Airflow limitation in morbidly obese, nonsmoking men

Article Abstract:

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in the United States, particularly among men between the ages of 25 and 55 years. It was also shown that between 1979 and 1985, the rate of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease rose; this condition involves increased resistance to the passage of air in and out of the lungs due to narrowing of the airways. Studies have shown that obesity limits respiration in humans, although the specific abnormalities in respiration associated with obesity have not been clearly identified. The effect of obesity on the function of the lungs was assessed in 103 obese and 190 nonobese persons with no history of smoking or lung or heart disease. Various tests of lung function were performed in the obese subjects and healthy controls. These included measurements of functional residual capacity, the amount of air left in the lung after normal expiration, or breathing out; expiratory reserve volume, the additional amount of air that can be expelled from the lungs over the normal quantity; and total lung capacity, the amount of air in the lungs after maximal or forced inspiration. Obese subjects had lower functional residual capacity, expiratory reserve volume, and total lung capacity than nonobese subjects. The results also showed that obese men, but not obese women, had decreased maximum expiratory flow rates. The findings suggest that obesity may limit airflow in men, and this association is independent of the effects of cigarette smoking. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Obesity, Lung diseases, Obstructive, Chronic obstructive lung disease, Respiration, Pulmonary function tests, Lung volume measurements, Lung volume measurement

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Reconnected

Article Abstract:

Issues are presented concerning the double hand transplant operation which was performed on a man who had lost both hands in an accident four years previously. His brain's acceptance of the new hands is discussed.

Surgery, Brain, Graft rejection, Hand, Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc., Organ transplantation, Tissue transplantation, Transplantation

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Confess and be happy

Article Abstract:

Meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous sometimes become the venue for revelations of unpunished crimes such as murder. The legal and moral aspects of keeping such revelations within the group are analyzed.

Ethical aspects, Confidential communications, Alcoholics Anonymous

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