The effectiveness of neuromuscular release massage therapy in five individuals with chronic obstructive lung disease

The purpose was to examine neuromuscular release massage therapy (NRMT) as an intervention for individuals with chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) to improve pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and quality of life. Variables measured were thoracic gas volume, peak flow, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, heart rate, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and quality of life to determine if improvement occurred with 24 weekly treatments of NRMT. Four of five participants had an increase in thoracic gas volume, peak flow, and FVC. Paired differences t test resulted in significant changes in heart rate, oxygen saturation, and time of breath hold. Repeated measured analysis of variance indicated a significant interaction between participant and time for heart rate, oxygen saturation, and systolic blood pressure. The results suggest that individuals with COLD do benefit from NRMT, but the exact physiological mechanism for the changes warrants additional study.     

The characteristics of the effect of point and classical massage on the hemodynamics of patients with a history of transient ischemic attacks in the vertebrobasilar system

Clinical and instrumental studies have revealed differences in effects of nerve ending and classic massage on hemodynamics in 41 patients early after transitory ischemic attacks in the vertebrobasilar area. Point massage produced more potent vasotropic effect, contraindications to it are minimal. It can be considered as a pathogenetic therapy aimed at correction of cerebral circulation in patients with vertebrobasilar area applicable early after acute cerebrovascular episodes.     

The acute and chronic effect of oxprenolol and propranolol on peripheral blood flow in hypertensive patients

1 The effects of oxprenolol and propranolol on peripheral blood flow were compared in patients with mild and moderate essential hypertension. 2 In an acute double-blind crossover study in which eight patients participated there was a significant reduction in resting forearm blood flow (RFBF) 2 h after 80 mg propranolol (mean +/- s.e. mean) (-0.87 +/- 0.13 microliter min-1 100 g-1) and after 80 mg oxprenolol (-0.30 +/- 0.12) but not after placebo. This reduction was significantly greater after propranolol (P = 0.022). 3 Seven patients continued into a double-blind crossover study comparing the above dose of the two drugs twice a day. On both the beta-adrenoceptor blockers there was a significant reduction in blood pressure after 2 weeks of treatment and also a significant reduction in RFBF. 4 After 6 weeks treatment with propranolol the reduction in RFBF persisted and was significantly less (P = 0.04) than after 6 weeks treatment of oxprenolol, at which time RFBF was back to control. 5 There were no consistent changes in skin temperature. 6 Neither propranolol nor oxprenolol should be used in patients with severe peripheral vascular disease. 7 If beta-adrenoceptor blockade is necessary in patients with mild peripheral vascular disease oxprenolol should be used in preference to propranolol but should be prescribed with caution.     

The effect of chronic hypertension on skin blood flow

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the cutaneous microvasculature of the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) is affected by chronic hypertension. DESIGN: We used laser Doppler techniques to measure skin blood flow in 22 SHR and in 22 non-hypertensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats over a 1-year time span, beginning at age 3 months. Sites of measurement included the back, leg, and root of the tail, areas with a predominantly nutritive perfusion, and the plantar surface of the paw, which has a large contribution from large arterioles and venules. Flow was measured at basal skin temperature and at the maximally heat-stimulated condition of 44 degrees C. Systolic tail arterial blood pressures were measured concurrently. RESULTS: At baseline, systolic blood pressures were considerably higher in the SHR (190 +/- 4 mmHg) than they were in the WKY rats (138 +/- 2 mmHg). Skin blood flow values at the three nutritive sites were similar in the two species. However, at 44 degrees C, flow was significantly higher at the paw in the SHR (46.8 +/- 3.5 versus 34.3 +/- 2.2 ml/min per 100 g). We attribute this difference to the effect of high perfusion pressure on large arterioles. During the 1-year measurement period, there was no appreciable change in blood flow in the WKY rats. In contrast, the SHR showed a steady progressive decline in skin blood flow at all sites. The largest decline was at the paw with a rate of fall of about 2.4%/month. After 1 year, there was no difference between paw blood flow in the SHR (27.5 +/- 1.8 ml/min per 100 g) and in the WKY rats (27.6 +/- 1.9 ml/min per 100 g). CONCLUSIONS: Skin blood flow reserve falls in response to chronic hypertension. The rate of fall is greater at sites with significant arteriovenous perfusion that at nutritive sites.     

The effect of voluntary hyperventilation on arterial blood gases and gas exchange in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease

A 2 min test of voluntary hyperventilation (VHV) was performed on 19 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) and on eight control subjects. The average decrease in PaCO2 in the patients in this test was 4.6 mmHg (11%) and the average increase in PaO2 was 12.3 mmHg (19.1%). The average decrease of PaCO2 in control subjects was 16.5 mmHg (48.6%) and the average increase in PaO2 was 38.0 mmHg (46.2%). In patients with COLD, PaCO2 changes during VHV correlated significantly with respiratory exchange ratio; the correlation with minute and alveolar ventilation and deltaVO2/deltaVE ratio during VHV was of borderline significance. PaCO2 changes during VHV did not correlate with FEV1 (percent of predicted) or FEV1/VC%. The possible mechanisms of changes in blood gas tensions during and after the end of VHV test are discussed. The VHV test seems to be useful in evaluation of patients with COLD.     

The influence of desmopressin on blood loss during spinal fusion surgery in neuromuscular patients

PURPOSE: Fatigue and impairment of physical performance are common and severe problems of cancer patients. We describe the effect of an aerobic exercise program designed for cancer patients suffering from these symptoms. METHODS: Five cancer patients (4 female, 1 male, age 18 to 55), participated in the training program. Fatigue had been present for a time ranging between 5 wk and 18 months and hindered the patients from carrying out normal daily activities. The training program consisted of walking daily on a treadmill with an intensity corresponding to a lactate concentration of 3 +/- 0.5 mmol.L-1 and was carried out for 6 wk. RESULTS: By the end of the exercise program we observed an improvement in maximal physical performance (from 6.4 +/- 0.4 km.h-1 to 7.5 +/- 0.9 km.h-1, P < 0.05) and maximal walked distance (from 1640 +/- 724 m to 3300 +/- 953 m, P < 0.05). Heart rate and lactate concentration by an equivalent submaximal workload (5 km.h-1) were significant reduced (from 138 +/- 21 beats.min-1 to 113 +/- 20 beats.min-1, P < 0.05, and from 2.6 +/- 1.4 mmol.L-1 to 1.3 +/- 0.6 mmol.L-1, P < 0.05); all patients experienced a clear reduction of fatigue and could carry out normal daily activities again without substantial limitations. CONCLUSION: We conclude that an aerobic exercise program of precisely defined intensity, duration, and frequency can be prescribed as therapy for primary fatigue in cancer patients.     

The effect of transfusion on cardiac function in patients with chronic anemia

BACKGROUND: The deteriorating cardiac function of patients with chronic anemia may be improved with transfusion. The effect of transfusion on cardiac function was evaluated in patients with chronic anemia. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In a prospective study, ejection fraction (EF) was determined before and after transfusion in 41 patients with chronic anemia. The results were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The volume of red cells transfused and the levels of pretransfusion hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red cell, white cell, and platelet counts did not affect the posttransfusion EF, whereas the pretransfusion EF of the right or left ventricle inversely affected the posttransfusion change in EF in the respective ventricle (p < 0.001 and r = -0.5022; p = 0.01 and -0.3917, respectively). There was no significant difference in the change in EF in the right and left ventricles. CONCLUSION: Transfusion produced little immediate effect on cardiac function, but did change the EF to an extent that aided cardiac function in chronic anemia patients. The pretransfusion EF itself, but not the degree of anemia or volume of red cells transfused, affected the posttransfusion change in EF.     

The effect of dexamethasone on the reactions of the blood system in inflammation

On the model of carrageenan-induced acute aseptic peritonitis in rats it is shown that under influence of dexamethasone granulomonocytopoiesis, efflux of leukocytes to blood and their accumulation in inflammatory focus are increased and earlier completion of leukocytic reaction is observed and that the antiinflammatory effect of dexamethasone is mainly realized by the way of increasing of defence-adaptative blood system's reactions.     

The effect of kavinton on the erythron system and the blood gas composition in rats

The effects of cavinton on serum erythropoietin levels, erythrocytic 2,3-DFG concentrations, acid-balance and lactic acid concentrations were studied in normal rats for 24 hours. The findings suggest that there might be two possible mechanisms of cavinton's action at the level of erythron: 1) impact on the determinants of hemoglobin functional properties; 2) creation of a potential for enhancing the production of erythropoietin.     

磁性水对高水速凝材料性能影响的试验研究

高水速凝材料是近几年来在我国矿业才开始使用的新型工程材料，通过在高水速凝材料试验中采用均匀设计试验方法，分析磁化参数对磁性水拌制的高水速凝材料硬化体强度的影响关系，并对磁化参数进行优化，以确定提高高水速凝材料硬化体强度的最优化磁化参数值。     

The effect of theophylline on blood and sputum eosinophils and ECP in patients with bronchial asthma

It was recently reported that theophylline has an anti-inflammatory and bronchodilating effect on bronchial asthma. Accordingly, to examine the anti-inflammatory effect of theophylline on asthma, especially its effect on eosinophil activation, a sustained-release theophylline preparation (Theolong) was administered (daily dose: 400 mg) to 18 patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma. This was done in order to study the preparation's effects on lung function, blood and sputum eosinophils and ECP four weeks pre- and post-administration. Lung function was determined by spirometry and sputum by induced sputum. Blood and sputum ECP levels were determined using an ECP RIA kit. In lung function, there were no differences in vital capacity (VC) or in forced expiratory volume 1 s (FEV 1.0) pre- and post-administration. There were also no differences in the number of blood and sputum eosinophils, but serum and sputum ECP levels decreased. Theophylline is thus expected to exert an inhibitory effect on eosinophil activation and it is suggested as an effective therapeutic drug for bronchial asthma.     

The effect of endoscopic sinus surgery on mucociliary clearance in patients with chronic sinusitis

In a prospective study 20 patients suffering from recurrent, therapy-refractory menorrhagias were pre-treated for endometrial ablation after exclusion of intrauterine abnormalities and histological pathology. Two injections of GnRH-analogues (3.75 mg leuprorelinacetate depot, Enantone Gyn, Takeda Pharma GmbH Aachen, Germany). Two weeks after the last injection a hysteroscopic surgery by roller-ball-techniques was performed in 10 patients and a balloon-thermocoagulation by Cavaterm-technique (Wallsten Medical, Morges, Schweiz) was performed in 10 patients. Both patients groups were comparable according to age and anamnesis. In a follow-up of 9 to 15 months we found about identical results. All 20 patients were satisfied with the treatment. The Cavaterm-coagulation is in comparison to the operative hysteroscopy a simple method for endometrial coagulation, and can also be used by an hysteroscopically inexperienced gynaecologists with simple technical equipment. In strict indication the Cavaterm-coagulation is a simple method of endometrial ablation in many patients.     

The influence of n-acetylcysteine on chemiluminescence of granulocytes in peripheral blood of patients with chronic bronchitis

The effect of NAC on exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be due to its mucolytic properties due to the thiol group of NAC and to its reducing and antioxidant properties. It has been postulated that NAC may protect lung cells from inhaled oxidants or oxidants produced by inflammatory leukocytes by increasing intra and extra cellular GSH. The FMLP induced granulocyte chemiluminescence (CL) in 6 healthy and 12 patients with COPD was determined. Peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes were incubated with NAC. The results obtained show a significant decrease of CL after incubation with NAC in both groups. We also found higher CL in healthy subjects than patients with COPD. This study showed a significant increase of FVC, FEV1 and a significant decrease of granulocyte CL after treatment with oral NAC 200 mg three times daily for 3 weeks.     

The effect of neostigmine on suxamethonium induced neuromuscular block in the dog

The effects of neostigmine on suxamethonium induced neuromuscular block were investigated in the intact, anaesthetised dog using the train-of-four twitch to record neuromuscular activity. Marked antagonism of the block was observed when the train-of-four ratio was 0.38 and less. To avoid potentiating the block, the use of neostigmine is not recommended without first determining the state of neuromuscular activity with a peripheral nerve stimulator using train-of-four stimulation.     

G5振动排痰仪在慢性阻塞性肺病患者排痰护理中的应用

目的 探讨G5振动排痰仪与人工叩背排痰法在老年慢性阻塞性肺病(COPD)患者中的排痰护理效果.方法 将80例COPD患者随机分为G5振动排痰仪机械叩击组(简称机械组)和人工叩击组(简称人工组).比较2组患者排痰护理7 d前后日排痰量、血气分析值和体温、血常规恢复正常天数.结果 排痰护理前两组日排痰量、O2、CO2无明显差异(P＞0.05).排痰护理1周后,两组日排痰量均明显减少;O2明显升高、CO2明显降低(P＜0.01).而机械组与人工组比较,日排痰量明显减少、O2升高和CO2降低幅度比人工组明显(P＜0.01).患者体温和血常规恢复正常天数机械组比人工组明显缩短(P＜0.01).患者排痰效果经等级资料的Ridit分析,机械组明显优于人工组(P＜0.05).结论 G5振动排痰仪对COPD患者排痰的效果和改善缺氧状态明显优于人工叩击排痰法,具有一定的临床推广价值.     

The effect of caffeine on ambulatory blood pressure in hypertensive patients

Because the potential impact of habitual caffeine intake on blood pressure is a controversial issue, a study was carried out to explore the relationship between caffeine and various humoral factors that could account for a coffee-induced rise in blood pressure. Twenty-three hypertensive patients who refrained from caffeine for 2 to 3 weeks were given 250 mg oral caffeine powder dissolved in water. Blood pressure was recorded every 15 min by blood pressure monitor. Caffeine blood level, renin and endothelin were measured before and 1, 2, 3, and 6 h after caffeine intake. Urinary electrolytes and catecholamines were measured under caffeine influence (period I), and for the next 6 h (period II). A significant increase in systolic (P = .017) and diastolic blood pressure (P = .023) occurred in 13 subjects who were 58 +/- 10.4 years old. Nonresponders were younger (44.5 +/- 15.8 years). A statistically significant decrease in heart rate was seen during the first hour after caffeine intake in both responders (P = .008) and nonresponders (P = .004). Marked diuresis and natriuresis were observed during period I in both groups. Renin and endothelin levels were unchanged. Although chronic studies point to development of tolerance to long-term caffeine ingestion, acute studies like the one described are essential to obtain data on the immediate effects that can be of practical importance, especially in the elderly.