Twenty-Five Years of Progress-Lessons Learned From JMIR Publications to Address Gender Parity in Digital Health Authorships: Bibliometric Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Digital health research plays a vital role in advancing equitable health care. The diversity of research teams is thereby instrumental in capturing societal challenges, increasing productivity, and reducing bias in algorithms. Despite its importance, the gender distribution within digital health authorship remains largely unexplored. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the gender distribution among first and last authors in digital health research, thereby identifying predicting factors of female authorship. METHODS: This bibliometric analysis examined the gender distribution across 59,980 publications from 1999 to 2023, spanning 42 digital health journals indexed in the Web of Science. To identify strategies ensuring equality in research, a detailed comparison of gender representation in JMIR journals was conducted within the field, as well as against a matched sample. Two-tailed Welch 2-sample t tests, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and chi-square tests were used to assess differences. In addition, odds ratios were calculated to identify predictors of female authorship. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that 37% of first authors and 30% of last authors in digital health were female. JMIR journals demonstrated a higher representation, with 49% of first authors and 38% of last authors being female, yielding odds ratios of 1.96 (95% CI 1.90-2.03; P<.001) and 1.78 (95% CI 1.71-1.84; P<.001), respectively. Since 2008, JMIR journals have consistently featured a greater proportion of female first authors than male counterparts. Other factors that predicted female authorship included having female authors in other relevant positions and gender discordance, given the higher rate of male last authors in the field. CONCLUSIONS: There was an evident shift toward gender parity across publications in digital health, particularly from the publisher JMIR Publications. The specialized focus of its sister journals, equitable editorial policies, and transparency in the review process might contribute to these achievements. Further research is imperative to establish causality, enabling the replication of these successful strategies across other scientific fields to bridge the gender gap in digital health effectively.

The Analysis of Clinical Features of 186 Cases of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex-Associated Renal Angiomyolipoma / 罕见病研究

ObjectiveTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disease involving multiple organ system. Renal angiomyolipoma (RAML) is a leading cause of death for adult TSC patients. Our study aims at investigating the clinical manifestations of TSC-RAML to enable clinicians to have a better understanding of the disease in Chinese patients.MethodsWe reviewed retrospectively the data collected from patients with TSC-RAML in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2014 to January 2023. We also collected information about the age, gender, imageological examination, RAML stage, and comorbidities.ResultsA total of 186 TSC-RAML patients were registered, 65 of whom were males and 121 were females(male-to-female ratio 1∶1.86). The median age of all patients was 31 years old. Totally, 117 cases (62.9%)of RAML were rated stage 6. Twenty-two cases (11.8%) had a history of tumor rupture and bleeding. Research shows statistical differences between high and low grade on RAML rupture bleeding(P=0.0475). Angiofibromas/fibrous cephalic plaque (155/186, 83.3%), subependymal nodules(103/146, 70.5%), lymphangioleiomyomatosis (102/157, 65.0%), hypomelanotic macules (114/186, 61.3%), and shagreen patch (83/186, 44.6%)were the most common clinical manifestations. All patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis(LAM) were female(P < 0.0001).ConclusionsFemale patients predominated TSC-RAML patients. Most RAML were in stage 6. About 11.8% cases had a history of tumor rupture and hemorrhage. The higher grade meant the higher proportion of tumor rupture and hemorrhage. Dermatological and nervous lesions were the most common comorbidities. All patients with LAM in this study were female.

The Analysis of Clinical Features of 186 Cases of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex-Associated Renal Angiomyolipoma / 罕见病研究

ObjectiveTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disease involving multiple organ system. Renal angiomyolipoma (RAML) is a leading cause of death for adult TSC patients. Our study aims at investigating the clinical manifestations of TSC-RAML to enable clinicians to have a better understanding of the disease in Chinese patients.MethodsWe reviewed retrospectively the data collected from patients with TSC-RAML in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2014 to January 2023. We also collected information about the age, gender, imageological examination, RAML stage, and comorbidities.ResultsA total of 186 TSC-RAML patients were registered, 65 of whom were males and 121 were females(male-to-female ratio 1∶1.86). The median age of all patients was 31 years old. Totally, 117 cases (62.9%)of RAML were rated stage 6. Twenty-two cases (11.8%) had a history of tumor rupture and bleeding. Research shows statistical differences between high and low grade on RAML rupture bleeding(P=0.0475). Angiofibromas/fibrous cephalic plaque (155/186, 83.3%), subependymal nodules(103/146, 70.5%), lymphangioleiomyomatosis (102/157, 65.0%), hypomelanotic macules (114/186, 61.3%), and shagreen patch (83/186, 44.6%)were the most common clinical manifestations. All patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis(LAM) were female(P < 0.0001).ConclusionsFemale patients predominated TSC-RAML patients. Most RAML were in stage 6. About 11.8% cases had a history of tumor rupture and hemorrhage. The higher grade meant the higher proportion of tumor rupture and hemorrhage. Dermatological and nervous lesions were the most common comorbidities. All patients with LAM in this study were female.

Gender distribution and NIH funding rank in dermatology leadership: a cross-sectional analysis.

In examining the influence of National Institute of Health (NIH) funding on gender distribution within dermatology leadership roles, a cross-sectional analysis of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited dermatology residencies was conducted. The gender of leadership faculty was verified using online resources, while institutions were categorized by their 2022 NIH dermatology funding status. Results revealed that male dermatologists predominantly occupied department chair roles, whereas female dermatologists were more frequently found in associate program director roles, regardless of funding status. Notably, women held most program director positions in the top NIH-funded group, though this difference was not statistically significant due to a smaller sample size. The overall gender distribution has shown progress from 2021, with a significant rise in female associate program directors and a narrowing gender gap for chairs and program directors. Despite NIH funding rank playing a minimal role in gender distribution, our study underscores positive strides towards gender equality in dermatology leadership. Further advocacy for gender balance and additional research on underlying factors are essential for continued progress.

Characteristics of distal radius fractures in east China-an observational cohort study of 1954 individual fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics and seasonal patterns of distal radius fractures (DRFs) over the preceding five years, with the aim of establishing a clinical foundation for the prevention and management of such fractures within this region. METHODS: Utilizing the Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), the clinical records of 1954 patients diagnosed with DRFs and admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University between January 2017 and December 2021 were compiled. The analysis encompassed factors such as age, gender, visitation timing, fracture side, and presence of osteoporosis. RESULTS: Out of the total 1954 distal radius fractures, 731 were males (37.4%) and the male to female ratio was 0.59:1. The median age of patients with DRFs was 56 years, with the 25th percentile being 38 years and the 75th percentile being 67 years. The average age was 50 years (standard deviation 23.3) and 1033 cases (52.7%) occurred on the left side, 885 cases (45.1%) on the right side, and 36 cases (1.8%) were bilateral, with the left side being the most frequently affected. The age group of 61-70 years (23.9%, 467/1954) exhibited the highest proportion, and the most prominent age group for males was 11-20 years (23.8%, 174/731), whereas for females it was 61-70 years (30.83%, 377/1223). In the 50 years and older group, there were 276 males and 991 females (ratio 1:3.59), with osteoporosis in 536 cases, accounting for 42.03% of the group. In terms of seasonal distribution, the highest incidence occurred during the summer and autumn months (55.1%, 1076/1954) and there were gender differences in different seasons. CONCLUSION: In east China, DRFs were predominantly female and left-sided, with the highest proportion in the age group of 61-70 years and in summer and autumn. Furthermore, gender differences were observed between the warm and cold seasons.

Sudden death in the southern region of Saudi Arabia: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Sudden death is unanticipated, non-violent death taking place within the first 24 h after the onset of symptoms. It is a major public health problem worldwide. Moreover, the effects of living at moderate altitude on mortality are poorly understood. AIM: To retrospectively report the frequency and the main causes of sudden deaths in relation to total deaths at Asir Central Hospital, 2255 m above sea level, in the southern region of Saudi Arabia over a period of 4 years from 2013 to 2016. METHODS: The medical records of 1821 deaths were examined and showed 353 cases (19.4%) of sudden death. RESULTS: The highest incidence of sudden death was among the elderly (51%), whereas, the lowest was among children and adolescents (6.5%). With regard to gender, the incidence of sudden death was higher in males (54.4%) compared to 45.6% in females. In this study, we found that the most common direct causes of sudden death were cardiovascular diseases (29.2%), respiratory disease (22.7%), infectious disease (12.2%), cancer (9.4%) and hematological diseases (6.2%). With respect to seasonal variation, the highest incidence was during winter (31.32%) followed by summer (25.8%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study will help emergency physicians and health care providers to exercise due care to reduce the incidence of sudden death and raise public awareness about the impact of sudden death.

'Status Quo' on Different Aspects of Gender Distribution in Rheumatology in Germany-Results from a Nationwide Online Survey among Physicians.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the increasing number of female medical students and fellows in Europe, women are still under-represented in higher academic careers and positions in medicine. The aim of this survey was to assess the 'status quo' on gender distribution among rheumatologists in Germany. METHODS: A web-based anonymous survey (21 questions with multiple answers and free text) using QuestionPro® was distributed among rheumatologists in Germany via newsletters, social media and personal contact, including questions regarding hierarchical positions and work characteristics. RESULTS: Among the total of 170 respondents (72% women, 28% men, 1% diverse), 48% were rheumatologists in training, 35% were trained rheumatologists and 7% were heads of rheumatology departments. Regarding the gender ratio at different hierarchical levels, 74% of respondents reported more men than women in leadership positions. Part-time work was possible in the departments of 86% of respondents, with more women working part-time (56%) compared to men (29%). Most respondents stated their impression that employees working part-time did not have the same career chances as full-time workers in their departments. In total, 66% agreed that activities to improve gender equity are necessary. The highest need was seen in reconciling work and family through, e.g., part-time models, flexible childcare options at work and a higher acceptance of part-time work in leadership positions. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, a gender imbalance is prevalent among rheumatologists in Germany, with lower numbers of women evident at higher hierarchical levels. Traditional role assignments are still represented by a higher proportion of part-time work in women. The establishment of structural changes to achieve better gender equity is needed.

Women in Interventional Pulmonology: Results from a Worldwide Survey.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gender inequality in medicine remains an issue. Despite the increasing proportion of female physicians, women still appear underrepresented in interventional pulmonology (IP) careers. To date, no data are available on the gender distribution in IP. METHOD: An online survey was sent to pulmonary physicians internationally between July and December 2022. The survey included questions on gender diversity in the pulmonology departments, such as the proportion of male, female, and gender diverse physicians performing bronchoscopy, career progression, and social life. RESULTS: Responses from 92 physicians (mean age 45 ± 10 years) from 47 hospitals across 17 countries were analysed, of whom 52% were women. Overall, 79% of the respondents were pulmonologists and 83% perform bronchoscopy. Although men continue to dominate bronchoscopy (65 vs. 43%) and are more likely to be involved in research (89 vs. 77%), the observed difference is statistically not significant (p = 0.135 and p = 0.281). Leading positions are held by 60% of male respondents and 23% of female respondents (p = 0.002). Men are also more often reported to have academic awards. Discrimination based on gender was reported by 5.3% of all men and 26.8% of all women (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Men and women are almost equally involved in IP, especially in female-led bronchoscopy units. However, leading positions and academic awards are still predominantly held by men.

Clinical Profile of Adult Bronchial Asthma Patients Presenting at a Tertiary Care Teaching Institute in Northern India.

BACKGROUND: In the previous four decades there have been remarkable changes and development in the approach toward the diagnosis and management of asthma. There are wide variations in the clinical profile of asthma patients in different parts of a vast country like India due to significant variations in the geography, culture, ethnicity, and socioeconomic profile of the Indian population. In the present study, we have aimed to study the clinical profile of adult asthmatic patients in a tertiary care teaching institute in Northern India. METHODS: In this observational cross-sectional study, a total of 966 asthma patients were included from August 2020 to July 2021 after following strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. After a thorough history and clinical examination, patients were subjected to relevant investigations including spirometry. RESULTS: Our study showed slight female preponderance (51.7%) over males among asthma patients. A maximum number of patients were of comparatively younger age groups and urban. The most common symptom at the time of presentation was breathlessness (94.5%) followed by cough in about 59.8%. Family history was present in about 9.3% of patients. A maximum number of patients presented in the months of November and December and rhinitis was the most commonly associated atopic condition. The majority (65.28%) of previously diagnosed patients had uncontrolled asthma at the time of their first presentation in our department. CONCLUSION: Results of our study endorse the poor awareness in society towards education and management of asthma. Females and comparatively younger patients are more commonly affected. Significant differences in our study from previous studies in different parts of India confirm that the pattern and clinical profile of asthma patients in one region cannot be extrapolated to other regions and the need for future studies in other regions of our country is also required.

Gender equity of authorship in pulmonary medicine over the past decade.

BACKGROUND: Gender disparity in authorship broadly persists in medical literature, little is known about female authorship within pulmonary medicine. METHODS: A bibliometric analysis of publications from 2012 to 2021 in 12 journals with the highest impact in pulmonary medicine was conducted. Only original research and review articles were included. Names of the first and last authors were extracted and their genders were identified using the Gender-API web. Female authorship was described by overall distribution and distribution by country/region/continent and journal. We compared the article citations by gender combinations, evaluated the trend in female authorship, and forecasted when parity for first and last authorship would be reached. We also conducted a systematic review of female authorship in clinical medicine. RESULTS: 14,875 articles were included, and the overall percentage of female first authors was higher than last authors (37.0% vs 22.2%, p<0.001). Asia had the lowest percentage of female first (27.6%) and last (15.2%) authors. The percentages of female first and last authors increased slightly over time, except for a rapid increase in the COVID-19 pandemic periods. Parity was predicted in 2046 for the first authors and 2059 for the last authors. Articles with male authors were cited more than articles with female authors. However, male-male collaborations significantly decreased, whereas female-female collaborations significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the slow improvement in female authorship over the past decade, there is still a substantial gender disparity in female first and last authorship in high-impact medical journals in pulmonary medicine.

Comparison of T1/2 Tongue Carcinoma with or without Radial Forearm Flap Reconstruction Regarding Post-Therapeutic Function, Survival, and Gender.

BACKGROUND: Flap reconstruction is commonly used in advanced tongue carcinoma in order to compensate for the loss of tongue tissue and function. Surprisingly, a large number of reconstructed early-stage tongue cancer can be found. Survival or functional benefits in these cases remain unclear. METHODS: A retrospective data analysis of 384 surgically treated tongue carcinoma patients was conducted aiming to find epidemiologic and survival differences between patients with (n = 158) or without flap reconstruction (n = 226). A prospective functional analysis was performed on 55 early-stage tongue cancer patients, 33 without and 22 with radial-forearm flap reconstruction, focusing on post-therapeutic swallowing function as the primary endpoint, speech as the secondary endpoint, xerostomia, quality of life, and mouth opening. RESULTS: Consistent with the current literature, we demonstrated the significantly more frequent use of flap grafts in advanced tongue carcinomas. For the first time, we depicted a higher female ratio in the reconstructed group (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in survival or functional outcomes between the groups. The none-reconstructed group showed more frequent use of adjuvant C/RT despite presenting fewer N+ stages. CONCLUSIONS: The higher female ratio in the reconstruction group is plausible due to the anatomically smaller oral cavity and relatively larger carcinoma in women. A higher presence of close margins in the none-reconstruction group may explain the more frequent use of adjuvant C/RT. Since we found no survival or functional differences between the groups, we propose a critical approach toward flap reconstruction in T1/2 tongue carcinoma. At the same time, proportional aspects and adequate resection margins should be taken into account.

Overview of dental education system and gender distribution of undergraduate dental students in Taiwan.

Abstract Background/purpose: The gender distribution of dentists in Taiwan has been dominated by male dentists for a long time. This study analyzed preliminarily the appearance of the current dental education system and the gender distribution of undergraduate dental students. Materials and methods: This study used documentary analysis and secondary data analysis to survey mainly the current dental education system and the gender distribution of undergraduate dental students in Taiwan. Results: There were a total of 2474 dental students and 394 dental graduates in Taiwan in 2021. The numbers of male students (1435, 58.00%) and male graduates (207, 52.54%) were higher than those of female students (1039, 42.00%) and female graduates (187, 47.46%). The numbers of male dental students in the northern (629), central (428), and southern (378) regions were all higher than those of female dental students (423, 373, and 243, respectively). The chi-square test indicated the significantly higher proportion of male dental students in the northern and southern regions (P < 0.01). Besides, there were a total of 15,857 registered dentists. The number of male dentists (10,997, 69.35%) was higher than that of female dentists (4,860, 30.65%). Compared with population, the chi-square test showed the significantly higher proportion of male dental students and male registered dentists (all P-values < 0.001). Conclusion: In Taiwan, the dental education system must promote female students' interest in dentistry and elevate the proportion of female dental supervisors to increase the proportion of female dental students and female dentists in the future.

Distribution of pediatric keratoconus by different age and gender groups.

Purpose: To evaluate the distribution of pediatric keratoconus patients and the disease severity based on different age and gender groups in China. Materials and methods: A total of 446 keratoconus eyes in 266 pediatric patients from January 2019 to January 2022 were included in the cross-sectional study. The clinical findings and severity of keratoconus were recorded and Kruskal-Wallis test, chi-squared test, and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel (CMH) test were used to compare the parameters between different gender and age groups. Results: The male/female ratio was 353/93 (3.8:1), and the median age was 16 years (range: 6-17 years). Male patients were statistically younger than female patients (P = 0.041). The male/female ratio decreased with age (P for trend = 0.011). The distribution of the topographic keratoconus classification (TKC) stage was significantly different between gender and age groups (all P < 0.05). Male patients had a higher ratio of advanced keratoconus eyes (TKC ≥ 3) than female patients (P < 0.001), and CMH analysis indicated that being a male was a risk factor for advanced keratoconus after controlling for age (odds ratio: 2.581, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Male keratoconus patients were younger, with a higher ratio of advanced keratoconus than female patients in the Chinese pediatric patients evaluated. Multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are necessary in the future.

Is kinesiophobia associated with disturbances in dynamic balance in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain? / A cinesiofobia está associada a distúrbios de equilíbrio dinâmico em indivíduos com dor lombar crônica não-específica?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic non-specific low back pain is a disabling condition that has a high worldwide prevalence. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between deficits in dynamic balance, age and body mass index (BMI), and kinesiophobia, as well as to establish a comparison between men and women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 145 individuals between 18 and 50 years of age with non-specific chronic low back pain. Sociodemographic data were collected, and dynamic balance was assessed using the Y-Balance Test. The Tampa Scale was used to assess kinesiophobia. A linear regression was applied to investigate the association between kinesiophobia and a set of predictor variables (balance, gender, BMI). Men and women were compared using the Student's t-test (kinesiophobia and dynamic balance). RESULTS: The overall mean kinesiophobia score was 41.3. The Y-Balance Test mean for the right and left lower limb, respectively, was 59.4 and 59.5. An association was found between kinesiophobia and two predictors: balance and BMI (R2:6.8%). No significant differences were found between gender for kinesiophobia (42.1 for women and 40.3 for men). However, women had worse dynamic balance compared to men (mean reach of 56.1 versus 63.5, respectively; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Kinesiophobia was found to be associated with disturbances in dynamic balance and BMI of individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. However, the model explained a small variation in kinesiophobia. Women showed worse dynamic balance compared to with men.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor lombar crônica não-específica é uma condição incapacitante que possui alta prevalência mundial. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a associação entre déficits do equilíbrio dinâmico, idade e índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a cinesiofobia, além de realizar uma comparação entre homens e mulheres. MÉTODOS: Este estudo transversal incluiu 145 indivíduos com idade entre 18 e 50 anos com dor lombar crônica não-específica. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos. O equilíbrio dinâmico foi avaliado por meio do Y-Balance Test. A escala Tampa foi usada para avaliar a cinesiofobia. Aplicou-se uma regressão linear para investigar a associação entre cinesiofobia e um conjunto de variáveis preditoras (equilíbrio, sexo, IMC). Homens e mulheres foram comparados por meio do teste T de Student (cinesiofobia e equilíbrio dinâmico). RESULTADOS: O escore médio geral de cinesiofobia foi de 41,3. A média do Y-Balance Test para o membro inferior direito e esquerdo, respectivamente, foi de 59,4 e 59,5. Verificou-se uma associação entre cinesiofobia e dois preditores, a saber, equilíbrio e IMC (R2:6,8%). Não foram encontradas diferenças significantes entre sexo para cinesiofobia (42,1 para mulheres e 40,3 para homens). Entretanto, as mulheres apresentaram pior equilíbrio em comparação aos homens (média de 56,1 de alcance versus 63,5, respectivamente; p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Verificou-se que a cinesiofobia apresentou associação com distúrbios no equilíbrio dinâmico e IMC de indivíduos com dor lombar crônica não-específica. Entretanto, o modelo explicou uma pequena variação na cinesiofobia. As mulheres apresentaram um pior equilíbrio dinâmico em comparação aos homens.

100 years of inherited metabolic disorders in Austria-A national registry of minimal birth prevalence, diagnosis, and clinical outcome of inborn errors of metabolism in Austria between 1921 and 2021.

Inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) are a heterogeneous group of rare disorders characterized by disruption of metabolic pathways. To date, data on incidence and prevalence of IMDs are limited. Taking advantage of a functioning network within the Austrian metabolic group, our registry research aimed to update the data of the "Registry for Inherited Metabolic Disorders" started between 1985 and 1995 with retrospectively retrieved data on patients with IMDs according to the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism International Classification of Diseases 11 (SSIEM ICD11) catalogue. Included in this retrospective register were 2631 patients with an IMD according to the SSIEM ICD11 Classification, who were treated in Austria. Thus, a prevalence of 1.8/10 000 for 2020 and a median minimal birth prevalence of 16.9/100 000 (range 0.7/100 000-113/100 000) were calculated for the period 1921 to February 2021. We detected a male predominance (m:f = 1.2:1) and a mean age of currently alive patients of 17.6 years (range 5.16 months-100 years). Most common diagnoses were phenylketonuria (17.7%), classical galactosaemia (6.6%), and biotinidase deficiency (4.2%). The most common diagnosis categories were disorders of amino acid and peptide metabolism (819/2631; 31.1%), disorders of energy metabolism (396/2631; 15.1%), and lysosomal disorders (395/2631; 15.0%). In addition to its epidemiological relevance, the "Registry for Inherited Metabolic Disorders" is an important tool for enhancing an exchange between care providers. Moreover, by pooling expertise it prospectively improves patient treatment, similar to pediatric oncology protocols. A substantial requirement for ful filling this goal is to regularly update the registry and provide nationwide coverage with inclusion of all medical specialties.

Descriptive Analysis of Patients with Gastric Tumors Referred to the Largest Emergency Hospital in Oltenia Region-Romania, Between 2015-2020.

Gastric cancer represents the third most frequent cause of death worldwide, with the treatment being impaired also by the fact that patients present in the late stages of disease progression. We have aimed here to evaluate the main clinical and pathological features of all recorded cases of gastric tumor patients presented between January 2015 and December 2020 within the Emergency County Hospital of Craiova. Our retrospective analysis identified a total number of 745 cases, and showed a relative homogenous distribution of the age of the patients / year, with the peak age at presentation of 70-80 years old, and with males having a slightly higher prevalence compared to females. There was no correlation of the number of hospitalization days with the localization of the tumor, but the patients in the age group 60-70 years of age tended to show longer hospitalization times compared to the rest of the age groups. Also, pyloric/ antral tumors tended to present at younger ages compared to other localizations, and interestingly, these patients also represented most of the casuistry. Altogether, the distribution of gastric cancer patients' features did not change significantly in the last 5 years despite treatment advances (especially chemo-and radiotherapy), and the advanced stage of presentation call for a more aggressive detection and increased awareness of the population for this frequent pathology.

Differences of oral cancer in men and women of West Bengal, India.

INTRODUCTION: Oral cancer constitutes a major public health problem in South East Asia, as it causes profound social and economic consequences for people in this area. Nowadays, pattern of tobacco and alcohol use among females is changing and at the same time incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) among females is increasing. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible differences between male and female patients suffering from oral SCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixteen patients with oral SCC, who were diagnosed between 2017 and 2018, were evaluated retrospectively. Special attention was paid to tobacco and alcohol use, as well as to patients without the risk factors. Data obtained were entered into a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet and then were analyzed by SPSS 24.0. RESULTS: The men: women ratio was 2.5:1. Mean age for diagnosis of oral cancer in men was 57.5 and mean age for diagnosis of oral cancer in women was 46.33. Majority of men oral cancer patients had smoking habits (61.45%) and majority of women oral cancer patients had chewing habits (66.67%). Tongue was the most common site for women oral cancer patients and palate, retromolar area and tonsillar area were the most common site for men oral cancer patients who never used any habit products. CONCLUSION: Compared to earlier studies women gets diagnosis of oral cancer earlier than men in our study. Gutkha use in men and Gudaku use in women were associated with oral cancer in early age. Further studies should be performed in women tongue cancer patients and men patients with cancer of maxillary area, retromolar and tonsillar area without risk factors to find etiology.

Age and gender characteristics of patients affected with multiple sclerosis in Hungary between 2004 and 2016 / A hazai sclerosis multiplex betegpopuláció életkori és nemi megoszlása 2004 és 2016 között.

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: Mivel hazánkban a sclerosis multiplex gyakoriságáról, valamint életkori és nemi jellegzetességeirol az elmúlt évtizedekben - egészen 2020-ig - csak regionális jellegu felmérések készültek egy-egy centrum betegforgalma alapján, az újonnan diagnosztizált és már ismert betegek országos koreloszlásáról és annak idobeli változásairól nincsenek ismereteink. Célkituzés: Jelen munkánkban több mint 14 000 beteg adatainak elemzésével a prevalens és incidens betegek koreloszlásának változását vizsgáljuk 2004-2016 során, és eredményeinket összevetjük az elmúlt évtizedekben közölt hazai adatokkal. Módszer: Munkacsoportunk az egészségbiztosítási pénztár anonimizált NEUROHUN adatbázisát elemezte, amely tartalmazza a 2004 és 2016 között az összes hazai, államilag finanszírozott, a fekvo- és járóbeteg-szakellátásból neurológiai diagnózissal jelentett esetet. A sclerosis multiplex BNO-kódjának elofordulása alapján korábban létrehoztuk a betegség adminisztratív definícióját, és megbecsültük a sclerosis multiplex országos prevalenciáját és incidenciáját. Eredmények: A prevalens betegek átlagéletkora 2015-ben 47,9 év, ugyanebben az évben az incidens betegek átlagéletkora 37,4 év volt. Vizsgálatunk szerint a prevalens betegek átlagéletkora szignifikánsan - évente egyötöd-egyharmad évvel (p<0,001) - emelkedik, mégpedig a nok esetében nagyobb mértékben. A nok átlagosan fél évvel idosebbek, mint a férfi páciensek (szignifikáns különbség: p = 0,002). A prevalens betegekben a legnépesebb korosztály az ötvenévesek felol a fiatalabb, 35-40 éves korosztály felé mozdul. Az incidens betegek átlagéletkora lassan, de szignifikánsan - évente átlagosan egyharmad évvel (p<0,001) - csökken. Következtetés: Eredményeink szerint az újonnan diagnosztizált sclerosis multiplexes páciensek átlagosan egyre fiatalabbak, és a prevalens betegek között is egyre fiatalabb korosztályok a legnépesebbek, de a javuló túlélés és a hosszabb élettartam miatt a prevalens betegek átlagéletkora összességében valószínuleg fokozatosan emelkedik. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(19): 746-753. INTRODUCTION: The nationwide age and gender distribution of newly diagnosed and prevalent multiple sclerosis patients has been unknown in Hungary, as until 2020 only regional studies had been reported about the frequency and age characteristics of subjects with multiple sclerosis, based on single-center patient registries. OBJECTIVE: In the present study with the analysis of over 14 000 patients, we describe the changes in age distribution of prevalent and incident subjects between 2004 and 2016 and compare our results with the data published on the subject during the last decades in Hungary. METHOD: We have analyzed the pseudonymized NEUROHUN database provided by the single-payer National Health Insurance Fund, that contains each claim submitted by public hospitals and outpatient services for neurologic diseases between 2004 and 2016. Using the ICD10-code of multiple sclerosis, we have previously established the administrative definition of the illness and estimated its prevalence and incidence in the country. RESULTS: The mean age of prevalent patients was 47.9 years in 2015, whereas in the same year the mean age of incident cases was 37.4 years. The average age of prevalent patients shows a significant rise - with an annual increase of one fifth-one third year (p<0.001) - with a more pronounced increase among women. The age of women is higher by half a year (p = 0.002). The most populous age groups among prevalent subjects shift from the fifties towards the younger generations between 35-40 years of age. The average age of incident subjects slowly, but significantly decreases, with a mean annual decrease of about one third year (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that though new patients are younger year-by-year and the most populous age groups are also younger, altogether the average age of prevalent subjects continuously increases, probably due to the longer survival and lifespan of patients with multiple sclerosis. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(19): 746-753.