Identifying viral infections through analysis of head space volatile organic compounds.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by human respiratory cells reflect metabolic and pathophysiological processes which can be detected with the use of modern technology. Analysis of exhaled breath or indoor air may potentially play an important role in screening of upper respiratory tract infections such as COVID-19 or influenza in the future. In this experimental study, air samples were collected and analyzed from the headspace of ancell culture infected by selected pathogens (influenza A H1N1 and seasonal coronaviruses OC43 and NL63).

European health regulations reduce registry-based research.

Background: The European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulation has been proposed to harmonize health data processing. Given its parallels with the Act on Secondary Use of Health and Social Data (Secondary Use Act) implemented in Finland in 2020, this study examines the consequences of heightened privacy constraints on registry-based medical research.

Methods: We collected study permit counts approved by university hospitals in Finland in 2014-2023 and the data authority Findata in 2020‒2023.

Superspreading of SARS-CoV-2 at a choir rehearsal in Finland-A computational fluid dynamics view on aerosol transmission and patient interviews.

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the role of aerosol transmission and the importance of superspreading events. We analyzed a choir rehearsal in November 2020, where all participants, except one who had recently earlier recovered from COVID-19, were infected. We explore the risk factors for severe disease in this event and model the aerosol dispersion in the rehearsal room.

Effect of Vocalization on Human Aerosol Dynamics: Whispering Produces More Aerosols than Speaking.

Objectives: Sound pressure and exhaled flow have been identified as important factors associated with higher particle emissions. The aim of this study was to assess how different vocalizations affect the particle generation independently from other factors.

Design: Experimental study.

Aerosol generation during pediatric otolaryngological procedures.

Objectives: To assess the extent of staff exposure to aerosol generation in common pediatric otorhinolaryngological procedures (tonsillotomies, adenoidectomies, and tympanostomies) and determine the surgical phases responsible for most aerosol generation in these procedures.

Methods: Aerosol generation was measured during 35 pediatric otolaryngological procedures using an Optical Particle Sizer that measures aerosol concentrations for particle sizes between 0.3 and 10.