Ultraviolet irradiation benefits left ventricular hypertrophy and mitochondrial morphology of cardiomyocytes in hypertensive rats.

Insufficient exposure to sunlight increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Hypertensive left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy exacerbates the risks of myocardial ischemia, ventricular arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, and heart failure. This study aimed to determine the effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on LV hypertrophy and mitochondrial morphology.

Blood Pressure Regulation and Hypertension in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Historical Perspective.

In obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), an underlying disease of secondary hypertension, repeated episodes of asphyxia due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), followed by arousal, lead to various cardiovascular consequences. Using a canine model of OSAS, it was found that a single load of OSA caused an abrupt increase in blood pressure (BP) (Apnea Surge in seconds), while multiple OSA episodes occurring nightly for 1-3 months led to a sustained elevation of BP during both nighttime and daytime. Epidemiological studies on 24-hour ambulatory BP measurements revealed that some hypertensive patients experienced elevated BP in the early morning (Morning Surge), which could be intensified by OSAS.

Assessment of cognitive function and sleep-wake rhythms in community-dwelling older adults.

Disruption of the circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycles is a consequence of aging and is associated with the cognitive decline and many neurodegenerative conditions. We investigated the bedtime, wake-up time, sleep timing (midpoint between bedtime and wake-up time), and sleep timing standard deviation (SD) using the actigraphy among 80 consecutive volunteers aged ≥ 60 years. Global cognitive function and executive function of detailed cognitive domains were evaluated using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST) and subjective daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).

Anesthesia Management via an Automated Control System for Propofol, Remifentanil, and Rocuronium Compared to Management by Anesthesiologists: An Investigator-Initiated Study.

Background: We previously developed an automated total intravenous anesthesia control system that uses new closed-loop system algorithms to administer propofol, remifentanil, and rocuronium based on the bispectral index and train-of-four data. We recently improved this automated control system by adding a safety mechanism and using a modified monitoring device.

Methods: Patients scheduled for elective surgery were randomly assigned to closed-loop feedback control (automatic group) or the manual administration of propofol, remifentanil, and rocuronium (manual group).

Association of sleep-wake rhythm and sleep quality with endothelial function in young adults.

Objective: The environment in modern society could disturb the sleep-wake rhythm. We aimed to study the association of sleep-wake rhythm with endothelial function and sleep quality.

Material And Methods: Thirty-one healthy university students (mean age: 20.