Correlation Between Oxygen Saturation and Pulse Tracing Patterns on Overnight Oximetry With Normal Desaturation Index Is an Independent Predictor of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Study Objectives: Overnight pulse oximetry (OPO) is commonly used as a screening test for obstructive sleep apnea. Heart rate variability (HRV) correlates well with apnea-hypopnea index during polysomnography (PSG). We hypothesized that visual correlation of episodic increase in HRV with minimal oxygen desaturations on normal OPO (oxygen desaturation index less than 5 events/h) is predictive of OSA.

Sleep Apnea in Patients Hospitalized With Acute Ischemic Stroke: Underrecognition and Associated Clinical Outcomes.

Study Objectives: To evaluate clinical recognition of sleep apnea and related outcomes in patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods: A retrospective study of all patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke from April 2008 to December 2014. The primary predictor and outcome variables were sleep apnea and hospital mortality, respectively.

A neurotensin analog blocks cocaine-conditioned place preference and reinstatement.

Neurotensin (NT) is a neuropeptide that acts as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in the central nervous system. Several studies suggest a therapeutic role for NT analogs in nicotine and other psychostimulant addictions. We studied the effects of the nonselective NT receptor agonist NT69L, which has equal affinity for the two major NT receptors, NTS1 and NTS2, on the expression of cocaine-conditioned place preference (cocaine-CPP) and reinstatement after extinction.

Psychological distress in patients with restless legs syndrome (Willis-Ekbom disease): a population-based door-to-door survey in rural Ecuador.

Background: Reported prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease (WED), varies from country to country, and methodologic inconsistencies limit comparison of data. Impact of RLS on quality of life and health has been studied primarily in industrialized countries, particularly Europe and the United States. Many studies have relied exclusively on self-report of symptoms or have assessed only medical populations.

Elucidating the role of neurotensin in the pathophysiology and management of major mental disorders.

Neurotensin (NT) is a neuropeptide that is closely associated with, and is thought to modulate, dopaminergic and other neurotransmitter systems involved in the pathophysiology of various mental disorders. This review outlines data implicating NT in the pathophysiology and management of major mental disorders such as schizophrenia, drug addiction, and autism. The data suggest that NT receptor analogs have the potential to be used as novel therapeutic agents acting through modulation of neurotransmitter systems dys-regulated in these disorders.