Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
L. Gavassino
Summary: Two observers can only disagree on the stability of a state if perturbations exit the light cone. If a perturbation exits the light cone and changes with time due to dissipation, there will always be two observers who disagree on the stability of the state. Stability is a Lorentz-invariant property of dissipative theories only if the principle of causality is respected.
Article
Physiology
Bruno Demoulin, Claude Duvivier, Francois Marchal, Silvia Demoulin-Alexikova
Summary: The study found that testing the airflow resistance of face masks under conditions resembling tidal breathing is a simple and highly repeatable method. Measurement precision is influenced by the experience and training of the operator. The research is significant for understanding mask comfort and respiratory load.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Matt C. Howard
Summary: Despite popular belief, older individuals are only slightly less likely to wear face masks compared to younger individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no significant relationship between age and face mask perceptions, and the mediating effect of face mask perceptions is not consistent, suggesting the need for further exploration of explanatory mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michelle Wille, Jemma L. Geoghegan, Edward C. Holmes
Summary: Identifying animal reservoirs of zoonotic viruses is crucial in understanding disease emergence. Studies attempting zoonotic risk assessment have increased, but virological data used in these analyses are incomplete and biased. Virus surveillance at the human-animal interface may be more productive than relying on existing virological data.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Robert A. Britton, Diane E. Hoffmann, Alexander Khoruts
Summary: The concept of probiotics as microorganisms that provide health benefits has a century-old history, but lacks substantial scientific evidence. Recent advances in microbiome science have emphasized the importance of intestinal microbiota in human physiology and disease pathogenesis. While the probiotics industry is growing exponentially, regulatory barriers hinder research into the clinical efficacy of probiotic products.
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Abraar Karan
Summary: Inconsistent messaging from US officials regarding face mask usage has caused confusion among the public and led to political divisions.
BMJ-BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Olivia Ellen, Sining Ye, Danica Nheu, Mary Dass, Maurice Pagnin, Ezgi Ozturk, Paschalis Theotokis, Nikolaos Grigoriadis, Steven Petratos
Summary: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by neural tissue loss and dystrophy in the central nervous system. The immune-mediated mechanisms that cause demyelinating lesions during acute episodes are different from those in chronic lesions during progressive MS. This review highlights the molecular and cellular changes associated with neurodegeneration in progressive forms of MS, emphasizing the need for accurate monitoring and new biomarkers to detect and predict progression. Additionally, the review focuses on the modifications required for neurorepair to occur, including changes in the cellular and extracellular environment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tienan Zhao, Xiao Xiao, Yuchen Wu, Jiajia Ma, Ying Li, Chengyue Lu, Cyrus Shokoohi, Yuanqiang Xu, Xiaomin Zhang, Yuze Zhang, Gang Ge, Guanglin Zhang, Jun Chen, Yongchun Zeng
Summary: The WISE mask is a wireless all-in-one sensory face mask that can monitor body temperature and respiratory abnormalities, providing a convenient and cost-effective solution for personal health monitoring.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhongjian Jia, Zhengtao Ai, Xiaohua Yang, Cheuk Ming Mak, Hai Ming Wong
Summary: Given the difficulty of experimental measurement, accurate numerical simulation is crucial for understanding face mask health effects and developing high-performance ones. This study aimed to develop an accurate modeling framework based on CFD theory and methods. Experimental tests and measurements of flow characteristics were conducted to validate the model. The influence of grid division, time step size, and turbulence model on simulation accuracy was investigated.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Barnali Ghatak, Sanjoy Banerjee, Sk Babar Ali, Rajib Bandyopadhyay, Nityananda Das, Dipankar Mandal, Bipan Tudu
Summary: This proposed face mask combines triboelectric nanogenerator technology and an electrocution layer to enhance filtration efficiency and deactivate SARS-CoV-2, aiming to combat the spread of the pandemic. By studying the efficacy of triboelectric filter materials, this mask can convert mechanical energy from daily activities into electricity to ensure filtration effectiveness. Furthermore, it can be used by a wide range of people and is expected to slow down the devastating impact of COVID-19.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ximeng Liu, Bin Hu
Summary: Human exhaled breath is being recognized as a potential clinical resource for noninvasive disease diagnosis. The use of mask devices for filtering exhaled substances has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper reviews the developments and applications of mask samplers for collecting exhaled substances and summarizes their couplings with different analytical approaches. The limitations and future trends of mask samplers are also discussed.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mahesh Ganesapillai, Bidisha Mondal, Ishita Sarkar, Aritro Sinha, Saikat Sinha Ray, Young-Nam Kwon, Kazuho Nakamura, K. Govardhan
Summary: The threat of epidemic outbreaks is increasing due to the exponential growth of the global population and human mobility. Personal protective equipment, such as face masks, are crucial in protecting against viral infections. However, the uncontrolled manufacture and disposal techniques of face masks pose potential threats. Improper solid waste management contributes to viral propagation and increases biomedical waste. The chemical constituents in single-use face masks, including plasticisers and flame retardants, can lead to health issues. Despite extensive research, the efficacy and post-disposal impact of personal protective equipment are yet to be adequately explored. This review provides an overview of different forms of personal protective equipment, discusses proper waste management techniques, and examines the innovations and impact of face masks on human health and the environment. Strategies for safe and proper solid waste disposal are also discussed, along with the development of a 3D model of a face mask using computational fluid dynamics. The review concludes with possibilities for future advancements and promising research avenues in personal protective equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Qi Zhang, Jia-Hang Wei, Xue Fu, Xin Liu, Xin-Yi Li, Wei Liu, Zhong-Liang Liu, Xiao-Qin Duan, Bin Zheng
Summary: This article summarizes the classification, benefits, and limitations of computerized cognitive assessment (CCA) tools for assessing stroke patients. It also discusses the strategies for future studies on CCA tools.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Yeeun Kang, Jooyeon Park, Hyungmin Park
Summary: Experimental measurements were conducted on valve-type masks under conditions mimicking actual breathing, revealing that a high-speed jet through the valve accelerates particle transmission during exhalation, while providing reasonable protection from external pollutants during inhalation. This supports warnings from public health officials and prompts the development of a novel design for high-efficiency shielding and easy breathing.
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Istvan Molnar-Szakacs, Lucina Q. Uddin, Mary Beth Heffernan
Summary: The global use of face masks as PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic has permanently altered interpersonal interactions, with creative initiatives like the PPE Portrait Project addressing the social disconnection caused by facial feature obstruction.