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Model-based studies are widely used in the analysis and optimization of complex energy conversion processes in large thermal power plants. The creation and validation of a model of a power unit utilizing Bulgarian lignite enables us to study in detail the redistribution of heat flows in that unit. Along with the ability to optimize the thermodynamic cycle of energy generation, this research method enables us to conduct many study tasks that cannot be realized by conducting expensive and complex industrial experiments. The current article presents the creation of thermodynamic simulation model of a 4th power unit firing lignite coal in Maritsa East 2 TPP. Validation of the numerical solution was performed with data from the "Operating Instructions for the boilers”, design heat balance calculations for steam turbine installation and performance test results onsite on two different loads.

Secukinumab and Dead Sea treatment result in clear skin for many psoriasis patients, through distinct mechanisms. However, recurrence in the same areas after treatments suggests the existence of a molecular scar. We aimed to compare the molecular and genetic differences in psoriasis patients who achieved complete response from secukinumab and Dead Sea climatotherapy treatments. We performed quantitative immunohistochemical and transcriptomic analysis, in addition to digital spatial profiling of skin punch biopsies. Histologically, both treatments resulted in a normalization of the lesional skin to a level resembling nonlesional skin. Interestingly, the transcriptome was not normalized by either treatments. We revealed 479 differentially expressed genes between secukinumab and Dead Sea climatotherapy at the end of treatment, with a psoriasis panel identifying SERPINB4, SERPINB13, IL36G, IL36RN, and AKR1B10 as upregulated in Dead Sea climatotherapy compared with secukinumab. Using digital spatial profiling, pan-RAS was observed to be differentially expressed in the microenvironment surrounding CD103+ cells, and IDO1 was differentially expressed in the dermis when comparing the two treatments. The differences observed between secukinumab and Dead Sea climatotherapy suggest the presence of a molecular scar, which may stem from mechanistically different pathways and potentially contribute to disease recurrence. This may be important for determining treatment response duration and disease memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific T cell populations in the skin have been demonstrated as important disease drivers in several dermatoses. Due to the unique skin architecture, these cells are not grouped together in structures but dispersedly spread out throughout the epidermis. Following tissue disruption and isolation, only about 10% of skin T cells are recovered and any in vitro expansion may alter their bona fide phenotype. The Nanostring GeoMx system was developed to address cellular phenotype and protein expression in a tissue spatial context. To do so, regions of interest (ROI) must exceed a certain area threshold (usually 100 μm in diameter) to generate a sufficient signal‐to‐noise ratio. Here, we present an approach that allows for the pooling of numerous smaller ROIs within the skin, enabling T cell and melanocyte phenotyping. Skin samples from healthy individuals and vitiligo patients were analysed using the GeoMx system and several immune profiling panels. A sufficient signal‐to‐noise ratio was achieved by pooling smaller ROIs and analysing them as a single group. While this prevents spatial analysis, this method allows for detailed analysis of cells as a population in the context of their physiological environment, making it possible to investigate in situ phenotype of rare cells in different tissue compartments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to continue their operation, the power plants of the Maritsa East Complex have to meet the contemporary environmental requirements, which are becoming more and more stringent. Along with them, there is an increase in the cost of carbon allowances that every fossil fuel power plant needs to buy in order to continue its operation. This increases the cost of electricity produced by them. One way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions CO2 generated by power plants burning Bulgarian lignite is to implement a more efficient power generation cycle.

Context: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive malignant diseases in which the survival rate has not improved in the past 40 years., Case Report: A fifty-one-year-old male patient with inoperable metastatic pancreatic cancer and low response to chemotherapy with gemcitabine as single therapy underwent palliative high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation. Continuing chemotherapy with folinic acid, oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil (FOLFOX) was made. Tools, provided by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) were used to evaluate his quality of life. The Global Health Status improved from 25 to 42 out of 100 and the body mass index (BMI) increased from 14.9 to 18.1 kg/m(2). Measured by the visual analog scale, the pain was reduced from 7 to 2 out of 10. Twelve months after the HIFU ablation, CT revealed decreased size of the tumor and liver lesions., Conclusion: FOLFOX plus interventional, physical destruction of the primary tumor by HIFU sufficiently improved the quality of life, reduced pancreatic pain and provided better survival in this case.