The effect of mask usage of the health personnel on blood gas analysis and cognitive strengthening during COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of lengthy mask use on blood gas values and cognitive functions. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted in February and March 2022 at Mersin City Training and Research Hospital, Mersin, Turkey, and comprised healthcare professionals of either gender aged 20-60 years working in the 3rd level intensive care unit. Each volunteer was subjected to venous blood gas analysis at the beginning and end of the 8-hour morning shift. Coronavirus disease-2019 status was noted, and further data related to cognitive functions was collected using a 7-item questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 63 subjects, 43(68.3%) were women and 20(31.7%) were men. The overall mean age was 33.53±6.76 years. There were 42(66.7%) subjects using N95 mask; 27(64.3%) women and 15(35.7%) men with mean age 32.38±6.54 years. There were 21(33.3%) subjects wearing surgical masks; 16(76.2%) women and 5(23.8%) men with mean age 35.95±0.76 years. Intergroup comparisons were non-significant for all the markers (p>0.05). Within the N95 mask group, potential of hydrogen and lactate values were significantly different (p<0.05), while in the surgical mask group, potential of hydrogen and partial pressure of oxygen were significantly different (p<0.05). There were 28(66.7%) subjects in the N95 group who had been affected by coronavirus disease-2019 compared to 16(76.2%) in the surgical mask group (p>0.05). Subjects in the N95 mask group had significant impaired cognitive functions compared to the surgical mask group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Impairment in cognitive functions in intensive care unit workers using masks could be explained by the development of intermittent long-term moderate hypoxia.

El humo del electrocauterio, el riesgo olvidado y minimizado de la cirugía / Smoke from electrocautery, the forgotten and minimized risk of surgery

Introducción. La nueva era de la cirugía es cada vez más dependiente de la tecnología, y un ejemplo de ello es el uso generalizado de electrocauterio como parte primordial de la práctica quirúrgica. El humo quirúrgico es un subproducto de la disección y la coagulación de los tejidos producidas por los equipos de energía, que representa múltiples riesgos potenciales para la salud del grupo quirúrgico, sin embargo, se han minimizado los peligros causados por la exposición de manera frecuente y acumulativa a este aerosol. Métodos. Se realizó un análisis crítico, desde una posición reflexiva de la información disponible, estableciendo los posibles riesgos relacionados con la exposición al humo quirúrgico. Discusión. Es visible la necesidad imperativa de establecer directrices nacionales, pautas normativas y recomendaciones estandarizadas para cumplir con las exigencias dadas por los sistemas de gestión en salud ocupacional y seguridad del trabajo, cuyo objetivo principal es hacer efectivo el uso de mascarillas quirúrgicas apropiadas, la implementación de programa de vigilancia epidemiológica ambiental en sala de cirugía, la priorización del uso constante de aspiradores y sistemas de evacuación, y la ejecución de programas educativos de sensibilización dirigidos al personal implicado. De igual manera, se abre la inquietud de la necesidad de nuevos estudios para definir con mayor precisión el peligro de este aerosol. Conclusión. Se recomienda de manera responsable utilizar todas las estrategias preventivas existentes para intervenir en salas de cirugía los riesgos minimizados y olvidados del humo quirúrgico.

Introduction. The new era of surgery is increasingly dependent on technology, and an example of this is the widespread use of electrocautery as a primary part of surgical practice. Surgical smoke is a byproduct of the dissection and coagulation of tissues produced by energy equipment, which represents multiple potential health risks for the surgical group; however, the dangers caused by cumulative exposure have been minimized. Methods. A critical analysis was carried out from a reflective position of the available information, establishing the possible risks related to exposure to surgical smoke. Discussion. The imperative need to establish national normative guidelines and standardized recommendations to comply with the demands given by the occupational health and work safety management systems, whose main objective is to make effective the use of appropriate surgical masks, implementation of environmental epidemiological surveillance program in the operating room, prioritizing the constant use of vacuum cleaners and evacuation systems, and carrying out educational awareness programs aimed at the personnel involved. Likewise, there is concern about the need for new studies to more precisely define the danger of this aerosol. Conclusion. It is recommended to responsibly use all existing preventive strategies to intervene in operating rooms to minimize the forgotten risks of surgical smoke.

Lesiones cutáneas asociadas con el uso de respiradores N95 en profesionales de la salud de Brasil durante 2020 / Skin lesions associated with the use of N95 respirators among health professionals in Brazil in 2020 / Lesões de pele associadas ao uso de respiradores N95 entre profissionais de saúde no Brasil em 2020

Objetivo: investigar la prevalencia de lesiones cutáneas y factores asociados con el uso de respiradores N95 en profesionales de la salud de Brasil. Método: estudio transversal realizado con 11.368 profesionales de la salud en el que se empleó un método de muestreo dirigido por encuestados adaptado para entornos en línea. Se ejecutaron análisis univariados y multivariados para investigar la asociación entre la variable "lesiones cutáneas por utilizar respiradores N95" y sexo, categoría profesional, lugar de trabajo, capacitación, diagnóstico de COVID-19 y disponibilidad de suficiente provisión de Equipo de Protección Personal de buena calidad. Resultados: la prevalencia de lesiones cutáneas fue del 61,8%. Las mujeres fueron 1,203 veces (IC 95%: 1,154-1,255) más propensas a desarrollar lesiones que los hombres. La probabilidad de lesiones cutáneas en psicólogos (RP=0,805; IC 95%: 0,678-0,956) y dentistas (RP=0,884; IC 95%: 0,788-0,992) fue menor en comparación con la encontrada en los profesionales de Enfermería. Los profesionales con diagnóstico positivo de COVID-19 y que trabajan en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos son más propensos a sufrir lesiones cutáneas (RP=1,074; IC 95%: 1,042-1,107); (RP=1,203; IC 95%: 1,168-1,241), respectivamente, Conclusión: la prevalencia de lesiones cutáneas causadas por utilizar respiradores N95 fue del 61,8% y estuvo asociada al sexo femenino, a la categoría profesional, al lugar de trabajo, a la capacitación, a diagnóstico de COVID-19 y a la disponibilidad de suficiente provisión de Equipo de Protección Personal de buena calidad.

Objective: to investigate the prevalence of skin lesions and factors associated with the use of N95 respirators among health professionals in Brazil. Method: cross-sectional study conducted with 11,368 health professionals using a respondent-driven sampling method adapted for online environments. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the association between the "skin lesions with the use of N95 respirators" variable and gender, professional category, workplace, training, COVID-19 diagnosis, and availability of sufficient and high-quality Personal Protective Equipment. Results: the prevalence of skin lesions was 61.8%. Women were 1.203 times (95% CI: 1.154-1.255) more likely to develop a lesion than men. The chances of skin lesions in psychologists (PR=0.805; 95% CI: 0.678-0.956) and dentists (PR=0.884; 95% CI: 0.788-0.992), were lower when compared to Nursing professionals. Professionals with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and working in the Intensive Care Unit have an increased chance of presenting skin lesions (PR=1.074; 95% CI: 1.042-1.107); (PR=1.203; 95% CI: 1.168-1.241), respectively. Conclusion: the prevalence of skin lesions caused by the use of N95 respirators was 61.8% and was associated with female gender, professional category, workplace, training, COVID-19 diagnosis, and availability of sufficient and highquality Personal Protective Equipment.

Objetivo: investigar a prevalência de lesões de pele e fatores associados ao uso de respiradores N95 entre profissionais de saúde no Brasil. Método: estudo transversal realizado com 11.368 profissionais de saúde por meio de um método de amostragem dirigido por respondentes adaptado para ambientes online. Análises univariadas e multivariadas foram realizadas para investigar a associação entre a variável "lesão de pele com uso de respirador N95" e sexo, categoria profissional, local de trabalho, treinamento, diagnóstico de COVID-19 e disponibilidade suficiente de equipamentos de proteção individual de qualidade. Resultados: a prevalência de lesões cutâneas foi de 61,8%. As mulheres foram 1,203 vezes (IC 95%: 1.154-1.255) mais propensas a desenvolver uma lesão do que os homens. As chances de lesão de pele em psicólogos (RP=0,805; IC 95%: 0,678-0,956) e dentistas (RP=0,884; IC 95%: 0,788-0,992) foram menores quando comparados aos profissionais de Enfermagem. Profissionais com diagnóstico positivo para COVID-19 e que trabalham em Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos têm maior chance de apresentar lesões de pele (RP=1,074; IC 95%: 1,042-1,107); (RP=1,203; IC 95%: 1,168- 1,241), respectivamente. Conclusão: a prevalência de lesões de pele causadas pelo uso do respirador N95 foi de 61,8% e esteve associada ao sexo feminino, categoria profissional, local de trabalho, treinamento, diagnóstico de COVID-19 e disponibilidade suficiente de equipamentos de proteção individual de qualidade.

Máscara n95: percepções dos trabalhadores do centro cirúrgico / Máscara n95: percepciones de los trabajadores del centro quirúrgico / N95 mask: perceptions of surgical center workers

Objetivo: identificar as percepções dos trabalhadores do centro cirúrgico quanto ao uso da máscara N95 como Equipamento de Proteção Individual em relação à fumaça cirúrgica. Método: pesquisa qualitativa mediante entrevistas áudio-gravadas, com nove trabalhadores do Centro Cirúrgico de um hospital no norte do Paraná, Brasil. Questionou-se: qual a percepção dos trabalhadores expostos à fumaça cirúrgica em relação ao uso das máscaras N95? Foi utilizada a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Resultados: o estudo revela a fragilidade do conhecimento dos profissionais sobre a utilização da máscara N95 e sobre os riscos que estão expostos durante sua jornada de trabalho, quando expostos à fumaça cirúrgica. Assim como o desconforto pelo uso da máscara. Conclusão: sugere-se capacitação aos profissionais da saúde expostos à fumaça cirúrgica, onde possa ser esclarecido sobre o uso de Equipamento de Proteção Individual de forma correta e sua importância na prevenção para o desenvolvimento de doenças ocupacionais.

Objetivo: identificar las percepciones de los trabajadores del centro quirúrgico en cuanto al uso de la máscara N95 como Equipo de Protección Individual en relación al humo quirúrgico. Método: investigación cualitativa mediante entrevistas audio-grabadas, con nueve trabajadores del Centro Quirúrgico de un hospital en el norte de Paraná, Brasil. Se preguntó: ¿cuál es la percepción de los trabajadores expuestos al humo quirúrgico con respecto al uso de las máscaras N95? Se utilizó la técnica de análisis de contenido. Resultados: el estudio revela la fragilidad del conocimiento de los profesionales sobre la utilización de la máscara N95 y sobre los riesgos que están expuestos durante su jornada de trabajo, cuando están expuestos al humo quirúrgico. Así como la incomodidad por el uso de la máscara. Conclusión: se sugiere capacitación a los profesionales de la salud expuestos a humo quirúrgico, donde pueda ser esclarecido sobre el uso de Equipo de Protección Individual de forma correcta y su importancia en la prevención para el desarrollo de enfermedades ocupacionales.

Objective: to identify the perceptions of surgical center workers regarding the use of the N95 mask as Personal Protection Equipment in relation to surgical smoke. Method: qualitative research through audio-recorded interviews with nine workers from the Surgical Center of a hospital in northern Paraná, Brazil. It was questioned: what is the perception of workers exposed to surgical smoke in relation to the use of N95 masks? The technique of content analysis was used. Results: the study reveals the fragility of professionals' knowledge about the use of the N95 mask and the risks they are exposed during their working day, when exposed to surgical smoke. As well as discomfort from wearing the mask. Conclusion: training for health professionals exposed to surgical smoke is suggested, where it can be clarified about the use of Personal Protective Equipment correctly and its importance in preventing the development of occupational diseases.

Effects of UV-C Disinfection on N95 and KN95 Filtering Facepiece Respirator Reuse.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of UV technology for virus disinfection to allow FFR reuse. UV is a proven decontamination tool for microbial pathogens, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Research findings suggest that the impacts of UV-C treatment on FFR material degradation should be confirmed using microbial surrogates in addition to the commonly performed abiotic particle testing. This study used the surrogates, E. coli and MS-2 bacteriophage, as they bracket the UV response of SARS-CoV-2. Lower log inactivation was observed on FFRs than predicted by aqueous-based UV dose-response data for MS-2 bacteriophage and E. coli. In addition, the dose-response curves did not follow the trends commonly observed with aqueous data for E. coli and MS-2. The dose-response curves for the respirators in this study had a semicircle shape, where the inactivation reached a peak and then decreased. This decrease in UV inactivation is thought to be due to the degradation of the fibers of the FFR and allows for more viral and bacterial cells to wash through the layers of the respirator. This degradation phenomenon was observed at UV doses at and above 2,000 mJ/cm2. Results have demonstrated that FFR materials yield various results in terms of effective disinfection in experiments conducted on KN95 and N95 face respirators. The highest inactivation for both surrogates was observed with the KN95 respirator made by Purism, yielding 3 and 2.75 log inactivation for E. coli and MS-2 at UV doses of 1,500 mJ/cm2. The KN95 made by Anboruo yielded the lowest inactivation for MS-2 at 0.75 log when exposed to 1,000 mJ/cm2. To further test the degradation theory, experiments used a collimated beam device to test the hypothesis further that degradation is occurring at and above UV doses of 1,500 mJ/cm2. The experiment aimed to determine the effect of "predosing" a respirator with UV before inoculating the respirator with MS-2. In this test, quantification of the penetrated irradiance value and the ability of each layer to retain MS-2 were quantified. The results of the experiments varied from the intact FFR degradation experiments but displayed some data to support the degradation theory. IMPORTANCE Research suggests degradation of FFR materials at high UV doses is important. There appears to be a peak inactivation dose at approximately 1,500 mJ/cm2. The subsequent dose increases appear to have the reverse effect on inactivation values; these trends have shown true with both the N95 and KN95-Purism respirators.

Desinfección y reutilización de respiradores N95 durante pandemia por COVID-19 / Disinfection and reuse of N95 respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción: Se está viviendo en un contexto de pandemia por COVID-19, en donde se evidencia la escasez de equipos de protección personal en salud y se prevé que continuará en el corto y mediano plazo. Por lo que considerar la reutilización o el uso prolongado de algunos equipos de protección personal, en especial de los respiradores, podría ser una alternativa a considerar. Objetivo: Revisar y dar a conocer, en base a evidencia científica, distintas formas de desinfección para poder reutilizar de manera segura y asequible los respiradores N95. Comentarios principales: Los respiradores N95 o sus equivalentes son de uso exclusivo del personal de salud para la atención de pacientes con sospecha o confirmación de COVID-19 y en procedimientos con generación de aerosoles. Su eficacia depende en gran medida del estado del respirador, de la capacidad de filtración, del sellado y de su uso adecuado. Son diversos los métodos para desinfectar, como la luz ultravioleta tipo C, el peróxido de hidrógeno, calor seco y húmedo, ozono, irradiación por microondas, etc. Si estos procedimientos no son realizados adecuadamente, podrían no ser efectivos. Comentarios globales: En escenarios de escasez de equipos de protección personal la reutilización es un procedimiento viable, económico, seguro, potencialmente escalable y fácil de realizar. Los respiradores N95 requieren un procedimiento especial de desinfección para preservar su capacidad de filtración y sellado. Existe un limitado número de ciclos de desinfección y reutilización. La estufa en calor seco podría ser el método más asequible en entornos privados(AU)

Introduction: We are living in a context of COVID-19 pandemic, where the shortage of personal protective equipment in health is evident and it is expected that it will continue in the short and medium term. So, considering the reuse or prolonged use of some personal protective equipment, especially respirators, could be an alternative to consider. Objective: To review and disseminate, based on scientific evidence, different forms of disinfection in order to safely and affordably reuse N95 respirators. Main comments: N95 respirators or their equivalents are for the exclusive use of health personnel for the care of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and in aerosol generation procedures. Its effectiveness depends to a large extent on the condition of the respirator, the filtration capacity, the sealing and its proper use. There are several methods to disinfect, such as ultraviolet light type C, hydrogen peroxide, dry and humid heat, ozone, microwave irradiation, etc. If these procedures are not performed properly, they may not be effective. Global feedback: In personal protective equipment shortage scenarios, reuse is a viable, economical, safe, potentially scalable and easy-to-perform procedure. N95 respirators require a special disinfection procedure to preserve their filtration and sealing capacity. There are a limited number of disinfection and reuse cycles. Dry heat stove might be the most affordable method in private settings(AU)

Recomendaciones internacionales respecto al uso de mascarillas para la prevención de la COVID-19 / international recommendations Regarding the use of masks for the prevention of COVID-19

La publicación describe las recomendaciones internacionales emitidas a la fecha, respecto al uso de mascarillas en la población general y si éstas señalaban usar doble mascarilla, una sola mascarilla o sólo un respirador (KN95 o N95). De la revisión de 11 documentos emitidos por organismos y autoridades sanitarias internacionales, se identificó que tanto el uso de una mascarilla o un respirador (incluyendo N95 o KN95) ha sido incluido en las recomendaciones para su uso en población general. Independientemente del dispositivo, se ha coincidido en que lo fundamental es el uso adecuado del mismo, que se ajuste bien a la cara, que se pueda usar constantemente y esté disponible. Las opciones, en orden descendente de acuerdo al nivel de protección son: respiradores aprobados por NIOSH, respiradores tipo KN95 con buen ajuste, mascarillas quirúrgicas desechables y en último lugar las mascarillas de tela de múltiples capas con buen ajuste y varilla nasal. La OMS, el CDC de Estados Unidos, el CDC de la Unión Europea y el gobierno de Canadá han precisado los estándares que deben ser cumplidos

Efectividad y seguridad del uso obligatorio de mascarillas en el ámbito escolar para la prevención y control de la COVID-19 / Effectiveness and safety of the mandatory use of masks in the school environment for the prevention and control of COVID-19

La publicación describe la evidencia científica disponible respecto a la efectividad y seguridad del uso obligatorio de mascarilla versus en el ámbito escolar, a partir de estudios realizados en instituciones educativas en un contexto de disponibilidad de vacunas. Se reportó una asociación significativa entre escuelas con orden de uso obligatorio de mascarillas y una reducción importante en el número de casos de COVID-19 en estudiantes y trabajadores de las escuelas. Sin embargo, la evidencia procede de cuatro estudios ecológicos, no fue posible determinar el efecto aislado del uso de mascarillas de otras medidas de mitigación y el análisis no tomó en cuenta factores como nivel de adherencia o cumplimiento del mandato, tipo de mascarilla empleada, transmisión en el hogar, los diferentes protocolos para detección de casos en las escuelas incluidas y su capacidad para detectar los casos asintomáticos. Todos los estudios se realizaron en un periodo de disponibilidad de vacunas, en su mayoría para niños de 12 años o más, y previo a la circulación de la variante Omicron. Un análisis secundario identificó que la mayor intensidad de la transmisión comunitaria, mayor nivel de individualismo de la población y el nivel de educación secundaria en comparación a nivel pre-escolar, se asociaron con un incremento del riesgo de infección en las escuelas. El riesgo disminuyó con la aplicación de medidas preventivas únicas (distanciamiento físico o uso de mascarillas) o combinadas (distanciamiento físico y uso de mascarillas) versus ninguna medida y con el aumento en la inmunidad de la población. Respecto a los efectos psicosociales y en la comunicación, los resultados de 6 estudios fueron heterogéneos. No se encontró un efecto importante en la capacidad de los niños para inferir las emociones a partir de rostros con mascarillas, no hubo diferencias en el rendimiento cognitivo cuando los niños estuvieron expuestos previamente al uso de mascarillas frente a los que no la usaron y la comprensión del lenguaje fue similar cuando el orador usaba o no la mascarilla, en ausencia de ruido. Por otro lado, se evidenció un menor desempeño en la capacidad de reconocimiento facial y una alteración en el procesamiento de los rostros que usaban una mascarilla.

Filtration efficiency of N95 filtering facepiece respirators during multi-cycles of '8-hour simulated donning + disinfection'.

BACKGROUND: Aerosol-borne diseases such as COVID-19 may outbreak occasionally in various regions of the world, inevitably resulting in short-term shortage and corresponding reuse of disposable respirators. AIM: To investigate the effective disinfection methods, reusable duration and frequency of N95 respirators. METHODS: Based on the self-built respirator simulation test system, and under combinations of experimental conditions of three N95 respirators × 0-200 nm NaCl aerosols × three simulated breathing flow rates (15, 50 and 85 L/min) × two disinfection methods (dry heating and ultraviolet (UV) radiation), this study continuously measured the changes in filtration efficiency of all respirators during multi-cycles of '8-h simulated donning + disinfection' until the penetration reached ≥5%. FINDINGS: Multi-cycles of dry heating and UV radiation treatments on the reused (i.e., multiple 8-h donning) N95 respirators had a minimal effect (<0.5%) on the respirator filtration efficiency, and even at 85 L/min, all tested N95 respirators were able to maintain filtration efficiencies ≥95% for at least 30 h or four reuse cycles of '8-h donning + disinfection', while a lower breathing flow rate (15 L/min) plus the exhalation valve could further extend the N95 respirator's usability duration up to 140 h or 18 reuse cycles of '8-h donning + disinfection'. As the respirator wearing time extended, aerosol penetration slowly increased in a quadratic function with a negative second-order coefficient, and the penetration increment during each cycle of 8-h donning was less than 0.9%. CONCLUSION: Multi-cycles of N95 respirator reuse in combination with dry heating or UV irradiation disinfection are feasible.

Virucidal N95 Respirator Face Masks via Ultrathin Surface-Grafted Quaternary Ammonium Polymer Coatings.

N95 respirator face masks serve as effective physical barriers against airborne virus transmission, especially in a hospital setting. However, conventional filtration materials, such as nonwoven polypropylene fibers, have no inherent virucidal activity, and thus, the risk of surface contamination increases with wear time. The ability of face masks to protect against infection can be likely improved by incorporating components that deactivate viruses on contact. We present a facile method for covalently attaching antiviral quaternary ammonium polymers to the fiber surfaces of nonwoven polypropylene fabrics that are commonly used as filtration materials in N95 respirators via ultraviolet (UV)-initiated grafting of biocidal agents. Here, C12-quaternized benzophenone is simultaneously polymerized and grafted onto melt-blown or spunbond polypropylene fabric using 254 nm UV light. This grafting method generated ultrathin polymer coatings which imparted a permanent cationic charge without grossly changing fiber morphology or air resistance across the filter. For melt-blown polypropylene, which comprises the active filtration layer of N95 respirator masks, filtration efficiency was negatively impacted from 72.5 to 51.3% for uncoated and coated single-ply samples, respectively. Similarly, directly applying the antiviral polymer to full N95 masks decreased the filtration efficiency from 90.4 to 79.8%. This effect was due to the exposure of melt-blown polypropylene to organic solvents used in the coating process. However, N95-level filtration efficiency could be achieved by wearing coated spunbond polypropylene over an N95 mask or by fabricating N95 masks with coated spunbond as the exterior layer. Coated materials demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against several lipid-enveloped viruses, as well as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. For example, a 4.3-log reduction in infectious MHV-A59 virus and a 3.3-log reduction in infectious SuHV-1 virus after contact with coated filters were observed, although the level of viral deactivation varied significantly depending on the virus strain and protocol for assaying infectivity.

Lesões por pressão relacionadas ao uso de máscaras N95 na pandemia por COVID-19 / Lesiones por presión relacionadas con el uso de mascarillas N95 en la pandemia de COVID-19 / Pressure injury related to the use of N95 mask in COVID-19 pandemic

Objetivo: avaliar o desenvolvimento de lesão por pressão em profissionais de saúde desencadeadas pelas máscaras de proteção individual N95, assim como avaliar o uso de barreiras de proteção usadas como interface para prevenção desse tipo de lesão. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal desenvolvido de julho de 2020 a julho de 2021. Para a coleta de dados, foi aplicado questionário para avaliar as particularidades da pele, desenvolvimento de lesão, classificação e os fatores de risco para seu desenvolvimento. Para análise estatística foi considerada a significância de p <0,1 e regressão logística múltipla. Resultados: Foram avaliados 85 profissionais, sendo que 91,8% destes apresentaram algum tipo de lesão. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a lesão por pressão relacionada ao uso de máscaras de proteção individual N95 apresentou alta ocorrência nessa população. E embora importantes, barreiras protetoras foram pouco utilizadas devido a questões financeiras da instituição(AU)

Objective: to evaluate the development of pressure injuries triggered by N95 personal protective masks in health professionals, as well as to evaluate the use of protective barriers used as an interface to prevent this type of injury. Method: This is a cross-sectional study developed from July 2020 to July 2021. For data collection, a questionnaire was applied to assess the particularities of the skin, lesion development, classification and risk factors for its development. For statistical analysis, significance of p <0.1 and multiple logistic regression were considered. Results: Eighty-five professionals were evaluated, and 91.8% of them developed some type of injury. Conclusion: Pressure injuries related to the use of N95 personal protective masks were highly prevalent in this population. And although important, protective barriers were under-used due to financial issues in the institution(AU)

Objetivo: evaluar el desarrollo de lesiones por presión en profesionales de la salud provocadas por máscaras de protección personal N95, así como evaluar el uso de barreras protectoras utilizadas como interfaz para prevenir este tipo de lesión. Método: Se trata de un estudio transversal desarrollado de julio de 2020 a julio de 2021. Para la recolección de datos se aplicó un cuestionario para evaluar las particularidades de la piel, desarrollo de la lesión, clasificación y factores de riesgo para su desarrollo. Para el análisis estadístico se consideró la significación de p < 0,1 y la regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: Se evaluaron 85 profesionales, de los cuales el 91,8% presentaba algún tipo de lesión. Conclusión: Se concluye que las lesiones por presión relacionadas con el uso de máscaras de protección personal N95 fueron altamente prevalentes en esta población. Y aunque importantes, las barreras de protección fueron poco utilizadas por cuestiones financieras de la institución.

Rapid design and implementation of a UVC decontamination room.

With the recent COVID-19 pandemic that has swept the world and the nation, hospitals around the country have experienced shortages in Personal Protective Equipment, specifically N95 filter face-mask respirators (FFRs). This has created the need for facilities to develop sterilization processes to enable reuse of face masks by the health care personnel. Among the various methods of sterilization, UVC light exposure is the easiest to implement given the factors of time, safety, and availability. Face masks and/or other PPE are exposed to UVC light for a specified time to kill any viruses or bacteria that may reside on the surfaces of the masks. A collaborative effort was formed in April of 2020 between Wellstar Health System and Kennesaw State University to (1) setup an appropriate sterilization room at a Wellstar hospital (2) develop the procedural guidelines necessary to ensure quality control and (3) assess employees' perceptions of the N95 FFR decontamination process and efficacy. This paper will first describe the methodology used to validate the layout of the room, which consists of a rudimentary analytical analysis of the UVC photon intensity from bulb-to-mask, computer simulations to determine the lighting power density throughout the room, and experimental measurements to confirm the appropriate energy deposition. This paper will then document the procedures for handling and processing the pre- and post-sterilized masks followed by employee survey findings. It is the hope of the authors that this paper will serve to provide a generic blueprint for hospitals and other organizations to follow if a future need arises for rapid UVC decontamination.

Máscara N95 e o dilema da trajetória balística das partículas respiratórias na COVID-19 / N95 mask and the dilemma of the ballistic trajectory of respiratory particles in COVID-19 / Respiradores N95 y el dilema de la trayectoria balística de partículas respiratorias en COVID-19

Objetivo: Apresentar elementos teóricos acerca da transmissão do SARS-CoV-2 por meio das partículas respiratórias, para além do seu diâmetro aerodinâmico e trajetória balística, a subsidiar reflexões sobre a adequação do uso de máscaras pelos profissionais de saúde. Método: Ensaio acadêmico com o uso de dados de revisão narrativa da literatura. Resultados: Clarifica a confusão acerca dos termos gotículas, núcleos de gotículas, aerossóis e par-tículas, divergências que contribuem para entendimentos diferenciados sobre os mecanismos de transmissão desse agente etiológico, levando à adoção de distintas medidas de intervenção para o controle do vírus. Apresenta dados da transmissibilidade do SARS-CoV-2 pelo ar, a despeito das dificuldades técnica e metodológica para a detecção desse agente em tal meio, situação que dificulta conclusões contundentes acerca da transmissão aérea do pató-geno.Conclusão: Acredita-se ser um erro usar a falta de conclusões sobre a identificação do SARS-CoV-2 em amostras de ar para questionar a transmis-são aérea e, igualmente, para recomendar medidas de prevenção segundo o tamanho aerodinâmico dos vírus. Assim, o uso da máscara N95 por profis-sionais de saúde durante pandemia deve ser medida basilar e inequívoca para a proteção e a segurança dessa população.

Objective: To present theoretical elements about the transmission of SARS CoV-2 through respiratory particles, in addition to its aerodynamic dia-meter and ballistic trajectory, to support reflections on the adequacy of the use of masks by health professionals. Method: Academic essay using narrative review data from the literature. Results: Clarifies the confusion about the terms droplets, droplet nuclei, aerosols and particles, divergences that contribute to diffe-rentiated understandings about transmission mechanisms of this etiological agent, with the adoption of different intervention measures to control this virus. It shows data on the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 by air, despite the technical and methodological difficulties for detecting this agent in the air, a situation that hinders hard conclusions about the aerial transmission of this pathogen. Conclusions: It is believed to be an error to use the lack of sars-cov-2 identification conclusions in air samples, to question airborne transmission, also to recommend prevention measures depending on the aerodynamic size of viruses. Thus, the use of the N95 mask by health professionals during the pandemic should be a basic and unequivocal measure for the protection and safety of this population.

Objetivo: Presentar elementos teóricos sobre la transmisión del SARS CoV-2 a través de partículas respiratorias, además de su diámetro aerodi-námico y trayectoria balística, para apoyar reflexiones sobre la adecuación del uso de mascarillas por parte de los profesionales sanitarios. Método: Ensayo académico utilizando datos de revisión narrativa de la literatura. Resultados: Aclara la confusión sobre los términos gotitas, núcleos de gotitas, aerosoles y partículas, divergencias que contribuyen a entendimientos diferenciados sobre los mecanismos de transmisión de ese agente etiológico, con la adop-ción de diferentes medidas de intervención para controlar ese virus. Presenta datos sobre la transmisibilidad del SARS-CoV-2 por vía aérea, a pesar de las dificultades técnicas y metodológicas para detectar ese agente en el aire, situación que dificulta duras conclusiones sobre la transmisión aérea del pató-geno. Conclusión: Se cree que es un error utilizar la falta de conclusiones sobre la identificación del SARS-CoV-2 en muestras de aire para cuestionar la transmisión aérea e, igualmente, recomendar medidas de prevención según el tamaño aerodinámico de los virus. Así, el uso de los respiradores N95 por parte de los profesionales sanitarios durante la pandemia debe ser una medida básica e inequívoca para la protección y seguridad de esta población.

Hydrogen peroxide vapor decontamination of N95 respirators for reuse.

OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to global shortages of N95 respirators. Reprocessing of used N95 respirators may provide a higher filtration crisis alternative, but whether effective sterilization can be achieved for a virus without impairing respirator function remains unknown. We evaluated the viricidal efficacy of Bioquell vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) on contaminated N95 respirators and tested the particulate particle penetration and inhalation and exhalation resistance of respirators after multiple cycles of VHP. METHODS: For this study, 3M 1870 N95 respirators were contaminated with 3 aerosolized bacteriophages: T1, T7, and Pseudomonas phage phi-6 followed by 1 cycle of VHP decontamination using a BQ-50 system. Additionally, new and unused respirators were sent to an independent laboratory for particulate filter penetration testing and inhalation and exhalation resistance after 3 and 5 cycles of VHP. RESULTS: A single VHP cycle resulted in complete eradication of bacteriophage from respirators (limit of detection 10 PFU). Respirators showed acceptable limits for inhalation/exhalation resistance after 3 and 5 cycles of VHP. Respirators demonstrated a filtration efficiency >99 % after 3 cycles, but filtration efficiency fell below 95% after 5 cycles of HPV. CONCLUSION: Bioquell VHP demonstrated high viricidal activity for N95 respirators inoculated with aerosolized bacteriophages. Bioquell technology can be scaled for simultaneous decontamination of a large number of used but otherwise intact respirators. Reprocessing should be limited to 3 cycles due to concerns both about impact of clinical wear and tear on fit, and to decrement in filtration after 3 cycles.

Effectiveness of a 3D-printed mask fitter in an Ophthalmology setting during COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a 3D-printed custom mask fitter in lieu of N95 respirators among ophthalmologists and other eye care professionals who may not be prioritized to receive N95 respirators amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. METHODS: This was a proof-of-concept study from a tertiary eye care center in Oakville, Canada. All participants underwent the N95 Qualitative Fit Test with a custom mask fitter secured over an American Society for Testing and Materials Level 3 face mask. Participants answered a 10-point Likert scale questionnaire on comfort, ease of use, and feasibility of the custom mask fitter, as well as comfort of a regular face mask. RESULTS: Twenty participants were recruited. Of the 20 recruited, 18 (90%) successfully passed the fit test. The median scores for comfort, ease of use, and everyday feasibility for the custom mask fitter were 3.5, 4.5, and 3, respectively, whereas the median score for comfort of a regular face mask was 8.5. CONCLUSION: A reusable, low-cost, 3D-printed custom mask fitter is a potential effective alternative to an N95 respirator among eye care professionals but may require improvement in its design and comfort. This is especially relevant in the context of a limited supply of N95 respirators amidst a global pandemic.

The effect of N95 and surgical masks on mucociliary clearance function and sinonasal complaints.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to reveal the effect of N95 and surgical masks on mucociliary clearance function and sinonasal complaints. METHODS: Sixty participants were enrolled in this study, including 30 people in N95 mask group and 30 people in surgical mask group. Two interviews, three days apart, were performed with all participants. The participants were asked not to use any mask before the first interview while they were asked to use the determined mask just before the second interview for 8 h. In both interviews, the mucociliary clearance times (MCTs) were measured and participants were asked to score ten distinct sinonasal complaints using visual analog scale (VAS). Data obtained from first interview were named pre-mask data, data obtained from second interview were called after-mask data. In both groups, pre-mask MCTs and VAS scores were compared with after-mask MCTs and VAS scores. RESULTS: After-mask MCTs (mean = 13.03 ± 6.05 min) were significantly longer than pre-mask MCTs (mean = 10.19 ± 4.21 min) in N95 mask group (p = 0.002). No significant difference was found between after-mask and pre-mask MCTs (mean = 12.05 ± 5.21 min, mean = 11.00 ± 5.44 min, respectively) in surgical mask group (p = 0.234). When after-mask VAS scores were compared with pre-mask VAS scores, it was found that N95 mask use increased nasal blockage and postnasal discharge, surgical mask usage increased nasal blockage. CONCLUSION: While the use of N95 mask leads to nasal blockage and postnasal discharge, surgical mask use results in nasal blockage. N95 masks cause impairment in mucociliary clearance function. But all these effects are mild. Surgical masks have not been found to have any effect on mucociliary clearance function.

The value of photomedicine in a global health crisis: Utilizing ultraviolet C to decontaminate N95 respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One early problem during the height of the COVID-19 global pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was the shortage of personal protective equipment donned by healthcare workers, particularly N95 respirators. Given the known virucidal, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties of ultraviolet irradiation, in particular ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation, our photomedicine and photobiology unit explored the role of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) using UVC in effectively decontaminating N95 respirators. The review highlights the important role of photobiology and photomedicine in this pandemic. Namely, the goals of this review were to highlight: UVGI as a method of respirator disinfection-specifically against SARS-CoV-2, adverse reactions to UVC and precautions to protect against exposure, other methods of decontamination of respirators, and the importance of respirator fit testing.

Effect of N95 filtering facepiece respirators on dental health professionals with an emphasis on pulmonary function and heart rate: an intrasubject comparison.

Despite the ubiquitous use of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (N95 FFR), published literature on the topic remains scarce, especially in relation to dental professionals. This study assesses the impact of N95 FFRs on blood oxygen saturation and heart rate of dental health professionals while performing procedures requiring varying degrees of physical exertion in an aerosol-rich environment. A total of 51 participants, consisting of 43 men and eight women aged between 23 and 31 years were recruited into the study. All subjects were well-versed in wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). A clinical grade pulse oximeter was used with a clamp placed around the fingertip or the earlobe of the participant. The selection of N95 FFR was based on fit and leakage. All data were collected once from the same participants using a surgical mask as a control. Data were collected again from the same subjects after 1, 2, and 3 hours of use. There were significant differences in both oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate between the two groups after 1, 2, and 3 hours of wearing the respective masks. In healthy young individuals, wearing an N95 FFR for an extended period of time during clinical dental procedures reduced the SpO2level and increased the heart rate compared with a standard surgical mask. However, SpO2 levels remained within a healthy range of more than 95%, and heart rate was within acceptable limits.

Practical considerations for Ultraviolet-C radiation mediated decontamination of N95 respirator against SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Decontaminating N95 respirators for reuse could mitigate shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the United States Center for Disease Control has identified Ultraviolet-C irradiation as one of the most promising methods for N95 decontamination, very few studies have evaluated the efficacy of Ultraviolet-C for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation. In addition, most decontamination studies are performed using mask coupons that do not recapitulate the complexity of whole masks. We sought to directly evaluate the efficacy of Ultraviolet-C mediated inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 on N95 respirators. To that end we created a portable UV-C light-emitting diode disinfection chamber and tested decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 at different sites on two models of N95 respirator. We found that decontamination efficacy depends on mask model, material and location of the contamination on the mask. Our results emphasize the need for caution when interpreting efficacy data of UV-C decontamination methods.