Women's Patterns Research Articles

Navigating Safety Challenges: Women's Experiences and Risk Management in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry

The travel and hospitality industry faces significant safety challenges, particularly with regard to women's experiences, which significantly impact their participation and viewpoints. This research investigates these concerns by looking at the experiences of women and risk management strategies used in the industry. We preprocess qualitative data using tokenisation in an orderly way, breaking down textual responses into manageable portions for research. Finding significant themes and patterns in women's safety worries can be accomplished through feature selection utilising Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA). Logistic regression is a classification approach used to predict risk levels and determine the primary reasons of harmful interactions. The findings demonstrate a substantial correlation between organisational, societal, and environmental factors and perceived safety hazards. This report gives industry stakeholders useful insights by highlighting the importance of targeted risk management strategies and legislative initiatives. By using machine learning techniques, the research advances knowledge and offers evidence-based solutions to increase safety and inclusivity for women in the travel and hospitality industries.

Administration patterns of magnesium sulphate for women with preeclampsia and immediate newborn outcomes in Kawempe National Referral Hospital-Uganda: a cohort study

BackgroundPreeclampsia is the second leading cause of maternal death in Uganda. WHO recommends using magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) to prevent and treat preeclampsia with severe features (PEC) and eclampsia. MgSO4 is used to prevent eclampsia and treat women who experience an eclamptic convulsion to avoid severe maternal/infant illnesses and death. We set out to assess MgSO4 administration patterns in women with PEC or eclampsia and the immediate newborn outcomes of neonates.MethodsThis was an analytical observational cohort study at Kawempe National Referral Hospital in Uganda. Two hundred ten pregnant mothers with PEC or eclampsia were recruited in the study after receiving the loading dose of MgSO4 and then followed through labour and delivery to observe MgSO4 administration patterns and immediate newborn outcomes using Apgar and Thompson scores. SPSS version 23 was used to analyse data, and both bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine factors associated with the low Apgar score at five minutes.ResultsOverall, majority of the patients received more than one dose with 33.3% received a sixth dose of MgSO4. The majority, 84.8%, of the mothers delivered live babies, 31.0% babies had complications, and were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). NICU admissions were mostly due to respiratory distress21.4%, preterm delivery21.0%, and 5.5% died within seven days. Majority 93.3% of the newborns had an Apgar score of seven and above at five minutes, of the newborns who were Thompson scored, 70.4% scored between 1 to 10 which is mild HIE. Initiation of MgSO4 treatment within one hour from prescription (AOR = 0.49, CI: 0.01–1.94), 4-hourly timing of the first maintenance dose (AOR = 0.22, CI: 0.06–0.79) and having complete doses of MgSO4 treatment (AOR = 0.89, CI: 0.03–3.05) decreased the likelihood of having low Apgar scores at five minutes.ConclusionsTimely administration of the first maintenance dose of MgSO4 decreases the likelihood of low Apgar score at 5 min and NICU admission in newborns, and most NICU admissions were due to respiratory distress and preterm delivery.

Critical femininities: exploring young women’s digital sexual cultures

ABSTRACT This study adopts a Critical Femininities approach to examine the under-theorised domain of sexual norms on dating apps, with a focus on the self-representations of Spanish heterosexual women on Tinder. Through an analysis of three hundred profiles, this research investigates the gendered dynamics influencing these women’s portrayals of themselves in the digital dating context. Combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies, the findings reveal patterns in women’s online-mediated intimacies and sexual subjectivities, highlighting the pervasive influence of femmephobia in this space. Empirical data underscore how these dynamics operate, providing insight into the extent to which hegemonic gender beliefs and regulatory norms shape digital femininities. Moreover, a discursive examination of the ways these Spanish women construct their gendered and sexual identities on Tinder offers a critical view of the constraints and possibilities they face within this specific socio-cultural framework. This study’s focus on linguistic and representational strategies in digital self-presentation deepens our understanding of how normative gender expectations continue to shape social and sexual interactions in contemporary online spaces. In so doing, this research contributes to broader discussions in Gender Studies and linguistics, illustrating how femininity is performed, policed, and navigated in digital dating environments.

Endometrial pattern in women with abnormal uterine bleeding attending a tertiary care centre of Kathmandu

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding is one of the most common problems among pre and postmenopausal women. Abnormal uterine bleeding is diagnosed when there is a substantial change in frequency, duration, or amountof bleeding during or between periodsin the absence of any organic pathology. The study was perform to assess the endometrial causes of abnormal uterine bleeding and their incidence in different age groups. Materials and methods: It was a cross sectional and descriptive study carried out at a Manmohan medical College & hospital, over a period of two year from 13th April, 2020 to 15th March, 2022. In the study all the endometrial tissue either obtained by endometrial curettage and biopsy or hysterectomy presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding for more than 3 months were included Results: A total of 88 cases were received during this period, out of which there were 78 endometrial tissue samples and 10 hysterectomy specimens. The patient’s age ranged from 20 years to 73years. The pattern of endometrial biopsy are Proliferative (37.5%) and secretory (20.45%) phase endometrium is the most common pattern seen, followed by disordered proliferative endometrium (13.63%), endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (9.09%), Change consistent with Exogenous Hormone (5.68%), Chronic Endometritis (5.68%), Endometrial Polyp(3.40%), Endometrial Hyperplasia with Atypia(2.27%) and Endometrial Carcinoma (2.27%). Conclusions: Patients with abnormal uterine bleeding show a varying spectrum of endometrial pattern. Cyclic endometrium is commonly seen in the reproductive age group whereas hyperplasia and carcinomas are seen in pre/postmenopausal age group. Endometrial biopsy with histopathological examination is a major diagnostic tool in the evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Personological Creation of Language: The Feminist Perspective

This research stems from Helene Cixous's call for women to invent their language – the language of feminism – by interpreting their identities as a science of feminine creation. This science is a protest of women's subjugation and exploitation using symbolic language to question male supremacy. Thus, this research investigates sexual differentiation as related to language differentiation between men and women. This investigation aims to develop standards and deploy a feminist-specific language known as l’ecriture feminine. Significantly, the argument seeks to challenge masculine realities, judgments and perspectives manifested in language deployment. A creative writing-based methodology is used, and the primary author is Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, together with other relevant authors and feminist critics who have demonstrated in their works, women's patterns of reasoning and language. The goal is to create a language of feminism that is a conscious effort to erase or contrast the language of patriarchal imaginary order, which is fundamental in language codification. Consequently, female and male writers who share this position are encouraged to develop and rewrite popular narratives to establish the language of feminism as a field of exploration and use in the modern world.

Dietary patterns during pregnancy and maternal and birth outcomes in women with type 1 diabetes: the Environmental Determinants of Islet Autoimmunity (ENDIA) study

Aims/hypothesisDietary patterns characterised by high intakes of vegetables may lower the risk of pre-eclampsia and premature birth in the general population. The effect of dietary patterns in women with type 1 diabetes, who have an increased risk of complications in pregnancy, is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and physical activity during pregnancy and maternal complications and birth outcomes in women with type 1 diabetes. We also compared dietary patterns in women with and without type 1 diabetes.MethodsDiet was assessed in the third trimester using a validated food frequency questionnaire in participants followed prospectively in the multi-centre Environmental Determinants of Islet Autoimmunity (ENDIA) study. Dietary patterns were characterised by principal component analysis. The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire was completed in each trimester. Data for maternal and birth outcomes were collected prospectively.ResultsQuestionnaires were completed by 973 participants during 1124 pregnancies. Women with type 1 diabetes (n=615 pregnancies with dietary data) were more likely to have a ‘fresh food’ dietary pattern than women without type 1 diabetes (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07, 1.31; p=0.001). In women with type 1 diabetes, an increase equivalent to a change from quartile 1 to 3 in ‘fresh food’ dietary pattern score was associated with a lower risk of pre-eclampsia (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.17, 0.78; p=0.01) and premature birth (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.20, 0.62, p<0.001). These associations were mediated in part by BMI and HbA1c. The ‘processed food’ dietary pattern was associated with an increased birthweight (β coefficient 56.8 g, 95% CI 2.8, 110.8; p=0.04). Physical activity did not relate to outcomes.Conclusions/interpretationA dietary pattern higher in fresh foods during pregnancy was associated with sizeable reductions in risk of pre-eclampsia and premature birth in women with type 1 diabetes.Graphical

Sex-specific dietary patterns and their association with metabolic syndrome: Insights from a cross-sectional analysis

AimsThis study aims to identify a posteriori dietary patterns with a sex approach and to evaluate their association with metabolic syndrome criteria. MethodsCross-sectional study conducted in 6821 men and women between 55 and 75 years of age. Forty-two food groups were analyzed from dietary information collected with food frequency questionnaires, using principal component analysis and cluster analysis and then information from both statistical methods was compared. Prevalences were calculated foreach cluster group, based on the number and types of metabolic syndrome criteria they met. ResultsFollowing principal component analysis, two dietary patterns labeled “healthy” and “unhealthy” were identified in both men and women, due to the presence of foods that are considered more or less healthy. These same dietary patterns were found in cluster analysis plus an “intermediate” cluster consisting of both healthy and unhealthy foods. The presence of metabolic syndrome is related to the “healthy” dietary pattern in women and to the “unhealthy” dietary pattern in men. Comparison of the two statistical approaches showed a high level of correlation between them (weighted Kappa = 0.703 in women and weighted Kappa = 0.691 in men). ConclusionsAdherence to both healthy and unhealthy dietary pattern appears to be related to the development of MS. The differences found by sex make it necessary to develop interventions with a sex-specific approach.

Relationship between pain activity patterns, and physical and psychological aspects and sleep quality in women with migraine.

Migraine can cause different pain activity patterns. This cross-sectional study examines the relationship between pain activity patterns and physical and psychological aspects and sleep quality in women with migraine. Women diagnosed with migraine (n = 129) were reached through social media and announcements. Outcome measures were Pattern of Activity Measure-Pain (POAM-P) (avoidance, overdoing, pacing), Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). While there was a negative correlation between the POAMP-avoidance and the IPAQ-SF rho = -0.178), there were positive correlations between the POAMP-avoidance and the MIDAS (rho = 0.454), the DASS-21-depression (rho = 0.413), the DASS-21-anxiety (rho = 0.321), and the DASS-21-stress (rho = 0.446). There were positive correlations between the POAMP-overdoing, and the DASS-21-depression (rho = 0.229), the DASS-21-stress (rho = 0.207), and the PSQI (rho = 0.217). There were also positive correlations between the POAMP-pacing and the MIDAS (rho = 0.283), the DASS-21-depression (rho = 0.250), and the DASS-21-anxiety (rho = 0.213) (p < .05). Pain activity patterns in women with migraines were associated with their disability, physical activity, psychological state, and sleep quality. Determining treatment based on pain activity patterns can improve migraine treatment outcomes.

Dietary iron intake predicts all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes

BackgroundLimited data exists on the link between dietary iron intake and mortality in diabetes. Our investigation aimed to explore how dietary iron intake correlates with overall and cause-specific mortality in diabetic individuals.MethodsThis analysis encompassed 5970 participants with diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning 1999 to 2014. Baseline data were collected through surveys and examinations, with mortality status tracked via National Death Index records until December 31, 2015. Cox proportional hazard models were utilized to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for mortality from various causes, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer.ResultsThe average iron intake among the cohort was 14.1 ± 7.4 mg daily, with an average participant age of 61.3 and 3059 (51.3%) male adults. Over 41,425 person-years of follow-up, 1497 deaths were recorded. Following adjustments for multiple variables, an iron intake between 11.1 and 14.4 mg was associated with the lowest risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.83 [0.70, 0.99], P < 0.05) compared to the reference group (<8.3 mg). Analysis of dose-response curves revealed an L-shaped pattern in men and a J-shaped pattern in women concerning the relationship between iron intake and all-cause mortality.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a nonlinear association between dietary iron intake and all-cause mortality in individuals with diabetes. Specifically, higher iron intake may increase all-cause mortality risk in men, while potentially exert a protective effect in women.

Prevalence of polypharmacy and factors impacting psychotropic prescribing patterns in women of childbearing potential at inpatient mental health services in Qatar.

Women may experience unique mental disorders due to hormone shifts. Rates of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are similar between genders, but onset and symptoms may differ. Women tend to use more psychotropic drugs due to limited therapeutic options. This study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychotropic polypharmacy among females of childbearing potential and factors impacting prescribing patterns. This was a quantitative retrospective chart review for patients admitted to inpatient units at the Mental Health Hospital in Qatar. SPSS® Statistics was used for data analysis. In addition to descriptive statistics applied, linear regression and binary logistic regression models were used to examine the clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with polypharmacy and full therapeutic response upon discharge, respectively. An alpha value of 0.05 was used. Of the 347 patients, 52.7% of the patients received a prescription of at least two psychotropic drugs upon discharge. Around two-thirds (63.1%) were prescribed at least one antipsychotic. Potential predictors of polypharmacy were age (p = 0.027), longer hospital stay (p = 0.003), family history (p < 0.001), absence of suicidal history (p = 0.005), and a diagnosis of a mood disorder (p = 0.009), or a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder (p = 0.015). A full response upon discharge was less likely to occur in patients with a longer stay (OR = 0.940; p = 0.029) and in those with a substance use disorder (OR = 0.166; p = 0.035). There is a notably high prevalence of total polypharmacy upon discharge. Some identified factors are modifiable. Evidence-based prescription practices through hospital guidelines and education should be emphasized to avoid unreasonable polypharmacy.

Utilizing machine learning to analyze trunk movement patterns in women with postpartum low back pain

This paper presents an analysis of trunk movement in women with postnatal low back pain using machine learning techniques. The study aims to identify the most important features related to low back pain and to develop accurate models for predicting low back pain. Machine learning approaches showed promise for analyzing biomechanical factors related to postnatal low back pain (LBP). This study applied regression and classification algorithms to the trunk movement proposed dataset from 100 postpartum women, 50 with LBP and 50 without. The Optimized optuna Regressor achieved the best regression performance with a mean squared error (MSE) of 0.000273, mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0039, and R2 score of 0.9968. In classification, the Basic CNN and Random Forest Classifier both attained near-perfect accuracy of 1.0, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 1.0, precision of 1.0, recall of 1.0, and F1-score of 1.0, outperforming other models. Key predictive features included pain (correlation of -0.732 with flexion range of motion), range of motion measures (flexion and extension correlation of 0.662), and average movements (correlation of 0.957 with flexion). Feature selection consistently identified pain, flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and average movement as influential across methods. While limited to this initial dataset and constrained by generalizability, machine learning offered quantitative insight. Models accurately regressed (MSE < 0.01, R2 > 0.95) and classified (accuracy > 0.94) trunk biomechanics distinguishing LBP. Incorporating additional demographic, clinical, and patient-reported factors may enhance individualized risk prediction and treatment personalization. This preliminary application of advanced analytics supported machine learning's potential utility for both LBP risk determination and outcome improvement. This study provides valuable insights into the use of machine learning techniques for analyzing trunk movement in women with postnatal low back pain and can potentially inform the development of more effective treatments.Trial registration: The trial was designed as an observational and cross-section study. The study was approved by the Ethical Committee in Deraya University, Faculty of Pharmacy, (No: 10/2023). According to the ethical standards of the Declaration of Helsinki. This study complies with the principles of human research. Each patient signed a written consent form after being given a thorough description of the trial. The study was conducted at the outpatient clinic from February 2023 till June 30, 2023.

The relationship between online searches and suicide.

In this study, we examined the relationship between 131 suicide related Google search terms, grouped into nine categories, and the number of suicide cases per month in Ecuador from January 2011 to December 2021. First, we applied time-series analysis to eliminate autocorrelation and seasonal patterns to prevent spurious correlations. Second, we used Pearson's correlation to assess the relationship between Google search terms and suicide rates. Third, cross-correlation analysis was used to explore the potential delayed effects between these variables. Fourth, we extended the correlation and cross-correlation analyses by three demographic characteristics - gender, age, and region. Significant correlations were found in all categories between Google search trends and suicide rates in Ecuador, with predominantly positive and moderate correlations. The terms 'stress' (.548), 'prevention' (.438), and 'disorders' (.435) showed the strongest associations. While global trends indicated moderate correlations, sensitivity analysis revealed higher coefficients in men, young adults, and the Highlands region. Specific patterns emerged in subgroups, such as 'digital violence' showing significant correlations in certain demographics, and 'trauma' presenting a unique temporal pattern in women. In general, cross correlation analysis showed an average negative correlation of -.191 at lag 3. Google search data do not provide further information about users, such as demographics or mental health records. Hence, our results are simply correlations and should not be interpreted as causal effects. Our findings highlight a need for tailored suicide prevention strategies that recognize the complex dynamics of suicide risk across demographics and time periods.

Prenatal Supervised Physical Activity Maintains Glycemic Patterns in Women With Obesity During Pregnancy

Prenatal Supervised Physical Activity Maintains Glycemic Patterns in Women With Obesity During Pregnancy

Balancing Work-Life: Examining the Career Decisions of Women Educational Leaders

This research study explores the growth of career patterns in women and the factors affecting their career decisions. For women to participate in society, the male-dominated culture was challenged when women decided to have a strong footing in leadership positions and at the same time balance work and life. Therefore, it was necessary to investigate what made these women career-oriented, while simultaneously managing their homes. This qualitative research using the narrative technique examined the causes that led women leaders to work toward their career development. It also investigated as to how this decision affected their lives. Through purposive sampling, eight department heads from different universities in Karachi were selected and interviewed. Through thematic analysis, the data was analyzed. This study implies that women are aware of the effects of their decisions still they pursue their careers because their cause is more important to them. In conclusion, this study contributes to understanding the factors influencing women's career decisions and the impact of these decisions on their lives.

The prognostic impact of substantial lymphovascular space invasion in women with node negative FIGO stage I uterine carcinoma

ObjectiveSubstantial lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) is an important predictor of lymph node (LN) involvement in women with endometrial carcinoma. We studied the prognostic significance of substantial LVSI in patients with 2009-FIGO stage-I uterine endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EC) who all had pathologic negative nodal evaluation (PNNE). MethodsPathologic specimens were retrieved and LVSI was quantified (focal or substantial) in women with stage-I EC who had a hysterectomy and PNNE. In addition to multivariate analysis (MVA), recurrence-free (RFS), disease-specific (DSS), and overall (OS) survival was compared between women with focal vs. substantial LVSI. Results1052 patients were identified with a median follow-up of 9.7 years. 358 women (34%) received adjuvant radiotherapy. 907 patients (86.2%) had no LVSI, 87 (8.3%) had focal, and 58 (5.5%) had substantial LVSI. Five-year RFS was 93.3% (95% CI: 91.5–95.1), 76.8% (95% CI: 67.2–87.7) and 79.1% (95% CI: 67.6–95.3) for no, focal, and substantial LVSI(p < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference in 5-year RFS, DSS, OS, and in the patterns of initial recurrence between women with focal vs substantial LVSI. On MVA with propensity score matching, substantial LVSI was not independently associated with any survival endpoint compared to focal LVSI, albeit both were detrimental when compared to no LVSI. Age ≥ 60 years and higher grade were predictors of worse RFS, DSS, and OS. Additionally, comorbidity burden was an independent predictor for OS. ConclusionsOur results suggest that substantial LVSI does not predict worse survival endpoints or different recurrence patterns in women with stage-I EC with PNNE when compared to focal LVSI.

Exploring Reasons and Perspectives Behind Decisions to Forego Hospital Births Among Remote Rural Populations in Bokeo Province, Lao PDR

Maternal mortality remains high among marginalized rural populations in Laos. Remote mountain villages in Bokeo Province typify persistent health access divides facing minor subgroups amidst infrastructure gaps and scattered habitation. This study explores complex drivers behind shunning hospital births using focused rural ethnography. Between October and November 2023, this qualitative study interviewed 40 participants including pregnant women, postpartum women, and their relatives across 5 villages in Bokeo Province regarding barriers to hospital births. Open-ended discussions aimed to elucidate motivations and barriers embedded in their decision to avoid formal delivery care, despite mortality awareness. Transcriptions from Lao were translated to Thai, maintaining cultural nuances. Thematic analysis identified patterns in women’s attitudes and barriers to hospital childbirth. A collaborative coding process revealed constraints on access, affordability, and autonomy, explaining why vulnerable groups often forego hospital births despite risks. The result founded that prohibitive transportation deficiencies including impassable roads, exorbitant driver fees and unreliable conveyance options were primary obstacles. Prohibitive direct and indirect costs compounded struggles for impoverished families. Restrictive traditions persisted among certain ethnicities. Discrimination fears and hospital foreignness also provoked wariness among a minority. Multidimensional geographical, financial and sociocultural barriers intersect to obstruct rural groups from accessible emergency obstetric care in Laos. Infrastructural strengthening, financial protection and public education can relieve these pronounced constraints denying the marginalized realization of maternal health rights.

Patterns of contraception utilization among reproductive-aged women with thyroid cancer undergoing radioiodine ablation: A study at Hasan Sadikin Hospital.

The incidence of new cases of thyroid cancer worldwide is around 10.1/100.000 in woman dan 3.1/100.000 in men. Women with thyroid cancer are advised to avoid pregnancy while undergoing radioablation due to teratogenicity. Therefore, it is crucial to utilize contraception to avoid pregnancy during treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of contraceptive use patterns in women with thyroid cancer of reproductive age who underwent radioablation at Hasan Sadikin Hospital Bandung.Cross-sectional study conducted at Hasan Sadikin Hospital Bandung in May 2023. The research sample was all female thyroid cancer of reproductive age who underwent radioablation at the Nuclear Medicine polyclinic of Dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung in January-December 2022 by purposive sampling. Data obtained from patient medical records and primary data from patients. A total of 450 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria, but only 329 analyzed with complete data. Majority of the patient was in age group 35-49 years (58.1%), parity >1 (55.9%), last education high school (39.2%), married (81.8%), type of papillary thyroid carcinoma (79.9%), sources of information about contraception from doctors (71.7%), and 75.4% use contraception. The most widely used type of contraception was intrauterine device (IUD), accounting for 28.6% patients. Approximately 75.4% patient use contraception. The most widely used type of contraception is the IUD. Contraception counselling is important for increasing contraceptive use rates among women with thyroid cancer. Further research in the form of analytical research is needed to assess the factors that influence contraceptive use in women with thyroid cancer of reproductive age.

Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Expression of Cation-Chloride Cotransporter (CCC) Genes in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) across the Menstrual Cycle-A Preliminary Study.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by debilitating affective symptomatology in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Based on the previous reports that PMDD may be related to GABAergic cellular dysfunction(s), we assessed whether cation-chloride cotransporter (CCC) gene expression across the menstrual cycle is altered in PMDD. As there are limitations in accessing the human CNS to study CCC-encoding genes, we utilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as an alternative model. We first sought to replicate previous reports characterizing CCC gene expression patterns in PBMCs of reproductive age women. We subsequently investigated potential distinct CCC mRNA expression patterns in women with PMDD. We collected blood samples across 8 menstrual cycle visits for PBMC separation/RNA extraction to study mRNA expression of four KCCs (KCC1, KCC2, KCC3, KCC4) and two NKCCs (NKCC1, NKCC2) cotransporters. We mostly replicated the earlier gene expression pattern findings, and found that the expression levels of KCC1 were significantly downregulated during the mid-follicular and periovulatory subphases of the menstrual cycle in women with PMDD. The present study shows that PBMCs is a valid model for studying GABAergic mechanisms underlying PMDD.

Clinical findings and outcomes of Brugada syndrome in women

Abstract Introduction Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a genetic disorder characterized by typical ECG changes and association with spontaneous ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VTA) and sudden death in young patients. BrS has been widely established to be particularly prevalent in men, however less information exists regarding female patients and their long-term risk. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis of women with BrS. Methods This study includes a retrospective analysis of a single-center cohort of patients followed and observed for relevant clinical outcomes. The data collected included demographic data, severity of symptoms (e.g. syncope, VTA), cardioverter-defibrillator logs and occurrence of sudden cardiac death. Results 317 patients were diagnosed with BrS between 1998 and 2023. Among those, 112 (36%) were female. At presentation, 5 patients (4%) were symptomatic with history of survived cardiac arrest and/or documented VTA. 29 (26%) had history of unexplained syncope and 78 (70%) were asymptomatic. The average age at diagnosis was 42.1±15.1 yrs. as opposed to 40.1±14.2 yrs. in men. Females presented less frequently with a type 1 ECG pattern (5% vs 21%; p&amp;lt;0.01), had a trend to a higher rate of family history of sudden cardiac death (31% vs 25%; p=n.s.), and had less sustained VTA during programmed ventricular stimulation (4% vs 19%; p&amp;lt;0.01). Genetic testing was performed in 89 females (79% of the sample) and pathogenic variants were present in 36 (40%) women. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator was inserted in 24 (31%) females for primary prevention. During mean follow-up of 138±72 months, 11 women had cardiovascular events (syncope, VT/VF or death). Syncope was most common and occurred in 8 cases. No VTA were documented in any female patient. In the group of ICD patients, 8 shocks have occurred. None of these were deemed appropriate by medical controls. There were 3 deaths. Two were considered non-arrhythmic due to pulmonary embolism and breast carcinoma. One ICD patient died suddenly during sleep. Unfortunately, no device interrogation data was available. Conclusion Women typically present less symptomatic and demonstrate a reduced incidence of life-threatening arrhythmias during follow-up , often experiencing a frequent occurrence of inappropriate implantable defibrillator therapy. The less frequent prevalence of the BrS ECG pattern in women adds complexity to the diagnostic process. Further studies are still needed to elucidate gender differences for risk stratification of BrS.

Prevalence of urinary tract infections in pregnant women and antimicrobial resistance patterns in women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a retrospective study

BackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common health problems worldwide and mainly affect women. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of UTIs in pregnant women and determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial pathogens isolated from pregnant and nonpregnant women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted at an academic medical center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January to June 2022. The study included all urine cultures performed for adult women during the study period. We excluded urine culture performed for women on antibiotics prescribed for any infection, children, and men. Using the SPSS (version 27) package, descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data, and p < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.ResultsA total of 2,418 urine cultures performed during the study period were included (985 and 1,433 for pregnant and nonpregnant women, respectively). The overall prevalence of UTIs in pregnant women was 5% (95% CI 3.6–6.4); 10 (1%) women were symptomatic, and 40 (4%) women were asymptomatic. Of the entire cohort, 244 (10.1%) women were diagnosed with UTIs based on bacterial cultures. The predominant bacteria in both pregnant and nonpregnant women were Escherichia coli (134, 54.9%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (48, 19.6%).The antibiotic susceptibility criteria for Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were as follows: nitrofurantoin (94% and 18.8%, respectively), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (82.8% and 70.8%, respectively), ciprofloxacin (65.7% and 83.3%, respectively), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (65.7% and 79.2%, respectively) and cephalothin (47% and 68.8%, respectively).ConclusionCompared to the findings of other similar studies, the prevalence of UTIs was lower in pregnant women. This may be because the patient population was composed of healthy and educated women who received prenatal education and underwent prenatal assessment as per institutional guidelines. Nitrofurantoin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid are recommended for use as an empirical therapy for UTIs in pregnant and nonpregnant women because bacteria have the least amount of resistance to these drugs.