm (IQR), p = 0.001), TAPSE (1.5 (0.5) vs 1.7 (0.5) cm (IQR), p = 0.02) and INTERMACS class 1-2 (43.3% vs 59.8%, p = 0.008). Frequency of Htx (57.9% vs 58.3%, p = 0.087) with a median waitlist time (369 (568) vs 311 (367) days (IQR), p = 0.07) was similar between men and women. Survival differences by Kaplan Meir analysis at 5 years (p = 0.925) were not observed. Post-LVAD complications were significant for increased stroke in women compared to men (24.4% vs 13.4%, p = 0.018). Conclusion In this multinational registry, there were no observed sex differences in frequency of Htx, waitlist time or survival. However, greater severity of disease at time of therapy in women may suggest delays in diagnosis or decision to enlist these patients for therapy, highlighting a potential discordance in use of advanced HF therapies by sex.

Workplace Bullying and Psychological Distress in Public Institutions in Ghana

Sex differences and psychological distress associated with workplace bullying were investigated in a total of 1,273 employees in three public institutions in Ghana. The effect of level of occupation (junior vs. senior) was also explored. Victimisation from bullying was measured with an abbreviated version of the Work Harassment Scale (WHS-7), and mental health associations with workplace bullying were assessed with an indicator of psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire, GHQ-12). 19.1% of the respondents had been bullied “often” or “very often”. There were no sex differences in frequency of victimisation from bullying. Occupational status was significantly associated with bullying: junior staff members reported higher levels of victimisation from bullying and higher levels of psychological distress than senior staff members. Workplace bullying appears to b common in public institutions in Ghana, and has significant negative outcomes for individuals, especially junior staff members. The findings have implications for policy-makers, employers, and employees.

Sex differences in frequencies of dermatoglyphic patterns by individual fingers

Background: The size of sex differences in dermatoglyphic features and their inter-population differences remains a subject of debate. Combining fingers in traditional dermatoglyphic methodology and omitting finger-specific variations might be a cause for uncertainty.Aim: To compare sex differences in whorl frequencies between fingers.Subjects and methods: Using meta-analytical methods, the authors studied sex differences in frequencies of whorls (log Odd Ratios) for each finger separately, including their heterogeneities (between-samples variance). The dataset of 204 population samples was extracted from published dermatoglyphic studies.Results: Aggregated effects of sex differences were significant in all fingers, except for the left 1st finger. Sex differences were higher in the right hand and increased from radial to ulnar fingers. Apart from the right 1st and 3rd fingers, heterogeneities were small and literally zero in the right 4th finger.Conclusion: Higher sex differences in ulnar fingers and the lack of interpopulation differences all over the world in the 4th finger might be caused by a stronger influence of genetic and/or hormonal factors on dermatoglyphic development of the ulnar side of the hand. It is suggested that future studies, when applying dermatoglyphic traits as markers of prenatal environment, use traits by individual fingers or their relationships within the hand.

Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Coalitional Mate Retention Inventory (CMRI).

Mate retention behaviors are designed to reduce the likelihood of partner infidelity and relationship withdrawal. We investigated the psychometric properties of the Persian translation of The Coalitional Mate Retention Inventory (CMRI) in Iran and explored the sex differences in the performance frequencies of these behaviors. Participants in a committed heterosexual romantic relationship (n = 508, 270 female and 238 male) were drawn from a community sample. Participants reported demographic information (including age, duration of relationship), the Persian translation of CMRI, and the Persian translation of the Mate Retention Inventory-Short Form. The results of the confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated a good fit of the CMRI seven-factor model and achieved good reliability for CMRI and its subscales. We further documented sex differences in the frequency with which coalitional mate retention behaviors were performed. The results revealed that CMRI is a valuable instrument for assessing mate retention across diverse cultures.

Abstract TP106: Sex Differences After Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment on Post-Stroke Neurological Outcome

Introduction: A major problem exists in stroke management because of the sex differences in frequency and severity of disease and in treatment outcomes. Our recent studies demonstrated the potential of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUCB-MSCs) in attenuating the post-stroke brain damage. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes were obtained and randomly assigned to various groups. Rats were subjected to a two-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) procedure by inserting a silicone rubber-coated monofilament suture followed by fourteen days of reperfusion. The body weight of rats on the day of the MCAO procedure and the size of the monofilament for male and female rats were standardized to obtain the same depth of post-stroke infarction. Previously standardized effective dose (0.25 million cells/animal) of HUCB-MSCs were intravenously injected via tail vein 24 hours post-MCAO to the designated groups of rats. Rats were subjected to neurological evaluation at various reperfusion time points by modified neurological severity scores ( mNSS), modified adhesive removal ( sticky-tape) beam walking and accelerating Rotarod performance tests. Results: The fourteen-day post-stroke survival period in males and females is approximately 20% and 70%, respectively. Females are more resistant to stroke-induced mortality. Although the difference in post-stroke percent survival is prominent in both sexes, there was no change in the body weight gain of both sexes. It was evident from the mNSS and sticky-tape tests that the magnitude of natural neurological recovery is the same in both sexes. However, the improvement in coordination and integration of motor function in females is better than males as evidenced by other tests. Stem cell treatment prevented mortality in males without any change in the treatment-induced body weight gain. Further, stem cell treatment improved neurological recovery in males, and the coordination and integration of motor function in females. Conclusions: Sex differences exist in post-stroke mortality and neurological function. Stem cell treatment improved neurological recovery and there was no sex difference in the magnitude of stem cell treatment improved neurological function

Age and sex differences in hospitalisation of nursing home residents: a systematic review

ObjectivesNursing home residents (NHRs) are frequently suffering from multimorbidity, functional and cognitive impairment, often leading to hospital admissions. Studies have found that male NHRs are more often hospitalised. The influence...

Head shaking in the forced swim test: A robust but unexplored sex difference

Preclinical psychopharmacology research needs novel behavioral indices and improved animal models for both sexes. The forced swim test (FST) is the most popular test for screening antidepressant potential. Sex differences in FST behaviors, such as immobility and swimming, are not consistent among laboratories. Reliable indices, sensitive to sex differences, are required. We identified a robust sex difference in the frequency of headshakes during the standard two session FST, with male rats exhibiting higher number of head shakes than females. Furthermore, we explored whether strain, ageing, sex- and stress-hormone levels influence this sex difference. Experiments in middle-aged and senescent Wistar rats, as well as in gonadectomized and adrenalectomized with corticosterone replacement young adult males and females, revealed that sex differences in headshakes during FST are not influenced by age or corticosterone, but are abolished following castration of male rats. Interestingly, headshake frequency correlated positively with testosterone, but not corticosterone levels. Finally, testing of Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats in a single 5min FST session revealed that headshake frequency is sensitive to antidepressant treatment with female rats exhibiting opposite responses to treatment than male FSL rats. Mirtazapine, a 5-HT2 antagonist, enhanced headshakes in females and decreased them in male FSL rats. Based on current data and the available literature, sex differences in headshake frequency should be linked to analogous sex differences in serotonin receptors. Headshake frequency during the FST is an additional valuable behavioral index, sensitive to sex differences, gonadal hormones and antidepressants modulating serotonin receptors.

Anatomical variations in the brachial plexus roots: implications for diagnosis of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) is the most common type of TOS. Typically it results from impingement of the neurovasculature as it passes between the anterior and middle scalene muscles; this classic anatomical relationship being the foundation of clinical diagnosis. Positional testing relies on vascular compromise occurring when the subclavian artery is compressed in this space. This study describes several anatomical variations observed in this relationship. Sixty-five cadavers (35m/30f) were assessed to determine the frequency and extent of brachial plexus branching variants. A total of thirty-one variations from "classic" anatomy were observed (47.7%). In two specimens (3.1%), the entire superior trunk coursed completely anterior to the anterior scalene in a position of relative vulnerability. In 27 instances, a portion of or the entire superior trunk pierced the anterior scalene muscle, and in two, the middle trunk also pierced the muscle belly. Interestingly, while two bilateral branching variations were observed, the majority occurred unilaterally, and almost exclusively on the left side. There were no sex differences in frequency. The high frequency of these variations and their potential to predispose patients to neurogenic TOS suggest that current diagnostic methods may be insufficient in clinical diagnosis. Due to lack of vascular compromise, patients with the piercing variant would not display positive signs on the traditional positional tests. The use of ultrasound to determine the route of the brachial plexus could determine whether this variation is present in patients who suffer from TOS symptoms but lack a diagnosis based on traditional positional testing.