There is substantial recent interest in the role of oxytocin in social and affiliative behaviors— animal models of depression have suggested a link between oxytocin and mood. We reviewed literature to date for evidence of a potential relationship between peripheral oxytocin concentration and depressive symptoms in humans. Pubmed® and PsychINFO® were searched for biomedical and social sciences literature from 1960 – May 19, 2015 for empirical articles in English involving human subjects focused on the relationship between peripheral oxytocin concentration and depressive symptoms, excluding articles on the oxytocin receptor gene, or involving exogenous (i.e. intranasal) administration of oxytocin. Eight studies meeting criteria were identified and formally reviewed. Studies of pregnant women suggested an inverse relationship between oxytocin level and depressive symptom severity. Findings in non-pregnant women were broadly consistent with the role of oxytocin release in response to stress supported by animal studies. The relationship between oxytocin and depression in men appeared to be in the opposite direction, possibly reflecting the influence of gonadal hormones on oxytocinergic functioning found in other mammalian species. Overall, small sample sizes, heterogeneity in study designs, and other methodological limitations may account for inconsistent findings. Future research utilizing reliable oxytocin measurement protocols including measurements across time, larger sample sizes, and sample homogeneity with respect to multiple possible confounders (age, gender, race and ethnicity, ovarian status among women, and psychosocial context) are needed to elucidate the role of oxytocin in the pathogenesis of depression, and could guide the design of novel pharmacologic agents.

Despite feeling that they require mental health services, few trainees actually sought care. This study identifies an overall need for improved access to mental health providers and psychoeducation for medical housestaff.

No abstract

Currently, three prediction models are used to predict a patient's risk of having Lynch syndrome (LS). These models have been validated in probands with colorectal cancer (CRC), but not in probands presenting with endometrial cancer (EMC). Thus, the aim was to determine the performance of these prediction models in women with LS presenting with EMC. Probands with EMC and LS were identified. Personal and family history was entered into three prediction models, PREMM(1,2), MMRpro, and MMRpredict. Probabilities of mutations in the mismatch repair genes were recorded. Accurate prediction was defined as a model predicting at least a 5% chance of a proband carrying a mutation. From 562 patients prospectively enrolled in a clinical trial of patients with EMC, 13 (2.2%) were shown to have LS. Nine patients had a mutation in MSH6, three in MSH2, and one in MLH1. MMRpro predicted that 3 of 9 patients with an MSH6, 3 of 3 with an MSH2, and 1 of 1 patient with an MLH1 mutation could have LS. For MMRpredict, EMC coded as "proximal CRC" predicted 5 of 5, and as "distal CRC" three of five. PREMM(1,2) predicted that 4 of 4 with an MLH1 or MSH2 could have LS. Prediction of LS in probands presenting with EMC using current models for probands with CRC works reasonably well. Further studies are needed to develop models that include questions specific to patients with EMC with a greater age range, as well as placing increased emphasis on prediction of LS in probands with MSH6 mutations.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if first-year physical exam and interview Objective Structured Clinical Examination scores differ for medical students entering person or technique-oriented specialties. Methods: Objective Structured Clinical Examination physical exam and interview scores from 2004 to 2007 for first-year medical students (n=280) at one United States medical school were compared using t-tests based on specialty choice from this cohort of students. Results: T-test results (p<0.05) showed a significant difference in the mean physical exam (mean=92.85, sd=3.94) versus interview (mean=90.77, sd=6.76) scores for students entering person-oriented specialties (n=157, p<0.001). There was also a significant difference (p<0.05) in the mean physical exam (mean=93.46, sd=3.92) versus interview (mean=91.40, sd=5.75) scores for students entering technique-oriented specialties (n=123, p<0.001). Results indicate that physical exam scores are significantly higher than interview scores for students regardless of whether they enter person or technique-oriented specialties, except for psychiatry where interview scores were significantly higher than physical exam scores. Conclusion: Subsequent studies are needed to better understand the relationship of Objective Structured Clinical Examination performance and specialty choice by medical students