Rhythmic Changes Research Articles

Sex Differences in Circadian Timing and Biological Night in Adolescents.

Circadian rhythms, intrinsic 24-h cycles that drive rhythmic changes in behavior and physiology, are important for normal physiology and health. Previous work in adults has identified sex differences in circadian rhythms of melatonin, temperature, and the intrinsic period of the human circadian timing system. However, less is known about sex differences in circadian rhythms at other developmental stages. To address this gap, we considered a secondary analysis of sleep and circadian data from two studies involving adolescent participants during the academic year: (n = 32, 15 females). We collected 1 week of in-home actigraphy data to calculate sleep-wake parameters and in-laboratory salivary melatonin data collection in dim-light conditions was used to compute dim-light melatonin onset (DLMO) and offset (DLMOff) using a threshold of 4 pg/mL. We found that DLMO was an average of 96 min earlier, the time between DLMO and bedtime was an average of 56 min greater, and the biological night (time between DLMO and DLMOff) was 60 min longer in females compared to males, even though bedtimes and waketimes were not statistically different between the groups. In addition, after accounting for differences in bedtime, sex was still a significant predictor of DLMO. Conversely, no evidence was found indicating a difference in DLMOff or the phase angle between DLMOff and waketime by sex. These findings suggest that sex differences in circadian rhythms are present in adolescents and may have implications for circadian health during this important developmental period.

On Schemas in Tonal Jazz Repertoire

Abstract Jazz practice involves negotiating schemas at various levels, from general formal types (twelve-bar blues, rhythm changes, 32-bar ABAC) to individual chord symbols. This article discusses a number of common schemas at the sub-phrase level—harmonically associated but further characterized by rhythm, hypermeter, formal function, and sometimes melody—encountered in tonal jazz repertoire.

Sleep disturbances in patients with comorbid coronary heart disease and depression

Aim. To study the presence and severity of insomnia in patients with comorbid coronary heart disease (CHD) and depressive disorder (DD).Materials and methods. The study included 132 patients with CHD (class II–III exertional angina after myocardial infarction experienced more than 6 months ago): 58 patients with DD and 74 patients without depression. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to diagnose DD. The diagnosis in all cases was confirmed by a therapist. Sleep disturbances were assessed using the Sheehan Patient-Rated Anxiety Scale (ShAS). The data were presented as M ± SD; n (%); and Me [25%; 75%]. The differences were considered significant at p < 0.05.Results. Insomnia in the general group of patients was registered as follows: none or clinically not significant – in 62 patients (54.9%), clinically significant – in 51 patients (45.1%). Night awakenings in the general group of patients were detected as follows: none or clinically not significant – in 66 patients (58.4%), clinically significant – in 47 patients (41.6%). Disturbances in falling asleep and night awakenings were significantly pronounced in patients with CHD with identified DD compared to patients without mental disorders: disturbances in falling asleep – 2 [1; 3] vs. 1 [0; 2] (p = 0.0001), night awakenings – 2 [1; 3] vs. 1 [0; 2] (p = 0.00002), respectively. In the group of CHD with DD (n = 58), 2 people (3.4%) did not complete the scale. Among those who did, 12 patients (21.4%) had no difficulty falling asleep, 9 patients (16.1%) had little difficulty, and 35 patients (62.5%) had clinically significant disturbances. In the group of CHD without DD (n = 74), 17 people (23%) did not complete the scale. Among those who did (n = 57), 21 patients (36.8%) had no difficulty falling asleep, 20 patients (35.1%) had little difficulty, and 16 patients (28.1%) had clinically significant problems. In patients with comorbid CHD and DD who completed the ShARS (n = 56), 7 patients (12.5%) had no night awakenings, 17 patients (30.4%) had few night awakenings, and 32 patients (57.1%) had clinically significant disturbances in maintaining sleep. In the group without DD, among those who completed the ShARS (n = 57), 18 patients (31.6%) had no night awakenings, 24 patients (42.1%) had few night awakenings, and 15 patients (26.4%) had clinically significant disturbances in maintaining sleep. Significant differences were noted for all test questions (p < 0.0005).Conclusion. In patients with comorbid CHD and DD, changes in the circadian rhythm are detected in the form of significant disturbances in falling asleep and awakening, which can aggravate the clinical course of CHD and the prognosis of patients with cardiovascular diseases.

PSYCHOPHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH SPEECH DISORDERS IN THE CONTEXT OF MUSICAL-CREATIVE AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Abstract. The comprehensive and harmonious development of a child is linked to their morphological-functional, physical, somatic, mental, and other individual characteristics. Based on this, we considered it necessary, within the framework of a pedagogical experiment, to analyze how subjectively parents assess their children's speech development. Subsequently, for further analysis of the correctional process technology which effectively forms the basis of dance-cognitive education – thus being constantly perfected and practically applied – we deemed it essential to identify certain features of the musical-creative and physical development of children at the initial stage of their preschool education. Objective: to identify the psychophysical and speech characteristics of children’s development, define the specifics of their musical-creative and physical education, in order to develop a further strategy for conducting classes with elements of dance exercises that address speech correction. Subjects: 87 parents of children aged 4–6 years. To study the parameters of speech development and create a characterization of musical- creative and physical education for children, we used the questionnaire survey method. Analysis of the survey data revealed that, despite parents' evident interest in their child’s speech development, not all of them understand their role in the process of speech formation. It was also identified that at the early stages of development, children’s cognitive interests play a predominant role. The results of the survey allowed us to determine the main strategy for physical education for preschoolers with speech disorders, based on the technology we developed for correcting speech impairments through classes incorporating dance exercises. In this aspect, classes with dance elements can creatively fulfill this need, develop a sense of rhythm, strengthen the skeletal and muscular systems, and stimulate memory, attention, thinking, and imagination. This experience may further assist children in successfully mastering various artistic-creative and sports activities such as choreography, theatre arts, playing musical instruments, gymnastics, etc. Among other benefits, dance-corrective exercises involve the use of both short-term and long-term memory to memorize and reproduce dance figures. These exercises impact the activity of motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, thereby developing motor centers. Constant changes in sequences and rhythms in dance stimulate brain neurons, enhancing the functional flexibility of neural processes. Further research – conduct an analysis of the results of assessing speech and psychophysical development, cognitive functions and dance abilities of preschool children at the initial stage of education.

Delayed feeding disrupts diurnal oscillations in the gut microbiome of a neotropical bat in captivity.

Diurnal rhythms of the gut microbiota are emerging as an important yet often overlooked facet of microbial ecology. Feeding is thought to stimulate gut microbial rhythmicity, but this has not been explicitly tested. Moreover, the role of the gut environment is entirely unexplored, with rhythmic changes to gut pH rather than feeding per se possibly affecting gut microbial fluctuations. In this study, we experimentally manipulated the feeding schedule of captive lesser long-nosed bats, Leptonycteris yerbabuenae, to dissociate photic and feeding cues, and measured the fecal microbiota and gut pH every two hours. We detected strong diurnal rhythms in both microbial alpha- and beta diversity as well as in pH within the control group. However, a delay in feeding disrupted oscillations of gut microbial diversity and composition, but did not affect rhythms in gut pH. The oscillations of some genera, such as Streptococcus, which aid in metabolizing nutrients, shifted in accordance with the delayed feeding cue and were correlated with pH. For other bacterial genera, oscillations were disturbed and no connection to pH was found. Our findings suggest that the rhythmic proliferation of bacteria matches peak feeding times, providing evidence that diurnal rhythms of the gut microbiota likely evolved to optimize their metabolic support to the host's circadian phenotype.

Three-dimensional kinematics in patients with anterior shoulder instability - A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Anterior Shoulder Instability (ASI) is a common orthopedic condition often resulting in altered shoulder kinematics. Understanding the biomechanics of the unstable shoulder is critical to determine the most appropriate treatment. This study aims to conduct the first systematic review and meta-analysis of three-dimensional (3D) shoulder kinematic studies in ASI patients. A broad search was conducted within PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library following the PRISMA guidelines. All cross-sectional or longitudinal studies with 3D motion analysis describing shoulder kinematics in patients with ASI were included. The quality of each study was assessed using the MINORS criteria. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed. Nine studies were included in the qualitative analysis and two in the meta-analysis. The qualitative review detected conflicting evidence for some parameters. The humeral head had a greater anterior translation in unstable shoulders in three of the studies analyzed, while the difference was not significant in one and another found higher variability for global humeral translation for instability patients. Two studies showed decreased rotation range of motion for unstable shoulders while one did not find significant differences. Conflicting results were also found regarding changes in scapulohumeral rhythm and scapular orientation. The meta-analysis indicated a greater scapulohumeral rhythm on the coronal plane for the instability group, suggesting a relatively greater contribution of motion at the glenohumeral joint compared with the scapulothoracic joint for arm abduction, and reduced glenohumeral peak angles for unstable shoulders. Identifying and quantifying kinematic changes associated with ASI are vital for refining treatment interventions.

Changes in Circadian Rhythm in Chronically-Starved Mice Are Associated With Glial Cell Density Reduction in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by severe weight loss and associated with hyperactivity and circadian rhythm disruption. However, the cellular basis of circadian rhythm disruption is poorly understood. Glial cells in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the principal circadian pacemaker, are involved in regulating circadian rhythms. We hypothesize that the circadian rhythm disruption in AN patients is associated with glial cell changes in the SCN. In the starvation-induced hyperactivity mouse model, mice had free access to a running wheel and received a restricted amount of food once a day, until a 25% body weight loss was reached and maintained their weight loss for two weeks. This was followed by a refeeding phase. Different daily periods of running wheel activity were defined, such as food anticipatory activity up to 4 h before feeding. Circadian rhythmicity was analyzed using the cosinor method. Gene expression was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was used to quantify astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes. Starvation induced changes in circadian rhythm, as indicated by changes in cosinor-based characteristics. Refeeding reversed these effects. Additionally, there was an increase in cryptochrome circadian regulator 1 expression and a decrease in the density of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the SCN after chronic starvation. Starvation-induced alterations in circadian rhythms are associated with molecular, and cellular changes in the hypothalamus. Reduced astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the SCN in a mouse model of AN suggest that glial pathophysiology may play a role in circadian rhythm disruption.

Three-dimensional scapular kinematics during commonly used rehabilitation exercises in patients 12 weeks after Reversed Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Reversed shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is often used to restore functionality in patients with joint arthropathy and dysfunctional rotator cuff. As rTSA changes the biomechanical properties of the shoulder, an altered movement pattern of arm and scapula is to be expected. Previous studies focused on changes of the scapulohumeral rhythm during functional elevation tasks. To our knowledge, no study exists examining scapular kinematics during rehabilitation exercises in a patient population with rTSA. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze 3-dimensional scapular kinematics during 3 commonly used rehabilitation exercises, 12 weeks after rTSA surgery. It was hypothesized that scapular kinematics would be different between the horizontal and the vertical plane. Secondly, differences in scapular kinematics in the vertical plane, between the open and closed chain were hypothesized. In this cross-sectional study, 48 patients (55 shoulders) aged 69 ± 7.4 years participated. Scapular kinematics in terms of anterior/posterior tilt, external/internal rotation and upward/downward rotation were registered during 3 rehabilitation exercises. Exercises varied based on the plane (horizontal or vertical) and the modality (closed or open chain). Data were analyzed using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM). Post-hoc pairwise analysis within SPM (SPM(t)) revealed no significant differences among the exercises regarding posterior tilt. During vertical plane exercises (Standing Wall Slide 120° (WS), Standing reach 120° (REACH)), the scapula was more upwardly rotated for most of the time (14.93% - 74.63%, p<0.001) than during the exercise in the horizontal plane (Seated Bench Slide (BS)). No statistically significant differences were found between the vertical open chain (REACH) and the vertical closed chain exercise (WS). For the internal /external rotation, significant differences were found between the horizontal (BS) and the vertical plane (WS, REACH) (0% - 100%, p<0.001), and between the open (REACH) and closed chain (WS) vertical exercises (3.0% - 91.5%, p<0.001), with more external rotation when performing the movement in the vertical plane, and in the closed chain compared to respectively the horizontal plane and the open chain. Scapular kinematics during rehabilitation exercises after rTSA differ, depending on the plane and modality of the exercise. Insight into the impact of changing the plane (horizontal /vertical), and training in open versus closed chain, may assist physical therapists in the choice of exercises.

Stride patterns in women's 400m hurdles: decisive factors or simple numbers?

The study analysed the impact of the number of steps between hurdles on the final result in the women's 400 m hurdles, using data from 141 championship final races from 1978 to 2022. The aim was to determine the standard stride rhythm, the influence of the minimal number of steps on athletic performance, and the relationship between stride rhythm in the initial and final phases of the race. The results showed that the best athletes cover the first 5–6 intervals between hurdles with a 15-step rhythm, with some even starting the race with 14 steps. In the second part of the distance, the number of steps increases (to 15–16 for the best athletes, 17–18 for others). The greatest changes in stride rhythm occur in the second half of the race, particularly between the 7th and 10th hurdles and in the last 40 meters. Correlation analysis indicated that minimal changes in the number of steps on the second curve (between the 4th and 8th hurdles) have a significant impact on the final race time (r=0.30, p&lt;0.001). A smaller number of steps in subsequent parts of the distance is a key factor determining a high level of performance in this event.

Increased Afferent Nerve Firing Is Correlated With the Detection of Bladder Wall Micromotion in a Perfused Ex-Vivo Porcine Model.

Observable autonomous rhythmic changes in intravesical pressure, termed bladder wall micromotion, is a phenomenon that has been linked to urinary urgency, the key symptom in overactive bladder (OAB). However, the mechanism through which micromotion drives urinary urgency is poorly understood. In addition, micromotion is inherently difficult to study in human urodynamics due to challenges distinguishing it from normal cyclic physiologic processes such as pulse rate, breathing, rectal contractions, and ureteral jetting. Therefore, the goal of this study was to create a reproducible model of micromotion using an ex-vivo perfused porcine bladder, as well as to describe the relationship between micromotion and afferent nerve signaling. Porcine bladders were reanimated using ex-vivo perfusion with a physiologic buffer. The pelvic nerve adjacent to the bladder was dissected, grasped with micro-hook electrodes and electroneurogram (ENG) signals were recorded at 20 kHz. Bladders were catheterized and intravesical pressure measurements were taken using a Laborie XT Urodynamics system. Bladders were filled to a fixed volume of 300 mL and control measurements were recorded. The bladders were then washed with 0.001 M carbachol (CCh) solution and refilled to 300 mL to induce micromotion, which was detected as rhythmic changes in intravesical pressure. ENG amplitude was calculated in μV, and nerve firing rate was calculated as number of spikes above baseline threshold per minute. Micromotion was induced by carbachol in 12/25 (48.4%) of trials as rhythmic changes in intravesical pressure after the instillation of carbachol but not in any control period. A fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm showed average peak dominant frequency component amplitude was significantly higher during the carbachol period when compared to the control period (0.47 vs. 0.01 cm-H2O, p < 0.0001). Peak waveform frequency (1.13 vs. 1.54 cycles/min, p > 0.05) did not differ between control and carbachol periods. With regard to afferent nerve signaling, normalized average amplitude (0.66 ± 0.24 vs. 0.05 ± 0.08 μV) and firing rate (0.68 ± 0.28 vs. 0.18 ± 0.22 spike/min) for all bladders was significantly greater in the carbachol period when compared to the control period (p < 0.001). Micromotion can be induced using instillation of carbachol in a perfused ex-vivo porcine bladder. Increased afferent nerve firing is observed during periods of micromotion. Thus, micromotion may drive afferent nerve signaling and may potentially contribute to urinary urgency, detrusor overactivity, and OAB. The development of an experimental ex-vivo porcine model for micromotion provides a reproducible method to study bladder micromotion and its potential role in the pathophysiology of urinary urgency and voiding dysfunction.

Circadian rhythm disruption, Shift work and its Metabolic impact

Shift work has an irreplaceable role in many companies and posts, however the negative health impacts are ineluctable, so it is worthy to clarify the possible influence that can post on the metabolism and therefore causing dangerous disorders. The relationship between the shift work and circadian rhythm including the master clock (SCN) and peripheral clock in the tissue and the external environment is researched, in the meantime the various effects are also mentioned. The main focus was on the metabolism, contending that glucose and lipid metabolism has affected by the changes of the circadian rhythm and potential consequences like diabetes and obesity might emerge. Additionally, insulin sensitivity drops as the circadian phases shifts, with accompanied by the risk of type 2 diabetes. Other effects like influences on the hormone secretion and functioning does also shows relationships with metabolic rhythms, for instance the melatonin reduction can leads several diseases. With the clear understanding of these relationships further clinical studies show be able to utilize the mechanisms and produce therapeutic interventions

Conflicting Evidence for a Motor Timing Theory of Stuttering: Choral Speech Changes the Rhythm of Both Neurotypical and Stuttering Talkers, but in Opposite Directions.

Talking in unison with a partner, otherwise known as choral speech, reliably induces fluency in people who stutter (PWS). This effect may arise because choral speech addresses a hypothesized motor timing deficit by giving PWS an external rhythm to align with and scaffold their utterances onto. This study tested this theory by comparing the choral speech rhythm of people who do and do not stutter to assess whether both groups change their rhythm in similar ways when talking chorally. Twenty adults who stutter and 20 neurotypical controls read a passage on their own and then a second passage chorally with a neurotypical partner. Their speech rhythm was evaluated using Envelope Modulation Spectrum (EMS) analysis to derive peak frequency, a measure of the dominant rate of modulation in the sound envelope, as well as peak amplitude (the amplitude of the peak frequency), across several octave bands associated with different features of speech. The two groups displayed opposing patterns of rhythmic change during choral reading. People with a stutter increased their EMS peak frequency when they read chorally, while neurotypical talkers' choral speech was characterized by reduced peak frequency compared to solo reading. Our findings show that the choral speech rhythm of PWS differs from that of neurotypical talkers. This indicates limited support for the hypothesis that choral speech addresses a motor timing deficit by giving PWS a rhythmic cue with which to align.

Oscillatory Transcranial ElectricalStimulation and the Amplitude-Modulated Frequency Dictate the Quantitative Features of Phosphenes.

Previous research demonstrated that transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can induce phosphene perception. However, tACS involves rhythmic changes in the electric field and alternating polarity (excitatory vs. inhibitory phases), leaving the precise mechanism behind phosphene perception unclear. To disentangle the effects of rhythmic changes from those of alternating polarity, this study employs oscillatory transcranial direct current stimulation (otDCS), in which the current oscillation remains confined to either a positive or negative polarity, thereby eliminating the influence of polarity switching. We applied scalp electrical stimulations using both polarity-switching (tACS) and non-polarity-switching (otDCS) methods, with anodal or cathodal polarities, targeting the occipital lobe. All stimulations were performed using sinusoidal or amplitude modulation (AM)waveforms at threshold or suprathreshold intensities. Our results show that tACS results in faster response times compared to cathodal otDCS, but not anodal otDCS, while anodal otDCS elicits greater brightness perception than both cathodal otDCS and tACS. Additionally, AM frequency induced a higher threshold than the sinusoidal frequency, and response times were slower in the AM condition across all positive, negative, and polarity-switching stimulations. However, stimulation intensity in the anodal AM condition could influence speed ratings, unlike in cathodal or tACS conditions. Our findings reveal that both tACS and otDCS induce phosphenes, with significant differences between polarities and current oscillation types, indicating that both mechanisms are critical in phosphene induction. This study provides evidence linking phosphene occurrence to oscillatory current activity and highlights the robustness and impact of AM coding in visual perception.

Circadian clockwork controls the balance between mitochondrial turnover and dynamics: What is life … without time marking?

Circadian rhythms driven by biological clocks regulate physiological processes in all living organisms by anticipating daily geophysical changes, thus enhancing environmental adaptation. Time-resolved serial multi-omic analyses in vivo, ex vivo, and in synchronized cell cultures have revealed rhythmic changes in the transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome, involving up to 50% of the mammalian genome. Mitochondrial oxidative metabolism is central to cellular bioenergetics, and many nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins exhibit both circadian and ultradian oscillatory expression. However, studies on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene expression remain incomplete. Using a well-established in vitro synchronization protocol, we investigated the time-resolved expression of mtDNA genes coding for respiratory chain complex subunits, revealing a rhythmic profile dependent on BMAL1, the master circadian clock transcription factor. Additionally, the expression of genes coding for key mitochondrial biogenesis transcription factors, PGC1a, NRF1, and TFAM, showed BMAL1-dependent circadian oscillations. Notably, LC3-II, involved in mitophagy, displayed a similar in-phase circadian expression, thereby maintaining stable respiratory chain complex levels. Moreover, we found that simultaneous mitochondrial biogenesis and degradation occur in a coordinated manner with cycles in organelle dynamics, leading to rhythmic changes in mitochondrial fission and fusion. This study provides new insights into circadian clock regulation of mitochondrial turnover, emphasizing the importance of temporal regulation in cellular metabolism. Understanding these mechanisms opens potential therapeutic avenues for targeting mitochondrial dysfunctions and related metabolic disorders.

Dim blue light at night worsens high-fat diet-induced kidney damage via increasing corticosterone levels and modulating the expression of circadian clock genes.

Obesity is a contributing factor that increases the likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease. In recent years, studies have found that light pollution worldwide promoted obesity, which was known to be a consequence of circadian rhythm disruption. Nevertheless, the impact of light pollution on kidney disease associated with obesity remains mostly unknown, and potential processes have been minimally investigated. Herein, we fed mice a high-fat diet and gave them dim white (dWL), blue (dBL), green (dGL), and red (dRL) light for 12 weeks. Our results showed that both dWL and dBL tended to be more susceptible to damage to kidney dysfunction caused by a high-fat diet compared to LD, with more pronounced changes in dBL. The analysis of kidney found that dBL activated the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the kidney. Additionally, dBL activated the NF-κB signaling pathway and resulted in elevated protein levels of TLR4, p-IκB, p-P65, and TNF-α. Furthermore, dBL increased BAX protein levels and decreased BCL2 protein levels. At the same time, dBL affected the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, elevating KEAP1 and decreasing NRF2 and HO-1 protein levels. We were surprised to find that dBL altered the expression of the circadian clock genes, resulting in a decrease in the positively regulated genes Bmal1, Clock, and an increase in the negatively regulated genes Per1, Per2, Per3. Mechanistically, dBL increased plasma CORT levels as well as decreased renal GR α expression, and in vitro experiments showed that the circadian clock genes were altered by the addition of CORT and returned to normal levels after the addition of the GR inhibitor RU486. Consequently, dBL can exacerbate renal injury by elevating plasma CORT levels and altering rhythmic changes by acting on the biological clock via GR.

The role of circadian rhythms and sleep in the aetiology of autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: New evidence from bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.

Research shows that people with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder often have sleep issues and problems with the body's natural daily rhythms, known as circadian rhythms. By exploring the genetic variants associated with these rhythms and the conditions, this study reveals that these rhythm changes and sleep patterns are directly linked to autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It found that the timing of one's most active hours can increase the likelihood of having both autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Importantly, it also shows that good sleep quality might protect against autism spectrum disorder, while disturbed sleep in people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder seems to be a result rather than the cause of the condition. This understanding can help doctors and researchers develop better treatment approaches that focus on the specific ways sleep and body rhythms affect those with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, considering their unique associations with circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. Understanding these unique links can lead to more effective, personalized care for those affected by these conditions.

Sentiment Predictor for Stress Detection Using Voice Stress Analysis

Abstract: This project proposes a machine learning basedapproach to predict the sentiment i.e Stressed, Unstressed orNeutral from voice of a human being and also presents a comparative analysis among various machine learning models. This technology seeks to distinguish between stressed and non-stressed outputs in response to stimuli. The dataset used fortraining in this project comprises audio recordings based onfour different situations, each recorded in various emotionalstates. Given the increased demand for communication betweenintelligent systems and human, automatic stress detection isbecoming an interesting research topic. Even while the level ofspecific hormones, such cortisol, can be precisely measured to indicate stress, this approach is not feasible for diagnosing stress in interactions between humans and machines. The Sentiment Predictor for Stress Detection Using Voice Stress Analysis utilizesmachine learning algorithms such as SVM, Random Forest , Logistic Regression etc. to analyze voice patterns and predict an individual’s emotional state based on the changes in their vocal characteristics. The technology can identify changes in pitch, tone, and rhythm, among other factors, to determinean individual’s stress level. Overall, the Sentiment Predictorfor Stress Detection Using Voice Stress Analysis is a promising technology that can provide valuable insights into an individual’s emotional state and support their well-being in various settings

Neural Mass Modeling in the Cortical Motor Area and the Mechanism of Alpha Rhythm Changes

Abstract: Investigating the physiological mechanisms in the motor cortex during rehabilitation exercises is crucial for assessing stroke patients’ progress. This study developed a single-channel Jansen neural mass model to explore the relationship between model parameters and motor cortex mechanisms. Firstly, EEG signals were recorded from 11 healthy participants under 20%, 40%, and 60% maximum voluntary contraction, and alpha rhythm power spectral density characteristics were extracted using the Welch power spectrum method. Furthermore, a single-channel neural mass model was constructed to analyze the impact of parameter variations on the average power of simulated signals. Finally, model parameters were adjusted to achieve feature fitting between the simulated signals and the average power of the alpha rhythm. Results showed that alpha rhythm average power in the contralateral cortical regions increased with higher grip force levels. Similarly, the power of the simulated signals also increased with specific parameter (J, Ge, and Gi) increases, closely approximating the measured EEG signal changes. The findings suggest that increasing grip force activates more motor neurons in the motor cortex and raises their firing rate. Neural mass modeling provides a computational neuroscience approach to understanding the dynamic changes in alpha rhythms in the motor cortex under different grip force levels.

Circadian rhythm mechanisms underlying convergent adaptation of unihemispheric slow-wave sleep in marine mammals.

Marine mammals have evolved unihemispheric slow wave sleep (USWS), a unique state during which one cerebral hemisphere sleeps while the other remains awake, to mitigate the fundamental conflict between sleep and wakefulness. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. Here, we use a comparative phylogenetic approach to analyze genes associated with light-dependent circadian mechanisms, aiming to reconstruct the evolution of the circadian rhythm pathway in mammals and to identify adaptively changed components likely to have contributed to the development of USWS. Specifically, among eight genes with shared signals of positive selection in two USWS-specific lineages, seven genes showed direct evidence of affecting sleep and spontaneous movements. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that functional innovation in cetacean and non-phocid pinniped FBXL21, which was found to undergo positive selection, may be beneficial for decoupling sleep-wake patterns from daily rhythms to sustain continuous swimming. For cetaceans exhibiting only USWS, we identified 73 genes as rapidly evolving and 92 genes containing unique amino acid substitutions. Functional assays showed that a cetacean-specific mutation (F411Y) in NFIL3 led to a decrease in repressor activity and protein stability. Furthermore, convergent amino acid replacements detected in genes related to Ca2+ signaling and CREB phosphorylation suggest their crucial role in USWS adaptation. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms underlying USWS and provides a foundation for investigating how circadian rhythm changes contribute to variations in sleep and circadian behavior.

Circadian Rhythms of Skin Surface Lipids and Physiological Parameters in Healthy Chinese Women Reveals Circadian Changes in Skin Barrier Function.

Circadian rhythms are driven by the biological clock, an endogenous oscillator that generates approximately 24 h cycles in mammals. The circadian regulation of the lipid metabolism plays a crucial role in overall metabolic health. An analysis of the correlation between the skin's physiological parameters and skin lipids can provide a better insight into the rhythmic changes in skin condition. The aim was to reveal how skin surface lipids (SSLs) participate in the regulation of circadian rhythms in the skin and the importance of the circadian oscillation of facial lipid molecules in maintaining epidermal homeostasis. Changes in SSLs were assessed using UPLC-QTOF-MS. The skin's physiological parameters were quantified using non-invasive instruments. Multivariate data analysis was employed to evaluate the differences. Both skin surface lipids and physiological parameters exhibited certain circadian variation patterns. Four major lipid classes (fatty acids, glycerophospholipids, prenol lipids, saccharolipids) exhibited circadian rhythmic trends, with seven lipid subclasses contributing most significantly to the overall patterns observed. Among the physiological parameters assessed, sebum secretion, transepidermal water loss, moisture measurement value, and skin surface temperature exhibited sinusoidal circadian rhythms. Further analysis revealed significant correlations between fatty acids and saccharolipids with moisture measurement values, and between glycerolipids and pH value. In addition, lipids closely associated with the barrier such as unsaturated fatty acids and ceramide chain lengths correlated significantly with moisture measurement values. Through correlation analysis, the study elucidates the influence of diurnal fluctuations in skin surface lipids on skin barrier function. These findings hold significant implications for understanding skin barrier impairment associated with circadian rhythm disruptions.