Essays on Hypoxia

‘Author’s name’

‘Institution’ Emphysema is an irreversible condition, wherein air spaces in the lungs are enlarged, specifically those beyond the terminal bronchioles and most notably in the alveoli resulting in alveolar wall damage and airflow obstruction. This is most common among chronic smokers. (Braun, 2007) The development of an inflammation in the small airways is mainly the source of obstruction. In moderate to severe emphysema, the primary cause of obstruction is the loss of elastic recoil in the alveoli. Along with the airway obstruction, vascular changes in the lungs can be noted that will make the lining of the arteries and ...

Summary

At high altitude human face a unique stress of hypobaric hypoxia due to reduced fall in barometric pressure and the extent of oxygen molecules, therefore, studying humans at high altitude facilitates the understanding of adaptation capabilities of human against evolution as well as environment. The following essay summarizes an article authored by Beall that studied the arterial-oxygen-content phenotypes of three high-altitude inhabitant populations residing on Tibetan, Andean, and Ethiopian plateaus. The article is based on the problem that how people possess diverse adaptation potential on different heights where the oxygen level is very low in comparison of normal sea ...

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury is an acquired injury to the brain that results from an external blunt or penetrating force to the head while; intentional hypoxia is the loss of oxygen supply to the brain which leads to a continuum of injury severity. A review of current literature on this topic suggests that comparisons can be readily drawn between traumatic brain injury and hypoxic brain injury in a rehabilitation setting. Even so, diagnosis of hypoxic brain injury and traumatic brain injury is essential in providing guidance on decisions of treatment. Treating intentional hypoxia, however, involves an establishment of the desired ...

1. Biot’s respiration named after Camille Biot is an abnormal ataxic breathing pattern, where rapid series of shallow respiration are followed by a period of apnea. In order to known how AMP kinase, knock down leads to Biot respiration in mice; it is necessary to known how AMP kinase affects respiratory rate. AMP kinase is a metabolic sensor and is activated in response to stretching of the lung alveolar cells and other stressors. During respiration, the lung goes through cycles of expansion and contraction (Budinger et al., 2008). When the alveolar cells stretch during expansion, the 5′ AMP-activated ...

Developing a Surveillance and Monitoring Program

What action can you take when an outbreak is reported close to home? Background SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the SARS Coronavirus. Coronaviruses are mostly found in poultry with only a few strains hosted by humans. In the past, Coronaviruses only caused mild flu infections. However, in recent years, the coronaviruses SARS and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) have been associated with causal problems for acute respiratory conditions. Further scientific reports have shown that SARS Coronavirus is a new mutant strain origination from animal hosts (Chan & Chan, 2013).

Symptoms

SARS symptoms include ...

Abstract 3

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Properties and Uses 4

Sources of CO Emission and Toxicokinetics 4

Exposure Limits for CO, Sampling and Analysis 6 Protocols for Industrial CO Sampling and Analysis 6 Carbon Monoxide in Substance Priority List (SPL) 7 CO Contaminated Superfund Site 8 Carbon Monoxide Explosion Case Study with Recommendations 8 References 10 Abstract Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas, which results from incomplete combustion of carbon containing fuels, and has several applications such as effective reducing agent and manufacture of various hydrocarbons. CO is a major indoor air pollutant, and is released when combustion is carried out in confined spaces such as mines ...

Describe the underlying pathology of COPD and the common pathological characteristics of the condition. Discuss the impact these pathological changes have on normal function, including how alveolar ventilation might be different in Mr Wenham compared to a normal individual. The hallmark pathological attributes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are one, poorly reversible airflow obstruction and two, a progressive atypical inflammatory response within the lungs. The abnormal inflammatory response denotes the responses of the innate and adaptive immune systems to long-standing exposure to noxious gases and particles especially cigarette smoke. Notably, all cigarette smokers have some degree of inflammation ...

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a sudden death of apparently healthy child aged up to 1 year as a result of cessation of breathing and heart failure, the cause of which cannot be established at the mortem expertise. Sometimes the syndrome is called as “death at the crib” or death for no reason. However, there are causes or risk factors for the development of this poorly studied phenomenon, and the parents, eliminating them from their life, can save the life and health of the child. SIDS is not a disease; it is a posthumous diagnosis that is exhibited ...

Mechanical ventilation (MV) causes oxidative stress that is responsible for adverse consequences on organs. In a situation of MV, the excessive pressure impairs the function of the mitochondrial respiratory chain leading to oxidative and nitrosative stress (Kavazis, 2009; Hafner et al., 2014). MV is commonly associated with hyperoxia where an excess of oxygen is provided. In such a case an oxidative stress can be induced when the oxygen pressure in the alveolar exceeds that of the normal breathing conditions because the biological system is not able to readily detoxify the environment from components such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) ( ...

Instituion

1. What is the potential impact of supersonic transports (SSTs) on the ozone layer? An alarming ozone loss has been reported in the past decades, and studies showed that this global problem is attributed largely to human activities. Advancement in technology resulted in the development of high-speed air transport that are economically competitive compared to other forms of aircrafts. There is, however, the associated risk that supersonic transports can impact in the destruction of the ozone layer due to the large amount of atmospheric pollution that it emits. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology carried a study on the possible ...

Introduction

The body is on an ongoing and continuous quest to maintain an environment characterized with equilibrium. Scientifically, this state is called homeostasis. It is the body’s internal mechanism that is meant to make the person survive, despite the numerous internal and external changes it may encounter. The body of a person who was acutely exposed to a colder than usual environment would, for example, react by preserving the heat that is currently stored in and generated by the body—something which can be done in a lot of ways such as, but may not be limited to vasoconstriction, ...

In the process of wound healing, angiogenesis is also known as neovascularization. The process commences in lined with the proliferation of the fibroblast when the endothelial cells mover towards the wound site. Oxygen and other nutrients are required for the formation of epithelial cells and the activity of fibroblasts. In comparison to the fibroblast and epidermal mitigation, angiogenesis is crucial for other stages of wound healing. The process of angiogenesis is complex and occurs in the following stages: Latent period: In this stage, vasodilation and premeabilisation are known to permit leukocyte extravasation during the haemostatic and inflammatory phase. Decontamination ...

The article “Recent Developments in Targeting Carbonic Anhydrase IX for Cancer Therapeutics” discusses a new way in combating cancer cells, which is by targeting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase produced by these cancer cells. Carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) makes the production and growth of cancer cells favorable—first, it ensures that the intracellular pH is favorable for the growth of tumor cells then also makes the extracellular space acidic so that the tumor cells can spread more quickly. Therefore, interfering with or inhibiting the production of the CAIX enzyme can result in stopping the growth of the cancer cells themselves. ...

There is a lot of focus and puzzles on hypoxic drive in the modern society. What is hypoxic drive and what are the processes that facilitate it? Hypoxia refers to a condition where there is lack of oxygen in a part of the body or the entire body. In this condition, the patient’s body utilizes oxygen chemoreceptors rather than carbon dioxide to regulate the respiratory cycle (Greaves et al. 120). This essay discusses biochemical, physiological, epidemiological, and clinical evidence to support hypoxic drive in the chronic hypercapnia patient (Galvagno 58).

Macro and micro neural circuity involved in respiratoty/ventilator drives and pattern generation

Rhythmic respiratory movements originate from neutral activity. Specialized ...

Response 1

Upon the loss of blood, the patient’s body will be stimulated through the action of erythropoietin produced by the kidneys to increase erythropoiesis. The result is the increase in the concentration of reticulocytes that will be seen in the peripheral blood smear. The reticulocyte will peak to range between 10 to 15% by the seventh day after the blood loss.

Response 2

The hypoxia is as a result of inadequate delivery of oxygen into the tissues. Hemoglobin is responsible for the transport of oxygen into the tissues. Hypovolemia causes a significant reduction in the level of hemoglobin which results in ...

Denise, Lemke(2007) Sympathetic Storming After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Critical Care Nurse 2007;27;30-37 Brain injury is very common in traumatically injured people. They sometimes require sedation and intubation to reduce the brains workload. They could be restless and agitated in association with signs and symptoms like posturing, tachycardia, fever, diaphoresis, hypertension, papillary dilatation, tachypnea and hyperthermia. This is referred to as sympathetic storming. It is seen in about 1/3rd of comatose patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Sympathetic storming could occur within a day post injury and could last up to weeks afterwards. It is thought ...

This study aimed at characterizing the regulation of oxygen-sensing pathway in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Cells were extracted from umbilical cord blood (UCB), adult bone marrow, and pediatric bone marrow. Expression of HIF-1a and PHDs in the three cells were determined under hypoxia and normoxia. The following activities were performed while conducting the study: cell culture and osteoinduction, characterization of hMSCs using flow cytometric method, hypoxic exposure and Western blot analysis, Quantitative Real -Time RT-PCR (Q-PCR), Glucose and Lactate Assays, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Determination of pH of the culture media, and Statistical Analyses. The results showed ...

Introduction

According to Huether (2012), venous insufficiency is a medical condition characterized by the inability of the veins of the lower extremities to effectively push blood back to the inferior vena cava. The venous blood evades its normal antegrade flow path and refluxes down the veins in the lower segments resulting to lower limb venous congestion. Syndromes in this condition are mostly due to valvular incompetence common in the low pressure superficial venous system, although they may also be due to incompetence of the valves in the deep venous systems.

Pathophysiology of CVI

The failure of the valves of superficial veins is attributed to ...

Comparison and contrast of Umbilical and Nuchal cord

Introduction Prolapse in umbilical cord occurs in very rare circumstances. This condition is manifested by removal of umbilical cord from cervix before the delivery of the foetus. This cord serves as a food pipe to the baby for the transfer of nutrients from mother to foetus and also collects the digestive waste products from baby. During prolapse, the cord twins around the baby which complicates the delivery. This disease condition occurs only 1% of pregnancies. Due to the higher risk of foetal fatality, umbilical cord prolapse is considered as a medical emergency during labor pain (Critchlow et al., 1994). There ...

Abstract

Different physical and ecological events along the Gulf of Mexico allows the toxic phytoplankton – red algae to become dominant. The phosphorus-rich nutrient supply encourages phytoplankton succession. The objective of the paper is to study the background of red algae, and why the downstream red tides have only increased over the last couple of decades. The toxic red tides are seen in similar coastal habitats of the western boundary currents China, New Zealand, Japan, and South Africa.

Introduction

The Gulf of Mexico is looked at as a marginal sea as it is linked to the major oceans and the procedures that occur ...

The pressure of atmospheric oxygen decreases gradually as barometric pressure drops with increasing altitude. The ability to perform work, such as walking and climbing belittles with the decreased availability of oxygen in the atmosphere for aerobic respiration. The Mount Everest is the highest peak on the earth with an altitude of 8848 meters. At such a higher altitude, the partial pressure of inspired oxygen or PIO2 reaches the limit at which humans can maintain body functions, such as cognition and ambulation. In 1953, Hillary and Tenzing used supplemental oxygen while climbing the Everest. It was only 25 years later that ...

INTRODUCTION

The research capitalizes on the condition of coastal marine environment due to eutrophication (Gray, Shiu-sun Wu and Or). This process of enrichment that is suppose to foster growth to marine and aquatic life is believed to have an adverse effect due to the disturbance that it creates in the marine system. According to the authors, eutrophication facilitates for excessive nutrient absorption of most aquatic plants and microorganism. As a result, it increases the rate of sedimentation that results to hypoxia. When this happens, fishes and other marine life forms do not receive sufficient oxygen. Malabsorption of oxygen stags growth. This ...

Written Case Study – Pathophysiology II

(Location of the University) 1. Describe the underlying pathology of COPD. What impacts do these pathological changes have on normal physiology? In particular, describe alveolar ventilation in a normal individual and discuss how this might be different in Mr Wenham. (20 marks) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD is touted to be the third leading cause of death in the United States of America. In 2010, it has claimed the lives of 134,676 individuals (CDC 2013). By definition, COPD presents persistent blockage of airflow in the lungs — thus interfering normal breathing. Those afflicted with such condition generally ...

Introduction

Human brain is a complex organ and so are its diseases. Over the years numerous techniques, devices and processes have been developed that can help us to correctly access and diagnose the problem areas and provide solutions to them (14). Computer controlled delivery of carbon dioxide is a method that is conducted with the help of a gas blender that works to supply and alter carbon dioxide to the brain creating tensions in the brain (10) (16).

Carbon dioxide challenge

Changes in the carbon dioxide tensions in the brain are capable of sufficiently affecting the Brain and its functioning (1) . Due to increased carbon dioxide ...

There are nearly 5 million cases of epilepsy in the United States every year. The most common and serious form of status epilepticus occurs to people with no prior history of epilepsy. About 5% of adults and 10% to 25% of children will develop this disorder every year. Infants and elderly people are at more great risk of developing Status epilepticus yearly than others1. About 1.4% of white and 1.1% of black people will develop this disorder every year compared to 0.6% of Hispanic who will have a lower rate of such incidence. About 1.23% of women will develop ...

Adanois Gonzalez

DBRN 112L Deborah Franco Abstract This paper presents the condition of placenta abruptio, or premature separation of the placenta from the uterus, from a nursing perspective. It includes description of the condition including the pathophysiology of maternal vessel rupture and intrauterine blood accumulation, the uncertain etiology and known risk factors. Signs and symptoms such as abdominal pain, shock symptoms and uterine rigidity are described. Specific medical interventions such as aggressive monitoring and blood transfusions and surgical treatments including emergency caesarian section are reviewed. The paper also describes diagnostic studies for this condition including blood testing and fetal ...

Other than the fact that cyclic variations and cessation of breathing may take place at the onset of sleep, there is also a possibility of these events taking place during hypoxia and when transient hyperventilation results to subnormal levels of partial carbon dioxide. This mainly takes place in the non-rapid eye movement sleep than it does while awake. The subnormal levels of partial carbon dioxide in conscious humans that are mainly caused by a transient episode of raised rates of breathing produce only ventilator oscillations or occasional apnea (external breathing suspension). The ability of someone, who is awake to breathe in a ...

Introduction

Pilots and their passengers experience physiological challenges when they are subjected to environment and the stresses of the flight. Thus, these physiological challenges are the ones that lead to the occurrence of aircraft accidents. It is interesting to note that human physiology is actually evolutionarily modified to be efficient up to roughly 12,000 feet above the sea level. In real sense, this is essentially the limit of physiological efficiency zone. For that reason, outside this zone, the physiological compensatory mechanisms might fail to cope with stresses of altitude. The objective of this paper is to scrutinize an aircraft ...

Food security remains one of the challenges facing the world today. Nations across the globe have embraced mechanized agriculture, which encourage use of synthetic fertilizers, reclamation of wetlands, and use of chemicals thus interfering with soil fertility, marine life, ground water, and estuarine environments. Synthetic fertilizers contain high levels of nutrients such as nitrogen, calcium, ammonia, phosphate, phosphorus, and magnesium, which increase crop yields and maturity. However, prolonged use of synthetic fertilizers has detrimental effects on the environment as it alters nitrogen cycle and facilitates accumulation of nitrogen compounds in water, soil, and atmosphere. Large amount of nitrogen in ...

(Course No.) (City & State) Growing cells are located within defined environmental niches and any area outside the niche is very hostile. Because normal cells lack survival techniques, it leads to anoikis. The tumor development process strives when malignant cells escape from the local issues and resist anoikis. The cells of the immune system play a dual role of stimulating adaptive immune responses against tumor-specific antigens and at the same time promoting tumor angiogenesis and progression. This is through the support of the innate and inflammatory responses (Ravi et al., 2000). Integrins are termed as a family of adhesion ...

Renal compensatory mechanisms

Severe anemia causes the redistribution of blood supply to vital organs such as the brain and heart. This results in a decrease in renal blood flow causing the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system. Activation of this system results in increased production of aldosterone by the adrenal glands. Aldosterone causes increased retention of salt and water by the kidneys. This compensatory mechanism increases blood volume and renal blood flow without altering tissue hypoxia in other organs (Gaspad, 2005 as cited in Coyer & Lash, 2008).

Pituitary gland

The decrease in renal blood flow also stimulates the production of anti-diuretic hormone which increases ...

Response to question- 1.

In responding to this question, Mr. T‘s ability to cope with such an emergency influences the outcome. Hence, monitoring symptoms indicative of tissue hypoxia are crucial to managing hemorrhage. This would be addressed in this following pages of this paper.

Hemodynamics is specifically related to how blood flows through the cardiac (heart) and systemic circulation (body organs and tissues)( Marieb, & Hoehn, 2007). The function of the heart is to pump oxygenated blood throughout the cardiovascular system. In monitoring these activities the pulse rate is measured as well as blood pressure levels in evaluating pressure at different parts ...

Smoke inhalation injuries in fire victims

The clinical manifestations of acute and chronic smoke inhalation injuries are due to two processes; one, the direct effects the inhaled substances have on the respiratory system that is, pulmonary injuries and the systemic effects induced by the toxic gases such as cyanide and carbon monoxide absorbed. Pulmonary injuries can further be categorized into those affecting the upper airway and those below the level of the glottis. Smoke inhalation triggers a systemic inflammatory response. Diagnosis of smoke inhalation injuries is based on the presenting symptoms and a battery of diagnostic tests majorly blood gas analysis.

Body

Injuries of the upper airway occur ...

Smoke Inhalation

Smoke inhalational injury is the most prominent cause of death in patients involved in fire accidents. It has been said that prevalence of death due to inhalation of smoke and other noxious substances stands between 60 and 80% in the United States. (Lafferty, 2010). Smoke inhalational injury remains a serious threat to the health of victims of explosions, house fires and other forms of fire disaster. (Murakami & Traber, 2002) In the Pathophysiology of acute and chronic Smoke Inhalational Injury, three mechanisms readily come into mind. They include thermal damage of the lung parenchyma, pulmonary irritation and asphyxiation. (Lafferty, 2010). ...

Vicent’s case study

Question 1- Discuss in point form The clinical features of the scenario that lead you to administer oxygen. The clinical scenario that lead you to administer oxygen; cyanosis, level of consciousness indicated with GSC 7, respiratory rate of 4 breath per minute which is regular but shallow, lowered pulse rate which is weak and regular are the clinical features that are responsible for the initiation of oxygen administration.

The physiological rationale for administering oxygen.

The physiologic rationale is to manage hypoxia and thus reduce the cyanosis, which is the result of shortage of oxygen and increased concentration ...

The Chesapeake Bay is the biggest estuary in the country, bordering Virginia and Maryland, and runs around 200 miles inland. However, despite its natural value and unique status as an estuary, it is being plagued by immense levels of pollution. Despite the efforts being put forth by the government and various organizations, the bay is still incredibly polluted, posing a danger to wildlife, marine life, and even people in the surrounding area. In this paper, we will evaluate the causes of this pollution, as well as the condition of the bay and what is being done about it. A customized ...

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes shortness of breath, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and persistent cough. There are two primary types of asthma: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic asthma comes about through non-allergic means: cigarette smoke, stress, cold air, cleaning agents – basically anything that does not involve an allergen. Extrinsic asthma, on the other hand, comes about through an allergen such as dander, pollen or others. It leads to a constriction of the airway during an attack, leaving the victim out of breath, unable to take in more air, and with a tight feeling in their chest. In this ...