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Pharmaceutical contaminants have a recognized negative impact on wildlife health. However, there are still many knowledge gaps on the factors influencing exposure and metabolic processing of compound mixtures as a function of season and individual characteristics such as age and sex. We evaluated age and sex differences in a set of seventeen compounds, including eleven antibiotics, five NSAIDs and caffeine, evaluated by HPLC-MS-TOF analysis in griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) from central Spain. Pharmaceutical cocktails (up to 10 compounds simultaneously) were found in all individuals. Lincomycin was detected in all individuals, and fluoroquinolones were found at high frequencies, while NSAIDs were at low frequencies and concentrations, including flumixin meglumine, which can be lethal to vultures. A higher total number of compounds and sum of concentrations, as well as prevalence and concentration of several of the pharmaceuticals tested was found in females than in males for both nestlings and adults. This is the first study to present evidence of sex differences in the pharmacokinetics of dietary drug contaminants in a vulture species. Chronic exposure to "medications" in entire populations can potentially have sub-lethal health effects that affect fitness differently according to age and sex, with demographic implications for population viability. Specifically, if females have higher mortality after fledging due to high pharmaceutical contamination, this should be considered when modelling the population dynamic of this species for conservation purposes.
Assuntos
Falconiformes , Feminino , Masculino , Animais , Espanha , Fatores Sexuais , Preparações Farmacêuticas/análise , Fatores Etários , Poluentes Ambientais/análiseRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Cholesterol (Cho) is an essential lipophilic molecule in cells; however, both its decrease and its increase may favor the development of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although copper (Cu) is an essential trace metal for cells, the increased plasma concentration of its free form has been linked with AD development and severity. AD affects aged people, but its prevalence and severity are higher in women than in men. We have previously shown that Cu promotes Cho de novo synthesis in immature neurons as well as increased Cho in membrane rafts and Aß levels in culture medium, but there are no results yet regarding sex differences in the effects of sublethal Cu exposure on Cho de novo synthesis. METHODS: We examined the potential sex-specific impact of sublethal Cu concentrations on de novo Cho synthesis in primary cultures of male and female astrocytes. We also explored whether this had any correlation with variations in Cho and APP levels within neuronal membrane rafts. RESULTS: Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that Cu treatment leads to a greater increase in ROS levels in female astrocytes than in males. Furthermore, through RT-PCR analysis, we observed an upregulation of SREBP-2 and HMGCR. Consistently, we observed an increase in de novo Cho synthesis. Finally, western blot analysis indicated that the levels of ABCA1 increase after Cu treatment, accompanied by a higher release of radiolabeled Cho and an elevation in Cho and APP levels in neuronal membrane rafts. Importantly, all these results were significantly more pronounced in female astrocytes than in males. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that Cu stimulates Cho synthesis in astrocytes, both in a ROS-dependent and -independent manner. Moreover, female astrocytes displayed elevated levels of HMGCR, and de novo Cho synthesis compared to males following TBH and Cu treatments. This corresponds with higher levels of Cho released into the culture medium and a more significant Cho and APP rise within neuronal rafts. We consider that the increased risk of AD in females partly arises from sex-specific responses to metals and/or exogenous substances, impacting key enzyme regulation in various biochemical pathways, including HMGCR.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) primarily affects the elderly and is linked to excess cholesterol (Cho) and copper (Cu). It is more prevalent and severe in women. Previous research suggested that Cu may enhance Cho synthesis in developing neurons, raising Cho levels in specialized membrane structures (rafts) and Aß protein in the culture medium. However, the specific effects of Cu exposure on Cho synthesis in males and females are not entirely understood. We conducted experiments using astrocytes, the primary cells in the brain that produce Cho in adults, and neurons, both from male and female rats. We exposed them to non-lethal levels of Cu to explore its potential sex-related effects on (1) Cho metabolism in astrocytes, and (2) The relationship between the Cho released by astrocytes and the levels of Cho and amyloid precursor protein (APP) in neuronal membrane rafts. Our findings suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive sensitivity is higher in females than in male astrocytes. Cu, alongside ROS, promoted Cho synthesis, with female astrocytes being more susceptible. These released more Cho into the medium after Cu exposure, and Cho and APP levels were also higher in female neuronal rafts exposed to Cu-treated astrocyte-conditioned medium. Our results thus imply that the higher risk of AD in females may arise partly from sex-related disparities in cellular responses to external substances, impacting such crucial biochemical pathways as Cho synthesis.
Assuntos
Doença de Alzheimer , Cobre , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Idoso , Precursor de Proteína beta-Amiloide , Astrócitos , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio , Colesterol , NeurôniosRESUMO
Domestic cat (Felis catus) mothers may rely on offspring cries to allocate resources in use of individuals with greater chances for survival and sacrifice the weak ones in case of impossibility to raise the entire large litter. Potential victims of this maternal strategy can enhance their chances of survival, by producing vocalizations with traits mimicking those of higher-quality offspring. We compared acoustic traits of 4990 cries produced during blood sampling by 57 two-week-old captive feral kittens (28 males, 29 females); 47 of them survived to 90 days of age and 10 died by reasons not related to traumas or aggression. No relationship was found between acoustic parameters and kitten survival, however, positive relationship was found between survival and body weight. The cries had moderate cues to individuality and lacked cues to sex. Body weight correlated positively with fundamental frequency and negatively with call rate, duration, peak frequency and power quartiles. We discuss that dishonesty of acoustic traits of kitten quality could develop as adaptation for misleading a mother from allocation resources between the weaker and stronger individuals, thus enhancing individual chances for survival for the weaker littermates. Physical constraint, as body weight, may prevent extensive developing the deceptive vocal traits.
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Mães , Vocalização Animal , Humanos , Masculino , Animais , Gatos , Feminino , Criança , Agressão , Acústica , Peso CorporalRESUMO
Introducción: Los estudios de preferencias de pareja han crecido ampliamente alrededor del mundo en los últimos años; no obstante, las pruebas psicológicas utilizadas en esta área no han sido adecuadamente adaptadas a contextos hispanohablantes. En esta investigación se adaptó al español una de las pruebas más frecuentemente usadas en el campo de la selección sexual humana: Ideal Partner and Relationship Scale (IPRS). Método: Se implementaron los siguientes procedimientos: (1) Traducción por pares, (2) Evaluación por expertos, (3) Aplicación inicial/validación (149 participantes), (4) Análisis de propiedades psicométricas, (5) Análisis confirmatorios con una muestra independiente (247 participantes). Resultados: Los análisis de las propiedades psicométricas de la prueba IPRS (español), indican que el instrumento conserva una estabilidad similar a la versión inglesa. En la estructura interna se conserva una solución factorial de cinco dimensiones de preferencia: atractivo físico, calidez y confianza, estatus y recursos, inteligencia y habilidades sociales. Además, los indicadores de confiabilidad demuestran una consistencia interna y estabilidad temporal sobresaliente. Por último, los patrones de preferencia de los participantes revelan similitudes con lo reportado en investigaciones transculturales semejantes. Conclusiones: Las sobresalientes propiedades referidas a la evidencia reportada en este estudio, llevan a considerar que la adaptación de la prueba IPRS al español fue exitosa, como resultado del seguimiento de protocolos estrictos de validación.
Introduction: Mate preference studies have been growing worldwide in recent years; however, the psychological tests used in this area have not been adequately adapted to Spanish-speaking contexts. This study aims to adapt to Spanish one of the most frequently used tests in human sexual selection: Ideal Partner and Relationship Scale (IPRS). Method: The adaptation included the following procedures: (1) Translation by peers; (2) Evaluation by experts; (3) Initial application / Validation (149 participants); (4) Analysis of psychometric properties; and (5) Confirmatory analysis from an independent sample (247 participants). Results: We proceeded to create the final version of the test in Spanish through the information collected. The analysis of the psychometric properties of the IPRS test indicates that the instrument retains stability and consistency similar to the original English version. This new version conserved the factorial structure, which includes five preference dimensions (physical attractiveness, warmth and trust, status and resources, intelligence, and social skills). Similarly, reliability indicators demonstrate good internal and temporal stability. Finally, the participant's preference patterns are equivalent to what has been reported in cross-cultural mate research. Conclusions: The good properties of the collected evidence led to the conclusion that the adaptation of the Spanish IPRS test was successful, as a result of strict validation protocols.
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Abstract The present work aims to study which factors are relevant in long-term mate selection from a lonely-hearts personal advertisement sample of Spanish-speaking consumers of Cosmopolitan Magazine, Colombian Edition. We analyzed One thousand four hundred sixty-eight publications (made by 770 men and 698 women) using a coding system based on the theories of sexual strategies, genetic quality indicators, and the preferences classification used in personal ads studies. Initially, we found trends as a greater predilection for psychological attributes and a greater demand to require more traits than offering them. In addition, the cross-cultural pattern demonstrated that men prefer women's physical characteristics, while women require status/resources by men. Finally, men tended to be more selective in the age range of 36-45 years, while women's selectivity decreased with age. The results replicate many of the patterns found in investigations related to human sexual selection, also bring enlightenment about new preference dimensions to study in the future.
Resumen La presente investigación examina las preferencias de individuos que buscan emparejarse a largo plazo, por medio del análisis de anuncios de búsqueda de parejas, publicados por una muestra de usuarios hispanohablantes de la edición Colombiana de la Revista Cosmopolitan. Se revisaron 1468 publicaciones (de 770 hombres y 698 mujeres) utilizando un sistema de codificación construido a partir de la teoria de estrategias sexuales, indicadores de calidad genética y clasificaciones usadas en estudios de anuncios personales. Los usuarios reportaron una mayor atención por atributos psicológicos, además de una alta exigencia. Adicionalmente, los hombres solicitaron más características fisicas de las mujeres, y las mujeres más indicadores asociados al estatus y recursos de los hombres. Los hombres se mostraron más selectivos entre los 36 y los 45 anos, mientras que la selectividad de las mujeres disminuyó con la edad. Los resultados replican patrones encontrados en las investigaciones sobre emparejamiento sexual humano, y dan luces sobre nuevos dominios de preferencia para examinar en el futuro.
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En la población con incongruencia de género (IG) hay un alto número de personas con Trastornos del Espectro Autista (TEA). Existe reciente y escaso conocimiento respecto de la co-ocurrencia de estas entidades, por lo que los objetivos de este estudio son, en primer lugar, realizar una revisión bibliográfica en relación a la prevalencia, etiología, desarrollo, salud mental en la población adolescente con esta co-ocurrencia IG, TEA y género diverso y a partir de esta descripción poder, en segundo lugar, entregar sugerencias para profesionales respecto del apoyo en evaluación e intervención de estas condiciones. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda en PUBMED, Scielo y Google académico, artículos en inglés y español, desde el año 2005 a 2021. Resultados: Se informa de una prevalencia de 5,0 a 26% aproximadamente de personas TEA en población IG, sobre todo en mujeres asignadas al nacer. En la evaluación se requiere profesionales que conozcan tanto el área de IG y TEA. No debe excluirse a las personas con TEA de las intervenciones médicas y se debe realizar seguimiento de las dificultades sensoriales. Conclusiones: Es importante apoyar a estas (os, es) adolescentes en la afirmación de sus necesidades de género de manera individual y/o grupal, al igual que a sus familias.
Abstract. Introduction: In the population with gender incongruence (GI), there is a high prevalence of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, there is scarce and fairly recent knowledge about its co-occurrence. As a result, the purpose of this study is, first, to make a bibliographic review regarding the prevalence, etiology, development, mental health of the adolescent population with a co-occurrence of GI, ASD, and gender diversity, and from this description, to provide suggestions to professionals to support assessments and interventions when facing these conditions. Methods: A search was made in PUBMED, Scielo, and Google Scholar, for articles in English and Spanish, from 2005 to 2021. Results: A prevalence of approximately 5.0 to 26% is reported, of people with ASD in the GI population, especially among women assigned at birth. In the assessment, professionals that know both areas are required. People with ASD must not be excluded from medical interventions, and a follow-up must be made on sensory issues. Conclusions: It is important to support these adolescents, as well as their families, in the affirmation of their gender needs, whether individually and/or in groups.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adolescente , Transtorno do Espectro Autista/psicologia , Transtorno do Espectro Autista/epidemiologia , Disforia de Gênero/psicologia , Disforia de Gênero/epidemiologia , Saúde Mental , PrevalênciaRESUMO
Resumen El objetivo del presente estudio descriptivo comparativo era determinar si existían diferencias en la expresión de sufrimiento psicológico en una muestra de 269 personas con edades entre los 18 y 58 años (M= 31.2), distribuidas en 4 grupos de acuerdo con el sexo y el reporte o no de síntomas de depresión. Para evaluar sufrimiento se utilizó la Entrevista de Percepción del Paso del Tiempo, el Cuestionario de Depresión de Hombres, la Escala Zung de Depresión para las mujeres y la Escala de Salud Mental Self Reporting Questionare (SRQ). Se utilizó el estadístico ANOVA para determinar la diferencia de medias y un análisis pos hoc para identificar la dirección de la diferencia. Los resultados indican que, aunque las mujeres reportaron puntajes más altos en la escala de depresión, los hombres reportan significativamente más sufrimiento psicológico, y que este es independiente del reporte del puntaje de depresión obtenido.
Abstract The hardiness is a variable of great importance in the protection of health, so the validation and adaptation of instruments to evaluate it are necessary. The objective of the research was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Hardiness Questionnaire (non-work version) for a sample of the Cuban population. An instrumental study was carried out based on the quantitative research paradigm. The sample selection was made based on a cluster sampling that included 400 subjects residing in six provinces of the country. The standard age chosen was 48 (±14.7) ; 54.5 % of the simple was for females. Three models were estimated, the one who showed better scores was the trifactorial one (control, implication and challenge) with a factor of a second order (hardiness) reduced from the elimination of two reactive. Some acceptable figures of reliability were obtained, both global (a=0.83) and as in each dimension: control and challenge (a=0.77) and implication (a=0.70). The recurrent validity brings evidence of the value of the subscales control and commitment.
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Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adolescente , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Psicometria , Estresse Psicológico , Saúde Mental , Depressão , Epidemiologia DescritivaRESUMO
Sexual dimorfism refers to morphological differences between males and females of a species. It may be a result of different selection pressures acting on either or both sexes and may occur in any sexually-reproducing dioecious species, including fishes. We analyzed 63 females and 63 adult males of Gymnorhamphichthys rondoni (Gymnotiformes) collected by us or deposited in museum collections. Sex was identified through abdominal dissection. We measured length from snout to posterior end of anal-fin, anal-fin length, distance from anus to anal-fin origin, distance from genital papilla to anal-fin origin, body width at beginning of anal-fin, and head length. Morphometric data submitted to a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) grouped males and females according to variables related to body size (along the first component) and to head length and body height along the second and third components. Females were larger than males, whereas males had proportionally larger heads and higher bodies than females. The urogenital papilla of males and females showed differences in shape, size and relative position on the body. The female papilla was elongated horizontally, larger than that of males, and was located on a vertical line below the eye, while the papilla of the males was vertically elongated and located on a vertical line below the operculum. To our knowledge, this is the first recorded case of sexual dimorphism in a species of Rhamphichthyidae, a condition that is now known in all the currently recognized families of Gymnotiformes. (AU)
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Peixe Elétrico , Caracteres Sexuais , Gimnotiformes , CabeçaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate a) heart place and tail length, b) their correlations with other biometrics, c) sexual differences in those features, in regard to cardiovascular system in a number of snakes from Iran, about which there is little information.@*METHODS@#We studied the fresh mortalities of snakes including 14 Naja oxiana (N. oxiana), 23 Macrovipera lebetina, and one male Montivipera latifii acquired from the Serpentatium of Pasteur Institute of Iran. In this respect, each specimen first was weighted, and then its ventral side of the integument was incised, and heart place was measured. Subsequently, other biometrical features such as total length, TAL, and snout-vent length were measured.@*RESULTS@#The results showed that heart place in N. oxiana, Macrovipera lebetina and Montivipera latifii was about 18%, 32% and 30%, and also TAL constituted about 16%, 11% and 7% of total body length, respectively. Moreover, females indicated anterior heart place and shorter tail than males. Furthermore, the measures and correlations indicated few differences between N. oxiana and typical terrestrial species.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results denoted that in order to overcome hemocirculatory perturbations in vertical orientation while hooding and head raising behavior, N. oxiana need to have more important features than short heart to head distance and long tail. In addition, it gave the sexual differences in heart place and tail length between males and females. It is suggested that in ophidian cardiovascular studies the animals be grouped based upon their sex.
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Objective: To evaluate a) heart place and tail length, b) their correlations with other biometrics, c) sexual differences in those features, in regard to cardiovascular system in a number of snakes from Iran, about which there is little information. Methods: We studied the fresh mortalities of snakes including 14 Naja oxiana (N. oxiana), 23 Macrovipera lebetina, and one male Montivipera latifii acquired from the Serpentatium of Pasteur Institute of Iran. In this respect, each specimen first was weighted, and then its ventral side of the integument was incised, and heart place was measured. Subsequently, other biometrical features such as total length, TAL, and snout-vent length were measured. Results: The results showed that heart place in N. oxiana, Macrovipera lebetina and Montivipera latifii was about 18%, 32% and 30%, and also TAL constituted about 16%, 11% and 7% of total body length, respectively. Moreover, females indicated anterior heart place and shorter tail than males. Furthermore, the measures and correlations indicated few differences between N. oxiana and typical terrestrial species. Conclusions: The results denoted that in order to overcome hemocirculatory perturbations in vertical orientation while hooding and head raising behavior, N. oxiana need to have more important features than short heart to head distance and long tail. In addition, it gave the sexual differences in heart place and tail length between males and females. It is suggested that in ophidian cardiovascular studies the animals be grouped based upon their sex.
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Coronary artery disease is a major cause of human mortality. It is stated that females have worse outcomes than men following myocardial infarction and coronary revascularization. Sexual differences in the coronary artery diameters have also been speculated as one of the reasons for the above outcome. However, because of possible confounding effects, such as the body size and heart weight, it is unclear if there is a true sex-specific effect on coronary arterial size. The present study was undertaken to investigate the sexual differences in the diameter of coronary arteries in a group of adult Sri Lankan population. The diameters of the coronary arteries and their branches were measured at predetermined sites in a total of one hundred and two apparently healthy hearts obtained from cadavers during routine gross anatomy dissections. All measurements were taken using a digital sliding caliper capable of measuring to the nearest 0.01mm. The mean coronary arterial diameters were significantly smaller in females than in males. These differences persisted even after the diameters of coronary arteries were corrected for heart weight and body surface areas. Precise knowledge of the expected normal coronary arterial diameter at a given anatomic location is the first step towards developing a quantitative estimate of the severity of the coronary artery disease. This study provides a reference data set for adult Sri Lankans against which to compare the diameters of coronary arteries in various pathological conditions.
La enfermedad coronaria es la mayor causa de mortalidad humana. Se afirma que las mujeres tienen peores resultados que los hombres después de un infarto de miocardio y revascularización coronaria. Diferencias sexuales en los diámetros de las arterias coronarias han sido especuladas como una de las razones para los resultados anteriores. Sin embargo, debido a posibles efectos de confusión, tales como talla corporal y peso del corazón, no está claro si hay un verdadero efecto sexo-específico sobre el tamaño arterial coronario. El presente estudio se realizó para investigar las diferencias sexuales en el diámetro de las arterias coronarias en un grupo de adultos de la población de Sri Lanka. Los diámetros de las arterias coronarias y sus ramas se midieron en lugares predeterminados en un total de 102 corazones aparentemente sanos obtenidos de cadáveres durante las disecciones anatómicas de rutina. Todas las medidas fueron tomadas con un caliper digital deslizante (precisión 0,01 mm). La media del diámetro arterial coronario fue significativamente menor en mujeres que en hombres. Estas diferencias persisten aún después de que los diámetros de las arterias coronarias fueron corregidos por el peso del corazón y talla corporal. El conocimiento preciso del diámetro de la arteria coronaria normal esperado en un determinado lugar anatómico es el primer paso hacia el desarrollo de una estimación cuantitativa de la gravedad de la enfermedad de las arterias coronarias. Este estudio proporciona un conjunto de datos de referencia para adultos de Sri Lanka con el cual comparar los diámetros de las arterias coronarias en diversas condiciones patológicas.
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Masculino , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Caracteres Sexuais , Vasos Coronários/anatomia & histologia , Cadáver , Sri LankaRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The 2nd to 4th digit length ratio(2D : 4D) is a sexually dimorphic trait regardless of ethnicity and shows sex differences. According to previous research, men usually have a relatively shorter 2nd digit than 4th digit. There is tendency that men with lower 2D : 4D are perceived as being more masculine and tend to perform better in some physical sports. Furthermore, 2D : 4D is negatively associated with trait aggression. In this study, we examine gender difference of 2D : 4D and compare 2D : 4D of female Korean national team members to 2D : 4D of control subjects. Besides that, we also compare 2D : 4D of female Korean national team members according to their sports entries. METHODS: The sample of this study is 396 people, 67 female Korean national team member, 216 control women and 113 control men. We measured 2nd to 4th digit length of their right hand. In addition, we collected demographic information of female Korean national team members using a self-report questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean 2D : 4D of female Korean national team members is 0.96(SD=0.04), smaller than control women's 2D : 4D(0.97, SD=0.03) and significantly higher than control men's 2D : 4D(0.95, SD=0.03). We also found differences between control men and women. Non-martial arts related sports athletes have significant difference with control men in 2D : 4D. However, martial arts related sports athletes' 2D : 4D is not significantly different from other groups, including control men. CONCLUSION: These results are consistent with the findings of previous research that there is a significant difference between men and women in their 2D : 4D. Furthermore, 2D : 4D of martial arts related sports athletes have not shown any difference from the 2D : 4D of control men that 2D : 4D of non-martial arts related athletes have shown. This fact is important in consideration of masculine characteristics. For further research, it is necessary to examine 2D : 4D difference according to sport ability and gender differences.
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Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Agressão , Atletas , Mãos , Artes Marciais , Caracteres Sexuais , EsportesRESUMO
Se analizaron las diferencias de género en habilidades cognitivas y su relación con el rendimiento académico en una población de ingresantes a la Universidad Empresarial Siglo 21. Se administraron cinco subtests del Test de Aptitudes Diferenciales (DAT) a una población de 1.529 estudiantes (713 hombres y 816 mujeres), entre los años 1998 y 2000, y se evaluó el rendimiento a través del promedio general acumulado en los tres primeros años de cursado. Se encontraron diferencias de género estadísticamente significativas, tanto entre las medias de habilidades como en el rendimiento aproxima académico. Se observaron correlaciones medias y grandes entre las combinatorias de los tests y la variable criterio rendimiento. Las relaciones test criterio fueron mayores para las mujeres que para los varones.
In the present study we analyzed sexual differences in cognitive abilities and their relationship in regard to the academic performance in beginner students from the Universidad Empresarial Siglo 21. For this purpose, we applied five subtests from the Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT) to 1529 students (713 males and 816 females) between 1998 and 2000. We assessed academic performance using the average grades obtained by the students during the first three years of theirs careers. We found a significant statistical difference between males and females in the tests and in performance.Also, we found average and high correlations between the tests combinations and the criterion performance. The test criterion relationships were higher in females than in males.