Rhythm Parameters Research Articles

Regulation of high-frequency rhythms of the behavioral activity by oligopeptides structurаlly related to oxytocin

The pharmacological regulation of high-frequency rhythms of the behavioral activity (with a period of up to 1/2 hour) is an actual direction of modern medical science. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of oligopeptides structurally related to oxytocin on the parameters of ultradian rhythms of locomotor activity (LA) in outbred ICR laboratory mice. LA was recorded automatically in a multichannel actometer (Ugo Basile, Italy) in the conditions of individual detection. Amplitude, acrophase, and mesor of biorhythms’ were determined by the Cosinor analysis. Oligopeptides structurally related to oxytocin fragments, as well as memantine under systemic (intraperitoneal) administration, had a pronounced influence on the ultradian LA biorhythms of mice. Memantine (10.0 mg/kg), Cyclo-(Leu-Gly) (0.025 mg/kg), Pro-Leu (0.5 mg/kg), and Leu-Gly (0.1 mg/kg) triggered the migration to the right of the acrophase of statistically significant 24-minute LA rhythms versus control. A further study of the peptidergic mechanisms of regulation of fluctuations in ultradian biorhythms can contribute to the development of the theoretical foundations of chronobiology, as well as to the search for the means correcting the desynchronoses.

Social zeitgebers and circadian dysrhythmia are associated with severity of symptoms of PTSD and depression in trauma-affected refugees.

The relation of aspects of rest-activity patterns, i.e., social zeitgebers, physical activity and circadian rhythm, to the severity of PTSD and depressive symptoms has not previously been studied. Doing so could provide valuable insight into possible targets for treatment. Our study explored these links in a population of 219 trauma-affected refugees diagnosed with PTSD who were seeking treatment. Data regarding social zeitgebers, such as affiliation with the labor market and contact with social network, and symptoms of PTSD and depression were collected from them. Furthermore, their levels of physical activity and circadian rest-activity parameters were calculated from actigraphy data. Bivariate correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine various aspects of rest-activity regarding relation to severity of PTSD and depressive symptoms. Several social zeitgebers were associated with severity of PTSD and depressive symptoms. The level of physical activity was unrelated to symptom severity, whereas a rest-activity pattern, with early onset of the most active 10h, was associated with severity of PTSD, and a circadian rhythm with a large difference between periods of rest and activity was associated with severity of depression. Social zeitgebers, levels of physical activity and circadian rhythm parameters were all associated with each other. Social zeitgebers and circadian rhythm parameters were significantly related to the severity of PTSD and depressive symptoms-a relationship indicating that interventions targeting regularity of daily routines have a potential role in treating PTSD and depression in trauma-affected refugees.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02761161, April 27, 2016.

164 Greater Light Exposure Is Associated with More Robust Rest-Activity Rhythms in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Introduction Disrupted circadian rest-activity rhythms in older adults have been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and mortality. While light is one of the most potent synchronizing agents for the human circadian system, little is known about how light may influence rest-activity rhythms in older adults. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the amount of light exposure and rest-activity rhythm parameters using actigraphy data from a large cohort study. Methods 553 community-dwelling older adults (aged 72±5, 142 (25.5%) female) from the Chicago Healthy Aging Study cohort underwent recording of activity and ambient light exposure for a minimum of five 24-hour periods, using Actiwatch-L (Phillips Respironics). The average recording duration was 6.7±0.5 days. An extension to the traditional cosine model was used to compute circadian rest-activity rhythm parameters, including the amplitude (a measure of strength), the goodness of fit (pseudo F statistic; a measure of robustness), and acrophase (timing of peak activity). Light exposure was measured by time spent above light thresholds of 100, 200, 500, and 1000 lux per day (TAT100, TAT200, TAT500, TAT1000, respectively). Bivariate associations between rhythm parameters and TAT values were examined with Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Variables that met a significant threshold (p<0.05) were entered into multivariable models to adjust for potential confounders including age, sex, race, and season. Results Robustness of the rest-activity rhythm, measured by extended cosine pseudo-F statistics, was associated with TAT100 (partial Spearman’s correlation coefficient 0.12, p=0.008), TAT200 (coefficient 0.13, p=0.03), TAT500 (coefficient 0.16, p<0.001), and TAT 1000 (coefficient 0.18, p<0.001). TAT100/200/500/1000 were also associated with the strength of the rest-activity rhythm, measured by amplitude of the extended cosine fit (partial Spearman’s correlation coefficient vs. TAT100: 0.12, p=0.006, TAT200: 0.14, p=0.002, TAT500: 0.16, p<0.001, TAT1000: 0.18, p<0.001), after adjusting for age, sex, race, and season. Conclusion Across the seasons, greater daily light exposure is associated with more robust circadian rest-activity rhythm in community-dwelling older adults. Whether the enhancement of light exposure can improve the strength and robustness of rest-activity rhythm needs to be tested with future intervention studies. Support (if any):

Changes in physical activity and rest-activity circadian rhythm among Hong Kong community aged population before and during COVID-19

BackgroundThis study aims to determine the changes in physical activity and actigraphy-measured rest-activity circadian rhythm among Hong Kong community aged population before and during the outbreak of COVID-19.MethodsThis is a three repeated measure population-based cross-sectional study. We recruited community older men aged > 60 years in three periods of the COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong, i.e., before the COVID-19 outbreak (2 July 2019–8 January 2020), between the 2nd and 3rd waves of COVID-19 (23 June 2020–9 July 2020), and during the 3rd wave of COVID-19 (15 September 2020–29 September 2020). Participants reported detailed information on their physical activity habits using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and wore actigraphs continuously for 7 days (168 h). The actigraph data were then transferred to four rest-activity circadian rhythm parameters: midline statistic of rhythm (MESOR), amplitude, acrophase and percent rhythm. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to estimate the association of period effect of COVID-19 on physical activity and rest-activity circadian rhythm parameters.ResultsAmong the 242 community older men, 106 (43.8%) of them were recruited before the COVID-19 outbreak, 66 (27.3%) were recruited between the 2nd and 3rd waves of COVID-19, and 70 (28.9%) were recruited during the late phase of the 3rd wave of COVID-19. Compared with those recruited before COVID-19, participants recruited between the 2nd and 3rd waves of COVID-19 had lower physical activity (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.03, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) =1.05–3.93), MESOR (AOR = 2.05, 95%CI = 1.01–4.18), and amplitude (AOR = 1.91, 95%CI = 0.95–3.83). There was no difference in physical activity or circadian rhythm parameters between subjects recruited before and during the late phase of the 3rd wave.ConclusionsThis study found that the effect of COVID-19 on physical activity and rest-activity circadian rhythm for the community people may be short-term, indicating strong resilience of the community population. Although maintaining physical activity are encouraged for the older adults to sustain good health, a rebound in their physical activity may be a sign for the next wave of outbreak if insufficient social distancing and population protection are facilitated.

Does the guided online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia \u201ci-Sleep youth\u201d improve sleep of adolescents and young adults with insomnia after childhood cancer? (MICADO-study): study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAdolescents and young adults who had childhood cancer are at increased risk for insomnia, due to being critically ill during an important phase of their life for the development of good sleep habits. Insomnia is disabling and prevalent after childhood cancer (26–29%) and negatively impacts quality of life, fatigue, pain, and general functioning and is often associated with other (mental) health problems. Insomnia and a history of childhood cancer both increase the risk of adverse health outcomes, posing a double burden for adolescents who had childhood cancer. The first-line treatment for insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). However, access to this type of care is often limited. The guided online CBT-I treatment “i-Sleep” has been developed to facilitate access via online care. i-Sleep is shown effective in adult (breast cancer) patients, but it is unknown if iCBT-I is effective in pediatric oncology.Methods/designWe developed a youth version of i-Sleep. Our aim is to evaluate its effectiveness in a national randomized-controlled clinical trial comparing iCBT-I to a waiting-list control condition at 3 and 6 months (n = 70). The intervention group will be also assessed at 12 months to see whether the post-test effects are maintained. Adolescents and young adults aged 12–30 years with insomnia, diagnosed with (childhood) cancer, currently at least 6 months since their last cancer treatment will be eligible. Outcomes include sleep efficiency (actigraphic), insomnia severity (self-report), sleep and circadian activity rhythm parameters, fatigue, health-related quality of life, perceived cognitive functioning, chronic distress, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and intervention acceptability.DiscussionInsomnia is prevalent in the pediatric oncology population posing a double health burden for adolescents and young adults who had childhood cancer. If guided iCBT-I is effective, guidelines for insomnia can be installed to treat insomnia and potentially improve quality of life and the health of adolescents and young adults who had childhood cancer.Trial registrationNL7220 (NTR7419; Netherlands Trial register). Registered on 2 August 2018

Social interaction masking contributes to changes in the activity of the suprachiasmatic nucleus and impacts on circadian rhythms

Light is the most powerful temporal cue that entrains physiology and behavior through modulation of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. However, on a daily basis, individuals face a combination of light and several non-photic cues, such as social interaction. In order to investigate whether SCN activity and SCN-driven rhythms are altered by social interaction, adult male C57BLJ/6 mice were maintained in groups of 3–4 animals per cage or 1 animal per cage (socially isolated) under 12:12 h / light:dark (LD) cycles or constant darkness (DD). Analysis of the two anatomical subdivisions (ventral, v and dorsal, d) of the medial SCN revealed an effect of housing conditions on the d-SCN but not on the v-SCN on the number of c-Fos immunoreactive (ir) neurons. As such, 2 h after the light-phase onset d-SCN c-Fos-ir number was lower in single-housed mice under LD. Importantly, under DD there were no effect of housing conditions in the number of c-Fos-ir SCN neurons. Social isolation increased the amplitude and strength of SCN-driven rhythm of body temperature (Tc) entrained to LD and it advanced its onset, uncoupling with spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA) rhythm, without altering endogenous Tc and SLA rhythms expressed under DD. Associated with reduced Tc in the light phase, single-housed mice showed reduced body weight. However, these phenotypes were not accompanied by changes in the number of c-Fos-ir neurons in the preoptic area (POA), which are known to regulate energy metabolism and Tc. Altogether, these results imply that the social interaction masking effect on the d-SCN is added to that of light stimulus, in order to achieve full c-Fos expression in the SCN, which, in turn seems to be required to maintain daily-phase coherence between the photo-entrained rhythms of Tc and SLA. There might be an inter-relationship between masking (social interaction) and entrainment stimulus (light) that impacts the circadian parameters of the photo-entrained Tc rhythm. As such, in the absence of social interactions a more robust Tc rhythm is shown. This inter-relationship seems to occur in the dorsal subdivision of the SCN but not in the POA.

A population-based prospective study on rest-activity rhythm and mild cognitive impairment among Hong Kong healthy community-dwelling older adults

BackgroundRelatively few studies investigated the association between rest-activity circadian rhythm and cognitive impairment in population-based study, and the evidence from Asian populations is sparse. We aimed to examine the relationship of actigraphy measured rest-activity circadian rhythm with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or cognitive impairment in Hong Kong healthy community-dwelling older adults. MethodsWe recruited 174 Hong Kong healthy adults aged ≥65 years (36 male vs. 138 female) during April–September 2018, and followed up them for 12 months. Participants were invited to wear wrist actigraphy for 7 days in both baseline and follow-up study. We used the actigraph data to calculate their midline statistic of rhythm (MESOR), amplitude, acrophase and percent rhythm. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to assess their cognitive scores at baseline and follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression model was performed to estimate the association of rest-activity circadian rhythm parameters with MCI; whilst multinomial logistic regression model was used to examine the association between rhythm parameters and changes of cognitive scores (i.e., worsen: <-1, stable: -1 to 1, better cognition: ≥2) after 12-months follow-up respectively. ResultsThere was no association between rest-activity circadian rhythm parameters and MCI or cognitive impairment at baseline. Compared to those with an averaged value of acrophase (1:24pm-3:00pm), results of multinominal logistic regression showed that participants with a delayed acrophase (after 3:00pm) were less likely to have better cognition (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.11–0.88). Upon one year of follow-up, participants who delayed their acrophase for 24 min than their baseline measurements were also less likely to have better cognitive functions (AOR = 0.26, 95%CI = 0.08–0.79). ConclusionsResults from both the baseline survey and follow-up study consistently confirmed that older adults, especially in light of the majority of participants being the females, with delayed acrophase were less likely to have better cognition in the Asian population.

Locomotor activity rhythm of catfish Heteropneustes fossilis are prominently regulated by light-dark cues

It is interesting to explore, the circadian locomotor activity rhythm of dark adapted fishes. Therefore, it is aimed to investigate the circadian locomotor activity rhythm of catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis under different light regi-mens- light-dark condition LD 12:12, constant dark condition DD, constant light LL and dark-light condition DL 12:12 in both male and female. The study was conducted sequentially under LD 12: 12 (LON 0500 and LOFF 1700) and thereafter under the DD, LL and DL each for at least 10-12 consecutive days. The locomotor activity was monitored using Stanford Chronobiology Kit at a fixed period of 24 h. The three rhythm parameters obtained were Mesor (M, rhythm-adjusted 24-h average), amplitude (A) and acrophase (peak, Ø). All fish exhibited a statistically significant (p&lt;0.001) circadian rhythm in locomo-tor activity under all light regimens LD, DD, LL and DL. The circadian ampli-tude was significantly declined under constant DD and LL. A significant shift was displayed in the circadian acrophase in all fish under each photic re-gimes LD, DD, LL and DL. The effect of light condition on M, A and Ø was sig-nificant, while gender imposed no effect. Chi-square periodogram revealed τ &gt; 24 h in locomotor activity of most of the replicates under DD and LL. The respective study suggests that the endogenous circadian clocks in catfish H.fossilis are weakly expressed under constant conditions and requires light-dark LD or dark- light DL cues to generate/express the circadian rhythm in locomotor activity.

What is the relationship between obesity and new circadian rhythm parameters in Turkish children and adolescents? A case-control study.

Although the relationship between circadian rhythm parameters and obesity in children and adolescents is recognized, there are few studies on this topic. The concept of sleep-corrected social jetlag (SJLsc) has been formulated recently, but its relationship with childhood obesity has not yet been established. Therefore, we thought that SJL might play an important role in the etiology of obesity. Accordingly, we aimed to compare circadian rhythm parameters between obese and normal-weight children and adolescents. Seventy-nine obese and eighty-two normal-weight children and adolescents aged between 8 and 17 years participated in this case-control study, which took place in the Mardin province of Turkey. Data were collected with a sociodemographic information form, the Childhood Chronotype Questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements. The average ages of the obese participants and controls were 12.3±2.3 and 12.4±2.2 years, respectively. Obese young people had greater evening preference, longer sleep debt duration, SJL duration and SJLsc duration, and higher Morningness-Eveningness Scale (MeScale) scores; and shorter mean sleep duration (p<0.005). In regression analyses, BMI z scores were significantly correlated with all circadian rhythm parameters, except SJLsc duration, while WC z scores were significantly correlated with all circadian rhythm parameters, except mean sleep duration. After adjustment, the high MeScale scores (OR: 1.142, p<0.05) and the presence of psychiatric disorder in the mother (OR: 15.075, p<0.05) were associated with obesity. Circadian rhythm parameters can play an important role in the etiology of obesity. Future studies with larger samples and fewer confounding factors are needed to clarify the etiological factors.

Analysis of speech rhythm and heart rate as indicators of stress on student interpreters

ABSTRACT Stress is assumed to be intrinsic to interpreting and the ability to manage it a presumed predictor of performance. And yet, empirical research on the role of stress in interpreting has remained scarce. This study explores the impact of stress and anxiety on the academic scores, heart rate (HR) and speech rhythm of 23 student interpreters in a liaison interpreting task. Participants’ stress and anxiety are measured using HR measures and the STAI test. Their speech rhythm is automatically analyzed through different indexes deriving from the variability of syllabic intervals. Results show that students’ grades negatively correlate with their levels of state anxiety, which are, in turn, significantly related to their rhythmic parameters in L1-L2 interpreting. Greater rhythmic variability correlates with students’ lower examination scores when speech is delivered into their L2. A significant increase in mean HR is reported during the interpreting task phase as compared with baseline and recovery phase, suggesting that HR was a sensitive marker to detect the students’ stress response, but not to the level of influencing performance. Results point to the need to triangulate different measures to obtain a complete picture of how stress and anxiety may impact interpreting performance.

Clinical and hematological evaluation in dogs with myoclonus derived from canine distemper supplemented with vitamin D3

In dogs, the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin is considered inefficient, making dietary supplementation the main source of this vitamin for these animals. In humans, there are established values for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency, insufficiency and sufficiency levels, however in dogs, the serum concentrations of these values are not well established. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the 25(OH)D serum levels in dogs carrying myoclonus as sequelae of distemper, to evaluate the response to vitamin D levels on oral supplementation, to evaluate PTH, calcium, phosphorus, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood count and leukogram levels, in addition to conduct clinical observations of myoclonus. Venous blood samples were collected from nine dogs carrying myoclonus derived from distemper, however with no other clinical or laboratorial change, of varied breeds and same age group (1 - 8 years old). Screening laboratory tests were performed to attest to the health of the animals in a 30-day period and the collections were divided into three periods: days 0, 15 and 30. After the initiation of treatment, the animals underwent physical and laboratorial evaluations every 15 days, for 90 days, completing a total of 120 days. The dose used for oral supplementation of vitamin D3 was 1000IU/kg administered every day, once a day, during the entire experimental period. For clinical evaluation, parameters of anatomical distribution, speed and rhythm, and distribution of myoclonic changes over time were observed. The laboratory results were subjected to analysis of variance and, when significant (P&lt;0.05), submitted to regression analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze clinical results. There was a significant difference in blood concentrations of 25(OH)D, PTH, calcium and phosphorus, however there was no significant effect of vitamin D on the other parameters evaluated. It was possible to conclude that the dose of vitamin D3 used was sufficient to increase 25(OH)D serum levels in the blood, to levels of sufficiency, having influence on PTH, phosphorus and calcium levels, not changing the other hematological and clinical parameters evaluated. However, the dose and duration of the treatment used did not change the myoclonus derived from distemper in dogs.

Personalized rehabilitation assessment of locomotor functions in Parkinson disease using three-dimensional video analysis of motions

Parkinson disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Its main clinical manifestation is movement disorders. The study of innovative objective methods for the diagnosis and rehabilitation of movement disorders in PD is relevant and in demand taking into account the slowly progressive course of the disease and the complex set of symptoms that subsequently forms a characteristic movement pattern. This article provides an example of a personalized rehabilitation assessment of biomechanical manifestations of the gait function of a patient with exacted diagnosis, stage 3.5 PD according to Hoehn and Yahr, by means of the method of three-dimensional motion video analysis using the Vicon Motion Capture Systems soft-hardware complex. The patient has postural and gait disorders. This method was applied after a rehabilitation course based on the activation of lifting the foot from the support surface (“back push”). Changes in the tempo and rhythm parameters of gait in a patient with PD in comparison to a healthy person were revealed: acceleration of walking pace with shortening of the length of single and double step, a decrease in the time of limb advancement, acceleration of the moment of heel rise and a decrease in walking pace. Analysis of the locomotion also revealed a decrease in the amplitude of flexion-extension in the coxofemoral joint, knee joint and tibio-tarsic on the side with more pronounced Parkinsonism. Insufficient knee flexion and hip extension, excessive dorsal flexion of the foot with insufficient plantar flexion were noted. Revealing the last features of locomotion in a particular case allows one to make a plan for a targeted personalized rehabilitation program for a given patient. Thus, the method of three-dimensional video analysis is a valuable diagnostic tool that makes it possible to objectively assess the existing violations of locomotion and identify the targets of rehabilitation.

Applications of cosinor rhythmometry in pharmacology.

Study design and data analysis are two important aspects relevant to chronopharmacometrics. Blunders can be avoided by recognizing that most physiological variables are circadian periodic. Both ill health and treatment can affect the amplitude, phase, and/or period of circadian (and other) rhythms, in addition to their mean. The involvement of clock genes in molecular pathways related to important physiological systems underlies the bidirectional relationship often seen between circadian rhythm disruption and disease risk. Circadian rhythm characteristics of marker rhythms interpreted in the light of chronobiologic reference values represent important diagnostic tools. A set of cosinor-related programs is presented. They include the least squares fit of multiple-frequency cosine functions to model the time structure of individual records; a cosinor-based spectral analysis to detect periodic signals; the population-mean cosinor to generalize inferences; the chronobiologic serial section to follow the time course of changing rhythm parameters over time; and parameter tests to assess differences among populations. Relative merits of other available cosinor and non-parametric algorithms are reviewed. Parameter tests to compare individual records and a self-starting cumulative sum (CUSUM) make personalized chronotherapy possible, where the treatment of each patient relies on an N-of-1 design. Methods are illustrated in a few examples relevant to endocrinology, cancer and cardiology. New sensing technology yielding large personal data sets is likely to change the healthcare system. Chronobiologic concepts and methods should become an integral part of these evolving systems.

Interspecies comparison of daily total locomotor activity between maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) maintained in captivity

The aim of the study was to extend the knowledge about to the total locomotor activity behavior in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) through the comparison with domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). Five maned wolves housed individually in 4 m2 dens with nest boxes and runs allowing them to move in outdoors area of 250 m2 with natural vegetation; and five Beagles dogs living individually in a 12 m2 box with an outside area of 50 m2 were subjected to natural light-dark (L/D) cycle (maned wolves: 15 L/9D; dogs 14 L/10D) and environmental conditions (maned wolves: 22-26°C, 64Rh%; dogs 17-23°C, 65Rh%). In each animal, the monitoring of locomotor activity was performed for 2 days by means of an activity data logger (Actiwatch Cambridge Neurotechnology, Cambridge, UK), applied on a neck collar. Data were analyzed by the single Cosinor method. At the obtained rhythmic parameters, two-way analysis of variance was applied to verify differences due to day of monitoring and species. Maned wolves showed a nocturnal daily rhythm of locomotor activity. Dogs showed a diurnal daily rhythm of locomotor activity. The diurnality index was 0.29 and 0.93, respectively, for maned wolves and dogs. The two studied species showed statistically difference in mesor and amplitude of rhythm, higher in maned wolves (mesor: 3256.64 ± 364.87 arbitrary unit; amplitude: 3726.32 ± 327.50 arbitrary unit) than dogs (mesor: 414.06 ± 9.68 arbitrary unit; amplitude: 502.35 ± 18.78 arbitrary unit).We can claim that maned wolves, housed in captivity are more active than dogs and showed an opposed daily rhythm of locomotor activity.

Food Entrainment, Arousal, and Motivation in the Neonatal Rabbit Pup.

In the newborn rabbit, the light entrainable circadian system is immature and once a day nursing provides the primary timing cue for entrainment. In advance of the mother’s arrival, pups display food anticipatory activity (FAA), and metabolic and physiological parameters are synchronized to this daily event. Central structures in the brain are also entrained as indicated by expression of Fos and Per1 proteins, GFAP, a glial marker, and cytochrome oxidase activity. Under fasting conditions, several of these rhythmic parameters persist in the periphery and brain, including rhythms in the olfactory bulb (OB). Here we provide an overview of these physiological and neurobiological changes and focus on three issues, just beginning to be examined in the rabbit. First, we review evidence supporting roles for the organum vasculosum of lamina terminalis (OVLT) and median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) in homeostasis of fluid ingestion and the neural basis of arousal, the latter which also includes the role of the orexigenic system. Second, since FAA in association with the daily visit of the mother is an example of conditioned learning, we review evidence for changes in the corticolimbic system and identified nuclei in the amygdala and extended amygdala as part of the neural substrate responsible for FAA. Third, we review recent evidence supporting the role of oxytocinergic cells of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) as a link to the autonomic system that underlies physiological events, which occur in preparation for the upcoming next daily meal. We conclude that the rabbit model has contributed to an overall understanding of food entrainment.

Relationships between phosphatemia/phosphaturia and EEG/HRV parameters in patients with chronic pyelonephritis

Background. As part of the project "Relationships between parameters of electrolytes exchange and EEG&amp;HRV in people without kidney disease and patients with chronic pyelonephritis" we have previously shown that parameters of calcium exchange and EEG/HRV are closely related. In this study, we analyzed the relationships between parameters of phosphate exchange and EEG/HRV in the same cohort of patients. Material and methods. The object of observation were 48 males and 15 females 24-76 years old, who came to the spa Truskavets’ (Ukraine) for the treatment of chronic pyelonephritis in remission. We recorded simultaneosly EEG (“NeuroCom Standard”) and electrocardiogram ("CardioLab+HRV") in II lead to assess the parameters of HRV. Phosphate concentration was determined in blood plasma and daily urine. Results. It was stated normal or moderately reduced plasma phosphate levels in combination with a very wide range of phosphate urinary excretion. A very strong canonical correlation was found between phosphatemia and EEG/HRV parameters (R=0,982). The correlations with the parameters of the beta and theta rhythms of the EEG and the HRV are positive, while with the parameters of the delta rhythm of the EEG are negative. The canonical correlation between phosphaturia and EEG parameters is also very strong (R=0,879). Conclusion. Parameters of phosphate exchange and EEG/HRV are closely related, however the question of the causal nature of correlations remains open.

Эмоциональная составляющая устной межкультурной коммуникации

The article is devoted to intercultural communication at the level of sounding speech, the parameters of which actively influence the communication situation. When implementing intercultural communication, it is necessary to be aware of the parameters of sounding foreign language speech in an emotional aspect. Speech parameters can give additional shades or meanings to an utterance, including those opposed to the meaning of its constituent linguistic units. The role of emotionality as an active component of the communicative process is determined, the possibility of studying this component is substantiated only accompanied by an interdisciplinary approach, involving the study of speech perception. To express emotional states, each language has a set of nationally - specific means capable of coloring an utterance, regardless of its lexical content. Nationally specific signs of a neutral style of speech determine its emotional perception by speakers of another language. Differential signs of communicative types of utterances carry important information about the completed or progressive nature of the utterance, which may require the inclusion of lexical means during oral translation. The analysis is carried out at the level of rhythmic parameters and melodic signs (characteristics of the main-stressed syllables) on the material of three languages: Russian, German, Spanish.

Disruption of 24-Hour Rhythm in Intraocular Pressure Correlates with Retinal Ganglion Cell Loss in Glaucoma.

Parameters of 24-h rhythm in intraocular pressure (IOP) were assessed in patients with stable or advanced primary open-angle glaucoma (S-POAG/A-POAG) and referenced to the phase of “marker” circadian temperature rhythm of each patient. Body temperature and IOP were measured over a 72-h span in 115 participants (65 S-POAG and 50 A-POAG). Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) damage was assessed by high-definition optical coherence tomography. The 24-h IOP rhythm in A-POAG patients peaked during the night, opposite to the daytime phase position in S-POAG patients (p < 0.0001). The 24-h IOP phase correlated with RGC loss (p < 0.0001). The internal phase shift between IOP and body temperature gradually increased with POAG progression (p < 0.001). Angiotensin converting enzyme Alu-repeat deletion/insertion (ACE I/D) emerged as a candidate gene polymorphism, which may play a role in the alteration of the circadian IOP variability in advanced glaucoma. To conclude, a reliable estimation of the 24-h rhythm in IOP requires the degree of RGC damage to be assessed. In advanced POAG, the 24-h phase of IOP tended to occur during the night and correlated with RGC loss, being progressively delayed relative to the phase of temperature.

Relationships between calciemia and calciuria and EEG and HRV parameters in patients with chronic pyelonephritis

Background. This article launches a new project "Relationships between parameters of electrolytes exchange and EEG&amp;HRV in people without kidney disease and patients with chronic pyelonephritis". Calcium was chosen as the first swallow. Material and methods. The object of observation were 48 males and 15 females 24-76 years old, who came to the spa Truskavets’ (Ukraine) for the treatment of chronic pyelonephritis in remission. We recorded simultaneosly EEG (“NeuroCom Standard”) and electrocardiogram ("CardioLab+HRV") in II lead to assess the parameters of HRV. Calcium and creatinine concentration was determined in blood plasma and daily urine. Results. The observed sample is characterized by moderate and mild expressed urinary syndrome, ie represents the urological contingent of the Truskavets’ spa. It was stated normal or moderately reduced plasma calcium levels in combination with a very wide range of calcium urinary excretion. A very strong canonical correlation was found between calciumemia and EEG/HRV parameters (r=0,910). The correlation with the parameters of the beta rhythm of the EEG and VLF/ULF components of the HRV is positive, while with the parameters of the alpha rhythm of the EEG is negative. The canonical correlation between calciumuria and EEG/HRV parameters is moderate (r=0,571). There was a positive correlation with other parameters of the beta rhythm of the EEG and a negative correlation with the parameters of the delta rhythm of the EEG and LF/VLF components of HRV. Conclusion. Parameters of calcium exchange and EEG/HRV are closely related, however the question of the causal nature of correlations remains open.

Mutual Information of Multiple Rhythms for EEG Signals.

Electroencephalograms (EEG) are one of the most commonly used measures to study brain functioning at a macroscopic level. The structure of the EEG time series is composed of many neural rhythms interacting at different spatiotemporal scales. This interaction is often named as cross frequency coupling, and consists of transient couplings between various parameters of different rhythms. This coupling has been hypothesized to be a basic mechanism involved in cognitive functions. There are several methods to measure cross frequency coupling between two rhythms but no single method has been selected as the gold standard. Current methods only serve to explore two rhythms at a time, are computationally demanding, and impose assumptions about the nature of the signal. Here we present a new approach based on Information Theory in which we can characterize the interaction of more than two rhythms in a given EEG time series. It estimates the mutual information of multiple rhythms (MIMR) extracted from the original signal. We tested this measure using simulated and real empirical data. We simulated signals composed of three frequencies and background noise. When the coupling between each frequency component was manipulated, we found a significant variation in the MIMR. In addition, we found that MIMR was sensitive to real EEG time series collected with open vs. closed eyes, and intra-cortical recordings from epileptic and non-epileptic signals registered at different regions of the brain. MIMR is presented as a tool to explore multiple rhythms, easy to compute and without a priori assumptions.