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This study aimed at assessing the value of heart rate variability (HRV) as a stress indicator before and after a final re-sit exam among healthy sixth grade medical students. Fifty participants were recruited for the study (test group, n = 30; control group, n = 20). Each participant was examined for 5 minutes pre and post exam periods using the Heartmath proprietary protocol. EmWave equipment was used to detect, record and analyze the HR and to plot out the variability in discrete percentages for low, medium and high coherences. Results indicated that mean percentage coherence score was significantly higher in the test group (p < 0.05) at low cardiac coherence domain, but lower (p < 0.05) at the high coherence domain, compared with the control. Coherence score was significantly higher (p < 0.05) after the exam indicating release from stress, as compared to before the examination when stress was observable among the exam candidates. There were no significant gender differences observed in cardiac coherence scores before and after examination. Our findings indicate that HRV is a reliable indicator of real-time exam stress and supports future clinical use of HRV as a non-invasive and simple stress test.

Background: Histological changes associated with toxicity of radiographic developer effluents on spleen tissues have not been previously studied. The present study therefore aimed at demonstrating the histopathological changes in splenic tissues of Wistar rats following exposure to developer effluent. Methods: Eighteen young Wistar rats weighing 140-220g were used for the study. The animals were divided randomly into three groups of 6 rats each based on the dose of developer effluent administered to them – i.e. control group I (0 dose) and experimental groups II (lower dose, 200 mg/kg) and III (higher dose, 400 mg/kg) respectively. The groups were further classified as either A or B sub-groups of three rats each, depending on the duration (14 or 28 days) of effluent administration. The effluent administration was done by oral gavages. Results: Normal spleen histology was observed in the control group. In contrast, tissue degeneration and necrosis; lymphocytic infiltration as well as reduction of splenic follicles were observed in some of the test groups (IIA, IIB and IIIA). Interestingly, the toxic effects of the developer effluent on group IIIB administered with higher dose for a longer period of 28 days were not as severe as observed in the other test groups. Conclusions: The present study which indicated adverse effects of exposures to sub-lethal doses of developer effluent on Wistar rats’ spleen tissues suggests the need for proper management and disposal of radiographic effluents.

Despite the Global effort that have been intensified greatly, especially over the past two decades, the incidence of tuberculosis is in increase with about 2 billion infected individuals WHO, 2014 . This work sorts to add to the available knowledge of the effects anti tuberculosis drugs have on various physiological systems with specific interest on the hematological parameters and serum protein level. This study was carried out using 24 male wistar rats weighing within the range of 150 200 g. These animals were randomly separated into four groups of eight rats each. One of these groups is the control group fed with just feed and water and the other two groups labeled group1 and group 2 are the experimental groups receiving an administration of 22.5mg kg and 45mg kg respectively of the FCD anti tb drug solution used for this study. After 21 days of administration of the drug solution at the specified dosage, blood sample was collected and the sample was analyzed to obtain some hematological parameters and the serum protein this includes, total protein and serum albumin , then the serum globulin was calculated. The hematological parameters that were obtained include RBC count, TWBC count, Hb estimation, PCV and then the hematological indices were calculated using formula given by Ochei and Kolhatkar, 2000. The result obtained from sample analysis was statistically analyzed by one way ANOVA using SPSS v.20.0. The statistical result was insignificant p 0.05 in most of the variables investigated except for the following that were significant p 0.05 RBC count for groups 1 and 2 p value = 0.000 and 0.008 respectively , MHC of group 2 p values= 0.005 , MCV of groups 1 and 2 p values= 0.001 and 0.008 respectively and serum protein level of group 2 p value= 0.030 . Okonkwo, C. O. J | Maduka, S. O | Orji, E. I "Effect of A Standard Anti-Tuberculosis Regimen on Hematological Parameters and Serum Protein Level in Male Wistar RATS" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-2 | Issue-2 , February 2018, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd10691.pdf

There is paucity of scientific information on sex differences in heart rate (HR) responses during and after a sub-maximal exercise test in young adults. We assessed sex differences in normal HR responses during and after a sub-maximal-effort cycle ergometer exercise test in apparently healthy young adults. One hundred young adults (50 males and 50 females) participated in the study. Subjects performed a sub-maximal exercise at an intensity that produced 60–85% of a pre-determined age-predicted maximum HR. Measurements of subjects’ HR were done at rest, during exercise and post exercise recovery periods. The present data indicated that after adjusting for covariates, greater (Pmax and %HRreserve compared to females. Variables of HR response during post-exercise recovery did not differ between males and females. HR responses during exercise were greater in young adult males compared to females while HR responses at post-exercise recovery were similar between the two groups. The present findings may be useful in interpreting more accurately the significance of HR responses during and after exercise in healthy young adults according to sex.

Background Workers working in small-scale milling industries are exposed to a variety of contaminants that can affect both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Aim The purpose of this research was to evaluate the consequence of flour dust exposure on the cardiopulmonary functions of female flour mill workers in two Nigerian food milling markets. Participants and methods A total of 200 participants were engaged for the study, comprising 100 female flour mill workers (test group) and 100 female control participants. The blood pressure measurement and pulse rate were determined, whereas the lung function was assessed using electronic spirometer. Data on respiratory symptoms and duration of exposure were collected using questionnaire. Results The most common symptoms reported by the workers was cough (75%), whereas 57% of the workers had symptoms of high blood pressure. Highly significant peak expiratory flow rate, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume measured at the first second were lower significantly in the test patients relative to the control (P

Background:Despite the acclaimed beneficial effects ofMethods:The animals were distributed into five groups. Group A (control) was placed on standard rat feed. Groups B and C received 500 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of TO and gentamicin for 21 days, respectively. Group D received 500 mg/kg of TO 14 days before 7 days administration of 80 mg/kg of gentamycin. Group E received 80 mg/kg of gentamicin for 14 days before 7 days administration of 500 mg/kg TO. Group F received 500 mg/kg of TO and 80mg/kg of gentamycin concurrently for 21 days. Biochemical and histological examinations were analysed by standard methods.Results:The administration of TO for 7 days after 14 days of gentamycin injection and its concomitant administration with gentamicin for 21 days caused significant reduction (pConclusions:The administration of the extract together with and after the administration of gentamycin reverses renal damage caused by gentamycin.

The effect of occupational exposure to local powdered tobacco (snuff) on pulmonary function was studied. Snuff industry workers in Onitsha and Enugu markets were studied and compared with age, weight, and height-matched control not exposed to any known air pollutant. The pulmonary indices studied include forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1] and ratio of FEV1/FVC as percentage using a vitalograph spirometer and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate [PEFR], using a mini Wright Peak Expiratory Flow Meter. The respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms frequently associated with these workers were also analyzed and dust sampling in both test and control environments was also done. The mean anthropometric parameters, [age, height and body weight] between the two groups were not statistically different. The results obtained showed statistically significant impairment of lung function of workers chronically exposed to snuff. FVC, FEV1 and PEFR in the exposed [test] subjects were significantly decreased in comparison with the control subjects [P

Objective: To evaluate the relative importance of infections as indexed by raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the aetiology of benign or so called ethnic leucopaenia in persons of African origin. Method: Raised ESR is indicative of the process of organic disease. We sought the correlation of ESR with the total and differential leucocyte counts in a series of sick and healthy subjects (n=238). Results: The ESR values of sick patients were higher alongside a lower mean leukocyte count for this group. In both groups the leukocyte counts correlated negatively with ESR values (P healthy subjects (n=238). Conclusion: The presence of organic infections can lead to overall reduction in the number of leucocyte. The presence of some endemic or organic diseases conditions may the underlying aetiological factor in the so called ethnic leucopaenia of persons of African origin. Keywords: Ethnic leucopaenia, ESR, Nigerians, correlation Orient Journal of Medicine Vo. 17 (1&2) 2005:34-37

To find the effects of prokinetics, saline cathartics and different charcoal doses on the gastrointestinal transit and residence times of activated charcoal (AC).Five undergraduate volunteers of College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria, were studied.After an overnight fast, the volunteers were given 10 g and 20 g AC with and without saline cathartics, in a simple cross-over design in which the subjects served as their own control. In another experiment, the volunteers received 10 g AC and magnesium sulphate, with propantheline (as bromide 15 mg), metoclopramide (as hydrochloride 10 mg), placebo liquid or identical placebo capsule. Gastrointestinal transit and residence times of AC were recorded.Increase in the dose of AC significantly (P0.05) decreased the transit, but not the residence time of AC. Addition of saline cathartics (Na2SO4 and MgSO4) decreased both the transit and residence times of AC significantly (P0.05). Also, administration of propantheline, but not metoclopramide, produced a significant (P0.05) decrease in both the transit and residence times of AC. The transit and residence times were statistically (P0.05) different in both the magnesium sulphate group, as well as in the placebo liquid and placebo capsule groups.Cathartic efficiency is enhanced by alteration of gastrointestinal motility with propantheline.

Objectives: We investigated the respiratory symptoms and eosinophil levels of workers exposed to quarry pollutants in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Methods: 400 workers exposed to quarry dust and 400 age, sex, BMI-matched unexposed controls participated in the study. Incidences of respiratory and allergic symptoms were investigated. The level of respiratory dust and gas emissions in quarry sites were measured. Results: The incidence of respiratory symptoms and mean eosinophil levels were significantly greater in workers exposed to quarry dust compared to controls. Mean levels of respirable dust and certain poisonous gases from quarry sites were significantly higher compared to those of control environments. The hazard index of respiratory irritants was greater than 1. Conclusion: The higher incidence of respiratory infections and aggravated inflammatory responses observed in quarry workers may be attributable to the presence of higher level of respiratory system irritants in the quarry sites.