Posted in: Japan to spend ¥1.45 tril on 4th vaccine shots, other anti-virus measures See in context
Recent reports in Israel suggest that a 4th shot doesn't offer much more protection than 3 shots (https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-00486-9). Seems like overkill.
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Posted in: Children who wear face masks all the time see their marks go down 20% See in context
A recent peer-reviewed article in entitled, 'Assessment of Respiratory Function in Infants and Young Children Wearing Face Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic' in JAMA Network Open concluded, "This cohort study found that the use of surgical face masks among children was not associated with changes in respiratory function, including among children aged 24 months or younger." [Lubrano et al. JAMA Net Open. 2021; 4: e210414.]
However, another peer-reviewed article from the same research group has suggested that N95 masks may decrease oxygen levels in children. The paper entitled, 'Effects of N95 Mask Use on Pulmonary Function in Children' published in the Journal of Pediatrics concluded, "The use of an N95 mask could potentially cause breathing difficulties in children if the mask does not have an exhalation valve, particularly during a physical activity. We believe that wearing a surgical mask may be more appropriate for children." [Lubrano et al. J Pediatr. 2021; 237: 143-147.]
Take away message: surgical masks are likely fine for children, but we may wish to refrain using N95 masks for them...which I think most parents aren't doing anyway. ;)
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Posted in: Ukraine, Israel aid advances in rare House vote as Democrats help Republicans push it forward
Speaker Johnson said if the Russians are not stopped they will go further.
Posted in: Ukraine, Israel aid advances in rare House vote as Democrats help Republicans push it forward
Posted in: Kishida, U.S. envoy to U.N. vow continued cooperation over N Korea
Posted in: Trump jury set for opening arguments; man self-immolates outside