Cost-Effective Microscopic Draping: COVID-19 Umbrella.

We describe a cost-effective solution to limit aerosol transmission to the surgeon and other personnel in the operating room during otologic surgery.

Ndegree39 - Fulminant life-threatening myopathy of the genetic origin

Objectives: Acute myopathy are seen in critically ill patients, in severe SARS-CoV2 pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation, and other infection illness, toxin and drug-induced complications, or systemic inflammation. Periodic paralysis or carnitine disorders are known genetic causes of acute muscular weakness, besides genetically determined muscle diseases rarely have an acute clinical course. Content: Case presentation: 61-years old, healthy woman, after a one-time vaccination against Covid-19 about 2 weeks earlier, was admitted to the Neurological Department due to symptoms lasting for 2 days. On the first day of the disease she complained of vertigo and double vision, on the following day dysarthia and dysphagia appeared, she stopped walking. On the second day of hospitalization, the patient required mechanical ventilation. The initial diagnosis of Guillaine-Barre syndrome was not confirmed in the electrophysiological and laboratory (CSF) studies. Myopathic pattern with polyphasic potentials of short duration and low amplitude was observed in EMG, without spontaneous activity. In the electron microscope numerous fat drops between bundles of myofibrils in most muscle fibers were seen. She received intravenous immunoglobulins, and steroid therapy, together with high doses of vitamin B2 with very good motor improvement. Multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) was suspected, and the Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) was performed. Conclusion(s): The authors note the possibility of acute, life-threatening myopathy, which may be caused by a genetic defect. MADD is a very rare genetic entity which can manifest for the first time very suddenly, especially in the presence of triggers, including but not limited to after vaccinations. Keywords: Acute myopathy;Multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency;Vitamin B2.Copyright © 2023

Histomorphological Spectrum of Lung Lesions at Autopsy-A Tertiary Care Centre Experience

Background and aims: A wide variety of pathological conditions involve the lungs. In autopsy, the lungs are examined for disease, injury and other findings suggesting cause of death or related changes.Aims & Objectives: The present study aimed to study the histomorphological spectrum of lung lesions at autopsy and to assess the frequency of different types of lesions;and to associate histomorphological changes with cause of death.Material and Methods: It was a one-year observational study conducted in the Department of Pathology, Govt. Medical College, Jammu. Lung tissue pieces from all medicolegal autopsies received were fixed, examined grossly, processed;paraffin embedded sections obtained were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin stain and examined under microscope. Findings were recorded and tabulated. Result(s): Out of 264 cases, males were predominantly affected (84%);median age was 38 years. The various changes observed were congestion (68%), edema (45.4%), pneumonia (5%), granulomatous inflammation (3%), diffuse alveolar damage (1.5%), haemorrhage (14.4%), interstitial changes (60%), malaria (0.4%) and malignancy (0.4%). Natural deaths were the commonest cause (75, 28%) followed by asphyxial deaths (65, 24.6%). Conclusion(s): Histopathological examination of lung autopsies highlights many incidental findings, establishes underlying cause of death, serves as a learning tool and also holds scope for detection of newer diseases.Copyright © 2023 JK Science.

Could SARS-CoV-2 Trigger the Formation of Antinuclear Antibodies?

Objective: The effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on autoimmunity in both disease and post-disease stages has not been fully explained. There is not enough information about the evaluation of autoimmune antibodies in convalescent SARS-CoV-2 patients. This study aimed to investigate the presence and types of autoantibodies in post-illness coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients and to compare them with indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIF)-antinuclear antibody (ANA) results before SARS-CoV-2 infection. Material(s) and Method(s): Twenty-four COVID-19 patients with known and reported ANA test results prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in this study. Patients' IIF-ANA, extractable nuclear antigen blot and anti-dsDNA tests were studied three and nine months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Result(s): Three months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, 41.66% of patients had a positive IIF-ANA test. When we compared these results with pre-infection ANA results, 3 patients (12.5%) were variable. The first case was chromosomal granular positive before infection and was found to be homogeneous, and cytoplasm was speckled positive after infection. Additionally, Scl-70, DFS70, and anti-dsDNA were found to be positive. We think that lupus symptoms were triggered after COVID-19. The second case had negative ANA before infection, while the ANA was antinuclear membrane positive (2+) three months after infection. Also, anti-RNP/Sm was detected as positive. The third case had negative ANA before infection, and was detected to have speckled weakly positive ANA three months after infection. However, autoantibody positivity was not detected. Conclusion(s): As a result, these data support the idea that SARS-CoV-2 infection may trigger autoimmunity and be associated with the development of autoantibodies.Copyright © 2022 by the Turkish Society of Immunology. Turkish Journal of Immunology published by Galenos Publishing House.

Practical anatomy online learning among COVID-19 pandemic era: perceptions of 1 st -year MBBS students

Introduction: With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital learning has been implemented in medical colleges across India to continue the ongoing medical education. Anatomy is the basis of medical science and is best learned through offline classes that allow students to experience the texture of structures and handling of specimens. During this pandemic period, cadaveric dissection was not used to study anatomy. The aim of this study was to learn about students' attitudes regarding virtual teaching and learning in anatomy, as well as the problems they may confront. Material(s) and Method(s): A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of anatomy among the 50 1 st -year MBBS students of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajkot in April 2021. Google Forms were used to obtain informed consent from students. Prevalidated questionnaires were given online to the students and responses were noted and descriptive statistical data was derived from the analysis. Result(s): About 37 (74%) respondents found traditional classes are better than online teaching. Majority preferred to attend anatomy practicals offline with safety precautions. About 17 (34%) showed interest in prerecorded videos. About 35 (60%) students faced social isolation as an impact of online learning. Technical issues and distractions were the key problems faced while learning anatomy online. Conclusion(s): Prerecorded videos of the practicals are helpful in teaching anatomy practicals, and can be used in future to ensure an unbroken, continuous, and effective delivery of medical education.Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

The Potential Impact of Ayurvedic Traditional Bhasma on SARS-CoV-2-Induced Pathogenesis

The mass casualties caused by the delta variant and the wave of the newer "Omicron" variant of SARS-COV-2 in India have brought about great concern among healthcare officials. The government and healthcare agencies are seeking effective strategies to counter the pandemic. The application of nanotechnology and repurposing of drugs are reported as promising approaches in the management of COVID-19 disease. It has also immensely boomed the search for productive, re-liable, cost-effective, and bio-assimilable alternative solutions. Since ancient times, the traditional-ly employed Ayurvedic bhasmas have been used for diverse infectious diseases, which are now employed as nanomedicine that could be applied for managing COVID-19-related health anomalies. Like currently engineered metal nanoparticles (NPs), the bhasma nanoparticles (BNPs) are also packed with unique physicochemical properties, including multi-elemental nanocrystalline compo-sition, size, shape, dissolution, surface charge, hydrophobicity, and multi-pathway regulatory as well as modulatory effects. Because of these conformational and configurational-based physico-chemical advantages, Bhasma NPs may have promising potential to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce the incidence of pneumonia-like common lung infections in children as well as age-related inflammatory diseases via immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and adju-vant-related properties.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

Study on pathogen spectrum of 1,046 hospitalized children with respiratory tract infections during COVID-19

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the pathogen spectrum of bacteria and viruses of RTIs in hospitalized children during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in Shenzhen. Method(s): From October 2020 to October 2021, the results of pathogenic tests causing RTIs were retrospectively analyzed in hospitalized children in Shenzhen Luohu Hospital Group. Result(s): 829 sputum samples for bacterial isolation and 1,037 nasopharyngeal swabs for virus detection in total. The positive detection rate (PDR) of bacteria was 42.1%. Staphylococcus aureus (18.8%) was the predominant bacteria detected in positive cases, with Moraxella catarrhalis (10.9%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (9.5%) following. The PDR of the virus was 65.6%. The viruses ranking first to third were Human Rhinovirus (HRV), Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Human Parainfluenza (HPIV), with rates of 28.0, 18.1, and 13.5%, respectively. Children under 3 years were the most susceptible population to RTIs. The pathogens of S. aureus, M. catarrhalis, S. pneumoniae, HRV, and HPIV were more prevalent in autumn. Meanwhile, RSV had a high rate of infection in summer and autumn. S. aureus and HRV had higher co-infection rates. Conclusion(s): Our findings demonstrate the pathogen spectrum of 1,046 hospitalized children with RTIs in Shenzhen, China, during the COVID-19 outbreak.Copyright © 2022 the author(s), published by De Gruyter, Berlin/Boston.

A Comparison of Materials for Dry Surface Cleaning Soot-Coated Papers of Varying Roughness: Assessing Efficacy, Physical Surface Changes, and Residue

To provide detailed information to aid conservators faced with soot removal, a survey comparing the removal of lamp black pigment, serving as a model soot, from three sample papers of differing roughness is presented. The efficacy of ten different dry surface cleaning materials—including sponges, firm and kneaded erasers, eraser crumbs, a cleaning putty, a solvent-free polydimethylsiloxane elastomer, and a dry swab—have been assessed using a handheld color spectrophotometer and image analysis of photomicrographs. Inspection of the cleaned substrates with a portable optical microscope revealed detailed information into how physical properties of cleaning materials influence the location of residual soot on the surface. 3D digital light microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to assess physical changes to the paper surface and to identify potential residues from the materials after cleaning, respectively. The results of this model study were compared with spot cleaning tests performed on a fire-damaged paper book cover. Limited access to laboratory spaces during Covid-19 lockdown motivated this research to focus on affordable ways to perform hands-on technical research outside of the laboratory, details of which are noted throughout this paper. © American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works 2023.

Isolation and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Salmonella spp. from Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Thailand

Objective: The impact of COVID-19 on the number and antibiogram profile of Salmonella was studied between January 2018 and December 2021. The present time period included years before the COVID-19 pandemic, which are 2018 and 2019, and during the pandemic, which are 2020 and 2021. Material(s) and Method(s): Salmonella infections were classified into eight distinct serogroups using slide agglutination with specific antisera (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and I). The susceptibility to antimicrobial agents were evaluated by the standard disk diffusion method. Result(s): Four hundred fifty-one isolates were detected (139 in 2018, 119 in 2019, 102 in 2021, and 91 in 2021). Salmonella infection decreased by 25.2% from 258 isolates in 2018 and 2019 to 193 in 2020 and 2021. When comparing Salmonella infections in different age groups (0 to 10, 11 to 20, 21 to 30, 31 to 40, 41 to 50, 51 to 60, 61 to 70, and older than 70 years), before and during COVID-19, statistical significance was noted only in patients aged 11 to 20 (p=0.016). For clinical specimens (stool, blood, urine, pus, etc.), statistical significance was found only in blood specimens (p=0.036). The four most predominant Salmonella serogroups were B (31.1%), C (30.6%), E (15.7%), and D (11.4%). S. Typhi was present in 2.1% (4/193) of Salmonella isolates during COVID-19. The findings of a susceptibility test using the disk diffusion method for four commonly used drugs in treatment of severe salmonellosis as ampicillin, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, before and during COVID-19 demonstrated statistical significance only in Salmonella serogroup D (p=0.028). Overall, drug susceptibility of Salmonella serogroup B, C, D, and E was ampicillin (range 15.1% to 55.9%), cefotaxime (range 66.7% to 100%), ciprofloxacin (range 18.8% to 59.1%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (range 70.0% to 93.8%). Conclusion(s): The present study results suggested the importance of monitoring the prevalence of Salmonella at a hospital in Bangkok. The antibiogram of susceptibility helps provide guidelines for clinician to consider empirical treatment.Copyright © 2023 JOURNAL OF THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF THAILAND.

Viral enteritis in cattle: To well known viruses and beyond

Livestock products supply about 13 percent of energy and 28 percent of protein in diets consumed worldwide. Diarrhea is a leading cause of sickness and death of beef and dairy calves in their first month of life and also affecting adult cattle, resulting in large economic losses and a negative impact on animal welfare. Despite the usual multifactorial origin, viruses are generally involved, being among the most important causes of diarrhea. There are several viruses that have been confirmed as etiological agents (i.e., rotavirus and coronavirus), and some viruses that are not yet confirmed as etiological agents. This review summarizes the viruses that have been detected in the enteric tract of cattle and tries to deepen and gather knowledge about them.Copyright © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Assessment of three different dermoscopy imaging systems during a fast-track skin cancer clinic

Dermoscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic investigation based on magnification, illumination and obliteration of light scatter on the skin surface allowing better visualization of structures beneath the stratum corneum. We aimed to assess image quality of lesions evaluated at a skin cancer clinic using three different handheld dermatoscopes;the Heine Delta 20T (contact) with an iPad;the MoleScope II (noncontact) with a Samsung 7 smartphone;and the Dino-Lite Edge with direct download to a MacBook laptop (noncontact). The Heine Delta 20T and iPad is the current standard used. The MoleScope is a mobile smartphone-attachable dermatoscope. The Dino-Lite is a handheld digital microscope that connects directly to the computer via a USB port. The cost of the Heine Delta 20T is roughly 1100, the MoleScope II 260 and the Dino-Lite 600. Twenty-three lesions were imaged with each device;15 were pigmented. A total of 69 images were downloaded and transferred to Microsoft PowerPoint for review in random order. The images were scored by four consultant dermatologists, one general practitioner with a special interest and one associate specialist, blinded to the diagnoses. A score of 1-5 (poor- excellent) was attributed to each category: (i) detail/dermoscopic features;(ii) colour discrimination;(iii) magnification. Each assessor recorded whether - based on the image alone - they could make a diagnosis. The lesions were basal cell carcinoma (n = 6), seborrhoeic keratosis (n = 4), lichenoid keratosis (n = 1), benign naevi (n = 4), dysplastic naevi (n = 2), melanoma (n = 1), blue naevus (n = 1), sebaceous gland hyperplasia (n = 1), ruptured cyst (n = 1), pyogenic granuloma (n = 1) and dermatofibroma (n = 1). The mean score for each device and category was calculated as follows. (i) Heine: detail = 3.2, colour = 3 3, magnification = 3 2 (overall score = 3 2);46 2% felt able to make a diagnosis. (ii) MoleScope: detail = 2 5, colour = 2 7, magnification 2 5 (overall score = 2 6);43 5% felt able to make a diagnosis. (iii) Dino-Lite: detail = 3 2, colour = 3 2, magnification = 3 6 (overall score = 3 3);57 2% felt able to make a diagnosis. Analysis on a PC screen allowed greater magnification than is generally employed in clinic, which may have affected assessors. The Heine is not primarily designed for digital dermoscopy. It requires two operators for image capture, whereas the other systems require only one. The MoleScope remains the most 'mobile', whereas the Dino-Lite is attached to a laptop/PC. Both the MoleScope and Dino-Lite can be used as noncontact dermatoscopes, avoiding contact medium use. Considering the current COVID-19 pandemic, these devices are less time consuming, more convenient and easier to clean. Overall, the Dino-Lite produced the best images. Despite the MoleScope scoring lower, it was comparable for diagnostic ability. It is proposed that the MoleScope and Dino-Lite systems may be optimal for use in teledermatology to facilitate virtual clinics.

Integrated smart analytics of nucleic acid amplification tests via paper microfluidics and deep learning in cloud computing

Pandemics such as COVID-19 have exposed global inequalities in essential health care. Here, we proposed a novel analytics of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) by combining paper microfluidics with deep learning and cloud computing. Real-time amplifications of synthesized SARS-CoV-2 RNA templates were performed in paper devices. Information pertained to on-chip reactions in time-series format were transmitted to cloud server on which deep learning (DL) models were preloaded for data analysis. DL models enable prediction of NAAT results using partly gathered real-time fluorescence data. Using information provided by the G-channel, accurate prediction can be made as early as 9 min, a 78% reduction from the conventional 40 min mark. Reaction dynamics hidden in amplification curves were effectively leveraged. Positive and negative samples can be unbiasedly and automatically distinguished. Practical utility of the approach was validated by cross-platform study using clinical datasets. Predicted clinical accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were 98.6%, 97.6% and 99.1%. Not only the approach reduced the need for the use of bulky apparatus, but also provided intelligent, distributable and robotic insights for NAAT analysis. It set a novel paradigm for analyzing NAATs, and can be combined with the most cutting-edge technologies in fields of biosensor, artificial intelligence and cloud computing to facilitate fundamental and clinical research.Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd

Sensitive SARS-CoV-2 salivary antibody assays for clinical saline gargle samples using smartphone-based competitive particle immunoassay platforms.

Antibody assay for SARS-CoV-2 has become increasingly important to track latent and asymptomatic infections, check the individual's immune status, and confirm vaccine efficacy and durability. However, current SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays require invasive blood collection, requiring a remote laboratory and a trained phlebotomist. Direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from clinical saline gargle samples has been considered challenging due to the smaller number of antibodies in such specimens and the high limit of detection of currently available rapid tests. This work demonstrates simple and non-invasive methods for detecting SARS-CoV-2 salivary antibodies. Competitive particle immunoassays were developed on a paper microfluidic chip using the receptor-binding domain (RBD) antigens on spike proteins. Using a smartphone, they were monitored by counting the captured fluorescent particles or evaluating the capillary flow velocities. The limit of detection (LOD), cross-binding between alpha- and omicron-strains, and the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) presence were investigated. LODs were 1-5 ng/mL in both 10% and 1% saliva. Clinical saline gargle samples were assayed using both methods, showing a statistical difference between virus-negative and virus-positive samples, although the assays targeted antibodies. Only a small number of virus-positive samples were antibody-negative. The high assay sensitivity detected a small number of antibodies developed even during the early phase of infections. Overall, this work demonstrates the ability to detect SARS-CoV-2 salivary IgG antibodies on simple, cost-effective, portable platforms towards mitigating SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other respiratory viruses.

Development of thermosensitive hydrogel of Amphotericin-B and Lactoferrin combination-loaded PLGA-PEG-PEI nanoparticles for potential eradication of ocular fungal infections: In-vitro, ex-vivo and in-vivo studies.

The most prevalent conditions among ocular surgery and COVID-19 patients are fungal eye infections, which may cause inflammation and dry eye, and may cause ocular morbidity. Amphotericin-B eye drops are commonly used in the treatment of ocular fungal infections. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and is used for the treatment of dry eye, conjunctivitis, and ocular inflammation. However, poor aqueous stability and excessive nasolacrimal duct draining impede these agens' efficiency. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Amphotericin-B, as an antifungal against Candida albicans, Fusarium, and Aspergillus flavus, and Lactoferrin, as an anti-inflammatory and anti-dry eye, when co-loaded in triblock polymers PLGA-PEG-PEI nanoparticles embedded in P188-P407 ophthalmic thermosensitive gel. The nanoparticles were prepared by a double emulsion solvent evaporation method. The optimized formula showed particle size (177.0 ± 0.3 nm), poly-dispersity index (0.011 ± 0.01), zeta-potential (31.9 ± 0.3 mV), and entrapment% (90.9 ± 0.5) with improved ex-vivo pharmacokinetic parameters and ex-vivo trans-corneal penetrability, compared with drug solution. Confocal laser scanning revealed valuable penetration of fluoro-labeled nanoparticles. Irritation tests (Draize Test), Atomic force microscopy, cell culture and animal tests including histopathological analysis revealed superiority of the nanoparticles in reducing signs of inflammation and eradication of fungal infection in rabbits, without causing any damage to rabbit eyeballs. The nanoparticles exhibited favorable pharmacodynamic features with sustained release profile, and is neither cytotoxic nor irritating in-vitro or in-vivo. The developed formulation might provide a new and safe nanotechnology for treating eye problems, like inflammation and fungal infections.

Digital microscopy: A routine mandate in future? A leaf out of Covid-19 pandemic laboratory experience.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out lot of changes among the way people and organisations function. It has also reduced social gatherings and hence social relations considerably, forcing people to adjust to new ways of work and life. An outstanding difference between the current COVID-19 pandemic and previous epidemics or pandemics is the increased availability and use of technology currently, which has been validated by various reports from across the globe. Thus, even with the ensuing pandemic, lockdown and decreased social gatherings, with the technology support we have devised ways to keep in contact with friends, family and work place, so as to continue our lives. Social distancing guidelines and regulations have put pressure on a great many organisations to find new ways of keeping employees and students connected while working remotely. For more deskbound occupations and roles, this can be relatively straightforward, but it is challenging if not impossible for lab-based quality control, research and study. The answer to this is digital remote microscopy which enables sharing of data online, carrying out collaborative work through multi-viewing in real time and facilitates remote training functions.

D155Y substitution of SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a weakens binding with Caveolin-1.

The clinical manifestation of the recent pandemic COVID-19, caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, varies from mild to severe respiratory illness. Although environmental, demographic and co-morbidity factors have an impact on the severity of the disease, contribution of the mutations in each of the viral genes towards the degree of severity needs a deeper understanding for designing a better therapeutic approach against COVID-19. Open Reading Frame-3a (ORF3a) protein has been found to be mutated at several positions. In this work, we have studied the effect of one of the most frequently occurring mutants, D155Y of ORF3a protein, found in Indian COVID-19 patients. Using computational simulations we demonstrated that the substitution at 155th changed the amino acids involved in salt bridge formation, hydrogen-bond occupancy, interactome clusters, and the stability of the protein compared with the other substitutions found in Indian patients. Protein-protein docking using HADDOCK analysis revealed that substitution D155Y weakened the binding affinity of ORF3a with caveolin-1 compared with the other substitutions, suggesting its importance in the overall stability of ORF3a-caveolin-1 complex, which may modulate the virulence property of SARS-CoV-2.

Controlled release nanomedicine (CRNM) of aspirin using "biomimetic niosomal nanoparticles (BNNs)”for Covid-19 and cardiovascular treatment: DOE based optimization

Biomimetic strategies can be adopted to improve biopharmaceutical aspects. Subsequently, Biomimetic reconstitutable pegylated amphiphilic lipid nanocarriers have high translational potential for systemic controlled drug delivery;however, such an improvised system for systemic aspirin delivery exploring nanotechnology is not available. Systemic administration of aspirin and its controlled delivery can significantly control blood clotting events, leading to stroke, which has immediate applications in cardiovascular diseases and Covid-19. In this work, we are developing aspirin sustained release pegylated amphiphilic self-assembling nanoparticles to develop reconstitutable aspirin injections by solvent-based co-precipitation method with phase inversion technique that leads to novel "biomimetic niosomal nanoparticles (BNNs).” DOE led optimization is done to develop Design of space for optimized particles. Upon reconstitution of solid powder, the particle size was 144.8 ± 12.90 nm with a surface charge of -29.2 ± 2.24 mV. The entrapment efficiency was found to be 49 ± 0.15%, wherein 96.99 ± 1.57% of the drug was released in 24hr showing super case II transport-based drug release mechanism. The formulation has the least hemolysis while showing significant suppression of platelet aggregation. MTT assay does not show any significant cytotoxicity. This is a potential nanoparticle that can be explored for developing aspirin injection, which is not available.

Development of reusable cloth mask with nanoparticle filtration efficiency greater than 95%

ABSRACT: After the rapid spread of SARS-Cov-2 virus, the use of masks was suggested by the world health organization (WHO) to reduce the virus transmission, whose primary mode of transmission was suggested to be through respiratory droplets. The recommended face coverings were single use surgical and respirator masks made of non-woven materials. With the increased demand for masks worldwide, the environmental impacts of mask disposal and the pollution caused by microplastic fibers of the non-woven materials were presented. This challenge necessitates the need for the development of a novel reusable mask reducing the environmental effects, while providing the necessary personal protective properties. Based on the ASTM F2299 standard test method, the performance, i.e., particle-size dependent filtration efficiency and pressure drop were studied for 20 samples with multilayer knit fabrics of natural and synthetic fibers (inner layer of pure cotton, cotton-nylon and cotton-polyester, middle layer of Lycra, and outer layer of superhydrophobic polyester). The results show that all the samples had an efficiency of >94% and 87–99% for large (250 (Formula presented.) –1 (Formula presented.) m) and small (100–250 nm) particles, respectively. The best performing structure has a material composition of 41% superhydrophobic polyester, 26% natural cotton, 24% nylon and 9% Lycra. The filtration efficiency, pressure drop, and quality factor for this sample are 97.8% (for 100 nm particles), 4.04 mmH2O/cm2 and 4.77 kPa−1, respectively. It was also demonstrated that the developed mask maintains its performance after 50 wash/dry cycles, verifying its reusability. It should be noted that charge neutralizer was not used in the experimental setup of this study which might have led to enhanced results for the filtration efficiency of small (100–250 nm) particles due to the dominance of electrostatic attraction. However, several samples were tested by the third-party company who uses a certified testing equipment based on ASTM F2299, and similar results were obtained. Copyright © 2022 American Association for Aerosol Research.