ABSTRACT
Masks are face coverings that give protection from infectious agents, airborne pathogens, bacteria, viruses, surgical fog, dust, and other chemical hazards by acting as a barrier between the wearer and the environment. In the COVID-19 pandemic, this major personal protective equipment's became essential part of our daily life. The aim of this review is to analyze and discuss the different types of masks with their pros and cons, manufacturing procedures, evaluation criteria, and application with some of the sterilization process for reuse and smart mask. The review used a thorough examination of the literature to analyze the preventive effects of surgical, N95, smart mask, and potential environmental damage from those masks. Several studies and evidence were also examined to understand the efficiency of different mask on different environment. N95 respirators are capable of filtering out non-oil-based 95% air-born particles, and surgical masks act as a protective barrier between the wearer and the environment. The application of spoon bond and melt blown techniques in the fabrication process of those masks improves their protective nature and makes them lightweight and comfortable. But the high demand and low supply forced users to reuse and extend their use after sterilizations, even though those masks are recommended to be used once. Universal masking in the SARS-COV-2 pandemic increased the chance of environmental pollution, so the application of smart masks became essential because of their high protection power and self-sterilizing and reusing capabilities.
ABSTRACT
To describe maternal complications and neonatal outcomes caused by gestational diabetes mellitus a descriptive observational study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratisthan and Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata, over a period of one year from July 2009 to June 2010. Women diagnosed by oral glucose tolerance test as gestational diabetes mellitus were enrolled as study subjects and were followed regularly at outpatient department. Blood glucose levels controlled by diet or with insulin. Foetal well-being was assessed by ultrasonography, foetal kick count and cardiotocography. Time and mode of delivery were decided on admission depending upon the complications encountered. Intrapartum blood glucose level was monitored and foetal monitoring was done. After delivery all the babies were assessed by the paediatrician. After discharge patients were advised oral glucose tolerance test at 6 weeks postpartum. Out of 644 women delivered, 58 (9%) were diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus and were studied. Mean age was 30 years and 55.2% were multigravida; 50% were obese (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2); 60.3% required insulin therapy to achieve glycaemic control. Most common maternal and neonatal complications observed were premature prelabour rupture of membrane (10.3%) and jaundice (29.3%) respectively. Caesarean section was done in 60.3% gestational diabetas mellitus mothers. A total of 57 babies (98.2%) were delivered alive.
