Rhythm Research Articles

Circadian rhythm and epilepsy: a nationally representative cross-sectional study based on actigraphy data

ObjectiveThe study aims to assess the relationship between epilepsy and circadian rhythms.MethodThis study included a cohort of 7,410 participants sourced from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. The investigation focused on the comparative analysis of seven nonparametric indices associated with circadian rhythms (Interdaily Stability (IS), Intradaily Variability (IV), Relative Amplitude (RA), L5, M10, L5 start time, and M10 start time) between the overall population and patients with epilepsy. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to assess the potential correlation between the rest-activity circadian rhythm patterns and the presence of epilepsy within the cohort.ResultsCompared to the general population, individuals with epilepsy exhibited lower values of IS and M10. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, when IS, RA, and M10 were categorized into four groups based on quartiles, revealed that the odds ratio (IS: OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.89; RA: OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.77; M10: OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.73) for the highest quartile was lower than that for the lowest quartile. Furthermore, after adjustment for confounding factors, participants in the highest quartile compared to those in the lowest quartile of IV and M10 start time demonstrated a higher prevalence of epilepsy.ConclusionIndividuals with epilepsy demonstrate significant alterations in circadian rhythms.

George Sion și teatrul naturii umane

George Sion’s dramatic works had a major impact in the second half of the 19th century, reflecting the concerns and ideals of the era. In his plays, Sion aimed, on the one hand, to criticize society’s flaws, and on the other, to highlight Romanian virtues, thus becoming a staunch supporter of national culture. His works, deeply embedded in the socio-political context of his time, often addressed themes such as patriotism, moral integrity and social justice, resonating with the burgeoning national consciousness of the Romanian people. While Sion’s works have been praised for their originality and patriotic message, some critics have noted that the over-dramatism and superficiality of certain scenes diminished their credibility and artistic impact. This critique points to a tendency in Sion’s plays to prioritize emotional and dramatic effects over nuanced character development and realistic dialogue. For instance, in plays like “La Plevna,” scenes often veer towards melodrama, showcasing characters displaying exaggerated emotions and making grandiose declarations that may seem unconvincing to a discerning audience. This approach, while effective in stirring patriotic fervor, sometimes undermines the psychological depth and relatability of the characters. George Sion faced harsh criticism from prominent figures such as M. Kogălniceanu, and P.P. Carp. T. Maiorescu, a leading literary critic of the time, particularly targeted Sion for his lack of technical knowledge in prosody, which refers to the patterns of rhythm and sound used in poetry. This criticism highlights a perceived deficiency in Sion’s mastery of the formal aspects of verse, which some contemporaries believed detracted from the overall quality of his dramatic works. Despite these critiques, Sion’s contribution to Romanian literature and theater cannot be overlooked. His verse plays, although sometimes considered cumbersome due to their dense and ornate language, reflect a deep concern for beauty and an engagement with moral and philosophical themes. Sion’s works often delve into the complexities of human nature, exploring themes such as honor, duty and the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations. His ability to weave these themes into his plays demonstrates his dedication to using drama as a medium for intellectual and moral discourse. Moreover, Sion’s efforts to incorporate elements of Romanian folklore and national identity into his plays helped foster a sense of cultural pride and continuity. By drawing on traditional stories, characters, and symbols, Sion created a body of work that was distinctly Romanian, contributing to the broader project of nation-building during a crucial period in the history of the country. While George Sion’s dramatic works may have their flaws, particularly in terms of over-dramatism and technical execution, their significance lies in their patriotic fervor, moral engagement and cultural resonance. Sion’s legacy as a playwright is marked by his commitment to reflecting and shaping the ideals of his time, making him a key figure in the development of Romanian national literature and theater.

Retinoic Acid-Related Orphan Receptor Alpha May Regulate the State of Hair Follicle Stem Cells by Upregulating the Expression of BNIP3

The hair, an exclusive keratinized dermal appendage in mammals, stands as a quintessential outcome of adaptive evolution, conferring resilience against adverse environmental conditions. The ontogenesis of the coat displays a pronounced rhythmic pattern, with hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) emerging as pivotal facilitators of hair follicle reconstitution. The retinoic acid-related orphan receptor alpha, a nuclear receptor with extensive involvement in the regulation of cellular physiological states, exerts its functions predominantly through the modulation of downstream target gene transcription. The Bnip3 gene exhibits a robust correlation with cellular apoptosis and autophagy, which are indispensable physiological mechanisms underlying the maintenance of HFSC homeostasis. Consequently, the expression level of Bnip3 may be intimately linked to the status of HFSCs. In this investigative endeavor, we employed rat HFSCs as a model system to validate the regulatory impact of RORA on Bnip3 gene expression. Our findings unequivocally demonstrate that Bnip3 serves as a direct downstream target of RORA. Specifically, RORA binds to the motif within the Bnip3 promoter region, thereby upregulating Bnip3 expression levels. In light of our research findings, we propose that RORA holds potential as a target for modulating the status of HFSCs.

Procedure time-of-day effects on postoperative opioid requirements in children.

Postoperative analgesic requirements in adults follow circadian rhythm patterns with requirements for opioids and local anesthetics highest in the morning. Procedure time of day may also potentially affect circadian rhythm patterns with surgery at night promoting wakefulness during nighttime hours. This disruption may produce a shift in the circadian rhythm and potentially affect when postoperative opioid requirements are highest. We hypothesized that children undergoing surgery at night would have higher postoperative opioid requirements during nighttime hours secondary to a shift in the circadian rhythm with those requirements remaining higher than daytime requirements for the duration of the hospital stay. A retrospective cohort was completed on all children aged 1-18 years undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis between January 2018 and December 2019. Outcomes were total postoperative morphine equivalents (mg/kg), including total daytime and nighttime postoperative morphine equivalents (mg/kg) in children undergoing surgery during the day and at night. There were 999 children who underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis at Texas Children's Hospital from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019. Of these, 758 children underwent the procedure during the day and 241 children at night. The total, daytime, and nighttime median morphine equivalents (mg/kg) for children undergoing an appendectomy during the day were 0.1 (0.0-0.4), 0.0 (0.0-0.2), 0.1 (0.0-0.2), respectively. The total, daytime, and nighttime morphine equivalents (mg/kg) for children undergoing an appendectomy at night were 0.2 (0.0-0.5) (p = -0.01), 0.1 (0.0-0.3) (p = 0.01), and 0.1 (0.0-0.2) (p = 0.03), respectively. All children, irrespective of the procedure time of day, required more morphine equivalents during daytime hours than during nighttime hours. We found that procedure time of day did not impact postoperative opioid requirements in children undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis. Both children undergoing an appendectomy during the day or at night required more morphine equivalents during daytime hours than during nighttime hours. Surgery at night did not produce a shift in opioid requirements postoperatively from daytime hours to nighttime hours in children undergoing an appendectomy at night.

Context-dependent rhythmicity in chimpanzee displays.

Rhythm is an important component of human language and music production. Rhythms such as isochrony (intervals spaced equally in time) are also present in vocalizations of certain non-human species, including several birds and mammals. This study aimed to identify rhythmic patterns with music-based methods within the display behaviour of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), humans' closest living relatives. Behavioural observations were conducted on individuals from two zoo-housed colonies. We found isochronous rhythms in vocal (e.g. pants, grunts and hoots) as well as in motoric (e.g. swaying and stomping) behavioural sequences. Among individuals, variation was found in the duration between onsets of behavioural elements, resulting in individual-specific tempi. Despite this variation in individual tempi, display sequences were consistently structured with stable, isochronous rhythms. Overall, directed displays targeted at specific individuals were less isochronous than undirected displays. The presence of rhythmic patterns across two independent colonies of chimpanzees suggests that underlying mechanisms for rhythm production may be shared between humans and non-human primates. This shared mechanism indicates that the cognitive requirements for rhythm production potentially preceded human music and language evolution.

The neurobiological link between prayer, breath control and serotonin release

The relationship between spirituality, physical well-being, and mental health has long intrigued researchers, with growing interest in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying practices such as prayer and breath control. This review explores the neurobiological link between prayer, controlled breathing, and the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter essential for regulating mood, emotional balance, and overall mental well-being. Emerging evidence suggests that specific prayer practices, particularly those involving rhythmic breathing patterns, activate key brain regions associated with emotional regulation and serotonin synthesis. By engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, breath control during prayer induces a relaxation response, potentially modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and enhancing serotonin production. Additionally, the meditative aspects of prayer may further support neurochemical balance by reducing stress and promoting feelings of inner peace. Through an interdisciplinary examination of neurophysiology, psychology, and spirituality, this review highlights how prayer combined with breath control can serve as a non-invasive, holistic method for enhancing serotonin release and improving mental health outcomes. Future research directions are proposed to deepen the understanding of these practices within both clinical and everyday settings.

Circadian modulation of behavioural stress indicators varies between diurnal and nocturnal fish species

In the wild, most animals experience daily fluctuations in threats and resources that are synchronised with environmental time cues such as the light-dark cycle. Consequently, animals have evolved daily behavioural patterns (i.e., diurnal or nocturnal) that enhance their fitness by, for example, reducing the temporal overlapping with predators. In fish, previous studies revealed stronger physiological stress responses during the resting period of the species. However, little is known about the circadian modulation of stress indicators and how they are influenced by daily behavioural patterns. In this research, we investigated the behavioural stress responses of two farmed fish species with different activity patterns: the diurnal Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and the nocturnal tench (Tinca tinca). To this end, we examined the behavioural response of individuals exposed to the diving test every 4 h over a 24 h cycle (n = 12 fish/species/time point). Results indicated that most behavioural indicators varied according to the time of day, aligning with the daily rhythmic pattern of the two species. Tilapia exhibited stronger stress responses to novelty during the dark phase, while tench displayed higher stress during the light phase. This was supported by stress-related behaviours such as freezing and erratic movements (in both tilapia and tench) and bottom-dwelling (in tench only). These results indicated that stress responses peaked during the resting phase of each species, although behavioural indicators exhibiting this daily variation did not completely coincide between the studied species. Overall, these findings suggest interspecific differences in the daily modulation of behavioural stress indicators in farmed fish, an effect with potential relevance for welfare. Understanding the activity rhythmic patterns, resting periods, and associated daily variation in stress for each fish species of interest can precisely help tailor farming procedures to minimise suffering.

Orbital pacing of the early Eocene source rock deposition in Tunisia (Bou Dabbous Formation): Astrobiochronological insights into cyclicities through surface-subsurface integration

The Early Eocene Bou Dabbous Formation (BDF) source rock is an economically important source rock in the SW Neo-Tethys covering most of the Ypresian outer ramp to basin deposits in Tunisia. The main rock types of the BDF in central Tunisia include globigerinids-rich grey to black laminated marl and limestone, which occur with an obvious cyclicity at astronomical timescales. This study examines two high-resolution borehole records from northern and eastern Tunisia and an outcrop analog in central Tunisia. The datasets examined were total organic carbon (TOC), magnetic susceptibility, CaCO3, δ13C, δ18O, and Gamma-Ray (GR). We aim to investigate the relationship between the rhythmic patterns observed at the BDF outcrop and the Milankovitch cycles and contextualize the findings within the Ypresian Astrochronological Time Scale (YATS). Additionally, we will discuss the impact of astronomical forcing on sea-level variations and the upwelling system during a greenhouse world. Field measurements and power spectra of the untuned data reveal a hierarchy of cycles throughout the BDF with ∼11.1 m, 4.1, 2.4 m, 1.1 m, and 0.6 m wavelengths. Tuning the 11.1 m cycles to the 405 kyr eccentricity cycle, the astronomical parameters—eccentricity, obliquity, and the precession index—become apparent. The 405 kyr eccentricity cycle is linked to relative sea-level changes inferred from sequence stratigraphy analysis and sedimentary noise modeling. Periods with increased TOC are associated with strong obliquity forcing inferred from the power decomposition analysis and the strong 173-kyr obliquity modulation cycles. The Ypresian record from Tunisia demonstrates the orbital pacing on the strength of the upwelling system, by affecting both the sea level and the climatic belt (wind regime). From 53.89 Ma to 53.2 Ma (TOC >2 wt %), our model demonstrates that obliquity-driven changes in water stratification led to episodes of varying oxygen levels at the bottom of the basin, affecting organic matter decay and preservation. During the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum, changes in climatic belts and wind patterns, along with rising sea levels, led to a shift in the high organic matter accumulation zone. This resulted in a weakened upwelling system in central Tunisia and reduced organic matter accumulation (TOC <0.5 wt%).

The shared genetic architecture and evolution of human language and musical rhythm.

This study aimed to test theoretical predictions over biological underpinnings of previously documented phenotypic correlations between human language-related and musical rhythm traits. Here, after identifying significant genetic correlations between rhythm, dyslexia and various language-related traits, we adapted multivariate methods to capture genetic signals common to genome-wide association studies of rhythm (N = 606,825) and dyslexia (N = 1,138,870). The results revealed 16 pleiotropic loci (P < 5 × 10-8) jointly associated with rhythm impairment and dyslexia, and intricate shared genetic and neurobiological architectures. The joint genetic signal was enriched for foetal and adult brain cell-specific regulatory regions, highlighting complex cellular composition in their shared underpinnings. Local genetic correlation with a key white matter tract (the left superior longitudinal fasciculus-I) substantiated hypotheses about auditory-motor connectivity as a genetically influenced, evolutionarily relevant neural endophenotype common to rhythm and language processing. Overall, we provide empirical evidence of multiple aspects of shared biology linking language and musical rhythm, contributing novel insight into the evolutionary relationships between human musicality and linguistic communication traits.

Electroencephalographic (EEG) Stages in Patients With Cerebral Edema Following Cardiac Arrest.

To describe electroencephalographic (EEG) changes in pediatric patients with cerebral edema after cardiac arrest. A retrospective study of patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit from July 2021 to January 2023. We included patients with cardiac arrest and changes in EEG background with clinical changes and/or neuroimaging consistent with cerebral edema. We excluded patients with electrographic seizures. We applied American Clinical Neurophysiology Society standardized critical care EEG terminology to classify EEG background, noting timing of the change in background classification. Clinical variables included age, sex, and neuroimaging findings and were described with descriptive statistics. Nine patients met inclusion criteria, with median age 24 months (interquartile range 21-49), and 89% were male. There were 5 common EEG stages: stage 1, burst suppression/burst attenuation; stage 2, continuous/discontinuous ± multifocal sporadic epileptiform discharges ± rhythmic or periodic patterns; stage 3, discontinuous/burst suppression/burst attenuation ± rhythmic or periodic patterns; stage 4, gradual voltage suppression; and stage 5, diffuse suppression. The ranges for each stage were as follows: stage 1, 2-10 hours; stage 2, 2.5-15.5 hours; stage 3, 0.5-6.24 hours; and stage 4, 0.5-11 hours. We could not calculate the duration of stage 5 given no uniform time to EEG discontinuation. One patient had a clinical change in stage 3. Remaining patients presented with fixed and dilated pupils with global anoxic injury. EEG stages of cerebral edema have not been described after pediatric cardiac arrest. These stages may be relevant to other patient populations. Early stages may be a therapeutic target for intracranial pressure-lowering medications and/or neuroprotective strategies to minimize sequalae of cerebral edema.

Examining the Neural Markers of Speech Rhythm in Silent Reading Using Mass Univariate Statistics of EEG Single Trials.

The Implicit Prosody Hypothesis (IPH) posits that individuals generate internal prosodic representations during silent reading, mirroring those produced in spoken language. While converging behavioral evidence supports the IPH, the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms remain largely unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the neurophysiological markers of sensitivity to speech rhythm cues during silent word reading. EEGs were recorded while participants silently read four-word sequences, each composed of either trochaic words (stressed on the first syllable) or iambic words (stressed on the second syllable). Each sequence was followed by a target word that was either metrically congruent or incongruent with the preceding rhythmic pattern. To investigate the effects of metrical expectancy and lexical stress type, we examined single-trial event-related potentials (ERPs) and time-frequency representations (TFRs) time-locked to target words. The results showed significant differences based on the stress pattern expectancy and type. Specifically, words that carried unexpected stress elicited larger ERP negativities between 240 and 628 ms after the word onset. Furthermore, different frequency bands were sensitive to distinct aspects of the rhythmic structure in language. Alpha activity tracked the rhythmic expectations, and theta and beta activities were sensitive to both the expected rhythms and specific locations of the stressed syllables. The findings clarify neurocognitive mechanisms of phonological and lexical mental representations during silent reading using a conservative data-driven approach. Similarity with neural response patterns previously reported for spoken language contexts suggests shared neural networks for implicit and explicit speech rhythm processing, further supporting the IPH and emphasizing the centrality of prosody in reading.

The Use of Joyce J. Fitzpatrick's "Life Perspective Rhythm Theory" in a Case with Substance Use Disorder Diagnosed with Craving Severity: Case Report

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to plan the patient care of a male patient with craving severity diagnosed with substance use disorder according to Joyce J. Fitzpatrick's "Life Perspective Rhythm Theory". Theoretical Framework: In this study, nursing care was applied based on the Life Perspectives Rhythm theory. Method: A male patient with severe cravings diagnosed with substance use disorder treated in a psychiatric ward was evaluated according to the rhythmic patterns in Joyce J. Fitzpatrick's "Life Perspective Rhythm Theory". Patient care was planned and implemented based on the five main assumptions of the theory. Results and Discussion: Based on Fitzpatrick's Life Perspective Rhythm Theory, it was determined that the 32-year-old male patient with craving severity who was followed up with a diagnosis of substance use disorder had problems in the process of adaptation to life perspectives in the temporal behavior pattern, increased the number of cigarettes smoked daily in the motor behavior pattern, had impulse uncontrol in the cognitive behavior pattern, and had discourses that his parents mistreated him in the perceptual behavior pattern. According to Fitzpatrick, we determined the priority of care of this case as ineffective coping, decreased self-esteem, denial, risk of violence against self or others, anxiety, ineffectiveness in maintaining health, impaired social interaction and impaired family processes. Research Implications: In this study, the planning, implementation and evaluation stages of the patient care of a male patient with craving severity diagnosed with substance use disorder were carried out according to the Life Perspective Rhythm Theory with the priorities determined by using observation and communication skills. At the end of the process, the patient stated that his level of knowledge increased in order to maintain his physical and mental well-being, and that he knew the symptoms of craving severity and the measures to be taken when these symptoms occur. Since there are very few studies based on the theory developed by Fitzpatrick, it is recommended to study with different patient groups in order to obtain precise results by concretizing the usability of the theory in patterns.

Phenophases of Species of the Salix Genus in the Conditions of Osh City

The study of the phenology of urban trees and shrubs has increased dramatically worldwide in recent years, as changes in plant phenology may indicate the impacts of climate change at different scales. The aim of the study is to determine the patterns of the seasonal rhythm of individual species belonging to the Salixgenus in Osh. The studies were conducted in the period 2019-2023 at the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Nature Management of Osh State Pedagogical University. The subject of the study is 4 species of the genus Salix: Salix babylonica L., Salix turanica Nasarow, Salix wilhelmsiana M. Bieb. and Salix tenuijulis Ledeb. Phenological observations were carried out for 5 years using generally accepted phenological methods. The results of phenological observations in 2019-2023 show that the duration of the growing season in urban conditions is 240-245 days, and this indicator varies depending on climatic conditions. The observed species have differences in the flowering sequence, the beginning and duration of flowering. The total duration of flowering in the studied species is 25-35 days. The seasonal type of growth and phenological development of plants of the genus Salix is characterized by an early onset and late end of vegetation, stability of average phenological terms. Such a phenological rhythm of the studied species of the genus Salix makes it possible to consider cultivation for decorative and environmental purposes in urban conditions promising.

Research on the mechanism of the effect of music rhythm synchronization training on biomechanics gait optimization and rehabilitation outcome

The integration of movements or activities that match the beat of music is known as music rhythm synchronization (MRS). Excessive musical tempo can enhance motor abilities and general movement efficiency and it requires synchronizing physical activities like walking or exercising. Enhancing the speed of movement that leads to quick walking, longer step length symmetric, and functional walking ability. The training with MRS mechanism, this research aims to analyze the movement in biomechanics, optimization, and the findings of rehabilitation impacts. This research utilizes 75 participants with Parkinson’s illness and they are divided into two categories group A with training in MRS mechanism and received traditional mechanism training in group B. This research explores the training in MRS mechanism-affected biomechanics movements are performed by utilizing the pre-post method by providing more evaluations. The three-week supervised rehabilitation program presenting the MRS has been followed by the two-week follow-up stage as a part of the intervention. There are two significant deviation estimations in the patterns of normal gait like the gait variable score (GVS) and gait profile score (GPS). The regression analysis, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), regression analysis, and paired sample t-test, which are the data assessment techniques are evaluated by utilizing the SPSS statistical software for the performance. The conclusion demonstrates the MRS mechanism training significantly improved gait biomechanics. The GPS score shows the enhanced overall quality of gait and it decreased significantly. These findings illustrate the potential of the MRS mechanism training mechanism in improving gait biomechanics and producing excellent rehabilitation outcomes.

Hearing Rhythm, Seeing Rhythm: A Research Approach to Reimagining Traditions of Chinese Poetic ‘rules of rhythm’

Throughout the history of China, from early dynasties into contemporary times, aspects of poetry, painting, and writing have been grounded in varied but deeply connected ‘rules of rhythm’. These ‘rules’ permeate in diverse yet identifiable and recognizable forms. The research in this project is aimed at both adopting and adapting these rules of rhythm or rhythmic patterns in an experimental form that reimagines a tradition of ‘lyric aesthetics’ in the context of the contemporary interplay between sound, image, and writing. In this sense, the investigation is at once one of ‘reclamation’ and extension. The basic ‘question’ in these experiments is whether it is possible to represent sonic patterns themselves — that is, by both visualizing sound structures and ‘sonifying’ visual forms (irrespective of textual content). The text focuses on the historical establishment of methodological approaches (as a way to identify their forms) and then transforming/translating these in combinations made possible by blending the sonic and visual. As a particular attribute of Chinese expression, these ‘rules’ or forms are cultural traits that have endured through many centuries and challenges and, more importantly in this case, can be (re)iterated in dynamic, fluid, and revitalized contemporary artistic configurations that aim at seeing sound, writing sound, and performing rhythm. &lt;style&gt; /* rules to make button only show up in META */ .download-accessible { display:none; } .meta-right-col .download-accessible { display: inline-block; padding: 9px; margin-bottom:25px; border: 1px solid black; background-color:white; } &lt;/style&gt; &lt;a class="download-accessible" href="download-media?work=3155507&amp;file=3155517" title="This accessible PDF is a derivative of the original which it is meant to support and not replace."&gt;Download Accessible PDF&lt;/a&gt;

Harnessing Wearables and Digital Technologies to Decode the Cardiovascular Exposome.

The cardiovascular exposome encompasses the array of external and internal factors affecting cardiovascular health throughout life, inviting comprehensive monitoring and analysis to enhance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Wearable and digital technologies have emerged as promising tools in this domain, offering longitudinal, real-time data on physiological parameters such as heart rate, heart rhythm, physical activity, and sleep patterns. This review explores the advancements in wearable sensor technology, the methodologies for data collection and analysis, and the integration of these technologies into clinical practice and research. Primary findings indicate significant improvements in device accuracy and functionality, facilitated by enhanced sensor technology, artificial intelligence, and data connectivity. These advancements enable precise monitoring, early detection of cardiovascular anomalies, and personalized healthcare interventions. Ultimately, wearables and digital health technologies have the potential to facilitate a deeper understanding of cardiovascular disease and behavior and bridge gaps in traditional healthcare models to help usher in more efficient, personalized, patient-centered care.

The genetically programmed rhythmic alteration of diurnal gene expression in the aged Arabidopsis leaves.

The circadian clock regulates the daily pattern of temporal gene expression. In Arabidopsis, aging is associated with a shortening of the endogenous period of circadian rhythms under circadian conditions. However, the functional link between the circadian clock and aging under diurnal conditions and its physiological relevance remain elusive. In this study, we investigate and characterize the effect of aging on the waveforms of rhythmic gene expression patterns under light/dark cycles. Our analysis revealed that the diurnal rhythmic patterns of core clock genes undergo significant rhythmic alteration with phase shift and change of waveforms in aged plants compared to younger plants. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that this age-dependent rhythmic alteration occurs not only in core clock genes but also globally. Due to the rhythmic alteration patterns of the diurnal rhythmic gene expression, aged plants experience subjectively a shorter day and longer night. We also observed that genetic mutants of core clock component genes exhibited broadly yet distinctively altered changes in diurnal rhythmic gene expression patterns as aging progresses. Collectively, our findings support that age-dependent rhythmic alteration of diurnal gene expression rhythms reprograms the timetable of daily gene expression, leading to the physiological changes required for plant senescence.

Cooling lactating sows exposed to early summer heat wave alters circadian patterns of behavior and rhythms of respiration, rectal temperature, and saliva melatonin.

Heat stress (HS) exerts detrimental effects on animal production, with lactating sows being particularly vulnerable. Understanding the mechanisms involved in HS response could aid in developing effective strategies against the negative impacts on livestock. Recent genome wide association studies identified two core circadian clock genes as potential candidates in mediating HS response. The study aimed to investigate how cooling lactating sows under natural heat stress conditions impacted circadian patterns of respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), behavior, salivary melatonin and cortisol levels, and diurnal patterns of cytokines in saliva. Mixed parity lactating sows were assigned to one of two treatment groups: electronic cooling pad (C; n = 9) and heat-stressed (H; n = 9). The experiment spanned two 48 h periods of elevated ambient temperatures due to summer heat wave. In the first 48 h period, RR was recorded every 30 min, RT every 60 min, and behaviors (eating, standing, sitting, laying, sleeping, drinking, and nursing) every 5 min. In the second 48 h period, saliva samples were collected every 4 h. Cooling reduced RR and RT and altered circadian patterns (P < 0.05). Cooling did not affect amount of time engaged in any behavior over the 48 h period (P > 0.05), however, daily patterns of eating, standing and laying differed between the treatments (P < 0.05), with altered eating behavior related to RT increment in H sows (P < 0.05). Cooling increased and altered the circadian pattern of salivary melatonin (P < 0.05). Cooling also influenced the diurnal pattern of saliva cytokines. Cooling had no impact on saliva cortisol levels. In conclusion, cooling HS sows impacted circadian rhythms of physiology and behavior, supporting the need for further research to understand if circadian disruption underlies decreased production efficiency of HS animals.

THE STUDY OF THE SPATIO-TEMPORAL ORIENTATION ABILITY OF STUDENTS PRACTICING SPORTS DANCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BUCHAREST

Background. Sports dance is characterized by a complex coordination, its most important components being, in our opinion: the segmental, general and multisegmental coordination; the capacity of kinesthetic differentiation; the static and dynamic coordination, the ability of spatio-temporal orientation; the ability to perceive and reproduce musical rhythm and tempo. Sports dance lessons are held in the University of Bucharest with students who opt for this discipline without having a prior selection. In sports dance, all the motor capacities are involved in different weights, but we proposed for this study to analyze from the perspective of the coordinative capacities, the spatio-temporal orientation. Objectives. The subjects in this study are students in the 1st and 2nd years, belonging to different faculties of the university and they were divided into the control and the experimental groups. Both groups worked to test a salsa choreography during the lessons. In the experimental group, the choreography was practiced facing points 1,3,5,7, and in the control group, the choreography was practiced facing point 1. The test was realized with reference to point 5. Methods. The working methods used are observation, testing method, statistical-mathematical and graphical interpretation method. Results. The results were significantly better in the experimental group compared to the control group. The subjects in the experimental group were able to orient themselves better in space and time in a percentage of 85% and in the control group the percentage was about 30% Conclusion. We believe that the orientation in space and time can be improved by simple means, prepared by the teacher in the sports discipline, the methodological work being implemented according to the groups.

From Sound to Movement: Mapping the Neural Mechanisms of Auditory-Motor Entrainment and Synchronization.

Humans exhibit a remarkable ability to synchronize their actions with external auditory stimuli through a process called auditory-motor or rhythmic entrainment. Positive effects of rhythmic entrainment have been demonstrated in adults with neurological movement disorders, yet the neural substrates supporting the transformation of auditory input into timed rhythmic motor outputs are not fully understood. We aimed to systematically map and synthesize the research on the neural correlates of auditory-motor entrainment and synchronization. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews, a systematic search was conducted across four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, and Scopus) for articles published between 2013 and 2023. From an initial return of 1430 records, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized based on the neuroimaging modality. There is converging evidence that auditory-motor synchronization engages bilateral cortical and subcortical networks, including the supplementary motor area, premotor cortex, ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. Specifically, the supplementary motor area and the basal ganglia are essential for beat-based timing and internally guided rhythmic movements, while the cerebellum plays an important role in tracking and processing complex rhythmic patterns and synchronizing to the external beat. Self-paced tapping is associated with additional activations in the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia, suggesting that tapping in the absence of auditory cues requires more neural resources. Lastly, existing studies indicate that movement rate and the type of music further modulate the EEG power in the alpha and beta frequency bands. These findings are discussed in the context of clinical implications and rhythm-based therapies.