Are women better mindreaders? Sex differences in neural correlates of mentalizing detected with functional MRI

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The ability to mentalize, i.e. develop a Theory of Mind (ToM), enables us to anticipate and build a model of the thoughts, emotions and intentions of others. It has long been hypothesised that women differ from men in their mentalizing abilities. In the present fMRI study we examined the impact of (1) gender (women vs. men) and (2) game partner (human vs. computer) on ToM associated neural activity in the medial prefrontal cortex. Groups of men (n = 12) and women (n = 12) interacted in an iterated classical prisoner's dilemma forced choice situation with alleged human and computer partners who were outside the scanner.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Both the conditions of playing against putative human as well as computer partners led to activity increases in mPFC, ACC and rTPJ, constituting the classic ToM network. However, mPFC/ACC activity was more pronounced when participants believed they were playing against the alleged human partner. Differences in the medial frontal lobe activation related to the sex of the participants could be demonstrated for the human partner > computer partner contrast.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our data demonstrate differences in medial prefrontal brain activation during a ToM task depending on both the gender of participants and the game partner.</p

Acute renal failure in cancer patients

Acute renal failure (ARF) is defined as a sudden decrease in glomerular filtration rate leading to an acute rise in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels. It is a serious complication of cancer and constitutes a major source of morbidity and mortality. Current data suggest that ARF has the potential to substantially jeopardize the chances of cancer patients receiving optimal treatment and a potential cure. The pathways leading to ARF in cancer patients are common to the development of ARF in other conditions. However, ARF may also develop due to aetiologies arising from cancer treatment or the disease itself, including: nephrotoxic chemotherapy agents, post-renal obstruction, compression and infiltration by malignancy, tumour lysis syndrome, uric acid, sepsis and contrast agent nephropathy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the causes of ARF in patients with cancer and guidance on how to prevent and treat this condition. Ultimately, the key to managing ARF in cancer patients is to ensure that a multidisciplinary approach provides adequate assessment, appropriate preventative measures and early intervention