Monash University

About: Monash University is a education organization based out in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 35920 authors who have published 100681 publications receiving 3027002 citations.

Longitudinal Follow-Up of Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: Outcome at Two, Five, and Ten Years Post-Injury

Abstract: The deleterious consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) impair capacity to return to many avenues of pre-morbid life. However, there has been limited longitudinal research examining outcome beyond five years post-injury. The aim of this study was to examine aspects of function, previously shown to be affected following TBI, over a span of 10 years. One hundred and forty one patients with TBI were assessed at two, five, and 10 years post-injury using the Structured Outcome Questionnaire. Fatigue and balance problems were the most common neurological symptoms, with reported rates decreasing only slightly during the 10-year period. Mobility outcomes were good in more than 75% of patients, with few participants requiring aids for mobility. Changes in cognitive, communication, behavioral, and emotional functions were reported by approximately 60% of the sample at all time points. Levels of independence in activities of daily living were high during the 10-year period, and as many as 70% of subjects returned to driving. Nevertheless, approximately 40% of patients required more support than before their injury. Only half the sample returned to previous leisure activities and fewer than half were employed at each assessment time post-injury. Although marital status remained stable over time, approximately 30% of participants reported difficulties in personal relationships. Older age at injury did not substantially alter the pattern of changes over time, except in employment. Overall, problems that were evident at two years post-injury persisted until 10 years post-injury. The importance of these findings is discussed with reference to rehabilitation programs.

Relaxin Family Peptides and Their Receptors

Abstract: There are seven relaxin family peptides that are all structurally related to insulin. Relaxin has many roles in female and male reproduction, as a neuropeptide in the central nervous system, as a vasodilator and cardiac stimulant in the cardiovascular system, and as an antifibrotic agent. Insulin-like peptide-3 (INSL3) has clearly defined specialist roles in male and female reproduction, relaxin-3 is primarily a neuropeptide involved in stress and metabolic control, and INSL5 is widely distributed particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. Although they are structurally related to insulin, the relaxin family peptides produce their physiological effects by activating a group of four G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), relaxin family peptide receptors 1-4 (RXFP1-4). Relaxin and INSL3 are the cognate ligands for RXFP1 and RXFP2, respectively, that are leucine-rich repeat containing GPCRs. RXFP1 activates a wide spectrum of signaling pathways to generate second messengers that include cAMP and nitric oxide, whereas RXFP2 activates a subset of these pathways. Relaxin-3 and INSL5 are the cognate ligands for RXFP3 and RXFP4 that are closely related to small peptide receptors that when activated inhibit cAMP production and activate MAP kinases. Although there are still many unanswered questions regarding the mode of action of relaxin family peptides, it is clear that they have important physiological roles that could be exploited for therapeutic benefit.

Testosterone Patch Increases Sexual Activity and Desire in Surgically Menopausal Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Abstract: Context: Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is one of the most common sexual problems reported by women, but few studies have been conducted to evaluate treatments for this condition. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a testosterone patch in surgically menopausal women with HSDD. Design: The design was a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 24-wk study (the Intimate SM 1 study). Setting: The study was performed at private or institutional practices. Patients: The subjects studied were women, aged 26–70 yr, with HSDD after bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy who were receiving concomitant estrogen therapy. Placebo (n = 279) or testosterone 300 μg/d (n = 283) was administered. There were 19 patients who withdrew due to adverse events in the placebo group and 24 in the 300 μg/d testosterone group. Intervention: Testosterone (300 μg/d) or placebo patches were applied twice weekly. Main Outcome Measure(s): The primary end point was the ...