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Using climate-optimized flight trajectories is one essential measure to reduce aviation's climate impact. Detailed knowledge of temporal and spatial climate sensitivity for aviation emissions in the atmosphere is required to realize such a climate mitigation measure. The algorithmic Climate Change Functions (aCCFs) represent the basis for such purposes. This paper presents the first version of the Algorithmic Climate Change Function submodel (ACCF 1.0) within the European Centre HAMburg general circulation model (ECHAM) and Modular Earth Submodel System (MESSy) Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) model framework. In the ACCF 1.0, we implement a set of aCCFs (version 1.0) to estimate the average temperature response over 20 years (ATR20) resulting from aviation CO2 emissions and non-CO2 impacts, such as NOx emissions (via ozone production and methane destruction), water vapour emissions, and contrail cirrus. While the aCCF concept has been introduced in previous research, here, we publish a consistent set of aCCF formulas in terms of fuel scenario, metric, and efficacy for the first time. In particular, this paper elaborates on contrail aCCF development, which has not been published before. ACCF 1.0 uses the simulated atmospheric conditions at the emission location as input to calculate the ATR20 per unit of fuel burned, per NOx emitted, or per flown kilometre.In this research, we perform quality checks of the ACCF 1.0 outputs in two aspects. Firstly, we compare climatological values calculated by ACCF 1.0 to previous studies. The comparison confirms that in the Northern Hemisphere between 150–300 hPa altitude (flight corridor), the vertical and latitudinal structure of NOx-induced ozone and H2O effects are well represented by the ACCF model output. The NOx-induced methane effects increase towards lower altitudes and higher latitudes, which behaves differently from the existing literature. For contrail cirrus, the climatological pattern of the ACCF model output corresponds with the literature, except that contrail-cirrus aCCF generates values at low altitudes near polar regions, which is caused by the conditions set up for contrail formation. Secondly, we evaluate the reduction of NOx-induced ozone effects through trajectory optimization, employing the tagging chemistry approach (contribution approach to tag species according to their emission categories and to inherit these tags to other species during the subsequent chemical reactions). The simulation results show that climate-optimized trajectories reduce the radiative forcing contribution from aviation NOx-induced ozone compared to cost-optimized trajectories. Finally, we couple the ACCF 1.0 to the air traffic simulation submodel AirTraf version 2.0 and demonstrate the variability of the flight trajectories when the efficacy of individual effects is considered. Based on the 1 d simulation results of a subset of European flights, the total ATR20 of the climate-optimized flights is significantly lower (roughly 50 % less) than that of the cost-optimized flights, with the most considerable contribution from contrail cirrus. The CO2 contribution observed in this study is low compared with the non-CO2 effects, which requires further diagnosis.
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Satellite remote sensing has advantages in monitoring environmental changes during the global pandemics such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS) and the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this paper, the variations of atmospheric environment during SARS and COVID-19 pandemics were calculated and analyzed based on the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Atmosphere Monthly Global Product. Preliminary results show that: (1) aerosol optical depth is most affected by the pandemics, especially the duration and prevention and control measures;(2) the correlations between the variables of aerosol optical depth, cloud fraction, total column ozone and precipitable water vapor were not very strong during the two pandemics.
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Aim: To evaluate the effect of decontamination and reuse on N95 masks. Background(s): The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has strained the global availability of masks. Such shortage represents a threat to healthcare workers (HCWs). Mask reprocessing and reuse may alleviate the shortage. Many laboratory studies have proven the effectiveness and feasibility of decontaminating N95 masks. However, very few had HCWs wearing them between cycles of decontamination. Our study evaluated mask integrity (assessed by qualitative mask fitting [QMF], as well as technical measures like bacterial filtration efficacy [BFE]) through five cycles of decontamination using four different modalities - steam, moist heat (MH), UV-C irradiation (UVCI), and hydrogen peroxide vaporization (HPV). Method(s): Each study cycle involved a HCW wearing a N95 mask for two hours, followed by the assigned decontamination process, and then a QMF. This was repeated for a maximum of 5 cycles, as long as the wearer passed QMF. 40 HCWs were recruited for each of the four decontamination modalities. The technical measures of mask integrity assessed were: BFE, Particulate Filtration Efficiency (PFE), Pressure Drop and Splash Resistance. Result(s): 60.6% (HPV) to 77.5% (MH) of the masks passed five cycles of wear and decontamination, as assessed by the wearers passing QMF all five times. MH-decontaminated masks retained all technical measures of integrity through all 5 cycles. HPV reduced masks' BFE after the fourth cycle while UVCI tended to increase the Pressure Drop. Conclusion(s): The results suggest that MH is a promising method for decontaminating N95 masks without compromising fit and integrity. [Figure presented] [Table presented]Copyright © 2023 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation.
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In recent research, 3D printing has become a powerful technique and has been applied in the last few years to carbon-based materials. A new generation of 3D-printed electrodes, more affordable and easier to obtain due to rapid prototyping techniques, has emerged. We propose a customizable fabrication process for flexible (and rigid) carbon-based biosensors, from biosensor design to printable conductive inks. The electrochemical biosensors were obtained on a 50 µm Kapton® (polyimide) substrate and transferred to a 500 µm PDMS substrate, using a 3D-extrusion-based printing method. The main features of our fabrication process consist of short-time customization implementation, fast small-to-medium batch production, ease of electrochemical spectroscopy measurements, and very good resolution for an extrusion-based printing method (100 µm). The sensors were designed for future integration into a smart wound dressing for wound monitoring and other biomedical applications. We increased their sensibility with electro-deposited gold nanoparticles. To assess the biosensors' functionality, we performed surface functionalization with specific anti-N-protein antibodies for SARS-CoV 2 virus, with promising preliminary results.
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Ethanol (EtOH) effectively inactivates enveloped viruses in vitro, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Inhaled EtOH vapor may inhibit viral infection in mammalian respiratory tracts, but this has not yet been demonstrated. Here we report that unexpectedly low EtOH concentrations in solution, approximately 20% (v/v), rapidly inactivate influenza A virus (IAV) at mammalian body temperature (37°C) and are not toxic to lung epithelial cells upon apical exposure. Furthermore, brief exposure to 20% (v/v) EtOH decreases production of infectious progeny viruses in IAV-infected cells. Using an EtOH vapor exposure system that is expected to expose murine respiratory tracts to 20% (v/v) EtOH solution by gas-liquid equilibrium at 37°C, we demonstrate that brief EtOH vapor inhalation twice a day protects mice from lethal IAV respiratory infection by reducing viruses in the lungs without harmful side effects. Our data suggest that EtOH vapor inhalation may provide a versatile therapy against various respiratory viral infectious diseases.
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December 2019 has become one of the most surprising days in the whole world in light of the flare-up of a most infectious sickness brought about by novel Covid or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study is conducted to assess the benefits of the use of home remedies to prevent the cause of Covid-19 and evaluate the assessment of dietary changes and physical activity in the prevention of Covid-19. A questionnaire-based online survey is conducted using Google forms consisting of multiple-choice questions about home remedies, lifestyle and dietary changes made by the people during this pandemic. These home remedies included using different types of herbal preparations, steam inhalation, physical exercise and OTC medications for prophylaxis. Questions likewise included about being infected by Coronavirus-19(during first wave or second) and their recovery period, additionally collected their viewpoint for changes made, for example how much they are useful in the prevention of the attack and whenever encountered any undesirable impacts. Total responses were 210, among which 121(57.6%) responses were from females and 89(42.4%) from males. 65 people tested Covid positive (42 during the first wave and 23 during the second wave). 118(56.2%) of people think these changes are very beneficial. (Rated 4 and 5 out of 5 points). From our survey, we concluded that different herbal preparations of their composition, which they thought are helpful, and steam inhalations have been used. Rating regarding the use and effectiveness was also found to be average. Further studies are needed to prove and provide clear evidence about adverse and side effects associated with the use of herbal products.Copyright © 2022 Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. All rights reserved.
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Human alveolar type II cells (AT2s) are progenitors of the alveolar epithelium and are among the pulmonary cells that are directly exposed to inhaled stimuli. Primary human AT2s can be cultured in three-dimensional alveolospheres, but are difficult to culture in the physiologically relevant air-liquid interface (ALI) format. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be directed to differentiate to iPSC-derived AT2s (iAT2s) in alveolospheres, where they transcriptomically resemble fetal lung. Here we report the successful adaptation of iAT2s to ALI culture, which promotes their maturation and permits exposure to inhaled stimuli. We transcriptomically profile iAT2s cultured at ALI and find that they mature as they downregulate cell cycle-associated transcripts. We then evaluate the extent of iAT2 maturation at ALI within the developmental context by comparison to primary AT2s. We find that iAT2s at ALI are more similar to primary AT2s than iAT2s cultured as spheres, and that differences are driven by primary AT2s' response to immune stimuli. We then test the capacity of iAT2s to respond to immune stimuli by infecting with SARSCoV-2. We find that iAT2s mount an epithelial-intrinsic interferon and inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and can serve as a platform for testing antiviral therapeutics. Finally, we demonstrate that iAT2s at ALI respond to cigarette smoke and electronic cigarette vapor, enabling the direct comparison of these common inhaled stimuli. Overall, we describe a novel disease modeling platform that will enable exploration of gene-environment interactions unique to inhaled exposures of the alveolar epithelium.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an alarming accumulation of plastic waste. Herein, an integrated hydropyrolysis and hydrocracking process was performed to upcycle disposable masks into fuel-range iso-alkanes over carbon supported ruthenium (Ru/C). Experimental results indicated that catalyst type significantly affected product distribution during the hydropyrolysis and vapor-phase hydrocracking of disposable masks. Compared with zeolites-induced catalytic cascade process where up to ∼25.9 wt% yield of aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene and xylenes were generated, a ∼82.7 wt% yield of desirable iso-alkanes with a high C5–C12 gasoline selectivity of 95.5% was obtained over Ru/C under 550 °C hydropyrolysis temperature and 300 °C hydrocracking temperature at 0.2 MPa H2. The cascade hydropyrolysis and hydrocracking process also exhibited high adaptability and flexibility in upcycling single-use syringes, food packaging, and plastic bags, generating 79.1, 81.6, and 80.3 wt% yields of fuel range iso/n-alkanes, respectively. This catalytic cascade hydrotreating process provides an efficient and effective approach to convert pandemic-derived plastic waste into gasoline-range fuel products. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd
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Subject of study. A source of spontaneous emission (a lamp) in the ultraviolet spectral range excited by a capacitive discharge was investigated. Iodine vapor and mixtures of iodine vapor with inert gases were used as the operating gas medium of the lamp. Conditions for enhancements in specific output parameters of the lamp emission were investigated. Excitation conditions under which the lamp emits predominantly at the iodine atomic line with a wavelength of 206.16 nm were determined. Aim of study. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the spectral and energy characteristics of the lamp based on the iodine vapor, which is promising for the development of a radiation source with enhanced virucidal effectiveness for ultraviolet disinfection of a human environment contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2). Method. In this study, the composition and pressure of the operating medium were optimized. In addition, the excitation mode of the lamp emission was optimized by changing the repetition rate of voltage pulses. Main results. At a specific excitation power of approximately 1.3 mW/cm3 and partial pressures of iodine vapor and helium of approximately 2.5 and 7 Torr, respectively, the line of an iodine atom with a wavelength of 206.16 nm dominates in the output lamp spectrum, and the specific emission power at the outer surface of the lamp tube is approximately 3 mW/cm2. Practical significance. The emission of the investigated lamp is in the spectral range of 200–225 nm, which is promising in terms of developing technology for safe ultraviolet inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms including SARS-CoV-2. © 2022 Optica Publishing Group.
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Commercial masks have significant drawbacks, including low water vapor transmission efficiency and limited ability to inhibit harmful microorganisms, whereas in this contribution, a series of Janus microsphere membranes are developed with hierarchical structures by quenching and crystallizing 12-hydroxystearic acid and halicin layer-by-layer on a polypropylene non-woven fabric, laminating them with hydrophilic cotton fibers in a one-pot process, and further demonstrate the potential of this composite system as masks. Through further optimization, excellent superhydrophobic/superhydrophilic properties (contact angle 157.1°/0°), superior filtering effects (93.54% for PM2.5 and 98.35% for PM10 ), with a low-filtration resistance (57 Pa) and a quality factor of up to 0.072 Pa-1 are achieved, all better than that of commercial N95 masks. In addition, the membrane allows for the directional transport of water vapor from the inside out, increasing the water vapor transmission rate by more than 20% compared with the monolayer hydrophobic microsphere membrane. It also has a bactericidal capacity of over 99.9999% against Escherichia coli and is tested for robustness and stability in various extreme environments. This work may shed light on designing novel filter media with versatile functions, meanwhile, the materials can also be used in protective equipment against the new coronavirus.
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SESSION TITLE: Occupational and Environmental Lung Disease Cases SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 12:25 pm - 01:25 pm INTRODUCTION: Sodium hydroxide and ammonium salt vapor exposure are known to cause epithelial necrosis of the tracheobronchial tree, but no pathologic descriptions exist of subsequent inflammatory pneumonitis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old man presented to the outpatient clinic with 2 months of progressive scant hemoptysis and dyspnea on exertion. He had a mild smoking history, a history of longstanding stable UC, and had a history significant only for recently performing multiple weeks of cleaning work on a large, enclosed HVAC system with chemicals containing sodium hydroxide and ammonium. He wore no respiratory protection at work. CXR was significant for streaky bilateral lower lobe opacities and CT Chest revealed bilateral basilar ground-glass opacities with a small left pneumothorax. His PFT demonstrated mild restriction with a diffusion defect. Infiltrates persisted after treatment with levofloxacin. A broad autoimmune panel was normal. Bronchoscopy with cryobiopsy showed organizing pneumonia with foreign body reaction. BAL showed primarily mast cells and no organisms were found. Prednisone at 60mg daily with Bactrim prophylaxis and a subsequent prolonged wean was initiated with marked improvement. DISCUSSION: Industrial HVAC cleaning agents are widely used with the proliferation of HVAC systems in the post-COVID world. Other examples exist of prolonged cleaning product use and lung function decline (Svanes et al). Our case report hypothesizes a link between inhalational exposure to sodium hydroxide and ammonium salts with organizing pneumonia with foreign body features, a previously unknown effect. Prednisone led to improvement. CONCLUSIONS: High suspicion for occult pneumonitis should exist when patients present with prolonged exposure to cleaning/noxious chemical vapors exist. Respiratory protection should be emphasized as a public health policy to prevent lung damage among any type of cleaner use including high-skilled (HVAC) cleaners. Reference #1: Advenier, A., & Grandmaison, G. (2022). PULMONARY ACUTE LESIONS AFTER CAUSTIC EXPOSURE. Retrieved 31 March 2022, from https://www.lungdiseasesjournal.com/articles/pulmonary-acute-lesions-after-caustic-exposure.html Reference #2: Svanes, Ø., Bertelsen, R. J., Lygre, S., Carsin, A. E., Antó, J. M., Forsberg, B., García-García, J. M., Gullón, J. A., Heinrich, J., Holm, M., Kogevinas, M., Urrutia, I., Leynaert, B., Moratalla, J. M., Le Moual, N., Lytras, T., Norbäck, D., Nowak, D., Olivieri, M., Pin, I., … Svanes, C. (2018). Cleaning at Home and at Work in Relation to Lung Function Decline and Airway Obstruction. American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine, 197(9), 1157–1163. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201706-1311OC Reference #3: Gorguner, M., & Akgun, M. (2010). Acute inhalation injury. The Eurasian journal of medicine, 42(1), 28–35. https://doi.org/10.5152/eajm.2010.09 DISCLOSURES: no disclosure on file for Ai-Yui Maria Tan;No relevant relationships by Sudha Misra No relevant relationships by Amrik Ray
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Purpose : To evaluate the effectiveness of modified housing on fogging of reusable wide angle contact lens during vitreoretinal surgery Methods : Wide angle contact lens provides panoramic view of retina and enables successful vitreoretinal surgery in complex retinal detachments through improved visualization of vitreoretinal periphery upto and beyond ora serrata. However frequent steam sterilization erodes the glue that holds lens elements, allows fogging due to migration of steam in between lens elements and result in poor visualization of the fundus. In this study, we altered the housing and evaluated its effectiveness. Modified housing has two modes;open mode during sterilization and closed mode after completion of sterilization (Figs 1&2). The lens system has two lens groups. The first group has a concave posterior surface [Radius of curvature (ROC) = 7.8 mm], for placement on the patient's cornea. This group acts to direct light rays originating from the posterior chamber towards the second lens group II for focusing. The group I lens system collimates the light rays. Group II is located in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to first lens group I. This allows an air space between them. The group II focuses the light rays and provides panoramic visualization of retina. Housing that holds the two lens systems has a rotational window that is open during steam sterilization and closed during surgery Results : The lens system provided real and inverted panoramic image of the fundus. The lens system is configured to minimize chromatic aberration and provide improved image as compared to the other lens systems. It provides 160 degrees of fundus view during static viewing and 170 degrees during dynamic view with excellent depth of focus. Modified housing has facilitated fog free visualization of retina during surgery while allowing effective steam sterilization compliant with standard operating room regulations. Conclusions : This modified wide angle contact lens provides a real inverted panoramic fog free view of the retina and allow repeated usage without deterioration of image and prolonged the life of wide angle contact lens system. It has added significance in covid era, as stringent sterilization is essential for prevention of disease.
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Blended learning can createlearning skills and solve teachingproblems of high school students in the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Students can manage active learning manual by themselves to study the basic physics content by science technology engineering art and mathematic applied inthe young physicists’ tournament andphysics project at regional and national levels. The student target has higher learning skills and teamwork outcomes than before use blended the activities and best practise. The learning achievement was significantly higher than before at the .05 level. Students can improve their learning skills and teamwork applied in physics project to get many awards and publications at high level.
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December 2019 has become one of the most surprising days in the whole world in light of the flare-up of a most infectious sickness brought about by novel Covid or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study is conducted to assess the benefits of the use of home remedies to prevent the cause of Covid-19 and evaluate the assessment of dietary changes and physical activity in the prevention of Covid-19. A questionnaire-based online survey is conducted using Google forms consisting of multiple-choice questions about home remedies, lifestyle and dietary changes made by the people during this pandemic. These home remedies included using different types of herbal preparations, steam inhalation, physical exercise and OTC medications for prophylaxis. Questions likewise included about being infected by Coronavirus-19(during first wave or second) and their recovery period, additionally collected their viewpoint for changes made, for example how much they are useful in the prevention of the attack and whenever encountered any undesirable impacts. Total responses were 210, among which 121(57.6%) responses were from females and 89(42.4%) from males. 65 people tested Covid positive (42 during the first wave and 23 during the second wave). 118(56.2%) of people think these changes are very beneficial. (Rated 4 and 5 out of 5 points). From our survey, we concluded that different herbal preparations of their composition, which they thought are helpful, and steam inhalations have been used. Rating regarding the use and effectiveness was also found to be average. Further studies are needed to prove and provide clear evidence about adverse and side effects associated with the use of herbal products.
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A membrane-based enthalpy exchanger is a device used for heat and humidity recovery in ventilated buildings. The energy-saving potential of such a device is dependent on the parameters responsible for heat and moisture recovery. The trend is toward composite membranes, which are custom produced, and their parameters can be adjusted for a given application;therefore, the diffusion and sorption characteristics of such membranes are unknown. In order to obtain the values of the water vapor diffusivity of three investigated handmade membranes, a serial resistance model using a Field and Laboratory Emission Cell (FLEC) is proposed. Experiments were conducted to identify the resistance in each step of the moisture transfer process to extract the moisture diffusivity in the membranes. The calculated moisture diffusivities in the membranes were 8.99 × 10−12 (m2/s) for the membranes from cellulose acetate, 1.9 × 10−10 (m2/s) for the microporous PE/PUR membranes, and 1.53 × 10−11 (m2/s) for the PET/PUR microfibrous membranes. The obtained membrane diffusivities were then used in the proposed effectiveness-NTU-based model of an exchanger with a cross-flow arrangement to predict performance under various operating conditions. The results show that the highest latent effectiveness was found for the exchanger core made from the PE/PUR membrane and the lowest was for the one with the PE/PUR membrane core.
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Background & Objective: Every operating room has been associated with a variety of occupational hazards, but not many studies have been conducted to assess and address these hazards. We used a qualitative approach to explore operating room personnel's experiences of workplace hazards and how these hazards threaten their occupational safety and health (OSH). Methodology: This qualitative study was conducted in five teaching hospitals in the south-west of Iran from February 2019 to March 2021. The sample was 24 operating room personnel who were selected under convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using semi-structured, individual interviews, document review and non-participant observation. The collected data were analyzed according to the qualitative content analysis method using MAXQDA v. 2020. Results: After prolonged analysis of the data, the researchers extracted 644 codes, 13 subcategories, 4 categories, and 1 main theme. The main theme of the study was working in a context of occupational hazards. Conclusions: Operating rooms are full of potential dangers, which, when combined with the personnel's negligence and management inefficiencies, increase the risk of occupational health and safety. Therefore, making working conditions safe by providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), in-service training, and identifying and managing the causes of personnel negligence are recommended. Moreover, strategies should be introduced to manage stress and conflicts among the healthcare personnel, thus controlling psychological hazards.
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Background & Aim: Background: Traditionally, ‘fresh’ Hematopoietic progenitors cell (HPC) infusions have been preferred over cryopreserved HPC in Allo-HCT because cryopreservation and thawing leads to cell loss, besides DMSO-related adverse reactions in patients. Emergence of COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected fresh HPC infusions and most professional bodies recommend cryopreservation of HPC products before initiating conditioning chemotherapy. Although some western studies suggest no significant impact of graft manipulation on patient outcome, there is no available data from the developing world.Aim: We compare neutrophil and platelet engraftment in patients undergoing Allo-HCT with fresh and cryopreserved HPC products. Methods, Results & Conclusion: Material and Method: Allo-HCT data from October 2018 to October 2021 were analyzed. Cryopreservation was performed by controlled-rate freezing using 10% DMSO, plasmalyte- A and human albumin ( 1:2:1) as cryoprotectant. Cryopreserved products were stored in vapour-phase of Liquid nitrogen tank. CD34+ enumeration and viablity( by 7-AAD) was done on Flow-cytometry on fresh and post-thaw HPC samples. Neutrophil engraftment was defined as absolute neutrophil count >0.5 ×109/L for 3 days. Platelet engraftment was defined as independence from platelet transfusion for at least 7 days with a platelet count >20 × 109/L. Statistical analysis using Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. Results: Ninety-six patients underwent allo-HCT (46 received fresh and 50 received cryopreserved HPC products) (Table 1). There was no significant difference in neutrophil engraftment with fresh and cryopreserved grafts (p>0.05) in different types of transplants( Matched related/unrelated and haploidentical). 22% (11/50) of cryopreserved graft infusions were associated with Grade-1 DMSO-related adverse reactions, which were managed with symptomatic treatment. Cryopreservation increased the cost of related allogeneic transplants by USD1100. No cryopreserved HPC product was culture positive on microbiological assessment. Conclusion: In our experience, the engraftment kinetics were similar with fresh and cryopreserved HPC products as CD34+cell dose administered was almost the same. Cryopreserved grafts had a median 7% CD34+cell loss, associated with mild DMSO-related adverse reactions and cost increment. Even though, graft cryopreservation is a feasible alternative during the pandemic, it is crucial to ensure graft quality and promptly manage DMSO-related adverse reactions.(Table Presented) Table 1 Comparison of Fresh and cryopreserved HPC products in Allo-HCT
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During the 2020 Chinese Spring Festival extended holidays and the COVID-19 period in Wuhan, the “quasi-zero emissions increase” occurred due to the human activities have a considerably lower impact on air quality. A new scientific question of concern: Why has high of O3 and PM2.5 still been observed? The comparative analysis of the influences of anomalous atmospheric circulation and weather conditions during this special period in 2019–2020 with those in the historical years can be useful. The results in the study were as follows: (1) Even during this “quasi-zero emissions increase” period, the concentrations of O3 and PM2.5 are higher than normal, with O3 being significantly higher in Wuhan. Which is associated with a anomaly large-scale humid/warm water vapor transport in the Northern Hemisphere which is significantly different from that of the same period with historical more-haze years. (2) In this scenario, the large-scale humid/warm water vapor transport brings sustained high-humidity water vapor lifting conditions to north China. The daily cycling change of the sun's zenith angle to support the high-humidity and high-condensation condition are conducive to the elevation of high condensation (fc) and degree of super-saturation (S) going up to the peak of S >10%. Under the condition driven by high fc, it causes the power exponent law to be followed converting NO2 to O3, thereby resulting in an increase in O3 concentration. This additional contribution to O3 concentration is as high as 37% than those from pure chemical process. (3) An objective quantitative reversal method for calculating the monthly threshold in fc is given based on the power exponential conversion law by the observed data. It can be prospectively applied to assess the feedback on the impact of pollution on urban climate.
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Introduction & Objectives: Minimally invasive transurethral therapies for benign prostatic hypertension are becoming increasingly common in Europe and America. They may be performed under local anaesthetic and provide a good alternative to invasive procedures in a COVID era. REZUM, a minimally invasive transurethral water-vapor therapy, has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for BPH, especially where preserved sexual function is a priority. Although short-term clinical outcomes are promising, long-term data from robust studies is lacking. In Australia, there are few providers of REZUM, which utilises steam injections to reduce prostatic tissue. This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of REZUM in an Australian cohort. Methods: A clinical audit was conducted of 50 patients who underwent REZUM to treat symptoms of BPH over a 12-month period. Procedures were performed under general anaesthetic. Demographics, comorbidities, sexual function, prostate volume, PSA, voiding flow rate, post-void residual volume and International Prostate Symptom Score were extracted from medical records, in addition to patient's reasons for seeking minimally invasive treatment. Corresponding post-operative data was collected. Descriptive statistics of the cohort were obtained using Stata 16.0. Paired t-test was used to identify if there was a significant difference between IPSS scores pre- and postprocedure Results: Patients accessing treatment ranged from 48 to 84 years (mean 64.6). Median prostate volume was 55mL (inter-quartile range 45-78mls) and mean International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was 20.3. 28% of the cohort cited concern for ejaculatory function, either from medication side effects or TURP, as their primary reason for seeking minimally invasive treatment. A further 25% of the cohort was additionally concerned about other side effects from medications and/or TURP or had experienced medication failure. The mean follow up period was 6 months (range 6-weeks-26 months). 69% of men were satisfied with their symptom improvement at the time of review, with the expectation of ongoing improvement in men who had attended a 6-week post-operative review only. Postprocedure mean IPSS was 7.9 (range 2-33). Mean reduction in IPSS score post-procedure was 12.7 points (p<0.001). 3 men experienced complications (retention, infection, bulbar stricture). Conclusions: REZUM provides a safe alternative to traditional invasive prostatic treatments. It may be performed under local anaesthetic, providing an effective alternative in a COVID era. Men concerned about medications, more invasive treatments and ejaculatory dysfunction are increasingly seeking relief from this minimally invasive option and experiencing good outcomes including significant symptom improvement sustained over medium-term follow up.
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Rationale. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is the third leading cause of death in the United States. While many risk factors for severe COVID-19 are emerging, the effects by which other inhalational exposures affect susceptibility are not well defined. Patients with COVID-19 demonstrate high rates of co-infection with respiratory viruses, including influenza A (IAV). When infected with IAV, human small airway epithelial cells (SAEC) exhibit increased abundance of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the primary receptor for SARS-CoV-2. However, it remains unknown if this effect increases the risk for COVID-19. Similarly, there are conflicting reports of the effect of e-cigarette (E-cig) vaping on COVID-19 manifestations. We hypothesized that exposures to IAV or E-cig increase the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods. Golden Syrian hamsters (male and female) were exposed to E-cig vapor via nebulization for 5d. IAV was administered intranasally once on day 6 (A/California/07/2009 H1N1, 106 PFU/hamster). On day 3 post-IAV infection, SARSCoV- 2 was administered intranasally (WA01;104 PFU/hamster). On day 7 post-SARS-CoV-2 infection animals were sacrificed, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell differentials were obtained, and inflated lung sections were stained and scored for immunohistology. Lung RNA was quantified for ACE2, TMPRSS2, STAT1, CXCL10, IFN-gamma, gene expression using RT-qPCR. Results: SARS-CoV-2 infection caused progressive weight loss that was less pronounced in animals pre-infected with IAV. SARS-CoV-2 titers from nasal swabs peaked at day 2 in both groups. IAV pre-infection reduced PMN and eosinophils in the BALF, and the overall inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung parenchyma of SARS-CoV-2-infected animals. IAV pre-infection reduced lung levels of STAT1, CXCL10 (2.5-fold;p<0.01), CCL5, and IFN-gamma in SARS-CoV-2-infected animals compared to animals that were only infected with SARS-CoV-2. Pre-exposure to E-cig worsened the SARS-CoV-2-induced weight loss in female animals only. E-cig pre-exposure increased lymphocytes and decreased PMN and eosinophils in the BALF compared to animals that were only infected with SARS-CoV-2. E-cig pre-exposure increased lung levels of STAT1, CXCL10 (2.5-fold;p<0.05), CCL5, and IFN-gamma in SARS-CoV-2-infected animals compared to animals that were only infected with SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion: Pre-infection with IAV resulted in decreased inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. In contrast, pre-exposure to E-cig vaping increased the severity of the inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 with notable differences between sexes. Whereas anti-viral priming effects of prior viral infection are well described, the mechanisms that explain the worsening effects of E-cig on SARS-CoV-2 outcomes remain unknown.