Carbon Monoxide Research Articles

Spatial Autocorrelation Analysis of CO and NO2 Related to Forest Fire Dynamics

The increasing frequency and severity of forest fires globally highlight the critical need to understand their environmental impacts. This study applies spatial autocorrelation techniques to analyze the dispersion patterns of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions during the 2021 Manavgat forest fires in Türkiye, using Sentinel-5P satellite data. Univariate (UV) Global Moran’s I values indicated strong spatial autocorrelation for CO (0.84–0.93) and NO2 (0.90–0.94), while Bivariate (BV) Global Moran’s I (0.69–0.84) demonstrated significant spatial correlations between the two gases. UV Local Moran’s I analysis identified distinct UV High-High (UV-HH) and UV Low-Low (UV-LL) clusters, with CO concentrations exceeding 0.10000 mol/m2 and exhibiting wide dispersion, while NO2 concentrations, above 0.00020 mol/m2, remained localized near intense fire zones due to its shorter atmospheric lifetime. BV Local Moran’s I analysis revealed overlapping BV-HH (high CO, high NO2) and BV-LL (low CO, low NO2) clusters, influenced by topography and meteorological factors. These findings enhance the understanding of gas emission dynamics during forest fires and provide critical insights into the influence of environmental and combustion processes on pollutant dispersion.

Novel mechanistic insights of the potential role of gasotransmitters and autophagy in the protective effect of metformin against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

Metformin exerts antidiabetic and pleiotropic effects. This study investigated the function and mechanisms of gasotransmitters and autophagy in the metformin-induced protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI). According to measurements of serum hepatic function indicators and histopathological evaluation, metformin protected against hepatic I/RI-induced impairment of liver function and structure. In addition, metformin inhibited hepatic I/RI-induced hepatic oxidative stress, nitrosative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Also, it suppressed hepatic I/RI-induced decrease in hepatic heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels and increase in nitric oxide (NO) production. Furthermore, metformin inhibited hepatic I/RI-induced decrease in protein expressions of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), HO-1, cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), and Beclin-1 and increase in the protein expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in the liver tissue. Co-administration of the NO biosynthesis inhibitor, L-NAME, carbon monoxide(CO)-releasing molecule-A1 (CORM-A1), the H2S donor, NaHS, or the autophagy stimulator, rapamycin (RAPA), enhanced all effects of metformin. The NO donor, L-arginine, the CO biosynthesis inhibitor, zinc protoporphyrin, the H2S biosynthesis inhibitor, DL-propargylglycine, or the autophagy inhibitor, chloroquine (CQ), antagonized the effects of metformin. These findings reveal, for the first time, that increasing CO, H2S, and autophagy levels with subsequent decreasing NO level play a critical role in metformin's protective action against hepatic I/RI. The ability of L-NAME, CORM-A1, NaHS, and RAPA to boost metformin's protective effect in hepatic I/RI may positively be attributed to their ability to lower hepatic oxidative stress, nitrosative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

The Heme Oxygenase/Biliverdin Reductase System and Its Genetic Variants in Physiology and Diseases

Heme oxygenase (HO) metabolizes heme into ferrous iron, carbon monoxide (CO), and biliverdin-IXα (BV), the latter being reduced into bilirubin-IXα (BR) by the biliverdin reductase-A (BVR). Heme oxygenase exists as two isoforms, HO-1, inducible and involved in the cell stress response, and HO-2, constitutive and committed to the physiologic turnover of heme and in the intracellular oxygen sensing. Many studies have identified genetic variants of the HO/BVR system and suggested their connection in free radical-induced diseases. The most common genetic variants include (GT)n dinucleotide length polymorphisms and single nucleotide polymorphisms. Gain-of-function mutations in the HO-1 and HO-2 genes foster the ventilator response to hypoxia and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and age-related macular degeneration but increase the risk of neonatal jaundice, sickle cell disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Conversely, loss-of-function mutations in the HO-1 gene increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and some types of cancers. Regarding BVR, the reported loss-of-function mutations increase the risk of green jaundice. Unfortunately, the physiological role of the HO/BVR system does not allow for the hypothesis gene silencing/induction strategies, but knowledge of these mutations can certainly facilitate a medical approach that enables early diagnoses and tailored treatments.

Forecasting the Incidence of Mumps Based on the Baidu Index and Environmental Data in Yunnan, China: Deep Learning Model Study.

Mumps is a viral respiratory disease characterized by facial swelling and transmitted through respiratory secretions. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, mumps outbreaks have reemerged globally, including in China, where it remains a significant public health issue. In Yunnan province, China, the incidence of mumps has fluctuated markedly and is higher than that in mainland China, underscoring the need for improved outbreak prediction methods. Traditional surveillance methods, however, may not be sufficient for timely and accurate outbreak prediction. Our study aims to leverage the Baidu search index, representing search volumes from China's most popular search engine, along with environmental data to develop a predictive model for mumps incidence in Yunnan province. We analyzed mumps incidence in Yunnan Province from 2014 to 2023, and used time series data, including mumps incidence, Baidu search index, and environmental factors, from 2016 to 2023, to develop predictive models based on long short-term memory networks. Feature selection was conducted using Pearson correlation analysis, and lag correlations were explored through a distributed nonlinear lag model (DNLM). We constructed four models with different combinations of predictors: (1) model BE, combining the Baidu index and environmental factors data; (2) model IB, combining mumps incidence and Baidu index data; (3) model IE, combining mumps incidence and environmental factors; and (4) model IBE, integrating all 3 data sources. The incidence of mumps in Yunnan showed significant variability, peaking at 37.5 per 100,000 population in 2019. From 2014 to 2023, the proportion of female patients ranged from 41.3% in 2015 to 45.7% in 2020, consistently lower than that of male patients. After excluding variables with a Pearson correlation coefficient of <0.10 or P values of <.05, we included 3 Baidu index search term groups (disease name, symptoms, and treatment) and 6 environmental factors (maximum temperature, minimum temperature, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 µm or less, and particulate matter with a diameter of 10 µm or less) for model development. DNLM analysis revealed that the relative risks consistently increased with rising Baidu index values, while nonlinear associations between temperature and mumps incidence were observed. Among the 4 models, model IBE exhibited the best performance, achieving the coefficient of determination of 0.72, with mean absolute error, mean absolute percentage error, and root-mean-square error values of 0.33, 15.9%, and 0.43, respectively, in the test set. Our study developed model IBE to predict the incidence of mumps in Yunnan province, offering a potential tool for early detection of mumps outbreaks. The performance of model IBE underscores the potential of integrating search engine data and environmental factors to enhance mumps incidence forecasting. This approach offers a promising tool for improving public health surveillance and enabling rapid responses to mumps outbreaks.

A mediation analysis of meteorological factors on the association between ambient carbon monoxide and tuberculosis outpatients visits

BackgroundAmbient carbon monoxide (CO) exposure has been identified as an emerging environmental risk factor contributing to the progression of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). However, the epidemiological evidence remains inconsistent. This study aims to investigate the short-term association between low-level CO exposure and PTB outpatient visits in a developing region.MethodsWe conducted a time-series study utilizing a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) combined with mediating effect analysis, based on daily CO and PTB cases from 2011 to 2020 in Ningbo, China.ResultsAmong all patients with PTB, a 0.1 mg/m3 increase in CO concentration was associated with an increased risk of PTB outpatient visits in the single-pollutant model, particularly at lag days 2–6. The maximum relative risk (RR) was 1.091 (95%CI, 1.020–1.168, lag 0–2 days). Similarly, the maximum cumulative lag effect of CO exposure was 1.781 (RR = 1.781, 95%CI: 1.157–2.742, lag 0–15 days). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant effect of CO exposure in males (RR = 1.090, 95%CI: 1.009–1.777, lag 0–3 days), females (RR = 1.101, 95%CI: 1.014–1.195, lag 0–3 days), younger individuals (RR = 1.097, 95%CI: 1.022–1.178, lag 0–2 days), and during the warm season (RR = 1.012, 95%CI: 1.002–1.022, lag 0–4 days). Mediation analysis indicated that temperature had an indirect mediating effect on association between CO and PTB (−0.0065, 95%CI: −0.0130 to −0.0004), while air pressure, visibility, and humidity showed no significant mediating effects.ConclusionOur findings indicate that ambient CO exposure, even at low levels, has a short-term impact on PTB in developing regions. Temperature plays a partial mediating role in this relationship. Consequently, it is critical to enhance environmental monitoring and early warning systems to effectively address the prevalence of PTB and the delays in health-seeking behavior.

Diagnosis of carbon monoxide exposure in clinical research and practice: A scoping review.

To undertake a scoping review to identify methods and diagnostic levels used in determining unintentional, non-fire related carbon monoxide exposure. Online databases and grey literature were searched from 1946 to 2023 identifying 80 papers where carbon monoxide levels were reported. 80 papers were included; 71 research studies and 9 clinical guidelines. Four methods were described: blood carboxyhaemoglobin (arterial or venous blood analysis), carbon monoxide oximetry (SpO2), expired carbon monoxide, and ambient carbon monoxide sampling. Blood analysis methods predominated (60.0% of the papers). Multiple methods of measurement were used in 26 (32.5%) of the papers. Diagnostic levels for carboxyhaemoglobin were described in 54 (67.5%) papers, ranging between 2% and 15%. 26 (32.5%) papers reported diagnostic levels that were adjusted for the smoking status of the patient. Four methods were found for use in different settings. Variability in diagnostic thresholds impairs diagnostic accuracy. Agreement on standardised diagnostic levels is required to enable consistent diagnosis of unintentional, non-fire related carbon monoxide exposure.

Electrolyte Design Using "Porous Water” for High‐purity Carbon Monoxide Electrosynthesis from Dilute Carbon Dioxide

Electrosynthesis of high‐purity carbon monoxide (CO) from captured carbon dioxide (CO₂) remains energy‐intensive due to the unavoidable CO₂ regeneration and post‐purification stages. Here, we propose a direct high‐purity CO electrosynthesis strategy employing an innovative electrolyte, termed porous electrolyte (PE), based on "porous water". Zeolite nanocrystals within PE provide permanent pores in the liquid phase, enabling physical CO₂ adsorption through an intraparticle diffusion model, as demonstrated by molecular dynamics simulations and in‐situ spectral analysis. Captured CO₂ spontaneously desorbs under applied reductive potential, driven by the interfacial CO₂ concentration gradient, and is subsequently reduced electrochemically. The high CO₂ concentration in PE enhances mass transfer, and surface ion exchange between Si–OH groups and K⁺ ions on the zeolite surface generates a stronger interfacial electric field, promoting electron transfer steps. This optimized kinetics for mass and electron transfer confers heightened intrinsic activity toward CO₂ electroreduction. The PE‐based electrolysis system demonstrated superior CO Faradaic efficiency and partial current density compared to the conventional CO₂‐fed system. A circular system using PE and a Ni‐N/C cathode realized continuous production of high‐purity CO (97.0 wt%) from dilute CO2 (15%) and maintained &gt; 90.0 wt% under 150 mA cm‐2, with significantly reduced energy consumption and costs.

Electrolyte Design Using "Porous Water" for High-purity Carbon Monoxide Electrosynthesis from Dilute Carbon Dioxide.

Electrosynthesis of high-purity carbon monoxide (CO) from captured carbon dioxide (CO₂) remains energy-intensive due to the unavoidable CO₂ regeneration and post-purification stages. Here, we propose a direct high-purity CO electrosynthesis strategy employing an innovative electrolyte, termed porous electrolyte (PE), based on "porous water". Zeolite nanocrystals within PE provide permanent pores in the liquid phase, enabling physical CO₂ adsorption through an intraparticle diffusion model, as demonstrated by molecular dynamics simulations and in-situ spectral analysis. Captured CO₂ spontaneously desorbs under applied reductive potential, driven by the interfacial CO₂ concentration gradient, and is subsequently reduced electrochemically. The high CO₂ concentration in PE enhances mass transfer, and surface ion exchange between Si-OH groups and K⁺ ions on the zeolite surface generates a stronger interfacial electric field, promoting electron transfer steps. This optimized kinetics for mass and electron transfer confers heightened intrinsic activity toward CO₂ electroreduction. The PE-based electrolysis system demonstrated superior CO Faradaic efficiency and partial current density compared to the conventional CO₂-fed system. A circular system using PE and a Ni-N/C cathode realized continuous production of high-purity CO (97.0 wt%) from dilute CO2 (15%) and maintained > 90.0 wt% under 150 mA cm-2, with significantly reduced energy consumption and costs.

Mannitol‐based CO Surrogate for Palladium‐Catalyzed Alkoxycarbonylation

Carbonylative transformation is already been accepted as a powerful toolbox in synthetic chemistry. However, the manipulation of toxic and smell‐less carbon monoxide gas lagged it from wide range applications. Hence the developing of new and efficient CO surrogates become an attractive topic. Herein, we developed a novel mannitol‐based carbon monoxide surrogate with an enhanced carbon monoxide loading capacity compared to known organic carbon monoxide surrogates. We successfully used it in the palladium‐catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of aryl bromides with phenols only 0.5 equivalent of it required. This newly designed carbon monoxide surrogate offers additional possibility for further development in CO chemistry.

The Early Post-outburst Infrared Spectrum of the Stellar Merger V1309 Scorpii (Nova Scorpii 2008)

Abstract In this paper we present a 0.8–2.4 μm spectrum of the stellar merger V1309 Scorpii (Nova Scorpii 2008). The spectrum was acquired within three days of discovery and a day before maximum light and has the appearance of a F supergiant. It is dominated by H i line absorptions and closely mimicks that of a classical novae with a massive ejected shell shortly after outburst. The spectrum also displays Fe ii features—all in emission—and absorption lines due to C i, S i and Ca ii. Weak molecular absorption from carbon monoxide may also be present.

CO2 and O2 Separation Dual-Phase Membranes for Diesel Heavy-Duty Vehicles Applications

Diesel-engine Heavy-Duty Vehicle (HDV) exhaust gas mixture contains pollutants including unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. A catalyst-based emission control system is commonly used to eliminate the above pollutants. However, the excess of oxygen that exists in the exhaust gasses of diesel engines hinders the efficient and selective reduction of nitrogen oxides over conventional catalytic converters. The AdBlue® solution, which is currently used to eliminate nitrogen oxides, is based on ammonia. The latter is toxic in high concentrations. The aim of this work is to develop an Oxygen Reduction System (ORS) to remove oxygen from the exhaust gas of diesel engines, allowing the successful catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides on a reduction catalyst without the need for ammonia. The ORS device consists of dense composite dual-phase membranes that allow the permeation of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Even though the oxygen concentration gradient across the membranes favors oxygen spontaneous diffusion from the atmosphere to the exhaust gas, the carbonate ion-based technology proposed herein utilizes the big difference in the concentration of carbon dioxide across the membrane to remove oxygen without any power consumption requirement. The results of this study are promising for the application of O2 reduction in diesel HDVs.

Experimental and computational fluid dynamics analysis on the influence of fuel injection pressure on engine's behavior of a gasohol based gasoline direct injection engine

AbstractThis work examines the impact of fuel injection pressure (FIP) on engine's behavior of a multi cylinder gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine using gasohol (85% gasoline+15% ethanol by mass) as fuel. The FIP was varied from 90r to 120 bar at 10 bar intervals with the fuel injection timing 320° before top dead center (BTDC). experiments were performed at variable power at a constant speed of 2500 rpm. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were carried out for the above said conditions to understand engine's behavior. Considering the conventional FIP (i.e.90 bar), increasing the FIP showed improvement in engine's brake thermal efficiency (BTE) up to110 bar. The maximum BTE was observed as 33.5% at the engine power output of 21 kW (where as it was 27.2% with the FIP of 90 bar). CFD results confirmed the improvement in the air‐fuel mixing rate and swirl motion due to the increased FIP. The hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emission were reduced with increased FIPs. CFD results on the HC and CO emissions indicated well agreement with the experiments. With the higher injection pressures, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions showed an increase at all loads. The in cylinder pressure was observed to be higher with higher FIPs. It is concluded that increasing the FIP might improve performance and lower HC and CO emissions of a Gasohol based fuel in GDI engine. The optimized FIP of 110 bar could be recommended for the aforementioned engine's greatest performance without any modifications in the engine design while injecting the fuel at 320° BTDC. Increase in NOx emissions at higher injection pressure needs attention. The present study restricted the amount of ethanol as 15% by mass. Higher proportions of ethanol admissions require major modifications in the engine design.

Trace Element Geochemistry and Stable Isotopic (δ13C and δ15N) Characterisation of Nevşehir Coals, Türkiye

The Nevşehir coals are located in the Central Anatolian Crystalline Complex (CACC), Türkiye, and no reports exist on trace element, nitrogen, and carbon isotope composition data of the Nevşehir coals. The present study aims to geochemically characterise the Nevşehir coals to determine their trace elemental enrichment patterns and possible sources. Nevşehir coals are found within Late Miocene Kızılöz Formation (Arafa Member) rocks. These coals are part of the huminite maceral group; the dominant maceral group is ulminites. The minerals in coals are inorganic, such as oxidised framboidal pyrite, iron oxide minerals, quartz, clay, and carbonate minerals. Coals have great potential regarding trace elements. Benefits might arise from mining and using some of the critical elements derived from coal. Compared with the world coal average, the coal samples in this study are enriched in As (149.25 μg/g), V (245 μg/g), Cr (159 μg/g), Ga (18 μg/g), Ni (216 μg/g), Th (17 μg/g), Zn (143 μg/g), and U (54 μg/g). The arsenic content in this study is associated with inorganic components such as oxidised framboidal pyrite. Vanadium in coal is mainly associated with aluminosilicates and organic matter. Chromium originates from the clay minerals within coals. Uranium in coal is mainly associated with organic matter. Nickel and zinc in coal are predominantly associated with sulphides. The δ15N contents of the samples are comparable to those of several references, including plants, terrestrial creatures, and organic nitrogen. The δ13C–δ15N isotopic range and average values for four coal samples ranged from −25.66‰ to −25.91‰ (−25.80‰) and 3.6‰ to 4.3‰ (3.9‰), respectively, demonstrating that C3 type modern terrestrial vegetation was common in the palaeomires of the studied coal seams.

Adherence to a digital therapeutic mediates the relationship between momentary self-regulation and health risk behaviors

IntroductionSmoking, obesity, and insufficient physical activity are modifiable health risk behaviors. Self-regulation is one fundamental behavior change mechanism often incorporated within digital therapeutics as it varies momentarily across time and contexts and may play a causal role in improving these health behaviors. However, the role of momentary self-regulation in achieving behavior change has been infrequently examined. Using a novel momentary self-regulation scale, this study examined how targeting self-regulation through a digital therapeutic impacts adherence to the therapeutic and two different health risk behavioral outcomes.MethodsThis prospective interventional study included momentary data for 28 days from 50 participants with obesity and binge eating disorder and 50 participants who smoked regularly. An evidence-based digital therapeutic, called Laddr™, provided self-regulation behavior change tools. Participants reported on their momentary self-regulation via ecological momentary assessments and health risk behaviors were measured as steps taken from a physical activity tracker and breathalyzed carbon monoxide. Medical regimen adherence was assessed as daily Laddr usage. Bayesian dynamic mediation models were used to examine moment-to-moment mediation effects between momentary self-regulation subscales, medical regimen adherence, and behavioral outcomes.ResultsIn the binge eating disorder sample, the perseverance [β1 = 0.17, 95% CI = (0.06, 0.45)] and emotion regulation [β1 = 0.12, 95% CI = (0.03, 0.27)] targets of momentary self-regulation positively predicted Laddr adherence on the following day, and higher Laddr adherence was subsequently a positive predictor of steps taken the same day for both perseverance [β2 = 0.335, 95% CI = (0.030, 0.717)] and emotion regulation [β2 = 0.389, 95% CI = (0.080, 0.738)]. In the smoking sample, the perseverance target of momentary self-regulation positively predicted Laddr adherence on the following day [β = 0.91, 95% CI = (0.60, 1.24)]. However, higher Laddr adherence was not a predictor of CO values on the same day [β2 = −0.09, 95% CI = (−0.24, 0.09)].ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that a digital therapeutic targeting self-regulation can modify the relationships between momentary self-regulation, medical regimen adherence, and behavioral health outcomes. Together, this work demonstrated the ability to digitally assess the transdiagnostic mediating effect of momentary self-regulation on medical regimen adherence and pro-health behavioral outcomes. Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT03774433).

The Role of Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Rheumatic Autoimmune Diseases

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a severe complication of certain connective tissue diseases (CTDs) such as systemic sclerosis (SSc), mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and it is associated with nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) changes and increased morbidity and mortality rates. Early diagnosis is crucial in order to prevent the progression of ILD, prevent respiratory failure and enhance the patient’s overall quality of life. The most common paraclinical investigations are high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and functional respiratory tests such as forced vital capacity (FVC) and the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO). The most frequent CTD associated with both ILD and NVC changes is systemic sclerosis. The “late” scleroderma pattern was the most common abnormality identified in NVC results in SSc patients. Other autoimmune diseases were also correlated with ILD and NVC changes, especially when the Raynaud phenomenon was present. Low capillary density was associated with the presence and severity of ILD and a reduction in FVC and DLCO. NVC can also differentiate the capillaroscopic changes in some particular types of ILD, such as the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern from the non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) pattern. Nevertheless, further extensive research is necessary in order to establish the diagnostic value of NVC in CTD-ILD in clinical practice.

Topological defects on the q-deformed superstatistics of modified shifted morse potential for carbon monoxide molecule

The application of topological defects to the study of different molecular potential models has been a focus of interest in recent times due to its significant role in shaping the behavior and interactions of molecular systems. In lieu of this, the asymptotic iteration method is employed to obtain the eigensolutions of the Schrödinger equation of the modified shifted Morse potential model with topological defect. Vibrational energies for carbon monoxide have been presented numerically for various topological defects and the results are compared with experimental data. With the help of the energy expression of modified shifted Morse potential, the q-deformed partition function and other superstatistical function expressions of modified shifted Morse potential for carbon monoxide within the modified Dirac delta distribution are obtained, using the Euler–MacLaurin’s formula. For various temperature values considered, the superstatistical plots show a high level of dependence on the topological defect parameter and deformation parameter. The superstatistical functions for a deformation parameter of zero correspond to the conventional thermodynamic functions. Our results also agree with the available results in the literature.

Contactless in vitro detection of carboxyhemoglobin using hyperspectral imaging (HSI).

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) allows for the contactless analysis of the composition of substances based on the reflected light and is already used in various areas of medicine. The carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) concentration in blood of suspected fire victims serves to prove vitality and the cause of death. However, this metric is usually determined by spectrophotometry in the laboratory. The present study provides the basis for the future development of methods for determining CO-Hb concentrations right at the scene of a corpse or at necropsy using mobile HSI. Human erythrocyte concentrate was mixed with gaseous carbon monoxide using an aerator to produce a series of samples, which were analyzed for their CO-Hb concentration (2.9; 9.7; 18; 27.9; 39.9; 51.9; 62.3; 73.4% CO-Hb) using established spectrophotometric blood gas analysis. These blood samples were stored in a cool place at 4°C, dripped onto a spot plate every 7 days over a period of 6 weeks, and photographed under standardized conditions (ambient lighting, distance and angle of the camera to the sample, camera settings) using the HSI camera SPECIM IQ. This device analyzes each image in the wavelength range from 400 to 1000 nm in 204 spectral bands. The data sets were used to train a lasso regression model, which provides predicted values for the CO-Hb concentration of the blood sample based on their hyperspectral properties. The results were then compared with the results of spectrophotometric measurements. The lasso regression model allowed the prediction of the CO-Hb concentration of the samples with a mean prediction error of 4.46 percentage points, independent of the sample age. Further investigations regarding pre-analytical influencing factors such as variable ambient light and tissue scattering effects, are planned to validate the robustness of the method and realize practical implementations.

Extracorporeal hyperoxygenation therapy (EHT) for CO poisoning: in vitro and in vivo feasibility of a full-scale batch system

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is one of the most common causes of injury and death from poisoning. The primary objective of therapy is to eliminate CO from the patient as quickly as possible to prevent acute and long-term effects. The ideal treatment is hyperbaric oxygen in a pressure chamber. However, pressure chambers are scarce, and therefore, the most common treatment is normobaric oxygen (NBO), which, however, has limited efficacy. Here, we present a full-scale batch system for extracorporeal hyperoxygenation therapy (EHT), which facilitates CO elimination extracorporeally by increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in the blood. The EHT was characterized in vitro, resulting in a minimum carboxyhemoglobin half-life of 3.26 ± 0.11 min. In large animal trials the EHT reduced the median carboxyhemoglobin half-life by 42% (29.77 min EHT vs. 70.8 min control (NBO)). However, the EHT also induced oscillations in hemodynamic pressures due to changes in the animals’ circulatory volume during operation. After optimization, the EHT could be a promising option for treating CO poisoning.

Associations of Fire Smoke and Other Pollutants With Incident Rheumatoid Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease.

The aim of this study was to determine whether pollutants such as fire smoke-related particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) are associated with incident rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and RA-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). This patient-control study used Veterans Affairs (VA) data from October 1, 2009, to December 31, 2018. We identified patients with incident RA and RA-ILD using validated algorithms, matching each patient to ≤10 controls on age, sex, and VA enrollment year. We obtained pollutants including fire smoke PM2.5, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone, overall PM2.5, PM10, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) at least one year before the index date. We fit conditional logistic regression models to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident RA and RA-ILD, adjusted for confounders. We identified 9,701 patients with incident RA (mean age 65 years, 86% male), including 531 patients with RA-ILD (mean age 69 years, 91% male), and 68,852 matched controls. Fire smoke PM2.5 was not associated with RA (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 0.92-1.23) but was associated with RA-ILD (aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.08-3.62, per 1 μg/m3). Increased levels of NOx were associated with RA (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06-1.27, highest vs lowest quartile). The highest quartiles of ozone (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.06-1.34) and PM10 (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.10-1.43) were associated with seronegative RA. Carbon monoxide, overall PM2.5, and SO2 were not, or negatively, associated with RA and RA-ILD. Increased fire smoke PM2.5 was associated with RA-ILD, whereas NOx, ozone, and PM10 were associated with RA risk. Thus, air pollution may increase the risk of RA and RA-ILD.

Impact of monthly air pollution and weather conditions on cardiorespiratory mortality in Portuguese Metropolitan Areas

This study analyses cardiorespiratory mortality rates (CARDIO) and their association with air pollutants - particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters lower of equal to 10 or 2.5 (µm) (PM10, PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) - and meteorological variables (temperature, humidity, wind speed, direction) in the Lisbon (LMA) and Porto (PMA) metropolitan areas from 2011 to 2020. Monthly analyses reveal regional patterns and seasonal variations. The results show that PMA had a higher average CARDIO rate (202.94 [Deaths per 100 000]) compared to LMA (169.70 [Deaths per 100 000]). Linear and Poisson regression, contingency tables, correspondence analysis and Pearson’s chi-squared tests confirmed significant associations between low temperature and wind speeds, high pollutant concentrations, and increased mortality. Lower temperature (≤ 13 [°C]) and wind speed (≤ 2.5 [m/s]) were consistently associated with increased CARDIO in both regions. High pollutant levels, particularly PM10 (≥ 24 [µg/m³]) and NO2 (≥ 24 [µg/m³]), were also associated with higher CARDIO rates. Additionally, high PM2.5 and CO levels were linked to increased CARDIO in LMA. The seasonal Mann-Kendall test showed no significant trend in CARDIO for LMA, but a statically significant increasing trend of 2.14 [Deaths per 100 000]) per month for PMA. This study shows the importance of mid-term exposure standards and emphasises the need for multifactorial assessments of air quality and meteorological impacts on health, as regional differences in pollutant dynamics and meteorological conditions may significantly impact cardiorespiratory mortality in urban areas.