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[Cutaneous resorption of actellic (O,2-diethylamino-6-methyl pyrimidin-4-yl-O,O-dimethyl phosphorothioate) in the presence of high temperature and humidity].

Studies were carried out on the combined effect of high relative humidity and temperature on stability and dynamics of skin actelic resorption. Actelic resorption with skin application was established to be uneven. The initial resorption of the substance by the skin, was followed by its increased concentration on skin surface, and a further decrease and maintenance with a general tendency to decrease of the concentration. Humidity accelerated resorption, whereas with the combination of high temperature and high relative humidity--an reverse tendency was observed.

Agriculture↗

Effect of different temperatures and humidities on the development of the eggs of poultry louse, Lipeurus lawrensis tropicalis. (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera).

The temperature and humidity requirements for the development of the eggs of the poultry louse, Lipeurus lawrensis tropicalis were determined. It was found that temperature and humidity requirements for morphogenesis and hatching are not the same. Morphogenesis in the eggs of this louse takes place within a temperature range of 30-40 degrees C, the optimum range being 32-37 degrees C. Relative humidity does not seem to have any apparent effect on morphogenesis.

Animals↗

Influence of temperature and relative humidity of inhaled gas on exercise-induced asthma.

The decrease in pulmonary function, expressed as peak expiratory flow, which is seen in some asthmatics after exercise (exercise-induced asthma (EIA)), has been studied under conditions standardized with regard to ventilation during exercise, room temperature and relative humidity of the inhaled air. Exercise was performed under four different conditions. 1) temperature (T) 15 degrees C and relative humidity (RH) 30%, and 2) T 15 degrees C and RH 70%, 3) T 30 degrees C and RH 30% and 4) T 30 degrees C and RH 70%. Treadmill running was performed on four succeeding days at the same time of day with the four different combined conditions. Identical ventilation during the exercise was secured on each day by monitoring respiratory frequency, tidal volume, minute ventilation and accumulated ventilation. A significantly smaller decrease in pulmonary function occurred when both T and RH were high, whereas the decrease in pulmonary function after exercise was identical when either temperature or relative humidity, or both, were low. It is concluded that the water concentration of the inspired air is negatively correlated to the decrease in pulmonary function after exercise in asthmatics.

Adolescent↗

Responses of the pituitary-adrenal system of mice to an environment of high temperature and humidity.

1. Changes in plasma glucose and corticosterone levels under an environment of high temperature and humidity similar to summers in Japan were investigated. 2. When mice were exposed to high temperature (30-40 degrees C) and humidity (70%), the plasma glucose levels increased with a short-term exposure and decreased with a long-term exposure compared to that of the control mice housed at room temperature (23 degrees C) and humidity (55%). 3. The magnitude of increase of plasma corticosterone levels depended on the degree of ambient temperature and the duration of exposure to the stressful conditions. The plasma corticosterone concentration was highest at 2 hr after initiation of the temperature stress and was reduced at 4 and 6 hr after the treatment: The plasma corticosterone had returned to the control level at 8 hr after the exposure. 4. The dexamethasone treatment inhibited the increase of plasma corticosterone in stress-mice. 5. These results suggest that the response of the plasma corticosterone is a better index than that of glucose for estimation of stress-degree.

Animals↗

The wearing of hydrophilic contact lenses aboard a commercial jet aircraft: I. Humidity effects on fit.

The increasing use of hydrophilic (soft) lenses in the United States hs prompted interest in the clinical investigation of these lenses under various wearing conditions. Any factor causing lens dehydration during wear may affect lens performance and ultimately cause eye discomfort. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the environmental conditions in the aircraft cabin and to observe any changes in the fit of the hydrophilic lenses that might occur during flight. A "laboratory" for testing was set up aboard a World Airways DC-10 on a scheduled round trip between Oakland, California and Honolulu, Hawaii. A keratometer was used to assess lens fit of seven subjects who were wearing hydrophilic lenses. The efficacy of using a soft lens hydrating solution on the fit of the lens was evaluated, but will also be evaluated in a future paper. Atmospheric pressure, humidity, and temperature measurements were recorded throughout the inflight study. The results showed that a decline in cabin humidity from at least 47% to 11% occurred within 30 min of takeoff. Although previous reports have indicated that there are a number of environmental factors in the aircraft that contribute to eye discomfort for lens wearers, this study indicates that low cabin humidity is possibly the most significant factor.

Adolescent↗

[Changes in the biochemical and hematological indices of chickens raised under high temperature and humidity].

Biochemical and hematological investigations were carried out with broilers raised at extreme temperature and humidity regimes-high temperature in combination with high relative humidity. Under the effect of high temperature (30-35 degrees C) and high relative humidity of the air (85-95 per cent) there was noted a rise of the lymphocytes and monocytes and a drop of the basophile, eosinophile, and pseudoeosinophile leukocytes in the white blood picture. After vaccination of the birds of the test groups with the vaccinal La Sota strain the blood serum showed negative titers. It was found that the Ca and P content in the blood serum of such broilers was higher as compared with that of the control group.

Animals↗

Influence of heat, wind, and humidity on ultraviolet radiation injury.

We investigated the influence of heat, wind, and humidity on UVR-induced acute and chronic skin damage of experimental animals housed in environmental chambers and irradiated under controlled conditions. Hairless mice (strain HRS/J) irradiated after an increase of 10 degrees F in skin temperature had more skin damage than irradiated controls. Significantly more Swiss albino mice irradiated for 400 days while maintained at 90 degrees F developed tumors than did those receiving the same amount of UVR but maintained at room temperature. Mice exposed to UVR daily for 4 weeks while kept in wind of 7 mph had greater damage and slower recovery than animals irradiated but protected from wind. Wind also accelerated tumorigenesis in mice than received chronic UVR. Mice kept at 80% relative humidity and given a single dose of UVR had greater skin injury than animals irradiated while at 5% relative humidity. High midity also appears to accelerate skin cancer formation in animals that were exposed to chronic UVR.

Air Movements↗

Heat stress upon undressed man due to different combinations of elevated environmental temperature, air humidity, and metabolic heat production: a critical comparison of heat stress indices.

In several 100 climatic chamber experiments young healthy acclimatized men were exposed successively to combinations of ambient temperature and air humidity that were varied systematically from day to day within the range of 15 to 57 degrees C and 8 to 97% relative humidity, with air speed kept constant at 0.3 m/s. The subjects who were nearly nude were exposed at rest and at different treadmill work levels (metabolic rates up to about 1350 kJ/h). Each exposure lasted between two and six h. It was found that body temperatures and heart rate, but not loss of sweat, were suitable criteria for indicating equal stress conditions. Equations were derived describing those climatic combinations which were equivalent at the various activity levels of each subject. The slope of the respective equivalence curves plotted in psychrometric charts varied systematically with work level. The curves obtained for various subjects at any given activity level showed similarities, so that the calculation of an equivalence system common to all subjects seemed to be justified. A detailed comparison of these results with previous indices is presented. The combinations of ambient temperatures and humidities that were found to be equivalent under the given conditions of physical activity corresponded particularly well with the Index of Physiological Effect (ROBINSON et al.). There was also good agreement with the P4SR Index (MCARDLE et al.). The combinations corresponded with other indices (Heat Stress Index of BELDING and HATCH, Index of Thermal Stress of GIVONI) and with Basic Effective Temperature and Wet-bulb Globe Temperature only within limited ranges of climate depending upon work level. A procedure is presented which allows one to evaluate in terms of physiological responses how far various indices describe equivalent stress conditions correctly.

Adult↗

[Effects of temperature and humidity on the stability of nitric oxide, and efficacy of soda lime as a selective absorber of nitrogen dioxide].

Although inhaled nitric oxide (NO) has attracted attention as a pulmonary vasodilator, little heed has been given to its potential toxicity. Nitric oxide is known to be rapidly oxidized to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which may damage pulmonary tissue. We examined the effects of temperature and humidity on the production of NO2 from NO. We also evaluated the amount of NO2 absorbed by soda lime, which is usually placed in the inspiratory line. For this purpose, we measured changes over time in the concentrations of NO and NO2 in mixtures that included NO, oxygen, and nitrogen in various concentrations, and at different temperatures and humidities. We confirmed that the formation of NO2 from NO follows the equation: -d[NO]/dt = 2 k[NO]2 [O2], where k is the rate constant. We found that k was significantly smaller at 37 degrees C than at 25 degrees C but was not influenced by humidity (0%, 40% or 90%). Although soda lime was very effective in absorbing NO2 from the inspiratory line, NO was simultaneously absorbed at the same molar ratio when the two gases existed together in the line. We thus conclude that inhalation of NO at 37 degrees C is more desirable than inhalation at room temperature, to suppress the production of NO2. When soda lime is used in the inspiratory line, attention should be paid to the reduction in the concentration of NO in the line.

Absorption↗

[Bacterial reducing qualities of copper-containing and non-copper-containing materials. I. Contamination and sedimentation in humid and dry conditions].

In this examination the bactericide qualities of different materials were tested. Particularly the effect of humidity was examined. 3 materials containing copper ("copper", "brass" and "brass sheet") and 2 materials not containing copper ("polyamide B" and "high-grade steel") were tested. The surfaces of the 5 types of material were contaminated with a suspension of 2 different bacteria species (Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus). After defined exposure times the survival rate of the microorganisms on the surfaces was determined by the standardized method of the "Guidelines of the German Society of Hygiene and Microbiology". Additionally the sedimentation of airborne microorganisms on the materials was tested by determining the number of colony-forming-units after defined exposure times. In further examinations the materials were contaminated by hands, which were dipped into a suspension of different microorganisms (Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The following ways of contaminating the test materials were chosen: single contamination with wet hands, repeated contamination with wet and dry hands. After defined exposure times the survival rate of the microorganisms on the surfaces was determined. The results show, a bactericide quality of copper depends on the percent of copper-content of the tested materials, exposure time, humidity, frequency of contamination and bacteria species. Humidity and only single contamination cause a reduction of bacteria. Reduction of gram-negative bacteria is more easily than reduction of gram-positive bacteria. Enterococcus faecium shows the highest, Pseudomonas aeruginosa the lowest reduction rate of bacteria in the following sequence: Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Air Microbiology↗

Effects of humidity and temperature on in vitro dissolution of carbamazepine tablets.

The rate and extent of dissolution of various approved marketed carbamazepine (CBZ) tablets exposed to 33, 52, 75, and 97% relative humidities at both room temperature and 40 degrees C, and saturated water vapor at room temperature were compared to fresh unstressed tablets. The dissolution data indicate that exposure of CBZ tablets to high humidity and temperature can have a profound effect on tablet disintegration and dissolution. The dissolution rates of some batches of CBZ products exposed to 97% humidity at 40 degrees C or saturated water vapor at room temperature were drastically reduced in only 6-7 days.

Carbamazepine↗

[Influence of airway temperature and humidity of hyperventilation induced bronchoconstriction in rabbits].

It has been suggested that humidity and temperature of inspired air is important in determining the severity of hyperventilation induced bronchoconstriction (HIB). To investigate whether water loss or heat loss from airway plays more important role to induce HIB, we compared the effect of temperature and humidity of inspired air on HIB, in sensitized and non-sensitized rabbits. Inspired air containing 5% CO2 was conditioned to dry or humidified and to temperature of 9 degrees C or 25 degrees C during isocapnic hyperventilation. In sensitized rabbits, marked bronchoconstriction was observed when inspired air dry regardless of temperature. We conclude that 1) HIB is produced in sensitized rabbits and 2) humidity rather than temperature of inspired air is more important to induce HIB.

Animals↗

Human acclimation to work in warm and humid environments.

The aim of this study was to analyse the acclimation of male Europeans during a forty-one day stay in the hot and humid climate of Thailand. We also tried to examine the phases of acclimation which would eventually be used by trainers in the elaboration of the schedule of athletes' preparation to participate in competitions in a tropical climate. Twelve Polish male subjects ageing 21-38 years participated in these examinations. In Poland and Thailand the cycloergometric exercise test with the load of 53% of VO2max was performed until a 1.2 degrees C (delta Tre) increase in rectal temperature was reached. The exercise test was executed in the same environmental conditions (i.e. 30 +/- 1 degrees C and 70 +/- 3% of relative humidity). The duration of this exercise test (DE) was used as a criterion for the efficiency of thermoregulatory functions. During acclimation, three peaks of greater exercise thermoregulatory efficiency have been found, i.e. on the 4th-5th, 11th-12th and 29th-30th days of stay. These findings are particularly important for professional athletes who wish to prepare themselves for competitions held in hot and humid climates.

Acclimatization↗

Temperature and humidity effects on bond strength of a dentinal adhesive.

Dentin specimens from 46 extracted human molar teeth were used in a matched-pair design examining the factors of temperature/humidity on shear bond strength of a dentinal adhesive to dentin. For one tooth-half, all procedures using restorative materials were accomplished in a controlled temperature and humidity chamber (humidity 95.0 +/- 2.0%, temperature 37.0 +/- 0.3 degrees C). For the other matched tooth-half all procedures were performed at ambient room conditions (humidity 52%, temperature 23.3 degrees C/74 degrees F). Oil-free air and water were used in all restorative procedures. Application of Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Adhesive System was followed by placement of Z100 Restorative Resin, and thermocycling 1000 cycles from 5 to 55 degrees C. Each matched specimen was tested 24 hours later in an Instron Testing Machine. A paired t-test was performed for comparison of bond strength set values, since they were obtained from matching halves of the same teeth. Paired t-test comparison showed that the average humidity/temperature chamber mean of 7.14 +/- 3.12 MPa was significantly less than the ambient conditions mean of 14.29 +/- 5.07 (P = 0.0000). Bond strength testing under simulated oral conditions may produce significantly different findings than customary bench-top laboratory experiments.

Composite Resins↗

Quantification of hydrogen sulphide in humid air by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry.

We report the results of a study of the reactions of H(3)O(+), NO(+) and O(2)(+.) ions with H(2)S. This study was undertaken to provide a thorough understanding of the ion chemistry required for accurate quantification of H(2)S in humid air by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS). It shows that slow reactions occur between H(3)S(+), the primary product ions of the H(3)O(+)/H(2)S reaction, and the abundant H(2)O molecules present in humid air and breath. These reactions disturb somewhat the quantification of H(2)S by this analytical method, but the kinetic data obtained in this study facilitate precise quantification of H(2)S in humid air. This study also shows that NO(+) does not react with H(2)S, and that O(2)(+.) does react rapidly with H(2)S, but the product H(2)S(+.) ions react rapidly with H(2)O. Thus, NO(+) and O(2)(+.) cannot be used as precursor ion for analysis of H(2)S in moist air by SIFT-MS. A sample SIFT mass spectrum is shown from which H(2)S and several other volatile compounds have been quantified in a sample of cow rumen gas.

Air↗

Influence of lean body mass on performance differences of male and female distance runners in warm, humid environments.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of lean body mass (LBM) and body weight (BW) on the thermoregulatory responses and endurance performance of male and female athletes in warm, humid environments. Ten (5 males, 5 females) healthy, moderately trained athletes with varying physiques performed a self-paced 30-min run on a motorized treadmill in warm (30 degrees C), humid (60% relative humidity) conditions, with the aim of running the greatest distance possible. Males completed one trial, while females completed two trials, one in each of the follicular (Fol) and luteal (Lut) phases of the menstrual cycle in a randomized fashion. There were no significant differences among groups for distance run (males, 5.2 +/- 0.4 km; Fol, 4.9 +/- 0.1 km; Lut, 4.7 +/- 0.1 km). However, following analysis of covariance accounting for LBM and BW, the distances run were significantly different. The adjusted means for distance run after accounting for LBM were 3.4 km for males (P < 0.05), 5.9 km for Fol, and 5.6 km for Lut. Adjusted means accounting for BW resulted in run distances of 6.5 km for males (P < 0.05), 4.2 km for Fol, and 4.0 km for Lut. Thermoregulatory responses such as rectal and skin temperatures were similar among groups. Avenues of heat loss and gain were altered relative to the menstrual cycle phase. The results suggest that one reason for the disparity in performance between male and female athletes over similar race distances might in part be related to unequal body characteristics and in particular to differences in LBM.

Adult↗

Hydration and Lyotropic Melting of Amphiphilic Molecules: A Thermodynamic Study Using Humidity Titration Calorimetry.

The hydration of the lipid 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC) and of the cationic detergent dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) has been studied by means of isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), gravimetry, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. During the experiments films of the amphiphiles are perfused by an inert gas of variable relative humidity. The measurement of adsorption heats using ITC represents a new adaptation of adsorption calorimetry which has been called the humidity titration technique. This method yields the partial molar enthalpy of water upon adsorption. It is found to be endothermic with respect to the molar enthalpy of water on condensation for the water molecules which interact directly with the headgroups of POPC and DTAB. Consequently, the spontaneous hydration of the amphiphiles is entropy driven in an aqueous environment. IR spectroscopy shows that hydration is accompanied by the increase in the conformational and/or motional freedom of the amphiphilic molecules upon water binding. In particular, a lyotropic chain melting transition is induced at a certain characteristic relative humidity. This event is paralleled by the adsorption of water. The corresponding exothermic adsorption heat is consumed completely (POPC) or partially (DTAB) by the hydrocarbon chains upon melting. Differential scanning calorimetry was used as an independent method to determine transition enthalpies of the amphiphiles at a definite hydration degree. Water binding onto the headgroups is discussed in terms of hydrogen bonding and polar interactions. The adsorption isotherms yield a number of approximately 2.6 tightly bound water molecules per POPC and DTAB molecule. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Journal Article↗

Acute and adaptive responses in humans to exercise in a warm, humid environment.

Acute and repeated exposure for 8-13 consecutive days to exercise in humid heat was studied. Twelve fit subjects exercised at 150 W [45% of maximum O2 uptake (V.O2,max)] in ambient conditions of 35 degrees C and 87% relative humidity which resulted in exhaustion after 45 min. Average core temperature reached 39.9 +/- 0.1 degrees C, mean skin temperature (T-sk) was 37.9 +/- 0.1 degrees C and heart rate (HR) 152 +/- 6 beats min-1 at this stage. No effect of the increasing core temperature was seen on cardiac output and leg blood flow (LBF) during acute heat stress. LBF was 5.2 +/- 0.3 l min-1 at 10 min and 5.3 +/- 0.4 l min-1 at exhaustion (n = 6). After acclimation the subjects reached exhaustion after 52 min with a core temperature of 39.9 +/- 0.1 degrees C, T-sk 37.7 +/- 0.2 degrees C, HR 146 +/- 4 beats min-1. Acclimation induced physiological adaptations, as shown by an increased resting plasma volume (3918 +/- 168 to 4256 +/- 270 ml), the lower exercise heart rate at exhaustion, a 26% increase in sweating rate, lower sweat sodium concentration and a 6% reduction in exercise V.O2. Neither in acute exposure nor after acclimation did the rise of core temperature to near 40 degrees C affect metabolism and substrate utilization. The physiological adaptations were similar to those induced by dry heat acclimation. However, in humid heat the effect of acclimation on performance was small due to physical limitations for evaporative heat loss.

Adaptation, Physiological↗