Lung diffusing capacity for nitric oxide and carbon monoxide in relation to morphological changes as assessed by computed tomography in patients with cystic fibrosis

Background Due to large-scale destruction, changes in membrane diffusion (Dm) may occur in cystic fibrosis (CF), in correspondence to alterations observed by computed tomography (CT). Dm can be easily quantified via the diffusing capacity for nitric oxide (DLNO), as opposed to the conventional diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). We thus studied the relationship between DLNO as well as DLCO and a CF-specific CT score in patients with stable CF. Methods Simultaneous single-breath determinations of DLNO and DLCO were performed in 21 CF patients (mean ± SD age 35 ± 9 y, FEV1 66 ± 28%pred). Patients also underwent spirometry and bodyplethysmography. CT scans were evaluated via the Brody score and rank correlations (rS) with z-scores of functional measures were computed. Results CT scores correlated best with DLNO (rS = -0.83; p < 0.001). Scores were also related to the volume-specific NO transfer coefficient (KNO; rS = -0.63; p < 0.01) and to DLCO (rS = -0.79; p < 0.001) but not KCO. Z-scores for DLNO were significantly lower than for DLCO (p < 0.001). Correlations with spirometric (e.g., FEV1, IVC) or bodyplethysmographic (e.g., SRaw, RV/TLC) indices were weaker than for DLNO or DLCO but most of them were also significant (p < 0.05 each). Conclusion In this cross sectional study in patients with CF, DLNO and DLCO reflected CT-morphological alterations of the lung better than other measures. Thus the combined diffusing capacity for NO and CO may play a future role for the non-invasive, functional assessment of structural alterations of the lung in CF

Recherches sur un grand versant de l'Himalaya central (Presentation of a research about the slope system in the Himalaya)

Abstract. - A Research is undertaken on a monsoon slope of the south face of the Himalaya in central Nepal. The theme is a best knowledge of the parameters which govern the bioclimatic levels and the geomorphological processes, to study the ecosystems, including production and productivities of vegetation, and to understand the change of the agricultural system. In this paper the methodology of the climatic and gemorphological study is only presented. The first data collected since the middle of 1979 show that air and soil moisture level remains during the whole year at the station located at 2 850 m. There is a larger amount of precipitation on the cultivated terraces (1 400-2 400) than above in the oaks and fir forest.Résumé. - Les recherches entreprises sur un grand versant de mousson du flanc sud de l'Himalaya dans le Népal central visent à préciser la connaissance des paramètres qui commandent l'étagement bioclimatique et les processus géomorphologiques, à étudier les formations végétales, productions et productivités comprises et à comprendre le fonctionnement et l'évolution des systèmes agraires paysans. - Dans cette communication ne sont présentés que les protocoles concernant l'étude climatique et géomorphologique. Les premières données collectées depuis le milieu de 1979 montrent : la permanence de l'humidité de l'air et du sol pendant l'année à la station située à 2 850 m ; une quantité de précipitations plus forte dans les étages cultivés (1 400-2 400 m) qu'au-dessus ; la coïncidence entre ces étages enterrasses et une torrentialité se marquant à différentes échelles ; la faiblesse du ruissellement sous forêt et sur les pâtures d'altitude, marquées par la solifluxion et où, au-dessus de 2 600-2 800 m, la neige intervient en exposition nord.Chemery L., Dollfus Olivier, Serrate C. Recherches sur un grand versant de l'Himalaya central (Presentation of a research about the slope system in the Himalaya). In: Bulletin de l'Association de géographes français, N°470-471, 57e année, Mai-juin 1980. pp. 269-280