3 research outputs found
Biopolymer Coating Imparts Sustainable Self-Disinfecting and Antimicrobial Properties to Fabric: Translated to Protective Gears for the Pandemic and Beyond
The
global pandemic of COVID-19 and emerging antimicrobial
drug
resistance highlights the need for sustainable technology that enables
more preparedness and active control measures. It is thus important
to have a reliable solution to avert the present situations as well
as preserve nature for habitable life in the future. One time use
of PPE kits is promoting the accumulation of nondegradable waste,
which may pose an unforeseen challenge in the future. We have developed
a biocompatible, biodegradable, and nonirritating nanoemulsion coating
for textiles. The study focused on coating cotton fabric to functionalize
it with broad spectrum antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-SARS-CoV-2
activity. The nanoemulsion comprises spherical particles of chitosan,
oleic acid, and eugenol that are cross-linked to fibers. The nanoemulsion
caused complete destruction of pathogens even for the most rigid biofilms
formed by drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans on the surface of the coated fabric. The secondary coat with beeswax
imparts super hydrophobicity and 20 wash cycle resistance and leads
to enhanced barrier properties with superior particulate filtration,
bacterial filtration, and viral penetration efficiency as compared
to an N95 respirator. The coated fabric qualifies as per standard
parameters like breathability, flammability, splash resistance, and
filtration efficiency for submicrometer particles, bacteria, and viruses.
The scaleup and bulk manufacturing of the coating technology on fabric
masks complied with standards. The consumer feedback rated the coated
mask with high scores in breathability and comfortability as compared
to an N95. The strategy promises to provide a long-term sustainable
model compared to single use masks and PPE that will remain a nondegradable
burden on the ecosystem for years to come
Contraceptive use and unintended pregnancies among HIV-infected women in Mumbai
Background: Access to reproductive health services in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) programs can greatly enhance program′s potential to limit the spread of disease, reduce unintended pregnancies and safeguard the health of infected people. Objectives: To assess (i) knowledge, attitude, and use regarding contraceptives; safe sex and dual protection; (ii) fertility desires and unintended pregnancies post HIV and (iii) symptoms of reproductive tract infection/sexually transmitted infection (RTI/STI) among women infected with HIV. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study among 300 currently married HIV-positive women who had not undergone permanent sterilization with no immediate desire for pregnancy. Study site was Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers (ICTC) in tertiary hospitals of Mumbai and women were interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire. Results: In spite of good awareness about modern methods, 42.7 felt that contraceptives other than condoms were harmful to use due to their HIV status. Knowledge on dual protection was limited to condom (75%). Condom use increased from 5.7% pre-HIV to 71.7% post-HIV, with 89.6% reporting regular use. Future fertility desire was expressed by 8.7% women. Induced abortions post-HIV was reported by16.6% women, as pregnancies were unintended. About 69% wished to use dual contraceptive methods for effective protection if it was not harmful to be used by people living with HIV (PLHIV). Conclusion: Data reveals a need to promote modern contraceptive methods along with regular condom use to prevent unintended pregnancies and improve health-seeking behavior for contraception. Health system models that converge or link HIV services with other reproductive health services need to be tested to provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare to infected women in India
An Epidemiological Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Sequences from Different Regions of India
The number of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) cases is increasing in India. This study looks upon the geographic distribution of the virus clades and variants circulating in different parts of India between January and August 2020. The NPS/OPS from representative positive cases from different states and union territories in India were collected every month through the VRDLs in the country and analyzed using next-generation sequencing. Epidemiological analysis of the 689 SARS-CoV-2 clinical samples revealed GH and GR to be the predominant clades circulating in different states in India. The northern part of India largely reported the ‘GH’ clade, whereas the southern part reported the ‘GR’, with a few exceptions. These sequences also revealed the presence of single independent mutations—E484Q and N440K—from Maharashtra (first observed in March 2020) and Southern Indian States (first observed in May 2020), respectively. Furthermore, this study indicates that the SARS-CoV-2 variant (VOC, VUI, variant of high consequence and double mutant) was not observed during the early phase of virus transmission (January–August). This increased number of variations observed within a short timeframe across the globe suggests virus evolution, which can be a step towards enhanced host adaptation