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Biomedical subjects

J Roca

Publications and source records attributed to J Roca.

319 records · Page 18Linked to original sources

Spirometric reference values from a Mediterranean population.

Maximal expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves were measured in 1044 healthy nonsmoking volunteers living in the Barcelona area, as part of a larger interhospital project to obtain reference values of pulmonary function tests. Forced vital capacity (FVC), one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, %, forced maximal mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75%), peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) and maximal expiratory flow at 50 and 75% of FVC (MEF50% and MEF25% respectively) were obtained and expressed at BTPS conditions. Techniques and equipments followed both the recommendations of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and of the European Community for Coal and Steel (ECCS). Prediction equations for age 20 through 70 were calculated for both sexes from a final sample composed of 870 adult subjects, 443 males and 427 females. Simple linear equations using height, age and body weight predicted all spirometric variables as well as more complex equations except MEF25%. Logarithmic equations were proposed for MEF25% to correct for the heteroscedasticity shown in a simple linear model. To our knowledge, this study provides reliable spirometric equations from a large urban Mediterranean sample which were lacking so far in the literature.

Adolescent↗

Early lung function changes after short heavy exposure to chrysotile asbestos in non-smoking women.

Forced spirometry, including maximal flow-volume (MEFV) curves, were evaluated in 35 non-smoking asbestos female workers submitted to a short heavy chrysotile textile exposure and compared to a case by case matched population. Exposed women presented certain respiratory signs and symptoms; they also had significantly lower forced vital capacities and maximal flow rates at higher (PEF), mid (MEF50%) and lower lung volumes (MEF25%) than women not exposed to asbestos. Duration of exposure to asbestos showed a significant negative correlation with FVC, FEV1, PEF, MEF50% and MEF25%. It is concluded that short heavy exposure to chrysotile is deleterious, causing significant reduction in lung volumes. Moreover, a significant reduction in airflow rates was also apparent.

Adult↗

Spirometric response to a bronchodilator. Reference values for healthy children and adolescents.

The spirometric response to inhaled salbutamol was assessed in 492 healthy volunteers 6 to 20 yr of age. Mean and standard deviation of the changes, expressed as percentage of prebronchodilator values, were as follows: forced vital capacity (FVC): 1.7 +/- 2.8; forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1): 3.3 +/- 3.4; (FEV1/FVC): 3.1 +/- 3.2; peak expiratory flow: 6.4 +/- 8.6; maximal mid-expiratory flow: 10.1 +/- 8.8; maximum expiratory flow at 50% of FVC: 8.8 +/- 9.5 and maximum expiratory flow at 25% of FVC: 14.0 +/- 14.7. The changes were significant (p less than 0.005) for all parameters and similar to those observed in adults.

Adolescent↗

Effect of pirozadil on cerebral blood flow in anesthetized dogs.

The effect of pirozadil, a new hypolipidemic agent, on cerebral blood flow was tested in anesthetized dogs and compared to that of two other hypolipidemic/antiatherogenic agents, nicotinic acid and pyridinol carbamate. Nicardipine and papaverine, vasodilator drugs, were used as controls. Measurement of cerebral blood flow was performed by attaching an electromagnetic blood flow transducer to the vertebral artery of the anesthetized dog. Pirozadil's effect on increasing cerebral blood flow was almost equal to that of papaverine, less than that of nicardipine and much greater than that of the other hypolipidemic/antiatherogenic drugs, nicotinic acid and pyridinol carbamate. Pirozadil was also shown to significantly diminish vascular cerebral resistance to a much greater degree than nicotinic acid and pyridinol carbamate.

Anesthesia↗

[Adaptable and portable cephalometric devices: a new method in obtaining cephalometrics].

Cephalometric radiographic explorations are widely recommended in the diagnosis of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). In order to improve their diagnostic value, its practice in the upright and supine position has been proposed. A rigorous practice of cephalometric requires the employment of cephalometric devices in order to assure a correct positioning of the head and provide reliable X-ray pictures, comparable within reasonable accuracy over a period of time. The commercialized cephalostats are often expensive due to the structural conditions needed for their development and usually they not allow the simultaneous practice of upright and supine cephalometric. In this paper we describe a cephalometric adaptable device, developed by our research group, that may solve such problems.

Cephalometry↗

Constrictive pericarditis after heart transplantation: report of two cases.

We report two cases of constrictive pericarditis after heart transplantation. It is noteworthy that constriction developed after a healed intrathoracic infection in the two patients. Unlike previous reported experiences, pericardiectomy was uneventful and successfully performed, although incomplete improvement was achieved in one case.

Heart Transplantation↗