An Added Benefit of Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Ultraviolet Protection

Mechanistic insights and applications of lignin-based ultraviolet shielding composites: A comprehensive review

Lignin is a green aromatic polymer constructed from repeating phenylpropane units, incorporating features such as phenolic hydroxyl groups, carbonyl groups, and conjugated double bonds that serve as chromophores. These structural attributes enable it to absorb a wide spectrum of ultraviolet radiation within the 250-400 nm range. The resulting properties make lignin a material of considerable interest for its potential applications in polymers, packaging, architectural decoration, and beyond. By examining the structure of lignin, this research delves into the structural influence on its UV-shielding capabilities. Through a comparative analysis of lignin's use in various UV-shielding applications, the study explores the interplay between lignin's structure and its interactions with other materials. This investigation aims to elucidate the UV-shielding mechanism, thereby offering insights that could inform the development of high-value applications for lignin in UV-shielding composite materials.

Tannic-Acid-Enriched Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanofibrous Membrane as a UV-Shie lding and Antibacterial Face Mask Filter Material

Face masks are increasingly important in the battle against infectious diseases and air pollution. Nanofibrous membranes (NFMs) are promising filter layers for removing particulate matter (PM) without restricting air permeability. In this study, tannic-acid-enriched poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA-TA) NFMs were fabricated by electrospinning PVA solutions containing large amounts of tannic acid (TA), a multifunctional polyphenol compound. We were able to prepare uniform electrospinning solution without coacervate formation by inhibiting the robust hydrogen bonding between PVA and TA. Notably, the NFM maintained its fibrous structure even under moist conditions after heat treatment without the use of a cross-linking agent. Further, the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the PVA NFM were improved by the introduction of TA. The functional PVA NFM with a high TA content showed excellent UV-shielding (UV-A: 95.7%, UV-B: 100%) and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (inhibition zone: 8.7 ± 1.2 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition zone: 13.7 ± 0.6 mm). Moreover, the particle filtration efficiency of the PVA-TA NFM for PM_0.6 particles was 97.7% at 32 L min^-1 and 99.5% at 85 L min^-1, indicating excellent filtration performance and a low pressure drop. Therefore, the TA-enriched PVA NFM is a promising mask filter layer material with excellent UV-blocking and antibacterial properties and has the potential for various practical applications.

Infection control and radiation safety practices in the radiology department during the COVID-19 outbreak

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Radiology personnel must have good knowledge, experience and adherence to radiation protection and infection control practices to ensure patient safety and prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 virus. This study analysed compliance and adherence to radiation protection and infection control during COVID-19 mobile radiography.

METHODS

A cross-sectional using online survey was conducted from September to December 2021. Data on demographic characteristics, adherence to radiation protection and infection control practice were collected during mobile radiography for COVID-19 patients in the study. A random sample of the radiographers working in COVID-19 centres in the United Arab Emirates.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 140 participants, with a response rate of 87.5%. Females were the predominant participants (n = 81; 58%). Participants aged ages between 18-25 years (n = 46; 33%) and 26-35 years (n = 42; 30%), (n = 57; 41%) had less than five years of experience, followed by participants who had more than 15 years (n = 38; 27%). Most participants (n = 81; 57.9%) stated that they performed approximately 1-5 suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases daily. The participants had moderate to high adherence to radiation protection, with a mean and standard deviation of 42.3 ± 6.28. Additionally, infection control adherence was high, with 82% of the participants showing high adherence.

CONCLUSION

Continuous guidance, training and follow-up are recommended to increase adherence and compliance to radiation protection and infection control compliance. Educational institutions and professional organisations must collaborate to provide structured training programmes for radiology practitioners to overcome the practice and knowledge gap.

Photoprotection for Skin of Color

Photoprotection behaviors can mitigate skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, and common methods include seeking shade, avoiding sun exposure during peak daylight hours, wearing sun-protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and using sunglasses. While the role of sun protection in preventing sunburns, photoaging, and skin cancer is well established in fair-skinned populations, individuals with skin of color (SOC) are presumed to suffer fewer negative effects from solar radiation. Thus, the importance of photoprotection in this population is understudied and may be underestimated. In SOC populations, sun exposure is known to cause pigmentary disorders, photoaging, and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), highlighting the potential benefits of photoprotection. Although SOC populations tend to practice photoprotection by seeking shade and wearing sun-protective clothing, survey and interview-based studies have consistently found relatively low use of sunscreen among these populations. Common motivators for photoprotection in individuals with SOC include preventing sunburn and pigmentation, with the prevention of skin cancer being a less important reason. As a skin cancer risk behavior, indoor tanning is relatively rare in SOC populations, but its use may increase with acculturation to US norms. While more studies are necessary to clarify whether photoprotection behaviors may decrease skin cancer-related mortality in SOC populations, regular dermatologic care and counseling on photoprotection remain essential in patients with SOC for overall skin health.