scholarly journals Sleep Paralysis and Hallucinosis

1998 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory Stores
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Affective Disorder ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
Sleep Paralysis ◽  
Diagnostic Uncertainty ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Psychotic State ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
The Many ◽  
Isolated Sleep Paralysis

Background:Sleep paralysis is one of the many conditions of which visual hallucinations can be a part but has received relatively little attention. It can be associated with other dramatic symptoms of a psychotic nature likely to cause diagnostic uncertainty.Methods and results:These points are illustrated by the case of a young man with a severe bipolar affective disorder who independently developed terrifying visual, auditory and somatic hallucinatory episodes at sleep onset, associated with a sense of evil influence and presence. The episodes were not obviously related to his psychiatric disorder. Past diagnoses included nightmares and night terrors. Review provided no convincing evidence of various other sleep disorders nor physical conditions in which hallucinatory experiences can occur. A diagnosis of predormital isolated sleep paralysis was made and appropriate treatment recommended.Conclusions:Sleep paralysis, common in the general population, can be associated with dramatic auxiliary symptoms suggestive of a psychotic state. Less common forms are either part of the narcolepsy syndrome or (rarely) they are familial in type. Interestingly, sleep paralysis (especially breathing difficulty) features prominently in the folklore of various countries.

scholarly journals 1227 A CASE OF A FEARFUL SLUMBER

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A468-A469
Author(s):  
Aristotle Asis ◽  
Annise Georgette Wilson ◽  
Philip Mani Alapat
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Latency ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Apnea Hypopnea Index ◽  
Sleep Paralysis ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Respiratory Disturbance ◽  
Fear And Anxiety ◽  
Daytime Function ◽  
Isolated Sleep Paralysis

Abstract Introduction Isolated sleep paralysis (ISP) occurs when rapid eye movement (REM)-based atonia intrudes into wakefulness, outside the context of narcolepsy, substance abuse, mental disorder or other medical conditions. No “gold standard” assessment and diagnostic instrument currently exists. Report of Case A 63-year old female with hypersomnia and positive airway pressure (PAP)-controlled obstructive sleep apnea was referred for recurrent episodes of paralysis during sleep-wake transitions, lasting 15-20 seconds, occurring every 2-3 years since the age of 15, and associated with fear and anxiety. Episodes were more frequent in the last 2 years after significant sleep deprivation and starting a weight loss supplement, BIO-X4, which contains green tea and probiotics. No cataplexy, or history of traumatic brain injury and stroke were identified. Epworth Sleepiness Scale score was 14 on armodafinil. Reported sleep amounts were regularly scheduled 6-7-hour periods, with no suggestion of circadian dysfunction. In 2016, polysomnogram showed Apnea-Hypopnea index of 2.6/hour, Respiratory Disturbance Index of 13.8/hour with oxygen nadir of 92% in the setting of hypersomnia. Continuous PAP of 11 cmH20 was initiated after a successful titration with controlled residual AHI during follow-ups. Multiple Sleep Latency Test during the same time revealed mean sleep latency of 5.5 minutes and no sleep-onset REM with 5 naps. Brain imaging and electroencephalogram were both normal as well as drug panel, blood counts, metabolic profile and thyroid function. Decreased episodes and severity of recurrent ISP were reported after discontinuation of the supplement. Apart from anxiety related to the episodes, the patient denied any interference with daytime function. Conclusion Isolated sleep paralysis is an important sleep disorder that requires proper evaluation to rule out competing diagnoses and consideration of therapeutic interventions. Likely associated with a lack of understanding and available literature, the prevalence in the general population is likely higher than what is currently perceived.

scholarly journals From Abbott Thayer to the present day: what have we learned about the function of countershading?

2008 ◽  
Vol 364 (1516) ◽  
pp. 519-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah M Rowland
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Work ◽  
Quantitative Measure ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
Colour Pattern ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Empirical Testing ◽  
Background Matching ◽  
Visual Characteristics ◽  
Subjective Evidence ◽  
The Many

Of the many visual characteristics of animals, countershading (darker pigmentation on those surfaces exposed to the most lighting) is one of the most common, and paradoxically one of the least well understood. Countershading has been hypothesized to reduce the detectability of prey to visually hunting predators, and while the function of a countershaded colour pattern was proposed over 100 years ago, the field has progressed slowly; convincing evidence for the protective effects of countershading has only recently emerged. Several mechanisms have been invoked for the concealing function of countershading and are discussed in this review, but the actual mechanisms by which countershading functions to reduce attacks by predators lack firm empirical testing. While there is some subjective evidence that countershaded animals match the background on which they rest, no quantitative measure of background matching has been published for countershaded animals; I now present the first such results. Most studies also fail to consider plausible alternative explanations for the colour pattern, such as protection from UV or abrasion, and thermoregulation. This paper examines the evidence to support each of these possible explanations for countershading and discusses the need for future empirical work.

Of Love and Laetrile: Medical Decision Making in a Child's Best Interests

1979 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-294
Author(s):  
Eve T. Horwitz
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Burden Of Proof ◽  
State Intervention ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
State Agency ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
Medical Decision ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Life Threatening

AbstractTwo recent cases have raised important questions concerning the appropriateness of state intervention in parental choices of unorthodox medical treatment for children with life-threatening conditions. This Note first discusses whether, and if so, when, state intervention in a child's treatment selection by its parents is appropriate, and then analyzes the tests a court should apply in deciding upon an appropriate treatment. The Note recommends a decision-making approach that requires the appropriate state agency to prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that the parents' choice of medical treatment either is directly or is indirectly harming their child. Under this approach, if the state meets its burden of proof the court then must apply the ‘best interests’ test, rather than the ‘substituted judgment’ test, to choose an appropriate medical treatment for the child.

scholarly journals Recurrent isolated sleep paralysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-56
Author(s):  
Jitka Bušková ◽  
Monika Kliková
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Paralysis ◽  
Isolated Sleep Paralysis

Advances in SEM of Polymers

1984 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 457-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. White ◽  
E. L. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Radiation Damage ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
Conductive Coating ◽  
The Many ◽  
Scanning Electron

Abstract We hope that this review contains convincing evidence of the value of scanning electron microscopy in polymer studies. Much information has been provided by this technique which could not be obtained by any other means. We hope, too, that we have indicated the kinds of problems that are confronted when dealing with this class of materials. Charging can be a problem, but this can normally be countered by applying a conductive coating. More serious is radiation damage, which may cause image deterioration and artifact production. Sometimes this will obscure the features about which information is sought and could lead to false interpretation. Proper controls should be applied and observations made at several magnifications and several beam potentials and currents to establish the best conditions. Although we have emphasized the difficulties that may be encountered when studying polymers in the SEM, many polymers provide very easy subjects, especially if high resolution (∼ 10 nm) is not sought, and standard SEM procedures are very straightforward. We hope that the value of the technique indicated by the many successful applications to which we have referred will act as sufficient incentive to outweigh any deterrent message that might be derived from our more cautionary passages relating to the difficulties.

Ethnic and cultural aspects of palliative care

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
LaVera Crawley ◽  
Jonathan Koffman
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
World Health ◽  
Life Care ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Health Organization

This chapter attempts to identify ‘differences that make a difference’ when individuals and groups negotiate institutions and practices for palliative and end-of-life care. Two influences on the practice of palliative care-immigration and health disparities-are examined. The World Health Organization definition of palliative care specifies two goals: improving quality of life of patients and families and preventing and relieving suffering. It identifies three ‘colour blind’ strategies for meeting those goals: early identification, impeccable assessment, and (appropriate) treatment. Lastly, the definition addresses four domains of care: (1) problems related to pain, (2) physical conditions, (3) the psychosocial, (4) and the spiritual. This chapter specifically addresses these goals, strategies, and domains in relation to delivering quality palliative care in cross- or multicultural settings.

scholarly journals Type II Supernova Photospheres and the Distance to Supernova 1987A

1988 ◽  
Vol 108 ◽  
pp. 295-304
Author(s):  
Manorama Chilukuri ◽  
Robert V. Wagoner
Keyword(s):  
Time Scales ◽  
Direct Determination ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Supernova 1987A ◽  
Spectral Flux ◽  
Spectrophotometric Data ◽  
Parallel Geometry ◽  
The Many

Among the many historic opportunities provided by the recent supernova in the LMC is that to improve our understanding of the physical conditions in the neighborhood of supernova photospheres, even though 1987A was initially characterized by radial and time scales smaller (by a factor 5–10) than “standard” more luminous SNII. Two consequences of this understanding, which we shall focus on in this contribution, are (a) an estimate of the (frequency-dependent) location and thickness of the photosphere and (b) the only direct determination of the distance of the supernova (via the generalized Baade method). We find that the photosphere is sharp enough to allow the use of plane-parallel geometry in the calculation of the emergent continuum spectral flux, if we confine our attention to those epochs (temperature T ~ 5000−6000 K) at which hydrogen is recombining at the photosphere. We also find that the distance to this supernova is 43 ± 4 kpc. The reliability of this determination should improve when accurate spectrophotometric data for dates other than March 1 become available to us.

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