Mild Soap Research Articles

Comparative Study of the Effect of Mordants on Dyeing Cotton Fabric with Anacardium Occidentale’s (Cashew) Root Grown in Ankpa, Kogi, Nigeria

Pollution associated with synthetic dyes have caused several health hazards both to human and the environment. In order to curb this trend, especially from industrial effluents, a non – toxic, biodegradable and environmentally compatible dye from nature have to be sourced. In view of these, the root of anacardium occidentale was extracted of its dye and applied on fabrics alone and in the presence of mordants and also applied as colorant on food, cosmetics and alcoholic drinks. The root of anacardium occidantale collected was dried at room temperature and pulverized. 200g was weighed and extracted in 300mL absolute ethanol. Alum, K2Cr2O7 and FeSO4 were the fixatives used. Pre – mordanting, Post – mordanting and Simultaneous mordanting methods were adopted. Varied color hue was imparted on the fabrics and their fastness properties were tested. Alum mordant showed superiority to fastness in simultaneous mordanting in wash with mild soap and fastness to light. Pre – mordanted method showed K2Cr2O7 mordant to retain color in both wash in mild soap and fastness to light. FeSO4 mordant retained its color in simultaneous mordanting method across the fastness test displaying superiority over the rest mordant. An excellent color was imparted on food, cosmetic and alcoholic drink. They colors imparted on the substrates are distinct and promising and shows that the root of anacardium occidandale could be of significance in textile, printing and coloration industries.

Abstract P377: Effect Of Treatment Of Denture Stomatitis On Blood Pressure, C-reactive Protein, Body Mass Index, And Lipid Profile.

Background: The literature shows that partially or entirely edentulous patients can have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension and stroke. However, edentulous patients wearing complete dentures present Denture Stomatitis (DS) very frequently, associated with deleterious cardiovascular effects, mainly arterial hypertension. Objective: This study evaluated blood pressure, C-reactive protein (CRP), body mass index (BMI), and lipid profiles of completely edentulous DS-positive patients at baseline, and after 15 and 45 days of treatment. Methods: The treatment protocol consists of brushing the palate with a soft brush and water, denture brushing with a denture-specific brush and mild soap, and oral, topical application of nystatin 100,000 IU. The degree of DS was diagnosed by two calibrated and blinded researchers using the modified Newton classification. Three measurements were performed at 5-minute intervals recording the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The ELISA assessed the CRP (mg/L) of blood samples. The Friedman test and Dunn's post-test evaluated blood pressure (mmHg), BMI (kg/m 2 ), and lipid profile (mg/dL) data. ANOVA and Tukey's post-test was applied for CRP using the software SPSS 25.0 (p<0.05). Results: Twenty-five participants were included, with a mean age of 68±6.4 years.DS degree decreased over time (p<0.001), significantly decreasing after 15 days and intermediate values after 45 days. Systolic blood pressure showed a trend for reduction at 15 days (147.9±17.3 vs. 141.7±19.0 mmHg; p=0.058) and a significant decrease after 45 days (147.9±17.3 vs. 140.5±14.1 mmHg; p=0.017), while diastolic blood pressure was similar over time (88±13.3, 87±10.5 and 86±9.8 mmHg). The treatment did not significantly affect the CRP (1.3±0.9; 1.3±0.1; 1.1±0.1 mg/L; p=0.824), BMI (30.1±6; 30.3±6; 30.2±6 kg/m 2 ; p=0.391), and lipid profile (Total cholesterol: 187.3±39; 185.2±40; 185.3±33 mg/dl; p=0.416, HDL: 48.9±11.5; 49.0±9.8; 47.4±11.0 mg/dL; p=0.217). Conclusion: The applied treatment of DS reduced the patients' DS degree and systolic arterial pressure.

Association between Oral Hygiene Information Sources and Daily Dental and Denture Care Practices in Urban Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore the sources of daily oral hygiene information among urban community-dwelling older adults in Athens, Greece and associate them with their dental and denture care habits. One hundred and fifty-four older adults (aged 71.7 ± 9.2 years) participated in the study, and their dental status, denture use, daily oral care habits according to current gerodontology recommendations, and oral care information sources were investigated. Daily oral hygiene practices were poor, and a small number of individuals recalled having received oral hygiene advice from a dentist. Only 41.7% of the 139 dentate participants performed toothbrushing with fluoride-based toothpaste at least twice a day, and 35.9% completed regular interdental cleaning. Among 54 denture wearers, 68.5% removed their denture(s) at night, and 54% cleaned them at least twice a day. Oral hygiene information sources included dentists (for approximately half of the participants), media, friends/relatives, non-dental health care providers and dental technicians. Dentate participants who had received oral hygiene information from dentists had a greater probability of brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day (p = 0.049, OR = 2.15) and performing regular interdental cleaning (p < 0.001, OR = 29.26). Denture wearers who had received instructions about denture hygiene from dentists were more likely to use a brush and mild soap (p = 0.016, OR = 14.67) and remove their denture(s) at night (p = 0.003, OR = 8.75). Dentists should improve their oral health prevention and promotion strategies for their older patients.

FORMULASI SEDIAAN SABUN CAIR EKSTRAK LIDAH BUAYA (Aloe vera L.)

Skin is the external part of body which protects internal organs from external interference, such as bacteria, viruses, cold air, hot sun, exposure to UV radiation, pressure, etc. Maintain clean skin is an important thing to do to prevent skin diseases. The way to keep our skin clean is use a mild soap which is good for the skin. Soap is one of the preparations commonly used in daily life. The ingredients of liquid soap are made up of surfactants, thickeners, preservatives and pH regulators. The presence of surface-active agents in soap is important for cleansing the dirt from the skin. Thickeners are important in the soap to obtain the required viscosity of the formulation.&#x0D; The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of aloe vera (Aloe Vera L.) liquid soap. This type of research is an experimental study with a completely randomized design. The formula will be tested for physical and chemical properties which include organoleptic tests, viscosity tests, specific gravity tests, foam stability tests, and pH tests. Aloe vera liquid soap in all formulas has physical and chemical characteristics that meet the standards where the viscosity values obtained are 2616-4188 cP, specific gravity 1.067-1.082, foam resistance 61-70%, and pH 6.1-7

AIUM Official Statement: Guidelines for Cleaning and Preparing External- and Internal-Use Ultrasound Transducers and Equipment Between Patients as Well as Safe Handling and Use of Ultrasound Coupling Gel.

AIUM Official Statement: Guidelines for Cleaning and Preparing External- and Internal-Use Ultrasound Transducers and Equipment Between Patients as Well as Safe Handling and Use of Ultrasound Coupling Gel.

Topikalne farmaceutske formulacije za negu kože izložene jonizujućem zračenju

Radiotherapy as the application of ionizing radiation is one of the main current therapeutic modalities for cancer. However, one of the most frequent adverse effects of this therapeutic strategy is radiodermatitis, which significantly affects quality of patients' lives. Nowadays, there is no consensus on the appropriate therapy of radiodermatitis, however there are basic recommendations that should be followed. The aim of this study was to make a review of current recommendations during radiotherapy for the prevention of radiodermatitis through application or avoidance of application of certain topical pharmaceutical formulations. Most studies proposed the adequate personal hygiene as a general preventive measure. Basic recommendations also include wearing loose-fitting clothing, using an electric shaver, sunscreens, moisturizers, and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes. According to the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), the only recommendation for the prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis is gentle washing using mild soap, as well as the use of topical steroids and silver sulfadiazine. Some studies report the possibility of using photobiomodulatory therapy in the prevention of radiodermatitis, as well as non-corticosteroid creams based on aloe, hyaluronic acid, calendula and comfrey. The use of comedogenic topical preparations, those containing alcohol, benzoyl peroxide and/or alpha-hydroxy acids, as well as those containing potential contact allergens and irritants, should be avoided. Adequate guidelines supported by strong evidence and consensus do not exist, and many recommendations were later refuted. Therefore, further research in this field is necessary to find a satisfying solution for an issue of radiation dermatitis.

Effect of a Hygiene Protocol on Denture-Related Stomatitis Remission, Local Inflammatory Factors, and Hemodynamic Responses by Arterial Pressure.

Denture-related stomatitis (DRS) is frequent oral inflammation in complete denture wearers. This study evaluated the effect of a hygiene protocol on DRS remission, local inflammatory factors, and hemodynamic responses. Thirty-three individuals were enrolled in the study. The outcomes were measured before and after 10 days of a hygiene protocol treatment consisting of brushing the palate with a soft brush and water and denture brushing with a denture-specific brush and mild soap, as well as immersion of the denture for 20 min in a 0.25% sodium hypochlorite solution. Data were analyzed by paired Wilcoxon for biofilm removal and CFU count of microorganisms. The paired T test was used to assess salivary MUC 1, cytokines, and arterial pressure (p < 0.05). A significant difference was found in the DRS degree (p < 0.001), biofilm (p < 0.001), microbial load of Candida spp. (p < 0.001), Gram-negative (p < 0.004), Staphylococcus spp. (p < 0.001), and S. mutans (p < 0.001) of the denture, and S. mutans (p < 0.001) of the palate after use of the protocol. The salivary flow (p = 0.2) and pH (p = 0.97) did not change; there was an increase of MUC 1 (p = 0.049) and a decrease in IL-6 (p = 0.038), IL-2 (p = 0.04), IL-10 (p = 0.041), and IFNγ (p = 0.04). There was also a decrease in systolic (p = 0.012) and mean arterial pressure (p = 0.02). The current hygiene protocol reduced the inflammation degree of DRS and promoted an improvement of local inflammatory factors and a reduction in the systolic arterial pressure of the patients.

COMBINED TOXICITY EFFECTS OF NEEM OIL AND MILD SOAP ON MYLLOCERUS VIRIDANUS IN MORUS ALBA

ABSTRACT The insect Myllocerus viridanus in mulberry cultivation (Morus alba) causes significant harm to sericulture industry throughout the year which hampers leaf quality, silkworm rearing, and cocoon production. In this study, the treatment with neem oil (Azadirachta indica) in five different concentrations (1 to 5ml/L) along with mild soap solution (Khadi) to assess the mortality of M. viridanus at laboratory conditions. The lethal concentrations (LC30 – 3.096;LC50 – 3.471; LC90 - 4.589) were determined by spraying of the neem oil solution to adults of M. viridanus. The results showed that neem oil effectively suppressed M. viridanus and that the mortality of M. viridanus increased gradually (34 %, 44 %, 60 %, 78 %, and 100%) over the control as the concentration of neem oil increased.

Qualitative Visual Assessment of Hand Hygiene Product Effectiveness

Background: Effective hand hygiene (HH) is an essential preventative measure for the reduction of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Commonly used HH products include alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs), antimicrobial soaps, and nonantimicrobial soaps. In vivo clinical studies have demonstrated that levels of bacterial reduction can vary based on the HH product type, formulation, and dose. It has been reported that ABHRs provide the greatest reduction in bacteria, followed by antimicrobial soaps. Objective: We examined the effects of products representative of 3 HH categories on artificially soiled hands, using a hand-stamp procedure. The hand-stamp images provide a clear visualization of product effectiveness and can be used as an educational tool to promote the importance of proper hand hygiene using different product formats. Method: Three commercially available formulations were evaluated in this study, a mild nonantimicrobial soap, an antimicrobial soap containing chloroxylenol (PCMX), and an ABHR containing 70% v/v ethanol. Prior to the hand stamp procedure, the participant’s hands were prewashed with 5 mL of a nonantimicrobial soap and dried. An inoculum of Serratia marcescens containing ∼1 × 109CFU/mL was prepared as described in ASTM E2755. A 0.2-mL aliquot of the inoculum was dispensed onto the palm of the subject’s hand and spread by rubbing over the entire surface of both hands. Following a 30-second dry time, one of the subject’s hands was gently pressed onto the surface of a large petri dish containing tryptic soy agar to obtain a baseline image. Following the baseline sample, 1 pump of the selected test product (∼0.9 mL for soap or 1.1 mL for ABHR) was applied to the participant’s hands. For soap applications, hands were vigorously rubbed for 30 seconds followed by a 30-second water rinse. For ABHR, product was rubbed by the user until dry. The hand-stamp procedure was repeated following product application using the participant’s other hand. Results: Clear qualitative reductions in bacteria were observed with each of the HH interventions. The greatest reduction was observed following the application of ABHR. Antimicrobial soap was less effective than ABHR but more effective than nonantimicrobial soap. Conclusions: The qualitative visual model demonstrates the effectiveness of various HH interventions and correlates with log reductions observed in traditional efficacy test methods. Future efforts should explore hand-stamp repeatability and image utilization to support HH improvement efforts in healthcare systems.Funding: GOJO Industries provided support for this study.Disclosures: Mary Rose Czaplicki reports salary from GOJO Industries.

ISUOG Safety Committee Position Statement on safe performance of obstetric and gynecological scans and equipment cleaning in context of COVID-19.

ISUOG Safety Committee Position Statement on safe performance of obstetric and gynecological scans and equipment cleaning in context of COVID-19.

Skin benefits of moisturising body wash formulas for children with atopic dermatitis: A randomised controlled clinical study in China.

It acknowledged that skin care is an important part of atopic dermatitis therapy. However, clinical evidences are limited for the best bathing practices, especially the skin health performance of cleansing products on children's atopic dermatitis skin. A randomised controlled clinical study was conducted in China among 4- to 18-year-old children with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis to evaluate the skin health effect of three cleansing systems (a mild synthetic bar, an ultra-mild body wash with lipids, and an ultra-mild body wash with lipids and zinc pyrithione) by measuring SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), consumption of topical corticosteroid and the characteristics of microbiome. Increased Staphylococcus aureus abundance and decreased microbial diversity were observed in atopic dermatitis lesion sites compared with healthy control sites. After 4weeks of treatment, all three treatments showed clinically important improvement from baseline in SCORAD. Four-week corticosteroid consumption was significantly lower for the two body wash groups than the bar group. A significant decrease in S.aureus abundance and increase in microbial diversity were observed in the lesion sites for the two body wash formulas, while the microbial diversity was statistically insignificant for the mild cleansing bar group. However, there were no incremental benefits provided by the body wash formulas based on the assessment of SCORAD. These results demonstrated the safety and efficacy of using the investigational body wash formulas with lipids in reducing the needs for corticosteroid and improving the healthy composition of skin microbiome vs. the mild synthetic bar soap.

Comparison of hydroalcoholic rubbing and conventional chlorhexidine scrubbing for aseptic skin preparation in dogs.

To compare preparation time, ease of application, and elimination of skin contamination of 3 skin preparation methods for asepsis. Experimental study. Healthy dogs (n = 6) with no clinical signs of skin disease. Three sites on each dog were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 preparation protocols for asepsis: (1) 5 scrubbings with chlorhexidine gluconate and rinsing (CHXG), (2) washing with mild soap prior to 3 rubbings with hydroalcoholic solution (soap-HAR), or (3) 3 rubbings with hydroalcoholic solution (HAR). The duration of each method of skin preparation was recorded. A Count-Tact agar plate was placed in the center of each site before, immediately after, 1 hour after, and 3 hours after antiseptic application. Plates were cultured, and colony forming units (CFU) were counted. Skin preparation lasted an average of 375 seconds for CHXG, 240 seconds for soap-HAR, and 190 seconds for HAR (P = .00049). Nine CFU (median) were cultured from the skin prior to preparation, with no difference between sites on any animal or for any method. Colony forming units were not detected at any time on any site in any dog after antiseptic application. Rubbing with hydroalcoholic (HA) solution was as effective as CHXG and prevented bacterial growth for at least 3 hours under these experimental conditions. Rubbing with hydroalcoholic solution was also faster and easier to perform. Because there is currently no known resistance to HA solution, preparation of the surgical site with HAR should be considered to prevent the emergence of bacterial resistance to chlorhexidine as well as potential cross-resistances to antibiotics. Transfer to clinical animals requires additional investigation.

Topical interventions to prevent acute radiation dermatitis in head and neck cancer patients: a systematic review.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological topical controls in the prevention of radiation dermatitis. Relevant clinical trials were identified through electronic searching databases CINAHL, CENTRAL, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Handsearching and gray literature searches were also performed to find additional references. Primary outcomes of interest were the development of radiation dermatitis and the time of occurrence of radiation dermatitis. Thirteen randomized clinical trials were included in this review. The trials were published in Chinese, English, or French, from 1980 to 2015. Pharmacological interventions used in the trials were trolamine, aloe vera, allantoin, Lianbai liquid, sucralfate, Na-sucrose octasulfate, olive oil, hialuronic acid, and dexpanthenol. Non-pharmacological topical controls were usual care/institution routine, aqueous cream, mild soap, water thermal gel, placebo, and no intervention. There was no strong evidence that indicates differences between topical pharmacological interventions or non-pharmacological topical controls in the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis among patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy.

In Vitro Analysis of Surface Roughness of Acrylic Resin Exposed to the Combined Hygiene Method of Brushing and Immersion in Ricinus communis and Sodium Hypochlorite.

To evaluate a solution based on Ricinus communis (Castor oil) for denture cleansing, comparing it to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for the surface roughness of heat-polymerized acrylic resin. Forty polished and unpolished resin specimens (90 × 30 × 4 mm) were evaluated before and after their exposure to protocol hygiene: brushing the specimens with a specific denture brush and mild soap for 3 minutes, three times a day, and immersing them in hygiene solutions (0.25% NaOCl-S1 and 0.5% NaOCl-S2; 10% R. communis-S3; saline-S4: control) for 20 minutes. Surface roughness was evaluated by rugosimeter and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after the protocol. For evaluation of surface roughness, polished and unpolished surfaces were used. The roughness of the polished surface was not affected by time (p = 0.062), but was affected by solutions (p < 0.0001) and the interaction between factors (p = 0.005). For S1 and S4, the period did not influence the roughness. For S2, there was a change after 7 days, remaining stable after 14 days. For S3, there were changes, and stabilization occurred after 14 days. After 7 and 14 days, S2 and S3 promoted major changes, but after 21 days, there were no differences among solutions, except saline. The unpolished surface was not influenced by factors: period (p = 0.115), solution (p = 0.120), and their interaction (p = 0.382). SEM analysis showed similar results on the evaluation of surface roughness. The polished surface of the prosthesis was more susceptible to changes when exposed to hygiene solutions, and although the 0.5% NaOCl solution promoted an increase in the surface roughness compared with the same solution at 0.25% and R. communis at 10%, the values are clinically acceptable.

Knowledge of undergraduate nursing course teachers on the prevention and care of peristomal skin

ObjectiveTo evaluate the knowledge of undergraduate nursing course teachers on peristomal skin care in individuals with intestinal stoma. MethodsThis is an exploratory, analytical and cross-sectional study, conducted with undergraduate nursing course teachers from two private universities in the city of São Paulo, named A and B. The sample consisted of 42 teachers/nurses, being 22 from University A and 20 from University B, who supervised the internship at Hospital Vila Nova Cachoeirinha. With the aim to collect data, a structured questionnaire consisting of 10 questions (checklist) was used; each question in the checklist had correct and wrong answers. The teachers had to indicate with “x” the correct answer. The questionnaire was delivered to teachers/nurses on a predetermined day. Data collection was carried out on August 2006. ResultsThe majority of study participants know that stoma demarcation must be performed preoperatively, and that it is important to educate the patient about surgery, care for the stoma and on the collecting device, as well as to perform a sensitivity test for the equipment. The hygiene should be performed with mild soap and water and with a piece of clean, soft, damp cotton cloth without rubbing, and the skin must be kept dry. The hair removal should be done with curved tip scissors, cutting close to the abdominal wall. ConclusionThe results showed that, although most of the participants have a basic knowledge about stomized patients care, updating and improvement are needed.

Chlorhexidine Bathing in a Tertiary Care Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Impact on Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections

Despite implementation of recommended best practices, our central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates remained high. Our objective was to describe the impact of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing on CLABSI rates in neonates. Infants with a central venous catheter (CVC) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from April 2009 to March 2013 were included. Neonates with a birth weight of 1,000 g or less, aged less than 28 days, and those with a birth weight greater than 1,000 g were bathed with mild soap until March 31, 2012 (baseline), and with a 2% CHG-impregnated cloth starting on April 1, 2012 (intervention). Infants with a birth weight of 1,000 g or less, aged 28 days or more, were bathed with mild soap during the entire period. Neonatal intensive care unit nurses reported adverse events. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs), using Poisson regression, were calculated to compare CLABSIs/1,000 CVC-days during the baseline and intervention periods. Overall, 790 neonates with CVCs were included in the study. CLABSI rates decreased during the intervention period for CHG-bathed neonates (6.00 vs 1.92/1,000 CVC-days; aIRR, 0.33 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.15-0.73]) but remained unchanged for neonates with a birth rate of 1,000 g or less and aged less than 28 days who were not eligible for CHG bathing (8.57 vs 8.62/1,000 CVC-days; aIRR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.17-4.44]). Overall, 195 infants with a birth weight greater than 1,000 g and 24 infants with a birth weight of 1,000 g or less, aged 28 days or more, were bathed with CHG. There was no reported adverse event. We observed a decrease in CLABSI rates in CHG-bathed neonates in the absence of observed adverse events. CHG bathing should be considered if CLABSI rates remain high, despite the implementation of other recommended measures.

Instructions Given During Insertion of Complete Denture

• Limitation of the dentures: It is mechanical substitutes for oral living tissue. Individuality of a patient, not compares him to other persons, and educates the patient to the fact that every mouth is different. • Remove dentures from mouth at night: The patient should remove the denture at night because the denture will exert excessive pressure on the bone of both maxilla and mandible which lead to increase the rate of resorption of the bone that will lead to flat ridge and consequently loss of retention and stability. • Expected tissue response: Such as increase saliva at the time of insertion because the C.D. is consider a strange things, but this with time will decrease gradually [2,3]. • Appearance and C.D: Patient must understand their appearance will become more natural with time, strange bulky muscle tension will improve after the patient relax and more confident. If the patient is unhappy with their appearance occasionally the anterior teeth must be changed. • Evaluating the denture esthetic: This is done by evaluating the patient lip support, high lip line, low lip line. These factors are usually examined thoroughly during try-in stage, simple verification would be sufficient. • Speaking with Complete denture: The problem of speaking will disappear and the tongue adapt within a few weeks. Patient could be advised to read aloud and repeat words or phrases that are difficult to pronounce which contain letters such as “s”, “sh”, so the patient should read the newspaper out loud or “talk back” to the television if he is alone. In natural environment: the rugae enhance speech, but in a denture speech is affected due to the absence of rugae. Metal denture base improve speech because the metal can be fabricated thin enough to reproduce the rugae on the external surface [4]. • Care of the prostheses and tissues: The dentures must be kept very clean to prevent the fouling of food particles and the overgrowth of bacteria. It is best to brush the dentures by using any mild hand soap but do not use an abrasive soap or cleanser or tooth paste because most of them contain an abrasive material that will wear away the surface of acrylic resin. In case of handicapped patients, cleaning of the dentures by using suction hooks placed in composite. A daily gentle massage with a soft nylon toothbrush helps to increase the circulation [1,3]. • Chewing with complete denture: Learning to chew with new dentures requires 6-8 weeks. Patient begin to chew relatively soft food that cut into small pieces done on both sides at the same time and food swallow with simple push of tongue against the palate. Every day try something new. When bite such as a sandwich place the food between their teeth toward the corner of the mouth rather than between the anterior teeth then the food push inward and upward to break it apart [4].

Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of acute and late radiation reactions from the MASCC Skin Toxicity Study Group

Radiation dermatitis (RD) results from radiotherapy and often occurs within the first 4 weeks of treatment, although late effects also occur. While RD may resolve over time, it can have a profound effect on patients' quality of life and lead to dose modifications. A study group of international, interdisciplinary experts convened to develop RD prevention and treatment guidelines based on evidence from randomized, controlled trials. Evidence-based recommendations were developed after an extensive literature review. Randomized, controlled trials with standardized measurement of outcomes were considered the best evidence, and a majority of the recommendations were formulated from this literature. The adoption of washing with water, with or without a mild soap, and allowing the use of antiperspirants is supported by randomized trials. Use of topical prophylactic corticosteroids (mometasone) is recommended to reduce discomfort and itching. There is some evidence that silver sulfadiazine cream can reduce dermatitis score. There is insufficient evidence to support, and therefore the panel recommends against the use of trolamine, topical sulcrate, hyaluronic acid, ascorbic acid, silver leaf dressing, light-emitting diode lasers, Theta cream, dexpanthenol, calendula, proteolytic enzymes, sulcralfate, oral zinc, and pentoxifylline. Moreover, there is no evidence to support the superiority for any specific intervention in a reactive fashion. For patients with established radiation-induced telangiectasia and fibrosis, the panel suggests the use of pulse dye laser for visual appearance, and the use of pentoxifylline and vitamin E for the reduction of fibrosis.

Physicochemical properties of dirt-resistant cool white coatings for building energy efficiency

The physicochemical properties of two newly developed dirt-resistant cool white coatings were systematically measured in light of the relevant standard testing methods, and the influences of dirt accumulation and washing on the long-term cooling performance of cool coatings were investigated and discussed. Both cool white coatings owe their outstanding physicochemical properties to the optimized formulations, high glass transition temperature and minimum film formation temperature of selected aqueous self-curing acrylic emulsions. The high solid content was also influential. Dirt accumulation leads to a decline in the cooling performance of coatings, which may be almost fully restored by simply washing the coatings with a mild soap solution.

Blepharitis — a review of diagnosis and management

Blepharitis is a common chronic inflammatory condition of the eyelid margin, but its true incidence and prevalence is unknown. It is classified anatomically into anterior blepharitis involving the anterior lid margin and posterior blepharitis involving meibomian gland dysfunction. Its presentation include: soreness, itchiness, burning sensation associated with scales and abnormal eye lash architecture. Diagnosis is made with a careful history and slit-lamp examination, with careful attention to the eyelid. Eye lashes can also be examined under high magnification for Demodex mite. Management includes conservative (eye-massaging with warm flannels and mild soap), and pharmacological interventions (topical and systemic antibiotics, with occasional use of topical steroids and cyclosporin A). This article will explore the epidemiology, clinical features, investigations and clinical management plans involved in blepharitis.