Unravelling the electrochemical activation and the reaction mechanism of maricite-NaFePO 4 using multimodal operando techniques

The electrochemical activity of maricite NaFePO4 can be triggered by ball milling with carbon. The origin of such activation is still unclear, as this material does not exhibit open channels for Na+ diffusion. Herein, a characterisation approach including several complementary techniques is applied to investigate the effect of ball milling on the structure of maricite NaFePO4 prepared by hydrothermal synthesis, and how these modifications influence its electrochemical mechanism. Our findings confirm the partial nano-sizing and amorphisation of maricite, going along with the oxidation of the iron centres during ball milling, and allow the elucidation of different mechanisms contributing to the total capacity delivered during (de)sodiation. Although only 15% of the capacity is explained by Na+ insertion/extraction in/from bulk crystalline NaFePO4, 75% of the total capacity is attributed to the simultaneous Fe3+/Fe2+ redox activity. The remaining 25% extra-capacity does not seem to be related to Fe3+/Fe2+ activity, but rather to surface activity, associated with the new species formed during ball milling

Escmid And Ecmm Joint Clinical Guidelines For The Diagnosis And Management Of Systemic Phaeohyphomycosis: Diseases Caused By Black Fungi

The aetiological agents of many invasive fungal infections are saprobes and opportunistic pathogens. Some of these fungi are darkly pigmented due to melanin production and traditionally have been named dematiaceous'. The melanized fungi cause a wide array of clinical syndromes ranging from superficial to deep-seated infections. Diagnosis relies on histopathological examination of clinical specimens and on examination of cultures. Sequencing is recommended for accurate species identification, especially for unusual or newly described pathogens. In cases of mycetoma and chromoblastomycosis, pathognomonic histological findings are useful and the Fontana-Masson stain, specific for melanin, usually confirms the diagnosis. There are no standardized therapies but voriconazole, posaconazole and itraconazole demonstrate the most consistent in vitro activity against this group of fungi. Oral itraconazole has been considered the drug of choice, given the extensive clinical experience with this drug. However, voriconazole may presumably be superior for central nervous system infections because of its ability to achieve good levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. Posaconazole is a well-tolerated alternative drug, backed by less clinical experience but with excellent salvage treatment results after failure of other antifungals. Amphotericin B has been useful as alternative therapy in some cases. Combination antifungal therapy is recommended for cerebral abscesses when surgery is not possible and for disseminated infections in immunocompromised patients.WoSScopu