bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Implementation of the Largest Geological and Production Corporate Database in Ukraine to Accelerate Digital Transformation
Authors: Reshetniak Vadym , Akono Arsene , Sherif Rana , Boumehdi Amine , Morsli Sid Ahmed , Popko Yaroslav , Yusupov Diliaver , Zharkeshov Sanzhar , Valetnyn Loktiev Valetnyn
Published: November 2021

Two years ago, geoscientists of the leading East European gas producers were still using paper logs, unknown data quality sources, and many data versions, stored on individual local disks for their interpretation jobs. To overcome this challenge, the deployment of a geological and production database was initiated in the framework of the digital transformation programme. The key objectives were to build a single data repository for all company assets and integrate it with the production and drilling business systems.

The development of the corporate data repository started with an extensive data assessment. A report of available data types, business processes, recommended data management, and business rules were produced. Loading and quality control procedures were designed to load over 40 different data types, including geology, geophysics, production, and drilling. Standardisation of data available in non-industry formats was necessary, e.g. for Lithology data. To enable reporting of drilling and production data stored in the business systems, complex integration and synchronisation between different Database Management Systems were developed. Data delivery to petrotechnical applications was a key to productivity.

By implementing this centralised and unique Corporate Data Storage, digitalization and loading of the well, log, seismic, drilling, and production data with proper quality were enabled. Petrotechnical experts can now use one data access point to retrieve data into their applications quickly and efficiently using just an integrated web browser. Searching information within SEGY or DLIS files was previously a difficult process that has been facilitated through an application user interface displayed in the local language. Thousands of well logs, documents, and reports have been digitised and made available in the system. The interpretation results and knowledge are now captured and reused in future field development planning. All the company data including drilling and production data synched from business systems are now available in a single place and accurate reporting can be facilitated. The system allowed the reduction of the time spent by the users searching and data quality checks.
Effective Technology to Fix Horizontal Wells with a Liner for Subsequent Development by the P&P Method
Authors: Paroshyn Dzmitry , Siarhei Leliauski , Dzianis Pilipchuk , Uladzimir Palaheyenka
Published: November 2021

One of the priority directions of technological development of RUE "Production Association" Belorusneft "is the involvement in the development of unconventional oil reserves and enhanced oil recovery.

Achievement of this goal was hampered by such a technological challenge in the field of well construction, as providing reliable support for a well with an extended horizontal completion during development by the P&P method.

The essence of the challenge was that when performing a cluster or multi-stage hydraulic fracturing, increased loads are created on the well support, which can violate its isolation.

The complexity of the geological and technical conditions in the Pripyat trough lies in the large length of horizontal ends in salinized carbonate reservoirs and high hydraulic fracturing pressures during well development.

The article discusses solutions for the design and creation of a reliable cement sheath for the given geological and technical conditions.

To overcome the technological challenge, a cementing technology was developed, including a plugging slurry formulation with elastic properties of a cement stone and a casing rotation technology during the cementing process.

The plugging slurry formulation was developed with the elastic properties of a cement stone with cement mixing in salt water, adapted to the conditions of the salinized rocks of the Pripyat trough. To develop the formulation, the simulation of the pressure effect during the development by the P&P method on the cement stone behind the casing was used, as well as the simulation of the process of displacement of the drilling mud by the plugging slurry.

The technology was successfully tested at five sites when horizontal wellbores were fastened with 114 mm tie-back casings, while high cementing quality indicators were achieved. The lengths of the tie-back casings ranged from 509 to 1000 m.

The article presents the results of assessing the quality of cementing using acoustic cementometry and assessing the density of the medium behind the casing by gamma-gamma cementometry, as well as comparing the quality of cementing with casing rotation and without rotation, before and after the impact of P&P development.

In RUE "Production Association" Belorusneft "it was decided to use the developed technology in default for attaching 114 mm liners with subsequent development using the P&P method.
Optimizing Bottom Hole Assembly Design Criteria to Improve Mechanical Performance in Slim Hole Drilling Environment
Authors: Fleming Stephen , Ucero Roberto , Poltavchenko Yuliya
Published: November 2021

After analyzing the historical data of neighboring wells adjacent to the drilling site, 11 bit trips were required due to the low mechanical performance of the bottom hole assembly elements. This observation is based on maximum circulation hours and low helical bucking values that make it uneconomic to drill the sections with a positive displacement motor drive system. A redesign the bottom hole assembly was proposed to achieve an improved mechanical performance which allowed the section to be drilled with a single assembly.

With a focus on increasing the mechanical limitations of the downhole elements, the use of 4 ¾" equipment is considered instead of the 3 ½" standard equipment used in this hole size. One of the biggest challenges was modifying the 4 ¾" positive displacement motor (PDM) to fit into the 5 ½" hole given that the mud motor has a maximum unmodified diameter of 5 ½".

Using the force analysis module of a State-of-the-art BHA modelling software suite, multiple iterations were performed to simulate and validate an alternative PDM design and accompanying directional assembly. This new design featured modifications to an existing 4 ¾" PDM deploying a long gauge bit in combination with a fit for purpose measurement while drilling system.

After numerous runs using this assembly design, it was found that there was no additional or unexpected wear of the modified Mud Motor components or associated elements of the downhole equipment. These observations act to validate the pre-job engineering force analysis.

With the improved mechanical specifications of the 4 ¾" Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) components, circulating hours were increased from 100 hours to 250+ hours in a stepwise process. This enabled drilling of the entire 5 ½" section with a single BHA, comparing favorably to the legacy approach with an average of eleven bit runs.

The modified 4 ¾" PDM coupled with long gauge bit technology enabled a reduction in the oriented to rotate drilling ratio and an associated increase in the overall rate of penetration (ROP).

It can be concluded that the substitution of 4 ¾" drilling equipment for 3 ½" in the 5 ½" hole section, increased the drilling efficiency between 30-50% according to field data obtained in Ukraine.

The modified 4 ¾" PDM combined with long gauge bit technology has the potential to improve 5 ½" hole drilling performance in other locations. Following a structured planning process using State-of-the-art BHA modelling software suite enabling the evaluation of the significant forces that act in the drilling assembly and so significantly reducing the risks associated with exceeding the original design limits of the assembly. By improving the mechanical performance of the drilling assembly in a 5 ½" hole, new territory for drilling engineers and design engineers is now available to increase the drilling performance in slim wellbores.
Locating Source of Water Production and Performing Cost-Effective Rigless Remedial Operations in Deviated Wells Completed with Standalone Sand Screens
Authors: Timonin Andrey , Mollaniyazov Eldar
Published: November 2021

Wells that are already drilled and producing are the most viable sources of future earnings for all oilfield operating companies. Keeping these wells producing economically at optimal rates throughout their lifetimes is top priority. With time, some oilfield operating companies face with production related problems, such us water breakthrough.

Production logging is well known technique for locating source of water breakthrough in oil and gas producers. In near-vertical, or slightly deviated wells, producing at high rates, traditional production logging tool string can deliver reliable results. On the other side, in deviated wells, producing at small rates, advanced production logging tool is required, due to presence of fluid segregation and recirculation within borehole. Our experience shows that wisely selected logging technique, depending on downhole logging environment, allows to locate source of water production with confidence for planning water shut-off remedial operations.

In wells completed with standalone sand screens water shut-off operation might be complicated as often rig is required for pulling out of hole tubing with sand screens. Another method is to perform chemical water shut-off treatment that might be expensive in some cases. Alternative method is to confirm compact sand accumulation in the annulus and set through tubing bridge plug inside sand screens in wells that producing water from bottommost layers. Plug is deployed in wells without pulling out of hole tubing, as it can pass through restrictions, making this rigless intervention fifty times cheaper compared to intervention with rig.

Field examples, presented in this paper, describe fit-for-purpose logging approach for locating source of water production accurately and executing unique rigless water shut-off operations in cased wells completed with standalone sand screens to increase hydrocarbons production in cost-effective way. After remedial operations we observed significant decline in water production and increase in oil rates in all wells that were intervened.
Overcoming Deployment and Retrieval Challenges with Killed Well Cable Deployed Electric Submersible Pump Systems – Lessons Learned from Five Years of CDESP History
Authors: Xiao Jinjiang , Winaro Mulad , Eissa Mohammas , Mahmoud Akram
Published: November 2021

The advantage of cable deployed electric submersible pump (CDESP) systems are beginning to be understood and realized as experience has been gained with the deployment and retrieval of these systems. Cable deployed ESP systems have at times been touted as a temporary system for failed conventional ESP systems. Long-term successes have demonstrated the value of permanently installed CDESP systems, which provide the benefit of reduced production deferral, less costly change-out, and reduced HSE risk.

The decision to change from conventional ESP to a rigless CDESP system is not necessarily a simple conclusion. The decision must consider technical, economic, and operational considerations to gain the full benefit from the technology. The learnings developed over multiple deployments and retrievals will benefit decision makers in the evaluation of the technology use. The technology application presented in the paper sheds the light on a journey to develop and bring alternative ESP deployment from concept to reality, overcoming technical and operational challenges.

The current CDESP requires a rig to initially construct the permanent completion to accept the rigless CDESP system. Production rates requirements determine the ESP size, and in turn the tubing and wellhead size. Pressure control equipment is installed on top of the Christmas tree. Rigless installation and retrieval of the CDESP is performed on an elevated tower with the wellhead in place. The tower design has been improved to allow the production flowline to remain in place. A minimum of two well barriers, with one barrier well kill fluid, are in place at all times. A key learning of the killed well CDESP system is the need to understand the potential changes to the reservoir after sustained production in planning the replacement of a failed ESP. Kill fluid losses can be higher than expected with restorative well cleanup and production. Actual deployment or retrieval time can be improved with successive change-outs. Long-term operational robustness of the CDESP is proven with a system continuing to operate after 5 years of cumulative operations.

This paper shares the lessons learned from an early technology adopter with multiple deployment and retrievals in various well environments including highly fractured reservoirs and high hydrogen sulfide wells.
Integrating Various Sources of Indicators and Water Measurements Data of Different Degree of Uncertainty: Understanding Aquifer Encroachment and Resulted Water Breakthrough to Gas Producers
Authors: Nashaat Michael , Ghorayeb Kassem , Zhiyenkulov Murat , Shah Abdur Rahman , Lukin Oleh , Madatov Roman , Kolivand Hassan , Grytsai Denys , Filatov Viacheslav
Published: November 2021

Opishnyanske Field is a mature Ukrainian gas field that began producing in 1972 from three formations: Visean, Serpukhovian, and Bashkirian. A reservoir simulation study was implemented to understand the movement of the water in the reservoir and to maximize the field recovery. Some wells showed high water production at their late life and this was the key question that we wanted to understand. If this was a water breakthrough, which means that the aquifer water swept the gas in the reservoir and reached these wells, then there is little potential left in this field. If this was not a water breakthrough, there could still exist some unswept areas to be produced. The second key question was to understand the aquifer strength and direction to be integrated into the simulation model.

The field has different sources of data that could be used to understand the water movement in the reservoir, which are:

Observed production data Water analysis reports (surface water salinity and density measurements) Production logging data Pressure data and geological maps to understand the communication between the wells

Although different sources of data are available, each one has a level of inaccuracy, which was the key challenge. The field also has some other challenges, such as:

Commingled production Contradiction between the observed water/gas ratio (WGR) and water analysis data Limited water analysis data points in some wells Issues with backallocation of the observed data.

Integrating all the available data had a significant effect on understating the water behavior. Data analysis and integration resulted in excluding all the data anomalies and reaching a good understating regarding:

The wells that are showing a water breakthrough Aquifer strength and direction
Results of Bench Tests of Tube Steels of the Production Tubing with a Chromium Content of 1%, 3% and 5% on a Unit Simulating the Operating Conditions of Producing Wells
Authors: Popkova Yuliya , Petrikevich Pavel , Kaeshko Evgenij , Ksenzov Aleksandr , Gasanov Azer , Kuchenev Vyacheslav
Published: November 2021

Currently, most of the fields of RUE Production Association Belorusneft are at a late stage of development, which is characterized by a high water cut of well production. One of the main tasks in such conditions is the search for engineering solutions aimed at preventing corrosion of well equipment during oil production. Under the operating conditions of producing wells of the fields of RUE Production Association Belorusneft, well equipment is subject to electrochemical carbon dioxide corrosion [1]; mainly the inner surface of the tubing is subject to corrosion attack. The average rate of local corrosion in the corrosive environments of the oil fields of Belarus is 2–3 mm/a.

The first cases of corrosion damage to production tubing were identified in 2010. Taking into account the high cost of stainless tubing, since 2011, the technology of inhibitory corrosion protection has been successfully implemented in the fields of Belarus by the method of constant dosing of the reagent into the annulus of production wells. The use of inhibitors made it possible to eliminate well failures due to tubing leakage, extend their service life by at least 4 times and reduce the local corrosion rate to 0.1 mm/a. However, an increase in the number of production wells damaged by corrosion caused by water encroachment of the wells, as well as an increase in the cost of reagents for oilfield chemicals require the use of new technological approaches, the search for alternative, economically more profitable solutions.
Experimental Study on Type and Accuracy Optimization of Sand Control in Sand-Producing Heavy Oil Well
Authors: Bai Jianhua , Zhou Yugang , Wu Huaxiao , Zhao Shunchao , Shang Baobing , Fang Tao
Published: November 2021

This paper proposes a set of methods for selecting the type of sand control screen and optimizing the accuracy in heavy oil Wells, which take into account the requirements of sand control and productivity protection in heavy oil Wells.

Sand retaining experiments are carried out with slotted screen, wire wrapped screen and metal filter screen under the condition of oil and water mixed sand carrying flow. In order to optimize the sand control screen suitable for heavy oil well, this paper uses the weighted average method to quantitatively evaluate the flow performance, sand retention performance and oil conductivity of the screen. Then, repeat the experiment by changing the accuracy of the screen to optimize the accuracy.

The experimental results show that the permeability of the three kinds of sand control screens is about 5μm2 when only heavy oil plugging occurs. Under the combined plugging action of formation sand and heavy oil, the slotted screen has the highest permeability, and its conductivity to heavy oil is 10% higher than that of the other two screens. The slotted screen and wire wrapped screen have the higher sand retention performance, with a sand retention rate of about 90%. Through the quantitative evaluation of the sand control performance of three kinds of screens in different production stages of heavy oil Wells, the slotted screen is selected as the optimal screen. For simulated formation sand with a median particle size of 250μm, the optimal sand control accuracy is 200μm.

This paper provides a quantitative optimization method of screen type and accuracy for sand control design of sand-producing heavy oil Wells, so as to maximize the productivity under the premise of ensuring sand-producing control of heavy oil Wells.
The disability profile of primary health care users may vary depending on the type of care and musculoskeletal pain characteristics
Authors: Ferreira Fernanda de Assis da Costa , de Góes Angela Baroni , Casarotto Raquel Aparecida , Fernandes Tiótrefis Gomes , de Castro Shamyr Sulyvan , Schmitt Ana Carolina Basso
Published: November 2021

Background: One of the biggest current challenges for Primary Health Care is dealing with the increased demand for chronic diseases that have resulted in greater disabilities in the population.Objective: To investigate the relationship between sociodemographic factors, musculoskeletal pain and its characteristics and the type of care in primary health care with self-reported disability.Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study, interviewing individuals selected from spontaneous demand for health care in two types of care, the health center and family health. Disability was investigated using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 and characteristics of intensity, frequency, duration, number of pain sites and regions. Measures of association between predictors and disability were performed with non-parametric statistical tests, and non-parametric regression models were presented for pain characteristics and for the general population.Results: 6.0% of the overall sample had severe level of disability, health center users had more self-reported disability than family health users (p<0.001). Fewer years of life (p=0.034) and lower per capita income quintile (p=0.014) were associated with greater disability. The most intense pain and in the greatest number of places increased the disability score by 1.8 (CI95%=1.0-2.6) and 6.3 (CI95%=0.1-12.2) points, respectively.Conclusion: Users who had more disabilities sought out spontaneous demand care units of the health center type, had lower per capita income, presented musculoskeletal pain of worse intensity and in a greater number of places.
Bexarotene-induced Cell Death in Ovarian Cancer Cells Through Caspase-4–mediated pyroptosis
Authors: Kobayashi Tatsuya , Mitsuhashi Akira , Hongying Piao , Shioya Masashi , Nishikimi Kyoko , Yahiro Kinnosuke , Shozu Makio
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Bexarotene is selectively activates retinoid X recepto, whichr is a commonly used anticancer agent for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anticancer effect of bexarotene and its underlying mechanism in ovarian cancer in vitro.Methods: The ES2 and NIH:OVACAR3 ovarian cancer cell lines were treated with 0, 5, 10, or 20 µM bexarotene. After 24 hours, cell number measurement and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay were performed. The effect of bexarotene on CDKN1A expression, pyroptosis, and apoptosis were evaluated.Results: Bexarotene reduced cell proliferation in all concentrations in both cells. At concentrations above 10 µM, it increased extracellular LDH activity with cell rupture. In both cells, 10 µM bexarotene treatment increased the CDKN1A mRNA levels and reduced cell cycle related protein expression. In ES2 cells, caspase-4 and GSDME were activated, whereas caspase-3 was not, indicating that bexarotene-induced cell death might be pyroptosis. Conclusion: A clinical setting dose of bexarotene induced cell cycle arrest and cell death through caspase-4–mediated pyroptosis in ovarian cancer cell lines. Thus, bexarotene may serve as a novel therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer.
WITHDRAWN: Epidemiological Study of Patients Admitted in Intensive Care Unit with Severe Acute Respiratory Illness with a Possible Diagnosis of COVID19 (EPIC19), a Multicentre Study.
Authors: Havaldar Amarja Ashok , Kumar Vinay , Vijayan Balaji , Raj John Michael , Thomas Tinku , Thomas Ria Rachel , Lobo Veronica , Sushmitha Chinny , Chhakchhuak Naom Zorempuii , Kartik Munta , Yerramalle Surya , Misra Krushna Chandra , Sangale Atul , Kamble Shubhangi , Prakash Jay , Khan Mohammad Saif , Kumar Raman
Published: November 2021

BackgroundGlobal pandemic of COVID 19 has affected many countries. The initial epicenter was in China with gradual spread to various countries including India.For a developing country like India with limited resources and high population, it is worthwhile to know how these patients requiring intensive care admission were managed and the outcome of these patients. To address these issues, a prospective observational study was planned.Methods A multicenter study was conducted from June 2020 to December 2020 including 4 centers across India. Patients > 18 years of age admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU), with the diagnosis of COVID 19 pneumonia confirmed by reverse transcriptase –polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or rapid antigen test (RAT) as applicable were included. Factors associated with ICU mortality were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazard model. ResultsOf 667 patients were included in the study. ICU mortality was 60 %. In multivariable analysis, history of cerebral vascular accident (CVA), day 1 acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) score, need for invasive ventilator support, minimum PO2, fluid balance and complications such as pneumothorax and arrhythmia during ICU admission were associated with mortality. Among these parameters, day 1 need for invasive ventilator support (odds ratio OR: 3.01(1.81, 5.00) and development of arrhythmia (OR 3.85 [1.56, 8.06]) had higher odds of mortality. Cox proportional hazard analysis showed, history of ischemic heart disease (IHD) (Hazard Ratio, HR 1.64, 95% CI:1.13, 2.38), day1 APACHE II (HR 1.03, 95% CI:1.00, 1.07), arterial blood gas (ABG) pH (HR 0.14, 95% CI:0.03, 0.56) and use of therapeutic anticoagulation (HR 0.42,95% CI:0.29, 0.61) as a predictor of 7 days ICU mortality. Daywise trend of ventilator parameters showed dynamic compliance was higher on day3 and 4 in survivors.ConclusionIn this cohort of ICU patients, ICU mortality was 60%. The reason for higher mortality could be the severity of illness as suggested by the day 1 PF ratio (109.31 [77.79-187.26]).Trial Registration-(IEC131/2020, CTRI/2020/06/025858).
Circ-BPTF Associated Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling in COPD Via Promoting Smooth Muscle Cells Proliferation by MiR-486-5p/CEMIP Axis
Authors: Wang Chang-guo , Liu Ying-ying , Zhang Wei-yun , Zhang Meng-lan , Wang Yu-ji , Huang Jian-an , Wang Ran , Jiang Jung-hong , Zeng Da-xiong
Published: November 2021

Background

As a kind of non-coding RNA, circle RNA has been proved acting critical role in multiple diseases, including pulmonary hypertension. In this study, we investigated the role of a novel circRNA circ-BPTF, miR-486-5p and the downstream targets in pulmonary vascular remodeling of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.
Methods

A circRNA microarray was firstly used for circRNAs involved in pulmonary vascular remodeling of COPD patients. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis were performed to identify circ-BPTF, miR-486-5p and cell migration-inducing protein (CEMIP) expression. CCK-8, immunofluorescence and luciferase assay were used for exploring the role of circ-BPTF in proliferation.
Results

The circRNA microarray and real-time PCR analysis showed significant higher levels of circ-BPTF and lower miR-486-5p levels in pulmonary vessels of COPD patients. Hypoxia suppressed miR-486-5p expression but promoted expression of circ-BPTF and CEMIP in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in vitro. The loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments showed that circ-BPTF promoted PASMCs proliferation in vitro. Moreover, luciferase assay results indicated that circ-BPTF regulated proliferation by acting as an miR-486-5p sponge. CEMIP was identified as candidate target genes of miR-486-5p by luciferase assay.
Conclusion

Summarily, our study showed that circ-BPTF was associated with pulmonary vascular remodeling of COPD via promoting smooth muscle cells proliferation by miR-486-5p regulating CEMIP pathway.
Physical Climate Change And The Sovereign Risk of Emerging Economies
Authors: Boehm Hannes
Published: November 2021

I show that rising temperatures can detrimentally affect the sovereign creditworthiness of emerging economies. To this end, I collect long-term monthly temperature data of 54 emerging markets. I calculate a country’s temperature deviation from its historical average, which approximates present-day climate change trends. Running regressions from 1994m1-2018m12, I find that higher temperature anomalies lower sovereign bond performances (i.e. increase sovereign risk) significantly for countries that are warmer on average and have lower seasonality. The estimated magnitudes suggest that affected countries likely face significant increases in their sovereign borrowing costs if temperatures continue to rise due to climate change. However, results indicate that stronger institutions can make a country more resilient towards temperature shocks, which holds independent of a country’s climate.
Bacterial Seed Endophytes of the Holoparasitic Cistanche Armena and C. Phelypaea (Orobanchaceae) from Saline Habitats: Semi-Deserts vs Flooded Coasts
Authors: Petrosyan Kristine , Piwowarczyk Renata , Ruraż Karolina , Vangronsveld Jaco , Kaca Wiesław
Published: November 2021

The current study compares the bacterial seed endomicrobiomes of the endemic holoparasitic plant species Cistanche armena and C. phelypaea. Both species thrive in habitats that are saline but with a very different soil water status. The study aims to uncover how environmental conditions influence the diversity of the bacterial communities of seeds of these holoparasites and also highlights the physiological activities, several enzymatic and PGP traits of culturable endophytes that may support the tolerance of their hosts to abiotic stresses. A combination of culture-dependent and molecular techniques was employed for the identification of the seed endomicrobiome (culturable and unculturable). From the seeds of both parasitic plant species closely related strains were isolated. Sixteen phyla, 323 genera and 710 bacterial species were identified, mainly Gram negative, halotolerant bacteria with an environmental origin. Most of the isolates were endospore forming, halotolerant and alkaliphile Bacillus spp. which suggests that the endophytic bacteria of C. armena and C. phelypaea seeds possess traits that are correlated with the natural habitat of their hosts. The Paenibacillus strains from both plant species demonstrate similar biochemical traits. Although the seed endophytic microbiomes of C. armena and C. phelypaea contain a high number of common bacterial taxa, also remarkable differences exist. We demonstrated that the diversity of the bacterial communities is related to the environmental conditions, water status or abiotic stresses.
The Reconstruction Accuracy of the Hip Center of Rotation After Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty for Failed Treatment of Acetabular Fractures. Does It Matter?
Authors: Zhang Liang , Chen Mingxue , Ma Zhuyi , Bian Tao , Li Shaoliang , Li Weiyi , Zhou Yixin
Published: November 2021

Background
To assess the impaction of reconstruction accuracy of hip center of rotation (COR) on midterm clinical and radiographic results of cementless reconstruction of total hip arthroplasties (THAs) for patients after failed treatment of acetabular fractures.
Methods
One hundred and four patients (107 hips) who underwent THAs after failed treatment of acetabular fractures were retrospectively evaluated and cementless cups and stems were implanted in all hips. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Harris hip score (HHS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scoring system. Radiographic results were analyzed by serial perioperative x-rays.
Results
At the latest follow-up examination, the median HHS increased from 52 (42-65) before surgery to 93 (90-97) (p < 0.001) and the median WOMAC decreased from 52 (36-65) before surgery to 5.8 (1.5-8) (p < 0.001). Compared with normal contralateral hip, 79 cups migrated superiorly (0.2-33.6mm) and 22 cups migrated inferiorly (0.2-16.1mm). The distance of superior migration of reconstructed COR was correlated with positive Trendelenburg sign at the latest follow-up examination (r=0.504; p < 0.001). The percentage of postoperative Trendelenburg sign was significantly higher in superior migration subgroup than that in subgroup with anatomical restoration of COR (P=0.015).
Conclusions
Cementless THAs in patients after failed treatment for acetabular fractures achieved predictable clinical and radiographic outcomes. A superiorly migrated hip COR appeared to exert a negative effect on abductor muscle function.
Immortal time bias for life-long conditions in retrospective observational studies using electronic health records
Authors: Tyrer Freya , Bhaskaran Krishnan , Rutherford Mark J
Published: November 2021

Background

Immortal time bias is common in observational studies but is typically described for pharmacoepidemiology studies where there is a delay between cohort entry and treatment initiation.
Methods

This study used the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) and linked national mortality data in England from 2000–2019 to investigate immortal time bias for a specific life-long condition, intellectual disability. Life expectancy (Chiang’s abridged life table approach) was compared for 33,867 exposed and 980,586 unexposed individuals aged 10+ years using five methods: (1) treating immortal time as observation time; (2) excluding time before date of first exposure diagnosis; (3) matching cohort entry to first exposure diagnosis; (4) excluding time before proxy date of entering first exposure diagnosis (by the physician); and (5) treating exposure as a time-dependent measure.
Results

When not considered in the design or analysis (Method 1), immortal time bias led to disproportionately high life expectancy for the exposed population during earlier calendar periods (additional years expected to live: 2000–2004: 65.6 [95% CI: 63.6,67.6]; 2005–2009: 59.9 [58.8,60.9]; 2010–2014: 58.0 [57.1,58.9]; 2015–2019: 58.2 [56.8,59.7]). Date of entry of diagnosis (Method 4) was unreliable in this CPRD cohort. The final methods (Method 2, 3 and 5) appeared to solve the main theoretical problem but residual bias may have remained.
Conclusions

We conclude that immortal time bias is a significant issue for studies of life-long conditions that use electronic health record data and requires careful consideration of how clinical diagnoses are entered onto electronic health record systems.
A Wave Nature-Based Interpretation of The Nonclassical Feature of Photon Bunching On A Beam Splitter
Authors: Ham Byoung
Published: November 2021

Born’s rule is key to understanding quantum mechanics based on the probability amplitude for the measurement process of a physical quantity. Based on a typical particle nature of a photon, the quantum feature of photon bunching on a beam splitter between two output photons can be explained by Born’s rule even without clear definition of the relative phase between two input photons. Unlike conventional understanding on this matter, known as the Hong-Ou-Mandel effect, here, we present a new interpretation based on the wave nature of a photon, where the quantum feature of photon bunching is explained through phase basis superposition of the beam splitter. A Mach-Zehnder interferometer is additionally presented to support the correctness of the presented method. As a result, our limited understanding of the quantum feature is deepened via phase basis superposition regarding the destructive quantum interference. Thus, the so-called ‘mysterious’ quantum feature is now clarified by both the definite phase relationship between paired photons and a new term of the phase basis superposition of an optical system.
Triadimefon in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Fate, Toxicity and Risk
Authors: Hou Lin , Jin Xiaowei , Liu Na , Luo Ying , Yan Zhenfei , Chen Miao , Liu Yang , Xie Huiyu , Giesy John P. , Wu Fengchang , Xu Jian
Published: November 2021

Background：As a triazole fungicide, triadimefon is widely used around the world. The ubiquitous occurrence of triadimefon in aquatic environments and potential adverse effects on aquatic organisms have resulted in global concerns. In this review, the current state of knowledge on occurrence, environmental behavior, and toxic effects are presented and used to conduct an assessment of risks posed by current concentrations of triadimefon in aquatic environments. Results: The key findings from this review are that: (1) triadimefon occurred widely in surface waters, with high rates of detection; (2) abiotic degradation of triadimefon was affected by many factors. Stereo-selectivity was found during biotic degradation and metabolism of triadimefon. Different enantiomers can cause various adverse effects, which complicates the assessment and requires enantiomers-specific considerations; (3) triadimefon exposure can affect organisms by causing multiple toxic effects on the thyroid, reproduction system, liver, nervous system as well as carcinogenicity and teratogenicity, and it can also act synergistically with other pesticides. Long-term, low-dose effects were considered to be the main characteristics of toxic effects of triadimefon; (4) results of the risk assessment based on probabilistic relationships represented by Joint Probability Curves (JPCs) indicated that risk of triadimefon was classified as low risk.Conclusion: The concentration data of triadimefon in surface water is relatively less, more work needed to do to detect it. Reproductive toxicity was observed which indicated that triadimefon might result in adverse effects on the population level or even on the ecosystem level. Risk assessments for pesticides that cause long-term and low-dose effects on aquatic organisms such as triadimefon need to consider higher ecology level risk.
Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Delphi Definitions of Low Back Pain Prevalence into Swedish (Swedish DOLBaPP)
Authors: Enthoven Paul , Lindbäck Yvonne , Abbott Allan , Gustafsson Emma , Lindholm Elias , Dionne Clermont E , Öberg Birgitta
Published: November 2021

Background: Previous studies on the prevalence of low back pain have found large variations between different population-based studies. The use of different definitions could partly explain these differences. In a Delphi study 28 experts in back pain research agreed on standardized items: the "Delphi Definitions of Low Back Pain Prevalence” (DOLBaPP). The Delphi DOLBaPP needs to be adapted to different languages and cultures. The aim was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the English definitions and corresponding Delphi Definitions of Low Back Pain Prevalence (DOLBaPP) questionnaire forms into Swedish.Methods: Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Delphi DOLBaPP into Swedish was conducted following recommended guidelines. After the translation process, an expert committee including medical and language experts independently provided comments on the questionnaire. The pre-final online optimal questionnaire was pretested in 181 employees from the home care, education, and food and retail sectors.Results: The DOLBaPP questionnaire forms were translated successfully into Swedish and cross-culturally adapted with few linguistic changes. Face validity of the translated version of the questionnaire was considered good by the expert committee. In question 2 about low back pain, the expression "was this pain bad enough" was re-worded into "was the pain so strong". In the pre-test 92% of the participants found the questions in the questionnaire clear, 86% that the questionnaire covered the subject adequately, and 88% needed less than five minutes to complete the questionnaire. Fifteen percent had comments including linguistic issues and issues of expanding the content. The comments were not interpreted by the review committee as improving the language nor targeting the aim. After the pre-test, consensus was reached in the review committee on the final DOLBaPP-S.Conclusions: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Delphi Definitions of Low Back Pain Prevalence into Swedish was successful, and the DOLBaPP-S can be used in epidemiological studies on the prevalence of LBP in Swedish speaking populations.
Long Term Resource Conservation Technologies Sustained Yield, Microbial Activities and Soil Physico-chemical Properties in Rice-green Gram Cropping System
Authors: Dash Pradeep Kumar , Bhattacharyya Pratap , Shahid Mohammad , Kumar Upendra , Padhy Soumya Ranjan , Swain Chinmaya Kumar , Senapati Anshuman , Bihari Priyanka , Nayak Amaresh Kumar
Published: November 2021

PurposeMicrobial communities in rhizospheric soil play a significant role in sustaining the soil quality and also recognized as key ecological indicators to assess the soil health. MethodsWe studied the long-term effects of resource conservation technologies on functional microbial diversity and their interactions with soil biochemical properties and enzymatic activities in tropical rice-green gram cropping system. The experiment included conventional practice (CC), brown manuring (BM), green manuring (GM), wet direct drum sowing (WDS), zero tillage (ZT), green manuring-customized leaf colour chart based-N application (GM-CLCC N) and biochar (BC) treatments. ResultsThe result revealed that microbial biomass nitrogen (N), carbon (C) and phosphorus (P) in GM practice increased by 23.3, 37.7 and 35.1%, respectively over CC. The Shannon index and McIntosh index were higher by 86.9% and 29.2% in GM as compared to conventional practice and significantly correlated with microbial biomass (C & P) and soil microbial populations whereas, Shannon index was positively correlated with the microbial biomass (C, N & P) and soil enzyme activities. Principal component analysis showed a significant separate cluster among the treatments amended with and without biomass addition. ConclusionsMoreover, dominance of carbon utilizing microbes in biomass amended treatments indicated that these could supply good amount of labile carbon sources on real time basis for microbial activity. Which may protect the stable carbon fraction in soil, hence could support higher build-up of carbon in long run and could offer sustainable yield under rice-green gram soil.
Alpha-power in Electroencephalography as Good Outcome Predictor for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors
Authors: Kim Min-Jee , Kim Youn-Jung , Yum Mi-Sun , Kim Won Young
Published: November 2021

Background

This study aimed to identify the quantitative EEG biomarkers for predicting good neurologic outcomes in OHCA survivors treated with targeted temperature management (TTM) using power spectral density (PSD), event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP), and spectral entropy (SE).
Methods

This observational registry-based study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Korea using data of adult nontraumatic comatose OHCA survivors who underwent standard EEG and treated with TTM between 2010 and 2018. Good neurological outcome at 1 month (Cerebral Performance Category scores 1 and 2) was the primary outcome. The linear mixed model analysis was performed for PSD, ESRP, and SE values of all and each frequency band.
Results

Thirteen of the 54 comatose OHCA survivors with TTM and EEG, 13 were excluded due to poor EEG quality or periodic/rhythmic pattern, leaving 41 patients for analysis. The median time to EEG was 21 h, and the rate of the good neurologic outcome at 1 month was 52.5%. The good neurologic outcome group was significantly younger and showed higher PSD and ERSP and lower SE features for each frequency than the poor outcome group. After age adjustment, only the alpha-PSD was significantly higher in the good neurologic outcome group (1.13 ± 1.11 vs. 0.09 ± 0.09, p = 0.031) and had best performance with 0.903 of the area under the curve for predicting good neurologic outcome.
Conclusions

Alpha-PSD best predicts good neurologic outcome in OHCA survivors and is an early biomarker for prognostication. Larger studies are needed to conclusively confirm these findings.
Synthesis, Antibacterial Evaluation and in Silico Study of DOTA-fluoroquinolone Derivativessynthesis, Antibacterial Evaluation and in Silico Study of DOTA-fluoroquinolone Derivatives
Authors: Li Weitian , Hong Ge , Mao Lina , Xu Zengping , Wang Jiawen , Wang wenzhi , Liu Tianjun
Published: November 2021

A series of water-soluble fluoroquinolones based upon DOTA modification were synthesized and characterized by NMR and HRMS spectra. All the newly prepared quinolones compounds exhibited potent antimicrobial activities against MRSA, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Molecular docking study indicated they could form stable complex with DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV-DNA respectively, ADMET prediction showed they were low toxicity to the mice as whole. Among them, water-soluble quinolone 4c exhibited promising antibacterial potency, its MIC, MBC value for MRSA and P. aeruginosa was (1.56, 6.25) µg/mL, (3.1, 12.5) µg/mL respectively. Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) imaging revealed 4c could effectively destroy MRSA bacterial membrane and wall, causing its contents to leak out. Cytotoxicity assay showed 4c had low toxicity to L-02, A549 and MCF-7, over 80% cell viability even at 100 µmol/L. These results showed that water-soluble compound 4c was a promising antibacterial candidate.
Heat treatment-induced autophagy promotes invasion and metastasis via TGF-β2 mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells
Authors: Li Zhen-Nan , Lu Cheng , Wang Feng-Liang , Guo Hao-Wei , Wang Zhi-Peng , Zhou Ping , Yin Hong , Li Jian
Published: November 2021

Background

Insufficient thermal ablation can cause accelerated malignant behaviors and increased metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and autophagy are implicated in tumor metastasis. However, whether interactions between autophagy and TGF-β2 induce EMT in breast cancer (BC) after insufficient microwave ablation (MWA) remains unclear.
Methods

In this study, we treated BC cells with sublethal heat treatment for simulating insufficient MWA, and then the effect of heat treatment on the BC cell phenotypes were explored. CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, transwell and wound healing assays were performed to evaluate the influence of sublethal heat treatment on the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration of BC cells treated with/without autophagy inhibitors. Western blotting, real-time quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy were carried out to determine the changes of markers associated with autophagy and EMT after sublethal heat treatment. Xenograft models in mice were established by using sublethal heat treated BC cells to investigate the effect of autophagy inhibitor on BC tumor growth in vivo.
Results

Results showed that heat treatment promoted the proliferation of survived BC cells, which was accompanied by autophagy induction. Heat treatment-induced autophagy up-regulated TGF-β2/Smad2 signaling and promoted phenotype of EMT, thereby enhancing abilities of migration and invasion in BC cells. Increase or decrease of TGF-β2 expression resulted in potentiation and suppression of autophagy as well as enhancement and abatement of EMT. Autophagy inhibitor facilitated apoptosis and repressed proliferation of BC cells in vitro, and thwarted BC cell tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis in vivo.
Conclusions

This study indicate that heat treatment-induced autophagy promotes invasion and metastasis via TGF-β2/Smad2-mediated EMT. Suppressing autophagy might be a new strategy for overcoming sufficient MWA caused progression and metastasis of residual BC cells.