No abstract

We describe a fully automatable quantification process for the assessment of unilateral pulmonary function (UPF) by means of EIT and propose a measurement protocol for its clinical implementation. Measurements were performed at the fourth and sixth intercostal levels on a first group of ten healthy subjects (5M, 5F, ages 26-48 years) to define the proper protocol by evaluating the most common postures and ventilation modes. Several off-line processing tools were also evaluated, including the use of digital filters to extract the respiratory components from EIT time series. Comparative measures were then carried out on a second group consisting of five preoperatory patients with lung cancer (4M, IF, ages 25-77 years) scheduled for radionuclide scanning. Results show that measurements were best performed with the subject sitting down, holding his arms up and breathing spontaneously. As regards data processing, it is best to extract Fourier respiratory components. The mean of the healthy subject group leads to a left-right division of lung ventilation consistent with literature values (47% left lung, 53% right lung). The comparative study indicates a good correlation (r = 0.96) between the two techniques, with a mean difference of (-0.4+/-5.4)%, suggesting that the elimination of cardiac components from the thoracic transimpedance signal leads to a better estimation of UPF.

Subtotally pancreatectomized (95 %) white male rats do not show sexual disturbances during the prediabetic stage. During the stage of manifest diabetes, disturbances appear, and their severity increases progressively with the duration and degree of hyperglycemia. Fasting blood sugar levels from 120 mg% to 200 mg% are associated with disturbances of sexual behavior, with diminution of insemination capacity , and reduction or abolition of the biosynthesis of androgens in vitro. Blood sugar levels higher than 200 mg % are associated with an increase in the previous mentioned changes and lesions of the testicular tubules that can progress up to the complete abolition of the germinal epithelium. In summary, the sexual changes in the male 95 % pancreatectomized rat are related to the level of hyperglycemia. The mechanism is unknown.