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IScience Apr 2024The nervous system of metazoans is involved in host-pathogen interactions to control immune activation. In , this includes sleep induction, mediated by neuropeptide-like...
The nervous system of metazoans is involved in host-pathogen interactions to control immune activation. In , this includes sleep induction, mediated by neuropeptide-like proteins (NLPs), which increases the chance of survival after wounding. Here we analyzed the role of NLP-27 in the infection of with the nematode-trapping fungus Early responses of were the upregulation of , the induction of paralysis (sleep), and neurodegeneration of the mechanosensing PVD (Posterior Ventral Process D) neurons. Deletion of reduced neurodegeneration during fungal attack. Induction of was independent of the MAP kinase PMK-1, and expression of in the hypodermis was sufficient to induce paralysis, although NLP-27 was also upregulated in head neurons. NLP-27 contains the pentapeptide YGGYG sequence known to bind the human μ- and κ-type opioid receptors suggesting NLP-27 or peptides thereof act on opioid receptors. The opioid receptor antagonist naloxone shortened the paralysis time like overexpression of NLP-27.
PubMed: 38784855
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109484 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep episodes, disrupted nocturnal...
Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep episodes, disrupted nocturnal sleep, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations, which significantly impact the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals. While psychological factors have gained attention, there is limited research on the coping strategies employed by patients with NT1 and their association with quality of life. This study aimed to compare coping strategies in patients with NT1 and controls, as well as assess the relationship between coping strategies and quality of life in patients with NT1. A total of 122 individuals diagnosed with NT1 and 138 controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed questionnaires assessing coping strategies and health-related quality of life. A Mann-Whitney U test was conducted to compare the use of different coping strategies by patients with NT1 and controls. Spearman's rho correlation was performed to examine the association between coping strategies and quality of life in the NT1 group. Results showed that patients with NT1 exhibited differences in the use of coping strategies compared to controls. They reported lower use of active coping, planning, instrumental, and emotional social support, and higher use of behavioral and mental disengagement. Denial and behavioral disengagement were significantly and negatively associated with quality of life. Identifying coping strategies and their association with quality of life may aid in the development of tailored interventions aimed at improving the adoption of effective coping strategies and reducing the use of maladaptive coping strategies.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Narcolepsy; Adaptation, Psychological; Male; Female; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Case-Control Studies; Social Support; Coping Skills
PubMed: 38783152
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62698-5 -
Cureus Apr 2024We report a case of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with spike-and-wave activation during sleep with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome in a patient who had undergone...
We report a case of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with spike-and-wave activation during sleep with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome in a patient who had undergone hemispherotomy and achieved developmental improvement. A four-year-old male child with paralysis on the left side of his body since birth had a mild developmental delay. An MRI of the brain revealed polymicrogyria diffusely throughout the right hemisphere. He was diagnosed with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome at one year of age. Focal impaired awareness seizure in the right hemisphere origin and focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizure appeared by two years of age. At three years of age, myoclonic seizures occurred, which induced frequent falls. Simultaneously, developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with spike-and-wave activation during sleep were observed. At four years and seven months of age, the patient underwent a right hemispherotomy. Epileptic seizures and spike-and-wave activation during sleep disappeared, and cognitive improvement was observed one year after surgery. In spite of chromosomal abnormalities being present, drug-resistant epilepsy with localized regions on MRI should be evaluated to determine surgical options to improve cognitive function and development.
PubMed: 38765340
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58424 -
BMC Psychiatry May 2024This study aims to conduct an exhaustive evaluation of Vilazodone's safety in clinical application and to unearth the potential adverse event (AE) risks associated with...
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to conduct an exhaustive evaluation of Vilazodone's safety in clinical application and to unearth the potential adverse event (AE) risks associated with its utilization based on FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.
METHODS
This research employed data spanning from the first quarter of 2011 to the third quarter of 2023 from the FAERS database. Various signal detection methodologies, including the Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Empirical Bayesian Geometric Mean (EBGM), were utilized to ascertain the correlation between Vilazodone and specific AEs.
RESULTS
The study compiled a total of 17,439,268 reports of drug AEs, out of which 5,375 were related to Vilazodone. Through signal mining, 125 Preferred Terms (PTs) encompassing 27 System Organ Classes (SOCs) were identified. The findings indicated a higher prevalence among females and patients within the 45 to 65 age bracket. The principal categories of AEs included Psychiatric disorders, Nervous system disorders, and Gastrointestinal disorders, with prevalent incidents of Diarrhoea, Nausea, and Insomnia. Moreover, the study identified robust signals of novel potential AEs, notably in areas such as sleep disturbances (Sleep paralysis, Hypnagogic hallucination, Rapid eye movements sleep abnormal, Sleep terror, Terminal insomnia, Tachyphrenia), sexual dysfunctions (Female orgasmic disorder, Orgasm abnormal, Disturbance in sexual arousal, Spontaneous penile erection, Anorgasmia, Sexual dysfunction, Ejaculation delayed), and other symptoms and injuries (Electric shock sensation, Violence-related symptom, Gun shot wound).
CONCLUSION
Although Vilazodone presents a positive prospect in the management of MDD, the discovery of AEs linked to its use, particularly the newly identified potential risks such as sleep and sexual dysfunctions, necessitates heightened vigilance among clinicians.
Topics: Humans; Vilazodone Hydrochloride; Male; Female; Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; Middle Aged; United States; Adult; Aged; Databases, Factual; United States Food and Drug Administration; Young Adult; Adolescent; Bayes Theorem
PubMed: 38755677
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05813-0 -
Cureus Apr 2024The management of Narcolepsy, from the initial presentation to the long-term management and follow-up, remains a challenging endeavor, especially in developing climes....
The management of Narcolepsy, from the initial presentation to the long-term management and follow-up, remains a challenging endeavor, especially in developing climes. Worldwide, it has been recognized as a medical condition that is frequently associated with initial misdiagnoses, and delays in definitive management, further highlighted, in resource-limited settings like Nigeria where issues are further compounded by social, cultural, and political factors. In this report, we aim to shed some light on the peculiar challenges encountered by clinicians in Nigeria, and in other similar settings, in the process of diagnosis and management of narcolepsy. We present a case of a 17-year-old male teenager with Narcolepsy Type 1 (NT1) who had been previously managed as a case of Juvenile Absence Epilepsy in various centers prior to presentation at our facility. The symptoms began two years prior to presentation at our outpatient clinic, and they were excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, and sleep paralysis. The symptoms were corroborated by laboratory parameters - reduced mean sleep latency (conducted in an improvised sleep laboratory), and a low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypocretin level. The patient was initially placed on Modafinil for excessive daytime sleepiness and a trial of Fluoxetine for the Cataplexy. However, due to the scarcity of Modafinil, behavioral modifications - scheduled sleep naps and sleep hygiene - were eventually employed. Narcolepsy is a debilitating illness, and consequently, the far-reaching effects of these challenges must be understood. It is important that concerted efforts be made towards improving the overall quality of care received by patients from the early identification to the treatment of narcolepsy in the Nigerian healthcare system.
PubMed: 38738054
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58143 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery May 2024Post liver transplantation (LT) patients endure high morbidity rate of multi-organ ischemic symptoms following reperfusion. We hypothesize that enhanced external...
INTRODUCTION
Post liver transplantation (LT) patients endure high morbidity rate of multi-organ ischemic symptoms following reperfusion. We hypothesize that enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) as a typical non-invasive assisted circulation procedure, which can efficiently inhibit the relative ischemic symptoms via the systemic improvement of hemodynamics.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 51-year-old male patient, 76 kg, 172 cm, received orthotopic LT surgery for viral hepatitis B induced acute-on-chronic liver failure hepatic failure. His medical records revealed ischemic symptoms in multi-organ at the time of hospital discharge, including headache, refractory insomnia, abdominal paralysis, and lower limb pain. The EECP treatment was introduced for assisted rehabilitation and to improve the postoperative quality of life. Doppler Ultrasound examination showed significant augmentation of blood flow volume in the carotid arteries, the hepatic artery, the portal vein and the femoral artery during EECP intervention. A standard 35-hour EECP treatment led to significant improvement in quality of life, e.g. sleep quality and walking ability.
CONCLUSION
We report a case of multi-organ ischemic symptoms in a post LT patient. EECP treatment can significantly improve the quality of life via the systematic promotion of hemodynamics.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Liver Transplantation; Counterpulsation; Hemodynamics; Postoperative Complications; Quality of Life; Ischemia
PubMed: 38730503
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02783-y -
Arquivos de Neuro-psiquiatria Jun 2024Narcolepsy is a primary disorder of the central nervous system resulting from genetic, environmental, and immunological interactions defined as excessive daytime...
Narcolepsy is a primary disorder of the central nervous system resulting from genetic, environmental, and immunological interactions defined as excessive daytime sleepiness plus cataplexy, hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and sleep fragmentation. The pathophysiology is not entirely known, but the interaction among genetic predisposition, environmental exposition, and immune component with consequent hypocretin-1 deficiency is the model to explain narcolepsy type I. The mechanism of narcolepsy type II is less understood. There is a delay of over ten years for the diagnosis of narcolepsy around the world. Patients with narcolepsy have many comorbidities with a negative impact on quality of life. The treatment of narcolepsy must contain an educational approach for the family, coworkers, and patients. Scheduled naps and sleep hygiene are essential to minimize the dose of medications. Much progress has been seen in the pharmacological treatment of narcolepsy with new stimulants, different presentations of oxybate, and recent studies with orexin agonists. Narcolepsy is a rare disease that needs to be more understood and highlighted to avoid delayed diagnosis and severe disabilities in patients.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Narcolepsy; Cataplexy; Sleep; Neurology
PubMed: 38565187
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779299 -
Cureus Mar 2024Narcolepsy is a chronic condition that brings about excessive daytime sleepiness. It can be classified into two types: narcolepsy type 1 (presence of cataplexy, which is... (Review)
Review
Narcolepsy is a chronic condition that brings about excessive daytime sleepiness. It can be classified into two types: narcolepsy type 1 (presence of cataplexy, which is marked by weakness of muscles) and narcolepsy type 2 (without cataplexy). It is generally underdiagnosed, which results in delayed diagnosis of the condition. It has more prevalence in the United States of America as compared to India. The narcoleptic tetrad consists of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder is another characteristic feature. Research about narcolepsy has been carried out for about 145-150 years, but it is only in the last 18-20 years that there has been advancement in the underlying pathophysiology, diagnosis, and, thus, availability of better treatment. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods are preferred in treating narcolepsy, yet there is no cure for it. Since the knowledge regarding this condition is very limited, it is often misunderstood, and dealing with it is mentally and socially draining, often causing anxiety in the patients, feeling of social isolation, and other significant impacts on the quality of living. Raising awareness about narcolepsy is vital to prevent further medical attention delays.
PubMed: 38562323
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55331 -
Cureus Jan 2024Sleep paralysis (SP) is a mixed state of consciousness and sleep, combining features of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep with those of wakefulness. The exact cause of SP... (Review)
Review
Sleep paralysis (SP) is a mixed state of consciousness and sleep, combining features of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep with those of wakefulness. The exact cause of SP is unknown, and its prevalence varies among the studies. We aim to identify SP's global prevalence, the affected population's characteristics, and the SP's clinical picture. We searched three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS)) using a unique search strategy to identify eligible studies. All observational studies identifying the prevalence or frequency of sleeping paralysis were included. No exclusions are made based on country, race, or questionnaire. The analysis was performed using the latest version of R software (R Core Team, Vienna, Austria). The analysis included 76 studies from 25 countries with 167,133 participants. The global prevalence of SP was 30% (95% CI (22%, 39%)). There were similar frequencies of isolated SP and SP (33%, 95% CI (26%, 42%), I2 = 97%, P <0.01; 31%, 95% CI (21%, 43%), I2 = 100%, P = 0, respectively). A subgroup analysis showed that the majority of those who experienced SP were psychiatric patients (35%, 95% CI (20%, 55%), I2 = 96%, P <0.01). The prevalence among non-psychiatric patients was among students (34%, 95% CI (23%, 47%), I2 = 100%, P = 0). Auditory and visual hallucinations were reported in 24.25% of patients. Around 4% had only visual hallucinations. Meta-regression showed no association between the frequency of SP and sex. Publication bias was detected among the included studies through visual inspection of funnel plot asymmetry. Our findings revealed that 30% of the population suffered from SP, especially psychiatric patients and students. The majority of SP cases lacked associated hallucinations, while a noteworthy proportion experienced combined visual and auditory hallucinations.
PubMed: 38425633
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53212 -
Cureus Feb 2024This investigation centered on the hypnagogic and hypnopompic wake-sleep/sleep-wake transition states and the associated exploration of hypnagogic and hypnopompic... (Review)
Review
This investigation centered on the hypnagogic and hypnopompic wake-sleep/sleep-wake transition states and the associated exploration of hypnagogic and hypnopompic experiences (HHEs), and sleep paralysis (SP) on psychiatric exacerbation and paradoxical masking. The study aims to discern causality by examining how these sleep-related experiences may contribute to the emergence or exacerbation of psychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions, particularly, pertaining to the clinical or sub-clinical demographic of Schizotypal Personality Disorder (STPD), Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Narcolepsy, Panic Disorder, specific phobias, or heightened psychotic sensitivity. Methodologically, this study employed a comprehensive literature review, drawing from a range of studies across sleep medicine, psychiatry, and psychology, utilizing PubMed-indexed peer-reviewed scientific literature, sourcing from academic institutions, Google Scholar, and open-access publications. This interdisciplinary approach allowed for a nuanced and systematic understanding of the potential links between specific sleep-wake/wake-sleep aberrations and their masking or exacerbation of clinical/sub-clinical psychiatric symptomatology in this particular demographic. Insights gained from the outcome of this study hold promise for advancing understanding of the interrelationship between sleep neurobiology and psychiatric disorders. Additionally, the findings may inform targeted therapeutic interventions tailored to mitigate the impact of sleep-wake disruptions on vulnerable populations. The overarching objective is to bridge current gaps in knowledge, cultivating a more profound understanding with direct implications for both clinical practice and ongoing research endeavors. The study outcomes provide an intriguing understanding of the complex relationship between sleep neurobiology and psychiatric disorders, paving the way for targeted therapeutic interventions to alleviate the effects of sleep-wake disruptions, and addressing critical gaps in knowledge with direct implications for clinical practice and ongoing research.
PubMed: 38425327
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55262