THE CENTRAL DISTRIBUTION OF ADRENOMEDULLIN AND ITS EFFECTS ON BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART RATE IN RATS

The present study was designed to make certain whether there exists adrenomedullin (ADM) in the rat central nervous system and evaluated the hemodynamic actions of intracerebroventricular administration (ICVA) of human ADM[13-52]. By immunohistochemistry (ABC method),We found that there was a discrete localization of ADM-positive immunoreactivity in the rat central system including cerebral cortex,paraventricular tissues, hypothalamus, cerebella cortex, mesencephalon and medulla oblongata. By reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) analysis, rat ADM mRNA was found to be expressed in rat brain. These above results of immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR suggest that ADM exists in the rat brain. We also found that centrally administered ADM[13-52]in a dose of 0.4 to 3. 2 nmol/kg provoked marked, prolonged and dosedependent increases in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and heart rate (HR). To clarify the mechanisms of the hemodynamic changes induced by centrally administered ADM [13-52]. the effect of centrally administered ADM [13-52] on renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was studied. The result showed that centrally administered ADM [13-52] ( 1. 6 nmol/kg) provoked a marked increase in RSNA .therefore .the increases in MABP and HR induced by centrally administered ADM [13-52]might be due to the stimulation of central sympathetic mechanism. In addtion,we also compared the relationship of activity and structure among the different fragments of ADM. In conclusion, ADMexists in the rat brain, and it may play an important role in the central control of cardiovascular system.

Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Measurements Using Photoplethysmography with Modified LRCN

In this study,single-channel photoplethysmography(PPG)signals were used to estimate the heart rate(HR),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),and systolic blood pressure(SBP).A deep learning model was proposed using a long-term recurrent convolutional network(LRCN)modified from a deep learning algorithm,the convolutional neural network model of the modified inception deep learning module,and a long short-term memory network(LSTM)to improve the model’s accuracy of BP and HR measurements.The PPG data of 1,551 patients were obtained from the University of California Irvine Machine Learning Repository.How to design a filter of PPG signals and how to choose the loss functions for deep learning model were also discussed in the study.Finally,the stability of the proposed model was tested using a 10-fold cross-validation,with an MAE±SD of 2.942±5.076 mmHg for SBP,1.747±3.042 mmHg for DBP,and 1.137±2.463 bpm for the HR.Compared with its existing counterparts,the model entailed less computational load and was more accurate in estimating SBP,DBP,and HR.These results established the validity of the model.

Predictive Value of Blood Pressure,Heart Rate,and Blood Pressure/Heart Rate Ratio in a Chinese Subpopulation with Vasovagal Syncope

Objective:The head-up tilt test(HUTT)is widely used but is time-consuming and not cost-effective to evaluate patients with vasovagal syncope(VVS).The present study aims to verify the hypothesis that ambulatory blood pressure(BP)monitoring(ABPM)and the simplistic tilt test may be potential alternatives to the HUTT.Methods:The study consecutively enrolled 360 patients who underwent the HUTT to evaluate VVS.BP),heart rate(HR),and BP/HR ratios derived from ABPM and the simplistic tilt test were evaluated to predict the presence,pattern,and stage of syncope during the HUTT.Results:Mixed response was the commonest pattern,and syncope occurred frequently with infusion of isoproterenol at a rate of 3μg/min.During the simplistic tilt test,the cardioinhibitory group had higher tilted BP/HR ratios than the vasodepressor group,while the vasodepressor group had a faster tilted HR and a larger HR difference than the cardioinhibitory group.The higher the BP/HR ratio in the tilted position,the higher the isoproterenol dosage needed to induce a positive response.During ABPM,BP/HR ratios were signifi cantly higher in the cardioinhibitory group than in the vasodepressor group.The higher the ABPM-derived BP,the higher the dosage of isoproterenol needed to induce syncope.There were signifi cant correlations in BP/HR ratios between ABPM and the supine position in the vasodepressor group,while signifi cant correlation was found only for the diastolic BP/HR ratio between ABPM and the tilted position in the cardioinhibitory group.The mixed pattern shared correlative features of the other two patterns.Conclusion:ABPM and the simplistic tilt test might be used as promising alternatives to the HUTT in VVS evaluation in clinical settings.

Cardiovascular age of aviation personnel: based on the principal component analysis of heart rate and blood pressure variability

Objective: To introduce a method to calculate cardiovascular age, a new, accurate and much simpler index for assessing cardiovascular autonomic regulatory function, based on statistical analysis of heart rate and blood pressure variability (HRV and BPV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) data. Methods: Firstly, HRV and BPV of 89 healthy aviation personnel were analyzed by the conventional autoregressive (AR) spectral analysis and their spontaneous BRS was obtained by the sequence method. Secondly, principal component analysis was conducted over original and derived indices of HRV, BPV and BRS data and the relevant principal components, PCi orig and PCi deri (i=1, 2, 3,...) were obtained. Finally, the equation for calculating cardiovascular age was obtained by multiple regression with the chronological age being assigned as the dependent variable and the principal components significantly related to age as the regressors. Results: The first four principal components of original indices accounted for over 90% of total variance of the indices, so did the first three principal components of derived indices. So, these seven principal components could reflect the information of cardiovascular autonomic regulation which was embodied in the 17 indices of HRV, BPV and BRS exactly with a minimal loss of information. Of the seven principal components, PC2 orig , PC4 orig and PC2 deri were negatively correlated with the chronological age ( P <0 05), whereas the PC3 orig was positively correlated with the chronological age ( P <0 01). The cardiovascular age thus calculated from the regression equation was significantly correlated with the chronological age among the 89 aviation personnel ( r =0.73, P <0 01). Conclusion: The cardiovascular age calculated based on a multi variate analysis of HRV, BPV and BRS could be regarded as a comprehensive indicator reflecting the age dependency of autonomic regulation of cardiovascular system in healthy aviation personnel.

Different prognostic association of systolic blood pressure at different time points with postdischarge events in patients hospitalized for decompensated heart failure

Background The association of systolic blood pressure(SBP) with mortality in heart failure(HF) patients is paradoxical, and the time points of baseline SBP are also different across prior studies. We hypothesized that the levels of SBP at admission and at discharge had different associations with postdischarge events. Methods The study population included patients hospitalized for decompensated HF in the Heart Failure Center of Fuwai Hospital from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2014. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular(CV) death and heart transplantation. Multivariate Cox proportional-hazards and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the relationships between SBP at different time points and outcomes. Results In total, 2005 patients were included with a median follow-up of 48.4 months. The median age was 59 years, and 69.9% were male. Multivariate Cox analyses showed that compared with SBP < 105 mm Hg, higher SBP at admission was associated with better long-term primary outcome(105–119 mm Hg, HR = 0.764, P = 0.005;120-134 mm Hg, HR = 0.658, P < 0.001;≥ 135 mm Hg, HR = 0.657, P = 0.001). Patients whose discharge SBP was higher than 135 mm Hg had a similar primary outcome as those with SBP < 105 mm Hg(HR = 0.969, P = 0.867), and the results remained unchanged even after adjusting for admission SBP(HR = 1.235, P = 0.291). The results of restricted cubic spline analysis indicated similar associations. Conclusions Lower but not higher SBP at admission is associated with more CV deaths/heart transplantations(a reverse J-shaped curve). In contrast, there is a U-shaped association between discharge SBP and CV mortality/heart transplantation.

Effects of Impaired Glucose Metabolism on Heart Rate Variability and Blood Pessure Variability in Essential Hpertensive Patients

To investigate the effects of impaired glucose metabolism （IGM） on cardiovascular autonomic nervous systems in essential hypertensive （EH） patients by comparing heart rate variability （HRV） and blood pressure variability （BPV） in EH patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM）. Simultaneous 24-h recordings of ambulatory ECG and blood pressure monitoring were performed in 36 male old patients with simple EH and 33 male old patients with EH combined with T2DM. HRV analysis included time domain parameters such as SDNN, SDANN, SDNNi, rMSSD and pNN50, and total spectral power （TP） of HRV, which mainly consists of VLF, LF and HF component along with LF/HF ratio, was also obtained. The value of ambulatory blood pressure was represented as the mean blood pressure （mean systolic/mSBP, diastolic/mDBP and pulse pressure/mPP） during different periods （24 h/24 h, day time/d and night time/n）. Standard deviation （SD） as well as coefficient of variance （CV） of blood pressure during each above-mentioned period were obtained to reflect the long-term BPV. Our result showed that SDNN, SDNNi, SDANN, rMSSD, PNN50, TP and HF of HRV in cases of EH with T2DM were all significantly lower than those in simple EH subjects （P〈0.05）. No significant differences in VLF or LF was found between the two groups （P〉0.05）, while LF/HF ratio was significantly higher in EH with T2DM patients than in simple EH subjects （P〈0.01）. Moreover, dmSBP, 24 h-mPP and dmPP were all significantly higher in EH with T2DM patients than in simple EH subjects （P〈0.05）, while nmSBP, 24 h-mSBP, 24 h-mDBP, dmDBP, nmDBP or nmPP showed no significant difference between this two groups of patients （P〉0.05）. And dSBPSD, dSBPCV and 24 h-SBPSD were all significantly higher in EH with T2DM patients than in simple EH subjects （P〈0.05）, while the other BPV indexes showed no significant difference between this two groups （P〉0.05）. It is concluded that the cardiovascular autonomic nervous systems in EH patients was further impaired by T2DM, displaying lowering of HRV and enlargement of BPV, which in turn induced abnormal structural and functional changes of cardiovascular systems. Therefore, improving cardiovascular autonomic nervous systems might reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular complications in the EH patients with IGM.

Blood pressure and stature in Helicobacter pylori positive and negative persons

To evaluate vital signs and body indices in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) positive and negative persons. A total of 22 centres entered the study. They were spread over the whole country, corresponding well to the geographical distribution of the Czech population. A total of 1818 subjects (aged 5-98 years) took part in the study, randomly selected out of 38147 subjects. H. pylori infection was investigated by means of a 13C-urea breath test. Data on height, weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were collected at the clinics of general practitioners. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 30.4% (402/1321) in adults (≥ 18 year-old) and 5.2% (26/497) in children and adolescents (≤ 17 year-old). Once adjusted for age and gender, only a difference in body mass index remained statistically significant with H. pylori positive adults showing an increase of 0.6 kg/m2 in body mass index. Once adjusted for age and gender, we found a difference in height between H. pylori positive and H. pylori negative children and adolescents. On further adjustment for place of residence, this difference became statistically significant, with H. pylori positive children and adolescents being on average 3.5 cm shorter. H. pylori positive adults were significantly older compared to H. pylori negative subjects. Once adjusted for age and gender, H. pylori infection had no impact on body weight, body mass index and vital signs either in adults or children and adolescents. Chronic H. pylori infection appeared to be associated with short stature in children. H. pylori infection did not influence blood pressure, body weight and body mass index either in adults or children and adolescents.

Association between Depression, Pressure Pain Sensitivity, Stress and Autonomous Nervous System Function in Stable Ischemic Heart Disease: Impact of Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Blockade

Background: Depression and ischemic heart disease (IHD) are associated with persistent stress and autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. The former can be measured by pressure pain sensitivity (PPS) of the sternum, and the latter by the PPS and systolic blood pressure (SBP) response to a tilt table test (TTT). Beta-blocker treatment reduces the efferent beta-adrenergic ANS function, and thus, the physiological stress response. Objective: To test the effect of beta-blockers on changes in depression score in patients with IHD, as well as the influence on persistent stress and ANS dysfunction. Methods: Three months of non-pharmacological intervention aiming at reducing PPS and depression score in patients with stable IHD. Beta-blocker users (N = 102) were compared with non-users (N = 75), with respect to signs of depression measured by the Major Depressive Inventory questionnaire (MDI), resting PPS, and PPS and SBP response to TTT. Results: MDI score decreased 30% in non-users (p = 0.005) compared to 4% (p > 0.1) among users (between-group p = 0.003;effect size = 0.4). Resting PPS decreased in both the groups. Among most vulnerable patients with MDI ≥ 15, reductions in MDI score and resting PPS score correlated in non-users, only (r = 0.69, p = 0.007). Reduction in resting PPS correlated with an increase in PPS and SBP response to TTT. Conclusions: Stress intervention in patients with IHD was anti-depressive in non-users, only. Similarly, the association between the reduction in depression, reduction in persistent stress, and restoration of ANS dysfunction was only seen in non-users, suggesting a central role of beta-adrenergic receptors in the association between these factors.

Power Spectral Analysis of Heart Rate Variability of Driver Fatigue

This investigation was to evaluate the driving fatigue based on power spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) under vertical vibration. Forty healthy male subjects (29.7±3.5 years) were randomly divided into two groups, Group A (28.8±4.3 years) and Group B (30.6±2.7 years). Group A (experiment group) was required to perform the simulated driving and Group B (control group) kept calm for 90 min. The frequency domain indices of HRV such as low frequency (0.04 0.15 Hz, LF), high frequency (0.150.4 Hz, HF), LF/HF together with the indices of hemodynamics such as blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) of the subjects between both groups were calculated and analyzed after the simulated driving. There were significances of the former indices between both groups (P<0.05). All the data collected after experiment of Group A was observed the remarkable linear correlation (P<0.05) and parameters and errors of their linear regression equation were stated (α=0.05, P<0.001) in this paper, respectively. The present study investigated that sympathetic activity of the subjects enhanced after the simulated driving while parasympathetic activities decreased. The sympathovagal balance was also improved. As autonomic function indictors of HRV reflected fatigue level, quantitative evaluation of driving mental fatigue from physiological reaction could be possible.

The Effect of Baroreflex Function on Blood Pressure Variability

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of blood pressure variability (BPV) and heart rate variability (HRV) to investigate the effect of baroreflex function on blood pressure variability. Methods: This study consisted of 111 subjects, including 32 normotensives and 79 hypertensives. All the subjects were given two concurrent tests: 24-hour Holter ECG and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. According to standard deviation of normal-to-normal sinus RR intervals (SDNN) derived from the Holter ECG, the hypertensives were divided into two groups: an HRV normal group with SDNN > 100 ms and an HRV abnormal group with

Impact of metabolism-related mutations on the heart rate of gastric cancer patients after peritoneal lavage

BACKGROUND During surgery for gastric cancer,peritoneal lavage using warm distilled water can cause temporary hemodynamic changes.AIM To examine the associations between changes in heart rate and single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs).METHODS This was a prospective observational study of patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy and peritoneal hypotonic lavage at the Third Afliated Hospital of Soochow University from March 2018 to March 2019.Related SNPs were selected,and the verified exons were analyzed.Heart rate and blood pressure(BP)were measured before and after lavage.The patients were grouped as heart rate change≥30%vs<30%.Comparison and regression analyses of the selected SNPs were performed between the two groups.RESULTS According to the inclusion/exclusion criteria,194 patients were included in the analysis.Of these patients,138 were male,with a mean age of 65.9±0.8 years,and 56 were female,with a mean age of 65.0±1.3 years.Heart rate dropped by 0%-10%in 65 participants,by 10%-15%in 29,by 15%-20%in 23,by 20%-50%in 39,by 50%-100%in four,six had a cardiac arrest,and 28 had an increase in heart rate.Considering the possible impact of exonic SNPs on the phenotypes,TEP1(rs938886),TEP1(rs1713449),and RECQL5(rs820196)were analyzed.The haplotype analysis suggested that the haplotypes CTT[odds ratio(OR)=2.018,95%confidence interval(CI):1.012-4.025,P=0.0430]and GCC(OR=2.293,95%CI:1.174-4.477,P=0.0131)of TEP1(rs938886),TEP1(rs1713449),and RECQL5(rs820196)increased the risk of a drop in heart rate>30%.CONCLUSION The TEP1(rs938886),TEP1(rs1713449),and RECQL5(rs820196)SNPs were associated with changes in heart rate≥30%during intraperitoneal lavage using distilled water after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Frequency of Monthly Ejaculation at Sexual Intercourse, DNA Fragmentation Index and Fertilization Rate among Sperm Donors and Fertility-Challenged Men in Sub-Saharan Africa: Paper 2

Introduction: Heterogenous sexual intercourse often produces a powerful orgasm that stimulates the pituitary function. Studies have suggested ejaculation frequency based on age. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect information from subjects. Semen samples were collected from sperm donors and sub-fertile men who presented for infertility challenges. Processing and analysis of semen samples were done according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation was evaluated using the Halosperm kit. Results: Among sperm donors, those aged χ2 = 0.09, P-value = 0.81, OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 0.23, 45.19) while among sub-fertile men those aged ≥40 years were approximately 2.3 times more likely to have very low frequency of MESI compared to aged χ2 = 2.11, P-value = 0.51, OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 0.74, 9.92). The frequency of all categories of MESI was highest among sub-fertile men aged χ2 = 0.03, P-value = 0.57, OR = 2.42, 95% CI: 0.41, 14.46). Sub-fertile men aged ≥40 with diastolic hypertension (≥90 mmHg) were approximately 6 times more likely to have a low (6 - 10) frequency of MESI compared to those aged χ2 = 1.97, P-value = 0.16, OR = 6.22, 95% CI: 0.69, 55.77). Overall mean fertilization rate was significantly higher (t-test = 2.44, P-value = 0.01) among sub-fertile men aged Conclusion: Cigarette smoking, more than alcohol consumption, appears to be a major factor that significantly affects the frequency of MESI among sub-fertile men in all age groups. Frequency of MESI negatively but insignificantly correlated with systolic blood pressure.

Efectsofmoxonidineinjectedintorostralventrolateralmedulaonbloodpressure,heartrate,andrenalsympatheticnerveactivityinrats

目的：观察延髓腹外侧头端（ＲＶＬＭ）注射莫索尼定（Ｍｏｘ）对麻醉大鼠血压（ＢＰ）、心率（ＨＲ）及肾交感神经放电（ＲＳＮＡ）的影响．方法：麻醉大鼠ＲＶＬＭ注射１μＬＭｏｘ１，１０，１００μｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１，同步记录ＢＰ，ＨＲ及ＲＳＮＡ．结果：Ｍｏｘ１，１０，１００μｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１分别使ＢＰ从１３９±１０ｋＰａ降至１３０±１７ｋＰａ（Ｐ＜００５），１３８±１８ｋＰａ至１１４±１５ｋＰａ（Ｐ＜００１），ａｎｄ１３９±１９ｋＰａ至９４±１７ｋＰａ（Ｐ＜００１）．Ｍｏｘ不影响ＨＲ．Ｍｏｘ１μｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１增加ＲＳＮＡ５０％（Ｐ＜００５），１０μｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１对ＲＳＮＡ无影响（Ｐ＞００５），１００μｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１则降低ＲＳＮＡ２３％（Ｐ＜００５）．在缓冲神经切断大鼠，Ｍｏｘ１０μｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１抑制ＲＳＮＡ５０％（Ｐ＜００５），明显不同于缓冲神经完整的动物（Ｐ＜００１）．结论：麻醉大鼠ＲＶＬＭ注射Ｍｏｘ可降低ＢＰ，但不影响ＨＲ。

High frequency heart rate variability evoked by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over the medial prefrontal cortex: A preliminary investigation on brain processing of acute stressor-evoked cardiovascular reactivity

Introduction: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive technique for brain stimulation. Repetitive TMS (rTMS) over the medial Prefrontal Cortex (mPFC), Broadman Area 10 (BA10) may stimulate transynaptically perigenual Anterior Cingulate Cortex (pACC, BA 33), insula, amigdala, hypothalamus and connected branches of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) involved in stressorevoked cardiovascular reactivity. Stressors are associated with an increase in sympathetic cardiac control, a decrease in parasympathetic control, or both, and, consequently, an increase in systolic/stroke volume, total vascular impedance/resistance and heart rate, a decrease of baroreflex sensitivity, i.e., an increase in blood pressure/arterial tension. Objectives and Aims: The present work aims, using TMS and accordingly to Gianaros modeling, based on functional neuroimaging studies and previous neuroanatomical data from animal models, to probe the connectivity of brain systems involved in stressor-evoked cardiovascular reactivity and to explore TMS potential as a tool for detection and stratification of individual differences concerning this reactivity and hemorreological risk factors correlated with the development of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). Methods: Both subjects, a 52 years old male and a 40 years old female with previous increased Low Frequency (LF)/High Frequency (HF) Heart Rate Variability (HRV) ratios (respectively, 4.209/3.028) without decompensated cardiorespiratory symptoms, gave informed consent, and ethico-legal issues have been observed. Electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring has been performed for safety purposes. Immediately after administration, over the mPFC, of 15 pulses of rTMS, during 60 second, with an inductive electrical current, at the stimulating coil, of 85.9 Ampère per μsecond and 66 Ampère per μsecond, respectively, for male and female subjects (a “figure-of-eight” coil and magnetic stimulator MagLite, Dantec/Medtronic, have been used), HRV spectrum analysis (cStress software) has been performed (during 5 minutes, in supine position). Results: In both subjects, LF power, HF power and LF/HF ratio results, before and after rTMS administration, pointed towards sympathetic attenuation and parasympathetic augmentation (respectively, in male/female subject: decreased LF power—65.1 nu/69.3 nu, before rTMS;56.1 nu/41.6 nu, after rTMS;increased HF power—15.5 nu/22.9 nu, before rTMS;30.9 nu/45.5 nu, after rTMS). Conclusions: In this preliminary investigation, the existence of a link between “mind” and heart’s function has been put in evidence, through a reversible “virtual” lesion, of brain systems involved in cardiovascular control, caused by TMS. Repetitive TMS over mPFC decreased brain function involved in stressorevoked cardiovascular reactivity, suggesting the importance of TMS in the management of stress-related cardiovascular disorders.

Non-invasive cuffless blood pressure and heart rate monitoring using impedance cardiography

Background Continuous blood pressure(BP)monitoring provides additional information about how changes in BP may correlate with daily activities and sleep patterns.Recommendations from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology strongly suggest confirming a diagnosis of hypertension with continuous BP monitoring.Non-invasive and non-intrusive detection of haemodynamic parameters is emerging as a norm,based on self-monitoring wearable medical devices.Researchers have carried out several studies using non-invasive and continuous BP measurements as an alternative to conventional cuff-based measurements.In this work,we proposed a novel method for cuffless estimation of BP using impedance cardiography(ICG).Methods We conducted a single-centre,cross-sectional study of 104 subjects(of whom 30 were categorized as controls and the remaining 74 as the disease group)at the Medical College and Hospital,Kolkata.The disease group consisted of patients with confirmed coronary artery disease,while the individuals in the control group were deemed to be healthy.All subjects underwent electrocardiogram recording by on-duty doctors in order to determine their health status.A custom-made device based on the principle of impedance plethysmography was designed to record impedance changes due to subjects’peripheral blood flow.The device was used to record ICG signals.In this study,we developed a novel auto-adaptive algorithm based on ICG signals for non-invasive,cuffless,continuous monitoring of BP and heart rate.Separate mathematical models were developed for all the estimated parameters(BP and heart rate)for both the study groups(control and disease).The developed models were auto-adaptive and did not require subject-specific calibration.Performance indicators including,𝑟2,error percentage,standard deviation,and mean difference were used to quantify the performance of the models.Results The ICG signal recorded by the device was used to extract features and compute the augmentation index.The calculated augmentation index values showed strong correlations with systolic BP(𝑟=0.99,𝑃<0.05),diastolic BP(𝑟=0.95,𝑃<0.05),and heart rate(𝑟=0.78,𝑃<0.05).The models were also shown to have a high degree of accuracy for systolic and diastolic BP.Error margins were in the range±2.33 and±1.79 mmHg for systolic BP in disease and control subjects,respectively,and±3.60 and±1.82 mmHg for diastolic BP.However,the accuracy was lower in the prediction of heart rate in disease subjects,with a reported𝑟2 value of 0.72 and an error margin of±2.88 beats per min;for healthy subjects,the results were marginally better,with an error margin of±1.82 beats per min.All statistical analyses were performed using MATLAB(R2017a,MathWorks R○,USA).Conclusion In this study,we developed a non-invasive cuffless approach for estimation of systemic peripheral BP and heart rate using ICG.The proposed methodology eliminated any discomfort to patients caused by inflation of the cuff(in the case of cuff-based BP monitoring)or the need to constantly wear a fingertip photoplethysmography device(in the case of cuffless BP monitoring).The results obtained appeared promising and increased the potential scope of ICG for monitoring other haemodynamic parameters related to heart function.

Stochastic resonance whole body vibration increases perceived muscle relaxation but not cardiovascular activation:A randomized controlled trial

AIM To investigate the acute effects of stochastic resonance whole body vibration(SR-WBV), including muscle relaxation and cardiovascular activation.METHODS Sixty-four healthy students participated. The participants were randomly assigned to sham SR-WBV training at a low intensity(1.5 Hz) or a verum SR-WBV training at a higher intensity(5 Hz). Systolic blood pressure(SBP), diastolic blood pressure(DBP), heart rate(HR) and selfreported muscle relaxation were assessed before and immediately after SR-WBV.RESULTS Two factorial analyses of variance(ANOVA) showed a significant interaction between pre- vs post-SR-WBVmeasurements and SR-WBV conditions for muscle relaxation in the neck and back [F(1,55) = 3.35, P = 0.048, η2 = 0.07]. Muscle relaxation in the neck and back increased in verum SR-WBV, but not in sham SR-WBV. No significant changes between pre- and post-training levels of SBD, DBD and HR were observed either in sham or verum SR-WBV conditions. With verum SR-WBV, improved muscle relaxation was the most significant in participants who reported the experience of back, neck or shoulder pain more than once a month(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION A single session of SR-WBV increased muscle relaxation in young healthy individuals, while cardiovascular load was low. An increase in musculoskeletal relaxation in the neck and back is a potential mediator of pain reduction in preventive worksite SR-WBV trials.

Wavelet and pain rating index for inhalation anesthesia: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Wavelet index(WLi)and pain rating index(PRi)are new parameters for regulating general anesthesia depth based on wavelet analysis.AIM To investigate the safety and efficacy of using WLi or PRi in sevoflurane anesthesia.METHODS This randomized controlled trial enrolled 66 patients scheduled for elective posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery under sevoflurane anesthesia between September 2017 and February 2018.A random number generator was used to assign the eligible patients to three groups:Systolic blood pressure(SBP)monitoring group,WLi monitoring group,and PRi monitoring group.The main anesthesiologist was aware of the patient grouping and intervention used.The primary endpoint was anesthesia recovery time.Secondary endpoints included extubation time,sevoflurane consumption,number of unwanted events/interventions,number of adverse events and postoperative visual analogue scale for pain.RESULTS A total of 62 patients were included in the final analysis(SBP group,n=21;WLi group,n=21;and PRi group,n=20).There were no significant differences among the three groups in patient age,gender distribution,body mass index,American Society of Anesthesiologists class,duration of surgery,or duration of anesthesia.Anesthesia recovery time was shorter in the WLi and PRi groups than in the SBP group with no significant difference between the WLi and PRi groups.Extubation time was shorter in the WLi and PRi groups than in the SBP group.Sevoflurane consumption was lower in the WLi and PRi groups than in the SBP group.Nicardipine was more commonly needed to treat hypertension in the WLi and PRi groups than in the SBP group.CONCLUSION Regulation of sevoflurane anesthesia depth with WLi or PRi reduced anesthesia recovery time,extubation time and sevoflurane consumption without intraoperative unwanted events.

Acute Toxicity and Cardio-Respiratory Effects of 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose: A Promising Radio Sensitiser

Objective To evaluate the acute toxicity of 2-deoxy-D-glucose （2DG） by oral （p.o.） and intravenous （i.v.） routes, and also the cardio-respiratory effects following high doses of 2DG in animal models. Methods The LD50 of 2DG （in water） was determined in rats and mice by p.o. route and in mice by i.v. route. The effect of 2-DG （250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg, i.v.） was studied on various cardio-respiratory parameters viz., mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate in anaesthetised rats. The effect of 2DG （500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg, p.o.） was also studied on various respiratory parameters viz., respiratory rate and tidal volume in conscious rats and mice using a computer program. Results The p.o. LD50 of 2DG was found to be 〉8000 mg/kg in mice and rats, and at this dose no death was observed. The LD50 in mice by i.v. route was found to be 8000 mg/kg. At this dose 2 out of 4 mice died and the death occurred within 6 h. A significant increase in the body weight was observed after p.o. administration of 2DG in rats at 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg doses. There was no significant change in the body weight at 4000 mg/kg and 8000 mg/kg by the p.o. route in rats and up to 8000 mg/kg by p.o. as well as i.v. routes in mice. Intravenous administration of 2DG （250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg） in anaesthetised rats showed a time-dependent decrease in the mean arterial blood pressure. There was no change in the heart rate in any of the treatment groups. The tidal volume was not changed significantly by p.o administration in conscious rats, but a significant decrease in the respiratory frequency at 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg doses was observed. In the mice also there was no change in the tidal volume after p.o, administration, but the respiratory frequency decreased significantly at 2000 mg/kg dose. Conclusion 2DG is a safe compound but can cause a fall in the blood pressure and a decrease in respiratory frequency at high doses.

Relationship between nucleus tractus solitarii and effect of guanabenz on plasma renin activity in rats

Microinjection of 0.5μg guanabenz(GB)into the nucleus tractus solitarii(NTS)orintravenous(i.v.)injection of 10μg/kg of GB significantly lowered plasma renin activity(PRA).blood pressure(BP)and heart rate(HR)in rats i.v.10 μg/kg GB,after the bilateral NIS were de-stroyed by electric current(1 mA 20s),did not decrease PRA,BP and HR.These findings suggestthat the inhibitory action of GB on PRA,BP and HR is related to the activation of alpha-2adrenoceptors in the NTS.

Analysis of hemodynamic responses to resistance exercise performed with different intensities and recovery intervals

This aim of the present study was to analyze the hemodynamic responses during resistance exercise performed at different intensities and with different recovery intervals. This study was conducted on twenty-four apparently healthy male individuals (25.50 ± 3.72 years and 76.50 ± 4.50 kg) experienced in strength training. The volunteers performed a 1RM test to determine the training load for the study. Blood pressure and Rate Pressure Product were measured before and at the end of the exercise training. The only significant difference observed was in SBP during strength training at 70% intensity (121.7 ± 8.68, p = 0.039), which was lower than SBP at the remaining intensities of 80% (126.3 ± 7.11) and 90% (127.1 ± 7.51). It was concluded that strength training performed at different intensities and recovery intervals did not significantly alter most variables, changing only the SBP due to the intensity employed.