bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maximizing Oil Recovery Using a Chemical Application in Offshore Environment-Case Study
Authors: Khanifar Ahmad , Abdul Manap Arif Azhan
Published: January 2023

Chemical injection has been identified as one of the upstream strategies by PETRONAS for maximizing oil recovery from a Malaysian offshore oil field which is currently operating under waterflooding and declining in oil production. A chemical application roadmap from laboratory to full field scale was established with numerous technical evaluation stages. The recipe and formulation for this chemical injection were obtained from inclusive laboratory experiments studies including chemical screening, fluid-fluid, and fluid-rock evaluations.

Pilot field trial tests by single well chemical tracer (SWCT) technique were designed and executed to validate the laboratory results, chemical injection response, and to obtain an operating experience prior full field scale implementation. A simulation modelling study was carried out to obtain a scheme of injection, proper wells pattern, and amount of incremental oil recovery expected from this application. Moreover, an integration study from subsurface to surface including reservoirs, wells, and surface facilities were conducted to find an appropriate development concept and reduce the overall project costs for ensuring being a techno-commercially viable project.

Laboratory results verifies that a chemical injection consist of 1.0 wt. % alkali and 0.075 wt. % surfactant in an optimum salinity range of 5,000-10,000 ppm and adsorption of 0.30 mg/gr-of-rock should establish an ultralow IFT of 0.001 dyne/cm system and result in 50-75 % Sorw reduction. Favorable results achieve from pilot testes where successfully mobilized substantial amounts of Sor and chemicals easily mixed with no injection problems encountered. They were consistent with laboratory findings and validated a 50-80 % Sorw reduction. Minimum residual oil saturation of 0.06 and 0.08 were seen after chemical application. Soft-water buffers were planned to minimize competing reaction of alkali and allow surfactant to work in more favorable lower salinity water and fortunately, results show that it was not severe enough to prevent the AS system from working. The contrast of initial waterflooding Sor after first pilot completion in two wells indicate an increase of 0.04 in Sorw (0.16 to 0.20 and 0.27 to 0.31) which, interestingly it could be due to a shift in rock wettability toward more water wet system. Modelling study shows a four-year plan including three-year of AS slug and six-month of pre and post buffers is an optimum injection scheme.

This paper presents an outlook of the chemical project. This knowledge is extremely useful in guiding future laboratory studies and field implementation. Although, chemical was verified technically but significant efforts were made to gauge the development concept with harsh offshore environment, large well spacing, and chemical handling. This study can be used as a technical reference address various challenges that are often encountered in implementing chemical EOR, particularly at an offshore environment.
Hybrid Algorithm Predicts Asphaltene Envelope for Entire ADNOC Fluid Portfolio
Authors: Mogensen Kristian , Grutters Mark , Merrill Robert
Published: January 2023

Asphaltene precipitation can sometimes pose operational problems in medium-light oils because of the low asphaltene solubility. The purpose of this work is to develop a methodology to predict the asphaltene envelope for all fluid systems in ADNOC’s reservoir portfolio based on existing laboratory experiments. Such a model would then be able to predict potential precipitation risks for current and future field development projects, especially the ones involving gas injection.

The starting point for development of the predictive model for asphaltene onset pressure (AOP) is the 100+ lab measurements carried out over several decades, of which 65% involve a number of injection gases such as CO2, lean and rich hydrocarbon gas, as well as sour gas. We then matched each data set with an equation of state (EOS) to generate the entire onset pressure envelope. Based on the envelope data points, we applied a data-driven method to reproduce the key trends, and used this trained model as a novel predictive tool for new production scenarios without experimental AOP data.

We first tested the PC-SAFT model for our phase behavior calculations but found that the method, as implemented in the software package, often experienced convergence problems. The PR-78 cubic EOS was found to be more reliable with the ability to match the experimental data despite limited predictive power. We find that availability of AOP data for reservoir fluids swollen with injection gas makes the thermodynamic model much more robust compared to tuning to a few AOP data on the original reservoir fluid alone. A single AOP point is generally not sufficient to fully constrain the EOS model unless model parameters from other studies are brought into use. SARA analysis is not mandatory for the EOS tuning itself and was found not to be required for training any of the data-driven methods. We limited the predicted data sets to temperatures below 350 °F, since all our reservoirs have temperatures below this threshold. From the calculated envelopes, we saw a clear impact of fluid composition on the shape of the AOP curve relative to the saturation pressure curve, as expected. We now have a tool, which can accurately predict the AOP curve for a combination of reservoir fluids and injection gases, as the long as the injection gas composition remains within the range tested experimentally.
Asphaltene Flow Assurance Pre-Risk Evaluation Case Study to Establish Guidelines for CCUS in Arabian Gulf Carbonate Oil Field
Authors: Tange Masaaki , Hiraiwa Takeshi , Khlaifi Khuloud Tareq , Sakurai Risa , Bahri Sami , Abed Abdalla Abdelfattah , Uematsu Hiroshi , Makishima Ken , Inokuma Yuto , Sawata Masaru , Alkaabi Sultan Hamdan , Yonebayashi Hideharu
Published: January 2023

Carbon dioxide capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) has been recognized as a key technology to reduce CO2 emission. Among various CCUS technologies, CO2 enhanced oil recovery (EOR) has been widely implemented at an industrial scale in the E&P sector. However, it is well-known that CO2-mixed oil would cause asphaltene precipitation resulting in flow assurance troubles. Therefore, more advanced asphaltene-risk-managing technology can be an enabler to improve robustness of CCUS projects.

This paper presents a case study for a comprehensive series of asphaltene flow assurance pre-risk evaluation in Arabian Gulf Carbonate Oil Field at where the CO2 EOR is recognized as one of the highest potential technologies for full-field implementation. At first, sampling location was carefully selected considering the target reservoir's feature because the reliability of asphaltene study highly depends on sample representativeness. After the QA/QC of collected sample, asphaltene onset pressures (AOP) were measured at multiple temperatures under the CO2 mixing conditions in a straightforward experimental-design optimizing manner so that not only the evaluation accuracy could be improved but also the experimental cost could be minimized. The AOP measurements showed clear potential risks associated with CO2 injection. Subsequently, the numerical model analysis was conducted with Cubic-Plus-Association (CPA) EoS model to identify the risk area during CO2 injection. The analysis suggested that a risk would be caused at not only near-wellbore region at the sampling location but also tubing section / surface facility, furthermore, more seriously at the deeper location of target reservoir. Finally, CO2-induced asphaltene formation damage risk was investigated from the viewpoints of precipitated asphaltene particle size and pore throat size in the porous media. As a result, the clogging risks by CO2-induced asphaltene were estimated high in the target reservoir.

By virtue of the above comprehensive series of pre-risk evaluation, the asphaltene flow assurance risk associated with CO2 injection was identified field-widely. The evaluation findings suggested moving on to future actions such as more detailed formation damage risk evaluation and mitigation plan development. The phased approach for evaluating asphaltene flow assurance risk and the reverse engineering of sampling operational design from the experimental design made a worthy demonstration to reduce unnecessary cost and time while obtaining the key information to drive the project. The procedure in this work can contribute to establish a subsurface part of guideline for CCUS from viewpoints of asphaltene flow assurance risk evaluation.
Integration of Seismic Poisson Impedance Data with Real-Time Geomechanics and Real-Time 3D Ultra-Deep Resistivity Inversion Enabled New Opportunities in Developed Field
Authors: Abdulkarim Anar , Kharitonov Alexander , El Gezeery Taher M. , Haddad Mohamed Al , Halawah Yousif Ahmad , Sabea Salem Al
Published: January 2023

The Wara sandstone reservoir in the Minagish field of Kuwait Oil Company is a complex deposition of a typical pro-deltaic environment consisting of shaly-silty sandstone sequences W7-W1. Three sequences (W6, W5, and W3) were expected in the case study well. The objective was to set 9⅝-in. casing at the top of W6 and then drill through the Wara sequences to connect all of them and land and drill the lateral section within W3.

The W6 sequence is typically the primary target in the Wara formation, being thick and consistent throughout the field. The next logical step in developing the Wara reservoir was to study and investigate the minor W5 and W3 members. Due to poor correlation of W5 and W3 channels in offset wells, the geological target was selected based on seismic Poisson impedance. Historically, targeting the Wara formation occasionally resulted in multiple sidetracks due to drilling challenges. A real-time geomechanics service was utilized to overcome drilling challenges and real-time 3D ultra-deep resistivity inversion was implemented to optimize well placement.

An extensive pre-drilling study for geomechanical and ultra-deep resistivity inversion modelling helped to develop road map for an optimal and safe well-construction process. The study showed that utilization of real-time 3D ultra-deep resistivity (UDR) inversion would help to optimize well placement and maximize sweet-zone exposure. The original well design, mud properties, and drilling parameters were modified based on the geomechanical study. Additionally, real-time geomechanics services were utilized to monitor and control the drilling process to follow the road map, which helped to avoid drilling issues, geostop at the W6 channel, and finally to run the casing smoothly. Real-time 3D ultra-deep resistivity mapping in the lateral section helped the operator to drill through W6 and W5, land precisely, and drill the lateral in the W3 channel, which was well developed, as expected from seismic Poisson impedance analysis. Formation evaluation of lateral section showed an average porosity of 24 p.u., water saturation 11% and up to 3 D/cp mobility.

The application of real-time 3D ultra-deep resistivity inversion helped to triple the planned formation exposure and to discover a geometric extension of the above deposited channels (W6 and W5), which will help for future field development. The flow test showed the highest production rates from W3 of the field. The integrated approach described above was recommended to be utilized for all future Wara wells.
Improved Reservoir Characterization of Tight Carbonate Rocks using Multiple High-Resolution Logging While Drilling Technologies for Completion and Stimulation Optimization with Fishbone Technologies; A Case Study from Offshore Abu Dhabi
Authors: Al Abed Sundos , Khemissa Hocine , Kurokawa Susumu , Aki Ahmet , Fares Wael , Mubeen Muhammed , Chehabi Wissam
Published: January 2023

Objective of this real case study was to test new technology of stimulation in tight rock along the horizontal drain. The reservoir architecture corresponds to stacked zones interbeded of porous and dense rocks. The dense ensure a vertical seal between the reservoir zones. The thickness of theses layers are varing from an area to other. Stylolite and feaw fractures were mapped and occurred maily in the dense zones. The study showed that the fractures are bded confined and very rarely they put incommunication two porous zones.

The targeted reservoir lithology is predominantly limestone with variable percentages of dolomite (20 to more than 50%), exhibiting laterally variable micro to miso pore texture. Saturation calculations using conventional open hole logs data shows high uncertainty associated to quantifying movable from bounded fluid and their type.

A new real-time petrophysical data acquisition program, using Logging While Drilling (LWD) technologies, is implemented in this case study to estimate the proportion of connate and free fluid distributions along a horizontal well section and to predict permeability, to help decide for depth of perforation for stimulation and optimize lower completion design.
Physics Informed Machine Learning for Production Forecast
Authors: Manasipov Roman , Nikolaev Denis , Didenko Dmitrii , Abdalla Ramez , Stundner Michael
Published: January 2023

Understanding the reservoir behavior is vital knowledge required for various aspects of the reservoir management cycle such as production optimization and establishment of the field development strategy. Reservoir simulation is the most accurate tool for production forecast, but often it is very expensive from aspects of computational time and investment in the model building process. In this work, the machine learning methods for accurate production forecast that honor the material balance constraints are presented.

The presented hybrid model approach consists of several main components. The material balance constraints are necessary during the training process to avoid unphysical solutions and to honor conservation laws. For this reason, the Capacitance Resistance Model (CRM) was chosen due to its intuitive form and flexibility in describing reservoirs of various complexities. Another part of the solution is represented by powerful machine learning methods such as Generalized Additive Models (GAM), Gradient Boosting, and Convolutional and Recurrent Neural Networks. Neural Networks and Gradient Boosting methods are very popular machine learning techniques. However, in this work, it is demonstrated that GAM can also produce results comparable to the former methods while holding additional attractive properties. The basis functions of GAM are the splines, which are smooth functions with continuous derivatives. Such properties are very useful for optimization tasks. GAM is an extension of standard Generalized Linear Models (GLM), which provides rich tools for model explainability. It is hence also advantageous for the understanding how the reservoir behaves through such models.

The implemented approach was applied to the publicly available data with an existing history matched reservoir model for the offshore field with several injectors and producers. This allowed us to compare results and build machine learning models that describe communication between wells and can be further analyzed though the simulation model.

Machine learning methods are constantly improving at solving difficult problems, while it often suffers from nonphysical solutions and unexplainable models. The presented method holds the properties of explainable regression models while providing powerful predictability capabilities within material balance constraints. By no means does it try to replace the reservoir simulation but offers a complementary solution, which is reliable and necessary in cases where there is no full reservoir model available.
Application of Simulation Opportunity Index and Assisted History Matching for Fishbone Completion Strategy in the Existing Single Horizontal Well in Tight Gas Carbonate Reservoir
Authors: Bernadi Bondan , Al Shehhi Hajar Ali Abdulla , Abdulla Al Ameri Sara Saleh Abdulla , Omar Alawadhi Fatima , Ahmed Al Hosani Mariam , Mohamed Al Bairaq Ahmed , Kuzevanov Maksim , Shelepov Konstantin
Published: January 2023

The trajectory placement of a horizontal well that crosses a heterogeneous tight gas carbonate reservoir is one of the important elements that contribute to the success of well productivity. Proper placement can yield good production and vice versa improper placement may give low well productivity. An effort was studied to improve the well productivity from an existing single horizontal well that was initially placed in sub optimal location by implementing the Fishbones completion technology (work-over).

In this paper, Simulation Opportunity Index (SOI) has been selected as a method to indicate the remaining gas sweet spot throughout the reservoir. SOI integrates 3 independent components extracted from static and dynamic parameters; reservoir permeability-thickness, movable gas, and reservoir pressure from a historically-matched dynamic model. By utilizing SOI, a map of the prospective gas sweet spots can be created; hence low performance existing wells are utilized to exploit the surrounding potential sweet spots using Fishbones completion, which consists of tiny short needles with a maximum effective length of 32 feet placed along the horizontal section.

The study reveals that the Fishbones completion application on existing low-productive horizontal well can multiply the well productivity in multi-layer reservoir environment in addition to the significant production gain. Assisted History Matching (AHM) is used to explore the best scenario of Fishbones features combination, such as the number of Subs required as the container room to hold the needles, the optimum needles length, and the optimum lateral drain section to place the Subs and needles. Many sensitivities with the abovementioned variables are run at once, and the analysis is conducted to identify the most impacting parameter to bring the highest well recovery. The use of SOI method to scrutinize the best location of well candidatures for Fishbone application and the required Subs and needles placement is not only able to rejuvenate the performance of the problematic well, but it can aid in generating CAPEX saving and efficient project schedule to manufacture Fishbones with a proper number of Subs and needles compared to blind Fishbone technology installation.

A combination of two techniques between reservoir simulation study to generate SOI with the new advanced completion technology called Fishbones applied on low-performance existing horizontal well is the real study integration with the final objective to increase the ultimate gas recovery in a tight gas carbonate reservoir. This is a breakthrough solution to optimize the development of tight carbonate gas fields in addition to the conventional development strategy with normal infill drillings.
Advanced Thermo-Fluid Dynamic Well Model for RTVFM Flow Rates Estimation
Authors: Grelli Erica , Ursini Fabrizio , Vignati Emanuele , Piccolo Andrea
Published: January 2023

The availability of a simple and robust flow allocation system is of primary importance for reservoir management since it provides oil, water, and gas production for each well.

The low frequency of well separator tests and the difficulties in performing regular maintenance of multiphase flow meters have led to the development of Real Time Virtual Flow Meter (RTVFM) in Eni, a numerical solution to obtain real time flow rate estimation from pressure/temperature gauges measurements. This paper discusses the implementation and application of a novel RTVFM algorithm that increases the accuracy, stability, and robustness of the existing numerical tools even in case of extreme oil field environment with significant uncertainties.

Current Virtual Meter algorithms are based on fluid dynamic simulators which calculate the pressure drops through wellbore, choke, and flowlines; the algorithm can be run in real time to find the optimal production rates that minimize the error between physical pressure readings and the calculated ones. In this work, a constraint is added to the system by including the temperature matching in the objective function, further improving the tool reliability. An accurate heat transfer characterization of the well has been implemented to predict the temperature changes along the wellbore during time, as well as the thermal effect due to pressure variations (Joule-Thompson effect).

The effectiveness of the implemented algorithm has been proven by its application on a few offshore oil producers. In the chosen wells, equipped with dedicated MPFMs, the production measurements are not always reliable and RTVFM can be a valid support tool for back allocation. However, the flow rate estimation can be affected by significant uncertainties like production parameters variability (water cut and gas oil ratio) and fluid properties variation due to gas re-injection or artificial gas lift. In this scenario, the proposed enthalpy balance model allows to find a unique solution for the flow rate estimation, while the algorithm based only on pressure readings can converge to multiple solution rates.

Increasing the accuracy of RTVFM tool is imperative to allow a reliable back allocation process, even in case of MPFM unavailability, poor sensors data quality and highly variable fluid properties. This paper investigated how an advanced thermo-fluid dynamic model can improve Virtual Meter algorithms, thus reducing the uncertainties in the numerical flow rate estimation.
Adipocyte ZAG improves obesity-triggered insulin resistance by reshapingmacrophages populations in adipose tissue
Authors: liao zhe-zhen , Wang Ya-di , Ran Li , Hu Can , Gu qian-qian , Peng Ting , Wu Liang-liang , Wang Yuan-yuan , zhu Li-Yong , Qi xiao-yan , mai yun-ni , wang qi-yu , Yang Jing , liu jiang-hua , xiao xinhua
Published: January 2023

Adipose tissues macrophages (ATMs) serve as a critical effector in the mediating occurrence of metabolic inflammation to impact whole-body insulin sensitivity in obesity. Discovering the key adipokines mediating crosstalk of adipocytes-macrophages and understanding the molecular mechanism of ATMs polarization and function have become hot topic issues in the immunometabolism fields. Zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) as a anti-inflammatory adipokines plays important roles in obesity-related metabolic diseases. We attempt to explore the precise role of adipose ZAG in metabolic inflammation and obesity-associated insulin resistance. Here we showed that Omental ZAG was positively associated with insulin sensitivity and M2 macrophages markers. ZAG-specific ablation in adipocyte aggravated insulin resistance and adipose tissues inflammation as evidenced by enhanced M1 macrophages proportion and inhibited AKT signaling pathway in mice fed with a high-fat diet. Exogenous ZAG inhibits PA-induced M1 macrophage polarization via β3-AR/PKA/STAT3 signaling in RAW264.7 macrophages.These findings suggest that adipocyte ZAG maintain insulin sensitivity via the cross talk with adipose-resident macrophages.
Subjective versus objective sleep in men with Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Fjermestad Krister Westlye , Finnbakk Rebecca R , Solbakk Anne-Kristin , Gravholt Claus Højbjerg , Huster Rene Jürgen
Published: January 2023

Objectives: To investigate sleep among men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). Method: We compared the sleep domains latency, disturbance, and efficiency in 30 men with KS (M age = 36.7 years, SD = 10.6) to 21 age-matched non-KS controls (M age = 36.8 years, SD = 14.4). Actigraphs were used to objectively measure sleep across 7 days and nights. Participants also completed a sleep diary over the same period, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Results: The mean correlation between the objective and subjective sleep measures was lower for the KS sample (M r = .15) than for controls (M r = .34). Sleep disturbance was significantly larger in the KS sample, as measured by actigraphy (p = .022, d = 0.71) and the PSQI (p= .037, d = 0.61). In regression models predicting sleep domains from KS status, age, educational level, vocational status, IQ, and mental health, KS status was not a significant predictor. Higher age was associated with more actigraphy-measured sleep disturbance. Higher educational level and being employed were associated with better sleep efficiency.
Conclusions: Sleep disturbance may be a particular problem for men with KS and should be measured with complimentary methods.
Overlapping filter-bank convolutional neural network for multisubject multicategory motor imagery BCI
Authors: Luo Jing , Mao Qi , Shi Zhenghao , Ren Xiaorong , Hei Xinhong
Published: January 2023

Background
Recently, CNN-based models have been widely used in motor imagery brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) due to their powerful feature representation ability. However, in multisubject motor imagery BCI, the discriminative frequency bands vary from subject to subject. Thus, using CNNs to extract discriminative features from EEG signals of different frequency components is a promising method in multisubject EEG recognition.
Methods
This paper presents a novel overlapping filter-bank CNN to incorporate discriminative information from multiple frequency components in multisubject motor imagery recognition. Specifically, two overlapping filter banks with fixed low-cut frequency or sliding low-cut frequency are employed to obtain multiple frequency component representations of EEG signals. Then, multiple CNN models are trained separately. Finally, the output probabilities of multiple CNN models are integrated to determine the predicted EEG label.
Results
Experiments were conducted based on three popular CNN backbone models and two public datasets. We compared the performance of overlapping filter-bank CNN with the state-of-the-art methods and traditional nonoverlapping-based CNN, and the results showed that the overlapping filter-bank CNN was efficient and universal in improving multisubject motor imagery BCI performance.
Conclusion
The proposed overlapping filter bank CNN framework with fixed low-cut frequency is an efficient and universal method to improve the performance of multisubject motor imagery BCI.
The Impact of Financial Development on Poverty, Growth and Inequality in Ethiopia
Authors: Della Amanuel Wotango
Published: January 2023

To understand the full picture of multidimensional effect of financial development, simultaneously evaluating through growth-inequality-poverty triangle is very critical and one step ahead of traditional frameworks. Thus, this study has examined the impact of financial development on poverty, growth and inequality in Ethiopia. Taking into account simultaneous effects, time series data has been used with simultaneous equation model for the period of 1991 to 2019 as there was economic policy change in 1991. The finding shows, first, the direct impact of financial development on poverty reduction increases the proportion of population living below the national poverty line. Second, the indirect impact of financial development on poverty reduction lift up the poor through economic growth and income distribution. Third, indirect effect is pro-poor and trickle-down hypothesis firmly supported. Fourth, a strong financial institution plays a crucial role in improving the wellbeing of the poor. Finally, Kuznets’ inverted-U theory that is explaining the average income and inequality in long run is not robust and the model is unverified. Furthermore, there is a long run cointegration relationship between financial development and poverty reduction. Finally, it is concluded that financial development plays a significant role on poverty reduction and mainly through the indirect channel of economic growth and income distribution. Therefore, the government shall design a compulsory pro-poor public policy inquiring financial institutions to efficiently allocate certain percentage of loan to poor, SMEs and informal sectors. This will help to promote inclusive financial system and ultimately enhance innovation, productivity and industrial development.
Modulating red mud for fabrication of cementitious material by analyzing the thermal evolution of hydrogarnets
Authors: Wang Beibei , Wu Jiaming , Sun Xiaojie , Jiang Jun , Yang Qingchun , Li Quanliang , Ye Zhengmao , Guo Jiayu , Wang Xiaohao
Published: January 2023

This work aims to develop a modulation strategy for converting red mud (RM) into cementitious material based on elucidating the phase transformation of hydrogarnet. The results show that cementitious minerals 2CaO⋅SiO2 (C2S), 12CaO⋅7Al2O3 (C12A7), and 4CaO⋅Al2O3⋅Fe2O3 (C4AF), as well as the free iron minerals Fe and FeO, are formed by integrating calcification dealkalization and reduction roasting treatment of RM. During the reduction roasting process, CaO is preferentially combined with SiO2 and Al2O3 to form cementitious minerals, and the Fe(III) compounds in hydrogarnet and hematite can be directly reduced to free iron minerals without intermediate ferrites. By optimizing the reduction roasting parameters and eliminating the useless minerals 2CaO⋅Al2O3⋅SiO2 (C2AS) and FeO, the reduction roasting product is mainly composed of C2S, C12A7, C4AF, and Fe. Therefore, cementitious material is obtained after the magnetic separation of Fe, which possesses both early and late hydration properties. In addition, 75% Fe in RM can be recovered, and the reduced iron powder (RIP) is also useful in the cement clinker production or steel smelting process. The findings in this work lay the foundations for understanding the phase transformation of RM-derived hydrogarnet in the reduction roasting process and also provide a new reference for the modulation and utilization of RM in the cement and concrete field.
High phosphorus availability and low light intensity resist the invasiveness of alien plant Chromolaena odorata on tropical coral islands
Authors: Huang Luping , Liao Mengcheng , Liao Huixuan , Liu Zhangfeng , Cai Hongyue , Zhou Wanmin , Xu Zhanhui , Ouyang Kangting , Yang Wenyun , Jian Shuguang
Published: January 2023

The vegetation and ecosystems of the Paracel Islands are extremely fragile and very difficult to restore after destruction. Chromolaena odorata is one of the most common invasive plants as guano phosphorus input constantly decreasing for islands, which has caused substantial harm to native vegetation on the Paracel Islands in recent years. In the current study, we investigated the growth and interspecific competition of C. odorata with the native species Pisonia grandis and Scaevola taccada as affected by light intensity and soil P content. The experiment, which was conducted in greenhouse, had two light intensities (full light or 10% light) and three levels of soil available phosphorus (P) content (53.89 mg·kg-1 low P, 253.89 mg·kg-1 medium P, and 1053.89 mg·kg-1 high P). The results showed that low light intensity significantly inhibited the growth of P. grandis, S. taccada, and C. odorata. However, compared with the low P treatment, the high P treatment significantly inhibited the growth of C. odorata and P. grandis, and significantly increased the growth of S. taccada under full-light conditions. The effect of soil P content on the interspecific competition between C. odorata, P. grandis, and S. taccada was affected by light intensity and plant species. Compared with the low and medium P treatments, the high P treatment significantly reduced the competitive advantage of C. odorata over P. grandis. The results demonstrate that shaded habitats with high soil P content could restrict invasion by C. odorata. This suggests that the invasion on tropical coral islands by C. odorata can be reduced by protecting the native vegetation (to increase shade) and seabirds (to increase soil P content).
Bioengineered tissue and cell therapy products are efficiently cryopreserved with pathogen-inactivated human platelet lysate-based solutions
Authors: Martín-López María , Rosell-Valle Cristina , Arribas-Arribas Blanca , Fernández-Muñoz Beatriz , Jiménez Rosario , Nogueras Sonia , García-Delgado Ana Belén , Campos Fernando , Santos-Gonzalez Monica
Published: January 2023

Background
There remains much interest in improving cryopreservation techniques for advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). Recently, human platelet lysate (hPL) has emerged as a promising candidate to replace fetal bovine serum (FBS) as a xeno-free culture supplement for the expansion of human cell therapy products. Whether hPL can also substitute for FBS in cryopreservation procedures remains poorly studied. Here, we evaluated several cryoprotective formulations based on a proprietary hPL for the cryopreservation of bioengineered tissues and cell therapy products.
Methods
We tested different xenogeneic-free, pathogen-inactivated hPL (ihPL)- and non-inactivated-based formulations for cryopreserving bioengineered tissue (cellularized nanostructured fibrin agarose hydrogels (NFAHs)) and common cell therapy products including bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs), human dermal fibroblasts (FBs) and neural stem cells (NSCs). To assess the tissue and cellular properties post-thaw of NFAHs, we analyzed their cell viability, identity and structural and biomechanical properties. Also, we evaluated cell viability, recovery and identity post-thaw in cryopreserved cells. Further properties like immunomodulation, apoptosis and cell proliferation were assessed in certain cell types. Additionally, we examined the stability of the formulated solutions. The formulations are under a bidding process with MD Bioproducts (Zurich, Switzerland) and are proprietary.
Results
Amongst the tissue specific solutions, Ti5 (low-DMSO and ihPL-based) preserved the viability and the phenotype of embedded cells in NFAHs and preserved the matrix integrity and biomechanical properties similar to those of the standard cryopreservation solution (70% DMEM + 20% FBS + 10% DMSO). All solutions were stable at -20ºC for at least 3 months. Regarding cell specific solutions, CeA, maintained the viability of all cell types > 80%, preserved the immunomodulatory properties of BM-MSCs and promoted good recovery post-thaw. Besides, both tested solutions were stable at -20ºC for 18 months. Finally, we established that there is a 3-hour window in which thawed NFAHs and FBs, maintain optimum viability immersed in the formulated solutions; and, at least 2 h for BM-MSCs.
Conclusions
Our results show that pathogen-inactivated solutions Ti5 -allocated for bioengineered tissues- and CeA -allocated for cells- are efficient and safe candidates to cryopreserve ATMPs, and offer a xenogeneic-free and low-DMSO alternative to commercially available cryoprotective solutions.
It is not just about prescription. A Cohort study the impact of enteral nutrition on mortality of hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
Authors: Flores-López Adriana , Quiroz-Olguín Gabriela , González-Garay Alejandro , Serralde-Zúñiga Aurora
Published: January 2023

Background/Objectives:
During COVID-19 pandemic, international societies released guidelines and recommendations for patients requiring nutritional support according with previous similar respiratory diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the nutritional support provided by enteral nutrition (EN) in patients with COVID-19 infection, identify if the recommendations from international societies were met and their impact on mortality rate. Subjects/Methods: A cohort study was conducted on adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to a tertiary hospital. Demographic, clinical, biochemical, and nutritional variables were obtained. A random-effect parametric survival-time model was performed to quantify the risk of death for each variable, the Hausman test was used to confirm the model. Results: 229 patients were enrolled; the delivered energy was > 80% of adequacy in the first two days, as suggested by international guidelines (11.7 ± 4.9 kcal/kg); however, an adequacy rate less than 60% was achieved on day 14 (25.4 ± 7.4 kcal/kg). The protein adequacy was > 75% on the first day of infusion (1.3 ± 0.3 g/kg); however, the infusion was < 50% (1.5 ± 0.4 g/kg) after being extubated. Age, sex, and nutritional risk were related to higher mortality in patients with EN, whereas, the infused energy and protein, the percentage of protein adequacy, arginine, and omega-3 were associated with lower mortality. Conclusion: Achieving at least 80% of the energy and protein requirements, as well as omega-3 and arginine supplementation are associated with lower mortality in COVID-19 patients. More studies are needed to confirm the role of these nutrients on the mortality rate.
‘A spade was called a spade...it was not called a garden tool...’: Youth and intervention implementers’ perceptions of a resilience-based HIV prevention intervention for reducing risky sexual behaviors among youth in South Africa
Authors: Mbengo Fungai , Adama Esther , Towell-Barnard Amanda , Zgambo Maggie
Published: January 2023

Background: Youth (15-24 years) in South Africa remain at high risk of HIV infection despite interventional efforts to control the disease. Programs directed at promoting resilience or protective factors in youth have been recommended as a multifaceted approach to mitigate risky sexual behaviors associated with HIV infection among youth. However, limited research exists on how relevant stakeholders, such as youth and intervention implementers perceive resilience-based HIV prevention interventions targeting youth. This study explored youth and intervention implementers’ perceptions of a resilience-based HIV prevention intervention (You Only Live Once) aimed at reducing risky sexual behaviors among youth in South Africa.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 youth who participated in the intervention and four intervention implementers at a not-for-profit organization in Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality, South Africa. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Three main themes emerged from the data: (1) Acceptability and impact of the intervention – the intervention was perceived as important and helpful in fostering positive behavior change among youth and enhancing their sexual health and social skills knowledge; self-confidence; and relationships with parents and peers. (2) Factors influencing intervention implementation – participants reported several multi-level factors which impeded or promoted the implementation of the intervention. (3) Recommendations to improve intervention implementation – participants made suggestions on how intervention implementation could be enhanced.
Conclusion: These findings provide insights into youth and intervention implementers’ perceptions about the acceptability, impact and barriers and facilitators of resilience-based HIV prevention interventions for youth in South Africa and similar contexts. The findings can help researchers, policy makers and healthcare practitioners in the field of HIV prevention to improve interventions targeting young people.
Micro- and Macrocirculatory effects of norepinephrine on anaesthesia- induced hypotension : a prospective study
Authors: Kindermans Manuel , Joachim Jona , Manquat Elsa , Levé Charlotte , Hong Alex , Mateo Joachim , Mebazaa Alexandre , Gayat Etienne , Backer Daniel , Vallée Fabrice
Published: January 2023

Background: Intraoperative arterial hypotension (IOH) leads to increased postoperative morbidity. Norepinephrine is often use to treat IOH. The question regarding the mode of administration in either a bolus or continuous infusion remains unanswered. The aim of the present study was to describe and compare the effects on macrocirculation and microcirculation of a bolus and a continuous infusion of norepinephrine to treat IOH.
Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study with adult patients who underwent neurosurgery. Patients with invasive arterial blood pressure and cardiac output (CO) monitoring were screened for inclusion. All patients underwent microcirculation monitoring by video-capillaroscopy, laser doppler, near-infrared spectroscopy technology, and tissular CO2. In case of IOH, the patient could receive either a bolus of 10 µg or a continuous infusion of 200 µg/h of norepinephrine. Time analysis for comparison between bolus and continuous infusion were at peak of MAP.
Results: Thirty-five patients were included, with 41 boluses and 33 continuous infusion.
Bolus and continuous infusion induced an maximal increase in mean arterial pressure of +30[20-45] and +23[12-34] %, respectively (P=0,07). For macrocirculatory parameters, continuous infusion was associated with a smaller decrease in CO and stroke volume (p<0.05).
For microcirculatory parameters, perfusion index (-12 vs. +12%, p=0,008), microvascular flow index (-0,1 vs. + 0,3, p=0,03), total vessel density (-0,2 vs. +2,3 mm2/mm2, p=0,002), showed significant opposite variations with bolus and continuous infusion, respectively.
Conclusions: These results on macro and microcirculation enlighten the potential benefits of a continuous infusion of norepinephrine rather than a bolus to treat anaesthesia-induced hypotension.
Trial registration : (NOR-PHARM: 1-17-42 Clinical Trials: NCT03454204), 05/03/2018
Would 14-3-3η enable an approach to personalized medicine for secondary osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis?
Authors: farag naglaa makram , ismael faten , mousa mahmoud , elsayed Eman , KAMAL OMNIA , mansour samar
Published: January 2023

Background: Early identification and disease monitoring of secondary osteoporosis(OP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are challenges for rheumatologists, identification of biomarkers predictive to bone mineral density (BMD) change is crucial in management. Serum 14-3-3η protein is validated as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in RA. Meanwhile the exact mechanism by which 14-3-3η intervenes osteoporosis is still unclear and few studies have been focused on it. Our aim was to evaluate the association among 14-3-3η protein, inflammation, bone remodeling, osteoporosis risk and disease activity in RA patients.
Methods:
Bone mineral density was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, serum samples were collected for all participants. Quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine 14-3-3η, TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Meanwhile, B-CTX and PINP were measured using electrochemical luminescence immune-analyzer. The diagnostic value of each marker was determined via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the association between 14-3-3η and osteoporosis was assessed using multiple logistic regression which identified 14-3-3η as an independent risk factor for RA-related osteoporosis.
Results:
Seventy-two RA patients and twenty five controls. Patients were divided into three subgroups, normal BMD, osteopenia, and osteoporotic. Serum 14-3-3 η, TNF-α, B-CTX and IL-6 level were the highest and PINP is the lowest in osteoporosis group, There were significant differences among the subgroups (p<0.05). Also, there were significant positive correlation between 14-3-3 η and TNF-α,B-CTX ,IL-6 (p<0.05) while it had significant negative correlation with both BMD, PINP (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Serum 14-3-3η is independent risk factor for RA-related osteoporosis. Serum 14-3-3η detection by itself or combined with other indices was helpful in predicting osteoporosis. Its effect on osteoporosis may be due to its role in adjusting inflammation and bone remodeling.
Genetic Variability and Diversity for Rancidity and Associated Characters in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum Glaucum L.)
Authors: Pallavi M , REDDY P. SANJANA , RATNAVATHI C. V. , Krishna K V Radha
Published: January 2023

Pearl millet is a world’s hardiest warm season crop with a very good source of energy, protein, iron and zinc. The development of high yielding pearl millet hybrids with good keeping quality of the flour is essential to meet the needs of food industry. In this study yield, rancidity and its associated characters were estimated in 49 parental lines comprising of 24 B lines and 25 R lines of pearl millet. The lines 07999R, 04999B, 08222R were identified as low rancid lines. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was reported for 1000 seed weight, fat content, lipase, lipoxygenase, peroxidase and alcoholic acidity on 5th day of storage indicating additive gene effectgoverning these traits. Correlation studies suggested that alcoholic acidity on 5th day of storage was positively associated with activity of enzymes lipase and lipoxygenase. In diversity studies Cluster II had lines with low alcoholic acidity on 5th day of storage and moderate grain yield per plant.
Time trends in survival and causes of death in multiple myeloma: a population-based study from Germany
Authors: Eisfeld Christine , Kajüter Hiltraud , Möller Lennart , Wellmann Ina , Shumilov Evgenii , Stang Andreas
Published: January 2023

Background
Steady evolution of therapies has improved prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) over the past two decades. Yet, knowledge about survival trends and causes of death in MM might play a crucial role in long-term management of this patient collective. Here, we investigate time trends in myeloma-specific survival at the population level over two decades and analyse causes of death in times of prolonged survival.
Methods
Age-standardised and age group-specific relative survival (RS) of MM patients aged <80 years at diagnosis was estimated for consecutive time periods from 2000-2019 using data from the Cancer Registry of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany. Conditional RS was estimated for patients who already survived one to five years post diagnosis. Causes of death in MM patients were analysed and compared to the general population using standardised mortality ratios (SMR).
Results
Over two decades, age-standardised 5-year RS increased from 37% to 62%. Age-specific survival improved from 41% in period 2000-2004 to 69% in period 2015-2019 in the age group 15-69 years, and from 23% to 47% in the age group 70-79 years. Conditional 5-year RS of patients who survived five years after diagnosis slightly improved as compared to unconditional 5-year RS at diagnosis. MM patients are two times more likely to die from non-myeloma malignancies (SMR=1.97, 95% CI 1.81-2.15) and from cardiovascular diseases (SMR=2.01, 95% CI 1.86-2.18) than the general population.
Conclusions
Prognosis of patients with MM has markedly improved since the year 2000 due to therapeutic advances. Nevertheless, late mortality remains a major concern. As survival improves, second primary malignancies and cardiovascular events deserve increased attention.