High SCR Research Articles

Selective oxidation of ammonia to nitrogen on bi-functional Cu–SSZ-13 and Pt/Al2O3 monolith catalyst

The selective oxidation of NH3 to N2 on bi-functional mixed and dual-layer Cu–SSZ-13 and Pt/Al2O3 washcoated monolith catalysts is investigated under several reaction conditions to probe the effects of the added mass transfer barrier, in terms of the SCR loading (layer thickness), on the activity and selectivity of the catalyst. The combination of Cu–SSZ-13, itself shown to have high activity in reducing NOx to N2 with NH3, and Pt/Al2O3 is effective in converting the NOx produced by the very active but poorly selective precious metal catalyst. The data reveal a trade-off between NH3 conversion and N2 selectivity due to the mass transport barrier afforded by the added Cu–SSZ-13 top-layer: NH3 conversion decreases while N2 selectivity increases as Cu–SSZ-13 loading is increased. In the presence of feed NO, the NOx conversion of the dual-layer catalyst increases with an increase in the Cu–SSZ-13 washcoat loading. In the absence of feed NO, the dual-layer catalyst has a high selectivity to N2 due to the selective reaction in the Cu–SSZ-13 layer between NH3 from the bulk and counter-diffusing NOx formed in the underlying Pt/Al2O3. For the same catalyst loadings, the mixed washcoat catalyst gives a higher NH3 conversion at high space velocity than the dual-layer catalyst. This is attributed to NH3 conversion on Pt/Al2O3 sites not impeded by a SCR catalyst top-layer. In the presence of feed NO, the dual-layer catalyst shows a high NOx to N2 conversion as a result of the high SCR activity of the Cu–SSZ-13 top-layer. The mixed catalyst is more selective to NOx because the Pt catalyst in proximity to the SCR catalyst leads to the oxidation of NH3 back to NOx. Finally, we demonstrate that a hybrid catalyst having dual-layer and mixed catalyst attributes exhibits good performance by exploiting the beneficial effects of both catalyst types.

The behaviors of V2O5–WO3/TiO2 loaded on ceramic surfaces for NH3–SCR

The catalysts of V2O5–WO3/TiO2 loaded on ceramic surfaces were investigated to evaluate the behaviors of catalytic activities, sulfur tolerance, K resistance, activities regeneration for K-poisoned catalyst and Si-modification in consideration the catalysts characterization. The results indicated that the high SCR activities of these catalysts correlated with the large acid amount, the absorbed oxygen and the well-dispersion of vanadium and tungsten on the surfaces. Washing the K-poisoned catalysts with sulfuric acid could partially recover the catalytic activity because of the K dissolution. Moreover, the incorporation of SiO2 with TiO2 considerably improved the resistance toward potassium because of increasing the acidity of the V2O5–WO3/TiO2 catalyst. The NO conversion increased from 26 to 68% for K-poisoned VW/TiO2(C-400) catalyst to 76–98% for K–VW/TiO2–SiO2(9)(C-400) catalyst at 260–410°C. The NH3 absorption of VW/TiO2–SiO2(6)(C-400) was 236.3μmol/g, which was much higher than that of VW/TiO2(C-400) (73.3μmol/g) (approximately 3.2 times higher).

Gene expression profile in the activation of subperitoneal fibroblasts reflects prognosis of patients with colon cancer

Tumors can create a heterogenetic tumor microenvironment. We recently identified the pathologically unique cancer microenvironment formed by peritoneal invasion (CMPI), and revealed that subperitoneal fibroblasts (SPFs) within peritoneal tissue play a crucial role in tumor progression through their interaction with cancer cells. Therefore, the genes in SPFs altered by cancer stimulation may include some biologically important factors associated with patient prognosis. In this study, we aimed to identify new biomarkers using genes specifically upregulated in SPFs by cancer-cell-conditioned medium (CCCM) stimulation (SPFs CCCM response genes; SCR genes) in colon cancer (CC). We constructed two frameworks using SCR gene data: a publicly released microarray dataset, and validation cases with freshly frozen CC samples to identify genes related to short recurrence-free survival (RFS). In the first framework, we selected differentially expressed genes between the high and low SCR gene expression groups. In the second framework, genes significantly related to short RFS were selected by univariate analysis using all SCR genes, and multivariate analysis was performed to select robust genes associated with short RFS. We identified CTGF, CALD1, INHBA and TAGLN in the first framework, and PDLIM5, MAGI1, SPTBN1 and TAGLN in the second framework. Among these seven genes, high expression of three genes (CALD1, TAGLN and SPTBN1) showed a poor prognosis in our validation cases. In a public microarray dataset, SCR gene expression was associated with the expression of ECM component, EMT, and M2-macrophage associated genes, which was concordant with the pathological features of CMPI. Thus, we successfully identified new prognostic factors.

Postoperative blood transfusion is an independent predictor of acute kidney injury in cardiac surgery patients.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication of cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) which increases postoperative morbidity and mortality. Objectives: The study was designed to assess the incidence of AKI and associated risk factors in patients undergoing CPB ancillary to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve surgery, and combined CABG and valve surgery. Patients and Methods: This Intuitional Review Board (IRB) approved retrospective study included patients with normal preoperative kidney function (Serum creatinine [sCr] <2.0 mg/dl) who underwent cardiac surgery with CPB between 2012 and 2014. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group I: Patients with cardiac surgery associated AKI (CS-AKI) (postoperative sCr >2 mg/dl with a minimal doubling of baseline sCr) and group II: Patients with a normal postoperative kidney function. Demographic data, body mass index (BMI), co-morbidities, hematologic/biochemical profiles, preoperative ejection fraction (%EF), blood transfusion history, and operative data were compared between the groups. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was recorded during the operation and in the postoperative period. Δ-MAP was defined as the difference between pre-CPB-MAP and the CPB-MAP. Results: 241 patients matched the inclusion criteria (CS-AKI incidence = 8.29%). Age, gender, BMI, %EF, and co-morbidities were not predictors of CS-AKI (P > 0.05). High preoperative sCr (P = 0.047), type of procedure (P = 0.04), clamp time (P = 0.003), pump time (P = 0.005) and history of blood transfusion within 14 days postsurgery (P = 0.0004) were associated with risk of CS-AKI. Pre-CPB-MAP, CPB-MAP, Δ-MAP, and ICU-MAP were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Male gender (OR: 5.53; P = 0.048), age>60 (OR: 4.54; P = 0.027) and blood transfusion after surgery (OR: 5.25; P = 0.0054) were independent predictors for postoperative AKI. Conclusions: Age, gender and blood transfusion were independent predictors of cardiac surgery associated AKI.

Selective catalytic reduction of nitric oxide by hydrogen over NiFe2−xPdxO4 catalysts at low temperature

Selective catalytic reduction of NOx to nitrogen by hydrogen (H2-SCR) does not result in any secondary pollutants and can reduce NOx at the lowest possible temperatures. To achieve this goal, proper catalysts are critical. In this paper, NiFe2−xPdxO4 catalysts were prepared using a sol–gel auto-ignition method for the selective catalytic reduction of NO with hydrogen (H2-SCR) in the presence of oxygen at 150–250°C. The NiFe2−xPdxO4 catalysts exhibited high SCR activity providing 100% NO conversion at 190°C, and the activity improved as the palladium content increased. NiFe1.90Pd0.10O4 exhibited a slightly lower activity in the 180–220°C range. NiFe1.93Pd0.07O4 and NiFe1.95Pd0.05O4 exhibited larger acidity, higher level of reducibility and catalytic activity, which was validated through NH3-TPR, H2-TPR analysis and SCR activity tests. The XRD results indicated that the samples had a spinel cubic structure with good crystallization. The EDS results indicated that the Fe/Ni and Pd/Ni atomic ratio in the samples were consistent with the theoretical molecular formula (i.e., NiFe2−xPdxO4). The effects of GHSV, H2/NO ratios and O2 feed concentration on the NO conversion over the NiFe1.95Pd0.05O4 catalyst were also investigated. An increase in the O2 concentration from 0% to 6% and a decrease in the H2/NO ratio from 10:1 to 5:1 produced only a slight decrease in the NO conversion. Studies on the effect of 3% and 5% H2O on the SCR activity concluded that the slight activity decrease, was due to reversible inhibition and weakly irreversible deactivation, and that the catalysts contained excellent water tolerance.

P97. Chronic kidney disease and pregnancy – A case report

Introduction Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is classified in five stages. Perinatal complications, such as preterm labor, preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR) are increased for all stages. In women with serum creatinine (sCr) above 2.5 mg/dL, the rate of preterm delivery is as high as 86%, mainly due to preeclampsia, which occurs in over 40%. The degree of renal insufficiency, rather than the underlying etiology, is the primary determinant of outcome. Women who become pregnant with high sCr level, are more likely to have a decline in renal function, than women who do not become pregnant, for the same sCr level. Hypertension and degree of proteinuria are also among the most important predicting factors. Fifty percent of women with sCr >1.5 mg/dL have a significant decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in late pregnancy or early postpartum, with 20% of them progressing to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) within 6 months after delivery. Methods Review of literature about CKD and pregnancy and presentation of a clinical case. Results A 37-year-old African female, G3P1, engaged prenatal care at our hospital at 13 weeks gestation, with CKD – stage 4 (estimated GFR of 20.2 mL/min), for a baseline sCr level of 3.3 mg/dL. She had a nephrotic syndrome at 9 years old. Renal biopsy revealed diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, and was treated with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide. It progressed to CKD with secondary hypertension, treated with enalapril and amlodipine. During pregnancy she was medicated with methyldopa, amlodipine, darbepoetin, vitamin D, vitamin B, ferrous sulfate and calcium. Routine workup at 26 weeks revealed sCr 3.57 mg/dL, uric acid 9.4 mg/dL, without proteinuria. Pregnancy was uneventful until 34 weeks gestation, when she was admitted to with preeclampsia and worsening renal function. At admission, sCr 5.11 mg/dL, urea 174 mg/dL, uric acid 9.55 mg/dL and spot urine protein level of 200. Ultrasound revealed FGR (1st percentile), with altered Doppler velocimetry that motivated urgent cesarean delivery. The newborn weight was 1340g, female, Apgar score 10/9/10. At day 7 postpartum, she was discharged from the hospital, with sCr 5.34 mg/dL, urea 211 mg/dL and proteinuria 4+. Hemodialysis was programmed, as she awaits a donor for renal transplant. Conclusion Although pregnancy in women with CKD is associated with a high rate of live births, it is usually complicated by preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. The higher the stage of CKD, the greater the probability of postpartum deteriorated renal function, with a significant proportion of women progressing to ESRD.

Comparison of Cu/BEA, Cu/SSZ-13 and Cu/SAPO-34 for ammonia-SCR reactions

In this study, the ammonia-SCR process was investigated using 2.5wt.% Cu/BEA, 2.6wt.% Cu/SAPO-34 and 3.1wt.% Cu/SSZ-13. Several reactions such as NO oxidation, ammonia oxidation, standard SCR, fast SCR and NO2 SCR were studied to understand the effect of zeolite type. It was found that the small-pore zeolites/silicoaluminophosphates with CHA structure (Cu/SAPO-34 and Cu/SSZ-13) exhibited higher SCR activity at 150°C and lower selectivity toward N2O formation during standard SCR conditions than Cu/BEA. However, formation of ammonium nitrate species during fast SCR conditions at 150°C occurred over Cu/CHA catalysts, which resulted in a gradual decrease of the NOx conversion. Such blocking was also observed over Cu/BEA, albeit to a minor extent. The ammonium nitrate formation and its decomposition temperature regimes resulted in that the Cu/BEA was catalytically more active at lower temperature than either Cu/SAPO-34 or Cu/SSZ-13 during fast SCR conditions. Additionally, our results show that the ammonium nitrate species were more stable on the small-pore zeolites than on Cu/BEA. Comparing the two Cu/CHA catalysts, Cu/SAPO-34 and Cu/SSZ-13, it was found that ammonia oxidation at high temperatures and ammonia SCR at 150°C was higher on Cu/SAPO-34. Further, TPR experiments showed that Cu in Cu/SAPO-34 is more easily reduced compared to Cu/SSZ-13. This can facilitate the redox processes and can thereby be a reason for the higher activity at 150°C for Cu/SAPO-34. In addition, Cu/SAPO-34 forms less N2O and this might be a result of the formation of more stable ammonium nitrates. To conclude, the choice of the type of zeolite/silicoaluminophosphates affects the activity and selectivity of the different steps in the SCR process.

A novel dual layer SCR catalyst with a broad temperature window for the control of NOx emission from diesel bus

In this work, a high temperature SCR catalyst (i.e., Fe–Ti spinel) and a low temperature SCR catalyst (i.e., Mn–Fe spinel) were combined to widen the operating temperature window of the SCR reaction. As the Fe–Ti spinel layer was placed upstream of the Mn–Fe spinel layer, both Fe–Ti spinel and Mn–Fe spinel displayed their strong points at their appropriate temperatures for the SCR reaction. Therefore, the dual layer catalyst showed excellent SCR activity and N2 selectivity at a broad temperature window even in the presence of H2O, which was much better than the performance of other combination modes.

Surface characterization studies of CuO-CeO2-ZrO2 catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3

A series of CuO-CeO2-ZrO2 catalysts were prepared by different methods and applied to the selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3 reaction at low temperature. The results showed that the SCR activities, morphology, particles dimension, and the surface chemical state of CuO-CeO2-ZrO2 catalysts were obviously influenced by the preparation method. The SCR performance results showed that the CuO-CeO2-ZrO2 catalyst prepared by co-precipitation method presented the best activity in the temperature range of 125–180°C. The characterization results showed that the Ce4+, Ce3+, Cu2+ and Cu+ species were coexistence in the CuO-CeO2-ZrO2 catalysts, and the Cu species mainly existed as Cu2+. It was also found that the high surface area, the synergistic effect between copper and ceria, enhanced acidity and the highly dispersed copper species were responsible for the high SCR activity of the CuO-CeO2-ZrO2 catalyst.

Exposure history of the Sutter's Mill carbonaceous chondrite

AbstractThe Sutter's Mill (SM) carbonaceous chondrite fell in California on April 22, 2012. The cosmogenic radionuclide data indicate that Sutter's Mill was exposed to cosmic rays for 0.082 ± 0.008 Myr, which is one of the shortest ages for C chondrites, but overlaps with a small cluster at approximately 0.1 Myr. The age is significantly longer than proposed ages that were obtained from cosmogenic noble gas concentrations, which have large uncertainties due to trapped noble gas corrections. The presence of neutron‐capture 60Co and 36Cl in SM indicates a minimum preatmospheric radius of approximately 50 cm, and is consistent with a radius of 1–2 m, as derived from the fireball observations. Although a large preatmospheric size was proposed, one fragment (SM18) contains solar cosmic ray–produced short‐lived radionuclides, such as 56Co and 51Cr. This implies that this specimen was less than 2 cm from the preatmospheric surface of Sutter's Mill. Although this conclusion seems surprising, it is consistent with the observation that the meteoroid fragmented high in the atmosphere. The presence of SCR‐produced nuclides is consistent with the high SCR fluxes observed during the last few months before the meteorite's fall, when its orbit was less than 1 AU from the Sun.

The CKD-EPI-Cystatin C Equation For The Estimation Of Glomerular Filtration Rate Detects Higher Number Of Patients With Thalassemia Major and Renal Impairment, Before and After Treatment With Deferasirox; Is It Time To Change From MDRD To CKD-EPI-Cystatin C equation In Thalassemia?

Patients with thalassemia major (TM) often develop organ damage, such as liver, heart or endocrine insufficiency. However, there is very little published data for the kidney function of TM patients and even less information on the changes of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) under chelation therapy. Recent reports suggest that approximately 20% of the adults with TM show a slow, but progressive decline in eGFR, estimated by the MDRD formula, which is based mainly on serum creatinine (sCr). As sCr seems to underestimate the prevalence of renal impairment (RI), novel markers of renal injury are used for the more precise evaluation of GFR, including cystatin-C (CysC). Recently, the CKD-EPI investigators have reported that a combined sCr-CysC (CKD-EPI-sCr-CysC) equation correlated more accurately with GFR than equations based on either of these markers alone (CKD-EPI or CKD-EPI-CysC, respectively; Inker et al, NEJM 2012]. Our aim was to prospectively evaluate, for the first time, the CKD-EPI-CysC formulae (with or without sCr) in TM patients who receive deferasirox and to compare them with other equations for the eGRF.We studied 54 TM (19M/35F) patients who received deferasirox at the standard dosage. CysC was measured before (baseline) and then every six months post-deferasirox, using a latex particle-enhanced nephelometric immunoassay (Dade Behring, Liederbach, Germany). The eGFR was estimated by the MDRD, the CKD-EPI, the CKD-EPI-CysC and the CKD-EPI-sCr-CysC equations. Patients were divided in the 5 CKD stages of the KDIGO classification, according to their eGFR (stage 1: eGFR >90 ml/min/1.73 m2; stage 2: 60-89 ml/min/1.73m2; stage 3: 30-59 ml/min/1.73m2; stage 4: 15-29 ml/min/1.73 m2; stage 5:<15 ml/min/1.73m2or on dialysis).The median age was 41 years (range: 28-67 years). At baseline, TM patients had elevated values of Cys-C compared to controls (n=27; mean±SD: 0.93±0.26 mg/l vs. 0.76±0.11 mg/l, p<0.001). Specifically, 24/54 patients (44.4%) had higher Cys-C values than the upper normal limit (0.95 mg/L), while no patient had increased levels of sCr. The median values for eGFR at baseline calculated by the MDRD, CKD-EPI, CKD-EPI-CysC and CKD-EPI-sCr-CysC equations were 107.5, 113, 100 and 107 ml/min/1.73m2, respectively. For each studied equation, the number of patients with RI stage 3-5 (i.e. eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73m2) was 7.4% for MDRD vs. 1.9% for CKD-EPI vs. 14.8% for CKD-EPI-CysC vs. 5.6 % for CKD-EPI-sCr-CysC (p<0.01; table). Concordance for CKD stage allocation for the 4 equations of estimating eGFR was 85.2% for MDRD vs. CKD-EPI, 66.6% for MDRD vs. CKD-EPI-CysC and 77.7% for MDRD vs. CKD-EPI-sCr-CysC.CKD stageMDRD equationCKD-EPI equationCKD-EPI-CysC equationCKD-EPI-sCr-CysC equationp-valueBaseline141 (75.9%)46 (85.1%)30 (55.6%)34 (63%)29 (16.7%)7 (13%)16 (29.6%)17 (31.4%)Friedman-test34 (7.4%)1 (1.9%)8 (14.8%)3 (5.6%)p<0.014000050000After 12 months133 (61.1%)44 (81.5%)16 (29.6%)26 (48.1%)213 (24.1%)4 (7.4%)23 (42.6%)19 (35.2%)38 (14.8%)6 (11.1%)13 (24.1%)8 (14.8%)4002 (3.7%)1 (1.9%)50000After 6 and 12 months of therapy with deferasirox, we observed an increase of CysC (mean±SD: 1.12±0.34 mg/l and 1.12±0.37 mg/l, respectively; p<0.01 compared to baseline for both time-points). After 12 months of deferasirox administration, 34/54 patients (63%) had increased CysC values, and only one high sCr. The median values for eGFR after 12 months calculated by the MDRD, CKD-EPI, CKD-EPI-CysC and CKD-EPI-sCr-CysC equations were 91, 106, 77 and 89 ml/min/1.73m2, respectively (p<0.01 for all comparisons to baseline). For each studied equation, the number of patients with RI stage 3-5 was 14.8% for MDRD vs. 11.1% for CKD-EPI vs. 27.8% for CKD-EPI-CysC vs. 16.7 % for CKD-EPI-sCr-CysC (p<0.01; table). CKD stage was upgraded in 12 (22.2%), 7 (12.9%), 25 (46.3%) and 14 (25.9%) patients according to MDRD, CKD-EPI, CKD-EPI-CysC and CKD-EPI-sCr-CysC equations, respectively, suggesting a deterioration of renal function post-deferasirox.Our study suggests that the CKD-EPI-CysC equation detects more TM patients with RI compared to equations that include sCr. Based on this equation, approximately 15% of patients at baseline and 28% after 12 months of deferasirox therapy present with CKD stage 3. We propose the broader use of CKD-EPI-CysC equation for eGFR in TM as this equation can detect earlier renal damage in this sensitive cohort of patients. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Effect of Cu doping on the SCR activity of CeO2 catalyst prepared by citric acid method

CeO2–CuO catalyst prepared by citric acid method was investigated for selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3. The activity of the CeO2 catalyst was enhanced about 8–27% in the temperature range of 125–225°C at a space velocity of 28,000h−1 by the addition of Cu. It was found that the state of Cu species had great impact on the SCR performance of CeO2–CuO catalyst. Cu2+ can enhance the low temperature activity of SCR reaction, while CuO would promote NH3 oxidation before SCR reaction at high temperature, which would cause the decrease of its high temperature SCR activity.

Kinetic modeling of H-BEA and Fe-BEA as NH3-SCR catalysts—Effect of hydrothermal treatment

Kinetic modeling and flow reactor experiments were used to study the dynamic behavior of the active sites of H-BEA and Fe-BEA during NH3-SCR before and after hydrothermal aging of the catalysts. To capture transient changes it was crucial to describe NH3 and NO adsorption. For the H-BEA model the storage of ammonia was simplified to proceed on two zeolite sites representing weak and strong Brønsted acid sites, while NO only is adsorbed on Brønsted acid sites. Furthermore, the oxidation of NH3 and NO, and the NH3-SCR reaction are assumed to proceed over the Brønsted acid sites. To model Fe-BEA, monomeric and dimeric iron, and iron oxide particles represent sites of three different types of iron species. Ammonia and NO adsorb on monomeric iron which is assumed to be the governing site for low temperature SCR. Dimeric iron species provide the activity for high temperature SCR and NH3-oxidation. Furthermore, iron particles, Fe2O3, are not active for NH3-SCR but for oxidation of NO. A spillover mechanism of ammonia adsorbed on Brønsted acid sites to monomeric iron sites is included in the model to simulate the inhibiting effect of NH3 during the SCR reaction. The spillover rate was found to be independent of the site density and depends only on the fraction of free sites, indicating that a constant number of Brønsted acid sites buffer each active iron site, unaffected by the hydrothermal treatment. The model describes the experiments well for H-BEA and Fe-BEA before and after hydrothermal treatment by decreasing the site density and keeping the kinetic parameters constant except the binding energy of ammonia to Brønsted sites, which was found to decrease with hydrothermal treatment. Finally, the model was validated in separate ammonia inhibiting experiments, not used in the fitting process of the kinetic parameters. The aging model describes the validation experiments well.

Systematic mechanism study of the high temperature SCR of NOX by NH3 over a W/TiO2 catalyst

In this study, the reaction mechanism for the high temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO by NH3 over a W/TiO2 catalyst was investigated. A systematic mechanistic pathway for the reaction was proposed based on the results of transient response analysis (TRA), infrared spectroscopy (IR), temperature programmed reaction (TPR) and O2 shut-off tests. These experimental results showed that during the initial SCR reaction step, ammonia was adsorbed first and activated at Lewis acid sites (W=O), and then was decomposed into N2 and H2O by gaseous NO+O2. During the redox reaction, gaseous oxygen was involved in the reaction, whereas the effect of catalytic lattice oxygen was very slight (WO3→WO2.9X). Therefore, these findings provide important information to better understand the mechanism responsible for high temperature SCR.

Stringent complete response (sCR) in patients (pts) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) treated with carfilzomib (CFZ), lenalidomide (LEN), and dexamethasone (DEX).

8011 Background: Combination treatment (tx) with CFZ, LEN, and DEX (CRd) is well tolerated and highly active in NDMM. In a phase 1/2 study, CRd provided rapid reduction of disease by 68% after cycle (C) 1 and 94% ≥partial response (PR) at a median of 8C, including 65% ≥very good PR and 53% ≥near CR (nCR), which improved to 79% ≥nCR after C12 (ASH 2011, Abstr 631). Here, we examine the clinical significance of the response rates with longer follow-up. Methods: Pts with NDMM were treated in 28-day (d) C with CFZ 20–36 mg/m2 IV (d1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16), LEN 25 mg PO (d1–21) and DEX 40/20 mg PO weekly (C1–4/5–8). After C4, autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) candidates achieving ≥PR could collect stem cells but then continued CRd with the option to proceed to ASCT. After C8, pts received CRd maintenance, using the last tolerated doses, with LEN/DEX at the same schedule but a modified CFZ schedule (d1, 2, 15, 16). Response was assessed by IMWG criteria plus nCR. Results: As of Nov 30, 2011, median follow-up was 14 mo (range 4–25) with 33/53 (62%) pts achieving ≥nCR and 42% sCR. After a median of 13C (range 1–25), 36 pts completed C8 and continued CRd maintenance, 64% achieving sCR. 20/22 pts in CR evaluated for minimal residual disease (MRD) by multiparameter flow cytometry had no MRD. Progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 97% at 12 and 92% at 24 mo. All pts who achieved sCR have maintained response for a median of 9 mo (range 1–20). Extended CRd tx was well tolerated. During CRd maintenance, the most common toxicities (all grades) were lymphopenia (30%), leukopenia (26%), and fatigue (25%), and peripheral neuropathy remained limited (11%, all G1/2). There were no tx discontinuations due to toxicity during maintenance and limited dose modifications (CFZ 19%, LEN 28%, DEX 31%). Conclusions: CRd is highly active in NDMM, providing rapid and deep responses. Extended tx was well tolerated and resulted in improved depth of response with a high sCR rate and a significant proportion of pts without evidence of MRD. Responses were durable with very promising PFS. All pts who achieved sCR remained on CRd with sustained sCR. These results compare favorably to other frontline regimens.

Enhancement of Activity and Sulfur Resistance of CeO2 Supported on TiO2–SiO2 for the Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO by NH3

A series of novel metal-oxide-supported CeO(2) catalysts were prepared via the wet impregnation method, and their NH(3)-SCR activities were investigated. The Ce/TiO(2)-SiO(2) catalyst with a Ti/Si mass ratio of 3/1 exhibited superior NH(3)-SCR activity and high N(2) selectivity in the temperature range of 250-450 °C. The characterization results revealed that the activity enhancement was correlated with the properties of the support material. Cerium was highly dispersed on the TiO(2)-SiO(2) binary metal oxide support, and the interaction of Ti and Si resulted in greater conversion of Ce(4+) to Ce(3+) on the surface of the catalyst compared to that on the single metal oxide supports. As a result of in the increased number of acid sites on Ce/TiO(2)-SiO(2) that resulted from the addition of SiO(2), the NH(3) adsorption capacity was significantly improved. All of these factors played significant roles in the high SCR activity. More importantly, Ce/TiO(2)-SiO(2) exhibited strong resistance to SO(2) and H(2)O poisoning. After the addition of SiO(2), the number of Lewis-acid sites was not decreased, but the number of Brønsted-acid sites on the TiO(2)-SiO(2) carrier was increased. The introduction of SiO(2) further weakened the alkalinity over the surface of the Ce/TiO(2)-SiO(2) catalyst, which resulted in sulfate not easily accumulating on the surface of the Ce/TiO(2)-SiO(2) catalyst in comparison with Ce/TiO(2).

Wide Diameter Implants: Analysis of a Case Series

In the last decade the use of wide diameter implants (WDI, i.e. diameter &gt; 3.75 mm) has increased especially in posterior jaws because it is generally accepted that WDI: 1- improve the ability of posterior implants to tolerate occlusal forces, 2- create a wider base for proper prosthesis, and 3- avoid placing two standard-size implants (SSI = 3.75 mm) at one site to obtain a double-root prosthetic tooth. Since no report is available on a new type of implants, a retrospective study was performed. A total of 124 two-piece implants (FMD srl, Rome, Italy) were inserted, 56 in female and 68 in males. The median age was 59 ± 12 (min-max 28–75 years). Implants were inserted 59 in the maxilla and 65 in the mandible; they replaced 7 incisors, 4 cuspids, 23 premolars and 90 molars. One implant was lost, survival rate = 99.20%. Among the studies variables immediate loaded implants (p=0.05) and upper jaw (p=0.005) have a statistically significant worse outcome. Then peri-implant bone resorption (i.e. delta IAJ) was used to investigate SCR. Among the remaining 123 implants, 2 fixtures have a crestal bone resorption greater than 1.5 mm (SCR = 97.54). Statistical analysis demonstrated that single crown have a higher peri-implant crestal bone resorption if compared with bridge supported by 2 or more implants (p=0.03). In conclusion FMD implants are reliable devices for oral rehabilitation with a very high SCR and SVR.

Implants Inserted in Mandible: A Case Series

It is generally accepted that the mandible (especially in the interforaminal region) has better bone quality than the maxilla, and this fact is probably the reason why several reports are available regarding implants inserted into the mandible. Since no report is available on a new type of implants, a retrospective study was performed. A total of 185 two-piece implants (FMD srl, Rome, Italy) were inserted in mandible, 102 in female and 83 in males. The median age was 58 ± 13 (min-max 25–80 years). Implants replaced 14 incisors, 7 cuspids, 49 premolars and 115 molars. Implant' length was x ≤ 10 mm, 10,30 ≤ x ≤ 12.30, equal to 13 mm and x ≥14 mm in 80, 90,13 and 2 cases, respectively. Implant' diameter was narrower than 3.5 mm, equal to 3.8 mm and wider than 4.0 mm in 25, 17,143 cases, respectively. There were 36,41,106 and 2 Elisir, I-fix, Shiner, and Storm implant types, respectively. One implant was lost, survival rate = 98.15%. Among the studies variables immediate loaded implants on single tooth rehabilitations (p=0.017) have a worse clinical outcome. Then peri-implant bone resorption (i.e. delta IAJ) was used to investigate SCR. Among the remaining 184 implants, 20 fixtures have a crestal bone resorption greater than 1.5 mm (SCR = 89.13). Statistical analysis demonstrated signifiance only for surgeon (p=0.001). In conclusion FMD implants are reliable devices for oral rehabilitation with a very high SCR and SVR.

Effect of Narrow Diameter Implants on Clinical Outcome

Narrow diameter implants (NDI) (i.e. diameter 3.75 mm) are a potential solution for specific clinical situations such as reduced interradicuiar bone, thin alveolar crest and replacement of teeth with small cervical diameter. NDI have been available in clinical practice since the nineties but only a few studies have analyzed their clinical outcome. Since no report is available on a new type of implants, a retrospective study was performed. A total of 47 narrow diameter (i.e. x ≤ 3.40 mm) two-piece implants (FMD srl, Rome, Italy) were inserted, 35 in females and 12 in males. The median age was 60 ± 11 (min-max 30–80 years). Implants were inserted 22 in the maxilla and 25 in the mandible; they replaced 11 incisors, 3 cuspids, 21 premolars and 12 molars. Implant' length was shorter than 10 mm, 10.30 ≤ x ≤ 12.30, equal to 13 mm and longer than 13 mm in 17,28,1 and 1 fixtures, respectively. Implant' diameter was narrower than 3.5 mm. There were 3,18 and 26 Elisir, I-fix and Shiner implant types. No implant on single tooth rehabilitations was lost and thus survival rate was 100%. Then peri-implant bone resorption (i.e. delta IAJ) was used to investigate SCR. Seven fixtures have a crestal bone resorption greater than 1.5 mm (SCR = 85.1). Statistical analysis demonstrated that diabetes (p=0.044) and smoke (p=0.001) have a higher peri-implant crestal bone resorption. In conclusion FMD implants are reliable devices for oral rehabilitation with a very high SCR and SVR although smoker and diabetic patients have a worse clinical outcome.

Implants Inserted in Different Sites: Analysis of 390 Fixtures

Oral rehabilitation by means dental implants is a surgical procedure with high standards of success. Since very few reports focus on clinical success related to implant site and no report is available on a new type of implants (FMD srl, Rome, Italy), a retrospective study was performed. A total of 390 two-piece implants were inserted, 213 in females and 177 in males. The median age was 59 ± 11 (min-max 24–80 years). Two hundred and five implants were inserted in upper jaw and 185 in mandible. Three implants were lost, survival rate = 99.23%. Among the studies variables immediate loaded implants on single tooth rehabilitations (p=0.047) have a worse clinical outcome. Then peri-implant bone resorption (i.e. delta IAJ) was used to investigate SCR. Among the remaining 387 implants, 47 fixtures have a crestal bone resorption greater than 1.5 mm (SCR = 87.85). Statistical analysis demonstrated that no studied variable has an impact on clinical outcome and thus there are no differences in term of SVR and SCR by sites. In conclusion FMD implants are reliable devices for oral rehabilitation with a very high SCR and SVR.