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Annual Review of Entomology 2006Although best known for cooperation, insect societies also manifest many potential conflicts among individuals. These conflicts involve both direct reproduction by... (Review)
Review
Although best known for cooperation, insect societies also manifest many potential conflicts among individuals. These conflicts involve both direct reproduction by individuals and manipulation of the reproduction of colony members. Here we review five major areas of reproductive conflict in insect societies: (a) sex allocation, (b) queen rearing, (c) male rearing, (d) queen-worker caste fate, and (e) breeding conflicts among totipotent adults. For each area we discuss the basis for conflict (potential conflict), whether conflict is expressed (actual conflict), whose interests prevail (conflict outcome), and the factors that reduce colony-level costs of conflict (conflict resolution), such as factors that cause workers to work rather than to lay eggs. Reproductive conflicts are widespread, sometimes having dramatic effects on the colony. However, three key factors (kinship, coercion, and constraint) typically combine to limit the effects of reproductive conflict and often lead to complete resolution.
Topics: Animals; Female; Male; Coercion; Conflict, Psychological; Ecosystem; Family; Hymenoptera; Population; Sex Distribution; Social Behavior
PubMed: 16332224
DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.51.110104.151003 -
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics &... Dec 2012An increase in the proportion of male-to-female live births has raised concerns in Taiwan. Disclosure of fetal sex during prenatal screening is not allowed by the Taiwan...
OBJECTIVES
An increase in the proportion of male-to-female live births has raised concerns in Taiwan. Disclosure of fetal sex during prenatal screening is not allowed by the Taiwan government. Fetal sex annotation in clinical genetic reports is also prohibited. This study tested the hypothesis that the male-to-female sex ratio at amniocentesis should be lower than the sex ratio at birth, if a certain percentage of female fetuses are being selectively aborted after amniocentesis. Therefore, we examined the differences between fetal sex ratio at amniocentesis at a tertiary medical center in southern Taiwan and the nationwide sex ratio at birth in Taiwan from 1992 to 2011.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Data of normal male and female karyotypes during the study period were collected from the cytogenetic laboratory of the National Cheng Kung University Hospital (NCKUH) in southern Taiwan. Data of sex ratio at birth nationwide in Taiwan were obtained from the Department of Statistics, Ministry of the Interior, Taiwan. We calculated 95% binominal confidence intervals for the sex ratios and differences between fetal sex ratio at amniocentesis, and nationwide sex ratio at birth were tested by the χ(2) test and Bonferroni correction.
RESULTS
The nationwide sex ratio at birth ranged from 1.07 to 1.11 during the period from 1992 to 2011 in Taiwan, with the highest in 2004 and the lowest in 1993. The fetal sex ratio at amniocentesis at NCKUH ranged more widely (0.82-1.28), with the lowest in 1993 and the highest in 2007. After regression analysis, both trends of sex ratio at amniocentesis during midtrimester and at birth were not significantly increased by years. Furthermore, the sex distribution at amniocentesis during midtrimester did not differ significantly from the nationwide sex ratio at birth (1.113 vs. 1.092, p = 0.151).
CONCLUSIONS
The results showed that sex ratio was already skewed toward male at midtrimester. Our data imply that artificial sex selection, if it were present, might have already emerged prior to the timing of amniocentesis. However, more large nationwide studies on sex ratios in Taiwan are warranted.
Topics: Amniocentesis; Chi-Square Distribution; Confidence Intervals; Female; Humans; Live Birth; Male; Regression Analysis; Sex Determination Analysis; Sex Ratio; Taiwan; Vital Statistics
PubMed: 23276560
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2012.09.012 -
Kidney & Blood Pressure Research 2010In nephrology, gender differences exist with regard to the epidemiology, evolution and prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In some cases, these differences run... (Review)
Review
In nephrology, gender differences exist with regard to the epidemiology, evolution and prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In some cases, these differences run contrary to the general population trends. This review discusses such gender and sex disparities, including differing impact of traditional and novel risk factors, prescription patterns, differences in the responses to therapies, as well as hormonal factors, all of them potentially influencing propensity, progression and biochemical and psychological aspects of CKD. Through the integration of gender aspects in CKD research and management, we may be able not only to identify novel therapeutic targets but also improve existing treatment options.
Topics: Chronic Disease; Disease Management; Female; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Male; Sex Distribution; Sex Factors
PubMed: 20948227
DOI: 10.1159/000320389 -
WMJ : Official Publication of the State... Sep 2020Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for individuals ages 10 through 34, and rates are rising. This study seeks to broaden the understanding of suicide in youths...
BACKGROUND
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for individuals ages 10 through 34, and rates are rising. This study seeks to broaden the understanding of suicide in youths ages 10-17.
STUDY AIMS
Use a mixed-methods approach to investigate the different characteristics leading to youth suicide by 2 distinct youth age subgroups (pre-high school and high school) and by sex.
METHODS
A retrospective review and analysis of the Wisconsin Violent Death Reporting System data on Wisconsin resident suicides was conducted for 146 individuals ages 10 through 17 who died by suicide from 2012 through 2016.
RESULTS
A total of 20 common characteristics were extrapolated from the narratives. Among the 10- to 13-year-old age group, 4 age-specific characteristics emerged: estrangement, exposure to suicide, school issues, and adversity. Six age-specific characteristics emerged among the 14- to 17-year-old age group: history of abuse (P <0.01), history of self-harm (P < 0.01), and history of suicide attempt (P < 0.01) were highly associated with female sex.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that there are unique age and sex-specific characteristics for teenage suicide. This information can be leveraged to plan focused prevention strategies relevant to youth in 2 distinct age groups.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Distribution; Child; Female; Humans; Male; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Self-Injurious Behavior; Sex Distribution
PubMed: 33091283
DOI: No ID Found -
PloS One 2021Intimate partner violence can lead to deaths of one or both partners and others (i.e., corollary victims). Prior studies do not enumerate the societal cost of intimate...
BACKGROUND
Intimate partner violence can lead to deaths of one or both partners and others (i.e., corollary victims). Prior studies do not enumerate the societal cost of intimate partner violence-related fatalities, exclude corollary victims from most analyses, and do not describe groups who bear the highest societal costs from intimate partner violence.
OBJECTIVE
We examine racial/ethnic and gender-based disparities in potential years of life lost (PYLL) among intimate partners and corollary victims of intimate partner violence-related mortality.
METHODS
We used 16 US states' 2006-2015 National Violent Death Reporting System data to estimate PYLL among intimate partners (n = 6,282) and corollary victims (n = 1,634) by victims' race/ethnicity and sex. We describe fatalities by sex, race/ethnicity, age, and victim-suspect relationships and used hierarchical linear models to examine PYLL per death differences by victims' sex and race/ethnicity.
RESULTS
Nearly 290,000 years of potential life were lost by partner and corollary victims as a result of IPV in 16 states during the decade of study. Most partner victims were female (59%); most corollary victims were male (76%). Female intimate partners died 5.1 years earlier (95% CI: 4.4., 5.9) than males, and female corollary victims died 3.6 years (1.9, 5.5) earlier than males. Racial/ethnic minorities died nine or more years earlier than their White counterparts. White males had the lowest PYLL per death of all sex/race groups.
IMPLICATIONS
Intimate partner violence-related fatalities exact a high societal cost, and the burden of that cost is disproportionately high among racial/ethnic minorities. Future interventions targeting specific sex and race/ethnic groups might help reduce disparities in intimate partner violence burden.
Topics: Age Distribution; Crime Victims; Female; Homicide; Humans; Intimate Partner Violence; Male; Sex Distribution; United States
PubMed: 33596226
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246477 -
The Lancet. Global Health Sep 2014Under natural circumstances, the sex ratio of male to female mortality up to the age of 5 years is greater than one but sex discrimination can change sex ratios. The...
BACKGROUND
Under natural circumstances, the sex ratio of male to female mortality up to the age of 5 years is greater than one but sex discrimination can change sex ratios. The estimation of mortality by sex and identification of countries with outlying levels is challenging because of issues with data availability and quality, and because sex ratios might vary naturally based on differences in mortality levels and associated cause of death distributions.
METHODS
For this systematic analysis, we estimated country-specific mortality sex ratios for infants, children aged 1-4 years, and children under the age of 5 years (under 5s) for all countries from 1990 (or the earliest year of data collection) to 2012 using a Bayesian hierarchical time series model, accounting for various data quality issues and assessing the uncertainty in sex ratios. We simultaneously estimated the global relation between sex ratios and mortality levels and constructed estimates of expected and excess female mortality rates to identify countries with outlying sex ratios.
FINDINGS
Global sex ratios in 2012 were 1·13 (90% uncertainty interval 1·12-1·15) for infants, 0·95 (0·93-0·97) for children aged 1-5 years, and 1·08 (1·07-1·09) for under 5s, an increase since 1990 of 0·01 (-0·01 to 0·02) for infants, 0·04 (0·02 to 0·06) for children aged 1-4 years, and 0·02 (0·01 to 0·04) for under 5s. Levels and trends varied across regions and countries. Sex ratios were lowest in southern Asia for 1990 and 2012 for all age groups. Highest sex ratios were seen in developed regions and the Caucasus and central Asia region. Decreasing mortality was associated with increasing sex ratios, except at very low infant mortality, where sex ratios decreased with total mortality. For 2012, we identified 15 countries with outlying under-5 sex ratios, of which ten countries had female mortality higher than expected (Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Jordan, Nepal, and Pakistan). Although excess female mortality has decreased since 1990 for the vast majority of countries with outlying sex ratios, the ratios of estimated to expected female mortality did not change substantially for most countries, and worsened for India.
INTERPRETATION
Important differences exist between boys and girls with respect to survival up to the age of 5 years. Survival chances tend to improve more rapidly for girls compared with boys as total mortality decreases, with a reversal of this trend at very low infant mortality. For many countries, sex ratios follow this pattern but important exceptions exist. An explanation needs to be sought for selected countries with outlying sex ratios and action should be undertaken if sex discrimination is present.
FUNDING
The National University of Singapore and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Topics: Age Distribution; Bayes Theorem; Child, Preschool; Developing Countries; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Mortality; Male; Sex Distribution; Sex Ratio
PubMed: 25304419
DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(14)70280-3 -
Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnetrznej 2008
Topics: Age Distribution; Causality; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Prevalence; Sex Distribution
PubMed: 19562963
DOI: No ID Found -
BMC Medicine Nov 2010The incorporation of sex and gender-specific analysis in medical research is increasing due to pressure from public agencies, funding bodies, and the clinical and...
BACKGROUND
The incorporation of sex and gender-specific analysis in medical research is increasing due to pressure from public agencies, funding bodies, and the clinical and research community. However, generations of knowledge and publication trends in this discipline are currently spread over distinct specialties and are difficult to analyze comparatively.
METHODS
Using a text-mining approach, we have analysed sex and gender aspects in research within nine clinical subspecialties--Cardiology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Haematology, Oncology, Rheumatology, Neurology--using six paradigmatic diseases in each one. Articles have been classified into five pre-determined research categories--Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Clinical research, Management and Outcomes. Additional information has been collected on the type of study (human/animal) and the number of subjects included. Of the 8,836 articles initially retrieved, 3,466 (39%) included sex and gender-specific research and have been further analysed.
RESULTS
Literature incorporating sex/gender analysis increased over time and displays a stronger trend if compared to overall publication increase. All disciplines, but cardiology (22%), demonstrated an underrepresentation of research about gender differences in management, which ranges from 3 to 14%. While the use of animal models for identification of sex differences in basic research varies greatly among disciplines, studies involving human subjects are frequently conducted in large cohorts with more than 1,000 patients (24% of all human studies).
CONCLUSIONS
Heterogeneity characterizes sex and gender-specific research. Although large cohorts are often analysed, sex and gender differences in clinical management are insufficiently investigated leading to potential inequalities in health provision and outcomes.
Topics: Biomedical Research; Female; Humans; Male; Publications; Sex Distribution
PubMed: 21067576
DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-8-70 -
JAMA Surgery Aug 2020This study uses the Electronic Residency Application Service database and Association of American Medical Colleges records to investigate trends in sex and racial/ethnic...
This study uses the Electronic Residency Application Service database and Association of American Medical Colleges records to investigate trends in sex and racial/ethnic diversity of the applicant pool to US surgical residency and fellowship programs.
Topics: Fellowships and Scholarships; Female; Humans; Internship and Residency; Job Application; Male; Racial Groups; Sex Distribution; Specialties, Surgical; United States
PubMed: 32459323
DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2020.1018 -
Acta Ophthalmologica Sep 2012To study change in the prevalence of myopia in Finland during the 20th century. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To study change in the prevalence of myopia in Finland during the 20th century.
METHODS
A review of the literature on the prevalence of myopia in Finland.
RESULTS
During the 20th century, the prevalence of myopia among 7- to 8-year-old schoolchildren did not increase in Finland and varied between 0.5% and 1.9%. Among 14- to 15-year-old school children, myopia doubled to about 21%. Among adults born during the first three decades of the 20th century, the prevalence of myopia was <10%, whereas among those born during the second half of the 20th century, the prevalence rose to 21-30%. The change in mean refraction was towards myopia.
CONCLUSIONS
During the course of the 20th century, myopia among teenagers and adults in Finland significantly increased and the mean change in refraction was towards myopia. Increased education is proposed as the main reason behind these changes.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Child; Educational Status; Female; Finland; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Myopia; Prevalence; Sex Distribution; Young Adult
PubMed: 21902818
DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2011.02210.x