Arterial Blood Oxygen Saturation Research Articles

Effects of Medetomidine-Butorphanol and Medetomidine-Buprenorphine on Oxidative Stress and Vital Parameters in Dogs Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy.

Oxidative stress (OS) is caused by an imbalance between the production of oxygen-containing free radicals and their elimination. General anesthesia increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and therefore causes oxidative stress. Our objective was to determine the effects of medetomidine-butorphanol (MEDBUT) and medetomidine-buprenorphine (MEDBUP) on oxidative stress and cardiorespiratory parameters in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Ten healthy female dogs were randomly assigned to two groups: the MEDBUT group (n = 5) received medetomidine and butorphanol, while the MEDBUP group (n = 5) received medetomidine and buprenorphine. OS was evaluated by measuring total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) during five different time points (from the administration of anesthetic drugs to 2 h after surgery). The observed vital cardiorespiratory parameters included heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR), noninvasive systolic (SAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial blood pressures, oxygen saturation (SpO2), end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2), and body temperature (BT). Cardiorespiratory parameters were altered at a significantly greater degree in animals sedated with MEDBUT (p < 0.05). The administration of medetomidine-butorphanol was more likely to increase OS parameters, while medetomidine-buprenorphine showed decreased levels of oxidative stress throughout the study.

COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality outcomes in pregnant patients admitted to intensive care unit

Background: Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19 pneumonia. Materials and Methods: Demographic data, presenting complaints, laboratory values, pregnancy outcomes, delivery method, and ICU mortality were recorded. Results: A total of 10 pregnant patients were admitted to the intensive care unit of our hospital due to SARS-COV-2 infection during the 2-year period. Arterial blood oxygen saturation values measured at admission to the ICU were higher in the surviving patients. Six of the 10 patients died. Only one of the 7 patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation survived. Conclusions: We found that COVID-19-infected pregnant women with severe symptoms have several maternal morbidities and poor obstetric outcomes, such as prolonged intensive care unit stay, increased mortality, neonatal deaths, and caserean section.

Effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on the vital signs and fatigue in kidney transplant patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Multiple effective nursing interventions are needed to manage deviations from normal vital signs and fatigue experienced by kidney transplant patients. In this study, we investigated the effect of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercises on vital signs and fatigue in kidney transplant patients. We conducted a randomized controlled experimental study with 52 patients (intervention = 26, control = 26) who underwent kidney transplantation at a university hospital in Turkey and met the inclusion criteria. The "Descriptive Characteristics Form", "Vital Signs Monitoring Form", and "Fatigue Severity Scale" were used to record data on the patients. Then, the patients in the intervention group (baseline assessment) were trained to perform PMR exercises, asked to practice, and followed up (first follow-up). Patients were recommended to perform PMR exercises for 20min every day for four weeks. The second follow-up in the second week after discharge and the third follow-up at the end of the fourth week were performed in the outpatient clinic. We found that the pulse rate, body temperature, and arterial blood pressure decreased over time and oxygen saturation increased in the patients of the intervention group. The PMR exercises decreased fatigue in these patients. The arterial blood pressure and oxygen saturation values differed significantly across different time points among the patients in the control group. The difference in the scores of fatigue severity between the pre-follow-up and the third follow-up in the control group was not significant. PMR exercises were found to be an effective nursing intervention in regulating vital signs and reducing fatigue in renal transplant patients.

Oxidative Stress Reaction to Hypobaric-Hyperoxic Civilian Flight Conditions.

In military flight operations, during flights, fighter pilots constantly work under hyperoxic breathing conditions with supplemental oxygen in varying hypobaric environments. These conditions are suspected to cause oxidative stress to neuronal organ tissues. For civilian flight operations, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also recommends supplemental oxygen for flying under hypobaric conditions equivalent to higher than 3048 m altitude, and has made it mandatory for conditions equivalent to more than 3657 m altitude. We hypothesized that hypobaric-hyperoxic civilian commercial and private flight conditions with supplemental oxygen in a flight simulation in a hypobaric chamber at 2500 m and 4500 m equivalent altitude would cause significant oxidative stress in healthy individuals. Twelve healthy, COVID-19-vaccinated (third portion of vaccination 15 months before study onset) subjects (six male, six female, mean age 35.7 years) from a larger cohort were selected to perform a 3 h flight simulation in a hypobaric chamber with increasing supplemental oxygen levels (35%, 50%, 60%, and 100% fraction of inspired oxygen, FiO2, via venturi valve-equipped face mask), switching back and forth between simulated altitudes of 2500 m and 4500 m. Arterial blood pressure and oxygen saturation were constantly measured via radial catheter and blood samples for blood gases taken from the catheter at each altitude and oxygen level. Additional blood samples from the arterial catheter at baseline and 60% oxygen at both altitudes were centrifuged inside the chamber and the serum was frozen instantly at -21 °C for later analysis of the oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde low-density lipoprotein (M-LDL) and glutathione-peroxidase 1 (GPX1) via the ELISA test. Eleven subjects finished the study without adverse events. Whereas the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) levels increased in the mean with increasing oxygen levels from baseline 96.2 mm mercury (mmHg) to 160.9 mmHg at 2500 m altitude and 60% FiO2 and 113.2 mmHg at 4500 m altitude and 60% FiO2, there was no significant increase in both oxidative markers from baseline to 60% FiO2 at these simulated altitudes. Some individuals had a slight increase, whereas some showed no increase at all or even a slight decrease. A moderate correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.55) existed between subject age and glutathione peroxidase levels at 60% FiO2 at 4500 m altitude. Supplemental oxygen of 60% FiO2 in a flight simulation, compared to flying in cabin pressure levels equivalent to 2500 m-4500 m altitude, does not lead to a significant increase or decrease in the oxidative stress markers M-LDL and GPX1 in the serum of arterial blood.

The epidemiology and treatment outcomes of COVID-19 patients admitted to an intensive care unit in an Iranian hospital in Neyshabur city.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the infection of numerous individuals from diverse societies have emerged as major global challenges. Given the limited resources in intensive care units, effective bed management and resource allocation require a deep understanding of the disease. This study aimed to assess the epidemiology and treatment outcomes of COVID-19 patients admitted to an intensive care unit in an Iranian hospital in Neyshabur city. This cross-sectional study was conducted on COVID-19 patients hospitalized in intensive care units in Razavi Khorasan, Iran in 2021. Census sampling was used to include all intensive care units. Of the initial 480 cases, 54 cases were excluded based on the exclusion criteria, leaving 426 cases for the study. Data were collected with the help of a data collection form that was designed by the researcher and its content validity and reliability were measured with Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α = 89%.). Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 software. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Mean, standard deviation, and interquartile range indicators were used for descriptive statistics, and absolute frequency and relative frequency (percentage) were used to show numbers and ratios. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 66.33 (15.05) years, and 49.3% were female. The results showed that arterial blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and Alzheimer's disease were significant variables for predicting mortality. Furthermore, arterial blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and the need for transfusion of blood products were significant variables in predicting hospitalization and the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study demonstrated that arterial blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and Alzheimer's disease are crucial variables for predicting death. Furthermore, arterial blood oxygen saturation and respiratory rate are significant factors in predicting the risk of ARDS.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Ductus Arteriosus Stenting and Systemic-to-Pulmonary Artery Shunt Placement in a Cohort of Newborns with Duct-Dependent Pulmonary Circulation

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Ductus Arteriosus Stenting and Systemic-to-Pulmonary Artery Shunt Placement in a Cohort of Newborns with Duct-Dependent Pulmonary Circulation

Management of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and Evaluation of Survival Rate in Cats Exposed to Trauma

Background: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a complex condition that may be associated with sepsis or may progress with trauma, burns, and major surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the systemic inflammatory response syndrome and survival rate in traumatized cats. Methods: The study material consisted of 34(22.66%) cats diagnosed with SIRS among 150 cats who were traumatized by falling from a height. Cats were monitored and vital signs such as pulse, respiration, arterial blood pressure, oxygen saturation and body temperature were recorded. In addition, laboratory whole blood and biochemical tests were performed. In the treatment of cats with SIRS, it was aimed to provide circulatory support and support measures to keep the animal alive. Result: 27(79.41%) cats with SIRS died due to lung failure or multi-organ failure and 7(20.58%) cats survived. The prognosis in SIRS patients with trauma depends on the patient’s response to aggressive treatment and supportive care. SIRS has a high mortality rate. Common causes of death include cardiovascular collapse, multi-organ dysfunction and acute lung injury.

Effect of Combining Non-Invasive Ventilation with Vitamin D on Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This study aims to explore the effect of noninvasive ventilation combined with vitamin D in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ninety-eight patients admitted to Mengcheng County NO.1 People’s Hospital were included. The control group received comprehensive treatment, including bronchodilators, glucocorticoids, antibiotics, and expectorants, correction of water and electrolyte imbalance, and nutritional support. Based on the control group, patients in the treatment group received non-invasive ventilation combined with vitamin D. After therapy, the treatment group showed a higher total effective rate compared to the control group. The treatment group exhibited a more pronounced decrease in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and an increase in the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood and arterial oxygen saturation compared with the control group. The levels of forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in the first second were higher in the treatment group. Moreover, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin levels were lower, while CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels were higher; quality-of-life scores were lower. Combining non-invasive ventilation with vitamin D can improve blood gas indexes, promote lung function, reduce inflammatory response, and promote immune function in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Baseline plethysmographic signal of arterial pulse during polysomnography: a potential insight into venous return and its clinical implications

Pulse oximetry is based on the technique of photoplethysmography. It is known that the pulsatile arterial component can provide a range of information, such as arterial blood oxygen saturation, the response to fluid infusion, and the nature of respiratory events during sleep. Until now, little importance has been given to the venous component of the plethysmographic signal, which is non-pulsatile but subject to volumetric variations in relation to changes in endopleuric pressure.Respiratory-induced intensity variations contained in the baseline of the photoplethysmographic signal have been well documented. We hypothesize that in polysomnography, variations in the baseline of the plethysmographic signal (referred to as the BPS, baseline plethysmographic signal) reflect variations in venous return induced by respiration, and that these variations present morphological aspects that could have clinical utility in the interpretation of polysomnographic signals, particularly regarding respiratory effort associated with respiratory events, their nature (central or obstructive), and the hemodynamic alterations associated with them.This article presents a selection of polysomnographic traces and images with physiopathological considerations that support our hypothesis.

Tolerability of an Individualized Physical Rehabilitation Program in Patients Dependent on Inotropic Support With End-Stage Chronic Heart Failure

Aim To assess the tolerability of an individualized physical rehabilitation program (PRP) in inotrope-dependent patients with end-stage chronic heart failure (CHF).Material and methods This prospective randomized study included 120 men aged 18-65 years with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤30 % and blood pressure ≥90 / 60 mm Hg. Patients who have received dobutamine or dopamine for ≥2 weeks were randomized into two groups: group 1, 40 patients who participated in the PRP and group 2, 40 patients who did not participate in the PRP. Group 3 included 40 patients without inotropic support who participated in the PRP.Results Patients of groups 1 and 3 attended &gt;80 % of the scheduled classes without developing life-threatening adverse events (AEs) associated with exercise (E). After 6 months of the study, the exercising patients achieved a comparable (average) E intensity: 44 [35; 50]% and 45 [40;52]% of heart rate reserve and Borg scale scores 14 [12; 14] and 13 [11; 14] in groups 1 and 3, respectively (p&gt;0.05). Initially, after 3 and 6 months at the peak of physical activity in groups 1 and 3, there was no decrease in arterial blood oxygen saturation according to pulse oximetry (SpO2) &lt;93 %. At baseline, lactate levels in central venous blood at rest were normal in all groups. After 6 months, the lactate concentration was 1.1 mmol / l in group 1, 2.3 mmol / l in group 2, and 1.4 mmol / l in group 3 (р1-2=0.005; p2-3=0.008, respectively). At the E peak at baseline, after 3 and 6 months, comparable increases in lactate not exceeding 3 mmol / l were detected in groups 1 and 3.Conclusion The study allowed assessment of the tolerability of individualized PRP performed at the aerobic level of energy supply, in inotropic-dependent patients with CHF. Individualized 6-month PRP in inotropic-dependent patients with end-stage CHF, provided safety criteria are met, is well tolerated and does not increase the number of AEs associated with CHF and physical rehabilitation (PR). Continued inotropic support with dopamine or dobutamine should not be considered as a contraindication to PR in patients with CHF in the absence of E intolerance or life-threatening AEs.

Relationship between Oxygen Saturation and Blood Cholesterol Levels in the Elderly

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), elderly people are a population group aged 60 years or more (WHO, 2015). In 2010 the number of elderly people was 18.1 million people or 17.6 percent. In 2014 the number increased to 18.8 million people. In Indonesia, elderly people in 2020 are estimated to reach 28.8 million people or 11.34 percent of the total population in the country. Based on 2018 data, Indonesia Health Research Organization (RISKESDA) stated the majority of elderly people in Indonesia have degenerative diseases and/or chronic health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease (Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, 2018). In the 21st century, a special challenge in the health sector from the continuing increase in the number of elderly people is the emergence of degenerative problems and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and mental health disorders, namely depression, dementia, anxiety disorders, and sleeping disorders. These diseases will cause problems if they are not treated or prevented. Oxygen saturation is the hemoglobin fraction of oxygen saturation relative to the total hemoglobin in the blood or the oxygen level in the blood. Oxygen is bound to Hemoglobin in the Red blood cells or Erythrocytes. The human body needs and regulates a very precise and specific balance of oxygen in the blood, because the human body needs oxygen from the environment outside the body for metabolic processes and body activities. The normal arterial blood oxygen saturation level in humans is 95-100 percent. Based on data from the Global Health Observatory (GHO) from the World Health Organization (WHO), it shows that one third of ischemic heart disease is caused by high cholesterol levels. Overall, elevated cholesterol is estimated to cause 2.6 million deaths (4.5% of total deaths in the world) and 29.7 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYS), or 2% of total DALYS. (Increased ......

Impact of collateral vessels on Fontan circulation by using 0-1 dimensional Fontan circulation model considering concepts of oxygen supply and consumption

Abstract Background/Purpose In patients with univentricular heart disease, the Fontan operation has played a significant role in improving cyanosis and reducing the volume load on the systemic ventricle. However, Fontan patients may develop various complications, and their hemodynamics may deteriorate gradually, resulting in a poor long-term survival rate. Development of collateral vessels before and/or after the Fontan operation is one of the significant problems, and the patients may suffer from advanced cyanosis and heart failure. Although recent studies about the collateral vessels by MRI showed that a significant amount of blood is flown through the collateral vessels, little is known about its effect on the Fontan circulation. Therefore, understanding the mechanism and impact of collateral vessels on the Fontan circulation is important. Methods A 0-1-dimensional Fontan circulation hemodynamic model was developed to reproduce the hemodynamic changes of the blood flow in the entire body by introducing two types of collateral vessels (VVC: veno-venous collateral, APC: aorto-pulmonary collateral) into the model considering clinical status. Also, giving various conditions by ranging catecholamine dose and introducing the concept of oxygen delivery and consumption by changing workloads, arterial and central venous oxygen saturations (SaO2 and SvO2) are predicted in the Fontan circulation models. To evaluate the cardiac function, considering the impact of collateral vessels, four representative values were examined: (1) cardiac output (CO) per minute; (2) Ees relative to arterial elastance (Ees/Ea); (3) ejection fraction; and (4) the stroke work (SW) to pressure-volume area (PVA) ratio (SW/PVA). Results SaO2 and SvO2 were less in Fontan circulations with both VVC and APC present (92% and 54%) than those without collateral vessels (96% and 62%). Also, with collateral vessels, Ees/Ea was decreased while SW/PVA was increased, leading to poor perfusion to the tissue. Regardless of the presence or absence of collateral circulation, SaO2 and SvO2, and systemic blood flow rate decreased when pulmonary vascular resistance was high. By administering catecholamine at 10 microgram/kg/min, in the presence of both VVC and APC, SvO2 was increased from 53% to 58%, while SaO2 was decreased from 92% to 88%. Conclusions The simulated results of arterial and venous blood oxygen saturations and systemic blood flow rate were well-reproduced, matching the previously reported clinical results. It is suggested that pulmonary vasodilators may be beneficial in increasing blood oxygen saturation and improving tissue perfusion, even in Fontan patients with collateral vessels. However, the catecholamine's positive effect is limited. For reproducing various conditions of Fontan circulations, it is necessary to collect actual measurement data from a variety of patients and validate the predicted value to increase the credibility of the model.Arterial and venous oxygen saturationsPressure and volume curves

MiR-210-3p enhances intermittent hypoxia-induced tumor progression via inhibition of E2F3.

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) is a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is related to tumorigenesis and progression. Although micro-ribonucleic acid-210-3p (miR-210-3p) is correlated with hypoxia-induced tumor development, its role in the relationship between IH and tumor function remains poorly understood. The present work focused on elucidating the molecular mechanism through which miR-210-3p drives tumor progression under IH. MiR-210-3p levels were quantified within tumor samples frompatients with lung adenocarcinoma who had or did not haveOSA. Correlations between miR-210-3p and polysomnographic variables were analyzed. For in vitro experiments, miR-210-3p was inhibited or overexpressed via transfection under IH conditions. Cell viability, growth, invasion and migration assays were carried out. For in vivo modeling of IH using mouse xenografts, a miR-210-3p antagomir was intratumorally injected, tumor biological behaviors were evaluated, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunohistochemistry and western blot were carried out for detecting miR-210-3p and E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) expression. For patients withlung adenocarcinoma and OSA, high miR-210-3p levels showed positive relation to polysomnographic variables, such as oxygen desaturation index, apnea-hypopnea index, and proportion of total sleep time with oxygen saturation in arterial blood < 90%. IH enhanced tumor viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion, downregulated E2F3 expression, and increased miR-210-3-p levels. miR-210-3p overexpression induced similar changes. These changes were reversed by miR-210-3p inhibition in vitro or miR-210-3p antagomir through intratumoral injection in vivo. IH-induced tumor development is driven through miR-210-3p by E2F3 suppression. MiR-210-3p represents a potential therapeutic target among patients with concomitant cancer and OSA.

The Effect of Limb Massage on Arterial Blood Oxygen Saturation and Body Temperature Changes in Patients Undergoing Surgery

Background: The use of massage as a safe method to control and manage complications after major surgery is recommended. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of this method on arterial blood oxygen saturation and temperature changes in patients after abdominal and thoracic surgery. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 60 patients undergoing surgery in Shahrekord city in 2019. They were enrolled in the study by convenience sampling and assigned to the intervention and control groups by the blocking method. In the intervention group, a hand and foot massage was performed at 5-minute intervals for 4 sessions on each patient's limb 3 times a day. The control group received routine care. Data were collected by a demographic questionnaire, pulse-oximetry, and thermometer. They were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and descriptive and inferential statistical tests (t-test, paired t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA)). Results: The mean arterial blood oxygen saturation in the groups after the intervention did not show a significant difference compared to before (P = 0.95), but its mean was significantly higher in the intervention group after the intervention than before (P &lt; 0.001). The mean temperature in the 2 groups after the intervention did not show a significant difference compared to before (P = 0.38), but the changes in the mean were significant in the massage group after the intervention compared to before (P = 0.019). Conclusions: The hand and foot massage can be used by nurses along with the required medical care to improve arterial blood oxygen saturation and reduce body temperature. Further research in this area is suggested.

Arterial blood analysis of healthy residents in Huamachuco, Peru (3,164 m): a cross-sectional study.

Background: Given that arterial blood gas is affected by altitude and ethnicity, establishing reliable reference standards for these values requires analysis of arterial blood at different elevations and locations. Our objective was to measure the arterial blood gases of healthy young volunteers in Huamachuco, Peru, at 3,164 m above sea level. This is likely the first study of arterial blood gas analysis of healthy Northern Peruvians living at high altitude. Methods: Healthy residents of Huamachuco were recruited for this cross-sectional convenience sample study and arterial blood was drawn by standard procedures. People with obesity, diabetes, high levels of physical activity and a history of using selected substances were excluded. The samples were analyzed on-site in less than 15 minutes using a Stat Profile Prime CCS analyzer (Nova Biomedical). Results: Data from 46 participants (17 male, 29 female) were included in the study. The median values for arterial blood pH, oxygen, carbon dioxide, ionized calcium, glucose, lactate, hematocrit, oxygen saturation, and bicarbonate were 7.42, 9.3 kPa (70 mmHg), 4.5 kPa (33.5 mmHg), 1.04 mM, 5.19 mM, 1.8 mM, 50 %, 94 %, and 21.6 mM, respectively. We also found a lower prevalence of diabetes among highlanders compared to the Peruvian population. Conclusions: The results determined here were comparable to other results determined at different altitudes in the Americas, although arterial blood oxygen was slightly higher than predicted. These results indicate that Northern Peruvians have an Andean-style adaptation to high altitude.

The Effects of Remifentanil, Dexmedetomidine, and Metoral as Adjuncts to Thiopental on Hemodynamic Status After Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder affecting more than 300 million people of all ages globally. Despite being the first-line treatment for depression, antidepressant medications are only effective for 60% - 70% of patients. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for severe cases, although it can result in short-term side effects. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of remifentanil, dexmedetomidine, and metoral as premedications for ECT in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). In this prospective double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial, a total of 120 MDD patients aged 18 - 60 were included. They were randomly assigned to receive remifentanil, dexmedetomidine, or metoral in combination with thiopental before ECT. Hemodynamic responses (mean arterial blood pressure, pulse rate, arterial blood oxygen saturation), seizure duration, recovery time, agitation scores, and patient satisfaction scores (reverse coded) were measured and compared. Dexmedetomidine exhibited superior hemodynamic control with lower mean arterial blood pressure (P < 0.001) and pulse rate (P < 0.001) than remifentanil and metoral. Patients receiving dexmedetomidine or remifentanil showed reduced agitation (P < 0.001) and better satisfaction than the metoral group (P < 0.001). Remifentanil displayed intermediate outcomes, while metoral exhibited the least favorable results. Seizure duration was not significantly different between the dexmedetomidine and remifentanil groups (P = 0.843). Dexmedetomidine is considered the most satisfactory group due to the better control of blood pressure, heart rate, and agitation and better patient satisfaction despite the longer recovery time.

Knowledge of pulse oximetry among emergency and critical care nurses.

The pulse oximeter is a simple, cost-effective and reliable device for estimating arterial blood oxygen saturation. Nurses are required to be knowledgeable in pulse oximeter use. Little is known about nurses' knowledge of pulse oximetry in the Middle East region. To assess nurses' knowledge of pulse oximetry among emergency and critical care nurses and to explore predictors of nurses' knowledge of pulse oximetry. This is the second part of data analysis that was first presented in the 'proficiency in ECG' study conducted in Jordan. The original data used for both parts of analysis included a questionnaire with two tests; a knowledge of pulse oximeter test and an ECG proficiency test. Participants were asked to take, alone without receiving assistance, both tests. In this study, the second part of analysis, the focus is on the pulse oximeter test. The test consisted of 21 items that emphasize knowledge of basic physiological principles as well as device limitations; whether technical or interpretation. The test administration procedure also included asking participants to provide socio-demographic variables. In the original data collected in both parts of analysis, nurses working in the emergency department, cardiac care units or intensive care units from nine different hospitals (1 governmental, 6 private and 2 educational) and holding a bachelor degree or higher were asked to participate. The total number of participating nurses was 210; out of 247 approached (response rate, 85%). The mean score in the nurses' knowledge of pulse oximetry test was 12.33 out of 21, corresponding to 58.7%. The clinical area currently working in predicted the knowledge of pulse oximetry test score after controlling for all other variables. Emergency department and intensive care unit nurses scored higher than cardiac care unit nurses by 1.86 and 1.63 points respectively (58.2% and 60% respectively). Nurses consistently report inadequate education and training concerning pulse oximeter use and interpretation. A revision to hospital in-service education seminars and undergraduate nurses' curriculum to assure adequate preparation is needed. Knowledge of pulse oximetry among emergency and critical care nurses is modest. This is a challenge worldwide. Predictors of nurses' knowledge of pulse oximetery are the clinical area currently working in (ICU and ED nurses are more knowledgeable than CCU nurses), proficiency in electrocardiography and taking an advanced cardiac life support course.

Blood gas parameters of Brahman cattle

Blood gas test evaluates hydroelectrolyte, acid-base balance, and lung function. The physiological parameters can be influenced by age and management and environmental factors, as well as the blood sample used: venous or arterial. The objective of this study was to analyze arterial and venous blood gas parameters of healthy Brahman cattle in Brazil, to determine reference values for this breed, comparing age and sex, in addition to evaluating the correlation between arterial and venous results. For the purpose of this research, 80 healthy cattle (40 males and 40 females) were grouped according to different age groups (Group I: from 5 to 30 days; Group II: from 31 days to 6 months; Group III: from 7 to 18 months; Group IV: from 19 to 36 months) and sex. The animals were examined by physical examination prior to the collection of the venous and arterial blood samples. Blood gas analyses were performed immediately after blood collections, using the I-STAT® portable device with EG7+ cartridge. There was a difference among age groups for rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR), and age × sex interaction for RT and RR. Younger animals (Group I) had higher RT, HR and RR, regardless of sex. Females had higher RT than males, regardless of age. As for blood gas parameters, only oxygen pressure (PO2) and arterial and venous concentrations of sodium ions (Na+) experienced the interaction between age × sex, while pH, carbon oxygen pressure (PCO2), oxygen saturation (SO2), potassium (K+), and calcium (iCa2+) concentrations of arterial and venous blood were influenced by the age of the animals. Calves in the Group I showed the main differences in blood gas parameters compared to adults (Groups III and IV). The neonates (Group I) had lower values of pH and SO2, and higher values of PCO2, K+ and iCa2+ of arterial and venous blood. High correlation could be observed in the values of pH, Na+, hematocrit and hemoglobin when measured in arterial and venous blood, therefore, one value can be obtained by the other. The other variables were very dispersed, confirming the differences pointed out in the literature between arterial and venous blood. Finally, the results of this study can be used as a reference for healthy animals of the Brahman breed.

ECG augmented pulse oximetry in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)—A pilot study

Understanding the tolerance limits of fish is crucial for developing aquaculture operations that ensure good animal welfare. However, there exist little data describing the physiological responses in farmed Atlantic salmon, much because the technological tools for taking such measurements have not existed. Recent advances in electronic implants have enabled concurrent measurement of electrocardiogram (ECG) and photoplethysmograms (PPG) in salmon that can be used for robust estimation of HR and oxygen saturation in arterial blood (i.e., SpO2/pulse oximetry) if appropriate strategies for motion artifact and light scattering compensation can be realized. To enable pulse oximetry for farmed Atlantic salmon (and fish in general), two experiments have been conducted. In Experiment 1, PPGs were obtained from salmon induced to swim at two different water currents under normoxic conditions. By using two water currents, the resulting data provided a foundation for developing methods for motion artifact compensation. Data from this experiment were also used to calculate an average light scattering parameter using the modified Beer–Lambert law, under the assumption that SpO2 was 100% for individual fish. In Experiment 2, fish were placed in a swim tunnel and subjected to hypoxic conditions and corresponding changes in SpO2 were estimated using the motion artifact and light scattering compensation approaches from Experiment 1.Results show that the suggested compensation approaches gives SpO2 estimates within the expected range (95% to 100%) under normoxic conditions. Under hypoxic conditions, changes in SpO2 that coincide with experiment events were observed, demonstrating that PPGs can be used to quantify such changes. The results from this pilot study therefore extend the selection of physiological parameters feasible to measure using electronic implants for Atlantic salmon. In doing so, the scope for physiological measurements is extended such that an improved understanding of physiological responses and tolerances in Atlantic salmon farming can be acquired, and ultimately be used to improve animal welfare in fish production.

Arterial blood analysis of healthy residents in Huamachuco, Peru (3,164 m): a cross-sectional study

Background: Given that arterial blood gas is affected by altitude and ethnicity, establishing reliable reference standards for these values requires analysis of arterial blood at different elevations and locations. Our objective was to measure the arterial blood gases of healthy young volunteers in Huamachuco, Peru, at 3,164 m above sea level. This is likely the first study of arterial blood gas analysis of healthy Northern Peruvians living at high altitude. Methods: Healthy residents of Huamachuco were recruited for this cross-sectional convenience sample study and arterial blood was drawn by standard procedures. People with obesity, diabetes, high levels of physical activity and a history of using selected substances were excluded. The samples were analyzed on-site in less than 15 minutes using a Stat Profile Prime CCS analyzer (Nova Biomedical). Results: Data from 46 participants (17 male, 29 female) were included in the study. The median values for arterial blood pH, oxygen, carbon dioxide, ionized calcium, glucose, lactate, hematocrit, oxygen saturation, and bicarbonate were 7.42, 9.3 kPa (70 mmHg), 4.5 kPa (33.5 mmHg), 1.04 mM, 5.19 mM, 1.8 mM, 50 %, 94 %, and 21.6 mM, respectively. We also found a lower prevalence of diabetes among highlanders compared to the Peruvian population. Conclusions: The results determined here were comparable to other results determined at different altitudes in the Americas, although arterial blood oxygen was slightly higher than predicted. These results indicate that Northern Peruvians have an Andean-style adaptation to high altitude.