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Handbook of Clinical Neurology 2020Stress is associated with the onset of several stress-related mental disorders that occur more frequently in women than in men, such as major depression or posttraumatic... (Review)
Review
Stress is associated with the onset of several stress-related mental disorders that occur more frequently in women than in men, such as major depression or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is the major component of the neuroendocrine network responding to internal and external challenges. The proper functioning of the HPA axis is critical for the maintenance of mental and physical health, as dysregulations of the HPA axis have been linked to several mental and physical disorders. Numerous studies have observed distinct sex differences in the regulation of the HPA axis in response to stress, and it is supposed that these differences may partially explain the female predominance in stress-related mental disorders. Preclinical models have clearly shown that the HPA axis in females is activated more rapidly and produces a larger output of stress hormones than in males. However, studies with humans often produced inconsistent findings, which might be traced back to the variation of investigated stressors, the use of contraceptives in some of the studies, and different menstrual cycle stages of the female subjects. This article discusses rodent and human literature of sex differences in the function of the HPA axis.
Topics: Depressive Disorder; Female; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Male; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Sex Characteristics; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 33008543
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-444-64123-6.00004-7 -
Letters in Applied Microbiology Jun 2021Human gut microbiota (GM) includes a complex and dynamic population of microorganisms that are crucial for well-being and survival of the organism. It has been reported... (Review)
Review
Human gut microbiota (GM) includes a complex and dynamic population of microorganisms that are crucial for well-being and survival of the organism. It has been reported as diverse and relatively stable with shared core microbiota, including Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes as the major dominants. They are the key regulators of body homeostasis, involving both intestinal and extra-intestinal effects by influencing many physiological functions such as metabolism, maintenance of barrier homeostasis, inflammation and hematopoiesis. Any alteration in GM community structures not only trigger gut disorders but also influence other organs and cause associated diseases. In recent past, the GM has been defined as a 'vital organ' with its involvement with other organs; thus, establishing a link or a bi- or multidirectional communication axis between the organs via neural, endocrine, immune, humoral and metabolic pathways. Alterations in GM have been linked to several diseases known to humans; although the exact interaction mechanism between the gut and the organs is yet to be defined. In this review, the bidirectional relationship between the gut and the vital human organs was envisaged and discussed under several headings. Furthermore, several disease symptoms were also revisited to redefine the communication network between the gut microbes and the associated organs.
Topics: Bacteroidetes; Dysbiosis; Firmicutes; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Gastrointestinal Tract; Health Status; Humans; Inflammation
PubMed: 32472555
DOI: 10.1111/lam.13333 -
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases May 2021MAXIMISE (Managing AXIal Manifestations in psorIatic arthritis with SEcukinumab) trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of secukinumab in the management of axial... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
MAXIMISE (Managing AXIal Manifestations in psorIatic arthritis with SEcukinumab) trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of secukinumab in the management of axial manifestations of psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
METHODS
This phase 3b, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centre 52-week trial included patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with PsA and classified by ClASsification criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) criteria, with spinal pain Visual Analogue Score ≥40/100 and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) score ≥4 despite use of at least two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Patients were randomised (1:1:1) to secukinumab 300 mg, secukinumab 150 mg or placebo weekly for 4 weeks and every 4 weeks thereafter. At week 12, placebo patients were re-randomised to secukinumab 300/150 mg. Primary endpoint was ASAS20 (Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society) response with secukinumab 300 mg at week 12.
RESULTS
Patients were randomly assigned; 167 to secukinumab 300 mg, 165 to secukinumab 150 mg and 166 to placebo. Secukinumab 300 mg and 150 mg significantly improved ASAS20 response versus placebo at week 12 (63% and 66% vs 31% placebo). The OR (95% CI) comparing secukinumab 300 mg and 150 mg versus placebo, using a logistic regression model after multiple imputation, was 3.8 (2.4 and 6.1) and 4.4 (2.7 and 7.0; p<0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS
Secukinumab 300 mg and 150 mg provided significant improvement in signs and symptoms of axial disease compared with placebo in patients with PsA and axial manifestations with inadequate response to NSAIDs.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT02721966.
Topics: Adult; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Antirheumatic Agents; Arthritis, Psoriatic; Axis, Cervical Vertebra; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33334727
DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-218808 -
Advanced Emergency Nursing JournalOdontoid fractures remain the most common C2 fracture and of those individuals older than 65 years. The type of optimal management remains in question given...
Odontoid fractures remain the most common C2 fracture and of those individuals older than 65 years. The type of optimal management remains in question given comorbidities, risk of nonunion, and limitations in mobility when surgical fusion is the treatment selected. These fractures are of particular importance, given the high incident of morbidity and mortality following an odontoid fracture. Overall quality of life remains a significant consideration when selecting the best intervention following careful examination and confirmation with radiographic imaging. The literature continues with controversies in the best treatment interventions for these fractures, resulting in a case-by-case decision-making process.
Topics: Humans; Odontoid Process; Quality of Life; Fractures, Bone
PubMed: 38285420
DOI: 10.1097/TME.0000000000000495 -
The Orthopedic Clinics of North America Oct 2021Craniocervical injuries (CCJs) account for 10% to 30% of all cervical spine trauma. An increasing number of patients are surviving these injuries due to advancements in... (Review)
Review
Craniocervical injuries (CCJs) account for 10% to 30% of all cervical spine trauma. An increasing number of patients are surviving these injuries due to advancements in automobile technology, resuscitation techniques, and diagnostic modalities. The leading injury mechanisms are motor vehicle crashes, falls from height, and sports-related events. Current treatment with urgent rigid posterior fixation of the occiput to the cervical spine has resulted in a substantial reduction in management delays expedites treatment of CCJ injuries. Within CCJ injuries, there is a spectrum of instability, ranging from isolated nondisplaced occipital condyle fractures treated nonoperatively to highly unstable injuries with severely distracted craniocervical dissociation. Despite the evolution of understanding and improvement in the management of cases regarding catastrophic failure to diagnose, subsequent neurologic deterioration still occurs even in experienced trauma centers. The purpose of this article is to review the injuries that occur at the CCJ with the accompanying anatomy, presentation, imaging, classification, management, and outcomes.
Topics: Atlanto-Axial Joint; Atlanto-Occipital Joint; Axis, Cervical Vertebra; Cervical Atlas; Cervical Vertebrae; Humans; Joint Dislocations; Occipital Bone; Spinal Fractures; Spinal Injuries; Trauma, Nervous System
PubMed: 34538354
DOI: 10.1016/j.ocl.2021.05.013 -
Joint Bone Spine Jan 2022
Topics: Chondrocalcinosis; Humans; Neck Pain; Odontoid Process
PubMed: 34634468
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2021.105288