OBJECTIVE: To analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of inpatients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) and provide a basis for clinical prevention and treatment. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 744 inpatients diagnosed with OVCF between January 2017 and December 2021 who met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 146 were male and 598 were female, with age ranging from 50 to 95 years (mean, 69.37 years). The demographic characteristics (gender, age, ethnicity, occupation, regional distribution, urban-rural distribution, and seasonal incidence) and clinical features [causes of injury, history of vertebral fractures, smoking and drinking history in males, comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, cerebral infarction), body mass index (BMI), blood lipid levels, menopausal age in females, vertebral bone mineral density T-value, number of vertebral fractures, and fracture segment distribution] of OVCF patients were analyzed. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of vertebral osteoporosis. RESULTS: The demographic analysis indicated that female patients with OVCF were significantly younger than male patients ( P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in the age distribution of OVCF between males and females ( P<0.05), with the highest proportion of male patients in the 70-79 years group (37.0%) and the highest proportion of female patients in the 60-69 years group (40.0%). From 2017 to 2021, the age of onset for OVCF gradually increased, with a similar trend observed for both genders. The distribution of occupations between genders also showed significant differences ( P<0.05); with the top three occupations for males being farmers (48.6%), retirees (24.7%), and workers (13.7%), while for females, the leading occupations were farmers (51.5%), retirees (19.4%), and service workers (10.0%). Female OVCF patients had higher BMI, vertebral bone mineral density T-value, history of vertebral fractures, hypertension prevalence, and blood lipid levels compared to male patients ( P<0.05). No significant difference between the males and the females was found in ethnicity, seasonal distribution, regional distribution, urban-rural distribution, causes of injury, number of vertebral fractures, or prevalence of comorbidities (except hypertension) ( P>0.05). Among the 744 OVCF patients, a total of 1 309 vertebrae were involved, with 628 thoracic vertebrae (48.0%) and 681 lumbar vertebrae (52.0%). The most common fracture segments were L ₁ (22.5%), T ₁₂ (21.2%), followed by L ₂ (12.2%) and T ₁₁ (10.2%). No significant gender difference was observed in the distribution of fracture segments ( P>0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that older age, female, and lower BMI were independent risk factors for vertebral osteoporosis ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION The age of onset of OVCF patients is increasing year by year. The number of fractured vertebral bodies, age distribution of morbidity, occupational distribution, BMI, history of vertebral fracture, hypertension, and blood lipid levels are related to gender. The occurrence of OVCF is mainly in the thoracolumbar segment. The female, older age, and lower BMI are independent risk factors of osteoporosis.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures/etiology* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Osteoporotic Fractures/etiology* ; Fractures, Compression/etiology* ; Risk Factors ; Bone Density ; China/epidemiology* ; Osteoporosis/epidemiology* ; Comorbidity ; Inpatients ; Sex Factors ; Age Factors

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the current status and trends of the disease burden of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in China from 1990 to 2023, and to examine the epidemiological characteristics of age, gender differences, and attribution to high body mass index (BMI), in order to provide a basis for formulating prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the disease burden of KOA in China. METHODS: Based on the 2023 Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) database, data on the number, rate, and age-standardized rate of incidence, prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for KOA, and DALYs for KOA attributable to high BMI in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2023 were integrated. The Joinpoint 5.4.0.0 software was used to analyze the age and gender differences in KOA and the epidemiological characteristics attributable to high BMI. RESULTS: The standardized incidence, prevalence, and DALYs rates of KOA in China in 2023 increased by 6.46%, 6.43%, and 6.93%, respectively, compared with 1990. In terms of age, the disease burden of KOA in China was lowest in the age group of 30-34 years, with the highest incidence rate in the age group of 50-54 years, whereas the prevalence rate and DALYs rate continued to increase with age, and both were highest in the age group of ≥70 years. In terms of gender, all disease burden standardized rate indicators were higher in females than in males, and the difference widened with age. The rate of BMI-attributable DALYs increased at an annual average rate of 1.57% (95% CI: 1.55, 1.59) from 1990 to 2023, again with significant age and gender differences. CONCLUSION The continued growth of the KOA disease burden and significant population differences characterizing China call for focused attention on the female middle-aged and elderly population, enhanced weight management, and implementation of targeted preventive and control measures.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/epidemiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Incidence ; Aged ; Adult ; Prevalence ; Body Mass Index ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Cost of Illness ; Aged, 80 and over ; Sex Factors ; Global Burden of Disease ; Age Factors ; Young Adult ; Quality-Adjusted Life Years

PURPOSE: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the left and right lower extremities was treated in the same way, but the left and right extremities received different levels of attention. This study aimed to investigate the differences between the right and left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT). METHODS: Clinical characteristics of LEDVT patients from July 2020 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed to compare the incidence of LEDVT on different limbs, demographics, predisposing factors, and anatomical characteristics. The exclusion criteria were bilateral LEDVT and recurrent thrombosis. Measured data was analyzed using independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney test. Count data were analyzed by Chi-square test. A p < 0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference. RESULTS: There were 478 patients included in this study and the ratio of left to right LEDVT on the left and right limbs was 3.16:1 (363:115). Left LEDVT predominantly affected female, with the major aged > 50 years (50 - 60 years: 16.80%; > 60 years: 57.30%). The primary predisposing factor was iliac vein compression syndrome, with iliofemoral thrombosis being the main type. Male patients with LEDVT on the right limb were predominant and the age of onset was usually ≤ 60 years (52.17%). The main predisposing factor was recent surgery or trauma (< 30 days) and femoropopliteal thrombosis was the main type. In more detail, the left iliac vein was compressed mainly in the proximal segment, and the right iliac vein was compressed mainly in the intermediate and distal segments. Recent surgery or trauma to the locomotor system and genitourinary system often induced LEDVT. CONCLUSION The incidence of LEDVT on the left is significantly higher than that on the right. LEDVT on different sides has different characteristics, which is crucial for prevention and diagnosis in the relevant population so there are also differences in treatment of the affected limbs.
Humans ; Venous Thrombosis/etiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Lower Extremity/blood supply* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Aged ; Age Factors ; Sex Factors ; Risk Factors ; Acute Disease ; Incidence ; Aged, 80 and over ; Young Adult ; Adolescent

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social impairments, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Studies have shown that it is more prevalent in males than females. Although this issue has attracted academic attention since the 20th century, the specific mechanisms underlying the gender differences in ASD remain unclear. This paper reviews the impact of gender differences in ASD, focusing on the female protective effect, DNA methylation, hormone levels, and clinical manifestations. It also discusses corresponding treatment options, particularly suggesting improvements in the diagnostic process, which is often overlooked, in order to provide valuable references for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of ASD.
Humans ; Autism Spectrum Disorder/genetics* ; Female ; Male ; DNA Methylation ; Sex Factors ; Sex Characteristics

OBJECTIVES: To analyze sex and age distribution of global disease burden of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) from 1990 to 2021. METHODS: CAVD data during 1990-2021 were obtained from the IHME website for Global Burden of Disease (GBD). The prevalence, mortality, years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were analyzed by gender and age groups. Joinpoint regression was used to calculate annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC). RESULTS: In 2021, there were 13.32 million CAVD patients and 142 000 deaths caused by CAVD globally. Age-standardized prevalence was higher in males (193.2/10⁵) than that in females (128.9/10⁵). Patients in 65-<85 age group accounted for 64.0% of total cases, while those ≥85 years old accounted for 16.1%. From 1990 to 2021, prevalence increased in both sexes with an AAPC of 0.72% for males and 0.57% for females, respectively. Prevalence grew fastest from 2000 to 2010, slowed thereafter, and declined from 2015 to 2021. In <65 years old, the mortality of males was 2.4 times higher than that of females, while in ≥85 years old, mortality of females (117.3/10⁵) exceeded that of males (99.1/10⁵). YLD rates increased with age, and were higher in males for all age groups. DALY rates decreased overall but increased in ≥85 years old, with a greater increase in females. CONCLUSIONS There are significant gender and age disparities in global disease burden of CAVD, with the elderly, especially super-elderly females deserving particular attention. It is recommended to develop personalized intervention strategies for these populations.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Calcinosis/mortality* ; Prevalence ; Global Burden of Disease ; Aged, 80 and over ; Middle Aged ; Aortic Valve/pathology* ; Aortic Valve Stenosis/epidemiology* ; Age Distribution ; Adult ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Sex Distribution ; Global Health ; Aortic Valve Disease/epidemiology* ; Sex Factors

OBJECTIVES: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a common mental health and behavioral issue among adolescents. This study aims to investigate the developmental trajectory of adolescent NSSI and gender differences, providing a foundation for better prevention and intervention. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted using the Adolescent Self-Injury Scale (ASIS) in a cohort of 1 042 junior high school students from 3 middle schools in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province. Participants were surveyed 3 times at 6-month intervals. A latent growth curve model was constructed using Mplus8.0 to examine the development trajectory of NSSI, and multi-group comparisons were used to assess gender differences. RESULTS: Detection rates of NSSI at the 3 time points were 43.95%, 44.43%, and 38.36%, respectively. Mean of the intercept factor of the LGCM for adolescent NSSI behavior was 9.540 (P<0.001), and the mean slope was -2.297 (P<0.001). Both the variances of the intercept (σ²=169.431, P<0.001) and slope (σ²=141.981, P<0.001) were significant, with a significant negative correlation between intercept and slope (r=-0.559, P<0.001). There were no statistically significant gender differences in initial level or rate of change of NSSI behaviors (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS NSSI is relatively prevalent among adolescents, with female adolescents experiencing more severe NSSI. Individual differences exist in both the initial level and rate of change of NSSI, and overall, adolescent NSSI shows a decreasing trend over time. No significant gender differences were found in the trajectory of change.
Humans ; Self-Injurious Behavior/psychology* ; Adolescent ; Male ; Female ; Longitudinal Studies ; Sex Factors ; Adolescent Behavior/psychology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Students/psychology*

OBJECTIVES: Near vision loss (NVL) is one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide, exerting a profound impact on individual quality of life and socio-economic development. This study aims to analyze the burden of NVL in China by sex and age groups from 1990 to 2021 and to project trends over the next 15 years. METHODS: Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, we conducted descriptive analyses of NVL prevalence in China, calculated age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPR) and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rates (ASDR) to compare burden differences between sexes and age groups, and applied an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to predict NVL trends for the next 15 years. The model selection was based on best-fit criteria to ensure reliable projections. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2021, China's ASPR of NVL rose from 10 096.24/100 000 to 15 624.54/100 000, and ASDR increased from 101.75/100 000 to 158.75/100 000. In 2021, ASPR (16 551.70/100 000) and ASDR (167.69/100 000) were higher among females than males (14 686.21/100 000 and 149.76/100 000, respectively). China ranked highest globally in both NVL cases and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), with female burden significantly exceeding male burden. Projections indicated this trend and sex gap will persist until 2036. Compared with 1990, the prevalence cases and DALYs increased by 239.20% and 238.82%, respectively in 2021, with the highest burden among females and the 55-59 age group. The ARIMA model predicted continued increases in prevalence and DALYs by 2036, with females maintaining a higher burden than males. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals a marked increase in the NVL burden in China and predicts continued growth in the coming years. Public health policies should prioritize NVL prevention and control, with special attention to women and middle-aged populations to mitigate long-term societal and health impacts.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Prevalence ; Middle Aged ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Adult ; Global Burden of Disease ; Adolescent ; Quality-Adjusted Life Years ; Aged ; Sex Factors ; Child ; Young Adult ; Child, Preschool ; Cost of Illness ; Infant ; Aged, 80 and over ; Vision Disorders/epidemiology*

INTRODUCTION: The rising rate of adolescent suicide, and the burden of self-harm and mental health disorders, pose significant threats to Singapore's future health outcomes and human potential. This study sought to examine the risk profile and healthcare utilisation patterns of Singaporean adolescents who presented to the emergency department (ED) for suicidal or self-harm behaviour. METHOD: A retrospective review of medical records for patients aged 10 to 19 years who visited Singapore's KK Women's and Children's Hospital ED for suicidal or self-harm attempts from January to December 2021 was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 221 patients were identified, with a predominance of female patients (85.5%) over males (14.5%). The mean age was 14.2 ± 1.4 years. Intentional drug overdose (52.0%) was the most commonly used method. Significantly more females presented for intentional paracetamol overdose (46.6% versus [vs] 28.1%, P=0.049), whereas jumping from a height was more common among males (18.8% vs 5.8%, P=0.022). The most frequently observed mental health challenges were stress-related and emotional coping difficulties (50.7%), followed by mood and anxiety symptoms (53.4%). A history of self-harm and suicidal behaviours were the most common psychosocial risk factors. Within the year prior to their ED presentation, 15.4% had accessed healthcare services for mild medical ailments, 19.5% for medically unexplained symptoms, and 17.2% for previous self-harm or suicide attempts. CONCLUSION Most cases involved psychosocial and emotional regulation difficulties, some of which displayed sex-specific patterns, rather than complex psychiatric disorders. The identified predictive factors can help inform Singapore's National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy, to guide targeted and transdiagnostic interventions in schools and community settings.
Humans ; Adolescent ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; Female ; Male ; Suicide, Attempted/psychology* ; Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data* ; Self-Injurious Behavior/psychology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Child ; Young Adult ; Drug Overdose/epidemiology* ; Risk Factors ; Acetaminophen/poisoning* ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data* ; Sex Factors

BACKGROUND: Urolithiasis is a widespread disease with a high prevalence worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the disease burden of urolithiasis and its trends from 1990 to 2021 globally, based on the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 database. METHODS: The numbers and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and mortality of urolithiasis were extracted from GBD 2021 to represent the disease burden. Joinpoint regression analyses were conducted to assess the temporal trends in the burden of urolithiasis. The male-to-female ASR ratio indices were used to evaluate sex disparities. Additionally, we explored the relationship between the ASR ratio and the sociodemographic index (SDI). RESULTS: The total numbers of incidence, DALY, and mortality of urolithiasis were 105,983,780 cases (95% uncertainty interval [UI] = 88,349,356-128,645,155 cases), 693,444 cases (95% UI = 567,765-850,490 cases), and 17,672 cases (95% UI = 13,932-21,241 cases), respectively, in 2021. There is an increasing trend in the number of these measures globally, whereas the ASRs have decreased over the past 30 years. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) were significantly higher in males than in females in 2021. The sex disparities in the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) and ASMR of urolithiasis were negatively correlated with the SDI. In 2021, the ASIR of urolithiasis was 964.70 (95% UI = 801.26-1175.09) per 100,000 people in China, which is much lower than the global average (1242.84 [95% UI = 1034.94-1506.99] per 100,000 people). Compared with the global average, a more pronounced decline in ASIR was observed in China from 1793.16 (1446.0-2235.14) in 1990 to 964.70 (801.26-1175.09) per 100,000 people in 2021. CONCLUSIONS Urolithiasis poses a significant healthcare burden worldwide. More robust global and national strategies are warranted to address the prevention and treatment, especially in low SDI countries and regions.
Humans ; Urolithiasis/mortality* ; Male ; Female ; Incidence ; Global Burden of Disease ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Sex Factors

This study examined the regulatory effects of autonomic nervous system on aerobic endurance exercise performance in cold exposure, focusing on heart rate recovery (HRR) and heart rate variability (HRV) across genders. Thirty participants (17 males and 13 females) from a university track endurance program, classified as exercise grade II or above, underwent monitoring of HRV in time domain, frequency domain, nonlinear correlation indices and 1 min HRR. Measurements were taken before, during, and after aerobic endurance exercise in cold and normal environments, respectively. The results were as follows. (1) The duration of aerobic endurance exercise completed by all the subjects in cold environment was significantly increased compared with that in normal environment. The 1 min HRR after aerobic endurance exercise in cold environment was significantly lower than that in normal environment, and the decrease in the males was significantly higher than that in the females. (2) The time domain analysis results showed that, prior to the aerobic endurance exercise, there were no significant difference of standard deviation from the mean value of normal to normal intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), and percentage of adjacent normal-to-normal intervals differing by more than 50 ms (pNN50) between cold and normal environments. During aerobic endurance exercise in cold environment, SDNN, RMSSD and pNN50 were significantly higher than those in normal environment, with the females showing significantly greater increases compared with those of the males. The levels of SDNN, RMSSD and pNN50 in the males at different time points under different environments were significantly lower than those in the quiet state; The levels of SDNN and RMSSD of the females at different time points under different environments were significantly lower than those in the quiet state, while the pNN50 at different time points under cold environments was significantly lower than that in the quiet state. (3) Frequency domain analysis results showed that, prior to the aerobic endurance exercise, there was no significant difference of high frequency normalized units [HF (n.u.)], low frequency normalized units [LF (n.u.)] and LF/HF ratio between cold and normal environments. During aerobic endurance exercise in cold environment, the levels of HF (n.u.) significantly increased compared to normal environment in the females, while LF (n.u.) and LF/HF ratio levels significantly decreased compared to normal environments. The levels of HF (n.u.), LF (n.u.) and LF/HF ratio of different genders at different time points in the different environments showed no significant changes, compared to those in the quiet state. (4) Non-linear analysis results showed a significant increase in SD1 (standard deviation perpendicular to the line-of-identity)/SD2 (standard deviation along the line-of-identity) ratio during aerobic endurance exercise in cold environment in the females, while no significant changes were observed in the males. SD1/SD2 ratios in the males at different time points and in the females at 1 min under cold environments were significantly higher than those in the quiet state. These findings suggest that aerobic endurance performance increases during cold exposure, accompanied by gender-specific differences in the regulation of autonomic nervous system. Females exhibit higher vagal activity and faster autonomic nervous system recovery compared to males.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Heart Rate/physiology* ; Cold Temperature ; Exercise/physiology* ; Physical Endurance/physiology* ; Autonomic Nervous System/physiology* ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Sex Factors