ABSTRACT
CONTEXT: Though many studies have been conducted on the effect of chronic smoking on pulmonary function test (PFT) and heart rate variability (HRV), no study has found a correlation between the pulmonary function test and heart rate variability parameters so far. AIM: The aim was to study if there was a correlation, if any, between PFT and HRV. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Thirty male subjects who were chronic smokers of at least 10 pack years and another 30 nonsmoking healthy males were included in the study and were matched for age, height, weight, and body surface area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PFT and HRV were performed on these subjects and a correlation was statistically derived. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Spearman's correlation coefficient was used for the analysis of HRV and PFT. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was used subsequently. RESULTS: HF and LF showed correlation coefficients of 0.378 and-0.383 with forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), respectively. It was found that only FEV 1/FVC was having a statistically significant regression coefficient with HF the R-value was found to be 0.425 while with other parameters, it was not significant. CONCLUSION: We conclude that smoking affects all the parameters of PFT and HRV. Since there is a correlation between PFT parameters (PEFR and FEV1) and HRV parameter (LF and HF), this can help us in predicting cardiac morbidity in chronic smokers. So HRV should be included as a routine test along with PFT in chronic smokers for early diagnosis of cardiac involvement.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Fluorosis is an endemic problem in many countries of world. This study was designed to see the effect of fluoride on the reproductive system and to see the role if any of vitamin D or E supplementation on it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty rabbits were divided into six equal groups. Group I was fed on standard diet, Group II vehicle treated control, Group III on sodium fluoride (NaF) 20 mg/kg body weight, Group IV on NaF + Vitamin D, Group V on NaF + vitamin E, and Group VI on NaF + vitamin D + vitamin E. RESULTS: In Group III (fed on sodium fluoride) significant decrease in sperm count (P<0.001), motility (P<0.001), progressive motility (P<0.01), and epididymal weight (P<0.05) compared to control was seen that was also evident on testicular histology. With vitamin D supplementation, there was a significant improvement in the sperm count (P<0.001), motility (P<0.01), and progressive motility (P<0.05) but remained significantly lower than the control values. With vitamin E supplementation there was significant improvement in the sperm count near normal. With vitamin D and E combined supplementation there was significant improvement in both sperm count and motility near to normal. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that combined vitamin D and E treatment showed a significant improvement in reproductive functions affected by fluoride.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There are conflicting reports regarding the effect of exercise on cognition. We therefore planned to assess the acute effect of moderate exercise on cognition, studied by event-related brain potential P300, in subjects having sedentary lifestyles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty adults (40 males and 20 females) in the age-group of 18-30 years having sedentary lifestyles were included in the study. Baseline P300 was first measured and after that the subjects were divided into two equal age- and sex-matched groups. The test group was subjected to moderate exercise (that is, to achieve 60%-80% of maximum heart rate during exercise, where 100%=200-age) on a bicycle ergometer for 5 minutes, following which postexposure P300 was measured. In the control group P300 was re-recorded 15 minutes after baseline recording, without any intervening exercise. RESULTS: The latency of P300 was found to be significantly reduced after acute moderate exercise in the test group. CONCLUSION: It appears that acute moderate exercise improves the cognitive brain functions of adults with sedentary lifestyles.
