Farmed crustaceans are an important component in addressing the rising animal protein demand. The present study determined the concentrations of fourteen elements (Ag, As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sn, Pb, and Zn) in the edible abdominal muscle of cultured freshwater crayfish species ( Faxonius virilis; Procambarus acutus acutus ) from Missouri. Also, this paper describes the dietary intake and the human health risks from the consumption of crayfish muscle in the adult population. Overall, 172 animals were captured between February 2017 and January 2018 for assessment. Concentrations of metals (Ag, Be, Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Mo, and Zn) and metalloid (As) in the muscle tissue were determined after microwave-assisted acid digestion by ICP - OES. Health indices (EDI/EWI: estimated daily/weekly intakes; THQ: target hazard quotient; TTHQ: total target hazard quotient; ILCR: incremental lifetime cancer risk; and ∑ILCR: cumulative lifetime cancer risk) were calculated and compared to thresholds. Of all samples, the highest concentrations (mg kg −1 wet weight) of metal(loid)s in muscle were Ag (0.11), As (3.15), Be (0.21), Cd (0.11), Co (0.32), Cr (1.22), Cu (107), Fe (23.0), Mn (8.54), Mo (0.62), Ni (2.65), Pb (1.76), Sn (5.91), and Zn (19.2). In both species, the average As, Cd, and Zn concentrations were below the legal limits. However, the levels of Cu, Pb, and As, in some samples, were in exceedance of the maximum levels. In both species, a significant correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between the carapace length (CL) and animal body weight (BW). In P. acutus , CL, BW, and animal total length were homogenous (p > 0.05) among the sexes. Non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test results indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) in the levels of As, Be, and Zn in F. virilis , and Be and Cr in P. a. acutus among the genders. Significant inter-species differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the levels of Be, Ni, and Pb and the growth factors. The EDI/EWI values were below the permissible limits. THQ and TTHQ values, being below 1.0, indicated no probabilistic health risk. Regarding carcinogenic risk, only As and Ni indicated cancer risk (ILCR >10 −5 and ∑ILCR >10 −5 ) to the adult population. High metals/metalloid exposure from crayfish muscle consumption posed potential health hazards to the adult population.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase in demand for protective equipment caused a global shortage and homemade barrier face coverings were recommended as alternatives. However, filtration performances of homemade face coverings have not been fully evaluated. Test methods in the ASTM standard (F3502-21) were used to evaluate filtration efficiencies (FE) and breathability (pressure drop, Δp) of face coverings and home fabric materials commonly used during the pandemic. Submicron particulates FE was measured by particle transmission through face covering samples using a Condensation Particle Counter equipped with differential mobility analyzer and electronic manometer. Flow resistance of 0.1 μm-diameter fluorescent nanoparticles in droplets was determined by measuring fluorescence intensity of residual collected at the reverse side of samples. The size-dependent FE (3–94%) and Δ p (0.8–72 mmH 2 O) varied considerably among fabrics. Of the 16 mask types, 31.25% and 81.25% met the minimum FE and breathability standards in the ASTM F3502-21, respectively. Overall performance (qF) was highest for velcro masks (max qF = 3.36, min qF = 2.80) and lowest for Dutch wax print fabrics (max qF = 0.12, min qF = 0.03). Most of the samples resisted the flow of 0.1 µm-diameter nanoparticles in droplets. Low flow resistance was observed in bandana, neck gaiter, t-shirt I, tank top and bedspread fabrics. GSM and fabric finishing seems to affect performance. Low performances can be improved by selecting optimum-performance fabrics in the design and manufacture of barrier face coverings. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41742-021-00390-6.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the biggest public health challenges of the 21st century. Many prevalent measures have been taken to prevent its spread and protect the public. However, the use of face coverings as an effective preventive measure remains contentious. The goal of the current study is to evaluate the effectiveness of face coverings as a protective measure. We examined the effectiveness of face coverings between 1 April and 31 December 2020. This was accomplished by analyzing trends of daily new COVID-19 cases, cumulative confirmed cases, and cases per 100,000 people in different U.S. states, including the District of Columbia. The results indicated a sharp change in trends after face covering mandates. For the 32 states with face covering mandates, 63% and 66% exhibited a downward trend in confirmed cases within 21 and 28 days of implementation, respectively. We estimated that face covering mandates in the 32 states prevented approximately 78,571 and 109,703 cases within 21- and 28-day periods post face covering mandate, respectively. A statistically significant (p = 0.001) negative correlation (−0.54) was observed between the rate of cases and days since the adoption of a face covering mandate. We concluded that the use of face coverings can provide necessary protection if they are properly used.

Due to the shortage of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, homemade face coverings were recommended as alternatives. However, the capability of alternative face coverings to proliferate microbes have not been fully documented. The current study evaluated bacterial load and proliferation associated with the use of common face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mask type-specific and surface-related bacterial load and pattern were noticeable in the study. Results indicated that roadside masks are among samples that contained relatively higher initial bacterial load. The highest number of bacterial forming colonies were observed in the inner surface of mask samples. Proliferation of microbes over time was also noticeable among the non-certified face coverings included in the study. Sterilization or washing of non-certified fabric face masks before use is recommended.