DAid pressure socks system: Performance evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Plantar pressure measurement has been proven to produce crucial information for gait analysis. Socks with integrated textile pressure sensors are a promising tool for non-obtrusive plantar pressure acquisition and monitoring. RESEARCH QUESTION: Can the DAid Pressure Socks System be employed for the measurement of plantar pressure and temporal parameters during walking? METHOD: Plantar pressure measurement was acquired simultaneously by the DAid Pressure Socks System (DPSS) and Pedar® insole measurement system for a normal walking gait of 17 volunteers. The measurement from both systems was processed and gait temporal parameters were calculated. The calculated temporal parameters included stride time, step time, stance time, swing time, single support time, double support time, and cadence. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was calculated to evaluate the agreement between the plantar pressure measurement and temporal parameters obtained from both systems. RESULTS: For plantar pressure measurement, excellent agreement (ICC > 0.90) was achieved in approximately 23 % cases, while in roughly 37 %, 27 %, and 13 % cases the agreement was good (ICC > 0.75), moderate (ICC > 0.50), and poor (ICC < 0.50), respectively. The mean relative differences (as a percentage) between the temporal parameter values calculated from the measurement of both systems were 0.80 % (stride time), 3.06 % (step time), 3.15 % (stance time), 5.08 % (swing time / opposite single support time), 14.47 % (double support time), and 0.78 % (cadence). SIGNIFICANCE: The ICC result calculated for the plantar pressure measurement indicated a reasonable agreement between both systems. Additionally, the relatively low mean difference was observed for 5 out of 6 calculated temporal gait parameters. Consequently, the presented DPSS could be considered as a substitute for the commercial gait analysis tools for applications that do not require great accuracy of the absolute plantar pressure measurement.

Daylight-Induced Antibacterial and Antiviral Cotton Cloth for Offensive Personal Protection.

Cotton fabrics with durable and reusable daylight-induced antibacterial/antiviral functions were developed by using a novel fabrication process, which employs strong electrostatic interaction between cationic cotton fibers and anionic photosensitizers. The cationic cotton contains polycationic short chains produced by a self-propagation of 2-diehtylaminoehtyl chloride (DEAE-Cl) on the surface of cotton fibers. Then, the fabric (i.e., polyDEAE@cotton) can be readily functionalized with anionic photosensitizers like rose Bengal and sodium 2-anthraquinone sulfate to produce biocidal reactive oxygen species (ROS) under light exposure and consequently provide the photo-induced biocidal functions. The biocidal properties of the photo-induced fabrics (PIFs) were demonstrated by ROS production measurements, bactericidal performance against bacteria (e.g., E coli and L. innocua), and antiviral results against T7 bacteriophage. The PIFs achieved 99.9999% (6 log) reductions against bacteria and the bacteriophage within 60 min of daylight exposure. Moreover, the PIFs showcase excellent washability and photostability, making them ideal materials for reusable face masks and protective suits with improved biological protections compared with traditional PPE. This work demonstrated that the cationized cotton could serve as a platform for different functionalization applications, and the resulting fiber materials could inspire the development of reusable and sustainable PPE with significant bioprotective properties to fight the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the spread of other contagious diseases.

Ballistic protective properties of material representative of English civil war buff-coats and clothing.

One type of clothing system used in the English Civil War, more common amongst cavalrymen than infantrymen, was the linen shirt, wool waistcoat and buff-coat. Ballistic testing was conducted to estimate the velocity at which 50% of 12-bore lead spherical projectiles (V50) would be expected to perforate this clothing system when mounted on gelatine (a tissue simulant used in wound ballistic studies). An estimated six-shot V50 for the clothing system was calculated as 102 m/s. The distance at which the projectile would have decelerated from the muzzle of the weapon to this velocity in free flight was triple the recognised effective range of weapons of the era suggesting that the clothing system would provide limited protection for the wearer. The estimated V50 was also compared with recorded bounce-and-roll data; this suggested that the clothing system could provide some protection to the wearer from ricochets. Finally, potential wounding behind the clothing system was investigated; the results compared favourably with seventeenth century medical writings.

The effects of clothing layers on the thermoregulatory responses to short duration babywearing in babies under 12 months old.

Carrying babies in a sling, that is, babywearing, is a popular practice among new parents. Babies are thermally vulnerable and public health bodies advise to dress them in one extra layer than the adult. However, these guidelines do not consider babywearing and it is unclear whether babies' clothing insulation should be modified during babywearing. Here we quantified the effects of babies' clothing layers on the thermoregulatory responses to short duration babywearing in babies under 12 months old. Nine babies (4F/5M; 7.3 ± 3.1 months; 9 ± 2.5 kg) and 9 mothers (34 ± 3.0 years) performed two trials in a thermoneutral environment (23°C; 50%RH). During trials, babies wore either 1 (sleepsuit) or 2 (vest + sleepsuit) clothing layers, and mothers performed 15-min stepping exercise while babywearing. We recorded mothers and babies' tympanic temperature (Tty ), babies' local skin temperatures (Tsk ; on the carotid artery area, arm, abdomen, lower back, and thigh), and mothers' perception of babies' thermal state. Babies' Tty did not change after 15-min babywearing (mean change: -0.13°C [-0.30, +0.05]; p = .141), in either clothing trial (difference between trials: +0.05°C [-0.15, +0.25]; p = .591). On the contrary, local Tskin increased across all sites tested (mean increase = +0.71°C [+0.41, +1.01]; p = .038) and similarly between clothing trials, with the abdomen showing the largest change (+1.10°C [+0.32, +1.85]). Mothers did not perceive any change in babies' thermal state. We show that 15-min babywearing increase babies' skin, but not tympanic, temperature by up to 1.1°C on certain body regions, and that this effect is not exacerbated by adding 1 layer of light clothing to the baby.

Implementing a Wearable Sensor for Lymphedema Garments: A Prospective Study of Training Effectiveness.

Lymphedema garments apply therapeutic pressure to maintain minimum leg volume. Practitioners and patients apply these garments and seek to achieve appropriate compression pressure "by feel." PURPOSE: A study was conducted to assess the feasibility of applying a sensor-feedback device to train staff to accurately apply garments. METHODS: A convenience sample of wound care and rehabilitation staff volunteered for a prospective, randomized, unblinded, single-center pilot study. Participants were randomized to instruction+feedback (ie, receiving training on compression application and using the device to determine whether they achieved desired pressure) or instruction only groups (n = 6 each). Each volunteer applied hook-and-loop closures on the author's leg pre- and post-training with a target of 35 mm Hg, or |Ppre- 35|= |Ppost- 35|=0. (|P| is absolute value of P). The feedback group used a device to measure the applied compression; the device consists of a capacitive sensor of thin polyurethane foam between conductive fabric layers and a microcomputer/Bluetooth transmitter under a vacuum seal that fits into a fabric pocket of a lymphedema garment at the posterior ankle and pairs with a mobile device. A lymphology-certified therapist coordinated training. Data were collected with a pen/paper tool and analyzed with Student's t test. RESULTS: The instruction+feedback group was closer to target after training (|Ppre - 35|= 10 ± 12 mm Hg; |Ppost - 35|=5 ± 4 mm Hg; P <.05; paired t test) than the instruction only group (|Ppre- 35|=19 ± 11 mm Hg; |Ppost - 35|=12 ±12 mm Hg; not significant). CONCLUSION: This wearable mobile pressure sensor device assists practitioners in applying hook-and-loop lymphedema garments closer to target pressure. Larger studies with clinicians and research that involves patient application of compression are warranted.

Undergarment needs after breast cancer surgery: a key survivorship consideration.

An important aspect of breast cancer survivorship is finding comfortable undergarments that work for women's post-treatment bodies. Patients who undergo mastectomy, including both those who do and do not receive reconstruction, need bras that can accommodate new breast shape, size, and feel, as well as scarring and skin sensitivity. Our research with breast cancer patients and the literature reveal that ready-to-wear bras are inadequate for the variety of patients' needs, and many women lack support and guidance to make decisions about undergarments after cancer. This commentary describes a major quality-of-life challenge for breast cancer survivors and makes recommendations for future research. Healthcare providers need more guidance and resources to be able to help their patients prepare for this aspect of survivorship. New technologies, such as biomechanical modeling, 3D body scanning, and manufacturing techniques, should be pursued in collaboration with patients, healthcare providers, and clothing designers to ease this burden for breast cancer patients.

"Male Hair Cannot Extend Below Plane of the Shoulder" and "No Cross Dressing": Critical Queer Analysis of High School Dress Codes in the United States.

In this study, we questioned how high school dress codes outlined in official handbooks were written or presented in regard to the gender binary, either/or perspective. We critically analyzed how or if they allowed for flexibility in expression of gender and sexual identity and if they supported, encouraged, or affirmed a variety of expressions, in particular transgender and gender non-conforming expressions, throughout the text or images. The content analysis method was used to analyze 735 handbooks from the 2016 to 2017 school year. Three themes emerged from the data: (1) support of fluid gender expression, yet not overt support; (2) passive marginalization of gender non-conforming or transgender identities or expressions; and (3) active marginalization of gender non-conforming or transgender identities or expressions. The "LGBTQ+ Dress Code Analysis Tool" was developed for policy makers to use to analyze their dress codes.

Intensive Care Neonates and Evidence to Support the Elimination of Hats for Safe Sleep.

BACKGROUND: Although the incidence of sudden unexplained infant deaths has decreased over time with the use of safe sleep practices, one area that remains unclear is the safety of hats during infant sleep. PURPOSE: Decrease the risk of overheating or suffocation by removing NICU infants' hats during sleep without increasing the relative risk of hypothermia during transition to an open crib. METHODS: Removal of hats for routine thermoregulation, beyond the initial infant resuscitation and stabilization of NICU infant was implemented in 2015. Retrospective chart audits were conducted on all NICU infants between February 2015 and December 2016. Hypothermia (≤ 97.6°F) data during transition to an open crib was collected. Exclusion criteria included concurrent diagnosis of: sepsis, hyperbilirubinemia, congenital anomaly inhibiting infants thermoregulation and noncompliance with unit guideline for weaning infant to open crib. FINDINGS: Over 18 months, 2.7% of infants became hypothermic (≤ 97.6°F) during transition to open crib, requiring return to isolettes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Hats were found to be unnecessary in maintaining thermoneutrality after weaning infants toan open crib in our NICU. By avoiding the use of hats in an open crib, it's possible infants will avoid overheating and a risk of suffocation, creating a safer sleep environment. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: The removal of hats during sleep to promote infant health should be considered for all infants.

Sunscreen Application, Safety, and Sun Protection: The Evidence.

Recently in Canada, there has been an effort to create consistent messaging about sun safety as there is a lack of up-to-date evidence-based guidelines regarding sun-protection measures. This review aimed to provide updated, evidence-based recommendations on sunscreen application, safety, and sun protection regarding the following topics for which there is clinical uncertainty: physical barriers, sunscreen properties, sunscreen application, and risk-benefit analysis.

Clothing and shoes of personnel as potential vectors for transfer of health care-associated pathogens to the community.

In an acute care hospital, we demonstrated that the clothing and shoes that physicians and nurses wear home from health care facilities can be contaminated with health care-associated pathogens, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. These findings suggest that the clothing and shoes of personnel have the potential to serve as vectors for the transfer of health care-associated pathogens to the community.

Applying Critical Race Feminism and Intersectionality to Narrative Inquiry: A Point of Resistance for Muslim Nurses Donning a Hijab.

Racism in nursing can be positioned through institutional forms of gendered, racialized, and religious structures. Muslim nurses who choose to honor the Islamic practice of donning hijab may be at risk of experiencing racism in contexts of post-September 11 era and the war on terror. Critical race feminism and intersectionality are theoretical frameworks that when applied to narrative inquiry can illuminate the standpoint of Muslim nurses donning hijab by providing a counternarrative as a point of resistant to racism in nursing.

The Brazilian Army nurses' uniforms: visual identity in World War II.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the symbolic effects of the official military uniform of the nurses from Brazilian Army in World War II. METHOD: This research was developed using the historical method, with iconographic sources. The data were discussed based on the concepts of the social world theory, by Pierre Bourdieu. RESULTS: The images selected demonstrate the own meaning of the uniforms, evidencing the functions and the social position of those who wear it, being private and obligatory to use it in the military field. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: In the case of the nurses from the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, the appropriation of uniforms promoted the visual communication representing military nurse in the context of war, at the same time it served for distinction purposes in the army, but not necessarily in the nursing field. Symbolically, they remained amongst the walls of the barracks even after the end of the war and, thus, they remained unknown and marked by the symbols of forgetfulness.

The Brazilian Army nurses' uniforms: visual identity in World War II / Uniformes de enfermeras del Ejército Brasileño: identidad visual en la Segunda Guerra Mundial / Uniformes de enfermeiras do Exército Brasileiro: identidade visual na II Guerra Mundial

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the symbolic effects of the official military uniform of the nurses from Brazilian Army in World War II. Method: This research was developed using the historical method, with iconographic sources. The data were discussed based on the concepts of the social world theory, by Pierre Bourdieu. Results: The images selected demonstrate the own meaning of the uniforms, evidencing the functions and the social position of those who wear it, being private and obligatory to use it in the military field. Final considerations: In the case of the nurses from the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, the appropriation of uniforms promoted the visual communication representing military nurse in the context of war, at the same time it served for distinction purposes in the army, but not necessarily in the nursing field. Symbolically, they remained amongst the walls of the barracks even after the end of the war and, thus, they remained unknown and marked by the symbols of forgetfulness.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los efectos simbólicos de la vestimenta militar oficial de las enfermeras del Ejército Brasileño en la II Guerra Mundial. Método: La investigación fue desarrollada usando el método histórico con fuentes de imágenes. Los datos fueron discutidos a la luz de conceptos de la teoría del mundo social, de Pierre Bourdieu. Resultados: Las imágenes seleccionadas demuestran el significado propio de los uniformes, explicitando las funciones y la posición social de quien los porta, siendo de uso privativo y obligatorio en el campo militar. Consideraciones finales: En el caso de las enfermeras de la Fuerza Expedicionaria Brasileña, la apropiación de uniformes promovió la comunicación visual de la figura-tipo de la enfermera militar en el contexto de la guerra, al tiempo que confería distinción en el ámbito del ejército, pero no necesariamente en el campo de la enfermería. Simbólicamente, permanecieron entre los muros de los cuarteles incluso después del término de la guerra, y, por consiguiente, se mantuvieron desconocidas y marcadas por los signos del olvido.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos simbólicos do vestuário militar oficial das enfermeiras do Exército Brasileiro na II Guerra Mundial. Método: A pesquisa foi desenvolvida usando o método histórico, com fontes imagéticas. Os dados foram discutidos à luz de conceitos da teoria do mundo social, de Pierre Bourdieu. Resultados: As imagens selecionadas demonstram o significado próprio dos uniformes, explicitando as funções e a posição social de quem os porta, sendo de uso privativo e obrigatório no campo militar. Considerações finais: No caso das enfermeiras da Força Expedicionária Brasileira, a apropriação de uniformes promoveu a comunicação visual da figura-tipo da enfermeira militar no contexto da guerra, ao mesmo tempo que conferiu distinção no âmbito do exército, mas não necessariamente no campo da enfermagem. Simbolicamente, elas permaneceram entre os muros dos quartéis mesmo após o término da guerra e, por conseguinte, mantiveram-se desconhecidas e marcadas pelos signos do esquecimento.