RESUMO
This paper describes the European Space Agency (ESA) experiments devoted to study thermodiffusion of fluid mixtures in microgravity environment, where sedimentation and convection do not affect the mass flow induced by the Soret effect. First, the experiments performed on binary mixtures in the IVIDIL and GRADFLEX experiments are described. Then, further experiments on ternary mixtures and complex fluids performed in DCMIX and planned to be performed in the context of the NEUF-DIX project are presented. Finally, multi-component mixtures studied in the SCCO project are detailed.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Allergic diseases are increasing in incidence worldwide and large numbers of children are now affected by allergy. Few studies have examined allergic reactions in children, particularly in the emergency department (ED) setting. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary--to describe the epidemiology of acute paediatric allergic reactions. Secondary--to describe the treatment and outcome of allergic reactions presenting to a paediatric ED. SETTING: The ED of a paediatric tertiary referral hospital with approximately 29,000 ED attendances annually. METHODS: A retrospective review of allergic reactions presenting to a paediatric ED over a 2-year period. MAIN RESULTS: 237 patients (61% male, median age 46 months) had reactions. 137/100,000 children attend the ED annually. The main identified causative agents were nuts (23%), dairy products (16.5%) and medication (10%). Oral contact was associated with 58.6% of reactions and dermatological symptoms were the most frequent presentation. Only 11(5%) received adrenaline (epinephrine). 46 (19%) were admitted. 55% of all patients received no formal follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Acute allergic reactions affect boys more than girls and frequently occur at a young age. Food allergies, in particular to nuts, are a major cause of reactions. Allergy represents a frequent presentation to the paediatric ED. There remains a concern about the adequacy of follow-up.