ABSTRACT
N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) are essential for the protection of healthcare professionals and other high-risk groups against Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19). In response to shortages in FFRs during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization permitting FFR decontamination and reuse. However, although industrial decontamination services are available at some large institutions, FFR decontamination is not widely accessible. To be effective, FFR decontamination must (1) inactivate the virus; (2) preserve FFR integrity, specifically fit and filtering capability; and (3) be non-toxic and safe. Here we identify and test at-home heat-based methods for FFR decontamination that meet these requirements using common household appliances. Our results identify potential protocols for simple and accessible FFR decontamination, while also highlighting unsuitable methods that may jeopardize FFR integrity.
Subject(s)
Decontamination/methods , N95 Respirators , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/virology , Hot Temperature , Humans , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Time FactorsABSTRACT
In a retrospective study of 6 patients (9 eyes) with posterior scleritis, we analyse the symptoms, the clinical signs and the ancillary tests of the disease. A decreased vision and an ocular or periocular pain are found in 8 cases of 9. Anterior involvement like redness is found in all the cases. In 7 eyes, we observe a diffuse or localized exudative retinal detachment. B-scan ultrasonography is the most helpful ancillary test, showing in all the examined eyes a scleral thickening. In 2 patients, we find a systemic disease associated with the posterior scleritis.
