Occurrence of transients in water distribution networks

The common existence of pressure transients in operational water distribution systems (WDS) requires their characterisation and assessment of their impact. This paper performs such characterisation by evidencing the occurrence and the differences in pressure transient behaviour in complex WDS. Ten samples of continuously recorded high resolution pressures from diverse networks and sources were analysed. The presented pressure traces show regular and occasional pressure transient waves in various complex networks. Histogram analysis of the rate of change of head provides some insight into transient behaviour in these sites. Although there was no distinct correlation between network characteristics (ie. length, diameter, age) and transient behaviour, network complexity was observed to change the transient characteristics. Transient characteristics were observed to be strongly influenced by likely sources, in particular commercial customers. The data highlights the need to understand, quantify and characterise transients and hence link to possible impacts, such as structural or water quality failures

The detection of microbial DNA but not cultured bacteria is associated with increased mortality in patients with suspected sepsis-a prospective multi-centre European observational study

OBJECTIVES: Blood culture results inadequately stratify the mortality risk in critically ill patients with sepsis. We sought to establish the prognostic significance of the presence of microbial DNA in the bloodstream of patients hospitalized with suspected sepsis. METHODS: We analysed the data collected during the Rapid Diagnosis of Infections in the Critically Ill (RADICAL) study, which compared a novel culture-independent PCR/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) assay with standard microbiological testing. Patients were eligible for the study if they had suspected sepsis and were either hospitalized or were referred to one of nine intensive care units from six European countries. The blood specimen for PCR/ESI-MS assay was taken along with initial blood culture taken for clinical indications. RESULTS: Of the 616 patients recruited to the RADICAL study, 439 patients had data on outcome, results of the blood culture and PCR/ESI-MS assay available for analysis. Positive blood culture and PCR/ESI-MSI result was found in 13% (56/439) and 40% (177/439) of patients, respectively. Either a positive blood culture (p 0.01) or a positive PCR/ESI-MS (p 0.005) was associated with higher SOFA scores on enrolment to the study. There was no difference in 28-day mortality observed in patients who had either positive or negative blood cultures (35% versus 32%, p 0.74). However, in patients with a positive PCR/ESI-MS assay, mortality was significantly higher in comparison to those with a negative result (42% versus 26%, p 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Presence of microbial DNA in patients with suspected sepsis might define a patient group at higher risk of death

A922 Sequential measurement of 1 hour creatinine clearance (1-CRCL) in critically ill patients at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI)

Meeting abstrac

Risky health behaviours vs. levels of bioelements in serum of secondary school students

Health behaviours are actions taken by a person in the field of health. Risky behaviours are those that pose a threat to health. Bioelements are essential for the proper functioning of every organism. Their trace amounts are necessary for life and health. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between health behaviours and the levels of bioelements in the blood serum of secondary school students. This survey-based study was carried out on a sample of 376 secondary school students aged 13-16 years. It was performed using the HBSC questionnaire (Health Behaviour In School-aged Children: A WHO Collaborative Cross-national Study). Next, cubital vein blood was collected for laboratory tests, and the levels of bioelements (Mg, Ca, Cu, Fe, Zn) in blood serum were determined. The analysis of the research material did not demonstrate substantial differences in the mean serum levels of Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe between smokers and non-smokers, alcohol consumers and non-consumers, drug users and non-users. There were no statistically significant correlations between the levels of bioelements and the frequency of drinking beer and vodka (p>0.05). A statistically significant correlation was observed between Cu levels and drinking wine (p≤0.05). Subjects showing aggressive behaviours (getting into scuffles) had lower Mg and Zn levels than other secondary school students. There were weak but statistically significant correlations between Cu levels and the frequency of wine consumption, and between serum Zn levels and smoking marijuana among the subjects

Risky health behaviours vs. levels of bioelements in serum of secondary school students

Health behaviours are actions taken by a person in the field of health. Risky behaviours are those that pose a threat to health. Bioelements are essential for the proper functioning of every organism. Their trace amounts are necessary for life and health. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between health behaviours and the levels of bioelements in the blood serum of secondary school students. This survey-based study was carried out on a sample of 376 secondary school students aged 13-16 years. It was performed using the HBSC questionnaire (Health Behaviour In School-aged Children: A WHO Collaborative Cross-national Study). Next, cubital vein blood was collected for laboratory tests, and the levels of bioelements (Mg, Ca, Cu, Fe, Zn) in blood serum were determined. The analysis of the research material did not demonstrate substantial differences in the mean serum levels of Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe between smokers and non-smokers, alcohol consumers and non-consumers, drug users and non-users. There were no statistically significant correlations between the levels of bioelements and the frequency of drinking beer and vodka (p>0.05). A statistically significant correlation was observed between Cu levels and drinking wine (p≤0.05). Subjects showing aggressive behaviours (getting into scuffles) had lower Mg and Zn levels than other secondary school students. There were weak but statistically significant correlations between Cu levels and the frequency of wine consumption, and between serum Zn levels and smoking marijuana among the subjects