scholarly journals Innovative Textiles Used in Face Masks: Filtration Efficiency and Self-Disinfecting Properties against Coronaviruses

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2088
Author(s):  
Paul Siller ◽  
Janina Reissner ◽  
Sabrina Hansen ◽  
Michael Kühl ◽  
Alexander Bartel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Filtering ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Virus Titer ◽  
Filtration Efficiency ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Significant Activity ◽  
Mask Material ◽  
Filtering Effect ◽  
Feline Coronavirus

Within the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, personal protective equipment, including face masks, is one important tool to interrupt virus transmission chains within the community. In this context, the quality of different face masks is frequently discussed and should, therefore, be evaluated. In this study, nanofleece textiles with a particle filtering effect and textiles with a self-disinfecting treatment were examined, which may be combined in face masks. Firstly, newly developed nanofleece textiles were tested regarding their filtration efficiency against airborne coronavirus, using feline coronavirus (FCoV) as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2. The tested nanofleece textiles showed filtration efficiencies of over 95% against FCoV when used as a double layer and were, therefore, almost on par with the FFP-2 mask material, which was used as a reference. Secondly, eight treated, self-disinfecting textiles, which may increase the safety in the handling of potentially contaminated masks, were tested against SARS-CoV-2. Three out of eight treated textiles showed significant activity against SARS-CoV-2 and achieved about three LOG10 (99.9%) of virus titer reduction after twelve hours of incubation. Since all possible transmission paths of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the minimal infection doses, remain unknown, both investigated approaches seem to be useful tools to lower the virus spread within the community.

REORGANIZATION OF A MULTI-SPECIALTY HOSPITAL IN AN UNFAVORABLE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION

2020 ◽  
pp. 43-46
Author(s):  
Nikitin A.E. ◽  
Znamenskiy I.А ◽  
Shikhova Yu.A. ◽  
Kuzmina I.V. ◽  
Melchenko D.S. ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Contact Time ◽  
Laboratory Diagnostics ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Timely Manner ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Institu Tions ◽  
Quality Of Medical Care ◽  
Spread Of Infection ◽  
Epidemiological Situation

This study provides a retrospective analysis of work to ensure high quality of medical care in an unfavorable epidemic situation. The consequence of COVID-19 was the implementation of a program to prevent the spread of infection, the re-profiling of medical institu-tions, and the introduction of restrictive and anti-epidemic measures. The experience of our work has shown the effectiveness of changing the order of med-ical care, the organization of the functioning of de-partments and patient routing. The study reflects the measures implemented in the hospital departments, the Department of clinical and laboratory diagnostics, radiation diagnostics and pathology Department. To ensure the safety of patients, it was decided to place patients on a single bed according to the type of infec-tious boxes. The safety of employees was ensured by the use of personal protective equipment, minimiza-tion of contact time with patients, and preventive weekly examination of staff for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The organized and well-coordinated work of the en-tire staff of the institution made it possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among employees, to detect cases of infection in a timely manner, and to carry out appropriate isolation and monitoring measures. At the time of completion of infectious diseases departments, the mortality rate among patients was less than 9%. Our experience in reorganizing a multi-specialty facil-ity can be used in the future when working with pa-tients who have undergone COVID-19, as well as in the context of a worsening epidemic situation.

scholarly journals Safe On-Boat Resuscitation by Lifeguards in COVID-19 Era: A Pilot Study Comparing Three Sets of Personal Protective Equipment

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Roberto Barcala-Furelos ◽  
Cristian Abelairas-Gómez ◽  
Alejandra Alonso-Calvete ◽  
Francisco Cano-Noguera ◽  
Aida Carballo-Fazanes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Prehospital Care ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Preparation Time

Abstract Introduction: On-boat resuscitation can be applied by lifeguards in an inflatable rescue boat (IRB). Due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) and recommendations for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), prehospital care procedures need to be re-evaluated. The objective of this study was to determine how the use of PPE influences the amount of preparation time needed before beginning actual resuscitation and the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR; QCPR) on an IRB. Methods: Three CPR tests were performed by 14 lifeguards, in teams of two, wearing different PPE: (1) Basic PPE (B-PPE): gloves, a mask, and protective glasses; (2) Full PPE (F-PPE): B-PPE + a waterproof apron; and (3) Basic PPE + plastic blanket (B+PPE). On-boat resuscitation using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) and high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter was performed sailing at 20km/hour. Results: Using B-PPE takes less time and is significantly faster than F-PPE (B-PPE 17 [SD = 2] seconds versus F-PPE 69 [SD = 17] seconds; P = .001), and the use of B+PPE is slightly higher (B-PPE 17 [SD = 2] seconds versus B+PPE 34 [SD = 6] seconds; P = .002). The QCPR remained similar in all three scenarios (P >.05), reaching values over 79%. Conclusion: The use of PPE during on-board resuscitation is feasible and does not interfere with quality when performed by trained lifeguards. The use of a plastic blanket could be a quick and easy alternative to offer extra protection to lifeguards during CPR on an IRB.

Sexual life during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristian Delcea
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Good Relationship ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Strongly Connected ◽  
Health Organization

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has spread rapidly around the world leading to massive changes in various areas. World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this disease a global pandemic in March 2020 causing a range of restrictions and global lockdown. Sexual behaviors have suffered change because of the virus transmission and governmental regulations for people to stay inside their homes. This paper addresses the quality of sexual life during lockdown in Romanian population. We discuss results from an online survey of 395 adults who were asked about their intimate lives, in terms of pornography consumption, solo masturbation and sexual intercourse. We also collected data regarding variables of a good relationship in order to see wether they have an influence over sexual life. We found that a good relationship is strongly connected to quality of sexual life. Our results also show that many people have solo masturbated (72,2%) and have consumed pornography materials (56,5%). Key words: sexual life, COVID-19, sexual behavior.

Thermoelectrical properties of graphene knife-coated cellulosic fabrics for defect monitoring in Joule-heated textiles

2022 ◽  
pp. 152808372110569
Author(s):  
Tamara Ruiz-Calleja ◽  
Rocío Calderón-Villajos ◽  
Marilés Bonet-Aracil ◽  
Eva Bou-Belda ◽  
Jaime Gisbert-Payá ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Conductivity ◽  
Temperature Increase ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Voltage Application ◽  
Useful Life ◽  
Coated Fabrics ◽  
Conductive Particles

Knife-coating can confer new properties on different textile substrates efficiently by integrating various compounds into the coating paste. Graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) is one of the most used elements for the functionalization of fabrics in recent years, providing electrical and thermal conductivity to fabrics, later used to develop products such as sensors or heated garments. This paper reports thermoelectrically conductive textiles fabrication through knife-coating of cellulosic fabrics with a GNP load from 0.4 to 2 wt% within an acrylic coating paste. The fabric doped with the highest GNP content reaches a temperature increase of 100°C in few seconds. Besides, it is found out that the thermographic images obtained during the electrical voltage application provide maps of irregularities in the dispersion of conductive particles of the coating and defects produced throughout their useful life. Therefore, the application of a low voltage on the coated fabrics allows fast and effective heating by Joule’s effect, whose thermographic images, in turn, can be used as structural maps to check the quality of the GNP doped coating. The temperature values and the heating rate obtained make these fabrics suitable for heating devices, anti-ice and de-ice systems, and protective equipment, which would be of great interest for industrial applications.

Respiratory protection ‒ new challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-153
Author(s):  
Władysław Harmata ◽  
Dorota Kamionek
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Respiratory Protection ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Normative Requirements ◽  
New Challenges

The paper characterizes the problem of air pollution with smog. The possibility of SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission on particulate matter and the possibility of infection was analyzed. Individual respiratory protection measures available on the market were analyzed in terms of mass use, taking into account legal and normative requirements. Keywords: personal protective equipment, respiratory protection

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

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.

Phase II Trial of Weekly Irinotecan Plus Cisplatin in Advanced Esophageal Cancer

1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 3270-3275 ◽  
Author(s):  
David H. Ilson ◽  
Leonard Saltz ◽  
Peter Enzinger ◽  
Ying Huang ◽  
Alice Kornblith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Esophageal Cancer ◽  
Squamous Carcinoma ◽  
Similar Response ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Significant Activity ◽  
Actuarial Survival ◽  
European Organization ◽  
Global Quality Of Life

PURPOSE: To evaluate the response, toxicity, survival, and quality of life in patients with unresectable or metastatic esophageal cancer treated with weekly irinotecan and cisplatin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with metastatic or unresectable esophageal adenocarcinoma (23 patients) or squamous cell carcinoma (12 patients) were treated. No prior chemotherapy was allowed. The majority of patients had metastatic and bidimensionally measurable disease (34 patients each [97%]). Patients were treated with cisplatin 30 mg/m2 and irinotecan 65 mg/m2, repeated weekly for 4 weeks, followed by a 2-week rest period. Treatment was recycled every 6 weeks. Degree of dysphagia relief was monitored, and quality of life was measured prospectively using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C-30 and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General instruments. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were assessable for response and toxicity. Major objective responses were observed in 20 patients (57%; 95% confidence interval, 41% to 73%), including two complete responses (6%). Similar response rates were observed for adenocarcinoma (12 of 23 patients; 52%) and squamous carcinoma (eight of 12 patients; 66%). The median duration of response was 4.2 months (range, 1 to 8.8+ months). Median actuarial survival was 14.6 months (range, 1 to 15.2+ months). In 20 patients with dysphagia assessable at baseline, 18 (90%) noted either improvement or resolution of dysphagia on chemotherapy. Global quality of life improved in responding patients, primarily because of improvements in pain, emotional state, and relationships with family and friends. Toxicity was relatively mild and included only three patients (9%) with grade 4 neutropenia and four (11%) with grade 3 diarrhea. There were no treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSION: The combination of weekly cisplatin plus irinotecan had significant activity in metastatic esophageal carcinoma and resulted in significant relief of dysphagia. The regimen was well tolerated, with acceptable myelosuppression and rare treatment-related diarrhea. Further evaluation of the combination of weekly irinotecan and cisplatin, including the addition of other agents to this regimen, is indicated.

Alliance A031501: Phase III randomized adjuvant study of MK-3475 (pembrolizumab) in muscle-invasive and locally advanced urothelial carcinoma (MIBC) (AMBASSADOR) versus observation.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. TPS504-TPS504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea B. Apolo ◽  
Jonathan E. Rosenberg ◽  
William Y. Kim ◽  
Ronald C. Chen ◽  
Guru Sonpavde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Urothelial Carcinoma ◽  
Radical Cystectomy ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Immune Gene ◽  
Significant Activity ◽  
Muscle Invasive

TPS504 Background: Patients with high-risk MIBC have a poor prognosis. Radical cystectomy remains the standard treatment. Yet despite substantial improvements in surgical techniques, mortality from metastatic recurrence remains high. A large number of MIBC patients are ineligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy or have persistent muscle-invasive disease despite neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, has demonstrated significant activity and is FDA-approved for patients with advanced/chemotherapy-refractory metastatic urothelial carcinoma. We hypothesize that pembrolizumab given post-cystectomy will improve overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with high-risk MIBC. Methods: Patients must have histologically confirmed muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder or upper tract, have received NAC and have ≥ pT2 and/or pN+ at surgery or be cisplatin-ineligible and have ≥ pT3 and/or pN+ at surgery or have declined adjuvant cisplatin-based therapy and have ≥ pT3 and/or pN+ at surgery. Surgery could be radical cystectomy, nephrectomy, or ureterectomy. Patients are stratified by pathologic stage, central PD-L1 status, and prior NAC. Patients are randomized to receive pembrolizumab 240 mg every 3 weeks for 1 year, or observation. The dual primary objectives are to determine DFS and OS. Secondary objectives are to determine DFS and OS in PD-L1-positive and -negative patients and assess safety. Correlative objectives are to determine whether 12 immune gene signatures, tumor molecular subtypes, diversity of T-cell receptor (TCR) clonotypes, persistence of TCR clonotypes, tumor and neoantigen burden, HLA subtypes, and plasma HGF and VEGF levels with IL-10 and IL-17 are associated with OS and DFS. Quality of Life Correlative objectives are to compare health-related quality of life as assessed by the EORTC QLQ-C30. Clinical trial information: NCT03244384.

scholarly journals Disposable N95 Masks Pass Qualitative Fit-Test But Have Decreased Filtration Efficiency after Cobalt-60 Gamma Irradiation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avilash Cramer ◽  
Enze Tian ◽  
Sherry H. Yu ◽  
Mitchell Galanek ◽  
Edward Lamere ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Radiation ◽  
Gamma Irradiation ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Fiber Material ◽  
Filtration Efficiency ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Viral Inactivation ◽  
Sterilization Method ◽  
Blinded Study

ABSTRACTThe current COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic shortage of masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) in hospitals around the globe [1]. One component of PPE that is in particular demand are disposable N95 face masks. To alleviate this, many methods of N95 mask sterilization have been studied and proposed with the hope of being able to safely reuse masks [2]. Two major considerations must be made when re-sterilizing masks: (1) the sterilization method effectively kills pathogens, penetrating into the fibers of the mask, and (2) the method does not degrade the operational integrity of the N95 filters.We studied Cobalt-60 (60Co) gamma irradiation as a method of effective sterilization without inducing mask degradation. Significant literature exists supporting the use of gamma radiation as a sterilization method, with viral inactivation of SARS-CoV reported at doses of at most 10 kGy [3], with other studies supporting 5 kGy for many types of viruses [4]. However, concerns have been raised about the radiation damaging the fiber material within the mask, specifically by causing cross-linking of polymers, leading to cracking and degradation during fitting and/or deployment [5, 6].A set of 3M 8210 and 9105 masks were irradiated using MIT’s 60Co irradiator. Three masks of each type received 0 kiloGray (kGy), 10 kGy and 50 kGy of approximately 1.3 MeV gamma radiation from the circular cobalt sources, at a dose rate of 2.2kGy per hour.Following this sterilization procedure, the irradiated masks passed a OSHA Gerson Qualitative Fit Test QLFT 50 (saccharin apparatus) [7] when donned correctly, performed at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in a blinded study repeated in triplicate. However, the masks’ filtration of 0.3 µm particles was significantly degraded, even at 10 kGy.These results suggest against gamma, and possibly all ionizing radiation, as a method of disposable N95 sterilization. Even more importantly, they argue against using the qualitative fit test alone to assess mask integrity.

scholarly journals Mask Material Filtration Efficiency and Mask Fitting at the Crossroads: Implications during Pandemic Times

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 200571
Author(s):  
Karin Ardon-Dryer ◽  
Juliusz Warzywoda ◽  
Rumeysa Tekin ◽  
Jnev Biros ◽  
Sharilyn Almodovar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Filtration Efficiency ◽  
Mask Material
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