scholarly journals An Unusual Case of “Conjugal” Polymyalgia Rheumatica after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

Rheumato ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-21
Author(s):  
Elena Vanni ◽  
Jacopo Ciaffi ◽  
Luana Mancarella ◽  
Francesco Ursini

The rare occurrence of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in married couples has been reported in the literature. Susceptibility to PMR is contributed by genetic and environmental factors and cases of PMR developing after influenza vaccine have also been described, in a debated phenomenon known as ‘ASIA’ syndrome. We report the case of two cohabitating married patients developing PMR few weeks after the first dose of ChAdOx1-S SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Both patients presented with typical symptoms suggestive of PMR. Laboratory findings and ultrasound examination confirmed the diagnosis. Glucocorticoid therapy led to rapid improvment of symptoms. Anti-receptor-binding domain IgG titre was tested and, eight weeks after vaccination, both patients showed no antibody response. It has been suggested that vaccines might trigger autoimmune or inflammatory states in predisposed individuals and various hypotheses have been made regarding the pathogenesis of PMR. Although the causative effect of vaccines cannot be determined, the close temporal correlation observed in our case supports the potential role of environmental factors in triggering the onset of PMR. However, the literature indicates that post-COVID19 vaccination immune-mediated or inflammatory adverse events are extremely rare and vaccination should be encouraged since the benefit largely outweighs possible risks.

Author(s):  
Elizabeth Hawkes ◽  
Mayank A Nanavaty

ABSTRACT Keratoconus is a progressive corneal ectactic condition that can lead to visual loss. Despite being the most common cause for keratoplasty in the developed world the aetiology is unknown. It is thought to be multifactorial, with genetic and environmental factors implicated. The association of eye rubbing and pathogenesis of keratoconus has been well documented. In this review, we collate the existing literature and summarize the current knowledge of the role of eye rubbing in the pathogenesis of keratoconus. How to cite this article Hawkes E, Nanavaty MA. Eye Rubbing and Keratoconus: A Literature Review. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2014;3(3):118-121.


Author(s):  
Margaret J. Snowling

Dyslexia: A Very Short Introduction provides an accessible overview of the innovative research surrounding dyslexia, beginning with its history, and drawing on the experiences of children and adults with dyslexia today. Considering the skills involved in learning to read, and looking at the role of genetic and environmental factors including the language of learning, this VSI discusses the causes of dyslexia and its associated risk factors. Discussing the various brain-scanning techniques that have been used to find out if the brains of people with dyslexia differ in structure or function from those of typical readers, it moves on to weigh up various strategies and interventions that can help people living with dyslexia today.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (24) ◽  
pp. 13252
Author(s):  
Ewelina Woźniak ◽  
Agnieszka Owczarczyk-Saczonek ◽  
Waldemar Placek

Psoriasis vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin disease with still unknown pathogenesis. In recent years, genetic and environmental factors have been mentioned as the main causes. Among environmental factors, many researchers are trying to investigate the role of mental health and its importance in the development of many diseases. In the pathophysiology of psoriasis, the role of the interaction between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems are often emphasized. So far, no one has clearly indicated where the pathological process begins. One of the hypotheses is that chronic stress influences the formation of hormonal changes (lowering the systemic cortisol level), which favors the processes of autoimmunity. In inflammatory skin conditions, mast cells (MCs) are localized close to blood vessels and peripheral nerves, where they probably play an important role in the response to environmental stimuli and emotional stress. They are usually connected with a fast immune response, not only in allergies but also a protective response to microbial antigens. Among many cells of the immune system, MCs have receptors for the hormones of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis on their surface. In this review, we will try to take a closer look at the role of MCs in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. This knowledge may give the opportunity to search for therapeutic solutions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahiro Imafuku ◽  
Atsuko Saito ◽  
Kenchi Hosokawa ◽  
Kazuo Okanoya ◽  
Chihiro Hosoda

Persistence of a distant goal is an important personality trait that determines academic and social success. Recent studies have shown that individual differences in persistence involve both genetic and environmental factors; however, these studies have not examined the role of maternal factors on a young children's persistence. The present study examined whether mothers' persistence is associated with persistence in children aged 3–6 years. In addition, the associations between mothers' persistence/parenting style and children's self-control/social development (prosocial behaviors and difficulties) were examined. Our results showed that maternal persistence is essential for the child's persistence. Children's self-control and social development were also associated with the mothers' persistence and parenting style. Our findings suggest that a young child's persistence may develop under the influence of a familiar adult (i.e., mother) and characterizes their social development, highlighting the importance of persistence in parenting.


Author(s):  
Tajudeen Yahaya

The need to reverse the growing incidence and burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) worldwide has led to more studies on the possible causes of the disease. Genetic and environmental factors had long been suspected in the pathogenesis of a form of the disease known as the Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, more recent studies suggest epigenetic changes could also be involved in the onset of the disease. This review highlights the role of epigenetic modifications in the pathogenesis and management of T2DM. Peer reviewed studies on the subject were retrieved from reputable sources over the internet, and the majority of the studies unanimously implicated epigenetic modifications in the pathogenesis of some cases of the disease. DNA methylation, histone modification and microRNAs mediated pathways were observed to be the main mechanisms of epigenetic changes. These mechanisms are triggered by certain environmental factors such as diets, microbial and pollutant exposure, lifestyles, among others, prior to the onset of T2DM. Epigenetic changes can modify the expressions and functions of certain genes involved in insulin biosynthesis and glucose metabolism, leading to hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, which are hallmarks of T2DM. Fortunately, epigenetic changes can be reversed by blocking or activating the modulating enzymes, thus if the epigenetic aetiology of a diabetic condition is identified, it can be used as a therapeutic strategy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 711-730
Author(s):  
Aleksander Ksiazkiewicz ◽  
Robert Klemmensen ◽  
Christopher T Dawes ◽  
Kaare Christensen ◽  
Matt McGue ◽  
...  

Abstract Existing research shows that ideological orientations are stable after young adulthood. Extending research on the sources of ideological stability, we examine social and economic ideology over a 3- to 4-year period in two twin panels (one Danish and one American). We find evidence for the importance of genetic influences and individual life experiences on the stability of social ideology in both contexts; shared environmental factors play an important role in the younger, Danish sample only. For economic ideology, genetic factors contribute to stability in the American sample only. Our findings show that the role of genetic and environmental factors in the stability of ideological orientations varies by type of ideology, national context, and, possibly, age cohort.


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