scholarly journals Decontaminating N95/FFP2 masks for reuse during the COVID-19 epidemic: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Peters ◽  
Nasim Lotfinejad ◽  
Rafael Palomo ◽  
Walter Zingg ◽  
Pierre Parneix ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Ethylene Oxide ◽  
Peracetic Acid ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Ultra Violet ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Physical Integrity ◽  
Ultra Violet Radiation ◽  
Registration Number

Abstract Background With the current COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare facilities have been lacking a steady supply of filtering facepiece respirators. To better address this challenge, the decontamination and reuse of these respirators is a strategy that has been studied by an increasing number of institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review in PubMed, PubMed Central, Embase, and Google Scholar. Studies were eligible when (electronically or in print) up to 17 June 2020, and published in English, French, German, or Spanish. The primary outcome was reduction of test viruses or test bacteria by log3 for disinfection and log6 for sterilization. Secondary outcome was physical integrity (fit/filtration/degradation) of the respirators after reprocessing. Materials from the grey literature, including an unpublished study were added to the findings. Findings Of 938 retrieved studies, 35 studies were included in the analysis with 70 individual tests conducted. 17 methods of decontamination were found, included the use of liquids (detergent, benzalkonium chloride, hypochlorite, or ethanol), gases (hydrogen peroxide, ozone, peracetic acid or ethylene oxide), heat (either moist with or without pressure or dry heat), or ultra violet radiation (UVA and UVGI); either alone or in combination. Ethylene oxide, gaseous hydrogen peroxide (with or without peracetic acid), peracetic acid dry fogging system, microwave-generated moist heat, and steam seem to be the most promising methods on decontamination efficacy, physical integrity and filtration capacity. Interpretation A number of methods can be used for N95/FFP2 mask reprocessing in case of shortage, helping to keep healthcare workers and patients safe. However, the selection of disinfection or sterilization methods must take into account local availability and turnover capacity as well as the manufacturer; meaning that some methods work better on specific models from specific manufacturers. Systematic registration number CRD42020193309.

scholarly journals Risk factors for severity on admission and the disease progression during hospitalisation in a large cohort of patients with COVID-19 in Japan

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e047007
Author(s):  
Mari Terada ◽  
Hiroshi Ohtsu ◽  
Sho Saito ◽  
Kayoko Hayakawa ◽  
Shinya Tsuzuki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Disease ◽  
Major Effect ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Obesity Hypertension

ObjectivesTo investigate the risk factors contributing to severity on admission. Additionally, risk factors of worst severity and fatality were studied. Moreover, factors were compared based on three points: early severity, worst severity and fatality.DesignAn observational cohort study using data entered in a Japan nationwide COVID-19 inpatient registry, COVIREGI-JP.SettingAs of 28 September 2020, 10480 cases from 802 facilities have been registered. Participating facilities cover a wide range of hospitals where patients with COVID-19 are admitted in Japan.ParticipantsParticipants who had a positive test result on any applicable SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests were admitted to participating healthcare facilities. A total of 3829 cases were identified from 16 January to 31 May 2020, of which 3376 cases were included in this study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcome was severe or nonsevere on admission, determined by the requirement of mechanical ventilation or oxygen therapy, SpO2 or respiratory rate. Secondary outcome was the worst severity during hospitalisation, judged by the requirement of oxygen and/orinvasive mechanical ventilation/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.ResultsRisk factors for severity on admission were older age, men, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Cerebrovascular disease, liver disease, renal disease or dialysis, solid tumour and hyperlipidaemia did not influence severity on admission; however, it influenced worst severity. Fatality rates for obesity, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia were relatively lower.ConclusionsThis study segregated the comorbidities influencing severity and death. It is possible that risk factors for severity on admission, worst severity and fatality are not consistent and may be propelled by different factors. Specifically, while hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and obesity had major effect on worst severity, their impact was mild on fatality in the Japanese population. Some studies contradict our results; therefore, detailed analyses, considering in-hospital treatments, are needed for validation.Trial registration numberUMIN000039873. https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000045453

Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles using Cucumis sativus (cucumber) Extracts and their Bio-physical and Biochemical Characterization for Cosmetic and Dermatologic Applications

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Vats ◽  
Shruti Bhardwaj ◽  
Arvind Chhabra
Keyword(s):  
Copper Oxide ◽  
Green Synthesis ◽  
Biochemical Characterization ◽  
Chemical Characterization ◽  
Ultra Violet ◽  
Skin Penetration ◽  
Copper Oxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Oxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Ultra Violet Radiation ◽  
Anti Fungal

Background & Objective: Nanoparticles are used in cosmetic and dermatologic products, due to better skin penetration properties. Incorporation of natural products exhibiting medicinal properties in nano-preparations could significantly improve efficacy of these products and improve the quality of life without the side effects of synthetic formulations. Methods: We here report green synthesis of Copper Oxide nanoparticles, using Cucumber extract, and their detailed biophysical and bio-chemical characterization. Results: These Copper Oxide-Cucumber nanoparticles exhibit significant anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, Ultra Violet-radiation protection ability and reactive-oxygen species inhibition properties. Importantly, these nanoparticles do not exhibit significant cellular toxicity and, when incorporated in skin cream, exhibit skin rejuvenating properties. Conclusion: Our findings have implications for nanoparticle-based cosmetics and dermatologic applications.

Ultra-Violet Radiation and Varicose Ulcers

BMJ ◽  
1927 ◽  
Vol 2 (3479) ◽  
pp. 472-472
Author(s):  
M. Weinbren
Keyword(s):  
Ultra Violet ◽  
Ultra Violet Radiation ◽  
Violet Radiation

scholarly journals Inhibition Properties of Arylsulfatase and β-Glucuronidase by Hydrogen Peroxide, Hypochlorite, and Peracetic Acid

ACS Omega ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu-shu Zhong ◽  
Jun Zhang ◽  
Ze-hua Liu ◽  
Zhi Dang ◽  
Yu Liu
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Peracetic Acid

scholarly journals Protocol for a randomised clinical trial of multimodal postconcussion symptom treatment and recovery: the Concussion Essentials study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e041458
Author(s):  
Vicki Anderson ◽  
Vanessa C Rausa ◽  
Nicholas Anderson ◽  
Georgia Parkin ◽  
Cathriona Clarke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Randomised Clinical Trial ◽  
Normal Activity ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Human Research Ethics ◽  
Postconcussive Symptoms ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Initial Injury

IntroductionWhile most children recover from a concussion shortly after injury, approximately 30% experience persistent postconcussive symptoms (pPCS) beyond 1-month postinjury. Existing research into the treatment of pPCS have evaluated unimodal approaches, despite evidence suggesting that pPCS likely represent an interaction across various symptom clusters. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal, symptom-tailored intervention to accelerate symptom recovery and increase the proportion of children with resolved symptoms at 3 months postconcussion.Methods and analysisIn this open-label, assessor-blinded, randomised clinical trial, children with concussion aged 8–18 years will be recruited from The Royal Children’s Hospital (The RCH) emergency department, or referred by a clinician, within 17 days of initial injury. Based on parent ratings of their child’s PCS at ~10 days postinjury, symptomatic children (≥2 symptoms at least 1-point above those endorsed preinjury) will undergo a baseline assessment at 3 weeks postinjury and randomised into either Concussion Essentials (CE, n=108), a multimodal, interdisciplinary delivered, symptom-tailored treatment involving physiotherapy, psychology and education, or usual care (UC, n=108) study arms. CE participants will receive 1 hour of intervention each week, for up to 8 weeks or until pPCS resolve. A postprogramme assessment will be conducted at 3 months postinjury for all participants. Effectiveness of the CE intervention will be determined by the proportion of participants for whom pPCS have resolved at the postprogramme assessment (primary outcome) relative to the UC group. Secondary outcome analyses will examine whether children receiving CE are more likely to demonstrate resolution of pPCS, earlier return to normal activity, higher quality of life and a lower rate of utilisation of health services, compared with the UC group.Ethics and disseminationEthics were approved by The RCH Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC: 37100). Parent, and for mature minors, participant consent, will be obtained prior to commencement of the trial. Study results will be disseminated at international conferences and international peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberACTRN12617000418370; pre-results.

Ultra-Violet Radiation and the Production of Twins and Double Monsters

1931 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 461-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie A. Hinrichs ◽  
Ida T. Genther
Keyword(s):  
Ultra Violet ◽  
Ultra Violet Radiation ◽  
Violet Radiation

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on utilisation of healthcare services: a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e045343
Author(s):  
Ray Moynihan ◽  
Sharon Sanders ◽  
Zoe A Michaleff ◽  
Anna Mae Scott ◽  
Justin Clark ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Healthcare Utilisation ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Service Utilisation ◽  
Registration Number

ObjectivesTo determine the extent and nature of changes in utilisation of healthcare services during COVID-19 pandemic.DesignSystematic review.EligibilityEligible studies compared utilisation of services during COVID-19 pandemic to at least one comparable period in prior years. Services included visits, admissions, diagnostics and therapeutics. Studies were excluded if from single centres or studied only patients with COVID-19.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase, Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register and preprints were searched, without language restrictions, until 10 August, using detailed searches with key concepts including COVID-19, health services and impact.Data analysisRisk of bias was assessed by adapting the Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Interventions tool, and a Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care tool. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics, graphical figures and narrative synthesis.Outcome measuresPrimary outcome was change in service utilisation between prepandemic and pandemic periods. Secondary outcome was the change in proportions of users of healthcare services with milder or more severe illness (eg, triage scores).Results3097 unique references were identified, and 81 studies across 20 countries included, reporting on >11 million services prepandemic and 6.9 million during pandemic. For the primary outcome, there were 143 estimates of changes, with a median 37% reduction in services overall (IQR −51% to −20%), comprising median reductions for visits of 42% (−53% to −32%), admissions 28% (−40% to −17%), diagnostics 31% (−53% to −24%) and for therapeutics 30% (−57% to −19%). Among 35 studies reporting secondary outcomes, there were 60 estimates, with 27 (45%) reporting larger reductions in utilisation among people with a milder spectrum of illness, and 33 (55%) reporting no difference.ConclusionsHealthcare utilisation decreased by about a third during the pandemic, with considerable variation, and with greater reductions among people with less severe illness. While addressing unmet need remains a priority, studies of health impacts of reductions may help health systems reduce unnecessary care in the postpandemic recovery.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020203729.

scholarly journals Proton therapy for craniopharyngioma in adults: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e046043
Author(s):  
Pengtao Li ◽  
Jialing Wang ◽  
Aximujiang Axier ◽  
Kai Zhou ◽  
Jingwei Yun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Proton Therapy ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Heavy Ion ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Recurrence Rates ◽  
X Ray

IntroductionCraniopharyngioma is the most challenging to treat brain tumour with high recurrence rates, which can be effectively reduced by adjuvant radiotherapy. In recent years, proton therapy (PT), with its physical properties of heavy ion beam, that is, Prague peak phenomenon, has been more frequently used in patients with craniopharyngioma. Compared with conventional X-ray beam radiotherapy, PT can reduce the damage to normal tissues and enlarge the damage to tumours. Some studies have shown that PT has advantages in the treatment of craniopharyngioma in adults. However, the optimal management of craniopharyngioma remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PT for craniopharyngioma in adults.Methods and analysisWe will search six databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Amed, Scopus), clinical research registration websites and grey literature, aiming to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on PT for craniopharyngioma in adults between 1 January 1954 and 28 September 2021. In the RCTs, PT will be used as the intervention group, and conventional X-ray beam radiotherapy will be used as the comparator group. Tumour recurrence and survival will be the primary outcome, and treatment-related toxicity will be the secondary outcome. The study selection, data extraction, bias risk and quality evaluation will be operated by two to four researchers independently. We will use Review Manager V.5.2 (RevMan V.5.2) for data analysis. If there is significant heterogeneity, we will identify the source of heterogeneity by subgroup analysis.Ethics and disseminationOur study is based on existing RCTs and does not require ethical approval. The results of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal or at a related conference.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020200909.

scholarly journals Extensive reduction of surface UV radiation since 1750 in world's populated regions

2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (20) ◽  
pp. 7737-7751 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. Kvalevåg ◽  
G. Myhre ◽  
C. E. Lund Myhre
Keyword(s):  
Uv Radiation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Ultra Violet ◽  
Radiative Transfer Model ◽  
Transfer Model ◽  
Polar Regions ◽  
Ultra Violet Radiation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Extensive Surface ◽  
Year 2000

Abstract. Human activity influences a wide range of components that affect the surface UV radiation levels, among them ozone at high latitudes. We calculate the effect of human-induced changes in the surface erythemally weighted ultra-violet radiation (UV-E) since 1750. We compare results from a radiative transfer model to surface UV-E radiation for year 2000 derived by satellite observations (from Total Ozone Mapping Spectroradiometer) and to ground based measurements at 14 sites. The model correlates well with the observations; the correlation coefficients are 0.97 and 0.98 for satellite and ground based measurements, respectively. In addition to the effect of changes in ozone, we also investigate the effect of changes in SO2, NO2, the direct and indirect effects of aerosols, albedo changes and aviation-induced contrails and cirrus. The results show an increase of surface UV-E in polar regions, most strongly in the Southern Hemisphere. Furthermore, our study also shows an extensive surface UV-E reduction over most land areas; a reduction up to 20% since 1750 is found in some industrialized regions. This reduction in UV-E over the industrial period is particularly large in highly populated regions.

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