Numerical Study and Experimental Verification of Biomass Conversion and Potassium Release in a 140 kW Entrained Flow Gasifier.

In this study, a Eulerian-Lagrangian model is used to study biomass gasification and release of potassium species in a 140 kW atmospheric entrained flow gasifier (EFG). Experimental measurements of water concentration and temperature inside the reactor, together with the gas composition at the gasifier outlet, are used to validate the model. For the first time, a detailed K-release model is used to predict the concentrations of gas-phase K species inside the gasifier, and the results are compared with experimental measurements from an optical port in the EFG. The prediction errors for atomic potassium (K), potassium chloride (KCl), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and total potassium are 1.4%, 9.8%, 5.5%, and 5.7%, respectively, which are within the uncertainty limits of the measurements. The numerical model is used to identify and study the main phenomena that occur in different zones of the gasifier. Five zones are identified in which drying, pyrolysis, combustion, recirculation, and gasification are active. The model was then used to study the transformation and release of different K species from biomass particles. It was found that, for the forest residue fuel that was used in the present study, the organic part of K is released at the shortest residence time, followed by the release of inorganic K at higher residence times. The release of inorganic salts starts by evaporation of KCl and continues by dissociation of K2CO3 and K2SO4, which forms gas-phase KOH. The major fraction of K is released around the combustion zone (around 0.7-1.3 m downstream of the inlet) due to the high H2O concentration and temperature. These conditions lead to rapid dissociation of K2CO3 and K2SO4, which increases the total K concentration from 336 to 510 ppm in the combustion zone. The dissociation of the inorganic salts and KOH formation continues in the gasification zone at a lower rate; hence, the total K concentration slowly increases from 510 ppm at 1.3 m to 561 ppm at the outlet.

Combining of chemotherapy with targeted therapy for advanced biliary tract cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Targeted therapy (TT) has resulted in controversial efficacy as first-line treatment for biliary tract cancer (BTC). More efficacy comparisons are required to clarify the overall effects of chemotherapy (CT) combined with TT and CT alone on advanced BTC. AIM: To conduct a meta-analysis of the available evidence on the efficacy of CT combined with TT for advanced BTC. METHODS: The PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for relevant studies published from inception to August 2022. Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) including comparisons between the combination of gemcitabine-based CT with TT and CT alone as first-line treatment for advanced BTC were eligible (PROSPERO-CRD42022313001). The odds ratios (ORs) for the objective response rate (ORR) and hazard ratios (HRs) for both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated and analyzed. Subgroup analyses based on different targeted agents, CT regimens and tumor locations were prespecified. RESULTS: Nine RCTs with a total of 1361 individuals were included and analyzed. The overall analysis showed a significant improvement in ORR in patients treated with CT + TT compared to those treated with CT alone (OR = 1.43, 95%CI: 1.11-1.86, P = 0.007) but no difference in PFS or OS. Similar trends were observed in the subgroup treated with agents targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (OR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.17-2.37, P = 0.004) but not in the subgroups treated with agents targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor or mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor. Notably, patients who received a CT regimen of gemcitabine + oxaliplatin in the CT + TT arm had both a higher ORR (OR = 1.75, 95%CI: 1.20-2.56, P = 0.004) and longer PFS (HR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.70-0.99, P = 0.03) than those in the CT-only arm. Moreover, patients with cholangiocarcinoma treated with CT + TT had significantly increased ORR and PFS (ORR, OR = 2.06, 95%CI: 1.27-3.35, PFS, HR = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.66-0.94). CONCLUSION: CT + TT is a potential first-line treatment for advanced BTC that leads to improved tumor control and survival outcomes, and highlighting the importance of CT regimens and tumor types in the application of TT.

Down-regulation of circPTTG1IP induces hepatocellular carcinoma development via miR-16-5p/RNF125/JAK1 axis.

Circular RNAs are known to regulate the biological processes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and humans with Down syndrome are at low risk of developing solid tumors due to the amplification of several tumor suppressor genes on human chromosome 21 (HSA21). Here, we aimed to investigate the potential role of circRNAs originating from HSA21 in the progression of HCC. CircRNA-sequencing was performed to analyze differentially expressed circRNAs in 4 HCC and peritumor tissues, and circRNAs originating from HSA21 were further analyzed. Circ_0061984 (circPTTG1IP) was chosen for further study because it showed the lowest expression in HCC tissues, and qRT-PCR was used to confirm the expression of circPTTG1IP in HCC patient tissues. The biological function of circPTTG1IP was detected in HCC cells both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, luciferase reporter assays, circRNA immunoprecipitation, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to investigate the potential mechanism of circPTTG1IP. Finally, the possible mechanisms of filgotinib in circPTTG1IP-driven HCC were assessed. CircPTTG1IP expression was decreased in HCC compared to peritumoral tissues. Moreover, low circPTTG1IP expression was revealed to be associated with a poor prognosis of HCC patients. Elevation of circPTTG1IP was revealed to inhibit HCC development both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circPTTG1IP was shown to function as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of RNF125 by binding miR-16-5p to increase the level of the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF125, which further ubiquitinated and degraded JAK1 protein. Finally, we demonstrated that administration of filgotinib, a JAK1 inhibitor, restricted HCC progression induced by low circPTTG1IP expression. Thus, we revealed that circPTTG1IP is a novel tumor suppresser circRNA in HCC and that a low circPTTG1IP level promotes HCC development via the miR-16-5p/RNF125/JAK1 axis. Patients with low circPTTG1IP may benefit from filgotinib treatment.

Structure and Laminar Flame Speed of an Ammonia/Methane/Air Premixed Flame under Varying Pressure and Equivalence Ratio.

This paper presents a joint experimental and numerical study on premixed laminar ammonia/methane/air flames, aiming to characterize the flame structures and NO formation and determine the laminar flame speed under different pressure, equivalence ratio, and ammonia fraction in the fuel. The experiments were carried out in a lab-scale pressurized vessel with a Bunsen burner installed with a concentric co-flow of air. Measurements of NH and NO distributions in the flames were made using planar laser-induced fluorescence. A novel method was presented for determination of the laminar flame speed from Bunsen-burner flame measurements, which takes into account the non-uniform flow in the unburned mixture and local flame stretch. NH profiles were chosen as flame front markers. Direct numerical simulation of the flames and one-dimensional chemical kinetic modeling were performed to enhance the understanding of flame structures and evaluate three chemical kinetic mechanisms recently reported in the literature. The stoichiometric and fuel-rich flames exhibit a dual-flame structure, with an inner premixed flame and an outer diffusion flame. The two flames interact, which affects the NO emissions. The impact of the diffusion flame on the laminar flame speed of the inner premixed flame is however minor. At elevated pressures or higher ammonia/methane ratios, the emission of NO is suppressed as a result of the reduced radical mass fraction and promoted NO reduction reactions. It is found that the laminar flame speed measured in the present experiments can be captured by the investigated mechanisms, but quantitative predictions of the NO distribution require further model development.

RNF128 Promotes Malignant Behaviors via EGFR/MEK/ERK Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The ubiquitin-proteasome system participates in the pathogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As an E3 ubiquitin ligase, RNF128 has been proved vital in carcinogenesis, whereas, little is known about the oncogenic mechanisms of RNF128 in HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through tissue microarray from HCC patients, we analyzed RNF128 expression and its relationship with clinical outcomes in HCC. Western blot and quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed to examine expression levels of RNF128 in HCC tissues and cell lines. Effects of RNF128 on HCC cellular biological functions and the potential mechanism were evaluated through knockdown and overexpression assays in vitro and in vivo methods. RESULTS: RNF128 expression was found to be remarkably elevated in HCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Furthermore, the overexpression of RNF128 enhanced hepatoma cells proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and apoptotic resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, RNF128 activated EGFR/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and the EGFR inhibitor, gefitinib partially reversed RNF128-enhanced proliferation, invasion, and migration in hepatoma cells. CONCLUSION: RNF128 promotes HCC progression by activating EGFR/MEK/ERK signaling pathway, which might function as a novel prognostic molecular signature with the potential to be a candidate therapeutic target for HCC patients.

Impact of metabolic syndrome on short-term outcome of carotid revascularization: a large sample size study in Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is relatively common worldwide and an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. It is closely linked to arterial stiffness of the carotid artery. However, the association of MetS with the safety of carotid revascularization has been rarely studied. The aim of this study was to observe the current status of MetS and its components in Chinese carotid revascularized patients, and investigate the impact on major adverse clinical events (MACEs) after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS). METHODS: From January 2013 to December 2017, patients undergoing CEA or CAS in the Neurosurgery Department of Xuanwu Hospital were retrospectively recruited. The changes in prevalence of MetS and each component with time were investigated. The primary outcome was 30-day post-operative MACEs. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify the impact of MetS on CEA or CAS. RESULTS: A total of 2068 patients who underwent CEA (766 cases) or CAS (1302 cases) were included. The rate of MetS was 17.9%; the prevalence rate of MetS increased with time. The occurrence rate of MACEs in CEA was 3.4% (26 cases) and in CAS, 3.1% (40 cases). There was no statistical difference between the two groups (3.4% vs. 3.1%, P = 0.600). For CEA patients, univariate analysis showed that the MACE (+) group had increased diabetes history (53.8% vs. 30.9%, P = 0.014) and MetS (34.6% vs. 15.8%, P = 0.023). For CAS patients, univariate analysis showed that the MACE (+) group had increased coronary artery disease history (40.0% vs. 21.6%, P = 0.006) and internal carotid artery tortuosity (67.5%% vs. 37.6%, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the MACE (+) group had higher systolic blood pressure (143.38 ±â€Š22.74 vs. 135.42 ±â€Š17.17 mmHg, P = 0.004). Multivariable analysis showed that the influencing factors for MACEs in CEA included history of diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 2.345; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.057-5.205; P = 0.036) and MetS (OR = 2.476; 95% CI = 1.065-5.757; P = 0.035). The influencing factors for MACEs in CAS included systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.023; 95% CI = 1.005-1.040; P = 0.010), coronary artery disease (OR = 2.382; 95% CI = 1.237-4.587; P = 0.009) and internal carotid artery tortuosity (OR = 3.221; 95% CI = 1.637-6.337; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rate of MetS increased with time in carotid revascularized patients. MetS is a risk for short-term MACEs after CEA, but not CAS.

Cerebral air embolism following an endoscopic variceal ligation: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral air embolism (CAE) is a rare but potentially devastating complication of endoscopic procedures. Only 3 cases, to our knowledge, have been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old female patient presented with hepatitis C virus-related hepatic cirrhosis, emergency endoscopy and endoscopic variceal ligation was performed in an awakened state. CAE occurred during procedure, the patient passed away the next day in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: CAE is a rare but potentially devastating complication in endoscopic procedures. We need more preventive tools and treatments.

The Effect of Splitting Timing on Mixing in a Jet with Double Injections: A Large-Eddy Simulation Study.

We present large-eddy simulation (LES) of a high-pressure gas jet that is injecting into a quiescent inert environment. The injection is through a nozzle with a diameter of 1.35 mm. Four injection strategies are considered in which the results of a single continuous injection case are compared with those of double injection cases with different injection splitting timing. In all double injection cases, the injection pulsing interval is kept the same, and the total injected mass is equal to that of the single injection case. On the other hand, the splitting timing is varied to investigate the effects of various injection splitting strategies on the mixture formation and the penetration length of the jet. Results show that the jet penetration length is not so sensitive to the splitting timing whereas the mixing quality can significantly change as a result of shifting the onset of injection splitting toward the end of injection. Especially, it is found that by adopting a post-injection strategy where a single injection splits into the main injection and late small injection near the end of injection period the mixing between the injected gas and ambient air is significantly improved. This trend is not as obvious when the injection splitting timing shifts toward the beginning or even in the middle of injection period. The increase of entrainment in the tail of each injection is one of the underlying physics in the mixing improvement in double injection cases. In addition to that, splitting a single injection into two smaller injections increases the surrounding area of the jet and also stretches it along the axial direction. It can potentially increase the mixing of injected gas with the ambient air.

Fractal flame structure due to the hydrodynamic Darrieus-Landau instability.

By using large scale numerical simulations, we obtain fractal structure, which develops at originally planar flame fronts due to the hydrodynamic Darrieus-Landau (DL) instability bending the fronts. We clarify some important issues regarding the DL fractal flames, which have been debated for a long time. We demonstrate an increase of the flame propagation speed with the hypothetic channel width, which controls the length scale of the instability development. We show that this increase may be fitted by a power law indicating the mean fractal properties of the flame front structure. The power exponent in this law is found to be not a universal constant, rather it depends on the flame properties-on the density drop at the front. Using box counting on the simulated flame front shapes we show the fractal flame dimension at the intermediate scale is smaller than the one given by the power law, but it has a similar dependency on the density drop. We also obtain a formation of pockets at the DL fractal flame fronts, which previously has been associated only with turbulent burning.

Structure-activity relationships of anthocyanidin glycosylation.

This paper summarizes the main achievements about the structure-activity relationships of anthocyanidin glycosylation. Anthocyanidin glycosylation is the essential step of anthocyanin biosynthesis and also the prerequisite of the further modifications of anthocyanins, which is jointly characterized by the glycosylation site, the type and number of the glycosyl as well as the glycosidic bond type. It generally enhances the stability, results in the hypsochromic effect and blueing, decreases the bioavailability and anticancer activity, and decreases, increases, or does not change the antioxidant activity of the anthocyanidins or anthocyanins, which is synergetically determined by the glycosylation site and the type and number of the glycosyl. Thereinto, in nature, the blue hues caused by the glycosylation may also be reinforced by the formation of the anthocyanic vacuolar inclusions. This review could provide a reference for the research of the structure-optimizing and function-exploiting of anthocyanins.