OBJECTIVES: Family represents the closest social environment that immediately affects human ontogeny from an early prenatal period. This study aimed to assess sibship influences on the second-to-fourth digit length ratio (2D:4D ratio). METHODS: The source sample represented 329 children aged 6.5 to 15.8 years (Czech Republic), including a subsample of 75 sibling pairs. A combination of (a) between-family design (cross-sectional sample) and (b) within-family design (pairs of siblings) was used to study the effect of family variables and interbirth interval (IBI) on the 2D:4D ratio. RESULTS: Birth order, number of siblings (except for younger sisters), and sex ratio in siblings were significantly related to the 2D:4D ratio on the right, left, or both hands. At the same time, the relationships were opposite in males and females for birth order, number of older brothers and number of children in the family--increasing values in these variables increased digit ratio in males but decreased digit ratio in females. Mean difference in 2D:4D ratio (DIFF) within pairs (older minus younger sibling) differed from zero only in the "older sister--younger brother" group, where DIFF did not depend on IBI. On the contrary, in remaining pair types the DIFF tended to change with IBI, the strongest in the "older brother--younger sister" pairs. CONCLUSIONS: Family variables, especially number of older brothers, should be considered as important confounding factors in 2D:4D ratio studies. However, the effect of these variables might be modified by IBI.

• MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Birth Intervals * MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Fingers anatomy & histology   MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Sex Factors MeSH
• Siblings MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH

Prenatal exposure to sex hormones exerts organizational effects on the brain which have observable behavioural correlates in adult life. There are reasons to expect that social behaviours-fundamental for the evolutionary success of humans-might be related to biological factors such as prenatal sex hormone exposure. Nevertheless, the existing literature is inconclusive as to whether and how prenatal exposure to testosterone and oestrogen, proxied by the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D : 4D), may predict non-selfish behaviour. Here, we investigate this question using economic experiments with real monetary stakes and analyse five different dimensions of social behaviour in a comparatively large sample of Caucasian participants (n = 560). For both males and females, our results show no robust association between right- or left-hand 2D : 4D and generosity, bargaining or trust-related behaviours. Moreover, no differences in behaviour were found according to sex. We conclude that there is no direct correlation between 2D : 4D and these social behaviours.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Sex Characteristics MeSH
• Gonadal Steroid Hormones MeSH
• Fingers * MeSH
• Social Behavior MeSH
• Pregnancy MeSH
• Testosterone * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Pregnancy MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

• Publication type
• Abstracts MeSH

OBJECTIVES: The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D ratio) can be assumed a valid indicator of sexual differentiation, provided that it is stable once it develops, or eventual changes remain uniform in a respective cohort throughout ontogenesis. The main goal of this study was to determine whether the metacarpal 2M:4M and the digit 2D:4D ratio change during the period of pubertal/adolescent growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The metacarpals and digits were measured on radiographs of left hands in the sample of 328 individuals (96 pairs of male and 68 pairs of female twins) from the Wrocław Longitudinal Study of Twins (1967-1983). Five consecutive annual measurements were done for each individual within a 4-year-interval somewhere between 7 and 18 years of age. Age-related changes in both ratios were studied using a set of mixed-effects linear models. Three types of correlation coefficients were used for assessment of stability between repeated measurements at different ages. RESULTS: An overall decrease in the average 2M:4M ratio was observed, attributable to a much larger extent to males than to females. On the contrary, a slight overall increase in the average 2D:4D ratio was observed, attributable to a much larger extent to females than to males. The rank order of the ratios remained highly stable within the monitored period (the correlation coefficient mostly ranged between 0.85 and 0.95). In spite of these findings, we recorded significant intraindividual changes in both ratios. In some individuals the 2D:4D ratio can undergo changes comparable to average sex differences and much higher than average age-related changes. DISCUSSION: Relatively slight overall changes in digit ratio in puberty and adolescence themselves are not inconsistent with the use of the 2D:4D ratio as an indirect marker of prenatal sexual differentiation. Nevertheless, individual changes in the ratios varied substantially in this study and differed from the average trends. Future studies should focus on the nature of interindividual developmental differences in the digit and metacarpal ratios.

• MeSH
• Anthropology, Physical MeSH
• Anthropometry MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Twins MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Longitudinal Studies MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Sex Characteristics MeSH
• Sexual Maturation MeSH
• Fingers anatomy & histology   MeSH
• Puberty physiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

• Publication type
• Meeting Abstract MeSH

Prenatálna ultrazvuková diagnostika umožňuje neinvazívne posúdenie funkcie fetálneho srdca využívajúc tak 2D, ako aj 3D/4D technológie či dopplerovské merania. Hodnotenie funkcie srdca nadobúda význam hlavne pri plodoch s intrauterinnou rastovou retardáciou, materským diabetom, kongenitálnymi anomáliami srdca a pod. Článok poukazuje na niektoré súčasné možnosti ultrazvukového posúdenia fetálnej kardiálnej funkcie využívajúc viacero parametrov známych z pediatrickej či adultnej kardiológie, ako srdcový vývrhový objem (SV – Stroke Volume), kardiálny výdaj (CO – Cardiac Output), ejekčná frakcia (EF – Ejection Fraction), frakčné skrátenie (SF – Shortening Fraction), index myokardiálnej výkonnosti (MPI – Myocardial Performance Index).

Prenatal ultrasonography enables non-invasive assessment of foetal cardiac function utilizing 2D, 3D/4D or Doppler techniques. Evaluation of cardiac function is particularly important in cases of foetal intrauterine growth restriction, maternal diabetes, congenital cardiac defects, and so on. The article shows some of the current possibilities of ultrasonographic assessment of the foetal cardiac function utilizing some parameters known in paediatric or adult cardiology, like SV – Stroke Volume, CO – Cardiac Output, EF – Ejection Fraction, SF – Shortening Fraction, or MPI – Myocardial Performance Index.

Cieľom retrospektívnej komparatívnej štúdie bolo porovnať niektoré aspekty rutinného využitia troj-/štvordimenzionálnej virtuálnej sonografie a štandardnej dvojdimenzionálnej sonografie počas druhého trimestra gravidity. Metodika - objemové data získané štandardnou projekciou plodu 3/4D a 2D s prístrojom Accuvix XQ alebo Volusone 730 E. Pri každom vyšetrení sme vykonali kompletnú analýzu fetálnej anatómie podľa predloženého tabuľkového protokolu v období od 13. do 26. týždňa gravidity. Výsledky - kompletný prehľad o fetálnej anatómii sme pri použití 3/4D modulu získali v 96,5 % prípadov v porovnaní s 2D konvenčnou sonografiou iba v 90,7 % prípadov (p < 0.001). Priemerný čas pri 2D vyšetrení bol 12,6 min. štandardná odchýlka (SD 2,4 min.) a pri 3/4D vyšetrení 7,2 min. (SD 1,4 min.). Záver - 3/4D virtuálna sonografia je rýchla metóda vizualizácie plodu v druhom trimestri gravidity ako významná nadstavba konvenčnej 2D sonografie s prioritou pri detekcii anomálií povrchu plodu, obzvlášť pri detekcii defektov tváre, prednej brušnej steny a chrbtice.

Objective: The aim of this retrospective comparative study was to compare some aspects of routine use of three/four-dimensional virtual sonography with conventional two-dimensional sonography in the second trimester of pregnancy. Methods: Volume data were obtained by a standard 3/4D and 2D projection of the foetus with the use of ultrasound machines Accuvix XQ or Volusone 730 E. On each examination the complete analysis of foetal anatomy was made according to the proposed table protocol in the period between 13 weeks and 26 weeks gestation. Results: The complex overview of foetal anatomy was obtained by a 3/4D module in 96.5 % of cases in comparison with 2D conventional sonography only in 90.7 % of cases (p < 0.001). The mean time per examination for the 2D cohort was 12.6 ± 2.4 minutes (SD) and for the 3/4D cohort was 7.2 ± 1.4 minutes. Conclusion: 3/4D virtual sonography is fast method of foetal visualising in the second trimester of pregnancy and is considered to be a significant enhancement of conventional 2D sonography with the priority of detecting the foetal surface anomalies particularly defects of the face, anterior abdominal wall and vertebral column.

Cieľ. Prenatálny testosterón má signifikantný účinok na určité morfometrické (pomer druhého a štvrtého prsta - 2D:4D) a behaviorálne charakteristiky (identifikácia emócií a empatia) jedinca. Cieľom tejto štúdie bolo určiť či existuje vzťah medzi pomerom 2D:4D a hodnotami empatizačného kvocientu (EQ) u mladých ľudí zo Slovenska. Výskumný výber a metóda. Testovaciu vzorku predstavovalo 296 ľudí (149 mužov, 147 žien) vo veku 23,1± 2,3 rokov. Probandi podstúpili test zameraný na hodnotenie emócií z výrazu tváre. Na hodnotenie miery empatie probandi podstúpili samohodnotiaci test. Dĺžka druhého a štvrtého prsta bola meraná pomocou posuvného meradla. Hypotézy. Vyššie hladiny prenatálneho testosterónu udávané pomerom 2D:4D sú spojené s nižšou schopnosťou empatie. Štatistická analýza. Rozdiely medzi skupinami boli analyzované použitím t-testu (parametrické rozdelenie) alebo Mann-Whitney U testu (neparametrické rozdelenie). Analýza vzťahu medzi parametrami bola testovaná použitím Pearsonovho alebo Spearmanovho korelačného koeficientu. Výsledky. Na základe meraní lze konštatovať, že muži v porovnaní so ženami dosahovali nižšie hodnoty pre 2D:4D, EQ a vykazovali zníženú schopnosť identifikovať emócie z tváre. U mužov bola pozorovaná existencia pozitívneho korelačného vzťahu medzi celkovým 2D:4D a EQ, zatiaľ čo u žien žiadny korelačný vzťah pozorovaný nebol. Záverom je môžné konštatovať, že prenatálna expozícia testosterónu súvisí u mužov so zníženou schopnosťou empatie. Limity. Limitácie tejto štúdie sú nízky počet probandov a samohodnotiaci aspekt EQ testu, v dôsledku ktorého môže byť výsledok ovplyvnený osobnosťou participantov.

Objectives. The prenatal influence of testosterone has a significant effect on certain morphometric (second-to-fourth digit ratio – 2D:4D) and behavioural characteristics (identification of emotions and empathy) of an individual. The aim of our study was to determine the value of the empathizing quotient (EQ) and its relation to the ratio 2D:4D in population of young people born in Slovakia. Participants and settings. Test samples represented 296 individuals (149 males and 147 females) with average age of 23.1 years (SD = 2.3 year). Participants were administered to a test for the identification of emotions from facial expressions. To assess the ability to empathize, participants were administered an EQ test (a self-report test). The length of the second and the fourth finger was measured with a digital Vernier caliper. Hypotheses. Higher level of prenatal testosterone represented by lower 2D:4D is asscociated with lower ability to empathize. Statistical analysis. Differences between groups were statistically evaluated using t-test (normal distribution) or Mann-Whitney U test (non-normal distribution). Relationship between parameters was evaluated by Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results. Men compared to women achieved lower values for the 2D:4D ratio, EQ, and they exhibited reduced ability to identify emotions from facial expressions. The ratio of 2D:4D positively correlated with EQ in men but not in women. In conclusion, it can be stated that the prenatal exposure to testosterone is associated with decreased capability of men to empathize. Study limitation. Results of this study could be influenced by low number of participants as well as by personality-dependent self-assessment in the EQ test.

• MeSH
• Embryonic and Fetal Development MeSH
• Empathy * classification   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Fingers anatomy & histology   embryology   growth & development   MeSH
• Sex Factors MeSH
• Testosterone analysis   pharmacology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Geographicals
• Slovakia MeSH

Východiská: Vyšetrenie funkcie svalov panvového dna je veľmi dôležité pred zahájením cvičenia u pacientok s únikom moču a ďalšími dysfunkciami panvového dna. V súčasnosti sa používa vyšetrenie perineometrom a palpáciou. Novým trendom vo fyzioterapii je ultrazvukové vyšetrenie svalov panvového dna. Vyšetrenie môže byť realizované abdominálnym prístupom alebo perineálnym prístupom. Zhodnocujeme 2D a 3/4D zobrazenia svalov panvového dna. Metódy: Dotazník medzinárodnej konzultácie o inkontinencii ICIQ-UI SF. OAB-q krátky dotazník príznakov urgentnej inkontinencie moču. I-QoL sebahodnotiaca škála pre hodnotenie kvality života pacientov s inkontinenciou moču. Upravená Oxfordská stupnica na hodnotenie sily svalov panvového dna. PERFECT schéma podľa Laycocka a Jerwooda. Vyšetrenie panvového dna perineometrom (Peritron-Ontario, L4V, Canada). Vyšetrenie panvového dna 2D a 3/4D ultrazvukom (Volunson-i BT 11 Console, VCI volume contrast imaging softvér (GE Healthcare Austria GmbH Co OG, Zipf, Austria), sonda RAB4-8-RS 3D/4D 4-8 MHz). Cvičenie svalov panvového dna vysokej intenzity s prvkami stabilizácie. Záver: Efekt tréningu svalov panvového dna bol objektívne dokázaný prostredníctvom vyššie uvedených objektivizačných metód so subjektívnym zlepšením kvality života. Bol zistený aj významný efekt edukácie pri cvičení prostredníctvom USG.

Background: Examination of pelvic floor muscle function is very important before starting exercises in patients with urine leakage and other pelvic floor dysfunctions. Perineometer and palpation examination is currently being used. A new trend in physiotherapy is the ultrasound examination of pelvic floor muscles. The examination can be performed by abdominal approach or perineal approach. We evaluate 2D and 3/4D images of pelvic floor muscles. Methods: The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF). OAB-q - overactive bladder questionnaire - short form. The Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life scale (I-QoL) self-assessment scale for assessing the quality of life of patients with urinary incontinence. Adjusted Oxford scale to assess pelvic floor muscle strength. PERFECT scheme by Laycock and Jerwood. Pelvic floor examination by perineometer (Peritron-Ontario, L4V, Canada). Pelvic floor examination by 2D and 3/4D ultrasound examination (Volunson-i BT 11 Console, VCI volume contrast imaging software, (GE Healthcare Austria GmbH Co OG, Zipf, Austria, RAB4-8-RS 3D/4D 4-8 MHz probe). High intensity exercise of pelvic floor muscles with stabilization elements. Conclusion: The effect of pelvic floor muscle training was objectively proved by the above mentioned objectivization methods with subjective improvement of quality of life. There was also a significant effect of education in USG exercise.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Urinary Incontinence * diagnosis   psychology   rehabilitation   MeSH
• Quality of Life MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Pelvic Floor * diagnostic imaging   physiology   MeSH
• Urinary Incontinence, Stress diagnosis   psychology   rehabilitation   MeSH
• Exercise Therapy * methods   MeSH
• Ultrasonography MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Case Reports MeSH
• Review MeSH

Uvádzame prenatálnu ultrazvukovú diagnostiku obrieho krčného hemangiómu v 30+1 týždni u plodu s následkom postnatálneho vývoja Kasabach-Merrittovho syndrómu. Ultrazvukové vyšetrenie odhalilo veľkú izoechogénnu hmotu zaberajúcu celý krk, infiltrujúcu do nosohltanovej dutiny, jazyka, dolnej pery a dolnej čeľuste. Komplexná sonografická vizualizácia s 2D a 4D bola nápomocná v procese rodičovského poradenstva.

We report a prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of giant neck hemangioma at 30+1 weeks in a fetus resulting in the postnatal development of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. Ultrasound scan revealed a large isoechoic mass occupying the whole neck, infiltrating the nasopharyngeal cavity, tongue, lower lip and mandible. Complex sonographic visualization with 2D and 4D was helpful in the process of parental counseling.

• MeSH
• Hemangioma * diagnostic imaging   complications   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Fetal Diseases diagnosis   MeSH
• Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome * diagnosis   complications   MeSH
• Pregnancy MeSH
• Ultrasonography, Prenatal MeSH
• Congenital Abnormalities MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Pregnancy MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Case Reports MeSH