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Biomedical subjects

Kenneth C Beck

Publications and source records attributed to Kenneth C Beck.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effects of acute changes in pulmonary wedge pressure on periodic breathing at rest in heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure (HF) display a number of breathing abnormalities including periodic breathing (PB) at rest. Although the mechanism(s) contributing to PB remain unclear, we examined whether changes in pulmonary wedge pressure (PWP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) alter PB in patients with established HF. METHODS: We studied 12 male patients with HF (age, 50 +/- 11 years; ejection fraction, 18.3 +/- 3.8 %; New York Heart Association class, 3.2 +/- 0.4), with PB at rest, who are undergoing right heart catheterization with infusion of nitroprusside. RESULTS: At baseline, patients with HF displayed minute ventilation (V(E)) oscillations with amplitude of 5.5 +/- 2.7 L/min (57 +/- 34% of the average V(E)) and cycle length of 61 +/- 18 seconds. Cardiac index (CI), PVR, and mean PWP averaged 2.0 +/- 0.4 L min(-1) m(-2), 281.9 +/- 214.9 dyne/s per cm(-5), and 28.3 +/- 5.4 mm Hg, respectively. During nitroprusside infusion, CI increased to 3.1 +/- 0.6 L min(-1) m(-2), PVR decreased to 163.9 +/- 85.2 dyne/s per cm(-5), and PWP fell to 10.0 +/- 4.2 mm Hg. Nitroprusside reduced the amplitude (2.6 +/- 2.4 L/min, 23 +/- 21% of average V(E); P < .01) and cycle length (41.4 +/- 28.8 seconds; P < .01) of V(E) oscillations while abolishing oscillations in 3 patients. Although average V(E) and PaCO2 remained unchanged, there was a significant increase in the ratio of tidal volume to inspiratory time (V(T)/T(I); P < .01), suggesting an increase in ventilatory drive. The change in the amplitude of V(E) oscillations was positively correlated with the change in PWP (r = 0.75; P < .01), negatively correlated with the change in PVR (r = 0.63; P < .05), and not correlated with the change in CI. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that PWP (left atrial pressure) may play a direct role in the PB observed in HF at rest.

Adult↗

Effect of low-xenon and krypton supplementation on signal/noise of regional CT-based ventilation measurements.

Xenon computed tomography (Xe-CT) is used to estimate regional ventilation by measuring regional attenuation changes over multiple breaths while rebreathing a constant Xe concentration ([Xe]). Xe-CT has potential human applications, although anesthetic properties limit [Xe] to <or=35%. We investigate effects of lower [Xe], including a low [Xe]-krypton (Kr) combination, on time constant (TC) determination. Six anesthetized sheep were scanned prone and supine using multidetector row CT. Lungs were imaged by respiratory gating during washin of a 30%, 40%, 55% Xe, and a 30% Xe/30% Kr mixture. Using Kr avoids unwanted effects of Xe. Mean TCs, coefficients of variation (CV), and half confidence intervals (CI)/mean served as indexes of sensitivity to noise. Mean supine and prone TCs of three [Xe] values were not significantly different. Average CVs of TCs increased from 57% (55% Xe), 58% (40% Xe), and 73% (30% Xe) (P < 0.05: paired t-tests; 30% Xe vs. higher [Xe]). Monte Carlo simulation indicated a CV based on inherent image noise was 8% for 55% Xe and 17% for 30% Xe (P < 0.05). Adding 30% Kr to 30% Xe gave a washin signal equivalent to 40% Xe. Half CI/mean using the 30% Xe/30% Kr mixture was not significantly different from 55 and 40% Xe. Although average TCs were not affected by changes in [Xe], the higher CV and half CI/mean suggested reduced signal-to-noise ratio at the 30% [Xe]. The 30% Xe/30% Kr mixture was comparable to that of 40% Xe, providing an important agent for CT-based assessment of regional ventilation in humans.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Short-term hypoxic exposure at rest and during exercise reduces lung water in healthy humans.

Hypoxia and hypoxic exercise increase pulmonary arterial pressure, cause pulmonary capillary recruitment, and may influence the ability of the lungs to regulate fluid. To examine the influence of hypoxia, alone and combined with exercise, on lung fluid balance, we studied 25 healthy subjects after 17-h exposure to 12.5% inspired oxygen (barometric pressure = 732 mmHg) and sequentially after exercise to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer with 12.5% inspired oxygen. We also studied subjects after a rapid saline infusion (30 ml/kg over 15 min) to demonstrate the sensitivity of our techniques to detect changes in lung water. Pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc) and alveolar-capillary conductance (D(M)) were determined by measuring the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide and nitric oxide. Lung tissue volume and density were assessed using computed tomography. Lung water was estimated by subtracting measures of Vc from computed tomography lung tissue volume. Pulmonary function [forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume after 1 s (FEV(1)), and forced expiratory flow at 50% of vital capacity (FEF(50))] was also assessed. Saline infusion caused an increase in Vc (42%), tissue volume (9%), and lung water (11%), and a decrease in D(M) (11%) and pulmonary function (FVC = -12 +/- 9%, FEV(1) = -17 +/- 10%, FEF(50) = -20 +/- 13%). Hypoxia and hypoxic exercise resulted in increases in Vc (43 +/- 19 and 51 +/- 16%), D(M) (7 +/- 4 and 19 +/- 6%), and pulmonary function (FVC = 9 +/- 6 and 4 +/- 3%, FEV(1) = 5 +/- 2 and 4 +/- 3%, FEF(50) = 4 +/- 2 and 12 +/- 5%) and decreases in lung density and lung water (-84 +/- 24 and -103 +/- 20 ml vs. baseline). These data suggest that 17 h of hypoxic exposure at rest or with exercise resulted in a decrease in lung water in healthy humans.

Adult↗

Relationship between cardiac output and oxygen consumption during upright cycle exercise in healthy humans.

The relationship between cardiac output (CardOut) and oxygen consumption (VO2) during exercise has generally been assumed to be linear. To test this assumption, we studied 72 healthy subjects using a graded, 2-min cycle-ergometry exercise test to maximum while measuring gas exchange continuously and CardOut at the end of each stage, the latter using an open-circuit gas technique. Data for VO2 and CardOut at each stage were fit to a quadratic expression y = a + (b.VO2) + (c.VO2(2)), and statistical significance of the quadratic c term was determined in each subject. Subjects were then divided into two groups: those with statistically significant negative quadratic term ("negative curvature group," n = 25) and those with either nonsignificant quadratic term or c significantly > 0 ("non-negative curvature group," n = 47, 2 with c significantly > 0). We found the negative curvature group had significantly higher maximal VO2/kg (median 37.9 vs. 32.4 ml x min(-1) x kg(-1); P = 0.03) higher resting stroke volume (SV; median 77 vs. 60 ml; P = 0.04), lower resting heart rate (HR; median 72 vs. 82 beats/min, P = 0.04), and higher tissue oxygen extraction at maximal exercise (17.1 +/- 2.2 vs 15.5 +/- 2.1 ml/100 ml; P < 0.01), with tendencies for higher maximal CardOut and SV. We also found the HR vs. VO2 relationship to be negatively curved, with negative curvature in HR associated with the negative curvature in CardOut (P < 0.05), suggesting the curvature in the CardOut vs. VO2 relationship was secondary to curvature in HR vs. VO2. We conclude that the CardOut vs. VO2 relationship is not always linear, and negative curvature in the relationship is associated with higher fitness levels in normal, non-elite-athletic subjects.

Adult↗

Regional pulmonary blood flow in dogs by 4D-X-ray CT.

ECG-triggered computed tomography (CT) was used during passage of iodinated contrast to determine regional pulmonary blood flow (PBF) in anesthetized prone/supine dogs. PBF was evaluated as a function of height within the lung (supine and prone) as a function of various normalization methods: raw unit volume data (PBFraw) or PBF normalized to regional fraction air (PBFair), fractional non-air (PBFgm), or relative number of alveoli (PBFalv). The coefficient of variation of PBFraw, PBFair, PBFalv, and PBFgm ranged between 30 and 50% in both lungs and both body postures. The position of maximal flow along the height of the lung (MFP) was calculated for PBFraw, PBFair, PBFalv, and PBFgm. Only PBFgm showed a significantly different MFP height supine vs. prone (whole lung: 2.60 +/- 1.08 cm supine vs. 5.08 +/- 1.61 cm prone, P < 0.01). Mean slopes (ml/min/gm water content/cm) of PBFgm were steeper supine vs. prone in the right (RL) but not left lung (LL) (RL: -0.65 +/- 0.29 supine vs. -0.26 +/- 0.25 prone, P < 0.02; LL: -0.47 +/- 0.21 supine vs. -0.32 +/- 0.26 prone, P > 0.10). Mean slopes of PBFgm vs. vertical lung height were not different prone vs. supine above this vertical height of MFP (VMFP), but PBFgm slopes were steeper in the supine position below the VMFP in the RL. We conclude that PBFgm distribution was posture dependent in RL but not LL. Support of the heart may play a role. We demonstrate that normalization factors can lead to differing attributions of gravitational effects on PBF heterogeneity.

Animals↗

Comparison of carbon monoxide (CO) single breath pulmonary diffusing capacity with non-rebreathing, open-circuit CO pulmonary diffusing capacity in healthy children.

INTRODUCTION: The standard technique for assessing pulmonary diffusing capacity of the lungs (DL) for carbon monoxide (CO) is the single breath (SB) technique. SB_DLco in children can be problematic because it requires a vital capacity >1.5 L. We have developed an open-circuit technique (OC), which uses the wash-in of CO over a series of 8-10 normal breaths that does not require rebreathing. In this study, we compared the SB_DLco against the OC_DLco. METHODS: Nineteen healthy children between 7 and 18 years performed SB_DLco and OC_DLco tests. The mean SB_DLco was significantly larger than the mean OC_DLco. The mean difference OC_DLco minus SB_ DLco was: -2.92 +/- 4.21 ml/min/mm Hg, though the difference was negatively correlated with the mean of the two (r = 0.73). The lower mean OC_DLco was in part due to lower lung volume (as measured by alveolar volume (VA)) during the maneuver. In both groups there was a positive correlation between VA and DLco, and the mean VA was -2.17 +/- 1.07 L lower using OC compared to SB. The difference was again negatively correlated with the mean (r = 0.82). The mean OC minus SB difference in DLco/VA was: 6.06 +/- 1.98 ml/min/mm Hg/L, though this difference was positively correlated with the mean, r = 0.76. CONCLUSIONS: We found a good correlation between both techniques for DLco, VA, and DLco/VA. The OC offers the advantage of minimal subject cooperation, and may be preferable to use in children.

Adolescent↗

Reduced rate of alveolar-capillary recruitment and fall of pulmonary diffusing capacity during exercise in patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) have reduced pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Acute pulmonary congestion also causes reduction of DLCO, which is reversible. We hypothesized for patients with CHF that the rate of rise of exercise DLCO is reduced compared to healthy controls and falls near end-exercise consistent with progressive interstitial edema. METHODS AND RESULTS: DLCO and pulmonary blood flow (QC)) were measured by a rebreathe technique in CHF subjects (n = 11) and controls (n = 8) at rest, during constant workload exercise, and after exercise. DLCO of CHF subjects was less than controls at rest (16.5 +/- 1 vs. 21.9 +/- 2 mL/min/mm Hg, P < .01). CHF subjects exercised 11 +/- 2 minutes to 90% peak VO2, whereas controls exercised 17 +/- 2 minutes, reaching 88% peak VO2. In CHF subjects, DLCO increased to 19 +/- 2 mL/min/mm Hg and for controls to 38 +/- 3 mL/min/mm Hg. During the final 3 minutes of exercise, DLCO increased 5% in controls while decreasing 5% in CHF subjects (DLCO/Q(C)) was lower in CHF subjects at rest and progressively lower throughout exercise (P < .01). CONCLUSION: In patients with CHF, DLCO has reduced rate of rise with exercise and falls near end-exercise consistent with limitation of alveolar-capillary recruitment and progressive interstitial edema.

Aged↗

Influence of beta2-adrenergic receptor genotype on airway function during exercise in healthy adults.

BACKGROUND: In humans, beta(2)-adrenergic receptors (beta(2)ARs) influence airway tone. There are known functional polymorphisms of the beta(2)AR, such as substitution of glycine for arginine at codon 16. We sought to determine if this variation in genotype differentially influences airway function during exercise. METHODS: Healthy subjects without asthma who were either homozygous for Arg16 (n = 16; mean age, 29 +/- 2 years [+/- SD]; mean maximum oxygen uptake [Vo(2)], 32 +/- 2 mL/kg/min) or the Gly16 allele (n = 26; mean age, 30 +/- 1 years; mean maximum Vo(2), 33 +/- 1 mL/kg/min) participated in the study. Baseline testing included spirometry and maximal symptom-limited exercise. On a separate day, an arterial cannula was placed to measure catecholamine levels. Subjects then performed exercise at two work levels (40% and 75% of peak work) for 9 min each and performed spirometry at 3-min intervals for assessment of airway function. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between groups in maximum Vo(2) or baseline spirometry (p > 0.05). With both light and heavy exercise, the groups had similar increases in the forced expiratory flow at 50% of vital capacity (FEF(50)). FEF(50) increased by 14 +/- 4% and 15 +/- 3% in arginine and glycine groups, respectively, by end exercise (p > 0.05). During recovery (5 min and 10 min after), the Gly16 homozygotes demonstrated persistent bronchodilation (10 min after FEF(50) = + 7 +/- 2% over pre-exercise) while the Arg16 subjects had a rapid return to baseline (10 min after FEF(50) = - 3 +/- 3%, p = 0.007 between groups). No differences were observed in the catecholamine responses between genotypes, although the increase in epinephrine in the arginine group tended to be higher (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the Arg16Gly polymorphism of the beta(2)AR does not influence airway function during short-duration low- and high-intensity exercise. However, during recovery, the Arg16 genotype is associated with a reduced bronchodilation, possibly due to increased catecholamine desensitization.

Adult↗

Competition for intrathoracic space reduces lung capacity in patients with chronic heart failure: a radiographic study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of changes in cardiac size on total lung volume in patients with chronic heart failure compared to control subjects. METHODS: Forty-four patients and age-, gender-, and height-matched control participants were recruited. All participants underwent posteroanterior and lateral chest radiography for volumetric estimations of the total thoracic cavity (TTC), diaphragm, heart, and lungs. To assess the relationship between chronic heart failure severity and cardiac enlargement, patients with chronic heart failure were classified into groups based on New York Heart Association class, as follows: class I and II, n = 26 (group A); class III and IV, n = 18 (group B). RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups for TTC volume (TTCV) [p = 0.56]. Cardiac volumes were significantly different between all groups for both the absolute volumes (p < 0.001) were calculated as a percentage of TTCV (p < 0.001), with the largest cardiac volumes in group B (twice the volume of healthy control subjects). When expressed as a percentage of TTCV, there also was a clear reduction in lung volumes as a function of disease severity (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates a close relationship between the severity of heart failure and cardiac size. These changes in cardiac size within a closed thoracic cavity may pose significant constraints on the lungs, resulting in reductions in lung volumes that likely play a major role in the restrictive breathing patterns often reported in patients with chronic heart failure.

Cardiomegaly↗

Arg16Gly polymorphism of the beta2-adrenergic receptor is associated with differences in cardiovascular function at rest and during exercise in humans.

In humans, subjects homozygous for arginine (ArgArg) at codon 16 of the beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR) have been shown to have greater agonist-mediated desensitization than subjects homozygous for glycine (GlyGly). We sought to determine if this substitution differentially influenced cardiovascular function during short duration (9 min) low and high intensity exercise (40 and 75% of peak work). Healthy Caucasian ArgArg (n = 16), GlyGly (n = 31) and ArgGly (n = 17) subjects matched for age, sex and peak oxygen uptake were studied. There were no differences in adrenaline (ADR) at rest or with heavy exercise, but the ArgArg group had lower ADR with light exercise (P = 0.04). Resting heart rate (HR) was higher in ArgArg (P < 0.01), while cardiac output (Q), stroke volume (SV), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were lower than the other groups (HR = 86+/-2, 78+/-2, 80+/-1 beats min(-1); Q = 5.7+/-0.81, 6.1+/-0.18, 6.7+/-0.22 l min(-1); SV = 68+/-3, 82+/-3, 89+/-4 ml beat(-1); MAP = 92+/-1, 103+/-2, 98+/-1 mmHg-- for ArgArg, ArgGly and GlyGly, respectively, means +/-s.e.m., P < 0.01), however, no differences were observed in systemic vascular resistance (SVR). With low intensity exercise and high intensity exercise the ArgArg group continued to have a lower , SV and MAP compared to the other groups (P < 0.05), with no differences observed in SVR. During recovery, the ArgArg subjects continued to have a lower MAP but there were no differences in HR, , or SVR. These data suggest that subjects homozygous for Arg at codon 16 of the beta2AR have reduced and MAP at rest that persist during exercise with no evidence for differential changes over the course of exercise despite large changes in catecholamines. This may suggest possible genotype-related differences in baseline receptor function or density which causes phenotypic differences at rest that are sustained during short-term exercise.

Adult↗

Differences in regional wash-in and wash-out time constants for xenon-CT ventilation studies.

UNLABELLED: Xenon-enhanced computed tomography (Xe-CT) has been used to measure regional ventilation by determining the wash-in (WI) and wash-out (WO) rates of stable Xe. We tested the common assumption that WI and WO rates are equal by measuring WO-WI in different anatomic lung regions of six anesthetized, supine sheep scanned using multi-detector-row computed tomography (MDCT). We further investigated the effect of tidal volume, image gating (end-expiratory EE versus end-inspiratory EI), local perfusion, and inspired Xe concentration on this phenomenon. RESULTS: WO time constant was greater than WI in all lung regions, with the greatest differences observed in dependent base regions. WO-WI time constant difference was greater during EE imaging, smaller tidal volumes, and with higher Xe concentrations. Regional perfusion did not correlate with WI-WO. We conclude that Xe-WI rate can be significantly different from the WO rate, and the data suggest that this effect may be due to a combination of anatomic and fluid mechanical factors such as Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities set up at interfaces between two gases of different densities.

Animals↗

Evaluation of cardiac output from a tidally ventilated homogeneous lung model.

We used the direct Fick measurements to validate a method for estimating cardiac output by iteratively fitting VCO(2) at the mouth to lung model values. This model was run using a series of 50, 30 and 10 breaths to test sensitivity to number of breaths used for fitting. The lung was treated as a catenary two-compartment lung model consisting of a dead space compartment connected with a single alveolar space compartment, perfused with constant pulmonary blood flow. The implemented mathematical modeling described variations in O(2) and CO(2) compartmental fractions and alveolar volume. This model also included pulmonary capillary gas exchange. Experimental data were collected from measurements performed on six healthy subjects at rest and during 20, 40, 60 and 85-90% of peak V(O)(2). The correlation between the two methods was highest and the average agreement between the methods was best using 50 breaths R = 095; P < 0.0001; Q(model) = 1.1Q(Fick) - 2.3). The mean difference and lower to upper limits of agreement between measured and estimated data were 0.7 l/min (-2.7 to 4.1 l/min) for cardiac output; -0.9 ml/100 ml (-1.3 to -0.5 ml/100 ml) for arterial O(2) content; -0.8 ml/100 ml (-3.8 to 2.2 ml/100 ml) for mixed venous O(2) content and -0.1 ml/100 ml (-2.9 to 2.7 ml/100 ml) for arteriovenous difference O(2) content. The cardiac output estimated by the lung model was in good agreement with the direct Fick measurements in young healthy subjects.

Adult↗

An open-circuit method for determining lung diffusing capacity during exercise: comparison to rebreathe.

To avoid limitations associated with the use of single-breath and rebreathe methods for assessing the lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (D(L)CO) during exercise, we developed an open-circuit technique. This method does not require rebreathing or alterations in breathing pattern and can be performed with little cognition on the part of the patient. To determine how this technique compared with the traditional rebreathe (D(L)CO,RB) method, we performed both the open-circuit (D(L)CO,OC) and the D(L)CO,RB methods at rest and during exercise (25, 50, and 75% of peak work) in 11 healthy subjects [mean age = 34 yr (SD 11)]. Both D(L)CO,OC and D(L)CO,RB increased linearly with cardiac output and external work. There was a good correlation between D(L)CO,OC and D(L)CO,RB for rest and exercise (mean of individual r2 = 0.88, overall r2 = 0.69, slope = 0.97). D(L)CO,OC and D(L)CO,RB were similar at rest and during exercise [e.g., rest = 27.2 (SD 5.8) vs. 29.3 (SD 5.2), and 75% peak work = 44.0 (SD 7.0) vs. 41.2 ml.min(-1).mmHg(-1) (SD 6.7) for D(L)CO,OC vs. D(L)CO,RB]. The coefficient of variation for repeat measurements of D(L)CO,OC was 7.9% at rest and averaged 3.9% during exercise. These data suggest that the D(L)CO,OC method is a reproducible, well-tolerated alternative for determining D(L)CO, particularly during exercise. The method is linearly associated with cardiac output, suggesting increased alveolar-capillary recruitment, and values were similar to the traditional rebreathe method.

Adult↗

Cold air inhalation does not affect the severity of EIB after exercise or eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation.

INTRODUCTION: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is thought to result from osmotic and thermal events of air conditioning during exercise at high ventilation rates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate lung function after exercise and eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation (EVH) while breathing both room-temperature and cold-temperature dry bottled air. METHODS: Twenty-two subjects were identified as EIB probable by a fall of >or=7% in forced expiratory volume in the first second of exhalation (FEV1) using a 6-min room-temperature EVH challenge (RTEVH; 22.0 degrees C). Subjects then randomly performed three 6-min challenges: cold-temperature EVH (CTEVH; -1 degrees C), room-temperature exercise (RTEX; 22.0 degrees C), and cold-temperature exercise (CTEX; -1 degrees C), with a period of at least 48 h observed between challenges. Spirometry was performed at baseline and at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min postchallenge. RESULTS: Reasonable agreement was found between challenge modes and room-temperature and cold-temperature challenges. Postchallenge percent falls in FEV1 were -15.21, -13.80, -13.12, and -10.69 for RTEVH, CTEVH, RTEX, and CTEX, respectively. RTEVH resulted in a significantly greater percent fall in FEV1 than CTEX (P=0.048); no other differences in FEV1 were observed. CONCLUSION: Similar postchallenge percent falls in FEV1 for room- and cold-temperature EVH and exercise suggest that dryness is essential to test conditions, as cold temperature did not have an additive effect to the EIB response.

Adult↗

Airway narrowing measured by spirometry and impulse oscillometry following room temperature and cold temperature exercise.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of using impulse oscillometry (IOS) as an indirect measure of airflow obstruction compared to spirometry after exercise challenges in the evaluation of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) has not been fully appreciated. The objective was to compare airway responses following room temperature and cold temperature exercise challenges, and to compare whether IOS variables relate to spirometry variables. DESIGN: Spirometry and IOS were performed at baseline and for 20 min after challenge at 5-min intervals. SETTING: Two 6-min exercise challenges, inhaling either room temperature (22.0 degrees C) or cold temperature (- 1 degrees C) dry medical-grade bottled air. At least 48 h was observed between these randomly assigned challenges. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two physically active individuals (12 women and 10 men) with probable EIB. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects performed 6 min of stationary cycle ergometry while breathing either cold or room temperature medical-grade dry bottled air. Subjects were instructed to exercise at the highest intensity sustainable for the duration of the challenge. Heart rate and kilojoules of work performed were documented to verify exercise intensity. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Strong correlations were observed within testing modalities for post-room temperature and post-cold temperature exercise spirometry and IOS values. Spirometry revealed no differences in postexercise peak falls in lung function between conditions; however, IOS identified significant differences in respiratory resistance (p < 0.05), with room temperature-inspired air being more potent than cold temperature-inspired air. CONCLUSIONS: Correlations were found between spirometric and IOS measures of change in airway function for both exercise challenges, indicating close equivalency of the methods. The challenges appeared to elicit the EIB response by a similar mechanism of water loss, and cold temperature did not have an additive effect. IOS detected a difference in degree of response between the temperatures, whereas spirometry indicated no difference, suggesting that IOS is a more sensitive measure of change in airway function.

Adult↗

The effect of maxillary sinus antrostomy size on xenon ventilation in the sheep model.

OBJECTIVE: A major goal of maxillary antrostomy is to increase sinus ventilation. Limited data exist regarding the effect of maxillary antrostomy size on sinus ventilation. We sought to quantify the effect of uncinectomy, small antrostomy, and large antrostomy on maxillary sinus ventilation using xenon-enhanced CT in the sheep model. MATERIALS, STUDY DESIGN, AND METHODS: A xenon-oxygen-air mixture was delivered to 8 fresh cadaveric sheep heads while repeated CT scans were performed through the maxillary sinuses. Baseline and postoperative studies were performed after an endoscopic uncinectomy, small antrostomy, or large antrostomy was created. Images were analyzed to measure the density of the xenon gas in the maxillary sinus as a function of time, generating a time constant. RESULTS: The time constants for both small antrostomy and large antrostomy were significantly different compared to baseline ( P = 0.003 for both). The time constant comparison between small antrostomy and large antrostomy was not significant ( P = 0.948). CONCLUSIONS: A small antrostomy produces a statistically significant increase in maxillary sinus ventilation over baseline. No significant further ventilation increase is obtained by creating a large antrostomy in the sheep model. This lends credence to the use of small antrostomies to improve maxillary sinus ventilation in human sinus surgery.

Animals↗

Airway area distribution from the forced expiration maneuver.

The maximal expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) maneuver is a commonly used test of lung function. More detailed interpretation than is currently available might be useful to understand disease better. We propose that a previously published computational model (Lambert RK, Wilson TA, Hyatt RE, and Rodarte JR. J Appl Physiol 52: 44-56, 1982) can be used to deduce, from the MEFV curve, the serial distribution of airway areas in the larger airways. An automated procedure based on the simulated annealing technique was developed. It was tested with model-generated flow data in which airway areas were reduced one generation at a time. The procedure accurately located the constriction and predicted its size within narrow bounds when the constriction was in the six most central generations of airways. More peripheral constrictions were detected but were not precisely located, nor were their sizes accurately evaluated. Airway areas of generations upstream of the constriction were usually overestimated. The procedure was applied to spirometric data obtained from eight volunteers (4 asthmatic and 4 normal subjects) at baseline and after methacholine challenge. The predicted areas show individual differences both in absolute values, and in relative distribution of areas. This result shows that detailed information can be obtained from the MEFV curve through the use of a model. However, this initial model, which lacks airway smooth muscle, needs further refinement.

Asthma↗

Effect of high-intensity submaximal work, with or without rest, on subsequent VO2max.

PURPOSE: In practice, tests of maximal oxygen uptake (.VO2max) are often preceded by a lactate profile, a highly intense but submaximal exercise bout. The .VO2max response to preceding high-intensity submaximal exercise, with or without a rest period, has not been determined. If .VO2max is limited after a lactate profile, exercise-induced hypoxemia (EIH) may explain the deficit. The purposes of this study were to: 1) examine the effects of high-intensity submaximal exercise, with or without rest, on subsequent .VO2max; and 2) evaluate the role of EIH in causing any observed changes. METHODS: Ten healthy, well-trained, male cross-country skiers (age = 20.5 +/- 4.7 yr, height = 181.6 +/- 6.0 cm, mass = 72.1 +/- 5.7 kg) completed three exercise trials: an incremental run to fatigue (MAX), MAX preceded by a high-intensity submaximal run (lactate profile) and a 20-min rest period (discontinuous protocol [DC]), and MAX preceded by a high-intensity submaximal exercise run with no rest (continuous protocol [C]). .VO2max, minute ventilation, and arterial oxygen saturation were measured throughout, and diffusion capacity was evaluated 2 min postexercise. RESULTS No significant between trial differences were observed, although the difference between .VO2max determined during the MAX trial (62.7 +/- 6.7 mL.kg-1.min-1) and during the DC trial (58.3 +/- 4.4 mL.kg-1.min-1) approached significance (P = 0.059). DC .VO2max responses could be separated into two groups: five responders whose .VO2max suffered during the DC trial (decreased >7.5% from MAX) and five nonresponders, whose .VO2max was unaffected by preceding submaximal exercise and a rest period. Responders showed greater aerobic capacity during the MAX trial. CONCLUSION: .VO2max is significantly reduced in approximately 50% of cross-country skiers when a maximal exercise test is preceded by high-intensity submaximal exercise and a 20 min rest period; the role of EIH in causing these reductions is unclear.

Adaptation, Physiological↗