Changes In Respiratory Rate Research Articles

Depressive rumination and heart rate variability: A pilot study on the effect of biofeedback on rumination and its physiological concomitants.

ObjectiveRecent studies suggest that lower resting heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with elevated vulnerability to depressive rumination. In this study, we tested whether increases in HRV after HRV-biofeedback training are accompanied by reductions in rumination levels.Materials and methodsSixteen patients suffering from depression completed a 6-week HRV-biofeedback training and fourteen patients completed a control condition in which there was no intervention (waitlist). The training included five sessions per week at home using a smartphone application and an ECG belt. Depressive symptoms and autonomic function at rest and during induced rumination were assessed before and after each of the two conditions. We used a well-established rumination induction task to provoke a state of pervasive rumination while recording various physiological signals simultaneously. Changes in HRV, respiration rate, skin conductance, and pupil diameter were compared between conditions and time points.ResultsA significant correlation was found between resting HRV and rumination levels, both assessed at the first laboratory session (r = -0.43, p < 0.05). Induction of rumination led to an acceleration of heart rate and skin conductance increases. After biofeedback training, resting vagal HRV was increased (p < 0.01) and self-ratings of state anxiety (p < 0.05), rumination (p < 0.05), perceived stress (p < 0.05), and depressive symptoms (QIDS, BDI; both p < 0.05) were decreased. In the control condition, there were no changes in autonomic indices or depressive symptomatology. A significant interaction effect group x time on HRV was observed.ConclusionOur results indicate that a smartphone-based HRV-biofeedback intervention can be applied to improve cardiovagal function and to reduce depressive symptoms including self-rated rumination tendencies.

Malignant Catatonia: A Review for the Intensivist.

Catatonia is a clinical syndrome characterized by psychomotor, neurological and behavioral changes. The clinical picture of catatonia ranges from akinetic stupor to severe motoric excitement. Catatonia can occur in the setting of a primary psychiatric condition such as bipolar disorder or secondary to a general medical illness like autoimmune encephalitis. Importantly, it can co-occur with delirium or coma. Malignant catatonia describes catatonia that presents with clinically significant autonomic abnormalities including change in temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. It is a life-threatening form of acute brain dysfunction that has several motoric manifestations and occurs secondary to a primary psychiatric condition or a medical cause. Many of the established predisposing and precipitating factors for catatonia such as exposure to neuroleptic medications or withdrawal states are common in the setting of critical illness. Catatonia typically improves with benzodiazepines and treatment of its underlying psychiatric or medical conditions, with electroconvulsive therapy reserved for catatonia refractory to benzodiazepines or for malignant catatonia. However, some forms of catatonia, such as catatonia secondary to a general medical condition or catatonia comorbid with delirium, may be less responsive to traditional treatments. Prompt recognition and treatment of catatonia are crucial because malignant catatonia may be fatal without treatment. Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with malignant catatonia, intensivists should familiarize themselves with this important and under-recognized condition.

Responses of moss biocrusts respiration to simulated grazing and trampling disturbance with different intensities on the fenced forestland of Loess Plateau, China

The changes in soil properties caused by grazing and trampling are important reasons for the changes in soil respiration rates, carbon fixation, and emission. However, the effects of different intensities of grazing and trampling on biocrusts respiration rate are unclear. In this study, we simulated grazing and trampling disturbances of 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70% intensity on moss biocrusts developed in aeolian sandy soil on Loess Plateau, with undisturbed moss biocrusts serving as a control. The changes in respiration rate of moss biocrusts were monitored continuously, and its responses to different disturbance intensities were analyzed. The results showed that: 1) moderate disturbance stimulated moss biocrusts respiration, while heavy disturbance inhibited that. The respiration rate of moss biocrusts was increased by 41.1% and 22.2% at disturbance intensities of 10% and 30%, but was decreased by 8.9% and 15.3% at disturbance intensities of 50% and 70%, respectively. 2) The trampling disturbance significantly changed soil temperature but did not affect soil water content. In comparison to the control, soil temperature of biocrusts was decreased by 0.4 and 1.2 ℃ at disturbance intensities of 10% and 30%, but it was increased by 1.1 and 1.0 ℃ at disturbance intensities of 50% and 70%, respectively. 3) The respiration rate of moss biocrusts showed a significant exponential relationship with soil temperature and a linear positive relationship with soil water content under different disturbance intensities. However, the correlation between respiration rate of moss biocrust and the characteristics of moss biocrust was not significant. Soil temperature and water content could explain 70.6%-96.3% and 49.1%-70.0% of the total variation of respiration rate of moss biocrusts, respectively. In conclusion, grazing and trampling affected the respiration rate of moss biocrusts, with short-term moderate grazing and trampling would have positive effects. On the other hand, excessive grazing and trampling would reduce the rate of moss biocrust respiration. As a result, future studies on soil carbon balance of the Loess Plateau should consider the effects of grazing and trampling on biocrust respiration.

Comparison of the sedative effects of three nalbuphine doses, alone or combined with acepromazine, in dogs.

To compare sedative, cardiopulmonary, and adverse effects of 3 nalbuphine doses, administered alone or in combination with acepromazine, in dogs. 6 healthy dogs. Dogs were administered nalbuphine (1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 mg/kg, intravenously [IV]) combined with physiologic saline solution (1 mL, IV; treatments SN1.0, SN1.5, and SN2.0, respectively) or acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg, IV; treatments AN1.0, AN1.5, and AN2.0, respectively) in random order, with a 1-week washout interval between treatments. Sedation scores, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were recorded before and 20 minutes after administration of saline solution or acepromazine (T0), and nalbuphine was administered at T0. Measurements were repeated 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after nalbuphine administration. Treatments SN and AN resulted in at least 120 minutes of mild sedation and 60 minutes of moderate sedation, respectively. Sedation scores were greater for treatments AN1.0, AN1.5, and AN2.0 at various times, compared with scores for treatments SN1.0, SN1.5, and SN2.0, respectively. Administration of nalbuphine alone resulted in salivation and panting in some dogs. All nalbuphine doses promoted mild sedation when administered alone, and moderate sedation when combined with acepromazine. Greater doses of nalbuphine did not increase sedation scores. All treatments resulted in minimal changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, and mean arterial pressure. Nalbuphine alone resulted in few adverse effects.

Potential benefits of Qi Gong meditation in quantifiable physiology: A five-year longitudinal observation

Qi Gong is a mind-and-body intervention to improve health and relieve disease conditions, which has been practiced for thousands of years. Lack of quantitative measures to monitor the quality and progress of Qi Gong practice has hindered the high-quality study to evaluate its health benefits. To develop such quantitative measures, vital sign changes in Qi Gong meditation practice of a single individual were monitored for 5 years by wearable devices. This retrospective and exploratory analysis revealed significant changes in blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, respiration rate, and perfusion index in response to Qi Gong practice and physiological adaptation to its long-term training. Among the physiological changes in vital signs, a physiological state with a significant 2-fold increase in pulse-respiration rate ratio was detected during Qi Gong meditation while the ratios were maintained at 4 under resting, sleeping, and mild cycling conditions. This is an inaugural report of a five-year longitudinal observation of this kind. Once validated in a well-designed cohort study, these non-invasive and easily obtained vital signs may be used as biomarkers to assess the adherence to breathing control during Qi Gong practice and can be applied to quantify the quality of Qi Gong practice in clinical trials with Qi Gong intervention.

Differential nutrient limitation and tree height control leaf physiology, supporting niche partitioning in tropical dipterocarp forests

Abstract Revealing the mechanisms of environmental niche partitioning within lowland tropical forests is important for understanding the drivers of current species distributions and potential vulnerability to environmental change. Tropical forest structure and species composition change across edaphic gradients in Borneo over short distances. However, our understanding of how edaphic conditions affect tree physiology and whether these relationships drive niche partitioning within Bornean forests remains incomplete. This study evaluated how leaf physiological function changes with nutrient availability across a fine‐scale edaphic gradient and whether these relationships vary according to tree height. Furthermore, we tested whether intraspecific leaf trait variation allows generalist species to populate a wider range of environments. We measured leaf traits of 218 trees ranging in height from 4 to 66 m from 13 dipterocarp species within four tropical forest types (alluvial, mudstone, sandstone and kerangas) occurring along an &lt;5 km edaphic gradient in North Borneo. The traits measured included saturating photosynthesis (Asat), maximum photosynthetic capacity (Vcmax), leaf dark respiration (Rleaf), leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf thickness, minimum stomatal conductance (gdark) and leaf nutrient concentrations (N, P, Ca, K and Mg). Across all species, leaf traits varied consistently in response to soil nutrient availability across forest types except Rleaf_mass, [Mg]leaf and [Ca]leaf. Changes in photosynthesis and respiration rates were related to different leaf nutrients across forest types, with greater nutrient‐use efficiency in more nutrient‐poor environments. Generalist species partially or fully compensated reductions in mass‐based photosynthesis through increasing LMA in more nutrient‐poor environments. Leaf traits also varied with tree height, except Vcmax_mass, but only in response to height‐related modifications of leaf morphology (LMA and leaf thickness). These height–trait relationships did not vary across the edaphic gradient, except for Asat, [N]leaf, [P]leaf and [K]leaf. Our results highlight that modification of leaf physiological function and morphology act as important adaptations for Bornean dipterocarps in response to edaphic and vertical environmental gradients. Meanwhile, multiple nutrients appear to contribute to niche partitioning and could drive species distributions and high biodiversity within Bornean forest landscapes. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Cumulative effect of different acute stressors on physiological and hormonal responses and milk yield in lactating Saanen goats

This study addresses the hypothesis that acute stress can cumulatively cause a decrease in milk yield in Saanen goats. In fact, dairy animals are subject to several environmental and management challenges that may cause acute stress during the same lactation. However, the cumulative effect of acute stress on milk yield remains unclear. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different acute stressors on milk yield and milk quality in goats. Thirty Saanen goats were either maintained on their usual routine and comfort conditions (control group) or subjected to different environmental stressors (heat stress, adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH] administration, hoof care, and rain). These stressful challenges were performed sequentially, one challenge per day, on four consecutive days to evaluate the influence of the challenge on milk yield and milk quality. The acute stress imposed on goats caused significant changes in respiratory rate, rectal temperature, cortisol, insulin, triiodothyronine, insulin-like growth factor 1, and glucose concentrations when compared to the control group. Although these acutestress-triggered physiological responses are fundamental to restoring homeostasis, the cumulative effects of different imposed challenges caused a change in hormone release, an increase in somatic cell count (SCC), and a decrease in milk yield. In this context, the results of this study indicate that farmers should avoid concurrently subjecting goats to management and environmental challenges that can induce acute stress because these stressors have a negative and cumulative impact on SCC and milk yield.

Cumulative effect of different acute stressors on physiological and hormonal responses and milk yield in lactating Saanen goats

This study addresses the hypothesis that acute stress can cumulatively cause a decrease in milk yield in Saanen goats. In fact, dairy animals are subject to several environmental and management challenges that may cause acute stress during the same lactation. However, the cumulative effect of acute stress on milk yield remains unclear. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different acute stressors on milk yield and milk quality in goats. Thirty Saanen goats were either maintained on their usual routine and comfort conditions (control group) or subjected to different environmental stressors (heat stress, adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH] administration, hoof care, and rain). These stressful challenges were performed sequentially, one challenge per day, on four consecutive days to evaluate the influence of the challenge on milk yield and milk quality. The acute stress imposed on goats caused significant changes in respiratory rate, rectal temperature, cortisol, insulin, triiodothyronine, insulin-like growth factor 1, and glucose concentrations when compared to the control group. Although these acutestress-triggered physiological responses are fundamental to restoring homeostasis, the cumulative effects of different imposed challenges caused a change in hormone release, an increase in somatic cell count (SCC), and a decrease in milk yield. In this context, the results of this study indicate that farmers should avoid concurrently subjecting goats to management and environmental challenges that can induce acute stress because these stressors have a negative and cumulative impact on SCC and milk yield.

Abstract LB203: Assessment of the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of a first-in-class cancer drug candidate E-602, a sialoglycan degrader, in non-human primates

Abstract E-602 is a novel, first-in-class, engineered human sialidase (Neu2) Fc fusion developed for cancer treatment by enhancing antitumor immunity through desialylating immunosuppressive sialoglycans. We have previously shown that E-602 cleaves off terminal sialic acids from surface sialoglycans on tumor and immune cells, restores the immune function of exhausted-like T cells, and enhances dendritic cell priming and activation of naïve T cells. E-602 has also demonstrated antitumor activity as a single agent in multiple syngeneic mouse tumor models. To support clinical development, we conducted a Good Laboratory Practice one-month repeat-dose toxicity study to evaluate E-602’s pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters, pharmacodynamic (PD) effects, and safety profiles in cynomolgus monkeys via weekly intravenous infusion of E-602 at 5, 30, 100, and 200 mg/kg for five doses. E-602 showed an apparent half-life (t1/2) of 4-6 hours and the terminal t1/2 of 10-30 hours with dose linearity from 30 mg/kg to 200 mg/kg. E-602 produced dose-dependent PD effects of desialylation of immune cells, such as T cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells, as monitored by flow cytometry. Despite the short half-life of E-602, the PD effect of immune cell desialylation sustained up to seven days for T cells, consistent with E-602’s enzymatic mechanism of action. Generally, E-602 was well tolerated up to 100 mg/kg with no dose-limiting adverse E-602-related changes in body weight, ophthalmology, neurological/musculoskeletal assessments, electrocardiogram parameters, respiratory rate, coagulation, urinalysis, organ weights, and histopathology. Animals in the 200 mg/kg dose group survived but showed isolated adverse histopathological changes with an uncertain relationship to E-602 administration. Therefore, the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of E-602 was determined as 100 mg/kg in cynomolgus monkeys. In conclusion, the PK and PD data have supported the selection of cynomolgus monkeys as the toxicity species to evaluate E-602’s safety profile. E-602 has demonstrated sustained PD effects of immune cell desialylation up to seven days postdose and a wide safety margin with NOAEL of 100 mg/kg in cynomolgus monkeys. Citation Format: Lizhi Cao, Jenny Che, Ali Chesney, Rakesh Dixit, Nancy Zheng, Nicole Zane, James Broderick, Li Peng. Assessment of the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of a first-in-class cancer drug candidate E-602, a sialoglycan degrader, in non-human primates [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr LB203.

Blood parameters in dermatitis of various etiologies in cattle

The purpose of the research is to identify a general pattern in the change in hematological and biochemical parameters in any lesions of cattle skin.Materials and methods. The work was carried out in October-November 2021 in the conditions of farms in the Ipatovsky district of the Stavropol Territory on cattle aged 9–12 months and 90–120 kg of body weight. During the veterinary clinical examination, four groups of fve heads each were formed, one of the groups was a control. Animals of the control group had no clinical signs of dermatitis. The experimental groups of animals were divided depending on the degree of intensity of skin lesions into mild, moderate and generalized forms of manifestation of dermatitis. The results obtained were processed statistically.Results and discussion. A veterinary clinical examination of this livestock made it possible to establish the dependence in case of damage to the skin not only in changes in temperature, respiratory rate and pulse, but also in blood parameters. The body temperature of calves with a generalized form of dermatitis increased by an average of 0.5 degrees, breathing increased by six units per minute, the pulse rate increased by 15–18 beats per minute. In calves with mild and moderate manifestation of dermatitis, these parameters did not have signifcant changes and were within the normal range. From hematological indicators, hemoglobin had a general tendency to decrease with increasing intensity of the lesion or aggravation of the pathological process. Such indicators as ESR, leukocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, on the contrary, tended to increase, especially in the generalized form. The slowdown of erythropoiesis and thrombocytopenia in the generalized form of dermatitis is presumably associated with intoxication of the body of calves. An increase in ESR, the number of eosinophils indicates an inflammatory process occurring in the animal's body. From biochemical indicators, an increase in the level of bilirubin, AST and ALT, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase indicates toxic liver damage due to intoxication of the body of calves due to inflammatory factors and decay products of affected skin cells.

Oxygen efficient respiratory Aid (OxEraTM) device: A safety study.

Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can develop pneumonia with severe complications. The Oxygen Efficient Respiratory Aid (OxEraTM) device has been granted SAPHRA approval for emergency COVID-19 pandemic use. The device has the potential to be used widely in the healthcare sector due to its efficient oxygen supply and adjustable wall positive expiratory pressure (PEP). We assessed whether the OxEraTM device was safe to use in a healthy adult volunteer population. Our primary objective was to ensure there was no asphyxiation, as assessed by changes observed from baseline End Tidal Carbon Dioxide (ETCO2) exceeding 6.3mmHg and above the 45mmHg threshold. We also monitored changes in vital organ signs and assessed the pain and comfort of the participant at various intervals with changes in PEPs. This was an experimental safety study of the OxEraTM Device on 30 healthy participants at the ICU training centre of Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa. Each participant had basic vital-signs, ETCO2, and Oxygen saturation percentages (SpO2%) taken at baseline until the end of 2h. In the first 20min, the PEP was increased by 5cmH20 until 20min, then continued for the rest of the time on a PEP of 5cmH20. At each interval, vital signs, subjective comfort, pain, and visual scores were measured. Thirty healthy participants were enrolled. There was no significant difference in ETCO2 from baseline until 2h. No participant experienced an increase in measured ETCO2 greater than 45mmHg and no increase in ETCO2 from baseline was greater than 6.3mmHg. The median increase in ETCO2 over the study period was 2mmHg. There were no significant changes in respiratory rate and blood pressure. The heart rate decreased significantly (73-68bpm). The VAS and comfort score had a significant increase over the 2h from baseline of 0-2 at maximum; however, the PAS scores showed no significant increase. Overall the OxEraTM device achieved the safety endpoints set out. There was no sign of asphyxiation and there were appropriate physiological responses to changes in PEP once applied. The comfort of the mask did worsen over the 2h; however, the scores were minimally worse on PEP application but improved once-off PEP. No adverse event was recorded at all.

Propofol-diazepam or propofol-midazolam co-induction in healthy dogs: effects on propofol dosages, cardiovascular and respiratory events

PICO question&#x0D; In healthy dogs, does the use of diazepam or midazolam administered in co-induction with propofol result in a reduction in the dose of propofol required to induce anaesthesia and a decrease in adverse cardiovascular and respiratory events?&#x0D; &#x0D; Clinical bottom line&#x0D; Category of research question&#x0D; Treatment&#x0D; The number and type of study designs reviewed&#x0D; Eight papers were critically reviewed. A total of six manuscripts were prospective, randomised, blinded, clinical studies. One trial was prospective, randomised, blinded, clinical with a Latin square, incomplete design. One study was retrospective, randomised, blinded, crossover, experimental&#x0D; Strength of evidence&#x0D; Moderate&#x0D; Outcomes reported&#x0D; Variables assessed in this Knowledge Summary included: propofol dose required to induce anaesthesia (considering successful orotracheal intubation as an end point), changes in cardiovascular variables (heart rate, systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressure) and changes in respiratory variables (development of apnoea, changes in respiratory rates)&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; In healthy dogs, using propofol-diazepam or propofol-midazolam co-induction resulted in a reduction in propofol dose required to induce anaesthesia in some trials only. Midazolam appeared more effective than diazepam in this context. The dosages, timing and sequence of drug administration seemed relevant. No evidence suggested that using propofol-diazepam or propofol-midazolam co-induction resulted in a reduction of adverse cardiovascular or respiratory events. In addition, although this was out of the scope of the PICO question addressed here, adverse events (e.g. excitement, poorer quality of induction) were reported in several studies when diazepam or midazolam were used in co-induction&#x0D; &#x0D; How to apply this evidence in practice&#x0D; The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.&#x0D; Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Slower Respiration Rate Predicts Lower Pain Sensitivity and Greater Supramarginal Gyrus Activation

The subjective experience of pain is driven by multiple physiological and psychological mechanisms supported by a dynamic interplay between low-level afferent input and higher-order cerebral mechanisms. Volitional changes in respiration rate predict changes in pain. However, it is unknown if naturally slower breathing rate is associated with lower pain sensitivity. Further, the brain mechanisms supporting breathing rate during noxious and innocuous stimulation have not been identified. Seventy-four healthy volunteers were administered innocuous (35°C) and noxious heat (Medoc; ten, 12s plateaus of 49°C) to the back of the right calf during pseudocontinuos arterial spin labeling fMRI acquisition (TI = 3 s, TE = 12 ms, TR = 4 s, reps = 66). A visual analogue scale (0 = no pain – 10 = worst pain imaginable) was used to collect pain intensity ratings after each fMRI series. Respiration rate was continuously acquired using a respiratory transducer (Biopac Systems). Linear regression analyses tested the hypothesized relationship between respiration rate and pain sensitivity (SPSS). Standard preprocessing of the functional images included 9 mm spatial smoothing, registration to MNI template and white matter signal regression. A whole-brain analysis examined the between-subjects neural correlates of respiration rate during noxious heat scans (FSL, z>3.1, cluster corrected p<0.05). Slower respiration rate during noxious and innocuous heat predicted lower pain intensity ratings (r = .26, p = 0.03; r = .28, p = .02 respectively). Slower breathing rate was associated with higher cerebral blood flow in the right supramarginal gyrus (SMG) during noxious heat. Individuals that naturally breathed slower during noxious and innocuous stimulation reported lower pain sensitivity. This is supported by stronger activity in the ipsilateral SMG, a region associated with higher somatic-awareness and attention-reorienting towards endogenously-driven stimuli. We propose that individuals that naturally breath slower might engage pain modulatory mechanisms through higher self-awareness.

Neurocognitive Capabilities and Physiological Responses to Cognitive Stress as well as General Health and Fitness Measurements in Competitive Gamers versus Non‐Gamers

Competitive video gaming, also known as eSports, is a growing industry in the US and worldwide. As interest in eSports has grown, so has the interest in those who participate, particularly competitive eSports athletes. The physiological and cognitive impact of various training regimes, high frequency and duration of play, and live or virtual competitions has gained recent attention. The aim of this study was to characterize potential cognitive and physiological differences among competitive gamers and non‐gamers while accounting for fitness levels. Specifically, the physiological parameters compared were differences in stress response [as measured by changes in heart rate (HR), blood pressure (MAP), and respiration rate (RR)] due to cognitive load (via various cognitive assessments) and fitness measurements such as body composition and health and skill related fitness components. Twenty‐two total participants were studied [n=11 in gamers (9M, 2F, play &gt;5 hrs/wk) and non‐gamers (8M, 3F)]. The six different cognitive tests used were to measure various neurocognitive components that have previously been shown to be enhanced in gamers: the Stroop Test (cognitive set shifting, inhibitory control, and set twitching), Modified Card Sorting Test (problem solving and abstract thinking), Finger Tapping Test (psychomotor speed), Trail Making Test (speeded visual search and tracking), Spatial Processing Task (spatial recognition), and Iowa Gambling Test (risky decision making) were administered via a computer (Millisecond). After completing cognitive testing, each subject’s health‐related fitness components (muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and estimated aerobic capacity) were assessed with a handgrip dynamometer, Situp Bleep test, V Sit and Reach Test, and Modified Bruce Treadmill, respectively. Skill‐related fitness components (power, balance, hand‐eye coordination) were assessed with vertical jump, the Balance Error Scoring System, and the Alternate Hand Wall Ball Test, respectively. Body anthropometrics was measured through height, weight, BMI, body fat percentage (via bioelectrical impedance analysis), and hip‐to‐waist measurements. Of the cognitive components assessed, the only difference was that the video gamers had average scores for the Finger Tapping Test (70.1±10.6) that were trending towards significance versus the non‐gamers (62.3±6.7; p=0.052). The systemic physiological responses to the cognitive testing were minimal (non‐gamers: ∆MAP ‐1.7 to 0.3 mmHg, ∆RR 0.1 to 3.4 BPM, ∆HR ‐3.5 to 7.8 BPM; gamers: ∆MAP ‐0.01 to 1.5 mmHg, ∆RR 2.4 to 4.3 BPM, ∆HR ‐2.7 to 4.0 BPM) and did not differ between the two groups. As intended, given the potential impact of fitness on cognitive performance and sympathoexcitation, the fitness levels of the participants were not different. Thus, when physical activity is accounted for, competitive gamers and non‐gamers perform similarly in most cognitive tasks and have similar physiological responses to this stress.

Postoperative pain assessment with concurrent administration of intraperitoneal tramadol and incisional lidocaine following ovariohysterectomy in dogs

This study aimed to assess postoperative pain with concurrent administration of intraperitoneal tramadol and incisional lidocaine following ovariohysterectomy in dogs. A group of twenty mixed breed female dogs, aged 1–2 years, weighing 19.5 ± 0.8 kg were used. Initially, dogs were sedated with intramuscular administration of acepromazine 1%. Anaesthesia was induced with diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) and ketamine (10 mg/kg) and maintained with 1.5% Isoflurane. Ketoprofen (2 mg/kg) was administered intravenously immediately before surgery. Five minutes before midline incision, saline (0.2 ml/kg) was administered to the muscles and subcutaneous space around the incision in the tramadol-saline (TS) group. Also, in the tramadol-lidocaine (TL) group, lidocaine 2% with epinephrine (1.5 mg/Kg) was administered. Ovariohysterectomy was performed and before closing the linea alba, tramadol (4 mg/kg) was splashed on the abdominal viscera in both groups. Cortisol, vital signs and pain scoring systems were evaluated at different time points. Heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature changes were not significant between groups. Cortisol level showed a significant difference between groups at 1, 3 and 6 hours after surgery (p≤0.05). Both UMPS and CMPS-SF pain scores in the TL group were significantly lower than the TS group at 30 minutes, 1, 3 and 6 hours after surgery (p≤0.05) and also at 12 hours after surgery (p≤0.05). It seems that intraperitoneal administration of tramadol (4 mg/kg) along with administration of incisional lidocaine with epinephrine (1.5 mg/kg) is recommended following ovariohysterectomy in dogs.

Evaluation of lung ventilation distribution using electrical impedance tomography in standing sedated horses with capnoperitoneum

ObjectiveTo determine changes in distribution of lung ventilation with increasing intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) from carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation in standing sedated horses. Study designProspective experimental study. AnimalsA group of six healthy adult horses. MethodsEach horse was sedated with acepromazine, detomidine and butorphanol and sedation maintained with a detomidine infusion. The horse was restrained in a stocks system and a 32 electrode electrical impedance tomography (EIT) belt was wrapped around the thorax at the fifth–sixth intercostal space. EIT images and arterial blood samples for PaO2 and PaCO2, pH and lactate concentration were obtained during capnoperitoneum at 0 (baseline A), 5, 8 and 12 mmHg as IAP increased and at 8, 5, 0 (baseline B) mmHg as IAP decreased. At each IAP, after a 2 minute stabilization period, EIT images were recorded for ≥ 2 minutes to obtain five consecutive breaths. Statistical analysis was performed using anova for repeated measures with Geisser-Greenhouse correction and a Tukey’s multiple comparison test for parametric data. The relationship between PaO2 and the center of ventilation in the ventral-dorsal (CoV-VD) and right-left (CoV-RL) directions or total impedance change as a surrogate for tidal volume (ΔZVT) were tested using linear regression analysis. Significance was assumed when p ≤ 0.05. ResultsThere were no significant changes in CoV-VD, CoV-RL, PaO2, PaCO2, lactate concentration, pH, heart rate and respiratory rate with targeted IAP. There was a significant decrease in ΔZVT compared with baseline A at 5 mmHg IAP as IAP was increased. Conclusions and clinical relevanceCapnoperitoneum causes a significant decrease in ΔZVT in standing sedated horses with increasing IAP.

Feasibility and accuracy of the 40-steps desaturation test to determine outcomes in a cohort of patients presenting to hospital with and without COVID-19

Desaturation on exercise has been suggested as a predictive feature for deterioration in COVID-19. The objective of this paper was to determine the feasibility and validity for the 40-steps desaturation test.A prospective observational cohort study was undertaken in patients assessed in hospital prior to discharge. One-hundred and fifty-two participants were screened between November 2020 and February 2021, and 64 were recruited to perform a 40-steps desaturation test. Patients who were able to perform the test were younger and less frail. Four patients were readmitted to hospital and one patient deteriorated within 30 days but no patient died.The majority of patients showed little change in saturations during the test, even with pre-existing respiratory pathology. Change in saturations, respiratory rate, heart rate and breathlessness were not predictive of death or readmission to hospital within 30 days. Of 13 patients who had a desaturation of 3% or more during exercise, none was readmitted to hospital within 30 days.Not enough patients with COVID-19 could be recruited to the study to provide evidence for the safety of the test in this patient group.The 40-steps desaturation test requires further evaluation to assess clinical utility.

Physiological changes of pitayo fruit (Stenocereus thurberi) before and after harvest in Sonoran Desert

Open pitaya (Stenocereus thurberi) flowers were marked at 10, 20, 30 and 40 days after floration (DAF). When fruit were formed, they were collected from each of the dates with the objective of evaluating physical, physiological and quality changes before and after harvest. In fruits with different DAF, the analyses of fruit size (diameter and length), weight, density, firmness, color in pulp and peel (L*, a* and b*), respiration rate (CO2) and ethylene production were carried out. In the case of ripe and overripe fruit, in addition to the variables mentioned above, pH, percentage of total soluble solids TSS and total acidity (% citric acid equivalents) were evaluated. Fruit with 40 DAF were stored for up to 14 days at 25 ℃ and 80% RH to evaluate daily changes in respiration rate and ethylene production. It was found that during development the fruit tended to grow more in length than in diameter. In color, the best indicators of changes during fruit development were the parameters L* and b* for peel and for flesh L* and a*. For firmness in pitaya fruits, no significant differences were found with the methodology used. Changes in ethylene production and respiration rate during storage and development showed the usual behavior of climacteric fruits. Pitaya fruits with 40 FDD presented quality characteristics similar to those accepted by the consumer for this type of fruit. It is concluded that it is possible to evaluate the different stages of development in DDF of pitaya fruit based on the changes of the color space variables L*, a* and b*, in addition to the fact that the fruit follows the classical climacteric behavior.

The Effects of Aerated Irrigation on Soil Respiration and the Yield of the Maize Root Zone

To investigate the effect of aerated irrigation on the soil environment and yield in the root zone of maize, and to provide a basis for the extension of aerated irrigation, a 2-year experiment (2020–2021) was conducted at the Zhanjiang National Soil Quality Observation Experiment Station, with two experimental observations per year (spring-summer and fall-winter) to investigate the effects of aerated irrigation (AI) and non-aerated irrigation (CK) on soil respiration rate, soil temperature, water content, oxygen content, soil bacterial biomass and root biomass. We used partial least square regression analysis (PLSR) to establish the regression equations of soil respiration rate, soil temperature, water content, oxygen content, soil bacterial biomass and root biomass under the two treatments, and the screening of the main soil environmental factors affecting changes in soil respiration rate under aerated irrigation technology. The results showed that, compared with CK, the AI treatment significantly increased the soil respiration rate and soil oxygen content (15.38~17.87% and 18.94~25.17%, respectively), as well as the root biomass and soil bacterial biomass (14.99~19.09% and 35.10~45.59%, respectively), and reduced the soil water content by 5.33~12.71% (p &lt; 0.05). The effects of different treatments on soil temperature were not significant. The mean fruit yield with AI treatment was also 7.16~20.51% higher (p &lt; 0.05) than that with CK, and the stem thickness and leaf area of maize plants were significantly increased (9.31~17.06% and 8.68~15.20%, respectively (p &lt; 0.05)). The regression fitting results showed that the soil respiration rate is quadratic polynomial negatively correlated with soil temperature, water content and soil oxygen, and the power function is positively correlated with root biomass and bacterial biomass under the two treatments. The variable importance for projection (VIP) values of the PLSR model showed a soil temperature VIP = 1.51, soil oxygen content VIP = 1.42 and root biomass VIP = 1.40, demonstrating that aerated irrigation technology can drive soil respiration rate by changing soil oxygen content and root biomass. Furthermore, the improvements in soil aeration conditions and respiration with AI appeared to facilitate the improvement in fruit yields, which also suggests the economic benefits of AI.

Predicting Falls in Long-term Care Facilities: Machine Learning Study.

BackgroundShort-term fall prediction models that use electronic health records (EHRs) may enable the implementation of dynamic care practices that specifically address changes in individualized fall risk within senior care facilities.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to implement machine learning (ML) algorithms that use EHR data to predict a 3-month fall risk in residents from a variety of senior care facilities providing different levels of care.MethodsThis retrospective study obtained EHR data (2007-2021) from Juniper Communities’ proprietary database of 2785 individuals primarily residing in skilled nursing facilities, independent living facilities, and assisted living facilities across the United States. We assessed the performance of 3 ML-based fall prediction models and the Juniper Communities’ fall risk assessment. Additional analyses were conducted to examine how changes in the input features, training data sets, and prediction windows affected the performance of these models.ResultsThe Extreme Gradient Boosting model exhibited the highest performance, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.846 (95% CI 0.794-0.894), specificity of 0.848, diagnostic odds ratio of 13.40, and sensitivity of 0.706, while achieving the best trade-off in balancing true positive and negative rates. The number of active medications was the most significant feature associated with fall risk, followed by a resident’s number of active diseases and several variables associated with vital signs, including diastolic blood pressure and changes in weight and respiratory rates. The combination of vital signs with traditional risk factors as input features achieved higher prediction accuracy than using either group of features alone.ConclusionsThis study shows that the Extreme Gradient Boosting technique can use a large number of features from EHR data to make short-term fall predictions with a better performance than that of conventional fall risk assessments and other ML models. The integration of routinely collected EHR data, particularly vital signs, into fall prediction models may generate more accurate fall risk surveillance than models without vital signs. Our data support the use of ML models for dynamic, cost-effective, and automated fall predictions in different types of senior care facilities.