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S Ostrowski

Publications and source records attributed to S Ostrowski.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Factors influencing lung function: are the predicted values for spirometry reliable enough?

Spirometric lung function parameters are used as a diagnostic tool and to monitor therapy effectiveness or the course of disease. On the other hand, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) and forced vital capacity (FVC) are important predictors of morbidity and mortality in elderly persons. In clinical use, FEV(1) and FVC are measured in liters and usually each is expressed as a percentage of the predicted value. Reference values used for the prediction of lung function should be reliable. It seems crucial that the reference cohort be representative. There is no doubt that gender and height are the most important predictors of lung function. The third predictor, age, may be a confounding factor. The study of age-dependent changes in lung function through the lifespan reveals distinctive differences. The FEV(1) and FVC in adults are related to the maximum level attained, the plateau period, and the rate of lung function decline. A non-linear dependence between age and lung function parameters is more complex. The maximum level of lung function, possible to attain, is influenced by a genetic factor. The plateau and decline phases are closely connected with several independent predictors. In the last decade, some new factors influencing lung function have been established. A relation between lung function and hyperglycemia of diabetes mellitus is a novel field of interest. Also, the influence on lung function of waist size, weight, and body composition or muscle strength are underscored. These, previously not full well unrecognized, factors make it difficult to get accurate norms with regression equations, traditionally using sex, height, and age as predictors.

Aging↗
PubMed2005

Pulmonary function between 40 and 80 years of age.

Spirometry is the most frequently performed lung function test. To determine a normal range of spirometry results, reference formulas are used. Predicted values play an important role in establishing whether the volumes measured in an individual fall within a range to be expected in a healthy person of the same gender, height, and age. Such standards enable to assess the development of the respiratory system in the youth, the early recognition of the influence of a disease on the respiratory system and the influence of environmental factors on lung function. The objective of the present study was to estimate lung function prediction equations and to identify appropriate normal reference values for the Lublin Region local population of adults. We addressed the issue by analyzing the data from a lung function screening program conducted in the Lublin Region of Poland. Pulmonary function of adults aged 40-80 years was assessed from the measurements of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expired volume in the first second (FEV(1)) in 136 adults. Reference values of FVC and FEV(1) for females and males were calculated by linear multiple regressions with age and height used as predictors. Different equations were compared to show their reliability when applied to the local population. The results were as follows. In females, the mean FEV(1) was 2.856 +/-0.534 (L) (113.7 +/-14.3%) and the mean FVC was 3.517 +/-0.662 (L) (118.5 +/-14.1%), in males, 3.913 +/-0.773 (L) (110.9 +/-15.1%), 4.922 +/-0.941 (L) (112.1 +/-14.1%), respectively. The estimated prediction equations were: for the FVC - for females - FVC (L) = 0.0528 (height) - 0.0262 (age) - 3.676 and for males - FVC = 0.0756 (height) - 0.0649 (age) - 4.904; and for the FEV(1) - for females - FEV(1) (L) = 0.0378 (height) - 0.0282 (age) - 1.799 and for males - FEV(1) (L) = 0.0553 (height) - 0.0553 (age) - 2.874. Units are years for age and centimeters for height. In conclusion, the analysis of the lung function data showed that there were significant difficulties in determining the appropriate reference values of FEV(1) and FVC. The predicted FEV(1) and FVC values derived from equations based on the ECSC (1) reference populations are considerably lower than those calculated in the present study, re-emphasizing the need to be cautious when applying the ECSC reference values for the local Lublin population. There seems to be a need for a constant refinement of spirometric standards.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

The natural history of respiratory system function.

Lung growth starts in the first year of life. Between 20-30 years of age, man achieves the maximum FEV1. Some years later, maximum FVC is achieved. After the phase of a dynamic increase, lung function stabilizes for a while. Thereafter, it starts declining slowly in some individuals or increasing in others. The third and last phase of lung function changes during a lifetime begins between 40-45 years of life. The FEV1 and some years later also FVC diminish with a varied speed during this period. Changes in FEV1 and FVC in the third phase are slower at the beginning and accelerate in the six or seventh decade of life. There are some differences between males and females concerning the lung function profile. Female lung function starts decreasing earlier than that in male individuals. There are also pronounced interindividual differences in lung function among individuals of a similar age and body height.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

A phylogenetic analysis of basal metabolism, total evaporative water loss, and life-history among foxes from desert and mesic regions.

We measured basal metabolic rate (BMR) and total evaporative water loss (TEWL) of species of foxes that exist on the Arabian Peninsula, Blanford's fox (Vulpes cana) and two subspecies of Red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Combining these data with that on other canids from the literature, we searched for specialization of physiological traits among desert foxes using both conventional least squares regression and regressions based on phylogenetic independent contrasts. Further, we explored the consequences of reduced body size of foxes on life history parameters such as litter size and neonate mass. For Blanford's foxes, Red foxes from the central desert of Arabia, and Red foxes from the more mesic Asir mountains, body mass averaged 1,285 +/- 52 g, 1,967 +/- 289 g, and 3,060 +/- 482 g, respectively, whereas mean BMR, during summer, was 304.5 +/- 32.3 kJ/day, 418.0 +/- 32.4 kJ/day, and 724.1 +/- 120.2 kJ/day (+/- SD). An analysis of covariance with body mass as a covariate showed no statistical differences in BMR among foxes. Analysis of covariance indicated that Red fox from the Asir mountains had a higher TEWL than Red foxes from central Arabia or than Blanford's foxes also from the mountains. Comparisons of all species of desert and mesic foxes showed no significant differences in BMR, nor did desert foxes have a significantly lower BMR than other carnivores. TEWL of desert foxes was lower than other more mesic carnivores; deviations in TEWL ranged from -17.7% for the Fennec fox (Fennecus zerda) to -57.4% for the Kit fox (Vulpes velox). Although desert foxes have a BMR comparable to other more mesic species, it appears that desert foxes do have a smaller body mass, lowering overall energy requirements. We attribute this reduction in body size to the "resource limitation hypothesis" whereby natural selection favors smaller individuals in a resource-limited environment, especially during periods of severe food shortage. However, until common garden experiments are performed, developmental plasticity and acclimation cannot be ruled out as contributors to this pattern.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2001

Seasonal variation in energy expenditure, water flux and food consumption of Arabian oryx Oryx leucoryx.

We report on the energy expenditure and water flux, measured in the laboratory and in the field, of the Arabian oryx Oryx leucoryx, the largest desert ruminant for which measurements of the field metabolic rate of free-living individuals have been made using doubly labeled water. Prior to extirpation of this species in the wild in 1972, conservationists sequestered a number of individuals for captive breeding; in 1989, oryx were reintroduced in Saudi Arabia into Mahazat as-Sayd (2244 km(2)). Apart from small pools of water available after rains, oryx do not have free-standing water available for drinking and therefore rely on grasses that they eat for preformed water intake as well as their energy needs. We tested whether oryx have a reduced fasting metabolic rate and total evaporative water loss (TEWL) in the laboratory, as do some other arid-adapted mammals, and whether oryx have high field metabolic rates (FMRs) and water influx rates (WIRs), as predicted by allometric equations for large arid-zone mammals. We measured FMR and WIR during the hot summer, when plant moisture content was low and ambient temperatures were high, and after winter rains, when the water content of grasses was high. For captive oryx that weighed 84.1 kg, fasting metabolic rate averaged 8980 kJ day(-1), 16.7% lower than predictions for Artiodactyla. Our own re-analysis of minimal metabolic rates among Artiodactyla yielded the equation: logV(O2)=-0.153+0.758logM, where V(O2) is the rate of oxygen uptake in lh(-1) and M is body mass in kg. Fasting metabolic rate of oryx was only 9.1% lower than predicted, suggesting that they do not have an unusually low metabolic rate. TEWL averaged 870.0 ml day(-1), 63.9% lower than predicted, a remarkably low value even compared with the camel, but the mechanisms that contribute to such low rates of water loss remain unresolved. For free-living oryx, FMR was 11076 kJ day(-1) for animals with a mean body mass of 81.5 kg during summer, whereas it was 22081 kJ day(-1) for oryx in spring with a mean body mass of 89.0 kg, values that were 48.6% and 90.4% of allometric predictions, respectively. During summer, WIR averaged 1310 ml H(2)O day(-1), whereas in spring it was 3438 ml H(2)O day(-1). Compared with allometric predictions, WIR was 76.9% lower than expected in summer and 43.6% lower in spring. We found no evidence to support the view that the WIR of large desert ungulates is higher than that of their mesic counterparts. On the basis of the WIR of the oryx averaged over the year and the water contents of plants in their diet, we estimated that an oryx consumes 858 kg of dry matter per year.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Pulmonary function in patients treated for esophageal cancer].

The data concerning lung function and smoking history were evaluated before oesophagus cancer surgery in 54 patients. The parameters of forced expiration and inspiration (FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEF and VCin) were measured and as well as the bodyplethysmography was performed. More than 90% of patients smoked cigarettes. Mean values of FVC and FEV1 were within normal range in the whole group but FEV1/FVC (%) was decreased. Current smokers had the highest airways resistance. In the group of former smokers RV and ITGV were elevated. All mean values of forced expiratory flow parameters were below normal range. In the whole examined group spirometry revealed 28.9% of patients with FEV1 lower than 80% of predicted value and 83.7% of patients with small airways obstruction (FEF25 < 80% of predicted value. There were 74% of patients with Raw > 0.3 kPa/l/s. The high frequency of airways obstruction in the evaluated group of patients enhanced the risk of bronchopulmonary complications during surgery as well in postoperative period.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Enalapril (10 mg/day) in systemic sclerosis. One year, double blind, randomised study (ESS-1): echocardiographic substudy--three months follow-up.

The ESS-1 study was designed to evaluate the long-term effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) enalapril (10 mg per day) on the cardio-pulmonary system in patients with scleroderma (SSc). We estimated changes in heart diameters, systolic and diastolic left ventricle function and mean values of pulmonary artery pressure after 3 months treatment. The study group comprise 41 patients with SSc. 18 patients received placebo and 23 ones were given enalapril. After 3 months of treatment we did not observe statistically significant differences in heart diameters and left ventricle systolic function parameters between treated group and placebo. Enalapril therapy did not affect left ventricle diastolic function, nevertheless differences in MVA were almost of statistical significance. Echocardiographic signs of pulmonary hypertension were found in 4 patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Enalapril (10 mg/day) in systemic sclerosis. One year, double blind, randomised study (ESS-1): ECG exercise testing--three months follow-up.

The ESS-1 study was designed to evaluate the long-term effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) enalapril (10 mg per day) on cardiopulmonary system of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Exercise testing is used not only for estimation of coronary reserve but also physical capacity--the major determinant of quality of life. In each patient included to the ESS-1 study we performed ECG exercise test on treadmill (5 times at intervals of 3 months). The first follow-up was completed by 41 patients (23 patients in enalapril group and 18 in placebo group). The exercise duration in the placebo group was 683 +/- 295 sec and in enalapril group 768 +/- 173 sec. After 3 months of study there were no significant differences in both groups (758 +/- 271 sec and 720 +/- 191 sec respectively). The analysis of ST segment deviation did not provide any significant changes after 3 months of treatment. We conclude that 3 months enalapril treatment did not improve exercise tolerance in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Enalapril (10 mg/day) in systemic sclerosis. One year, double blind, randomised study (ESS-1): pulmonary substudy--effects of three month treatment.

The ESS-1 study is designed to evaluate the long-term effects of enalapril on cardiopulmonary system of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). During the one year study period 5 visits are scheduled at 3 months intervals. The effect of 3 months treatment with enalapril (10 mg per day) on lung function was studied in 18 patients with SSc (enalapril group) and compared with controls--23 patients with Ssc (placebo group), mean age, SSc duration, gender and % of patients with dcSSc did not differ significantly in both groups. We performed body plethysmography for total airways resistance (Rtot), and static lung volumes (TLC, ITGV and RV), spirometry for FEV1 and FVC and we measured flow parameters (PEF, FEF). We compared initial lung function (first examination) with results after 3 months treatment (second examination) in the enalapril and in the placebo group. Mean values of Rtot, ITGV and RV did not differ significantly in the enalapril group or in the placebo group before and after treatment but FVC, FEV1 and FEF50 were significantly lower in the enalapril group and did not change in the placebo group after three months. We conclude that 3 month treatment with enalapril worsens spirometry of SSc patients. We did not observe any changes in lung functions in the control group in the same three month period.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Enalapril (10 mg/day) in systemic sclerosis. One year, double blind, randomised study (ESS-1): electrocardiographic substudy--three months follow-up.

UNLABELLED: The ESS-1 study was designed to evaluate the long-term effects of enalapril (10 mg per day) on the cardiopulmonary system of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The 3 months follow-up was completed by 41 patients (23 patients in enalapril group and 18 in placebo group). We analysed conventional time domain signal averaged ECG (SAECG). Late potentials were considered to be present in QRS duration (QRS) was > 114 ms or root mean square of last 40 ms (RMS40) was < 20 microV or terminal signal duration under 40 microV (LAS40) was > 38 ms at 40 Hz. At the beginning of study the prevalence of abnormal SAEG parameters was similar in both groups. We observed one abnormal parameter among 13% of patients in enalapril group and 16.7% of patients in placebo group. There were 2 abnormal parameters in 26.1% of patients in enalapril group and 16.7% of patients in placebo group. After three months of treatment we did not find any patient with 2 parameters of late potentials in enalapril group and only 8.7% of patients with one such parameter. In placebo group no substantial improvement was observed. CONCLUSION: The 3 months enalapril treatment seems to decrease the incidence of late potentials in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

EGF domain swap converts a drosophila EGF receptor activator into an inhibitor.

In Drosophila the function of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is modulated zygotically by three EGF-like proteins: Spitz (Spi), which is a potent activator; Vein (Vn), which is a moderate activator; and Argos (Aos), which is an inhibitor. Chimeric molecules were constructed in which the EGF domain of Vn was swapped with the EGF domain from each factor. The modified Vn proteins behaved both in vitro and in vivo with properties characteristic of the factor from which the EGF domain was derived. These results demonstrate that the EGF domain is the key determinant that gives DER inhibitors and activators their distinct properties.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Antibody response to Newcastle disease vaccination in a flock of young houbara bustards (Chlamydotis undulata).

Twelve young houbara bustards (Chlamydotis undulata) were vaccinated with a lentogenic strain of Newcastle disease virus. Another seven birds were kept in close contact with the treated flock but were not vaccinated. Antibody levels were measured in all birds with hemagglutination inhibition test over the course of 1 yr. Antibody formation with no side effects was observed in 18 birds. The duration and amplitude of the antibody response differed between the groups.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Chemical immobilisation of red-necked ostriches (Struthio camelus) under field conditions.

Sixteen red-necked ostriches (Struthio camelus camelus) were darted under field conditions to immobilise them. Combinations of etorphine hydrochloride with either medetomidine or ketamine were used on 13 birds; xylazine hydrochloride and metomidate alone were used, respectively, on one and two birds. The times to recumbency and recovery were recorded and compared. The principal complications encountered during the anaesthetic procedure were myopathy due to over exertion and respiratory collapse. Etorphine combined with medetomidine led to a sedated state of good quality but short duration, which allowed minor procedures to be carried out.

Analgesics↗
PubMed1992

[Reference values of selected parameters of lung functions in the population of Bogdanka coal miners].

The aim of the study was to construct and test new equations for calculating FEV1, ITGV and FVC predictive values. Our examined population consisted of 2058 coal miners working underground in Bogdanka colliery (Lublin Basin). The following persons were excluded from out considerations: 1. smokers, 2. miners with pulmonary or allergic diseases history, 3. patients with chronic cough, sputum production or symptoms of chronic rhinitis, 4. persons with bronchial hyperreactivity. Finally, our standard group consisted of 353 coal miners. On the basis of our standard group data, new equations for calculating predictive values were formulated using the multiple regression model. According to these new equations and to equations elaborated by other authors, we calculated predictive values for FEV1, FVC and ITGV in our standard population and expressed results of measurements in percentages of different predictive values. Our predictive values in the standard population were significantly higher than the other authors' values. Percentages of predicted values were lower in the same comparison. We believe that observed differences are linked to a possible self-selection phenomenon in occupationally exposed population, relatively small maximum age of our standard group, possible differences in anthropometric features among examined populations and excluding hyperreactives. Our results seem to emphasize the need of greater attention to the paid on more restrictive use of the specially formulated equations in separate age compartments.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Unfavorable blood lipid indicators in obesity].

There were evaluated total serum cholesterol, cholesterol HDL, cholesterol LDL and triglycerides in relation to relative body weight, calculated according to Broca-Broughs formula and changes in body weight during last 5 years in 306 males aged 40-59 from the housing estate "Czechow" in Lublin. Mean total cholesterol, cholesterol LDL and triglycerides concentration were higher and cholesterol HDL was lower in overweight males in comparison with normal weight subjects. Significantly higher mean triglycerides concentration was stated in becoming overweight as compared with stable weight males.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Lead exposure from conventional and cottage lead smelting in Jamaica.

A survey was conducted to determine the distribution and determinants of environmental and blood lead levels near a conventional and several cottage lead smelters and to assess the relationship between environmental and blood lead levels in a tropical, developing-country setting. Fifty-eight households were studied in the Red Pond community, the site of the established smelter and several backyard smelters, and 21 households were studied in the adjacent, upwind Ebony Vale community in Saint Catherine Parish, Jamaica. Households were investigated, using questionnaires, soil and housedust lead measurements, and blood lead (PbB) measurements from 372 residents. Soil lead levels in Red Pond exceeded 500 parts per million (ppm) at 24% of households (maximum--18,600 ppm), compared to 0% in Ebony Vale (maximum 150 ppm). Geometric mean PbB in Red Pond, where 44% of children less than 6 years of age had PbB levels greater than or equal to 25 micrograms per deciliter (micrograms/dL), was more than twice that Ebony Vale in all age groups (p less than 0.0005). Within Red Pond, proximity to backyard smelters and to the conventional smelter were independent predictors of soil lead (p less than 0.05). Soil lead was the strongest predictor of PbB among Red Pond subjects under 12 years of age. The blood lead--soil lead relationship in children differed from that reported in developed countries; blood lead levels were higher than expected for the household-specific soil lead levels that were observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Child↗