Sex Differences Research Articles

Seasonal and Sex Differences in Arm Loss Frequency in Two Small Coastal Octopus Species (Octopus parvus and Hapalochlaena cf. fasciata)

Seasonal and Sex Differences in Arm Loss Frequency in Two Small Coastal Octopus Species (Octopus parvus and Hapalochlaena cf. fasciata)

Sex Differences in Natural History and Health Outcomes Among Individuals With Tic Disorders.

To analyze sex differences in outcomes in Tourette syndrome (TS) and Persistent Motor or Vocal tic disorders (PMVT) in the Tourette Association of America International Consortium for Genetics (TAAICG) dataset. The relationship between sex and clinical measures was explored in 2,403 participants (N = 2,109 with TS; N = 294 with PMVT) from the TAAICG dataset using generalized estimating equation regression models, and adjusted for age and family relationships. Female (vs male) participants with TS (25.5% of the sample) had 0.46 times lower odds of being formally diagnosed clinically with TS before the research study (p < 0.00001), later age at symptom onset (6.5 ± 2.8 vs 6.0 ± 2.7; p = 0.001), later age at diagnosis (13.3 ± 11.2 vs 10.7 ± 8.1; p = 0.0001), a longer time-to-diagnosis (3 [1, 7] vs 2 [1, 5], p = 0.01), and lower tic severity (28.4 ± 9.1 vs 30.7 ± 8.7); p < 0.0001). Female (vs male) participants with PMVT (42.9% of the sample) had an earlier age at symptom onset (7.9 ± 3.3 vs 8.9 ± 3.7; p = 0.05). Female (vs male) participants with TS are less likely to be formally diagnosed, have later age at symptom onset, later age at diagnosis, and longer time-to-diagnosis. Female (vs male) participants with PMVT have an earlier age at symptom onset. Future research is needed to understand differences longitudinally in TS and PMVT.

Exploring shape diversity and sexual dimorphism in two populations of Nigma conducens through geometric morphometrics

BackgroundSpiders are highly adaptable hunters found in nearly all terrestrial ecosystems and play an important role in biological control by preying on pest insects. Spiders’ body size and shape are vital for their survival, particularly in prey capture, and these morphological features are often utilized in cladistic analyses. This study employed geometric morphometrics to investigate prosoma shape and size variations between two populations of Nigma conducens spiders and between sexes within each population. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explored shape variation, while Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA) compared shape differences between populations and sexes. Multivariate regression analysis was used to check for allometry.ResultsMANOVA results revealed significant shape variations in spider prosoma between the two populations and between sexes, though the degree of these differences was small. The considerable overlap in individual shapes between populations may indicate a response to microhabitat similarity. Additionally, sexual dimorphism was observed in the prosoma shape of N. conducens, likely due to sexual selection or adaptive divergence related to different microhabitats. Size differences between sexes were insignificant in either population, particularly in the first, suggesting that prosoma size does not contribute to reproductive success. Moreover, the non-allometric relationship indicated that shape variations between the populations were independent of size.ConclusionOverall, these findings highlight the complexity of morphological adaptations in N. conducens in response to ecological pressures and sexual selection.

Medial sural artery perforator free flap for small- to medium-sized defects in head and neck reconstruction: a suitable replacement for radial forearm free flap

Background and objectivesTo compare clinical outcomes and donor site morbidity between medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap and radial forearm free (RFF) flap for soft tissue reconstruction of head and neck.MethodsForty-six patients who underwent free flap reconstruction at the head and neck cancer center from February 2019 to March 2021 were included, of which 25 RFF flaps and 21 MSAP flaps. The patient and flap characteristics (age, sex, flap size, harvest time, etc.) and outcomes (success rate, donor site complications including infection, hematoma, and fistula, donor site morbidity including abnormal sensation, weakness, range of motion, postoperative oral function) were recorded and compared. Patients were followed up for at least 12 months after surgery. The patients were assessed subjective donor-site morbidity and satisfaction with overall functional results using a self-reported questionnaire.ResultsThe success rates of RFF flaps and MSAP flaps were 96% and 95.2%. There were no significant differences in age, sex, flap size, pedicle length, postoperative treatment, and postoperative oral function. MSAP flap showed less donor site morbidity and better subjective satisfaction at the donor site than RFF flap did after a 12-month follow-up. A dominant perforator of the medial sural artery emerges constantly near the point which is approximately 15 cm from the popliteal fossa center vertically, and 3 cm from the postor midline of the leg horizontally.ConclusionDue to less donor site morbidity and higher patient satisfaction, MSAP flap can be used as a replacement for RFF flap for small to medium-sized defects in head and neck reconstruction.

Women are worse off in developing and recovering from temporomandibular disorder symptoms

Decision-making for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is reported being a clinical challenge, partly due to uncertainities in assessment of long-term prognosis. Therefore, our aim was to explore variations over time in TMD symptoms and possible sex or age differences. In this cohort study, data were prospectively collected 2010–2017 from the general population in Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. Adults were eligible if they had undergone at least two routine dental check-ups that included screening for TMDs (3Q/TMD) from which states were defined as absence or presence of TMD pain and/or jaw catching/locking. The rate of transitions was estimated between TMD states within a time span of one year. A total of 94,769 individuals were included (49.9% women) with 205,684 repeated visits and 9,006 state transitions recorded over the 8-year period. Compared to men, women had higher rates of transitions from no TMDs to any TMD symptoms. Furthermore, women had a lower rate of transition from TMD pain only to no TMDs. The finding of a poorer prognosis in women, as well as previously reported potential gender differences in pain perception and reporting, reinforces that gender differences should be accounted for in the treatment planning stage for patients with onset of TMDs.

One-Year Functional Outcome of Patients After Surgery for Acute Stanford Type AAortic Dissection.

Our aim was to report the functional outcome of Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD) after 1 year as well as morbidity and mortality. This is a retrospective analysis including 642 patients with TAAD from January 2005 to December 2021. Mean age at TAAD was 62 years (95% CI, 61-63), and 30% of the population were women. One year after surgery for TAAD, 75% of patients were living at home with New York Heart Association functional class I. No patients were observed with New York Heart Association functional class IV. Less than 2% resided in an assisted-living facility. Eighty-five percent of nonretired patients had returned to work. Two hundred twelve (33%) patients were retired after 1 year at a mean age of 73 years (95% CI, 72-74). Stroke (defined as any kind of neurological symptoms) occurred in 148 (23%) patients and was the cause of death in 33 patients. Of the remaining patients with stroke, 115 (30%) had no residual limitations 1 year after TAAD. The cross-clamp time was significantly higher in patients with stroke (98 minutes [95% CI, 94.0-101.1] in patients without stroke versus 106 minutes [95% CI, 98.5-114.1] in patients with stroke; P=0.026). Sixty-nine percent of patients with stroke lived at home, 28% lived at home with support, and 3% lived in an assisted-living facility. One year after stroke, 77% of the patients achieved a modified Rankin Scale score ≤2, whereas no patient had a modified Rankin Scale score of 5. There was no significant correlation between sex and recovery rate (P=0.48). However, experiencing a stroke significantly increased the likelihood of residing in an assisted-living facility or receiving support at home 1 year after TAAD (odds ratio, 9.46 [95% CI, 5.06-17.70]; P<0.001). Thirty-day mortality was 11.8%, and 92 patients (14%) died within the first year after TAAD. There was no significant sex difference in mortality (P=0.101). One year after surgery for Stanford acute type A aortic dissection, almost 3 out of 4 patients lived unassisted at home. Stroke survivors have a favorable outcome, with the majority having mild or no residual neurological deficits at 1 year.

Lymphocyte levels in Crohn’s disease patients in clinical remission are significantly lower than those in healthy people

Background and purposeInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, non-specific inflammatory bowel disease caused by multiple causes. Lymphocytes migration is involved in the pathogenesis of IBD. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there were differences in blood lymphocytes levels between IBD patients in clinical remission and healthy people.Patients and methodsA total of 94 Crohn’s disease (CD) and 20 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients were included in this study. Ninety-four people who underwent physical examination in our hospital were randomly selected as controls. We analyzed whether there were differences in white blood cell count, neutrophil count, neutrophil percentage, lymphocyte count, lymphocyte percentage between CD patients, UC patients, and healthy people.ResultsThere were significant differences in lymphocyte count (P < 0.001), lymphocyte percentage (P < 0.001), neutrophil count (P = 0.038), and neutrophil percentage (P < 0.001) between CD patients and normal people, but no statistically significant differences in sex (P = 0.216), age (P = 0.745), and white blood cell count (P = 0.757). UC patients had significant differences in white blood cell count (P = 0.005), lymphocyte count (P = 0.010), and neutrophil count (P = 0.023), but no difference in lymphocyte percentage (P = 0.968) and neutrophil percentage (P = 0.461).ConclusionsThe white blood cell count of CD patients was not significantly different from that of normal people, but the lymphocyte count and lymphocyte percentage were significantly different from that of healthy people. Similar results were not found in UC patients.

Facial Anthropometry Study Using Stereophotogrammetry Analysis Among Mozambique Adults.

This cross-sectional observational study aimed to establish facial linear and angular measurement values for Mozambique adults and to determine the morphologic differences between sexes and ages using stereophotogrammetry. One hundred and sixty-six Mozambique individuals categorized into 8 groups by age (20-65y) and sex were assessed. Anthropometric points were marked on the face, and 3D images were captured. Linear and angular measurements were obtained and evaluated. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test were used to determine differences among groups and sexes, with significance set at P<0.05. Significant differences in linear and angular measurements were observed between the groups and sexes. Differences were evident in 13 of 15 linear measurements, with higher values observed in men than in women. Women showed higher angular measurements than men in 4 of 6 measurements. Sexual dimorphism was confirmed by significantly higher linear measurements in men and increased angular measurements in women. Morphologic changes with aging included decreased eye width and lip height, increased mouth width, and augmented nose measurements, particularly in men. In addition, the nasolabial angle widened with age, and women exhibited more pronounced facial convexity than men. This study aims to gain insights into the facial metrics of diverse populations and utilize these findings in clinical practice to enhance prosthetic flow and forensic training and develop a comprehensive population database.

Mapping genomic regions affecting sensitivity to bovine respiratory disease on chromosome X using selective DNA pooling

Bovine respiratory disease is a leading health problem in feedlot cattle. Identification of affecting genes is essential for selection for decrease sensitivity. Chromosome X is a special attractive target for gene mapping in light of reports on both sexual dimorphism in immunity and higher susceptibility of males to this disease. However, diagnosis is challenging and clinical signs often go undetected. Kosher scoring of lung adhesions was used as a cost-effective proxy diagnosis. Selective DNA pooling was applied for cost-effective mapping of regions associated with sensitivity to the disease on chromosome X in Israeli Holstein male calves. A total of 9 regions were found, more than twice of any of the autosomes. All regions overlapped or were very close to previously reported regions. Bioinformatics survey found candidate-by-location genes in these regions. Functional analyses identified candidates-by-function among these genes. Network analyses connected the genes and found possible relations of the genes and the networks with morbidity, and specifically with sensitivity to bovine respiratory disease. The relatively large number of affecting regions and the candidate genes on the sex chromosome may explain part of the higher susceptibility of males and provide genomic and management targets for mitigating this disease.

Mean disease alleviation as a comprehensive metric for evaluating continuous positive airway pressure therapy in obstructive sleep apnea: establishing reference values and clinical significance.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) poses significant health risks, warranting effective treatment strategies. While Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is widely utilized, assessing treatment effectiveness remains complex. This study aimed to establish reference values for mean disease alleviation (MDA) in a large CPAP-treated cohort. Data from the Apnea Positive Pressure Long-term Efficacy Study (APPLES) were analyzed. A total of 352 participants underwent 6 months of CPAP therapy, with adherence and efficacy monitored objectively. MDA, calculated as the product of treatment efficacy and percentage adherence, was assessed. Age and sex differences in MDA and its association with sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores >10) were evaluated using logistic regression and linear regression models. The mean MDA in the 352 participants at 6 months was 61.1% (±34.2%), with a significant positive correlation between MDA and adherence (R=0.81, P<0.001). Older participants demonstrated higher adherence and MDA compared to younger participants (58.2% ± 27.8% vs. 51.1% ± 27.4%, P=0.047). Despite higher efficacy, females demonstrated lower adherence, yielding comparable MDA levels to males. Participants achieving MDA ≥40% had significantly lower odds of sleepiness (OR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.23-0.70, P=0.001). MDA serves as a valuable metric for evaluating OSA therapy outcomes, integrating both adherence and treatment efficacy. MDA ≥40% was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in sleepiness. Embracing MDA as a benchmark for OSA therapy evaluation holds promise for optimizing personalized and effective OSA management and improving patient outcomes. Future research should focus on optimizing MDA and exploring its impact on long-term outcomes.

Pituitary Adenomas in Children: : Specific Imaging Features According to Hormonal Secretion.

Pituitary adenomas are much rarer in children than in adults. We aimed to analyze their imaging characteristics in this age group and to compare them according to the hormonal secretion. We conducted an observational monocentric retrospective study on clinical and imaging data. We analyzed imaging features before surgery or drug treatment of pituitary adenomas in children confirmed by histopathology or hormonal secretion. We assessed tumoral signal intensity, volume and aggressiveness, and compared it according to the hormonal secretion. We included 31 children (13 lactotroph (42%), 8corticotroph (26%), 5somatotroph (16%), 5plurihormonal adenomas (16%) including 1 non-secreting macroadenoma) with a median age of 13years (range 2-16years-old), without age or sex difference between secretion types. Lactotroph and somatotroph adenomas were larger than corticotroph adenomas (p = 0.007) and were more aggressive (p = 0.01). They also had higher signal intensity on T2-weighted images (p = 0.04). T1 signal intensity was similar between the groups on pre and post-contrast images (lower enhancement than the normal pituitary). No non-secreting micro-adenoma became clinically significant enough to lead to a pathological confirmation or specific treatment. Genetic research was conducted on 20children, finding MEN1 mutations in 80% of the patients. Pituitary adenomas in children are rare but should be considered when facing similar imaging features than in adults. Imaging characteristics may allow to suspect the hormonal secretion.

Radio(chemo)therapy in anal cancer: evaluation of sex-specific disparities across AJCC stages.

This study aimed to investigate sex differences in anal squamous cell carcinomas (ASCC), with aparticular focus on the prognostic significance of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 9thedition staging system for oncological outcome. Aretrospective analysis was conducted in 188 patients with histologically confirmed ASCC who underwent definitive (chemo)radiotherapy between 2004 and 2020. Patient- and tumor-related data were collected. Tumor stage groups were classified according to the AJCC 9thedition. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), freedom from recurrence (FFR), and colostomy-free survival (CFS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method for univariate testing and Cox regression models for multivariate analysis. Differences between sexes were assessed. The cohort included 134 females and 54males, with amedian follow-up of 83months. Females exhibited significantly better OS (p = 0.01), DFS (p = 0.01), and CFS (p = 0.03). For male patients, there was aclear trend towards better OS (p = 0.08), DFS (p = 0.10), and FFR (p = 0.09) in earlier tumors as well as significantly better CFS (p = 0.04). In contrast, in the female subgroup, there were no significant differences in OS (p = 0.64), DFS (p = 0.52), and CFS (p = 0.25) with respect to tumor stage. In multivariate analysis, male sex, older age, and advanced tumor stages were significant risk factors for poorer OS, DFS, and CFS. This study highlights significant sex differences in ASCC prognoses, with females showing better survival outcomes. The prognostic value of the AJCC 9thedition staging system differs between sexes; thus, we support the inclusion of sex as aprognostic factor in staging systems.

First ischemic stroke in young adults: Sex and age-related differences in stroke rates, risk factors, and etiologies.

Sex differences in stroke incidence, vascular risk factors (VRFs), and etiologies among young adults remain underexplored, particularly regarding age-related patterns. We retrospectively analyzed young adults (18-55 years) with first-ever ischemic stroke treated at certified acute stroke units/centers between 2014 and 2022, using Swiss Stroke Registry data. Stroke rates (per 100,000 person-years), VRFs, and etiologies were assessed by age and sex. Among 3,995 stroke patients, stroke rates were similar between sexes until age 35, after which men showed a more pronounced exponential increase. This rise was particularly notable in patients with elevated BMI and ⩾2 VRFs. The proportion of patients with ⩾2 VRFs rose with age (18-35: 22%; 36-50: 48%; 51-55: 63%). While no statistically significant differences in VRF profiles were observed between men and women aged 18-35, men accumulated VRFs about five years earlier than women, leading to a higher prevalence of multiple VRFs in men aged 36-50, with the gap narrowing in the 51-55 group. Stroke etiologies shifted with age: patent foramen ovale and cervical artery dissection predominated in younger patients, while large artery atherosclerosis, small vessel disease, and strokes of undetermined etiology increased with age, with notable sex differences. This study highlights sex and age differences in ischemic stroke rates, VRFs, and etiologies among adults under 55 years. After 35, stroke rates rose more sharply in men, paralleling their higher VRF burden. These findings emphasize the importance of early management of VRFs-including overweight-to mitigate stroke risk.

Socioeconomic factors and sex effects of postpartum maternal depression on offspring internalizing symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPostpartum maternal depression and socioeconomic factors are established risk factors for the mental health of offspring. It has been consistently unclear as to whether female or male offspring are more vulnerable to the effects of postpartum maternal depression at different stages of the child’s life course. To determine whether the characteristics of postpartum maternal depression with a history of prenatal depression influence sex differences in offspring internalizing symptoms across childhood and adolescence, socioeconomic factors should be considered.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CNKI, and SinoMed databases from inception to November 28, 2023, and selected longitudinal cohort studies that quantified sex differences in internalizing symptoms of children and adolescents. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using random-effects models. ROBINS-E tool was used to rate the quality of evidence.ResultsTwenty-eight studies were eligible between 1997 and 2023, including 24,022 mother–child dyads. Sex-difference trajectories of offspring internalizing symptoms were identified after exposure to postpartum maternal depression, ranging from a lack of significant sex differences in childhood to a higher prevalence observed among girls than boys in adolescence (SMD, 0.25, 95% CI, 0.13–0.38). Economic income and maternal education affected the associations between the magnitude and concurrent recurrence of postpartum depression and significant sex differences in adolescent internalizing symptoms, respectively. After adjusting for socioeconomic factors, early nonconcurrent recurrence of postpartum depression was associated with greater odds of internalizing symptoms among adolescent girls than among boys (β = 0.03, 95% CI, 0.01–0.06); however, there was no statistical significance after adjusting for prenatal depression.ConclusionsSocioeconomic factors differentially impacted the association between postpartum maternal depression and significant sex differences in adolescent internalizing symptoms. Independent of socioeconomic factors and prenatal depression, postpartum maternal depression was not associated with significant sex differences in adolescent internalizing symptoms. Therefore, the significant sex effects of postpartum maternal depression are more likely due to complex interactions between maternal depression and the intrauterine and postpartum environments that shape offspring sex-difference trajectories, with consequences occurring for later internalizing symptoms in adolescence.Trial registrationPROSPERO, CRD42022301445.

Three-Dimensional Geometric Morphometric Characterization of Facial Sexual Dimorphism in Juveniles

Background: The characterization of facial sexual dimorphic patterns in healthy populations serves as valuable normative data to tailor functionally effective surgical treatments and predict their aesthetic outcomes and to identify dysmorphic facial traits related to hormonal disorders and genetic syndromes. Although the analysis of facial sexual differences in juveniles of different ages has already been investigated, few studies have approached this topic with three-dimensional (3D) geometric morphometric (GMM) analysis, whose interpretation may add important clinical insight to the current understanding. This study aims to investigate the location and extent of facial sexual variations in juveniles through a spatially dense GMM analysis. Methods: We investigated 3D stereophotogrammetric facial scans of 304 healthy Italians aged 3 to 18 years old (149 males, 155 females) and categorized into four different age groups: early childhood (3–6 years), late childhood (7–12 years), puberty (13–15 years), and adolescence (16–18 years). Geometric morphometric analyses of facial shape (allometry, general Procrustes analysis, Principal Component Analysis, Procrustes distance, and Partial Least Square Regression) were conducted to detail sexually dimorphic traits in each age group. Results: The findings confirmed that males have larger faces than females of the same age, and significant differences in facial shape between the two sexes exist in all age groups. Juveniles start to express sexual dimorphism from 3 years, even though biological sex becomes a predictor of facial soft tissue morphology from the 7th year of life, with males displaying more protrusive medial facial features and females showing more outwardly placed cheeks and eyes. Conclusions: We provided a detailed characterization of facial change trajectories in the two sexes along four age classes, and the provided data can be valuable for several clinical disciplines dealing with the craniofacial region. Our results may serve as comparative data in the early diagnosis of craniofacial abnormalities and alterations, as a reference in the planning of personalized surgical and orthodontic treatments and their outcomes evaluation, as well as in several forensic applications such as the prediction of the face of missing juveniles.

Protective factors for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in adolescence: a longitudinal population-based cohort study examining sex differences

BackgroundAdolescence is a critical period with elevated vulnerability to suicidality. Despite the importance of protective factors in reducing suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SA), research in this area remains limited. This study investigated the associations between protective factors in early adolescence and the subsequent outcomes of SI and SA a year later, while also examining sex differences in these associations.MethodsThis study utilized data from a representative sample at two timepoints, T1 (N = 2464, 50.8% females, mean age = 13.7, SD = 0.6) in 1998 and T2 (N = 2432, 50.4% females, mean age = 14.9, SD = 0.6) one year later, collected as part of the longitudinal Youth and Mental Health Study (YAMHS) in Norway. Individual, social and environmental protective factors were identified based on prior research and theoretical frameworks. We used linear (or ordinal logistic) regression analyses with SI (or SA) as dependent variable, and one protective factor, sex and their interaction as covariates.ResultsPositive self-perceptions (T1) were significantly associated with reduced SI and SA one year later (T2) for both sexes. Specifically, self-worth was more strongly associated with reduced SI in females (B = -0.16, 95% CI: -0.20 to -0.12, p <.001) than males (B = -0.08, 95% CI: -0.12 to -0.04, p <.001). The interaction between sex and social competence influenced the likelihood of SA, with males (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.42, p <.001) showing a greater reduction than females (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.80, p =.009), although this association only showed a trend towards significance (p =.083). Higher physical activity and school connectedness/wellbeing were associated with lower SI, and school connectedness/wellbeing to lower SA, with no sex differences. No significant associations were found between task-oriented coping, attachment, family functioning or socio-economic status and SI or SA.ConclusionsFostering positive self-perception, physical activity, and school connectedness/wellbeing is important for adolescent suicide prevention, as these factors contribute to reducing suicidality. Sex differences were observed in the associations between self-worth and SI, as well as social competence and SA. Future research should explore additional protective factors across sex and gender groups.

Sex Differences in Intelligence on the WISC: A Meta-Analysis on Children with Specific Learning Disabilities

Several studies have examined performance on the Wechsler batteries in typically developing children and adolescents. In particular, some studies suggest that cognitive functioning may differ between males and females. In this framework, the present study aims to investigate, through a meta-analytical approach, whether there are sex differences in the profiles emerging from the WISC battery in children with a Specific Learning Disability. For this purpose, a systematic search was conducted, resulting in a final selection of 12 published studies which utilized the WISC and included at least one group of SLD children of similar ages. Scores obtained in each scale and subtest of the battery were then examined according to the CHC/WISC-V classification. A series of mixed-effects models were fitted to meta-analyze the data. The results highlight some differences favoring males, and others advantaging females. On the one hand, males exhibited higher performances in crystallized intelligence, visual processing, and quantitative knowledge. On the other hand, females showed better performance in short-term memory and processing speed. Nevertheless, no differences in fluid reasoning emerged, which probably did not prompt differences in overall intellectual functioning. From a practical and implications point of view, understanding sex-specific differences seems to be of pivotal importance, since it might trigger the development of ad hoc intervention programs in the clinical and educational context.

Sex differences in alcohol and other substance use in sexual contexts among adolescents: an observational study.

Background There is a co-occurrence of adolescents' substance use and sexual practices, with an important impact on their health and health behaviours; however, limited research is conducted with adolescents. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of substance use (alcohol and/or other substances) in sexual contexts and to identify its associated factors among adolescents, comparing boys and girls. Methods Cross-sectional study with data from 6352 adolescents aged 14----18years from the DESKcohort project. Prevalence of alcohol and/or other substance use in sexual contexts (OSUSC) stratified by sex were calculated, according to axes of inequality, psychosocial factors, and sexual health and health variables. Poisson regression models with robust variance were calculated to analyse potential associations with independent variables. Results Girls (51.4% of the sample) reported a higher prevalence of alcohol use in sexual contexts than boys (43.9% vs 33.9%, P Conclusions These findings suggest that substance use in sexual contexts reflects a broader pattern of co-occurring risky behaviours rather than intentional sexualised substance use. Some vulnerable groups include girls, adolescents with a minority sexual orientation, and students with disadvantaged SEPs. These findings underscore the need for holistic interventions targeting adolescents' health, addressing substance use and sexual risk behaviours simultaneously to reduce potential consequences such as unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Sex-Based Effects on Muscle Oxygenation During Repeated Maximal Intermittent Handgrip Exercise

Background: This investigation aimed to examine sex-based differences in deoxy[heme] (HHb), tissue saturation (StO2), and force-deoxygenation ratio (FD) of the forearm flexor muscles during a maximal-effort intermittent fatiguing handgrip protocol. Methods: Thirty-three healthy males (n = 15) and females (n = 18) completed a fatiguing handgrip protocol consisting of 60 4 s contractions separated by a 1 s rest. Near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure muscle oxygenation before, during, and after the protocol. Results: Sex differences in HHb (p = 0.033) and StO2 (p = 0.021) were observed with significantly greater values for females (HHb: 110.204 ± 12.626% of baseline; StO2: 72.091 ± 5.812%) in comparison to males (HHb: 101.153 ± 12.847% of baseline; StO2: 66.978 ± 7.799%). Females (0.199 ± 0.081 AU) also demonstrated significantly (p = 0.001) lower FD in comparison to males (0.216 ± 0.094 AU). However, males (b = −0.023 ± 0.008 AU) demonstrated a significantly (p &lt; 0.001) greater rate of decline in FD in comparison to females (b = −0.017 ± 0.006 AU). Conclusions: Prior to, during, and after a maximal-effort intermittent fatiguing handgrip fatiguing protocol, males demonstrate significantly lower StO2 than females and a faster rate of decline in FD. Moreover, females demonstrate greater HHb values than males when assessed relative to a resting baseline.

Impact of resistance and endurance exercise training on femoral artery function: sex differences in humans.

Exercise has direct and indirect anti-atherogenic impacts on arterial function and health in humans. Few studies have directly compared the impacts of different commonly adopted exercise approaches on femoral artery function. We hypothesized that, owing to its direct impact via sustained increases in shear stress, endurance (END) training would have larger impacts on arterial diameter and function than resistance (RES) training. Thirty-nine young, healthy participants (age 26.9±6.2 years, 22♀) completed 12weeks of both RES and END training in random order, separated by a 12week washout. Resting femoral artery diameter and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) were collected before and after each exercise intervention. END training was associated with an increase in both FMD (Δ1.61±3.09%, P=0.005) and resting diameter (Δ0.15±0.29mm, P=0.004). Neither resting diameter nor FMD increased following RES. However, sex difference analysis revealed that males increased FMD following RES (Δ2.21±3.76%, P=0.015), whereas no RES change was evident for females. Following END, both males and females increased FMD (♂, Δ1.11±1.65%; ♀, Δ1.88±3.67%; both P=0.025), with males also showing an increase in resting arterial diameter following END (Δ0.23±0.2mm, P < 0.001). Group data revealed that END has greater impacts than RES on femoral artery diameter and flow-mediated functional responses, which are endothelium mediated and nitric oxide dependent. Males exhibit beneficial impacts in response to both END and RES, whereas females respond predominantly to END. Our findings suggest that arterial adaptation to exercise might be influenced by exercise modality and sex. KEY POINTS: Exercise has anti-atherogenic effects and lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This is mediated, in part, by the direct haemodynamic impacts of exercise on arterial function, structure and health. Different modalities of exercise have distinct effects on arterial haemodynamics, but few studies have directly compared, within subjects and using a cross-over design of trial, the relative impacts of distinct forms of exercise training on arterial adaptation. In this study, endurance training increased baseline femoral artery diameter and flow-mediated dilatation, which is endothelium dependent and mediated by nitric oxide. Resistance training had a beneficial but lesser impact. Females and males were responsive to endurance training, but only males responded positively to resistance training in this study. These results show that changing the training mode modifies training-induced arterial adaptation; this has implications for the optimization of exercise prescription for individual benefit.