Sample records for aasme piret kalmus

  1. The AASM scoring manual: a critical appraisal.

    PubMed

    Grigg-Damberger, Madeleine M

    2009-11-01

    Summarize recently published studies and critiques evaluating the effects of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Sleep Scoring Manual. Only a few retrospective studies have been published evaluating the new AASM Scoring Manual. These have shown that when scoring polysomnograms (PSGs) using the AASM rules compared to previous standards and guidelines: increased amount and percentage of sleep time in Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep (NREM) 1 (N1) and N3 sleep, and decreased NREM 2 (N2) sleep; improved interscorer reliability when scoring sleep stages in adults; large differences in apnea-hypopnea indexes (AHIs) using different hypopnea scoring definitions; and PSGs scored using the 'recommended' hypopnea definition in the new manual identified no significant sleep disordered breathing in 40% of lean individuals with symptomatic OSA (AHI ≥5/h by 1999 'Chicago' criteria) and a favorable response to treatment. Two years have passed since the AASM Scoring Manual was published, garnering less criticism than was feared by those who developed it. The improvement in interscorer reliability using the Manual is heartening since this goal shaped many of the choices made. The alternative hypopnea rule should be endorsed as a recommended option. The AASM Scoring Manual provides a foundation upon which we all can build rules and methods that quantify the complexity of sleep and its disorders. Multicenter validation and refinement of the Manual is encouraged.

  2. PEOPLE IN PHYSICS: Interview with Professor Peter Kalmus

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wilson, Conducted by Catherine

    1998-07-01

    Peter Kalmus was born in 1933. He obtained his BSc and PhD at University College London. After a further period as a Research Associate he spent some years in America. He has been at Queen Mary and Westfield College (formerly just QMC) of the University of London since 1964, becoming Professor in 1978 and Head of Department from 1992 to 1997. He is Vice President of the Institute of Physics and also of the Royal Institution. Professor Kalmus is a well-known popularizer of physics and is active in the public understanding of science. He is a former Physics President of the British Association. He is an eminent researcher and received the Rutherford Medal and Prize for his contributions to the discovery of the W and Z particles, the carriers of the weak force. During 1998-99 he will be delivering the Institute's Schools and Colleges Lecture `Particles and the Universe', which will incorporate some of the new IOP 16-19 Physics curriculum material, in many UK locations.

  3. Interrater reliability for sleep scoring according to the Rechtschaffen & Kales and the new AASM standard.

    PubMed

    Danker-Hopfe, Heidi; Anderer, Peter; Zeitlhofer, Josef; Boeck, Marion; Dorn, Hans; Gruber, Georg; Heller, Esther; Loretz, Erna; Moser, Doris; Parapatics, Silvia; Saletu, Bernd; Schmidt, Andrea; Dorffner, Georg

    2009-03-01

    Interrater variability of sleep stage scorings has an essential impact not only on the reading of polysomnographic sleep studies (PSGs) for clinical trials but also on the evaluation of patients' sleep. With the introduction of a new standard for sleep stage scorings (AASM standard) there is a need for studies on interrater reliability (IRR). The SIESTA database resulting from an EU-funded project provides a large number of studies (n = 72; 56 healthy controls and 16 subjects with different sleep disorders, mean age +/- SD: 57.7 +/- 18.7, 34 females) for which scorings according to both standards (AASM and R&K) were done. Differences in IRR were analysed at two levels: (1) based on quantitative sleep parameter by means of intraclass correlations; and (2) based on an epoch-by-epoch comparison by means of Cohen's kappa and Fleiss' kappa. The overall agreement was for the AASM standard 82.0% (Cohen's kappa = 0.76) and for the R&K standard 80.6% (Cohen's kappa = 0.68). Agreements increased from R&K to AASM for all sleep stages, except N2. The results of this study underline that the modification of the scoring rules improve IRR as a result of the integration of occipital, central and frontal leads on the one hand, but decline IRR on the other hand specifically for N2, due to the new rule that cortical arousals with or without concurrent increase in submental electromyogram are critical events for the end of N2.

  4. The 2007 AASM Recommendations for EEG Electrode Placement in Polysomnography: Impact on Sleep and Cortical Arousal Scoring

    PubMed Central

    Ruehland, Warren R.; O'Donoghue, Fergal J.; Pierce, Robert J.; Thornton, Andrew T.; Singh, Parmjit; Copland, Janet M.; Stevens, Bronwyn; Rochford, Peter D.

    2011-01-01

    Study Objective: To examine the impact of using American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommended EEG derivations (F4/M1, C4/M1, O2/M1) vs. a single derivation (C4/M1) in polysomnography (PSG) on the measurement of sleep and cortical arousals, including inter- and intra-observer variability. Design: Prospective, non-blinded, randomized comparison. Setting: Three Australian tertiary-care hospital clinical sleep laboratories. Patients or Participants: 30 PSGs from consecutive patients investigated for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during December 2007 and January 2008. Interventions: N/A Measurements and Results: To examine the impact of EEG derivations on PSG summary statistics, 3 scorers from different Australian clinical sleep laboratories each scored separate sets of 10 PSGs twice, once using 3 EEG derivations and once using 1 EEG derivation. To examine the impact on inter- and intra-scorer reliability, all 3 scorers scored a subset of 10 PSGs 4 times, twice using each method. All PSGs were de-identified and scored in random order according to the 2007 AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events. Using 3 referential EEG derivations during PSG, as recommended in the AASM manual, instead of a single central EEG derivation, as originally suggested by Rechtschaffen and Kales (1968), resulted in a mean ± SE decrease in N1 sleep of 9.6 ± 3.9 min (P = 0.018) and an increase in N3 sleep of 10.6 ± 2.8 min (P = 0.001). No significant differences were observed for any other sleep or arousal scoring summary statistics; nor were any differences observed in inter-scorer or intra-scorer reliability for scoring sleep or cortical arousals. Conclusion: This study provides information for those changing practice to comply with the 2007 AASM recommendations for EEG placement in PSG, for those using portable devices that are unable to comply with the recommendations due to limited channel options, and for the development of future standards for PSG scoring and

  5. The 2007 AASM recommendations for EEG electrode placement in polysomnography: impact on sleep and cortical arousal scoring.

    PubMed

    Ruehland, Warren R; O'Donoghue, Fergal J; Pierce, Robert J; Thornton, Andrew T; Singh, Parmjit; Copland, Janet M; Stevens, Bronwyn; Rochford, Peter D

    2011-01-01

    To examine the impact of using American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommended EEG derivations (F4/M1, C4/M1, O2/M1) vs. a single derivation (C4/M1) in polysomnography (PSG) on the measurement of sleep and cortical arousals, including inter- and intra-observer variability. Prospective, non-blinded, randomized comparison. Three Australian tertiary-care hospital clinical sleep laboratories. 30 PSGs from consecutive patients investigated for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during December 2007 and January 2008. N/A. To examine the impact of EEG derivations on PSG summary statistics, 3 scorers from different Australian clinical sleep laboratories each scored separate sets of 10 PSGs twice, once using 3 EEG derivations and once using 1 EEG derivation. To examine the impact on inter- and intra-scorer reliability, all 3 scorers scored a subset of 10 PSGs 4 times, twice using each method. All PSGs were de-identified and scored in random order according to the 2007 AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events. Using 3 referential EEG derivations during PSG, as recommended in the AASM manual, instead of a single central EEG derivation, as originally suggested by Rechtschaffen and Kales (1968), resulted in a mean ± SE decrease in N1 sleep of 9.6 ± 3.9 min (P = 0.018) and an increase in N3 sleep of 10.6 ± 2.8 min (P = 0.001). No significant differences were observed for any other sleep or arousal scoring summary statistics; nor were any differences observed in inter-scorer or intra-scorer reliability for scoring sleep or cortical arousals. This study provides information for those changing practice to comply with the 2007 AASM recommendations for EEG placement in PSG, for those using portable devices that are unable to comply with the recommendations due to limited channel options, and for the development of future standards for PSG scoring and recording. As the use of multiple EEG derivations only led to small changes in the distribution of derived sleep

  6. The New AASM Criteria for Scoring Hypopneas: Impact on the Apnea Hypopnea Index

    PubMed Central

    Ruehland, Warren R.; Rochford, Peter D.; O'Donoghue, Fergal J.; Pierce, Robert J.; Singh, Parmjit; Thornton, Andrew T.

    2009-01-01

    Study Objectives: To compare apnea-hypopnea indices (AHIs) derived using 3 standard hypopnea definitions published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM); and to examine the impact of hypopnea definition differences on the measured prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Design: Retrospective review of previously scored in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG). Setting: Two tertiary-hospital clinical sleep laboratories. Patients or Participants: 328 consecutive patients investigated for OSA during a 3-month period. Interventions: N/A Measurements and Results: AHIs were originally calculated using previous AASM hypopnea scoring criteria (AHIChicago), requiring either > 50% airflow reduction or a lesser airflow reduction with associated > 3% oxygen desaturation or arousal. AHIs using the “recommended” (AHIRec) and the “alternative” (AHIAlt) hypopnea definitions of the AASM Manual for Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events were then derived in separate passes of the previously scored data. In this process, hypopneas that did not satisfy the stricter hypopnea definition criteria were removed. For AHIRec, hypopneas were required to have ≥ 30% airflow reduction and ≥ 4% desaturation; and for AHIAlt, hypopneas were required to have ≥ 50% airflow reduction and ≥ 3% desaturation or arousal. The median AHIRec was approximately 30% of the median AHIChicago, whereas the median AHIAlt was approximately 60% of the AHIChicago, with large, AHI-dependent, patient-specific differences observed. Equivalent cut-points for AHIRec and AHIAlt compared to AHIChicago cut-points of 5, 15, and 30/h were established with receiver operator curves (ROC). These cut-points were also approximately 30% of AHIChicago using AHIRec and 60% of AHIChicago using AHIAlt. Failure to adjust cut-points for the new criteria would result in approximately 40% of patients previously classified as positive for OSA using AHIChicago being negative using AHIRec and 25% being negative using

  7. Analytical solution of Luedeking-Piret equation for a batch fermentation obeying Monod growth kinetics.

    PubMed

    Garnier, Alain; Gaillet, Bruno

    2015-12-01

    Not so many fermentation mathematical models allow analytical solutions of batch process dynamics. The most widely used is the combination of the logistic microbial growth kinetics with Luedeking-Piret bioproduct synthesis relation. However, the logistic equation is principally based on formalistic similarities and only fits a limited range of fermentation types. In this article, we have developed an analytical solution for the combination of Monod growth kinetics with Luedeking-Piret relation, which can be identified by linear regression and used to simulate batch fermentation evolution. Two classical examples are used to show the quality of fit and the simplicity of the method proposed. A solution for the combination of Haldane substrate-limited growth model combined with Luedeking-Piret relation is also provided. These models could prove useful for the analysis of fermentation data in industry as well as academia. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  8. Comparison of American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) versus Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) polysomnography (PSG) scoring rules on AHI and eligibility for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment.

    PubMed

    Korotinsky, Arkady; Assefa, Samson Z; Diaz-Abad, Montserrat; Wickwire, Emerson M; Scharf, Steven M

    2016-12-01

    Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an important clinical condition. Eligibility for treatment usually depends on disease severity, measured as the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), equal to the sum of apneas plus hypopneas per hour of sleep. There is divergence on scoring rules for hypopneas between the recommendations of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and the Center for Medicare Services (CMS), the latter being more restrictive. Thus, patients could be eligible for treatment under AASM rules, but not under CMS rules. Sleep laboratory records of 112 consecutive patients were reviewed (85 < 65, 27 ≥ 65 years old). AHI was calculated both by AASM and by CMS criteria. Information on demographics, and important comorbidities, was also reviewed. AHI was lower in younger patients using CMS criteria. However, differences in AHI using the two sets of criteria were not significantly different in the older patients. Incorporating all criteria for eligibility (severity, presence of certain comorbid conditions) for treatment, we found that fewer younger patients would be eligible using CMS criteria, but among the older patients, eligibility for treatment was the same whether AASM or CMS criteria were used. Use of CMS criteria for scoring hypopneas results in lower estimates of OSA severity, with fewer younger patients eligible for treatment. However, among Medicare age patients, the rate of treatment eligibility was the same whether AASM or CMS scoring rules were used.

  9. Implications of revised AASM rules on scoring apneic and hypopneic respiratory events in patients with heart failure with nocturnal Cheyne-Stokes respiration.

    PubMed

    Heinrich, Jessica; Spießhöfer, Jens; Bitter, Thomas; Horstkotte, Dieter; Oldenburg, Olaf

    2015-05-01

    This study investigated the implications of the revised scoring rules of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) in patients with heart failure (HF) with Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR). Ninety-one patients (NYHA ≥II, LVEF ≤45 %; age 73.6 ± 11.3 years old; 81 male subjects) with documented CSR underwent 8 h of cardiorespiratory polygraphy recordings. Those were analyzed by a single scorer strictly applying the 2007 recommended, 2007 alternative, and the 2012 scoring rules. Compared with the AASM 2007 recommended rules, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and hypopnea index (HI) increased significantly when the 2007 alternative and 2012 rules were applied (AHI 34.1 ± 13.5/h vs 37.6 ± 13.2/h vs 38.3 ± 13.2/h, respectively; HI 10.2 ± 9.4/h vs 13.7 ± 10.7/h vs 14.4 ± 11.0/h, respectively; all p < 0.001). Duration of CSR increased significantly with the alternate versus recommended 2007 rules (182.2 ± 117.0 vs 170.1 ± 115.0 min; p ≤ 0.001); there was a significant decrease in CSR duration for the 2012 versus 2007 alternative rules (182.2 ± 117.0 vs 166.7 ± 115.4 min; p ≤ 0.001). AHI was higher using the AASM 2012 scoring rules due to a less strict definition of hypopnea. Data on the prognostic effects of CSR in patients with HF and the benefits of treatment are mostly based on the AASM 2007 recommended rules, so differences between these and the newer version need to be taken into account.

  10. Whole abdominal wall segmentation using augmented active shape models (AASM) with multi-atlas label fusion and level set

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Zhoubing; Baucom, Rebeccah B.; Abramson, Richard G.; Poulose, Benjamin K.; Landman, Bennett A.

    2016-03-01

    The abdominal wall is an important structure differentiating subcutaneous and visceral compartments and intimately involved with maintaining abdominal structure. Segmentation of the whole abdominal wall on routinely acquired computed tomography (CT) scans remains challenging due to variations and complexities of the wall and surrounding tissues. In this study, we propose a slice-wise augmented active shape model (AASM) approach to robustly segment both the outer and inner surfaces of the abdominal wall. Multi-atlas label fusion (MALF) and level set (LS) techniques are integrated into the traditional ASM framework. The AASM approach globally optimizes the landmark updates in the presence of complicated underlying local anatomical contexts. The proposed approach was validated on 184 axial slices of 20 CT scans. The Hausdorff distance against the manual segmentation was significantly reduced using proposed approach compared to that using ASM, MALF, and LS individually. Our segmentation of the whole abdominal wall enables the subcutaneous and visceral fat measurement, with high correlation to the measurement derived from manual segmentation. This study presents the first generic algorithm that combines ASM, MALF, and LS, and demonstrates practical application for automatically capturing visceral and subcutaneous fat volumes.

  11. Rethinking AASM guideline for split-night polysomnography in Asian patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

    PubMed

    Kim, Dong-Kyu; Choi, Jihye; Kim, Kyung Rae; Hwang, Kyung-Gyun; Ryu, Seungho; Cho, Seok Hyun

    2015-12-01

    Split-night polysomnography (SN-PSG) provides both a diagnosis and titration of continuous positive airway pressure over a single night in patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, in Asian patients, the diagnostic validity of American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) guidelines for SN-PSG remains uncertain. Therefore, we examined whether the current criteria for SN-PSG are pertinent for Asian patients. We investigated 134 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with OSA (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5). We divided the raw data (full-night study) into two parts and compared the first 2 h of sleep with the full night of sleep to evaluate the diagnostic precision and accuracy of the first 2 h of sleep. No difference in AHI was observed between the first 2 h and the full night of sleep. A significant correlation of AHI was observed between the first 2 h and the full night of sleep for severe OSA patients (AHI ≥ 30). A correlation coefficient of AHI was higher by the criterion of AHI ≥ 30 than by the criterion of AHI ≥ 40 (r = 0.831 and r = 0.778, respectively), which is the current AASM criterion for SN-PSG. Moreover, the criterion AHI ≥ 30 showed better diagnostic accuracy than the criterion AHI ≥ 40 (89.3 and 88.7 %, respectively). This study found possible evidence supporting different diagnostic criteria for SN-PSG in Asian population. We suggest further studies in other Asian populations to confirm these findings.

  12. American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Position Paper for the Use of Telemedicine for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Disorders

    PubMed Central

    Singh, Jaspal; Badr, M. Safwan; Diebert, Wendy; Epstein, Lawrence; Hwang, Dennis; Karres, Valerie; Khosla, Seema; Mims, K. Nicole; Shamim-Uzzaman, Afifa; Kirsch, Douglas; Heald, Jonathan L.; McCann, Kathleen

    2015-01-01

    The American Academy of Sleep Medicine's (AASM) Taskforce on Sleep Telemedicine supports telemedicine as a means of advancing patient health by improving access to the expertise of Board-Certified Sleep Medicine Specialists. However, such access improvement needs to be anchored in attention to quality and value in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Telemedicine is also useful to promote professionalism through patient care coordination and communication between other specialties and sleep medicine. Many of the principles and key concepts adopted here are based on U.S. industry standards, with special consideration given to the body of work by the American Telemedicine Association (http://www.americantelemed.org/), and abide by standards endorsed by the American Medical Association (http://www.ama-assn.org/). Practitioners who wish to integrate sleep telemedicine into their practice should have a clear understanding of the salient issues, key terminology, and the following recommendations from the AASM. The Taskforce recommends the following: Clinical care standards for telemedicine services should mirror those of live office visits, including all aspects of diagnosis and treatment decisions as would be reasonably expected in traditional office-based encounters.Clinical judgment should be exercised when determining the scope and extent of telemedicine applications in the diagnosis and treatment of specific patients and sleep disorders.Live Interactive Telemedicine for sleep disorders, if utilized in a manner consistent with the principles outlined in this document, should be recognized and reimbursed in a manner competitive or comparable with traditional in-person visits.Roles, expectations, and responsibilities of providers involved in the delivery of sleep telemedicine should be defined, including those at originating sites and distant sites.The practice of telemedicine should aim to promote a care model in which sleep specialists, patients, primary care

  13. Rules for Scoring Respiratory Events in Sleep: Update of the 2007 AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events

    PubMed Central

    Berry, Richard B.; Budhiraja, Rohit; Gottlieb, Daniel J.; Gozal, David; Iber, Conrad; Kapur, Vishesh K.; Marcus, Carole L.; Mehra, Reena; Parthasarathy, Sairam; Quan, Stuart F.; Redline, Susan; Strohl, Kingman P.; Ward, Sally L. Davidson; Tangredi, Michelle M.

    2012-01-01

    The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Sleep Apnea Definitions Task Force reviewed the current rules for scoring respiratory events in the 2007 AASM Manual for the Scoring and Sleep and Associated Events to determine if revision was indicated. The goals of the task force were (1) to clarify and simplify the current scoring rules, (2) to review evidence for new monitoring technologies relevant to the scoring rules, and (3) to strive for greater concordance between adult and pediatric rules. The task force reviewed the evidence cited by the AASM systematic review of the reliability and validity of scoring respiratory events published in 2007 and relevant studies that have appeared in the literature since that publication. Given the limitations of the published evidence, a consensus process was used to formulate the majority of the task force recommendations concerning revisions. The task force made recommendations concerning recommended and alternative sensors for the detection of apnea and hypopnea to be used during diagnostic and positive airway pressure (PAP) titration polysomnography. An alternative sensor is used if the recommended sensor fails or the signal is inaccurate. The PAP device flow signal is the recommended sensor for the detection of apnea, hypopnea, and respiratory effort related arousals (RERAs) during PAP titration studies. Appropriate filter settings for recording (display) of the nasal pressure signal to facilitate visualization of inspiratory flattening are also specified. The respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) signals to be used as alternative sensors for apnea and hypopnea detection are specified. The task force reached consensus on use of the same sensors for adult and pediatric patients except for the following: (1) the end-tidal PCO2 signal can be used as an alternative sensor for apnea detection in children only, and (2) polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) belts can be used to monitor respiratory effort (thoracoabdominal belts

  14. Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators: Recommendations of the AASM Sleep and Transportation Safety Awareness Task Force

    PubMed Central

    Gurubhagavatula, Indira; Sullivan, Shannon; Meoli, Amy; Patil, Susheel; Olson, Ryan; Berneking, Michael; Watson, Nathaniel F.

    2017-01-01

    The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Sleep and Transportation Safety Awareness Task Force responded to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Federal Railroad Administration Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and request for public comments regarding the evaluation of safety-sensitive personnel for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The following document represents this response. The most salient points provided in our comments are that (1) moderate-to-severe OSA is common among commercial motor vehicle operators (CMVOs) and contributes to an increased risk of crashes; (2) objective screening methods are available and preferred for identifying at-risk drivers, with the most commonly used indicator being body mass index; (3) treatment in the form of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is effective and reduces crashes; (4) CPAP is economically viable; (5) guidelines are available to assist medical examiners in determining whether CMVOs with moderate-to-severe OSA should continue to work without restrictions, with conditional certification, or be disqualified from operating commercial motor vehicles. Citation: Gurubhagavatula I, Sullivan S, Meoli A, Patil S, Olson R, Berneking M, Watson NF. Management of obstructive sleep apnea in commercial motor vehicle operators: recommendations of the AASM Sleep and Transportation Safety Awareness Task Force. J Clin Sleep Med. 2017;13(5):745–758. PMID:28356173

  15. Characterization of REM sleep without atonia in patients with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia using AASM scoring manual criteria.

    PubMed

    DelRosso, Lourdes M; Chesson, Andrew L; Hoque, Romy

    2013-07-15

    The AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events (Manual) has provided standardized definitions for tonic and phasic REM sleep without atonia (RSWA). This study used Manual criteria to characterize REM sleep in patients with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia (IH). A retrospective review of PSG data from ICSD-2 defined patients with narcolepsy or IH, performed by two board certified sleep medicine physicians. Data compiled included REM sleep epochs and the presence in REM sleep of epochs scored as sustained muscle activity (tonic), and excessive transient muscle activity (phasic) as defined by Manual criteria. PSG data from 8 narcolepsy patients (mean age: 27.5 years; age range: 11-55) showed mean ± standard deviation values for: total REM sleep epochs 205 ± 46.1; RSWA/ phasic epochs 56.1 ± 25.4; and RSWA/tonic epochs 15.0 ± 10.7. PSG data from 8 IH patients (mean age: 33.1 years; age range: 20-57) showed mean ± standard deviation values of total REM sleep epochs 163.8 ± 67.9; RSWA/phasic epochs 6.2 ± 3.5; and RSWA/tonic epochs 0.2 ± 0.4. Comparison revealed intergroup differences in phasic REM sleep (p < 0.01) and tonic REM sleep (p < 0.01) were significantly increased in narcoleptics compared to IH. Our retrospective analysis showed that RSWA phasic activity and RSWA tonic activity are significantly increased in patients meeting ICSD-2 criteria for narcolepsy compared to patients meeting ICSD-2 criteria for IH. This robust difference, with further validation, could be useful as electrophysiological criteria differentiating the two disorders and understanding the physiological differences.

  16. Abdomen and spinal cord segmentation with augmented active shape models.

    PubMed

    Xu, Zhoubing; Conrad, Benjamin N; Baucom, Rebeccah B; Smith, Seth A; Poulose, Benjamin K; Landman, Bennett A

    2016-07-01

    Active shape models (ASMs) have been widely used for extracting human anatomies in medical images given their capability for shape regularization of topology preservation. However, sensitivity to model initialization and local correspondence search often undermines their performances, especially around highly variable contexts in computed-tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images. In this study, we propose an augmented ASM (AASM) by integrating the multiatlas label fusion (MALF) and level set (LS) techniques into the traditional ASM framework. Using AASM, landmark updates are optimized globally via a region-based LS evolution applied on the probability map generated from MALF. This augmentation effectively extends the searching range of correspondent landmarks while reducing sensitivity to the image contexts and improves the segmentation robustness. We propose the AASM framework as a two-dimensional segmentation technique targeting structures with one axis of regularity. We apply AASM approach to abdomen CT and spinal cord (SC) MR segmentation challenges. On 20 CT scans, the AASM segmentation of the whole abdominal wall enables the subcutaneous/visceral fat measurement, with high correlation to the measurement derived from manual segmentation. On 28 3T MR scans, AASM yields better performances than other state-of-the-art approaches in segmenting white/gray matter in SC.

  17. Abdomen and spinal cord segmentation with augmented active shape models

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Zhoubing; Conrad, Benjamin N.; Baucom, Rebeccah B.; Smith, Seth A.; Poulose, Benjamin K.; Landman, Bennett A.

    2016-01-01

    Abstract. Active shape models (ASMs) have been widely used for extracting human anatomies in medical images given their capability for shape regularization of topology preservation. However, sensitivity to model initialization and local correspondence search often undermines their performances, especially around highly variable contexts in computed-tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images. In this study, we propose an augmented ASM (AASM) by integrating the multiatlas label fusion (MALF) and level set (LS) techniques into the traditional ASM framework. Using AASM, landmark updates are optimized globally via a region-based LS evolution applied on the probability map generated from MALF. This augmentation effectively extends the searching range of correspondent landmarks while reducing sensitivity to the image contexts and improves the segmentation robustness. We propose the AASM framework as a two-dimensional segmentation technique targeting structures with one axis of regularity. We apply AASM approach to abdomen CT and spinal cord (SC) MR segmentation challenges. On 20 CT scans, the AASM segmentation of the whole abdominal wall enables the subcutaneous/visceral fat measurement, with high correlation to the measurement derived from manual segmentation. On 28 3T MR scans, AASM yields better performances than other state-of-the-art approaches in segmenting white/gray matter in SC. PMID:27610400

  18. American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Position Paper for the Use of Telemedicine for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Disorders.

    PubMed

    Singh, Jaspal; Badr, M Safwan; Diebert, Wendy; Epstein, Lawrence; Hwang, Dennis; Karres, Valerie; Khosla, Seema; Mims, K Nicole; Shamim-Uzzaman, Affifa; Kirsch, Douglas; Heald, Jonathan L; McCann, Kathleen

    2015-10-15

    The American Academy of Sleep Medicine's (AASM) Taskforce on Sleep Telemedicine supports telemedicine as a means of advancing patient health by improving access to the expertise of Board-Certified Sleep Medicine Specialists. However, such access improvement needs to be anchored in attention to quality and value in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Telemedicine is also useful to promote professionalism through patient care coordination and communication between other specialties and sleep medicine. Many of the principles and key concepts adopted here are based on U.S. industry standards, with special consideration given to the body of work by the American Telemedicine Association (http://www.americantelemed.org/), and abide by standards endorsed by the American Medical Association (http://www.ama-assn.org/). Practitioners who wish to integrate sleep telemedicine into their practice should have a clear understanding of the salient issues, key terminology, and the following recommendations from the AASM. The Taskforce recommends the following: • Clinical care standards for telemedicine services should mirror those of live office visits, including all aspects of diagnosis and treatment decisions as would be reasonably expected in traditional office-based encounters. • Clinical judgment should be exercised when determining the scope and extent of telemedicine applications in the diagnosis and treatment of specific patients and sleep disorders. • Live Interactive Telemedicine for sleep disorders, if utilized in a manner consistent with the principles outlined in this document, should be recognized and reimbursed in a manner competitive or comparable with traditional in-person visits. • Roles, expectations, and responsibilities of providers involved in the delivery of sleep telemedicine should be defined, including those at originating sites and distant sites. • The practice of telemedicine should aim to promote a care model in which sleep specialists

  19. Quality Measures for the Care of Patients with Insomnia

    PubMed Central

    Edinger, Jack D.; Buysse, Daniel J.; Deriy, Ludmila; Germain, Anne; Lewin, Daniel S.; Ong, Jason C.; Morgenthaler, Timothy I.

    2015-01-01

    The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) commissioned five Workgroups to develop quality measures to optimize management and care for patients with common sleep disorders including insomnia. Following the AASM process for quality measure development, this document describes measurement methods for two desirable outcomes of therapy, improving sleep quality or satisfaction, and improving daytime function, and for four processes important to achieving these goals. To achieve the outcome of improving sleep quality or satisfaction, pre- and post-treatment assessment of sleep quality or satisfaction and providing an evidence-based treatment are recommended. To realize the outcome of improving daytime functioning, pre- and post-treatment assessment of daytime functioning, provision of an evidence-based treatment, and assessment of treatment-related side effects are recommended. All insomnia measures described in this report were developed by the Insomnia Quality Measures Workgroup and approved by the AASM Quality Measures Task Force and the AASM Board of Directors. The AASM recommends the use of these measures as part of quality improvement programs that will enhance the ability to improve care for patients with insomnia. Citation: Edinger JD, Buysse DJ, Deriy L, Germain A, Lewin DS, Ong JC, Morgenthaler TI. Quality measures for the care of patients with insomnia. J Clin Sleep Med 2015;11(3):311–334. PMID:25700881

  20. Quality Measures for the Care of Patients with Narcolepsy

    PubMed Central

    Krahn, Lois E.; Hershner, Shelley; Loeding, Lauren D.; Maski, Kiran P.; Rifkin, Daniel I.; Selim, Bernardo; Watson, Nathaniel F.

    2015-01-01

    The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) commissioned a Workgroup to develop quality measures for the care of patients with narcolepsy. Following a comprehensive literature search, 306 publications were found addressing quality care or measures. Strength of association was graded between proposed process measures and desired outcomes. Following the AASM process for quality measure development, we identified three outcomes (including one outcome measure) and seven process measures. The first desired outcome was to reduce excessive daytime sleepiness by employing two process measures: quantifying sleepiness and initiating treatment. The second outcome was to improve the accuracy of diagnosis by employing the two process measures: completing both a comprehensive sleep history and an objective sleep assessment. The third outcome was to reduce adverse events through three steps: ensuring treatment follow-up, documenting medical comorbidities, and documenting safety measures counseling. All narcolepsy measures described in this report were developed by the Narcolepsy Quality Measures Work-group and approved by the AASM Quality Measures Task Force and the AASM Board of Directors. The AASM recommends the use of these measures as part of quality improvement programs that will enhance the ability to improve care for patients with narcolepsy. Citation: Krahn LE, Hershner S, Loeding LD, Maski KP, Rifkin DI, Selim B, Watson NF. Quality measures for the care of patients with narcolepsy. J Clin Sleep Med 2015;11(3):335–355. PMID:25700880

  1. The use of combined thermal/pressure polyvinylidene fluoride film airflow sensor in polysomnography.

    PubMed

    Kryger, Meir; Eiken, Todd; Qin, Li

    2013-12-01

    The technologies recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) to monitor airflow in polysomnography (PSG) include the simultaneous monitoring of two physical variables: air temperature (for thermal airflow) and air pressure (for nasal pressure). To comply with airflow monitoring standards in the sleep lab setting thus often requires the patient to wear two sensors under the nose during testing. We hypothesized that a single combined thermal/pressure sensor using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film responsive to both airflow temperature and pressure would be effective in documenting abnormal breathing events during sleep. Sixty patients undergoing routine PSG testing to rule out obstructive sleep apnea at two different sleep laboratories were asked to wear a third PVDF airflow sensor in addition to the traditional thermal sensor and pressure sensor. Apnea and hypopnea events were scored by the sleep lab technologists using the AASM guidelines (CMS option) using the thermal sensor for apnea and the pressure sensor for hypopnea (scorer 1). The digital PSG data were also forwarded to an outside registered polysomnographic technologist for scoring of respiratory events detected in the PVDF airflow channels (scorer 2). The Pearson correlation coefficient, r, between apnea and hypopnea indices obtained using the AASM sensors and the combined PVDF sensor was almost unity for the four calculated indices: apnea-hypopnea index (0.990), obstructive apnea index (0.992), hypopnea index (0.958), and central apnea index (1.0). The slope of the four relationships was virtually unity and the coefficient of determination (r (2)) was also close to 1. The results of intraclass correlation coefficients (>0.95) and Bland-Altman plots also provide excellent agreement between the combined PVDF sensor and the AASM sensors. The indices used to calculate apnea severity obtained with the combined PVDF thermal and pressure sensor were equivalent to those obtained using AASM

  2. Rules for scoring respiratory events in sleep: update of the 2007 AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events. Deliberations of the Sleep Apnea Definitions Task Force of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

    PubMed

    Berry, Richard B; Budhiraja, Rohit; Gottlieb, Daniel J; Gozal, David; Iber, Conrad; Kapur, Vishesh K; Marcus, Carole L; Mehra, Reena; Parthasarathy, Sairam; Quan, Stuart F; Redline, Susan; Strohl, Kingman P; Davidson Ward, Sally L; Tangredi, Michelle M

    2012-10-15

    The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Sleep Apnea Definitions Task Force reviewed the current rules for scoring respiratory events in the 2007 AASM Manual for the Scoring and Sleep and Associated Events to determine if revision was indicated. The goals of the task force were (1) to clarify and simplify the current scoring rules, (2) to review evidence for new monitoring technologies relevant to the scoring rules, and (3) to strive for greater concordance between adult and pediatric rules. The task force reviewed the evidence cited by the AASM systematic review of the reliability and validity of scoring respiratory events published in 2007 and relevant studies that have appeared in the literature since that publication. Given the limitations of the published evidence, a consensus process was used to formulate the majority of the task force recommendations concerning revisions.The task force made recommendations concerning recommended and alternative sensors for the detection of apnea and hypopnea to be used during diagnostic and positive airway pressure (PAP) titration polysomnography. An alternative sensor is used if the recommended sensor fails or the signal is inaccurate. The PAP device flow signal is the recommended sensor for the detection of apnea, hypopnea, and respiratory effort related arousals (RERAs) during PAP titration studies. Appropriate filter settings for recording (display) of the nasal pressure signal to facilitate visualization of inspiratory flattening are also specified. The respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) signals to be used as alternative sensors for apnea and hypopnea detection are specified. The task force reached consensus on use of the same sensors for adult and pediatric patients except for the following: (1) the end-tidal PCO(2) signal can be used as an alternative sensor for apnea detection in children only, and (2) polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) belts can be used to monitor respiratory effort (thoracoabdominal

  3. Change is the Only Constant in Life (and in Sleep Medicine).

    PubMed

    Rosen, Ilene M

    2018-05-29

    Heraclitus, a philosopher who lived nearly 500 years before the common era, made the assertion that "Life is Flux," meaning that change is the only constant in life. Modern medicine, inclusive of the field of sleep medicine, has undergone dramatic changes over the last 10 years. For the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) specifically, the last year has been one of great change. Yes, change happens, but with great change comes even greater opportunity. As AASM president, I have been focused on staying abreast of the changes in our health care system while anticipating and preparing to adapt to challenges in our field. In June 2017, given all the changes in our health care delivery system, I challenged the AASM membership and our field to adapt our models of care to reduce the number of patients with undiagnosed and untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by 10% over 5 years. This article will provide a brief update describing how the AASM board of directors has responded to my challenge and capitalized on change in the areas of the physician pipeline, patient access, advocacy, new technology and strategic research. Change is inevitable and often beyond our control, but how we anticipate and respond to change is entirely within our power. As sleep specialists, it is our responsibility not only to respond to change so that we can deliver the best possible care for our patients, but also to be the leading voice for change so that we all achieve better health through optimal sleep. Copyright © 2018 American Academy of Sleep Medicine. All rights reserved.

  4. Confronting Drowsy Driving: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Perspective.

    PubMed

    Watson, Nathaniel F; Morgenthaler, Timothy; Chervin, Ronald; Carden, Kelly; Kirsch, Douglas; Kristo, David; Malhotra, Raman; Martin, Jennifer; Ramar, Kannan; Rosen, Ilene; Weaver, Terri; Wise, Merrill

    2015-11-15

    Drowsy driving is a serious public health concern which is often difficult for individual drivers to identify. While it is important for drivers to understand the causes of drowsy driving, there is still insufficient scientific knowledge and public education to prevent drowsy driving. As a result, the AASM is calling upon institutions and policy makers to increase public awareness and improve education on the issue, so our society can better recognize and prevent drowsy driving. The AASM has adopted a position statement to educate both healthcare providers and the general public about drowsy driving risks and countermeasures. © 2015 American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

  5. Procedures for Testing Color Vision,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-01-01

    Chromatic Discriminative Ability, 8 Congenital Sex-Linked Color Vision Defects, 8 Anomalous Trichromats, 9 Dichromats, 10 Autosomal Dominant Tritan Defect...anomalous trichromats (see Chapter 3). AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT TRITAN DEFECT In addition to the X-chromosomal-linked color defects, there are some very rare... hereditary color defects. The tritan defect is one of these rare defects (minimum frequency estimated to be between 1/13,000 and 1/65,000 [Kalmus

  6. Enhancing Mo:BiVO 4 Solar Water Splitting with Patterned Au Nanospheres by Plasmon-Induced Energy Transfer [Rational Nanopositioning for BiVO 4 Solar Water Splitting by Plasmon-induced Energy Transfer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, Jung Kyu; Shi, Xinjian; Jeong, Myung Jin

    Here, plasmonic metal nanostructures have been extensively investigated to improve the performance of metal oxide photoanodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar water splitting cells. Most of these studies have focused on the effects of those metal nanostructures on enhancing light absorption and enabling direct energy transfer via hot electrons. However, several recent studies have shown that plasmonic metal nanostructures can improve the PEC performance of metal oxide photoanodes via another mechanism known as plasmon–induced resonant energy transfer (PIRET). However, this PIRET effect has not yet been tested for the molybdenum–doped bismuth vanadium oxide (Mo:BiVO 4), regarded as one of the bestmore » metal oxide photoanode candidates. Here, this study constructs a hybrid Au nanosphere/Mo:BiVO 4 photoanode interwoven in a hexagonal pattern to investigate the PIRET effect on the PEC performance of Mo:BiVO 4. This study finds that the Au nanosphere array not only increases light absorption of the photoanode as expected, but also improves both its charge transport and charge transfer efficiencies via PIRET, as confirmed by time–correlated single photon counting and transient absorption studies. As a result, incorporating the Au nanosphere array increases the photocurrent density of Mo:BiVO 4 at 1.23 V versus RHE by ≈2.2–fold (2.83 mA cm –2).« less

  7. Enhancing Mo:BiVO 4 Solar Water Splitting with Patterned Au Nanospheres by Plasmon-Induced Energy Transfer [Rational Nanopositioning for BiVO 4 Solar Water Splitting by Plasmon-induced Energy Transfer

    DOE PAGES

    Kim, Jung Kyu; Shi, Xinjian; Jeong, Myung Jin; ...

    2017-10-04

    Here, plasmonic metal nanostructures have been extensively investigated to improve the performance of metal oxide photoanodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar water splitting cells. Most of these studies have focused on the effects of those metal nanostructures on enhancing light absorption and enabling direct energy transfer via hot electrons. However, several recent studies have shown that plasmonic metal nanostructures can improve the PEC performance of metal oxide photoanodes via another mechanism known as plasmon–induced resonant energy transfer (PIRET). However, this PIRET effect has not yet been tested for the molybdenum–doped bismuth vanadium oxide (Mo:BiVO 4), regarded as one of the bestmore » metal oxide photoanode candidates. Here, this study constructs a hybrid Au nanosphere/Mo:BiVO 4 photoanode interwoven in a hexagonal pattern to investigate the PIRET effect on the PEC performance of Mo:BiVO 4. This study finds that the Au nanosphere array not only increases light absorption of the photoanode as expected, but also improves both its charge transport and charge transfer efficiencies via PIRET, as confirmed by time–correlated single photon counting and transient absorption studies. As a result, incorporating the Au nanosphere array increases the photocurrent density of Mo:BiVO 4 at 1.23 V versus RHE by ≈2.2–fold (2.83 mA cm –2).« less

  8. Kinetic model for microbial growth and desulphurisation with Enterobacter sp.

    PubMed

    Liu, Long; Guo, Zhiguo; Lu, Jianjiang; Xu, Xiaolin

    2015-02-01

    Biodesulphurisation was investigated by using Enterobacter sp. D4, which can selectively desulphurise and convert dibenzothiophene into 2-hydroxybiphenyl (2-HBP). The experimental values of growth, substrate consumption and product generation were obtained at 95 % confidence level of the fitted values using three models: Hinshelwood equation, Luedeking-Piret and Luedeking-Piret-like equations. The average error values between experimental values and fitted values were less than 10 %. These kinetic models describe all the experimental data with good statistical parameters. The production of 2-HBP in Enterobacter sp. was by "coupled growth".

  9. Lecturer on tour!

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    1998-11-01

    Readers may recall the interview with Professor Peter Kalmus which appeared in the July issue of Physics Education and which indicated his latest role of lecturer for the 1998-9 Institute of Physics Schools and Colleges Lecture series. This year's lecture is entitled `Particles and the universe' and the tour was due to begin in St Andrews, Scotland, late in September. Professor Kalmus will be looking at various aspects of particle physics, quantum physics and relativity, and discussing how they reveal the secrets of the beginning of our universe. His own experience of working at CERN, the European centre for particle physics in Switzerland, as well as at other international research facilities will provide a unique insight into activity in one of the most exciting areas of physics. The talks are aimed at the 16-19 age group but members of the public are also welcome to attend. They will act as an opportunity to gain a sneak preview of the dynamic new topics that will soon feature in the A-level syllabus arising from the Institute's 16-19 project. Further details of attendance are available from the local organizers, a list of whom may be obtained from Catherine Wilson in the Education Department at the Institute of Physics, 76 Portland Place, London W1N 3DH (tel: 0171 470 4800, fax: 0171 470 4848). The published schedule (as of September) for the lecture series consists of the following: Dates

  10. Confronting Drowsy Driving: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Perspective

    PubMed Central

    Watson, Nathaniel F.; Morgenthaler, Timothy; Chervin, Ronald; Carden, Kelly; Kirsch, Douglas; Kristo, David; Malhotra, Raman; Martin, Jennifer; Ramar, Kannan; Rosen, Ilene; Weaver, Terri; Wise, Merrill

    2015-01-01

    Drowsy driving is a serious public health concern which is often difficult for individual drivers to identify. While it is important for drivers to understand the causes of drowsy driving, there is still insufficient scientific knowledge and public education to prevent drowsy driving. As a result, the AASM is calling upon institutions and policy makers to increase public awareness and improve education on the issue, so our society can better recognize and prevent drowsy driving. The AASM has adopted a position statement to educate both healthcare providers and the general public about drowsy driving risks and countermeasures. Citation: Watson NF, Morgenthaler T, Chervin R, Carden K, Kirsch D, Kristo D, Malhotra R, Martin J, Ramar K, Rosen I, Weaver T, Wise M. Confronting drowsy driving: the american academy of sleep medicine perspective. J Clin Sleep Med 2015;11(11):1335–1336. PMID:26414989

  11. Progress and Perspectives of Plasmon-Enhanced Solar Energy Conversion.

    PubMed

    Cushing, Scott K; Wu, Nianqiang

    2016-02-18

    Plasmonics allows extraordinary control of light, making it attractive for application in solar energy harvesting. In metal-semiconductor heterojunctions, plasmons can enhance photoconversion in the semiconductor via three mechanisms, including light trapping, hot electron/hole transfer, and plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer (PIRET). To understand the plasmonic enhancement, the metal's geometry, constituent metal, and interface must be viewed in terms of the effects on the plasmon's dephasing and decay route. To simplify design of plasmonic metal-semiconductor heterojunctions for high-efficiency solar energy conversion, the parameters controlling the plasmonic enhancement can be distilled to the dephasing time. The plasmonic geometry can then be further refined to optimize hot carrier transfer, PIRET, or light trapping.

  12. Comparative Capabilities of Clinical Assessment, Diagnostic Criteria, and Polysomnography in Detecting Sleep Bruxism

    PubMed Central

    Palinkas, Marcelo; De Luca Canto, Graziela; Rodrigues, Laíse Angélica Mendes; Bataglion, César; Siéssere, Selma; Semprini, Marisa; Regalo, Simone Cecilio Hallak

    2015-01-01

    Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic capability of signs and symptoms of sleep bruxism (SB) as per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria and a diagnostic grading system proposed by international experts for assessing SB. Methods: The study was conducted in three phases (interview, physical examination, and sleep studies). Subjects were asked about self-reported tooth grinding sounds occurring during sleep, muscle fatigue, temporal headaches, jaw muscle pain, and jaw locking. A visual examination was conducted to check for presence of abnormal tooth wear. A full-night polysomnography (PSG) was performed. After three phases, the subjects were divided into two groups matched by age and gender: Case Group, 45 SB subjects, and Control Group, 45 non-SB subjects. Diagnostic accuracy measurements were calculated for each sign or symptom individually and for the two diagnostic criteria analyzed. Results: Muscle fatigue, temporal headaches, and AASM criteria were associated with highest sensitivity (78%, 67%, 58%, respectively) and also with highest diagnostic odds ratio (OR = 9.63, 9.25, 6.33, respectively). Jaw locking, muscle pain, and the criterion of “probable SB” were associated with the worst sensitivity (16%, 18%, 22%, respectively). Conclusions: Presence of muscle fatigue and temporal headaches can be considered good tools to screen SB patients. None of the diagnostic criteria evaluated was able to accurately identify patients with SB. AASM criteria had the strongest diagnostic capabilities and—although they do not attain diagnostic values high enough to replace the current gold standard (PSG)—should be used as a screening tool to identify SB. Citation: Palinkas M, De Luca Canto G, Rodrigues LA, Bataglion C, Siéssere S, Semprini M, Regalo SC. Comparative capabilities of clinical assessment, diagnostic criteria, and polysomnography in detecting sleep bruxism. J Clin Sleep Med 2015;11(11):1319–1325. PMID:26235152

  13. Effect of a Hypocretin/Orexin Antagonist on Neurocognitive Performance

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-09-01

    NEY-1413 FINAL Version 8.05JAN2012 Page 5 of 45 ABBREVIATIONS AE Adverse Event AASM American Academy of Sleep Medicine BzRAs...Current use of statins, ketoconazole, prescription or over- the-counter medications or herbal supplements containing psychoactive properties or...Current use of statins, ketoconazole, prescription or over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements containing psychoactive properties or

  14. Effect of a Hypocretin/Orexin Antagonist on Neurocognitive Performance

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-09-01

    46 NEY-1413 FINAL Version 10.30 JANUARY 2014 ABBREVIATIONS AE Adverse Event AASM American Academy of Sleep Medicine BzRAs Benzodiazepine...ketoconazole, prescription or over- the-counter medications or herbal supplements containing psychoactive properties or stimulants in the judgment of the...medical conditions; 12.) Current use of statins, ketoconazole, prescription or over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements containing

  15. The Past Is Prologue: The Future of Sleep Medicine.

    PubMed

    Watson, Nathaniel F; Rosen, Ilene M; Chervin, Ronald D

    2017-01-15

    The field of sleep medicine has gone through tremendous growth and development over a short period of time, culminating in recognition of the field as an independent medical subspecialty by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). However, the fellowship training requirement that is now mandatory for sleep medicine board certification eligibility has had the unintended consequence of restricting the influx of young physicians to the field. In response to the potential workforce shortage confronting the field of sleep medicine, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) board of directors has developed a comprehensive plan to strengthen the field by growing sleep fellowship programs, exploring novel sleep medicine training opportunities, creating and fostering the sleep team (with special emphasis on engagement of primary care providers), embracing the role of consumer sleep technologies, and expanding the reach of sleep specialists through telemedicine. The AASM plans summarized in this special article represent efforts to confront serious workforce challenges and turn them into opportunities that will improve the health of both our patients and our field. © 2017 American Academy of Sleep Medicine

  16. Kinetic analysis and modeling of daptomycin batch fermentation by Streptomyces roseosporus.

    PubMed

    Lu, Wenyu; Fan, Jinghua; Wen, Jianping; Xia, Zhendong; Caiyin, Qinggele

    2011-02-01

    In this study, Streptomyces roseosporus was subjected to helium-neon (He-Ne) laser (632.8 nm) irradiation to improve the production ability of extracellular antibiotic daptomycin. Under the optimum irradiation dosage of 18 mW for 22 min, a stable positive mutant strain S. roseosporus LC-54 was obtained. The maximum A21978C (daptomycin is a semisynthetic antimicrobial substance derived from the A21978C complex) yield of this mutant strain was 296 mg/l, which was 146% higher than that of the wild strain. The mutant strain grew more quickly and utilized carbohydrate sources more efficiently than the wild strain. The batch culture kinetics was investigated in a 7 l bioreactor. The logistic equation for growth, the Luedeking-Piret equation for daptomycin production, and Luedeking-Piret-like equations for carbon substrate consumption were established. This model appeared to provide a reasonable description for each parameter during the growth phase and fitted fairly well with the experiment data.

  17. Effect of a Hypocretin/Orexin Antagonist on Neurocognitive Performance

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-12-18

    9.28MARCH2013 AE Adverse Event AASM American Academv of Sleep Medicine BzRAs B enzo diazepine Receptor A goni sts CRC Clinical Research Center CCRC University...medical conditions; 12.) Current use of statins, ketoconazole, prescription or over- the-counter medications or herbal supplements containing...medications or herbal supplements containing psychoactive properties or stimulants in the judgment of the Investigator-Sponsor or Medical Monitor; 13

  18. Modeling of growth and laccase production by Pycnoporus sanguineus.

    PubMed

    Saat, Muhammad Naziz; Annuar, Mohamad Suffian Mohamad; Alias, Zazali; Chuan, Ling Tau; Chisti, Yusuf

    2014-05-01

    Production of extracellular laccase by the white-rot fungus Pycnoporus sanguineus was examined in batch submerged cultures in shake flasks, baffled shake flasks and a stirred tank bioreactor. The biomass growth in the various culture systems closely followed a logistic growth model. The production of laccase followed a Luedeking-Piret model. A modified Luedeking-Piret model incorporating logistic growth effectively described the consumption of glucose. Biomass productivity, enzyme productivity and substrate consumption were enhanced in baffled shake flasks relative to the cases for the conventional shake flasks. This was associated with improved oxygen transfer in the presence of the baffles. The best results were obtained in the stirred tank bioreactor. At 28 °C, pH 4.5, an agitation speed of 600 rpm and a dissolved oxygen concentration of ~25 % of air saturation, the laccase productivity in the bioreactor exceeded 19 U L(-1 )days(-1), or 1.5-fold better than the best case for the baffled shake flask. The final concentration of the enzyme was about 325 U L(-1).

  19. Sleep disordered breathing in chronic spinal cord injury.

    PubMed

    Sankari, Abdulghani; Bascom, Amy; Oomman, Sowmini; Badr, M Safwan

    2014-01-15

    Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with 2-5 times greater prevalence of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) than the general population. The contribution of SCI on sleep and breathing at different levels of injury using two scoring methods has not been assessed. The objectives of this study were to characterize the sleep disturbances in the SCI population and the associated physiological abnormalities using quantitative polysomnography and to determine the contribution of SCI level on the SDB mechanism. We studied 26 consecutive patients with SCI (8 females; age 42.5 ± 15.5 years; BMI 25.9 ± 4.9 kg/m2; 15 cervical and 11 thoracic levels) by spirometry, a battery of questionnaires and by attended polysomnography with flow and pharyngeal pressure measurements. Inclusion criteria for SCI: chronic SCI (> 6 months post injury), level T6 and above and not on mechanical ventilation. Ventilation, end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2), variability in minute ventilation (VI-CV) and upper airway resistance (RUA) were monitored during wakefulness and NREM sleep in all subjects. Each subject completed brief history and exam, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Berlin questionnaire (BQ) and fatigue severity scale (FSS). Sleep studies were scored twice, first using standard 2007 American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria and second using new 2012 recommended AASM criteria. Mean PSQI was increased to 10.3 ± 3.7 in SCI patients and 92% had poor sleep quality. Mean ESS was increased 10.4 ± 4.4 in SCI patients and excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS ≥ 10) was present in 59% of the patients. Daytime fatigue (FSS > 20) was reported in 96% of SCI, while only 46% had high-risk score of SDB on BQ. Forced vital capacity (FVC) in SCI was reduced to 70.5% predicted in supine compared to 78.5% predicted in upright positions (p < 0.05). Likewise forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) was 64.9% predicted in supine compared to 74.7% predicted in upright

  20. Patients With Treatment-Resistant Insomnia Taking Nightly Prescription Medications for Sleep: A Retrospective Assessment of Diagnostic and Treatment Variables

    PubMed Central

    Ulibarri, Victor A.; Romero, Edward A.

    2010-01-01

    Background: Some chronic insomnia patients who take nightly prescription medication achieve less than optimal results. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommend reevaluation of this type of patient to assess for potential psychiatric or medical causes to explain this “failure for insomnia to remit.” Method: A retrospective chart review examined a consecutive series of chronic insomnia patients with persistent insomnia complaints despite current nightly use of prescription medication from May 2005 to February 2008. To assess the role of psychiatric influences on insomnia symptoms, our sample (N = 218) was divided into 2 subgroups: a group with a history of psychiatric complaints (psychiatric insomnia, n = 189) and a control group of no psychiatric complaints (insomnia, n = 29). Results: The average patient reported insomnia for a decade and took prescription medication for sleep for a mean of 4.5 years. Although 100% of the sample used nightly sleep drugs, only 20% believed medication was the best solution for their condition. As evaluated by self-report and polysomnography, these patients exhibited moderately severe insomnia across most measures. Only a few differences were noted between groups. Subjective perception of insomnia severity was worse in the psychiatric insomnia group, which also reported significantly more insomnia-related interference in daily functioning, symptoms of sleep maintenance insomnia, and a trend toward greater daytime fatigue. The mean Apnea-Hypopnea Index score was 19.5 events/hour, yielding an obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis in 75% of patients per conservative AASM nosology (79% in the insomnia group and 74% in the psychiatric insomnia group, P = .22). Conclusions: In this treatment-seeking sample of patients regularly taking sleep medications, residual insomnia was widespread, and patients with psychiatric insomnia may have perceived their condition as more problematic

  1. Motor Events during Healthy Sleep: A Quantitative Polysomnographic Study

    PubMed Central

    Frauscher, Birgit; Gabelia, David; Mitterling, Thomas; Biermayr, Marlene; Bregler, Deborah; Ehrmann, Laura; Ulmer, Hanno; Högl, Birgit

    2014-01-01

    Study Objectives: Many sleep disorders are characterized by increased motor activity during sleep. In contrast, studies on motor activity during physiological sleep are largely lacking. We quantitatively investigated a large range of motor phenomena during polysomnography in physiological sleep. Design: Prospective polysomnographic investigation. Setting: Academic referral sleep laboratory. Participants: One hundred healthy sleepers age 19-77 y were strictly selected from a representative population sample by a two-step screening procedure. Interventions: N/A. Measurements and Results: Polysomnography according to American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) standards was performed, and quantitative normative values were established for periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS), high frequency leg movements (HFLM), fragmentary myoclonus (FM), neck myoclonus (NM), and rapid eye movement (REM)-related electromyographic (EMG) activity. Thirty-six subjects had a PLMS index > 5/h, 18 had a PLMS index > 15/h (90th percentile: 24.8/h). Thirty-three subjects had HFLM (90th percentile: four sequences/night). All subjects had FM (90th percentile 143.7/h sleep). Nine subjects fulfilled AASM criteria for excessive FM. Thirty-five subjects had NM (90th percentile: 8.8/h REM sleep). For REM sleep, different EMG activity measures for the mentalis and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles were calculated: the 90th percentile for phasic mentalis EMG activity for 30-sec epochs according to AASM recommendation was 15.6%, and for tonic mentalis EMG activity 2.6%. Twenty-five subjects exceeded the recently proposed phasic mentalis cutoff of 11%. None of the subjects exceeded the tonic mentalis cutoff of 9.6%. Conclusion: Quantification of motor phenomena is a basic prerequisite to develop normative values, and is a first step toward a more precise description of the various motor phenomena present during sleep. Because rates of motor events were unexpectedly high even in physiological

  2. The Past Is Prologue: The Future of Sleep Medicine

    PubMed Central

    Watson, Nathaniel F.; Rosen, Ilene M.; Chervin, Ronald D.

    2017-01-01

    The field of sleep medicine has gone through tremendous growth and development over a short period of time, culminating in recognition of the field as an independent medical subspecialty by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). However, the fellowship training requirement that is now mandatory for sleep medicine board certification eligibility has had the unintended consequence of restricting the influx of young physicians to the field. In response to the potential workforce shortage confronting the field of sleep medicine, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) board of directors has developed a comprehensive plan to strengthen the field by growing sleep fellowship programs, exploring novel sleep medicine training opportunities, creating and fostering the sleep team (with special emphasis on engagement of primary care providers), embracing the role of consumer sleep technologies, and expanding the reach of sleep specialists through telemedicine. The AASM plans summarized in this special article represent efforts to confront serious workforce challenges and turn them into opportunities that will improve the health of both our patients and our field. Citation: Watson NF, Rosen IM, Chervin RD, Board of Directors of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The past is prologue: the future of sleep medicine. J Clin Sleep Med. 2017;13(1):127–135. PMID:27998380

  3. Advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants in sleep centers and clinics: a survey of current roles and educational background.

    PubMed

    Colvin, Loretta; Cartwright, Ann; Collop, Nancy; Freedman, Neil; McLeod, Don; Weaver, Terri E; Rogers, Ann E

    2014-05-15

    To survey Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and Physician Assistant (PA) utilization, roles and educational background within the field of sleep medicine. Electronic surveys distributed to American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) member centers and APRNs and PAs working within sleep centers and clinics. Approximately 40% of responding AASM sleep centers reported utilizing APRNs or PAs in predominantly clinical roles. Of the APRNs and PAs surveyed, 95% reported responsibilities in sleep disordered breathing and more than 50% in insomnia and movement disorders. Most APRNs and PAs were prepared at the graduate level (89%), with sleep-specific education primarily through "on the job" training (86%). All APRNs surveyed were Nurse Practitioners (NPs), with approximately double the number of NPs compared to PAs. APRNs and PAs were reported in sleep centers at proportions similar to national estimates of NPs and PAs in physicians' offices. They report predominantly clinical roles, involving common sleep disorders. Given current predictions that the outpatient healthcare structure will change and the number of APRNs and PAs will increase, understanding the role and utilization of these professionals is necessary to plan for the future care of patients with sleep disorders. Surveyed APRNs and PAs reported a significant deficiency in formal and standardized sleep-specific education. Efforts to provide formal and standardized educational opportunities for APRNs and PAs that focus on their clinical roles within sleep centers could help fill a current educational gap.

  4. A two-step automatic sleep stage classification method with dubious range detection.

    PubMed

    Sousa, Teresa; Cruz, Aniana; Khalighi, Sirvan; Pires, Gabriel; Nunes, Urbano

    2015-04-01

    The limitations of the current systems of automatic sleep stage classification (ASSC) are essentially related to the similarities between epochs from different sleep stages and the subjects' variability. Several studies have already identified the situations with the highest likelihood of misclassification in sleep scoring. Here, we took advantage of such information to develop an ASSC system based on knowledge of subjects' variability of some indicators that characterize sleep stages and on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) rules. An ASSC system consisting of a two-step classifier is proposed. In the first step, epochs are classified using support vector machines (SVMs) spread into different nodes of a decision tree. In the post-processing step, the epochs suspected of misclassification (dubious classification) are tagged, and a new classification is suggested. Identification and correction are based on the AASM rules, and on misclassifications most commonly found/reported in automatic sleep staging. Six electroencephalographic and two electrooculographic channels were used to classify wake, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep--N1, N2 and N3, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The proposed system was tested in a dataset of 14 clinical polysomnographic records of subjects suspected of apnea disorders. Wake and REM epochs not falling in the dubious range, are classified with accuracy levels compatible with the requirements for clinical applications. The suggested correction assigned to the epochs that are tagged as dubious enhances the global results of all sleep stages. This approach provides reliable sleep staging results for non-dubious epochs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Health Care Savings: The Economic Value of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Care for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

    PubMed Central

    Watson, Nathaniel F.

    2016-01-01

    Two new white papers commissioned by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) provide an in-depth, detailed analysis of the vast economic burden associated with undiagnosed and untreated obstructive sleep apnea among adults in the United States. While the individual health benefits of treating OSA are well established, these papers emphasize the value of comprehensive OSA testing and treatment, which can provide dramatic health care savings for payors and large employers. Citation: Watson NF. Health care savings: the economic value of diagnostic and therapeutic care for obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med 2016;12(8):1075–1077. PMID:27448424

  6. The Visual Scoring of Sleep in Infants 0 to 2 Months of Age.

    PubMed

    Grigg-Damberger, Madeleine M

    2016-03-01

    In March 2014, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Board of Directors requested the Scoring Manual Editorial Board develop rules, terminology, and technical specifications for scoring sleep/wake states in full-term infants from birth to 2 mo of age, cognizant of the 1971 Anders, Emde, and Parmelee Manual for Scoring Sleep in Newborns. On July 1, 2015, the AASM published rules for scoring sleep in infants, ages 0-2 mo. This evidence-based review summarizes the background information provided to the Scoring Manual Editorial Board to write these rules. The Anders Manual only provided criteria for coding physiological and behavioral state characteristics in polysomnograms (PSG) of infants, leaving specific sleep scoring criteria to the individual investigator. Other infant scoring criteria have been published, none widely accepted or used. The AASM Scoring Manual infant scoring criteria incorporate modern concepts, digital PSG recording techniques, practicalities, and compromises. Important tenets are: (1) sleep/wake should be scored in 30-sec epochs as either wakefulness (W), rapid eye movement, REM (R), nonrapid eye movement, NREM (N) and transitional (T) sleep; (2) an electroencephalographic (EEG) montage that permits adequate display of young infant EEG is: F3-M2, F4-M1, C3-M2, C4-M1, O1-M2, O2-M1; additionally, recording C3-Cz, Cz-C4 help detect early and asynchronous sleep spindles; (3) sleep onsets are more often R sleep until 2-3 mo postterm; (4) drowsiness is best characterized by visual observation (supplemented by later video review); (5) wide open eyes is the most crucial determinant of W; (6) regularity (or irregularity) of respiration is the single most useful PSG characteristic for scoring sleep stages at this age; (7) trace alternant (TA) is the only relatively distinctive EEG pattern, characteristic of N sleep, and usually disappears by 1 mo postterm replaced by high voltage slow (HVS); (8) sleep spindles first appear 44-48 w conceptional age

  7. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring with Oral Appliance Therapy: An Update for 2015

    PubMed Central

    Ramar, Kannan; Dort, Leslie C.; Katz, Sheri G.; Lettieri, Christopher J.; Harrod, Christopher G.; Thomas, Sherene M.; Chervin, Ronald D.

    2015-01-01

    Introduction: Since the previous parameter and review paper publication on oral appliances (OAs) in 2006, the relevant scientific literature has grown considerably, particularly in relation to clinical outcomes. The purpose of this new guideline is to replace the previous and update recommendations for the use of OAs in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. Methods: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) commissioned a seven-member task force. A systematic review of the literature was performed and a modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) process was used to assess the quality of evidence. The task force developed recommendations and assigned strengths based on the quality of the evidence counterbalanced by an assessment of the relative benefit of the treatment versus the potential harms. The AASM and AADSM Board of Directors approved the final guideline recommendations. Recommendations: We recommend that sleep physicians prescribe oral appliances, rather than no therapy, for adult patients who request treatment of primary snoring (without obstructive sleep apnea). (STANDARD) When oral appliance therapy is prescribed by a sleep physician for an adult patient with obstructive sleep apnea, we suggest that a qualified dentist use a custom, titratable appliance over non-custom oral devices. (GUIDELINE) We recommend that sleep physicians consider prescription of oral appliances, rather than no treatment, for adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea who are intolerant of CPAP therapy or prefer alternate therapy. (STANDARD) We suggest that qualified dentists provide oversight— rather than no follow-up—of oral appliance therapy in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea, to survey for dental-related side effects or occlusal changes and reduce their incidence. (GUIDELINE) We suggest that sleep physicians conduct follow-up sleep testing

  8. Diagnostic thresholds for quantitative REM sleep phasic burst duration, phasic and tonic muscle activity, and REM atonia index in REM sleep behavior disorder with and without comorbid obstructive sleep apnea.

    PubMed

    McCarter, Stuart J; St Louis, Erik K; Duwell, Ethan J; Timm, Paul C; Sandness, David J; Boeve, Bradley F; Silber, Michael H

    2014-10-01

    We aimed to determine whether phasic burst duration and conventional REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) methods could accurately diagnose REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) patients with comorbid OSA. We visually analyzed RSWA phasic burst durations, phasic, "any," and tonic muscle activity by 3-s mini-epochs, phasic activity by 30-s (AASM rules) epochs, and conducted automated REM atonia index (RAI) analysis. Group RSWA metrics were analyzed and regression models fit, with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determining the best diagnostic cutoff thresholds for RBD. Both split-night and full-night polysomnographic studies were analyzed. N/A. Parkinson disease (PD)-RBD (n = 20) and matched controls with (n = 20) and without (n = 20) OSA. N/A. All mean RSWA phasic burst durations and muscle activities were higher in PD-RBD patients than controls (P < 0.0001), and RSWA associations with PD-RBD remained significant when adjusting for age, gender, and REM AHI (P < 0.0001). RSWA muscle activity (phasic, "any") cutoffs for 3-s mini-epoch scorings were submentalis (SM) (15.5%, 21.6%), anterior tibialis (AT) (30.2%, 30.2%), and combined SM/AT (37.9%, 43.4%). Diagnostic cutoffs for 30-s epochs (AASM criteria) were SM 2.8%, AT 11.3%, and combined SM/AT 34.7%. Tonic muscle activity cutoff of 1.2% was 100% sensitive and specific, while RAI (SM) cutoff was 0.88. Phasic muscle burst duration cutoffs were: SM (0.65) and AT (0.79) seconds. Combining phasic burst durations with RSWA muscle activity improved sensitivity and specificity of RBD diagnosis. This study provides evidence for REM sleep without atonia diagnostic thresholds applicable in Parkinson disease-REM sleep behavior disorder (PD-RBD) patient populations with comorbid OSA that may be useful toward distinguishing PD-RBD in typical outpatient populations. © 2014 Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC.

  9. Sleep disordered breathing analysis in a general population using standard pulse oximeter signals.

    PubMed

    Barak-Shinar, Deganit; Amos, Yariv; Bogan, Richard K

    2013-09-01

    Obstructive sleep apnea reported as the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is usually measured in sleep laboratories using a high number of electrodes connected to the patient's body. In this study, we examined the use of a standard pulse oximeter system with an automated analysis based on the photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal for the diagnosis of sleep disordered breathing. Using a standard and simple device with high accuracy might provide a convenient diagnostic or screening solution for patient evaluation at home or in other out of center testing environments. The study included 140 consecutive patients that were referred routinely to a sleep laboratory [SleepMed Inc.] for the diagnosis of sleep disordered breathing. Each patient underwent an overnight polysomnography (PSG) study according to AASM guidelines in an AASM-accredited sleep laboratory. The automatic analysis is based on photoplethysmographic and saturation signals only. Those two signals were recorded for the entire night as part of the full overnight PSG sleep study. The AHI calculated from the PPG analysis is compared to the AHI calculated from the manual scoring gold standard full PSG. The AHI and total respiratory events measured by the pulse oximeter analysis correlated very well with the corresponding results obtained by the gold standard full PSG. The sensitivity and specificity of AHI = or > 5 and 15 levels measured by the analysis are both above 90 %. The sensitivity and positive predictive value for the detection of respiratory event are both above 84 %. The tested system in this study yielded an acceptable result of sleep disordered breathing compared to the gold standard PSG in patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea. Accordingly and given the convenience and simplicity of the standard pulse oximeter device, the new system can be considered suitable for home and ambulatory diagnosis or screening of sleep disordered breathing patients.

  10. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and Physician Assistants in Sleep Centers and Clinics: A Survey of Current Roles and Educational Background

    PubMed Central

    Colvin, Loretta; Cartwright, Ann; Collop, Nancy; Freedman, Neil; McLeod, Don; Weaver, Terri E.; Rogers, Ann E.

    2014-01-01

    Study Objectives: To survey Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and Physician Assistant (PA) utilization, roles and educational background within the field of sleep medicine. Methods: Electronic surveys distributed to American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) member centers and APRNs and PAs working within sleep centers and clinics. Results: Approximately 40% of responding AASM sleep centers reported utilizing APRNs or PAs in predominantly clinical roles. Of the APRNs and PAs surveyed, 95% reported responsibilities in sleep disordered breathing and more than 50% in insomnia and movement disorders. Most APRNs and PAs were prepared at the graduate level (89%), with sleep-specific education primarily through “on the job” training (86%). All APRNs surveyed were Nurse Practitioners (NPs), with approximately double the number of NPs compared to PAs. Conclusions: APRNs and PAs were reported in sleep centers at proportions similar to national estimates of NPs and PAs in physicians' offices. They report predominantly clinical roles, involving common sleep disorders. Given current predictions that the outpatient healthcare structure will change and the number of APRNs and PAs will increase, understanding the role and utilization of these professionals is necessary to plan for the future care of patients with sleep disorders. Surveyed APRNs and PAs reported a significant deficiency in formal and standardized sleep-specific education. Efforts to provide formal and standardized educational opportunities for APRNs and PAs that focus on their clinical roles within sleep centers could help fill a current educational gap. Citation: Colvin L, Cartwright Ann, Collop N, Freedman N, McLeod D, Weaver TE, Rogers AE. Advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants in sleep centers and clinics: a survey of current roles and educational background. J Clin Sleep Med 2014;10(5):581-587. PMID:24812545

  11. Clinical and polysomnographic characteristics and response to continuous positive airway pressure therapy in obstructive sleep apnea patients with nightmares.

    PubMed

    BaHammam, Ahmed S; Al-Shimemeri, Sohaila A; Salama, Reda I; Sharif, Munir M

    2013-02-01

    To assess the characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with nightmares and the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on nightmares. Consecutive patients referred with a clinical suspicion of OSA underwent attended overnight sleep studies. OSA and nightmares were diagnosed according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria, and CPAP titration was performed in accordance with the AASM guidelines. A follow-up visit was performed 3months later, and the patients with nightmares were divided into two groups: group 1 used CPAP with good compliance, whereas group 2 refused CPAP treatment and did not use other alternative treatments for OSA. The study included 99 patients who had been diagnosed with OSA with nightmares. Their mean age was 47.2±11.2years, and they had a mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 36.5±34.3/h. Also included were 124 patients with OSA without nightmares. The mean age of these patients was 45.4±13.9years, and they had a mean AHI of 40.2±35/h. The patients with nightmares had a significantly higher AHI during rapid eye movement sleep (REM) compared with the patients without nightmares (51.7±28.1 vs 39.8±31.9/h). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the REM-AHI and interrupted sleep at night were independent predictors of nightmares in the OSA patients. Nightmares disappeared in 91% of the patients who used CPAP compared with 36% of patients who refused to use CPAP (p<0.001). Nightmares in OSA patients are associated with a higher REM-AHI. CPAP therapy results in a significant improvement in nightmare occurrence. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Effect of high altitude on sensitivity to the taste of phenylthiocarbamide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, S. B.; Chatterjee, A.; Panjwani, U.; Yadav, D. K.; Selvamurthy, W.; Sharma, K. N.

    Sensitivity to the taste of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) was studied using the Harris-Kalmus method in healthy human volunteers at sea level and then subsequently at an altitude of 3500 m over a period of 3 weeks, after which they were brought back to sea level. Blood sugar, insulin and blood cortisol levels were estimated weekly. The results indicated that, out of 51 subjects studied, 26 (55%) were PTC tasters at sea level. Eight of those unable to taste PTC at sea level tested as tasters at high altitude, and 2 of them reverted to being non-tasters on return to sea level. In the blood, an increase in cortisol and blood insulin levels was seen without any significant change in sugar levels. All the changes recorded at high altitude tended to return to basal values after re-induction to sea level. The study suggests that high-altitude hypoxia in some way, possibly involving changes in hormonal profile among other factors, causes an alteration in sensitivity to the taste of PTC, resulting in some of the individuals shifting to lower PTC sensitivity.

  13. Stochastic growth logistic model with aftereffect for batch fermentation process

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rosli, Norhayati; Ayoubi, Tawfiqullah; Bahar, Arifah

    2014-06-19

    In this paper, the stochastic growth logistic model with aftereffect for the cell growth of C. acetobutylicum P262 and Luedeking-Piret equations for solvent production in batch fermentation system is introduced. The parameters values of the mathematical models are estimated via Levenberg-Marquardt optimization method of non-linear least squares. We apply Milstein scheme for solving the stochastic models numerically. The effciency of mathematical models is measured by comparing the simulated result and the experimental data of the microbial growth and solvent production in batch system. Low values of Root Mean-Square Error (RMSE) of stochastic models with aftereffect indicate good fits.

  14. Stochastic growth logistic model with aftereffect for batch fermentation process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rosli, Norhayati; Ayoubi, Tawfiqullah; Bahar, Arifah; Rahman, Haliza Abdul; Salleh, Madihah Md

    2014-06-01

    In this paper, the stochastic growth logistic model with aftereffect for the cell growth of C. acetobutylicum P262 and Luedeking-Piret equations for solvent production in batch fermentation system is introduced. The parameters values of the mathematical models are estimated via Levenberg-Marquardt optimization method of non-linear least squares. We apply Milstein scheme for solving the stochastic models numerically. The effciency of mathematical models is measured by comparing the simulated result and the experimental data of the microbial growth and solvent production in batch system. Low values of Root Mean-Square Error (RMSE) of stochastic models with aftereffect indicate good fits.

  15. Clinical Guideline for the Evaluation, Management and Long-term Care of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults

    PubMed Central

    2009-01-01

    Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common chronic disorder that often requires lifelong care. Available practice parameters provide evidence-based recommendations for addressing aspects of care. Objective: This guideline is designed to assist primary care providers as well as sleep medicine specialists, surgeons, and dentists who care for patients with OSA by providing a comprehensive strategy for the evaluation, management and long-term care of adult patients with OSA. Methods: The Adult OSA Task Force of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) was assembled to produce a clinical guideline from a review of existing practice parameters and available literature. All existing evidence-based AASM practice parameters relevant to the evaluation and management of OSA in adults were incorporated into this guideline. For areas not covered by the practice parameters, the task force performed a literature review and made consensus recommendations using a modified nominal group technique. Recommendations: Questions regarding OSA should be incorporated into routine health evaluations. Suspicion of OSA should trigger a comprehensive sleep evaluation. The diagnostic strategy includes a sleep-oriented history and physical examination, objective testing, and education of the patient. The presence or absence and severity of OSA must be determined before initiating treatment in order to identify those patients at risk of developing the complications of sleep apnea, guide selection of appropriate treatment, and to provide a baseline to establish the effectiveness of subsequent treatment. Once the diagnosis is established, the patient should be included in deciding an appropriate treatment strategy that may include positive airway pressure devices, oral appliances, behavioral treatments, surgery, and/or adjunctive treatments. OSA should be approached as a chronic disease requiring long-term, multidisciplinary management. For each treatment option, appropriate outcome

  16. Attitudinal Factors Affecting Viral Advertising Pass-On Behaviour of Online Consumers in Food Industry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mohd Salleh, Nurhidayah; Ariff, Mohd Shoki Md; Zakuan, Norhayati; Sulaiman, Zuraidah; Zameri Mat Saman, Muhamad

    2016-05-01

    The increase number of active users of social media, especially Facebook, stimulates viral advertising behaviour among them, thus attracting e-marketers to focus on viral advertising in promoting their products. In global market, use of Facebook platform indicated that food services/restaurant of food industry is ranked number 11 with 18.8% users’ response rate within the platform. This development calls for e-marketers in Malaysia to use Facebook as their viral advertising channel. Attitudinal factors affecting the viral advertising pass-on behaviour (VAPB) especially among members of social media is of interest to many researchers. The typical attitudinal factors used were attitude toward social media (ATSM), attitude toward advertising in social media (AASM) and attitude toward advertising in general (AAIG). Attitude toward advertised brand (ATAB) is important in fast food industry because users of social media tend to share their experience about tastes and features of the food. However, ATAB is less emphasized in the conceptual model between attitudinal factors and VAPB. These four factors of consumer attitude served as independent variables in the conceptual model of this study and their effect on viral advertising pass-on behaviour among members of Domino's Pizza Malaysia Facebook page was examined. Online survey using a set of questionnaire which was sent to the members of this group via private message was employed. A total of 254 sets of usable questionnaires were collected from the respondents. All the attitudinal factors, except for AASM, were found to have positive and significant effect on VAPB. AAIG exerted the strongest effect on VAPB. Therefore, e-marketers should emphasize on developing a favourable attitude toward advertising in general among members of a social media to get them involve in viral advertising. In addition, instilling a favourable attitude towards advertised brand is also vital as it influences the members to viral the brand

  17. Recommended Amount of Sleep for a Healthy Adult: A Joint Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society

    PubMed Central

    Watson, Nathaniel F.; Badr, M. Safwan; Belenky, Gregory; Bliwise, Donald L.; Buxton, Orfeu M.; Buysse, Daniel; Dinges, David F.; Gangwisch, James; Grandner, Michael A.; Kushida, Clete; Malhotra, Raman K.; Martin, Jennifer L.; Patel, Sanjay R.; Quan, Stuart F.; Tasali, Esra

    2015-01-01

    Sleep is essential for optimal health. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and Sleep Research Society (SRS) developed a consensus recommendation for the amount of sleep needed to promote optimal health in adults, using a modified RAND Appropriateness Method process. The recommendation is summarized here. A manuscript detailing the conference proceedings and evidence supporting the final recommendation statement will be published in SLEEP and the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Citation: Watson NF, Badr MS, Belenky G, Bliwise DL, Buxton OM, Buysse D, Dinges DF, Gangwisch J, Grandner MA, Kushida C, Malhotra RK, Martin JL, Patel SR, Quan SF, Tasali E. Recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult: a joint consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society. SLEEP 2015;38(6):843–844. PMID:26039963

  18. Clinical Practice Guideline for Diagnostic Testing for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline

    PubMed Central

    Kapur, Vishesh K.; Auckley, Dennis H.; Chowdhuri, Susmita; Kuhlmann, David C.; Mehra, Reena; Ramar, Kannan; Harrod, Christopher G.

    2017-01-01

    Introduction: This guideline establishes clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults and is intended for use in conjunction with other American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) guidelines on the evaluation and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing in adults. Methods: The AASM commissioned a task force of experts in sleep medicine. A systematic review was conducted to identify studies, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) process was used to assess the evidence. The task force developed recommendations and assigned strengths based on the quality of evidence, the balance of benefits and harms, patient values and preferences, and resource use. In addition, the task force adopted foundational recommendations from prior guidelines as “good practice statements”, that establish the basis for appropriate and effective diagnosis of OSA. The AASM Board of Directors approved the final recommendations. Recommendations: The following recommendations are intended as a guide for clinicians diagnosing OSA in adults. Under GRADE, a STRONG recommendation is one that clinicians should follow under most circumstances. A WEAK recommendation reflects a lower degree of certainty regarding the outcome and appropriateness of the patient-care strategy for all patients. The ultimate judgment regarding propriety of any specific care must be made by the clinician in light of the individual circumstances presented by the patient, available diagnostic tools, accessible treatment options, and resources. Good Practice Statements: Diagnostic testing for OSA should be performed in conjunction with a comprehensive sleep evaluation and adequate follow-up. Polysomnography is the standard diagnostic test for the diagnosis of OSA in adult patients in whom there is a concern for OSA based on a comprehensive sleep evaluation. Recommendations: We recommend that clinical tools, questionnaires and prediction

  19. Recommended Amount of Sleep for a Healthy Adult: A Joint Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society

    PubMed Central

    Watson, Nathaniel F.; Badr, M. Safwan; Belenky, Gregory; Bliwise, Donald L.; Buxton, Orfeu M.; Buysse, Daniel; Dinges, David F.; Gangwisch, James; Grandner, Michael A.; Kushida, Clete; Malhotra, Raman K.; Martin, Jennifer L.; Patel, Sanjay R.; Quan, Stuart F.; Tasali, Esra

    2015-01-01

    Sleep is essential for optimal health. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and Sleep Research Society (SRS) developed a consensus recommendation for the amount of sleep needed to promote optimal health in adults, using a modified RAND Appropriateness Method process. The recommendation is summarized here. A manuscript detailing the conference proceedings and evidence supporting the final recommendation statement will be published in SLEEP and the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Citation: Watson NF, Badr MS, Belenky G, Bliwise DL, Buxton OM, Buysse D, Dinges DF, Gangwisch J, Grandner MA, Kushida C, Malhotra RK, Martin JL, Patel SR, Quan SF, Tasali E. Recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult: a joint consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society. J Clin Sleep Med 2015;11(6):591–592. PMID:25979105

  20. Diagnostic Thresholds for Quantitative REM Sleep Phasic Burst Duration, Phasic and Tonic Muscle Activity, and REM Atonia Index in REM Sleep Behavior Disorder with and without Comorbid Obstructive Sleep Apnea

    PubMed Central

    McCarter, Stuart J.; St. Louis, Erik K.; Duwell, Ethan J.; Timm, Paul C.; Sandness, David J.; Boeve, Bradley F.; Silber, Michael H.

    2014-01-01

    Objectives: We aimed to determine whether phasic burst duration and conventional REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) methods could accurately diagnose REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) patients with comorbid OSA. Design: We visually analyzed RSWA phasic burst durations, phasic, “any,” and tonic muscle activity by 3-s mini-epochs, phasic activity by 30-s (AASM rules) epochs, and conducted automated REM atonia index (RAI) analysis. Group RSWA metrics were analyzed and regression models fit, with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determining the best diagnostic cutoff thresholds for RBD. Both split-night and full-night polysomnographic studies were analyzed. Setting: N/A. Participants: Parkinson disease (PD)-RBD (n = 20) and matched controls with (n = 20) and without (n = 20) OSA. Interventions: N/A. Measurements and Results: All mean RSWA phasic burst durations and muscle activities were higher in PD-RBD patients than controls (P < 0.0001), and RSWA associations with PD-RBD remained significant when adjusting for age, gender, and REM AHI (P < 0.0001). RSWA muscle activity (phasic, “any”) cutoffs for 3-s mini-epoch scorings were submentalis (SM) (15.5%, 21.6%), anterior tibialis (AT) (30.2%, 30.2%), and combined SM/AT (37.9%, 43.4%). Diagnostic cutoffs for 30-s epochs (AASM criteria) were SM 2.8%, AT 11.3%, and combined SM/AT 34.7%. Tonic muscle activity cutoff of 1.2% was 100% sensitive and specific, while RAI (SM) cutoff was 0.88. Phasic muscle burst duration cutoffs were: SM (0.65) and AT (0.79) seconds. Combining phasic burst durations with RSWA muscle activity improved sensitivity and specificity of RBD diagnosis. Conclusions: This study provides evidence for REM sleep without atonia diagnostic thresholds applicable in Parkinson disease-REM sleep behavior disorder (PD-RBD) patient populations with comorbid OSA that may be useful toward distinguishing PD-RBD in typical outpatient populations. Citation: McCarter SJ, St. Louis EK, Duwell EJ, Timm PC

  1. Challenges in sleep stage R scoring in patients with autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA1, SCA2 and SCA3) and oculomotor abnormalities: a whole night polysomnographic evaluation.

    PubMed

    Seshagiri, Doniparthi Venkata; Sasidharan, Arun; Kumar, Gulshan; Pal, Pramod Kumar; Jain, Sanjeev; Kutty, Bindu M; Yadav, Ravi

    2018-02-01

    Spinocerebellar ataxias are progressive neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive cerebellar features with additional neuro-axis involvement. Oculomotor abnormality is one of the most frequent manifestations. This study was done to assess the polysomnographic abnormalities in patients with Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA1, SCA2 and SCA3) and also to evaluate whether oculomotor abnormalities interfere with sleep stage R scoring. The study was carried out using 36 genetically positive SCA patients. All patients underwent neurological examination with special focus on oculomotor function (optokinetic nystagmus-OKN and extraocular movement restriction-EOM). The sleep quality was measured with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Disease severity was assessed with International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS). All the patients underwent over-night video-polysomnography (VPSG). Out of 36 patients studied, the data of 34 patients [SCA1 (n = 12), SCA2 (n = 13), SCA3 (n = 9)] were used for final analysis. Patients from SCA1, SCA2, and SCA3 category did not show significant differences in age and diseases severity (ICARS). All patients had vertical OKN impairment. Oculomotor impairment was higher in SCA2 patients. Sleep macro-architecture analysis showed absent stage R sleep, predominantly in SCA2 (69%) followed by SCA3 (44%) and SCA1 (8%). Patients showed a strong negative correlation of stage R sleep percentage with disease severity and oculomotor dysfunction. Voluntary saccadic eye movement velocity and rapid eye movements (REMs) in sleep are strongly correlated. The more severe the saccadic velocity impairment, the less likely was it to generate REMs (rapid eye movements) during stage R. Accordingly 69% of SCA2 patients with severe occulomotor impairments showed absent stage R as per the AASM sleep scoring. We presume that the impaired REMs generation in sleep could be due to oculomotor abnormality and has

  2. Homo-fermentative production of D-lactic acid by Lactobacillus sp. employing casein whey permeate as a raw feed-stock.

    PubMed

    Prasad, Saurav; Srikanth, Katla; Limaye, Anil M; Sivaprakasam, Senthilkumar

    2014-06-01

    Casein whey permeate (CWP), a lactose-enriched dairy waste effluent, is a viable feed stock for the production of value-added products. Two lactic acid bacteria were cultivated in a synthetic casein whey permeate medium with or without pH control. Lactobacillus lactis ATCC 4797 produced D-lactic acid (DLA) at 12.5 g l(-1) in a bioreactor. The values of Leudking-Piret model parameters suggested that lactate was a growth-associated product. Batch fermentation was also performed employing CWP (35 g lactose l(-1)) with casein hydrolysate as a nitrogen supplement in a bioreactor. After 40 h, L. lactis produced 24.3 g lactic acid l(-1) with an optical purity >98 %. Thus CWP may be regarded as a potential feed-stock for DLA production.

  3. Automatic sleep staging using multi-dimensional feature extraction and multi-kernel fuzzy support vector machine.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yanjun; Zhang, Xiangmin; Liu, Wenhui; Luo, Yuxi; Yu, Enjia; Zou, Keju; Liu, Xiaoliang

    2014-01-01

    This paper employed the clinical Polysomnographic (PSG) data, mainly including all-night Electroencephalogram (EEG), Electrooculogram (EOG) and Electromyogram (EMG) signals of subjects, and adopted the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) clinical staging manual as standards to realize automatic sleep staging. Authors extracted eighteen different features of EEG, EOG and EMG in time domains and frequency domains to construct the vectors according to the existing literatures as well as clinical experience. By adopting sleep samples self-learning, the linear combination of weights and parameters of multiple kernels of the fuzzy support vector machine (FSVM) were learned and the multi-kernel FSVM (MK-FSVM) was constructed. The overall agreement between the experts' scores and the results presented was 82.53%. Compared with previous results, the accuracy of N1 was improved to some extent while the accuracies of other stages were approximate, which well reflected the sleep structure. The staging algorithm proposed in this paper is transparent, and worth further investigation.

  4. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Inter-scorer Reliability Program: Respiratory Events

    PubMed Central

    Rosenberg, Richard S.; Van Hout, Steven

    2014-01-01

    Study Objectives: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Inter-scorer Reliability program provides a unique opportunity to compare a large number of scorers with varied levels of experience to determine agreement in the scoring of respiratory events. The objective of this paper is to examine areas of disagreement to inform future revisions of the AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events. Methods: The sample included 15 monthly records, 200 epochs each. The number of scorers increased steadily during the period of data collection, reaching more than 3,600 scorers by the final record. Scorers were asked to identify whether an obstructive, mixed, or central apnea; a hypopnea; or no event was seen in each of the 200 epochs. The “correct” respiratory event score was defined as the score endorsed by the most scorers. Percentage agreement with the majority score was determined for each epoch and the mean agreement determined. Results: The overall agreement for scoring of respiratory events was 93.9% (κ = 0.92). There was very high agreement on epochs without respiratory events (97.4%), and the majority score for most of the epochs (87.8%) was no event. For the 364 epochs scored as having a respiratory event, overall agreement that some type of respiratory event occurred was 88.4% (κ = 0.77). The agreement for epochs scored as obstructive apnea by the majority was 77.1% (κ = 0.71), and the most common disagreement was hypopnea rather than obstructive apnea (14.4%). The agreement for hypopnea was 65.4% (κ = 0.57), with 16.4% scoring no event and 14.8% scoring obstructive apnea. The agreement for central apnea was 52.4% (κ = 0.41). A single epoch was scored as a mixed apnea by a plurality of scorers. Conclusions: The study demonstrated excellent agreement among a large sample of scorers for epochs with no respiratory events. Agreement for some type of event was good, but disagreements in scoring of apnea vs. hypopnea and type of apnea were

  5. A multicenter evaluation of oral pressure therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

    PubMed

    Colrain, Ian M; Black, Jed; Siegel, Lawrence C; Bogan, Richard K; Becker, Philip M; Farid-Moayer, Mehran; Goldberg, Rochelle; Lankford, D Alan; Goldberg, Andrew N; Malhotra, Atul

    2013-09-01

    We aimed to evaluate the impact of a novel noninvasive oral pressure therapy (OPT) (Winx®, ApniCure) system on polysomnographic measures of sleep-disordered breathing, sleep architecture, and sleep stability in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A 4-week, multicenter, prospective, open-label, randomized, crossover, first-night order of control vs treatment, single-arm trial was conducted in five American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) - accredited sleep clinics and one research laboratory. Sixty-three subjects (analysis cohort) were studied from a screening cohort of 367 subjects. The analysis cohort was 69.8% men, ages 53.6±8.9 years (mean±SD), body mass index of 32.3±4.5kg/m(2), with mild to severe OSA. At treatment initiation, subjects received random assignment to one night with and one without (control) treatment, and they were assessed again following 28 nights of treatment. Breathing and sleep architecture were assessed each night based on blind scoring by a single centralized scorer using AASM criteria. Average nightly usage across the take-home period was 6.0±1.4h. There were no severe or serious device-related adverse events (AEs). Median apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 27.5 events per hour on the control night, 13.4 events per hour on the first treatment night, and 14.8 events per hour after 28days of treatment. A clinically significant response (treatment AHI ⩽10/h and ⩽50% of control values) was seen in 20 of the 63 subjects evaluated. Rapid eye movement percentage (REM%) was significantly increased, and N1%, stage shifts to N1 sleep, overall stage shifts, total awakenings, and arousals per hour were all significantly reduced at both treatment nights compared to controls. Mean Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) was significantly reduced from 12.1 to 8.6 (Cohen d effect size, 0.68) in those untreated for two or more weeks prior to OPT study participation and remained unchanged in subjects who directly switched from continuous positive airway pressure

  6. [Effects of dissolved oxygen and pH on Candida utilis batch fermentation of glutathione].

    PubMed

    Wei, Gong-Yuan; Li, Yin; Du, Guo-Cheng; Chen, Jian

    2003-11-01

    The effects of dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH on glutathione batch fermentation by Candida utilis WSH-02-08 in a 7 liters stirred fermentor were investigated. It was shown that DO concentration is an important factor in glutathione production. With the initial glucose concentration of 30 g/L and a 5 L/min air flow rate, and the agitation rate less than 250 r/min, the DO concentration was not sufficient to satisfy the oxygen requirement during the fermentation. With an agitation rate of more than 300 r/min, the cell growth and glutathione production were enhanced significantly, with the dry cell mass and glutathione production were 20% and 25% higher than that at 200 r/min. When C. utilis WSH 02-08 was cultivated in a batch process without pH control, cell growth and glutathione production were inhibited, likely due to a dramatic decrease in the pH. Intracellular glutathione leakages were observed when the pH was 1.5 or less. To assess the effect of pH on glutathione production, six batch processes controlled at pH 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5 were conducted. The yield was highest at pH 5.5, when the dry cell mass and yield were 27% and 95% respectively higher than fermentation without pH control. The maximal intracellular glutathione content (2.15 %) was also achieved at the pH. To improve our understandings on the effect of pH on the batch glutathione production, a modified Logistic equation and Luedeking-Piret equation were used to simulate cell growth and glutathione production, respectively, under different pH. Based on the parameters obtained by the nonlinear estimation, kinetic analysis was performed to elucidate the effect of pH on the batch glutathione production. The process controlled at pH 5.5 was proven to be the best due to the higher value of K(I) (substrate inhibitory constant in the Logistic equation), lower value of a and higher value of beta (slope and intercept in the Luedeking-Piret equation, respectively).

  7. Comparison of hypopnea definitions in lean patients with known obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

    PubMed

    Guilleminault, C; Hagen, C C; Huynh, N T

    2009-11-01

    In the interest of improving inter-rater reliability and standardization between sleep laboratories, hypopnea definitions were recently changed to place less emphasis on arousal scoring and more emphasis on oxygen desaturations. We sought to determine whether these changes would affect detection and treatment of OSAHS in lean patients-a group known to desaturate less-than-obese patients. Thirty-five lean subjects (15 male, 20 women, five post-menopausal) diagnosed OSAHS and a documented benefit from treatment had diagnostic polysomnograms (PSG) originally scored using the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) rule from 1999 (referred to as "Rule C"). These patients had appropriate clinical care based on those results. PSG records were then re-scored in a randomized and blinded fashion utilizing hypopnea Rule A and B of the 2007 AASM guidelines. Baseline mean (SD) apnea hypopnea indices (AHI) for rules A, B, and C were 6.4 (3.1), 20.6 (8.2), and 26.9 (7.3), respectively (p < 0.0001). Mean (SD) BMI was 24.4 (1.0). By design, all subjects were treatment responders. Eighty-six percent with CPAP, 83% with oral appliance, and 100% with surgical intervention reported resolution of their initial daytime or sleep complaint. Post-treatment AHIs for rules A, B, and C were 0.8 (0.9), 1.8 (1.2) and 2.3 (1.6; p < 0.001). In all three scoring conditions, the AHI was reduced significantly with treatment (p < 0.001). A repeated measures ANOVA of the difference between scoring methods indicated statistically significant differences between all three strategies at both pre- and post-treatment (p < 0.001). Sleepiness on the Epworth sleepiness scale decreased from a mean of 10.9 (2.3) to 5.7 (1.3) with treatment (p < 0.001). This change in subjective rating of sleepiness was more strongly correlated with rules B and C (r = 0.6) and more modestly correlated with Rule A scoring (r = 0.4). Response to treatment was more tightly correlated with arousal based scoring rules B and C in

  8. Mechanistic Understanding of the Plasmonic Enhancement for Solar Water Splitting.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Peng; Wang, Tuo; Gong, Jinlong

    2015-09-23

    H2 generation by solar water splitting is one of the most promising solutions to meet the increasing energy demands of the fast developing society. However, the efficiency of solar-water-splitting systems is still too low for practical applications, which requires further enhancement via different strategies such as doping, construction of heterojunctions, morphology control, and optimization of the crystal structure. Recently, integration of plasmonic metals to semiconductor photocatalysts has been proved to be an effective way to improve their photocatalytic activities. Thus, in-depth understanding of the enhancement mechanisms is of great importance for better utilization of the plasmonic effect. This review describes the relevant mechanisms from three aspects, including: i) light absorption and scattering; ii) hot-electron injection and iii) plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer (PIRET). Perspectives are also proposed to trigger further innovative thinking on plasmonic-enhanced solar water splitting. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  9. Biosynthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) by Cupriavidus necator H16 from jatropha oil as carbon source.

    PubMed

    Batcha, Abeed Fatima Mohidin; Prasad, D M Reddy; Khan, Maksudur R; Abdullah, Hamidah

    2014-05-01

    Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a biodegradable polymer that can be synthesized through bacterial fermentation. In this study, Cupriavidus necator H16 is used to synthesize PHB by using Jatropha oil as its sole carbon source. Different variables mainly jatropha oil and urea concentrations, and agitation rate were investigated to determine the optimum condition for microbial fermentation in batch culture. Based on the results, the highest cell dry weight and PHB concentrations of 20.1 and 15.5 g/L, respectively, were obtained when 20 g/L of jatropha oil was used. Ethanol was used as external stress factor and the addition of 1.5 % ethanol at 38 h had a positive effect with a high PHB yield of 0.987 g PHB/g jatropha oil. The kinetic studies for cell growth rate and PHB production were conducted and the data were fitted with Logistic and Leudeking–Piret models. The rate constants were evaluated and the theoretical values were in accordance with the experimental data obtained

  10. Cervical column posture and airway dimensions in clinical bruxist adults: a preliminary study.

    PubMed

    Restrepo, C C; Álvarez, C P; Jaimes, J; Gómez, A F

    2013-11-01

    The aim of this study was to compare the cervical column posture and the upper airway dimensions between sleep bruxist and non-bruxist young adults. Twenty-three sleep-grinders and 22 asymptomatic subjects, selected according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) criteria (report by a sleep partner and the presence of dental wear, according to Wetselaar et al.), were evaluated. The mean age was 23·8 years (range 18-30). All the subjects had complete permanent dentition and skeletal and occlusal class I. A digital cephalometric radiograph with natural head posture was performed for each subject. The craniocervical posture was traced and evaluated according to Solow and Tallgren, and the airway dimensions of the oropharynx and nasopharynx were evaluated in agreement with Sayinsu. The data were analysed with independent-samples t-tests and Mann-Whitney U-test. Significance was set at P < 0·05. Sleep bruxist young adults presented more forwarded cervical column posture and narrower measures of the oropharynx, when compared with controls (P < 0·05). As in children, anterior cervical column posture was found to be associated with sleep bruxism. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  11. Assessment of interobserver concordance in polysomnography scoring of sleep bruxism☆

    PubMed Central

    Ferraz, Otávio; de Moura Guimarães, Thais; Maluly Filho, Milton; Dal-Fabbro, Cibele; Abraão Crosara Cunha, Thays; Cristina Lotaif, Ana; Cristina Barros Schütz, Teresa; Santos-Silva, Rogério; Tufik, Sergio; Bittencourt, Lia

    2015-01-01

    Introduction Objective evaluation of sleep bruxism (SB) using whole-night polysomnography (PSG) is relevant for diagnostic confirmation. Nevertheless, the PSG electromyogram (EMG) scoring may give rise to controversy, particularly when audiovisual monitoring is not performed. Therefore, the present study assessed the concordance between two independent scorers to visual SB on a PSG performed without audiovisual monitoring. Methods Fifty-six PSG tests were scored from individuals with clinical history and polysomnography criteria of SB. In addition to the protocol of conventional whole-night PSG, electrodes were also placed bilaterally on the masseter and temporal muscles. Visual EMG scoring without audio video monitoring was scored by two independent scorers (Dentist 1 and Dentist 2) according the recommendations formulated in the AASM manual (2007). Kendall Tau correlation was used to assess interobserver concordance relative to variables “total duration of events (seconds), “shortest events”, “longest events” and index in each phasic, tonic or mixed event. Results The correlation was positive and significant relative to all the investigated variables, being T>0.54. Conclusion It was found a good inter-examiner concordance rate in SB scoring in absence of audio video monitoring. PMID:26779318

  12. Effect of temperature on Brettanomyces bruxellensis: metabolic and kinetic aspects.

    PubMed

    Brandam, Cédric; Castro-Martínez, Claudia; Délia, Marie-Line; Ramón-Portugal, Felipe; Strehaiano, Pierre

    2008-01-01

    The effect of temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 degrees C on a culture of Brettanomyces bruxellensis was investigated in regards to thermodynamics, metabolism, and kinetics. In this temperature range, we observed an increase in growth and production rates. The growth behavior was well represented using the Arrhenius model, and an apparent activation energy of 16.61 kcal/mol was estimated. A stuck fermentation was observed at 35 degrees C as represented by high cell death. The carbon balance established that temperature had no effect on repartition of the glucose consumption between biomass and products. Hence, the same biomass concentration was obtained for all temperatures, except at 35 degrees C. Moreover, using logistic and Luedeking-Piret models, we demonstrated that production rates of ethanol and acetic acid were partially growth associated. Parameters associated with growth (alpha eth and alpha aa) remained constant with changing temperature, whereas, parameters associated with the population (beta eth and beta aa) varied. Optimal values were obtained at 32 degrees C for ethanol and at 25 degrees C for acetic acid.

  13. Electro-oculography-based detection of sleep-wake in sleep apnea patients.

    PubMed

    Virkkala, Jussi; Toppila, Jussi; Maasilta, Paula; Bachour, Adel

    2015-09-01

    Recently, we have developed a simple method that uses two electro-oculography (EOG) electrodes for the automatic scoring of sleep-wake in normal subjects. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of this method on 284 consecutive patients referred for a suspicion of sleep apnea who underwent a polysomnography (PSG). We applied the AASM 2007 scoring rules. A simple automatic sleep-wake classification algorithm based on 18-45 Hz beta power was applied to the calculated bipolar EOG channel and was compared to standard polysomnography. Epoch by epoch agreement was evaluated. Eighteen patients were excluded due to poor EOG quality. One hundred fifty-eight males and 108 females were studied, their mean age was 48 (range 17-89) years, apnea-hypopnea index 13 (range 0-96) /h, BMI 29 (range 17-52) kg/m(2), and sleep efficiency 78 (range 0-98) %. The mean agreement in sleep-wake states between EOG and PSG was 85% and the Cohen's kappa was 0.56. Overall epoch-by-epoch agreement was 85%, and the Cohen's kappa was 0.57 with positive predictive value of 91% and negative predictive value of 65%. The EOG method can be applied to patients referred for suspicion of sleep apnea to indicate the sleep-wake state.

  14. The efficacy of prazosin for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder nightmares in U.S. military veterans.

    PubMed

    Breen, Annamarie; Blankley, Kory; Fine, Julie

    2017-02-01

    Nightmares associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are a hallmark symptom among U.S. military veterans who have seen combat. Management of combat-related nightmares can be difficult and current pharmacologic options are limited and tend to have adverse side effects. The aim of this review is to explore recent literature regarding the efficacy of prazosin for the treatment of nightmare disorder in the veteran population. Recent literature consisting of three systematic reviews was reviewed, as well as current clinical guidelines published by The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and The Department of Defense (DoD) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Prazosin has been shown to be effective in the treatment of PTSD trauma-related nightmares. As a result of its low side effect profile and abilities to improve both sleep and reduce trauma nightmares, prazosin has been recommended as an adjunct therapy. Prazosin should be initiated as an adjunctive treatment to promote sleep in those suffering from PTSD nightmares. It should be initiated at 1 mg and then titrated upward until absence or desired reduction of nightmares is achieved, with a maximum dosage recommendation of 20 mg at bedtime and 5 mg midmorning. ©2016 American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

  15. Practice parameters for the clinical evaluation and treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders. An American Academy of Sleep Medicine report.

    PubMed

    Morgenthaler, Timothy I; Lee-Chiong, Teofilo; Alessi, Cathy; Friedman, Leah; Aurora, R Nisha; Boehlecke, Brian; Brown, Terry; Chesson, Andrew L; Kapur, Vishesh; Maganti, Rama; Owens, Judith; Pancer, Jeffrey; Swick, Todd J; Zak, Rochelle

    2007-11-01

    The expanding science of circadian rhythm biology and a growing literature in human clinical research on circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSDs) prompted the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) to convene a task force of experts to write a review of this important topic. Due to the extensive nature of the disorders covered, the review was written in two sections. The first review paper, in addition to providing a general introduction to circadian biology, addresses "exogenous" circadian rhythm sleep disorders, including shift work disorder (SWD) and jet lag disorder (JLD). The second review paper addresses the "endogenous" circadian rhythm sleep disorders, including advanced sleep phase disorder (ASPD), delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD), irregular sleep-wake rhythm (ISWR), and the non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome (nonentrained type) or free-running disorder (FRD). These practice parameters were developed by the Standards of Practice Committee and reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of the AASM to present recommendations for the assessment and treatment of CRSDs based on the two accompanying comprehensive reviews. The main diagnostic tools considered include sleep logs, actigraphy, the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), circadian phase markers, and polysomnography. Use of a sleep log or diary is indicated in the assessment of patients with a suspected circadian rhythm sleep disorder (Guideline). Actigraphy is indicated to assist in evaluation of patients suspected of circadian rhythm disorders (strength of recommendation varies from "Option" to "Guideline," depending on the suspected CRSD). Polysomnography is not routinely indicated for the diagnosis of CRSDs, but may be indicated to rule out another primary sleep disorder (Standard). There is insufficient evidence to justify the use of MEQ for the routine clinical evaluation of CRSDs (Option). Circadian phase markers are useful to determine circadian phase and confirm the diagnosis of

  16. An RBF-FD closest point method for solving PDEs on surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Petras, A.; Ling, L.; Ruuth, S. J.

    2018-10-01

    Partial differential equations (PDEs) on surfaces appear in many applications throughout the natural and applied sciences. The classical closest point method (Ruuth and Merriman (2008) [17]) is an embedding method for solving PDEs on surfaces using standard finite difference schemes. In this paper, we formulate an explicit closest point method using finite difference schemes derived from radial basis functions (RBF-FD). Unlike the orthogonal gradients method (Piret (2012) [22]), our proposed method uses RBF centers on regular grid nodes. This formulation not only reduces the computational cost but also avoids the ill-conditioning from point clustering on the surface and is more natural to couple with a grid based manifold evolution algorithm (Leung and Zhao (2009) [26]). When compared to the standard finite difference discretization of the closest point method, the proposed method requires a smaller computational domain surrounding the surface, resulting in a decrease in the number of sampling points on the surface. In addition, higher-order schemes can easily be constructed by increasing the number of points in the RBF-FD stencil. Applications to a variety of examples are provided to illustrate the numerical convergence of the method.

  17. The Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder in Adults—An Update for 2012: Practice Parameters with an Evidence-Based Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

    PubMed Central

    Aurora, R. Nisha; Kristo, David A.; Bista, Sabin R.; Rowley, James A.; Zak, Rochelle S.; Casey, Kenneth R.; Lamm, Carin I.; Tracy, Sharon L.; Rosenberg, Richard S.

    2012-01-01

    A systematic literature review and meta-analyses (where appropriate) were performed to update the previous AASM practice parameters on the treatments, both dopaminergic and other, of RLS and PLMD. A considerable amount of literature has been published since these previous reviews were performed, necessitating an update of the corresponding practice parameters. Therapies with a STANDARD level of recommendation include pramipexole and ropinirole. Therapies with a GUIDELINE level of recommendation include levodopa with dopa decarboxylase inhibitor, opioids, gabapentin enacarbil, and cabergoline (which has additional caveats for use). Therapies with an OPTION level of recommendation include carbamazepine, gabapentin, pregabalin, clonidine, and for patients with low ferritin levels, iron supplementation. The committee recommends a STANDARD AGAINST the use of pergolide because of the risks of heart valve damage. Therapies for RLS secondary to ESRD, neuropathy, and superficial venous insufficiency are discussed. Lastly, therapies for PLMD are reviewed. However, it should be mentioned that because PLMD therapy typically mimics RLS therapy, the primary focus of this review is therapy for idiopathic RLS. Citation: Aurora RN; Kristo DA; Bista SR; Rowley JA: Zak RS; Casey KR; Lamm CI; Tracy SL; Rosenberg RS. The treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder in adults—an update for 2012: practice parameters with an evidence-based systematic review and meta-analyses. SLEEP 2012;35(8):1039-1062. PMID:22851801

  18. Validation of the Apnea Risk Evaluation System (ARES) device against laboratory polysomnography in pregnant women at risk for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

    PubMed

    Sharkey, Katherine M; Waters, Kelly; Millman, Richard P; Moore, Robin; Martin, Susan M; Bourjeily, Ghada

    2014-05-15

    To assess the validity of using the Apnea Risk Evaluation System (ARES) Unicorder for detecting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in pregnant women. Sixteen pregnant women, mean age (SD) = 29.8 (5.4) years, average gestational age (SD) = 28.6 (6.3) weeks, mean body mass index (SD) = 44.7 (6.9) kg/m(2) with signs and symptoms of OSA wore the ARES Unicorder during one night of laboratory polysomnography (PSG). PSG was scored according to AASM 2007 criteria, and PSG AHI and RDI were compared to the ARES 1%, 3%, and 4% AHIs calculated with the ARES propriety software. Median PSG AHI and PSG RDI were 3.1 and 10.3 events/h of sleep, respectively. Six women had a PSG AHI ≥ 5 events/h of sleep and 11 had a PSG RDI ≥ 5 events/h of sleep. PSG AHI and RDI were strongly correlated with the ARES AHI measures. When compared with polysomnographic diagnosis of OSA, the ARES 3% algorithm provided the best balance between sensitivity (1.0 for PSG AHI, 0.91 for PSG RDI) and specificity (0.5 for PSG AHI, 0.8 for PSG RDI) for detecting sleep disordered breathing in our sample. The ARES Unicorder demonstrated reasonable consistency with PSG for diagnosing OSA in this small, heterogeneous sample of obese pregnant women.

  19. Kinetic studies on batch cultivation of Trichoderma reesei and application to enhance cellulase production by fed-batch fermentation.

    PubMed

    Ma, Lijuan; Li, Chen; Yang, Zhenhua; Jia, Wendi; Zhang, Dongyuan; Chen, Shulin

    2013-07-20

    Reducing the production cost of cellulase as the key enzyme for cellulose hydrolysis to fermentable sugars remains a major challenge for biofuel production. Because of the complexity of cellulase production, kinetic modeling and mass balance calculation can be used as effective tools for process design and optimization. In this study, kinetic models for cell growth, substrate consumption and cellulase production in batch fermentation were developed, and then applied in fed-batch fermentation to enhance cellulase production. Inhibition effect of substrate was considered and a modified Luedeking-Piret model was developed for cellulase production and substrate consumption according to the growth characteristics of Trichoderma reesei. The model predictions fit well with the experimental data. Simulation results showed that higher initial substrate concentration led to decrease of cellulase production rate. Mass balance and kinetic simulation results were applied to determine the feeding strategy. Cellulase production and its corresponding productivity increased by 82.13% after employing the proper feeding strategy in fed-batch fermentation. This method combining mathematics and chemometrics by kinetic modeling and mass balance can not only improve cellulase fermentation process, but also help to better understand the cellulase fermentation process. The model development can also provide insight to other similar fermentation processes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Kinetic characterization and fed-batch fermentation for maximal simultaneous production of esterase and protease from Lysinibacillus fusiformis AU01.

    PubMed

    Divakar, K; Suryia Prabha, M; Nandhinidevi, G; Gautam, P

    2017-04-21

    The simultaneous production of intracellular esterase and extracellular protease from the strain Lysinibacillus fusiformis AU01 was studied in detail. The production was performed both under batch and fed-batch modes. The maximum yield of intracellular esterase and protease was obtained under full oxygen saturation at the beginning of the fermentation. The data were fitted to the Luedeking-Piret model and it was shown that the enzyme (both esterase and protease) production was growth associated. A decrease in intracellular esterase and increase in the extracellular esterase were observed during late stationary phase. The appearance of intracellular proteins in extracellular media and decrease in viable cell count and biomass during late stationary phase confirmed that the presence of extracellular esterase is due to cell lysis. Even though the fed-batch fermentation with different feeding strategies showed improved productivity, feeding yeast extract under DO-stat fermentation conditions showed highest intracellular esterase and protease production. Under DO-stat fed-batch cultivation, maximum intracellular esterase activity of 820 × 10 3 U/L and extracellular protease activity of 172 × 10 3 U/L were obtained at the 16th hr. Intracellular esterase and extracellular protease production were increased fivefold and fourfold, respectively, when compared to batch fermentation performed under shake flask conditions.

  1. DeepSleepNet: A Model for Automatic Sleep Stage Scoring Based on Raw Single-Channel EEG.

    PubMed

    Supratak, Akara; Dong, Hao; Wu, Chao; Guo, Yike

    2017-11-01

    This paper proposes a deep learning model, named DeepSleepNet, for automatic sleep stage scoring based on raw single-channel EEG. Most of the existing methods rely on hand-engineered features, which require prior knowledge of sleep analysis. Only a few of them encode the temporal information, such as transition rules, which is important for identifying the next sleep stages, into the extracted features. In the proposed model, we utilize convolutional neural networks to extract time-invariant features, and bidirectional-long short-term memory to learn transition rules among sleep stages automatically from EEG epochs. We implement a two-step training algorithm to train our model efficiently. We evaluated our model using different single-channel EEGs (F4-EOG (left), Fpz-Cz, and Pz-Oz) from two public sleep data sets, that have different properties (e.g., sampling rate) and scoring standards (AASM and R&K). The results showed that our model achieved similar overall accuracy and macro F1-score (MASS: 86.2%-81.7, Sleep-EDF: 82.0%-76.9) compared with the state-of-the-art methods (MASS: 85.9%-80.5, Sleep-EDF: 78.9%-73.7) on both data sets. This demonstrated that, without changing the model architecture and the training algorithm, our model could automatically learn features for sleep stage scoring from different raw single-channel EEGs from different data sets without utilizing any hand-engineered features.

  2. Biodegradation kinetics of thin-stillage treatment by Aspergillus awamori and characterization of recovered chitosan.

    PubMed

    Ray, S Ghosh; Ghangrekar, M M

    2016-02-01

    An attempt has been made to provide solution for distillery wastewater using fungal pretreatment followed by an anaerobic process to achieve higher organic matter removal, which is a challenge at present with currently adopted technologies. Submerged growth kinetics of distillery wastewater supernatant by Aspergillus awamori was also evaluated. The proposed kinetic models using a logistic equation for fungal growth and the Leudeking-Piret equation for product formation were validated experimentally, and substrate consumption equation was derived using estimated kinetic coefficients. Up to 59.6 % chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 70 % total organic carbon (TOC) removals were observed in 96 h of fungal incubation. Maximum specific growth rate of fungi, coefficient of biomass yield on substrate and growth-associated product formation coefficient were estimated to be 0.07 ± 0.01 h(-1), 0.614 kg biomass/kg utilized COD and 0.215 kg CO2/kg utilized TOC, respectively. The chitosan recovery of 0.072-0.078 kg/kg of dry mycelium was obtained using dilute sulphuric acid extraction, showing high purity and characteristic chitosan properties according to FTIR and XRD analyses. After anaerobic treatment of the fungal pretreated effluent with COD concentration of 7.920 ± 0.120 kg COD/m(3) (organic loading rate of 3.28 kg COD/m(3) day), overall COD reduction of 91.07 % was achieved from distillery wastewater.

  3. Outer membrane vesicles (OMV) production of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B in batch process.

    PubMed

    Santos, Sílvia; Arauz, Luciana Juncioni de; Baruque-Ramos, Júlia; Lebrun, Ivo; Carneiro, Sylvia Mendes; Barreto, Sandra Alves; Schenkman, Rocilda Perazzini Furtado

    2012-09-14

    Serogroup B outer membrane vesicles (OMV) with iron regulated proteins (IRP) from Neisseria meningitidis constitute the antigen for the vaccine against the disease caused by this bacterium. Aiming to enhance final OMV concentration, seven batch experiments were carried out under four different conditions: (i) with original Catlin medium; (ii) with original Catlin medium and lactate and amino acids pulse at the 6th cultivation hour; (iii) with Catlin medium with double initial concentrations of lactate and amino acids and (iv) Catlin medium without glycerol and with double initial concentrations of lactate and amino acids. The cultivation experiments were carried out in a 7-L bioreactor under the following conditions: 36°C, 0.5atm, overlay air 1L/min, agitation: 250-850 rpm, and O(2) control at 10%, 20 h. After lactate and amino acids exhaustion, cell growth reached stationary phase and a significant release increase of OMV was observed. According to the Luedeking & Piret model, OMV liberation is non-growth associated. Glycerol was not consumed during cultivation. The maximum OMV concentration value attained was 162 mg/L with correspondent productivity of 8.1mg/(Lh) employing Catlin medium with double initial concentrations of lactate and amino acids. The obtained OMV satisfied constitution and protein pattern criteria and were suitable for vaccine production. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Modelling the growth kinetics of Kocuria marina DAGII as a function of single and binary substrate during batch production of β-Cryptoxanthin.

    PubMed

    Mitra, Ruchira; Chaudhuri, Surabhi; Dutta, Debjani

    2017-01-01

    In the present investigation, growth kinetics of Kocuria marina DAGII during batch production of β-Cryptoxanthin (β-CRX) was studied by considering the effect of glucose and maltose as a single and binary substrate. The importance of mixed substrate over single substrate has been emphasised in the present study. Different mathematical models namely, the Logistic model for cell growth, the Logistic mass balance equation for substrate consumption and the Luedeking-Piret model for β-CRX production were successfully implemented. Model-based analyses for the single substrate experiments suggested that the concentrations of glucose and maltose higher than 7.5 and 10.0 g/L, respectively, inhibited the growth and β-CRX production by K. marina DAGII. The Han and Levenspiel model and the Luong product inhibition model accurately described the cell growth in glucose and maltose substrate systems with a R 2 value of 0.9989 and 0.9998, respectively. The effect of glucose and maltose as binary substrate was further investigated. The binary substrate kinetics was well described using the sum-kinetics with interaction parameters model. The results of production kinetics revealed that the presence of binary substrate in the cultivation medium increased the biomass and β-CRX yield significantly. This study is a first time detailed investigation on kinetic behaviours of K. marina DAGII during β-CRX production. The parameters obtained in the study might be helpful for developing strategies for commercial production of β-CRX by K. marina DAGII.

  5. Statistical optimization for enhanced yields of probiotic Bacillus coagulans and its phage resistant mutants followed by kinetic modelling of the process.

    PubMed

    Pandey, Kavita R; Joshi, Chetan; Vakil, Babu V

    2016-01-01

    Probiotics are microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer health benefits to the host. A leading pharmaceutical company producing Bacillus coagulans as a probiotic was facing the problem of recurring phage attacks. Two mutants viz. B. co PIII and B. co MIII that were isolated as phage resistant mutants after UV irradiation and MMS treatment of phage sensitive B. coagulans parental culture were characterized at functional and molecular level and were noted to have undergone interesting genetic changes. The non-specific genetic alterations induced by mutagenesis can also lead to alterations in cell performance. Hence, in the current study the parental strain and the two mutants were selected for shake flask optimization. Plackett-Burman design was used to select the significant culture variables affecting biomass production. Evolutionary operation method was applied for further optimization. The study showed wide variations in the nutritional requirements of phage resistant mutants, post exposure to mutagens. An increment of 150, 134 and 152 % was observed in the biomass productions of B. coagulans (parental type) and mutants B.co PIII and B.co MIII respectively, compared to the yield from one-factor-at-a-time technique. Using Logistic and modified Leudeking-Piret equations, biomass accumulation and substrate utilization efficiency of the bioprocess were determined. The experimental data was in agreement with the results predicted by statistical analysis and modelling. The developed model may be useful for controlling the growth and substrate consumption kinetics in large scale fermentation using B. coagulans .

  6. Medical Cannabis and the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Position Statement.

    PubMed

    Ramar, Kannan; Rosen, Ilene M; Kirsch, Douglas B; Chervin, Ronald D; Carden, Kelly A; Aurora, R Nisha; Kristo, David A; Malhotra, Raman K; Martin, Jennifer L; Olson, Eric J; Rosen, Carol L; Rowley, James A

    2018-04-15

    The diagnosis and effective treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults is an urgent health priority. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy remains the most effective treatment for OSA, although other treatment options continue to be explored. Limited evidence citing small pilot or proof of concept studies suggest that the synthetic medical cannabis extract dronabinol may improve respiratory stability and provide benefit to treat OSA. However, side effects such as somnolence related to treatment were reported in most patients, and the long-term effects on other sleep quality measures, tolerability, and safety are still unknown. Dronabinol is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of OSA, and medical cannabis and synthetic extracts other than dronabinol have not been studied in patients with OSA. The composition of cannabinoids within medical cannabis varies significantly and is not regulated. Synthetic medical cannabis may have differential effects, with variable efficacy and side effects in the treatment of OSA. Therefore, it is the position of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) that medical cannabis and/or its synthetic extracts should not be used for the treatment of OSA due to unreliable delivery methods and insufficient evidence of effectiveness, tolerability, and safety. OSA should be excluded from the list of chronic medical conditions for state medical cannabis programs, and patients with OSA should discuss their treatment options with a licensed medical provider at an accredited sleep facility. Further research is needed to understand the functionality of medical cannabis extracts before recommending them as a treatment for OSA. © 2018 American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

  7. Validation of the Apnea Risk Evaluation System (ARES) Device Against Laboratory Polysomnography in Pregnant Women at Risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

    PubMed Central

    Sharkey, Katherine M.; Waters, Kelly; Millman, Richard P.; Moore, Robin; Martin, Susan M.; Bourjeily, Ghada

    2014-01-01

    Study Objective: To assess the validity of using the Apnea Risk Evaluation System (ARES) Unicorder for detecting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in pregnant women. Methods: Sixteen pregnant women, mean age (SD) = 29.8 (5.4) years, average gestational age (SD) = 28.6 (6.3) weeks, mean body mass index (SD) = 44.7 (6.9) kg/m2 with signs and symptoms of OSA wore the ARES Unicorder during one night of laboratory polysomnography (PSG). PSG was scored according to AASM 2007 criteria, and PSG AHI and RDI were compared to the ARES 1%, 3%, and 4% AHIs calculated with the ARES propriety software. Results: Median PSG AHI and PSG RDI were 3.1 and 10.3 events/h of sleep, respectively. Six women had a PSG AHI ≥ 5 events/h of sleep and 11 had a PSG RDI ≥ 5 events/h of sleep. PSG AHI and RDI were strongly correlated with the ARES AHI measures. When compared with polysomnographic diagnosis of OSA, the ARES 3% algorithm provided the best balance between sensitivity (1.0 for PSG AHI, 0.91 for PSG RDI) and specificity (0.5 for PSG AHI, 0.8 for PSG RDI) for detecting sleep disordered breathing in our sample. Conclusions: The ARES Unicorder demonstrated reasonable consistency with PSG for diagnosing OSA in this small, heterogeneous sample of obese pregnant women. Citation: Sharkey KM, Waters K, Millman RP, Moore R, Martin SM, Bourjeily G. Validation of the Apnea Risk Evaluation System (ARES) device against laboratory polysomnography in pregnant women at risk for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. J Clin Sleep Med 2014;10(5):497-502. PMID:24910550

  8. Relationship between Tasks Performed, Personality Traits, and Sleep Bruxism in Brazilian School Children - A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

    PubMed Central

    Serra-Negra, Junia Maria; Paiva, Saul Martins; Abreu, Mauro Henrique; Flores-Mendoza, Carmen Elvira; Pordeus, Isabela Almeida

    2013-01-01

    Background Tasks can be instruments of stress and may affect the health of children. Sleep bruxism is a multifactorial sleep-related movement disorder that affects children and adults. The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between children’s tasks, personality traits and sleep bruxism. Methods And Findings A cross-sectional, population-based study of 652 randomly selected Brazilian schoolchildren (52% of whom were female), aged from 7 to 10 years was conducted in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. A questionnaire based on criteria proposed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) was completed by parents. In addition, the Neuroticism and Responsibility sub-scales of the Big Five Questionnaire for Children (BFQ-C) were administered to the children. Psychological tests were administered and evaluated by psychologists. The Social Vulnerability Index from the city council database was used to determine the social classification of the families. Chi-square and Poisson regression statistical tests were used with a 95% confidence interval. The majority of families were classified as having low social vulnerability (61.3%), whereas, 38.7% were classified as having high social vulnerability. Regarding extracurricular activities, the majority of girls performed household work (56.4%) and some artistic activity (51.3%) while sporting activities were most common among boys (61%). The results of the Poisson regression model indicated that sleep bruxism was most prevalent in children who scored highly in the Neuroticism sub-scale, and who frequently performed household tasks. Conclusion Children whose personality domain has a high level of Neuroticism and who perform household chores imposed by the family are more vulnerable to sleep bruxism. PMID:24244614

  9. Plasmonic Enhancement Mechanisms in Solar Energy Harvesting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cushing, Scott K.

    possible: i) increasing light absorption in the semiconductor by light trapping through scattering, ii) transferring hot carriers from metal to semiconductor after light absorption in the metal, and iii) non-radiative excitation of interband transitions in the semiconductor by plasmon-induced resonant energy transfer (PIRET). The effects of the metal on charge transport and carrier recombination were also revealed. Next, it has been shown that the strength and balance of the three enhancement mechanisms is rooted in the plasmon's dephasing time, or how long it takes the collective electron oscillations to stop being collective. The importance of coherent effects in plasmonic enhancement is also shown. Based on these findings, a thermodynamic balance framework has been used to predict the theoretical maximum efficiency of solar energy conversion in plasmonic metal-semiconductor heterojunctions. These calculations have revealed how plasmonics is best used to address the different light absorption problems in semiconductors, and that not taking into account the plasmon's dephasing is the origin of low plasmonic enhancement Finally, to prove these guidelines, each of the three enhancement mechanisms has been translated into optimal device geometries, showing the plasmon's potential for solar energy harvesting. This dissertation identifies the three possible plasmonic enhancement mechanisms for the first time, discovering a new enhancement mechanism (PIRET) in the process. It has also been shown for the first time that the various plasmon-semiconductor interactions could be rooted in the plasmon's dephasing. This has allowed for the first maximum efficiency estimates which have combined all three enhancement mechanisms to be performed, and revealed that changes in the plasmon's dephasing leads to the disparity in reported plasmonic enhancements. These findings are combined to create optimal device design guidelines, which are proven by fabrication of several devices with top

  10. D-Lactic acid biosynthesis from biomass-derived sugars via Lactobacillus delbrueckii fermentation.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yixing; Vadlani, Praveen V

    2013-12-01

    Poly-lactic acid (PLA) derived from renewable resources is considered to be a good substitute for petroleum-based plastics. The number of poly L-lactic acid applications is increased by the introduction of a stereocomplex PLA, which consists of both poly-L and D-lactic acid and has a higher melting temperature. To date, several studies have explored the production of L-lactic acid, but information on biosynthesis of D-lactic acid is limited. Pulp and corn stover are abundant, renewable lignocellulosic materials that can be hydrolyzed to sugars and used in biosynthesis of D-lactic acid. In our study, saccharification of pulp and corn stover was done by cellulase CTec2 and sugars generated from hydrolysis were converted to D-lactic acid by a homofermentative strain, L. delbrueckii, through a sequential hydrolysis and fermentation process (SHF) and a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process (SSF). 36.3 g L(-1) of D-lactic acid with 99.8 % optical purity was obtained in the batch fermentation of pulp and attained highest yield and productivity of 0.83 g g(-1) and 1.01 g L(-1) h(-1), respectively. Luedeking-Piret model described the mixed growth-associated production of D-lactic acid with a maximum specific growth rate 0.2 h(-1) and product formation rate 0.026 h(-1), obtained for this strain. The efficient synthesis of D-lactic acid having high optical purity and melting point will lead to unique stereocomplex PLA with innovative applications in polymer industry.

  11. Sleep Disordered Breathing and Spinal Cord Injury: Challenges and Opportunities.

    PubMed

    Sankari, Abdulghani; Martin, Jennifer L; Badr, M Safwan

    2017-12-01

    This paper focuses on the sleep disorders in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI/D), particularly mechanism of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and challenges in diagnosis and management. Based on a review of recent literatures and studies the paper summarizes some main challenges with respect to management of SDB in patients with SCI; and what are the responsible mechanisms of disease? What are the barriers in diagnosing and treating SDB using standard treatment such as positive airway pressure (CPAP)?. Previous studies have shown that most SCI/D patients have SDB with heterogeneity in prevalence mainly related to using different definition or methods of diagnosing SDB, while recent studies using new definition of SDB based on recommended criteria from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and also include the data on effect of SCI/D level on prevalence and describe different type of SDB. Furthermore, recent data describes simplified method of diagnosing SDB by using a combination of home sleep apnea testing and transcutaneous CO2 monitoring. Finally, emerging data has been pointing at strong relationship between SDB and cardiovascular disease including nocturnal hypertension in patients with SCI/D. The findings indicate that early testing for SDB and associated cardiovascular disease in patients with SCI is recommended and could be beneficial in reduced the high morbidity and mortality in this group of patients with disability. In addition, studies on treatment of other sleep disorders in SCI/D are not available to inform clinical decision making. Understanding the pathophysiology of sleep disorders in SCI/D is critical for the development of new effective therapies. This review provides evidence for best practices; highlights new discoveries for the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders in SCI/D, and discuss challenges and future directions.

  12. In-flight automatic detection of vigilance states using a single EEG channel.

    PubMed

    Sauvet, F; Bougard, C; Coroenne, M; Lely, L; Van Beers, P; Elbaz, M; Guillard, M; Leger, D; Chennaoui, M

    2014-12-01

    Sleepiness and fatigue can reach particularly high levels during long-haul overnight flights. Under these conditions, voluntary or even involuntary sleep periods may occur, increasing the risk of accidents. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of an in-flight automatic detection system of low-vigilance states using a single electroencephalogram channel. Fourteen healthy pilots voluntarily wore a miniaturized brain electrical activity recording device during long-haul flights ( 10 ±2.0 h, Atlantic 2 and Falcon 50 M, French naval aviation). No subject was disturbed by the equipment. Seven pilots experienced at least a period of voluntary ( 26.8 ±8.0 min, n = 4) or involuntary sleep (N1 sleep stage, 26.6 ±18.7 s, n = 7) during the flight. Automatic classification (wake/sleep) by the algorithm was made for 10-s epochs (O1-M2 or C3-M2 channel), based on comparison of means to detect changes in α, β, and θ relative power, or ratio [( α+θ)/β], or fuzzy logic fusion (α, β). Pertinence and prognostic of the algorithm were determined using epoch-by-epoch comparison with visual-scoring (two blinded readers, AASM rules). The best concordance between automatic detection and visual-scoring was observed within the O1-M2 channel, using the ratio [( α+θ )/β] ( 98.3 ±4.1% of good detection, K = 0.94 ±0.07, with a 0.04 ±0.04 false positive rate and a 0.87 ±0.10 true positive rate). Our results confirm the efficiency of a miniaturized single electroencephalographic channel recording device, associated with an automatic detection algorithm, in order to detect low-vigilance states during real flights.

  13. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Inter-scorer Reliability Program: Sleep Stage Scoring

    PubMed Central

    Rosenberg, Richard S.; Van Hout, Steven

    2013-01-01

    Study Objectives: The program provides a unique opportunity to compare a large number of scorers with varied levels of experience to determine sleep stage scoring agreement. The objective is to examine areas of disagreement to inform future revisions of the AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events. Methods: The sample included 9 record fragments, 1,800 epochs and more than 3,200,000 scoring decisions. More than 2,500 scorers, most with 3 or more years of experience, participated. The analysis determined agreement with the score chosen by the majority of scorers. Results: Sleep stage agreement averaged 82.6%. Agreement was highest for stage R sleep with stages N2 and W approaching the same level. Scoring agreement for stage N3 sleep was 67.4% and was lowest for stage N1 at 63.0%. Scorers had particular difficulty with the last epoch of stage W before sleep onset, the first epoch of stage N2 after stage N1 and the first epoch of stage R after stage N2. Discrimination between stages N2 and N3 was particularly difficult for scorers. Conclusions: These findings suggest that with current rules, inter-scorer agreement in a large group is approximately 83%, a level similar to that reported for agreement between expert scorers. Agreement in the scoring of stages N1 and N3 sleep was low. Modifications to the scoring rules to improve scoring during sleep stage transitions may result in improvement. Commentary: A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 89. Citation: Rosenberg RS; Van Hout S. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine inter-scorer reliability program: sleep stage scoring. J Clin Sleep Med 2013;9(1):81–87. PMID:23319910

  14. Validation of Watch-PAT-200 Against Polysomnography During Pregnancy

    PubMed Central

    O'Brien, Louise M.; Bullough, Alexandra S.; Shelgikar, Anita V.; Chames, Mark C.; Armitage, Roseanne; Chervin, Ronald D.

    2012-01-01

    Study Objectives: To determine the relationships between key variables obtained from ambulatory polysomnography (PSG) and the wrist-worn Watch-PAT 200 device in pregnant women. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, women in their third trimester of pregnancy underwent full overnight home PSG using the 22-channel MediPalm system and the Watch-PAT 200 device. PSGs were scored by a blinded, experienced technologist using AASM 2007 criteria; the Watch-PAT was scored automatically by the manufacturer's proprietary software. Results: A total of 31 pregnant women were studied. Mean age was 30.2 ± 7.1 years; mean gestational age was 33.4 ± 3.0 weeks; mean BMI was 31.9 ± 8.1 kg/m2; 39% of women were nulliparous. Key variables generated by PSG and Watch-PAT correlated well over a wide range, including the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI, r = 0.76, p < 0.001); respiratory disturbance index (RDI, r = 0.68, p < 0.001), mean oxygen saturation (r = 0.94, p < 0.001), and minimum oxygen saturation (r = 0.88, p < 0.001). The area under the curve for AHI ≥ 5 and RDI ≥ 10 were 0.96 and 0.94, respectively. Association between stage 3 sleep on PSG and deep sleep on Watch-PAT was poor. Watch-PAT tended to overscore RDI, particularly as severity increased. Conclusions: Among pregnant women, Watch-PAT demonstrates excellent sensitivity and specificity for identification of obstructive sleep apnea, defined as AHI ≥ 5 on full PSG. Watch-PAT may overestimate RDI somewhat, especially at high RDI values. Citation: O'Brien LM; Bullough AS; Shelgikar AV; Chames MC; Armitage R; Chervin RD. Validation of Watch-Pat-200 against polysomnography during pregnancy. J Clin Sleep Med 2012;8(3):287-294. PMID:22701386

  15. Practice Parameters for the Treatment of Narcolepsy and other Hypersomnias of Central Origin An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Report

    PubMed Central

    Morgenthaler, Timothy I.; Kapur, Vishesh K.; Brown, Terry; Swick, Todd J.; Alessi, Cathy; Aurora, R. Nisha; Boehlecke, Brian; Chesson, Andrew L.; Friedman, Leah; Maganti, Rama; Owens, Judith; Pancer, Jeffrey; Zak, Rochelle

    2007-01-01

    These practice parameters pertain to the treatment of hypersomnias of central origin. They serve as both an update of previous practice parameters for the therapy of narcolepsy and as the first practice parameters to address treatment of other hypersomnias of central origin. They are based on evidence analyzed in the accompanying review paper. The specific disorders addressed by these parameters are narcolepsy (with cataplexy, without cataplexy, due to medical condition and unspecified), idiopathic hypersomnia (with long sleep time and without long sleep time), recurrent hypersomnia and hypersomnia due to medical condition. Successful treatment of hypersomnia of central origin requires an accurate diagnosis, individual tailoring of therapy to produce the fullest possible return of normal function, and regular follow-up to monitor response to treatment. Modafinil, sodium oxybate, amphetamine, methamphetamine, dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, and selegiline are effective treatments for excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, while tricyclic antidepressants and fluoxetine are effective treatments for cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations; but the quality of published clinical evidence supporting them varies. Scheduled naps can be beneficial to combat sleepiness in narcolepsy patients. Based on available evidence, modafinil is an effective therapy for sleepiness due to idiopathic hypersomnia, Parkinson's disease, myotonic dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. Based on evidence and/or long history of use in the therapy of narcolepsy committee consensus was that modafinil, amphetamine, methamphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methylphenidate are reasonable options for the therapy of hypersomnias of central origin. Citation: Morgenthaler TI; Kapur VK; Brown T; Swick TJ; Alessi C; Aurora RN; Boehlecke B; Chesson AL; Friedman L; Maganti R; Owens J; Pancer J; Zak R; Standards of Practice Committee of the AASM. Practice parameters for the treatment

  16. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Pharmacologic Treatment of Chronic Insomnia in Adults: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline.

    PubMed

    Sateia, Michael J; Buysse, Daniel J; Krystal, Andrew D; Neubauer, David N; Heald, Jonathan L

    2017-02-15

    The purpose of this guideline is to establish clinical practice recommendations for the pharmacologic treatment of chronic insomnia in adults, when such treatment is clinically indicated. Unlike previous meta-analyses, which focused on broad classes of drugs, this guideline focuses on individual drugs commonly used to treat insomnia. It includes drugs that are FDA-approved for the treatment of insomnia, as well as several drugs commonly used to treat insomnia without an FDA indication for this condition. This guideline should be used in conjunction with other AASM guidelines on the evaluation and treatment of chronic insomnia in adults. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commissioned a task force of four experts in sleep medicine. A systematic review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) process was used to assess the evidence. The task force developed recommendations and assigned strengths based on the quality of evidence, the balance of benefits and harms, and patient values and preferences. Literature reviews are provided for those pharmacologic agents for which sufficient evidence was available to establish recommendations. The AASM Board of Directors approved the final recommendations. The following recommendations are intended as a guideline for clinicians in choosing a specific pharmacological agent for treatment of chronic insomnia in adults, when such treatment is indicated. Under GRADE, a STRONG recommendation is one that clinicians should, under most circumstances, follow. A WEAK recommendation reflects a lower degree of certainty in the outcome and appropriateness of the patient-care strategy for all patients, but should not be construed as an indication of ineffectiveness. GRADE recommendation strengths do not refer to the magnitude of treatment effects in a particular patient, but rather, to the strength of evidence in published data. Downgrading

  17. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Pharmacologic Treatment of Chronic Insomnia in Adults: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline

    PubMed Central

    Sateia, Michael J.; Buysse, Daniel J.; Krystal, Andrew D.; Neubauer, David N.; Heald, Jonathan L.

    2017-01-01

    Introduction: The purpose of this guideline is to establish clinical practice recommendations for the pharmacologic treatment of chronic insomnia in adults, when such treatment is clinically indicated. Unlike previous meta-analyses, which focused on broad classes of drugs, this guideline focuses on individual drugs commonly used to treat insomnia. It includes drugs that are FDA-approved for the treatment of insomnia, as well as several drugs commonly used to treat insomnia without an FDA indication for this condition. This guideline should be used in conjunction with other AASM guidelines on the evaluation and treatment of chronic insomnia in adults. Methods: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commissioned a task force of four experts in sleep medicine. A systematic review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) process was used to assess the evidence. The task force developed recommendations and assigned strengths based on the quality of evidence, the balance of benefits and harms, and patient values and preferences. Literature reviews are provided for those pharmacologic agents for which sufficient evidence was available to establish recommendations. The AASM Board of Directors approved the final recommendations. Recommendations: The following recommendations are intended as a guideline for clinicians in choosing a specific pharmacological agent for treatment of chronic insomnia in adults, when such treatment is indicated. Under GRADE, a STRONG recommendation is one that clinicians should, under most circumstances, follow. A WEAK recommendation reflects a lower degree of certainty in the outcome and appropriateness of the patient-care strategy for all patients, but should not be construed as an indication of ineffectiveness. GRADE recommendation strengths do not refer to the magnitude of treatment effects in a particular patient, but rather, to the strength of

  18. The surface plasmon-induced hot carrier effect on the catalytic activity of CO oxidation on a Cu2O/hexoctahedral Au inverse catalyst.

    PubMed

    Lee, Si Woo; Hong, Jong Wook; Lee, Hyunhwa; Wi, Dae Han; Kim, Sun Mi; Han, Sang Woo; Park, Jeong Young

    2018-06-14

    The intrinsic correlation between an enhancement of catalytic activity and the flow of hot electrons generated at metal-oxide interfaces suggests an intriguing way to control catalytic reactions and is a significant subject in heterogeneous catalysis. Here, we show surface plasmon-induced catalytic enhancement by the peculiar nanocatalyst design of hexoctahedral (HOH) Au nanocrystals (NCs) with Cu2O clusters. We found that this inverse catalyst comprising a reactive oxide for the catalytic portion and a metal as the source of electrons by localized surface plasmon resonance (localized SPR) exhibits a change in catalytic activity by direct hot electron transfer or plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer (PIRET) when exposed to light. We prepared two types of inverse catalysts, Cu2O at the vertex sites of HOH Au NCs (Cu2O/Au vertex site) and a HOH Au NC-Cu2O core-shell structure (HOH Au@Cu2O), to test the structural effect on surface plasmons. Under broadband light illumination, the Cu2O/Au vertex site catalyst showed 30-90% higher catalytic activity and the HOH Au@Cu2O catalyst showed 10-30% higher catalytic activity than when in the dark. Embedding thin SiO2 layers between the HOH Au NCs and the Cu2O verified that the dominant mechanism for the catalytic enhancement is direct hot electron transfer from the HOH Au to the Cu2O. Finite-difference time domain calculations show that a much stronger electric field was formed on the vertex sites after growing the Cu2O on the HOH Au NCs. These results imply that the catalytic activity is enhanced when hot electrons, created from photon absorption on the HOH Au metal and amplified by the presence of surface plasmons, are transferred to the reactive Cu2O.

  19. Mathematical modeling of fed-batch fermentation of Schizochytrium sp. FJU-512 growth and DHA production using a shift control strategy.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Mingliang; Wu, Weibin; Guo, Xiaolei; Weichen, You; Qi, Feng; Jiang, Xianzhang; Huang, Jianzhong

    2018-03-01

    To obtain high-cell-density cultures of Schizochytrium sp. FJU-512 for DHA production, two stages of fermentation strategy were used and carbon/nitrogen ratio, DO and temperature were controlled at different levels. The final dry cell weight, total lipid production and DHA yield in 15 l bioreactor reached 103.9, 37.2 and 16.0 g/l, respectively. For the further study of microbial growth and DHA production dynamics, we established a set of kinetic models for the fed-batch production of DHA by Schizochytrium sp. FJU-512 in 15 and 100 l fermenters and a compensatory parameter n was integrated into the model in order to find the optimal mathematical equations. A modified Logistic model was proposed to fit the cell growth data and the following kinetic parameters were obtained: µ m  = 0.0525/h, X m  = 100 g/l and n  = 4.1717 for the 15 l bioreactor, as well as µ m  = 0.0382/h, X m  = 107.4371 g/l and n  = 10 for the 100 l bioreactor. The Luedeking-Piret equations were utilized to model DHA production, yielding values of α  = 0.0648 g/g and β  = 0.0014 g/g/h for the 15 l bioreactor, while the values of α and β obtained for the 100 l fermentation were 0.0209 g/g and 0.0030 g/g/h. The predicted results compared with experimental data showed that the established models had a good fitting precision and were able to exactly depict the dynamic features of the DHA production process.

  20. Medical Cannabis and the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Position Statement

    PubMed Central

    Ramar, Kannan; Rosen, Ilene M.; Kirsch, Douglas B.; Chervin, Ronald D.; Carden, Kelly A.; Aurora, R. Nisha; Kristo, David A.; Malhotra, Raman K.; Martin, Jennifer L.; Olson, Eric J.; Rosen, Carol L.; Rowley, James A.

    2018-01-01

    The diagnosis and effective treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults is an urgent health priority. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy remains the most effective treatment for OSA, although other treatment options continue to be explored. Limited evidence citing small pilot or proof of concept studies suggest that the synthetic medical cannabis extract dronabinol may improve respiratory stability and provide benefit to treat OSA. However, side effects such as somnolence related to treatment were reported in most patients, and the long-term effects on other sleep quality measures, tolerability, and safety are still unknown. Dronabinol is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of OSA, and medical cannabis and synthetic extracts other than dronabinol have not been studied in patients with OSA. The composition of cannabinoids within medical cannabis varies significantly and is not regulated. Synthetic medical cannabis may have differential effects, with variable efficacy and side effects in the treatment of OSA. Therefore, it is the position of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) that medical cannabis and/or its synthetic extracts should not be used for the treatment of OSA due to unreliable delivery methods and insufficient evidence of effectiveness, tolerability, and safety. OSA should be excluded from the list of chronic medical conditions for state medical cannabis programs, and patients with OSA should discuss their treatment options with a licensed medical provider at an accredited sleep facility. Further research is needed to understand the functionality of medical cannabis extracts before recommending them as a treatment for OSA. Citation: Ramar K, Rosen IM, Kirsch DB, Chervin RD, Carden KA, Aurora RN, Kristo DA, Malhotra RK, Martin JL, Olson EJ, Rosen CL, Rowley JA; American Academy of Sleep Medicine Board of Directors. Medical cannabis and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: an

  1. Quality Measures for the Care of Adult Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

    PubMed Central

    Aurora, R. Nisha; Collop, Nancy A.; Jacobowitz, Ofer; Thomas, Sherene M.; Quan, Stuart F.; Aronsky, Amy J.

    2015-01-01

    Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disorder associated with a multitude of adverse outcomes when left untreated. There is significant heterogeneity in the evaluation and management of OSA resulting in variation in cost and outcomes. Thus, the goal for developing these measures was to have a way to evaluate the outcomes and reliability of the processes involved with the standard care approaches used in the diagnosis and management of OSA. The OSA quality care measures presented here focus on both outcomes and processes. The AASM commissioned the Adult OSA Quality Measures Workgroup to develop quality care measures aimed at optimizing care for adult patients with OSA. These quality care measures developed by the Adult OSA Quality Measures Workgroup are an extension of the original Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) measures group for OSA. The measures are based on the available scientific evidence, focus on public safety, and strive to improve quality of life and cardiovascular outcomes for individual OSA patients. The three outcomes that were selected were as follows: (1) improve disease detection and categorization; (2) improve quality of life; and (3) reduce cardiovascular risk. After selecting these relevant outcomes, a total of ten process measures were chosen that could be applied and assessed for the purpose of accomplishing these outcomes. In the future, the measures described in this document may be reported through the PQRS in addition to, or as a replacement for, the current OSA measures group. The overall objective for the development of these measures is that implementation of these quality measures will result in improved patient outcomes, reduce the public health burden of OSA, and provide a measurable standard for evaluating and managing OSA. Citation: Aurora RN, Collop NA, Jacobowitz O, Thomas SM, Quan SF, Aronsky AJ. Quality measures for the care of adult patients with

  2. Can the analysis of built-in software of CPAP devices replace polygraphy in children?

    PubMed

    Khirani, Sonia; Delord, Vincent; Olmo Arroyo, Jorge; De Sanctis, Livio; Frapin, Annick; Amaddeo, Alessandro; Fauroux, Brigitte

    2017-09-01

    Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for the scoring of residual respiratory events during continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Studies comparing PSG scoring with automatic scoring by the built-in software of CPAP devices have reported acceptable agreements except for the hypopnea index (HI) in adult patients, but no study has yet been conducted in children. The aim of the present study was to compare the automatic scoring by CPAP device and manual scoring using the software tracings of the CPAP device integrating pulse oximetry (SpO 2 ) with in-lab polygraphy (PG). Consecutive clinically stable children treated with constant CPAP (ResMed) for at least one month and scheduled for a nocturnal PG were recruited. A pulse oximeter was connected to the CPAP device. The PG apnea-hypopnea index (AHI PG ), scored according to modified AASM guidelines, was compared with the automatic AHI reported by the CPAP device (AHI A CPAP ) and the manual scoring of the AHI on the CPAP software (AHI M CPAP ). Fifteen children (1.5-18.6 years) were included. Mean residual AHI PG was 0.9 ± 1.2/hour (0.0-4.6/hour) vs. AHI A CPAP of 3.6 ± 3.6/hour (0.5-14.7/hour) (p < 0.001), and AHI M CPAP of 1.2 ± 1.6/hour (0.0-5.1/hour) (p = 0.01). Correlation between AHI PG and AHI A CPAP was good (r = 0.667; p = 0.007), and improved when considering AHI M CPAP (r = 0.933; p < 0.001). Strong correlations were also observed between the PG apnea index (AI) and HI, and the manually scored AI and HI on CPAP, respectively. Manual scoring of respiratory events on the built-in software tracings of CPAP devices integrating SpO 2 signal may be helpful. These results have to be confirmed in patients with higher AHI. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Practice Parameters for the Use of Autotitrating Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Devices for Titrating Pressures and Treating Adult Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: An Update for 2007

    PubMed Central

    Morgenthaler, Timothy I.; Aurora, R. Nisha; Brown, Terry; Zak, Rochelle; Alessi, Cathy; Boehlecke, Brian; Chesson, Andrew L.; Friedman, Leah; Kapur, Vishesh; Maganti, Rama; Owens, Judith; Pancer, Jeffrey; Swick, Todd J.

    2008-01-01

    significant comorbidities (CHF, COPD, central sleep apnea syndromes, or hypoventilation syndromes); (6) certain APAP devices may be used in an unattended way to determine a fixed CPAP treatment pressure for patients with moderate to severe OSA without significant comorbidities (CHF, COPD, central sleep apnea syndromes, or hypoventilation syndromes); (7) patients being treated with fixed CPAP on the basis of APAP titration or being treated with APAP must have close clinical follow-up to determine treatment effectiveness and safety; and (8) a reevaluation and, if necessary, a standard attended CPAP titration should be performed if symptoms do not resolve or the APAP treatment otherwise appears to lack efficacy. Citation: Morgenthaler TI; Aurora RN; Brown T; Zak R; Alessi C; Boehlecke B; Chesson AL; Friedman L; Kapur V; Maganti R; Owens J; Pancer J; Swick TJ; Standards of Practice Committee of the AASM. Practice parameters for the use of autotitrating continuous positive airway pressure devices for titrating pressures and treating adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: An update for 2007. SLEEP 2008;31(1):141-147. PMID:18220088

  4. Practice Parameters for the Respiratory Indications for Polysomnography in Children

    PubMed Central

    Aurora, R. Nisha; Zak, Rochelle S.; Karippot, Anoop; Lamm, Carin I.; Morgenthaler, Timothy I.; Auerbach, Sanford H.; Bista, Sabin R.; Casey, Kenneth R.; Chowdhuri, Susmita; Kristo, David A.; Ramar, Kannan

    2011-01-01

    Background: There has been marked expansion in the literature and practice of pediatric sleep medicine; however, no recent evidence-based practice parameters have been reported. These practice parameters are the first of 2 papers that assess indications for polysomnography in children. This paper addresses indications for polysomnography in children with suspected sleep related breathing disorders. These recommendations were reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed, and the American Academy of Neurology grading system was used to assess the quality of evidence. Recommendations for PSG Use: Polysomnography in children should be performed and interpreted in accordance with the recommendations of the AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events. (Standard) Polysomnography is indicated when the clinical assessment suggests the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children. (Standard) Children with mild OSAS preoperatively should have clinical evaluation following adenotonsillectomy to assess for residual symptoms. If there are residual symptoms of OSAS, polysomnography should be performed. (Standard) Polysomnography is indicated following adenotonsillectomy to assess for residual OSAS in children with preoperative evidence for moderate to severe OSAS, obesity, craniofacial anomalies that obstruct the upper airway, and neurologic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and myelomeningocele). (Standard) Polysomnography is indicated for positive airway pressure (PAP) titration in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. (Standard) Polysomnography is indicated when the clinical assessment suggests the diagnosis of congenital central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome or sleep related hypoventilation due to neuromuscular disorders or chest wall deformities. It is indicated in selected cases of primary sleep

  5. Best Clinical Practices for the Sleep Center Adjustment of Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NPPV) in Stable Chronic Alveolar Hypoventilation Syndromes

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    and adjusted empirically in the outpatient setting based on clinical judgment, a PSG should be utilized if possible to confirm that the final NPPV settings are effective or to make adjustments as necessary.NPPV treatment goals should be individualized but typically include prevention of worsening of hypoventilation during sleep, improvement in sleep quality, relief of nocturnal dyspnea, and providing respiratory muscle rest.When OSA coexists with CAH, pressure settings for treatment of OSA may be determined during attended NPPV titration PSG following AASM Clinical Guidelines for the Manual Titration of Positive Airway Pressure in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.Attended NPPV titration with PSG is the recommended method to identify optimal treatment pressure settings for patients with the obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), CAH due to restrictive chest wall disease (RTCD), and acquired or central CAH syndromes in whom NPPV treatment is indicated.Attended NPPV titration with PSG allows definitive identification of an adequate level of ventilatory support for patients with neuromuscular disease (NMD) in whom NPPV treatment is planned. Recommendations for NPPV Titration Equipment:The NPPV device used for titration should have the capability of operating in the spontaneous, spontaneous timed, and timed mode.The airflow, tidal volume, leak, and delivered pressure signals from the NPPV device should be monitored and recorded if possible. The airflow signal should be used to detect apnea and hypopnea, while the tidal volume signal and respiratory rate are used to assess ventilation.Transcutaneous or end-tidal PCO2 may be used to adjust NPPV settings if adequately calibrated and ideally validated with arterial blood gas testing.An adequate assortment of masks (nasal, oral, and oronasal) in both adult and pediatric sizes (if children are being titrated), a source of supplemental oxygen, and heated humidification should be available. Recommendations for Limits of IPAP

  6. NEWS: Institute news

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    2000-07-01

    Ireland. Its pages are brimming with useful information to help sixth-formers and college students who wish to study physics make the very important decision regarding their particular choice of course and university. Under the heading `Summary tables of physics courses' every university listed in the publication has a table which includes all the courses on offer, their entrance requirements, duration and the awards given. Another section of the book entitled `Departmental information' includes data on the teaching and assessment styles of the Physics Department, special facilities plus a contact name and address. These sections, together with an expanded set of case studies of recent students and various other interesting articles, make this publication a must for anyone who is considering studying physics at university. Copies of Physics on Course 2001 will be available from Leila Solomon, Education Department, Institute of Physics, 76 Portland Place, London, W1N 3DH. The Particle Physics Wallchart (PCET) This full-colour chart, with a set of Teachers Notes, was published recently. It has been developed by PCET with Professor Peter Kalmus acting as expert consultant. The cost of the chart and notes is £7.75 plus VAT and copies can be purchased from PCET, 27 Kirchen Road, London W13 0UD (fax: 020 8566 5120). Inspire II The second part of Inspire was published in the Spring. It is a highly visual, full-colour leaflet which can be used as a stand-alone item but which was designed to `nest' inside the first four-page spread which was distributed in February. The occupational areas for physicists covered in the second leaflet include the media/leisure, finance and engineering (at technician level) industries. The third of the intended four sheets will be published later this year. (Copies of Inspire II have been included in the Affiliated schools/colleges package; other schools/colleges will be sent copies on request.) Nanotechnology - a technical brief The Industrial

  7. PREFACE: Nanosafe2010: International Conference on Safe Production and Use of Nanomaterials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sentein, Carole; Schuster, Frédéric; Tardif, François

    2011-07-01

    ESevertsov Inst. of Ecology and Evolution, RU KÜCK AUniv. Bremen, DE KUO Y-MChung Hwa University, TW KVITEK LPalacky Univ., CZ LABILLE JCEREGE, FR LAMMINEN EDekati, FI LARUE CCEA, FR LE BIHAN OINERIS, FR LE DUR DEcomesure, FR LECERF PCILAS, FR LEGRAND MCordouan, FR LELONG CUJF CEA, FR LIMOUSIN SINERIS, FR LINDELOEV JGEA Process Engineering, DK LIU P PChina Jiliang University, CN LIU WCEREGE, FR MACHEREY A-CCNRS, FR MAGGA YCEA, FR MAHLENDORF FUniversity Duisburg-Essen, DE MANIER NINERIS, FR MANZO LUniv. Pavia, IT MARCHETTO ACEA, FR MARCONE GUNICAMP, BR MARI DEPFL, CH MARIE-DESVERGNE CCEA, FR MARIE-LOUISE APSA Peugeot-Citroen, FR MARMUSE LNano-H S.A.S., FR MARRA JPhilips Research Aerasense, NL MASION ACEREGE, FR MATEI EPolitehnica University Bucharest, RO MATSUI YKyoto Univ., JP MATZKE MUniv. Gothenburg, SE MAYNE-L'HERMITE MCEA, FR MELINTE G ABabes-Bolyai University, RO MERINO CGrupo Antolin Ingenieria, ES MICHAUD-SORET ICEA, FR MICHELETTI CJRC, IT MONTIGEL EBasler Versicherungen, CH MONTOYA ERAMEM, ES MOSSUZ VCEA, FR MOTELLIER SCEA, FR MOTZKUS CLNE, FR MUIR BNaneum, GB NAKAMURA KJAPAN NUS CO., JP NEUBAUER NKarlsruhe Institute of Technologie, DE NEUMEISTER LBG ETEM, DE NGUYEN TNIST, US NIORT NINTERTEK, FR NOIRTIN AINTERTEK, FR NOWACK BEmpa, CH NYEMBE DUniv. Johannesburg, ZA Ó CLAONADH NDublin Institute of Technology, IE OBERDÖRSTER GUniv. Rochester, US OGURA IAIST, JP OSTIGUY CIRSST, CA OTSUKA KJFE Techno-Research Corp., JP OUF F-XIRSN, FR OUSACI SALMA, FR PAGET VCEA, FR PAILLEUX MEcole des Mines de Saint Etienne, FR PANDARD PINERIS, FR PANZER OEuropean Research Services, DE PARISELLI FCNRS, FR PERLET JNANO Magazine, GB PETERS RRIKILT, NL PETIT A-NCEA, FR PETKOVIC JNational Institute of Biology, SI PIMENOFF JBeneq, FI PINAULT MCEA, FR PIRET J-PUniv. Namur, BE PONTONE RTekna Plasma Systems, FR POURCHEZ JEcole des Mines de Saint Etienne, FR PRAETORIUS AETH Zurich, CH PRAT OCEA, FR PREVENSLIK TQED Radiations, CN PREVOST CIRSN, FR PROY HUART DFrance Nature Environnement, FR PUI