Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
45(1)
Published: Dec. 23, 2024
Abstract
The
pupillary
light
reflex
could
serve
as
a
valuable
method
for
measuring
dynamic
responses
in
the
autonomic
nervous
system
(ANS).
However,
it
remains
unclear
whether
physiological
conditions
such
fasting
and
dehydration
affect
reflexes.
In
this
study,
we
investigated
effects
of
on
using
pupillometry.
Measurements
were
taken
after
at
least
12
h
Ramadan
(RF)
under
normal
dietary
pattern
(NDP).
Forty‐nine
volunteers,
who
had
no
complaints
related
to
ANS,
participated
study.
initial
pupil
diameter
(IPD),
amplitude
contraction,
contraction
velocity,
latency,
dilatation
duration,
dilation
velocity
recorded.
IPD
was
5.91
±
0.65
mm
RF
condition
5.72
NDP
(
p
<
0.001).
Both
(CA)
(DV)
higher
=
0.010
0.022,
respectively).
Females
exhibited
greater
0.023).
Differences
between
genders
observed
CA
0.002),
duration
0.016)
latency
0.041).
These
findings
indicate
that
influence
IPD,
DV.
Therefore,
is
informative
consider
status
when
evaluating
pupillometry
results.
JAMA Network Open,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
7(12), P. e2451217 - e2451217
Published: Dec. 16, 2024
IMPORTANCE
Evidence
from
randomized
clinical
trials
of
transcutaneous
auricular
vagus
nerve
stimulation
(taVNS)
for
chronic
insomnia
disorder
is
lacking.
OBJECTIVE
To
evaluate
the
efficacy
and
safety
taVNS
compared
with
sham
taVNS.
DESIGN,
SETTING,
PARTICIPANTS
This
trial
was
conducted
October
2021
to
December
2022
at
a
single
center
in
Beijing,
China.
Patients
Pittsburgh
Sleep
Quality
Index
(PSQI)
least
8
were
enrolled.
Statistical
analysis
performed
June
September
2023.
INTERVENTIONS
allocated
active
group
or
1:1
ratio.
Both
groups
received
30
minutes
each
time,
twice
day,
5
consecutive
days
week,
an
8-week
treatment
12-week
follow-up.
MAIN
OUTCOMES
AND
MEASURES
The
primary
end
point
mean
change
baseline
through
week
PSQI
scores.
Minimal
clinically
important
difference
2.5
points.
Secondary
outcomes
included
mental
health,
sleepiness,
fatigue.
Safety
also
evaluated.
RESULTS
A
total
72
participants
either
(36
participants;
[SD]
age,
45.2
[14.5]
years;
27
[75.0%]
female)
44.6
[13.9]
31
[86.1%]
female);
68
completed
intervention.
least-square
changes
−8.2
(95%
CI,
−9.3
−7.0)
points
−3.9
−5.1
−2.7)
group.
experienced
statistically
significant
improvements
before
after
However,
showed
meaningful
4.2-point
greater
reduction
−5.9
−2.6
points;
P
&lt;
.001;
Cohen
d
effect
size,
1.2)
(minimal
=
points).
outcomes,
including
health
fatigue,
similar
favorable
results.
sustained
throughout
20-week
study
period.
CONCLUSIONS
RELEVANCE
In
this
trial,
significantly
reduced
severity.
Clinically
enhancements
scores
observed
stimulation,
benefits
over
Future
multicenter
large
sample
sizes
are
needed
validate
its
effectiveness
across
diverse
populations.
Trial
Registration
Chinese
Clinical
Registry:
ChiCTR2100051319
Psychophysiology,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
62(3)
Published: March 1, 2025
ABSTRACT
Recently,
we
found
that
continuous
transcutaneous
auricular
vagus
nerve
stimulation
(taVNS)
facilitates
the
encoding
and
later
recollection
of
emotionally
relevant
information,
as
indicated
by
differences
in
late
positive
potential
(LPP),
memory
performance,
ERP
Old/New
effect.
Here,
aimed
to
conceptually
replicate
extend
these
findings
investigating
effects
different
time‐dependent
taVNS
protocols.
In
Study
1,
an
identical
paradigm
our
previous
study
was
employed
with
interval
(30‐s
on/off).
Participants
viewed
unpleasant
neutral
scenes
on
two
consecutive
days
while
receiving
or
sham
completed
a
recognition
test
1
week
later.
Replicating
results,
images
encoded
under
taVNS,
compared
stimulation,
elicited
larger
amplitudes
earlier
window
LPP
during
encoding,
well
more
pronounced
differences.
However,
no
performance
were
found.
2,
followed
up
synchronizing
cycle
image
presentation
determine
for
off
cycles.
We
could
enhancing
brain
potentials
(early
differences)
improved
recollection‐based
both
images,
independently
cycle.
Overall,
results
suggest
increases
electrophysiological
correlates
emotional
retrieval
time‐independent
manner,
substantiating
nerve's
role
processing
formation,
opening
new
venues
improving
mnemonic
processes
clinical
non‐clinical
populations.
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
17
Published: April 28, 2025
One
of
the
commonly
used
indices
short-term
memory
(STM)
is
digit
span
task.
Prior
studies
have
proposed
pupil
dilation
as
a
measure
task
engagement
and
promising
biomarker
vagal
activation.
Transcutaneous
auricular
vagus
nerve
stimulation
(taVNS)
novel
non-invasive
brain
technique
which
might
be
to
improve
cognition
modulate
size
through
its
effects
on
noradrenergic
release
in
locus
coeruleus.
No
previous
study
has
investigated
off-line
taVNS
With
this
single-blind,
sham-controlled,
crossover
design
trial,
we
aimed
assess
whether
was
able
score,
well
pupillary
response
cognitive
load
sample
18
elderly
Japanese
volunteers
with
no
self-reported
impairments.
Subjects
were
randomized
receive
either
real
or
sham
during
while
recording
size,
then
switched
over
other
treatment
group.
We
found
that
significantly
reduced
mean
number
errors
performed
at
length
7,
8,
9
(-0.83,
-0.90,
-0.39,
respectively
compared
pre-stimulation
values,
-0.71,
-1.08,
-0.79,
respectively,
stimulation).
Additionally,
slightly
but
increased
all
lengths
encoding
period
task,
larger
for
7-10
pre-stimulation,
5-10
sham.
effect
recall
period.
Our
results
suggest
selectively
performance
phase
Although
further
are
needed
better
clarify
optimal
parameters,
findings
from
could
support
use
safe
neuromodulation
function.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
15
Published: Jan. 4, 2022
Closed-loop
(CL)
transcutaneous
auricular
vagal
nerve
stimulation
(taVNS)
was
officially
proposed
in
2020.
This
work
firstly
reviewed
two
existing
CL-taVNS
forms:
motor-activated
vagus
(MAAVNS)
and
respiratory-gated
afferent
(RAVANS),
then
three
future
systems:
electroencephalography
(EEG)-gated
CL-taVNS,
electrocardiography
(ECG)-gated
subcutaneous
humoral
signals
(SHS)-gated
CL-taVNS.
We
also
highlighted
the
mechanisms,
targets,
technical
issues,
patterns
of
By
reviewing,
proposing,
highlighting,
this
might
draw
a
preliminary
blueprint
for
development
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Sept. 3, 2024
Abstract
Transcutaneous
vagus
nerve
stimulation
(tVNS)
has
emerged
as
a
promising
technique
to
modulate
autonomic
functions,
and
pupil
dilation
been
recognized
biomarker
for
tVNS-induced
monoaminergic
release.
Nevertheless,
studies
on
the
effectiveness
of
various
tVNS
protocols
have
produced
heterogeneous
results
dilatation
date.
Here,
we
synthesize
existing
evidence
compare
conventional
continuous
pulsed
using
Bayesian
meta-analysis.
To
maintain
living
version,
developed
Shiny
App
with
possibility
incorporate
newly
published
in
future.
Based
systematic
review,
included
18
(N
=
771)
applying
either
or
protocols.
Across
studies,
found
anecdotal
alternative
hypothesis
that
increases
size
(
g
0.14,
95%
CI
[0.001,
0.29],
BF01
2.5).
Separating
according
vs.
revealed
were
driven
by
taVNS
(strong
hypothesis:
0.34,
[0.15,
0.53],
BF10
14.15)
while
provided
strong
null
0.01,
[-0.15,
0.16],
BF01=
20.7).
In
conclusion,
our
meta-analysis
highlights
differential
effects
dilation.
These
findings
underscore
relevance
optimizing
its
use
specific
applications
may
require
modulation
tonic
phasic
responses.
Brain Sciences,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
14(9), P. 875 - 875
Published: Aug. 29, 2024
Transcutaneous
auricular
vagus
nerve
stimulation
(taVNS)
is
a
non-invasive
neuromodulation
technique
that
modulates
the
noradrenergic
activity
of
locus
coeruleus
(LC).
Yet,
there
still
uncertainty
about
most
effective
and
reliable
outcome
parameters.
In
double
blind,
sham-controlled
study
including
sample
healthy
young
individuals
(N
=
29),
we
compared
shorter
(3.4
s)
longer
(30
duration
investigated
effects
taVNS
(real
vs.
sham)
on
saliva
samples
(alpha
amylase
cortisol
concentration),
pupil
(pupillary
light
reflex
size
at
rest)
EEG
data
theta
rest,
ERPs
for
No-Go
signals),
cognitive
tasks
(Go/No-Go
Stop
Signal
Tasks).
Salivary
alpha
concentration
was
significantly
increased
in
real
as
to
sham
30
s
condition.
3.4
condition,
found
prolonged
reaction
times
error
rates
Go/No-Go
task
maximum
acceleration
pupillary
reflex.
For
other
outcomes,
no
significant
differences
were
found.
Our
results
show
increases
salivary
alpha-amylase,
which
expected
from
functional
properties
LC.
The
finding
response
short
not
cannot
be
explained
by
an
increase
LC
activity.
We
also
discuss
difficulties
assessing
expression
taVNS-mediated
changes.
Psychophysiology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Aug. 21, 2024
Abstract
According
to
the
arousal
model
of
vigilance,
locus
coeruleus‐norepinephrine
(LC‐NE)
system
modulates
sustained
attention
over
long
periods
by
regulating
physiological
arousal.
Recent
research
has
proposed
that
transcutaneous
auricular
vagus
nerve
stimulation
(taVNS)
indirect
markers
LC‐NE
activity,
although
its
effects
on
vigilance
have
not
yet
been
examined.
Aiming
develop
a
safe
and
noninvasive
procedure
prevent
failures
in
prolonged
tasks,
present
study
examined
whether
taVNS
can
mitigate
loss
while
modulating
activity.
Following
preregistered
protocol
(
https://osf.io/tu2xy/
),
50
participants
completed
three
repeated
sessions
randomized
order,
which
either
active
at
individualized
intensity
set
participant,
0.5
mA
for
all
participants,
or
sham
taVNS,
was
delivered
performing
an
attentional
task
(i.e.,
ANTI‐Vea).
Changes
salivary
alpha‐amylase
cortisol
concentrations
were
measured
as
Self‐reports
feelings
associated
with
guessing
rate
active/sham
conditions
supported
efficacy
single‐blind
procedure.
Contrary
our
predictions,
observed
decrement
modulated
taVNS.
Pairwise
comparisons
showed
mitigation
reduction
across
time.
Interestingly,
Spearman's
correlational
analyses
some
interindividual
LC‐NE,
evidenced
positive
associations
between
changes
but
We
highlight
relevance
replicating
extending
outcomes,
investigating
further
parameters
other
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: April 25, 2024
Abstract
Transcutaneous
auricular
vagus
nerve
stimulation
(taVNS)
is
a
neuromodulatory
technique
that
may
have
numerous
potential
health
and
human
performance
benefits.
However,
optimal
parameters
for
maximizing
taVNS
efficacy
are
unknown.
Progress
impeded
by
disagreement
on
the
identification
of
biomarker
reliably
indexes
activation
systems
targeted
taVNS,
including
locus
coeruleus-norepinephrine
(LC-NE)
system.
Pupil
size
varies
with
LC-NE
activity
one
has
shown
inconsistent
sensitivity
to
in
prior
studies.
The
present
study
examined
relationship
between
pupil
using
promising
behavioral
effects
studies
but
received
comparatively
little
attention.
Participants
30-second
trains
50
μs
pulses
delivered
below
perceptual
threshold
at
300
Hz
left
external
acoustic
meatus
(EAM)
while
was
recorded
during
pupillary
light
reflex
task.
Analysis
generalized
additive
mixed
modelling
(GAMM)
revealed
nonlinear
intensity
diameter.
Active
increased
participants
who
2
approximately
4.8
mA,
not
higher
(up
8.1
mA).
In
addition,
persisted
subsequent
blocks,
mitigating
decreases
over
course
These
findings
suggest
activates
system
when
applied
EAM,
its
be
counteracted
intensities.
Alcohol,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
114, P. 61 - 68
Published: Sept. 2, 2023
Autonomic
symptoms
in
alcohol
withdrawal
syndrome
(AWS)
are
associated
with
a
sympathetic-driven
imbalance
of
the
autonomic
nervous
system.
To
restore
balance
AWS,
novel
neuromodulatory
approaches
could
be
beneficial.
We
conducted
pilot
trial
percutaneous
auricular
vagus
nerve
stimulation
(pVNS)
AWS
and
hypothesized
that
pVNS
will
enhance
parasympathetic
tone
represented
by
reduction
pupillary
dilation
parasympatholytic
pharmacological
challenge.