Can the Elastic of Surgical Face Masks Stimulate Ear Protrusion in Children?

Evaluation of face masks as a valuable forensic DNA evidence in the post-COVID era

After the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, a sharp surge in the usage of the face-masks throughout the globe has been observed. Pre-experiment survey of 252 individuals indicated a higher use of cotton-make masks (41%), followed by N-95 make (31%), and surgical disposable masks (26%). It was also further revealed that a higher fraction of individuals wear a face-mask more than 3 times (37%) before its disposal. In order to assess the potential usability of different mask types as forensic DNA evidence, a study was conducted on 50 healthy individuals. DNA content of different fractions such as the portion of mask covering the mouth region and the ear-piece showed a good source of host DNA. Though no statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was found in the DNA quantity obtained from different face mask types, an increasing trend was obtained in the order: cloth make type (7.031 ± 0.31 ng), N-95 make (4.711 ± 0.15 ng), and surgical disposable type (2.17 ± 0.13 ng). The time of wearing of a face-mask showed a positive correlation with the yield of DNA irrespective of the face-mask type used. Samples retrieved from both the portions covering the mouth area and the ear-piece showed a good source of genomic DNA yielding an average of 4.82 ± 0.11 ng and 4.44 ± 0.10 ng of DNA, respectively. Irrespective of the face-mask types, number of reuse, and the portion of the mask, 66.66-96.11% of samples showed a complete autosomal STR DNA profile. This suggests that if a face-mask is found at the crime scene, it should be collected and preserved as a potential source of DNA evidence for routine forensic DNA analysis.

Collateral damage: Corneal injury due to mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic - A case series

Though masks are the best shield against COVID-19, they can be a source of discomfort and ocular side effects. We discuss three cases of corneal injury due to mask use. Three patients, who were healthcare workers, presented with discomfort, photophobia, and pain in the eyes. While adjusting the mask, they had an ocular injury. There were multiple superficial linear abrasions in the eyes. They recovered with treatment. Though masks are imperative during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to be aware of a possible mask injury.

Challenges and Controversies in COVID-19: Masking the General Population may Attenuate This Pandemic's Outbreak

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, spreads i. a., by respiratory droplets. The use of masks in preventing spread is controversial; masks are considered useless by many, while being mandated in some locations. Here, the effect of masking the general population on a COVID-19-like epidemic is estimated by computer simulation using three separate types of software. The main questions are whether mask use by the general population can limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in a country and how to identify opportunities when mask use is cost-effective and safe. To address these questions, the protective effects of different types of masks, the side-effects of masks, and avenues for improvements of masks and masking are addressed. Main results: (i) Any type of mask, even simple home-made ones, may be of value, even if the protective effect of each mask (here dubbed "one mask-protection") is low. Strict adherence to mask use does not appear to be critical but increasing one mask-protection to >50% was found to be advantageous. (ii) Masks do seem to reduce the number of new cases even if introduced at a late stage in an epidemic, but early implementation helps reduce the cumulative and total number of cases. (iii) The simulations suggest that it might be possible to eliminate a COVID-19 outbreak by widespread mask use during a limited period. There is a brief discussion of why the reported effect size of masking varies widely, and is expected to do so, because of different filtration abilities of different masks, differences in compliance and fitting, other routes of transmission, pre-existing immunity, and because a system of interconnected, disease-prone individuals has non-linear properties. A software solution to visualize infection spread is presented. The results from these simulations are encouraging, but do not necessarily represent the real-life situation, so it is suggested that clinical trials of masks are now carried out while continuously monitoring effects and side-effects. As mask use is not without risks and costs, it is suggested that governments and scientists have an important role in advising the public about the sensible use of masks.

Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report about Masking Effect of Facial Masks in the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 global pandemic commenced widespread usage of face masks. Due to covering of the lower face in public settings, limited social interaction, and patient hesitancy for seeking in-person healthcare, dermatologic conditions of the lower face are prone to delayed diagnosis and management. With society recovering from the pandemic and social distancing restrictions being lifted, an increasing number of patients present with malignant skin conditions at advanced stage. The authors describe a 47-year-old female patient who presented with a 4-month-old facial mass that was initially believed to originate from skin irritation caused by mask-wearing. A biopsy revealed primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PC-ALCL). This case report outlines the management of the rare PC-ALCL lesion and diagnostic challenges related to facial masks and social distancing.

The defects of lace-up surgical masks and related solutions in operating rooms

BACKGROUND

It is difficult to make a lace-up surgical mask fit tightly to the face with conventional wearing methods because of the strings' poor tension, resulting in some air flowing through the gap. We introduced two feasible new wearing methods and obtained satisfactory experimental results.

METHODS

The wearing of surgical masks by staff was investigated through observation and interview in operation rooms. The required time to don, close-fitting rates, and satisfaction of the conventional method and the two new recommended methods were counted and compared, according to the subjects' experience. The differences between the three wearing methods on the microbial contamination of the sterile area were explored in a mock operation.

RESULTS

In the subjects' experience, the close-fitting rates were 47.0%, 92.0% and 100.0% in the conventional, Three Knots, and Elastic Band groups, respectively (P<0.001); the satisfaction scores evaluated by numerical rating scale from 0 to 10 were 5.06 ± 2.22, 6.89 ± 1.86 and 7.10 ± 1.72, respectively (P<0.001); the required times were 14.32 ± 2.20, 25.76 ± 5.13 and 27.37 ± 5.11 s, respectively (P<0.001). In the mock operation, there were significant differences between the conventional and Three Knots groups (37.5 (13) vs 18 (8) cfu, P<0.001), as well as between the conventional and Elastic Band groups (37.5 (13) vs 17(10) cfu, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The recommended new wearing methods had the advantages of closer fit, higher satisfaction rates, were more comfortable, and resulted in lower contamination of the sterile area; however, the recommended two methods required more time.

'Novel' Ear Injuries in Novel Corona Virus Era

The COVID-19 pandemic springs new challenges to medical personnel, scientists and policy makers every single day. Mask use is the singular policy that stood the test of time in containing the transmission of the disease. However, novel and unthought of side effects of continuous usage of masks for long durations are being reported. Here we report a case of pinna avulsion due to unique etiology—the facemask.