Browsing by Author "Singh, Jyotpal"

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Open Access
Cardiac cycle timing intervals in acute COVID-19 and recovered COVID-19 with sustained symptoms
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2022-06) Singh, Jyotpal; Neary, Patrick; Bardutz, Holly; Bhagaloo, Lanishen; Mang, Cameron; Buttigieg, Josef; Eves, Neil D.
Research is available to show that COVID-19 can result in both acute and sustained cardiac damage. Acute cardiac damage may be due to elevated inflammatory responses and can result in ischemia, which can lead to impairments in the cardiac cycle timing events. The purpose of this project was threefold: 1) to characterise cardiac cycle timing intervals in patients with COVID-19, 2) to understand the mechanisms that compromise cardiac function in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS)/long COVID, and 3) to identify unique cardiac dysfunction which can occur due to COVID-19 as compared to cardiac and respiratory disease. First, case studies showed that daily observation of cardiac function provided detailed information about the overall dynamic changes by which cardiac dysfunction occurs, and thus can be beneficial study on a case by-case basis, day-to-day during acute infection. The literature review supports the findings of altered cardiac mechanics and suggests that right ventricular dysfunction, along with global longitudinal strain and diastolic dysfunction are common findings in patients with PACS/long COVID, and a more severe acute myocardial injury during the index hospitalization appears to exacerbate cardiac function on follow-up. Finally, a Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA showed that participants with COVID-19 and sustained symptoms present with elevated systolic time and decreased IVCT in comparison to acute COVID-19, and those with respiratory and cardiac disease. These are reflected by decreases in heart, diastolic, and systolic performance indices (HPI, DPI and SPI, respectively), thereby showcasing a unique cardiac dysfunction in patients with sustained symptoms from COVID-19. Future research must consider the details of cardiac complications during the acute infection period and relate this to the cardiac function in patients with long COVID during a mid- and long-term follow-up.
Open Access
Neuroprotective Effects of Cannabidiol Following Concussion: A Case Study
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2019-07) Singh, Jyotpal; Neary, Patrick; Candow, Darren; Bruno, Paul; Alcom, Jane
Mild traumatic brain injury, such as concussion, can lead to physiological impairments. Although these changes in physiology are not always characterized by symptoms, they can be reflective of how the body is attempting to adjust and adapt to these consequences. Cannabidiol can aid with some of the physiological and symptomatic changes due to concussion, and the therapeutic properties of cannabidiol can be enhanced when administered with other cannabinoids, specifically, tetrahydrocannabinol. These cannabinoids can work together on the endogenous cannabinoid system within an individual, thereby influencing their effects on cerebrovascular and cardiovascular physiology. Specifically, the psychoactivity of the cannabinoids can regulate cerebral blood flow parameters and heart rate metrics. The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of different dosages of a 20:1 cannabidiol:tetrahydrocannabinol formulation on an individual suffering from post-concussion like symptoms. Psychological assessments include the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, 36-item Short Form Health Survey, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Physiological assessment was done using non-invasive near-infrared spectroscopy for cerebrovascular responses, and electrocardiography (ECG) and finger plethysmography to record continuous cardiovascular responses. End-tidal carbon dioxide was measured using a breath-by-breath capnograph. The protocol consisted of: 5-minute sitting rest, 6 breaths·minute-1 paced breathing maneuver, a hypercapnic challenge (20sec breath-hold:40sec normal breathing x 5 repeats), a 5-minute (20sec eyes closed:40sec eyes open x 5 repeats) object identification protocol (“Where’s Waldo”), and a squat-stand baroreflex maneuver (0.05 3 and 0.1 Hz frequency). Descriptive physiological results of the participant’s cardiovascular and cerebrovascular parameters suggest the largest changes (322% increase in deoxyhemoglobin and 53% increase in systolic pressure standard deviation during 10 second squat stands; 130% increase in systolic pressure 10 seconds post 20 second breath holds) occurred when the participant consumed 2mL of the formulation (40mgCBD:2mg THC) as compared to 1mL (20mgCBD:1mg THC) or 1.2mL (24mgCBD:1.2mg THC) (a half dose at 9:30am and a half dose prior to sleep). These results suggest that an optimal dosage is necessary for improved physiological functioning post-concussion when using cannabis products. This research warrants further investigation on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular metrics following cannabinoid administration.