Improving diaper design to address incontinence associated dermatitis.

Background: Incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD) is an inflammatory skin disease mainly triggered by prolonged skin contact with urine, feces but also liberal detergent use when cleansing the skin. To minimize the epidermal barrier challenge we optimized the design of adult incontinence briefs. In the fluid absorption area we interposed a special type of acidic, curled-type of cellulose between the top sheet in contact with the skin and the absorption core beneath containing the polyacrylate superabsorber.

A prospective observational study of the efficacy of a novel hydroactive impregnated dressing.

Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy, tolerance and acceptance of a novel, hydroactive-impregnated dressing (Hydrotul) in the local treatment of acute and chronic wounds.

Method: In a prospective observational study 24 centres in France, Belgium, Germany and Austria recruited 74 patients. At each dressing change the investigators evaluated the condition of the wound, perilesional skin and patient-reported pain.

Full scale co-digestion of organic waste.

Operational results of a co-digestion facility were assessed over a period of 18 months. The organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) contains a considerable amount of contaminants and grit (up to 6% w/w). A BTA-Pulper efficiently treated the different waste streams and converted a high amount of volatile solids (VS) into the digester feedstock.