ABSTRACT
Background:The error monitoring and processing system (EMPS) located in the substantia nigra of the midbrain; basal ganglia and cortex of the forebrain; plays a leading role in error detection and correction. Although recent data show that alcohol disrupts the EMPS; the mechanism of alcohol's effect on this system remains unknown.Aims: To suggest a hypothesis that explains the processes and mechanism of alcohol-related disruption of EMPS. Methods:We critically examined our recent research data; as well as peer-reviewed literature on the effect of alcohol on blood glucose levels; and cognitive functions. The role of blood glucose concentration in the EMPS; including associated theories and hypothesis were also reviewed. Databases utilised were African Journals On Line; Elsevier; Science Direct; Medline from January 1940 to February 2010 . Results: Blood glucose concentration plays a vital role in the EMPS. The effect of blood glucose concentration on the EMPS is realised through the modulation of the activity of the dopaminergic system by proportional changes in the brain glucose level. Based on current literatures and the results of our recent study; here we suggest a hypothesis of alcohol-related glucose-dependent system of error monitoring and processing.The main postulate of this hypothesis holds that the disruption of EMPS by ethanol is related to disorders in glucose metabolism; which in turn may determine the dopamine level the major component of EMPS.Conclusion: Alcohol may disrupt the EMPS indirectly by affecting dopamine level through disorders in glucose homeostasis regulation
Subject(s)
Alcohols , Blood Glucose , Mental ProcessesABSTRACT
Background: Surgical methods of acute myocardial infarction (MI) treatment possess a high clinical effectiveness; but there are limitations; related to the patient's state; medical resources and organizational problems. The development of new medical technologies allows for a better and effective non-surgical treatment and increases long-term prognosis. Aim: To assess the influence of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) therapy on mortality rate and recurrent myocardial infarction (rMI) within a two-year monitoring. Methods: The study involved 129 patients who suffered from acute MI; having undergone the standard therapy. The patients were divided at random into 2 groups: Group 1 (reference group; n=65); Group 2 (test group; n=64). Group 2 patients were given the traditional treatment; accompanied with (HBO) standard therapy by BLKS-307 (Russia; Moscow) single-seat apparatus (isopression for 40 minutes at a working pressure of 0.03 MPa). HBO therapy was applied on the 4th- 10th day following MI. The treatment course included 6 cycles; once per day. The clinical assessment was focused on clinical outcome: repeated MI and cardiovascular related mortality. Monitoring duration was two years. Results: The study involved 129 MI patients. No complications were encountered with HBO therapy on post-MI patients. Use of HBO reduced rMI and increased survival especially in the first half year after MI. Conclusion: HBO application that accompanied the acute MI traditional pharmacotherapy proved to reduce rMI within 2 years following inpatient discharge (the rate of rMI was 19in the reference group and 5.3in the test group; ?2=5.0; ?0.05). The joint application of HBO and modern drug regimen in treating acute MI makes it possible to raise the 2-year survival rate from 86.2up to 94.7