1
|
Liu Y, Wu Y, Yang Q. The impact of stress on the risk decision-making process. Psychophysiology 2024; 61:e14595. [PMID: 38720645 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/18/2024]
Abstract
The effect of stress on risk-taking or risk-averse behavior in decision-making has been inconclusive in previous research, with few studies revealing the underlying neural mechanisms. This study employed event-related potentials technique and combined a social cold pressor assessment test with a mental arithmetic task to induce stress responses, aiming to investigate the influence of exogenous stress on the risk decision-making process. Stress induction results indicated that, in addition to raising heart rate and blood pressure, stress responses were accompanied by enhanced negative emotions, diminished positive emotions, and alterations in neural activity. The outcomes of risk decision-making showed that stress did not significantly affect risk preference or time of choice but did reduce the feedback-related negativity/reward positivity, with a particularly significant effect observed for large outcomes. Stress also altered the amplitude of the P3 component, with stress decreasing the P3 value for winning outcomes relative to losing outcomes. The study suggests that understanding how stress affects risk preference should consider the emotional valence induced by stress. Contrary to the reward sensitivity hypothesis, stress weakened reward sensitivity. Stress led to changes in the allocation of cognitive resources for outcome evaluation: compared to negative outcomes, stress reduced cognitive resources for positive outcomes, which might be related to the enhanced negative emotions induced by stress. The study highlights the importance of focusing on the subjective emotional experience induced by stress in future research on stress and risk decision-making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yisi Liu
- Sichuan Research Center of Applied Psychology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Sichuan Research Center of Applied Psychology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Sichuan Research Center of Applied Psychology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pavlíčková K, Gärtner J, Voulgaropoulou SD, Fraemke D, Adams E, Quaedflieg CWEM, Viechtbauer W, Hernaus D. Acute stress promotes effort mobilization for safety-related goals. COMMUNICATIONS PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 2:50. [PMID: 39242906 PMCID: PMC11332123 DOI: 10.1038/s44271-024-00103-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Although the acute stress response is a highly adaptive survival mechanism, much remains unknown about how its activation impacts our decisions and actions. Based on its resource-mobilizing function, here we hypothesize that this intricate psychophysiological process may increase the willingness (motivation) to engage in effortful, energy-consuming, actions. Across two experiments (n = 80, n = 84), participants exposed to a validated stress-induction protocol, compared to a no-stress control condition, exhibited an increased willingness to exert physical effort (grip force) in the service of avoiding the possibility of experiencing aversive electrical stimulation (threat-of-shock), but not for the acquisition of rewards (money). Use of computational cognitive models linked this observation to subjective value computations that prioritize safety over the minimization of effort expenditure; especially when facing unlikely threats that can only be neutralized via high levels of grip force. Taken together, these results suggest that activation of the acute stress response can selectively alter the willingness to exert effort for safety-related goals. These findings are relevant for understanding how, under stress, we become motivated to engage in effortful actions aimed at avoiding aversive outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristína Pavlíčková
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs) Research Institute, Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith Gärtner
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs) Research Institute, Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stella D Voulgaropoulou
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs) Research Institute, Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Deniz Fraemke
- Max Planck Research Group Biosocial-Biology, Social Disparities, and Development, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eli Adams
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs) Research Institute, Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Conny W E M Quaedflieg
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang Viechtbauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs) Research Institute, Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis Hernaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs) Research Institute, Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vu C, Shen J, Gonzalez Zacarias C, Xu B, Baas K, Choi S, Nederveen A, Wood JC. Contrast-free dynamic susceptibility contrast using sinusoidal and bolus oxygenation challenges. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 37:e5111. [PMID: 38297919 PMCID: PMC10987281 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.5111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Deoxygenation-based dynamic susceptibility contrast (dDSC) MRI uses respiratory challenges as a source of endogenous contrast as an alternative to gadolinium injection. These gas challenges induce T2*-weighted MRI signal losses, after which tracer kinetics modeling was applied to calculate cerebral perfusion. This work compares three gas challenges, desaturation (transient hypoxia), resaturation (transient normoxia), and SineO2 (sinusoidal modulation of end-tidal oxygen pressures) in a cohort of 10 healthy volunteers (age 37 ± 11 years; 60% female). Perfusion estimates consisted of cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and mean transit time (MTT). Calculations were computed using a traditional tracer kinetics model in the time domain for desaturation and resaturation and in the frequency domain for SineO2. High correlations and limits of agreement were observed among the three deoxygenation-based paradigms for CBV, although MTT and CBF estimates varied with the hypoxic stimulus. Cross-modality correlation with gadolinium DSC was lower, particularly for MTT, but on a par with agreement between the other perfusion references. Overall, this work demonstrated the feasibility and reliability of oxygen respiratory challenges to measure brain perfusion. Additional work is needed to assess the utility of dDSC in the diagnostic evaluation of various pathologies such as ischemic strokes, brain tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chau Vu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jian Shen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Clio Gonzalez Zacarias
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Botian Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Koen Baas
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Soyoung Choi
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Aart Nederveen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - John C. Wood
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Falla M, Hüfner K, Falk M, Weiss EM, Vögele A, Jan van Veelen M, Weber B, Brandner J, Palma M, Dejaco A, Brugger H, Strapazzon G. Simulated Acute Hypobaric Hypoxia Effects on Cognition in Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Personnel - A Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blind, Crossover Trial. HUMAN FACTORS 2024; 66:404-423. [PMID: 35640630 DOI: 10.1177/00187208221086407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate, under replicable, blinded and standardised conditions, the effect of acute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia (HH) (equivalent to 200 or 3000 or 5000 m above sea level (asl)) on selected cognitive domains and physiological parameters in personnel of helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS). METHODS We conducted a randomized clinical trial using a single-blind crossover design in an environmental chamber (terraXcube) to induce HH in 48 HEMS personnel. Participants performed cognitive tests (CT) before the ascent, after 5 min at altitude, and after simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (SCR). CT evaluated: sustained attention using the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) that included measurement of reaction time (RT); risky decision making using the balloon analogue risk task (BART), and attention and speed of processing using the digit symbol substitution test (DSST). CT performance was subjectively rated with a visual analogue scale (VAS). Physiological data were recorded with a physiological monitoring system. Data were analysed using a linear mixed model and correlation analysis. RESULTS Mean reaction time was significantly slower (p = 0.002) at HH (5000 m asl), but there were no independent effects of HH on the other parameters of the PVT, BART or DSST. Participants did not detect subjectively the slower RT at altitude since VAS performance results showed a positive correlation with mean RT (p = 0.009). DSST results significantly improved (p = 0.001) after SCR. CONCLUSION Acute exposure of HEMS personnel to HH induced a slower RT but no changes in any other investigated measures of cognition. The reduced RT was not detected subjectively by the participants. Trial number 3489044136, ClinicalTrials.gov trial registration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marika Falla
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy, Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, CIMeC, University of Trento, Rovereto (TN), Italy
| | - Katharina Hüfner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Markus Falk
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Elisabeth M Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | - Bernhard Weber
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jonas Brandner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Palma
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Alexander Dejaco
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Hermann Brugger
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy, International Commission for Alpine Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM), Kloten, Switzerland
| | - Giacomo Strapazzon
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy, International Commission for Alpine Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM), Kloten, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fan H, Meng Y, Zhu L, Fan M, Wang D, Zhao Y. A review of methods for assessment of cognitive function in high-altitude hypoxic environments. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3418. [PMID: 38409925 PMCID: PMC10897364 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic environments like those present at high altitudes may negatively affect brain function. Varying levels of hypoxia, whether acute or chronic, are previously shown to impair cognitive function in humans. Assessment and prevention of such cognitive impairment require detection of cognitive changes and impairment using specific cognitive function assessment tools. This paper summarizes the findings of previous research, outlines the methods for cognitive function assessment used at a high altitude, elaborates the need to develop standardized and systematic cognitive function assessment tools for high-altitude hypoxia environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Fan
- Department of PsychologyZhejiang Sci‐Tech UniversityHangzhouChina
- Department of Cognitive and StressBeijing Institute of Basic Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ying Meng
- Department of PsychologyZhejiang Sci‐Tech UniversityHangzhouChina
- Department of Cognitive and StressBeijing Institute of Basic Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Lingling Zhu
- Department of Cognitive and StressBeijing Institute of Basic Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ming Fan
- Department of Cognitive and StressBeijing Institute of Basic Medical SciencesBeijingChina
- School of Information Sciences & EngineeringLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Du‐Ming Wang
- Department of PsychologyZhejiang Sci‐Tech UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yong‐Qi Zhao
- Department of PsychologyZhejiang Sci‐Tech UniversityHangzhouChina
- Department of Cognitive and StressBeijing Institute of Basic Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ben Hassen N, Molins F, Paz M, Serrano MÁ. Later stages of acute stress impair reinforcement-learning and feedback sensitivity in decision making. Biol Psychol 2023; 180:108585. [PMID: 37178755 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Whereas the effects of the early stages of acute stress seem to improve learning and increase loss aversion in decision making, in later stages, the opposite has been found, an impairment in decision making probably due to higher reward-attraction, as the STARS approach suggests. This study aims to investigate the effects of the later stages of acute stress on decision making and its underlying processes using a computational model. We hypothesized that stress would affect underlying cognitive strategies during decision making. Ninety-five participants were randomly distributed into two groups, experimental (N = 46) and control (N = 49). A virtual version of The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) was used as a laboratory stressor. After 20minutes, decision making was assessed by using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). The Value-Plus-Preservation (VPP) RL computational model was used to extract decision-making components. As expected, the stressed participants showed deficits in IGT performance on reinforcement-learning and feedback sensitivity. However, there was no gains attraction. These results are discussed by considering that decision making in later stages of acute stress could be based on impairments in prefrontal cortex functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mónica Paz
- Department of Psychobiology, Universitat de València, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yu SF, Wang NN, Hu QL, Dang P, Chang S, Huang XY, Su R, Li H, Zhou J, Ma HL, Liu M, Zhang DL. Neurodynamics of awareness detection in Tibetan immigrants: evidence from EEG analysis. Neuroscience 2023; 522:69-80. [PMID: 37164304 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The psychological effects of long-term exposure to high-altitude environments have attracted great attention. These effects are usually attributed to the diminished cognitive resources due to high-altitude exposure. This study employed electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate the effects of exposure duration on awareness detection tasks. Neither reaction time nor accuracy showed the direct effects of the exposure duration, so did the model indexes obtained from drift diffusion model analysis. However, event-related potentials (ERP) analysis revealed that exposure duration was associated with changes in the visual awareness negativity (VAN) and the late positivity (LP) components, which in turn affected reaction time. Specifically, longer exposure durations were associated with lower VAN and higher LP, resulting in shorter reaction times and greater drift rate. In contrast to previous studies, the reverse relationship between VAN and LP may reflect a compensatory response to the reduced cognitive resources caused by high-altitude exposure. Additionally, increased LP and shorter reaction times with exposure duration may reflect a resistance to the high-altitude environment. We also conducted time-frequency analysis and found that theta power did not vary with exposure duration, suggesting that the reduction in cognitive resources remains stable in these individuals over time. Overall, our study provides new insights into the dynamic effects of high-altitude environments on awareness detection in the presence of reduced cognitive resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Fang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nian-Nian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China; Plateau Brain Science Research Center, Tibet University/South China Normal University, Lhasa/Guangzhou, China
| | - Quan-Ling Hu
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Dang
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, Tibet University/South China Normal University, Lhasa/Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Chang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Su
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, Tibet University/South China Normal University, Lhasa/Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Li
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, Tibet University/South China Normal University, Lhasa/Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Lin Ma
- Plateau Brain Science Research Center, Tibet University/South China Normal University, Lhasa/Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China; Plateau Brain Science Research Center, Tibet University/South China Normal University, Lhasa/Guangzhou, China
| | - De-Long Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China; Plateau Brain Science Research Center, Tibet University/South China Normal University, Lhasa/Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cognition and Neuropsychological Changes at Altitude-A Systematic Review of Literature. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12121736. [PMID: 36552195 PMCID: PMC9775937 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12121736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
High-altitude (HA) exposure affects cognitive functions, but studies have found inconsistent results. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of HA exposure on cognitive functions in healthy subjects. A structural overview of the applied neuropsychological tests was provided with a classification of superordinate cognitive domains. A literature search was performed using PubMed up to October 2021 according to PRISMA guidelines. Eligibility criteria included a healthy human cohort exposed to altitude in the field (at minimum 2440 m [8000 ft]) or in a hypoxic environment in a laboratory, and an assessment of cognitive domains. The literature search identified 52 studies (29 of these were field studies; altitude range: 2440 m-8848 m [8000-29,029 ft]). Researchers applied 112 different neuropsychological tests. Attentional capacity, concentration, and executive functions were the most frequently studied. In the laboratory, the ratio of altitude-induced impairments (64.7%) was twice as high compared to results showing no change or improved results (35.3%), but altitudes studied were similar in the chamber compared to field studies. In the field, the opposite results were found (66.4 % no change or improvements, 33.6% impairments). Since better acclimatization can be assumed in the field studies, the findings support the hypothesis that sufficient acclimatization has beneficial effects on cognitive functions at HA. However, it also becomes apparent that research in this area would benefit most if a consensus could be reached on a standardized framework of freely available neurocognitive tests.
Collapse
|
9
|
Pighin S, Bonini N, Hadjichristidis C, Schena F, Modena R, Savadori L. Hypoxia and risk preferences: Mild hypoxia impacts choices for low-probability high-payoff bets. Front Physiol 2022; 13:960773. [PMID: 36105278 PMCID: PMC9465039 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.960773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mild degrees of hypoxia are known to exert a detrimental effect on cognitive functions. In a lab study, we assessed the effect of mild hypoxia on risk-taking behavior. Participants (N = 25) were presented with pairs of bets of equal expected monetary value, one having a higher probability of winning/losing a lower payoff (safer bet) and one having a lower probability of winning/losing a higher payoff (riskier bet). We systematically varied the ratio of the probabilities (and corresponding payoffs) of the two bets and examined how this affected participants’ choice between them. Following a familiarization session, participants performed the task twice: once in a normoxic environment (20.9% oxygen concentration) and once in a mildly hypoxic environment (14.1% oxygen concentration). Participants were not told and could not guess which environment they were in. We found a higher preference for the riskier bet in the mild hypoxic than normoxic environment but only in the loss domain. Furthermore, as the probability ratio increased, mild hypoxia increased the preference for the riskier bet in the domain of losses but decreased it for gains. The present findings support that mild hypoxia promotes riskier choices in the loss domain and provide new insights into the impact of mild hypoxia in moderating the effect of probability ratio on risky choices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Pighin
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- *Correspondence: Stefania Pighin,
| | - Nicolao Bonini
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Federico Schena
- Research Center Sport, Mountain and Health (CERISM), University of Verona, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Roberto Modena
- Research Center Sport, Mountain and Health (CERISM), University of Verona, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Lucia Savadori
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Çelik K, Bilim P, Garip G, Durmaz B, Yildirim Sözmen E, Baka M. Acute hypoxia exposure following prenatal stress impairs hippocampus and novelty-seeking behavior in adolescent rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2021; 82:85-95. [PMID: 34850973 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to investigate the effects of acute hypoxia exposure following prenatal stress on the novelty-seeking behavior and hippocampus of adolescent rats. METHODS The offspring were divided into prenatal stress (PS) and non-stress (NS) groups. Both groups were exposed to hypoxia on postnatal day 10 (P10) while control groups were undisturbed. Novel object recognition task was performed in each group. Next, brains were collected to examine hippocampus via immunohistochemical and biochemical studies on postnatal day 35 (P35). RESULTS PS decreased novelty discrimination and synaptophysin (SYN) expressions in both CA1 and CA3 of the hypoxia group prominently (p < 0.05). Nestin-expressing cells were reduced while vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was enhanced in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of PS-hypoxia group (p < 0.05). VEGF enhancement triggered angiogenesis in the CA1 and CA3 significantly (p < 0.05). PS also increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels in the hypoxia group as a result of oxidative stress (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION These findings demonstrated that PS exacerbates neurodevelopmental deficits in the hippocampus of acute hypoxia-induced offspring in adolescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kübra Çelik
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Electroneurophysiology, Vocational School of Health Care Services, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Petek Bilim
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Social Sciences, Toros University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Gurur Garip
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Burak Durmaz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Eser Yildirim Sözmen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Meral Baka
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Steinman Y, Groen E, Frings-Dresen MHW. Exposure to hypoxia impairs helicopter pilots' awareness of environment. ERGONOMICS 2021; 64:1481-1490. [PMID: 34013831 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2021.1931474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to determine how hypoxia effects awareness of environment (AoE) in helicopter pilots operating at high altitude. Eight helicopter crews flew two operational flights in a flight simulator while breathing gas mixtures of 20.9% (equivalent to 0 m altitude) and 11.4% (equivalent to 4572 m or 15,000 ft altitude) oxygen in a single blinded, counterbalanced, repeated measures study. Each flight included five missions, during which environment items were introduced that the crews needed to be aware of, and respond to. In the 4572 m simulation, the crews missed overall 28 AoE items compared to 12 in the 0 m simulation (Z = -1.992; p = .046). In contrast, the crews' technical skills were not significantly effected by hypoxia. Remarkably, the majority of pilots did not notice they were hypoxic or recognise their hypoxia symptoms during the simulation flight at 4572 m. Practitioner summary We show that hypoxia has a detrimental effect on helicopter pilot's AoE and alertness. This can lead to an increased risk for flight safety. To mitigate this risk we recommend performing hypoxia training in a flight simulator, developing wearable systems for physiological monitoring of pilots and re-evaluating current altitude regulations. Abbreviations: ANOVA: Analysis of variance; AoE: awareness of environment; CSV: comma-separated values; HDU: helmet display unit; HR: heart rate; IQR: interquartile range; Mdn: median; NTS: non-technical skills; RNLAF: Royal Netherlands Air Force; PPM: parts per million; SpO2: oxygen saturation; SSS: Stanford sleepiness scale; TS: technical Skills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Steinman
- Center for Man in Aviation, The Royal Netherlands Air Force, Soesterberg, The Netherlands
- Department of Public and Occupational Health/Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Groen
- Perceptual and Cognitive Systems, TNO, Soesterberg, The Netherlands
| | - Monique H W Frings-Dresen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health/Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Frost S, E Orr J, Oeung B, Puvvula N, Pham K, Brena R, DeYoung P, Jain S, Sun S, Malhotra A, Heinrich EC. Improvements in sleep-disordered breathing during acclimatization to 3800 m and the impact on cognitive function. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e14827. [PMID: 33991443 PMCID: PMC8123551 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sojourners to high altitude often experience poor sleep quality due to sleep‐disordered breathing. Additionally, multiple aspects of cognitive function are impaired at high altitude. However, the impact of acclimatization on sleep‐disordered breathing and whether poor sleep is a major contributor to cognitive impairments at high altitude remains uncertain. We conducted nocturnal actigraphy and polygraphy, as well as daytime cognitive function tests, in 15 participants (33% women) at sea level and over 3 days of partial acclimatization to high altitude (3800 m). Our goal was to determine if sleep‐disordered breathing improved over time and if sleep‐disordered breathing was associated with cognitive function. The apnea–hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation index increased on night 1 (adj. p = 0.026 and adj. p = 0.026, respectively), but both improved over the subsequent 2 nights. These measures were matched by poorer self‐reported sleep quality on the Stanford Sleepiness Scale and PROMIS questionnaires following 1 night at high altitude (adj. p = 0.027 and adj. p = 0.022, respectively). The reaction time on the psychomotor vigilance task was slower at high altitude and did not improve (SL: 199 ± 27, ALT1: 224 ± 33, ALT2: 216 ± 41, ALT3: 212 ± 27 ms). The reaction times on the balloon analog risk task decreased at high altitude (SL: 474 ± 235, ALT1: 375 ± 159, ALT2: 291 ± 102, ALT3: 267 ± 90 ms), perhaps indicating increased risk‐taking behavior. Finally, multiple cognitive function measures were associated with sleep‐disordered breathing and measures of subjective sleep quality, rather than low daytime arterial oxygen saturation. These data indicate that sleep‐disordered breathing at moderately high altitude improves with partial acclimatization and that some aspects of cognitive performance in unacclimatized sojourners may be impacted by poor sleep rather than hypoxemia alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shyleen Frost
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy E Orr
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Britney Oeung
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Nikhil Puvvula
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Kathy Pham
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Rebbecca Brena
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Pamela DeYoung
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sonia Jain
- Biostatistics Research Center, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Shelly Sun
- Biostatistics Research Center, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Atul Malhotra
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Erica C Heinrich
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Falla M, Papagno C, Dal Cappello T, Vögele A, Hüfner K, Kim J, Weiss EM, Weber B, Palma M, Mrakic-Sposta S, Brugger H, Strapazzon G. A Prospective Evaluation of the Acute Effects of High Altitude on Cognitive and Physiological Functions in Lowlanders. Front Physiol 2021; 12:670278. [PMID: 33995130 PMCID: PMC8113692 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.670278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive function impairment due to high altitude exposure has been reported with some contradictory results regarding the possible selective cognitive domain involvement. We prospectively evaluated in 36 lowlanders, exposed for 3 consecutive days to an altitude of 3,269 m, specific cognitive abilities (attention, processing speed, and decision-making) required to safely explore the mountains, as well as to work at altitude. We simultaneously monitored the physiological parameters. Our study provides evidence of a reduced processing speed in lowlanders when exposed to altitude in the first 24 h. There was a fairly quick recovery since this impairment was no more detectable after 36 h of exposure. There were no clinically relevant effects on decision-making, while psychomotor vigilance was unaffected at altitude except for individuals with poor sleep. Significant changes were seen in physiological parameters (increased heart rate and reduced peripheral oxygen saturation). Our results may have practical implications, suggesting that individuals should practice prudence with higher ascent when performing risky activities in the first 24–36 h, even at altitudes below 3,500 m, due to an impairment of the cognitive performance that could worsen and lead to accidents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marika Falla
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy.,Center for Mind/Brain Sciences CIMeC, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Costanza Papagno
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences CIMeC, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy.,Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Tomas Dal Cappello
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Anna Vögele
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Katharina Hüfner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Division of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jenny Kim
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Elisabeth M Weiss
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bernhard Weber
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Palma
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | | | - Hermann Brugger
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Giacomo Strapazzon
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|