Reacting Chemistry Based Burn Model for Explosive Hydrocodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwaab, Matthew; Greendyke, Robert; Steward, Bryan

2017-06-01

Currently, in hydrocodes designed to simulate explosive material undergoing shock-induced ignition, the state of the art is to use one of numerous reaction burn rate models. These burn models are designed to estimate the bulk chemical reaction rate. Unfortunately, these models are largely based on empirical data and must be recalibrated for every new material being simulated. We propose that the use of an equilibrium Arrhenius rate reacting chemistry model in place of these empirically derived burn models will improve the accuracy for these computational codes. Such models have been successfully used in codes simulating the flow physics around hypersonic vehicles. A reacting chemistry model of this form was developed for the cyclic nitramine RDX by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). Initial implementation of this chemistry based burn model has been conducted on the Air Force Research Laboratory's MPEXS multi-phase continuum hydrocode. In its present form, the burn rate is based on the destruction rate of RDX from NRL's chemistry model. Early results using the chemistry based burn model show promise in capturing deflagration to detonation features more accurately in continuum hydrocodes than previously achieved using empirically derived burn models.

Burn Incidence and Treatment in the U.S.

MedlinePlus

... state health data systems, and the National Burn Repository (NBR) of the American Burn Association (ABA). ABA ... Burn Admissions to Burn Centers (ABA National Burn Repository 2015) Survival Rate: 96.8% Gender: 68% Male, ...

Burden of burns in Portugal, 2000-2013: A clinical and economic analysis of 26,447 hospitalisations.

PubMed

Santos, João V; Oliveira, Andreia; Costa-Pereira, Altamiro; Amarante, José; Freitas, Alberto

2016-06-01

There is a lack of recent and nation-wide epidemiological studies of burns in Europe, mainly in southern Europe. There are no recent studies describing the clinical and economic burden of burns in this European area. Hence, this research aimed to describe the clinical and economic burden of burn hospitalisations in Portugal. A retrospective observational study was performed and the Portuguese hospitalisation database of public hospitals was used; all inpatients, discharged between 2000 and 2013, with a main or secondary diagnosis of burns (ICD-9-CM: 940.xx-949.xx) were taken into account. Furthermore, admissions to hospitals with and without burn centres were compared. A total of 26,447 burn hospitalisations were registered (mean of 1889burn admissions/year). The total hospitalisation rate was of 18.9hospitalisations/100,000inhabitants/year, and there was a higher incidence of male patients. Burn hospitalisations and hospitalisation rates are significantly decreasing - mostly in 0-14-year-old patients - and children below the age of 5 years represented a fifth of all admissions. Besides the important morbidity, the in-hospital mortality rate was of 4.4%. With a total annual charge of almost 13million Euros, the average cost per burn admission is increasing, and reached 8032Euros in 2013. Additionally, more than half of the patients admitted to hospitals without burn centres were not transferred to hospitals with burn centres, not following the European Burns Association transferral criteria. As the largest southern European nation-wide epidemiological study of burn patients, this research highlights that burn admissions, as well as hospitalisation rates, are decreasing significantly. This was particularly obvious among the youngest patients despite the fact that the numbers still remain very high. Moreover, the in-hospital mortality rate is still excessively high and the burn transferral criteria are not being followed. Thus, it is important to improve preventive measures, reach out to and educate providers about the burn transferral criteria, and develop specific health care strategies for children with these injuries. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Burning of CP Titanium (Grade 2) in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoltzfus, Joel M.; Jeffers, Nathan; Gallus, Timothy D.

2012-01-01

The flammability in oxygen-enriched atmospheres of commercially pure (CP) titanium rods as a function of diameter and test gas pressure was determined. Test samples of varying diameters were ignited at the bottom and burned upward in 70% O2/balance N2 and in 99.5+% O2 at various pressures. The burning rate of each ignited sample was determined by observing the apparent regression rate of the melting interface (RRMI) of the burning samples. The burning rate or RRMI increased with decreasing test sample diameter and with increasing test gas pressure and oxygen concentration

Mental health outcomes of burn: A longitudinal population-based study of adults hospitalized for burns.

PubMed

Logsetty, Sarvesh; Shamlou, Amir; Gawaziuk, Justin P; March, Justin; Doupe, Malcolm; Chateau, Dan; Hoppensack, Mike; Khan, Sazzadul; Medved, Maria; Leslie, William D; Enns, Murray W; Stein, Murray B; Asmundson, Gordon J G; Sareen, Jitender

2016-06-01

This study investigates the increased risk of mental health outcomes and health care utilization associated with burn with two year of follow-up using a longitudinal population-based matched cohort design. Adult burn survivors (n=157) were identified from a provincial burn registry and matched 1:5 with non-burn control subjects from the general population (matching variables age and gender). The prevalence of mental health outcomes and the rates of health care utilization between the groups were compared for the 2years pre and post index date using anonymously linked population-based administrative health care data. Rates were adjusted for age, gender and sociodemographic characteristics. While the burn cohort had an increased prevalence of mental health problems after burn compared to the control cohort, the burn group also had an increased prevalence of pre-burn depression (16.6% vs 7.8%; p=0.0005) and substance use disorders (8.9% vs 3.2%; p=0.001) when compared to controls. Once the pre-existing prevalence of mental illness was taken into account there was no significant change in the prevalence of mental health problems when comparing the burn group to controls over time. Although burns may not increase rates of mental health issues and health care utilization, burn survivors are a vulnerable group who already demonstrate increased rates of psychopathology and need for care. The present study highlights the importance of assessment and treatment of mental health outcomes in this population. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

[Effect of prescribed burning on grassland nitrogen gross mineralization and nitrification].

PubMed

Li, Yuzhong; Zhu, Tingcheng; Li, Jiandong; Zhou, Daowei

2003-02-01

The seasonal dynamics of nitrogen gross mineralization, nitrification, and mineral nitrogen consumption rates in burned and unburned Leymus chinensis grasslands were studied with 15N pool dilution technique. The results indicated that the gross mineralization and nitrification rates in burned area were higher than those in unburned area in April and May, and lower than those in unburned area in September. NH4(+)-N consumption rates were higher than unburned area in April and May, and lower in September. NO3(-)-N consumption rates were higher than control in April and May, and lower than control in July and September. The NH4(+)-N concentrations were higher in burned area in April, May and July, and no difference in September. NO3(-)-N concentrations were no difference between burned and unburned areas in April and May, and higher in burned areas in July and September.

Growth rate predicts mortality of Abies concolor in both burned and unburned stands

USGS Publications Warehouse

van Mantgem, Phillip J.; Stephenson, Nathan L.; Mutch, Linda S.; Johnson, Veronica G.; Esperanza, Annie M.; Parsons, David J.

2003-01-01

Tree mortality is often the result of both long-term and short-term stress. Growth rate, an indicator of long-term stress, is often used to estimate probability of death in unburned stands. In contrast, probability of death in burned stands is modeled as a function of short-term disturbance severity. We sought to narrow this conceptual gap by determining (i) whether growth rate, in addition to crown scorch, is a predictor of mortality in burned stands and (ii) whether a single, simple model could predict tree death in both burned and unburned stands. Observations of 2622 unburned and 688 burned Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl. (white fir) in the Sierra Nevada of California, U.S.A., indicated that growth rate was a significant predictor of mortality in the unburned stands, while both crown scorch and radial growth were significant predictors of mortality in the burned stands. Applying the burned stand model to unburned stands resulted in an overestimation of the unburned stand mortality rate. While failing to create a general model of tree death for A. concolor, our findings underscore the idea that similar processes may affect mortality in disturbed and undisturbed stands.

The Development of the Wall Momentum Erosive Burning Scaling Law and Macro Scale Erosive Burning Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-01

burn rate in excess of 2 in/sec at 1000 psi, and Mach numbers that reach 1.0 at the aft end at ignition . Typically, motors with high burning rate...37 VI I. INTRODUCTION Interior ballistics of solid propellant rocket motors continues to be an engineering discipline that is...and one open source paper published between 2005 and 2009 [2, 3, 13]. II. BACKGROUND Erosive burning is a term used in the solid rocket motor

Analysis of the burns profile and the admission rate of severely burned adult patient to the National Burn Center of Chile after the 2010 earthquake.

PubMed

Albornoz, Claudia; Villegas, Jorge; Sylvester, Marilu; Peña, Veronica; Bravo, Iside

2011-06-01

Chile is located in the Ring of Fire, in South America. An earthquake 8.8° affected 80% of the population in February 27th, 2010. This study was conducted to assess any change in burns profile caused by the earthquake. This was an ecologic study. We compared the 4 months following the earthquake in 2009 and 2010. age, TBSA, deep TBSA, agent, specific mortality rate and rate of admissions to the National burn Center of Chile. Mann-Whitney test and a Poisson regression were performed. Age, agent, TBSA and deep TBSA percentages did not show any difference. Mortality rate was lower in 2010 (0.52 versus 1.22 per 1,000,000 habitants) but no meaningful difference was found (Poisson regression p = 0.06). Admission rate was lower in 2010, 4.6 versus 5.6 per 1,000,000 habitants, but no differences were found (p = 0.26). There was not any admissions directly related to the earthquake. As we do not have incidence registries in Chile, we propose to use the rate of admission to the National Burn Reference Center as an incidence estimator. There was not any significant difference in the burn profile, probably because of the time of the earthquake (3 am). We conclude the earthquake did not affect the way the Chilean people get burned. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

The effects of epidermal debridement of partial-thickness burns on infection and reepithelialization in swine.

PubMed

Singer, A J; Thode, H C; McClain, S A

2000-02-01

Early postburn debridement of burn blisters is controversial. This study was conducted to compare rates of infection and reepithelialization in debrided vs nondebrided second-degree burns in swine. This was a prospective, blinded, controlled, experimental trial using isoflurane-anesthetized swine. Standardized partial-thickness burns were inflicted by applying an aluminum bar preheated to 80 degrees C to the backs and flanks of two young pigs for 20 seconds. In half of the burns the necrotic epidermis was manually debrided. All burns were randomly treated with octylcyanoacrylate spray (OCA) or dry gauze (C). Full-thickness biopsies were taken at 7, 10, and 14 days for blinded histopathologic evaluation. The primary outcomes were the proportions of infected burns at days 7 and 10 and the proportion of completely reepithelialized burns at day 14. Burns were considered infected in the presence of intradermal neutrophils containing bacteria (intraobserver agreement, K = 1.00). A secondary outcome was the proportion of burns with the presence of scar tissue (abnormal collagen under polarized light; intraobserver correlation, K = 0.93). Chi-square tests were used for group comparisons. This study had 90% power to detect a 40-percentage-point difference in infection rates (alpha = 0.05). A total of 126 biopsies from 42 burns were available for review. Infection rates were higher in the debrided burns both at day 7 (55% vs 4.5%, p < 0.001) and at day 10 (65% vs 9%, p < 0.001) after injury. The proportion of nondebrided burns that were completely reepithelialized was higher at days 10 (68% vs 0%, p < 0.001) and 14 (100% vs 65%, p = 0.003). The presence of scar tissue was more common in debrided burns (75% vs 4.5%, p < 0.001). Burns treated with OCA had fewer infections than controls (4% vs 55%, p < 0.001). Fewer OCA-treated debrided burns were reepithelialized at 14 days than those that were not debrided (30% vs 100%, p = 0.001). Under the current study conditions, early postburn epidermal debridement of second-degree burns resulted in more infections and slower reepithelialization rates in swine. The effects of early postburn epidermal debridement in humans should be explored.

Burning rates of wood cribs with implications for wildland fires

Treesearch

Sara McAllister; Mark Finney

2016-01-01

Wood cribs are often used as ignition sources for room fire tests and the well characterized burning rates may also have applications to wildland fires. The burning rate of wildland fuel structures, whether the needle layer on the ground or trees and shrubs themselves, is not addressed in any operational fire model and no simple model exists. Several relations...

Addendum to High Pressure Burn Rate Measurements on an Ammonium Perchlorate Propellant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Glascoe, E A; Tan, N

2010-11-08

As part of a small follow-on study, the burn rate of the ammonium perchlorate (AP) based material TAL-1503 was studied at a relatively mild pressure. The goal of this final experiment was to burn TAL-1503 at the lowest pressures possible using the LLNL High Pressure Strand Burner (LLNL-HPSB). The following is a description of the experiment and the results with a brief discussion of data and a comparison to the higher pressure data. This is not meant to be a stand-alone report and readers should refer to the main report for experimental details and discussion. High pressure deflagration rate measurementsmore » of a unique AP/HTPB based material (TAL-1503) were performed using the LLNL high pressure strand burner apparatus. The material burns in a well behaved, laminar fashion between 20 and 300 MPa with a burn law of B = (0.6 {+-} 0.1) x P{sup (1.05{+-}0.02)} that was calculated based on the best data available from the experiments. In the pressure range of 2 and 10 MPa the material burned laminarly with a burn law of B = (2.0 {+-} 0.2) x P{sup (0.66{+-}0.05)}. In these results, B is the burn rate in mm/s and P is the pressure in units of MPa. Comparison of the TAL-1503 results with similar propellants that contain micrometer sized aluminum indicate that the burn rates are relatively unaffected by the aluminum. However, the pressure change is significantly larger when aluminum is present, most likely due to the high temperatures achieved from burning aluminum.« less

Evaluation of Additives to Reduce Solid Propellant Flammability in Ambient Air.

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-12-01

been applied successfully to reduce the flammability of plastics and polymers. From that experimental data base, the following have been shown to be...consumption rate of the cube) are reported since they are more repeatable than the linear burning rate data . B. Free Convection Effects Several series of...Steady State Burning Rate Measurements Obtaining steady state burning rate data in air requires a technique for holding the characteristic length

Efficacy of moist exposed burn ointment on burns.

PubMed

Zhang, Hong-Qi; Yip, Tsui-Pik; Hui, Irene; Lai, Vincy; Wong, Ann

2005-01-01

In this study, we sought to test the medical efficacy of a Chinese medical herb product, moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO), on wound healing rate and infection control in burn injury. Standardized deep burn wounds were created on the back skin of rats by applying a hot brass bar for 12 to 18 seconds. MEBO was applied four times per day and compared with petroleum jelly, silver sulfadiazine, and dry exposure therapy. Under such a controlled setting, although MEBO had a better wound healing rate than the dry exposure treatment, it did not show the medical advantage statistically, as has been claimed, over the other two treatments (P > .05), either in terms of wound healing rate or bacterial control. We conclude that the MEBO is not suitable for deep burn wound treatment, particularly when infection is a concern.

Burn-related factors affecting anxiety, depression and self-esteem in burn patients: an exploratory study.

PubMed

Jain, M; Khadilkar, N; De Sousa, A

2017-03-31

Burns are physically, psychologically and economically challenging injuries, and the factors leading to them are many and under-studied. The aim of the current study was to assess level of anxiety, depression and self-esteem in burn patients, and look at various burn-related variables that affect them. This cross-sectional study included 100 patients with burn injuries admitted to a tertiary care private hospital in an urban metropolis in India. The patients were assessed for anxiety, depression and self-esteem using the Hamilton anxiety rating scale, Hamilton depression rating scale and Rosenberg self-esteem scale respectively. Assessment was carried out within 2-8 weeks of injury following medical stabilization. The data was tabulated and statistically analyzed. The study sample was predominantly male (54%), married (69%), with a mean age of 34.1 ± 10.8 years. Accidental burns (94%) were the most common modality of injury. The majority (46%) suffered burns involving 20-59% total body surface area (TBSA), and facial burns were present (57%). No significant association was found between TBSA and anxiety, depression or self-esteem, and the same was true for facial burns. Deep burns, however, were significantly associated with anxiety (p=0.03) and depression (p=0.0002). High rates of anxiety and depression are associated with burn injuries and related to burn depth. Adjustment and recovery in these patients depends on various other factors like the patient's psychological status, nature/extent of the injury and ensuing medical care. Further research is warranted to reveal the magnitude and predictors of psychological problems in burn patients.

The contribution of charcoal burning to the rise and decline of suicides in Hong Kong from 1997-2007.

PubMed

Law, C K; Yip, Paul S F; Caine, Eric D

2011-09-01

There has been scant research exploring the relationship between choice of method (means) of self-inflicted death, and broader social or contextual factors. The recent emergence and growth of suicide using carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from burning charcoal in an enclosed space (hereafter, "charcoal burning") was related to an increase in the overall suicide rate in Hong Kong. The growth of this method coincided with changing economic conditions. This paper expands upon previous work to explore possible relationships further. This study aims to discern the role of charcoal burning in overall suicide rate transition during times of both economic recession and expansion, as captured in the unemployment rate of Hong Kong, and to examine whether there was evidence of an effect from means-substitution. Age and gender specific suicide rates in Hong Kong by suicide methods from 1997 to 2007 were calculated. To model the transition of suicide rate by different methods, Poisson regression analyses were employed. Charcoal burning constituted 18.3% of all suicides, 88% of which involved individuals drawn from the middle years (25-59) of life. During both periods of rising and declining unemployment, charcoal burning played an important role in the changing suicide rates, and this effect was most prominent among for those in their middle years. Means-substitution was found among the married women during the period of rate advancement (1997-2003). Compared to others, working-age adults preferentially selected carbon monoxide poisoning from charcoal burning.

Experimental study on burning rates of square/rectangular gasoline and methanol pool fires under longitudinal air flow in a wind tunnel.

PubMed

Hu, L H; Liu, S; Peng, W; Huo, R

2009-09-30

Square pool fires with length of 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 cm and rectangular pool fires with dimensions of 10 cm x 20 cm and 10 cm x 40 cm were burned in a wind tunnel, under a longitudinal air flow ranged from 0 to 3m/s with incremental change of about 0.5m/s. Methanol and gasoline were burned and compared, with results indicated that their burning rates showed different response to the longitudinal air flow. With the increase of the longitudinal air flow speed, the burning rates of methanol pool fires, except the 5 cm square one, first decreased and then increased, but those of the 5 cm methanol square one and the gasoline pool fires increased monotonously. The burning rate of smaller square pool fires increased more significantly than that of the larger ones, as well as the enlargement of their flame attachment length along the ground. The burning rate of a rectangular pool fire with longer rim parallel to the longitudinal flow increased faster, but the flame attachment length seemed to increase more gradually, with the increase of the longitudinal air flow speed than that perpendicular to.

Improved survival with an innovative approach to the treatment of severely burned patients: development of a burn treatment manual.

PubMed

Morisada, S; Nosaka, N; Tsukahara, K; Ugawa, T; Sato, K; Ujike, Y

2015-09-30

The management of severely burned patients remains a major issue worldwide as indicated by the high incidence of permanent debilitating complications and poor survival rates. In April 2012, the Advanced Emergency & Critical Care Medical Center of the Okayama University Hospital began implementing guidelines for severely burned patients, distributed as a standard burn treatment manual. The protocol, developed in-house, was validated by comparing the outcomes of patients with severe extensive burns (SEB) treated before and after implementation of these new guidelines at this institution. The patients included in this study had a burn index (BI) ≥30 or a prognostic burn index (PBI = BI + patient's age) ≥100. The survival rate of the patients with BI ≥30 was 65.2% with the traditional treatment and 100% with the new guidelines. Likewise, the survival rate of the patients with PBI ≥100 was 61.1% with the traditional treatment compared to 100% with the new guidelines. Together, these data demonstrate that the new treatment guidelines dramatically improved the treatment outcome and survival of SEB patients.

Burn care in South Africa: a micro cosmos of Africa.

PubMed

Rode, H; Cox, S G; Numanoglu, A; Berg, A M

2014-07-01

Burn injuries in Africa are common with between 300,000 and 17.5 million children under 5 years sustaining burn injuries annually, resulting in a high estimated fatality rate. These burns are largely environmentally conditioned and therefore preventable. The Western Cape Province in South Africa can be regarded as a prototype of paediatric burns seen on the continent, with large numbers, high morbidity and mortality rates and an area inclusive of all factors contributing to this extraordinary burden of injury. Most of the mechanisms to prevent burns are not easily modified due to the restraint of low socio-economic homes, overcrowding, unsafe appliances, multiple and complex daily demands on families and multiple psycho-social stressors. Children <4 years are at highest risk of burns with an average annual rate of 6.0/10,000 child-years. Burn care in South Africa is predominantly emergency driven and variable in terms of organization, clinical management, facilities and staffing. Various treatment strategies were introduced. The management of HIV positive children poses a problem, as well as the conflict of achieving equity of burn care for all children. Without alleviating poverty, developing minimum standards for housing, burn education, safe appliances and legislation, we will not be able to reduce the "curse of poor people" and will continue to treat the consequences.

A Burning Rate Emulator (BRE) for Study in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Markan, A.; Sunderland, P. B.; Quintiere, J. G.; DeRis, J.; Stocker, D. P.

2015-01-01

A gas-fueled burner, the Burning Rate Emulator (BRE), is used to emulate condensed-phase fuel flames. The design has been validated to easily measure the burning behavior of condensed-phase fuels by igniting a controlled stream of gas fuel and diluent. Four properties, including the heat of combustion, the heat of gasification, the surface temperature, and the laminar smoke point, are assumed to be sufficient to define the steady burning rate of a condensed-phase fuel. The heat of gasification of the fuel is determined by measuring the heat flux and the fuel flow rate. Microgravity BRE tests in the NASA 5.2 s drop facility have examined the burning of pure methane and ethylene (pure and 50 in N2 balance). Fuel flow rates, chamber oxygen concentration and initial pressure have been varied. Two burner sizes, 25 and 50 mm respectively, are chosen to examine the nature of initial microgravity burning. The tests reveal bubble-like flames that increase within the 5.2s drop but the heat flux received from the flame appears to asymptotically approach steady state. Portions of the methane flames appear to locally detach and extinguish at center, while its shape remains fixed, but growing. The effective heat of gasification is computed from the final measured net heat flux and the fuel flow rate under the assumption of an achieved steady burning. Heat flux (or mass flux) and flame position are compared with stagnant layer burning theory. The analysis offers the prospect of more complete findings from future longer duration ISS experiments.

Improving burn care and preventing burns by establishing a burn database in Ukraine.

PubMed

Fuzaylov, Gennadiy; Murthy, Sushila; Dunaev, Alexander; Savchyn, Vasyl; Knittel, Justin; Zabolotina, Olga; Dylewski, Maggie L; Driscoll, Daniel N

2014-08-01

Burns are a challenge for trauma care and a contribution to the surgical burden. The former Soviet republic of Ukraine has a foundation for burn care; however data concerning burns in Ukraine has historically been scant. The objective of this paper was to compare a new burn database to identify problems and implement improvements in burn care and prevention in this country. Retrospective analyses of demographic and clinical data of burn patients including Tukey's post hoc test, analysis of variance, and chi square analyses, and Fisher's exact test were used. Data were compared to the American Burn Association (ABA) burn repository. This study included 1752 thermally injured patients treated in 20 hospitals including Specialized Burn Unit in Municipal Hospital #8 Lviv, Lviv province in Ukraine. Scald burns were the primary etiology of burns injuries (70%) and burns were more common among children less than five years of age (34%). Length of stay, mechanical ventilation use, infection rates, and morbidity increased with greater burn size. Mortality was significantly related to burn size, inhalation injury, age, and length of stay. Wound infections were associated with burn size and older age. Compared to ABA data, Ukrainian patients had double the length of stay and a higher rate of wound infections (16% vs. 2.4%). We created one of the first burn databases from a region of the former Soviet Union in an effort to bring attention to burn injury and improve burn care. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

A Burke-Schumann analysis of diffusion-flame structures supported by a burning droplet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nayagam, Vedha; Dietrich, Daniel L.; Williams, Forman A.

2017-07-01

A Burke-Schumann description of three different regimes of combustion of a fuel droplet in an oxidising atmosphere, namely the premixed-flame regime, the partial-burning regime and the diffusion-flame regime, is presented by treating the fuel and oxygen leakage fractions through the flame as known parameters. The analysis shows that the burning-rate constant, the flame-standoff ratio, and the flame temperature in these regimes can be obtained from the classical droplet-burning results by suitable definitions of an effective ambient oxygen mass fraction and an effective fuel concentration in the droplet interior. The results show that increasing oxygen leakage alone through the flame lowers both the droplet burning rate and the flame temperature, whereas leakage of fuel alone leaves the burning rate unaffected while reducing the flame temperature and moving the flame closer to the droplet surface. Solutions for the partial-burning regime are shown to exist only for a limited range of fuel and oxygen leakage fractions.

Turbulent Burning Velocities of Two-Component Fuel Mixtures of Methane, Propane and Hydrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kido, Hiroyuki; Nakahara, Masaya; Hashimoto, Jun; Barat, Dilmurat

In order to clarify the turbulent burning velocity of multi-component fuel mixtures, both lean and rich two-component fuel mixtures, in which methane, propane and hydrogen were used as fuels, were prepared while maintaining the laminar burning velocity approximately constant. A distinct difference in the measured turbulent burning velocity at the same turbulence intensity is observed for two-component fuel mixtures having different addition rates of fuel, even the laminar burning velocities are approximately the same. The burning velocities of lean mixtures change almost constantly as the rate of addition changes, whereas the burning velocities of the rich mixtures show no such tendency. This trend can be explained qualitatively based on the mean local burning velocity, which is estimated by taking into account the preferential diffusion effect for each fuel component. In addition, a model of turbulent burning velocity proposed for single-component fuel mixtures may be applied to two-component fuel mixtures by considering the estimated mean local burning velocity of each fuel.

The development of an erosive burning model for solid rocket motors using direct numerical simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDonald, Brian A.

A method for developing an erosive burning model for use in solid propellant design-and-analysis interior ballistics codes is described and evaluated. Using Direct Numerical Simulation, the primary mechanisms controlling erosive burning (turbulent heat transfer, and finite rate reactions) have been studied independently through the development of models using finite rate chemistry, and infinite rate chemistry. Both approaches are calibrated to strand burn rate data by modeling the propellant burning in an environment with no cross-flow, and adjusting thermophysical properties until the predicted regression rate matches test data. Subsequent runs are conducted where the cross-flow is increased from M = 0.0 up to M = 0.8. The resulting relationship of burn rate increase versus Mach Number is used in an interior ballistics analysis to compute the chamber pressure of an existing solid rocket motor. The resulting predictions are compared to static test data. Both the infinite rate model and the finite rate model show good agreement when compared to test data. The propellant considered is an AP/HTPB with an average AP particle size of 37 microns. The finite rate model shows that as the cross-flow increases, near wall vorticity increases due to the lifting of the boundary caused by the side injection of gases from the burning propellant surface. The point of maximum vorticity corresponds to the outer edge of the APd-binder flame. As the cross-flow increases, the APd-binder flame thickness becomes thinner; however, the point of highest reaction rate moves only slightly closer to the propellant surface. As such, the net increase of heat transfer to the propellant surface due to finite rate chemistry affects is small. This leads to the conclusion that augmentation of thermal transport properties and the resulting heat transfer increase due to turbulence dominates over combustion chemistry in the erosive burning problem. This conclusion is advantageous in the development of future models that can be calibrated to heat transfer conditions without the necessity for finite rate chemistry. These results are considered applicable for propellants with small, evenly distributed AP particles where the assumption of premixed APd-binder gases is reasonable.

Aspects of Cool-Flame Supported Droplet Combustion in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nayagam, Vedha; Dietrich, Daniel L.; Williams, Forman A.

2015-01-01

Droplet combustion experiments performed on board the International Space Station have shown that normal-alkane fuels with negative temperature coefficient (NTC) chemistry can support quasi-steady, low-temperature combustion without any visible flame. Here we review the results for n-decane, n-heptane, and n-octane droplets burning in carbon dioxidehelium diluted environments at different pressures and initial droplet sizes. Experimental results for cool-flame burning rates, flame standoff ratios, and extinction diameters are compared against simplified theoretical models of the phenomenon. A simplified quasi-steady model based on the partial-burning regime of Lin predicts the burning rate, and flame standoff ratio reasonably well for all three normal alkanes. The second-stage cool-flame burning and extinction following the first-stage hot-flame combustion, however, shows a small dependence on the initial droplet size, thus deviating from the quasi-steady results. An asymptotic model that estimates the oxygen depletion by the hot flame and its influence on cool-flame burning rates is shown to correct the quasi-steady results and provide a better comparison with the measured burning-rate results.This work was supported by the NASA Space Life and Physical Sciences Research and Applications Program and the International Space Station Program.

The impact of patient demographics and comorbidities upon burns admitted to Tygerberg Hospital Burns Unit, Western Cape, South Africa.

PubMed

Cloake, T; Haigh, T; Cheshire, J; Walker, D

2017-03-01

In South Africa, burns are a major public health problem responsible for significant morbidity and long-term physical disability. This is, in part, due to a significant proportion of the urban population living in poorly constructed, combustible accommodation. The presence of co-morbid diseases such as diabetes and malignancy in patients with burns has been associated with a poorer outcome. The impact of other diseases such as HIV has yet to be defined. A retrospective data collection study analysed the 221 patients admitted to Tygerberg Hospital Burns Unit in 2011 and the first six months of 2013. Using hospital records, patient demographic data was collected alongside burn agent, ICU admission, complications, and patient outcome in terms of length of stay and mortality. The most common burn agent was hot liquid (45.7%). A significant proportion of patients were subject to intentional attacks (34.3%). Shack fires and flame accounted cumulatively for 85% of total inhalational burns, the highest rates of admission to ICU (85.5%), the highest rate of complications, as well as 92.3% of all total fatalities. HIV+ patients had a higher mortality (13.3% vs 5%, p=0.22) and a higher complication rate (46.7% vs 30%, p=0.21). There was no difference in length of stay between the HIV+ and HIV- cohort (12days vs. 15.5 days, p=0.916). Burns are a significant yet preventable cause of mortality and morbidity. The rising number of shack fires, responsible for extensive burns and resultant mortality is concerning and indicates urgent attention and action. HIV complicates the recovery from burn and is responsible for an increased rate of in hospital mortality. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Increased admissions for diabetes mellitus after burn.

PubMed

Duke, Janine M; Randall, Sean M; Fear, Mark W; Boyd, James H; O'Halloran, Emily; Rea, Suzanne; Wood, Fiona M

2016-12-01

Currently, limited long-term data on hyperglycaemia and insulin sensitivity in burn patients are available and the data that do exist are primarily related to paediatric severe burns. The aim of this study was to assess if burn is associated with increased post-burn admissions for diabetes mellitus. A population-based longitudinal study using linked hospital morbidity and death data from Western Australia was undertaken of all persons hospitalized for a first burn (n=30,997) in 1980-2012 and a frequency matched non-injury comparison cohort, randomly selected from Western Australia's birth registrations and electoral roll (n=123,399). Crude admission rates and summed length of stay for diabetes mellitus were calculated. Negative binomial and Cox proportional hazards regression modelling were used to generate incidence rate ratios (IRR) and hazard ratios (HR), respectively. After adjustment for socio-demographic factors and pre-existing health status, the burn cohort had 2.21 times (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.36-1.56) as many admissions and almost three times the number of days in hospital with a diabetes mellitus diagnosis (IRR, 95% CI: 2.94, 2.12-4.09) than the uninjured cohort. Admission rates were significantly elevated for those burned during childhood (<18 years, IRR, 95% CI: 2.65, 1.41-4.97) and adulthood (≥18 years, IRR, 95% CI: 2.12, 1.76-2.55). Incident admissions were significantly elevated in the burn cohort during the first 5 years post-burn when compared with the uninjured (HR, 95% CI: 1.96, 1.46-2.64); no significant difference was found beyond 5 years post-burn (HR, 95% CI: 1.08, 0.82-1.41). Findings of increased hospital admission rates and prolonged length of hospital stay for diabetes mellitus in the burn cohort provide evidence that burns have longer term effects on blood glucose and insulin regulation after wound healing. The first five years after burn discharge appears to be a critical period with significantly elevated incident admissions for diabetes mellitus during this time. Results would suggest prolonged clinical management after discharge and or wound healing to minimise post-burn admissions for diabetes mellitus is required. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Emulation of Condensed Fuel Flames Using a Burning Rate Emulator (BRE) in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Markan, A.; Quintiere, J. G.; Sunderland, P. B.; De Ris, J. L.; Stocker, D. P.

2017-01-01

The Burning Rate Emulator (BRE) is a gaseous fuel burner developed to emulate the burning of condensed phase fuels. The current study details several tests at the NASA Glenn 5-s drop facility to test the BRE technique in microgravity conditions. The tests are conducted for two burner diameters, 25 mm and 50 mm respectively, with methane and ethylene as the fuels. The ambient pressure, oxygen content and fuel flow rate are additional parameters. The microgravity results exhibit a nominally hemispherical flame with decelerating growth and quasi-steady heat flux after about 5 seconds. The BRE burner was evaluated with a transient analysis to assess the extent of steady-state achieved. The burning rate and flame height recorded at the end of the drop are correlated using two steady-state purely diffusive models. A higher burning rate for the bigger burner as compared to theory indicates the significance of gas radiation. The effect of the ambient pressure and oxygen concentration on the heat of gasification are also examined.

Epidemiology of burns undergoing hospitalization to the National Burns Unit in the Sultanate of Oman: a 25-year review.

PubMed

Al-Shaqsi, Sultan; Al-Kashmiri, Ammar; Al-Bulushi, Taimoor

2013-12-01

The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of burns admitted to the National Burns Unit (NBU) in the Sultanate of Oman between 1987 and 2011. This is a retrospective review of burn patients admitted to Oman's National Burns Unit (NBU) between 1987 and 2011. The data extracted from the national burn registry. The study describes the admission rate by gender and age groups, occupation, causes of burns, time-to-admission, length of stay and in-hospital mortality of burns between 1987 and 2011. During a 25-year from 1987 to 2011, there were 3531 burn patients admitted to the National Burns Unit in Oman. The average admission rate to NBU is 7.02 per 100,000 persons per year. On average, males were more likely to be admitted to the NBU than females during the study period (P value < 0.04). Patients aged 1-10 years old constituted 46.6% of caseload during the study period. Flames and scalds caused 88.4% of burns. About half of all patients admitted to the NBU have burns to more than 11% of total body surface area (TBSA). The average stay in hospital was estimated to be 15.3 days per patient. The average in-hospital mortality rate was estimated to be 8.2% per year (range 1.9-22%). Burns are significant public health issue in the Sultanate of Oman. Children are disproportionately over-represented in this study. Prevention programmes are urgently needed to address this "silent and costly epidemic." Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Prognostic factors in electrical burns: a review of 101 patients.

PubMed

Saracoglu, Ayten; Kuzucuoglu, Tamer; Yakupoglu, Sezer; Kilavuz, Oguzhan; Tuncay, Erhan; Ersoy, Burak; Demirhan, Recep

2014-06-01

Electrical burn wounds are among the most devastating of burns, with wide-ranging injuries. We aimed to document the factors affecting the mortality rate of patients presenting with electrical burn wounds to our regional burn centre. This retrospective study was conducted on 101 patients from January 2009 to June 2012. Factors were classified under 11 topics and evaluated according to their relationship with the mortality rate. The major causes of death in burn victims were multiple organ failure and infection. Twenty-six percent of the 101 patients died, all of whom were male. One (1.4%) of the patients who survived was female; 73 (98.6%) survivors were male. The mean age in the deceased group was statistically higher than that of the other patients (32.7 vs. 35.6 years; P < 0.05). All-cause mortality was 2.79 times higher for larger burns (> 25% total body surface area). The values for creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, total body surface area of burn, hospitalised period in the intensive care unit and intubation rate were significantly higher in the exitus group. Renal injury requiring haemofiltration was associated with an almost 12-fold increased risk for mortality. There was no statistically significant difference between patients regarding surgical interventions. Electrical injury remains a major cause of mortality and long-term disability among young people. Our data demonstrated several risk factors associated with increased mortality rate in patients with electrical burn wounds. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

The impact of antibiotic impregnated PICC lines on the incidence of bacteremia in a regional burn center.

PubMed

Armstrong, Shannon D; Thomas, Wendy; Neaman, Keith C; Ford, Ronald D; Paulson, Jayne

2013-06-01

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) have been used increasingly in burn patients who often have decreased intravascular volumes and obtaining intravascular access for resuscitative efforts can be difficult. A potentially serious complication is bloodstream infection. The purpose of our study is to examine the impact of antibiotic impregnated PICC lines on the bacteremia rate in a regional burn center. Consecutive patients admitted to the burn unit and receiving an antibiotic impregnated PICC line were included in the study. Baseline demographics and bacteremia rate was recorded. A retrospective chart review was then undertaken of the 30 consecutive patients admitted to the burn unit and receiving a PICC line prior to the study period. Nineteen patients were enrolled over the two-year period. The bacteremia rate for the study group was 0% compared to the 50% bacteremia rate of the retrospective control group (p=<0.001). Antibiotic impregnated PICC lines decrease the bacteremia rate in our burn population. This has potential benefits for both patient morbidity and mortality as well as potential cost savings for the healthcare system. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Pellet fuelling requirements to allow self-burning on a helical-type fusion reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakamoto, R.; Miyazawa, J.; Yamada, H.; Masuzaki, S.; Sagara, A.; the FFHR Design Group

2012-08-01

Pellet refuelling conditions to sustain a self-burning plasma have been investigated by extrapolating the confinement property of the LHD plasma, which appears to be governed by a gyro-Bohm-type confinement property. The power balance of the burning plasma is calculated taking into account the profile change with pellet deposition and subsequent density relaxation. A self-burning plasma is achieved within the scope of conventional pellet injection technology. However, a very small burn-up rate of 0.18% is predicted. Higher velocity pellet injection is effective in improving the burn-up rate by deepening particle deposition, whereas deep fuelling leads to undesirable fluctuation of the fusion output.

Combustion characteristics of nanoaluminum, liquid water, and hydrogen peroxide mixtures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sabourin, J.L.; Yetter, R.A.; Risha, G.A.

2008-08-15

An experimental investigation of the combustion characteristics of nanoaluminum (nAl), liquid water (H{sub 2}O{sub (l)}), and hydrogen peroxide (H{sub 2}O{sub 2}) mixtures has been conducted. Linear and mass-burning rates as functions of pressure, equivalence ratio ({phi}), and concentration of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} in H{sub 2}O{sub (l)} oxidizing solution are reported. Steady-state burning rates were obtained at room temperature using a windowed pressure vessel over an initial pressure range of 0.24 to 12.4 MPa in argon, using average nAl particle diameters of 38 nm, {phi} from 0.5 to 1.3, and H{sub 2}O{sub 2} concentrations between 0 and 32% by mass. Atmore » a nominal pressure of 3.65 MPa, under stoichiometric conditions, mass-burning rates per unit area ranged between 6.93 g/cm{sup 2} s (0% H{sub 2}O{sub 2}) and 37.04 g/cm{sup 2} s (32% H{sub 2}O{sub 2}), which corresponded to linear burning rates of 9.58 and 58.2 cm/s, respectively. Burning rate pressure exponents of 0.44 and 0.38 were found for stoichiometric mixtures at room temperature containing 10 and 25% H{sub 2}O{sub 2}, respectively, up to 5 MPa. Burning rates are reduced above {proportional_to}5 MPa due to the pressurization of interstitial spaces of the packed reactant mixture with argon gas, diluting the fuel and oxidizer mixture. Mass burning rates were not measured above {proportional_to}32% H{sub 2}O{sub 2} due to an anomalous burning phenomena, which caused overpressurization within the quartz sample holder, leading to tube rupture. High-speed imaging displayed fingering or jetting ahead of the normal flame front. Localized pressure measurements were taken along the sample length, determining that the combustion process proceeded as a normal deflagration prior to tube rupture, without significant pressure buildup within the tube. In addition to burning rates, chemical efficiencies of the combustion reaction were determined to be within approximately 10% of the theoretical maximum under all conditions studied. (author)« less

Predictors of sustaining burn injury: does the use of common prevention strategies matter?

PubMed

Taira, Breena R; Cassara, Guy; Meng, Hongdao; Salama, Michael N; Chohan, Jasmine; Sandoval, Steven; Singer, Adam J

2011-01-01

The incidence of burn injury has decreased over the past several decades. Although this has been largely attributed to increased prevention awareness, few studies evaluate the effectiveness of implementing standard burn prevention strategies in preventing burn injury. The authors hypothesized that patients who sustain burns use burn prevention strategies less frequently than those who do not. This was a case-control study composed of a prospective survey questionnaire and retrospective burn registry query, which was performed in a suburban academic medical center with a burn unit. All burn patients seen by the burn service in the year 2008 and a nonrandom sample of nonburned emergency department patients and visitors during the same time period were enrolled. Demographics included age, gender, income, education, house type, insurance status, and prevention strategy usage including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and escape plans. The primary outcome of interest in this study was burn injury. Chi-square tests were used to compare rates, Student's t-tests were used to compare mean values of continuous variables between burn patients and others, and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the strongest predictors of sustaining burn injury. One hundred ninety-four burn patients and 348 nonburned emergency department patients and visitors were surveyed. Burn patients reported the same rates of smoke alarm usage (96.9 vs 96.3%, P = .692), carbon monoxide detectors (75.3 vs 67.2%, P = .05), and higher rates of fire extinguisher ownership (80.4 vs 72.7%, P = .045) when compared with others. In multivariable analysis, the strongest predictor of sustaining burn injury was less than high school education (odds ratio [OR] 3.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27-10.27), whereas English as a primary language (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26-0.89), a graduate degree (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.02-0.42), income >$50,000 (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.29-0.72), and keeping flammable liquids in a locked place (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.44-0.80) were protective against burn injury. Smoke alarms (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.22-2.61), fire extinguishers (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.80-2.32), and having an escape plan (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.56-1.29) were not protective. Patients who sustain burn injury use burn prevention strategies at similar rates when compared with those who do not. When holding demographic characteristics constant, utilization of most burn prevention strategies is not protective of sustaining burn injury. Those with lower levels of education and income remain more susceptible to burn injury.

40 CFR 60.106 - Test methods and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... determine opacity. (c) If auxiliary liquid or solid fossil-fuels are burned in an incinerator-waste heat... rate from solid or liquid fossil fuel, million J/hr (million Btu/hr). Rc = Coke burn-off rate, Mg coke... supplemental gaseous, liquid, or solid fossil fuel is burned, testing shall be conducted at a point between the...

40 CFR 60.106 - Test methods and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... determine opacity. (c) If auxiliary liquid or solid fossil-fuels are burned in an incinerator-waste heat... rate from solid or liquid fossil fuel, million J/hr (million Btu/hr). Rc = Coke burn-off rate, Mg coke... supplemental gaseous, liquid, or solid fossil fuel is burned, testing shall be conducted at a point between the...

40 CFR 60.106 - Test methods and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... determine opacity. (c) If auxiliary liquid or solid fossil-fuels are burned in an incinerator-waste heat... rate from solid or liquid fossil fuel, million J/hr (million Btu/hr). Rc = Coke burn-off rate, Mg coke... supplemental gaseous, liquid, or solid fossil fuel is burned, testing shall be conducted at a point between the...

Combustion of a Polymer (PMMA) Sphere in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, Jiann C.; Hamins, Anthony; Donnelly, Michelle K.

1999-01-01

A series of low gravity, aircraft-based, experiments was conducted to investigate the combustion of supported thermoplastic polymer spheres under varying ambient conditions. The three types of thermoplastic investigated were polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP). and polystyrene (PS). Spheres with diameters ranging from 2 mm to 6.35 mm were tested. The total initial pressure varied from 0.05 MPa to 0. 15 MPa whereas the ambient oxygen concentration varied from 19 % to 30 % (by volume). The ignition system consisted of a pair of retractable energized coils. Two CCD cameras recorded the burning histories of the spheres. The video sequences revealed a number of dynamic events including bubbling and sputtering, as well as soot shell formation and break-up during combustion of the spheres at reduced gravity. The ejection of combusting material from the burning spheres represents a fire hazard that must be considered at reduced gravity. The ejection process was found to be sensitive to polymer type. All average burning rates were measured to increase with initial sphere diameter and oxygen concentration, whereas the initial pressure had little effect. The three thermoplastic types exhibited different burning characteristics. For the same initial conditions, the burning rate of PP was slower than PMMA, whereas the burning rate of PS was comparable to PMMA. The transient diameter of the burning thermoplastic exhibited two distinct periods: an initial period (enduring approximately half of the total burn duration) when the diameter remained approximately constant, and a final period when the square of the diameter linearly decreased with time. A simple homogeneous two-phase model was developed to understand the changing diameter of the burning sphere. Its value is based on a competition between diameter reduction due to mass loss from burning and sputtering, and diameter expansion due to the processes of swelling (density decrease with heating) and bubble growth. The model relies on empirical parameters for input, such as the burning rate and the duration of the initial and final burning periods.

[Epidemiological investigation on 2 133 hospitalized patients with electrical burns].

PubMed

Jiang, M J; Li, Z; Xie, W G

2017-12-20

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of the hospitalized patients with electrical burns in Institute of Burns of Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University & Wuhan Third Hospital (hereinafter referred to as Institute of Burns of Wuhan Third Hospital), so as to provide reference for the prevention and treatment of electrical burns. Methods: Medical records of all hospitalized burn patients in Institute of Burns of Wuhan Third Hospital from January 2004 to December 2016 were collected. Genders, ages, social categories, seasons of injury, total burn areas, depths of wounds, electrical voltages of injury, sites of wound, treatment methods, amputation rates, lengths of hospital stay, operation costs, hospitalization costs, and treatment outcomes of the electrical burn patients were collected. Treatment methods, lengths of hospital stay, operation costs, and hospitalization costs of the thermal burn patients were collected and compared with those of the electrical burn patients. Electrical voltages of injury, amputation rates, operation costs, hospitalization costs, and treatment outcomes were compared and analyzed between the electrical contact burn patients and the electrical arc burn patients. Data were processed with Chi-square test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results: During the 13 years, 23 534 burn patients were admitted to Institute of Burns of Wuhan Third Hospital, among whom 2 133 (9.1%) were with electrical burns, without obvious variation in admission number of electrical burn patients every year. There were 1 418 patients (66.5%) with electrical contact burns and 715 patients (33.5%) with electrical arc burns. The ratio of male to female was 11.2∶1.0 among the electrical burn patients with known genders. The proportions of three age groups of more than 20 years old and less than or equal to 30 years old, more than 30 years old and less than or equal to 40 years old, and more than 40 years old and less than or equal to 50 years old were relatively higher, which were 18.3% (391/2 133), 22.1% (471/2 133), and 24.6% (525/2 133), respectively. The first three social category groups in proportions were workers, peasants, and preschool children, which were 57.9% (1 235/2 133), 14.6% (311/2 133), and 6.0% (128/2 133), respectively. Among the electrical burn patients with known seasons of injury, most cases were injured in summer (659 cases, accounting for 34.1%), obviously more than the proportions in autumn (537 cases, accounting for 27.8%), spring (455 cases, accounting for 23.5%), and winter (283 cases, accounting for 14.6%), with χ (2) values from 8.414 to 149.573, P values below 0.01. The group of patients with total burn areas less than 10% total body surface area (TBSA) occupied the highest proportion (1 603 cases, accounting for 75.15%), among whom 229 (10.74%) were with scattered small wounds which were less than 1% TBSA. The percentage of electrical contact burn patients with deep wounds was 79.1% (1 122/1 418), which was obviously higher than 2.5% (18/715) of the electrical arc burn patients ( χ (2)=381.741, P <0.001). Among the patients with known electrical voltages of injury, patients injured by high voltage among the electrical contact burn patients accounted for 78.4% (469/598), which was obviously higher than 8.7% (11/127) of the electrical arc burn patients ( χ (2)=227.893, P <0.001). The most common wound site of the electrical burn patients was upper limbs (1 650 cases, accounting for 63.2%), followed by lower limbs (382 cases, accounting for 14.6%), head and neck (292 cases, accounting for 11.2%), trunk (247 cases, accounting for 9.5%), and hip and perineum (40 cases, accounting for 1.5%). The operation rate of electrical burn patients was 32.4% (691/2 133), obviously higher than 19.1% (3 860/20 209)of the thermal burn patients during the same period ( χ (2)=210.255, P <0.001). Wounds of 116 electrical contact burn patients were repaired with free flap by vascular anastomosis, of which 9 (7.8%) failed. The length of hospital stay, the operation cost, and the hospitalization cost of electrical burn patients were (28±29) d, (9 534±16 935) and (44 258±93 012) Yuan, respectively, obviously longer or higher than those of the thermal burn patients during the same period [(17±19) d, (2 990±8 916) and (23 291±88 340) Yuan, respectively, with Z values from -21.323 to -10.996, P values below 0.001]. The amputation rate and the death rate of electrical burn patients were 3.8% (82/2 133) and 0.8% (16/2 133) respectively. Compared with those of electrical arc burn patients, the amputation rate and the operation cost of electrical contact burn patients were obviously higher ( χ (2)=36.970, Z =-11.351, P values below 0.001), and the length of hospital stay of electrical contact burn patients was obviously longer ( Z =-5.181, P <0.001). There were no significant differences in hospitalization cost and treatment outcome between the electrical contact burn patients and the electrical arc burn patients ( Z =-1.461, χ (2)=1.673, P values above 0.05). Conclusions: The number and the proportion of hospitalized electrical burn patients in Institute of Burns of Wuhan Third Hospital were relatively high, indicating a hard task of prevention for electrical burns in Wuhan area. Working-age workers and farmers, and preschool children were the key groups in prevention from electrical burns. The length of hospital stay, the operation cost, and the hospitalization cost of electrical burn patients were obviously higher than those of thermal burn patients. The amputation rate and the operation cost of electrical contact burn patients were obviously higher than those of electrical arc burn patients, but there were no obvious differences in hospitalization cost or treatment outcome between them. Actively using tissue flaps including free flap to repair of wounds may be helpful to reduce the amputation rate, improve the results, and shorten the time of treatment.

Burn leads to long-term elevated admissions to hospital for gastrointestinal disease in a West Australian population based study.

PubMed

Stevenson, Andrew W; Randall, Sean M; Boyd, James H; Wood, Fiona M; Fear, Mark W; Duke, Janine M

2017-05-01

While the most obvious impact of burn is on the skin, systemic responses also occur after burn, including intestinal inflammation. The objective of this study was to assess if burns are associated with increased long-term admissions for gastrointestinal diseases. A population-based longitudinal study using linked hospital morbidity and death data from Western Australia was undertaken of adults aged at least 15 years when hospitalized for a first burn (n=20,561) in 1980-2012. A frequency matched non-injury comparison cohort was randomly selected from Western Australia's birth registrations and electoral roll (n=80,960). Crude admission rates and summed days in hospital for digestive diseases were calculated. Negative binomial and Cox proportional hazards regression modeling were used to generate incidence rate ratios (IRR) and hazard ratios (HR), respectively. After adjustment for demographic factors and pre-existing health status, the burn cohort had 1.54 times (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.47-1.62) as many admissions and almost three times the number of days in hospital with a digestive system diagnosis (IRR, 95% CI: 2.90, 2.60-3.25) than the uninjured cohort. Significantly elevated adjusted post-burn incident rates were identified, with the risk decreasing with increasing time: in the first month (HR, 95% CI: 3.02, 1.89-4.82), from one month to five years (HR, 95% CI: 1.42, 1.31-1.54), and from five to twenty years after burn (HR, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.06-1.20). Findings of increased hospital admission rates and prolonged length of hospital stay for gastrointestinal diseases in the burn cohort provide evidence to support that burns have effects that persist long after the initial injury. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Thermal Decomposition Behaviors and Burning Characteristics of AN/Nitramine-Based Composite Propellant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naya, Tomoki; Kohga, Makoto

2015-04-01

Ammonium nitrate (AN) has attracted much attention due to its clean burning nature as an oxidizer. However, an AN-based composite propellant has the disadvantages of low burning rate and poor ignitability. In this study, we added nitramine of cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) or cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX) as a high-energy material to AN propellants to overcome these disadvantages. The thermal decomposition and burning rate characteristics of the prepared propellants were examined as the ratio of AN and nitramine was varied. In the thermal decomposition process, AN/RDX propellants showed unique mass loss peaks in the lower temperature range that were not observed for AN or RDX propellants alone. AN and RDX decomposed continuously as an almost single oxidizer in the AN/RDX propellant. In contrast, AN/HMX propellants exhibited thermal decomposition characteristics similar to those of AN and HMX, which decomposed almost separately in the thermal decomposition of the AN/HMX propellant. The ignitability was improved and the burning rate increased by the addition of nitramine for both AN/RDX and AN/HMX propellants. The increased burning rates of AN/RDX propellants were greater than those of AN/HMX. The difference in the thermal decomposition and burning characteristics was caused by the interaction between AN and RDX.

A One-Dimensional Global-Scaling Erosive Burning Model Informed by Blowing Wall Turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kibbey, Timothy P.

2014-01-01

This paper makes no attempt to comprehensively review erosive burning models or the data collected in pursuit of them; the interested reader could begin with Landsbaum for a historical summary. However, a discussion and comparison to recent work by McDonald and Rettenmaier and Heister will be included, along with data generated by Strand, et. al. Suffice it to say that the search for a way to predict erosive burning in any size motor with formulas cleanly applicable to a typical 1D ballistics analysis has been long thwarted. Some models were based on testing that failed to adequately simulate the solid rocket motor environment. In most cases, no real-time burn rate measurement was available. Two popular models, even when calibrated to recent motor-like real-time burn rate data obtained by Furfaro, were shown by McMillin to be inadequate at modeling erosive burning in the Space Shuttle Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM), the Space Launch Systems' Five-Segment RSRM (RSRMV), and the five-segment Engineering Test Motor (ETM)-3. Subsequently to the data cited from Strand and Furfaro, additional motors of the same kind as Furfaro's were tested with RSRMV propellant, utilizing 7 segments per motor and 3 throat sizes. By measuring propellant web thickness with ultrasonic gages, the burn rate was determined at cross-flow Mach numbers up to Mach 0.8. Furthermore, because of the different throat sizes in otherwise identical motors, this provides a unique look at the effect of pressure and base burn rate on the erosive response. Figure 1 shows example of the data pertaining to the high Mach motor, where the port area is initially less than the throat area. The burn rate data was processed using a smoothing method developed to reduce the noise without too severely introducing end effects that limit the range of useful data. Then, an empirical ballistics scheme was used to estimate the flow condition based on the burn rate measurements and pressure measured between each segment.

40 CFR 60.106 - Test methods and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... determine opacity. (c) If auxiliary liquid or solid fossil-fuels are burned in an incinerator-waste heat... rate from solid or liquid fossil fuel, GJ/hr (million Btu/hr). Rc = Coke burn-off rate, Mg coke/hr (ton... supplemental gaseous, liquid, or solid fossil fuel is burned, testing shall be conducted at a point between the...

40 CFR 60.106 - Test methods and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... determine opacity. (c) If auxiliary liquid or solid fossil-fuels are burned in an incinerator-waste heat... rate from solid or liquid fossil fuel, GJ/hr (million Btu/hr). Rc = Coke burn-off rate, Mg coke/hr (ton... supplemental gaseous, liquid, or solid fossil fuel is burned, testing shall be conducted at a point between the...

The correlation between burn mortality rates from fire and flame and economic status of countries.

PubMed

Peck, Michael; Pressman, Melissa A

2013-09-01

Over 95% of burn deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries globally. However, the association between burn mortality rates and economic health has not been evaluated for individual countries. This study seeks to answer the question, how strong is the correlation between burn mortality and national indices of economic strength? A retrospective review was performed for 189 countries during 2008-2010 using economic data from the World Bank as well as mortality data from the World Health Organization (WHO). Countries were categorized into four groups based on income level according to stratification by the World Bank: low income, lower middle income, upper middle income, and high income. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to estimate presence and strength of association among death rates, Gini coefficient (measure of inequality of distribution of wealth), gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, and gross national index (GNI) per capita. Statistically significant associations (p<0.05) were found between burn mortality and GDP per capita (r=-0.26), GNI per capita (r=-0.36), and Gini (r=+0.17). A nation's income level is negatively correlated with burn mortality; the lower the income level, the higher the burn mortality rates. The degree to which income within a country is equitably or inequitably distributed also correlates with burn mortality. Both governmental and non-governmental organizations need to focus on preventing burns in low-income countries, as well as in other countries in which there is marked disparity of income. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Long-term musculoskeletal morbidity after adult burn injury: a population-based cohort study

PubMed Central

Randall, Sean M; Fear, Mark W; Wood, Fiona M; Rea, Suzanne; Boyd, James H; Duke, Janine M

2015-01-01

Objective To investigate if adults who are hospitalised for a burn injury have increased long-term hospital use for musculoskeletal diseases. Design A population-based retrospective cohort study using linked administrative health data from the Western Australian Data Linkage System. Subjects Records of 17 753 persons aged at least 20 years when hospitalised for a first burn injury in Western Australia during the period 1980–2012, and 70 758 persons who were age and gender-frequency matched with no injury admissions randomly selected from Western Australia's electoral roll. Main outcome measures Admission rates and cumulative length of stay for musculoskeletal diseases. Negative binomial and Cox proportional hazards regression modelling were used to generate incidence rate ratios (IRR) and HRs with 95% CIs, respectively. Results After adjustment for pre-existing health status and demographic characteristics, the burn cohort had almost twice the hospitalisation rate for a musculoskeletal condition (IRR, 95% CI 1.98, 1.86 to 2.10), and spent 3.70 times as long in hospital with a musculoskeletal diagnosis (95% CI 3.10 to 4.42) over the 33-year period, than the uninjured comparison cohort. Adjusted survival analyses of incident post-burn musculoskeletal disease admissions found significant increases for the 15-year post burn discharge period (0–6 months: HR, 95% CI 2.51, 2.04 to 3.11; 6 months–2 years: HR, 95% CI 1.77, 1.53 to 2.05; 2–15 years: HR, 95% CI 1.32, 1.23 to 1.42). Incident admission rates were significantly elevated for 20 years post-burn for minor and severe burn injury for a range of musculoskeletal diseases that included arthropathies, dorsopathies, osteopathies and soft tissue disorders. Conclusions Minor and severe burn injuries were associated with significantly increased post-burn incident admission rates, long-term hospital use and prolonged length of stay for a range of musculoskeletal diseases. Further research is required that facilitates identification of at-risk patients and appropriate treatment pathways, to reduce the long-term morbidity associated with burns. PMID:26362668

Titanium subhydride potassium perchlorate (TiH1.65/KClO4) burn rates from hybrid closed bomb-strand burner experiments.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cooper, Marcia A.; Oliver, Michael S.

2012-08-01

A hybrid closed bomb-strand burner is used to measure the burning behavior of the titanium subhydride potassium perchlorate pyrotechnic with an equivalent hydrogen concentration of 1.65. This experimental facility allows for simultaneous measurement of the closed bomb pressure rise and pyrotechnic burn rate as detected by electrical break wires over a range of pressures. Strands were formed by pressing the pyrotechnic powders to bulk densities between 60% and 90% theoretical maximum density. The burn rate dependance on initial density and vessel pressure are measured. At all initial strand densities, the burn is observed to transition from conductive to convective burningmore » within the strand. The measured vessel pressure history is further analyzed following the closed bomb analysis methods developed for solid propellants.« less

Liquid oxygen/metal gelled monopropellants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wickman, John H.

1991-01-01

The objectives of this program were to establish the feasibility of metallized/liquid oxygen monopropellants and select the best monopropellant formulation for continued study. The metal powders mixed with the liquid oxygen were aluminum/magnesium (80/20), silicon and iron (Iron was only tested for burning properties). The formulations were first evaluated on whether they detonated when ignited or burned. The formulations only burned when ignited. The viscosity for the formulations ranged from 900 cps to 100 cps at shear rates up to 300 seconds(sup -1). Two percent (by weight) of Cab-O-Sil was added to the aluminum and aluminum/magnesium formulations for gelling while the silicon formulation used three percent. Within a seven hour period, settling was suggested only in the 29 percent aluminum and 29 percent aluminum/magnesium formulations. The monopropellants were burned in a cylinder submerged in a liquid nitrogen bath. Experimental data at ambient pressure indicated that the monopropellants were extinguished when the flame front reached regions submerged under the liquid nitrogen. The burn rate increased dramatically when burned in a cylinder enclosure with less heat sink available to the monopropellant. The test results were inconclusive as to whether the increased burn rate was due to the lower heat sink capacity or the small amount of pressure (2 psi) generated during the burning of the monopropellant. The burning of the aluminum and aluminum/magnesium resulted in a brilliant white flame similar to that of an arc welder. These monopropellants burned in a pulsating manner with the aluminum/magnesium appearing to have less pulsating combustion. The silicon monopropellant burned with an orange glow. No sparks or energetic burning was apparent as with the aluminum or aluminum/magnesium.

Evaluating the role of alternative therapy in burn wound management: randomized trial comparing moist exposed burn ointment with conventional methods in the management of patients with second-degree burns.

PubMed

Ang, E S; Lee, S T; Gan, C S; See, P G; Chan, Y H; Ng, L H; Machin, D

2001-03-06

Moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO), from China, has been said to revolutionize burn management. Our study was conducted to compare MEBO with conventional management (C) with respect to the rate of wound healing, antibacterial and analgesic effect, and hospital costs. This is a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted between 1 March 1997 and 24 October 1998. The trial was conducted in a specialized burn facility located in a tertiary referral hospital in a developed and industrialized island-state in Southeast Asia. We randomly assigned 115 consecutive patients between the ages of 12 and 80 who had partial-thickness thermal burns covering less than 40% of body surface area (BSA) to receive either MEBO or C. Fifty-seven patients were assigned to MEBO and 58 patients to C. The latter group received twice-daily dressing changes; MEBO patients received MEBO every 4 hours. Patients were hospitalized until 75% BSA had healed. BSA was determined by visual inspection and charted on Lund and Browder charts regularly. Wound healing rate, bacterial infection rate, pain score, and hospitalization costs were recorded. The median time to 75% healing was 17.0 and 20.0 days with MEBO and C, respectively (HR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.41-1.11, P =.11), suggesting similar efficacy between the 2 modalities. Bacterial infection rates were similar between the 2 groups (HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.59-2.03, P =.76). MEBO imparted a greater analgesic effect in the first 5 days of therapy and reduced hospital costs by 8%. MEBO is as effective as conventional management but is not the panacea for all burn wounds. The use of MEBO eases the management of face and neck burns and facilitates early institution of occupational therapy in hand burns. It confers better pain relief such that fewer opiates are used during the first 5 days after burn injury.

Determinants of skeletal muscle protein turnover following severe burn trauma in children.

PubMed

Malagaris, Ioannis; Herndon, David N; Polychronopoulou, Efstathia; Rontoyanni, Victoria G; Andersen, Clark R; Suman, Oscar E; Porter, Craig; Sidossis, Labros S

2018-06-04

Burns remain the fifth cause of non-fatal pediatric injuries globally, with muscle cachexia being a hallmark of the stress response to burns. Burn-induced muscle wasting is associated with morbidity, yet the determinants of muscle protein catabolism in response to burn trauma remains unclear. Our objective was to determine the effect of patient and injury characteristics on muscle protein kinetics in burn patients. This retrospective, observational study was performed using protein kinetic data from pediatric patients who had severe burns (>30% of the total body surface area burned) and underwent cross-limb stable isotope infusions between 1999 and 2008 as part of prospective clinical trials. Mixed multiple regression models were used to assess associations between patient/injury characteristics and muscle protein fractional synthesis rate (FSR), net balance (NB), and rates of phenylalanine appearance (Ra; index of protein breakdown) and disappearance (Rd; index of protein synthesis) across the leg. A total of 268 patients who underwent 499 studies were analyzed. Increasing time post injury was associated with greater FSR (p < 0.001) and NB (p = 0.01). Males were more catabolic than females (as indicated by lower NB, p = 0.04 and greater Ra, p = 0.008), a consequence of higher protein breakdown rather than lower synthesis. Increasing burn size was associated with higher protein synthesis rate (as indicated by higher FSR, p = 0.019) and higher protein breakdown rates (as indicated by greater Ra, p = 0.001). FSR was negatively associated with age (p < 0.001). Data from this large patient cohort show that injury severity, sex, and time post injury influence skeletal muscle wasting in burned children. These findings suggest that individual patient characteristics should be considered when devising therapies to improve the acute care and rehabilitation of burn survivors. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Safety and efficacy of excision and direct closure in acute burns surgery: outcome analysis in a prospective series of 100 patients and a survey of UK burns surgeons' attitudes.

PubMed

Bain, Charles J; Wang, Tim; McArthur, Gordon; Williams, Greg; Atkins, Joanne; Jones, Isabel

2014-12-01

Many burns surgeons avoid excision and direct closure of acute burns owing to concerns over wound dehiscence, scarring and infection. There is no evidence in the literature to support this practice. We present outcomes of a prospective series of 100 patients who underwent excision and direct closure of 138 burns over a 2-year period, along with results from a survey sent to 33 senior burns surgeons to gauge attitudes towards direct closure in burns surgery. 47% of survey respondents never perform direct closure. Dehiscence was cited as the most common concern, followed by hypertrophic scarring (HTS). In our cohort, the superficial dehiscence rate was 12% and the HTS rate was 16%, with no scarring contractures. Patients with healing time greater than 14 days were more likely to develop HTS (p=0.008), as were those with wound dehiscence (p=0.014). Patients undergoing part-grafting in addition to direct closure took significantly longer to heal than those undergoing direct closure alone (p=0.0002), with the donor site or graft delaying healing in the majority. Excision and direct closure of acute burn wounds avoids donor site morbidity and has an acceptable complication rate. It is a safe and effective treatment for full thickness burns in selected cases. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

The investigation of critical burning of fuel droplets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allison, C. B.; Canada, G. S.; Faeth, G. M.

1973-01-01

The combustion and evaporation of liquid fuels at high pressures were investigated. Particular emphasis was placed on conditions where the liquid surface approaches the thermodynamic critical point during combustion. The influence of transient effects on a burning liquid fuel was also investigated through both analysis and measurements of the response of liquid monopropellant combustion to imposed pressure oscillations. Work was divided into four phases (1) Droplet combustion at high pressures, which consider both measurement and analysis of the porous sphere burning rate of liquids in a natural convection environment at elevated pressure. (2) High pressure droplet burning in combustion gases, which involved steady burning and evaporation of liquids from porous spheres in a high pressure environment that simulates actual combustion chamber conditions. (3) Liquid strand combustion, which considered the burning rate, the state of the liquid surface and the liquid phase temperature distribution of a burning liquid monopropellant column over a range of pressures. (4) Oscillatory combustion, which was a theoretical and experimental investigation of the response of a burning liquid monopropellant to pressure oscillations.

Assault by burning in Jordan.

PubMed

Haddadin, W

2012-12-31

Criminal attacks by burns on women in Jordan are highlighted in this retrospective study carried out of all proved cases of criminal burns in female patients treated at the burn unit of the Royal Rehabilitation Center in Jordan between January 2005 and June 2012. Thirteen patients were included in our study, out of a total of 550 patients admitted, all in the age range of 16-45 yr. Of these 13 women, six were burned by acid throwing, five by hot water, and two by direct flames from fuel thrown over them. Burn percentage ranged from 15 to 75% of the total body surface area, with involvement in most cases of the face and upper trunk. The mean hospital stay was 33 days and the mortality rate was 3/13, i.e. 23%. Violence against women exists in Jordanian society, yet burning assaults are rare. Of these, burning by throwing acid is the most common and most disfiguring act, with a higher mortality rate in domestic environments.

Assault by burning in Jordan

PubMed Central

Haddadin, W.

2012-01-01

Summary Criminal attacks by burns on women in Jordan are highlighted in this retrospective study carried out of all proved cases of criminal burns in female patients treated at the burn unit of the Royal Rehabilitation Center in Jordan between January 2005 and June 2012. Thirteen patients were included in our study, out of a total of 550 patients admitted, all in the age range of 16-45 yr. Of these 13 women, six were burned by acid throwing, five by hot water, and two by direct flames from fuel thrown over them. Burn percentage ranged from 15 to 75% of the total body surface area, with involvement in most cases of the face and upper trunk. The mean hospital stay was 33 days and the mortality rate was 3/13, i.e. 23%. Violence against women exists in Jordanian society, yet burning assaults are rare. Of these, burning by throwing acid is the most common and most disfiguring act, with a higher mortality rate in domestic environments. PMID:23766757

40 CFR 63.6590 - What parts of my plant does this subpart cover?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... initial notification requirements: (i) Existing spark ignition 2 stroke lean burn (2SLB) stationary RICE... spark ignition 4 stroke lean burn (4SLB) stationary RICE with a site rating of more than 500 brake HP... spark ignition 4 stroke rich burn (4SRB) stationary RICE with a site rating of less than or equal to 500...

Ignition and Combustion Studies of Hazard Division 1.1 and 1.3 Substances

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-07-01

Effect of Time at Temperature on Burning Rate. The burning rate of the HD1.1 explosive PBXN -5 is compared to that of neat cyclotetramethylene...tetranitramine (HMX) in Figure 14. The explosive, PBXN -5, is composed of 95 weight percent HMX and 5 percent Viton A as binder. The HMX burning rate...the closed bomb technique (Reference 18). The PBXN -5 was composed of small agglomerates of HMX coated with the binder (Reference 19). The PBXN -5

Combustion in an acceleration field: A survey of Soviet literature

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Radloff, S. J.; Osborn, J. R.

1980-01-01

The effect of an acceleration field on the burning rate of a solid propellant was measured from -900g's to +1000g's using both double base and ammonium perchlorate based propellants. The acceleration fields were simulated using a centrifuge device and the burning rate was recorded. Both metalized and non-metalized variations of each propellant were tested and it was found that acceleration fields affect the burning rate. For the most part the theoretical predictions and the experimental results agreed.

Combustion of Interacting Droplet Arrays in a Microgravity Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dietrich, D. L.; Struk, P. M.; Kitano, K.; Ikegami, M.

1999-01-01

Investigations into droplet interactions date back to Rex et al. Recently, Annamalai and Ryan and Annamalai published extensive reviews of droplet array and cloud combustion studies. The authors studied the change in the burning rate constant, k, (relative to that of the single droplet) that results from interactions. Under certain conditions, there exists a separation distance where the droplet lifetime reaches a minimum, or average burning rate constant is a maximum . Additionally, since inter-droplet separation distance, L, increases relative to the droplet size, D, as the burning proceeds, the burning rate is not constant throughout the burn, but changes continuously with time. Only Law and co-workers and Mikami et al. studied interactions under conditions where buoyant forces were negligible. Comparing their results with existing theory, Law and co-workers found that theory over predicted the persistency and intensity of droplet interactions. The droplet interactions also depended on the initial array configuration as well as the instantaneous array configuration. They also concluded that droplet heating was retarded due to interactions and that the burning process did not follow the "D-squared" law. Mikami et al. studied the combustion of a two-droplet array of heptane burning in air at one atm pressure in microgravity. They showed that the instantaneous burning rate constant increases throughout the droplet lifetime, even for a single droplet. Also, the burn time of the array reached a minimum at a critical inter-droplet spacing. In this article, we examine droplet interactions in normal and microgravity environments. The microgravity experiments were in the NASA GRC 2.2 and 5.2 second drop towers, and the JAMIC (Japan Microgravity Center) 10 second drop tower. Special emphasis is directed to combustion under conditions that yield finite extinction diameters, and to determine how droplet interactions affect the extinction process.

Influence of fuel mass load, oxygen supply and burning rate on emission factor and size distribution of carbonaceous particulate matter from indoor corn straw burning.

PubMed

Shen, Guofeng; Xue, Miao; Wei, Siye; Chen, Yuanchen; Wang, Bin; Wang, Rong; Shen, Huizhong; Li, Wei; Zhang, Yanyan; Huang, Ye; Chen, Han; Wei, Wen; Zhao, Qiuyue; Li, Bin; Wu, Haisuo; Tao, Shu

2013-03-01

The uncertainty in emission estimation is strongly associated with the variation in emission factor (EF), which could be influenced by a variety of factors such as fuel properties, stove type, fire management and even methods used in measurements. The impacts of these factors are complicated and often interact with each other. Controlled burning experiments were conducted to investigate the influences of fuel mass load, air supply and burning rate on the emissions and size distributions of carbonaceous particulate matter (PM) from indoor corn straw burning in a cooking stove. The results showed that the EFs of PM (EF(PM)), organic carbon (EFoc) and elemental carbon (EF(EC)) were independent of the fuel mass load. The differences among them under different burning rates or air supply amounts were also found to be insignificant (p > 0.05) in the tested circumstances. PM from the indoor corn straw burning was dominated by fine PM with diameter less than 2.1 microm, contributing 86.4% +/- 3.9% of the total. The size distribution of PM was influenced by the burning rate and air supply conditions. On average, EF(PM), EF(OC) and EF(EC) for corn straw burned in a residential cooking stove were (3.84 +/- 1.02), (0.846 +/- 0.895) and (0.391 +/- 0.350) g/kg, respectively. EF(PM), EF(OC) and EF(EC) were found to be positively correlated with each other (p < 0.05), but they were not significantly correlated with the EF of co-emitted CO, suggesting that special attention should be paid to the use of CO as a surrogate for other incomplete combustion pollutants.

The influence of fuel mass load, oxygen supply and burning rate on emission factor and size distribution of carbonaceous particulate matter from indoor corn straw burning

PubMed Central

Shen, Guofeng; Xue, Miao; Wei, Siye; Chen, Yuanchen; Wang, Bing; Wang, Rong; Shen, Huizhong; Li, Wei; Zhang, Yanyan; Huang, Ye; Chen, Han; Wei, Wen; Zhao, Qiuyue; Li, Bin; Wu, Haisuo; Tao, Shu

2014-01-01

The uncertainty in emission estimation is strongly associated with the variation in emission factor which could be influenced by a variety of factors, like fuel property, stove type, fire management and even methods used in measurements. The impacts of these factors were usually complicated and often interacted with each other. In the present study, controlled burning experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of fuel mass load, air supply and burning rate on the emission of carbonaceous particulate matter (PM) from indoor corn straw burning. Their impacts on PM size distribution were also studied. The results showed that EFs of PM (EFPM), organic carbon (EFOC) and element carbon (EFEC) was independent of the fuel mass load. The differences among them under different burning rates or air supply amounts were also found to be insignificant (p > 0.05) in the tested circumstances. PM from the indoor corn straw burning was dominated by fine PM, and PM with diameter less than 2.1 μm contributed about 86.4±3.9% of the total. The size distribution of PM was also influenced by the burning rate and changed air supply conditions. On average, EFPM, EFOC and EFEC for corn straw burned in a residential cooking stove were 3.84±1.02, 0.846±0.895 and 0.391±0.350 g/kg, respectively. EFPM, EFOC and EFEC were found to be positively correlated with each other, but they were not significantly correlated with EF of co-emitted CO, suggesting a special attention should be paid to the use of CO acting as a surrogate for other incomplete pollutants. PMID:23923424

Long term outcomes data for the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand: Is it feasible?

PubMed

Gabbe, Belinda J; Cleland, Heather; Watterson, Dina M; Schrale, Rebecca; McRae, Sally; Parker, Christine; Taggart, Susan; Edgar, Dale W

2015-12-01

Incorporating routine and standardised collection of long term outcomes following burn into burn registries would improve the capacity to quantify burn burden and evaluate care. To evaluate methods for collecting the long term functional and quality of life outcomes of burns patients and establish the feasibility of implementing these outcomes into a multi-centre burns registry. Five Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand (BRANZ) centres participated in this prospective, longitudinal study. Patients admitted to the centres between November 2009 and November 2010 were followed-up at 1, 6, 12 and 24-months after injury using measures of burn specific health, health status, fatigue, itch and return to work. Participants in the study were compared to BRANZ registered patients at the centres over the study timeframe to identify participation bias, predictors of successful follow-up were established using a Generalised Estimating Equation model, and the completion rates by mode of administration were assessed. 463 patients participated in the study, representing 24% of all BRANZ admissions in the same timeframe. Compared to all BRANZ patients in the same timeframe, the median %TBSA and hospital length of stay was greater in the study participants. The follow-up rates were 63% at 1-month, 47% at 6-months; 40% at 12-months, and 21% at 24-months after injury, and there was marked variation in follow-up rates between the centres. Increasing age, greater %TBSA and opt-in centres were associated with greater follow-up. Centres which predominantly used one mode of administration experienced better follow-up rates. The low participation rates, high loss to follow-up and responder bias observed indicate that greater consideration needs to be given to alternative models for follow-up, including tailoring the follow-up protocol to burn severity or type. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

The effect of azeotropism on combustion characteristics of blended fuel pool fire.

PubMed

Ding, Yanming; Wang, Changjian; Lu, Shouxiang

2014-04-30

The effect of azeotropism on combustion characteristics of blended fuel pool fire was experimentally studied in an open fire test space of State Key Laboratory of Fire Science. A 30 cm × 30 cm square pool filled with n-heptane and ethanol blended fuel was employed. Flame images, burning rate and temperature distribution were collected and recorded in the whole combustion process. Results show that azeotropism obviously dominates the combustion behavior of n-heptane/ethanol blended fuel pool fire. The combustion process after ignition exhibits four typical stages: initial development, azeotropic burning, single-component burning and decay stage. Azeotropism appears when temperature of fuel surface reaches azeotropic point and blended fuel burns at azeotropic ratio. Compared with individual pure fuel, the effect of azeotropism on main fire parameters, such as flame height, burning rate, flame puffing frequency and centerline temperature were analyzed. Burning rate and centerline temperature of blended fuel are higher than that of individual pure fuel respectively at azeotropic burning stage, and flame puffing frequency follows the empirical formula between Strouhal and Froude number for pure fuel. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Erosive Burning Study Utilizing Ultrasonic Measurement Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Furfaro, James A.

2003-01-01

A 6-segment subscale motor was developed to generate a range of internal environments from which multiple propellants could be characterized for erosive burning. The motor test bed was designed to provide a high Mach number, high mass flux environment. Propellant regression rates were monitored for each segment utilizing ultrasonic measurement techniques. These data were obtained for three propellants RSRM, ETM- 03, and Castor@ IVA, which span two propellant types, PBAN (polybutadiene acrylonitrile) and HTPB (hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene). The characterization of these propellants indicates a remarkably similar erosive burning response to the induced flow environment. Propellant burnrates for each type had a conventional response with respect to pressure up to a bulk flow velocity threshold. Each propellant, however, had a unique threshold at which it would experience an increase in observed propellant burn rate. Above the observed threshold each propellant again demonstrated a similar enhanced burn rate response corresponding to the local flow environment.

[Clinical observation of the effects of FE combined enzymes on the infection of the granulation burn wound during late post burns stage].

PubMed

Zheng, Ji; Liu, Xu-sheng; Huang, Yue-sheng; Liu, Chun-yu

2006-02-01

To observe the effects of combined FE enzymes on the infection of the granulation burn wound during late postburn stage in controlling burn wound infection caused by common antibiotic resistant bacteria. Thirty patients in our burn ward were enrolled and were randomly divided into A [treated with combined FE enzymes (50 ml dissolved in 0-150 ml normal saline to reach the final concentration of 1-3 U/ml)] and B (treated with gentamicin) groups, with 15 patients in each group. Several layers of gauze, either soaked with combined FE enzyme in A or gentamicin in B group, were used to cover the burn wounds once to twice a day. Bacterial culture from the burn wound exudation before and after drug administration was done before the application of the agents. The bacteria in the burn wounds and their susceptibility to antibiotics were identified. The healing time of the burn wounds was recorded. Furthermore, the healing rate of the burn wound was recorded on the 3rd, 5th, 8th, 10th and 12th post skin grafting days (PSGD). The dominating bacteria in the burn wounds in both groups were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae and MRSA. The susceptibility rate of bacteria ( MRSA, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus saprophyte, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae) to combined FE enzyme was 93.8%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 100.0% and 95.0% respectively, which were much higher than those in B group (17.6%, 31.3%, 28.6%, 44.0%, 33.3%, 28.0% respectively, P < 0.1. The wound healing time after skin grafting in A group (10.6 +/- 1.5 days) was significantly shorter than that in B group (15.3 +/- 1.7 days, P < 0.01). The wound healing rate on 10 PSGD in A group was (85.4 +/- 2.4)%, and which was only (51.3 +/- 1.5% in B group (P < 0.01) Combined FE enzyme can effectively control burn wound infection, so that the interval between skin grafting and wound healing can be shortened and success rate of skin grafting be improved.

Application of the cultured epidermal autograft "JACE(®") for treatment of severe burns: Results of a 6-year multicenter surveillance in Japan.

PubMed

Matsumura, Hajime; Matsushima, Asako; Ueyama, Masashi; Kumagai, Norio

2016-06-01

In the 1970s, Green et al. developed a method that involved culturing keratinocyte sheets and used for treatment of burns. Since then, the take rate of cultured epidermal autograft (CEA) onto fascia, granulation tissue, or allografts has been extensively reported, while that on an artificial dermis in a large case series is not. Moreover, the contribution of CEA to patient survival has not been analyzed in a multicenter study. We conducted a 6-year multicenter surveillance on the application of the CEA "JACE(®") for treatment of burns >30% total body surface area (TBSA) across 118 Japanese hospitals. This surveillance included 216 patients and 718 graft sites for efficacy analysis. The CEA take rate at 4 weeks after grafting was evaluated, and safety was monitored until 52 weeks. In addition, the survival curve obtained in this study and the data obtained from the Tokyo Burn Unit Association (TBUA) were compared. The mean CEA take rates at week 4 were 66% (sites) and 68% (patients), and the rate on the artificial dermis was 65% for 226 sites. CEA application combined with wide split-thickness auto or patch autograft increased the CEA take rate. On comparison with the data obtained from the TBUA, which included data on individuals with burns of the same severity, CEA application was found to contribute to patient survival until 7 weeks after burn. We reported the take rate of CEA based on a 6-year multicenter surveillance. From our results, we found that the application of CEA is a useful treatment for the patients with extensive burns. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Rates of post-fire vegetation recovery and fuel accumulation as a function of burn severity and time-since-burn in four western U.S. ecosystems

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Vegetation recovery and fuel accumulation rates following wildfire are useful measures of ecosystem resilience, yet few studies have quantified these variables over 10 years post-fire. Conventional wisdom is that recovery time to pre-fire condition will be slower as a function of burn severity, as i...

Effect of pressure on rate of burning /decomposition with flame/ of liquid hydrazine.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antoine, A. C.

1966-01-01

Liquid hydrazine decomposition process to determine what chemical or physical changes may be occurring that cause breaks in burning rate/ pressure curves, measuring flame temperature and light emission

Gender differences in burns: A study from emergency centres in the Western Cape, South Africa.

PubMed

Blom, Lisa; Klingberg, Anders; Laflamme, Lucie; Wallis, Lee; Hasselberg, Marie

2016-11-01

Little is known about gender differences in aetiology and management of acute burns in resource-constrained settings in South Africa. This cross-sectional study is based on burn case reports (n=1915) from eight emergency centres in Western Cape, South Africa (June 2012-May 2013). Male/female rate ratios by age group and age-specific incidence rates were compiled for urban and rural areas along with gender differences in proportions between children and adults for injury aetiology, burn severity, length of stay and patient disposition. Children 0-4 years in urban areas had the highest burn incidence but only among adults did male rates surpass females, with fire burns more common among men 20-39 years and hot liquid burns among men 55+ years. Men had a higher proportion of burns during weekends, from interpersonal violence and suspected use of alcohol/other substances, with more pronounced differences for hot liquid burns. Despite similar Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) scores, men were more often transferred to higher levels of care and women more often treated and discharged. Burns were far more common among children although gender differences arose only among adults. Men sustained more injuries of somewhat different aetiology and were referred to higher levels of care more often for comparable wound severity. The results suggest different disposition between men and women despite similar AIS scores. However, further studies with more comprehensive information on severity level and other care- and patient-related factors are needed to explore these results further. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Long-term mortality among older adults with burn injury: a population-based study in Australia

PubMed Central

Boyd, James H; Rea, Suzanne; Randall, Sean M; Wood, Fiona M

2015-01-01

Abstract Objective To assess if burn injury in older adults is associated with changes in long-term all-cause mortality and to estimate the increased risk of death attributable to burn injury. Methods We conducted a population-based matched longitudinal study – based on administrative data from Western Australia’s hospital morbidity data system and death register. A cohort of 6014 individuals who were aged at least 45 years when hospitalized for a first burn injury in 1980–2012 was identified. A non-injury comparison cohort, randomly selected from Western Australia’s electoral roll (n = 25 759), was matched to the patients. We used Kaplan–Meier plots and Cox proportional hazards regression to analyse the data and generated mortality rate ratios and attributable risk percentages. Findings For those hospitalized with burns, 180 (3%) died in hospital and 2498 (42%) died after discharge. Individuals with burn injury had a 1.4-fold greater mortality rate than those with no injury (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.3–1.5). In this cohort, the long-term mortality attributable to burn injury was 29%. Mortality risk was increased by both severe and minor burns, with adjusted mortality rate ratios of 1.3 (95% CI: 1.1–1.9) and 2.1 (95% CI: 1.9–2.3), respectively. Conclusion Burn injury is associated with increased long-term mortality. In our study population, sole reliance on data on in-hospital deaths would lead to an underestimate of the true mortality burden associated with burn injury. PMID:26240461

The trends of burns epidemiology in a tropical regional burns centre.

PubMed

Hwee, Jolie; Song, Christopher; Tan, Kok Chai; Tan, Bien Keem; Chong, Si Jack

2016-05-01

Singapore General Hospital (SGH) is a regional burns centre in Southeast Asia and is the only dedicated burns facility providing specialized burns care in Singapore. A cohort study was performed for burns patients admitted to SGH from 2011 to 2013. We compared our data with earlier studies and observed the trends of burns epidemiology in Singapore. Results were analyzed using the SPSS programme. 655 patients were admitted during this study period, a 35.9% increase from 2003 to 2005. Scalding by water and flame injury remain the top causes of burns and the mean extent of burn is 9.5%. TBSA correlates with the incidence of burn infection, bacteremia and mortality. Patients with ≥20% TBSA are at a higher risk of bacteremia, and ≥ 34% TBSA is a predictor of mortality. 4.9% (n=32) of our patients developed bacteremia. Bacteremia was associated with a surgical duration of ≥80min. Patients with bacteremia incurred longer hospitalization, and had higher mortality rates. Overall mortality rate of our burns patients has decreased from 4.5% to 2.7% (n=18). Key factors of mortality include inhalational injury, bacteremia and ≥20% TBSA. This is a large epidemiology study of a tropical region burns centre. A total of 655 burns cases over a 3-year period were analyzed. We analysed the key factors associated with adverse outcomes including burns infection, bacteremia and mortality, factors associated with mortality, and discussed strategies on the optimization of burns care. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

An improved model for the combustion of AP composite propellants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohen, N. S.; Strand, L. D.

1981-01-01

This paper presents several improvements to the BDP model of steady-state burning of AP composite solid propellants. The Price-Boggs-Derr model of AP monopropellant burning is incorporated to represent the AP. A separate energy equation is written for the binder to permit a different surface temperature from the AP; this includes an analysis of the sharing of primary diffusion flame energy, and correction of a BDP model inconsistency in treating the binder regression rate. A method for assembling component contributions to calculate the burning rates of multimodal propellants is also presented. Results are shown in the form of representative burning rate curves, comparisons with data, and calculated internal details of interest. Ideas for future work are discussed in an Appendix.

The effect of a changed environment on bacterial colonization rates in an established burns centre

PubMed Central

Wormald, P. J.

1970-01-01

In an established burns centre which moved from an old building to new purpose-designed premises, colonization rates of patients' burns with Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other Gram-negative bacilli were not reduced. Colonization rates with Streptococcus pyogenes increased but the increase was mainly due to multiple importations in the new premises of a strain of higher communicability than any seen in the old. In the first 32 months in the new environment 10 patients were found colonized with pseudomonas on admission and 20 became colonized in the unit. A much higher proportion of patients with burns of more than 30% body surface became colonized than of patients with less. About one-third of the above 20 patients became colonized with strains already isolated from another patient; all but one of them had small area burns. Cross-infection was not observed from numerous heavily colonized patients with high percentage burns. This paradox is discussed in detail. Basin outflows in the new premises became colonized with P. aeruginosa of two serotypes not found on patients in this unit. PMID:4993291

The effect of a changed environment on bacterial colonization rates in an established burns centre.

PubMed

Wormald, P J

1970-12-01

In an established burns centre which moved from an old building to new purpose-designed premises, colonization rates of patients' burns with Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other Gram-negative bacilli were not reduced. Colonization rates with Streptococcus pyogenes increased but the increase was mainly due to multiple importations in the new premises of a strain of higher communicability than any seen in the old.In the first 32 months in the new environment 10 patients were found colonized with pseudomonas on admission and 20 became colonized in the unit. A much higher proportion of patients with burns of more than 30% body surface became colonized than of patients with less. About one-third of the above 20 patients became colonized with strains already isolated from another patient; all but one of them had small area burns. Cross-infection was not observed from numerous heavily colonized patients with high percentage burns. This paradox is discussed in detail. Basin outflows in the new premises became colonized with P. aeruginosa of two serotypes not found on patients in this unit.

Comparison of soil infiltration rates in burned and unburned mountainous watersheds

USGS Publications Warehouse

Martin, D.A.; Moody, J.A.

2001-01-01

Steady-state infiltration measurements were made at mountainous sites in New Mexico and Colorado, USA, with volcanic and granitic soils after wildfires and at comparable unburned sites. We measured infiltration in the New Mexico volcanic soils under two vegetation types, ponderosa pine and mixed conifer, and in the Colorado granitic soils under ponderosa pine vegetation. These measurements were made within high-severity burn areas using a portable infiltrometer with a 0.017 m2 infiltration area and artificial rainfall rates ranging from 97 to 440 mm h-1. Steady-state infiltration rates were less at all burned sites relative to unburned sites. The volcanic soil with ponderosa pine vegetation showed the greatest difference in infiltration rates with a ratio of steady-state infiltration rate in burned sites to unburned soils equal to 0.15. Volcanic soils with mixed conifer vegetation had a ratio (burned to unburned soils) of at most 0.38, and granitic soils with ponderosa pine vegetation had a ratio of 0.38. Steady-state infiltration rates on unburned volcanic and granitic soils with ponderosa pine vegetation are not statistically different. We present data on the particle-size distribution at all the study sites and examples of wetting patterns produced during the infiltration experiments. Published in 2001 by John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.

Thermal decomposition of high-nitrogen energetic compounds: TAGzT and GUzT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayden, Heather F.

The U.S. Navy is exploring high-nitrogen compounds as burning-rate additives to meet the growing demands of future high-performance gun systems. Two high-nitrogen compounds investigated as potential burning-rate additives are bis(triaminoguanidinium) 5,5-azobitetrazolate (TAGzT) and bis(guanidinium) 5,5'-azobitetrazolate (GUzT). Small-scale tests showed that formulations containing TAGzT exhibit significant increases in the burning rates of RDX-based gun propellants. However, when GUzT, a similarly structured molecule was incorporated into the formulation, there was essentially no effect on the burning rate of the propellant. Through the use of simultaneous thermogravimetric modulated beam mass spectrometry (STMBMS) and Fourier-Transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry methods, an investigation of the underlying chemical and physical processes that control the thermal decomposition behavior of TAGzT and GUzT alone and in the presence of RDX, was conducted. The objective was to determine why GUzT is not as good a burning-rate enhancer in RDX-based gun propellants as compared to TAGzT. The results show that TAGzT is an effective burning-rate modifier in the presence of RDX because the decomposition of TAGzT alters the initial stages of the decomposition of RDX. Hydrazine, formed in the decomposition of TAGzT, reacts faster with RDX than RDX can decompose itself. The reactions occur at temperatures below the melting point of RDX and thus the TAGzT decomposition products react with RDX in the gas phase. Although there is no hydrazine formed in the decomposition of GUzT, amines formed in the decomposition of GUzT react with aldehydes, formed in the decomposition of RDX, resulting in an increased reaction rate of RDX in the presence of GUzT. However, GUzT is not an effective burning-rate modifier because its decomposition does not alter the initial gas-phase decomposition of RDX. The decomposition of GUzT occurs at temperatures above the melting point of RDX. Therefore, the decomposition of GUzT affects reactions that are dominant in the liquid phase of RDX. Although GUzT is not an effective burning-rate modifier, features of its decomposition where the reaction between amines formed in the decomposition of GUzT react with the aldehydes, formed in the decomposition of RDX, may have implications from an insensitive-munitions perspective.

Clinical study of cultured epithelial autografts in liquid suspension in severe burn patients.

PubMed

Yim, Haejun; Yang, Hyeong Tae; Cho, Yong Suk; Seo, Cheong Hoon; Lee, Boung Chul; Ko, Jang Hyu; Kwak, In Suk; Kim, Dohern; Hur, Jun; Kim, Jong Hyun; Chun, Wook

2011-09-01

We address the clinical application of the suspension type cultured epithelial autografts (CEAs), Keraheal™ (MCTT, Seoul, Korea), along with the effects, application method, merits and demerits thereof. From February 2007 to June 2010, 29 burn patients with extensive burns, participated in the suspension type of CEA clinical test. A widely meshed autograft (1:4-6 ratio) was applied to the wound bed and the suspension type CEA was sprayed with a Tissomat cell sprayer, followed by a Tissucol spray, a fibrin sealant. The patients' (men/women=26/3) median (interquartile ranges) age was 42 (30-49) years old, the burned TBSA was 55 (44-60) %, and the full thickness burn area was 40 (30-46.5) %. The area of Keraheal™ applied was 800 (400-1200) cm(2). The take rate was 96 (90.5-99) % and 100 (98.5-100) % at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment with Keraheal™, respectively. The Vancouver burn scar scale was 5 (4-6.5), 4 (3-6), and 3 (2-4) at 8, 12 and 24 weeks after the Keraheal™ application. Widely meshed autograft must be applied in massive burns but it's take rate is greatly reduced. The CEAs enhance the take rate of a wide meshed autograft in massive burns and allow for grafting wide meshed autograft together with acellular dermal matrix in some cases. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Effects of fire on golden eagle territory occupancy and reproductive success

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kochert, Michael N.; Steenhof, Karen; Marzluff, J.M.; Carpenter, L.B.

1999-01-01

We examined effects of fire on golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) territory occupancy and reproductive success in southwestern Idaho because wildfires since 1980 have resulted in large-scale losses of shrub habitat in the Snake River Plain. Success (percentage of pairs that raised young) at burned territories declined after major fires (P = 0.004). Pairs in burned areas that could expand into adjacent vacant territories were as successful as pairs in unburned territories and more successful than pairs in burned territories that could not expand. Success at extensively burned territories was lowest 4-6 years after burning but increased 4-5 years later. The incidence and extent of fires did not help predict territories that would have low occupancy and success rates in postburn years. The presence of a vacant neighboring territory and the amount of agriculture and proportion of shrubs within 3 km of the nesting centroid best predicted probability of territory occupancy. Nesting success during preburn years best predicted the probability of a territory being successful in postburn years. Burned territories with high success rates during preburn years continued to have high success rates during postburn years, and those with low success in preburn years continued to be less successful after burning. In areas where much shrub habitat has been lost to fire, management for golden eagles should include active fire suppression and rehabilitation of burned areas.

[Analysis of the pathogenic characteristics of 162 severely burned patients with bloodstream infection].

PubMed

Gong, Y L; Yang, Z C; Yin, S P; Liu, M X; Zhang, C; Luo, X Q; Peng, Y Z

2016-09-20

To analyze the distribution and drug resistance of pathogen isolated from severely burned patients with bloodstream infection, so as to provide reference for the clinical treatment of these patients. Blood samples of 162 severely burned patients (including 120 patients with extremely severe burn) with bloodstream infection admitted into our burn ICU from January 2011 to December 2014 were collected. Pathogens were cultured by fully automatic blood culture system, and API bacteria identification panels were used to identify pathogen. Kirby-Bauer paper disk diffusion method was used to detect the drug resistance of major Gram-negative and -positive bacteria to 37 antibiotics including ampicillin, piperacillin and teicoplanin, etc. (resistance to vancomycin was detected by E test), and drug resistance of fungi to 5 antibiotics including voriconazole and amphotericin B, etc. Modified Hodge test was used to further identify imipenem and meropenem resistant Klebsiella pneumonia. D test was used to detect erythromycin-induced clindamycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The pathogen distribution and drug resistance rate were analyzed by WHONET 5.5. Mortality rate and infected pathogens of patients with extremely severe burn and patients with non-extremely severe burn were recorded. Data were processed with Wilcoxon rank sum test. (1) Totally 1 658 blood samples were collected during the four years, and 339 (20.4%) strains of pathogens were isolated. The isolation rate of Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and fungi were 68.4% (232/339), 24.5% (83/339), and 7.1% (24/339), respectively. The top three pathogens with isolation rate from high to low were Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in turn. (2) Except for the low drug resistance rate to polymyxin B and minocycline, drug resistance rate of Acinetobacter baumannii to the other antibiotics were relatively high (81.0%-100.0%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was sensitive to polymyxin B but highly resistant to other antibiotics (57.7%-100.0%). Enterobacter cloacae was sensitive to imipenem and meropenem, while its drug resistance rates to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, cefoperazone/sulbactam, cefepime, piperacillin/tazobactam were 25.0%-49.0%, and those to the other antibiotics were 66.7%-100.0%. Drug resistance rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae to cefoperazone/sulbactam, imipenem, and meropenem were low (5.9%-15.6%, two imipenem- and meropenem-resistant strains were identified by modified Hodge test), while its drug resistance rates to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, piperacillin/tazobactam, cefepime, cefoxitin, amikacin, levofloxacin were 35.3%-47.1%, and those to the other antibiotics were 50.0%-100.0%. (3) Drug resistance rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to most of the antibiotics were higher than those of the methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). MRSA was sensitive to linezolid, vancomycin, and teicoplanin, while its drug resistance rates to compound sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, minocycline, and erythromycin were 5.3%-31.6%, and those to the other antibiotics were 81.6%-100.0%. Except for totally resistant to penicillin G and tetracycline, MSSA was sensitive to the other antibiotics. Fourteen Staphylococcus aureus strains were resistant to erythromycin-induced clindamycin. Enterococcus was sensitive to vancomycin and teicoplanin, while its drug resistance rates to linezolid, chloramphenicol, nitrofurantoin, and high unit gentamicin were low (10.0%-30.0%), and those to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, minocycline, and ampicillin were high (60.0%-80.0%). Enterococcus was fully resistant to rifampicin. (4) Fungi was sensitive to amphotericin B, and drug resistance rates of fungi to voriconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole were 7.2%-12.5%. (5) The mortality of patients with extremely severe burn was higher than that of patients with non-extremely severe burn. The variety of infected pathogens in patients with extremely severe burn significantly outnumbered that in patients with non-extremely severe burn (Z=-2.985, P=0.005). The variety of pathogen in severely burned patients with bloodstream infection is wide, with the main pathogens as Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the drug resistance situation is grim. The types of infected pathogen in patients with extremely severe burn are more complex, and the mortality of these patients is higher when compared with that of patients with non-extremely severe burn.

β -decay rate of 59Fe in shell burning environment and its influence on the production of 60Fe in a massive star

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, K. A.; Lam, Y. H.; Qi, C.; Tang, X. D.; Zhang, N. T.

2016-12-01

We deduced the stellar β -decay rate of 59Fe at typical carbon-shell burning temperature by taking the experimental Gamow-Teller transition strengths of the 59Fe excited states. The result is also compared with those derived from large-scale shell model calculations. The new rate is up to a factor of 2.5 lower than the theoretical rate of Fuller, Fowler, and Newman (FFN) and up to a factor of 5 higher than decay rate of Langanke and Martínez-Pinedo (LMP) in the temperature region 0.5 ≤T ≤2 GK. We estimated the impact of the newly determined rate on the synthesis of cosmic γ emitter 60Fe in C-shell burning and explosive C/Ne burning using a one-zone model calculation. Our results show that 59Fe stellar β decay plays an important role in 60Fe nucleosynthesis, even though the uncertainty of the decay rate is rather large due to the error of B (GT) strengths.

Flammability testing conducted in support of Apollo 13

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leger, L. J.; Bricker, R. W.

1971-01-01

In support of the Apollo 13 investigation of the oxygen tank failure, flame propagation rates were determined for Teflon insulation in cryogenic and ambient temperature oxygen for upward, downward, and zero g burns. The propagation rates depended heavily on configuration and varied from 4.8 to 10.9 cm/sec for upward one g burns to 0.48 cm/sec for zero g burns. In addition to the flame propagation rates, tests were conducted to determine if Teflon burning in cryogenic oxygen could ignite metals (promoted ignition) with which it came in contact. Tests conducted on various metal alloys used in the oxygen tank indicated that most of the alloys could be ignited by burning Teflon in certain configurations. After the propagation rates and promoted metal ignitions had been evaluated, a test was conducted on a quantity gauge and wire harness used in the oxygen tank to determine if flame propagation to the tank wall was possible. Propagation of the wire bundle after ignition resulted in a catastrophic failure of the test vessel in the area of the quantity gauge.

The effect of density and thermal diffusivity of wood on the rate of burning of wood cribs

Treesearch

H.D. Bruce; W.Y. Pong; W.L. Fons

1961-01-01

A program of research on free-burning wood fires is being conducted by the Forest Service to build up experimental data on the properties of such fires, with the iltimate objective of describing the physical phenomena in terms of fundamental laws. Density was the first wood property investigated. This report gives data on the rate of burning of cribs of five species...

40 CFR 63.1564 - What are my requirements for metal HAP emissions from catalytic cracking units?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... coke burn-off emission limit (Option 4). (2) Comply with each operating limit in Table 2 of this... the PM emission rate (lb/1,000 lbs of coke burn-off) for each run using Equations 1, 2, and 3 (if applicable) of this section as follows: ER11AP02.000 Where: Rc = Coke burn-off rate, kg/hr (lb/hr); Qr...

40 CFR 63.1564 - What are my requirements for metal HAP emissions from catalytic cracking units?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... coke burn-off emission limit (Option 4). (2) Comply with each operating limit in Table 2 of this... the PM emission rate (lb/1,000 lbs of coke burn-off) for each run using Equations 1, 2, and 3 (if applicable) of this section as follows: ER11AP02.000 Where: Rc = Coke burn-off rate, kg/hr (lb/hr); Qr...

40 CFR 63.1564 - What are my requirements for metal HAP emissions from catalytic cracking units?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... coke burn-off emission limit (Option 4). (2) Comply with each operating limit in Table 2 of this... the PM emission rate (lb/1,000 lbs of coke burn-off) for each run using Equations 1, 2, and 3 (if applicable) of this section as follows: ER11AP02.000 Where: Rc = Coke burn-off rate, kg/hr (lb/hr); Qr...

Scheduling prescribed burns for hazard reduction in the southeast

Treesearch

Stephen S. Sackett

1975-01-01

Twelve-year studies in the southeastern Coastal Plain revealed that pine stands should be burned every three years to reduce natural fuels and thus forestall damage from possible wildfires. Rates of overstory growth were not significantly different in burned and unburned stands. Guidelines for prescribed burning of pine stands in this region are presented.

Investigation of critical burning of fuel droplets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allison, C. B.; Canada, G. S.

1972-01-01

Fuel droplets were simulated by porous spheres having diameters in the range 0.63 to 1.9 cm and combustion tests were conducted at pressures up to 78 atm in a quiescent cold air environment. Measurements were made of the burning rate and liquid surface temperature during steady combustion. A high pressure flat flame burner apparatus is under development in order to allow testing of high pressure droplet burning in a combustion gas environment. Work was continued on the high pressure strand combustion characteristics of liquid fuels, with the major emphasis on hydrazine. Data was obtained on the burning rate and liquid surface temperatures at pressures in the range 7 to 500 psia. The response of a burning liquid monopropellant to imposed pressure oscillations is being investigated.

Burn Wound Healing and Treatment: Review and Advancements

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-12

different days post burn. Burns. 2009;35:36–45. 176. Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Kit BK, Flegal KM. Prevalence of childhood and adult obesity in the United...invasive imaging modalities into the routine treatment of burn wounds. Obese patients As the obese population continues to grow [176], new treatment...approaches will be required. Obese burn pa- tients present with a variety of unique characteristics that include: increased rates of diabetes

Dementia: A risk factor for burns in the elderly.

PubMed

Harvey, Lara; Mitchell, Rebecca; Brodaty, Henry; Draper, Brian; Close, Jacqueline

2016-03-01

Older people are disproportionately at risk of burn and have a high risk of dementia; however the impact of dementia on risk of burn is unknown. Linked hospitalisation and death records for individuals aged 65 years and older admitted to a NSW hospital for a burn over the ten year period 2003-2012 were analysed. Demographic and burn characteristics and health outcomes were compared for people with and without dementia. Incidence rates were calculated per 100,000 population and negative binomial regression was used to examine temporal trends. Of the 1535 older people hospitalised for a burn, 11.0% had a record of dementia. The age-standardised incidence rate for people with dementia was 22.7 per 100,000, and for people without dementia was 14.2 per 100,000 population, an incident rate ratio (IRR) of 1.6 (95%CI 1.3-2.0, p<0.0001). There was no significant change in rates over time. People with dementia were more likely to be admitted with burns to the trunk and have greater than 20% total body surface area (TBSA) burn. Mean length of stay (LOS) was more than double (24 vs 12 days) and 30-day mortality three times higher (15.4% vs 5.1%) for people with dementia. Adjusting for differences in age, sex, TBSA, inhalation injury, comorbidities and complications eliminated the increased mortality but not the difference in LOS. People with dementia were more likely to have been burnt by hot tap water (RR 2.3; 95%CI 1.8-2.8, p<0.0001) and ignition of clothing/nightwear (RR 2.6; 95% CI 1.2-5.4, p=0.0149) and to have sustained the burn in residential aged care (20.0%). Burns in people with dementia are significant injuries, which have not decreased over the past ten years despite prevention efforts to reduce burns in older people. Targeted prevention education in the home and residential aged care facilities is warranted. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Epidemiology of Burns in Rural Bangladesh: An Update.

PubMed

He, Siran; Alonge, Olakunle; Agrawal, Priyanka; Sharmin, Shumona; Islam, Irteja; Mashreky, Saidur Rahman; Arifeen, Shams El

2017-04-05

Each year, approximately 265,000 deaths occur due to burns on a global scale. In Bangladesh, around 173,000 children under 18 sustain a burn injury. Since most epidemiological studies on burn injuries in low and middle-income countries are based on small-scale surveys or hospital records, this study aims to derive burn mortality and morbidity measures and risk factors at a population level in Bangladesh. A household survey was conducted in seven rural sub-districts of Bangladesh in 2013 to assess injury outcomes. Burn injuries were one of the external causes of injury. Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors were described using descriptive as well as univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The overall mortality and morbidity rates were 2 deaths and 528 injuries per 100,000 populations. Females had a higher burn rate. More than 50% of injuries were seen in adults 25 to 64 years of age. Most injuries occurred in the kitchen while preparing food. 88% of all burns occurred due to flame. Children 1 to 4 years of age were four times more likely to sustain burn injuries as compared to infants. Age-targeted interventions, awareness of first aid protocols, and improvement of acute care management would be potential leads to curb death and disability due to burn injuries.

Suicide by burning: epidemiological and clinical profiles.

PubMed

Theodorou, Panagiotis; Phan, Vu T Q; Weinand, Christian; Maegele, Marc; Maurer, Christoph A; Perbix, Walter; Leitsch, Sebastian; Lefering, Rolf; Spilker, Gerald

2011-04-01

Self-immolation constitutes a rare form of suicide in developed countries, though it accounts for unique injury characteristics in the burn intensive care unit. The aim of this study was to present the epidemiological and clinical features of patients burned during a suicidal attempt seen in a North Rhine-Westphalia burn intensive care unit (BICU). To address this aim, we undertook a 21-year retrospective study involving patients with thermal injuries admitted to the largest burn unit in Germany. A total of 125 suicide-related burn victims were identified in the study period (9.4%). Comparing the self-immolation group with the rest burn patient cohort, suicide victims were more likely to be single and to act under the influence of alcohol. The suicidal group had a larger extent of burns, higher incidence of inhalation injury, required more surgical procedures, catecholamines, blood transfusions, and a longer BICU stay. Their clinical course was complicated by prolonged intubation period, higher rate of multiple drug-resistant bacteria acquisition and sepsis, leading to a higher mortality rate. Although the proportion of self-immolation victims among all burned patients is not high, the markedly higher severity of their burns and their poorer quality of outcomes makes them an important clinical subgroup for further study.

Epidemiology of Burns in Rural Bangladesh: An Update

PubMed Central

He, Siran; Alonge, Olakunle; Agrawal, Priyanka; Sharmin, Shumona; Islam, Irteja; Mashreky, Saidur Rahman; Arifeen, Shams El

2017-01-01

Each year, approximately 265,000 deaths occur due to burns on a global scale. In Bangladesh, around 173,000 children under 18 sustain a burn injury. Since most epidemiological studies on burn injuries in low and middle-income countries are based on small-scale surveys or hospital records, this study aims to derive burn mortality and morbidity measures and risk factors at a population level in Bangladesh. A household survey was conducted in seven rural sub-districts of Bangladesh in 2013 to assess injury outcomes. Burn injuries were one of the external causes of injury. Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors were described using descriptive as well as univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The overall mortality and morbidity rates were 2 deaths and 528 injuries per 100,000 populations. Females had a higher burn rate. More than 50% of injuries were seen in adults 25 to 64 years of age. Most injuries occurred in the kitchen while preparing food. 88% of all burns occurred due to flame. Children 1 to 4 years of age were four times more likely to sustain burn injuries as compared to infants. Age-targeted interventions, awareness of first aid protocols, and improvement of acute care management would be potential leads to curb death and disability due to burn injuries. PMID:28379160

An educational board game for learning and teaching burn care: A preliminary evaluation.

PubMed

Whittam, Alexander M; Chow, Whitney

2017-01-01

Timely and effective assessment, resuscitation and transfer of patients with severe burns has been demonstrated to improve outcome. A dedicated one-day course exists to equip all frontline emergency healthcare workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage severe burn injuries. More recently, a board game has been developed which aims to act as a learning and practice development tool for those managing burn injuries. We present the findings of our preliminary evaluation of this game. We played this game with a multidisciplinary group of staff including doctors, nurses and therapists. A proportion of these participants had previously completed the Emergency Management of Severe Burns (EMSB) course. We obtained subjective results from a questionnaire, using both Likert-type ratings and open-ended questions. The styling of the game and ease of instructions was rated from 'average' to 'excellent'. The relevance of questions was rated from 'good' to 'excellent'. The usefulness of the game to increase knowledge and stimulate discussion was rated between 'good' and 'excellent'. All participants stated that they would recommend the game to other healthcare professionals. This is the only burns and plastic surgery-related educational game in the literature. Educational games adhere to principles of adult learning but there is insufficient evidence in the literature to either confirm or refute their utility. Our preliminary evaluation of this game has shown that it achieves its main aims, namely to increase knowledge in burn care and to stimulate discussion. Further work is required to assess the board game.

Influence of slope on fire spread rate

Treesearch

B.W. Butler; W.R. Anderson; E.A. Catchpole

2007-01-01

Data demonstrate the effect of slope on heading and backing fires burning through woody fuels. The data indicate that the upper limit of heading fire rate of spread is defined by the rate of spread up a vertical fuel array, and the lower limit is defined by the rate of spread of a backing fire burning downslope. The minimum spread rate is found to occur at nominally --...

A clinician's guide to the treatment of foot burns occurring in diabetic patients.

PubMed

Jones, Larry M; Coffey, Rebecca; Khandelwal, Sorabh; Atway, Said; Gordillo, Gayle; Murphy, Claire; Fries, Jody A; Dungan, Kathleen

2014-12-01

Diabetes mellitus affects 25.8 million Americans and is predicted to almost double by 2050. The presence of diabetes complicates hospital courses because of the microvascular complications associated with disease progression. Patients with diabetes represent 18.3% of annual burn admissions to our unit and 27% have burns to the feet. The purpose of this project was to develop an evidence-based guideline for care of the patient with diabetes and foot burns A multidisciplinary group was charged with developing an evidence-based guideline for the treatment of foot burns in patients with diabetes. Evidence was evaluated in the areas of diabetes, burn care, hyperbaric medicine, care of diabetic foot wounds and physical therapy. After guideline development and approval, key aspects were incorporated into order sets. Key aspects of this guideline are the ability to identify patients with undiagnosed diabetes, assess diabetic control, optimize glycemic and metabolic control, optimize burn wound management, treat microvascular disease, and provide education and a discharge plan. Evaluated outcomes are glycemic control, length of stay, complication rates, amputation rates, infection rates and the use of hyperbaric oxygen. Best outcomes for this high risk population will be attainable with an evidence based guideline. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

The Impact of a Universal Decolonization Protocol on Hospital-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Burn Population.

PubMed

Johnson, Arthur T; Nygaard, Rachel M; Cohen, Ellie M; Fey, Ryan M; Wagner, Anne Lambert

Hospital-acquired (HA) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a leading cause of HA infections and a significant concern for burn centers. The use of 2% chlorhexidine-impregnated wipes and nasal mupirocin significantly decreases the rate of HA-MRSA in adult intensive care units. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of universal decolonization on the rate of MRSA conversion in an American Burn Association verified adult and pediatric burn center. Universal decolonization protocol consisting of daily chlorhexidine baths and a 5-day course of nasal mupirocin was implemented in the burn unit. MRSA screening both on admission and weekly and contact isolation practices were in place in pre-decolonization and post-decolonization periods. Patient data were analyzed 2 years before and 1 year after implementation of the protocol. The incidence rate of MRSA was significantly decreased after the implementation of the decolonization protocol (11.8 vs 1.0 per 1000 patient days, P < .001). Secondary to the loss of the skin barrier and suppressed immune systems, burn patients are at greater risk for invasive infection leading to severe complications and death. The prevalence of HA-MRSA at our institution's burn center was significantly decreased after the implementation of a universal decolonization protocol.

The Burn Rate of Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate-Aluminum Thermites.

PubMed

Govender, Desania Raquel; Focke, Walter Wilhelm; Tichapondwa, Shepherd Masimba; Cloete, William Edward

2018-05-29

The energetics of cast calcium sulfate dihydrate-aluminium thermites was investigated. The casts were prepared form water slurries with a solids content of xxx wt-%. The base case thermite comprised 60 wt-% calcium sulfate dihydrate as the oxidiser with 40 wt-% aluminium as fuel. The heat of hydration of the base case was 59 ± 8 kJkg-1 and the setting time was zzz min. The compressive strength reached 2.9 ± 0.2 MPa after three days drying in ambient air. The open air burn rate was 12.0 ± 1.6 mm s-1 and a maximum surface temperature of 1370 ± 64 °C was recorded with a pyrometer. Bomb calorimetry indicated an energy output of 8.0 ± 1.1 MJ kg-1, slightly lower than predicted by the EKVI thermodynamic simulation. Substitution of 10 wt-% of the oxidant with copper sulfate pentahydrate significantly decreased the setting time of the casts to about yyy min. The density of the castings was varied by either adding hollow sodium borosilicate glass spheres or by adding excess water during the casting process. The addition of the hollow glass spheres caused a decrease in the burning rate. The burning rate of the base case was not affected materially by the addition of excess water. However, it did increase the burning rate of the copper sulfate pentahydrate-modified thermite. Dehydration of the casts by thermal treatments at either 155 °C or 200 °C also led to significant increases in the burning rate.

Solid Fuel Burning in Steady, Strained, Premixed Flow Fields: The Graphite/Air/Methane System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egolfopoulos, Fokion N.; Wu, Ming-Shin (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

A detailed numerical investigation was conducted on the simultaneous burning of laminar premixed CH4/air flames and solid graphite in a stagnation flow configuration. The graphite and methane were chosen for this model, given that they are practical fuels and their chemical kinetics are considered as the most reliable ones among solid and hydrocarbon fuels, respectively. The simulation was performed by solving the quasi-one-dimensional equations of mass, momentum, energy, and species. The GRI 2.1 scheme was used for the gas-phase kinetics, while the heterogeneous kinetics were described by a six-step mechanism including stable and radical species. The effects of the graphite surface temperature, the gas-phase equivalence ratio, and the aerodynamic strain rate on the graphite burning rate and NO, production and destruction mechanisms were assessed. Results indicate that as the graphite temperature increases, its burning rate as well as the NO, concentration increase. Furthermore, it was found that by increasing the strain rate, the graphite burning rate increases as a result of the augmented supply of the gas-phase reactants towards the surface, while the NO, concentration decreases as a result of the reduced residence time. The effect of the equivalence ratio on both the graphite burning rate and NO, concentration was found to be non-monotonic and strongly dependent on the graphite temperature. Comparisons between results obtained for a graphite and a chemically inert surface revealed that the chemical activity of the graphite surface can result to the reduction of NO through reactions of the CH3, CH2, CH, and N radicals with NO.

Incidence and cost of non-fatal burns in Iran: a nationwide population-based study.

PubMed

Abouie, Abolfazl; Salamati, Payman; Hafezi-Nejad, Nima; Rahimi-Movaghar, Afarin; Saadat, Soheil; Amin-Esmaeili, Masoumeh; Sharifi, Vandad; Hajebi, Ahmad; Rahimi-Movaghar, Vafa

2018-03-01

To determine the incidence and cost of non-fatal burns in Iran; this cross-sectional household survey of a nationally representative sample of 15-64 years old was conducted. Through face-to-face interviews and telephone calls, the data on the demographics, history and cost of burns were collected. The annual incidence rate of burns was estimated 129.85 per 1000 population. Burns occurred higher in younger age, female gender and urban residency. The most common burn description was as follows: unpaid work (activity during burn), home (place of burn), heat and hot substances (mechanism of burn) and upper limb (site of burn). The average total cost of burn includes victims seeking medical care was US$124 per case. The main findings of this study suggest that burns are a major public health concern in Iran. To stop this important health issue, a national program for burn prevention and education must be developed.

Influence of fire on black-tailed prairie dog colony expansion in shortgrass steppe

USGS Publications Warehouse

Augustine, D.J.; Cully, J.F.; Johnson, T.L.

2007-01-01

Factors influencing the distribution and abundance of black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies are of interest to rangeland managers because of the significant influence prairie dogs can exert on both livestock and biodiversity. We examined the influence of 4 prescribed burns and one wildfire on the rate and direction of prairie dog colony expansion in shortgrass steppe of southeastern Colorado. Our study was conducted during 2 years with below-average precipitation, when prairie dog colonies were expanding throughout the study area. Under these dry conditions, the rate of black-tailed prairie dog colony expansion into burned grassland (X?? = 2.6 ha??100-m perimeter-1??y-1; range = 0.8-5.9 ha??100-m perimeter-1??y-1; N = 5 colonies) was marginally greater than the expansion rate into unburned grassland (X?? =1.3 ha??100-m perimeter-1??y-1; range = 0.2-4.9 ha??100-m perimeter-1??y-1; N = 23 colonies; P = 0.066). For 3 colonies that were burned on only a portion of their perimeter, we documented consistently high rates of expansion into the adjacent burned grassland (38%-42% of available burned habitat colonized) but variable expansion rates into the adjacent unburned grassland (2%-39% of available unburned habitat colonized). While our results provide evidence that burning can increase colony expansion rate even under conditions of low vegetative structure, this effect was minor at the scale of the overall colony complex because some unburned colonies were also able to expand at high rates. This result highlights the need to evaluate effects of fire on colony expansion during above-average rainfall years, when expansion into unburned grassland may be considerably lower.

Virtual reality pain control during burn wound debridement of combat-related burn injuries using robot-like arm mounted VR goggles.

PubMed

Maani, Christopher V; Hoffman, Hunter G; Morrow, Michelle; Maiers, Alan; Gaylord, Kathryn; McGhee, Laura L; DeSocio, Peter A

2011-07-01

This is the first controlled study to explore whether adjunctive immersive virtual reality (VR) can reduce excessive pain of soldiers with combat-related burn injuries during wound debridement. Patients were US soldiers burned in combat attacks involving explosive devices in Iraq or Afghanistan. During the same wound care session using a within-subject experimental design, 12 patients received half of their severe burn wound cleaning procedure (~6 minutes) with standard of care pharmacologies and half while in VR (treatment order randomized). Three 0 to 10 Graphic Rating Scale pain scores for each of the treatment conditions served as the primary variables. Patients reported significantly less pain when distracted with VR. "Worst pain" (pain intensity) dropped from 6.25 of 10 to 4.50 of 10. "Pain unpleasantness" ratings dropped from "moderate" (6.25 of 10) to "mild" (2.83 of 10). "Time spent thinking about pain" dropped from 76% during no VR to 22% during VR. Patients rated "no VR" as "no fun at all" (<1 of 10) and rated VR as "pretty fun" (7.5 of 10). Follow-up analyses showed VR was especially effective for the six patients who scored 7 of 10 or higher (severe to excruciating) on the "worst pain" (pain intensity) ratings. These preliminary results provide the first evidence from a controlled study that adjunctive immersive VR reduced pain of patients with combat-related burn injuries during severe burn wound debridement. Pain reduction during VR was greatest in patients with the highest pain during no VR. These patients were the first to use a unique custom robot-like arm mounted VR goggle system.

Virtual Reality Pain Control During Burn Wound Debridement of Combat-Related Burn Injuries Using Robot-Like Arm Mounted VR Goggles

PubMed Central

Maani, Christopher V.; Hoffman, Hunter G.; Morrow, Michelle; Maiers, Alan; Gaylord, Kathryn; McGhee, Laura L.; DeSocio, Peter A.

2015-01-01

Background This is the first controlled study to explore whether adjunctive immersive virtual reality (VR) can reduce excessive pain of soldiers with combat-related burn injuries during wound debridement. Methods Patients were US soldiers burned in combat attacks involving explosive devices in Iraq or Afghanistan. During the same wound care session using a within-subject experimental design, 12 patients received half of their severe burn wound cleaning procedure (∼6 minutes) with standard of care pharmacologies and half while in VR (treatment order randomized). Three 0 to 10 Graphic Rating Scale pain scores for each of the treatment conditions served as the primary variables. Results Patients reported significantly less pain when distracted with VR. “Worst pain” (pain intensity) dropped from 6.25 of 10 to 4.50 of 10. “Pain unpleasantness” ratings dropped from “moderate” (6.25 of 10) to “mild” (2.83 of 10). “Time spent thinking about pain” dropped from 76% during no VR to 22% during VR. Patients rated “no VR” as “no fun at all” (<1 of 10) and rated VR as “pretty fun” (7.5 of 10). Follow-up analyses showed VR was especially effective for the six patients who scored 7 of 10 or higher (severe to excruciating) on the “worst pain” (pain intensity) ratings. Conclusions These preliminary results provide the first evidence from a controlled study that adjunctive immersive VR reduced pain of patients with combat-related burn injuries during severe burn wound debridement. Pain reduction during VR was greatest in patients with the highest pain during no VR. These patients were the first to use a unique custom robot-like arm mounted VR goggle system. PMID:21795888

Basic Burns Management E-Learning: A New Teaching Tool.

PubMed

Egro, Francesco M

Burns teaching is organized only in a few medical schools in the United Kingdom. An e-learning tutorial was developed with the objective of incorporating burns teaching within the medical school curriculum. A 33-webpage e-learning was created, covering topics such as local and general response to burns, assessment of burns, first aid, primary and secondary survey, and referral guidelines. Medical student satisfaction was then evaluated using a 12-question feedback survey rated based on a Likert scale from 1 (very poor) to 5 (very good). The 12-question survey was completed by a total of 18 medical students ranging from second to fourth years (second = 17%, third = 22%, fourth = 61%). While only a couple of students had received prior burns teaching, 50% of the cohort had an interest to pursue surgery as a career. The majority of students (72%) would be interested to have an e-learning module on basic burns management in their medical curriculum. The means of all domains specific to the e-learning were rated as "good" or "very good." Students' rating for ease of use was 87%, usefulness was 88%, relevance to the medical curriculum was 90%, clarity and quality of content were 78% and 83%, respectively, design was 79%, and the overall satisfaction with this e-learning was 87%. The "Basic Burns Management" e-learning tutorial can provide an efficient and effective means of information delivery to medical students and junior doctors, allowing easy and fast incorporation of burns teaching within the medical curriculum and in other medical teaching settings.

Epidemiology of a decade of Pediatric fatal burns in Colombia, South America.

PubMed

Aldana, Maria Cristina del Rosario; Navarrete, Norberto

2015-11-01

Burns represent a serious problem around the world especially in low- and middle-income countries. The aim was to determine the epidemiological characteristics, causes and mortality rate of burn deaths in the Colombian pediatric population as well as to guide future education and prevention programs. We conducted an observational, analytical, retrospective population-based study. It was based upon official death certificate data using diagnosis codes for burns (scalds, thermal, electrical, intentional self-harm and not specified), that occurred between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2009. Official death certificates of the pediatric population of up to 15 years of age were obtained from the National Administrative Department of Statistics. A total of 1197 fatal pediatric injuries related to burns were identified. The crude and adjusted mortality rate for burns in the pediatric population in Colombia during the length of the study was 0.899 and 0.912 per 100,000, respectively. The mortality rate tended to decrease (-5.17% annual) during the duration of the study. Children under 5 years of age were the most affected group (59.5%). Almost half of them died before arriving at a health facility (47.1%). Fire is the principal cause of death attributable to burns in Colombia, followed by electric burns and hot liquids. This is a first step study in researching the epidemiological features of pediatric deaths after burns. The Public Health's strategies should be oriented toward community awareness about these kind of injuries, and to teach children and families about risk factors and first aid. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Pediatric burns: Kids' Inpatient Database vs the National Burn Repository.

PubMed

Soleimani, Tahereh; Evans, Tyler A; Sood, Rajiv; Hartman, Brett C; Hadad, Ivan; Tholpady, Sunil S

2016-04-01

Burn injuries are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in young children. The Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) and National Burn Repository (NBR) are two large national databases that can be used to evaluate outcomes and help quality improvement in burn care. Differences in the design of the KID and NBR could lead to differing results affecting resultant conclusions and quality improvement programs. This study was designed to validate the use of KID for burn epidemiologic studies, as an adjunct to the NBR. Using the KID (2003, 2006, and 2009), a total of 17,300 nonelective burn patients younger than 20 y old were identified. Data from 13,828 similar patients were collected from the NBR. Outcome variables were compared between the two databases. Comparisons revealed similar patient distribution by gender, race, and burn size. Inhalation injury was more common among the NBR patients and was associated with increased mortality. The rates of respiratory failure, wound infection, cellulitis, sepsis, and urinary tract infection were higher in the KID. Multiple regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders demonstrated similar mortality rate but significantly longer length of stay for patients in the NBR. Despite differences in the design and sampling of the KID and NBR, the overall demographic and mortality results are similar. The differences in complication rate and length of stay should be explored by further studies to clarify underlying causes. Investigations into these differences should also better inform strategies to improve burn prevention and treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Convective Heat Transfer Scaling of Ignition Delay and Burning Rate with Heat Flux and Stretch Rate in the Equivalent Low Stretch Apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olson, Sandra

2011-01-01

To better evaluate the buoyant contributions to the convective cooling (or heating) inherent in normal-gravity material flammability test methods, we derive a convective heat transfer correlation that can be used to account for the forced convective stretch effects on the net radiant heat flux for both ignition delay time and burning rate. The Equivalent Low Stretch Apparatus (ELSA) uses an inverted cone heater to minimize buoyant effects while at the same time providing a forced stagnation flow on the sample, which ignites and burns as a ceiling fire. Ignition delay and burning rate data is correlated with incident heat flux and convective heat transfer and compared to results from other test methods and fuel geometries using similarity to determine the equivalent stretch rates and thus convective cooling (or heating) rates for those geometries. With this correlation methodology, buoyant effects inherent in normal gravity material flammability test methods can be estimated, to better apply the test results to low stretch environments relevant to spacecraft material selection.

[Epidemiological changes in burned children. A 10-year follow-up].

PubMed

Rojas Goldsack, María de Los Ángeles; Saavedra Opazo, Rolando; Vicencio Pezo, Paulina; Solís Flores, Fresia

2016-01-01

The aim of the study was to compare the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of burns suffered by children in a district of Santiago of Chile over a period of ten years. An analytical study was conducted by checking through the medical files of children under 15 years of age from Pudahuel district who were admitted with burns to the Santiago Aid to Burned Children Corporation (COANIQUEM) during 2011. A comparison was made with the results obtained in a similar study performed in the same district in 2001. In 2011, 440 children were admitted, with an incidence rate of 700/100,000 <15 years old (95% CI: 635-765), a decrease of 25% compared to 2001(Incidence rate of 933/100,000; 95% CI: 856-1010). There were 52% males, 64.5% under 5 years old of age, 88% burned at home, or at other houses where they are been taking care of. There was a significant change in the causative agent, and included, increasing by their relative importance; hot objects (27.1%). The mechanism that mostly increased in occurrence were contact with stoves or heaters, and also emerge that caused by hair iron, and motorcycle exhaust. The most common location was the hand, increasing by 30.8%, and 66.4% showed an extension of the burn of <1% total body surface area (2001, 61%). A significant decline of 54% of deep burns was observed, and 23.2% were admitted to rehabilitation, a similar proportion to 2001. The rate of hospitalization and/or skin graft decreased from 104/100,000 to 62/100,000<15 years old (95% CI: 43-82). Burns incidence has decreased. Hot objects are now the main causal agent. The decrease in the rate of hospitalization and/or graft indicates a lower severity of burns. Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

A review of negative-pressure wound therapy in the management of burn wounds.

PubMed

Kantak, Neelesh A; Mistry, Riyam; Halvorson, Eric G

2016-12-01

Negative pressure has been employed in various aspects of burn care and the aim of this study was to evaluate the evidence for each of those uses. The PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were queried for articles in the following areas: negative pressure as a dressing for acute burns, intermediate treatment prior to skin grafting, bolster for skin autografts, dressing for integration of dermal substitutes, dressing for skin graft donor sites, and integrated dressing in large burns. Fifteen studies met our inclusion criteria. One study showed negative pressure wound therapy improved perfusion in acute partial-thickness burns, 8 out of 9 studies showed benefits when used as a skin graft bolster dressing, 1 out of 2 studies showed improved rate of revascularization when used over dermal substitutes, and 1 study showed increased rate of re-epithelialization when used over skin graft donor sites. Negative pressure can improve autograft take when used as a bolster dressing. There is limited data to suggest that it may also improve the rate of revascularization of dermal substitutes and promote re-epithelialization of skin graft donor sites. Other uses suggested by studies that did not meet our inclusion criteria include improving vascularity in acute partial-thickness burns and as an integrated dressing for the management of large burns. Further studies are warranted for most clinical applications to establish negative pressure as an effective adjunct in burn wound care. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Aromatherapy massage seems to enhance relaxation in children with burns: an observational pilot study.

PubMed

O'Flaherty, Linda-Anne; van Dijk, Monique; Albertyn, Rene; Millar, Alastair; Rode, Heinz

2012-09-01

This observational pilot study investigated effects of aromatherapy massage in paediatric burn patients. The setting was a 17 beds level I burn unit in Cape Town, South Africa. Between January and October 2009 heart rates and respiratory rates of patients who underwent aromatherapy massage sessions were read before and after the sessions. Primary outcomes were decline in heart rates and respiratory rates, a sign of relaxation. Behavioural responses (sleep/awake state, facial expression, body posture) were documented as secondary outcomes. A convenience sample of 71 paediatric burn patients (median age 3 years) underwent a total of 126 massage sessions. Mean heart rate decreased significantly from 118 (SD 20) to 109 (SD 21), t=9.8, p<0.001. Mean respiratory rate decreased significantly from 34 (SD 8) to 30 (SD 8), t=10.2, p<0.001. Most massage sessions (92.8%) elicited positive behaviour to the massage, e.g. the child fell asleep, calmed or asked to continue. Nine patients (7.2%) with a median age of 15 months who underwent a single massage session did not show positive behaviour but cried, wriggled or were distressed. Aromatherapy massage seems to be a helpful nonpharmacological approach to reduce hospitalized paediatric burn patients' distress. Future studies with better research designs and validated outcome measures should confirm our findings. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Burns at KCMC: epidemiology, presentation, management and treatment outcome.

PubMed

Ringo, Y; Chilonga, K

2014-08-01

About 90% of the global burden of burns occurs in the low and middle income countries. In Africa it is estimated that between 17,000 and 30,000 children under five die each year due to burns. In Tanzania there are no specialized burn centers. Burn patients are often managed in the general surgical wards in most hospitals. Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre is one of the four tertiary referral hospitals in Tanzania. This study aimed to review the epidemiology presentation management and outcome of burn patients in this challenging environment. A cross-sectional prospective study involving 41 patients was undertaken from October 2011 to April 2012. 65.9% were males. The largest age group was below 5 years (36.6%). 19.5% were epileptic. More than half of the burns were due to open flame. 80.5% had second degree burns. 56.1% had a BSA of 15% or less and 56.1% had an APACHE score of 10 or less. It was found that 73.2% of burns occurred at home. The commonest prehospital first aid applied was honey. Only 41.5% arrived in hospital within the first 24h after burn. Among the 14.6% who had skin grafting, none had early excision of burn wound. 53.7% developed wound sepsis while 24.4% developed contractures. The mortality rate was 26.8%. Children under five are the worst affected by burns. Most patients had second degree burn wounds. Inappropriate management of the burn wound started just after injury and continued even in hospital. Mortality and complication rates are high. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Suicidal behavior by burns among women in two bordering provinces in Iran

PubMed Central

Alaghehbandan, R.; Dinn, N.A.; Rastegar Lari, E.; Rastegar Lari, A.

2015-01-01

Summary The objective of the study was to describe epidemiologic features of suicidal behavior by burns among women in two bordering provinces in Iran. A prospective hospital-based study of all suicidal behaviors by burns among women was carried out in the Iranian provinces of Khorasan (which borders Afghanistan) and Ilam (which borders Iraq) in 2006. These two provinces suffered from war and economic instability with high rates of poverty and unemployment. Data were obtained from patients, family members, and/or significant others through interviews during the course of hospitalization. Of 181 hospitalized patients, 130 (71.8%) were female, representing a hospital separation rate of 5.4 per 100,000 person-year (P-Y). The rate of suicidal behavior involving burns among the rural population was higher than that in the urban population (6.3 vs. 4.7 per 100,000 P-Y, P = 0.09). The median age of the patients was 23 years old, with a mean (±SD) of 27.9 (±14.3) years old. Approximately 68.5% of women were married. Quarrels with “a family member, spouse, a relative, or a friend” (marital plus other conflicts) was identified as the most common precipitating factor (88.5%) in attempting suicide. More than one third of women were abused (physically and/or verbally) by family members (i.e. spouse, father-in-law). Case fatality rate in this study was 52.3% (68/130). Suicide by burns is still a socio-epidemiological problem in Iran, particularly among young, married women in rural areas. Social and economic conditions, as well as violence against women, play a major role in the high rate of suicide by burns. The findings of this study highlight the need for the implementation of a well-organized approach to reduce the rate of suicide by burns among the most vulnerable populations in Iran. PMID:27252614

Resistance of the boreal forest to high burn rates.

PubMed

Héon, Jessie; Arseneault, Dominique; Parisien, Marc-André

2014-09-23

Boreal ecosystems and their large carbon stocks are strongly shaped by extensive wildfires. Coupling climate projections with records of area burned during the last 3 decades across the North American boreal zone suggests that area burned will increase by 30-500% by the end of the 21st century, with a cascading effect on ecosystem dynamics and on the boreal carbon balance. Fire size and the frequency of large-fire years are both expected to increase. However, how fire size and time since previous fire will influence future burn rates is poorly understood, mostly because of incomplete records of past fire overlaps. Here, we reconstruct the length of overlapping fires along a 190-km-long transect during the last 200 y in one of the most fire-prone boreal regions of North America to document how fire size and time since previous fire will influence future fire recurrence. We provide direct field evidence that extreme burn rates can be sustained by a few occasional droughts triggering immense fires. However, we also show that the most fire-prone areas of the North American boreal forest are resistant to high burn rates because of overabundant young forest stands, thereby creating a fuel-mediated negative feedback on fire activity. These findings will help refine projections of fire effect on boreal ecosystems and their large carbon stocks.

Resistance of the boreal forest to high burn rates

PubMed Central

Héon, Jessie; Arseneault, Dominique; Parisien, Marc-André

2014-01-01

Boreal ecosystems and their large carbon stocks are strongly shaped by extensive wildfires. Coupling climate projections with records of area burned during the last 3 decades across the North American boreal zone suggests that area burned will increase by 30–500% by the end of the 21st century, with a cascading effect on ecosystem dynamics and on the boreal carbon balance. Fire size and the frequency of large-fire years are both expected to increase. However, how fire size and time since previous fire will influence future burn rates is poorly understood, mostly because of incomplete records of past fire overlaps. Here, we reconstruct the length of overlapping fires along a 190-km-long transect during the last 200 y in one of the most fire-prone boreal regions of North America to document how fire size and time since previous fire will influence future fire recurrence. We provide direct field evidence that extreme burn rates can be sustained by a few occasional droughts triggering immense fires. However, we also show that the most fire-prone areas of the North American boreal forest are resistant to high burn rates because of overabundant young forest stands, thereby creating a fuel-mediated negative feedback on fire activity. These findings will help refine projections of fire effect on boreal ecosystems and their large carbon stocks. PMID:25201981

Microbiology and antibiotic resistance in severe burns patients: A 5 year review in an adult burns unit.

PubMed

Bahemia, I A; Muganza, A; Moore, R; Sahid, F; Menezes, C N

2015-11-01

Infections are a major problem in burns patients. Knowledge of the incidence and antimicrobial sensitivities of the microorganisms commonly encountered within each institution's burns unit is important as it informs and directs empiric antibiotic therapy. This was a retrospective review of patients admitted from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2012 to an adult burns intensive care unit. Specimens chosen for analysis were wound swabs, blood cultures, venous catheter tips, tracheal aspirates, sputum, urine and wound tissue. Records were accessed from the admission register and laboratory information system to obtain the relevant data. During the study period, 352 patients were admitted to the adult burns intensive care unit, of which, 341 patients were included. The mortality rate was 44.6%. Flame burns were the commonest. Mortality rate amongst patients with bacteremia was 46.9%. Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were found to be the most common organisms cultured in most specimens. The main three organisms identified in specimen cultures in our adult burns intensive care unit were A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa and MRSA. This study has helped establish a better empiric approach to the management of our septic burns patients. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

The risk of burn injury during long-term oxygen therapy: a 17-year longitudinal national study in Sweden

PubMed Central

Tanash, Hanan A; Huss, Fredrik; Ekström, Magnus

2015-01-01

Background Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) improves the survival time in hypoxemic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite warnings about potential dangers, a considerable number of patients continue to smoke while on LTOT. The incidence of burn injuries related to LTOT is unknown. The aim of this study was to estimate the rate of burn injury requiring health care contact during LTOT. Methods Prospective, population-based, consecutive cohort study of people starting LTOT from any cause between January 1, 1992 and December 31, 2009 in the Swedish National Register of Respiratory Failure (Swedevox). Results In total, 12,497 patients (53% women) were included. The mean (standard deviation) age was 72±9 years. The main reasons for starting LTOT were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (75%) and pulmonary fibrosis (15%). Only 269 (2%) were active smokers when LTOT was initiated. The median follow-up time to event was 1.5 years (interquartile range, 0.55–3.1). In total, 17 patients had a diagnosed burn injury during 27,890 person-years of LTOT. The rate of burn injury was 61 (95% confidence interval, 36–98) per 100,000 person-years. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of burn injury between ever-smokers and never-smokers, or between men and women. Conclusion The rate of burn injuries in patients on LTOT seems to be low in Sweden. The strict requirements in Sweden for smoking cessation before LTOT initiation may contribute to this finding. PMID:26622175

Overweight and obesity: overrepresentation in the pediatric reconstructive burn population.

PubMed

Mayes, Theresa; Gottschlich, Michele M; Allgeier, Chris; Khoury, Jane; Kagan, Richard J

2010-01-01

Pediatric burn patients are predisposed to excessive weight gain in the reconstructive period, but the cause is unclear. An overweight (OW) or obese (OB) condition is associated with numerous health risks, decreased physical function, and increased morbidity. The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency of OW status in reconstructive, pediatric burn patients with the prevalence in the US population. The authors reviewed the records of 1533 pediatric patients, >1 year from acute burn, admitted for an elective reconstructive procedure. Body mass index between 85th and 95th percentile, according to the National Center for Health Statistics for 2000 growth charts, was classified as OW, and body mass index >95th percentile was classified as OB. Frequency of OW and OB and racial disparity was calculated as a percentage of total patients and compared with pediatric data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 1999 to 2006, a nationally representative sample. The rate of OW and OB was 16.3 and 24.1%, respectively, in the authors' pediatric burn population. White patients had OW and OB rates of 15.9 and 23.6%, respectively, compared with 18.2 and 30.2%, respectively, in black patients. All OW and OB rates were outside the 95% confidence interval of the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey population. The rates of OW and OB in pediatric reconstructive burn patients exceed the US population standard across age and race stratifications. The prevention and treatment of excessive weight gain should be a component of rehabilitation in pediatric burns.

Combustion of Nitramine Propellants

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-01

through development of a comprehensive analytical model. The ultimate goals are to enable prediction of deflagration rate over a wide pressure range...superior in burn rate prediction , both simple models fail in correlating existing temperature- sensitivity data. (2) In the second part, a...auxiliary condition to enable independent burn rate prediction ; improved melt phase model including decomposition-gas bubbles; model for far-field

A prospective study of time to healing and hypertrophic scarring in paediatric burns: every day counts.

PubMed

Chipp, Elizabeth; Charles, Lisa; Thomas, Clare; Whiting, Kate; Moiemen, Naiem; Wilson, Yvonne

2017-01-01

It is commonly accepted that burns taking longer than 3 weeks to heal have a much higher rate of hypertrophic scarring than those which heal more quickly. However, some of our patients develop hypertrophic scars despite healing within this 3-week period. We performed a prospective study of 383 paediatric burns treated non-operatively at a regional burns centre over a 2-year period from May 2011 to April 2013. Scar assessment was performed by a senior burns therapist using the Vancouver Scar Scale. Overall rates of hypertrophic scarring were 17.2%. Time to healing was the strongest predictor of developing hypertrophic scarring, and the earliest hypertrophic scar developed in a patient who was healed after 8 days. The risk of hypertrophic scarring was multiplied by 1.138 for every additional day taken for the burn wound to heal. There was a trend towards higher rates of hypertrophic scarring in non-white skin types but this did not reach statistical significance. The risk of hypertrophic scarring increases with every day and, therefore, every effort should be made to get the wound healed as quickly as possible, even within the traditional 3-week period usually allowed for healing. We believe that the traditional dogma of aiming for healing within 3 weeks is overly simplistic and should be abandoned: in paediatric burns, every day counts. Not applicable.

Behavior of Explosives Under Pressure in a Diamond Anvil Cell

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Foltz, M F

2006-06-20

Diamond anvil cell (DAC) studies can yield information about the pressure dependence of materials and reactions under conditions comparable to shock loading. The pressure gradient across the face of the diamonds is often deliberately minimized to create uniform pressure over much of the sample and a simplified data set. To reach very high pressures (30-40 GPa), however, it may be necessary to use ''softer'', high nitrogen content diamonds that are more susceptible to bending under pressure. The resulting enhanced pressure gradient then provides a view of high-pressure behavior under anisotropic conditions similar to those found at the burn front inmore » a bulk sample. We discuss visual observations of pressure-induced changes relative to variations in burn rate of several explosives (Triaminotrinitrobenzene, Nitromethane, CL-20) in the DAC. The burn rate behavior of both Nitromethane (NM) and Triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB) were previously reported for pressures up to {approx}40 GPa. Nitromethane showed a near monotonic increase in burn rate to a maximum at {approx}30 GPa after which the burn rate decreased, all without color change. At higher pressures, the TATB samples had shiny (metallic) polycrystalline zones or inclusions where the pressure was highest in the sample. Around the shiny zones was a gradation of color (red to yellow) that appeared to follow the pressure gradient. The color changes are believed related to disturbances in the resonance structure of this explosive as the intermolecular separations decrease with pressure. The color and type of residue found in unvented gaskets after the burn was complete also varied with pressure. The four polymorphs of CL-20 ({alpha}, {beta}, {gamma}, {var_epsilon}-Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane, HNIW) did not change color up to the highest pressure applied ({approx}30 GPa), and each polymorph demonstrated a distinctly different burn rate signature. One polymorph {beta} was so sensitive to laser ignition over a narrow pressure range that the sample could not be aligned with a low power laser without ignition. The burn rate for that one polymorph could only be measured at pressures above and below that unique pressure. This anomalous ignition threshold is discussed with respect to the matrix of possible polymorphs, most of which have not been isolated in the laboratory. The changes in behavior, color and reaction rates of all samples are discussed with respect to possible implications to chemistry at high pressure.« less

Postdischarge Cause-of-Death Analysis of Combat-Related Burn Patients

PubMed Central

Escolas, Sandra M.; Orman, Jean A.; Chung, Kevin K.; Renz, Evan M.

2017-01-01

Combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have resulted in up to 8.8% of combat-related casualties suffering burns. From World War I through Desert Storm, burns have been associated with approximately 4% of the combat-related deaths. Experiencing a blast injury and exposure to killing and death while deployed has been shown to increase suicide risk. Although several studies of military populations have investigated risk factors for death among burn patients during the acute phase, no studies have reported mortality rates, cause-of-death, or the prevalence of suicide after hospital discharge. This study examined the case fatality rate, causes of death, and the prevalence of suicide among 830 combat burn patients discharged from the sole burn center in the U.S. Department of Defense, between March 7, 2003 and March 6, 2013. Cause-of-death was determined through the Armed Forces Medical Examiner’s Office and the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s National Death Index. A total of 11 deaths occurred among the 830 burn survivors, for an overall case fatality rate of 1.3%. Of the 11 who died, five deaths were related to accidental poisoning by exposure to drugs; three were related to operations of war (two after returning to the war zone), and the remaining three died from other accidental causes (one explosion and two vehicle crashes). There was no indication of suicide or suspicion of suicide as a cause-of-death for the former patients included in this study, suggesting that combat burn injury did not appear to increase the risk of death by suicide in our study population. Further research is needed to understand the factors that contribute to the apparent resilience of combat burn survivors. PMID:26629656

The impact of socio-economic deprivation on burn injury: A nine-year retrospective study of 6441 patients.

PubMed

Marsden, N J; Battle, C E; Combellack, E J; Sabra, A; Morris, K; Dickson, W A; Whitaker, I S; Evans, P A

2016-03-01

Low socio-economic status is thought to be associated with increased burn risk, however the significance and generalisability across different populations and cultures has been questioned. A nine-year retrospective study of burn presentations to a large teaching hospital (2005-2014) was performed to investigate the association between socio-economic status and burns. Demographic and injury data was collected via the trust 'Information portal'. The Welsh Index of Multiple: Deprivation 2011 was used to score for socio-economic status. Chi-squared test and Odds Ratios were calculated and statistical significance defined as p<0.05 throughout. 6441 burns were identified, with 755 (11.7%) admitted. Overall incidence rates were the highest published in the UK (0.35/1000/year) with sub group analysis showing the highest rates in under fives and males. Significant relationships between both age and burn mechanism and gender and burn mechanism (p=0.0005) were identified. Scald (67.1%) was the most common mechanism with the upper limb (48%) most commonly burned. Chi square analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between socio-economic deprivation, age and burn incidence (p≤0.0005), with a disproportionately high number of burns in patients under the age of 16 in the most deprived quintile (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.06-1.44). This study specifically highlights patients under the age of 16 living in poorer socio-economic areas as the most at risk of suffering burns receiving hospital attention. This study demonstrates burns as a significant public health issue, and the results should aid in designing specific burn prevention strategies to target high-risk groups. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Deterrent Concentration Measurement with FTIR and Subsequent Ballistic Performance in Medium Caliber Propellant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Furrow, Keith W.; Ritchie, Steve J.; Morris, Amy

2000-01-01

To meet ballistic requirements, medium and small caliber propellants use deterrent coatings to obtain burn rate progressivity. The required amount and distribution of deterrent varies between gun systems, propellant types, and often between lots. Micro Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to measure deterrent gradients in RP36 propellants coated with methyl centralite (MC) at different deterrent levels and different processing conditions. The aromatic C-C bonds at 1496 cm(exp -1) wavenumber were used to monitor the deterrent profiles through the grain. Deterrent gradients measured with FTIR spectroscopy were then used to estimate burn rate gradients in the deterred grains. Burn rates were calculated from literature models and from closed bomb data of RP36 containing uniform deterrent concentration. Finally, the burn rate gradients were input into an IBHFG2 model of a 200 cc-closed bomb. The early flame spreading portion of the closed bomb ballistic cycle (0 to 0.2 P/Pmax) was roughly modeled by dividing the charge up into five propellant decks and igniting them at different times in the ballistic cycle. Pressure traces and vivacity curves from closed bomb shots were compared to predictions. In addition to the burn rate gradient, the closed bomb pressure trace was heavily dependent on ignition and flame spread. These two phenomena were not readily distinguishable from one another in deterred grains. The same RP-36 propellant was shot in a 25 mm M793TP round which was again modeled with IBHVG2. Peak pressure and muzzle velocity were accurately modeled when erosive burning effects were empirically factored into the model.

Effects of oblique air flow on burning rates of square ethanol pool fires.

PubMed

Tao, Changfa; He, Yaping; Li, Yuan; Wang, Xishi

2013-09-15

The effects of downward airflow on the burning rate and/or burning intensity of square alcohol pool fires for different airflow speeds and directions have been studied experimentally in an inclined wind tunnel. An interesting flame-wrapping phenomenon, caused by impingement of air flow, was observed. The mass burning intensity was found to increase with the airflow speed and the impinging angle. The fuel pan rim temperatures were also measured to study the effect of wind direction and speed on heat transfer from the flame to the fuel source. A model based on heat transfer analysis was developed to correlate the burning intensity with the pan rim characteristic temperature. A good correlation was established between the model results and the experimental results. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Treatments for Common Psychiatric Conditions Among Children and Adolescents During Acute Rehabilitation and Reintegration Phases of Burn Injury

PubMed Central

Arceneaux, Lisa L.; Meyer, Walter J.

2016-01-01

Advances in critical care and surgical management during the last 20 years have decreased mortality rates among children with severe burn injuries. This improved survival rate has prompted researchers to study the psychological aspects of recovering from a burn injury. Initially, research focused primarily on epidemiology, prevention and descriptions of the psychological phenomenon experienced by the children and adolescents. Whereas, previously, interventions were often utilized during the acute phases of burn injury without knowledge of the long-term effects, more recently, priorities have shifted to include long-term treatment outcome studies. The purpose of this paper is to review and discuss the current evidenced-based techniques and their efficacy in the treatment of common psychological and psychiatric conditions among children and adolescents during the 3 major phases of burn injury. PMID:19919208

Improving Diagnosis of Sepsis After Burn Injury Using a Portable Sepsis Alert System

DTIC Science & Technology

vital signs of heart rate variability, regional tissue oxygenation, and noninvasive cardiac output can diagnose burn sepsis earlier, reducing...morbidity and mortality. Rationale: Heart Rate Variability (HRV), regional Tissue Oxygenation, and non-invasive Cardiac Output (CO), have shown promise in

Reliability enhancement through optimal burn-in

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, W.

1984-06-01

A numerical reliability and cost model is defined for production line burn-in tests of electronic components. The necessity of burn-in is governed by upper and lower bounds: burn-in is mandatory for operation-critical or nonreparable component; no burn-in is needed when failure effects are insignificant or easily repairable. The model considers electronic systems in terms of a series of components connected by a single black box. The infant mortality rate is described with a Weibull distribution. Performance reaches a steady state after burn-in, and the cost of burn-in is a linear function for each component. A minimum cost is calculated among the costs and total time of burn-in, shop repair, and field repair, with attention given to possible losses in future sales from inadequate burn-in testing.

Computer Program Applications to Tactical Missile Conceptual Design.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-06-01

initialized at a potential maximum of 1.25 inches/second (Ref. 21 and is allowed to decrease to arrive at a compati- ble burn area and web thickness...the same restrictions. The burn rate starts at 0.45 inches/sec- ond (Ref. 21 and is decreased to provide an acceptable web thickness and burn area. The...0.45 inches/sec- ond to provide a proper web thickness. "THE.SUSTAINER MOTOR HAS AN END BURNING GRAIN." The required burn area for the sustainer was

Predictors of muscle protein synthesis after severe pediatric burns

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Objectives: Following a major burn, muscle protein synthesis rate increases but in most patients, this response is not sufficient to compensate the also elevated protein breakdown. Given the long-term nature of the pathophysiologic response to burn injury, we hypothesized that skeletal muscle prot...

Benchmarking Outcomes in the Critically Injured Burn Patient

PubMed Central

Klein, Matthew B.; Goverman, Jeremy; Hayden, Douglas L.; Fagan, Shawn P.; McDonald-Smith, Grace P.; Alexander, Andrew K.; Gamelli, Richard L.; Gibran, Nicole S.; Finnerty, Celeste C.; Jeschke, Marc G.; Arnoldo, Brett; Wispelwey, Bram; Mindrinos, Michael N.; Xiao, Wenzhong; Honari, Shari E.; Mason, Philip H.; Schoenfeld, David A.; Herndon, David N.; Tompkins, Ronald G.

2014-01-01

Objective To determine and compare outcomes with accepted benchmarks in burn care at six academic burn centers. Background Since the 1960s, U.S. morbidity and mortality rates have declined tremendously for burn patients, likely related to improvements in surgical and critical care treatment. We describe the baseline patient characteristics and well-defined outcomes for major burn injuries. Methods We followed 300 adults and 241 children from 2003–2009 through hospitalization using standard operating procedures developed at study onset. We created an extensive database on patient and injury characteristics, anatomic and physiological derangement, clinical treatment, and outcomes. These data were compared with existing benchmarks in burn care. Results Study patients were critically injured as demonstrated by mean %TBSA (41.2±18.3 for adults and 57.8±18.2 for children) and presence of inhalation injury in 38% of the adults and 54.8% of the children. Mortality in adults was 14.1% for those less than 55 years old and 38.5% for those age ≥55 years. Mortality in patients less than 17 years old was 7.9%. Overall, the multiple organ failure rate was 27%. When controlling for age and %TBSA, presence of inhalation injury was not significant. Conclusions This study provides the current benchmark for major burn patients. Mortality rates, notwithstanding significant % TBSA and presence of inhalation injury, have significantly declined compared to previous benchmarks. Modern day surgical and medically intensive management has markedly improved to the point where we can expect patients less than 55 years old with severe burn injuries and inhalation injury to survive these devastating conditions. PMID:24722222

Burns and long-term infectious disease morbidity: A population-based study.

PubMed

Duke, Janine M; Randall, Sean M; Wood, Fiona M; Boyd, James H; Fear, Mark W

2017-03-01

There is a growing volume of data that indicates that serious injury suppresses immune function, predisposing individuals to infectious complications. With recent evidence showing long-term immune dysfunction after less severe burn, this study aimed to investigate post-burn infectious disease morbidity and assess if burn patients have increased long-term hospital use for infectious diseases. A population-based longitudinal study using linked hospital morbidity and death data from Western Australia for all persons hospitalised for a first burn (n=30,997) in 1980-2012. A frequency matched non-injury comparison cohort was randomly selected from Western Australia's birth registrations and electoral roll (n=123,399). Direct standardisation was used to assess temporal trends in infectious disease admissions. Crude annual admission rates and length of stay for infectious diseases were calculated. Multivariate negative binomial and Cox proportional hazards regression modeling were used to generate adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) and hazard ratios (HR), respectively. After adjustment for demographic factors and pre-existing health status, the burn cohort had twice (IRR, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.04, 1.98-2.22) as many admissions and 3.5 times the number of days in hospital (IRR, 95%CI: 3.46, 3.05-3.92) than the uninjured cohort for infectious diseases. Higher rates of infectious disease admissions were found for severe (IRR, 95%CI: 2.37, 1.89-2.97) and minor burns (IRR, 95%CI: 2.22, 2.11-2.33). Burns were associated with significantly increased incident admissions: 0-30days (HR, 95%CI: 5.18, 4.15-6.48); 30days-1year (HR, 95%CI: 1.69, 1.53-1.87); 1-10 years (HR, 95%CI: 1.40:1.33-1.47); >10years (HR, 95%CI: 1.16, 1.08-1.24). Respiratory, skin and soft tissue and gastrointestinal infections were the most common. The burn cohort had a 1.75 (95%CI: 1.37-2.25) times greater rate of mortality caused by infectious diseases during the 5-year period after discharge than the uninjured cohort. These findings suggest that burn has long-lasting effects on the immune system and its function. The increase in infectious disease in three different epithelial tissues in the burn cohort suggests there may be common underlying pathophysiology. Further research to understand the underlying mechanisms are required to inform clinical interventions to mitigate infectious disease after burn and improve patient outcomes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Burning rate for steel-cased, pressed binderless HMX

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fifer, R. A.; Cole, J. E.

1980-01-01

The burning behavior of pressed binderless HMX laterally confined in 6.4 mm i.d. steel cases was measured over the pressure range 1.45 to 338 MPa in a constant pressure strand burner. The measured regression rates are compared to those reported previously for unconfined samples. It is shown that lateral confinement results in a several-fold decrease in the regression rate for the coarse particle size HMX above the transition to super fast regression. For class E samples, confinement shifts the transition to super fast regression from low pressure to high pressure. These results are interpreted in terms of the previously proposed progressive deconsolidation mechanism. Preliminary holographic photography and closed bomb tests are also described. Theoretical one dimensional modeling calculations were carried out to predict the expected flame height (particle burn out distance) as a function of particle size and pressure for binderless HMX burning by a progressive deconsolidation mechanism.

Evidence based management for paediatric burn: new approaches and improved scar outcomes.

PubMed

Kishikova, Lyudmila; Smith, Matthew D; Cubison, Tania C S

2014-12-01

Little evidence has been produced on the best practice for managing paediatric burns. We set out to develop a formal approach based on the finding that hypertrophic scarring is related to healing-time, with durations under 21 days associated with improved scar outcome. Incorporating new advances in burn care, we compared outcomes under the new approach to a cohort treated previously. Our study was a retrospective cross-sectional case note study, with demographic, treatment and outcome information collected. The management and outcome of each case was assessed and compared against another paediatric burns cohort from 2006. 181 burns presenting across a six month period were analysed (2010 cohort) and compared to 337 children from a previous cohort from 2006. Comparison of patients between cohorts showed an overall shift towards shorter healing-times in the 2010 cohort. A lower overall rate of hypertrophic scarring was seen in the 2010 cohort, and for corresponding healing-times after injury, hypertrophic scarring rates were halved in comparison to the 2006 cohort. We demonstrate that the use of a structured approach for paediatric burns has improved outcomes with regards to healing-time and hypertrophic scarring rate. This approach allows maximisation of healing potential and implements aggressive prophylactic measures. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

MSFR TRU-burning potential and comparison with an SFR

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fiorina, C.; Cammi, A.; Franceschini, F.

2013-07-01

The objective of this work is to evaluate the Molten Salt Fast Reactor (MSFR) potential benefits in terms of transuranics (TRU) burning through a comparative analysis with a sodium-cooled FR. The comparison is based on TRU- and MA-burning rates, as well as on the in-core evolution of radiotoxicity and decay heat. Solubility issues limit the TRU-burning rate to 1/3 that achievable in traditional low-CR FRs (low-Conversion-Ratio Fast Reactors). The softer spectrum also determines notable radiotoxicity and decay heat of the equilibrium actinide inventory. On the other hand, the liquid fuel suggests the possibility of using a Pu-free feed composed onlymore » of Th and MA (Minor Actinides), thus maximizing the MA burning rate. This is generally not possible in traditional low-CR FRs due to safety deterioration and decay heat of reprocessed fuel. In addition, the high specific power and the lack of out-of-core cooling times foster a quick transition toward equilibrium, which improves the MSFR capability to burn an initial fissile loading, and makes the MSFR a promising system for a quick (i.e., in a reactor lifetime) transition from the current U-based fuel cycle to a novel closed Th cycle. (authors)« less

Soil respiration and root biomass responses to burning in calabrian pine (Pinus brutia) stands in Edirne, Turkey.

PubMed

Tufekcioglu, Aydin; Kucuk, Mehmet; Bilmis, Tuncay; Altun, Lokman; Yilmaz, Murat

2010-01-01

In this study soil properties and root biomass responses to prescribed fire were investigated in 25-30 year-old calabrian pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) stands in Edirne, Turkey. The stands were established by planting and were subjected to prescribed burning in July 2005. Soil respiration rates were determined every two months using the soda-lime method over a two-year period. Fine (> or = 2 mm diameter) and small root (> 2-5 mm diameter) biomass were sampled approximately bimonthly using the sequential coring method. Soil respiration rates in burned sites were significantly higher than in control sites during the summer season but there was no significant difference in the other seasons. Soil respiration rates were correlated significantly with soil moisture and soil temperature. Fine and small root biomass were significantly lower in burned sites than in control sites. Mean fine root biomass values were 3204 kg ha(-1) for burned and 3772 kg ha(-1) for control sites. Annual soil CO2 releases totaled 515 g Cm(-2) for burned and 418 g C m(-2) for control sites. Our results indicate that, depending on site conditions, fire could be used successfully as a tool in the management of calabrian pine stands in the study area.

A Computer Program to Evaluate Experimental Therapies for Treating Burned Patients

PubMed Central

Flora, Jairus D.; Flora, Sharyl Ann

1980-01-01

Determining the worth of new therapies for burn patients has been difficult because of the rarity of the burn injury and the disparate survival chances associated with different sizes of burns. Recently a burn survival model has been developed that estimates the risk of death from a burn as a function of the patient's age, sex, area of full thickness (third degree) burn, area of partial thickness burn, involvement of the perineum, and time from burn to admission. An alternative risk model uses the total area burned in place of the areas of partial thickness burn and full thickness burn, and is appropriate if the amount of full thickness burn is not determined accurately. This paper describes a program that uses these risk models to correct or standardize for demographic and severity factors, then, after that adjustment, tests whether a group of burn patients who received a new or experimental therapy shows a significantly better survival rate than that predicted by a baseline model. The program is a simple one written in Fortran for easy adaptation to other computer systems.

Experimental Methodology for Estimation of Local Heat Fluxes and Burning Rates in Steady Laminar Boundary Layer Diffusion Flames.

PubMed

Singh, Ajay V; Gollner, Michael J

2016-06-01

Modeling the realistic burning behavior of condensed-phase fuels has remained out of reach, in part because of an inability to resolve the complex interactions occurring at the interface between gas-phase flames and condensed-phase fuels. The current research provides a technique to explore the dynamic relationship between a combustible condensed fuel surface and gas-phase flames in laminar boundary layers. Experiments have previously been conducted in both forced and free convective environments over both solid and liquid fuels. A unique methodology, based on the Reynolds Analogy, was used to estimate local mass burning rates and flame heat fluxes for these laminar boundary layer diffusion flames utilizing local temperature gradients at the fuel surface. Local mass burning rates and convective and radiative heat feedback from the flames were measured in both the pyrolysis and plume regions by using temperature gradients mapped near the wall by a two-axis traverse system. These experiments are time-consuming and can be challenging to design as the condensed fuel surface burns steadily for only a limited period of time following ignition. The temperature profiles near the fuel surface need to be mapped during steady burning of a condensed fuel surface at a very high spatial resolution in order to capture reasonable estimates of local temperature gradients. Careful corrections for radiative heat losses from the thermocouples are also essential for accurate measurements. For these reasons, the whole experimental setup needs to be automated with a computer-controlled traverse mechanism, eliminating most errors due to positioning of a micro-thermocouple. An outline of steps to reproducibly capture near-wall temperature gradients and use them to assess local burning rates and heat fluxes is provided.

Experimental Methodology for Estimation of Local Heat Fluxes and Burning Rates in Steady Laminar Boundary Layer Diffusion Flames

PubMed Central

Singh, Ajay V.; Gollner, Michael J.

2016-01-01

Modeling the realistic burning behavior of condensed-phase fuels has remained out of reach, in part because of an inability to resolve the complex interactions occurring at the interface between gas-phase flames and condensed-phase fuels. The current research provides a technique to explore the dynamic relationship between a combustible condensed fuel surface and gas-phase flames in laminar boundary layers. Experiments have previously been conducted in both forced and free convective environments over both solid and liquid fuels. A unique methodology, based on the Reynolds Analogy, was used to estimate local mass burning rates and flame heat fluxes for these laminar boundary layer diffusion flames utilizing local temperature gradients at the fuel surface. Local mass burning rates and convective and radiative heat feedback from the flames were measured in both the pyrolysis and plume regions by using temperature gradients mapped near the wall by a two-axis traverse system. These experiments are time-consuming and can be challenging to design as the condensed fuel surface burns steadily for only a limited period of time following ignition. The temperature profiles near the fuel surface need to be mapped during steady burning of a condensed fuel surface at a very high spatial resolution in order to capture reasonable estimates of local temperature gradients. Careful corrections for radiative heat losses from the thermocouples are also essential for accurate measurements. For these reasons, the whole experimental setup needs to be automated with a computer-controlled traverse mechanism, eliminating most errors due to positioning of a micro-thermocouple. An outline of steps to reproducibly capture near-wall temperature gradients and use them to assess local burning rates and heat fluxes is provided. PMID:27285827

Sustained high incidence of injuries from burns in a densely populated urban slum in Kenya: an emerging public health priority.

PubMed

Wong, Joshua M; Nyachieo, Dhillon O; Benzekri, Noelle A; Cosmas, Leonard; Ondari, Daniel; Yekta, Shahla; Montgomery, Joel M; Williamson, John M; Breiman, Robert F

2014-09-01

Ninety-five percent of burn deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); however, longitudinal household-level studies have not been done in urban slum settings, where overcrowding and unsafe cook stoves may increase likelihood of injury. Using a prospective, population-based disease surveillance system in the urban slum of Kibera in Kenya, we examined the incidence of household-level burns of all severities from 2006-2011. Of approximately 28,500 enrolled individuals (6000 households), we identified 3072 burns. The overall incidence was 27.9/1000 person-years-of-observation. Children <5 years old sustained burns at 3.8-fold greater rate compared to (p<0.001) those ≥5 years old. Females ≥5 years old sustained burns at a rate that was 1.35-fold (p<0.001) greater than males within the same age distribution. Hospitalizations were uncommon (0.65% of all burns). The incidence of burns, 10-fold greater than in most published reports from Africa and Asia, suggests that such injuries may contribute more significantly than previously thought to morbidity in LMICs, and may be increased by urbanization. As migration from rural areas into urban slums rapidly increases in many African countries, characterizing and addressing the rising burden of burns is likely to become a public health priority. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Relationship between Slivering Point and Gas Generation Rules of 19-Perforation TEGDN Propellants with Different Length/Outside Diameter Ratios and Perforation Diameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Zhenggang; Xu, Fuming

2018-04-01

In order to investigate the relationship between the slivering point and burning progressivity, a set of 19-perforation propellants containing triethylene glycol dinitrate (TEGDN) with different lengths/outside diameter ratios and perforation diameters was prepared and tested in a closed vessel. The mass fraction of burnt propellant was derived from the recorded pressure-time history of 19-perforation TEGDN propellants in the closed vessel according to the gas state equation and the form function of tested propellants. Based on the form function calculation and the mass fraction of burnt propellant, instantaneous burning surface area and the burning rate were obtained. The influence of length/outside diameter ratios and perforation diameters on the progressive combustion performance is studied through the dynamic vivacity method. With an increase in the length/outsider diameter, the slivering point occurs earlier and the slivering process lasts longer. Further, the burning progressivity of surface area can be improved. For propellants with same length/outside diameter ratio, with a decreasing of perforation diameter, the slivering point lags behind and the burning progressivity becomes greater. The slivering point corresponds to the instantaneous burning area, which is related to the form function and total burning process as well. However, the total burning progressivity of propellant is a very comprehensive result of propellant under multiple actions, including the mass fraction of burnt propellant, grain size and burning rate at different pressure regions. The correlation between them can boost a better understanding on the interaction between grain size, slivering burning process and burning progressivity.

Total inpatient treatment costs in patients with severe burns: towards a more accurate reimbursement model.

PubMed

Mehra, Tarun; Koljonen, Virve; Seifert, Burkhardt; Volbracht, Jörk; Giovanoli, Pietro; Plock, Jan; Moos, Rudolf Maria

2015-01-01

Reimbursement systems have difficulties depicting the actual cost of burn treatment, leaving care providers with a significant financial burden. Our aim was to establish a simple and accurate reimbursement model compatible with prospective payment systems. A total of 370 966 electronic medical records of patients discharged in 2012 to 2013 from Swiss university hospitals were reviewed. A total of 828 cases of burns including 109 cases of severe burns were retained. Costs, revenues and earnings for severe and nonsevere burns were analysed and a linear regression model predicting total inpatient treatment costs was established. The median total costs per case for severe burns was tenfold higher than for nonsevere burns (179 949 CHF [167 353 EUR] vs 11 312 CHF [10 520 EUR], interquartile ranges 96 782-328 618 CHF vs 4 874-27 783 CHF, p <0.001). The median of earnings per case for nonsevere burns was 588 CHF (547 EUR) (interquartile range -6 720 - 5 354 CHF) whereas severe burns incurred a large financial loss to care providers, with median earnings of -33 178 CHF (30 856 EUR) (interquartile range -95 533 - 23 662 CHF). Differences were highly significant (p <0.001). Our linear regression model predicting total costs per case with length of stay (LOS) as independent variable had an adjusted R2 of 0.67 (p <0.001 for LOS). Severe burns are systematically underfunded within the Swiss reimbursement system. Flat-rate DRG-based refunds poorly reflect the actual treatment costs. In conclusion, we suggest a reimbursement model based on a per diem rate for treatment of severe burns.

Interactive effects of fire, soil climate, and moss on CO2 fluxes in black spruce ecosystems of interior Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

O'Donnell, J. A.; Turetsky, M.R.; Harden, J.W.; Manies, K.L.; Pruett, L.E.; Shetler, G.; Neff, J.C.

2009-01-01

Fire is an important control on the carbon (C) balance of the boreal forest region. Here, we present findings from two complementary studies that examine how fire modifies soil organic matter properties, and how these modifications influence rates of decomposition and C exchange in black spruce (Picea mariana) ecosystems of interior Alaska. First, we used laboratory incubations to explore soil temperature, moisture, and vegetation effects on CO2 and DOC production rates in burned and unburned soils from three study regions in interior Alaska. Second, at one of the study regions used in the incubation experiments, we conducted intensive field measurements of net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and ecosystem respiration (ER) across an unreplicated factorial design of burning (2 year post-fire versus unburned sites) and drainage class (upland forest versus peatland sites). Our laboratory study showed that burning reduced the sensitivity of decomposition to increased temperature, most likely by inducing moisture or substrate quality limitations on decomposition rates. Burning also reduced the decomposability of Sphagnum-derived organic matter, increased the hydrophobicity of feather moss-derived organic matter, and increased the ratio of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) in both the upland and peatland sites. At the ecosystem scale, our field measurements indicate that the surface organic soil was generally wetter in burned than in unburned sites, whereas soil temperature was not different between the burned and unburned sites. Analysis of variance results showed that ER varied with soil drainage class but not by burn status, averaging 0.9 ?? 0.1 and 1.4 ?? 0.1 g C m-2d-1 in the upland and peatland sites, respectively. However, a more complex general linear model showed that ER was controlled by an interaction between soil temperature, moisture, and burn status, and in general was less variable over time in the burned than in the unburned sites. Together, findings from these studies across different spatial scales suggest that although fire can create some soil climate conditions more conducive to rapid decomposition, rates of C release from soils may be constrained following fire by changes in moisture and/or substrate quality that impede rates of decomposition. ?? 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Interactive effects of fire, soil climate, and moss on CO2 fluxes in black spruce ecosystems of interior Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

O'Donnell, Jonathan A.; Turetsky, Merritt R.; Harden, Jennifer W.; Manies, Kristen L.; Pruett, L.E.; Shetler, Gordon; Neff, Jason C.

2009-01-01

Fire is an important control on the carbon (C) balance of the boreal forest region. Here, we present findings from two complementary studies that examine how fire modifies soil organic matter properties, and how these modifications influence rates of decomposition and C exchange in black spruce (Picea mariana) ecosystems of interior Alaska. First, we used laboratory incubations to explore soil temperature, moisture, and vegetation effects on CO2 and DOC production rates in burned and unburned soils from three study regions in interior Alaska. Second, at one of the study regions used in the incubation experiments, we conducted intensive field measurements of net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and ecosystem respiration (ER) across an unreplicated factorial design of burning (2 year post-fire versus unburned sites) and drainage class (upland forest versus peatland sites). Our laboratory study showed that burning reduced the sensitivity of decomposition to increased temperature, most likely by inducing moisture or substrate quality limitations on decomposition rates. Burning also reduced the decomposability of Sphagnum-derived organic matter, increased the hydrophobicity of feather moss-derived organic matter, and increased the ratio of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) in both the upland and peatland sites. At the ecosystem scale, our field measurements indicate that the surface organic soil was generally wetter in burned than in unburned sites, whereas soil temperature was not different between the burned and unburned sites. Analysis of variance results showed that ER varied with soil drainage class but not by burn status, averaging 0.9 ± 0.1 and 1.4 ± 0.1 g C m−2 d−1 in the upland and peatland sites, respectively. However, a more complex general linear model showed that ER was controlled by an interaction between soil temperature, moisture, and burn status, and in general was less variable over time in the burned than in the unburned sites. Together, findings from these studies across different spatial scales suggest that although fire can create some soil climate conditions more conducive to rapid decomposition, rates of C release from soils may be constrained following fire by changes in moisture and/or substrate quality that impede rates of decomposition.

On the Dependence of the X-Ray Burst Rate on Accretion and Spin Rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cavecchi, Yuri; Watts, Anna L.; Galloway, Duncan K.

2017-12-01

Nuclear burning and its dependence on the mass accretion rate are fundamental ingredients for describing the complicated observational phenomenology of neutron stars (NSs) in binary systems. Motivated by high-quality burst rate data emerging from large statistical studies, we report general calculations relating the bursting rate to the mass accretion rate and NS rotation frequency. In this first work, we ignore general relativistic effects and accretion topology, although we discuss where their inclusion should play a role. The relations we derive are suitable for different burning regimes and provide a direct link between parameters predicted by theory and what is to be expected in observations. We illustrate this for analytical relations of different unstable burning regimes that operate on the surface of an accreting NS. We also use the observed behavior of the burst rate to suggest new constraints on burning parameters. We are able to provide an explanation for the long-standing problem of the observed decrease of the burst rate with increasing mass accretion that follows naturally from these calculations: when the accretion rate crosses a certain threshold, ignition moves away from its initially preferred site, and this can cause a net reduction of the burst rate due to the effects of local conditions that set local differences in both the burst rate and stabilization criteria. We show under which conditions this can happen even if locally the burst rate keeps increasing with accretion.

Burning mechanism and regression rate of RX-35-AU and RX-35-AV as a function of HMX particle size measured by the hybrid closed bomb-strand burner

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tao, W.C.; Costantino, M.S.; Ornellas, D.L.

1990-04-01

In this study, the average surface regression rate of two HMX-based cast explosives, RX-35-AU and RX-35-AV, is measured to pressures above 750 MPa using a hybrid closed bomb-strand burner. The hybrid design allows the simultaneous measurement of pressure and regression rate over a large range of pressures in each experiment. Nitroglycerin/Triacetin (75/25) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are used as the energetic plasticizer and polymeric binder, respectively, in both formulations. The HMX solids loading in each formulation is 50 wt %, consisting of a narrow particle size distribution of 6--8 {mu}m for RX-35-AU and 150--177 {mu}m for RX-35-AV. Of special interestmore » are the regression rate and burning mechanism as a function of the initial particle size distribution and the mechanical properties fo the cast explosives. In general, the regression rate for the larger particle size formulation, RX-35-AV, is two to three times faster compared to that for RX-35-AU. Up to 750 MPa and independent of the initial confinement pressure, RX-35-AU exhibits a planar burning mechanism with the regression rate obeying the classical aP{sup n} formalism. For RX-35-AV, however, the burning behavior is erratic for samples ignited at 200 MPa confinement pressure. At confinement pressures above 400 MPa, the regression exhibits more of a planar burning mechanism. The unstable combustion behavior for RX-35-AV at lower confinement pressures is related to several mechanisms: (1) an abrupt increase in surface area due to particle fracture and subsequent translation and rotation, resulting in debonding and creating porosity, (2) thixotropic'' separation of the binder and nitramine, causing the significantly greater fracture damage to the nitramine during the loading cycle, (3) microscopic damage to the nitramine crystals that increase its intrinsic burning rate. 12 refs., 8 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Measuring short-term post-fire forest recovery across a burn severity gradient in a mixed pine-oak forest using multi-sensor remote sensing techniques

DOE PAGES

Meng, Ran; Wu, Jin; Zhao, Feng; ...

2018-06-01

Understanding post-fire forest recovery is pivotal to the study of forest dynamics and global carbon cycle. Field-based studies indicated a convex response of forest recovery rate to burn severity at the individual tree level, related with fire-induced tree mortality; however, these findings were constrained in spatial/temporal extents, while not detectable by traditional optical remote sensing studies, largely attributing to the contaminated effect from understory recovery. For this work, we examined whether the combined use of multi-sensor remote sensing techniques (i.e., 1m simultaneous airborne imaging spectroscopy and LiDAR and 2m satellite multi-spectral imagery) to separate canopy recovery from understory recovery wouldmore » enable to quantify post-fire forest recovery rate spanning a large gradient in burn severity over large-scales. Our study was conducted in a mixed pine-oak forest in Long Island, NY, three years after a top-killing fire. Our studies remotely detected an initial increase and then decline of forest recovery rate to burn severity across the burned area, with a maximum canopy area-based recovery rate of 10% per year at moderate forest burn severity class. More intriguingly, such remotely detected convex relationships also held at species level, with pine trees being more resilient to high burn severity and having a higher maximum recovery rate (12% per year) than oak trees (4% per year). These results are one of the first quantitative evidences showing the effects of fire adaptive strategies on post-fire forest recovery, derived from relatively large spatial-temporal domains. Our study thus provides the methodological advance to link multi-sensor remote sensing techniques to monitor forest dynamics in a spatially explicit manner over large-scales, with important implications for fire-related forest management, and for constraining/benchmarking fire effect schemes in ecological process models.« less

Measuring short-term post-fire forest recovery across a burn severity gradient in a mixed pine-oak forest using multi-sensor remote sensing techniques

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Meng, Ran; Wu, Jin; Zhao, Feng

Understanding post-fire forest recovery is pivotal to the study of forest dynamics and global carbon cycle. Field-based studies indicated a convex response of forest recovery rate to burn severity at the individual tree level, related with fire-induced tree mortality; however, these findings were constrained in spatial/temporal extents, while not detectable by traditional optical remote sensing studies, largely attributing to the contaminated effect from understory recovery. For this work, we examined whether the combined use of multi-sensor remote sensing techniques (i.e., 1m simultaneous airborne imaging spectroscopy and LiDAR and 2m satellite multi-spectral imagery) to separate canopy recovery from understory recovery wouldmore » enable to quantify post-fire forest recovery rate spanning a large gradient in burn severity over large-scales. Our study was conducted in a mixed pine-oak forest in Long Island, NY, three years after a top-killing fire. Our studies remotely detected an initial increase and then decline of forest recovery rate to burn severity across the burned area, with a maximum canopy area-based recovery rate of 10% per year at moderate forest burn severity class. More intriguingly, such remotely detected convex relationships also held at species level, with pine trees being more resilient to high burn severity and having a higher maximum recovery rate (12% per year) than oak trees (4% per year). These results are one of the first quantitative evidences showing the effects of fire adaptive strategies on post-fire forest recovery, derived from relatively large spatial-temporal domains. Our study thus provides the methodological advance to link multi-sensor remote sensing techniques to monitor forest dynamics in a spatially explicit manner over large-scales, with important implications for fire-related forest management, and for constraining/benchmarking fire effect schemes in ecological process models.« less

Development of advanced diagnostics for characterization of burning droplets in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sankar, Subramanian; Buermann, Dale H.; Bachalo, William D.

1995-01-01

Diagnostic techniques currently used for microgravity research are generally not as advanced as those used in earth based gravity experiments. Diagnostic techniques for measuring the instantaneous radial temperature profile (or temperature gradients) within the burning droplet do not exist. Over the past few years, Aerometrics has been researching and developing a rainbow thermometric technique for measuring the droplet temperatures of burning droplets. This technique has recently been integrated with the phase Doppler interferometric technique to yield a diagnostic instrument that can be used to simultaneously measure the size, velocity, and temperature of burning droplets in complex spray flames. Also, the rainbow thermometric technique has been recently integrated with a point-diffraction interferometric technique for measuring the instantaneous gas phase temperature field surrounding a burning droplet. These research programs, apart from being very successful, have also helped us identify other innovative techniques for the characterization of burning droplets. For example, new techniques have been identified for measuring the instantaneous regression rate of burning droplets. Also, there is the possibility of extracting the instantaneous radial temperature distribution or the temperature gradients within a droplet during transient heating. What is important is that these diagnostic techniques have the potential for making use of inexpensive, light-weight, and rugged devices such as diode lasers and linear CCD arrays. As a result, they can be easily packaged for incorporation into microgravity drop-test and flight-test facilities. Furthermore, with the use of linear CCD arrays, data rates as high as 10-100 kHz can be easily achieved. This data rate is orders of magnitude higher than what is currently achievable. In this research and development program, a compact and rugged diagnostic system will be developed that can be used to measure instantaneous fuel droplet diameter, droplet regression rate, and the droplet internal temperature profiles or gradients at very high data rates in microgravity experiments.

Solid Propellant Test Motor Scaling

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-09-01

50 Figure 40. Comparison of Measured and Calculated Strand and Small Motor Burning Rates for Fundamental Studies of HTPB /AP Smokeless...Propellants...................................... 51 Figure 41. Agreement Between 2x4 Motor and Strand Burning Rate Data for Non-aluminized HTPB /AP...58 Figure 51. Comparison Between Results Obtained with Ultrasonic Method and Standard

46 CFR 114.600 - Incorporation by reference.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... supplement—Safety Glazing Materials For Glazing Motor Vehicles Operating on Land Highways 116.1030 American... Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position... Burning Characteristics of Building Materials 116.405; 116.422; 116.423 ASTM E 648-97, Standard Test...

Burning of solids in oxygen-rich environments in normal and reduced gravity. [combustion of cellulose acetates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andracchio, C. R.; Cochran, T. H.

1974-01-01

An experimental program was conducted to investigate the combustion characteristics of solids burning in a weightless environment. The combustion characteristics of thin cellulose acetate material were obtained from specimens burned in supercritical as well as in low pressure oxygen atmospheres. Flame spread rates were measured and found to depend on material thickness and pressure in both normal gravity (1-g) and reduced gravity (0-g). A gravity effect on the burning process was also observed; the ratio of 1-g to 0-g flame spread rate becomes larger with increasing material thickness. Qualitative results on the combustion characteristics of metal screens (stainless steel, Inconel, copper, and aluminum) burning in supercritical oxygen and normal gravity are also presented. Stainless steel (300 sq mesh) was successfully ignited in reduced gravity; no apparent difference in the flame spread pattern was observed between 1-g and 0-g.

Regional changes in charcoal-burning suicide rates in East/Southeast Asia from 1995 to 2011: a time trend analysis.

PubMed

Chang, Shu-Sen; Chen, Ying-Yeh; Yip, Paul S F; Lee, Won Jin; Hagihara, Akihito; Gunnell, David

2014-04-01

Suicides by carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from burning barbecue charcoal reached epidemic levels in Hong Kong and Taiwan within 5 y of the first reported cases in the early 2000s. The objectives of this analysis were to investigate (i) time trends and regional patterns of charcoal-burning suicide throughout East/Southeast Asia during the time period 1995-2011 and (ii) whether any rises in use of this method were associated with increases in overall suicide rates. Sex- and age-specific trends over time were also examined to identify the demographic groups showing the greatest increases in charcoal-burning suicide rates across different countries. We used data on suicides by gases other than domestic gas for Hong Kong, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore in the years 1995/1996-2011. Similar data for Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand were also extracted but were incomplete. Graphical and joinpoint regression analyses were used to examine time trends in suicide, and negative binomial regression analysis to study sex- and age-specific patterns. In 1995/1996, charcoal-burning suicides accounted for <1% of all suicides in all study countries, except in Japan (5%), but they increased to account for 13%, 24%, 10%, 7%, and 5% of all suicides in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore, respectively, in 2011. Rises were first seen in Hong Kong after 1998 (95% CI 1997-1999), followed by Singapore in 1999 (95% CI 1998-2001), Taiwan in 2000 (95% CI 1999-2001), Japan in 2002 (95% CI 1999-2003), and the Republic of Korea in 2007 (95% CI 2006-2008). No marked increases were seen in Malaysia, the Philippines, or Thailand. There was some evidence that charcoal-burning suicides were associated with an increase in overall suicide rates in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan (for females), but not in Japan (for males), the Republic of Korea, and Singapore. Rates of change in charcoal-burning suicide rate did not differ by sex/age group in Taiwan and Hong Kong but appeared to be greatest in people aged 15-24 y in Japan and people aged 25-64 y in the Republic of Korea. The lack of specific codes for charcoal-burning suicide in the International Classification of Diseases and variations in coding practice in different countries are potential limitations of this study. Charcoal-burning suicides increased markedly in some East/Southeast Asian countries (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore) in the first decade of the 21st century, but such rises were not experienced by all countries in the region. In countries with a rise in charcoal-burning suicide rates, the timing, scale, and sex/age pattern of increases varied by country. Factors underlying these variations require further investigation, but may include differences in culture or in media portrayals of the method. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

Impact of Early Inpatient Rehabilitation on Adult Burn Survivors' Functional Outcomes and Resource Utilization.

PubMed

Gomez, Manuel; Tushinski, Morris; Jeschke, Marc G

On July 2012, a rehabilitation hospital merged with a trauma center where the regional burn center is located. That rehabilitation center provides the only burn rehabilitation program in our region. The objective of this study was to determine if earlier initiation of inpatient rehabilitation after merger had an effect on burn survivors' functional outcomes and resource utilization. A retrospective review of electronic data of burn survivors' functional outcomes (functional independence measure [FIM] ratings on admission, at discharge, and percent change), and resource utilization (waiting time for rehab, burn center length of stay [LOS], rehab LOS, physiotherapy and occupational therapy rehabilitation workload [RehabWorkload], and discharge destination) was undertaken. Adult burn survivors who required inpatient rehabilitation and were transferred from the burn center to the inpatient rehabilitation service before the merger (July 2010-June 2012) were compared with those transferred after the merger (July 2012-June 2014). One hundred thirty-eight burn survivors were transferred from the burn center to the inpatient rehabilitation service during the study period. Sixty (43.5%) were transferred before and 78 (56.5%) were transferred after the merger. There were 97 (70.3%) men and 41 (29.7%) women with a mean age of 47.9 ± 17.9 years. TBSA burn was 24.2 ± 16.9%, and full thickness burn was 13.1 ± 16.4%. The etiology of these burns were flame (72.5%), scald (19.6%), electrical (5.1%), chemical (2.2%), and contact (0.7%). Patients in both groups had similar age, inhalation injury, TBSA, full thickness burn, FIM ratings, RehabWorkload, and burn etiology. Patients transferred before the merger had significantly more chemical burns (5% vs 0%, P = .046), and more work-related burns (26.7% vs 7.7%, P = .004). Patients transferred after the merger had significantly shorter burn center LOS (28.5 ± 20.9 days vs 38.8 ± 34.2 days, P = .043), and shorter waiting time for rehab (0.7 ± 1.1 days vs 1.5 ± 2.3 days, P = .010) than patients transferred before the merger. Early initiation of inpatient rehabilitation, after the burn center and the inpatient rehabilitation service were located in the same hospital, improved burn survivors' resource utilization.

Childhood burns in Sulaimaniyah province, Iraqi Kurdistan: a prospective study of admissions and outpatients.

PubMed

Othman, Nasih; Kendrick, Denise; Al-Windi, Ahmad

2015-03-01

While it is globally observed that young children are at a higher risk of burn injuries, little is known about childhood burns in Iraqi Kurdistan. This study was undertaken to describe the epidemiology of burns amongst pre-school children in this region. A prospective study was undertaken from November 2007 to November 2008 involving all children aged 0-5 years attending the burns centre in Sulaimaniyah province for a new burn injury whether treated as an outpatient or admitted to hospital. 1,122 children attended the burns centre of whom 944 (84%) were interviewed (male 53%, female 47%). Mean age was 1.9 years with children aged 1 year comprising 32% and those aged 2 years comprising 21% of the sample. The incidence of burns was 1044/100,000 person-years (1030 in females and 1057 in males). Mechanisms of injury included scalds (80%), contact burns (12%) flames (6%) and other mechanisms (2%). Almost 97% of burns occurred at home including 43% in the kitchen. Winter was the commonest season (36%) followed by autumn (24%). There were 3 peak times of injury during the day corresponding to meal times. The majority of burns were caused by hot water (44%) and tea (20%) and the most common equipment/products responsible were tea utensils (41%). There were 237 admissions with an admission rate of 95 per 100,000 person-years. Scald injuries accounted for most admissions (84%). Median total body surface area affected by the burn or scald (TBSA) was 11% and median hospital stay was 7 days. In-hospital mortality was 8%. Mortality rate was 4% when TBSA was ≤25%, and 100% when TBSA was over 50%. Burn incidence is high in young children especially those aged 1-2 years. Preventive interventions targeted at families with young children & focusing on home safety measures could be effective in reducing childhood burns. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

[The Nutrition Care of Severe Burn Patients].

PubMed

Hsieh, Yu-Hsiu

2016-02-01

In addition to recent advances in burn patient care techniques such as maintaining warm circumambient temperature, the early excision of wounds, and the use of closed dressing, providing nutrition support through early feeding has proven instrumental in greatly increasing the survival rate of burn patients. Severe burns complicated by many factors initiate tremendous physiological stress that leads to postburn hypermetabolism that includes enhanced tissue catabolism, the loss of muscle mass, and decreases in the body's reservoirs of protein and energy. These problems have become the focus of burn therapy. Treating severe burns aims not only to enhance survival rates but also to restore normal bodily functions as completely as possible. Recent research evaluating the application of anabolic agents and immune-enhance formula for severe burns therapy has generated significant controversy. Inadequate caloric intake is one of the main differences among the related studies, with the effect of many special nutrients such as bran acid amides not taken into consideration. Therefore, considering the sufficiency of caloric and protein intake is critical in assessing effectiveness. Only after patients receive adequate calories and protein may the effect of special nutrients such as glutamine and supplements be evaluated effectively.

Investigation of critical burning of fuel droplets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allison, C. B.; Canada, G. S.; Faeth, G. M.

1972-01-01

Measurements were made on the burning of liquid hydrazine, MMH, and UDMH in a combustion gas environment. The experimental range of these tests involved gas temperatures of 1660-2530 K, oxygen concentrations of 0-42% by mass and droplet diameters (employing both droplets and porous spheres) of 0.11-1.91 cm. at atmospheric pressure. A simplified hybrid combustion theory was developed which was found to correlate the present results as well as the experimental measurements of other investigators. Measurements were also made of the monopropellant strand burning rates and liquid surface temperatures of a number of nitrate ester fuels and hydrazine at elevated pressures. The temperature measurements for the nitrate esters were found to be in good agreement with a theoretical model which allowed for gas solubility in the liquid phase at high pressures. Experimental results were also obtained on the burning rates and liquid surface temperatures of a number of paraffin and alcohol fuels burning in air pressures up to 72 atm. For these tests, the fuels were burned from porous spheres in a natural convection environment. Initial findings on a pressurized flat flame burner are also described as well as the design of an oscillatory combustion apparatus to test the response of burning liquid fuels.

Reaction rate for carbon burning in massive stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, C. L.; Santiago-Gonzalez, D.; Almaraz-Calderon, S.; Rehm, K. E.; Back, B. B.; Auranen, K.; Avila, M. L.; Ayangeakaa, A. D.; Bottoni, S.; Carpenter, M. P.; Dickerson, C.; DiGiovine, B.; Greene, J. P.; Hoffman, C. R.; Janssens, R. V. F.; Kay, B. P.; Kuvin, S. A.; Lauritsen, T.; Pardo, R. C.; Sethi, J.; Seweryniak, D.; Talwar, R.; Ugalde, C.; Zhu, S.; Bourgin, D.; Courtin, S.; Haas, F.; Heine, M.; Fruet, G.; Montanari, D.; Jenkins, D. G.; Morris, L.; Lefebvre-Schuhl, A.; Alcorta, M.; Fang, X.; Tang, X. D.; Bucher, B.; Deibel, C. M.; Marley, S. T.

2018-01-01

Carbon burning is a critical phase for nucleosynthesis in massive stars. The conditions for igniting this burning stage, and the subsequent isotope composition of the resulting ashes, depend strongly on the reaction rate for 12C+12C fusion at very low energies. Results for the cross sections for this reaction are influenced by various backgrounds encountered in measurements at such energies. In this paper, we report on a new measurement of 12C+12C fusion cross sections where these backgrounds have been minimized. It is found that the astrophysical S factor exhibits a maximum around Ecm=3.5 -4.0 MeV, which leads to a reduction of the previously predicted astrophysical reaction rate.

Propranolol and Oxandrolone Therapy Accelerated Muscle Recovery in Burned Children.

PubMed

Chao, Tony; Porter, Craig; Herndon, David N; Siopi, Aikaterina; Ideker, Henry; Mlcak, Ronald P; Sidossis, Labros S; Suman, Oscar E

2018-03-01

Severe burns result in prolonged hypermetabolism and skeletal muscle catabolism. Rehabilitative exercise training (RET) programs improved muscle mass and strength in severely burned children. The combination of RET with β-blockade or testosterone analogs showed improved exercise-induced benefits on body composition and muscle function. However, the effect of RET combined with multiple drug therapy on muscle mass, strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and protein turnover are unknown. In this placebo-controlled randomized trial, we hypothesize that RET combined with oxandrolone and propranolol (Oxprop) will improve muscle mass and function and protein turnover in severely burned children compared with burned children undergoing the same RET with a placebo. We studied 42 severely burned children (7-17 yr) with severe burns over 30% of the total body surface area. Patients were randomized to placebo (22 control) or to Oxprop (20) and began drug administration within 96 h of admission. All patients began RET at hospital discharge as part of their standardized care. Muscle strength (N·m), power (W), V˙O2peak, body composition, and protein fractional synthetic rate and fractional breakdown rate were measured pre-RET (PRE) and post-RET (POST). Muscle strength and power, lean body mass, and V˙O2peak increased with RET in both groups (P < 0.01). The increase in strength and power was significantly greater in Oxprop versus control (P < 0.01), and strength and power was greater in Oxprop over control POST (P < 0.05). Fractional synthetic rate was significantly higher in Oxprop than control POST (P < 0.01), resulting in improved protein net balance POST (P < 0.05). Rehabilitative exercise training improves body composition, muscle function, and cardiorespiratory fitness in children recovering from severe burns. Oxprop therapy augments RET-mediated improvements in muscle strength, power, and protein turnover.

[Etiological analysis of subambient temperature burn in 351 cases of Hefei area].

PubMed

Shi, Jie; Qi, Weiwei; Xu, Qinglian; Zhou, Shunying; Wang, Guobao

2010-06-01

To study the preventive measure of the subambient temperature burn by analysing the pathogenesis feature. The clinical data were analysed from 351 cases of subambient temperature burn between February 2004 and February 2009, including age, sex, burn season, burn factors, burn position, burn area, burn degree, treatment way, and wound healing. Subambient temperature burn occurred in every age stage. The susceptible age stages included infant, children, and the elderly. Female patients were more than male patients. The common burn reasons were hot-water bottle burn, honey warm keeper burn, and heating device burn. The peak season was winter. Lower limb was the most common site of the subambient temperature burn. The deep II degree to III degree were the most common level, and the burn area was always small, often < or = 1% of total body surface area. Most of patients were treated with changing dressings at clinic and few patients needed hospitalization. Though the surface of wound could heal finally, and the wound healed well with no obvious scar in patients who received operation. Subambient temperature burn is the frequently encountered disease in winter. Use of the warming articles should be cautious, at the same time safety awareness should be strengthened so as to decrease the incidence rate of subambient temperature burn and the injury degree.

Satisfaction with life after burn: A Burn Model System National Database Study.

PubMed

Goverman, J; Mathews, K; Nadler, D; Henderson, E; McMullen, K; Herndon, D; Meyer, W; Fauerbach, J A; Wiechman, S; Carrougher, G; Ryan, C M; Schneider, J C

2016-08-01

While mortality rates after burn are low, physical and psychosocial impairments are common. Clinical research is focusing on reducing morbidity and optimizing quality of life. This study examines self-reported Satisfaction With Life Scale scores in a longitudinal, multicenter cohort of survivors of major burns. Risk factors associated with Satisfaction With Life Scale scores are identified. Data from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) Burn Model System (BMS) database for burn survivors greater than 9 years of age, from 1994 to 2014, were analyzed. Demographic and medical data were collected on each subject. The primary outcome measures were the individual items and total Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) scores at time of hospital discharge (pre-burn recall period) and 6, 12, and 24 months after burn. The SWLS is a validated 5-item instrument with items rated on a 1-7 Likert scale. The differences in scores over time were determined and scores for burn survivors were also compared to a non-burn, healthy population. Step-wise regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of SWLS scores at different time intervals. The SWLS was completed at time of discharge (1129 patients), 6 months after burn (1231 patients), 12 months after burn (1123 patients), and 24 months after burn (959 patients). There were no statistically significant differences between these groups in terms of medical or injury demographics. The majority of the population was Caucasian (62.9%) and male (72.6%), with a mean TBSA burned of 22.3%. Mean total SWLS scores for burn survivors were unchanged and significantly below that of a non-burn population at all examined time points after burn. Although the mean SWLS score was unchanged over time, a large number of subjects demonstrated improvement or decrement of at least one SWLS category. Gender, TBSA burned, LOS, and school status were associated with SWLS scores at 6 months; scores at 12 months were associated with LOS, school status, and amputation; scores at 24 months were associated with LOS, school status, and drug abuse. In this large, longitudinal, multicenter cohort of burn survivors, satisfaction with life after burn was consistently lower than that of non-burn norms. Furthermore mean SWLS scores did not improve over the two-year follow-up period. This study demonstrates the need for continued efforts to improve patient-centered long term satisfaction with life after burn. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

[Influence of three-level collaboration network of pediatric burns treatment in Anhui province on treatment effects of burn children].

PubMed

Xia, Z G; Zhou, X L; Kong, W C; Li, X Z; Song, J H; Fang, L S; Hu, D L; Cai, C; Tang, Y Z; Yu, Y X; Wang, C H; Xu, Q L

2018-03-20

Objective: To explore the influence of three-level collaboration network of pediatric burns in Anhui province on treatment effects of burn children. Methods: The data of medical records of pediatric burn children transferred from Lu'an People's Hospital and Fuyang People's Hospital to the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2014 to December 2015 and January 2016 to September 2017 (before and after establishing three-level collaboration network of pediatric burns treatment) were analyzed: percentage of transferred burn children to hospitalized burn children in corresponding period, gender, age, burn degree, treatment method, treatment result, occurrence and treatment result of shock, and operative and non-operative treatment time and cost. Rehabilitation result of burn children transferred back to local hospitals in 2016 and 2017. Data were processed with t test, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Fisher's exact test. Results: (1) Percentage of burn children transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 was 34.3% (291/848) of the total number of hospitalized burn children in the same period of time, which was close to 30.4% (210/691) of burn children transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 ( χ (2)=2.672, P >0.05). (2) Gender, age, burn degree, and treatment method of burn children transferred from the two periods of time were close ( χ (2)=3.382, Z =-1.917, -1.911, χ (2)=3.133, P >0.05). (3) Cure rates of children with mild, moderate, and severe burns transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 were significantly higher than those of burn children transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 ( χ (2)=11.777, 6.948, 4.310, P <0.05). Cure rates of children with extremely severe burns transferred from the two periods of time were close ( χ (2)=1.181, P >0.05). (4) Children with mild and moderate burns transferred from the two periods of time were with no shock. The incidence of shock of children with severe burns transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 was 6.0% (4/67), and 3 children among them were cured. The incidence of shock of children with severe burns transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 was 3.9% (2/51), and both children were cured. The incidences and cures of shock of children with severe burns transferred from the two periods of time were close ( χ (2)=0.006, P >0.05). Incidence of shock of children with extremely severe burns transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 was 57.1% (32/56), significantly higher than that of burn children transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 [34.5% (10/29), χ (2)=3.925, P <0.05]. Shock of 25 children with extremely severe burns transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 were cured, and shock of 9 children with extremely severe burns transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 were cured. The cures of shock of children with extremely severe burns transferred from the two periods of time were close ( χ (2)=0.139, P >0.05). (5) Time of operative treatment of children with moderate, severe, and extremely severe burns transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 was obviously longer than that of burn children transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 ( t =2.335, 2.065, 2.310, P <0.05). Time of operative treatment of children with mild burns transferred from the two periods of time was close ( Z =-0.417, P >0.05). Costs of operative treatment of children with moderate and severe burns transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 were significantly more than those of burn children transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 ( Z =-3.324, t =2.167, P <0.05). Costs of operative treatment of children with mild and extremely severe burns transferred from the two periods of time were close ( t =0.627, 0.808, P >0.05). (6)Time of non-operative treatment of children with mild, moderate, and severe burns transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 was obviously longer than that of burn children transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 ( t =2.335, Z =-2.095, t =2.152, P <0.05). Time of non-operative treatment of children with extremely severe burns transferred from the two periods of time was close ( t =0.450, P >0.05). Costs of non-operative treatment of children with moderate and severe burns transferred from January 2014 to December 2015 were obviously higher than those of burn children transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 ( Z =-2.164, t =2.040, P <0.05). Costs of non-operative treatment of children with mild and extremely severe burns transferred from the two periods of time were close ( t =0.146, 1.235, P >0.05). (7) Sixty-seven burn children transferred from January 2016 to September 2017 were transferred back to local hospitals for rehabilitation under the guidance of experts of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, with 25 patients in 2016 and 42 patients in 2017. Effective rehabilitation rates of burn children transferred back to local hospitals for rehabilitation in 2016 and 2017 were both 100%. Conclusions: The three-level collaboration network of pediatric burns treatment in Anhui province can effectively increase cure rate of children with mild, moderate, and severe burns, reduce incidence of shock of children with extremely severe burns, shorten time of operative treatment of burn children with moderate, severe, and extremely severe burns, and time of non-operative treatment of children with mild, moderate, and severe burns, reduce treatment costs of children with moderate and severe burns, and improve rehabilitation effectiveness of children transferred from Lu'an People's Hospital and Fuyang People's Hospital to the the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University.

Nitrogen oxides from burning forest fuels examined by thermogravimetry and evolved gas analysis

Treesearch

H.B. Clements; Charles K. McMahon

1980-01-01

Abstract. Twelve forest fuels that varied widely in nitrogen content were burned in a thermogravimetric system, and nitrogen oxide production was analyzed by chemiluminescence. The effects of fuel nitrogen concentration, available oxygen, flow rate, and heating rate on nitrogen oxide production were examined.Results show that fuel nitrogen is an...

EFFECTS OF BURN RATE, WOOD SPECIES, MOISTURE CONTENT AND WEIGHT OF WOOD LOADED ON WOODSTOVE EMISSIONS

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of tests of four woodstove operating parameters (burn rate, wood moisture, wood load, and wood species) at two levels each using a half factorial experimental test design to determine statistically significant effects on the emission components CO, CO2, p...

How Does the Freezer Burn Our Food?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schmidt, Shelly J.; Lee, Joo Won

2009-01-01

Freezer burn is a common problem that significantly affects the color, texture, and flavor of frozen foods. Food science students should be able to clearly explain the causes and consequences of freezer burn. However, it is difficult to find a modern, detailed, accurate, yet concise, explanation of the mechanism and factors influencing the rate of…

Refinement of Propellant Strand Burning Method to Suit Aluminised Composite Rocket Propellant

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

from discrete burn rates at each pressure. Strands are ignited with a nickel- chromium (nichrome) wire with burn time measured via timing wires which...Application of Paint Inhibitor 8.5.1 Switch on the fume hood and prepare a 70% dilution of inhibitor paint as per instructions of document 3.5

Experimental investigation of burning rates of pure ethanol and ethanol blended fuels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Parag, Shintre; Raghavan, Vasudevan

2009-05-15

A fundamental experimental study to determine the burning rates of ethanol and ethanol-blended fossil fuels is presented. Pure liquid ethanol or its blends with liquid fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel, has been transpired to the surface a porous sphere using an infusion pump. Burning of the fuel takes place on the surface of the porous sphere, which is placed in an air stream blowing upwards with a uniform velocity at atmospheric pressure and temperature under normal gravity conditions. At low air velocities, when ignited, a flame envelopes the sphere. For each sphere size, air stream velocity and fuelmore » type, the fuel feed rate will vary and the same is recorded as the burning rate for that configuration. The flame stand-off distances from the sphere surface are measured by post-processing the digital image of the flame photograph using suitable imaging software. The transition velocity at which the flame moves and establishes itself at the wake region of the sphere has been determined for different diameters and fuel types. Correlations of these parameters are also presented. (author)« less

Solid-propellant rocket motor internal ballistic performance variation analysis, phase 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sforzini, R. H.; Foster, W. A., Jr.

1976-01-01

The Monte Carlo method was used to investigate thrust imbalance and its first time derivative throughtout the burning time of pairs of solid rocket motors firing in parallel. Results obtained compare favorably with Titan 3 C flight performance data. Statistical correlations of the thrust imbalance at various times with corresponding nominal trace slopes suggest several alternative methods of predicting thrust imbalance. The effect of circular-perforated grain deformation on internal ballistics is discussed, and a modified design analysis computer program which permits such an evaluation is presented. Comparisons with SRM firings indicate that grain deformation may account for a portion of the so-called scale factor on burning rate between large motors and strand burners or small ballistic test motors. Thermoelastic effects on burning rate are also investigated. Burning surface temperature is calculated by coupling the solid phase energy equation containing a strain rate term with a model of gas phase combustion zone using the Zeldovich-Novozhilov technique. Comparisons of solutions with and without the strain rate term indicate a small but possibly significant effect of the thermoelastic coupling.

Perceptual and Affective Responses to Sampled Capsaicin Differ by Reported Intake

PubMed Central

Nolden, Alissa A.; Hayes, John E.

2016-01-01

The present study was conducted to a) generate suprathresold dose-response functions for multiple qualities evoked by capsaicin across a wide range of concentrations, and b) revisit how intensity ratings and liking may differ as a function of self reported intake. Individuals rated eight samples of capsaicin for perceived burn and bitterness, as well as disliking/liking. Measures of reported preference for chili peppers, chili intake frequency, prior experience and personality measures were also assessed. Here, we confirm prior findings showing that burn in the laboratory differs with reported chili intake, with infrequent consumers reporting more burn. We extend these findings by exploring how capsaicin perception varies by reported liking, and measures of variety seeking. We also address the question of whether differences in burn ratings may potentially be an artifact of differential scale usage across groups due to prior experience, and not chronic desensitization, as is typically assumed. By using generalized scaling methods and recalled sensations, we conclude the differences observed here and elsewhere are not likely due to differences in how participants use rating scales. PMID:28392628

An Experimental Study on Burning Characteristics of n-Heptane/Ethanol Mixture Pool Fires in a Reduced Scaled Tunnel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yozgatligil, Ahmet; Shafee, Sina

2016-11-01

Fire accidents in recent decades have drawn attention to safety issues associated with the design, construction and maintenance of tunnels. A reduced scale tunnel model constructed based on Froude scaling technique is used in the current work. Mixtures of n-heptane and ethanol are burned with ethanol volumetric fraction up to 30 percent and the longitudinal ventilation velocity varying from 0.5 to 2.5 m/s. The burning rates of the pool fires are measured using a precision load cell. The heat release rates of the fires are calculated according to oxygen calorimetry method and the temperature distributions inside the tunnel are also measured. Results of the experiments show that the ventilation velocity variation has a significant effect on the pool fire burning rate, smoke temperature and the critical ventilation velocity. With increased oxygen depletion in case of increased ethanol content of blended pool fires, the quasi-steady heat release rate values tend to increase as well as the ceiling temperatures while the combustion duration decreases.

Clothing-related burns in New South Wales, Australia: impact of legislation on a continuing problem.

PubMed

Harvey, Lara A; Connolley, Siobhan; Harvey, John G

2015-02-01

To combat the risk of nightwear burns a mandatory standard regulating the design, flammability and labelling requirements of children's nightwear was introduced in Australia in 1987. This population-based study examined the trends, characteristics and causes of clothing-related burns to inform a review of the current standard, and to facilitate the development of targeted prevention strategies. Clothing-related burns for 1998-2013 were identified from hospitalisation data for all hospitals in NSW and detailed information regarding circumstance of injury from a burn data registry. To investigate percentage annual change (PAC) in trends negative binomial regression analysis was performed. There were 541 hospitalisations for clothing-related burns, 18% were nightwear-related and 82% were for other clothing. All clothing burns decreased by an estimated 4% per year (95% CI -6.2 to -2.1). Nightwear-related burns decreased by a significantly higher rate (PAC -7.4%; 95% CI -12.5 to -2.1) than other clothing (PAC -2.5%; 95%CI -4.7 to -0.1). Exposure to open heat source (campfire/bonfire) was the most common cause, followed by cooking. Of factors known to be associated with clothing burns, accelerant use was reported in 27% of cases, cigarettes 17%, loose skirt or dress 8%, and angle grinders in 6% of cases. Hospitalisations for clothing burns are relatively uncommon in NSW and rates, particularly of nightwear burns, have decreased over the last 15 years. Strategies for continued reduction of these injuries include increasing the scope of the current clothing standard or developing new standards to include all children's clothing and adult nightwear, and increasing community awareness of the risk associated with open heat sources, accelerant use and loose clothing. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

The Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand: progressing the evidence base for burn care.

PubMed

Cleland, Heather; Greenwood, John E; Wood, Fiona M; Read, David J; Wong She, Richard; Maitz, Peter; Castley, Andrew; Vandervord, John G; Simcock, Jeremy; Adams, Christopher D; Gabbe, Belinda J

2016-03-21

Analysis of data from the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand (BRANZ) to determine the extent of variation between participating units in treatment and in specific outcomes during the first 4 years of its operation. BRANZ, an initiative of the Australian and New Zealand Burn Association, is a clinical quality registry developed in accordance with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare national operating principles. Patients with burn injury who fulfil pre-defined criteria are transferred to and managed in designated burn units. There are 17 adult and paediatric units in Australia and New Zealand that manage almost all patients with significant burn injury. Twelve of these units treat adult patients. Data on 7184 adult cases were contributed by ten acute adult burn units to the registry between July 2010 and June 2014.Major outcomes: In-hospital mortality, hospital length of stay, skin grafting rates, and rates of admission to intensive care units. Considerable variations in unit profiles (including numbers of patients treated), in treatment and in outcomes were identified. Despite the highly centralised delivery of care to patients with severe or complex burn injury, and the relatively small number of specialist burn units, we found significant variation between units in clinical management and in outcomes. BRANZ data from its first 4 years of operation support its feasibility and the value of further development of the registry. Based on these results, the focus of ongoing research is to improve understanding of the reasons for variations in practice and of their effect on outcomes for patients, and to develop evidence-informed clinical guidelines for burn management in Australia and New Zealand.

Epidemiology and Outcomes of Hospitalized Burn Patients in Gaza Strip: A Descriptive Study.

PubMed

Elsous, Aymen; Ouda, Mahmoud; Mohsen, Samah; Al-Shaikh, Mohammed; Mokayad, Siham; Abo-Shaban, Nafiz; Hamad, Abed Al-Rahman

2016-01-01

Burns are serious health problems and leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This study aimed to overview the epidemiological profile and to present outcomes among hospitalized burn patients in AL Alamy burn center in Gaza. This was a cross-sectional retrospective study of medical records of hospitalized patients from July 2013 to June 2014. Descriptive analysis for studied variables was applied and P ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. One humdred eighty nime admissions, 60.8% were males and 63% were under 10 years old. Burn patients in the age range between 19-40 years represented 25.9%. Most common burn injuries were accidental (86.2%), located at home (88.9%), caused by scald (66.1%) and by fire flame (23.8%). On admission, the majority of cases presented with second degree burn (45.5%) or mixed burn (38.6%). The mean TBSA was 11.86 (SD ± 10.78) ranging from 1% to 75% whereas, the mean hospital length of stay was 11.45 (SD ± 12.60) ranging from 1 to 115 days. Total in hospital mortality rate was 2.1% and length of stay was significantly associated with TBSA (P < 0.001). Young children below 10 years seem to be at a higher risk for burn injuries. A significant improvement in burn patients care is observed and practiced and in hospital mortality rate is better compared to neighbouring countries. Preventive programs focusing on safety measures, especially for mothers working in the home, should be implemented urgently to save our children.

Efficacy of moclobemide in burning mouth syndrome: a nonrandomized, open-label study.

PubMed

Pekiner, Filiz Namdar; Gumru, Birsay; Ozbayrak, Semih

2008-01-01

To compare burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients with age- and gender-matched controls for psychologic conditions, to analyze the effect of menstrual state on the intensity of burning, and to assess the efficacy of an antidepressant medication on the burning pain and psychologic status. Ninety-four patients with BMS and 94 matched control subjects participated in the study. Anxiety and depression were analyzed by means of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, and the severity of the burning sensation was measured by means of a visual analog scale (VAS). In female BMS patients and controls, the menstrual state was noted (menstruating, menopausal, or postmenopausal). BMS patients were treated with the antidepressant moclobemide (150 mg 2 times daily) for 3 months. Thereafter, anxiety, depression, and burning pain intensity were reassessed. Patient-perceived satisfactory improvement for burning sensation was assessed using a 5-point categorical rating of change scale. BMS patients had significantly higher anxiety and depression scores than controls (P < .05). After treatment, anxiety and depression scores as well as the VAS values for burning pain decreased significantly (P < .001). Thirty-seven patients reported good to very good improvement, and 44 reported satisfactory improvement. No adverse reactions were reported. The study confirmed earlier reports that BMS patients have higher anxiety and depression levels than controls. An antidepressant medication may be effective in alleviating the burning pain, at least in the short-term.

Burning characteristics and fiber retention of graphite/resin matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowles, K. J.

1980-01-01

Graphite fiber reinforced resin matrix composites were subjected to controlled burning conditions to determine their burning characteristics and fiber retention properties. Two types of burning equipment were used. Small samples were burned with a natural gas fired torch to study the effects of fiber orientation and structural flaws such as holes and slits that were machined into the laminates. Larger laminate samples were burned in a Heat Release Rate Calorimeter. Unidirectional epoxy/graphite and polyimide/graphite composites and boron powder filled samples of each of the two composite systems were burn tested and exposed to a thermal radiation. The effects of fiber orientation, flaws, and boron filler additives to the resins were evaluated. A high char forming polyimide resin was no more effective in retaining graphite fibers than a low char forming epoxy resin when burning in air.

Fiber-Supported Droplet Combustion Experiment-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colantonio, Renato O.

1998-01-01

A major portion of the energy produced in the world today comes from the burning of liquid hydrocarbon fuels in the form of droplets. Understanding the fundamental physical processes involved in droplet combustion is not only important in energy production but also in propulsion, in the mitigation of combustion-generated pollution, and in the control of the fire hazards associated with handling liquid combustibles. Microgravity makes spherically symmetric combustion possible, allowing investigators to easily validate their droplet models without the complicating effects of gravity. The Fiber-Supported Droplet Combustion (FSDC-2) investigation was conducted in the Microgravity Glovebox facility of the shuttles' Spacelab during the reflight of the Microgravity Science Laboratory (MSL- 1R) on STS-94 in July 1997. FSDC-2 studied fundamental phenomena related to liquid fuel droplet combustion in air. Pure fuels and mixtures of fuels were burned as isolated single and duo droplets with and without forced air convection. FSDC-2 is sponsored by the NASA Lewis Research Center, whose researchers are working in cooperation with several investigators from industry and academia. The rate at which a droplet burns is important in many commercial applications. The classical theory of droplet burning assumes that, for an isolated, spherically symmetric, single-fuel droplet, the gas-phase combustion processes are much faster than the droplet surface regression rate and that the liquid phase is at a uniform temperature equal to the boiling point. Recent, more advanced models predict that both the liquid and gas phases are unsteady during a substantial portion of the droplet's burning history, thus affecting the instantaneous and average burning rates, and that flame radiation is a dominant mechanism that can extinguish flames in a microgravity environment. FSDC-2 has provided well-defined, symmetric droplet burning data including radiative emissions to validate these theoretical models for heptane, decane, ethanol, and methanol fuels. Since most commercial combustion systems burn droplets in a convective environment, data were obtained without and with convective flow over the burning droplet (see the following photos).

Constraints on CEMP-no progenitors from nuclear astrophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choplin, Arthur; Maeder, André; Meynet, Georges; Chiappini, Cristina

2016-09-01

Context. The CEMP-no stars are long-lived small mass stars presenting a very low iron content and overabundances of carbon with no sign or only very weak signs of s- or r-elements. Although the origin of this abundance pattern is still a matter of debate, it was very likely inherited from a previous massive star, which we call the source star. Aims: We rely on a recent classification of CEMP-no stars arguing that some of them are made of a material processed by hydrogen burning that was enriched in products of helium burning during the nuclear life of the source star. We examine the possibility of forming CEMP-no stars with this material. Methods: We study the nucleosynthesis of the CNO cycle and the Ne-Na Mg-Al chains in a hydrogen burning single zone while injecting the helium burning products 12C, 16O, 22Ne, and 26Mg. We investigate the impact of changing density, temperature and the injection rate. The nuclear reaction rates involving the creation and destruction of 27Al are also examined. Results: 14N, 23Na, 24Mg, and 27Al are formed when injecting 12C, 16O, 22Ne, and 26Mg in the hydrogen burning zone. The 12C/13C ratio is constant under various conditions in the hydrogen burning zone. The predicted [Al/Fe] ratio varies up to ~ 2 dex depending on the prescription used for the reaction rates involving 27Al. Conclusions: The experiments we carried out support the view that some CEMP-no stars are made of a material processed by hydrogen burning that comes from a massive star experiencing mild to strong rotational mixing. During its burning, this material was likely enriched in helium burning products. No material coming from the carbon-oxygen rich core of the source star should be added to form the daughter star, otherwise the 12C/13C ratio would be largely above the observed range of values.

Experimental study on flowing burning behaviors of a pool fire with dripping of melted thermoplastics.

PubMed

Xie, Qiyuan; Tu, Ran; Wang, Nan; Ma, Xin; Jiang, Xi

2014-02-28

The objective of this work is to quantitatively investigate the dripping-burning and flowing fire of thermoplastics. A new experimental setup is developed with a heating vessel and a T-trough. Hot thermoplastic liquids are generated in the vessel by electric heating. N2 gas is continuously injected into the vessel to avoid a sudden ignition of fuel in it. The detailed flowing burning behaviors of pool fire in the T-trough are analyzed through the measurements of the mass, heat flux and temperatures etc. The experimental results suggest that a continuous dripping of melted thermoplastic liquids in a nearly constant mass rate can be successfully made in the new setup. It also shows that the mass dripping rate of melted PS liquid is smaller than PP and PE since its large viscosity. In addition, the flame spread velocities of hot liquids of PS in the T-trough are also smaller than that of PP and PE because of its large viscosity. The mass burning rate of the PP and PE pool fire in T-trough are smaller than PS. Finally, considering the heating, melting, dripping and flowing burning behaviors of these polymers, it is suggested that the fire hazard of PE and PP are obviously higher than PS for their faster flowing burning. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-Pressure Burning Rate Studies of Solid Rocket Propellants

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

monopropellant burning rate. The self-de§agration rates of neat AP are plotted in Fig. 2 for both pressed pellets and single crystals. There is agreement...rate data from various investigators: 1 ¡ [2]; pressed pellets : 2 ¡ [3], 3 ¡ [4], and 4 ¡ [2]; and single crystals: 5 ¡ [5], and 6 ¡ [6]. Line ¡ AP...7]. Strand or window burners have had more use in the solid propellant community. There are numerous types and styles of combustion vessels, but they

Soil properties and root biomass responses to prescribed burning in young Corsican pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) stands.

PubMed

Tufekcioglu, Aydin; Kucuk, Mehmet; Saglam, Bulent; Bilgili, Ertugrul; Altun, Lokman

2010-05-01

Fire is an important tool in the management of forest ecosystems. Although both prescribed and wildland fires are common in Turkey, few studies have addressed the influence of such disturbances on soil properties and root biomass dynamics. In this study, soil properties and root biomass responses to prescribed fire were investigated in 25-year-old corsican pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) stands in Kastamonu, Turkey. The stands were established by planting and were subjected to prescribed burning in July 2003. Soil respiration rates were determined every two months using soda-lime method over a two-year period. Fine (0-2 mm diameter) and small root (2-5 mm diameter) biomass were sampled approximately bimonthly using sequential coring method. Mean daily soil respiration ranged from 0.65 to 2.19 g Cm(-2) d(-1) among all sites. Soil respiration rates were significantly higher in burned sites than in controls. Soil respiration rates were correlated significantly with soil moisture and soil temperature. Fine root biomass was significantly lower in burned sites than in control sites. Mean fine root biomass values were 4940 kg ha(-1) for burned and 5450 kg ha(-1) for control sites. Soil pH was significantly higher in burned sites than in control sites in 15-35 cm soil depth. Soil organic matter content did not differ significantly between control and burned sites. Our results indicate that, depending on site conditions, fire could be used successfully as a tool in the management of forest stands in the study area.

Plasma L-5-oxoproline kinetics and whole blood glutathione synthesis rates in severely burned adult humans.

PubMed

Yu, Yong-Ming; Ryan, Colleen M; Fei, Zhe-Wei; Lu, Xiao-Ming; Castillo, Leticia; Schultz, John T; Tompkins, Ronald G; Young, Vernon R

2002-02-01

Compromised glutathione homeostasis is associated with increased morbidity in various disease states. We evaluated the kinetics of L-5-oxoproline, an intermediate in the gamma-glutamyl cycle of glutathione production, in fourteen severely burned adults by use of a primed, constant intravenous infusion of L-5-[1-(13)C]oxoproline. In nine of these patients, whole blood glutathione synthesis and plasma kinetics of glycine and leucine were also measured with [(15)N]glycine and L-[(2)H(3)]leucine tracers. Patients were studied under a "basal" condition that provided a low dose of glucose and total parenteral nutrition. For comparison with control subjects, whole blood glutathione synthesis was estimated in six healthy adults. Burn patients in a basal condition showed significantly higher rates of plasma oxoproline clearance and urinary D- and L-oxoproline excretion compared with fasting healthy control subjects. Whole blood glutathione concentration and absolute synthesis rate in the basal state were lower than for control subjects. Total parenteral feeding without cysteine but with generous methionine did not affect oxoproline kinetics or whole blood glutathione synthesis. The estimated rate of glycine de novo synthesis was also lower in burn patients, suggesting a possible change in glycine availability for glutathione synthesis. The roles of precursor amino acid availability, as well as alterations in metabolic capacity, in modulating whole blood glutathione production in burns now require investigation.

Fuel droplet burning rates at high pressures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Canada, G. S.; Faeth, G. M.

1972-01-01

Combustion of methanol, ethanol, propanol -1, n - pentane, n - heptane and n - decane was observed in air under natural convection conditions at pressures up to 100 atm. The droplets were simulated by porous spheres with diameters in the range 0.63 - 1.90 cm. The pressure levels of the tests were high enough so that near critical combustion was observed for methanol and ethanol. Measurements were made of the burning rate and liquid surface temperatures of the fuels. The data were compared with variable property analysis of the combustion process, including a correction for natural convection. The burning rate predictions of the various theories were similar and in fair agreement with the data. The high pressure theory gave the best prediction for the liquid surface temperatures of ethanol and propanol -1 at high pressure. The experiments indicated the approach of critical burning conditions for methanol and ethanol at pressures on the order of 80 - 100 atm, which was in good agreement with the predictions of both the low and high pressure analysis.

The role and importance of porosity in the deflagration rates of HMX-based materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Glascoe, E A; Hsu, P C; Springer, H K

The deflagration behavior of thermally damaged HMX-based materials will be discussed. Strands of material were burned at pressures ranging from 10-300 MPa using the LLNL high pressure strand burner. Strands were heated in-situ and burned while still hot; temperatures range from 90-200 C and were chosen in order to allow for thermal damage of the material without significant decomposition of the HMX. The results indicate that multiple variables affect the burn rate but the most important are the polymorph of HMX and the nature and thermal stability of the non-HE portion of the material. Characterization of the strands indicate thatmore » the thermal soak produces significant porosity and permeability in the sample allowing for significantly faster burning due to the increased surface area and new pathways for flame spread into the material. Specifically, the deflagration rates of heated PBXN-9, LX-10, and PBX-9501 will be discussed and compared.« less

[Changes of soil nutrient contents after prescribed burning of forestland in Heshan City, Guangdong Province].

PubMed

Sun, Yu-xin; Wu, Jian-ping; Zhou, Li-xia; Lin, Yong-biao; Fu, Sheng-lei

2009-03-01

A comparative study was conducted to analyze the changes of soil nutrient contents in Eucalyptus forestland and in shrubland after three years of prescribed burning. In Eucalyptus forestland, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available potassium contents and soil pH decreased significantly; soil available phosphorus and exchangeable magnesium contents, net nitrogen mineralization rate and ammonification rate also decreased but showed no significant difference. In shrubland, soil exchangeable calcium content increased significantly, but the contents of other nutrients had no significant change. The main reason of the lower soil net nitrogen mineralization rate in Eucalyptus forest could be the decrease of available substrates and the uptake of larger amount of soil nutrients by the fast growth of Eucalyptus. The soil nutrients in shrubland had a quick restoration rate after burning.

Regional Changes in Charcoal-Burning Suicide Rates in East/Southeast Asia from 1995 to 2011: A Time Trend Analysis

PubMed Central

Chang, Shu-Sen; Chen, Ying-Yeh; Yip, Paul S. F.; Lee, Won Jin; Hagihara, Akihito; Gunnell, David

2014-01-01

Background Suicides by carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from burning barbecue charcoal reached epidemic levels in Hong Kong and Taiwan within 5 y of the first reported cases in the early 2000s. The objectives of this analysis were to investigate (i) time trends and regional patterns of charcoal-burning suicide throughout East/Southeast Asia during the time period 1995–2011 and (ii) whether any rises in use of this method were associated with increases in overall suicide rates. Sex- and age-specific trends over time were also examined to identify the demographic groups showing the greatest increases in charcoal-burning suicide rates across different countries. Methods and Findings We used data on suicides by gases other than domestic gas for Hong Kong, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore in the years 1995/1996–2011. Similar data for Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand were also extracted but were incomplete. Graphical and joinpoint regression analyses were used to examine time trends in suicide, and negative binomial regression analysis to study sex- and age-specific patterns. In 1995/1996, charcoal-burning suicides accounted for <1% of all suicides in all study countries, except in Japan (5%), but they increased to account for 13%, 24%, 10%, 7%, and 5% of all suicides in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore, respectively, in 2011. Rises were first seen in Hong Kong after 1998 (95% CI 1997–1999), followed by Singapore in 1999 (95% CI 1998–2001), Taiwan in 2000 (95% CI 1999–2001), Japan in 2002 (95% CI 1999–2003), and the Republic of Korea in 2007 (95% CI 2006–2008). No marked increases were seen in Malaysia, the Philippines, or Thailand. There was some evidence that charcoal-burning suicides were associated with an increase in overall suicide rates in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan (for females), but not in Japan (for males), the Republic of Korea, and Singapore. Rates of change in charcoal-burning suicide rate did not differ by sex/age group in Taiwan and Hong Kong but appeared to be greatest in people aged 15–24 y in Japan and people aged 25–64 y in the Republic of Korea. The lack of specific codes for charcoal-burning suicide in the International Classification of Diseases and variations in coding practice in different countries are potential limitations of this study. Conclusions Charcoal-burning suicides increased markedly in some East/Southeast Asian countries (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore) in the first decade of the 21st century, but such rises were not experienced by all countries in the region. In countries with a rise in charcoal-burning suicide rates, the timing, scale, and sex/age pattern of increases varied by country. Factors underlying these variations require further investigation, but may include differences in culture or in media portrayals of the method. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary PMID:24691071

Preparation of Partial-Thickness Burn Wounds in Rodents Using a New Experimental Burning Device.

PubMed

Sakamoto, Michiharu; Morimoto, Naoki; Ogino, Shuichi; Jinno, Chizuru; Kawaguchi, Atsushi; Kawai, Katsuya; Suzuki, Shigehiko

2016-06-01

The manual application of hot water or hot metal to an animal's skin surface is often used to prepare burn wound models. However, manual burn creation is subject to human variability. We developed a new device that can control the temperature, time, and pressure of contact to produce precise and reproducible animal burn wounds and investigated the conditions required to prepare various burn wounds using our new device. We prepared burn wounds on F344 rats using 3 contact times 2, 4, and 10 seconds using a stamp heated to 80°C. We observed the wound-healing process macroscopically and histologically and evaluated the burn depth using a laser speckle contrast-imaging device, which evaluated the blood flow of the wound. The changes in the burned area over time, tissue perfusion of the burn wounds, histological evaluation of the burn depth by hematoxylin-eosin and azocarmine and aniline blue staining, and the epithelialization rate (the ratio of the epithelialized area to the wound length) were evaluated on histological sections. Results indicated that the burn wounds prepared with contact times of 2, 4, and 10 seconds corresponded to superficial dermal burns, deep dermal burns, and full-thickness burns, respectively. We demonstrated that partial- and full-thickness burn wounds can be precisely and reproducibly created with our new automated burning device.

40 CFR Table 24 to Subpart Uuu of... - Continuous Monitoring Systems for Inorganic HAP Emissions From Catalytic Reforming Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... entering the scrubber during coke burn-off and catalyst rejuvenation; and continuous parameter monitoring system to measure and record gas flow rate entering or exiting the scrubber during coke burn-off and... alkalinity of the water (or scrubbing liquid) exiting the scrubber during coke burn-off and catalyst...

Infiltration and interrill erosion rates after a wildfire in western Montana, USA

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The 2000 Valley Complex wildfire burned in steep montane forests with ash cap soils in western Montana, USA. The effects of high burn severity on forest soil hydrologic function was examined using rainfall simulations (100 mm h-1 for 1 h) on 0.5-m2 plots. Infiltration rates and sediment yields and c...

Reaction rate for carbon burning in massive stars

DOE PAGES

Jiang, C. L.; Santiago-Gonzalez, D.; Almaraz-Calderon, S.; ...

2018-01-10

Carbon burning is a critical phase for nucleosynthesis in massive stars. The conditions for igniting this burning stage, and the subsequent isotope composition of the resulting ashes, depend strongly on the reaction rate for 12C+ 12C fusion at very low energies. Results for the cross sections for this reaction are influenced by various backgrounds encountered in measurements at such energies. In this paper, we report on a new measurement of 12C+ 12C fusion cross sections where these backgrounds have been minimized. In conclusion, it is found that the astrophysical S factor exhibits a maximum around E cm=3.5–4.0 MeV, which leadsmore » to a reduction of the previously predicted astrophysical reaction rate.« less

A small single-nozzle rainfall simulator to measure erosion response on different burn severities in southern British Columbia, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Covert, Ashley; Jordan, Peter

2010-05-01

To study the effects of wildfire burn severity on runoff generation and soil erosion from high intensity rainfall, we constructed an effective yet simple rainfall simulator that was inexpensive, portable and easily operated by two people on steep, forested slopes in southern British Columbia, Canada. The entire apparatus, including simulator, pumps, hoses, collapsible water bladders and sample bottles, was designed to fit into a single full-sized pick-up truck. The three-legged simulator extended to approximately 3.3 metres above ground on steep slopes and used a single Spraying Systems 1/2HH-30WSQ nozzle which can easily be interchanged for other sized nozzles. Rainfall characteristics were measured using a digital camera which took images of the raindrops against a grid. Median drop size and velocity 5 cm above ground were measured and found to be 3/4 of the size of natural rain drops of that diameter class, and fell 7% faster than terminal velocity. The simulator was used for experiments on runoff and erosion on sites burned in 2007 by two wildfires in southern British Columbia. Simulations were repeated one and two years after the fires. Rainfall was simulated at an average rate of 67 mm hr-1 over a 1 m2 plot for 20 minutes. This rainfall rate is similar to the 100 year return period rainfall intensity for this duration at a nearby weather station. Simulations were conducted on five replicate 1 m2 plots in each experimental unit including high burn severity, moderate burn severity, unburned, and unburned with forest floor removed. During the simulation a sample was collected for 30 seconds every minute, with two additional samples until runoff ceased, resulting in 22 samples per simulation. Runoff, overland flow coefficient, infiltration and sediment yield were compared between treatments. Additional simulations were conducted immediately after a 2009 wildfire to test different mulch treatments. Typical results showed that runoff on plots with high burn severity and with forest floor removed was similar, reaching on average a steady rate of about 60% of rainfall rate after about 7 minutes. Runoff on unburned plots with intact forest floor was much lower, typically less than 20% of rainfall rate. Sediment yield was greatest on plots with forest floor removed, followed by severely burned plots. Sediment yield on unburned and moderately burned plots was very low to zero. These results are consistent with qualitative observations made following several extreme rainfall events on recent burns in the region.

Near Surface Vapor Bubble Layers in Buoyant Low Stretch Burning of Polymethylmethacrylate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olson, Sandra L.; Tien, J. S.

1999-01-01

Large-scale buoyant low stretch stagnation point diffusion flames over solid fuel (polymethylmethacrylate) were studied for a range of aerodynamic stretch rates of 2-12/ sec which are of the same order as spacecraft ventilation-induced stretch in a microgravity environment. An extensive layer of polymer material above the glass transition temperature is observed. Unique phenomena associated with this extensive glass layer included substantial swelling of the burning surface, in-depth bubble formation, and migration and/or elongation of the bubbles normal to the hot surface. The bubble layer acted to insulate the polymer surface by reducing the effective conductivity of the solid. The reduced in-depth conduction stabilized the flame for longer than expected from theory neglecting the bubble layer. While buoyancy acts to move the bubbles deeper into the molten polymer, thermocapillary forces and surface regression both act to bring the bubbles to the burning surface. Bubble layers may thus be very important in low gravity (low stretch) burning of materials. As bubbles reached the burning surface, monomer fuel vapors jetted from the surface, enhancing burning by entraining ambient air flow. Popping of these bubbles at the surface can expel burning droplets of the molten material, which may increase the fire propagation hazards at low stretch rates.

Paediatric electrical burn injuries: experience from a tertiary care burns unit in North India

PubMed Central

Srivastava, S.; Patil, A.N.; Bedi, M.; Tawar, R.S.

2017-01-01

Summary Electrical burn injuries in the paediatric age group constitute a small proportion of all burn cases and cause significant morbidity and long-term psychosocial impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate various aspects of electrical burn injuries in the paediatric age group in our region. A retrospective review was done of all paediatric electrical burns admitted to a tertiary care burns unit over a period of 12 months (January 2016 to December 2016). There were 77 cases of electrical burns under the age of 16 years. High voltage burns predominated and older age groups were more frequently affected. Male:female ratio was 4.1:1. Amputations were required in 18 (23%), skin grafting in 52 (67%) and flap cover in 29 (37%) patients. There were unfavourable outcomes in 32% patients with a mortality rate of 7.8%. Significant association was found between unfavourable outcomes and high voltage burn injuries and length of hospital stay. The impact of electrical burn injuries is substantial and can be reduced by simple preventive measures such as educating parents, improving health infrastructure and adherence to safety regulations.

A Modeling Approach for Burn Scar Assessment Using Natural Features and Elastic Property

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tsap, L V; Zhang, Y; Goldgof, D B

2004-04-02

A modeling approach is presented for quantitative burn scar assessment. Emphases are given to: (1) constructing a finite element model from natural image features with an adaptive mesh, and (2) quantifying the Young's modulus of scars using the finite element model and the regularization method. A set of natural point features is extracted from the images of burn patients. A Delaunay triangle mesh is then generated that adapts to the point features. A 3D finite element model is built on top of the mesh with the aid of range images providing the depth information. The Young's modulus of scars ismore » quantified with a simplified regularization functional, assuming that the knowledge of scar's geometry is available. The consistency between the Relative Elasticity Index and the physician's rating based on the Vancouver Scale (a relative scale used to rate burn scars) indicates that the proposed modeling approach has high potentials for image-based quantitative burn scar assessment.« less

An experimental study of high-pressure droplet combustion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norton, Chris M.; Litchford, Ron J.; Jeng, San-Mou

1990-01-01

The results are presented of an experimental study on suspended n-heptane droplet combustion in air for reduced pressures up to P(r) = 2.305. Transition to fully transient heat-up through the critical state is demonstrated above a threshold pressure corresponding to P(r) of roughly 1.4. A silhouette imaging technique resolves the droplet surface for reduced pressures up to about P(r) roughly 0.63, but soot formation conceals the surface at higher pressures. Images of the soot plumes do not show any sudden change in behavior indicative of critical transition. Mean burning rate constants are computed from the d-squared variation law using measured effective droplet diameters at ignition and measured burn times, and corrected burning times are computed for an effective initial droplet diameter. The results show that the burning rates increase as the fuel critical pressure is approached and decrease as the pressure exceeds the fuel critical pressure. Corrected burning times show inverse behavior.

[Burn injuries to military personnel during the Six Day War].

PubMed

Dreyfuss, U Y

2000-05-01

About 2500 soldiers were injured during the Six Day War (June 1967) of whom 115 suffered from burns. In 34 of them 15% or more of their body surface was involved and 11 died. Typical features of these burn cases were supplementary injuries, a high rate of infection, and long periods of hospitalization. Prophylactic antibiotics were not useful. The general condition of many deteriorated during the first week after injury, indicating the importance of treating severe burns in specialized facilities.

Credit PSR. This photograph looks south southwest (200°) into the ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Credit PSR. This photograph looks south southwest (200°) into the burn pit. Scrap propellant was stored elsewhere until enough had accumulated to require a burn. The open burn unit is rated for 200 pounds (91 Kg) of class 1.1 propellants, or 1,000 pounds (454 Kg) of class 1.3 propellants. A maximum of 4 personnel were permitted on the grounds during a burn - Jet Propulsion Laboratory Edwards Facility, Incinerator, Edwards Air Force Base, Boron, Kern County, CA

Artemisinin protects mice against burn sepsis through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

PubMed

Long, Huibao; Xu, Bincan; Luo, Yanling; Luo, Keqin

2016-05-01

NLRP3 inflammasome activation is recently reported to be linked to the pathogenesis of sepsis. Artemisinin is shown to play beneficial effects in sepsis. However, the impacts of artemisinin on burn sepsis have not been investigated. This study is designed to investigate the role of artemisinin in burn sepsis and the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into sham burn, burn, burn sepsis, and artemisinin treated groups. Inflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Adhesion molecules and neutrophil infiltration in lung and heart were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Mortality rates were monitored. Artemisinin was added to Raw 264.7 cells that were stimulated with burn sepsis serum in the presence/absence of an inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome, 3, 4-methylenedioxy-β-nitrostyrene. Interleukin (IL) 1β and IL-18 messenger RNA expression as well as NLRP3 and caspase 1 protein were measured. Production of inflammatory cytokines in serum, levels of adhesion molecules and neutrophil infiltration in lung and heart, and mortality rate of burn septic mice were significantly higher than those of control. These effects were attenuated by artemisinin. Artemisinin down-regulated protein levels of NLRP3 and caspase 1 and inhibited the increases of IL-1β and IL-18 messenger RNA expression from Raw 264.7 cells that were stimulated with burn sepsis serum. These effects of artemisinin were not further strengthened in the presence of 4-methylenedioxy-β-nitrostyrene. Artemisinin protects mice from burn sepsis by attenuating the inflammatory response and alleviating inflammatory infiltration in vital organs, likely through inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review of the use of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) in the treatment of burns.

PubMed

Steen, M

1993-01-01

Local infection and burn wound sepsis are one of the most severe problems in the treatment of thermally injured patients. Early surgical treatment and the use of topical antiseptics led to a decrease in the infection rate and significantly improved the survival rate of burns patients within the last twenty-five years. Many antiseptics are used in the treatment of burns. Silver nitrate, silver sulphadiazine, sulfamylon and povidone-iodine (PVP-I) are the most common substances used worldwide in burn care facilities. Clinical studies demonstrate that treatment with PVP-I is the most effective against bacterial and fungal infection. Several methodological problems however arise from direct comparison between these antiseptics, and local and systemic adverse effects can make the right choice difficult. Some case reports documented possible side effects in the treatment of patients with PVP-I, leading to general concerns about this treatment. Absorption of iodine and possible changes in thyroid hormones are well known, but evaluation of the clinical consequences is controversial. Reports of severe metabolic acidosis and renal insufficiency with lethal results have condemned the use of PVP-I in the treatment of extensive burns. The case reports, however, dealt with patients suffering from general morbidity and sepsis and therefore these single reports may not be generally valid. Local treatment of burns may cause further problems. The beneficial effect of a decrease of bacterial counts in deeper tissue may be confounded by other effects delaying wound healing, as shown in some experimental studies. Controlled clinical investigations on burn patients however are still missing. The paper will discuss these topics in detail referring to the treatment of burns with PVP-I. It is based on a critical review of the literature and the author's own experience in burns therapy.

Upon admission coagulation and platelet function in patients with thermal and electrical injuries.

PubMed

Wade, Charles E; Baer, Lisa A; Cardenas, Jessica C; Folkerson, Lindley E; Nutall-Aurora, Kisha; Cotton, Bryan A; Matijevic, Nena; Holcomb, John B; Cross, James M; Huzar, Todd

2016-12-01

There has been increased focus on hemostatic potential and function in the initial assessment of the patient with traumatic injuries, that not been extensively studied in patients with burns. We proposed to determine the hemostatic potential of patients with burns upon admission to the emergency department and contrasted their condition with that of healthy controls and patients with other traumatic injuries. In addition we assessed differences due to thermal versus electrical injury and evaluated the effect of burn size. This is a patient based prospective observational study conducted with delayed consented. Subjects at the highest level of trauma activation upon admission to the ED had a blood sample collected for research purposes and were subsequently consented. Hemostatic potential was measured by rapid thromelastography (r-TEG ® ), thrombin generation by calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) and platelet function by Multiplate ® using five activators. Burn subjects were compared to subjects with other traumatic injuries and controls. Within the burn subjects additional analysis compared mechanism (thermal vs. electrical) and burn size. Values are medians (IQR). Two hundred and eighty two trauma patients (with burns n=40, 14%) and 27 controls were enrolled. Upon admission, compared to controls, subjects with burns or trauma were hyper-coagulable based on r-TEG and CAT, with increased rates of clot formation and thrombin generation. There were no differences in burns compared to other traumatic injuries. The presence of hyper-coagulation did not appear to be related to the type of burn or the percentage of total body surface area involved. Employing previous defined cut points for R-TEG driven therapeutic interventions burn patients had similar rates of hyper- and hypo-coagulation noted in patients with traumatic injuries. Upon admission patients with burns are in a hyper-coagulable state similar to that of other trauma patients. Employing demonstrated cut points of hemostatic potential in trauma patients associated with increased risk of poor outcomes demonstrated the incidence in burn patients to be similar, suggesting that these values could be used in the early assessment of the patient with burns to guide treatment interventions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Practice of first aid in burn related injuries in a developing country.

PubMed

Fadeyibi, Idowu Olusegun; Ibrahim, Nasiru Akanmu; Mustafa, Ibrahim Akinwunmi; Ugburo, Andrew Omotayo; Adejumo, Adedeji Olusola; Buari, Adedayo

2015-09-01

First aid with cool running water reduces the severity of burn. Low level of knowledge of first aid in burns was shown in previous studies with few patients receiving first aid by water lavage. A study investigating the use of water lavage as first aid in patients presenting to hospital with burn in Lagos, Nigeria was carried out. Patients admitted to a University Teaching Hospital for treatment of burns were recruited for this prospective study. Data detailing demographics, scene and aetiology of burns, material used for first aid, who administered first aid, level of education and relationship of first-aider with patients, length of hospital stay, complications and outcome of treatment were collected and statistical analysis performed. 168 patients; 73 (43.4%) children and 95 (56.6%) adults were seen. Burns were sustained at home in 95 (74.2%) cases and outside in 33 (25.8%). Water lavage was used in 49 (29.2%) cases, raw eggs in 21 (12.5%), pap in 16 (9.5%) and other materials in 48.8%. 40 (23.8%) patients had not received any form of first aid at presentation. Patients that received no water first aid had higher complication rate (35.3% versus 18.4%) compared with those that had water first aid. The use of water first aid in burns was shown to reduce complication rate in this study. People should be educated on the efficacy of water first aid in pre-hospital care of burns. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Bridging burn care education with modern technology, an integration with high fidelity human patient simulation.

PubMed

Reeves, Patrick T; Borgman, Matthew A; Caldwell, Nicole W; Patel, Leela; Aden, James; Duggan, John P; Serio-Melvin, Maria L; Mann-Salinas, Elizabeth A

2018-08-01

The Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS) program is a burn-education curriculum nearly 30 years in the making, focusing on the unique challenges of the first 24h of care after burn injury. Our team applied high fidelity human patient simulation (HFHPS) to the established ABLS curriculum. Our hypothesis was that HFHPS would be a feasible, easily replicable, and valuable adjunct to the current curriculum that would enhance learner experience. This prospective, evidenced-based practice project was conducted in a single simulation center employing the American Burn Association's ABLS curriculum using HFHPS. Participants managed 7 separate simulated polytrauma and burn scenarios with resultant clinical complications. After training, participants completed written and practical examinations as well as satisfaction surveys. From 2012 to 2013, 71 students participated in this training. Simulation (ABLS-Sim) participants demonstrated a 2.5% increase in written post-test scores compared to traditional ABLS Provider Course (ABLS Live) (p=0.0016). There was no difference in the practical examination when comparing ABLS-Sim versus ABLS Live. Subjectively, 60 (85%) participants completed surveys. The Educational Practice Questionnaire showed best practices rating of 4.5±0.7; with importance of learning rated at 4.4±0.8. The Simulation Design Scale rating for design was 4.6±0.6 with an importance rating of 4.4±0.8. Overall Satisfaction and Self-Confidence with Learning were 4.4±0.7 and 4.5±0.7, respectfully. Integrating HFHPS with the current ABLS curriculum led to higher written exam scores, high levels of confidence, satisfaction, and active learning, and presented an evidenced-based model for education that is easily employable for other facilities nationwide. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Validation of numerical simulations for nano-aluminum composite solid propellants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Allen H.

2011-12-01

Nano-aluminum is of interest as an energetic additive in composite solid propellant formulations for its demonstrated ability to increase combustion efficiency and burning rate. However, due to the current cost of nano-aluminum and the associated safety risks associated with propellant testing, it may not always be practical to spend the time and effort to mix, cast, and thoroughly evaluate the burning rate of a new formulation. To provide an alternative method of determining this parameter, numerical methods have been developed to predict the performance of nano-aluminum composite propellants, but these codes still require thorough validation before application. For this purpose, six propellant compositions were formulated, fully characterized, and burn rates were measured at several pressures between 34.0 and 129.3 atmospheres at room temperature, 20°C, and at an elevated temperature of 71.1°C in order to test the code's ability to predict pressure dependent burn rate and temperature sensitivity. To ensure the most accurate model possible, special emphasis was placed on characterizing the size distribution of the constituent nano-aluminum and ammonium perchlorate powders through optical diffraction or optical imaging techniques. Experimental burn rate is compared to the propellant combustion model and shows excellent agreement within 5% for a range of formulations and pressures, however under other conditions the model deviates by as much as 21%. An analysis of the results suggests that the current framework of the numerical model is unable to accurately simulate all the combustion physics of high aluminum content propellants, and suggestions for improvements are identified.

Fossil fuel and biomass burning effect on climate - Heating or cooling?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaufman, Yoram J.; Fraser, Robert S.; Mahoney, Robert L.

1991-01-01

The basic theory of the effect of pollution on cloud microphysics and its global implications is applied to compare the relative effect of a small increase in the consumption rate of oil, coal, or biomass burning on cooling and heating of the atmosphere. The characteristics of and evidence for the SO2 induced cooling effect are reviewed. This perturbation analysis approach permits linearization, therefore simplifying the analysis and reducing the number of uncertain parameters. For biomass burning the analysis is restricted to burning associated with deforestation. Predictions of the effect of an increase in oil or coal burning show that within the present conditions the cooling effect from oil and coal burning may range from 0.4 to 8 times the heating effect.

40 CFR 63.6590 - What parts of my plant does this subpart cover?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...) Existing spark ignition 2 stroke lean burn (2SLB) stationary RICE with a site rating of more than 500 brake HP located at a major source of HAP emissions; (ii) Existing spark ignition 4 stroke lean burn (4SLB... emissions; (4) A new or reconstructed spark ignition 4 stroke rich burn (4SRB) stationary RICE with a site...

40 CFR 63.6590 - What parts of my plant does this subpart cover?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...) Existing spark ignition 2 stroke lean burn (2SLB) stationary RICE with a site rating of more than 500 brake HP located at a major source of HAP emissions; (ii) Existing spark ignition 4 stroke lean burn (4SLB... emissions; (4) A new or reconstructed spark ignition 4 stroke rich burn (4SRB) stationary RICE with a site...

Evaluating alternative prescribed burning policies to reduce net economic damages from wildfire

Treesearch

D. Evan Mercer; Jeffrey P. Prestemon; David T. Butry; John M. Pye

2007-01-01

We estimate a wildfire risk model with a new measure of wildfire output, intensity-weighted risk and use it in Monte Carlo simulations to estimate welfare changes from alternative prescribed burning policies. Using Volusia County, Florida as a case study, an annual prescribed burning rate of 13% of all forest lands maximizes net welfare; ignoring the effects on...

Development of a Deterred Propellant for a Large Caliber Weapon System

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-06-02

with higher Toy’s than D)BP will require higher concentrations to achieve the sawm burning rate mi.ification. Camphor at the 13 percent "concentration...has about the same "’cv as DIP at 7.5 percent. Thus, for the same burn rate change, camphor would need about twice the concentration, as PBP at the

Infiltration and interrill erosion rates after a wildfire in western Montana, USA

Treesearch

Pete Robichaud; Joseph W. Wagenbrenner; Fredrick B. Pierson; Kenneth E. Spaeth; Louise E. Ashmun; Corey A. Moffet

2016-01-01

The 2000 Valley Complex wildfire burned in steep montane forests with ash cap soils in western Montana, USA. The effects of high soil burn severity on forest soil hydrologic function were examined using rainfall simulations (100mmh-1 for 1 h) on 0.5-m2 plots. Infiltration rates, sediment yields and sediment concentrations were compared among three treatments:...

The effect of wind on burning rate of wood cribs

Treesearch

Sara McAllister; Mark Finney

2016-01-01

Wood cribs are often used as ignition sources for room fire tests. A wood crib may also apply to studies of burning rate in wildland fires, because wildland fuel beds are porous and three dimensional. A unique aspect of wildland fires is the ubiquitous presence of wind. However, very little is known about what effect the increased ventilation has on the...

Effects of magnesium-based hydrogen storage materials on the thermal decomposition, burning rate, and explosive heat of ammonium perchlorate-based composite solid propellant.

PubMed

Liu, Leili; Li, Jie; Zhang, Lingyao; Tian, Siyu

2018-01-15

MgH 2 , Mg 2 NiH 4 , and Mg 2 CuH 3 were prepared, and their structure and hydrogen storage properties were determined through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermal analyzer. The effects of MgH 2 , Mg 2 NiH 4 , and Mg 2 CuH 3 on the thermal decomposition, burning rate, and explosive heat of ammonium perchlorate-based composite solid propellant were subsequently studied. Results indicated that MgH 2 , Mg 2 NiH 4 , and Mg 2 CuH 3 can decrease the thermal decomposition peak temperature and increase the total released heat of decomposition. These compounds can improve the effect of thermal decomposition of the propellant. The burning rates of the propellant increased using Mg-based hydrogen storage materials as promoter. The burning rates of the propellant also increased using MgH 2 instead of Al in the propellant, but its explosive heat was not enlarged. Nonetheless, the combustion heat of MgH 2 was higher than that of Al. A possible mechanism was thus proposed. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Carbachol promotes gastrointestinal function during oral resuscitation of burn shock.

PubMed

Hu, Sen; Che, Jin-Wei; Tian, Yi-Jun; Sheng, Zhi-Yong

2011-04-07

To investigate the effect of carbachol on gastrointestinal function in a dog model of oral resuscitation for burn shock. Twenty Beagle dogs with intubation of the carotid artery, jugular vein and jejunum for 24 h were subjected to 35% total body surface area full-thickness burns, and were divided into three groups: no fluid resuscitation (NR, n = 10), in which animals did not receive fluid by any means in the first 24 h post-burn; oral fluid resuscitation (OR, n = 8), in which dogs were gavaged with glucose-electrolyte solution (GES) with volume and rate consistent with the Parkland formula; and oral fluid with carbachol group (OR/CAR, n = 8), in which dogs were gavaged with GES containing carbachol (20 μg/kg), with the same volume and rate as the OR group. Twenty-four hours after burns, all animals were given intravenous fluid replacement, and 72 h after injury, they received nutritional support. Hemodynamic and gastrointestinal parameters were measured serially with animals in conscious and cooperative state. The mean arterial pressure, cardiac output and plasma volume dropped markedly, and gastrointestinal tissue perfusion was reduced obviously after the burn injury in all the three groups. Hemodynamic parameters and gastrointestinal tissue perfusion in the OR and OR/CAR groups were promoted to pre-injury level at 48 and 72 h, respectively, while hemodynamic parameters in the NR group did not return to pre-injury level till 72 h, and gastrointestinal tissue perfusion remained lower than pre-injury level until 120 h post-burn. CO(2) of the gastric mucosa and intestinal mucosa blood flow of OR/CAR groups were 56.4 ± 4.7 mmHg and 157.7 ± 17.7 blood perfusion units (BPU) at 24 h post-burn, respectively, which were significantly superior to those in the OR group (65.8 ± 5.8 mmHg and 127.7 ± 11.9 BPU, respectively, all P < 0.05). Gastric emptying and intestinal absorption rates of GES were significantly reduced to the lowest level (52.8% and 23.7% of pre-injury levels) in the OR group at about 2 and 4 h post-burn, and did not return to 80% of pre-injury level until 24 h. In the first 24 h post-burn, the rate of gastric emptying and intestinal water absorption were elevated by a mean 15.7% and 11.5%, respectively, in the OR/CAR group compared with the OR group. At 5 days, the mortality in the NR group was 30% (3/10), 12.5% in the OR group (1/8), and none in the OR/CAR group. Carbachol had a beneficial effect on oral resuscitation of burn shock by promoting gastric emptying and intestinal absorption in our canine model.

[Current situation and reflection on the prevention and treatment of burns in the elderly].

PubMed

Zhang, J P; Huang, Y S

2017-09-20

With ageing of the population, it is estimated that the percentage of old people aged above 65 years old will be approached to 30% in China by 2035. This presents a considerable challenge to geriatric burn treatment, as elderly burn patients have more serious injuries, longer hospital lengths of stay, and higher rates of complications and mortality. In this article, we analyze the current status of burns in the elderly in China and the factors contributing to the outcome of the elderly, and put forward therapeutic strategies so as to improve the level of prevention and treatment of burns in the elderly.

Emerging Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates Carrying blaIMP Among Burn Patients in Isfahan, Iran.

PubMed

Radan, Mohsen; Moniri, Rezvan; Khorshidi, Ahmad; Gilasi, Hamidreza; Norouzi, Zohreh; Beigi, Fahimeh; Dasteh Goli, Yasaman

2016-09-01

Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant pathogen in burn patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates, including those resistant to imipenemase (IMP), in a burn unit in Isfahan, Iran. One hundred and fifty P. aeruginosa isolates from burn patients were tested for antibiotic susceptibility by the disc diffusion method in accordance with CLSI guidelines. Production of MBL was identified with the EDTA disk method. DNA was purified from the MBL-positive isolates, and detection of the bla IMP gene was performed with PCR. Fifty-seven out of 150 (38%) isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR), and 93 (62%) were extensively-drug resistant (XDR). Among all isolates, the resistance rate to ciprofloxacin, tobramycin, imipenem, meropenem, amikacin, ceftazidime, and cefepime was higher than 90%, while the resistance rates to piperacillin/tazobactam and aztreonam were 70.7% and 86%, respectively. Colistin and polymyxin B remained the most effective studied antibiotics. All of the imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates were MBL-positive, and 107 out of 144 (74.3%) of the MBL isolates were positive for the bla IMP gene. The results of this study show that the rate of P. aeruginosa -caused burn wound infections was very high, and many of the isolates were resistant to three or more classes of antimicrobials. Such extensive resistance to antimicrobial classes is important because few treatment options remain for patients with burn wound infections. bla IMP -producing P. aeruginosa isolates are a rising threat in burn-care units, and should be controlled by conducting infection-control assessments.

Stratified turbulent Bunsen flames: flame surface analysis and flame surface density modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramaekers, W. J. S.; van Oijen, J. A.; de Goey, L. P. H.

2012-12-01

In this paper it is investigated whether the Flame Surface Density (FSD) model, developed for turbulent premixed combustion, is also applicable to stratified flames. Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) of turbulent stratified Bunsen flames have been carried out, using the Flamelet Generated Manifold (FGM) reduction method for reaction kinetics. Before examining the suitability of the FSD model, flame surfaces are characterized in terms of thickness, curvature and stratification. All flames are in the Thin Reaction Zones regime, and the maximum equivalence ratio range covers 0.1⩽φ⩽1.3. For all flames, local flame thicknesses correspond very well to those observed in stretchless, steady premixed flamelets. Extracted curvature radii and mixing length scales are significantly larger than the flame thickness, implying that the stratified flames all burn in a premixed mode. The remaining challenge is accounting for the large variation in (subfilter) mass burning rate. In this contribution, the FSD model is proven to be applicable for Large Eddy Simulations (LES) of stratified flames for the equivalence ratio range 0.1⩽φ⩽1.3. Subfilter mass burning rate variations are taken into account by a subfilter Probability Density Function (PDF) for the mixture fraction, on which the mass burning rate directly depends. A priori analysis point out that for small stratifications (0.4⩽φ⩽1.0), the replacement of the subfilter PDF (obtained from DNS data) by the corresponding Dirac function is appropriate. Integration of the Dirac function with the mass burning rate m=m(φ), can then adequately model the filtered mass burning rate obtained from filtered DNS data. For a larger stratification (0.1⩽φ⩽1.3), and filter widths up to ten flame thicknesses, a β-function for the subfilter PDF yields substantially better predictions than a Dirac function. Finally, inclusion of a simple algebraic model for the FSD resulted only in small additional deviations from DNS data, thereby rendering this approach promising for application in LES.

Bi-Component Droplet Combustion in Reduced Gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaw, Benjamin D.

2004-01-01

This research deals with reduced-gravity combustion of bi-component droplets initially in the mm size range or larger. The primary objectives of the research are to study the effects of droplet internal flows, thermal and solutal Marangoni stresses, and species volatility differences on liquid species transport and overall combustion phenomena (e.g., gas-phase unsteadiness, burning rates, sooting, radiation, and extinction). The research program utilizes a reduced gravity environment so that buoyancy effects are rendered negligible. Use of large droplets also facilitates visualization of droplet internal flows, which is important for this research. In the experiments, droplets composed of low- and high-volatility species are burned. The low-volatility components are initially present in small amounts. As combustion of a droplet proceeds, the liquid surface mass fraction of the low-volatility component will increase with time, resulting in a sudden and temporary decrease in droplet burning rates as the droplet rapidly heats to temperatures close to the boiling point of the low-volatility component. This decrease in burning rates causes a sudden and temporary contraction of the flame. The decrease in burning rates and the flame contraction can be observed experimentally. Measurements of burning rates as well as the onset time for flame contraction allow effective liquid-phase species diffusivities to be calculated, e.g., using asymptotic theory. It is planned that droplet internal flows will be visualized in flight and ground-based experiments. In this way, effective liquid species diffusivities can be related to droplet internal flow characteristics. This program is a continuation of extensive ground-based experimental and theoretical research on bi-component droplet combustion that has been ongoing for several years. The focal point of this program is a flight experiment (Bi-Component Droplet Combustion Experiment, BCDCE). This flight experiment is under development. However, supporting ground-based studies have been performed. Some of the most recent ground-based research is summarized.

Bi-Component Droplet Combustion in Reduced Gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaw, B. D.

2001-01-01

This research deals with reduced-gravity combustion of bi-component droplets initially in the mm size range or larger. The primary objectives of the research are to study the effects of droplet internal flows, thermal and solutal Marangoni stresses, and species volatility differences on liquid species transport and overall combustion phenomena (e.g., gas-phase unsteadiness, burning rates, sooting, radiation, and extinction). The research program utilizes a reduced-gravity environment so that buoyancy effects are rendered negligible. Use of large droplets also facilitates visualization of droplet internal flows, which is important for this research. In the experiments, droplets composed of low- and high-volatility species are burned. The low-volatility components are initially present in small amounts. As combustion of a droplet proceeds, the liquid surface mass fraction of the low-volatility component will increase with time, resulting in a sudden and temporary decrease in droplet burning rates as the droplet rapidly heats to temperatures close to the boiling point of the low-volatility component. This decrease in burning rates causes a sudden and temporary contraction of the flame. The decrease in burning rates and the flame contraction can be observed experimentally. Measurements of burning rates as well as the onset time for flame contraction allow effective liquid-phase species diffusivities to be calculated, e.g., using asymptotic theory. It is planned that droplet internal flows will be visualized in future flight and ground-based experiments. In this way, effective liquid species diffusivities can be related to droplet internal flow characteristics. This program is a continuation of extensive ground based experimental and theoretical research on bi-component droplet combustion that has been ongoing for several years. The focal point of this program is a flight experiment (Bi-Component Droplet Combustion Experiment, BCDCE). This flight experiment is under development. However, supporting studies have been performed. Because of space limitations, only some of the research performed over the last two years (since the 5th Microgravity Combustion Workshop) is summarized here.

Analysis of Spark-Ignition Engine Knock as Seen in Photographs Taken at 200,000 Frames Per Second

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Cearcy D.; Olsen, H. Lowell; Logan, Walter O., Jr.; Osterstrom, Gordon E

1946-01-01

A motion picture of the development of knock in a spark-ignition engine, is presented, which consists of 20 photographs taken at intervals of 5 microseconds, or at a rate of 200,000 photographs a second, with an equivalent wide-open exposure time of 6.4 microseconds for each photograph. A motion picture of a complete combustion process, including the development of knock, taken at the rate of 40,000 photographs a second is also presented to assist the reader in orienting the photographs of the knock development taken at 200,000 frames per second. The photographs taken at 200,000 frames per second are analyzed and the conclusion is made that the type of knock in the spark-ignition engine involving violent gas vibration originates as self-propagating disturbance starting at a point in the.burn1ig or autoigniting gases and spreading out from that point through the incompletely burned gases at a rate as high as 6800 feet per second, or about twice the speed of sound in the burned gases. Apparent formation of free carbon particles in both the burning and the burned gas is observed within 10 microseconds after passage of the knock disturbance through the gases.

Decreasing burned children's pain behavior: impacting the trauma of hydrotherapy.

PubMed Central

Kelley, M L; Jarvie, G J; Middlebrook, J L; McNeer, M F; Drabman, R S

1984-01-01

We evaluated the effects of cartoon viewing with the use of a star feedback chart on two burned children's pain behavior during their physical therapy sessions. In addition, the degree to which the observational data corresponded with physical therapists' and mothers' ratings of the children's pain, fear, and cooperativeness was examined. Using a reversal single-subject design, the results showed that the children's pain behavior substantially decreased during experimental treatment sessions compared to their baseline levels. The rating scale data indicated that the physical therapist's and mother's rating of pain, anxiety, and cooperativeness were all correlated significantly with the observational data (p less than .05). The contributions of respondent and operant conditioning to the occurrence and treatment of pain behavior in burned children are discussed. PMID:6735948

A prospective intra-individual evaluation of silk compared to Biobrane for the treatment of superficial burns of the hand and face.

PubMed

Schiefer, Jennifer Lynn; Arens, Elena; Grigutsch, Daniel; Rath, Rebekka; Hoffmann, Alexandra; Fuchs, Paul Christian; Schulz, Alexandra

2017-05-01

An ever-increasing number of commercially available dressings have been applied to treat superficial burns with the aim to reduce pain and inflammation and lead to a fast wound healing and scar reduction. Nevertheless the search for cheap and effective wound dressing proceeds. Dressilk ® consisting of silkworm silk showed good results for wound healing in regards to scarring, biocompatibility and reduction of inflammation and pain. Therefore it seemed to be an interesting product for the treatment of superficial burns. In a prospective intra-individual study the healing of superficial burns was evaluated after the treatment with Dressilk ® and Biobrane ® in 30 patients with burns of the hand and face. During wound healing pain, active bleeding, exudation, dressing change and inflammation were evaluated using the Verbal Rating Scale 1-10. Three months later scar appearance was assessed by VSS (Vancouver Scar Scale) and POSAS (Patient and Observer Scar Scale). With regard to re-epithelialization, pain, inflammation and acute bleeding both dressings were equivalent. High subjective satisfaction rates were reported for both Dressilk ® and Biobrane ® dressings in regard to comfort and mobility of the face. Biobrane ® , applied as a glove was subjectively preferred for burns of the hand. Regarding their cost efficiency Dressilk ® was clearly superior to Biobrane ® . Long-term results were similar. The "ideal" wound dressing maximizes patients' comfort while reducing pain and promoting wound healing. Dressilk ® and Biobrane ® both provided an effective and safe healing environment, showing low overall complication rates with respect to infection and exudation on superficial burns of the hand and face. Therefore Dressilk ® , being clearly superior to Biobrane ® in cost efficiency is an interesting alternative especially for the treatment of superficial burns of faces. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

High regression rate hybrid rocket fuel grains with helical port structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walker, Sean D.

Hybrid rockets are popular in the aerospace industry due to their storage safety, simplicity, and controllability during rocket motor burn. However, they produce fuel regression rates typically 25% lower than solid fuel motors of the same thrust level. These lowered regression rates produce unacceptably high oxidizer-to-fuel (O/F) ratios that produce a potential for motor instability, nozzle erosion, and reduced motor duty cycles. To achieve O/F ratios that produce acceptable combustion characteristics, traditional cylindrical fuel ports are fabricated with very long length-to-diameter ratios to increase the total burning area. These high aspect ratios produce further reduced fuel regression rate and thrust levels, poor volumetric efficiency, and a potential for lateral structural loading issues during high thrust burns. In place of traditional cylindrical fuel ports, it is proposed that by researching the effects of centrifugal flow patterns introduced by embedded helical fuel port structures, a significant increase in fuel regression rates can be observed. The benefits of increasing volumetric efficiencies by lengthening the internal flow path will also be observed. The mechanisms of this increased fuel regression rate are driven by enhancing surface skin friction and reducing the effect of boundary layer "blowing" to enhance convective heat transfer to the fuel surface. Preliminary results using additive manufacturing to fabricate hybrid rocket fuel grains from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) with embedded helical fuel port structures have been obtained, with burn-rate amplifications up to 3.0x than that of cylindrical fuel ports.

Uncontrolled burning of solid waste by households in Mexico is a significant contributor to climate change in the country.

PubMed

Reyna-Bensusan, Natalia; Wilson, David C; Smith, Stephen R

2018-05-01

Uncontrolled burning of municipal solid waste (MSW) is an important source of air pollution and is wide spread in many developing countries, but only limited data quantify the extent of domestic open burning of household waste. Here, we present some of the first field data to be reported on the uncontrolled domestic burning of waste. A representative community of Mexico (Huejutla de Reyes Municipality) was investigated and household surveys, interviews with waste operators and a waste characterisation analysis were completed to assess the extent of, and factors controlling, the open burning of waste. Waste collection provision to rural communities was very limited and, consequently 92% of households in rural areas reported that they disposed of waste by uncontrolled burning in backyards or unofficial dumps. Overall, 24% of the total MSW generated in the Municipality was disposed by uncontrolled burning. Urban and periurban areas received twice-weekly collections and the rate of uncontrolled burning was considerably smaller compared to rural households, corresponding to approximately 2% of total waste generation. Carbon equivalency calculations showed that burning waste in backyards represented approximately 6% of the total and 8.5% of fuel related CO 2 Eq emissions by the municipality. Moreover, the equivalent carbon dioxide (CO 2 Eq) from black carbon (BC) emitted by uncontrolled burning in backyards was over fifteen times larger compared to methane (CH 4 ) potentially released from equivalent amounts of combustible biodegradable waste disposal at the official dumpsite. An assessment of local respiratory health data showed the incidence of disease was higher in rural than in urban areas, when the opposite trend is typically observed in the international literature; given the high rate of burning activity found in rural areas we suggest that open burning of waste could be a major reason for the apparent poorer respiratory health status of the rural population and requires further investigation. The results emphasise the importance of including BC from uncontrolled burning of waste in international emission inventories of greenhouse gases and in the assessment of the health status of local communities in developing countries where this practice is prevalent. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Skin graft fixation in severe burns: use of topical negative pressure.

PubMed

Kamolz, L P; Lumenta, D B; Parvizi, D; Wiedner, M; Justich, I; Keck, M; Pfurtscheller, K; Schintler, M

2014-09-30

Over the last 50 years, the evolution of burn care has led to a significant decrease in mortality. The biggest impact on survival has been the change in the approach to burn surgery. Early excision and grafting has become a standard of care for the majority of patients with deep burns; the survival of a given patient suffering from major burns is invariably linked to the take rate and survival of skin grafts. The application of topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy devices has demonstrated improved graft take in comparison to conventional dressing methods alone. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of TNP therapy on skin graft fixation in large burns. In all patients, we applied TNP dressings covering a %TBSA of >25. The following parameters were recorded and documented using BurnCase 3D: age, gender, %TBSA, burn depth, hospital length-of-stay, Baux score, survival, as well as duration and incidence of TNP dressings. After a burn depth adapted wound debridement, coverage was simultaneously performed using split-thickness skin grafts, which were fixed with staples and covered with fatty gauzes and TNP foam. The TNP foam was again fixed with staples to prevent displacement and finally covered with the supplied transparent adhesive film. A continuous subatmospheric pressure between 75-120 mm Hg was applied (VAC®, KCI, Vienna, Austria). The first dressing change was performed on day 4. Thirty-six out of 37 patients, suffering from full thickness burns, were discharged with complete wound closure; only one patient succumbed to their injuries. The overall skin graft take rate was over 95%. In conclusion, we consider that split thickness skin graft fixation by TNP is an efficient method in major burns, notably in areas with irregular wound surfaces or subject to movement (e.g. joint proximity), and is worth considering for the treatment of aged patients.

Foot burns: epidemiology and management.

PubMed

Hemington-Gorse, S; Pellard, S; Wilson-Jones, N; Potokar, T

2007-12-01

This is a retrospective study of the epidemiology and management of isolated foot burns presenting to the Welsh Centre for Burns from January 1998 to December 2002. A total of 289 were treated of which 233 were included in this study. Approximately 40% were in the paediatric age group and the gender distribution varied dramatically for adults and children. In the adult group the male:female ratio was 3.5:1, however in the paediatric group the male:female ratio was more equal (1.6:1). Scald burns (65%) formed the largest group in children and scald (35%) and chemical burns (32%) in adults. Foot burns have a complication rate of 18% and prolonged hospital stay. Complications include hypertrophic scarring, graft loss/delayed healing and wound infection. Although isolated foot burns represent a small body surface area, over half require treatment as in patients to allow for initial aggressive conservative management of elevation and regular wound cleansing to avoid complications. This study suggests a protocol for the initial acute management of foot burns. This protocol states immediate referral of all foot burns to a burn centre, admission of these burns for 24-48 h for elevation, regular wound cleansing with change of dressings and prophylactic antibiotics.

In view of standardization: comparison and analysis of initial management of severely burned patients in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

PubMed

Münzberg, Matthias; Ziegler, Benjamin; Fischer, Sebastian; Wölfl, Christoph Georg; Grützner, Paul Alfred; Kremer, Thomas; Kneser, Ulrich; Hirche, Christoph

2015-02-01

Initial treatment of severely injured patients in German speaking trauma centers follows precise sequences. Several guidelines and training courses ensure a constant quality in providing evidence-based treatment for these patients. Similar standards, algorithms and guidelines for the treatment of severely burned patients are lacking. This raises the question about the current standard of care for burn victims in German speaking burn centers. In order to achieve standardization, as a first step this study surveys principles of burn room organization and management in these burn centers. A questionnaire including 40 questions regarding burn room organization, personnel structure and qualification, infrastructural conditions and quality management was developed and sent to 21 level one burn centers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The rate of returned questionnaires was 81%. The analysis revealed varying personnel and infrastructural conditions in participating burn centers. Indications for admission to the burn room and admission procedures itself are different throughout surveyed hospitals. Individual standard operating procedure (SOP) for burn trauma admissions was available in most burn centers and nearly all participants register their burn trauma cases using an in-house burn register. The survey suggests a lack of standardization in personnel structure, infrastructure and treatment approach for the initial clinical care of severely burned patients in burn centers across the German speaking countries. Further evaluation of existing protocols and international standards in burn care is inevitable to develop standardized guidelines for burn care and to improve quality of care. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Childhood burns: an analysis of 124 admissions in the Gaza Strip

PubMed Central

Elsous, A.; Salah, M.; Ouda, M.

2015-01-01

Summary Burns are a serious public health problem among paediatrics. Little is known about the epidemiological profile and outcomes of hospitalized paediatric burns in the Gaza Strip. A cross-sectional retrospective review was conducted of medical records of patients aged 15 years and below, admitted to the Al Alamy burn centre in the Al Shifa Medical Complex from 30 June, 2013 to 01 July, 2014. There were 189 admissions; 124 (65.6%) of them were below 15 years, their mean age ± SD being 4.02 ± 2.85 years. 72 of these cases (58.1%) were males, giving a male to female ratio of 1.6:1. 89.5% of the injuries were accidents and 96% were home-located. Scalds, which were a common cause of burns, represented 83.9% of cases. Mean TBSA was 10.72 ± 8.15%: half of the patients (50.8%) sustained second-degree burns, while 34.7% were a mix of second- and third-degree. Mean length of hospital stay was 10.23 ± 10.60 days. Only two children died during the study period, giving a case fatality rate and total mortality rate of 1.6% and 1.0% respectively. In conclusion, there is a need to focus on home safety and parents’ education as a means of reducing childhood burns. PMID:27777545

Description of Streptococcus pneumoniae Infections in Burn Patients

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

Description of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections in burn patients§ Jessie S. Glasser a, Michael L. Landruma,b,c, Kevin K. Chung a,d, Duane R...Staphylococcus aureus. Although Streptococcus pneumoniae infections are common in the community and can cause nosocomial infections , the incidence and...risk factors for pneu- mococcal infections in burn patients is unclear. Methods: We performed an electronic retrospective chart review to collect rates

Comparison Between Civilian Burns and Combat burns From Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-01

to the average burn size reported from the ABA Burn Registry in 1995 (14% TBSA).20 We also found that the time to death in those who died, time on...after a prolonged stay in theater (up to 30 days, COL (retired) Basil A. Pruitt, personal commu- nication). They found a mortality rate of 7.9% in...from the green books that you know about. When we have that, we may be able to make that same comparison from the Vietnam era. DR. BASIL A. PRUITT, JR

Demographic and circumstantial accounts of burn mortality in Cape Town, South Africa, 2001-2004: An observational register based study

PubMed Central

Van Niekerk, A; Laubscher, R; Laflamme, L

2009-01-01

Background Burns are a persisting public health problem in low- and middle-income countries; however, epidemiologic data for these settings is scarce. South Africa is no exception although there is an emerging knowledge base, especially for paediatric burns. The current study describes the epidemiology of burn mortality across the lifespan in Cape Town (2.9 million inhabitants in 2001), one of the six South African metropolitan centres. Methods The distribution of burn mortality across socio-demographic groups and also their circumstances of occurrence were investigated using four year (2001 to 2004) surveillance data from the National Injury Mortality Surveillance System (n = 1024 cases). Results Burn mortality occurred at a rate of 7.9 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI: 7.3-8.3). Males sustained fatal rates 2.2 times more than that for females (p < 0.001), with rates significantly higher in the 25 to 38 and 39 to 50 age groups than at other ages (p < 0.001). The greatest difference between male and female deaths was observed in the 25 to 38 year age group, when almost three male deaths occurred for every female one. The vast majority of fatal burns were registered as accidental and occurred in the home, either over the cold and wet months or during recreational periods over weekends and across the year. Alcohol intoxication was reported for the majority of those adults whose alcohol blood levels were tested (i.e. 52.6% of cases aged 16+ years). Conclusion Besides paediatric burns, the high prevalence and circumstances of occurrence of burns among middle age men are a source of concern. There are reasons to believe that this over-representation is a reflection of detrimental living conditions, life-style and poor socio-economic status. It is recommended that there be greater prioritisation of prevention activities that involve the control or management of kerosene heat sources, the provision of alternatives to flammable housing materials, and the implementation of strategies to reduce harmful drinking practices. PMID:19804652

Fire Hazards from Combustible Ammunition, Methodology Development. Phase I

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-01

5.3 Flame Length , Flame Diameter and Mass Burning Rate 37 5.4 Flame Emissive Power 41 5.5 Fire Plume Axial Gas Velocity 41 5.6 Flame Temperature...B.2 Exit Velocity 93 B.3 Rate of Energy Flow 93 B.4 Chamber Characteristics 94 B.5 Flame Length 95 B.6 Flame Lift Angle 95 B.7 Summary 97...Viewing Flame in Test Series 5 17. Flame Length Scaling 18. Scaling Trends for Mass Burning Rate 19. Effective Flame Emissive Power versus Flame

Problem Definition Study: Lead Beta-Resorcylate

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-02-01

unless so desig- nated by other authorized documents. -3- »SUMMARY Lead ß-resorcylate is used as a burning rate modifier in solid propel- lant... sediment and biota 3. Acute mammalian toxicity study 4. Chronic mammalian toxicity study 5. Determine the effectiveness of proposed treatment...burning rate moderator in solvent and solventless double base propellents. This salt enters the environment in the wastewater generated during the

Synthesis of ethylene diamine-based ferrocene terminated dendrimers and their application as burning rate catalysts.

PubMed

Zain-Ul-Abdin; Wang, Li; Yu, Haojie; Saleem, Muhammad; Akram, Muhammad; Khalid, Hamad; Abbasi, Nasir M; Yang, Xianpeng

2017-02-01

Ferrocene-based derivatives are widely used as ferrocene-based burning rate catalysts (BRCs) for ammonium perchlorate (AP)-based propellant. However, in long storage, small ferrocene-based derivatives migrate to the surface of the propellant, which results in changes in the designed burning parameters and finally causes unstable combustion. To retard the migration of ferrocene-based BRCs in the propellant and to increase the combustion of the solid propellant, zero to third generation ethylene diamine-based ferrocene terminated dendrimers (0G, 1G, 2G and 3G) were synthesized. The synthesis of these dendrimers was confirmed by 1 H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of 0G, 1G, 2G and 3G was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and the burning rate catalytic activity of 0G, 1G, 2G and 3G on thermal disintegration of AP was examined by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermogravimetry (DTG) techniques. Anti-migration studies show that 1G, 2G and 3G exhibit improved anti-migration behavior in the AP-based propellant. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Maternal burn-out: an exploratory study.

PubMed

Séjourné, N; Sanchez-Rodriguez, R; Leboullenger, A; Callahan, S

2018-02-21

Maternal burn-out is a psychological, emotional and physiological condition resulting from the accumulation of various stressors characterised by a moderate but also a chronic and repetitive dimension. Little research has focused on this syndrome. The current study aims to assess maternal burn-out rate and to identify factors associated with this state of exhaustion. 263 French mothers aged between 20 and 49 years answered five scales quantifying maternal burn-out, perceived social support, parental stress, depression and anxiety symptoms and history of postnatal depression. About 20% of mothers were affected by maternal burn-out. The main factors related to maternal burn-out were having a child perceived as difficult, history of postnatal depression, anxiety, satisfaction of a balance between professional and personal life and parental stress. This research shows the need for further work on maternal burn-out to better understand and prevent this syndrome.

The effect of preexisting respiratory co-morbidities on burn outcomes☆

PubMed Central

Knowlin, Laquanda T.; Stanford, Lindsay B.; Cairns, Bruce A.; Charles, Anthony G.

2018-01-01

Introduction Burns cause physiologic changes in multiple organ systems in the body. Burn mortality is usually attributable to pulmonary complications, which can occur in up to 41% of patients admitted to the hospital after burn. Patients with preexisting comorbidities such as chronic lung diseases may be more susceptible. We therefore sought to examine the impact of preexisting respiratory disease on burn outcomes. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients admitted to a regional burn center from 2002–2012. Independent variables analyzed included basic demographics, burn mechanism, presence of inhalation injury, TBSA, pre-existing comorbidities, smoker status, length of hospital stay, and days of mechanical ventilation. Bivariate analysis was performed and Cox regression modeling using significant variables was utilized to estimate hazard of progression to mechanical ventilation and mortality. Results There were a total of 7640 patients over the study period. Overall survival rate was 96%. 8% (n=672) had a preexisting respiratory disease. Chronic lung disease patients had a higher mortality rate (7%) compared to those without lung disease (4%, p<0.01). The adjusted Cox regression model to estimate the hazard of progression to mechanical ventilation in patients with respiratory disease was 21% higher compared to those without respiratory disease (HR=1.21, 95% CI=1.01–1.44). The hazard of progression to mortality is 56% higher (HR=1.56, 95% CI=1.10–2.19) for patients with pre-existing respiratory disease compared to those without respiratory disease after controlling for patient demographics and injury characteristics. Conclusion Preexisting chronic respiratory disease significantly increases the hazard of progression to mechanical ventilation and mortality in patients following burn. Given the increasing number of Americans with chronic respiratory diseases, there will likely be a greater number of individuals at risk for worse outcomes following burn. PMID:28341260

The effect of preexisting respiratory co-morbidities on burn outcomes.

PubMed

Knowlin, Laquanda T; Stanford, Lindsay B; Cairns, Bruce A; Charles, Anthony G

2017-03-01

Burns cause physiologic changes in multiple organ systems in the body. Burn mortality is usually attributable to pulmonary complications, which can occur in up to 41% of patients admitted to the hospital after burn. Patients with preexisting comorbidities such as chronic lung diseases may be more susceptible. We therefore sought to examine the impact of preexisting respiratory disease on burn outcomes. A retrospective analysis of patients admitted to a regional burn center from 2002-2012. Independent variables analyzed included basic demographics, burn mechanism, presence of inhalation injury, TBSA, pre-existing comorbidities, smoker status, length of hospital stay, and days of mechanical ventilation. Bivariate analysis was performed and Cox regression modeling using significant variables was utilized to estimate hazard of progression to mechanical ventilation and mortality. There were a total of 7640 patients over the study period. Overall survival rate was 96%. 8% (n=672) had a preexisting respiratory disease. Chronic lung disease patients had a higher mortality rate (7%) compared to those without lung disease (4%, p<0.01). The adjusted Cox regression model to estimate the hazard of progression to mechanical ventilation in patients with respiratory disease was 21% higher compared to those without respiratory disease (HR=1.21, 95% CI=1.01-1.44). The hazard of progression to mortality is 56% higher (HR=1.56, 95% CI=1.10-2.19) for patients with pre-existing respiratory disease compared to those without respiratory disease after controlling for patient demographics and injury characteristics. Preexisting chronic respiratory disease significantly increases the hazard of progression to mechanical ventilation and mortality in patients following burn. Given the increasing number of Americans with chronic respiratory diseases, there will likely be a greater number of individuals at risk for worse outcomes following burn. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

A review of burns patients admitted to the Burns Unit of Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

PubMed

Chan, K Y; Hairol, O; Imtiaz, H; Zailani, M; Kumar, S; Somasundaram, S; Nasir-Zahari, M

2002-12-01

This is a retrospective review of 110 patients admitted to the Burns Units between October 1999 and November 2001. The aim was to determine the burns pattern of patients admitted to hospital UKM. There was an increasing trend for patients admitted. Female to male ratio was 1:2. Children consisted 34% of the total admission. Children had significant higher number of scald burns as compare to adult (p < 0.01). Domestic burns were consist of 75% overall admission. Mean percentage of TBSA (total body surface area) burns was 19%. Thirty percent of patients sustained more than 20% of TBSA. Sixty percent of patients had scald burns. Ninety percents of patients with second degree burns that were treated with biologic membrane dressing or split skin graft. Mean duration of hospital stay was 10 days. Over 70% of patients were discharged within 15 days. Overall mortality rate was 6.3%. The patients who died had significantly larger area of burns of more than 20% TBSA (p < 0.05) and a higher incidence of inhalation injury (p < 0.02). Hence, this study suggests a need for better preventive measures by the authority to prevent burns related accident and the expansion of the service provided by the Burns Unit.

Evidence of erosive burning in shuttle solid rocket motor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, C. L.

1983-01-01

Known models of Shuttle Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) performance have failed to produce pressure-time traces which accurately matched actual motor performance, especially during the first 5 seconds after ignition and during the last quarter of web burn time. Efforts to compensate for these differences in model reconstruction and actual performance resulted in resorting to the use of a Burning Anomaly Rate Function (BARF). It was suspected that propellant erosive burning was primarily responsible for the variation of model from actual results. The three dimensional Hercules Grain Design and Internal Ballistics Evaluation Program was made operational and slightly modified and an extensive trial and error effort was begun to test the hypothesis of erosive burning as an explanation of the burning anomaly. It was found that introduction of erosive burning (using Green's erosive burning equation) over portions of the aft segment grain and above a threshold gas Mach number did, in fact, give excellent agreement with the actual motor trace.

Historic American Buildings Survey, A.S. Burns, Photographer December, 1933 TOLL ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Historic American Buildings Survey, A.S. Burns, Photographer December, 1933 TOLL HOUSE (DETAIL OF PLAQUE SHOWING TOLL RATES) - Structures on Old National Trail, Toll House, U.S. Route 40, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA

Formulation, optimization and evaluation of curcumin-β-cyclodextrin-loaded sponge for effective drug delivery in thermal burns chemotherapy.

PubMed

Kaur, Navdeep; Garg, Tarun; Goyal, Amit K; Rath, Goutam

2016-09-01

The present study was designed to determine the role of curcumin-β-cyclodextrin-loaded sponge on burn wound healing in rats. Curcumin-β-cyclodextrin complex was prepared by the solvent evaporation encapsulation method. Molecular inclusion complex of curcumin-β-cyclodextrin was incorporated into gelatin sponge. The developed sponge was characterized for drug entrapment, drug release and morphology. The biological activity of optimized formulation was determined on burn wounds which were made on rats. The burn wound healing efficacy was analyzed through physical and histological changes observed at the wound sites. There was a significant decrease in rate of wound contraction in experimental groups then the control group. Curcumin-β-cyclodextrin-loaded sponge treated wound was found to heal in rate comparable to marketed formulation with no sign of adverse consequence. The result clearly substantiates the beneficial effects of curcumin-β-cyclodextrin-loaded sponge in the acceleration of wound healing.

Combustion of Micro- and Nanothermites under Elevating Pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monogarov, K.; Pivkina, Alla; Muravyev, N.; Meerov, D.; Dilhan, D.

Non-equilibrium process of combustion-wave propagation of thermite compositions (Mg/Fe2O3) inside the sealed steel tube have been investigated to study the burning rate at elevating pressure. Under confinement the hot gas-phase products, formed during thermite combustion result in considerable overpressure inside the tube that reverses the gas flow and leads to pressure-driven preheating effect of the burned-gas permeation. Convective origin of this preheating effect is discussed. The pressure-time dependency is obtained experimentally. The composition was pressed inside the steel tube in pellets; the size of each part was measured to obtain burning rate - pressure dependency. Both micro- and nanosized components were used to prepare thermite compositions under study. The significant difference in burning parameters of micron- and nanosized thermites is observed and analyzed. Based on obtained results, the combustion mechanism of thermites with the micro- and nanosized components is discussed.

Facial burns in children: a series analysis with implications for resuscitation and forensic odontology.

PubMed

Acton, C; Nixon, J; Pearn, J; Williams, D; Leditschke, F

1999-03-01

This study comprises a continuous (1981-1995) unselected series of all children who died from thermal injuries in the State of Queensland, Australia. One hundred and six children, so identified, died from incineration (35 per cent), respiratory burns with smoke or carbon monoxide inhalation (33 per cent), body surface area burns comprising greater than 60 per cent (9 per cent) and electrocution (20 per cent). The burn fatality rate was 0.98 per hundred thousand children (0-14 years) per year, with no secular trend and, specifically, no reduction in the annual rate of such fatalities. Eighty-two children (49 males) had concomitant facial injuries, both thermal and nonthermal; of whom 55 per cent were under the age of five years. Sixty (73 per cent) child burn victims died in house fires. Forensic odontology is important in confirming the age of such victims in single incinerations but is of limited value when larger numbers of children are incinerated, because of the relative lack of dental restorations in the infant and pre-school age group. Of the 82 children with facial and airway injuries, 12 per cent had only mild or superficial facial damage and only seven (8 per cent) were alive or resuscitable at the time of rescue from the conflagration or burning injury. child deaths from burns contributed an annual loss rate of 506 years of potential life lost (YPLL) in a population of 3 million of whom 21.5 per cent were children under the age of 15 years. Airway management and resuscitation, in the context of managing surviving burn victims of any age with facial injuries, pose special difficulties. Inhalational burns (smoke and the gases of conflagration) result in a mortality greater than 60 per cent. Although 81 per cent of children showed evidence of airway obstruction, analysis of current data indicates that a maximum of 8 per cent could have survived with airway maintenance and protection. Inhalational burns (to both upper and lower airways) grossly reduce survivability. Primary prevention would seem vital and thus remains a major challenge to reduce the incidence of such deaths. Some strategies include advocacy to promote the compulsory installation of smoke alarms, family drills to practise escape and the teaching of 'first aid for all'

Burns in South Korea: An analysis of nationwide data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service.

PubMed

Oh, Hyunjin; Boo, Sunjoo

2016-05-01

The purpose of the study was to identify and describe the incidence of burn injuries in patients seen and treated in South Korea. Characteristics of inpatients and outpatients with burns were analyzed according to gender, age, burn site, and burn severity. This retrospective study examined the characteristics of a stratified sample of burn patients seen and treated in South Korea during the calendar year 2011. The sample was drawn from the national patient database Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA). Approximately 1.71% of the total patients in the Patient Sample of HIRA for 2011 were burn-injured patients. The numbers of patients treated for burns were 913/10(5) males (n=8009) and 1454/10(5) females (n=11,881). Nearly all of these patients (94.1%) were covered by national health insurance and the majority of these patients (80.6%) were treated as outpatients. Nearly half of the burn injuries were of the upper extremities (43.5%), and most of these injuries (71.5%) were rated as second-degree burns. A review of the national data on patients seen and treated for burns in 2011 revealed that people in South Korea may experience higher numbers and more severe cases of burns and burn-related injuries than found in other countries. General burn prevention programs as well as gender- and age-specific prevention strategies are needed to reduce the risk of burns in this population. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Improved Survival of Patients With Extensive Burns: Trends in Patient Characteristics and Mortality Among Burn Patients in a Tertiary Care Burn Facility, 2004-2013.

PubMed

Strassle, Paula D; Williams, Felicia N; Napravnik, Sonia; van Duin, David; Weber, David J; Charles, Anthony; Cairns, Bruce A; Jones, Samuel W

Classic determinants of burn mortality are age, burn size, and the presence of inhalation injury. Our objective was to describe temporal trends in patient and burn characteristics, inpatient mortality, and the relationship between these characteristics and inpatient mortality over time. All patients aged 18 years or older and admitted with burn injury, including inhalation injury only, between 2004 and 2013 were included. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the relationship between admit year and inpatient mortality. A total of 5540 patients were admitted between 2004 and 2013. Significant differences in sex, race/ethnicity, burn mechanisms, TBSA, inhalation injury, and inpatient mortality were observed across calendar years. Patients admitted between 2011 and 2013 were more likely to be women, non-Hispanic Caucasian, with smaller burn size, and less likely to have an inhalation injury, in comparison with patients admitted from 2004 to 2010. After controlling for patient demographics, burn mechanisms, and differential lengths of stay, no calendar year trends in inpatient mortality were detected. However, a significant decrease in inpatient mortality was observed among patients with extensive burns (≥75% TBSA) in more recent calendar years. This large, tertiary care referral burn center has maintained low inpatient mortality rates among burn patients over the past 10 years. While observed decreases in mortality during this time are largely due to changes in patient and burn characteristics, survival among patients with extensive burns has improved.

Epidemiology and outcome of burns at the Saud Al Babtain Burns, Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Center, Kuwait: our experience over five years (from 2006 to 2010)

PubMed Central

Khashaba, H.A.; Al-Fadhli, A.N.; Al-Tarrah, K.S.; Wilson, Y.T.; Moiemen, N.

2012-01-01

Summary Aim To determine the epidemiology and clinical presentation, and any contributing factors responsible for burns and outcome of care in Kuwait over the 5-yr period January 2006 to December 2010. Patients and methods. The study reviewed 1702 burn patients admitted over the study period to the Saud Al Babtain Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center, Kuwait. Patient characteristics, including age, sex, type of burn, nationality, total body surface area (TBSA) burn, hospital stay in days, and mortality were recorded. Results. Seventy-one per cent of the 1702 burn patients admitted were males; 540 were children. The majority of patients (64%) had less than 15% TBSA burns and only 14% had more than 50% TBSA burns. Flame burns were the most common cause of burn injuries (60%), followed by scalds (29%). Scalds were most common in children. The mortality rate was 5.75%. Flame burn was the leading cause of mortality. Lethal dose 50 (% TBSA at which a certain group has a 50% chance of survival) for adults (16-40 yr) and for the elderly (>65 yr) was 76.5% and 41.8% TBSA respectively. Conclusion. Burn injury is an important public health concern and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Flame and scald burns are commonly a result of domestic and occupational accidents and they are preventable. Effective initial resuscitation, infection control, and adequate surgical treatment improve outcomes. PMID:23766750

Effect of tank diameter on thermal behavior of gasoline and diesel storage tanks fires.

PubMed

Leite, Ricardo Machado; Centeno, Felipe Roman

2018-01-15

Studies on fire behavior are extremely important as they contribute in a firefighting situation or even to avoid such hazard. Experimental studies of fire in real scale are unfeasible, implying that reduced-scale experiments must be performed, and results extrapolated to the range of interest. This research aims to experimentally study the fire behavior in tanks of 0.04m, 0.20m, 0.40m, 0.80m and 4.28m diameter, burning regular gasoline or diesel oil S-500. The following parameters were here obtained: burning rates, burning velocities, heat release rates, flame heights, and temperature distributions adjacent to the tank. Such parameters were obtained for each tank diameter with the purpose of correlating the results and understanding the relationship of each parameter for the different geometrical scale of the tanks. Asymptotic results for larger tanks were found as (regular gasoline and diesel oil S-500, respectively): burning rates 0.050kg/(m 2 s) and 0.031kg/(m 2 s), burning velocities 4.0mm/min and 2.5mm/min, heat release rates per unit area 2200kW/m 2 and 1500kW/m 2 , normalized averaged flame heights (H i /D, where H i is the average flame height, D is the tank diameter) 0.9 and 0.8. Maximum temperatures for gasoline pools were higher than for diesel oil pools, and temperature gradients close to the tanks were also higher for the former fuel. The behavior of the maximum temperature was correlated as a function of the tank diameter, the heat release rate of each fuel and the dimensionless distance from the tank. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A One-Dimensional Global-Scaling Erosive Burning Model Informed by Blowing Wall Turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kibbey, Timothy P.

2014-01-01

A derivation of turbulent flow parameters, combined with data from erosive burning test motors and blowing wall tests results in erosive burning model candidates useful in one-dimensional internal ballistics analysis capable of scaling across wide ranges of motor size. The real-time burn rate data comes from three test campaigns of subscale segmented solid rocket motors tested at two facilities. The flow theory admits the important effect of the blowing wall on the turbulent friction coefficient by using blowing wall data to determine the blowing wall friction coefficient. The erosive burning behavior of full-scale motors is now predicted more closely than with other recent models.

Tailorable Burning Behavior of Ti14 Alloy by Controlling Semi-Solid Forging Temperature.

PubMed

Chen, Yongnan; Yang, Wenqing; Zhan, Haifei; Zhang, Fengying; Huo, Yazhou; Zhao, Yongqing; Song, Xuding; Gu, Yuantong

2016-08-16

Semi-solid processing (SSP) is a popular near-net-shape forming technology for metals, while its application is still limited in titanium alloy mainly due to its low formability. Recent works showed that SSP could effectively enhance the formability and mechanical properties of titanium alloys. The processing parameters such as temperature and forging rate/ratio, are directly correlated with the microstructure, which endow the alloy with different chemical and physical properties. Specifically, as a key structural material for the advanced aero-engine, the burn resistant performance is a crucial requirement for the burn resistant titanium alloy. Thus, this work aims to assess the burning behavior of Ti14, a kind of burn resistant alloy, as forged at different semi-solid forging temperatures. The burning characteristics of the alloy are analyzed by a series of burning tests with different burning durations, velocities, and microstructures of burned sample. The results showed that the burning process is highly dependent on the forging temperature, due to the fact that higher temperatures would result in more Ti₂Cu precipitate within grain and along grain boundaries. Such a microstructure hinders the transport of oxygen in the stable burning stage through the formation of a kind of oxygen isolation Cu-enriched layer under the burn product zone. This work suggests that the burning resistance of the alloy can be effectively tuned by controlling the temperature during the semi-solid forging process.

Paediatric burn unit in Portugal: Beds needed using a bed-day approach.

PubMed

Santos, João V; Viana, João; Amarante, José; Freitas, Alberto

2017-03-01

Despite the high burden of children with burns, there is not a paediatric burn unit (PBU) in Portugal. We aimed to estimate the Portuguese health care providing needs on paediatric burns. We performed a nation-wide retrospective study, between 2009 and 2013, among less than 16 years-old inpatients with burns that met the transfer criteria to a burn unit in Portugal. A bed-day approach was used, targeting an occupancy rate of 70-75%, and possible locations were studied. The primary outcome was the number of beds needed, and secondary outcomes were the overload and revenue for each possible number of beds in a PBU. A total of 1155 children met the transfer criteria to a burn unit, representing a total of 17,371 bed-days. Occupancy rates of 11-bed, 12-bed, 13-bed and 14-bed PBU were, respectively, 79.7%, 75.3%, 71.0% and 66.8%. The 13-bed PBU scenario would represent an overload of 523 bed-days, revenue of more than 5 million Euros and a ratio of 1 PBU bed per 123,409 children. Using a groundbreaking approach, the optimal number of PBU beds needed in Portugal is 13. However, as half of the patients who met burn transfer criteria are not transferred, this bed number might be overestimated if this pattern maintains, despite the underestimation with our method approach. If a PBU is to be created the preferable location is Porto. Cost-effectiveness studies should be performed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Effect of prescribed fire on soil properties and N transformation in two vegetation types in South China.

PubMed

Wang, Faming; Li, Jian; Zou, Bi; Xu, Xin; Li, Zhian

2013-06-01

Prescribed fire is a common site preparation practice in forest management in southern China. However, the effect of fire on soil properties and N transformations is still poorly understood in this region. In this study, soil properties and N transformations in burned and unburned site of two vegetation types (Eucalyptus plantation and shrubland) were compared in rainy and dry seasons after 2 years' prescribed fire. Soil pH and soil NH4-N were all higher in the burned site compared to the unburned control. Furthermore, burned sites had 30-40 % lower of soil total phosphorus than conspecific unburned sites. There was no difference in soil organic matter, total N, soil exchangeable cations, available P or NO3-N. Nitrogen mineralization rate of 0-5 cm soil in the unburned site ranged from 8.24 to 11.6 mg N kg(-1) soil month(-1) in the rainy season, compared to a lower level of 4.82-5.25 mg N kg(-1) soil month(-1) in the burned sites. In contrast, 0-5 cm layer nitrification rate was overall 2.47 mg N kg(-1) soil month(-1) in the rainy season, and was not significantly affected by burning. The reduced understory vegetation coverage after burning may be responsible for the higher soil NH4-N in the burned site. This study highlights that a better understanding the effect of prescribed burning on soil nutrients cycling would provide a critical foundation for management decision and be beneficial to afforestation in southern China.

A comparison of the effect of early insertion of standard latex and silver-impregnated latex foley catheters on urinary tract infections in burn patients.

PubMed

Newton, Terry; Still, Joseph M; Law, Edward

2002-04-01

A retrospective study was designed to compare the incidence of urinary tract infections during two different time periods in burn patients treated with two different types of Foley catheters. In time period 1, latex catheters present on admission were not changed. In time period 2, catheters were replaced on admission with silver alloy-impregnated catheters. In time period 1, the rate of symptomatic urinary tract infections was 7.2 per 1,000 catheter-days. In time period 2, the rate was 4.4 per 1,000 catheter-days. Results, compared using Fisher's exact test, revealed a statistically significant P value of .029. The use of silver-impregnated catheters significantly lowered the rate of urinary tract infection at our burn center.

Biomass Burning Emissions from Fire Remote Sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ichoku, Charles

2010-01-01

Knowledge of the emission source strengths of different (particulate and gaseous) atmospheric constituents is one of the principal ingredients upon which the modeling and forecasting of their distribution and impacts depend. Biomass burning emissions are complex and difficult to quantify. However, satellite remote sensing is providing us tremendous opportunities to measure the fire radiative energy (FRE) release rate or power (FRP), which has a direct relationship with the rates of biomass consumption and emissions of major smoke constituents. In this presentation, we will show how the satellite measurement of FRP is facilitating the quantitative characterization of biomass burning and smoke emission rates, and the implications of this unique capability for improving our understanding of smoke impacts on air quality, weather, and climate. We will also discuss some of the challenges and uncertainties associated with satellite measurement of FRP and how they are being addressed.

Hollow steel tips for reducing distal fiber burn-back during thulium fiber laser lithotripsy.

PubMed

Hutchens, Thomas C; Blackmon, Richard L; Irby, Pierce B; Fried, Nathaniel M

2013-07-01

The use of thulium fiber laser (TFL) as a potential alternative laser lithotripter to the clinical holmium:YAG laser is being studied. The TFL's Gaussian spatial beam profile provides efficient coupling of higher laser power into smaller core fibers without proximal fiber tip degradation. Smaller fiber diameters are more desirable, because they free up space in the single working channel of the ureteroscope for increased saline irrigation rates and allow maximum ureteroscope deflection. However, distal fiber tip degradation and "burn-back" increase as fiber diameter decreases due to both excessive temperatures and mechanical stress experienced during stone ablation. To eliminate fiber tip burn-back, the distal tip of a 150-μm core silica fiber was glued inside 1-cm-long steel tubing with fiber tip recessed 100, 250, 500, 1000, or 2000 μm inside the steel tubing to create the hollow-tip fiber. TFL pulse energy of 34 mJ with 500-μs pulse duration and 150-Hz pulse rate was delivered through the hollow-tip fibers in contact with human calcium oxalate monohydrate urinary stones during ex vivo studies. Significant fiber tip burn-back and degradation was observed for bare 150-μm core-diameter fibers. However, hollow steel tip fibers experienced minimal fiber burn-back without compromising stone ablation rates. A simple, robust, compact, and inexpensive hollow fiber tip design was characterized for minimizing distal fiber burn-back during the TFL lithotripsy. Although an increase in stone retropulsion was observed, potential integration of the hollow fiber tip into a stone basket may provide rapid stone vaporization, while minimizing retropulsion.

A Pilot Study of the Efficacy of Active Leptospermum Honey for the Treatment of Partial-Thickness Facial Burns.

PubMed

Duncan, Christina L; Enlow, Paul T; Szabo, Margo M; Tolchin, Eric; Kelly, Robert W; Castanon, Lourdes; Aballay, Ariel M

2016-08-01

Research suggests that active Leptospermum honey (ALH) improves outcomes in patients with partial-thickness burns by enhancing healing and reepithelialization rates, as well as by protecting against antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. This study assessed the effectiveness of ALH gel on healing time, bacterial growth, patient satisfaction, and cost of treatment. Single-arm, prospective case series. Seven patients (aged 7-64 years) with partial-thickness facial burns were recruited from a northeastern US burn center. All patients cleansed their wounds daily with soap and water, after which they applied ALH gel. Three physicians independently rated healing using wound photography and daily tests for the presence of exudate. Wound cultures on days 1 and 7 (±2 days) assessed bacterial growth. Patients completed a satisfaction survey at the end of treatment, and cost of treatment was calculated. Healing time ranged from 3 to 14 days (mean, 8.1 days). Wound cultures revealed normal bacterial growth on days 1 and 7 for all patients. Patients rated ALH gel favorably, with the most common complaint of stickiness in 5 patients. One patient experienced transient burning on application that did not interrupt treatment. Average hospital-based cost of treatment was $26.15 per patient. Healing time was congruent with or better than what would have been expected with standard treatment. Furthermore, despite no antibiotic treatment, wound culture results yielded no abnormal bacterial growth. Finally, patients overall reported satisfaction with treatment. The findings of this study suggest that ALH is a clinically and economically valuable treatment for partial-thickness facial burns.

Factors affecting the depth of burns occurring in medical institutions.

PubMed

Cho, Young Soon; Choi, Young Hwan; Yoon, Cheonjae; You, Je Sung

2015-05-01

Most cases of burns occurring in medical institutions are associated with activities involving heat. It is very difficult to detect these burns. To date, there are few reports on burns occurring in medical institutions. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the etiology of burns occurring in medical institutions and to elucidate the factors affecting burn depth. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients who visited our center from April 2008 to February 2013. This study enrolled all patients with burns occurring in the medical institution during or related to treatment. We excluded burn patients whose burns were not related to treatment (for example, we excluded patients with scalding burns that occurred in the hospital cafeteria and pediatric patients with hot water burns from the water purifier). However, patients with burns that occurred in the recovery room after general anesthesia were included. A total of 115 patients were enrolled in this study. The average patient age was 41.5 years, with more women than men (M:F=31:84). There were 29 cases (25.3%) of superficial burns (first-degree and superficial second-degree) and 86 cases (74.7%) of deep burns (deep second-degree and third-degree). Hot packs were the most common cause of burns (27 cases, 23.5%), followed by laser therapy, heating pads, and grounding pads, accounting for 15 cases each. There were 89 cases (77.4%) of contact burns and 26 cases (22.6%) of non-contact burns. The most common site of burns was the lower extremities (41 cases, 35.7%). The burn site and contact burns were both factors affecting burn depth. The rate of deep burns was higher in patients with contact burns than in those with non-contact burns (odds ratio 4.26) and was associated with lower body burns (odds ratio 2.85). In burns occurring in medical institutions, there is a high probability of a deep burn if it is a contact burn or occurs in the lower body. Therefore, safety guidelines are needed for the use of hot packs, heating pads, and grounding pads to prevent such incidents. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Combustion of textile residues in a packed bed

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ryu, Changkook; Phan, Anh N.; Sharifi, Vida N.

2007-08-15

Textile is one of the main components in the municipal waste which is to be diverted from landfill for material and energy recovery. As an initial investigation for energy recovery from textile residues, the combustion of cotton fabrics with a minor fraction of polyester was investigated in a packed bed combustor for air flow rates ranging from 117 to 1638 kg/m{sup 2} h (0.027-0.371 m/s). Tests were also carried out in order to evaluate the co-combustion of textile residues with two segregated waste materials: waste wood and cardboard. Textile residues showed different combustion characteristics when compared to typical waste materialsmore » at low air flow rates below 819 kg/m{sup 2} h (0.186 m/s). The ignition front propagated fast along the air channels randomly formed between packed textile particles while leaving a large amount of unignited material above. This resulted in irregular behaviour of the temperature profile, ignition rate and the percentage of weight loss in the ignition propagation stage. A slow smouldering burn-out stage followed the ignition propagation stage. At air flow rates of 1200-1600 kg/m{sup 2} h (0.272-0.363 m/s), the bed had a maximum burning rate of about 240 kg/m{sup 2} h consuming most of the combustibles in the ignition propagation stage. More uniform combustion with an increased burning rate was achieved when textile residues were co-burned with cardboard that had a similar bulk density. (author)« less

Fire behavior, weather, and burn severity of the 2007 Anaktuvuk River tundra fire, North Slope, Alaska

Treesearch

Benjamin M. Jones; Crystal A. Kolden; Randi Jandt; John T. Abatzoglu; Frank Urban; Christopher D. Arp

2009-01-01

In 2007, the Anaktuvuk River Fire (ARF) became the largest recorded tundra fire on the North Slope of Alaska. The ARF burned for nearly three months, consuming more than 100,000 ha. At its peak in early September, the ARF burned at a rate of 7000 ha d-1. The conditions potentially responsible for this large tundra fire include modeled record high...

Falls, cuts and burns in children 0-4 years of age: 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort.

PubMed

Barcelos, Raquel Siqueira; Santos, Iná S; Matijasevich, Alicia; Barros, Aluísio J D; Barros, Fernando C; França, Giovanny Vinicius Araújo; Silva, Vera Lúcia Schmidt da

2017-03-09

Knowledge on the incidence of childhood accidents according to the child's stage of development is important for designing preventive programs targeting each age bracket. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of falls, cuts, and burns in children up to four years of age according to family economic status and maternal age and schooling, in children from the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort. We calculated the incidence rates and incidence rates ratios for the 0-12, 12-24, and 24-48- months of age. Falls were the most frequently reported accidents in all the age brackets, followed by cuts and burns. Boys suffered more falls and cuts than girls in the first two years of life. In the second year of life, the incidence of falls and burns practically tripled, while cuts nearly doubled when compared to the first year, in both sexes. Burns were equally frequent in girls and boys in all three age brackets. The incidence of falls and cuts was higher in boys. In both sexes, having an adolescent mother was associated with falls and cuts in all three age brackets; low maternal schooling was associated with burns and cuts at 48 months; and low family socioeconomic status was associated with falls and cuts at 48 months.

The treatment of sulphur mustard burns with laser debridement.

PubMed

Evison, D; Brown, R F R; Rice, P

2006-01-01

The chemical warfare agent, sulphur mustard (SM), is a potent blistering agent in man. Skin exposure can produce partial-thickness burns which take up to three months to heal. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of early laser ablation as a means of accelerating this exceptionally slow rate of healing. Four circular partial-thickness SM burns were induced on the dorsum of nine large white pigs (under general anaesthesia). At 72 h post-exposure, three burns per animal were ablated with a single pass of an UltraPulse 5000C CO(2) laser, at a fluence of 5-6 J cm(-2). All the burns were dressed with silver sulphadiazine and a semi-occlusive dressing. At one, two and three weeks post-surgery three animals were culled and all lesions excised for histological analysis. Burn depth was confirmed and measurements of the radii of regenerative epithelium were performed allowing the area of the zone of re-epithelialisation in each lesion to be calculated. Laser-treated lesions showed a significant increase (350%) in healing rates compared to controls (p<0.005). At two weeks, the laser-treated sites were 95% healed in comparison with control sites (28% healed). These data suggest that laser ablation may be effective in the treatment of partial-thickness SM-induced skin injury.

[An epidemiological investigation of pediatric patients under 14 with large area burns: a multicenter study].

PubMed

Cheng, W F; Zhao, D X; Shen, Z A; Zhang, H Y; Tu, J J; Yuan, Z Q; Duan, P; Song, G D

2017-02-14

Objective: To investigate and evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of patients under 14 with large area burns in China. Methods: Data of pediatric patients aged 0-14yr with ≥30% total body surface area (TBSA) burned admitted into 106 burn centers in the mainland of China in 2014 were retrieved. The children were divided into three age groups: 0-3, 4-6 and 7-14 years according to the age. Information of age, gender, time of burn injury, causes of burns, admission time, prehospital emergency care of burn wound, burn area, inhalation injuries, the case fatality rate and length of hospital stay were collected for analysis. Results: Of the 486 cases included, 285 (58.6%) were boys and 201 (41.4%) were girls. The mean age of the children was (3.4±2.8) years. Children under 3 years old accounted for 67.5% of all the cases. 271 of the burn injuries (55.8%) occurred from April through August. Scalds and flames were the main causes of burns, which were the causes of 394 cases (81.1%) and 71 cases (14.6%), respectively. The burn injuries resulted from scalds and flames accounted for 89.6% and 7.3%, 70.8% and 21.9%, 51.6% and 41.9% in the age group of 0-3, 4-6 and 7-14 years respectively. The distribution of burn etiology in different age groups differed significantly (χ(2)=21.239, 59.442, 7.333, all P <0.01). Most of the patients (57.8%) were admitted within 2 hours after injury. However, when it came to the pre-hospital emergency management of burn wound, 164 patients (33.7%) did not use any drug or wound dressing, whereas the wound area of 236 patients (48.6%) were treated improperly with toothpaste, soy sauce, eggs or other non-standard disposal. The mean TBSA area of the patients was (42.1±14.5)%, while 288 (59.3%) of the patients suffered full thickness burns with mean TBSA of (24.5±17.9)%. The case fatality rate (CFR) was 4.1%, and the CFR of patients complicated with inhalation injury was significantly higher than those without ( P <0.01). The average length of stay for pediatric burn patients was (52.3±40.2) days. Conclusions: Children under 3 years old are important target population of severe burns. Scald is the most common type of burns, while the proportion of flames increases as age goes up. Most patients are likely to get clinical treatment in time, however, the pre-hospital emergency burn care is not satisfying at present.

In the media: Burns as a method of assault.

PubMed

O'Halloran, E; Duke, J; Rea, S; Wood, F

2013-09-01

The aims of this study were to determine whether a change occurred in the pattern of assault burn injury cases hospitalised to the adult state burns unit, Western Australia, from 2004 to mid-year of 2012, and to compare patient and burn characteristics of adult assault burns with those admitted for unintentional burns. Study data were obtained from the Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) Burns Minimum Dataset (BMDS). Aggregated data of unintentional burn admissions during the same period were provided by the BMDS data manager to enable comparisons with assault burn patients. Assault burn admissions during 2004-2012 accounted for approximately 1% of all adult burn hospitalisations. All assault victims were burned by either thermal or scald agents. A high rate of intubation (24%) and ICU admission (1 in 3 cases) was observed in the fire assault group. The six assault cases undergoing intubation were severe burns, median TBSA 50%, most commonly affecting the face, head and torso, half of these cases had inhalational injuries and also required escharotomies. Comparison of admissions by calendar period showed no statistically significant differences in demographic, burn cause or TBSA%. However, statistically significant differences were found for pre-morbid psychiatric history (15% vs. 58%, p=0.025) and concomitant fractures or dislocations (46% vs. 2%), p=0.011). While the proportion of assault burn admissions per total burn admissions steadily increased from 0.4% in 2009 to 1.5% in mid-2012, this proportion did not exceed that peak level observed of 2.1% for 2004. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Asymptotic Methods Especially in Combustion.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-01

1980.) Invited paper. 101. G.S.S. Ludford & Asok K. Sen: Burning rate maximum of a plane premixed flame. Proceedings of the Seventh International...Reactive Systems, ed. by J. Ray Bowen, N. Manson, Antoni K. Ompenheim, and R.I. Soloukhin.) 102. G.S.S. Ludford: Premixed cylindrical flames...106. Asok K. Sen & 0.S.S. Ludford: Effects of mass diffusion on the burning rate of non-4ilute mixtures. Proceedings of the Eighteenth Symposium

Fire scar growth and closure rates in white oak (Quercus alba) and the implications for prescribed burning

Treesearch

Michael C. Stambaugh; Kevin T. Smith; Daniel C. Dey

2017-01-01

In burned forestlands, fire scar wounds commonly occur on tree stems as a result of cambial heating. In hardwood forests in particular, wounding can lead to stem decay with the extent of decay being related to scar size and exposure time. Therefore, wound closure rates are important to understand in the context of fire management such that allowing sufficient time for...

The effects of Q-nuclei on stellar burning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyd, R. N.; Turner, R. E.; Sur, B.; Rybarcyk, L.; Joseph, C.

1985-01-01

The effects of anomalous nuclei, Q-nuclei, on stellar burning are examined. The baryon binding energies, beta-decay properties, and thermonuclear reaction rates for the Q-nuclei suggest they could catalyze a cycle in which four protons are combined to form a 4He nucleus. The properties required of the Q-nuclei for them to solve the solar neutrino problem are determined. A solar modelling calculation was performed with Q-nuclei included, and several interesting results therefrom are compared to observations. Finally the solar neutrino detection rates for 71Ga and 115In detectors, in addition to that for 37Cl, are estimated when Q-nuclei are included in the solar burning.

Determining the Limiting Factors Controlling Soil Ecosystem Regeneration After a Stand-replacing Wildfire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooperdock, S.; Breecker, D.

2016-12-01

Like all forest disturbances, wildfires remove vegetation but additionally they can remove or transform soil nutrients through volatilization due to extreme temperatures. As the stability and nutrient source for plants, soils are the key to forest regeneration after disturbances and in order to predict and mitigate damage, it is essential to understand how soils are affected by fires. In this study, soil respiration and temperature were measured in-situ at 20 sites affected by two fires that occurred during September 2011 and October 2015 in Bastrop County TX. At each site, soil samples were collected from 0-5 cm depth. These samples were incubated in the dark at 25° C and 22% water content to determine respiration rates under controlled environmental conditions. Total C, N, trace element concentrations and pH were measured in each soil sample to determine the effect of fire on soil chemistry and the effect of soil chemistry on soil activity. These methods of respiration measurement were performed to distinguish the impact of environmental and chemical factors on soil biological activity. Results show that from May to July 2016, soil temperatures increased an average of 6° C and 1° C more in burned areas than in unburned areas at depths of 5 cm and 15 cm, respectively. This likely results from fire-induced decrease in overstory cover, decrease in organic matter insulation and darkening soil color. Increasing temperatures correspond with a decrease in water content and respiration. Pearson's tests of the effect of soil moisture loss on a decrease of in-situ respiration rate show a correlation for burned soils, especially at sites burned in both fires (rho=0.90, p=0.04) and no correlation for unburned soils, suggesting a larger impact of environmental factors on soil activity in burned soils. Microcosm experiments show N concentration significantly affects respiration rate in unburned plots (rho=0.89, p=0.04) and both N (rho=0.92, p=0.03) and C concentration (rho=0.92, p=0.03) affect respiration rate in plots burned in 2011. No correlation was detected between nutrient concentration and respiration rate in recently burned plots, suggesting a larger influence of nutrient limitation on regeneration as time since burn increases. These results reveal that the limiting factors governing soil activity shift after wildfires.

Massage has no observable effect on distress in children with burns: A randomized, observer-blinded trial.

PubMed

van Dijk, Monique; O'Flaherty, Linda Anne; Hoedemaker, Tessa; van Rosmalen, Joost; Rode, Heinz

2018-02-01

In a previous observational study we found that massage therapy reduced anxiety and stress in pediatric burn patients. We aimed to test this effect in a randomized controlled trial. To determine whether (1) aromatherapy massage can provide relaxation to hospitalized children with burns; (2) massage with aromatherapy oil is more effective than without; and (3) massage sessions are more effective when repeated. Randomized controlled clinical trial with 3 arms conducted in a burns unit from April 2013 to December 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Massage with carrier oil, massage with aromatherapy oil, and standard nursing care only. Scores on the Muscle Tension Inventory (MTI) and Behavioral Relaxation Scale (BRS) to assess level of relaxation. Scores on the COMFORT behaviour scale and Numeric Rating Scale Distress to assess level of distress. Secondary outcomes were heart rate and oxygen saturation levels. Linear mixed models were used to determine the effect of condition and session number (1 to a maximum of 5 sessions per child) correcting for baseline outcomes of COMFORT behaviour scores and heart rates after sessions. Secondary analyses included the addition of sex, age, and total body surface area (TBSA) burned as covariates. We included 284 children aged 5 weeks to 13 years with TBSA burned between 10 and 45%. Two-thirds (65.5%) were under the age of 3 years. Mixed model analyses revealed no significant difference in reduction of COMFORT behavior scores (p=0.18), or heart rates (p=0.18) between the three study arms. These outcomes were also not associated with the session number (p=0.92 and p=0.13, respectively). Level of relaxation could not be reliably assessed with the MTI and BRS because 119 patients (41.9%) had bandages covering the larger part of the face, and in 40.1% of cases the child was not in the required position. Massage therapy with or without essential oil was not effective in reducing distress behavior or heart rate in hospitalized children with burns. Evaluating the effectiveness of massage in terms of relaxation proved difficult in young children. The Netherlands National Trial Registry: NRT3929. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Solid rocket motor fire tests: Phases 1 and 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Yale; Hunter, Lawrence W.; Han, David K.; Thomas, Michael E.; Cain, Russell P.; Lennon, Andrew M.

2002-01-01

JHU/APL conducted a series of open-air burns of small blocks (3 to 10 kg) of solid rocket motor (SRM) propellant at the Thiokol Elkton MD facility to elucidate the thermal environment under burning propellant. The propellant was TP-H-3340A for the STAR 48 motor, with a weight ratio of 71/18/11 for the ammonium perchlorate, aluminum, and HTPB binder. Combustion inhibitor applied on the blocks allowed burning on the bottom and/or sides only. Burns were conducted on sand and concrete to simulate near-launch pad surfaces, and on graphite to simulate a low-recession surface. Unique test fixturing allowed propellant self-levitation while constraining lateral motion. Optics instrumentation consisted of a longwave infrared imaging pyrometer, a midwave spectroradiometer, and a UV/visible spectroradiometer. In-situ instrumentation consisted of rod calorimeters, Gardon gauges, elevated thermocouples, flush thermocouples, a two-color pyrometer, and Knudsen cells. Witness materials consisted of yttria, ceria, alumina, tungsten, iridium, and platinum/rhodium. Objectives of the tests were to determine propellant burn characteristics such as burn rate and self-levitation, to determine heat fluxes and temperatures, and to carry out materials analyses. A summary of qualitative results: alumina coated almost all surfaces, the concrete spalled, sand moisture content matters, the propellant self-levitated, the test fixtures worked as designed, and bottom-burning propellant does not self-extinguish. A summary of quantitative results: burn rate averaged 1.15 mm/s, thermocouples peaked at 2070 C, pyrometer readings matched MWIR data at about 2400 C, the volume-averaged plume temperatures were 2300-2400 C with peaks of 2400-2600 C, and the heat fluxes peaked at 125 W/cm2. These results are higher than other researchers' measurements of top-burning propellant in chimneys, and will be used, along with Phase 3 test results, to analyze hardware response to these environments, including General Purpose Heat Sources (GPHS) and Radioisotope Heater Units (RHU). Follow-on Phase 3 tests burning propellant blocks up to 90 kg will be briefly described. .

Epidemiology and financial implications of self-inflicted burns.

PubMed

George, S; Javed, M; Hemington-Gorse, S; Wilson-Jones, N

2016-02-01

The cost of the treatment of burns is high especially in self-inflicted burns with prolonged treatment. We performed a retrospective review of the self-inflicted burns at our regional burns centre to determine the costs incurred in their management and to identify factors which could reduce the financial burden in the future. The data was collected retrospectively of all the inpatient and outpatient self-inflicted burns presenting to our regional burns centre in the year 2011. Twenty one patients (out of a total of 870 patients) presented with self-inflicted burns to our centre in 2011. Five (23.8%) were major burns with an average of 53.2% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) and 16 (76.2%) were minor burns with an average of 0.5% TBSA. 11 (52.4%) patients had flame burns including 4 self-immolation burns. The mortality rate was 4.8% (n=1). Five (23.8%) patients underwent surgical treatment. Seven (33.3%) patients were treated in intensive care and with average stay of 46.85 days. Critical care and theatre attendances made up most of the costs with average ICU stay per patient calculated at £313,131/day. The total cost of all 21 patients was £1,581,856. Burns are preventable injuries, early detection and intervention in patients with propensity to self-inflict burns can possibly reduce the costs of treatment in the future. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Impact of facial burns: relationship between depressive symptoms, self-esteem and scar severity.

PubMed

Hoogewerf, Cornelis Johannes; van Baar, Margriet Elisabeth; Middelkoop, Esther; van Loey, Nancy Elisa

2014-01-01

This study assessed the role of self-reported facial scar severity as a possible influencing factor on self-esteem and depressive symptoms in patients with facial burns. A prospective multicentre cohort study with a 6 months follow-up was conducted including 132 patients with facial burns. Patients completed the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Structural Equation Modeling was used to assess the relations between depressive symptoms, self-esteem and scar severity. The model showed that patient-rated facial scar severity was not predictive for self-esteem and depressive symptoms six months post-burn. There was, however, a significant relationship between early depressive symptoms and both patient-rated facial scar severity and subsequent self-esteem. The variables in the model accounted for 37% of the variance in depressive symptoms six months post-burn and the model provided a moderately well-fitting representation of the data. The study suggests that self-esteem and depressive symptoms were not affected by self-reported facial scar severity but that earlier depressive symptoms were indicative for a more severe self-reported facial scar rating. Therefore, routine psychological screening during hospitalisation is recommended in order to identify patients at risk and to optimise their treatment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Burns in Israel, comparative study: Demographic, etiologic and clinical trends 1997-2003 vs. 2004-2010.

PubMed

Harats, M; Peleg, K; Givon, A; Kornhaber, R; Goder, M; Jaeger, M; Haik, J

2016-05-01

To review hospitalised burn patients from 2004 to 2010 admitted to Israeli burn units and compare these result with data from 1997 to 2003. Retrospectively, data was collected from the Israeli Trauma Registry (ITR) encompassing all burn admissions to Israeli burn units from 2004-2010 and compared to 1997-2003. Of the 5269 burn patients admitted from 2004 to 2010, 39.8% were non-Jewish. Infants under two years were the prominent age group (24.1%). Second to third degree burns 1-9% TBSA/first degree burns were 71%, second to third degree burns 10-19% TBSA were 16% and those 20%>TBSA consisted of 13%. Only 2.7% involved an inhalation injury. The average length of stay was 11.67 days and mortality rate 3.72%. All data was compared to the previous year's 1997-2003 and trends were identified. Within Israel, high risk populations remain infants under two years of age, males and those from non-Jewish populations. National prevention strategies and campaigns are warranted to inform and educated parents of young children and those at risk of burns. Of note, advances in burn care and procedures might have contributed to a decrease in the length of hospital stay (LOS). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Method and apparatus to measure the depth of skin burns

DOEpatents

Dickey, Fred M.; Holswade, Scott C.

2002-01-01

A new device for measuring the depth of surface tissue burns based on the rate at which the skin temperature responds to a sudden differential temperature stimulus. This technique can be performed without physical contact with the burned tissue. In one implementation, time-dependent surface temperature data is taken from subsequent frames of a video signal from an infrared-sensitive video camera. When a thermal transient is created, e.g., by turning off a heat lamp directed at the skin surface, the following time-dependent surface temperature data can be used to determine the skin burn depth. Imaging and non-imaging versions of this device can be implemented, thereby enabling laboratory-quality skin burn depth imagers for hospitals as well as hand-held skin burn depth sensors the size of a small pocket flashlight for field use and triage.

[Effects of hydrogen on the lung damage of mice at early stage of severe burn].

PubMed

Qin, C; Bian, Y X; Feng, T T; Zhang, J H; Yu, Y H

2017-11-20

Objective: To investigate the effects of hydrogen on the lung damage of mice at early stage of severe burn. Methods: One hundred and sixty ICR mice were divided into sham injury, hydrogen, pure burn, and burn+ hydrogen groups according to the random number table, with 40 mice in each group. Mice in pure burn group and burn+ hydrogen group were inflicted with 40% total body surface area full-thickness scald (hereafter referred to as burn) on the back, while mice in sham injury group and hydrogen group were sham injured. Mice in hydrogen group and burn+ hydrogen group inhaled 2% hydrogen for 1 h at post injury hour (PIH) 1 and 6, respectively, while mice in sham injury group and pure burn group inhaled air for 1 h. At PIH 24, lung tissue of six mice in each group was harvested, and then pathological changes of lung tissue were observed by HE staining and the lung tissue injury pathological score was calculated. Inferior vena cava blood and lung tissue of other eight mice in each group were obtained, and then content of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum and lung tissue was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum and lung tissue was detected by spectrophotometry. After arterial blood of other six mice in each group was collected for detection of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)), the wet and dry weight of lung tissue were weighted to calculate lung wet to dry weight ratio. The survival rates of the other twenty mice in each group during post injury days 7 were calculated. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance, LSD test and log-rank test. Results: (1) At PIH 24, lung tissue of mice in sham injury group and hydrogen group showed no abnormality. Mice in pure burn group were with pulmonary interstitial edema, serious rupture of alveolar capillary wall, and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. Mice in burn+ hydrogen group were with mild pulmonary interstitial edema, alveolar capillary congestion accompanied by slight rupture and bleeding, and the number of infiltration of inflammatory cells was smaller than that in pure burn group. The lung tissue injury pathological scores of mice in sham injury group, hydrogen group, pure burn group, and burn+ hydrogen group were (0.7±0.5), (0.8±0.5), (6.1±1.0), and (2.8±0.8) points, respectively. The lung tissue injury pathological score of mice in pure burn group was significantly higher than that in sham injury group ( P <0.001). The lung tissue injury pathological score of mice in burn+ hydrogen group was significantly lower than that in pure burn group ( P <0.001). (2) At PIH 24, the content of HMGB1 and IL-6 in serum and lung tissue of mice in hydrogen group was close to that in sham injury group (with P values above 0.05). The content of HMGB1 and IL-6 in serum and lung tissue of mice in pure burn group was significantly higher than that in sham injury group (with P values below 0.001). The content of HMGB1 and IL-6 in serum and lung tissue of mice in burn+ hydrogen group was significantly lower than that in pure burn group (with P values below 0.001). (3) At PIH 24, the activity of SOD in serum and lung tissue of mice in hydrogen group was close to that in sham injury group (with P values above 0.05). The activity of SOD in serum and lung tissue of mice in pure burn group was significantly lower than that in sham injury group (with P values below 0.001). The activity of SOD in serum and lung tissue of mice in burn+ hydrogen group was significantly higher than that in pure burn group (with P values below 0.001). (4) At PIH 24, there was no statistically significant difference in PaO(2) among the mice in four groups ( F =0.04, P >0.05). (5) At PIH 24, the ratios of lung wet to dry weight of mice in sham injury, hydrogen, pure burn, and burn+ hydrogen groups were 3.52±0.22, 3.61±0.24, 7.24±0.32, and 5.21±0.41, respectively. The ratio of lung wet to dry weight of mice in pure burn group was significantly higher than that in sham injury group ( P <0.001). The ratio of lung wet to dry weight of mice in burn+ hydrogen group was significantly lower than that in pure burn group ( P <0.001). (6) The survival rates of mice in sham injury group and hydrogen group during post injury days 7 were 100%. Compared with those in sham injury group, survival rates of mice in pure burn group from post injury days 3 to 7 were significantly decreased (with P values below 0.05). Compared with those in pure burn group, survival rates of mice in burn+ hydrogen group from post injury days 5 to 7 were significantly increased (with P values below 0.05). Conclusions: Hydrogen can significantly alleviate the infiltration of inflammatory cells and improve the pathological lesions of lung tissue of mice with severe burn. It has the effects of reducing inflammatory reaction and inhibiting oxidative stress, further showing the protective effect on the lung of burn mice.

Flammability of self-extinguishing kenaf/ABS nanoclays composite for aircraft secondary structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karunakaran, S.; Majid, D. L.; Mohd Tawil, M. L.

2016-10-01

This study investigates the flammability properties of kenaf fiber reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) with nanoclays composites. Natural fiber is one of the potential materials to be used with thermoplastic as a composite due to its attractive properties such as lightweight and strong. In this paper, flammability properties of this material are evaluated through Underwriters Laboratory 94 Horizontal Burning (UL94 HB), which has been conducted for both controlled and uncontrolled conditions, smoke density and limiting oxygen index tests (LOI). These flammability tests are in compliance with the Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) requirement. The results from UL94 HB and smoke density tests show that the presence of nanoclays with effective composition of kenaf fiber reinforced ABS has enhanced the burning characteristics of the material by hindering propagation of flame spread over the surface of the material through char formation. Consequently, this decreases the burning rate and produces low amount of smoke during burning. On contrary, through LOI test, this material requires less oxygen to burn when exposed to fire, which hinders the enhancement of burning characteristics. This is due to burning mechanism exhibited by nanoclays that catalyzes barrier formation and flame propagation rate over the surface of the biocomposite material. Overall, these experimental results suggest that this biocomposite material is capable of self-extinguishing and possesses effective fire extinction. The observed novel synergism from the result obtained is promising to be implemented in secondary structures of aircraft with significant benefits such as cost-effective, lightweight and biodegradable self-extinguishing biocomposite.

Quantifying the effects of wildfire on changes in soil properties by surface burning of soils from the Boulder Creek Critical Zone Observatory

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wieting, Celeste; Ebel, Brian A.; Singha, Kamini

2017-01-01

Study regionThis study used intact soil cores collected at the Boulder Creek Critical Zone Observatory near Boulder, Colorado, USA to explore fire impacts on soil properties.Study focusThree soil scenarios were considered: unburned control soils, and low- and high-temperature burned soils. We explored simulated fire impacts on field-saturated hydraulic conductivity, dry bulk density, total organic carbon, and infiltration processes during rainfall simulations.New hydrological insights for the regionSoils burned to high temperatures became more homogeneous with depth with respect to total organic carbon and bulk density, suggesting reductions in near-surface porosity. Organic matter decreased significantly with increasing soil temperature. Tension infiltration experiments suggested a decrease in infiltration rates from unburned to low-temperature burned soils, and an increase in infiltration rates in high-temperature burned soils. Non-parametric statistical tests showed that field-saturated hydraulic conductivity similarly decreased from unburned to low-temperature burned soils, and then increased with high-temperature burned soils. We interpret these changes result from the combustion of surface and near-surface organic materials, enabling water to infiltrate directly into soil instead of being stored in the litter and duff layer at the surface. Together, these results indicate that fire-induced changes in soil properties from low temperatures were not as drastic as high temperatures, but that reductions in surface soil water repellency in high temperatures may increase infiltration relative to low temperatures.

Inhaled methoxyflurane for pain and anxiety relief during burn wound care procedures: an Australian case series.

PubMed

Wasiak, Jason; Mahar, Patrick D; Paul, Eldho; Menezes, Hana; Spinks, Anneliese B; Cleland, Heather

2014-02-01

Pain is a common and significant feature of burn injury. The use of intravenous opioids forms the mainstay of procedural burn pain management, but in an outpatient setting, the demand for novel agents that do not require parenteral access, are easy to administer and have a rapid onset are urgently needed. One such agent is the inhaled anaesthetic agent, methoxyflurane (MF). The aim of this study was to conduct a pilot investigation into the clinical effectiveness of MF inhaler on pain and anxiety scores in patients undergoing burn wound care procedures in an outpatient setting. A prospective case series involved recruiting patients undergoing a burn wound care procedure in an ambulatory burn care setting. Pain and anxiety were assessed using numerical rating scales. Overall, median numerical pain rating score was significantly higher post-dressing [pre-dressing: 2; interquartile range (IQR): 1-3 versus post-dressing: 3; IQR 1·5-4; P = 0·01], whereas median numerical anxiety score significantly reduced following the dressing (pre-dressing: 5; IQR 4-7 versus post-dressing: 2; IQR 1-2; P < 0·001). Our study suggests that there is a role for MF in the pain management armamentarium in those undergoing burn care procedures in the ambulatory care setting. However, there is an urgent need for larger case series and randomised controlled trials to determine its overall clinical effectiveness. © 2012 The Authors. International Wound Journal © 2012 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

CHARACTERIZATION OF EMISSIONS FROM BURNING INCENSE

EPA Science Inventory

The primary objective of this study was to improve the characterization of particulate matter emissions from burning incense. Emissions of particulate matter were measured for 23 different types of incense using a cyclone/filter method. Emission rates for PM2.5 (particulate matte...

Symbolic hate: intention to intimidate, political ideology, and group association.

PubMed

Wiener, Richard L; Richter, Erin

2008-12-01

In Virginia v. Black (123 S.Ct. 1536, 2003), the Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment did not bar statutes that prohibit cross burnings in which defendants acted with intention to intimidate others. Using a variety of symbols including cross burnings, swastikas, confederate flags, and skin fists, the current research tested how mock jurors used alternative actor intentions to judge culpability in symbolic hate speech cases. Only partially validating the Court's assumptions, participants rated guilt certainty highest when they believed the speakers conveyed direct threats, sometimes regardless of whether defendants intended to intimidate others. Further, results showed the level of perceived intimidation only partially mediated the relationship between type of fact pattern and guilt certainty ratings. While alternative intentions did produce different levels of intention to intimidate, path analysis showed that the participants' ratings of the defendant's intention to convey a direct threat influenced guilt certainty ratings in all cases. Perceived intimidation levels predicted culpability in only some of the cases and not for cross burning on private property.

Time-resolved analysis of particle emissions from residential biomass combustion - Emissions of refractory black carbon, PAHs and organic tracers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nielsen, Ingeborg E.; Eriksson, Axel C.; Lindgren, Robert; Martinsson, Johan; Nyström, Robin; Nordin, Erik Z.; Sadiktsis, Ioannis; Boman, Christoffer; Nøjgaard, Jacob K.; Pagels, Joakim

2017-09-01

Time-resolved particle emissions from a conventional wood stove were investigated with aerosol mass spectrometry to provide links between combustion conditions, emission factors, mixing state of refractory black carbon and implications for organic tracer methods. The addition of a new batch of fuel results in low temperature pyrolysis as the fuel heats up, resulting in strong, short-lived, variable emission peaks of organic aerosol-containing markers of anhydrous sugars, such as levoglucosan (fragment at m/z 60). Flaming combustion results in emissions dominated by refractory black carbon co-emitted with minor fractions of organic aerosol and markers of anhydrous sugars. Full cycle emissions are an external mixture of larger organic aerosol-dominated and smaller thinly coated refractory black carbon particles. A very high burn rate results in increased full cycle mass emission factors of 66, 2.7, 2.8 and 1.3 for particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, refractory black carbon, total organic aerosol and m/z 60, respectively, compared to nominal burn rate. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are primarily associated with refractory black carbon-containing particles. We hypothesize that at very high burn rates, the central parts of the combustion zone become air starved, leading to a locally reduced combustion temperature that reduces the conversion rates from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to refractory black carbon. This facilitates a strong increase of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons emissions. At nominal burn rates, full cycle emissions based on m/z 60 correlate well with organic aerosol, refractory black carbon and particulate matter. However, at higher burn rates, m/z 60 does not correlate with increased emissions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, refractory black carbon and organic aerosol in the flaming phase. The new knowledge can be used to advance source apportionment studies, reduce emissions of genotoxic compounds and model the climate impacts of refractory black carbon, such as absorption enhancement by lensing.

Feasibility Study and Development of Modular Appliance Technologies, Centralized Heating (MATCH) Field Kitchen

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-07-01

including standby losses. The required input fuel rate is 261.000 Btu/hr ( LHV ) or 277,700 Btu/hr ( HHV ). The Becker burner used in the system is rated at 2...cost of -$6/gallon. Burning diesel fuel , with 20-percent excess air and a final exhaust temperature of 932°F, requires a fuel LHV input of 261,000 Btu...GPH diesel fuel burning rate, corresponding to 280.000 Btu/hr ( HHV ) input. The flue gases leave the fluid heater at a nominal temperature of 932°F

Flammability Parameters of Candles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balog, Karol; Kobetičová, Hana; Štefko, Tomáš

2017-06-01

The paper deals with the assessment of selected fire safety characteristics of candles. Weight loss of a candle during the burning process, candle burning rate, soot index, heat release rate and yield of carbon oxides were determined. Soot index was determined according to EN 15426: 2007 - Candles - Specification for Sooting Behavior. All samples met the prescribed amount of produced soot. Weight loss, heat release rate and the yield of carbon oxides were determined for one selected sample. While yield of CO increased during the measurement, the yield of CO2 decreased by half in 40 minutes.

Space Shuttle Five-Segment Booster (Short Course)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Graves, Stanley R.; Rudolphi, Michael (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

NASA is considering upgrading the Space Shuttle by adding a fifth segment (FSB) to the current four-segment solid rocket booster. Course materials cover design and engineering issues related to the Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) raised by the addition of a fifth segment to the rocket booster. Topics cover include: four segment vs. five segment booster, abort modes, FSB grain design, erosive burning, enhanced propellant burn rate, FSB erosive burning model development and hardware configuration.

Effects of prescribed burning on marsh-elevation change and the risk of wetland loss

USGS Publications Warehouse

McKee, Karen L.; Grace, James B.

2012-01-01

Marsh-elevation change is the net effect of biophysical processes controlling inputs versus losses of soil volume. In many marshes, accumulation of organic matter is an important contributor to soil volume and vertical land building. In this study, we examined how prescribed burning, a common marsh-management practice, may affect elevation dynamics in the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, Texas by altering organic-matter accumulation. Experimental plots were established in a brackish marsh dominated by Spartina patens, a grass found throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic marshes. Experimental plots were subjected to burning and nutrient-addition treatments and monitored for 3.5 years (April 2005 – November 2008). Half of the plots were burned once in 2006; half of the plots were fertilized seasonally with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Before and after the burns, seasonal measurements were made of soil physicochemistry, vegetation structure, standing and fallen plant biomass, aboveground and belowground production, decomposition, and accretion and elevation change (measured with Surface Elevation Tables (SET)). Movements in different soil strata (surface, root zone, subroot zone) were evaluated to identify which processes were contributing to elevation change. Because several hurricanes occurred during the study period, we also assessed how these storms affected elevation change rates. The main findings of this study were as follows: 1. The main drivers of elevation change were accretion on the marsh surface and subsurface movement below the root zone, but the relative influence of these processes varied temporally. Prior to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike (September 2008), the main driver was subsurface movement; after the hurricane, both accretion and subsurface movement were important. 2. Prior to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, rates of elevation gain and accretion above a marker horizon were higher in burned plots compared to nonburned plots, whereas nutrient addition had no detectable influence on elevation dynamics. 3. Burning decreased standing and fallen plant litter, reducing fuel load. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike also removed fallen litter from all plots. 4. Aboveground and belowground production rates varied annually but were unaffected by burning and nutrient treatments. 5. Decomposition (of a standard cellulose material) in upper soil layers was increased in burned plots but was unaffected by nutrient treatments. 6. Soil physicochemistry was unaffected by burning or nutrient treatments. 7. The elevation deficit (difference between rate of submergence and vertical land development) prior to hurricanes was less in burned plots (6.2 millimeters per year [mm yr-1]) compared to nonburned plots (7.2 mm yr-1). 8. Storm sediments delivered by Hurricane Ike raised elevations an average of 7.4 centimeters (cm), which countered an elevation deficit that had accrued over 11 years. Our findings provide preliminary insights into elevation dynamics occurring in brackish marshes of the Texas Chenier Plain under prescribed fire management. The results of this study indicate that prescribed burning conducted at 3- to 5-year intervals is not likely to negatively impact the long-term sustainability of S. patens-dominated brackish marshes at McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge and may offset existing elevation deficits by ≈ 1 mm yr-1. The primary drivers of elevation change varied in time and space, leading to a more complex situation in terms of predicting how disturbances may alter elevation trajectories. The potential effect of burning on elevation change in other marshes will depend on several site-specific factors, including geomorphic/ sedimentary setting, tide range, local rate of relative sea level rise, plant species composition, additional management practices (for example, for flood control), and disturbance types and frequency (for example, hurricanes or herbivore grazing). Increasing the scope of inference would require installation of SETs in replicate marshes undergoing different prescribed fire intervals and in different geomorphic settings (with different hurricane frequencies and/or different sedimentary settings). Multiple locations along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts where prescribed fire is used as a management tool could provide the appropriate setting for these installations.

Tailorable Burning Behavior of Ti14 Alloy by Controlling Semi-Solid Forging Temperature

PubMed Central

Chen, Yongnan; Yang, Wenqing; Zhan, Haifei; Zhang, Fengying; Huo, Yazhou; Zhao, Yongqing; Song, Xuding; Gu, Yuantong

2016-01-01

Semi-solid processing (SSP) is a popular near-net-shape forming technology for metals, while its application is still limited in titanium alloy mainly due to its low formability. Recent works showed that SSP could effectively enhance the formability and mechanical properties of titanium alloys. The processing parameters such as temperature and forging rate/ratio, are directly correlated with the microstructure, which endow the alloy with different chemical and physical properties. Specifically, as a key structural material for the advanced aero-engine, the burn resistant performance is a crucial requirement for the burn resistant titanium alloy. Thus, this work aims to assess the burning behavior of Ti14, a kind of burn resistant alloy, as forged at different semi-solid forging temperatures. The burning characteristics of the alloy are analyzed by a series of burning tests with different burning durations, velocities, and microstructures of burned sample. The results showed that the burning process is highly dependent on the forging temperature, due to the fact that higher temperatures would result in more Ti2Cu precipitate within grain and along grain boundaries. Such a microstructure hinders the transport of oxygen in the stable burning stage through the formation of a kind of oxygen isolation Cu-enriched layer under the burn product zone. This work suggests that the burning resistance of the alloy can be effectively tuned by controlling the temperature during the semi-solid forging process. PMID:28773820

The role of alternative therapy in the management of partial thickness burns of the face--experience with the use of moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO) compared with silver sulphadiazine.

PubMed

Ang, E S; Lee, S T; Gan, C S; See, P; Chan, Y H; Ng, L H; Machin, D

2000-01-01

Conventional management of partial thickness facial burn wounds includes the use of silver sulphadiazine dressings. Silver sulphadiazine forms an overlying slough that makes wound healing assessment difficult. Moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO) has been proposed as the ideal burn wound dressing both for burns of the face and other sites. Proponents of MEBO claim that it accelerates wound healing and results in scarless wound healing and at the same time reduce bacterial colonisation and the need for analgesics. We present here our experience with MEBO in the management of partial thickness burns of the face. One hundred and fifteen patients with partial thickness burns were randomly assigned to conventional treatment or MEBO. Out of this, 112 were analysed. Thirty-nine patients sustained facial burns; 17 received MEBO and 22 received silver sulphadiazine. Patients were followed up daily until the burn wounds were reduced by 75% of original body surface area (BSA). In patients with facial burns, MEBO was similar to silver sulphadiazine therapy with respect to rate of wound healing. Minimal slough was present over the wounds in MEBO-treated wounds resulting in clearer assessment of healing progression. Advantages of MEBO as compared to silver sulphadiazine in the management of partial thickness burns of the face include convenient change of dressing and easier assessment of healing progression. This suggests that MEBO is a useful alternative therapy for partial thickness burns of the face.

Burn Survivor Quality of Life and Barriers to Support Program Participation.

PubMed

Baldwin, Stephanie; Yuan, Haimao; Liao, Junlin; Grieve, Brian; Heard, Jason; Wibbenmeyer, Lucy A

2018-03-29

After a serious burn, re-entry into family life, society, and work can be incredibly difficult. Support services such as professional counseling and peer support play a key role for recovering survivors. Herein, we sought to identify support service participation rates, barriers to participation, and quality of life (QOL) among burn survivors treated at a regional burn center. A survey of burn survivors over 18 years old treated for a burn for 5 days or greater between 2006 and 2016 were invited to participate in a survey. The three-part survey contained sections covering demographics, questions regarding support program (SP) awareness, needs and participation, and QOL surveys. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify factors related to SP participation and QOL scores. Nine hundred sixty-eight patients were eligible; 150 responses were received. Over one third (40, 31%) of the responding survivors wanted support, but only half of those (23, 17%) participated in SPs. Distance and awareness of the available programs were two barriers to participation. Those attending SPs were more likely to have had larger burns (OR = 3.7, P = 0.05) and visible burns (OR = 7.5, P = 0.031). Lower scores on selected QOL scales were associated with burns more than 30%, visible burns, female gender, time from burn, and age group. A sizable number of burn survivors want SPs. However, access to these services and advertising their existence are hurdles to overcome. Future burn survivor SPs should focus on psychosocial stresses identified in the QOL assessments.

The effect of Burns & Wounds (B&W)/burdock leaf therapy on burn-injured Amish patients: a pilot study measuring pain levels, infection rates, and healing times.

PubMed

Kolacz, Nicole M; Jaroch, Mark T; Bear, Monica L; Hess, Rosanna F

2014-12-01

The purposes of this pilot study were to measure pain associated with dressing changes, assess the presence of infection, and document healing times of burn-injured Amish in central Ohio using an herbal therapy consisting of Burns and Wounds™ ointment (B&W) and burdock (Arctium ssp.) leaves. B&W contains honey, lanolin, olive oil, wheat germ oil, marshmallow root, Aloe vera gel, wormwood, comfrey root, white oak bark, lobelia inflata, vegetable glycerin, bees wax, and myrrh. A prospective, case series design guided the study within a community-based participatory research framework. Amish burn dressers provided burn care. Registered nurses monitored each case and documented findings. Pain scores were noted and burns were inspected for infection during dressing changes; healing times were measured from day of burn to complete closure of the skin. All cases were photographed. Between October 2011 and May 2013, five Amish were enrolled. All had first- and second-degree burns. B&W/burdock leaf dressing changes caused minimal or no pain; none of the burns became infected, and healing times averaged less than 14 days. The use of this herbal remedy appears to be an acceptable alternative to conventional burn care for these types of burns. The trauma of dressing changes was virtually nonexistent. Nurses working in communities with Amish residents should be aware of this herbal-based method of burn care and monitor its use when feasible. © The Author(s) 2014.

An Experimental Determination of Subatmospheric Burning Rates and Critical Diameters for AP/HTPB Propellant

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-01

round uses an AP/HTPB propellant in the projectile base to reduce base drag during flight . Subatmospheric burning rates, simulating operation at...the partial vacuum created at the projectile base in flight . The combustion gases escape the combustion chamber through an unchoked port in the...determination. Combustion of the sample was video recorded by a system with both synchronized electronic strobe and shutter. The camera captures 60 fields

What could have caused pre-industrial biomass burning emissions to exceed current rates?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Werf, G. R.; Peters, W.; van Leeuwen, T. T.; Giglio, L.

2012-08-01

Recent studies based on trace gas mixing ratios in ice cores and charcoal data indicate that biomass burning emissions over the past millennium exceeded contemporary emissions by up to a factor of 4 for certain time periods. This is surprising because various sources of biomass burning are linked with population density, which has increased over the past centuries. Here we have analyzed how emissions from several biomass burning sources could have fluctuated to yield emissions that are in correspondence with recent results based on ice core mixing ratios of carbon monoxide (CO) and its isotopic signature measured at South Pole station (SPO). Based on estimates of contemporary fire emissions and the TM5 chemical transport model, we found that CO mixing ratios at SPO are more sensitive to emissions from South America and Australia than from Africa, and are relatively insensitive to emissions from the Northern Hemisphere. We then explored how various biomass burning sources may have varied over the past centuries and what the resulting emissions and corresponding CO mixing ratio at SPO would be, using population density variations to reconstruct sources driven by humans (e.g. fuelwood burning) and a new model to relate savanna emissions to changes in fire return times. We found that to match the observed ice core CO data all savannas in the Southern Hemisphere had to burn annually, or bi-annually in combination with deforestation and slash and burn agriculture matching current levels despite much lower population densities and lack of machinery to aid the deforestation process. While possible, these scenarios are unlikely and in conflict with current literature. However, we do show the large potential for increased emissions from savannas in a pre-industrial world. This is mainly because in the past, fuel beds were probably less fragmented compared to the current situation; we show that the majority of savannas have not burned in the past 10 yr, even in Africa which is considered "the burning continent". Our new modelling results, together with existing literature, indicate that no definitive conclusions can be drawn about unprecedentedly high or low biomass burning rates from current data analyses.

Biomass burning a driver for global change

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Levine, J.S.; Cofer, W.R. III; Cahoon, D.R. Jr.

1995-03-01

Recent research has identified another biospheric process that has instantaneous and longer term effects on the production of atmospheric gases: biomass burning. Biomass burning includes the burning of the world`s vegetation-forests, savannas. and agricultural lands, to clear the land and change its use. Only in the past decade have researchers realized the important contributions of biomass burning to the global budgets of many radiatively and chemically active gases - carbon dioxide, methane, nitric oxide, tropospheric ozone, methyl chloride - and elemental carbon particulates. International field experiments and satellite data are yielding a clearer understanding of this important global source ofmore » atmospheric gases and particulates. It is seen that in addition to being a significant instantaneous global source of atmospheric gases and particulates, burning enhances the biogenic emissions of nitric oxide and nitrous oxide from the world`s soils. Biomass burning affects the reflectivity and emissivity of the Earth`s surface as well as the hydrological cycle by changing rates of land evaporation and water runoff. For these reasons, it appears that biomass burning is a significant driver of global change. 20 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs.« less

FEASIBILITY OF BURNING COAL IN CATALYTIC COMBUSTORS

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of a study, showing that pulverized coal can be burned in a catalytic combustor. Pulverized coal combustion in catalytic beds is markedly different from gaseous fuel combustion. Gas combustion gives uniform bed temperatures and reaction rates over the ent...

The burning issue of white phosphorus: a case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Aviv, Uri; Kornhaber, Rachel; Harats, Moti; Haik, Josef

2017-01-01

Burns from white phosphorus are rare and remain a challenge for clinicians. White phosphorus burns are often associated with smaller surface areas and high morbidity rates. Classed as a chemical burn, white phosphorus is used for military purposes and within industry, for the manufacture of fireworks and agricultural products. In this report, we discuss the case of a 40 years old female who sustained 2% Total Body Surface Area partial to full thickness burns from white phosphorus. The burns were treated conservatively with mafenide acetate on the medial calf and dorsum of foot and Flaminal Forte was used for the palmar region. The patient was discharged 22 days after admission and followed up in the outpatient clinic. Despite the use of pressure garments, hypertrophic scarring began to develop on the dorsum of her right foot. During peacetime, white phosphorus possess a significant danger to civilians. Awareness of the unique nature of white phosphorus among military burn clinicians should be emphasized.

The effect of levamisole on mortality rate among patients with severe burn injuries

PubMed Central

Fatemi, Mohammad Javad; Salehi, Hamid; Akbari, Hossein; Alinejad, Faranak; Saberi, Mohsen; Mousavi, Seyed Jaber; Soltani, Majid; Taghavi, Shahrzad; Payandan, Hossein

2013-01-01

Background: Burn injuries are one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity throughout the world and burn patients have higher chances for infection due to their decreased immune resistance. Levamisole, as an immunomodulation agent, stimulates the immune response against infection. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in Motahari Burn Center, Tehran, Iran. Patients who had second- or third-degree burn with involvement of more than 50% of total body surface area (TBSA) were studied. The levamisole group received levamisole tablet, 100 mg per day. Meantime, both the levamisole and control groups received the standard therapy of the Burn Center, based on a standard protocol. Then, the outcome of the patients was evaluated. Results: 237 patients entered the study. After excluding 42 patients with inhalation injury, electrical and chemical burns, and the patients who died in the first 72 h, 195 patients remained in the study, including 110 patients in the control group and 85 in the treatment group. The mean age of all patients (between 13 to 64 years) was 33.29 ± 11.39 years (Mean ± SD), and it was 33.86 ± 11.45 years in the control group and 32.57 ± 11.32 years in the treatment group. The mean percentage of TBSA burn was 64.50 ± 14.34 and 68.58 ± 14.55 for the levamisole and control groups, respectively, with the range of 50-100% and 50-95% TBSA. The mortality rate was 68 (61.8%) patients in the control group and 50 (58.8%) patients in the treatment group (P = 0.8). Conclusion: According to this study, there was no significant relationship between improvement of mortality and levamisole consumption. PMID:24381625

Pain control in a randomized, controlled, clinical trial comparing moist exposed burn ointment and conventional methods in patients with partial-thickness burns.

PubMed

Ang, Erik; Lee, S-T; Gan, Christine S-G; Chan, Y-H; Cheung, Y-B; Machin, D

2003-01-01

Conventional management of partial-thickness burn wounds includes the use of paraffin gauze dressing, frequently with topical silver-based antibacterial creams. Some creams form an overlying slough that renders wound assessment difficult and are painful upon application. An alternative to conventional management, moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO), has been proposed as a topical agent that may accelerate wound healing and have antibacterial and analgesic properties. One hundred fifteen patients with partial-thickness burns were randomly assigned to conventional (n = 58) or MEBO treatment (n = 57). A verbal numerical rating score of pain was made in the morning, after burn dressing, and some 8 hours later. Patient pain profiles were summarized by locally weighted regression smoothing technique curves and the difference between treatments estimated using multilevel regression techniques. Mean verbal numerical rating scale pain levels (cm) in week 1 for all patients were highest at 3.2 for the after dressing assessment, lowest in the evening at 2.6, and intermediate in the morning at 3.0. This pattern continued at similar levels in week 2 and then declined by a mean of 0.5 in all groups in week 3. There was little evidence to suggest a difference in pain levels by treatment group with the exception of the postdressing pain levels in the first week when those receiving MEBO had a mean level of 0.7 cm (95% confidence interval, 0.2 to 1.1) lower than those on conventional therapy. MEBO appeared to bring greater pain relief for the postdressing assessment during the first week after burns. This initial relief, together with comparable pain levels experienced on other occasions, indicates that MEBO could be an alternative to conventional burns management.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Karlstad, M.D.; DeMichele, S.J.; Istfan, N.

The effects of burn and first-pass splanchnic leucine extraction (FPE) on protein kinetics and energy expenditure were assessed by measuring O/sub 2/ consumption, CO/sub 2/ production, nitrogen balance, leucine kinetics, and tissue fractional protein synthetic rates (FSR-%/day) in enterally fed rats. Anesthetized male rats (200 g) were scalded on their dorsum with boiling water (25-30% body surface area) and enterally fed isovolemic diets that provided 60 kcal/day and 2.4 g of amino acids/day for 3 days. Controls were not burned. An intravenous or intragastric infusion of L-(1-/sup 14/C)leucine was used to assess protein kinetics on day 3. FPE was takenmore » as the ratio of intragastric to intravenous plasma leucine specific activity. There was a 69% reduction in cumulative nitrogen balance (P less than 0.001) and a 17-19% increase in leucine oxidation (P less than 0.05) and total energy expenditure (P less than 0.01) in burned rats. A 15% decrease in plasma leucine clearance (P less than 0.05) was accompanied by a 20% increase in plasma (leucine) (P less than 0.01) in burned rats. Burn decreased rectus muscle FSR from 5.0 +/- 0.4 to 3.5 +/- 0.5 (P less than 0.05) and increased liver FSR from 19.0 +/- 0.5 to 39.2 +/- 3.4 (P less than 0.01). First pass extraction of dietary leucine by the splanchnic bed was 8% in controls and 26% in burned rats. Leucine kinetics corrected for FPE showed increased protein degradation with burn that was not evident without FPE correction. This hypermetabolic burn model can be useful in the design of enteral diets that optimize rates of protein synthesis and degradation.« less

Brown adipose tissue and its modulation by a mitochondria-targeted peptide in rat burn injury-induced hypermetabolism

PubMed Central

Yo, Kikuo; Yu, Yong-Ming; Zhao, Gaofeng; Bonab, Ali A.; Aikawa, Naoki; Tompkins, Ronald G.

2013-01-01

Hypermetabolism is a prominent feature of burn injury, and altered mitochondria function is presumed to contribute to this state. Recently, brown adipose tissue (BAT) was found to be present not only in rodents but also in humans, and its activity is associated with resting metabolic rate. In this report, we elucidate the relationship between burn injury-induced hypermetabolism and BAT activity and the possible role of the mitochondria-targeted peptide SS31 in attenuating burn injury-induced hypermetabolism by using a rat burn injury model. We demonstrate that burn injury induces morphological changes in interscapular BAT (iBAT). Burn injury was associated with iBAT activation, and this effect was positively correlated with increased energy expenditure. BAT activation was associated with augmentation of mitochondria biogenesis, and UCP1 expression in the isolated iBAT mitochondria. In addition, the mitochondria-targeted peptide SS31 attenuated burn injury-induced hypermetabolism, which was accompanied by suppression of UCP1 expression in isolated mitochondria. Our results suggest that BAT plays an important role in burn injury-induced hypermetabolism through its morphological changes and expression of UCP1. PMID:23169784

Brown adipose tissue and its modulation by a mitochondria-targeted peptide in rat burn injury-induced hypermetabolism.

PubMed

Yo, Kikuo; Yu, Yong-Ming; Zhao, Gaofeng; Bonab, Ali A; Aikawa, Naoki; Tompkins, Ronald G; Fischman, Alan J

2013-02-15

Hypermetabolism is a prominent feature of burn injury, and altered mitochondria function is presumed to contribute to this state. Recently, brown adipose tissue (BAT) was found to be present not only in rodents but also in humans, and its activity is associated with resting metabolic rate. In this report, we elucidate the relationship between burn injury-induced hypermetabolism and BAT activity and the possible role of the mitochondria-targeted peptide SS31 in attenuating burn injury-induced hypermetabolism by using a rat burn injury model. We demonstrate that burn injury induces morphological changes in interscapular BAT (iBAT). Burn injury was associated with iBAT activation, and this effect was positively correlated with increased energy expenditure. BAT activation was associated with augmentation of mitochondria biogenesis, and UCP1 expression in the isolated iBAT mitochondria. In addition, the mitochondria-targeted peptide SS31 attenuated burn injury-induced hypermetabolism, which was accompanied by suppression of UCP1 expression in isolated mitochondria. Our results suggest that BAT plays an important role in burn injury-induced hypermetabolism through its morphological changes and expression of UCP1.

Bringing research to the bedside: Knowledge translation in the mental health care of burns patients.

PubMed

Cleary, Michelle; Visentin, Denis C; West, Sancia; Andrews, Sharon; McLean, Loyola; Kornhaber, Rachel

2018-05-25

Advances in surgical techniques and wound management have improved outcomes for burn patients; however, the psychological impacts on burn survivors have had less attention. There is a higher rate of mental health disorders amongst burns victims, with those with pre-existing mental health conditions likely to have worse outcomes. To implement effective burns care and rehabilitation, knowledge and understanding of mental health issues is required. This position paper discusses the extent to which clinicians currently translate knowledge around mental health and burns into practice to identify enables and inhibitors. Successful knowledge translation requires dissemination and accessibility of information with the capacity and readiness for change. Clinicians and researchers need to identify how translating research to practice can meet the needs of burn survivors. There is a gap in the utilization of evidence concerning mental health and the needs of burns survivors, and we need to understand what we know as compared to what we do. Clinicians are well placed to determine how and why knowledge does not necessarily translate to practice and how they can better accommodate the needs of burn survivors. © 2018 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.

Recent Trends in Burn Epidemiology Worldwide: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Smolle, Christian; Cambiaso-Daniel, Janos; Forbes, Abigail A.; Wurzer, Paul; Hundeshagen, Gabriel; Branski, Ludwik K.; Huss, Fredrik; Kamolz, Lars-Peter

2017-01-01

Burn injuries have been more prevalent among low socioeconomic populations and in less developed regions. Incredible advances in burn care and social development over the recent decades, however, should have placed the incidence and severity of burns in a downwards trend. The aim of this review was to give an overview on current trends in burn epidemiology across the world. Also the socioeconomic development in countries that have published epidemiological data used in this study has been taken into account when comparing the results. There was a worldwide downwards trend of burn incidence, burn severity, length of hospital stay, and mortality rate. These findings were particularly pronounced in very highly developed countries. Data from highly and medium developed countries were more heterogeneous. No studies could be obtained from low developed countries. Comparisons between the different studies were compromised by the fact that studies emerged from specialized facilities on one hand and general hospitals on the other. Analyzed studies were also frequently focusing on limited patient populations such as “children” or “elderly”. Our findings indicate the need for an international burn database with a minimal data-set in order to obtain objective and comparable results in respect of burn epidemiology. PMID:27600982

The relative importance of hydrophobicity in determining runoff-infiltration processes in burned forest soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wittenberg, Lea; Malkinson, Dan; Voogt, Annelies; Leska, Danny; Argaman, Eli; Keesstra, Saskia

2010-05-01

Wildfires induce fundamental changes to vegetation and soil structure/texture which conseqeuntly have major impacts on infiltration capacity, overland flow generation, runoff and sediment yields. The relative importance, however, of fire-induced soil water repellency (WR) on hydrological and erosional processes is somewhat controversial, partially, as the direct effects of soil WR in-situ field conditions have been difficult to isolate. It is generally accepted that hydrophobicity is caused by the formation of organic substances in forest soils, while burning is considered to enhance this process. Given the complex response of the soil-vegetation system to burning, soil WR is only one of several affecting soil hydrology. Other factors include the physical sealing of soils triggered by rain drops energy, the increase in soil erodibility due to changes in soil aggregates, and the role of the ash in sealing the burned surface. The degree and spatial distribution of WR burned varies considerably with fire severity, soil and vegetation type, soil moisture content and time since burning. Nevertheless, given the inverse relationship between soil moisture and hydrophobicity, the role of the latter in determining overland flow during wet winters when the soil is mostly inundated, is marginal. Following a 60 ha wildfire, which took place at the Pe'eram catchment during July 2009, we assessed the spatio-temporal distribution of WR in a burned Pinus halepensis forest. The site, located in the Upper Galille, Israel, was severely burned; the combustion removed all understory vegetation and burned down some of the trunks, leaving a thick layer of ash. The soils composed of reddish-brown clay loam forest soil and terra rossa on limestone bedrock, greyish light rendzina characterises the marl and chalk exposures. To consider the effect of distance from trees, in-situ hydrophobicity was assessed within a week, month and five months after the fire, using the WDPT test. Measurements were taken in concentric circles around the burned trees at two soil depths. We complemented this investigation by conducting a series of laboratory simulations. Non-burned soil was taken for laboratory analysis and rainfall simulations. Four treatment types were conducted: non-burned soil, non-burned soil + pine needles, burned soil without ash (300°C/15 min. after adding pine needles) and burned soil with the residue ash (300°C/15 min. after adding pine needles). Hydrophobicity was measured in all trays. Constant rainfall intensity of 30 mm/hr was simulated until terminal infiltration rates were reached. The experimental trays were oven dried and simulated again to imitate the effect of second rainstorm. Preliminary results indicate strong surface WR (60% >180s) at a distance of 1m and at the subsurface (50% >180s) directly by the trunk. In the control non-burned site stronger WR was found in proximity to the trunks. While in the burned sites extreme values (>300s) were apparent (15-35%) and correlated with distance from the trunk, no corresponding patterns were noticed in the control trees. The attempt to create homogeneous layer of WR under controlled laboratory conditions yielded a scattered pattern of repellency, similar to the field conditions. In contrast to expected, the bare soil and bare soil covered by needles exhibited the highest and lowest infiltration rates, respectively, while the burned hydrophobic soils demonstrated intermediate rates. It is thus suggested that in some soils, WR might enhance infiltration capacity by creating a complex mosaic of runoff-generating and runoff-absorbing micro-patches. In the experimental non-burned soil a rapid crusting of the surface provided lateral connectivity whilst the accumulation of litter and organic matter blanket the surface and enhance the vertical conductivity. To better understand the role of WR in generating hydrological response, it is required to consider the 3D 'sponge like' properties of the WR soils.

[Autogenous platelet-rich plasma gel with acellular xenogeneic dermal matrix for treatment of deep II degree burns].

PubMed

Hao, Tianzhi; Zhu, Jingmin; Hu, Wenbo; Zhang, Hua; Gao, Zhenhui; Wen, Xuehui; Zhou, Zhi; Lu, Gang; Liu, Jingjie; Li, Wen

2010-06-01

To investigate the effectiveness of autogenous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel with acellular xenogeneic dermal matrix in the treatment of deep II degree burns. From January 2007 to December 2009, 30 cases of deep II degree burns were treated. There were 19 males and 11 females with an average age of 42.5 years (range, 32-57 years). The burn area was 10% to 48% of total body surface area. The time from burn to hospitalization was 30 minutes to 8 hours. All patients were treated with tangential excision surgery, one side of the wounds were covered with autogenous PRP gel and acellular xenogeneic dermal matrix (PRP group), the other side of the wounds were covered with acellular xenogeneic dermal matrix only (control group). The healing rate, healing time, infection condition, and scar formation were observed. At 7 days after operation, the infection rate in PRP group (6.7%, 2/30) was significantly lower than that in control group (16.7%, 5/30, P < 0.05). The healing times were (18 +/- 4) days and (22 +/- 4) days respectively in PRP group and control group, showing significant difference (P < 0.05). The healing rates at 14 days and 21 days were 75% +/- 7% and 88% +/- 5% in PRP group, were 62% +/- 15% and 73% +/- 7% in control group, showing significant difference (P < 0.05). RPR group was superior to control group in elasticity, color, appearance, softness, scar formation, and healing quality. Autogenous PRP gel with acellular xenogeneic dermal matrix can accelerate the wound healing of deep II degree burns as well as alleviate the scar proliferation.

Pain and itch outcome trajectories differ among European American and African American survivors of major thermal burn injury.

PubMed

Mauck, Matthew C; Smith, Jennifer; Shupp, Jeffrey W; Weaver, Mark A; Liu, Andrea; Bortsov, Andrey V; Lateef, Bilal; Jones, Samuel W; Williams, Felicia; Hwang, James; Karlnoski, Rachel; Smith, David J; Cairns, Bruce A; McLean, Samuel A

2017-11-01

More than half of individuals experiencing major thermal burn injury (MThBI) receive an autologous skin graft (autograft), in which skin is removed from a healthy "donor" site and transplanted to the burn site. Persistent pain and itch at the graft site are major causes of suffering and disability in MThBI survivors. African Americans have a higher risk of MThBI, and in other clinical settings African Americans experience a greater burden of pain and itch relative to European Americans. However, to our knowledge, ethnic differences in skin graft site pain and itch outcomes after MThBI have not been assessed. We evaluated skin graft site pain and itch severity (0-10 Numeric Rating Scale [NRS]) over 1 year in a prospective multicenter cohort sample of African Americans and European Americans. In adjusted linear mixed models, African Americans experienced a slower rate of pain resolution in the acute phase of recovery (β = -0.05 vs -0.08 NRS points per day, P < 0.001), which resulted in a higher pain severity in the persistent phase of recovery (NRS mean difference = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [0.12-2.29]), although not statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons. African Americans also experience greater itch severity in 6 weeks to 12 months after burn injury compared with European Americans (NRS mean difference = 1.86 [0.80-2.93]), which results from a faster rate of itch development in African Americans in the acute recovery phase after burn injury. Future studies may improve outcomes in African Americans and lead to new pathogenic insights that benefit all burn injury survivors.

Comparison of combat and non-combat burns from ongoing U.S. military operations.

PubMed

Kauvar, David S; Cancio, Leopoldo C; Wolf, Steven E; Wade, Charles E; Holcomb, John B

2006-05-15

Military burns result from either combat or non-combat causes. We compared these etiologies from patients involved in ongoing conflicts to evaluate their impact and provide prevention recommendations. All military patients with significant burns treated at the United States Army Institute of Surgical Research from April 2003 to May 2005 were reviewed. Injuries were categorized as having resulted from combat or non-combat causes. Demographics, burn severity and pattern, mortality, and early outcomes were compared. There were 273 burn patients seen with 63% injured in combat. A high early rate of non-combat injuries was noted. Feedback on non-combat burn prevention was provided to the combat theater, and the incidence of non-combat burns decreased. Mean age and time from injury to admission did not differ. The majority of combat injuries resulted from explosive device detonation. Waste burning, ammunition handling, and gasoline caused most non-combat injuries. Combat casualties had more associated and inhalation injuries and greater full-thickness burn size; total body surface area burned was equivalent. The hands and the face were the most frequently burned body areas. Mortality was 5% in combat and 2% in non-combat patients. The majority of survivors in both groups returned to military duty. The disparity in full-thickness burn size and incidence of inhalation and associated injuries resulted from differing mechanisms of injury, with explosions and penetrating trauma more common in combat wounds. Despite the severity of combat burns, mortality was low and outcomes generally good. Non-combat burns are preventable and have decreased in incidence.

In Situ Burning of Oil Spills

PubMed Central

Evans, David D.; Mulholland, George W.; Baum, Howard R.; Walton, William D.; McGrattan, Kevin B.

2001-01-01

For more than a decade NIST conducted research to understand, measure and predict the important features of burning oil on water. Results of that research have been included in nationally recognized guidelines for approval of intentional burning. NIST measurements and predictions have played a major role in establishing in situ burning as a primary oil spill response method. Data are given for pool fire burning rates, smoke yield, smoke particulate size distribution, smoke aging, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content of the smoke for crude and fuel oil fires with effective diameters up to 17.2 m. New user-friendly software, ALOFT, was developed to quantify the large-scale features and trajectory of wind blown smoke plumes in the atmosphere and estimate the ground level smoke particulate concentrations. Predictions using the model were tested successfully against data from large-scale tests. ALOFT software is being used by oil spill response teams to help assess the potential impact of intentional burning. PMID:27500022

Prescribed burning consumes key forest structural components: implications for landscape heterogeneity.

PubMed

Holland, Greg J; Clarke, Michael F; Bennett, Andrew F

2017-04-01

Prescribed burning to achieve management objectives is a common practice in fire-prone regions worldwide. Structural components of habitat that are combustible and slow to develop are particularly susceptible to change associated with prescribed burning. We used an experimental, "whole-landscape" approach to investigate the effect of differing patterns of prescribed burning on key habitat components (logs, stumps, dead trees, litter cover, litter depth, and understorey vegetation). Twenty-two landscapes (each ~100 ha) were selected in a dry forest ecosystem in southeast Australia. Experimental burns were conducted in 16 landscapes (stratified by burn extent) while six served as untreated controls. We measured habitat components prior to and after burning. Landscape burn extent ranged from 22% to 89% across the 16 burn treatments. With the exception of dead standing trees (no change), all measures of habitat components declined as a consequence of burning. The degree of loss increased as the extent to which a landscape was burned also increased. Prescribed burning had complex effects on the spatial heterogeneity (beta diversity) of structural components within landscapes. Landscapes that were more heterogeneous pre-fire were homogenized by burning, while those that were more homogenous pre-fire tended to display greater differentiation post-burning. Thus, the notion that patch mosaic burning enhances heterogeneity at the landscape-scale depends on prior conditions. These findings have important management implications. Where prescribed burns must be undertaken, effects on important resources can be moderated via control of burn characteristics (e.g., burn extent). Longer-term impacts of prescribed burning will be strongly influenced by the return interval, given the slow rate at which some structural components accumulate (decades to centuries). Management of habitat structural components is important given the critical role they play in (1) provision of habitat resources for diverse organisms, (2) retention of moisture and nutrients in otherwise dry, low-productivity systems, and (3) carbon storage. © 2016 by the Ecological Society of America.

Upregulation of MAOA in the hippocampus results in delayed depressive-like behaviors in burn mice.

PubMed

Wang, Zhen; Chen, Lu; Rong, Xinzhou; Wang, Xuemin

2017-04-14

To observe depressive-like behavior and hippocampus monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) changes in burned mice. We tested depression and anxiety like behaviors of burn C57 mice with the sucrose preference test, forced swimming test (FST), open field test and elevated plus maze test and then detected the MAOA content and MAOA gene transcriptional levels in the hippocampus with western blot analysis and real-time quantitative PCR analysis. We then sought to reverse depressive-like behavior of burned mice with an MAOA inhibitor. (1) Mice showed depressive and anxiety like behaviors one week after they were burned; (2) The content of MAOA in the hippocampus of burned mice was significantly higher than that in control mice (P<0.05); (3) MAOA gene transcription in the hippocampus of burned mice was significantly increased (MAOA mRNA was increased, P<0.05); (4) treatment with a MAOA inhibitor (phenelzine) significantly increased the sucrose preference rate and decreased FST immobility time in burned mice, and also decreased elevated expression of MAOA in the hippocampus of burned mice. Burned mice showed "delayed" depressive-like behavior combined with a degree of anxiety; this phenomenon is likely associated with the increase in MAOA expression in the hippocampus. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Temperature responses in severely burned children during exercise in a hot environment.

PubMed

McEntire, Serina J; Chinkes, David L; Herndon, David N; Suman, Oscar E

2010-01-01

The authors have previously described thermoregulatory responses of severely burned children during submaximal exercise in a thermoneutral environment. However, the thermoregulatory response of burned children to exercise in the heat is not well understood and could have important safety implications for rehabilitation. Children (n = 10) with >40% TBSA burns and nonburned children (n = 10) performed a 30-minute bout of treadmill exercise at 75% of their peak aerobic power in a heated environment. Intestinal temperature, burned and unburned skin temperature, and heart rate were recorded pre-exercise, every 2 minutes during exercise, and during recovery. Three of the 10 burned children completed the exercise bout in the heat; however, all the nonburned children completed the 30-minute bout. One burned child reached a core body temperature >39 degrees C at minute 23. Burned children had significantly higher core body temperature through the first 12 minutes of exercise compared with nonburned children. However, nine of 10 (90%) burned children did not become hyperthermic during exercise in the heat. Specific to this study, hyperthermia did not typically occur in burned children, relative to nonburned children. Whether this is due to an intolerance to exercise in the heat or to an inability to generate sufficient heat during exercise needs to be explored further.

Long term repeated prescribed burning increases evenness in the basidiomycete laccase gene pool in forest soils.

PubMed

Artz, Rebekka R E; Reid, Eileen; Anderson, Ian C; Campbell, Colin D; Cairney, John W G

2009-03-01

Repeated prescribed burning alters the biologically labile fraction of nutrients and carbon of soil organic matter (SOM). Using a long-term (30 years) repeated burning experiment where burning has been carried out at a 2- or 4-year frequency, we analysed the effect of prescribed burning on gross potential C turnover rates and phenol oxidase activity in relation to shifts in SOM composition as observed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. In tandem, we assessed the genetic diversity of basidiomycete laccases. While the overall effect of burning was a decline in phenol oxidase activity, Shannon diversity and evenness of laccases was significantly higher in burned sites. Co-correspondence analysis of SOM composition and laccase operational taxonomic unit frequency data also suggested a strong correlation. While this correlation could indicate that the observed increase in laccase genetic diversity due to burning is due to increased resource diversity, a temporal replacement of the most abundant members of the assembly by an otherwise dormant pool of fungi cannot be excluded. As such, our results fit the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. Effects were stronger in plots burned in 2-year rotations, suggesting that the 4-year burn frequency may be a more sustainable practice to ensure the long-term stability of C cycling in such ecosystems.

Bathroom scald burns in Queensland Children.

PubMed

Gole, Hobia; Kimble, Roy; Stockton, Kellie

2017-05-01

To evaluate the current characteristics of bathroom scald injuries in Queensland Children. Data was collected from patients who presented with a bathroom scald injury to the Stuart Pegg Paediatric Burns Centre at the Royal Children's Hospital and Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, Brisbane from January 2013 to December 2014. Bathroom scald burns represented 2.6% of total burns cases with an inpatient rate of 39%. The family home is the location of injury in 84% of cases and in 79% the patient was aged 2 years of age or younger. Total body surface area ranged from 0.5% to 20% with a median of 1.75% (IQR 0.63, 3.38%). In our study 8% of patients underwent grafting and 24% received follow up for scar management. Injuries occurred in rental properties in 47% of tempering valve survey respondents. The rate of installation of tempering valves was 23%. Bathroom scald burns continue to be over-represented in inpatient data. Tempering valves were not consistently installed after injury, this intervention would require further legislation to be an effective prevention strategy. This study provides important insights into paediatric bathroom scald injuries and will assist with the development of prevention strategies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Ignition and Combustion of Bulk Metals in a Microgravity Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Branch, Melvyn C.; Daily, John W.; Abbud-Madrid, Angel

1999-01-01

Results of a study of heterogeneous and homogeneous combustion of metals in reduced gravity are presented. Cylindrical titanium and magnesium samples are radiatively ignited in pure-oxygen at 1 atm. Qualitative observations, propagation rates, and burning times are extracted from high-speed cinematography. Time-resolved emission spectra of gas-phase reactions are acquired with an imaging spectrograph. Lower propagation rates of the reacting mass on titanium and of ignition waves on magnesium are obtained at reduced gravity. These rates are compared to theoretical results from fire-spread analyses with a diffusion/convection controlled reaction. The close agreement found between experimental and theoretical propagation rates indicates the strong influence of natural-convection-enhanced oxygen transp6rt on burning rates. Lower oxygen flux and lack of condensed product removal appear to be responsible for longer burning times of magnesium gas-phase diffusion flames in reduced gravity. Spherically symmetric explosions in magnesium flames at reduced gravity (termed radiation-induced metal explosions, or RIME) may be driven by increased radiation heat transfer from accumulated condensed products to an evaporating metal core covered by a porous, flexible oxide coating. In titanium specimens, predominantly heterogeneous burning characterizes the initial steady propagation of the molten mass, while homogeneous gas-phase reactions are detected around particles ejected from the molten mixture. In magnesium specimens, band and line reversal of all the UV spectral systems of Mg and MgO are attributed to the interaction between small oxide particles and the principal gaseous emitters.

Error analysis for fast scintillator-based inertial confinement fusion burn history measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lerche, R. A.; Ognibene, T. J.

1999-01-01

Plastic scintillator material acts as a neutron-to-light converter in instruments that make inertial confinement fusion burn history measurements. Light output for a detected neutron in current instruments has a fast rise time (<20 ps) and a relatively long decay constant (1.2 ns). For a burst of neutrons whose duration is much shorter than the decay constant, instantaneous light output is approximately proportional to the integral of the neutron interaction rate with the scintillator material. Burn history is obtained by deconvolving the exponential decay from the recorded signal. The error in estimating signal amplitude for these integral measurements is calculated and compared with a direct measurement in which light output is linearly proportional to the interaction rate.

Stability of a Premixed Flame in Stagnation-Point Flow Against General Disturbance

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-06-01

Tien and Matalon 1990; Dixon-Lewis 1991) aimed at understanding the structure and burning characteristics of laminar flames. Results of these studies...upstream, the flow field is the classical stagnation-point flow characterized by the strain rate e. The flame, which separates the burned products from the...fresh unburned mixture, is considered thin and is therefore represented by the surface O(x,y,z,t) - 0, where * > 0 is the burned gas region. The flame

The epidemiology of burns in young children from Mexico treated at a U.S. hospital.

PubMed

Patel, Dipen D; Rosenberg, Laura; Rosenberg, Marta; Leal, Jesus; Andersen, Clark R; Foncerrada, Guillermo; Lee, Jong O; Jimenez, Carlos J; Branski, Ludwik; Meyer, Walter J; Herndon, David N

2016-12-01

Young children are the most vulnerable for sustaining burns. At this pediatric burn hospital we have provided medical care to young children with severe burns from Mexico for many years. This study identified modifiable risk factors that could be used to assist in prevention of burns in this age group. A retrospective chart review was performed with children <5 years of age from Mexico who were injured from 2000 to 2013. The medical records of 447 acute patients were reviewed. There were 187 females and 260 males with large burns >20% total body surface area (TBSA) burned. Primary causes of burns were flame and scalds. Children with flame injuries were older (3.0±1.5 years of age) than those with scalds (2.6±1.2 years of age). Admissions attributed to flame burns were largely from explosions by propane tanks, gas line leaks, and house fires. Most admissions for scalds were predominantly from falling in large containers of hot water, food, or grease; and fewer were attributed to spills from hot liquids. Most cases reported to a social service agency were to find resources for families. Mortality rate for flame and scald burns was low. It is important take into account demographic, cultural, and socioeconomic variables when developing and implementing prevention programs. Burn prevention instruction for parents is crucial. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Muscle Contractile Properties in Severely Burned Rats

PubMed Central

Wu, Xiaowu; Wolf, Steven E.; Walters, Thomas J.

2010-01-01

Burn induces a sustained catabolic response which causes massive loss of muscle mass after injury. A better understanding of the dynamics of muscle wasting and its impact on muscle function is necessary for the development of effective treatments. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent either a 40% total body surface area (TBSA) scald burn or sham burn, and were further assigned to subgroups at four time points after injury (days 3, 7, 14 and 21). In situ isometric contractile properties were measured including twitch tension (Pt), tetanic tension (Po) and fatigue properties. Body weight decreased in burn and sham groups through day 3, however, body weight in the sham groups recovered and increased over time compared to burned groups, which progressively decreased until day 21 after injury. Significant differences in muscle wet weight and protein weight were found between sham and burn. Significant differences in muscle contractile properties were found at day 14 with lower absolute Po as well as specific Po in burned rats compared to sham. After burn, the muscle twitch tension was significantly higher than the sham at day 21. No significant difference in fatigue properties was found between the groups. This study demonstrates dynamics of muscle atrophy and muscle contractile properties after severe burn; this understanding will aid in the development of approaches designed to reduce the rate and extent of burn induced muscle loss and function. PMID:20381255

The effect of family characteristics on the recovery of burn injuries in children.

PubMed

Sheridan, Robert L; Lee, Austin F; Kazis, Lewis E; Liang, Matthew H; Li, Nien-Chen; Hinson, Michelle I; Bauk, Helena; Meyer, Walter J; Stubbs, Teresa K; Palmieri, Tina L; Tompkins, Ronald G

2012-09-01

Interactions between family members and characteristics of family life and function may affect a child's recovery from burn injury. We prospectively examined the relationship between family characteristics and physical and psychosocial recovery from burns. The families of 399 burned children aged 5 years to 18 years admitted to one of four Shriners Hospitals for Children for management of acute burns completed the Family Environment Scale within 7 days of admission and then the American Burn Association/Shriners Hospitals for Children Burn Outcome Questionnaire (BOQ) at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 months. Generalized estimating equations with random effects for the time since burn were used to track recovery of the BOQ patient-centered domains associated with baseline family characteristics during the course of the study. The children had a mean age of 11 years and burn size of 32% total body surface area burned. Higher Family Environment Scale scores in cohesion, independence, organization, and active recreational orientation were associated with significantly better rates of recovery in multiple BOQ domains of health-related quality of life. Higher scores in conflict and achievement orientation predicted statistically significant impaired recovery. Higher expressiveness predicted greater difficulty with school reentry. Family characteristics affect the recovery of children after serious burns. Some of these may be amenable to focused anticipatory family interventions to help optimize outcomes. In particular, those characteristics that impair school reentry should be targeted.

Biomass burning: A significant source of nutrients for Andean rainforests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fabian, P. F.; Rollenbeck, R.; University Of Marburg, Germany

2010-12-01

Regular rain and fogwater sampling in the Podocarpus National Park,on the humid eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes,has been carried out since 2002.The samples,accumulated over about 1-week intervals,were analysed for pH,conductivity,and major ions (K+, Na+, NH4+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, SO4 2-, NO3-, PO4 3- ).Annual deposition rates of these ions which, due to poor acidic soils with low mineralization rates,constitute the dominant nutrient supply to the mountaineous rainforests, and major ion sources could be determined using back trajectories,along with satellite data. While most of the Na, Cl, and K as well as Ca and Mg input was found to originate from natural oceanic and desert dust sources,respectively (P.Fabian et al.,Adv.Geosci.22,85-94, 2009), NO3, NH4, and about 90% of SO4 (about 10 % is from active volcanoes) are almost entirely due to anthropogenic sources,most likely biomass burning. Industrial and transportation emissions and other pollutants,however,act in a similar way as the precursors produced by biomass burning.For quantifying the impacts of biomass burning vs. those of anthropogenic sources other than biomass burning we used recently established emission inventories,along with simplified model calculations on back trajectories.First results yielding significant contributions of biomass burning will be discussed.

Effect of intense pulsed light on immature burn scars: A clinical study

PubMed Central

Sarkar, Arindam; Dewangan, Yatindra Kumar; Bain, Jayanta; Rakshit, Pritha; Dhruw, Krishnanand; Basu, Sandip Kanti; Saha, Jayanta Kumar; Majumdar, Bijay Kumar

2014-01-01

Introduction: As intense pulsed light (IPL) is widely used to treat cutaneous vascular malformations and also used as non-ablative skin rejunuvation to remodel the skin collagen. A study has been undertaken to gauze the effect of IPL on immature burn scars with regard to vascularity, pliability and height. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted between June 2013 and May 2014, among patients with immature burn scars that healed conservatively within 2 months. Photographic evidence of appearance of scars and grading and rating was done with Vancouver Scar Scale parameters. Ratings were done for both case and control scar after the completion of four IPL treatment sessions and were compared. Results: Out of the 19 cases, vascularity, pliability and height improved significantly (P < 0.05) in 13, 14 and 11 scars respectively following IPL treatment. Conclusions: Intense pulsed light was well-tolerated by patients, caused good improvement in terms of vascularity, pliability, and height of immature burn scar. PMID:25593424

Nitramine smokeless propellant research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohen, N. S.; Strand, L. P.

1977-01-01

A transient ballistics and combustion model is derived to represent the closed vessel experiment that is widely used to characterize propellants. A computer program is developed to solve the time-dependent equations, and is applied to explain aspects of closed vessel behavior. In the case of nitramine propellants the cratering of the burning surface associated with combustion above break-point pressures augments the effective burning rate as deduced from the closed vessel experiment. Low pressure combustion is significantly affected by the ignition process and, in the case of nitramine propellants, by the developing and changing surface structure. Thus, burning rates deduced from the closed vessel experiment may or may not agree with those measured in the equilibrium strand burner. Series of T burner experiments are performed to compare the combustion instability characteristics of nitramine (HMX) containing propellants and ammonium perchlorate (AP)propellants. Although ash produced by more fuel rich propellants could have provided mechanical suppression, results from clean-burning propellants permit the conclusion that HMX reduces the acoustic driving.

Spatial variability of steady-state infiltration into a two-layer soil system on burned hillslopes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kinner, D.A.; Moody, J.A.

2010-01-01

Rainfall-runoff simulations were conducted to estimate the characteristics of the steady-state infiltration rate into 1-m2 north- and south-facing hillslope plots burned by a wildfire in October 2003. Soil profiles in the plots consisted of a two-layer system composed of an ash on top of sandy mineral soil. Multiple rainfall rates (18.4-51.2 mm h-1) were used during 14 short-duration (30 min) and 2 long-duration simulations (2-4 h). Steady state was reached in 7-26 min. Observed spatially-averaged steady-state infiltration rates ranged from 18.2 to 23.8 mm h-1 for north-facing and from 17.9 to 36.0 mm h-1 for south-facing plots. Three different theoretical spatial distribution models of steady-state infiltration rate were fit to the measurements of rainfall rate and steady-state discharge to provided estimates of the spatial average (19.2-22.2 mm h-1) and the coefficient of variation (0.11-0.40) of infiltration rates, overland flow contributing area (74-90% of the plot area), and infiltration threshold (19.0-26 mm h-1). Tensiometer measurements indicated a downward moving pressure wave and suggest that infiltration-excess overland flow is the runoff process on these burned hillslope with a two-layer system. Moreover, the results indicate that the ash layer is wettable, may restrict water flow into the underlying layer, and increase the infiltration threshold; whereas, the underlying mineral soil, though coarser, limits the infiltration rate. These results of the spatial variability of steady-state infiltration can be used to develop physically-based rainfall-runoff models for burned areas with a two-layer soil system. ?? 2010 Elsevier B.V.

[Prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with advanced burns].

PubMed

Vagner, D O; Krylov, K M; Verbitsky, V G; Shlyk, I V

2018-01-01

To reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with advanced burns by developing a prophylactic algorithm. The study consisted of retrospective group of 488 patients with thermal burns grade II-III over 20% of body surface area and prospective group of 135 patients with a similar thermal trauma. Standard clinical and laboratory examination was applied. Instrumental survey included fibrogastroduodenoscopy, endoscopic pH-metry and invasive volumetric monitoring (PICCO plus). Statistical processing was carried out with Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and IBM SPSS 20.0. New algorithm significantly decreased incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding (p<0.001) and mortality rate (p=0.006) in patients with advanced burns.

Use of the videophone to collect quality of life data from burn patients

PubMed Central

Yoder, Linda H; McFall, D Curk; Cancio, Leopoldo C

2012-01-01

Collecting quality of life (QOL) data longitudinally from burn survivors is difficult; especially if they live in geographically distant areas from the burn center. Although mailed surveys can be used, response rates to these surveys may be low. The purpose of this feasibility study was to examine the use of the videophone to collect QOL data from burn patients over 5 time points after discharge from the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center. Twenty-five patients agreed to participate, using the Starview 2000 Pro II videophone. Participant satisfaction with the technology was measured using the Telemedicine Perception Questionnaire. Qualitative comments from participants and the researchers conducting the videophone data collection sessions also were collected. Military participants were approximately 20 years younger than civilian participants. Most burns were from a thermal cause and civilian patients had a slightly shorter length of stay in the burn center than military participants. The majority of participants were relatively happy with the telehealth technology, rating it with a mean score of 61.84 out of a possible total score of 85. Qualitative comments also reflected a positive attitude about the use of the videophone for research data collection; 60% of the participants said they remained in the study because they were allowed to use the videophone rather than using only the telephone or a mailed survey. The researchers collecting the data also commented about the ease of using the videophone. Negative comments were related to dropped calls or lack of audio or video at certain times. Findings from this study are consistent with the two other studies that reported use of telemedicine to clinically evaluate burn patients. With the rapid advancement of technology, QOL research data could be collected longitudinally from burn patients by using laptops with high resolution, portable video cameras. PMID:23272295

Numerical and experimental study of thermal explosions in LX-10 and PBX 9501: Influence of thermal damage on deflagration processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tringe, J. W.; Kercher, J. R.; Springer, H. K.; Glascoe, E. A.; Levie, H. W.; Hsu, P.; Willey, T. M.; Molitoris, J. D.

2013-07-01

We employ in-situ flash x-ray imaging, together with a detailed multiphase convective burn model, to demonstrate how explosives' binder characteristics influence the burning processes in thermal explosions. Our study focuses on the HMX-based explosives LX-10 and PBX 9501. While the HMX (cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine) crystallite size distributions for these two explosives are nearly identical before heating, our experiments and simulations indicate that after heating, variations result due to differences in binder composition. Post-ignition flash x-ray images reveal that the average density decreases at late times more rapidly in PBX 9501 than LX-10, suggesting a faster conductive burning rate in PBX-9501. Heated permeability measurements in LX-10 and PBX 9501 demonstrate that the binder system characteristics influence the evolution of connected porosity. Once ignited, connected porosity provides pathways for product gas heating ahead of the reaction front and additional surface area for burning, facilitating the transition from conductive to convective burning modes. A multiphase convective burn model implemented in the ALE3D code is used to better understand the influence on burn rates of material properties such as porosity and effective thermally damaged particle size. In this context, particles are defined as gas-impermeable binder-coated crystallites and agglomerations with a set of effective radii reff. Model results demonstrate quantitative agreement with containment wall velocity for confined PBX 9501 and LX-10, and qualitative agreement with density as a function of position in the burning explosive. The model predicts a decrease in post-ignition containment wall velocity with larger radii in reff. These experimental data and model results together provide insight into the initiation and propagation of the reaction wave that defines the convective burn front in HMX-based explosives, a necessary step toward predicting violence under a broad range of conditions.

Electroacupuncture improves burn-induced impairment in gastric motility mediated via the vagal mechanism in rats.

PubMed

Song, J; Yin, J; Sallam, H S; Bai, T; Chen, Y; Chen, J D Z

2013-10-01

Delayed gastric emptying (GE) is common in patients with severe burns. This study was designed to investigate effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) on gastric motility in rats with burns. Male rats (intact and vagotomized) were implanted with gastric electrodes, chest and abdominal wall electrodes for investigating the effects of EA at ST-36 (stomach-36 or Zusanli) on GE, gastric slow waves, autonomic functions, and plasma interleukin 6 (IL-6) 6 and 24 h post severe burns. (i) Burn delayed GE (P < 0.001). Electroacupuncture improved GE 6 and 24 h post burn (P < 0.001). Vagotomy blocked the EA effect on GE. (ii) Electroacupuncture improved burn-induced gastric dysrhythmia. The percentage of normal slow waves was increased with EA 6 and 24 h post burn (P = 0.02). (iii) Electroacupuncture increased vagal activity assessed by the spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). The high-frequency component reflecting vagal component was increased with EA 6 (P = 0.004) and 24 h post burn (P = 0.03, vs sham-EA). (iv) Electroacupuncture attenuated burn-induced increase in plasma IL-6 at both 6 (P = 0.03) and 24 h post burn (P = 0.003). Electroacupuncture at ST-36 improves gastric dysrhythmia and accelerates GE in rats with burns. The improvement seems to be mediated via the vagal pathway involving the inflammatory cytokine IL-6. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Temporal Cytokine Profiles in Severely Burned Patients: A Comparison of Adults and Children

PubMed Central

Finnerty, Celeste C; Jeschke, Marc G; Herndon, David N; Gamelli, Richard; Gibran, Nicole; Klein, Matthew; Silver, Geoff; Arnoldo, Brett; Remick, Daniel; Tompkins, Ronald G

2008-01-01

A severe burn leads to hypermetabolism and catabolism resulting in compromised function and structural changes of essential organs. The release of cytokines has been implicated in this hypermetabolic response. The severity of the hypermetabolic response following burn injury increases with age, as does the mortality rate. Due to the relationship between the hypermetabolic and inflammatory responses, we sought to compare the plasma cytokine profiles following a severe burn in adults and in children. We enrolled 25 adults and 24 children who survived a flame burn covering more than 20% of total body surface area (TBSA). The concentrations of 22 cytokines were measured using the Linco multiplex array system (St. Charles, MO, USA). Large perturbations in the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were seen following thermal injury. During the first week following burn injury, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-17, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 were detected at significantly higher levels in adults compared with children, P < 0.05. Significant differences were measured during the second week post-burn for IL-1β (higher in children) and IL-5 (higher in adults), P < 0.05. IL-18 was more abundant in children compared with adults during the third week post-burn, P < 0.05. Between post-burn d 21 and d 66, IL-1α was detected at higher concentrations in pediatric compared with adult patients, P < 0.05. Only GM-CSF expression was significantly different at all time points; it was detected at lower levels in pediatric patients, P < 0.05. Eotaxin, G-CSF, IL-13, IL-15, IP-10, MCP-1, and MIP-1α were detected at significantly different concentrations in adult compared with pediatric patients at multiple time points, P < 0.05. There were no differences in IL-12, IL-2, IL-7, or TNF levels in adult compared with pediatric burn patients at any of these time points. Following severe flame burns, the cytokine profiles in pediatric patients differ compared with those in adult patients, which may provide insight with respect to the higher morbidity rate in adults. Furthermore, the dramatic discrepancies observed in plasma cytokine detection between children and adults suggest that these two patient populations may benefit from different therapeutic interventions to achieve attenuation of the post-burn inflammatory response. PMID:18548133

Burns in Baghdad from 2003 to 2014: Results of a randomized household cluster survey.

PubMed

Stewart, Barclay T; Lafta, Riyadh; Esa Al Shatari, Sahar A; Cherewick, Megan; Burnham, Gilbert; Hagopian, Amy; Galway, Lindsay P; Kushner, Adam L

2016-02-01

Civilians living amid conflict are at high-risk of burns. However, the epidemiology of burns among this vulnerable group is poorly understood, yet vital for health policy and relief planning. To address this gap, we aimed to determine the death and disability, healthcare needs and household financial consequences of burns in post-invasion Baghdad. A two-stage, cluster randomized, community-based household survey was performed in May 2014 to determine the civilian burden of injury from 2003 to 2014 in Baghdad. In addition to questions about cause of household member death, households were interviewed regarding burn specifics, healthcare required, disability, relationship to conflict and resultant financial hardship. Nine-hundred households, totaling 5148 individuals, were interviewed. There were 55 burns, which were 10% of all injuries reported. There were an estimated 2340 serious burns (39 per 100,000 persons) in Baghdad in 2003. The frequency of serious burns generally increased post-invasion to 8780 burns in 2013 (117 per 100,000 persons). Eight burns (15%) were the direct result of conflict. Individuals aged over 45 years had more than twice the odds of burn than children aged less than 13 years (aOR 2.42; 95%CI 1.08-5.44). Nineteen burns (35%) involved ≥ 20% body surface area. Death (16% of burns), disability (40%), household financial hardship (48%) and food insecurity (50%) were common after burn. Civilian burn in Baghdad is epidemic, increasing in frequency and associated with household financial hardship. Challenges of healthcare provision during prolonged conflict were evidenced by a high mortality rate and likelihood of disability after burn. Ongoing conflict will directly and indirectly generates more burns, which mandates planning for burn prevention and care within local capacity development initiatives, as well as humanitarian assistance. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Burns in Baghdad from 2003–2014: results of a randomized household cluster survey

PubMed Central

Stewart, Barclay T; Lafta, Riyadh; Shatari, Sahar A Esa Al; Cherewick, Megan; Burnham, Gilbert; Hagopian, Amy; Galway, Lindsay P; Kushner, Adam L

2015-01-01

Purpose Civilians living amid conflict are at high-risk of burns. However, the epidemiology of burns among this vulnerable group is poorly understood, yet vital for health policy and relief planning. To address this gap, we aimed to determine the death and disability, healthcare needs and household financial consequences of burns in post-invasion Baghdad. Methods A two-stage, cluster randomized, community-based household survey was performed in May of 2014 to determine the civilian burden of injury from 2003 to 2014 in Baghdad. In addition to questions about cause of household member death, households were interviewed regarding burn specifics, healthcare required, disability, relationship to conflict and resultant financial hardship. Results Nine-hundred households, totaling 5,148 individuals, were interviewed. There were 55 burns, which were 10% of all injuries reported. There were an estimated 2,340 serious burn injures (39 per 100,000 persons) in Baghdad in 2003. The frequency of serious burn injuries generally increased post-invasion to 8,780 burns in 2013 (117 per 100,000 persons). Eight burns (15%) were the direct result of conflict. Individuals aged over 45 years had more than twice the odds of burn injury than children aged less than 13 years (aOR 2.42; 95%CI 1.08 – 5.44). Nineteen burns (35%) involved ≥20% body surface area. Death (16% of burn injuries), disability (40%), household financial hardship (48%) and food insecurity (50%) were common after burn injury. Conclusion Civilian burn injury in Baghdad is epidemic, increasing in frequency and associated with household financial hardship. Challenges of healthcare provision during prolonged conflict were evidenced by a high mortality rate and likelihood of disability after burn injury. Ongoing conflict will directly and indirectly generate more burns, which mandates planning for burn prevention and care within local capacity development initiatives, as well as humanitarian assistance. PMID:26526376

Development of a reactive burn model based upon an explicit visco-plastic pore collapse model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouton, Eric; Lefrançois, Alexandre; Belmas, Robert

2015-06-01

Our aim in this study is to develop a reactive burn model based upon a microscopic hot spot model to compute the initiation and shock to detonation of pressed TATB explosives. For the sake of simplicity, the hot spots are supposed to result from the viscoplastic collapse of spherical micro-voids inside the composition. Such a model has been incorporated in a lagrangian hydrodynamic code. In our calculations, 8 different pore diameters, ranging from 100 nm to 1.2 μm, have been taken into account and the porosity associated to each pore size has been deduced from the PBX-9502 void distribution derived from the SAXS. The last ingredient of our model is the burn rate that depends on two main variables. The first one is the shock pressure as proposed by the developers of the CREST model. The second one is the number of effective chemical reaction sites calculated by the microscopic model. Furthermore, the function of the reaction progress variable of the burn rate is similar to that in the SURF model proposed by Menikoff. Our burn rate has been calibrated by using pressure profile, material velocities wave forms obtained with embedded particle velocity gauges and run distance to detonation. The comparison between the numerical and experimental results is really good and sufficient to perform a wide variety of simulations including single, double shock waves and the desensitization phenomenon. In conclusion, future works are described.

Thermal Decomposition Behaviors and Burning Characteristics of AN/RDX-Based Composite Propellants Supplemented with MnO2 and Fe2O3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohga, Makoto; Naya, Tomoki

2015-10-01

Ammonium nitrate (AN)-based composite propellants have gained popularity because of the clean burning nature of AN as an oxidizer. However, such propellants have several disadvantages such as poor ignition and low burning rate. The burning characteristics of the AN propellant were improved when a portion of this propellant was replaced by an energetic material and the addition of a catalyst. In this study, RDX (1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine) was used as the energetic material, and Fe2O3 and MnO2 were used as catalysts. The burning characteristics of the AN/RDX propellants supplemented with catalysts were investigated, and the effects of the replacement of AN by RDX and the catalyst addition were evaluated.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Polyhexanide/Betaine Gel Versus Silver Sulfadiazine for Partial-Thickness Burn Treatment.

PubMed

Wattanaploy, Saruta; Chinaroonchai, Kusuma; Namviriyachote, Nantaporn; Muangman, Pornprom

2017-03-01

Silver sulfadiazine is commonly used in the treatment of partial-thickness burns, but it sometimes forms pseudo-eschar and delays wound healing. Polyhexanide/betaine gel, a new wound cleansing and moisturizing product, has some advantages in removing biofilm and promotes wound healing. This study was designed to compare clinical efficacy of polyhexanide/betaine gel with silver sulfadiazine in partial-thickness burn treatment. From September 2013 to May 2015, 46 adult patients with partial-thickness burn ≥10% total body surface area that were admitted to the Burn Unit of Siriraj Hospital within 48 hours after injury were randomly allocated into 2 groups. One group was treated with polyhexanide/betaine gel, and the other group was treated with silver sulfadiazine. Both groups received daily dressing changes and the same standard care given to patients with burns in this center. Healing times in the polyhexanide/betaine gel group and silver sulfadiazine group were 17.8 ± 2.2 days and 18.8 ± 2.1 days, respectively ( P value .13). There were no significant differences in healing times, infection rates, bacterial colonization rates, and treatment cost in both groups. The pain score of the polyhexanide/betaine gel group was significantly less than the silver sulfadiazine group at 4 to 9 days after treatment ( P < .001). The satisfactory assessment result of the polyhexanide/betaine gel group was better than that in the silver sulfadiazine group. These data indicate the need for adequately designed studies to elicit the full potential of polyhexanide gel as a wound dressing for partial-thickness burn wounds.

Children with burns referred for child abuse evaluation: Burn characteristics and co-existent injuries.

PubMed

Pawlik, Marie-Christin; Kemp, Alison; Maguire, Sabine; Nuttall, Diane; Feldman, Kenneth W; Lindberg, Daniel M

2016-05-01

Intentional burns represent a serious form of physical abuse that must be identified to protect children from further harm. This study is a retrospectively planned secondary analysis of the Examining Siblings To Recognize Abuse (ExSTRA) network data. Our objective was to describe the characteristics of burns injuries in children referred to Child Abuse Pediatricians (CAPs) in relation to the perceived likelihood of abuse. We furthermore compare the extent of diagnostic investigations undertaken in children referred to CAPs for burn injuries with those referred for other reasons. Within this dataset, 7% (215/2890) of children had burns. Children with burns were older than children with other injuries (median age 20 months vs. 10 months). Physical abuse was perceived as likely in 40.9% (88) and unlikely in 59.1% (127). Scalds accounted for 52.6% (113) and contact burns for 27.6% (60). Several characteristics of the history and burn injury were associated with a significantly higher perceived likelihood of abuse, including children with reported inflicted injury, absent or inadequate explanation, hot water as agent, immersion scald, a bilateral/symmetric burn pattern, total body surface area ≥10%, full thickness burns, and co-existent injuries. The rates of diagnostic testing were significantly lower in children with burns than other injuries, yet the yield of skeletal survey and hepatic transaminases testing were comparable between the two groups. This would imply that children referred to CAPs for burns warrant the same level of comprehensive investigations as those referred for other reasons. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

A ten-year experience with hemodialysis in burn patients at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center.

PubMed

Soltani, Ali; Karsidag, Semra; Garner, Warren

2009-01-01

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a rare, but serious, complication after burn injury that is commonly thought to be fatal. Before the modern era, there were few survivors of burn injuries who required dialysis. We report our 10-year experience with ARF and dialysis at the Los Angeles County + USC burn unit. During the period of August 1994 to February 2004, 3356 patients were admitted. Furthermore, 1143 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit and 1125 had burns >10% TBSA. Thirty-three patients developed ARF necessitating dialysis, equaling 0.98% of all admitted patients, and 2.7% of patients with TBSA >10% burns, which is at the low end of published burn unit data. The average age of these patients requiring dialysis was 49 years, 91% were men, 24% were diabetic, and 39% were positive for substances of abuse at admission, and the average TBSA burned was 36%. This is compared with an average age of 31 years, 70% men, 7.3% diabetic, and 14.7% intoxicated in the general burned population at our burn unit. Furthermore, our overall mortality in the burn unit was 5% overall and 14% in patients with >10% TBSA burns during the study period. In patients requiring hemodialysis, the mortality rate was 69.7%. The average time to hemodialysis was 14 days in our series, and patients, on average, required 10.3 days of dialysis support. These mortality data are the lowest recorded for burned patients requiring dialysis and suggest that ARF is a survivable complication in some of these patients.

Nanoenergetics and High Hydrogen Content Materials for Space Propulsion

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

carried out in an effort to determine the mechanisms that account for the effect of catalysts. Diffusion flame lengths , crystal burn times, and...times. The diffusion flame length was found to increase proportionally with the propellant’s burning rate. The findings of this experimental study

Aquatic Exercise and Heat-Related Injuries.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sova, Ruth

1991-01-01

Heat-related injuries in aquatics classes are possible, though 100 percent preventable. The article discusses heat-related syndromes; how bodies generate and dissipate heat; how elevated heart rates that burn calories differ from those that dissipate heat; and modification of exercise intensity to provide calorie-burning workouts without…

The rate of fatality and demographic characteristics associated with various suicide methods: a community-based study in Northern Taiwan.

PubMed

Lee, Chun-Yi; Wu, Ya-Wen; Chen, Chih-Ken; Wang, Liang-Jen

2014-01-01

Understanding lethality and risk factors of suicide methods is an initial step in suicide prevention. To investigate the fatality rate and demographic characteristics of various suicide methods. This study enrolled consecutive individuals with episodes of suicide attempts registered in a surveillance database in a city with a high rate of suicide mortality in Taiwan, from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2010. In total, 3,089 suicide attempt events (including 2,583 nonfatal suicides and 506 completed suicides) occurred during the study period. Overall, the fatality rate of suicides was 16.4%. Charcoal burning accounted for the most suicide deaths (37.6%), with a fatality rate of 50.1%. Suicide by hanging carried the highest fatality rate (81.2%). Males tended to choose more lethal methods and had higher fatality rates compared with females. Elders and married persons were less likely to attempt suicide by charcoal burning. The case fatality ratio increased along with age among suicide attempts, but not in those using charcoal burning. The choice of suicide methods and lethality might be influenced by one's demographic characteristics. RESULTS from this study may provide clues for establishing suicide prevention strategies such as restricting access to common lethal suicide methods in the high-risk group.

Epidemiology and outcome analysis of scalds in children caused by "guo lian kang": an 11-year review in a burn center in China.

PubMed

Zhu, Liqiang; Zhang, Hong; Shi, Fusheng; Yi, Dong; Zhu, Guangjun

2015-03-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of scalds induced by "guo lian kang" (literally "stove connected to bed") in children. The demographic, burn features, outcome, and other information of 0-14-year-old children with "guo lian kang"-induced scalds admitted to the burn treatment center of the 322 Hospital of the People's Liberation Army in Datong from 30 September 2001 to 31 December 2011 were analyzed. Among the 1993 children clearly documented with scalds due to hot liquid in vessels, 795 (39.89%) had burns due to "guo lian kang." The proportion of the pediatric burns caused by "guo lian kang" was 55.56% in 2002 and 37.30% in 2011, with a decreasing trend. One-year-old children accounted for the highest proportion of children with burns due to "guo lian kang" (male:female=1.54:1). Scalding mostly occurred from October to May; the most common times were around 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 7:00 PM. Most scalds occurred on the upper limbs, 90.22% of which were dermal burns. The median burn area was 11% of the total body surface area. The burn agent was mainly hot water in pots. Scalding mostly occurred when the children accidentally sat on, or fell or stepped into the pot while playing. Among the children with "guo lian kang"-induced scalds, up to 42.26% of the children did not receive any treatment before hospital admission, and 18.86% of the children were admitted to the hospital ≥6h after the occurrence of burns. In addition, 74.97% of the children's families can afford the medical expenses, while 5.28% abandoned treatment because of financial difficulties. There were no significant differences between children with scalds caused by "guo lian kang" and scalds caused due to other reasons considering the age and sex. Compared to scalds due to other reasons, children with "guo lian kang"-induced scalds had greater burn area and depth, shock incidence, surgery rate, blood transfusion rate, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization costs. Preventive measures against burns should be taken from October to May and mainly during cooking time in order to prevent burns in children less than 3 years of age, especially in 1-year-old boys. The most simple and effective preventive measure is to install a barrier between the pot and bed. The incidence of shock in children may be reduced if parents and primary medical staff undergo training to perform first aid for burns and if there are improvements in the referral system after burns. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

A hybrid rocket engine design for simple low cost sounding rocket use

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grubelich, Mark; Rowland, John; Reese, Larry

1993-06-01

Preliminary test results on a nitrous oxide/HTPB hybrid rocket engine suitable for powering a small sounding rocket to altitudes of 50-100 K/ft are presented. It is concluded that the advantage of the N2O hybrid engine over conventional solid propellant rocket motors is the ability to obtain long burn times with core burning geometries due to the low regression rate of the fuel. Long burn times make it possible to reduce terminal velocity to minimize air drag losses.

Numerical Simulation of Turbulent Combustion Using Vortex Methods

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-09-27

laminar burning velocity times the flame length measured along the line of maximum reaction rate. Following the burning of the eddy core, the strain...is approximately the same as the flame length at t - 0. In the second stage, and as the eddy starts to roll up, the flame front forms a fold within the...Rp, which is the slope of the curve in Fig. 9, can be approximated by the product of the flame length times the average burning velocity along the

Aluminum Hydride as a Fuel Supplement to NanoThermites

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

nanocomposite thermite based on CuO, Bi2O3, and Fe2O3. Pressure cell and burn tube experiments demonstrated enhancements in absolute pressure...pressurization rate, and burning velocity when micron-scale aluminum hydride was used as a minor fuel component in a nanoaluminum–copper-oxide thermite ...alane, AlH3) replaced nanoaluminum incrementally as a fuel in a nanocomposite thermite based on CuO, Bi2O3, and Fe2O3. Pressure cell and burn tube

Incidence and Bacteriology of Burn Infections at a Military Burn Center

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

Lund and Browder Chart. ISS was determined at the time of admission. Culture rates per 100 patients and median days to first positive culture were...was the most frequent isolate recovered from local civilian burn patients (46%) (Table 3). The difference in median days to first culture positive for...9 ) x x x – x x x4 JBUR-3184; No of Pages 8TBSA yielded more positive cultures per culture request (29%; p < 0.05) compared to patients with less

Accelerant-related burns and drug abuse: Challenging combination.

PubMed

Leung, Leslie T F; Papp, Anthony

2018-05-01

Accelerants are flammable substances that may cause explosion when added to existing fires. The relationships between drug abuse and accelerant-related burns are not well elucidated in the literature. Of these burns, a portion is related to drug manufacturing, which have been shown to be associated with increased burn complications. 1) To evaluate the demographics and clinical outcomes of accelerant-related burns in a Provincial Burn Centre. 2) To compare the clinical outcomes with a control group of non-accelerant related burns. 3) To analyze a subgroup of patients with history of drug abuse and drug manufacturing. Retrospective case control study. Patient data associated with accelerant-related burns from 2009 to 2014 were obtained from the British Columbia Burn Registry. These patients were compared with a control group of non-accelerant related burns. Clinical outcomes that were evaluated include inhalational injury, ICU length of stay, ventilator support, surgeries needed, and burn complications. Chi-square test was used to evaluate categorical data and Student's t-test was used to evaluate mean quantitative data with the p value set at 0.05. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate factors affecting burn complications. Accelerant-related burns represented 28.2% of all burn admissions (N=532) from 2009 to 2014. The accelerant group had higher percentage of patients with history of drug abuse and was associated with higher TBSA burns, ventilator support, ICU stay and pneumonia rates compared to the non-accelerant group. Within the accelerant group, there was no difference in clinical outcomes amongst people with or without history of drug abuse. Four cases were associated with methamphetamine manufacturing, all of which underwent ICU stay and ventilator support. Accelerant-related burns cause significant burden to the burn center. A significant proportion of these patients have history of drug abuse. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Are High-Severity Fires Burning at Much Higher Rates Recently than Historically in Dry-Forest Landscapes of the Western USA?

PubMed

Baker, William L

2015-01-01

Dry forests at low elevations in temperate-zone mountains are commonly hypothesized to be at risk of exceptional rates of severe fire from climatic change and land-use effects. Their setting is fire-prone, they have been altered by land-uses, and fire severity may be increasing. However, where fires were excluded, increased fire could also be hypothesized as restorative of historical fire. These competing hypotheses are not well tested, as reference data prior to widespread land-use expansion were insufficient. Moreover, fire-climate projections were lacking for these forests. Here, I used new reference data and records of high-severity fire from 1984-2012 across all dry forests (25.5 million ha) of the western USA to test these hypotheses. I also approximated projected effects of climatic change on high-severity fire in dry forests by applying existing projections. This analysis showed the rate of recent high-severity fire in dry forests is within the range of historical rates, or is too low, overall across dry forests and individually in 42 of 43 analysis regions. Significant upward trends were lacking overall from 1984-2012 for area burned and fraction burned at high severity. Upward trends in area burned at high severity were found in only 4 of 43 analysis regions. Projections for A.D. 2046-2065 showed high-severity fire would generally be still operating at, or have been restored to historical rates, although high projections suggest high-severity fire rotations that are too short could ensue in 6 of 43 regions. Programs to generally reduce fire severity in dry forests are not supported and have significant adverse ecological impacts, including reducing habitat for native species dependent on early-successional burned patches and decreasing landscape heterogeneity that confers resilience to climatic change. Some adverse ecological effects of high-severity fires are concerns. Managers and communities can improve our ability to live with high-severity fire in dry forests.

A modified surgical technique in the management of eyelid burns: a case series

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Introduction Contractures, ectropion and scarring, the most common sequelae of skin grafts after eyelid burn injuries, can result in corneal exposure, corneal ulceration and even blindness. Split-thickness or full-thickness skin grafts are commonly used for the treatment of acute eyelid burns. Plasma exudation and infection are common early complications of eyelid burns, which decrease the success rate of grafts. Case presentation We present the cases of eight patients, two Chinese women and six Chinese men. The first Chinese woman was 36 years old, with 70% body surface area second or third degree flame burn injuries involving her eyelids on both sides. The other Chinese woman was 28 years old, with sulfuric acid burns on her face and third degree burn on her eyelids. The six Chinese men were aged 21, 31, 38, 42, 44, and 55 years, respectively. The 38-year-old patient was transferred from the ER with 80% body surface area second or third degree flame burn injuries and third degree burn injuries to his eyelids. The other five men were all patients with flame burn injuries, with 7% to 10% body surface area third degree burns and eyelids involved. All patients were treated with a modified surgical procedure consisting of separation and loosening of the musculus orbicularis oculi between tarsal plate and septum orbital, followed by grafting a large full-thickness skin graft in three days after burn injury. The use of our modified surgical procedure resulted in 100% successful eyelid grafting on first attempt, and all our patients were in good condition at six-month follow-up. Conclusions This new surgical technique is highly successful in treating eyelid burn injuries, especially flame burn injuries of the eyelid. PMID:21843322

Pediatric scalds: do cooking-related burns have a higher injury burden?

PubMed

Bachier, Marielena; Hammond, Sarah E; Williams, Regan; Jancelewicz, Timothy; Feliz, Alexander

2015-11-01

Pediatric scald burns result in frequent emergency room visits and hospitalizations. We investigated whether cooking-related burns produce greater morbidity requiring more extensive care than noncooking burns. We performed a 6-y review at our free-standing children's hospital. Children aged <18 y admitted for accidental scald burns were included. Demographics, injury pattern, treatment, and outcome (contractures and/or limited mobility and nonhealing and/or infected wounds) data were analyzed comparing cooking versus noncooking burns. The Mann-Whitney U test, a chi-square test, and the negative binomial were used to compare continuous, categorical, and count data between groups. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors among patients with adverse outcomes. We identified 308 patients; 262 (85%) cooking and 46 (15%) noncooking burns. Most patients were African-American males, with public insurance, and a median age of 2 y. Cooking burns preferentially occurred over the head, neck, and upper body; noncooking burns were distributed over the lower body (P < 0.02). Median total body surface area was equal for both groups (P > 0.11). In subgroup analysis, semisolid and grease burns resulted in increased rates of wound contractures and/or limited mobility when compared with noncooking burns (P = 0.05 and P = 0.008, respectively). Patients with complications were more likely to have third degree burns and required more consults, longer hospitalization, and more surgical debridements and clinic visits. Most accidental scald burns occurred in young children during food preparation. Greater long-term morbidity was found in patients with semisolid and grease burns. This subset of children has a higher injury burden and requires extensive care in the acute and long-term setting. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of medical hypnosis for pain reduction and faster wound healing in pediatric acute burn injury: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Chester, Stephen J; Stockton, Kellie; De Young, Alexandra; Kipping, Belinda; Tyack, Zephanie; Griffin, Bronwyn; Chester, Ralph L; Kimble, Roy M

2016-04-29

Burns and the associated wound care procedures can be extremely painful and anxiety-provoking for children. Burn injured children and adolescents are therefore at greater risk of experiencing a range of psychological reactions, in particular posttraumatic stress disorder, which can persist for months to years after the injury. Non-pharmacological intervention is critical for comprehensive pain and anxiety management and is used alongside pharmacological analgesia and anxiolysis. However, effective non-pharmacological pain and anxiety management during pediatric burn procedures is an area still needing improvement. Medical hypnosis has received support as a technique for effectively decreasing pain and anxiety levels in adults undergoing burn wound care and in children during a variety of painful medical procedures (e.g., bone marrow aspirations, lumbar punctures, voiding cystourethrograms, and post-surgical pain). Pain reduction during burn wound care procedures is linked with improved wound healing rates. To date, no randomized controlled trials have investigated the use of medical hypnosis in pediatric burn populations. Therefore this study aims to determine if medical hypnosis decreases pain, anxiety, and biological stress markers during wound care procedures; improves wound healing times; and decreases rates of traumatic stress reactions in pediatric burn patients. This is a single-center, superiority, parallel-group, prospective randomized controlled trial. Children (4 to 16 years, inclusive) with acute burn injuries presenting for their first dressing application or change are randomly assigned to either the (1) intervention group (medical hypnosis) or (2) control group (standard care). A minimum of 33 participants are recruited for each treatment group. Repeated measures of pain, anxiety, stress, and wound healing are taken at every dressing change until ≥95 % wound re-epithelialization. Further data collection assesses impact on posttraumatic stress symptomatology, speed of wound healing, and parent perception of how easy the dressing change is for their child. Study results will elucidate whether the disease process can be changed by using medical hypnosis with children to decrease pain, anxiety, and stress in the context of acute burn wounds. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12615000419561.

Combat-related facial burns: analysis of strategic pitfalls.

PubMed

Johnson, Benjamin W; Madson, Andrew Q; Bong-Thakur, Sarah; Tucker, David; Hale, Robert G; Chan, Rodney K

2015-01-01

Burns constitute approximately 10% of all combat-related injuries to the head and neck region. We postulated that the combat environment presents unique challenges not commonly encountered among civilian injuries. The purpose of the present study was to determine the features commonly seen among combat facial burns that will result in therapeutic challenges and might contribute to undesired outcomes. The present study was a retrospective study performed using a query of the Burn Registry at the US Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center for all active duty facial burn admissions from October 2001 to February 2011. The demographic data, total body surface area of the burn, facial region body surface area involvement, and dates of injury, first operation, and first facial operation were tabulated and compared. A subset analysis of severe facial burns, defined by a greater than 7% facial region body surface area, was performed with a thorough medical record review to determine the presence of associated injuries. Of all the military burn injuries, 67.1% (n = 558) involved the face. Of these, 81.3% (n = 454) were combat related. The combat facial burns had a mean total body surface area of 21.4% and a mean facial region body surface area of 3.2%. The interval from the date of the injury to the first operative encounter was 6.6 ± 0.8 days and was 19.8 ± 2.0 days to the first facial operation. A subset analysis of the severe facial burns revealed that the first facial operation and the definitive coverage operation was performed at 13.45 ± 2.6 days and 31.9 ± 4.1 days after the injury, respectively. The mortality rate for this subset of patients was 32% (n = 10), with a high rate of associated inhalational injuries (61%, n = 19), limb amputations (29%, n = 9), and facial allograft usage (48%, n = 15) and a mean facial autograft thickness of 10.5/1,000th in. Combat-related facial burns present multiple challenges, which can contribute to suboptimal long-term outcomes. These challenges include prolonged transport to the burn center, delayed initial intervention and definitive coverage, and a lack of available high-quality color-matched donor skin. These gaps all highlight the need for novel anti-inflammatory and skin replacement strategies to more adequately address these unique combat-related obstacles. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. All rights reserved.

The use of botulinum toxin in the management of burns itching: preliminary results.

PubMed

Akhtar, N; Brooks, P

2012-12-01

Itching is a common and well recognised problem following burns. As the underlying pathways involved in burns itch have been identified, different pharmacological agents have been introduced to improve the effectiveness of management regimes. We present preliminary data from an on-going study in the use of botulinum toxin as a novel agent in the treatment of this problem. Patients with recalcitrant itching secondary to burns treated with Botox(©) were identified. Data pertaining to burn size, depth and management were recorded. The delay in the onset of the itch, its severity and the speed and duration of any improvement in symptoms were also noted. 10 patients were identified. 1 patient was excluded. Average follow-up was 11.3 months. All patients had deep partial thickness to full thickness burns. Eight patients underwent grafting. The average burn was 24% TBSA. 87.5% of patients rated their burns itch as being severe (>7 on the pain scale). Following the administration of Botox(©) this fell to 0 out of 10 at 4 weeks. The average duration of the symptom free period was nine months (range 3-18 months). Botox(©) can successfully be used to treat burns itch that are resistant to conventional therapies. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Economic Spillovers From Public Investments in Medical Countermeasures: A Case Study of a Burn Debridement Product.

PubMed

Farahati, Farah; Nystrom, Scott; Howell, David R; Jaffe, Richard

2017-12-01

The US federal government invests in the development of medical countermeasures for addressing adverse health effects to the civilian population from chemical, biological, and radiological or nuclear threats. We model the potential economic spillover effects in day-to-day burn care for a federal investment in a burn debridement product for responding to an improvised nuclear device. We identify and assess 4 primary components for projecting the potential economic spillover benefits of a burn debridement product: (1) market size, (2) clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, (3) product cost, and (4) market adoption rates. Primary data sources were the American Burn Association's 2015 National Burn Repository Annual Report of Data and published clinical studies used to gain European approval for the burn debridement product. The study results showed that if approved for use in the United States, the burn debridement product has potential economic spillover benefits exceeding the federal government's initial investment of $24 million a few years after introduction into the burn care market. Economic spillover analyses can help to inform the prioritizing of scarce resources for research and development of medical countermeasures by the federal government. Future federal medical countermeasure research and development investments could incorporate economic spillover analysis to assess investment options. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:711-719).

Recent trends in burn epidemiology worldwide: A systematic review.

PubMed

Smolle, Christian; Cambiaso-Daniel, Janos; Forbes, Abigail A; Wurzer, Paul; Hundeshagen, Gabriel; Branski, Ludwik K; Huss, Fredrik; Kamolz, Lars-Peter

2017-03-01

Burns have been more prevalent among low socioeconomic populations and in less developed regions. Incredible advances in burn care and social development over the recent decades, however, should have placed the incidence and severity of burns in a downwards trend. The aim of this review was to give an overview on current trends in burn epidemiology across the world. Also the socioeconomic development in countries that have published epidemiological data used in this study has been taken into account when comparing the results. There was a worldwide downwards trend of burn incidence, burn severity, length of hospital stay, and mortality rate. These findings were particularly pronounced in very highly developed countries. Data from highly and medium developed countries were more heterogeneous. No studies could be obtained from low and middle income countries. Comparisons between the different studies were compromised by the fact that studies emerged from specialized facilities on one hand and general hospitals on the other. Analyzed studies were also frequently focusing on limited patient populations such as "children" or "elderly". Our findings indicate the need for an international burn database with a minimal data-set in order to obtain objective and comparable results in respect of burn epidemiology. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Unplanned readmission after hospital discharge in burn patients in Iran.

PubMed

Jafaryparvar, Zakiyeh; Adib, Masoomeh; Ghanbari, Atefeh; Leyli, Ehsan Kazemnezhad

2018-02-21

Burns are considered as one of the most serious health problems throughout the world. They may lead to adverse consequences and outcomes. One of these outcomes is unplanned readmission. Unplanned readmission has been commonly used as a quality indicator by hospitals and governments. This study aimed to determine the predictors of unplanned readmission in patients with burns hospitalized in a burn center in the North of Iran (Guilan province, Rasht). This retrospective analytic study has been done on the medical records of hospitalized patients with burns in Velayat Sub-Specialty Burn and Plastic Surgery Center, Rasht, Iran during 2008-2013. In general, 703 medical records have been reviewed but statistical analysis was performed on 626 medical records. All data were entered in SPSS (version 16) and analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Among 626 patients with burns, the overall readmission rate was 5.1%. Predictors of readmission included total body surface area (OR 1.030, CI 1.011-1.049), hypertension (OR 2.923, CI 1.089-7.845) and skin graft (OR 7.045, CI 2.718-18.258). Considering the outcome, predictors following burn have a crucial role in the allocation of treatment cost for patients with burns and they can be used as one of the quality indicators for health care providers and governments.

When do children get burnt?

PubMed

Verey, Frances; Lyttle, Mark D; Lawson, Zoe; Greenwood, Rosemary; Young, Amber

2014-11-01

Burns are a cause of more than 5000 paediatric hospital admissions per year in England and Wales. Injury prevention and service provision may be better planned with knowledge of burn timing. Prospectively collected records from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2011 were analysed. All episodes involving patients less than 16 years of age reviewed by the South West Children's Burns Centre were included. Data was collected from 1480 records to investigate seasonal, weekly, and daily variation. Day to day analysis showed significantly more burns occurred on Saturday and Sunday than Monday-Friday (p<0.001). Of all burns, 46% occurred within the time-period 08:00-15:59; however the mean hourly rate of burns was highest between 16:00 and 18:59. Of the larger burns (>10% body surface area), 38% occurred after 19:00. There was no statistically significant variation in the monthly (p=0.105) or seasonal (p=0.270) distribution of burns. Bank holidays did not cause a statistically significant increase in numbers. Injury prevention strategies are likely to have most volume impact by increasing awareness of the peak time for burns in children, enabling parents at home with young children to modify any risky behaviour and by targeting older children and their behaviour. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Burning characteristics and fiber retention of graphite/resin matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowles, K. J.

1980-01-01

Graphite fiber reinforced resin matrix composites were subjected to controlled burning conditions to determine their burning characteristics and fiber retention properties. Small samples were burned with a natural gas fired torch to study the effects of fiber orientation and structural flaws such as holes and slits that were machined into the laminates. Larger laminate samples were burned in a modified heat release rate calorimeter. Unidirectional epoxy/graphite and polyimide/graphite composites and boron powder filled samples of each of the two composite systems were burn tested. The composites were exposed to a thermal radiation of 5.3 Btu/sq ft-sec in air. Samples of each of the unfilled composite were decomposed anaerobically in the calorimeter. Weight loss data were recorded for burning and decomposition times up to thirty-five minutes. The effects of fiber orientation, flaws, and boron filler additives to the resins were evaluated. A high char forming polyimide resin was no more effective in retaining graphite fibers than a low char forming epoxy resin when burned in air. Boron powder additions to both the polyimide and the epoxy resins stabilized the chars and effectively controlled the fiber release.

Sodium and sulfur release and recapture during black liquor burning

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Frederick, W.J.; Iisa, K.; Wag, K.

1995-08-01

The objective of this study was to provide data on sulfur and sodium volatilization during black liquor burning, and on SO2 capture by solid sodium carbonate and sodium chloride. This data was interpreted and modeled into rate equations suitable for use in computational models for recovery boilers.

40 CFR 266.106 - Standards to control metals emissions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITIES Hazardous Waste Burned in Boilers and Industrial Furnaces § 266.106... implemented by limiting feed rates of the individual metals to levels during the trial burn (for new... screening limit for the worst-case stack. (d) Tier III and Adjusted Tier I site-specific risk assessment...

40 CFR 266.106 - Standards to control metals emissions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITIES Hazardous Waste Burned in Boilers and Industrial Furnaces § 266.106... implemented by limiting feed rates of the individual metals to levels during the trial burn (for new... screening limit for the worst-case stack. (d) Tier III and Adjusted Tier I site-specific risk assessment...

Characteristics of fatal and hospital admissions for burns in Fiji: a population-based study (TRIP Project-2).

PubMed

Taoi, Mable; Wainiqolo, Iris; Kafoa, Berlin; Kool, Bridget; Naisaki, Asilika; McCaig, Eddie; Ameratunga, Shanthi

2012-08-01

Over 95% of burn deaths are estimated to occur in low-and-middle-income countries. However, the epidemiology of burn-related injuries in Pacific Island Countries is unclear. This study investigated the incidence and demographic characteristics associated with fatal and hospitalised burns in Fiji. This cross-sectional study utilised the Fiji Injury Surveillance in Hospital database to estimate the population-based incidence and contextual characteristics associated with burns resulting in death or hospital admission (≥12h) during a 12-month period commencing 1st October 2005. 116 people were admitted to hospital or died as a result of burns during the study period accounting for an overall annual incidence of 17.8/100,000 population, and mortality rate of 3.4/100,000. Most (92.2%) burns occurred at home, and 85.3% were recorded as unintentional. Burns were disproportionately higher among Fijian children compared with Fijian-Indian children with the converse occurring in adulthood. In adults, Indian women were at particularly high risk of death from self-inflicted burns as a consequence of 'conflict situations'. Burns are a significant public health burden in Fiji requiring prevention and management strategies informed by important differences in the context of these injuries among the major ethic groups of the country. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Characteristics of fatal and hospital admissions for burns in Fiji: A population-based study (TRIP Project-2)

PubMed Central

Taoi, Mable; Wainiqolo, Iris; Kafoa, Berlin; Kool, Bridget; Naisaki, Asilika; McCaig, Eddie; Ameratunga, Shanthi

2012-01-01

Background Over 95% of burn deaths are estimated to occur in low-and-middle-income countries. However, the epidemiology of burn-related injuries in Pacific Island Countries is unclear. This study investigated the incidence and demographic characteristics associated with fatal and hospitalised burns in Fiji. Methods This cross-sectional study utilised the Fiji Injury Surveillance in Hospital database to estimate the population-based incidence and contextual characteristics associated with burns resulting in death or hospital admission (≥12 h) during a 12-month period commencing 1st October 2005. Results 116 people were admitted to hospital or died as a result of burns during the study period accounting for an overall annual incidence of 17.8/100,000 population, and mortality rate of 3.4/100,000. Most (92.2%) burns occurred at home, and 85.3% were recorded as unintentional. Burns were disproportionately higher among Fijian children compared with Fijian–Indian children with the converse occurring in adulthood. In adults, Indian women were at particularly high risk of death from self-inflicted burns as a consequence of ‘conflict situations’. Conclusion Burns are a significant public health burden in Fiji requiring prevention and management strategies informed by important differences in the context of these injuries among the major ethic groups of the country. PMID:22342176

Experimental Investigations Of The Influence Of Pressure On Critical Extinction Conditions Of Laminar Nonpremixed Flames Burning Condensed Hydrocarbon Fuels, Jet Fuels, And Surrogates

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-25

cycloalkanes, aromatics, and alkenes [3,23–26]. On average, the composition by volume is approximately 60% alkanes, 20% cycloalkanes, 18% aromatics, and 2... alkenes [26]. Efforts to develop chemical-kinetic models that accurately describe the combustion of these practical fuels are critical to the development... method also allows for measurements of fuel mass burning rates by recording the required fuel feed rate to maintain the fuel cup level under steady

Turbulent combustion in aluminum-air clouds for different scale explosion fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuhl, Allen L.; Balakrishnan, Kaushik; Bell, John B.; Beckner, Vincent E.

2017-01-01

This paper explores "scaling issues" associated with Al particle combustion in explosions. The basic idea is the following: in this non-premixed combustion system, the global burning rate is controlled by rate of turbulent mixing of fuel (Al particles) with air. From similarity considerations, the turbulent mixing rates should scale with the explosion length and time scales. However, the induction time for ignition of Al particles depends on an Arrhenius function, which is independent of the explosion length and time. To study this, we have performed numerical simulations of turbulent combustion in unconfined Al-SDF (shock-dispersed-fuel) explosion fields at different scales. Three different charge masses were assumed: 1-g, 1-kg and 1-T Al-powder charges. We found that there are two combustion regimes: an ignition regime—where the burning rate decays as a power-law function of time, and a turbulent combustion regime—where the burning rate decays exponentially with time. This exponential dependence is typical of first order reactions and the more general concept of Life Functions that control the dynamics of evolutionary systems. Details of the combustion model are described. Results, including mean and rms profiles in combustion cloud and fuel consumption histories, are presented.

Study of Rapid-Regression Liquefying Hybrid Rocket Fuels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zilliac, Greg; DeZilwa, Shane; Karabeyoglu, M. Arif; Cantwell, Brian J.; Castellucci, Paul

2004-01-01

A report describes experiments directed toward the development of paraffin-based hybrid rocket fuels that burn at regression rates greater than those of conventional hybrid rocket fuels like hydroxyl-terminated butadiene. The basic approach followed in this development is to use materials such that a hydrodynamically unstable liquid layer forms on the melting surface of a burning fuel body. Entrainment of droplets from the liquid/gas interface can substantially increase the rate of fuel mass transfer, leading to surface regression faster than can be achieved using conventional fuels. The higher regression rate eliminates the need for the complex multi-port grain structures of conventional solid rocket fuels, making it possible to obtain acceptable performance from single-port structures. The high-regression-rate fuels contain no toxic or otherwise hazardous components and can be shipped commercially as non-hazardous commodities. Among the experiments performed on these fuels were scale-up tests using gaseous oxygen. The data from these tests were found to agree with data from small-scale, low-pressure and low-mass-flux laboratory tests and to confirm the expectation that these fuels would burn at high regression rates, chamber pressures, and mass fluxes representative of full-scale rocket motors.

Host defence peptides in human burns.

PubMed

Kaus, Aljoscha; Jacobsen, Frank; Sorkin, Michael; Rittig, Andrea; Voss, Bruno; Daigeler, Adrien; Sudhoff, Holger; Steinau, Hans-Ulrich; Steinstraesser, Lars

2008-02-01

The goal of this study was to analyse expression profiles of human epithelial host defence peptides in burned and unburned skin tissue, samples of which were obtained during debridements and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen. Total RNA was isolated, and cDNA of epithelial host defence peptides and proteins (hCAP-18/LL-37, hBD1-hBD4, dermcidin, S100A7/psoriasin and RNAse7) was quantified by qRT-PCR. In situ hybridisation and immunohistochemical staining localised gene expression of hCAP-18/LL-37, hBD2 and hBD3 in histological sections. Most of the analysed host defence peptides and proteins showed higher mRNA levels in partial-thickness burns than in unburned tissue. In situ hybridisation revealed expression of hCAP-18/LL-37, hBD2 and hBD3 at the surface of burns that was independent of burn depth. However, the finding of higher host defence peptide gene expression rates does not correlate with the incidence of wound infection in burns. We hypothesise that the epithelial innate immune response in burns is complex.

Estimates of global biomass burning emissions for reactive greenhouse gases (CO, NMHCs, and NOx) and CO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, Atul K.; Tao, Zhining; Yang, Xiaojuan; Gillespie, Conor

2006-03-01

Open fire biomass burning and domestic biofuel burning (e.g., cooking, heating, and charcoal making) algorithms have been incorporated into a terrestrial ecosystem model to estimate CO2 and key reactive GHGs (CO, NOx, and NMHCs) emissions for the year 2000. The emissions are calculated over the globe at a 0.5° × 0.5° spatial resolution using tree density imagery, and two separate sets of data each for global area burned and land clearing for croplands, along with biofuel consumption rate data. The estimated global and annual total dry matter (DM) burned due to open fire biomass burning ranges between 5221 and 7346 Tg DM/yr, whereas the resultant emissions ranges are 6564-9093 Tg CO2/yr, 438-568 Tg CO/yr, 11-16 Tg NOx/yr (as NO), and 29-40 Tg NMHCs/yr. The results indicate that land use changes for cropland is one of the major sources of biomass burning, which amounts to 25-27% (CO2), 25 -28% (CO), 20-23% (NO), and 28-30% (NMHCs) of the total open fire biomass burning emissions of these gases. Estimated DM burned associated with domestic biofuel burning is 3,114 Tg DM/yr, and resultant emissions are 4825 Tg CO2/yr, 243 Tg CO/yr, 3 Tg NOx/yr, and 23 Tg NMHCs/yr. Total emissions from biomass burning are highest in tropical regions (Asia, America, and Africa), where we identify important contributions from primary forest cutting for croplands and domestic biofuel burning.

Ultralean low swirl burner

DOEpatents

Cheng, R.K.

1998-04-07

A novel burner and burner method has been invented which burns an ultra lean premixed fuel-air mixture with a stable flame. The inventive burning method results in efficient burning and much lower emissions of pollutants such as oxides of nitrogen than previous burners and burning methods. The inventive method imparts weak swirl (swirl numbers of between about 0.01 to 3.0) on a fuel-air flow stream. The swirl, too small to cause recirculation, causes an annulus region immediately inside the perimeter of the fuel-air flow to rotate in a plane normal to the axial flow. The rotation in turn causes the diameter of the fuel-air flow to increase with concomitant decrease in axial flow velocity. The flame stabilizes where the fuel-air mixture velocity equals the rate of burning resulting in a stable, turbulent flame. 11 figs.

Ultralean low swirl burner

DOEpatents

Cheng, Robert K.

1998-01-01

A novel burner and burner method has been invented which burns an ultra lean premixed fuel-air mixture with a stable flame. The inventive burning method results in efficient burning and much lower emissions of pollutants such as oxides of nitrogen than previous burners and burning methods. The inventive method imparts weak swirl (swirl numbers of between about 0.01 to 3.0) on a fuel-air flow stream. The swirl, too small to cause recirculation, causes an annulus region immediately inside the perimeter of the fuel-air flow to rotate in a plane normal to the axial flow. The rotation in turn causes the diameter of the fuel-air flow to increase with concomitant decrease in axial flow velocity. The flame stabilizes where the fuel-air mixture velocity equals the rate of burning resulting in a stable, turbulent flame.

Afterburning in spherical premixed turbulent explosions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bradley, D.; Lawes, M.; Scott, M.J.

1994-12-01

During the early stages of spherical turbulent flame propagation, more than half of the gas behind the visible flame front may be unburned. Previous models of the afterburning of the gas behind the apparent flame front have been extended in the present work, to include the effects of flame quenching, consequent upon localized flame stretch. The predictions of the model cover, the spatial and temporal variations of the fraction burned, the flame propagation rate, and the mass burning rate. They are all in dimensionless form and are well supported by associated experimental measurements in a fan-stirred bomb with controlled turbulence.more » The proportion of the gas that is unburned decreases with time and increases with the product of the Karlovitz stretch factor and the Lewis number. Simultaneous photographs were taken of the spherical schlieren image and of that due to Mie scattering from small seed particles in a thin laser sheet that sectioned the spherical flame. These clearly showed the amount of unburned gas within the sphere and, along with other evidence suggest laminar flamelet burning across a scale of distance which is close to the Taylor confirm the predictions of the fraction of gas unburned and of the rate at which it is burning.« less

Acute mental disorders and short and long term morbidity in patients with third degree flame burn: A population-based outcome study of 96,451 patients from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2001-2011).

PubMed

Mahendraraj, Krishnaraj; Durgan, Diane M; Chamberlain, Ronald S

2016-12-01

Although burn patients with preexisting mood disorders have been shown to have diminished clinical recovery, acute mental disorders (AMD) are often unrecognized despite a link with post-traumatic stress disorder and social maladjustment later on. This study assessed the clinical profile of a large cohort of burn patients who developed AMD compared to those with chronic mental illness (CMI) and those without mental health problems to assess the impact of AMI on burn outcomes. Admission data on 96,451 patients with third degree flame burns was abstracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database from 2001 to 2011. AMD was defined as adjustment disorder (ICD-10 codes F43.2-F43.29) and acute stress disorder (F43.0), while CMI was defined as major depressive disorder (F33.0-F33.9) and bipolar disorder (F31.0-F31.9). Data was compared across three subgroups: AMD, CMI, and patients without any mood disorders. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test, and continuous variables were compared using Student t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multivariate analysis using the "backward Wald" method was performed to calculate odds ratios (OR) and determine independent factors which increased the risk of developing AMD after burn. 979 (1%) burn patients were diagnosed with AMD, compared to 5971 (6.2%) with CMI and 89,501 (92.8%) without mood disorders at the time of the burn. Patients with AMD were significantly younger, predominantly male and Caucasian. Patients with AMD had a higher frequency of multiple third-degree burn sites. AMD patients had a significantly longer length of hospitalization and shorter actuarial survival. More AMD patients lacked social or family support, suffered from alcoholism or illicit drug abuse, and had a history of psychological trauma or self-inflicted injuries compared to other groups. After burn, 4.9% of AMD patients developed burn wound infections, 5.0% had nutritional deficiencies, 1.7% had skin graft failure, 0.7% had acute psychosis, and 3.7% had suicidal ideation, p<0.05. Multivariate analysis identified age 10-39 (OR 4.6), alcoholism (OR 1.4), drug abuse (OR 1.9), psychoses (OR 1.4), and total body surface are (TBSA) 10-39% third degree burns (OR 1.8) as independently associated with developing AMD, p<0.005. The development of AMD in burn patients is associated with poor clinical outcomes including longer hospitalization, decreased survival, and increased complication rates. Premorbid psychopathology, substance abuse and age were associated with a higher incidence AMD after burn than was the severity of the burn wound itself. Routine screening for psychological symptoms of AMD should be performed in all burn patients to avoid increased rates of short and long-term morbidity and mortality. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

The First 3D Simulations of Carbon Burning in a Massive Star

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cristini, A.; Meakin, C.; Hirschi, R.; Arnett, D.; Georgy, C.; Viallet, M.

2017-11-01

We present the first detailed three-dimensional hydrodynamic implicit large eddy simulations of turbulent convection for carbon burning. The simulations start with an initial radial profile mapped from a carbon burning shell within a 15 M⊙ stellar evolution model. We considered 4 resolutions from 1283 to 10243 zones. These simulations confirm that convective boundary mixing (CBM) occurs via turbulent entrainment as in the case of oxygen burning. The expansion of the boundary into the surrounding stable region and the entrainment rate are smaller at the bottom boundary because it is stiffer than the upper boundary. The results of this and similar studies call for improved CBM prescriptions in 1D stellar evolution models.

Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Multidrug Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Different Clinical Sources in Al-Najaf Province-Iraq.

PubMed

Aljanaby, Ahmed Abduljabbar Jaloob; Alhasnawi, Haneen Mohammed Reda Jaber

2017-01-01

Burns infections and urinary tract infections are the most important prevalent diseases in Asian countries, such as Iraq. Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most important bacteria cause this type of infections especially in hospitals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of multi-drug resistance K. pneumoniae and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases producing K. pneumoniae isolates from inpatients with urinary tract infection and burns infections in Al-Kufa hospital in Al-Najaf province, Iraq. A total of 285 clinical samples were collected from in-patients infected with urinary tract infection (141 urine samples) and burns infections (144 burns swabs). Fourteen different antibiotics were used by disc diffusion method and 13 antimicrobials resistance genes were used by PCR technique. A total of 43 K. pneumoniae strains were isolated. The highest resistance rate was observed for amoxicillin 25 μg and amoxicillin+clavulanic acid 20+10 μg (97.67%) while the lowest resistance rate was observed for imipenem 10 μg (9.30%). The most common resistance associated-genes were blaSHV (86.04%) and at lower prevalence were IMP (9.30%). Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from burns infections were more virulent than those isolated from urinary tract infections.

An epidemiological analysis of paediatric burns in urban and rural areas in south central China.

PubMed

Zhou, Bo; Zhou, Xiao; Ouyang, Li-zhi; Huang, Xiao-yuan; Zhang, Pi-hong; Zhang, Ming-hua; Ren, Li-cheng; Liang, Peng-fei

2014-02-01

This study aims to analyse the epidemiology of paediatric burns in south central China, illustrate the differences between rural and urban areas, and discern prevention measures to reduce paediatric burns. Data were obtained from all paediatric patients admitted to Department of Burns unit of Xiangya Hospital during 2009-2012. A retrospective review was performed, including cause of burn, pre-hospital treatment, place of burn occurrence, anatomical areas involved, extent of burn, date of injury, number of operations, complications, length of hospital stay, hospitalisation cost and cure rate. A total of 278 hospitalised paediatric patients were admitted in this study. The majority (56.47%) were 1-3 years old. Rural patients accounted for 67.99% in total; the ratio of boys to girls was 2.05. Scalding with hot fluids was the most common cause of burns in children (62.59%), followed by flame (17.63), fireworks (9.71%), electricity (5.76%) and other factors such as contact and chemical (4.32%). The living room was the location with the highest frequency of burns in children (53.24%). Burns were more likely to happen in winter and the upper extremities were the most involved anatomic site (53.24%). Total burn surface area (TBSA) ranging from 0% to 9% accounted for 55.4% in total. Rural patients underwent more operations and had longer and costlier hospital stays than urban patients. Compared with treatment in urban areas, rural burn patients received less first-aid treatment, underwent more surgery, had more complications and longer and more costly hospital stays. This finding strongly suggests that it is necessary to make more efforts to prevent burns, especially in rural areas. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Reacting flow studies in a dump combustor: Enhanced volumetric heat release rates and flame anchorability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behrens, Alison Anne

Reacting flow studies in a novel dump combustor facility focused on increasing volumetric heat release rates, under stable burning conditions, and understanding the physical mechanisms governing flame anchoring in an effort to extend range and maneuverability of compact, low drag, air-breathing engines. Countercurrent shear flow was enhanced within the combustor as the primary control variable. Experiments were performed burning premixed JP10/air and methane/air in a dump combustor using reacting flow particle image velocimetry (PIV) and chemiluminescence as the primary diagnostics. Stable combustion studies burning lean mixtures of JP10/air aimed to increase volumetric heat release rates through the implementation of countercurrent shear control. Countercurrent shear flow was produced by creating a suction flow from a low pressure cavity connected to the dump combustor via a gap directly below the trailing edge. Chemiluminescence measurements showed that enhancing countercurrent shear within the combustor doubles volumetric heat release rates. PIV measurements indicate that counterflow acts to increase turbulent kinetic energy while maintaining constant strain rates. This acts to increase flame surface area through flame wrinkling without disrupting the integrity of the flame. Flame anchorability is one of the most important fundamental aspects to understand when trying to enhance turbulent combustion in a high-speed engine without increasing drag. Studies burning methane/air mixtures used reacting flow PIV to study flame anchoring. The operating point with the most stable flame anchor exhibited a correspondingly strong enthalpy flux of products into reactants via a single coherent structure positioned downstream of the step. However, the feature producing a strong flame anchor, i.e. a single coherent structure, also is responsible for combustion instabilities, therefore making this operating point undesirable. Counterflow control was found to create the best flow features for stable, robust, compact combustion. Enhancing countercurrent shear flow within a dump combustor enhances burning rates, provides a consistent pump of reaction-initiating combustion products required for sustained combustion, while maintaining flow three dimensionality needed to disrupt combustion instabilities. Future studies will focus on geometric and control scenarios that further reduce drag penalties while creating these same flow features found with countercurrent shear thus producing robust operating points.

Absidia corymbifera fungal infection in burns: a case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Constantinides, Joannis; Misra, Alok; Nassab, Reza; Wilson, Yvonne

2008-01-01

Fungal infection in burn wounds can be difficult to diagnose and manage. A previously reported 10-year experience in burns patients confirms that although a marked decline has occurred in bacterial infection, fungal wound infection rates remain unaffected. Moreover, there is significant morbidity and mortality associated with fungal infections in patients with extensive burns. Absidia corymbifera is a saprophytic organism, with worldwide distribution, that is primarily isolated from soil as well as decaying vegetation and grass. It is an uncommon pathogen representing only 2 to 3% of all zygomycete infections in humans. The organism is opportunistic, rarely infecting the immunocompetent although such cases have been reported. To our knowledge, there are only two prior reports of A. corymbifera in burns patients. The ability to invade intact skin through proteolytic enzymes as well as the organism's angioinvasive propensity is associated with high mortality and demands a multidisciplinary approach. We present a case report of A. corymbifera infection in a burns patient and review the current literature.

INFLUENCE OF INHALATION INJURY ON ENERGY EXPENDITURE IN SEVERELY BURNED CHILDREN

PubMed Central

Przkora, Rene; Fram, Ricki Y.; Herndon, David N.; Suman, Oscar E.; Mlcak, Ronald P.

2014-01-01

Objective Determine the effect of inhalation injury on burn-induced hypermetabolism in children. Design Prospective study comparing hypermetabolism (i.e., resting energy expenditure and oxygen consumption) in burned children with and without inhalation injury during acute hospitalization. Setting Single pediatric burn center. Patients Eighty-six children (1–18 years) with ≥ 40% total body surface area burns were stratified to two groups: no inhalation injury and inhalation injury. Interventions None. Main Measurements and Results Inhalation injury was diagnosed based on bronchoscopic evaluation. At admission, PaO2:FiO2 ratios (an index of respiratory distress) were significantly higher in patients with no inhalation injury than in patient with inhalation injury. No differences were detected in resting energy expenditure or percent of the predicted basal metabolic rate between groups. Additionally, oxygen consumption did not significantly differ between groups. Conclusions Inhalation injury does not augment the burn-induced hypermetabolic stress response in children, as reflected by resting energy expenditure and oxygen consumption. PMID:24893760

[Advances in the research of zinc deficiency and zinc supplementation treatment in patients with severe burns].

PubMed

Wang, X X; Zhang, M J; Li, X B

2018-01-20

Zinc is one of the essential trace elements in human body, which plays an important role in regulating acute inflammatory response, glucose metabolism, anti-oxidation, immune and gastrointestinal function of patients with severe burns. Patients with severe burns may suffer from zinc deficiency because of insufficient amount of zinc intake from the diet and a large amount of zinc lose through wounds and urine. Zinc deficiency may affect their wound healing process and prognosis. This article reviews the characteristics of zinc metabolism in patients with severe burns through dynamic monitoring the plasma and urinary concentration of zinc. An adequate dosage of zinc supplemented to patients with severe burns by an appropriate method can increase the level of zinc in plasma and skin tissue and improve wound healing, as well as reduce the infection rates and mortality. At the same time, it is important to observe the symptoms and signs of nausea, dizziness, leukopenia and arrhythmia in patients with severe burns after supplementing excessive zinc.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa prevalence, antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial use in Chinese burn wards from 2007 to 2014

PubMed Central

Dou, Yi; Guo, Feng; Zhou, Zengding; Shi, Yan

2017-01-01

Objective To assess the application of antibacterial agents, alongside pathogen prevalence and Pseudomonas aeruginosa drug resistance, with the aim of understanding the impact of inappropriate antibacterial use. Methods This retrospective study assessed bacteria from wounds, catheters, blood, faeces, urine and sputum of hospitalized patients in burn wards between 2007 and 2014. The intensity of use of antibacterial agents and resistance of P. aeruginosa to common anti-Gram-negative antibiotics were measured. Results Annual detection rates of Staphylococcus aureus were significantly decreased, whereas annual detection rates of P. aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were significantly increased. Multidrug-resistant strains of P. aeruginosa were increased. The intensity of use of some anti-Gramnegative antibiotics positively correlated with resistance rates of P. aeruginosa to similar antimicrobials. Conclusion In burn wards, more attention should be paid to P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae. The use of ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime and cefoperazone/sulbactam should be limited to counter the related increase in resistance levels. PMID:28443385

Erosive Augmentation of Solid Propellant Burning Rate: Motor Size Scaling Effect

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strand, L. D.; Cohen, Norman S.

1990-01-01

Two different independent variable forms, a difference form and a ratio form, were investigated for correlating the normalized magnitude of the measured erosive burning rate augmentation above the threshold in terms of the amount that the driving parameter (mass flux or Reynolds number) exceeds the threshold value for erosive augmentation at the test condition. The latter was calculated from the previously determined threshold correlation. Either variable form provided a correlation for each of the two motor size data bases individually. However, the data showed a motor size effect, supporting the general observation that the magnitude of erosive burning rate augmentation is reduced for larger rocket motors. For both independent variable forms, the required motor size scaling was attained by including the motor port radius raised to a power in the independent parameter. A boundary layer theory analysis confirmed the experimental finding, but showed that the magnitude of the scale effect is itself dependent upon scale, tending to diminish with increasing motor size.

A mesoscopic reaction rate model for shock initiation of multi-component PBX explosives.

PubMed

Liu, Y R; Duan, Z P; Zhang, Z Y; Ou, Z C; Huang, F L

2016-11-05

The primary goal of this research is to develop a three-term mesoscopic reaction rate model that consists of a hot-spot ignition, a low-pressure slow burning and a high-pressure fast reaction terms for shock initiation of multi-component Plastic Bonded Explosives (PBX). Thereinto, based on the DZK hot-spot model for a single-component PBX explosive, the hot-spot ignition term as well as its reaction rate is obtained through a "mixing rule" of the explosive components; new expressions for both the low-pressure slow burning term and the high-pressure fast reaction term are also obtained by establishing the relationships between the reaction rate of the multi-component PBX explosive and that of its explosive components, based on the low-pressure slow burning term and the high-pressure fast reaction term of a mesoscopic reaction rate model. Furthermore, for verification, the new reaction rate model is incorporated into the DYNA2D code to simulate numerically the shock initiation process of the PBXC03 and the PBXC10 multi-component PBX explosives, and the numerical results of the pressure histories at different Lagrange locations in explosive are found to be in good agreements with previous experimental data. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improving Long-term Post-wildfire hydrologic simulations using ParFlow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez, S. R.; Kinoshita, A. M.

2015-12-01

Wildfires alter the natural hydrologic processes within a watershed. After vegetation is burned, the combustion of organic material and debris settles into the soil creating a hydrophobic layer beneath the soil surface with varying degree of thickness and depth. Vegetation regrowth rates vary as a function of radiative exposure, burn severity, and precipitation patterns. Hydrologic models used by the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams use input data and model calibration constraints that are generally either one-dimensional, empirically-based models, or two-dimensional, conceptually-based models with lumped parameter distributions. These models estimate runoff measurements at the watershed outlet; however, do not provide a distributed hydrologic simulation at each point within the watershed. This work uses ParFlow, a three-dimensional, distributed hydrologic model to (1) correlate burn severity with hydrophobicity, (2) evaluate vegetation recovery rate on water components, and (3) improve flood prediction for managers to help with resource allocation and management operations in burned watersheds. ParFlow is applied to Devil Canyon (43 km2) in San Bernardino, California, which was 97% burned in the 2003 Old Fire. The model set-up uses a 30m-cell size resolution over a 6.7 km by 6.4 km lateral extent. The subsurface reaches 30 m and is assigned a variable cell thickness. Variable subsurface thickness allows users to explicitly consider the degree of recovery throughout the stages of regrowth. Burn severity maps from remotely sensed imagery are used to assign initial hydrophobic layer parameters and thickness. Vegetation regrowth is represented with satellite an Enhanced Vegetation Index. Pre and post-fire hydrologic response is evaluated using runoff measurements at the watershed outlet, and using water component (overland flow, lateral flow, baseflow) measurements.

Predicting the effectiveness of virtual reality relaxation on pain and anxiety when added to PCA morphine in patients having burns dressings changes.

PubMed

Konstantatos, A H; Angliss, M; Costello, V; Cleland, H; Stafrace, S

2009-06-01

Pain arising in burns sufferers is often severe and protracted. The prospect of a dressing change can heighten existing pain by impacting both physically and psychologically. In this trial we examined whether pre-procedural virtual reality guided relaxation added to patient controlled analgesia with morphine reduced pain severity during awake dressings changes in burns patients. We conducted a prospective randomized clinical trial in all patients with burns necessitating admission to a tertiary burns referral centre. Eligible patients requiring awake dressings changes were randomly allocated to single use virtual reality relaxation plus intravenous morphine patient controlled analgesia (PCA) infusion or to intravenous morphine patient controlled analgesia infusion alone. Patients rated their worst pain intensity during the dressing change using a visual analogue scale. The primary outcome measure was presence of 30% or greater difference in pain intensity ratings between the groups in estimation of worst pain during the dressing change. Of 88 eligible and consenting patients having awake dressings changes, 43 were assigned to virtual reality relaxation plus intravenous morphine PCA infusion and 43 to morphine PCA infusion alone. The group receiving virtual reality relaxation plus morphine PCA infusion reported significantly higher pain intensities during the dressing change (mean=7.3) compared with patients receiving morphine PCA alone (mean=5.3) (p=0.003) (95% CI 0.6-2.8). The addition of virtual reality guided relaxation to morphine PCA infusion in burns patients resulted in a significant increase in pain experienced during awake dressings changes. In the absence of a validated predictor for responsiveness to virtual reality relaxation such a therapy cannot be recommended for general use in burns patients having awake dressings changes.

The clinical and microbiological characteristics of infections in burn patients from the Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion.

PubMed

Lin, Tzu-Chao; Wu, Rui-Xin; Chiu, Chih-Chien; Yang, Ya-Sung; Lee, Yi; Lin, Jung-Chung; Chang, Feng-Yee

2018-04-01

Bloodstream infection is a leading cause of mortality among burn patients. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors, causative pathogens, and the relationship between bloodstream infections and other infections among burn patients from the Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion. This retrospective study evaluated the demographic and clinical characteristics, infection types, causative pathogen(s), and isolates' antibiotic susceptibilities from patients who were hospitalized between June 27 and September 31, 2015. Fifty-eight patients were admitted during the study period (36 males, mean age: 22.6 years). The mean burned total body surface area (TBSA) was 40% for all patients. Eighteen (31%) patients with mean TBSA of 80% had 66 episodes of bloodstream infections caused by 92 isolates. Twelve (18.2%) episodes of bloodstream infections were polymicrobial. Acinetobacter baumannii (19, 20.7%), Ralstonia pickettii (17, 18.5%), and Chryseobacterium meningosepticum (13, 14.1%) were the most common pathogens causing bloodstream infections. A high concordance rate of wound cultures with blood cultures was seen in Staphylococcus aureus (3, 75%) and C. meningosepticum (8, 61.5%) infections. However, no Ralstonia isolate was found in burn wounds of patients with Ralstonia bacteremia. A high concordance rate of central venous catheter cultures with blood cultures was noted in Ralstonia mannitolilytica (5, 62.5%) and Chryseobacterium indologenes (3, 60%) infections. Approximately 21.1% of A. baumannii strains were resistant to carbapenem. All S. aureus isolates were susceptible to methicillin. Waterborne bacteria should be considered in patients of burns with possible water contact. Empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics should be considered for patients who were hospitalized for severe sepsis, or septic shock with a large burn. Antibiotic treatment should be administered based on the specific pathogens and their detection points. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Post-fire Vegetation Regeneration Dynamics to Topography and Burn Severity in two contrasting ecosystems: the Case of the Montane Cordillera Ecozones of Western Canada & that of a Typical Mediterranean site in Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ireland, Gareth; Petropoulos, George P.; Kalivas, Dionissios; Griffirths, Hywel M.; Louka, Panagiota

2015-04-01

Altering land cover dynamics is currently regarded as the single most important variable of global change affecting ecological systems. Wildfires are an integral part of many terrestrial ecosystems and are considered to dramatically affect land cover dynamics at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. In this context, knowledge of the spatio-temporal distribution of post-fire vegetation recovery dynamics is of key importance. In this study, we explore the relationships between vegetation recovery dynamics to topography and burn severity for two different ecosystems using a chronosequence of Landsat TM data images analysis. One of our experimental sites is the Okanagan Mountain Park, located in the Montane Cordillera Ecozones of western Canada at which a fire occurred in 2003. The other is Mt. Parnitha, located in Greece, representing a typical Mediterranean setting. The spatio-temporal patterns of regrowth for 8 years following the fire events were quantified based on the analysis of 2 widely used indices, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Regeneration Index (RI). Burn severity was derived from the differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) index computed from the Landsat TM images. Topographical information for the studied area was obtained from the ASTER global operational product. Relationships of vegetation regrowth to both topography and burn severity was quantified using a series of additional statistical metrics. In overall, results indicated noticeable differences in the recovery rates of both ecosystems to the pre-fire patterns. Re-growth rates appeared to be somewhat higher in north-facing slopes in comparison to south facing ones for both experimental sites, in common with other similar studies in different ecosystems. Lastly, areas of lower burn severity exhibited a higher recovery rate compared to areas of high severity burns. Results are presented in detail and an explanation of the main observation trends is also attempted to be provided. To our knowledge, this study is one of the few attempting to explore the relationships between post-fire vegetation regrowth and topography or burn severity, particularly so in such a comparative and systematic manner between two contrasting ecosystem types. It corroborates the significance of EO technology as a successful and cost-effective solution in providing information related to post-fire regeneration assessment. Keywords: post-fire vegetation regeneration, topography, burn severity, Landsat, remote sensing, Cordillera Ecozones, Canada, Mt. Parnitha, Greece

Buoyancy and Pressure Effects on Bulk Metal-Oxygen Reactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbud-Madrid, A.; McKnight, C.; Branch, M. C.; Daily, J. W.; Friedman, R. (Technical Monitor)

1998-01-01

The combustion behavior of metal-oxygen reactions if a weakly buoyant environment is studied to understand the rate-controlling mechanisms in the homogeneous and heterogeneous combustion of bulk metals. Cylindrical titanium and magnesium specimens are ignited in pure-oxygen at pressures ranging from 0.1 to 4.0 atm. Reduced gravity is obtained from an aircraft flying parabolic trajectories. A weakly buoyant environment is generated at low pressures under normal gravity and also at 1 atm under reduced gravity (0.01g). The similarity between these two experimental conditions comes from the p(exp 2)g buoyancy scale extracted from the Grashof number. Lower propagation rates of the molten interface on titanium samples are found at progressively lower pressures at 1 g. These rates are compared to theoretical results from heat conduction analyses with a diffusion/convection controlled reaction. The close agreement found between experimental and theoretical values indicate the importance values indicate the importance of natural convection enhanced oxygen transport on combustion rates. For magnesium, progressively longer burning times are experienced at lower pressures and 1 g. Under reduced gravity conditions at 1 atm, a burning time twice as long as in 1 g is exhibited. However, in this case, the validity of the p(exp 2)g buoyancy scale remains untested due to the inability to obtain steady gas-phase burning of the magnesium sample at 0.1 atm. Nevertheless, longer burning times and larger flame standoff distance at low pressures and at low gravity points to a diffusion/convection controlled reaction.

Does voltage predict return to work and neuropsychiatric sequelae following electrical burn injury?

PubMed

Chudasama, Shruti; Goverman, Jeremy; Donaldson, Jeffrey H; van Aalst, John; Cairns, Bruce A; Hultman, Charles Scott

2010-05-01

Voltage has historically guided the acute management and long-term prognosis of physical morbidity in electrical injury patients; however, few large studies exist that include neuropsychiatric morbidity in final outcome analysis. This review compares high (>1000 V) to low (<1000 V) voltage injuries, focusing on return to work and neuropsychiatric sequelae following electrical burn injury. Patients with electrical injuries admitted to the University of North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center between 2000 and 2005 were prospectively entered into a trauma database, then retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 4 cohorts: high voltage (>1000 V), low voltage (<1000 V), flash arc, and lightning. Demographics, hospital course, and follow-up were recorded to determine physical and neuropsychiatric morbidity. Differences among cohorts were tested for statistical significance. Over 5 years, 2548 patients were admitted to the burn center, including 115 patients with electrical injuries. There were 110 males and 5 females, with a mean age of 35 years (range, 0.75-65 years). The cause of the electrical injury was high voltage in 60 cases, low voltage in 25 cases, flash arc in 29 cases and lightning in 1 case. The mean total body surface area burn was 8% (range, 0%-52%). The etiology was work-related electrical injury in 85 patients. Mean follow-up period was 352 days with 13 (11%) patients lost to follow-up. Patients with high voltage injuries had significantly larger total body surface area burn, longer ICU stays, longer hospitalizations, and significantly higher rates of fasciotomy, amputation, nerve decompression and outpatient reconstruction, with 4 cases of renal failure and 2 deaths. In spite of these differences, high and low voltage groups experienced similar rates of neuropsychiatric sequelae, limited return to work and delays in return to work. Final impairment ratings for the high and low voltage groups were 17.5% and 5.3%, respectively. Electrical injuries often incur severe morbidity despite relatively small burn size and/or low voltage. When comparing high and low voltage injuries, similarities in endpoints such as neuropsychiatric sequelae, the need for late reconstruction, and failure to return to work challenge previous notions that voltage predicts outcome.

The effect of seasonality on burn incidence, severity and outcome in Central Malawi.

PubMed

Tyson, Anna F; Gallaher, Jared; Mjuweni, Stephen; Cairns, Bruce A; Charles, Anthony G

2017-08-01

In much of the world, burns are more common in cold months. However, few studies have described the seasonality of burns in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the effect of seasonality on the incidence and outcome of burns in central Malawi. A retrospective analysis was performed at Kamuzu Central Hospital and included all patients admitted from May 2011 to August 2014. Demographic data, burn mechanism, total body surface area (%TBSA), and mortality were analyzed. Seasons were categorized as Rainy (December-February), Lush (March-May), Cold (June-August) and Hot (September-November). A negative binomial regression was used to assess the effect of seasonality on burn incidence. This was performed using both the raw and deseasonalized data in order to evaluate for trends not attributable to random fluctuation. A total of 905 patients were included. Flame (38%) and Scald (59%) burns were the most common mechanism. More burns occurred during the cold season (41% vs 19-20% in the other seasons). Overall mortality was 19%. Only the cold season had a statistically significant increase in burn . The incidence rate ratios (IRR) for the hot, lush, and cold seasons were 0.94 (CI 0.6-1.32), 1.02 (CI 0.72-1.45) and 1.6 (CI 1.17-2.19), respectively, when compared to the rainy season. Burn severity and mortality did not differ between seasons. The results of this study demonstrate the year-round phenomenon of burns treated at our institution, and highlights the slight predominance of burns during the cold season. These data can be used to guide prevention strategies, with special attention to the implications of the increased burn incidence during the cold season. Though burn severity and mortality remain relatively unchanged between seasons, recognizing the seasonal variability in incidence of burns is critical for resource allocation in this low-income setting. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Long term mortality in critically ill burn survivors.

PubMed

Nitzschke, Stephanie; Offodile, Anaeze C; Cauley, Ryan P; Frankel, Jason E; Beam, Andrew; Elias, Kevin M; Gibbons, Fiona K; Salim, Ali; Christopher, Kenneth B

2017-09-01

Little is known about long term survival risk factors in critically ill burn patients who survive hospitalization. We hypothesized that patients with major burns who survive hospitalization would have favorable long term outcomes. We performed a two center observational cohort study in 365 critically ill adult burn patients who survived to hospital discharge. The exposure of interest was major burn defined a priori as >20% total body surface area burned [TBSA]. The modified Baux score was determined by age + %TBSA+ 17(inhalational injury). The primary outcome was all-cause 5year mortality based on the US Social Security Administration Death Master File. Adjusted associations were estimated through fitting of multivariable logistic regression models. Our final model included adjustment for inhalational injury, presence of 3rd degree burn, gender and the acute organ failure score, a validated ICU risk-prediction score derived from age, ethnicity, surgery vs. medical patient type, comorbidity, sepsis and acute organ failure covariates. Time-to-event analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazard regression. Of the cohort patients studied, 76% were male, 29% were non white, 14% were over 65, 32% had TBSA >20%, and 45% had inhalational injury. The mean age was 45, 92% had 2nd degree burns, 60% had 3rd degree burns, 21% received vasopressors, and 26% had sepsis. The mean TBSA was 20.1%. The mean modified Baux score was 72.8. Post hospital discharge 5year mortality rate was 9.0%. The 30day hospital readmission rate was 4%. Patients with major burns were significantly younger (41 vs. 47 years) had a significantly higher modified Baux score (89 vs. 62), and had significantly higher comorbidity, acute organ failure, inhalational injury and sepsis (all P<0.05). There were no differences in gender and the acute organ failure score between major and non-major burns. In the multivariable logistic regression model, major burn was associated with a 3 fold decreased odds of 5year post-discharge mortality compared to patients with TBSA<20% [OR=0.29 (95%CI 0.11-0.78; P=0.014)]. The adjusted model showed good discrimination [AUC 0.81 (95%CI 0.74-0.89)] and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow χ 2 P=0.67). Cox proportional hazard multivariable regression modeling, adjusting for inhalational injury, presence of 3rd degree burn, gender and the acute organ failure score, showed that major burn was predictive of lower mortality following hospital admission [HR=0.34 (95% CI 0.15-0.76; P=0.009)]. The modified Baux score was not predictive for mortality following hospital discharge [OR 5year post-discharge mortality=1.00 (95%CI 0.99-1.02; P=0.74); HR for post-discharge mortality=1.00 (95% CI 0.99-1.02; P=0.55)]. Critically ill patients with major burns who survive to hospital discharge have decreased 5year mortality compared to those with less severe burns. ICU Burn unit patients who survive to hospital discharge are younger with less comorbidities. The observed relationship is likely due to the relatively higher physiological reserve present in those who survive a Burn ICU course which may provide for a survival advantage during recovery after major burn. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Self-deflagration rates of 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB). [burning tate, thermal stability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boggs, T. L.; Price, C. F.; Zurn, D. E.; Atwood, A. I.; Eisel, J. L.

1980-01-01

The thermal stability and resistance to impact was investigated for the ingredient TABA. Particular attention was given to determining the use of TABA as a possible alternative ingredient or substitute for HMX in explosives and high energy propellants. The burn rate of TABA was investigated as a function of pressure. It was concluded that the self deflagration rate of TABA is an order of magnitude lower than HMX over the range 2000-15000 psi; TABA will not sustain self deflagration at low pressures (less than or equal to 1500 psi) in the sample configuration and apparatus used.

Early effects of forest fire on streamflow characteristics.

Treesearch

H.W. Berndt

1971-01-01

A comparison of streamflow records from three small mountain streams in north-central Washington before, during, and after a severe forest fire showed three immediate effects of destructive burning. These were: 1. Flow rate was greatly reduced while the fire was actively burning. 2. Destruction of vegetation in the riparian zone reduced...

Root Disease, Longleaf Pine Mortality, and Prescribed Burning

Treesearch

William J. Otrosina; Charles H. Walkinshaw; Stanley J. Zarnoch; Shi-Jean S. Sung; Brian T. Sullivan

2002-01-01

Abstract - A study was initiated at the Savannah River Site, New Ellenton, SC, to determine factors involved in decline of longleaf pine associated with prescribed burning. Pretreatment and post-treatment surveys were conducted on all treatment plots. Symptomatic trees were recorded by means of a crown rating system based upon symptom severity. Three...

40 CFR 761.71 - High efficiency boilers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... PROHIBITIONS Storage and Disposal § 761.71 High efficiency boilers. (a) To burn mineral oil dielectric fluid... percent when PCBs are being burned. (iv) The mineral oil dielectric fluid does not comprise more than 10 percent (on a volume basis) of the total fuel feed rate. (v) The mineral oil dielectric fluid is not fed...

40 CFR 761.71 - High efficiency boilers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... PROHIBITIONS Storage and Disposal § 761.71 High efficiency boilers. (a) To burn mineral oil dielectric fluid... percent when PCBs are being burned. (iv) The mineral oil dielectric fluid does not comprise more than 10 percent (on a volume basis) of the total fuel feed rate. (v) The mineral oil dielectric fluid is not fed...

Inhalation injury in a burn unit: a retrospective review of prognostic factors

PubMed Central

Monteiro, D.; Silva, I.; Egipto, P.; Magalhães, A.; Filipe, R.; Silva, A.; Rodrigues, A.; Costa, J.

2017-01-01

Summary Inhalation injury (InI) is known to seriously affect the prognosis of burn patients, as it is strongly associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite major advances in the treatment of burn patients in the past years, advances in the treatment of smoke InI have been somewhat limited; mortality reduction mostly results from improvements in critical care. It is difficult to separate the contribution of InI from other mechanisms that also affect respiratory tract and lungs. The aim of this study was to compare patients with and without InI and to identify prognostic factors among patients with smoke InI. Patients with InI displayed higher total body surface area (TBSA) burned, higher incidence of pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a higher rate of positive blood cultures and a significantly higher death rate. We could conclude that older age, higher TBSA, ARDS and pneumonia were independent predictive factors for mortality in our global study population. Older age and higher TBSA were the only independent factors found to be predictive of mortality in patients with InI. PMID:29021724

Inhalation injury in a burn unit: a retrospective review of prognostic factors.

PubMed

Monteiro, D; Silva, I; Egipto, P; Magalhães, A; Filipe, R; Silva, A; Rodrigues, A; Costa, J

2017-06-30

Inhalation injury (InI) is known to seriously affect the prognosis of burn patients, as it is strongly associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite major advances in the treatment of burn patients in the past years, advances in the treatment of smoke InI have been somewhat limited; mortality reduction mostly results from improvements in critical care. It is difficult to separate the contribution of InI from other mechanisms that also affect respiratory tract and lungs. The aim of this study was to compare patients with and without InI and to identify prognostic factors among patients with smoke InI. Patients with InI displayed higher total body surface area (TBSA) burned, higher incidence of pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a higher rate of positive blood cultures and a significantly higher death rate. We could conclude that older age, higher TBSA, ARDS and pneumonia were independent predictive factors for mortality in our global study population. Older age and higher TBSA were the only independent factors found to be predictive of mortality in patients with InI.

Development of a reactive burn model based on an explicit viscoplastic pore collapse model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouton, E.; Lefrançois, A.; Belmas, R.

2017-01-01

The aim of this study is to develop a reactive burn model based upon a microscopic hot spot model to compute the shock-initiation of pressed TATB high explosives. Such a model has been implemented in a lagrangian hydrodynamic code. In our calculations, 8 pore radii, ranging from 40 nm to 0.63 μm, have been taken into account and the porosity fraction associated to each void radius has been deduced from the Ultra-Small-Angle X-ray Scattering measurements (USAXS) for PBX-9502. The last parameter of our model is a burn rate that depends on three variables. The first two are the reaction progress variable and the lead shock pressure, the last one is the chemical reaction site number produced in the flow and calculated by the microscopic model. This burn rate has been calibrated by fitting pressure, velocity profiles and run distances to detonation. As the computed results are in close agreement with the measured ones, this model is able to perform a wide variety of numerical simulations including single, double shock waves and the desensitization phenomenon.

Miniature Rocket Motor for Aircraft Stall/Spin Recovery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lucy, M. H.

1985-01-01

Design accommodates different thrust levels and burn times with minimum weight. Different thrust levels achieved by substituting other propellants of different diameter and burn-rate characteristics. Different burn times achieved by simply changing length of grain/tube assembly. Grain bond material also acts as insulator for fiberglass tube. Rocket motor attached to aircraft model and ignited from radio-controlled 4.8-volt power source. Device provides more than twice energy available in previous designs at only 60 percent of weight. Rocket motor used to identify energy requirements for aircraft stall/spin recovery positive propulsion system.

Mass Burns Disaster in Abule-egba, Lagos, Nigeria from a Petroleum Pipeline Explosion Fire

PubMed Central

Fadeyibi, I.O.; Omosebi, D.T.; Jewo, P.I.; Ademiluyi, S.A.

2009-01-01

Summary The aim of this paper is to review the basic principles of triage in mass burns disasters and discuss the experience of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Nigeria, in the December 2006 disaster at Abule-Egba, Lagos, Nigeria. It is hoped that the experience gained will help in the planning for and management of similar disasters in the developing countries with limited facilities. Burn injury has been described as the severest form of trauma and its management is very challenging as it is often accompanied by numerous pathophysiological changes. Successful management requires expert management by well-trained personnel in equipped and dedicated centres. In mass disasters the total number of victims may exceed the capability of the facility and its staff and a system for sorting out the patients and caring for those that will benefit from the facilities available needs to be developed. Other patients will either be sent to other medical facilities for further treatment or discharged after initial care for future follow-up. Documented experiences in the management of mass burns disasters from petroleum pipeline explosions from developing countries are rare. However, petroleum pipeline explosions, especially in the Lagos area of Nigeria, are relatively common. These cases have been associated with a variety of factors. The resulting morbidity and mortality have been high. LASUTH has a dedicated burns centre, which has received and managed many burn patients. Triage is the medical process of screening patients according to their need of treatment and the resources available. The aims and objectives of triage are discussed, its various levels described, and the final goals elaborated. All the burn victims involved in the 2006 disaster were studied, together with the triage carried out at different levels and the consequent sorting of the patients. Standard burns management was carried out. A total of 385 patients sustained burns of various degrees from the fire resulting from the explosion. On site, emergency department (ED) and intra-hospital triage were carried out. Ninety patients were brought to the LASUTH ED. Of these, 51 patients (56.67%) received first-aid treatment and were either discharged for out-patient follow-up or referred to secondary health care facilities. Twenty-eight (31.11%) out of the remaining 39 patients with burns in more than 70% total body surface area (TBSA) were categorized as unsalvageable and 11 (12.22%) with less than 70% TBSA as salvageable. All the patients in the unsalvageable group died (i.e. 100% mortality), while one patient died in the salvageable group (mortality rate, 9.09%). The mortality rate for the ruptured petroleum product pipeline incident was 84.16%; the fatality rate for all patients seen at LASUTH was 32.22%. The need for caution in the handling of petroleum products is discussed and the effectiveness of the triage system used is highlighted. In conclusion, burns from flammable petroleum products can be very dangerous and proper triage should therefore be carried out, with salvageable patients being managed by experts in dedicated burns centres. PMID:21991163

Turbulent Nuclear Burning of Carbon Fuel in Double-Degenerate White Dwarfs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mozumdar, Pritom; Fisher, Robert

2018-01-01

Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are of interest as standardizable cosmological candles, though their stellar progenitors are still poorly understood. The double-degenerate (DD) channel is promising, but the mechanism for the explosion remains a matter of active investigation. A long-standing problem in modeling SNe Ia is the fact that 3D simulations leave the length scales crucial for a possible detonation unresolved. In this work, we have performed local 3D hydrodynamical adaptive mesh refinement simulations of driven turbulence for various initial conditions characteristic of the DD scenario, which are capable of capturing length scales relevant to the Zel’dovich gradient mechanism. Because the carbon burning rate is highly sensitive to temperature in this regime, we demonstrate that turbulence can dramatically enhance the nuclear burning rate, and we investigate the connection to a possible detonation.

Microscopic modelling of ignition and burning for well-arranged energetic crystals in response to drop-weight impact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yanqing; Huang, Fenglei; Zhou, Min

2014-05-01

To probe into impact sensitivity of energetic crystals, a theoretical approach was developed for modelling a single layer of energetic particles between upper striker and below base. Considering the particle plasticity, frictional heating, melting, fracture, and chemical reaction at particle level, effects of loading parameters and sample characteristics on time-to-ignition and burning rate were compared. Finite element numerical simulations were simultaneously performed to provide supporting evidence for thermo-mechanical interactions among energetic particles. Once hot- spots ignition occurred during impact, the macrokinetics of chemical reactions were formulated by hot-spots density, combustion wave velocity and geometric factor. The resulting reaction may or may not develop into a violent event, may be sustained or be extinguished, which can be revealed from the subsequent burn reaction rate.

[Analysis of projects received and funded in fields of emergency and intensive care medicine/trauma/burns/plastic surgery from National Natural Science Foundation of China during 2010-2013].

PubMed

Xiong, Kun; Wang, Linlin; Chen, Xulin; Cao, Yongqian; Xiang, Chuan; Xue, Lixiang; Yan, Zhangcai

2014-01-01

To summarized the projects received and funded in the fields of emergency and intensive care medicine/trauma/burns/plastic surgery from National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) during 2010-2013, put forward the thinking and perspective of this future trend in these fields. The number of the funded project and total funding in the fields of emergency and intensive care medicine/trauma/burns/plastic surgery from NSFC during 2010-2013 had been statistical analyzed, in the meantime, the overview situation of various branches in basic research and further preliminary analysis the research frontier and hot issues have been analyzed. (1) The number of funded project were 581 in H15 of NSFC during 2010-2013, total funding reached to 277.13 million RMB, including 117 projects in H1511 (emergency and intensive care medicine/trauma/burns/plastic surgery and other science issue), 96 projects in H1507 (wound healing and scar), 88 projects in H1502 (multi-organ failure), 71 projects in H1505 (burn), 61 projects in H1504 (trauma). (2) The top 10 working unit for project funding in the field of emergency and intensive care medicine/trauma/burns/plastic surgery present as Third Military Medical University (70), Shanghai Jiao tong University (69), Second Military Medical University (40), Chinese PLA General Hospital (36), Forth Military Medical University (35), Zhejiang University (22), Sun Yat-Sen University (18), Southern Medical University (14), China Medical University (11), Capital Medical University (11) respectively, the number of funded project positive correlated with funding. (3) The funded research field in H15 covered almost all important organs and system injury or repair research, our scientists reached a fairly high level in some research field, for example, sepsis, trauma, repair, et al. "Sepsis" was funded 112 projects in H15 for 4 years, the growth rate became rapid and stable comparing to shock, burns and cardiopulmonary resuscitation funded projects' number. "Emergency and intensive care medicine/trauma/burns" research fields related to heart, lung, bone/cartilage/muscle, stomach/intestinal/liver, brain/spinal cord/peripheral nerve and other tissues/organs. The number of funded projects in plastic surgery related research fields in angioma and flap related projects were down below to 3 projects, but the number of funded project in wounds, scar repair related research field were more than other fields relatively. (4) In frontier and research hot issue, the funded rate represent as 23.8%, 21.4%, 19.0% and 23.9% in stem cell related research fields in 4 years respectively. The funded rate average to 20.9% in epigenetic related research fields for four years, the funded rate achieved to break through "zero" in autophagy related research fields, the total rate raised to 32.6% from 2011 to 2013. The funded number and funding were raised rapidly in the fields of emergency and intensive care medicine/trauma/burns/plastic surgery from NSFC. The application for each proposal should be focus on concise or upgrade the scientific issues to improve the quality. The depth or systematic in content and interdisciplinary research fields (e.g. immunology) should be paid attention to. Sepsis, trauma and burns will be the main stream direction in future in the fields of emergency and intensive care medicine/trauma/burns/plastic surgery. The fields of wound healing and scar, surface organ defects, damage, repair and regeneration, surface tissue/organ transplantation and reconstruction, craniofacial deformities and correction are important develop directions in future work.

Exhaust system-related burns affecting children: a UK perspective and literature review

PubMed Central

Vermaak, P.V.; Deall, C.E.; McArdle, C.; Burge, T.

2016-01-01

Summary Burns caused by exhaust systems in children may be associated with considerable morbidity. Current epidemiological data varies, but no data are available for the UK population. We aim to identify the pattern of exhaust-related burns affecting children who presented to a regional centre for paediatric burn care in the UK. Patients who sustained burns related to exhaust mechanisms between May 2005 and August 2012 were identified via the departmental database. Data collected included patient demographics, burn injury information, management and outcomes. Thirty-nine patients sustained 43 burns from contact with exhaust mechanisms, and the majority were less than 5 years of age. 77% of the patients were male. Burns affected critical areas such as the hands and feet in 26% of cases. Most burns involved a total body surface area of ≤1% and were partial thickness in depth. Thirty-three percent of patients required operative intervention. Time to heal was less than 3 weeks in 69% of cases and 3 patients healed with hypertrophic scarring. The majority of burns were small in size and partial thickness in depth. Most were treated conservatively and healed with low complication rates. More than 1 in 5 injuries involved critical burn areas, highlighting the potential for considerable morbidity. The age profile in our study contrasted with other results worldwide. Our study highlights the need for vigilant supervision of children around motorcycles. We recommend the wearing of protective long trousers when riding motorcycles and the fitting of external shields to motorcycle exhaust pipes. PMID:28149228

Medieval warming initiated exceptionally large wildfire outbreaks in the Rocky Mountains

PubMed Central

Calder, W. John; Parker, Dusty; Stopka, Cody J.; Jiménez-Moreno, Gonzalo; Shuman, Bryan N.

2015-01-01

Many of the largest wildfires in US history burned in recent decades, and climate change explains much of the increase in area burned. The frequency of extreme wildfire weather will increase with continued warming, but many uncertainties still exist about future fire regimes, including how the risk of large fires will persist as vegetation changes. Past fire-climate relationships provide an opportunity to constrain the related uncertainties, and reveal widespread burning across large regions of western North America during past warm intervals. Whether such episodes also burned large portions of individual landscapes has been difficult to determine, however, because uncertainties with the ages of past fires and limited spatial resolution often prohibit specific estimates of past area burned. Accounting for these challenges in a subalpine landscape in Colorado, we estimated century-scale fire synchroneity across 12 lake-sediment charcoal records spanning the past 2,000 y. The percentage of sites burned only deviated from the historic range of variability during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA) between 1,200 and 850 y B.P., when temperatures were similar to recent decades. Between 1,130 and 1,030 y B.P., 83% (median estimate) of our sites burned when temperatures increased ∼0.5 °C relative to the preceding centuries. Lake-based fire rotation during the MCA decreased to an estimated 120 y, representing a 260% higher rate of burning than during the period of dendroecological sampling (360 to −60 y B.P.). Increased burning, however, did not persist throughout the MCA. Burning declined abruptly before temperatures cooled, indicating possible fuel limitations to continued burning. PMID:26438834

Forest edge burning in the Brazilian Amazon promoted by escaping fires from managed pastures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cano-Crespo, Ana; Oliveira, Paulo J. C.; Boit, Alice; Cardoso, Manoel; Thonicke, Kirsten

2015-10-01

Understanding to what extent different land uses influence fire occurrence in the Amazonian forest is particularly relevant for its conservation. We evaluate the relationship between forest fires and different anthropogenic activities linked to a variety of land uses in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso, Pará, and Rondônia. We combine the new high-resolution (30 m) TerraClass land use database with Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer burned area data for 2008 and the extreme dry year of 2010. Excluding the non-forest class, most of the burned area was found in pastures, primary and secondary forests, and agricultural lands across all three states, while only around 1% of the total was located in deforested areas. The trend in burned area did not follow the declining deforestation rates from 2001 to 2010, and the spatial overlap between deforested and burned areas was only 8% on average. This supports the claim of deforestation being disconnected from burning since 2005. Forest degradation showed an even lower correlation with burned area. We found that fires used in managing pastoral and agricultural lands that escape into the neighboring forests largely contribute to forest fires. Such escaping fires are responsible for up to 52% of the burned forest edges adjacent to burned pastures and up to 22% of the burned forest edges adjacent to burned agricultural fields, respectively. Our findings call for the development of control and monitoring plans to prevent fires from escaping from managed lands into forests to support effective land use and ecosystem management.

Tensile and burning properties of clay/phenolic/GF composite and its application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diharjo, Kuncoro; Armunanto, V. Bram; Kristiawan, S. Adi

2016-03-01

Composite material has been widely used in automotive due to its properties can be improved by combining with reinforcement, like fiber and particle to enhance mechanical properties and burning resistance. This study aims to investigate the tensile and burning properties of hybrid composite combining glass fiber and clay in phenolic resin. The clay was produced from roof tile rejected by tile industries in Sokka, Kebumen, Indonesia. The composite was made using a press mold method for different number of laminates and orientation of woven-roving-glass-fiber/ WRGF (0/90 and ±45), and the total volume fraction of fiber and clay is constant 40%. The specimens were tested using universal testing machine for tensile properties and burning tests apparatus for burning resistance (time to ignite/ TTI and burning rate/ BR). The enhancing of the Clay/Penolic/GF composite can be performed by the increasing of GF laminates, and the composite with 0/90 orientation of WRGF has higher tensile strength and modulus compared to that with ±45 orientation of WRGF. Both composite with 0/90 and ±45 orientation of WRGF have similar burning resistance (TTI and BR) and the composite containing 13 laminates of WR-GF shows the best burning resistance. According to these properties, this composite has good opportunity to be applied as car body panels or other structure in industries due to save weight and high burning resistance.

A prospective observational study investigating all children presenting to a specialty paediatric burns centre.

PubMed

Stockton, K A; Harvey, J; Kimble, R M

2015-05-01

The aim of this study was to describe the mechanism of injury and outcome of all children who presented to The Stuart Pegg Paediatric Burns Centre (SPPBC) with a burn injury in the year 2013. A detailed proforma was completed prospectively at time of presentation to hospital. During the one year period, 758 children with a median age of 2 years 3 months presented with a burn injury. Overall, 12.7% of patients (n=96) were initially treated as inpatients. Similarities existed between in and outpatients. Over half the children admitted had a scald injury (53.1%). Whilst slightly higher than the outpatient scald rate of 43.1% there was no statistical significant difference. However, there was a significant difference between inpatients and outpatients with respect to other mechanisms of injury. Contact burns were under represented in inpatients (27.1%) compared to outpatients (44.5%), p<0.05. In contrast, flame burns were over represented in inpatients, 11.5% compared to outpatients, 2.9% (p<0.05). Paediatric burns are a common cause of childhood injury. The majority of children present with small to medium sized partial thickness injuries and are managed as outpatients. In order to understand the true impact of paediatric burn injury and to develop appropriate targeted injury prevention campaigns, data repositories must include detailed information regarding outpatient paediatric burns. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

A 10-year experience with major burns from a non-burn intensive care unit.

PubMed

Ibarra Estrada, Miguel Ángel; Chávez Peña, Quetzalcóatl; García Guardado, Dante Ismael; López Pulgarín, José Arnulfo; Aguirre Avalos, Guadalupe; Corona Jiménez, Federico

2014-09-01

The aim of this study was to review clinical data and outcomes of patients with burns in a Mexican non-burn intensive care unit (ICU). We did a retrospective analysis of our single-centre database of burn patients admitted to the ICU in the Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde (University Hospital). The sample was divided for analysis into two groups according to the outcome 'death' or 'discharge' from ICU. Overall mortality was 58.2%, without a decreasing trend in mortality rates through the years. We identified the presence of third-degree burns (odds ratio (OR) 1.5, p=0.003), and >49% total burned surface area (TBSA; OR 3.3, p≤0.001) was associated with mortality. Mean age was higher in deceased patients (38.2 years vs. 31.3 years, p=0.003) as was the TBSA (62.8% vs. 36.4%, p≤0.001). At multivariate analysis, inhalation injury was not associated with increased mortality, but it was with more mechanical ventilation days. Early surgical debridement/cleansing was performed in most patients; however, the mean of the procedures was 1.7 per patient in both groups. We identified significant factors associated with mortality. These variables and prognosis from non-burn ICUs differ broadly compared with burn intensive care units (BICUs); thus, more structured, multidisciplinary and specialised treatment strategies are still needed. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Mountain plover nest survival in relation to prairie dog and fire dynamics in shortgrass steppe

USGS Publications Warehouse

Augustine, David J.; Skagen, Susan K.

2014-01-01

Disturbed xeric grasslands with short, sparse vegetation provide breeding habitat for mountain plovers (Charadrius montanus) across the western Great Plains. Maintaining local disturbance regimes through prairie dog conservation and prescribed fire may contribute to the sustainability of recently declining mountain plover populations, but these management approaches can be controversial. We estimated habitat-specific mountain plover densities and nest survival rates on black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies and burns in the shortgrass steppe of northeastern Colorado. Mountain plover densities were similar on prairie dog colonies (5.9 birds/km2; 95% CI = 4.7–7.4) and sites burned during the preceding dormant season (6.7 birds/km2; 95% CI = 4.6–9.6), whereas the 29-day nest survival rate was greater on prairie dog colonies (0.81 in 2011 and 0.39 in 2012) compared to the burned sites (0.64 in 2011 and 0.17 in 2012). Reduced nest survival in 2012 compared to 2011 was associated with higher maximum daily temperatures in 2012, consistent with a previous weather-based model of mountain plover nest survival in the southern Great Plains. Measurements of mountain plover density relative to time since disturbance showed that removal of prairie dog disturbance by sylvatic plague reduced mountain plover density by 70% relative to active prairie dog colonies after 1 year. Plover densities declined at a similar rate (by 78%) at burned sites between the first and second post-burn growing season. Results indicate that black-tailed prairie dog colonies are a particularly important nesting habitat for mountain plovers in the southern Great Plains. In addition, findings suggest that prescribed burning can be a valuable means to create nesting habitat in landscapes where other types of disturbances (such as prairie dog colonies) are limited in distribution and size. 

Propagation of Cutaneous Thermal Injury: A Mathematical Model

PubMed Central

Xue, Chuan; Chou, Ching-Shan; Kao, Chiu-Yen; Sen, Chandan K.; Friedman, Avner

2012-01-01

Cutaneous burn wounds represent a significant public health problem with 500,000 patients per year in the U.S. seeking medical attention. Immediately after skin burn injury, the volume of the wound burn expands due to a cascade of chemical reactions, including lipid peroxidation chain reactions. Based on these chemical reactions, the present paper develops for the first time a three-dimensional mathematical model to quantify the propagation of tissue damage within 12 hours post initial burn. We use the model to investigate the effect of supplemental antioxidant vitamin E for stopping the propagation. We show, for example, that if the production rate of vitamin E is increased, post burn, by five times the natural production in a healthy tissue, then this would slow down the lipid peroxide propagation by at least 50%. Our model is formulated in terms of differential equations, and sensitivity analysis is performed on the parameters to ensure the robustness of the results. PMID:22211391

Evaluation of the Epoxy/Antimony Trioxide Nanocomposites as Flame Retardant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dheyaa, Balqees M.; Jassim, Widad H.; Hameed, Noor A.

2018-05-01

Antimony trioxide nanopowder was added for epoxy resin in various amount weight percentages (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10) wt% to increase the combustion resistance and decrease the flammability for it. The study included three standard tests used to measure: limiting oxygen index (LOI), rate of burning (R.B), burning extent (E.B), burning time (T.B), maximum flame height (H) and residue percentage after burning in order to determine the effectiveness of the used additives to decrease the flammability of epoxy resin and increase the combustion resistance. Thermal test was done by using Lee’s disk to measure the thermal conductivity coefficient. The thermal stability and degradation kinetics of epoxy resin without reinforcement and with reinforcement by (10 wt%) were studied by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The recorded results indicated that epoxy reinforced by (10 wt%) has a good effect as flame retardants for epoxy resin and active to inhibit burning and reduce the flammability.

The Burn Wound Microenvironment

PubMed Central

Rose, Lloyd F.; Chan, Rodney K.

2016-01-01

Significance: While the survival rate of the severely burned patient has improved significantly, relatively little progress has been made in treatment or prevention of burn-induced long-term sequelae, such as contraction and fibrosis. Recent Advances: Our knowledge of the molecular pathways involved in burn wounds has increased dramatically, and technological advances now allow large-scale genomic studies, providing a global view of wound healing processes. Critical Issues: Translating findings from a large number of in vitro and preclinical animal studies into clinical practice represents a gap in our understanding, and the failures of a number of clinical trials suggest that targeting single pathways or cytokines may not be the best approach. Significant opportunities for improvement exist. Future Directions: Study of the underlying molecular influences of burn wound healing progression will undoubtedly continue as an active research focus. Increasing our knowledge of these processes will identify additional therapeutic targets, supporting informed clinical studies that translate into clinical relevance and practice. PMID:26989577

Women's recovery, negotiation of appearance, and social reintegration following a burn.

PubMed

Dekel, Bianca; van Niekerk, Ashley

2018-06-01

The gendered nature of postburn coping has received scant research attention in South Africa, a country that has a high rate of burns with significant concentrations among women. In this study, narratives that emerged from in-depth interviews with seven women were examined. The narratives emphasized essential needs of these burn survivors for personal support, the complexities of negotiating intimate relationships, struggles with the humiliation from family and friends, in some instances strained relationships with children, the support found through religious beliefs and institutions, and often frustratingly slow psychological acceptance of scars. These difficulties faced by women survivors of burns have highlighted the need to include religion/spirituality, intimate male partners, and women's children into the psychological recovery process, in an attempt to assist women's journey to psychological and emotional healing after burn. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Terror-inflicted thermal injury: A retrospective analysis of burns in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict between the years 1997 and 2003.

PubMed

Haik, Josef; Tessone, Ariel; Givon, Adi; Liran, Alon; Winkler, Eyal; Mendes, David; Goldan, Oren; Bar-Meir, Eran; Regev, Eli; Orenstein, Arie; Peleg, Kobi

2006-12-01

Terror attacks have changed in the past decade, with a growing tendency toward explosives and suicide bombings, which led to a rise in the incidence of thermal injuries among victims. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict of October 2000 marked a turning point when an organized terror campaign commenced. This article presents data of terror-associated burns from the Israeli National Trauma Registry (ITR) during the years 1997 to September 2000 and October 2000 to 2003. We analyzed demographic and clinical characteristics of 219 terror-related burn patients and 6,546 other burn patients admitted to hospitals in Israel between 1997 and 2003. Data were obtained from the ITR. Burns contributed about 9% of all terror related trauma and about 5% of all other trauma (p < 0.0001). These percentages have not changed significantly before and after October 2000. Terror-related burns afflict Jewish males more than predicted by their percentage in the population, whereas other burns afflict non-Jewish males more than predicted. Adults and young adults (15-59 years) are the predominant group in terror-related burns (80%), whereas children younger than 15 years are the predominant group in other burns (50%). Large burns (20% to 89% total body surface area) are more common in terror casualties, with greater mortality (6.4% in terror-related versus 3.4% in others; p = 0.0258). Although the incidence of burns has risen because of an organized campaign, this change was noticeable in other trauma forms as well in similar proportions. Terror-related burns afflict a targeted population, and generally take on a more severe course with greater mortality rates, thus requiring appropriate medical treatment.

Carbon decomposition process of the residual biomass in the paddy soil of a single-crop rice field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okada, K.; Iwata, T.

2014-12-01

In cultivated fields, residual organic matter is plowed into soil after harvest and decaying in fallow season. Greenhouse gases such as CO2 and CH4 is generated by the decomposition of the substantial organic matter and released into the atmosphere. In some fields, open burning is carried out by tradition, when carbon in residual matter is released into atmosphere as CO2. However, burning effect on carbon budget between crop lands and atmosphere is not entirely considered yet. In this study, coarse organic matter (COM) in paddy soil of a single-crop rice field was sampled on regular intervals between January, 2011 and August, 2014 The amount of carbon release from residual matter was estimated by analyzing of the variations in carbon content of COM. Effects of soil temperature (Ts) and soil water content (SWC) at the paddy field on the rate of carbon decomposition was investigated. Though decreasing rate of COM was much smaller in winter season, it is accelerated at the warming season between April and June every year. Decomposition was resisted for next rice cultivated season despite of highest soil temperature. In addition, the observational field was divided into two areas, and three time open burning experiments were conducted in November, 2011, 2012, and 2013. In each year, three sampling surveys, or plants before harvest and residuals before and after the burning experiment, were done. From these surveys, it is suggested that about 48±2% of carbon contents of above-ground plant was yield out as grain by harvest, and about 27±2% of carbon emitted as CO2 by burning. Carbon content of residuals plowed into soil after the harvest was estimated 293±1 and 220±36gC/m2 in no-burned and burned area, respectively, based on three-years average. It is estimated that 70 and 60% of the first input amount of COM was decomposed after a year in no-burned and burned area, respectively.

Propranolol attenuates hemorrhage and accelerates wound healing in severely burned adults.

PubMed

Ali, Arham; Herndon, David N; Mamachen, Ashish; Hasan, Samir; Andersen, Clark R; Grogans, Ro-Jon; Brewer, Jordan L; Lee, Jong O; Heffernan, Jamie; Suman, Oscar E; Finnerty, Celeste C

2015-05-04

Propranolol, a nonselective β-blocker, exerts an indirect effect on the vasculature by leaving α-adrenergic receptors unopposed, resulting in peripheral vasoconstriction. We have previously shown that propranolol diminishes peripheral blood following burn injury by increasing vascular resistance. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether wound healing and perioperative hemodynamics are affected by propranolol administration in severely burned adults. Sixty-nine adult patients with burns covering ≥ 30% of the total body surface area (TBSA) were enrolled in this IRB-approved study. Patients received standard burn care with (n = 35) or without (control, n = 34) propranolol. Propranolol was administered within 48 hours of burns and given throughout hospital discharge to decrease heart rate by approximately 20% from admission levels. Wound healing was determined by comparing the time between grafting procedures. Blood loss was determined by comparing pre- and postoperative hematocrit while factoring in operative graft area. Data were collected between first admission and first discharge. Demographics, burn size, and mortality were comparable in the control and propranolol groups. Patients in the propranolol group received an average propranolol dose of 3.3 ± 3.0 mg/kg/day. Daily average heart rate over the first 30 days was significantly lower in the propranolol group (P < 0.05). The average number of days between skin grafting procedures was also lower in propranolol patients (10 ± 5 days) than in control patients (17 ± 12 days; P = 0.02), indicative of a faster donor site healing time in the propranolol group. Packed red blood cell infusion was similar between groups (control 5.3 ± 5.4 units vs. propranolol 4.4 ± 3.1 units, P = 0.89). Propranolol was associated with a 5 to 7% improvement in perioperative hematocrit during grafting procedures of 4,000 to 16,000 cm(2) compared to control (P = 0.002). Administration of propranolol during the acute hospitalization period diminishes blood loss during skin grafting procedures and markedly improves wound healing in severely burned adults. As burn patients require serial surgical interventions for motor and cosmetic repair, restricting blood loss during operative intervention is optimal.

Goal-Directed Fluid Resuscitation Protocol Based on Arterial Waveform Analysis of Major Burn Patients in a Mass Burn Casualty.

PubMed

Chiao, Hao-Yu; Chou, Chang-Yi; Tzeng, Yuan-Sheng; Wang, Chih-Hsin; Chen, Shyi-Gen; Dai, Niann-Tzyy

2018-02-01

Adequate fluid titration during the initial resuscitation period of major burn patients is crucial. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a goal-directed fluid resuscitation protocol that used hourly urine output plus the arterial waveform analysis FloTrac (Edwards LifeSciences, Irvine, Calif) system for major burns to avoid fluid overload. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 43 major burn patients at the Tri-Service General Hospital after the Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion on June 27, 2015. Because of the limited capacity of intensive care units (ICUs), 23 intubated patients were transferred from the burn wards or emergency department to the ICU within 24 hours. Fluid administration was adjusted to achieve a urine output of 30 to 50 mL/h, cardiac index greater than 2.5 L/min/m, and stroke volume variation (SVV) less than 12%. The hourly crystalloid fluid infusion rate was titrated based on SVV and hourly urine output. Of the 23 critically burned patients admitted to the ICU, 13 patients who followed the goal-directed fluid resuscitation protocol within 12 hours postburn were included in the analysis. The mean age (years) was 21.8, and the mean total body surface area (TBSA) burned (%) was 68.0. The mean Revised Baux score was 106.8. All patients sustained inhalation injury. The fluid volumes administered to patients in the first 24 hours and the second 24 hours (mL/kg/% total body surface area) were 3.62 ± 1.23 and 2.89 ± 0.79, respectively. The urine outputs in the first 24 hours and the second 24 hours (mL/kg/h) were 1.13 ± 0.66 and 1.53 ± 0.87, respectively. All patients achieved the established goals within 32 hours postburn. In-hospital mortality rate was 0%. The SVV-based goal-directed fluid resuscitation protocol leads to less unnecessary fluid administration during the early resuscitation phase. Clinicians can efficaciously manage the dynamic body fluid changes in major burn patients under the guidance of the protocol.

New perspectives on quantitative characterization of biomass burning (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ichoku, C. M.

2010-12-01

Biomass burning (BB) occurs seasonally in different vegetated landscapes across the world, consuming large amounts of biomass, generating intense heat energy, and emitting corresponding amounts of smoke plumes that comprise aerosols and trace gases, which include carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), non-methane hydrocarbons, and numerous other trace compounds, many of which have adverse effects on human health, air quality, and environmental processes. Accurate estimates of these emissions are required as model inputs to evaluate and forecast smoke plume transport and impacts on air quality, human health, clouds, weather, radiation, and climate. The goal of this presentation is to highlight results of research activities that are aimed at advancing the quantitative characterization of various aspects of biomass burning (energetics, intensity, burn areas, burn severity, emissions, and fire weather) from aircraft and satellite measurements that can help advance our understanding of biomass burning and its overall effects. We will show recent results of analysis of fire radiative power (FRP), burned areas, fuel consumption, smoke emission rates, and plume heights from satellite measurements, as well as related aircraft calibration/validation activities. We will also briefly examine potential future plans and strategies for effective monitoring of biomass burning characteristics and emissions from aircraft and satellite.

Potential Use of Essential Oil Isolated from Cleistocalyx operculatus Leaves as a Topical Dermatological Agent for Treatment of Burn Wound

PubMed Central

Le, Nghia-Thu Tram; Dam, Sao-Mai

2018-01-01

Several herbal remedies have been used as topical agents to cure burn wound, one of the most common injuries in worldwide. In this study, we investigated the potential use of Cleistocalyx operculatus essential oil to treat the burn wound. We identified a total of 13 bioactive compounds of essential oil, several of which exhibited the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, the essential oil showed the antibacterial effect against S. aureus but not with P. aeruginosa. The supportive effect of essential oil on burn wound healing process also has been proven. Among three groups of mice, wound contraction rate of essential oil treated group (100%) was significantly higher than tamanu oil treated (79%) and control mice (71%) after 20 days (0.22 ± 0.03 versus 0.31 ± 0.02 cm2, resp., p < 0.05). Histological studies revealed that burn wounds treated with essential oil formed a complete epidermal structure, thick and neatly arranged fibers, and scattered immune cells in burn wound. On the contrary, saline treated burn wound formed uneven epidermal layer with necrotic ulcer, infiltration of immune cells, and existence of granulation tissue. This finding demonstrated Cleistocalyx operculatus essential oil as promising topical dermatological agent to treat burn wound. PMID:29692805

Potential Use of Essential Oil Isolated from Cleistocalyx operculatus Leaves as a Topical Dermatological Agent for Treatment of Burn Wound.

PubMed

Tran, Gia-Buu; Le, Nghia-Thu Tram; Dam, Sao-Mai

2018-01-01

Several herbal remedies have been used as topical agents to cure burn wound, one of the most common injuries in worldwide. In this study, we investigated the potential use of Cleistocalyx operculatus essential oil to treat the burn wound. We identified a total of 13 bioactive compounds of essential oil, several of which exhibited the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, the essential oil showed the antibacterial effect against S. aureus but not with P. aeruginosa. The supportive effect of essential oil on burn wound healing process also has been proven. Among three groups of mice, wound contraction rate of essential oil treated group (100%) was significantly higher than tamanu oil treated (79%) and control mice (71%) after 20 days (0.22 ± 0.03 versus 0.31 ± 0.02 cm 2 , resp., p < 0.05). Histological studies revealed that burn wounds treated with essential oil formed a complete epidermal structure, thick and neatly arranged fibers, and scattered immune cells in burn wound. On the contrary, saline treated burn wound formed uneven epidermal layer with necrotic ulcer, infiltration of immune cells, and existence of granulation tissue. This finding demonstrated Cleistocalyx operculatus essential oil as promising topical dermatological agent to treat burn wound.

Droplet burning at zero G

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, F. A.

1978-01-01

Questions of the importance and feasibility of performing experiments on droplet burning at zero gravity in Spacelab were studied. Information on the physics and chemistry of droplet combustion, with attention directed specifically to the chemical kinetics, heat and mass transfer, and fluid mechanics of the phenomena involved, are presented. The work was divided into three phases, the justification, the feasibility, and the conceptual development of a preliminary design. Results from the experiments performed revealed a few new facts concerning droplet burning, notably burning rates in excess of theoretical prediction and a phenomenon of flash extinction, both likely traceable to accumulation of carbon produced by gas-phase pyrolysis in the fuel-rich zone enclosed by the reaction surface. These experiments also showed that they were primarily due to timing difficulties.

3D rocket combustor acoustics model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Priem, Richard J.; Breisacher, Kevin J.

1992-01-01

The theory and procedures for determining the characteristics of pressure oscillations in rocket engines with prescribed burning rate oscillations are presented. Analyses including radial and hub baffles and absorbers can be performed in one, two, or three dimensions. Pressure and velocity oscillations calculated using this procedure are presented for the SSME to show the influence of baffles and absorbers on the burning rate oscillations required to achieve neutral stability. Comparisons are made between the results obtained utilizing 1D, 2D, and 3D assumption with regards to capturing the physical phenomena of interest and computational requirements.

Verified Centers, Nonverified Centers or Other Facilities: A National Analysis of Burn Patient Treatment Location

PubMed Central

Zonies, David; Mack, Christopher; Kramer, Bradley; Rivara, Frederick; Klein, Matthew

2009-01-01

Background Although comprehensive burn care requires significant resources, patients may be treated at verified burn centers, non-verified burn centers, or other facilities due to a variety of factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between patient and injury characteristics and treatment location using a national database. Study Design We performed an analysis of all burn patients admitted to United States hospitals participating in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project over 2 years. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify patient and injury factors associated with the likelihood of treatment at designated burn care facilities. Definitve care facilities were categorized as American Burn Association verified centers, non-verified burn centers, or other facilities. Results Over the two years, 29,971 burn patients were treated in 1,376 hospitals located in 19 participating states. A total of 6,712 (22%) patients were treated at verified centers, with 26% and 52% treated at non-verified or other facilities, respectively. Patients treated at verified centers were younger than those at non-verified or other facilities (33.1 years vs. 33.7 years vs. 41.9 years, p<0.001) and had a higher rate of inhalation injury (3.4% vs. 3.2% vs. 2.2%, p<0.001). Independent factors associated with treatment at verified centers include burns to the head/neck (RR 2.4, CI 2.1-2.7), hand (RR 1.8, CI 1.6-1.9), electrical injury (RR 1.4, CI 1.4, CI 1.2-1.7), and fewer co-morbidities (RR 0.55, CI 0.5-0.6). Conclusions More than two-thirds of significantly burned patients are treated at non-verified burn centers in the U.S. Many patients meeting ABA criteria for transfer to a burn center are being treated at non-burn center facilities. PMID:20193892

Wound management and outcome of 595 electrical burns in a major burn center.

PubMed

Li, Haisheng; Tan, Jianglin; Zhou, Junyi; Yuan, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Jiaping; Peng, Yizhi; Wu, Jun; Luo, Gaoxing

2017-06-15

Electrical burns are important causes of trauma worldwide. This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics, wound management, and outcome of electric burns. This retrospective study was performed at the Institute of Burn Research of the Third Military Medical University during 2013-2015. Data including the demographics, injury patterns, wound treatment, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. A total of 595 electrical burn patients (93.8% males) were included. The average age was 37.3 ± 14.6 y, and most patients (73.5%) were aged 19∼50 years. Most patients (67.2%) were injured in work-related circumstances. The mean total body surface area was 8.8 ± 11.8% and most wounds (63.5%) were full-thickness burns. Operation times of high-voltage burns and current burns were higher than those of low-voltage burns and arc burns, respectively. Of the 375 operated patients, 83.2% (n = 312) underwent skin autografting and 49.3% (n = 185) required skin flap coverage. Common types of skin flaps were adjacent (50.3%), random (42.2%), and pedicle (35.7%). Amputation was performed in 107 cases (18.0%) and concentrated on the hands (43.9%) and upper limbs (39.3%). The mean length of stay was 42.9 ± 46.3 d and only one death occurred (0.2%). Current burns and higher numbers of operations were major risk factors for amputation and length of stay, respectively. Electrical burns mainly affected adult males with occupational exposures in China. Skin autografts and various skin flaps were commonly used for electric burn wound management. More standardized and effective strategies of treatment and prevention are still needed to decrease amputation rates. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of fire frequency on litter decomposition as mediated by changes to litter chemistry and soil environmental conditions.

PubMed

Ficken, Cari D; Wright, Justin P

2017-01-01

Litter quality and soil environmental conditions are well-studied drivers influencing decomposition rates, but the role played by disturbance legacy, such as fire history, in mediating these drivers is not well understood. Fire history may impact decomposition directly, through changes in soil conditions that impact microbial function, or indirectly, through shifts in plant community composition and litter chemistry. Here, we compared early-stage decomposition rates across longleaf pine forest blocks managed with varying fire frequencies (annual burns, triennial burns, fire-suppression). Using a reciprocal transplant design, we examined how litter chemistry and soil characteristics independently and jointly influenced litter decomposition. We found that both litter chemistry and soil environmental conditions influenced decomposition rates, but only the former was affected by historical fire frequency. Litter from annually burned sites had higher nitrogen content than litter from triennially burned and fire suppression sites, but this was correlated with only a modest increase in decomposition rates. Soil environmental conditions had a larger impact on decomposition than litter chemistry. Across the landscape, decomposition differed more along soil moisture gradients than across fire management regimes. These findings suggest that fire frequency has a limited effect on litter decomposition in this ecosystem, and encourage extending current decomposition frameworks into disturbed systems. However, litter from different species lost different masses due to fire, suggesting that fire may impact decomposition through the preferential combustion of some litter types. Overall, our findings also emphasize the important role of spatial variability in soil environmental conditions, which may be tied to fire frequency across large spatial scales, in driving decomposition rates in this system.

Effects of fire frequency on litter decomposition as mediated by changes to litter chemistry and soil environmental conditions

PubMed Central

Wright, Justin P.

2017-01-01

Litter quality and soil environmental conditions are well-studied drivers influencing decomposition rates, but the role played by disturbance legacy, such as fire history, in mediating these drivers is not well understood. Fire history may impact decomposition directly, through changes in soil conditions that impact microbial function, or indirectly, through shifts in plant community composition and litter chemistry. Here, we compared early-stage decomposition rates across longleaf pine forest blocks managed with varying fire frequencies (annual burns, triennial burns, fire-suppression). Using a reciprocal transplant design, we examined how litter chemistry and soil characteristics independently and jointly influenced litter decomposition. We found that both litter chemistry and soil environmental conditions influenced decomposition rates, but only the former was affected by historical fire frequency. Litter from annually burned sites had higher nitrogen content than litter from triennially burned and fire suppression sites, but this was correlated with only a modest increase in decomposition rates. Soil environmental conditions had a larger impact on decomposition than litter chemistry. Across the landscape, decomposition differed more along soil moisture gradients than across fire management regimes. These findings suggest that fire frequency has a limited effect on litter decomposition in this ecosystem, and encourage extending current decomposition frameworks into disturbed systems. However, litter from different species lost different masses due to fire, suggesting that fire may impact decomposition through the preferential combustion of some litter types. Overall, our findings also emphasize the important role of spatial variability in soil environmental conditions, which may be tied to fire frequency across large spatial scales, in driving decomposition rates in this system. PMID:29023560

"It Happened in Seconds" Firefighter Burn Prevention Program: Evaluation of a "Train the Trainer" Course.

PubMed

Kahn, Steven A; Held, Jenny M; Hollowed, Kathleen A; Woods, Jason; Holmes, James H

2016-01-01

Each year, there are approximately 100 firefighter fatalities and tens of thousands of injuries in the United States. 'It Happened in Seconds' is a firefighter burn injury awareness program offered to firefighters nationwide. The course focuses on situational awareness, personal protective equipment, and burn injury prevention. In order to create more instructors, a 'Train the Trainer' instructor course was developed to prepare experienced firefighters and healthcare providers from around the United States to teach firefighters in their respective communities. This study evaluates trainees' perception of the instructor course. Three instructor courses were held in a period between November 2013 and January 2015. Trainees were asked to complete both precourse/postcourse assessments and provide demographics. In both surveys, trainees rated their confidence to instruct firefighters about burn prevention and their awareness about firefighter-specific burn issues using a 5-point Likert Scale (1 = none and 5 = high). The postassessment asked if trainees thought the course should be mandatory for all firefighters. Pretest and post-test scores were compared using a Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. A total of 140 experienced firefighters and healthcare professionals completed the Train the Trainer course. The average age was 40 ± 9 years, and 41 were women and 99 men. The average trainee had 13.6 ± 9 years experience in his or her respective job and 11 ± 9 years experience in burn care. Trainees reported a significant increase in their confidence to instruct firefighters about burn prevention (2.9/5 precourse vs. 4.5/5 postcourse, P < .0001) and in their current awareness of firefighter-specific burn issues (3.2 precourse vs. 4.4 postcourse, P < .0001). In the postcourse assessment, 139 of 140 respondents agreed that the 'It Happened in Seconds' course should be mandatory for all firefighters. This study showed that experienced firefighters and healthcare professionals thought that the course significantly improved their awareness level of issues specific to firefighter burn injury as well as their confidence in teaching these concepts to firefighters. Based on this positive evaluation, additional instructors will be trained to provide the course to all firefighters nationwide. Additional research must be conducted to evaluate whether the 'It Happened in Seconds' course results in a decreased rate of firefighter burn injuries.

A DNS study of the physical mechanisms associated with density ratio influence on turbulent burning velocity in premixed flames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lipatnikov, Andrei N.; Chomiak, Jerzy; Sabelnikov, Vladimir A.; Nishiki, Shinnosuke; Hasegawa, Tatsuya

2018-01-01

Data obtained in 3D direct numerical simulations of statistically planar, 1D weakly turbulent flames characterised by different density ratios σ are analysed to study the influence of thermal expansion on flame surface area and burning rate. Results show that, on the one hand, the pressure gradient induced within a flame brush owing to heat release in flamelets significantly accelerates the unburned gas that deeply intrudes into the combustion products in the form of an unburned mixture finger, thus causing large-scale oscillations of the burning rate and flame brush thickness. Under the conditions of the present simulations, the contribution of this mechanism to the creation of the flame surface area is substantial and is increased by σ, thus implying an increase in the burning rate by σ. On the other hand, the total flame surface areas simulated at σ = 7.53 and 2.5 are approximately equal. The apparent inconsistency between these results implies the existence of another thermal expansion effect that reduces the influence of σ on the flame surface area and burning rate. Investigation of the issue shows that the flow acceleration by the combustion-induced pressure gradient not only creates the flame surface area by pushing the finger tip into the products, but also mitigates wrinkling of the flame surface (the side surface of the finger) by turbulent eddies. The latter effect is attributed to the high-speed (at σ = 7.53) axial flow of the unburned gas, which is induced by the axial pressure gradient within the flame brush (and the finger). This axial flow acceleration reduces the residence time of a turbulent eddy in an unburned zone of the flame brush (e.g. within the finger). Therefore, the capability of the eddy for wrinkling the flamelet surface (e.g. the side finger surface) is weakened owing to a shorter residence time.

Spatial and temporal dimensions of fire activity in the fire-prone eastern Canadian taiga.

PubMed

Erni, Sandy; Arseneault, Dominique; Parisien, Marc-André; Bégin, Yves

2017-03-01

The forest age mosaic is a fundamental attribute of the North American boreal forest. Given that fires are generally lethal to trees, the time since last fire largely determines the composition and structure of forest stands and landscapes. Although the spatiotemporal dynamics of such mosaics has long been assumed to be random under the overwhelming influence of severe fire weather, no long-term reconstruction of mosaic dynamics has been performed from direct field evidence. In this study, we use fire length as a proxy for fire extent across the fire-prone eastern Canadian taiga and systematically reconstruct the spatiotemporal variability of fire extent and fire intervals, as well as the resulting forest age along a 340-km transect for the 1840-2013 time period. Our results indicate an extremely active fire regime over the last two centuries, with an overall burn rate of 2.1% of the land area yr -1 , mainly triggered by seasonal anomalies of high temperature and severe drought. However, the rejuvenation of the age mosaic was strongly patterned in space and time due to the intrinsically lower burn rates in wetland-dominated areas and, more importantly, to the much-reduced likelihood of burning of stands up to 50 years postfire. An extremely high burn rate of ~5% yr -1 would have characterized our study region during the last century in the absence of such fuel age effect. Although recent burn rates and fire sizes are within their range of variability of the last 175 years, a particularly severe weather event allowed a 2013 fire to spread across a large fire refuge, thus shifting the abundance of mature and old forest to a historic low. These results provide reference conditions to evaluate the significance and predict the spatiotemporal dynamics and impacts of the currently strengthening fire activity in the North American boreal forest. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Impact of smoke from biomass burning on air quality in rural communities in southern Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reisen, Fabienne; Meyer, C. P. (Mick); McCaw, Lachie; Powell, Jennifer C.; Tolhurst, Kevin; Keywood, Melita D.; Gras, John L.

2011-08-01

In rural towns of southern Australia, smoke from biomass burning such as prescribed burning of forests, wildfires and stubble burning is often claimed to be the major source of air pollution. To investigate the validity of this claim, ambient measurements of PM 2.5 and ozone were made in two rural locations in southern Australia between 2006 and 2008. In order to distinguish PM 2.5 associated with smoke from other sources of particulate pollution, PM 2.5 samples were analysed for specific smoke tracers, levoglucosan, non sea-salt potassium (nssK +) and oxalate. Monitoring was also undertaken in four homes to determine the extent to which ambient pollutants from prescribed burning penetrate indoors into houses. Monitoring clearly showed that, on occasions, air quality in rural areas is significantly affected by smoke from biomass combustion with PM 2.5 showing the greatest impact. Concentrations of PM 2.5 increased significantly above background levels at both sites during periods of wildfire and prescribed fire leading to exceedences of the 24-h PM 2.5 Air National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) Advisory standard. The 1-h and 4-h ozone NEPM standards were exceeded only during protracted forest wildfires. The impact of prescribed burning on the indoor air quality of residences depended on the duration of the smoke event and the ventilation rate of the houses. During short-duration events indoor air quality was determined by household activities. During events that persisted for several days, indoor air quality was determined by external conditions coupled with management of household ventilation rate.

The treatment of mixing in core helium-burning models - III. Suppressing core breathing pulses with a new constraint on overshoot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Constantino, Thomas; Campbell, Simon W.; Lattanzio, John C.

2017-12-01

Theoretical predictions for the core helium burning phase of stellar evolution are highly sensitive to the uncertain treatment of mixing at convective boundaries. In the last few years, interest in constraining the uncertain structure of their deep interiors has been renewed by insights from asteroseismology. Recently, Spruit proposed a limit for the rate of growth of helium-burning convective cores based on the higher buoyancy of material ingested from outside the convective core. In this paper we test the implications of such a limit for stellar models with a range of initial mass and metallicity. We find that the constraint on mixing beyond the Schwarzschild boundary has a significant effect on the evolution late in core helium burning, when core breathing pulses occur and the ingestion rate of helium is fastest. Ordinarily, core breathing pulses prolong the core helium burning lifetime to such an extent that models are at odds with observations of globular cluster populations. Across a wide range of initial stellar masses (0.83 ≤ M/M⊙ ≤ 5), applying the Spruit constraint reduces the core helium burning lifetime because core breathing pulses are either avoided or their number and severity reduced. The constraint suggested by Spruit therefore helps to resolve significant discrepancies between observations and theoretical predictions. Specifically, we find improved agreement for R2 (the observed ratio of asymptotic giant branch to horizontal branch stars in globular clusters), the luminosity difference between these two groups, and in asteroseismology, the mixed-mode period spacing detected in red clump stars in the Kepler field.

A “burning” therapy for burning mouth syndrome: preliminary results with the administration of topical capsaicin.

PubMed

Azzi, L; Croveri, F; Pasina, L; Porrini, M; Vinci, R; Manfredini, M; Tettamanti, L; Tagliabue, A; Silvestre-Rangil, J; Spadari, F

2017-01-01

Burning mouth syndrome is defined as an intraoral burning sensation for which no medical or dental cause can be found. Recently, researchers have demonstrated an altered trophism of the small nerve fibres and alterations in the numbers of TRPV-1 vanilloid receptors. Capsaicin is a molecule that is contained in hot peppers and is specifically detected by TRPV-1 vanilloid receptors that are distributed in the oral mucosae. We aimed at verifying if topical capsaicin could prove to be an effective treatment of Burning Mouth Syndrome. A group of 99 BMS patients were recruited. We subdivided the BMS patients into two groups: the collaborative patients, who expressed a predominantly neuropathic pattern of symptoms, and the non-collaborative patients, who were characterised by stronger psychogenic patterns of the syndrome. Both groups underwent topical therapy with capsaicin in the form of a mouth rinse 3 times a day for a long period. After 1 year of treatment, the final overall success rate was approximately 78%, but with a significant difference in the success rates of the two groups of patients (87% and 20% among the collaborative and non-collaborative patients, respectively; p=0.000). The use of topical capsaicin can improve the oral discomfort of BMS patients, especially during the first month of therapy, but it is more effective for those patients in which the neuropathic component of the syndrome is predominant. Our hypothesis is that chronic stimulation with capsaicin leads to decreases in burning symptoms. This phenomenon is called desensitisation and is accompanied by substantial improvements in oral symptoms.

Runoff Response to Rainfall in Small Catchments Burned by the 2015 Valley Fire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagenbrenner, J. W.; Coe, D. B. R.; Lindsay, D.

2016-12-01

Burned areas often produce runoff volumes and peak flows much larger than unburned forests. However, very few studies demonstrate the effect of burn severity on runoff responses, and post-fire data are especially sparse in California. We measured the effects of different degrees of burn severity on rainfall-runoff responses in six small catchments (0.15-0.65 ha) in the Northern Coast Ranges. Weirs and tipping bucket rain gages were installed after the 2015 Valley Fire and prior to any substantial rainfall. In the first wet season (Nov 2015-May 2016), one runoff event was recorded in the catchment with the lowest burn severity (42% bare soil), while 13 runoff events occurred in the catchment with the highest burn severity (68% bare soil). Preliminary results indicate the thirty minute maximum rainfall intensity that generated runoff ranged from 27 mm hr-1 in the lowest severity catchment to only 8.6 mm hr-1 in the highest severity catchment. Peak flow rates for the most intense event (27 mm hr-1), a two-year, 30-min storm, were 1.1 m3 s-1 km-2 in the lowest severity catchment and 17 m3 s-1 km-2 in the highest severity catchment. Longer duration, moderate intensity rain events produced runoff in the highest severity catchments but not the lowest severity catchments. These results are on the high end of the range of post-fire peak flow rates reported in the western US and provide an idea of potential post-fire flood potential to land and emergency management agencies.

History, Epidemic Evolution, and Model Burn-In for a Network of Annual Invasion: Soybean Rust.

PubMed

Sanatkar, M R; Scoglio, C; Natarajan, B; Isard, S A; Garrett, K A

2015-07-01

Ecological history may be an important driver of epidemics and disease emergence. We evaluated the role of history and two related concepts, the evolution of epidemics and the burn-in period required for fitting a model to epidemic observations, for the U.S. soybean rust epidemic (caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi). This disease allows evaluation of replicate epidemics because the pathogen reinvades the United States each year. We used a new maximum likelihood estimation approach for fitting the network model based on observed U.S. epidemics. We evaluated the model burn-in period by comparing model fit based on each combination of other years of observation. When the miss error rates were weighted by 0.9 and false alarm error rates by 0.1, the mean error rate did decline, for most years, as more years were used to construct models. Models based on observations in years closer in time to the season being estimated gave lower miss error rates for later epidemic years. The weighted mean error rate was lower in backcasting than in forecasting, reflecting how the epidemic had evolved. Ongoing epidemic evolution, and potential model failure, can occur because of changes in climate, host resistance and spatial patterns, or pathogen evolution.

An Overview of Combustion Mechanisms and Flame Structures for Advanced Solid Propellants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beckstead, M. W.

2000-01-01

Ammonium perchlorate (AP) and cyclotretamethylenetetranitramine (HMX) are two solid ingredients often used in modern solid propellants. Although these two ingredients have very similar burning rates as monopropellants, they lead to significantly different characteristics when combined with binders to form propellants. Part of the purpose of this paper is to relate the observed combustion characteristics to the postulated flame structures and mechanisms for AP and HMX propellants that apparently lead to these similarities and differences. For AP composite, the primary diffusion flame is more energetic than the monopropellant flame, leading to an increase in burning rate over the monopropellant rate. In contrast the HMX primary diffusion flame is less energetic than the HMX monopropellant flame and ultimately leads to a propellant rate significantly less than the monopropellant rate in composite propellants. During the past decade the search for more energetic propellants and more environmentally acceptable propellants is leading to the development of propellants based on ingredients other than AP and HMX. The objective of this paper is to utilize the more familiar combustion characteristics of AP and HMX containing propellants to project the combustion characteristics of propellants made up of more advanced ingredients. The principal conclusion reached is that most advanced ingredients appear to burn by combustion mechanisms similar to HMX containing propellants rather than AP propellants.

Comparison of Available Soil Nitrogen Assays in Control and Burned Forested Sites

Treesearch

Jennifer D. Knoepp; Wayne T. Swank

1995-01-01

The existence of several different methods for measuring net Nmineralization and nitrilkation rates and indexing N availability has raised questions about the comparability of these methods. We compared in situ covered cores, in situ buried bags, aerobic laboratory incubations, and tension lysimetry on control and treated plots of a prescribed burn experiment in the...

Fire management and carbon sequestration in Pine Barren Forests

Treesearch

Kenneth L. Clark; Nicholas Skowronski; Michael Gallagher

2015-01-01

Prescribed burning is the major viable option that land managers have for reducing hazardous fuels and ensuring the regeneration of fire-dependent species in a cost-effective manner in Pine Barren ecosystems. Fuels management activities are directly linked to carbon (C) storage and rates of C sequestration by forests. To evaluate the effects of prescribed burning on...

Climate, wildfire, and erosion ensemble foretells more sediment in western USA watersheds

Treesearch

Joel B. Sankey; Jason Kreitler; Todd J. Hawbaker; Jason L. McVay; Mary Ellen Miller; Erich R. Mueller; Nicole M. Vaillant; Scott E. Lowe; Temuulen T. Sankey

2017-01-01

The area burned annually by wildfires is expected to increase worldwide due to climate change. Burned areas increase soil erosion rates within watersheds, which can increase sedimentation in downstream rivers and reservoirs. However, which watersheds will be impacted by future wildfires is largely unknown. Using an ensemble of climate, fire, and erosion models, we show...

40 CFR Table 24 to Subpart Uuu of... - Continuous Monitoring Systems for Inorganic HAP Emissions From Catalytic Reforming Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... scrubbing liquid) flow rate entering the scrubber during coke burn-off and catalyst rejuvenation; and... during coke burn-off and catalyst rejuvenation 1; and continuous parameter monitoring system to measure and record the pH or alkalinity of the water (or scrubbing liquid) exiting the scrubber during coke...

40 CFR Table 24 to Subpart Uuu of... - Continuous Monitoring Systems for Inorganic HAP Emissions From Catalytic Reforming Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... scrubbing liquid) flow rate entering the scrubber during coke burn-off and catalyst rejuvenation; and... during coke burn-off and catalyst rejuvenation 1; and continuous parameter monitoring system to measure and record the pH or alkalinity of the water (or scrubbing liquid) exiting the scrubber during coke...

40 CFR Table 24 to Subpart Uuu of... - Continuous Monitoring Systems for Inorganic HAP Emissions From Catalytic Reforming Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... scrubbing liquid) flow rate entering the scrubber during coke burn-off and catalyst rejuvenation; and... during coke burn-off and catalyst rejuvenation 1; and continuous parameter monitoring system to measure and record the pH or alkalinity of the water (or scrubbing liquid) exiting the scrubber during coke...

Detection probabilities of woodpecker nests in mixed conifer forests in Oregon

Treesearch

Robin E. Russell; Victoria A. Saab; Jay J. Rotella; Jonathan G. Dudley

2009-01-01

Accurate estimates of Black-backed (Picoides arcticus) and Hairy Woodpecker (P. villosus) nests and nest survival rates in post-fire landscapes provide land managers with information on the relative importance of burned forests to nesting woodpeckers. We conducted multiple-observer surveys in burned and unburned mixed coniferous forests in Oregon to identify important...

Chihuahuan Desert grassland responds similarly to fall, spring, and summer fires during prolonged drought

Treesearch

Laura M. Ladwig; Scott L. Collins; Paulette L. Ford; Laura B. White

2014-01-01

Land managers frequently use prescribed burning to help maintain grassland communities. Semiarid grassland dynamics following fire are linked to precipitation, with increasing soil moisture accelerating the rate of recovery. Prescribed fires are typically scheduled to follow natural fire regimes, but burning outside the natural fire season could be equally effective...

40 CFR 63.7530 - How do I demonstrate initial compliance with the emission limits and work practice standards?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Pollutants for Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters Testing, Fuel Analyses... 5 and 7 to this subpart OR conducting initial fuel analyses to determine emission rates and... fuel subcategories that burn only fossil fuels and other gases and do not burn any residual oil must...

Runoff and Erosion Effects after Prescribed Fire and Wildfire on Volcanic Ash-Cap Soils

Treesearch

P. R. Robichaud; F. B. Pierson; R. E. Brown

2007-01-01

After prescribed burns at three locations and one wildfire, rainfall simulations studies were completed to compare postfire runoff rates and sediment yields on ash-cap soil in conifer forest regions of northern Idaho and western Montana. The measured fire effects were differentiated by burn severity (unburned, low, moderate, and high). Results...

Solid propellant rocket motor internal ballistics performance variation analysis, phase 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sforzini, R. H.; Foster, W. A., Jr.; Murph, J. E.; Adams, G. W., Jr.

1977-01-01

Results of research aimed at improving the predictability of off nominal internal ballistics performance of solid propellant rocket motors (SRMs) including thrust imbalance between two SRMs firing in parallel are reported. The potential effects of nozzle throat erosion on internal ballistic performance were studied and a propellant burning rate low postulated. The propellant burning rate model when coupled with the grain deformation model permits an excellent match between theoretical results and test data for the Titan IIIC, TU455.02, and the first Space Shuttle SRM (DM-1). Analysis of star grain deformation using an experimental model and a finite element model shows the star grain deformation effects for the Space Shuttle to be small in comparison to those of the circular perforated grain. An alternative technique was developed for predicting thrust imbalance without recourse to the Monte Carlo computer program. A scaling relationship used to relate theoretical results to test results may be applied to the alternative technique of predicting thrust imbalance or to the Monte Carlo evaluation. Extended investigation into the effect of strain rate on propellant burning rate leads to the conclusion that the thermoelastic effect is generally negligible for both steadily increasing pressure loads and oscillatory loads.

Effects of fire frequency and season on resprouting of woody plants in southeastern US pine-grassland communities.

PubMed

Robertson, Kevin M; Hmielowski, Tracy L

2014-03-01

Past studies suggest that rates of woody plant resprouting following a "topkilling" disturbance relate to timing of disturbance because of temporal patterns of below-ground carbohydrate storage. Accordingly, we hypothesized that fire-return interval (1 or 2 years) and season of burn (late dormant or early growing season) would influence the change in resprout growth rate from one fire-free interval to the next (Δ growth rate) for broadleaf woody plants in a pine-grassland in Georgia, USA. Resprout growth rate during one fire-free interval strongly predicted growth rate during the following fire-free interval, presumably reflecting root biomass. Length of fire-free interval did not have a significant effect on mean Δ growth rate. Plants burned in the late dormant season (February-March) had a greater positive Δ growth rate than those burned in the early growing season (April-June), consistent with the presumption that root carbohydrates are depleted and thus limiting during spring growth. Plants with resprout growth rates above a certain level had zero or negative Δ growth rates, indicating an equilibrium of maximum resprout size under a given fire-return interval. This equilibrium, as well as relatively reduced resprout growth rate following growing season fires, provide insight into how historic lightning-initiated fires in the early growing season limited woody plant dominance and maintained the herb-dominated structure of pine-grassland communities. Results also indicate tradeoffs between applying prescribed fire at 1- versus 2-year intervals and in the dormant versus growing seasons with the goal of limiting woody vegetation.

Phenotypic detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase among burns patients: first report from Iran.

PubMed

Rastegar Lari, Abdolaziz; Azimi, Leila; Rahbar, Mohammad; Fallah, Fatemeh; Alaghehbandan, Reza

2013-02-01

Resistance to antimicrobial agents such as carbapenems among enterobacteriacea has been increasing, especially in Klebsiella pneumonia that produces variety of enzymes including Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC). This study is the first report of its kind investigating the resistance to carbapenems among burns patients in Iran. During a 6-month period, 28 hospitalized burn patients who required to be placed on broad spectrum antibiotics were studied. Isolated species identified by routine biochemical test. Susceptibility testing for these species was performed by recommended the CLSI guidelines method. The tested antibiotics included cefotaxime, cefepime, aztreonam, imipenem, amoxicillin+clavulonic acid, gentamicin, amikacin, tobramycin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and chloramphenicol. For determination of KPC in phenotypical forms, Modified Hodge Test was utilized as per CLSI recommendation. Thirty-five Klebsiella spp. were isolated from 28 hospitalized patients. Nineteen out of 35 Klebsiella isolates were resistant to imipenem and that all of them had positive KPC. Nine of imipenem resistant isolates were also resistant to all tested antibiotics. Mortality rate among patients with positive KPC was 33%. High rate of multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains in isolates with positive KPC is a major challenge in Iran and that it could cause an increase in both mortality and morbidity among burn patients. Thus, appropriate infection control measures and guidelines are needed to prevent such infections among burn patients. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Model of ASTM Flammability Test in Microgravity: Iron Rods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinberg, Theodore A; Stoltzfus, Joel M.; Fries, Joseph (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

There is extensive qualitative results from burning metallic materials in a NASA/ASTM flammability test system in normal gravity. However, this data was shown to be inconclusive for applications involving oxygen-enriched atmospheres under microgravity conditions by conducting tests using the 2.2-second Lewis Research Center (LeRC) Drop Tower. Data from neither type of test has been reduced to fundamental kinetic and dynamic systems parameters. This paper reports the initial model analysis for burning iron rods under microgravity conditions using data obtained at the LERC tower and modeling the burning system after ignition. Under the conditions of the test the burning mass regresses up the rod to be detached upon deceleration at the end of the drop. The model describes the burning system as a semi-batch, well-mixed reactor with product accumulation only. This model is consistent with the 2.0-second duration of the test. Transient temperature and pressure measurements are made on the chamber volume. The rod solid-liquid interface melting rate is obtained from film records. The model consists of a set of 17 non-linear, first-order differential equations which are solved using MATLAB. This analysis confirms that a first-order rate, in oxygen concentration, is consistent for the iron-oxygen kinetic reaction. An apparent activation energy of 246.8 kJ/mol is consistent for this model.

Topical oxygen emulsion: a novel wound therapy.

PubMed

Davis, Stephen C; Cazzaniga, Alejandro L; Ricotti, Carlos; Zalesky, Paul; Hsu, Li-Chien; Creech, Jeffrey; Eaglstein, William H; Mertz, Patricia M

2007-10-01

To investigate the use of a topical oxygen emulsion (TOE), consisting of a supersaturated oxygen suspension using perfluorocarbon components, on second-degree burns and partial-thickness wounds. Oxygen is a required substance for various aspects of wound repair, and increased oxygen tension in a wound has been shown to stimulate phagocytosis and to reduce the incidence of wound infection. Second-degree burns and partial-thickness wounds were created on the backs of specific pathogen-free pigs. Wounds were then randomly assigned to 1 of the following treatment groups: TOE, TOE vehicle, or air-exposed control. Wounds were assessed for complete epithelialization using a salt-split technique. The TOE was able to significantly (P = .001) enhance the rate of epithelialization compared with both vehicle and untreated control. These data suggest that topical oxygen may be beneficial for acute and burn wounds. The results obtained from this double-blind, control, in vivo study demonstrate that TOE can significantly enhance the rate of epithelialization of partial-thickness excisional wounds and second-degree burns. These findings could have considerable clinical implications for patients with surgical and burn wounds by providing functional skin at an earlier date to act as a barrier against environmental factors, such as bacteria invasion. Other types of wounds may also benefit from this therapy (eg, chronic wounds and surgical incisions). Additional studies, including clinical studies, are warranted.

Prevalence and Predictors of Sjögren's Syndrome in Patients with Burning Mouth Symptoms.

PubMed

Lee, Young Chan; Song, Ran; Yang, You-Jung; Eun, Young-Gyu

To investigate the prevalence and predictive factors of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in a cohort of patients with burning mouth symptoms. A total of 125 patients with burning mouth symptoms were enrolled in a prospective study and assessed for the presence of SS. The severity of oral symptoms was evaluated by using questionnaires. Salivary flow rates and salivary scintigraphy were used to evaluate salivary function. Patient laboratory work-ups were reviewed, and SS was diagnosed by a rheumatologist based on the American-European Consensus Group criteria. The differences between the SS patient group and the non-SS patient group were analyzed with chi-square test or t test. A total of 12 of the 125 enrolled patients (9.5%) had a positive autoimmune antibody test, and 6 (4.8% of the entire cohort) had SS (4 [3.2%] primary and 2 [1.6%] secondary). Patients with SS exhibited significantly decreased hemoglobin levels, an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and an increased prevalence of autoantibody positive results compared to non-SS patients. Salivary scintigraphy showed that the uptake ratio of the submandibular gland in SS patients was decreased significantly. The prevalence of SS in patients with burning mouth symptoms was 4.8%. Therefore, clinicians who treat patients with burning mouth symptoms should evaluate laboratory findings and salivary functions to identify patients with SS.

Preliminary engineering design of sodium-cooled CANDLE core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takaki, Naoyuki; Namekawa, Azuma; Yoda, Tomoyuki; Mizutani, Akihiko; Sekimoto, Hiroshi

2012-06-01

The CANDLE burning process is characterized by the autonomous shifting of burning region with constant reactivity and constant spacial power distribution. Evaluations of such critical burning process by using widely used neutron diffusion and burning codes under some realistic engineering constraints are valuable to confirm the technical feasibility of the CANDLE concept and to put the idea into concrete core design. In the first part of this paper, it is discussed that whether the sustainable and stable CANDLE burning process can be reproduced even by using conventional core analysis tools such as SLAROM and CITATION-FBR. As a result, it is certainly possible to demonstrate it if the proper core configuration and initial fuel composition required as CANDLE core are applied to the analysis. In the latter part, an example of a concrete image of sodium cooled, metal fuel, 2000MWt rating CANDLE core has been presented by assuming an emerging inevitable technology of recladding. The core satisfies engineering design criteria including cladding temperature, pressure drop, linear heat rate, and cumulative damage fraction (CDF) of cladding, fast neutron fluence and sodium void reactivity which are defined in the Japanese FBR design project. It can be concluded that it is feasible to design CADLE core by using conventional codes while satisfying some realistic engineering design constraints assuming that recladding at certain time interval is technically feasible.

Epidemiology and outcome analysis of sepsis and organ dysfunction/failure after burns.

PubMed

Belba, Monika Kristaq; Petrela, Elizana Ylber; Belba, Amy Gjergji

2017-09-01

The aim of this prospective study in adult population is to give frequency data (prevalence, incidence) of burn wound sepsis and its consequences (organ dysfunction/failure); to analyze the evolution of the SOFA cumulative score during the disease and relationship between the SOFA score in the 3rd, 7th, 14th and 21th day after burn with mortality. A prospective cohort study was performed among adult patients (age ≥20 years) admitted in the ICU, with major and moderate burns. Sepsis, organ dysfunction, organ failure and mortality were calculated as Cumulative Incidence (CI) and as Incidence rate (IR). Data from patients with sepsis were compared with those without sepsis. Evaluation of SOFA evolution was done with delta score and the influence of the SOFA score in mortality was calculated with AUC of the ROC curve. Period prevalence of sepsis in our adult burned population was 26%. Incidence proportion as CI was 0.3 or 30 patients per 100 adults. Incidence rate (IR) was 6 patients with sepsis per 100 patient-years. Overall morbidity was 88.1% while overall mortality was 11.9%. Mortality in patients with sepsis was 34.4%. Incidence of MOD was 63% while incidence of MOF was 37%. Respective mortality as CI was 7% and 81% while mortality rate as IR was 1.4 per 100 patient-years in patients with MOD and 16.2 per 100 patient-years in patients with MOF. SOFA-3 should be considered a "reliable indicator" at separating survivors from non survivors and SOFA 7, 14, and 21 should be considered excellent in predicting mortality. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Prophylactic antibiotics for burns patients: systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Avni, Tomer; Levcovich, Ariela; Ad-El, Dean D; Leibovici, Leonard

2010-01-01

Objective To assess the evidence for prophylactic treatment with systemic antibiotics in burns patients. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials recruiting burns inpatients that compared antibiotic prophylaxis (systemic, non-absorbable, or topical) with placebo or no treatment. Data sources PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Embase, conference proceedings, and bibliographies. No language, date, or publication status restrictions were imposed. Review methods Two reviewers independently extracted data. The primary outcome was all cause mortality. Risk or rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals were pooled with a fixed effect model if no heterogeneity was present. Results 17 trials were included. Trials that assessed systemic antibiotic prophylaxis given for 4-14 days after admission showed a significant reduction in all cause mortality (risk ratio 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.34 to 0.87, five trials). The corresponding number needed to treat was 8 (5 to 33), with a control event rate of 26%. Perioperative non-absorbable or topical antibiotics alone did not significantly affect mortality. There was a reduction in pneumonia with systemic prophylaxis and a reduction in wound infections with perioperative prophylaxis. Staphylococcus aureus infection or colonisation was reduced with anti-staphylococcal antibiotics. In three trials, resistance to the antibiotic used for prophylaxis significantly increased (rate ratio 2.84, 1.38 to 5.83). The overall methodological quality of the trials was poor. Conclusions Prophylaxis with systemic antibiotics has a beneficial effect in burns patients, but the methodological quality of the data is weak. As such prophylaxis is currently not recommended for patients with severe burns other than perioperatively, there is a need for randomised controlled trials to assess its use. PMID:20156911

Effects of Gas-Phase Radiation and Detailed Kinetics on the Burning and Extinction of a Solid Fuel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhatigan, Jennifer L.

2001-01-01

This is the first attempt to analyze both radiation and detailed kinetics on the burning and extinction of a solid fuel in a stagnation-point diffusion flame. We present a detailed and comparatively accurate computational model of a solid fuel flame along with a quantitative study of the kinetics mechanism, radiation interactions, and the extinction limits of the flame. A detailed kinetics model for the burning of solid trioxane (a trimer of formaldehyde) is coupled with a narrowband radiation model, with carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water vapor as the gas-phase participating media. The solution of the solid trioxane diffusion flame over the flammable regime is presented in some detail, as this is the first solution of a heterogeneous trioxane flame. We identify high-temperature and low-temperature reaction paths for the heterogeneous trioxane flame. We then compare the adiabatic solution to solutions that include Surface radiation only and gas-phase and surface radiation using a black surface model. The analysis includes discussion of detailed flame chemistry over the flammable regime and, in particular, at the low stretch extinction limit. We emphasize the low stretch regime of the radiatively participating flame, since this is the region representative of microgravity flames. When only surface radiation is included, two extinction limits exist (the blow-off limit, and the low stretch radiative limit), and the burning rate and maximum flame temperatures are lower, as expected. With the inclusion of surface and gas-phase radiation, results show that, while flame temperatures are lower, the burning rate of the trioxane diffusion flame may actually increase at low stretch rate due to radiative feedback from the flame to the surface.

Infiltration and Runoff Measurements on Steep Burned Hillslopes Using a Rainfall Simulator with Variable Rain Intensities

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kinner, David A.; Moody, John A.

2008-01-01

Multiple rainfall intensities were used in rainfall-simulation experiments designed to investigate the infiltration and runoff from 1-square-meter plots on burned hillslopes covered by an ash layer of varying thickness. The 1-square-meter plots were on north- and south-facing hillslopes in an area burned by the Overland fire northwest of Boulder near Jamestown on the Front Range of Colorado. A single-nozzle, wide-angle, multi-intensity rain simulator was developed to investigate the infiltration and runoff on steep (30- to 40-percent gradient) burned hillslopes covered with ash. The simulated rainfall was evaluated for spatial variability, drop size, and kinetic energy. Fourteen rainfall simulations, at three intensities (about 20 millimeters per hour [mm/h], 35 mm/h, and 50 mm/h), were conducted on four plots. Measurements during and after the simulations included runoff, rainfall, suspended-sediment concentrations, surface ash layer thickness, soil moisture, soil grain size, soil lost on ignition, and plot topography. Runoff discharge reached a steady state within 7 to 26 minutes. Steady infiltration rates with the 50-mm/h application rainfall intensity approached 20?35 mm/h. If these rates are projected to rainfall application intensities used in many studies of burned area runoff production (about 80 mm/h), the steady discharge rates are on the lower end of measurements from other studies. Experiments using multiple rainfall intensities (three) suggest that runoff begins at rainfall intensities around 20 mm/h at the 1-square-meter scale, an observation consistent with a 10-mm/h rainfall intensity threshold needed for runoff initiation that has been reported in the literature.

Amputations in the burn unit: A retrospective analysis of 82 patients across 12 years.

PubMed

Li, Quan; Wang, Ling-Feng; Chen, Qiang; Wang, Shu-Jie; Li, Fang; Ba, Te

2017-11-01

The aim of this study is to analyze the data of amputees in the burn center of the Inner Mongolia region and to provide instructive suggestions for a preventative reduction of the amputation rate. Between 2004 and 2016, all patient medical profiles were reviewed to extract data of patients with major amputation. Demographic data, mechanism of injury, location and level of amputation were recorded. The healing condition of the residual limb was noted. In addition, we performed comparisons of amputees whose injuries were caused by electricity and those whose injuries were related to other mechanisms. Among the 82 amputees in our study, about 89% of amputees were male patients and the predominant age-group was 20-29 years (26.8%). The injuries occurred most commonly at the work place (62.2%) with laborers (40.2%) being the most commonly affected. The most common mechanisms of injury were electricity (51.2%) and hot crush (14.6%), followed by frostbite (13.4%). The most common level of amputation was the right wrist joint (n=16). About 60.4% of the amputation sites were by primary healing. The rate of escharotomy in electrical burn amputees (n=27, 62.3%) was significantly higher than the other groups (n=16, 40.0%, p<0.05). The first amputation in electrical burn group (7.2±5.6) was significantly earlier than the other etiology group (17.9±13.7, p<0.05). Electrical burns were the major mechanism of injury among amputees. Effective safety measures, factory modifications, and adequate instructions should be implemented to protect laborers. Urgent interdisciplinary communication should be taken into account for the prevention reduction of the amputation rate in our region. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Post-fire soil nutrient redistribution in northern Chihuahuan Desert

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, G.; Li, J. J.; Ravi, S.; Sankey, J. B.; Duke, D.; Gonzales, H. B.; Van Pelt, S.

2016-12-01

The desert grassland in the southwestern US has undergone dramatic land degradation with woody shrub encroachment over the last 150 years. Wind erosion and periodic fires are major drivers of vegetation dynamics in these ecosystems. Due to climate change and anthropogenic disturbances, many drylands are undergoing changes in fire regimes, which can largely alter the nutrient loss rate as well as the soil resource heterogeneity. In this study, we used manipulative field experiments, laboratory and geostatistical analyses to investigate the distribution of fertile islands, nutrient loss rate and spatial variation. Replicated burned and control experimental plots were set up in a desert grassland in northern Chihuahuan Desert in March 2016. Windblown sediments were monitored by multiple MWAC sediment collectors on each plot. Surface soil samples, with their locations accurately recorded (i.e., under shrub, under grass, and bare interspace) were collected twice per year in spring and again in summer after the experimental setup. Our preliminary results show that the spatial heterogeneity of soil C and N in the burned plots has changed notably compared to the control plots. Our results further demonstrated that areas with burned shrubs is most vulnerable to wind erosion, therefore the soil nutrient loss is most significant, almost five times of the nutrient loss rate of bare areas. Interspace bare areas is in the lowest micro-land and some of the surface has caliche, which makes the surface resistant to wind erosion. And areas with burned grass receive the lightest wind erosion and nutrient loss, around one third of the erosion on bare areas, because burned grasses still cover the surface and the dead bodies can eliminate wind erosion to a large extent. Hence, periodic fire in desert grassland favors the evenness distribution of soil nutrients and can retard the shrub encroachment process.

Are High-Severity Fires Burning at Much Higher Rates Recently than Historically in Dry-Forest Landscapes of the Western USA?

PubMed Central

Baker, William L.

2015-01-01

Dry forests at low elevations in temperate-zone mountains are commonly hypothesized to be at risk of exceptional rates of severe fire from climatic change and land-use effects. Their setting is fire-prone, they have been altered by land-uses, and fire severity may be increasing. However, where fires were excluded, increased fire could also be hypothesized as restorative of historical fire. These competing hypotheses are not well tested, as reference data prior to widespread land-use expansion were insufficient. Moreover, fire-climate projections were lacking for these forests. Here, I used new reference data and records of high-severity fire from 1984–2012 across all dry forests (25.5 million ha) of the western USA to test these hypotheses. I also approximated projected effects of climatic change on high-severity fire in dry forests by applying existing projections. This analysis showed the rate of recent high-severity fire in dry forests is within the range of historical rates, or is too low, overall across dry forests and individually in 42 of 43 analysis regions. Significant upward trends were lacking overall from 1984–2012 for area burned and fraction burned at high severity. Upward trends in area burned at high severity were found in only 4 of 43 analysis regions. Projections for A.D. 2046–2065 showed high-severity fire would generally be still operating at, or have been restored to historical rates, although high projections suggest high-severity fire rotations that are too short could ensue in 6 of 43 regions. Programs to generally reduce fire severity in dry forests are not supported and have significant adverse ecological impacts, including reducing habitat for native species dependent on early-successional burned patches and decreasing landscape heterogeneity that confers resilience to climatic change. Some adverse ecological effects of high-severity fires are concerns. Managers and communities can improve our ability to live with high-severity fire in dry forests. PMID:26351850

What could have caused pre-industrial biomass burning emissions to exceed current rates?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Werf, G. R.; Peters, W.; van Leeuwen, T. T.; Giglio, L.

2013-01-01

Recent studies based on trace gas mixing ratios in ice cores and charcoal data indicate that biomass burning emissions over the past millennium exceeded contemporary emissions by up to a factor of 4 for certain time periods. This is surprising because various sources of biomass burning are linked with population density, which has increased over the past centuries. We have analysed how emissions from several landscape biomass burning sources could have fluctuated to yield emissions that are in correspondence with recent results based on ice core mixing ratios of carbon monoxide (CO) and its isotopic signature measured at South Pole station (SPO). Based on estimates of contemporary landscape fire emissions and the TM5 chemical transport model driven by present-day atmospheric transport and OH concentrations, we found that CO mixing ratios at SPO are more sensitive to emissions from South America and Australia than from Africa, and are relatively insensitive to emissions from the Northern Hemisphere. We then explored how various landscape biomass burning sources may have varied over the past centuries and what the resulting emissions and corresponding CO mixing ratio at SPO would be, using population density variations to reconstruct sources driven by humans (e.g., fuelwood burning) and a new model to relate savanna emissions to changes in fire return times. We found that to match the observed ice core CO data, all savannas in the Southern Hemisphere had to burn annually, or bi-annually in combination with deforestation and slash and burn agriculture exceeding current levels, despite much lower population densities and lack of machinery to aid the deforestation process. While possible, these scenarios are unlikely and in conflict with current literature. However, we do show the large potential for increased emissions from savannas in a pre-industrial world. This is mainly because in the past, fuel beds were probably less fragmented compared to the current situation; satellite data indicates that the majority of savannas have not burned in the past 10 yr, even in Africa, which is considered "the burning continent". Although we have not considered increased charcoal burning or changes in OH concentrations as potential causes for the elevated CO concentrations found at SPO, it is unlikely they can explain the large increase found in the CO concentrations in ice core data. Confirmation of the CO ice core data would therefore call for radical new thinking about causes of variable global fire rates over recent centuries.

A Novel Approach for High Deposition Rate Cladding with Minimal Dilution with an Arc - Laser Process Combination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barroi, A.; Hermsdorf, J.; Prank, U.; Kaierle, S.

First results of the process development of a novel approach for a high deposition rate cladding process with minimal dilution are presented. The approach will combine the enormous melting potential of an electrical arc that burns between two consumable wire electrodes with the precision of a laser process. Separate test for the plasma melting and for the laser based surface heating have been performed. A steadily burning arc between the electrodes could be established and a deposition rate of 10 kg/h could be achieved. The laser was able to apply the desired heat profile, needed for the combination of the processes. Process problems were analyzed and solutions proposed.

The Interior Angular Momentum of Core Hydrogen Burning Stars from Gravity-mode Oscillations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aerts, C.; Van Reeth, T.; Tkachenko, A.

2017-09-01

A major uncertainty in the theory of stellar evolution is the angular momentum distribution inside stars and its change during stellar life. We compose a sample of 67 stars in the core hydrogen burning phase with a {log} g value from high-resolution spectroscopy, as well as an asteroseismic estimate of the near-core rotation rate derived from gravity-mode oscillations detected in space photometry. This assembly includes 8 B-type stars and 59 AF-type stars, covering a mass range from 1.4 to 5 M ⊙, I.e., it concerns intermediate-mass stars born with a well-developed convective core. The sample covers projected surface rotation velocities v\\sin I\\in [9,242] km s-1 and core rotation rates up to 26 μHz, which corresponds to 50% of the critical rotation frequency. We find deviations from rigid rotation to be moderate in the single stars of this sample. We place the near-core rotation rates in an evolutionary context and find that the core rotation must drop drastically before or during the short phase between the end of the core hydrogen burning and the onset of core helium burning. We compute the spin parameter, which is the ratio of twice the rotation rate to the mode frequency (also known as the inverse Rossby number), for 1682 gravity modes and find the majority (95%) to occur in the sub-inertial regime. The 10 stars with Rossby modes have spin parameters between 14 and 30, while the gravito-inertial modes cover the range from 1 to 15.

The design and evaluation of a system for improved surveillance and prevention programmes in resource-limited settings using a hospital-based burn injury questionnaire.

PubMed

Peck, Michael; Falk, Henry; Meddings, David; Sugerman, David; Mehta, Sumi; Sage, Michael

2016-04-01

Limited and fragmented data collection systems exist for burn injury. A global registry may lead to better injury estimates and identify risk factors. A collaborative effort involving the WHO, the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, the CDC and the International Society for Burn Injuries was undertaken to simplify and standardise inpatient burn data collection. An expert panel of epidemiologists and burn care practitioners advised on the development of a new Global Burn Registry (GBR) form and online data entry system that can be expected to be used in resource-abundant or resource-limited settings. International burn organisations, the CDC and the WHO solicited burn centre participation to pilot test the GBR system. The WHO and the CDC led a webinar tutorial for system implementation. During an 8-month period, 52 hospitals in 30 countries enrolled in the pilot and were provided the GBR instrument, guidance and a data visualisation tool. Evaluations were received from 29 hospitals (56%). Median time to upload completed forms was <10 min; physicians most commonly entered data (64%), followed by nurses (25%); layout, clarity, accuracy and relevance were all rated high; and a vast majority (85%) considered the GBR 'highly valuable' for prioritising, developing and monitoring burn prevention programmes. The GBR was shown to be simple, flexible and acceptable to users. Enhanced regional and global understanding of burn epidemiology may help prioritise the selection, development and testing of primary prevention interventions for burns in resource-limited settings. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Pediatric burns mortality risk factors in a developing country’s tertiary burns intensive care unit

PubMed Central

Agbenorku, Pius; Agbenorku, Manolo; Fiifi-Yankson, Papa Kwesi

2013-01-01

Aim: This study aimed at identifying risk factors related to pediatric burns mortality in a middle income country such as Ghana. Methods: The data for the three years retrospective study (May 2009 – April 2012) was obtained from the pediatric burn admissions records and patients’ folders of the Reconstructive Plastic Surgery & Burns Unit (RPSBU), Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Ghana. Data retrieved included: Demographic features, Total Burned Surface Area (TBSA) incurred; Aetiology of burns; Duration of the admission; Outcome of admission; Part of the body affected and Cost incurred. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the KNUST-SMS/KATH Committee on Human Research, Publications and Ethics. Data analyses were performed with SPSS 17.0 version. Results: Information on 197 patients was completely retrieved for the study. Burns mortality rate for the study was identified to be 21.3% (N=42). The mean age of the 42 dead patients was 3.7±0.3 years, ranging from 0-13 years, while, males (54.8%, N= 23) outnumbered females (45.2%, N=19). The TBSA burned interquartile range was 48%. In terms of etiology of burns Scald (73.8%, N=31) was the commonest cause of injury. Mortality risk factors identified were Age <6 years (P=0.028); Scald especially hot water and soup (P=0.016); TBSA >36% (P=0.028) and Inhalation injury (P=0.040). Conclusion: Age, scald, TBSA and Inhalation Injury were identified as pediatric burns mortality risk factors in a developing country such as Ghana’s RPSBU. These identified factors will serve as a guideline for plastic surgeons and other health professionals practicing in countries such as Ghana. PMID:23875121

Genital burns in the national burn repository: incidence, etiology, and impact on morbidity and mortality.

PubMed

Harpole, Bethany G; Wibbenmeyer, Lucy A; Erickson, Bradley A

2014-02-01

To better characterize national genital burns (GBs) characteristics using a large burn registry. We hypothesized that mortality and morbidity will be higher in patients with GBs. The National Burn Repository, a large North American registry of hospitalized burn patients, was queried for patients with GB. Burn characteristics and mechanism, demographics, mortality, and surgical interventions were retrieved. Outcomes of interest were mortality, hospital-acquired infection (HAI), and surgical intervention on the genitalia. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for outcomes were determined with binomial logistic regression controlling for age, total burn surface area, race, length of stay, gender, and inhalation injury presence. GBs were present in 1245 cases of 71,895 burns (1.7%). Patients with GB had significantly greater average total burn surface area, length of stay, and mortality. In patients with GB, surgery of the genitalia was infrequent (10.4%), with the aOR of receiving surgery higher among men (aOR 2.7, P <.001) and those with third-degree burns (aOR 3.1, P <.002). Presence of a GB increased the odds of HAI (aOR 3.0, P <.0001) and urinary tract infections (aOR 3.4, P <.0001). GB was also an independent predictor of mortality (aOR 1.54) even after adjusting for the increased HAI risk. GBs are rare but associated with higher HAI rates and higher mortality after adjusting for well-established mortality risk factors. Although a cause and effect relationship cannot be established using these registry data, we believe this study suggests the need for special management considerations in GB cases to improve overall outcomes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The past 25 years of pediatric burn treatment in Graz and important lessons been learned. An overview.

PubMed

Trop, Marija; Herzog, Sereina A; Pfurtscheller, Klaus; Hoebenreich, Angelika M; Schintler, Michael V; Stockenhuber, Andrea; Kamolz, Lars-Peter

2015-06-01

The aim of this study was to characterize the epidemiology of pediatric and adolescent burns admitted to the Children's Burns Unit at the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria, between January 1st 1988 and December 31st 2012. This is a retrospective review over the past 25-years and describes admission rate by gender and age groups, causes of burns, anatomical sites of burns, extent and depth of injury, length of hospital stay, child abuse and in-hospital mortality. In the studied 25 year-period, 1586 pediatric burn patients were admitted. 1451 patients were "acute" admissions, 64 "secondary" admissions and 71 patients did not fulfill the inclusion criteria. Of the 1451 patients, 930 (64%) were male and 521 (36%) female. The majority of patients - 880 or 60.6% - were children from 1 to 5 years of age. Domestic burns occurring at home resulted in 1164 (80.2%) of injuries and scalds were the most common type of thermal trauma with 945 (65.1%) patients. According to the extent of injury 1106 (76.2%) patients suffered burns of <10% with an median length of hospital stay of 3 days. 14 children (0.98%) - 8 girls and 6 boys - were confirmed victims of abuse and 4 patients (0.3%) died. The study provides a good opportunity to review changes in burn care over a long time period, at a single center, including children and adolescents, with stable surgical and rehabilitation staff. The data is also important for the design of prevention programs and establishment of burn care capacities, since the analysis showed no change in the incidence of burn related admissions over the time period studied. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

A phase II prospective, non-comparative assessment of a new silver sodium carboxymethylcellulose (AQUACEL(®) Ag BURN) glove in the management of partial thickness hand burns.

PubMed

Duteille, Franck; Jeffery, Steven L A

2012-11-01

Nylon-reinforced silver sodium carboxymethylcellulose (AQUACEL(®) Ag BURN) dressings were developed to be pliable and conforming for the management of partial-thickness burns. This study evaluated the AQUACEL(®) Ag BURN glove for the management of hand burns. This 21-day, phase II, prospective, non-comparative study included 23 patients with partial-thickness hand burn of at least two fingers. The AQUACEL(®) Ag BURN glove was applied to one hand and could remain in place up to 21 days until clinically indicated to change the glove. Dressings were evaluated 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 14, and 21 days after initial application. Safety was the primary study endpoint. Sixteen (70%) hand burns re-epithelialized fully over a mean of 15.6 days. Initial application was easy/very easy for 20 (87%) patients. Mean time for initial dressing application was 5.4 min. At final evaluation, most patients gave ratings of excellent/good for conformability (91%), overall glove performance (74%), and appropriateness of sizes (83%). Mean pain score from 0 (none) to 10 (worst imaginable) was 3.43 at baseline; during the study, mean scores were 1.15 at rest and 2.29 during movement. Of 61 glove removals, most (72%) were easy/very easy, and 12% had fallen off. Adverse events (wound site or elsewhere) occurred in 15 (65%) patients. Treatment-related adverse events were wound pain (17%), maceration (9%), and stiff fingers (4%). The AQUACEL(®) Ag BURN glove was well tolerated in the management of partial-thickness hand burn. Many patients used only one glove. When glove changes were required, they were usually quick and easy. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

In situ burning of oil in coastal marshes. 1. Vegetation recovery and soil temperature as a function of water depth, oil type, and marsh type.

PubMed

Lin, Qianxin; Mendelssohn, Irving A; Bryner, Nelson P; Walton, William D

2005-03-15

In-situ burning of oiled wetlands potentially provides a cleanup technique that is generally consistent with present wetland management procedures. The effects of water depth (+10, +2, and -2 cm), oil type (crude and diesel), and oil penetration of sediment before the burn on the relationship between vegetation recovery and soil temperature for three coastal marsh types were investigated. The water depth over the soil surface during in-situ burning was a key factor controlling marsh plant recovery. Both the 10- and 2-cm water depths were sufficient to protect marsh vegetation from burning impacts, with surface soil temperatures of <35 and 48 degrees C, respectively. Plant survival rate and growth responses at these water depth burns were not significantly different from the unburned control. In contrast, a water table 2 cm below the soil surface during the burn resulted in high soil temperatures, with 90-200 degrees C at 0-0.5 cm soil depth and 55-75 degrees C at 1-2 cm soil depth. The 2-cm soil exposure to fire significantly impeded the post-burn recovery of Spartina alterniflora and Sagittaria lancifolia but did not detrimentally affect the recovery of Spartina patens and Distichlis spicata. Oil type (crude vs diesel) and oil applied to the marsh soil surface (0.5 L x m(-2)) before the burn did not significantly affect plant recovery. Thus, recovery is species-specific when no surface water exists. Even water at the soil surface will most likely protect wetland plants from burning impact.

Comparing oil based ointment versus standard practice for the treatment of moderate burns in Greece: a trial based cost effectiveness evaluation

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The local treatment of burn wounds has long been a subject of debate. The objective of this study was to compare the cost and the effectiveness of Moist Exposed Burn Ointment -MEBO versus a combination of povidone iodine plus bepanthenol cream for partial thickness burns. Methods The study was carried out in the Burn Center of a state hospital in Athens, Greece. 211 patients needing conservative therapy were prospectively selected according to the depth of the burn wound. The treatment was allocated according to the Stratified Randomization Design. The outcomes measured were mean cost of in-hospital stay, rate of complications, time of 50% wound healing, pain scores, in hospital stay diminution. We have adopted a societal perspective. Results In the total groups MEBO presented lower cost, (although not significantly different: p = 0.10) and better effectiveness. The data suggest that MEBO is the dominant therapy for superficial partial burn wound with significantly lower costs and significantly higher effectiveness due to a lesser time of recovery and consequently lower time of hospitalization and follow-up. MEBO presented similar percentages of complications with the comparator, lower pain levels and smaller time of no healthy appearance of the burn limits for superficial partial thickness burns. Conclusions The data suggested that topical application of MEBO may be considered for further investigation as a potential first-line treatment modality for superficial partial thickness burns. Trial registration The trial has been registered on the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register (ISRCTN) and given the registration number ISRCTN74058791. PMID:22132709

Comparing oil based ointment versus standard practice for the treatment of moderate burns in Greece: a trial based cost effectiveness evaluation.

PubMed

Carayanni, Vilelmine J; Tsati, Evangelia G; Spyropoulou, Georgia C H; Antonopoulou, Fotini N; Ioannovich, John D

2011-12-01

The local treatment of burn wounds has long been a subject of debate. The objective of this study was to compare the cost and the effectiveness of Moist Exposed Burn Ointment -MEBO versus a combination of povidone iodine plus bepanthenol cream for partial thickness burns. The study was carried out in the Burn Center of a state hospital in Athens, Greece. 211 patients needing conservative therapy were prospectively selected according to the depth of the burn wound. The treatment was allocated according to the Stratified Randomization Design. The outcomes measured were mean cost of in-hospital stay, rate of complications, time of 50% wound healing, pain scores, in hospital stay diminution. We have adopted a societal perspective. In the total groups MEBO presented lower cost, (although not significantly different: p = 0.10) and better effectiveness. The data suggest that MEBO is the dominant therapy for superficial partial burn wound with significantly lower costs and significantly higher effectiveness due to a lesser time of recovery and consequently lower time of hospitalization and follow-up. MEBO presented similar percentages of complications with the comparator, lower pain levels and smaller time of no healthy appearance of the burn limits for superficial partial thickness burns. The data suggested that topical application of MEBO may be considered for further investigation as a potential first-line treatment modality for superficial partial thickness burns. The trial has been registered on the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register (ISRCTN) and given the registration number ISRCTN74058791.

Development and Implementation of an Innovative Burn Nursing Handbook for Quality Improvement

PubMed Central

Olszewski, Anna; Yanes, Amber; Stafford, Jessica; Greenhalgh, David G.; Palmieri, Tina L.; Sen, Soman; Tran, Nam

2015-01-01

Objective Evidence-based burn nursing literature is extremely limited and often non-existent. As a result, there is a lack of standardization in burn nursing care. Our objective is to evaluate burn nursing knowledge at an academic medical center and implement innovative educational tools to enhance staff competency and improve the quality of care. Methods A collaboration of practicing clinical nurses developed a 24-question knowledge assessment survey (“pre-survey”) to evaluate fundamental burn nursing knowledge (fluid management, burn pathophysiology, burn-related procedures, wound care, infection control). Pre-education knowledge surveys were administered to 59 burn nurses electronically. A writing team of new and experienced nurses was established and developed a 51-page handbook focusing on areas of need identified in the survey. This book was disseminated to staff as required reading. Post-educational surveys were sent to the same nurses who completed the initial survey. Results Forty-six nurses (46/59, 78.0%) completed the survey with a mean (SD) of 55.9 (11.0)% of questions being answered correctly. Post-surveys sent to the same 46 nurses who completed the pre-survey had a response rate of 78.3% (36/46). We observed a significant increase in correctly answered questions (mean [SD]: 69.6 (8.7)%, P<0.001) in the post-survey intervention. Conclusion The handbook improved education and significantly improved overall fundamental burn knowledge of practicing nursing staff. Use of electronic surveys to drive development of targeted educational interventions provides evidence-based tools for establishing burn nursing standards and developing quality improvement metrics. PMID:26284646

Burn Severity Based Stream Buffers for Post Wildfire Salvage Logging Erosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bone, E. D.; Robichaud, P. R.; Brooks, E. S.; Brown, R. E.

2017-12-01

Riparian buffers may be managed for timber harvest disturbances to decrease the risk of hillslope erosion entering stream channels during runoff events. After a wildfire, burned riparian buffers may become less efficient at infiltrating runoff and reducing sedimentation, requiring wider dimensions. Testing riparian buffers under post-wildfire conditions may provide managers guidance on how to manage post-fire salvage logging operations on hillslopes and protect water quality in adjacent streams. We tested burned, unlogged hillslopes at the 2015 North Star Fire and 2016 Cayuse Mountain Fire locations in Washington, USA for their ability to reduce runoff flows and sedimentation. Our objectives were to: 1) measure the travel distances of concentrated flows using three sediment-laden flow rates, 2) measure the change in sediment concentration as each flow moves downslope, 3) test hillslopes under high burn-severity, low burn-severity and unburned conditions, and 4) conduct experiments at 0, 1 and 2 years since the fire events. Mean total flow length at the North Star Fire in year 1 was 211% greater at low burn-severity sites than unburned sites, and 467% greater at high burn-severity sites than unburned sites. Results decreased for all burned sites in year 2; by 40% at the high burn-severity sites, and by 30% at the low burn-severity sites, with no significant changes at the unburned sites. We tested only high burn-severity sites at the Cayuse Mountain Fire in year 0 and 1 where the mean total flow length between year 0 and year 1 decreased by 65%. The results of sediment concentration changes tracked closely with the magnitude of changes in flow travel lengths between treatments. Results indicate that managers may need to increase the widths of burned stream buffers during post-wildfire salvage logging for water quality protection, but stream buffer widths may decrease with less severe burn severity and increasing elapsed time (years) since fire.

Internal sub-sonic burning during an explosion viewed via dynamic X-ray radiography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smilowitz, L.; Henson, B. F.; Oschwald, D.; Suvorova, N.; Remelius, D.

2017-10-01

We observe internal convective and conductive burn front propagation and solid consumption subsequent to thermal ignition for plastic bonded formulations of the solid organic secondary explosives octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine and 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene. This work describes x-ray radiographic diagnostics enabling the study of solid density in a fully encased explosive during internal burning subsequent to ignition. The result of this study is the ability to directly observe and measure rates of energy release during a thermal explosion.

An LNG release, transport, and fate model system for marine spills.

PubMed

Spaulding, Malcolm L; Swanson, J Craig; Jayko, Kathy; Whittier, Nicole

2007-02-20

LNGMAP, a fully integrated, geographic information based modular system, has been developed to predict the fate and transport of marine spills of LNG. The model is organized as a discrete set of linked algorithms that represent the processes (time dependent release rate, spreading, transport on the water surface, evaporation from the water surface, transport and dispersion in the atmosphere, and, if ignited, burning and associated radiated heat fields) affecting LNG once it is released into the environment. A particle-based approach is employed in which discrete masses of LNG released from the source are modeled as individual masses of LNG or spillets. The model is designed to predict the gas mass balance as a function of time and to display the spatial and temporal evolution of the gas (and radiated energy field). LNGMAP has been validated by comparisons to predictions of models developed by ABS Consulting and Sandia for time dependent point releases from a draining tank, with and without burning. Simulations were in excellent agreement with those performed by ABS Consulting and consistent with Sandia's steady state results. To illustrate the model predictive capability for realistic emergency scenarios, simulations were performed for a tanker entering Block Island Sound. Three hypothetical cases were studied: the first assumes the vessel continues on course after the spill starts, the second that the vessel stops as soon as practical after the release begins (3 min), and the third that the vessel grounds at the closest site practical. The model shows that the areas of the surface pool and the incident thermal radiation field (with burning) are minimized and dispersed vapor cloud area (without burning) maximized if the vessel continues on course. For this case the surface pool area, with burning, is substantially smaller than for the without burning case because of the higher mass loss rate from the surface pool due to burning. Since the vessel speed substantially exceeds the spill spreading rate, both the thermal radiation fields and surface pool trail the vessel. The relative directions and speeds of the wind and vessel movement govern the orientation of the dispersed plume. If the vessel stops, the areas of the surface pool and incident radiation field (with burning) are maximized and the dispersed cloud area (without burning) minimized. The longer the delay in stopping the vessel, the smaller the peak values are for the pool area and the size of the thermal radiation field. Once the vessel stops, the spill pool is adjacent to the vessel and moving down current. The thermal radiation field is oriented similarly. These results may be particularly useful in contingency planning for underway vessels.

Surgical treatment and management of the severely burn patient: Review and update.

PubMed

Gacto-Sanchez, P

Since one of the main challenges in treating acute burn injuries is preventing infection, early excising of the eschar and covering of the wound becomes critical. Non-viable tissue is removed by initial aggressive surgical debridement. Many surgical options for covering the wound bed have been described, although split-thickness skin grafts remain the standard for the rapid and permanent closure of full-thickness burns. Significant advances made in the past decades have greatly improved burns patient care, as such that major future improvements in survival rates seem to be more difficult. Research into stem cells, grafting, biomarkers, inflammation control, and rehabilitation will continue to improve individualized care and create new treatment options for these patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMICYUC. All rights reserved.

Impact of managed moorland burning on peat nutrient and base cation status

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmer, Sheila; Gilpin, Martin; Wearing, Catherine; Johnston, Kerrylyn; Holden, Joseph; Brown, Lee

2013-04-01

Controlled 'patch' burning of moorland vegetation has been used for decades in the UK to stimulate growth of heather (Calluna vulgaris) for game bird habitat and livestock grazing. Typically small patches (300-900 m2) are burned in rotations of 8-25 years. However, our understanding of the short-to-medium term environmental impacts of the practice on these sensitive upland areas has so far been limited by a lack of scientific data. In particular the effect of burning on concentrations of base cations and acid-base status of these highly organic soils has implications both for ecosystem nutrient status and for buffering of acidic waters. As part of the EMBER project peat chemistry data were collected in ten upland blanket peat catchments in the UK. Five catchments were subject to a history of prescribed rotational patch burning. The other five catchments acted as controls which were not subject to burning, nor confounded by other detrimental activities such as drainage or forestry. Soil solution chemistry was also monitored at two intensively studied sites (one regularly burned and one control). Fifty-centimetre soil cores, sectioned into 5-cm intervals, were collected from triplicate patches of four burn ages at each burned site, and from twelve locations at similar hillslope positions at each control site. At the two intensively monitored sites, soil solution chemistry was monitored at four depths in each patch. Across all sites, burned plots had significantly smaller cation exchange capacities, lower concentrations of exchangeable base cations and increased concentrations of exchangeable H+ and Al3+ in near-surface soil. C/N ratios were also lower in burned compared to unburned surface soils. There was no consistent trend between burn age and peat chemistry across all burned sites, possibly reflecting local controls on post-burn recovery rates or external influences on burn management decisions. At the intensively monitored site, plots burned less than two years prior to sampling had significantly smaller exchange capacities and lower concentrations of soil base cations in surface soils relative to plots burned 15-25 years previously. In contrast, surface soil solutions in recently burned plots were enriched in base cations relative to older plots and relative to the control site, possibly due to enhanced leaching at bare soil surfaces. The results offer evidence for an impact of burning on peat nutrient and acid-base status, but suggest that soils recover given time with no further burning.

A Descriptive Study of the Temporal Patterns of Volume and Contents Change in Human Acute Burn Edema: Application in Evidence-Based Intervention and Research Design.

PubMed

Edgar, Dale W; Fear, Mark; Wood, Fiona M

2016-01-01

Edema after burn contributes significantly to burn wound depth conversion. In humans after burn injury, there is a lack of detailed understanding of the contents and temporal changes in volume of acute tissue edema. The novel findings of these studies relate to the collection of edema fluid after partial-thickness burn injury. Edema volume peaks on day 1 after burn without formal fluid resuscitation. The studies indicated that the peak was on day 2 for a resuscitated burn. In contrast, animal studies suggest that the peak of edema occurs by or before day 1 after injury. The findings confirm the pitfalls of evidence derived from animal models and assuming direct transference to humans. Postburn edema was demonstrated to be a high-protein fluid (ie, ≥10 g/L) for the duration of the inflammatory period. The presence of high-protein edema presents greater challenges to clinicians developing novel treatment options. The rate of volume change over time tapered to insignificant levels after day 4 following burn. Greater than 98% of the edema contents was fluid. However, the size of particulate matter did not preclude it passing through patent lymphatic collectors. The results indicate a necessity for urgent postburn intervention, which should incorporate the active stimulation of the lymphatic system to improve efficacy of edema removal.

Biomass Combustions and Burning Emissions Inferred from GOES Fire Radiative Power

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, X.; Kondragunta, S.; Schmidt, C.

2007-12-01

Biomass burning significantly affects air quality and climate changes. Current estimates of burning emissions are rather imprecise and vary markedly with different methodologies. This paper investigates biomass burning consumption and emissions using GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites) WF_ABBA (Wildfire Automated Biomass Burning Algorithm) fire product. In doing this, we establish a set of representatives in diurnal patterns of half-hourly GOES Fire Radiative Power (FRP) for various ecosystems. The representative patterns are used to fill the missed and poor observations of half hourly FRP in GOES fire data for individual fire pixels. The simulated FRP is directly applied to the calculation of the biomass combusted during fire activities. The FRP-based biomass combustion is evaluated using the estimates using a traditional model which integrates burned area, fuel loading, and combustion factor. In the traditional model calculation, we derive burned areas from GOES WF_ABBA fire size. Fuel loading includes three different types (1) MODIS Vegetation Property-based Fuel System (MVPFS), (2) National Dangerous Rating Systems (NFDRS), and (3) the Fuel Characteristic Classification System (FCCS). By comparing the biomass combustions across the Contiguous United States (CONUS) from 2003-2005, we conclude that FRP is an effective tool to estimate the biomass burning emissions. Finally, we examine the temporal and spatial patterns in biomass combustions and emissions (PM2.5, CO, NH3) across the CONUS.

Epidemiology and mortality of 162 major burns in Kuwait.

PubMed

Bang, R L; Ghoneim, I E

1996-09-01

The burns intensive care unit at IBN Sina Hospital reopened in July 1991, following the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait and the Gulf War. Epidemiology and mortality of 162 burn patients with 30 per cent and over total body surface area (TBSA) burns, treated from July 1991 to December 1994, is presented. There were 91 males and 71 females with a ratio of 1.3 to 1. The median age was 30 years (range 4 months to 93 years) and 44 per cent of the patients were 15-40 years of age. 124 (76.5 per cent) accidents occurred at home and the flame burn was the commonest involving 131 (80.9 per cent) patients. The median burn surface area was 45.5 per cent and the majority of them sustained deep burns. The hospital stay of the surviving patients ranged from 11 to 174 days (median 38 days), while the day of the death was from 1 to 134 days. Forty-six deaths represent an overall mortality rate of 28.4 per cent amongst our patients. All the patients whose Baux score was 130 and above died. Burn shock was responsible for 10 deaths, and out of them eight were not actively resuscitated due to high Baux score. Sixteen deaths occurred within 48 h postburn. Septicaemia and its related effects were responsible for the majority of the deaths.

Brazil Fire Characterization and Burn Area Estimation Using the Airborne Infrared Disaster Assessment (AIRDAS) System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brass, J. A.; Riggan, P. J.; Ambrosia, V. G.; Lockwood, R. N.; Pereira, J. A.; Higgins, R. G.; Peterson, David L. (Technical Monitor)

1995-01-01

Remotely sensed estimations of regional and global emissions from biomass combustion have been used to characterize fire behavior, determine fire intensity, and estimate burn area. Highly temporal, low resolution satellite data have been used to calculate estimates of fire numbers and area burned. These estimates of fire activity and burned area have differed dramatically, resulting in a wide range of predictions on the ecological and environmental impacts of fires. As part of the Brazil/United States Fire Initiative, an aircraft campaign was initiated in 1992 and continued in 1994. This multi-aircraft campaign was designed to assist in the characterization of fire activity, document fire intensity and determine area burned over prescribed, agricultural and wildland fires in the savanna and forests of central Brazil. Using a unique, multispectral scanner (AIRDAS), designed specifically for fire characterization, a variety of fires and burned areas were flown with a high spatial and high thermal resolution scanner. The system was used to measure flame front size, rate of spread, ratio of smoldering to flaming fronts and fire intensity. In addition, long transects were flown to determine the size of burned areas within the cerrado and transitional ecosystems. The authors anticipate that the fire activity and burned area estimates reported here will lead to enhanced information for precise regional trace gas prediction.

Atmospheric conditions related to blowup fires

Treesearch

George M. Byram

1954-01-01

Occasionally a forest fire burns with an intensity that seems far out of proportion to apparent burning conditions. Sometimes it multiplies its rate of energy output many times in a short space of time. Although infrequent, these unusual fires have over a long period of time been responsible for the major loss of life in forest fires and a large part of the losses in...

40 CFR Table 1 to Subpart Uuu of... - Metal HAP Emission Limits for Catalytic Cracking Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... incinerator or waste heat boiler in which you burn auxiliary or in supplemental liquid or solid fossil fuel... fossil fuel; and the opacity of emissions must not exceed 30 percent, except for one 6-minute average... burn auxiliary or supplemental liquid or solid fossil fuel, the incremental rate of PM must not exceed...

40 CFR Table 1 to Subpart Uuu of... - Metal HAP Emission Limits for Catalytic Cracking Units

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... incinerator or waste heat boiler in which you burn auxiliary or in supplemental liquid or solid fossil fuel... fossil fuel; and the opacity of emissions must not exceed 30 percent, except for one 6-minute average... burn auxiliary or supplemental liquid or solid fossil fuel, the incremental rate of PM must not exceed...

[Analysis of distribution and drug resistance of pathogens of burn patients during 9 years].

PubMed

Dou, Y; Zhang, Q

2018-03-20

Objective: To investigate distribution and drug resistance of pathogens of burn patients. Methods: A total of 3 357 strains were cultured and isolated from 25 286 specimens of wounds excretion, deep venous catheters, venous blood, stool, mid-stream urine, sputum, puncture fluid, and throat swab of 11 510 burn patients hospitalized in our burn wards from January 2007 to December 2015. After being identified by API bacteria identification panels and automatically bacteria identification equipment, drug-resistances of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae to 28 common antibiotics were tested by drug sensitivity test with K-B paper disk diffusion method. The WHONET 5.6 software was used to analyze constituent ratio of gram-negative bacteria and gram-positive bacteria in each year, distribution of pathogens in each year, and drug resistance of the above-mentioned 4 pathogens in 9 years to 28 common antibiotics. Data were analyzed by the linear model curve fitting. Results: (1) From 2007 to 2015, constituent ratios of gram-negative bacteria were respectively 41.22% (101/245), 41.88% (165/394), 45.92% (169/368), 42.54% (208/489), 52.35% (267/510), 56.89% (194/341), 58.99% (210/356), 56.95% (172/302), and 50.28% (177/352), with significantly increasing trend ( R (2)=0.625, P <0.05); constituent ratios of gram-positive bacteria were respectively 58.78% (144/245), 58.12% (229/394), 54.08% (199/368), 57.46% (281/489), 47.65% (243/510), 43.11% (147/341), 41.01% (146/356), 43.05% (130/302), 49.72% (175/352), with significantly decreasing trend ( R (2)=0.625, P <0.05). In 9 years, constituent ratio of Staphylococcus aureus ranked the first in all bacteria, and constituent ratios of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were with significantly increasing trend ( R (2)=0.811, 0.778, P <0.01). (2) In 9 years, drug-resistant rates of Staphylococcus aureus to gentamycin and rifampicin were with significantly decreasing trend ( R (2)=0.727, 0.766, P <0.01); drug-resistant rates of Staphylococcus aureus to phosphonomycin were always in lower levels of 4.6% to 19.5%. In 9 years, drug-resistant rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin had no significant change in trend ( R (2)=0.023, <0.001, P >0.05), while drug-resistant rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to other 10 common antibiotics were with significantly increasing trend ( R (2)=0.764, 0.793, 0.785, 0.768, 0.752, 0.749, 0.789, 0.786, 0.706, 0.629, P <0.01). In 9 years, drug-resistant rate of Acinetobacter baumannii to ampicillin/sulbactam was with significantly decreasing trend ( R (2)=0.652, P <0.01), and drug-resistant rate of Acinetobacter baumannii to amikacin was with significantly increasing trend ( R (2)=0.531, P <0.05). In 9 years, drug-resistant rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae to piperacillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, cefotaxime, cefepime, imipenem, meropenem, amikacin, and gentamicin were with obviously increasing trend ( R (2)=0.481, 0.672, 0.694, 0.532, 0.810, 0.641, 0.809, 0.709, 0.579, 0.810, P <0.05 or P <0.01). Conclusions: Constituent ratios of gram-positive bacteria of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae of burn patients hospitalized in our burn wards from 2007 to 2015 were significantly increased, while constituent ratios of Staphylococcus aureus of those children always ranked the first. Drug-resistence of bacteria of those children in our burn wards was serious. Drug-resistant rate of Staphylococcus aureus only to phosphonomycin was always in lower level. Drug-resistant rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to 10 common antibiotics except ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin were significantly increased. Drug-resistant rate of Acinetobacter baumannii only to ampicillin/sulbactam was significantly decreased. Drug-resistant rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae to most common antibiotics were significantly increased.

Scalding in Turkish children: comparison of burns caused by hot water and hot milk.

PubMed

Tarim, Akin; Nursal, Tarik Zafer; Basaran, Ozgür; Yildirim, Sedat; Türk, Emin; Moray, Gökhan; Haberal, Mehmet

2006-06-01

Our aim in this study was to compare the clinical differences and etiologic risk factors for hot water and hot milk scald burns in Turkish children. The retrospective study examined the cases of 140 children aged 0.1-7 years who had scald burns treated in three burn units of a Turkish hospital network between March 2000 and December 2004. The patients were categorized in two groups: hot water burns or hot milk burns. Ninety-five (67.9%) patients had hot water burns and 45 (47.1%) had hot milk burns. The proportion of patients with hot milk burns who lived in rural areas was significantly higher than the corresponding proportion for the hot water cases (75.6% versus 52.6%, respectively; p<0.01). In 20 (44%) of the hot milk cases, the burn was caused by milk being boiled in large pots outdoors for cheese production. The other 25 hot milk cases were caused by milk being boiled in the kitchen. The mean (+/-S.D.) percentage total body surface area burned in the hot milk cases was higher than that in the hot water cases (33.6+/-2.24% versus 21.42+/-1.43%, respectively; p<0.001), and the corresponding mean percentages of TBSA with full-thickness burns were 9.2+/-2.52% versus 3.13+/-0.83%, respectively; (p=0.083). The mean percentages of TBSA with second-degree burns showed the same trend (29.0+/-12.39% versus 18.8+/-1.47%, respectively; p<0.001) higher percentage of the children with hot milk burns required antibiotics (78% versus 52.8%, respectively; p<0.006). Seven (7.4%) of the hot water burn patients and 15 (33.3%) of the hot milk burn patients died during the study period (p=0.025; overall mortality rate 15.7%). Children scalded with hot milk tend to have more extensive burns, and thus have higher mortality, than those scalded with hot water. To create effective programs for preventing scald injuries in Turkey and elsewhere, it is essential to consider ethnic and cultural issues based on these characteristics. Simple precautions should be explained and methods of using liquids such as hot milk should be researched in different geographic locations in order to formulate good prevention strategies.

Heparin Reduced Mortality and Sepsis in Severely Burned Children

PubMed Central

Zayas, G.J.; Bonilla, A.M.; Saliba, M.J

2007-01-01

Summary Objectives. In El Salvador, before 1999, morbidity and mortality in severely burned children were high. In 1998, all children with burns of 40% or larger size died and sepsis was found. With heparin use in 1999, some similarly burned children survived, and sepsis, pain, procedures, and scars were noted to be less. This retrospective study presents the details. Methods. A study was conducted at the National Children's Hospital in El Salvador of all children with burns over 20% size treated in 1998, when no heparin was used, and in 1999, when heparin was added to burns treatment, using an ethics committee approved protocol in use in twelve other countries. Sodium aqueous heparin solution USP from an intestinal source was infused intravenously and applied topically onto burn surfaces and within blisters for the first 1-3 days post-burn. Then heparin, in diminishing doses, was continued only topically until healing. The treatments in 1998 and 1999 were otherwise the same, except that fewer procedures were needed in 1999. Results. There were no significant differences in gender, age, weight, burn aetiology, or burn size between the burned children in 1998 and those in 1999. Burn pain was relieved and pain medicine was not needed in children treated with heparin in 1999. In 1998, one child survived who had a 35% size burn, and the eight children died who had burns of 40% and over. The survival rate was one out of nine (11%). The average burn size was 51.7%. With heparin use in 1999, six of the ten children survived burns of 50.7% average size. The increase in survival with heparin from 11% to 60% and, therefore, the decrease in mortality from 89% to 40% were significant (p < 0.04). Clinical symptoms and positive blood cultures documented bacterial sepsis in the nine children in 1998. In 1999, the blood cultures for sepsis were positive in the four children who died and negative in the six who survived. The nine versus four differences in the incidence of sepsis between 1998 and 1999 was significant (p < 0.008). The survivors had notably smooth skin. Conclusions. The use of heparin in this study relieved burn pain, significantly reduced mortality and sepsis with fewer procedures, and discernibly improved cosmetic results. PMID:21991064

Assessing the Efficacy of Restricting Access to Barbecue Charcoal for Suicide Prevention in Taiwan: A Community-Based Intervention Trial

PubMed Central

Chen, Ying-Yeh; Chen, Feng; Chang, Shu-Sen; Wong, Jacky; Yip, Paul S F

2015-01-01

Objective Charcoal-burning suicide has recently been spreading to many Asian countries. There have also been several cases involving this new method of suicide in Western countries. Restricting access to suicide means is one of the few suicide-prevention measures that have been supported by empirical evidence. The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of a community intervention program that restricts access to charcoal to prevent suicide in Taiwan. Methods and Findings A quasi-experimental design is used to compare method-specific (charcoal-burning suicide, non-charcoal-burning suicide) and overall suicide rates in New Taipei City (the intervention site, with a population of 3.9 million) with two other cities (Taipei City and Kaohsiung City, the control sites, each with 2.7 million residents) before (Jan 1st 2009- April 30th 2012) and after (May 1st 2012-Dec. 31st 2013) the initiation of a charcoal-restriction program on May 1st 2012. The program mandates the removal of barbecue charcoal from open shelves to locked storage in major retail stores in New Taipei City. No such restriction measure was implemented in the two control sites. Generalized linear regression models incorporating secular trends were used to compare the changes in method-specific and overall suicide rates before and after the initiation of the restriction measure. A simulation approach was used to estimate the number of lives saved by the intervention. Compared with the pre-intervention period, the estimated rate reduction of charcoal-burning suicide in New Taipei City was 37% (95% CI: 17%, 50%) after the intervention. Taking secular trends into account, the reduction was 30% (95% CI: 14%, 44%). No compensatory rise in non-charcoal-burning suicide was observed in New Taipei City. No significant reduction in charcoal-burning suicide was observed in the other two control sites. The simulation approach estimated that 91 (95%CI [55, 128]) lives in New Taipei City were saved during the 20 months of the intervention. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that the charcoal-restriction program reduced method-specific and overall suicides. This study provides strong empirical evidence that restricting the accessibility of common lethal methods of suicide can effectively reduce suicide rates. PMID:26305374

Calculations of combustion response profiles and oscillations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Priem, Richard J.; Breisacher, Kevin J.

1993-01-01

The theory and procedures for determining the characteristics of pressure oscillations in rocket engines with prescribed burning rate oscillations are presented. Pressure and velocity oscillations calculated using this procedure are presented for the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) to show the influence of baffles and absorbers on the burning rate oscillations required to achieve neutral stability. Results of calculations to determine local combustion responses using detailed physical models for injection, atomization, and vaporization with gas phase oscillations in baffled and unbaffled SSME combustors are presented. The contributions of the various physical phenomena occurring in a combustor to oscillations in combustion response were determined.

Combustion Properties of Amino-Substituted Guanidinium 4,4',5,5'-Tetranitro-2,2'-biimidazolate(N4BIM) Salts

DOE PAGES

Tappan, Bryce C.; Chavez, David E.

2014-12-02

This paper describes the combustion properties of the amino-substituted guanidinium 4,4’,5,5’-tetranitro-2,2’-biimidazolate (N4BIM) series, including the bis-mono, di and triaminoguanidinium salts. These salts are of interest as propellant ingredient additives, and in particular, the bis-triaminoguanidinium salt of N4BIM displays excellent burn rate and combustion behavior. Our combustion studies have shown that TAGN4-BIM displays a fast burning rate and has the lowest pressure dependence exponent yet measured for a triaminoguanidinium salt.

The 3D rocket combustor acoustics model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Priem, Richard J.; Breisacher, Kevin J.

1992-01-01

The theory and procedures for determining the characteristics of pressure oscillations in rocket engines with prescribed burning rate oscillations are presented. Analyses including radial and hub baffles and absorbers can be performed in one, two, and three dimensions. Pressure and velocity oscillations calculated using this procedure are presented for the SSME to show the influence of baffles and absorbers on the burning rate oscillations required to achieve neutral stability. Comparisons are made between the results obtained utilizing 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D assumptions with regards to capturing the physical phenomena of interest and computational requirements.

Role of the Antioxidant Effect of Vitamin E With Vitamin C and Topical Povidone-Iodine Ointment in The Treatment of Burns

PubMed Central

Al-Kaisy, A.A.; Salih Sahib, A.

2005-01-01

Summary Objective. Burns represent a major health problem worldwide, with high mortality and morbidity and economic loss even with small burns. Changes in medical treatment protocols depending on a new mechanism involved in the pathogenicity of burns, i.e. oxidative stress (such as the use of povidone-iodine alone or in combination with vitamin E and vitamin C) may improve the outcome and reduce the economic loss. Patients and methods. Thirty-eight thermally injured patients of different age groups, sex, and occupation with different burn size, admitted to the burn unit in Baquba General Hospital, Iraq, were involved in this clinical trial. The patients were allocated to three groups: group A (8 patients), treated according to hospital policy; group B (17 patients), treated with topical povidone-iodine ointment; and group C (13 patients), treated with topical povidone-iodine ointment with systemic once daily 400 mg vitamin E and 500 mg vitamin C in addition to the classical antibiotic used by our hospital. In each group of oxidative stress parameters, the thyroid, liver, and kidney function test, microbiological studies, the mortality rate and healing time measurements, and economic studies were performed using standard methods. Results. Treatment with topical povidone-iodine ointment or in combination with systemic vitamin E and vitamin C was found to be of significant benefit in improving oxidative stress parameters, the mortality rate, healing time, and cost, and was free of any adverse thyroid, hepatic, or renal effects. Conclusion. Treatment of thermally injured patients with topical povidone-iodine ointment significantly improved oxidative stress parameters, indicating its antioxidant effect. Further investigation is needed to explain the exact mechanism by which povidone-iodine exerts this antioxidant effect. Treatment with topical povidone-iodine ointment alone or in combination with systemic vitamin E and vitamin C significantly improves the outcome of thermally injured patients in a safe way, thanks to the newly emerged mechanism - oxidative stress - involved in burns pathogenesis. PMID:21990974

Monitoring and treatment of coagulation abnormalities in burn patients. an international survey on current practices

PubMed Central

Lavrentieva, A.; Depetris, N.; Kaimakamis, E.; Berardino, M.; Stella, M.

2016-01-01

Summary The magnitude of coagulation abnormalities, and the definition and treatment of coagulopathy in burn patients are inadequately understood and continue to be discussed in the literature. We aimed to analyse physicians’ views on monitoring and treating coagulation abnormalities in burn patients. A total of 350 questionnaires were distributed electronically to burn ICU physicians. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. Responses were analysed electronically and comparisons were made according to the region of the ICU or the specialty of the physician. Of the 350 questionnaires distributed, 55 (15.7%) were returned. The majority of burn specialists consider sepsis-induced coagulopathy to be the most frequent coagulopathy in burn patients, and 74.5% declare that they do not use any specific definition/scoring system in their department to detect coagulopathy. The majority of specialists (70.8%) use standard coagulation tests. The most frequent indications for plasma transfusion are massive bleeding (32.8%) and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation syndrome treatment (20%). The main specific factors reported in our study are cryoprecipitate (23.2%) and fibrinogen concentrate (18.9%). 21.1% of respondents state that they do not use any specific coagulation factor substitution in burn patients. Specific coagulation factor substitution is not a routine practice. The low response rate precludes the generalization of our results. PMID:28149244