Hypnotizability and Sensorimotor Integration: An Italian Space Agency Project

In highly hypnotizable individuals (highs), postural control is more independent of sensory information than in low hypnotizable subjects (lows). The aim of the study was to find out whether locomotion is also less affected in highs than in lows by visual suppression and changes in the neck proprioceptive input. Eighteen highs and 20 lows were asked to walk straight ahead, blindfolded, in basal conditions (face forward), during real and imagined right/left head rotation and mental computation. Highs detected deviations from the straight trajectory better than lows. Their walking direction was more straight during basal conditions and less influenced than the lows' one by mental computation and real/imagined rotation of the head. The results confirm highs' lower dependence on sensory inputs, although this cannot be definitely attributed to a better internal representation of space or to higher behavioral automaticity.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of low-intensity laser on the healing of third-degree burn wounds in rats

Third-degree burn wounds are considered severe injuries because they destroy all the skin layers and may affect subcutaneous tissues, fasciae, muscles, and bones. To favor the healing process of the injured tissues, it is very useful to diminish the occurrence of the inflammatory process. The present study was aimed at comparing the effect of different energetic densities of AlGaInP laser on the inflammatory process and in the healing of third-degree burn wounds in Wistar rats. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee, in which 36 adult male rats were selected and suffered the induction of third-degree burn injury. These rats were divided as follows: group 1—control (treated with silver sulfadiazine), group 2—received energy density of 3 J/cm², and group 3—received energy density of 6 J/cm². All animals daily received an occlusive bandage with silver sulfadiazine and 8 % papain. The laser therapy was performed alternatively three times a week. The animals were evaluated on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days after the initial lesion and euthanized for the macroscopic, histologic, and morphometric analysis. A higher production of collagen was observed at 7 days and a greater re-epithelialization at 21 days in group 3 (6 J/cm²). Furthermore, the latter when compared to the other groups presented macroscopically a better aspect of the scar at 21 days with more granulation tissue and fibrosis. We conclude that the AlGaInP laser used in dosages of 3 and 6 J/cm² favors the healing of third-degree burn wounds induced in rats.     

Heart rate variability during wakefulness as a marker of obstructive sleep apnea severity

Study ObjectivesPatients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) exhibit heterogeneous heart rate variability (HRV) during wakefulness and sleep. We investigated the influence of OSA severity on HRV parameters during wakefulness in a large international clinical sample.Methods1247 subjects (426 without OSA and 821 patients with OSA) were enrolled from the Sleep Apnea Global Interdisciplinary Consortium. HRV parameters were calculated during a 5-minute wakefulness period with spontaneous breathing prior to the sleep study, using time-domain, frequency-domain and nonlinear methods. Differences in HRV were evaluated among groups using analysis of covariance, controlling for relevant covariates.ResultsPatients with OSA showed significantly lower time-domain variations and less complexity of heartbeats compared to individuals without OSA. Those with severe OSA had remarkably reduced HRV compared to all other groups. Compared to non-OSA patients, those with severe OSA had lower HRV based on SDNN (adjusted mean: 37.4 vs. 46.2 ms; p < 0.0001), RMSSD (21.5 vs. 27.9 ms; p < 0.0001), ShanEn (1.83 vs. 2.01; p < 0.0001), and Forbword (36.7 vs. 33.0; p = 0.0001). While no differences were found in frequency-domain measures overall, among obese patients there was a shift to sympathetic dominance in severe OSA, with a higher LF/HF ratio compared to obese non-OSA patients (4.2 vs. 2.7; p = 0.009).ConclusionsTime-domain and nonlinear HRV measures during wakefulness are associated with OSA severity, with severe patients having remarkably reduced and less complex HRV. Frequency-domain measures show a shift to sympathetic dominance only in obese OSA patients. Thus, HRV during wakefulness could provide additional information about cardiovascular physiology in OSA patients.Clinical Trial Information: A Prospective Observational Cohort to Study the Genetics of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Associated Co-Morbidities (German Clinical Trials Register - DKRS, DRKS00003966) https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00003966     

Lessons From Participation in a Web-Based Substance Use Preventive Program in Uruguay

We analyzed individual and program characteristics associated with participation in an Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)-based substance use preventive intervention in Uruguay, South America. The intervention was directed at ninth- and tenth-grade students in 10 private schools in Montevideo. Participation in the program was non-mandatory and effective participation rates were low. We found that individual characteristics, such as prior heavy engagement with alcohol and opportunity costs of time, were associated with the decision to participate. We also found that sending the participants periodic reminders via e-mail and short message service (SMS) text messages had a positive impact on participation. The lessons from this intervention suggest that participation in non-mandatory Web-based programs aimed at preventing substance use among adolescents could be substantially improved with a more structured, mandatory, and longer intervention.