Decrease In Heart Rate Research Articles

The effects of Baduanjin exercise on the psychological condition and heart rate variability of sports-disadvantaged college students: A randomised trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of a 16-week Baduanjin exercise programme on the psychological status and heart rate variability (HRV) of college students in a sports-disadvantaged group, offering a theoretical basis for the potential of Baduanjin exercise to improve mental health.Trial DesignThis prospective study enrolled 93 college students from Wuyi University, exempt from the National Standards for Students’ Physical Health due to illness or disability. The participants were divided into a control group (n = 47) and an experimental group (n = 46). Over 16 weeks, the experimental group engaged in the Baduanjin exercise, whereas the control group did not participate in regular physical training.MethodsWe assessed the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R, the primary outcome) scores and HRV (time domain and frequency domain indices, the secondary outcomes) of all participants both before and after the 16-week programme.Results(1) Post-16 weeks of Baduanjin exercise, a statistically significant difference was observed in the SCL-90-R scores between the control and experimental groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Notably, the scores for interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, psychoticism, and other factors (predominantly relating to sleep and diet) were significantly lower in the experimental group (t = 4.234, 2.616, 3.450, 2.226, 3.980, P < 0.01, P < 0.05). (2) Following the exercise regimen, the experimental group showed a substantial decrease in heart rate, low-frequency (LF) power, and the LF/high-frequency ratio (LF/HF ratio), and a significant increase in HF compared with the control group (t = 2.358, 4.528, − 2.595, P < 0.05 P < 0.01).ConclusionSixteen weeks of Baduanjin exercise may substantially enhance HRV, potentially aiding in balancing sympathetic–vagal nerve activity and thus contributing to the regulation of mental health.

Effectiveness of acupuncture as an adjunct to cardiac rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Considering the importance of cardiac rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and the development of acupuncture over the past few decades, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on patients' exercise tolerance, heart rate and blood pressure after CABG. Thirty-four patients with a history of recent CABG were recruited between 2019 and 2020 for this clinical trial and randomly divided into two groups receiving acupuncture plus cardiac rehabilitation (group A) and cardiac rehabilitation alone (group B). In both groups, exercise-based rehabilitation exercise was performed. Group A additionally received acupuncture at PC6, PC4, HT7 and GB20 bilaterally. Changes in blood pressure, heart rate and Borg scale score were evaluated before, during and after the course of the treatment. Heart rate was significantly lower in group A compared to group B after completion of the course of the treatment (P = 0.022). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in systolic or diastolic blood pressure or Borg scale scores (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the Borg scale scores showed a significant decrease within each group over time (P < 0.001), reflecting an improvement in the patients' ability to tolerate activity after cardiac rehabilitation with or without acupuncture. Acupuncture in combination with exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation was more effective at decreasing heart rate than cardiac rehabilitation alone after CABG. Both approaches appeared to be similarly effective at improving exercise tolerance. In this study, the addition of acupuncture at the aforementioned traditional acupuncture point locations to exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation did not affect blood pressure. IRCT20171208037793N1 (Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials).

Intermittent Hypoxic-Hyperoxic Training During Inpatient Rehabilitation Improves Exercise Capacity and Functional Outcome in Patients With Long Covid: Results of a Controlled Clinical Pilot Trial.

Long COVID-19 illness is a severely disabling disease with shortness of breath, weakness and fatigue as leading symptoms, resulting in poor quality of life and substantial delay in return to work. No specific respiratory therapy has been validated for patients with long COVID. The intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia training (IHHT) is a respiratory therapeutic modality to improve exercise performance via controlled respiratory conditioning. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of IHHT on functional and symptomatic recovery of patients with long COVID syndrome. A prospective, controlled, open-treatment interventional study was conducted in patients with long COVID who were admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation programme. Patients were assigned nonrandomized to receive IHHT in addition to the standardized rehabilitation programme (IHHT group) or standard rehabilitation alone (control group). The IHHT group received supervised sessions of intermittent hypoxic (10-12% O2) and hyperoxic (30-35% O2) breathing three times per week throughout the rehabilitation period. Primary endpoint was improved walking distance in a 6-min walk test (6MWT) between study groups. Secondary endpoints were change in stair climbing power, dyspnoea (Borg dyspnoea Scale), fatigue assessment scale (FAS) and change in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessed by patient global assessment (PGA), EQ-5D analogue scale and the MEDIAN Corona Recovery Score (MCRS). Further assessments included maximum handgrip strength, nine hole peg test, timed up-and-go, respiratory function and functional ambulation category (FAC), serum analyses and safety of the intervention. A total of 145 patients were included in the study (74% female, mean age 53 ± 12 years) and assigned to IHHT (n = 70) or standard care (n = 75). The 6MWT distance improved 2.8-fold in the IHHT group compared to the control group (91.7 ± 50.1 m vs. 32.6 ± 54.2 m, ANCOVA p < 0.001). Stair climbing power improved 3.7-fold in the IHHT group compared to controls (-1.91 ± 2.23 s vs. -0.51 ± 1.93 s, p < 0.001). Secondary endpoints on dyspnoea, fatigue and HRQoL (PGA, EQ-5D and MCRS) improved significantly in the IHHT group compared to controls. The IHHT group exhibited a significant decrease in blood pressure, heart rate and increase in haemoglobin levels that was not observed in the control group. No adverse events were observed. Respiratory treatment with IHHT in addition to a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme improves functional capacity, symptomatic status and quality of life in patients with disabling long COVID. IHHT has been demonstrated to be safe, well tolerated and feasible to be integrated in an inpatient rehabilitation programme to improve outcome in long COVID.

Multiorgan ultrastructural changes in rats induced in synthetic torpor.

Torpor is a state used by several mammals to survive harsh winters and avoid predation, characterized by a drastic reduction in metabolic rate followed by a decrease in body temperature, heart rate, and many physiological variables. During torpor, all organs and systems must adapt to the new low-energy expenditure conditions to preserve physiological homeostasis. These adaptations may be exploited in a translational perspective in several fields. Recently, many features of torpor were shown to be mimicked in non-hibernators by the inhibition of neurons within the brainstem region of the Raphe Pallidus. The physiological resemblance of this artificial state, called synthetic torpor, with natural torpor has so far been described only in physiological terms, but no data have been shown regarding the induced morphological changes. Here, we show the first description of the ultrastructural changes in the liver, kidney, lung, skeletal muscle, and testis induced by a 6-hours inhibition of Raphe Pallidus neurons in a non-hibernating species, the rat.

Abstract 4135211: Children with the D801N Variant of the ATP1A3- Encoded Sodium-Potassium ATPase Alpha-3 Subunit Demonstrate Paradoxical QT Response to Bradycardia and Increased Ventricular Arrhythmia Risk

Introduction: Alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) is a rare condition most frequently caused by mutations in ATP1A3, encoding for the alpha-3 subunit of Na + /K + -ATPase, and D801N is the most common variant. Individuals with ATP1A3-D801N have shorter corrected QT (QTc) than those with other variants and can experience ventricular arrhythmias following bradycardia; however, the mechanism of why this occurs is unknown. Goals: To analyze how QT and QTc change with heart rate in ATP1A3-D801N compared to healthy individuals. Hypothesis: Individuals with ATP1A3-D801N have increased shortening of QT and QTc at lower heart rate. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, patients seen for evaluation of AHC at Duke University Medical Center were categorized by genotype: ATP1A3-D801N, ATP1A3 non-D801N single nucleotide variant, ATP1A3 loss-of-function variant, and genotype negative. A cohort of matched healthy children was also compiled. We collected average heart rate, QT, and QTc measurements over 5-minute intervals from Holter recordings using HScribe TM software and conducted manual blinded validation to ensure accuracy. We then used linear regression to investigate the relationship between heart rate, QT, and QTc. Results: The cohort consisted of 44 patients with ATP1A3 -related phenotypes with 81 total Holter recordings (52.27% female; mean age at first Holter 8.04 years), compared to 36 healthy individuals with 57 total Holter recordings (52.78% female; mean age at first Holter 9.84 years). Patients with ATP1A3-D801N showed diminished prolongation of QT with decreasing heart rate, manifested as a reduced mean slope for heart rate vs QT compared to healthy (-0.85 ± 0.46 vs -1.52 ± 0.42, p&lt;0.0001). This blunted QT response resulted in paradoxical shortening of QTc at lower heart rate, demonstrated by an increased mean slope for heart rate vs QTc compared to healthy (0.80 ± 0.51 vs 0.22 ± 0.43, p&lt;0.0001). Further, patients with ATP1A3- related phenotypes and very short baseline QTc showed increased shortening of QT and QTc at lower heart rate compared to those with normal QTc (p=0.0025 and p=0.0013, respectively). Conclusions: Children with AHC and ATP1A3-D801N demonstrate a paradoxical shortening of QT and QTc with slowing of heart rate. The impaired prolongation of QT and resultant further shortening of QTc increase the risk of arrhythmia. We put this forward as a novel mechanism of sudden cardiac arrest in patients with ATP1A3 mutations.

ETHOLOGICAL AND VEGETATIVE CORRELATES OF EXPERIMENTAL NEUROGENIC STRESS

The study aimed to comprehensively investigate the ethological and vegetative mechanisms involved in the development of experimental emotional stress, establish the relationship between these correlates, and identify an indicator or group of indicators with prognostic value for the occurrence of cardiac dysfunction under neurogenic stress conditions. Materials and Methods. The study presents the results of research on the ethological and autonomic correlates of emotional stress in 254 sexually mature male Wistar rats, using the "afferent excitation conflict" model. Results. Heart rhythm was studied electrocardiographically as an autonomic correlate of emotional stress. The results of the research have shown that ethological and vegetative reactions that perform regulatory and adaptive functions are constant and natural correlates of emotional stress states. The data obtained allow us to note that animals of all three typological groups responded to the onset of stress with a tendency to increase heart rate. Prolonged exposure to the conflict situation was associated with a return of heart rate to baseline values in animals of groups I and II, and a significant decrease in heart rate in animals of group III. Qualitative analysis of the variation curves showed that vagotonic (right position of the variation curve – right graph) prevailed in animals of group I before stress exposure, and sympathotonic (left graph) regulatory influences on the sinus node prevailed in the animals of group III. The onset of stress exposure led to a leftward shift of the variation curves in animals of all groups. However, in animals of group I, this shift was accompanied by a widening of the variation curves (83%), and in animals of group III – by a narrowing (67%). Conclusion. As a result of the studies, four types of heart rate changes were identified during prolonged (3-hour) exposure to stress. A correlation was established between the ethological and typological characteristics of the animals and the occurrence of cardiac rhythm disorders. In animals with a high frequency of cardiac arrhythmias under stress, there was also an increased influence of the sympathetic nervous system on the sinus node, accompanied by a decrease in heart rate variability. Animals with a high frequency of cardiac arrhythmias under stress also showed an increase in the influence of the sympathetic nervous system on the sinus node but with a decrease in heart rate variability.

Changes in Negative Emotions Across Five Weeks of HRV Biofeedback Intervention were Mediated by Changes in Resting Heart Rate Variability.

Resting heart rate variability (HRV) is typically higher in those with better emotional well-being. In the current study, we examined whether changes in resting HRV mediated changes in negative emotions during a 7-week clinical trial of HRV biofeedback. Younger and older adults were randomly assigned to one of two daily biofeedback practices for 5weeks: (1) engage in slow-paced breathing to increase the amplitude of oscillations in heart rate at their breathing frequency (Osc+); or (2) engage in self-selected strategies to decrease heart rate oscillations (Osc-). We assessed negative emotion using the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) and Profile of Mood States (POMS). Resting HRV at pre-intervention was significantly higher among those with lower negative emotion scores. Those participants showing greater increases in resting HRV showed greater decreases in negative emotion. In a mediation model with all participants, resting HRV changes significantly mediated the relationship between training performance (i.e., heart rate oscillation during practice sessions) and changes in negative emotion. However, additional analyses revealed this mediation effect was significantly moderated by condition and was only significant in the Osc+ condition. Thus, resting HRV changes mediated how biofeedback to increase amplitude of heart rate oscillations reduced negative emotion.

Effect of Alternate Nostril Breathing Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Functions in Hypertensive Adults: A Systematic Review

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), primarily driven by hypertension (HTN), are a leading global health concern. While medication is commonly used to manage HTN, non-pharmacological approaches like ANB are gaining interest. ANB is a yogic breathing technique believed to modulate the autonomic nervous system, influencing heart rate and blood pressure. Methods: A systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines assessed studies published between 2015 and 2022 that investigated the effects of ANB on blood pressure in human subjects. Results: Six studies were included, with findings suggesting a potential benefit of ANB for reducing blood pressure. All studies, except one, reported significant reductions in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure after ANB practice. Intervention duration varied across studies, ranging from single sessions to six weeks of daily practice. Some studies also observed a decrease in heart rate and improved vascular function following ANB. However, limitations exist: unclear control groups in some studies and varying intervention protocols. Discussion: Despite promising preliminary evidence, further well-designed, randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and standardized protocols are needed. Future research should compare ANB with sham interventions or standard medical management, and explore the underlying mechanisms of how ANB might influence blood pressure. Conclusion: While the current evidence requires further confirmation, ANB appears to be a safe and potentially beneficial non-pharmacological intervention for managing blood pressure, potentially as an adjunct to medication. Healthcare professionals may consider suggesting ANB to hypertensive patients, alongside lifestyle modifications and medication, but emphasize the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before starting any new practice.

The fate of atenolol in wastewater treatment plants of representative densely urban agglomerations in China.

Atenolol (ATL) that can decrease heart rate and reduce renin release is extensively used in the treatment of hypertension, angina, and other diseases. ATL's popularity has therefore drawn attention to its environmental behavior and potential impacts. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are the main collection point for ATL entering the water environment, highlighting the necessity of studying its fate in the environment. In this study, five WWTPs with different processes in China's representative densely urban agglomerations (Pearl River Delta [PRD] region) were selected as certain representative sampling sites to investigate the fate of ATL in the WWTPs over four seasons. Results showed that ATL concentration in the influent of these WWTPs was 146.5-918.6ng/L and the corresponding concentration in the effluent was 43.0-534.1ng/L, achieving a certain degree of removal. The seasonal ATL removal performance varied greatly among these WWTPs, Liede, Tai Po, and Sha Tin WWTPs showed better removal stability. Meanwhile, the average ATL removal rates in Tai Po (83.36%) and Sha Tin (81.67%) were higher than those in the Futian (71.24%), Liede (55.44%), and Stonecutters Island WWTPs (44.96%). The primary treatment capacity of Futian WWTP was better than that of Tai Po and Sha Tin WWTPs in removing ATL, while the performance of secondary treatment was opposite. Moreover, Zahn-Wellens test demonstrated that ATL could be almost completely degraded after 30 days and some protonated molecules (e.g., m/z 145 and m/z 190) metabolites were formed, indicating that degradation may play a role in ATL removal in WWTPs.

Polygenic risk for psychotic disorders in relation to cardiac autonomic dysfunction in unmedicated patients with schizophrenia.

Cardiac autonomic dysfunction (CADF), mainly characterized by increased heart rate, decreased heart rate variability, and loss of vagal modulation, has been extensively described in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) and their healthy first-degree relatives. As such, it represents an apparent physiological link that contributes to the increased cardiovascular mortality in these patients. Common genetic variation is a putative underlying mechanism, along with lifestyle factors and antipsychotic medications. However, the extent to which CADF is associated with genetic factors for SCZ is unknown. A sample of 83 drug-naive SCZ patients and 96 healthy controls, all of European origin, underwent a 30-minute autonomic assessment under resting conditions. We incorporated parameters from several domains into our model, including time and frequency domains (mean heart rate, low/high frequency ratio) and compression entropy, each of which provides different insights into the dynamics of cardiac autonomic function. These parameters were used as outcome variables in linear regression models with polygenic risk scores (PRS) for SCZ as predictors and age, sex, BMI, smoking status, principal components of ancestry and diagnosis as covariates. Of the three CADF parameters, SCZ PRS was significantly associated with mean heart rate in the combined case/control sample. However, this association was was no longer significant after including diagnosis as a covariate (p = 0.29). In contrast, diagnostic status is statistically significant for all three CADF parameters, accounting for a significantly greater proportion of the variance in mean heart rate compared to SCZ PRS (approximately 16% vs. 4%). Despite evidence for a common genetic basis of CADF and SCZ, we were unable to provide further support for an association between the polygenic burden of SCZ and cardiac autonomic function beyond the diagnostic state. This suggests that there are other important characteristics associated with SCZ that lead to CADF that are not captured by SCZ PRS.

Effect of Controlled Expiratory Pressures on Cerebrovascular Changes During Valsalva Maneuver

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Valsalva maneuver (VM) with the controlled expiratory pressures on vascular stiffness of common carotid artery (CCA) and cerebral hemodynamic changes using diagnostic ultrasonography. Twenty-seven healthy participants (mean and standard deviation of age = 22.78 ± 1.89) performed 30 and 40 mmHg VM. The right CCA stiffness index and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured before (PRE) and after (POST) VM. The peak systolic velocity (PSV), resistance index (RI), and heart rate (HR) were measured before (PRE) and after (POST1 and POST2 during the first and the second 15 s, respectively) VM. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was utilized to measure regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) and oxyhemoglobin (HbO) on the left and right prefrontal cortex. Stiffness index decreased by 1.76 (p &lt; 0.001) from PRE to POST only after 30 mmHg VM. PWV decreased by 0.69 m/s (p &lt; 0.001, 30 mmHg) and 0.34 m/s (p = 0.022, 40 mmHg) in POST. Conversely, PSV increased by 5.36 cm/s (p = 0.031, 30 mmHg) and 4.77 cm/s (p = 0.04, 40 mmHg) in POST2. Increase in RI (p = 0.017) and decrease in HR (p = 0.003) occurred only after the 40 mmHg VM. Right HbO decreased after 30 mmHg VM (p = 0.023) from PRE to POST1, and right rSO2 increased after 40 mmHg VM (p = 0.036) from VM (during) to POST1. Both 30 and 40 mmHg VM showed a significant improvement in PWV and an increase in PSV. However, at 30 mmHg VM, a significant decrease in HbO was observed after VM owing to increased cerebral oxygen exchange, and at 40 mmHg VM, an rSO2 increase was observed after VM owing to high vascular pressure. Additionally, the increased pressure and rSO2 at 40 mmHg may have been caused by increased RI. The results indicated that the 30 mmHg VM was more effective on CCA stiffness than the 40 mmHg VM.

Where in the tissues of Danio rerio is more H2O2 produced during acute hypoxia?

The lack of oxygen (O2) causes changes in the cell functioning. Modeling hypoxic conditions in vitro is challenging given that different cell types exhibit different sensitivities to tissue O2 levels. We present an effective in vivo platform for assessing various tissue and organ parameters in Danio rerio larvae under acute hypoxic conditions. Our system allows simultaneous positioning of multiple individuals within a chamber where O2 level in the water can be precisely and promptly regulated, all while conducting microscopy. We applied this approach in combination with a genetically encoded pH-biosensor SypHer3s and a highly H2O2-sensitive Hyper7 biosensor. Hypoxia causes H2O2 production in areas of brain, heart and skeletal muscles, exclusively in the mitochondrial matrix; it is noteworthy that H2O2 does not penetrate into the cytosol and is neutralized in the matrix upon reoxygenation. Hypoxia causes pronounced tissue acidosis, expressed by a decrease in pH by 0.4-0.6 units everywhere. Using imaging photoplethysmography, we measured in D.rerio fry real-time heart rate decrease under conditions of hypoxia and subsequent reoxygenation. Our observations in this experimental system lead to the hypothesis that mitochondria are the only source of H2O2 in cells of D.rerio under hypoxia.

Unexpected Pneumothorax During Painless Flexible Bronchoscopy Under Remimazolam Sedation: Two Case Reports and a Literature Review.

The timely recognition of pneumothorax during painless flexible bronchoscopy (PFB) can be challenging. This report describes two consecutive cases of pneumothorax following PFB, both of which were promptly identified and successfully treated. A sudden decrease in heart rate, combined with hypoxemia, is highly effective for detecting pneumothorax in patients undergoing PFB, with subcutaneous emphysema serving as a key auxiliary diagnostic sign. Remimazolam may provide significant clinical benefits in emergency situations during PFB by allowing patients to be quickly awakened to assist with diagnosis.

General anesthesia activates a central anxiolytic center in the BNST

Low doses of general anesthetics like ketamine and dexmedetomidine have anxiolytic properties independent of their sedative effects, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We discovered a population of GABAergic neurons in the oval division of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis that are activated by multiple anesthetics and the anxiolytic drug diazepam (ovBNSTGA). The majority of ovBNSTGA neurons express neurotensin receptor 1 (Ntsr1) and form circuits with brain regions known to regulate anxiety and stress responses. Optogenetic activation of ovBNSTGA or ovBNSTNtsr1 neurons significantly attenuated anxiety-like behaviors in both naive animals and mice with inflammatory pain, while inhibition of these cells elevated anxiety. Activation of these neurons decreased heart rate and increased heart rate variability, suggesting that they reduce anxiety by modulating autonomic responses. Our study identifies ovBNSTGA/ovBNSTNtsr1 neurons as a common neural substrate mediating the anxiolytic effect of low-dose anesthetics and a potential therapeutic target for treating anxiety-related disorders.

Heart Rate and Rhythm Changes in Dogs Treated in a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber

In veterinary medicine, hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment (HBOT) is gaining popularity. Therefore, an increasing number of patients referred for this therapy are being recorded, mainly due to ischemic events, wound healing support, and a high risk of reperfusion damage. During the HBOT procedure, several changes occur in the body’s micro- and macroenvironments. This study involved 34 dogs of various ages and health statuses. The atmospheric conditions in the test hyperbaric chamber included a pressure of 1.5 atmosphere absolute (ATA) at 100% oxygenation. The individuals were divided into three groups: (1) individuals with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD), (2) individuals with diseases other than cardiac issues, and (3) healthy individuals who qualified for the HBOT procedure. The period of measurement using the Holter apparatus was divided into four stages: 30 min before the subject’s placement in the hyperbaric chamber; a 4-min compression period (setting chamber conditions); a 90 min HBOT period; and a 1 min decompression period of the hyperbaric chamber. During the HBOT, there was a statistically significant decrease in heart rate in groups 2 and 3 compared to group 1. The heart rate in group 1 remained unchanged through every period of the study. In addition, some of the dogs developed respiratory arrhythmia; in two dogs, premature ventricle beats occurred. The changes observed during the ventricular period indicate that the HBOT procedure causes a significant change in heart rate in dogs without cardiac diseases.

The influence of food flavors’ odorimetric characteristics on the indicators of human physiological state

Introduction. The purpose of the study is to analyze the effects of odours of various nature and strength in experimental conditions on the parameters of the cardiovascular system and the person’s functional state in order to update objective and informative methods for assessing early changes in the body due to the adverse effects of odorous substances. Material and methods. The specified concentrations of food flavors (orange, cognac and coffee) were supplied to the participants of the study using an ECOMA T08 olfactometer. The composition of the aerosols was controlled by chromatography-mass spectrometry. The physiological parameters of the volunteers were assessed by measuring blood pressure, heart rate and calculating the index of functional changes (IFC). Results. In an experiment with an odour characterized as “pleasant”, the study participants found a statistically significant decrease in heart rate and diastolic blood pressure when exposed to the maximum noticeable concentrations of volatile substances of the flavor relative to the initial state: p1-3=0,001 and p1-3=0,003, respectively. At the same time, a significant decrease in IFC was determined already at the threshold concentrations of the flavor (p&lt;0,01), indicating a favorable effect of the odour and increasing the level of adaptive capabilities of the body. According to the results of the odour identified as “unpleasant”, a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (p1-2=0,011) was revealed, but only when exposed to a threshold concentration, when the odour has not yet acquired an “intrusive”, “annoying” character. Limitations. The lack of standardized methods of exposure, the influence of individual preferences and past experience on odour-induced effects. Conclusion. Indicators of the functional state of the cardiovascular system can be used as one of the criteria for evaluating the body’s reflex response to environmental pollution in areas where odour-producing enterprises, including food production, are located. The issue of conducting such an assessment is particularly relevant for emissions with a predominantly “pleasant” odour, since their ability to cause annoyance and, consequently, to have a negative impact on the health and quality of life of the population is often questioned.

Physiological adaptations in small-side games combined with speed-endurance training: analyzing heart rate and rate of perceived exertion

Background and Study Aim. Monitoring physiological responses during training is crucial for understanding how athletes adapt to various exercise intensities. However, the specific effects of combining Small-Sided Game (SSG) and Speed-Endurance Training (SET) on these parameters require the search for more effective solutions. This study aims to determine the effect of combined SSG and SET on heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Material and Methods. This quantitative research employed an experimental method with a weekly pretest-posttest design. The study population consisted of eighty-two members of the Unesa Soccer Student Activity Unit. A sample of eighteen individuals was selected through simple random sampling. The sample had the following characteristics: age 20±0.69 years, weight 65±9.54 kg, height 165.22±4.31 cm, and BMI 22.82±1.92. Data were collected using the Polar H-10 device, and RPE interviews were conducted ten minutes after each training session. Data analysis was performed using paired sample t-tests and Wilcoxon tests. Results. The results showed a significant difference in HR for pair 1 (p = 0.037), but no significant differences for pair 2 (p = 0.058) or pair 3 (p = 0.076). However, the results for RPE indicated significant differences in pair 1 (p = 0.001), pair 2 (p = 0.004), and pair 3 (p = 0.002). The combination of SSG and SET led to an increase in HR during the first and second weeks. In the third week, HR decreased. RPE increased from the first to the second week. It then stabilized in the third and fourth weeks, indicating a consistent level of effort. The decrease in HR during the third week, despite the same effort level, suggests that the athletes successfully adapted to the training program. Conclusions. The combination of SSG and SET demonstrates potential as an effective training method for improving both physiological performance and adaptation in athletes. These findings offer valuable insights into how athletes respond to structured training programs, providing a foundation for future research and practical applications in sports training. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of the role that specific training combinations play in athlete development and recovery.

Effects of bedroom environment on average heart rate during sleep in temperate regions: Winter conditions in healthy males in their twenties with average BMI

The nocturnal average heart rate correlates more strongly with mortality rates than the resting heart rate or 24-hour average heart rate. Additionally, it has been suggested that as the average heart rate decreases, SDNN increases, indicating favorable autonomic function. This study aimed to identify the environmental factors that most significantly affect the day-to-day variability of average heart rate during sleep (SHR) in winter. Measurements were conducted in the participants' usual bedrooms of nine healthy male participants in their twenties with an average BMI, living in a temperate region. The measurement periods were from December 1, 2022, to March 8, 2023, and from December 1, 2023, to February 6, 2024. In addition to the heart rate, body movement, room, radiant, and bed microclimate temperatures, carbon dioxide concentration, relative humidity, and illuminance were measured. The results demonstrated that, when comparing across participants, the average room and radiant temperatures during the measurement period had a significant negative correlation with the average SHR during the measurement period, with correlation coefficients of −0.83 and −0.91, respectively. Using a multilevel structural equation model, no valid model was obtained at the between level, which examined differences between participants, while a valid model was found at the within level, which examined differences within participants. At the within level, the most explanatory factors for SHR were body movement, operative temperature, bed microclimate temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and the interaction term between the bed microclimate temperature and carbon dioxide concentration. Overall, a deeper understanding of the impact of environmental conditions on average sleep heart rate could facilitate the design of environments favorable for autonomic nervous system activity during sleep.

Assessment of hemodynamic parameters and caudal vena cava-to-aorta ratio pre- and post-pericardiocentesis in dogs with cardiac tamponade.

To evaluate haemodynamic parameters and ultrasonographic measurements of the caudal vena-cava-to-aorta ratio at the splenorenal view in canine cardiac tamponade before and 30 minutes after pericardiocentesis. Dogs presenting with cardiac tamponade at two veterinary hospitals were included. Triage examination, noninvasive systolic arterial blood pressure, shock index, venous lactatemia and POCUS results were recorded at admission and 30 minutes after pericardiocentesis. This prospective observational study included 22 dogs, and all had an increased caudal vena-cava-to-aorta ratio. After pericardiocentesis, there were significant changes in vital signs, including a decrease in the median heart rate by 42.1%, a decrease in the median respiratory rate by 40.1%, and an increase in the median rectal temperature from 37.8°C (range: 35.6 to 39.2) to 38.1°C ( 36.1 to 38.7). In regards of hemodynamic parameters, the median systolic arterial pressure increased significantly by 23.2%, the shock index decreased significantly by 52.8%, the median lactate level decreased significantly from 6.1 mmol/L (1.4 to 14.7) to 3.6 mmol/L (1.1 to 13.6), and the median caudal vena-cava-to-aorta ratio decreased significantly by 37.5%, from 1.76 (1.35 to 2.13) to 1.12 (0.91 to 1.51). This study demonstrated an increased caudal vena-cava-to-aorta ratio in dogs with cardiac tamponade and a rapid haemodynamic improvement in dogs with cardiac tamponade within 30 minutes of the pericardiocentesis, resulting in excellent short-term prognosis.

Alleviation of oxidized lipid-induced oxidative stress and hypertension by estrogen and selected antihyperlipidemic drugs in post-menopausal Wistar rats

Lipid peroxidation is implicated in the development of hypertension and coronary artery disease, and its deleterious impact is exacerbated by estrogen (ETD) depletion in post-menopausal women. We hypothesize that treatment with ETD and antihyperlipidemic drugs, either alone or in combination, can alleviate the development of cardiovascular disease. In this study, female Wistar rats were divided into 10 groups (n = 6): Group 1 (control) underwent a Sham operation and was fed standard rat chow, whereas the other nine groups were ovariectomized (OVX) and received a diet containing either thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) or thermoxidized soya oil (TSO) for 12 weeks. ETD at 0.2 mg/kg/day, atorvastatin (ATV) at 10 mg/kg/day, and a combination of ezetimibe (EZE) and ATV (EZE at 3 mg/kg/day + ATV at 10 mg/kg/day) were administered for 12 weeks in both TSO and TPO diet groups. Blood pressure and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters were assessed, along with serum lipid profile, atherogenic indices, and markers of oxidative stress. Both TPO and TSO diets significantly altered blood pressure and ECG parameters in OVX rats. Treatment with ATV, EZE+ATV, and ETD significantly reduced blood pressure parameters compared to the OVX+TPO group. Antihyperlipidemic drugs significantly decreased heart rate, QT interval, QRS duration, and QT corrected (QTc), whereas ETD similarly shortened the QRS and QTc duration. ATV and ETD also reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein levels, while boosting high-density lipoprotein concentrations compared to untreated OVX+TSO rats. This study demonstrates that thermoxidized oil has a deleterious effect on OVX rats by altering blood pressure, ECG parameters, and atherogenic indices. Treatment with antihyperlipidemic drugs and ETD normalized blood pressure and ECG parameters, reversed hyperlipidemia, and restored antioxidant system balance.