Decontamination Assessment of Nanofiber-based N95 Masks

Abstract As the world battles with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, it also prepares for future global pandemics that threaten our health, economy, and survivor. During the outbreak, it became evident that use of personal protective equipment (PPE), specially face masks, can significantly slow the otherwise uncontrolled spread of the virus. Nevertheless, the outbreak has caused shortage of PPE in many regions of the world. Therefore, this study advances the theme of decontaminating used masks. More specifically, the effect of various decontamination techniques on the integrity and functionality of nanofiber-based N95 masks (i.e. capable of at least filtering 95% of 0.3 µm aerosols) were examined. These techniques include 70% ethanol, bleaching, boiling, steaming, ironing as well as placement in autoclave, oven, and exposure to microwave (MW) and ultraviolet (UV) light. Herein, filtration efficiency (by Particle Filtration Efficiency equipment), general morphology, and microstructure of nanofibers (by Field Emission Scanning Electron microscopy) prior and after every decontamination technique were observed. The results suggest that decontamination of masks with 70% ethanol can lead to significant unfavorable changes in the microstructure and filtration efficiency (down to 57.33%) of the masks. In other techniques such as bleaching, boiling, steaming, ironing and placement in the oven, filtration efficiency dropped to only about 80% and in addition, some morphological changes in the nanofiber microstructure were seen. Expectedly, there was no significant reduction in filtration efficiency nor microstructural changes in the case of placement in autoclave and exposure to the UV light. It was concluded that, the latter methods are preferable to decontaminate nanofiber-based N95 masks.

Download Full-text

A Qualitative Comparison of the Covex Respirator with Face Shield Versus the N95 Respirator

2021 Design of Medical Devices Conference ◽

10.1115/dmd2021-1060 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Reid Mimmack ◽

Elijah Germo ◽

Garrett Augustine ◽

Kumar Belani

Keyword(s):

Filtration Efficiency ◽

Current Medical ◽

Pass Rate ◽

World Health ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

The Novel ◽

Qualitative Comparison ◽

Medical Standard ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Health Organization

Abstract In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a worldwide pandemic. The pandemic led to concerns of shortages regarding healthcare-related resources, including personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and more. The uniquely designed COVEX respirator with face shield was engineered and manufactured by Augustine Surgical, Inc. to combat the PPE shortage. The novel COVEX mask is an “all-in-one” face shield and filter with a Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE) greater than 99%. A standard respirator qualitative fit test was completed on the COVEX respirator as well as the current medical standard 3M N95 respirator. Fit test studies comparing the two masks yielded similar outcomes. The COVEX respirator had a qualitative fit test pass rate of 96.6% and the 3M N95 respirator had a pass rate of 93.3% (n=30). Participants also reported other variables comparing the comfort and fit of each mask, which is described further in the discussion. The COVEX respirator with face shield passed a standardized qualitative fit test at a rate similar to the current medical standard N95 respirator. Our results suggest that the COVEX mask may be a viable PPE option in the future.

Download Full-text

A Review on the Novel Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in Bangladesh; Challenges and Initiatives

10.20944/preprints202009.0274.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Md. Riajul Islam Sardar ◽

Md. Shamim Hasan ◽

Md. Mahmud

Keyword(s):

Population Density ◽

Effective Treatment ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Medical System ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

The Novel ◽

Infected Person ◽

The World ◽

The Government ◽

Novel Coronavirus

Since the first coronavirus patient was identified in Bangladesh on March 8, the most controversial issue is about the exact level of the infection in Bangladesh. Conformity with the population density the number of COVID-19 tests is inadequate. As the number of tests increases, so does the number of infections, making it difficult to predict the spread of COVID-19 in Bangladesh. In this case, the unplanned initiatives are particularly responsible in other for unplanned measures, lack of public awareness, and lack of proper knowledge. In this case, the Ministry of Health has made three major mistakes, three important features of the medical system in Bangladesh have been mentioned. It is more effective to prevent COVID-19 by isolating the infected person by further testing COVID-19 until effective treatment is available and to provide adequate and effective masks and personal protective equipment (PPE). In this case, the COVID-19 testing kit invention has received a good response in many countries of the world. This study focuses on the comprehensive data verification, selection, and evaluation of COVID-19 in Bangladesh and its implications for the future, what to do to address and prevent the COVID-19 challenge, and effective treatment against the coronavirus (COVID-19). It is hopeful that the discussion of the material mentioned in this research paper will help to strike a balance between the government, citizens, and experts which will be feasible in improving the current situation in COVID-19 Bangladesh and reducing its severity.

Download Full-text

GAAREIP: Indian Innovation of Caps and Personal Protective Equipment

Journal of Neonatology ◽

10.1177/0973217920927606 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 34 (1-2) ◽

pp. 24-27

Author(s):

Aakash Pandita ◽

Girish Gupta

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Health Care Workers ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

The Novel ◽

Care Workers ◽

The World ◽

Coronavirus Infection ◽

Novel Coronavirus

The world has recently been hit by a pandemic caused by the novel Coronavirus infection. The infection is highly contagious and possesses a significant risk for health care workers caring for the infected patients. With more than 200 countries being affected and around 3,00,000 deaths across the globe, the essential supply of masks and personal protective equipment has been falling short of the ever increasing need. In such crisis there is a need for innovating and designing endogenous masks and equipment to avoid compromise in care of the effected patients and for safeguarding the health of health care workers.

Download Full-text

Comparative docking of SARS-CoV-2 receptors antagonists from repurposing drugs

10.26434/chemrxiv.12044538.v4 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Micael Davi Lima de Oliveira ◽

Kelson Mota Teixeira de Oliveira

Keyword(s):

World Health Organisation ◽

World Health ◽

Lung Cells ◽

The Novel ◽

High Modulation ◽

Main Protease ◽

The World ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Viral Receptors ◽

Theoretical Results

According to the World Health Organisation, until 16 June, 2020, the number of confirmed and notified cases of COVID-19 has already exceeded 7.9 million with approximately 434 thousand deaths worldwide. This research aimed to find repurposing antagonists, that may inhibit the activity of the main protease (Mpro) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as partially modulate the ACE2 receptors largely found in lung cells, and reduce viral replication by inhibiting Nsp12 RNA polymerase. Docking molecular simulations were performed among a total of 60 structures, most of all, published in the literature against the novel coronavirus. The theoretical results indicated that, in comparative terms, paritaprevir, ivermectin, ledipasvir, and simeprevir, are among the most theoretical promising drugs in remission of symptoms from the disease. Furthermore, also corroborate indinavir to the high modulation in viral receptors. The second group of promising drugs includes remdesivir and azithromycin. The repurposing drugs HCQ and chloroquine were not effective in comparative terms to other drugs, as monotherapies, against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Download Full-text

Association and treatment of diabetes in patients affected by Covid-19

International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽

10.26452/ijrps.v11ispl1.3591 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽

pp. 1198-1201

Author(s):

Syed Yasir Afaque

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Prognostic Value ◽

Heart Diseases ◽

The Novel ◽

The World ◽

Treatment Of Diabetes ◽

Coronavirus Infection ◽

Composite Outcomes ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

The Impact

In December 2019, a unique coronavirus infection, SARS-CoV-2, was first identified in the province of Wuhan in China. Since then, it spread rapidly all over the world and has been responsible for a large number of morbidity and mortality among humans. According to a latest study, Diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, Hypertension etc. are being considered important risk factors for the development of this infection and is also associated with unfavorable outcomes in these patients. There is little evidence concerning the trail back of these patients possibly because of a small number of participants and people who experienced primary composite outcomes (such as admission in the ICU, usage of machine-driven ventilation or even fatality of these patients). Until now, there are no academic findings that have proven independent prognostic value of diabetes on death in the novel Coronavirus patients. However, there are several conjectures linking Diabetes with the impact as well as progression of COVID-19 in these patients. The aim of this review is to acknowledge about the association amongst Diabetes and the novel Coronavirus and the result of the infection in such patients.

Download Full-text

Synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs as promising therapeutic option for the treatment of COVID-19

Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/1389557520666201204162103 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

Author(s):

Ekta Shirbhate ◽

Preeti Patel ◽

Vijay K Patel ◽

Ravichandran Veerasamy ◽

Prabodh C Sharma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Therapeutic Option ◽

Antiviral Treatment ◽

The Novel ◽

Clinical Experiences ◽

Synthetic Compounds ◽

Synthetic Drugs ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

The World ◽

Novel Coronavirus

: The novel coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), a global pandemic that emerged from Wuhan, China has today travelled all around the world, so far 216 countries or territories with 21,732,472 people infected and 770,866 deaths globally (as per WHO COVID-19 update dated August 18, 2020). Continuous efforts are being made to repurpose the existing drugs and develop vaccines for combating this infection. Despite, to date, no certified antiviral treatment or vaccine prevails. Although, few candidates have displayed their efficacy in in vitro studies and are being repurposed for COVID-19 treatment. This article summarizes synthetic and semi-synthetic compounds displaying potent activity in their clinical experiences or studies against COVID-19 and also focuses on mode of action of drugs being repositioned against COVID-19.

Download Full-text

Visitor Restriction Policy on Pediatric Wards During Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak: A Survey Study Across North America

Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society ◽

10.1093/jpids/piaa126 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Taito Kitano ◽

Pierre-Philippe Piché-Renaud ◽

Helen E Groves ◽

Laurie Streitenberger ◽

Renee Freeman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

North America ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Survey Study ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

The Novel ◽

Restriction Policy ◽

Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Visitor restriction policies in pediatric wards during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak are variable. Among 36 hospitals that responded to our survey, 97% allowed at least 1 visitor, with 67% restricting to 1 caregiver. Sixty-nine percent required the visitor to wear personal protective equipment and only 19% allowed non-household visitors.

Download Full-text

An outline of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and the complement cascade of immune system

Bulletin of the National Research Centre ◽

10.1186/s42269-021-00582-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 45 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Padmalochan Hembram

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Dark Side ◽

Main Body ◽

The Novel ◽

Transmission Chain ◽

The World ◽

Therapeutic Molecules ◽

Rapid Transmission ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Near Future

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 19 is a viral infection caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. It was first notified in Wuhan, China, is now spread into numerous part of the world. Thus, the world needs urgent support and encouragement to develop a vaccine or antiviral treatments to combat the atrocious outbreak. Main body of the abstract The origin of this virus is yet unknown; however, rapid transmission from human-to-human “Anthroponosis” has widely confirmed. The world is witnessing a continuous hike in SARS-CoV-2 infection. In light of the outbreak of coronavirus disease 19, we have aimed to highlight the basic and vital information about the novel coronavirus. We provide an overview of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, timeline and its pathophysiological properties which would be an aid for the development of therapeutic molecules and antiviral drugs. Immune system plays a crucial role in virus infection in order to control but may have dark side when becomes uncontrollable. The host and SARS-CoV-2 interaction describe how the virus exploits host machinery and how overactive host immune response can cause disease severity also addressed in this review. Short conclusion Safe and effective vaccines may be the game-changing tools, but in the near future wearing mask, washing hands at regular intervals, avoiding crowed, maintaining physical distancing and hygienic surrounding, must be good practices to reduce and break the transmission chain. Still, research is ongoing not only on how vaccines protect against disease, but also against infection and transmission.

Download Full-text

COVID-19 Vaccination: From Interesting Agent to the Patient

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9020120 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 120

Author(s):

Anis Daou

Keyword(s):

Central Nervous System ◽

Nervous System ◽

Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Circulatory System ◽

The Novel ◽

Lead Compound ◽

Fda Approval ◽

The World ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Novel Coronavirus

The vaccination for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is undergoing its final stages of analysis and testing. It is an impressive feat under the circumstances that we are on the verge of a potential breakthrough vaccination. This will help reduce the stress for millions of people around the globe, helping to restore worldwide normalcy. In this review, the analysis looks into how the new branch of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) came into the forefront of the world like a pandemic. This review will break down the details of what COVID-19 is, the viral family it belongs to and its background of how this family of viruses alters bodily functions by attacking vital human respiratory organs, the circulatory system, the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. This review also looks at the process a new drug analogue undergoes, from (i) being a promising lead compound to (ii) being released into the market, from the drug development and discovery stage right through to FDA approval and aftermarket research. This review also addresses viable reasoning as to why the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine may have taken much less time than normal in order for it to be released for use.

Download Full-text