Frequency Of Bathing Research Articles

The Eczema Bathing Study: Weekly versus daily bathing for people with eczema? Protocol of an online, randomised controlled trial

Background A priority setting partnership for eczema (syn atopic eczema, atopic dermatitis) has identified that bathing frequency is a key area of patient interest. However, there are nolarge, high-quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating this. The Rapid Eczema Trials project is a novel programme of research that aims to deliver multiple online RCTs, using a citizen science approach. This project involves working with members of the public to co-design and conduct studies that answer questions of importance to them. The first trial to be conducted through this project is assessing the impact of bathing frequency on eczema. Methods This is an online, two-arm, parallel-group superiority RCT with internal pilot phase. People aged ≥1 year with eczemaliving in the United Kingdom are eligible. Exclusion criteria are: people with other types of eczema such as venous eczema, hand eczema and contact eczema; recently started a new eczema treatment; taking part in another eczema trial; Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) ≤2; planning to swim more than twice a week; unable/unwilling to change bathing practices. Participants are allocated 1:1 to either the weekly bathing group (bathe 1 or 2 times a week) or the daily bathing group (bathe 6 or more times a week) for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is POEM, assessed weekly over 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes include skin specific quality of life, eczema control, itch severity, use of usual eczema treatments, proportion who achieve an improvement in POEM of ≥3 points, global change in eczema and safety outcomes. A sample of participants will also be invited to a semi-structured interview to discuss their experience. The primary comparative analysis will be according to randomised allocation regardless of actual frequency of bathing. The trial will be reported in accordance with CONSORT guidelines. The study has received ethical approval by the London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee (2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ, United Kingdom) on 11/10/2023 ( approval number: 23/PR/0899). Trial registration ISRCTN12016473, 22/11/2023, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12016473

Unraveling abnormal collective effects via the non-monotonic number dependence of electron transfer in confined electromagnetic fields.

Strong light-matter coupling within an optical cavity leverages the collective interactions of molecules and confined electromagnetic fields, giving rise to the possibilities of modifying chemical reactivity and molecular properties. While collective optical responses, such as enhanced Rabi splitting, are often observed, the overall effect of the cavity on molecular systems remains ambiguous for a large number of molecules. In this paper, we investigate the non-adiabatic electron transfer process in electron donor-acceptor pairs influenced by collective excitation and local molecular dynamics. Using the timescale difference between reorganization and thermal fluctuations, we derive analytical formulas for the electron transfer rate constant and the polariton relaxation rate. These formulas apply to any number of molecules (N) and account for the collective effect as induced by cavity photon coupling. Our findings reveal a non-monotonic dependence of the rate constant on N, which can be understood by the interplay between electron transfer and polariton relaxation. As a result, the cavity-induced quantum yield increases linearly with N for small N (as predicted by a simple Dicke model) but shows a turnover and suppression for large N. We also interrelate the thermal bath frequency and the number of molecules, suggesting the optimal number for maximizing enhancement. The analysis provides an analytical insight for understanding the collective excitation of light and electron transfer, helping to predict the optimal condition for effective cavity-controlled chemical reactivity.

The detection of zoonotic microorganisms in Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog ticks) from Vietnam and the frequency of tick infestations in owned dogs.

Dog owners are greatly concerned about tick infestations in their pets. The prevalence and dispersion of ticks and their disease-causing microorganisms have been limited from the viewpoint of dog owners in Vietnam. This study investigated the presence of tick infestation and the pathogens associated with it in canines that were brought to veterinary hospitals in Vietnam. In the survey, 1,423 dogs participated from February to October 2022. Molecular and morphological methods were utilized to identify ticks and the associated pathogens. In addition,risk variables linked to tick infestation were documented and analyzed using statistical methods. The total exposure to the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) was 29.01%. Nam Dinh has the highest tick prevalence among the research areas. Tick infestation reached its highest point between June and September in the northern region of the country, with distinct seasons showing a strong correlation with tick infestation in dogs. Out of 177 tick pools examined, 146(82.49%) tested positive for at least one infection. Mycoplasma spp. (78.53%) was the most common, followed by Anaplasma spp. (37.29%), Rickettsia felis (5.08%), Babesia vogeli, and Hepatozoon canis (2.82%). In the current study, there was a statistically significant link between tick infestation and characteristics such as age, breed, body size, lifestyle, and bathing frequency. Understanding the seasonal behavior of vector ticks is crucial for identifying individuals or animals susceptible to tick-borne diseases. Studying the distribution of ticks and their ability to carry and disseminate zoonotic germs in specific places could assist veterinarians and policymakers in implementing effective strategies to manage zoonotic infections.

Does sauna bathing prevent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or Alzheimer's disease? May adults with cardiovascular disease use a sauna? A systematic review

Recently, there has been a surge of interest in sauna bathing and its role in health aspects. However, there are few studies focusing on the association between regular sauntering and the risk of dementia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Considerably better understood are the effects on the cardiovascular system. This study delves into contemporary scientific research on Finnish saunas, exploring their potential correlation with Alzheimer's disease prevention, their impact on vascular health in adults with cardiovascular disorders, and their association with reducing the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Scientific studies published in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were analyzed, including terms related to Finnish sauna, dementia, COPD and cardiovascular disease. The methodological quality and results of each study were evaluated. Sauna bathing in addition to being a relaxing lifestyle habit, remains a potential additional strategy which can be used in improving cardiovascular function in adults with well-controlled cardiovascular disorders. A limited amount of research has been identified on the correlation between sauna bathing and reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and COPD. The accumulating evidence suggests that frequent sauna bathing may reduce the risk or severity of several vascular and nonvascular conditions including COPD and also moderate to high frequency of sauna bathing was associated with lowered risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Further research is required, especially large-scale cohort studies with repeated measurement on sauna to establish the potential mechanisms linking sauna bathing and either memory diseases or COPD and better understand the relationship between sauntering and cardiovascular health. Upcoming studies may become very promising for the development of sauna bathing as a new non-pharmacological treatment or prevention of various diseases and improvement in the quality of life.

Frequent sauna bathing and psychosis: Interrelationship with cardiorespiratory fitness

Frequent sauna bathing and higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels may play a role in reducing the risk of mental disorders such as psychosis, however, data on their joint contributions is scanty. We aimed to investigate the interplay between sauna bathing, CRF and psychosis risk using a population-based prospective study. Self-reported frequency of sauna bathing (FSB) and CRF measured by respiratory gas analyses were assessed at baseline in 2221 men aged 42–61 years who had no history of psychosis. Frequency of sauna bathing was categorized as low and high (≤2 and 3–7 sessions/week, respectively) and CRF as tertiles (low, medium and high). Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were estimated. During a median follow-up of 25.2 years, 215 psychotic disorders were recorded. Comparing high vs low FSB, the multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for psychosis was 0.49 (0.32–0.74), which persisted on further adjustment for CRF 0.50 (0.33–0.75). Compared to low CRF, the multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for medium and high CRF levels were 0.65 (0.46–0.90) and 0.75 (0.52–1.07) respectively. Compared to low FSB & low CRF, the HRs (95% CIs) for low FSB & medium-high CRF, high FSB & low CRF, and high FSB & medium-high CRF were 0.62 (0.45–0.84), 0.26 (0.11–0.60), and 0.41 (0.25–0.68) respectively. Frequent sauna baths and medium-high CRF levels appear to each independently decrease psychosis risk. However, frequent sauna bathing may be related to a reduced risk of psychosis irrespective of fitness levels and might be a stronger risk indicator for psychosis than CRF.

Two-dimensional open quantum system in dissipative bosonic heat bath, external magnetic field, and two time-dependent electric fields.

Non-Markovian dynamics of a charged particle in a two-dimensional harmonic oscillator linearly coupled to a neutral bosonic heat bath is investigated in an external uniform magnetic field and two perpendicular time-dependent electric fields. The analytical expressions for the time-dependent and asymptotic angular momentum are derived for the Markovian and non-Markovian dynamics. The dependence of the angular momentum on the frequency of the electric field, cyclotron frequency, collective frequency, and anisotropy of the heat bath is studied. The angular momentum (or magnetization) of a charged particle can be ruled by varying the frequency of the electric field.

Development of an intervention for reducing infant bathing frequency.

Bathing babies less frequently and intensively in the first six months of life may prevent eczema, but this has not yet been definitively tested in a randomised controlled trial. Such a trial would require evidence-based support to help parents engage with a minimal bathing routine. The present study reports the development of this support. We adopted a four-stage design process: (i) Pregnant women and their families (n = 31) were interviewed to ascertain key barriers and facilitators towards following the minimal bathing intervention. (ii) These barriers and facilitators were mapped to behaviour change techniques, focussing on the intervention types of education, persuasion and environmental restructuring, alongside appropriate modes of delivery, and prototype intervention materials were developed. (iii) We iteratively refined these materials in a workshop with multidisciplinary experts and Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) representatives (n = 13) and an (iv) intervention walkthrough with families (n = 5). The design process was informed by the Behaviour Change Wheel, Theoretical framework of acceptability and the Template for intervention description and replication. Social influences and motivational factors are likely to influence both uptake and adherence to the intervention. Anticipated emotional reward from participating in research for the benefit of others was indicated to be a strong facilitator for intervention uptake. Alternatives to bathing, having fun with the baby and the night-time routine, alongside family support, were notable facilitators suggested to aid adherence to the intervention. Barriers included hygiene concerns and anticipated negative social appraisal. Barriers and facilitators were mapped to thirty-six behaviour change techniques, focussing on the intervention types of education, persuasion and environmental restructuring, all of which were embedded into the package of support. The prototype intervention materials received positive feedback from the expert workshop and study walkthrough with families. The final package of support comprises printed and digital prompts and cues, a study booklet, video, and digital tool for self-monitoring. The intervention design process incorporated the 'real world' views and experiences of families, experts and PPIE representatives, alongside criteria for designing behavioural interventions. The effectiveness of the package of support will be tested in a feasibility trial and embedded process evaluation.

Carriage of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius on dogs, surfaces, and personnel at University of Jos Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, North-central Nigeria

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is considered a primary pathogen of canine skin and soft tissue infections, which can be found in several sites of the body, including nares, perineum-rectum, and mouth. The importance of this bacteria has brought this study to determine the carriage and antimicrobial resistance profiles of S. pseudintermedius from dogs, personnel (Veterinarians and Animal health attendants), and surfaces (door handles, examination tables, weighing scales, thermometers, drip stands and trays, floors, and refrigerators doors) at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Two hundred and ten (n = 210) swab samples were collected and continued to phenotypic bacteriologic culture identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Fifty (50) questionnaires were collected from dog owners for demographic information and other variables. The result showed that 65.7% (138/210) of S. pseudintermedius phenotypes were recovered from dogs, surfaces, and personnel. Overall, male dogs had a higher carriage of 73.3% (11/15) than females of 65.7% (23/35). The total carriage per body part was 74% (37/50) in the nasal cavity, 72% (36/50) in the perineum, and 58% (29/50) in the oral cavity. A total of dogs sampled 10% (5/50) had a history of previous surgeries within the last 6 months and 64% (32/50) of antimicrobial use for either prophylaxis or therapeutic purposes. Frequency of dog baths showed 42% (21/50) at least twice a week, while the others 58% (29/50) responded that they bathed their dogs if only necessary. All personnel revealed 100% (10/10) of S. pseudintermedius phenotypes in their nasal cavity, while 52% (26/50) of surfaces within the Veterinary Hospital were contaminated with S. pseudintermedius. Seventy-one 71% of the Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR) phenotypes, with a very high resistance to tetracycline (67.6%) and erythromycin (44.9%).

Prevalence of skin diseases among hostellers attending the tertiary care hospital

Background: Skin diseases are more common but are mostly non-fatal and chronic. Dermatological conditions account for a significant proportion of the global burden of diseases. Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of skin diseases among hostellers, determine the causative factors, and describe the prevention. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted for 2 months in the outpatient Department of Dermatology, Government Medical College, Pudukottai, on 507 hostellers. The study subjects were examined and diagnosed by the dermatologist. Questions such as exposure to sunlight, usage of sunscreen, frequency of head baths, and junk food consumption were asked and recorded in a case study form by the principal investigator. Results: Pityriasis capitis was the most prevalent skin disease among 507 participants, followed by acne vulgaris (54.83%) and pediculosis capitis (25.64%). Pityriasis capitis is more common in men (56.17%), with higher chances in those with head baths (<3 times/week) and exposure to sunlight (28.08%). Acne vulgaris affects both males and females equally; face washing <3 times daily is associated with oil and sebum retention, while lack of sunscreen and junk food intake are linked. Periorbital melanosis is more prevalent in females (54.62%) and is linked to stress (66.39%). Sleep duration is also a factor, with 69.23% of girls having a history of cosmetic usage. Conclusion: Pityriasis capitis, acne vulgaris, pediculosis capitis, dermatophytosis, and periorbital melanosis are common skin diseases caused by sharing, sleep deprivation, stress, and poor hygiene. Proper hygiene, sleep patterns, and self-care can reduce skin disease incidence.

Bathing in Atopic Dermatitis in Pediatric Age: Why, How and When.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The treatment plays an important role in influencing the patients' quality of life. The basic management consists of appropriate skin cleansing, including bathing and eventually using bathing additives. Recommendations regarding frequency and duration of bathing, water temperature and usefulness of bathing additives are widely different, often leading to confusion among patients. This review aims to give insights into the best bathing practices and the use of bathing additives in atopic dermatitis in children. Several bathing additives, including bleach baths, commercial baby cleansers, bath baby oils and bath salt, appear to be promising adjunctive therapies for atopic dermatitis due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-pruritus and skin barrier repair properties through different mechanisms of action. However, their efficacy and safety are not fully understood in some cases. The usefulness of other bath additives, such as acidic and more natural substances (green tea extracts, pine tar, sodium bicarbonate), is still under investigation. Further studies are needed to determine their optimal use to achieve clinical benefit safely.

Frequency of newborn bathing in the first 9 weeks of life and related factors: An observational study in a community-based sample from Meta-LARC.

Environmental factors such as bathing may play a role in atopic dermatitis (AD) development. This analysis utilized data from the Community Assessment of Skin Care, Allergies, and Eczema (CASCADE) Trial (NCT03409367), a randomized controlled trial of emollient therapy for AD prevention in the general population, to estimate bathing frequency and associated factors within the first 9 weeks of life. Data were collected from 909 parent/newborn dyads recruited from 25 pediatric and family medicine clinics from the Meta-network Learning and Research Center (Meta-LARC) practice-based research network (PBRN) consortium in Oregon, North Carolina, Colorado, and Wisconsin for the CASCADE trial. Ordinal logistic regression was used to conduct a cross-sectional analysis of the association between bathing frequency (measured in baths per week) and demographic, medical, and lifestyle information about the infant, their family, and their household. Variables were selected using a backwards-stepwise method and estimates from the reduced model are reported in the text. Moisturizer use (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.54-2.68), Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.42-2.72), a parental education level lower than a 4-year college degree (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.70-3.62), living in North Carolina or Wisconsin (compared to Oregon; OR = 2.12 and 1.47, 95% CI: 1.53-2.93 and 1.04-2.08, respectively), and increasing child age (in days; OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.02) were significantly associated with more frequent bathing, while pet ownership (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.52-0.87) was significantly associated with less frequent bathing. We found significant ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic variation in bathing frequency before 9 weeks of age that may be of relevance to AD prevention studies.

Tinea capitis: A preliminary study in diabetic and non-diabetic patients attending the dermatology clinic in a tertiary care hospital, Sri Lanka

Tinea capitis is a superficial fungal infection of the scalp caused by Trichophyton and Microsporum species. It presents as one or more rounded scaly patches of the scalp which expand, forming typical lesions with brittle or fragile hair. The study was conducted to detect the proportion of patients with tinea capitis, compare tinea capitis in diabetic and non-diabetic patients and identify any associated factors.A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out enrolling diabetic and non-diabetic patients who attended the dermatology clinic in Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka from January to June 2021. Skin samples from infected sites were processed for direct microscopy and culture, followed by examination of a tease mount and slide culture to identify the microorganisms. Of the 112 (56 diabetic and 56 non-diabetic) patients attending the clinic, fungal growth was observed in 9 (8.0%), of which 5 (55.6%) were dermatophytes with 3 of the 5 identifying as Trichophyton sp and Trichophyton verrucosum. Diabetic patients were more prone to infection when compared with non-diabetic patients (P=0.022). Sharing combs, association with overcrowded places and less frequency of bathing were risk factors for tinea capitis.

Ultrasound-assisted Extraction Method for Element Determination in Lignocellulosic Biomass

In this work, a sample preparation method based on ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for the determination of Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Sr, and Zn in lignocellulosic biomasses (sugarcane bagasse, eucalyptus wood residues, and pine wood residues) was evaluated. Reference values were achieved following the EN ISO 16967, which was based on a microwave-assisted wet digestion sample preparation method for further element determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). The optimizations for the proposed UAE method were performed using 250 mg of sugarcane bagasse sample, where the ultrasonic bath frequency (25, 35, 37, 45, 80, and 130 kHz), and acoustic amplitude (50, 70 and 100%) were evaluated. After selecting the most efficient extractant solvent (20 mL of 1 mol L-1 of H2O2, HNO3, H2SO4, H2O, or CH2O2), the extraction temperature (20, 50, or 70 ºC) and time (15, 30, or 40 min) were evaluated. The most efficient extraction condition using the UAE method employed 45 kHz (70% amplitude), 20 mL of 1 mol L-1 of H2SO4, and 50 °C for 30 min. The optimized UAE was used for extraction and subsequent element determination in residues of pine wood and eucalyptus wood. Although poor recoveries were observed for Al, Ba, and Fe (lower than 75%), the results for Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Sr, and Zn were in agreement (Student t-test, 95% confidence level) with those obtained by EN ISO 16967. Therefore, the proposed UAE method proved to be efficient for the determination of most of the evaluated elements in lignocellulosic biomasses with different matrix complexity, employing milder extraction conditions and diluted reagents.

A global survey on national standard care for newborn bathing.

To describe national standard care for newborn bathing and its influential factors. A global survey was conducted using a web-based questionnaire. The targeted countries were 166 member countries of either the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) or the International Council of Nurses (ICN). An eligible person included someone well informed of midwifery education/training or neonatal care, including newborn bathing, in their country. To examine the factors associated with the standard care for newborn bathing, information on mean annual temperature, precipitation, gross domestic product per capita, and basic water coverage was collected as external factors. Student's t tests and Chi-square tests were used for analysis. Care standards were identified in 46 countries: seven from Africa, eight from the Americas, 15 from Asia, 14 from Europe, and two from Oceania. In most countries, newborns were bathed with warm water in a tub within 10 min. Bathing frequency, moisturization, and use of soap or cleanser varied by country. There were significant associations between bathing frequency and temperature and between moisturization and precipitation. The national standard care for newborn bathing in each country was unique. Standard bathing care was associated with the climate. More consideration should be given to the differences in standard care for newborn bathing between countries when interpreting existing studies and conducting future studies on neonatal skin care.

To flea or not to flea: survey of UK companion animal ectoparasiticide usage and activities affecting pathways to the environment.

Due to the convenience and efficacy of modern ectoparasiticides, routine prophylactic use has become commonplace for dogs and cats. However, the environmental consequences of this large-scale use are not well-understood, and multiple potential pathways for ectoparasiticides to the environment exist. Of particular concern is the potential for topically applied ectoparasiticides to pass to waterways, both down-the-drain via wastewater treatment plants and directly through swimming. In this online cross-sectional survey of 1,009 UK cat and dog owners, we investigated ectoparasiticide usage and the frequency of activities that are likely to result in transfer of the active substance to the environment, with a focus on pathways to waterways. A total of 603 dog owners and 406 cat owners completed the survey. Amongst dog and cat owners, 86.1% and 91.1% had administered an ectoparasiticide treatment to their pet in the preceding 12 months. Imidacloprid was the most frequently administered ectoparasiticide in both cats and dogs, followed by fluralaner in dogs and fipronil in cats. Eighty-four percent of owners who applied topical ectoparasiticides to their dog said they were aware of product warnings regarding swimming and bathing after application. Spot-on treated dogs were reported to swim significantly less frequently than non spot-on treated dogs (p=0.007); however, 36.2% were reported to swim at least monthly. Similarly, significant differences were found in bathing frequency between spot-on treated and non spot-on treated dogs, with treated dogs less likely to be bathed at frequent (weekly) intervals, however 54.6% were reported to be bathed at least monthly. Washing of bedding was unaffected by ectoparasiticide treatment, and 87.8% of dog owners and 69.1% of cat-owners reported washing their pet's bedding at least every 3 months, suggesting that residue washoff from bedding may be occurring for most topically treated animals. Results suggest that transfer of ectoparasiticides to the environment is likely to occur for many of the millions of animals treated annually in the UK, with imidacloprid spot-on treated dogs estimated to swim, be bathed and have their bedding washed over 3.3 million, 5 million and 6.3 million times per year, respectively.

OBTAINING DRY EXTRACTS FROM LICORICE ROOTS (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA) AND ITS STANDARDIZATION

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root has long been used in traditional medicine due to its various therapeutic properties. One of the main active components in licorice root is glycyrrhizin, which has been shown to possess numerous pharmacological effects. Glycyrrhizin, one of the major compounds present in licorice root, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor propertiesas well as antiviral properties against influenza virus and coronavirus COVID-19. The demand for licorice root extracts is increasing, particularly for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, the quality and consistency of licorice extracts can vary depending on the extraction method used. Therefore, the aim of this study was to optimise the technology for obtaining dry extracts from licorice roots and standardise the process for increased consistency and quality of the final product. In this study, two different methods for extraction were compared: ultrasound-assisted extraction using water and alcohol-water solvents. The extracted samples were then subjected to various quality control tests, including glycyrrhizin content and moisture content. The content of glycyrrhizin in the obtained dry extracts was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The standardisation of the dry extract was performed according to the Pharmacopoeia of the Eurasian Economic Union. The results showed that the optimised technology for obtaining dry extracts from licorice roots was water extraction with ultrasound, as it yielded a higher content of glycyrrhizin compared to ethanol extraction with ultrasoundand the optimal conditions for ultrasound-assisted extraction were an extraction time of 60 minutes, frequency of ultrasound bath at 40 kHz, an extraction temperature of 30°C, and a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:6. The standardisation process confirmed the presence of glycyrrhizic acid and purity of the obtained dry extract.

3D printed triboelectric nanogenerator for underwater ultrasonic sensing

The underwater ultrasound power measurement has become necessary due to the rapid development of sonochemistry and sonocatalysis. This article presents construction of novel triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and its application for a detection of ultrasonic waves in water. The device was 3D printed using widely available and cost-effective materials. TENG consisted of the device housing and movable polymer pellets confined between flat electrodes. The device housing and pellets were 3D printed via stereolithography (SLA) and fused deposition modelling (FDM) methods, respectively. The pellets moved periodically driven by the ultrasonic waves leading to generation of an alternating voltage signal. The electric response of TENG was calibrated using a commercially available ultrasonic power sensor. The open-circuit voltage output of TENG was registered in different sections of the ultrasonic bath in order to determine the distribution of the acoustic power. TENG electric responses were analyzed by applying the fast Fourier transform (FFT) and fitting the theoretical dependence to experimental data. The main peaks in the frequency spectra of the voltage waveforms corresponded to the fundamental excitation frequency of the ultrasonic bath. TENG device, presented in this paper, can be successfully applied as a self-powered sensor for detection of ultrasonic waves. It enables precise control of the sonochemical process and reduction of power losses of the ultrasonic reactor. 3D printing technology has been confirmed to be fast, easy, and scalable method of fabrication of the ultrasonic sensors.

Severity of Menstrual Pain Is Associated with Nutritional Intake and Lifestyle Habits.

Recently, the employment rate of women in Japan has steadily increased. Approximately 80% of women experience menstrual pain and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms decrease a woman's quality of life and her work productivity, leading to an economic loss. This cross-sectional study of 321 healthy Japanese women aged 20-39 years aimed to clarify the lifestyle-related factors or nutrient intake that might cause menstrual pain. The participants underwent body composition measurements and completed meal survey sheets and lifestyle questionnaires, including menstrual status, exercise, sleep and breakfast consumption. Based on the questionnaire results, participants were divided into two groups according to the severity of menstrual pain, namely, heavy and light. Chi-square and Wilcoxon signed-rank sum tests were used to compare the severity of menstrual pain in the two groups. In the heavy group, the intake of animal proteins, including fish, vitamin D and vitamin B12, was significantly lower (p < 0.05), as was the frequency of breakfast consumption and bathing (p < 0.05). The rate of PMS symptoms was significantly higher in the heavy group (p < 0.05). This study suggests that a lack of animal protein, the accompanying vitamins and fatty acids, and the frequency of breakfast or bathing are associated with the severity of menstrual pain.

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

ObjectivesElevated 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 SettingWe examined the interactions between SBP and frequency of sauna bathing (FSB) with the risk of CVD mortality in a cohort of Caucasian men.ParticipantsThe Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Study cohort comprising of 2,575 men aged 42–61 years at baseline was employed for this prospective study analysis.MeasurementsResting 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).ResultsA 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).ConclusionThere 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.

Sauna bathing, renal function and chronic kidney disease: cross-sectional and longitudinal findings from the KIHD study.

It is uncertain if passive heat therapies are associated with adverse renal outcomes. We sought to evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of the frequency of sauna bathing with renal function measures and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Baseline self-reported sauna bathing habits were assessed in 2071 men aged 42-61 years with normal kidney function. Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and serum levels of creatinine, potassium (K) and sodium (Na) were measured, with only 11-year measurements of K and Na 11 years in a random subset of participants due to logistical reasons. Study participants were followed up for CKD diagnosed using KDOQI guidelines, which were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Registry. The associations of frequency of sauna bathing with renal function measures were evaluated using regression analyses. Hazard ratios (HRs) (95% CIs) were estimated for CKD. There were no significant changes in baseline levels of estimated GFR, creatinine and Na comparing 4-7 sauna sessions/week vs 1 sauna session/week; there was a slight increase in K 0.05 mmol/l (95% CI, 0.00, 0.10; p=0.033). There were no significant changes in levels of serum K and Na at 11 years. After 25.7 years overall median follow-up, 188 CKD cases were recorded. Comparing 4-7 sauna sessions/week with 1 sauna session/week, there was no evidence of an association with CKD 0.84 (95% CI, 0.46-1.53; p=.56). Cross-sectional and longitudinal observational evidence suggests that frequent sauna bathing is not associated with impaired renal function or the future risk of CKD.