Female Status Research Articles

Connotation, Expression and Breakthrough of Women’s Power

With the development and progress of the times, women’s abilities and strength have been further affirmed. Women’s thinking and development are also improving. However, there are still some obstacles that prevent them from moving forward. This issue has received a lot of attention. This article mainly focuses on the connotation, and expression of women’s power, then discovers how to solve the difficulties they faced. This article finds that women’s power took a long time to develop, and women suffered from stereotypes and discrimination while working. These kinds of obstacles mean women do not have equal chances as men. Based on these, this article finds that improving female status and breaking and turning stereotypes into benefits and policy supports are conducive to helping women. It is necessary to provide equal chances to women as men while working. Plus, women can use their advantages, such as empathy and emotional intelligence, to make a career. Last, governments ought to support women with some policies, for instance, resting holidays to relax or do other things. All these methods enable women to greatly show themselves and completely use their capabilities.

Low physical fitness indicates future injury, mental health, menstrual cycle disruptions and burnout in female emergency service personnel and healthcare providers

Musculoskeletal injury (MSKi), depression, anxiety and burnout place a considerable burden on emergency services personnel and healthcare providers (HCP). Physical fitness is related to both mental and physical health in these populations but females in these are hugely underrepresented in this literature. As female representation in first-responder and HCP roles increases, the need for female specific research is needed. This study examines physical fitness as a short-term indicator of future reproductive health, MSKi, and mental health for females employed as first-responders or HCP. Thirteen first-responders and 29 HCP completed an initial health and demographics questionnaire, a comprehensive physical assessment (e.g., bone mineral density, muscular strength, muscular endurance, muscular power, flexibility, and aerobic capacity), and a health questionnaire 6-7 months after the physical testing. We found that i) bone mineral density, relative upper body strength, and lowerbody power were related to sustaining future MSKi, ii) better lower body endurance and flexibility was related to future menstrual cycle disruptions, and iii) low bone mineral density was related future self-reported burnout and Patient Health Questionnaire score >10. Physical fitness characteristics can be helpful indicators of future MSKi risk, menstrual cycle disruptions, and mental health status in females employed in arduous occupations.

Female Reproductive System and Thyroid Dysfunction: Findings from a 12-Year Follow-Up in the Tehran Thyroid Study.

Background: The impact of thyroid dysfunction (TD) on the female reproductive system has been extensively documented. While there is evidence suggesting that alteration in female reproductive status may affect thyroid function, conflicting results have prevented definitive conclusions. This study aimed to investigate the associations of parity, spontaneous abortion (mentioned as abortion throughout this study), and menopause status with the prevalence and incidence of TD. Methods: From the Tehran thyroid study population, 2711 participants were included in the cross-sectional analysis to explore associations between female reproductive status and TD. Overall, 2191 participants with euthyroid were included in the survival study and followed up in 3-year intervals. Multinomial logistic regression was adopted in cross-sectional analysis and multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine associations between the incidence of TD with parity, abortion, and menopause status, adjusting for age, smoking, body mass index, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies positivity. Results: At the baseline, multiple parities (≥4) were significantly associated with overt hypothyroidism (odds ratio [OR] = 1.12; confidence interval [CI] 1.0-1.26) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (OR = 1.11 [CI 1.03-1.21]). Furthermore, multiple abortions were associated with overt hyperthyroidism (OR = 2.09 [CI 1.02-4.26]). Over the course of the study, multiple parities were significantly associated with the incident subclinical and clinical hypothyroidism. Conversely, a history of abortion was associated with a reduced risk of incident overt hypothyroidism. We found no significant association between menopause status and the prevalence or incidence of either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the female reproductive system may be associated with thyroid function. Parity and abortion are associated with the occurrence of TD. A deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the cellular and molecular alterations in signaling cascades during pregnancy is necessary to fully elucidate these associations.

Indole Propionic Acid (IPA), A Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolite, in Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) Infection: A Case Control Study

Introduction: A metabolomics study revealed that the tryptophan (Trp) pathway is upregulated in tuberculosis (TB) infection. Indole propionic acid (IPA) is a gut microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolite with antimycobacterial properties through TrpE inhibition and as ligand for AhR in in vitro and in vivo studies. TB infection is associated with gut dysbiosis. However, plasma IPA levels and related factors in active TB patients have not yet been explored. This study aimed to determine the differences and correlations between plasma IPA levels and patient characteristics (age, gender, BMI and GeneXpert result), IPA-producing gut microbiota (Clostridium sporogenes, Lactobacillus sp., and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius), and IFN-γ concentrations in active TB patients and healthy subjects. Materials and methods: A case-control study was performed in 29 active TB patients and 30 healthy controls (HCs) in Aceh, Indonesia. The plasma IPA and IFN-γ levels were measured by ELISA, and the relative abundance of gut microbiota was determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The results and discussion: Increased plasma IPA levels (median (IQR) of 22.2 pmol/L (21.3 - 23.9) vs. 18.9 pmol/L (17 - 22.8), p 0.000) were associated with active TB according to the adjusted model (AOR 1.36 (95 % CI 0.37 - 5.1)). Increase of plasma IPA level in higher mycobacterial load patients was found. Higher plasma IPA was positively associated with female, normo- and overweight status, and higher relative abundance of C. sporogenes. The metabolite could be used to discriminate active TB disease at a cutoff of 21.40 pmol/L (72 % sensitivity, 70 % specificity and AUC 0.77). Dysbiosis in IPA-producing bacteria was showed in active TB patients. Conclusion: Plasma IPA could be considered as TB biomarker, and it may also influence disease progression. Future works are needed to validate plasma IPA as biomarker in LTBI and other respiratory infection, as well as its role as biomarker of treatment monitoring response. HIGHLIGHTS The upregulation of the tryptophan (Trp) pathway in tuberculosis infection. Indole propionic acid (IPA) is a Trp metabolite with antimycobacterial properties Higher plasma IPA levels were found in TB patients than in healthy subjects. Dysbiosis of several IPA-producing gut microbiota was revealed in this study. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

The Global Catholic Missionary Societies and the Spread of Marian Devotion in Pre-Twentieth-Century Vietnam

Abstract Dating back many years, Marian devotion is currently a ubiquitous phenomenon among Vietnamese Catholics in Vietnam. This article examines the endeavours of specific global Catholic missionary societies – the Society of Jesus (S.J.), the Dominican Order or the Order of Preachers (O.P.) and the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris (mep) – in spreading Marian devotion in pre-twentieth-century Vietnam. In doing so, the article seeks to demonstrate that the prevalence of Marian devotion primarily resulted from the enduring efforts of global Catholic missionaries during the stages of proselytization. This argument aims to challenge the prevailing notion that the primordial Vietnamese cultural identity, widely known for emphasizing female status and Mother Goddess worship, exerted its influence on the elevation of Marian devotion among Vietnamese Catholics during the course of history.

Sperm depletion and mate choice of the crab spider, Ebrechtella tricuspidata (Fahricius)

Abstract Mounting evidence suggests that male sperm may be gradually depleted after consecutive matings, resulting in the decline of female reproductive output in insect species. It is predicted that females may employ adaptive strategies to avoid the sperm-depleted males, such as mating multiply with different males and/or discriminating against previously mated males (MMs). Similarly, males may exhibit adaptive behaviors toward females varying in mating status. However, in spiders with males lacking primary copulatory organs and their pedipalps modified to transfer sperm, there are few studies on male mating potential and previous mating experience on their subsequent mate choice. In this study, we used a polyandrous crab spider, Ebrechtella tricuspidata, a sit-and-wait predator with female-biased sex ratio as a model system to ascertain whether 1) male mating experiences influence female reproductive fitness; 2) females respond differently to males varying in mating status; and 3) males respond differently to females varying in mating status. Our results showed that female fecundity was independent of male mating experiences, but female fertility markedly declined with the increase of male previous mating experiences in the first eggsac. Counter to our predictions, females preferred to choose and mate with the larger males, regardless of their mating status. In contrast, male mating status influenced their mating preference toward females. Virgin males did not show any preference between virgin and mated females; however, MMs were more likely to prefer the virgin females over the mated ones. Overall, our results indicated that female choice depended primarily on male relative size rather than male mating status, whereas male choice depended on female mating status. Depending on the investigation of reproductive dynamics and mate choice in E. tricuspidata, the study will provide valuable insights into the adaptive behaviors of both males and females exhibiting toward mates varying in mating status.

Effect of long-term oral administration of the flavonoid quercetin on the antioxidant profile of young and adult reproductive rabbit does.

In industrialized farms, rabbit does undergo intensive production rhythms which overlap lactation and gestation, leading to a high energy mobilization and increasing oxidative stress. Accordingly, we hypothesize that administration of the flavonoid quercetin (QUR) may improve the antioxidant status of young and adult rabbit reproductive females. In this study, the effect of daily oral administration of 300 mg/kg QUR for 8 weeks was assessed on the antioxidant profile of 24 New Zealand × Californian rabbit does, assigned to 4 experimental groups: rearing young (8-16 weeks old) and adult does at the end of their reproductive life (12-14 months old, with at least 3-4 reproductive cycles) treated (YQ and AQ) or not (YC and AC) with QUR, respectively. Plasma glutathione (GSH), as well as serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured during the experimental period. To assess the health status of the animals, a physical examination was also performed. GSH plasma concentrations were significantly higher in young does at weeks 1 and 4, but not at week 8 of the experiment, irrespectively of QUR administration. An increase in GSH plasma concentration was observed during the 8-week experiment in both AQ and AC groups. Furthermore, QUR administration did not alter either SOD or MDA serum activity and concentration in any group during the experimental period. Physical examination revealed no differences between the experimental groups. In conclusion, under our experimental conditions, QUR did not modify the general clinical or the antioxidant profile of young and adult reproductive rabbit females.

The impact of gender and underrepresented minority demographics on nationwide academic radiation oncology faculty promotion.

162 Background: The US is a diverse country with 13.6% of the population identifying as African-American, 19.1% as Hispanic or Latino, and 50.4% female according to the most recent US Census. Per demographic data from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) (the largest US organization of radiation oncologists), 28% of radiation oncologist members identify as female, 4% as African-American race, and 4% as Hispanic/Latino ethnicity; additional data has indicated the rate of URM radiation oncologists in US comprehensive cancer cents to be 5%. This data objectively indicates that females and URMs are underrepresented in the field of radiation oncology compared with the gender and racial/ethnic diversity of the US population. There is minimal data regarding promotion rates in academic radiation oncology, with virtually no data focusing on promotion rates among females and URMs. The primary objective of this study was to assess the relationships between gender and URM status in academic promotion of radiation oncology faculty. Methods: A database consisting of radiation oncologists from 51 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers from 2019 was accessed in September 2023 to assess academic promotion in a four-year timespan. Data regarding the gender, graduation year, institution, URM identification, and professional rank of radiation oncologists ranked as junior faculty was collected. URM was defined as African-American race and/or Hispanic ethnicity and was collected via self-described internet depictions, interviews, and facial recognition as previously described (PMID 30996695). Junior faculty status was defined as instructor/assistant professor. An online search was then conducted to identify the 2023 academic rank of previously identified faculty, focusing on promotion status from junior to senior faculty or from associate professor to full professor. Regression analysis was performed using a generalized linear mixed model to assess the impact of gender and URM status on promotion, with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05. Results: In an analysis of 554 radiation oncologists comprised of 203 women (36.7%) and 21 URMs (3.8%), 338 (61%) received promotions. Analysis revealed that neither female gender (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval, 0.68 – 1.52; p -value 0.94) nor URM status (odds ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.19 – 1.71; p -value 0.32) was significantly associated with promotion. Conclusions: These findings indicate that radiation oncologist gender and URM status may not be associated with academic promotion. However, given the small URM sample size and odds ratio of 0.57, it is possible that this study may be underpowered to adequately assess URM status on promotion. Further studies involving longer time intervals will provide much needed additional data regarding academic promotion.

Classifiers of anterior cruciate ligament status in female and male adolescents using return-to-activity criteria.

A lack of standardization exists for functional tasks in return-to-activity (RTA) guidelines for adolescents with anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACLi). Identifying the variables that discern ACLi status among adolescents is a first step in the creation of such guidelines following surgical reconstruction. This study investigated the use of classification models to discern ACLi status of adolescents with and without injury using spatiotemporal variables from functional tasks typically used in RTA guidelines for adults. Sixty-four adolescents with ACLi and 70 uninjured adolescents completed single-limb hops, lunges, squats, countermovement jumps and drop-vertical jumps. Jumping distances, heights, and depths were collected. Decision trees (DTs) were used to classify ACLi status and were evaluated using the F-measure (F1), kappa statistic (ĸ) and area under the precision-recall curve (PRC). Independent t tests and effect sizes were calculated for each important classifier of the DT models. A five-variable model classified ACLi status with an accuracy of 67.5% (F1 = 0.6842; ĸ = 0.350; PRC = 0.491) with sex as a classifier. Significant differences were found in three of the four spatiotemporal variables (p ≤ 0.002). Separate models then classified ACLi status in males and females with an accuracy of 53.3% (F1 = 0.5882; ĸ = 0.0541; PRC = 0.476) and 76.9% (F1 = 0.7692; ĸ = 0.541; PRC = 0.528), respectively, with significant differences for all variables (p ≤ 0.013). Among the DT models, females were better able to classify ACLi status compared to males, highlighting the importance of sex-specific rehabilitation guidelines for adolescents. Level III.

Association between the age-adjusted visceral adiposity index (AVAI) and female infertility status: a cross-sectional analysis of the NHANES 2013–2018

BackgroundObesity stands as an essential factor contributing to infertility in women. Early identification of obese individuals leads to favorable results for female infertility. The objective of this research is to assess the association between the age-adjusted visceral adiposity index (AVAI) and female infertility.MethodsThis study was conducted using NHANES data from 2013 to 2018, in which 1,231 women aged 20–45 were selected. Infertility was defined by survey questions. AVAI was calculated using anthropometric and serum data. Covariates included demographics and lifestyle factors. Statistical analysis with R, adjusting for covariates, and assessing nonlinearity and cutoff effects.ResultsThe study of 1,231 women from the NHANES database revealed that 11.94% were diagnosed with infertility. Individuals with higher AVAI scores showed increased age, WC, BMI, and reduced HDL levels, with a positive correlation between AVAI and female infertility (OR = 1.42, 95%CI: 1.26–1.60). AVAI quartiles showed a pronounced relationship with female infertility risk, with the highest quartile showing the greatest risk(OR = 9.35,95% CI: 2.96–29.55). Nonlinear and threshold effects in the relationship between AVAI and female infertility were identified, with an inflection point at -9.70. Subgroup analyses indicated significant interactions between AVAI and educational status and BMI, particularly in women with a BMI below 25 kg/m2, where a high AVAI level was closely related to increased infertility risk(OR = 1.92, 95%CI: 1.44–2.58).ConclusionThe study identifies a strong association between elevated AVAI scores and female infertility risk, especially in women with a BMI under 25 kg/m2. This suggests that AVAI could be a valuable predictor in female fertility assessments.

Sex-Dependent Effects of Cardiometabolic Health and APOE4 on Brain Age: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

The aging population is growing faster than all other demographic strata. With older age comes a greater risk of health conditions such as obesity and high blood pressure (BP). These cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRs) exhibit prominent sex differences in midlife and aging, yet their influence on brain health in females vs males is largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated sex differences in relationships between BP, body mass index (BMI), and brain age over time and tested for interactions with APOE ε4 genotype (APOE4), a known genetic risk factor of Alzheimer disease. The sample included participants from 2 United Kingdom-based longitudinal birth cohorts, the Lothian Birth Cohort (1936) and Insight 46 (1946). Participants with MRI data from at least 1 time point were included to evaluate sex differences in associations between CMRs and brain age. The open-access software package brainageR 2.1 was used to estimate brain age for each participant. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the relationships between brain age, BMI, BP, and APOE4 status (i.e., carrier vs noncarrier) in males and females over time. The combined sample comprised 1,120 participants (48% female) with a mean age (SD) of 73 (0.72) years in the Lothian Birth Cohort and 71 (0.68) years in Insight 46 at the time point 1 assessment. Approximately 30% of participants were APOE4 carriers. Higher systolic and diastolic BP was significantly associated with older brain age in females only (β = 0.43-0.56, p < 0.05). Among males, higher BMI was associated with older brain age across time points and APOE4 groups (β = 0.72-0.77, p < 0.05). In females, higher BMI was linked to older brain age among APOE4 noncarriers (β = 0.68-0.99, p < 0.05), whereas higher BMI was linked to younger brain age among carriers, particularly at the last time point (β = -1.75, p < 0.05). This study indicates sex-dependent and time-dependent relationships between CMRs, APOE4 status, and brain age. Our findings highlight the necessity of sex-stratified analyses to elucidate the role of CMRs in individual aging trajectories, providing a basis for developing personalized preventive interventions.

Unleashing potential: how alpha female status shape extra-role performance across life's stages and marital roles

PurposeThe present study examines the interplay between age, marital status, alpha female status and various adaptive performance dimensions among a cohort of 380 female professionals.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a positivist approach to collect and analyse the data, utilizing appropriate statistical techniques to explore the relationships between the variables of interest.FindingsThe study elucidates the significant role of alpha female status in predicting adaptive performance. It finds that alpha females possess distinct competencies, particularly in learning and training, indicative of proactive behaviour and self-efficacy. While older participants tend to demonstrate higher performance levels, the study reveals no significant correlation between age and alpha female status, suggesting that leadership traits may develop independently of age. Furthermore, marital status exerts a modest influence on adaptive performance. The interplay of age and marital status significantly affects adaptive performance, potentially due to the Cumulative Advantage Paradigm, which is the accumulation of advantages or disadvantages throughout an individual's life course.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by providing a nuanced understanding of how demographic factors converge to influence adaptive performance in professional settings. It highlights the importance of recognising and nurturing alpha females in organizations and considering the interactions between age and marital status when designing career development programmes and support systems.

Diabetes Related Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Diabetic Patients Attending at Chittagong Medical College Hospital

Background: Increased awareness among large population groups is a major determinant for the prevention of diabetes and its complications. Knowledge and attitude are the principal markers of awareness that need to be studied in various population groups in specific racial and cultural contexts. Therefore, good Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) regarding diabetes are necessary in promoting care. This study aimed to explore Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP)-regarding Diabetes Mellitus (DM) among diabetic patients attending in Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to December 2022 among 289 diabetic patients from the outpatient department of Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chattogram. KAP were assessed by a pre-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and categorized using predefined scores of poor (&lt;&lt; 30%), average (30-70%) and good (70%). Chi-square test was done to examine the association between diabetes related KAP and other covariates. Results: Out of 289 participants 167(57.8%) of the participants had good knowledge, 208 (72%) had positive attitude and 173 (60%) had good practice related to DM. Poor knowledge was significantly associated with female gender (p=0.010), being housewife (p=0.023) and low socioeconomic status (p &lt;0.001). Conclusion: Present study identified some gap in KAP related to DM and some factors related to poor knowledge, negative attitude and poor practices among the diabetic patients, which highlighted the need of more comprehensive approach for DM related management in the study hospital. IAHS Medical Journal Vol 6(2), December 2023; 44-47

Gender differences in the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose index and serum Klotho concentrations among the middle-aged and elderly: a cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundThe triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is recognized as a robust indicator for evaluating insulin resistance (IR). Despite the well-documented anti-aging biological functions of Klotho protein, its correlation with the TyG index remains unexplored.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2007–2016. The TyG index was computed using laboratory data, while serum Klotho concentrations was determined using ELISA kit. After adjusting potential confounding variables, multivariate regression models were employed to evaluate the association between the TyG index and Klotho protein levels among middle-aged and elderly females and males separately. Additionally, smooth curve fitting and segmented regression model were applied to investigate potential threshold effects and identify the inflection point.ResultsA total of 6,573 adults qualified for inclusion, comprising 3,147 (47.88%) males and 3,426 (52.12%) females. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that females with a higher TyG index exhibited significantly lower serum Klotho concentrations (β=-83.41, 95% CI: -124.23 to -42.60, P < 0.0001). This association was not statistically significant in males (β = 15.40, 95% CI: -19.16 to 49.95, P = 0.3827). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant interaction effect by diabetes status in females (P-interaction = 0.0121), where non-diabetic females showed a stronger negative association between TyG index and serum Klotho levels compared to diabetic females. In the female group, when TyG index was divided into quartiles, individuals in the highest quartile of TyG index exhibited reduced levels of Klotho protein (Q4: -88.77 pg/ml) compared to those in the lowest quartile (Q1) after full adjustment (P = 0.0041). Segmented regression analysis indicated a turning point value of 9.4 in females. Notably, a 1-unit increase in TyG index was significantly associated with a decrease in Klotho levels by -111.43 pg/ml (95% CI: -157.34 to -65.52, P < 0.0001) when TyG index was below 9.4, while above this threshold, the association was not significant (Log likelihood ratio test: 0.009).ConclusionsThe findings highlight a non-linear correlation between the TyG index and serum Klotho concentrations among females, indicative of a saturation effect. This relationship was particularly pronounced in non-diabetic women. In contrast, no statistically significant association was observed in male participants.

Biopsychosocial Associates of Psychological Distress and Post-Traumatic Growth among Canadian Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Understanding both the positive and negative psychological outcomes among cancer patients during the pandemic is critical for planning post-pandemic cancer care. This study (1) examined levels of psychological distress and post-traumatic growth (PTG) among Canadian cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) explored variables that were associated with psychological distress and PTG during the pandemic using a biopsychosocial framework. A cross-section survey was undertaken of patients receiving ongoing care at a regional cancer centre in Ontario, Canada, between February and December 2021. Self-reported questionnaires assessing sociodemographic information, social difficulties, psychological distress (depression, anxiety fear of recurrence, and emotional distress), PTG, illness perceptions, and behavioural responses to the pandemic were administered. Disease-related information was extracted from patient health records. Prevalences of moderate to severe levels of depression, anxiety, fear of recurrence and emotional distress were reported by 26.0%, 21.2%, 44.2%, and 50.0% of the sample (N = 104), respectively. Approximately 43% of the sample reported experiencing high PTG, and these positive experiences were not associated with levels of distress. Social factors, including social difficulties, being female, lower education, and unemployment status were prominent associative factors of patient distress. Perceptions of the pandemic as threatening, adopting more health safety behaviours, and not being on active treatment also increased patient likelihood to experience severe psychological distress. Younger age and adopting more health safety behaviours increased the likelihood of experiencing high PTG. The discriminatory power of the predictive models was strong, with a C-statistic > 0.80. Examining both the positive and negative psychological patient outcomes during the pandemic has highlighted the complex range of coping responses. Interventions that adopt a multi-pronged approach to screen and address social distress, as well as to leverage health safety behaviours, may improve the adjustments in the pandemic aftermath.

Depression, anxiety, and stress among vocational college students during the initial stage of post-epidemic era: A cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of depression, anxiety, and stress among vocational college students. 1255 students participated in the cross-sectional study. The Chinese version of the 21-item the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) was used. Depression was reported in 37.6% of vocational college students, anxiety in 51.6%, and stress in 38.1%. Logistic regression results showed that a higher degree of depression, anxiety, and stress was associated with female, poor and moderate self-rated health status, from other provinces, poor self-rated family financial status and living off campus (P < .05). Junior and from one-parent or parentless family were more likely to experience depression and stress (P < .05). Additionally, the likelihood of having depression was higher in non-only-child students (P < .01) and rural family location was a risk factor for stress (P < .001). A higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was found in vocational college students. Timely and targeted psychological interventions should be taken.

Impact of D2 Total Gastrectomy Including Splenectomy for Scirrhous Gastric Cancer in the Era of Effective Adjuvant Chemotherapy.

Total gastrectomy with D2 dissection including splenectomy (TGS) is usually selected for locally resectable scirrhous gastric cancer (SGC), which was established in the era of surgery alone. However, it remains unclear whether TGS for SGC is justified in the era of effective adjuvant chemotherapy. This study included 112 SGC patients, consisting of 60 cases treated between January 2000 and December 2006 (Former group), and 52 cases treated between January 2007 and December 2016 (Latter group). We collected clinicopathological data and then examined the survival and the therapeutic value indexes. The background characteristics were well-balanced, except for sex and physical status. The Latter group might be characterized by frequent female (P = 0.037) and poorer physical status (P = 0.048). Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 86.5% of the Latter group and was 11.7% of the Former group (P < 0.001). The 5-year-overall survival rate of the Latter group was 58.7% (95% confidence interval: 43.5-71.1), seems better than that of the Former group (44.5%; 95% confidence interval 31.7-56.6) (hazard ratio = 0.758, P = 0.291). Improvement of the index from the Former group was observed in the Latter group at almost all stations. The ratio of the index between two groups was 1.42 at the D1 station and 1.67 at the D2 station. Index of splenic hilar node ranked similarly high in both groups. The therapeutic value index was improved in almost all nodal stations by S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy, especially in D2 nodes. TGS would be more important for locally resectable SGC in the era of effective adjuvant chemotherapy.

Lung function and health-related quality of life among adult patients following pulmonary TB treatment.

<sec><title>OBJECTIVES</title>Pulmonary TB (PTB) increases the risk of chronic lung complications, which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We determined the prevalence and predictors of post-TB lung disease and persistent symptoms in a resource-limited setting.</sec><sec><title>METHODS</title>Adults who completed PTB treatment underwent spirometry and completed the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), a questionnaire that assesses quality of life on symptom, activity, and impact. We performed multivariate analyses to calculate the X-adjusted prevalence ratio (PRadj) of abnormal spirometry and identify associated risk factors.</sec><sec><title>RESULTS</title>Among the 162 participants, 89 (54.9%) were male. The median age was 32 years, and 65 (40.1%) had HIV. Overall, 65 participants (40.1%) had abnormal lung function, with spirometric restriction seen in 29.0%, obstruction in 4.9%, and a mixed pattern in 6.2%. Smoking (PRadj 1.88, 95% CI 1.11-3.16; P = 0.02) and female sex (PRadj 1.81, 95% Cl 1.15-2.84; P = 0.01) were independent risk factors for abnormal lung function. The median SGRQ scores were higher in participants with cavitation (P < 0.001) or bilateral consolidation on initial chest X-ray (P = 0.01).</sec><sec><title>CONCLUSIONS</title>Lung function abnormalities, particularly spirometric restriction, are common in patients completing PTB treatment. Female sex and smoking status were associated with lung function abnormalities; therefore, additional studies to understand the underlying mechanistic pathways are warranted.</sec>.

Relating sex-bias in human cortical and hippocampal microstructure to sex hormones

Determining sex-bias in brain structure is of great societal interest to improve diagnostics and treatment of brain-related disorders. So far, studies on sex-bias in brain structure predominantly focus on macro-scale measures, and often ignore factors determining this bias. Here we study sex-bias in cortical and hippocampal microstructure in relation to sex hormones. Investigating quantitative intracortical profiling in-vivo using the T1w/T2w ratio in 1093 healthy females and males of the cross-sectional Human Connectome Project young adult sample, we find that regional cortical and hippocampal microstructure differs between males and females and that the effect size of this sex-bias varies depending on self-reported hormonal status in females. Microstructural sex-bias and expression of sex hormone genes, based on an independent post-mortem sample, are spatially coupled. Lastly, sex-bias is most pronounced in paralimbic areas, with low laminar complexity, which are predicted to be most plastic based on their cytoarchitectural properties. Albeit correlative, our study underscores the importance of incorporating sex hormone variables into the investigation of brain structure and plasticity.

The relationship of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sex assigned at birth, sexual orientation, parental education, financial hardship and comorbid mental disorders with quality of life in college students with anxiety, depression or eating disorders

BackgroundPrevious studies showed that comorbidity and demographic factors added to burden on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Only one study explored the relationship between HRQoL and comorbidity in college students with mental disorders, leaving generalizability of findings uncertain. Less is known about the association of demographics on HRQoL. This study investigated HRQoL based on demographics and comorbidity among college students with mental disorders. MethodsParticipants were students (N = 5535) across 26 U.S. colleges and universities who met criteria for depression, generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or eating disorders based on self-report measures. ANOVA and linear regressions were conducted. ResultsOverall, female, minoritized (gender, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity), and lower socioeconomic status students reported lower HRQoL than male, heterosexual, White, non-Hispanic, and higher socioeconomic status peers. After accounting for comorbidity, differences in physical HRQoL based on sex assigned at birth and gender were no longer significant. For mental HRQoL, only gender and sexual orientation remained significant. A greater number of comorbidities was associated with lower HRQoL regardless of demographic group. LimitationsThe non-experimental design limits causal inference. The study focused on univariable associations without examining potential interactions between demographic factors. Future research should explore structural factors like discrimination. ConclusionResults suggested that increased comorbidities placed an additional burden on HRQoL and that certain demographic groups were more vulnerable to HRQoL impairment among students with mental disorders. Findings suggest the need for prevention of disorders and their comorbidity and implementing tailored interventions for specific student subgroups with increased vulnerability.