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Journal of Clinical Anesthesia Sep 2023The combined use of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway and a bronchial blocker may reduce postoperative hoarseness and sore throat. We aimed to test the feasibility and... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
STUDY OBJECTIVE
The combined use of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway and a bronchial blocker may reduce postoperative hoarseness and sore throat. We aimed to test the feasibility and efficacy of this combination technique in thoracoscopic surgery.
DESIGN
A single-center, patient-assessor blinded, randomized controlled trial.
SETTING
Nagoya City University Hospital (between November 2020 and April 2022).
PATIENTS
A total of 100 adult patients undergoing lobectomy or segmentectomy by video- or robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
INTERVENTIONS
Patients were randomly assigned to either group using a combination of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway and a bronchial blocker (pLMA+BB group) or a double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT group).
MEASUREMENTS
The primary outcome was the hoarseness incidence on 1-3 postoperative days. Secondary outcomes included sore throat, intraoperative complications (hypoxemia, hypercapnia, surgical interruption, malposition of devices, unintended lung expansion, and ventilatory difficulty), lung collapse, device placement-related outcomes, and coughing during emergence.
MAIN RESULTS
A total of 100 patients underwent randomization (51 to the pLMA+BB group and 49 to the DLT group). After drop outs, a total of 49 patients in each group were analyzed per-protocol. The incidences of hoarseness in the pLMA+BB and DLT groups were 42.9% and 53.1% (difference, -10.2%; 95% confidence interval, -30.1% to 10.3%; p = 0.419), 18.4% vs. 32.7%, and 20.4% vs. 24.5% on postoperative day 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The incidences of sore throat in the pLMA+BB and DLT groups were 16.3% vs. 34.7% (difference, -18.4%; 95% confidence interval, -35.9% to -0.9%; p = 0.063) on postoperative day 1. In the pLMA+BB group, more intraoperative complications and less coughing during emergence were observed compared to the DLT group. Lung collapse and placement-related outcomes were comparable between the groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The combination of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway and bronchial blocker did not significantly reduce hoarseness compared to the double-lumen endobronchial tube.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Laryngeal Masks; Hoarseness; Thoracoscopy; Pharyngitis; Pulmonary Atelectasis; Intraoperative Complications; Intubation, Intratracheal
PubMed: 37137259
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2023.111136 -
Frontiers in Allergy 2023We reviewed the role of facial masks in preventing allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
We reviewed the role of facial masks in preventing allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms.
METHODS
The literature survey was performed in PubMed, EBSCO, UpToDate, and Proquest Central databases of Kırıkkale University and Google and Google Scholar databases.
RESULTS
Aeroallergens are microscopic airborne particles that trigger AR symptoms. In sensitive people, the type 1 hypersensitivity reaction against these allergens occurs when these microparticles enter the nasal mucosa via inhalation. Pollens, molds, dust mites, and animal dander are only some of the allergens suspected of contributing to AR symptoms. The treatment guidelines for AR extensively encompass allergy avoidance and environmental management as the first-line treatment. It is recommended that those who experience seasonal symptoms try to avoid their triggers whenever possible. While medical masks filter out particles larger than 3 μm, FFP2 masks are effective against particles as small as 0.004 μm. Since both mask types are effective in filtering pollen larger than 5 μm in size, they can be used to prevent pollen exposure. The "antiviral protection" provided by medical and FFP2 masks to hospital employees is roughly equivalent. Thus, both should be effective against direct local (eye) or indirect inhaled (nose, bronchial) pollen exposure. For the masks to do their job, they need to fit correctly.
CONCLUSION
Face mask affects AR patients' quality of life and reduces AR symptoms' severity.
PubMed: 38125295
DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1265394 -
The Journal of Infectious Diseases Aug 2023Face masks have been critical in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but supplies were sometimes limited and disposable masks contribute greatly to... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Face masks have been critical in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but supplies were sometimes limited and disposable masks contribute greatly to environmental waste. Studies suggest that filtration capacity is retained with repeated use, and surveys indicate many people reuse surgical masks. However, the impact of mask reuse on the host is understudied.
METHODS
We applied 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the bacterial microbiome of the facial skin and oropharynx of individuals randomized to wearing fresh surgical masks daily versus masks reused for 1 week.
RESULTS
Compared to daily fresh masks, reuse was associated with increased richness (number of taxa) of the skin microbiome and trend towards greater diversity, but no difference in the oropharyngeal microbiome. Used masks had either skin-dominant or oropharynx-dominant bacterial sequences, and reused masks had >100-fold higher bacterial content but no change in composition compared to those used for 1 day.
CONCLUSIONS
One week of mask reuse increased the number of low-abundance taxa on the face but did not impact the upper respiratory microbiome. Thus, face mask reuse has little impact on the host microbiome, although whether minor changes to the skin microbiome might relate to reported skin sequelae of masking (maskne) remains to be determined.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Masks; Pandemics
PubMed: 37217829
DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad167 -
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases Aug 2023This review summarizes the epidemiological evidence for respiratory personal protective equipment for SARA-CoV-2, a topic of considerable controversy. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review summarizes the epidemiological evidence for respiratory personal protective equipment for SARA-CoV-2, a topic of considerable controversy.
RECENT FINDINGS
The main findings are that the observational studies and non-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) randomized trials do not provide clear evidence that the N95 respirators offer superior protection over surgical masks. A randomized controlled trial on COVID-19 provides evidence that the absolute risk to healthcare workers over time using surgical masks is similar to N95 respirators.
SUMMARY
The implications of the findings are that surgical masks and N95 respirators can be considered for respiratory protection in healthcare workers.
Topics: Humans; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Respiratory Protective Devices; Masks; Personal Protective Equipment; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37260261
DOI: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000930 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Oct 2023Air-transmitted pathogens may cause severe epidemics, posing considerable threats to public health and safety. Wearing a face mask is one of the most effective ways to... (Review)
Review
Air-transmitted pathogens may cause severe epidemics, posing considerable threats to public health and safety. Wearing a face mask is one of the most effective ways to prevent respiratory virus infection transmission. Especially since the new coronavirus pandemic, electroactive materials have received much attention in antiviral face masks due to their highly efficient antiviral capabilities, flexible structural design, excellent sustainability, and outstanding safety. This review first introduces the mechanism for preventing viral infection or the inactivation of viruses by electroactive materials. Then, the applications of electrostatic-, conductive-, triboelectric-, and microbattery-based materials in face masks are described in detail. Finally, the problems of various electroactive antiviral materials are summarized, and the prospects for their future development directions are discussed. In conclusion, electroactive materials have attracted great attention for antiviral face masks, and this review will provide a reference for materials scientists and engineers in antiviral materials and interfaces.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Masks; Virus Diseases; Antiviral Agents
PubMed: 37815875
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c10465 -
Infection Control and Hospital... Sep 2023Face masks reduce disease transmission by protecting the wearer from inhaled pathogens and reducing the emission of infectious aerosols. Although methods quantifying...
BACKGROUND
Face masks reduce disease transmission by protecting the wearer from inhaled pathogens and reducing the emission of infectious aerosols. Although methods quantifying efficiency for wearer protection are established, current methods for assessing face mask containment efficiency rely on measurement of a low concentration of aerosols emitted from an infected or noninfected individual.
METHODS
A small port enabled the introduction of 0.05 µm sodium chloride particles at a constant rate behind the mask worn by a study participant. A condensation particle counter monitored ambient particle numbers 60 cm in front of the participant over 3-minute periods of rest, speaking, and coughing. The containment efficiency (%) for each mask and procedure was calculated as follows: 100 × (1 - average ambient concentration with face covering worn/average ambient concentration with a sham face covering in place). The protection efficiency (%) was also measured using previously published methods. The probability of transmission (%) from infected to uninfected (a function of both the containment efficiency and the protection efficiency) was calculated as follows: {1 - (containment efficiency/100)}×{1 - (protection efficiency/100)}×100.
RESULTS
The average containment efficiencies for each mask over all procedures and repeated measures were 94.6%, 60.9%, 38.8%, and 43.2%, respectively, for the N95 mask, the KN95 mask, the procedure face mask, and the gaiter. The corresponding protection efficiencies for each mask were 99.0%, 63.7%, 45.3%, and 24.2%, respectively. For example, the transmission probability for 1 infected and 1 uninfected individual in close proximity was ∼14.2% for KN95 masks, compared to 36%-39% when only 1 individual wore a KN95 mask.
CONCLUSION
Overall, we detected a good correlation between the protection and containment that a face covering afforded to a wearer.
Topics: Humans; Respiratory Aerosols and Droplets; N95 Respirators; Masks; Respiratory Protective Devices; Cough
PubMed: 36912322
DOI: 10.1017/ice.2022.316 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Aug 2023Functional face masks that can effectively remove particulate matter and pathogens are critical to addressing the urgent health needs arising from industrial air...
Functional face masks that can effectively remove particulate matter and pathogens are critical to addressing the urgent health needs arising from industrial air pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, most commercial masks are manufactured by tedious and complicated network-forming procedures (e.g., meltblowing and electrospinning). In addition, the materials used (e.g., polypropylene) have significant limitations such as a lack of pathogen inactivation and degradability, which can cause secondary infection and serious environmental concerns if discarded. Here, we present a facile and straightforward method for creating biodegradable and self-disinfecting masks based on collagen fiber networks. These masks not only provide superior protection against a wide range of hazardous substances in polluted air, but also address environmental concerns associated with waste disposal. Importantly, collagen fiber networks with naturally existing hierarchical microporous structures can be easily modified by tannic acid to improve its mechanical characteristics and enable the in situ production of silver nanoparticles. The resulting masks exhibit excellent antibacterial (>99.99%, 15 min) and antiviral (>99.999%, 15 min) capabilities, as well as high PM removal efficiency (>99.9%, 30 s). We further demonstrate the integration of the mask into a wireless platform for respiratory monitoring. Therefore, the smart mask has enormous promise for combating air pollution and contagious viruses, managing personal health, and alleviating waste issues caused by commercial masks.
Topics: Humans; Antiviral Agents; Metal Nanoparticles; Pandemics; COVID-19; Silver; Dust; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Collagen
PubMed: 37236103
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131654 -
Industrial Psychiatry Journal Nov 2023The use of face masks by all community members for the prevention of COVID-19 infection is considered one of the most effective strategies. However, the use of masks by...
BACKGROUND
The use of face masks by all community members for the prevention of COVID-19 infection is considered one of the most effective strategies. However, the use of masks by community members was influenced by many factors which affected its efficacy as a preventive measure.
AIM
To evaluate the attitudes toward the use of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Indian community.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We did an online survey with the help of a questionnaire which included information about demographic data, awareness and attitudes about COVID-19 infection and its preventive measures, and attitudes towards mask use in particular.
RESULTS
Participants had a positive attitude towards mask use. However, there were certain reasons for not using masks some of which were gender specific.
CONCLUSION
People had good awareness and attitude towards mask use. However, some gender differences in perception of masks used in various settings should be addressed for future awareness and education of the community about mask use.
PubMed: 38370960
DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_201_23 -
Anasthesiologie, Intensivmedizin,... May 2024Peak pressures ≥ 20 mbar are not a contraindication for laryngeal masks. The oropharyngeal leak pressure of a laryngeal mask does not correspond to the pressure at... (Review)
Review
Peak pressures ≥ 20 mbar are not a contraindication for laryngeal masks. The oropharyngeal leak pressure of a laryngeal mask does not correspond to the pressure at which oesophagogastric air leakage occurs. Setting a peak pressure limit of 20 cm HO on the respirator can lead to critical situations because the tidal volume may then remain too low. A good alternative is to use a pressure alarm limit. The use of laryngeal masks does not preclude the use of PEEP and/or relaxation.
Topics: Laryngeal Masks; Humans; Positive-Pressure Respiration
PubMed: 38759687
DOI: 10.1055/a-2199-4692 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023Exhaled SARS-CoV-2 can be detected on face masks. We compared tests for SARS-CoV-2 RNA on worn face masks and matched saliva samples. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Exhaled SARS-CoV-2 can be detected on face masks. We compared tests for SARS-CoV-2 RNA on worn face masks and matched saliva samples.
METHODS
We conducted this prospective, observational, case-control study between December 2021 and March 2022. comprised 30 in-center hemodialysis patients with recent COVID-19 diagnosis. comprised 13 hemodialysis patients and 25 clinic staff without COVID-19 during the study period and the past 2 months. Disposable 3-layer masks were collected after being worn for 4 hours together with concurrent saliva samples. ThermoFisher COVID-19 Combo Kit (A47814) was used for RT-PCR testing.
RESULTS
Mask and saliva testing specificities were 99% and 100%, respectively. Test sensitivity was 62% for masks, and 81% for saliva ( = 0.16). Median viral RNA shedding duration was 11 days and longer in immunocompromised versus non-immunocompromised patients (22 vs. 11 days, = 0.06, log-rank test).
CONCLUSION
While SARS-CoV-2 testing on worn masks appears to be less sensitive compared to saliva, it may be a preferred screening method for individuals who are mandated to wear masks yet averse to more invasive sampling. However, optimized RNA extraction methods and automated procedures are warranted to increase test sensitivity and scalability. We corroborated longer viral RNA shedding in immunocompromised patients.
Topics: Humans; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Saliva; COVID-19 Testing; Masks; Case-Control Studies; Prospective Studies; RNA, Viral
PubMed: 37790720
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1237512