Assessing Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Therapeutic Alpha-1-Microglobulin in First-in-Human Kidney Transplantation: A Noncomparative Open-Label Multiple-Dose Phase 1b Study.

Background: RMC-035 is a modified version of alpha-1-microglobulin, an endogenous protein developed as a renoprotective agent. Its intended use is to reduce the risk of irreversible loss of kidney function in cardiac surgery patients and to reduce delayed graft function in kidney transplant recipients. This first-in-human study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and safety of RMC-035 in kidney transplant recipients.

Airborne SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected during deliveries with unmasked patients.

Background: Healthcare workers in obstetric clinics may be exposed to airborne SARS-CoV-2 when treating patients with COVID-19.

Method: In this study, performed during the midst of the pandemic, air samples were collected in delivery rooms during childbirth and analysed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA content.

Result: Six of 28 samples collected inside delivery rooms were positive for SARS-CoV-2, but none in anterooms or corridors.

Infectivity of exhaled SARS-CoV-2 aerosols is sufficient to transmit covid-19 within minutes.

Exhaled SARS-CoV-2-containing aerosols contributed significantly to the rapid and vast spread of covid-19. However, quantitative experimental data on the infectivity of such aerosols is missing. Here, we quantified emission rates of infectious viruses in exhaled aerosol from individuals within their first days after symptom onset from covid-19.

Sensitive methods for assessment of lung health in welders and controls.

Background: Welders are exposed to gas and particle emissions that can cause severe lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. It is difficult to detect COPD early and therefore mitigating measures may be delayed. The aim of this study was to investigate lung health in welders and evaluate new sensitive methods with potential to assess early onset pulmonary changes in occupational settings.

Size distribution of exhaled aerosol particles containing SARS-CoV-2 RNA.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 in exhaled aerosols is considered an important contributor to the spread of COVID-19. However, characterizing the size distribution of virus-containing aerosol particles has been challenging as high concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in exhaled air is mainly present close to symptom onset. We present a case study of a person with COVID-19 who was able to participate in extensive measurements of exhaled aerosols already on the day of symptom onset and then for the following three days.