Panic Symptoms after Inhalation of Carbondioxide

SummaryThe effects of inhaling a mixture of 35 per cent carbon dioxide and 65 per cent oxygen on the occurrence of panic symptoms defined by the DSM III, was investigated. Compared to a placebo (air), carbon dioxide produced more panic symptoms. If carbon dioxide inhalation was preceded by intake of a beta-blocker (60 mg propranolol), less symptoms occurred than if preceded by a placebo. The results are compared with earlier reports on the effects of lactate infusion. It is argued that panic disorders can be conceptualized as a fear of internal (panic) sensations and that inhalation of a mixture of carbon dioxide and oxygen may constitute an effective exposure treatment.

Breakdown and weight loss in Red Jonathan apples in controlled atmosphere storage

Red Jonathan apples were stored at 32�F in 5 per cent carbon dioxide and 16 per cent oxygen in the presence of calcium chloride. The incidence of breakdown decreased linearly as weight loss was increased. Thus carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, and weight loss may all affect the incidence of breakdown in apples in controlled atmospheres. Without information on weight loss to ensure that there is no confounding, conclusions about the effects of carbon dioxide and oxygen may be misleading,