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Last post: long-lost letter returned to recipient after 23 years in university library – The First News

September 15, 2020 medical

Jagienka Apolinarska and the letter she found. Uniwersytet Wrocawski/Facebook

A letter from a grandfather to his granddaughter, tucked away in an embryology textbook 23 years ago, has been returned to its owner after it was discovered by a Wrocaw University student.

Jagienka Apolinarska, a third-year student of biology, discovered the long-lost letter as she worked on her degree.

The book where the letter remained hidden for decades.Uniwersytet Wrocawski/Facebook

I found the letter in The Fundamentals of Animal Embryology textbook, which I was using to prepare for my bachelor thesis defence, she said. Among the pages I found a folded paper which, due to my female curiosity, I decided to open. It turned out to be a very moving letter from a grandfather to a beloved granddaughter.

The diligent student informed her university hoping to find the letters owner. It took only 11 hours after posting information about it on social media for Magdalena Nowosielska from Elblg to claim it.

It turned out to be a very moving letter from a grandfather to a beloved granddaughter, says Jagienka.Uniwersytet Wrocawski/Facebook

In 1997, I was a first-year student of the Veterinary Department at the Agricultural Academy in Wrocaw, today part of Wrocaw University, Nowosielska wrote on Facebook. It seems I had to put more effort into embryology than the younger generations in the following years, since the letter was found only after 23 years.

The letter was written by Magdalenas grandfather Zdzisaw, who has sadly passed away. The dotting grandparent was sending his love, some sweets, and vitamins since Nowosielska wouldnt be able to make it home for Christmas that year.

The sender of the letter is now dead.Uniwersytet Wrocawski/Facebook

I took my exam in histology and embryology with Professor Kuryszka at the beginning of September of that memorable year when Wrocaw experienced the great flood. Back, then most of the city was underwater. It reached even the second or third floors, she reminisced.

The trip along memory lane will be reinforced by receiving the precious souvenir.

Magdalena Nowosielska: reunited with the letter after 23 years.Magdalena Nowosielska/Facebook

I was already in touch with Ms. Magdalena. She was very touched by the news that her letter was discovered. She had used it as a bookmark while she was studying for an exam, added Jagienka. She will be sending, or re-sending, the letter to its proper recipient in the coming days. To add to the good news, the helpful student managed to defend her thesis in the meantime, earning top marks.

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Last post: long-lost letter returned to recipient after 23 years in university library - The First News

Embryology

The Sperm Bank market to Undergo positive Transformation between 2015 and 2021 – The Daily Chronicle

September 15, 2020 medical

Sperm bank is a specialized organization, that collects and stores the sperms collected from human sperm donors for the provision to women who need such sperm to have a pregnancy. Sperm bank also known as cryobank or semen bank, and sperms donated in the bank are known as donor sperm, whereas the process of sperm insertion is known as artificial insemination. It is notable that the pregnancy achieved by using sperms in the sperm bank is similar to natural pregnancy, achieved by sexual intercourse.

The major mechanism involved in the operation of sperm bank underlies the provision of sperms, donated by sperm donors, to the needy women, who, due to various reasons, such as, physiological problems, widow, age and others, are not able to achieve pregnancy. Sperm bank forms the formal contract with sperm donors, usually for the period of 6-24 months, during which he has to produce sperms and donate to the bank. Usually, monetary compensation will be offered to sperm donors. Although, a donor can donate his sperms for more than two years, but, due to laws and regulations of various countries and a potential threat of consanguinity, a contract is made for maximum two years only. A donor produces his sperms in a specialized room, called mens production room. From this, the semen fluid is washed, in order to extract the sperms from other materials present in the semen. In case of frozen storage, a cryoprotectant semen extender is added in the sample. Usually, around 20 vials can be extracted from one sample of semen, collected from a sperm donor. These vials are stored in cryogenically preserved condition, in the liquid nitrogen (N2) tanks. Usually, sperms are stored for the period of around 6 months. However, it can be stored for a longer period of time.

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The services offered by sperm bank includes provision of sperms, donors selection, guiding recipient for selection of donor, sex selection of baby, and sales of sperms. Although, sperm banks play a major role in the women who are not able to achieve pregnancy, due to some controversial issues, such as, use of sperms by lesbian couples and others, government healthcare bodies of various countries imposed strict regulations on the sperm bank. In the U.S., sperm banks are regulated by FDA, and treated as Human Cell or Human Tissue or Human Cell and Tissue (HCT/Ps), in the European Union, it is been regulated by EU Tissue Directive, whereas, in the U.K., it is regulated by Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority.

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The global market for sperm banks is expected to increase in steady manner in the forecast period, due to market growth propellers, such as, increased prevalence of women miscarriage, technological innovations in the sperm storage industry, and growing awareness towards this type of pregnancy. Increased miscarriage rate is one of the major drivers that fuels market growth. According to the study report published by HopeXchange, out of 4.4 million pregnancies carried every year in the U.S., around 1 million pregnancies result into miscarriage. Similarly, due to growing concerns towards such pregnancy that achieved without sexual intercourse is also an important market growth propeller. On the other hand, various governmental regulations, negative mindset towards sperm banks and donor, high cost associated with the operating of sperm bank and limited spread across the various regions of the world are some of the major hurdles in the market growth.

Major players operating in the market includes Cryos International Sperm Bank, FairFax Cryobank, Androcryos, New England Cryogenic Center, Inc. and others.

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The Sperm Bank market to Undergo positive Transformation between 2015 and 2021 - The Daily Chronicle

Biochemistry

New Comprehensive Report on Bench-top Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzers Market to Witness an Outstanding Growth during 2020 2028 with Top Players…

September 13, 2020 medical

Overview Of Bench-top Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzers Industry 2020-2028:

This has brought along several changes in This report also covers the impact of COVID-19 on the global market.

The Bench-top Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzers Market analysis summary by Reports Insights is a thorough study of the current trends leading to this vertical trend in various regions. Research summarizes important details related to market share, market size, applications, statistics and sales. In addition, this study emphasizes thorough competition analysis on market prospects, especially growth strategies that market experts claim.

Bench-top Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzers Market competition by top manufacturers as follow: Idexx Laboratories, Abaxis, Heska, Fuji Film, DiaSys Diagnostic Systems, Randox Laboratories, LITEON, URIT Medical Electronic, Scil Animal Care, BPC BioSed, AMS Alliance, Carolina Liquid Chemistries, Crony Instruments, iCubio

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The global Bench-top Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzers market has been segmented on the basis of technology, product type, application, distribution channel, end-user, and industry vertical, along with the geography, delivering valuable insights.

The Type Coverage in the Market are:

AutomaticSemi-automatic

Market Segment by Applications, covers:

Veterinary HospitalsVeterinary Clinics

Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversNorth AmericaEuropeChinaRest of Asia PacificCentral & South AmericaMiddle East & Africa

Major factors covered in the report:

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The analysis objectives of the report are:

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Biochemistry

Biochemistry and Biophysics Faculty at The University of Chicago | – Nature.com

September 13, 2020 medical

Biochemistry and Biophysics Faculty at The University of Chicago

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Chicago invites applications for a faculty position, preferably at the assistant professor rank. We seek scientists studying macromolecular dynamics and structure,mechanisms ofmolecularfunction and related areas. Appropriate topics include proteins, nucleic acids and their assemblies; membrane proteins; cellular processes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes (for example, proteostasis, condensates and immunology); biomolecular design; chemical biology, and computational analysis, among others. Resources include cryoEM and cryoET capabilities(Titan Krios/K3). The University is affiliated with Argonne National Laboratory and the Marine Biological Laboratory.Rank and tenure status will be commensurate with qualifications.

Prior to the start of employment, qualified applicants must have a doctoral degree or equivalent. To be considered, those interested must apply through the University of Chicagos Academic Recruitment job board, which uses Interfolio to accept applications: http://apply.interfolio.com/78680. This web page includes a different link for applying for a tenured position.Qualifications, required materials, and procedures for applying, which differ for the two postings, are described at these links. Review of applications will begin 15 Oct 2020 (we encourage application as soon as possible thereafter) and end when the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.The Universitys Statements on Diversity are athttps://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the UniversitysNotice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-1032 or emailequalopportunity@uchicago.eduwith their request.

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Biochemistry and Biophysics Faculty at The University of Chicago | - Nature.com

Biochemistry

Impact Of Outbreak Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer Market 2020 Growth Factors | Strategic Analysis | Increasing…

September 13, 2020 medical

Global Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer Market 2020: Business Growth Rate, Manufacturing Analysis, Size, Share, Cost Structure, and Forecast to 2026

The Market Data Analytics published a recent report on the globalAutomatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer market, which was studied by the research analysts for months. The report includes information from trusted primary and secondary resources along with detailed examination from the research analysts. Based on the analysis, research analysts have concluded that the global demand for the global Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer market was USD XX Million in 2019 and is anticipated to reach USD XX Million by the end of 2026. The expected CAGR for the market is around XX%.

Ask for a Sample Copy of the Report (Use Corporate email ID to Get Higher Priority):https://www.marketdataanalytics.biz/global-automatic-veterinary-biochemistry-analyzer-market-industry-trends-and-22525.html#request-sample

Final Report will add the analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on this Industry.

The other factors that the report delivers is the revenue estimations, sales volume, industry size, and other important aspects, which includes market segmentation, growth factors, restraints, opportunities, challenges, and the market players.

The global Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer market incorporates information such as the basic overview of the industry, which includes definition, segmentation, and the industry structure. The global Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer market is segmented on the basis of{Bench-Top Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer, Portable Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer}; {Pet Hospital, Veterinary Station}. Along with this the product types and the applications of the Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer market are also discussed. Other data that is provided includes developmental trends, regional analysis of the Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer market, and the technological advancements. The developmental policies that have been updated are all discussed in the report.

Browse Full Report with More Professional and Technical Insights Including COVID-19 Impact@https://www.marketdataanalytics.biz/global-automatic-veterinary-biochemistry-analyzer-market-industry-trends-and-22525.html

Some of the top most key players that are enlisted in the report areBiochemical Systems International, BPC BioSed, Carolina Liquid Chemistries, Abaxis Europe, AMS Alliance, Randox Laboratories, Rayto Life and Analytical Sciences, Scil Animal Care, Crony Instruments, DiaSys Diagnostic Systems, Eurolyser Diagnostica, Gesan Production, Heska, Idexx Laboratories, LITEON IT Corporation, Shenzhen Icubio Biomedical Technology, URIT Medical Electronic. The details that are represented in the report includes the cost structures, manufacturing process methodology, import and export consumption, supply and demand patterns, gross margins, recent developments made in the business, revenue analysis, and gross margins.

The report offers a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics across key regions, namely North America (United States, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Australia), Latin America (Brazil, Argentina), and the Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and South Africa).

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Key Questions Answered In The Report:

What is the growth potential of the global Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer market? Which regional market will emerge as a frontrunner during the forecast period 2020-2026? Which application segment will grow at a robust rate? What are the growth opportunities that may emerge in the industry in the years to come? What are the key challenges that the global market may face in the future? Which are the main companies in the global Automatic Veterinary Biochemistry Analyzer market? Which are the growth strategies considered by the players to sustain hold in the global market?

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Physiology

Honey Bee Nutrition Might Be Key To Healthy Colonies – Texas A&M Today – Texas A&M University Today

September 13, 2020 medical

To prevent future managed colony losses, the team will look for ways to strengthen bee colony immunity by feeding them more nutritious diets.

Getty Images

A newly fundedTexas A&M AgriLife Researchproject seeks to slow population losses among more than 2.6 million managed honey bee colonies in the U.S.

Honey bees provide pollination services that uphold $16 billion in U.S. agricultural crops. However, managed colonies have seen annual declines. Those include a 40% decline as recently as 2018-2019, said Juliana Rangel, AgriLife Research honey bee scientist in the Department of Entomology, Bryan-College Station.

The declines are attributed to several general issues, including poor nutrition and susceptibility to pathogens and diseases, said Pierre Lau, AgriLife Research graduate assistant and a Texas A&M Universitydoctoral candidate in Rangels laboratory.

Lau is also the project leader. To prevent future managed colony losses, his team will look for ways to strengthen bee colony immunity to disease pathogens by feeding them more nutritious diets.

The project is supported by aU.S. Department of Agriculture pre-doctoral fellowshiptitled Optimizing Macronutrient Contents in the Honeybee Diet as a Mechanism for Pathogen Defense.

The research team includes Lau, Texas A&M graduate student Alexandria Payne, undergraduate students Cora Garcia and Jordan Gomez, and Rangel. Spencer Behmer, AgriLife Research professor in the Texas A&M department of entomology, is also part of the team, as is his postdoctoral research associate Pierre Lesne.

Cups with different macronutrient mixes are presented to bees in these small cups.

Texas A&M AgriLif

Researchers will focus heavily on macronutrients, which are those nutrients in the highest demand by a healthy body for proper metabolism and physiology, Lau said.

His teams work will be to first understand the varying amounts of proteins and lipids, or macronutrient ratios, present in bees diets. They will work to optimize an ideal diet with varying ratios of macronutrients, then they will observe physiological benefits to bees that receive increasingly nutritious dietary mixes.

Commercial honey bee colonies succumb especially to Nosema ceranae and deformed wing virus. Nosema ceranae, a fungal pathogen, causes a fatal intestinal disease, while deformed wing virus causes death due to developmental complications in heavily infected adults, particularly due to crumpled wings.

Besides pathogens and diseases, Lau said, honey bee declines within agroecosystems which describe most agricultural crop scenarios can also come from parasitization, poor queen health, pesticide exposure and landscape fragmentation.

As such, in addition to immunity, the researchers will investigate how nutritional changes affect expression of genes that mediate proper honey bee development and growth.

We know that pollen is the most important source of nourishment for bees, but as a field of research, we have a poor understanding of all the macronutrients that make up pollen, Lau said.

At the same time, Lau and collaborators, in an unpublished study, were able to determine the nutritional content of certain pollens. In the same study, they noted that honey bees preferred pollen with a lower ratio of protein to lipids, or P:L ratio, than what would be currently available in the beekeeping industry. Moreover, Lau said, existing research shows that organisms naturally seek out pathogen-fighting nutrients in their surroundings.

Does this mean that honey bees can alter their macronutrient intake to self-medicate and increase their tolerance to a pathogen, given the availability? Lau said. It could also be that the role of lipids is more significant than we understand.

Additionally, Rangel said, honey bees need certain plants in the vicinity to help them with physiological processes. Those include metabolizing certain macro and micronutrients.

We know that honey bees need variety in their diet, Rangel said. But, to what extent are certain nutrients required, or even sought after, by the bees for proper nourishment?

Can we introduce supplemental macronutrients that allow honey bees to self-medicate in the presence of pathogen infections? Lau added. This will be our focus for the next two years.

Read more about theTexas A&M Honey Bee Research Program , and follow Rangels lab onFacebook.

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Honey Bee Nutrition Might Be Key To Healthy Colonies - Texas A&M Today - Texas A&M University Today

Physiology

HRI sheds further light on relationship between diet and cardiometabolic disease – Mirage News

September 13, 2020 medical

Recent HRI research has validated the metabolic pathways that link dietary components with the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

A study led by the Heart Research Institutes Dr Yen Chin Koay in collaboration with research colleagues Dr Jibran Wali and Professor Stephen Simpson from Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney focuses on dimethylguanidino valeric acid (DMGV), a marker of fatty liver disease, incident coronary artery disease, cardiovascular mortality, and incident diabetes.

The research, published in The American Journal of Physiology, investigates the relationship between dietary macronutrients and circulating levels of DMGV and other related metabolites with insulin resistance.

Our research provides insight into recent observations of dietary control of this promising new marker of cardiometabolic disease and novel disease pathway, says Dr Koay, postdoctoral researcher in HRIs Cardiometabolic Disease Group led by Assoc Prof John OSullivan.

Identifying the modifiable metabolic pathways linking the dietary components of cardiometabolic disease could help to reduce disease risk and lead to new avenues for prevention.

The research measured the plasma concentrations of DMGV and its related metabolites and analysed the dietary data to validate the dietary associations in various cohorts. The results found that DMGV concentrations were significantly upregulated in people with liver or skeletal muscle insulin resistance and that DMGV levels were upregulated in lab models on a very high sucrose diet.

These results provide a comprehensive picture of the dietary determinants of DMGV levels and its association with insulin resistance, says Dr Koay.

The study also extends the clinical value of DMGV as a predictor of exercise responsiveness to global metabolic health, including ectopic lipid deposition and insulin resistance in muscle and liver.

In the next phase of research, the teams goal is to understand the mechanisms that link plasma levels of DMGV, lifestyle, and dietary interventions.

With this knowledge, we could facilitate development of strategies personalised to the individual to help prevent prediabetes in those at increased risk, states Dr Koay.

This research received an APSselect award for distinction in scholarship by The American Physiological Society.

Continued here:
HRI sheds further light on relationship between diet and cardiometabolic disease - Mirage News

Physiology

Adam delivers strong half debut; Callum on strength and conditioning – scottishathletics.org.uk

September 13, 2020 medical

Saturday 12th September 2020

Adam Craig takes gold at Falkirk in February 2019 at the Lindsays National Xc (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Antrim Results

Adam Craig came up with a very solid half marathon debut as he clocked 63:24 at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon on Saturday morning.

The Inverclyde AC athlete finished in eighth place as Sir Mo Farah headed Marc Scott to win in 60.27.

Craig, who won the Lindsays National XC in 2019, is not far adrift of the top ten in the Scottish all-time rankings with that performance after many months of lockdown.

Inverness Harrier Sean Chalmers was the second best Scot in the Mens race in 13th place in 65:16 and he was closely followed in by James Donald with the Dundee Hawkhill Harrier at 65:27.

Kenny Wilson of Moray Road Runners recorded 67:04 and finished one place below Central AC Irish athlete, Conan McCaughey, who was home in 66:38.

Fiona Brian of Metro Aberdeen delivered the best Scottish performance in the Womens race won by Lily Partridge.

Fiona was placed sixth with a time of 75:33 and her club-mate, Ginie Barrand was 10th with 77:42. Avril Mason of Shettleston was 12th with 78:12 and Claire Bruce of Metro Aberdeen was at 82:19.

+++

Photo by Bobby Gavin

sportscotland interview with Callum

World class athlete Callum Hawkins broke the Scottish record at the London Marathon in April 2019.

He then finished fourth at the IAAF World Championships in Doha to earn pre-selection for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, now due to take place in 2021.

And Callum has been speaking to sportscotland about the importance of strength and conditioning work as he targets even more consistency in his performances.

He credits the support received from thesportscotland institute of sport (SIS), working in collaboration with physical preparation coach Barry Jones as well as the performance physiology and physiotherapy teams, to help him deliver fast times.

Callum, a lifetime member of Kilbarchan AAC, said: Before, I probably dipped in and out of strength and conditioning, but Barry made me fully buy into it and it seems to have worked. I now train twice a week where possible while also getting a lot of massage and physiotherapy.

Going to Doha with the heat it was good to work with SIS physiologist Cian McGinley and Andy Shaw from British Athletics to work out plans and see what I could do in the heat and how I could handle it.

+++

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Adam delivers strong half debut; Callum on strength and conditioning - scottishathletics.org.uk

Physiology

6 things to know about how wildfire smoke impacts your health – KCRA Sacramento

September 13, 2020 medical

As Northern California sits under a thick blanket of wildfire smoke for days, many people are left wondering what the air quality means for their health.It is really bad, said Dr. Vanessa Walker. As a pulmonary physician with Sutter Health and Pulmonary Medicine Associates, Walker has treated COVID-19 patients throughout the pandemic. Recently, she has seen an uptick in smoke-related hospital visits. To provide context, she said an AQI greater than 100 is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Right now, the AQI is well over 200. So this is unhealthy for everybody no matter who you are. And unfortunately, it just seems to be getting worse especially as these wildfires are raging out of control, she said. Here are six things to know about how smoke impacts your health according to Dr. Walker:1. What are the negative impacts?Walker: If you have no lung disease, youre probably just going to notice things like eye irritation, throat irritation, scratchy nose, watery eyes. But if you have any kind of underlying lung disease, COPD, emphysema, asthma, you can cause a serious reaction like an asthma exacerbation or a COPD exacerbation where you have tightening of your airways, significant coughing, shortness of breath and sometimes even life-threatening airway edema.2. Who are the most vulnerable people?Walker: The most vulnerable groups are going to be young children, pregnant people as well as people with any kind chronic lung condition or heart condition, and the elderly, mostly because people that are older tend to have those underlying conditions. 3. Is it OK to workout outside (even for just a short amount of time)?Walker: That is dangerous. You dont know if youre going to be somebody whos out there for 20 minutes and ends up having an asthma exacerbation or a sudden airway problem.4. What could wildfire smoke mean for contracting COVID-19?Walker: COVID is setting up an inflammatory bomb in your body. And having underlying inflammation from being exposed to wildfire smoke could actually make it harder for your body to fight because of all the inflammation thats already there. This is all conjecture because we dont know. This is all early in COVID. This is all new to us. But just understanding basic physiology, it makes perfect sense that if youre already having inflammation, that COVID could come and significantly make it worse.5. Which masks should you wear to prevent COVID versus wildfire smoke?For COVID only: Cloth or surgical masksWalker: If youre going to be indoors, youre going to be around people, youre going to be going to the grocery store, I think wearing a cloth mask is perfectly fine or a regular surgical mask. Completely adequate.For COVID & wildfire smoke: K95 & N95 masksWalker: A K95, you can get these online. A lot of people are able to get them. These are good for trying to remove particles. The only problem is they dont get as good of a seal on your face, so theyre not quite as good as a regular N95 would be. But its still a viable option if youre going to be outside.N95 great for actually both COVID and wildfire smoke.For wildfire smoke only: N95 masks with a valveWalker: If youre going to be outdoors by yourself, youre not going to be around other people, youre just going to be maybe doing some yard work, this is the time to wear an N95 with a valve. Itll make it easier for you to breathe. Itll make it so that the air that youre breathing out can exhale beautifully. Just make sure that youre not around other people because that way youre not exposing them to COVID in the event that you do have it.6. How helpful are neck bandanas for COVID and smoke protection?Walker: Unfortunately, the neck bandanas are not terribly helpful. The material theyre made of is very stretchy and thin and so that material makes it very easy for particles to go through. One of the best ways to tell if your mask is too thin is to hold it up and blow out a candle. If you can blow out the candle, youre not protecting people from your droplets.

As Northern California sits under a thick blanket of wildfire smoke for days, many people are left wondering what the air quality means for their health.

It is really bad, said Dr. Vanessa Walker.

As a pulmonary physician with Sutter Health and Pulmonary Medicine Associates, Walker has treated COVID-19 patients throughout the pandemic.

Recently, she has seen an uptick in smoke-related hospital visits. To provide context, she said an AQI greater than 100 is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Right now, the AQI is well over 200.

So this is unhealthy for everybody no matter who you are. And unfortunately, it just seems to be getting worse especially as these wildfires are raging out of control, she said.

Here are six things to know about how smoke impacts your health according to Dr. Walker:

1. What are the negative impacts?

Walker: If you have no lung disease, youre probably just going to notice things like eye irritation, throat irritation, scratchy nose, watery eyes. But if you have any kind of underlying lung disease, COPD, emphysema, asthma, you can cause a serious reaction like an asthma exacerbation or a COPD exacerbation where you have tightening of your airways, significant coughing, shortness of breath and sometimes even life-threatening airway edema.

2. Who are the most vulnerable people?

Walker: The most vulnerable groups are going to be young children, pregnant people as well as people with any kind chronic lung condition or heart condition, and the elderly, mostly because people that are older tend to have those underlying conditions.

3. Is it OK to workout outside (even for just a short amount of time)?

Walker: That is dangerous. You dont know if youre going to be somebody whos out there for 20 minutes and ends up having an asthma exacerbation or a sudden airway problem.

4. What could wildfire smoke mean for contracting COVID-19?

Walker: COVID is setting up an inflammatory bomb in your body. And having underlying inflammation from being exposed to wildfire smoke could actually make it harder for your body to fight because of all the inflammation thats already there.

This is all conjecture because we dont know. This is all early in COVID. This is all new to us. But just understanding basic physiology, it makes perfect sense that if youre already having inflammation, that COVID could come and significantly make it worse.

5. Which masks should you wear to prevent COVID versus wildfire smoke?

For COVID only: Cloth or surgical masks

Walker: If youre going to be indoors, youre going to be around people, youre going to be going to the grocery store, I think wearing a cloth mask is perfectly fine or a regular surgical mask. Completely adequate.

For COVID & wildfire smoke: K95 & N95 masks

Walker: A K95, you can get these online. A lot of people are able to get them. These are good for trying to remove particles. The only problem is they dont get as good of a seal on your face, so theyre not quite as good as a regular N95 would be. But its still a viable option if youre going to be outside.

N95 [masks are] great for actually both COVID and wildfire smoke.

For wildfire smoke only: N95 masks with a valve

Walker: If youre going to be outdoors by yourself, youre not going to be around other people, youre just going to be maybe doing some yard work, this is the time to wear an N95 with a valve. Itll make it easier for you to breathe. Itll make it so that the air that youre breathing out can exhale beautifully. Just make sure that youre not around other people because that way youre not exposing them to COVID in the event that you do have it.

6. How helpful are neck bandanas for COVID and smoke protection?

Walker: Unfortunately, the neck bandanas are not terribly helpful. The material theyre made of is very stretchy and thin and so that material makes it very easy for particles to go through. One of the best ways to tell if your mask is too thin is to hold it up and blow out a candle. If you can blow out the candle, youre not protecting people from your droplets.

Read the rest here:
6 things to know about how wildfire smoke impacts your health - KCRA Sacramento

Neuroscience

Jonathan A. Forbes, MD, a Neurosurgeon with the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute – The Magazine Plus

September 13, 2020 medical

Get to know Neurosurgeon Dr. Jonathan A. Forbes, who serves patients in Cincinnati, Ohio.

(The Magazine Plus Editorial):- New York City, Sep 11, 2020 (Issuewire.com)Dr. Forbes is a fellowship-trained, board-certified neurosurgeon with expertise and interest in open and minimally-invasive approaches for the treatment of pathology of the cranial base. He treats additional complex neurosurgical pathology of the brain and/or spine at the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute in Ohio.

There, more than 125 physicians provide treatment to patients and families facing complex neurologic and psychiatric disorders, lead research, and teach the next generation of neuroscience innovators. The experts hold leadership roles in national organizations, developing nationwide standards of care and championing neuroscience research.