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Controlling the size, shape and phase formation of catalyst nanoparticles on support is essential to obtain a superior catalyst for a specific reaction. Herein, the synthesis of palladium–copper (PdCu) bimetallic catalysts supported on mesoporous MCM−41 with different morphologies are reported as well as their catalytic performance for the reduction of oxyanions present in water. X−ray diffraction (XRD) results reveal the formation of disordered face−centred cubic and ordered body−centred cubic phases of intermetallic PdCu for all catalysts. According to the Pd 3d XPS results, the status of the Pd species was dependent on the morphologies of the supports. The rod−like MCM−41 supports could increase the metallic Pd species rather than the spherical−like MCM−41 supports. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show a particle size dependence of PdCu nanoparticles with the morphology of the support. Catalytic test results suggested that the morphology and size affected the PdCu dispersion and, consequently, the catalytic activity for nitrate and bromate reduction. Small and rod-like MCM-41 particles were permitted to obtain a catalyst that achieved a total bromate reduction and a nitrogen selectivity of 61 % in nitrate reduction. These results highlight the importance of the support morphology in reducing the size and minimising the polydispersity of PdCu nanoparticles. [Display omitted] • Bimetallic PdCu catalysts were supported on MCM−41 with different morphologies. • A systematic study identified the most promising catalyst for catalytic reduction of bromate and nitrate. • Dispersion and size of PdCu nanoparticles are strongly dependent on support morphology. • Higher activity to bromate reduction are achieved when small rod-like MCM-41 are used as support. • Migration of Cu (promotor metal) into inner porosity of MCM-41 supports making this metal unavailable for nitrate hydrogenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ontology building can greatly influence the development cycle of an information system and enhance interoperability among its constituent elements. Throughout the projects we have been developing we have detected, by studying the current literature, a need to develop an agile method to conceive and mapping ontologies, which allows a quick and effective response to R&D projects. Designing a method for building an ontology, which is integrated and aligned with a systematic development approach, represents a crucial challenge in new approaches to system design and exploitation. Extant proposed methods for building an ontology, especially following agile approaches, have achieved interesting results but lack integration and alignment with a wider-view development framework. Thus, we have defined the first version of a semantic model allowing the alignment with the previously defined information model. Following the best practices for ontology building and based on our previous work on software system development, we now propose a method for designing an ontology, the 4SRS Method for Ontological Design based on the V-Model 4SRS, aligning it with a proven development method. We further demonstrate this approach by applying the proposed method in a real case, to develop an ontology for a choen restricted scope within the domain problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dear Editor, Brachioradial pruritus (BRP) is typically located at the dorsolateral part of the forearms, mostly at the dermatomes C5/C6 but it may also involve other dermatomes at the arm and neck. Prior to treatment with naloxone, pruritus intensity was severe in all patients (worst pruritus intensity on the numerical rating scale [WI-NRS]: 8-10/10). [Extracted from the article]

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Chronic pruritus of unknown origin is established when no underlying origin for pruritus can be determined. This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the clinical profile and disease-related burden of chronic pruritus of unknown origin. A total of 263 patients (female/male: 154/109, median age 55 years) were included. Moderate to severe itch intensities were recorded (median average itch: 5.5/10, n = 200; median worst itch: 7.5/10, n = 199). In most cases pruritus lasted longer than 1 year (77.6%), occurred daily (68.2%), occurred in attacks (72.8%), and was often accompanied by dysaesthesias, such as burning, tingling and stinging. Quality of life was moderately impaired, while 22.2% and 12.4% of patients showed pathological anxiety and depression scores. Scratch lesions were associated with higher intensities of itch and greater impairment of quality of life, while women were more burdened by the disease than men. Chronic pruritus of unknown origin may occur at any age and the majority of patients endure severe itch with substantial disease-related burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human hands are complex structures essential for a variety of functions in everyday life. This study prospectively investigated the clinical features of hand pruritus and the resulting functional impairment and disease-related burden in 395 patients with chronic pruritus (210 females, median age 59 years). Moderate to very severe hand pruritus was reported by 91.2% of patients, while 79% perceived additional sensory symptoms, such as burning, pain or tingling. A long duration of pruritus occurred in most cases (> 6 months: 71.4%). A considerable proportion of patients showed moderate to severe impairment in the use of their hands (40.2%), performance of daily activities (65.0%) and quality of life (45.2%). Disease severity and burden is particularly high when both the palms and the backs of the hands are affected, and when pain is present simultaneously. Pruritus located on the hands is impairing and burdensome due to the functional relevance of the hands in everyday life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]