PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “ATMOSPHERE”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,351 records · Page 75Linked to original sources

[Dynamic control of the atmospheric parameters of spacecraft].

On the basis of experimental data a mathematical model of relationships between physiological parameters, oxygen content in the atmosphere and exercises has been developed. Using the model, it has been demonstrated that circulation and respiration reactions to exercises can be optimized by increasing the partial pressure of oxygen as related to the exercise level. A probable law of the dynamic and physiologically optimal control of the oxygen content in the space cabin atmosphere has been advanced. In cases of an uncontrolled decrease of PO2 the oxygen supply of crewmembers can be optimized by the dynamic control of the ambient CO2 content.

Atmosphere↗

[Characteristics of the conditions for the formation of meteoropathic effects of the atmosphere in the piedmont and midlands belts of Kirghizia].

The underlying conditions of forming and probability of meteoropathologic effects have been analyzed for a 10-year period in low (650-950 m above the sea level) and medium-size mountains (1640 m above the sea level) of Kirghizia. These atmospheric effects were different in origin compared to European part of the Soviet Union. Being evaluated for frequency, meteoropathologic weather effects occur in medium-size mountains 2-3 times less frequently than in low mountains. Basic meteorological factors and partial oxygen density in the atmospheric air are more variable from day to day in the climate of low mountains of Kirghizia.

Altitude↗

Low atmospheric pressure effects on wearing soft contact lenses.

The majority of all research in the field of contact lenses has taken place in a normal, ground-level environment. The purpose of this study was to determine if any changes occurred in wearing hydrophilic soft lenses under conditions of low atmospheric pressures. The effects on visual acuity, refraction, keratometry, and biomicroscopy were investigated with eight naval volunteers while wearing soft contact lenses at simulated altitudes up to 30,000 ft (9144 m) in an aviation hypobaric chamber. The results indicated that the low atmospheric pressure at high atitude in itself did not affect the fit of soft contact lenses.

Aerospace Medicine↗

Spontaneous pneumothorax related to falls in atmospheric pressure.

The relation of changes in atmospheric pressure to admissions due to radiologically verified spontaneous pneumothorax, was studied in 282 consecutive patients. A fall in atmospheric pressure of at least 10 mbar within 24 h was followed by a statistically significant increase in the number of admissions 2 days later.

Atmospheric Pressure↗

The compressibility and the capacitance coefficient of helium-oxygen atmospheres.

The capacitance coefficient beta of an ideal gas mixture depends only on its temperature T, and its value is derived from the ideal gas law (i.e., beta = 1/RT, R being the ideal gas constant). But real gases behave as ideal gases only at low pressures, and this would not be the case in deep diving. High pressures of helium-oxygen are used in human and animal experimental dives (up to 7 or 12 MPa or more, respectively). At such pressures deviations from the ideal gas law cannot be neglected in hyperbaric atmospheres with respect to current accuracy of measuring instruments. As shown both theoretically and experimentally by this study, the non-ideal nature of helium-oxygen has a significant effect on the capacitance coefficient of hyperbaric atmospheres. The theoretical study is based on interaction energy in either homogeneous (He-He and O2-O2) or heterogeneous (He-O2) molecular pairs, and on the virial equation of state for gas mixtures. The experimental study is based on weight determination of samples of known volume of binary helium-oxygen mixtures, which are prepared in well-controlled pressure and temperature conditions. Our experimental results are in good agreement with theoretical predictions. 1) The helium compressibility factor ZHe increases linearly with pressure [ZHe = 1 + 0.0045 P (in MPa) at 30 degrees C]; and 2) in same temperature and pressure conditions (T = 303 K and P = 0.1 to 15 MPa), the same value for Z is valid for a helium-oxygen binary mixture and for pure helium. As derived from the equation of state of real gases, the capacitance coefficient is inversely related to Z (beta = 1/ZRT); therefore, for helium-oxygen mixtures, this coefficient would decrease with increasing pressure. A table is given for theoretical values of helium-oxygen capacitance coefficient, at pressures ranging from 0.1 to 15.0 MPa and at temperatures ranging from 25 degrees C to 37 degrees C.

Atmospheric Pressure↗

[A comparative analysis of monoamine oxidase activity in the tissues of the deep-sea squid (Berryteuthis magister) and the mouse under normal and elevated atmospheric pressure].

The monoamine oxidase (MAO) from the liver of Comandor squid inhabiting at depth of 800 m transformed histamine along with specific substrates (tyramine, serotonin, benzylamine). MAO from the squid nervous ganglia as well as from mouse liver and brain was inactive towards histamine. Under normal atmospheric pressure the activity of the enzyme prepared from the squid frozen tissues was an order of 10 lower than the enzymic activity revealed in fresh and previously frozen tissues of mouse brain and liver. Under 101 atm the squid tissue enzyme activity did not change whereas it decreased in mouse tissues. The distinctions in MAO sensitivity to high atmospheric pressure between land and deep-sea species is suggested to be due to both peculiar lipid composition of cell membranes and different structural features of the enzyme in the species investigated.

Animals↗

Emission of isoprenoids by plants: their role in atmospheric chemistry, response to the environment, and biochemical pathways.

Plants produce and emit a wide range of compounds whose common precursor is isoprene. Because of their high reactivity with OH radicals and tropospheric O3, these compounds are relevant in atmospheric chemistry and may act as precursors of photochemical smog. They may also influence rural acid deposition and compete with methane for OH radicals, therefore indirectly influencing the global warming trend. Studies have been carried out at the plant physiology and plant biochemistry level in an attempt to measure the emission of isoprenoids by plants. A review of the present knowledge about the role of biogenic emission in atmospheric chemistry, the response of the emission to environmental factors, and the biochemical pathways of isoprenoid formation is presented.

Atmosphere↗

Changes in rat respiratory behavior under varying PCO2 levels and argon content in hyperbaric Ar-O2-CO2 atmospheres.

An anesthetized rat preparation has been used for breathing studies in hyperbaric Ar-O2-CO2 atmospheres in which total saturation pressure was varied in the range 1-19.1 ATA and PCO2 was set at levels of 0.0, 0.05 or 0.10 ATA. The variables monitored were respiration rate and an isotonic measure of diaphragm-twitch amplitude during contracture/relaxation (twitch index). The results indicate that: (1) hyperbaric Ar-O2 atmospheres are able to maintain the animal in stable condition for several hours; (2) elevation in PCO2 level produces enhancements in respiration rate and twitch index that are markedly dependent on the PAr level; (3) successive increases in PAr are able to lower progressively the effects on both breathing parameters produced by either 0.05 or 0.10 ATA of CO2, with full abolition of both effects of inhaled CO2 in the PAr range 14-19 ATA; and (4) the intrinsic ability of hyperbaric argon to abolish respiratory enhancement by CO2 is greater than that of hyperbaric helium. These results have been discussed in terms of possible CNS loci at which hyperbaric argon (or helium) is able to antagonize centrally induced effects from dissolved molecular species derived from inspired CO2, and in relation to the broader task of control of excitatory/inhibitory centers of the CNS during diving by manipulation of the partial pressures of diluent components of breathing-gas mixtures.

Animals↗

[State of the human motor apparatus during prolonged exposure to a nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere at a pressure of 5 atm].

The state of the motor function of individuals who were pedalling a bicycle ergometer in an altitude chamber containing a nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere at 5.0 ata was studied. Maximum isometric force, precision of controlling movement and muscular tension, accuracy and velocity of movements were recorded. The maximum force, precision and velocity of movements varied phasically. The greatest changes were found on the 1st-3rd and 6--7th days of the exposure. These parameters returned to the normal when the atmosphere pressure was reduced to 1.0 ata. During exercises at an elevated pressure the muscular force, accuracy and velocity of movements decreased. During exercises at a normal pressure similar changes were less distinct and consistent.

Atmospheric Pressure↗

Direct antagonism of ethanol's effects on GABA(A) receptors by increased atmospheric pressure.

Previous studies have shown that exposure to 12 times normal atmospheric pressure of helium-oxygen gas (heliox) directly antagonizes a range of ethanol's acute and chronic behavioral effects. The present study extends the investigation to the biochemical level by investigating the effects of pressure on ethanol-induced potentiation of GABA(A) receptor function in mouse membrane vesicles (microsacs). Exposure to 12 atmospheric pressure heliox significantly antagonized ethanol (25 to 100 mM) potentiation of GABA-activated 36Cl- uptake, but did not significantly alter baseline GABA(A) receptor function measured by the response of the system to GABA (10 to 100 microM), bicuculline (3 and 100 microM), or picrotoxin (100 microM). These findings add essential support for the hypothesis that hyperbaric exposure is a direct ethanol antagonist that can be used as a tool to help identify ethanol's initial cellular and molecular sites of action that cause its behavioral effects. Taken in context with previous behavioral studies, the present results also provide important new evidence for a cause-effect relationship between ethanol potentiation of GABA(A) receptor function and ethanol's anesthetic and behavioral effects.

Alcoholic Intoxication↗

In-source fragmentation of partially oxidized mono- and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography

Partially oxidized derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known to be important environmental pollutants. For the identification of these substances in complex mixtures, e.g. atmospheric aerosol samples, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (LC/APCI-MS) has been found to be a suitable analytical technique. In this study 31 derivatives of mono- and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with up to five condensed aromatic rings carrying different functional groups (carboxyl, dicarboxylic anhydride, lactone, hydroxyl, and carbonyl) were characterized by LC/APCI-MS. Each substance was measured in positive and negative ion detection mode at four different fragmentor voltages (90 to 190 V). For the first time, the results show that characteristic and well-interpretable fragmentation patterns can be obtained for these classes of compounds by in-source collision-induced dissociation in a single quadrupole LC/APCI-MS system. For each class of compounds typical spectral features and optimum measurement conditions are reported, and fragmentation pathways are proposed. The study demonstrates the applicability of LC/APCI-MS for the determination of most of the investigated compounds at trace levels, and it provides a database for the identification of unknown partially oxidized aromatic hydrocarbons. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Journal Article↗

Effect of atmospheric nitric oxide (NO) on measurements of exhaled NO in asthmatic children.

The measurement of exhaled nitric oxide concentrations [NO] may provide a simple, noninvasive means for measuring airway inflammation. However, several measurement conditions may influence exhaled NO levels, and ambient NO may be one of these. We measured exhaled NO levels in 47 stable asthmatic children age 5 to 17 years and in 47 healthy children, gender and age matched. Exhaled [NO] in expired air was measured by a tidal breathing method with a chemiluminescence analyzer, sampling at the expiratory side of the mouthpiece. NO steady-state levels were recorded. In order to keep the soft palate closed and avoid nasal contamination, the breathing circuit had a restrictor providing an expiratory pressure of 3-4 cm H2O at the mouthpiece. To evaluate the effect of [NO] in ambient air, measurements were randomly performed by breathing ambient air or NO-free air from a closed circuit. Breathing NO-free air, exhaled [NO] in asthmatics (mean +/- SEM) was 23.7 +/- 1.4 ppb, significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in healthy controls (8.7 +/- 0.4 ppb). Exhaled NO concentrations measured during ambient air breathing were higher (49 +/- 4.6 ppb, P < 0.001) than when breathing NO-free air (23.7 +/- 1.4 ppb) and were significantly correlated (r = 0.89, P < 0.001) with atmospheric concentrations of NO (range 3-430 ppb). These findings show that 1) exhaled [NO] values of asthmatic children are significantly higher than in healthy controls, and 2) atmospheric NO levels critically influence the measurement of exhaled [NO]. Therefore, using a tidal breathing method the inhalation of NO-free air during the test is recommended.

Adolescent↗

Ionization of ozone/chlorofluorocarbon mixtures in atmospheric gases: formation and remarkable dissociation of

The reactions occurring upon ionization of mixtures containing ozone and CHX2Y (X = H, Cl, F; Y = Cl, F) halocarbons diluted in atmospheric gases (O2, N2) have been investigated in detail by mass spectrometric and theoretical methods. In all systems investigated the reactivity pattern is characterized by the preliminary formation of [CHXY x O3+] adducts which undergo unimolecular dissociation into HXYO2+ and CO. This remarkable dissociation which requires extensive molecular reorganization is exceptional for hydrogenated halocarbons. The work represents the first systematic study of the ionic chemistry in systems containing both ozone and halocarbons diluted in atmospheric gases.

Journal Article↗

Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the shelf life of sliced wheat flour bread.

The application of modified atmospheres packaging (MAP) of sliced bread with different aw, moisture content and pH values, with or without preservative added (calcium propionate) and at different storage temperatures, has been studied with the aim of establishing the effect of MAP on the shelf-life of the selected product. Four atmospheres were tested per batch: 100% N2, 20% CO2/80% N2, 50% CO2/50% N2 and a standard air control. In samples without added preservative in CO2:N2 (50:50), the increases in shelf life were 117% and 158% at 22-25 degrees C and 15-20 degrees C, respectively. In samples with added preservative in 100% N2, shelf life was increased by 116%. Samples with added preservative in 20% CO2:80% N2 increased shelf life by 150% and 131% at 22-25 degrees C and 15-20 degrees C, respectively. By increasing the CO2 concentration to 50%, the increases in shelf life of the samples with added preservative were 167% and 195% at 22-25 degrees C and 15-20 degrees C, respectively.

Air Pressure↗

Improved analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in atmospheric particulate matter by HPLC-fluorescence.

An improved method is reported for determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in atmospheric particulate matter by HPLC-FLD. The sampling step (air volume collected during each sampling period varies in the range 10/13 m3) is carried out by means of a medium-flow pumping system (15 L min(-1)) on a glass fiber filter (47 mm diameter) placed as collecting substrate in the sampling-cassette. After sampling, the filter is extracted with 3 ml of acetonitrile in an ultrasonic bath for 30 minutes. As for extraction of PAHs from loaded filters a new criterion here is proposed to evaluate the recovery efficiency of PAHs from the sample, instead of the usual spiking method of standard solution. The extract was then reduced to 100 microL and analysed by HPLC-FLD on line spectra system. The method is rapid (about one hour for extraction and analysis), reproducible and enables to measure with good accuracy the atmospheric concentration of benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF), benzo(k)fluoranthene (BkF), benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), benzo(ghi)perylene (BghiP), carcinogenic compounds always present in the urban airborne particulate matter. So it is useful for routine pollution studies and suitable to substitute the official method used now. Monthly average air concentrations, for the four PAHs above mentioned, measured in Rome from July 2001 to June 2002, are reported.

Air Pollutants↗

Atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry: the routine determination of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid and its metabolites.

This study demonstrated the utility of negative ion atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry for the routine quantitation of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid and its glycine and taurine amide metabolites in mouse blood, urine and feces samples. The quantitation of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid in blood follows a short cleanup procedure and used 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy-13C6-acetic acid as the stable label isotope diluent. A more extensive cleanup procedure utilizing high-pressure liquid chromatography was required for the determination of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid and its two metabolites in urine and feces. The glycine amide metabolite was quantitated by the 13C stable isotope diluent method. The taurine amide relied on an initial separation step followed by using a second 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy-13C6-acetic acid spike fot its isotope diluent. Alkaline hydrolysis of the metabolites, followed by methylation, allowed the methyl ester of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid to be solely used as the analyte in the negative ion atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry quantitation step.

2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗

Cell adhesion on polytetrafluoroethylene modified by UV-irradiation in an ammonia atmosphere.

We report on the modification of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) by exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) light of a Xe(2)*-excimer lamp at a wavelength of 172 nm in an ammonia atmosphere. Typical treatment times were up to 30 min. Subsequently, the samples were grafted with the amino acid alanine from an aqueous solution. The samples were characterized by means of optical transmission spectroscopy, laser-induced fluorescence and contact-angle measurements. We studied the adhesion of rat aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) and mouse fibroblasts (3T3 cells) to the modified polymer samples using an in vitro technique, where the population density and spread of adhering cells is determined 24 h after seeding by image analysis. For both cell types the exposure of PTFE to UV-light in an ammonia atmosphere resulted in a significant increase in the number of adhering cells and in the size of their spreading area. The grafting with alanine enhanced this effect. Additional experiments with human endothelial cells (HEC) also demonstrated improved adhesion to modified PTFE. Thus, PTFE modified by our method appears to be a promising material for fabrication of artificial vascular prostheses and implants or for cultivation of skin substitutes.

3T3 Cells↗

The atmospheric pressure Meerwein reaction.

We have already shown that the in-vacuum gas-phase Meerwein reaction of (thio)acylium ions is general in nature and useful for class-selective screening of cyclic (thio)epoxides. Herein we report that this gas-phase reaction can also be performed efficiently at atmospheric pressure under both electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) conditions. This alternative expands the range of molecules that can be reacted by gas-phase Meerwein reaction. Phenyl epoxide, thiirane, 3-methoxy-2,2-dimethyloxirane, propylene oxide, 2,2'-bioxirane, trans-1,3-diphenyl-2,3-epoxypropan-1-one, epichloridrine and propylene oxide are shown to react efficiently in both ESI and APCI conditions. Tetramethylurea (TMU) and (thio)TMU were both used as dopants, being co-injected with either toluene, acetonitrile or methanol solutions of the (thio)epoxides, with similar results. In both ESI and APCI, (thio)TMU is protonated preferentially, and these labile species dissociate promptly to yield (CH3)2N-C+=O and (CH3)2NCS+, which are the least acidic and most reactive (thio)acylium ions so far tested in the gas-phase Meerwein reaction. Under the low-energy ESI conditions set to favor both the formation of the (thio)acylium ion and ion/molecule reactions, (CH3)2NCO(S)+ react competitively with (thio)TMU to form acylated (thio)TMU and with the (thio)epoxide to form the characteristic Meerwein products. Enhanced selectivity in structural characterization or for the screening of (thio)epoxides is achieved by performing on-line collision-induced dissociation of Meerwein products, particularly for the more structurally complex (thio)epoxides.

Journal Article↗