Mechanisms of dyspnoea and its language in patients with asthma

This study hypothesises that regardless of the global score of dyspnoea intensity, different descriptors may be selected by asthmatic patients during short cardiopulmonary exercise test (sCPET) and methacholine (Mch) inhalation. It also examines whether different qualitative dyspnoea sensations can help explain the underlying mechanisms of the symptom. Minute ventilation (V'E), tidal volume (VT) and inspiratory capacity (IC) were measured in 22 stable asthmatic patients, and the sensation of dyspnoea during Mch inhalation and sCPET was quantitatively (Borg scale) and qualitatively (descriptors) assessed. The work rate and oxygen uptake (V'O2) were also measured during sCPET. Airway obstruction and hyperinflation, as measured by IC reduction, were the best correlates for dyspnoea with Mch. During sCPET, changes in WR, V'O2, V'E and VT significantly correlated with Borg score, with V'E being the best predictor of dyspnoea; IC decreased in eight patients. Furthermore, chest tightness (68%) was the highest reported descriptor during Mch inhalation, whereas work/effort (72%) was the highest during sCPET. In conclusion, obstruction/hyperinflation and work rate are highly reliable predictors of Borg rating of dyspnoea during methacholine inhalation and short cardiopulmonary exercise testing, respectively. Regardless of the global score of intensity dyspnoea, different descriptors may be selected by patients during short cardiopulmonary exercise testing and methacholine inhalation. Various qualities of dyspnoea result from different pathophysiological abnormalities.

Industrial solution contaminated by polyacrylates: their elimination by electrochemical combustion

The electrochemical combustion of polyacrylates was studied through both direct and indirect oxidation. The obtained results indicate the non elimination of the polyacrylates with the direct oxidation, while the indirect oxidation with NaCl completely eliminates these organic compounds. In the last case the effects of different initial concentrations of NaCl, anode materials and current densities was studied.

Natural infection with schistosomes of the Schistosoma haematobium group in a dog in Zambia

Post-mortem examination of an adult male Jack Russell dog from Zambia revealed that it was heavily infected with schistosomes. The dog had been admitted, with a history of retching, 4 days before its death. At necropsy, the liver was found to be enlarged, with multiple pin-point yellowish-white foci scattered diffusely throughout the organ. Multiple pin-point recent and old haemorrhages were seen on the mucosal surface of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the stomach and proximal duodenum. Large numbers of schistosome worm pairs and eggs were found in all mesenteric, gastric and hepatic veins. Histological examination of the intestines, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, pancreas, stomach and lungs revealed numerous strongly fibrotic, encapsulated, epithelioid-giant cell granulomata containing dead, degenerating and viable eggs. A few examples of the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon were also detected. The eggs collected at necropsy had a terminal spine and an average length and breadth of 187.6+/-14.1 microm and 57. 3+/-4.1 microm, respectively. DNA analysis of female worms indicated that the schistosomes were either Schistosoma haematobium or a hybrid of Schistosoma mattheei and S. haematobium.

[Endotoxemia and phagocytic function in premature subjects]

The AA. have evaluated some parameters of leukocyte function (phagocytosis, killing and nitroblu tetrazolium NBT test) from premature children, comparing such activities with endotoxemia, detected by means of limulus assay. The results obtained point out that there is not relationship between impaired leukocyte functions and endotoxemia.