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Comparative Study 2007; 28(4): 445-448 PubMed PMID: 17693971 Citation  Keywords:  Adolescent, Adult, Autistic Disorder:physiopathology, Circadian Rhythm:physiology, Cognition:physiology, Empathy, Female, Humans, Hydrocortisone:metabolism, Logic, Male, Psychopathology, Saliva:metabolism, Sex Characteristics, Social Adjustment,.   

OBJECTIVE: Little is known regarding the relationship between cortisol (a stress hormone) levels and psychological cognitive styles. Baron-Cohen proposed two fundamental cognitive styles, which are measured by the Empathy Quotient (EQ) and the Systemizng Quotient (SQ). Previous studies have examined the influences of prenatal testosterone exposure on EQ and SQ scores. This study aimed to examine the relationships between morning cortisol levels and EQ and SQ scores, and the 'brain types' which were determined by two quotients in both sexes. These relationships are potentially important in the developmental psychopathology of autism and neuroeconomics of empathy.

METHODS: We assessed morning cortisol levels with LC/MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) and ESQ in healthy male and female university students.

CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate clear sex differences between brain types: i.e. E-type males and S-type females (participants with atypical cognitive styles) have significantly higher cortisol levels than S-type males and E-type females (participants with typical cognitive styles). Implications for the role of sex in social adaptation of autistic patients are discussed....

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Comparative Study 2006; 27(3): 315-320 PubMed PMID: 16807524 Citation  Keywords:  Adolescent, Adult, Empathy, Exploratory Behavior:physiology, Female, Humans, Leadership, Male, Personality:physiology, Psychology, Adolescent, Reference Values, Saliva:physiology, Sex Factors, Social Dominance, Testosterone:physiology,.   

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that gender - dependent differences in novelty seeking, leadership, and sympathy might correlate with testosterone titre. Since several studies report that the impact of testosterone on personality traits is more visible under emotional challenging situations, we harvested saliva testosterone upon an anticipated stressor (academic examination) and under basal conditions.

SETTING AND DESIGN: 19 female and 23 male adolescents (17 to 19 years of age) completed standardized questionnaires on sensation seeking, anxiety, and social interaction. Two weeks later, they had to write an anticipated, rigorous examination in mathematics in their school. Before and after the examination, saliva had been harvested from each subject and testosterone titre has been estimated.

METHODS: Saliva testosterone was quantified using a luminescence immunoassay (LIA). Each subject completed questionnaires on sensations seeking according to Zuckerman (SSS - V), anxiety (STAI), and social interactions.

RESULTS: Both genders showed an increase in their testosterone titre shortly after examination or announcement of test scores. A Spearman correlation coefficient indicated a significant correlation between testosterone titre and sensation seeking subscales in female but not in male subjects. Analysis of social interactions revealed that peers regarded male subjects, who had high testosterone titres, as leaders but not as likeable individuals, whereas they regarded female subjects, who had high testosterone titres, not as leaders but as highly likeable individuals.

CONCLUSION: Theses findings strongly suggest that testosterone has gender specific effects on novelty seeking, dominance, and sympathy....

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Journal Article 2004; 25(Suppl 1): 169-182 PubMed PMID: 15735599 Citation  Keywords:  Empathy, Female, Fetus, Humans, Mothers:psychology, Object Attachment, Pregnancy:psychology, Pregnancy Trimester, Third, Pregnancy, Unplanned:psychology, Pregnancy, Unwanted:psychology,.   

: Maternal-fetal attachment is the purest source of the powerful attachment relationship, the gradual internalisation of the life within unspoilt by the realities and complexities of early parenting. This qualitative study searches for a definition of attachment utilising a phenomenological framework. An opportunity sample of 10 women in the final trimester of pregnancy was interviewed. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using Glaser & Strauss's (1967) constant comparative methodology. Thirteen key themes were identified, of these 4 were specific to parenting experience. A novel finding contrary to earlier studies was that women reported their overwhelming emotion was not love but an innate desire to protect. Protection, the developmental nature of attachment and importance of the emotional and physical support of a partner or parent form the kernel of an evolving paradigm....

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Journal Article 2004; 25(Suppl 1): 49-55 PubMed PMID: 15735586 Citation  Keywords:  Empathy, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Intensive Care Units, Neonatal, Neonatology:methods, Pain:diagnosis, Pain Management, Palliative Care:methods, Terminal Care,.   

: Research has shown that even extremely premature babies are sufficiently developed, anatomically and physiologically, to be capable of experiencing and responding to pain. All newborn infants and especially those who require intensive care in the first days of life are exposed to some painful procedures. Part of the neonatologist's role is the detection and management of pain in these infants. Difficult challenges come with this role. All medications carry known or potential adverse effects and limited research has been done in this vulnerable population. The benefits and risks of all available pain-relieving measures should be balanced when planning management. Compassion is no excuse for a high incidence of undesirable or dangerous side effects. We must proceed with great care....

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