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Autism : the International Journal of... Oct 2023Research about autism is mostly about boys and men, even though many autistic people are girls, women, and transgender/nonbinary. We wanted to learn more about how... (Review)
Review
Research about autism is mostly about boys and men, even though many autistic people are girls, women, and transgender/nonbinary. We wanted to learn more about how gender interacts with language skills in autistic people, so we reviewed existing research articles on this topic. We also wanted to know how this previous research talked about gender. Included articles had to measure language skills for autistic people of different genders. They also had to be published between 2000 and 2021. Twenty-four articles met these requirements. We found that autistic girls showed better language skills than autistic boys but worse skills than nonautistic girls. This may be one reason that autistic girls are underdiagnosed compared to autistic boys. If we compare autistic girls to nonautistic girls instead, we can see more language differences and possible areas to target in interventions. This study supports the need to create diagnostic and support measures for autism that take gender into account. Also, only one article mentioned autistic people who are transgender or nonbinary. Researchers who want to learn more about gender and autism need to understand gender diversity and recognize that many autistic people are transgender or nonbinary.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Autistic Disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Language; Gender Identity
PubMed: 36737874
DOI: 10.1177/13623613221151095 -
Journal of Breast Imaging Jul 2023The number of individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) has doubled over the past 10 years, and this figure continues to... (Review)
Review
The number of individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) has doubled over the past 10 years, and this figure continues to rise. The LGBTQ+ community is diverse, encompassing a vast array of differences in gender identity and sexual orientation. Additionally, it is inclusive of people from all races, ethnicities, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This intersectionality of identities and experiences impacts both access to health care and its delivery. Barriers to care for this population are multifactorial and include stigma, discrimination, bias, limited role models, issues with insurance coverage, lack of education and training for health care providers, and lack of research on LGBTQ+ health-related issues. Specific to breast cancer, the screening recommendations for this group are influenced not only by risk but also by gender-affirming hormonal and surgical therapies. This article will provide an overview of the LGBTQ+ population, review breast cancer screening compliance and recommendations, summarize the multitude of health disparities, and offer potential interventions to improve care delivery at the individual, facility, organizational, and health policy levels.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Cultural Competency; Gender Identity; Homosexuality, Female; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 38416897
DOI: 10.1093/jbi/wbad012 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023Stroke remains a debilitating cerebrovascular condition associated with oxidative stress, while COVID-19 has emerged as a global health crisis with multifaceted systemic...
Stroke remains a debilitating cerebrovascular condition associated with oxidative stress, while COVID-19 has emerged as a global health crisis with multifaceted systemic implications. This study investigates the hypothesis that patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke alongside COVID-19 exhibit elevated oxidative stress markers and altered antioxidant defense mechanisms compared to those with acute ischemic stroke. We conducted a single-center prospective cross-sectional study to investigate oxidative stress balance through oxidative damage markers: TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level) and PCARB (protein carbonyls); antioxidant defense mechanisms: TAC (total antioxidant capacity), GPx (glutathione peroxidase), GSH (reduced glutathione), CAT (catalase), and SOD (superoxide dismutase); as well as inflammatory response markers: NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), CRP (C-reactive protein), and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Statistical analyses and correlation models were employed to elucidate potential associations and predictive factors. Our results revealed increased oxidative stress, predominantly indicated by elevated levels of TBARS in individuals experiencing ischemic stroke alongside a concurrent COVID-19 infection ( < 0.0001). The Stroke-COVID group displayed notably elevated levels of GSH ( = 0.0139 *), GPx ( < 0.0001 ****), SOD ( = 0.0363 *), and CAT ( = 0.0237 *) activities. Multivariate analysis found a significant association for TBARS ( < 0.0001 ****), PCARB ( 0.0259 *), and GPx activity ( < 0.0001 ****), together with NLR ( = 0.0220 *) and CRP ( = 0.0008 ***). Notably, the interplay between stroke and COVID-19 infection appears to amplify oxidative damage, potentially contributing to exacerbated neurological deficits and poorer outcomes. This study highlights the intricate relationship between oxidative stress, inflammation, and concurrent health conditions. Understanding these interactions may open avenues for novel therapeutic strategies aimed at ameliorating oxidative damage in patients with acute ischemic stroke and COVID-19, ultimately improving their prognosis and quality of life.
Topics: Humans; Antioxidants; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Ischemic Stroke; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Biomarkers; COVID-19; Oxidative Stress; Catalase; Glutathione Peroxidase; Stroke; Superoxide Dismutase; Defense Mechanisms
PubMed: 38069113
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316790 -
Integrative and Comparative Biology Jul 2023Fieldwork is considered an integral component of research within conservation biology and ecology. Oftentimes, institutions and researchers share resources on general...
Fieldwork is considered an integral component of research within conservation biology and ecology. Oftentimes, institutions and researchers share resources on general safety when collecting data in field settings. Despite an increasing awareness, there has been a lack of transparency and communication in terms of the hazards associated with fieldwork. These include but are not limited to an increased risk of sexual harassment and assault. These risks are compounded particularly for those from marginalized racial, sexual, and gender identities. In addition to this lack of acknowledgment, the added risks to those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (trans), and/or queer or members of other marginalized sexualities and gender identities (to reflect the "+" in LGBTQ+) are often overlooked. We have found that there is not only a lack of data on sexual orientation and gender identities of researchers and the barriers they may face as field-based scientists, but also a lack of awareness of how we can support those from these marginalized groups within our disciplines. Creating a SAFE and INCLUSIVE community for those with marginalized identities is key to sustaining the diversity within our discipline. Here, we outline a series of recommendations that can be utilized to address the harassment, homophobia, and transphobia that our LGBTQ+ colleagues face. These recommendations range from what can be applied at the local level (within a lab group), at the department level, at the institutional level as well at specific field sites.
Topics: Animals; Male; Female; Humans; Gender Identity; Sexual and Gender Minorities
PubMed: 37248053
DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad038 -
Sociology of Health & Illness Sep 2023Anxiety is the most prevalent mental disorder experienced by young men, and when untreated, is predictive of co-morbid mental health challenges and suicide. Despite the...
Anxiety is the most prevalent mental disorder experienced by young men, and when untreated, is predictive of co-morbid mental health challenges and suicide. Despite the rising prevalence, there is a conspicuous absence of qualitative research to distil and theorise young men's anxiety. Twenty-five young Australian men (15-25 years), who had been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or self-reported anxiety symptoms, took part in individual semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a constructivist grounded theory approach. A three-process grounded theory (Resisting-Reckoning-Responding; Triple R Anxiety Model) depicted young men's experiences of anxiety, gilded and guided by their masculine socialisation. Initially, young men noticed somatic symptoms (i.e., headaches, nausea and myalgia) but did not connect these symptoms to anxiety. Avoiding anxiety (e.g., denying, distracting) proved unhelpful in the longer term and as symptoms diffused, a subsequent process of reckoning anxiety (i.e., meaning making) ensued. As young men gained insight to the life limiting bounds of their anxiety, some were prompted towards actions of acceptance, seeking help proactively and employing strength-based adaptive coping strategies. This theoretical conceptualisation of young men's anxiety has the capacity to enhance identification and treatment efforts, improving young men's mental health outcomes across the lifespan.
Topics: Male; Humans; Masculinity; Australia; Men; Men's Health; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders
PubMed: 37032499
DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13641 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2023The gene, known for its ability to confer resistance to the brown planthopper (BPH; Stål), has been extensively employed in rice breeding. However, the molecular...
The gene, known for its ability to confer resistance to the brown planthopper (BPH; Stål), has been extensively employed in rice breeding. However, the molecular mechanism by which provides resistance against BPH in rice remains poorly understood. In this study, we reported that the transcription factor was highly responsive to BPH infestation and exhibited early-induced expression in -NIL (near-isogenic line) plants, and OsWRKY71 was localized in the nucleus of rice protoplasts. The knockout of in the -NIL background by CRISPR-Cas9 technology resulted in an impaired -mediated resistance against BPH. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the transcript profiles responsive to BPH differed between the mutant and -NIL, and the knockout of altered the expression of defense genes. Subsequent quantitative RT-PCR analysis identified three genes, namely sesquiterpene synthase , EXO70 family gene , and disease resistance gene , which might participate in BPH resistance conferred by in -NIL plants. Our investigation demonstrated the pivotal involvement of in -mediated resistance and provided new insights into the rice defense mechanisms against BPH.
PubMed: 38023936
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1260526 -
Journal of Advanced Nursing Apr 2024To inform efforts to integrate gender and race into moral distress research, the review investigates if and how gender and racial analyses have been incorporated in such... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
To inform efforts to integrate gender and race into moral distress research, the review investigates if and how gender and racial analyses have been incorporated in such research.
DESIGN
Scoping review.
METHODS
The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analysis) Extension for Scoping Reviews was adopted.
DATA SOURCES
Systematic literature search was conducted through PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science databases. Boolean operators were used to identify moral distress literature which included gender and/or race data and published between 2012 and 2022.
RESULTS
After screening and full-text review, 73 articles reporting on original moral distress research were included. Analysis was conducted on how gender and race were incorporated in research and interpretation of moral distress experiences among healthcare professionals.
IMPACT
This study found that while there is an upward trend in including gender and race-disaggregated data in moral distress research, over half of such research did not conduct in-depth analysis of such data. Others only highlighted differential experiences such as moral distress levels of women vis-à-vis men. Only about 20% of publications interrogated how experiences of moral distress differed and/or explored factors behind their findings.
CONCLUSION
There is a need to not only collect disaggregated data in moral distress research but also engage this data through gender and race-based analysis. Particularly, we highlight the need for intersectional analysis, which can elucidate how social identities and categories (such as gender and race) and structural inequalities (such as those sustained by sexism and racism) interact to influence moral experiences.
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE
Moral distress as experienced by healthcare professionals is increasingly recognized as an important area of research with significant policy implications in the healthcare sector. This study offers insights for nuanced and targeted policy approaches.
PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
No patient or public contribution.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Gender Identity; Health Personnel; Morals; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 37849045
DOI: 10.1111/jan.15901 -
Palliative & Supportive Care Oct 2023The study aims to describe inadequate, disrespectful, and abusive palliative and hospice care received by lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) patients and their...
OBJECTIVES
The study aims to describe inadequate, disrespectful, and abusive palliative and hospice care received by lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) patients and their spouses/partners due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
METHODS
A national sample of 865 healthcare professionals recruited from palliative and hospice care professional organizations completed an online survey. Respondents were asked to describe their observations of inadequate, disrespectful, or abusive care to LGB patients and their spouses/partners.
RESULTS
There were 15.6% who reported observing disrespectful care to LGB patients, 7.3% observed inadequate care, and 1.6% observed abusive care; 43% reported discriminatory care toward the spouses/partners. Disrespectful care to LGB patients included insensitive and judgmental attitudes and behaviors, gossip and ridicule, and disrespect of the spouse/partner. Inadequate care included denial of care; care that was delayed incomplete, or rushed; dismissive or antagonistic treatment; privacy and confidentiality violations; and dismissive treatment of the spouse/partner.
SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS
These findings provide evidence of discrimination faced by LGB patients and partners while receiving care for serious illness. Hospice and palliative care programs should promote respectful, inclusive, and affirming care for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community, including policies and practices that are welcoming and supportive to both employees and patients. Staff at all levels should be trained to create safe and respectful environments for LGBTQ patients and their families.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Palliative Care; Gender Identity; Sexual Behavior; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Attitude of Health Personnel
PubMed: 37435654
DOI: 10.1017/S1478951523001037 -
Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of... Dec 2023Social and health disparities among transgender people may result in increased rates of incarceration, particularly among Black transgender women. The World Professional... (Review)
Review
Social and health disparities among transgender people may result in increased rates of incarceration, particularly among Black transgender women. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health states that all recommendations for gender-affirming care made in the Standards of Care-8 be applied equally to people living in institutions. Understanding the structural challenges to gender-affirming care in the corrections environment will allow the endocrinologist to navigate the complex correctional health care system. The barriers to gender-affirming care and surgery will be highlighted in this article.
Topics: Humans; Female; Transgender Persons; Gender Identity; Delivery of Health Care; Prisoners
PubMed: 37865481
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2023.05.007 -
JAMA Network Open Oct 2023Physician burnout disproportionately affects women physicians and begins in training. Professional coaching may improve well-being, but generalizable evidence is lacking. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
IMPORTANCE
Physician burnout disproportionately affects women physicians and begins in training. Professional coaching may improve well-being, but generalizable evidence is lacking.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the generalizability of a coaching program (Better Together Physician Coaching) in a national sample of women physician trainees.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
A randomized clinical trial involving trainees in 26 graduate medical education institutions in 19 states was conducted between September 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. Eligible participants included physician trainees at included sites who self-identified as a woman (ie, self-reported their gender identity as woman, including those who reported woman if multiple genders were reported).
INTERVENTION
A 4-month, web-based, group coaching program.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcomes were change in burnout (measured using subscales for emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal achievement from the Maslach Burnout Inventory). Secondary outcomes included changes in impostor syndrome, moral injury, self-compassion, and flourishing, which were assessed using standardized measures. A linear mixed model analysis was performed on an intent-to-treat basis. A sensitivity analysis was performed to account for the missing outcomes.
RESULTS
Among the 1017 women trainees in the study (mean [SD] age, 30.8 [4.0] years; 540 White participants [53.1%]; 186 surgical trainees [18.6%]), 502 were randomized to the intervention group and 515 were randomized to the control group. Emotional exhaustion decreased by an estimated mean (SE) -3.81 (0.73) points in the intervention group compared with a mean (SE) increase of 0.32 (0.57) points in the control group (absolute difference [SE], -4.13 [0.92] points; 95% CI, -5.94 to -2.32 points; P < .001). Depersonalization decreased by a mean (SE) of -1.66 (0.42) points in the intervention group compared with a mean (SE) increase of 0.20 (0.32) points in the control group (absolute difference [SE], -1.87 [0.53] points; 95%CI, -2.91 to -0.82 points; P < .001). Impostor syndrome decreased by a mean (SE) of -1.43 (0.14) points in the intervention group compared with -0.15 (0.11) points in the control group (absolute difference [SE], -1.28 (0.18) points; 95% CI -1.63 to -0.93 points; P < .001). Moral injury decreased by a mean (SE) of -5.60 (0.92) points in the intervention group compared with -0.92 (0.71) points in the control group (absolute difference [SE], -4.68 [1.16] points; 95% CI, -6.95 to -2.41 points; P < .001). Self-compassion increased by a mean (SE) of 5.27 (0.47) points in the intervention group and by 1.36 (0.36) points in the control group (absolute difference [SE], 3.91 [0.60] points; 95% CI, 2.73 to 5.08 points; P < .001). Flourishing improved by a mean (SE) of 0.48 (0.09) points in the intervention group vs 0.09 (0.07) points in the control group (absolute difference [SE], 0.38 [0.11] points; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.60 points; P < .001). The sensitivity analysis found similar findings.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The findings of this randomized clinical trial suggest that web-based professional group-coaching can improve outcomes of well-being and mitigate symptoms of burnout for women physician trainees.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05222685.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Adult; Mentoring; Physicians, Women; Gender Identity; Anxiety Disorders
PubMed: 37792378
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.35541