Corrosion resistance of neodymium and dysprosium hydrides

This paper describes the methods of obtaining hydrides of rare earth elements such as dysprosium and neodymium. The properties and corrosion resistance of these elements are investigated. A synthesis method of monophasic dysprosium and neodymium dihydrides is presented. Synthesized dihydrides are agglomerates with an average size of 3-50 µm and are formed by crystalline grains of a nanometer size. BET specific surface area, morphology, elemental analyses and composition of samples have been studied. Corrosion stability in aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide were studied. It was determined that both hydrides undergo hydrolysis in acid and alkaline mediums. Neodymium hydride is more stable to corrosion than dysprosium hydride, which is proved by its longer exposure to aggressive medium to hydrides. The formation of insoluble /poorly soluble products of corrosion can make a significant contribution to the process of powder dissolution

Corrosion resistance of neodymium and dysprosium hydrides

This paper describes the methods of obtaining hydrides of rare earth elements such as dysprosium and neodymium. The properties and corrosion resistance of these elements are investigated. A synthesis method of monophasic dysprosium and neodymium dihydrides is presented. Synthesized dihydrides are agglomerates with an average size of 3-50 µm and are formed by crystalline grains of a nanometer size. BET specific surface area, morphology, elemental analyses and composition of samples have been studied. Corrosion stability in aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide were studied. It was determined that both hydrides undergo hydrolysis in acid and alkaline mediums. Neodymium hydride is more stable to corrosion than dysprosium hydride, which is proved by its longer exposure to aggressive medium to hydrides. The formation of insoluble /poorly soluble products of corrosion can make a significant contribution to the process of powder dissolution

Invasive Candidiasis in Adult Patients with COVID-19: Results of a Multicenter Study in St. Petersburg, Russia

We studied the risk factors, etiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment outcomes of COVID-19-associated invasive candidiasis (COVID-IC) in adult patients admitted to six medical facilities in St. Petersburg. (November 2020–December 2022). In this retrospective study, we included 72 patients with COVID-IC with a median age of 61 years (range 29–96), 51% of whom were women. The predisposing factors for COVID-IC were a central venous catheter (CVC) for more than 10 days (the odds ratio (OR) = 70 [15–309]), abdominal surgical treatment performed in the previous 2 weeks (OR = 8.8 [1.9–40.3]), bacteremia (OR = 10.6 [4.8–23.3]), pulmonary ventilation (OR = 12.9 [5.9–28.4]), and hemodialysis (OR = 11.5 [2.5–50.8]). The signs and symptoms of COVID-IC were non-specific: fever (59%), renal failure (33%), liver failure (23%), and cardiovascular failure (10%). Candida albicans (41%) predominated among the pathogens of the candidemia. The multidrug-resistant Candida species C. auris (23%) and C. glabrata (5%) were also identified. Empirical therapy was used in 21% of COVID-IC patients: azole-93%, echinocandin–7%. The majority of COVID-IC patients (79%) received, after laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis of IC, fluconazole (47%), voriconazole (25%), echinocandin (26%), and amphotericin B (2)%. The 30 days overall survival rate was 45%. The prognosis worsened concomitant bacteremia, hemodialysis, and long-term therapy by systemic glucocorticosteroids (SGCs), bronchial colonization with Candida spp. The survival prognosis was improved by the early change/replacement of CVC (within 24 h), the initiation of empirical therapy, and the use of echinocandin. Conclusions: We highlighted the risk factors that predispose COVID-19 patients to candidiasis and worsen the survival prognosis. Their individual effects in patients with COVID-19 must be well understood to prevent the development of opportunistic co-infections that drastically lower chances of survival