Prolonged Latency Research Articles

Video-oculography for enhancing the diagnostic accuracy of early oculomotor dysfunction in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

Oculomotor impairment is an important diagnostic feature of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and PSP subtypes. We assessed the role of video oculography (VOG) in confirming clinically suspected slow saccades in PSP and differentiating PSP from Parkinson's disease (PD). We also measured the correlation of both saccadic velocity and latency in PSP with scores in PSP rating scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Frontal assessment battery (FAB). We assessed the frequency of apraxia of eyelid opening (ALO) and reflex blepharospasm in PSP and PD. 112 PSP cases with slow saccades but not gaze palsy, 50 PD and 50 healthy controls (HC) were recruited. MDS task force-PSP and PD criteria were used respectively, for the diagnoses. All subjects underwent VOG. Horizontal and vertical saccadic velocities and latencies differentiated PSP from PD and HC (p<0.001). Vertical saccadic velocity and latency accurately differentiated PSP-P from PD (p<0.001 and 0.003 respectively). Vertical and horizontal saccadic velocities differentiated PSP- RS and PSP- P (p=0.026 and 0.036 respectively). In vertical gaze, the mean velocity cut-off showed good sensitivity and specificity in differentiating PSP from HC and PD. Prolonged horizontal gaze latency was associated with more severe PSP and worse global cognitive and frontal dysfunction. ALO and reflex blepharospasm were only seen in PSP. VOG is useful for confirming slow saccades in PSP-RS and PSP-P and in differentiating PSP-P from PD. Prolonged horizontal gaze latency was associated with more severe PSP and worse cognitive dysfunction. ALO and reflex blepharospasm were seen only in PSP.

Significant nocturnal wakefulness after sleep onset in metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a multisystemic disease with a multifactorial pathogenesis involving dietary, environmental, and genetic factors. Previous mouse models suggested that circadian misalignment may additionally influence its development as it influences metabolism in diverse organs including the liver. Further, data from sleep questionnaires proved sleep-wake disruption in patients with MASLD. We objectively assessed sleep-wake rhythms in patients with biopsy-proven MASLD (n = 35) and healthy controls (HC, n = 16) using actigraphy 24/7 for 4 weeks. With the aim to re-align sleep rhythms a single standardized sleep hygiene education session was performed after 2 weeks. Actigraphy data revealed that MASLD patients had more awakenings per night (MASLD vs. HC 8.5 vs. 5.5, p = 0.0036), longer wakefulness after sleep onset (MASLD vs. HC 45.4 min vs. 21.3 min, p = 0.0004), and decreased sleep efficiency (MASLD vs. HC 86.5% vs. 92.8%, p = 0.0008) compared with HC despite comparable sleep duration. Patients with MASLD self-reported shorter sleep duration (MASLD vs. HC 6 h vs. 6 h 45 min, p = 0.01) and prolonged sleep latency contributing to poorer sleep quality. Standardized sleep hygiene education did not produce significant changes in sleep parameters. Our findings indicate fragmented nocturnal sleep in patients with MASLD, characterized by increased wakefulness and reduced sleep efficiency, perceived subjectively as shortened sleep duration and delayed onset. A single sleep hygiene education session did not improve sleep parameters.

Electrodiagnostic evaluation of autonomic dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract Background: Autonomic dysfunction frequently affects multiple organs and systems in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), including the heart, bladder, and bowels, as well as sudomotor and sexual functions, and can have a significant negative impact on the quality of life. Aim: to assess the effect of MS on autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions by electrodiagnostic measures and investigate the relationship of these measures with different demographic and clinical factors such as age, sex, duration of disease, type of treatment, the Expanded Disability Severity Scale (EDSS) score, and the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31 (COMPASS-31) score. Methods: forty patients with a definite diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS and 35 age- and sex-matched controls. The EDSS to assess disease severity and the COMPASS-31 questionnaire to test for degree of clinical autonomic disability, Ewing’s cardiovascular autonomic tests, and sympathetic skin response (SSR) as electrophysiologic tests for autonomic dysfunction were done. Results: The heart rate during normal (HRNB), HR response to deep breathing (HRDB), and systolic blood pressure (BP) drop from supine to standing position were significantly different in the PwMS relative to the controls. Moreover, PwMS exhibited prolonged palmar SSR latency and reduced plantar SSR amplitude. Disease duration was negatively correlated with HRNB, HRDB, and heart rate during the Valsalva manoeuvre (HTVals). EDSS is also negatively correlated with HRNB and HRDB. Furthermore, COMPASS-31 also shows a negative correlation with HRDB. On the contrary, systolic PB drop and planter SSR amplitude were positively correlated with EDSS. Conclusion: In MS, cardiac autonomic dysfunction affects both the parasympathetic and sympathetic NS. Alongside the cardiovascular system, the sympathetic sudomotor system is also impacted. The length and severity of the disease were correlated by parasympathetic abnormalities. No correlation was observed within the patient group between any autonomic function tests and age, sex, treatment type, or family history of MS. Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, EDSS, autonomic function tests, COMPASS-31

Characteristics of late responses in S1 radiculopathy

Electrophysiological research methods, in particular late nerve conduction responses, play an important role n the diagnosis of a number of neurogenic disorders and, in particular in lumbosacral radiculopathy. Late responses include the F-wave, H-reflex, and A-wave.The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of late responses to tibial nerve stimulation in patients with isolated S1 radiculopathy in comparison with clinical findings. We examined 32 patients with isolated S1 radiculopathy (16 women, 16 men), their average age was 43.5 ± 9.3 years.An electroneuromyographic study of the tibial nerve on the injured side revealed the presence of an A-wave in 20 patients (62.5 %, p &lt; 0.001). It was significantly more often combined with tests for spinal root irritation, and its localization before the F-wave was a characteristic feature of this pathology. The analysis of the F-wave parameters showed an increase in its duration (p = 0.001) compared to the uninjured side, and compared to the control group there was a prolongation of both duration and latency (p &lt; 0.001). Patients with the presence of an A-wave had more pronounced changes in the duration and latency of the F-wave on the injured and uninjured sides. When analyzing the H-reflex, it was found to be absent in 14 (43.8 %) and decreased in amplitude in 9 (28.1 %) patients on the injured side. The absence of the H-reflex was significantly more often detected in patients with the absence of the Achilles reflex (p &lt; 0.05). The number of patients with the presence of an A-wave did not differ from that of patients with an increased duration of the F-wave or a decrease in the amplitude of the H-reflex (p &gt; 0.05).

Interpretation Of Personality Theory in The Context Of Writing Disorders And Mirror Writing

This study aims to contribute to the understanding of mirror writing by employing modern neurophysiological techniques, specifically Optics Challenging Dynamics (P 100), and by providing pedagogical approaches for problem-solving. The focus of this research is to investigate the disorders of written expression in typically developing children who are introduced to the process of learning to write. Additionally, it examines the developmental differences in visual-kinetic skills among preschool and first-grade elementary school children. The research hypotheses revolve around the reduction in mirror writing occurrence during handwriting practice, the progressive development of visuospatial orientation and visuomotor skills, the impact of hand preference on handwriting tendencies, and the potential association between dyslexic handwriting and prolonged P100 latency in neurophysiological examinations. The study involves a sample of 100 participants, including kindergarten children and first-grade elementary school students, and utilizes both standardized tests and neurophysiological assessments, specifically visual evoked potentials (VEPs), to gather data. By addressing these research objectives, this study aims to contribute to the advancement of visual-motor abilities, particularly in visuo-spatial discrimination, controlled visual attention, and the healthy functioning of the visual pathway, while highlighting the differences in neuronal maturation and interhemispheric communication that underlie mirror writing.

Hearing and balance functions in adults with ıron deficiency

Background Because the inner ear requires high-energy metabolism and because of the iron content of some cochlear enzymes, iron deficiency-related hypoxia can affect hearing and the balance system. Objectives To evaluate the hearing and balance functions in adults with iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Material and Methods 22 ID patients, 22 IDA patients and 22 healthy controls underwent pure tone audiometry (0.125-16 kHz), VNG, VEMP, and vHIT. Results Significant differences were observed in the hearing thresholds of the IDA group at frequencies ranging from 0.125 kHz to 14 kHz, as well as in the ID group at frequencies of 2.0 kHz, 4.0 kHz, and 6.0 kHz. The pursuit test was pathological at the rate of 40.9% in the IDA group. The oVEMP test showed prolonged latency values in both ID and IDA groups. IDA group had lower p1-n1 amplitude than the control group in the oVEMP and cVEMP tests. A significant difference was determined between the groups concerning anterior SCC VOR gains. Conclusions and significance The hypoxia caused by anemia might negatively impact hearing and vestibular functions. The current study is the first study to comprehensively evaluate anemia patients with VNG, VEMP, and vHIT tests.

PKR downregulation prevents copper-induced synaptic dysfunction and cognitive impairment in a murine model of Wilson's disease.

Synaptic efficacy is critical for memory formation and consolidation. Accumulating evidence suggest that synapses are impaired during Wilson's disease (WD), contributing to neuronal dysfunction and cognitive decline. WD is a prototypical condition among the copper metabolism disorders. Cognitive impairment is a common feature of affected patients with neurological symptoms, presenting as memory deficits, decreased cognitive flexibility, and impaired learning capabilities. These cognitive deficits can significantly impact the quality of life, affecting work and academic performance. However, the mechanisms mediating the inhibitory synaptic dysfunction in WD are incompletely understood. We investigated the effects of the double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase/eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (PKR/eIF2α) pathway on synaptic structure and function in WD using a murine model, toxic milk (TX mice). During mouse open-field tests, we noted a substantial rise in the mobility/immobility ratio among WD model animals compared to that in WT mice. Additionally, WD mice exhibited diminished central area exploration, as evidenced by reduced travel distance. Moreover, they displayed prolonged escape latency in the Barnes maze, suggesting that chronic copper accumulation is associated with neuropsychiatric alterations and cognitive impairment. We also found a decrease in the expression of synapse-associated proteins (synapsin 1, synaptophysin, postsynaptic density protein-93 [PSD93], postsynaptic density protein-95 [PSD95]), and vesicle-associated membrane protein2 [VAMP2]) besides abnormal neurotransmitter levels (including glutamate and GABA), indicating the presence of synaptic dysfunction in TX mice. Inhibiting PKR via C16 prevented these changes, suggesting that dysfunctional cognition is associated with the PKR/eIF2α pathway. We also observed changes in synapses, vesicles, dendritic spine density, and dendritic length that were associated with the presence of cognitive dysfunction. Further investigation revealed that C16 treatment decreased the TUNEL-positive cell numbers in the hippocampus of TX mice and prevented 8-OHdG-induced synaptic dysfunction. Results suggest that PKR downregulation prevents copper-induced synaptic dysfunction in the murine WD model. Therefore, targeting PKR pharmacologically may be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating the copper-induced neuropathology of patients with WD.

Meal Timing and Sleep Health Among Midlife Mexican Women During the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study aimed to examine associations between meal timing habits and sleep health in midlife Mexican women. Data comprised 379 midlife Mexican women who participated in a phone survey conducted within the Early Life Exposures in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) project during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Women answered questions related to meal habits and sleep duration, latency, and quality. We used linear regression to investigate the associations between meal timing, frequency of meals/snacks, eating window (duration between first and last eating occasion of the day), duration between last meal, bedtime, sleep duration, and logistic regression to examine the associations between meal timing, sleep latency, and sleep quality, adjusting for confounders. Later timing of meals throughout the day, and a shorter interval between the last meal of the day and bedtime, were associated with prolonged sleep latency and worse sleep quality. Associations with sleep duration were mixed: a longer eating window and a later largest and last meal were each associated with shorter sleep duration, while a later first meal and a shorter interval between the last meal of the day and bedtime were associated with longer sleep duration. Meal timing habits are associated with sleep duration, latency, and quality in midlife women.

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy and vagus somatosensory evoked potentials add to the power of established parameters such as poor cognitive performance, dsyosmia and APOe genotype to predict cognitive decline over 8 years in the elderly.

Alzheimer's dementia is the main cause of cognitive impairment in people over the age of 65, with Alzheimer's disease starting presumably 10-15 years before the onset of clinical symptoms. It is therefore important to recognize dementia at an early stage and identify possible predictors. The existing methods, like different parameters of ß-Amyloid and Tau quantification in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or the living brain by measure of PET, are invasive and expensive. Therefore, the present study investigates the predictive value of a battery of clinical, neuropsychological, and blood parameters as well as two neurophysiological methods (functional near-infrared spectroscopy [fNIRS] and vagus somatosensory evoked potentials [VSEP]) which are easy to perform, less invasive and cost-efficient, for developing cognitive impairments in the elderly.In this longitudinal, prospective study, we enrolled 604 healthy participants between 70 and 77 years of age. The participants were invited back after a mean time interval of 3 years and 11 months, and after 7 years and 8 months, and their cognitive impairments were determined.Here we show that the development of cognitive impairments after approximately 8 years can be predicted not only by previously known risk factors such as ApoE4 risk alleles, dysosmia, or poor cognitive performance at baseline but that latency prolongation in the VSEP and altered functional activation patterns measured by NIRS at baseline also provide additional predictive value.We therefore suggest that both neurophysiological parameters, VSEP and NIRS, should be included in future studies, investigating the prediction of dementia. Dementia ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02224326.

Abstract 4136745: How do sleep quality and heart failure symptoms impact functional status among patients with heart failure?

Background: Patients with heart failure (HF) frequently experience poor sleep quality and multiple HF symptoms, both of which are linked to diminished functional status. Poor sleep quality can manifest as prolonged latency, short duration, low efficiency, or difficulty staying asleep. HF symptoms encompass different dimensions: presence, frequency, severity, and distress of HF symptoms. Different dimensions of sleep quality and HF symptoms may uniquely influence functional status, necessitating tailored interventions, yet how individual dimensions of sleep quality and HF symptoms impact functional status remains unexplored. Research Question: how do individual dimensions of sleep quality and HF symptoms impact functional status in patients with HF? Methods: We studied 197 adults with HF (male: 66%, age: 62±11 yrs). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess seven dimensions of sleep quality: subjective sleep quality, latency, duration, efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medications, and daytime dysfunction over the last month. Four dimensions (i.e., presence, frequency, severity, distress) of 7 HF symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling) were assessed using the Symptom Status Questionnaire-HF. Functional status was measured using the Duke Activity Status Index. Correlations and two multiple linear regression models (1 st model: 7 dimensions of sleep quality on functional status, and 2 nd model: 4 dimensions of HF symptoms on functional status) were conducted for data analysis. Results: Worse subjective sleep quality, longer latency, more sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medications, and higher levels of daytime dysfunction were correlated with poor functional status. All four dimensions of HF symptoms were negatively correlated with functional status. In the 1 st multiple linear regression model, more sleep disturbances (B=-3.91, p =.006) and higher daytime dysfunction (B=-5.70, p &lt;.001) were predictive of poor functional status (model R 2 =0.23, p &lt;.001). In the 2 nd multiple linear regression model, only higher frequency of HF symptoms (B=-.70, p =.022) predicted poor functional status (model R 2 =0.34, p &lt;.001). Conclusion: Increased sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction, and frequency of HF symptoms were associated with poorer functional status in patients with HF. These findings underscore the importance of developing tailored interventions to address individual sleep problems and HF symptoms to improve functional status.

Attentional network deficits in patients with migraine: behavioral and electrophysiological evidence

BackgroundPatients with migraine often experience not only headache pain but also cognitive dysfunction, particularly in attention, which is frequently overlooked in both diagnosis and treatment. The influence of these attentional deficits on the pain-related clinical characteristics of migraine remains poorly understood, and clarifying this relationship could improve care strategies.MethodsThis study included 52 patients with migraine and 34 healthy controls. We employed the Attentional Network Test for Interactions and Vigilance–Executive and Arousal Components paradigm, combined with electroencephalography, to assess attentional deficits in patients with migraine, with an emphasis on phasic alerting, orienting, executive control, executive vigilance, and arousal vigilance. An extreme gradient boosting binary classifier was trained on features showing group differences to distinguish patients with migraine from healthy controls. Moreover, an extreme gradient boosting regression model was developed to predict clinical characteristics of patients with migraine using their attentional deficit features.ResultsFor general performance, patients with migraine presented a larger inverse efficiency score, a higher prestimulus beta-band power spectral density and a lower gamma-band event-related synchronization at Cz electrode, and stronger high alpha-band activity at the primary visual cortex, compared to healthy controls. Although no behavior differences in three basic attentional networks were found, patients showed magnified N1 amplitude and prolonged latency of P2 for phasic alerting-trials as well as an increased orienting evoked-P1 amplitude. For vigilance function, improvements in the hit rate of executive vigilance-trials were exhibited in controls but not in patients. Besides, patients with migraine exhibited longer reaction time as well as larger variability in arousal vigilance-trials than controls. The binary classifier developed by such attentional deficit features achieved an F1 score of 0.762 and an accuracy of 0.779 in distinguishing patients with migraine from healthy controls. Crucially, the predicted value available from the regression model involving attentional deficit features significantly correlated with the real value for the frequency of headache.ConclusionsPatients with migraine demonstrated significant attentional deficits, which can be used to differentiate migraine patients from healthy populations and to predict clinical characteristics. These findings highlight the need to address cognitive dysfunction, particularly attentional deficits, in the clinical management of migraine.

The impact of short-term exposure to criteria air pollutants on sleep disturbance among young adults: A nationwide analysis in 261 Chinese cities

BackgroundsEvidence concerning the short-term acute effect of air pollution on sleep health is quite limited. This study aims to examine the association between short-term exposure to ambient criteria air pollutants (CAPs) and sleep disturbance among young adults. MethodsA nationwide retrospective study was conducted across 261 Chinese cities from 2023 to 2024. Participants’ sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and air pollutant concentrations were collected during the study period. Distributed lag nonlinear models were utilized to assess the effect of CAPs on sleep disturbance and seven sleep quality components over the seven days preceding the survey (lag 0–7). Stratification analyses involving gender, cigarette smoking, and hazardous drinking behavior were performed. ResultsOf 12,279 young adults, 39% were identified as having sleep disturbances. Increases of 10 μg/m3 in PM2.5, PM10, O3, and NO2 exposure were linked to a heightened risk of sleep disturbance, with the maximum single-day percentage changes being 8.3% (95% confidence intervals: 1.9–15.2%), 10.0% (1.2–19.6%), 6.0% (2.3–9.8%), and 23.6% (4.5–46.0%), respectively. A 10 μg/m3 elevation in PM2.5, PM10, and O3 were associated with 18.4%–34.8% of cumulative increase in sleep disturbance risk. Additionally, a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations prolonged sleep latency by 3 and 4.8 min, respectively. Each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10 and O3 shortened sleep duration by 5.4 and 5.7 min. NO2 exposure increased scores on the daytime dysfunction component of the PSQI, resulting in a percentage change of 23.9%. The association between PM2.5, O3, and NO2 exposure and sleep disturbance was stronger in subpopulations with cigarette smoking behavior. ConclusionShort-term exposure to PM2.5, PM10, O3, and NO2 is significantly associated with sleep disturbance among young adults. Sustained improvements in air quality may help improve sleep health.

Association between infant sleep and neurodevelopment in a prospective birth cohort study

ObjectivesTo investigate the association of infant sleep and sleep trajectories through the first year of life with infant neurodevelopment. MethodsThis study was conducted with 3251 infants in China. Sleep parameters were evaluated by the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire at 42days, 6months, and 1year of age. Neurodevelopment was evaluated at 1year of age using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition. The latent variable growth curve model was used to evaluate the developmental trajectories of infant sleep, including total sleep duration trajectories, night awakening trajectories and sleep onset latency trajectories. Poisson regression was applied to assess the association between sleep parameters and sleep trajectories and infant neurodevelopment. ResultsInfants with frequent night awakenings at 6months had a higher risk of nonoptimal gross motor development. Additionally, infants with prolonged sleep onset latency at 1year had an increased risk of nonoptimal fine and gross motor development. A consistent frequent night-awakening trajectory increased the risk of nonoptimal gross motor development (adjusted relative risk, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 2.10). Furthermore, an increasing trajectory in sleep onset latency was associated with an increased risk of nonoptimal fine (adjusted relative risk, 2.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 6.51) and gross motor development (adjusted relative risk, 2.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.70 to 4.48). However, no significant association was observed between total sleep duration, or its trajectory, and infant neurodevelopment. ConclusionsSleep problems or specific sleep trajectories during the initial year of life may increase risk of compromised neurodevelopment.

Inhibition of Glycolysis Alleviates Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Induced Neuroinflammation and Depression-like Behavior.

Growing evidence suggests that glucose metabolism plays a crucial role in activated immune cells, significantly contributing to the occurrence and development of neuroinflammation and depression-like behaviors. Chronic stress has been reported to induce microglia activation and disturbances in glucose metabolism in the hippocampus. This study aims to investigate how chronic stress-mediated glycolysis promotes neuroinflammation and to assess the therapeutic potential of the glycolysis inhibitor, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), in a model of chronic stress-induced neuroinflammation and depression-like behavior. In in vitro studies, we first explored the effects of 2-DG on the inflammatory response of microglia cells. The results showed that corticosterone (Cort) induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, increased glycolysis, and promoted the release of inflammatory mediators. However, these effects were reversed by intervention with 2-DG. Subsequently, we examined changes in depression-like behavior and hippocampal glycolysis in mice during chronic stress. The results indicated that chronic stress led to prolonged escape latency in the Morris water maze, increased platform-crossing frequency, reduced sucrose preference index, and extended immobility time in the forced swim test, all of which are indicative of depression-like behavior in mice. Additionally, we found that the expression of the key glycolytic enzyme hexokinase 2 (HK2) was upregulated in the hippocampus of stressed mice, along with an increased release of inflammatory factors. Further in vivo experiments investigated the effects of 2-DG on glycolysis and pro-inflammatory mediator production, as well as the therapeutic effects of 2-DG on chronic stress-induced depression-like behavior in mice. The results showed that 2-DG alleviated chronic stress-induced depression-like behaviors, such as improving escape latency and platform-crossing frequency in the Morris water maze, and increasing the time spent in the center of the open field. Additionally, 2-DG intervention reduced the level of glycolysis in the hippocampus and decreased the release of pro-inflammatory mediators. These findings suggest that 2-DG can mitigate neuroinflammation and depressive behaviors by inhibiting glycolysis and inflammatory responses. Overall, our results highlight the potential of 2-DG as a therapeutic agent for alleviating chronic stress-induced neuroinflammation through the regulation of glycolysis.

Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning for Blockchain-Based Energy Trading in Decentralized Electric Vehicle Charger-Sharing Networks

With The integration of renewable energy sources into smart grids and electric vehicle (EV) charger-sharing networks is essential for achieving the goal of environmental sustainability. However, the uneven distribution of distributed energy trading among EVs, fixed charging stations (FCSs), and mobile charging stations (MCSs) introduces challenges such as inadequate supply at FCSs and prolonged latencies at MCSs. In this paper, we propose a multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL)-based auction algorithm for energy trading that effectively balances charger supply with energy demand in distributed EV charging markets, while also reducing total charging latency. Specifically, this involves a MADRL-based hierarchical auction that dynamically adapts to real-time conditions, optimizing the balance of supply and demand. During energy trading, each EV, acting as a learning agent, can refine its bidding strategy to participate in various local energy trading markets, thus enhancing both individual utility and global social welfare. Furthermore, we design a cross-chain scheme to securely record and verify transaction results of energy trading in decentralized EV charger-sharing networks to ensure integrity and transparency. Finally, experimental results show that the proposed algorithm significantly outperforms both the second-price and double auctions in increasing global social welfare and reducing total charging latency.

Longitudinal associations between accelerometry-assessed sleep clusters and obesity in adolescence and young adulthood: the German GINIplus and LISA birth cohorts study

Abstract Background Some studies have identified diverse sleep patterns in adolescents and adults by considering multidimensional objective sleep parameters. However, whether sleep patterns are consistent from adolescence to young adulthood and their long-term associations with obesity remain unknown. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal associations of objectively measured and clustering-identified sleep patterns with body mass index (BMI) and overweight/obesity in adolescence and young adulthood, and to test whether these associations change over time or are modified by genetic risk. Methods A total of 1973 participants wearing 7-day accelerometers in either 15-year (n=1347, aged 14.3-16.4 years) and/or 20-year (n=1262, aged 19.5-22.4 years) follow-ups of German GINIplus and LISA birth cohorts were included. Sleep clusters were identified by K-means cluster analysis on 12 accelerometry-assessed sleep characteristics at each follow-up. BMI and overweight/obesity were measured by physical exams or self-/parent-reported questionnaires. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations were tested. The interaction effects with time of follow-ups and polygenic risk scores (PRS, n=1087) for BMI were further examined. Results Although sleep characteristics changed from adolescence to young adulthood, such as shorter total sleep time (mean 7.2 to 6.6 hours), the consistent five sleep clusters were classified in both periods: good sleep, delayed sleep phase, sleep irregularity and variability, fragmented sleep, and prolonged sleep latency. Compared to the "good sleep" cluster, the "prolonged sleep latency" cluster showed significant associations with higher BMI (β=0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.06, 1.05]) and increased odds of overweight/obesity (odds ratio (OR)=1.55, 95%CI= [1.02, 2.34]). PRS was associated with higher BMI (β=0.65, 95%CI= [0.39, 0.91]) and overweight/obesity (OR=1.52, 95%CI= [1.15, 2.00]), with no significant gene-sleep cluster interaction effect. Only among males, the interaction effects with time of follow-ups on overweight/obesity were observed in the "delayed sleep phase", "sleep irregularity and variability", and "fragmented sleep" clusters (p-interaction &amp;lt;0.05), showing more harmful effects with increasing age. Conclusions Five sleep patterns were identified consistently across adolescence and young adulthood, and the "prolonged sleep latency" pattern was associated with higher BMI and overweight/obesity, independent of genetic risk. For young adult males, "delayed sleep phase", "sleep irregularity and variability" and "fragmented sleep" patterns seemed to have more unfavorable impacts on overweight/obesity.

Polysomnographic Findings into Sleep Disorders in Essential Tremor and Essential Tremor Plus: A Comparison with Healthy Controls.

To explore sleep patterns in individuals with Essential Tremor (ET) and Essential Tremor Plus (ET-Plus), compared to healthy controls, and assess differences between ET and ET-Plus, given the lack of established polysomnography (PSG) data on these groups and the potential for sleep disturbances to serve as clinical markers. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, from November 2021 to August 2023 on 45 patients (26 ET, 19 ET-Plus) and 45 controls. Tremor severity was assessed using TETRAS and FTMTRS, and sleep symptoms with ESS, PSQI, Mayo Sleep Questionnaire, RLS-Q, BQ, GAD-7 and PHQ-9. All cases and controls underwent overnight video PSG. Sleep scoring was manually done by a technically adequate sleep researcher and the first author following AASM (2022) guidelines with data analysed using R studio. ET patients exhibited younger onset age (30.8 ± 16.7 years) compared to ET-Plus patients (46.8 ± 11.1 years). ET-Plus had higher TETRAS and FTMRS scores (P < 0.001) than ET. Both ET and ET-Plus patients exhibited poorer sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) symptoms compared to controls. PSG findings supported these clinical observations, showing elevated Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), reduced Total Sleep Time (TST), prolonged REM latency, decreased sleep efficiency, increased N1 stage duration, and reduced N2/N3 durations and percentages in patients versus controls. The study highlights significant sleep architecture abnormalities in both ET and ET-Plus patients as compared to healthy controls, with no differences between the ET groups.

Infant and Toddler Sleep: The Existing Knowledge Gaps!

Abstract Background: Sleep architecture of infants is vastly different from adults and a significant knowledge gap exists in understanding infant sleep. We aimed to study infant sleep behavior by using validated revised Brief Infant Sleep questionnaire at a tertiary care center in Western Maharashtra. Methodology: We enrolled 65 infants from 1 month to 3 years of age visiting Pediatric OPD between October 2023 to March 2024. We aimed to study infant sleep behavior in a cross section of population at a tertiary care center with a view to find out prevalence of behavioral insomnia of childhood in study population. Results: Around 38.5% children were sleeping less than 5 hours at night and 12.3 % were sleeping only for 6-7 hours. 58.5% children had prolonged sleep onset latency between 30-60 minutes. Around 27.7% children had sleep latency even more than 60 minutes after being put to bed. 70.8% children reported nocturnal awakenings of whom 18.3% reported frequent awakenings. Total sleep duration in our study was 8.592 ± 1.79 hours (Mean ± 2SD). Longest stretch of nocturnal sleep was 5.869 ± 3.72 hours (Mean ± 2SD). Based on the total duration of sleep, prevalence of behavioural insomnia of childhood in our study was 41.5%. The most common associations with behavioural insomnia of childhood were breastfeeding, bottle feeding and rocking but the results were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Prevalence of behavioral insomnia of childhood in India is higher than western population. Indian children have shorter average sleep duration compared to their western counterparts. Bedtime routine needs to be observed regularly to avoid development of behavioral insomnia of childhood which requires strict bedtime rules and consistency.

PVN-mPFC OT projections modulate pup-directed pup care or attacking in virgin mandarin voles

Many species of animals exhibit caregiving or aggression toward conspecific offspring. The neural mechanisms underlying the infanticide and pup care remain poorly understood. Here, using monogamous mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus), we found that more oxytocin (OT) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) were activated during pup caring than infanticide. Optogenetic activation of OT neurons in the PVN facilitated pup caring in male and female mandarin voles. In infanticide voles, optogenetic activation of PVN OT cells or PVN-medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) OT projection fibers prolonged latency to approach and attack pups, whereas inhibition of these OT neurons or projections facilitated approach and infanticide. Optogenetic activation of PVN OT neuron projections to the mPFC in males shortened the latency to approach and retrieve pups and facilitated the initiation of pup care, but produced no effects on pup-care females. In addition, OT release in the mPFC increased upon approaching and retrieving pups, and decreased upon attacking pups. Intraperitoneal injection of OT promoted pup care and inhibited infanticide behavior. It is suggested that the OT system, especially PVN OT neurons projecting to mPFC, modulates pup-directed behaviors and OT can be used to treat abnormal behavioral responses associated with some psychological diseases such as depression and psychosis.

The impact of sleep disturbances on treatment efficacy and prognosis in patients with depressive and anxiety disorders.

Little was known about the relationship between sleep disturbances and depressive and anxiety disorders, as well as the efficacy of treatment regimens. During 2021 to 2023, a total of 417 participants were screened by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA-14) for psychological status, and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) assessment. 409 participants were finally enrolled, of which 188 (45.97%) were suffered from sleep disorders. All participants were received polysomnography (PSG) followed by six-week pharmacological treatment of escitalopram and zopiclone, and finally assessed by HAMD-17 and HAMA-14 for treatment efficacy. PSG monitoring indicated that participants with depression experienced prolonged rapid eye movement sleep latency (REMSL) and increased wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO) (P=0.030 and P=0.002, respectively). Those with anxiety disorders demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM%) and reduced WASO (P=0.013 and P=0.001, respectively). After six-weeks pharmacological treatment, participants with or without sleep disorders exhibited with similar efficacy outcomes of depression and anxiety disorders (P>0.05). However, every point of PSQI increment at baseline would decrease 0.78 and 0.85 times of probability of effective pharmacological treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. Moreover, participants with both effective outcomes of depression and anxiety disorders were found significant shorter sleep onset latency (SOL) (P<0.001). The insights gained underscore the necessity of considering sleep disturbances in enhancing the overall effectiveness of pharmacological treatments for depression and anxiety disorders.