Search

Cancer survivors are particularly vulnerable to adverse COVID-19-related outcomes, but limited data exist on perceptions about the pandemic and related experiences in this group.In a cross-sectional analysis of 494 survivors of genitourinary, breast, gynecologic, colorectal, lung, melanoma, or thyroid cancer, from a larger study of cancer survivors in New Jersey, we assessed perceptions about COVID-19 threat, impacts, and experiences using three validated instruments. Responses were coded on a 7-point Likert scale, and subscales were averaged across included items, with higher scores indicating greater perceptions of COVID-19 threat and greater impacts and experiences because of the pandemic. Multivariable linear regression models were used to determine factors associated with higher scores, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.In general, cancer survivors reported moderate perceived COVID-19 threat (3 items, mean score = 3.71 ± 1.97), minimal COVID-19-related impacts (6 items, mean score = 2.23 ± 1.34), and COVID-19-related experiences (7 items, mean score = 2.17 ± 1.00). COVID-19 impact subscale scores varied little (mean subscale score range = 2.09 to 2.29), while COVID-19 experiences subscale scores were quite variable (mean subscale score range = 1.52 to 3.39). Asian American/Pacific Islander race, Black race, female sex, and having more cardiovascular and metabolic and other comorbidities were associated with higher scores on the perceived coronavirus threat questionnaire. Having completed the COVID-19 questionnaires earlier in the pandemic, younger age, American/Pacific Islander race, Hispanic ethnicity, and having more comorbidities were associated with higher scores on the COVID-19 impact questionnaire. Younger age, racial minority status, and having more cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities were associated with higher scores on the COVID-19 experience questionnaire.Among cancer survivors in New Jersey-a state that experienced high rates of COVID-19 infection-sociodemographic and health-related factors (e.g., race and ethnicity, sex, and multimorbidity) correlate with greater perceptions of COVID-19 threat, impacts, and experiences.Studies are needed to examine the influence of vaccination status on COVID-19 perceptions and identify inequities in clinical outcomes due to pandemic-related disruptions to cancer care.

The spread of COVID-19 occurs via airborne transmission. With a constant and variable spread of COVID-19, indoor air-quality has become a major concern all over the world. People who are infected with COVID can release particles and droplets of respiratory fluids that contain the SARS CoV-2 virus into the air when they exhale (e.g., quiet breathing, speaking, singing, exercise, coughing, sneezing). Once infectious droplets are exhaled, they move outward from the person (the source) into the surrounding environment; these droplets carry the virus and transmit infection. Indoors, the very fine droplets and particles will continue to spread through the air in the room or space and can accumulate. Harmful pathogenic organisms like fungi, bacteria and viruses, as the one responsible for causing contagious diseases like the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 can also be successfully destroyed and neutralized. We have developed and studied the efficiency of the AFL Mini Sanifier II® in a simulated environment of a fiberglass chamber using various types of meters to assess the suspended particulate matter (PM) in the ambient air. We also report the development of a novel face mask that was assessed for safety measures and further improvement by the researchers in the West Texas A&M University. The mask is user friendly and portable, equipped with a small internal fan that supplies a continuous air to the user preventing the suffocating effect caused by the other masks. The novel mini air purifier is equipped with the advanced nanotechnology that cleans and sanitizes both the air and surfaces and subsequently has been shown to reduce common allergy, asthma and hay fever related symptoms. This mask and the mini air purifier function in an advanced way to combat all forms of airborne pathogens including the bacteria, viruses, mold spores and harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) present in the air.

ImportanceThere is a disproportionately greater burden of COVID-19 among Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black individuals, who also experience poorer cancer outcomes. Understanding individual-level and area-level factors contributing to inequities at the intersection of COVID-19 and cancer is critical.ObjectiveTo evaluate associations of individual-level and area-level social determinants of health (SDOH) with delayed or discontinued cancer treatment following SARS-CoV-2 infection.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective, registry-based cohort study used data from 4768 patients receiving cancer care who had positive test results for SARS-CoV-2 and were enrolled in the American Society for Clinical Oncology COVID-19 Registry. Data were collected from April 1, 2020, to September 26, 2022.ExposuresRace and ethnicity, sex, age, and area-level SDOH based on zip codes of residence at the time of cancer diagnosis.Main Outcomes and MeasuresDelayed (≥14 days) or discontinued cancer treatment (any cancer treatment, surgery, pharmacotherapy, or radiotherapy) and time (in days) to restart pharmacotherapy.ResultsA total of 4768 patients (2756 women [57.8%]; 1558 [32.7%] aged ≥70 years at diagnosis) were included in the analysis. There were 630 Hispanic (13.2%), 196 non-Hispanic Asian American or Pacific Islander (4.1%), 568 non-Hispanic Black (11.9%), and 3173 non-Hispanic White individuals (66.5%). Compared with non-Hispanic White individuals, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black individuals were more likely to experience a delay of at least 14 days or discontinuation of any treatment and drug-based treatment; only estimates for non-Hispanic Black individuals were statistically significant, with correction for multiple comparisons (risk ratios [RRs], 1.35 [95% CI, 1.22-1.49] and 1.37 [95% CI, 1.23-1.52], respectively). Area-level SDOH (eg, geography, proportion of residents without health insurance or with only a high school education, lower median household income) were associated with delayed or discontinued treatment. In multivariable Cox proportinal hazards regression models, estimates suggested that Hispanic (hazard ratio [HR], 0.87 [95% CI, 0.71-1.05]), non-Hispanic Asian American or Pacific Islander (HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.46-1.35]), and non-Hispanic Black individuals (HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.67-0.97]) experienced longer delays to restarting pharmacotherapy compared with non-Hispanic White individuals.Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings of this cohort study suggest that race and ethnicity and area-level SDOH were associated with delayed or discontinued cancer treatment and longer delays to the restart of drug-based therapies following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Such treatment delays could exacerbate persistent cancer survival inequities in the United States.

Introduction: There is a disproportionately greater burden of COVID-19 among non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic individuals, who also shoulder an inordinate burden of poor cancer outcomes. Understanding patient- and area-level factors contributing to these inequities at the intersection of COVID-19 and cancer is critical. As such, the objective of this study was to evaluate inequities in receipt of timely cancer treatment following a confirmed positive test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)—the virus that causes COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective cohort study is comprised of 2,686 non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and Hispanic cancer patients from the American Society for Clinical Oncology COVID-19 Registry (ASCO Registry), for whom relatively complete data were available at entry into the registry (at the date of confirmed positive SARS-CoV-2 test) up to the end of the follow-up period (~6-9 months post confirmed positive SARS-CoV-2 test). Data were collected from April 2020 to November 2021. Relative risk (RR) estimates (generated using the generalized linear model procedure with a Poisson distribution, log link, and robust error variances) were used to examine multivariable-adjusted associations between patient-level sociodemographic and clinical factors and area-level social determinants of health (SDOH), separately, with timely (on schedule or within 14 days of schedule) and delayed (≥14-day delay) receipt of cancer treatment. Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to investigate the time (in days) to restart cancer treatment post-COVID-19 infection. Results: After correction for multiple comparisons, for drug-based therapy, NHB race (RR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.55-0.87]; P=.002) and male sex (RR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.71-0.95]; P=.009) were associated with 31% and 18% reductions in timely treatment receipt. NHB race (RR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.17-1.71]; P Citation Format: Adana A.M. Llanos, Adiba Ashrafi, Nabarun Ghosh, Jennifer Tsui, Yong Lin, Angela J. Fong, Shridar Ganesan, Carolyn J. Heckman. Inequities in timely cancer treatment after testing positive for COVID-19: Findings from the ASCO Survey on COVID-19 in Oncology (ASCO) Registry [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr C103.

The current unprecedented situation with the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) poses a great challenge to the scientific world, demanding immediate development of technologies to fight with and prevent transmission of pathogens, especially in regards to airborne pathogens and surface contaminants. It also urges us to reevaluate designs of advanced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). We have been working on the development and assessment of the AFL-Photo Catalytic Oxidation (AFLPCO®) Nanotechnology to combat with airborne pathogens and different forms of impurities and pollutants present in the indoor air. Various types of facemasks are available in the world market and have become the most important personal protective equipment for healthcare workers and the public. Depending upon their filters, they can provide protection against dreaded contagious diseases and several types of pollution. With the current 2 spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic, facemasks and powerful air purification equipment are considered as lifesaving apparatus necessary for survival and living a healthy life. The facemasks filter fine airborne particles from reaching the respiratory system and prevent infection. We have designed a new type of facemask, AFL Mask® and LUNA Wall Mount Sanifier® air purification unit to combat with the airborne pathogen and increased air pollution. The AFL Mask® has proven to prevent the entry of the PM2.5 and airborne pathogen up to 99% and provide internal air, reducing the chances of building up moisture on the face. This newly designed AFL Mask® and LUNA Wall Mount Sanifier® can be used to prevent the pathogens and particulate matters significantly. We also tested the LUNA Wall Mount Sanifier® (LNT2-6000 Model), AFL Car Sanifier® and AFL Mask® for Ozone emission. All the equipment tested were proven safe to international standards in terms of Ozone emission.

Drug release kinetics from matrix dosage form is governed by polymer swelling and erosion, drug dissolution/diffusion and polymeric combination. For the preparation of controlled release dosage form, hydrophilic, swellable polymers in optimum combination are essential. The major objective of the current study is to prepare Amoxicillin trihydrate-loaded bucco-matrix tablets by direct compression technique and to study the effect of ratio of HPMCK100M and HPMCK15M used in the formulation on the basic properties and on drugrelease and permeation kinetics. The tablets offered satisfactory physicochemical results. The buccal strength, detachment force and bond strength of the tablets were good enough to hold the tablets in the buccal region. The drug release data generated during in vitro drug release study of bucco-matrix tablets in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 were evaluated by zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, Korsmeyer – Peppas, and Kopcha models. Release exponent (n) of Korsmeyer- Peppas equation of the formulations exhibited diffusion as the principal mechanism of drug release. It was further confirmed by Kopcha model. Evaluation of diffusion and erosion terms in the Kopcha model showed that diffusion dominated swelling or erosion process through out the study. The permeation kinetics of the drug showed linearity when studied across goat buccal mucosa. Permeation coefficient of drug decreased with increase in % swelling index of the formulations.

A comparative study is done to understand the effect of variation in surface energy of substrates on boiling and dry-out characteristics of nanofluid. Droplet of TiO2 nanofluid on glass substrate shows strong pinning along the droplet perimeter. As the droplet evaporates, boundary of nanofluid droplet recedes slowly towards the center leaving a ring-shaped stain of concentrated nanoparticles. Surface energy of glass substrate is modified by graphene coating, confirmed by increase in contact angle. While boiling of nanofluid on graphene coated glass substrate shows an almost uniform dry-out pattern. Reduced wettability of nanofluid droplet on graphene coated glass substrate is responsible for this behavior.

Young leaflets were used as the explants for in vitro regeneration of Albizia falcataria (L.) Fosberg without callus intervention. The leaf explants produced in vitro adventitious shoot buds directly on culturing with MS supplemented with BA, IBA (4.0/0.05 mg/l) and 10% coconut milk (v/v). Addition of casein hydrolysate and coconut milk increased the production of shoot buds. The buds produced shoots and roots and showed 66% survival in a field trial. This technique offers an effective way by which large number of genetically stable plants can be produced, maintained, multiplied and transported as disease free propagules or regenerants, safely and economically. Key words: Albizia falcataria , Leaf explant, Clonal propagation, Cytology D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v20i1.5966 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 20 (1): 63-72, 2010 (June)

The editorial board announced this article has been retracted on April 3, 2013. If you have any further question, please contact us at: jps@ccsenet.org

Recent nationwide surveys reveal significant decline in students' interest in Math and Sciences. The objective of this project was to inspire young minds in using various techniques involved in Sciences including Scanning Electron Microscopy. We used Scanning Electron Microscope in demonstrating various types of Biological samples. An SEM Tabletop model in the past decade has revolutionized the use of Scanning Electron Microscopes. Using SEM Tabletop model TM 1000 we studied biological specimens of fungal spores, pollen grains, diatoms, plant fibers, dust mites, insect parts and leaf surfaces. We also used fluorescence microscopy to view, to record and analyze various specimens with an Olympus BX40 microscope equipped with FITC and TRITC fluorescent filters, a mercury lamp source, DP-70 digital camera with Image Pro 6.0 software. Micrographs were captured using bright field microscopy, the fluoresceinisothiocyanate (FITC) filter, and the tetramethylrhodamine (TRITC) filter settings at 40X. A high pressure mercury lamp or UV source was used to excite the storage molecules or proteins which exhibited autofluorescence. We used fluorescent microscopy to confirm the localization of sugar beet viruses in plant organs by viewing the vascular bundles in the thin sections of the leaves and other tissues. We worked with the REU summer students on sample preparation and observation on various samples utilizing the SEM. Critical Point Drying (CPD) and metal coating with the sputter coater was followed before observing some cultured specimen and the samples that were soft in textures with high water content. SEM Top allowed investigating the detailed morphological features that can be used for classroom teaching. Undergraduate and graduate researchers studied biological samples of Arthropods, pollen grains and teeth collected from four species of snakes using SEM. This project inspired the research students to pursue their career in higher studies in science and 45% of the undergraduates participated in this project entered Graduate school.

Atrazine is a wide-range herbicide. For over 50 years, atrazine has been used as a selective broadleaf herbicide in many capacities, from pre-plant to pre-emergence to post-emergence, depending on the crop and application. Currently, 96% of all atrazine used is for commercial applications in fields for the control of broadleaf and grassy weeds in crops such as sorghum, corn, sugarcane, pineapple and for the control of undesirable weeds in rangeland. Many panhandle wells have also detected atrazine in samples taken. The concern for the public is the long-term effect of atrazine with its increasing popularity, and the impact on public health. We investigated the effect of different concentrations of atrazine on Allium cepa (onion), a standard plant test system. We established a control with the Allium bulbs grown on hydroponics culture. Varying concentrations of atrazine was used on the standard plant test system, Allium cepa grown hydroponically. The mitotic indices varied and with higher doses, we observed various chromosomal abnormalities including sticky bridges, early and late separations, and lag chromosomes with higher doses of treatments. In the second part of the experiment, 0.1ppb, 1ppb, 10ppb, and 100ppb concentrations of atrazine were applied to established phytoplankton cultures from the Lake Tanglewood, Texas. Study with a Sedgwick-Rafter counter, a BX-40 Olympus microscope with DP-70 camera revealed a gradual shift in the phytoplankton community from obligatory to facultative autotroph and finally to a parasitic planktonic community. This explains the periodic fish kill in the lakes after applications of atrazine in crop fields.

Aeroallergens cause serious allergic and asthmatic reactions. Characterizing the aeroallergen provides information regarding the onset, duration, and severity of the pollen season that clinicians use to guide allergen selection for skin testing and treatment. Fluorescence Microscopy has useful approaches to understand the structure and function of the microscopic objects. Prepared slides from the pollen were observed under an Olympus BX40 microscope equipped with FITC and TRITC fluorescent filters, a mercury lamp source, an Olympus DP-70 digital camera connected to the computer with Image Pro 6.0 software. Aeroallergens were viewed, recorded and analyzed with DP Manager using the Image Pro 6.0 software. Photographs were taken at bright field, the fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC) filter, and the tetramethylrhodamine (TRITC) filter settings at 40X. A high pressure mercury lamp or UV source was used to excite the storage molecules or proteins which exhibited autofluorescence. The FITC filter reveals the green fluorescent proteins (GFP and EGFP), and the TRITC filter for red fluorescent proteins (DsRed). SEM proved to be useful for observing ultra-structural details like pores, colpi, sulci and ornamentations on the pollen surface. Samples were examined with an SEM (TM-1000) after gold coating and Critical Point Drying. Pollen grains were measured using the TM-1000 imaging software that revealed the specific information on the size of colpi or sulci and the distance between the micro-structures. This information can be used for classification and circumscription in Angiosperm taxonomy. Data were correlated clinical studies established at Allergy A.R.T.S. Clinical Research Laboratory.

The advent of novel techniques using the Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopes improved observation on various biological specimens to characterize them. We studied some biological specimens using Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopes. We followed negative staining technique with Phosphotungstic acid using bacterial culture of Bacillus subtilis. Negative staining is very convenient technique to view the structural morphology of different samples including bacteria, phage viruses and filaments in a cell. We could observe the bacterial cell wall and flagellum very well when trapped the negative stained biofilm from bacterial culture on a TEM grid. We cut ultra thin sections from the fixed root tips of Pisum sativum (Garden pea). Root tips were pre fixed with osmium tetroxide and post fixed with uranium acetate and placed in the BEEM capsule for block making. The ultrathin sections on the grid under TEM showed the granular chromatin in the nucleus. The protein bodies and large vacuoles with the storage materials were conspicuous. We followed fixation, critical point drying and sputter coating with gold to view the tissues with SEM after placing on stubs. SEM view of the leaf surface of a dangerous weed Tragia hispida showed the surface trichomes. These trichomes when break on touching releases poisonous content causing skin irritation. The cultured tissue from in vitro culture of Albizia lebbeck, a tree revealed the regenerative structures including leaf buds and stomata on the tissue surface. SEM and TEM allow investigating the minute details characteristic morphological features that can be used for classroom teaching.

SEM has greatly increased our knowledge of the microstructure of seeds. Mature seed coats are rather thick walled and stable in a vacuum: this allows quick preparation for SEM examination, without the need of complicated dehydration techniques. The low level of technical expenditure required, in combination with the high structural diversity exhibited and the intuitive ability to understand the "three dimensional", often aesthetically appealing micro-structures visualized, has turned seed-coat studies into a favorite tool of many taxonomists. We used dry mature seeds of 26 species of 4 Leguminous genera, Acacia, Albizia, Cassia and Dalbergia to standardize a procedure for identifying the seeds through SEM on the seed surface and seed sections. We cut transverse and longitudinal sections of the seeds and observed the sections from different regions of seeds: midseed, near the hilum and two distal ends. Light microscopy showed the color, texture, pleurograms, fissures and hilum at lower magnification. The anatomical study with SEM on the seed sections revealed the size, shape, and number of tiers and cellular organization of the epidermis, hypodermis, endosperm and internal structural details. We found the ornamentation pattern of the seeds including undulations, reticulations and rugae that were species specific. Species of Dalbergia (assamica, latifolia and sissoo), Albizia (odoratissima and procera), Acaia (arabica and catechu) and Cassia (glauca, siamia and spectabilis) are difficult to distinguish externally, but SEM studies provided enough characteristic features to distinguish from the other. This technique could be valuable in identifying seeds of important plant species for conservation and trading.

FEBRUARY 2015 AB70 Abstracts S A T U R D A Y 225 The Role of AHPCO Technology in Reducing Allergic Rhinitis Cases As Air Purifier, Surface Sterilizer and Ice Maker Sterilizer Nabarun K. Ghosh, PhD, Constantine K. Saadeh, MD, FAAAAI, Jeff Bennert, PhD, CTN, Griselda Estrada, MS; West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX, Allergy ARTS ACCR, Amarillo, TX, AIR OASIS, Amarillo, TX. RATIONALE: Fifteen year’s aeroallergen data that we collected using a Burkard Spore Trap showed a steady increase in aeroallergen concentration in the Texas Panhandle area. Data showed a strong correlation with the allergy and asthma cases that have doubled since 2007. We developed a novel AHPCO or Advanced Hydrated Photocatalytic Oxidation technology to produce filter less air purifiers, surface sterilizer for cell phones and in meat processing facilities and in ice makers to reduce contamination. METHODS: We analyzed the daily aeroallergen by using the coated Melinex tape from the Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap. Exposed, stained Melinex tape was observed under a BX-40 Olympus microscope. We developed and assessed the AHPCO Technology for potential uses as air purification unit, surface sterilizer and net reduction of bacteria, fungi during food processing. Petri dish culture, meat blocks, fruits were placed in the chamber to assess the capacity of sterilization. Images were captured with FITC, TRITC Filters with a BX40 and SZ-CTV Olympus Microscopes and SEM. RESULTS: A fluctuation and gradual shift in aeroallergen index with the warmer climate and a shift in flowering seasons were noticed that contributed the increased allergy cases. AHPCO Technology produces negative ions that can be successfully applied in devices to reduce indoor aeroallergen and bacterial contamination in food processing and ice makers. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental factors contribute to a high concentration of aeroallergen that led to increased allergy cases among the residents of Texas Panhandle. AHPCO Technology can be successfully used in air purifiers, food processing and in ice makers in reducing contamination.

A sound understanding of Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs) air emissions and their effects require the expertise of many disciplines. These disciplines may include a broad representation of academia, industry and local communities. Bioengineering is an emerging field that can provide new remediation methodologies by addressing the problem of chemical odor emissions from CAFO's. Development of methods for the reduction of organic compounds has the ability to move from monitoring and detection to air quality improvement. Utilization of metabolic pathways and the heterologous protein expression of Saccharomyces cerevisiae can yield cost effective methods for odor management at CAFOs. The metabolism of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) using Saccharomyces cerevisiae produced cytochrome P450BM-3 could possibly reduce downwind odors and assist in beneficial biogas production in wastewater effluents. The purpose of this review is to discuss a multiple disciplinary approach to air quality combining a variety of approaches which can assist federal agencies in successfully implementing a long term plan for this issue.

Para-cresol, p-ethyl phenol and isovaleric acid have been identified as the most persistent and most significant contributors to odor 1.6 km downwind from waste lagoons in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), even though more than 200 volatile compounds contribute to odor from these lagoons. Previous studies have indicated that horseradish peroxidase (HRP) coupling with p-cresol generates a high yield of a unique product, Plummerer's ketone. Our preliminary laboratory studies with synthetic p-cresol, hydrogen peroxide, and HRP demonstrated that p-cresol can be reduced significantly in a hydrogen peroxide catalyzed reaction with HRP. Using GC/MS and SPME technologies, a 75% reduction was observed in relative concentrations of 100 ml 1% p-cresol after treatment with 1 ml of 170 units of HRP (prepared at 170 units/mg and 1 mg/ml) in the presence of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Further analyses using semi- volatile organic analyses- GC/MS shows a 41% reduction in the amount of p-cresol in the samples treated with HRP in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Data obtained from these preliminary studies demonstrate that HRP has the potential to reduce the p-cresol content in CAFO effluent and has been a basis for further studies.

S A T U R D A Y 238 Aerobiology Of Texas Panhandle and Efficiency Of AHPCO Technology As Air Purifier, Surface Sterilizer In Food Processing Dr. Nabarun K. Ghosh, PhD, Dr. Constantine K. Saadeh, MD, FAAAAI, Dr. Jeff Bennert, PhD, CTN, Ms. Griselda Estrada, BS; West Texas A&MUniversity, Canyon, TX, Allergy ARTS ACCR, Amarillo, TX, AIR OASIS, Amarillo, TX. RATIONALE: Allergy and Asthma cases have doubled in Texas Panhandle area since 2007. We have collected aeroallergen samples and characterized for 14 years. We used a novel AHPCO or Advanced Hydrated Photocatalytic Oxidation technology to produce filter less air purifier, surface sterilizer for cell phones and meat processing facilities. METHODS: We have been analyzing the daily aeroallergen by using the coated Melinex tape from the Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap. Exposed, stained Melinex tape was observed under a BX-40 Olympus microscope. We assessed the AHPCO Technology for potential uses as air purification unit, surface sterilizer and net reduction of bacteria, fungi during food processing. A fiberglass chamber was built to evaluate the performance and safety of the air purifiers. Blood, Human cell culture and plant cells were exposed to the AO chamber and The UV chambers to compare the exposures. Petriplates, meat, vegetables were placed in the chamber to assess the capacity of sterilization. Images were captured with FITC, TRITC Filters with a BX40 and SZ-CTVOlympusMicroscopes and SEM. RESULTS: 14 years’ aeroallergen data of Texas Panhandle revealed a gradual shift in aeroallergen index with the warmer climate and a shift in flowering seasons. CONCLUSIONS: Strongwind current, maximum number of feedlots and dry-land agriculture and a gradual shift in flowering season– all contribute to a high concentration of allergic cases among the residents of Texas Panhandle. AHPCO technology proved to be an efficient way to reduce aeroallergen and prevent contamination during food processing.

Background The quality of the environment within buildings is a topic of major importance for public health. Breathing pure and clean air allows us to think more clearly, sleep more soundly, and stay healthier. Studies show that we receive 56% of our energy from the air we breathe, more than from water and food combined. On average we breathe 37 pounds of air a day. It has been established that the use of negative ions in a purification system is an effective means of eradicating aeroallergens in room air. Methods The wall-mount, Inducts and Mobile Sanifier air purification units of Luna are designed to sanitize air, to kill surface mold, bacteria, and viruses in areas up to 26,000 cubic feet. Samples were collected from the clinic rooms to analyze the VOC concentrations using the Luna air purifiers to detect the efficiency in reducing the VOCs in the indoor air. We analyzed the aroallergens and VOCs prevalent in the indoor air in the clinics at the Coulter Animal Hospital, Amarillo, Texas. The data were correlated to the inhalant allergy index before and after running air purifiers that use PCO technology. Results Samples from the clinic rooms to analyze the VOC concentrations using the Luna air purifiers to detect the efficiency in reducing the VOCs in the indoor air. The SKC Pocket Pump and thermal desorption tubes were used to obtain the samples from the indoor air. Pumps were set on 200 mL/min as air flow to estimate the concentration of Acetic acid, Isobutyric acid, Butyric acid, Isovaleric acid, Valeric acid, Hexanoic acid, Phenol, p-cresol, 4-ethyl, 2-amino, Indole, and Skatole. All desorption tube samples were analyzed using a Markes UNITY and Markes Ultra automated thermal desorber (ATD) and a Varian 3800/Saturn 2000 GC with a MS. Slides with double sticky tape were exposed to room air stained with 2% safranin and were observed using a BX-40 Olympus microscope with DP-70 and Image Pro Plus software. Conclusions The data were correlated with the aeroallergen index and the frequency of inhalant allergy cases that showed reduction in allergic rhinitis index on using air purifiers.

Rationale This investigation was aimed at analyzing the relationship between the meteorological conditions, diurnal variations and the fungal aeroallergen data of the North West Texas Panhandle and to find the correlation between the aeroallergen index and frequency of allergic rhinitis recorded in the allergy clinic. Methods Daily mold spore count was determined by analyzing the Melinex tape from the Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap. Samples were analyzed in every 24 hours and mold spore concentration per cubic meter was determined. The data were correlated with maximum and minimum temperature, daily precipitation and peak wind speed. The daily clinical data were collected from the Allergy A.R.T.S. and were correlated with the daily fungal aeroallergen index. Results The most frequent fungal aeroallergens present during Sept. 2002 to Sept. 2003 were fungal spores like Alternaria , ascospores from Pezizales, Dreschlera , Cladosporium , and Curvularia . Mold spore count had an inverse relationship with the daily temperature. Alternaria conidia were the most abundant component of the dry air spora. We found an association between Alternaria concentration and the cases of severe asthma. Fungal spore concentrations did show more susceptibility to meteorological conditions on a daily basis than did pollen concentrations. Ascomycetes concentrations significantly increased in the hours just following a rain shower. Conclusions We found a very significant correlation between the mold spore concentration and the humidity. A little rain increased the spore count significantly. There was a positive correlation between the number of patients' visits with the increase spore index.