The influence of age on intestinal dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV/CD26), disaccharidases, and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity in C57BL/6 mice

The objective of this study was to determine and describe the age-related changes in intestinal brush border membrane enzyme activities that occur in C57Bl/6 mice. Specifically, jejunal, duodenal, and ileal dipeptidyl peptidase IV/CD26, disaccharidase (lactase, sucrase, and maltase), and alkaline phosphatase activities were determined. A significant correlation between analyzed intestinal brush border membrane enzyme activities and animal age was found. Our study revealed that intestinal dipeptidyl peptidase IV/CD26, lactase, sucrase, maltase, and alkaline phosphatase activities decline significantly with age (p < .05). Nevertheless, the horizontal (duodenum to ileum) enzyme activity patterns are not affected by age.     

Pulmonary Function Testing in Patients with Tracheostomies: Feasibility and Technical Considerations

Purpose

Pulmonary function testing (PFT) in patients with tracheostomies has been perceived as difficult to perform and clinically unreliable. We studied the feasibility, quality, repeatability and clinical significance of PFT.

Methods

Patients with tracheostomies that underwent PFT from January 1, 2010 to February 29, 2012 were identified. Clinical history and PFT data were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Fifty patients (88% men) were identified. Forty-seven (94%) patients were able to perform PFT. Acceptable repeatability was obtained for FVC in 39 (83%) and for FEV1 in 41 (87%). Patients with tracheostomies showed difficulty in meeting ATS end-of-test criteria; only 9 (19%) met plateau criteria and 25 (53%) had exhalation times of greater than 6 s. Obstructive pattern was observed in 30 (64%) and restrictive pattern in 9 (19%). DLCO measurements were attempted in 43 patients and satisfactorily obtained in 34 (79%).

Conclusions

PFT can be performed with reliability in patients with tracheostomies, and they are useful for detecting and classifying types of lung dysfunction.