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IntroductionOne of the important measures to prevent spread of COVID-19 in community is use of face mask. Though the debate is going on regarding the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 it makes reasonable point for universal use of face masks. A large variety of face masks are available in the market or people can make their own using household items. The efficacy of masks depends upon the type of cloth and number of layers of the cloth. Material and methodsWe have created an innovative mask with two layers of cotton and an impervious layer. The impervious layer made from polypropylene coated with polyurethane was applied on the outer side in the middle half of the mask in front of mouth and nose. The efficacy of this test mask was measured against N95FFR (reference standard), triple layer surgical masks and single layer cotton mask. A manikin was used wearing these masks/respirator and aerosols/droplets of diluted red coloured carbol fuchsin and fluorescent Auramine O were sprayed from distance of 1m and 2m. We also tested use of face shield. Both macroscopic and microscopic examination of the dissected masks and respirator was performed. ResultsThe N95FFR was able to block the aerosols/droplets by its front layer. One triple layer surgical mask showed microscopic presence of stain in its innermost layer while the other blocked it with middle layer. The single layer cotton mask was not able to protect as we observed stain on the face itself. The test mask blocked most of the stain on impervious layer and also on the front cotton layer on lateral sides, where impervious layer was absent. When fluorescent stain was used, ultraviolet examination demonstrated that the whole area covered by test mask was clean while the other non covered area was fluorescent. ConclusionWe believe that our innovation can be used in the community as well as in general areas of the hospital like, offices, labs, etc. and can be a better alternative to single use triple layer surgical masks. Further testing may be done by other organizations to rule out bias in our study.
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The purpose of this study was to ascertain change in structure of mucosa of small intestine, if any, in small intestine of Swiss albino mice as an effect of chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs–Ibuprofen. Longitudinal study conducted on 46 adult Swiss albino mice, 23 as experimental and 23 as control. Ibuprofen was given at a dose of 40 µg/g body weight per day for 6 weeks by intragastric route in experimental group of mice while control group of mice received same volume of distilled water. Mice of both the groups were sacrificed and desired segments of small intestines were dissected out and tissues were subjected to histological processing. Histomorphometry was performed and relevant photomicrographs were obtained. Student's unpaired t test by GraphPad Prism 6 software. Height of villi was not significantly altered but there was significant reduction of the number of goblet and non-goblet cells (enterocytes and other columnar cells) in mucosal lining of the small intestine of experimental group of mice. Percent distribution of the goblet and non-goblet cells was not altered in villi of two groups. Chronic exposure of Ibuprofen in therapeutic dosage caused reduction of the functional cell mass in lining epithelium of villi of middle segment of small intestine. However, there was no evidence of ulcerative or hemorrhagic lesion.