Although previous studies have suggested a certain degree of right hemisphere dominance for the response of extrastriate body area (EBA) during body perception, recent evidence suggests that this functional lateralization may differ between men and women. It is unknown, however, whether and how gender differences in body perception affect appreciating the beauty of the body of conspecifics. Here, we applied five 10-Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) pulses over left and right EBA and over the vertex to investigate the contribution of visual body representations in the two hemispheres on esthetic body perception. Female and male healthy volunteers were requested to judge how much they liked opposite- and same-gender virtual model bodies or to judge their weight, thus allowing us to compare the effects of right- and left-EBA rTMS on esthetic (liking) and perceptual (weight) judgments of human bodies. The analysis of the esthetic judgments provided by women revealed that right-EBA rTMS increased the liking judgments of opposite- but not same-gender models, as compared to both vertex and left EBA stimulation. Conversely, in men the liking judgments of opposite-gender models decreased after virtual disruption of both right and left EBA as compared to vertex stimulation. Crucially, no significant effect was found for the perceptual task, showing that left- and right-EBA rTMS did not affect weight perception. Our results provide evidence of gender difference in the hemispheric asymmetry of EBA in the esthetic processing of human bodies, with women showing stronger right hemisphere dominance in comparison with men.

<p>Uvod: Poslednjih godina u fokusu istraživača je efekat sintetskih jednjenja na endokrini sistem. Estri ftalne kiseline se koriste u procesu plastifikacije, kao industrijski rastvarači, lubrikanti, aditivi u tekstilnoj industriji, u pesticidima, kozmetičkim proizvodima. Raste broj dokaza da je tiroidna žlezda podložna dejstvu endokrinih disruptora. Tiroidni hormoni imaju važnu ulogu u regulaciji rasta, tkivne diferencijacije, energetskog metabolizma, reprodukcije i formiranja centralnog nervnog sistema. Brojna istraživanja ukazala su da ftalati deluju kao EDs. Ciljevi istraživanja: 1. Procena izloženosti populacije mono-etilheksil-ftalatu (MEHP) i mono-etil-ftalatu (MEP). 2. Evaluacija razlika u nivou pokazatelja tirodine funkcije između ftalat pozitivnih i ftalat negativnih ispitanika i između gojaznih i normalno uhranjenih ftalat pozitivnih ispitanika. 3.Utvrđivanje razlika u serumskom nivou leptina gojaznih ispitanika sa i bez pozitivnih ftalatnih metabolita i procena povezanosti leptina sa MEP i MEHP i pokazateljima tiroidne funkcije. Izbor ispitanika i metod rada: Istraživanje je sprovedeno kao studija preseka, obuhvatilo je 201 ispitanika. Ispitanici su podeljeni u grupu MEP/MEHP pozitivnih i negativnih i na podgupe normalno uhranjenih i gojaznih. Od antropometrijskih mera određena je telesna visina, telesna masa, obim struka i indeks telesne mase. Laboratorijske analize: jutarnji uzorak urina za određivanje MEP i MEHP; na&scaron;te uzet uzorka venske krvi za FT4, FT3, TSH i leptin. Statististička analiza sprovedena je na softverskom paketu SPSS. Rezultati: Polovina stanovni&scaron;tva je izložena ftalatima. MEP dovodi do povi&scaron;enja FT4 samo u subpopulaciji gojaznih. Nije utvrđen statistički značajan uticaj MEP na FT3. Kod gojaznih MEP pozitivnih osoba ženskog pola povi&scaron;en je TSH. MEHP uzrokuje sniženje FT4 kod normalno uhranjenih ispitanika, a kod normalno uhranjenih mu&scaron;karaca snižava FT3. Nije utvrđen uticaj MEHP na tirotropin. U gojaznih nije ustanovljen uticaj DEHP i DEP na leptinsku sekreciju.Uočena je tendencija negativne korelacije leptina i FT4 kod gojaznih, dok uticaja na FT3 i TSH nema. Zaključak: Na&scaron;a populacija je u velikoj meri izložena ftalatima. Potvrđeno je da MEP i MEHP imaju uticaj na pojedine indikatore tiroidne funkcije. Ftalati u na&scaron;em istraživanju ne uzrokuju poremećaj leptinske skrecije, a leptin ima blag uticaj jedino na FT4.</p> / <p>Introduction: Effects of synthesized chemicals on endocrine system has been in the focus in the last years. Phthalates are used in plasticization, as industrial solvents, lubricants, textile industry additives, in pesticides and cosmetic products. Evidence for thyroid disruption is growing. Thyroid hormones (TH) have an important role in regulation of growth, tissue differentiation, energy metabolism, reproduction and central nervous system formation. Studies show phthalates can cause endocrine disruption. Aims: 1. Estimation of burden of mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) and di-2-ethylheksyl phthalate(MEHP) in the population. 2. Evaluation of differences in TH and TSH in MEP/MEHP positive and negative participants, as in obese and lean MEP/MEHP positive participants. 3. Evaluation of differences in leptin in obese MEP/MEHP positive and negative subjects and evaluation of the connection between leptin, MEP, MEHP and thyroid indicators. Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional study that comprised 201 subjects divided into MEP/MEHP positive and negative group, further subdivided in obese and lean. Anthropometric parameters done: body height, body weight, waist and body mass index. Laboratory tests done: morning urine sample analysis for MEP/MEHP and venous sample analysis for free thyroxine (FT4), free tri-iodothyronine (FT3), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and leptin. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS. Results: Half of subjects were exposed to phthalates. MEP induced an increase in FT4 in obese participants and had no influence on FT3. TSH was increased in obese MEP positive female subjects. MEHP induced a decrease in FT4 in lean participants and a decrease of FT3 in lean males. There was no correlation between MEHP and TSH. Influence of MEP/MEHP on leptin secretion. A tendency for negative correlation between leptin and FT4 was seen. There was no influence of leptin on FT3 and TSH. Conclusion: Our population is greatly exposed to phthalates. MEP and MEHP influence certain thyroid indicators i.e. cause thyroid disruption. Phthalates do not influence leptin secretion in our study. There is a mild effect of leptin on FT4.</p>

<p>Receptor humanog epidermalnog faktora rasta 2 (HER2) pripada porodici receptora protein-tirozin kinaze čija je aktivacija povezana sa proliferacijom malignih ćelija, inhibicijom apoptoze, tumorskom angiogenezom i sposobnosti invazije i metastaziranja. Povećana proteinska ekspresija HER2 receptora može nastati kao posledica amplifikacije gena i/ili transkripcijskih promena. Ekspresija HER2 receptora u humanim tumorima povezuje se sa agresivnijim pona&scaron;anjem i lo&scaron;ijom prognozom. Učestalost povećane proteinske ekspresije HER2 receptora u nesitnoćelijskim karcinomima pluća (NSCLC) je najvi&scaron;e zastupljena u adenokarcinomu u odnosu na druge histolo&scaron;ke tipove. Identifikacija HER2 pozitivnih NSCLC omogućava određivanje grupe pacijenata koji bi bili kandidati za specifičnu terapiju. Problem predstavlja izbor metode detekcije HER2 receptora i nepostojanje utvrđenog protokola za očitavanje rezultata kao &scaron;to postoji kod karcinoma dojke i želuca. Osnovni ciljevi ove doktorske disertacije su bili: da se odredi učestalost povećane proteinske ekspresije HER2 receptora u adenokarcinomu pluća; da se uporede rezultati povećane proteinske ekspresije HER2 receptora dobijene kori&scaron;ćenjem HER2 antitela &bdquo;Hercep Test Dako&ldquo; i &bdquo;Ventana anti-HER2/neu (4B5)&ldquo; antitela; da se uporedi prisustvo amplifikacije HER2 gena pomoću in situ hibridizacije (ISH) (Dual IHC HER2 kit;Ventana Medical Systems) retestiranjem uzoraka kod kojih je povećana proteinska ekspresija HER2 receptora ocenjena sa 2+ i 3+ dobijena &bdquo;Hercep Test Dako&ldquo; sa prisustnom amplifikacijom HER2 gena na uzorcima koji su pomoću &bdquo;Ventana anti-HER2/neu (4B5)&ldquo; ocenjeni sa 2+ i 3+; da se uporedi učestalost povećane proteinske ekspresije HER2 receptora i prisustva HER2 genske amplifikacije kod različitih histolo&scaron;kih podtipova adenokarcinoma pluća; da se utvrdi da li je povećana proteinska ekspresija HER2 receptora u adenokarcinomu pluća i/ili prisustvo genske amplifikacije povezano sa demografskim (starost i pol pacijenta) parametrima, pu&scaron;ačkim statusom, pojavom metastaza u regionalnim limfnim čvorovima i udaljenim organima, infiltracijom pleure i okolnih struktura, odnosno stadijumom bolesti. Povećana proteinska ekspresija HER2 receptora u adenokarcinomu pluća iznosi 7,4% za Hercep Test Dako i 2,7% za Ventana anti-HER2/neu (4B5) antitelo. Kod pozitivne ekspresije slažu se u 2%, dok se kod negativne ekspresije slažu u 91,9% slučajeva, &scaron;to je ukupno 93,9%. Učestalost amplifikacije HER2 gena kod adenokarcinoma pluća je 17,6%, od toga je kod 2,7% slučajeva prisutna high grade amplifikacija. Postoji statistički značajna povezanost između povećane proteinske ekspresije HER2 receptora dobijene upotrebom HercepTest Dako i Ventana anti-HER2/neu (4B5) antitela i amplifikacije HER2 gena. Amplifikacija HER2 gena prisutna je kod 90,9% pacijenata sa povećanom proteinskom ekspresijom HER2 receptora koja se dobije upotrebom HercepTest Dako i kod 75% upotrebom Ventana anti-HER2/neu (4B5) antitela. Povećana proteinska ekspresija HER2 receptora dobijena pomoću HercepTest Dako i Ventana anti-HER2/neu (4B5) antitela je najče&scaron;ća kod solidnog predominantnog tipa adenokarcinoma u patolo&scaron;kom T2a deskriptoru i IB stadijumu i acinarnog predominantnog tipa adenokarcinoma u patolo&scaron;kom T1b deskriptoru i IA stadijumu. Amplifikacija HER2 gena je najče&scaron;ća kod solidnog a zatim kod acinarnog i papilarnog predominantnog tipa adenokarcinoma. Povećana proteinska ekspresija HER2 receptora dobijena pomoću HercepTest Dako i Ventana anti-HER2/neu (4B5) antitela i amplifikacija HER2 gena se najče&scaron;će javljaju kod mu&scaron;karaca, pu&scaron;ača, u starosnoj dobi od 61-70 godina, tumora veličine 31-50 mm, N0 i M0 statusu bolesti, bez prisustva tumorske infiltracije pleure i okolnih struktura.</p> / <p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Author>Tanja Lakic</o:Author> <o:Version>12.00</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> 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Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-qformat:yes;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;mso-para-margin-top:0cm;mso-para-margin-right:0cm;mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-para-margin-left:0cm;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}</style><![endif]--></p><p class="Default"><span style="font-size:11.5pt">Human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) is a member of the epidermal growth factor family having tyrosine kinase activity, which is directly linked to malignant cells proliferation, apoptosis inhibition, tumor angiogenesis and ability for invasion and metastasis. Increased protein expression of HER2 receptors can be the consequence of gene amplification and/or transcription changes. Expression of HER2 receptors in human tumors is associated with more aggressive behavior and worse prognosis. Incidence of increased protein expression of HER2 receptors in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLS) is mainly represented in adenocarcinoma, in comparison with other histological types. Identification of HER2 positive NSCLC enables determination of a group of patients who would be candidates for specific therapy. The problem occurs in choosing the method of detection of HER2 receptors and non-existence of determined protocol for reading the results, as the one ones which exist for breast and gastric carcinoma. The main objectives of this PhD dissertation were: to determine the incidence of increased protein expression of HER2 receptors in lung adenocarcinoma; to compare the results of the increased protein expression of HER2 receptors obtained by using HER2 antibodies &quot;HercepTest Dako&quot; and &quot;Ventana anti-HER2/neu (4B5)&quot; antibodies; to compare the presence of HER2 gene amplification by in situ hybridization (ISH) (Dual IHC HER2 kit: Ventana Medical Systems) by retesting the samples in which the increased protein expression of HER2 receptors was graded with 2+ and 3+, obtained by &quot;HercepTest Dako&quot; with present gene HER2 amplification on samples obtained by &quot;Ventana anti-HER2/neu (4B5) and graded with 2+ and 3+; to compare the incidence of increased protein expression of HER2 receptors and presence of HER2 gene amplification in different histological subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma; to determine if the increased protein expression of HER2 receptors in lung adenocarcinoma and/or presence of gene amplification is related to demographic (age and sex of the patient) parameters, smoking status, appearance of metastases in regional lymphatic nodes, distant organs, infiltration of pleura and surrounding structures, and stage of the disease. Increased protein expression of HER2 in lung adenocarcinoma is 7.4% for HercepTest Dako and 2.7% for Ventana anti-HER2/neu (4B5) antibody. In positive expression they are correlated in 2%, while in negative expression they are correlated in 91.9% cases, which is overall 93.9%. The incidence of HER2 gene amplification in lung adenocarcinoma is 17.6%, from that in 2.7% of the cases high grade amplification is present. There is a statistically significant correlation between increased protein expression of HER2 receptors obtained by use of HercepTest Dako and Ventana anti-HER2 /neu (4B5) antibody and amplification of HER2 genes. Amplification of HER2 genes is present in 90.9% of patients with increased protein expression of HER2 receptors, which is obtained by using HercepTest Dako and in 75% patients by using Ventana anti-HER2/neu (4B5) antibody. Increased protein expression of HER2 receptors obtained by HercepTest Dako and Ventana anti-Her2/neu (4B5) antibody is most common in solid predominant type of adenocarcinoma in pathological T2a descriptor and IB stadium and acinar predominant type of adenocarcinoma in pathological T1b descriptor and IA stadium. Amplification of HER2 genes is most common in solid, and then in acinar and papillary predominant type of adenocarcinoma. Increased protein expression of HER2 receptors obtained by HercepTest Dako and Ventana anti-HER2/neu (4B5) antibody and amplification of HER2 genes most commonly occurs in men, smokers, at the age of 61-70 years, tumor size 31-50 mm, NO and MO disease status, without presence of tumor infiltration of pleura and surrounding structures. </span></p>

BackgroundThe prompt seeking of medical care after the onset of symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndromes (ACS)/acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with the receipt of coronary reperfusion therapy, and effective cardiac medications in patients with an ACS/AMI and is crucial to reducing mortality and the risk of serious clinical complications in these patients. Despite declines in important hospital complications and short-term death rates in patients hospitalized with an ACS/AMI, several patient groups remain at increased risk for these adverse outcomes, including women and the elderly. However, recent trends in age and sex differences in extent of pre-hospital delay, hospital management practices, and short-term outcomes associated with ACS/AMI remain unexplored. The objectives of this study were to examine the overall magnitude, and changing trends therein, of age and sex differences in duration of pre-hospital delay (1986-2005), hospital management practices (1999-2007), and short-terms outcomes (1975-2005) in patients hospitalized with ACS/AMI. MethodsData from 13,663 residents of the Worcester, MA, metropolitan area hospitalized at all greater Worcester medical centers for AMI 15 biennial periods between 1975 and 2005 (Worcester Heart Attack Study), and from 50,096 patients hospitalized with an ACS in 106 medical centers in 14 countries participating in the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) between 2000 and 2007 were used for this investigation. Results In comparison with men years, patients in other age-sex strata exhibited significantly longer pre-hospital delay, with the exception of women < 65 years; had a significantly lower odds of receiving aspirin, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta blockers, statins, and undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and were significantly more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, cardiogenic shock, heart failure, and to die during hospitalization and in the first 30 days after admission. There was a significant interaction between age and sex in relation to the use of several medications and the development of several of these outcomes; in patients Conclusions Our results suggest that the elderly were more likely to experience longer prehospital delay, were less likely to be treated with evidence-based treatments during hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome, and were more likely to develop adverse outcomes compared to younger persons. Younger women were less likely to be treated with effective treatments and were more likely to develop adverse outcomes compared with younger men while there was no sex difference in these outcomes. Interventions targeted at older patients, in particular, are needed to encourage these high-risk patients to seek medical care promptly to maximize the benefits of currently available treatment modalities. More targeted treatment approaches during hospitalization for ACS/AMI for younger women and older patients are needed to improve their hospital prognosis.

To investigate differential item functioning or item bias of the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) and its impact on the drawing of valid comparisons with the RMI between subgroups of patients after stroke who differ with respect to age, sex, or side of lesion. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: A rehabilitation center in the Netherlands and 2 stroke rehabilitation units and the wider community in the United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS: The RMI was completed for patients undergoing rehabilitation after stroke (N=620; mean age +/- SD, 69.2+/-12.5y; 297 [48%] men; 269 [43%] right hemisphere lesion, and 304 [49%] left hemisphere lesion). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mokken scale analysis was used to investigate differential item functioning of the RMI between subgroups of patients who differed with respect to age (young vs older), sex (men vs women), and side of stroke lesion (right vs left hemisphere). RESULTS: No differential item functioning was found for any of the comparison subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: The RMI allows valid comparisons to be made between subgroups of patients undergoing rehabilitation after stroke who differ with respect to age, sex, or side of lesion.

To enable improved interpretation of the total score and faster scoring of the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) by studying item ordering or hierarchy and formulating start-and-stop rules in patients after stroke. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Rehabilitation center in the Netherlands; stroke rehabilitation units and the community in the United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS: Item hierarchy of the RMI was studied in an initial group of patients (n=620; mean age +/- SD, 69.2+/-12.5y; 297 [48%] men; 304 [49%] left hemisphere lesion, and 269 [43%] right hemisphere lesion), and the adequacy of the item hierarchy-based start-and-stop rules was checked in a second group of patients (n=237; mean age +/- SD, 60.0+/-11.3y; 139 [59%] men; 103 [44%] left hemisphere lesion, and 93 [39%] right hemisphere lesion) undergoing rehabilitation after stroke. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mokken scale analysis was used to investigate the fit of the double monotonicity model, indicating hierarchical item ordering. The percentages of patients with a difference between the RMI total score and the scores based on the start-and-stop rules were calculated to check the adequacy of these rules. RESULTS: The RMI had good fit of the double monotonicity model (coefficient H(T)=.87). The interpretation of the total score improved. Item hierarchy-based start-and-stop rules were formulated. The percentages of patients with a difference between the RMI total score and the score based on the recommended start-and-stop rules were 3% and 5%, respectively. Ten of the original 15 items had to be scored after applying the start-and-stop rules. CONCLUSIONS: Item hierarchy was established, enabling improved interpretation and faster scoring of the RMI.

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the positive values of masculinity and the role of a man in the prevention of HIV and AIDS and teenage pregnancy in order to develop a health education handbook for young Zulu men. The objectives of this study were to  identify expectations of a man of essence  describe the man’s role in the prevention of HIV and AIDS and teenage pregnancy  develop a health education handbook for young men in developing positive values of masculinity Continuing transmission of HIV and high teenage pregnancy causes concern about the effectiveness of risk reduction measures. Masculinity is associated with risky sexual behaviour. A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual study explored the positive values of masculinity and the role of a man of essence in the prevention of HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy. Semi-structured interviews with interview guides were conducted to collect data among Zulu men aged 18-24 years residing in Nquthu sub-district in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Twenty-one participants from three villages of Tribal Authority 8, namely villages 3, 7 and 9, were interviewed. Data were analyzed thematically and manually. Follow-up interviews were conducted with participants who had committed to a plan of action to prevent HIV infection and teenage pregnancy. The study found that a man of a kind embraced gender equality and the education of women; treated women well, and used traditional/cultural or religious and modern methods to prevent HIV and teenage pregnancy. According to social norms, the participants were expected to have sex with or without a condom. Social support came from parents, grandparents, teachers and health care workers. The participants appeared to lack role models; some preferred to buy condoms, and some used condoms inconsistently. Some experienced problems such as pressure to have sex or girlfriends. A contribution of this study was the development of a health education handbook for young men to develop into men of essence through positive values of masculinity and prevent HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy. / Health Studies / Ph. D. (Nursing)

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Gender differences in the basal function of autonomic cardiovascular control are well documented. Consistent baroreflex (BRx) studies suggest that women have higher tonic parasympathetic cardiac activation compared to men. Later in life and concomitant with menopause, a significant reduction in the capacity of the BRx in females increases their risk to develop hypertension, even exceeding that of age-matched males. Loss of sex hormones is but one factor. In female rats, we previously identified a distinct myelinated baroreceptor (BR) neuronal phenotype termed Ah-type, which exhibits functional dynamics and ionic currents that are a mix of those observed in barosensory afferents functionally identified as myelinated A-type or unmyelinated C-type. Interestingly, Ah-type afferents constitute nearly 50% of the total population of myelinated aortic BR in female but less than 2% in male rat. We hypothesized that an afferent basis for sexual dimorphism in BRx function exists. Specifically, we investigated the potential functional impact Ah-type afferents have upon the aortic BRx and what changes, if any, loss of sex hormones through ovariectomy brings upon such functions. We assessed electrophysiological and reflexogenic differences associated with the left aortic depressor nerve (ADN) from adult male, female, and ovariectomized female (OVX) Sprague-Dawley rats. Our results revealed sexually dimorphic conduction velocity (CV) profiles. A distinct, slower myelinated fiber volley was apparent in compound action potential (CAP) recordings from female aortic BR fibers, with an amplitude and CV not observed in males. Subsequent BRx studies demonstrated that females exhibited significantly greater BRx responses compared to males at myelinated-specific intensities. Ovariectomy induced an increased overall temporal dispersion in the CAP of OVX females that may have contributed to their attenuated BRx responses. Interestingly, the most significant changes in depressor dynamics occurred at electrical thresholds and frequencies most closely aligned with Ah-type BR fibers. Collectively, we provide evidence that, in females, two anatomically distinct myelinated afferent pathways contribute to the integrated BRx function, whereas in males only one exists. These functional differences may partly account for the enhanced control of blood pressure in females. Furthermore, Ah-type afferents may provide a neuromodulatory pathway uniquely associated with the hormonal regulation of BRx function.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Russian demographic statistics reflect the persistence of a dramatically wide gender gap in life expectancy and mortality over the last decades - about twice that found in the developed world. On average, men in Russia live 12 years less than Russian women, and 14.5 years less than men in Western Europe. This thesis provides an overview and synthesis of the most recently available literature that addresses the persistent gender gap in mortality and life expectancy in Russia. I reviewed the prevalent behavioral and social-structural drivers that explain the causes of higher male mortality in contemporary Russia. Especially, I looked at how the conceptualization of the male social role and related norms that shape masculine behavior contribute to high male mortality in Russia. The study reveals that men’s unhealthy, risky behavior and their higher vulnerability to stress are considered to be linked to their gendered social identity which is created and reproduced by the social-structural context of the Russia’s society.