Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “RESPIRATION”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

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

At least 1,711 records · Page 95Linked to original sources

Comparison of six respirator fit-test methods with an actual measurement of exposure in a simulated health care environment: Part II--Method comparison testing.

This article, the second in a series of three, describes the method comparison testing portion of a study conducted to compare the fit factors from six quantitative fit-tests (QNFT) with a measure of a respirator wearer's actual exposure assessed by end-exhaled air analysis for 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (Freon-113) under the same conditions. The six QNFT methods were (1) continuous low flow, flush probe; (2) continuous high flow, deep probe (CHD); (3) exhalation valve discharge (EVD); (4) controlled negative pressure; (5) 10-minute Ambient Aerosol 1 (AA1); and (6) 30-minute Ambient Aerosol 2. The first three methods utilized corn oil and a forward light scattering photometer. The last two methods used the TSI Portacount. Respirators used in the study were both disposable and elastomeric organic vapor/high efficiency half-masks. The characterization equations from the preliminary research (described previously) were used to determine the actual exposure to Freon-113 during the method comparison testing. The fit factors resulting from the QNFT methods were then individually correlated with the Freon-113 exposures using the coefficient of determination, R2. The lowest R2 value, 0.20, was found with the EVD method. The highest R2 values, 0.81 and 0.78, were associated, respectively, with the CHD and AA1 methods. This study suggests that some QNFT methods may be used to estimate actual respirator performance under laboratory conditions.

Adult↗

Comparison of simulated respirator fit factors using aerosol and vapor challenges.

Although not well established, mask leakage measured using submicron aerosol challenges is generally accepted as being representative of vapor challenges. The purpose of this study was to compare simulated respirator fit factors (FFs) measured using vapor challenges to those measured using an aerosol challenge. A full-facepiece respirator was mounted on a headform inside a small enclosure and modified with controlled leaks (laser-drilled orifices) to produce FFs ranging from about 300 to 30,000. A breathing machine was used to simulate breathing conditions of 1.0 L tidal volume and 25 breaths/min. A monodisperse aerosol consisting of 0.72 micron polystyrene latex spheres (PSL) was used for the reference test aerosol, and FFs were measured using a laser aerosol spectrometer. An inert gas, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and an organic vapor, isoamyl acetate (IAA), were used as the vapor challenges. The in-mask concentration of SF6 was measured using a gas chromatograph (GC). A GC was also used to quantify in-mask IAA concentration samples actively collected with sorbent tubes. FF measurements made with the PSL aerosol challenge were conducted in sequence with the SF6 and IAA challenges, without disturbing the mask, to yield matched data pairs for regression analysis. FFs measured using the PSL reference aerosol were found to correlate well with those measured with the SF6 (r2 = 0.99) and IAA (r2 = 0.98) vapor challenges. FFs measured using IAA tended to be higher at values below 10,000. The best agreement was observed with the inert gas, SF6. The results of this study suggest that submicron aerosols are suitable as quantitative fit test challenges for assessing the performance of respirators against inert vapors.

Aerosols↗

Respiratory protection provided by N95 filtering facepiece respirators against airborne dust and microorganisms in agricultural farms.

A new system was used to determine the workplace protection factors (WPF) for dust and bioaerosols in agricultural environments. The field study was performed with a subject wearing an N95 filtering facepiece respirator while performing animal feeding, grain harvesting and unloading, and routine investigation of facilities. As expected, the geometric means (GM) of the WPFs increased with increasing particle size ranging from 21 for 0.7-1 microm particles to 270 for 5-10 microm particles (p < 0.001). The WPF for total culturable fungi (GM = 35) was significantly greater than for total culturable bacteria (GM = 9) (p = 0.01). Among the different microorganism groups, the WPFs of Cladosporium, culturable fungi, and total fungi were significantly correlated with the WPFs of particles of the same sizes. As compared with the WPFs for dust particles, the WPFs for bioaerosols were found more frequently below 10, which is a recommended assigned protection factor (APF) for N95 filtering facepiece respirators. More than 50% of the WPFs for microorganisms (mean aerodynamic diameter < 5 microm) were less than the proposed APF of 10. Even lower WPFs were calculated after correcting for dead space and lung deposition. Thus, the APF of 10 for N95 filtering facepiece respirators seems inadequate against microorganisms (mean aerodynamic size < 5 microm). These results provide useful pilot data to establish guidelines for respiratory protection against airborne dust and microorganisms on agricultural farms. The method is a promising tool for further epidemiological and intervention studies in agricultural and other similar occupational and nonoccupational environments.

Agriculture↗

Toward understanding the risk of secondary airborne infection: emission of respirable pathogens.

Certain respiratory tract infections are transmitted through air. Coughing and sneezing by an infected person can emit pathogen-containing particles with diameters less than 10 microm that can reach the alveolar region. Based on our analysis of the sparse literature on respiratory aerosols, we estimated that emitted particles quickly decrease in diameter due to water loss to one-half the initial values, and that in one cough the volume in particles with initial diameters less than 20 microm is 60 x 10(-8) mL. The pathogen emission rate from a source case depends on the frequency of expiratory events, the respirable particle volume, and the pathogen concentration in respiratory fluid. Viable airborne pathogens are removed by exhaust ventilation, particle settling, die-off, and air disinfection methods; each removal mechanism can be assigned a first-order rate constant. The pathogen concentration in well-mixed room air depends on the emission rate, the size distribution of respirable particles carrying pathogens, and the removal rate constants. The particle settling rate and the alveolar deposition fraction depend on particle size. Given these inputs plus a susceptible person's breathing rate and exposure duration to room air, an expected alveolar dosemicrois estimated. If the infectious dose is one organism, as appears to be true for tuberculosis, infection risk is estimated by the expression: R = 1-exp(-micro). Using published tuberculosis data concerning cough frequency, bacilli concentration in respiratory fluid, and die-off rate, we illustrate the model via a plausible scenario for a person visiting the room of a pulmonary tuberculosis case. We suggest that patients termed "superspreaders" or "dangerous disseminators" are those infrequently encountered persons with high values of cough and/or sneeze frequency, elevated pathogen concentration in respiratory fluid, and/or increased respirable aerosol volume per expiratory event such that their pathogen emission rate is much higher than average.

Aerosols↗

Estimation of respirable dust exposure among coal miners in South Africa.

The use of retrospective occupational hygiene data for epidemiologic studies is useful in determining exposure-outcome relationships, but the potential for exposure misclassification is high. Although dust sampling in the South African coal industry has been a legal requirement for several decades, these historical data are not readily adequate for estimating past exposures. This study describes the respirable coal mine dust levels in three South African coal mines over time. Each of the participating mining operations had well-documented dust sampling information that was used to describe historical trends in dust exposure. Investigator-collected personal dust samples were taken using standardized techniques from the face, backbye (underground jobs not at the coal face), and surface from 50 miners at each mine, repeated over three sampling cycles. Job histories and exposure information was obtained from a sample of 684 current miners and 188 ex-miners. Linear models were developed to estimate the exposure levels associated with work in each mine, exposure zone, and over time using a combination of operator-collected historical data and investigator-collected samples. The estimated levels were then combined with work history information to calculate cumulative exposure metrics for the miner cohort. The mean historical and investigator-collected respirable dust levels were within international norms and South African standards. Silica content of the dust samples was also below the 5% regulatory action level. Mean respirable dust concentrations at the face, based on investigator-collected samples, were 0.9 mg/m(3), 1.3 mg/m(3), and 1.9 mg/m(3) at Mines 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The operator-collected samples showed considerable variability across exposure zones, mines, and time, with the annual means at the face ranging from 0.4 mg/m(3) to 2.9 mg/m(3). Statistically significant findings were found between operator- and investigator-collected dust samples. Model-based arithmetic mean dust estimates at the face were 1.2 mg/m(3), 2.0 mg/m(3), and 0.9 mg/m(3) for Mines 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Using these levels, the mean cumulative exposure for the cohort was 56.8 mg-years/m(3). Current miners had a mean cumulative exposure of 66.5 mg-years/m(3), compared with ex-miners of 26.8 mg-years/m(3). Improvements in dust management or the use of different sampling equipment could account for the significant differences seen between operator- and investigator-collected data. Regression modeling for estimating mean dust levels over time using combined historical and investigator-collected data seems a reasonable method and useful in constructing models to describe cumulative exposures in a cohort of current and ex-miners.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

The correlation between personality type and performance time while wearing a respirator.

Many studies have shown that individuals perform better if not wearing a respirator compared with wearing a respirator. This study examined the degree of performance reduction attributable to specific dominant character traits. The subjects performed on a treadmill at a constant speed and grade resulting in 80-85% VO(2)max. A modified M40 respirator was used to create three levels of inspiratory resistance: 2.8, 16.8, and 27.3 cmH(2)O*(sec/L). The 31 subjects were tested using a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Multiple regressions and an ANOVA were used to test for correlation. When air intake is very constricted, the only multiple regression equation that was found to be statistically significant was sensing-intuition (how one takes in information) and thinking-feeling (how one makes a decision) vs. performance time for the highest value of inhalation resistance. A simple linear regression between trait anxiety level and performance time was not found to be statistically significant for the same highest value of inhalation resistance.

Adult↗

Analysis of respiration during germination and enlargement of spores of Bacillus megaterium and of the fungus Myrothecium verrucaria.

1. There are certainly two, and probably three, stages in the development of B. megaterium from the spore to inception of cell division. The rapid increase in rate of respiration during the initial 10 minutes on glucose-peptone-yeast extract medium coincides with decrease in optical density and with increase in stainability. From about 10 to 100 minutes, the rate increases linearly, coinciding with swelling of the spores and ending at approximately the time of rupture of the spore case. From about 100 to 180 minutes, there is a second and steeper linear increase in respiration rate coinciding with cell elongation. These physiological and morphological phenomena are discussed as criteria for germination. 2. The rate of respiration of M. verrucaria spores also increases linearly up to about 300 minutes in sucrose-yeast extract medium. No breaks in the curves are observed during formation of the germ tubes. 3. Oxygen uptake follows the parabolic curve See PDF for Equation within the limits of experimental error for both types of spores. 4. It is postulated that metabolism during these stages of linear increase may be regulated by processes occurring at cellular or intracellular surfaces or by synthesis of a limiting enzyme at constant rate.

Bacillus↗

Selecting respirators for control of worker exposure to infectious aerosols.

A method for selecting respirators for protection in infectious aerosol environments was developed, building on a procedure used to choose respiratory protection for environments containing nonbiological contaminants. Modifications in the traditional respirator selection method are proposed for situations where information on occupational exposure limits, toxicity, and airborne concentrations is absent. Toxicity is determined from risk rankings proposed by a variety of organizations. The nature of the activity allows assessment of source generation, which is combined with room volume and airflow to obtain a ranking of airborne concentration. Finally, concentration and toxicity ranks determine a minimum assigned protection factor, which corresponds to a respirator class. Case studies are presented to illustrate the proposed decision logic. For each situation, the procedure yielded choices that were both protective and reasonable. These results suggest that the procedure will be applicable to a variety of settings for a range of infectious organisms.

Aerosols↗

Fusion of respiration-correlated PET and CT scans: correlated lung tumour motion in anatomical and functional scans.

Lower lobe lung tumours in particular can move up to 2 cm in the cranio-caudal direction during the respiration cycle. This breathing motion causes image artefacts in conventional free-breathing computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scanning, rendering delineation of structures for radiotherapy inaccurate. The purpose of this study was to develop a method for four-dimensional (4D) respiration-correlated (RC) acquisition of both CT and PET scans and to develop a framework to fuse these modalities. The breathing signal was acquired using a thermometer in the breathing airflow of the patient. Using this breathing signal, the acquired CT and PET data were grouped to the corresponding respiratory phases, thereby obtaining 4D CT and PET scans. Tumour motion curves were assessed in both image modalities. From these tumour motion curves, the deviation with respect to the mean tumour position was calculated for each phase. The absolute position of the centre of the tumour, relative to the bony anatomy, in the RCCT and gated PET scans was determined. This 4D acquisition and 4D fusion methodology was performed for five patients with lower lobe tumours. The peak-to-peak amplitude range in this sample group was 1-2 cm. The 3D tumour motion curve differed less than 1 mm between PET and CT for all phases. The mean difference in amplitude was less than 1 mm. The position of the centre of the tumour (relative to the bony anatomy) in the RCCT and gated PET scan was similar (difference <1 mm) when no atelectasis was present. Based on these results, we conclude that the method described in this study allows for accurate quantification of tumour motion in CT and PET scans and yields accurate respiration-correlated 4D anatomical and functional information on the tumour region.

Algorithms↗

Effect of electrode locations and respiration in the characterization of myocardial tissue using a transcatheter impedance method.

Our objective is to evaluate whether it is possible to characterize the passive electrical properties of myocardial tissue in contact with the electrocatheters used in arrhythmia diagnosis or radio frequency ablation techniques. To characterize the tissue, we propose the use of electrical impedance spectroscopy to measure the impedance between the catheter tip and an external electrode, assuming a three-electrode method. We constructed a 3D finite-element model of the thorax to estimate the impedance as measured in different situations. We defined an area on the anterior wall of the left ventricle in which we simulated three tissue states: healthy, acute ischaemic and scar. We studied the effect of the following parameters on the measured impedance spectrum: the position of the external electrode, the position and orientation of the catheter tip and the overall effect of the subject's respiration. Results show that the highest frequency phase (around 300 kHz) yields the best differentiation of tissue states and that it is less sensitive to respiration than the impedance magnitude. The phase is also less influenced by the catheter tip position (either touching the wall or floating) and the orientation of the catheter inside the left ventricle. The best position for the external electrode is on the chest; this position is less affected by breathing and is more sensitive to tissue changes. One can still distinguish between tissue states if the external electrode is placed on the back, but the effect of respiration is higher.

Cardiac Catheterization↗

Workplace protection factors of HSE approved negative pressure full-facepiece dust respirators during asbestos stripping: preliminary findings.

This research was designed to evaluate the workplace protection factors of Health and Safety Executive Approved, negative pressure full-facepiece dust respirators, during asbestos stripping. A standard method to measure the concentration of asbestos fibres inside full-facepiece respirators has been developed and the workplace protection factors have been calculated from the data obtained. The respirators in this study are approved for use by the Health and Safety Executive in concentrations of up 900 times the Control Limit [HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE, Guidance Note EH 41 (1985)] but the preliminary test results suggest that this level is inappropriately high for this type of respiratory protective equipment.

Asbestos↗

Respirator fit and protection through determination of air and particle leakage.

A laboratory technique for determining the respirator protection factor from a test of fit is described. A dynamic pressure test quantifies the air flow through the leak. Calibration data, stored in a computer, relate the contaminant influx to this air flow, and a similar pressure test determines the flow through the respirator cartridges and, therefore, the dilution characteristics. Contaminant removal characteristics of the cartridges are stored in the computer. The contaminant penetration is calculated from these data on flow and removal efficiency. Through specification of the aerosol size distribution and the method of measurement, protection factors are calculated for specific work environments, work loads and respirator cartridges. The protection factor is shown to be highly dependent on the method of measuring the contaminant and on the cartridges used.

Air Pollutants↗

Measurements of the efficiency of respirator filters and filtering facepieces against radon daughter aerosols.

The filtration efficiencies of respirator filters and filtering facepieces have been tested against radon daughters in a fluorspar mine. The test method involved the use of sampling filters exposed to natural radon daughters in air filtered by the test respirators. Respirators with a filtration efficiency high enough for them to be considered suitable for use against toxic dusts generally reduced radon daughter levels by 90% or more, though nuisance dust masks were ineffective. The measured penetration of radon daughters through the former types of filter correlated reasonably well with the penetration of 0.1 microns neutralized monodisperse aerosols, and with that of the BS 4400 sodium chloride aerosol, measured in the laboratory. To simulate exposure in working conditions mine air containing radon daughters was drawn through the test filters for 8 h, but their performance was not affected and they were not measurably radioactive as a result.

Aerosols↗

Performance of power assisted respirators during simulated asbestos removal.

Protection factors were measured on full face mask power assisted respirators when worn by experienced asbestos removal operatives under simulated asbestos removal work conditions. The sulfur hexafluoride test method as defined in European Standards was employed to determine the leakage into the respirators. Protection factors were measured on a total of 21 test volunteers. The test method allowed protection factors to be related to wearer activities and practices. Poor fitting techniques and simulated reduction in the respirator's performance resulted in a reduction in the protection factor. Visual inspection of the RPE usually worn by the volunteers identified inadequate maintenance. This study re-emphasises that careful selection, facepiece fit testing and correct use and maintenance of RPE are essential to ensure optimum protection to the wearer.

Asbestos↗

Genetic identification of three ABC transporters as essential elements for nitrate respiration in Haloferax volcanii.

More than 40 nitrate respiration-deficient mutants of Haloferax volcanii belonging to three different phenotypic classes were isolated. All 15 mutants of the null phenotype were complemented with a genomic library of the wild type. Wild-type copies of mutated genes were recovered from complemented mutants using two different approaches. The DNA sequences of 13 isolated fragments were determined. Five fragments were found to overlap; therefore nine different genomic regions containing genes essential for nitrate respiration could be identified. Three genomic regions containing genes coding for subunits of ABC transporters were further characterized. In two cases, genes coding for an ATP-binding subunit and a permease subunit were clustered and overlapped by four nucleotides. The third gene for a permease subunit had no additional ABC transporter gene in proximity. One ABC transporter was found to be glucose specific. The mutant reveals that the ABC transporter solely mediates anaerobic glucose transport. Based on sequence similarity, the second ABC transporter is proposed to be molybdate specific, explaining its essential role in nitrate respiration. The third ABC transporter is proposed to be anion specific. Genome sequencing has shown that ABC transporters are widespread in Archaea. Nevertheless, this study represents only the second example of a functional characterization.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Methylmalonic acid inhibits respiration in rat liver mitochondria.

Methylmalonic acid (MMA), which accumulates and is excreted in urine in mammals during vitamin B-12 deficiency, has been reported to inhibit succinate dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in rat liver. The enzyme inhibition by MMA may lead to various metabolic disorders as well as inhibition of mitochondrial energy generation in vitamin B-12-deficient mammals. To clarify the inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase by MMA in intact rat liver mitochondria, the effect of MMA on mitochondrial respiration was studied. When 6 mmol/L MMA was added to the reaction mixture for measuring mitochondrial respiration with succinate as a substrate, MMA was taken up and accumulated by the mitochondria (34-53 mmol/L). The accumulation of mitochondrial MMA was stimulated by the addition of ADP. Methylmalonic acid competitively inhibited State 3 mitochondrial respiration, and the Ki for the acid was 4.2 +/- 0.4 mmol/L. Although the respiratory control ratio decreased with increasing MMA concentration, the acid did not affect the phosphorus/oxygen ratio. Mitochondrial MMA accumulation secondary to vitamin B-12 deficiency inhibits succinate dehydrogenase and may contribute to various metabolic disorders associated with vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Possible role of a 36 kDa protein induced by respiratory inhibitors in cyanide-resistant respiration in Hansenula anomala.

The antimycin A or cyanide-dependent appearance of a 36 kDa protein in the particulate fraction was observed in L-[35S]methionine pulse-labeling experiments on cells of Hansenula anomala, in which cyanide-resistant respiration was induced. The combined addition of cycloheximide or anaerobiosis, which block the induction of cyanide-resistant respiration, repressed the synthesis of this protein. These results suggest the involvement of the particulate 36 kDa protein in cyanide-resistant respiration.

Antimetabolites↗

Characterization of cyanide-resistant respiration and appearance of a 36 kDa protein in mitochondria isolated from antimycin A-treated Hansenula anomala.

Mitochondria exhibiting cyanide-resistant respiration were isolated from Hansenula anomala which had been incubated in the presence of antimycin A to induce cyanide-resistant respiration. The cyanide-resistant respiration in isolated mitochondria was not inhibited by antimycin A or myxothiazol, suggesting that the branching of the pathway from the normal cyanide-sensitive pathway takes place at the coenzyme Q level. Analysis of mitochondrial proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis indicated that a 36 kDa protein was induced by antimycin A treatment of the yeast. It is suggested that this protein is a component of the cyanide-resistant respiratory pathway.

Antifungal Agents↗