Development and validation of the Neuro-Score: a specific scale to detect and monitor cognitive impairment in kidney or liver transplant recipients

We created and validated the Neuro-Score, a specific scale to detect and monitor cognitive impairment, including mild stages, in kidney or liver transplant recipients. A qualitative study was conducted to define a preliminary set of 62 items. Item reduction was performed using exploratory factor analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis assessed the adequacy of the factorial solution. The total scores of the Neuro-Score and mini-mental state examination were compared. Responsiveness to change was evaluated from visit 1 (baseline) to 2A (18 months later) and temporal stability from visit 2A to 2B (1-2 weeks later). Factor analysis showed 11 factors with an eigenvalue of >1. Confirmatory factor analysis yielded a logical solution with 1 factor and 11 items that explained 27.9% of the variance. The final model showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach alpha- 0.82). A weak negative correlation was found between Neuro-Score and mini-mental state examination total scores (Pearson r--0.12; P-.0095). The Neuro-Score responsiveness to change was demonstrated (P-.022). No significant differences in the total score were observed between visits 2A and 2B, supporting the Neuro-Score temporal stability. The Neuro-Score scale is a simple, reliable, self-administered, easy-to-interpret, and consistent 11-item scale to detect and monitor cognitive impairment in kidney and liver transplant recipients

Comparative study of bioethanol transformation catalyzed by Ru or Pt nanoparticles supported on KL zeolite

The catalytic properties of two noble metals, Pt and Ru, supported on KL zeolite were investigated in the selective transformation of bioethanol.</p

Ammoxidation of C2 hydrocarbons over Mo–zeolite catalysts prepared by solid-state ion exchange: Nature of molybdenum species

International audienceSuccessful introduction of molybdenum (from MoCl3) into zeolites of different topologies was carried out using solid-state ion exchange. MOR like support extended the formation of Mo oxides due to its particular aperture/channel-shapes. However, BEA and MFI (ZSM-5) zeolites structures loaded small aggregates of Mo oxide. Exchanging MoCl3 with NH4+–BEA, H+–ZSM-5 (Si/Al = 15) and NH4+–ZSM-5 (Si/Al = 26) led to the consumption of Brönsted acid sites and silanol groups, while the lack of exchange sites in NH4+–MOR generated Mo–OH as revealed by DRIFTS and TPD of NH3. Polymeric Mo and MoO3 occupied the bulk of BEA and MOR issued solids. Nevertheless, NH4+–ZSM-5 (Si/Al = 26) support triggered the formation of dimeric species. For H+–ZSM-5 (Si/Al = 15) solid, monomeric species migrated throughout the channels of H+–ZSM-5, which condensed easily to form rather polymeric species. Small oxide crystallites and Mo moieties that weakly interact with NH4+–BEA and NH4+–ZSM-5 (Si/Al = 26) were easily reduced under hydrogen, while the negatively charged H+–ZSM-5 (Si/Al = 15) framework inhibited the reducibility