Significant Gender-based Difference Research Articles

The role of gender in resting full-cycle ratio (RFR) guided coronary revascularization

BackgroundGender-based differences in clinical outcomes of patients undergoing fractional flow reserved (FFR) guided coronary revascularization is well documented. This study aimed to compare resting full-cycle ratio (RFR) values between men and women and whether this translated into difference in clinical outcomes in patients who underwent RFR-guided coronary revascularization. MethodsThis was a retrospective single-centre study of consecutive patients who underwent RFR-guided revascularization for coronary lesions with intermediate degree of stenosis. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), unplanned revascularization, and unstable angina requiring hospital admission at one year. ResultsIn 373 consecutive patients (510 lesions, 26% women) there was no statistically significant difference in RFR value between men and women (0.90 ± 10 versus 0.90 ± 11, P = 0.95). There was no statistically significant difference between men and women in the primary endpoint, even after adjustment to the imbalance between the two groups [3.7% vs. 3.0%; HR 1.43, 95% CI (0.46 to 4.43), P = 0.54]; or its individual components of death (1.1% vs 0.8%, P = 0.76), MI (1.9% vs 0.8%, P = 0.38) or unplanned revascularization, including unstable angina admissions (2.6% vs 2.3%, P = 0.82). The comparable clinical outcomes were consistent across all different subgroups, including clinical presentation, diabetes status, left ventricle systolic function, kidney function, and the interrogated coronary artery. ConclusionOur study suggests no significant gender-based difference in the value of RFR or 1-year clinical outcomes in patients undergoing resting physiology guided coronary revascularization.

The impact of online health information source preference on intolerance to uncertainty and cyberchondria in a youthful generation.

The increasing utilization of the Internet to access health-related information is believed to heighten anxiety and trigger cyberchondria due to the presence of conflicting and sometimes overly detailed information. To investigate the levels of cyberchondria and intolerance of uncertainty among university students and their relationship with different online health information sources. Between June and July 2022, 420 university students (mean age = 21.5 ± 2 years, 54% female) participated in this cross-sectional study. The socio-demographic form, Uncertainty Intolerance Scale (IUS), and Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS) were used in data collection. Pearson correlation test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with cyberchondria. Forums and private hospital/clinic websites were the most frequently utilized online health information sources, while governmental websites were the least. The mean scores for CSS and IUS were 81.5 and 41.0, respectively. There was no significant gender-based difference in CSS and IUS scores. Students who used newspapers/magazines and social media for health information had significantly higher scores on both scales. Cyberchondria had a negative association with age [odds ratio (OR) = 0.90], a positive significant relationship with newspaper/magazine website use (OR = 7.24), and IUS score (OR = 1.09). There was a positive and moderate correlation between CSS and IUS scores (r = 0.39, P < 0.001). Our results underline the susceptibility to cyberchondria and intolerance of uncertainty among young adults who used less reliable online health information sources and highlight promoting online health literacy to reduce vulnerabilities and the need for further research on socio-demographic determinants in both mental problems.

Post COVID-19 adversity quotient levels of kindergarten students and role of teachers in improving child adversity quotient

This research examines the post-COVID-19 adversity quotient levels among kindergarten students and evaluates the pivotal role educators can play in enhancing this essential attribute. Amid the pandemic, kindergarten-level students transitioned to virtual learning environments, faced a potential impact on their adaptability when shifted back to in-person classes. Notably, students with a higher adversity quotient exhibit greater adaptability than those with lower levels. Consequently, this study undertakes an inquiry into the extent of students' adversity quotient and the intricate contributions of teachers in fostering this critical skill. Conducted in Pekanbaru, Riau Province, Indonesia, this research employed a saturation sampling approach, recruiting 151 students and 30 teachers from public kindergarten settings. Analytical methods encompassed descriptive quantitative analyses and t-tests with the help of SPSS 25. The findings revealed that students, on average, exhibited a high adversity quotient. This finding underscores their proficiency in dimensions such as control, origin/ownership, reach, and endurance when confronting challenges, both during and after the COVID-19 era. Additionally, the research unveiled a significant gender-based difference in adversity quotient levels, with male students outscoring their female counterparts. Moreover, the study underscored the commendable performance of teachers in fulfilling their roles to bolster students' adversity quotient. This observation implies that educators effectively assumed their responsibilities across each dimension of the adversity quotient, fostering a conducive learning environment characterized by sound practices during online and in-person instructional sessions, thus facilitating students' adaptability.

Physical activity, anxiety, depression, and coping in Turkish men and women during the first wave of COVID-19.

A need exists to better understand the relationships between COVID-19, coping behaviors, physical activity and stress, and COVID-19's impact on way of life. A cross-sectional study design was used to examine adult physical activity, hope, depression, anxiety, and coping status by gender during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to determine the impact of these variables on the coping process. The study also examined the effect of gender on the relation between physical activity and dependent variables. A global survey instrument was used in this study, including 1,400 Turkish adults. This study identified significant gender-based differences regarding physical activity, hope, depression, anxiety, and coping status of adults, although no significant gender-based difference was found regarding hope scores. Furthermore, physical activity directly influenced coping (β = 0.10), hope (β = 0.12), and anxiety (β = -0.08). Hope directly and positively influenced coping (β = 0.45) and directly and negatively influenced anxiety (β = -0.25) and depression (β = -0.28). Moreover, gender did not directly affect physical activity, but it was associated with decreased coping and increased depression and anxiety. Finally, gender had no effect on the relation between physical activity and hope, coping, depression, and anxiety (p > 0.01). These outcomes support the critical importance of physical activity and hope when coping with COVID-19 regardless of gender.

Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between Perception of Organizational Justice and Gender in Educational Organizations in Türkiye

This study aims to examine the relationship between the perception of organizational justice and gender in educational organizations using the meta-analysis method. Additionally, the study explores the impact of moderator variables, including year, thesis/study type, field of study, participants, school type, and applied region, on the relationship between organizational justice perception and gender. The research begins with a comprehensive literature review that identified 883 academic theses. These theses were then screened based on inclusion criteria, resulting in 86 independent theses that met the criteria for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis encompassed a total sample size of 37,192, with 20,503 females and 16,689 males. The study findings indicate a significant gender-based difference in organizational justice, favoring men [k = 86, d = -0.062, 95% CI (0.096, -0.028), p &lt; 0.05]. Additionally, the results show that the relationship between gender and organizational justice perceptions remains consistent across various moderators. Based on these findings, it is recommended that researchers conduct causally-determining studies, while educational administrators should focus on enhancing interactional, distributional, and procedural efforts to improve the perception of organizational justice, particularly among women.

Assessing the Association of Socio Demographic Factors with Dental Anxiety: A Cross Sectional Study at A Tertiary Care Hospital in Islamabad

Background: Dental anxiety among patients is a significant impediment leading to delayed or incomplete dental treatment. Understanding the determinants of dental anxiety is crucial, given the potential variations in causative factors across different regions due to cultural diversity and past dental experiences. In light of limited available data and cultural heterogeneity, this study aimed to explore the correlation between age, gender, educational level, socio-economic status, and residence with dental anxiety among patients seeking care at a teaching dental hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 375 patients attending a private teaching hospital was conducted, with dental anxiety assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale. Exclusion criteria involved patients with known anxiety disorders or a history of intellectual disabilities. Results: The findings demonstrated a statistically significant gender-based difference in dental anxiety (p-value: 0.00), with a majority of females exhibiting anxiety levels ranging from moderate to extreme. Additionally, a significant association was observed between socio-economic status and dental anxiety (p-value: 0.03), revealing lower levels of dental anxiety among individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds compared to those from middle and upper socio-economic strata. However, no significant differences were identified in dental anxiety concerning age, educational level, and residence (urban/rural). Conclusion: The study concludes that targeted anxiety reduction protocols should be prioritized for female patients and those belonging to the upper socio-economic status.

Outcomes of Patients with Liver Metastases from Colorectal Cancer who mostly Presented as Emergencies (Obstruction and Perforation) in a District General Hospital from 2014 to 2021

Abstract Background In the UK, District General Hospitals (DGH) play a pivotal role as primary sites for CRC diagnosis and staging, as many patients initially present as emergencies. However, patients with CRC-related liver metastases often require specialized management at tertiary facilities. Methods This study conducted a retrospective data collection in 2023, analysing anonymized CRC patient records from 2014 to 2021. The findings shed light on various aspects of CRC with liver metastases. Results Notably, a significant gender-based difference emerged, with males comprising 62.5% of the diagnosed patient cohort and females making up the remaining 37.5%. Anatomically, 27.08% of cases were localized in the rectum, while the majority (72.91%) occurred in the colon. A substantial proportion of patients were diagnosed at advanced T stages, with 81.25% categorized as stages 3 and 4, indicating locally advanced or metastatic disease. Conversely, 18.75% were identified at earlier T stages, stages 1 and 2. Diverse biological marker profiles showed: 33.3% dual KRAS/BRAF, 22.9% KRAS-only, 17.9% no markers. Patient management at tertiary care facilities encompassed diverse interventions, including surgical procedures (45.83%), chemotherapy (75%), and palliative care (25%). Survival outcomes were varied, with 35.41% achieving a commendable 3-year survival rate, 31.25% attaining a commendable 5-year survival rate, and 27.08% exceeding the 5-year milestone. However, 6.25% experienced survival limited to a year or less. Conclusion This study provides comprehensive insights into CRC with liver metastases, emphasizing the importance of early detection and personalized care, with potential for improved survival rates while acknowledging the complexities of managing this disease.

Assessing the Influence of the Technology Acceptance Model on Social Media and eLearning Content Adoption: A Case Study of Colleges of Education in the Central and Western Zone of Ghana

This study investigated the impact of Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), and Perceived Reliability (PR) on the attitudes of Colleges of Education (CoE) students regarding social media and their adoption of E-learning content. As digital tools become increasingly essential in education, this research explored how students’ perceptions of the utility, ease of use, and reliability of social media influence their attitudes and the adoption of eLearning content. The study also assessed gender differences in the impact of these factors on students and the implications of PR, PU, and PEOU of social media for eLearning content adoption. The research utilized a mixed-method approach that combined quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, with 391 diverse CoE students selected through multistage sampling. The quantitative phase measured PU, PEOU, PR, and Attitude as variables, establishing their relationships through statistical analysis. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews provided nuanced insights into students’ experiences and perceptions. The results demonstrated a positive and significant influence of social media’s PU, PEOU, and PR on Attitude, as well as on eLearning content adoption. Notably, there is no significant gender-based difference in the influence of PR, PU, and PEOU on attitude, although male values slightly exceed those of females. The research also explored the implications for increasing female participation in eLearning and the potential for replication using other technology acceptance models. Educators, institutions, and developers can leverage the findings of this research to improve the design and implementation of digital tools, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for CoE students. Keywords: Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Perceived Reliability, Social Media, eLearning, Content Adoption.

Exploring Gender-Neutral Self-Confidence Levels in Adventure Sports Participants: A Comparative Study

This study aimed to assess and compare the levels of self-confidence among male and female athletes participating in Cross-Country Mountaineering (CCM) and Skiing (SK) activities. A total of 40 subject were selected from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) Himachal Pradesh, with equal representation from each gender within both CCM and SK categories. Self-confidence levels were measured using the SCI-RG questionnaire, and statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA. The results revealed a significant gender-based difference in self-confidence levels, with males exhibiting higher self-confidence than females. These findings support existing research on gender disparities in sports-related self-confidence and suggest that various sociocultural, psychological, and sport-specific factors may contribute to these differences. Future investigations should further explore these factors to enhance support for athletes in both CCM and SK, irrespective of their gender, in their pursuit of optimal performance and personal growth.

Pre-service Teachers' Perception of Renewable Energy Sources: A Case Study of Düzce University

This research was conducted to examine pre-service teachers’ perception of renewable energy sources, tendency to use renewable energy and opinions about the future use of renewable energy sources and to investigate whether they have basic knowledge about renewable energy sources. To this end, the Renewable Energy Perception Scale, a 5-point Likert scale, was administered to a total of 755 pre-service teachers in the Science Teaching and Primary Teaching Departments in the Education Faculty of Düzce University. The scale has three sub-dimensions, namely “Renewable Energy Knowledge”, “Renewable Energy Future Vision”, and “Renewable Energy Tendency”. In the whole scale and its sub-dimensions of “Renewable Energy Knowledge” and “Renewable Energy Tendency”, it was found that the pre-service primary teachers had a statistically significantly better perception of renewable energy sources than the pre-service science teachers. Also, younger participants were found to have a statistically significantly better perception in the “Renewable Energy Tendency” sub-dimension. There is a statistically significant gender-based difference in the “Renewable Energy Future Vision” sub-dimension. On the other hand, no significant gender-based difference was found for the whole scale and the other sub-dimensions. This study shows the importance of examining pre-service teachers’ perception of renewable energy in terms of their better teaching these sources to their future students.

Junior high school students’ views of nature of science: evidence from a private school in Davao Region, Philippines

ABSTRACT Understanding nature of science (NOS) is integral to the development of students’ scientific literacy. While NOS studies are growing worldwide, none of these reported on the views of secondary school learners in the Philippines. Hence, this study examined the Filipino junior high school (JHS) students’ views of the NOS and determined whether significant differences existed when these views were analysed according to gender and grade level. Through convenience sampling, a total of 173 JHS students from a private school in Davao Region, Philippines, participated in this study. Employing a convergent parallel mixed method design, data were collected using the Student Understanding of Science and Scientific Inquiry questionnaire. Analyses of quantitative and qualitative data revealed that the sampled JHS students did not have well-informed views of various NOS aspects. Mainly, students held transitional views of most NOS tenets. Further analysis showed that a significant gender-based difference only existed in the imaginative and creative aspect while, significant grade level-based differences were only noted among Likert responses of students in the tentative and observation and inferences aspects of NOS.

Assessment of Preventive Strategies Compliance Among HIV/AIDS Patients Attending Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, Nigeria

A high level of compliance is required to achieve the desired outcomes of treatment among HIV/AIDS patients. There is paucity of information about compliance to preventive strategies in Katsina State of Northern Nigeria. In this study, a questionnaire was developed, validated, and applied to evaluate adherence to prevention strategies in HIV/AIDS patients attending the Federal teaching hospital, Katsina (FTH) in Nigeria using an investigative descriptive study design. The questionnaire was distributed to 303 respondents that were randomly selected out of 1, 250 population of FTH, and all were returned for data analysis. Descriptive statistics, chi-square and t-tests were used to describe the respondent’s demographic information, test the main and sub-hypotheses. Results showed. Results showed significantly higher adherence to prevention strategies among HIV/AIDS patients attending FTH, Katsina (x2 194.55 df 3 p&lt;0.05). HIVAIDS patients attending the FTH, Katsina are subject to guidelines for preventing transmission of HIV/AIDS (x2202.939 df 3 p&lt;0.05). There was also a significant gender-based difference in adherence to prevention strategies among HIV/AIDS patients attending FTH, Katsina (t 25.690 df 301, p value 0.000). Among HIV/AIDS patients attending the FTH, Katsina, there was a significant difference in adherence to prevention strategies based on educational status (t 219.094 df 302, p-value 0.000). Based on location, there was a significant difference in adherence to prevention strategies among HIV/AIDS patients attending the FTH, Katsina (t 23.038 df 301, p-value 0.000). Results from this study shows that HIV/AIDS patients attending Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina significantly adhere to preventive guidelines for curbing the transmission of HIV/AIDS. However to further achieve the desired quality of life improvements for individual subjects and reduce prevalence in the society, concerted efforts are needed to promote compliance to therapy.

The Impact of Traffic Law Enforcement Regulations on the Incidence and Severity of Maxillofacial Injuries.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the new traffic law enforcement regulations (TLERs) on the incidence and severity of maxillofacial injuries in Oman, as road traffic accidents (RTAs) are the main cause of facial injuries in Oman. A retrospective longitudinal analytic study was conducted at three tertiary care hospitals in Muscat, Oman. All patients with RTA-related maxillofacial injuries during a five-year period from January 2005 to December 2009 (before the new TLERs) and the five-year period from January 2015 to December 2019 (after the new TLERs) were included in the study. A total of 1,127 patients were included in the study. Of these, 646 (57.3%) patients sustained RTA-related maxillofacial injuries before the implementation of the new TLERs compared to 481 (42.7%) after the introduction of TLERs. No significant gender-based difference was found between the two study periods. The incidence of injury before the implementation of the new TLERs was 22.7 per 100,000 population, which then reduced significantly to 11 per 100,000 after the TLERs were implemented. Overall, the mean facial injury severity score reduced significantly, from 3.2 to 2.3, after the implementation of the new TLERs. The findings of this study indicate that the newly introduced TLERs have resulted in a reduction in the incidence and severity of RTA-related maxillofacial injuries. Continuous improvement and reinforcement of TLERs will further help reduce the burden of these injuries to society in general and health services in particular.

A study on the association between the inferior nasal turbinate volume and the maxillary sinus mucosal lining using cone beam tomography

ObjectivesThe volume of the inferior turbinates (IT) and the lining of the maxillary sinuses are important parameters when assessing sino-nasal diseases. However, no radiographic studies have investigated the correlation between these parameters. The present study was conducted to analyze the association between IT volumes and thickness of maxillary sinus mucosal lining. Materials and methodsA retrospective evaluation of the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 100 adult subjects was carried out by two radiologists. The scans were assigned to two groups (Group 1 & 2) based on the radiographic evidence of maxillary sinus lining in the CBCT scans. Group 1 consisted of 50 CBCT scans of subjects with no evidence of maxillary sinus mucosal lining, whereas Group 2 consisted of 50 subjects with evidence of maxillary sinus mucosal lining. The scans in the Group 2 were further sub-classified into five categories, based on the thickness of the maxillary sinus mucosal lining. Vesalius 3D software was used to evaluate the total volume of inferior nasal turbinates by the two radiologists and a mean volume was obtained for each study subject. ResultsThe intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the volumetric estimations performed by the two radiologist was 0.87. Analysis of the results revealed that there was no significant gender-based difference (Group 1, P = 0.67 and Group 2, P = 0.95) in the total turbinate volume in either of the study groups. The total turbinate volume did not show any significant correlation (Group 1, r = 0.24 and Group 2, r = 0.12) with the age. There was a significant increase (P = 0.001) in the total turbinate volume of the subjects in Group 2 compared to Group 1. Regression analysis revealed that the thickness of sinus lining correlated significantly (P = 0.001) with the total turbinate volume. ConclusionAn increase in the total turbinate volume has been associated with an increase in the thickness of the maxillary sinus mucosal lining. The data from this study will be useful for post-operative follow-up of inferior turbinates and maxillary sinus lining after the turbinate volume reduction procedures.

Ultrasonographic Determination of Portal Vein Diameter Among Adults with and without Chronic Liver Disease at Selected Referral Hospitals in Southern Ethiopia.

BackgroundMeasuring portal vein diameter (PVD) is a feasible method of detecting portal vein hypertension, which is a primary and fatal complication of chronic liver disease (CLD) and is usually diagnosed very late. However, there is a paucity of morphometric information on portal vein diameter in the Ethiopian population. Hence, it is important to determine the portal vein diameter among adults with and without chronic liver disease.PurposeThe study aimed to identify how PVD is affected by age, sex, and anthropometric measurements in patients with and without CLD.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 participants (110 CLD patients and 110 controls) who have visited the radiology unit at selected Hospitals. Patients with CLD were selected consecutively as they present while controls were selected by a systematic sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Correlation and independent t-test were used to assess the relations. A statistically significant association was declared at P-value <0.05.ResultsMean portal vein diameter for CLD patients was 17.03±1.97 mm with a range of 12.8−20.8mm and 10.79±1.27mm with a range of 7.70–13.25mm for the control group. Age, weight, and body mass index had a positive correlation with portal vein diameter in both groups. The mean portal vein diameter increased by 21.34% during deep inspiration in the control group.ConclusionThe mean portal vein diameter among patients with CLD was higher than that of the control group. A significant gender-based difference was recorded in the portal vein diameter of the control group only. Ultrasonography is a non-invasive, readily available diagnostic tool for portal vein pathology.RecommendationIt is recommended for clinicians to take into consideration age, sex and anthropometric measurements while measuring PVD.

Establishment of Hematological Reference intervals for healthy Children in Elobied City, Sudan

Hemogram Reference intervals are established since a healthy population is critical to accurately interpret laboratory tests, which include Hemoglobin estimation, Red blood cells count and indices, White blood cells count and differential in addition to Platelets count. This study aims to establish the reference interval of the complete hemogram amongst healthy Sudanese children in Elobied city, Sudan. A descriptive cross-sectional study included 354 healthy children, aged between 3 to 17 years, who were categorized into three groups according to age. A questionnaire was fulfilled, EDTA anti-coagulated venous blood sample was collected from each child then the complete hemogram was performed automated hematological analyzer (Sysmex Xp 300), Finally, Data was analyzed by a software program (SPSS version 21). The hematological reference intervals for healthy children [Hb g/dl, HCT%, RBCs count x106μL, MCV/fL ,MCH /pg., MCHC g/dl ,WBCs count x10³/μL, Neutrophil count%, Eosinophil count %, Basophile count %, lymphocyte count ,Monocytes count%, RDW CV and PLTs count×10³/μL] are [(12.4±1.2),(37±4),(5.0 ±0.4), (82±5.0), (26±3.0), (32±3.0) ,(7.0±2.0) (47±10), (1±0.1) ,(0±0),(45± 10),(7 ± 4), (13±1.8) &amp;(227±91)] respectively. The hematological RI for healthy children in Elobied was established in this study to be representative of this population, there was a significant gender-based difference in all the evaluated hematological parameters, they were found to be higher in males than in females except for basophil (%). Finally, the results of this study would shed a light on the importance of establishing RI for the children population in Elobied.

The Impacts of Pilates and Yoga on Health-Promoting Behaviors and Subjective Health Status.

This study investigates whether Pilates and yoga lead people to adopt generally health-promoting lifestyle elements and feel better about their physical and mental fitness. To this end, we designed an 8 week exercise program of Pilates and yoga reviewed by veteran practitioners and conducted an experimental study through which we collected the data from 90 volunteered adult subjects between ages 30 and 49 (mean age = 35.47), equally represented by women and men without previous experience with Pilates or yoga. In the 8 week long experiment, we assigned the subjects to three groups, where subjects in the two exercise groups regularly took part in either Pilates or yoga classes, and the control group participated in neither exercise classes. All participants completed two surveys, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP II) and the Health Self-Rating Scale (HSRS), before and after their assigned program. In our analysis of pre- and post-treatment differences across the three groups, we ran ANOVA, ANCOVA, and Sheffé test, implemented using SPSS PASW Statistics 18.00. Our results indicate that Pilates and yoga groups exhibited a higher engagement in health-promoting behaviors than the control group after the program. Subjective health status, measured with HSRS, also improved significantly among Pilates and yoga participants compared to those in the control group after the program. The supplementary analysis finds no significant gender-based difference in these impacts. Overall, our results confirm that Pilates and yoga help recruit health-promoting behaviors in participants and engender positive beliefs about their subjective health status, thereby setting a positive reinforcement cycle in motion. By providing clear evidence that the promotion of Pilates or yoga can serve as an effective intervention strategy that helps individuals change behaviors adverse to their health, this study offers practical implications for healthcare professionals and public health officials alike.

Examining the Correlation between University Students’ Perceived Teacher Immediacy and their Motivation

This descriptive correlational study was intended to explore the relationship between university students’ perceived teacher immediacy and their motivation. 800 students were selected from eight different universities of district Lahore through a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. Out of the selected, 726 participants responded on adapted Verbal Immediacy Behaviors (VIB), Revised Nonverbal Immediacy Measures (RNIM), and Students Motivation Scale (SMS). Independent sample t-tests’ results exhibited no significant gender-based or sector-wise difference in perceived teacher immediacy and motivation level of students. However, the correlational evidence showed a strong correlation between verbal, nonverbal, overall teacher immediacy, and student motivation. Results suggest that teacher immediacy functions as a means of enhancing the motivation of a student, based on this fact, the researchers suggest that content to promote teacher immediacy should be added in teacher education curricula.&#x0D;

Retrospective analysis of trauma incidence in patients with temporomandibular disorders.

The relationships between direct trauma, whiplash injuries, and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have not been well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the percentage of direct and/or whiplash trauma in patients with TMDs. The clinical records of 237 patients with temporomandibular disorders who had sought treatment at the Orofacial Pain Clinic were reviewed. Clinical data for age and gender of the patients, history of trauma, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds, and TMD diagnosis were extracted from the medical records of all included patients. The presence of TMJ sounds and TMD diagnosis had been determined based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs. The mean age of patients with osteoarthritis was significantly higher than that of patients with disk displacement with reduction (P=.001, P˂.05). There was no statistically significant gender-based difference in diagnosis, clicking, crepitus, and trauma frequency (P>.05). A history of direct and whiplash trauma was observed in 18.6% and 14.8% of patients, respectively. Statistical analysis for the relationship between clicking and crepitus, and trauma showed no significant correlation (P>.05). Direct and/or whiplash trauma in patients with temporomandibular disorders were not associated with the diagnostic records and temporomandibular joint sounds.

Assessment of Gender Differences in Clinical Productivity and Medicare Payments Among Otolaryngologists in 2017

Women comprise an increasing proportion of the otolaryngology workforce. Prior studies have demonstrated gender-based disparity in physician practice and income in other clinical specialties; however, research has not comprehensively examined whether gender-based income disparities exist within the field of otolaryngology. To determine whether diversity of practice, clinical productivity, and Medicare payment differ between male and female otolaryngologists and whether any identified variation is associated with practice setting. Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of publicly available Medicare data summarizing payments to otolaryngologists from January 1 through December 31, 2017. Male and female otolaryngologists participating in Medicare in facility-based (FB; hospital-based) and non-facility-based settings (NFB; eg, physician office) for outpatient otolaryngologic care were included. Number of unique billing codes (diversity of practice) per physician, number of services provided per physician (physician productivity), and Medicare payment per physician. Outcomes were stratified by practice setting (FB vs NFB). A total of 8456 otolaryngologists (1289 [15.2%] women; 7167 [84.8%] men) received Medicare payments in 2017. Per physician, women billed fewer unique codes (mean difference, -2.10; 95% CI, -2.46 to -1.75; P < .001), provided fewer services (mean difference, -640; 95% CI, -784 to -496; P < .001), and received less Medicare payment than men (mean difference, -$30 246 (95% CI, -$35 738 to -$24 756; P < .001). When stratified by practice setting, women in NFB settings billed 1.65 fewer unique codes (95% CI, -2.01 to -1.29; P < .001) and provided 633 fewer services (95% CI, -791 to -475; P < .001). In contrast, there was no significant gender-based difference in number of unique codes billed (mean difference, 0.04; 95% CI, -0.217 to 0.347; P = .81) or number of services provided (mean difference, 5.1; 95% CI, -55.8 to 45.6; P = .85) in the FB setting. Women received less Medicare payment in both settings compared with men (NFB: mean difference, -$27 746; 95% CI, -$33 502 to -$21 989; P < .001; vs FB: mean difference, -$4002; 95% CI, -$7393 to -$612; P = .02), although the absolute difference was lower in the FB setting. Female sex is associated with decreased diversity of practice, lower clinical productivity, and decreased Medicare payment among otolaryngologists. Gender-based inequity is more pronounced in NFB settings compared with FB settings. Further efforts are necessary to better evaluate and address gender disparities within otolaryngology.