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Biomedical subjects

L Braak

Publications and source records attributed to L Braak.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Cardiovascular adaptation during simulated microgravity: lower body negative pressure to counter orthostatic hypotension.

The cardiovascular function is one of the main functions disturbed by microgravity. It is particularly affected by the astronaut's return to Earth, where one of the symptoms of the cardiovascular adaptation syndrome is orthostatic hypotension; the clinical consequence can be presyncopal state or a syncope. Lower body negative pressure (LBNP) is intended to stimulate the venous system of the lower limbs. Studies performed in the U.S. have shown that LBNP constitutes an efficient countermeasure, but this approach is impractical because 4 to 6 h/d of application are required. Five volunteers took part in two recent antiorthostatic bed rest experiments for 30 days. In the first experiment, three subjects were submitted to several sessions of LBNP per day and two others were controls; in the second, the LBNP group of the first experiment became control and vice versa. Two orthostatic investigations were performed: 5 d before bed rest; and at the end of the 30-d bed rest period. The results showed that: 1) when the subjects were controls, a high orthostatic hypotension post bed rest with three syncopes and one presyncopal state during the first minutes of the tilt test appeared; 2) when the subjects were submitted to LBNP sessions, no orthostatic hypotension was noted. These two experiments proved the beneficial effects of the LBNP as a countermeasure against orthostatic hypotension.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1990

Cardiovascular deconditioning during weightlessness simulation and the use of lower body negative pressure as a countermeasure to orthostatic intolerance.

The cardiovascular function is one of the main disturbed by weightlessness: it is particularly affected by the astronaut's return to Earth, where symptoms linked to the cardiovascular deconditioning syndrom appear in the following forms: (1) orthostatic intolerance with its risk of syncope: (2) higher submaximal oxygen consumption for an equivalent work load. Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) is intended to stimulate the venous system of the lower limbs; however, the specific effects of periodical LBNP sessions on the orthostatic intolerance have never been studied. With this objective in mind, 5 volunteers took part in two recent antiorthostatic bedrest experiments for 30 days. In the first experiment 3 subjects were submitted to several sessions of LBNP experiment per day and 2 others were controls; in the second experiment the LBNP group of the 1st one became controls and vice-versa. Two orthostatic investigations were performed: (1) 5 days before the bedrest; (2) at the end of the 30 day bedrest period. The results showed: (1) when the subjects were control, a high orthostatic intolerance post bedrest with 3 syncopes and one presyncopal state during the first minutes of the tilt test; (2) when the subjects were submitted to LBNP sessions, no orthostatic intolerance.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Cardiovascular deconditioning syndrome during space flight].

Weightlessness results, in Man, in a redistribution of organic fluids from the lower half of the body to the thoraco-cephalic areas. This fluid transfer is responsible, in the course of the flight, for a series of subjective and objective disorders which the astronauts will experience. These disorders are related to venous stasis in the thoraco-cephalic area. Moreover, upon return of any space mission, regardless of its length, the astronauts will experience a disadaptation of their cardiovascular system indicated by hypotension with the possible occurrence of a presyncopal state, or even a syncope and a lowered stress capability. The haemodynamic consequences of this fluid transfer, from central and peripheral standpoint, and the mechanisms implicated in the cardiovascular deconditioning syndrome, are presented and discussed.

Blood Circulation↗
PubMed1978

Hemodynamic and metabolic factors in human cerebral ischemia.

Hemodynamic and metabolic cerebral measurements (CBF, CMRO2, CMRG, CSF) were evaluated in stroke patients. To investigate the effects of chronic cerebral circulatory insufficiency, CBF and CMRO2 were also studied. Further nontraumatic investigations of CBF measurement will allow a better understanding of clinical cases.

Acidosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Analytical definition and proposed concept for the manned infrastructure of a lunar outpost.

A recent study made by ESA has reviewed the scientific investigations to be only, or best, performed on the Moon (Return to the Moon, ESA SP-1150, June 1992), and has identified the need for a manned lunar outpost to provide support to field geologists in sampling and in-situ observations of the lunar surface, and to allow the refurbishments of surface stations and rovers. Planning and development for a manned outpost on the Moon requires an in-depth understanding and analysis of the functions this outpost is expected to perform. We therefore analyzed the impact of the proposed scientific investigations on the design of a manned lunar outpost. The specific questions raised in our study were: What are the medical, physiological and psychological risks for a crew to stay and to work on the Moon? What transit and lunar surface infrastructures (habitats and vehicles) are needed to minimize those risks?

Ecological Systems, Closed↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Influence of age on several parameters of the Doppler signal at the carotid level (author's transl)].

Doppler recordings are an interesting method of exploration of the circulatory system and more information can be obtained than is generally accepted. This study demonstrates the influence of age on the Doppler signal treated in 3 different ways. This is done in order to obtain supplementary criteria if possible, which can be used to assess arterial aging and its possible pathological character. The results show the dispersion of the resistance index R after 50 years of age, many subjects having an increased index. The influence of various factors such as hypertension, smoking..., are analyzed. Particular attention is drawn to the morphological changes in the curve. Hard echos that are usually filtered are specifically analyzed. These represent the reflexion of ultrasounds on the arterial wall and it could be possible to obtain information on flow rate and vessel wall elasticity. Preliminary results show important variations of the signal with age. Doppler recordings from the carotid vessels can be used to follow, in an approximate manner, the rapid variations of cerebral blood perfusion. The during of circulatory disturbance was studied when the cerebral circulation was exposed to a particular situation requiring rapid adaptation: in this case the squatting-standing test. Large differences were observed according to age.

Adult↗