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The precise mechanisms connecting the cardiovascular system and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are not well understood in detail. This paper investigates the couplings between the cardiac and respiratory components, as extracted from blood pressure (BP) signals and oscillations of the subarachnoid space width (SAS), collected during slow ventilation and ventilation against inspiration resistance. The experiment was performed on a group of 20 healthy volunteers (12 females and 8 males; BMI=22.1±3.2 kg/m2; age 25.3±7.9 years). We analysed the recorded signals with a wavelet transform. For the first time, a method based on dynamical Bayesian inference was used to detect the effective phase connectivity and the underlying coupling functions between the SAS and BP signals. There are several new findings. Slow breathing with or without resistance increases the strength of the coupling between the respiratory and cardiac components of both measured signals. We also observed increases in the strength of the coupling between the respiratory component of the BP and the cardiac component of the SAS and vice versa. Slow breathing synchronises the SAS oscillations, between the brain hemispheres. It also diminishes the similarity of the coupling between all analysed pairs of oscillators, while inspiratory resistance partially reverses this phenomenon. BP-SAS and SAS-BP interactions may reflect changes in the overall biomechanical characteristics of the brain.

The aim of the study was to compare simultaneously recorded a NIR-T/BSS and NIRS signals from healthy volunteers. NIR-T/BSS is a device which give an ability to non-invasively detect and monitor changes in the subarachnoid space width (SAS). Experiments were performed on a group of 30 healthy volunteers (28 males and 2 females, age 30.8 ± 13.4 years, BMI = 24.5 ± 2.3 kg/m 2 ). We analysed recorded signals using analysis methods based on wavelet transform (WT) for the wide frequency range from 0.0095 to 2 Hz. Despite the fact that both devices use a similar radiation source both signals are distinct from each other. We found statistically significant differences for WT amplitude spectra between both signals. Additionally, we showed different relationships of both signals to blood pressure. Collectively, based on the present findings and those of previous studies, we can conclude that the combination of NIR-T/BSS or NIRS signals and time-frequency analysis opens new frontiers in science, and give possibility to understand and diagnosis of various neurodegenerative and ageing related diseases to improve diagnostic procedures and patient prognosis.

The aim of the study was to assess cardiac and respiratory blood pressure (BP) and subarachnoid space (SAS) width oscillations during the resting state for slow and fast breathing and breathing against inspiratory resistance. Experiments were performed on a group of 20 healthy volunteers (8 males and 12 females; age 25.3 ± 7.9 years; BMI = 22.1 ± 3.2 kg/m 2 ). BP and heart rate (HR) were measured using continuous finger-pulse photoplethysmography. SAS signals were recorded using an SAS monitor. Oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SaO 2 ) and end-tidal CO 2 (EtCO 2 ) were measured using a medical monitoring system. Procedure 1 consisted of breathing spontaneously and at controlled rates of 6 breaths/minute and 6 breaths/minute with inspiratory resistance for 10 minutes. Procedure 2 consisted of breathing spontaneously and at controlled rates of 6, 12 and 18 breaths/minute for 5 minutes. Wavelet analysis with the Morlet mother wavelet was applied for delineation of BP and SAS signals cardiac and respiratory components. Slow breathing diminishes amplitude of cardiac BP and SAS oscillations. The overall increase in BP and SAS oscillations during slow breathing is driven by the respiratory component. Drop in cardiac component of BP amplitude evoked by slow-breathing may be perceived as a cardiovascular protective mechanism to avoid target organ damage. Further studies are warranted to assess long-term effects of slow breathing.

The aim of the study was to assess blood pressure-subarachnoid space (BP-SAS) width coupling properties using time-frequency bispectral analysis based on wavelet transforms during handgrip and cold tests. The experiments were performed on a group of 16 healthy subjects (F/M; 7/9) of the mean age 27.2 ± 6.8 years and body mass index of 23.8 ± 4.1 kg/m 2 . The sequence of challenges was first handgrip and then cold test. The handgrip challenge consisted of a 2-min strain, indicated by oral communication from the investigator, at 30% of maximum strength. The cold test consisted of 2 min of hand immersion to approximately wrist level in cold water of 4 °C, verified by a digital thermometer. Each test was preceded by 10 min at baseline and was followed by 10-min recovery recordings. BP and SAS were recorded simultaneously. Three 2-min stages of the procedure, baseline, test, and recovery, were analyzed. We found that BP-SAS coupling was present only at cardiac frequency, while at respiratory frequency both oscillators were uncoupled. Handgrip and cold test failed to affect BP-SAS cardiac-respiratory coupling. We showed similar handgrip and cold test cardiac bispectral coupling for individual subjects. Further studies are required to establish whether the observed intersubject variability concerning the BP-SAS coupling at cardiac frequency has any potential clinical predictive value.

Abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsatility has been implicated in patients suffering from various diseases, including multiple sclerosis and hypertension. CSF pulsatility results in subarachnoid space (SAS) width changes, which can be measured with near-infrared transillumination backscattering sounding (NIR-T/BSS). The aim of this study was to combine NIR-T/BSS and wavelet analysis methods to characterise the dynamics of the SAS width within a wide range of frequencies from 0.005 to 2 Hz, with low frequencies studied in detail for the first time. From recordings in the resting state, we also demonstrate the relationships between SAS width in both hemispheres of the brain, and investigate how the SAS width dynamics is related to the blood pressure (BP). These investigations also revealed influences of age and SAS correlation on the dynamics of SAS width and its similarity with the BP. Combination of NIR-T/BSS and time-frequency analysis may open up new frontiers in the understanding and diagnosis of various neurodegenerative and ageing related diseases to improve diagnostic procedures and patient prognosis.

Background: Acute hypoxia exerts strong effects on the cardiovascular system. Heart-generated pulsatile cerebrospinal fluid motion is recognised as a key factor ensuring brain homeostasis. We aimed to assess changes in heart-generated coupling between blood pressure (BP) and subarachnoid space width (SAS) oscillations during hypoxic exposure., Methods: Twenty participants were subjected to a controlled decrease in oxygen saturation (SaO2 = 80%) for five minutes. BP and heart rate (HR) were measured using continuous finger-pulse photoplethysmography, oxyhaemoglobin saturation with an ear-clip sensor, end-tidal CO2 with a gas analyser, and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV), pulsatility and resistive indices with Doppler ultrasound. Changes in SAS were recorded with a recently-developed method called near-infrared transillumination/backscattering sounding. Wavelet transform analysis was used to assess the relationship between BP and SAS oscillations., Results: Gradual increases in systolic, diastolic BP and HR were observed immediately after the initiation of hypoxic challenge (at fifth minute +20.1%, +10.2%, +16.5% vs. baseline, respectively; all P<0.01), whereas SAS remained intact (P = NS). Concurrently, the CBFV was stable throughout the procedure, with the only increase observed in the last two minutes of deoxygenation (at the fifth minute +6.8% vs. baseline, P<0.05). The cardiac contribution to the relationship between BP and SAS oscillations diminished immediately after exposure to hypoxia (at the fifth minute, right hemisphere -27.7% and left hemisphere -26.3% vs. baseline; both P<0.05). Wavelet phase coherence did not change throughout the experiment (P = NS)., Conclusions: Cerebral haemodynamics seem to be relatively stable during short exposure to normobaric hypoxia. Hypoxia attenuates heart-generated BP SAS coupling.

Background: Little is known about intracranial pressure (ICP)-cerebral haemodynamic interplay during repetitive apnoea. A recently developed method based on near-infrared transillumination/backscattering sounding (NIR-T/BSS) noninvasively measures changes in pial artery pulsation (cc-TQ) as well as subarachnoid width (sas-TQ) in humans., Method: We tested the complex response of the pial artery and subarachnoid width to apnoea using this method. The pial artery and subarachnoid width response to consecutive apnoeas lasting 30, 60 s and maximal breath-hold (91.1 ± 23.1 s) were studied in 20 healthy volunteers. The cc-TQ and sas-TQ were measured using NIR-T/BSS; cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV), pulsatility index and resistive index were measured using Doppler ultrasound of the left internal carotid artery; heart rate (HR) and beat-to-beat SBP and DBP blood pressure were recorded using a Finometer; end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) was measured using a medical gas analyser., Results: Apnoea evoked a multiphasic response in blood pressure, pial artery compliance and ICP. First, SBP declined, which was accompanied by an increase in cc-TQ and sas-TQ. Directly after these changes, SBP exceeded baseline values, which was followed by a decline in cc-TQ and the return of sas-TQ to baseline. During these initial changes, CBFV remained stable. Towards the end of the apnoea, BP, cc-TQ and CBFV increased, whereas pulsatility index, resistive index and sas-TQ declined. Changes in sas-TQ were linked to changes in EtCO2, HR and SBP., Conclusion: Apnoea is associated with ICP swings, closely reflecting changes in EtCO2, HR and peripheral BP. The baroreflex influences the pial artery response.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess changes in subarachnoid space width (sas-TQ), the marker of intracranial pressure (ICP), pial artery pulsation (cc-TQ) and cardiac contribution to blood pressure (BP), cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) and cc-TQ oscillations throughout the maximal breath hold in elite apnoea divers. Non-invasive assessment of sas-TQ and cc-TQ became possible due to recently developed method based on infrared radiation, called near-infrared transillumination/backscattering sounding (NIR-T/BSS)., Methods: The experimental group consisted of seven breath-hold divers (six men). During testing, each participant performed a single maximal end-inspiratory breath hold. Apnoea consisted of the easy-going and struggle phases (characterised by involuntary breathing movements (IBMs)). Heart rate (HR) was determined using a standard ECG. BP was assessed using the photoplethysmography method. SaO2 was monitored continuously with pulse oximetry. A pneumatic chest belt was used to register thoracic and abdominal movements. Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) was estimated by a 2-MHz transcranial Doppler ultrasonic probe. sas-TQ and cc-TQ were measured using NIR-T/BSS. Wavelet transform analysis was performed to assess cardiac contribution to BP, CBFV and cc-TQ oscillations., Results: Mean BP and CBFV increased compared to baseline at the end of the easy phase and were further augmented by IBMs. cc-TQ increased compared to baseline at the end of the easy phase and remained stable during the IBMs. HR did not change significantly throughout the apnoea, although a trend toward a decrease during the easy phase and recovery during the IBMs was visible. Amplitudes of BP, CBFV and cc-TQ were augmented. sas-TQ and SaO2 decreased at the easy phase of apnoea and further decreased during the IBMs., Conclusions: Apnoea increases intracranial pressure and pial artery pulsation. Pial artery pulsation seems to be stabilised by the IBMs. Cardiac contribution to BP, CBFV and cc-TQ oscillations does not change throughout the apnoea.

Introduction: Using a novel method called near-infrared transillumination backscattering sounding (NIR-T/BSS) that allows for the non-invasive measurement of pial artery pulsation (cc-TQ) and subarachnoid width (sas-TQ) in humans, we assessed the influence of sympathetic activation on the cardiac and respiratory contribution to blood pressure (BP) cc-TQ oscillations in healthy subjects., Methods: The pial artery and subarachnoid width response to handgrip (HGT) and cold test (CT) were studied in 20 healthy subjects. The cc-TQ and sas-TQ were measured using NIR-T/BSS; cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) was measured using Doppler ultrasound of the left internal carotid artery; heart rate (HR) and beat-to-beat mean BP were recorded using a continuous finger-pulse photoplethysmography; respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation (MV), end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) and end-tidal O2 (EtO2) were measured using a metabolic and spirometry module of the medical monitoring system. Wavelet transform analysis was used to assess the relationship between BP and cc-TQ oscillations., Results: HGT evoked an increase in BP (+15.9%; P<0.001), HR (14.7; P<0.001), SaO2 (+0.5; P<0.001) EtO2 (+2.1; P<0.05) RR (+9.2%; P = 0.05) and MV (+15.5%; P<0.001), while sas-TQ was diminished (-8.12%; P<0.001), and a clear trend toward cc-TQ decline was observed (-11.0%; NS). CBFV (+2.9%; NS) and EtCO2 (-0.7; NS) did not change during HGT. CT evoked an increase in BP (+7.4%; P<0.001), sas-TQ (+3.5%; P<0.05) and SaO2(+0.3%; P<0.05). HR (+2.3%; NS), CBFV (+2.0%; NS), EtO2 (-0.7%; NS) and EtCO2 (+0.9%; NS) remained unchanged. A trend toward decreased cc-TQ was observed (-5.1%; NS). The sas-TQ response was biphasic with elevation during the first 40 seconds (+8.8% vs. baseline; P<0.001) and subsequent decline (+4.1% vs. baseline; P<0.05). No change with respect to wavelet coherence and wavelet phase coherence was found between the BP and cc-TQ oscillations., Conclusions: Short sympathetic activation does not affect the cardiac and respiratory contribution to the relationship between BP-cc-TQ oscillations. HGT and CT display divergent effects on the width of the subarachnoid space, an indirect marker of changes in intracranial pressure.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess non-invasively the effects of acute hypercapnia on the amplitude of cerebrovascular pulsation (CVP) in humans., Methods: Experiments were carried out in four male volunteers aged 25, 26, 31 and 49. Changes in blood flow through the pial arteries were induced using two interventions: (A) breathing a gas mixture containing 5% CO(2) for 2 minutes and (B) intravenous administration of 1g acetazolamide. The amplitude of CVP and width of subarachnoid space (SAS) were measured non-invasively using near-infrared transillumination/backscattering sounding (NIR-T/BSS), while cerebral blood flow was assessed by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and mean blood flow velocity in the left anterior cerebral artery by transcranial Doppler., Results: Inhalation of a gas mixture containing 5% CO(2) evoked an increase in the amplitude of CVP (202.5% ± SE 10.1), normalized number of counts (22.6% ± SE 3.5%) and mean blood flow velocity in the left cerebral anterior artery (37.6%± SE 11.7%), while resistive index decreased (-8.7% ± SE 2.3%) and the width of SAS decreased (-8.0 ± SE 0.45). Acetazolamide also produced an increase in the amplitude of CVP (23.7% ± SE 5.4%), normalized number of counts (7.9% ± SE 1.1%), and mean blood flow velocity in the left cerebral anterior artery (62.8% ± SE 13.7%), while resistive index decreased (-7.9% ± SE 1.7%), and the width of SAS decreased (-13.4% ± SE 3.4%)., Conclusion: Acute hypercapnia causes an increase in the amplitude of CVP pulsation in humans. NIR-T/BSS allows for non-invasive bedside monitoring of the amplitude of CVP. NIR-T/BSS is consistent with transcranial Doppler and SPECT., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of acute bilateral jugular vein compression on: (1) pial artery pulsation (cc-TQ); (2) cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV); (3) peripheral blood pressure; and (4) possible relations between mentioned parameters., Methods: Experiments were performed on a group of 32 healthy 19-30 years old male subjects. cc-TQ and the subarachnoid width (sas-TQ) were measured using near-infrared transillumination/backscattering sounding (NIR-T/BSS), CBFV in the left anterior cerebral artery using transcranial Doppler, blood pressure was measured using Finapres, while end-tidal CO(2) was measured using medical gas analyser. Bilateral jugular vein compression was achieved with the use of a sphygmomanometer held on the neck of the participant and pumped at the pressure of 40 mmHg, and was performed in the bend-over (BOPT) and swayed to the back (initial) position., Results: In the first group (n = 10) during BOPT, sas-TQ and pulse pressure (PP) decreased (-17.6% and -17.9%, respectively) and CBFV increased (+35.0%), while cc-TQ did not change (+1.91%). In the second group, in the initial position (n = 22) cc-TQ and CBFV increased (106.6% and 20.1%, respectively), while sas-TQ and PP decreases were not statistically significant (-15.5% and -9.0%, respectively). End-tidal CO(2) remained stable during BOPT and venous compression in both groups. Significant interdependence between changes in cc-TQ and PP after bilateral jugular vein compression in the initial position was found (r = -0.74)., Conclusions: Acute bilateral jugular venous insufficiency leads to hyperkinetic cerebral circulation characterised by augmented pial artery pulsation and CBFV and direct transmission of PP into the brain microcirculation. The Windkessel effect with impaired jugular outflow and more likely increased intracranial pressure is described. This study clarifies the potential mechanism linking jugular outflow insufficiency with arterial small vessel cerebral disease.

The objective was to assess changes in the width of the subarachnoid space (SAS) and amplitude of cerebrovascular pulsation (CVP) during acute elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) using Near Infrared Transillumination/Back Scattering Sounding (NIR-T/BSS). Changes in the width of the SAS and amplitude of CVP were observed in rabbits during experimental ICP elevation induced by: (1) quick injections of saline into the subdural space of the spinal cord, and (2) distension of a surgical catheter balloon placed intracranially in the subdural space. The amplitude of CVP was also assessed during acute elevation of blood pressure in the intracranial portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) induced by adrenaline. Each of the injections of saline caused a transient rise in the width of the SAS and amplitude of CVP. The amplitude of the increase in CVP was dependent on changes in blood pressure in the ICA (r=-0.82, P<0.01). Distension of the intracranial balloon resulted in elimination of the respiratory oscillations in the CVP and increased its systolic-diastolic amplitude. An increase in the amplitude of CVP was evoked by adrenaline without an increase in the carotid blood flow. We demonstrated that during elevation of ICP the amplitude of CVP depends on blood pressure rather than on blood flow in large cerebral vessels. Elimination of the respiratory oscillations by a minute ("sub-critical") ICP increase may be used as an early indicator of rising ICP. The direction of changes recorded using NIR-T/BSS was consistent with changes recorded using tensometric transducers.