Clinical Trials Still Fail to Analyze Data by Sex
Posted by on October 27, 2017 - 11:54am

Over the past two decades, there have been significant efforts to improve the participation of women in clinical trial research. However, a new report shows that even while women may be represented in clinical trials, the data obtained from both male and female study participants are rarely analyzed by sex [1].

The study conducted in collaboration by the University of Illinois at Chicago Center for Research on Women and Gender and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Women's Health Research, reviewed the results of 107 NIH-funded, randomized controlled trials published in 2015 which included both male and female participants. They found that 72% of clinical trials failed to analyze their data by sex, report any sex-specific outcomes of their work, nor provide an explanation as to why sex was excluded in their analyses. In addition, this represents an increase in the lack of sex-specific reporting from 67% in 2004 and 64% in 2009.

Failing to analyze clinical research data by sex has significant implications for both men and women. When clinical research data is analyzed by sex, it can identify key differences which impact health and disease, giving us the ability to design and develop individualized therapies or treatments. To encourage sex-based analyses, the study authors recommend that researchers have open discussions regarding the influences of sex and gender, call upon journals to improve publishing guidelines for sex-specific reporting, and a revision of NIH-grant scoring policies based on study design and analyses.

To learn more about sex-inclusive research visit sexinclusion.northwestern.edu or consider registering for the 2nd Annual Symposium on Sex Inclusion in Biomedical Research!

References:
1. Gellar et al. Acad Med. 2017 Oct 19. doi: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000002027. [Epub ahead of print].

High Blood Pressure May Lead to Increased Risk of Dementia in Women
Posted by on October 17, 2017 - 9:40am

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects about 75 million Americans – or approximately 1 out of every 3 adults [1]. It can be a serious health condition, as high blood pressure can increase the risk for cardiovascular and kidney disease. However, a new research suggests that women with high blood pressure early in life might be at risk for developing other health complications such as dementia [2].

A study published in the journal Neurology, examined the health records of over 5,600 men and women over a 50-year time period for evidence of high blood pressure in early- to mid-adulthood and a diagnosis of dementia after the age of 60. The authors found that women who developed high blood pressure in their 40s had a 73% higher risk of developing dementia later in life, compared to women with normal blood pressure. Interestingly, this increase in risk was sex-specific, as it was not seen in men.

While other research has shown that high blood pressure is a risk factor for developing dementia [reviewed in 3], this is the first study to demonstrate a significant sex-difference in dementia risk for women with high blood pressure at a young age. Additional research is needed to determine how high blood pressure, over the course of a lifespan, affects men and women differently.

References:
1. Centers for Disease Control
2. Gilsanz et al., Neurology. 2017 Oct 4. pii: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000004602.
3. Kennelly et al., Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2009 Jul; 2(4): 241–260.

Searle Center to Host STEMinist Event Series
Posted by on October 2, 2017 - 8:56am

The Northwestern University Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching is hosting a series of events this October which will discuss the social and cultural contexts which shape the experiences of women in male-dominated STEM fields. The 4-part series entitled, “Topics in STEMinism” will feature the following:

  • The Status of Women Scientists - October 4th, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
  • Preparing for and Navigating the Job Market - October 11th, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
  • Women in STEM Careers Panel – October 18th, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
  • Exploring Critical and/or Feminist STEM Teaching & Research – October 25th, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

The events will be held on the Evanston and Chicago campuses, and are also accessible online.   

Evanston Campus Location:
TGS Commons
2122 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60201

Chicago Campus Location:
TGS Abbott Hall Conference Room
Abbott Hall, Room 332, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611

For registration and additional information, click here.

Interested in more events for Women in STEM? The WHRI is hosting Coffee and Conversations with NU Faculty on October 18th and 26th. Click here to learn more!  

Sex Bias in Hearing Loss Studies
Posted by on September 25, 2017 - 9:41am

In our daily life, we are exposed to a variety of sounds from conversations in the workplace, to music on the radio, or the hum of traffic during our commute. Typically, these sounds are at a safe level for our hearing health. However, repeated exposure to loud noises from heavy machinery or using headphones at a high volume can lead to noise-induced hearing loss.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 40 million Americans between the ages of 20 - 69 suffer from noise induced hearing loss. Men are 2 to 5 times more likely to experience hearing loss than women, but this may be a direct result of gender differences in occupational noise exposure, where men are more likely to work in noisy environments like the military, industry, farming, or aviation [1-3]. This does not exclude the possibility that sex could also impact noise-induced hearing loss on a biological level.

A recent study published in the journal Noise & Health found that a sex bias exists in basic and preclinical research which examines noise-induced hearing loss. The authors reviewed 210 studies on noise-induced hearing loss and found that of the 154 studies (73%) which reported the sex of the animal, the majority (61%) used only male animals. Looking across the 5-year study period, sex bias worsened over time with male-only studies increasing from 37% in 2011 to 56% in 2015.

The authors suggest that sex inclusion in noise-induced hearing loss research is essential to improving hearing health and highlight opportunities where sex as a biological variable can be considered.

To learn more about sex inclusion in biomedical research visit sexinclusion.northwestern.edu.

For more information on hearing health, check out our newsletter on the topic!

References:
1. Lin et al., J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2011 May; 66A(5): 582–590.
2. Lie et al., Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2016; 89: 351–372.
3. West et al.,  Ear Hear. 2016;37(2):194-205.
4. Lauer and Schrode. Noise Health. 2017;19(90):207-212.

 

National Institutes of Health Seeks Feedback on Women’s Health Research
Posted by on September 18, 2017 - 8:30am

The National Institutes of Health has issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the Trans-NIH Strategic Plan for Research on Women’s Health. The Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) seeks input and suggestions from members of the basic, clinical, and translational research community as well as from advocacy and patient groups.

Specifically, the ORWH has asked for comments in the following areas:

  • What are some ways that the scope of each theme [Expand the Exploration of Sex as a Biological Variable (SABV) in NIH Research, A Multi-Dimensional Approach to the Science of Women's Health, and Quality of Life and Disease Burden over the Life-Course] might be expanded or more narrowly focused to address the most important areas in research on women’s health?
  • What topics would you recommend adding to the list of cross-cutting themes for research on women’s health?
  • What big idea or audacious goal to improve women's health should be pursued by the NIH?

Responses to the RFI must be less than 300 words and submitted by November, 11th 2017. To submit a response to the RFI click here.

To access the entire RFI and learn more about the Trans-NIH Strategic Plan for Research on Women’s Health, click here.  

CIHR Announces Sex-Based Funding Opportunity
Posted by on September 13, 2017 - 9:25am

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research announced that they will be accepting proposals for the Sex as a Variable in Biomedical Research Catalyst Grant. These grants will support novel research which includes sex as a biological variable in the following research areas:

  • Gender and Health
  • Aging 
  • Cancer Research
  • Circulatory and Respiratory Health 
  • Infection and Immunity 
  • Musculoskeletal Health

Applicants are encouraged to explore the role of sex in health and disease and/or develop new methods to study sex differences in biomedical research.

For more information on grant eligibility and guidelines, click here.

Upcoming Events for Chicago Women in STEMM
Posted by on August 30, 2017 - 10:56am

This fall, there are a lot of great events planned for women in STEMM throughout the Chicagoland area. To help you keep track, we've compiled a list of 5 upcoming events in September and October!

1. Women in Science Conference
When: September 18th – 19th
Where: Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 N. St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, IL
Sponsor/Host: Northeastern Illinois University and the Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative

Northeastern Illinois University and the Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative are hosting a Women in Science Conference in honor of the 150th anniversary of Marie Curie's birth and the 150th anniversary of Northeastern Illinois University. The two-day event will feature a series of lectures, discussions, and a screening of the film "Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge."

The event is free and open to the public. Registration and additional information can be found here. 

2. Gender Divide in Healthcare Professions
When: September 27th
Where: Rosalind Franklin University, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL
Sponsor/Host: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is hosting a day-long workshop to address gender barriers in healthcare fields. The event will feature interactive lectures and discussions.

The event is free and open to the public. CME credits are available. Registration and additional information can be found here.

3. Chicago Women in Bio – Third Annual Start-Up Challenge
When: September 28th, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Where: MATTER, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza (12th Floor), Chicago, IL
Sponsor/Host: Chicago Chapter for Women in Bio

The Chicago Chapter of Women in Bo is hosting their third annual Start-up Challenge which features finalists from women-led biotech companies. Participants will be able to network with local entrepreneurs and other women in STEM.

The event costs $15 for Women in Bio members and $45 for non-members. Click here to register. 

4. Coffee and Conversations at Northwestern University
When: October 18th and 26th
Where: Chicago and Evanston Campuses
Sponsor/Host: Women's Health Research Institute

Throughout the upcoming year, the WHRI will host several events for Northwestern University women in STEM. The events will feature engaging discussions with members of the Northwestern Community and provide networking and community-building opportunities.

The event is free and open to all NU students, post-docs, faculty, and staff. Registration for the events can be found below:
Coffee and Conversation with Dr. Jindan Yu (Chicago Campus) - October 18th, 3:30 - 4:30 PM Lurie Research Building, Searle Seminar Room
Coffee and Conversation with Dr. Yarrow Axford (Evanston Campus) - October 26th, 3:30 - 4:30 PM Tech, Cohen Commons Dining Room 

5. Insight to Innovation: Women in STEM Leadership Conference
When: October 27th Where: University of Chicago, Harper Court Conference Center, 1525 E. 53rd St., Chicago, IL
Sponsor/Host: University of Chicago Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The University of Chicago Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is hosting a day-long conference for women in STEM who are interested in exploring innovation opportunities for their research.

Female students, post-docs, and faculty are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is September 15th. Additional information can be found here. 

Scientific American’s Spotlight on Sex- and Gender-Based Research
Posted by on August 21, 2017 - 10:06am

One of the country's most popular and long-standing science magazines, Scientific American, is dedicating an entire issue to the topic of sex and gender. The September issue, which is currently available on newsstands and on-line, features various articles on gender myths, biological determinants of sex, and the importance of sex- and gender-based research.

Prominently featured on the cover is the saying, "It's Not a Woman's Issue: Everybody has a stake in the new science of sex and gender." While longtime supporters of the WHRI may argue that the science of sex and gender is not exactly new, the dialogue this issue creates is profound.

In an introductory piece, the editors of the magazine echo our sentiments stating, "More energy must be devoted as well to researching how diseases affect the sexes differently—and to adapting medical treatments to women's needs [1]." The WHRI applauds Scientific American for promoting sex- and gender-inclusive research and encourages investigators to heed this call to action!

References:
1. "This is Not a Women's Issue." Scientific American. Sept. 2017: 30-31.

California Leading the Way in Preventing Maternal Deaths
Posted by on August 15, 2017 - 8:46am

In the last two decades, the US has seen a rise in the number of women dying from childbirth, an opposing trend from the majority of other countries in the developed and developing world who have seen their numbers decline.

While the US has not released an official rate since 2007, a recent study reports that the number of maternal deaths, defined as occurring during pregnancy or within 42 days of birth, has increased from 19 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 24 per 100,000 in 2014, an increase of over 25%. Furthermore, the CDC estimates that a majority of these deaths are preventable.

As a response to this trend, concerned medical professionals in California formed the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC) in hopes of preventing maternal deaths. The CMQCC first gathered data to determine the most common causes of maternal death, which informed the development of training programs and guidelines attempting to address those causes.

One of the leading causes of maternal death found in the CMQCC's research was hemorrhage, which led them to develop a program to help doctors decrease the number of medically unnecessary C-sections they perform. C-sections can sometimes lead to hemorrhage, especially in mothers who have undergone the procedure before. Aspects of this program include step-by-step guidelines on how to prepare for and directly treat hemorrhage as well as how to effectively measure blood-loss.

CMQCC programs, like the one addressing hemorrhage, have been implemented across the state, garnering impressive results. As a result of these efforts, the maternal death rate in California was cut in half between 2006 and 2013, falling to 7.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, a third of the nation-wide rate reported the next year. These results are even evident in underserved areas of the state that see the women most vulnerable to maternal death.

To read more about the maternal death rate in California and the US, explore the references below:

About the author: 
Madison Lyleroehr earned her M.A. degree in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago, where she focused on Sociology and qualitative research methods. She is currently a Research Study Coordinator in the Feinberg School of Medicine's department of Medical Social Sciences where she oversees studies focused primarily on patient-reported outcomes. Her passion for women's health has driven her various volunteer and advocacy efforts, addressing issues in reproductive health, sexual health and education, and sexual violence prevention.

Women Are Taking Strides Towards Healthy Living
Posted by on August 9, 2017 - 3:44pm

A recent study published by the Centers for Disease Control found that women are more likely to use walking as a form of leisure, exercise, or transportation, compared to men [1]. The study analyzed survey data from 75,000 individuals across the United States between the years 2005 and 2015. They found that while the number of both male and female walkers significantly increased between 2005 and 2015, women were outpacing men by several percentage points.

Walking is an excellent way to stay in shape, as it is one of the safest, convenient, and affordable forms of physical activity. The study authors suggest that walking should be encouraged, especially amongst women, since only 47% of women in the U.S. meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity [2].

With the surge of new health technologies such as wearable fitness trackers or mobile phones with built-in health apps, it is incredibly easy to track physical activity. Some reports suggest that aiming for 10,000 steps a day is ideal, although that may change based on your age and health status [3-4]. So, get walking! 

For more tips on how to incorporate walking into your daily routine, visit the following resources:

References:
1. Ussery et al., MMWR. 2017; 66(25);657–662.
2. Center for Disease Control 
3. Tudor-Locke & Bassett. Sports Med. 2004;34(1):1-8.
4. Schneider et al., Am J Health Promot. 2006;21(2):85-9.

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