A wearable fluid handling platform based on polyamide lycra has been developed for non-invasive, real-time biochemical analysis of bodily fluids. Main challenges include sample collection and delivery, sensor integration and waste sample handling. The system is able to collect sweat as it is expired through the skin and transports it through a channel defined in the fabric using a hydrophobic m...

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, life-threatening, acute multisystem illness usually characterized by sudden onset of high fever, diffuse sunburn-like erythroderma and a variety of other signs and symptoms. It may progress rapidly to hypotension and shock with multiple organ failure. Its exact cause is unknown, but in almost all cases there has been an infection with exotoxin-producing str...

Foreign body ingestion is a potentially serious clinical problem in children. We report a case of an 8-month-old infant who developed complete bowel obstruction requiring laparotomy due to ingestion of a superabsorbent polymer ball with advertised growth up to 400 times its original size. Most ingested foreign bodies that pass through the pylorus will make it safely through the gastrointestinal...

Highly exuding wounds are common and can result in malodour, pain, maceration, infection and unsightly soiled dressings, as well as having a negative impact on an individual's quality of life. This communication reports on the findings from an evaluation by nurses regarding the clinical effectiveness and safety of superabsorbent dressing KerraMax Care and the patient experience of KerraMax Care...

Eleven bacterial and two yeast strains, four of which were previously identified as having activity on a lightly cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose (CLD-2) found in one type of superabsorbent tampon, were grown on a variety of substrates, most containing cellulosics. None produced detectable amounts of cellulases, but all elaborated beta-glucosidase. None of these 13 strains nor 3 commerciall...

Hydrogels are a promising management option to increase the efficiency of water use in agriculture arid and semi-arid regions. However, abiotic factors may affect hydrogel efficacy. The effect stress on swelling residual acrylamide hydrogels was evaluated. treatments were three (A, B C), four temperatures (20, 30, 40 65 °C) two salinities (0.003 3.0 dS m−1). degree concentration measured. Data ...