Analysis of acidic organo(fluoro)phosphates as decomposition product of lithium ion battery electrolytes via derivatization gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Nowadays, lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are the preferred energy supply for consumer electronics and electric vehicles. But, intrinsic reactions in the LIB system lead to a reduced battery life and impaired safety properties. Organo(fluoro)phosphates (O(F)Ps) as decomposition product of the conducting salt and the organic carbonate solvent molecules of the LIB electrolyte are of high interest due to structural similarities to chemical warfare agents and therefore a supposedly high toxicity. The reaction cascade shows a large variety of O(F)Ps including a wide spread of polarity. In this study, an approach for the investigation of acidic O(F)Ps with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after derivatization is conducted. Analysis of a model substance, spike experiments in the electrolyte matrix and investigation of thermally treated electrolyte were performed. As a result, derivatization could be achieved in less than three minutes and screening could successfully be shown without impairing the originality of the sample (matrix). This derivatization approach shows the possibility of analysis for both acidic and non-acidic O(F)Ps using only one method.

18F-FDG PET/CT Revealing Constrictive Pericarditis as the Only Manifestation of Malignant Mesothelioma.

A 57-year-old man presented with shortness of breath and ankle edema. Constrictive pericarditis with an unexplained mass surrounding the heart was diagnosed by ultrasound. Accordingly, F-FDG PET/CT was performed. Multiple PET-positive noduli and irregular tissue were located in the pericardium, with pleural fluid present, but without additional pulmonic or pleural pathology. A pericardiectomy was successfully performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemical staining revealed epithelioid mesothelioma.

Two donor-related infections in a heart transplant recipient: one common, the other a tropical surprise.

BACKGROUND: Infection is the most frequent complication after heart transplantation (HTx). In this report and brief literature review we present a recipient who some 6 weeks post-HTx had two donor-related infections: a "common" primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and, simultaneously, a highly unusual donor-related Strongyloides stercoralis infection. METHODS: The parasite was discovered by chance in a skin biopsy. CMV was treated with ganciclovir and the strongyloidiasis was cured with two courses of anti-helminthic therapy--initially with ivermectine and albendazol and, in response to eosinophilia, with ivermectine monotherapy. The patient's recovery was further complicated by two successive rejection episodes, a relapse of the CMV syndrome and a novel influenza A/H1N1 infection. These episodes were treated with steroids, ganciclovir and oseltamivir, respectively. RESULTS: It took almost 9 months before a permanent IgG anti-CMV response was seen. At 13 months post-HTx, coronary angiography showed only slight vessel wall abnormalities. At present, the patient is back at home and in good condition. CONCLUSION: Until now, only 4 recipient-derived strongyloidiasis cases have been described in post-HTx patients, all diagnosed by autopsies. This is the first report of a donor-related Strongyloides infection in a patient after HTx.

[Clinical cardiac rehabilitation]. / Klinische hartrevalidatie.

Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is offered in at least 100 hospitals in the Netherlands. The majority of cardiac patients are well-served with physical training and education. Some patients with complex cardiac pathology and other problems, including health problems, may however benefit from multidisciplinary in-hospital CR. We present three cardiac patients. The first patient, a 58-year-old man, had coronary and pulmonary disease, suboptimally treated diabetes and psychological problems. He participated in in-hospital CR for 7 weeks, which led to an improved physical and emotional condition. The second patient was 80 years old and did not recover properly following an aortic valve replacement. With in-hospital CR she acquired new skills for mastering the activities of daily life. The third patient we described, a 57-year-old man, suffered from ischaemic heart failure and had had recurrent implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) shocks. He was referred for cardiac transplantation but 7 weeks of in-hospital CR resulted in an improved exercise tolerance, significant weight loss and an adequate level of coping with his disease. In-hospital CR is a niche service, but may provide relief for some cardiac patients.