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Zhang Y, Cao R, Li W, Fu H, Zhu J, Xu X, Wang R, Peng Z, Fu L. An Association Between Left-Hand Digit Ratio (2D:4D) and Anthropometric Indexes in Chinese Children and Adolescents Aged 8-15 Years in Bengbu City. Am J Hum Biol 2024:e24160. [PMID: 39327642 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The digit ratio (2D:4D) is a possible marker of prenatal hormone exposure. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between digit ratio (2D:4D) and anthropometric indexes in Chinese children and adolescents. METHODS This study is a cross-sectional study. A school-based survey among 685 children and adolescents aged 8-15 years were conducted by stratified cluster sampling. The length of index finger (2D) and ring finger (4D) of the left hand, height, sitting height (ST), weight, chest circumference (CC), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and abdominal skinfold thickness (AST) were measured. Pearson correlation and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze associations between 2D:4D and above indexes. RESULTS In girls, 2D:4D was positively related to WC, AST, waist-to-height (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) after adjusting for ages (p < 0.05). The WC, AST, WHtR, and WHR among girls with 2D:4D ≥ 1 were significantly higher than those among girls with 2D:4D < 1, respectively (p < 0.05). However, there was no correlations between digit ratio (2D:4D) and above anthropometric indexes in boys (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The 2D:4D was related to anthropometric indexes in girls, which suggests that the maternal prenatal hormone exposure might be related to the anthropometric indexes of their female offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Zhang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Ruiyao Cao
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Wenxiu Li
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Han Fu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Jiamin Zhu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Xuemo Xu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Ziyu Peng
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Lianguo Fu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
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Horn L, Windhager S, Juricka N, Bugnyar T, Massen JJM, Markova G. Investigating the effects of prenatal testosterone exposure (via 2D:4D) and socio-relational factors on 3-6-year-old preschoolers' prosocial choices. Early Hum Dev 2024; 195:106055. [PMID: 38875940 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2024.106055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Prosocial behavior such as helping and sharing develops early in childhood. Yet very few studies have investigated physiological and relational factors shaping prosociality among children. Here, we systematically examined the role of prenatal androgen exposure alongside prestige, dominance, and friendship in 3-6-year-old preschoolers' prosocial sharing with familiar peers. METHODS We tested a sample of 65 children, predominately of European descent. We used a cost-free direct-interaction prosocial choice task to assess children's prosocial tendencies. Second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) was used as a retrospective biomarker for prenatal androgen exposure. Prestige was measured through behavioral observations of interaction partners and visual regard, dominance through teacher questionnaires, and friendship via peer preference assessments. RESULTS We found that children acted prosocially when tested with a familiar peer. Children with lower 2D:4D (higher prenatal androgen exposure) behaved more prosocially. Further, there were marginal associations between the donors' prosocial tendencies and their visual regard as a proxy of their prestige (positive effect) and their teacher-rated dominance relative to the recipient (negative effect). Neither age, sex, nor friendship influenced prosocial choices. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal androgen exposure, approximated via 2D:4D, was associated with prosocial behavior. In contrast to previous research in older children, higher exposure was related to stronger prosocial tendencies, which corresponds to earlier findings on fairness in adults. Our findings point towards a potential role of sex steroids in the early development of children's social behavior, but they have to be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size of the current study. Nevertheless, they underscore the importance of integrating biological and psychological perspectives, while also highlighting the significance of studying the development of prosocial behavior within peer groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Horn
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Sonja Windhager
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Human Evolution and Archaeological Sciences (HEAS), University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Nina Juricka
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Bugnyar
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Jorg J M Massen
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Gabriela Markova
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1010 Vienna, Austria.
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Kozieł S, Konarski JM, Konarska A, Huechert J, Ignasiak Z, Chakraborty R. The change in handgrip strength, after physical exercise, is moderated by digit ratio (2D:4D): A study among the young adults in Poland. Am J Hum Biol 2024:e24078. [PMID: 38576074 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The digit ratio (2D:4D), the ratio of the lengths of second (2D) to the fourth (4D) fingers, is a proxy indicator of prenatal androgen exposure. On average, males display lower 2D:4D than females. Previous studies have shown that lower 2D:4D ratios were associated with better sports and physical abilities. AIM To assess whether a challenge condition, imposed by intense exercise, could increase handgrip strength (HGS) associated with 2D:4D. METHODS This cross-sectional experimental study included 90 healthy young Polish adults (40 males, 50 females). They underwent intense physical exercise, before (7 days) and after which they were measured for HGS and 2D:4D. Height and weight were also measured. Analyses of Covariance were employed to delineate associations. RESULTS 2D:4D had significant predictive effects on the differences in HGS (DHGS) measured in two occasions, without and after, physical exercises. The lower was the 2D:4D, the higher the DHGS, particularly, for the left hand. CONCLUSION The results reconfirmed that the link between prenatal testosterone exposure (indicated by 2D:4D) and physical strength depends on the context, such as a challenged condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sławomir Kozieł
- Department of Anthropology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jan M Konarski
- Department of Theory of Sports, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Agata Konarska
- Department of Physiotherapy, Stanisław Staszic University of Applied Science, Piła, Poland
| | - Joanna Huechert
- Department of Anthropology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Zofia Ignasiak
- Faculty of Physical Education, University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Raja Chakraborty
- Department of Anthropology and Tribal Studies, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia, West Bengal, India
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Kaur P, Mittal P, Kaur H, Kiran J, Singh S, Medhi R. Gender Determination Using Index and Ring Finger Linear Measurements in North Indian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e54459. [PMID: 38510912 PMCID: PMC10953610 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the fields of medico-legal matters and bio-archaeological settings, gender evaluation plays a pivotal role in the initial stages of human identification. Approximately half of the population at risk is excluded when gender is determined, making it the most essential factor for identification. When it comes to medico-legal matters and bio-archaeological settings, gender evaluation is a crucial initial step in human identification. Traditional gender determination procedures, such as skull and pelvic analysis, may be hindered by fragmentary human remains that have been degraded by various forms of inhumation or physical assaults. AIM To investigate sexual dimorphism, this study examined the ratio of index finger length to ring finger length. MATERIALS AND METHOD The lengths of the index and ring fingers were measured and the ratios between them were calculated for both hands separately. Applications of IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 16.0 (Released 2007; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) included Student's t-test and Levene's test. RESULTS According to the study, women's index finger-to-ring finger length ratios were much longer than men's. The ratio of index finger to ring finger length was significantly different between the sexes on both sides of the hand (p<0.001). In terms of the right hand, the threshold value was 0.9666 for men and 0.9952 for females, while in terms of the left hand, the values were 0.9638 and 0.9920, respectively. CONCLUSION With an advancing front in this arena on gender determination, the use of digits has become an additional source of support to physical anthropologists for bio-archaeological surveys and to forensic experts for use in medico-legal investigations for fragmentary remains received during investigatory trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhpreet Kaur
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Genesis Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Firozpur, IND
| | - Pratham Mittal
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Genesis Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Firozpur, IND
| | - Harleen Kaur
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Genesis Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Firozpur, IND
| | - Jyoti Kiran
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dantya Clinic Dental & Cosmetic, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Simarjeev Singh
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Gian Sagar Dental College and Hospital, Patiala, IND
| | - Reeturaj Medhi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Vyas Dental College and Hospital, Jodhpur, IND
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García-Mendoza LJ, Calderón-Garcidueñas AL, Ruiz-Ramos R, Carvajal-Zarrabal O, Denis-Rodríguez PB, Bolívar-Duarte LM, López-Amador N. Diminished Anthropometric Measures and Other Associated Variables in a Sample of Violent Offenders: A Case-Control Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e53475. [PMID: 38440024 PMCID: PMC10909760 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Predicting criminal behavior is a complex task due to its multidimensional nature. Nevertheless, health professionals and criminologists must consider individual criminogenic risk factors to provide reliable expert opinions. Physical traits have been a subject of scrutiny since the inception of biological positivism. Aim The main objective of this study is to analyze differences in individual characteristics between violent offenders and healthy volunteers to potentially identify predictors of criminal behavior. Methods We conducted a case-control study with a sample of inmates convicted of violent offenses and compared them to healthy volunteers. Anthropometrics, sociodemographic data, drug consumption, characteristics of the family nucleus, clinical background, and basic laboratory test results were collected. Quantitative data were tested for normality and homogeneity before applying the Mann-Whitney or T-Student tests, respectively. For categorical data, Pearson's chi-square test was used for associations, and the odds ratio was determined for the associated risk in drug abuse profiles. Results Among the male participants (N = 72), the inmate group (n = 41) showed significantly lower stature (mean height [m]: 1.7454 ± 0.0694 vs 1.6643 ± 0.0659, p < 0.001), a reduced left D2:D4 finger length ratio (mean ratio [cm]: 0.9638 ± 0.0572 vs 0.9380 ± 0.068cm, p < 0.05), and smaller anthropometric measurements, including armful (mean length [m]: 1.8080 ± 0.7690 vs 1.6582 ± 0.7250, p < 0.001), wrist (mean [cm]: 17.39 ± 1.10 vs 16.57 ± 1.84, p < 0.05), mid-upper arm (mean [cm]: 31.75 ± 3.79 vs 29.97 ± 3.79, p < 0.05), and head circumferences (mean [cm]: 58.43 ± 1.92 vs 55.39 ± 1.51, p < 0.001). Additionally, the inmate group exhibited shorter lower segments (mean [cm]: 102.67 ± 4.97 vs. 97.85 ± 5.04, p < 0.001) and plantar lengths (mean [cm]: 27.45 ± 1.25 vs. 26.78 ± 1.00, p < 0.05). Furthermore, this group displayed a higher risk of alcohol (OR = 4.4, p < 0.01), cocaine (OR = 3.36, p < 0.05), and benzodiazepine consumption (OR = 3.36, p < 0.05). Parental alcohol consumption (χ² = 12.66, p < 0.01) and the practice of Protestantism (χ² = 20.087, p < 0.001) were also associated with the inmate group. Conclusion Physical traits may be considered potential criminogenic risk factors, but larger studies are necessary to validate these findings. Future research should take into account physiological and psychological correlates to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between physical traits and criminal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J García-Mendoza
- Master's Degree Program in Forensic Medicine (SNP-CONAHCYT), University of Veracruz, Boca del Río, MEX
| | | | - Ruben Ruiz-Ramos
- Faculty of Medicine (Veracruz), University of Veracruz, Veracruz, MEX
| | | | | | | | - Noé López-Amador
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Veracruz, Boca del Río, MEX
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Sorokowski P, Kowal M. Relationship between the 2D:4D and prenatal testosterone, adult level testosterone, and testosterone change: Meta-analysis of 54 studies. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 183:20-38. [PMID: 37795916 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
The ratio between the hands' second to the fourth finger (2D:4D) is commonly hypothesized to result from prenatal testosterone. The 2D:4D has also been hypothesized to relate to adult-level testosterone and, more recently, to the testosterone response to a challenging situation. In the present work, we tested these core assumptions. Drawing from, in total, 54 studies and 8077 participants, we investigated whether the 2D:4D is related to adult level testosterone (44 studies), testosterone change (6 studies), and prenatal testosterone (10 studies). We found no evidence of the relationship between the above testosterone types and digit ratios. Furthermore, there was no relationship between testosterone and the right and left 2D:4D, male and female 2D:4D, and the 2D:4D and testosterone measurement (i.e., measured in blood or saliva). However, we found some evidence that prenatal testosterone measured in amniotic fluid (but not cord blood) might be related to the digit ratios-further studies are necessary to validate this observation. In summary, considering the current state of knowledge, any conclusions drawn from the assumption of the digit ratios as the proxy for testosterone (prenatal, adult level, or testosterone change under a challenging situation) warrant great caution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Kowal
- IDN Being Human Lab, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
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Aslan Genç H, Özcan Morey A. Lower digit length ratio and aggression in adolescents and young adults with boxer's fracture: A case-control study. Aggress Behav 2023; 49:679-686. [PMID: 37467363 DOI: 10.1002/ab.22106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence shows that a lower second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), which is a sexually dimorphic trait and the indicator of prenatal testosterone exposure, may be associated with aggressive behaviors. In this cross-sectional, case-control study, we investigated: (1) Are the aggression and impulsivity levels and emotional problems higher? (2) Is the 2D:4D ratio lower in adolescents and young adults who presented with a fifth metacarpal neck fracture (boxer's fracture) compared to controls? (3) Is the digit ratio correlated with aggressive measures in individuals with a fifth metacarpal neck fracture? Seventy-one consecutive patients presented with a fifth metacarpal neck fracture within the age range of 11-25 years old comprised the study group. The control group consisted of 71 age and sex-matched subjects without a history of aggression-related injury. The aggression, impulsiveness, and psychosocial well-being were measured by self-reported questionnaires. 2D:4D was measured by conventional radiography. The 2D:4D ratio was similar between groups, however, when the analyses were conducted separately for sex, females in the study group showed lower 2D:4D than females in the control group (p = 0.001). The aggression level of the study group, measured by the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire was higher than the control group (p = 0.014). The impulsiveness scores on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 were similar (p = 0.60) and the total difficulty score on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was higher in the study group (p = 0.009). A lower 2D:4D ratio significantly predicted verbal and total aggression scores (p = 0.036, p = 0.032, respectively). Our findings suggest that females with a history of aggression-related injury have lower 2D:4D, and a lower 2D:4D is correlated with higher aggression levels in both sexes. Understanding and addressing aggression in these patients may help prevent further self-inflicted injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herdem Aslan Genç
- Department of Psychiatry, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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Massimino S, Rinella S, Guerrera CS, Di Corrado D, Astuto R, Sorbello A, Reina F, Perciavalle V, Buscemi A, Coco M. Self-Efficacy and the Digit Ratio in a Group of Sports University Students. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2023; 8:97. [PMID: 37489310 PMCID: PMC10366832 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk8030097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-efficacy is one's awareness of being able to cope optimally with different situations. Perceived self-efficacy is a belief that closely involves emotional and personological functioning. In fact, when one perceives oneself as capable, the likelihood of success increases significantly. The aim of this research was to verify a possible correlation between self-efficacy and the Digit Ratio (2D:4D), referred to as prenatal androgen levels, and whether these correlate with some psychological variables, considering possible gender differences. This study involved 56 sports university students, whose 2D:4D ratio was calculated. Moreover, self-assessment questionnaires: the Self-efficacy Scale (SES), the Big Five Questionnaire-2 (BFQ-2), the Profile of Mood State (POMS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y (STAI-Y) and the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) were administered. The data show that the perceived levels of self-efficacy seem to be influenced by an innate predisposition linked to prenatal androgen values to which the subjects were exposed during uterine life (2D:4D). This negative correlation indicates that the higher the value of the digit ratio, the more likely it is that the level of perceived self-efficacy will be lower. Finally, the degree of perceived self-efficacy also seems to depend on the levels of subjective anxiety, understood both as a personological disposition and a contingent condition, and the latter also seems to be influenced by prenatal androgen levels, particularly in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Massimino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Sergio Rinella
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Romina Astuto
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Alessia Sorbello
- Department of Sport Sciences, Kore University, 94100 Enna, Italy
| | - Francesca Reina
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Buscemi
- Study Center of Italian Osteopathy and Horus Social Cooperative, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Marinella Coco
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
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Pickering GJ, Anger N, Baird J, Dale G, Tattersall GJ. Use of crowdsourced images for determining 2D:4D and relationship to pro-environmental variables. Acta Ethol 2022; 25:165-178. [PMID: 36097527 PMCID: PMC9452876 DOI: 10.1007/s10211-022-00401-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The primary purpose of this study was to examine whether 2D:4D ratios (a putative measure of prenatal androgen exposure) could be determined using participant-submitted hand images. The secondary purpose was to examine whether 2D:4D ratio was associated with pro-environmental behaviors, attitudes, and empathy, given the recent literature linking sex to environmental attitudes and actions. Participants (N = 1065) were asked via an online survey to submit a clear photograph of their right hand, palm side up. Participants also completed a questionnaire to assess (a) demographics, (b) dispositional empathy, and (c) environmental attitudes and behavior. A 2D:4D ratio was calculated for each participant, and the quality of each image was classified as poor, moderate, or good. We then examined the reliability of the 2D:4D image measurements, and the relationship between 2D:4D and our environmental measures. 2D:4D ratios fell somewhat outside of previously reported ranges, but the measurements did show acceptable intra-rater consistency. Although we did not find a sex difference in 2D:4D, we did find a sex by ratio interaction for both empathy and the number of pro-environmental behaviors in which individuals had engaged. Specifically, as 2D:4D ratio increased, males reported lower empathy and less engagement in pro-environmental behaviors, whereas females reported more engagement in pro-environmental behaviors (but no differences in empathy). These findings were contrary to expectations, as we anticipated that greater digit ratios (i.e., feminized) would be associated with greater empathy and pro-environmental behaviors. Overall, the findings of this study present a preliminary examination of the utility of measuring digit ratio with online samples. Furthermore, our results provide information regarding the complex relationship between sex and pro-environmental behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary J. Pickering
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1 Canada
- Psychology Department, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
- Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
- Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Nicholas Anger
- Centre for Digital Humanities, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
| | - Julia Baird
- Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
- Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
- Department of Geography and Tourism Studies, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
| | - Gillian Dale
- Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
| | - Glenn J. Tattersall
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1 Canada
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2D:4D digit ratio and its relationship to BMI, sporting choices and physiological predispositions among women. ANTHROPOLOGICAL REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.18778/1898-6773.85.2.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2D:4D digit ratio has been established as a biomarker of the level of exposure to prenatal sex hormones’ balancebetween prenatal testosterone (PT) and estrogenne levels. Higher 2D:4D indicates lower PT exposure and vice versa. Data suggests that PT exposure is linked to a risk-taking attitude and physical aggressiveness, both of which are requirements in contact sport. A possible correlation between 2D:4D and human body mass index has also been identified. The aim of the study was to examine the relation between 2D:4D ratio and choice of sport. It was assumed that female soccer players who choose a contact sport would have a lower 2D:4D ratio (thus experiencing higher exposure to PT) than female volleyball players (selecting non-contact sport). The analysis was also aimed at identifying whether a correlation between prenatal testosterone level and BMI exists. The participant sample consisted of 103 women – 36 volleyball players, 33 soccer players and a control group (N=34). Measurements were collected in 2019–2020. The results suggest that 2D:4D was significantly different in women practicing various sports (contact and non-contact sports). Women engaged in contact sports had lower 2D:4D than women engaged in non-contact sports, and vice versa (p<0.05). 2D:4D correlated positively with BMI and body weight – the higher the 2D:4D ratio, the higher the BMI and body weight (and vice versa) (p<0.05). Low 2D:4D (high PT exposure) may predict the choice of more risky, aggressive contact sports, and vice versa. High 2D:4D may predict a higher BMI and body weight, and vice versa.
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Otterbring T, Elbæk CT, Lu C. Can Digit Ratio and Gender Identity Predict Preferences for Consumption Options With a Distinct Gender Image? Front Psychol 2022; 13:923709. [PMID: 35756313 PMCID: PMC9220292 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.923709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated whether individuals' preferences for masculine (vs. feminine) consumption options could be predicted by a biological sex cue (the 2D:4D digit ratio; a biomarker linked to prenatal testosterone exposure), and a psychological gender cue (self-perceived gender identity). Chinese participants (N = 216) indicated their preferences for a series of binary options that differed in their perceived gender image (e.g., romantic comedy vs. action thriller; pop music vs. hard rock), with one of the options evaluated as relatively more feminine and the other viewed as comparably more masculine. Participants also self-reported their gender identity and the length of their index and ring fingers, which was used to calculate their 2D:4D digit ratios. A low (male-typical) digit ratio and a masculine gender identity were both associated with more masculine preferences, regardless of participants' biological sex. However, a low digit ratio predicted preferences for masculine consumption options only in female participants with a masculine gender identity, but not in those with a feminine gender identity. These findings add to the literature on whether and when biological sex cues and psychological gender cues can predict preferences for options with a distinct gender image and suggest that the connection between these cues is more complex in women than in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Otterbring
- Department of Management, School of Business and Law, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
- Institute of Retail Economics, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Chaoren Lu
- Kunming Academy of Governance, Kunming, China
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12
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Jahnke S, Schmidt AF, Klöckner A, Hoyer J. Neurodevelopmental Differences, Pedohebephilia, and Sexual Offending: Findings from Two Online Surveys. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:849-866. [PMID: 34993718 PMCID: PMC8888371 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02228-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The neurodevelopmental theory of pedohebephilia states that sexual interests in children arise from early neurodevelopmental perturbations, as, for example, evidenced by increased non-right-handedness, more childhood head injuries, and reduced intelligence and height. As corroborating evidence largely rests on samples of convicted men, we conducted online surveys among German-speaking (Study 1, N = 199) and English-speaking men (Study 2, N = 632), specifically targeting community members with pedohebephilic or teleiophilic interests. Although we detected theoretically meaningful sexual interest patterns in an embedded viewing time task, we could not detect expected neurodevelopmental differences between teleiophilic and pedohebephilic men in either of the two studies. Strikingly, pedohebephilic men who reported convictions for sexual offenses emerged as shorter and less intelligent than pedohebephilic men without convictions in Study 2. While elucidating possible third variable confounds, results have to be interpreted cautiously because of the methodological problems inherent to non-matched case control designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jahnke
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Bergen, 5020, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Alexander F Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, Social & Legal Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andrea Klöckner
- Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hoyer
- Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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13
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Bäck N, Schaefer K, Windhager S. Handgrip strength and 2D : 4D in women: homogeneous samples challenge the (apparent) gender paradox. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20212328. [PMID: 34875193 PMCID: PMC8651413 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.2328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The length ratio between the second and the fourth digit (2D : 4D) is a retrospective, non-invasive biomarker for prenatal androgen exposure. It was found to be negatively correlated with handgrip strength (HGS) in men, but the evidence for women is mixed. Such studies in women call for increased detection sensitivity. The present study was designed to reduce potential confounding factors, especially age and ethnicity variation. We measured the digit ratios and HGS of 125 healthy women between 19 and 31 years of age from a remote region in Austria. 2D : 4D of both hands was significantly and negatively correlated with HGS (n = 125, right hand: r = -0.255, p = 0.002, left hand: r = -0.206, p = 0.011). Size, direction and significance of correlation coefficients remained stable when statistically controlling for age, body weight, body height, body mass index or hours of exercise per week. This yields theory-consistent evidence that HGS and 2D : 4D are clearly associated in women-when sufficiently reducing genetic variation (confounding 2D : 4D), the ontogenetic environment and age ranges (confounding HGS) in the study population. This finding implies similar organizing effects of prenatal androgens as in men, pointing to a more parsimonious developmental mechanism and a new look into its proximate and ultimate causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Bäck
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katrin Schaefer
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Human Evolution and Archaeological Sciences (HEAS), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Windhager
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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14
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Kyselicová K, Belica I, Vidošovičová M, Janšáková K, Neščáková E, Špajdel M, Navarová S, Ostatníková D. Autism spectrum disorder and new perspectives on the reliability of second to fourth digit ratio. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:e22122. [PMID: 33942898 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is according to previous studies a likely biomarker for prenatal testosterone exposure and its effect on the human brain. It was found to be linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Recently, 2D:4D raised a lot of questions with regard to its stability and autism-related behaviors. Here, we present a cross-sectional study of 2D:4D in boys (N = 91, mean age 7.63) and adults (N = 36 mean age 22.8) with ASD as well as neurotypical students, 506 participants in total. Digit ratio was assessed by taking measurements from digital scans, compared between groups and correlated with the autism quotient. Significant differences were found in the digit ratio of children and adults. Both girls and boys had 2D:4D ratio lower than women and men, both on the right (p = 0.000 in females, p = 0.000 in males) and left hand (p = 0.018 in females, p = 0.011 in males). No significant differences were found in digit ratios between neurotypical subjects and those with ASD nor was there a relationship with the reported autistic traits, which leads us to question the reliability of 2D:4D and its relation to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Kyselicová
- Institute of Physiology, Academic Research Center for Autism, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ivan Belica
- Institute of Physiology, Academic Research Center for Autism, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mária Vidošovičová
- Institute of Physiology, Academic Research Center for Autism, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarína Janšáková
- Institute of Physiology, Academic Research Center for Autism, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Eva Neščáková
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marián Špajdel
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy and Arts, Trnava University, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Simona Navarová
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy and Arts, Trnava University, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Ostatníková
- Institute of Physiology, Academic Research Center for Autism, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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15
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Nave G, Koppin CM, Manfredi D, Richards G, Watson SJ, Geffner ME, Yong JE, Kim R, Ross HM, Serrano-Gonzalez M, Kim MS. No evidence for a difference in 2D:4D ratio between youth with elevated prenatal androgen exposure due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia and controls. Horm Behav 2021; 128:104908. [PMID: 33279508 PMCID: PMC8591085 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) has been associated with sexual dimorphism, with a lower 2D:4D in males. A large body of research has relied on the 2D:4D as a proxy for prenatal androgen exposure, and includes reports of relationships between 2D:4D and a wide range of human traits. Here, we examine the validity of the 2D:4D proxy by studying the association between 2D:4D and classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, a condition characterized by excessive prenatal exposure to androgens during most of the gestational period. To this end, we retrospectively examine 513 serial radiographs of the left hand obtained clinically in 90 youth with classical CAH (45 female) and 70 control youth (31 female). Replicating previous reports, we observe associations of the 2D:4D with sex (lower 2D:4D in males) and age (increase of 2D:4D through development). However, we find no evidence for differences in 2D:4D between CAH and controls (full sample: β = -0.001 (-0.008, 0.006); females: β = -0.004 [-0.015, 0.007]; males: β = 0.001, [-0.008, 0.011]). Although our findings do not rule out a small association between the 2D:4D and CAH, they cast doubt on the usefulness of the 2D:4D as a biomarker for prenatal androgen exposure in behavioral research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Nave
- Marketing Department, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, United States of America.
| | - Christina M Koppin
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Dylan Manfredi
- Marketing Department, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Gareth Richards
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Steven J Watson
- Department of Psychology of Conflict, Risk and Safety, University of Twente, Netherlands
| | - Mitchell E Geffner
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, United States of America; The Saban Research Institute at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, United States of America; Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, United States of America
| | - Jillian E Yong
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Robert Kim
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Heather M Ross
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Monica Serrano-Gonzalez
- Hasbro Children's Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, United States of America
| | - Mimi S Kim
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, United States of America; The Saban Research Institute at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, United States of America; Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, United States of America
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16
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Nepomuceno MV, Stenstrom E. Consumption on steroids: The effect of testosterone on preferences for conspicuous consumption and the moderating role of intrasexual competition. JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL DECISION MAKING 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/bdm.2222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Stenstrom
- Marketing Department, Farmer School of Business Miami University Oxford OH USA
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17
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Lindová J, Hrušková M, Pivoňková V, Kuběna A, Flegr J. Digit ratio (2D:4D) and Cattell's personality traits. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/per.664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The ratio between second and fourth finger (2D:4D) is sexually dimorphic; it is lower in men than in women. Studies using broad personality domains yielded correlations of 2D:4D with neuroticism, extraversion or agreeableness, but the obtained results have been inconsistent. We correlated 2D:4D of 184 women and 101 men with their scores in Cattell's 16 Personality Factor (16PF) Questionnaire. We found women with a higher (more ‘feminine’) right hand 2D:4D to score lower in emotional stability and social boldness and higher in privateness. Mediator analysis showed emotional stability to be probably primarily correlated with 2D:4D and to act as a mediator between 2D:4D and social boldness. Privateness appears to be mediated by an even more complex path. We discuss the usefulness of primary‐level personality questionnaires and mediator analyses in the investigation of psycho‐morphological associations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Lindová
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Hrušková
- Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, Charles University, Czech Republic
| | - Věra Pivoňková
- Department of Anthropology, Charles University, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Kuběna
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Charles University, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, Czech Republic
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18
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Clacy A, Sharman R, Lovell GP. Correlates of sport‐related concussion in male junior rugby union: A concurrent analysis of biopsychosocial factors. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ajpy.12266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Clacy
- Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience – Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia,
| | - Rachael Sharman
- School of Social Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia,
| | - Geoff P. Lovell
- School of Social Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia,
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19
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Baxter A, Wood EK, Witczak LR, Bales KL, Higley JD. Sexual Dimorphism in Titi Monkeys' Digit (2D:4D) Ratio is Associated with Maternal Urinary Sex Hormones During Pregnancy. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 62:979-991. [PMID: 31372988 PMCID: PMC7871332 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio is a sexually-dimorphic biomarker for prenatal sex hormone exposure. We investigated whether titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus) exhibit sexually-dimorphic 2D:4D ratio, and whether variation in 2D:4D ratio correlates with maternal testosterone and estrogen levels during early pregnancy. Subjects were 61 adult titi monkeys (32 males, 29 females). For 26 subjects, maternal urine samples were collected approximately 15-20 weeks before birth and assayed for testosterone and estrone conjugate (E1 C). Titi monkeys exhibited a human-like pattern of sexual dimorphism in right-hand 2D:4D ratio, with females exhibiting higher 2D:4D ratio than males (β = -0.29, p = 0.023). For left-hand 2D:4D ratio, high levels of maternal E1 C predicted low offspring 2D:4D ratio (β = -0.48, p = 0.009). For right-hand 2D:4D ratio, high levels of testosterone (β = -0.53, p = 0.005) and testosterone-to-E1 C ratio (β = -0.41, p = 0.028) predicted low offspring 2D:4D ratio. For 2D:4D ratio asymmetry (right-hand - left-hand), high levels of testosterone (β = -0.43, p = 0.03) and testosterone-to-E1 C ratio (β = -0.53, p = 0.003) predicted low (right-biased) asymmetry. This is the first report of sexually-dimorphic 2D:4D ratio in New World monkeys, and the results support a growing literature suggesting prenatal sex hormones may modulate offspring 2D:4D ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Baxter
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California
| | | | - Lynea R Witczak
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California
| | - Karen L Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, California
| | - J Dee Higley
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
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20
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Butovskaya M, Rostovtseva V, Butovskaya P, Burkova V, Dronova D, Filatova V, Sukhodolskaya E, Vasiliev V, Mesa T, Rosa A, Lazebny O. Oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism (rs53576) and digit ratio associates with aggression: comparison in seven ethnic groups. J Physiol Anthropol 2020; 39:20. [PMID: 32795360 PMCID: PMC7427763 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-020-00232-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The specific role of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene polymorphisms in emotional support seeking, related to social norms and culturally normative behavior, has been discussed in several studies. Evidence on the association between aggression and OXTR polymorphisms has also been reported. The goal of the current study was to analyze the effect of the OXTR rs53576 polymorphism, prenatal testosterone effect (second-to-fourth digit ratio, or 2D:4D), and culture on aggression assessed with the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Methods The data were collected in Russia and Tanzania and included seven ethnic groups of European, Asian, and African origin. The total sample included 1705 adults (837 males, 868 females). All the subjects were evaluated with the BPAQ. As a measure of prenatal androgenization, the second and fourth digits were measured directly from hand, and the digit ratios were calculated. All the participants provided buccal samples, from which genomic DNA was extracted, and the OXTR gene rs53576 polymorphism was genotyped. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0; the alpha level for all analyses was set at 0.05. Results The ethnic group factor was the most significant predictor of ratings on BPAQ (medium effect size for physical aggression, anger and hostility scales, and low for verbal aggression). To study the effect of sex, the OXTR polymorphism, and prenatal androgenization, we conducted the z-score transformation for BPAQ scales and 2D:4D for each ethnic group and pooled these data into new z-score variables. According to the GLM analysis after leveling the effects of culture (z-transformation), all four scales of BPAQ demonstrated association with sex (main effects), with men scoring higher on physical and verbal aggression and women scoring higher on anger and hostility. Anger and hostility scales were also associated with OXTR polymorphism and 2D:4D of the right hand. The lowest levels of anger and hostility were observed in individuals with the AA genotype, especially in men. Conclusions Our data suggest that both oxytocin (OXTR gene polymorphism) and fetal testosterone (2D:4D) may significantly affect emotional (anger) and cognitive (hostility) aggression in humans, given the leveling the role of culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Butovskaya
- Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 32a, 119991, Moscow, Russia. .,National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Victoria Rostovtseva
- Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 32a, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Valentina Burkova
- Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 32a, 119991, Moscow, Russia.,National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daria Dronova
- Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 32a, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vasilisa Filatova
- Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect 32a, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Eugenia Sukhodolskaya
- Federal Budget Institution of Science "Central Research Institute of Epidemiology" of The Federal Service on Customers' Rights Protection and Human Well-being Surveillance, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vasiliy Vasiliev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tania Mesa
- Secció de Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Araceli Rosa
- Secció de Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oleg Lazebny
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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21
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Savage D, Chan HF, Moy N, Schaffner M, Torgler B. Personality and individual characteristics as indicators of lifetime climbing success among Everest mountaineers. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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22
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Işık Ü, Kılıç F, Aktepe E, Tanrıtanır B. The Relationship between Second-to-Fourth Digit Ratios, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms, Aggression, and Intelligence Levels in Boys with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Psychiatry Investig 2020; 17:596-602. [PMID: 32517417 PMCID: PMC7324736 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2020.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Observations of sex differences have led some scientists to doubt whether the neuroendocrine system is involved in attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) etiology. One of the interesting study subjects in this context is prenatal steroid hormone exposure. The aim of the present study was to replicate and extend previous work by addressing two research questions: 1) Are second-tofourth digit (2D:4D) ratios lower in ADHD than in controls? 2) Is there a correlation between 2D:4D ratios and symptoms of ADHD, aggression and intelligence scores in boys with ADHD? METHODS The study included 100 treatment-naive male children diagnosed with ADHD and 55 healthy male children. We measured the ratios of 2D:4D and administered a Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised to assess IQ scores, as well as behavioral rating scales, in children with ADHD and comparison individuals. RESULTS We observed lower 2D:4D ratios in the right hand in ADHD in comparison to the control group. The left-hand ratios of 2D:4D, however, did not differ between ADHD and control groups. There were negative correlations between the left-hand 2D:4D ratios and the hyperactivity scores. However, no significant correlation was detected between right-hand 2D:4D ratios and the psychological questionnaire scores. CONCLUSION These results provide further evidence that fetal androgen exposure may contribute to the pathophysiology of ADHD, at least in boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ümit Işık
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Faruk Kılıç
- Department of Psychiatry, Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Evrim Aktepe
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey
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23
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YOLDAŞ A. The Comparison of Measurements of the Wrist, Hand and Finger Parameters Between Female and Male. KAHRAMANMARAŞ SÜTÇÜ İMAM ÜNIVERSITESI TIP FAKÜLTESI DERGISI 2020. [DOI: 10.17517/ksutfd.599786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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24
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Teichroeb JA, Stead SM, Edwards PD, Landry F, Palme R, Boonstra R. Anogenital distance as a measure of male competitive ability in Rwenzori Angolan colobus. Am J Primatol 2020; 82:e23111. [PMID: 32083334 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Anogenital distance (AGD) is positively correlated to fetal androgen exposure and developmental masculinization in mammals. Independent of overall body size, AGD shows a strong positive correlation with male fertility and in rodents, AGD is a good indicator of male competitive ability and is associated with female choice. We hypothesized that AGD will also predict male competitive ability in non-human primates. To test this, we measured AGD noninvasively with a parallel laser in a wild population of Angolan colobus monkeys (Colobus angolensis ruwenzorii) in Uganda and correlated to it to their social structure. C. angolensis ruwenzorii form a multilevel society with both one-male/multifemale units (OMUs) and multimale/multifemale units (MMUs). We compared AGD in males from five OMUs and six MMUs and related it to their fecal androgen metabolite concentrations, dominance rank and body size, and to the number of females in their unit. Males in OMUs had greater access to females, so were predicted to have longer AGDs, but this was not found. AGD also did not correlate overall with mean fecal androgen metabolites in MMUs. However, AGD was correlated with dominance rank in MMUs, demonstrating that higher-ranking males in these multimale units had longer AGDs. Body size did not show the same relationship with dominance rank, suggesting that male rank was not just a reflection of absolute male size. Our findings indicate that AGD predicts male competitive ability in this species and that it may be a useful correlate throughout the non-human primates. These results also support the idea that prenatal androgen exposure increases the likelihood of the expression of behaviors that maintain high dominance rank.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Teichroeb
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samantha M Stead
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Phoebe D Edwards
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Florence Landry
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rudy Boonstra
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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25
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Muñoz-Reyes JA, Polo P, Valenzuela N, Pavez P, Ramírez-Herrera O, Figueroa O, Rodriguez-Sickert C, Díaz D, Pita M. The Male Warrior Hypothesis: Testosterone-related Cooperation and Aggression in the Context of Intergroup Conflict. Sci Rep 2020; 10:375. [PMID: 31942026 PMCID: PMC6962424 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57259-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Male Warrior Hypothesis (MWH) establishes that men's psychology has been shaped by inter-group competition to acquire and protect reproductive resources. In this context, sex-specific selective pressures would have favored cooperation with the members of one's group in combination with hostility towards outsiders. We investigate the role of developmental testosterone, as measured indirectly through static markers of prenatal testosterone (2D:4D digit ratio) and pubertal testosterone (body musculature and facial masculinity), on both cooperation and aggressive behavior in the context of intergroup conflict among men. Supporting the MWH, our results show that the intergroup conflict scenario promotes cooperation within group members and aggression toward outgroup members. Regarding the hormonal underpinnings of this phenomenon, we find that body musculature is positively associated with aggression and cooperation, but only for cooperation when context (inter-group competition) is taken into account. Finally, we did not find evidence that the formidability of the group affected individual rates of aggression or cooperation, controlling for individual characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Muñoz-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Comportamiento Animal y Humano, Centro de Estudios Avanzados, Universidad de Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile.
| | - P Polo
- Laboratorio de Comportamiento Animal y Humano, Centro de Estudios Avanzados, Universidad de Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - N Valenzuela
- Laboratorio de Comportamiento Animal y Humano, Centro de Estudios Avanzados, Universidad de Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile.,Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - P Pavez
- Laboratorio de Comportamiento Animal y Humano, Centro de Estudios Avanzados, Universidad de Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - O Ramírez-Herrera
- Laboratorio de Comportamiento Animal y Humano, Centro de Estudios Avanzados, Universidad de Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - O Figueroa
- Laboratorio de Comportamiento Animal y Humano, Centro de Estudios Avanzados, Universidad de Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile.,Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social, Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - C Rodriguez-Sickert
- Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social, Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - D Díaz
- Facultad de Ciencias Económicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - M Pita
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Tegin C, Canan F, El-Mallakh RS. The 2nd to 4th digit ratios (2D:4D) in patients with bipolar disorder. J Affect Disord 2019; 259:27-30. [PMID: 31437697 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ratio of the index finger to the ring finger (2D:4D) is a reflection of the intrauterine hormonal environment and a lower ratio has been shown to be associated with male gender, impulsive behaviors, substance abuse, and aggression. Bipolar illness is characterized by increased impulsivity and increased rates of co-morbid substance abuse, but the 2D:4D ratios have not been examined in this disorder. METHODS We measured digit length of both hands in subjects with bipolar disorder and age- and gender-matched non-bipolar controls (n = 50 in each group). Diagnosis was confirmed with structured diagnostic interviews (MINI) and all subjects also completed Barratt Impulsivity Scale-version 11. RESULTS The patients did not vary significantly from the controls in demographic variables. Subjects with bipolar disorder had a higher right hand 2D:4D ratio compared to controls (0.967 ± .029 vs. 0.953 ± .035, t = 2.18, p = .03). Despite clearly higher measures of impulsivity in the bipolar group, no relationship could be documented between digit ratio and measures of impulsivity in either group. However, the right hand 2D:4D ratios and total impulsivity scores predicted bipolar disorder diagnosis status. LIMITATIONS The predominantly white racial composition of the study sample may limit generalizability to other groups. Only three patients were diagnosed with bipolar type 2, limiting the generalizability of the findings to all bipolar disorder types. CONCLUSIONS The data confirm previous observations of increased measures of impulsivity in euthymic bipolar individuals, and suggest that the mechanism of this increased impulsivity is different than in impulsivity seen in other conditions such as personality disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuneyt Tegin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Fatih Canan
- The Altshuler Center for Education & Research at Metrocare Services, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Rif S El-Mallakh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
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Butovskaya M, Burkova V, Karelin D, Filatova V. The association between 2D:4D ratio and aggression in children and adolescents: Cross-cultural and gender differences. Early Hum Dev 2019; 137:104823. [PMID: 31330462 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two recent meta-analyses have suggested the association between digit ratio (2D:4D) and aggression is weak. This conclusion has been criticised because the meta-analyses conflate forms of aggression that show strong sex differences with those that do not, and most studies have considered post-pubertal participants. AIMS We test the influence of 2D:4D and ethnicity in the expression of aggression in children and adolescents in four ethnic groups of European and African origin. STUDY DESIGN Buss and Perry aggression questionnaire. Direct measurement of the 2nd and 4th digits. SUBJECTS 1296 children and adolescents from Tanzania and Russia from 4 ethnic groups - Datoga, Meru, Russians, Tatars. RESULTS There were ethnic and gender differences in ratings on aggression with boys consistently reporting more physical aggression. In all four samples right 2D:4D was significantly lower in boys, compared to girls. With regard to our total sample of boys, the right 2D:4D was significantly and negatively associated with self-ratings on physical aggression, but no association was found for left 2D:4D. No associations between 2D:4D and physical aggression were found for girls. Hostility was negatively correlated with 2D:4D for boys, and anger was positively correlated with 2D:4D in girls. CONCLUSION Sex differences were strongest for right 2D:4D (boys<girls), and for physical aggression (boys>girls). Right 2D:4D was negatively related to physical aggression in boys only, suggesting possible relationship to prenatal androgenization.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Butovskaya
- Russian State University for the Humanities, Moscow, Russia; Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia.
| | - V Burkova
- Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - D Karelin
- Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - V Filatova
- Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Singh B, Krishan K, Kaur K, Kanchan T. Different predictive and accuracy models for sex and stature estimation from second- and fourth-digit lengths in the Kinnaur population of Himachal Pradesh, North India: Medico-legal and forensic implications. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2019; 59:149-159. [PMID: 31109233 DOI: 10.1177/0025802419847580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Forensic anthropologists are not only active in courtroom testimonies but also contribute to disaster victim identification. The timely recovery and identification of victims in any disaster is crucial, and anthropologists play a vital role in this process. In mass disasters such as airplane crashes, tsunamis, earthquakes or terrorist attacks, fragments of dead bodies are usually brought for identification. Each fragment demands special tactics to fulfil any of the basic attributes of forensic identification such as age, sex, stature or ancestry. If sex and stature can be estimated from a single fragment, then it can potentially reduce the identification time and possible victim matches. In this study, an attempt has been made to estimate sex and stature from the second- and fourth-digit lengths. Different predictive and accuracy models have been devised using statistical techniques. No bilateral difference was observed in the digit lengths in either sex. Consequently, an average of the digit lengths was employed for model approximations. The fourth-digit length provided the best sex estimates (M=82.1%, F=79.2%) when binary logistic regression (BLR) statistics were applied. It was also observed that overall sex estimations improved from 78.8% (from BLR) to 79.8% when discriminant function analysis was used for sex estimation. Second- and fourth-digit lengths were used independently and together for stature estimation models for males and females individually and for the pooled sample. In stature estimation models, three major interpretations were perceived: (1) the second-digit length provided the best stature estimates; (2) the estimation models compute better stature estimates for females than their counterparts, that is, standard errors are less in females than males; and (3) second and fourth digits predict more reliable stature estimation when the sex of the digits is known than that of the pooled sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahadur Singh
- 1 Department of Anthropology (UGC Centre of Advanced Study), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kewal Krishan
- 1 Department of Anthropology (UGC Centre of Advanced Study), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kawaljit Kaur
- 1 Department of Anthropology (UGC Centre of Advanced Study), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Tanuj Kanchan
- 2 Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
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Nye JV, Bryukhanov M, Polyachenko S. 2D:4D and individual satisfaction: Evidence from the Russian social survey. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Li W, Luo LY, Yang X, He Y, Lian B, Qu CH, Wu QY, Zhang JG, Xie P. Depressed female cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) display a higher second-to-fourth (2D:4D) digit ratio. Zool Res 2019; 40:219-225. [PMID: 31011132 PMCID: PMC6591159 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2019.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
This research aimed to provide evidence of a relationship between digit ratio and depression status in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis). In stable cynomolgus monkey social groups, we selected 15 depressed monkeys based on depressive-like behavioral criteria and 16 normal control monkeys. All animals were video recorded for two weeks, with the duration and frequency of the core depressive behaviors and 58 other behaviors in 12 behavioral categories then evaluated via behavioral analysis. Finger lengths from the right and left forelimb hands of both groups were measured by X-ray imaging. Finger length and digit ratio comparisons between the two groups were conducted using Student’s t-test. In terms of the duration of each behavior, significant differences emerged in “Huddling” and five other behavioral categories, including Ingestive, Amicable, Parental, Locomotive, and Resting. In addition to the above five behavioral categories, we found that depressed monkeys spent less time in parental and rubbing back and forth behaviors than the control group. Furthermore, the 4th fingers were significantly longer in the left and right hands in the control group relative to the depressed monkeys. The second-to-fourth (2D:4D) digit ratio in the left and right forelimb hands was significantly lower in the control group than that in the depressed group. Our findings revealed significant differences in finger lengths and digit ratios between depressed monkeys and healthy controls, which concords with our view that relatively high fetal testosterone exposure may be a protective factor against developing depressive symptoms (or that low fetal testosterone exposure is a risk factor).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Neurology, Army Medical Center of PLA, Chongqing 400042, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ling-Yun Luo
- Department of Neurology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen Universlty Yuedong Hospital, Guangzhou Guangdong 514700, China
| | - Xun Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yong He
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Bin Lian
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Chao-Hua Qu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Wu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jian-Guo Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Peng Xie
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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Tektas OY, Kapsner L, Lemmer M, Bouna-Pyrrou P, Lewczuk P, Lenz B, Kornhuber J. Digit ratio (2D:4D) and academic success as measured by achievement in the academic degree "Habilitation". PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212167. [PMID: 30802262 PMCID: PMC6388918 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prenatal androgen exposure has important organizing effects on brain development and therefore on future behavior. Previous research has shown, that the ratio between index finger (2D) and ring finger (4D) (2D:4D) could function as a marker of prenatal androgen effects, with a relatively shorter 2D indicating a higher prenatal androgen exposure. 2D:4D is associated with status-seeking and competitive behavior but also with altruism. Therefore, 2D:4D should be related to academic success. Methods We examined the 2D:4D of both hands, as well as the difference between both variables (Dr-l), of 209 university graduates (74 women) employed at the Medical Faculty of the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, and we assessed the relationship of these variables with academic career performance. Career performance was measured by the number of publications as first or last author, and by achievement of an academic degree used in many European countries, the so-called “Habilitation”. Results In a within-sex analysis we found a non-monotonic association between the right hand digit ratio and the probability of having a “Habilitation” in females. Academic success, measured by the number of publications as first or last author and the probability of a "Habilitation", increases with age. In agreement with the literature, we found higher academic success in men. Conclusion We found a non-monotonic relationship between right hand 2D:4D and academic success in females. However, the significance of this relationship was weak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozan Yüksel Tektas
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lorenz Kapsner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Miriam Lemmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Polyxeni Bouna-Pyrrou
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Piotr Lewczuk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Millet K, Aydinli A. Cognitive reflection, 2D:4D and social value orientation. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212767. [PMID: 30794683 PMCID: PMC6386376 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study seeks confirmation for the hypothesis that 2D:4D (positively) predicts prosociality when people are more likely to rely on intuition than deliberation. We assess intuition and deliberation using the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) and measure prosociality via the validated Social Value Orientation (SVO) slider measure. Although our results do not provide collective evidence for our main proposition, we observe in the data that for low (right) 2D:4D men, the more intuitive they are, the less prosocial they become, whereas for high (right) 2D:4D men the thinking style does not affect their prosociality. Importantly, we find that two alternative measures of cognitive reflection, CRT and CRT-2, differently relate to prosocial decision making such that only CRT-2 (but not the classic CRT) positively predicts prosociality. Given that previous research on the role of cognitive reflection and 2D:4D in prosocial decision making provided inconsistent results, the present study findings are highly valuable to get a better understanding in this domain of study. Furthermore, some of our findings invite further confirmatory tests, thereby opening up multiple avenues for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kobe Millet
- Department of Marketing, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Aylin Aydinli
- Department of Marketing, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Kruger THC, Sinke C, Kneer J, Tenbergen G, Khan AQ, Burkert A, Müller-Engling L, Engler H, Gerwinn H, von Wurmb-Schwark N, Pohl A, Weiß S, Amelung T, Mohnke S, Massau C, Kärgel C, Walter M, Schiltz K, Beier KM, Ponseti J, Schiffer B, Walter H, Jahn K, Frieling H. Child sexual offenders show prenatal and epigenetic alterations of the androgen system. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:28. [PMID: 30659171 PMCID: PMC6338724 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0326-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Child sexual offending (CSO) places a serious burden on society and medicine and pedophilia (P) is considered a major risk factor for CSO. The androgen system is closely linked to sexual development and behavior. This study assessed markers of prenatal brain androgenization, genetic parameters of androgen receptor function, epigenetic regulation, and peripheral hormones in a 2 × 2 factorial design comprising the factors Offense (yes/no) and Pedophilia (yes/no) in analyzing blood samples from 194 subjects (57 P+CSO, 45 P-CSO, 20 CSO-P, and 72 controls) matched for age and intelligence. Subjects also received a comprehensive clinical screening. Independent of their sexual preference, child sexual offenders showed signs of elevated prenatal androgen exposure compared with non-offending pedophiles and controls. The methylation status of the androgen receptor gene was also higher in child sexual offenders, indicating lower functionality of the testosterone system, accompanied by lower peripheral testosterone levels. In addition, there was an interaction effect on methylation levels between offense status and androgen receptor functionality. Notably, markers of prenatal androgenization and the methylation status of the androgen receptor gene were correlated with the total number of sexual offenses committed. This study demonstrates alterations of the androgen system on a prenatal, epigenetic, and endocrine level. None of the major findings was specific for pedophilia, but they were for CSO. The findings support theories of testosterone-linked abnormalities in early brain development in delinquent behavior and suggest possible interactions of testosterone receptor gene methylation and plasma testosterone with environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tillmann H. C. Kruger
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christopher Sinke
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jonas Kneer
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gilian Tenbergen
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Abdul Qayyum Khan
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexandra Burkert
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Linda Müller-Engling
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Harald Engler
- 0000 0001 2187 5445grid.5718.bInstitute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hannah Gerwinn
- 0000 0001 2153 9986grid.9764.cInstitute of Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Nicole von Wurmb-Schwark
- Forensische Genetik und Rechtsmedizin, am Institut für Hämatopathologie Hamburg GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Pohl
- 0000 0001 2153 9986grid.9764.cInstitute of Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Simone Weiß
- 0000 0001 2187 5445grid.5718.bInstitute of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Till Amelung
- Institute of Sexology and Sexual Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Mohnke
- Division of Mind and Brain Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Massau
- 0000 0004 0490 981Xgrid.5570.7Division of Forensic Psychiatry, Deptartment of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, LWL University Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christian Kärgel
- 0000 0004 0490 981Xgrid.5570.7Division of Forensic Psychiatry, Deptartment of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, LWL University Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Martin Walter
- 0000 0001 1018 4307grid.5807.aDepartment of Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany ,0000 0001 2190 1447grid.10392.39Department of Psychiatry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kolja Schiltz
- 0000 0004 1936 973Xgrid.5252.0Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus M. Beier
- Institute of Sexology and Sexual Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jorge Ponseti
- 0000 0001 2153 9986grid.9764.cInstitute of Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Boris Schiffer
- 0000 0004 0490 981Xgrid.5570.7Division of Forensic Psychiatry, Deptartment of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, LWL University Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- Division of Mind and Brain Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Jahn
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- 0000 0000 9529 9877grid.10423.34Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Borráz-León JI, Rantala MJ, Cerda-Molina AL. Digit ratio (2D:4D) and facial fluctuating asymmetry as predictors of the dark triad of personality. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Noser E, Schoch J, Ehlert U. The influence of income and testosterone on the validity of facial width-to-height ratio as a biomarker for dominance. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207333. [PMID: 30412629 PMCID: PMC6226197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has indicated that men's facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) is part of an evolved system of social dominance, aggression, and power. fWHR has been linked to antisocial behavior, measured by self-reported aggression, but recent studies have failed to replicate this finding. To overcome these inconsistencies, influencing factors such as social status have to be taken into account in order to explain the relationship between fWHR and aggression. In particular, income has been shown to be an important influencing factor in this relationship. Furthermore, previous findings suggested that testosterone is linked to fWHR and might be associated with fWHR and dominance-related outcomes. Therefore, this study examined the influence of both social status defined by income and salivary testosterone on the association between fWHR and self-reported dominance-related behavioral traits. In particular, links between fWHR and self-report measures of aggression and the Dark Triad (encompassing psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) were investigated in N = 109 men aged 40 to 75 years. fWHR was significantly associated with physical aggression and two of the Dark Triad traits (psychopathy and Machiavellianism) in men reporting low income. The relationship between fWHR and narcissism was moderated by testosterone. The findings highlight the importance of considering social status and neuroendocrine parameters such as testosterone when examining associations between fWHR and complex psychological traits and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilou Noser
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program (URPP) Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Schoch
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program (URPP) Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Research Priority Program (URPP) Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Altmann T, Roth M. 2D:4D digit ratio and its relations to cross-sex and same-sex friendship choices. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Huber SE, Zoicas I, Reichel M, Mühle C, Büttner C, Ekici AB, Eulenburg V, Lenz B, Kornhuber J, Müller CP. Prenatal androgen receptor activation determines adult alcohol and water drinking in a sex-specific way. Addict Biol 2018; 23:904-920. [PMID: 28776866 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorders are major psychiatric disorders. Correlational studies in humans suggested organizational hormonal effects during embryonic development as a risk factor for adult alcohol dependence. Permanent changes can be induced by the activity of sex hormones, like testosterone. Here, we demonstrate a relationship between prenatal androgen receptor (AR)-activation and adult alcohol as well as water drinking in mice in a sex-dependent fashion. Prenatal AR inhibition using the antagonist flutamide decreased adult male alcohol consumption. In contrast, prenatal AR activation by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) led to an increase in adult alcohol consumption in females. These effects were different in adult water drinking, flutamide increased water consumption in females and DHT increased water consumption in males. Prenatal flutamide reduced locomotion and anxiety in adult males but was ineffective in females. We found that prenatal AR activation controls adult levels of monoaminergic modulatory transmitters in the brain and blood hormone levels in a sex-specific way. RNA-Seq analysis confirmed a prenatal AR mediated control of adult expression of alcohol drinking-related genes like Bdnf and Per2. These findings demonstrate that prenatal androgen activity is a risk factor for the establishment of alcohol consumption in adults by its organizational effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine E. Huber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Iulia Zoicas
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Martin Reichel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension; Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Christian Büttner
- Institute of Human Genetics; Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Arif B. Ekici
- Institute of Human Genetics; Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Volker Eulenburg
- Institute of Biochemistry; Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
| | - Christian P. Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg; Germany
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Love HJ, Sulikowski D. Of Meat and Men: Sex Differences in Implicit and Explicit Attitudes Toward Meat. Front Psychol 2018; 9:559. [PMID: 29731733 PMCID: PMC5920154 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern attitudes to meat in both men and women reflect a strong meat-masculinity association. Sex differences in the relationship between meat and masculinity have not been previously explored. In the current study we used two IATs (implicit association tasks), a visual search task, and a questionnaire to measure implicit and explicit attitudes toward meat in men and women. Men exhibited stronger implicit associations between meat and healthiness than did women, but both sexes associated meat more strongly with 'healthy' than 'unhealthy' concepts. As 'healthy' was operationalized in the current study using terms such as "virile" and "powerful," this suggests that a meat-strength/power association may mediate the meat-masculinity link readily observed across western cultures. The sex difference was not related to explicit attitudes to meat, nor was it attributable to a variety of other factors, such as a generally more positive disposition toward meat in men than women. Men also exhibited an attention bias toward meats, compared to non-meat foods, while females exhibited more caution when searching for non-meat foods, compared to meat. These biases were not related to implicit attitudes, but did tend to increase with increasing hunger levels. Potential ultimate explanations for these differences, including sex differences in bio-physiological needs and receptivity to social signals are discussed.
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Eichler A, Heinrich H, Moll GH, Beckmann MW, Goecke TW, Fasching PA, Muschler MR, Bouna-Pyrrou P, Lenz B, Kornhuber J. Digit ratio (2D:4D) and behavioral symptoms in primary-school aged boys. Early Hum Dev 2018; 119:1-7. [PMID: 29486372 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The second-to-forth digit length ratio (2D:4D) is considered to be a biomarker for intrauterine androgen levels. It is associated with adult and child mental health problems, primarily with behavioral symptoms and predominantly in males. Using a cross-sectional design, we examined whether 2D:4D was associated with conduct disorder (CD) symptoms in 138 primary-school aged children (54% boys, Mage = 7.70 years) and considered child sex as a moderating factor. Children's digit lengths were measured from hand scans and mothers rated the behavioral/emotional symptoms of their child. The regression analyses revealed that 2D:4D ratios were associated with behavioral symptoms in boys (β = -0.260, p = 0.026), but not in girls (β = -0.040, p = 0.762). Child emotional symptoms, analyzed as a control, were not significantly correlated with 2D:4D. In conclusion, prenatal brain hyperandrogenization - operationalized by the 2D:4D biomarker - could result in behavioral symptoms in boys at early school age, reflecting one predictor for early onset CD. Our data support the use of 2D:4D as a marker of prenatal androgen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Eichler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6+10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Hartmut Heinrich
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6+10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; kbo-Heckscher-Klinikum, Deisenhofener Str. 28, 81539 München, Germany
| | - Gunther H Moll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6+10, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias W Beckmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsstraße 21-23, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tamme W Goecke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsstraße 21-23, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; Department of Perinatal Medicine and Obstetrics, RoMed Hospital Rosenheim, Pettenkoferstraße 10, 83022 Rosenheim, Germany
| | - Peter A Fasching
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Universitätsstraße 21-23, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marcel-René Muschler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Polyxeni Bouna-Pyrrou
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Ronay R, van der Meij L, Oostrom JK, Pollet TV. No Evidence for a Relationship Between Hair Testosterone Concentrations and 2D:4D Ratio or Risk Taking. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:30. [PMID: 29556180 PMCID: PMC5844925 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a recently developed alternative assay procedure to measure hormone levels from hair samples, we examined the relationships between testosterone, cortisol, 2D:4D ratio, overconfidence and risk taking. A total of 162 (53 male) participants provided a 3 cm sample of hair, a scanned image of their right and left hands from which we determined 2D:4D ratios, and completed measures of overconfidence and behavioral risk taking. While our sample size for males was less than ideal, our results revealed no evidence for a relationship between hair testosterone concentrations, 2D:4D ratios and risk taking. No relationships with overconfidence emerged. Partially consistent with the Dual Hormone Hypothesis, we did find evidence for the interacting effect of testosterone and cortisol on risk taking but only in men. Hair testosterone concentrations were positively related to risk taking when levels of hair cortisol concentrations were low, in men. Our results lend support to the suggestion that endogenous testosterone and 2D:4D ratio are unrelated and might then exert diverging activating vs. organizing effects on behavior. Comparing our results to those reported in the existing literature we speculate that behavioral correlates of testosterone such as direct effects on risk taking may be more sensitive to state-based fluctuations than baseline levels of testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ronay
- Department of Leadership and Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Leander van der Meij
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Janneke K Oostrom
- Department of Management & Organization, School of Business and Economics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thomas V Pollet
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
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Guiso L, Rustichini A. Understanding the size and profitability of firms: The role of a biological factor. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rie.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Verma P, Hegde AM. Digit Ratio and Dental Caries: A Sexually Dimorphic Trait. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018; 11:1-6. [PMID: 29805226 PMCID: PMC5968154 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Dental caries is the most common oral health disease affecting all age groups, races, and geographic locations. The need for the study was to determine the anatomical marker that could predict the taste perception and caries at an early stage. Aim of the study was to determine the correlation between digit ratio and caries experience in school-going children of south Canara region. An observational and cross-sectional pattern was adopted for the present study. The study was then evaluated to find out the correlation between the digit ratio that is thought to be predetermined with caries experience in children of age group 6 to 16 years. In the total sample of 2,037 children, the total population was divided into two categories, i.e., high digit ratio and low digit ratio. Of the total population, 1,112 had low digit ratio and 925 had high digit ratio. Caries experience was highest in low-risk group, followed by moderate, high risk, low risk, and very high risk groups. In all the categories, low digit ratio was affected more than high digit ratio. The study clearly states a positive correlation between digit ratio, taste, social behavior, and dental caries. How to cite this article: Verma P, Hegde AM. Digit Ratio and Dental Caries: A Sexually Dimorphic Trait. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(1):1-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Verma
- Professor, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, K.D. Dental College & Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Amitha M Hegde
- Professor and Head, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangaluru Karnataka, India
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Björkqvist K. Gender differences in aggression. Curr Opin Psychol 2018; 19:39-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lolli L, Batterham AM, Kratochvíl L, Flegr J, Weston KL, Atkinson G. A comprehensive allometric analysis of 2nd digit length to 4th digit length in humans. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 284:rspb.2017.0356. [PMID: 28659446 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been widely reported that men have a lower ratio of the 2nd and 4th human finger lengths (2D : 4D). Size-scaling ratios, however, have the seldom-appreciated potential for providing biased estimates. Using an information-theoretic approach, we compared 12 candidate models, with different assumptions and error structures, for scaling untransformed 2D to 4D lengths from 154 men and 262 women. In each hand, the two-parameter power function and the straight line with intercept models, both with normal, homoscedastic error, were superior to the other models and essentially equivalent to each other for normalizing 2D to 4D lengths. The conventional 2D : 4D ratio biased relative 2D length low for the generally bigger hands of men, and vice versa for women, thereby leading to an artefactual indication that mean relative 2D length is lower in men than women. Conversely, use of the more appropriate allometric or linear regression models revealed that mean relative 2D length was, in fact, greater in men than women. We conclude that 2D does not vary in direct proportion to 4D for both men and women, rendering the use of the simple 2D : 4D ratio inappropriate for size-scaling purposes and intergroup comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Lolli
- Health and Social Care Institute, School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Alan M Batterham
- Health and Social Care Institute, School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | | | - Jaroslav Flegr
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kathryn L Weston
- Health and Social Care Institute, School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Greg Atkinson
- Health and Social Care Institute, School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
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Huber SE, Lenz B, Kornhuber J, Müller CP. Prenatal androgen-receptor activity has organizational morphological effects in mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188752. [PMID: 29176856 PMCID: PMC5703447 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal sex hormones exert organizational effects. It has been suggested that prenatal sex hormones affect adult morphological parameters, such as the finger length. Especially the second-to-fourth finger length (2D:4D) ratio has been implicated to be modified when exposed to higher androgen levels in utero. Here we show in a mouse model that experimental manipulation of the prenatal androgen level, by blocking the androgen receptor with flutamide or activating the androgen receptor with dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leads to changes in the length of the fingers of all paws in males and females. In addition to that, also total paw length and the 2D:4D ratio was affected. In males treated with DHT, the 2D:4D ratio was increased, while flutamide-treatment in females led to a reduced 2D:4D ratio. We also measured other parameters, such as head size, body length and tail length and demonstrate that body morphology is affected by prenatal androgen exposure with more prominent effects in females. Another factor that is thought to be influenced by early androgens is handedness. We tested mice for handedness, but did not find a significant effect of the prenatal treatment. These findings demonstrate that prenatal androgen activity is involved in the development of body morphology and might be a useful marker for prenatal androgen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine E. Huber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian P. Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Joyce CW, O' Regan A, Kelly JL, O' Shaughnessy M. Fight Bite Injuries: Aggressive Tendencies Associated with Smaller Second to Fourth Digit Ratio. J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol 2017; 22:452-456. [PMID: 29117839 DOI: 10.1142/s0218810417500496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fight bite injuries are typically sustained by young, combative males and are the direct consequence of an aggressive act. Second to fourth digit ratios (2D:4D) are dependent on prenatal androgen exposure and lower ratios have been shown to be linked to various psychological and physical traits, including aggression. The aim of this study was to examine the 2D:4D ratios in a cohort of patients with fight bite injuries and compare these to an age and gender-matched control group. METHODS The 2D:4D ratios were calculated using plain films of the hand from 133 patients (122 males, 11 females) with fight bite injuries. A further 133 radiographs were obtained from patients that did not have fight bite injuries and digit ratios were calculated in the same fashion. Statistical analysis was then carried out to compare the 2D:4D ratios between the different groups. RESULTS The 2D:4D ratios for male fight bite patients was significantly smaller than the male control group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the female fight bite patients and the female control group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Fight bite injuries are usually sustained as a result of aggression. 2D:4D ratios are reflect intrauterine androgen exposure and low ratios have been linked to aggressive tendencies. We have demonstrated that male patients who sustained fight bite injuries have a lower 2D:4D ratio then the general population, thereby suggesting that exposure to prenatal androgens can lead to aggressive tendencies in adulthood. This suggests that lower ratios may predict a predisposition to acts of aggression, and as such result in an increased likelihood of sustaining an injury such as a fight bite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cormac W Joyce
- * Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Cork, Ireland
| | - Andrew O' Regan
- * Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jack L Kelly
- † Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Galway, Ireland
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Cicek IE, Cicek E, Demirel B, Ayhan MG, Varsak N, Özbek SY, Selçuk M, Eren I. Digit ratio (2D:4D), impulsiveness and aggression in male heroin addicts: A prospective controlled study. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Osório AAC, do Egito JHT, Martins GC, Kim CA, Honjo RS, Sampaio ADCS, Mesquita ARM, Macedo EC, Boggio PS, Teixeira MCTV. Associations between fetal testosterone and pro-social tendencies, anxiety and autistic symptoms in Williams syndrome: a preliminary study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2017; 65:82-88. [PMID: 34141327 PMCID: PMC8115471 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2017.1376163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Fetal testosterone (fT) has organizational effects on the developing human nervous system and can be reliably estimated by the ratio between the length of the second and fourth digits - 2D:4D. Previous studies reported altered patterns of fT in some developmental disabilities (e.g. ASD) relative to typically developing individuals (TD). Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by exacerbated empathy and social approach and heightened anxiety. Recent reports also highlight the co-occurrence of significant levels of autistic symptoms. Despite constituting an interesting model to study androgenic contributions to social behavior, no studies have sought to explore fT in WS. The main aims of this preliminary study were two-fold: (a) to compare 2D:4D in WS and TD; (b) to analyze the pattern of associations between 2D:4D and hypersociability, affective and cognitive empathy, anxiety and autistic symptoms in WS. Methods: 2D:4D were measured from digital scans of the ventral surface of the right hand. Hypersociability, empathy, anxiety and autistic symptoms were obtained from parental reports. Results: There were no significant differences in 2D:4D between WS than TD. In WS lower fT (higher 2D:4D) was significantly associated with hypersociability and affective empathy, as well as marginally associated with anxiety/depression scores. In contrast, cognitive empathy was marginally and negatively associated with 2D:4D, while levels of autistic symptoms were unrelated with this measure. Conclusion: Our results suggest that fT may be implicated in the emergence of several cardinal features of WS, namely hypersociability, affective empathy and anxiety, but not in ASD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Alexandra Caldas Osório
- Social and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Developmental Disorders Program, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Júlia Horta Tabosa do Egito
- Social and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Developmental Disorders Program, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Carneiro Martins
- Social and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Developmental Disorders Program, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chong Ae Kim
- Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rachel Sayuri Honjo
- Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Elizeu Coutinho Macedo
- Social and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Developmental Disorders Program, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sérgio Boggio
- Social and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Developmental Disorders Program, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo, Brazil
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Gupta S, Gupta V, Tyagi N, Ettishree, Bhagat S, Dadu M, Anthwal N, Ashraf T. Index/Ring Finger Ratio, Hand and Foot Index: Gender Estimation Tools. J Clin Diagn Res 2017; 11:ZC73-ZC77. [PMID: 28764298 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2017/25807.10084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gender estimation from dismembered human body parts and skeletal remains in cases of mass disasters, explosions, and assaults cases is an imperative element of any medico-legal investigations and has been a major challenge for forensic scientists. AIM The aim of the present study was to estimate the gender by using index and ring finger length ratio, hand and foot index along with the correlation of both the hand and foot index to determine the vital role of all the indices in establishing gender identity. MATERIALS AND METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was done on 300 subjects (150 males and 150 females). Various anthropometric measurements like hand length, hand breadth and hand index, Index Finger Length (IFL), Ring Finger Length (RFL) and IFL/RFL ratio as well as foot length, foot breadth and foot index were estimated in millimeters (mm) with the help of sliding-anthropometric caliper. The data was analysed using independent t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient test. A probability value (p) of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The index and ring finger ratio was found to be higher in females as compared to males. The hand and foot index was more in males than in females. The index and ring finger length ratio, hand and foot index between males and females was found to be statistically significant for both hands and feet. A statistically significant correlation was determined between hand indexes versus foot index. CONCLUSION This study can be useful to establish the gender of a dismembered hand or foot when subjected for medicolegal examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Gupta
- Postgraduate Student, Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies College, Kadrabad, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vineeta Gupta
- Professor and Head, Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies College, Kadrabad, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nutan Tyagi
- Reader, Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies College, Kadrabad, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ettishree
- Postgraduate Student, Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies College, Kadrabad, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sinthia Bhagat
- Postgraduate Student, Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies College, Kadrabad, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mohit Dadu
- Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies College, Kadrabad, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nishita Anthwal
- Postgraduate Student, Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies College, Kadrabad, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tahira Ashraf
- Postgraduate Student, Department of Periodontics, Government Dental College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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