Increase In Oxygenation Index Research Articles

STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF HALOGENATED FIRE RETARDANTS ON REDUCING THE FLAMMABILITY OF COMPOSITE REINFORCEMENT

The article is devoted to the issue of reducing the flammability of fiberglass composite reinforcement, which is obtained based on an epoxy anhydride binder by the needle extrusion method. The authors applied halogenated epoxy resins based on tetrabromobisphenol A and chlorine-containing resin EHD (N,N-tetraglycidyl-3,3′-dichloro-4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane) as flame retardant components (modifiers). We controlled the degree of transformation (passage of the polyaddition reaction) of epoxy systems exposed to heat under the technology conditions by the method of sol-gel analysis. The conducted research established the ability of halogenated flame retardants not to exert a directed effect on reducing the flammability of composite reinforcement obtained in the short-term mode of formation. Under these conditions, the composition of the epoxy anhydride binder is of great importance, considering the ratio of epoxy and anhydride groups in the reaction system. We determined that to achieve an increased oxygen index and a relative decrease in the flammability of composite reinforcement in the conditions of a short-term hardening regime, a small addition of flame retardant, which contains only chlorine-containing oligomer EHD, is necessary. In this particular case, we observed a characteristic anti-plasticising effect, which leads to the preservation of the modulus of elasticity of the composite material and a decrease in the flammability of the composite. With a further increase in the amount of the antipyretic modifier, structural transformations occur at the supramolecular level, which possibly prolongs the distance between the mesh nodes of the hardened matrix of the composite and contributes to a decrease in its modulus of elasticity and loss of its ability to inhibit the spontaneous combustion reaction. As a result of the plasticising effect at the supramolecular level, molecules surround the internodal structural elements of the polymer. It leads not only to a decrease in the interaction between the macromolecules of the epoxy polymer but also to an increase in the diffusion characteristics of the entire system. Keywords: fibreglass composite reinforcement, flammability, oxygen index, halogenated fire retardant.

Weathering alterations of coal mining wastes geochemistry, petrography, and mineralogy, a case study from the Janina and Marcel Coal Mines, Upper Silesian Coal Basin (Poland)

Weathering-caused alterations in coal mining waste geochemistry, petrography, and mineralogy occurring in the known time span of 1998–2018 in the temperate climate of Poland were investigated. A series of coal mining waste rocks representing two parts of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB), differing in coalification stage, i.e., corresponding to sub-bituminous and bituminous coals, have been selected to find how the level of organic matter conditionates the weathering. Differences in organic matter content, petrographic composition, rock mineralogy and inorganic geochemistry were also taken into account. Whereas organic petrography, including vitrinite reflectance values, do not show significant weathering signs, apart from irregular cracks and, in very rare cases, paler in color oxidation rims, organic geochemistry has been affected due to low-temperature secondary processes, including increased oxygen index values, particularly in less mature coal mining wastes. Biomarker distribution has been changed to the largest extent, with partial removal of n-alkanes possibly due to biodegradation of organic matter and water-washing of lighter polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including alkyl naphthalenes. Organic matter of lower maturity in coal mining wastes from the USCB eastern part, as more reactive, showed a higher level of secondary transformations. Minerals formed during weathering due to time and storage on dumps were mainly oxidation products of iron sulphides: goethite and jarosite; however, most of the minerals have not been altered. Thus, despite physical changes in coal mining wastes, such as increased brittleness, decreasing fragment size and surface color change, there are only limited changes in inorganic chemistry and mineralogy. This indicates that low-temperature processes do not favour the inorganic elements release to the environment and points out that measures to prevent self-heating within the dumps are the most vital part of post-mining activity leading to the best scenario - slow low-temperature weathering of coal mining wastes.

MiR-346 regulates the development of ARDS by regulating the function of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells

In recent years, many studies have reported that microRNAs play an important role in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, and the aim of this paper is to explore the role and mechanism of miR-346 in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A mouse model of ARDS was constructed by LPS induction, and RT-qPCR assay was used to verify that the expression level of miR-346 in lung tissue was significantly increased, and was negatively correlated with oxygenation index. Inhibiting the expression of miR-346 in mice and HPMECs by miR-346 inhibitor confirmed that decreased miR-346 expression could lead to increased oxygenation index, decreased lung index, lung water content and NO content to reduce lung injury in mice, while lung inflammation was alleviated and apoptosis was reduced in mice. The same results were obtained in cells. BCL6 was predicted to be a target of miR-346 by targetscan and miRDB; when miR-346 was inhibited, BCL6 expression was increased, and if miR-346 and BCL6 expression were inhibited at the same time, it could aggravate lung injury and reduce the proliferation of HPMECs and increase their apoptosis and inflammation in mice. This shows that miR-346 inhibits the migration of HPMECs by regulating BCL6 expression, which in turn promotes the apoptosis of HPMECs, leading to inflammation and inducing ARDS.

The effects of oxygen index on soot formation of ethylene, propane and their mixtures in coflow diffusion flames

Oxygen index (OI) effects on soot formation and oxidation of ethylene, propane and their mixtures were investigated in coflow diffusion flames. Experimental results show that the peak soot volume fraction (SVF) firstly increases and then reaches the plateau region as OI increases from 0.21 to 0.42 in ethylene and 90%ethylene/10%propane mixture flames. However, the peak SVF firstly increases and then decreases with the increase of OI in propane flame. All these three cases present a consistent trend in terms of maximum soot yield which increases first and then decreases as OI increases. Synergistic effect was captured in ethylene/propane mixtures while it was firstly enhanced and then mitigated when OI increases in the investigated OI range. Numerical simulations were also conducted. A significant relationship was found among flame temperature, O2 mole fraction and SVF in terms of their spatial gradients. The non-linear trends of SVF and soot yield with OI can be attributed to the competition between soot formation and oxidation. Such competition was also indicated from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) growth. Numerical analyses revealed that small radicals including O, CH2 and C6H5 contribute to the non-linear changes of PAHs in the synergistic effect.

An observational study of the effects of smoking cessation earlier on the clinical characteristics and course of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BackgroundPrevious studies have focused on the negative effects of continued smoking on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, few studies have investigated the positive effects of long-term smoking cessation on patients suffering from acute exacerbations of COPD.MethodsThe study recruited and followed current or former smokers who had been hospitalized and diagnosed with AECOPD. An in-depth analysis of clinical and laboratory indicators was conducted.Results125 patients were covered, including 72 short-term quitters and 53 long-term quitters. The results showed that long-term smoking cessation may result in milder dyspnea and cough, a higher oxygenation index, a lower arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and milder pulmonary hypertension, airflow restriction, and gas retention in patients with AECOPD. However, despite the lower treatment intensity for long-term quitters, improvement in dyspnea and an increase in oxygenation index were comparable to those achieved by short-term quitters. Furthermore, patients with mild phlegm, which accounted for 84% of all subjects, showed greater improvement in phlegm in AECOPD patients with long-term cessation of smoking.ConclusionIt was found that in patients with AECOPD who quit smoking for a long period of time, there was a reduction in symptoms, improvement in lung function, reduction in treatment intensity, and better improvement in phlegm symptoms after therapy. It is beneficial and necessary to quit smoking early, even if you smoke a small amount of cigarettes.

N-acetylcysteine as a part of complex treatment of moderate COVID-associated pneumonia

The need for safe and effective treatment is becoming increasingly urgent due to the high COVID-19 mortality rates observed worldwide. The choice of drug products for COVID-19 treatment regimens is based on the efficacy and safety data, the mechanism of action, and potential interactions. N-acetylcysteine's (NAC) pharmacological activity and its potential to suppress the progression of COVID-19 make it a promising therapeutic agent for COVID-19.Aimof the study was to evaluate the efficacy of NAC in the complex treatment of moderate COVID-associated pneumonia.Methods. The study included adult patients (n= 46) with moderate COVID-associated (the 2nddegree on CT) pneumonia (age 57 (51; 71) years, body mass index - 30 (27.1; 32.3) kg/m2, duration of the disease before hospitalization - 7 (6; 8) days, body temperature at the admission - 37.5 (37.1; 37.8)°С). The patients were randomized into two study groups. The 1stgroup (n= 22) received standard COVID-19 treatment [1]. The 2ndgroup (n= 24) additionally received NAC 1,200 - 1,500 mg/day intravenously. Treatment with NAC was started together with the standard therapy.Results. Our study showed that the inclusion of NAC in the complex treatment of moderate COVID-associated pneumonia led to a statistically significant increase in blood oxygen saturation, oxygenation index, the difference in delta increase in oxygenation index, a quicker reduction in the volume of lung damage and the difference between the groups in delta reduction of this index. Also, the rate of reduction of C-reactive protein and reduction of the duration of hospitalization in the group of patients who received NAC was statistically significantly more profound than in the standard treatment group.Conclusion. The study confirmed the effectiveness of NAC as a part of the complex treatment of moderate COVID-associated pneumonia.

Geochemical characterization of the Devonian-Mississippian Woodford Shale from the McAlister Cemetery Quarry, Criner Hills Uplift, Ardmore Basin, Oklahoma

Abstract It has been estimated that technically recoverable reserves from shales in the continental U.S. are believed to be approximately 24 billion barrels of oil (BBO) and 750 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas. In Oklahoma the most important hydrocarbon source rock is the Woodford Shale, proposed to be the source of some 70% of the state's liquid hydrocarbon reserves. Such a regionally widespread source rock provides potential for both academic study and industrial opportunities. In this study representative samples of the Woodford Shale from the McAlister Quarry outcrop have been characterized by a variety of geochemical techniques. TOC values range from 0.07 to 15.6 wt% and, based on Rock-Eval Pyrolysis, most of the samples plot within the Type I/II kerogen range, with several low TOC samples plotting in the Type III kerogen range. TOC and biomarker parameters, suggests that two sections of the Upper Woodford are immature paleosols, having been subaerially exposed due to abrupt episodes of sea level fall during the Late Devonian. Evidence for these zones of paleoweathering includes highly depleted TOC, increased oxygen index (OI) values, loss of n-alkanes, decreases in the aryl isoprenoid ratio (AIR), sesquiterpenoids, cheilanthanes, hopanoids, and decreases in many of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The values of several paleoenvironmental proxies for samples immediately following the Frasnian-Famennian (F–F) Stage extinction boundary within the Upper Woodford suggests that a large influx of weathered terrigenous material occurred at that time. The presence of pyrogenic compounds implies that paleowildfires were widespread throughout the Middle and Late Devonian in the North American midcontinent. It is possible that these influxes of weathered terrestrial organic material stimulated algal blooms that led to the anoxic water column conditions often attributed to the F–F Stage extinction event. Investigation of the stratigraphic framework of these source rocks assists in evaluating their potential as hydrocarbon producers and/or unconventional reservoirs. Integration of geochemical data adds another powerful dimension to this approach. It has been proposed that the Woodford Shale was deposited during a 2nd order depositional sequence. The lower member represented the transgressive systems tract (TST), the Upper member the highstand systems tract (HST), and the Middle member bridging the transition between the two. Numerous 3rd order parasequences were also identified as being part of the overall 2nd order sequence and could be correlated to the Devonian sea level curve. The major objectives of the study were: While this study focuses locally on the McAlister Quarry samples, it is also of regional importance. The Woodford is a prolific source rock throughout the Anadarko Basin and has been the subject of extensive exploration and production efforts, particularly in the past decade with the development of horizontal drilling and hydrofracturing techniques. Continued investigation of the heterogeneity of the shale will greatly enhance the ability to predict more productive facies within the formation throughout the basin.

Ventilator-induced lung injury is aggravated by antibiotic mediated microbiota depletion in mice

BackgroundAntibiotic exposure alters the microbiota, which can impact the inflammatory immune responses. Critically ill patients frequently receive antibiotic treatment and are often subjected to mechanical ventilation, which may induce local and systemic inflammatory responses and development of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). The aim of this study was to investigate whether disruption of the microbiota by antibiotic therapy prior to mechanical ventilation affects pulmonary inflammatory responses and thereby the development of VILI.MethodsMice underwent 6–8 weeks of enteral antibiotic combination treatment until absence of cultivable bacteria in fecal samples was confirmed. Control mice were housed equally throughout this period. VILI was induced 3 days after completing the antibiotic treatment protocol, by high tidal volume (HTV) ventilation (34 ml/kg; positive end-expiratory pressure = 2 cmH2O) for 4 h. Differences in lung function, oxygenation index, pulmonary vascular leakage, macroscopic assessment of lung injury, and leukocyte and lymphocyte differentiation were assessed. Control groups of mice ventilated with low tidal volume and non-ventilated mice were analyzed accordingly.ResultsAntibiotic-induced microbiota depletion prior to HTV ventilation led to aggravation of VILI, as shown by increased pulmonary permeability, increased oxygenation index, decreased pulmonary compliance, enhanced macroscopic lung injury, and increased cytokine/chemokine levels in lung homogenates.ConclusionsDepletion of the microbiota by broad-spectrum antibiotics prior to HTV ventilation renders mice more susceptible to developing VILI, which could be clinically relevant for critically ill patients frequently receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Effects of monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor URB602 on lung ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice

Lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) is a common and severe postoperative pathologic complication that often occurs when the oxygen supply disrupted to the lung tissue fallowed by reperfusion period, in most cases after lung transplantation and cardiopulmonary bypass. Endocannabinoids such as 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) have very important role as regulators of inflammation. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is the main 2-AG-degrading enzyme, and the downstream metabolites of 2-AG play a role in the inflammation. Ischemia reperfusion (IR) was induced by clamping the left pulmonary hilum for 60 min, followed by 120 min of reperfusion in male C57BL/6 mice. Effects of URB602, a MAGL inhibitor, were evaluated in a preventive or therapeutic regimen (5 min before ischemia or reperfusion, respectively). Oxygenation index, wet-to-dry weight ratio and lung injury score were analyzed. Endocannabinoids including 2-AG, anandamide (AEA) and arachidonic acid (AA) levels, metabolites such as Prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), Thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and Leukotrienes B4 (LTB4) and inflammatory markers (Interleukin 6 (IL-6) andTumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) in lung tissues were measured by using mass spectrometry or ELISA analyses. We found that IR increased the wet-to-dry weight ratio of lung and lung injury score and decreased oxygenation index as compared to the sham group. Moreover, treatment with URB602 in preventive or therapeutic regimen reduced the wet-to-dry weight ratio and lung injury score while increased oxygenation index when compared with the IR group, with a more improvement in the preventive regimen group. In addition, treatment with URB602 before ischemia increased 2-AG level but decreased metabolites (AA, PGI2, TXB2, LTB4) and inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α). Thus, our study demonstrated that a pretreatment with URB602 significantly reduced IR-induced lung injury and inflammation. URB602 inhibited LIRI and inflammation by increasing 2-AG level and reducing downstream metabolites from AA to PGI2, TXB2 and LTB4 in lung tissues.

Early High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Failure

AbstractBackground: High frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) has been a staple in the management of children with acute respiratory failure (ARF). HFOV is a mode of mechanical ventilation that recruits diseased lung and improves oxygen-ation through the use of high mean airway pressures with tidal volumes less than anatomic dead space. Although HFOV is commonly used in children, efficacy data are limited and predate the era of low tidal volume (Vt) conventional mechan-ical ventilation (CMV).Aim of the Study: It was to compare the impact of early high frequency oscillatory ventilation (within 24-48 hours of endotracheal intubation) to conventional mechanical ventilation and/or late high frequency oscillatory ventilation in children with acute respiratory failure.Patients and Methods: The study was carried out on thirty patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) who attended to the pediatric intensive care unit, Pediatric Department, Tanta University Hospital. All studied children were subjected to detailed history taking, complete physical examination, mon-itoring of SV, SVI, CO, CI, SVR, SVRI through trans-esophageal doppler monitoring and oxygenation index.Results: There was significant decrease of O2Sat of Early HFOV group compared with P-CMV and Late HFOV. there was significant increase of O2Sat in Early HFOV in 2nd and 3rd days compared with 1st day There was significant decrease of oxygenation index in late HFOV and P-CMV groups compared with Early HFOV group. It is one of most important prognostic factors for detection timing of HFOV according to ROC curve.Conclusion: As hypoxia worsened, patient percentage with Early HFOV increased Oxygenation index was significant as a predictor and prognostic factor for early HFOV success.

Experimental and numerical study of variable oxygen index effects on soot yield and distribution in laminar co-flow diffusion flames

We study experimentally and numerically a series of methane-fueled laminar co-flow diffusion flames to investigate the effects of variable Oxygen Index (OI) on soot yield and distribution. OI is defined as the mole fraction of oxygen in the oxidizer. Sixteen flames are studied with OI ranging from 21% (air) to 76.3%, so that OI varies in small increments and its effects are precisely resolved. The soot volume fraction distribution is measured experimentally for all flames using color-ratio pyrometry. Simulations are carried out using an extensively validated chemical kinetic mechanism and an aggregate-based soot model that accounts for all major processes of soot inception, growth, and oxidation. The experimental measurements show that the visible flame height decreases with increasing OI, which is consistent with theoretical estimates and the numerical simulations. The measurements also indicate that increasing OI (from 21% to 36.8%) first results in an increase in the maximum soot concentration, but a further increase in OI leads to a decrease in the soot yield. Additionally, the maximum soot concentration occurs on the flame centerline for low OI flames (below 36.8%), but for higher OI, the peak soot yield occurs in the flame wings. All of these experimental observations are well reproduced by the simulations, with the maximum soot volume fraction magnitudes lying within the error bounds of the experimental measurements. The computational results are used to reveal the underlying physical mechanisms, by examining soot evolution along characteristic Lagrangian trajectories through flame regions. We find that increasing OI leads to higher flame temperature, which results in a stronger soot production rate, but also reduced soot residence time in flame regions, which allows less time for soot production. These competing effects cause the initial increase and subsequent decrease in the maximum soot yield and the shift in the maximum soot yield location with increasing OI.

Is There an Optimum Duration of Fluid Bolus in Pediatric Septic Shock? A Critical Appraisal of "Fluid Bolus Over 15-20 Versus 5-10 Minutes Each in the First Hour of Resuscitation in Children With Septic Shock: A Randomized Controlled Trial" by Sankar et al (Pediatr Crit Care Med 2017; 18:e435-e445).

To review the findings and discuss the implications of a longer duration for fluid boluses in the resuscitation of children with septic shock. We performed a PubMed.gov search using the criteria "Fluid Bolus" and "Children" and "Septic Shock," which yielded 29 references. One trial compared different durations of fluid boluses in pediatric septic shock and was therefore selected for critical appraisal. (Sankar J, Ismail J, Sankar MJ, et al: Fluid Bolus Over 15-20 Versus 5-10 Minutes Each in the First Hour of Resuscitation in Children with Septic Shock: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2017; 18:e435-e445.) DATA EXTRACTION:: This trial compared the effectiveness of 20 mL/kg fluid boluses, in children with septic shock, given over 15-20 versus 5-10 minutes in terms of need for invasive ventilation and/or increase in oxygenation index by 5 from baseline at 6 and 24 hours post initial fluid resuscitation. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 0.62 (p = 0.04; 95% CI, 0.39-0.99) at 6 hours and 0.63 (p = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.42-0.93) at 24 hours. Fragility Index calculations for the primary outcomes of this trial were 1 and 2. Therefore, only one and two children would have needed different outcomes to have given nonsignificant p values greater than 0.05. Analysis of the results did not support the early stopping of this trial at the interim period. The article reviewed does not support a change in practice to a longer duration of fluid bolus. The "push" technique for titration of fluid boluses in pediatric septic shock should continue to be the method of choice. Critical Care trials using binary outcomes as endpoints should publish Fragility Index results to aid interpretation and generate stronger conclusions.

Pretreatment with Erythropoietin Attenuates Lung Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Toll-Like Receptor-4/Nuclear Factor-κB (TLR4/NF-κB) Pathway.

BackgroundLung ischemia/reperfusion injury (LIRI) is a medical problem featuring pulmonary dysfunction and damage. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of erythropoietin (EPO), which has been reported to be an anti-inflammatory agent, on LIRI through inhibiting the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway.Material/MethodsAll rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=8): a control group, a vehicle+LIRI group, and an EPO+LIRI group. LIRI included 90-min ischemia and 120-min reperfusion, while RhEpo was administered (3 kU/kg) intraperitoneally 2 h before the operation. Levels of pulmonary inflammatory responses were examined by analyzing pulmonary permeability index (PPI), oxygenation index, histology, and expressions of inflammatory cytokines.ResultsPretreatment with EPO significantly decreased lung W/D ratio, BALF leukocytes count and percentage, and PPI but increased oxygenation index compared with the LIRI group (P<0.05). More importantly, with EPO pretreatment there was less pathological damage compared with the vehicle group. Expressions of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in the serum were significantly lower in the EPO group than in the LIRI group (P<0.05). In addition, gene expression and protein expression of TLR-4 and NF-κB were significantly inhibited with EPO pretreatment compared with the LIRI group (P<0.05).ConclusionsOur study id the first to report that EPO protects lung injuries after LIRI through inhibiting the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway, which provides solid evidence for the use of EPO as a therapeutic agent for treating LIRI in the future.

MODIFICATION OF COMPOSITE MIXTURES FOR MANUFACTURING SHIP CABLEWARE MATERIALS

The purpose of this work was to develop a modified polymeric composite mixture for the manufacture of the outer shell of a ship's cable operating under conditions of aggressive environment and increased fire hazard. The performed research resulted in the analysis of the basic polymeric composite mixtures. A complex of the most important technical and operational characteristics of the cable shell was formed. These characteristics are wear resistance, oil resistance and fire safety. On the basis of these assumptions a new polymer composition based on chloropolyethylene TYRIN CM 3630E with an increased oxygen index and improved physical and mechanical properties was developed. Modification of the mixture was carried out by increasing the mass fraction of flame-retardant additives and adding stabilizers to the mixture. Thanks to a balanced combination of technical and operational properties the use of the developed compound will increase the cable service life and operating time and will reduce the overall weight of the cable by using conductors of a smaller cross-section at a higher operating temperature.

Stream and slope weathering effects on organic-rich mudstone geochemistry and implications for hydrocarbon source rock assessment: A Bowland Shale case study

This study contributes to the exploration and quantification of the weathering of organic-rich mudstones under temperate climatic conditions. Bowland Shales, exposed by a stream and slope, were sampled in order to develop a model for the effects of weathering on the mudstone geochemistry, including major and trace element geochemistry, Rock-Eval pyrolysis and δ13Corg. Four weathering grades (I – IV) are defined using a visual classification scheme; visually fresh and unaltered (I), chemically altered (II, III) and ‘paper shale’ that typifies weathered mudstone on slopes (IV). Bedload abrasion in the stream exposes of visually fresh and geochemically unaltered mudstone. Natural fractures are conduits for oxidising meteoric waters that promote leaching at the millimetre scale and/or precipitation of iron oxide coatings along fracture surfaces. On the slope, bedding-parallel fractures formed (and may continue to form) in response to chemical and/or physical weathering processes. These fractures develop along planes of weakness, typically along laminae comprising detrital grains, and exhibit millimetre- and centimetre-scale leached layers and iron oxide coatings. Fracture surfaces are progressively exposed to physical weathering processes towards the outcrop surface, and results in disintegration of the altered material along fracture surfaces. Grade IV, ‘paper shale’ mudstone is chemically unaltered but represents a biased record driven by initial heterogeneity in the sedimentary fabric. Chemically weathered outcrop samples exhibit lower concentrations of both ‘free’ (S1) (up to 0.6mgHC/g rock) and ‘bound’ (S2) (up to 3.2mgHC/g rock) hydrocarbon, reduced total organic carbon content (up to 0.34wt%), reduced hydrogen index (up to 58mgHC/gTOC), increased oxygen index (up to 19mgCO+CO2/gTOC) and increased Tmax (up to 11°C) compared with unaltered samples. If analysis of chemically weathered samples is unavoidable, back-extrapolation of Rock-Eval parameters can assist in the estimation of pre-weathering organic compositions. Combining Cs/Cu with oxygen index is a proxy for identifying the weathering progression from fresh material (I) to ‘paper shale’ (IV). This study demonstrates that outcrop samples in temperate climates can provide information for assessing hydrocarbon potential of organic-rich mudstones.

ПЕРВЫЙ КЛИНИЧЕСКИЙ ОПЫТ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ КОЛОНОК ДЛЯ ЛПС-АДСОРБЦИИ «ТОКСИПАК» В ЛЕЧЕНИИ ПАЦИЕНТОВ С СЕПСИСОМ

Endotoxicosis is one of the main factors of the pathogenesis of multiple organic dysfunctions in gram-negative sepsis, induced by the accumulation of lipopolysaccharides - wall components of gram-negative bacteria. In vitro removal of them (LPS-adsorption) promotes better treatment outcomes in sepsis patients. Development and introduction of the Russian tools for LPS-adsorption becomes more crucial. Objective: to evaluate the efficiency and safety of the column of Toxipak for endotoxin removal, manufactured by POCARD Ltd. Materials and methods: 7 adult sepsis patients who had LPS-adsorption were included into the study. The changes of the following parameters were monitored in the patients: temperature, pulse, arterial pressure, respiration rate, central venous pressure, oxygen saturation, hourly rate of diuresis, oxygenation index was calculated, hematologic and biochemical blood parameters were tested as well as coagulation system rates, endotoxin level, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, and interleukins (IL) 1, 6, 8. Criteria of the system inflammatory response and SOFA score were used for the comprehensive evaluation of clinical status. The adverse events, duration of stay in the intensive care ward and 18- and 24-day mortality were followed up during manipulations. Results: the studied column provided no negative effect on the cellular and biochemical composition, main parameters of clotting system and acid-base balance of blood. Its use resulted in the reduction of endotoxin (LPS) (by 64%), CRP (by 14%), IL-1 (by 38%) in blood, increase of oxygenation index, and renal function improvement. LPS adsorption promoted the reduction of clinical and laboratory signs of system inflammatory response, and severity of organ dysfunction (from 6.0 to 3.0 as per SOFA score) in patients with sepsis and septic shock. Conclusion: Toxipak column is safe and efficient for removal of endotoxins from blood.

A STABILITY STUDY OF OMEPRAZOLE DILUTED IN SODIUM CHLORIDE FOR INTRAVENOUS INFUSION AND DISCUSSION REGARDING CURRENT PRACTICE IN UK PAEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNITS

BackgroundOmeprazole by intravenous infusion is occasionally warranted in children during episodes of acute upper gastro-intestinal bleeding. This is to ensure the continued suppression of stomach acid to reduce the of...

Effects of oxygen index on soot production and temperature in an ethylene inverse diffusion flame

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of the Oxygen Index (OI) in an ethylene laminar inverse diffusion flame (IDF). The OI was varied from 21% to 37% and its influence was measured in terms of the flame height, soot volume fraction, soot temperature and radiant fraction. The stoichiometric flame height was measured by the spontaneous emission of CH∗ radicals and was found to decrease when the OI increases. In contrast, the luminous flame height increases with OI because soot can still form and grow beyond the reaction zone. Radial profiles of soot volume fraction and soot temperature were obtained by means of a Modulated Absorption/Emission (MAE) technique. The line-of-sight intensities, integrated along the optical path and captured by ECCD camera at two wavelengths were inverted using deconvolution and regularization techniques in order to obtain radial profiles of soot volume fraction and temperature. The increase in OI enhances soot volume fraction due to higher temperatures and soot formation rates. Both the local and integrated soot quantities increase with OI. The radiant fraction of IDF increases with the OI in a similar way to the integrated soot volume fraction.

Comparison of inhaled nitric oxide and Iloprost in infants with moderate or severe pulmonary hypertension after cardiac surgery: a prospective randomized trial

Objective To compare the efficacy of inhaled Iloprost and nitric oxide(NO) in infants with moderate or severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) after congenital heart disease surgery. Methods This was a prospective randomized study in Children's Hospital of Fudan University from January 2011 to January 2014, including 40 infants who suffered from moderate to severe PH after heart surgery.Their ages ranged from 1 to 24 months.Their weight ranged from 3.2 to 11.0 kg.They were randomly allocated to inhale NO (NO group, n=20) or Iloprost (Iloprost group, n=20). Iloprost group was given Iloprost with 50 ng/(kg·min) for 10 min and then combined with NO 20×10-6 for 10 min; NO group was first given 20×10-6 of NO for 10 min, then combined with Iloprost 50 ng/(kg·min) for 10 min.Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, pulmonary artery pressure(PAP) and central venous pressure were recorded continuously.At the same time, the concentration of nitrogen dioxide and methemoglobin after inhaling NO was detected. Results Inhaled Iloprost and NO caused significant reduction in PAP(t=4.670, P=0.009; t=3.762, P=0.004) and pulmonary-to-systemic pressure ratio(Pp/Ps)(t=16.974, P=0.000; t=9.682, P=0.000)but significant increase in oxygen index separately.The combination had no additional effect compared with single application.In term of the reduction of PAP, there was no significant difference between inhaled Iloprost and NO(F=2.742, P=0.129). The levels of nitrogen dioxide and methemoglobin were not above the normal limits. Conclusions Moderate to severe PH after cardiac surgery was significantly reduced by inhaled NO and Iloprost.They had similar effects.However, the combination of both vasodilators failed to prove more potent than either substance alone.Compared with the potential toxicity of NO, the individual differences and the complex transmission, Iloprost may be more reasonable and feasible for the postoperative treatment of PH. Key words: Heart defects, congenital; Pulmonary hypertension; Iloprost; Nitric oxide

Predictors of mortality in pediatric patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Currently, there are no established echocardiographic or hemodynamic predictors of mortality after weaning venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in children. We wished to determine which measurements predict mortality. Over 3 years, we prospectively assessed six echo and six hemodynamic variables at 3-5 circuit rates while weaning extracorporeal membrane oxygenation flow. Hemodynamic measurements were heart rate, inotropic score, arteriovenous oxygen difference, pulse pressure, oxygenation index, and lactate. Echo variables included shortening/ejection fraction, outflow tract Doppler-derived stroke distance (velocity-time integral), degree of atrioventricular valve regurgitation, longitudinal strain (global longitudinal strain), and circumferential strain (global circumferential strain). Cardiovascular ICU at Lucille Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, CA. Patients were stratified into those who died or required heart transplant (Gr1) and those who did not (Gr2). For each patient, we compared the change for each variable between full versus minimum extracorporeal membrane oxygenation flow for each group. None. We enrolled 21 patients ranging in age from 0.02 to 15 years. Five had dilated cardiomyopathy, and 16 had structural heart disease with severe ventricular dysfunction. Thirteen of 21 patients (62%) comprised Gr1, including two patients with heart transplants. Eight patients constituted Gr2. Gr1 patients had a significantly greater increase in oxygenation index (35% mean increase; p < 0.01) off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation compared to full flow, but no change in velocity-time integral or arteriovenous oxygen difference. In Gr2, velocity-time integral increased (31% mean increase; p < 0.01), with no change in arteriovenous oxygen difference or oxygenation index. Pulse pressure increased modestly with flow reduction only in Gr1 (p < 0.01). Failure to augment velocity-time integral or an increase in oxygenation index during the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning is associated with poor outcomes in children. We propose that these measurements should be performed during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation wean, as they may discriminate who will require alternative methods of circulatory support for survival.