Sex Differences Research Articles

Mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A meta-analysis of overall and cause-specific effects.

Our objective was to assess the overall and cause-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) among patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). An exhaustive systematic review was undertaken, encompassing studies that scrutinized SMRs, both overall and for specific causes, in patients diagnosed with SLE compared to the general populace. The databases of PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane were meticulously searched to collate relevant literature. Following this comprehensive search, a meta-analysis was executed to methodically assess all-cause, sex-specific, ethnicity-specific, and cause-specific SMRs in individuals with SLE. The inclusion criteria were met by 29 studies encompassing 72,342 patients with SLE and documenting 7352 deaths. The meta-analysis disclosed a pronounced 2.87-fold elevation in the SMR for all-cause mortality in SLE patients relative to the general population (SMR, 2.866; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.490-3.242; p < .001). Region-specific assessments showed variable all-cause SMRs, with Europe reporting 2.607 (95% CI, 1.939-3.275; p < .001), Asia revealing 3.043 (95% CI, 2.082-4.004; p < .001), and particularly high SMRs noted in North America and Oceania. Gender-focused analyses presented a pooled SMR of 3.261 (95% CI, 2.674-3.848; p < .001) for females, and 2.747 (95% CI, 2.190-3.304; p < .001) for males. Evaluations specific to cause of death illustrated notably elevated SMRs for renal disease (SMR, 4.486; 95% CI, 3.024-5.948; p < .001), infections (SMR, 4.946; 95% CI, 4.253-5.639; p < .001), cardiovascular diseases (CVD) (SMR, 2.931; 95% CI, 1.802-4.061; p < .001), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) (SMR, 1.588; 95% CI, 0.647-2.528; p = .001), and cancer (SMR, 1.698; 95% CI, 0.871-2.525; p < .001). This meta-analysis underscores a significant 2.87-fold elevation in the SMR among patients with SLE compared to the general population, transcending differences in sex or geographical regions. Moreover, an appreciable increase in mortality due to specific causes, including renal disease, infection, CVD, CVA, malignancy, and neuropsychiatric SLE, accentuates the imperative for targeted interventions to mitigate these elevated risks in SLE patients.

Sex Difference in Characteristics and Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality Among Patients with COVID-19.

With the surge in the prevalence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Beijing starting in October 2022, hospitalisations have increased markedly. The present study aimed to evaluate factors associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19. Using data from hospitalised patients, sex differences in clinical characteristics, in-hospital management, and in-hospital mortality among patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were evaluated. Additionally, predictive factors associated with mortality in 1091 patients, who were admitted to the Beijing Anzhen Hospital (Beijing, China) for COVID-19 between October 2022 and January 2023, were also evaluated. Data from 1091 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 were included in the analysis. The in-hospital mortality rates were 14.9% and 10.4% for males and females, respectively. Multifactorial logistic analysis revealed that lymphocyte percentage (LYM%) (odds ratio [OR] 0.863 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.805-0.925]; P&lt;0.001), uric acid (OR 1.004 [95% CI 1.002-1.006]; P=0.001), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (OR 1.094 [95% CI 1.012-1.183]; P=0.024) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality from COVID-19. Among female patients, multifactorial analysis revealed that LYM% (OR 0.856 [95% CI 0.796-0.920]; P&lt;0.001), older age (OR 1.061 [95% CI 1.020-1.103]; P=0.003), obesity (OR 2.590 [95% CI 1.131-5.931]; P=0.024), and high high-sensitivity troponin I level (OR 2.602 [95% CI 1.157-5.853]; P=0.021) were risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that the efficacy of LYM% in predicting in-hospital death and its area under the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting in-hospital death in males was 0.800, with a sensitivity of 63.2% and specificity of 83.2%. The AUC for predicting hospital death in females was 0.815, with a sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 64.4%. LYM% was a consistent predictor of in-hospital mortality in both sexes. Older age and markers of systemic inflammation, myocardial injury, and metabolic dysregulation were also associated with higher mortality risk. These findings may help identify patients who require closer monitoring and tailored interventions to improve outcomes.

Investigating sexual and asexual modes of reproduction in Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)

Abstract Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson), a dioecious wind-pollinated plant, is one of the most troublesome crop weeds in the United States and is spreading northwards. The prodigious production of seed contributes to establishment of populations and spread across the landscape. Sexual reproduction via outcrossing is likely the primary mode of seed production for this dioecious plant. However, A. palmeri may also be capable of autonomous asexual seed production (apomixis), which could be beneficial during colonization. We conducted two studies of female isolation from pollen to investigate the propensity for autonomous seed production in 19 populations across eastern North America. In the first we observed low frequency seed production on many isolated females. Using flow cytometry of seed samples (FCSS) we primarily found patterns of ploidy consistent with sexual reproduction; no significant differences in ploidy between seeds produced on isolated females (putative apomicts) and non-isolated females (putatively sexual) were detected. We also investigated patterns of DNA content and found no evidence for polyploidy in 153 samples, which is often observed in apomictic species. The second female isolation trial utilized sex-specific molecular markers to identify and remove males prior to flowering, and we observed zero seed production. Overall, we did not detect evidence in support of apomixis in these populations of A. palmeri, suggesting that apomixis is unlikely to have played a role in the northward advance of this species in eastern North America. We also investigated whether there is variation between females and males in size and secondary reproductive traits. We found evidence for sexual dimorphism in three of six traits investigated: females are taller at senescence, produce longer secondary branches, and more axillary flowers than males. Differences in cost of reproduction and strategies for pollen release vs. pollen capture are likely factors shaping the evolution of sexual dimorphism in this wind-pollinated dioecious plant.

Sex differences in the impact of social relationships on individual vocal signatures in grey mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus).

Vocalizations coordinate social interactions between conspecifics by conveying information concerning the individual or group identity of the sender. Social accommodation is a form of vocal learning where social affinity is signalled by converging or diverging vocalizations with those of conspecifics. To investigate whether social accommodation is linked to the social lifestyle of the sender, we investigated sex-specific differences in social accommodation in a dispersed living primate, the grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), where females form stable sleeping groups whereas males live solitarily. We used 482 trill calls of 36 individuals from our captive breeding colony to compare acoustic dissimilarity between individuals with genetic relatedness, social contact time and body weight. Our results showed that female trills become more similar the more time females spend with each other, independent of genetic relationship, suggesting vocal convergence. In contrast, male trills were affected more by genetic than social factors. However, focusing only on socialized males, increasing time as cage partners caused greater divergence in males' trills. Thus, grey mouse lemurs show the capacity for social accommodation, with females converging their trills to signal social closeness to sleeping group partners, whereas males do not adapt or diverge their trills to signal individual distinctiveness. This article is part of the theme issue 'The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics'.

Examining Sex Differences in Relationships Between Subjective and Objective Measures of Upper Extremity Motor Impairment in a Sample of Stroke Survivors.

Rehabilitation professionals use subjective and objective outcome measures to assess stroke-related impact and impairment. Understanding if subjective and objective findings correlate among stroke survivors, especially if these associations differ between females and males, can inform care decisions. A retrospective cross-sectional design was used, with data selected from subacute to chronic stroke survivors on age, time since stroke, the hand domain from the Stroke Impact Scale version 3.0 (SIS-H), and the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (FMUE) Assessment. Group differences were assessed for all outcomes based on sex and time poststroke. Separate correlations for females and males were performed between the subjective (SIS-H) and objective measures (FMUE) of upper limb function and impairment. Data from 148 participants (44 females) were included in this study. SIS-H was significantly correlated with FMUE in both females and males (Ps ≤0.001). No significant differences were found between the groups' mean SIS-H or FMUE scores based on sex or time poststroke. Subjective and objective measures of physical functioning were correlated in both females and males. Although we found no sex differences in our primary outcomes, the sample size of females was disproportionately lower than the males. This is consistent with an ongoing problem in the stroke recovery research field, where females are often underrepresented and understudied, and where females who experience higher levels of impairment are less likely to participate in research.

Editorial: Sex differences and cardiovascular therapeutics

Editorial: Sex differences and cardiovascular therapeutics

Sex-based Differences in Heart Failure Biomarkers.

Differences in HF biomarker levels by sex may be due to hormonal, genetic, and fat distribution differences. Knowledge of these differences is scarce, and it is not well established whether they may affect their usefulness in the management of HF. The different biomarker profiles in women and men have been confirmed in recent studies: in women, markers of cardiac stretch and fibrosis (NP and galectin-3) are higher, whereas in men, higher levels of markers of cardiac injury and inflammation (cTn and sST2) are found. The use of new biomarkers, together with growing evidence that a multimarker approach can provide better risk stratification, raises the question of building models that incorporate sex-specific diagnostic criteria. More and more research are being devoted to understanding sex-related differences in HF. The aim of this review is to review the dynamics of HF biomarkers according to sex and in different situations, to learn whether these sex differences may affect their use in the diagnosis and follow-up of HF patients.

Immunohistochemical Investigation into Protein Expression Patterns of FOXO4, IRF8 and LEF1 in Canine Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common type of primary bone malignancy in people and dogs. Our previous molecular comparisons of canine OSA against healthy bone resulted in the identification of differentially expressed protein-expressing genes (forkhead box protein O4 (FOXO4), interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8), and lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1)). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and H-scoring provided semi-quantitative assessment of nuclear and cytoplasmic staining alongside qualitative data to contextualise staining (n = 26 patients). FOXO4 was expressed predominantly in the cytoplasm with significantly lower nuclear H-scores. IRF8 H-scores ranged from 0 to 3 throughout the cohort in the nucleus and cytoplasm. LEF1 was expressed in all patients with significantly lower cytoplasmic staining compared to nuclear. No sex or anatomical location differences were observed. While reduced levels of FOXO4 might indicate malignancy, the weak or absent protein expression limits its primary use as diagnostic tumour marker. IRF8 and LEF1 have more potential for prognostic and diagnostic uses and facilitate further understanding of their roles within their respective molecular pathways, including Wnt/beta-catenin/LEF1 signalling and differential regulation of tumour suppressor genes. Deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in OSA are essential contributions towards the development of novel diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment options in human and veterinary medicine contexts.

Phylogenetic and phylogeographic insights into Sri Lankan killifishes (Teleostei: Aplocheilidae).

Three nominal species of the killifish genus Aplocheilus are reported from the lowlands of Sri Lanka. Two of these, Aplocheilus dayi and Aplocheilus werneri, are considered endemic to the island, whereas Aplocheilus parvus is reported from both Sri Lanka and Peninsular India. Here, based on a collection from 28 locations in Sri Lanka, also including a dataset of Asian Aplocheilus downloaded from GenBank, we present a phylogeny constructed from the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb), mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), and nuclear recombination activating protein 1 (rag1), and investigate the interrelationships of the species of Aplocheilus in Sri Lanka. The endemic Sri Lankan aplocheilid clade comprising A. dayi and A. werneri is recovered as the sister group to the clade comprising A. parvus from Sri Lanka and Aplocheilus blockii from Peninsular India. The reciprocal monophyly of A. dayi and A. werneri is not supported in our molecular phylogeny. A. dayi and A. werneri display strong sexual dimorphism, but species-level differences are subtle, explained mostly by pigmentation patterns. Their phenotypes exhibit a parapatric distribution and may represent locally adapted forms of a single species. Alternatively, the present study does not rule out the possibility that A. dayi and A. werneri may represent an incipient species pair or that they have undergone introgression or hybridization in their contact zones. We provide evidence that the Nilwala-Gin region of southwestern Sri Lanka may have acted as a drought refugium for these fishes.

An Evolutionary Psychological Approach Toward BDSM Interest and Behavior.

Bondage/discipline, Dominance/submission, and Sadism/Masochism (BDSM) have gained increased attention and discussion in recent years. This prevalence is accompanied by a shift in perceptions of BDSM, including the declassification of sadomasochism as a paraphilic disorder. Evolutionary psychology offers a unique perspective of why some individuals are interested in BDSM and why some prefer certain elements of BDSM over others (e.g., dominance versus submission). In this paper, we examine BDSM from an evolutionary standpoint, examining biopsychosocial factors that underlie the BDSM interests and practice. We articulate this perspective via an exploration of: proximate processes, such as the role of childhood experiences, sexual conditioning, and physiological factors; as well as ultimate explanations for power play and pain play dimensions of BDSM, highlighting the potential adaptive advantages of each. While BDSM may not be adaptive in itself, we examine the literature of sex differences in BDSM role preferences and argue that these preferences may stem from the extreme forms of behaviors which enhance reproductive success. In the realm of pain play, we explore the intersection of pain and pleasure from both physiological and psychological perspectives, highlighting the crucial role of psychological and play partner factors in modulating the experience of pain. Finally, we encourage future research in social sciences to utilize evolutionary frameworks to further explore the subject and help alleviate the mystification surrounding BDSM. This multifaceted exploration of BDSM provides valuable insights for clinicians, kink-identified individuals, and scholars seeking to understand the evolutionary perspectives of human sexual behavior and preferences.

SEX DIFFERENCES IN THE CORONARY SYSTEM OF THE HUMAN HEART

The aim of this study is to investigate sex differences in the coronary system of the heart, considering all relevant consequence, and to compile and analyze the gathered data. Materials and Methods. The authors independently conducted a literature search and selection process using the PubMed database for the review, followed by the generalization of the obtained data. Results. Women exhibit a higher propensity than men for certain cardiovascular diseases, including persistent angina, non-obstructive coronary heart disease, coronary microvascular dysfunction, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, stress cardiomyopathy, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). In comparison to men, women typically present with elevated rates of underlying comorbidities, encompassing not only advanced age but also hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic renal failure, peripheral vascular disease, HFpEF, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Many of these conditions are linked to diffuse atherosclerosis and microvascular ischemia, with notable parallels between non-obstructive coronary heart disease and coronary microvascular dysfunction. Special attention is paid to patients sharing an increased risk of coronary heart disease events, which is consistent between women and men, except for those with severe coronary flow reserve (CFR) impairment, where women demonstrate an even higher risk. In particular, in cases where CFR impairment is not attributable to obstructive coronary heart disease (precluding revascularization to mitigate cardiovascular risk), there may be justification for a novel therapeutic approach for systemic coronary heart disease management. Cases of severe coronary microvascular dysfunction, often concurrent with non-obstructive coronary heart disease, may indicate a shared mechanism influencing coronary heart disease risk in both genders. This mechanism might involve inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and heightened cardiomyocyte oxygen demand, culminating in microvascular ischemia, myocardial injury, and compromised cardiac function. Conclusions. Enhanced comprehension of the interplay between coronary vasomotor dysfunction and the concomitance of coronary heart disease with other conditions, such as insulin resistance and heart failure, could foster the advancement of novel systemic treatments aimed at leveraging “complete revascularization” more effectively.

Utilizing genetics and proteomics to assess the role of antihypertensive drugs in human longevity and the underlying pathways: a Mendelian randomization study.

Antihypertensive drugs are known to lower cardiovascular mortality, but the role of different types of antihypertensive drugs in lifespan has not been clarified. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To minimize confounding, we used Mendelian randomization to assess the role of different antihypertensive drug classes in longevity and examined the pathways via proteins. Genetic variants associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) corresponding to drug target genes were used as genetic instruments. The genetic associations with lifespan were obtained from a large genome-wide association study including 1 million European participants from UK Biobank and LifeGen. For significant antihypertensive drug classes, we performed sex-specific analysis, drug-target analysis and colocalization. To examine the mediation pathways, we assessed the associations of 2291 plasma proteins with lifespan, and examined the associations of drug classes with the proteins affecting lifespan. After correcting for multiple testing, genetically proxied beta-blockers (BBs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and vasodilators were related to longer life years (BBs: 2.03, 95% CI 0.78 to 3.28 per 5-mmHg reduction in SBP, CCBs: 3.40, 95% CI 1.47 to 5.33, and vasodilators: 2.92, 95% CI 1.08 to 4.77). The beneficial effects of BBs and CCBs were more obvious in men. ADRB1, CACNA2D2, CACNB3, CPT1A, CPT2, and EDNRA genes were related to extended lifespan with CPT2 further supported by colocalization evidence. 86 proteins were related to lifespan, of which 4 proteins were affected by CCBs. CDH1 may mediate the association between CCBs and lifespan. BBs, CCBs and vasodilators may prolong lifespan, with potential sex differences for BBs and CCBs. The role of CCBs in lifespan is partly mediated by CDH1. Prioritizing the potential protein targets can provide new insights into healthy aging.

Unveiling sex-based geographical disparities in myelodysplastic syndrome mortality trends in Spain (1999-2022).

To comprehensively analyze trends in myelodysplastic neoplasm (MDS) mortality across Spain (1999-2022), examining sex and regional differences. We analyzed nationwide death records and population data, calculating age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) stratified by sex and Autonomous Community (AC). Joinpoint regression identified significant shifts in trends. Across Spain, MDS mortality risk varied among men, with rates ranging from 1.08 to 4.38 per 100,000 across regions, while women's rates ranged from 1.23 to 2.02. Five regions had higher risks than the national average, while six had lower risks. Joinpoint analysis revealed three periods nationally: a decline until 2008, and an increase until 2017, followed by a significant decrease. Despite the overall stable national trend (-0.5% annual change), significant regional variations emerged. Andalusia stood out with a worrying increase in MDS mortality, while Aragon and Murcia demonstrated promising declines. Extremadura displayed a unique trajectory with an initial rise followed by stabilization, while Galicia exhibited a contrasting trend with an initial decline and subsequent increase. Notably, men consistently faced a higher risk of MDS mortality compared to women, with significant disparities across regions. Extremadura, in particular, showed a marked difference in risk between genders. MDS mortality trends in Spain are complex, and influenced by gender, region, and time. Further research is needed to understand regional disparities, recent national decline, and higher risk in specific demographics. Tailored interventions based on local factors and targeted research are crucial to address these complexities and improve patient outcomes.

A mouse model of wildfire smoke-induced health effects: sex differences in acute and sustained effects of inhalation exposures

Due to climate change, wildfires have increased in intensity and duration. While wildfires threaten lives directly, the smoke has more far-reaching adverse health impacts. During an extreme 2017 wildfire event, residents of Seeley Lake, Montana were exposed to unusually high levels of wood smoke (WS) causing sustained effects on lung function (decreased FEV1/FVC). Objective: The present study utilized an animal model of WS exposure to research cellular and molecular mechanisms of the resulting health effects. Methods: Mice were exposed to inhaled WS utilizing locally harvested wood to recapitulate community exposures. WS was generated at a rate resulting in a 5 mg/m3 PM2.5 exposure for five days. Results: This exposure resulted in a similar 0.28 mg/m2 particle deposition (lung surface area) in mice that was calculated for human exposure. As with the community observations, there was a significant effect on lung function, increased resistance, and decreased compliance, that was more pronounced in males at an extended (2 months) timepoint and males were more affected than females: ex vivo assays illustrated changes to alveolar macrophage functions (increased TNFα secretion and decreased efferocytosis). Female mice had significantly elevated IL-33 levels in lungs, however, pretreatment of male mice with IL-33 resulted in an abrogation of the observed WS effects, suggesting a dose-dependent role of IL-33. Additionally, there were greater immunotoxic effects in male mice. Discussion: These findings replicated the outcomes in humans and suggest that IL-33 is involved in a mechanism of the adverse effects of WS exposures that inform on potential sex differences.

Important sex differences in adverse effects of antiseizure medications

Important sex differences in adverse effects of antiseizure medications

Sexual dimorphism analysis in permanent human mandibular canines by geometric morphometrics

Sex estimation of unknown human remains is a common form of assessment in bioarchaeological and forensic practice. When remains are poorly preserved, teeth become important. Research regarding the use of teeth for sex estimation mainly uses odontometrics. Nevertheless, to date, few studies have aimed to systematically evaluate sexual dimorphism in tooth shape. The purpose of this study is to analyze and describe sexual dimorphism in the mandibular canine. Landmarks and semilandmarks were placed on the occlusal, mesiodistal and buccolingual views of mandibular canines of 56 individuals (37 males and 19 females) from the “Prof. Dr. Rómulo Lambre” collection. Moreover, the impact of dental wear in morphometric analyses on sexual dimorphism was explored. The shape of male and female canines differed significantly in the three views analyzed. Female canines showed a larger crown in relation to its root, while male canines showed greater roots in relation to their crown. While female canines showed a large development of the cingulum, male’s teeth exhibited less development of this trait. For these reasons, this study constitutes a first approach to show the usefulness of shape for estimating the sex of canine teeth. These differences might be the result of dissimilarities in the total amount of dentin and enamel due to the effect of sex-linked genes in the growth of these tissues.

Sex Differences in Trends in Stroke Recurrence and Postrecurrence Mortality 2000-2020: Population-Based Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi Project.

This study was undertaken to delineate 21-year sex-specific trends in recurrence and postrecurrence mortality. Between 2000 and 2020, first-ever ischemic stroke (IS) patients, ascertained from the population-based BASIC (Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi) project in South Texas, were followed for recurrent stroke and all-cause mortality until December 31, 2020. Multivariable regression models with an interaction between calendar year and sex were used to estimate sex-specific trends and sex differences in recurrence and postrecurrence mortality. Of the 6,057 IS patients (median age = 69 years, 49.8% women), 654 (10.8%) had a recurrence and 399 (47.7%) had postrecurrence mortality during 5 years of follow-up. In 2000, women had 2.5% higher albeit non-statistically significant 5-year risk of recurrence than men in absolute scale. With the trend declining in women by 7.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = -10.8 to -4.5%) and in men by 3.6% (95% CI = -6.5% to -0.7%), the risk at the end of the study period was 1.5% (95% CI = -0.3% to 3.6%) lower among women than men. For postrecurrence mortality, the risk was 10.2% lower among women in 2000, but the sex difference was 3.3% by the end of the period, which was due to a larger overall increase in the risk among women than men over the entire time period. The declines in recurrent stroke suggest successful secondary stroke prevention, especially in women. However, the continued high postrecurrence mortality among both sexes at the end of study period emphasizes the need for ongoing interventions to improve prognosis in those who have had recurrent cerebrovascular events. ANN NEUROL 2024.

Comparative Analysis of Enzymatic Activities and Transcriptional Profiles of Various Hepatic Enzymes between Male and Female Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)

Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) is a valuable pelagic migratory fish with potential for aquaculture. Despite this, there is limited understanding of the biological and physiological characteristics of this species, particularly regarding sex differences in growth performance. The liver, a crucial organ for digestion and metabolism, plays a significant role in regulating fish growth. This study aimed to compare liver enzyme activities and transcriptome profiles between female and male yellowfin tuna to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying difference between the sexes. The results revealed that female yellowfin tuna exhibited higher amylase and lipid metabolism enzyme activities, while male yellowfin tuna showed higher glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and antioxidant enzyme activities. Additionally, through Illumina sequencing technology, the study generated 37.74 Gb of clean data and identified 36,482 unique genes (UniGenes) in the liver transcriptome. A total of 2542 differentially expressed genes were found, with enriched Gene Ontology terms and pathways related to metabolic processes, particularly lipid metabolism and transport. These findings suggest that female yellowfin tuna have superior digestive enzyme activities and lipid metabolism, while male yellowfin tuna excel in sugar metabolism, ATP production, and antioxidant defense. This study provides valuable insights into sex differences in yellowfin tuna and could aid in advancing full-cycle aquaculture practices for this species.

Sex Differences in Screening Positive for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder After Combat Injury.

U.S. military women were at risk of combat exposure and injury from asymmetric warfare during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Previous research has yielded mixed results when examining sex differences in PTSD following operational deployment. To date, no study has explored sex differences in PTSD after combat injury. This retrospective study included U.S. military service men and women who experienced a combat injury in Iraq or Afghanistan (March 2003 to March 2013) and completed a Post-Deployment Health Assessment (PDHA) within 1 year of injury. The PDHA is administered at the end of deployment and includes the 4-item Primary Care PTSD Screen. The prevalence of screening positive for PTSD was evaluated by sex using a chi-square test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between sex and PTSD while adjusting for covariates. The study sample included 16,215 injured military personnel (666 women and 15,549 men). The average time between injury and PDHA was 132 days (SD = 91.0). Overall, women had a higher prevalence of screening positive for PTSD than men (48.3% vs. 40.9%, P < .001). In multivariable regression, women had higher odds than men of screening positive for PTSD (odds ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.57). Psychiatric history was the strongest predictor of screening positive for PTSD regardless of sex (odds ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-1.74). In this novel study of military service members, women were more likely to screen positive for PTSD than men after combat injury. Strategies to mitigate PTSD, enhance resiliency, and incorporate psychological care into injury rehabilitation programs for women may be needed for future U.S. military conflicts where they will play a larger role in combat operations.

O11 Investigating the genetic basis of the influence of adiposity on psoriasis

Abstract Introduction and aims Obesity is a chronic inflammatory state that is highly prevalent in people with psoriasis. There is evidence to suggest that increasing levels of adiposity promotes the risk of psoriasis development and worsens disease severity. The degree to which adiposity influences psoriasis varies between individuals, and it is also unclear which key genetic factors underpin this variation. Identifying this could be mechanistically informative in uncovering immunological pathways connecting adiposity and psoriasis. This project explores the hypothesis that the influence of adiposity on psoriasis has a genetic basis. Methods Firstly, we examined the comparative strength of association between a range of measures of adiposity and psoriasis in a population-based study (UK Biobank, n = 336 806). Secondly, we performed a genome-wide by environment interaction study (GWEIS) meta-analysis examining the interaction between key measures of adiposity and psoriasis susceptibility in two large population-based studies [UK Biobank and HUNT (n = 164 753)]. Thirdly, in view of this association between human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-C*06:02 and higher adiposity levels in psoriasis, we wanted to explore whether biological differences existed between HLA-stratified subgroups. To explore this, we performed HLA-C*06:02-stratified Mendelian randomization to establish whether a difference in causal effect of adiposity on psoriasis existed between subgroups. Results We found that measures of central obesity (including impedance and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry/magnetic resonance imaging measures) were most strongly associated with both psoriasis risk and severity. A sexual dimorphism was observed, with a stronger effect in men compared with women. Through GWEIS meta-analysis, we found a significant interaction between HLA-C*06:02-status and waist circumference on psoriasis risk (P = 3.69e−08). No significant difference in causal effect of body mass index or waist circumference on psoriasis risk were found in HLA-C*06:02-stratified subgroups. Conclusions These findings underscore the significance of central adiposity in influencing psoriasis risk. This study also emphasizes both the value and limitations of HLA-C*06:02 as a potential biomarker for distinguishing metabolically-driven psoriasis.