Frequency and severity of autonomic dysfunction assessed by objective hemodynamic responses and patient-reported symptoms in individuals with myasthenia gravis.

Introduction: Myasthenia gravis (MG), a rare autoimmune disorder, poses diagnostic and management challenges, with increasing incidence in Europe and significant impact on patient quality of life. Despite prevalent autonomic symptoms, comprehensive assessments integrating subjective and objective measures are lacking. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of autonomic dysfunction in patients with MG and healthy controls (HCs).

Correlation between Cardiovascular Autonomic and Pulmonary Ventilation Functions in Myasthenia Gravis Patients.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pulmonary function and cardiac autonomic function parameters in clinically stable myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. A total of 22 MG patients and 22 healthy controls (HCs) were evaluated. Pulmonary function test parameters, heart rate variability (HRV), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and cardiovascular autonomic function test parameters (the Valsalva ratio, expiration/inspiration (E/I) ratio) were assessed.

Association between Daytime Sleepiness, Fatigue and Autonomic Responses during Head-Up Tilt Test in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

We aimed to assess dynamic changes in hemodynamic and autonomic function in response to the head-up tilt test (HUTT) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to healthy controls (HCs) and evaluate its relationship with the patients' reported daytime sleepiness and fatigue symptoms. A total of 58 MS patients and 30 HCs were included in the analysis. Fatigue and sleepiness were evaluated using the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), respectively.

Alterations in short-term blood pressure variability related to disease severity and autonomic symptoms in myasthenia gravis patients.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate beat-to-beat blood pressure variability (BPV) during head-up tilt test (HUTT) in patients with mild and moderate myasthenia gravis (MG) compared to healthy controls (HCs), and its association with the severity of autonomic symptoms.

Methods: A total of 50 MG patients and 30 HCs were evaluated. Patients were stratified into 2 groups regarding Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification: mild (I,II MGFA), moderate form (III MGFA).

Genetic relatedness, virulence, and drug susceptibility of isolated from water and wild birds.

Introduction: This study aimed to identify the characteristics of Campylobacter isolated from wild birds (Black-headed gulls Chroicocephalus ridibundus and Great tits Parus major) and collect surface water samples (from rivers, ponds, ornamental lakes, freshwater beaches). Research material included 33 Campylobacter isolates. All the strains were isolated by different monitoring and surveillance plans.

Cognitive Function and Postural Control Strategies in Relation to Disease Progression in Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

Aim: This study assessed the influence of performing an additional cognitive task on center of pressure (COP) displacement in the early and advanced stages of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) compared to age-matched healthy controls (HCs).

Methods: The study included 40 HCs and 62 patients with PD: early PD ( = 38) and advanced PD ( = 24). COP parameters were determined by static posturography during quiet standing with open eyes (ST, single task) and simultaneous performance of a cognitive task (DT, dual task).

Association of Cardiac Autonomic Responses with Clinical Outcomes of Myasthenia Gravis: Short-Term Analysis of the Heart-Rate and Blood Pressure Variability.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess cardiac and autonomic function in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and to explore its relationship with disease outcomes. Methods: Thirty-eight patients with an MG were enrolled (median age 40.5 years; median disease duration 5.

Non-invasive evaluation techniques to efficacy of anti-cellulite treatment: the high frequency (HF) ultrasound as a useful imaging technique of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Cellulite is defined as lipodystrophy of the subcutaneous adipose tissue, is a serious problem for about 90% of women. The fight against the symptoms is a challenge for cosmetology and esthetic medicine. The most promising method of skin and subcutaneous tissue imaging appears to be the ultrasound method.

Relationship between Cardiopulmonary, Mitochondrial and Autonomic Nervous System Function Improvement after an Individualised Activity Programme upon Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients.

Background: The therapeutic effects of exercise from structured activity programmes have recently been questioned; as a result, this study examines the impact of an Individualised Activity Program (IAP) on the relationship with cardiovascular, mitochondrial and fatigue parameters.

Methods: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients were assessed using Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ), Fatigue Severity Score (FSS) and the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS). VOpeak, VOsubmax and heart rate (HR) were assessed using cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

Autonomic Phenotypes in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Are Associated with Illness Severity: A Cluster Analysis.

In this study we set out to define the characteristics of autonomic subgroups of patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). The study included 131 patients with CFS (Fukuda criteria). Participants completed the following screening symptom assessment tools: Chalder Fatigue Scale, Fatigue Impact Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scales, the self-reported Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale.

Campylobacter in wintering great tits Parus major in Poland.

Domestic and wild mammals, domestic birds and particularly wild birds are considered to be reservoirs of many species of Enterobacteriaceae, and also important human enteric pathogens, e.g., the bacteria of the genus Campylobacter that occur in their digestive tracts.

The Impact of a Structured Exercise Programme upon Cognitive Function in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients.

Background: Cognitive function disturbance is a frequently described symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). In this study, the effects of a structured exercise programme (SEP) upon cognitive function in ME/CFS patients was examined.

Methods: Out of the 53 ME/CFS patients initiating SEP 34 (64%) completed the 16 week programme.

Supporting dataset for elemental traits of plant-invertebrate food web components of oilseed rape fields.

This dataset is provided in support of the paper "Edge effect imprint on elemental traits of plant-invertebrate food web components of oilseed rape fields" (Orłowski et al., 2019). Supplementary data are given on the following: (1) the full taxonomic list of invertebrates ( = 12 916) classified into food guilds and functional groups, which were sampled in 34 oilseed rape fields in SW Poland in spring 2015; (2) concentrations of 12 chemical elements measured in invertebrates; (3) the relationships between abundance and percentage (%) in the community of major invertebrate groups, and habitat variables; (4) the statistical tests comparing the concentrations of chemical elements between the different groupings of organisms; (5) the relationships between the elemental traits of oilseed rape plant samples and major functional invertebrate groupings or main taxonomic insect groups, and the habitat variables of oilseed rape fields.

Multiannual, Intensive Strength-Endurance Training Modulates the Activity of the Cardiovascular and Autonomic Nervous System among Rowers of the International Level.

Introduction: Professional athlete training is significantly different from recreational physical activity, and sustained, repetitive exposure to over-strenuous and intensive training may result in critical changes of most systems and organs in a sportsman's body.

Aim: The assessment of the influence of multiannual strength-endurance training on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and cardiovascular system (CVS) among the rowers of Polish national team.

Materials And Methods: 20 rowers, aged 20-30, seniors of Polish national team were qualified into the study.

Prevalence, Virulence, and Antimicrobial Resistance of spp. in Raw Milk, Beef, and Pork Meat in Northern Poland.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products, pork, and beef available for sale in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie and Wielkopolska regions in Poland are contaminated with spp. bacteria and may be a potential source of infection. For isolated strains, antibiotic susceptibility and the presence of genes responsible for virulence were examined.

Edge effect imprint on elemental traits of plant-invertebrate food web components of oilseed rape fields.

Of fundamental importance for the functioning of a community is the flow of energy and elements through its components. However, the question of how (if at all) the edge effect of habitats can drive elemental traits of organisms has hitherto been largely neglected issue in ecosystem ecology at the community level. We quantified the abundance of invertebrates and measured the elemental composition (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, As, Cd, Co and Pb) of 15 different organisms within the plant-invertebrate food web (plant - oilseed rape pests/herbivores - pollinators = wild bees - saprovores - predators - parasitoids) sampled in 34 fields of a key bioenergy crop that is an exceptionally strong biodiversity driver, the oilseed rape.

Do Changes in Hemodynamic Parameters Depend Upon Length of Sleep Deprivation? Comparison Between Subjects With Normal Blood Pressure, Prehypertension, and Hypertension.

The main objective of the study was to analyze the impact of sleep deprivation upon hemodynamic and autonomic parameters in subjects with normal blood pressure (BP) compared to prehypertension and hypertension at 24, 28, and 32 h of total sleep deprivation (TSD). Thirty volunteers, healthy men with current medical tests indicating the absence of disease took part in the study. After physical examination (basic neurological, clinical examination, echocardiography and doppler ultrasound of the renal arteries, evaluation of the autonomic nervous system) subjects were divided into three groups: I - normotensive, II - pre-hypertensive, III - hypertensive (age: 31.

Hemodynamic, Autonomic, and Vascular Function Changes after Sleep Deprivation for 24, 28, and 32 Hours in Healthy Men.

This study aimed to analyze the impact of sleep deprivation (SD) on cardiac, hemodynamic, and endothelial parameters and to determine whether these are sustained with increased periods of SD. The study included 60 healthy men (mean: age 31.2±6.

Cardiac and autonomic function in patients with Crohn's disease during remission.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess cardiac and autonomic function in patients with Crohn's disease and explore their relation to disease duration using cardiovascular reflex tests.

Materials And Methods: Cardiovascular parameters, baroreflex sensitivity, spectral-indices of short-term heart rate variability and blood pressure variability were compared between patients with Crohn's disease in remission (n = 30) and a control group (n = 29). Cardiac autonomic function was assessed during response to standing (tilt) and deep breathing test (expiration/inspiration ratio-E/I).

Acute Biochemical, Cardiovascular, and Autonomic Response to Hyperbaric (4 atm) Exposure in Healthy Subjects.

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of a hyperbaric environment alone on the cardiovascular system by ensuring elimination of factors that may mask the effect on hyperbaria. The research was performed in a hyperbaric chamber to eliminate the effect of physical activity and the temperature of the aquatic environment. Biochemical analysis and examination with the Task Force Monitor device were performed before and immediately after exposure.

The impact of total sleep deprivation upon cognitive functioning in firefighters.

Introduction: Firefighters as a profession are required to maintain high levels of attention for prolonged periods. However, total sleep deprivation (TSD) could influence negatively upon performance, particularly when the task is prolonged and repetitive.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the influence of TSD on cognitive functioning in a group of firefighters.

Effects of 3-months sitting callisthenic balance and resistance exercise on aerobic capacity, aortic stiffness and body composition in healthy older participants. Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Arterial stiffness (AS) is a reduction in the ability of large arteries to readily accommodate the increase in blood ejected from the heart during systole related with aging. Physical exercise is associated with AS reduction. However, it remains controversial as to which modality and intensity (resistance vs aerobic, high vs low) would be the most effective.

Comprehensive non-invasive cardiac and autonomic assessment in acute ischemic stroke patients: a pilot study.

Background: The aim of this study was to comprehensively determine hemodynamic and autonomic responses during-head up tilt test (HUT) in the acute and recovery phase of ischemic stroke.

Methods: Cardiovascular parameters, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), spectral-indices of heart rate (HRV), systolic (sBPV) and diastolic blood pressure variability (dBPV) were measured at rest in ischemic stroke patients (N.=17) and control group (N.

Role of peripheral vascular resistance as an indicator of cardiovascular abnormalities in patients with Parkinson's disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiovascular autonomic modulation in response to an orthostatic stress in healthy subjects and Parkinson's disease (PD). The study included 47 controls and 56 PD patients divided into groups (vasoconstrictor PD, vasodilator PD, control) according to vasodilation/vasoconstriction response during 70° head up tilt test. Using impedance cardiography (ICG) and electrocardiography (ECG) we measured stroke volume, cardiac output, left ventricular work index, left ventricular ejection time, acceleration index, index of contractility, Heather index, thoracic fluid content, total peripheral resistance, total arterial compliance.

Long-term high intensity sport practice modulates adaptative changes in athletes' heart and in the autonomic nervous system profile.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare cardiovascular and autonomic adaptation changes in athletes exposed to high intensity and uninterrupted training for extended periods of time.

Methods: We assessed hemodynamic profile and cardiac function in 22 international master-level athletes free of cardiovascular disease who experienced particularly intensive and uninterrupted training over an 8- to 21-year-period.

Results: One-way ANOVA revealed that in athletes, extreme and uninterrupted strength and endurance training over long periods of time (up to 21 years) causes an increase in resting heart rate (50.