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While life-sustaining, hemodialysis is a non-physiological treatment modality that exerts stress on the patient, primarily due to fluid shifts during ultrafiltration. Automated feedback control systems, integrated with sensors that continuously monitor bio-signals such as blood volume, can adjust hemodialysis treatment parameters, e.g., ultrafiltration rate, in real-time. These systems hold promise to mitigate hemodynamic stress, prevent intradialytic hypotension, and improve the removal of water and electrolytes in chronic hemodialysis patients. However, robust evidence supporting their clinical application remains limited. Based on an extensive literature research, we assess feedback-controlled ultrafiltration systems that have emerged over the past three decades in comparison to conventional hemodialysis treatment. We identified 28 clinical studies. Closed loop ultrafiltration control demonstrated effectiveness in 23 of them. No adverse effects of closed loop ultrafiltration control were reported across all trials. Closed loop ultrafiltration control represents an important advancement towards more physiological hemodialysis. Its development is driven by innovations in real-time bio-signals monitoring, advancement in control theory, and artificial intelligence. We expect these innovations will lead to the prevalent adoption of ultrafiltration control in the future, provided its clinical value is substantiated in adequately randomized controlled trials.

RESULTSMask and saliva testing specificities were 99% and 100%, respectively. Test sensitivity was 62% for masks, and 81% for saliva (p = 0.16). Median viral RNA shedding duration was 11 days and longer in immunocompromised versus non-immunocompromised patients (22 vs. 11 days, p = 0.06, log-rank test).CONCLUSIONWhile SARS-CoV-2 testing on worn masks appears to be less sensitive compared to saliva, it may be a preferred screening method for individuals who are mandated to wear masks yet averse to more invasive sampling. However, optimized RNA extraction methods and automated procedures are warranted to increase test sensitivity and scalability. We corroborated longer viral RNA shedding in immunocompromised patients.BACKGROUNDExhaled SARS-CoV-2 can be detected on face masks. We compared tests for SARS-CoV-2 RNA on worn face masks and matched saliva samples.METHODSWe conducted this prospective, observational, case-control study between December 2021 and March 2022. Cases comprised 30 in-center hemodialysis patients with recent COVID-19 diagnosis. Controls comprised 13 hemodialysis patients and 25 clinic staff without COVID-19 during the study period and the past 2 months. Disposable 3-layer masks were collected after being worn for 4 hours together with concurrent saliva samples. ThermoFisher COVID-19 Combo Kit (A47814) was used for RT-PCR testing.