Structural phase transition in the perovskite-type tantalum oxynitrides, Ca[1-x]Eu[x]Ta(O,N)[3]

Pure Ca[1-x]Eu[x]Ta(O,N)[3] were successfully synthesized in the whole range of Ca/Eu compositions by means of ammonia nitridation via a citrate precursor route. As-nitrided products with x < 0.4 were apparently orthorhombic, while those with x ≥ 0.4 crystallized in a cubic structure. The anionic composition was found to be essentially O2N and independent of Eu content(x). The as-nitrided EuTaO2N possessed a cubic perovskite-type structure, while high-temperature post-annealing led to a tetragonal EuTaO2N phase with better crystallinity. The re-nitridation transformed the post-annealed product into the original cubic lattice, which might be an average of the tetragonal micro-domains

Recalcitrant granuloma faciale with 14-year follow-up

Granuloma faciale (GF) is an uncommon inflammatory dermatosis that is characterized by one or several asymptomatic brown red nodules or plaques usually occurring on the face. GF is known to be extremely resistant to treatment. Various treatments have been attempted, including topical or intralesional or systemic corticosteroids, dapsone, antimalarials, colchicine, topical tacrolimus, and topical psoralen; however, none of these have been found to be reliably efficacious. We tried numerous combinations and rotations of therapeutic modalities for GF over a long time. We described a case of GF in which the eruptions were carefully observed over the course of 14 years before finally resolving. Our experience suggests that continuous and careful follow-up, and trials of combinations and rotations of therapeutic modalities are essential for treating GF