Sleep disturbances are common in various neurological pathologies, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple system atrophy (MSA), hereditary ataxias, Huntington’s disease (HD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). This article reviews the prevalence and characteristics of sleep disorders in these conditions, highlighting their impact on patients’ quality of life and disease progression. Sleep-related breathing disorders, insomnia, restless legs syndrome (RLS), periodic limb movement syndrome (PLMS), and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) are among the common sleep disturbances reported. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions play crucial roles in managing sleep disturbances and enhancing overall patient care.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are highly prevalent chronic conditions, frequently coexisting due to their shared pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors. Epidemiological studies estimate that up to 30% of COPD patients have comorbid T2DM, contributing to worsened disease progression, more hospitalizations, and higher mortality rates. Systemic inflammation in COPD contributes to insulin resistance by increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP), which impair glucose metabolism and beta-cell function. Conversely, hyperglycemia in T2DM exacerbates oxidative stress, leading to endothelial dysfunction, reduced lung function, and impaired pulmonary repair mechanisms. A comprehensive narrative review was conducted to evaluate the interplay between COPD and T2DM, examining shared pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical consequences, and management strategies. The co-occurrence of COPD and T2DM accelerates disease development, elevates hospitalization rates, and deteriorates overall prognosis. Pharmacological interactions complicate illness treatment, requiring a multidisciplinary therapy strategy. Recent data underscore the need to integrate palliative care, facilitate shared decision-making, and provide psychological support to enhance patient outcomes. Efficient therapy of COPD-T2DM comorbidity necessitates a customized, interdisciplinary strategy that targets both respiratory and metabolic health. Preliminary prognostic dialogues, palliative care, and holistic lifestyle modifications can improve patient quality of life and clinical results.
Grape seeds are a by-product of the wine industry. They represent 38–52% of grape pomace and about 5% of the weight of grapes. The main objective of this study is to establish some important characteristics of grape seeds from red varieties cultivated in Romania. The analyzed grape varieties were Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot noir, Burgund Mare, Cadarcă, Syrah, Novac. The grape seeds were dried and ground and the following determinations were made: determination of total polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, antiradical capacity and determination of phenolic compounds. The analyses were performed on the first day after obtaining the grape extract, on the 14th day and the 30th day. The obtained results demonstrate that all the analyzed samples have a high content of polyphenols and show antioxidant and antiradical capacity. The highest values were obtained on the first day after separation, drying, grinding and extraction of the grape seeds and began to decrease almost constantly in time, so that for 30 days from storage the values obtained could ensure good operating yields. The seeds from the Novac grape variety obtained the best results throughout the analysis period. In the case of the total polyphenol content, the average value of the three samples Novac was 394.57 mgGAE/g dry extract and the average value of antioxidant capacity was 284.35 mgAAE/g dry extract. The greatest antiradical capacity was presented by the seeds of the Syrah and Novac varieties. The average value of the three samples from the Syrah variety was 62.1%, and in the case of the Novac variety was 61.33%. The paper demonstrates the opportunity of superior capitalization of seeds from the seven grape varieties cultivated on the territory of Romania due to the characteristics it possesses. At present, there is a major interest of consumers in the most natural products, with a major contribution to increasing the body’s immunity. The use of natural compounds in the food and pharmaceutical industry can be an important alternative.
14 April 2020 in BRAIN. BROAD RESEARCH IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE
(1) Background: Fish is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc, which are key nutrients for infant growth and development, as well as a source of energy for adults and the elderly. Due to mercury contamination in both the terrestrial and aquatic environments, there is a risk that considerable levels of mercury will be ingested by the population, causing undesired illnesses and metabolic symptoms once they reach the body. The purpose of this research was to show and emphasize the hazardous effect of mercury in diverse marine products; (2) Methods: We conducted a comparative, open, randomized, non-interventional study on a study group of 119 adults from varied social and demographic backgrounds to assess the bad repercussions of mercury poisoning from fish consumption. A questionnaire with 18 questions was prepared in order to obtain information about the impact, i.e., the dangers present in fish meat. The research was carried out in Oradea and Bihor County, Romania; (3) Results: The largest age group was between the ages of 25–34, but we had respondents from almost all age groups. Most of them considered the fish healthy (30%) and that the omega-3 fatty acids have beneficial effects on the body (25.10%). More than a half of respondents (55%) were unaware of the hidden danger in fish meat in the form of mercury derivatives. Most respondents (65%) considered that they did not consume enough amounts of fish to suffer the consequences of this phenomenon. More than a half of respondents (59%) agreed that they should have been made aware beforehand by displaying the hazards of excessive intake of some high mercury concentration fish species; (4) Conclusions: It is imperative that the population be informed about dangers of mercury toxicity when consuming fish. Mercury must be gradually eliminated worldwide by replacing it with safer alternatives.