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• Cardiorespiratory dynamics significantly impact brain hemodynamics. • Heart rate variability (HRV) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) reflect vital physiological states in the brain. • CO2 and O2 levels modulate cerebral blood flow and BOLD signal. • Glymphatic system dynamics influenced by CSF flow can be indirectly detected in fMRI. • Recognizing physiological signals can enhance insights into brain function and health. Cardiorespiratory signals have long been treated as "noise" in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research, with the goal of minimizing their impact to isolate neural activity. However, there is a growing recognition that these signals, once seen as confounding variables, provide valuable insights into brain function and overall health. This shift reflects the dynamic interaction between the cardiovascular, respiratory, and neural systems, which together support brain activity. In this review, we explore the role of cardiorespiratory dynamics—such as heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and changes in blood flow, oxygenation, and carbon dioxide levels—embedded within fMRI signals. These physiological signals reflect critical aspects of neurovascular coupling and are influenced by factors such as physiological stress, breathing patterns, and age-related changes. We also discuss the complexities of distinguishing these signals from neuronal activity in fMRI data, given their significant contribution to signal variability and interactions with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Recognizing the influence of these cardiorespiratory dynamics is crucial for improving the interpretation of fMRI data, shedding light on heart-brain and respiratory-brain connections, and enhancing our understanding of circulation, oxygen delivery, and waste elimination within the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autonomic dysfunction, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), has been reported in individuals with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). However, the degree of dysautonomia in PASC has not been compared to those with POTS and healthy controls. All participants were prospectively enrolled between August 5, 2021 and October 31, 2022. Autonomic testing included beat-to-beat hemodynamic monitoring to assess respiratory sinus arrhythmia, Valsalva ratio, and orthostatic changes during a 10-minute active standing test, as well as sudomotor assessment. The Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS-31) was used to assess symptoms and the EuroQuol 5-Dimension survey (EQ-5D-5L) was used to assess health-related quality of life (HrQoL) measures. A total of 99 participants (n = 33 PASC, n = 33 POTS, and n = 33 healthy controls; median age 32 years, 85.9% females) were included. Compared with healthy controls, the PASC and POTS cohorts demonstrated significantly reduced respiratory sinus arrhythmia (P <.001), greater heart rate increase during 10-minute active standing test (P <.001), greater burden of autonomic dysfunction evidenced by higher COMPASS-31 scores across all subdomains (all P <.001), and poor HrQoL across all EQ-5D-5L domains (all P <.001), lower median EuroQol-visual analogue scale (P <.001), and lower utility scores (P <.001). The majority (79%) of those with PASC met the internationally established criteria for POTS. The prevalence of autonomic symptomology for POTS was high in those with PASC, leading to poor HrQoL and high health disutility. Autonomic testing should be routinely undertaken in those with PASC to aid diagnosis and direct appropriate management to improve health outcomes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combination chemotherapy of pemetrexed and carboplatin is a standard treatment approach for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, no prior reports have described cardiotoxicity associated with this therapeutic combination or sinus arrhythmia in oncological contexts. Here, we report the case of a 44-year-old female NSCLC patient that suffered from sinus arrhythmia following combined chemotherapeutic treatment with pemetrexed and carboplatin. The patient was successfully treated under medical guidance, and the condition was effectively reversed following the discontinuation of this chemotherapeutic regimen and medication prescribing. Overall, this represents a rare case of sinus arrhythmia in NSCLC patient during the first cycle of combined chemotherapy with pemetrexed and carboplatin. However, a putative etiological basis for this rare clinical entity remains to be established.

The interaction between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in healthy subjects is determined by the autonomic nervous system and reflected in respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Recently, another pattern of cardio-respiratory coupling (CRC) has been proposed linking synchronization of heart and respiratory system. However, CRC has not been studied precisely in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (EF) (HFrEF) according to the myocardial recovery. 10-min resting electrocardiography measurements were performed in persistent HFrEF patients (n=40) who had a subsequent left ventricular EF (LVEF) of ≤ 40 %, HF with recovered EF patients (HFrecEF) (n=41) who had a subsequent LVEF of > 40 % and healthy controls (n=40). Respiratory frequency, respiratory rate, CRC index, time-domain, frequency-domain and nonlinear heart rate variability indices were obtained using standardized software-Kubios™. CRC index was defined as respiratory high-frequency peak minus heart rate variability high-frequency peak. Respiratory rate was positively correlated with high-frequency (HF) peak (Hz) in both persistent HFrEF group (p<0.001) and HFrecEF group (p<0.001), while respiratory rate was negatively correlated with HF power (ms2) in the healthy controls (p<0.05). CRC index was lowest in the persistent HFrEF group followed by HFrecEF and was high in healthy controls (0.008 vs 0.012 vs 0.056 Hz, p=0.03). CRC index was lowest in patients with impaired myocardial recovery, which indicates that cardio-respiratory synchrony is stronger in persistent HFrEF. This may represent a higher HF peak (Hz)/lower HF power (ms2) and abnormal sympathovagal balance in persistent HFrEF group compared to healthy controls. Further work is underway to tests this hypothesis and determine the utility of CRC index in HF phenotypes and its utility as a potential biomarker of response with neuromodulation. • A novel pattern of cardio-respiratory coupling (CRC) linking synchronization of heart and respiratory system proposed in heart failure (HF). • Respiratory rate was positively correlated with high-frequency peak (Hz) in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF) (HFrEF). • CRC index was lowest in the persistent HFrEF group followed by HF with recovered EF and was high in healthy controls. • The lowest CRC index in patients with impaired myocardial recovery indicates that cardio-respiratory synchrony is stronger in persistent HFrEF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Autistic adolescents commonly experience sleep-related difficulties and prior studies have sought to separately examine physiological and family-level predictors of their sleep quality. The current study aimed to conceptually replicate and extend to an adolescent sample a prior study that found respiratory sinus arrhythmia was associated with sleep quality in autistic children. In addition, the current study also examined whether the quality of the family environment was associated with sleep quality in autistic adolescents.The sample consisted of 107 autistic adolescents who completed a baseline measure of respiratory sinus arrhythmia and then watched a video of their parents engaged in a discussion about a topic of disagreement while their respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity was measured. Adolescents also completed questionnaires measuring their sleep quality and family environment.In regression models, adolescents’ physiological functioning was not a significant predictor of their sleep quality; however, adolescents living in poorer quality family environments reported worse sleep quality after controlling for their physiological functioning. The interaction between physiological functioning and the family environment predicting sleep quality was non-significant.Although the current study did not conceptually replicate prior work, the findings highlight the importance of the family environment for adolescents’ sleep. Implications and future directions are discussed.Methods: Autistic adolescents commonly experience sleep-related difficulties and prior studies have sought to separately examine physiological and family-level predictors of their sleep quality. The current study aimed to conceptually replicate and extend to an adolescent sample a prior study that found respiratory sinus arrhythmia was associated with sleep quality in autistic children. In addition, the current study also examined whether the quality of the family environment was associated with sleep quality in autistic adolescents.The sample consisted of 107 autistic adolescents who completed a baseline measure of respiratory sinus arrhythmia and then watched a video of their parents engaged in a discussion about a topic of disagreement while their respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity was measured. Adolescents also completed questionnaires measuring their sleep quality and family environment.In regression models, adolescents’ physiological functioning was not a significant predictor of their sleep quality; however, adolescents living in poorer quality family environments reported worse sleep quality after controlling for their physiological functioning. The interaction between physiological functioning and the family environment predicting sleep quality was non-significant.Although the current study did not conceptually replicate prior work, the findings highlight the importance of the family environment for adolescents’ sleep. Implications and future directions are discussed.Results: Autistic adolescents commonly experience sleep-related difficulties and prior studies have sought to separately examine physiological and family-level predictors of their sleep quality. The current study aimed to conceptually replicate and extend to an adolescent sample a prior study that found respiratory sinus arrhythmia was associated with sleep quality in autistic children. In addition, the current study also examined whether the quality of the family environment was associated with sleep quality in autistic adolescents.The sample consisted of 107 autistic adolescents who completed a baseline measure of respiratory sinus arrhythmia and then watched a video of their parents engaged in a discussion about a topic of disagreement while their respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity was measured. Adolescents also completed questionnaires measuring their sleep quality and family environment.In regression models, adolescents’ physiological functioning was not a significant predictor of their sleep quality; however, adolescents living in poorer quality family environments reported worse sleep quality after controlling for their physiological functioning. The interaction between physiological functioning and the family environment predicting sleep quality was non-significant.Although the current study did not conceptually replicate prior work, the findings highlight the importance of the family environment for adolescents’ sleep. Implications and future directions are discussed.Conclusion: Autistic adolescents commonly experience sleep-related difficulties and prior studies have sought to separately examine physiological and family-level predictors of their sleep quality. The current study aimed to conceptually replicate and extend to an adolescent sample a prior study that found respiratory sinus arrhythmia was associated with sleep quality in autistic children. In addition, the current study also examined whether the quality of the family environment was associated with sleep quality in autistic adolescents.The sample consisted of 107 autistic adolescents who completed a baseline measure of respiratory sinus arrhythmia and then watched a video of their parents engaged in a discussion about a topic of disagreement while their respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity was measured. Adolescents also completed questionnaires measuring their sleep quality and family environment.In regression models, adolescents’ physiological functioning was not a significant predictor of their sleep quality; however, adolescents living in poorer quality family environments reported worse sleep quality after controlling for their physiological functioning. The interaction between physiological functioning and the family environment predicting sleep quality was non-significant.Although the current study did not conceptually replicate prior work, the findings highlight the importance of the family environment for adolescents’ sleep. Implications and future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aggressive behavior is a multifaceted phenomenon encompassing various behaviors with distinct etiological, developmental, and motivational underpinnings. Reactive aggression is impulsive, emotionally charged, and triggered by real or perceived provocation, whereas proactive aggression is premeditated, controlled, and aimed at achieving specific goals. This review delves into the physiological aspects of aggression to explore the validity of the "hot-blooded" (reactive) versus "cold-blooded" (proactive) distinction, which are thought to be associated with hyper-arousal and hypo-arousal, respectively. To do so, we build on evidence from work investigating the role of heart rate (HR), skin conductance (SC), heart rate variability (HRV), and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) in the manifestation of reactive and proactive aggression. Our review points to contradicting findings in terms of the physiological arousal patterns associated with each aggressive behavior, although associations with HRV and RSA were more consistent compared to those found for HR and SC measures. We propose distinct possibilities that might explain the identified contradictory evidence. Specifically, we suggest that future research needs to test for (1) environmental moderation (e.g., parenting styles), (2) individual differences (e.g., negative emotionality and callous-unemotional traits), (3) potential associations with physiological responses to threat (e.g., fear conditioning and startle reactivity), and (4) the interaction between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Despite its limitations, this line of work also has important implications and can guide more effective interventions for aggressive individuals who operate at a high cost to peers, family members and to the society in general. • Reactive aggression is impulsive, emotionally charged, and triggered by real or perceived provocation. • Proactive aggression is premeditated, controlled, and aimed at achieving specific goals. • This review delves into the physiological aspects of aggression to explore the validity of the "hot-blooded" (reactive) versus "cold-blooded" (proactive) distinction. • Our review points to contradicting findings in terms of the physiological arousal patterns associated with each aggressive behavior. • This line of work has important implications and can guide more effective interventions for aggressive individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An ECG wearable helps investigate cardiorespiratory disturbances in FIA seizures. • Ictal tachycardia and bradypnea characterize FIA seizures. • We proposed new methods to study HRV and RSA. • FIA seizures have decreased RSA before the electroclinical seizure onset. • No differences in HRV and RSA occurred between temporal and extratemporal seizures. Seizures are characterized by periictal autonomic changes. Wearable devices could help improve our understanding of these phenomena through long-term monitoring. In this study, we used wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) data to evaluate differences between temporal and extratemporal focal impaired awareness (FIA) seizures monitored in the hospital and at home. We assessed periictal heart rate, respiratory rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). We extracted ECG signals across three time points — five minutes baseline and preictal, ten minutes postictal — and the seizure duration. After automatic Rpeak selection, we calculated the heart rate and estimated the respiratory rate using the ECG-derived respiration methodology. HRV was calculated in both time and frequency domains. To evaluate the influence of other modulators on the HRV after removing the respiratory influences, we recalculated the residual power in the high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) bands using orthogonal subspace projections. Finally, 5-minute and 30-second (ultra-short) ECG segments were used to calculate RSA using three different methods. Seizures from temporal and extratemporal origins were compared using mixed-effects models and estimated marginal means. The mean preictal heart rate was 69.95 bpm (95 % CI 65.6 – 74.3), and it increased to 82 bpm, 95 % CI (77.51 – 86.47) and 84.11 bpm, 95 % CI (76.9 – 89.5) during the ictal and postictal periods. Preictal, ictal and postictal respiratory rates were 16.1 (95 % CI 15.2 – 17.1), 14.8 (95 % CI 13.4 – 16.2) and 15.1 (95 % CI 14 – 16.2), showing not statistically significant bradypnea. HRV analysis found a higher baseline power in the LF band, which was still significantly higher after removing the respiratory influences. Postictally, we found decreased power in the HF band and the respiratory influences in both frequency bands. The RSA analysis with the new methods confirmed the lower cardiorespiratory interaction during the postictal period. Additionally, using ultra-short ECG segments, we found that RSA decreases before the electroclinical seizure onset. No differences were observed in the studied parameters between temporal and extratemporal seizures. We found significant increases in the ictal and postictal heart rates and lower respiratory rates. Isolating the respiratory influences on the HRV showed a postictal reduction of respiratory modulations on both LF and HF bands, suggesting a central role of respiratory influences in the periictal HRV, unlike the baseline measurements. We found a reduced cardiorespiratory interaction during the periictal period using other RSA methods, suggesting a blockade in vagal efferences before the electroclinical onset. These findings highlight the importance of respiratory influences in cardiac dynamics during seizures and emphasize the need to longitudinally assess HRV and RSA to gain insights into long-term autonomic dysregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most commonly inherited metabolic disease and has an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Patients with FH usually present with high levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, xanthomas and early coronary artery disease. Children with FH are subject to developing early and enhanced atherosclerosis, leading to an increased risk of coronary events. We report here an 8-year-old patient with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who was diagnosed with homozygous FH (HoFH) due to mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene and subsequently treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) after filtration plasma. To the best of our knowledge, this patient is the youngest case of HoFH treated with filtration plasma followed by PTCA reported to date. Case presentation: An 8-year-old Asian patient was admitted to Gansu Provincial Hospital presenting symptoms of ACS. Laboratory tests showed that the patient's cholesterol and low-density lipid levels were extremely high. An electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed sinus arrhythmia and electric axis deviation to the right, but the ECG was roughly normal. Multiple cardiac function abnormalities were diagnosed on the ECG. Multiple sites of coronary artery stenosis were determined by computed tomography angiography. DNA sequencing of exons showed a C-to-A substitution at nucleotide 126 in exon 2, resulting in a LDLR mutation in the patient and seven other family members. Following combination treatment with lipid-lowering drugs, anti-thrombosis drugs, filtration plasma and PTCA, the patient's symptoms were significantly improved and the patient discharged. Conclusion: We report the rare case of a patient with ACS attributable to HoFH who was treated with PTCA following filtration plasma. The patient was shown to have clinically diagnosed and molecularly confirmed HoFH that resulted from a mutation in the LDLR gene. Children with HoFH have higher risk of early coronary events and death from myocardial infarction due to premature atherosclerosis than adults. Earlier intervention and treatment will bring great benefits to the long-term survival of pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Childhood maltreatment (CM) is a developmental risk factor and can negatively influence later psychological functioning, health, and development in the next generation. A comprehensive understanding of the biopsychosocial underpinnings of CM transmission would allow to identify protective factors that could disrupt the intergenerational CM risk cycle. This study examined the consequences of maternal CM and the effects of psychosocial and biological resilience factors on child attachment and stress-regulatory development using a prospective trans-disciplinary approach. Methods: Mother-child dyads (N = 158) participated shortly after parturition (t0), after 3 months (t1), and 12 months later (t2). Mothers' CM experiences were assessed at t0, attachment representation at t1 and psychosocial risk and social support were assessed at t1 and t2. At t2, dyads participated in the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP). Children's attachmen status were classified as organized vs. disorganized, including their level of disorganized behavior, and heart rate (HR) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) were recorded as stress response measures of the autonomic nervous system. Maternal caregiving during SSP was assessed using the AMBIANCE scale. Child's single nucleotide polymorphisms rs2254298 within the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) and rs2740210 of the oxytocin gene (OXT) were genotyped using DNA isolated from cord blood. Results: Maternal CM experiences (CM+) were significantly associated with an unresolved attachment status, higher perceived stress and more psychological symptoms. These negative effects of CM were attenuated by social support. As expected, maternal unresolved attachment and child disorganized attachment were significantly associated. Maternal caregiving did not mediate the relationship between maternal and child attachment but influenced children's HR and RSA response and disorganized behavior. Moreover, the rs2254298 genotype of the OXTR gene moderated the stress response of children from mothers with CM. Children carrying the rs2740210 risk allele of the OXT gene showed more disorganized behavior independent from maternal CM experiences. Conclusion: We replicated and extended existing CM and attachment models by coexamining maternal attachment, social support, and child genetic susceptibility on child attachment and cardiovascular stress regulation. The findings contribute to an extended understanding of risk and resilience factors and enable professionals to target adequate services to parents and children at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we explored the role of feedforward mechanisms in triggering cardiorespiratory adjustments before the onset of exercise. To isolate the feedforward aspects, we examined the effect of exercise anticipation on cardiorespiratory coherence. Twenty‐nine healthy males (age = 18.8 [0.96] years) were subjected to bicycle (BE) and handgrip exercise (H) at two different intensities, viz., low and high. Bicycle exercise was performed in a unilateral (left‐ and right‐sided) or bilateral mode, whereas handgrip was performed only in a unilateral mode. Single‐lead ECG and respiratory rhythm, measured in the 5 min of anticipation phase before the onset of exercise, were used for analysis. Coherence was computed between ECG‐derived instantaneous heart rate and respiratory signal. Average coherence in the high‐frequency band (0.15–0.4 Hz) was used to estimate respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). We found that coherence decreased with the anticipation of exercise relative to baseline (baseline = 0.54 [0.16], BE = 0.41 [0.12], H = 0.39 [0.12], p < 0.001). The decrease was greater for high intensity exercise (low = 0.42 [0.11], high = 0.37 [0.1], p < 0.001). The fall of coherence with intensity was stronger for bicycle exercise (BE: low = 0.44 [0.12], high = 0.37 [0.12], H: low = 0.4 [0.12], high = 0.37 [0.12], p = 0.00433). The expectation of bilateral exercise resulted in lower coherence compared to unilateral exercise (right‐sided = 0.45 [0.16], left‐sided = 0.4 [0.16], bilateral = 0.36 [0.15], unilateral vs. bilateral: p < 0.001), and the left‐sided exercise had lower coherence compared to that of the right (left‐sided vs. right‐sided: p = 0.00925). Handgrip exercise showed similar trend (right‐sided = 0.4 [0.15], left‐sided = 0.37 [0.14], p = 0.0056). In conclusion, feedforward RSA adjustments in anticipation of exercise covaried with subsequent exercise‐related features like intensity, muscle mass (unilateral vs. bilateral), and the exercise side (left vs. right). The left versus the right difference in coherence indicates autonomic asymmetry. Feedforward changes in RSA are like those seen during actual exercise and might facilitate the rapid phase transition between rest and exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart rate variability (HRV) has prognostic and diagnostic potential, however, the mechanisms behind respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), a main short-term HRV, are still not well understood. We investigated if the central feedforward mechanism or pulmonary stretch reflex contributed most to RSA in healthy humans. Ventilatory support reduces the centrally mediated respiratory effort but remains the inspiratory stretch of the pulmonary receptors. We aimed to quantify the difference in RSA between spontaneous breathing and ventilatory support. Nineteen healthy, young subjects underwent spontaneous breathing and non-invasive intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIV) while we recorded heart rate (HR, from ECG), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and stroke volume (SV) estimated from the non-invasive finger arterial pressure curve, end-tidal CO2 (capnograph), and respiratory frequency (RF) with a stretch band. Variability was quantified by an integral between 0.15-0.4 Hz calculated from the power spectra. Median and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated as Hodges-Lehmann's one-sample estimator. Statistical difference was calculated by the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. RF and end-tidal CO2 were unchanged by NIV. NIV reduced HR by 2 bpm, while MAP and SV were unchanged in comparison to spontaneous breathing. Variability in both HR and SV was reduced by 60% and 75%, respectively, during NIV as compared to spontaneous breathing, but their interrelationship with respiration was maintained. NIV reduced RSA through a less central respiratory drive, and pulmonary stretch reflex contributed little to RSA. RSA is mainly driven by a central feedforward mechanism in healthy humans. Peripheral reflexes may contribute as modifiers of RSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular arrest among athletes is prevalent in today's competitive world. As a result, a thorough and routine assessment is advised. The Seattle Criteria are one of the most widely accepted standards in the electrophysiological diagnosis and can reveal possible aberrant findings based on eCg values. Aim of the study: This study aims to investigate the heart's electrophysiological adaptations in trained male volleyball players. This comparison study used the Seattle Criteria to evaluate whether training has a benefi- cial or negative impact on the heart. Material and methods: In this study, 41 trained male volleyball players aged 14 to 19 were divided into three groups (14-15, 16-17, and 18-19). each player's resting eCg was recorded and compared to the Seattle criteria. The Kruskal-wallis nonparametric ANOvA was used, followed by the Mann-whitney U test for significant outcomes. Results: The Q-t interval differed significantly between the three groups (p<0.05). In groups 2 and 3, St depression was identified using eCg 23% and 8% of the time, respectively. In groups 1, 2, and 3, St elevation was detected in 60, 62, and 83% of eCgs, respectively. group 1 had much longer ventricular depolarization and repolarization times. Sinus bradycardia, sinus arrhythmia, and early repolarization (St elevation) are considered normal eCg findings in athletes, while a St-segment depression (0.5 mm) is abnormal. Conclusions: It can be inferred that the adaptive aspects of the electrophysiological alterations in the heart as a result of training may help justify the effective workload and prevent cardiac failure in athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood experiences of early life stress and adversity can lead to long-term detrimental outcomes across the lifespan. Recent evidence suggests avoiding stressors is not enough for species-typical development. Nurturing and responsive care are needed to both buffer adverse experiences as well as promote healthy development, but little is known regarding the interaction between species-typical environmental support in childhood, Evolved Developmental Niche history (EDN-history), and adversity on physiological regulation in adult women. To investigate the interaction between species-typical nurturing and adversity (ACEs, adverse childhood experiences), women (N = 113) were asked to report on EDN-history and ACEs. Physiological regulation was measured using respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) across three conditions that included stress and relaxation. Applying latent basis coefficient modeling, EDN-history moderated vagal withdrawal from baseline to stress and supported vagal activation from stress to recovery, suggesting a link between EDN-history and vagal adaptability. EDN-history acted as a buffer against ACEs on physiological regulation supporting women's vagal adaptability across differing conditions. Physiological adaptability is a key component of physical and psychological wellbeing and resilience. Experiences of the EDN in childhood may not only buffer adversity but also support the physiological building blocks of health and resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the possible psychophysiological links between conscientiousness and perceived physical symptoms by examining the mediating role of life events stress and the moderating role of resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Participants participated in the collection of questionnaire data and physiological data (N = 396). Results showed life events stress mediated the association between conscientiousness and perceived physical symptoms, and the indirect effect was only significant among individuals with lower resting RSA. Findings indicate that low resting RSA as a risk-amplifying physiological marker may magnify the relationship that low conscientiousness affects physical symptoms by increasing life events stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence suggests that natural environments – whether in outdoor or indoor settings – foster psychological health and physiological relaxation, indicated by increased wellbeing, reduced stress levels, and increased parasympathetic activity. Greater insight into differential psychological aspects modulating psychophysiological responses to nature-based relaxation videos could help understand modes of action and develop personalized relaxation interventions. We investigated heart rate variability (HRV) as an indicator of autonomic regulation, specifically parasympathetic activity, in response to a 10-min video intervention in two consecutive studies as well as heart rate (HR). We hypothesized that a nature-based relaxation video elicits HRV increase and HR decrease, with response magnitude being affected by aspects of early life adversity (conceptualized as low parental care and high overprotection/constraint) and trait mindfulness. In Study 1, N = 60 participants (52% female, age mean = 23.92 ± 3.13 years, age range = 18–34 years) watched a relaxation video intervention depicting different natural scenery. We analyzed changes in HR and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) as a standard HRV measure, both based on 3-min segments from the experimental session, in multiple growth curve models. We found a decrease in HR and increase of RSA during the video intervention. Higher paternal care and lower trait mindfulness observing skills (assessed via questionnaires) were associated with higher RSA values before but not during video exposure. In Study 2, N = 90 participants (50% female, age mean = 22.63 ± 4.57 years, age range = 18–49 years) were assigned to three video conditions: natural scenery from Study 1, meditation video, or short clip from "The Lord of the Rings." Again, HR decreased, and RSA increased during video segments, yet without expected group differences across different video types. We found higher parental care and lower parental overprotection to predict higher RSA at different times during the experiment. Interestingly, lower paternal overprotection predicted overall higher RSA. These results suggest a generic relaxation effect of video interventions on autonomic regulation that we discuss in light of different theories mapping restorative effects of natural environments. Further, psychological characteristics like aspects of early life adversity and trait mindfulness could contribute to individual differences in autonomic regulation. This study contributes to a better understanding of autonomic and psychological responses to relaxation videos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated autonomic regulation during feeding in six-month old infants with a history of excessive crying (EC) and social-behavioral development at 12 and 24 months. When contrasted with non-EC infants (NEC), EC infants had atypical autonomic responses observed as dampened reductions in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and decreases in heart period (HP) during feeding. EC infants demonstrated atypical autonomic regulation only if they were bottle-fed, while breastfed EC infants had patterns of autonomic regulation similar to NEC infants. Behavioral data suggest that while a history of EC was related to social-emotional behaviors at 12 and 24 months, breastfeeding may buffer the behavioral effects of EC on sociability at 24 months. • Excessive crying infants demonstrated atypical autonomic regulation. • If breast-fed, excessive crying infants had typical autonomic regulation. • History of excessive crying related to social-emotional behaviors at 12, 24 month. • Breastfeeding may be related to the impact of excessive crying on sociability at 24 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitive data exchanging among things over the internet must be protected by a powerful cryptographic system. Conventional cryptographic such as advanced encryption standard (AES), and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) are not effective enough to protect internet of things (IoT) because of certain inveterate IoT properties like limited memory, computation, and bandwidth. Nowadays, chaotic maps with high sensitivity to initial conditions, strong ergodicity, and non-periodicity have been widely used in IoT security applications. So, it is suitable for IoT. Also, in a stream cipher method, the user needs to deliver the keystream to all clients in advance. Consequently, this paper proposed a method to solve the keys distribution problem based on combine both Chebyshev and Logistic maps techniques as well as a master key to generate a random key. The suggested method was compared with the other stream cipher algorithms (Chacha20, RC4, Salsa20) by utilizing the same plaintext and master key as input parameters and the results were successful in the statistical national institute of standards and technology (NIST) test. Simultaneously, the suggestion was evaluated through different evaluation methods like statistical NIST test, histogram, Shannon entropy, correlation coefficient analysis, keyspace and key sensitivity, and others. All mentioned tests are passed successfully. Therefore, the suggested approach was proved it is effective in security issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effects of negative affect on problem-solving and its psychophysiological correlates are poorly understood in eating disorder populations. Methods: This study examined respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and skin conductance responses of women with Binge Eating Disorder (BED: n = 56), Anorexia Nervosa (AN: n = 12), Bulimia Nervosa (BN: n = 32), and 24 healthy controls (HCs) at baseline, and then during: a negative mood induction task, an adapted Means Ends Problem-Solving (MEPS) task, and recovery. The MEPS task included four interpersonal scenarios: (1) binge-eating as a solution to stress, (2) job loss, (3) rejection by friends, and (4) by a significant other. Results: We found that individuals with eating disorders reported less positive mood than HCs and individuals with BN and BED reported more negative mood and greater urges to binge than HCs. After a negative mood induction, women with BED provided significantly less effective problem-solving strategies compared to HCs and women with BN for the binge-eating MEPS scenario. Relative to baseline and the negative mood induction, all participants exhibited significantly higher skin conductance measures throughout the MEPS scenarios and recovery. BED showed significantly lower respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) levels than individuals with BN and HCs throughout the protocol. Conclusions: The multimethod findings suggest individuals with BED are likely to have disorder-specific problem-solving difficulties after a negative mood induction. Plain English summary: There is some evidence that individuals with eating disorders experience more negative mood and have challenges with social problem-solving. However, the ability to solve social problems while in a negative mood has not yet been examined while also looking at physiological changes. We measured physiological responses of women with Binge Eating Disorder (BED; n = 56), Anorexia Nervosa (AN; n = 12), Bulimia Nervosa (BN; n = 32), and healthy controls (HCs; n = 24) before and after a task designed to induce a negative mood followed by a problem-solving task. The problem-solving task asked individuals to come up with solutions to social problems related to 1) binge-eating urges, 2) job loss, 3) rejection by friends, and 4) rejection of a significant other. We found that individuals with eating disorders reported less positive mood than HCs and individuals with BN and BED reported more negative mood and greater urges to binge than HCs. Individuals with BED generated fewer effective solutions on a binge-eating problem-solving task and had consistent respiratory sinus arrhythmia differences, which may indicate emotion regulation difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six chest leads are the standardized clinical devices of diagnosing cardiac diseases. Emerging epidermal electronics technology shift the dangling wires and bulky devices to imperceptible wearing, achieving both comfortable experience and high-fidelity measuring. Extending small areas of current epidermal electronics to the chest scale requires eliminating interference from long epidermal interconnects and rendering the data acquisition (DAQ) portable. Herein, we developed a chest-scale epidermal electronic system (EES) for standard precordial-lead ECG and hydration monitoring, including the only μm-thick substrate-free epidermal sensing module and the soft wireless DAQ module. An electrical compensation strategy using double channels within the DAQ module and epidermal compensated branches (ECB) is proposed to eliminate unwanted signals from the long epidermal interconnects and to achieve the desired ECG. In this way, the EES works stably and precisely under different levels of exercise. Patients with sinus arrhythmias have been tested, demonstrating the prospect of EES in cardiac diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Measures for the irregularity of the heartbeat, for example respiratory sinus arrhythmia, have been implicated as a measure for restorative functions of the vegetative nervous system.Methods: In the current observational study, we investigated 265 subjects, 70 of whom had a lifetime history of major depression, with a plethysmographic heartbeat monitor, blood sampling, as well as a range of psychiatric questionnaires.Results: Subjects with a history of MDE had significantly reduced respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) as compared to never-depressed controls; in the whole sample, higher RSA went with lower anxiety/fear variables, especially in subscores related to cardiac symptoms as well as being afraid of dying. A reduced RSA was also associated with an increased concentration of cytokines (TNFa, IL1a, IL6, IFNg) and thyroid-stimulating hormone in the serum, pointing to a possible triangular relationship between immune system, vegetative nervous system, and emotional dysregulation.Limitations: We used a plethysmographic device for the measurement of heartbeat instead of an electrocardiogram, and had a single time point only.Conclusions: This data corroborate the idea that a disequilibrium of the vegetative nervous, especially if accompanied by a dysregulation system in immune function, can increase the risk for depression. Conversely, vagal stimulation and anti-inflammatory treatments may support the treatment with antidepressants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychostimulants are commonly prescribed medications for youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Limited studies have evaluated how psychostimulants (e.g., methylphenidate [MPH]) impact autonomic nervous system (ANS) indexes among youth with ADHD. Understanding the effects of MPH on autonomic functioning is essential, given that youth with ADHD have been shown to experience atypical autonomic functioning (i.e., reduced activity across both sympathetic and parasympathetic branches) compared to typically developing youth. The current study investigated how a specific psychostimulant, Osmotic Release Oral System [OROS] MPH, impacts parasympathetic (indexed by respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA]) and sympathetic (indexed by electrodermal activity [EDA]) functioning among youth with ADHD via a within-subjects, double-masked, cross-over design. Two hundred fifty-six participants (157 youth with ADHD), ages 5 to 13 years, completed a two-minute resting baseline task while electrocardiograph and electrodermal data were obtained. Youth with ADHD completed the resting baseline task twice, 3 weeks apart, once during active medication and once during placebo conditions (counterbalanced). Typically developing youth were assessed without medication or placebo. Youth with ADHD during the placebo condition exhibited reduced RSA and EDA compared to typically developing youth. In contrast, youth with ADHD during the medication condition did not differ significantly from typically developing youth with respect to either RSA nor EDA. As such, OROS MPH appears to normalize RSA and EDA levels among youth with ADHD to levels comparable to typically developing youth. Future studies including indexes of the ANS among youth with ADHD are urged to consider the impact of MPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) in adults is the most common sustained arrhythmia and is, in majority of patients, initially asymptomatic.[1] However, AF and its complications contribute significantly and negatively to patients' quality of life as well as cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, potential applications of HRV for AF screening could also be extended to cardiovascular implantable electronic devices, especially these which use cannot directly lead to subclinical AF diagnosis. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: We describe a rare patient with a cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CS DAVF) in whom diagnostic rotational angiography (RA) caused sinus arrest and bradycardia. Case Presentation: A 79-year-old woman with no previous history of cardiovascular diseases presented with left oculomotor nerve paresis. Conventional angiography confirmed a bilateral CS DAVF. During a three-dimensional RA (3DRA) examination of the left internal carotid artery, sinus arrest occurred. Subsequently, the use of 3DRA to image the left external carotid artery and the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to image the left internal and external carotid artery also caused transient sinus bradycardia. Two weeks later, we inserted a temporary transvenous pacemaker and completed the transvenous embolization of the left CS DAVF. The left oculomotor paresis improved without any perioperative complications. Conclusion: RA is a standard radiological modality for the diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease. Although the physical force generated by the injection of the contrast medium at the carotid bifurcation can theoretically cause hemodynamic instability, no previous reports have described sinus arrest or bradycardia in association with diagnostic carotid angiography. The present case demonstrates that 3DRA and CBCT can provoke rare, but serious, incidences of cardiac arrhythmia.

Background: Individual variability in tonic (resting) and phasic (reactivity) respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) may underlie risk for dysregulated emotion and behavior, two transdiagnostic indicators that permeate most psychological disorders in youth. The interaction between tonic and phasic RSA may specify unique physiological profiles during the transition to adolescence. The current study utilized clinically referred youth (Mage = 12.03; s.d. = 0.92) to examine baseline RSA, RSA reactivity, and their interaction as predictors of dysregulated emotion and behavior in daily life. Method: Participants were 162 youth (47% female; 60% minority) in psychiatric treatment for any mood or behavior problem. RSA was assessed during three, 2-minute baselines and an 8-minute parent-child conflict discussion task. Dysregulated emotion and behavior were assessed during a 4-day ecological momentary assessment protocol that included 10 time-based prompts over a long weekend. Results: Greater RSA withdrawal to the conflict was associated with dysregulated basic emotion (sadness, anger, nervousness, stress) in daily life. Two distinct interactions also emerged, such that baseline RSA was related to dysregulated complex emotion (shame, guilt, loneliness, emptiness) and dysregulated behavior as a function of RSA reactivity to conflict. Lower baseline RSA and greater RSA withdrawal were associated with dysregulated complex emotion, while higher baseline RSA and greater RSA withdrawal were associated with dysregulated behavior. Conclusions: Findings point to physiological profiles that increase the risk of dysregulated emotion and behavior during the transition to adolescence. Excessive RSA withdrawal uniquely, and in combination with baseline RSA, increased risk for dysregulation in daily life, underscoring the role of autonomic stress responding as a risk factor for psychopathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Muscular A‐type lamin‐interacting protein (MLIP) is most abundantly expressed in cardiac and skeletal muscle. In vitro and animal studies have shown its regulatory role in myoblast differentiation and in organization of myonuclear positioning in skeletal muscle, as well as in cardiomyocyte adaptation and cardiomyopathy. We report the association of biallelic truncating variation in the MLIP gene with human disease in five individuals from two unrelated pedigrees. Methods: Clinical evaluation and exome sequencing were performed in two unrelated families with elevated creatine kinase level. Results: Family 1. A 6‐year‐old girl born to consanguineous parents of Arab‐Muslim origin presented with myalgia, early fatigue after mild‐to‐moderate physical exertion, and elevated creatine kinase levels up to 16,000 U/L. Exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous nonsense variant, c.2530C>T; p.Arg844Ter, in the MLIP gene. Family 2. Three individuals from two distantly related families of Old Order Amish ancestry presented with elevated creatine kinase levels, one of whom also presented with abnormal electrocardiography results. On exome sequencing, all showed homozygosity for a novel nonsense MLIP variant c.1825A>T; p.Lys609Ter. Another individual from this pedigree, who had sinus arrhythmia and for whom creatine kinase level was not available, was also homozygous for this variant. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that biallelic truncating variants in MLIP result in myopathy characterized by hyperCKemia. Moreover, these cases of MLIP‐related disease may indicate that at least in some instances this condition is associated with muscle decompensation and fatigability during low‐to‐moderate intensity muscle exertion as well as possible cardiac involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to test the relation of baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (BRSA) to PIU and the mediating role of impulsiveness (IM) and difficulties in emotion regulation (DER) underlying this association using data from a group of Chinese young adults. A total of 109 (M age = 18.94 years old, SD = 0.92; 69 men) Chinese undergraduate students participated in this study and completed questionnaires on IM, DER and PIU. BRSA was collected during a resting condition at a laboratory setting. Results showed that BRSA was negatively related to PIU, with IM and DER both independently and completely mediating this association. These findings enrich our understanding on the psychophysiological correlates of young adults' problematic internet use. • Baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (BRSA) was negatively related to problematic internet use (PIU). • The association between BRSA and PIU was mediated by impulsiveness. • The association between BRSA and PIU was mediated by difficulties in emotion regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac stroke volume variation (SVV) measurement is one of the techniques to detect fluid-responsive hypovolemia in patients under mechanical ventilation. There is an ongoing effort to apply SVV for this purpose also in conscious patients. However, the effect of mental stress often occurring in conscious patients as a potential confounding factor on SVV is not known. The aim of our study was to compare effect of simulated hypovolemia and mental stress on SVV in healthy volunteers in the context of potential confounders - breathing pattern, respiratory sinus arrhythmia magnitude and sex. We examined 102 young healthy volunteers (58 females), mean age 18.6 years. Finger arterial blood pressure was recorded by volume-clamp photoplethysmographic method (Finometer Pro, FMS, Amsterdam, Netherland). From the blood pressure curve, a built in Model Flow algorithm calculated stroke volume values (SV) for each heartbeat. Respiratory volume was recorded using calibrated respiratory inductive plethysmography (RespiTrace, NIMS, Miami Beach, FL, USA). During four phases of examination protocol (supine rest, head-up tilt (HUT), supine recovery, mental arithmetic task (MA)) we analyzed SVV related to respiratory activity. While during HUT we found an expected increase in SVV together with mean SV decrease, SVV significantly decreased during MA. The observed changes during MA could be attributed to an increased respiratory rate and/or decreased respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Sex related differences in SVV responses to HUT and MA were observed. We conclude that mental stress together with respiratory sinus arrhythmia and respiratory pattern changes can significantly influence SVV as a potential index of fluid responsiveness in conscious patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although research suggests that callous-unemotional (CU) traits are underpinned by deficits in social affiliation and reduced sensitivity to threat, there has been little investigation of the biophysiological regulatory mechanisms underlying these processes in infancy. The current study uses data from the Durham Child Health and Development Study (DCHD; n = 206) to examine whether and how the combination of infants' behavioral reactivity and levels of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), an indicator of parasympathetic nervous system functioning, during the still-face episode of the still-face paradigm at 6 months differentiates risk for CU traits and oppositional defiant behaviors (ODD) at age 3 years, as well as whether these relations vary by children's attachment security. Results indicate that reduced negative affect during the still-face episode at 6 months predicts higher CU traits (B = -0.28, β = -0.27, p = 0.003) and ODD (B = -0.35, β = -0.24, p = 0.007) at 3 years. Results also show that comparatively lower RSA, i.e. engaged parasympathetic system, predicts higher CU traits (B = -0.10, β = -0.34, p = 0.013), but not ODD. Tests of moderation suggest the combination of blunted negative affect but comparatively lower RSA levels during a social stressor constitutes risk for later CU traits for children who are also insecurely attached (simple slope = -0.70, t = 2.88, p = 0.006 at -1 SD). Findings contribute to our understanding of the complex and interactive risk processes which precede the development of CU traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute stress is believed to lead to prosocial behaviors via a "tend-and-befriend" pattern of stress response. However, the results of the effect of acute stress on prosocial behavior are inconsistent. The current study explores the moderating effect of gender and social value orientation on the relationship between acute stress and individuals' pure prosocial behaviors (i.e., pure prosociality and prosocial third-party punishment). Specifically, eighty-one participants were selected and underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (or were in the control group), followed by the third-party punishment task and the dictator game. The results showed that, in general, the main effect of condition or respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) reactivity on individual prosocial behaviors was significant and did not vary between genders. Furthermore, social value orientation (i.e., prosocial or self-orientation) might moderate the impact of RSA reactivity on the amount of punishment in the third-party punishment task. That is, individuals with self-orientation exhibited more prosocial third-party punishment as RSA reactivity decreased, while the effect did not occur for individuals with prosocial orientation. Taken together, the findings of the current study provide further evidence for the "tend-and-befriend" hypothesis and highlight the underlying physical mechanisms as well as the individual dependence of the effect of psychosocial stress on individuals' pure prosocial behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a longstanding debate linking fearlessness to psychopathy. Yet, research explicitly testing physiological fear reactivity is limited, especially studies including both sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) reactivity to ecologically valid fear induction. Recent research has shown that testing both branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is important for understanding the factor construct of psychopathy (Thomson et al. in Psychophysiology, 56(1), 2019a). However, the association between fear reactivity and the 4-facet structure of psychopathy has not been explored. Using virtual reality fear induction, the present study aimed to test if the interpersonal, affective, lifestyle, and antisocial facets were differentially related to physiological fear reactivity profiles. In a late adolescent/early adult sample (N = 114; age 18–21 years), psychopathy was assessed using the Self-Report Psychopathy Scale Short Form and physiological fear reactivity was measured using SNS and PNS via skin conductance and respiratory sinus arrhythmia, respectively. Results show that the affective and antisocial facets were associated with dampened SNS fear reactivity, while the lifestyle facet was associated with greater PNS fear reactivity. Most interesting was that the interpersonal facet was related to coinhibition of the ANS (low SNS and PNS reactivity); this is the same physiological pattern associated with proactive aggression (Thomson et al. in Physiology Behavior, 242, 113061, 2021). This could suggest that coinhibition to fear induction, which was originally linked to factor 1 (Thomson et al. in Psychophysiology, 56(1), 2019a), may be a physiological profile that enables the manipulative, coercive, and cold-blooded behaviors associated with psychopathy. By contrast, affective and antisocial facets share a fear profile of a blunted SNS, while the lifestyle facet is related to aberrant PNS activation, suggesting a biological vulnerability to emotion dysregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiology of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is not well understood but appears to have both biologically-based roots and can develop following adverse experiences. The current study is the first to examine the interaction between biologically-based factors and type of trauma experience (i.e., interpersonal and non-interpersonal) and associations with ODD. The psychophysiological factors included baseline resting heart rate, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and cortisol. ODD was measured as two dimensions of irritable and defiant/vindictive. The sample included 330 children, 3–7 years-old, oversampled for a history of trauma. Results showed the interactions between baseline physiological arousal variables and trauma type in predicting ODD dimensions were not supported. However, the baseline RSA by trauma interaction was a significant predictor of defiance/vindictiveness among boys, but not girls, when interpersonal trauma was compared to controls. Several other gender differences emerged. Among boys, both interpersonal and non-interpersonal trauma were predictive of ODD dimensions; however, among girls, non-interpersonal trauma was not. Among girls, there was a significant negative bivariate relationship between baseline cortisol and irritability. Also, when the sample was restricted to those with interpersonal trauma only and controls, baseline RSA was negatively associated with irritability in girls only (controlling for trauma). Finally, retrospective reports revealed that children who met criteria for ODD diagnosis and experienced interpersonal trauma were more likely to exhibit ODD symptoms prior to their trauma compared to those who experienced non-interpersonal trauma. Results are discussed in the context of previous mixed findings, and avenues for future research are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change‐related disasters have drawn increased attention to the impact of air pollution on health. 122 children ages 9–11 years old, M(SD) = 9.91(.56), participated. Levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) near participants' homes were obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency. Cytokines were assayed from 100 child serum samples: IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and TNFα. Autonomic physiology was indexed by pre‐ejection period (PEP), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), cardiac autonomic regulation (CAR), and cardiac autonomic balance (CAB). IL‐6 was positively related to daily PM2.5 (r =.26, p =.009). IL‐8 was negatively associated with monthly PM2.5 (r = −.23, p =.02). PEP was positively related to daily (r =.29, p =.001) and monthly PM2.5 (r =.18, p =.044). CAR was negatively associated with daily PM2.5 (r = −.29, p =.001). IL‐10, TNFα, RSA, and CAB were not associated with PM2.5. Air pollution may increase risk of inflammation in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ADPRHL2 gene mutations have been demonstrated as the cause of stress-induced childhood-onset neurodegeneration with variable ataxia and seizures (CONDSIAS), an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by an abnormal gait, intellectual disability, seizures, ataxia, other nervous system degenerative diseases, and axonal sensorimotor neuropathy. Since first reported in 2018, ADP-ribosylhydrolase like 2 (ADPRHL2) gene mutations in previous cases were all diallelic homozygous. Here, we report a case of CONDSIAS with a novel compound heterozygous mutation in the ADPRHL2 gene. This patient is presented with autonomic nervous dysfunction manifested as polyuria, gastrointestinal disturbance, and sinus arrhythmia, which may be considered as new clinical manifestations in addition to the above classical manifestations. Muscle biopsy revealed myogenic lesions, which is a previously unreported feature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utility of ambulatory electrocardiography (AECG) to evaluate cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) for arrhythmias and heart rate variability (HRV) is not well defined but may provide information regarding risk stratification. This prospective study used AECG to evaluate ectopy and HRV in subclinical HCM cats compared to healthy controls and is the first to implement a pharmacologic cardiac stress test. Twenty-three purpose-bred, Maine coon cross cats (16 HCM, 7 control) underwent 48-h of continuous AECG. Terbutaline (0.2–0.3 mg/kg) was administered orally at 24 and 36 h. Heart rate, ectopy frequency and complexity and HRV parameters, including standard deviation of normal R-R intervals (SDNN), were compared pre-terbutaline and post-terbutaline and across phenotype, genotype and sex. Genotype for an HCM-causative mutation was significantly associated with the frequency of supraventricular (P = 0.033) and ventricular (P = 0.026) ectopy across all cats. Seven HCM cats and zero healthy cats had a sinus arrhythmia. Mean heart rate was significantly higher post-terbutaline (p < 0.0001). HCM cats had significantly greater HRV compared to controls (SDNN: p = 0.0006). Male cats had significantly higher HRV (SDNN: p = 0.0001) and lower mean heart rates (p = 0.0001). HRV decreased post-terbutaline (SDNN: p = 0.0008) and changes in HRV observed between sexes were attenuated by terbutaline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This current study examined maternal characteristics that predict the use of overprotective parenting in mothers of toddlers. Maternal respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) reactivity was tested as a moderator of the relation between maternal anxiety and overprotective parenting. Mothers (n = 151) and their 2-year-old toddlers participated in a laboratory visit and returned for a follow-up visit 1 year later. At child age 2, mothers reported their own anxiety. Mothers' RSA reactivity was measured between a resting baseline and a standardized laboratory task, and overprotective parenting was observed in that task. Toddler fearful temperament (FT) was observed in a separate standardized task as well as reported by mothers. At child age 3, mothers' overprotective parenting behaviors were observed according to the same procedures so change from age 2 could be measured. Results revealed that maternal anxiety and maternal RSA at age 2 interacted to predict relative increases in overprotective parenting behaviors at age 3. At low levels of RSA reactivity, reflecting RSA suppression, maternal anxiety predicted lower levels of overprotective parenting. At high levels of RSA reactivity, reflecting RSA augmentation, maternal anxiety predicted higher levels of overprotective parenting. Our results suggest that RSA suppression may protect mothers with anxiety symptoms from engaging in overprotective parenting, whereas RSA augmentation may put mothers with anxiety symptoms at risk for engaging in overprotective parenting. Findings indicate that the interaction of multiple parental traits should be considered when working with parents and families on parenting behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Atrial septal defects (ASDs) are one of the most common congenital cardiac abnormalities. Repair of these defects is a quite secure and routine operation. The most common complications were postoperative atrial arrhythmias, sinus arrhythmia, and atrioventricular (AV) blocks requiring pacemaker implantation, mediastinal bleeding, and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes. Iatrogenic diversion of the inferior vena cava (IVC) to the left atrium (LA) during surgical closure of an ASD is a very rare complication. CASE REPORT: We reported a patient who had a history of cardiac surgery in another center at the age of seven and was introduced to our clinic with complaints of dyspnea and cyanosis of extremities on exertion. She underwent surgery in our center with diagnosis of iatrogenic diversion of IVC to LA. CONCLUSION: The most common mechanism suggested is a large eustachian valve being mistaken for the inferior rim of the ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity is important to physiological regulation. Limbic structures are important in determining what information the PNS receives, potentially influencing concurrent physiological responsivity and, ultimately, shaping PNS development. Yet, whether individual differences in these structures are linked to PNS activity in early childhood remains unclear. Here, in an exploratory capacity, we examined the association between neonatal limbic structures (i.e., the left and right amygdala and hippocampus) and preschoolers' resting-state respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). RSA is a measure of heart-rate variability, a physiological marker that reflects fluctuation in the PNS and is often found predictive of emotion regulation and psychological wellbeing. Data were extracted from the "Growing Up in Singapore towards Healthy Outcomes" (GUSTO) cohort (n = 73, 39 girls). Neonatal limbic volume was collected within two weeks after birth while infants were asleep. Resting-state RSA was collected during a coloring session at 42 months of age. After controlling for potential confounders, a Bonferroni-corrected significant association between neonatal left hippocampal volume and resting-state RSA emerged wherein larger hippocampal volume was associated with higher resting-state RSA. No significant associations were present between resting-state RSA and right or left amygdala, or right hippocampal volume. These findings contribute to an increasing body of evidence aiming at enhancing our understanding of neurobiological underpinnings of parasympathetic activity and modulation. Results are also discussed with reference to ideas concerning biological sensitivity to context, as both left hippocampal volume and resting-state RSA were previously found to moderate associations between adversity and psychological function. • Larger left hippocampal volume associated with higher resting-state RSA. • No association between amygdala and right hippocampal volume and resting-state RSA. • Left hippocampal volume in early life may convey risk for difficulties in emotion processing and related mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unresolved loss/trauma in the context of the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) has been theorised to result from dissociative processing of fear-related memories and ideas. To examine the plausibility of this model, this study tested hypothesised associations between unresolved loss/trauma and indicators of autonomic nervous system (ANS) reactivity. First-time pregnant women (N = 235) participated in the AAI while heart rate (interbeat interval; IBI) and indicators of parasympathetic reactivity (respiratory sinus arrhythmia; RSA) and sympathetic reactivity (pre-ejection period; PEP, skin conductance level; SCL) were recorded. Using multilevel modelling, ANS reactivity was examined in relation to topic (loss/trauma versus other questions); discussion of actual loss/trauma; classification of unresolved/disorganised; and unresolved responses during the interview. Responses to loss/trauma questions and discussion of loss were associated with respectively larger and smaller IBIs. There was no moderation by unresolved/disorganised status. Unresolved responses about loss were associated with smaller IBIs. Participants classified as unresolved/disorganised showed decreasing PEP and blunted SCL throughout the whole interview. The findings suggest that unresolved speech about loss co-occurs with physiological arousal, although the inconclusive findings regarding parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system responses fail to clearly support the role of fear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our primary objective was to examine the extent to which moment-to-moment associations between preschool-aged children's behavior and maternal emotional support differed for mothers showing different levels of parasympathetic engagement. We used behavioral observations of maternal and child behavior and maternal changes in cardiac vagal tone assessed via respiratory sinus arrhythmia in 15-s intervals during a 5-min challenging puzzle task (N = 121 dyads; 65 girls. Mage = 4.42 years). Results from multilevel models showed that increases in children's defeat (e.g., frustration, task withdrawal) coupled with maternal vagal augmentation (an index of social engagement) in a given 15-s interval predicted increases in maternal support in the next interval, whereas increases in children's defeat coupled with maternal vagal withdrawal (an index of physiological arousal) in a given 15-s interval did not prediet increases in maternal support. Findings suggest that vagal augmentation in mothers may operate together with fluctuations in children's negative behaviors to predict supportive parenting in real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The repeated use of doxorubicin is limited due to dose-limiting cardiac toxicity. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PEG-LD, Duomeisu) has a reduced cardiac toxicity. This phase I study aimed to investigate the maximum tolerated doses (MTDs) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) of the PEG-LD and cisplatin combination in patients with metastatic and recurrent osteosarcoma. Methods: Patients were given PEG-LD at a dose of 40, 50, or 60 mg/m2 on day 1 of each 21-day cycle, according to a 3 + 3 approach for dose escalation. Cisplatin was administered as a fixed dose of 100 mg/m2 for every cycle. Toxicities and tumor response were observed. Results: A total of 15 patients were enrolled in this trial, and nine of the patients had received prior doxorubicin. The MTD of PEG-LD was reached at 50 mg/m2 in this regimen, with neutropenic fever and stomatitis as DTLs. The main adverse event (AE) was myelosuppression. The most common non-hematological AEs were vomiting, hypoproteinemia, stomatitis and transient sinus arrhythmia. Grade 3–4 toxicity was neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia and stomatitis in the whole cohort. All the AEs were relieved after symptomatic and supportive treatment. Totally, the overall response rate was 13.3% and disease control rate was 66.7%. For the six patients who have not received prior doxorubicin, one partial response and five stable diseases were observed. Conclusion: We provide the data showing that PEG-LD 50 mg/m2 combined with cisplatin 100 mg/m2 demonstrated an acceptable safety profile and promising clinical activity in advanced osteosarcoma, which merits further evaluation in phase II studies. Trial registration: ChiCTR1900021550. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research demonstrates that Black parents attempt to suppress children's expressions of negative emotions (e.g., anger, fear), in part, to protect them from experiencing racial bias from authority figures. The goal of this study was to examine whether the effectiveness of parental suppression strategies in reducing behavior problems depends on whether parents talk to children about the potential of experiencing racism (i.e., preparation for bias) and children's resting cardiac vagal tone as indexed by baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Ninety-four parents (97% mothers) who identified their child as Black (56% girls) completed questionnaires about their punitive and minimizing responses to their child's negative emotions and their child's internalizing and externalizing problems at ages 5 and 6. Children's baseline RSA was assessed at age 5. Results indicated that parents' suppression of children's negative emotions predicted decreased externalizing behaviors (e.g., acting out) only when parents talked to their children about racism. When parents did not contextualize their restrictions on children's emotional expressions with discussions about race, children with higher baseline RSA demonstrated increased externalizing behaviors, whereas those with lower baseline RSA were unaffected. Parental suppression strategies led to increased internalizing symptoms (e.g., anxiety, withdrawal) among children with higher baseline RSA regardless of whether parents discussed racism. Black parents face a conundrum in which suppressing their children's negative emotions, in hopes of subverting racism, may reduce their children's externalizing problems under some circumstances, but may increase the risk of their children developing internalizing problems. Implications for systemic policy change to combat racism are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study by Jammal Salameh and colleagues which focused on understanding the mechanism underlying a prominent local field potential (LFP) oscillation of -4 Hz recorded in the rat OB mitral cell (MC) layer. Topics include information on LFP, possible role of the heart-beat-related oscillation (HRO) in brain function, and benefits of resonance breathing.

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Previous studies have shown that timing of sensory stimulation during the cardiac cycle interacts with perception. Given the natural coupling of respiration and cardiac activity, we investigated here their joint effects on tactile perception. Forty-one healthy female and male human participants reported conscious perception of finger near-threshold electrical pulses (33% null trials) and decision confidence while electrocardiography, respiratory activity, and finger photoplethysmography were recorded. Participants adapted their respiratory cycle to expected stimulus onsets to preferentially occur during late inspiration/ early expiration. This closely matched heart rate variation (sinus arrhythmia) across the respiratory cycle such that most frequent stimulation onsets occurred during the period of highest heart rate probably indicating highest alertness and cortical excitability. Tactile detection rate was highest during the first quadrant after expiration onset. Interindividually, stronger respiratory phase-locking to the task was associated with higher detection rates. Regarding the cardiac cycle, we confirmed previous findings that tactile detection rate was higher during diastole than systole and newly specified its minimum at 250– 300 ms after the R-peak corresponding to the pulse wave arrival in the finger. Expectation of stimulation induced a transient heart deceleration which was more pronounced for unconfident decision ratings. Interindividually, stronger poststimulus modulations of heart rate were linked to higher detection rates. In summary, we demonstrate how tuning to the respiratory cycle and integration of respiratory-cardiac signals are used to optimize performance of a tactile detection task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We investigated the extent to which physiological/biological measures of emotion dysregulation collected in the lab, resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) in Study 1 and amygdala activation in response to negative stimuli in Study 2, combined with daily measures of interpersonal stressors predicted negative emotional states in outpatients better than the stressors alone.Methods: Participants were adult outpatients with emotional distress disorders (N=30 individuals in Study 1, and N=26 women in Study 2). After completing a laboratory session that collected physiological/biological measures of emotion dysregulation, participants then completed 1-3 weeks of ambulatory assessment during which they reported on interpersonal stressors and negative affective states several times per day.Results: Laboratory measures of emotion dysregulation were largely unrelated to either momentary or mean levels of daily-life hostility, sadness, and fear in both studies. However, resting RSA significantly moderated the association between day-level interpersonal stressors and momentary fear such that low resting RSA strengthened this association. Similarly, amygdala activation tended to moderate this relationship in the predicted direction.Limitations: Both samples were relatively small and focused on only a limited set of diagnoses associated with emotion dysregulation. Only two possible physiological/biological markers of emotion dysregulation were examined.Conclusions: The current studies support the collection of physiological/biological data on emotion dysregulation when indexing daily-life emotion dysregulation as the degree of emotional reactivity to stressors in daily life among outpatients with emotional distress disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Poor physiological regulation in response to threat is linked to multiple negative developmental outcomes including anxiety, which is highly prevalent and impairing in young children with neurodevelopmental disabilities like fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present study contrasted cardiac startle response in pre-school-aged children with FXS, with and without ASD, to children with non-syndromic ASD (nsASD) and neurotypical controls (NT). The relationship of cardiac startle to non-verbal mental age (NVMA), ASD severity, and parent-reported anxiety was also examined. Method: Four age-matched groups of pre-school children participated including those with FXS without ASD (FXS-Only, n = 21), FXS with ASD (FXS+ASD, n = 17), nsASD (n = 42), and NT children (n = 27). Participants viewed a silent movie during which a single 200 ms 98-decibel white noise burst occurred. Cardiac activity was analyzed for pre-stimulus respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and the inter-beat intervals (IBI) at the auditory stimulus and 10 s post-stimulus. The Spence Pre-school Anxiety Scale, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2nd Edition, and Mullen Scales of Early Learning were examined in relation to startle response. Results: The nsASD group demonstrated heightened cardiac activity at the auditory stimulus and 10 s post-stimulus compared to the NT controls. Neither of the FXS groups showed differences from any other group. Higher pre-stimulus RSA was associated with reduced cardiac response across groups, while the relationship between cognitive ability and ASD severity to cardiac response varied between groups. Parent-reported anxiety was not associated with cardiac response for any group. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate group distinctions in cardiac responses to auditory startle. Although FXS and ASD share behavioral characteristics, the nsASD group showed a heightened cardiac startle response compared to the NT group that was not present in the FXS groups with or without ASD. Non-verbal mental age was associated with greater stimulus or post-stimulus reactivity for all groups except the FXS+ASD group, which showed no association between startle response and any clinical outcomes. Increased understanding of the relationship between physiological regulation and clinical outcomes will assist in identifying the timing and targets for effective interventions for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This cross-sectional study examines associations between cardiac vagal control and mainstream acculturation by systematically investigating the independent contributions of resting, reactivity, and recovery Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA)--physiological factors contributing to adaptive functioning, including social engagement capacity. This study also examines the moderating role of RSA reactivity in associations between perceived ethnic discrimination and mainstream acculturation. Method: The sample comprised 111 migrants from Maghreb (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) to Montreal, QC, Canada. On average, participants (60 women) were 31 years old and had immigrated 7 years prior to the study. The study design was cross-sectional. We collected both psychophysiological (electrocardiogram) and selfreport questionnaire data. Results: All three facets of cardiac vagal control are independently associated with mainstream acculturation: Higher mainstream acculturation was associated with higher resting RSA (β = .24), lower RSA reactivity (β = -.27), and higher recovery RSA (β = .26), controlling for several theoretically relevant covariates. Furthermore, lower RSA reactivity to a discrimination-recall task dampened the relation between perceived discrimination and mainstream acculturation (interaction β = -.20). Conclusions: This study replicates and extends prior work linking RSA and mainstream acculturation using a sample of racialized and marginalized migrants. It provides evidence that RSA is related to migrants' adoption of the mainstream culture and may modulate how they handle perceived ethnic discrimination. Thus, this study also provides evidence that RSA is tied to how individuals successfully navigate novel social environments, including novel cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caregiver voices may provide cues to mobilize or calm infants. This study examined whether maternal prosody predicted changes in infants' biobehavioral state after the still face, a stressor in which the mother withdraws and reinstates social engagement. Ninety‐four dyads participated in the study (infant age 4–8 months). Infants' heart rate and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (measuring cardiac vagal tone) were derived from an electrocardiogram (ECG). Infants' behavioral distress was measured by negative vocalizations, facial expressions, and gaze aversion. Mothers' vocalizations were measured via a composite of spectral analysis and spectro‐temporal modulation using a two‐dimensional fast Fourier transformation of the audio spectrogram. High values on the maternal prosody composite were associated with decreases in infants' heart rate (β = −.26, 95% CI: [−0.46, −0.05]) and behavioral distress (β = −.23, 95% CI: [−0.42, −0.03]), and increases in cardiac vagal tone in infants whose vagal tone was low during the stressor (1 SD below mean β =.39, 95% CI: [0.06, 0.73]). High infant heart rate predicted increases in the maternal prosody composite (β =.18, 95% CI: [0.03, 0.33]). These results suggest specific vocal acoustic features of speech that are relevant for regulating infants' biobehavioral state and demonstrate mother–infant bi‐directional dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autonomic nervous system activity flexibly shifts and modulates behavior at multiple time scales, with some work suggesting that patterns of short-term reactivity contribute to long-term developmental change. However, previous work has largely considered sympathetic and parasympathetic systems independently, even though both systems contribute dynamically to the regulation of physiological arousal. Using physiological data obtained from 313 children in kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade we examined whether within-person autonomic coordination during an emotion-inducing film task in kindergarten was associated with developmental change in resting autonomic activity. On average, these kindergarteners exhibited reciprocal coordination during the approach-oriented emotion (angry, happy) condition and a lack of coordination during the avoidance-oriented emotion (fear, sad) condition. Alignment with these patterns was associated with more typical autonomic development, specifically an increase in resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and a decrease in resting skin conductance (SCR) from kindergarten to 2nd grade; while lack of coordination during the approach condition was associated with a relatively delayed increase in resting RSA and a steeper decline in SCR, and reciprocal coordination during the avoidance condition was associated with a lack of RSA increase. Findings highlight the need for additional consideration of how moment-to-moment dynamics of autonomic coordination influence longer-term development, and suggest that early patterns of atypical arousal may portend dysregulation of developing physiological systems. • Dynamic autonomic coordination was associated with baseline functioning over time. • Slopes of coordination varied by approach vs. avoidance emotions. • Contextual matching of arousal is important for autonomic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a crucial indicator of cardiovascular health. Low HRV is correlated with disease severity and mortality in heart failure. Heart rate increases and decreases with each breath in normal physiology termed respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). RSA is highly evolutionarily conserved, most prominent in the young and athletic and is lost in cardiovascular disease. Despite this, current pacemakers either pace the heart in a metronomic fashion or sense activity in the sinus node. If RSA has been lost in cardiovascular disease current pacemakers cannot restore it. We hypothesized that restoration of RSA in heart failure would improve cardiac function. Restoration of RSA in heart failure was assessed in an ovine model of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Conscious 24 h recordings were made from three groups, RSA paced (n = 6), monotonically paced (n = 6) and heart failure time control (n = 5). Real-time blood pressure, cardiac output, heart rate and diaphragmatic EMG were recorded in all animals. Respiratory modulated pacing was generated by a proprietary device (Ceryx Medical) to pace the heart with real-time respiratory modulation. RSA pacing substantially increased cardiac output by 1.4 L/min (20%) compared to contemporary (monotonic) pacing. This increase in cardiac output led to a significant decrease in apnoeas associated with heart failure, reversed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and restored the T-tubule structure that is essential for force generation. Re-instating RSA in heart failure improves cardiac function through mechanisms of reverse re-modelling; the improvement observed is far greater than that seen with current contemporary therapies. These findings support the concept of re-instating RSA as a regime for patients who require a pacemaker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]