Preclinical Proof-of-Concept of a Minimally Invasive Direct Cardiac Compression Device for Pediatric Heart Support.

Purpose: For pediatric patients, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains the predominant mechanical circulatory support (MCS) modality for heart failure (HF) although survival to discharge rates remain between 50 and 60% for these patients. The device-blood interface and disruption of physiologic hemodynamics are significant contributors to poor outcomes.

Methods: In this study, we evaluate the preclinical feasibility of a minimally invasive, non-blood-contacting pediatric DCC prototype for temporary MCS.

Unravelling the process of petroleum hydrocarbon biodegradation in different filter materials of constructed wetlands by stable isotope fractionation and labelling studies.

Maintaining and supporting complete biodegradation during remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated groundwater in constructed wetlands is vital for the final destruction and removal of contaminants. We aimed to compare and gain insight into biodegradation and explore possible limitations in different filter materials (sand, sand amended with biochar, expanded clay). These filters were collected from constructed wetlands after two years of operation and batch experiments were conducted using two stable isotope techniques; (i) carbon isotope labelling of hexadecane and (ii) hydrogen isotope fractionation of decane.