Publications by authors named "J Spengler"

Heat exposure in outdoor work environments poses risks to worker health and productivity. Engineering solutions like cool surfaces that increase surface albedo and reduce temperatures may help mitigate these impacts. We conducted detailed micrometeorological modeling to analyze surface characteristics and heat exposure for outdoor workers at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) under current conditions and three hypothetical albedo-increase scenarios.

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SUMMARYHenipaviruses were first identified 30 years ago and have since been associated with over 30 outbreaks of disease in humans. Highly pathogenic henipaviruses include Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV), classified as biosafety level 4 pathogens. In addition, NiV has been listed as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the UK Vaccines Research and Development Network (UKVN).

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Advancement of vaccine candidates that demonstrate protective efficacy in screening studies necessitates detailed safety and immunogenicity investigations in pre-clinical models. A non-spreading Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) viral replicon particle (VRP) vaccine was developed for single-dose administration to protect against disease. To date, several studies have supported safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of the CCHF VRP in multiple highly sensitive murine models of lethal disease, but the VRP had yet to be evaluated in large animals.

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Article Synopsis
  • Development of broad-spectrum antiviral therapies, like 4'-fluorouridine (4'-FlU), is crucial for effectively responding to outbreaks and pandemics caused by emerging viruses, particularly those that cause hemorrhagic fevers, which have seen increasing morbidity and mortality rates.
  • 4'-FlU has shown antiviral activity against several hemorrhagic fever viruses in cell cultures and has demonstrated high efficacy in guinea pig models infected with lethal arenaviruses, maintaining its effectiveness at low doses.
  • When administered late in infection, 4'-FlU not only resolved clinical symptoms quickly but also showcased its potential as a therapeutic option with a broader application against various viral pathogens.
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Article Synopsis
  • * The conference addressed a broad range of topics in antiviral science, including new antiviral drugs, vaccines, clinical trials, and strategies to tackle emerging viral threats.
  • * Keynote talks highlighted important issues like virus emergence in human-animal interactions and challenges in developing effective antivirals, with a summary provided for ICAR 2024 and a preview for the upcoming ICAR 2025 in Las Vegas.
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