Daily rhythms of the sleep-wake cycle

The amount and timing of sleep and sleep architecture (sleep stages) are determined by several factors, important among which are the environment, circadian rhythms and time awake. Separating the roles played by these factors requires specific protocols, including the constant routine and altered sleep-wake schedules. Results from such protocols have led to the discovery of the factors that determine the amounts and distribution of slow wave and rapid eye movement sleep as well as to the development of models to determine the amount and timing of sleep. One successful model postulates two processes. The first is process S, which is due to sleep pressure (and increases with time awake) and is attributed to a 'sleep homeostat'. Process S reverses during slow wave sleep (when it is called process S'). The second is process C, which shows a daily rhythm that is parallel to the rhythm of core temperature. Processes S and C combine approximately additively to determine the times of sleep onset and waking. The model has proved useful in describing normal sleep in adults. Current work aims to identify the detailed nature of processes S and C. The model can also be applied to circumstances when the sleep-wake cycle is different from the norm in some way. These circumstances include: those who are poor sleepers or short sleepers; the role an individual's chronotype (a measure of how the timing of the individual's preferred sleep-wake cycle compares with the average for a population); and changes in the sleep-wake cycle with age, particularly in adolescence and aging, since individuals tend to prefer to go to sleep later during adolescence and earlier in old age. In all circumstances, the evidence that sleep times and architecture are altered and the possible causes of these changes (including altered S, S' and C processes) are examined

Determination of sex-related differences based on 3D reconstruction of the chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) vertebral column from MDCT scans

This study was undertaken to obtain and analyse, on the basis of sex, three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions obtained by a 3D computer program from two-dimensional (2D) vertebral column sections taken by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images, in the chinchilla. A total of 16 adult chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) of both sexes were used. The MDCT images were taken under general anaesthesia, and were then transferred to a personal computer on which 3D reconstructions were carried out using a 3D modelling program (Mimics 13.1). The volume, surface area and vertebral body length of each vertebra (except caudal region) forming the vertebral column were measured from the 3D models created. The ratios (in percentage) of the measurements of each vertebra (except the sacral ones) forming the vertebral column region (cervical part, thoracic part, lumbar part) were determined for statistical analysis. We detected significant differences (P < 0.05) between sexes in all vertebrae forming the vertebral column of the chinchilla with respect to volume, surface area and vertebral body length, except for C6 and L1. This study is the first to carry out 3D reconstructions of data obtained from CT images in the chinchilla and the obtained results contribute to a more detailed understanding of the anatomy of this species. Our strategy may also be useful for the design of experiments exploring the vertebral column in domestic mammals and humans

Determination of sex-related diff erences based on 3D reconstruction of the chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) vertebral column from MDCT scans

WOS: 000399466000005This study was undertaken to obtain and analyse, on the basis of sex, three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions obtained by a 3D computer program from two-dimensional (2D) vertebral column sections taken by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images, in the chinchilla. A total of 16 adult chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) of both sexes were used. The MDCT images were taken under general anaesthesia, and were then transferred to a personal computer on which 3D reconstructions were carried out using a 3D modelling program (Mimics 13.1). The volume, surface area and vertebral body length of each vertebra (except caudal region) forming the vertebral column were measured from the 3D models created. The ratios (in percentage) of the measurements of each vertebra (except the sacral ones) forming the vertebral column region (cervical part, thoracic part, lumbar part) were determined for statistical analysis. We detected significant differences (P < 0.05) between sexes in all vertebrae forming the vertebral column of the chinchilla with respect to volume, surface area and vertebral body length, except for C6 and L1. This study is the first to carry out 3D reconstructions of data obtained from CT images in the chinchilla and the obtained results contribute to a more detailed understanding of the anatomy of this species. Our strategy may also be useful for the design of experiments exploring the vertebral column in domestic mammals and humans

Descrição anatômica da língua do mão-pelada (Procyon cancrivorus) Anatomical description of the crab-eating raccoon tongue - (Procyon cancrivorus)

O mão-pelada é um mamífero da família Procyonidae com poucas descrições anatômicas detalhadas a seu respeito. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever, anatomicamente, a língua do mão-pelada, proporcionando base para futuros estudos clínico-cirúrgicos, além de contribuir com a anatomia comparada de carnívoros. Foram utilizadas as línguas de dois exemplares de mãos-pelada, fixados em formaldeído a 10%. A língua do mão-pelada possui, em média, 9,5cm de comprimento, é alongada e apresenta um sulco mediano pouco evidente. Possui lissa, quatro pares de papilas valadas na raiz lingual e um par no corpo, várias papilas fungiformes e cônicas no corpo e raiz e papilas filiformes pouco desenvolvidas e presentes principalmente no ápice. Outros três pares de papilas, sugestivas de serem papilas valadas, foram observadas na região lateral da base lingual. A língua do mão-pelada possui algumas características anatômicas similares às do cão, como a presença da lissa e a disposição das papilas, com exceção das folhadas, as quais não foram observadas.<br>The crab-eating raccoon is a mammal of the Procyonidae family of rare anatomical descriptions about it. This paper aimed to anatomically describe the crab-eating raccoon's tongue, providing data on future clinical and surgical studies, besides contributing to the carnivores compared anatomy. Two tongues were used after formaldehyde fixation. Crab-eating raccoon's tongue is, in average, 9.5cm in length; it is elongated and with a less evident median sulcus. It presents lyssa, four pairs of vallate papillae in the root and one pair in the body, several fungiform and conical papillae in the body and root and less developed filiform papillae in the apex, mainly. Other three papillae pairs, taken as vallates, were observed in the lateral area of the tongue root. The crab-eating raccoon's tongue presents some anatomical aspects which are similar to the dog's, as the lyssa and the distribution of papilae, but foliates, which were not observed