GABB: A global dataset of alpine breeding birds and their ecological traits.

Alpine ecosystems represent varied climates and vegetation structures globally, with the potential to support rich and functionally diverse avian communities. High mountain habitats and species are under significant threat from climate change and other anthropogenic factors. Yet, no global database of alpine birds exists, with most mountain systems lacking basic information on species breeding in alpine habitats, their status and trends, or potential cryptic diversity (i.e., sub-species distributions). To address these critical knowledge gaps, we combined published literature, regional monitoring schemes, and expert knowledge from often inaccessible, data-deficient mountain ranges to develop a global list of alpine breeding bird species with their associated distributions and select ecological traits. This dataset compiles alpine breeding records for 1,310 birds, representing 12.0% of extant species and covering all major mountain regions across each continent, excluding Antarctica. The Global Alpine Breeding Bird dataset (GABB) is an essential resource for research on the ecological and evolutionary factors shaping alpine communities, as well as documenting the value of these high elevation, climate-sensitive habitats for conserving biodiversity.

Evaluation of the Heart Rhythm Coherence Ratio During Sleep: A Pilot Study With Polysomnography.

The psychophysiological coherence model proposes that a heart rhythm pattern, known as heart rhythm coherence (HRC), is associated with dominant parasympathetic activity and the entrainment of respiratory function, blood pressure, and heart rhythms. Although the HRC pattern has primarily been assessed during wakefulness, changes in cardiac and autonomic activity that occur during sleep stages can also be associated with the HRC pattern. The objective of this study was to examine whether any differences in the HRC pattern could be detected among various sleep stages. Eighteen healthy young individuals participated in this study. Two consecutive polysomnographic (PSG) recordings were obtained from each participant, several segments of cardiac activity were obtained from the second PSG. The HRC pattern was quantitatively evaluated by calculating the HRC ratio (HRCR). The highest peaks in the coherence band (Coher-Peak), 0.1-Hz index, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and heart rate (HR) were evaluated. A Friedman test showed significant differences among sleep stages in the Coher-Peak, 0.1-Hz index, RSA, and HR; the Coher-Peak and RSA values were lower in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, while the 0.1-Hz and HR values were higher in REM sleep. Post hoc analyses identified significant differences between the N2 and REM sleep stages. Among the various sleep stages, HR and RSA measurements behaved independently of the HRC pattern, and the HRC pattern did not appear to be associated with the 0.1 Hz frequency. Further studies are required to identify the characteristics of the HRC pattern during sleep.

Effect of gabapentin on sleep patterns disturbed by epilepsy.

For a long time, numerous sleep alterations induced by nocturnal epilepsy have been described. Such alterations include sleep fragmentation, decrement of sleep efficiency, increment of the wake time after sleep onset (WASO), increment of light sleep, and decrement of sleep depth. On the other hand, gabapentin (GBP), an antiepileptic drug analog of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) used as adjunctive and eventually, as a monotherapeutic treatment, induces a significant improvement in patients with both focal and secondarily generalized partial seizures. In experimental epilepsy models, this drug protects against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced convulsions. In consideration of such GBP properties, the aim of this work was to investigate its efficacy to protect against sleep disturbances provoked by convulsive seizures induced by the administration of PTZ. Nine-hour (9-hour) polygraphic studies were carried out in chronically implanted male adult Wistar rats separated into 4 different groups of 6 individuals. Control recordings in each group were done after saline administration. One group received a SC Subcutaneous (SC) injection of 50 mg/kg of PTZ alone while the other three groups were injected with either 15, 30, or 60 mg/kg IP Intraperitoneal (IP) of GBP 30 min prior to PTZ (50 mg/kg SC) administration. Animals displayed the whole range of electrophysiological and behavioral manifestations of the disease during the epileptic episodes induced by PTZ administration, and the states of vigilance were significantly altered. Insomnia occurred immediately after PTZ injection preceding the appearance of the first epileptic symptoms. Thus, both slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement sleep (REM sleep) were completely inhibited during a relatively long period of time. The disturbing effects of epilepsy on sleep decreased when animals were under GBP treatment. Improvement of sleep was dependent on the administered dose of this antiepileptic drug.