Catalytic Performance of La-Ni/Al2O3 Catalyst for CO2 Reforming of Ethanol

Bio-derived ethanol has been considered as an attractive and alternative feedstock for dry or steam reforming reactions to generate renewable hydrogen, which may be used for replacement of conventional fossil fuels. Ethanol dry reforming (EDR) is an environmentally-friendly process since it transforms greenhouse gas, CO2 to value-added products and ethanol can be easily obtained from biomass which is free of catalyst poisons (i.e. sulphur-containing compounds). However, there are currently limited studies regarding syngas production from EDR [1, 2]. Ni-based catalysts are commonly used for reforming reactions due to its capability of C-C bond rupture, relatively low cost and high availability compared to precious metals [2]. Nevertheless, carbonaceous deposition may considerably deteriorate catalytic activity and stability of Ni-based catalysts. La promoter reportedly hindered carbon deposition and improved catalytic activity [3]. Hence, the objective of this research was to investigate the effect of La promotion on 10%Ni/Al2O3 catalyst for EDR

Synergic Effect of CaI and LiI on Ionic Conductivity of Solution-Based Synthesized Li7P3S11 Solid Electrolyte

Li7P3S11 doped with CaX2 (X = Cl, Br, I) and LiI solid electrolytes were successfully prepared by liquid-phase synthesis using acetonitrile as the reaction medium. Their structure was investigated using XRD, Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDS. The data obtained from complex impedance spectroscopy was analyzed to study the ionic conductivity and relaxation dynamics in the prepared samples. The XRD results suggested that a part of CaX2 and LiI incorporated into the structure of Li7P3S11, while the remaining part existed at the grain boundary of the Li7P3S11 particle. The Raman peak positions of PS43- and P2S74- ions in samples 90Li7P3S11-5CaI2 and 90Li7P3S11-5CaI2-5LiI had shifted as compared to the Li7P3S11 sample, showing that CaI2 addition affected the vibration of PS43- and P2S74- ions. EDS results indicated that CaI2 and LiI were well dispersed in the prepared powder sample. The ionic conductivity at 25 °C of sample 90Li7P3S11-5CaI2-5LiI reached a very high value of 3.1 mS cm-1 due to the improvement of Li-ion movement at the grain boundary and structural improvement upon CaI2 and LiI doping. This study encouraged the application of Li7P3S11 in all-solid-state Li-ion batteries

When Intervention Becomes Imperative: A Case Report of Spontaneous Vulvar Edema During Pregnancy

Spontaneous idiopathic vulvar edema during the second trimester is a rare condition. The approach to managing this condition involves relieving symptoms, identifying underlying causes, and implementing appropriate treatment. Managing such cases during pregnancy is challenging because of concerns for potential adverse fetal outcomes. Conservative management expects the condition to be relieved spontaneously postpartum, whereas invasive treatment offers a more rapid resolution. Treatment choices are controversial because each method has its pros and cons and influences the delivery process to a certain extent. Surgical drainage becomes a viable option when patients are not responsive to medications. We report a case of spontaneous massive vulvar edema in a 22-year-old primigravida in her 23rd week of pregnancy. After ruling out other notable causes of vulvar edema, we decided to intervene using an invasive procedure because she complained of progressive symptoms and discomfort. Subsequently, the edema subsided postprocedure, and the patient experienced successful labor with no complications. This report aims to alert clinicians that drainage attempts should be considered in pregnant patients with worsening symptoms

Pharmacists’ Perspectives on the Use of Telepharmacy in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Introduction: Telepharmacy, the application of information and communication technologies in healthcare services, has been adopted in many countries to provide patients with pharmaceutical care. However, it has yet to be widely used in Vietnam. This study was conducted to assess the current status of use and the factors associated with the willingness to use telepharmacy of pharmacists in Vietnam. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2021; 414 pharmacists were recruited to fill in an online survey. Results: Overall, 86.7% of participants have used telepharmacy application and 87.2% of them were willing to apply telepharmacy in pharmacy practice. According to our multivariate analysis, the level of readiness was associated with positive attitude (odds ratio [OR] = 4.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.26-9.66), and a good behavior (OR = 11.34; 95% CI: 3.84-33.45). Discussion: Developing a telepharmacy system with appropriate features is essential to meet the requirements of pharmacy practice amid the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic

Improvement in neoantigen prediction via integration of RNA sequencing data for variant calling

IntroductionNeoantigen-based immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for improving the life expectancy of cancer patients. This therapeutic approach heavily relies on accurate identification of cancer mutations using DNA sequencing (DNAseq) data. However, current workflows tend to provide a large number of neoantigen candidates, of which only a limited number elicit efficient and immunogenic T-cell responses suitable for downstream clinical evaluation. To overcome this limitation and increase the number of high-quality immunogenic neoantigens, we propose integrating RNA sequencing (RNAseq) data into the mutation identification step in the neoantigen prediction workflow.MethodsIn this study, we characterize the mutation profiles identified from DNAseq and/or RNAseq data in tumor tissues of 25 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Immunogenicity was then validated by ELISpot assay using long synthesis peptides (sLP).ResultsWe detected only 22.4% of variants shared between the two methods. In contrast, RNAseq-derived variants displayed unique features of affinity and immunogenicity. We further established that neoantigen candidates identified by RNAseq data significantly increased the number of highly immunogenic neoantigens (confirmed by ELISpot) that would otherwise be overlooked if relying solely on DNAseq data.DiscussionThis integrative approach holds great potential for improving the selection of neoantigens for personalized cancer immunotherapy, ultimately leading to enhanced treatment outcomes and improved survival rates for cancer patients

Synthesis and Raman Spectroscopy characterization of Molybdenum-containing catalysts

豊橋技術科学大

Evaluation of La-promoted Ni/Al2O3 Catalyst for Ethanol Dry Reforming

Greenhouse emissions from combustion of fossil fuels have led to undesirable environmental issues. Hydrogen as a clean and renewable energy is therefore demanded urgently for petroleum-based energy substitution. Although the common method for H2 production is reforming of hydrocarbons which are unsustainable, ethanol has been considered as an economically attractive feedstock for replacing hydrocarbons due to its high availability, renewability and low toxicity [1]. Ethanol steam reforming has been widely researched whilst the knowledge about dry reforming of ethanol (DRE) is still limited, especially rare-earth promoted Ni-based catalyst

Ethanol Dry Reforming for Syngas Production Over Ce-promoted Ni/Al2O3 Catalyst

Ce-promoted and unpromoted 10%Ni/Al2O3 catalysts were prepared by co-impregnation method and evaluated for ethanol dry reforming in a quartz fixed-bed reactor at different CO2:C2H5OH ratios of 2.5:1 to 1:2.5 and temperature of 923–973 K under atmospheric pressure. Thermogravimetric studies indicated that both catalysts were completely calcined and subsequently reduced to metallic Ni° phase. The addition of Ce promoter facilitated the reduction process and decreased reduction temperature by about 315 K. Stronger metal-support interaction was observed with Ce addition. NiO and NiAl2O4 phases were formed on catalyst surface during calcination for both catalysts whilst CeO2 form was identified on promoted catalyst. Significant enhancement of ethanol conversion up to 75.2% with reaction temperature was observed and catalytic activity appeared to be stable with time-on-stream at beyond 5–7 h for both promoted and unpromoted catalysts. C2H5OH and CO2 conversions increased with growing CO2 partial pressure whilst the optimal C2H5OH partial pressure was obtained at about 30–40 kPa for both catalysts. C2H5OH conversion was always greater than that of CO2 indicating the co-existence of side reactions, namely; ethanol decomposition and dehydrogenation during ethanol dry reforming reaction. Ce-addition improved both C2H5OH and CO2 conversions irrespective of reactant partial pressure. Although both carbon nanofilament and graphitic carbon were detected on the surface of spent catalysts by SEM, TEM and Raman measurements, the proportion of carbon nanofilament was dominant and the percentage of amorphous carbon was increased with Ce promoter