Effect of long-term selection for egg production on eggshell quality of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).

An experiment was conducted to evaluate egg quality and ultrastuctural measurements of eggshell using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in 2 lines (selected and control) of Japanese quail. A selection program was applied over 22 consecutive generations for higher egg production and lower broken egg percentage. The results revealed that the females of the selected line produced significantly (P < 0.01) higher egg mass compared to that of the control line. Also, the selection procedure significantly improved feed conversion ratio. The eggshells of the selected line had a higher breaking strength compared to those of the control line, although there was no difference between them in shell thickness. Significantly higher wet (P < 0.01) and dry (P < 0.05) eggshell percentages were found in the selected line. In general, the eggshells of the selected line had a lower total score (good) of ultrastructural evaluation compared to the control line. According to scanning electron microscope data, the incidence of certain structural variants was more common in eggshells of the control line suggesting poor shell strength. The incidence of alignment was more prevalent in control eggshells compared to selected ones, suggesting lower resistance to breakage. Late fusion and large interstitial spaces of the palisade layer indicating decreased resistance to fracture were observed in control eggshells. It could be concluded that the improvement eggshell quality may be caused by the long-term selection for lower cracked and broken egg rates from generation to generation.

[Respiratory response to inspiratory resistive load changes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]. / Odpowiedz oddechowa na zmiane oporu wdechowego u chorych na obturacyjny bezdech senny.

Patients with OSA have many episodes of increased airway resistance because of repeated collapses of upper airways during night. The aim of this work was to evaluate respiratory response during chemical stimulation without and with added inspiratory resistive load (10 cmH2O/L/sec). The studies were performed during quiet breathing with air and during hypercapnic and hypoxic rebreathing tests without and with inspiratory resistive loading in 23 obese (BMI = 34.4 +/- 4.3 kg/m2) patients with OSA and in 10 healthy subjects with similar weight (BMI = 32.4 +/- 4.3 kg/m2). The measurements of respiratory responses (ventilation, mouth occlusion pressure) were performed with the use of computerized equipment. During quiet breathing in response to added load an increase of P0.1 in controls and in OSA patients was observed. During hypercapnic stimulation the ventilatory response with additional load decreased in patients as well as in controls. The slope of mouth occlusion pressure response increased significantly in controls (from 4.40 to 6.83 cmH2O/kPa, p < 0.001) and slightly weaker in OSA patients (from 4.21 to 5.43 cmH2O/kPa, p < 0.05). Although the difference between the slopes was not significant, we found that the absolute increase of P0.1 measured at point 8 kPa of PEtCO2 during loaded breathing was significantly smaller in OSA patients in comparison to controls. (2.1 vs. 10.3 cm H2O; p < 0.001). During hypoxic stimulation occlusion pressure responses were similar in both examined groups. In conclusion we postulate that OSA patients have impaired respiratory compensation of additional inspiratory load, what was demonstrated during hypercapnic rebreathing test.

Respiratory responses to chemical stimulation in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

Chemical control of breathing in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients has been studied by many authors. The results of previous studies, especially those dealing with hypoxic drive, are discordant. Respiratory responses were studied during hypercapnic and hypoxic stimulation in a group of 37 normocapnic patients with OSA during wakefulness. The diagnosis of OSA was established by standard polysomnography. These patients had increased apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI; 51 +/- 22 (mean +/- SD)), obesity (body mass index (BMI) 32.4 +/- 5.6 kg.m-2) and normal lung function tests. The control group consisted of 14 healthy obese subjects (BMI 31.2 +/- 3.3 kg.m-2). Respiratory responses (ventilatory and mouth occlusion pressure (P0.1)) during hypercapnic and hypoxic rebreathing tests were measured with the use of computerized equipment. Respiratory responses during hypercapnic stimulation were similar to those in the control group (change in (delta) minute ventilation (V'E)/delta carbon dioxide tension (PCO2) 23.5 +/- 14.8 versus 22.3 +/- 10.0 L.min-1.kPa-1, delta P0.1/delta PCO2 4.6 +/- 3.6 versus 4.2 +/- 2.6 cmH2O.kPa-1). During isocapnic hypoxic stimulation in OSA patients the mean ventilatory response was higher than in the control group (delta V'E/delta arterial oxygen saturation (Sa,O2) 2.6 +/- 1.7 versus 1.7 +/- 0.7 L.min-1.%-1) but this difference was not statistically significant. Nevertheless, it was found that 13 (35%) OSA patients had increased ventilatory responses. The mean P0.1 response in OSA patients was higher but did not differ significantly from those in the control group (delta P0.1/delta Sa,O2) 0.43 +/- 0.38 versus 0.35 +/- 0.12 cmH2O.%-1). The results demonstrated that respiratory responses to chemical stimulation in awake normocapnic patients with obstructive sleep apnoea were in the normal range, similar to those in control obese subjects. During hypoxic stimulation some of them had increased ventilatory (35%) and mouth occlusion pressure (16%) responses.

[Functional disturbances in patients with interstitial lung diseases without signs of restriction]. / Zaburzenia czynnosciowe u chorych na sródmiazszowe choroby pluc bez cech restrykcji.

Restriction is a typical functional abnormality in interstitial lung diseases (ILD) patients but not all of them represent this pattern. The aim of this study was to evaluate 164 patients with ILD in whom normal lung volumes (FVC and TLC > 80% predicted) were found. There were 111 patients with sarcoidosis (phase I--9, II--77, III--25 patients), 25 patients with pulmonary fibrosis, 12 patients with allergic alveolitis and 16 patients with disseminated radiological changes in the lungs of different etiology. Some patients (40%), mostly with fibrosis and allergic alveolitis, were treated with corticosteroids. Measured parameters included static compliance (Cst), transfer factor for CO (TLco and Kco) and maxima expiratory flow-volume curves (MEF50). 33% of patients had all examined functional parameters in normal range, 50% had decreased maximal expiratory flows (particularly in the sarcoidosis group), 46% decreased Cst and 24% decreased transfer factor. Decreased Cst was found in 31% of patients with sarcoidosis, in 67% of patients with allergic alveolitis and in 96% of patients with lung fibrosis. Decreased TLco or Kco was found only in 11% of patients with sarcoidosis, in 42% of patients with allergic alveolitis and in 60% of patients with pulmonary fibrosis. It seems that, these discussed tests are very helpful in detecting functional abnormalities in patients with ILD without signs of restriction. Increased lung elasticity and decreased transfer factor for CO indicate the existence of early or presisting functional disturbances (despite treatment) in patients with ILD and normal lung volumes.

[Chemical control of breathing in patients with obstructive sleep apnea]. / Chemiczna regulacja oddychania u chorych na obturacyjny bezdech senny.

The authors have studied chemical control of breathing in 37 normocapnic patients with OSA. These patients had increased apnea-hypopnea index (AHI = 51 +/- 22), obesity (BMI = 32.4 +/- 5.6 kg/m2) and normal lung function tests. Control group consisted of 20 healthy subjects with normal weight (BMI = 23.1 +/- 2.4 kg/m2). Respiratory responses (ventilatory and P0.1) to hypercapnic and hypoxic stimulation during rebreathing tests were measured with computerized methods. The obtained results in OSA patients were compared with the data of the control group. The results exceeding mean values of the control group above 1.64 SD were recognized as hyperreactive responses. The majority e.g. 26 patients (OSA-N) had normal respiratory responses during hypercapnic stimulation. delta V/delta PCO2 = 16.8 +/- 4.5 L/min/kPa, P0.1/delta PCO2 = 3.5 +/- 2.4 cm H2O/kPa/. In remaining 11 patients (OSA-H) respiratory responses were significantly increased delta V/delta PCO2 = 39.1 +/- 18.8 L/min/kPa, P0.1/delta PCO2 = 8.6 +/- 3.9 cm H20/kPa). During isocapnic hypoxic stimulation majority e.g. 25 patients (OSA-H) had significantly increased respiratory responses delta V/delta SaO2 = 3.28 +/- 1.63 L/min/%, delta P0.1/delta SaO2 = 0.54 +/- 0.43 cm H2O/%/. In remaining 12 patients (OSA-N) respiratory responses were within normal limits delta V/SaO2 = 1.2 +/- 0.28 L/min/%, delta P0.1/ delta SaO2 = 0.21 +/- 0.07 cm H2O/%/. The above results indicated, that majority OSA patients (67.5%) had increased ventilatory and P0.1 responses to hypoxic stimulation. Among them also 11 patients had increased respiratory responses to hypercapnia. It seems, that increased respiratory responses to hypoxic stimulus in OSA patients are symptoms of protective reaction to hypoxaemia occurring during repetitive sleep apnoea and reveals increased neuro-muscular output.

[Pattern of breathing and obstruction pressure in patients with airway obstruction after inhalation of bronchodilators]. / Wzorzec oddychania i cisnienie okluzji u chorych z obturacja dróg oddechowych po inhalacji leku rozszerzajacego oskrzela.

The neuromuscular drive is increased in patients with an airway obstruction. The aim of the study was to estimate an influence of beta-agonist on breathing pattern and mouth occlusion pressure (P0.1) in patients with reversible and nonreversible airway obstruction. Ventilatory function tests, pattern of breathing analysis, mouth occlusion pressure (P0.1) and inspiratory impedance (P0.1/Vt/Ti) were measured in 23 obstructive patients and 20 healthy subjects. In all patients these measurements were repeated 20 minutes after bronchodilator inhalation (0.2 mg fenoterol). During quiet room-air breathing in patients we observed increased Vt, Vt/Ti comparing with healthy persons. The time of inspiration (Ti) and total time (Ttot) were shortened in comparison to our control group. P0.1 and inspiratory impedance were significantly increased (P0.1 3.6 +/- 1.6 vs 1.6 +/- 0.3 cm H2O, p < 0.01 and P0.1/Vt/Ti 6.6 +/- 2.3 vs 3.8 +/- 1.0 cm H2O/L/s). Measurements performed after bronchodilator inhalation revealed decrease of P0.1 and P0.1/Vt/ Ti in patients responsive to beta-agonist (delta FEVI > 15%). In unresponsive patients (delta FEVI < or = 15%) such decrease in neuromuscular respiratory drive was not observed. We conclude that diminishing of increased neuromuscular respiratory drive in patients with reversible obstruction is a consequence of airway resistance decreasing. It seems to be an additional, advantageous for a patient, effect of bronchodilator inhalation.

[Dyspnea, respiratory mechanics and gas exchange in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis]. / Dusznosc, mechanika oddychania i wymiana gazowa u chorych na samoistne wlóknienie pluc.

The sensation of dyspnea on exertion is usually the first clinical symptom in patients with IPF. The aim of the study was to assess breathlessness in patients with IPF at the time of diagnosis. The study group included 9 patients (5 women and 4 men), aged 61.4 +/- 10.5 (mean +/- SD) yrs, (range 38-71 yrs). FVC was 65.8 +/- 8.3% pred., FEVI 70.0 +/- 9.0% pred., TLC 65.1 +/- 10.5% pred. 6 min walking test was performed, during which pts reported their breathlessness according to Borg scale. All patients but one reported breathlessness during exercise. Patients were divided into two groups according to the level of dyspnea at the end of the walking test. Patients with dyspnea equal or less than moderate (= < level 3 Borg scale) had significantly higher lung volumes FVC (2.57 +/- 0.44 vs 1.79 +/- 0.5 l, p < 0.05), FEVI (2.23 +/- 0.29 vs 1.56 +/- 0.36 l, p < 0.02), TLC (4.26 +/- 0.26 vs 3.13 +/- 0.69 l, p < 0.02), DLCO (4.49 +/- 0.52 vs 3.43 +/- 0.23 mmol/min/kPa, p < 0.02), and smaller alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference at rest (31.8 +/- 5.6 vs 43.8 +/- 2.8 mmHg, p < 0.01) as compared to the patients with more severe dyspnea (> level 3 Borg scale). All patients desaturated during the test, but there was no correlation between the degree of desaturation and dyspnea level at the end of the test. 4 patients from the first group (dyspnea level = < 3 Borg scale) desaturated from 6.3% to 19.4% from baseline value. So patients with IPF may experience severe desaturation during normal daily activity not being aware of it. Dyspnea on exertion in these patients seems to depend on both disturbed lung mechanics and gas exchange. Simple 6-minutes walking test proved to be useful in assessing severity of the disease in patients with IPF.

[Evaluation of effects of antituberculous treatment on the course of sarcoidosis]. / Ocena wplywów leczenia przeciwpratkowego na przebieg sarkoidozy.

From 1960 to 1994 2150 sarcoid patients were observed in our Sarcoidosis Clinic. Before the diagnosis of sarcoidosis was confirmed, 52 of those patients were treated with tuberculostatics because of the radiological changes in the lung, diagnosed as tuberculosis. In no case any conventional method-smear examination for acid bacilli or culture identification was positive. There was no radiological improvement after treatment in any patient. Subsequently in all those patients sarcoidosis was diagnosed, by typical histology (48 cases) or on clinical grounds (4 patients). In 15 cases spontaneous remission was observed. 37 patients were treated with steroids and in 31 of them radiological improvement was found. In six cases stabilization of the disease was noted. The observation time after steroids treatment was from one year to 27 years. In only one case tuberculosis of the lung has developed.

[Obesity and hypoventilation syndrome; effects of weight loss and treatment with respiratory stimulants]. / Zespól otylosci i hipowentylacji; skutecznosc leczenia odchudzaniem i lekami pobudzajacymi oddychanie.

A 32-year-old, hypertensive, morbidly obese (BMI 49 kg/m2) woman was referred to us suspected of sleep-disordered breathing. Polycythaemia, right heart and respiratory failure, restrictive ventilatory impairment, decreased hypercapnic respiratory drive, high number of very short apneas mostly of central origin (698 vs 530 obstructive), and overnight hypoxaemia were found. The diagnosis of obesity-hypoventilation syndrome was established and the treatment with almitrine, aminophylline and low-calorie diet was started. After 6 months body weight decreased significantly (BMI 38 kg/m2). RBC, spirometry, blood gas analysis, overnight oximetry, hypercapnic respiratory drive and polysomnography showed results within normal limits. Causes, pathophysiology and possible treatment of obesity-hypoventilation syndrome are discussed.

Control of breathing in obstructive sleep apnoea and in patients with the overlap syndrome.

In some patients obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may co-exist with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory failure; the so-called "overlap syndrome". Obstructive, hypercapnic patients have both blunted ventilatory and mouth occlusion pressure responses during CO2 stimulation. The purpose of this study was to compare the pattern of breathing and CO2 response between OSA patients and those with the overlap syndrome. Twenty obese men with OSA and normal lung function (Group A), 11 obese men with overlap syndrome (Group B) and 13 healthy nonobese subjects (Group C) were examined. Lung function tests, breathing pattern, mouth occlusion pressure (P0.2) at rest, and respiratory responses during CO2 rebreathing were investigated. Diagnosis of OSA was established by standard polysomnography. There were no statistical differences between Groups A and B in apnoea & hypopnoea index (62 vs 54), mean arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) during sleep (85 vs 84%) and in body mass index (BMI) 34.3 vs 36.3 kg.m-2. Minute ventilation, mean inspiratory flow and P0.2 at rest were increased in both groups of patients in comparison to controls. During CO2 rebreathing, group A had normal ventilatory and P0.2 responses, similar to controls, (2.7 +/- 1.1 vs 2.1 +/- 0.4 l.min-1.mmHg-1 and 0.7 +/- 0.3 vs 0.71 +/- 0.25 cmH2O.mmHg-1, respectively). However, Group B had significantly decreased ventilatory and P0.2 responses to CO2 (0.71 +/- 0.23 l.min-1.mmHg-1 and 0.34 +/- 0.17 cmH2O.mmHg-1, respectively). This comparison showed that patients with OSA had normal CO2 response when awake, whereas those with overlap syndrome had diminished CO2 response when awake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[New computerized system for clinical evaluation of respiratory regulation]. / Nowy skomputeryzowany system pomiarowy do klinicznych badan regulacji oddychania.

The foundations for a computer program allowing to monitor "on line" physiological data to clinically evaluate ventilatory control were set up. The new equipment demonstrates important innovations--lowered flow resistance, and decreased dead space, modernization of the blocking steering the computer valve. The new program allowed to decrease the time for analysis from couple of minutes to seconds. The results of ventilatory control studies in 11 healthy volunteers were found in ranges of normal values calculated earlier using an analogue method and are similar to those from literature.

[Effect of intravenous ambroxol hydrochloride on lung function and exercise capacity in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. / Wplyw chlorowodorku ambroksolu podawanego dozylnie na czynnosc pluc i wydolnosc wysilkowa u chorych na ciezka, przewlekla obturacyjna chorobe pluc.

The effect of Ambroxol hydrochloride on spirometry, pulmonary gas exchange and exercise capacity in patients with COPD were evaluated. Twenty patients mean age 59 +/- 9 yr presenting with severe airways obstruction were divided by random number to two groups: treated (L) and control (K). L patients received iv infusion of one gram of Ambroxol in 500 ml of 0.9% saline daily, for 5 days. K patients received infusions of 500 ml 0.9% saline at the same intervals. Blood gases, capnography and incremental exercise test on cycloergometer were performed before treatment and after the fifth dose of the drug or placebo. Before treatment spirometry, blood gases, capnometric++ indices and exercise tolerance were similar in both groups. After treatment in patients from L group an increase in VC from 1.78 +/- 0.61 L to 2.04 +/- 0.58 L (p < 0.01), FEV1 from 0.96 +/- 0.43 L to 1.11 +/- 0.49 L (p < 0.01), MEF25 from 1.36 +/- 0.93 L/sec to 1.61 +/- 0.96 L/sec (p < 0.01) was found. End-tidal carbon dioxide in 60 sec hyperventilation test decreased from 3.7% to 2.9% (p < 0.001). There were no differences in exercise tolerance and blood gases after treatment. In the control group all studied variables remained unchanged. We conclude that Ambroxol improves airways patency in patients with severe COPD.

[Difficulties in interpreting values for PaO2, PaCO2 and pH values in arterialized capillary blood--case report]. / Trudnosci w interpretacji wyników oznaczania cisnienia parcjalnego tlenu i dwutlenku wegla oraz wartosci ph arterializowanej krwi kapilarnej--opis przypadku.

Measurements of PaO2, PaCO2 and pH in arterialized capillary blood in patient with angiogenic disturbances in upper and lower extremities were out of value. Correct evaluation above mentioned parameters was possible only in arterial and arterialized earlobe blood.

[Regulation of respiration in patients with sleep apnea syndrome]. / Regulacja oddychania u chorych na obturacyjny bezdech senny.

20 obese men with OSAS were examined. Polysomnography confirmed this diagnosis. In the daytime pattern of breathing, mouth occlusion pressure (P0.2) and ventilatory responses during CO2 rebreathing test were evaluated. Lung function indices were within normal limits except decreased value of MEF 25 and slight hypoxaemia (Pa0.2 -67 +/- 6 mm Hg). In comparison to control subjects the patients with OSAS when awake had increased ventilation, Vt/Ti ratio and P0.2. This suggests increased inspiratory neuromuscular output in daytime. During CO2 rebreathing test the whole ventilatory and P0.2 response lines were shifted to the left but the slopes of these lines were within normal limits. We conclude that the control of breathing in OSAS patients is changed in comparison to healthy subjects with normal weight.

Bronchoalveolar lavage: comparison of three commonly used procedures.

We have studied three different lavage procedures (100, 200 and 300 ml) in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis (stage I). The effect of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on cell yield, lavage fluid recovery, dwelling time, lavage-induced arterial oxygen desaturation and occurrence of side effects was analyzed. The patients did not differ significantly in prelavage lung function and blood gas parameters. The lowest BAL return was seen in the 300-ml lavage procedure (49.5%), while the medium yielded over 70%. The lowest cell yield was seen in the BAL 100 group (10.4 X 10(6)); the highest in the BAL 300 (19.4 X 10(6)), but the latter did not differ significantly from BAL 200 (18.4 X 10(6)). Dwelling time of the fluid differed only slightly between the small and middle volume lavage (average 3.2 vs. 3.9 min p less than 0.01), but was significantly lower from the average dwelling time in the BAL 300 group (9.8 min, p less than 0.001). Arterial oxygen desaturation was lowest in the BAL 100 and most pronounced in the large-volume lavage. Side effects were seen in all but 1 patient undergoing BAL 300. Cough was the most often reported side effect (9 patients); fever was observed in 6 patients, dyspnea in 4 (all undergoing large-volume lavage). Considering our results we do not think that it is justifiable to increase the volume of instilled fluid above 200 ml, because this may lead to serious side effects without increasing benefits. Using lower than 200 ml volumes decrease diagnostic yield although the risk of developing side effects is much lower.

[Bronchial obstruction in pulmonary sarcoidosis]. / Obturacja oskrzeli u chorych na sarkoidoze pluc.

The authors present the incidence of bronchial obstruction in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis basing on their own material from the years 1960-1988. Bronchial obstruction was diagnosed when the Tiffeneau index was lower than 70%. In the analyzed group 93 (5.7%) patients were found to meet the criterion for bronchial obstruction. Out of this group two forms were selected those with the pure bronchial obstruction and mixed, i.e. with coexistent restrictive changes. The author discuss the possible mechanism of developing bronchial obstruction in sarcoidosis.

[Control of respiration in patients with respiratory insufficiency in chronic obstructive lung disease]. / Kontrola oddychania u chorych z niewydolnoscia oddychania w przebiegu przewleklej obturacyjnej choroby pluc.

Twenty eight COPD patients with respiratory insufficiency were studied. These included: 12 hypoxemic and normocapnic patients, 16 hypoxemic and hypercapnic patients, and 22 healthy volunteers. During at rest respiration both COPD groups differed from the control group--demonstrating a higher respiratory incidence, VT/Ti and PO2 values. During hypercapnic stimulation using the rebreathing method the ventilatory response to CO2 in the COPD patients was lowered in comparison with the control. Increase of occlusion pressure as a response to the increasing hypercapnia was lowered in both groups, significantly in patients with hypercapnia.

[Symptoms and functional disorders of the respiratory system caused by exposure to tea dust]. / Objawy i zaburzenia czynnosciowe ukladu oddechowego wywolane ekspozycja na pyl z herbaty.

A case report is presented of a female worker of a tee packing factory, with a 5 years history of tea dust exposition and symptoms of reversible airway obstruction and early allergic alveolitis. The results of spirometric and lung mechanics demonstrated reversible airway obstruction with co-existent restrictive changes, lowering of CO diffusing capacity (DLc0). Bronchial provocation tests with tea dust were carried out thrice and all were positive. The authors believe that the etiological factor of above mentioned changes were Aspergillus niger spores found in tea dust. Tea dust and the patient's sputum cultured for fungi revealed massive growth of A. niger. Serological tests revealed additionally, antibodies to A. niger and tea dust extracts. The authors discuss the possible mechanisms of airway disturbances in this patient.