scholarly journals Sex differences in forearm vasoconstrictor response to voluntary apnea

2014 ◽  
Vol 306 (3) ◽  
pp. H309-H316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hardikkumar M. Patel ◽  
Matthew J. Heffernan ◽  
Amanda J. Ross ◽  
Matthew D. Muller

Clinical evidence indicates that obstructive sleep apnea is more common and more severe in men compared with women. Sex differences in the vasoconstrictor response to hypoxemia-induced sympathetic activation might contribute to this clinical observation. In the current laboratory study, we determined sex differences in the acute physiological responses to maximal voluntary end-expiratory apnea (MVEEA) during wakefulness in healthy young men and women (26 ± 1 yr) as well as healthy older men and women (64 ± 2 yr). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), brachial artery blood flow velocity (BBFV, Doppler ultrasound), and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC, laser Doppler flowmetry) were measured, and changes in physiological parameters from baseline were compared between groups. The breath-hold duration and oxygen-saturation nadir were similar between groups. In response to MVEEA, young women had significantly less forearm vasoconstriction compared with young men (ΔBBFV: 2 ± 7 vs. −25 ± 6% and ΔCVC: −5 ± 4 vs. −31 ± 4%), whereas ΔMAP (12 ± 2 vs. 16 ± 3 mmHg) and ΔHR (4 ± 2 vs. 6 ± 3 bpm) were comparable between groups. The attenuated forearm vasoconstriction in young women was not observed in postmenopausal women (ΔBBFV −21 ± 5%). We concluded that young women have blunted forearm vasoconstriction in response to MVEEA compared with young men, and this effect is not evident in older postmenopausal women. These data suggest that female sex hormones dampen neurogenic vasoconstriction in response to apnea-induced hypoxemia.

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Lina Begdache ◽  
Saloumeh Sadeghzadeh ◽  
Gia Derose ◽  
Cassandra Abrams

Customization of mental health therapies needs to consider the differences in degree of brain maturity between young (18–29 years) and mature (30 years or older) adults as well as brain morphology among men and women. The aim of this study was to identify the significant dietary and lifestyle contributors to mental distress in these sub-populations. Independent repeated cross-sectional sampling was performed for over a 5-year period (2014–2019) to collect data from different populations at different time-points and seasons. A backward stepwise regression analysis was used on 2628 records. Mental distress in young women was associated with high consumption of caffeine and fast-food, and it was negatively correlated with moderate-high levels of exercise as well as frequent breakfast consumption. Mature women shared several common factors with young women; however, high fruit consumption was negatively associated with mental distress. For young men, high exercise, moderate consumption of dairy, and moderate-high intake of meat were negatively associated with mental distress. In addition, high fast-food and caffeine consumption were positively associated with mental distress in young men. For mature men, strong negative associations between higher education, moderate intake of nuts and mental distress surfaced. Our results support the need to customize dietary and lifestyle recommendations to improve mental wellbeing.


Hypertension ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Haigh ◽  
Ronald F Feinberg ◽  
Hugh S Taylor ◽  
Megan M Wenner

Our laboratory has recently demonstrated that a loss of endothelin-B (ETB) receptor mediated dilation contributes to impaired vasodilatory function in postmenopausal women. It is unclear if these changes are due to aging, or alterations in ovarian hormones that occur after menopause. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that in a low estradiol state, there is a loss of ETB mediated dilation, and that estradiol administration reverses these responses and mediates dilation. Methods: We tested 8 young women (YW: 24±2 years, 23±1 kg/m 2 , mean arterial BP 84±2mHg) and 6 postmenopausal women (PMW: 56±1 years, 24±1 kg/m 2 , mean arterial BP 94±2mHg). In YW, we suppressed endogenous ovarian hormone production with daily gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRHant; Ganirelix) administration for 10 days, adding estradiol (E2, 0.1 mg/day, Vivelle dot patch) on days 4-10. PMW were tested at baseline and after 1-week E2 administration (0.1 mg/day, Vivelle dot patch). We measured nitric-oxide mediated vasodilation in the cutaneous circulation during local heating (42°C) via laser Doppler flowmetry, followed by microdialysis perfusions of sodium nitroprusside (28mM) with local heating to 43°C to elicit maximal dilation. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated as cutaneous blood flow/mean arterial blood pressure, and expressed as a percent of maximal dilation. Results: ETB receptor blockade increased vasodilation in YW during hormone suppression with GnRHant (control: 88±3 vs. BQ-788: 94±2 CVC %max, P <0.05). However, ETB receptor blockaded tended to reduce vaodilation during E2 administration (control: 88±3 vs. BQ-788: 82±2 CVC %max, P =0.12). In PMW, ETB receptor blockade had no significant effect on vasodilatory responses (control: 90±4 vs. BQ-788: 95±2 CVC %max, P =0.20). Similarly, ETB receptor blockade did not alter vasodilation after E2 administration (control: 88±7 vs. BQ-788: 88±4 CVC %max). Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that suppression of endogenous ovarian hormone production alters ETB receptor responses in young women, which is partially mediated by E2. Additional data are needed to determine ETB receptor sensitivity to E2 after menopause.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽  
Lianne Gonsalves ◽  
Mary Thiongo ◽  
Michael Waithaka ◽  
Hellen Sidha ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Myths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake in sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya in particular. Addressing persistent contraceptive knowledge gaps can make a significant contribution towards improved contraceptive uptake among young women. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand young people’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify their key concerns regarding these methods. Methods We used focus group discussions (FGD) with vignette and writing activities to explore key myths and misconceptions around the use of contraceptives. Six FGDs (three for young men and three for young women) were conducted with a total of 28 young women and 30 young men from Kwale County, Kenya. We included 10 discussants aged 18–24 per FGD, one FGD had 8 participants. Predefined codes reflecting the discussion guides and emerging issues in the FGDs were used to develop the thematic coding framework. Our analysis followed a pattern of association on the key preset themes focusing on myths and misconceptions around contraceptive use. Results Results are presented under four key themes: awareness of contraception, myths and misconceptions around contraception, males’ contraceptive narratives and young people’s preferred sources of contraceptives. Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions were discussed and included perceptions that modern contraception: jeopardized future fertility, could result in problems conceiving or birth defects, made women promiscuous, was ‘un-African’, and would deny couples their sexual freedom. Compared to female respondents in the study, young men appeared to be strong believers of the perceived socio-cultural effects of contraceptives. On preferred sources of contraceptives, respondents reported on two main sources, pharmacies and public hospitals, however, they could not agree on which one was suitable for them. Conclusions This study revealed the presence of a mixture of biological and social myths and misconceptions around contraception, with young men also strongly adhering to these misconceptions. The low level of contraceptive knowledge, particularly on contraceptive fears as revealed by the study demonstrate critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge among young people. Improved SRH literacy to address contraceptives’ fears through appropriate and gender specific interventions to reach out to young men and women with factual SRH information may therefore contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.


2017 ◽  
Vol 312 (4) ◽  
pp. H800-H805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer R. Vranish ◽  
Benjamin E. Young ◽  
Jasdeep Kaur ◽  
Jordan C. Patik ◽  
Jaume Padilla ◽  
...  

Increased daily sitting time is associated with greater cardiovascular risk, and, on average, women are more sedentary than men. Recent reports have demonstrated that prolonged sitting reduces lower leg microvascular (reactive hyperemia) and macrovascular [flow-mediated dilation (FMD)] vasodilator function. However, these studies have predominately included men, and the effects of sitting in young women are largely unexplored. This becomes important given known sex differences in vascular function. Thus, herein, we assessed popliteal artery reactive hyperemia and FMD before and after a 3-h sitting period in healthy young women ( n = 12) and men ( n = 8). In addition, resting popliteal artery hemodynamics (duplex Doppler ultrasound) and calf circumference were measured before, during, and after sitting. Resting popliteal artery shear rate was reduced to a similar extent in both groups during the sitting period (women: −48.5 ± 8.4 s−1 and men: −52.9 ± 12.3 s−1, P = 0.45). This was accompanied by comparable increases in calf circumference in men and women ( P = 0.37). After the sitting period, popliteal artery FMD was significantly reduced in men (PreSit: 5.5 ± 0.9% and PostSit: 1.6 ± 0.4%, P < 0.001) but not women (PreSit: 4.4 ± 0.6% and PostSit: 3.6 ± 0.6%, P = 0.29). In contrast, both groups demonstrated similar reductions in hyperemic blood flow area under the curve (women: −28,860 ± 5,742 arbitrary units and men: −28,691 ± 9,685 arbitrary units, P = 0.99), indicating impaired microvascular reactivity after sitting. These findings indicate that despite comparable reductions in shear rate during 3 h of uninterrupted sitting, macrovascular function appears protected in some young women but the response was variable, whereas men exhibited more consistent reductions in FMD. In contrast, the leg microvasculature is susceptible to similar sitting-induced impairments in men and women. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate that leg macrovascular function was consistently reduced in young men but not young women after prolonged sitting. In contrast, both men and women exhibited similar reductions in leg microvascular reactivity after sitting. These data demonstrate, for the first time, sex differences in vascular responses to prolonged sitting.


1996 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
SANDRA L. HANSON

This research examines the effect of gender and family resources on success in multiple areas of science. Science experiences are measured using longitudinal science trajectories. Findings show that young women are less likely than young men to persist in science, whether it is science achievement, access, or attitudes. Large numbers of women permanently exit the science pipeline after their sophomore year of high school. However, results from the science trajectory models show that among men and women who are equally qualified, women are not necessarily less likely to persist in science. Results also show that young men have more family resources than young women and some of the total effect of gender on science experiences involves an indirect effect through family resources. In addition, gender interacts with family resources with the effects of many resources being stronger for women than for men.


1994 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry Jensen ◽  
Robert Christiansen

This study was done to identify areas of agreement on gender issues. The sample of 161 students attended California State University at San Luis Obispo and 27 nonuniversity students were friends. Among university students, 112 were women, 49 were men. A questionnaire asked respondents to indicate agreement on the issues of equal opportunity, sex differences, tactics of social change, education, protectionism, sexuality, family, and sexual standards for women. Agreement was high among different groups, men and women, students and nonstudents, old and young women, and denominational affiliations. The results were discussed in terms of building feminist theory and evaluating social policy on areas of agreement as depicted in this sample.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽  
Lianne Gonsalves ◽  
Mary Thiongo ◽  
Michael Waithaka ◽  
Hellen Sidha ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundMyths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake. Nearly all the research on the link between contraceptives’ misconceptions and low contraceptive prevalence comes mostly from women with little focus on men. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand both young men’s and young women’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify key concerns regarding modern pregnancy prevention methods.MethodsWe used focus group discussions (FGD) with vignette and writing activities to explore key myths and misconceptions around the use of contraceptives. Six FGDs (three for young men and three for young women) were conducted with a total of 28 young women and 30 young men from Kwale County, Kenya. We included 10 discussants aged 18-24 per FGD, one FGD had 8 participants.ResultsBoth men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions around contraception were discussed, they included jeopardizing future fertility, prolonged menstrual bleeding, problems conceiving, birth defects, promiscuity, against religion and perceived to be un-African including denying couples their sexual freedom. Compared to female respondents in the study, men appeared to be strong believers of the perceived socio-cultural effects of contraceptives. Results are presented under three key themes namely (i) Awareness of contraception (ii) Myths and misconceptions around contraception and (iii) Males’ contraceptive narratives. Conclusions Improved sexual and reproductive health (SRH) literacy to address contraceptives’ fears through appropriate and gender specific interventions to reach out to young men and women with factual SRH information may contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 39-44
Author(s):  
E. Vlasenkova ◽  
M. Gagarina

The article presents the results of an empirical study of the characteristics of the evaluation of social and political advertising by young men and women. In total 96 respondents aged 18 to 22 years (M = 18.7; SD = 0.92) took part in research. The semantic differential was used as a research method; respondents were asked to evaluate two photographs depicting social and political advertising on public transport. By comparing the average estimates of social and political advertising, it was found that political advertising as a whole is evaluated more negatively than social advertising. Young men evaluate social advertising more positively than young women. There were no significant differences in the assessment of political advertising between the two genders.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽  
Lianne Gonsalves ◽  
Mary Thiongo ◽  
Michael Waithaka ◽  
Hellen Sidha ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Myths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake. Nearly all the research on the link between contraceptives’ misconceptions and low contraceptive prevalence comes mostly from women with little focus on men. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand both young men’s and young women’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify key concerns regarding modern pregnancy prevention methods.Methods: We used focus group discussions (FGD) with vignette and writing activities to explore key myths and misconceptions around the use of contraceptives. Six FGDs (three for young men and three for young women) were conducted with a total of 28 young women and 30 young men from Kwale County, Kenya. We included 10 discussants aged 18-24 per FGD, one FGD had 8 participants.Results: Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions around contraception were discussed, they included jeopardizing future fertility, prolonged menstrual bleeding, problems conceiving, birth defects, promiscuity, against religion and perceived to be un-African including denying couples their sexual freedom. Compared to female respondents in the study, young men appeared to be strong believers of the perceived socio-cultural effects of contraceptives. Results are presented under three key themes namely (i) Awareness of contraception (ii) Myths and misconceptions around contraception and (iii) Males’ contraceptive narratives. Conclusions: This study revealed a low level of contraceptive knowledge among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya. Most respondents reported contraceptive fears and misconceptions resulting from critical gaps in Sexual and Reproductive Health knowledge. Improved sexual and reproductive health (SRH) literacy to address contraceptives’ fears through appropriate and gender specific interventions to reach out to young men and women with factual SRH information may contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.


Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 131 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kobina A Wilmot ◽  
Martin O’Flaherty ◽  
Simon Capewell ◽  
Earl S Ford ◽  
Viola Vaccarino

Background: Cardiovascular mortality rates have fallen dramatically over the past four decades. However, recent unfavorable trends in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors among young adults (obesity, diabetes, and tobacco use) raise concerns about their subsequent impact on CHD mortality. Furthermore, recent data from the US and other countries suggest a worsening of CHD incidence and mortality among young women. We therefore examined recent trends in CHD mortality rates in the US according to age and sex. Methods: We used mortality data between 1980 and 2011 from US adults ≥ 25 years. We calculated age-specific CHD mortality rates and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) for US adults, and compared three decades of data (1980-1989, 1990-1999, and 2000-2011). We also used Joinpoint regression modeling to assess changes in trends over time, based on inflection points of the mortality distribution. Results: Young men and women (aged<55 years) showed a robust decline in CHD mortality from 1980 until 1989 (EAPC -5.5% in men and -4.6% in women). However, the two subsequent decades saw stagnation with minimal improvement (Table). This was particularly true for young women who had no improvements between 1990 and 1999 (EAPC +0.1%), and only -1% EAPC since 2000. In contrast, older adults (65+years) showed steep annual declines since 2000, approximately doubled compared with the previous period (women, -5.0% and men, -4.4%). Jointpoint analyses provided consistent results. Conclusions: The dramatic declines in cardiovascular mortality since 1980 conceals major heterogeneities. CHD death rates in older groups are now falling steeply. However, young men and women have enjoyed small decreases in CHD mortality rates since 1990. The drivers of these major differences in CHD mortality trends by age and sex needs urgent study.


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