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1.
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae ; 28(23):117-121, 2022.
Article in Chinese | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-20245321

ABSTRACT

Objective: To summarize and compare the main traditional Chinese medicineTCMsyndromes of Delta and Omicron variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2SARS-CoV-2 carriers to provide references for the syndrome evolution and syndrome differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Method(s):The TCM medical records of imported and local cases of infection with Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 in Changsha since September 23,2021 to March 27,2022 were collected,including 18 Delta variant cases and 36 Omicron variant cases. Their TCM diagnosis information and TCM pathogenesis were analyzed and compared. Result(s): The common manifestations in Delta variant cases were cough,fever,chest distress/shortness of breath,sore muscles,nausea,dry mouth,dry or sore throat,thick and greasy tongue coating,and rapid and slippery pulse. The predominant pathogenesis was dampness-heat in the upper-energizer and heat stagnation in the lesser Yang combined with dampness. The occurrence of chest distress/shortness of breath,greasy tongue coating,slippery pulse,and the proportion of dampness-heat in the upper-energizer syndrome were higher in Delta variant cases than in Omicron variant cases P<0.05. The common manifestations in Omicron variant cases were itchy and sore throat,nasal congestion,running nose,fever,mild aversion to cold,dry mouth,dizziness,slightly reddish tongue with thin white coating,and rapid or wiry pulse. The predominant pathogenesis was wind-dryness invading defensive exterior,and heat stagnation in the lesser Yang. The occurrence of white-coated tongue and the proportion of wind-dryness invading defensive exterior syndrome were higher in Omicron variant cases than in Delta variant casesP<0.05. Conclusion(s): There are certain differences in TCM syndromes and the corresponding pathogenesis between Delta variant and Omicron variant cases in Changsha,Hunan. The Delta variant of SARS-COV-2 tends to induce dampness-heat syndrome, whereas Omicron variant infection tends to elicit wind-dampness syndrome,which is expected to provide a reference for the pathogenesis evolution of SARS-COV-2 infection.Copyright © 2022, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Institute of Chinese Materia Medica. All rights reserved.

2.
Drug Evaluation Research ; 45(5):842-852, 2022.
Article in Chinese | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-20244430

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the potential common mechanism and active ingredients of Reduning Injection against SARS, MERS and COVID-19 through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. Methods The TCMSP database was used to retrieve the chemical components and targets of Artemisiae Annuae Herba, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos and Gardeniae Fructus in Reduning Injection. The gene corresponding to the target was searched by UniProt database, and Cytoscape 3.8.2 was used to build a medicinal material-compound-target (gene) network. Three coronavirus-related targets were collected in the Gene Cards database with the key words of "SARS""MERS" and "COVID-19", and common target of three coronavirus infection diseases were screened out through Venny 2.1.0 database. The common targets of SARS, MERS and COVID-19 were intersected with the targets of Reduning Injection, and the common targets were selected as research targets. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network map were constructed by Cytoscape3.8.2 software after importing the common targets into the STRING database to obtain data. R language was used to carry out GO biological function enrichment analysis and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis, histograms and bubble charts were drew, and component-target-pathway network diagrams was constructed. The key compounds in the component-target-pathway network were selected for molecular docking with important target proteins, novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) 3CL hydrolase, and angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2). Results 31 active compounds and 207 corresponding targets were obtained from Reduning Injection. 2 453 SARS-related targets, 805 MERS-related targets, 2 571 COVID-19-related targets, and 786 targets for the three diseases. 11 common targets with Reduning Injection: HSPA5, CRP, MAPK1, HMOX1, TGFB1, HSP90AA1, TP53, DPP4, CXCL10, PLAT, PRKACA. GO function enrichment analysis revealed 995 biological processes (BP), 71 molecular functions (MF), and 31 cellular components (CC). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis screened 99 signal pathways (P < 0.05), mainly related to prostate cancer, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, proteoglycans in cancer, lipid and atherosclerosis, human T-cell leukemia virus 1 infection, MAPK signaling pathway, etc. The molecular docking results showed that the three core active flavonoids of quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol in Reduning Injection had good affinity with key targets MAPK1, PRKACA, and HSP90AA1, and the combination of the three active compounds with SARS-CoV-2 3CL hydrolase and ACE2 was less than the recommended chemical drugs. Conclusion Reduning Injection has potential common effects on the three diseases of SARS, MERS and COVID-19. This effect may be related to those active compounds such as quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol acting on targets such as MAPK1, PRKACA, HSP90AA1 to regulate multiple signal pathways and exert anti-virus, suppression of inflammatory storm, and regulation of immune function.Copyright © 2022 Drug Evaluation Research. All rights reserved.

3.
Energies ; 16(10), 2023.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-20243140

ABSTRACT

The necessity for portable cooling devices to prevent thermal-related diseases in workers wearing protective clothing in hot outdoor weather conditions, such as COVID-19 quarantine sites, is increasing. Coolers for such purposes require a compact design and low-power consumption characteristics to maximize wearability and operating time. Therefore, a thermoelectric device based on the Peltier effect has been widely used rather than a relatively bulky system based on a refrigeration cycle accompanying the phase change of a refrigerant. Despite a number of previous experimental and numerical studies on the Peltier cooling device, there remains much research to be conducted on the effect and removal of motor-related internal heat sources deteriorating the cooling performance. Specifically, this paper presents thermo-electro-fluidic simulations on the impact of heat from an air blower on the coefficient of performance of a Peltier cooler. In addition, a numerical study on the outcome of heat source removal is also evaluated and discussed to draw an improved design of the cooler in terms of cooling capacity and coefficient of performance. The simulation results predicted that the coefficient of performance could be raised by 10.6% due to the suppression of heat generation from a blower motor. Accordingly, the cooling capacity of the specific Peltier cooler investigated in this study was expected to be considerably improved by 80.6% from 4.68 W to 8.45 W through the design change.

4.
Pigment & Resin Technology ; 52(4):490-501, 2023.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-20242763

ABSTRACT

PurposeThis study aims to focus on the preparation and characterization of the silver nanowire (AgNWs), as well as their application as antimicrobial and antivirus activities either with incorporation on the waterborne coating formulation or on their own.Design/methodology/approachPrepared AgNWs are characterized by different analytical instruments, such as ultraviolet-visible spectroscope, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction spectrometer. All the paint formulation's physical and mechanical qualities were tested using American Society for Testing and Materials, a worldwide standard test procedure. The biological activities of the prepared AgNWs and the waterborne coating based on AgNWs were investigated. And, their effects on pathogenic bacteria, antioxidants, antiviral activity and cytotoxicity were also investigated.FindingsThe obtained results of the physical and mechanical characteristics of the paint formulation demonstrated the formulations' greatest performance, as well as giving good scrub resistance and film durability. In the antimicrobial activity, the paint did not have any activity against bacterial pathogen, whereas the AgNWs and AgNWs with paint have similar activity against bacterial pathogen with inhibition zone range from 10 to 14 mm. The development of antioxidant and cytotoxicity activity of the paint incorporated with AgNWs were also observed. The cytopathic effects of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) were reduced in all three investigated modes of action when compared to the positive control group (HSV-1-infected cells), suggesting that these compounds have promising antiviral activity against a wide range of viruses, including DNA and RNA viruses.Originality/valueThe new waterborne coating based on nanoparticles has the potential to be promising in the manufacturing and development of paints, allowing them to function to prevent the spread of microbial infection, which is exactly what the world requires at this time.

5.
Journal of the American College of Surgeons ; 236(5 Supplement 3):S14, 2023.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-20242035

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Lactate is a common biomarker used in multiple surgical subspecialties. No one has previously measured coronary sinus lactate reduction as a result of drug administration. We therefore tested the hypothesis that IV geranylgeranylacetone (GGA), a novel agent used to treat human peptic ulcer disease, would result in reduced coronary sinus lactate production. Method(s): New Zealand adult rabbits (N=5 each) received IV 50 mg/kg GGA 24 hours before intervention, which consisted of Langendorff perfusion, 30 min of global normothermic cardioplegic arrest, followed by reperfusion. Myocardial release of lactate was measured. HSP70 was quantified by western blot. Differences between GGA+ and GGA- groups pre- and post-ischemia were analyzed by unpaired t-tests. Result(s): In the GGA- group, lactate increased immediately at one minute and throughout the duration of reperfusion. However, in GGA+ hearts, lactate also increased at one min of reperfusion but then continued to decrease throughout the remainder of reperfusion. Lactate was significantly less at every time point of reperfusion in GGA+. Integrated lactate area was significantly less throughout reperfusion in GGA+. Conclusion(s): GGA induced caused a marked decrease in coronary sinus lactate release during reperfusion. Simultaneously intravenously GGA induced myocardial HSP70i and reduced myocardial damage. Further study of the effects and mechanisms involved is indicated. Application to other organs is useful as well. Heat shock proteins (HSPS) are also antithrombotic. Given the thrombotic nature of Covid, induction of HSPS may be beneficial in decreasing the cardiac thoracic and vascular complications of Covid and allowing faster resolution of this disease during to vascular complications.

6.
National Journal of Clinical Anatomy ; 10(1):1-4, 2021.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-20241556
7.
International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer ; 143, 2023.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-20241468

ABSTRACT

The energy-efficient plate heat exchanger (PHE) and refrigerant R1234yf, which has a low global warming potential (GWP), can be used to realize an energy efficient heat pump (HP) system for electric vehicles (EV), extending their driving range. Therefore, the characteristics of R1234yf in an offset-fin strip (OSF) flowstructured PHE are critical for heat-exchanger design. This study investigates the condensation heat transfer coefficient (C-HTC) and two-phase frictional pressure drop (2P-FPD) of R1234yf during condensation in an OSF flow-structured PHE under various operating conditions. First, a modified Wilson plot method was used to determine the multiplier (C) and Reynolds number exponential (n) for the coolant side as -0.426 and 0.494, respectively. When the heat flux (q), average vapor quality (xa), and mass flux (G) increased, the C-HTC increased, whereas it decreased with saturation temperature (Tsat). Despite the force-convective condensation flow regime, the C-HTC increment was minimal with G at lower xa owing to the lesser significance of the shear effect. Additionally, the 2P-FPD was unaffected by q but increased considerably with an increase in xa and G and a decrease in Tsat. Based on the current experimental database, empirical correlations for forecasting friction factor and Nusselt number were developed with a 91% predictability.

8.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology, suppl 1 ; 158, 2022.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-20239388

ABSTRACT

Introduction/Objective COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the healthcare and economy on a global scale. It is widely recognized that mass testing is an efficient way to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as aid in the development of informed policies for disease management. Here we optimized two different protocols for qRT- PCR with direct samples and systematically compared them with the laboratory standard qRT-PCR detection assay. Methods/Case Report RNA samples from 270 subjects collected in two phases at 2020-2021. The groups consisted from positive (n = 240) and negative (n = 30) samples. We compared the performance of qRT-PCR in direct heat- inactivated (95 °C for 5 min, H), heat-inactivated and pelleted (95 °C for 5 min and centrifuged for 10 min at 12,000 g, HC) against standard laboratory protocol for SARS-CoV-2 qRT-PCR (targeting ORF1ab and N genes). Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for PCR assays were calculated using caret and epiR packages available in the R software environment for statistical computing. The Wilcoxon matched rank test was used to compare differences in Ct values. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Our study suggests that HC samples show higher accuracy for SARS-CoV-2 detection PCR assay compared to direct H (89 % (95 % CI: 80–95 %) vs 83 % (95 % CI: 74–91 %) of the detection in RNA). The median ΔCt was lower by 1.55 and 2.29 cycles (Wilcoxon signed-rank test p = 0.0018 and < 0.0001 for ORF1ab and N genes, accordingly) in HC samples compared to H samples. Conclusion Our results suggest that purified RNA provides more accurate results;heat-inactivated and pelleted sample testing with qRT-PCR showed a slight drop in accuracy. However, the latter could also help to significantly increase testing capacity. Switching to the direct sample testing is justified if the number of tests is doubled at least.

9.
Applied Sciences ; 13(11):6744, 2023.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-20236163

ABSTRACT

Amid concerns over airflow-induced transmission of the COVID-19 virus in buildings frequented by large numbers of people, such as offices, the necessity for radiant ceiling heating panels has increased. This is due to the concern that the airflows emitted from the convection heating systems installed near the ceiling or windows for winter heating may be a major cause of COVID-19 transmission. In this study, we aim to evaluate thermal comfort under various indoor and outdoor environmental conditions of a building and present the thermal output conditions of the radiant ceiling heating panel that can replace the convection heating system while ensuring comfort in the perimeter zone and handling the heating load. As a result, we were able to present, in a chart format, the thermal output conditions that can secure thermal comfort by analyzing the indoor airflow distribution depending on the surface temperature of the radiant ceiling heating panel, the interior surface temperature of the window, and the influence of internal heat generation. Moreover, through derived empirical formulas, we were able to determine the heating conditions of the panel that can secure the necessary heat dissipation while minimizing discomfort, such as downdrafts, even for indoor and outdoor conditions that were not evaluated in this study.

10.
Pharmaceutical Technology Europe ; 33(2):25-27, 2021.
Article in English | ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-20235619

ABSTRACT

[...]the anticounterfeiting packaging market is projected to grow at a 7.8% compound annual growth rate to USS189.9 billion (€158 billion) in 2026 (1). [...]in anticipation of a spike in counterfeiting, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has launched Operation Stolen Promise 2, to halt the production, distribution, and sale of illicit COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. The fact that the COVID-19 vaccines need to be shipped in stringent cold storage containers with radio frequency identification (RFID) temperature sensors along with specialized transportation methods will make it more difficult for counterfeiters to enter the supply chain, but not impossible." [...]Pitts predicts an increased focus on consumer engagement.

11.
Animal Technology and Welfare ; 21(2):79-80, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-20232938
12.
Sci Total Environ ; 892: 164679, 2023 Sep 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20245265

ABSTRACT

To prevent anthropogenic warming of the climate system above dangerous thresholds, governments are required by the Paris Agreement to peak global anthropogenic CO2 emissions and to reach a net zero CO2 emissions level (also known as carbon neutrality). Growing concerns are being expressed about the increasing heat stress caused by the interaction of changes in temperature and humidity in the context of global warming. Although much effort has been made to examine future changes in heat stress and associated risks, gaps remain in understanding the quantitative benefits of heat-risk avoidance from carbon-neutral policies, limited by the traditional climate projections from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). Here we quantify the avoided heat risk during 2040-2049 under two scenarios of global carbon neutrality by 2060 and 2050, i.e., moderate green (MODGREEN) and strong green (STRGREEN) recovery scenarios, relative to the baseline scenario (FOSSIL), based on multi-model large ensemble climate projections from a new climate model intercomparison project (CovidMIP) that endorsed by CMIP6. We show that global population exposure to extreme heat stress increases by approximately four times its current level during 2040-2049 under the FOSSIL scenario, whereas the heat exposure could be reduced by as much as 12 % and 23 % under the MODGREEN and STRGREEN scenarios, respectively. Moreover, global mean heat-related mortality risk is mitigated by 14 % (24 %) under the MODGREEN (STRGREEN) scenario during 2040-2049 relative to the FOSSIL scenario. Additionally, the aggravating heat risk could be mitigated by around a tenth by achieving carbon neutrality 10 years earlier (2050 versus 2060). In terms of spatial pattern, this heat-risk avoidance from low-carbon policies is typically greater in low-income countries. Our findings assist governments in advancing early climate change mitigation policy-making.


Subject(s)
Carbon , Heat Stress Disorders , Humans , Carbon Dioxide , Climate Change , Global Warming , Temperature
13.
Viruses ; 15(5)2023 05 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20245260

ABSTRACT

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) belongs to the gamma-coronavirus genus of Coronaviridae and causes serious infectious diseases in the poultry industry. However, only a few IBV strains can infect avian passage cell lines, seriously hindering the progress of basic research on IBV pathogenesis. Whereas IBV field strains can replicate in tracheal ring organ culture (TOC) without any previous adaptation in chicken embryos or primary cells. In this study, to investigate the potential use of TOC as an in vitro infection model for the study of IBV-host interaction, we first established a chicken embryo TOC culture system and carried out an investigation on the IBV replication kinetics in the system. We found that the selected strains of the IBV GI-1, GI-7, GI-13, GI-19, and GI-22 genotypes could successfully replicate in TOC and bring about damage to the infected trachea. Next, we identified host proteins of the chicken embryo trachea that interact with the IBV S1 protein by immunoprecipitation and protein mass spectrometry. A total of 127 candidate proteins were initially identified with major involvement in cell adhesion pathways and apoptosis- and autophagy-related pathways. The heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) was selected for further investigation in the interaction with IBV viral proteins. Our results showed that HSP70 interacted with IBV S1 in both TOC and CEK cells, whereas HSP70 overexpression inhibited viral replication. This study indicates that TOC is a good system for the elucidation of IBV-host interactions and HSP70 is a potential host antiviral factor.


Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections , Infectious bronchitis virus , Poultry Diseases , Animals , Chick Embryo , Infectious bronchitis virus/genetics , Organ Culture Techniques , Trachea , Chickens , Cell Line , Coronavirus Infections/veterinary
14.
Environ Monit Assess ; 195(7): 822, 2023 Jun 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20244205

ABSTRACT

Land surface temperature (LST) is an important variable in urban microclimate research. At the end of 2019, the emergence of Covid-19 pandemic has changed the world in a manner that forced many countries to impose restrictions in human activities. As a measure to prevent the expansion of Covid-19 infections, most of the major cities have entered a prolonged lockdown period and reduction in human activities between the early 2020 and the late 2021. These restrictions were strict in most of the cities in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam. The present study investigated the variations in LST and NDVI observed in three rapidly growing urban areas, namely Da Nang, Hue and Vinh, in Vietnam using Landsat-8 imagery acquired between 2017 and 2022. There has been a slight reduction in LST in the study sites, particularly in Da Nang City, during the lockdown period but not as high as observed in recently conducted studies from big metropolitan cities, including in Vietnam. It is also observed that LST estimated from built-up areas and other impervious surfaces remained relatively stable during the study period which is similar to the results from recent studies.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Urbanization , Humans , Cities , Temperature , Hot Temperature , Vietnam/epidemiology , Pandemics , Environmental Monitoring/methods , COVID-19/epidemiology , Communicable Disease Control
15.
Geohealth ; 7(6): e2022GH000772, 2023 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20239001

ABSTRACT

Studies on the relationship between temperature and local, small scale mobility are limited, and sensitive to the region and time period of interest. We contribute to the growing mobility literature through a detailed characterization of the observed temperature-mobility relationship in the San Francisco Bay Area at fine spatial and temporal scale across two summers (2020-2021). We used anonymized cellphone data from SafeGraph's neighborhood patterns data set and gridded temperature data from gridMET, and analyzed the influence of incremental changes in temperature on mobility rate (i.e., visits per capita) using a panel regression with fixed effects. This strategy enabled us to control for spatial and temporal variability across the studied region. Our analysis suggested that all areas exhibited lower mobility rate in response to higher summer temperatures. We then explored how several additional variables altered these results. Extremely hot days resulted in faster mobility declines with increasing temperatures. Weekdays were often more resistant to temperature changes when compared to the weekend. In addition, the rate of decrease in mobility in response to high temperature was significantly greater among the wealthiest census block groups compared with the least wealthy. Further, the least mobile locations experienced significant differences in mobility response compared to the rest of the data set. Given the fundamental differences in the mobility response to temperature across most of our additive variables, our results are relevant for future mobility studies in the region.

16.
Front Public Health ; 11: 1157363, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-20234340

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To analyse the association between the mortality during the summer 2022 and either high temperatures or the COVID-19 wave with data from the Catalan Health Care System (7.8 million people). Methods: We performed a retrospective study using publicly available data of meteorological variables, influenza-like illness (ILI) cases (including COVID-19) and deaths. The study comprises the summer months of the years 2021 and 2022. To compare the curves of mortality, ILI and temperature we calculated the z-score of each series. We assessed the observed lag between curves using the cross-correlation function. Finally, we calculated the correlation between the z-scores using the Pearson correlation coefficient (R2). Results: During the study period, 33,967 deaths were reported in Catalonia (16,416 in the summer of 2021 and 17,551 in the summer of 2022). In 2022, the observed lag and the correlation between the z-scores of temperature and all-cause deaths was 3 days and R2 = 0.86, while between ILI and all-cause deaths was 22 days and R2 = 0.21. This high correlation between temperature and deaths increased up to 0.91 when we excluded those deaths reported as COVID-19 deaths, while the correlation between ILI and non-COVID-19 deaths decreased to -0.19. No correlation was observed between non-COVID deaths and temperature or ILI cases in 2021. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the main cause of the increase in deaths during summer 2022 in Catalonia was the high temperatures and its duration. The contribution of the COVID-19 seems to be limited.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , Temperature , COVID-19/epidemiology , Spain/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Hot Temperature
17.
Ieee Transactions on Engineering Management ; 2023.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-20231282

ABSTRACT

Over the last three COVID-19 effective years, it was evident that healthcare has been the most sensitive sector to electricity failures. Therefore, if well developed and implemented, a microgrid system with an integrated energy storage system (ESS) installed in hospitals has great potential to provide an uninterrupted and low-energy cost solution. In this article, we target to show the importance of the installed ESS against the problems that will arise from power outages and energy quality problems in hospitals. Besides, it aims to construct an energy management system (EMS) based on the scheduling model to meet the lowest cost of a system containing solar panels, microturbine, gas boiler, and energy storage units that are repurposed lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles and thermal storage tank. EMS is a mixed-integer linear program to meet the hospital's electricity, heating, and cooling demands with the lowest cost for every hour. The established scheduling model is run for a hospital in Antioch, Turkiye, with 197 beds, 4 operating rooms, 2 resuscitation units, and 9 intensive care units for every hour based on the data in 2019. With the EMS, approximately 25% savings were achieved compared to the previous energy cost. Furthermore, as the result of the net present value calculation, the payback period of the proposed system is estimated to be approximately seven years.

18.
Sci Total Environ ; 892: 164496, 2023 Sep 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2327808

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 has notably impacted the world economy and human activities. However, the strict urban lockdown policies implemented in various countries appear to have positively affected pollution and the thermal environment. In this study, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) land surface temperature (LST) and aerosol optical depth (AOD) data were selected, combined with Sentinel-5P images and meteorological elements, to analyze the changes and associations among air pollution, LST, and urban heat islands (UHIs) in three urban agglomerations in mainland China during the COVID-19 lockdown. The results showed that during the COVID-19 lockdown period (February 2020), the levels of the AOD and atmospheric pollutants (fine particles (PM2.5), NO2, and CO) significantly decreased. Among them, PM2.5 and NO2 decreased the most in all urban agglomerations, by >14 %. Notably, the continued improvement in air pollution attributed to China's strict control policies could lead to overestimation of the enhanced air quality during the lockdown. The surface temperature in all three urban agglomerations increased by >1 °C during the lockdown, which was mainly due to climate factors, but we also showed that the lockdown constrained positive LST anomalies. The decrease in the nighttime urban heat island intensity (UHIInight) in the three urban agglomerations was greater than that in the daytime quantity by >25 %. The reduction in surface UHIs at night was mainly due to the reduced human activities and air pollutant emissions. Although strict restrictions on human activities positively affected air pollution and UHIs, these changes were quickly reverted when lockdown policies were relaxed. Moreover, small-scale lockdowns contributed little to environmental improvement. Our results have implications for assessing the environmental benefits of city-scale lockdowns.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants , Air Pollution , COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Cities , Hot Temperature , Temperature , East Asian People , Nitrogen Dioxide , Environmental Monitoring , Communicable Disease Control , Respiratory Aerosols and Droplets , Air Pollution/analysis , Air Pollutants/analysis , Particulate Matter/analysis
19.
2022 Geothermal Rising Conference: Using the Earth to Save the Earth, GRC 2022 ; 46:793-803, 2022.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-2324409

ABSTRACT

Community greenhouses are important for the production of local food and reduction of food supply insecurities within cities. As we've seen with Covid-19, pandemics highlight the criticality of local food access to underprivileged urban districts. Since almost 60 % of the energy used in greenhouses is spent in heating and cooling, ground heat exchangers (GHEs) can play a significant role in supplying temperature regulation, but geothermal heat pump systems tend to be expensive for community organizations. An efficient way to reduce GHEs installation costs is to dig trenches to install the system horizontally and cover a part of heating and cooling loads only. In order to ensure cost effectiveness and optimize operations, this type of system was studied for urban greenhouses where ground space can be limited. Sizing calculations were performed for GHEs of a 7.62 m x 15.24 m greenhouse located on the Island of Montreal where the annual, monthly, and hourly energy consumption were estimated from previous building simulations. Three scenarios were used to specify sizing of the system in terms of excavation dimensions and percentage of the greenhouse peak loads covered;(1) number and length of trenches required for a horizontal GHE (HGHE) covering 100% of cooling and heating loads;(2) number and length of trenches required for an HGHE to cover 100% of peak heating loads and 60% of peak cooling loads and;(3) the percentage of heating and cooling peak loads that can be covered by an HGHE located under the greenhouse with similar dimensions (around 116 m2). Estimated excavation dimensions for cases 1 and 2 are 51.8 m x 8 m (414.4 m2) and 40.8 m x 8 m (326.4 m2). Estimated percentage of peak loads covered for case 3 is 40% of heating peak loads and 30% of cooling peak loads. © 2022 Geothermal Resources Council. All rights reserved.

20.
Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine ; 33(3):e95, 2023.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2322715

ABSTRACT

History: Twenty-two year old male basic trainee was brought to the ED after collapsing during a routine ruck march. At mile 8/12, soldier was noted to develop an unsteady gate and had witnessed loss of consciousness. A rectal core temperature was obtained and noted to be >107degreeF. Cooling initiated with ice sheets and EMS was activated. On arrival to the ED, patient demonstrated confusion and persistently elevated core temperatures despite ice sheeting, chilled saline and cold water bladder lavage. Cooling measures were discontinued after patient achieved euthermia in the ED;however, his temperatures subsequently spiked>103degreeF. Given rebound hyperthermia, an endovascular cooling (EVC) device was placed in the right femoral vein and patient was transferred to the ICU. Multiple attempts to place EVC device on standby were unsuccessful with subsequent rebound hyperthermia. Prolonged cooling was required. Physical Exam: VS: HR 121, BP 85/68, RR 22 SpO2 100% RA, Temp 102.4degreeF Gen: young adult male, NAD, shivering, A&Ox2 (person and place only) HEENT: Scleral anicteric, conjunctiva non-injected, moist mucus membranes Neck: Supple, no LAD Chest: CTAB, no wheezes/rales/rhonchi CV: tachycardia, regular rhythm, normal S1, S2 without murmurs, rubs, gallops ABD: NABS, soft/non-distended, no guarding or rebound EXT: No LE edema, tenderness SKIN: blisters with broad erythematous bases on bilateral heels Neuro: CN II-XII grossly intact, 5/5 strength in all extremities. Differential Diagnosis: 216. Septic Shock 217. Hypothalamic Stroke 218. Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS) 219. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome 220. Thyroid Storm Test Results: CBC: 18.2>14.5/40.6<167 CMP: 128/3.5 88/1831/2.7<104, AST 264, ALT 80, Ca 8.8 Lactate: 7.1 CK: 11 460 Myoglobin: 18 017 TSH: 3.16 CXR: No acute cardiopulmonary process Blood Cx: negative x2 CSF Cx: Negative COVID/Influenza/EBV: Negative Brain MRI: wnl. Final Diagnosis: Exertional Heat Stroke. Discussion(s): No EVC protocols exist for the management of EHS or rebound/refractory hyperthermia. As a result, the protocol used for this patient was adapted from post-cardiac arrest cooling protocols. It is unclear if this adapted protocol contributed to his delayed cooling and rebound hyperthermia as it was not intended for this patient demographic/ pathophysiology. Furthermore, despite initiating empiric antibiotics upon admission, delayed recognition and tailored therapy for his bilateral ankle cellulitis may have contributed to the difficulty in achieving euthermia. In summary, more research needs to be done to evaluate and develop an EVC protocol for EHS. Outcome(s): Euthermia was achieved and maintained after 36 hours of continuous EVC, at which point it was discontinued. His CK, AST/ALT, creatinine and sodium down-trended after discontinuation of EVC. Patient's antibiotics were transitioned to an oral formulation for treatment of ankle cellulitis and he was prepared for discharge. He was discharged with regular follow-up with the Fort Benning Heat Clinic. Follow-Up: After discharge, patient had regularly scheduled visits with the Fort Benning Heat Clinic. His typical lab markers for exertional heat stroke were regularly monitored. He had continued resolution of his Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury and hyponatremia with typical treatment. Soldier returned to duty after 10 weeks of close monitoring and rehabilitation.

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