Significant Sex-related Differences Research Articles

Perfluoroalkyl substances in the urine and hair of preschool children, airborne particles in kindergartens, and drinking water in Hong Kong.

Seven perfluorinated and polyfluorinated substances (PFASs), namely perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), and perfluoro-1,10-decanedicarboxylic acid (PFDDA), were evaluated in urine and hair samples from children (age: 4-6 years, N=53), airborne particles sampled at 17 kindergartens, and tap water and bottled water samples. All samples were collected in Hong Kong. The analytical results suggested widespread PFAS contamination. All target PFASs were detected in at least 32% of urine samples, with geometric mean (GM) concentrations ranging from 0.18 to 2.97ng/L, and in 100% of drinking water samples at GM concentrations of 0.18-21.1ng/L. Although PFOS and PFDDA were not detected in hair or air samples, the other target PFASs were detected in 48-70% of hair samples (GM concentrations: 2.40-233pg/g) and 100% of air samples (GM concentrations: 14.8-536.7pg/m3). In summary, the highest PFAS concentrations were detected in airborne particles measured in kindergartens. PFOA was the major PFAS detected in hair, urine, and drinking water samples, while PFOA, PFDA, and PFHpA were dominant in airborne particles. Although a significant difference in PFAS concentrations in hair samples was observed between boys and girls (p<.05), no significant sex-related difference in urinary PFAS or paired PFAS (hair/urine) concentrations was observed.

Haematology and biochemistry panels in the Ethiopian hedgehog, Paraechinus aethiopicus (Ehrenberg, 1833) from central Saudi Arabia: Establishing reference intervals and assessing variability across sex and hibernation

The Ethiopian hedgehog (Paraechinus aethiopicus) is an insectivore which is known to occur in northern an eastern Africa and in most of the Arabian Peninsula. Few recent studies on the reproduction, parasitology and ecology are available, but none has been published on the hematology and serum biochemistry reference intervals. Hence the present study was conducted in order to establish haematological and biochemical for free ranging apparently healthy hedgehogs using automated haematology and biochemistry analyzers. Variation and differences in blood values between males and females as well as before and after hibernation were evaluated. Blood samples from 50 males and 35 females were used for the establishment of the reference interval for the haematological and biochemical variables. Data from males and females were compared using student’s t-test in the computer program SPSS. Significant sex-related haematological differences were observed in the total WBCs, monocytes, RBCs, MCV and MCH values. Males showed significantly higher WBCs compared to females whereas females showed significantly higher values form monocytes, RBCs, MCV and MCH than males (p < 0.05–0001). Changes in the biochemical profiles were significant in AlP, BUN and Na. ALP and BUN were higher in males while Na was higher in females (p < 0.05–0.01). The effect of hibernation was evidenced by increase in the RBCs, haemoglobin, haematocrit and MCHC and decrease in the total protein and phosphorus in animals after hibernation. These findings are considered the first regarding the reference intervals for the desert hedgehog and it will constitute a basis for any further haematological and biochemical studies.

Age, sex and underlying heart rate as determinants of nocturnal heart rate variability among wearable smart ring users

Abstract Background Heart rate variability (HRV) is an important marker of overall health and especially cardiovascular health. Decreased HRV has been associated with reduced vagal control of heart rate and with adverse outcome in several studies. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of demographic factors (age and sex) and underlying heart rate on nocturnal HRV among wearable smart ring users. Methods De-identified data was gathered from 104,431 wearable smart ring users over the course of one week (640,911 nights; 65% men and 35% women; age 42.6±12.1 years). Inclusion criteria included self-reported age of ≥20 years and sleep duration ≥4 hours. The ring estimates heart rate and HRV with photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensors and calculates the root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD) between adjacent inter-beat-intervals (IBI) for 5-minute segments throughout each night. The average HRV in these segments was then taken to represent the cardiac parasympathetic activity among each user. In addition, rate-corrected HRV was calculated by dividing the rMSSD value with mean IBI (crMSSD = 100 * rMSSD/IBI). Results Nocturnal HRV was significantly dependent on age and underlying heart rate (Figure). The observed rMSSD values declined with age (P&amp;lt;0.001) in both men and women. Concomitant decrease in rMSSD was observed with increasing heart rate in each age group (P&amp;lt;0.001). Statistically significant sex-related differences were observed in HRV. Men had higher crMSSD during the early decades of life (&amp;lt;40 years) than women. This difference diminished with age and women ≥50 years had higher crMSSD than their male coevals. The average resting heart rate decreased with age and was lower among men throughout the age groups (P&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusions Normal aging is associated with reduced cardiac vagal modulation and is reflected as decreased nocturnal HRV values among male and female wearable smart ring users. The underlying heart rate is a significant factor for the degree of HRV throughout life. In this population, the sex-related differences observed during the early decades of life diminish on the verge of midlife and are reversed later in life with women showing higher HRV during and after midlife. Effects of age and HR on HRV Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Oura Health Ltd

Association of Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Leaflet Calcification on Hemodynamic and Clinical Outcomes

BackgroundThe prognostic value of aortic valve calcification (AVC) measured by using multidetector computed tomography imaging has been well validated in native aortic stenosis, and sex-specific thresholds have been proposed. However, few data are available regarding the impact of leaflet calcification on outcomes after biological aortic valve replacement (AVR). ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to analyze the association of quantitative bioprosthetic leaflet AVC with hemodynamic and clinical outcomes, as well as its possible interaction with sex. MethodsFrom 2008 to 2010, a total of 204 patients were prospectively enrolled with a median of 7.0 years (interquartile range: 5.1 to 9.2 years) after biological surgical AVR. AVC measured by using the Agatston method was indexed to the cross-sectional area of aortic annulus measured by echocardiography to calculate the AVC density (AVCd). Presence of hemodynamic valve deterioration (HVD; increase in mean gradient [MG] ≥10 mm Hg and/or increase in transprosthetic regurgitation ≥1) was assessed by echocardiography in 137 patients at the 3-year follow-up. The primary clinical endpoint was mortality or aortic valve re-intervention. ResultsThere was no significant sex-related difference in the relationship between bioprosthetic AVCd and the progression of MG. Baseline AVCd showed an independent association with HVD at 3 years. During follow-up, there were 134 (65.7%) deaths (n = 100) or valve re-interventions (n = 47). AVCd ≥58 AU/cm2 was independently associated with an increased risk of mortality or aortic valve re-intervention (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.23; 95% confidence interval: 1.44 to 3.35; p < 0.001). The AVCd threshold combined with an MG progression threshold of 10 mm Hg amplified the stratification of patients at risk (log-rank, p < 0.001). The addition of AVCd threshold into the prediction model including traditional risk factors improved outcome prediction (net classification improvement: 0.25, p = 0.04; likelihood ratio test, p < 0.001). ConclusionsAortic bioprosthetic leaflet calcification is strongly and independently associated with HVD and the risk of death or aortic valve re-intervention. As opposed to native aortic stenosis, there is no sex-related differences in the relationship between AVCd and hemodynamic or clinical outcomes.

Clinical Retrospective Analysis of 340 Inpatients with Malignant Skin Tumors in Western Inner Mongolia

Abstract Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of inpatients with malignant skin tumors in western Inner Mongolia during the past 10 years. Methods: We collected the clinical data of inpatients with histopathologically diagnosed malignant skin tumors admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University from June 2008 to December 2018. Morbidity was compared using the Chi-square test. Results: In total, 340 inpatients with malignant skin tumors were evaluated, including 163 (47.94%) patients with basal cell carcinoma, 134 (39.41%) with squamous cell carcinoma, 5 (1.47%) with malignant melanoma, 21 (6.18%) with Bowen disease, and 6 (1.76%) with Paget's disease. Four (1.18%) patients had metastatic skin cancer and seven (2.06%) had other malignant skin tumors. The patients comprised 132 (38.8%) men and 208 (61.1%) women, and there were no statistically significant sex-related differences among the skin malignancies (x 2 = 5.006, P &gt; 0.05). Among the 340 patients, 314 (92.4%) were of Han nationality and 26 (7.6%) were of ethnic minorities. Statistically significant differences were found in the various types of malignant skin tumors between the Han and minority groups (x 2 = 19.446, P &lt; 0.05). Among the selected patients, 61.76% were farmers and herdsmen, and the sites mainly affected were the head, face, neck, trunk, limbs, and vulva. Conclusion: The incidence of malignant skin tumors in western Inner Mongolia has substantially increased during the past decade, especially in the past 2 years. Therefore, we should increase the awareness of prevention and treatment of malignant skin tumors to achieve early diagnosis and treatment effects.

Automatic identification of a stable QRST complex for non-invasive evaluation of human cardiac electrophysiology.

A vectorcardiography approach to electrocardiology contributes to the non-invasive assessment of electrical heterogeneity in the ventricles of the heart and to risk stratification for cardiac events including sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study was to develop an automatic method that identifies a representative QRST complex (QRSonset to Tend) from a Frank vectorcardiogram (VCG). This method should provide reliable measurements of morphological VCG parameters and signal when such measurements required manual scrutiny. Frank VCG was recorded in a population-based sample of 1094 participants (550 women) 50-65 years old as part of the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) pilot. Standardized supine rest allowing heart rate stabilization and adaptation of ventricular repolarization preceded a recording period lasting ≥5 minutes. In the Frank VCG a recording segment during steady-state conditions and with good signal quality was selected based on QRST variability. In this segment a representative signal-averaged QRST complex from cardiac cycles during 10s was selected. Twenty-eight morphological parameters were calculated including both conventional conduction intervals and VCG-derived parameters. The reliability and reproducibility of these parameters were evaluated when using completely automatic and automatic but manually edited annotation points. In 1080 participants (98.7%) our automatic method reliably selected a representative QRST complex where its instability measure effectively identified signal variability due to both external disturbances ("noise") and physiologic and pathophysiologic variability, such as e.g. sinus arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation. There were significant sex-related differences in 24 of 28 VCG parameters. Some VCG parameters were insensitive to the instability value, while others were moderately sensitive. We developed an automatic process for identification of a signal-averaged QRST complex suitable for morphologic measurements which worked reliably in 99% of participants. This process is applicable for all non-invasive analyses of cardiac electrophysiology including risk stratification for cardiac death based on such measurements.

The Sense of Stigmatization in Patients with Plaque Psoriasis

Background: Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease capable of creating stigmatization in the form of social exclusion and decrement of psychological conditions. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the level of stigmatization in patients with plaque psoriasis. Methods: The study included 166 patients with plaque psoriasis (55.6% women and 44.3% men) with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores ≤10. The age of the study patients ranged between 18 and 72 years (arithmetic mean = 37.4; median = 38; standard deviation [SD] = 11.0). The mean age at the diagnosis of psoriasis was 21.5 years (median = 20; SD = 9.1) and disease duration varied from 2 to 59 years (arithmetic mean = 15.8; median = 15; SD = 11.3). The study patients completed the Polish version of the 6-item Stigmatization Scale and the 33-item Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire and a survey developed by the authors of this study, containing questions about the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, place of residence, marital status, education, employment status) and information about their disease (location of psoriatic lesions, time elapsed since the diagnosis of psoriasis). Results: The mean score for the 6-item Stigmatization Scale for the whole study group was 7.6 out of 18 points (median = 7; SD = 3.8; minimum = 0; maximum = 17). The average score for the 33-item Stigma Feelings Questionnaire in our series was 84.5 out of 165 points (median = 88; SD = 20.9; minimum = 30; maximum = 136). A statistically significant sex-related difference was observed in the 6-item Stigmatization Scale scores, with higher stigmatization levels found in men than in women (p = 0.0082). Moreover, significantly higher levels of stigmatization were observed in countryside dwellers (p = 0.0311) and unmarried persons (p = 0.0321). Patients with a longer history of the disease (≥15 years) scored significantly higher on the 6-item Stigmatization Scale (p = 0.0217) than those in whom psoriasis lasted less long, and presented with higher, at the threshold of statistical significance, scores for the 33-item Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire. Conclusions: Stigmatization awareness should be promoted among physicians and psoriatic patients to improve psoriasis management.

Normal values and ranges of the lateral capitello-humeral angle in healthy children.

The lateral capitello-humeral angle (LCHA), which is an index of sagittal alignment of the elbow, has gradually been adopted for the postoperative assessment of radiographic results. However, the normal values and ranges of the LCHA remain unclear. A retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate the normal values and ranges of the LCHA in a sample of healthy children with even distributions of age, sex and laterality. A total of 168 radiographs of the elbows of healthy children (age range, 0-11 years) with even distributions of age, sex and laterality were reviewed. The primary aim was to analyze the normal values and ranges of the LCHA categorized by age, sex and laterality. The secondary aim was to assess the association of the LCHA with increasing age. The LCHA between sex or laterality in each age category was also compared. The mean LCHA of the 168 patients was 47.1° (range, 27°-63°). There was a weak association between the LCHA and increasing age (r = 0.41). The mean LCHA in females (49.1°) was significantly larger than that in males (45.1°). Significant sex-related differences were observed in age categories between 2 and 7 years. Results of this study will be useful in the postoperative radiographic assessment of sagittal alignment of the elbow in children.

Lack of sexual dimorphism in a mouse model of isoproterenol-induced cardiac dysfunction.

Sex-related differences in cardiovascular diseases are highly complex in humans and model-dependent in experimental laboratory animals. The objective of this work was to comprehensively investigate key sex differences in the response to acute and prolonged adrenergic stimulation in C57Bl/6NCrl mice. Cardiac function was assessed by trans-thoracic echocardiography before and after acute adrenergic stimulation (a single sub-cutaneous dose of isoproterenol 10 mg/kg) in 15 weeks old male and female C57Bl/6NCrl mice. Thereafter, prolonged adrenergic stimulation was achieved by sub-cutaneous injections of isoproterenol 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days in male and female mice. Cardiac function and morphometry were assessed by trans-thoracic echocardiography on the 15th day. Thereafter, the mice were euthanized, and the hearts were collected. Histopathological analysis of myocardial tissue was performed after staining with hematoxylin & eosin, Masson's trichrome and MAC-2 antibody. Gene expression of remodeling and fibrotic markers was assessed by real-time PCR. Cardiac function and morphometry were also measured before and after isoproterenol 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days in groups of gonadectomized male and female mice and sham-operated controls. In the current work, there were no statistically significant differences in the positive inotropic and chronotropic effects of isoproterenol between male and female C57Bl/6NCrl. After prolonged adrenergic stimulation, there was similar degree of cardiac dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy, and myocardial fibrosis in male and female mice. Similarly, prolonged isoproterenol administration induced hypertrophic and fibrotic genes in hearts of male and female mice to the same extent. Intriguingly, gonadectomy of male and female mice did not have a significant impact on isoproterenol-induced cardiac dysfunction as compared to sham-operated animals. The current work demonstrated lack of significant sex-related differences in isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy, dysfunction, and fibrosis in C57Bl/6NCrl mice. This study suggests that female sex may not be sufficient to protect the heart in this model of isoproterenol-induced cardiac dysfunction and underscores the notion that sexual dimorphism in cardiovascular diseases is highly model-dependent.

A three-dimensional computed tomography study to determine the ideal method for fluoroscopically-guided bone marrow aspiration from the iliac crest.

Bone marrow aspiration (BMA) through the iliac crest is potentially unsafe due to the vicinity of neurovascular structures in the greater sciatic notch. Our objective was to investigate the safety of a recently described BMA technique, specifically a trajectory from the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) to the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS). We conducted a chart review of 260 patients, analyzing three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images of the pelvis and sacrum to validate that this new approach offers a wide safety margin from the greater sciatic notch. Analysis of 3D CT scans demonstrated that the PSIS to AIIS trajectory never crossed the greater sciatic notch. The trajectory was noted to be at least one cm away from the greater sciatic notch in all measurements. The new trajectory entered the PSIS at 25.29 ± 4.34° (left side) and 24.93 ± 4.15° (right side) cephalad from the transverse plane, and 24.58 ± 4.99° (left side) and 24.56 ± 4.67° (right side) lateral from the midsagittal plane. The area of bone marrow encountered with the new approach was approximately 22.5 cm2. Utilizing the same CT scans, the trajectory from the traditional approach crossed the greater sciatic notch in all scans, highlighting the potential for violating the greater sciatic notch boundary, and damaging important neurovascular structures. Statistically, significant sex-related differences were identified in needle trajectory angles for both approaches. We conclude that based on this 3D CT study, a trajectory from the PSIS to the AIIS for BMA may offer a wide safety margin from the greater sciatic notch.

Sex-related differences in markers of immune activation in virologically suppressed HIV-infected patients

ObjectivesGender-specific studies remain a neglected area of biomedical research. Recent reports have emphasized that sex-related biological factors may affect disease progression during HIV-1 infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of sex on the levels of immune activation in the gut and in peripheral blood of individuals with HIV treated with fully suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART).MethodsThirty individuals with HIV undergoing long-term fully suppressive ART were enrolled in this study. Lamina propria lymphocytes (LPL) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from gut biopsies collected by pancolonoscopy and peripheral blood samples. The expression of markers of immune activation was evaluated by multi-parametric flow cytometry. This is a sub analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02276326ResultsWe observed differences in the levels of immune activation in the gut and in PBMCs, with values higher in the gut compartment compared to PBMCs.In addition, we found that the mean value of the levels of immune activation was higher in the women than in the men. Finally, we measured the markers of immune activation by mean relative difference (MRD) and confirmed the higher value in the women.ConclusionA significant sex-related difference in the level of immune activation was observed in a population of individuals with HIV on long-term ART. A more complete characterization of these differences may support the introduction of sex-specific approaches in the clinical management of individuals with HIV.

Reported Behavioural Differences between Geldings and Mares Challenge Sex-Driven Stereotypes in Ridden Equine Behaviour.

Simple SummaryIt has been shown that people within the horse industry have preconceived ideas about horse behaviour, temperament and rideability, based solely on the sex of the horse. Such ideas can have welfare implications, if personnel allow bias to affect their interactions with particular horses. Such welfare implications include employment of harsher training methods, and increased horse wastage. The current study explored data on riders’ and trainers’ reports of ridden horse behaviour. Reported sex-related behavioural differences were evaluated based on 1233 responses from the pilot study of the Equine Behaviour and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ) survey. Results from the study suggest there are some sex-related differences in behaviour between male and female horses; geldings are more likely to chew on rugs and lead ropes when tied, and mares are more likely to move away when being caught in paddock. However, there was no evidence of sex-related differences associated with behaviour when ridden which may warrant further investigation. Findings from this study may be used to educate riders and trainers about the need to regard behaviour and motivation in ridden horses as sex-neutral.Horse trainers and riders may have preconceived ideas of horse temperament based solely on the sex of the horse. A study (n = 1233) of horse enthusiasts (75% of whom had more than 8 years of riding experience) revealed that riders prefer geldings over mares and stallions. While these data may reflect different sex preferences in horses used for sport, they may also reduce the chances of some horses reaching their performance potential. Further, an unfounded sex prejudice is likely to contribute to unconscious bias when perceiving unwanted behaviours, simplistically attributing them to demographic characteristics rather than more complex legacies of training and prior learning. The current study analysed reported sex-related behavioural differences in ridden and non-ridden horses using data from responses to the pilot study of the Equine Behaviour Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ) survey. Respondents (n = 1233) reported on the behaviour of their horse using a 151-item questionnaire. Data were searched for responses relating to mares and geldings, and 110 traits with the greatest percentage difference scores between mares and geldings were selected were tested for univariate significance at p < 0.2. Multivariable modelling of the effect of sex (mare or gelding) on remaining traits was assessed by ordinal logistic regression, using a cumulative proportional log odds model. Results revealed mares were significantly more likely to move away when being caught compared to geldings (p = 0.003). Geldings were significantly more likely to chew on lead ropes when tied (p = 0.003) and to chew on rugs (p = 0.024). However, despite sex-related differences in these non-ridden behaviours, there was no evidence of any significant sex-related differences in the behaviours of the horses when ridden. This finding suggests that ridden horse behaviour is not sexually dimorphic or that particular horse sports variously favour one sex over another.

Incidence of reactive thrombocytosis in serious bacterial infections in children aged two months to twelve years and its usefulness as a predictor of serious bacterial infections

Background: The aims of the study were to estimate the incidence of reactive thrombocytosis(RT) among febrile children aged 2 months to 12 years and to identify any differences in age group and gender in mounting thrombocytosis as a response to infection, to identify if thrombocytosis occurred preferentially in any particular group of serious bacterial infections(SBI), to compare thrombocytosis with other parameters like total white cell count, C-reactive protein(CRP), cultures etc. and to assess the utility of platelet count as a potential predictor of serious bacterial infection.Methods: This was a prospective study done in Institute of Child Health and Hospital for children, Madras Medical College from September 2015 to July 2016. Inclusion criteria: Children aged 2 months to 12 years with symptoms of fever less than 6 days admitted in the paediatric wards and those seen at the outpatient department. Exclusion criteria: Children having received parenteral antibiotics.Results: Of the 500 children, 142 (28.4%) had reactive thrombocytosis. RT was mild in 120 children (24%), moderate in 16 children (3.2%), severe in 4(0.8%) and extreme in two children (0.4%). This study showed that 36.48% (85 / 233) of children under 1 year had RT (p = 0.0002).There was no significant sex related difference in mounting RT. Out of 500 children included in the study, serious bacterial infection was diagnosed among 171 children (34.2%).Pneumonia (n=100) was the most common SBI followed by urinary tract infections (n=33), meningitis (n=23), sepsis (n=15). This study showed that RT has a moderate ability to predict serious bacterial infections (AUC=0.78; PPV-75.35%).Conclusions: Incidence of reactive thrombocytosis in febrile children aged 2 months to 12 years is 28.4%. It occurs more frequently in infants and without any sex predilection. RT is associated with leucocytosis, positive CRP, positive Chest X ray findings, positive urine culture and positive CSF findings. This shows that RT has a moderate ability in predicting SBI in children.

Relationship of Renal Function in Mice to Strain, Sex and 177Lutetium-Somatostatin Receptor Ligand Treatment.

Aim of the study was to establish parameters for 99mTc-MAG3 SPECT renal uptake kinetics in healthy SCID mice as a function of mouse strain and sex and to evaluate the feasibility of this method for detecting 177Lu-somatostatin receptor ligand (177Lu-SRL) treatment effects on kidney function. Dynamic semi-stationary SPECT acquisitions (68 frames, total duration 35 min) was started prior to i. v. injection of 99mTc-MAG3 in 12 female and 12male SCID mice. Additionally, 6 female SCID mice with neuroendocrine tumors were imaged 1-5 months after 177Lu-SRL (5 DOTATOC, 1 DOTA-JR11) treatment. Kidney function is expressed as maximum time to peak (Tmax), T50 and T25 in minutes (median [interquartile range]). Differences between groups were tested using the Mann-Whitney-U test, and SCID mouse parameters were compared with data for C57BL/6N mice from a recent publication. Significant sex-based differences in Tmax between strains were observed (females: C57BL/6N 1.6 [1.4-1.7], SCID 1.4 [1.3-1.5], p = 0.05; males: C57BL/6N 1.4 [1.3-1.4], SCID 1.6 [1.4-1.7], p = 0.04). In C57BL/6N mice, females showed a later Tmax (p < 0.01) than males. SCID mice showed no difference (p = 0.14). Treated SCID mice showed no significant delay in Tmax (2.0 [1.4-2.7], p = 0.15) but a significant delay in T50 (p = 0.02) and T25 (p = 0.01) compared to healthy untreated mice. This study demonstrated significant sex-related differences between SCID and C57BL/6N mouse strains in kidney function. Establishment of normal values for different strains and sexes therefore is important for experimental therapy studies. Renal SPECT imaging with 99mTc-MAG3 was sufficiently sensitive to detect 177Lu-SRL treatment toxic effects on kidney function in SCID mice.

Sex-related electrocardiographic differences in patients with different types of atrial fibrillation: Results from the SWISS-AF study

BackgroundSex-related electrocardiographic differences are a well-known phenomenon, but not their expression in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). In this study we aim to assess the presence of significant sex-related differences in ECG features, with particular attention to P-wave parameters, of a large cohort of patients affected by different types of AF. MethodsA 5-min resting 16-lead ECG was evaluated for 1119 AF patients in sinus rhythm. The durations of the main ECG waves and intervals were measured for both atrial and ventricular activity. Moreover, the beat-to-beat P-wave variability was computed for lead II and for the first principal component (PC1) computed across the 16 leads. The percentage of variance explained by PC1 was computed. ResultsMales compared to females showed significantly longer RR interval (1.02 ± 0.16 s vs 0.97 ± 0.15 s, p < .001), PQ interval (191 ± 34 ms vs 183 ± 35 ms, p = .008), QRS duration (105 ± 17 ms vs 98 ± 13 ms, p = .021), significantly lower percentage of variance explained by PC1 and P-wave variability. Males with paroxysmal AF compared to females with paroxysmal AF had significantly longer RR interval (1.01 ± 0.17 s vs 0.96 ± 0.14 s, p < .001), shorter QTc (388 ± 27 ms vs 402 ± 27 ms, p < .001), lower P-wave variability in PC1. Males with persistent AF compared to females with persistent AF had significantly shorter QTc interval (396 ± 30 ms vs 407 ± 26 ms, p = .019), longer PQ interval (194 ± 35 ms vs 182 ± 30 ms, p = .037), higher V1 terminal force (2.1 ± 1.2 mV*ms vs 1.8 ± 1 mV*ms, p = .007), lower percentage of variance explained by PC1. ConclusionsAF patients present with several sex-related ECG differences. Consequently, sex should be taken into account when developing ECG algorithms identifying patients at risk for AF progression.

Parental health in fellowship trainees: Fellows' satisfaction with current policies and interest in innovation.

Background:Parenthood during medical training is common and impacts trainee well-being. However, current graduate medical education parental health policies are often limited in scope. We explored current fellowship trainees’ knowledge of/satisfaction with current policies as well as interest in potential changes/additions to existing policies.Methods:Fellowship program directors/coordinators at a three-site academic institution were surveyed and information was collected from 2015 to 2019 regarding fellow demographics and parental health policies. We distributed an electronic survey to fellows containing Likert-type-scale questions rating knowledge/level of satisfaction with current parental health policies and interest in potential additions/modifications to current policies.Results:Thirty-five of 47 (74%) fellowship programs responded. An average of 11% of female fellows and 15% of male fellows took parental leave during the study period. Three (9%) of the programs had at least one additional parental health policy beyond institutional graduate medical education policies. In the fellow survey, 175 of 609 fellows responded (28.7%), of which 84 (48.6%) were female. Although 89.1% agreed/strongly agreed that parental health is an important part of health and well-being for fellows, only 32% were satisfied/very satisfied with current policies (no significant sex-related differences). Fellows reported the following potential interventions as important/very important: 79.2% increased (paid) maternity leave (72.7% male, 86.7% female, p = 0.02), 78% increased (paid) paternity leave (76.4% male, 81.9% female, p = 0.37), 72.3% part-time return to work (60.2% male, 84.3% female, p = 0.0005), 63% coverage for workup/management of infertility (52.3% male, 74.7% female, p = 0.002), and 79.9% on-site day care (70.7% male, 89.2% female, p = 0.003).Conclusions:Parental health includes multiple domains, not all of which are covered by current policies. Fellows feel that parental health is an important part of overall health and well-being, but most are not satisfied with current policies. Expanded access to parental leave and new policies (part-time return to work, infertility management, and on-site day care) are opportunities for innovation.

Behavioral responses of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to different 2D non-moving stimuli

Paper description: The behavioral response to social and sexual 2D non-moving images representing conspecifics were examined. Sexually mature fish underwent non-invasive behavioral tests in a cross-maze. Artificial non-moving 2D images were created using photoshop graphics software. We observed significant sex-related differences in zebrafish responses to fixed artificial stimuli. Females showed a statistically significant preference for 2D images of phenotypically less similar individuals. These results improve knowledge on zebrafish visual perception regarding shoaling and mate choice. The paper offers an alternative to use of animals in experimental research. Abstract: Zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) is considered an experimental model organism with numerous applications in different fields. The mechanisms underlying social and reproductive preferences are complex. Most of the literature on conspecific interactions focus on the chemical communication mediated by scattered signals in the aquatic medium. The aim of this research was to evaluate the behavioral responses induced in the tested animals by artificial social stimuli. We used 20 sexually mature individuals that underwent several non-invasive behavioral tests in a cross-maze. Artificial non-moving 2D images were created for this study, using photoshop graphics software. Ethological measurements were conducted using video-tracking software (EthoVision XT). The findings showed significant sex-related differences in zebrafish responses to fixed artificial stimuli. In particular, females shoaled more with 2D non-moving images representing conspecifics phenotypically more distant (i.e. color) from them. Integrating dimension and number of individual, one large stimulus was preferred over three small stimuli in terms of cumulative and mean duration for males, and only in terms of cumulative duration for females. We concluded that 2D images representing conspecifics, even without movements, can induce a behavioral response in this species. https://doi.org/10.2298/ABS190823065L Received: August 23, 2019; Revised: November 10, 2019; Accepted: November 12, 2019; Published online: December 11, 2019 How to cite this article: Lenzi C, Grasso C, Nicoara M, Savuca A, Ciobica A, Plavan GI, Strungaru SA. Behavioral responses of zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) to different 2D non-moving stimuli. Arch Biol Sci. 2020;72(1):45-52.

Sex-, growth pattern-, and growth status-related variability in maxillary and mandibular buccal cortical thickness and density.

ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to quantitatively analyze the bone parameters (thickness and density) at four different interdental areas from the distal region of the canine to the mesial region of the second molar in the maxilla and the mandible. The secondary aim was to compare and contrast the bone parameters at these specific locations in terms of sex, growth status, and facial type.MethodsThis retrospective cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) study reviewed 290 CBCT images of patients seeking orthodontic treatment. Cortical bone thickness in millimeters (mm) and density in pixel intensity value were measured for the regions (1) between the canine and first premolar, (2) between the first and second premolars, (3) between the second premolar and first molar, and (4) between the first and second molars. At each location, the bone thickness and density were measured at distances of 2, 6, and 10 mm from the alveolar crest.ResultsThe sex comparison (male vs. female) in cortical bone thickness showed no significant difference (p > 0.001). The bone density in growing subjects was significantly (p < 0.001) lower than that in non-growing subjects for most locations. There was no significant difference (p > 0.001) in bone parameters in relation to facial pattern in the maxilla and mandible for most sites.ConclusionsThere was no significant sex-related difference in cortical bone thickness. The buccal cortical bone density was higher in females than in males. Bone parameters were similar for subjects with hyperdivergent, hypodivergent, and normodivergent facial patterns.

Comparison of male and female patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: Hippocampal hyperactivity and pattern separation memory performance.

Recent studies have suggested that sex confers a differential risk in the incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) thought to be the result of the increased lifespan of women compared to men. However, other factors may contribute to risk beyond the effect of increased lifespan. This study examined the role of sex in hippocampal hyperactivity localized to the dentate gyrus (DG)/CA3 subregion of the hippocampus and associated episodic memory impairment, considered a characteristic feature of AD in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). While participants with aMCI showed decreased memory performance and increased activation in the DG/CA3 when compared to controls, no significant sex-related differences in performance or activation were observed. Although other factors may contribute to sex differences in the prevalence of AD these findings show that no sex differences are observed in hippocampal dysfunction characteristic of the aMCI phase of AD.

Euclidean distances of laryngopharyngeal structures obtained from CT data for preclinical development of laryngoscopic devices.

This study aims to determine Euclidean distances between landmark structures in the larynx and pharynx to optimize endoscope shaft designs with regard to gentle and patient-oriented handling. Four Euclidean distances between landmarks in the larynx and pharynx were analyzed based on CT data of 66 patients. Distance (1): labium inferius oris-posterior pharyngeal wall at the cervical vertebra C1 (atlas), anterior edge of the tuberculum anterius atlantis. Distance (2): posterior pharyngeal wall adjacent to C1-entrance of pyriform sinus. Distance (3): inferior edge of the uvula-superior edge of the epiglottis. Distance (4): base of the vallecula-posterior pharyngeal wall. The minimum angular field of view α required to observe the glottis with a rigid transoral laryngoscope was derived trigonometrically from distances (2) and (4). Average Euclidean distances measured: Distance (1): 90.7mm ± 6.9mm in men and 86.9mm ± 5.9 mm in women. (2): 73.7mm ± 13.4mm and 56.2mm ± 7.6mm. (3): 25.2mm ± 8.6mm and 18.5mm ± 6.8mm. (4): 20.8mm ± 4.6mm and 16.5mm ± 3.4mm. α: 16.0° ± 3.9° and 16.6 ± 4.3°. As expected, statistically significant sex-related differences could be observed for distances (1)-(4). The results indicate that the length of transoral laryngoscopes should not be below 110mm and that a minimum angular field of view of α = 17° is required to fully observe the laryngeal inlet.