2D:4D Ratio and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Brunei Darussalam

Comparative morphometric analyses of the 2:4 finger ratio and nasal structure in young adults

The 2:4 finger ratio (2D:4D ratio) refers to the length ratio of the second to the fourth finger of the hand. Studies on the 2D:4D ratio have long established that this ratio tends to be lower in males than in females. Our study aims to investigate the correlation between the 2.4 finger ratio and nasal structure among young adults aged 18-25 through detailed morphometric analysis. The study was conducted on 205 students (Female:127, Male:78) aged between 18 and 25 years studying at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Faculty of Medicine. Morphometric measurements of the hand and nose were also measured and recorded by the same researcher. The volunteers were divided into eight groups for age and four groups for BMI. Statistical analysis was performed and p < 0.05 was considered significant. The evaluation revealed significant differences between sexes and the 2D:4D ratio. While no significant relationship was found between age and the 2D:4D ratio, correlations were present with some nasal parameters. A significant relationship was found between the BMI and the right hand 2D:4D ratio (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between the BMI and certain nasal parameters. Furthermore, significant relationships were identified between the 2D:4D ratio and certain nasal parameters (p < 0.05). The data obtained from our study will contribute to the understanding of nasal development, sex determination in forensic medicine, and the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies related to the nose. Additionally, it will assist clinicians involved in planning any nasal operations in describing anatomical points related to this region.

Investigating the correlation between 2D:4D finger digit ratios and attention gathering skills of 60-72 month-old children

BACKGROUND

Digit ratio 2D:4D is used to follow children's development process and examine behaviours and abilities.

AIM

The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between the 2D:4D digit ratios of 60-72 month-old children and their attention gathering skills, as well as whether the 2D:4D digit ratio and attention gathering skills of children differ based on independent variables.

METHOD

The sample of the study, designed in the correlational survey model, consisted of a total of 112 children aged 60-72 months who were attending preschool education in Malatya province in Turkey. The data were analysed using SPSS packaged software.

RESULTS

It was determined that there was a positive low significant correlation between attention gathering skills and the right hand 2D:4D digit ratio in 60-72 month-old children. In addition to, no significant difference was found between the children's FTF-K scores and the right hand 2D:4D digit ratio in terms of the variable of mother's status of exercising, but there was a significant difference between their FTF-K scores and the left hand 2D:4D digit ratio in terms of the variable of the mother's status of exercising.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the study demonstrate the importance of the study for revealing clues about children's attention gathering/concentration levels from their early periods, and promoting their attention gathering skills and generally their cognitive development.

Prenatal oestrogen-testosterone balance as a risk factor of migraine in adults

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a common neurological disease with extremely debilitating, but fully reversible symptoms. Women suffer from migraine more often than men. It was assumed that fluctuation of oestrogen level during menstrual cycle is one of many factors responsible for more frequent migraine attacks. The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is considered as an indicator of prenatal sex steroids. Balance of prenatal androgens (testosterone) and oestrogen has been studied in numerous diseases that are affected by hormones. However, the relationship between migraine and the sex steroids balance in prenatal development is still unexplained. The aim of this paper is to provide an evidence of relationship between prenatal oestrogen and testosterone exposure following 2D:4D digit ratio, and migraine prevalence in adults.

METHODS

We examined a group of 151 adults (33 males, 118 females) with migraine and a control group of 111 adults (45 males, 66 females). 2D:4D digit ratio of both hands was measured using sliding Vernier calliper.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found in the right hand. Female migraineurs had lower value of 2D:4D ratio than the control group and the right 2D:4D was lower than left 2D:4D (Δ2D:4D), suggesting prenatal testosterone dominance. The opposite relationship was observed in males. Male migraineurs had higher value of 2D:4D ratio and Δ2D:4D was greater than the control group, suggesting prenatal oestrogen dominance.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that depending on sex, different proportion of prenatal sex steroids might be a risk factor of migraine in adults. Women with migraine were presumably exposed in prenatal life to higher testosterone levels relative to oestrogen, while men with migraine were probably exposed in prenatal life to higher levels of oestrogen relative to testosterone.