Zn is essential for Ca oscillations in mouse eggs.

Changes in the intracellular concentration of free calcium (Ca) underpin egg activation and initiation of development in animals and plants. In mammals, the Ca release is periodical, known as Ca oscillations, and mediated by the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IPR1). Another divalent cation, zinc (Zn), increases exponentially during oocyte maturation and is vital for meiotic transitions, arrests, and polyspermy prevention.

Risk factors for visual hallucinations in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Aim: Parkinson's disease (PD) patients frequently present visual hallucinations (VHs) that have been associated with depression, old age, and cognitive impairment. Sleep abnormalities are also related to these factors. The aim of this study is to evaluate risk factors, particularly sleep alterations, associated with VHs in PD.

The nature of excessive sleepiness and sudden sleep onset in Parkinson׳s disease.

Objectives: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and sudden sleep onset (SOS) episodes are frequent in Parkinson׳s disease (PD). The objectives are to identify clinical characteristics and factors associated with EDS and SOS episodes.

Methods: Clinical demographic data were recorded (N=100, mean age=65.