scholarly journals Parental income inequality and children’s digit ratio (2D:4D): a ‘Trivers-Willard’ effect on prenatal androgenization?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
J.T. Manning ◽  
B. Fink ◽  
L. Mason ◽  
R. Trivers
Keyword(s):  
Income Inequality ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Ring Finger ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Digit Ratio ◽  
Average Income ◽  
Parental Income ◽  
Prenatal Testosterone ◽  
Internet Study

Abstract Income inequality is associated positively with disease prevalence and mortality. Digit ratio (2D:4D) – a negative proxy for prenatal testosterone and a positive correlate of prenatal oestrogen – is related to several diseases. This study examined the association of income inequality (operationalized as relative parental income) and children’s 2D:4D. Participants self-measured finger lengths (2D=index finger, and 4D=ring finger) in a large online survey conducted in July 2005 (the BBC Internet Study) and reported their parents’ income. Children of parents of above-average income had low 2D:4D (high prenatal testosterone, low prenatal oestrogen) while the children of parents of below-average income had high 2D:4D (low prenatal testosterone, high prenatal oestrogen). The effects were significant in the total sample, present among Whites (the largest group in the sample), in the two largest national samples (UK and USA) and were greater for males than females. The findings suggest a Trivers-Willard effect, such that high-income women may prenatally masculinize their sons at the expense of the fitness of their daughters. Women with low income may prenatally feminize their daughters at the fitness expense of their sons. The effect could, in part, explain associations between low income, high 2D:4D (low prenatal testosterone) and some major causes of mortality such as cardiovascular disease.

Digit ratio (2D:4D) and body mass index in the BBC Internet Study: prenatal sex steroids and a Trivers–Willard effect on body composition

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
J. T. Manning ◽  
B. Fink ◽  
L. Mason ◽  
R. Trivers
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Sex Steroids ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
National Level ◽  
Digit Ratio ◽  
Parental Income ◽  
Prenatal Testosterone ◽  
Internet Study ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Digit ratio – a putative measure of prenatal sex steroids – may be related to body mass index (BMI). However, reports of correlations between 2D:4D and BMI have yielded mixed results with some studies showing no relationship while others have reported positive associations in men or women only. This study considers associations between self-reported 2D:4D and BMI in a large online survey (i.e. the BBC Internet Study). At the individual level, there was a weak positive association between 2D:4D and BMI in both sexes with greater effect sizes in women. Body mass index was positively related to age and negatively related to parental income; however, the relationship between 2D:4D and BMI was independent of both variables. At the national level, mean 2D:4D per country showed positive associations with mean national BMI but those correlations were restricted to females. It is concluded that BMI is positively related to low prenatal testosterone and high prenatal oestrogen. Parental income inequality may influence both prenatal sex steroids (through a ‘Trivers–Willard’ effect) and BMI such that increases in inequality result in reductions in prenatal testosterone and increases in BMI at the individual and national level.

scholarly journals LOW DIGIT RATIO (2D:4D) AND MASCULINE ATTRIBUTES: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 384-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shahidul Islam ◽  
Brajanath Kundu
Keyword(s):  
Web Of Science ◽  
Index Finger ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Ring Finger ◽  
Digit Ratio ◽  
Prenatal Testosterone ◽  
Fourth Digit ◽  
Advanced Search ◽  
Lower Ratio ◽  
Sporting Performance

Background: The ratio between the length of the index finger (2D) concerning the length of the ring finger (4D) of a palm, which is noticed as second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D). However, the length ratio of the second digit (the index finger) to that of the fourth digit (the ring finger) probably shows the quantity of male hormone, to which an individual is exposed in the womb of the mother. Likewise, several investigations define that low second to fourth digit finger ratio tended to have related to prenatal testosterone hormone. Prenatal testosterone hormone masculinizes the human body and therefore may build the athletic body. Aim: To review scientific literature related to the lower ratio of second to fourth digit ratio and masculinity. Methods: The Researcher collected scientific evidence through electronic databases; PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Google Advanced Search, Web of Science, and critically analyzed the entire relevant article according to the nature of this study. Findings: The lower second to fourth digit ratio is associated with prenatal testosterone hormone and is also related to masculine traits that may help in sporting performance. Conclusion: Masculine attributes may be linked to a lower digit finger ratio (2D:4D).

scholarly journals Intention to Obtain a COVID-19 Vaccine Among Brazilian Immigrant Women in the U.S.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer D Allen ◽  
Leticia Priebe Rocha ◽  
Rebecca Rose ◽  
Annmarie Hoch ◽  
Thalia Porteny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Immigrant Women ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
News Sources ◽  
The U.S

Abstract Background: COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted low-income communities and communities of color. Widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines is necessary to prevent ongoing community transmission. Little is known about the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines among immigrant communities, many of which have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Our goal was to gauge COVID-19 vaccine intentions among Brazilian immigrant women living in the U.S. Methods: We conducted an online survey in Portuguese and English among a convenience sample of Brazilian immigrant women ages 18 years and older. Women were recruited through online advertisements by community-based organizations and social media groups to complete a survey that assessed intention to get a COVID-19 vaccine, attitudes toward vaccines, and perceptions about the pandemic.Results: Of the total sample (N=364), most (70.9%) indicated they would take a COVID-19 vaccine. In bivariate analyses, vaccine intentions were significantly associated with perceptions about the severity of the pandemic, trusted sources of health information, and number of years lived in the U.S. Multinomial logistic regression models revealed that those who did not intend to be vaccinated had lived a longer time in the U.S. (OR: -0.12 95% CI: -0.19, -0.05), perceived the pandemic to be only a minor problem (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 0.51, 2.37), and trusted information from social networks (OR: -2.04, 95% CI: -3.35, -0.73) and private news sources (OR: -1.76, 95% CI: -2.85, -0.68).Conclusions: While the majority of women reported they would get a COVID-19 vaccine, efforts to reach those who may be hesitant should target those who have lived in the U.S. for a longer time and do not perceive the pandemic to be a major crisis. Healthcare providers may be particularly suited to deliver this information given high levels of trust.

Evaluation of Socio-Economic Conditions of Coldwater Fish Farmers: A Case Study of Sikkim

2020 ◽  
pp. 62-71
Keyword(s):  
Income Inequality ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Good Condition ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Living Conditions ◽  
Economic Conditions ◽  
Gini Coefficients ◽  
Socio Economic Status ◽  
The People

ABSTRACT The study analyses the socio-economic status, degree of income inequality and perceived socio-economic conditions of the fish farmers of the four districts of Sikkim. A total sample size of 200 fish farmers was selected from the four districts depending upon the presence of the number of farmers in each district. Purposive random sampling method was used and the results were analysed from descriptive statistics such as frequency count and percentages. The degree of income inequality was analysed through Gini coefficients. The factors that determined the perceived socio-economic living conditions were analysed with a logistic regression model. The socio-economic status of the people was found to be in good condition and there were not many variations among the fish farmers of different districts. Most of the respondents had pucca houses with the combination of firewood and LPG as a source of cooking fuel and also had access to basic amenities like electricity, drinking water and sanitation facilities in the households. The study also found that income inequality was not so severe amongst the fish farmers of the three districts except for the East district which had the strongest income inequality. The per capita income, housing condition and ratio of above primary education to total members had a significant impact on the perceived living conditions of the fish farmers. Keywords

scholarly journals Experiences and impact of international medical volunteering: a multi-country mixed methods study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e041599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary McCauley ◽  
Joanna Raven ◽  
Nynke van den Broek
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
International Medical ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Medical Volunteers ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveTo assess the experience and impact of medical volunteers who facilitated training workshops for healthcare providers in maternal and newborn emergency care in 13 countries.SettingsBangladesh, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, UK and Zimbabwe.ParticipantsMedical volunteers from the UK (n=162) and from low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) (n=138).Outcome measuresExpectations, experience, views, personal and professional impact of the experience of volunteering on medical volunteers based in the UK and in LMIC.ResultsUK-based medical volunteers (n=38) were interviewed using focus group discussions (n=12) and key informant interviews (n=26). 262 volunteers (UK-based n=124 (47.3%), and LMIC-based n=138 (52.7%)) responded to the online survey (62% response rate), covering 506 volunteering episodes. UK-based medical volunteers were motivated by altruism, and perceived volunteering as a valuable opportunity to develop their skills in leadership, teaching and communication, skills reported to be transferable to their home workplace. Medical volunteers based in the UK and in LMIC (n=244) reported increased confidence (98%, n=239); improved teamwork (95%, n=232); strengthened leadership skills (90%, n=220); and reported that volunteering had a positive impact for the host country (96%, n=234) and healthcare providers trained (99%, n=241); formed sustainable partnerships (97%, n=237); promoted multidisciplinary team working (98%, n=239); and was a good use of resources (98%, n=239). Medical volunteers based in LMIC reported higher satisfaction scores than those from the UK with regards to impact on personal and professional development.ConclusionHealthcare providers from the UK and LMIC are highly motivated to volunteer to increase local healthcare providers’ knowledge and skills in low-resource settings. Further research is necessary to understand the experiences of local partners and communities regarding how the impact of international medical volunteering can be mutually beneficial and sustainable with measurable outcomes.

scholarly journals Inequality, policy polarization and the income gap in turnout

2021 ◽  
pp. 135406882110119
Author(s):  
Matthew Polacko
Keyword(s):  
Income Inequality ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Party Systems ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Income Gap ◽  
Income Groups ◽  
Logistic Regressions ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Previous research into the relationship between income inequality and turnout inequality has produced mixed results, as consensus is lacking whether inequality reduces turnout for all income groups, low-income earners, or no one. Therefore, this paper builds on this literature by introducing supply-side logic, through the first individual-level test of the impact that income inequality (moderated by policy manifesto positions) has on turnout. It does so through multilevel logistic regressions utilizing mixed effects, on a sample of 30 advanced democracies in 102 elections from 1996 to 2016. It finds that higher levels of income inequality significantly reduce turnout and widen the turnout gap between rich and poor. However, it also finds that when party systems are more polarized, low-income earners are mobilized the greatest extent coupled with higher inequality, resulting in a significantly reduced income gap in turnout. The findings magnify the negative impacts income inequality can exert on political behavior and contribute to the study of policy offerings as a key moderating mechanism in the relationship.

scholarly journals Application of Psychometric Approach for ASD Evaluation in Russian 3–4-Year-Olds

Mathematics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (14) ◽  
pp. 1608
Author(s):  
Andrey Nasledov ◽  
Sergey Miroshnikov ◽  
Liubov Tkacheva ◽  
Kirill Miroshnik ◽  
Meriam Uld Semeta
Keyword(s):  
Autistic Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Compact Set ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Screening System ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Discriminant Analyses ◽  
Biological Problem ◽  
Choice Tasks

Background: Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a significant socio-biological problem due to its wide prevalence and negative outcomes. In the current study, we aimed to develop an autism scale for early and accurate differentiation of 3- to 4-year-olds at risk for ASD since there is no systematic monitoring of young children in Russia yet. Methods: The total sample (N = 324) included 116 children with ASD, 131 children without ASD (healthy controls), and 77 children with developmental delay (DD). An online survey of specialists working with children was conducted based on a specially designed autism questionnaire consisting of 85 multiple-choice tasks distributed across 12 domains. Initially, each child was assessed by 434 items using a dichotomous scale (0 = no, 1 = yes). Factor and discriminant analyses were performed to identify a compact set of subscales that most accurately and with sufficient reliability predicted whether a child belongs to the ASD group. Results: As a result, four subscales were obtained: Sensorics, Emotions, Hyperactivity, and Communication. The high discriminability of the subscales in distinguishing the ASD group from the non-ASD group was revealed (accuracy 85.5–87.0%). Overall, the obtained subscales meet psychometric requirements and allow for creating an online screening system for wide application.

scholarly journals Psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic in low-income and middle-income countries: a cross-sectional study of older persons in Thailand

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e047650
Author(s):  
Wiraporn Pothisiri ◽  
Paolo Miguel Manalang Vicerra
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Ageing Society ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 situation in Thailand was controlled with various social measures. Much of the information covered in the media and in studies focused on the public health and economic aspects of the pandemic. This study aimed to explore the psychological well-being of older people, which is important especially in an ageing society categorised as low income or middle income due to the limits of economic and healthcare resources.SettingThe impact of COVID-19 on older persons in Thailand, an online survey, taken across nine provinces within the five regions of the country.ParticipantsInformation was collected from 1230 adults aged at least 60 years old.If an older person was illiterate, unable to access the internet or had a disability preventing them from responding to the survey, an intermediary residing in the community conducted the survey interview.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe analysis focused on the worries of older adults and the factors associated with psychological distress experienced during the pandemic using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe majority of people aged at least 60 years old experienced psychological distress during COVID-19. Employment loss (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.38), inadequate income (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.44) and debt incursion (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.57 to 4.80) were detrimental to psychological well-being. The negative changes in the perception of their health status (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.99) and decreased life satisfaction (OR 1.49, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.87) also weighed on older Thais. The protective factors for psychological well-being were residing in rural areas (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.61) and being married (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.01).ConclusionObserving the concerns of the older population is important for introducing policies that can alleviate their precarious financial and health statuses.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in risk populations and blood donors in a referral hospital in the south of Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marisa Boff Costa ◽  
Michele Soares Gomes Gouvêa ◽  
Samira Chuffi ◽  
Gustavo Hirata Dellavia ◽  
Felipe Ornel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Confirmatory Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Populations At Risk

AbstractThe prevalence of anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibodies has a high heterogeneity worldwide. South American data are still scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HEV in populations at risk in comparison to blood donors (BD). A cross-sectional study was carried out in adults of different risk populations including crack users (CK), residents in a low income area (LIA), cirrhotic (CIR) and liver transplant patients (LT) compared with BD. The WANTAI HEV ELISA test was used and real-time PCR (in-house for screening and ALTONA as confirmatory test) for HEV RNA screening. A total of 400 participants were included. Anti-HEV IgG was positive in 19.5% of the total sample, reaching the highest rate in the CIR group, 22.5%, followed by CK, LT, and LIA (20%, 18.7%, and 17.5%, respectively). The prevalence found in BD individuals was of 18.7% (p = NS). Anti-HEV IgM was positive in only 1.5% of the sample (6/400). No blood or stools samples were positive for HEV RNA. The seroprevalence reported is among the highest rates ever found in Brazil. Considering the intense diagnostic investigation, data show that HEV circulation is more common that might be expected in our country.

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