Lignin Syngas Bioconversion by Butyribacterium methylotrophicum: Advancing towards an Integrated Biorefinery

Solar energy and ambient heat are two inexhaustible energy sources for addressing the global challenge of energy and sustainability. Solar thermal battery based on molecular switches that can store solar energy and release it as heat has recently attracted great interest, but its development is severely limited by both low energy density and short storage stability. On the other hand, the efficient recovery and upgrading of low-grade heat, especially that of the ambient heat, has been a great challenge. Here we report that solar energy and ambient heat can be simultaneously harvested and stored, which is enabled by room-temperature photochemical crystal-to-liquid transitions of small-molecule photoswitches. The two forms of energy are released together to produce high-temperature heat during the reverse photochemical phase change. This strategy, combined with molecular design, provides high energy density of 320-370 J/g and long-term storage stability (half-life of about 3 months). On this basis, we fabricate high-performance, flexible film devices of solar thermal battery, which can be readily recharged at room temperature with good cycling ability, show fast rate of heat release, and produce high-temperature heat that is >20<sup> o</sup>C higher than the ambient temperature. Our work opens up a new avenue to harvest ambient heat, and demonstrate a feasible strategy to develop high-performance solar thermal battery.

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Efficient Co-Harvesting of Solar Energy and Low-Grade Heat by Molecular Photoswitches for High Energy Density, Long-Term Stable Solar Thermal Battery

10.26434/chemrxiv.9730694 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Zhao-Yang Zhang ◽

Tao LI

Keyword(s):

Energy Density ◽

Solar Energy ◽

High Performance ◽

High Energy ◽

Solar Thermal ◽

High Energy Density ◽

Low Grade ◽

Thermal Battery ◽

Low Grade Heat

Solar energy and ambient heat are two inexhaustible energy sources for addressing the global challenge of energy and sustainability. Solar thermal battery based on molecular switches that can store solar energy and release it as heat has recently attracted great interest, but its development is severely limited by both low energy density and short storage stability. On the other hand, the efficient recovery and upgrading of low-grade heat, especially that of the ambient heat, has been a great challenge. Here we report that solar energy and ambient heat can be simultaneously harvested and stored, which is enabled by room-temperature photochemical crystal-to-liquid transitions of small-molecule photoswitches. The two forms of energy are released together to produce high-temperature heat during the reverse photochemical phase change. This strategy, combined with molecular design, provides high energy density of 320-370 J/g and long-term storage stability (half-life of about 3 months). On this basis, we fabricate high-performance, flexible film devices of solar thermal battery, which can be readily recharged at room temperature with good cycling ability, show fast rate of heat release, and produce high-temperature heat that is >20<sup> o</sup>C higher than the ambient temperature. Our work opens up a new avenue to harvest ambient heat, and demonstrate a feasible strategy to develop high-performance solar thermal battery.

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COVD-01. VINBLASTINE MONOTHERAPY INDUCTION FOR LOCALISED CNS GERMINOMA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noaa222.032 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. iii282-iii282

Author(s):

Rafael Moleron ◽

Sara Stoneham ◽

Thankamma Ajithkumar ◽

Justin Cross ◽

James Nicholson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Germ Cell ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Single Agent ◽

Germ Cell Tumour ◽

Research Priorities ◽

Tumour Volume ◽

Cell Tumour ◽

Low Grade ◽

Testicular Seminoma

Abstract INTRODUCTION Patients with localised CNS-germinoma have excellent survival. More recently, intensive inpatient chemotherapy (carboPEI=carboplatin/etoposide/ifosfamide in Europe) has been effectively employed to reduce radiotherapy fields and/or dose. Current research priorities focus on reducing treatment burden and long-term sequelae. Of note, outpatient-based single-agent carboplatin chemotherapy is associated with excellent outcomes in metastatic testicular seminoma (an identical pathology) [Alifrangis,EJC,2020]. Recently, successful vinblastine monotherapy was reported in localised CNS-germinoma [Murray,Neurooncol-Adv,2020]. METHODS Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adapted UK guidelines for germ-cell-tumour management were distributed, including potential non-standard treatment options that would reduce hospital visits/admissions. A 30-year-old patient presented with a 32mmx30mmx35mm diameter solid+multi-cystic localised pineal CNS lesion, consistent radiologically with a germ-cell-tumour with prominent teratoma component. Investigation revealed negative AFP/HCG markers and biopsy-proven pure germinoma. After appropriate consent, the patient commenced 12-week induction with weekly vinblastine monotherapy (low-grade-glioma dosing [Lassaletta,JCO,2016]), with wk6&12 MRI re-assessment prior to definitive radiotherapy. RESULTS Vinblastine was well-tolerated. After initial 4mg/m2 test-dosing (wk1), standard 6mg/m2 was delivered for wk2, but resulted in asymptomatic neutropenia (nadir 0.3x10^9/l) and missed dosing at wk3. Subsequent doses were 4mg/m2, with no further neutropenia. As expected, MRI showed moderate 40% tumour volume reduction by wk12. Surgical resection of the residual presumed teratoma component was undertaken prior to radiotherapy. CONCLUSION Patients with CNS-germinoma have excellent outcomes and reduction of treatment-effects remains a priority. The exquisite chemosensitivity of germinoma, excellent results from monotherapy for metastatic testicular disease, and early promise of vinblastine monotherapy lend itself to further exploration for CNS-germinoma.

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Association between fasting insulin and C-reactive protein among adults without diabetes using a two-part model: NHANES 2005–2010

Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome ◽

10.1186/s13098-021-00645-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Amanda L. Missel ◽

Laura R. Saslow ◽

Dina H. Griauzde ◽

Donna Marvicsin ◽

Ananda Sen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Low Grade ◽

Fasting Insulin ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Glucose Levels ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Part Model

Abstract Introduction Chronic inflammation is associated with the development, progression and long-term complications of type 2 diabetes. Hyperglycemia is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, and thus has become the focus of many screening and treatment recommendations. We hypothesize that insulin may also be associated with inflammation and may be an additional factor to consider in screening and treatment. Methods This study used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2005 to 2010 to analyze the association between fasting insulin and C-reactive protein (CRP). A two-part model was used due to the high number of values reported as 0.1 mg/L. Two models were analyzed, both with and without the addition of waist circumference to other covariates in the model. Results The final sample included 4527 adults with a mean age of 43.31 years. In the first model, higher fasting insulin was associated with increased odds of CRP > 0.1 mg/L (OR = 1.02, p < .001) and with higher CRP (β = 0.03, p < .001). In the adjusted model, including waist circumference as a covariate, higher fasting insulin was not associated with CRP > 0.1 mg/L (OR = 1.00, p = .307) but the association between higher fasting insulin and higher continuous CRP remained significant (β = 0.01, p = .012). Conclusion This study found that higher fasting insulin is associated with higher CRP. These results suggest that treatment approaches that simultaneously decrease insulin levels as well as glucose levels may provide additive anti-inflammatory effects, and therefore may improve long-term outcomes for adults with type 2 diabetes.

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LGG-06. LONG-TERM OUTCOME OF NEWLY DIAGNOSED LOW GRADE GLIOMA

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noaa222.391 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. iii367-iii367

Author(s):

Nongnuch Sirachainan ◽

Attaporn Boongerd ◽

Samart Pakakasama ◽

Usanarat Anurathapan ◽

Ake Hansasuta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surgical Management ◽

Progression Free Survival ◽

Low Grade Glioma ◽

Low Grade ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Term Outcome ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

Common Location ◽

Suprasellar Region

Abstract INTRODUCTION Low grade glioma (LGG) is the most common central nervous system (CNS) tumor in children accounted for 30–50%. Regarding benign characteristic of disease, surgical management remains the mainstay of treatment. However, surgical approach is limited in some conditions such as location at brainstem or infiltrative tumor. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments have been included in order to control tumor progression. The 5-years survival rate is approach 90% especially in patients who receive complete resection. However, the outcome of children with LGG in low to middle income is limited. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine long-term outcome of children with newly diagnosed LGG. METHODS A retrospective study enrolled children aged <18 years who were newly diagnosed LGG during January 2006- December 2019. Diagnosis of LGG was confirmed by histological findings of grade I and II according to WHO criteria. RESULTS A total of 40 patients, female to male ratio was 1:1.35 and mean (SD) for age was 6.7 (4.0) years. The most common location was optic chiasmatic pathway (42.5%), followed by suprasellar region (25.0%). Sixty percent of patients received at least partial tumor removal. Chemotherapy and radiation had been used in 70% and 10.0% respectively. The 10-year progression free survival was 74.1±11.4% and overall survival was 96.2±3.8%. SUMMARY: Treatment of Pediatric LGG mainly required surgical management, however, chemotherapy and radiation had been used in progressive disease. The outcome was excellent.

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Fertility preservation in women with early ovarian cancer

Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation ◽

10.1515/hmbci-2020-0026 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Daniel Necula ◽

Daria Istrate ◽

Jérôme Mathis

Keyword(s):

Ovarian Cancer ◽

Fertility Preservation ◽

Low Grade ◽

Term Survival ◽

Organizational Issues ◽

Fertility Sparing Surgery ◽

Fertility Sparing ◽

Early Ovarian Cancer ◽

Reproductive Techniques

AbstractFertility preservation is an important option to consider for young women with low-grade early ovarian cancer. Fertility-sparing surgery (“FSS”) permits the conservation of the uterus and one of the ovaries. This technique is considered safe for stages IA G1, G2 and probably safe for IC G1 epithelial and non-epithelial ovarian cancers. There are still uncertainties and FSS is not fully accepted for stage IC G1, G2 and clear cell carcinoma. The difficulty in choosing the best option lies in the fact that there is a lack of prospective randomized studies, due to ethical and organizational issues. Retrospective studies and reviews showed reassuring results for FSS in terms of relapse and long term survival. The spontaneous pregnancy rate seems to decrease after FSS, but chemotherapy does not seem to have an impact on fertility rates. Compared with the general population, assisted reproductive techniques are considered safe and with similar fertility results.

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