Current status of emergency treatment of chemical eye burns in workplaces

Chemical eye burns present an avoidable,but frequent,occupational injury with potentially detrimental consequences for the quality of life and occupational rehabilitation of the injured.A periodical review of guidelines is required to assure the optimal emergency management.We reviewed the literature with emphasis on current German guidelines,primarily MEDLINE.If the crucial first-line measure,the injury prevention has failed and an eye burn has been sustained,the immediate and copious rinsing of the eye is the pivotal emergency treatment modality.Whereas the immediacy and sufficiency of the emergency rinsing are largely unanimous,there is an ongoing debate about the benefits and risks of specific rinsing solutions,and regular updates on guidelines and recommendations for the emergency treatment are warranted.The easiest and readily available rinsing solution is tap water,which fulfils the crucial criteria conveniently in most industrialized countries:purity,sterility,and neutral p H.Other rinsing solutions are proposing higher osmolality to stabilize the physiological p H,because of their superior buffering capacity.However,there is no compelling evidence for a substantial benefit,and some reports suggest that there could be unwanted side effects.In combination with the substantially increased expenditure and a more complex handling procedure,currently a general recommendation of any other solution than tap water is not warranted.

Common eye drops and their implications for p H measurements in the management of chemical eye injuries

Dear Sir,Eye drops(single use)commonly used in clinics do have varying pH values.The use of such drops in the initial management of chemical eye injury may influence the accuracy of pH measurement of the eye,and subsequently influence its management.Chemical eye injury is an ophthalmic emergency,which may be caused by exposure to an acidic(pH【4)or an alkali(pH】10)solution to the eye.Rinsing the eye decreases the concentration of these solutions on ocular surface.The initial management would be copious irrigation with clean or sterile water or Ringer’s solution(pH 7.3-7.4)or its equivalent,of a

Analysis of the Cicatricial Acceleration Method (MAC®) in Skin Repair in Wistar Rattus norvegicus with Induced Chemical Burns

Introduction: The cicatricial acceleration method (MAC®) promotes photobiological effects of an anti-inflammatory and healing nature. Its therapeutic radiation is emitted, producing photobiostimulant effects that result in rapid tissue repair and better tissue quality. The treatment of burns has always been a challenge, which involves both performing surgery and controlling and guiding scar regeneration, avoiding possible morbidities. Objective: To evaluate the effects of applying the MAC methodology with an AlGa (aluminum, gallium arsenide) laser on the time and quality of tissue repair in the skin of rats after induced chemical burns. Method: 22 adult male rats were subjected to a second-degree chemical burn on the back using 50% trichloroacetic acid. After the burns, the animals were randomly separated into 2 groups: control and experimental. The control group (G1) received placebo laser therapy and the laser group (G2) underwent laser irradiation with an energy density of 100 J/cm2. Histological analysis and macroscopic evaluation were carried out by means of the paper template method. Results: Group G1 showed (53%) of the necrosis area and group G2 showed (11%) necrosis area. Conclusion: The cicatricial acceleration method (MAC®) favored the repair of wounds caused by a 2nd-degree chemical burn, optimizing time and improving quality.

A Rational Design of Metal–Organic Framework Nanozyme with High‑Performance Copper Active Centers for Alleviating Chemical Corneal Burns

Metal–organic frameworks(MOFs)have attracted significant research interest in biomimetic catalysis.However,the modulation of the activity of MOFs by precisely tuning the coordination of metal nodes is still a significant challenge.Inspired by metalloenzymes with well-defined coordination structures,a series of MOFs containing halogen-coordinated copper nodes(Cu-X MOFs,X=Cl,Br,I)are employed to elucidate their structure–activity relationship.Intriguingly,experimental and theoretical results strongly support that precisely tuning the coordination of halogen atoms directly regulates the enzyme-like activities of Cu-X MOFs by influencing the spatial configuration and electronic structure of the Cu active center.The optimal Cu–Cl MOF exhibits excellent superoxide dismutase-like activity with a specific activity one order of magnitude higher than the reported Cu-based nanozymes.More importantly,by performing enzyme-mimicking catalysis,the Cu–Cl MOF nanozyme can significantly scavenge reactive oxygen species and alleviate oxidative stress,thus effectively relieving ocular chemical burns.Mechanistically,the antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties of Cu–Cl MOF are achieved by regulating the NRF2 and JNK or P38 MAPK pathways.Our work provides a novel way to refine MOF nanozymes by directly engineering the coordination microenvironment and,more significantly,demonstrating their potential therapeutic effect in ophthalmic disease.

Application of transient burning rate model of solid propellant in electrothermal-chemical launch simulation

A 30 mm electrothermal-chemical(ETC) gun experimental system is employed to research the burning rate characteristics of 4/7 high-nitrogen solid propellant. Enhanced gas generation rates(EGGR) of propellants during and after electrical discharges are verified in the experiments. A modified 0D internal ballistic model is established to simulate the ETC launch. According to the measured pressure and electrical parameters, a transient burning rate law including the influence of EGGR coefficient by electric power and pressure gradient(dp/dt) is added into the model. The EGGR coefficient of 4/7 high-nitrogen solid propellant is equal to 0.005 MW-1. Both simulated breech pressure and projectile muzzle velocity accord with the experimental results well. Compared with Woodley's modified burning rate law, the breech pressure curves acquired by the transient burning rate law are more consistent with test results. Based on the parameters calculated in the model, the relationship among propellant burning rate, pressure gradient(dp/dt) and electric power is analyzed. Depending on the transient burning rate law and experimental data, the burning of solid propellant under the condition of plasma is described more accurately.

Effect of amnion membrane transplantation on corneal neovascularization in 10 patients with alkali burn

By observing clinical cases, we studied the curative effect of amnion membrane transplantation on decreasing corneal neovascularization (CNV). It was a non-randomized retrospective case-control study. Among 17 cases (21 eyes) of third-degree alkali burns from 2007 to 2010, 10 cases (12 eyes) were performed with amnion membrane transplantation operation, and others were not. Amnion membrane transplantation was performed at the 3rd day after burn in the treatment group. Areas of CNV in double groups were measured at the 14th day and 60th day after burn. Area of CNV in the treatment group was (66.207±7.251)mm2 at the 14th day after burn, and was 18.27% lower than that in the control group. Area of CNV in the treatment group was (120.046±13.812)mm2 at the 60th day after burn, and was 11.35% lower than that in the control group. There was both statistical significance (P<0.05). Amnion membrane transplantation operation can inhibit the growth of corneal neovascularization induced by alkali burn.

Physical and chemical effects of phosphorus-containing compounds on laminar premixed flame

Phosphorus-containing compounds are the promising halon alternatives for flame inhibitions. However, some literatures suggested that the phosphorus-related inhibitors may behave as the unfavorable ones that will increase the burning velocity under lean-burn conditions, and this indeed posed potential threats to the fire prevention and fighting. To seek deeper insights into the reaction process, a numerical investigation was actualized to study the phosphorus-related effects on methane-air flames. By replacing a phosphorus-related inhibitor with the corresponding decomposed molecules, the detailed promoting and inhibiting effects of combustion were separated from the general chemical effect. A comparative study was carried out to identify the interaction between the two effects under different combustion conditions. It is observed that the promoting effect becomes the dominant factor during the reaction process when the equivalence ratio is smaller than 0.60. In this lean-burn condition, the exothermic reactions were faster than the others within the reaction chains due to the reduction of radical recombination in hydrocarbon oxidation. The results are believed to be useful for the further application and improvement of flame inhibitors.

Inhibitory effect of polysulfated heparin endostatin on alkali burn induced corneal neovascularization in rabbits

AIM: To investigate anti-angiogenic effects of polysulfated heparin endostatin(PSH-ES) on alkali burn induced corneal neovascularization(NV) in rabbits.METHODS: An alkali burn was made on rabbit corneas to induce corneal NV in the right eye of 24 rabbits. One day after burn creation, a 0.2 m L subconjunctival injection of 50 μg/m L PSH-ES, 50 μg/m L recombinant endostatin(ES), or normal saline was administered every other day for a total of 14d(7 injections). Histology and immunohistochemisty were used to examine corneas.Corneal NV growth was evaluated as microvessel quantity and corneal vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)expression was measured by immunohistochemical assay.RESULTS: Subconjunctival injection of ES and PSHES resulted in significant corneal NV suppression, but PSH-ES had a more powerful anti-angiogenic effect than ES. Mean VEGF concentration in PSH-ES treated corneas was significantly lower than in ES treated and saline treated corneas. Histological examination showed that corneas treated with either PSH-ES or ES had significantly fewer microvessels than eyes treated with saline. Additionally corneas treated with PSH-ES had significantly fewer microvessels than corneas treated with ES.CONCLUSION: Both PSH-ES and recombinant ES effectively inhibit corneal NV induced by alkali burn.However, PSH-ES is a more powerful anti-angiogenic agent than ES. This research has the potential to provide a new treatment option for preventing and treating corneal NV.

Chemical Characterization of PM10 Particulate Matter in the Ambient Air of a Region of Central Italy (Umbria)

Atmospheric particulate matter is a critical factor for many regional urban areas of Umbria (Central Italy region). During 2013 the monitoring air quality network, managed by ARPA Umbria, has been upgraded to Legislative Decree of 13 August 2010, n.155 and an analytical study about chemical composition of PM10 (Particulate Matter with diameter of 10 micrometres or less) over all the region has been started. The PM10 filters have been analyzed for Benzo(α)Pyrene, Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd to check compliance with limits or target values defined in Italian regulation (Legislative Decree of 13 August 2010, n.155);other parameters, like US-EPA list Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins and Polychlorinated Dibenzo Furans (PCDD/ Fs), Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Organic Carbon/Elemental Carbon (OC/EC) and Levoglucosan were analyzed because they are toxic or because they identify particular pollutant sources. The data obtained showed a large and diffusive biomass burning contribution, widely used in the Umbria Region both for domestic heating in traditional fireplaces and for combustion of pruning residues. In particular the urban sites of Terni and suburban site near Terni (Narni), both lying in the Terni basin called “Conca Ternana”, showed a chemical composition of PM10 that suggests a very large anthropization. This area is the principal industrial reality in the Central Italy because there is a steel production plant, a Municipal solid waste (MSW) burning plant and a chemical plant.

Beyond the burn: Studies on the physiological effects of flamethrowers during World War Ⅱ

Flamethrowers are widely considered one of warfare’s most controversial weapons and are capable of inflicting gruesome physical injuries and intense psychological trauma.Despite being the last of the major combatants in World WarⅡ(WWⅡ)to develop them,the U.S.military quickly became the most frequent and adept operator of portable flamethrowers.This gave the U.S.military ample opportunity to observe the effects of flamethrowers on enemy soldiers.However,while most people in modern times would consider immolation by flamethrower to be an unnecessarily painful and inhumane way to inflict casualties,immolation was,at one point during WWⅡ,referred to as"mercy killing"by the U.S.Chemical Warfare Service(CWS).This mischaracterization arose from a series of firsthand accounts describing what were believed to be quick,painless,and unmarred deaths,as well as from a poor and incomplete understanding of flamethrower lethality.As a result,indirect mechanisms such as hypoxia and carbon monoxide poisoning were generally absent from accounts of the flamethrower’s fatal effects.It was not until several years after flamethrowers were introduced to the frontlines that the CWS and National Defense Research Committee(NDRC)conducted a series of tests to better understand the physiological and toxicological effects of flamethrowers.This article examines how the initial absence of scientific data on the physiologic effects of flamethrowers led to an inaccurate understanding of their lethality,and bizarre claims that one of history’s most horrific instruments of war was considered one of the more"humane"weapons on the battlefield.

Burning rate analysis of laser controlled 5-aminotetrazole propellant

As an innovative propulsion technique, laser augmented chemical propulsion(LACP) seems superior to the traditional ones. However, the corresponding combustion theories have still to be ascertained for LACP. Burning rate of 5-aminotetrazole(5-ATZ) propellant has been studied by testing pressed samples under different combustor pressures and laser powers. Based on micro computed tomography(Micro CT),an advanced thickness-over-time(TOT) method to characterize the regression of the produced nonplanar burning surface is established. Because of a shell structure covering the combustion surface,the burning rate of the implemented 5-ATZ propellant is not constant during laser ablation. Resorting to functional fitting, a new law of non-constant burning including the effect of the observed unique burning surface structures is proposed. Accordingly, applicable combustion conditions of 5-ATZ based propellants have been preliminarily speculated for future research activities.

Burning surface formation mechanism of laser-controlled 5-aminotetrazole propellant

As an innovative propulsion technique, combustion mechanism of laser-augmented chemical propulsion has still to be ascertained. Benefiting from high nitrogen content and thermal stability, 5-aminotetrazole is a suitable ingredient for LACP. Under a flowing nitrogen environment, two kinds of unique burning surfaces were observed to occur for 5-ATZ, used as a single reacting propellant ingredient with the addition of carbon, under laser ablation. Both surfaces are hollow structures and differ by the possible presence of edges. Using micro computed tomography, the 3D perspective structures of both surfaces were revealed. Resorting to various characterization methods, a unified formation mechanism for both surfaces is proposed. This mechanism specifically applies to laser ablation, but could be crucial to common burning mechanisms in LACP.

Serious Burn by Sulfuric Acid: Case Report of Particular Therapeutic Strategy in a Non-Specialized ICU at Hôpital Principal de Dakar (HPD) Sénégal

Managing severe burns remains problematic due to the lack of specialized units, but also because of the delay in implementing emergency care. The aim is to show that an adapted strategy, can lead to satisfying management of chemical burns. The authors report retrospectively the case of a patient admitted for chemical burns, and treated in a non-specialized intensive care unit;a 38 years old male, referred for burns by sulfuric acid at his workplace. On admission to H15, the clinic did not reveal any vital organs failure. Burns were localized on two legs and soles of the two feet (18% TBSA). Treatment combined daily dressings with silver sulfadiazine. On day 14, the wound healing associated occlusive gauze dressing, iodine cream application, and mechanical debridement. On day 47, a 5% dermal autograft performed on right foot favored with good attachment grafts. On day 58, the patient was released after complete skin recovery. Then, in a non-specialized burn unit and without early surgery access, our wound healing adapted strategy was successful. In Senegal, chemical burns represent about 2.5% of burn cases. They are often from accidents on occupation job, while generally in Africa chemical burns result from criminal attacks. Patients with severe lesions are admitted in non-specialized environments after an extended time of transfer, and don’t have efficient initial care. This may explain the high morbidity and mortality after burns in our country. The lack of surgical facilities such as skin substitutes, in non-specialized unit on low or median income countries (LMICs), explains this long period of wound healing. The treatment of severe burn in LMICs is hazardous.

常见化学烧伤的救治方法

随着新化工产品的不断涌现,化学烧伤在工作中发生率明显升高,化学烧伤的损伤一般发生在工作环境中,严重程度和化学品的性质、剂量、浓度、接触时间和接触面积、急救措施等有着密切的关系。目前较多医疗机构内缺乏化学烧伤救治的标准操作流程,本文通过介绍常见局部化学烧伤的处理的基本原则,为临床治疗提供参考。

火烧迹地恢复后不同稳定机制土壤有机碳库特征研究

以大兴安岭重度火烧迹地经过不同方式恢复的林分土壤为研究对象,采用物理-化学联合分组方法,研究未保护、物理保护、化学保护、生物化学保护、物理-化学保护和物理-生物化学保护有机碳组分含量特征及其与土壤总有机碳含量间的关系。结果表明,1)人工恢复的林分土壤总有机碳、未保护有机碳、物理保护有机碳、物理-化学保护有机碳、物理-生物化学保护有机碳和生物化学保护有机碳含量均显著高于自然恢复。化学保护有机碳含量在不同恢复方式下变化不显著。除化学保护有机碳和物理-化学保护有机碳外,其余各保护态有机碳均表现为上层土壤含量显著高于下层(P<0.05)。2)2种恢复方式下的土壤有机碳组分均以未保护有机碳占比最高,物理-化学保护有机碳占比最低。与天然恢复相比,人工恢复下的土壤物理保护有机碳含量占比显著提高2.80%~3.19%(P<0.05)。3)回归分析表明,除物理-化学保护有机碳和化学保护有机碳组分外,其余各保护态有机碳组分与总有机碳含量之间均呈极显著的正相关关系(P<0.001)。大兴安岭重度火烧迹地经过32 a的人工恢复,更利于土壤总有机碳积累,土壤未保护有机碳的积累更多。研究结果为该区域重度火烧迹地植被恢复提供科学依据。

2023年春节期间宿迁市PM_(2.5)化学组分特征与来源解析

2023年春节期间(1月18日—25日),宿迁市发生了一次短时PM_(2.5)重度污染,利用宿迁市环境空气国控监测站、大气超级站、在线单颗粒气溶胶质谱仪等对PM_(2.5)化学组分进行分析,对颗粒物的主要组分进行来源解析,探讨燃放烟花爆竹对空气质量的影响。结果表明,春节期间整体空气质量良好,峰值出现在21日22时—22日0时(除夕夜),PM_(2.5)浓度范围为165~206μg/m^(3),达到重度污染水平,各项化学组分抬升明显,二次有机物占比明显抬升。烟花爆竹燃放指征重金属元素在除夕夜前后变化幅度较大,PM_(2.5)小时均值同步上升3.0倍,K^(+)和Cl^(-)浓度多次出现同时突升,重金属元素和离子元素双重佐证了烟花爆竹燃放助推了颗粒物浓度高值。由于烟花燃放特征离子与本地扬尘源特征离子存在共性(Al^(+)、Ba^(+)、Mg^(+)等矿物质成分),在不利气象条件下主要表现为扬尘源对大气颗粒物贡献率的增加。

高压氧对大鼠深Ⅱ度复合性烧伤创面的促愈作用

目的探讨高压氧对深Ⅱ度复合性烧伤创面的影响及其可能机制。方法50只Wistar大鼠为实验动物,建立深Ⅱ度复合性烧伤模型后,随机分为3组,单纯植皮组(实验组)、植皮配合高压氧治疗组(治疗组)及对照组,分别于伤后第3天行切痂自体皮片移植术,术后加压包扎固定。治疗组治疗给氧压为0.1MPa,一级导管给氧,升压18min,给压60min,减压18min,每日1次,共治疗7次。于伤后10、14、18、24、31天时相点对创面组织形态改变、微血管密度及成纤维细胞超微结构变化、表皮细胞增殖情况进行检测。结果高压氧治疗可使创面愈合时间缩短3～5天,促进肉芽组织的形成(P<0.05),加速成纤维细胞的生长,加速上皮细胞的DNA复制,瘢痕质地软而光滑。结论复合性烧伤后在单纯植皮基础上辅助高压氧治疗,皮片生长及成活情况良好,创面愈合时间快,感染率明显降低,治疗组的修复早于实验组和对照组,瘢痕形成减少,提示该治疗方法在西部高海拔地区临床外科中的推广应用,能缩短患者住院时间,愈后并发症轻,且方法简便易行,治疗效果满意。

秸秆燃烧产生颗粒物化学组分及排放特征

收集玉米、水稻和小麦秸秆模拟露天燃烧排放的颗粒物,分析样品中碳质组分、水溶性离子(共9种)和无机元素(共17种),研究其排放因子及特征比值。结果表明:秸秆燃烧OC的排放因子远高于EC,二者范围分别为169~1 707和91~300 mg/kg。总水溶性离子排放因子范围为162~840 mg/kg。K^+、Na^+、NH_4^+和Cl^-是水溶性离子的主要组分,占水溶性离子总排放因子的80%~92%。K、Ca、P和Mg 4种生长元素排放因子之和占秸秆燃烧排放颗粒物中无机元素的98%~99%。Zn、Pb、Cu为秸秆燃烧排放颗粒物中排放因子较高的重金属元素,这些重金属对人体健康的影响不可忽视。此外,研究发现OC/EC可以用来区分秸秆燃烧与香烟燃烧、重型柴油车和草类燃烧源,K^+/OC可以用来区分秸秆燃烧与居民燃木取暖,K/Ca可以用来区分秸秆燃烧与交通污染源。

碱性成纤维细胞生长因子促进角膜碱烧伤上皮修复的实验研究

120只兔角膜碱烧伤眼随机分成5组，分别以3种不同剂量的bFGF滴眼液和素高捷疗滴眼治疗，荧光素染色裂隙灯照相，照片经计算机图象系统分析，并做形态学检查。结果表明bFGF滴服液能促进角膜上皮的愈合。

中度火干扰对白桦落叶松混交林土壤理化性质的影响

应用空间代替时间的方法对大兴安岭林区白桦落叶松混交林1982—2007年的中度火烧迹地土壤理化性质变化进行研究。结果表明:火后土壤密度增加,土壤孔隙度和土壤含水率降低,但是变化幅度将随着时间的推移逐渐缩小,并在火烧后第20年将接近火烧前水平;火烧后A层和B层土壤有机质均呈降低趋势,A层的降幅逐渐缩小直到火烧后20年比火烧前水平大幅增加;火后土壤A层和B层全磷含量均呈增加趋势,土壤全氮在A层基本也呈增加趋势,B层随火后时间呈波动变化,无明显规律;土壤有效磷含量变化呈先降低后增加的趋势;A层土壤速效钾含量的变化基本呈增加趋势,但随时间增加幅度减小,而B层的变化无规律;A层土壤水解氮含量变化呈增加趋势,而B层的变化则与速效钾在B层的变化相似,无明显规律。此研究旨在找出火烧后随时间的推移土壤理化性质的动态变化规律,为火烧迹地的改造和生态恢复提供科学依据。