Variation In Men Research Articles

An independent external validation and evaluation of QRISK cardiovascular risk prediction: a prospective open cohort study

Objective To independently evaluate the performance of the QRISK score for predicting 10 year risk of cardiovascular disease in an independent UK cohort of patients from general practice and compare...

Association of Adenylate Cyclase 10 (ADCY10) Polymorphisms and Bone Mineral Density in Healthy Adults

Phenotypic variation in bone mineral density (BMD) among healthy adults is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Sequence variations in the adenylate cyclase 10 (ADCY10) gene, which is also called soluble adenylate cyclase, have previously been associated with low spinal BMD in hypercalciuric patients. Since ADCY10 is located in the region linked to spinal BMD in our previous linkage analysis, we tested whether polymorphisms in this gene are also associated with normal BMD variation in healthy adults. Sixteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed throughout ADCY10 were genotyped in two healthy groups of American whites: 1692 premenopausal women and 715 men. Statistical analyses were performed in the two groups to test for association between these SNPs and the femoral neck and lumbar spine areal BMD. We observed significant evidence of association (p < 0.01), with one SNP each in men and women. Genotypes at these SNPs accounted for <1% of hip BMD variation in men but 1.5% of spinal BMD in women. However, adjacent SNPs did not corroborate the association in either men or women. In conclusion, we found a modest association between an ADCY10 polymorphism and the spinal areal BMD in premenopausal white women.

What do Asian men consider as important masculinity attributes? Findings from the Asian Men's Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality (MALES) Study

Background Masculinity plays an important role in shaping men's help-seeking behaviour. However, what men consider as important attributes of masculinity and how these attributes are related and vary with age in different Asian countries remains unknown. This study aimed to find out about Asian men's perception of masculinity. Methods Five Asian countries (China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan) participated in this cross-sectional study in 2005/6. A total of 10,934 men aged 21–75 years were interviewed via computer-assisted telephone interviews and street interceptions. A standardised questionnaire based on the Men's Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality (MALES) study was modified and used to capture men's views on masculinity attributes. Results Men's views about the most important masculinity attributes varied from country to country. Overall, the majority considered ‘having a good job’ (20.3%), ‘being seen as a man of honour’ (15.6%) and ‘being in control of his own life’ (14.6%) as the most important attributes and this observation did not vary with age. However, the relative importance of these attributes differed across the five countries which participated in this study. Conclusions There were variations in men's views on masculinity across the five Asian countries but their perceptions appear to remain consistent with age. This study calls for more research into the role of masculinity in the understanding and promotion of men's health.

The Process of Sex Segregation in a Gender-Typed Field: The Case of Male Nurses

To what extent do organizational hiring practices contribute to the variation in men's share of hospital registered nursing (RN) positions? The answer to this question provides key insight into the process of workplace sex segregation in a traditionally feminine field. To that end, the present analyses examine how informal and formal hiring practices in over sixty Pacific Northwest hospitals affect the share of men holding hospital RN positions. Findings from Tobit regression analyses indicate that men's share of hospital RN jobs increases with an increased use of informal referrals to recruit RNs. Supervisor monitoring of hiring decisions, hospital use of walk-ins, and employment agency referrals to recruit RN applicants have no effect on men's share of RN positions. Although unexpected, these results are explicable in light of the occupation's feminine gender type and gender status beliefs. The author discusses the implications of these findings for research investigating the sex segregation process in gender-typed occupations.

Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor daily variations in men: correlation with cortisol circadian rhythm

Expression and secretion of neurotrophins, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are regulated also by neuronal activity. Data available in the literature suggest that BDNF central levels are influenced by light and dark. Diurnal changes of BDNF mRNA and protein contents have been demonstrated in the rat central nervous system. Based on these pieces of evidence, we investigated the hypothesis of a possible diurnal variation of BDNF circulating levels in human males. Moreover, we looked for a possible correlation with cortisol circadian rhythm, since both BDNF and cortisol are implicated in the maintenance of cerebral functions. In this study, 34 healthy young male volunteers were included. Five blood samples were drawn from each subject thrice in a month at regular 4-h intervals (0800, 1200, 1600, 2000, and 2400 h). BDNF and cortisol were measured in all samples. BDNF was determined by ELISA method. Our results show that plasma BDNF levels, as well as cortisol levels, are significantly higher in the morning when compared with the night (P<0.001), with a trend of constant decrease during the day. Furthermore, plasma BDNF and cortisol are positively correlated (Spearman index=0.8466). The present study is the first to demonstrate the presence of a diurnal rhythm of BDNF in humans. Moreover, the correlation found out between BDNF and cortisol circadian trend allows us to speculate that these two factors may be physiologically co-regulated, in order to maintain the homeostasis of integrated cerebral activities.

Inter-regional variations in men’s attitudes, suicide rates and sociodemographics in Quebec (Canada)

Suicide rates can vary quite considerably and attitudes regarding suicide may explain part of the variation. The present study investigated, across the 17 regions of Quebec (Canada), men's attitudes towards suicide, expressing pain and help seeking, as they are related to suicide rates and sociodemographic variables (unemployment, divorce/separation, income and education). Most correlations were non-significant. However, in regions with an above-average educational level and with higher divorce/separation rates, men had better attitudes towards expressing pain. Furthermore, in regions where men were more inclined to express pain, suicide rates were lower. Also, significant positive correlations were found between suicide rates and low educational level, but also between an increase in suicide rates and an increase in income level. Where the aetiology of suicide is concerned, researchers must examine both sociodemographic factors and the psychological factors associated with them.

Bringing Men Back In?1 Male recreational hunters, divers and fly‐fishers and the creation of recreational space

This paper investigates the extent to which men who engage in the types of ‘blokes’ leisure which involve trips away from home — recreational hunting, diving, and fishing — negotiate their recreational space in consultation with significant others, notably their partners. The research is based upon 28 in‐depth, tape‐recorded interviews conducted in Sydney, Australia and Christchurch, New Zealand.2 The development of post‐structuralist feminism, which introduced a more subtle, nuanced appreciation of women's recreational experience, encouraged the researchers to investigate whether men's recreational enthusiasms — and in particular the way men go about organising their trips — would reveal similar diversity. Results indicate that there are variations in men's attitudes to gaining recreational space in the context of work and family commitments. Despite the methodological limitations of the study, the findings are seen to be of sufficient interest to warrant further inquiry into a neglected aspect of ‘gendered’ leisure research. Greater acknowledgement of the family contexts of ‘men's leisure’, it is claimed, has practical as well as analytic significance.

SRY and AZF gene variation in male infertility: a cytogenetic and molecular approach

The aim of this study was to identify the genetic effects of Y chromosome and azoospermia factor (AZF) gene variation in men with infertility and to elucidate the molecular mechanism responsible for the identified point mutation. Chromosome analysis was performed according to standard methods on lymphocyte cultured cells and genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood. Three sets of primers were used encompassing the AZFb, AZFc and SRY14 gene regions. Products were genotyped with single-strand comformational polymorphisim (SSCP) analysis. The profiles of the mutated genes were detected in five of three azoospermic and two oligoasthenozoospermic infertile males. The SSCP variability of the AZFc gene was detected in all of the cases, while sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene variation was detected in two of the current cases. Three cases with oligoasthenozoospermia showed mutated SSCP profiles in both their SRY and AZFc gene regions. No AZFb variation was detected in the presented cases. The AZF locus is assumed to contain the genes responsible for spermatogenesis in human. Deletions in these genes are thought to be involved in male infertility associated with azoospermia, oligozoospermia and/or both. AZF microdeletions and variations that are seen in infertile males suggest the need for molecular screening of such cases. Advance studies are also needed to detect of these variations and their relevance to male infertility before using assisted reproduction techniques in such cases.

Anthropometry, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey: heritabilities

Aims/hypothesisWe determined the genetic contribution of 18 anthropometric and metabolic risk factors of type 2 diabetes using a young healthy twin population.MethodsTraits were measured in 240 monozygotic (MZ) and 138 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs aged 18 to 34 years. Twins were recruited from the Belgian population-based East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey, which is characterised by its accurate zygosity determination and extensive collection of perinatal and placental data, including information on chorionicity. Heritability was estimated using structural equation modelling implemented in the Mx software package.ResultsIntra-pair correlations of the anthropometric and metabolic characteristics did not differ between MZ monochorionic and MZ dichorionic pairs; consequently heritabilities were estimated using the classical twin approach. For body mass, BMI and fat mass, quantitative sex differences were observed; genetic variance explained 84, 85 and 81% of the total variation in men and 74, 75 and 70% in women, respectively. Heritability estimates of the waist-to-hip ratio, sum of four skinfold thicknesses and lean body mass were 70, 74 and 81%, respectively. The heritability estimates of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and beta cell function, as well as insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 levels were 67, 49, 48, 62 and 47%, in that order. Finally, for total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio, triacylglycerol, NEFA and leptin levels, genetic factors explained 75, 78, 76, 79, 58, 37 and 53% of the total variation, respectively.Conclusions/interpretationGenetic factors explain the greater part of the variation in traits related to obesity, glucose intolerance/insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00125-007-0784-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorised users.

Genetics of Castes and Tribes of India: Somatometry

ABSTACT The discipline of human population biology incorporates study of biology and environmental factors, as well as the forces of micro-evolution leading to macro-evolution which ultimately influence the biological structure of human populations. The unit of study in understanding variations in man is a ‘breeding population’ some times also referred to as ‘Mendelian population’. India is inhabited by people of great diversity, different creeds and customs forming what may be designated as multiple (or plural) society. There are about 3000 castes in India, some have genesis in tribal stock while others are occupational, linguistic, religious and territorial entities. Each caste is a social unit or what may be called ‘monopolistic guild’ in itself. All these groups are not entirely independent; usually people belong to two or more of such groups at the same time. India is a country with distinct geographical entity and is marked off from rest of Asia by both mountains and sea. Indian sub-continent may be divided into four natural regions: (1) The Himalayan Mountain Complex, (2) The Indus-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plains, (3) The Peninsular Plateau and (4) The Islands. The climate of India has many regional variations determined by locations, altitude, distance from the sea or the mountains and the general relief. India is divided into eight climatic regions based on the monthly value of temperature and precipitation. India is a Union comprising 25 States and 7 Union Territories and these may be categorised into six zones (North, West, East, Central, South India and Islands). Himalayan region may be divided into three divisions (Western, Central and Eastern Himalayan Regions). The present paper aims at investigating first the variation in the people of India in regional (Natural Regions of India, Climatic Regions of India, Political Divisions of India), ethnic (castes, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, communities), traditional occupational and linguistic groups and families with the help somatometry measurement and indices. Second, to study the variation with the help of biostatistics methods in the region, ethnic groups and linguistic groups. The basic data were collected from the literature and it was categorized in regional, ethnic, occupational and linguistic groups and coded accordingly for the analysis on computer.

Circulating intestinal fibroblast growth factor 19 has a pronounced diurnal variation and modulates hepatic bile acid synthesis in man

Bile acids (BAs) traversing the enterohepatic circulation exert several important metabolic effects. Their hepatic synthesis, controlled by the enzyme cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), has a unique diurnal variation in man. Here we provide evidence that the transintestinal flux of BAs regulates serum levels of intestinal fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) that in turn modulate BA production in human liver. Basal FGF19 levels varied by 10-fold in normal subjects, and were reduced following treatment with a BA-binding resin and increased upon feeding the BA chenodeoxycholic acid. Serum FGF19 levels exhibited a pronounced diurnal rhythm with peaks occurring 90-120 min after the postprandial rise in serum BAs. The FGF19 peaks in turn preceded the declining phase of BA synthesis. The diurnal rhythm of serum FGF19 was abolished upon fasting. We conclude that, in humans, circulating FGF19 has a diurnal rhythm controlled by the transintestinal BA flux, and that FGF19 modulates hepatic BA synthesis. Through its systemic effects, circulating FGF19 may also mediate other known BA-dependent effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.

Variations in the surface anatomy of the spinal accessory nerve in the posterior triangle

Iatrogenic injury to the spinal accessory nerve has been widely documented and can have medico-legal implications. The resulting syndrome of pain, paralysis and winging of the scapula are often the source of considerable morbidity. This paper researches the degree of accuracy achievable in mapping the surface anatomy of the spinal accessory nerve in the region of the posterior triangle with a view to creating a cartographical aid to surgical procedures. The necks of 25 adult cadavers were dissected bilaterally to expose the spinal accessory nerve. Variations in the course and distribution of the spinal accessory nerve in the posterior triangle were recorded along with its relationship to the borders of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius. Considerable variation was seen in the surface and regional anatomy of the nerve and in the contribution of the cervical plexus to the spinal accessory nerve in the posterior triangle. Measurements of the running course and exit point of the nerve into and from the posterior triangle differed significantly from those previously recorded. Delineation of an accurate surface anatomy was not possible. Creating a map to define the surface anatomy of the spinal accessory nerve in the posterior triangle is an unrealistic goal given its wide variations in man. Avoidance of damage to the spinal accessory nerve cannot be achieved by slavishly adhering to surface markings given in textbooks, but only by cautious dissection during operations on the posterior triangle.

Dispersion dimorphism in human populations

The aim of this paper is to verify the existence of dispersion (or variability) dimorphism in several anthropometric traits, i.e., some skeletal, muscular, and adipose dimensions, and to provide an evaluation of this scarcely considered aspect of sex differences. This research focuses on two human samples from two different European regions, Sardinia (Italy) and the Basque Country (Spain). Twenty-three anthropometric measurements were taken. A first qualitative analysis was carried out comparing the profiles of the coefficients of variation of each variable in both sexes. Secondly, the equality of variability was verified with different tests. In the normal case, Student's t-test, as proposed by Sokal and Braumann ([1980] Syst. Zool. 29:50-63), was applied. In the more general case, it was necessary to resort to resampling techniques. A suitable bootstrap test was constructed and the results were compared, when possible, with those obtained by other methods. The measurements showed parallel trends in the two populations. In particular, subcutaneous skinfolds showed significant dispersion dimorphism, with the greatest coefficients of variation in men. We suggest that this result was linked to stronger canalization in female dimensions related to the reproductive function and influenced by sociocultural factors. We also suggest defining dispersion dimorphism, whose existence is confirmed by the results presented in this paper, as a descriptive pattern of phenotype variability in both sexes that can be specific of a given class of anthropometric traits.

Prevalence of hyperuricemia and relation of serum uric acid with cardiovascular risk factors in a developing country.

BackgroundThe prevalence of hyperuricemia has rarely been investigated in developing countries. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of hyperuricemia and the association between uric acid levels and the various cardiovascular risk factors in a developing country with high average blood pressures (the Seychelles, Indian Ocean, population mainly of African origin).MethodsThis cross-sectional health examination survey was based on a population random sample from the Seychelles. It included 1011 subjects aged 25 to 64 years. Blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, total and HDL cholesterol, serum triglycerides and serum uric acid were measured. Data were analyzed using scatterplot smoothing techniques and gender-specific linear regression models.ResultsThe prevalence of a serum uric acid level >420 μmol/L in men was 35.2% and the prevalence of a serum uric acid level >360 μmol/L was 8.7% in women. Serum uric acid was strongly related to serum triglycerides in men as well as in women (r = 0.73 in men and r = 0.59 in women, p < 0.001). Uric acid levels were also significantly associated but to a lesser degree with age, BMI, blood pressure, alcohol and the use of antihypertensive therapy. In a regression model, triglycerides, age, BMI, antihypertensive therapy and alcohol consumption accounted for about 50% (R2) of the serum uric acid variations in men as well as in women.ConclusionsThis study shows that the prevalence of hyperuricemia can be high in a developing country such as the Seychelles. Besides alcohol consumption and the use of antihypertensive therapy, mainly diuretics, serum uric acid is markedly associated with parameters of the metabolic syndrome, in particular serum triglycerides. Considering the growing incidence of obesity and metabolic syndrome worldwide and the potential link between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular complications, more emphasis should be put on the evolving prevalence of hyperuricemia in developing countries.

The gendered nature of men's filial care.

This paper investigates sociodemographic and family structure factors that predict men's involvement (n = 773) in different gendered dimensions of filial caregiving: traditionally male, gender neutral, and traditionally female care. The concepts that guide this research relate to family obligations or motivations to provide care, specifically, commitment to care, legitimate excuses, and caring by default. Data for this research come from the Work and Family Survey (1991-1993) conducted by the Work and Eldercare Research Group of CARNET: The Canadian Aging Research Network. Although such factors as geographic proximity and sibling network composition predict men's involvement independent of the type of task, the gendered nature of the task is important in how other factors, such as filial obligation, parental status, education, and income influence involvement in care. The findings suggest that, for traditionally male tasks, legitimate excuses or a commitment to care may play a more minor role in influencing men's involvement than is true for traditionally female tasks. Overall, this research demonstrates the importance of examining the gendered nature of the care tasks and highlights the value of the conceptual framework for explaining variations in men's filial care.

Readiness to change as a predictor of outcome in batterer treatment.

The current study examined stage of change as a predictor of outcome in batterer treatment. Men (N=119) were classified into the transtheoretical model's stages of change and assessed 3 times over treatment. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed significant variation in men's progress, predictable from their stage of change. As hypothesized, men in the precontemplation stage showed little positive change in empathy, communication, or abusive behavior, whereas men in the contemplation and action stages showed positive growth in all of these domains. These effects occurred in the initial 10 weeks of treatment, after which men progressed at a more homogeneous rate. Interpretation is complicated by pretreatment differences that draw into question stage-related patterns in final outcome. Implications for general models of abuse cessation and for stage-specific trajectories are discussed.

Quantitation of cytochrome P450 mRNA levels in human skin

There is considerable interindividual variation in man’s ability to metabolize drugs and foreign compounds. These differences can partly be attributed to genetic polymorphisms that result in the generation of multiple phenotypes with different drug-metabolizing capabilities. Genetically derived differences can easily be assessed by genotyping assays in cases where the polymorphism has been identified. However, many of the polymorphisms that result in these are not known, secondly not all the differences can be attributed to genetic polymorphisms, hence genotyping methods cannot be employed. We have therefore, developed real-time (Taqman) PCR assays to quantitate levels of P450 mRNAs in human tissues. These assays are highly sensitive, reproducible, and specific and will allow quantitation of P450 mRNA levels in various human tissues. We have applied these assays to quantitate cytochrome P450 mRNA levels in human skin samples from 27 healthy volunteers. The expression of 13 P450s was assessed. The major enzymes detected were CYP1B1, CYP2B6, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 with mean values of 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, and 1.1 fg/18S rRNA in 50 ng total RNA, respectively. Lower levels of CYP2C18, CYP2C19, and CYP3A5 were also detected while CYP1A2, 2A6, and 2C8 were below limits of detection. There was interindividual variation in the levels of mRNA among the 27 subjects studied although Poisson analysis showed data to be normally distributed, except for CYP2B6, as some individuals completely lacked CYP2B6 mRNA.

Gender, Masculinity, and Reproduction: Anthropological Perspectives

Recently, men’s reproductive health has become an explicit focus of population and development programs and policies. Anthropological research suggests that understanding men’s reproductive health needs and problems requires investigation of both local biological and cultural variation. Taking a biosocial perspective on human reproduction, we examine contributions from biological and cultural anthropology concerning men’s reproductive health. Biological anthropologists have demonstrated important variations in men’s reproductive physiology. Cultural anthropologists have explored intersections between masculinity and health, men’s experiences of fatherhood, and reproductive problems such as infertility. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of an anthropological perspective for future research on men’s reproductive health.

Women's Work In Regional Labour Markets: Spatial Versus Industry Differences

This article reviews the impact of space on paid employment opportunities for women in regional areas of New South Wales. Regional labour markets have been categorised according to the distinct industry of major employment (O ‘Connor and Gordon, 1989: 212–214): agricultural regions; manufacturing regions undergoing structural change; natural resource regions; resort and retirement regions; isolated areas. The research compares six regional labour markets in New South Wales that fall into the categories of agricultural regions, natural resource regions and resort and retirement regions. It compares industry and occupation for men and women between these regions and with the metropolitan region. The article concludes that the labour market for women is more constrained in regional areas than in the metropolitan area. In addition, the article examines the differences in female and male labour markets between the three regional types and examines whether the variation in women's employment between regional types is as great as the variation for men. Differences between metropolitan and non-metropolitan labour market outcomes are pervasive regardless of industry differences between regions. A starting point for labour market policy (for example, equal employment opportunity) is an acknowledgement of this fundamental spatial difference.

IGF-I in a normal population: relation to psychosocial factors.

IGF-I has important actions on cell division, apoptosis, differentiation and metabolism, as well as on cell proliferation in vascular smooth muscle. Deficiency of GH, an important regulator of IGF-I, is associated with reduced well-being. IGF-I levels have been related to cognitive function in older individuals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the IGF-I concentrations in a normal population of men and women aged 20-74 years and to determine the influence of a variety of behavioural and psychosocial factors as well as metabolic factors on these concentrations. Cross-sectional study. The study group consisted of 408 randomly selected people who had answered a questionnaire concerning health care utilization and quality of life that was administered to a random sample of 4200 people over age 17 from the northwestern region of greater Stockholm in 1995. Thirty-four men and 34 women were randomly selected from the age group 20-24 and from each 10-year age group between the ages of 25-75 years. Seventy-one per cent of the 408 people invited to come in for an examination agreed to attend, making a total sample size of 288 people. A medical examination was performed and blood drawn in the morning after subjects had been fasting overnight. Before the examination, they were asked to fill out a questionnaire concerning lifestyle and psychosocial factors. The distribution of IGF-I was positively skewed, but using logarithmically transformed IGF-I, a more symmetrical distribution was obtained. A linear inverse correlation was found between logarithmically transformed IGF-I levels and age which explained more than 40% of the variation in men and women. Linear correlation analysis between IGF-I and different parameters of health and disease, lifestyle and psychosocial factors, resulted in several significant correlations most of which disappeared after controlling for age. In the younger age group (20-44) there were positive correlations between IGF-I and psychosocial factors representing quality of life and psychological well-being. In the middle age group (45-59) higher IGF-I levels were related to better physical health, higher education and higher concentrations of lipoprotein Lp(a). In the older age group (over 59 years) higher levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and lower levels of SHBG were associated with higher IGF-I levels. In a randomly selected (nondisease) population, IGF-I concentrations show a consistent decrease with age in both men and women, accompanied by different association patterns relevant to disease risk. Levels are related to psychosocial parameters in the younger age group and metabolic impairment associated with increased cardiovascular risk in the older age groups. We speculate on the relative roles of age and cohort differences in rearing conditions in determining these differences.