Microbe Penetration Levels on Facial Masks Fabricated at the University of Dodoma versus the Surgical Ones

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 is a pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The outbreak was first identified in the city of Wuhan, Hubei, China in December 2019, and was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020. The virus primarily spreads among people via respiratory droplets from coughing, breathing, or sneezing. To reduce virus transmission, close contact between people is discouraged. In response to advice by health practitioners, individuals are advised to wear face masks, regularly wash their hands, and apply sanitisers. However, the effectiveness of locally manufactured masks against COVID 19 and other microbes has not been investigated. Aims and methods: The current study aimed to experimentally determine and compare the effectiveness of two approved surgical masks and two face masks fabricated at the University of Dodoma (UDOM). Results: The effectiveness of the UDOM-made mask was similar when compared to surgical masks (Mann- Whitney, U = 390.000, p > 0.05; Mean ranks: Japan fabric = 32.5; N95 surgical mask = 28.50). However, the Japan fabric mask made at UDOM was more effective than BBL surgical mask made in China (Mann-Whitney, U = 270.000, p < 0.05; Mean ranks: Japan fabric = 24.50; BBL surgical mask = 36.50). Whereas the handkerchief mask made at UDOM and BBL surgical mask had similar levels of effectiveness (Mann-Whitney, U = 369.500, p > 0.05; Mean Ranks: Handkerchief = 27.82; BBL surgical mask = 33.18). The results obtained suggest that the two UDOM types were as effective as the N95 and BBL masks in reducing virus spread. Conclusion: The study recommends the determination of pore sizes of the materials used to make the mask to explain the effectiveness of the single layer, double layers, and double layers with cotton blends in the prevention of different microbes inhalable.   &nbsp

Profile of plasma lipids and degree of derangements among the elderly of Morogoro region, Tanzania

Changes in lifestyles and ageing have been associated with growing rates of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (CRF). Dyslipidemia is one of the CRF associated with numbers of cardiovascular diseases. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the profile and degree of derangements of plasma lipids among 300 (176 females and 124 males) elderly individuals aged ≥60 years in Morogoro, Tanzania. The calorimetric enzymatic methods and the Friedewal’s equation were used for determination of cholesterols and triglycerides (TG). Social and demographic characteristics were gathered by structured questionnaires. The logistic regression models were used to identify the determinants of abnormal serum lipids level. Mean Total Cholesterols (TC) and Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterols (LDL-C) in females exceeded significantly that of males. Mean TC, LDL-C as well as TG (mg/dL) declined significantly with age while mean High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterols (HDL-C) also declined but only slightly. Elderly females were two times more likely to have elevated TC (OR=2.11; 95% CI: 1.04-4.28: P=0.05) and LDL-C (OR=2.15; 95% CI: 1.17-3.97: P=0.019) and three times to have lowered HDL-C (OR=3; 95% CI: 1.97-5.30: P<0.001) than males. Urban residents were about two times more likely to have elevated LDL-C (OR=1.84; 95% CI: 1.04-3.25: P=0.047) than their rural counterparts. Body Mass Index of ≥30 kg/m2 was also associated with elevated LDL-C (OR=1.89; 95% CI: 1.05-3.42: P=0.045) and lowered HDL-C (OR=2.18; 95% CI: 1.3-3.65: P=0.004), respectively. The present study has established the profile and level of derangements of serum lipids among the elderly of Morogoro region in Tanzania. It appears that, female sex and BMI of ≥ 30kg/m2 are significant factors for elevated TC, LDL-C and lowered HDL-C while urban life is a significant factor for elevated LDL-C