Severe epistaxis related to intravitreal bevacizumab

Surgical oncolog

The developmental origins of autism spectrum disorder: The 2D:4D digit ratio as biomarker

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is identified as a sexually dimorphic disorder, meaning that it may be influenced by fetal levels of testosterone and estrogen [1]. As described by several studies, levels of prenatal sex hormones can be related to the digit ratio of the index (2D) and ring (4D) finger [2]. It has been known that males tend to have longer fourth digits relative to second digits than females, indicating higher levels of fetal testosterone in comparison to estrogen in males [2]. As the development of the central nervous system (CNS) is also influenced by prenatal sex hormones, it has been suggested that the 2D:4D digit ratio may be a biomarker for the risk of developing CNS diseases such as autism. One study found that N= 72 children diagnosed with autism had lower 2D:4D digit ratios when compared to age-matched healthy controls [3], and a 2012 meta-analysis confirmed that adults with autism tend to have a lower 2D:4D digit ratio [4]. However, recent studies could not replicate these findings [5]. Aim(s) of the study: To determine the usefulness of the 2D:4D digit ratio as biomarker for autism spectrum disorder. Methods: Participants were recruited among students from Utrecht University. For both hands, digit lengths of the second (2D, index finger) and fourth (4D, ring finger) finger were measured using digital Vernier calipers recording to 0.01 mm. In addition to demographics, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaire was completed. The AQ is divided into four subscales, each assessing a different aspect of ASD. The subscales comprise 'social insights and behavior', 'difficulties with change', 'communication', 'phantasy and imagination', and 'detail orientation'. Using correlational analyses, the relationship between the 2D:4D digit ratio and the overall AQ scores and those of its subscales was computed. Results of participants with dove-type personality (2D:4D >1.00) were compared to those with a hawk-type personality (2D:4

The developmental origins of autism spectrum disorder: The 2D:4D digit ratio as biomarker

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is identified as a sexually dimorphic disorder, meaning that it may be influenced by fetal levels of testosterone and estrogen [1]. As described by several studies, levels of prenatal sex hormones can be related to the digit ratio of the index (2D) and ring (4D) finger [2]. It has been known that males tend to have longer fourth digits relative to second digits than females, indicating higher levels of fetal testosterone in comparison to estrogen in males [2]. As the development of the central nervous system (CNS) is also influenced by prenatal sex hormones, it has been suggested that the 2D:4D digit ratio may be a biomarker for the risk of developing CNS diseases such as autism. One study found that N= 72 children diagnosed with autism had lower 2D:4D digit ratios when compared to age-matched healthy controls [3], and a 2012 meta-analysis confirmed that adults with autism tend to have a lower 2D:4D digit ratio [4]. However, recent studies could not replicate these findings [5]. Aim(s) of the study: To determine the usefulness of the 2D:4D digit ratio as biomarker for autism spectrum disorder. Methods: Participants were recruited among students from Utrecht University. For both hands, digit lengths of the second (2D, index finger) and fourth (4D, ring finger) finger were measured using digital Vernier calipers recording to 0.01 mm. In addition to demographics, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaire was completed. The AQ is divided into four subscales, each assessing a different aspect of ASD. The subscales comprise 'social insights and behavior', 'difficulties with change', 'communication', 'phantasy and imagination', and 'detail orientation'. Using correlational analyses, the relationship between the 2D:4D digit ratio and the overall AQ scores and those of its subscales was computed. Results of participants with dove-type personality (2D:4D >1.00) were compared to those with a hawk-type personality (2D:4

The relationship between perceived immune functioning and autism spectrum disorder scores in healthy young adults

Introduction: Altered immune functioning has been demonstrated in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [1,2]. Skewed cytokine profiles have been linked to ASD, because of their ability to interact with neural systems of development and maintenance [1,2]. In this context, it has been argued that high fetal levels of testosterone suppress immune functioning, and at the same time increase the risk of developing ASD [3]. The current study explores the relationship between perceived immune functioning and experiencing ASD symptoms in healthy young adults. Aim of the study: To examine the relationship between ASD and the perceived immune functioning. Methods: Students from Utrecht University were asked to complete a survey on autism and immune functioning. The 19- item Immune Function Questionnaire (IFQ) was completed [4] to assess perceived immune functioning. The overall IFQ-score ranges from 0 to 76, with higher scores implying worse immune functioning. The Dutch translation of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) [5] was completed to examine variation in autistic traits. The total AQ score was based on the 4-point Likert scale scores (ranging from “definitely agree” to “definitely disagree”), with a higher sum score implying endorsing more autism characteristics. This questionnaire consists of 5 subscales, each assessing a different domain of ASD, covering 'social insights and behavior', 'difficulties with change', 'communication', 'phantasy and imagination', and 'detail orientation'. Correlational analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between ADS and its domains, and the IFQ immune score. Results: N= 259 participants completed the AQ questionnaire. Significant correlations were found between the IFQ immune score and the total AQ score (r = 0.169, p = 0.007), and the subscales 'difficulties with change' (r = 0.185, p = 0.003) and 'communication' (r = 0.146, p = 0.018). In women, the IFQ immune score correlated significantly with the total AQ score (r = 0.223, p = 0.010), and the subscale 'social insights and behavior' (r = 0.190, p = 0.025). In men, significant correlations were found between the IFQ immune score and the total AQ score (r = 0.196, p = 0.033), and the subscales 'difficulties with change' (r = 0.231, p = 0.011) and 'communication' (r = 0.208, p = 0.022). Conclusions: Our findings confirm the relationship between immune functioning and several aspects of autism spectrum disorder. The association between total AQ score and the level of immune functioning was significant in both men and women. Although the observed associations are modest, it should be taken into account that the current sample comprised healthy young volunteers. Interestingly, regarding specific ASD domains, although in both men and women an association was found with 'difficulties with change', associations with other ASD domains seem to be more gender specific. The latter warrants further research, preferably in patients formally diagnosed with ASD

The relationship between perceived immune functioning and autism spectrum disorder scores in healthy young adults

Introduction: Altered immune functioning has been demonstrated in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [1,2]. Skewed cytokine profiles have been linked to ASD, because of their ability to interact with neural systems of development and maintenance [1,2]. In this context, it has been argued that high fetal levels of testosterone suppress immune functioning, and at the same time increase the risk of developing ASD [3]. The current study explores the relationship between perceived immune functioning and experiencing ASD symptoms in healthy young adults. Aim of the study: To examine the relationship between ASD and the perceived immune functioning. Methods: Students from Utrecht University were asked to complete a survey on autism and immune functioning. The 19- item Immune Function Questionnaire (IFQ) was completed [4] to assess perceived immune functioning. The overall IFQ-score ranges from 0 to 76, with higher scores implying worse immune functioning. The Dutch translation of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) [5] was completed to examine variation in autistic traits. The total AQ score was based on the 4-point Likert scale scores (ranging from “definitely agree” to “definitely disagree”), with a higher sum score implying endorsing more autism characteristics. This questionnaire consists of 5 subscales, each assessing a different domain of ASD, covering 'social insights and behavior', 'difficulties with change', 'communication', 'phantasy and imagination', and 'detail orientation'. Correlational analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between ADS and its domains, and the IFQ immune score. Results: N= 259 participants completed the AQ questionnaire. Significant correlations were found between the IFQ immune score and the total AQ score (r = 0.169, p = 0.007), and the subscales 'difficulties with change' (r = 0.185, p = 0.003) and 'communication' (r = 0.146, p = 0.018). In women, the IFQ immune score correlated significantly with the total AQ score (r = 0.223, p = 0.010), and the subscale 'social insights and behavior' (r = 0.190, p = 0.025). In men, significant correlations were found between the IFQ immune score and the total AQ score (r = 0.196, p = 0.033), and the subscales 'difficulties with change' (r = 0.231, p = 0.011) and 'communication' (r = 0.208, p = 0.022). Conclusions: Our findings confirm the relationship between immune functioning and several aspects of autism spectrum disorder. The association between total AQ score and the level of immune functioning was significant in both men and women. Although the observed associations are modest, it should be taken into account that the current sample comprised healthy young volunteers. Interestingly, regarding specific ASD domains, although in both men and women an association was found with 'difficulties with change', associations with other ASD domains seem to be more gender specific. The latter warrants further research, preferably in patients formally diagnosed with ASD

Increased frequency of CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles in clopidogrel-treated patients with recurrent cerebral ischemia

AIMS: Clopidogrel is used as secondary prevention after cerebral ischaemia. Previous, mainly Asian, studies have shown that genetic variations in CYP2C19 are associated with an increased risk of recurrent stroke in clopidogrel-treated patients. Evidence on the impact of this drug-gene interaction in European neurology patients is currently limited. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of CYP2C19 loss-of-function (LoF) alleles in a population with recurrent cerebral ischaemia to two reference groups from the same region. METHODS: CYP2C19-genotyping (*2 and *3) was performed in clopidogrel-treated patients who presented with a recurrent ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Genotype distributions were compared with two reference groups; a cohort of consecutive patients who underwent elective coronary stent implantation and a cohort of healthy Dutch volunteers. RESULTS: In total, 188 cases with a recurrent ischaemic event were identified, of whom 38 (20.2%) experienced an early recurrent event (24 hours to 90 days after the previous event). Among the total case group, 43.6% of the patients carried at least one CYP2C19 LoF allele, compared with 27.6% and 24.7% in respectively the cardiology and the healthy volunteers reference groups (P < .001 for both comparisons). Among the cases with an early recurrent event, 55.3% of patients were carriers of at least one CYP2C19 LoF allele (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: In this clopidogrel-treated population with recurrent cerebral ischaemia, the frequency of CYP2C19 LoF alleles was significantly higher than in reference groups, especially in early recurrent events. This study adds to the growing body of evidence that genotype-guided antiplatelet therapy could improve patient outcomes

The developmental origins of autism spectrum disorder: The 2D:4D digit ratio as biomarker

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is identified as a sexually dimorphic disorder, meaning that it may be influenced by fetal levels of testosterone and estrogen [1]. As described by several studies, levels of prenatal sex hormones can be related to the digit ratio of the index (2D) and ring (4D) finger [2]. It has been known that males tend to have longer fourth digits relative to second digits than females, indicating higher levels of fetal testosterone in comparison to estrogen in males [2]. As the development of the central nervous system (CNS) is also influenced by prenatal sex hormones, it has been suggested that the 2D:4D digit ratio may be a biomarker for the risk of developing CNS diseases such as autism. One study found that N= 72 children diagnosed with autism had lower 2D:4D digit ratios when compared to age-matched healthy controls [3], and a 2012 meta-analysis confirmed that adults with autism tend to have a lower 2D:4D digit ratio [4]. However, recent studies could not replicate these findings [5]. Aim(s) of the study: To determine the usefulness of the 2D:4D digit ratio as biomarker for autism spectrum disorder. Methods: Participants were recruited among students from Utrecht University. For both hands, digit lengths of the second (2D, index finger) and fourth (4D, ring finger) finger were measured using digital Vernier calipers recording to 0.01 mm. In addition to demographics, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaire was completed. The AQ is divided into four subscales, each assessing a different aspect of ASD. The subscales comprise 'social insights and behavior', 'difficulties with change', 'communication', 'phantasy and imagination', and 'detail orientation'. Using correlational analyses, the relationship between the 2D:4D digit ratio and the overall AQ scores and those of its subscales was computed. Results of participants with dove-type personality (2D:4D >1.00) were compared to those with a hawk-type personality (2D:4

The relationship between perceived immune functioning and autism spectrum disorder scores in healthy young adults

Introduction: Altered immune functioning has been demonstrated in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [1,2]. Skewed cytokine profiles have been linked to ASD, because of their ability to interact with neural systems of development and maintenance [1,2]. In this context, it has been argued that high fetal levels of testosterone suppress immune functioning, and at the same time increase the risk of developing ASD [3]. The current study explores the relationship between perceived immune functioning and experiencing ASD symptoms in healthy young adults. Aim of the study: To examine the relationship between ASD and the perceived immune functioning. Methods: Students from Utrecht University were asked to complete a survey on autism and immune functioning. The 19- item Immune Function Questionnaire (IFQ) was completed [4] to assess perceived immune functioning. The overall IFQ-score ranges from 0 to 76, with higher scores implying worse immune functioning. The Dutch translation of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) [5] was completed to examine variation in autistic traits. The total AQ score was based on the 4-point Likert scale scores (ranging from “definitely agree” to “definitely disagree”), with a higher sum score implying endorsing more autism characteristics. This questionnaire consists of 5 subscales, each assessing a different domain of ASD, covering 'social insights and behavior', 'difficulties with change', 'communication', 'phantasy and imagination', and 'detail orientation'. Correlational analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between ADS and its domains, and the IFQ immune score. Results: N= 259 participants completed the AQ questionnaire. Significant correlations were found between the IFQ immune score and the total AQ score (r = 0.169, p = 0.007), and the subscales 'difficulties with change' (r = 0.185, p = 0.003) and 'communication' (r = 0.146, p = 0.018). In women, the IFQ immune score correlated significantly with the total AQ score (r = 0.223, p = 0.010), and the subscale 'social insights and behavior' (r = 0.190, p = 0.025). In men, significant correlations were found between the IFQ immune score and the total AQ score (r = 0.196, p = 0.033), and the subscales 'difficulties with change' (r = 0.231, p = 0.011) and 'communication' (r = 0.208, p = 0.022). Conclusions: Our findings confirm the relationship between immune functioning and several aspects of autism spectrum disorder. The association between total AQ score and the level of immune functioning was significant in both men and women. Although the observed associations are modest, it should be taken into account that the current sample comprised healthy young volunteers. Interestingly, regarding specific ASD domains, although in both men and women an association was found with 'difficulties with change', associations with other ASD domains seem to be more gender specific. The latter warrants further research, preferably in patients formally diagnosed with ASD

The relationship between perceived immune functioning and autism spectrum disorder scores in healthy young adults

Introduction: Altered immune functioning has been demonstrated in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [1,2]. Skewed cytokine profiles have been linked to ASD, because of their ability to interact with neural systems of development and maintenance [1,2]. In this context, it has been argued that high fetal levels of testosterone suppress immune functioning, and at the same time increase the risk of developing ASD [3]. The current study explores the relationship between perceived immune functioning and experiencing ASD symptoms in healthy young adults. Aim of the study: To examine the relationship between ASD and the perceived immune functioning. Methods: Students from Utrecht University were asked to complete a survey on autism and immune functioning. The 19- item Immune Function Questionnaire (IFQ) was completed [4] to assess perceived immune functioning. The overall IFQ-score ranges from 0 to 76, with higher scores implying worse immune functioning. The Dutch translation of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) [5] was completed to examine variation in autistic traits. The total AQ score was based on the 4-point Likert scale scores (ranging from “definitely agree” to “definitely disagree”), with a higher sum score implying endorsing more autism characteristics. This questionnaire consists of 5 subscales, each assessing a different domain of ASD, covering 'social insights and behavior', 'difficulties with change', 'communication', 'phantasy and imagination', and 'detail orientation'. Correlational analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between ADS and its domains, and the IFQ immune score. Results: N= 259 participants completed the AQ questionnaire. Significant correlations were found between the IFQ immune score and the total AQ score (r = 0.169, p = 0.007), and the subscales 'difficulties with change' (r = 0.185, p = 0.003) and 'communication' (r = 0.146, p = 0.018). In women, the IFQ immune score correlated significantly with the total AQ score (r = 0.223, p = 0.010), and the subscale 'social insights and behavior' (r = 0.190, p = 0.025). In men, significant correlations were found between the IFQ immune score and the total AQ score (r = 0.196, p = 0.033), and the subscales 'difficulties with change' (r = 0.231, p = 0.011) and 'communication' (r = 0.208, p = 0.022). Conclusions: Our findings confirm the relationship between immune functioning and several aspects of autism spectrum disorder. The association between total AQ score and the level of immune functioning was significant in both men and women. Although the observed associations are modest, it should be taken into account that the current sample comprised healthy young volunteers. Interestingly, regarding specific ASD domains, although in both men and women an association was found with 'difficulties with change', associations with other ASD domains seem to be more gender specific. The latter warrants further research, preferably in patients formally diagnosed with ASD

The developmental origins of autism spectrum disorder: The 2D:4D digit ratio as biomarker

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is identified as a sexually dimorphic disorder, meaning that it may be influenced by fetal levels of testosterone and estrogen [1]. As described by several studies, levels of prenatal sex hormones can be related to the digit ratio of the index (2D) and ring (4D) finger [2]. It has been known that males tend to have longer fourth digits relative to second digits than females, indicating higher levels of fetal testosterone in comparison to estrogen in males [2]. As the development of the central nervous system (CNS) is also influenced by prenatal sex hormones, it has been suggested that the 2D:4D digit ratio may be a biomarker for the risk of developing CNS diseases such as autism. One study found that N= 72 children diagnosed with autism had lower 2D:4D digit ratios when compared to age-matched healthy controls [3], and a 2012 meta-analysis confirmed that adults with autism tend to have a lower 2D:4D digit ratio [4]. However, recent studies could not replicate these findings [5]. Aim(s) of the study: To determine the usefulness of the 2D:4D digit ratio as biomarker for autism spectrum disorder. Methods: Participants were recruited among students from Utrecht University. For both hands, digit lengths of the second (2D, index finger) and fourth (4D, ring finger) finger were measured using digital Vernier calipers recording to 0.01 mm. In addition to demographics, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaire was completed. The AQ is divided into four subscales, each assessing a different aspect of ASD. The subscales comprise 'social insights and behavior', 'difficulties with change', 'communication', 'phantasy and imagination', and 'detail orientation'. Using correlational analyses, the relationship between the 2D:4D digit ratio and the overall AQ scores and those of its subscales was computed. Results of participants with dove-type personality (2D:4D >1.00) were compared to those with a hawk-type personality (2D:4