Changes in Autonomic Nervous System Activity and Mood of Healthy People after Mindfulness Art Therapy Short Version

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and mood caused by Mindfulness Art Therapy Short version (MATS). The participants were 20 Japanese college students who were separated into high and low risk groups based on the median score of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). MATS consisted of mindfulness exercise and making of art in one session. ANS activity (TP: total energy, LF/HF: sympathetic nervous, HF: parasympathetic nervous system, LF: both sympathetic and parasympathetic) and mood (TA: tension arousal, EA: energy arousal) were measured psychologically before and after MATS. In the high risk group, TP significantly decreased and LF, HF, and LF/HF did not change significantly;while TA significantly decreased and EA significantly increased. In the low risk group, TP and LF significantly increased and HF and LF/HF did not change significantly;while TA significantly decreased and EA showed a non-significant increase. These results suggest that MATS affects the ANS differently for participants with different states of mental health, and particularly promotes activity in low-risk participants. Psychologically, MATS decreased tension or anxiety and increased energy. These findings justify further use of this therapy.

The Effects of Green Kiwifruit Ingestion on Digestive Health, Blood Flow, Skin Health, and the Autonomic Nervous System

We aimed to assess the impact of consuming two Zespri Hayward green kiwifruit a day on 11 healthy women subjects over a period of 4 consecutive weeks. We analyzed the effects of kiwifruit consumption on intestinal, abdominal, and bowel movement related discomfort, bowel movement frequency, peripheral blood flow, skin health, and autonomic nervous system activity. This study was a randomized control trial, consisting of a four-week intervention period. Participants were divided to ensure equal age distributions and then randomly placed into two intervention groups: a kiwifruit consumption group (n = 11) and a control group (no kiwifruit consumption) (n = 5). The kiwifruit consumption group was instructed to consume two kiwifruit a day during the 4-week intervention period, while subjects in the control group were instructed not to consume kiwifruit for the duration of the study. Besides a restriction from eating yogurt and other fruits, subjects were requested to eat their meals as per usual. The results of this study showed a significant decrease in intestinal, abdominal, and bowel movement discomfort, and a significant increase in bowel movement frequency, at 4 weeks of kiwifruit consumption compared to before consumption. In addition, subjects in the kiwifruit consumption group experienced a significant increase in blood flow, particularly in the index and middle finger at 2 and 4 weeks of kiwifruit consumption. Furthermore, subjects in the kiwifruit consumption group experienced a significant increase in skin brightness at 4 weeks of kiwifruit consumption compared to before consumption. The results of this study suggest that kiwifruit appears to be a delicious and safe option for intestinal, abdominal, and bowel movement discomfort interventions for healthy women. In addition, kiwifruit may aid in increasing bowel movement frequency, peripheral blood flow, and brightness of skin among healthy women as well.

The Effect of Brief, Low-Intensity Stretching Gymnastics on Autonomic Nervous System Activity and Cognitive Function

Purpose: Stretching exercise and gymnastics both have beneficial effects, such as improvement of autonomic nervous system activity and mood. Additionally, studies on the effects of exercise on cognitive function have been conducted covering a wide range of age groups and have attracted much attention. However, conventional studies have set up programs with implementation times of 20 to 30 minutes. Therefore, shorter stretching programs are needed in order to fit them more easily into one’s free time. We examined the effects of a short 7-minute stretching gymnastics regime on the autonomic nervous system activity and cognitive function in 21 healthy participants. Methods: In this study, the participants performed a 10-minute cognitive task, followed by either Stretch Well Gymnastics, Stretch Band Gymnastics, or Radio Gymnastics sessions on different days. The participants then performed the cognitive task again. Heart rate was measured continuously throughout the experiment and we analyzed the heart rate variability. The cognitive tasks completed by all of the participants were evaluated for inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. Results: A significant increase was shown in the sympathetic nerve activity during the Stretch Well Gymnastics, compared to the Radio Gymnastics and Stretch Band Gymnastics. Parasympathetic nerve levels were significantly increased after the gymnastics, compared to during the gymnastics, although there were no significant differences between any of the tasks. Additionally, in both the Stroop task and the number-Letter task, reaction times were faster in all of the sessions. In particular, the Stroop task showed the highest values for the Radio Gymnastics sessions, with marginally significantly lower scores for the Stretch Well Gymnastics sessions. Conclusion: The results showed that these heart rate variability responses supported the effects of autonomic activity associated with conventional low-intensity exercise. Additionally, stretching gymnastics for less than 10 minutes showed a positive effect on inhibitory function and cognitive flexibility.

Stress prevention by modulation of autonomic nervous system (heart rate variability): A preliminary study using transcranial direct current stimulation

Introduction: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive, technique for brain stimulation. Anodal stimulation causes neuronal depolarisation and long-term potentiation, while cathodal stimulation causes hyperpolarisation and long-term depression. Stressors are associated with an increase in sympathetic cardiac control, a decrease in parasympathetic control, or both. Associated with these reactions is a frequently reported increase in Low Frequency (LF) Heart Rate Variability (HRV), a decrease in High Frequency (HF) power, and/or an increase in the LF/HF ratio. Objectives and aims: The present work aims to explore the tDCS potential in the modulation of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), through indirect stimulation of Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC). Methods: Two subjects, a 39 year old female and a 49 year old male, gave informed consent. Saline soaked synthetic sponges involving two, thick, metalic (stainless steel) rectangles, with an area of 25 cm2 each have been used as electrodes, connected to Iomed Phoresor II Auto device. It has been delivered a 2 mA current, for 20 minutes, over the left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) (Anode). Spectrum analysis (cStress software) of HRV has been performed before and after tDCS administration. Results: The female/male subject results of LF power, HF power and LF/HF ratio, before tDCS administration, were, respectively: 50.1 nu/60 nu, 46.1 nu/21.7 nu and 1.087/2.771;and, after tDCS administration, respectively: 33.5 nu/52.7 nu, 47.6 nu/ 22.8 nu and 0.704/2.312. Conclusions: tDCS over the left DLPFC (left ACC) increased parasympathetic activity and decreased sympathetic activity, suggesting the importance of tDCS in the management of stress-related disorders.

COVID-19-induced gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction:A systematic review

BACKGROUND It is common for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection to occur in the gastrointestinal tract,which can present itself as an initial symptom.The severity of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is often reflected in the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms.COVID-19 can damage the nerve supply to the digestive system,leading to gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction.There is still much to learn about how COVID-19 affects the autonomic nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract.AIM To thoroughly explore the epidemiology and clinical aspects of COVID-19-induced gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction,including its manifestations,potential mechanisms,diagnosis,differential diagnosis,impact on quality of life,prognosis,and management and prevention strategies.METHODS We conducted a thorough systematic search across various databases and performed an extensive literature review.Our review encompassed 113 studies published in English from January 2000 to April 18,2023.RESULTS According to most of the literature,gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction can seriously affect a patient's quality of life and ultimate prognosis.Numerous factors can influence gastrointestinal autonomic nervous functions.Studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 has a well-documented affinity for both neural and gastrointestinal tissues,and the virus can produce various gastrointestinal symptoms by reaching neural tissues through different pathways.These symptoms include anorexia,dysgeusia,heartburn,belching,chest pain,regurgitation,vomiting,epigastric burn,diarrhea,abdominal pain,bloating,irregular bowel movements,and constipation.Diarrhea is the most prevalent symptom,followed by anorexia,nausea,vomiting,and abdominal pain.Although COVID-19 vaccination may rarely induce autonomic dysfunction and gastrointestinal symptoms,COVID-19-induced autonomic effects significantly impact the patient's condition,general health,prognosis,and quality of life.Early diagnosis and proper recognition are crucial for improving outcomes.It is important to consider the differential diagnosis,as these symptoms may be induced by diseases other than COVID-19-induced autonomic dysfunction.Treating this dysfunction can be a challenging task.CONCLUSION To ensure the best possible outcomes for COVID-19 patients,it is essential to take a multidisciplinary approach involving providing supportive care,treating the underlying infection,managing dysfunction,monitoring for complications,and offering nutritional support.Close monitoring of the patient's condition is crucial,and prompt intervention should be taken if necessary.Furthermore,conducting thorough research on the gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction caused by COVID-19 is vital to manage it effectively.

Sympathetic nervous system activation and heart failure:Current state of evidence and the pathophysiology in the light of novel biomarkers

Heart failure(HF)is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by the activation of at least several neurohumoral pathways that have a common role in maintaining cardiac output and adequate perfusion pressure of target organs and tissues.The sympathetic nervous system(SNS)is upregulated in HF as evident in dysfunctional baroreceptor and chemoreceptor reflexes,circulating and neuronal catecholamine spillover,attenuated parasympathetic response,and augmented sympathetic outflow to the heart,kidneys and skeletal muscles.When these sympathoexcitatory effects on the cardiovascular system are sustained chronically they initiate the vicious circle of HF progression and become associated with cardiomyocyte apoptosis,maladaptive ventricular and vascular remodeling,arrhythmogenesis,and poor prognosis in patients with HF.These detrimental effects of SNS activity on outcomes in HF warrant adequate diagnostic and treatment modalities.Therefore,this review summarizes basic physiological concepts about the interaction of SNS with the cardiovascular system and highlights key pathophysiological mechanisms of SNS derangement in HF.Finally,special emphasis in this review is placed on the integrative and up-to-date overview of diagnostic modalities such as SNS imaging methods and novel laboratory biomarkers that could aid in the assessment of the degree of SNS activation and provide reliable prognostic information among patients with HF.

Analogs of microgravity: the function of Schlemm's canal, intraocular pressure and autonomic nervous during the head-down tilt test in healthy subjects

AIM:To evaluate the ocular outcomes and to elucidate possible mechanisms underlying intraocular pressure(IOP)change following the head-down tilt(HDT)test.METHODS:The study included 21 participants at the Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital.Subjects received the test of I-care tonometry,enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography and heart rate variability(HRV)analysis before and after 15 min HDT test.The lumen area of Schlemm’s canal(SCAR),IOP,HRV were calculated.RESULTS:IOP increased significantly after 20°head down position from 14.0±3.0 to 17.0±3.3 mm Hg(P<0.001).SCAR decreased from 13449.0±5454.9μm^(2) at sitting condition to 9576.6±4130.9μm^(2) post 15 min HDT test.High frequency(HF)indices increased significantly from 1462±865 Hz at baseline to 2128±824 Hz.Heart rate(HR)decreased significantly from 76±11.48 to 70±11.52 bpm after the HDT.The linear regression analysis showed that the difference of HF and SCAR significantly correlated with each other during the HDT(R^(2)=20%,P=0.04).CONCLUSION:These outcomes perform the first evidence of the activation of autonomic nervous system of HDT may cause the collapse of Schlemm’s canal lumen,which in turn leading to the increased IOP.

Measurement and Evaluation of the Autonomic Nervous Function in Daily Life

We developed a smart-phone based system to measure the activities of autonomic nervous system during everyday life. Using commonly marketed smart phones, by touching your fingertips on the phone’s camera over a short time of about 30 seconds, it will detect changes in the brightness of the blood flow and in turn analyze your heart rate variability. By using this system, about 100,000 cases were measured and from this large amount of data regarding heart rate variability, we evaluated the autonomic nervous function in their daily life. As a result, for the correlation between autonomic nervous system and age, we found that as the increase of age, the total power becomes decreased and the sympathetic nervous system tends to increase between thirties and fifties. For the correlation between autonomic nervous system and BMI (Body Mass Index), it is found that in general, the higher the BMI, the lower the total power and the stronger the sympathetic nervous system. In other words, people who are fat are lower about the total power and stronger about the sympathetic nervous system. In addition, for the correlation between autonomic nervous system and one day life, it is found that total power and sympathetic function tend to increase, while as evening approaches, sympathetic function tends to become suppressed.

On Human Autonomic Nervous Activity Related to Behavior, Daily and Regional Changes Based on Big Data Measurement via Smartphone

This research uses a large amount of autonomic nervous system data (approximately 100,000 entries) to investigate the relationship between human autonomic nervous activity and behaviors, daily and regional changes. Data were measured via a heart rate variability analysis system that utilizes the camera of smartphones. This system was developed by the authors during previous research. The relations between autonomic nervous system and behaviors, total power and sympathetic nervous activity were found to rise after waking, while during leisure time, the total power rises and sympathetic nervous activity is inhibited. Concerning the relationship between autonomic nervous system and day of the week, it was found that total power decreases from the middle through the latter part of the week (namely, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday), while it rises on Saturday, while the sympathetic nervous activity is suppressed on Saturday. Regarding the relationship between autonomic nervous system and region, it was found that total power is lower in the Kanto region of Japan than in others. This study also shows statistical proof (using a large amount of measurement data) to ideas held by the public for years. Thus, the data can be considered meaningful to the society, and the authors hope that it helps to improve work-life balance.

On Human Autonomic Nervous Activity Related to Weather Conditions Based on Big Data Measurement via Smartphone

This research uses our previously-developed smartphone camera-based heart rate change analysis system to survey the correlation between weather patterns and the autonomic nervous activity across a big data set of approximately 200,000 entries. The results showed a trend in which a significant decrease was seen in sympathetic nervous activity in both males and females—the higher the temperature. In addition, a significant increase was seen in the sympathetic nervous system in both males and females—the higher the atmospheric pressure. Lastly, a significant decrease was seen in the sympathetic nervous system in both males and females—the more precipitation there was. These results accord with prior research and with human biological phenomena, and we were able to use a data set of approximately 200,000 entries to statistically demonstrate our hypothesis. We believe this represents a valuable set of reference data for use in the health care.

Association between Depression, Pressure Pain Sensitivity, Stress and Autonomous Nervous System Function in Stable Ischemic Heart Disease: Impact of Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Blockade

Background: Depression and ischemic heart disease (IHD) are associated with persistent stress and autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. The former can be measured by pressure pain sensitivity (PPS) of the sternum, and the latter by the PPS and systolic blood pressure (SBP) response to a tilt table test (TTT). Beta-blocker treatment reduces the efferent beta-adrenergic ANS function, and thus, the physiological stress response. Objective: To test the effect of beta-blockers on changes in depression score in patients with IHD, as well as the influence on persistent stress and ANS dysfunction. Methods: Three months of non-pharmacological intervention aiming at reducing PPS and depression score in patients with stable IHD. Beta-blocker users (N = 102) were compared with non-users (N = 75), with respect to signs of depression measured by the Major Depressive Inventory questionnaire (MDI), resting PPS, and PPS and SBP response to TTT. Results: MDI score decreased 30% in non-users (p = 0.005) compared to 4% (p > 0.1) among users (between-group p = 0.003;effect size = 0.4). Resting PPS decreased in both the groups. Among most vulnerable patients with MDI ≥ 15, reductions in MDI score and resting PPS score correlated in non-users, only (r = 0.69, p = 0.007). Reduction in resting PPS correlated with an increase in PPS and SBP response to TTT. Conclusions: Stress intervention in patients with IHD was anti-depressive in non-users, only. Similarly, the association between the reduction in depression, reduction in persistent stress, and restoration of ANS dysfunction was only seen in non-users, suggesting a central role of beta-adrenergic receptors in the association between these factors.

Research progress of acupuncture analgesia based on autonomic nerve regulation pathway

The autonomic nervous system(ANS)includes the sympathetic,parasympathetic,and enteric nervous systems,and its senior regulatory center includes the brainstem,cingulate gyrus,and hypothalamus.Acupuncture can affect visceral,vascular,and glandular functions via the autonomic nervous regulatory pathway.In this paper,the relationship between pain and autonomic nervous function,the application of acupuncture guided by the autonomic nervous system,and the basis and clinical research on acupuncture analgesia are reviewed.

Clinical Study on Evaluation of Autonomic Nervous Dysfunction Based on Imaging Urodynamic Examination with Slow Filling and Synchronous Blood Pressure Monitoring in the Patients with Cervicothoracic Spinal Cord Injury

Objective: Explore the rule of autonomic nervous dysfunction in the patients with urination disorder after high level spinal cord injury, and seek a safe, objective and accurate method to evaluate autonomic nervous function. Patients and Method: 48 patients with dysuria after cervicothoracic SCI were selected. Before, during and after imaging urodynamic examination with slow filling in supine position, blood pressure and ECG were monitored simultaneously. The symptoms of sweating, shivering, headache, flushing and chills were observed and recorded. The study of the relationship among the changes of blood pressure, heart rate and urodynamic indexes and the above symptoms was analyzed. Results: They were divided into three groups: group A (no obvious abnormality), group B (hyperactivity) and group C (hypoactivity) according to their BP, HR and existing the symptoms or not. Conclusion: The incidence of autonomic dysfunction in the high level SCI patients with dysuria was very high (79.17%), most of them were hyperactivity, and a few were low function. The changes of SBP and DBP in the hypoactivity group all appeared an increasing and then declining trend, while the change of HR in the low function one was lower than normal and decreased continuously. The main inducements of AD are neurogenic detrusor overactivity, detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, elevated abdominal pressure and abnormal bladder sensitivity. The asymptomatic patients had a higher occurrence rate (43.75%). Only by imaging urodynamic examination with slow filling and synchronous blood pressure monitoring, can autonomic nervous function of the patients be evaluated safely, objectively, early and accurately.

Characteristic Autonomic Nervous Activity of Institutionalized Elders with Dementia

This study clarified the characteristic autonomic nervous activity of institutionalized elders diagnosed with dementia using Hasegawa’s Dementia Scale-Revised. Twenty-six healthy adult persons (HPs) in their 20 s - 40 s met the inclusion criteria, and 16 persons (27.6 ± 8.2 years old) completed the research procedure. Of 70 persons with dementia (PDs) residing at the one geriatric health services facilities, only 24 persons met the inclusion criteria, and only nine (N = 9, 83.44 ± 9.45 years old) completed the procedure. Actigraph and ambulatory electrocardiographic instruments measuring autonomic nervous activity were attached to the subjects for 24 hours. Activities and behaviors of PDs and HPs were observed by clinically experienced staff nurses and care workers. High frequency (HF) power indicating parasympathetic activity and LF/HF ratio indicating sympathetic activity were calculated. When awake, PDs’ LF/HF ratio was significantly lower than HP’s (Z = -2.60, p < 0.01), showing significant differences in the LF/HF ratios between waking and sleeping, more than those of the PDs (p < 0.001). Similarly, when awake, significant positive correlations were observed in the LF/HF ratio and actigraph activity count (AC) in 11 HPs and 3 PDs (range r = 0.17 to 0.49, p < 0.05);however, significant negative correlation was found in HF and AC of 12 HPs and 3 PDs (range r = -0.55 to -0.18, p < 0.05). While sleeping, significant positive correlations were observed in LF/HF and AC of 3 HPs and 1 PD (range r = 0.35 to 0.42, p < 0.05) and significant negative correlation was found in the HF and AC of 1 HP (r= -0.32, p < 0.001) and 1 PD (r = -0.32, p < 0.05). The mean value of LF/HF in a wakeful state was significantly lower for PDs than HPs. Combined results of behavioral observation, actigrapy and heart rate variability (HRV) analyses suggested that PDs showed positive correlations between LF/HF and AC in a wakeful state. Compared to those who showed no positive correlation, they did not require much nursing care.

Characteristics of Sleep and Autonomic Activity in Active Older Adults Based on Metabolic Age: A Comparative Case Study

Background: The balance of autonomic nervous system activity and its relationship with body composition, sleep quality, and activities of daily living among older people is still unclear. Purpose: This comparative case study examined the characteristics of body composition, sleep quality, and autonomic nerve activity in active older adults with a younger body age-calculated from age trends in body composition and basal metabolic rate. Methods: We selected two cases with a metabolic age younger than their actual age. They had good sleep quality, no sarcopenia, strong muscle and grip strength, and balanced autonomic nervous system activity. They were compared with two other age- and gender-matched cases, who had poor sleep quality, unbalanced autonomic nervous system activity, and had a physical age closer to their actual age. Results: Older adults with more muscle mass and higher basal metabolism were younger than their actual age, had a better sleep status, and had a good balance of autonomic nervous activity during exercise stimulation. They also had lower percentages of body and visceral fat and higher percentages of body water. Conclusion: Two cases had a metabolic age younger than their actual age were found to be much younger than their actual age. However, the older adults with normal muscle mass and basal metabolic rate had poor sleep status and no sympathetic hyperactivity during exercise simulation.

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in diabetes:Pathophysiology,clinical assessment and implications

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy(CAN)is a debilitating condition that mainly occurs in long-standing type 2 diabetes patients but can manifest earlier,even before diabetes is diagnosed.CAN is a microvascular complication that results from lesions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers,which innervate the heart and blood vessels and promote alterations in cardiovascular autonomic control.The entire mechanism is still not elucidated,but several aspects of the pathophysiology of CAN have already been described,such as the production of advanced glycation end products,reactive oxygen species,nuclear factor kappa B,and pro-inflammatory cytokines.This microvascular complication is an important risk factor for silent myocardial ischemia,chronic kidney disease,myocardial dysfunction,major cardiovascular events,cardiac arrhythmias,and sudden death.It has also been suggested that,compared to other traditional cardiovascular risk factors,CAN progression may have a greater impact on cardiovascular disease development.However,CAN might be subclinical for several years,and a late diagnosis increases the mortality risk.The duration of the transition period from the subclinical to clinical stage remains unknown,but the progression of CAN is associated with a poor prognosis.Several tests can be used for CAN diagnosis,such as heart rate variability(HRV),cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests,and myocardial scintigraphy.Currently,it has already been described that CAN could be detected even during the subclinical stage through a reduction in HRV,which is a non-invasive test with a lower operating cost.Therefore,considering that diabetes mellitus is a global epidemic and that diabetic neuropathy is the most common chronic complication of diabetes,the early identification and treatment of CAN could be a key point to mitigate the morbidity and mortality associated with this long-lasting condition.

α-Synuclein pathology from the body to the brain:so many seeds so close to the central soil

α-Synuclein is a protein that mainly exists in the presynaptic terminals.Abnormal folding and accumulation of α-synuclein are found in several neurodegenerative diseases,including Parkinson’s disease.Aggregated and highly phospho rylated a-synuclein constitutes the main component of Lewy bodies in the brain,the pathological hallmark of Parkinson s disease.For decades,much attention has been focused on the accumulation of α-synuclein in the brain parenchyma rather than considering Parkinson s disease as a systemic disease.Recent evidence demonstrates that,at least in some patients,the initial α-synuclein pathology originates in the peripheral organs and spreads to the brain.Injection of α-synuclein preformed fibrils into the gastrointestinal tra ct trigge rs the gutto-brain propagation of α-synuclein pathology.However,whether α-synuclein pathology can occur spontaneously in peripheral organs independent of exogenous α-synuclein preformed fibrils or pathological α-synuclein leakage from the central nervous system remains under investigation.In this review,we aimed to summarize the role of peripheral α-synuclein pathology in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease.We also discuss the pathways by which α-synuclein pathology spreads from the body to the brain.

Influence of Acupuncture on Autonomic Balance in Adult Tinnitus Patients:An Exploratory Study

Acupuncture is an alternative therapy for tinnitus in clinical practice.The mechanism by which acupuncture can alleviate tinnitus is still unknown.Autonomic nervous system was reported to be responsible for tinnitus.The aim of this study was to explore the effect of acupuncture on autonomic balance in adult tinnitus patients.Thirty patients were randomly assigned into either the deep acupuncture(DA)group or the shallow acupuncture(SA)group.Each patient received 6 acupuncture sessions(a-f phase)over three weeks.Measures of heart rate variability and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory(THI)were obtained at baseline and after the sixth acupuncture session in all patients.The results showed that the low frequency/high frequency(LF/HF)pattern was increased at b-f phase until the sixth acupuncture session when compared with that at the first acupuncture session in DA group.However,it continuously increased at b-f phase in SA group even at the sixth acupuncture session,which was not significantly different from that at the first acupuncture session.The decrease in THI in DA group was greater than that in SA group after 3-week treatment(P=0.043).Our preliminary study suggests three-week deep acupuncture can improve tinnitus symptoms in adult tinnitus patients,which may be related to the regulation of autonomic nervous system balance.

Social skills and psychopathology are associated with autonomic function in children:a cross-sectional observational study

In recent years,the increase of psychopathological disorders in the population has become a health emergency,leading to a great effort to understand psychological vulnerability mechanisms.In this scenario,the role of the autonomic nervous system(ANS)has become increasingly important.This study investigated the association between ANS,social skills,and psychopathological functioning in children.As an ANS status proxy,we measured heart rate variability(HRV).Infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the University Hospital of Padova because of preterm birth or neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy were sequentially recruited from January 2011 to June 2013 and followed long-term up to school age in this cross-sectional observational study.We recorded 5 minutes of HRV immediately before measuring performance in social abilities tasks(affect recognition and theory of mind,NEPSY-II)in 50 children(mean age 7.4±1.4 years)with and without risk factors for developing neuropsychiatric disorders due to pre-/perinatal insults without major sequelae.Children also completed extensive cognitive,neuropsychological,and psychosocial assessment.Parents were assessed with psychopathological interviews and a questionnaire(CBCL 6-18).Analysis in a robust Bayesian framework was used to unearth dependencies between HRV,social skills,and psychopathological functioning.Social task scores were associated with HRV components,with high frequency the most consistent.HRV bands were also associated with the psychopathological questionnaire.Only normalized HRV high frequency was able to distinguish impaired children in the affect recognition task.Our data suggest that ANS may be implicated in social cognition both in typical and atypical developmental conditions and that HRV has cross-disease sensitivity.We suggest that HRV parameters may reflect a neurobiological vulnerability to psychopathology.The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University Hospital of Padova(Comitato Etico per la Sperimentazione,Azienda Opedaliera di Padova,approval No.1693 P).

Endothelial and Autonomic Assessments in the Management of COVID-19

Background: The goal of this peer review is to outline the benefits of the TM Flow system and Lifeprobes Kiosk assessing the endothelial and autonomic system functions in the management of COVID-19 for triage of the patients at risk and diagnostic of autonomic nervous system dysfunction to understand the long COVID symptoms. Material and Methods: The TM Flow system is a non-invasive medical device that relies on pulse oximetry, blood pressure measurements, and very low electrical current stimulation of the skin via disposable electrodes to provide instantaneous assessments of patients’ vital signs, endothelial function, sudomotor and autonomic nervous system functions, and ankle brachial index measurements. The Lifeprobes Kiosk performs automated pre-consultation patient assessments via an online patient check-in form and medical questionnaire, as well as determines the patient’s vital signs, endothelial function markers and estimated body composition. COVID-19: Current Scientific Data: In the majority of cases, COVID-19 infection will manifest through mild to moderate symptoms (such as cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and fever) which would resolve without the need for special treatment or hospitalization. On the other hand, older individuals and those who suffer from underlying medical conditions—such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and/or cancer—are more susceptible to developing serious illness, often with a fatal outcome. Available evidence further indicates that COVID-19 vaccines reduce the number of new cases, while also lessening the risk of complications that would require hospitalization. However, these findings do not apply to the new delta variant, which leads to more severe complications in younger people than previous variants, even in those who have been vaccinated and/or do not have any underlying medical problems. Research conducted to date indicates that COVID-19 complications result from endothelial dysfunction or damage. In addition, COVID-19 patients are increasingly reporting a wide range of debilitating conditions long after they have tested negative for the presence of the virus, giving rise to the term “Long COVID” which has been attributed to autonomic nervous system dysfunction and small fiber neuropathy. TM Flow markers have been investigated by several clinical studies in the US, India, and Brazil. The clinical studies showed the relevance of the TM Flow endothelial and autonomic nervous markers. Conclusion: Findings yielded by peer-reviewed clinical studies confirm that the TM Flow system and Lifeprobes Kiosk are beneficial and effective non-invasive tools that provide immediate results. Therefore, both should be employed for the triage of COVID-19 patients to expediently identify those at risk of complications, as this would reduce the hospitalization and mortality rates. The TM Flow system is also capable of diagnosing “Long COVID” symptoms related to the autonomic nervous system and small fiber neuropathy.