Chemical characterization of secondary organic aerosol at a rural site in the southeastern US: insights from simultaneous high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) and FIGAERO chemical ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS) measurements

The formation and evolution of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) were investigated at Yorkville, GA, in late summer (mid-August to mid-October 2016). The organic aerosol (OA) composition was measured using two online mass spectrometry instruments, the high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) and the Filter Inlet for Gases and AEROsols coupled to a high-resolution time-of-flight iodide-adduct chemical ionization mass spectrometer (FIGAERO-CIMS). Through analysis of speciated organics data from FIGAERO-CIMS and factorization analysis of data obtained from both instruments, we observed notable SOA formation from isoprene and monoterpenes during both day and night. Specifically, in addition to isoprene epoxydiol (IEPOX) uptake, we identified isoprene SOA formation from non-IEPOX pathways and isoprene organic nitrate formation via photooxidation in the presence of NO_x and nitrate radical oxidation. Monoterpenes were found to be the most important SOA precursors at night. We observed significant contributions from highly oxidized acid-like compounds to the aged OA factor from FIGAERO-CIMS. Taken together, our results showed that FIGAERO-CIMS measurements are highly complementary to the extensively used AMS factorization analysis, and together they provide more comprehensive insights into OA sources and composition

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Problemas relacionados con el consumo de alcohol en jóvenes de la provincia de Jujuy, Argentina Problems related to alcohol drinking among youth in Jujuy, Argentina

OBJETIVO: Examinar los patrones de consumo y los problemas relacionados con el alcohol en jóvenes de la provincia de Jujuy, Argentina. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: En el año 2005 se aplicó una encuesta a una muestra representativa de 2924 jóvenes de noveno grado (12-17 años), incluidas la información sociodemográfica y de consumo y la prueba AUDIT-C. RESULTADOS: Hasta 9% de las mujeres y 11% de los varones refirieron consumo de riesgo; asimismo, 12% de las mujeres y 19% de los varones notificaron síntomas de dependencia. Las mujeres presentaban menor probabilidad que los varones de experimentar síntomas de dependencia (RM ajustada 0.7; IC95% 0.6-0.8) o de consumo perjudicial (RM ajustada 0.7; IC95% 0.6-0.8). Tener mayor edad, trabajar y asistir al turno nocturno fueron factores de riesgo para el consumo de riesgo, síntomas de dependencia y consumo perjudicial. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados ponen de relieve la importancia de instituir intervenciones de prevención y tratamiento para los adolescentes.OBJECTIVE: To examine drinking patterns and alcohol-related problems among youth in Jujuy, Argentina. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey was conducted in 2005 with a representative sample of 9th grade youth (12 to 17 years old) including sociodemographic and consumption data, and the AUDIT-C test. RESULTS: Nine percent of girls and 11% of boys reported hazardous drinking; 12% of girls and 19% of boys reported dependence symptoms. The odds ratio for dependence symptoms (adjusted OR 0.7; 95%CI: 0.6-0.8) and for hazardous drinking (adjusted OR 0.7; 95%CI: 0.6-0.8) was significantly lower for girls compared with boys. Older age, working, and attending night school were risk factors for hazardous drinking, dependence symptoms, and harmful drinking. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of youth reported problematic patterns of alcohol drinking, highlighting the need to implement prevention and treatment interventions tailored to the adolescent population