Population Sex Research Articles

Intraspecific diversity of Myrmecophilus acervorum (Orthoptera: Myrmecophilidae) indicating an ongoing cryptic speciation

Myrmecophilus acervorum, previously considered a parthenogenetic species widely-distributed in Europe, has been observed to have both sexes in populations inhabiting the central part of the distribution range. Specimens from those heterosexual populations have been found being infected with Wolbachia. New mitochondrial data (COI and 16S markers) revealed the well-supported differentiation of M. acervorum populations inhabiting western Polesie (Poland) and southern Europe. In turn, analyses of EF1α marker support the hypothesis on the unfinished lineage sorting at the nuclear DNA level. Interestingly, we found that parthenogenetic populations inhabiting western Polesie are infected with Wolbachia belonging to supergroup A, while endosymbionts occurring in sexual populations of M. acervorum observed in Romania belong to supergroup B. Furthermore, new and potentially diagnostic characteristics in the external structures of the eyes of M. acervorum were identified. The surface of ommatidia in specimens occurring in southern Europe was smooth. In contrast, the ommatidia surface of individuals collected in Poland was visibly sculptured. To sum up, the significant genetic variability found in the present case, and the differentiating morphological character, are almost certainly effects of cryptic species being present within M. acervorum. This is indicative of ongoing speciation within the populations of this insect, and of simultaneous unfinished lineage sorting at the nuclear DNA level.

Comparing Walker's (2008) skull trait sex estimation standard to proteomic sex estimation for a group of South Asian individuals

This research assesses the potential for misidentification of sex in individuals of South Asian ancestry using the Walker (2008) morphological skull sex estimation standard [1]. Chromosomal sex was assessed using proteomic analysis targeting sex chromosome-specific amylogenic peptides. Results showed that the Walker method produced incorrect classification for 36.7 % of individuals. Overwhelmingly, those incorrectly assigned were chromosomally male. Misidentification was due to males within the group having lower trait scores (i.e., more gracile traits) than the standard would predict. There was also a high level of overlap in trait scores between male and females indicating reduced expression of sexual dimorphism. The use of established multivariate statistical techniques improved accuracy of sex estimation in some cases, but larger osteological data sets from South Asian individuals are required to develop population-specific standards. We suggest that peptide analysis may provide a useful tool for the forensic anthropologist when assessing sex in populations without population specific osteological standards.

Gender differences in horizontal strabismus: Systematic review and meta-analysis shows no difference in prevalence, but gender bias towards females in the clinic.

Strabismus is a misalignment of the visual axis that affects 2-3% of the population and can lead to loss of binocular vision. It is currently controversial whether there is a gender difference in the most common form of visual misalignment: horizontal strabismus. Some studies claimed that more females than males have an outward deviation (exotropia), while others concluded that there is no significant gender difference. No previous work has systematically explored gender differences in horizontal strabismus or has compared the results of population-based studies with those of clinic-based studies. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting the prevalence of horizontal strabismus. We included 73 population-based studies and compared their disclosed gender population with that in 141 comparable clinical-based studies. We analysed the data according to gender, strabismus type (esotropia, exotropia), and geographic region/ethnicity. Summary statistics showed a nearly identical prevalence of horizontal strabismus (2.558% for males, 2.582% for females), esotropia (1.386% males vs. 1.377% females), and of exotropia (1.035% males vs. 1.043% females). Meta-analysis results showed that these differences between males and females were not statistically significant (odds ratio (OR) = 1.01; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.97-1.10), but that females were significantly more frequent (by 7.50%) in clinic-based studies than males, with 5.00% more females for esotropia, and 12.20% more females for exotropia when adjusted for the population's sex ratio. The extent of the female gender bias differed between geographic regions/societies, with Asians having the lowest bias towards females and Latin American countries having the strongest bias. Males and females have the same prevalence of horizontal strabismus, including exotropia. Females with strabismus seek health care or are brought to clinics significantly more often than males. This is an example of gender bias in health care in favour of females rather than males, apparently because parents - erroneously fearing only cosmetic consequences - are more concerned about strabismus in their daughters than their sons. Societal attitudes towards females, as well as economic factors (insurance status), appear to be relevant factors that determine the magnitude of the gender bias in horizontal strabismus.

Human adaptation to cold and warm climatic conditions: A comparison between two geographically diverse Indigenous populations.

The present study aims to compare body adiposity and blood pressure (BP) in two climatically and ethnically diverse populations, examining whether thermoregulatory adaptive mechanism may protect Indigenous populations from exhibiting adverse consequences of increased adiposity. A cross sectional sample of 404 subjects, of which 200 were Monpa and 204 were Santhal, from two ethnically and geographically distinct populations of India were studied. Body mass index (BMI; kg/m2 ), fat mass (FM; kg), fat free mass (kg), and percent body fat (%BF) were calculated for evaluation of body adiposity. Multivariate multiple regression analysis was adopted to examine the influence of age and sex of populations under study, on body adiposity and BP variables. BMI, %BF, and FM were found to be significantly higher (p ˂ .001) among the Monpa males and females compared with their Santhal counterparts. In contrast, the prevalence of hypertension among Monpa and Santhal is comparable (3.5%Monpa vs. 3.9%Santhal for systolic BP; 8.5%Monpa vs. 8.3%Santhal for diastolic BP). Adiposity, as quantitated by the fat mass index and %BF was significantly (p ˂ .001) correlated to age and sex of study population, explaining ~75.3% and ~75.4% of total variations of these variables, respectively. Overall the present study suggests that modern human populations follow thermoregulatory mechanism for adaptation to different climatic conditions. Consequently, greater adiposity was evident among the Monpa who adapt to the cold climate, in comparison to their Santhal counterparts who dwell in warm climate.

Masai giraffe population change over 40 years in Arusha National Park

AbstractA population of Masai giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) occurs in Arusha National Park (ANP), which is not part of the regular Tanzanian national wildlife monitoring scheme. Urban development of Arusha city and agricultural expansion have contributed to the increasing isolation of ANP from other protected areas in northern Tanzania. The only published data on the Masai giraffe population of ANP were individual‐based data collected in 1979 and 1980. Here, we used individual‐based data from 2021 to 2022 to provide an update on the current population size, population sex and age structure, movements and genetic connectivity of giraffes in ANP. We documented a 49% population decline and changes in the age distribution, adult sex ratio, reproductive rate and movement patterns relative to the previous study. Mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed genetic connectivity between ANP and other populations east of the Gregory Rift Escarpments in northern Tanzania and south‐eastern Kenya, evidence that Masai giraffe once moved widely across the landscape.

Starosno-polna struktura stanovništva u Republici Severnoj Makedoniji početkom 21. veka

The population sex and age structure is of exceptional importance, because of the remarkable demographic and economic consequences it leaves behind, so, its detailed analysis allows us to estimate the present and future potential of the structure's progressive tendencies, as well as the differences existing within the territory we want to analyze. Also, the sex and age population structures are extremely important for the future demographic and economic development of the country. These basic biological structures, in addition to the population's natural change, are conditioned by the modern general, social, and economic flows, i.e., the demographic transition, which spatially redistributes the population and thereby determines the characteristics of the population's sex and age structure in different areas. This paper aims to analyze the changes in the population sex and age structure in the Republic of North Macedonia according to the data from the two censuses conducted in 2002, and 2021 on a national and regional level and to point out the changes that have occurred during this period and their connection and relatedness to the demographic, social, economic and overall development.

Aspectos reprodutivos em uma população isolada de Psalidodon aff. fasciatus (Teleostei: Characidae) do sul do Brasil

Abstract: Aim To investigate reproductive characteristics in a small population of Psalidodon aff. fasciatus living in isolation in an environment with a unique geological configuration, a doline-shaped depression (known as Furna 2), with a mean diameter of 80 m and water depth of 50 m, a natural heritage of the Vila Velha State Park (VVSP). Methods The fish were collected between February 2019 and January 2020 using nets and pots; standard length and total weight were measured. The gonads were also removed for histological analysis. Estimates were made for the weight-length ratio, the relative condition factor, the sex ratio, and the size at first maturity (L50 and L95) for males and females. Results The five gonadal stages that were characterized (resting, early mature, mature, partially empty, and totally empty) were consistent with what was expected for the species. The results obtained here indicate that these lambaris have an opportunistic (r) life strategy. Compared to previous studies, we discovered that fish of this population start maturing at smaller sizes. Indicating negative allometric growth, the length-weight ratio was WT = 0.0002 * LT2.3039, and the condition index (Kn = 0.95) showed no significant gender differences. When compared to other non-isolated populations of the same species, the population's sex ratio showed an unexpectedly significant male predominance (1M: 0.6 F). Conclusions Our results show an imbalance in the sex ratio, contrary to what would be expected for non-isolated populations. This imbalance may be related to the complete isolation of this environment, suggesting that females may be affected by some evolutionary force, such as inbreeding. However, other factors cannot be ruled out, as the underlying genetic mechanisms remain unknown, and only future investigations can reveal a more complete understanding of reproduction in isolated populations.

Association between heavy metal mercury in body fluids and tissues and diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Recent studies have shown that the relationship between mercury exposure and diabetes is controversial. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between mercury exposure and diabetes using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases for cross-sectional, case-control, or cohort studies assessing the correlation between mercury exposure and diabetes in any population. Details of each included study were extracted using a pre-designed Excel spreadsheet. Quality assessment of cohort and case-control studies used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), whereas cross-sectional studies were assessed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) scale. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models to calculate the pooled odds ratio (OR), standardized mean difference (SMD), and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were employed to assess heterogeneity sources. Begg's and Egger's tests were used to evaluate publication bias. Our meta-analysis included 8 eligible articles, comprising a total of 40,891 subjects, reporting mercury OR and/or concentrations. Among the included studies, one was a case control, one was a cohort study, and the rest were cross-sectional studies. Two studies were rated as high quality and six as medium quality. The results revealed no link between mercury exposure and diabetes (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.55, n=6, I2=73.7%; and SMD: 0.41, 95% CI: -0.32, 1.14, n=3, I2=88.7%). In the stratified male and female subgroups, the pooled OR was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.90, n=3, I2=0.0%), 1.11 (95% CI: 0.69, 1.79, n=3, I2=67.7%). The Begg's test results revealed no significant publication bias (P=0.06), but the Egger's test results did (P=0.013). The sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of our results. No significant relationship was observed between mercury and diabetes mellitus. However, more well-designed studies on mercury exposure and diabetes risk are still needed, particularly on the type of mercury (i.e., elemental, inorganic, and organic), exposure time and dose, type of biological specimen, and the population's sex and age.

The Development of Genetic Sex Identification Markers and Evidence of a Male Heterogametic Sex Determination System in Red Shiner

AbstractThe Red Shiner Cyprinella lutrensis is of increasing management interest as an invasive species that negatively impacts many native fishes throughout North America. Trojan sex chromosome (TSC)‐carrying individuals could theoretically control invasive fish populations by skewing the sex ratio to 100% male. The efficacy of TSC‐based control programs requires an understanding of a population's sex determination system, yet such information is lacking for Red Shiner. We used single‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing to discover sex‐linked single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and we conducted a series of breeding experiments to uncover the sex determination system. All candidate sex‐linked SNPs that fit our selection criteria exhibited a pattern of male heterogamety. We developed two sex‐identification (sex‐ID) marker assays, XY_248 and XY_170, which showed phenotype–genotype concordance scores of 77.00% and 84.35%, respectively. These sex‐ID markers exhibited relatively high phenotype–genotype concordance in females (XY_248 = 96.30%; XY_170 = 98.61%), which allowed for selective breeding of phenotypically feminized genetic males. We observed a 3:1 male : female sex ratio in spawns from feminized males crossed with wild‐type males, indicative of a male heterogametic sex determination system (i.e., XY male/XX female). The discovery of a male heterogametic sex determination system, in combination with our two markers, increases the likelihood of developing an effective TSC eradication strategy for invasive Red Shiner populations.

Length-weight relationship and condition factor revealed possibility of mix strains in Clarias gariepinus population of Oueme Valley, Benin Republic (West Africa)

Growth behaviour (Length-Weight Relationship-LWR), condition factor (K) and phylogenetic linkage of sourced Clarias gariepinus from Oueme valley (main catfish brooder source in Benin) was investigated to understand possible sources of diversity in growth pattern in spawned C. gariepinus . 30 random C. gariepinus ‘labelled’ brooders from sellers in each of Adjohoun(wild-habitat); Dangbo(culture-habitat) and Porto-Novo(culture-habitat) were characterized for differences(p<0.05) in Mean Length-ML (cm), Mean Weight-MW (kg), condition factor (K) and growth behavior (LWR intercept-a; slope-b) in sexes and unsexed populations. 16S barcode gene sequences of 10 random tissue subsamples from each group (n=30) were analyzed for genetic linkages using Maximum Likelihood Method. ML was similar across populations; MW and K similar across Dangbo and Porto-novo; MW similar across sexes of populations; ML and K similar across sexes in Adjohoun, but differ across sexes in Dangbo and Porto-Novo. In unsexed populations, Iintercept-a ranged 0.46(Porto-novo)-0.82(Dangbo), Slope-b -1.37(Porto-novo), 2.14(Dangbo), 2.60(Adjohoun); intercepts were 0.94; 0.63, 0.87; 0.78, and 0.36; 0.61 in respective male and female Adjohoun, Dangbo and Porto-novo; Slope ‘b’ 2.97; 2.05(Adjohoun); 2.87; 2.34(Dangbo), -1.23;-1.78(Porto-novo). Irrespective of sexes, growth was negative allometry in Adjohoun and Dangbo; positive allometry in Porto-novo. 80%Porto-novo were closest to Clarias batrachus ; 20% closest to C. gariepinus x C. batrachus- crossbred; 70%Dangbo closest to C. gariepinus x C. batrachus- crossbred , 10% closest to Clarias batrachus . 20% closest to C. gariepinus. 90%Adjohoun was closest to C. gariepinus x C. batrachus -crossbred, 10% closest to C. gariepinus . Growth behaviour and condition factor diverged irrespective of sexes in populations. Each populations contained mixed strains of Catfish species mistaken as C. gariepinus whose growth pattern could be influenced by growth behaviour of the dominant strain . Dominance of C. batrachus x C. gariepinus- crossbreds’ in culture-Dangbo and Wild-Adjohoun signals possible introgression of the invasive C. batrachus gene, indicating dire need for stricter management and conservation of local catfish gene pool for posterity.

Retinal ganglion cell layer thickness and volume measured by OCT changes with age, sex, and axial length in a healthy population

BackgroundThe ganglion cell layer (GCL) measurements with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) are important for both ophthalmologists and neurologists because of their association with many ophthalmic and neurological diseases. Different factors can affect these measurements, such as brain pathologies, ocular axial length (AL) as well as age and sex. Studies conducted to measure the GCL have overlooked many of these factors. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of age, sex, and AL on normal retinal GCL thickness and volume in a healthy population without any neurological diseases.MethodsA prospective cross-sectional study was designed to measure GCL thickness and total volume with OCT with automated segmentation and manual correction where needed. Visual acuity, AL, and autorefraction were also measured. A mixed linear model was used to determine the association of the effect of the various parameters on the GCL thickness and volume.ResultsOne hundred and sixteen eyes of 60 subjects (12–76 years of age, 55% female) were examined of which 77% had 0 ± 2 D of spherical equivalent, and mean axial length was 23.86 mm. About 25% of the OCT-automated GCL measurements required manual correction. GCL thickness did not differ in similar anatomic regions in right and left eyes (P > 0.05). GCL volume was greater in males relative to females after adjustment for age and axial length (1.13 ± 0.07 mm3 for males vs 1.09 ± 0.09 mm3 for females; P = 0.031). GCL thickness differed between males and females in the inner retinal ring (P = 0.025) but not in the outer ring (P = 0.66). GCL volume declined with age (P = 0.031) but not after adjustment for sex and axial length (P = 0.138). GCL volume declined with longer axial length after adjustment for age and sex (P = 0.048).ConclusionAge, sex and axial length should be taken into consideration when measuring the GCL thickness and volume with OCT. Automated OCT segmentation should be reviewed for manual adjustments.

Spatial features of the risk of oncological diseases in the territory of the Gomel and Mogilev regions of Belarus

The article presents the results of the cartographic analysis of the Belarusian Cancer Registry data, including the spatial features of morbidity due to cancer in different sex and age groups of the rural population. The maps, characterizing the features of the spatial heterogeneity of the oncological diseases (OD) in the Gomel and Mogilev regions of Belarus, were built for the first time. The performed mapping revealed the anomalous zones, representing the groups of compactly located rural settlements, for which the OD level (including OD of different localizations observed in both men and women) differs by a factor of 4 or more. The assessed differences in the OD risk are statistically significant. On this basis, we infer that the anomalous zones in the territory of Belarus, in any case, demonstrate both a high spatial contrast of OD manifestation and regular spatial organization. These confirm the hypothesis about a relationship between the OD risk and the environmental parameters and, in turn, allow a reasonable conclusion about the endemic nature of cancer as a provoked “human disease”. We consider that the detected zones of positive and negative anomalies must have significant ecological and geochemical differences. Therefore, they should be recognized as the objects of priority control since the population living in the high-risk areas undoubtedly needs priority screening and applying the corresponding preventive measures.

Abstract MP63: Longitudinal Analysis Of Handgrip Strength And Cognitive Function During Aging- Share

Background: Aging is associated with various chronic conditions, such as cognitive and muscle strength decline. Previous studies have analysed the association between physical factors and cognitive decline however, the magnitude and the direction of the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and cognitive decline are not fully understood. Objectives: To analyse the association between HGS and cognitive decline in numeracy, recall and verbal fluency according to sex in a large multicentric population. Methods: A longitudinal study including people aged 50 and over from the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was conducted, involving participants from 28 European countries. Repeated HGS measures from a dynamometer and cognitive scores in numeracy, recall, and verbal fluency were biannually analysed for 4 years. Individuals with Parkinson along the study or dementia diagnosis at baseline were excluded. For the analysis of HGS as a predictor of future cognitive decline, HGS was categorized in quintiles by sex. In men HGS quintiles were Q1 (8-35kg), Q2 (36-41kg), Q3 (42-45kg), Q4 (46-50kg) and Q5 (51-80kg). In women HGS quintiles were Q1 (4-21kg), Q2 (22-25 kg), Q3 (26-28 kg), Q4 (29-32 kg) and Q5 (33-55 kg). First quintile in each sex was used as reference. In the analysis of cognitive performance as a predictor of HGS decline, different cognitive scores were treated in their logarithmical form as a function of HGS continuously. Possible confounding factors were controlled through general estimated equations and adjusted for baseline handgrip strength quintile and time-varying covariates as age, time, education, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, BMI index, chronical illnesses, Alzheimer disease, depression, functionality scores, and sarcopenia. Results: A total of 8,236 individuals were included, 55.73% were females with a mean age of 67.55 (± 8.4) years, while in males it was of 68.42 (±7.7) years. A significant longitudinal association between HGS and cognitive function in all three domains was found in both sexes, except numeracy in males. The fully adjusted β coefficients CI (95%) for the fifth HGS quintile in numeracy, verbal fluency and recall were 0.041 (0.004-0.082), 0.078 (0.038-0.117) and 0.095 (0.039-0.151) respectively for men and 0.076 (0.039-0.113), 0.094 (0.060-0.0128) and 0.092 (0.047-0.137) respectively for women. On the other hand the greatest cognitive predictor of HGS was verbal fluency in both sexes, β(95%), 0.796 (0.464 to 1.128)kg in men and 0.801 (0.567 to 1.109)kg in women. Conclusion: There is a significant and bidirectional association between HGS and the cognitive performance in men and women over 50 years studied in SHARE.

Adverse childhood experiences and handgrip strength among middle-aged and older adults: a cross-sectional study in China

BackgroundEvidence on the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and handgrip strength (HGS) in later life was limited and inconclusive. We aimed to explore the impact of ACEs on HGS among middle-aged and older Chinese adults.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study with data extracted from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a nationally representative survey with respondents recruited from 450 villages/urban communities of 28 provinces. Participants aged 45 years or older were drawn from the CHARLS 2014 life history survey and the 2015 health survey. Twelve ACE indicators before the age of 17 years were collected. HGS was measured with a dynamometer and the maximum value of HGS obtained from both hands was used in the analyses. Low muscle strength (LMS) was defined according to the recommendation of European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP). Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the association of ACEs with continuous HGS and LMS, with adjustment for age, sex, marital status, ethnicity, area of residence, smoking and drinking status, body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, hip fracture, and memory-related disease.ResultsOf the 7209 eligible participants, 2258 (31.3%) had experienced three or more ACEs. Compared to individuals without ACEs, exposure to ≥ 3 ACEs was negatively associated with continuous HGS in kilogram (β = -0.93, 95% CI: -1.37, -0.49) and positively associated with the risk of LMS (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.61). Such associations were consistently found both in men and women who had experienced three or more ACEs. Significant dose–response relationship between the number of ACEs and outcomes was also observed in the overall population and different sex groups.ConclusionExposure to ACEs was associated with lower HGS and increased risk of LMS among middle-aged and older Chinese adults, indicating the importance of intervention in individuals with experience of ACEs in order to mitigate its detrimental impact on HGS and promote healthy ageing.

Sex, age, and ethnic dependency of lipoprotein variants as the risk factors of ischemic heart disease: a detailed study on the different age-classes and genders in Tehran Cardiometabolic Genetic Study (TCGS)

Biological processes involving environmental and genetic factors drive the interplay between age- and sex-regulating lipid profile. The relation between variations in the LPA gene with increasing the risk of coronary heart disease is dependent on population differences, sex, and age. The present study tried to do a gene candidate association analysis in people with myocardial infarction (MI) in a 22 year cohort family-based longitudinal cohort study, Tehran Cardiometabolic Genetic Study (TCGS). After adjusting p value by the FDR method, only the association of rs6415084 with the MI probability and the age-of-CHD-onset was significant in males in their middle age (p < 0.005). Surprisingly, a lack of association was observed for the rest of the markers (16 SNPs). These results revealed the moderator effects of age and sex on the association between the genetic variants (SNPs) of LPA and heart disease risk. Our observations may provide new insights into the biology that underlies lipid profile with age or the sexual dimorphism of Lp(a) metabolism. Finally, Lp(a) appears to be an independent risk factor; however, the role of sex and ethnicity is important.

Normal sex and age-specific parameters in a multi-ethnic population: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study of the Canadian Alliance for Healthy Hearts and Minds cohort

BackgroundDespite the growing utility of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for cardiac morphology and function, sex and age-specific normal reference values derived from large, multi-ethnic data sets are lacking. Furthermore, most available studies use a simplified tracing methodology. Using a large cohort of participants without history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or risk factors from the Canadian Alliance for Healthy Heart and Minds, we sought to establish a robust set of reference values for ventricular and atrial parameters using an anatomically correct contouring method, and to determine the influence of age and sex on ventricular parameters.Methods and resultsParticipants (n = 3206, 65% females; age 55.2 ± 8.4 years for females and 55.1 ± 8.8 years for men) underwent CMR using standard methods for quantitative measurements of cardiac parameters. Normal ventricular and atrial reference values are provided: (1) for males and females, (2) stratified by four age categories, and (3) for different races/ethnicities. Values are reported as absolute, indexed to body surface area, or height. Ventricular volumes and mass were significantly larger for males than females (p < 0.001). Ventricular ejection fraction was significantly diminished in males as compared to females (p < 0.001). Indexed left ventricular (LV) end-systolic, end-diastolic volumes, mass and right ventricular (RV) parameters significantly decreased as age increased for both sexes (p < 0.001). For females, but not men, mean LV and RVEF significantly increased with age (p < 0.001).ConclusionUsing anatomically correct contouring methodology, we provide accurate sex and age-specific normal reference values for CMR parameters derived from the largest, multi-ethnic population free of CVD to date.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02220582. Registered 20 August 2014—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02220582.

GIS-based urban village regional fire risk assessment and mapping

Fires in residential areas are one of the threats out of 13 disasters in Indonesia. Fires are disasters based on their causes, classified as disasters caused by human negligence. This research aims to identify residential fire incidents, assess fire risk levels, and map the risk level. We used the geographic information system (GIS) analysis approach and direct observation of the study area. The research location was in the Tamansari sub-district in Bandung City. The subdistrict of Tamansari consists of 20 neighborhood units (rukun warga/ RW) with 22,995 people and 6,598 households. We conducted a field survey from December 2019 to March 2020. We used a spatial approach to analyze fire risk in this residential area by using GIS to map urban-village regional fire incidents and assess the risk level. There were four fire hazard variables: population density, building density, building quality, road class. On the other hand, vulnerability variables are based on the community's social parameters: population density, percentage of old age and children under five, people with disabilities, and the population's sex ratio. The hazard and vulnerability maps overlay showed three neighborhood units (rukun warga/ RW) with a high risk of fire, eight RWs with a moderate risk of residential fires, and nine RWs with a low risk of residential fires. The areas with low-risk categories must remain vigilant because the width of the roads in these areas is relatively narrow.

Impact of Varicella-Zoster Virus/ Hepatitis C Virus (VZV/HCV) co-infection on liver enzymes activity

Varicella is a common, benign and self-limiting disease. It is related to hepatitis and malfunction/failure of the liver. This study was designed to assess Varicella-Zoster Virus/ Hepatitis C Virus (VZV/HCV) co-infection on the levels of liver enzymes. A total of 88 blood samples regardless of Hepatitis C Virus positivity were collected. The age and sex of the sample population are included in the demographic statistics. HCV-RNA was detected by RTnested PCR and VZV-DNA was identified by nested PCR in all the sera. Approximately 27 patients were positive for HCV and VZV co-infection. Liver function was also tested on the basis of parameters such as Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST) and Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT). Infection with HCV and VZV is more prevalent in the 34-55 age group tested by nested-PCR and liver function tests based on Alt and AST levels using qualitative test kits. The ALT and AST levels were high 102 and 99.6 IU/L in co-infected cases as compared to 35 and 32 IU/L in normal cases without HCV, HIV and VZV. The study results indicate the impact of VZV in the abnormality of liver function. This study concludes that coinfection with HCV/VZV can be seen as a highrisk category for the development of liver disease where long-term outcomes of the disease should be controlled.

Abstract 10116: Sex and Race Disparities in Mitral Regurgitation Related Mortality Rates Among Older Adults; Data from CDC Wonder 1999-2019

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the second most common valvular heart disease in the United States with recent improvements in the management of MR including percutaneous therapies. However, MR-related mortality may vary across sex and race groups in the elderly population. Methods: We used CDC Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) to access National Vital Statistics System data from 1999 to 2019. MR related deaths, age ≥75 years were identified from multiple causes of death and were represented as age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 population. Joinpoint regression was used to examine changes in trend and annual percentage change (APC) overall and stratified by sex and race groups. Results: AAMR related to MR decreased from 29.0 in 1999 to 15.4 in 2012 and then increased to 16.4 in 2019 (2012-2019 APC 1.2 [95% CI, 0.5 to 2.0]). AAMR was higher in women (19.6) compared with men (18.6). Among the race groups, AAMR was highest in non-Hispanic whites (NHWs) (20.8) followed by non-Hispanics Others (NH Others) (includes American Indian or Alaska Natives and Asian or Pacific Islanders) (12.7), non-Hispanic blacks (NHBs) (10.5) and lastly Hispanics (10.1). AAMR was highest in NHW females (21.1). After an initial decline, APC in AAMR increased in both men (1.4) and women (1.0) since 2012 and NHWs (0.9) since 2011. AAMR decreased in NHBs (APC -5.0) till 2009 and Hispanics (APC -4.6) until 2013 and remained stable thereafter. APC in AAMR decreased in NH-Others (-1.9) during the entire study period. Conclusion: After initial decline, MR related mortality has been increasing recently. Significant disparities exist across various sex and race subgroups. Further studies are needed to understand these trends and address the underlying causes of the disparities and increasing mortality in this patient population.

Abstract 10285: The Association of Food Deserts with Sudden Death in Wake County, North Carolina

Introduction: Food deserts (FD) are low-income areas with limited access to healthy foods associated with an individual’s risk of diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. These factors likely contribute to the risk of sudden death, but their association with sudden death is unknown. In this study, we aim to determine the impact of living in a food desert on sudden death. Hypothesis: Sudden death will occur more often in FD census tracts than in non-FD low-income tracts and high-income tracts. Methods: Census tract designations of income and FD status were determined from the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Access Research Atlas. The incidence of sudden death in each census tract was determined using a registry of 399 adjudicated out-of-hospital sudden deaths ages 18-64 in Wake County, North Carolina reported by emergency medical services from 2013-2015. A Poisson regression model was fit with FD status as a covariate and adjusted for the population size, percentage of males, and percentage of African Americans in the census tract. A Wald statistic was used to calculate sudden death incidence ratios (IR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the populations living in FD tracts and in non-FD low-income tracts, compared with the population residing in high-income tracts (non-low-income and non-FD) as the reference group. Results: After adjusting for population size, sex, and race, the incidence of sudden death in FDs was higher than high-income census tracts (IR=1.466, 95% CI: 1.021-2.105). The incidence in non-FD low-income census tracts was also higher than high-income tracts (IR=1.398, 95% CI: 0.993-1.968). However, the FD census tracts had similar incidence to the non-FD low-income tracts (IR=0.954, 95% CI: 0.665-1.367). Conclusion: Living a food desert in Wake County, NC is associated with sudden death. Public health initiatives addressing healthy food access and income inequality may reduce the incidence of sudden death. However, a larger study, with a greater geographic distribution, is in development to explore the independent association of poverty and availability of healthy foods.