Reduced heart rate variability and vagal tone in anxiety: trait versus state, and the effects of autogenic training

Genetic and polygenic investigation of heart rate variability to identify biomarkers associated with Anxiety disorders

Given that anxiety disorders (AD) are associated with reduced vagally-mediated heart rate variability (HRV), genetic variants related to HRV may provide insight into anxiety etiology. This study used polygenic risk scores (PRS) to explore the genetic overlap between AD and HRV, and investigated whether HRV-related polymorphisms influence anxiety risk. Resting vagally-mediated HRV was measured using a wearable device in 188 European individuals (AD=101, healthy controls=87). AD PRS was tested for association with resting HRV, and HRV PRS for association with AD. We also investigated 15 significant hits from an HRV genome-wide association study (GWAS) for association with resting HRV and AD and if this association is mediated through resting HRV. The AD PRS and HRV PRS showed nominally significant associations with resting HRV and anxiety disorders, respectively. HRV GWAS variants associated with resting HRV were rs12980262 (NDUFA11), rs2680344 (HCN4), rs4262 and rs180238 (GNG11), and rs10842383 (LINC00477). Mediation analyses revealed that NDUFA11 rs12980262 A-carriers and GNG11 rs180238 and rs4262 C-carriers had higher anxiety risk through lower HRV. This study supports an anxiety-HRV genetic relationship, with HRV-related genetic variants translating to AD. This study encourages exploration of HRV genetics to understand mechanisms and identify novel treatment targets for anxiety.

Sensitivity and Specificity of the Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation Index in Pain Assessment of Very Low Birth Weight Infants

OBJECTIVE

This article describes the results of a study investigating the sensitivity and specificity of the Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation (NIPE) index for detecting the physiological changes resulting from nociception in painful procedures in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective observational study was carried on of 44 newborns at 23 to 32 weeks' gestational age. The sensitivity and specificity of the NIPE index are analyzed using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Most of the painful procedures performed were skin-lancing and venipunctures. Nonpainful procedures consist of no intervention, with an interval of at least 1 hour with painful procedures in each newborn.

RESULTS

The accuracy of the NIPE index to diagnose mild nociceptive stimulation in VLBW newborns is 73.2%.

CONCLUSION

The NIPE index is a useful technique for assessing nociceptive stimulation in newborns, presenting less observer-dependent variability than other pain assessment scales.

KEY POINTS

· The NIPE index offers an objective assessment of pain.. · Moderate-high sensitivity of the NIPE index in the evaluation of pain in premature newborns.. · Painful procedures in VLBW newborns are reflected as a decrease in the NIPE score..

Analgesia nociception index is an indicator of laparoscopic trocar insertion-induced transient nociceptive stimuli

Objective

This study aimed to investigate whether analgesia nociception index (ANI) could be an indicator of perioperative pain during laparoscopic trocar insertion.

Methods

A total of 280 participants of anesthesia receiving laparoscopic surgery were enrolled. Anesthesia induction and maintenance were performed using the Marsh model for target propofol and the Minto model for remifentanil. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), and ANI were recorded at skin incision, the first-, second, the last-trocar insertion, and 5 min after the last trocar insertion.

Results

ANI was significantly different among the five groups in the last four time points (all P < 0.05). Pearson's correlation showed that ANI was negatively correlated with SBP (r = -0.114, P = 0.077) and HR (r = -0.247, P < 0.001). The area under the curve of ANI was positively correlated with those of SBP (r = 0.493, P < 0.001) and HR (r = -0.420, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that the ANI was an independent factor associated with intraoperative hemodynamic adverse events only at 5 min after the last trocar insertion.

Conclusions

Under general anesthesia, the change in ANI was consistent with changes in the balance between analgesia and nociceptive stimuli. The ANI can reflect the extent of transient pain but had a poor predictive performance for hemodynamic adverse events.

Heart rate variability: Evaluating a potential biomarker of anxiety disorders

Establishing quantifiable biological markers associated with anxiety will increase the objectivity of phenotyping and enhance genetic research of anxiety disorders. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a physiological measure reflecting the dynamic relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and is a promising target for further investigation. This review summarizes evidence evaluating HRV as a potential physiological biomarker of anxiety disorders by highlighting literature related to anxiety and HRV combined with investigations of endophenotypes, neuroimaging, treatment response, and genetics. Deficient HRV shows promise as an endophenotype of pathological anxiety and may serve as a noninvasive index of prefrontal cortical control over the amygdala, and potentially aid with treatment outcome prediction. We propose that the genetics of HRV can be used to enhance the understanding of the genetics of pathological anxiety for etiological investigations and treatment prediction. Given the anxiety-HRV link, strategies are offered to advance genetic analytical approaches, including the use of polygenic methods, wearable devices, and pharmacogenetic study designs. Overall, HRV shows promising support as a physiological biomarker of pathological anxiety, potentially in a transdiagnostic manner, with the heart-brain entwinement providing a novel approach to advance anxiety treatment development.

I know why the caged bird sings: Distress tolerant individuals show greater resting state connectivity between ventromedial prefrontal cortex and right amygdala as a function of higher vagal tone

BACKGROUND

Intolerance to psychological distress is associated with various forms of psychopathology, ranging from addiction to mood disturbance. The capacity to withstand aversive affective states is often explained by individual differences in cardiovagal tone as well as resting state connectivity of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), a region involved in the regulation of emotions and cardio-autonomic tone. However, it is unclear which brain regions involved in distress tolerance show greater resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) as a function of resting heart rate variability (HRV).

METHODS

One-hundred and twenty-six adults, aged 20 to 83.5 years, were selected from a lifespan cohort at the Nathan Kline Institute-Rockland Sample. Participants' distress tolerance levels were assessed based upon performance on the Behavioral Indicator of Resiliency to Distress (BIRD) task. Artifact-free resting-state functional brain scans collected during separate sessions were used. While inside the scanner, a pulse oximeter was used to record beat-to-beat intervals to derive high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV). The relationship between HF-HRV and vmPFC to whole brain functional connectivity was compared between distress tolerant (BIRD completers) and distress intolerant (BIRD non-completers).

RESULTS

Groups did not differ in their history of psychiatric diagnosis. Higher resting HF-HRV was associated with longer total time spent on the BIRD task for the entire sample (r = 0.255, p = 0.004). After controlling for age, gender, body mass index, head motion, and gray matter volume. Distress tolerant individuals showed greater rsFC (p < 0.005 (uncorrected), k = 20) between the vmPFC and default-mode network (DMN) hubs including posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus, medial temporal lobes, and the parahippocampal cortex. As a function of higher resting HF-HRV greater vmPFC connectivity was observed with sub-threshold regions in the right amygdala and left anterior prefrontal cortex, with the former passing small volume correction, in distress tolerant versus distress intolerant individuals.

CONCLUSION

In a lifespan sample of community-dwelling adults, distress tolerant individuals showed greater vmPFC connectivity with anterior and posterior hubs of the DMN compared to distress intolerant individuals. As a function of greater HF-HRV, distress tolerant individuals evidenced greater vmPFC with salience and executive control network hubs. These findings are consistent with deficits in neural resource allocation within a triple network resting amongst persons exhibiting behavioral intolerance to psychological distress.

Visually assessing work performance using a smartwatch via day-to-day fluctuations in heart rate variability

Objective

To optimize workplace health promotion, a simple method for quantifying allostatic load response is needed. This study examines the feasibility of optimizing objective anxiety and presenteeism monitoring using daily smartwatch-measured ultra-short heart rate variability (HRV).

Methods

Office workers without diagnosed disease prospectively performed 30 s HRV self-measurement each morning for two months and responded to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Work Limitation Questionnaire (WLQ). Logistic regression analysis examined daily HRV parameters in the high-trait anxiety group (HTA, STAI ≥ 40) using mean and variance HRV, age, self-reported gender, and body mass index (BMI). The ideal cutoff value enabled comparison of WLQ using the Mann-Whitney U test. Heart rate variability data were collected for 279 participants (male ratio, 83.9%; age, 42 ± 10 years) who completed questionnaires and monitored HRV for 30+ days.

Results

Compared to the low-trait anxiety group, HTA exhibited higher variance of the log-transformed coefficient of component variance of high-frequency component (LnccvHF) and low-frequency per HF (Lnccv L/H), in addition to differences in the means of these HRV parameters. In addition to BMI (odds ratio [OR] = 0.92, p = 0.02) and mean LnccvL/H (OR = 10.75, p < 0.01), the variance of Lnccv L/H was an independent predictor of HTA (OR = 2.39E + 8, p = 0.011). The daily Lnccv L/H dispersion group had a lower WLQ productivity loss score (p = 0.02, r = 0.17).

Conclusions

By focusing on HRV dispersion status, this simple and instantly applicable daily HRV monitoring system enables optimized quantitative monitoring of anxiety and productivity.

Using the Research Domain Criteria as a framework to integrate psychophysiological findings into stress management and psychotherapy interventions

Research on the psychophysiology of stress is expanding rapidly, but the field lacks a clear integrative framework to help translate research findings into empirically supported stress interventions. The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) is an excellent candidate to explore as a framework to integrate stress research. The RDoC framework is a dimensional, multi-modal approach to psychopathology proposed as an alternative to categorical approaches used by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). The goal of this paper is to explore the RDoC as a framework to integrate psychophysiology research into therapeutic interventions for stress. The RDoC consists of six domains: negative valence systems, positive valence systems, cognitive systems, social processes systems, arousal/regulatory systems, and sensorimotor systems, and provides an excellent structure for integrating information from multiple levels of functioning including physiology, behavior, and self-report, as well as genes, molecules, cells, and brain circuits. Integrating psychophysiological research on stress using the RDoC framework can direct and amplify stress management and psychotherapeutic interventions. First, the RDoC provides a clear foundation for conceptualizing the stress response in terms of important concepts such as allostasis and adaptation. In this perspective, the terms "allostatic response" or "adaptation response" are more descriptive terms than "stress response" in understanding bodily responses to life threats and challenges. Second, psychophysiological approaches can be used in the context of modalities such as biofeedback and mindfulness to both collect psychophysiological data and then integrate that data into a broader therapeutic framework. Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback is being used more frequently as part of a therapeutic intervention package with stress management and psychotherapy, and HRV data is also used to provide outcome evidence on the efficacy of treatment. Mindfulness practices are commonly used in combination with stress management and psychotherapy, and psychophysiological data (HRV, EEG, blood pressure, etc.) is often collected to explore and understand mind/body relationships. In conclusion, the lack of a clear framework to assess and understand mind/body functioning limits current stress research and interventions. The RDoC provides a strong framework to assess and integrate physiological and psychological data and improve stress interventions.

Cardioautonomic lability assessed by heart rate variability changes in Royal Canadian Mounted Police cadets during the cadet training program

Objective

The current study examined variations in cardioautonomic lability during the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Cadet Training Program (CTP) between cadets starting their training who did or did not screen positive for one or more mental health disorders (i.e., posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], major depressive disorder [MDD], social anxiety disorder [SAD], generalized anxiety disorder [GAD], panic disorder [PD], alcohol use disorder [AUD]).

Methods

Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals integrated into Hexoskin garments were used to record ECG and heart rate Over the 26-week CTP. There were 31 heart rate variability (HRV) parameters calculated using Kubios Premium HRV analysis software. Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to perform groupwise comparisons of participant raw values and HRV during the CTP.

Results

A total of 157 cadets (79% male) were screened for any mental disorder using self-report surveys and then grouped by positive and negative screening. Analyses indicated a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in low frequency (LF): High Frequency (HF) variability during CTP, but only for cadets who endorsed clinically significant anxiety symptoms on the GAD-7 at the start of their training. There were no other statistically significant groupwise differences.

Conclusion

The results indicate the participants have excellent cardiac health overall and suggest potentially important differences between groups, such that cadets who endorsed clinically significant anxiety symptoms on the GAD-7 showed less variability in the LF:HF ratio over the course of the CTP. The relatively lower variability suggests decreased parasympathetic tone in those without clinically significant anxiety symptoms. The results also have important implications for future investigations of cardioautonomic dysfunction and chronic hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis deviations in policing populations with anxiety disorders; specifically, cardioautonomic inflexibility related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In any case, the current results provide an important baseline for future cardiac research with cadets and serving officers.

The effect of background audio and audiovisual stimuli on students' autonomic responses during and after an experimental academic examination

BACKGROUND

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown during the online-distant education period, certain students tended to combine their courses and homework with TV or social media news or other media content, such as classical music, including a wealth of audio and audiovisual stimuli. As the audio and audiovisual stimuli existing in a learning environment may affect students' autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses negatively, the present study aimed to monitor the impact of background TV, classical music, and silence on students' ANS activity represented by heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), blood volume amplitude (BVA), and skin conductance level (SCL) during and after an experimental academic examination.

METHOD

Seventy-six students were randomly allocated to background TV, classical music, or silence groups. The experiment with repeated measures design consisted of four consecutive periods: baseline, anticipation, challenge, and recovery, lasting 4 min each.

RESULTS

Within-subject analyses indicated significant HRV decrement only in the background TV group. Regardless of the experimental groups, HR and SCL increased while BVA decreased during the task. In addition, the between-subject analysis showed that the background TV group experienced significantly larger changes in HR and HRV parameters compared to the other experimental groups relative to their respective baseline measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these results, we concluded that relative to classical music and silence, background TV, including audiovisual and verbal stimuli, extant in a learning environment might raise students' sympathetic activity. Further, classical music, without lyrics, may suppress the withdrawal of vagal activity and elevate the autonomic regulation capacity during the academic reading comprehension task. HRV is a more valid and reliable indicator of students' autonomic responses during a challenging academic task.

The validity and applications of the analgesia nociception index: a narrative review

Pain refers to the subjective, unpleasant experience that is related to illness or injury. In contrast to pain, nociception refers to the physiological neural processing of noxious stimuli, such as intra-operative surgical stimuli. One novel device, the Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI), aims to objectively measure intra-operative nociception by analyzing the heart rate variability in patients undergoing surgery. Through this method of nociceptive monitoring, the ANI device aims to provide an objective, continuous evaluation of patient comfort levels and allow anesthesiologists to better manage surgical stress and patient analgesia, perhaps with even better efficacy than current practices used to assess nociception. Additionally, ANI may have clinical application in settings outside of the operating room, such as in the intensive care unit. In this narrative review, we compiled and summarized the findings of many studies that have investigated ANI's validity and applications in different clinical settings. Currently, the literature appears mostly supportive of ANI's ability to detect nociception in both surgical and non-surgical settings. However, the ability for ANI to provide clinical benefits, such as decreased intra-operative opioid use, post-operative opioid use, and post-operative pain compared to standard practices appear controversial. Because of the wide variety of methodology, clinical settings, patient populations, and limitations in these studies, more investigation of ANI is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn on its clinical benefits.

Heart Rate Variability for Evaluating Psychological Stress Changes in Healthy Adults: A Scoping Review

The utility of heart rate variability (HRV) for characterizing psychological stress is primarily impacted by methodological considerations such as study populations, experienced versus induced stress, and method of stress assessment. Here, we review studies on the associations between HRV and psychological stress, examining the nature of stress, ways stress was assessed, and HRV metrics used. The review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines on select databases. Studies that examined the HRV-stress relationship via repeated measurements and validated psychometric instruments were included (n = 15). Participant numbers and ages ranged between 10 and 403 subjects and 18 and 60 years, respectively. Both experimental (n = 9) and real-life stress (n = 6) have been explored. While RMSSD was the most reported HRV metric (n = 10) significantly associated with stress, other metrics, including LF/HF (n = 7) and HF power (n = 6) were also reported. Various linear and nonlinear HRV metrics have been utilized, with nonlinear metrics used less often. The most frequently used psychometric instrument was the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (n = 10), though various other instruments have been reported. In conclusion, HRV is a valid measure of the psychological stress response. Standard stress induction and assessment protocols combined with validated HRV measures in different domains will improve the validity of findings.

High-trait anxious individuals show positive relationship between HRV and threat vigilance

Selectively attending to threat-related stimuli in the environment, known as threat bias (TB), is a prominent feature of anxiety. Individuals with high anxiety also tend to show lower heart rate variability (HRV), a reflection of reduced parasympathetic cardiac control. Previous investigations have established associations between low HRV and various attentional processes that facilitate attention to threat, though these have primarily been conducted among non-anxious individuals. The current analysis, derived from a larger TB modification study, examined the relationship between TB and HRV among a young, nonclinical sample of individuals with either high or low trait anxiety (HTA, LTA, respectively; M_age  = 25.8, SD = 13.2, 61.3% female). Consistent with expectations, HTA (β = -.18, p = .087) trended toward an association with higher threat vigilance. A significant moderation effect showed the relationship between HRV and threat vigilance was influenced by TA (β = .42, p = .004). Simple slopes analysis revealed that for the LTA group, lower HRV trended toward higher threat vigilance (p = .123), consistent with expectations. However, this relationship was unexpectedly reversed for the HTA group, for whom higher HRV was a significant predictor of higher threat vigilance (p = .015). These results are interpreted within a cognitive control framework, in which regulatory ability, as assessed via HRV, may influence which cognitive strategy is employed when encountering threatening stimuli. Results suggest that HTA individuals with greater regulatory ability may employ a contrast avoidance mechanism, while those with reduced regulatory ability engage in cognitive avoidance.

Four Sessions of Combining Wearable Devices and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback are Needed to Increase HRV Indices and Decrease Breathing Rates

Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) is a behavioral intervention that uses resonance frequency breathing to synchronize the heart rate and breathing patterns. This study aimed to explore how many sessions of wearable HRVB devices are needed to increase the HRV index and decrease breathing rates and to compare the HRVB protocol with other psychological intervention programs in HRV indices and breathing rates. Sixty-four participants were randomly assigned to either the HRVB or relaxation training (RT) group. Both groups received interbeat intervals (IBIs) and breathing rates measurement at the pre-training baseline, during training, and post-training baseline from weeks 1 to 4. IBIs were transformed into HRV indices as the index of the autonomic nervous system. The Group × Week interaction effects significantly in HRV indices and breathing rates. The between-group comparison found a significant increase in HRV indices and decreased breathing rates in the HRVB group than in the RT group at week 4. The within-session comparison in the HRVB group revealed significantly increased HRV indices and decreased breathing rates at weeks 3 and 4 than at weeks 1 and 2. There was a significant increase in HRV indices and a decrease in breathing rates at mid- and post-training than pre-training in the HRVB group. Therefore, 4 weeks of HRVB combined with a wearable device are needed in increasing HRV indices and decrease breathing rates compared to the relaxation training. Three weeks of HRVB training are the minimum requirement for increasing HRV indices and reducing breathing rates compared to the first week of HRVB.

Autogenic Training in Mental Disorders: What Can We Expect?

Autogenic training (AT) is a well-established self-induced relaxation technique based on autosuggestion. From the past two decades, an increasing number of AT studies strongly suggests the practical usefulness of psychophysiological relaxation in the area of medicine. Despite this interest, to date, limited critical clinical reflection on the application and effects of AT in mental disorders exists. The present paper reviews psychophysiological, psychopathological, and clinical aspects of AT in persons with mental disorders with emphasis on implications for future research and practice. Based on a formal literature search, 29 reported studies (7 meta-analyses/systematic reviews) were identified that examined the effects and impact of AT on mental disorders. The main psychophysiological effects of AT include autonomic cardiorespiratory changes paralleled by central nervous system activity modifications and psychological outputs. Studies demonstrate consistent efficacy of AT in reducing anxiety and medium range positive effects for mild-to-moderate depression. The impact on bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, and acute stress disorder remains unexplored. As an add-on intervention psychotherapy technique with beneficial outcome on psychophysiological functioning, AT represents a promising avenue towards expanding research findings of brain-body links beyond the current limits of the prevention and clinical management of number of mental disorders.

Psychological skills training impacts autonomic nervous system responses to stress during sport-specific imagery: An exploratory study in junior elite shooters

This study investigated the effects of psychological skills training (PST) in shooters psychophysiologically using heart rate variability (HRV) in addition to psychological questionnaires and participant interviews. Five junior pistol shooters participated in an 8-week PST program consisting of a group session per week followed by individual counseling. Before and after PST, we collected electrocardiography data during rest, mental imagery of sport-related crisis situations, and successful performance, to analyze differences in HRV indices. Participants also responded to the Psychological Skills Inventory for Archery and Shooting (PSIAS), Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), Sports Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Trait Sport Confidence Inventory (TSCI). Results showed that the perceived competence (pre: 2.52 ± 0.95, post: 3.36 ± 0.73, p = 0.049) and trait sport confidence (pre: 4.94 ± 1.17, post: 6.60 ± 0.65, p = 0.049) significantly improved after PST. The analysis of HRV indicated that the ratio of low-frequency power to high-frequency power (LF/HF ratio) decreased significantly during imagery of crisis (pre: 3.4 ± 2.3, post: 1.014 ± 0.71, p = 0.038) and success (pre: 1.933 ± 0.917, post: 0.988 ± 0.572, p = 0.046), reflecting a strengthened autonomic nervous system's responsiveness to stress. Our findings illustrate that PST can help athletes better cope with psychologically disturbed situations during competition, by providing psychophysiological evidence through HRV changes.

Evaluation of Nociception during Pediatric Surgery: A Topical Review

The association between intraoperative nociception and increased patient's morbidity is well established. However, hemodynamic parameters, such as heart rate and blood pressure, may result in an inadequate monitor of nociception during surgery. Over the last two decades, different devices have been marketed to "reliably" detect intraoperative nociception. Since the direct measure of nociception is impractical during surgery, these monitors measures nociception surrogates such as sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems responses (heart rate variability, pupillometry, skin conductance), electroencephalographic changes, and muscular reflex arc. Each monitor carries its own advantages and disadvantages. The manuscript aims to give an overview of the most up-to-date information available in the literature on current nociceptor monitors available in clinical practice, with particular focus on their applications in pediatrics.

Self-reported symptom burden in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): A narrative review of observational and interventional studies

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a chronic health condition affecting mostly women of childbearing age, and significantly impacting their health and quality of life. It is currently poorly understood with no approved licensed treatments. The aim of this systematic review was to contextualize the symptom burden of POTS, and review factors associated with this burden that may guide future treatments. The specific questions were (1) How does symptom burden in POTS compare to the burden in other long term conditions (LTCs), (2) Which factors are associated with POTS symptom burden, and (3) Which interventions show promise in reducing symptom burden in POTS.

DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT

Electronic databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, APA PsycArticles, OpenGrey) were searched from inception to January 2022 for observational studies reporting on the association between any biological, psychological or social factors and symptom burden, and randomized controlled trials reporting on interventions for symptom burden in adults with POTS. Two reviewers independently conducted eligibility screening, data extraction and quality assessment. A narrative synthesis was undertaken.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

5159 entries were screened for eligibility. Twenty-nine studies were included (1372 participants with POTS of a total sample size of 2314, 17 High-, 12 Medium-quality), seventeen were observational and twelve were randomized controlled experimental and intervention trials. Overall methodological quality of the evidence was medium-high but heterogeneity was high and sample sizes modest, allowing moderately robust conclusions. Orthostatic symptom burden was higher in POTS than other LTCs. Serum activity against adrenergic α1 receptors, physical functioning, depression, catastrophizing, prolonged cognitive stress testing and anxiety were significantly associated with symptom burden in medium-high quality studies. Preliminary medium-high quality evidence from predominantly proof-of-concept (n = 11) studies and one 3-month 2 × 2 factorial design trial suggest that compression garments, propranolol, pyridostigmine, desmopressin, and bisoprolol may hold promise in reducing symptom burden. Directions for future research include investigating associated factors over time, the development of complex interventions which address both biological and psychosocial factors associated with symptom burden, and effectiveness trials of these interventions.

SIGNIFICANCE

POTS symptom burden is high, particularly in relation to orthostatic intolerance when compared to other long-term conditions (LTCs). Despite this burden, there are no effectiveness randomized controlled trials of treatment to reduce symptoms in POTS. This review provides a starting point to understanding researched biological and psychosocial factors associated with this burden. There was however inconsistency in the measurement of symptom burden, lowering the confidence of cross-study inferences. A coherent definition of POTS symptom range, severity and impact along with a validated and reliable POTS-specific instrument is currently lacking. A standardized questionnaire to assess POTS symptom burden as a core outcome measure will help clarify future research and clinical practice.

Autonomic tone in children and adults: Pupillary, electrodermal and cardiac activity at rest

Considering the suspected involvement of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in several neurodevelopmental disorders, a description of its tonus in typical populations and of its maturation between childhood and adulthood is necessary. We aimed to arrive at a better understanding of the maturation of the sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic (PNS) tonus by comparing children and adults at rest, via recordings of multiple ANS indices. We recorded simultaneously pupil diameter, electrodermal activity (EDA) and cardiac activity (RR interval and HRV: heart rate variability) in 29 children (6-12 years old) and 30 adults (20-42 years old) during a 5-min rest period. Children exhibited lower RR intervals, higher LF peak frequencies, and lower LF/HF (low frequency/high frequency) ratios compared to adults. Children also produced more spontaneous EDA peaks, reflected in a larger EDA AUC (area under the curve), in comparison with adults. Finally, children displayed a larger median pupil diameter and a higher pupillary hippus frequency than adults. Our results converged towards higher SNS and PNS tones in children compared to adults. Childhood would thus be characterized by a high autonomic tone, possibly reflecting a physiological state compatible with developmental acquisitions.

Activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor retards the development of endometriosis

BACKGROUND

Women with endometriosis have been shown to have a reduced vagal tone as compared with controls and vagotomy promoted while vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) decelerated the progression of endometriosis in mice. Extensive research also has shown that the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway by VNS activates α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), potently reducing inflammation. Yet whether α7nAChR plays any role in endometriosis is unknown. We evaluated its expression in normal endometrium, ovarian and deep endometriotic lesions, and evaluated its role in the development of endometriosis.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry analyses of α7nAChR in endometriotic lesions as well as control endometrium, and quantification of tissue fibrosis by Masson trichrome staining were performed. Mouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of α7nAChR activation or suppression on lesional progression and possible therapeutic effect. Finally, in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of activation of α7nAChR on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT), smooth muscle metaplasia (SMM) and fibrogenesis in an endometriotic epithelial cell line and primary endometriotic stromal cells derived from ovarian endometrioma tissue samples.

RESULTS

Immunostaining of α7nAChR was significantly reduced in human endometriotic epithelial cells as compared with their counterpart in normal endometrium. Lesional α7nAChR staining levels correlated negatively with lesional fibrosis and the severity of dysmenorrhea. The α7nAChR agonist significantly impeded the development of endometriotic lesions in mouse models possibly through hindrance of EMT and FMT. It also demonstrated therapeutic effects in mice with induced deep endometriosis. Treatment of endometriotic epithelial and stromal cells with an α7nAChR agonist significantly abrogated platelet-induced EMT, FMT and SMM, and suppressed cellular contractility and collagen production.

CONCLUSIONS

α7nAChR is suppressed in endometriotic lesions, and its activation by pharmacological means can impede EMT, FMT, SMM, and fibrogenesis of endometriotic lesions. As such, α7nAChR can be rightfully viewed as a potential target for therapeutic invention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Investigation of Methods to Create Future Multimodal Emotional Data for Robot Interactions in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Case Study

Rapid progress in humanoid robot investigations offers possibilities for improving the competencies of people with social disorders, although this improvement of humanoid robots remains unexplored for schizophrenic people. Methods for creating future multimodal emotional data for robot interactions were studied in this case study of a 40-year-old male patient with disorganized schizophrenia without comorbidities. The qualitative data included heart rate variability (HRV), video-audio recordings, and field notes. HRV, Haar cascade classifier (HCC), and Empath API© were evaluated during conversations between the patient and robot. Two expert nurses and one psychiatrist evaluated facial expressions. The research hypothesis questioned whether HRV, HCC, and Empath API© are useful for creating future multimodal emotional data about robot–patient interactions. The HRV analysis showed persistent sympathetic dominance, matching the human–robot conversational situation. The result of HCC was in agreement with that of human observation, in the case of rough consensus. In the case of observed results disagreed upon by experts, the HCC result was also different. However, emotional assessments by experts using Empath API© were also found to be inconsistent. We believe that with further investigation, a clearer identification of methods for multimodal emotional data for robot interactions can be achieved for patients with schizophrenia.

Multidimensional assessment of anxiety through the State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety (STICSA): From dimensionality to response prediction across emotional contexts

The assessment of mal-adaptive anxiety is crucial, considering the associated personal, economic, and societal burden. The State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety (STICSA) is a self-report instrument developed to provide multidimensional anxiety assessment in four dimensions: trait-cognitive, trait-somatic, state-cognitive and state-somatic. This research aimed to extend STICSA’s psychometric studies through the assessment of its dimensionality, reliability, measurement invariance and nomological validity in the Portuguese population. Additionally, the predictive validity of STICSA-Trait was also evaluated, through the analysis of the relationship between self-reported trait anxiety and both the subjective and the psychophysiological response across distinct emotional situations. Similarly to previous studies, results supported both a four-factor and two separated bi-factor structures. Measurement invariance across sex groups was also supported, and good nomological validity was observed. Moreover, STICSA trait-cognitive dimension was associated with differences in self-reported arousal between groups of high/low anxiety, whereas STICSA trait-somatic dimension was related to differences in both the subjective and psychophysiological response. Together, these results support STICSA as a useful instrument for a broader anxiety assessment, crucial for an informed diagnosis and practice.

State anxiety alters the neural oscillatory correlates of predictions and prediction errors during reward-based learning

Anxiety influences how the brain estimates and responds to uncertainty. The consequences of these processes on behaviour have been described in theoretical and empirical studies, yet the associated neural correlates remain unclear. Rhythm-based accounts of Bayesian predictive coding propose that predictions in generative models of perception are represented in alpha (8-12 Hz) and beta oscillations (13-30 Hz). Updates to predictions are driven by prediction errors weighted by precision (inverse variance) encoded in gamma oscillations (>30 Hz) and associated with the suppression of beta activity. We tested whether state anxiety alters the neural oscillatory activity associated with predictions and precision-weighted prediction errors (pwPE) during learning. Healthy human participants performed a probabilistic reward-based learning task in a volatile environment. In our previous work, we described learning behaviour in this task using a hierarchical Bayesian model, revealing more precise (biased) beliefs about the tendency of the reward contingency in state anxiety, consistent with reduced learning in this group. The model provided trajectories of predictions and pwPEs for the current study, allowing us to assess their parametric effects on the time-frequency representations of EEG data. Using convolution modelling for oscillatory responses, we found that, relative to a control group, state anxiety increased beta activity in frontal and sensorimotor regions during processing of pwPE, and in fronto-parietal regions during encoding of predictions. No effects of state anxiety on gamma modulation were found. Our findings expand prior evidence on the oscillatory representations of predictions and pwPEs into the reward-based learning domain. The results suggest that state anxiety modulates beta-band oscillatory correlates of pwPE and predictions in generative models, providing insights into the neural processes associated with biased belief updating and poorer learning.

Panic attack prediction using wearable devices and machine learning: Development and cohort study (Preprint)

Background

A panic attack (PA) is an intense form of anxiety accompanied by multiple somatic presentations, leading to frequent emergency department visits and impairing the quality of life. A prediction model for PAs could help clinicians and patients monitor, control, and carry out early intervention for recurrent PAs, enabling more personalized treatment for panic disorder (PD).

Objective

This study aims to provide a 7-day PA prediction model and determine the relationship between a future PA and various features, including physiological factors, anxiety and depressive factors, and the air quality index (AQI).

Methods

We enrolled 59 participants with PD (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview). Participants used smartwatches (Garmin Vívosmart 4) and mobile apps to collect their sleep, heart rate (HR), activity level, anxiety, and depression scores (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI], Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI], State-Trait Anxiety Inventory state anxiety [STAI-S], State-Trait Anxiety Inventory trait anxiety [STAI-T], and Panic Disorder Severity Scale Self-Report) in their real life for a duration of 1 year. We also included AQIs from open data. To analyze these data, our team used 6 machine learning methods: random forests, decision trees, linear discriminant analysis, adaptive boosting, extreme gradient boosting, and regularized greedy forests.

Results

For 7-day PA predictions, the random forest produced the best prediction rate. Overall, the accuracy of the test set was 67.4%-81.3% for different machine learning algorithms. The most critical variables in the model were questionnaire and physiological features, such as the BAI, BDI, STAI, MINI, average HR, resting HR, and deep sleep duration.

Conclusions

It is possible to predict PAs using a combination of data from questionnaires and physiological and environmental data.

Real-life dental examination elicits physiological responses different to visual and auditory dental-related stimuli

BACKGROUND

Previous studies on dental anxiety have examined the psychophysiological responses evoked in dentally anxious subjects by dental-related stimuli, but not during a real-life dental examination, which was achieved in the present study.

METHODS

The heart rate, skin conductance level, and heart rate variability of 25 subjects with dental anxiety and 25 healthy controls were examined. Anxiety was determined by the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale and the Dental Anxiety Scale-Revised. The psychophysiological reactions of the two groups were compared during exposure to dental-related pictures, dental-related sounds, and an actual examination in a dental surgery.

RESULTS

All the dental-related stimuli provoked an increase in heart rate, i.e. visual stimuli (p<0.001; 95% CI 0.98-3.95 bpm), auditory stimuli (p<0.001; 95% CI 1.34-4.99 bpm), and a dental examination (p<0.001; 95% CI 1.26-5.39 bpm). Dental-related pictures provoked inferior skin conductance level changes compared to dental-related sounds and the dental examination (visual modality vs auditory p<0.001; 95% CI 0.039-0.152; visual modality vs examination p<0.001; 95% CI 0.083-0.275). Heart rate variability manifested in a complex pattern of responses to the dental examination. However, when exposed to all three dental-related stimuli presentation conditions, the heart rate (F = 0.352, p = 0.556), skin conductance level (F = 0.009, p = 0.926), and heart rate variability parameters of subjects with dental anxiety did not differ in comparison to the healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study represents an evaluation of psychophysiological reactions during a real-life dental examination compared to single modality stimuli, and shows that a real-life dental examination provokes an increase in heart rate, heart rate variability and skin conductance level. Additionally, autonomic responses did not differ between the experimental and control groups. The key issue for future studies is the effect of real-life situations on the physiological and psychological state of the subjects, which should be considered when planning new research and studied in depth.

Cardiac Parasympathetic Withdrawal and Sympathetic Activity: Effect of Heat Exposure on Heart Rate Variability

Background: Research on heart rate variability has increased in recent years and the temperature has not been controlled in some studies assessing repeated measurements. This study aimed to analyze how heart rate variability may change based on environmental temperature during measurement depending on parasympathetic and sympathetic activity variations. Methods: A total of 22 volunteers participated in this study divided into an experimental (n = 12) and control group (n = 10). Each participant was assessed randomly under two different environmental conditions for the experimental group (19 °C and 35 °C) and two identical environmental conditions for the control group (19 °C). During the procedure, heart rate variability measurements were carried out for 10 min. Results: Significantly changes were observed for time and frequency domains as well as Poincaré plot variables after heat exposure (p < 0.05). These findings were not observed in the control group, whose conditions between measurements did not change. Conclusions: The reduction of heart rate variability due to exposure to hot conditions appears to be produced mostly by a parasympathetic withdrawal rather than a sympathetic activation. Therefore, if consecutive measurements have to be carried out, these should always be done under the same temperature conditions.

Novel Analgesic Index for Postoperative Pain Assessment Based on a Photoplethysmographic Spectrogram and Convolutional Neural Network: Observational Study

Background

Although commercially available analgesic indices based on biosignal processing have been used to quantify nociception during general anesthesia, their performance is low in conscious patients. Therefore, there is a need to develop a new analgesic index with improved performance to quantify postoperative pain in conscious patients.

Objective

This study aimed to develop a new analgesic index using photoplethysmogram (PPG) spectrograms and a convolutional neural network (CNN) to objectively assess pain in conscious patients.

Methods

PPGs were obtained from a group of surgical patients for 6 minutes both in the absence (preoperatively) and in the presence (postoperatively) of pain. Then, the PPG data of the latter 5 minutes were used for analysis. Based on the PPGs and a CNN, we developed a spectrogram–CNN index for pain assessment. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver-operating characteristic curve was measured to evaluate the performance of the 2 indices.

Results

PPGs from 100 patients were used to develop the spectrogram–CNN index. When there was pain, the mean (95% CI) spectrogram–CNN index value increased significantly—baseline: 28.5 (24.2-30.7) versus recovery area: 65.7 (60.5-68.3); P<.01. The AUC and balanced accuracy were 0.76 and 71.4%, respectively. The spectrogram–CNN index cutoff value for detecting pain was 48, with a sensitivity of 68.3% and specificity of 73.8%.

Conclusions

Although there were limitations to the study design, we confirmed that the spectrogram–CNN index can efficiently detect postoperative pain in conscious patients. Further studies are required to assess the spectrogram–CNN index’s feasibility and prevent overfitting to various populations, including patients under general anesthesia.

Trial Registration

Clinical Research Information Service KCT0002080; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/search_result_st01.jsp?seq=6638

Exploring public attitude toward biofeedback technologies: Knowledge, preferences and personality tendencies

Background: Biofeedback is increasingly used in the clinical area and in daily health monitoring through wearable devices (e.g. smart watches). Nevertheless, it remains rather unknown. This study aimed to assess, in a sample of Italian citizens, the level of knowledge, attitudes, perceived efficacy and personality tendencies which could affect the uptake of biofeedback technologies.

Design and Methods: Participants were recruited by advertising the survey on the social networks, from March to May 2019. 160 subjects filled in an ad hoc online questionnaire assessing socio-demographic variables, clinical status, physical activity, knowledge and attitude towards biofeedback, psychological tendencies toward health.

Results: Data showed a good level of interest in biofeedback training in spite of poor knowledge about such technologies. Sport and chronic diseases were not correlated to a greater use of biofeedback. People informed about biofeedback technologies were more interested in undergoing biofeedback training and had higher scores in the Health Locus of Control. Finally, people who showed a positive perception of their own health (Health Esteem) did not rely on these technologies.

Discussion: Despite the huge spread of biofeedback technologies, our results disconfirmed the expectation that people having an active lifestyle or a disease were more familiar with biofeedback systems. The attitude toward such technologies seems to depend on individual tendencies.

Conclusions: This study suggests the importance to improve general public literacy on biofeedback technologies, tailor tools on their needs and characteristics, empower people’s sense of internal health control for promoting a valid use and a proper knowledge of biofeedback.

State anxiety biases estimates of uncertainty and impairs reward learning in volatile environments

Clinical and subclinical (trait) anxiety impairs decision making and interferes with learning. Less understood are the effects of temporary anxious states on learning and decision making in healthy populations, and whether these can serve as a model for clinical anxiety. Here we test whether anxious states in healthy individuals elicit a pattern of aberrant behavioural, neural, and physiological responses comparable with those found in anxiety disorders-particularly when processing uncertainty in unstable environments. In our study, both a state anxious and a control group learned probabilistic stimulus-outcome mappings in a volatile task environment while we recorded their electrophysiological (EEG) signals. By using a hierarchical Bayesian model of inference and learning, we assessed the effect of state anxiety on Bayesian belief updating with a focus on uncertainty estimates. State anxiety was associated with an underestimation of environmental uncertainty, and informational uncertainty about the reward tendency. Anxious individuals' beliefs about reward contingencies were more precise (had smaller uncertainty) and thus more resistant to updating, ultimately leading to impaired reward-based learning. State anxiety was also associated with greater uncertainty about volatility. We interpret this pattern as evidence that state anxious individuals are less tolerant to informational uncertainty about the contingencies governing their environment and more willing to be uncertain about the level of stability of the world itself. Further, we tracked the neural representation of belief update signals in the trial-by-trial EEG amplitudes. In control participants, lower-level precision-weighted prediction errors (pwPEs) about reward tendencies were represented in the ERP signals across central and parietal electrodes peaking at 496 ms, overlapping with the late P300 in classical ERP analysis. The state anxiety group did not exhibit a significant representation of low-level pwPEs, and there were no significant differences between the groups. Smaller variance in low-level pwPE about reward tendencies in state anxiety could partially account for the null results. Expanding previous computational work on trait anxiety, our findings establish that temporary anxious states in healthy individuals impair reward-based learning in volatile environments, primarily through changes in uncertainty estimates, which play a central role in current Bayesian accounts of perceptual inference and learning.

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation prevents the development of, and reverses, established oesophageal pain hypersensitivity

BACKGROUND

The vagus nerve exerts an anti-nociceptive effect on the viscera.

AIM

To investigate whether transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (t-VNS) prevents the development of and/or reverses established visceral hypersensitivity in a validated model of acid-induced oesophageal pain.

METHODS

Before and after a 30-minute infusion of 0.15M hydrochloric acid into the distal oesophagus, pain thresholds to electrical stimulation were determined in the proximal non-acid exposed oesophagus. Validated sympathetic (cardiac sympathetic index) and parasympathetic (cardiac vagal tone [CVT]) nervous system measures were recorded. In study 1, 15 healthy participants were randomised in a blinded crossover design to receive either t-VNS or sham for 30 minutes during acid infusion. In study 2, 18 different healthy participants were randomised in a blinded crossover design to receive either t-VNS or sham, for 30 minutes after acid infusion.

RESULTS

Study 1: t-VNS increased CVT (31.6% ± 58.7 vs -9.6 ± 20.6, P = 0.02) in comparison to sham with no effect on cardiac sympathetic index. The development of acid-induced oesophageal hypersensitivity was prevented with t-VNS in comparison to sham (15.5 mA per unit time (95% CI 4.9 - 26.2), P = 0.004). Study 2: t-VNS increased CVT (26.3% ± 32.7 vs 3 ± 27.1, P = 0.03) in comparison to sham with no effect on cardiac sympathetic index. t-VNS reversed established acid-induced oesophageal hypersensitivity in comparison to sham (17.3mA/unit time (95% CI 9.8-24.7), P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

t-VNS prevents the development of, and reverses established, acid-induced oesophageal hypersensitivity. These results have therapeutic implications for the management of visceral pain hypersensitivity.

An Integrative Model for the Effectiveness of Biofeedback Interventions for Anxiety Regulation: Viewpoint

Biofeedback has shown to be a promising tool for the treatment of anxiety; however, several theoretical as well as practical limitations have prevented widespread adaptation until now. With current technological advances and the increasing interest in the use of self-monitoring technology to improve mental health, we argue that this is an ideal time to launch a new wave of biofeedback training. In this viewpoint paper, we reflect on the current state of biofeedback training, including the more traditional techniques and mechanisms that have been thought to explain the effectiveness of biofeedback such as the integration of operant learning and meditation techniques, and the changes in interoceptive awareness and physiology. Subsequently, we propose an integrative model that includes a set of cognitive appraisals as potential determinants of adaptive trajectories within biofeedback training such as growth mindset, self-efficacy, locus of control, and threat-challenge appraisals. Finally, we present a set of detailed guidelines based on the integration of our model with the mechanics and mechanisms offered by emerging interactive technology to encourage a new phase of research and implementation using biofeedback. There is a great deal of promise for future biofeedback interventions that harness the power of wearables and video games, and that adopt a user-centered approach to help people regulate their anxiety in a way that feels engaging, personal, and meaningful.

Reliability of short-term measurements of heart rate variability: Findings from a longitudinal study

Research on heart rate variability (HRV) received increasing attention. This study analysed the reliability of the most common HRV parameters for baseline measurements. 103 healthy students (83 women, M = 21.72 ± 3.31 years) participated in five short-term HRV sessions, each including supine, sitting, and standing positions, respectively, spanning a time interval of eleven months. Relative reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients, and absolute reliability by standard errors of measurement, smallest real differences, and 95 % limits of random variation. No systematic mean differences between measurements emerged. Intraclass correlation coefficients were quite low (supine: .49-.64, sitting: .40-.57, standing: .35-.56). Absolute reliability indicators revealed pronounced variations between test and retest. Influences of posture and time between measurements on reliability were small and unsystematic. We conclude that such high levels of within-subjects variability in HRV measurements (a) hamper the detection of changes over time, and (b) should be considered carefully in future analyses.

Heart Rate Variability and Accelerometry as Classification Tools for Monitoring Perceived Stress Levels-A Pilot Study on Firefighters

Chronic stress is the main cause of health problems in high-risk jobs. Wearable sensors can become an ecologically valid method of stress level assessment in real-life applications. We sought to determine a non-invasive technique for objective stress monitoring. Data were collected from firefighters during 24-h shifts using sensor belts equipped with a dry-lead electrocardiograph (ECG) and a three-axial accelerometer. Levels of stress experienced during fire incidents were evaluated via a brief self-assessment questionnaire. Types of physical activity were distinguished basing on accelerometer readings, and heart rate variability (HRV) time series were segmented accordingly into corresponding fragments. Those segments were classified as stress/no-stress conditions. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis showed true positive classification as stress condition for 15% of incidents (while maintaining almost zero False Positive Rate), which parallels the amount of truly stressful incidents reported in the questionnaires. These results show a firm correspondence between the perceived stress level and physiological data. Psychophysiological measurements are reliable indicators of stress even in ecological settings and appear promising for chronic stress monitoring in high-risk jobs, such as firefighting.

Physiological Factors Which Influence Cognitive Performance in Military Personnel

OBJECTIVE

To identify and detail physiological factors that influence cognition in military personnel.

BACKGROUND

Maintenance of cognitive and task performance is important under several scenarios, none more so than in a military context. Personnel are prepared for and trained to tolerate many of the stressors they encounter; however, consideration of stressors typically extends only as far as the physical, psychological, and environmental requirements of a given task. While considering these factors certainly characterizes the broader picture, several physiological states and traits can influence cognition and thus, should also be considered.

METHOD

A systematic review of the electronic databases Medline (PubMed), EMBASE (Scopus), PsycINFO, and Web of Science was conducted from inception up to January 2019. Eligibility criteria included current military personnel, an outcome of cognition, and the assessment of a physiological factor.

RESULTS

The search returned 60,564 records, of which 60 were included in the review. Eleven studies examined the impact of demographic factors on cognition, 16 examined fatigue, 10 investigated nutrition, and 24 the impact of biological factors on cognitive performance.

CONCLUSION

Factors identified as having a positive impact on cognition include aerobic fitness, nutritional supplementation, and visual acuity. In contrast, factors identified as having a negative impact include fatigue arising from sustained operations, dehydration, undernutrition, and an exaggerated physiological stress response to a cognitive task or a stressor. A further subset of these factors was considered modifiable.

APPLICATION

The modifiable factors identified provide avenues for training and preparation to enhance cognition in ways previously unconsidered.

Why we need nonhuman primates to study the role of ventromedial prefrontal cortex in the regulation of threat- and reward-elicited responses

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is consistently implicated in the cognitive and emotional symptoms of many psychiatric disorders, but the causal mechanisms of its involvement remain unknown. In part, this is because of the poor characterization of the disorders and their symptoms, and the focus of experimental studies in animals on subcortical (rather than cortical) dysregulation. Moreover, even in those experimental studies that have focused on the vmPFC, the preferred animal model for such research has been the rodent, in which there are marked differences in the organization of this region to that seen in humans, and thus the extent of functional homology is unclear. There is also a paucity of well-defined behavioral paradigms suitable for translating disorder-relevant findings across species. With these considerations in mind, we discuss the value of nonhuman primates (NHPs) in bridging the translational gap between human and rodent studies. We focus on recent investigations into the involvement in reward and threat processing of 2 major regions of the vmPFC, areas 25 and 32 in NHPs and their anatomical homologs, the infralimbic and prelimbic cortex, in rodents. We highlight potential similarities, but also differences between species, and consider them in light of the extent to which anatomical homology reflects functional homology, the expansion of the PFC in human and NHPs, and most importantly how they can guide future studies to improve the translatability of findings from preclinical animal studies into the clinic.

Anxiety reduction through art therapy in women. Exploring stress regulation and executive functioning as underlying neurocognitive mechanisms

Objectives

To explore possible working mechanisms of anxiety reduction in women with anxiety disorders, treated with art therapy (AT).

Methods

A RCT comparing AT versus waiting list (WL) condition on aspects of self-regulation. Stress regulation (heart rate and heart rate variability) and executive functioning (daily behavioural and cognitive performance aspects of executive functioning (EF)) were evaluated in a pre-post design. Participants were women, aged 18–65 years with moderate to severe anxiety symptoms.

Results

Effectiveness of AT compared to WL was demonstrated in a higher resting HRV post treatment, improvements in aspects of self-reported daily EF (emotion control, working memory, plan/organize and task monitor), but not in cognitive performance of EF, stress responsiveness and down regulation of stress. The decrease in anxiety level was associated with improvements in self-reported daily EF.

Conclusions

AT improves resting HRV and aspects of EF, the latter was associated with art therapy-related anxiety reduction.

Effectiveness of the Analgesia Nociception Index Monitoring in Patients Who Undergo Colonoscopy with Sedo-Analgesia

Objective

The objective of this study was to improve the patient comfort and safety during procedures done under anaesthesia and sedation. The analgesia nociception index (ANI) noninvasively provides information on the nociception-antinociception balance, and it can be used to assess analgesia objectively. We aimed to compare the effects of analgesia management with conventional methods and with ANI monitoring on total opioid consumption, sedation and analgesia levels in patients who underwent colonoscopy using sedo-analgesia.

Methods

Adult patients (n=102), scheduled for procedural sedation, were prospectively analysed. After the induction with propofol and ketamine, infusions of propofol (2 mg kg⁻¹ h⁻¹) and remifentanil (0.05 mcg kg⁻¹ min⁻¹) were started. In Group A, remifentanil infusions were titrated to maintain the ANI value between 50 and 70, whereas in Group C, analgesic requirements were met according to the attending anaesthetist’s intention. The heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, SpO₂, BIS, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Ramsay Sedation Scale were monitored. Complications, analgesics consumption, duration of the procedure, demographic information, NRS and the Modified Aldrete Score were evaluated.

Results

A total remifentanil amount used in Group A was 66.51±47.87 mcg and 90.15±58.17 mcg in Group C (p=0.011); there was no difference in total amounts of ketamine and propofol given. There was a negative correlation between ANI and NRS scores of Group A patients at Minute 0 at the level of 0.402, which was significant statistically (p=0.003).

Conclusion

Opioid consumption was diminished when ANI monitoring was used, and thus the patient safety was improved. Further studies with longer procedure times and with a greater number of patients are required to demonstrate whether there is a difference in side effects and recovery times.

Parasympathetic effect of deep pressure input on third molar extraction in adolescents

BACKGROUD/PURPOSE

Deep pressure input is used to normalize physiological arousal due to stress. Third molar extraction is an invasive dental procedure with high stress for the patient, and an alleviation strategy is rarely applied during tooth extraction. In the present study, we investigated the effects of deep pressure input on autonomic responses during the procedures of third molar extraction in healthy adolescents.

METHODS

A randomized controlled crossover design was used for adolescents who were allocated to experimental and control groups that received intervention with or without deep pressure input, respectively. Autonomic indicators, namely the heart rate, percentage of low-frequency heart rate variability (LF-HRV), percentage of high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV), and low-frequency/high-frequency heart rate variability ratio (LF/HF-HRV), were assessed at the baseline, during molar extraction, and in the posttreatment phase.

RESULTS

The results indicated that third molar extraction caused significant autonomic parameter changes in both groups; however, differential response patterns were observed between two groups. In particular, application of deep pressure input in the experimental group was associated with higher HF-HRV and lower LF/HF-HRV during third molar extraction compared with those in the control group.

CONCLUSION

LF/HF-HRV measurement revealed balanced sympathovagal activation in response to deep pressure application. The present study suggests that the application of deep pressure alters the response of HF-HRV and facilitate maintaining sympathovagal balance during third molar extraction.

Newborn infant parasympathetic evaluation (NIPE) as a predictor of hemodynamic response in children younger than 2 years under general anesthesia: an observational pilot study

Background

It is still unknown whether newborn infant parasympathetic evaluation (NIPE), based on heart rate variability (HRV) as a reflection of parasympathetic nerve tone, can predict the hemodynamic response to a nociception stimulus in children less than 2 years old.

Methods

Fifty-five children undergoing elective surgery were analyzed in this prospective observational study. Noninvasive mean blood pressure (MBP), heart rate (HR) and NIPE values were recorded just before and 1 min after general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation as well as skin incision. The predictive performance of NIPE was evaluated by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. A significant hemodynamic response was defined by a > 20% increase in HR and/or MBP.

Results

Endotracheal intubation and skin incision caused HR increases of 22.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 17.5–26.9%) and 3.8% (2.1–5.5%), MBP increases of 18.2% (12.0–24.4%) and 10.6% (7.7–13.4%), and conversely, NIPE decreases of 9.9% (5.3–14.4%) and 5.6% (2.1–9.1%), respectively (all P < 0.01 vs. pre-event value). Positive hemodynamic responses were observed in 32 patients (62.7%) during tracheal intubation and 13 patients (23.6%) during skin incision. The area under the ROC curve values for the ability of NIPE to predict positive hemodynamic responses at endotracheal intubation and skin incision were 0.65 (0.50–0.78) and 0.58 (0.44–0.71), respectively.

Conclusions

NIPE reflected nociceptive events as well as anesthestic induction in children less than 2 years undergoing general anaesthetia. Nevertheless, NIPE may not serve as a sensitive and specific predictor to changes in hemodynamics.

Trial registration

This study was registered on May 3, 2018 in the Chinese Clinical Trail Registry; the registration number is (ChiCTR1800015973).

Stress and autonomic response to sleep deprivation in medical residents: A comparative cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress suffered by medical residents as the result of being on call for 24 hours, from a multidimensional approach. Two groups of medical residents selected according to their work shift, participated in the study: one group (n = 40) was sleep-deprived after having been actively on-call for 24 hours, and another contrast group (n = 18) had performed a normal work day and were not sleep-deprived. All participants completed pre-post measures during a 24 h cycle. These were administered on both occasions at 8 am. The measures included HRV, cortisol, cognitive performance and transitory mood. The effect of the group x phase interaction was significant for all variables analysed, indicating that doctors in the 24h on-call shift group showed significant deterioration in all physiological, performance and mood indicators in comparison with the participants in the group not on call. These results suggest the need to review medical on-call systems, in order to reduce the stress load, which has a direct effect on working conditions.

Analgesia Nociception Index: Heart Rate Variability Analysis of Emotional Status

Background

Analgesia nociception index (ANI) has been developed for real-time pain measurement during a surgical procedure under general anesthesia. The index is based on heart rate variability and constitutes a measure of parasympathetic tone. In this paper, we hypothesized that this index could be used as a tool to investigate the process of emotional regulation of a human subject.

Materials and methods

Twenty adult volunteers were recruited for the study, wherein ANI response to the emotional stimulus was evaluated. An emotional stimulus was obtained through a 60-second music sound record from the song “Ala Gözlerini Sevdiğim Dilber,” performed by the Turkish rock band Badem. ANI measurements were obtained before the song presentation (T_pre), at the end of the record presentation (T0), and each minute thereafter until the end of the five-minute observation (T1-T5).

Results

Twenty participants were investigated; 10 males and 10 females. The mean age of the participants was 17.0 ± 0.9 (min: 16, max: 20). ANI measurements were significantly lower in T0 and T3 compared with T_pre (P = 0.009). The differences between other values were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

ANI can be used for assessment of parasympathetic changes related to the emotional state of conscious patients.

Effect of GABA-Fortified Oolong Tea on Reducing Stress in a University Student Cohort

GABA-containing tea has gained popularity as an accessible intervention to reduce the impact of chronic stress-induced autonomic imbalance and increased risk for cardiovascular disease despite a lack of evidence concerning the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in a cup of the tea and its effects on physiological and psychological stress as measures of cognitive function. We aimed to measure the effects of GABA-fortified tea consumption on heart rate variability (HRV) and stress in 30 participants using a pre-post cohort study design. Ten minute lead II ECG recordings were analyzed with Kubios software. Frequency domain parameters including total power, high and low frequency power, along with heart rate, were determined. A control group that consumed a non-fortified tea was included in the research. Statistical analysis was by two-way ANOVA for two-group comparison with time as an interaction and a significance level of p < 0.05. Oolong tea consumption led to a significant decrease in the immediate stress score and a significant improvement in HRV. We conclude that autonomic imbalance and HRV in people with acute stress is significantly reduced following a cup of GABA fortified oolong tea and highlights the complex interaction between autonomic nervous system function and mood.

Respiration and Heart Rate Modulation Due to Competing Cognitive Tasks While Driving

Research works on operator monitoring underline the benefit of taking into consideration several signal modalities to improve accuracy for an objective mental state diagnosis. Heart rate (HR) is one of the most utilized systemic measures to assess cognitive workload (CW), whereas, respiration parameters are hardly utilized. This study aims at verifying the contribution of analyzing respiratory signals to extract features to evaluate driver’s activity and CW variations in driving. Eighteen subjects participated in the study. The participants carried out two different cognitive tasks requiring different CW demands, a single task as well as a competing cognitive task realized while driving in a simulator. Our results confirm that both HR and breathing rate (BR) increase in driving and are sensitive to CW. However, HR and BR are differently modulated by the CW variations in driving. Specifically, HR is affected by both driving activity and CW, whereas, BR is suitable to evidence a variation of CW only when driving is not required. On the other hand, spectral features characterizing respiratory signal could be also used similarly to HR variability indices to detect high CW episodes. These results hint the use of respiration as an alternative to HR to monitor the driver mental state in autonomic vehicles in order to predict the available cognitive resources if the user has to take over the vehicle.

Extreme prolongation of expiration breathing: Effects on electroencephalogram and autonomic nervous function

To clarify the physiological and psychological effects of deep breathing, the effects of extreme prolongation of expiration breathing (Okinaga) were investigated using electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG). Participants were five male Okinaga practitioners in their 50s and 60s. Participants performed Okinaga for 31 minutes while continuous EEG and ECG measurements were taken. After 16 minutes of Okinaga, and until the end of the session, the percentages of theta and alpha 2 waves were significantly higher than at baseline. After 20 minutes, and until the end of the session, the percentage of beta waves was significantly lower than at baseline. The high frequency component of heart rate variability was significantly lower after 12 minutes of Okinaga and lasted until 23 minutes. The low frequency/high frequency ratio was significantly lower after 18 minutes of Okinaga and until the end of the session. Okinaga produced relaxation, suggesting that deep breathing may relieve anxiety. However, study limitations include potential ambiguity in the interpretation of the low frequency/high frequency ratio, the small sample, and the fact that EEG was measured only on the forehead.