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Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) used in sanitary napkin are not required for water absorption capacity as high as in baby diapers and adult incontinence pads. Sanitary napkins must absorb menses, which is delivered at a significantly lower rate and overall daily amount than urines. Thus, the acrylic acid (AA) component can not be strictly necessary. By proper formulation design and processing, polysaccharide SAPs can be equally or even better performing than AA‐containing SAPs in sanitary napkins. Fully biodegradable sodium alginate (SA)‐based SAPs are prepared through ionic cross‐linking by CaCl2 and introduced in female pads. The optimal solution concentrations (SA 8% w/v, CaCl2 0.25% w/v in water) and reaction time are identified, and addition of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) at different weight contents (0–3 w%) is tested. Morphology, physico‐chemical properties, rheology, free swelling capacity (FSC), centrifuge retention capacity, and weight loss in soil are assessed. Increasing CNC content decreases FSC. Rheology results demonstrate higher storage and loss moduli for SA‐based SAPs versus commercial SAPs. The superior SA‐SAP developed is used in varying amounts for manufacturing sanitary napkin prototypes, revealing that excellent menstrual fluid absorption, surpassing commercial pads. Replacing AA‐based with polysaccharide‐based SAPs would reduce the environmental impact of hygienic product waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstetric fistula is a debilitating childbirth injury causing immense suffering for women and girls with the condition. The majority of fistulas can be successfully treated with a surgical repair, performed by a competent surgeon who has undergone specialist training and who works with a holistic fistula care team. As well as surgical repair, a critical component of fistula treatment is meticulous postoperative assessment to accurately determine surgical outcomes so that further treatment and support can be provided as required, and the risk substantially reduced of any patient being discharged with associated ongoing problems, such as urinary retention or residual/ongoing incontinence. Based on the opinions of experts in the field, these good practice recommendations provide a practical and standardized protocol for the correct assessment of surgical outcomes following vesicovaginal fistula surgery and appropriate subsequent management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To elucidate the prevalence of overt, occult and no demonstrated (ND) stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women with advanced-stage cystoceles. Between November 2011 and January 2017, all women with ≥stage 2 cystoceles were retrospectively enrolled. Overt SUI was diagnosed before the prolapse reduction test, and occult SUI was diagnosed when urine leakage was noted after a reduction test with vaginal gauze. Otherwise, a diagnosis of ND-SUI was made. The prevalence, clinical and urodynamic findings of overt SUI, occult SUI, and ND-SUI. In 480 enrolled women, 62% had overt SUI, 17% had occult SUI, and 21% had ND-SUI. The occult SUI group had the most advanced prolapse. The pad weight results after prolapse reduction (37.3 ± 44.3 vs. 13.4 ± 21.9, p < 0.05), the bladder capacity (243 ± 54 vs. 273 ± 48, p < 0.001), and questionnaires regarding life quality were significantly different between the overt SUI and the occult SUI groups. Bladder oversensitivity (BO) was the most common urodynamic diagnosis (389/480, 81%), especially in overt SUI, while urodynamic stress incontinence (56/480, 12%) and detrusor overactivity (60/480, 13%) were uncommon. The cutoff value of stage 3 uterine prolapse was the strongest predictor for predicting occult SUI (sensitivity = 30.3%, specificity = 78.5%; area = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.52–0.68). SUI occurs in a ratio of 3:1:1 among cases with overt, occult, and no demonstrable symptoms. BO is the most common urodynamic diagnosis. Pad test with prolapse reduction remains an important tool, especially for coexistent stage 3 uterine prolapse. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary incontinence (UI) or involuntary loss of urine is a common chronic medical condition among women. It is estimated that 5%-70% of the population experiences incontinence with most studies suggesting 25%-45% of the population. Varying definitions of UI (e.g., stress, urgency, mixed) exist, and inconsistent symptom assessment tools, age, and gender can affect the estimate of incidence. Disposable Adult Incontinence products were first introduced into the market in the late 1970s and initially were used mostly in nursing homes and hospitals. However, during the 1980s, the market for incontinence products via retail outlets dramatically increased as awareness of the benefits of the products grew and stigma about their use declined. Today's products that manage urine loss have an extensive history and have evolved with time. Always products were introduced into the market in 2014 and are designed to meet the needs of women of all ages. Considered medical devices in some countries, regional regulations and global guidelines require clear planning, thorough assessment, and concise documentation of clinical safety. This manuscript will briefly review the regulatory landscape with a specific focus on European Union regulations. As previously published, the iterative, risk assessment framework used to assess the safety of Always incontinence products confirms that these products are compatible with skin and can be used safely. This manuscript will expand on the current literature highlighting additional steps that help assure the safety and compliance of the products from quality assurance programs through comprehensive post-market safety surveillance. Recommendations to help ensure several of the key regulatory requirements are met are outlined in the context of a risk assessment framework used to assure safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The management of artificial urinary sphincter sub-cuff atrophy remains controversial, and clinical outcomes are underreported. We intend to examine the impact of cuff downsizing in cases of isolated sub-cuff atrophy. Materials and Methods: We reviewed our prospectively collected, institutionally approved quality improvement database for this study from 2011 to 2022. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained for the analysis. Sub-cuff atrophy in patients with post-prostatectomy incontinence was diagnosed with a clinical presentation of recurrent urinary leakage, serial pelvic films, cystoscopy, and patient evaluation. Outcomes were assessed with pad use, subjective measures, and American Urological Association Symptom Score scores. Results: During the study interval, 871 encounters for artificial urinary sphincter placement were identified, 229 for revision or replacement, of which cuff downsizing for isolated cases of sub-cuff atrophy occurred in 34. Downsizing took place after a median of 6.5 years after initial artificial urinary sphincter placement. Of the patients, 97% reported subjective improvement and 93% experienced a decrease in daily incontinence pad use, with a mean±SD decrease of 2.2±1.45 pads (P < .01). American Urological Association Symptom Score bother scores decreased from pre-downsizing values by a mean±SD of 1.5±1.4 (P [ .01). After a median follow-up of 1.8 years after downsizing, 24 (70.6%) of downsized cuffs remained in place, 2 (5.9%) were further downsized, 2 (5.9%) required replacement for mechanical failure, 4 (11.8%) underwent removal for erosion, and 2 (5.9%) underwent replacement for a herniated pressure regulating balloon. Conclusions: When diagnosed using objective criteria, cuff downsizing improves continence and patient satisfaction in cases of sub-cuff atrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a kind of superabsorbent resin (SAR) with superior quality for hygiene products was developed using Fructus Aurantii Immaturus pectin (FAIP) from Citrus aurantium L.. FAIP-g-AM/AMPS SAR was established by free radical graft co -polymerization with FAIP as skeleton structure, N, N′-Methylene-bis (acrylamide) (MBA) as the cross-linker. Meanwhile, the functional monomers of acrylamide (AM) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) were introduced. The structure and morphology of FAIP-g-AM/AMPS were characterized by FTIR, 13C NMR, XRD, SEM and TG-DSC analysis. The results confirmed that the AFIP-g-AM/AMPS SAR was successfully prepared, which exhibited a three-dimensional (3D) network structure and an excellent thermal stability. The absorption and retention capacity of FAIP-g-AM/AMPS was comparable to or even better than commercial diapers and sanitary napkins. Significantly, FAIP-g-AM/AMPS itself exhibited excellent antibacterial and safety. FAIP-g-AM/AMPS has an inhibition ratio of 97.1 % for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and 98.5 % for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and was non-irritating and non-allergic to the skin. In addition, FAIP-g-AM/AMPS presented amazing biodegradability and a weight loss reached 37.1 % after 30 days by soil burial test. The research provides a safe and high-performance SAR, which expected to be used in hygiene products such as baby diapers, adult incontinence pads and sanitary napkins. [Display omitted] • Natural macromolecule pectin was employed to prepare SAR with superior properties. • SAR shown excellent salt resistance, antibacterial, nonirritant and biodegradability. • Inhibition ratio was 97.1 % for E. coli and 98.5 % for S. aureus. • Degradation ratio reached 37.1 % after 30 days by soil burial test. • A safe and high-performance SAR has bright prospect in hygiene products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Adults produce more absorbent hygiene product (AHP) waste than infants in Australia. • In Australia, the majority of used AHPs go to landfill as municipal solid waste. • Our results recommend more sustainable management of waste from all AHPs. The environmental issues relating to disposable of infant nappies have received considerable attention. However, adult absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) receive less attention, despite having comparable or greater environmental impact. Here we quantify and compare current and future flows of continence related AHPs entering waste streams from both infant and adult populations. Importantly our study accounts for current waste management and landfilling practices across Australia and the environmental implications of AHP disposal. Absorbent hygiene product use from infants and adults was modelled from 2020 to 2030 for Australia, and it's predicted that AHP waste generated by adults will account for between 4 and 10 times that of infants by 2030 due to an aging population. Our results indicate that 50% of used AHPs end up in landfill with both leachate and biogas collection, the remainder going to landfills without biogas collection or without both leachate and biogas collection, based on the most recent national data set, which is over a decade old. The average composition of used absorbent hygiene product (including 60% urine and faeces by mass) is estimated to contain 20% non-biodegradable material, which may complicate the biodegradability of absorbent hygiene products in landfill. Without additional regulatory incentive, the current waste management practices in Australia are likely to continue, with absorbent hygiene products typically entering landfill as municipal solid waste, rather than industrial composting or recycling facilities. More accurate estimation of environmental implications from these disposal pathways requires further work including biodegradation experiments currently unavailable in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It should be stressed that positive patch test reactions to (meth)acrylates and formaldehyde might be relevant in patients with genital or generalized eczema using absorbent hygiene products. Keywords: acrylates; allergic contact dermatitis; case report; formaldehyde; genital area; incontinence pad; patch test; sanitary napkins EN acrylates allergic contact dermatitis case report formaldehyde genital area incontinence pad patch test sanitary napkins 413 415 3 04/05/23 20230501 NES 230501 INTRODUCTION Close and prolonged contact with sanitary towels may cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from several allergens including fragrances,[1] colophony,[2] preservatives[3] or (meth)acrylates.[[4], [6]] The moist occluded environment of the genital area, together with the presence of hair follicles, and exposed mucous membranes may promote irritant contact dermatitis, sensitization and ACD including systemic contact dermatitis.[7] CASE REPORT An 89-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and urinary incontinence presented with pruritic eczema for over 1 year involving the trunk as well as the flexural and extensor aspects of the upper and lower limbs with progressive worsening. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction and hypothesis: The continence dish has been a treatment option since 2002 for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) who decline surgery, but few quantitative objective efficacy data are published. We aimed to determine the efficacy and acceptability of this device for pure SUI or mixed incontinence (MUI). Methods: Prospective interventional cohort study of 100 women with SUI or stress-predominant MUI who were interested to use the device; International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) was primary outcome measure; 24-h pad test and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ) were secondary outcomes. Acceptability was determined by device retention for 4 weeks, adverse events and ability to self-insert the device. Results: Of 100 suitable women, 9 were not actually fitted, and 27 did not complete (acceptability: 64/100). The rate of adverse events was 7.7%, with 62.5% of users able to self-insert the device: 22 (34%) had pure SUI; 66% had MUI. In SUI, 68% were 'dry' on ICIQ median value 4.0 (IQR 2.5–8.5); 88% were dry on 24-h pad test (median 0.0, IQR 0.0–8.5). The "dry rate" was lower in MUI: 36% for ICIQ (median 9.0, IQR 5.0–15.0) and 62% for 24-h pad test (median 6.2, IQR 0.95–19.7). A "good" response on IIQ occurred in 88% of SUI and 69% of MUI. Conclusion: These new data showing strong objective benefits of the continence dish should be further validated by randomized trials, but this information should be made available to women seeking treatment options for SUI/MUI (particularly in view of concerns regarding mesh mid-urethral slings). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel origami-inspired adult diaper design that improves discretion by reducing sag and increasing wicking across the entire diaper pad. While other diapers rely on supporting elastics to reduce the sag of the diaper as a whole, this paper proposes an absorbent core that uses liquid activated shaping to take a specified shape. Origami-based folds are also incorporated into the diaper design to increase wicking performance. The paper introduces a disposable compliant mechanism waistband used to deploy the diaper, making it easier to put onto one's body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article informs about Barbara Hunter's journey as an equine surgeon, her training background, and her choice of specialization. Topic include Despite bumps along the way, including transitioning from private practice to academia, she found her passion in surgery, particularly orthopedics, staying updated through sources like the Veterinary Surgery journal and VetPD panel discussions.

There are problems people don’t want to talk about, and one of them is incontinence in adults. This is a fairly common and delicate problem. It negatively affects human life. This most often applies to people with disabilities and bedridden patients. People have to change their usual way of life, give up their favorite activities, there is a constant need to stay at home. Walking, attending events are difficult. All this has a corresponding effect on the psychological health of a person. In such a situation, it is advisable to use diapers for adults. This is a modern hygienic product that is intended to make life easier for people suffering from various forms of incontinence. Diapers are similar in shape to baby diapers, but they are adapted to the size of an adult. This is a great option for the care of patients who are bedfast or in a wheelchair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Textile Leader is the property of China Textile Information Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Study design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: To investigate the effects of 200-unit onabotulinumtoxin A detrusor injections on neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in patients who have previously been treated with 300-unit injections. Setting: Tertiary urologic referral center in Switzerland. Methods: The patient database was screened for patients with NDO as a result of chronic (≥ 12 months) spinal cord injury (SCI), who had been treated with 300- followed by 200-unit onabotulinumtoxin A detrusor injections. Patient characteristics, bladder management data and concurrent bladder medication as well as urodynamic data were collected. The percent changes in the urodynamic parameters from the 300- to the 200-unit treatment phase were calculated to test for non-inferiority of the 200-unit treatment. Results: The data of 61 individuals with a mean age of 44 ± 15 years (range 18–73 years) and a mean 13.2 ± 9.5 years (range 2–43 years) since SCI were analyzed. The 200-unit treatment was not inferior regarding the urodynamic parameters compared to the 300-unit treatment. Furthermore, the proportion of patients with urinary incontinence was similar for both doses. There was no significant difference in the number of daily bladder evacuations (p = 0.13) or used incontinence pads (p = 0.43) between the two dosage phases. Moreover, there was no significant (p = 0.19) increase in the use of concurrent NDO medication (antimuscarinics or mirabegron) during the 200-unit treatment. Conclusions: The treatment of NDO with 200 units of onabotulinumtoxin A was not inferior to a 300-unit treatment regarding urodynamic parameters in patients with chronic SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to compare the prevalence rates and associated symptoms of constipation and fecal incontinence in children and young adults and evaluate how these patient groups cope with these disorders. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in which 212 children (8-17 years) and 149 young adults (18-29 years) from the general Dutch population completed a questionnaire about defecation disorders. Results: Constipation occurred in 15.6% of children and 22.8% of young adults (p=0.55), while the prevalence of fecal incontinence was comparable between groups (7%, p=0.91). The symptoms associated with constipation occurred as often in children as in young adults, while most fecal incontinence symptoms occurred more often in young adults. Approximately 43% of children had constipation for more than 5 years, while 26% of young adults experienced constipation since childhood. Only 27% of constipated children and 21% of constipated young adults received treatment (mostly laxatives). For fecal incontinence, 13% of children and 36% of young adults received treatment (mostly antidiarrheal medications or incontinence pads). Conclusion: In contrast to the general belief, the prevalence of defecation disorders and associated symptoms seem to be comparable in children and young adults. Only a few people with defecation disorders receive adequate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two female patients aged 70 and 72 with video‐urodynamics‐confirmed detrusor overactivity and detrusor underactivity (DO‐DU) were treated. Patients were refractory to medical therapies and had previously failed intravesical botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) at other centers secondary to urinary retention and difficulty with self‐catheterization. Placement of an Interstim II device (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) for sacral neuromodulation (SNM) as alternative third‐line treatment partially improved overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms while significantly improving voiding symptoms. Postvoid residual (PVR) of patients improved from a median of 118 mL (110‐125 mL) to 20 mL (18‐26 mL) and 213 mL (195‐230 mL) to 70 mL (60‐73 mL), respectively. Addition of medical therapies post SNM failed to modify OAB symptoms further and a rechallenge with dose‐reduced BoNT‐A was undertaken.OAB symptoms were significantly improved by addition of BoNT‐A, while urinary retention was avoided (median PVR post BoNT‐A 38 mL [34‐40 mL] and 185 mL [150‐205 mL], respectively). Reduction in incontinence pad use as well as resolution of nighttime incontinence in both patients and daytime incontinence in one patient was achieved. DO‐DU patients treated by SNM who have improved bladder emptying (PVR <100 mL) but incomplete resolution of OAB symptoms should be trialed on adjunct medical therapies to improve OAB symptoms. If OAB symptoms are still inadequately controlled, consideration of a rechallenge with BoNT‐A, particularly with dose reduction, appears to be efficacious and avoids symptomatic retention in this challenging cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although focal therapy as a treatment modality for prostate cancer patients has been increasing in the United States, there has been a paucity of patient reported outcome measures (PROM) specific to urinary, erectile, and sexual function. Objective: We aimed to systematically review the data of long-term PROM in men undergoing focal therapy for prostate cancer since 2019. Methods: A web search was performed on the PubMed database. The search was limited to articles published in the English language and reporting focal therapy outcomes between 2019 and 2023, including randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective studies. The following data were extracted from each study: year, type of focal therapy, design, participants, demographic, IIEF, ED proportion, IPSS, EPIC, pad incontinence use, fistula rate, urinary retention rate, hematuria, Gleason scores, time to oncologic follow-up, recurrence, and presence of cancer after treatment. Results: Twenty-three studies, consisting of cryotherapy, HIFU, TULSA, focal and microwave ablation met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Oncologic outcomes were reported in 17 of 23 studies. Median follow-up ranged from 3 to 42 months. Main oncologic outcomes analyzed were in-field/out-of-field recurrence and presence of prostate cancer after treatment. The two largest HIFU studies (n=90, n=101) had 9% and 24% respectively for clinically significant recurrence. The two focal microwave ablation studies (n=55, n=5) had 9% and 20% recurrence rates respectively. Functional outcomes were assessed by IPSS and IIEF. IPSS scores were consistent, with most studies reporting only minimal changes in IPSS after treatment. IIEF scores were generally consistent before and 6 months after procedure for all studies, with some reporting only marginal declines in erectile function. Complication rates among studies were low. Nine studies reported UTI rates ranging from 0% (n=6, n=41) to 30% (n=10) in a TULSA prospective study. Urinary retention rates were reported in 14 studies, with a range from 0% (n=41) to 30% (n=10). Conclusions: This review suggests that focal therapies remain safe and effective treatment modality for patients with low-intermediate risk prostate cancer. PROM pertaining to urinary and erectile functions in men undergone focal therapy modality seems to be adequate without worse oncological or complication outcomes. Larger data with oncological and functional outcomes is warranted to further validate its safety and efficacy over a longer follow up period. Disclosure: No. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rehabilitation / Rehabilitacija is the property of University Rehabilitation Institute, Republic of Slovenia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• AHPs and plastics are the main wastes in the offensive human waste bags sampled. • Recycled AHPs are potential feedstocks for bio-composite and fertilizer industries. • Superabsorbent polymer and pulp recyclate quality play key roles in processing viability. Offensive human waste refers to non-hazardous waste that contains body fluids from non-infectious humans, comprised of post-consumer Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHPs), swabs, dressings, bedding, gloves, and other materials. While this waste category requires more stringent handling, storage and disposal measures than general waste, its non-hazardous nature suggests that there are opportunities for waste valorisation. An inventory of 200 offensive human waste bags collected from various healthcare institutions in South-Eastern England show that about 76% of the waste is comprised of AHPs, most of which are adult incontinence pads and child nappies. Mixed plastics comprised of predominantly HDPE represent 9% of the waste. To evaluate the potentials for offensive human waste valorisation, small-scale separation tests involving artificially-soiled nappies and associated mixed plastic packaging wastes have been performed. Findings suggest that about 50% of the total superabsorbent polymer is recoverable from fluff pulp fractions, recoveries of which are unaffected by the presence of ionic species typically present in human waste. On the other hand, recovery of mixed plastic packaging is more challenging. Overall, however, findings suggest that viable AHP recycling is possible if recyclate materials are targeted towards non-food related markets outlets such as the construction and land remediation sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined qualitative data on 1,795 male, 139 female, and 78 transgender members of the adult baby/diaper lover (ABDL) online community. Using grounded theory, the analyses examined a description of ABDL practices, explored evidence of subgroups within the ABDL community, and examined the degree to which ABDL behavior involves sexual motivations. Overall, the data suggest there is a fair amount of diversity within the ABDL community. Most participants enjoy wearing diapers or engaging in age regression (as babies or children), and the importance of incontinence may vary. ABDL practices can reflect bondage play for some individuals and a way to cope with medical problems for others. Overall, there is modest evidence of more than two ABDL subgroups. Although a large number of individuals do not see their ABDL practices as sexual in nature, there is a clear contingent that describes sexual motivations. For some, sex during ABDL activity violates conceptions of baby play. Nonsexual motivations include a desire to relax or be carefree as well as a desire to be nurtured. Some diaper lovers and adult babies have the same goals but achieve them in different ways. ABDL practices may be as diverse as seemingly typical sexual behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superabsorbent hydrogels (SAHs) are essential in various applications, including hygienic products like adult incontinence pads. However, synthetic-based super absorbent polymers (SAPs) dominate the market despite being non-biodegradable. Alternatively, bio-based hydrogels, such as sodium alginate (SA)-based hydrogels, offer biodegradable alternatives. In this study, we aimed to enhance the practical applied properties of SA-based hydrogels by grafting SA with acrylic acid (AA) and incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Specifically, we investigated the potential of interpenetrating network (IPN) and semi-interpenetrating network (S-IPN) hydrogels as absorbent materials in adult incontinence pads. The fabricated SAHs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). They were also evaluated for absorption and rheological properties. The results showed that in IPN/SAHs, the addition of CNCs decreased pore sizes, while in S-IPN/SAHs, CNC incorporation increased pore sizes. The S-IPN/SAHs exhibited a significantly higher free swelling capacity (FSC) with CNCs loading, reaching 142.29 g/g in 0.9 % NaCl solution and 817.4 g/g in distilled water. On the other hand, IPN/SAHs showed a higher storage modulus and lower loss modulus compared to S-IPN/SAHs. Notably, the superior samples from this study showed a 33 % reduction in SAP consumption compared to commercial SAPs, making them more cost-effective for adult incontinence pad manufacturers. Overall, our research demonstrates the potential of interpenetrating and semi-interpenetrating network superabsorbent hydrogels as high-performance absorbent materials. The results offer improved absorbency and cost savings for producers of adult incontinence pads, and bio-based hydrogels like SA-based hydrogels are promising biodegradable alternatives to synthetic-based SAPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the TiLOOP® male sling (pfm medical, Cologne, Germany) used in the treatment for male stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Material and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated a total of 34 patients with a TiLOOP® male sling. Perioperative complication rates were assessed and validated questionnaires were prospectively evaluated to assess quality of life and satisfaction rate. Outcome and complication rates were analysed by using descriptive statistics. Correlation of continence outcome and risk factors was performed with the chi-square test. A p value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The majority of patients (70.6%) were diagnosed with mild or moderate male SUI. During surgery, one instance (2.9%) of intraoperative urethral injury was observed. There were no immediate postoperative complications. The mean follow-up time was 44.6 months. An improvement of male SUI was reported by 61.9% of the patients and 38.1% reported no change according the Patient Global Impression of Improvement. The mean perineal pain score was 0.5 according to the international index of pain. Conclusions: The TiLOOP® is a safe treatment option for male SUI in our cohort with a low complication rate. However, the functional outcome of the TiLOOP® was inferior when compared to the outcome of the AdVance® male sling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Excessive skin hydration from wearing wet undergarments, such as infant diapers and adult incontinence products, has been historically problematic. Skin damage occurs from wetness (urine) and limited product breathability. Evaporative water loss has been measured on adult arms (armband method) or infant torsos (on-baby method), after wearing a saline-insulted diaper product. The current study developed a reliable in vitro method of evaluating diaper and incontinence products for improvements in skin dryness. Methods: A simulated skin substrate was applied to a heated mechanical arm or baby torso. A disposable diaper or incontinence product was wrapped around the arm or baby torso, and loaded with saline. Hydration of the simulated skin was measured by evaporimetry and compared with clinical data from adult armband evaluations. Results: The heated mechanical arm and baby torso accurately distinguished products for skin dryness. Eight diaper products were evaluated and compared to human test results. The torso in vitro and mechanical arm evaluations demonstrated strong correlations to human epidermal water loss evaluations, with repeatable results. Additionally, the bench test has been used for adult incontinence products, and it proved to differentiate those products as well as infant products. Conclusions: A rapid and reliable means of evaluation has been developed, and it is predictive of human subject testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenesis of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is unclear. Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane proteins that transport water and small solutes, including glycerol, across cell membranes. AQPs have been demonstrated to serve a role in skin hydration, cellular proliferation, migration, immunity, wound healing and vascular remodeling in multiple organs. Furthermore, studies have confirmed that abnormal synthesis and degradation of collagens in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling contributes to SUI, by altering normal tissue architecture and mechanical properties. The authors previously demonstrated that AQP2 expressed in the human endometrium varies during the menstrual cycle. However, it is unknown whether AQP2 serves a role in the pathogenesis of SUI in the urethral supporting tissue. In the present study, AQP2 location and expression was examined in the anterior vaginal wall, and investigated the association between AQP2 and collagen I/III in female SUI. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to measure AQP2 expression levels, and to reveal the location of AQP2 in the anterior vaginal wall, as well as fibroblasts in SUI and non‑SUI. The association between AQP2 and collagen I/III was subsequently investigated by AQP2‑small interfering RNA knockdown and overexpression 2 in fibroblasts. AQP2 expression in the anterior vaginal wall was significantly increased in women without SUI compared with those with SUI (P<0.05). Downregulation of AQP2 significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of collagen I/III, while AQP2 overexpression significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of collagen I/III in fibroblasts (P<0.05). AQP2 was demonstrated to be expressed in the anterior vaginal wall and fibroblasts, and to regulate the expression level of collagen I/III in the anterior vaginal wall and fibroblasts, suggesting that AQP2 is associated with the pathogenesis of female SUI through collagen metabolism during ECM remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although biofeedback has been used as a first-line therapy for fecal incontinence, it is known to be time consuming and demands attendance to a hospital during the whole period of treatment. In this study, we describe a new biofeedback device specifically developed for home treatment of fecal incontinence, which consists of a microprocessor controlled unit able to register and store the anal pressure waves corresponding to exercises performed by patients at home. In order to test the new device, a pilot study including ten patients with fecal incontinence was conducted. Evaluation of patients before and after the biofeedback training showed significant improvement in manometric and clinical parameters of anal continence. The new method may improve compliance of patients with the training program and reduce their need to be supervised during the treatment. It might represent a new alternative for the treatment of fecal incontinence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urinary incontinence is a common problem among the elderly and patients with neurologic disability. The conventional urinary incontinence aids, such as urine-absorbing diapers, pads, and indwelling catheters, frequently cause hygienic problems.Objective: To study the safety and efficacy of a new automatic urine disposal system that can suction and store the urine in a separate container for future disposal.Methods: An electromechanical urine disposal system that can collect and transport the urine and cleanse and air-dry the external genitalia was developed. The hygienic effects of using this system were studied in 8 participants after 3 months of use.Results: The caregivers of all 8 patients reported improved hygiene of their patients. None of the patients suffered from decubitus ulcers, and skin erythema was absent in 4 patients, while markedly decreased in the other 4 patients when compared with the use of urine-absorbing diapers. Four patients experienced minor urine leakage that was manageable with concurrent use of either diapers or bed pads.Conclusions: The use of an electromechanical urine disposal system relieves the caregiver from night care, as the urine is automatically collected and stored for disposal the next day. The system improves the hygiene of the patient, as the urine is immediately suctioned and the external genitalia is cleansed and dried after urination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HOW WOULD YOU COPE if you had no control over how you urinated or defecated and regularly or constantly leaked urine or faeces? How would this make you feel? How would you deal with the smell, with the indignity? What if you were a young teenager, traumatized by very stressful events and returned to bed-wetting as a result? And what would you do if you didn't have the money to buy spare underwear or incontinence protection products or those are simply not available to you? Could you manage if you were suddenly displaced in an emergency and did not have access to a toilet, shower or bathing facilities, or your usual materials and coping mechanisms? What if you lived in a camp and your toilet or bathing shelter was a 5 minute walk away and had a long line in front of it? Would you be able to stand in line at food distribution or water collection points, go to school, or look for or undertake work? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]