Pathogenic variants in GRIN2D, encoding one of the subunits of the NMDA receptor (NMDAR), are associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs). Unusual for de novo mutations, the recurrent, de-novo, gain of function, missense mutation c.1999G>A (p.Val667Ile) was discovered in multiple patients. We characterized a mouse model carrying the orthologous Grin2d mutation, using...
Preoperative anxiety affects approximately 80% of adult patients; thus, identifying patients with excessive anxiety and implementing appropriate interventions can significantly reduce the risk of deterioration during the perioperative period. This narrative review presents current knowledge about pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods for reducing preoperative anxiety. Commonly used...
Bariatric surgeries are increasingly used to manage obesity, presenting significant perioperative challenges, especially with opioid use. Opioid-Free Anesthesia (OFA) is a multimodal technique to address these issues. This study aims to compare the effects of OFA and traditional Opioid-Based Anesthesia (OBA) on postoperative morphine consumption, hemodynamics, pain, postoperative nausea and...
Serotonin (5-HT) receptors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) have both been implicated in stress-induced psychiatric disorders. However, there is a paucity of studies evaluating the effectiveness of novel combinatorial pharmacological treatments to treat stress-related disorders. Here, we evaluated whether administration of combinatorial (R,S)-ketamine, an NMDAR antagonist and Food...
Background: "Chemsex" involves the intake of a range of drugs (e.g., synthetic cathinones, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid/gamma-butyrolactone (GHB/GBL), ketamine, methamphetamine, "poppers", type V phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, MDMA/ecstasy, cocaine, cannabis, and occasionally a few other molecules as well, to enhance and prolong sexual experiences. This paper aims to provide an overview of...
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) can be performed under sedation, but body movements may lower the efficacy of the procedure and may increase the risk of complications, such as cardiac tamponade. Additional sedatives and analgesics may be required to prevent body movements; this would increase the risk of upper airway obstruction and of respiratory depression. We report a frail...
Current BiologyApril 21, 2025Jovin R Jacobs, Adam D Douglass
A hallmark of depression is a tendency to become passive when faced with overwhelming challenges. A recent study models this phenomenon in zebrafish and discovers a novel mechanism by which the antidepressant drug ketamine promotes long-term improvements in behavioral persistence.
Current Opinion in AnaesthesiologyApril 11, 2025María T Fernández Martin, Servando Lopez Alvarez, Cesar Aldecoa Alvarez-Santullano4 citations
To update published data about adjuvants and examine their evolution in use over the last 2 years. This scoping review highlights current and updated published evidence on using adjuvants and future research directions.Regional techniques (including peripheral nerve blocks) have become relevant for pain relief and postoperative quality recovery. Examples of adjuvant drugs for regional...
Psilocybin has various therapeutic effects in mental and psychological disorders, including depression and mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, substance addiction and anxiety. Pharmacodynamic properties of psilocybin depend on doses used and time after administration. The psilocybin dose range varies depending on whether it is used therapeutically or for recreational purposes in...
European PsychiatryApril 1, 2025C. Pinheiro Ramos, A. F. Reis, C. Batista et al.
IntroductionNitrous oxide (N2O) was first discovered in 1772 by Joseph Priestley. Since its anesthetic properties were realized in 1844, it has been used in the medical and dental fields. Nitrous oxide is also known as “laughing gas” or “nos”.Recent literature suggests that studying N2O is important, not only for understanding the pathophysiology of bipolar depression but also for exploring its...