Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Douglas J. Perkins, Robert A. Nofchissey, Chunyan Ye, Nathan Donart, Alison Kell, Ivy Foo-Hurwitz, Timothy Muller, Steven B. Bradfute
Summary: The ongoing pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 has caused shortages of personal protective equipment, leading to the creation of protocols for disinfecting and reusing potentially contaminated equipment. Dry heat incubation has been suggested as a method for decontamination, but research shows it may not consistently inactivate SARS-CoV-2 on N95 respirators. Further studies are needed to validate decontamination procedures for potential reuse.
EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Michael Klompas, Chanu Rhee, Meghan A. Baker
Summary: The greatest threat of transmission in healthcare facilities may come from patients and healthcare workers with early occult infection. Universal use of N95 respirators when community incidence rates are high can help decrease nosocomial transmission.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wanderson Eduardo Gomes de Souza Coelho, Fabiana Perrechil, Mavilde L. G. Pedreira, Juliana Lima Lopes, Maria Valdenice Lopes dos Santos Nurse, Maria Cristina Gabrieloni, Joao Alessio Perfeito, Mariana Agostini de Moraes, Monica Taminato
Summary: This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide decontamination method for N95/PFF2 respirators, showing that it did not affect the physical properties of the respirators. The study highlights the importance of exploring decontamination methods to address the scarcity of protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2021)
Review
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Rafael Sarkis-Onofre, Rafaela do Carmo Borges, Giulia Demarco, Lara Dotto, Falk Schwendicke, Flavio Fernando Demarco
Summary: The most promising methods for decontaminating N95 respirators are currently vaporized hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet irradiation. However, there is a lack of evidence and consensus on the best method for N95 respirator decontamination.
JOURNAL OF DENTISTRY
(2021)
Article
Mining & Mineral Processing
Jintuo Zhu, Xinjian He, Liang Wang, Xiaoxue Liao, Guangping Teng, Pengli Jing
Summary: This study quantitatively evaluates the performance of respirators used in deep coal mines under high humidity and high dust concentration conditions. The results show that the filtration efficiency of respirators decreases and breathing resistance increases with the increase of dust loading and concentration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MINING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sinan Sousan, Nicole Garcia, Avian White, Jo Anne Balanay
Summary: The study compared the efficiency of Halyard H600 fabric with N95 and P100 filters, revealing that while H600 had 100% efficiency for large particles, its performance was inconsistent for smaller particles. The study also found a significant increase in breathing resistance for Halyard H600 compared to N95 and P100 filters, indicating that it is not a suitable substitute for respiratory protection.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Junli Hao, Rachel Passos de Oliveira Santos, Gregory C. Rutledge
Summary: Analysis of 136 respirators revealed that some had low filtration efficiency due to a lack of electrostatic filtration mechanism, while the level of electrostatic charge on the FFRs affected the filtration performance of the respirators.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hye Ryoung Lee, Lei Liao, Wang Xiao, Arturas Vailionis, Antonio J. Ricco, Robin White, Yoshio Nishi, Wah Chiu, Steven Chu, Yi Cui
Summary: The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed daily lives, with wearing face masks becoming common. Research shows that the average porosity of filter layers is 89.1%, with fibers less than 1.8 μm in diameter being particularly effective.
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Lindsey B. Bezek, Jin Pan, Charbel Harb, Callie E. Zawaski, Bemnet Molla, Joseph R. Kubalak, Linsey C. Marr, Christopher B. Williams
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the supply chain for personal protective equipment, leading to a shortage of N95 respirators. Many have turned to additive manufacturing (AM) systems for a decentralized production solution, but concerns remain about the safety and quality assurance of 3D printed respirators. Studies show that most open-source respirator designs for AM do not provide N95-equivalent protection, and particle transmission issues exist in printed respirators, with performance similar to cloth masks.
JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Omar Chaaban, Jo Anne G. Balanay, Sinan Sousan
Summary: COVID-19 pandemic led to high demand for respiratory protection, causing a shortage of approved respirators and the emergence of alternative options. In this study, popular respirators and masks available on Amazon.com were evaluated. Only two face protective equipment (FPE) met the N95 standard, while the rest fell below or significantly below NIOSH standards. Despite this, all products had pressure drops within NIOSH standards. Cloth face masks (CFMs) offered minimal protection, while the N95 had average comfort and affordability compared to other products. The study concludes that the N95 remains the best respiratory protection, with FPEs serving as adequate alternatives against future airborne pandemics.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marc Levine, Lance Levine, Helen Xun, Adam Gerber, Michael Antonietti, Prakash J. Mathew, Devinder Singh
Summary: The study suggests that some 3D-printed masks demonstrate a fit factor exceeding that of N95 masks in fit testing, making them a potential alternative to N95 masks.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Sumit Sharma, Fang Wang, Shubham Kumar, Ruchika R. Nawal, Priya Kumar, Sudha Yadav, Imre Szenti, Akos Kukovecz, Ulf D. Schiller, Amit Rawal
Summary: The study investigated the filtration performance of N95 respirators after different treatments, and the results showed that one treatment did not affect their filtration efficiency.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL TEXTILES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yanqiu Tao, Fengqi You
Summary: This study investigates the benefits of decontamination and reuse of N95 respirators in terms of energy, environment, and economics. Dry heat and VHP were found to be effective methods of decontamination, reducing carbon footprint and energy demand compared to single-use cases. The results reaffirm the energy, environmental, and economic favorability of decontamination and reuse of N95 respirators.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
J. Zhu, Q. Jiang, X. He, X. Li, L. Wang, L. Zheng, P. Jing, M. Chen
Summary: This study found that multi-cycles of N95 respirator reuse with dry heating or UV irradiation disinfection are feasible. The filtration efficiency of the respirators was minimally affected during multiple reuse cycles, and the respirators were able to maintain filtration efficiencies >= 95% for at least 30 hours or four reuse cycles. Lower breathing flow rates and the presence of an exhalation valve could further extend the usability duration of the N95 respirators.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Respiratory System
Solbee Seo, Conor A. Ruzycki, Bailey Johnson, Hui Wang, Reinhard Vehring, Dan Romanyk, Warren H. Finlay, Andrew R. Martin
Summary: The study showed that moist heat incubation can be used for respirator decontamination without significant decrease in filtration efficiency. The impact of moist heat incubation may vary among different respirator models, hence requiring individual evaluation. Evaluating size-specific filtration efficiency across various particle sizes is crucial in determining the most penetrating particle size for respirators.
JOURNAL OF AEROSOL MEDICINE AND PULMONARY DRUG DELIVERY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Kristine M. Chapman, Michael J. Berger, Christopher Doherty, Dimitri J. Anastakis, Heather L. Baltzer, Kirsty Usher Boyd, Sean G. Bristol, Brett Byers, K. Ming Chan, Cameron J. B. Cunningham, Kristen M. Davidge, Jana Dengler, Kate Elzinga, Jennifer L. Giuffre, Lisa Hadley, A. Robertson Harrop, Mahdis Hashemi, J. Michael Hendry, Kristin L. Jack, Emily M. Krauss, Timothy J. Lapp, Juliana Larocerie, Jenny C. Lin, Thomas A. Miller, Michael Morhart, Christine B. Novak, Russell O'Connor, Jaret L. Olsen, Benjamin R. Ritsma, Lawrence R. Robinson, Douglas C. Ross, Christiaan Schrag, Alexander Seal, David T. Tang, Jessica Trier, Gerald Wolff, Justin Yeung
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Kevin J. Zuo, Golsa Shafa, Katelyn Chan, Jennifer Zhang, Cynthia Hawkins, Kasra Tajdaran, Tessa Gordon, Gregory H. Borschel
Summary: The study showed that local FK506 DDS can eliminate the toxicity of systemic immunosuppressant FK506 by enhancing motor and sensory nerve regeneration through nerve allografts. This treatment may have potential clinical applications in peripheral nerve reconstruction or vascularized composite allotransplantation.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tiam M. Saffari, Katelyn Chan, Sara Saffari, Kevin J. Zuo, Renee M. McGovern, Joel M. Reid, Gregory H. Borschel, Alexander Y. Shin
Summary: The study explored the potential of using tacrolimus and mesenchymal stem cells combined with a fibrin gel-based drug delivery system to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration. The results showed that the combined delivery method did not result in cytotoxic effects and could be beneficial for promoting peripheral nerve regeneration.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Matthew W. T. Curran, Michael J. Morhart, Jaret L. Olson, Joshua J. DeSerres, K. Ming Chan
Summary: The study showed that rehabilitation training significantly improved dorsiflexion strength and function in patients who successfully reinnervated following tibial nerve transfers.
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sara Saffari, Tiam M. Saffari, Katelyn Chan, Gregory H. Borschel, Alexander Y. Shin
Summary: The study investigated the combined effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and local delivery of tacrolimus (FK506) on nerve regeneration in nerve autografts and decellularized allografts. Results showed that either MSC or FK506 treatment alone improved neurite outgrowth, and their combination further enhanced neurite extension in both types of grafts.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mohsen Hosseini, Alex W. H. Chin, Myra D. Williams, Saeed Behzadinasab, Joseph O. Falkinham, Leo L. M. Poon, William A. Ducker
Summary: Transparent antimicrobial coatings can reduce disease transmission while maintaining surface aesthetics and functionality. Researchers fabricated a coating with silver oxide particles, which showed a significant reduction in SARS-CoV-2 and other common bacteria. These transparent antimicrobial coatings are expected to be widely used on communal touch-screens.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Zhangjing Ma, Xisheng Li, Rebecca L. Y. Fan, Kevin Y. Yang, Calvin S. H. Ng, Rainbow W. H. Lau, Randolph H. L. Wong, Kevin K. Ng, Chi Chiu Wang, Peng Ye, Zelong Fu, Alex W. H. Chin, M. Y. Alison Lai, Yu Huang, Xiao Yu Tian, Leo L. M. Poon, Kathy O. Lui
Summary: The direct mechanism of SARS-CoV-2-induced endotheliitis is still unclear. This study found that human endothelial cells (ECs) have low expression of surface ACE2 and lower intracellular ACE2 compared to non-ECs in the lungs. Ectopically expressing ACE2 in hESC-ECs showed that ACE2-deficient ECs were resistant to infection but more activated than ACE2-expressing ECs. The virus induced endothelial activation by increasing monocyte adhesion, NO production, and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, NF-kappa B, and eNOS in both ACE2-deficient and -expressing ECs. ACE2-deficient ECs responded to SARS-CoV-2 through TLR4, and its antagonist inhibited p38 MAPK/NF-kappa B/IL-1 beta activation. Single-cell RNA-seq analyses confirmed activation of the TLR4/MAPK14/RELA/IL-1 beta axis in circulating ECs of COVID-19 patients. Circulating ECs could serve as biomarkers for endotheliitis. These findings support a direct role of SARS-CoV-2 in mediating endothelial inflammation in an ACE2-dependent or -independent manner.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoqing Xu, Yu Deng, Xiawan Zheng, Shuxian Li, Jiahui Ding, Yu Yang, Hei Yin On, Rong Yang, Ho-Kwong Chui, Chung In Yau, Hein Min Tun, Alex W. H. Chin, Leo L. M. Poon, Malik Peiris, Gabriel M. Leung, Tong Zhang
Summary: Sewage surveillance is a valuable supplementary tool for COVID-19 control, and the interpretation of sewage data is crucial. This study compared the performance of seven commonly used primer-probe sets in RT-qPCR and evaluated their usefulness in a sewage surveillance program in Hong Kong. The results showed that the N1 primer-probe set was the best in detecting signals from new cases and convalescent patients in the community.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiawan Zheng, Yu Deng, Xiaoqing Xu, Shuxian Li, Yulin Zhang, Jiahui Ding, Hei Yin On, Jimmy C. C. Lai, Chung In Yau, Alex W. H. Chin, Leo L. M. Poon, Hein M. Tun, Tong Zhang
Summary: Wastewater surveillance is a promising tool for monitoring the spread of COVID-19, and this study evaluated different virus concentration methods for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. Ultracentrifugation was found to be the most effective method, and lysis-buffer-based extraction method resulted in higher viral recovery efficiencies.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mohsen Hosseini, Leo L. M. Poon, Alex W. H. Chin, William A. Ducker
Summary: By comparing porous and nonporous solids with similar chemistry, the study reveals that porosity and permeability play important roles in the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2. Access to porosity decreases infectivity, and viral DNA may become trapped in the pores. Permeability and drying time also affect the infectivity.
Biographical-Item
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tessa Gordon, Dirk G. Everaert, K. Ming Chan
Summary: The role of afferent feedback and central motor drive in muscle activation has a significant impact on our understanding of movement control in health and disease. Dr. Richard B. Stein, as a pioneer in the field, has made important contributions to this area. His work has not only had positive implications for clinical applications but also inspired scientists worldwide.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Simon Wu, Matthew W. T. Curran, Akiko Hachisuka, Mithun Rajshekar, K. Ming Chan
Summary: This study describes a novel electrophysiological method for quantifying innervation from the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) using conventional nerve conduction study setup and commonly available software. The results from this method were highly correlated with the collision technique, indicating its usefulness in identifying the presence of Martin-Gruber anastomosis (MGA) prior to surgery and evaluating nerve recovery following surgery.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Andrew Jack, Mithun Rajshekar, Christopher D. Witiw, Matthew W. T. Curran, Jaret L. Olson, Michael J. Morhart, Line Jacques, K. Ming Chan
Summary: This study provides information on the epidemiological and injury-related characteristics of patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries, with the aim of identifying potential candidates for nerve transfers.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Kaveh Mirmoeini, Kiana Tajdaran, Jennifer Zhang, Tessa Gordon, Asim Ali, David R. Kaplan, Konstantin Feinberg, Gregory H. Borschel
Summary: Corneal sensory nerves protect and stimulate the renewal of corneal epithelial cells. Schwann cells play a critical role in this process. The study highlights the importance of limbal Schwann cells in innervation-dependent corneal epithelial renewal.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Alex Wing Hong Chin, Alison Man Yuk Lai, Malik Peiris, Leo Lit Man Poon
Summary: The Omicron BA.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 is more stable on smooth and porous surfaces compared to its ancestral strain.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)