Publications by authors named "B M Beller"

Article Synopsis
  • Due to supply shortages from the COVID-19 pandemic, N95 masks, which are usually single-use, have been used for extended periods, leading to issues with fit and effectiveness, prompting research into a solution to improve their reusability.
  • The study created a 3D printed mask frame using common materials, which helped to enhance the fit of damaged or poorly fitting N95 and KN95 masks during testing, allowing more users to achieve a proper seal.
  • Findings showed that nearly 73% of participants could obtain a good fit using the frames, which could provide a cost-effective way to extend the usability of masks without compromising their protective capabilities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Due to supply chain disruption, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe shortages in personal protective equipment for health care professionals. Local fabrication based on 3D printing is one way to address this challenge, particularly in the case of products such as protective face shields. No clear path exists, however, for introducing a locally fabricated product into a clinical setting.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: In response to supply shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs or "masks"), which are typically single-use devices in healthcare settings, are routinely being used for prolonged periods and in some cases decontaminated under "reuse" and "extended use" policies. However, the reusability of N95 masks is often limited by degradation or breakage of elastic head bands and issues with mask fit after repeated use. The purpose of this study was to develop a frame for N95 masks, using readily available materials and 3D printing, which could replace defective or broken bands and improve fit.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Due to supply chain disruption, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care professionals. Local fabrication based on 3D printing is one way to address this challenge, particularly in the case of simple products such as protective face shields. As a consequence, many public domain designs for face shields have become available.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Lisinopril, a long-acting, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, was compared with placebo in a randomized, parallel, double-blind, 12-week study of 193 patients with heart failure. All patients were New York Heart Association Functional Class II, III, or IV and had remained symptomatic despite optimal dosing with digoxin and diuretics. After 12 weeks of therapy, the improvement in treadmill exercise duration was greater in the lisinopril group (113 seconds) compared with the placebo group (86 seconds).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF