A sizeable literature has implicated sleep in the phenomenological experience of various mood disorders, vulnerability to psychopathology, and overall poor psychological functioning. By contrast, positive affective states (e.g., joy, happiness, vigor, positive mood) that may contribute to sleep have been understudied. This systematic review integrates findings from cross-sectional, longitudinal, ambulatory, and experimental studies that investigate the association between positive affect and sleep. A comprehensive search for all available research on the topic was performed in three electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL). Two independent reviewers extracted data on study characteristics and quality. From 10,853 retrieved articles, 44 fulfilled inclusion criteria and formed the base of the review. The majority of studies (68.2%, n = 30) were classified as weak or having high risk of bias. In general, the pattern of findings suggests that aggregate or trait measures provide the most consistent evidence of an association between positive affect and sleep in healthy populations. More limited empirical data exist on the association between positive affect and sleep in clinical populations. We conclude that more rigorous and theoretically informed research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn about the possible beneficial impact of positive affect on sleep outcomes.

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Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the carcinogenesis and progression of breast cancer. MiRNA-205 has tumor suppressive properties, whereas miRNA-18a has both oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles. MiRNA-744’s role in breast cancer is unknown, but is tumor-suppressive in vitro. We hypothesize that high expression of all three miRNAs is associated with a better survival based on their known functions in breast cancer. Methods All data was obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Expression of miRNA-18a, miRNA-205, and miRNA-744 were retrieved from the Genomic Data Commons (GDC) data portal for analyses. After miRNA-specific thresholds were derived and used to group the patients into a high or low expression group, survival data was calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model. Further subanalyses separating the patients based on receptor status and AJCC 7th edition TNM staging were similarly compared. Results 1052/1097 samples logged in TCGA had clinical data and miRNA-sequence datasets on the miRNAs of interest. High expression of miRNA-18a (p=0.079), miRNA-205 (p=0.034) and miRNA-744 (p=0.0135) was associated with a better survival. On subanalysis, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) positive, and lymph node negative disease had a statistically significant survival advantage with miRNA-18a, miRNA-205 and miRNA-744 high expression. Conclusions By utilizing a big dataset (TCGA) with sufficient statistical power, we found that high expression of miRNA-18a, miRNA-205, and miRNA-744 in the breast tumor samples were all associated with better overall survival in ER/PR positive, lymph node negative disease supporting their role as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer.

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Background: Gait difficulties, tremors, and coordination difficulties are common features of Cockayne syndrome that are consequences of leukodystrophy, cerebellar atrophy, and demyelinating neuropathy, but no pharmacotherapy for these disabling symptoms is available. Objective: To determine whether carbidopa-levodopa relieves tremors and other motor complications of Cockayne syndrome. Design: Mutation analysis and case report study. Setting: Hospital clinic and genetics research laboratory. Patients: We studied 3 patients with Cockayne syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder for which no known treatments are available. Intervention: Carbidopa-levodopa therapy. Main Outcome Measures: Status of tremors, ability to perform daily tasks, serial physical examinations, and results of handwriting samples. Results: All 3 patients had a clear reduction in tremors and improvements in handwriting and manipulation of utensils and cups. Conclusions: Patients with Cockayne syndrome should be evaluated carefully for movement disorders. A clinical trial should be considered to evaluate this therapy further.