Effects Of Hot Water Immersion Research Articles

Hot-Water Immersion (HWI) or Ice-Pack Treatment (IPT) as First Aid for Human Envenomation by Marine Animals? Review of Literature.

Envenomation by marine animals poses a significant health concern globally, affecting both local residents and tourists in coastal regions. The primary objective of this review is to critically evaluate the existing scientific literature to determine the most effective first-aid treatment for envenomations caused by marine animals, specifically whether hot-water immersion (HWI) or ice-pack treatment (IPT) provides the best immediate care. This comprehensive review covers a wide range of marine envenomations, from jellyfish stings to stingray injuries. While our focus is primarily on the efficacy of HWI and IPT, we also explore the role of cold-water treatment as a result of its relevance and similarity to ice-pack applications. In addition, we examine other treatments mentioned in the literature, such as medications or vinegar, and highlight their findings where applicable. To provide a clear and structured overview, we summarised the articles in separate tables. These tables categorise the type of research conducted, the marine species studied, the region of origin of the marine species, and the key findings of each study. Our analysis of the available evidence indicates a general consensus in the scientific community on the effectiveness of HWI or IPT for envenomation by marine animals. However, when treating those injuries, it is crucial to consider all factors since there is no universally superior treatment due to the diverse nature of marine habitats.

Biology and management of hemp russet mite (Acari: Eriophyidae).

Hemp is rapidly becoming a crop of global agricultural importance, and one of the more serious pests of this crop is hemp russet mite (HRM) Aculops cannabicola (Acari: Eriophyidae). Significant knowledge gaps presently exist regarding critical aspects of pest biology, quantification of crop damage, and efficacy of pesticides. Here we assessed the role of cannabidiol (CBD) on HRM performance, efficacy of sulfur treatments in field trials, and effect of hot water immersion with and without surfactants in reducing HRM counts on hemp cuttings. We found that HRM fecundity was reduced on a high-CBD cultivar compared with a low-CBD cultivar in detached leaf assays. In contrast, HRM fecundity and survival were not impacted when reared on high-CBD diet in artificial feeding assays. This suggests that cannabinoids other than CBD may aid in reduction of mite populations on the high-CBD cultivar. Sulfur sprays reduced HRM populations by up to 98% with the greatest effects seen in plants receiving dual applications, one during the vegetative period in July and the second at the initiation of flowering in August. Yields of plants treated with sulfur increased by up to 33%, and there was a further increase in cannabinoid production by up to 45% relative to untreated plants. Hot water immersion treatments with and without surfactant solution reduced HRM on infested hemp cuttings, and no phytotoxicity was observed. This study provides novel approaches to mitigating HRM at multiple stages in hemp production.

Effect of hot water immersion on acute physiological responses following resistance exercise.

Purpose: Hot water immersion (HWI) is a strategy theorised to enhance exercise recovery. However, the acute physiological responses to HWI following resistance exercise are yet to be determined. Methods: The effect of HWI on intramuscular temperature (IMT), muscle function, muscle soreness and blood markers of muscle cell disruption and inflammatory processes after resistance exercise was assessed. Sixteen resistance trained males performed resistance exercise, followed by either 10min HWI at 40°C or 10min passive recovery (PAS). Results: Post-intervention, the increase in IMT at all depths was greater for HWI compared to PAS, however this difference had disappeared by 1h post at depths of 1 and 2cm, and by 2h post at a depth of 3cm. There were no differences between groups for muscle function, muscle soreness or any blood markers. Conclusion: These results suggest that HWI is a viable means of heat therapy to support a greater IMT following resistance exercise. Recovery of muscle function and muscle soreness is independent of acute changes in IMT associated with HWI.

Taking the plunge: When is best for hot water immersion to complement exercise in heat and hypoxia

ABSTRACT This investigation assessed the psycho-physiological and performance effects of hot water immersion (HWI) implemented either before or after a repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) session conducted in the heat. Ten participants completed three RSH trials (3 × 10 × 5-s sprints), conducted at 40°C and simulated altitude of 3000 m. A 30-min monitoring period preceded and followed all exercise sessions. In PRE, the pre-exercise period was HWI, and the post-exercise period was seated rest in temperate conditions. This combination was reversed in POST. In CON, participants were seated in temperate conditions for both periods. Compared to CON, PRE elicited a reduction in power output during each repeated-sprint set (14.8–16.2%, all p < 0.001), and a significantly higher core temperature (Tc) during the pre-exercise period and throughout the exercise session (p < 0.001 and p = 0.025, respectively). In POST, power output and Tc until the end of exercise were similar to CON, with Tc higher at the conclusion of the post-exercise period (p < 0.001). Time across the entire protocol spent ≥38.5°C Tc was significantly longer in PRE (48.1 ± 22.5 min) than POST (31.0 ± 11.3 min, p = 0.05) and CON (15.8 ± 16.3 min, p < 0.001). Employing HWI following RSH conducted in the heat provides effective outcomes regarding physiological strain and cycling performance when compared to pre-exercise or no HWI.

Examining The Acute Physiological And Perceived Effects Of Hot Water Immersion

Examining The Acute Physiological And Perceived Effects Of Hot Water Immersion

Efficacy of Hot Water Immersion versus Aerobic Exercise Training in Lowering Blood Pressure and Improving Cardiovascular Function in Adults with Untreated Hypertension

INTRODUCTIONHypertension remains among the most prevalent cardiovascular disease risk factors world‐wide. Aerobic exercise training is the current gold‐standard non‐pharmacological intervention for lowering blood pressure, yet passive heat therapy is an effective alternative means of reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health for individuals that are unable or unwilling to engage in traditional exercise training. However, the effectiveness of heat therapy versus exercise training has not been compared in adults with untreated hypertension. Therefore, the purpose of this ongoing clinical trial is to compare the effectiveness of hot water immersion (HWI) versus aerobic exercise training (EX) in lowering blood pressure and improving cardiovascular function. Data presented are preliminary (mid‐point) comparisons following 15 sessions of either HWI or EX.HYPOTHESISIt was hypothesized that hot water immersion would be more effective than traditional aerobic exercise training in reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular function in adults with untreated hypertension.METHODSPrior to randomization, all subjects (n=6, 1F) completed resting vascular function testing, including measurements of blood pressure (automated sphygmomanometer), cardiac output (acetylene wash‐in method), and carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). Systemic vascular conductance (SVC) was calculated as cardiac output/mean arterial pressure (MAP). Following pre‐testing (PRE), subjects were randomized into either HWI (n=4, 1F) or EX (n=2). During HWI, subjects were immersed to the level of the sternum in 40.5°C water for 45 minutes. EX consisted of upright cycling at 60% of heart rate reserve (HRR) for 40 min, with 5 min each for warm‐up and cool‐down at 30% of HRR. Participants completed 15 sessions of either HWI or EX prior to mid‐point (MID) testing. Combined data are presented as the change from PRE as mean ± SD and were analyzed using a paired‐samples t test. Group mean data for HWI versus EX are presented as the change from PRE as means ± SD and were analyzed using an unpaired two sample t‐test.RESULTSFollowing 15 sessions of either HWI or EX, systolic blood pressure tended to be reduced (‐5±4 mmHg; p=0.10). The change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) was directionally similar between HWI and EX (∆ from PRE, HWI vs. EX; ‐3±5 vs. ‐7±7 mmHg; p=0.59), whereas the change in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was divergent between HWI and EX (‐3±8 vs. +5±10 mmHg; p=0.43). Accordingly, changes in MAP were disparate between HWI and EX (‐3±7 vs. +2±9 mmHg; p=0.61). Cardiac output was similar between HWI and EX (‐0.09±0.71 vs. ‐0.76±1.07 L/min; p=0.53), as were changes in SVC (‐0.3±6.6 vs. ‐7.6±15.9 mL•min‐1•mmHg‐1; p=0.63). Overall, PWV was reduced by both interventions (‐0.6±0.3 m/s; p=0.01) and changes in PWV were similar between HWI and EX (‐0.6±0.4 vs. ‐0.5±0.4 m/s; p=0.72).CONCLUSIONSPreliminary data from this ongoing clinical trial suggest both hot water immersion and exercise are similarly effective in lowering systolic blood pressure and reducing arterial stiffness in people with untreated hypertension.

Acute effect of passive heat exposure on markers of cardiometabolic function in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Heat therapy is a promising strategy to improve cardiometabolic health. This study evaluated the acute physiological responses to hot water immersion in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). On separate days in randomized order, 13 adults with T2DM [8 males/5 females, 62 ± 12 yr, body mass index (BMI): 30.1 ± 4.6 kg/m2] were immersed in thermoneutral (34°C, 90 min) or hot (41°C, core temperature ≥38.5°C for 60 min) water. Insulin sensitivity was quantified via the minimal oral model during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed 60 min after immersion. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and reactive hyperemia were evaluated before and 40 min after immersion. Blood samples were drawn to quantify protein concentrations and mRNA levels of HSP70 and HSP90, and circulating concentrations of cytokines. Relative to thermoneutral water immersion, hot water immersion increased core temperature (+1.66°C [+1.47, +1.87], P < 0.01), heart rate (+34 beats/min [+24, +44], P < 0.01), antegrade shear rate (+96 s-1 [+57, +134], P < 0.01), and IL-6 (+1.38 pg/mL [+0.31, +2.45], P = 0.01). Hot water immersion did not exert an acute change in insulin sensitivity (-0.3 dL/kg/min/μU/mL [-0.9, +0.2], P = 0.18), FMD (-1.0% [-3.6, +1.6], P = 0.56), peak (+0.36 mL/min/mmHg [-0.71, +1.43], P = 0.64), and total (+0.11 mL/min/mmHg × min [-0.46, +0.68], P = 0.87) reactive hyperemia. There was also no change in eHSP70 (P = 0.64), iHSP70 (P = 0.06), eHSP90 (P = 0.80), iHSP90 (P = 0.51), IL1-RA (P = 0.11), GLP-1 (P = 0.59), and NF-κB (P = 0.56) after hot water immersion. The physiological responses elicited by hot water immersion do not acutely improve markers of cardiometabolic function in adults with T2DM.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Heat therapy has been shown to improve markers of cardiometabolic health in preclinical and clinical studies. However, the effects of heat therapy in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain understudied. We examined the acute effect of hot water immersion on glucose tolerance, flow-mediated dilation, reactive hyperemia, inflammatory markers, and heat shock proteins in adults with T2DM. Hot water immersion did not acutely improve the markers studied.

Effect of Hot-Water Immersion and Foam Rolling on Recovery in Amateur Sepaktakraw Players

Sepaktakraw athletes have an extremely high-risk ratio of injury to the lower body, especially the hamstring, when compared to sports like badminton and tennis. This study aims at measuring and comparing the recovery method of the hot-water immersion (HWI) and the foam rolling (FR) in the recovery process of Sepaktakraw athletes. Material and Methods: Overall, 18 Sepaktakraw players aged 18-20 years, who are members of the Sepaktakraw Club of Universitas Negeri Jakarta were involved in this study. 6 participants are randomly assigned to the HWI group, 6 players are assigned to join the FR group, and 6 players are assigned to join the passive recovery group (PR). Three of groups completed measurements pre- and post-recovery for blood lactate concentration and the total quality recovery (TQR). Blood lactate concentration was measured before, immediately, and 15 minutes after recovery. Meanwhile, the total quality recovery (TQR) is taken before the match starts and 15-min after each recovery method was completed. Results: ANOVA showed significant differences between the HWI and PR groups, as well as the FR and PR groups (p = 0.001). The post-TQR, ANOVA showed differences between the HWI and PR groups, as well as the FR and PR groups (p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed HWI and FR can reduce blood lactate levels better than the PR group at 15-m after each recovery process in Sepaktakraw athletes. On the other hand, this study shows that the TQR is an accurate predictor index in measuring the effectiveness and quality of a recovery method for Sepaktakraw athletes.

The Impact Of Short-Term Hot Water Immersion On Heat Acclimation And Thermotolerance

BACKGROUND: Environmental heat stress increases physiological strain during exercise in non-acclimated individuals. Heat acclimation (HA) protocols are often used as countermeasures to preserve physiological function during exercise in the heat. Passive heat strategies could be a potential method of HA that reduces excess physical exertion prior to activity or relocation. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of hot water immersion (HWI) on heat acclimation and thermotolerance. METHODS: 6 males (Age: 23.8 ± 1.5; VO2max: 45.0 ± 7.5 mL/kg/min.) participated in a crossover, counterbalanced study with a four-week washout between conditions. Heat stress tests (HST) were performed PRE and POST acclimation sessions and consisted of 45 min of cycling at 50% of VO2max in 40 °C, 40% RH. Acclimation sessions were either three consecutive bouts of HWI or traditional heat-exercise training (TRAD). HWI sessions consisted of 40 min of submersion at 40 °C. TRAD sessions consisted of 40 min of cycling at 50% VO2max in 40 °C, 40% RH. Core body temperature (Tcore), heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and thermal sensation (TSS) were recorded during HSTs. Blood was drawn PRE and POST HST to determine change in plasma volume. Nude body mass was recorded before and after HSTs to calculate whole body sweat loss (WBSL). Tcore and HR were used to calculate physiological strain index (PSI). RESULTS: HWI decreased average HR (PRE: 158 ± 7; POST: 149 ± 7; p = < 0.05), peak HR (176 ± 7; 164 ± 5; p = < 0.05), and end exercise RPE (15.3 ± 1.8; 13.2 ± 1.9; p = < 0.05). HWI had no significant effect on resting TCore (37.2 ± 0.4; 36.8 ± 0.3; p = 0.66), end exercise TCore (38.7 ± 0.4; 38.4 ± 0.3; p = 0.20), PSI (7.8 ± 1.1; 7.0 ± 0.8; p = 0.56), or TSS (10.8 ± 1.0; 9.5 ± 1.2; p = 0.09). TRAD resulted in no significant changes in average HR (PRE: 153 ± 11; POST: 149 ± 11; p = 0.82), peak HR (170 ± 9; 165 ± 10; p = 0.51), end exercise RPE (15.1 ± 1.2; 13.3 ± 2.0; p = 0.87), PSI (9.3 ± 2.1; 8.6 ± 1.4; p = 0.73), or TSS (10.5 ± 0.8; 10.7 ± 1.5; p = 0.77). Plasma volume expansion (%) was observed in both groups (HWI: 6.6 ± 6.4; TRAD: 4.3 ± 2.0; p = 0.41). CONCLUSION: Three consecutive HWI sessions are effective in lowering HR during submaximal exercise in the heat. Compared to heat-exercise exposures, HWI is a method in which to more rapidly elicit a HA phenotype.

Effectiveness of Hot-Water Immersion Against Brevipalpus yothersi (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) as a Postharvest Treatment for Lemons.

Citrus leprosis is a destructive disease of citrus caused by several viruses (CiLVs) that are quarantine pests in the United States. Brevipalpus yothersi Baker (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) vectors the most virulent strain of CiLV. This mite is present in the United States and could facilitate the spread of the disease if CiLV reaches the country. Postharvest treatments could mitigate B. yothersi on imported commodities from areas where CiLV exists. The current study explores the effectiveness of hot-water immersion as a postharvest treatment against B. yothersi. Lemons were immersed in water at 21, 48, 53, or 63°C for 5, 10, and 15 min. Immersions at 53 and 63°C for all time schedules dislodged over 99% of adult mites. Lemon fruit quality and B. yothersi egg viability after hot-water immersion were also evaluated. Fruit quality significantly decreased in lemons treated at 63°C resulting in decay (grade 3, rejection), while at 53°C there was a quality reduction (grade 2, minimum acceptable market level) compared to lemons immersed at 21°C or nontreated controls (grade 1). None of the eggs hatched when the lemons were immersed in water at 63°C and an average of 1.5% hatched at 53°C for all time schedules. Immersion in water at 53°C for 5 min dislodged 99.71% and 57.14% of adult and immature mites, respectively, and resulted in 98.11% unhatched eggs without significant fruit quality reduction. Hot-water immersion could be a key component in a systems approach to control B. yothersi on imported citrus fruits from countries where citrus leprosis is present.

Efficacy of hot water immersion on lime (Citrus auranifolia, Swingle cv. Paan) fruit packed with ethanol vapor in delaying chlorophyll catabolism

Postharvest quality deterioration in lime (C. aurantifolia Swingle cv. Paan) fruit is indicated by loss of green color as a result of chlorophyll degradation. The effect of hot water immersion on lime fruit packed with ethanol vapor pad (EP) in delaying chlorophyll degradation under storage at 10°C was investigated. Mature green lime fruit weighing on average 250g were immersed in hot water at 50°C for 5min, thereafter, packaged with 0.6g EP or without in polypropylene trays sealed with perforated (6-mm hole) polypropylene film (25μm thick). Postharvest quality, physiological changes and activities of chlorophyll degrading enzymes were determined. The results revealed that hot water immersion and packing fruit with EP effectively delayed chlorophyll degradation through suppressing the activity of chlorophyll degrading enzymes; chlorophyllase, chlorophyll degrading peroxidase, Mg-dechelatase, and pheophytinase in lime fruit. Furthermore, ethylene production as well as respiration was inhibited during the early stages of storage. These results suggest that hot water immersion with EP packaging inhibits chlorophyll degradation in lime fruit through suppression of chlorophyll degrading enzymes as well as ethylene production.

Chronic and Acute Effects of Hot Water Immersion on Strength, Recovery and Hypertrophy

Research demonstrates heat therapy is effective for enhancing acute post‐exercise recovery, and increasing training adaptation. However, evidence from studies representing real‐world training practices is sparse. Effects of regular hot water immersion (HWI) on adaptations to resistance training are yet to be investigated. The aim of this study was to determine if HWI enhances resistance training adaptations. Recreationally active participants (n=16) were matched for strength and assigned to HWI or passive recovery (PAS) groups. Participants completed 10 weeks of lower‐body hypertrophy resistance training, 2 days a week. Ten minutes of HWI (45°C) or PAS was performed after each training session. Strength data (1 RM) for leg press (LP), knee extension (KE) and knee flexion (KF); muscle mass analysis by dual x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) were measured pre‐and post‐training. Muscle biopsies were collected immediately before the last training session, and at 2, 24 and 48 hours after the end of the recovery session following the last training session. Both groups increased (p &lt; 0.001 to 0.030) their strength for all three exercises. Absolute DXA muscle mass (HWI; 1.8% and 2.4%, and PAS 4.6% and 5.5%) increased (p &lt; 0.001 to 0.006 in both groups) for leg and gynoid regions, respectively. Absolute MRI quadriceps muscle mass also increased (HWI; p = 0.013, 6.2%; PAS p = 0.000, 10.1%). However, the relative increase in DXA leg muscle mass was significantly less after HWI compared with PAS (p = 0.011, 2.1‐fold). PCR analysis revealed significant time effects for changes in gene expression of IL‐1beta and LIF in both groups, significant time effects for IL‐6 and Ccxl2 in the PAS group, and significant time effects for CD163 in the HWI group. No time effects were found for HSP90, TNF‐α, CCl4, CD11b, CD68 or CD206 mRNA expression. No significant differences between groups were noted for any gene. Regular HWI does not seem to enhance strength adaptation to resistance training, and may actually attenuate gains in muscle mass. HWI does not enhance post‐exercise recovery through heat shock protein, cytokine or macrophage response. Analysis on the effects of HWI on myogenic regulatory factors and mTOR kinases is ongoing.

Effect of Different Environmental Conditions on the Mechanical Behavior of Plain Weave Woven Laminated Composites

Fiber reinforced composites have been gaining wide use in the variety of applications such as military and aerospace. The performance of these composites may suffer when the material is exposed to adverse environments for long periods of time. In this research, the effect of different environmental conditions on the mechanical behavior of plain weave woven laminated composites is investigated. This material is commonly used in manufacturing of aircraft structural components. The major objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of water/humidity and temperature on the strength of woven laminated composites. The effects were studied in terms of water absorption, and degradation in mechanical properties. Test parameters include immersion time, and temperature including immersion temperature (71oC), room temperature and testing temperature (93oC). Samples were prepared and divided into the following 4 groups: Group 1- the control group that was were exposed to no water immersion and was tested at room temperature (RT); Group 2- the specimens of this group were exposed to no water immersion but was tested at high temperature (HT); Group 3- specimens of this group were exposed to hot water immersion and were tested at room temperature; Group 4- its specimens were exposed to hot water immersion (for 32days and 100 days) and were tested at high temperature. The results revealed that the different climatic conditions have a deteriorative impact on the performance of the composite. It is observed that high temperature accelerates the degradation mechanism in the composite. The highest degradation impact was under the combined effect of hot water immersion and testing at high temperature.

Stingray envenomation: A retrospective review of clinical presentation and treatment in 119 cases

Stingray stings are common along coastal regions of this country and the world. The tail of the stingray contains a barbed stinger attached to a venom gland and contained within an integumentary sheath. During a sting, the stinger and sheath can become embedded in the soft tissue of the victim, and venom is injected into the wound. Stingray venom most often causes severe pain on contact, although the exact mechanism of toxicity is not certain. Hot water immersion of the stung extremity has been reported to be effective in relieving pain associated with the envenomation, but large studies of this therapy have not been performed. We retrospectively reviewed stingray stings presenting to our Emergency Department (ED) over an 8-year period. Cases were divided into acute (group 1, within 24 h of the sting) and subacute (group 2, 24 h or more after the sting) presentations. Charts were abstracted for information concerning the victim's history, physical examination, treatment, diagnostic imaging, and outcome, including the effectiveness of hot water immersion as analgesia, and use of antimicrobials. A total of 119 cases were identified and abstracted, 100 in group 1 and 19 in group 2. Of the group 1 patients initially treated with hot water immersion alone, 88% had complete relief of pain within 30 min without administration of any other analgesic. In the patients who initially received a dose of analgesic along with hot water immersion, none required a second dose of analgesics and all had complete pain relief before discharge. There were no adverse effects (such as thermal burns) with this therapy. Analysis of infectious complications in group 1 patients demonstrated a significant number of patients returning to the ED with wound infections when prophylactic antibiotics were not administered at initial presentation. Our findings suggest that hot water immersion was effective in decreasing or eliminating the pain associated with stingray envenomation in our series. Due to the high potential for bacterial contamination in these puncture wounds, standard antibiotic prophylaxis may be prudent. Although stingray barbs can be radio-opaque, radiography in our series failed to detect barbs or other foreign bodies in stung extremities, although no barbs or other stinger material were found on inspection of wounds.

Stingray Envenomation: A Retrospective Review of Clinical Presentation and Treatment in 119 Cases

Stingray stings are common along coastal regions of this country and the world. The tail of the stingray contains a barbed stinger attached to a venom gland and contained within an integumentary sheath. During a sting, the stinger and sheath can become embedded in the soft tissue of the victim, and venom is injected into the wound. Stingray venom most often causes severe pain on contact, although the exact mechanism of toxicity is not certain. Hot water immersion of the stung extremity has been reported to be effective in relieving pain associated with the envenomation, but large studies of this therapy have not been performed. We retrospectively reviewed stingray stings presenting to our Emergency Department (ED) over an 8-year period. Cases were divided into acute (group 1, within 24 h of the sting) and subacute (group 2, 24 h or more after the sting) presentations. Charts were abstracted for information concerning the victim’s history, physical examination, treatment, diagnostic imaging, and outcome, including the effectiveness of hot water immersion as analgesia, and use of antimicrobials. A total of 119 cases were identified and abstracted, 100 in group 1 and 19 in group 2. Of the group 1 patients initially treated with hot water immersion alone, 88% had complete relief of pain within 30 min without administration of any other analgesic. In the patients who initially received a dose of analgesic along with hot water immersion, none required a second dose of analgesics and all had complete pain relief before discharge. There were no adverse effects (such as thermal burns) with this therapy. Analysis of infectious complications in group 1 patients demonstrated a significant number of patients returning to the ED with wound infections when prophylactic antibiotics were not administered at initial presentation. Our findings suggest that hot water immersion was effective in decreasing or eliminating the pain associated with stingray envenomation in our series. Due to the high potential for bacterial contamination in these puncture wounds, standard antibiotic prophylaxis may be prudent. Although stingray barbs can be radio-opaque, radiography in our series failed to detect barbs or other foreign bodies in stung extremities, although no barbs or other stinger material were found on inspection of wounds.

Effect of hot water immersion on the performance of carbon reinforced unidirectional poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) composites: Stress rupture under end-loaded bending

This paper describes the behaviour of AS4 and T700SC reinforced PEEK composites (SUPreM™ and ACP-2) under applied compressive bending strain. The effect of an increased molecular weight of the polymer matrix on the residual time under endloaded compression bending conditions is studied. Generally for a given composite material, the higher the testing temperature and the applied strain the faster the failure occurs. At test temperatures exceeding the glass transition temperature or at high strain ratios the time-to-failure for CF/PEEK composites follows a master curve. The residual times under endloaded compression bending conditions increase with increasing toughness of the PEEK matrix but decrease with increasing tensile strength of the reinforcing fibres. It seems that the better the fibre/matrix adhesion the lower is the time to failure of an endloaded composite, because more load is transferred from the matrix into the fibres. In order to simulate composite applications under ‘harsh’ conditions the CF/PEEK composites have been exposed to boiling water. PEEK is known to be highly resistant to environmental effects, but water uptake significantly influences the overall performance of CF/PEEK composites under endloaded compression bending conditions. The tensile properties of the composites have been measured as function of exposure time in boiling water. The fibre dominated uniaxial tensile strength is not/or only slightly affected by the boiling water conditioning even after extended exposure times but the transverse tensile strength decreases significantly after exposure to boiling water. The performance of SUPreM™ CF/PEEK-150 and 450 composites under endloaded compression bending conditions are positively affected by water conditioning whereas APC-2 fails at shorter residual times. The fracture behaviour under endloaded conditions is also affected by the ingress of water into the composite. The obtained results show clearly that applications of thermoplastic composites leading to large out of plane deformations can only be ‘safe’ if the maximum service temperatures of the finished part will be well below the glass transition temperature of the polymer matrix otherwise even at low bending radii a dramatic failure of the material cannot be excluded.

A randomised controlled trial of hot water (45°C) immersion versus ice packs for pain relief in bluebottle stings

To investigate the effectiveness of hot water immersion for the treatment of Physalia sp. (bluebottle or Portuguese Man-of-War) stings. Open-label, randomised comparison trial. Primary analysis was by intention to treat, with secondary analysis of nematocyst-confirmed stings. One halfway interim analysis was planned. Surf lifesaving first aid facilities at two beaches in eastern Australia from 30 December 2003 to 5 March 2005. 96 subjects presenting after swimming in the ocean for treatment of an apparent sting by a bluebottle. Hot water immersion (45 degrees C) of the affected part versus ice pack application. The primary outcome was a clinically important reduction in pain as measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were the development of regional or radiating pain, frequency of systemic symptoms, and proportion with pruritus or rash on follow-up. 49 patients received hot water immersion and 47 received ice packs. The two groups had similar baseline features, except patients treated with hot water had more severe initial pain (VAS [mean +/- SD]: 54 +/- 22 mm versus 42 +/- 22 mm). After 10 minutes, 53% of the hot water group reported less pain versus 32% treated with ice (21%; 95% CI, 1%-39%; P = 0.039). After 20 minutes, 87% of the hot water group reported less pain versus 33% treated with ice (54%; 95% CI, 35%-69%; P = 0.002). The trial was stopped after the halfway interim analysis because hot water immersion was shown to be effective (P = 0.002). Hot water was more effective at 20 minutes in nematocyst-confirmed stings (95% versus 29%; P = 0.002). Radiating pain occurred less with hot water (10% versus 30%; P = 0.039). Systemic effects were uncommon in both groups. Immersion in water at 45 degrees C for 20 minutes is an effective and practical treatment for pain from bluebottle stings.

Effect of Hot Water Immersion on Diametral Tensile Strength of Fluoride-releasing Restorative Materials

Effect of Hot Water Immersion on Diametral Tensile Strength of Fluoride-releasing Restorative Materials

227 ラマン分光法による炭素繊維/エポキシ複合材の界面劣化に及ぼす温水浸漬の影響評価(OS4-3 新しい測定法,OS4 実験力学手法の新展開3)

227 ラマン分光法による炭素繊維/エポキシ複合材の界面劣化に及ぼす温水浸漬の影響評価(OS4-3 新しい測定法,OS4 実験力学手法の新展開3)

Effects of hot water immersion on autonomic activity and hemodaynamics

P-551 Key Words: Hot Water Immersion, Autonomic Activity, Hemodaynamics