1,721,216 research outputs found
Influences of melatonin on human circadian rhythms
No full textAdministration of melatonin is useful in the treatment of desynchronized conditions. The mechanisms through which melatonin exerts its effect are not completely clear. Melatonin exerts direct effects on several biological functions, such as the regulation of body temperature, but there is no proof that these actions are important in the indirect regulation of main pacemaker activity. By contrast, it is very likely that melatonin exerts direct effects on circadian clocks, and that depending on the time of its administration/presence, it antagonizes or promotes the phase-shifting effects exerted by light. It is possible that melatonin regulates its own secretion and that its prolonged or shortened secretion in the period of the night-day transition is responsible for the lengthening or shortening, respectively, of the nocturnal melatonin rise. This possibility that needs to be confirmed by extensive studies may represent a physiological mechanism through which photoperiodic information is more rapidly and efficiently transformed by melatonin in a circadian signal to all the body (Chronobiology International, 14(2), 205-220, 1997)
Effect of month of birth on the risk of suicide. Role of mood variation
No full textn a multicentric study, by evaluating the psychological status of 2581 Italian women in postmenopause, we showed that anxiety and depression are minimal in women born in Autumn (lowest value November) and peak in women born in Spring (maximal value in March) (2). This seems to reflect quite nicely the seasonal pattern of suicide reported by Salib &Cortina- Boria (1). In our study, data were corrected for the month into which the psychological evaluation was indeed performed.Mood varies throughout the year, and seasonal rhythms of suicide (3,4), or of events related to low mood, as voluntary abortion, have been reported (4). Interestingly, these rhythms are similar to the one reported by Salib & Cortina-Boria for the month of birth and risk of suicide(1). It would be interesting to see whether data of this latter study would remain significant when corrected for the seasonal rhythm of suicide. If this is the case, the concordance between the seasonal rhythm of suicide, and the predisposition to suicide at birth, would suggest that the mechanisms predisposing the newborn to the risk of suicide are operative in the last part of pregnancy, very close to the timing of delivery
Age-related difference in the rate of coronavirus disease 2019 mortality in women versus men
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Reply to: Interactions between melatonin and estrogen in the regulation of blood pressure
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IMPROVE lifestyle in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic strategy
No full textLifestyle change is the first-line of treatment for the management of women with PCOS, however obtaining long-term adherence is challenging. In order to improve adherence to advice on lifestyle, we propose a strategic systematic approach that could be easily remembered with the acronym I.M.P.R.O.V.E.: Inform, Motivate, Prescribe, Reward, Oversee, Visualize, Empower. Besides giving information and recommendations, it emphasizes the need to listen to PCOS patients in order to better motivate and to encourage to increase those physical activities they like the most. The reduction of calorie intake more than macronutrient changes may also be proposed. In the second phase the strategy aims to assess lifestyle changes, trying to visualize and quantify them so as to reinforce adherence and motivation or to find new motivations and rewards. The final goal is to empower the patient in order to maintain long term self-adherence. Lifestyle approach is not an alternative to pharmacological treatment of PCOS, but it is synergic with it as it can counterbalance some side effects or risks
The male disadvantage and the seasonal rhythm of sex ratio at the time of conception (multiple letters)
No full textOspemifene in the management of vulvar and vaginal atrophy: Focus on the assessment of patient acceptability and ease of use
Full text linkEndocrinological changes that occur with menopause lead to a chronic and progressive condition named vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA). This disease is characterized by symptoms such as dryness, dyspareunia, itching, burning, and dysuria. According to recent epidemiological studies, VVA has a high prevalence and can also occur in younger women prior to the menopause, negatively affecting quality of life, sexual function, intimacy and relationship with the partner. Accordingly, therapy should be effective, initiated early and continued for as long as possible. Up to recent years, available therapeutic options have included over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers, vaginal oestrogens and systemic hormones. These products are not indicated for all women. Hormones are mostly contraindicated in women with a history of hormone-sensitive cancer and are frequently not accepted even by women without contraindications. Local therapies are frequently considered uncomfortable, difficult to apply, and messy. Indeed, these treatments have a high spontaneous discontinuation rate, mostly due to dissatisfaction, safety concern, side effects and difficulty in vaginal placement. Recently, ospemifene, a new non-hormonal systemic remedy, was approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and EMA (European Medicines Agency) for the treatment of the two most bothersome symptoms of VVA: dryness and dyspareunia. Because ospemifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), it can be administered also in women with a history of breast cancer, and this makes it more acceptable by any woman. In addition, its route of administration minimizes those bothersome side effects intrinsic to the vaginal route of administration. Available data indicate that women using ospemifene have higher adherence to treatment, higher persistence and lower discontinuation rate. Satisfaction is higher than with other local therapies and overall health care cost is lower
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