Significant Increase In Pulse Rate Research Articles

Comparative study on some cardiovascular indices among morticians exposed to formaldehyde in Benin City, Nigeria

Background: Some cardiovascular indices among morticians exposed to formaldehyde in a Teaching hospital and General hospital were studied. Materials and Methods: Thirty subjects were studied and divided into three groups A, B, and C with 10 subjects in each group. Group A served as control with nil exposure to formaldehyde while groups B and C served as the test groups. Subjects in group B were morticians working in the Teaching hospital while subjects in group C were morticians working in the General hospital. Anthropometric measurements were taken and some cardiovascular indices were measured which included pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure. Statistical analysis was done using Graph Pad Prism version 8.0.1. Results were presented as Mean ± SEM. Analysis of Variance was used to compare the means of test and control values while post hoc test was done using Tukey’s multiple comparisons test and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Results revealed significant increase in pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure among morticians of the Teaching hospital and General hospital when compared to the control and those of the General hospital morticians were higher compared to the Teaching hospital morticians. Conclusion: It was therefore concluded that exposure to formaldehyde has deleterious effects on the cardiovascular health of morticians hence, there is an urgent need to seek ways of reducing the atmospheric levels of formaldehyde in our mortuaries in order to protect the cardiovascular health of the morticians.

The Effects of Forest Walking on Physical and Mental Health Based on Exercise Prescription

This study aimed to verify the effects of prescribed personalized forest walking by considering individuals’ characteristics. To prescribe individualized exercise programs, we developed an algorithm to calculate exercise intensity based on each participant’s age, regular exercise, fatigue level, and chronic disease type, if any. To investigate the effects of forest walking on physical and mental health based on exercise prescription, we recruited 59 participants (average age: 39.1 ± 19.0 years old) aged 18 years or older. Physiological and psychological responses were compared before and after walking in the forest. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, percent body fat, negative affect, and emotional exhaustion significantly decreased, while the pulse rate significantly increased following the forest walking. Additionally, we investigated the effects of exercise relative to successfully maintaining one’s target heart rate and found that these effects were even greater when success score of maintaining the target heart rate while walking improved. Comparison of the groups relative to successfully achieving the target heart rate indicated that the high-achievement group had significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body fat mass, percent body fat, negative affect, and emotional exhaustion, and a significant increase in pulse rate. However, the low-achievement group only showed a significant reduction in emotional exhaustion. This study showed that prescribed forest walking has a positive impact on human health and is expected to have a positive effect on the motivation to start and continue exercising.

#3000 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF COTADUTIDE, A DUAL GLP1-GLUCAGON RECEPTOR AGONIST, IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND T2DM

Abstract Background and Aims Cotadutide is a dual GLP1-glucagon receptor agonist under development for NASH and CKD with T2DM. Incretin-based therapies have been shown to promote improvements in albuminuria while the addition of glucagon has been suggested to provide hepatic benefits; the renal benefits of dual GLP1-glucagon receptor agonism are unknown but kidney and liver are the organs with highest expression of glucagon receptor. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cotadutide in patients with CKD and T2DM. Method In this randomised, double-blind, phase 2b study, patients with T2DM and CKD on insulin and/or oral therapy including ≥ 40% treated with SGLT-2i (HbA1c ≥ 6.5 and ≤ 10.5%), eGFR ≥ 20 and < 90 ml/min/1.73m2 and BMI ≥ 25 (23 in Japan) kg/m2 were treated for 26 weeks. Participants were randomised (n = 45 per arm) to receive once-daily SC cotadutide titrated up to 100, 300 or 600 µg, or placebo. The primary endpoint was percentage change in UACR (log-transformed) at 14 weeks. Secondary endpoints evaluated urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) at 26 weeks, safety and tolerability. Changes in renal function was evaluated as an exploratory endpoint. Results A total of 248 Participants were randomised. Approximately 47% were on SGLT-2i and 97% were on ACE inhibitors or ARBs at baseline. The primary endpoint was met. Dose dependent reductions in UACR from baseline were observed after 26 weeks treatment with 300 and 600 µg of cotadutide, -39.9% (95% CI -52,5, -23.9) and -46.0% (95% CI -57.1, -32.1) vs placebo (P <0.001). In patients on background SGLT2i therapy, similar reductions in UACR from baseline were observed after 26 weeks treatment with 300 and 600 µg of cotadutide, - 31.2% (95% CI – 51.9, -1.5) and - 48.7% (95% CI -64.1, - 26.6) vs placebo (P = 0.01 and <0.001 respectively). There was no observed change in eGFR early in dosing. At 26 weeks, an increase in eGFR (+5.5 ml/min/1.73m2) was observed with 600 µg of cotadutide (p = 0.028). A statistically significant, modest reduction in serum uric acid was observed as an exploratory endpoint at 26 weeks in the 100 and 600 µg arms (- 0.54 mg/dL, p = 0.03 and 0.76 mg/dL, p = 0.001 respectively) but not the 300 µg arm (- 0.32 mg/dL, p = 0.17). No significant changes in urine KIM-1 were observed. A significant increase in pulse rate was observed (+4.8 bpm), alongside a numerical reduction in systolic BP (-8.3 mmHg) at 600 µg on office-based measures. SAEs were balanced across all arms and there were fewer AE-related discontinuations at 100 and 300 ug versus placebo, but more discontinuations at 600 µg. Conclusion In patients with CKD with T2DM, cotadutide promoted clinically important effects on UACR on top of standard of care with an acceptable tolerability profile. The results suggest cotadutide has potential to provide benefit to patients with CKD and T2DM. Larger studies will be required to evaluate this.

Effect of Chronic Formaldehyde Exposure on Some Cardiovascular Indices among Medical Students in a Tertiary Institution in Edo State, Nigeria

The effect of formaldehyde exposure on some indices of cardiovascular function among medical students in a tertiary institution in Edo State, Nigeria was studied by measuring selected anthropometric parameters using standard methods for150 subjects recruited and divided into three groups A, B, and C with 50 subjects in each group.Results obtained and presented as mean ± sem revealed that the anthropometric parameters measured ranged from (20.16±0.36 – 21.10±0.24, yrs.) for Age; (58.84±1.53 – 61.24±1.67, kg) for weight; (1.69±0.01 – 1.71±0.01, m) for height; (89.26±1.02 – 90.56±0.80, cm) for chest circumference; (20.31±0.43 – 21.44±0.45, kg/m2) for BMI and (1.64±0.02 – 1.71±0.02, m2) for BSA respectively. The data showed significant increases in pulse rate, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure among group B medical students. It was therefore concluded that prolonged exposure to formaldehyde could affect the cardiovascular health of medical students.

Assessment of Cardio-Respiratory Function in Overweight and Obese Children Wearing Face Masks during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: To evaluate whether the use of a surgical and N95 mask for overweight and obese children was associated with respiratory distress. Methods: We enrolled 15 healthy and 14 overweight or obese children. We performed two sessions: one wearing a surgical, the other an N95 mask. We tracked changes in partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2), oxygen saturation (SaO2), pulse rate (PR), and respiratory rate (RR) during a 72 min test: 30 min without a mask, 30 min wearing a mask, and then during a 12 min walking test. Results: In healthy children, there was no significant change in SaO2 and PETCO2 during the study; there was a significant increase in PR and RR after the walking test with both the masks. In overweight or obese children, there was no significant change in SaO2 during the study period; there was a significant increase in PETCO2 as fast as wearing the mask and an increase in PETCO2, PR, and RR after walking test. After the walking test, we showed a significant correlation between PETCO2 and body mass index. Conclusion: Overweight or Obese children who wear a mask are more prone to developing respiratory distress, which causes them to remove it frequently. In a crowded environment, they are at greater risk of infection. For this reason, it is desirable that they attend environments where everyone uses a mask.

Hemodynamic Changes during Traditional Awake Extubation and Extubation Using LMA Supreme in Controlled Hypertensive Patients

Background: Anesthesia is quite remarkable and attenuation of pressor response is one of the most keenly researched subjects in the field of anaesthesiology, the reason being the non-availability of a ‘procedure/drug of choice’ for the same. Patients with arterial hypertension generally exhibit excessive pressor response to stress such as laryngoscopy, intubation, surgical incision and extubation, which can lead to arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia and cerebrovascular accidents. Exchange extubation with LMA Supreme can be used to overcome or blunt the excessive pressor response following extubation. Objective: To compare the hemodynamic changes during traditional awake extubation and extubation using LMA supreme in controlled hypertensive patients. Methods: The prospective study was carried out in the department of Anaesthesiology, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, Gazipur, Bangladesh from January to December-2021. Fifty (50) patients were randomized by permuted blocks into two groups. After complete pre- anesthetic check-up and investigations. Controlled hypertensive patients with ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) grade II, between the age of 17 and 65 years, undergoing elective, non-oral surgery were included in the group. Hemodynamic stress response between traditional awake extubation of the endotracheal tube (ETT) and that following exchange extubation of ETT by using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA Supreme) in terms of Post Extubation Heart Rate (H.R), Systolic Blood Pressure (S.B.P), Diastolic Blood Pressure (D.B.P), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), to determine whether this method is easy to perform, the amount of experience needed to perform the exchange well and to calculate the time delay in extubation caused by adopting this method. Results: There was highly significant increase in pulse rate in Group A (ETT Group) as compare to LMA SupremeTM group, which was statistically significant till 15min. of extubation. Statistically ...........

Some Immunological Impacts of Face Mask Usage During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> COVID-19 is a fast-spreading worldwide pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. The World Health Organization recommended wearing face masks. Masks have become an urgent necessity throughout the pandemic, the study's goal was to track the impact of wearing masks on immunological responses. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This study was conducted on 40 healthy people who were working in health care at Nineveh Governorate Hospitals from September-December, 2020. They wore face masks at work for more than 8 months for an average of 6 hrs a day. The control sample included 40 healthy individuals, who wore masks for very short periods. All samples underwent immunological and physiological tests to research the effects of wearing masks for extended periods within these parameters. <b>Results:</b> The results showed a significant decrease in total White Blood Count and the absolute number of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and phagocytic activity. However, there was a significant increase in the absolute number of eosinophils in participants compared with the control. The results also suggested there were no significant differences in IgE, haemoglobin concentration and blood O<sub>2 </sub>saturation in participants who wore masks for more than 6 hrs compared to the control group. The results showed a significant increase in pulse rate in participants who wore masks for more than 6 hrs compared to the control group. The results also showed a strong correlation coefficient between the time of wearing masks and some immunological, haematological parameters. <b>Conclusion:</b> Wearing masks for long periods alters immunological parameters that initiate the immune response, making the body weaker in its resistance to infectious agents.

Clinical and laboratory investigations on Cystitis in Dogs

Cystitis is a common problem in companion animal practice, and common cause of morbidity in dog population. The present work was conducted to evaluate Clinical, haematological and biochemical analysis in dogs suffered from cystitis. The study was carried out in small animal internal medicine teaching hospital, faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University. About 56 dogs of different ages, sex, and breeds were enrolled in this study. Fourteen (14) of dogs used as control group and 42 cases dogs suffered from cystitis (acute and chronic), All dogs were subjected for through clinical (case history, physical examination, ultrasonography, urinalysis and urine culture), hematological and biochemical investigation. Clinical examination reveal red discoloration of urine ,dysuria with painful attempt to micturate, pollakuria, stranguria, periuria ,painful belly palpation with distended urinary bladder , significant increase in pulse rate, and non significant increase in temperature and respiratory rate. Hematological analysis revealed significant decrease in Hb, RBCs and MCHC, significant increase in total leukocytic count (TLC) with significant decrease in segmented neutrophils. Biochemical analysis revealed no change in urea, creatinine and uric acid. Macroscopic Urinalysis showed blood, leucocytes, protein, while increased numbers of WBCs, RBCs, bacteria and crystals of uric acid and triple phosphate were detected in microscopical examination. Urine culture revealed isolates of E-coli, Proteus and Staphylococcus. Ultrasonography of urinary bladder of dogs suffered from cystitis show thickening in the wall of the bladder with hyper echoic layers. So we conclude that alteration in clinical (physical examination, Ultrasonography and urinalysis) and hematological result may be indicative for the diagnosis of cystitis in dogs, but biochemical result reveal non significant change.

The effect of atorvastatin on haemostatic parameters in apparently healthy dogs.

To determine the effect of atorvastatin on haemostatic parameters as measured by prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and thromboelastography in apparently healthy dogs administered 2mg/kg orally once daily for 1week. Prospective study of 20 apparently healthy client-owned dogs at a small animal specialty hospital. Dogs had a baseline complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, fibrinogen, platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and thromboelastography performed. Each dog was then administered approximately 2mg/kg of atorvastatin orally once daily for 1 week, and the laboratory tests were repeated. Adverse effects attributed to atorvastatin were recorded. All 20 enrolled dogs completed the study. Dogs received a median dose of 2.06 mg/kg (range 1.94 to 2.44 mg/kg) atorvastatin once daily, which was associated with a significant increase in pulse rate, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, albumin and a significant decrease in mean corpuscular volume, cholesterol and lipase values compared with baseline. On thromboelastography, there was a significant increase in maximum amplitude, G, coagulation index, amplitude at 30 minutes, amplitude at 60minutes and significant decrease in percentage of clot lysed at 30 minutes and percentage of clot lysed at 60 minutes values compared with baseline. Six dogs had a noticeable increase in appetite. The results of this study suggest that atorvastatin may produce a procoagulant effect in dogs, although the clinical significance is unclear. Polyphagia was the most commonly reported adverse effect.

Pulse Rate Measurement During Sleep Using Wearable Sensors, and its Correlation with the Menstrual Cycle Phases, A Prospective Observational Study

An affordable, user-friendly fertility-monitoring tool remains an unmet need. We examine in this study the correlation between pulse rate (PR) and the menstrual phases using wrist-worn PR sensors. 91 healthy, non-pregnant women, between 22–42 years old, were recruited for a prospective-observational clinical trial. Participants measured PR during sleep using wrist-worn bracelets with photoplethysmographic sensors. Ovulation day was estimated with “Clearblue Digital-Ovulation-urine test”. Potential behavioral and nutritional confounders were collected daily. 274 ovulatory cycles were recorded from 91 eligible women, with a mean cycle length of 27.3 days (±2.7). We observed a significant increase in PR during the fertile window compared to the menstrual phase (2.1 beat-per-minute, p < 0.01). Moreover, PR during the mid-luteal phase was also significantly elevated compared to the fertile window (1.8 beat-per-minute, p < 0.01), and the menstrual phase (3.8 beat-per-minute, p < 0.01). PR increase in the ovulatory and mid-luteal phase was robust to adjustment for the collected confounders. There is a significant increase of the fertile-window PR (collected during sleep) compared to the menstrual phase. The aforementioned association was robust to the inter- and intra-person variability of menstrual-cycle length, behavioral, and nutritional profiles. Hence, PR monitoring using wearable sensors could be used as one parameter within a multi-parameter fertility awareness-based method.

Comparison of Butorphanol and Fentanyl for the Relief of Postoperative Shivering Associated with Spinal Anesthesia.

Aim:The aim of this study was to compare fentanyl and butorphanol for the relief of postoperative shivering in spinal anesthesia.Materials and Methods:A total of 100 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Class I and II patients aged 19–60 years belonging to both sexes who were posted for elective surgical procedures under spinal anesthesia were divided into two groups (fentanyl and butorphanol) and monitored intraoperatively for the occurrence of shivering and time taken to control shivering after administration of fentanyl and butorphanol drugs.Results:Relief of shivering is rapid and more effective with fentanyl than butorphanol. There is a significant increase in pulse rate, mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate (RR), and decreased in oxygen saturation at the onset of shivering and also a decrease in core body temperature. Sedation, nausea, vomiting, and recurrence of shivering are more with butorphanol with fentanyl.Conclusion:On the basis of the study, it is concluded that fentanyl is more effective and takes less time to control perioperative shivering as compared to butorphanol.

Cardiovascular System Abnormalities in Sickle Cell Anaemia: Clinical Findings in Steady State Adult Nigerian Patients

Aim and objective: This study was aimed at examining the cardiovascular clinical features in steady state adult Nigerian sickle cell anaemia patients. Method: The study subjects were drawn from adult patients (age ≥ 18 years), attending the adult sickle cell clinics who had haemoglobin genotype SS on haemoglobin electrophoresis and were in steady state. Age and sex matched normal subjects served as controls. All subjects were evaluated for symptomatology of cardiovascular disease with the aid of a questionnaire and then clinically examined to evaluate their cardiovascular status at rest. Result: Significant increase in pulse rate was found in the study subjects (87.68 ± 8.91/minute) compared with the controls (72.13 ± 6.79/minute); {p 0.5) 86.67%. Conclusion: The haemodynamic response to chronic anaemia in sickle cell anaemia results in significant cardiovascular dysfunction.

Nitroglycerin for management of retained placenta.

Retained placenta affects 0.5% to 3% of women following delivery, with considerable morbidity if left untreated. Use of nitroglycerin (NTG), either alone or in combination with uterotonics, may be of value to minimise the need for manual removal of the placenta in theatre under anaesthesia. To evaluate the benefits and harms of NTG as a tocolytic, either alone or in addition to uterotonics, in the management of retained placenta. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (14 January 2015), reference lists of retrieved studies and contacted experts in the field. Any adequately randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing the use of NTG, either alone or in combination with uterotonics, with no intervention or with other interventions in the management of retained placenta. All women having a vaginal delivery with a retained placenta, regardless of the management of the third stage of labour (expectant or active). We included all trials with haemodynamically stable women in whom the placenta was not delivered at least within 15 minutes after delivery of the baby. Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy. We included three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with 175 women. The three published RCTs compared NTG alone versus placebo. The detachment status of retained placenta was unknown in all three RCTs. Collectively, among the three included trials, two were judged to be at low risk of bias and the third trial was judged to be at high risk of bias for two domains: incomplete outcome data and selective reporting. The three trials reported seven out of 23 of the review's pre-specified outcomes.The primary outcome "manual removal of the placenta" was reported in all three studies. No differences were seen between NTG and placebo for manual removal of the placenta (average risk ratio (RR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47 to 1.46; women = 175; I² = 81%). A random-effects model was used because of evidence of substantial heterogeneity in the analysis. There were also no differences between groups for risk of severe postpartum haemorrhage (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.39; women = 150; studies = two; I² = 0%). Blood transfusion was only reported in one study (40 women) and again there was no difference between groups (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.07 to 14.90; women = 40; I² = 0%). Mean blood loss (mL) was reported in the three studies and no differences were observed (mean difference (MD) -115.31, 95% CI -306.25 to 75.63; women = 169; I² = 83%). Nitroglycerin administration was not associated with an increase in headaches (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.47; women = 174; studies = three; I² = 0%). However, nitroglycerin administration was associated with a significant, though mild, decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and a significant increase in pulse rate (MD -3.75, 95% CI -7.47 to -0.03) for systolic blood pressure, and (MD 6.00, 95% CI 3.07 to 8.93) for pulse rate (beats per minute) respectively (reported by only one study including 24 participants). Maternal mortality and addition of therapeutic uterotonics were not reported in any study. In cases of retained placenta, currently available data showed that the use of NTG alone did not reduce the need for manual removal of placenta. This intervention did not increase the incidence of severe postpartum haemorrhage nor the need for blood transfusion. Haemodynamically, NTG had a significant though mild effect on both pulse rate and blood pressure.

Comparative study between a sensascope and a flexible fiberoptic in head and neck cancer surgeries with difficult airways

Background Many devices have been become widely available for managing difficult airways, including rigid fiberscopes and flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopes. The sensascope is different from the flexible fiberoptic in that it can be used with one hand (preferably the right hand) while the left hand is used to insert the laryngoscope as recommended by experienced users. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a sensascope in the management of difficult airways in patients scheduled for head and neck cancer surgeries. Patients and methods This study was conducted at the National Cancer Institute on 60 patients. The patients were divided into two equal groups, group F (FOB) and group S (sensascopes), each comprising 30 patients. The following parameters were measured: patient characteristics including age, sex, weight, and ASA classification, airway assessment, hemodynamic changes, number of failures of intubation, duration of intubation, number of attempts, and complications that may occur during manipulation of the airway. Results The success rate of intubation and the number of failures were statistically comparable between the two groups. The mean time taken to complete successful intubation was significantly shorter in group F compared with group S. The number of patients successfully intubated at first attempt was significantly higher in group F than in group S. The number of patients successfully intubated at second attempt was significantly higher in group S than in group F. The number of patients who needed three attempts to be successfully intubated was statistically comparable between the two groups. There was statistically significant increase in pulse rate and mean arterial blood pressure immediately after successful intubation in group S compared with baseline and with group F. There was a significantly higher incidence of staining of the fiberscope blade with blood and transient change in voice in group S compared with group F. Conclusion The sensascope can be a valuable aid in the management of difficult intubation in a spontaneously breathing anesthetized patient, and should be added to backup devices in the event of difficult intubation.

Decreased heart rate variability in surgeons during night shifts.

Heart rate variability (HRV) has been used as a measure of stress and mental strain in surgeons. Low HRV has been associated with death and increased risk of cardiac events in the general population. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of a 17-hour night shift on surgeons' HRV. Surgeons were monitored prospectively with an ambulatory electrocardiography device for 48 consecutive hours, beginning on a precall day and continuing through an on-call (17-h shift) day. We measured HRV by frequency domain parameters. We included 29 surgeons in our analysis. The median pulse rate was decreased precall (median 64, interquartile range [IQR] 56-70 beats per minute [bpm]) compared with on call (median 81, IQR 70-91 bpm, p < 0.001). Increased high-frequency (HF) activity was found precall (median 199, IQR 75-365 ms2) compared with on call (median 99, IQR 48-177 ms2, p < 0.001). The low-frequency:high-frequency (LF:HF) ratio was lower precall (median 2.7, IQR 1.9-3.9) than on call (median 4.9, IQR 3.7-6.5, p < 0.001). We found no correlation between the LF:HF ratio and performance in laparoscopic simulation. Surgeons working night shifts had a significant decrease in HRV and a significant increase in pulse rate, representing sympathetic dominance in the autonomic nervous system. NCT01623674 (www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Effects of fever on haemodynamic parameters in neurosurgical intensive care unit patients

To investigate the effects of fever on the haemodynamic parameters (pulse rate, arterial oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial blood pressure) of patients in a neurosurgical intensive care unit. A prospective, repeated-measures study. This study was performed in the neurosurgical intensive care unit of a University Hospital in the West of Turkey. The research sample included all patients with at least two occurrences of fever in the postoperative period. Body temperature and haemodynamic parameters of patients were measured on admission, one hour before the onset of fever and during fever (peak temperature). Increase of body temperature during fever episodes was followed by a significant increase in pulse rate (p = 0.001) with significant decreases in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.002) and arterial oxygen saturation (p = 0.001). Furthermore fever episodes were followed by a non-significant increase in diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.074) and a non-significant decrease in mean arterial blood pressure (p = 0.097). In this study, a degree celsius (1 °C) increase in body temperature, was associated with a decline of 4.43 mmHg in systolic blood pressure, 0.166 mmHg mean arterial blood pressure and 0.64% arterial oxygen saturation, respectively. It was also associated with an increase of 1.61 mmHg in diastolic arterial blood pressure and 7.46 beats/per minute pulse rate, respectively. The findings from this research have demonstrated the effects that fever can have on haemodynamic parameters of patients in one neurosurgical intensive care unit. Hence the study highlights the importance for intensive care unit (ICU) nurses to appreciate the physiological effects of fever which have the potential to cause complications in febrile patients. Increasing knowledge about the effects of fever on haemodynamic parameters can therefore be of benefit to nurses in terms of quality and efficacy of patient care.

Effect of Watermelon (citrullus lanatus) on pulse rate and blood pressure in healthy individuals

Watermelon is really useful, healthy and its great properties are well known to the world since ancient times. It has been reported that watermelon has an ingredient that deliver Viagra-like effects to the body's blood vessels and may even increase libido. This work was done to determine the effect of watermelon on pulse rate and blood pressure in healthy individuals. A total number of 40 adult human beings (20 males, 20 females) were randomly selected for use in this experiment. Watermelonwas given to each subject daily for seven days of experimental period respectively.The pulse rate was taken before and after the meal using palpation and the blood pressure was measured by auscultatory method. In the female subject, there is significant (P<0.01) increase between the basal pulse rate and the post watermelon pulse rate(75.7 ± 1.38 to 82.7 ± 2.58) showing a significant increase in pulse rate after taking the watermelon. In male subject, there is also significant (P<0.01)increase between the basal pulse rate and post watermelon pulse rate after the experiment( 69.9 ± 0.79 to 77.9 ± 1.38)showing a significant increase (P<0.01) in pulse rate after taking the watermelon.there was no significant changes in the basal systolic pressure and post- watermelon systolic pressure in both male and female subjects. The basal diastolic blood pressure in the male subject slightly reduced compared with post watermelon diastolic while tin female subject,there is slight increase.The results of this experiment suggest that increase in the pulse rate is due to the effect of watermelon on the blood flow which may be due to action of l-citrulline(active ingredient) on the blood vessel enhancing the activity of the heart. There is no significant change on the blood pressure.

The effect of udenafil on the hemodynamics of healthy male volunteers administered tamsulosin

Objective:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the hemodynamic interactions between udenafil and tamsulosin.Methods:After a placebo lead-in period, 27 healthy volunteers received 200 mg udenafil + tamsulosin placebo, udenafil placebo +0.4 mg tamsulosin, or 200 mg udenafil +0.4 mg tamsulosin. Blood pressure and pulse rate (PR) were measured at 15 time points from 0 to 24 hours.Results:A single dose of udenafil, when administered with multiple tamsulosin doses, produced statistically significant increases in PR (mean: 10.7; 95% confidence interval: 5.3, 16.2 bpm; p < 0.001) compared with tamsulosin administered with an udenafil placebo. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements remained unchanged. Two subjects who took udenafil with tamsulosin had a decrease in standing systolic blood pressure (SBP) greater than 30 mmHg in comparison to their baseline SBP; however, compared with the frequency of a decrease in standing SBP greater than 30 mmHg in comparison to the baseline, there was no significant difference in frequency among the four treatments (p = 0.243). There was no difference in the Cmax, AUClast, or AUCinf of udenafil and its active metabolite DA-8164 between the administration of udenafil and udenafil with tamsulosin.Conclusion:The coadministration of udenafil and tamsulosin was not associated with clinically significant hemodynamic changes in healthy volunteers. Although this study was conducted on a small number of healthy young subjects, the use of udenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients taking tamsulosin for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia is not expected to cause significant safety problems.

Intratesticular and subcutaneous lidocaine alters the intraoperative haemodynamic responses and heart rate variability in male cats undergoing castration

ObjectiveTo evaluate the usefulness of intratesticular and subcutaneous lidocaine in alleviating the intraoperative nociceptive response to castration, measured by pulse rate (PR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP), and to test the applicability of heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in assessing this response. Study designRandomized, controlled, observer-blinded experimental trial. AnimalsThirty-nine healthy male cats admitted for castration. MethodsOne group received general anaesthesia and served as control group (GA), while the treatment group (LA) additionally received local anaesthesia (lidocaine 2 mg kg−1) intratesticularly and subcutaneously. PR and MAP were recorded at anaesthesia baseline (T0), treatment (T1), incision left testicle (T2), traction on spermatic cord (T3), tightening of the autoligature and resection of the cord (T4), incision on the right side (T5), traction on spermatic cord (T6), and tightening of the autoligature and resection of cord (T7). HRV analysis was divided into three 5-minute intervals: baseline (H0), treatment (H1), and surgery (H2). ResultsThere were significant increases in PR and MAP for both groups during surgery from T3 onwards; however, the increase in the treatment group (LA) was significantly lower than for the control group (GA). For HRV analysis, significant differences were found between groups in the following parameters during surgery: TP (total power), VLF (very low frequency), SDNN (standard deviation of NN intervals [=the interval between two consecutive R-waves in the ECG]), and TI (triangular index), which were lower in the LA group. Mean NN was significantly lower in the GA group, whereas LF (low frequency) and LFn (low frequency, normalized value) were lower in the LA group. HF (high frequency) and HFn (high frequency, normalized value) decreased significantly from H1 to H2 in both groups. Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe study showed that the nociceptive response to surgery was alleviated by the use of intratesticular and subcutaneous lidocaine and that HRV analysis is a promising research tool to estimate intraoperative nociception in cats during general anaesthesia.

Pulse Oximetry Measurements in the Evaluation of Patients With Possible Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

We present our experience in using pulse oximetry as an aid in the diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Our attention was given to those symptomatic patients without objective confirmatory data on imaging or electrodiagnostic evaluation. Using a pulse oximeter, we measured the oxygen saturation and the pulse rate during a provocative extremity abduction stress test exercise maneuver in 18 patients with symptoms and signs consistent with a diagnosis of nonspecific neurogenic TOS. The oxygen saturation and pulse rates in 18 asymptomatic subjects were used as a control. Resting oxygen saturation above 97% was present in both groups initially. After the provocative exercise maneuver, there was a significant reduction in the oxygen saturation levels, which dropped to 86% in the symptomatic TOS group compared with 94% in the control group. There was a significant increase in pulse rate in those subjects suspected of having TOS compared with a minimal increase in pulse rate in control subjects. Pulse oximetry produced objective confirmatory measurements, which support a hypothesis that hypoperfusion in the upper limb during provocative activities or exercise may cause disabling symptoms associated with nonspecific neurogenic TOS. This method may be a useful, noninvasive, rapid, and inexpensive clinical tool in the diagnosis of TOS, a condition frequently lacking in objective, confirmatory diagnostic data.