Relationship between dietary fiber intake and chronic diarrhea in adults.

BACKGROUND: Dietary fiber is essential for human health and can help reduce the symptoms of constipation. However, the relationship between dietary fiber and diarrhea is, poorly understood. AIM: To evaluate the relationship between dietary fiber and chronic diarrhea. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted using data from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted between 2005 and 2010. Participants over the age of 20 were included. To measure dietary fiber consumption, two 24-hour meal recall interviews were conducted. The independent relationship between the total amount of dietary fiber and chronic diarrhea was evaluated with multiple logistic regression and interaction analysis. RESULTS: Data from 12829 participants were analyzed. Participants without chronic diarrhea consumed more dietary fiber than participants with chronic diarrhea (29.7 vs 28.5, P = 0.004). Additionally, in participants with chronic diarrhea, a correlation between sex and dietary fiber intake was present: Women who consume more than 25 g of dietary fiber daily can reduce the occurrence of chronic diarrhea. CONCLUSION: Dietary fiber can reduce the occurrence of chronic diarrhea.

Prevalence and associated risk factors for men being paid for sex in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis of 2016 Ethiopian demographic health survey data.

Paying for sex is considered a high-risk sexual behavior, especially among men. Men who pay for sex are perceived to be a bridge group for sexually transmitted illnesses. In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of paid sex among men is approximately 4.3%. Men paid for sex are not studied in Ethiopia. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify factors associated with men paying for sex in Ethiopia. We analyzed data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey. In the analysis, 9070 men were included. To identify factors associated with paid-for sex among men, we used a multilevel logistic regression model. A p value less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance at the 95% confidence interval (CI). In this study, 509 (5.6%) men were ever paid for sex. Men who paid for sex were significantly more likely to be rich [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.70; 95% CI 1.287, 2.246], widowed or separated (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.142, 3.396), had more sexual partners [AOR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.005, 1.063], had ever been tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.173, 1.916), drank alcohol (AOR = 4.15; 95% CI 3.086, 5.576), and chewing khat (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI 1.822, 2.85); men who had ever paid for sex were significantly less likely to have higher education (AOR = .63; 95% CI .438, .898) and the lowest age at first sex (AOR = .90; 95% CI .870, .924). In conclusion, educational level, wealth status, province, marital status, age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners, HIV status, alcohol consumption status, and chewing khat were significantly associated with men's paid-for sex. From a public and sexual health perspective, more education is needed for illiterate, widowed, separated, and rich men. Additionally, preventive measures should be taken against men's behavior through the use of alcohol or khat, having many sexual partners, and having young men.

Sex ratio at birth across 100 years in Sweden and risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality - a national register study.

The human sex ratio at birth (SRB) undergoes temporary changes around a mean proportion of 0.51 male births. SRB has been well studied for historical, geographical, and secular trends, but until now not linked to health outcomes in the total population, e.g. for cardiovascular disease (CVD) or mortality during follow-up of birth cohorts. We used linkage analysis based on national registers in Sweden that cover all births from 1900 to 2016. SRB at birth was calculated by every 10-year birth cohort in all survivors living in 1997 for a follow-up analysis of risk of CVD and mortality with data from national registers. When the highest quartile of SRB was used as reference, a slightly increased risk of fatal CVD (HR 1.03 (95% confidence intervals, CI): 1.02-1.04), non-fatal CVD (HR 1.01; 95%CI: 1.01-1.02) and mortality (HR 1.02; 95%CI, 1.01-1.03) was found after full adjustments in men belonging to the lowest SRB quartile. A similar pattern was also found for fatal CHD in women. in the lowest SBR quartile compared to the highest, HR 1.03 (95%CI: 1.02-1.05). In conclusion, in birth cohorts with a relatively lower than expected number of males born, long-term adverse health effects were observed with slightly increased cardiovascular risk and total mortality at the population level. This could indicate that men belonging to so-called "culled cohorts" in a developed country during the 20th century are characterized by a slightly increased risk that could reflect negative early life influences and environmental exposures in pregnant women resulting in selective loss of male embryos or fetuses. In a public health perspective SRB could be of some importance to monitor as an aspect of birth statistics linked to relatively minor population health effects.

Paradoxes in magnesium transport in Type 1 Bartter's syndrome and Gitelman's syndrome: a modeling analysis.

Type 1 Bartter's syndrome and Gitelman's syndrome are characterized by mutations in two key renal Na+ transporters, Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2) and Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC). Since these two transporters play an important role in regulating magnesium (Mg2+) and calcium (Ca2+) transport in the kidney, significant alterations in the transport of these two electrolytes is observed in Type 1 Bartter's syndrome and Gitelman's syndrome. In this study, we used our sex-specific computational models of renal electrolyte transport in rat to understand the complex compensatory mechanisms, in terms of alterations in tubular dimensions and ion transporter activities, that lead to Mg2+ and Ca2+ preservation or wasting in these two genetic disorders. Given the sexual dimorphism in renal transporter pattern, we also assessed how the magnitude of these alterations may differ between males and females. Model simulations showed that in Type 1 Bartter's syndrome, nephron adaptations prevent salt wasting and favor Mg2+ preservation but not Ca2+, whereas in Gitelman's syndrome, those adaptations favor Ca2+ preservation over Mg2+. In addition, our models predicted that the compensatory alterations in tubular dimensions and ion transporter activities are stronger in females than in males.

An atlas of causal association between micronutrients and osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the causal relationships between serum micronutrients and site-specific osteoarthritis (OA) using Mendelian Randomization (MR). METHODS: This study performed a two-sample MR analysis to explore causal links between 21 micronutrients and 11 OA outcomes. These outcomes encompass overall OA, seven site-specific manifestations, and three joint replacement subtypes. Sensitivity analyses using MR methods, such as the weighted median, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO, assessed potential horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Genome-wide association summary statistical data were utilized for both exposure and outcome data, including up to 826,690 participants with 177,517 OA cases. All data was sourced from Genome-wide association studies datasets from 2009 to 2023. RESULTS: In the analysis of associations between 21 micronutrients and 11 OA outcomes, 15 showed Bonferroni-corrected significance (P < 0.000216), without significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy. Key findings include strong links between gamma-tocopherol and spine OA (OR = 1.70), and folate with hand OA in finger joints (OR = 1.15). For joint replacements, calcium showed a notable association with a reduced likelihood of total knee replacement (TKR) (OR = 0.52) and total joint replacement (TJR) (OR = 0.56). Serum iron was significantly associated with an increased risk of total hip replacement (THR) (OR = 1.23), while folate indicated a protective effect (OR = 0.95). Various sex-specific associations were also uncovered. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the critical role of micronutrients in osteoarthritis, providing valuable insights for preventive care and potential enhancement of treatment outcomes.

Using a Programme Science approach to substantially reduce the risk of HIV transmission and acquisition in sex transactions among female sex workers in Zimbabwe.

INTRODUCTION: We used a Programme Science platform, to generate evidence to support the implementation of programmes for sex workers in Africa. Female sex workers are estimated to make up 1.6% (1.3%-1.8%) of the population of women aged 15-49 years in Zimbabwe. We highlight how programme science can be used to help distinguish between when, where and with whom programmes need to be implemented and discuss two case studies that exemplify implementing better (Case study 1 (1 June 2019-30 June 2021) Optimizing implementation of a risk differentiated microplanning intervention) and implementing differently (Case study 2 (1 October 2016-30 September 2022) Reorientating implementation of DREAMS for young women selling sex). METHODS: Zimbabwe's nationally scaled programme for sex workers was established in 2009 in partnership with sex workers to provide comprehensive services for sex workers and generate evidence for programme design, implementation and scale up. Since inception, comprehensive data have been collected from all sex workers seeking services. As the scope of service provision has expanded so has the scope of data collection and analysis. At enrolment, sex workers are assigned an alphanumeric unique identifier which links consultations within and across programme sites. We conduct descriptive analyses of the Key Population (KP) programme data to guide programme implementation and redesign, embedding programmatic qualitative enquiry as required. RESULTS: Two case studies describing different approaches to programme optimization are presented. In the first, an optimization exercise was used to strengthen programme implementation ensuring that the KP programme got back on track after SARS-COV-2. In the second, an in-depth review of research and programme data led to a re-orientation of the DREAMS programme to ensure that young women at the highest risk of HIV acquisition were enrolled and had access to DREAMS social support interventions in turn strengthening their uptake of HIV prevention. CONCLUSIONS: Optimizing and sustaining HIV care and treatment programmes requires effective delivery with sufficient scale and intensity for population impact. Our programme science approach guided the scale up of the KP programme in Zimbabwe, providing evidence to support strategy, implementation and ongoing management, and importantly helping us distinguish between when we needed to just implement, implement better or implement differently.

Advancing Programme Science approaches to understand gaps in HIV prevention programme coverage for key populations in 12 Nigerian states: findings from the 2020 Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Effective HIV prevention programme coverage is necessary to achieve Nigeria's goal of ending the epidemic by 2030. Recent evidence highlights gaps in service coverage and utilization across the country. The Effective Programme Coverage framework is a Programme Science tool to optimize a programme's population-level impact by examining gaps in programme coverage using data generated through programme-embedded research and learning. We apply the framework using Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) data from Nigeria to examine coverage of four prevention interventions-condoms, HIV testing, and needle and syringe programmes (NSP)-among four key population groups-female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID) and transgender people. METHODS: Data from Nigeria's 2020 IBBSS, implemented in 12 states, were analysed to examine HIV prevention programme coverage among key populations. For each key population group and prevention intervention of interest, weighted IBBSS data were used to retrospectively generate coverage cascades that identify and quantify coverage gaps. Required coverage targets were informed by targets articulated in Nigeria's National HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework or, in their absence, by guidelines from policy normative bodies. Availability-, outreach- and utilization coverage proxy indicators were defined using variables from IBBSS data collection tools. Sankey diagrams are presented to visualize pathways followed by participants between coverage cascade steps. RESULTS: Required coverage targets were missed for HIV testing and NSP among all key population groups. Condom availability coverage surpassed required coverage targets among FSW and MSM, while utilization coverage only among FSW exceeded the 90% required coverage target. Outreach coverage was low for all key population groups, falling below all required coverage targets. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings identify critical gaps in HIV prevention programme coverage for key populations in Nigeria and demonstrate non-linear movement across coverage cascades, signalling the need for innovative solutions to optimize coverage of prevention services. Programme-embedded research is required to better understand how key population groups in Nigeria access and use different HIV prevention services so that programmes, policies and resource allocation decisions can be optimized to achieve effective programme coverage and population-level impact.

Sex/gender differences in spontaneous reports to a French Addictovigilance centre.

To specify psychoactive substances and related complications observed in spontaneous reports (SRs) in women versus men, we assessed SRs on substance-linked acute toxicity sent to a French Addictovigilance centre. Over the period 2021-2022, 880 SRs were analysed (33.4% concerned women). Severe complications concerned more men than women (70.3% versus 59.5%; p = 0.0014). In women, the main implicated substances were psychoactive medications (opioids, benzodiazepines). The most frequently reported complication was suicidal behaviour (14.6% versus 7.8%, p = 0.002). In men, SRs concerned mainly illicit substances (cocaine, amphetamines) or misuse of opioid maintenance therapy or nitrous oxide. The main complications in men were infections (12.97% versus 5.4%, p = 0.0006) and neurological troubles (37.6% versus 23.5%, p < 0.0001).Our data highlight sex/gender disparities in substance use and complications, in agreement with recent literature and French national Addictovigilance data.

Alirocumab and cardiovascular outcomes according to sex and lipoprotein(a) after acute coronary syndrome: a report from the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES study.

BACKGROUND: The ODYSSEY OUTCOMES trial (NCT01663402) compared the effects of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor alirocumab with placebo on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS). OBJECTIVE: We assessed efficacy and safety of alirocumab versus placebo according to sex and lipoprotein(a) level. METHODS: This prespecified analysis compared the effects of alirocumab versus placebo on lipoproteins, MACE (coronary heart disease death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, fatal/non-fatal ischemic stroke, unstable angina requiring hospitalization), death, total cardiovascular events, and adverse events in 4762 women and 14,162 men followed for a median of 2.8 years. In post-hoc analysis, we evaluated total cardiovascular events according to sex, baseline lipoprotein(a), and treatment. RESULTS: Women were older, had higher baseline LDL-C levels (89.6 vs 85.3 mg/dL) and lipoprotein(a) (28.0 vs 19.3 mg/dL) and had more co-morbidities than men. At 4 months, alirocumab lowered LDL-C by 49.4 mg/dL in women and 54.0 mg/dL in men and lipoprotein(a) by 9.7 and 8.1 mg/dL, respectively (both p < 0.0001). Alirocumab reduced MACE, death, and total cardiovascular events similarly in both sexes. In the placebo group, lipoprotein(a) was a risk factor for total cardiovascular events in women and men. In both sexes, reduction of total cardiovascular events was greater at higher baseline lipoprotein(a), but this effect was more evident in women than men (pinteraction=0.08). Medication adherence and adverse event rates were similar in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Alirocumab improves cardiovascular outcomes after ACS irrespective of sex. Reduction of total cardiovascular events was greater at higher baseline lipoprotein(a).

Corrigendum: Risk factors for sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men.

No abstract vailable.

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.

Effects of aging on diaphragm hyperemia and blood flow distribution in male and female Fischer 344 rats.

Aging is associated with inspiratory muscle dysfunction, however, the impact of aging on diaphragm blood flow (BF) regulation, and whether sex-differences exist, is unknown. We tested the hypotheses in young animals, that diaphragm BF and vascular conductance (VC) would be greater in females and that aging would decrease the diaphragm's ability to increase BF with contractions. Young (4-6 months) and old (22-24 months) Fischer-344 rats were divided into four groups: Young Female (YF, n=7), Young Male (YM, n=8), Old Female (OF, n=9), and Old Male (OM, n=9). Diaphragm BF (ml/min/100g) and VC (ml/mmHg/min/100g) were determined, via fluorescent microspheres, at rest and during 1Hz contractions. In YF versus OF, aging blunted the increase in medial costal diaphragm BF (44 ± 5% vs. 16 ± 12%; P < 0.05) and VC (43 ± 7% vs. 21 ± 12%; P < 0.05). Similarly, in YM versus OM, aging blunted the increase in medial costal diaphragm BF (43 ± 6% vs. 24 ± 12%; P < 0.05) and VC (50 ± 6% vs. 34 ± 10%; P < 0.05). Compared to young, dorsal costal diaphragm BF was increased in OF while crural diaphragm BF was increased in OM (P < 0.05). Compared to age-matched females, dorsal costal diaphragm BF was lower in YM and OM (P < 0.05). Aging results in an inability to augment medial costal diaphragm BF and alters regional diaphragm BF distribution in response to muscular contractions. Further, sex differences in regional diaphragm BF are present in young and old animals.

Females have lower salivary flow than males, before and after radiation therapy for head/neck cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare salivary flow rates between females and males, before and after radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC). METHODS: Prospective observational multicenter cohort study (OraRad). Stimulated whole salivary flow was measured before RT and at 6 and 18 months after RT. RESULTS: Mean (95% confidence interval) salivary flow in g/min before RT was 0.81 (0.71, 0.90) in females (n = 107) and 1.20 (1.15, 1.25) in males (n = 391) (p < 0.001); at 6 months was 0.34 (0.24, 0.44) in females and 0.50 (0.44, 0.55) in males (p = 0.01); at 18 months was 0.49 (0.38, 0.59) in females and 0.70 (0.64, 0.75) in males (p < 0.001). Median nadir salivary flow after RT was 0.22 in females and 0.35 in males (p < 0.001). A lower nadir salivary flow in females, but not males, was associated with an increased risk for tooth failure (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Females with HNC have lower stimulated whole salivary flow than males, before and after RT. Low salivary flow after RT may be a risk factor for tooth failure among females. The lower pre-RT salivary flow rates in females, combined with prior literature in other populations, indicates that, in general, females have lower stimulated salivary flow than males.

Relationship between sex differences in drinking, smoking, and exercising and the incidence of malignancies and medical procedures: a cross-sectional study of 21,916 participants in China.

Objectives: The unresolved issue of the relationship between sex differences in tea, coffee, and beverage consumption and malignancy risk prompted our study in 2022. Methods: Logistic proportional hazards models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in our investigation of the associations between cancer risk and tea, coffee, and beverage consumption. Results: Our findings revealed that frequent consumption of white tea significantly reduced the occurrence of malignant tumours, but this effect was detected only in the fully adjusted model for males (OR: 0.736, 95% CI: 0.095-5.704). The amount of sugar added to coffee was associated with an increased risk of malignancy in a dose-dependent manner (P for trend = 0.001), with significance observed for both men (P for trend = 0.049) and women (P for trend = 0.005) in the final model. Notably, individuals who consumed more than 2100 ml of sugary beverages daily had a statistically significant reduction in malignancy risk (OR: 0.219, 95% CI: 0.052-0.917). Interestingly, the intake of sugary beverages had a protective effect on cancer incidence, with a significant effect on males (P for trend = 0.031) but not females (P for trend = 0.096) in the final model. Conclusions: Our study highlights the substantial impact of regular white tea consumption on reducing the risk of malignant tumours in males. This study first reported that the potential protective effect of consuming sugary beverages is predominantly observed in males, and a correlation between the amount of sugar added to coffee and a heightened risk of malignancy.

Imaging phenotypic differences in multiple sclerosis: at the crossroads of aging, sex, race, and ethnicity.

Clear sex differences are observed in clinical and imaging phenotypes of multiple sclerosis (MS), which evolve significantly over the age spectrum, and more specifically, during reproductive milestones such as pregnancy and menopause. With neuroimaging being an outcome measure and also a key subclinical biomarker of subsequent clinical phenotype in MS, this comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of sex and hormone differences in structural and functional imaging biomarkers of MS, including lesion burden and location, atrophy, white matter integrity, functional connectivity, and iron distribution. Furthermore, how therapies aimed at altering sex hormones can impact imaging of women and men with MS over the lifespan is discussed. This review also explores the key intersection between age, sex, and race/ethnicity in MS, and how this intersection may affect imaging biomarkers of MS.

Busting MisconSEXions: evaluation of a social media knowledge translation initiative addressing myths about sex.

There is a critical gap in sex education such that many people lack access to evidence-based and accessible information about sexuality, putting them at risk for endorsing myths about sex and in turn having poorer sexual wellbeing. To address this gap, we developed a novel social media knowledge translation initiative-MisconSEXions-to debunk common myths about sexuality. The goal of this study was twofold. First, to examine whether exposure to MisconSEXions is effective for reducing sexuality myth endorsement. Second, to evaluate the acceptability (participants' satisfaction with the content), appropriateness (the perceived fit of the content with participants), adoption (participants' intention to engage with the initiative), and penetration (participants' perception of the content's impact on their lives) of MisconSEXions among study participants. We also examined possible group differences in our observed effects by assigned sex, gender modality, and sexual orientation. A large and diverse sample (N = 2,356) of adults completed an online survey and reported on their demographics, sexuality myth endorsement before and after exposure to MisconSEXions content, and the acceptability, appropriateness, adoption, and penetration of the MisconSEXions content. We found that participants' sexuality myth endorsement was significantly lower following exposure to MisconSEXions content, and this effect held across assigned sex, gender modality, and sexual orientation groups. Regardless of participants' assigned sex, gender modality, or sexual orientation, MisconSEXions content was reported to be both acceptable and appropriate to people's lives. Participants reported relatively low levels of adoption, such that they reported reluctance to engage with the content on social media. Additionally, participants reported mixed feelings regarding the impact of the content on their lives (i.e., penetration). Overall, the findings have implications for how sexuality social media knowledge translation initiatives can fill important gaps in providing inclusive and accessible sex education.

Evaluation of Sexual Dimorphism Using Condylar and Coronoid Mandibular Parameters in Orthopantomograms: A Pilot Study.

Background Gender determination is critical to forensic science and medico-legal applications. Given that it is the most dimorphic bone in the skull and is frequently found intact, the mandibular bone may be extremely important in determining gender. Orthopantomograms (OPGs) are quite helpful in accurately estimating age and sex in this regard. It is a laborious task for forensics to determine the gender of victims of mass casualties, natural disasters, and severely dismembered bodies. The mandible, which is susceptible to development spurts, has a high degree of accuracy for determining sex. Aim  This study aims to evaluate the potential use of coronoid height and condylar height as reliable anatomical markers for determining gender. Materials and methods In this study, 100 samples were used as study samples, 50 of which were male and 50 of which were female, in the age group of 20-30 years. The OPGs were obtained using a Planmeca Promax Scara 3 Digital OPG Machine (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland), with settings of 70 kVp, 8 mA for 0.9 seconds, ensuring a 1:1 ratio. The images were then transferred to Planmeca Romexis® Viewer Software, Version 6.0 (Planmeca Oy, Helsinki, Finland) for measurement recording. Results Descriptive statistical analysis was done for this study and discriminant analysis was also done to create a population-specific formula. Results showed that the standard mean error for males concerning condylar height was 2.3 and coronoid height was 0.7. The standard mean error for females by condylar height was 1.6 and coronoid height was 0.6. The p-value was significant for coronoid height in both males and females. The p-value was not clinically significant for condylar height in both males and females. Conclusion The study's findings indicate that a larger mandibular angle is advantageous for gender assessment and helps with gender dimorphism. Out of both the parameters evaluated, coronoid height has shown statistical significance in both males and females. Hence, the study concludes that the parameter, coronoid height can be utilized to assess the gender of an individual.

The yin and yang of two opponent processes of sleep-wake regulation: Sex-associated differences in the spectral EEG markers of the drives for sleep and wake.

Although objectively measured characteristics of sleep efficiency and quality were found to be better in women than men, women more frequently than men suffer from poor or insufficient or non-restorative sleep. We explored this apparent paradox by testing the sex-associated differences in electroencephalographic (EEG) indicators of two opponent processes of sleep-wake regulation, the drives for sleep and wake. We tried to provide empirical support for the hypothesis that a stronger women's sleep drive can explain better objective characteristics of sleep quality in women than men, while a stronger women's wake drive can be an explanation of a higher frequency of sleep-related complaints in women than men. To our knowledge, this was the first attempt to examine the associations of sex with scores on the 1st and 2nd principal components of the EEG spectrum that can serve as objective spectral EEG markers of the opponent drives for sleep and wake, respectively. The particular prediction was that, in women compared to men, not only the 1st principal component score but also the 2nd principal component score could be higher (i.e. both drives could be stronger). In a sample of 80 university students (40 females), the EEG signals were recorded during 160 afternoon napping attempts (50 min or longer). The difference between male and female students in sleep latencies did not reach a statistically significant level. In accordance with our prediction, both principal component scores were found to be higher in female than in male students irrespective of sleep stage. It is likely that the influence of the wake drive is entirely overlooked in the polysomnographic studies due to the predominant contribution of the indicators of the sleep drive to the conventional objective characteristics of sleep quality. Therefore, a stronger women's sleep drive can be an explanation of women's better sleep quality in the results of polysomnographic studies. On the other hand, if a stronger women's wake drive can influence the perception of their sleep quality, this can explain their more frequent sleep-related complaints.

Longitudinal associations of social jetlag with obesity indicators among adolescents - Shanghai adolescent cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the longitudinal association between social-jetlag (SJL) and obesity development among adolescents, sex-difference and related modifying factors in the association. METHODS: Based on Shanghai-Adolescent-Cohort during 2017-2021, a total of 609 students were investigated. In grade 6, 7 and 9, the information on SJL was collected using questionnaires, and anthropometric measures were conducted. The fingernail cortisol and progesterone levels in grade 6 (using LC-MS/MS) and body composition in grade 9 (using Inbody-S10) were measured. By the latent-class-mixture-modeling, two trajectories for SJL (high-level vs. low-level) throughout 4 years were developed. The prospective associations of SJL trajectories and weight/fat gains were analyzed by sex and under different (high/moderate/low) cortisol/progesterone stratifications. RESULTS: In grades 6-9, 39.00%-44.50 % of adolescents experienced at least 1 h of SJL. Compared with the low-level SJL trajectory, the high-level SJL trajectory was associated with greater differences in body-mass-index Z-scores and waist-to-height ratios across 4 years, higher levels of body-fat-percentage and fat-mass-index in grade 9 (P-values<0.05), and such associations were stronger among girls and under moderate-to-high (vs. low) baseline cortisol and progesterone levels. However, no significant associations among boys were observed. CONCLUSIONS: High-level SJL in adolescents may be associated with the development of obesity, especially among adolescent girls and under relatively high baseline cortisol and progesterone levels.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscles in Kazakh horses.

This study conducted a thorough analysis of the myofiber type composition in the extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL) and soleus muscle (SOL) of Kazakh horses, across different genders (male and female). The results showed significant differences in myofiber type composition between EDL and SOL, with a higher proportion of Type I fibers in SOL muscles and a greater prevalence of Type II fibers in EDL muscles. Additionally, the myofiber diameter in Kazakh horses was relatively small, potentially related to the tenderness and edible quality of their muscles. Using high-throughput sequencing technology, we constructed 32 cDNA sequencing libraries and obtained high-quality read data. Gene expression analysis revealed 278 and 372 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in EDL and SOL muscles, respectively, including genes related to muscle contraction, metabolism, and development. Intersection analysis of DEGs between genders showed that 60 DEGs were significantly different in both male and female horses. GO annotation and KEGG analysis further elucidated the roles of these DEGs in muscle structure, function, and cellular signaling. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and identification of hub genes provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle growth and development. Finally, the reliability of the DEGs data was validated through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). This study not only enhances our understanding of the biological characteristics of horse muscles but also provides potential molecular targets for improving horse muscle performance and health.