Inverse CeO2/CuO catalyst as an alternative to classical direct configurations for preferential oxidation of CO in hydrogen-rich stream.

A novel inverse CeO(2)/CuO catalyst for preferential oxidation of CO in H(2)-rich stream (CO-PROX) has been developed on the basis of a hypothesis extracted from previous work of the group (JACS 2007, 129, 12064). Possible separation of the two competing oxidation reactions involved in the process (of CO and H(2), respectively) is the key to modulation of overall CO-PROX activity and is based on involvement of different sites as most active ones for each of the two reactions. Achievement of large size CuO particles and adequate CeO(2)-CuO interfacial configurations in the inverse catalyst apparently allows appreciable enhancement of the catalytic properties of this kind of system for CO-PROX, constituting an interesting alternative to classic direct configurations so far explored for this process. Reasons for such behavior are analyzed on the basis of operando-XRD, -XAFS, and -DRIFTS studies.

Negative pressure pulmonary edema after acute upper airway obstruction.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To review the clinical characteristics and the pathogenesis of negative pressure pulmonary edema, and to determine its incidence in surgical patients. DESIGN: Retrospective case-report study. SETTING: Operating room, postanesthesia care unit and surgical intensive care of a teaching hospital. PATIENTS: 30 surgical adult ASA physical status I, II, III, IV, and V patients who suffered from negative pressure pulmonary edema during the period 1992-1995. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: This study showed a rapid onset of negative pressure pulmonary edema after acute upper airway obstruction, due mainly to laryngospasm in the postoperative period and to upper airway pathology in the preoperative period. Negative pressure pulmonary edema appeared more frequent in healthy (ASA physical status I and II), middle-aged and male patients, with a general incidence of 0.094%. The resolution was relatively rapid after reestablishment of the airway, adequate oxygenation, and positive airway pressure application. The clinical course was uncomplicated in all the patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, negative pressure pulmonary edema presented a relatively high incidence. Prevention, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment allowed a rapid and uncomplicated resolution.

Luteoma of pregnancy: report of a case and review of the literature.

A case of a unilateral, non-virilizing pregnancy luteoma in a 28 year old Caucasian female resulted in good health more than six years after removal of the lesion. Theories on the histogenesis of the lesion are briefly recounted and the literature is reviewed. This case appears to be number 62 in the world literature.