Development and evaluation of a novel system for inducing orthostatic challenge by tilt tests and lower body negative pressure.

Lower body negative pressure (LBNP) is a method derived from space medicine, which in recent years has been increasingly used by clinicians to assess the efficiency of the cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms. LBNP with combined tilt testing is considered as an effective form of training to prevent orthostatic intolerance. We have developed a prototype system comprising a tilt table and LBNP chamber, and tested it in the context of the feasibility of the device for assessing the pilots' efficiency.

Spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity in subjects with type 1 diabetes with and without cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy.

Introduction: The clinical usefulness of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in the early detection of autonomic dysfunction in patients with diabetes is not well established. The aim of the study was the evaluation of BRS in subjects with type 1 diabetes with and without cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN).

Material And Methods: The group examined consisted of 39 patients with type 1 diabetes (mean age 30.

Daily changes in cardiac and vascular blood pressure components during breath holding episodes in obstructive sleep apnea patients after day-shift and night-shift work.

We evaluated daily variability in the cardiovascular response to arterial chemoreceptors activation during breath holding in shift workers who were obstructive sleep apnea patients. Ten patients and 10 weight and age-matched control subjects were enrolled in the study. The experimental sessions consisted of 10 episodes of breath holding on inspiration interspersed with 1 min free breathing periods, repeated every 6 h: at 0.

Nonlinear dynamics of the cardiovascular parameters in sleep and sleep apnea. In memory of Alberto Malliani (1935-2006)--a brave heart and beautiful mind.

The aim of our study was to characterize the dynamics of heart rate variability (HRV) during sleep in healthy subjects and in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Present results were compared with earlier data obtained in healthy subjects (1) performing intermittent voluntary apneas. Power spectra in low (LF) and high (HF) frequency band and non linear indices: correlation dimension (CD) and recurrence plots were computed.