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Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology &... Jun 2024Heart rate variability (HRV) is a useful tool for evaluating cardiovascular autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Heart rate variability (HRV) is a useful tool for evaluating cardiovascular autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the potential effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) protocols on HRV parameters.
METHODS
This study acquired 97 comparisons from 24 qualified studies for data synthesis. Using standardized mean difference (SMD), individual and overall effect sizes were estimated to show differences in HRV variables between active tDCS and sham stimulation conditions. More positive effect size values indicated that active tDCS caused greater increases in HRV than sham stimulation. Furthermore, moderator variable analyses were performed to determine whether changes in HRV variables differed depending on (a) task types (physical stress versus psychological stress versus resting condition), (b) targeted brain regions, (c) stimulation polarity, (d) characteristics of participants, and (e) specific HRV variables. Finally, we used meta-regression analyses to determine whether different tDCS parameters (i.e., the number of tDCS sessions, stimulation duration, and density) were associated with changes in HRV patterns.
RESULTS
The random-effects model meta-analysis showed that tDCS protocols significantly improved HRV variables (SMD = 0.400; P < 0.001). Moreover, for increasing HRV during the physical stress task (SMD = 1.352; P = 0.001), anodal stimulation on the M1 was effective, while combined polarity stimulation on the PFC improved HRV during the psychological stress task (SMD = 0.550; P < 0.001) and resting condition (SMD = 0.192; P = 0.012). Additional moderator variables and meta-regression analyses failed to show that tDCS protocols had positive effects in certain conditions, such as different stimulus polarity, characteristics of participants, specific HRV variables, and tDCS parameters.
CONCLUSION
These findings tentatively suggest that using tDCS protocols to stimulate optimal targeted brain areas may be effective in improving HRV patterns potentially related to cardiovascular ANS functions.
PubMed: 38925337
DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111072 -
Resuscitation Jun 2024Hypoxic ischemic brain injury (HIBI) induced by cardiac arrest (CA) seems to predominate in cortical areas and to a lesser extent in the brainstem. These regions play...
BACKGROUND
Hypoxic ischemic brain injury (HIBI) induced by cardiac arrest (CA) seems to predominate in cortical areas and to a lesser extent in the brainstem. These regions play key roles in modulating the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), that can be assessed through analyses of heart rate variability (HRV). The objective was to evaluate the prognostic value of various HRV parameters to predict neurological outcome after CA.
METHODS
Retrospective monocentric study assessing the prognostic value of HRV markers and their association with HIBI severity. Patients admitted for CA who underwent EEG for persistent coma after CA were included. HRV markers were computed from 5 minutes signal of the ECG lead of the EEG recording. HRV indices were calculated in the time-, frequency-, and non-linear domains. Frequency-domain analyses differentiated very low frequency (VLF 0.003-0.04Hz), low frequency (LF 0.04-0.15Hz), high frequency (HF 0.15-0.4Hz), and LF/HF ratio. HRV indices were compared to other prognostic markers: pupillary light reflex, EEG, N20 on somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) and biomarkers (neuron specific enolase-NSE). Neurological outcome at 3 months was defined as unfavorable in case of best CPC 3-4-5.
RESULTS
Between 2007 and 2021, 199 patients were included. Patients were predominantly male (64%), with a median age of 60 [48.9-71.7] years. 76% were out-of-hospital CA, and 30% had an initial shockable rhythm. Neurological outcome was unfavorable in 73%. Compared to poor outcome, patients with a good outcome had higher VLF (0.21 vs 0.09 ms/Hz, p<0.01), LF (0.07 vs 0.04 ms/Hz, p=0.003), and higher LF/HF ratio (2.01 vs 1.01, p=0.008). Several non-linear domain indices were also higher in the good outcome group, such as SD2 (15.1 vs 10.2, p = 0.016) and DFA α1 (1.03 vs 0.78, p = 0.002). These indices also differed depending on the severity of EEG pattern and abolition of pupillary light reflex. These time-frequency and non-linear domains HRV parameters were predictive of poor neurological outcome, with high specificity despite a low sensitivity.
CONCLUSION
In comatose patients after CA, some HRV markers appear to be associated with unfavorable outcome, EEG severity and PLR abolition, although the sensitivity of these HRV markers remains limited.
PubMed: 38925291
DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2024.110294 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Jun 2024The lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, formed from the midgut and hindgut, encompasses the colon, rectum and anal canal.
BACKGROUND
The lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, formed from the midgut and hindgut, encompasses the colon, rectum and anal canal.
AIM
The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the lower GI tract.
METHODS
Literature review on anatomy and physiology of the lower GI tract, including normal motility and phases of defecation. It derives its blood supply from the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries while it is innervated by the extrinsic autonomic (the thoracolumbar and sacral nerves) and the intrinsic enteric nervous system. The colon has four layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa and serosa. The anal canal ends in the internal and external anal sphincters (EASs) involved in continence and defecation. The lower GI tract is predominantly involved in digestion, absorption, defecation and protection. Defecation is a complex process that requires inter-neural (enteric and autonomic nervous systems), neurohormonal and neuromuscular coordination. It has four phases which include basal, pre-expulsive, expulsive and end phase. High-propagating contractions in the colon propel stool to the rectum leading to rectal distention and the recruitment of the recto-anal inhibitory reflex. Once able, the EAS, under full conscious control, is then relaxed allowing stool to be evacuated. Other defecation reflexes include the gastrocolic, gastroileal and coloanal reflexes.
CONCLUSIONS
Recent advances provide novel techniques to investigate motility patterns including high-resolution manometry protocols with automated assessments, magnetic resonance imaging techniques for defecography, wireless motility capsules and fecobionics.
PubMed: 38924125
DOI: 10.1111/apt.17900 -
Annals of Neurology Jun 2024Amyloid neuropathy is caused by deposition of insoluble β-pleated amyloid sheets in the peripheral nervous system. It is most common in: (1) light-chain amyloidosis, a... (Review)
Review
Amyloid neuropathy is caused by deposition of insoluble β-pleated amyloid sheets in the peripheral nervous system. It is most common in: (1) light-chain amyloidosis, a clonal non-proliferative plasma cell disorder in which fragments of immunoglobulin, light or heavy chain, deposit in tissues, and (2) hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis, a disorder caused by autosomal dominant mutations in the TTR gene resulting in mutated protein that has a higher tendency to misfold. Amyloid fibrils deposit in the endoneurium of peripheral nerves, often extensive in the dorsal root ganglia and sympathetic ganglia, leading to atrophy of Schwann cells in proximity to amyloid fibrils and blood-nerve barrier disruption. Clinically, amyloid neuropathy is manifested as a length-dependent sensory predominant neuropathy associated with generalized autonomic failure. Small unmyelinated nerves are involved early and prominently in early-onset Val30Met ATTRv, whereas other ATTRv and light-chain amyloidosis often present with large- and small-fiber involvement. Nerve conduction studies, quantitative sudomotor axon testing, and intraepidermal nerve fiber density are useful tools to evaluate denervation. Amyloid deposition can be demonstrated by tissue biopsy of the affected organ or surrogate site, as well as bone-avid radiotracer cardiac imaging. Treatment of light-chain amyloidosis has been revolutionized by monoclonal antibodies and stem cell transplantation with improved 5-year survival up to 77%. Novel gene therapy and transthyretin stabilizers have revolutionized treatment of ATTRv, improving the course of neuropathy (less change in the modified Neuropathy Impairment Score + 7 from baseline) and quality of life. With great progress in amyloidosis therapies, early diagnosis and presymptomatic testing for ATTRv family members has become paramount. ANN NEUROL 2024.
PubMed: 38923548
DOI: 10.1002/ana.26965 -
Autonomic Rebound Following Maximal Exercise in Bodybuilders and Recreationally Active Participants.Sports (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The off-season for natural bodybuilders (BB) is characterized by increased training loads and fluctuations in caloric intake, which may lead to insufficient recovery....
The off-season for natural bodybuilders (BB) is characterized by increased training loads and fluctuations in caloric intake, which may lead to insufficient recovery. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a pivotal role in recovery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate resting ANS activity and recovery following a maximal exercise bout in off-season BB and compare them to those of recreationally active individuals. Fifteen males participated; 7 recreationally active (RA) (24.6 ± 2.1 years, 81.1 ± 10.8 kg) and 8 BB (21.8 ± 2.9 years, 89.3 ± 13.0 kg). Each performed a graded exercise test. Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured at rest and during a 45 min recovery period. HRV was analyzed as: root mean square of successive differences (lnRMSSD), standard deviation of normal-to-normal sinus beats (lnSDNN), high frequency (lnHF), low frequency (lnLF), and the ratio of low frequency to high frequency (lnLF/lnHF). A one-way ANOVA showed no differences for any resting marker of HRV, HR, and HR recovery. A significant depression in all markers of HRV was observed in the BB group at the 15 min point, and no recovery was observed before 45 min when compared to RA. The results of this study demonstrated depressed HRV recovery following the graded exercise test in BB when compared to the RA group.
PubMed: 38921837
DOI: 10.3390/sports12060143 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in patients with long-term, poorly controlled diabetes. This study... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in patients with long-term, poorly controlled diabetes. This study investigates the effects of exercise on autonomic nervous system activity in T2DM patients over time.
METHODS
A literature review using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and PubMed identified studies assessed via heart rate variability. Papers were categorized into three groups: immediate effects (within 60 min), short-term effects (2-3 months), and long-term effects (over 4 months).
RESULTS
Nine articles with 161 T2DM patients were included in the meta-analysis. RMSSD changes after exercise were -4.3 ( = 0.227), 8.14 ( < 0.001), and 4.17 ( = 0.002) for the immediate, short-term, and long-term groups, respectively. LF/HF ratio changes were 0.21 ( = 0.264), -3.04 ( = 0.102), and -0.05 ( = 0.006) for the respective groups. Meta-regression indicated age, male gender, and exercise duration were associated with increased RMSSD, with coefficients of 2.36 ( = 0.001), 13.76 ( = 0.008), and 1.50 ( = 0.007), respectively. Age positively correlated with the LF/HF ratio, with a coefficient of 0.049 ( = 0.048).
CONCLUSIONS
Regular exercise (≥3 times per week) for over 2 months increases parasympathetic activity in T2DM patients, while sympathetic activity decreases significantly after 4 months. Further study is needed to validate these findings.
PubMed: 38921350
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12121236 -
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.) Jun 2024Involvement of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is an important prognostic factor and is associated with a higher risk of...
The Effect of Hemithyroidectomy in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with an Exclusive Involvement of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve: A Retrospective Study with a Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.
BACKGROUND
Involvement of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is an important prognostic factor and is associated with a higher risk of recurrence. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the outcomes of patients treated with hemithyroidectomy (HT) in PTC patients with an exclusive RLN invasion who could not tolerate staged surgery, did not wish to undergo another operation, or had other reasons.
METHODS
A retrospective review was conducted on 163 patients with PTC and exclusive RLN involvement at our institution between 2013 and 2019. Patients were divided into a total thyroidectomy (TT) group and HT group. The clinicopathologic factors and prognostic outcomes were compared between the two groups. A propensity score-matched analysis was carried out to reduce selection bias, with the following covariates: gender, age, tumor size, multifocality, central lymph node metastasis (CLNM), and RLN resection. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for a comparison of recurrence outcomes.
RESULTS
In the baseline data of the 163 PTC patients, tumor size ( < 0.001), multifocality ( = 0.011), CLNM ( < 0.001), and RLN resection ( < 0.008) in the TT and HT groups differed significantly, whereas age and gender did not differ between the two groups. The TT group reported significantly higher temporary and permanent hypoparathyroidism than the HT group ( < 0.001 and = 0.042, respectively). With 72-month median follow-up, 11 (6.7%) patients developed recurrence. After propensity score matching, 24 patients with HT and 43 patients with TT were included. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) in the matched samples showed no difference between the TT and HT groups ( = 0.092).
CONCLUSION
Our results indicate that HT may be a feasible treatment for PTC patients with exclusive RLN involvement in specific circumstances without significantly increasing the risk of recurrence. Performing a thorough preoperative examination is crucial to exclude multifocal tumors and lymph node metastasis before undergoing HT.
Topics: Humans; Male; Retrospective Studies; Female; Thyroid Cancer, Papillary; Propensity Score; Thyroidectomy; Middle Aged; Adult; Thyroid Neoplasms; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Aged
PubMed: 38920748
DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31060265 -
Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2024Ciprofol is a recently developed short-acting gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor agonist with a higher potency than that of propofol. As a new sedative drug, there are few... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of Ciprofol-Based and Propofol-Based Total Intravenous Anesthesia on Microvascular Decompression of Facial Nerve with Neurophysiological Monitoring: A Randomized Non-Inferiority Trial.
PURPOSE
Ciprofol is a recently developed short-acting gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor agonist with a higher potency than that of propofol. As a new sedative drug, there are few clinical studies on ciprofol. We sought to examine the safety and efficacy of ciprofol use for general anesthesia in neurosurgical individuals undergoing neurosurgical surgery with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This single-center, non-inferiority, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted from September 13, 2022 to September 22, 2023. 120 patients undergoing elective microvascular decompression surgery (MVD) with IONM were randomly assigned to receive either ciprofol or propofol. The primary outcome of this study was the amplitude of intraoperative compound muscle action potential decline, and the secondary outcome included the indexes related to neurophysiological monitoring and anesthesia outcomes.
RESULTS
The mean values of the primary outcome in the ciprofol group and the propofol group were 64.7±44.1 and 53.4±35.4, respectively. Furthermore, the 95% confidence interval of the difference was -25.78 to 3.12, with the upper limit of the difference being lower than the non-inferiority boundary of 6.6. Ciprofol could achieve non-inferior effectiveness in comparison with propofol in IONM of MVD. The result during anesthesia induction showed that the magnitude of the blood pressure drop and the incidence of injection pain in the ciprofol group were significantly lower than those in the propofol group (P<0.05). The sedative drug and norepinephrine consumption in the ciprofol group was significantly lower than that in the propofol group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Ciprofol is not inferior to propofol in the effectiveness and safety of IONM and the surgical outcome. Concurrently, ciprofol is more conducive to reducing injection pain and improving hemodynamic stability, which may be more suitable for IONM-related surgery, and has a broad application prospect.
Topics: Humans; Propofol; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Single-Blind Method; Microvascular Decompression Surgery; Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring; Facial Nerve; Anesthesia, Intravenous; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Aged; Adult
PubMed: 38919963
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S459618 -
Annali Italiani Di Chirurgia 2024The most important and serious complication of thyroid surgery is recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, and it has been noted that this risk increases considerably in...
The most important and serious complication of thyroid surgery is recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, and it has been noted that this risk increases considerably in the presence of anatomical variations. Double recurrent laryngeal nerve (DRLN) is very rare among RLN anatomical variations. There are only a few case reports on DRLN in the literature It is crucial to possess surgical expertise and ensure complete visualization of the nerve to minimize the likelihood of RLN injury. Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) is particularly useful in identifying anatomical variations. In a 54-year-old woman undergoing diagnostic left lobectomy+isthmectomy, a left DRLN was identified during intraoperative exploration and meticulous nerve exploration with the assistance of IONM monitoring verified that the impulse conduction in both branches was identical. The surgical procedure was successfully performed without causing any harm to the nerve. Based on the case reports in the literature and our experience with this patient, we believe that surgical expertise and the utilization of IONM can decrease RLN nerve damage and reveal its anatomical variations during thyroid surgery.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Thyroid Neoplasms; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve; Thyroidectomy; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries; Intraoperative Complications
PubMed: 38918967
DOI: 10.62713/aic.3305 -
European Journal of Applied Physiology Jun 2024The widespread and health-detrimental sleep disorders have resulted in stretching exercises being investigated as a non-drug solution for enhanced sleep quality.... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The widespread and health-detrimental sleep disorders have resulted in stretching exercises being investigated as a non-drug solution for enhanced sleep quality. However, a comprehensive understanding of the impact of stretching exercises on individuals with sleep disorders is lacking.
METHODS
This scoping review systematically maps the existing literature and identifies research gaps on the impact of stretching exercises on sleep quality in individuals with sleep disorders.
RESULTS
Sixteen eligible studies were included, where the weighted mean changes indicate a positive trend in sleep quality improvement, ranging from trivial to very large magnitudes. However, concerning the individual study results only 5 out of 16 studies reported significant improvements. Notable enhancements include a small 1.22% overall sleep quality improvement, a large 6.51% reduction in insomnia severity, a large 8.88% increase in sleep efficiency, a moderate 4.36% decrease in sleep onset latency, a large 8.27% decrease in wake after sleep onset, and a very large 14.70% improvement in total sleep time. Trivial changes are noted in sleep duration (0.58%), sleep disturbance reduction (0.07%), and daytime dysfunction reduction (0.19%). Likely mechanisms for the improvement of sleep include autonomic nervous system modulation, muscle tension relief, cortisol regulation, enhanced blood circulation, and psychological benefits such as stress reduction and mood enhancement.
CONCLUSION
There is little evidence that stretching exercises positively impact sleep quality in individuals with sleep disorders. Additionally, further research is vital for designing optimal protocols, understanding of the long-term effects, and clarification of the mechanisms.
PubMed: 38918221
DOI: 10.1007/s00421-024-05541-z