Neurobiology of sleep.

The neurobiology of sleep is introduced in the context of interacting wake and sleep systems. Specifically, the transitions from wake to sleep and from non-rapid eye movement to rapid eye movement sleep are discussed based on the flip-flop switch hypothesis. Regulation of wake and sleep according to the opposing homeostatic and circadian systems are also presented.

Hyperinflation is associated with lower sleep efficiency in COPD with co-existent obstructive sleep apnea.

Prior research has shown that individuals with obstructive lung disease are at risk for sleep fragmentation and poor sleep quality. We postulated that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (known as overlap syndrome) who have more severe lung disease, as measured by lung hyperinflation (inspiratory capacity/total lung capacity), would have greater sleep disturbances independent of traditional measures of sleep apnea. We performed a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients evaluated and treated in an academic pulmonary clinic for overlap syndrome.

Sleep patterns among rural Chinese twin adolescents.

Objective: To examine sleep patterns and influencing factors (age, gender, Tanner Stage, weekday vs. weekend, and pre-sleep activity) among rural Chinese adolescents.

Methods: This is a prospective study among 621 adolescents aged 11-20 years (341 males) using both a questionnaire and sleep diary to obtain bedtime, wake-up time, sleep latency, and total sleep time (TST).

Short sleep duration and adiposity in Chinese adolescents.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between sleep duration and adiposity measurements in rural Chinese adolescents.

Methods: This report is based on a cross-sectional analysis of 500 Chinese adolescent twins. Anthropometric measurements and direct adiposity measurements using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) were taken for all subjects.

Circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

Humans exhibit endogenous circadian rhythms that are regulated by the master circadian clock of the body, the suprachiasmatic nucleus. These endogenous circadian rhythms are aligned to the outside world by social and environmental cues. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSD) occur when there is an alteration of the internal timing mechanism or a misalignment between sleep and the 24-h social and physical environment.

Sequential gene expression profiling in lung transplant recipients with chronic rejection.

Study Objectives: Chronic allograft rejection is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for long-term survivors of lung transplantation. Previous studies have implicated only isolated genes in the development of chronic rejection and have not examined multiple pathways in an individual concurrently. Using microarray technology, we identified and compared gene expression profiling in lung transplant recipients with and without chronic rejection, and follow sequential expression of genes differentially expressed between the two groups.

Lung transplantation for interstitial lung disease.

Lung transplantation remains the only therapeutic option shown to improve survival for many end-stage interstitial lung diseases. Although idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most common indication, transplantation has been performed for many other diseases. This article reviews the current indications and outcomes for the procedure and problems encountered in lung transplantation for interstitial lung diseases.