Racial and Ethnic Variations in Skin Barrier Properties and Cultural Practices in Skin of Color Newborns, Infants, and Children.

BACKGROUND: The skin of newborns and infants of all races/ethnicity is more susceptible to skin barrier disruption than adult skin. This consensus paper offers insights into potential skincare implications for using gentle cleansers and moisturizers for skin of color (SOC) newborns, infants, and children. METHODS: Six pediatric dermatologists and dermatologists used a Delphi communication technique to adopt 5 statements for SOC newborns, infants, and children on skin barrier integrity and the importance of skin care to promote a healthy skin barrier.  Results: Regardless of ethnicity, newborn and infant skin is still developing and more susceptible to infections and chemical and thermal damage. A growing body of evidence supports skincare starting early in life, recognizing that the ongoing daily use of gentle cleansers and moisturizers containing barrier lipids, such as ceramides, promotes a healthy skin barrier. Understanding cultural differences in everyday skincare practices for SOC newborns, infants, and children is critical for developing an evidence base to substantiate skincare practices.  Conclusions: Closing knowledge gaps in the clinical presentation, cultural differences, and approach to treating skin conditions using skincare for SOC newborns, infants, and children may improve patient outcomes.   Schachner  LA, Andriessen A, Benjamin  L, et al. Racial/ethnic variations in skin barrier properties and cultural practices in skin of color newborns, infants and children. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(7):657-663. doi:10.36849/JDD.7305.

Early emollient bathing is associated with subsequent atopic dermatitis in an unselected birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Skin barrier dysfunction is a key component of the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Recent research on barrier optimization to prevent AD has shown mixed results. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between emollient bathing at 2 months and the trajectory of AD in the first 2 years of life in a large unselected observational birth cohort study. METHODS: The Babies After SCOPE: Evaluating the Longitudinal Impact Using Neurological and Nutritional Endpoints Birth Cohort study enrolled 2183 infants. Variables extracted from the database related to early skincare, skin barrier function, parental history of atopy, and AD outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounding variables. RESULTS: One thousand five hundred five children had data on AD status available at 6, 12, and 24 months. Prevalence of AD was 18.6% at 6 months, 15.2% at 12 months, and 16.5% at 24 months. Adjusted for potential confounding variables, the odds of AD at any point were higher among infants who had emollient baths at 2 months (OR (95% CI): 2.41 (1.56 to 3.72), p < .001). Following multivariable analysis, the odds of AD were higher among infants who had both emollient baths and frequent emollient application at 2 months, compared with infants who had neither (OR (95% CI) at 6 months 1.74 (1.18-2.58), p = .038), (OR (95% CI) at 12 months 2.59 (1.69-3.94), p < .001), (OR (95% CI) at 24 months 1.87 (1.21-2.90), p = .009). CONCLUSION: Early emollient bathing was associated with greater development of AD by 2 years of age in this population-based birth cohort study.

Not as simple as it seems: extensive facility and training gaps in nursing home bathing.

Standardized observation of bed baths and showers for 100 residents in 8 nursing homes revealed inadequate cleansing of body sites (88%-100% failure) and >90% process failure involving lather, firm massage, changing dirty wipes or cloths, and following clean-to-dirty sequence. Insufficient water warmth affected 86% of bathing opportunities. Bathing training and adequate resources are needed.

Experimental study on dynamic thermal responses and comfortable evaluations under bathing conditions.

This study investigated the dynamic thermal responses and comfortable boundaries under different bathing conditions through a series of human subject experiments. Eleven subjects' subjective questionnaires and physiological parameters were collected. During the 40-min 40 °C bath, subjects' whole-body thermal sensation, sweating sensation, and fatigue relieving vote increased from 0 (neutral) to 2.6 (near 'hot' sensation), 3.5 (near 'very sweaty' sensation), and 1.6 (near 'relieved' vote), respectively. Thermal comfort vote firstly increased to 1.5 (near 'comfortable' sensation) in the first 10 min, then decreased to -0.5 (between 'neutral and slightly uncomfortable' sensation), and eventually remained around 1.1 ('slightly comfortable' sensation) after the bath. After the 40-min bath, the skin temperature and core temperature rose by 2.0 °C and 0.9 °C respectively. The mean heart rate increased by 45% and blood pressure decreased in most subjects. The percentage of ß brain wave (representing concentration emotion) decreased while that of δ brain wave (representing relaxing emotion) increased, indicating that the bathed subjects tended to be more relaxed and sleeping emotionally. Based on these observations, we inferred that bathing thermal comfort can be influenced by multiple factors simultaneously but effective evaluation tools quantifying bathing thermal comfort are yet to be produced. Compared with showering, bathing usually induces more intensive thermal stress to the body, causing similar changing patterns but stronger amplitudes in subjective and physiological responses. These results can provide references for more comfortable and healthier bathroom environment design and relevant environmental conditioning products.

The Interplay between Systolic Blood Pressure, Sauna Bathing, and Cardiovascular Mortality in Middle-Aged and Older Finnish Men: A Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, whereas frequent sauna bathing reduces the risk. Whether frequent sauna bathing mitigates CVD mortality among adults with elevated SBP has not been previously investigated. DESIGN AND SETTING: We examined the interactions between SBP and frequency of sauna bathing (FSB) with the risk of CVD mortality in a cohort of Caucasian men. PARTICIPANTS: The Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Study cohort comprising of 2,575 men aged 42-61 years at baseline was employed for this prospective study analysis. MEASUREMENTS: Resting blood pressure was measured using a standardized protocol and sauna bathing habits were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Systolic blood pressure was categorized as normal and high (<140 and ≥140 mmHg, respectively) and FSB as low and high (defined as ≤ 2 and 3-7 sessions/week, respectively). RESULTS: A total of 744 CVD deaths were recorded during a median follow-up of 27.8 yr. Comparing high vs normal SBP, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CI) for CVD mortality was 1.44 (1.23-1.68). Comparing low vs high FSB, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CI) for CVD mortality was 1.24 (1.03-1.51). The associations persisted following mutual adjustment for each exposure. Compared with men with normal SBP-high FSB, high SBP-low FSB was associated with an increased risk of CVD mortality 1.81 (1.39-2.36), with attenuated but persisting evidence of an association for men with high SBP and high FSB 1.52 (1.06-2.16). When SBP was categorized as normal and high (<130 and ≥130 mmHg, respectively), there was no evidence of an association for men with high SBP and high FSB 1.11 (0.77-1.61). CONCLUSION: There might be an interaction between SBP, sauna bathing and CVD mortality risk in middle-aged and older Caucasian males. Frequent sauna baths may offset the increased risk of CVD mortality in men with high-normal SBP but not elevated SBP.

Digital educational technology content production and validity about Japanese bathtub (ofurô) in neonatal unit.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the elaboration and content validity stages of a digital educational technology for nursing professionals about Japanese bathtub (ofurô) in newborns in neonatal care units. METHOD: A methodological study conducted between August 2019 and July 2021, in a public maternity hospital in Manaus, Amazonas, developed in two stages. In the first, the e-book images, text and editing were produced. In the second, material content validity was carried out, through the opinion of 15 expert judges, nurses and neonatal care experts. In data analysis, the percentage of agreement was applied with agreement score estimation. Items with 80% or more agreement were considered valid. RESULTS: The e-book "Japanese bathtub: manual for nursing professionals" was produced, organized into nine sessions, which describe the technique execution. Content was considered valid by expert judges (general score 90%). CONCLUSION: The e-book was considered suitable for use in training nursing professionals, with potential for dissemination of knowledge regarding humanization of care for premature babies.

The effect of sulfur baths on hemorheological properties of blood in patients with osteoarthritis.

Balneotherapy is an effective treatment method in various diseases and commonly used treatment modality among patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Sulfur baths are known for healing properties however effect on rheological properties is unstudied. Thus the aim of our study was to determine the effect of sulfur balneotherapy on hemorheological blood indices. A total of 48 patients with osteoarthritis were enrolled to the study. Blood samples were collected twice, before and after 3-week time period. We evaluated complete blood count, fibrinogen, hs-CRP and blood rheology parameters such as elongation index (EI), half-time of total aggregation (T1/2) and aggregation index (AI) analyzed with the Lorrca Maxis. Mean age of studied cohort was 67 ± 5 years. After sulfur baths WBC count was significantly decreased is studied group (p = 0.021) as well as neutrophile count (p = 0.036). Red blood cell EIs were statistically higher after sulfur baths in shear stress ranging from 8.24 to 60.30 Pa. T1/2 was significantly higher (p = 0.031) and AI lower (p = 0.003) compared to baseline. No significant changes in fibrinogen and hs-CRP were observed. It is the first study that evaluate effect of sulfur balneotherapy on rheologic properties of blood. Sulfur water baths may improve erythrocyte deformability and aggregation parameters.

Cardiovascular physiological effects of balneotherapy: focused on seasonal differences.

Hot water bathing has been demonstrated to be an effective way to improve people's cardiovascular health in many studies. This study focused on seasonal physiological changes to provide suggestions on bathing methods based on season for hot spring bathing. Volunteers were recruited to the program of hot spring bathing at 38-40 °C in New Taipei City. Cardiovascular function, blood oxygen, and ear temperature were observed. There were five assessments for each participant during the study process: baseline, bathing for 20 min and 2 cycles *20 (2*20) min, resting for 20 min and 2*20 min after bathing, respectively. Lower blood pressure (p < 0.001), pulse pressure (p < 0.001), left ventricular dP/dt Max (p < 0.001), and cardiac output (p < 0.05) were identified after bathing then rested for 2*20 min in four seasons, compared to baseline by paired T test. However, in multivariate linear regression model, potential risk for bathing in summer was assumed by higher heart rate (+28.4%, p < 0.001), cardiac output (+54.9%, p < 0.001) and left ventricular dP/dt Max (+27.6%, p < 0.05) during bathing at 2*20 min in summer. Potential risk for bathing in winter was postulated by blood pressure lowering (cSBP -10.0%; cDBP -22.1%, p < 0.001) during bathing at 2*20 min in winter. Hot spring bathing is shown to potentially improve cardiovascular function via reducing cardiac workload and vasodilation effects. Prolonged hot spring bathing in summer is not suggested due to significantly increased cardiac stress. In winter, prominent drop of blood pressure should be concerned. We demonstrated the study enrollment, the hot-spring contents and location, and physiological changes of general trends or seasonal variations, which may indicate potential benefits and risks during and after bathing. (Abbreviations: BP, blood pressure; PP, pulse pressure; LV, left ventricular; CO, cardiac output; HR, heart rate; cSBP, central systolic blood pressure; cDBP, central diastolic blood pressure).

Chlorhexidine bathing in a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Concerns regarding potential risk of dermal irritation have led to the exclusion of NICU patients from the recommendation regarding the use of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) wash for daily skin cleansing to reduce bloodstream infections. Our aim was to assess the safety of 2% CHG bathing in NICU patients. METHODS: The regulator required a stepwise study enrollment to three successive groups: term infants, followed by near-term and pre-term infants. For comparison, we used a cohort of matched controls. A propensity score-adjusted regression model was used to compare the groups. INTERVENTION: Infants were bathed thrice-weekly with 2% CHG-impregnated washcloths. Participant's skin was examined daily. RESULTS: Over a total of 661 days of treatment: 384,129, and 148 days for the term, near-term and pre-term groups, respectively, no skin reactions were observed. The intervention group was generally sicker, however, bloodstream infections were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: For infants >30 weeks and >3 days old, 2% CHG bathing was safe. Large multicenter studies are urgently needed to establish the effectiveness of this practice in the NICU.

Reduction in patient refusal of CHG bathing.

BACKGROUND: Daily chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing is a well-supported intervention to reduce patient's risk of central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI); however, compliance with this practice is suboptimal. One major barrier is patient refusals of CHG bathing. The purpose of this project was to implement tailored interventions to mitigate this barrier. The specific aims were to reduce patient refusals, increase compliance with CHG bathing, and evaluate CLABSI rates and nursing staff's knowledge of CHG bathing. METHODS: Iterative Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were implemented over the course of 6 months. Run charts were used to identify signals of improvement. Interventions included printed educational flyers for staff and patients, educational sessions, an electronic learning module, and a "badge buddy." RESULTS: We saw a reduction in the median percentage of patient refusals documented, from 23% to 8% after the PDSA cycles. Documentation compliance with CHG bathing increased only slightly from 46% to 47%. CLABSI rates decreased 6% from 0.69 to 0.65. DISCUSSION: Using interventions tailored to the clinical setting can impact patient outcomes. Other health care systems should consider implementing PDSA cycles to improve evidence-based practices. CONCLUSIONS: Using PDSA cycles can result in a reduction in patient refusal documentation, and may slightly improve CHG bathing compliance and CLABSI rates.

Older Adults Receiving Rehabilitation Services Are More Likely to Get Bathing and Toileting Equipment Installed.

IMPORTANCE: Adaptive equipment, such as shower grab bars and modified toilet seating, is effective but underused in the United States. To change this, a better understanding of how equipment ends up being installed is needed. We hypothesized that rehabilitation services were a major mechanism. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between receipt of rehabilitation services and installation of adaptive equipment. DESIGN: Observational cohort of the National Health and Aging Trends Study in 2015 and 2016. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 416 community-dwelling adults age 65 yr or older who needed bathing equipment and 454 who needed toileting equipment. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Study outcomes were the installation of bathing or toileting equipment. The primary independent variable was the receipt of rehabilitation services between 2015 and 2016. RESULTS: Among older adults who needed equipment in 2015, 34.3% had bathing equipment and 19.2% had toileting equipment installed by 2016. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, rehabilitation services were associated with installation of bathing (odds ratio [OR] = 5.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.60, 9.89]) and toileting equipment (OR = 2.67, 95% CI [1.48, 4.84]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: A minority of those in need have adaptive equipment installed within a year. In the current health care system, rehabilitation providers play a major role in equipment installation. What This Article Adds: Rehabilitation providers are involved in the installation of adaptive bathroom equipment among older persons who need it. Still, most in need of equipment do not have it after a year, suggesting that further work is needed to increase access to rehabilitation providers and develop other avenues for obtaining equipment.

Timing of Post-bath Skin Moisturizer Application to Newborn Infants: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the timing of postbath moisturizer application affected the skin moisture (SM) and body temperature (BT) of newborn infants. METHODS: The researchers conducted a randomized controlled study with 80 newborns who were monitored in a university hospital between March 2017 and May 2018. In both the control and experimental groups, newborns were bathed and dried. However, in the control group, moisturizer was applied immediately to the newborn's body, whereas in the experimental group, moisturizer was applied 10 minutes after the completion of the bath. Researchers evaluated the BT and SM of all infants both before and immediately after the bath and at 10, 20, 40, and 60 minutes postbath. RESULTS: The control and experimental groups were similar according to the descriptive characteristics of the infants (P > .05). In both groups, infants' SM values increased in the first 10 minutes after the bath compared with the prebath values (P < .05). However, the whole-body SM value of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group 60 minutes postbath (P = .027). There was also a statistically significant change in the body temperatures of infants in both groups after bathing (P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Waiting 10 minutes postbath before applying moisturizer positively affected newborns' SM and BT. Additional research with a broader age range and a more diverse sample is needed to further clarify the effects of postbath moisturizer application timing on newborns' SM and BT.

Digital educational technology content production and validity about Japanese bathtub (ofurô) in neonatal unit / Producción y validación de contenido de tecnología educativa digital sobre baño de hidromasaje en unidad neonatal / Produção e validação de conteúdo de tecnologia educacional digital sobre banho de ofurô em unidade neonatal

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the elaboration and content validity stages of a digital educational technology for nursing professionals about Japanese bathtub (ofurô) in newborns in neonatal care units. Method: A methodological study conducted between August 2019 and July 2021, in a public maternity hospital in Manaus, Amazonas, developed in two stages. In the first, the e-book images, text and editing were produced. In the second, material content validity was carried out, through the opinion of 15 expert judges, nurses and neonatal care experts. In data analysis, the percentage of agreement was applied with agreement score estimation. Items with 80% or more agreement were considered valid. Results: The e-book "Japanese bathtub: manual for nursing professionals" was produced, organized into nine sessions, which describe the technique execution. Content was considered valid by expert judges (general score 90%). Conclusion: The e-book was considered suitable for use in training nursing professionals, with potential for dissemination of knowledge regarding humanization of care for premature babies.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir las etapas de elaboración y validación de contenido de una tecnología educativa digital para profesionales de enfermería sobre el baño ofurô en recién nacidos en Unidades de Cuidados Neonatales. Método: Estudio metodológico realizado entre agosto de 2019 y julio de 2021, en una maternidad pública de Manaus, Amazonas, desarrollado en dos etapas. En la primera se produjeron las imágenes, el texto y la edición del e-book. En el segundo, se realizó la validación de contenido del material, a través de la expresión de 15 jueces expertos, enfermeros y experimentados en cuidados neonatales. En el análisis de datos se aplicó el porcentaje de concordancia con estimación del puntaje de concordancia. Se consideraron válidos los ítems con un 80% o más de acuerdo. Resultados: Se elaboró el libro electrónico "Banho de ofurô: manual para profissionais de enfermagem" (Baño de Ofurô: manual para profesionales de enfermería), organizado en nueve sesiones, que describen la ejecución de la técnica. El contenido fue considerado válido por los jueces expertos (puntuación general 90%). Conclusión: El e-book se consideró apto para ser utilizado en la formación de profesionales de enfermería, con potencial para la difusión de conocimientos sobre la humanización del cuidado del recién nacido prematuro.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as etapas de elaboração e validação de conteúdo de uma tecnologia educacional digital para profissionais de enfermagem sobre o banho de ofurô em recém-nascidos em Unidades de Cuidado Neonatal. Método: Estudo metodológico conduzido entre agosto de 2019 e julho de 2021, em uma maternidade pública de Manaus, Amazonas, desenvolvido em duas etapas. Na primeira, foram produzidas as imagens, texto e editoração do e-book. Na segunda, foi conduzida a validação de conteúdo do material, pela manifestação de 15 juízes especialistas, enfermeiros e experientes no cuidado neonatal. Na análise dos dados, aplicou-se a porcentagem de concordância com estimação de escore de concordância. Foram considerados válidos os itens com 80% ou mais de concordância. Resultados: Foi produzido o e-book "Banho de ofurô: manual para profissionais de enfermagem", organizado em nove sessões, que descrevem a execução da técnica. O conteúdo foi considerado válido pelos juízes especialistas (escore geral 90%). Conclusão: O e-book foi considerado adequado para ser utilizado em treinamento de profissionais de enfermagem, com potencial para a difusão do conhecimento quanto à humanização da assistência ao recém-nascido prematuro.

A preliminary investigation of the impact of artificially carbonated water bathing on canine skin physiological and barrier function.

BACKGROUND: The effect of carbon dioxide (CO2 )-rich water bathing on the skin has been studied extensively in humans. However, there have been few studies evaluating the impact of CO2 -rich water bathing on canine skin physiology and barrier functions. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of artificially carbonated water (ACW) bathing on skin parameters in healthy beagles. ANIMALS: Six healthy beagles with no history of skin disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Body temperature, skin temperature, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and skin blood flow were evaluated before and after single ACW bathing (37°C, 20 min) with a CO2 concentration of >1000 ppm. RESULTS: After ACW bathing, skin blood flow significantly increased (p < 0.0001), yet there were no significant changes in body temperature (p = 0.3124), skin temperature (p = 0.4911), TEWL (p = 0.5167) or skin hydration (p = 0.3084). There were no adverse events during the trials. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Artificially carbonated water water bathing could potentially increase skin blood flow without affecting skin temperature, body temperature and skin barrier function in dogs, similar to its effects in humans.

Effects of sodium bicarbonate bath on the quality of sleep: An assessor-blinded, randomized, controlled, pilot clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Sleep is fundamental to a healthy life, and sleep disorders are an important health issue in healthcare. Whole-body warm water bathing is a non-pharmacological, safe (non-invasive), and widely used method for comforting. Here, we explored the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate bath (SBB) on sleep quality. METHODS: Healthy adults without sleep disturbances were randomly assigned to shower baths (SHB), tap-water baths (TWB, placebo tablets), or SBB. All participants took a bath (shower, tap-water, or SBB) once a day for 10 min, after dinner, for 7 days. Sleepscan-derived sleep parameters, including total sleep time (TST), symptom questionnaires, and salivary α-amylase concentration were evaluated as outcome measures. RESULTS: Forty participants were enrolled (14, 13, and 13 in SHB, TWB, and SBB groups, respectively) and 38 participants completed the trial (13, 12, and 13, respectively). The recruitment, adherence, and completion rates were 90.9% (40/44), 95.0% (38/40), and 95.0% (38/40), respectively. The SBB group showed a significant increase (12.35 [mean]±10.07 [standard deviation] min) in the mean TST at 1-week post-intervention (p = 0.0041) than the SHB (-1.81 ± 14.58 min; p = 0.0231) and TWB (4.54 ± 10.97 min; p = 0.0377) groups. The TST scores at 1-week post-intervention, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency were significantly different between the groups. Sleep satisfaction by questionnaire was significantly improved with intervention in the SBB group than that in the SHB and TWB groups. Salivary α-amylase levels significantly improved in the SBB and TWB groups than in the SHB group, with the change being greater in the SBB group. CONCLUSIONS: SBB for 7 days had positive effects that improved sleep quality of adults. Further studies are needed to examine the efficacy and safety of SBB for prolonged usage in people diagnosed with insomnia, using objective sleep measurements, and to investigate potential sleep-enhancing mechanisms of action.

[Chlorhexidine bathing in intensive care units for the prevention of nosocomial infections. A systematic review].

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of chlorhexidine use patients in adult intensive care units for preventing nosocomial infections. We carried out a systematic review of randomized clinical trials published over the past 10 years. We collected the following data: type of infection, mortality, isolated microorganisms, and multidrug-resistant microorganisms. In two out of the five studies included in the review, bathing with chlorhexidine was ineffective due to low cross-infection rates at baseline and Gram-negative bacteria being the most prevalent type of microorganism, against which chlorhexidine is not as effective. No decline in death rates was either observed. Chlorhexidine bathing was mainly effective in preventing bloodstream infections and those caused by Gram-positive bacteria. Thus, its use may be effective in intensive care units with high prevalence of infections by this type of microorganisms.

Consumer perspectives on grab bars: A Canadian national survey of grab bar acceptability in homes.

Given the prevalence and severity of bathroom falls and injuries across age groups, there is growing interest in policy-level approaches to bathroom fall prevention. Grab bars reduce fall risk during bathing transfers and improve bathing accessibility for adults of all ages and abilities. However, they are frequently absent from bathing environments, even in the homes of individuals who have a specific need for a grab bar. While mandatory bathroom grab bar installation has been suggested, it is unclear whether this would be supported by Canadians. The purpose of this study was to characterize Canadian public perceptions on the installation and use of grab bars in home bathrooms. We surveyed 443 Canadians about whether they currently had a grab bar and their perspectives on grab bar policy. 65.4% of respondents did not have a grab bar. However, 88.5% of respondents would allow a grab bar to be installed in their bathroom at no cost to them, only 11.5% of respondents would object to grab bar installation becoming mandatory in new builds, and 85.6% of respondents would use a grab bar if it were installed in their bathroom. Responses were affected by age (in four groups: 18-39, 40-59, 60-79, and 80+ years), self-reported impairment, and home ownership status. Older adults, respondents who reported having impairments, and home owners were more likely to respond favorably toward grab bars. Based on these results, the majority of Canadians would respond positively to policy mandating bathroom grab bars in new homes.

Embedded 3D printing of dilute particle suspensions into dense complex tissue fibers using shear thinning xanthan baths.

In order to fabricate functional organoids and microtissues, a high cell density is generally required. As such, the placement of cell suspensions in molds or microwells to allow for cell concentration by sedimentation is the current standard for the production of organoids and microtissues. Even though molds offer some level of control over the shape of the resulting microtissue, this control is limited as microtissues tend to compact towards a sphere after sedimentation of the cells. 3D bioprinting on the other hand offers complete control over the shape of the resulting structure. Even though the printing of dense cell suspensions in the ink has been reported, extruding dense cellular suspensions is challenging and generally results in high shear stresses on the cells and a poor shape fidelity of the print. As such, additional materials such as hydrogels are added in the bioink to limit shear stresses, and to improve shape fidelity and resolution. The maximum cell concentration that can be incorporated in a hydrogel-based ink before the ink's rheological properties are compromised, is significantly lower than the concentration in a tissue equivalent. Additionally, the hydrogel components often interfere with cellular self-assembly processes. To circumvent these limitations, we report a simple and inexpensive xanthan bath based embedded printing method to 3D print dense functional linear tissues using dilute particle suspensions consisting of cells, spheroids, hydrogel beads, or combinations thereof. Using this method, we demonstrated the self-organization of functional cardiac tissue fibers with a layer of epicardial cells surrounding a body of cardiomyocytes.

Comparison of different concentrations of a povidone iodine-diluted sitz bath in the prevention of perianal infection in patients undergoing chemotherapy for hematological malignancy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Infection is one of the most common causes of death in patients with hematological malignancies during chemotherapy. Due to its special location, local warmth and humidity, repeated pollution with stool and urine, and characteristically wrinkled anatomical structure within which bacteria can hide, the perianal becomes a site with a high incidence of infection. Such infection also has a high recurrence rate and high mortality, increasing the economic burden of patients, delaying the time of treatment and reducing the quality of life. In severe cases, sepsis occurs and endangers the patient's life. Previous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of povidone iodine (PI) in the prevention of perianal infection in patients with hematological malignancies during chemotherapy, but these reports have not documented in detail the adverse events associated with sitz bathing and the lack of randomized controlled trials of different concentrations of dilute povidone iodine sitz bathing. Therefore, the evidence is insufficient. Hence, the objective of this paper is to determine whether a povidone iodine diluent sitz bath can reduce the incidence of perianal infection compared with conventional perianal cleaning care and to observe the incidence of perianal infection, the severity of perianal infection, and the complications related to the sitz bath among groups treated with different concentrations of povidone iodine diluent, especially in high-risk patients prone to perianal infection, to screen for the optimal concentration. METHODS: The trial is designed as a single-center, parallel, randomized, controlled and intervention trial with four parallel groups, and a primary endpoint of perianal infection occurred after this hospitalization chemotherapy. Randomization will be performed as simple randomization with a 1:1:1:1 allocation. This study received full ethics committee approval. The first patient was enrolled on May 1, 2021. A total of 268 patients with hematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy who have risk factors for perianal infection will be enrolled with informed consent and randomly allocated to one of the four arms receiving (1) perianal cleaning care (control group D), (2) 1:100 PI diluted sitz bath (intervention group A), (3) 1:200 PI diluted sitz bath (intervention group B), and (4) 1:300 PI diluted sitz bath (intervention group C). The primary endpoint of the trial was the incidence of perianal infection. The secondary endpoints of the study will be the results of anal swab bacterial culture, the severity of perianal infection, the incidence of perianal adverse events (dryness, peeling, pigmentation, burning sensation), and pain scores. The length of hospitalization in days and hospitalization expenses will be recorded. Safety will be assessed with consideration of all adverse and severe adverse events related to the study treatment. DISCUSSION: We hypothesized that patients with hematological malignancies during chemotherapy would benefit from a povidone iodine diluted sitz bath. This study will provide evidence-based recommendations for clinicians and nurses. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration ID: ChiCTR2000041073). Registered on December 17, 2020. The protocol version number is V1.0,20201217. http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=66044&htm=4.