Fronto-parietal alpha ERD and visuo-spatial attention in pregnant women.

Many pregnant women report impairments in their attentional capacities. However, comparative studies between pregnant and non-pregnant women using standardised attention paradigms are rare and inconsistent. During attention tasks alpha activity is known to suppress irrelevant sensory inputs and previous studies show that a large event-related desynchronisation (ERD) in the alpha range prior to target-onset predicts enhanced attentional processing. We quantified the relationship between performance (accuracy, response time) in a standardised visuo-spatial attention task and alpha ERD (∼6-12 Hz) as well as saliva estradiol level in fifteen pregnant women (M = 26.6, SD = 3.0 years) compared to fifteen non-pregnant, naturally cycling women (M = 23.1, SD = 4.3 years). Compared to non-pregnant women, alpha frequency was increased in pregnant women. Furthermore, pregnant women showed a greater magnitude of the alpha ERD prior to target-onset and a moderate increase in accuracy compared to non-pregnant women. In addition, accuracy correlated negatively with estradiol in pregnant women as well as with frontal alpha ERD in all women. These correlational findings indicate that pregnancy-related enhancement in alpha desynchronisation in a fronto-parietal network might modulate accuracy during a visuo-spatial attention task.

Imiquimod directly inhibits Hedgehog signalling by stimulating adenosine receptor/protein kinase A-mediated GLI phosphorylation.

Imiquimod (IMQ), a nucleoside analogue of the imidazoquinoline family, is used in the topical treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and other skin diseases. It is reported to be a TLR7 and TLR8 agonist and, as such, initiates a Th1 immune response by activating sentinel cells in the vicinity of the tumour. BCC is a hedgehog (HH)-driven malignancy with oncogenic glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) signalling activated in a ligand-independent manner. Here we show that IMQ can also directly repress HH signalling by negatively modulating GLI activity in BCC and medulloblastoma cells. Further, we provide evidence that the repressive effect of IMQ on HH signalling is not dependent on TLR/MYD88 signalling. Our results suggest a mechanism for IMQ engaging adenosine receptors (ADORAs) to control GLI signalling. Pharmacological activation of ADORA with either an ADORA agonist or IMQ resulted in a protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated GLI phosphorylation and reduction in GLI activator levels. The activation of PKA and HH pathway target gene downregulation in response to IMQ were abrogated by ADORA inhibition. Furthermore, activated Smoothened signalling, which positively signals to GLI transcription factors, could be effectively counteracted by IMQ. These results reveal a previously unknown mode of action of IMQ in the treatment of BCC and also suggest a role for ADORAs in the regulation of oncogenic HH signalling.

Interaction between the TP63 and SHH pathways is an important determinant of epidermal homeostasis.

Deregulation of the hedgehog (HH) pathway results in overexpression of the GLI target BCL2 and is an initiating event in specific tumor types including basal cell carcinoma of the skin. Regulation of the HH pathway during keratinocyte differentiation is not well understood. We measured HH pathway activity in response to differentiation stimuli in keratinocytes. An upregulation of suppressor of fused (SUFU), a negative regulator of the HH pathway, lowered HH pathway activity and was accompanied by loss of BCL2 expression associated with keratinocyte differentiation. We used in vitro and in vivo models to demonstrate that ΔNp63α, a crucial regulator of epidermal development, activates SUFU transcription in keratinocytes. Increasing SUFU protein levels inhibited GLI-mediated gene activation in suprabasal keratinocytes and promoted differentiation. Loss of SUFU expression caused deregulation of keratinocyte differentiation and BCL2 overexpression. Using in vivo murine models, we also provide evidence of GLI-mediated regulation of the TP63 pathway. p63 expression appears essential to establish an optimally functioning HH pathway. These observations present a regulatory mechanism by which SUFU acts as an interacting node between the HH and TP63 pathways to mediate differentiation and maintain epidermal homeostasis. Disruption of this regulatory node can be an important contributor to multistep carcinogenesis.

Do responses to exercise training in cystic fibrosis depend on initial fitness level?

The aim of our study was to evaluate the responses to an exercise programme with respect to initial fitness in subjects with cystic fibrosis (CF). 72 subjects (42 female) aged 10-43 yrs (forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 62.0 ± 26.7% predicted) were included. Participants were divided into three groups based on peak oxygen uptake expressed as % predicted. Subjects participated in a multifaceted rehabilitation programme, including five-times-a-week exercise training, for 6 weeks. Exercise and ventilatory capacity were determined by a maximal incremental cycling test. Oxygen uptake, workload and peak cardiac frequency at peak and submaximal workload were used as parameters for exercise capacity and responsiveness to training. Lung function values were significantly different between groups (p < 0.05), and increased after training (p < 0.05) only in groups with a lower initial fitness level. Responsiveness to training showed differences between groups (p < 0.05) at peak and ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT; p < 0.05), with higher improvements in subjects with lower initial fitness level. The improvements in exercise parameters in CF at peak and VAT depended on the fitness level at baseline, independent of lung function. These improvements seen after training were comparable with those seen in healthy subjects, suggesting that responsiveness to exercise is similar in CF and in healthy untrained persons.

Health-related fitness and trainability in children with cystic fibrosis.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a supervised exercise training program performed during an in patient rehabilitation course on various attributes of health-related fitness, e.g., flexibility, balance and coordination. 286 patients with CF, age range 6-18 years (11.8 +/- 3.4 years), mean forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1 82.7 +/- 22.3% predicted) were included. Patients performed the modified Munich fitness test (mMFT) to assess flexibility, balance, strength and coordination. To assess aerobic capacity a 6-min walk-test (6MWT) was performed. In addition, some of the patients performed an incremental exercise test on a bicycle ergometer using the Godfrey protocol before and after the exercise training program. The supervised training program consisted of 4-6 weeks of different sports activities 5 times per week. After training, pulmonary function showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase. All test items of the mMFT improved significantly (P < 0.05). Compared to healthy children test scores achieved from children with CF in the mMFT were lower but within a normal range. Our children with CF had a lower walk distance in 6MWT (P < 0.05) compared to healthy. Our findings clearly demonstrated benefits of a systematic exercise training program on components of physical fitness in patients with CF, with improvements of test-tasks to predicted normal in some cases. The results from our study suggested that an exercise training program in CF should be focused on several aspects of physical fitness including all components of physical fitness, e.g. aerobic endurance, flexibility, balance and motor skills.

Zinc and cadmium accumulation in controlled crosses between metallicolous and nonmetallicolous populations of Thlaspi caerulescens (Brassicaceae).

• Growth and heavy metal (Zn and Cd) hyperaccumulation were investigated in metallicolous and nonmetallicolous Mediterranean populations of Thlaspi caerulescens (Brassicaceae), and in offspring from controlled crosses between these populations. • Seeds for the growth and crossing experiments were collected from a number of sites varying in heavy metal contamination. Tissue Zn and Cd content was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. • Offspring from crosses between nonmetallicolous populations had the highest Zn concentration (c. 30 000 µg g-1 ), compared with 20 000 µg g-1 for the nonmetallicolous parents. The metallicolous parents and the other crosses had only 10 000 µg g-1 . Offspring from crosses including a nonmetallicolous parent still had a significantly higher Zn uptake than the metallicolous parents. A trend towards a higher Cd uptake was observed in offspring from crosses with a metallicolous parent. • We suggest that the most probable hypothesis is that the differences in Zn hyperaccumulation between crosses could be explained by a monogenic system with two alleles. The dominant allele would restrict Zn hyperaccumulation at 10 000 µg g-1 whereas the recessive allele would be responsible for a two to three-fold increase in Zn hyperaccumulation. Alternatively, the existence of modifier genes could explain the differences between offspring from crosses between nonmetallicolous populations and their respective field parents. The results suggest that plant breeding applied to this species could help to improve Zn phytoextraction.

Laser acupuncture in children and adolescents with exercise induced asthma.

BACKGROUND: Laser acupuncture, a painless technique, is a widely used alternative treatment method for childhood asthma, although its efficacy has not been proved in controlled clinical studies. METHODS: A double blind, placebo controlled, crossover study was performed to investigate the possible protective effect of a single laser acupuncture treatment on cold dry air hyperventilation induced bronchoconstriction in 44 children and adolescents of mean age 11.9 years (range 7.5-16.7) with exercise induced asthma. Laser acupuncture was performed on real and placebo points in random order on two consecutive days. Lung function was measured before laser acupuncture, immediately after laser acupuncture (just before cold dry air challenge (CACh)), and 3 and 15 minutes after CACh. CACh consisted of a 4 minute isocapnic hyperventilation of -10 degrees C absolute dry air. RESULTS: Comparison of real acupuncture with placebo acupuncture showed no significant differences in the mean maximum CACh induced decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (27.2 (18.2)% v 23.8 (16.2)%) and maximal expiratory flow at 25% remaining vital capacity (51.6 (20.8)% v 44.4 (22.3)%). CONCLUSIONS: A single laser acupuncture treatment offers no protection against exercise induced bronchoconstriction in paediatric and adolescent patients.

Zinc and cadmium hyperaccumulation by Thlaspi caerulescens from metalliferous and nonmetalliferous sites in the Mediterranean area: implications for phytoremediation.

Growth, tolerance and zinc and cadmium hyperaccumulation of Thlaspi caerulescens populations from three metal contaminated soils and three normal soils were compared under controlled conditions. Individuals of six populations were cultivated on five soils with increasing concentrations of zinc (50-25000 µg g-1 ) and cadmium (1-170 µg g-1 ). There was no mortality of normal soil populations in the four metal-contaminated soils, but plant growth was reduced to half that of populations from metal-contaminated soils. However, in noncontaminated soil, the growth of individuals from normal soils was greater than that of individuals from metal-contaminated soils. Individuals from normal soils concentrated three times more zinc in the aboveground biomass than those from metal-contaminated soils, but the latter accumulated twice as much cadmium. We conclude that populations of T. caerulescens from both normal and metal-contaminated soils are interesting material for phytoextraction of zinc and cadmium, but to optimize the process of phytoextraction it is necessary to combine the extraction potentials of both type of populations.

Reduction of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in tracheal aspirates in intubated infants by use of humanized monoclonal antibody to RSV F protein.

Thirty-five children <2 years of age mechanically ventilated for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection were randomized to receive an intravenous infusion of 15 mg/kg MEDI-493 or placebo. RSV concentration was measured in tracheal secretions by plaque assay before and at 24-h intervals after treatment. The reduction in tracheal RSV concentration from day 0 to day 1 (-1.7+/-0.28 vs. -0. 6+/-0.21 log10 pfu/mL; P=.004) and from day 0 to day 2 (-2.5+/-0.26 vs. -1.0+/-0.41 log10 pfu/mL; P=.012) was significantly greater in the MEDI-493 group than in the placebo group. RSV concentration in nasal aspirates did not differ significantly between the groups. No significant differences were observed in the tracheal aspirate white blood cell count, or myeloperoxidase or eosinophilic cationic protein concentration, or in measures of disease severity between the groups. Thus, treatment with 15 mg/kg MEDI-493 intravenously was well-tolerated and significantly reduced RSV concentration in tracheal aspirates of children with respiratory failure due to RSV.

Association between female sex hormones and biochemical markers of bone turnover in peri- and postmenopausal women.

In an epidemiological study, markers of bone formation (serum osteocalcin and C-terminal propeptide of type I collagen) and bone resorption [urinary type I collagen peptides (Crosslaps), urinary total pyridinoline (TPYRI), urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPYRI) as well as female sex hormones (serum estradiol)], follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone were measured in 237 women. This cohort aged 44-66 years, came for their first medical examination since menopause to the outpatient menopause clinic at the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Hospital, Vienna. The women were all 0.5-5.0 years since cessation of menses and were not taking medications other than hormone replacement therapy [52 cases, 21.9%)] and had no diseases known to affect bone and mineral metabolism. The best correlation was found between urinary DPYRI and urinary TPYRI (r = 0. 63, P = 0.0001), followed by urinary Crosslaps and urinary DPYRI (r = 0.47, p = 0.0001). Only weak but significant correlations between E2 and urinary Crosslaps (r = -0.21, P < 0.0001) as well as serum E2 and serum osteocalcin (r = -0.16, P = 0.0007), were observed. Of the 237 women 53% suffered from a severe E2 deficiency (E2 < 10.0 ng/liter). In these patients, urinary Crosslaps (+48%) and serum osteocalcin (+22%) were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) compared with those patients with E2 levels > 10 ng/liter. Women with E2 levels >10 ng/liter were further subdivided into those with and without sex hormone replacement therapy, whereby no statistical differences in any of the biochemical markers could be observed between these groups. We could clearly demonstrate that in postmenopausal women suffering from severe E2 deficiency (E2 < 10 ng/liter), urinary Crosslaps and serum osteocalcin are significantly increased, indicating in principle a clear correlation between E2 deficiency and these markers of bone turnover.

Initial evaluation of cystatin C measurement by particle-enhanced immunonephelometry on the Behring nephelometer systems (BNA, BN II).

Serum cystatin C has been suggested as a new marker of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). We describe a fully automated and rapid particle-enhanced nephelometric immunoassay (PENIA) for measuring serum cystatin C on the Behring nephelometer systems (BNA, BN II). Each sample is analyzed in 6 min with as many as 75 samples per batch. The assay covers the range 0.23-7.25 mg/L, up to seven times the upper limit of normal. The intra- and interassay imprecision are < 3.3% and < 4.5%, respectively. There is absolute linearity across the assay range (r2 = 0.997), with analytical recovery by cystatin C addition between 95% and 109% (mean 102%). Hemoglobin (< or = 8.0 g/L), bilirubin (< or = 488 microL), triglycerides (< or = 23 mmol/L), rheumatoid factor (< or = 2000 kIU/L), and myeloma paraprotein (< or = 41 g/L) do not interfere with the assay. This assay agreed well with an in-house particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay (PETIA) (mean difference = 1.73 +/- 2.10) and a commercial PETIA (mean difference = 1.13 +/- 0.86). This is a new assay by which cystatin C may be effectively used as a marker of GFR estimation.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immune globulin intravenous therapy for RSV lower respiratory tract infection in infants and young children at high risk for severe RSV infections: Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin Study Group.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of high-titer intravenous respiratory syncytial virus immune globulin (RSVIG) in the treatment of children at high risk for severe RSV infection who were hospitalized with proven RSV. METHODS: Infants and young children younger than 2 years with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, or prematurity (<32 weeks' gestational age), hospitalized with a history of lower respiratory tract infection (LRI) of less than 4 days, were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized in a blinded fashion to receive either 1500 mg/kg RSVIG or placebo in equal volumes. They were evaluated daily for safety and respiratory scores and for RSV nasal shedding. RESULTS: One hundred seven high-risk children were randomized--54 in the RSVIG group and 53 in the placebo group. Of these children, 51 in each group were considered evaluable. Children with pulmonary disease, congenital heart disease, or prematurity were equally distributed between the two treatment groups. However, two important differences were found in baseline variables between the two groups: there were more patients in the placebo group who had histories of previous LRI and there was a trend toward more severe disease at study entry in the RSVIG group. This was manifested by a higher entry respiratory score in the RSVIG group than in the placebo group (3.4 +/- 0.2 vs 3.1 +/- .01). A higher proportion of children in the RSVIG group (47%) than in the placebo group (28%) required intensive care at entry and mechanical ventilation at study entry (31% RSVIG-treated vs 18% placebo-treated patients). No significant difference was found between groups in the mean unadjusted duration of hospitalization (RSVIG group, 9.10 +/- 1.18 days; control group, 8.17 +/- 1.08 days). When the mean was adjusted for entry respiratory score, likewise, no difference was observed between each group (8.41 +/- 0.97 vs 8.89 +/- .99 days). The lack of efficacy observed in the study primary endpoint was observed in all diagnostic groups. No differences between the RSVIG and placebo groups were observed in the following secondary endpoints: duration of intensive care unit stay, duration of intensive care unit stay for RSV, mechanical ventilation, or supplemental oxygen. No significant differences in adverse events were reported in the RSVIG group (16 children) when compared with the control group (10 children). CONCLUSION: RSVIG treatment was safe but not efficacious in the treatment of children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, congenital heart disease, or premature gestation who were hospitalized with RSV LRI.

Biochemical markers in menopausal women.

Markers of bone formation (osteocalcin and C-Terminal Propeptide of Type I Collagen [CICP]) and of resorption (Crosslaps, total pyridinoline [Pyd] and deoxypyridinoline [Dpd]) as well as female sex hormones (estradiol [E2], follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH]) were measured in 237 women aged 44-66 years coming for the first medical examination to the outpatient clinic of menopause at the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Hospital, Vienna. All women (0.5-5.0 years since cessation of menses) selected were not taking medications other than hormone replacement therapy in 52 cases (21.9%) and did not have diseases known to affect bone and mineral metabolism. The best correlation was found between Dpd and Pyd (r = 0.63, p = 0.0001), followed by Crosslaps and Dpd (r = 0.47, p = 0.0001). Only weak but significant correlations between E2 and Crosslaps (r = 0.21, p < 0.0001) as well as E2 and osteocalcin (r = 0.16, p = 0.0007) were observed, 53% of the 237 women suffered from a severe E2 deficiency (E2 < 10.0 ng/L). In these patients Crosslaps (approx. +48%) and osteocalcin (+22%) were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) compared to those with E2 concentrations > 10 ng/L. Women with E2 concentrations > 10 ng/L were further subdivided into women with and without sex hormone replacement therapy, whereby no statistical differences in any of the biochemical markers could be observed between these both groups. In conclusion, we could clearly demonstrate that in postmenopausal women suffering from severe E2 deficiency (E2 < 10 ng/L) Crosslaps and osteocalcin are significantly increased, indicating in principle a clear correlation between E2 deficiency and these markers of bone turnover.

Complications after shunting isolated IV ventricles.

An isolated IV ventricle in chronically shunted patients is being reported with increasing frequency. Complications associated with posterior fossa shunting, however, have seldom been described. Between January 1986 and December 1995, we treated 292 children younger than 16 years for hydrocephalus: 7 (2.4%) developed an isolated IV ventricle, and 5 of these were symptomatic with posterior fossa signs. These 5 patients required posterior fossa shunting, after which their neurological status improved. However, 1 week and 6 weeks after surgery, respectively, 2 patients developed new cranial nerve deficits related to a slit-like IV ventricle with secondary irritation of the brain stem by the IV ventricular catheter. Shortening the catheter and replacing the valve eliminated the cranial nerve palsies, implying that these complications were not caused by direct injury of the brain stem during placement of the shunt. Alternative surgical techniques and the use of different (flow-regulating) valves may avoid such complications.

The WHO national diabetes programme initiative.

Epidemiological studies indicate that diabetes is a highly prevalent disease, with developing countries and minority populations now facing the highest risk. This places a strain on the health authorities, and consequently, has attracted increasing attention from the World Health Organization (WHO). The social and economic burden of diabetes is high, due to the seriousness of the complication of the disease. Many of these complications may be delayed or prevented, offering considerable opportunities for both reduction in costs to the authorities and improvements in quality of life for those affected. Following a resolution on the prevention and control of diabetes, adopted by the Forty-second World Health Assembly in 1989, the WHO diabetes programme prepared guidelines for the development of national diabetes programmes. Goals, targets and supporting materials have also been developed at the regional level by the WHO Regional Offices for Europe and for the Eastern Mediterranean. In 1994, WHO organized a meeting on the implementation of national diabetes programmes at its headquarters in Geneva. There were 70 participants and 32 counties were represented. The purposes of the meeting were to exchange information, motivate, consider evaluation, stimulate new programmes, define educational needs and prepare a written report. WHO plays a major role in the development of national diabetes programmes. In co-operation, WHO Headquarters and Regional Offices can act as clearing houses/information centres for data collection, programme monitoring and evaluation and the exchange of experience and technical information. The national diabetes programme initiative should result in improvements in diabetes control and care worldwide.

New instrumentation for optical measuring of oxygen in gas or dissolved in liquids.

The optical oxygen sensor is a novel device for the determination of oxygen in gases or dissolved in liquids. It is based on the measurement principle of fluorescence quenching, which is completely different from that of polarographic oxygen sensors (today the most widespread devices of oxygen detection). The new instrument offers features and advantages, which render it not only a realistic alternative, but, for specific applications, make it superior to existing electrochemical methods. The system is based on low-cost semiconductor devices (light-emitting diodes, photodiodes, low-cost analogue and digital components) and new LED-compatible oxygen-sensitive membranes. The flow cell of the instrument may be thermostatted and the sensor can be calibrated by a simple two-point calibration procedure. The optical oxygen sensor is particularly suitable for measuring dissolved oxygen in respirometry, since no oxygen is consumed by the device and the signal is independent of sample flowrate or stirring speed. Typical fields of application are monitoring of oxygen in ground and drinking water, in process control in bioreactors and in breath gas and blood gas analysis.

Comparison of live attenuated and inactivated influenza vaccines in cystic fibrosis patients and their families: results of a 3-year study.

Forty-one cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and 89 family members were immunized in a double-blind randomized 3-year trial with either intranasal live cold-adapted (ca) influenza A vaccine or the recommended intramuscular trivalent inactivated (triv) influenza vaccine. Local, respiratory, and systemic symptoms after vaccine were infrequent and did not differ between vaccine groups. CF patients did not differ from family members in immune response to either vaccine. Although antibody responses tended to be higher after triv vaccine, > or = 85% of subjects had mean hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers > or = 1:32 to influenza H1N1 and H3N2 after the first dose of either vaccine. Infection with influenza H3N2 viruses circulating during this study occurred with comparable low frequency in CF patients after ca (14 infections/100 subject-years of observation) or triv vaccine (10 infections/100 subject-years of observation). Influenza A ca vaccines appear to be safe, immunogenic alternatives to influenza A inactivated vaccines for CF patients and their families.

Fiber gene and genomic origin of human adenovirus type 4.

The origin of human adenovirus type 4 (Ad4), an important pathogen and candidate vaccine vector, has been the subject of speculation. Ad4 is unusual among adenoviruses, because it is the single known serotype of subgroup E. Some biological and biochemical properties of Ad4 resemble those of serotypes from subgroups B and C. The length of Ad4 fiber is intermediate between that of subgroup B and C fibers. We sequenced the Ad4 fiber gene, locus of the determinant(s) of adenovirus serotype. The number of repeating DNA sequence motifs in the shaft domain of the Ad4 fiber gene is consistent with its reported length. Regional phylogenetic analysis of Ad4 was undertaken, comparing DNA sequences of early genes and fiber genes from representative adenoviruses. The Ad4 fiber gene has close phylogenetic relationship to subgroup C fiber genes. This is in distinct contrast to the closer relationship of Ad4 to subgroup B adenoviruses in early gene sequences, distributed across the left 70% of the viral genome. We propose that Ad4 originated by recombination of genomes resembling contemporary subgroup B and subgroup C adenoviruses. This event may have occurred so recently that divergence of subgroup E serological determinants has yet to be observed.

[15 years vaginal delivery in post-cesarean status]. / 15 Jahre Entbindung bei Status post Sectio caesarea.

In a retrospective study covering a period of 15 years (1976-1991), we investigated 673 births after previous caesarean section compared to a matched pair group. During the observation period, an increase of vaginal delivery after previous caesarean section occurred. This decrease in resection rate (first five years period: 59%, 60% in the period of 1981-1985 and 42% within the last five years) could be achieved mainly in births after only one previous caesarean section. In patients with more than one previous caesarean section, the resection rate remained almost stable at 95%. The rate of complication was low in our study group, especially, if compared to studies in the USA. Three uterine ruptures with one maternal death occurred during the entire observation period. No correlation of the complication rate with an increase of vaginal delivery was observed. The more conservative obstetrical management had no negative impact on foetal outcome.

[Modification of pediatric lung function measurement by antibacterial filters]. / Die Beeinflussung der pädiatrischen Lungenfunktionsmessung durch antibakterielle Filter.

The risk of cross-infection by contaminated lung function equipment can be reduced by the use of antibacterial filters. These filters, however, should have no significant influence on flow measurements. We investigated the effect of a new filter (Pall PF 30) on lung function measurements in 92 children and adolescents with bronchial asthma and cystic fibrosis. In randomized sequence, flow-volume curves and spirometry were registered in the whole body plethysmograph. Values measured with filter correlated closely to those registered without; individual values remained close to the line of identity. With high flow rates, however, there was a minimal tendency towards lower measurements with filter; this damping effect was flow-dependent and remained of a clinically insignificant dimension.