Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society
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J. Physiol. Pharmacol. · Sep 2005
Review Historical ArticleEssentials in the diagnosis of acid-base disorders and their high altitude application.
This report describes the historical development in the clinical application of chemical variables for the interpretation of acid-base disturbances. The pH concept was already introduced in 1909. Following World War II, disagreements concerning the definition of acids and bases occurred, and since then two strategies have been competing. ⋯ Three charts modified from the Siggaard-Andersen Acid-Base Chart are presented for use at low, medium and high altitudes of 2500 m, 3500 m, and 4000 m, respectively. In this context, the authors suggest the use of Titratable Hydrogen Ion concentration Difference (THID) in the extended extracellular fluid volume, finding it efficient and better than any other determination of the metabolic component in acid-base disturbances. The essential variable is the hydrogen ion.
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J. Physiol. Pharmacol. · Sep 2005
Comparative StudyPulmonary 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. ⋯ 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.
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J. Physiol. Pharmacol. · Sep 2005
Effects of p53 inhibitor on survival and death of cells subjected to oxidative stress.
Our previous data indicate that ischemia and amyloid beta peptide (A beta) cause an oxidative damage to macromolecules. In the present study we investigated the role of p53 protein in cell survival and death after administration of A beta. The experiments were carried out on pheochromocytoma cells (PC-12) and cortical primary neurons in culture. ⋯ In in vivo experiments we did not observe any neuroprotection by pifithrin-alpha in the CA1 hippocampal layer, which suggests that its effects strongly depend on the duration and type of an ischemic insult. Our data indicate that pifithrin-alpha affects neuronal cells in a dual manner. It has a protective effect at a low concentration, but becomes neurotoxic at higher concentrations.
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J. Physiol. Pharmacol. · Sep 2005
Nitric oxide mediates the interleukin-1beta- and nicotine-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical response during social stress.
We investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) and nicotine induced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) responses, and a possible significance of CRH and vasopressin in these responses under basal and social stress conditions. Male Wistar rats were crowded in cages for 7 days prior to treatment. All compounds were injected i.p., nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors, alpha-helical CRH antagonist and vasopressin receptor antagonist 15 min before IL-1beta or nicotine. ⋯ These results indicate that NO plays crucial role in the IL-1beta-induced HPA axis stimulation under basal and social stress conditions. CRH and vasopressin of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus may be involved in the nicotine induced alterations of HPA axis activity. NO generated by eNOS, but not nNOS, is involved in the stress-induced alterations of HPA axis activity by nicotine.
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In the contemporary bioethics, patient's autonomy is often recognized as the most important issue. This autonomy is interpreted as the right to self-determination regarding all medical-related decisions. An essential condition of autonomous decisions is the adequate knowledge of the issues involved. ⋯ The results clearly show the multiplicity and variety of meanings that assume breathing-related linguistic expressions. All of them are classified in four main groups. In conclusion, the author submits that an improvement in the understanding of different meanings of words used in the doctor-patient relationship can contribute to maintaining ethical standards in medical practice.