ABSTRACT
Tight-fitting filtering facepiece (FFP3) face masks are essential respiratory protective equipment during aerosol-generating procedures in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) environment, and require a fit test to assess mask-face seal competency. Facial hair is considered to be an impediment for achieving a competent seal. We describe an under-mask beard cover called the Singh Thattha technique, which obtained a pass rate of 25/27 (92.6%) by qualitative and 5/5 (100%) by quantitative fit test in full-bearded individuals. Sturdier versions of FFP3 were more effective. For individuals for whom shaving is not possible, the Singh Thattha technique could offer an effective solution to safely don respirator masks.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/diagnosis , Masks/supply & distribution , Respiratory Protective Devices/trends , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , Aerosols/adverse effects , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/virology , Equipment Design/methods , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Hair/physiology , Humans , Male , Masks/trends , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Patient CareABSTRACT
Atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma are characterized by IgE-mediated atopic (allergic) responses to common proteins (allergens), many of which are proteinases. Loci influencing atopy have been localized to a number of chromosomal regions, including the chromosome 5q31 cytokine cluster. Netherton disease is a rare recessive skin disorder in which atopy is a universal accompaniment. The gene underlying Netherton disease (SPINK5) encodes a 15-domain serine proteinase inhibitor (LEKTI) which is expressed in epithelial and mucosal surfaces and in the thymus. We have identified six coding polymorphisms in SPINK5 (Table 1) and found that a Glu420-->Lys variant shows significant association with atopy and AD in two independent panels of families. Our results implicate a previously unrecognized pathway for the development of common allergic illnesses.
Subject(s)
Asthma/genetics , Carrier Proteins , Dermatitis, Atopic/genetics , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/genetics , Amino Acid Sequence , Base Sequence , DNA Primers , Humans , Molecular Sequence Data , Proteinase Inhibitory Proteins, Secretory , Sequence Homology, Amino Acid , Serine Peptidase Inhibitor Kazal-Type 5ABSTRACT
We have carried out a genome screen for atopic dermatitis (AD) and have identified linkage to AD on chromosomes 1q21, 17q25 and 20p. These regions correspond closely with known psoriasis loci, as does a previously identified AD locus on chromosome 3q21. The results indicate that AD is influenced by genes with general effects on dermal inflammation and immunity.
