Cation Effects on the Acidic Oxygen Reduction Reaction at Carbon Surfaces.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a widely used green oxidant. Until now, research has focused on the development of efficient catalysts for the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e- ORR). However, electrolyte effects on the 2e- ORR have remained little understood. We report a significant effect of alkali metal cations (AMCs) on carbons in acidic environments. The presence of AMCs at a glassy carbon electrode shifts the half wave potential from -0.48 to -0.22 VRHE. This cation-induced enhancement effect exhibits a uniquely sensitive on/off switching behavior depending on the voltammetric protocol. Voltammetric and in situ X-ray photoemission spectroscopic evidence is presented, supporting a controlling role of the potential of zero charge of the catalytic enhancement. Density functional theory calculations associate the enhancement with stabilization of the *OOH key intermediate as a result of locally induced field effects from the AMCs. Finally, we developed a refined reaction mechanism for the H2O2 production in the presence of AMCs.

The Role of Adsorbed and Subsurface Carbon Species for the Selective Alkyne Hydrogenation Over a Pd-Black Catalyst: An Operando Study of Bulk and Surface.

The selective hydrogenation of propyne over a Pd-black model catalyst was investigated under operando conditions at 1 bar making use of advanced X-ray diffraction (bulk sensitive) and photo-electron spectroscopy (surface sensitive) techniques. It was found that the population of subsurface species controls the selective catalytic semi-hydrogenation of propyne to propylene due to the formation of surface and near-surface PdCx that inhibits the participation of more reactive bulk hydrogen in the hydrogenation reaction. However, increasing the partial pressure of hydrogen reduces the population of PdCx with the concomitant formation of a ß-PdHx phase up to the surface, which is accompanied by a lattice expansion, allowing the participation of more active bulk hydrogen which is responsible for the unselective total alkyne hydrogenation. Therefore, controlling the surface and subsurface catalyst chemistry is crucial to control the selective alkyne semi-hydrogenation.

Diagnostic value of sTREM-1, IL-8, PCT, and CRP in febrile neutropenia after autologous stem cell transplantation.

Infections and infectious complications are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in febrile neutropenic patients after autologous stem cell transplantation. Laboratory biomarkers are helpful for early identification of critically ill patients and optimal therapy management. Several studies in adult non-neutropenic patients proposed sTREM-1 as a superior biomarker for identification of septic patients as well as a predictor for survival in these patients compared with procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), or interleukin-8 (IL-8). Here, to assess the utility of PCT, CRP, IL-8, and sTREM-1 in febrile neutropenia, 44 patients presenting with febrile neutropenia after autologous stem cell transplantation were recruited in a single-center prospective pilot study. We analyzed PCT and CRP as well as IL-8 and sTREM-1 levels pre- and post-transplantation at defined time points. In 20 of 44 patients, concentration of sTREM-1 was under the detection level at appearance of febrile neutropenia. Mean levels of PCT, IL-8, and CRP were significantly increased in infections of critically ill patients who by dysfunction or failure of one or more organs/system depend on survival from advanced instruments of monitoring and therapy. However, all tested biomarkers could not distinguish between presence and absence of bloodstream infection. The combination of the biomarkers PCT and IL-8 achieved a high sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 74% for the identification of serious complications in febrile neutropenia, whereas the combination of CRP and PCT or IL-8 achieved a high sensitivity of 100%, but with the addition of a low specificity of 47or 41%. In conclusion, we found that the measurement of sTREM-1 concentration at presentation of febrile neutropenia is not useful to identify bacterial bloodstream infections and critically ill patients. PCT and IL-8 are useful biomarkers for the early identification of critically ill patients, compared to CRP and sTREM-1 in febrile neutropenia. PCT or IL-8 in combination with clinical parameters should be considered in routine measurement to identify critically ill patients as early as possible.

Reversible Bulk Oxidation of Ni Foil During Oscillatory Catalytic Oxidation of Propane: A Novel Type of Spatiotemporal Self-Organization.

A novel type of temporal and spatial self-organization in a heterogeneous catalytic reaction is described for the first time. Using in situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry, we show that, under certain conditions, self-sustained reaction-rate oscillations arise in the oxidation of propane over Ni foil because of reversible bulk oxidation of Ni to NiO, which can be observed even with the naked eye as chemical waves propagating over the catalyst surface.

Influenza virus infections in patients with malignancies -- characteristics and outcome of the season 2014/15. A survey conducted by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Haematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO).

Influenza virus infections (IVI) may pose a vital threat to immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from malignancies, but specific data on epidemiology and outcome in these patients are scarce. In this study, we collected data on patients with active cancer or with a history of cancer, presenting with documented IVI in eight centres in Germany. Two hundred and three patients were identified, suffering from haematological malignancies or solid tumours; 109 (54 %) patients had active malignant disease. Influenza A was detected in 155 (77 %) and Influenza B in 46 (23 %) of patients (genera not determined in two patients). Clinical symptoms were consistent with upper respiratory tract infection in 55/203 (27 %), influenza-like illness in 82/203 (40 %), and pneumonia in 67/203 (33 %). Anti-viral treatment with oseltamivir was received by 116/195 (59 %). Superinfections occurred in 37/203 (18 %), and admission on an intensive care unit was required in 26/203 (13 %). Seventeen patients (9 %) died. Independent risk factors for death were delayed diagnosis of IVI and bacterial or fungal superinfection, but not underlying malignancy or ongoing immunosuppression. In conclusion, patients with IVI show high rates of pneumonia and mortality. Early and rapid diagnosis is essential. The high rate of pneumonia and superinfections should be taken into account when managing IVI in these patients.

Atmospheric pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy apparatus: Bridging the pressure gap.

One of the main goals in catalysis is the characterization of solid/gas interfaces in a reaction environment. The electronic structure and chemical composition of surfaces become heavily influenced by the surrounding environment. However, the lack of surface sensitive techniques that are able to monitor these modifications under high pressure conditions hinders the understanding of such processes. This limitation is known throughout the community as the "pressure gap." We have developed a novel experimental setup that provides chemical information on a molecular level under atmospheric pressure and in presence of reactive gases and at elevated temperatures. This approach is based on separating the vacuum environment from the high-pressure environment by a silicon nitride grid-that contains an array of micrometer-sized holes-coated with a bilayer of graphene. Using this configuration, we have investigated the local electronic structure of catalysts by means of photoelectron spectroscopy and in presence of gases at 1 atm. The reaction products were monitored online by mass spectrometry and gas chromatography. The successful operation of this setup was demonstrated with three different examples: the oxidation/reduction reaction of iridium (noble metal) and copper (transition metal) nanoparticles and with the hydrogenation of propyne on Pd black catalyst (powder).

The electronic structure of iridium oxide electrodes active in water splitting.

Iridium oxide based electrodes are among the most promising candidates for electrocatalyzing the oxygen evolution reaction, making it imperative to understand their chemical/electronic structure. However, the complexity of iridium oxide's electronic structure makes it particularly difficult to experimentally determine the chemical state of the active surface species. To achieve an accurate understanding of the electronic structure of iridium oxide surfaces, we have combined synchrotron-based X-ray photoemission and absorption spectroscopies with ab initio calculations. Our investigation reveals a pre-edge feature in the O K-edge of highly catalytically active X-ray amorphous iridium oxides that we have identified as O 2p hole states forming in conjunction with Ir(III). These electronic defects in the near-surface region of the anionic and cationic framework are likely critical for the enhanced activity of amorphous iridium oxides relative to their crystalline counterparts.

Depletion of naive T cells using clinical grade magnetic CD45RA beads: a new approach for GVHD prophylaxis.

Depletion of naive T cells from donor leukapheresis products (LPs) aims at the reduction of alloreactivity, while preserving memory T-cell reactivity (for example, to pathogens). This study established the immunomagnetic depletion procedure under clean room conditions using CD45RA beads and analyzed LPs of six donors for cell composition and functional immune responses. CD45RA depletion resulted in 3.4-4.7 log (median 4.4) reduction of CD45RA(+) T cells, thereby eliminating naive and late effector T cells. B cells were also completely removed, whereas significant proportions of NK cells, monocytes and granulocytes persisted. CD45RA-depleted LPs contained effector and central memory CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells that showed sustained IFN-γ secretion to CMV, EBV, Aspergillus and Candida Ags. Alloreactivity was measured in MLRs between donors with complete HLA-mismatch. Alloreactive CD8(+) T cells were strongly reduced (median >1-log) upon CD45RA depletion, whereas alloreactive CD4(+) T cells persisted in significant numbers. In conclusion, clinical grade depletion of CD45RA(+) naive T cells from donor LPs is feasible and highly efficient. The depleted products show sustained CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell reactivity to pathogens and effectively reduced CD8-mediated alloreactivity. Prophylactic and preemptive infusions after allogeneic SCT may improve T-cell reconstitution and pathogen-specific immunosurveillance, along with lower risk of inducing GVHD.

Al13Fe4 as a low-cost alternative for palladium in heterogeneous hydrogenation.

Replacing noble metals in heterogeneous catalysts by low-cost substitutes has driven scientific and industrial research for more than 100 years. Cheap and ubiquitous iron is especially desirable, because it does not bear potential health risks like, for example, nickel. To purify the ethylene feed for the production of polyethylene, the semi-hydrogenation of acetylene is applied (80 × 10(6) tons per annum; refs 1-3). The presence of small and separated transition-metal atom ensembles (so-called site-isolation), and the suppression of hydride formation are beneficial for the catalytic performance. Iron catalysts necessitate at least 50 bar and 100 °C for the hydrogenation of unsaturated C-C bonds, showing only limited selectivity towards semi-hydrogenation. Recent innovation in catalytic semi-hydrogenation is based on computational screening of substitutional alloys to identify promising metal combinations using scaling functions and the experimental realization of the site-isolation concept employing structurally well-ordered and in situ stable intermetallic compounds of Ga with Pd (refs 15-19). The stability enables a knowledge-based development by assigning the observed catalytic properties to the crystal and electronic structures of the intermetallic compounds. Following this approach, we identified the low-cost and environmentally benign intermetallic compound Al(13)Fe(4) as an active and selective semi-hydrogenation catalyst. This knowledge-based development might prove applicable to a wide range of heterogeneously catalysed reactions.

[Growth of the hoof horn in horses with chronic laminitis]. / Das Hornwachstum bei der chronischen Hufrehe des Pferdes.

UNLABELLED: Objective of the study was to investigate whether a correlation between rotation and/or sinking of the third phalanx (P3) and changes of horn growth on the hoof wall exists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 117 hooves of euthanatized or slaughtered horses with chronic laminitis the rotating angle to palmar/plantar and medial/lateral and a sinking of P3 were assessed on radiographs. Defined distances were measured on the dorsal hoof wall as well as in the heel to assess the horn growth of a hoof. On the basis of saw cuts of the hooves, the course of the horn tubes was judged. RESULTS: A rotation angle of approximately 8° was found to predict a change in the direction of the growth of the hoof horn at the dorsal and the lateral hoof wall. In addition, a correlation between the rotation angle of P3 and the length of growth of the hoof could be highlighted. A greater angle could lead to a larger interruption of the dorsal horn growth; meanwhile the palmar/plantar horn growth appeared to be independent. A correlation between a medial/lateral rotation of the pedal bone and the length of the horn was not observed. CONCLUSION: The direction change of the horn tubes might cause a decrease of the visible length growth of a chronic laminitic hoof. Therefore, it appears to be important to differentiate between the externally visible length of the hoof and the real growth of the horn. Apparently, the amount of horn produced is the same on the dorsal hoof wall and in the heel. In horses with moderate laminitis the horn tubes on the dorsal wall were lying in folds, with the consequence of a decreased visible length growth. Only the formation of wrinkles of the horn tubes on the dorsal hoof wall reduced the visible wall length. Formation of wrinkles of the horn tubes in the heel could not be observed. Interestingly, the results of this study show that the lateral rotation of P3 does not promote the formation of wrinkles of the horn tubes along the lateral or medial hoof wall. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: According to our results, a resection of the dorsal hoof wall might be a sensible therapeutic approach in horses with chronic laminitis showing a rotation of P3 of at least 8°.

In vitro stimulation and expansion of human tumour-reactive CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes by anti-CD3/CD28/CD137 magnetic beads.

Adoptive immunotherapy with tumour-reactive CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) requires efficient in vitro approaches allowing the expansion of CTLs to large numbers prior infusion. Here, we investigated the antigen-independent activation and the expansion of human T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in tumour-reactive CTLs using Dynabeads coated with monoclonal antibodies to CD3 and to the costimulatory molecules CD28 and CD137 (4-1BB). T cells in PBMCs showed an increased expansion rate of 15- to 17-fold during a 2-week culture period using antibody-conjugated beads with interleukin-2 (IL-2) added versus IL-2 alone. No significant difference between CD3/CD28 beads and CD3/CD28/CD137 beads was observed (P = 0.4). In contrast, expansion of tumour-reactive CD8(+) CTLs over 2 weeks was more efficient using CD3/CD28/CD137 beads (14.4-fold ± 1.2) compared with CD3/CD28 beads (10.6-fold ± 0.7) (P = 0.03) and matched well to the control arm using weekly stimulation with tumour cells. Although all modes of in vitro stimulation decreased the expression of central memory markers CD62L and CCR7 on CTLs, bead-activated cultures expressed consistently higher levels than tumour-stimulated cultures. CTLs analysed after bead-induced expansion versus weekly tumour stimulation showed equal IFN-γ production in ELISPOT assay. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assays demonstrated an either unchanged or slightly reduced capability of tumour cell lysis for antigen-independent stimulated CTLs versus those that maintained on weekly tumour stimulation, regardless of which type of beads was used. Our data suggest that the conjugation of anti-CD137 antibodies to conventional CD3/CD28 beads results in a minor but significant increase in the expansion capacity for tumour-reactive CD8(+) CTLs.

Increased silver activity for direct propylene epoxidation via subnanometer size effects.

Production of the industrial chemical propylene oxide is energy-intensive and environmentally unfriendly. Catalysts based on bulk silver surfaces with direct propylene epoxidation by molecular oxygen have not resolved these problems because of substantial formation of carbon dioxide. We found that unpromoted, size-selected Ag3 clusters and approximately 3.5-nanometer Ag nanoparticles on alumina supports can catalyze this reaction with only a negligible amount of carbon dioxide formation and with high activity at low temperatures. Density functional calculations show that, relative to extended silver surfaces, oxidized silver trimers are more active and selective for epoxidation because of the open-shell nature of their electronic structure. The results suggest that new architectures based on ultrasmall silver particles may provide highly efficient catalysts for propylene epoxidation.

Monitoring in situ catalytically active states of Ru catalysts for different methanol oxidation pathways.

One of the prerequisites for the detailed understanding of heterogeneous catalysis is the identification of the dynamic response of the catalyst surface under variable reaction conditions. The present study of methanol oxidation on different model Ru pre-catalysts, performed approaching the realistic catalytic reaction conditions, provides direct evidence of the significant effect of reactants' chemical potentials and temperature on the catalyst surface composition and the corresponding catalytic activity and selectivity. The experiments were carried out for three regimes of oxygen potentials in the 10(-1) mbar pressure range, combining in situ analysis of the catalyst surface by synchrotron-based photoelectron core level spectroscopy with simultaneous monitoring of the products released in the gas phase by mass spectroscopy. Metallic Ru with adsorbed oxygen and transient 'surface oxide', RuO(x), with varying x have been identified as the catalytically active states under specific reaction conditions, favouring partial or full oxidation pathways. It has been shown that the composition of catalytically active steady states, exhibiting different activity and selectivity, evolves under the reaction conditions, independent of the crystallographic orientation and the initial pre-catalyst chemical state, metallic Ru or RuO(2).

Surface state and composition of a disperse Pd catalyst after its exposure to ethylene.

Pd black was exposed to ethylene alone or in its mixture with hydrogen at 300 and 573 K. The samples were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). Room temperature introduction of C(2)H(4) (also in the presence of H(2)) induced a binding-energy (BE) shift in the Pd 3d doublet and changed its full width at half-maximum (fwhm). The UPS features indicate shifting of electrons from the Pd d-band to Pd-H, Pd-C, and even Pd-OH species. Vinylidene (BE approximately 284.1 eV) may be the most abundant individual surface species on disperse Pd black, along with carbon in various stages of polymerization: "disordered C" (BE approximately 284 eV), graphite (approximately 284.6 eV), and ethylene polymer (approximately 286 eV), and also some "atomic" C (BE approximately 283.5 eV). Introduction of H(2) followed by ethylene brought about stronger changes in the state of Pd than exposure in the reverse sequence. This may indicate that the presence of some surface C may hinder the decomposition of bulk PdH. Formation of Pd hydride was blocked when ethylene was introduced prior to H(2). The C 1s intensity increased, the low-binding-energy C components disappeared, and graphitic carbon (BE approximately equal to 284.6 eV) prevailed after ethylene treatment at 573 K. The loss of the Pd surface state and "PdH" signal were observed in the corresponding valence band and UPS spectra. Hydrogen treatment at 540 K was not able to decrease the concentration of surface carbon and re-establish the near-surface H-rich state. UPS showed overlayer-type C in these samples. The interaction of Pd with components from the feed gas modified its electronic structure that is consistent with lattice strain induced by dissolution of carbon and hydrogen into Pd, as indicated by the d-band shift and the dilution of the electron density at E(F).

[Cyst of the lumbar posterior longitudinal ligament. An unusual cause of non-discal sciatica]. / Kyste du ligament commun vertébral postérieur. Une cause originale de sciatique non discale.

Ganglion cyst of the longitudinal posterior ligament of the spine is a rare entity, only described in 11 cases. This lesion occurs in young subjects suffering from classical lombosciatica, and has perhaps a traumatic origin. Computerized tomography and MRI provide the diagnosis.

[Unilateral agenesis of the pulmonary artery. Diagnosis and therapeutic management]. / Agénésie unilatérale de l'artère pulmonaire. Diagnostic et prise en charge thérapeutique.

A case of agenesia of the right pulmonary artery was observed. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of this congenital anomaly as well as treatment were reviewed: Surveillance or surgery?

Islet glutathione and insulin release.

In isolated rat pancreatic islets, glucose (5.6, 11.1, and 16.7 mM) significantly increased reduced glutathione (GSH) and decreased oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels in a dose-related manner. This was paralleled by a concomitant increase of NADPH and a decrease of NADP. The change of the GSH level occurred as quickly as one minute after addition of glucose. Exogenous insulin (200, 400, and 800 microU/ml) significantly decreased islet GSH levels in the presence of 5.6 and 16.7 mM glucose and significantly inhibited the insulin-releasing effect of the thiol reagent parachloromercuribenzoate (p-CMB) and tolbutamide. These data, together with earlier observations, suggest that GSH levels in pancreatic islets are increased by glucose and decreased by exogenous insulin via their effects on the pentose phosphate shunt and NADPH. Our results are compatible with the hypothesis that glucose and exogenous insulin, by modifying the redox state of the NADPH/NADP and GSH/GSSG systems, modulate the sensitivity of the beta-cell to the insulin-triggering actions of glucose, p-CMB, and tolbutamide.