Clinical Features and Histopathological Analysis of Oral Lichen Planus: An Analysis of 105 Chinese Patients.

PURPOSE: To study the clinical and pathological characteristics of oral lichen planus (OLP) in a large sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive analysis was conducted on 105 patients with oral lichen planus (OLP), considering various factors including sex, age, disease site, lesion type, lesion area, morphological characteristics, self-reported symptoms, and history of systemic diseases. Histopathological examination was performed for each patient, and the pathology results were analysed according to sex and age group. RESULTS: 70.5% of the OLP patients were female, and OLP was most likely to occur in the cheek, followed by the tongue, lips, gums and palate. The patients with moderate pain according to the VAS score accounted for 60%. Thirty-nine percent of the OLP patients had a systemic disease, and the most common clinical type of OLP was nonerosive. Most of the pathological results showed liquefaction degeneration of basal cells and infiltration of lamina propria lymphocytes. There was no statistically significant difference in pathological manifestations between male and female patients, and there were statistically significant differences in pathological manifestations among different ages patients. CONCLUSION: This study analysed the sociodemographic data and clinical manifestations of 105 OLP patients to guide follow-up treatment planning and disease monitoring. Moreover, pathological manifestations should be analysed to avoid delayed treatment and to monitor for carcinogenesis. Furthermore, the correlation of pathological manifestations among OLP patients with different sexes and ages is conducive to further research on the specific differential manifestations and possible underlying mechanisms involved.

Gender inequalities of psychosomatic complaints at work vary by occupational groups of white- and blue-collar and level of skill: A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that women report more psychosomatic complaints at work than men. However, knowledge about gender inequalities in psychosomatic complaints within occupational groups and specific symptoms is lacking. This study aims to compare gender inequalities in psychosomatic complaints in the occupational groups of white-collar high-skilled, white-collar low-skilled, blue-collar high-skilled and blue-collar low-skilled workers. METHODS: The study implemented a cross sectional design using data from the nationwide German Employment Survey of the Working Population on Qualification and Working Conditions conducted in 2017/ 2018. Psychosomatic complaints were operationalised by the following symptoms: headache, insomnia, tiredness, irritability, dejection, physical fatigue, and emotional fatigue. N = 20012 working German-speaking respondents were sampled. After excluding persons with missing data on the study variables, the sample consisted of N = 16359 persons. RESULTS: Women reported significantly more psychosomatic complaints than men in the subgroups of white-collar high-skilled and white-collar low-skilled (ps < .05), inequalities in blue-collar high-skilled and blue-collar low-skilled only being numerical. Regarding specific symptoms, women reported more psychosomatic complaints then men in the subgroups of white-collar high-skilled workers, white-collar low-skilled workers, and blue-collar low-skilled workers. Headaches, physical fatigue, and emotional fatigue were the most common symptoms. The white-collar high-skilled subgroup had the highest number of symptoms with significant gender inequalities. These effects remained after controlling for age, working hours, parental status and marital status. CONCLUSIONS: Gender inequalities in psychosomatic complaints are ubiquitous but vary in their frequency by occupational subgroup and specific psychosomatic complaint. Women in white-collar high-skilled jobs in particular report to be burdened more often by many specific psychosomatic symptoms. Future studies should investigate the reasons for these occupational inequalities and develop interventions to reduce health inequalities in the workplace.

Sex and age differences in inflammatory bowel disease patients; a nationwide study based on Iranian Registry of Crohn's and Colitis (IRCC).

BACKGROUND: Despite the rising prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), age and sex differences in its outcomes remain understudied. We investigated age and sex differences in IBD patients using a nationwide study in Iran, the Iranian Registry of Crohn's and Colitis (IRCC). METHODS: The IRCC is a national registry that gathered information on adult IBD patients since 2017. The collected data included demographic information, medication history, disease activity, comorbidities, diagnosis age, prognosis, the extent of ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD) location, and extraintestinal manifestations. The statistical methods included the independent Student's t-test, Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression, using R version 4.2.2. RESULTS: Among the 9,392 IBD patients, 7,496 (3,600 females) and 1,896 (808 females) had UC and CD, respectively. Sex difference showed higher odds of active disease in the past six months in male CD patients (OR 1.24 [95%CI 1.03, 1.49]) vs. females, but in male UC patients, the OR was 0.85 [0.78, 0.93]. Severe disease was less likely in CD patients aged 19-59 and >60 vs. <18. Similarly, UC patients <18 had lower odds of severe disease vs. those aged 19-59 and >60. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the importance of understanding age and sex differences in IBD outcomes. These findings contribute to the ongoing global discussion on IBD management and facilitate the development of targeted interventions and personalized care.

Association between serum selenium and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Results from NHANES: An observational study.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a broad spectrum of diseases and stands as the second most prevalent liver disorder in the 21st century. Advanced hepatic fibrosis (AHF) is a crucial indicator of the progression of NAFLD. Selenium (Se) is an indispensable trace element for human physiology; however, excessive intake can lead to poisoning and detrimental effects. Notably, males exhibit significantly higher serum Se levels compared to females. To investigate the correlation between serum Se levels and the prevalence of NAFLD and AHF across different genders. Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2020, 7271 participants were included. Through descriptive analysis, multivariable logistic regression, subgroup analysis, interaction, and restricted cubic spline regression analysis, the relationship between serum Se levels and the prevalence of NAFLD and AHF was investigated. serum Se levels were significantly higher in both male and female NAFLD groups compared to the non-NAFLD groups (Males: 187.570 vs 183.300, Z = -16.169, P < .001; Females: 184.780 vs 180.130, Z = -4.102, P < .001). After adjusting for confounders, an increase in one quartile of serum Se was associated with a 17.60% increase in NAFLD prevalence in males (OR, 1.176; 95% CI: 1.052-1.315) and a 38.50% decrease in AHF prevalence (OR, 0.615; 95% CI: 0.479-0.789). In females, each quartile increase in serum Se was associated with a 29.10% increase in NAFLD prevalence (OR,1.291;95%CI: 1.155-1.442) and a 51.60% decrease in AHF prevalence (OR, 0.484; 95% CI: 0.344-0.682). serum Se levels are positively correlated with the prevalence of NAFLD and negatively correlated with the prevalence of AHF in both males and females.

Research on cognitive impairment and potential risk factors in peritoneal dialysis patients: An observational study.

The objective of this study is to investigate the associated risk factors and their effects on cognitive impairment (CI) in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the basic information of 268 patients who underwent continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) at our hospital from January 2020 to September 2023. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale during their subsequent dialysis visits. Participants were categorized into a CI group and a cognitively normal group. Blood and other biological samples were collected for relevant biomarker analysis. Subsequently, we analyzed and compared the factors influencing CI between the 2 groups. The prevalence of CI among CAPD patients was 58.2%. Compared to the cognitively normal group, the CI group had a higher prevalence of alcohol consumption, lower levels of education, and reduced serum uric acid levels (P < .05). There was also a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus in the CI group (P < .05). In terms of dialysis efficacy, the residual kidney Kt/V and residual kidney Ccr were significantly lower in the CI group compared to the cognitively normal group. In blood parameters, the CI group showed elevated total cholesterol levels and lower serum calcium concentrations (P < .05). Logistic regression analysis identified male gender, older age, lower educational attainment, hypercholesterolemia, and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels as independent risk factors for CI in CAPD patients (P < .05). Additionally, in this patient cohort, dialysis duration and residual renal function were protective factors against CI (P < .05). CI is prevalent among PD patients. Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, male gender, older age, lower educational attainment, and hypercholesterolemia constitute an independent risk factor for CI in CAPD patients, whereas residual renal function acts as a protective element.

Estrogen receptor beta signaling enhances extinction memory recall for heroin-conditioned cues in a sex- and region-specific manner.

Return to use, or relapse, is a major challenge in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). Relapse can be precipitated by several factors, including exposure to drug-conditioned cues. Identifying successful treatments to mitigate cue-induced relapse has been challenging, perhaps due to extinction memory recall (EMR) deficits. Previously, inhibition of estradiol (E2) signaling in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) impaired heroin-cue EMR. This effect was recapitulated by antagonism of BLA estrogen receptors (ER) in a sex-specific manner such that blocking ERα in males, but ERß in females, impaired EMR. However, it is unclear whether increased E2 signaling, in the BLA or systemically, enhances heroin-cue EMR. We hypothesized that ERß agonism would enhance heroin-cue EMR in a sex- and region-specific manner. To determine the capacity of E2 signaling to improve EMR, we pharmacologically manipulated ERß across several translationally designed experiments. First, male and female rats acquired heroin or sucrose self-administration. Next, during a cued extinction session, we administered diarylpropionitrile (DPN, an ERß agonist) and tested anxiety-like behavior on an open field. Subsequently, we assessed EMR in a cue-induced reinstatement test and, finally, measured ERß expression in several brain regions. Across all experiments, females took more heroin and sucrose than males and had greater responses during heroin-cued extinction. Administration of DPN in the BLA enhanced EMR in females only, driven by ERß's impacts on memory consolidation. Interestingly, however, systemic DPN administration improved EMR for heroin cues in both sexes across several different tests, but did not impact sucrose-cue EMR. Immunohistochemical analysis of ERß expression across several different brain regions showed that females only had greater expression of ERß in the basal nucleus of the BLA. Here, in several preclinical experiments, we demonstrated that ERß agonism enhances heroin-cue EMR and has potential utility in combatting cue-induced relapse.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Failure in Women: Incidence and Clinical Implications.

BACKGROUND: Women have worse outcomes after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) than men. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the incidence of CABG graft failure in women, its association with cardiac events, and whether it contributes to sex-related differences in outcomes. METHODS: A pooled analysis of individual patient data from randomized clinical trials with systematic imaging follow-up was performed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association of graft failure with myocardial infarction and repeat revascularization between CABG and imaging (primary outcome) and death after imaging (secondary outcome). Mediation analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of graft failure on the association between female sex and risk of death. RESULTS: Seven randomized clinical trials (N = 4,413, 777 women) were included. At a median imaging follow-up of 1.03 years, graft failure was significantly more frequent among women than men (37.3% vs 32.9% at the patient-level and 20.5% vs 15.8% at the graft level; P = 0.02 and P < 0.001, respectively). In women, graft failure was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and repeat revascularization (OR: 3.94; 95% CI: 1.79-8.67) and death (OR: 3.18; 95% CI: 1.73-5.85). Female sex was independently associated with the risk of death (direct effect, HR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.35-2.50) but the association was not mediated by graft failure (indirect effect, HR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.86-1.26). CONCLUSIONS: Graft failure is more frequent in women and is associated with adverse cardiac events. The excess mortality risk associated with female sex among CABG patients is not mediated by graft failure.

Impact of musculoskeletal disability limitations on the economic unmet dental needs in South Korea.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disability (MSD) has been identified as having a negative impact on oral health. Patients with MSD have a greater burden of medical expenses and are expected to have an Economic unmet dental need (UDN). This study aimed to conduct a multifactorial analysis based on the Andersen model to determine the extent to which MSD contributes to inequitable dental care use. METHODS: This study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey VIII. The study population was 17,903 adults aged 19 years and older. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 26 and the level of statistical significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The people with MSD activity limitations were rare as only 3% in this study population. There were significant differences in sex and education as predisposing factors, income, and marital status as enabling factors, and current smoking, daily brushing, and MSD activity limitation as need factors for experiencing economic UDN. MSD activity limitation was associated with 1.5-fold increased odds of Economic UDN with a fully adjusted Anderson's Behavior Model. CONCLUSIONS: This finding suggests poorer access to dental care among adults with MSDs owing to financial difficulties. It is necessary to explore various ways to address oral health inequalities among adults with MSD activity limitations.

Sex-specific differences in SLE - Significance in the experimental setting of inflammation and kidney damage in MRL-Faslpr mice.

Animal models are an important tool in the research of chronic autoimmune diseases, like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). MRL-Faslpr mice are one of different lupus models that develop spontaneously an SLE-like disease with autoantibodies and immune complex deposition that leads into damage of different organs. In contrast to human SLE, both sexes of MRL-Faslpr mice develop a similar autoimmune disease. Due to the sex bias in human and the delayed disease progression in male MRL-Faslpr mice, the majority of studies have been performed in female mice. To determine the suitability of male MRL-Faslpr mice for SLE research, especially with regard to the 3 R-principle and animal welfare, analyses of phenotype, inflammation and damage with focus on kidney and spleen were performed in mice of both sexes. Female mice developed lymphadenopathy and skin lesions earlier as males. At an age of 3.5 month, more immune cells infiltrated kidney and spleen in females compared to males. At the age of 5 months, however, substantially less sex-specific differences were detected. Since other studies have shown differences between both sexes on other manifestations like autoimmune pancreatitis and Sjögren syndrome in MRL-Faslpr mice, the use of male mice as part of 3 R-principle and animal welfare must be carefully considered.

Sex-specific alterations in functional connectivity and network topology in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy.

Patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) experience structural and functional brain reorganization. However, few studies have investigated the influence of sex on cerebral alterations. The present study investigates the role of sex on brain functional connectivity (FC) and global network topology in DCM and healthy controls (HCs). The resting-state functional MRI data was acquired for 100 patients (58 males vs. 42 females). ROI-to-ROI FC and network topological features were characterized for each patient and HC. Group differences in FC and network topological features were examined. Compared to healthy counterparts, DCM males exhibited higher FC between vision-related brain regions, and cerebellum, brainstem, and thalamus, but lower FC between the intracalcarine cortex and frontal and somatosensory cortices, while DCM females demonstrated higher FC between the thalamus and cerebellar and sensorimotor regions, but lower FC between sensorimotor and visual regions. DCM males displayed higher FC within the cerebellum and between the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and vision-related regions, while DCM females displayed higher FC between frontal regions and the PCC, cerebellum, and visual regions. Additionally, DCM males displayed significantly greater intra-network connectivity and efficiency compared to healthy counterparts. Results from the present study imply sex-specific supraspinal functional alterations occur in patients with DCM.

TUSC3, p53 and p21 genetic association with development of oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma among addictive tobacco chewers of Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: This study delves into the intricate landscape of oral cancer, a global concern with a high incidence in Asian countries. We focus on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), primarily driven by the consumption of betel nut and its derivatives. OSCC often arises from premalignant lesions like oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). In Pakistan, OSCC is prevalent among men due to various addictive substances, including smokeless tobacco and chewing materials. Mutations in tumor suppressor genes, such as TP53 and p21, play crucial roles in this malignancy's development. We also explore the involvement of TUSC3 gene deletion in OSCC and OSF. METHODS: In this study we investigated demographics, TUSC3 gene expression, deletion analysis, and TP53 and p21 genetic alterations in OSCC and OSF patients (blood and tissue of 50 samples in each condition) who had tobacco derivates usage history. The association analysis was carried out mainly through PCR based genotyping. RESULTS: The study's patient cohort (OSCC and OSF) displayed a wide age range from 13 to 65 years (Mean = 32.96 years). Both conditions were more prevalent in males, with a male-female ratio of approximately 2.5:1. Chewing habits analysis revealed high frequencies of gutka use in both OSF and OSCC patients. TUSC3 expression analysis in OSCC cell lines indicated significant downregulation. Genotyping showed no TUSC3 deletion in OSF cases, but a deletion rate of over 22% in OSCC tissue samples. Analysis supported a significant association of TUSC3 deletion with OSCC development but not with OSF. Polymorphism in p53 exon 4 and p21 (rs1801270) were significantly associated with both OSCC and OSF, adding to their pathogenesis. Our findings further revealed a strong correlation between TUSC3 deletion and the excessive use of tobacco and related products, shedding light on the genetic underpinnings of OSCC development. CONCLUSIONS: Notably, our study provides a crucial insight into genetic aspects underlying OSCC and OSF in response of addictive consumption of areca nut, betel quid, and tobacco derivatives. A significant association between TUSC3 deletion and OSCC development, along with polymorphisms in TP53 and p21, underscores the importance of further research into the molecular mechanisms driving oral cancer progression for improved diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Situational Judgment Testing Among Applicants to an Anesthesiology Residency Program.

Background The Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer) is a situational judgment test (SJT) that assesses noncognitive skills like professionalism, communication, and empathy. There are no reports of the effects of race/ethnicity and sex on CASPer scores among residency applicants. Objective We examined the effects of race/ethnicity, sex, and United States vs international medical school attendance on CASPer performance. Methods Our anesthesiology residency program required all applicants for the 2021-2022 Match cycle to complete an online video and text-based SJT (CASPer). We compared these results, reported as z-scores, with self-identified race/ethnicity, sex, United States vs international medical school attendance, and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 scores. Results Of the 1245 applicants who completed CASPer, 783 identified as male. The racial/ethnic distribution was 512 White, 412 Asian, 106 Black, 126 Hispanic, and 89 Other/No Answer. CASPer z-scores did not differ by sex. White candidates scored higher than Black (0.18 vs -0.57, P<.001) and Hispanic (0.18 vs -0.52, P<.001) candidates. Applicants attending US medical schools scored higher than those attending international medical schools (z-scores: 0.15 vs -0.68, P<.001). There was no correlation between CASPer z-scores and USMLE Step 1 scores. Conclusions Our results suggest that CASPer scores favor White applicants over Black and Hispanic ones and applicants attending US medical schools over those attending international medical schools.

Examining for gender differences in return to learn following sport-related concussion in high school student athletes.

OBJECTIVE: Prior studies have investigated associations between gender, symptom resolution, and time to return to play following sport-related concussion (SRC). However, there is a notable gap in research regarding the association between gender and return to learn (RTL) in adolescents. Therefore, this study 1) compared the patterns of RTL between boys and girls who are high school student athletes, and 2) evaluated the possible association between gender and time to RTL after adjusting for covariates. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of a prospective surveillance program that monitored concussion recovery of athletes in high schools throughout the state of Maine between February 2015 and January 2023 was performed. The primary independent variable was gender, dichotomized as boys and girls. The primary outcome was time to RTL, defined by the number of days for an athlete to return to school without accommodations. Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to compare RTL between the boys and girls. Each athlete's RTL status was dichotomized (i.e., returned vs had not returned) at several time points following injury (i.e., 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks), and chi-square tests were performed to compare the proportions who achieved RTL between groups. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the predictive value of gender on RTL. Covariates included age, number of previous concussions, history of learning disability or attention-deficit disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, history of a psychological condition, history of headaches or migraines, initial Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT3/SCAT5) score, and days to evaluation. RESULTS: Of 895 high school athletes, 488 (54.5%) were boys and 407 (45.5%) were girls. There was no statistically significant difference in median [IQR] days to RTL between genders (6.0 [3.0-11.0] vs 6.0 [3.0-12.0] days; U = 84,365.00, p < 0.375). A greater proportion of boys successfully returned to learn without accommodations by 3 weeks following concussion (93.5% vs 89.4%; χ2 = 4.68, p = 0.030), but no differences were found at 1, 2, or 4 weeks. A multivariable model predicting days to RTL showed that gender was not a significant predictor of RTL (p > 0.05). Longer days to evaluation (ß = 0.10, p = 0.021) and higher initial SCAT3/SCAT5 scores (ß = 0.15, p < 0.001) predicted longer RTL. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of high school athletes, RTL did not differ between boys and girls following SRC. Gender was not a significant predictor of RTL. Longer days to evaluation and higher initial symptom scores were associated with longer RTL.

Lung cancer: a nationwide analysis of sex and age incidence trends from 1980 to 2022.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer, once rare, has evolved into the global leading cause of cancer-related mortality, primarily driven by widespread cigarette smoking in the 20th century. This study explores the historical trends of lung cancer incidence in Denmark over four decades, emphasizing the impact of smoking prevalence, age, and gender on the observed patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Drawing upon data from the Danish National Patient Register and information on smoking habits provided by the Danish Health Authority, this study investigates lung cancer incidence rates, demographic shifts, and smoking prevalence from 1980 to 2022. RESULTS: Smoking prevalence exhibited a consistent decline in males from 1950 to 2022, whereas female smoking prevalence maintained a stable level from 1950 to 1987, followed by a subsequent decline from 1987 to 2022. A peak in lung cancer crude incidence rates was identified during 2014-2017, with no significant difference observed before and after this period. Over the period, the gender distribution transitioned from a male majority to an equal male-female ratio, and age-specific disparities indicated declines in patients aged 50-59 and increases in those above 80 years. INTERPRETATION: The certainty of a decline in lung cancer incidence in the coming years remains unclear. Based on smoking prevalence, it might still be a decade away. To ensure a sustained decline in lung cancer incidence, targeted interventions are imperative, including customized smoking cessation programs that could be designed favorably for females. Given the modest decline in smoking prevalence over the last decade, legislation aimed at discouraging young individuals from smoking is pivotal. As of now, these efforts have not been implemented in Denmark.

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THYROIDECTOMY-INDUCED WEIGHT LOSS AND IMPAIRED GLUCOSE LEVELS: ROLE OF L-THYROXINE.

Thyroxine, a key regulator of metabolic pathways, plays a pivotal role in glucose metabolism and the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. In clinical practice, L-thyroxine replacement therapy is commonly prescribed for patients with hypothyroidism. However, the specific effects of L-thyroxine and thyroidectomy (TX) on glucose levels remain an area of interest and investigation. In this study, 20 rats were divided into two groups (n=10 per group). The TX group (male and female rats) underwent thyroidectomy for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, male and female thyroidectomized rats received L-thyroxine (10 µg/100 g/day, intraperitoneally) for 4 weeks. The rats' weights were monitored weekly post-surgery. Compared to the initial level, thyroidectomy resulted in weight loss, whereas L-thyroxine replacement therapy normalized the weight loss induced by thyroidectomy. Additionally, thyroidectomy led to impaired glucose levels, which were restored to normal levels with L-thyroxine treatment. These findings underscore the impact of thyroid function on glucose metabolism and highlight the potential therapeutic role of L-thyroxine.

Association between bullying, childhood adversities and social capital among adolescents.

This study aims to analyze the association between bullying behaviors, adverse childhood experiences and social capital in late adolescence. Secondary school students aged 15-19 of a metropolitan region of Brazil were recruited for a sectional epidemiological survey, with a sample of 2,281 students, stratified by municipality of school location. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed from three instruments: Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire, Childhood Adversity History Questionnaire and Integrated Questionnaire to Measure Social Capital, in adapted versions. The results showed that the factors associated with bullying victims were gender and adversity in childhood. The factors associated to bullying aggressors were gender, childhood adversities, and cognitive social capital. And the factors associated with bullying aggressor-victims were gender, childhood adversities, and cognitive social capital. It is concluded that bullying is associated with adversity in childhood and also with cognitive social capital and they point out the need to address the causes of violence in order to provide a healthy and safe development for children and adolescents, preventing negative outcomes for physical and mental health.

Understanding the moral cognition of aggression: Longitudinal serial effects of personal relative deprivation and hostility on within-person changes in civic moral disengagement.

Moral disengagement is an important aggressive and moral cognition. The mechanisms of changes in moral disengagement remain unclear, especially at the within-person level. We attempted to clarify this by exploring the serial effects of personal relative deprivation and hostility on civic moral disengagement. We conducted a three-wave longitudinal survey with 1058 undergraduates (63.61% women; mean age = 20.97). The results of the random intercept cross-lagged panel model showed that personal relative deprivation at Wave 1 and hostility at Wave 2 formed a serial effect on the within-person changes in civic moral disengagement at Wave 3, and the longitudinal indirect effect test showed that the within-person dynamics in hostility at Wave 2 acted as a mediator. The results of multiple group analysis across genders further showed that the longitudinal indirect role of hostility at Wave 2 was only observed for men, but not for women, which indicates the moderating effect of gender. These findings facilitate an understanding of the mechanisms of aggressive cognitions at the within-person level and offer implications for the prevention and intervention of aggression from the perspective of moral cognition.

Factors Associated with High Prevalence of Multibacillary Leprosy in West Bengal: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: High proportion of multibacillary (MB) among newly diagnosed leprosy cases poses a public health challenge. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to find out the factors associated with the high burden of MB leprosy in West Bengal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study was conducted from August 2020 to December 2022 in three high-endemic districts (annual new case detection rate ≥10/lakh) of West Bengal. OBJECTIVES: MB cases registered under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme were considered as case and paucibacillary (PB) cases were considered as control. Weighted sample sizes for cases and controls in each of the three districts were selected using simple random sampling from the list of registered leprosy patients. Requisite data were collected through structured interview with a validated questionnaire in Bengali. R, version 4.1.1 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, 2021, Vienna, Austria) was used for data analysis. A binary logistic regression model was prepared with the type of leprosy as a dependent variable. RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety-eight individuals, 204 MB and 194 PB, participated in this study with 1.97% nonresponse rate. Gender, marital status, and diagnostic delay (adjusted odds ratio = 2.75 [1.66,4.65]) were associated with developing MB. Not perceiving the symptoms seriously (90, 56% [PB], 97, 51% [MB]), lack of knowledge about the disease and its complications (47, 29% [PB], 53, 28% [MB]), delayed referral by the private practitioners (11, 7% [PB], 22, 12% [MB]) were the major reasons of delay. CONCLUSION: This study identified a vulnerable group - married and migrated males. Changing from annual screening to quarterly screening along with capacity building and awareness generation of the targeted population is the need of the hour for eradicating the disease.

Gender stereotypes in eating disorder recognition.

PURPOSE: Eating disorder (ED) awareness is low. We assessed if ED symptom recognition, perceived need for treatment, perceived distress, perceived acceptability, and perceived prevalence differed depending on the gender of the individual with the ED. METHODS: 276 community participants were randomly assigned to one of three gender conditions (female, male, and non-binary), read three vignettes describing three different individuals with ED symptoms [anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED)], and then answered a series of questions related to participants ED symptom recognition, perceived need for treatment, perceived distress associated with having ED symptoms, perceived acceptability (e.g., the extent to which it may not be too bad to have an ED), and perceived prevalence. Mixed ANOVAs and chi-square analyses were conducted to examine differences between groups. RESULTS: There were no significant main effects of gender condition across the outcome variables. There were main effects of ED type for problem recognition, perceived need for treatment, perceived level of distress, and perceived prevalence, with participants being more likely to recognize a problem in the AN and BN vignettes than the BED vignettes, refer for treatment and rate a higher perceived level of distress in then AN vignette than the BN and BED vignettes, and perceive a higher prevalence rate in the BN vignette than the AN vignette. There was a significant gender by condition interaction for perceived prevalence, with participants rating a higher prevalence of AN in women and non-binary individuals than men and a higher prevalence of BN in women than non-binary individuals and men. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the importance of education on EDs and awareness that EDs can occur in any individual, regardless of their gender identification. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, experimental study with randomization.