Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
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Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. · May 2015
ReviewKetamine as a promising prototype for a new generation of rapid-acting antidepressants.
The discovery of ketamine's rapid and robust antidepressant effects opened a window into a new generation of antidepressants. Multiple controlled trials and open-label studies have demonstrated these effects across a variety of patient populations known to often achieve little to no response from traditional antidepressants. ⋯ This review summarizes the clinical effects of ketamine and its neurobiological underpinnings and mechanisms of action, which may provide insight into the neurobiology of depression, relevant biomarkers, and treatment targets. Moreover, we offer suggestions for future research that may continue to advance the field forward and ultimately improve the psychopharmacologic interventions available for those individuals struggling with depressive and trauma-related disorders.
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Most people derive pleasure from music. Neuroimaging studies show that the reward system of the human brain is central to this experience. Specifically, the dorsal and ventral striatum release dopamine when listening to pleasurable music, and activity in these structures also codes the reward value of musical excerpts. ⋯ Applying this questionnaire to a large sample uncovered approximately 5% of the population with low sensitivity to musical reward in the absence of generalized anhedonia or depression. Further study of this group revealed that there are individuals who respond normally both behaviorally and psychophysiologically to rewards other than music (e.g., monetary value) but do not experience pleasure from music despite normal music perception ability and preserved ability to identify intended emotions in musical passages. This specific music anhedonia bears further study, as it may shed light on the function and dysfunction of the reward system.
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Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. · Mar 2015
ReviewAre E-cigarettes a safe and good alternative to cigarette smoking?
Electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes) are devices that can vaporize a nicotine solution combined with liquid flavors instead of burning tobacco leaves. Since their emergence in 2004, E-cigarettes have become widely available, and their use has increased exponentially worldwide. E-cigarettes are aggressively advertised as a smoking cessation aid; as healthier, cheaper, and more socially acceptable than conventional cigarettes. ⋯ This review explores the development of the current E-cigarette and its market, prevalence of awareness, and use. The review also explores the beneficial and adverse effects of E-cigarettes in various aspects in accordance with recent research. The discussed aspects include smoking cessation or reduction and the health risks, social impact, and environmental consequences of E-cigarettes.
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Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. · Nov 2014
ReviewDeath and consciousness--an overview of the mental and cognitive experience of death.
Advances in resuscitation science have indicated that, contrary to perception, death by cardiorespiratory criteria can no longer be considered a specific moment but rather a potentially reversible process that occurs after any severe illness or accident causes the heart, lungs, and brain to stop functioning. The resultant loss of vital signs of life (and life processes) is used to declare a specific time of death by physicians globally. When medical attempts are made to reverse this process, it is commonly referred to as cardiac arrest; however, when these attempts do not succeed or when attempts are not made, it is called death by cardiorespiratory criteria. ⋯ Recollections reported by millions of people in relation to death, so-called out-of-body experiences (OBEs) or near-death experiences (NDEs), are often-discussed phenomena that are frequently considered hallucinatory or illusory in nature; however, objective studies on these experiences are limited. To date, many consistent themes corresponding to the likely experience of death have emerged, and studies have indicated that the scientifically imprecise terms of NDE and OBE may not be sufficient to describe the actual experience of death. While much remains to be discovered, the recalled experience surrounding death merits a genuine scientific investigation without prejudice.
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Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. · Nov 2014
ReviewDevelopment of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for reducing sudden cardiac death.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) detect ventricular arrhythmias responsible for causing sudden cardiac arrest and then deliver a high-voltage defibrillation shock to terminate the arrhythmia and restore normal cardiac function. Conventional transveneous ICD (TV-ICD) systems require one or more leads to be implanted into the heart through the venous anatomy. While TV-ICDs are well tolerated by most patients, the invasive approach can be associated with severe complications, including systemic infection, cardiac injuries, and lead failures. ⋯ Advances in defibrillation research and far-field sensing combined to enable development of the commercial S-ICD system. An investigation device exemption (IDE) clinical investigation followed, with FDA approval in September 2012. Evaluation of the long-term performance of the S-ICD system continues, with two independent postmarket registries and a prospective randomized head-to-head trial versus the transvenous ICD.