Increase In Parasympathetic Activity Research Articles

Evaluation of Phthalamide derivatives as ACE/AChE/BuChE inhibitors against cardiac hypertrophy produced by Hypertension

Cardiac hypertrophy is a major adaptative response to the increase in the overload produced by hypertension, it is a risk factor for myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure. Among the several factors involved in hypertension and in the progression to cardiac hypertrophy, the hyperactivity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the dysfunction of the neurovisceral/autonomic nervous system are the main mechanisms involved. Evidence demonstrate that the inhibition of RAS and the increase in parasympathetic activity ameliorate cardiac function and reduce significantly cardiac hypertrophy. Thus, this study aimedto evaluate molecules as three-target inhibitors (ACE/AChE/BuChE) with the possible dual effect on blood pressure and cardiac remodeling. Three phtalamide derivatives (M-01, M-02, and M-03) were evaluated in silico, in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results All three phthalamide derivatives showed in silico and in vitro good competitive inhibition on the three target enzymes. M-01 (10 mg/kg) significantly reversed cardiomyocite hypertrophy (by 87.3%, p<0.001) in the heart of 20 week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats, being at least 18-fold more potent than the reference drug (captopril), which provided only 32.7% reversion. Conclusion Three-target inhibitory activity was herein demonstrated for M-01, M-02, and M-03 in vitro and in silico, each with a similar effect. The compound tested in vivo (M-01) exhibited great potency in reducing blood pressure and reverting cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, making it a promising candidate for further research.

A235 EFFECTS OF SACRAL PHOTOBIOMODULATION ON THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM IN PATIENTS WITH COLONIC DYSMOTILITY

BackgroundPatients with chronic refractory constipation show colon dysmotility, including impaired coordination of descending colon-sigmoid colon-rectum-anal sphincter motor functions; this may involve slow colonic transit and colo-anal dyssynergia. Impaired neuronal communication between the sacral defecation center and the distal colon may be causative. In addition, patients with lumbosacral neurological conditions (with lower back pain) may not be able to evoke an effective defecation reflex.AimsTo evaluate if a single therapeutic session of sacral low-level laser therapy (LLLT) would affect the autonomic activity in patients with chronic constipation as revealed by changes in heart rate variability, and to report a multi-session treatment case study.MethodsIn 41 patients with chronic constipation, one session of LLLT was executed, using red LED light at a wavelength of 660 nm for 10 minutes and infrared LED light at wavelength of 840 nm for 10 minutes followed by infrared laser light with wavelength of 825 nm for 20 minutes, while measuring the electrocardiogram. One patient received this treatment 8x over 3 weeks.ResultsThe lumbar-sacral light array treatment showed a significant decrease in parasympathetic activity (RSA & RMSSD) whereas pure sacral laser light treatment showed a significant increase in parasympathetic activity (RSA & RMSSD) as well as a reduction in sympathetic activity (Baevsky’s stress index: SI) (table). A single session of LLLT was also executed during HRCM in 8 patients with some but not all showing evoked colonic motility. Before COVID-19 shutdown, one patient was successfully treated. With a history of chronic constipation without ability to have spontaneous bowel movements for 5 years, symptoms improved from 13 to 8 (on a 20 scale) and quality of life improved from 1.5 to 2.5 (on a 0–4 scale) after 8 sessions. Sympathetic reactivity from supine to standing markedly reduced, from highly elevated measured as the Baevsky index from 55 to 153 s-2 it improved from 42 to 75 s-2 upon standing after 4 sessions. Parasympathetic reactivity did not change.ConclusionsA single session of sacral LLLT markedly affected autonomic nervous activity reflected in changes in HRV. The LLLT is likely affecting the sacral defecation center through peripheral nerves entering and exiting the spinal cord including the dorsal root ganglia. LLLT treatment of a patient with inability to generate spontaneous bowel movements, resulted in ability to have complete evacuations associated with marked reduction in sympathetic reactivity during the supine-standing test, after 4 LLLT sessions. Funding AgenciesCIHRFarncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute

The effects of six-week slow, controlled breathing exercises on heart rate variability in physically active, healthy individuals

Background and Study Aim: Heart rate variability (HRV) provides information about sympathetic-parasympathetic balance. The effects of different types of physical exercises on HRV have been investigated so far. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the chronic effects of six-week slow and controlled breathing exercise on HRV in physically active, healthy adults.&#x0D; Material and Methods: A total of 22 individuals (11 female, 11 male) participated in the study voluntarily. The experimental group (EG) attended to the breathing exercises for 15 minutes per day, three days a week for six weeks. Neither the EG nor the control group (CG) did join in any regular physical activity program during the study. Both groups participated in the HRV measurements before and after the six-week of process.&#x0D; Results: Only the EG showed statistically significant changes in some HRV parameters. The alterations observed in LF:HF ratio, HFnu, and LFnu parameters were to reflect the increase in parasympathetic activity. Although the changes in the other parameters of HRV such as SDNN, SDSD, RMSSD, TP, HF, LF, and VLF were also related to increased vagal activity, these alterations were not significant. However, no significant change was found in the CG.&#x0D; Conclusions: These results show that only the slow, controlled breathing exercises for six weeks could be used to improve parasympathetic activity in physically active individuals. A study could be designed where the duration is kept over 8 weeks, and the effects of physical exercises only, breathing exercises only, and physical + breathing exercises together on HRV are examined.

The effects of six-week slow, controlled breathing exercises on heart rate variability in physically active, healthy individuals

Background and Study Aim: Heart rate variability (HRV) provides information about sympathetic-parasympathetic balance. The effects of different types of physical exercises on HRV have been investigated so far. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the chronic effects of six-week slow and controlled breathing exercise on HRV in physically active, healthy adults.&#x0D; Material and Methods: A total of 22 individuals (11 female, 11 male) participated in the study voluntarily. The experimental group (EG) attended to the breathing exercises for 15 minutes per day, three days a week for six weeks. Neither the EG nor the control group (CG) did join in any regular physical activity program during the study. Both groups participated in the HRV measurements before and after the six-week of process.&#x0D; Results: Only the EG showed statistically significant changes in some HRV parameters. The alterations observed in LF:HF ratio, HFnu, and LFnu parameters were to reflect the increase in parasympathetic activity. Although the changes in the other parameters of HRV such as SDNN, SDSD, RMSSD, TP, HF, LF, and VLF were also related to increased vagal activity, these alterations were not significant. However, no significant change was found in the CG.&#x0D; Conclusions: These results show that only the slow, controlled breathing exercises for six weeks could be used to improve parasympathetic activity in physically active individuals. A study could be designed where the duration is kept over 8 weeks, and the effects of physical exercises only, breathing exercises only, and physical + breathing exercises together on HRV are examined.

Phthalamide derivatives as ACE/AChE/BuChE inhibitors against cardiac hypertrophy: an in silico, in vitro, and in vivo modeling approach

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a major adaptative response to the increase in the overload produced by hypertension, is a risk factor for myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure. Among the several factors involved in hypertension and in the progression to cardiac hypertrophy, the hyperactivity of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and the dysfunction of the neurovisceral/autonomic nervous system are the main mechanisms involved. Evidence demonstrates that the inhibition of RAS and the increase in parasympathetic activity reduce significantly LVH ameliorating cardiac function. The development of multi-target compounds is a relevant strategy for treating hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. This study aimed to synthesize three phthalamide derivatives (M-01, M-02, and M-03) and evaluate them as three-target (ACE/AChE/BuChE) inhibitors with the possible dual effect of reducing hypertension and reverting cardiac hypertrophy. After in silico and in vitro experiments, one compound was tested in vivo on rats. All three phthalamides were synthesized in good yields, showing good competitive inhibition of the three-target enzymes in silico and in vitro. M-01 (10 mg/kg) significantly reversed cardiomyocite hypertrophy (by 87.3%; p < 0.001) in the heart of spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) model. It was at least 18-fold more potent than the reference drug (captopril), which provided only 32.7% reversion. Three-target inhibitory activity was herein demonstrated for M-01, M-02, and M-03 in vitro and in silico, each with a similar effect. The compound tested in vivo (M-01) exhibited great potency in reducing hypertension and reverting cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, making it a promising candidate for further research.

Modeling of Heart Rate Variability Using Time-Frequency Representations

The heart rate variability signal is highly correlated with the respiration even at high workload exercise. It is also known that this phenomenon still exists during increasing exercise. In the current study, we managed to model this correlation during increasing exercise using the time varying integral pulse frequency modulation (TVIPFM) model that relates the mechanical modulation (MM) to the respiration and the cardiac rhythm. This modulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is able to simultaneously decrease sympathetic and increase parasympathetic activity. The TVIPFM model takes into consideration the effect of the increasing exercise test, where the effect of a time-varying threshold on the heart period is studied. Our motivation is to analyze the heart rate variability (HRV) acquired by time varying integral pulse frequency modulation using time frequency representations. The estimated autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulating signal is filtered throughout the respiration using a time varying filtering, during exercise stress testing. And after summing power of the filtered signal, we compare the power of the filtered modulation of the ANS obtained with different time frequency representations: smoothed pseudo Wigner–Ville representation, spectrogram and their reassignments. After that, we used a student t-test to compare the power of heart rate variability in the frequency band of respiration and elsewhere.

Heart rate variability in Dorper sheep in the fetal and neonatal periods until 120 days of age: Use of the technique in the field.

The evaluation of the autonomic cardiac functions may be performed through the analysis of the heart rate variability. Heart rate variability is defined as the fluctuations in the heart rhythm or rate, and represents a useful tool in the evaluation of the autonomic nervous system through the sympathetic and parasympathetic components, as well as its balance and its reflexes on the cardiorespiratory control system. Fetal electrocardiography provides important information regarding the well-being of the fetus since, in human fetuses, there are changes in the behavior of the fetal heart rate during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to an increase in parasympathetic activity. Therefore, considering the importance of evaluating fetal viability, this study aims at evaluating the behavior of fetal heart rate and heart rate variability in Dorper sheep, as well as the activity of the autonomic nervous system during fetal life and in newborn lambs. The species is often used in experimental studies and autonomic nervous system activity is a prognostic index, therefore, the diagnosis of modifications in the sympathovagal balance may represent an early index for fetal viability and well-being in lambs. The analyses were performed in 10 Dorper sheep during pregnancy and in 10 lambs after birth until 120 days of age. There was a decrease in the fetal heart rate and heart rate variability indexes during the fifth month of pregnancy, but without statistical significance for the period evaluated. The heart rate of the lambs decreased gradually until they were 21 days old. The indexes SDNN (standard deviation of RR intervals) and RMSSD (square root of the mean of successive differences between adjacent RR intervals) diverged according to age, being high at day 60. Fetal viability is relevant in sheep fetuses to avoid losses during pregnancy and risks to the health of the mother. In the species, there seems to be a predominance of parasympathetic activity starting from the 21st day of age. Heart rate variability may be employed as a tool in the evaluation of the fetus and development of lambs, since changes in its behavior may represent an adverse effect to fetal and neonatal health.

Функціонально-екологічна експертиза Шаргородського району Вінницької області

Концепція функціонально-екологічної експертизи (ФЕЕ) регіонів екологічного (радіаційного) контролю принципово доповнює прийняті форми дозиметричного і тиреодозиметричного контролю за рахунок конкретизації стану здоров'я людей на контрольованих територіях. Метою нашої роботи стало за допомогою ФЕЕ провести верифікацію радіаційної залежності функціонального здоров'я (адаптаційного потенціалу) і дозиметричної паспортизації населених пунктів сіл Голинчинцi, Джурин та Рахни Лiсовi Шаргородського району Вінницької області, які належать до зони посиленого радіоекологічного контролю (IV зони). За допомогою функціонально-вегетативної діагностики (ФВД) за методом В. Г. Макаца обстежено 700 дітей різних статевовікових груп, з яких хлопці – 342, дівчата – 358, які постійно проживають в цих населених пунктах. У центрі уваги ФЕЕ є функціональне здоров'я (адаптаційний потенціал) дитячого населення, яке стає "біоіндикатором" індивідуального здоров'я і характеризує екологічну динаміку в регіоні компактного проживання. Екологічним критерієм ФЕЕ конкретного регіону проживання населення є системно залежне зіставлення пригнічення функціональної активності організму (парасимпатичної активності (ПА), вегетативної рівноваги (ВР) та симпатичної активності (СА). На цій основі формується інтегральна характеристика екологічного стану і визначаються рівні (зони) його екологічного тиску. Внаслідок проведення дослідження вперше з'ясовано, що основною характеристикою, яка відображає негативний вплив екологічних факторів, є зменшення кількості обстежених людей у зоні вегетативно-функціональної рівноваги і збільшення їх у зоні парасимпатичної активності. Наші спостереження довели, що функціонально-вегетативне здоров'я дітей екологічно залежне, а його показники є найчутливішими біоіндикаторами екологічного та радіаційного забруднення. Результати проведення ФЕЕ обстежених населених пунктів Шаргородського району збігаються і принципово доповнюють офіційну дозиметричну паспортизацію населених пунктів, що свідчить про її достовірність і ефективність. Моніторинг вегетативного здоров'я (адаптаційного потенціалу) дітей має стати основою сучасної функціональної диспансеризації дитячого населення і доповнювати державну дозиметричну і тиреодозиметричну паспортизацію населених пунктів.

Window view and relaxation: Viewing green space from a high-rise estate improves urban dwellers’ wellbeing

The current challenges of urbanization and densification threaten the health of urban dwellers. Previous studies have shown that contact with; or perception of green spaces has beneficial impacts on human psychological wellbeing. However, residents and employees who live or work in high-rise buildings have little opportunity to access green spaces during working hours. We do not know whether viewing green space through a high-rise estate window can potentially contribute to the psychological wellbeing of urban dwellers. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to two offices, a window looking out onto urban space, or a window looking out onto green space from a wide-angle of the 21st floor of the Jin-Mao Tower. During visual stimulation, sensors took physiological measures of their stress levels by measuring Electroencephalography, heart rate variability, and skin conductance, while their psychological reactions were collected using Profile of Mood States and Semantic Differential Questionnaire. Results showed that compared with the urban space view; viewing green space through a high-rise window resulted in a significant increase in alpha wave power in the frontal and occipital lobes, a significant increase in parasympathetic activity; and a significant decrease in the skin conductance. Moreover; a significant increase in “comfortable”, “beautiful”, “attractive”, “relaxed”, and “cheerful’’ feelings, and a significant improvement in mood states. Window views can significantly lead to better mental health and psychological wellbeing for urban dwellers. The observed results highlight the significance of considering the window views in urban high-rise neighborhood planning and design.

Changes in Heart Rate Variability and Baroreflex Sensitivity During Daytime Naps.

Background and ObjectivesChanges in autonomic cardiac activity during night sleep are well documented. However, there is limited information regarding changes in the autonomic cardiac profile during daytime naps. Heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) are reliable measures of autonomic cardiac activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in HRV and BRS during daytime naps in healthy men.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 25 healthy men. Polysomnographic recording with electrocardiogram monitoring was conducted for all volunteers during a 50–80 min nap between 3.30 pm and 5.30 pm. Five-minute segments during pre-nap wakefulness, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stages (N1, N2, and N3), rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage, and post-nap wakefulness were used to measure changes in the variation in HRV parameters, including inter-beat interval (RR-interval), total spectral power (TP), high-frequency power (HF), low-frequency power (LF), and low frequency/high-frequency ratio (LF/HF). BRS was also measured for 10 min during pre- and post-nap wakefulness using finger arterial pressure measurement (Finometer Pro ®).ResultsHRV increased significantly during NREM sleep compared with that during pre-nap wakefulness (p < 0.05), as reflected by RR-interval prolongation, higher HF, and increased HFnu (normalized units). Furthermore, there was a parallel reduction in TP, LF, and LF/HF ratio during NREM sleep, indicating parasympathetic predominance over cardiac autonomic activity. HF and HFnu were significantly reduced during REM sleep compared with that during NREM sleep (p < 0.05). BRS did not show significant differences between pre- and post-nap wakefulness.ConclusionWe observed a progressive increase in parasympathetic activity during daytime sleep as NREM sleep deepened compared with that during wakefulness and REM sleep. Daytime nap may have a favorable cardiovascular impact.

Sacral nerve stimulation ameliorates colonic barrier functions in a rodent model of colitis.

The mucosal barrier damage is recognized as one of the key factors in the pathogenesis of colitis. While sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) was reported to have therapeutic potential for colitis, its mechanisms of actions on colonic permeability remained largely unknown. In this study, colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of TNBS in rats. Five days later, they were treated with SNS or sham-SNS for 10days. The effects of SNS on colonic permeability were assessed by measuring the expression of tight-junction proteins involved in regulating permeability and the FITC-dextran test. The mechanism of actions of SNS was investigated by studying the function of the enteric nervous system (ENS) cells and analyzing the autonomic nervous system. SNS decreased the disease activity index, microscopic and macroscopic scores, myeloperoxidase activity, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6). SNS increased the expression of Zonula Occludens-1, Occludin, Claudin-1, and Junctional adhesion molecule-A in the colon tissue. The FITC-dextran test showed that the colonic permeability was lower with SCS than sham-SNS. SNS increased ChAT, pancreatic polypeptide, and GDNF and reduced norepinephrine NGF, sub-P, and mast cell overactivation in the colon tissue. Concurrently, SNS increased acetylcholine in colon tissues and elevated vagal efferent activity. SNS ameliorates colonic inflammation and enhances colonic barrier function with the proposed mechanisms involving the increase in parasympathetic activity and modulation of the activity of the ENS and immune system, including mast cells.

Causal analyses to study autonomic regulation during acute head-out water immersion, head-down tilt and supine position.

What is the central question of this study? Can Granger causality analysis of R-R intervals, systolic blood pressure and respiration provide evidence for the different physiological mechanisms induced during thermoneutral water immersion, 6deg head-down tilt and supine position tests that are not accessible using traditional heart rate variability and baroreflex methods? What is the main finding and its importance? The Granger analysis demonstrated a significant difference in the causal link from R-R intervals to respiration between water immersion and head-down tilt. The underlying physiological mechanism explaining this difference could be the variation in peripheral resistances. Thermoneutral head-out water immersion (WI) and 6deg head-down tilt (HDT) are used to simulate SCUBA diving, swimming and microgravity, because these models induce an increase in central blood volume. Standard methods to analyse autonomic regulation have demonstrated an increase in parasympathetic activity and baroreflex sensitivity during these experimental conditions. However, such methods are not adapted to quantify all closed-loop interactions involved in respiratory and cardiovascular regulation. To overcome this limitation, we used Granger causality analysis between R-R intervals (RR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and respiration (RE) in eight young, healthy subjects, recorded during 30min periods in the supine position, WI and HDT. For all experimental conditions, we found a bidirectional causal relationship between RE and RR and between RR and SBP, with a dominant direction from RR to SBP, and a unidirectional causality from RE to SBP. These causal relationships remained unchanged for the three experimental tests. Interestingly, there was a lower causal relationship from RR to RE during WI compared with HDT. This causal link from RR to RE could be modulated by peripheral resistances. These results highlight differences in cardiovascular regulation during WI and HDT and confirm that Granger causality might reveal physiological mechanisms not accessible with standard methods.

Pure purr virtual reality technology: measuring heart rate variability and anxiety levels in healthy volunteers affected by moderate stress.

IntroductionTraditional approaches to stress management are difficult to learn and to implicate in daily life. Emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) have become a target of extensive study for recreational and medical purposes. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role in stress response, post-stress relaxation, and recovery. This study aimed to assess the effect of modified VR intervention on short-term heart rate variability (HRV) and perceived anxiety levels in healthy volunteers affected by moderate stress. The stressors included mental arithmetic tasks.Material and methodsThe study involved healthy adults, of both sexes, aged 20 to 60 years, without history of cardiovascular diseases, essential abnormalities on ECG, and with normal or moderate level of situational anxiety. The VR gadgets used in the study were commercially available Bobo-VR X1 headsets, one with modification for medical applications (Pure Purr technology) and one with none (sham technology). The investigational (Pure Purr) headset with an audio-visual sequence was modified by adding a binaural effect and was synchronised with the tract of respiratory movements and the frequency of heart rate. To track changes in the ANS, participants underwent both electrocardiography (ECG) and measurement of HRV.ResultsThe findings showed a significant increase in parasympathetic activity after 5-minute exposure to the investigational device compared to stress, as shown by high-frequency HRV (499.8 ms2 and 340.5 ms2, p < 0.001). RMSSD for a modified headset was higher (p = 0.02) compared to a sham headset with no modifications (RMSSD difference of 12.3% (2.6% to 23.1%)). The LF/HF ratio, however, was lower (difference of 14.5% (2.6% to 23.1%), p = 0.04).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that a medical device with pre-installed Pure Purr software had a significant effect on the recovery of the ANS in healthy volunteers affected by moderate stress.

Diving in the Arctic: Cold Water Immersion's Effects on Heart Rate Variability in Navy Divers.

IntroductionDiving close to the Arctic circle means diving in cold water regardless of the time of year. The human body reacts to cold through autonomous nervous system (ANS)-mediated thermoregulatory mechanisms. Diving also induces ANS responses as a result of the diving reflex.Materials and MethodsIn order to study ANS responses during diving in Arctic water temperatures, we retrospectively analyzed repeated 5-min heart rate variability (HRV) measures and the mean body temperature from dives at regular intervals using naval diving equipment measurement tests in 0°C water. Three divers performed seven dives without physical activity (81–91 min), and two divers performed four dives with physical activity after 10 min of diving (0–10 min HRV recordings were included in the study).ResultsOur study showed a significant increase in parasympathetic activity (PNS) at the beginning of the dives, after which PNS activity decreased significantly (measure 5–10 min). Subsequent measurements (15–20 min and onward) showed a significant increase in PNS activity over time.ConclusionOur results suggest that the first PNS responses of the human diving reflex decrease quickly. Adverse effects of PNS activity should be considered on long and cold dives. To avoid concurrent sympathetic (SNS) and PNS activity at the beginning of dives, which in turn may increase the risk of arrhythmia in cold water, we suggest a short adaptation phase before physical activity. Moreover, we suggest it is prudent to give special attention to cardiovascular risk factors during pre-dive examinations for cold water divers.

ВАРІАТИВНІСТЬ СЕРЦЕВОГО РИТМУ ПРИ ПЕРЕГЛЯДІ ЕМОЦІЙНО ЗАБАРВЛЕНИХ ЗОБРАЖЕНЬ У ЖІНОК У РІЗНІ ФАЗИ МЕНСТРУАЛЬНОГО ЦИКЛУ

The peculiarities of the dynamics of the spectral indices of cardiac rhythm variability in 32 women 17-23 years of age while viewing emotional IAPS (International affective picture system) images in different phases of the menstrual cycle were studied. It is shown that the differences in the regulation of the heart rhythm associated with viewing emotional images of different types are manifested mainly in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. During this period, significant differences in viewing emotional images of different types were found in the absolute and relative power of the very low-frequency (VLF) and high-frequency (HF) component of the spectrum. In the ovulation phase, emotion-sensitive markerwas a lowfrequency spectrum component (LF), reflecting the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on cardiac rhythm. This indicator was significantly higher when viewing unpleasant images compared to pleasant and erotic visual stimuli.The contribution of the sympathetic division to the regulation of cardiac rhythm was observed during viewing of negative and neutral images, and only the viewing of erotic images was characterized by an increase in parasympathetic activity, which was accompaniedwith the increased power of the high-frequency component of the spectrum (HF) reducing the proportion of LF/HF and respiratory rate. The study shows that during the menstrual cycle, the autonomic balance shifts toward the predominance of sympathetic regulation of the heart rhythm, which reaches a maximum in the luteal phase. In this regard, the activity level of the sympathetic link recorded by the power of the low-frequency (LF) component while viewing unpleasant images was the lowest in the follicular phase and the highest in the luteal one. No significant differences were found between the spectral indices of cardio-interval variability when viewing emotional images in the luteal phase, indicating that this period of the cycle was low informative to assess the characteristics of women's emotional response based on heart rate analysis.

Исследование личностного адаптационного потенциала и его физиологических коррелятов у пожарных-спасателей

Relevance: the problem of human adaptation acts as a link in interdisciplinary research. Purpose of work: analysis of the relationship between the psychological and physiological parameters of the adaptive potential and the state of the body in rescue firefighterswith different length of service. Materials and methods: 235 male rescue firefighters aged 25 to 45 years with a service record of 1 to 22 years took part in the study. All subjects were divided into three groups depending on the length of service. For psychodiagnostic evaluation, the adaptability questionnaire was used. The objective physiological criteria for the state of the organism were the indicator of the adequacy of the regulatory processes and the stress index of the “Heart rate variability” method. Results: in the structure of personal adaptive potential, neuropsychic resistance among rescue firefighters of all groups corresponded to high values at the beginning of the shift with a slight decrease by the end of the shift. The adequacy of the regulatory processes and the stress index at the beginning of the shift reflected more pronounced vagal influences in groups with 1–6 and 16–22 years of service compared to the group of 7–15 years of work. At the end of the shift, an increase in parasympathetic activity was found in all groups. Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant relationships between psychodiagnostic and electrophysiological parameters in individuals with experience from 7 years to 22 years. Conclusions: in the groups of experienced rescue firefighters, a more pronounced correspondence of the self-assessment of the level of personal adaptive potential with physiological correlates was revealed compared with less experienced ones.

Cardiac Autonomic Function in the First Hours of Postnatal Life: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study in Term Neonates.

The aim of this study was to evaluate heart rate variability (HRV) within the first hours of extrauterine life in term neonates. HRV at 2-h and 14-h postpartum were compared by means of time domains (iRR, SDNN, and rMSSD); frequency domains (TP, LF, HF, and LF/HF ratio); and Poincare's Plot (SD1 and SD2) indices of HRV in 27 healthy, male, term newborns (NBs) born of elective cesarean delivery. Within 14h after birth, the mean of the iRRs increased (Δ% = 4.4, p < 0.001) as well as parasympathetic indices (rMSSD: Δ% = 32.6; p < 0.03; HF: Δ% = 43.6; p < 0.00; SD1: Δ% = 32.6, p < 0.03). Respiratory rate (RR) decreased (RR: 2h = 48 (43-55) cycle/min vs. 14h = 45 (40-48) cycle/min p < 0.01). We concluded that within the first 14h of birth, cardiac autonomic adjustments are characterized by an increase in parasympathetic activity. Concurrently, there were no significant changes observed in all other HRV indices in healthy, male, term neonates, and born of elective cesarean delivery.

Green façades: Their contribution to stress recovery and well-being in high-density cities

Rapid urbanization and the lack of green infrastructure threaten the health of urban dwellers. Green façades have been proposed as a green infrastructure solution to compensate for the loss of green spaces in dense city areas; however, as far as we know, there is inadequate evidence for associations between views of green façades and relaxation. This study aims to clarify the physiological and psychological relaxation effects of viewing a green façade landscape. Twenty-five Chinese females (23 ± 1.5 years) viewed a green façade landscape or a building-wall for 5 min. Data were generated using electroencephalographic, heart rate variability, and skin conductance physiological measures and psychological measures using a semantic differential questionnaire and a Profile of Mood State. Findings suggest that, compared to the viewing of the building wall, the viewing of the green façade resulted in a significant increase in alpha relative waves in the frontal and occipital lobes, a significant increase in parasympathetic activity, and a significant decrease in the skin conductance as well as a substantial increase in comfortable, relaxed, and natural feelings, and a significant improvement in mood state. The green façade appears to enhance human physiological and psychological relaxation compared to the building-wall.

Features of Heart Rate Variability in Women of the Second Period of Adulthood Associated with the Body Weight

The spectral parameters of heart rate variability (HRV) and systolic and diastolic blood pressures in apparently healthy female patients of the second period of adulthood have been analyzed. The mean values of the circulatory indices, total spectrum power (TP), absolute and relative values of the wave power in the very-low-frequency (VLF, %VLF), low-frequency (LF, %LF), and high-frequency (HF, %HF) ranges of the spectrum have been estimated. The HRV in women of the second period of adulthood with an increased body fat mass and obesity was characterized by an increase in the parasympathetic component of the autonomic nervous system. The increase in parasympathetic activity was associated with a decrease in heart rate in the group of women with abdominal obesity. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the LF/HF index and fat mass.

Cholinergic Stimulation Modulates Kidney Cellular Immune Response Triggered by Myocardial Infarction in Rats

There is a close relationship between cardiac and renal function, several studies have shown that cardiorenal interactions occur in both directions. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has a significant influence on renal function. Changes in renal function may be due to neurohumoral adaptations, reduction of renal perfusion, increase of renal venous pressure and right ventricular dysfunction. More recently, interest has shifted to the role of inflammation in the development of renal lesions. An increase of parasympathetic activity seems to promote changes in the mobilization of inflammatory cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes. The role of the parasympathetic nervous system in immune cells is known as “Cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway”. Previous studies by our group have demonstrated that increased vagal activity through administration of pyridostigmine (PY) (acetylcholinesterase pharmacological antagonist) reduces early inflammatory process in myocardial tissue after AMI in normotensive rats, but little is known about vagal modulation and renal inflammation.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the effects of cholinergic stimulation on the modulation of the cellular immune response triggered by AMI in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).Material and MethodsSixteen SHR male rats were randomly assigned to three groups: SHAM group: S (n = 5), infarcted group: I (n = 6) and infarcted and treated group: I + PY (n = 5). All the animals were anesthetized and submitted to thoracotomy and the infarcted and infarcted and treated groups were subjugated to left coronary artery ligation. Treatment with PY started one hour after the infarction, extending until day 7. The rats were cannulated in the left femoral artery to record blood pressure on the day 6. On day 7, the animals were euthanized and submitted to organ perfusion and fixation, for immunohistochemical analysis of macrophages (CD‐68+) and lymphocytes (CD3+) in renal tissue. Marked cells were counted in 10 fields including glomerulus and interstitium (Nikon 400x). Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism and one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Values of p&gt; 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsThe I + PY group showed less CD68+ macrophages and more CD3+ T lymphocytes in the renal parenchyma if compared to S and I groups, p = 0.04 and p = 0.04, respectively. The mean levels of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure found for the I + PY group was lower when compared to the pressure levels found in the other groups.ConclusionCholinergic stimulation using PY was able to quantitatively modify CD68+ macrophages and CD3+ lymphocytes in the renal tissue of rats during the acute phase of the experimental model of AMI. In addition, changes in hemodynamic characteristics were observed with the treatment of this anticholinesterase, suggesting possible protective effects of its vagal immunomodulation.Support or Funding InformationConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Total amount of CD3+ lymphocytes found in the 10 renal fields for the analyzed groupsimageTotal amount of CD3+ lymphocytes found in the 10 renal fields for the analyzed groups Total amount of CD68+ macrophages found in the 10 renal fields for the analyzed groupsimageTotal amount of CD68+ macrophages found in the 10 renal fields for the analyzed groupsThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.