Superabsorbent hydrogels (SAHs) are essential in various applications, including hygienic products like adult incontinence pads. However, synthetic-based super absorbent polymers (SAPs) dominate the market despite being non-biodegradable. Alternatively, bio-based hydrogels, such as sodium alginate (SA)-based hydrogels, offer biodegradable alternatives. In this study, we aimed to enhance the practical applied properties of SA-based hydrogels by grafting SA with acrylic acid (AA) and incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Specifically, we investigated the potential of interpenetrating network (IPN) and semi-interpenetrating network (S-IPN) hydrogels as absorbent materials in adult incontinence pads. The fabricated SAHs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). They were also evaluated for absorption and rheological properties. The results showed that in IPN/SAHs, the addition of CNCs decreased pore sizes, while in S-IPN/SAHs, CNC incorporation increased pore sizes. The S-IPN/SAHs exhibited a significantly higher free swelling capacity (FSC) with CNCs loading, reaching 142.29 g/g in 0.9 % NaCl solution and 817.4 g/g in distilled water. On the other hand, IPN/SAHs showed a higher storage modulus and lower loss modulus compared to S-IPN/SAHs. Notably, the superior samples from this study showed a 33 % reduction in SAP consumption compared to commercial SAPs, making them more cost-effective for adult incontinence pad manufacturers. Overall, our research demonstrates the potential of interpenetrating and semi-interpenetrating network superabsorbent hydrogels as high-performance absorbent materials. The results offer improved absorbency and cost savings for producers of adult incontinence pads, and bio-based hydrogels like SA-based hydrogels are promising biodegradable alternatives to synthetic-based SAPs.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127118 | DOI Listing |
BMJ Case Rep
January 2025
Obstetric and Gynecology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
A nulliparous female presented with lower abdominal pain, initially diagnosed as incisional scar hernia, which was repaired. However, her pain persisted despite unremarkable radiology imaging. She was then diagnosed with anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) and underwent a right-sided ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Public Health
January 2025
School of Nursing, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China.
Background: With the global trend of aging, stress urinary incontinence is becoming more common in older adults, which may have some impact on patients' quality of life. Social alienation can generate negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and morbid stigma, and reduce patients' quality of life. However, the current status of social alienation is different among different older adult female patients with stress urinary incontinence.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Impot Res
January 2025
Department of Urology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Prostate cancer treatment-related erectile dysfunction and stress urinary incontinence are commonly treated with inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) or artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). Given the association with androgens and penile/urethral health, we aim to evaluate whether patients on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) undergoing IPP or AUS surgery are at increased risk for reintervention, complication, or infection. We queried the TriNetX database for adult males receiving IPP or AUS.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: To determine the health utility values (HUVs) of overactive bladder (OAB), defined as urinary urgency, usually accompanied by urinary daytime or nocturnal frequency, with or without urinary incontinence, among adults aged ≥65 years and to assess the HUV decrements (disutilities) of OAB according to its severity.
Methods: This cross-sectional Internet-based study was conducted between 2 and 9 November 2023, with quota sampling with equal probability for each sex and age group (age 65-74 years and ≥75 years). OAB was defined as an urgency score of ≥2 points and a total score of ≥3 points based on the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score.
Purpose: Diabetes prevalence is increasing among older adults globally. The current study aimed to compare geriatric syndrome prevalence in older adults with and without diabetes.
Method: Primary research (2011 to 2024) in English, French, or Spanish was included.
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