The clinical characteristic of catathrenia: a new look at an old issue-a systematic review of existing literature.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The International Classification of Sleep Disorders categorized catathrenia as a respiratory disorder, but there are doubts whether episodes appear during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep or the non-rapid eye movement (NREM), their duration, and symptoms. The main objectives were to identify the most common features and relations of catathrenia. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The Joanna Briggs Institute and the ROBINS-I tools were chosen to assess the risk of bias. RESULTS: A total of 288 records were identified, 31 articles were included. The majority of the studies had a moderate risk of bias. 49.57% of episodes occurred during the NREM sleep, while 46% took place during REM. In 60.34% females, catathrenia was more common in the NREM, while in 59.26% of males was in REM sleep (p < 0.05). Females and obese individuals were found to have shorter episodes (p < 0.05). Age was inversely correlated with minimal episodes duration (r = - 0.34). The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy was inversely correlated with the maximal episode duration (r = - 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: Catathrenia occurs with similar frequency in both genders. The most frequent symptoms embraced groaning, awareness of disturbing bedpartners, and daytime somnolence-not confirmed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The episodes occur more frequently in NREM than in REM sleep. Catathrenia may be considered as a sex-specific condition. The effects of CPAP treatment leading to shortening episodes duration, which may indicate the respiratory origin of catathrenia.

Influence of physician and clinical dietitian on the use of dietary supplements among Polish patients with ulcerative colitis – pilot study / Influencia del médico y dietista clínico sobre el uso de suplementos dietéticos entre pacientes polacos con colitis ulcerosa – estudio piloto

Introduction: Patients with ulcerative colitis are a group of patients who are particularly vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies. Supplementation, prescribed by a physician or clinical dietitian, is therefore important in these patients. Materials and methods: The study was carried out by means of a questionnaire on a group of 106 people diagnosed with colitis and in remission. Results: More than 92% recommended the use of dietary supplements. Vitamin supplements were most common among people with ulcerative colitis (82.7%). The physician as a source of knowledge positively influenced the use of vitamin and mineral supplements (r=0.23, p=0.0213) while dietitians as a source of knowledge showed no significant effect on patients' supplementation choices. Conclusion: In Poland, the physician is the main source of supplementation knowledge than the clinical dietitian. This may be due to the unregulated nature of the dietitian profession in the Polish health care system. . It is therefore necessary to integrate dietitians in Poland into the medical profession, which will allow for better results in the treatment of not only IBD patients.(AU)

Adapting the Dietary Fat and Free Sugar Short Questionnaire: A Comprehensive Polish Modification for Enhanced Precision in Nutritional Assessments.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate whether The Dietary Fat and Free Sugar-Short Questionnaire (DFS) is a reliable and valid measure that can be used in Polish conditions. It involved 291 participants, aged 14 to 70 (M = 25.9, SD = 10.1), the majority of whom were women (75%). METHODS: The questionnaire consisted of, among others, Polish DFS version, FFQ-6, TFEQ, and SCOFF. Test-retest reliability was established on the group of 26 students with a 2-week interval. Participants' percentage of energy intake from both free sugars and saturated fats based on FFQ was correlated with DFS total and subscales scores. To investigate convergent and divergent validity, DFS scores with TFEQ correlations were performed. Diagnostic validity was established based on difference analysis between groups with the risk of eating disorders and those without the risk of those based on SCOFF. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability (rtr = 0.856) and internal consistency (α = 0.797) indicated excellent reliability. DFS correlated significantly with FFQ for both total scores (r = 0.82) and each subscale: sugar (0.79), fat (0.75), and fat-sugar (0.59). The correlations of DFS and TFEQ were statistically significant for cognitive restraint (r = 0.32) and uncontrolled eating (r = 0.19). There also have been found significant differences based on SCOFF regarding DFS. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest good reliability and validity of the Polish version of DFS.

Sleep architecture and vitamin D in hypertensives with obstructive sleep apnea: A polysomnographic study.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and arterial hypertension (AH) are closely linked disorders with common pathophysiological features. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between AH and OSA by examining sleep architecture, vitamin D concentration and electrolyte levels in patients with these coexisting conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 133 patients suspected of having OSA were recruited for examination. The participants were divided into 2 groups: hypertensives (n = 52); and normotensives (n = 81). One full-night polysomnographic examinations were conducted, followed by the statistical analysis of the collected data. RESULTS: Hypertensive individuals displayed increased apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), respiratory arousal index (RAI), and periodic limb movement index (PLMI) as compared to non-hypertensive individuals. Moreover, sleep efficiency (SE), the bruxism arousal index (BAI) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) level were decreased in the hypertensive group. In terms of biochemical parameters, hypertensive individuals exhibited a lower magnesium (Mg) level, and higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), uric acid (UA) and glucose. Notably, there were no statistical differences in vitamin D concentration between hypertensive and normotensive individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The study explored the potential influence of calcium (Ca), Mg, vitamin D, and UA concentrations on the sleep architecture of patients with comorbid AH and OSA. The findings revealed several notable associations. Firstly, sleep fragmentation correlated with Ca level, suggesting a potential role for both Ca and vitamin D in sleep arousals. Secondly, a higher UA concentration was linked to a higher AHI and increased sleep fragmentation. Additionally, alterations in Mg concentration were observed among hypertensive individuals with OSA. However, further research is needed to fully comprehend the potential impact of these factors on the sleep architecture of hypertensive individuals with apnea.

The effect of coffee and black tea consumption on sleep bruxism intensity based on polysomnographic examination.

Background: Sleep bruxism (SB) is a common behavior that can result in various clinical consequences on human health. Risk factors for SB include among others emotional stress, anxiety, tobacco smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Coffee and black tea are among the most commonly consumed beverages worldwide. This study explores the influence of coffee and black tea consumption on bruxism intensity, as observed in polysomnographic examination. Methods: Polysomnographic examination with simultaneous camera recording was conducted in 106 adult subjects. The results were evaluated according to guidelines set out by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). The study group was divided according to habitual stimulant usage, as declared by the participants in a self-reported questionnaire. Four groups were identified: coffee drinkers versus non-drinkers and black tea drinkers versus non-drinkers. Results: The bruxism episode index (BEI) was increased in coffee-drinkers as opposed to non-drinkers (4.59 ± 3.44 vs. 2.87 ± 1.50, p = 0.011). Sleep fragmentation, measured according to the arousal index, was comparable in coffee drinkers and non-drinkers. Electrolyte and lipid levels were similar in coffee drinkers and non-drinkers. Habitual black tea intake did not affect sleep architecture or bruxism intensity. Conclusions: The study showed that habitual coffee consumption is a risk factor for the increased intensity of sleep bruxism. Neither coffee nor tea consumption is related to sleep fragmentation in habitual drinkers. Coffee and tea intake does not affect electrolyte and lipid concentrations. Caution should therefore be recommended in drinking coffee in people with sleep bruxism.

Polysomnographic Assessment of Effects of Tobacco Smoking and Alcohol Consumption on Sleep Bruxism Intensity.

Background: Sleep bruxism (SB) is a common sleep-related movement behavior with a complex etiology. A recent hypothesis suggests psychoactive substance usage, tobacco smoking, and alcohol intake are risk factors for SB. This study aimed to evaluate SB intensity in tobacco smokers and alcohol drinkers. Methods: A total of 133 adults underwent full-night audio- and video-polysomnography, and the polysomnograms were evaluated using the American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines. The study group was divided into smoker and nonsmoker groups as well as drinker and non-drinker groups. Results: The results of the polysomnographic analysis confirmed that tobacco smoking has a significant effects on SB. Tobacco smokers showed increased bruxism intensity (5.50 ± 4.71 vs. 3.83 ± 3.26, p < 0.05), especially the mixed phenotype (0.93 ± 1.00 vs. 0.59 ± 0.59, p < 0.05), in the N1 sleep stage (22.84 ± 20.45 vs. 15.66 ± 13.60, p < 0.05) and the nonsupine position (4.93 ± 5.56 vs. 2.50 ± 2.31, p < 0.05). They also showed a higher number of bruxism episodes with arousal compared with nonsmokers (2.91 ± 2.83 vs. 1.61 ± 1.49, p < 0.05), indicating increased sleep fragmentation. However, no significant effect of alcohol on SB intensity was observed, and the bruxism episode index was similar in alcohol drinkers and nondrinkers. In addition, electrolyte disturbances and lipid disorders were evaluated. Compared with nonsmokers, tobacco smokers showed a higher concentration of plasma triglycerides (177.67 ± 106.9 vs. 129.18 ± 65.61) and lower levels of iron and magnesium (96.68 ± 43.58 vs. 123.83 ± 52.36 and 1.85 ± 0.22 vs. 1.96 ± 0.21, respectively). Conclusions: In summary, this study showed that tobacco smoking, but not alcohol consumption, is related to bruxism intensity and lipid and electrolyte disturbances in individuals with sleep disorders.

The phospholipid fraction obtained from egg yolk reduces blood pressure increase induced by acute stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND: Despite continuous research, an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of hypertension and the development of new antihypertensive therapies, hypertension is still the most prevalent chronic cardiovascular disease (CVD) among adults in Western societies. Stress is a common factor related to cardiovascular morbidity. An increase in blood pressure is one of the most common reactions to stress. Chronic and acute stress have also been related to cardiovascular disorders. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have attracted considerable interest as potential complementary therapy for the treatment of CVD, including hypertension. Egg yolk, rich in PUFAs and phospholipids, might be a good source of phospholipids and PUFAs. OBJECTIVES: The current study was aimed at investigating the potential effect of the phospholipid fraction of eggs on blood pressure changes in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) as a response to acute stress. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male, 7-week-old SHRs received dietary phospholipid fraction for 12 weeks. The control animals received standard feed. At the end of the treatment, they were exposed to 40 min of white noise in order to induce acute stress. Then, blood pressure measurements were carried out under normal conditions for 12 h before and during the acute stress procedure. Blood pressure was measured by telemetry. RESULTS: Diastolic, systolic and mean blood pressure were significantly lower in the SHRs treated with phospholipid fraction than in the control group. The acute stressor caused a significant increase in diastolic, systolic and mean blood pressure in both the treated and untreated animals, but the increase in blood pressure as a response to the stressor was significantly less pronounced in the rats treated with phospholipid fraction than in control rats. These results show that egg phospholipids can limit a stress-induced rise in blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this research show that phospholipid fraction derived from egg yolk reduces stress-induced increases in blood pressure.

Lecithin derived from ω-3 PUFA fortified eggs decreases blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Hypertension is the most common risk factor for stroke, coronary heart disease and heart failure, which are the leading causes of death worldwide. Dietary patterns and supplements intakes are becoming important factors in the hypertension. The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of new generation egg yolk phospholipids rich in lecithin (SL) esterified with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on blood pressure in hypertensive rats (SHR). Here we have reported that lecithin (SL) derived from egg yolk lowers blood pressure in pathology of hypertension. The SHR rats treated with SL had significantly lower blood pressure than control group (157/104 vs. 178/121 mmHg; P < 0.05) and down-regulated mesenteric artery over-response to norepinephrine and potassium chloride, giving similar arterial response as for normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Hypertensive rats treated by SL demonstrated significantly lower serum level of inflammatory factors. This work also indicates that SL treatment lowers heart rate and reduces the serum level of oxidative stress marker - nitrotyrosine - by 30-34% in both hypertensive and normotensive animals. Phospholipids with lecithin derived from PUFA fortified eggs may be a valuable dietary supplement in prophylaxis of hypertension and in patients with hypertension, however, this requires further studies on humans.

Unsaturated fatty acids supplementation reduces blood lead level in rats.

Some dietary factors could inhibit lead toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary compounds rich in unsaturated fatty acids (FA) on blood lead level, lipid metabolism, and vascular reactivity in rats. Serum metallothionein and organs' lead level were evaluated with the aim of assessing the possible mechanism of unsaturated FA impact on blood lead level. For three months, male Wistar rats that were receiving drinking water with (100 ppm Pb) or without lead acetate were supplemented per os daily with virgin olive oil or linseed oil (0.2 mL/kg b.w.) or egg derived lecithin fraction: "super lecithin" (50 g/kg b.w.). Mesenteric artery was stimulated ex vivo by norepinephrine (NE) administered at six different doses. Lecithin supplementation slightly reduced pressor responses of artery to NE. Lead administered to rats attenuated the beneficial effect of unsaturated FA on lipid metabolism and vascular reactivity to adrenergic stimulation. On the other hand, the super lecithin and linseed oil that were characterized by low omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (about 1) reduced the blood lead concentration. This effect was observed in lead poisoned rats (p < 0.0001) and also in rats nonpoisoned with lead (p < 0.05).

Effect of Culture in Simulated Microgravity on the Development of Mouse Embryonic Testes.

BACKGROUND: All known organisms develop and evolve in the presence of gravitational force, and it is evident that gravity has a significant influence on organism physiology and development. Microgravity is known to affect gene expression, enzyme activity, cytoskeleton organization, mitotic proliferation and intracellular signaling. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to study some aspects of the development in vitro of mouse embryonic testes in simulated microgravity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Testes from mouse embryos (12.5-16.5 days post coitum, d.p.c.) were cultured in simulated microgravity and standard static culture conditions. The microgravity condition was provided by a Rotary Cell Culture System (RWV) bioreactor, an apparatus designated for 3D tissue and small organ cultures. After 48 h of the culture in the RWV, testis morphology and size was evaluated. RESULTS: The first observation was that the culture in the RWV bioreactor had a beneficial effect on the testis growth and on the survival of germ cells in comparison to static 2D culture methods. Moreover, we found, that RWV culture caused disorganization the gonadal tissues, namely of the testis cords. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the maintenance of testis cord could be sensitive to microgravity. We hypothesize that while the effect on testis growth is due to a better nutrient and oxygen supply, the testis cord's disorganization might depend on the microgravity conditions simulated by the bioreactor. Considering the complexity of the processes involved in the formation of the testis cords and their dynamic changes during the embryo fetal period, further studies are needed to identify the causes of such effect.

The role of chemokines in hypertension.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is a serious health problem in the highly industrialized countries. In more than 95% of the cases, the etiology of hypertension remains unknown. A key role in the etiology of hypertension is played by endothelial dysfunction and the inflammatory reaction in the vascular wall, in which the low molecular weight proteins so called chemokines are involved. The chemokines involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension include monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, MCP-1, CCL2, interferon-inducible protein (IP-10; CXCL10), interleukin-8 (IL-8; CXCL8), RANTES (CCL5), fractalkine (CX3CL1) and their receptors CCR2, CCR5, CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3 and CX3CR1. The mechanisms involving chemokines and their receptors in the pathogenesis of hypertension are complex and not fully understood. They include the impact of the migration of macrophages and monocytes to the vascular wall, endothelial dysfunction, effects on nitric oxide and endothelin-1 and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Chemokines are also involved in the pathogenesis of complications of hypertension, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial and renal fibrosis. In Poland, only about 26% of patients are effectively treated with antihypertensive drugs. The use of new therapeutic methods based on the inhibition of the inflammatory process in the vascular wall, including the impact on the function of chemokines and their receptors, could improve the effectiveness of the treatment of hypertension.