The features of respiratory noises and noises of fins for open-circuit scuba divers, indicating a multipole character of noises emission, are specified in cameral conditions. It demonstrates a possibility to detect low-frequency components of noises of fins with pressure gradient sensor in near field. A possibility of estimating the respiratory rate of an open-circuit scuba diver is demonstrated at distances up to 100 m in real sea. It gives an opportunity of estimating the bearing (time delay in a pair of hydrophones) for the open-circuit scuba diver by respiratory noises at distances up to 150 m in real sea. Thus, low-frequency underwater noises of open-circuit scuba divers may be successfully applied to monitor the safety of diving and to prevent waterside intrusion by trespassers.
Nitric oxide (NO) is known to be a neuromodulator with dual proconvulsive and anticonvul- sive action. Valeriana officinalis (VAL) was previously believed to be antiepileptic, but is today known as a sedative and sleep regulator. Seizures may be associated with abnormal electrocardio- graphic changes and cardiac dysfunction arising from epilepsy may be related with neuronal nitric oxide (nNO). This study was aimed to investigate the effects of the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor 7-Nitroindazole (7-NI) and VAL on seizure behaviours and electrocar- diographic parameters in the pentylentetrazole (PTZ)-kindled seizure model.
Wistar rats were randomised into saline control, PTZ-kindled, 7-NI, VAL and VAL+PTZ, 7-NI+PTZ and VAL+7-NI+PTZ groups. Latency, stage, frequency of seizures, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and corrected QT (QTc) values were evaluated.
Frequency and stage of seizures, BP and HR increased, while seizure latency decreased and QTc was prolonged in the PTZ-kindled group. 7-NI and VAL had no effects on BP and HR variables under normal conditions, but ameliorated the seizure stage and frequency of seizures. 7-NI treatment also resulted in a reduction of the increased BP and prolonged QTc values observed in PTZ-kindled rats.
Considering these results, QTc prolongation may be used as a predictor for recurrent seizures. 7-NI and VAL exhibited different effects on seizures and ECG variables. 7-NI shows potential as an anticonvulsant drug agent in epileptic patients with cardiac dysfunctions and those additional studies including in-vivo experiments are essential.