bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Upper Jurassic–Cretaceous petroleum system of southern Iraq: A 3-D basin modelling study
Authors: Abeed Qusay , Littke Ralf , Strozyk Frank , Uffmann Anna K.
Published: October 2021

A 3-D basin model of the southern Mesopotamian Basin, southern Iraq, was built in order to quantify key aspects of the petroleum system. The model is based on detailed seismic interpretation and organic geochemical data, both for source rocks and oils. Bulk kinetic analysis for three source rock samples was used to quantify petroleum generation characteristics and to estimate the temperature and timing of petroleum generation. These analyses indicate that petroleum generation from the Yamama source rock (one of the main source rocks in the study area) starts at relatively low temperatures of 70–80°C, which is typical for Type II-S kerogen at low to moderate heating rates typical of sedimentary basins. Petroleum system analysis was achieved using the results from 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D basin modelling, the latter being the major focus of this study. The 1-D model reveals that the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous sediments are now within the oil window, whereas the formations that overlie the Yamama Formation are still immature in the entire study area. Present-day temperature reflects the maximum temperature of the sedimentary sequence, which indicates that no strong regional uplift affected the sedimentary rocks in the past. The 3-D model results indicate that oil generation in the Yamama source rock already commenced in the Cretaceous. At some locations of the basin this source rock reaches a present-day maximum temperature of 140–150°C. The most common migration pathways are in the vertical direction, i.e. direct migration upward from the source rock to the reservoir. This is partly related to the fact that the Lower Cretaceous reservoir horizons in southern Iraq directly overlay the source rock.
Five buried crater structures imaged on reflection seismic data in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Neville Allen S. , Cook Douglas J. , Afifi Abdulkader M. , Stewart Simon A.
Published: October 2021

Reflection seismic data acquired for hydrocarbon exploration in Saudi Arabia have revealed five buried crater structures ranging in diameter from 5 km to 34 km. These structures have little or no present-day surface expression and span a range of ages from Ordovician to Cenozoic. The Saqqar structure (29°35′N, 38°42″E) is 34 km in diameter and is formed in Devonian siliciclastics. The structure is partially eroded and is unconformably overlain by Upper Cretaceous and Paleogene strata up to 400 m thick. The Jalamid structure (31°27′N, 39°35″E) is 19 km in diameter at Lower Ordovician level and is infilled by Middle Ordovician sediments, at a present-day depth of 4,500 m. The Banat Baqar structure (29°07′N, 37°36″E) is 12 km in diameter at Middle Ordovician level and infilled by Upper Ordovician sediments, at a depth of 2,000 m. The Hamidan structure (20°36′N, 54°44″E) is 16 km in diameter at Paleogene level and is overlain by a thin veneer of Recent sediment. The Zaynan structure (20°23′N, 50°08″E) is 5 km in diameter and affects Triassic sediments at depth of 3,800 m, and is infilled by Jurassic strata. In addition to reflection seismic imaging, various amounts of gravity and magnetic data and drilled wells are available in or near these structures. Various models including impact cratering are discussed here for each structure. One structure (Saqqar) has yielded quartz grains with possible shock metamorphic features that, contingent on future work, may support a meteorite impact crater interpretation.
Midyan Peninsula, northern Red Sea, Saudi Arabia: Seismic imaging and regional interpretation
Authors: Tubbs Robert E. , Fouda Hussein G. Aly , Afifi Abdulkader M. , Raterman Nickolas S. , Hughes Geraint W. , Fadolalkarem Yousuf K.
Published: October 2021

The Midyan Peninsula of northwest Saudi Arabia offers an exceptional opportunity to observe a complex interplay of rifting, salt tectonics, and strike-slip faulting. Recently onshore 3-D, transition zone 2-D, and offshore 2-D seismic data have been acquired in the area. In addition, ongoing fieldwork and an active drilling program have provided new insights into the geologic history of the region. The initial stages of continental rifting began during the Early Oligocene (ca. 33 Ma) and often utilized pre-existing basement fault trends. The early syn-rift sedimentary record is typified by formation of deep half-grabens filled with thick wedges of primarily continental sediments, with lesser amounts of evaporitic and marine deposits.

Seismic data show a distinct break in deposition occurred ca. 21 Ma characterized by a persistent angular unconformity near the basin-bounding fault, before a shift to marine and offshore deposits of the Lower Miocene Burqan Formation. Post-Burqan a second angular unconformity termed the mid-clysmic event is evident away from the basin edge. This surface exhibits significant relief created by re-activation of older EW-trending faults and lower Maqna Group sediments display substantial thickening across these faults. Overall, the Maqna section transitions from normal marine sedimentation to more restricted basin conditions before being succeeded by the thick-layered evaporite sequence of the Mansiyah Formation.

Approximately 15–12 Ma active strike-slip faults appeared in the Red Sea and shifted the extension from rift normal to highly oblique directed at N15°–20°E, parallel to the Gulf of Aqaba. During this transition the composition of the rift-fill changed as well from basin-wide precipitates to thick siliciclastic wedges of the Ghawwas Formation. Seismic images of the Ghawwas show abrupt thickness changes and stratal geometries that date deposition as coincident with both the growth of Mansiyah Formation diapirs and the movement of a large detachment at the base of the Mansiyah.

Roughly five million years ago, organized seafloor spreading began in the southern Red Sea and strike-slip motion intensified as deformation began to focus along the Dead Sea/Aqaba strike-slip fault system. Adjacent to Midyan, a pull-apart basin in the Gulf of Aqaba has opened over 26 km perpendicular to the strike-slip system resulting in significant footwall uplift. The positive interference of the Aqaba/Dead Sea and Red Sea footwall uplifts has uniquely exposed the full syn-rift stratigraphic section from basement to Upper Miocene at Midyan, making the area an ideal locality for field studies. Presence of the complete Miocene section on the Aqaba shoulder uplift clearly indicates the uplift occurred after the Miocene. Salt-filled pull-apart basins in the same orientation as the Gulf of Aqaba are also observed on 3-D seismic data in the Ifal Basin.
Open versus closed mesogenetic systems in Cretaceous fluvial and tidal sandstones, Sirt Basin, Libya
Authors: Khalifa Muftah , Gasparrini Marta
Published: October 2021

This study constrains factors controlling the distribution of diagenetic alteration and their impact on reservoir quality of the Cretaceous sandstones from the Al-Bayda Platform, located in the southern Sirt Basin (Libya). These factors include the presence of early cements as well as the influx of hot basinal brines. The studied samples come from two blocks in the Khalifa Field, which are dislocated by a major normal fault. The deep-burial (mesogenetic) alteration includes the partial to pervasive replacement of early (eogenetic) dolomite and calcite cements by ferroan-dolomite, ankerite and siderite, precipitation of grain-coating chlorite, and cementation by quartz overgrowths, barite and anhydrite, particularly in the downthrown block. The association of quartz overgrowths with barite suggests that deep burial was influenced by the influx of hot basinal brines through faults. Conversely, deep-burial alteration in braided fluvial deposits of the Nubian sandstones of the upthrown block include: illitization of eogenetic smectite, quartz cementation and formation of chlorite.

This study shows that deep burial of the studied sandstones did not occur in a closed system, but was affected by the influx of hot basinal brines through faults, which formed during basin rifting. This interpretation is supported by the relatively high homogenization temperatures (100–110°C; corrected to 110–125°C) of primary fluid inclusions within quartz overgrowths, which exceed the maximum burial temperatures experienced by the Cretaceous succession, and by the high salinity of these inclusions.
Calcareous nannofossil zonation and sequence stratigraphy of the Jurassic System, onshore Kuwait
Authors: Kadar Adi P. , Keyser Thomas De , Neog Nilotpaul , Karam Khalaf A.
Published: October 2021

This paper presents the calcareous nannofossil zonation of the Middle and Upper Jurassic of onshore Kuwait and formalizes current stratigraphic nomenclature. It also interprets the positions of the Jurassic Arabian Plate maximum flooding surfaces (MFS J10 to J110 of Sharland et al., 2001) and sequence boundaries in Kuwait, and correlates them to those in central Saudi Arabia outcrops. This study integrates data from about 400 core samples from 11 wells representing a nearly complete Middle to Upper Jurassic stratigraphic succession. Forty-two nannofossil species were identified using optical microscope techniques. The assemblage contains Tethyan nannofossil markers, which allow application of the Jurassic Tethyan nannofossil biozones. Six zones and five subzones, ranging in age from Middle Aalenian to Kimmeridgian, are established using first and last occurrence events of diagnostic calcareous nannofossil species. A chronostratigraphy of the studied formations is presented, using the revised formal stratigraphic nomenclature.

The Marrat Formation is barren of nannofossils. Based on previous studies it is dated as Late Sinemurian–Early Aalenian and contains Middle Toarcian MFS J10. The overlying Dhruma Formation is Middle or Late Aalenian (Zone NJT 8c) or older, to Late Bajocian (Subzone NJT 10a), and contains Lower Bajocian MFS J20. The overlying Sargelu Formation consists of the Late Bajocian (Subzone NJT 10b) Sargelu-Dhruma Transition, and mostly barren Sargelu Limestone in which we place Lower Bathonian MFS J30 near its base. The lower part of the overlying Najmah Formation consists of the Najmah Shale, which is subdivided into three subunits: (1) barren Najmah-Sargelu Transition, (2) Late Bathonian to Middle Callovian (lower Zone NJT 12) Lower Najmah Shale, and (3) Middle Callovian to Middle Oxfordian (upper Zone NJT 12 to NJT 13b) Upper Najmah Shale. Middle Callovian MFS J40 and Middle Oxfordian MFS J50 are positioned near the base and top of the Upper Najmah Shale. The upper part of the Najmah Formation is represented by the Late Oxfordian (Subzone NJT 13b) Najmah Limestone, and is overlain by the Kimmeridgian (Zone NJT 14) Jubaila Formation. Early Kimmeridgian MFS J60 and Late Kimmeridgian MFS J70 are positioned near the base and top of the Jubaila Formation. The positions of Late Jurassic MFS J80, J90 and J100 are not constrained by our biostratigraphic data and are positioned in the Gotnia Formation. The Upper Tithonian MFS J110 and the Jurassic/Cretaceous boundary are positioned in the Makhul Formation.
Benthic Meiofaunal Diversity in Four Zones of Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, India
Authors: Punniyamoorthy Rengasamy , Murugesan Perumal , Mahadevan Gopalan , Sanchez Alberto
Published: October 2021

The community structure of meiofauna was assessed relative to environmental parameters in four zones (non-mangrove, Avicennia zone, mixed zone, and Rhizophora zone) of Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, which is located along the southeast coast of India. Field sampling was carried out from June 2016–May 2017. The meiofaunal data were evaluated using univariate and multivariate statistics. The highest abundance of meiofauna (434 ind/10 cm−2) was recorded in the Rhizophora zone and the lowest (270 ind/10 cm−2) in the non-mangrove zone. A total of 62 species representing four meiofaunal groups were recorded, including 38 species of foraminifera, 12 species of nematodes, seven species of ostracods, and five species of harpacticoids. Diversity (Shannon H′) mostly ranged from 3–4, and was highest (3.86±0.26) in the Avicennia zone and averaged ∼3.3 in the other three zones. The Margalef richness index was ∼6 in the Avicennia and Rhizophora zones and ∼5 in the non-mangrove and mixed zones. The BIO-ENV and CCA analyses identified sediment texture and organic matter as key variables influencing the distribution of meiofauna, while % calcium carbonate, salinity, and sediment pH were also important. Monitoring studies of meiofaunal taxa may help elucidate their roles in coastal blue-carbon cycling and will also contribute to understanding how mangrove-associated habitats influence meiofaunal distributions.
Polymer Application in High-Water-Cut Wells Enhances Productivity in a Mature Field
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: October 2021

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 200957, “Application of Specially Designed Polymers in High-Water-Cut Wells: A Holistic Well-Intervention Technology Applied in Umm Gudair Field, Kuwait,” by Ali Abdullah Al-Azmi, SPE, Thanyan Ahmed Al-Yaqout, and Dalal Yousef Al-Jutaili, Kuwait Oil Company, et al., prepared for the 2020 SPE Trinidad and Tobago Section Energy Resources Conference, originally scheduled to be held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 29 June–1 July. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

A significant challenge faced in the mature Umm Gudair (UG) field is assurance of hydrocarbon flow through highly water-prone intervals. The complete paper discusses the field implementation of a downhole chemical methodology that has positively affected overall productivity. The treatment was highly modified to address the challenges of electrical-submersible-pump (ESP)-driven well operations, technical difficulties posed by the formation, high-stakes economics, and high water potential from these formations.

Field Background and Challenge

The UG field is one of the major oil fields in Kuwait (Fig. 1). The Minagish oolite (MO) reservoir is the main oil producer, contributing more than 95% of current production in the UG field. However, water cut has been increasing (approximately 65% at the time of writing). The increasing water cut in the reservoir is posing a major challenge to maintaining the oil-production rate because of the higher mobility of water compared with that of oil. The natural water aquifer support in the reservoir that underlies the oil column extends across the reservoir and is rising continuously. This has led to a decline in the oil-production rate and has prevented oil-producing zones from contributing effectively. The reservoir experiences water-coning phenomena, especially in high-permeability zones. Oil viscosity ranges from 2 to 8 cp, and hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide levels are 1.5 and 4%, respectively.

During recent years, water production has increased rapidly in wells because of highly conductive, thick, clean carbonate formations with low structural dip as well as some stratified formations. Field production may be constrained by the capacity of the surface facilities; therefore, increased water production has different effects on field operations.

The average cost of handling produced water is estimated to be between $5 billion and $10 billion in the US and approximately $40 billion globally. These volumes often are so large that even incremental modifications can have major financial effects. For example, the lift-ing cost of one barrel of oil doubles when water cut reaches 50%, increases fivefold at 80% water cut, and increases twenty-fold at 95% water cut.
Tetracycline Removal Enhancement With Fe-Saturated Nanoporous Montmorillonite in a Tripartite Adsorption/Desorption/Photo-Fenton Degradation Process
Authors: Chahardahmasoumi Shiva , Jalali Seyed Amir Hossein , Sarvi Mehdi Nasiri
Published: October 2021

The adsorption and photo-Fenton degradation of tetracycline (TC) over Fe saturated nanoporous montmorillonite was analyzed. The synthesized samples were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, and XRF analysis, and the adsorption and desorption of TC onto these samples as well as the antimicrobial activity of TC during these processes were analyzed at different pH. The results indicated that the montmorillonite is a great adsorbent for the separation of the TC from aqueous solutions, however, after increasing the amount of TC adsorbed, the desorption process started, and up to 50% of TC adsorbed onto non-modified montmorillonite was released back to the solution with almost no changes in its antimicrobial activity. After acid treatment (for creation of nanoporous layers) and Fe saturation of the montmorillonite, almost similar great separation was achieved compared to non-modified montmorillonite. In addition, the desorption of TC from modified montmorillonite was still high up to 40% of adsorbed TC. However, simultaneous adsorption and photodegradation of TC were detected and almost no antimicrobial activity was detected after 180 min of visible light irradiation, which could be due to the photo-Fenton degradation of TC on the modified montmorillonite surface. In the porous structures of modified montmorillonite high ˙OH radicals were created in the photo-Fenton reaction and were measured using the Coumarin technique. The ˙OH radicals help the degradation of TC as proposed in an oxidation process. Surprisingly, more than 90 % of antimicrobial activity of the TC decreased under visible light (after 180 min) when desorbed from nanoporous Fe-saturated montmorillonite compared to natural montmorillonite. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such a high TC desorption rate from an adsorbent with the least remained antimicrobial activity is reported which makes nanoporous Fe-saturated montmorillonite a perfect separation substance of TC from the environment.
Chlorothalonil induces metabolic syndrome in mice by regulating host gut microbiota and bile acids metabolism via FXR pathways
Authors: Meng Zhiyuan , Yan Sen , Sun Wei , Yan Jin , Teng Miaomiao , Jia Ming , Tian Sinuo , Li Ruisheng , Huang Shiran , Wang Yu , Chen Xiaojun , Zhou Zhiqiang , Zhu WenTao
Published: October 2021

Background：The most commonly used organochlorine pesticide, chlorothalonil (CHI), is ubiquitous in a natural environment and poses many adverse effects to organisms. Unfortunately, the toxicity mechanisms of CHI have not been clarified yet.Results: This study found that the low-dose CHI based on acceptable daily intake (ADI) level could induce metabolic syndrome (MetS) in mice, including obesity, hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. In addition, exposure to low-dose CHI could induce an imbalance in the gut microbiota of mice, resulting in a significant increase in the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. Furthermore, the results of the antibiotic treatment and gut microbiota transplantation experiments showed that the low-dose CHI could induce MetS in mice in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. Based on the results of targeted metabolomics and gene expression analysis, the low-dose CHI could disturb the serum metabolism of bile acids (BAs) in mice, causing the inhibition of the signal response of BAs receptor farnesol X receptor (FXR) and leading to glycolipid metabolism disorders in liver tissue and epididymal white adipose tissue (epiWAT) of mice. The administration of FXR agonist GW4064 and CDCA could significantly improve the low-dose CHI-induced MetS in mice.Conclusions: In conclusion, the low-dose CHI was found to induce MetS in mice by regulating the gut microbiota and BAs metabolism via the FXR signaling pathway. This study provides evidence linking the gut microbiota and pesticides exposure with the progression of MetS, demonstrating the key role of gut microbiota in the toxic effects of pesticides.
Effect of Interventions for Non-Medical Emergency Transportation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shekelle Paul G. , Begashaw Meron M. , Miake-Lye Isomi M. , Booth Marika , Myers Bethany , Renda Andrew
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Transportation is an important social determinant of health. We conducted a systematic review of the associations on health and health care utilization of interventions aimed at reducing barriers to non-emergency transportation and non-medical transportation.Methods: We searched multiple databases and the gray literature through late January 2021. Included studies needed to assess an intervention targeted at non-emergency or non-medical transportation barriers, report missed (or kept) visits, health care utilization, costs, or health outcomes. Data extraction was performed in duplicate and included information about study design, results, and risk of bias. Primary outcomes were frequency of missed appointments, health care utilization, costs, and health outcomes. Synthesis was both narrative and meta-analytic using a random effects model. Results: 12 studies met inclusion criteria, 3 randomized trials, 1 controlled trial, and 8 observational studies. All included studies had some element of risk of bias. Populations studied usually had chronic or serious health conditions or were poor. Interventions included van rides, bus or taxi vouchers, ride-sharing services, and others. Meta-analysis of 7 studies (3 trials, 4 observational studies) yielded a pooled estimate of missed appointments = 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48, 0.83) favoring interventions. Evidence on cost, utilization, and health outcomes were too sparse to support conclusions. Evidence on the effect of non-medical transportation is limited to a single study.Conclusions and Relevance: Interventions aimed at non-emergency transportation barriers to access health care are associated with fewer missed appointments; the association with costs, utilization or health outcomes is insufficiently studied to reach conclusions.This review was registered in PROSPERO as ID CRD42020201875
The Feasibility of Applying Inferior Vena Cava Collapse Index to Guide the Use of Fluid Therapy in Neonates with Pulmonary Hemorrhage on Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: JIN HongJuan , LIU Xiaoyan , HUANG Ying
Published: October 2021

Purpose. Explore the feasibility of applying Inferior Vena Cava Collapse Index (IVC-CI) in guiding the use of fluid therapy in neonates with Pulmonary Hemorrhage (PH) on mechanical ventilation. Construct a novel and non-invasive technique in accurately and dynamically assess the fluid volume of neonates.Methods. Cases met the diagnostical criteria of Pulmonary Hemorrhage (PH) admitted between July 2016 to June 2018 were reviewed and included into the Control Group for this study. Cases met the same said criteria between July 2018 and June 2020 were included into the Experimental Group. PHILIPS Bedside color Doppler ultrasound system was used in detecting and calculating the IVC-CI, which was later used for patients in experimental group to guide the practice of fluid therapy. A total of 54 cases were reviewed with 8 cases excluded for death during hospitalization. 24 cases were included into the control group, 22 cases were included into the experimental group.Results. Fluid intake volumes were recorded at 0-6th hours, 6th-24th hours and 24th-48th hours with the onset of PH as the initial observation point. For 22 patients in experimental group, the volumes were respectively (64±6) ml/Kg, (71±8) ml/Kg and (102±10) ml/Kg. In the control group, the volumes were (60±4) ml/kg, (93±4) ml/kg and (105±9) ml/kg, respectively. The P values of the two groups during the same time period were 0.013, 0.000, 0.361, suggesting the differences of fluid intake between the two groups during the first 6 hours and the following 18 hours after the onset of PH were of statistical significance.The time taken for the improvement of lactate concentration and oxygenation index for the experimental group were (26.4±6.7) h and (22.6±5.8) h, respectively. The time taken for the same two indexes to improve in the control group were (38.5±6.7) h and (27.0±5.0) h. P values for these two indexes between two groups were 0.015 and 0.009, suggesting statistically significant differences.Conclusion. Ultrasound guided IVC-CI measurement can dynamically evaluate volume status, guide fluid therapy in a targeted manner. A more responsive and selective fluid therapy achieved this way can alleviate the patients’ conditions quicker than traditional therapeutic approaches.
Thermal Conductivity of BAs under Pressure
Authors: Hou Songrui , Sun Bo , Tian Fei , Cai Qingan , Xu Youming , Wang Shanmin , Peng Wanyue , Chen Xi , Ren Zhifeng , Li Chen , Wilson Richard
Published: October 2021

Boron arsenide (BAs) is an ultrahigh-thermal-conductivity material with special phonon-phonon scattering behaviors. At ambient pressure, the bunching of acoustic phonon branches in BAs is believed to result in a small phase space for three-phonon scattering. Density functional theory predicts that this acoustic phonon bunching effect is sensitive to pressure and leads to an unusual pressure dependence of thermal conductivity. To explore this physics, we measure the thermal conductivity of BAs from 0 to 25 GPa using time-domain thermoreflectance in a diamond anvil cell. We characterized two BAs samples with ambient thermal conductivities of 350 and 480 W m-1 K-1. Our experiments show that the thermal conductivity of both samples depends weakly on pressure from 0 to 25 GPa. We attribute the weak pressure dependence of the thermal conductivity of BAs to the weak pressure dependence of total phonon-phonon scattering rates. Our experimental results are consistent with DFT predictions that three-phonon scattering rates increase from 0 to 25 GPa, while four-phonon scattering rates decrease.
The Effect of NIV NAVA 0 on Ventilation in Premature Neonates
Authors: Protain Alison , Firestone Kimberly , Hussain Saima , Lubarsky Daniel , Stein Howard
Published: October 2021

Neonates with apnea of prematurity (AOP) deteriorate clinically because CPAP often provides inadequate support during apnea. NAVA provides proportional ventilator support from the electrical activity of the diaphragm. When NAVA level is 0 cmH20/mcV (NN0), patients receive minimal support when breathing and backup ventilation when apneic. This study addresses feasibility of NN0 and time spent in back up ventilation. This was a prospective, two center, observational study of preterm neonates on NN0 for AOP. Ventilator data were downloaded for 24 hours. Number of Clinically Significant Events (CSEs) and switches to back up were collected. Statistics were paired t-test. There were twenty-eight subjects with gestational age of 25 + 1.8 weeks; study age 28 ± 23 days. Number of events were 4±4.39 per 24 hours. Subjects were on NN0 approximately 90% each minute, back-up mode 2.5±1.1 times/minute with 10.6±7.2% in back-up. Conclusion: Preterm neonates on NAVA level 0 had few clinically significant events with minimal time in back up ventilation.
Factors Affecting Patient Satisfaction Related to Cost and Treatment Effectiveness in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From the Multicenter Observational Cohort Study, FRANK Registry
Authors: Fujiwara Toshifumi , Kondo Masakazu , Yamada Hisakata , Haraguchi Akihisa , Fujimura Kenjiro , Sakuraba Koji , Kamura Satoshi , Fukushi Jun-ichi , Miyahara Hisaaki , Inoue Yasushi , Tsuru Tomomi , Shuto Toshihide , Yoshizawa Seiji , Suematsu Eiichi , Miyamura Tomoya , Ayano Masahiro , Mitoma Hiroki , Arinobu Yojiro , Niiro Hiroaki , Ohishi Masanobu , Hirata Akie , Tokunaga Shoji , Takada Atsushi , Hara Daisuke , Tsushima Hidetoshi , Akasaki Yukio , Ikemura Satoshi , Sueishi Takuya , Toya Masakazu , Sakuragi Takahide , Tsutsui Tomoko , Kai Kazuhiro , Arisumi Shinkichi , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: October 2021

Background. To further improve treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is necessary to understand each RA patient satisfaction and to identify the factors affecting patient satisfaction. Despite of escalation of medical cost for RA, the affected factors of satisfaction for cost of treatment in RA patients has been little known.Methods. This is a multicenter observational study of RA patients at Fukuoka, Japan from the FRANK registry, and has been analyzed the initial registered data from March 2017 to August 2020. We collected data on demographic characteristics, clinical data, quality of life, which was assessed using the EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire (EQ5D), and patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction was individually assessed by the four categories (i.e., cost, treatment efficacy, activities of daily living [ADL], and global treatment satisfaction). We analyzed the factors affected with each patient satisfaction, such as age, sex, EQ5D, disease duration, disease activity, and treatment.Results. This study included 2,235 RA outpatients (406 males, 1829 females). At the initial registration, “Very satisfied” and “Satisfied” were given for almost half of each satisfaction aspect (cost: 49%; effecacy: 72%; ADL: 58%; global treatment: 66%) in RA patients. To investigate the affected factors for each satisfaction, multivariate analysis has revealed that the use of b/tsDMARDs increased satisfaction of treatment effect (odds ratio [OR] 0.67) and ADL (OR 0.79), but decreased cost satisfaction (OR 2.24). Aging (50-64 years: OR 0.90, 65-74 years: 0.56, ≥75 years: 0.36), female (OR 0.80), and history of musculoskeletal surgery (OR 0.60) increased cost satisfaction. All aspects of patient satisfaction were elevated in those with lower disease activity and higher score of EQ5D. Conclusions. Patient satisfaction in terms of cost, treatment effect, ADL, and global treatment was generally better in this study, but still remained some patient with unsatisfaction. Cost of satisfaction was increased with aging and having the history of musculoskeletal surgery, and decreased in lower EQ5D score, and the use of b/tsDMARDs.
Patterns of contraceptive use among young Australian women with chronic disease: findings from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Harris Melissa , Egan Nicholas , Forder Peta M , Bateson Deborah , Sverdlov Aaron L , Murphy Vanessa E , Loxton Deborah
Published: October 2021

Background

Given chronic disease is increasing among young women and unintended pregnancies among these women are associated with poor maternal and fetal outcomes, these women would benefit from effective preconception care. However, there is a lack of understanding of how these women use or don’t use contraception to inform such interventions. This study examined patterns of contraceptive use among an Australian cohort of young women, with and without chronic disease, and investigated factors which influenced contraceptive use over time.
Methods

Using data from 15,244 young women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (born 1989-95), latent transition analysis was performed to identify distinct contraceptive patterns among women who were at risk of an unintended pregnancy. Multinomial mixed-effect models were used to evaluate the relationship between contraceptive combinations and chronic disease.
Results

Differences in contraceptive use over time were found for women with cardiac disease, those with autoinflammatory diseases. Compared to women without chronic disease using the pill alone, women with cardiac disease had double the odds of using ‘other’ low efficacy contraception and condoms (OR=2.2, 95% CI: 1.34-3.59) and a modest increase in the odds of using the combined oral contraceptive pill and condoms (OR=1.39, 95% CI: 1.03-1.89). Women with autoinflammatory disease had increased odds of using LARC and condoms (OR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.04-2.41), using ‘other’ low efficacy contraception and condoms (OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.11-2.57), and using combined oral contraceptive pill and condom use (OR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.09-1.75), compared to women without chronic disease using the pill. There was little evidence to suggest that contraceptive patterns differed for women with asthma or diabetes from women without chronic disease.
Conclusion

The findings identified a need for effective contraceptive counselling as part of routine chronic disease care and improved communication between healthcare providers and women with chronic disease to improve young women’s contraceptive knowledge and agency in contraceptive choice, particularly for those with cardiac or autoinflammatory conditions. This may be the key to reducing high-risk unintended pregnancies among this vulnerable population.
Renewable Energy in Morocco: Assessing risks to avoid a resource curse
Authors: Ahsan Aniq , Leonard Alycia , Charbonnier Flora , Hirmer Stephanie
Published: October 2021

In this policy briefing we investigate 14 potential risks which could cause renewable energy development in Morocco to provoke a resource curse. We identify the biggest risks to be economic dependence, technical dependence, and damage to flora and fauna. Policy objectives are identified to prevent or mitigate these risks. These are: careful negotiation of robust co-funding arrangements to safeguard Moroccan autonomy; the development of local renewable energy technology capabilities; and continuation and enhancement of environmental protection mandates.
Development of Brassica Napus L. Ogu-INRA CMS Restorers Using Recurrent Full-Sib Selection.
Authors: Lobos-Sujo Valeria , Duncan Robert W.
Published: October 2021

The Ogu-INRA CMS system in canola and rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) uses a cytological variant of the radish- (Raphanus sativus L.) derived Ogu CMS pollination control system introduced through interspecific introgression. The restorers (R-lines) contain an introgression that is associated with poor agronomic performance due to a large undesired segment of the radish chromosome that was introgressed along with the Rfo gene. The introgression contains pentatricopeptide (PPR) motif repeats that confer fertility restoration abilities to the R-lines. The objective of this research was to test the hypothesis that multiple cycles of intermating will result in R-lines with improved agronomic performance. A base population was developed by designing five R-line by R-line crosses. Twelve plants from each initial cross were grown and chain-crossed at random, without selection, other than the presence of the Rfo gene. Twelve flowers from each plant were crossed and the remainder of the plant was selfed. Three intermating crossing cycles (C0, C1 and C2) were completed and each was selfed three times for evaluation. Total pod number, seeds per pod, a visual pod rating, thousand seed weight and yield were evaluated. The visual pod rating showed a positive correlation with seeds per pod. Improvements for all traits were found at C0 and C1 when compared to the best parent. Individual families from two of the crosses showed a yield increase of over 78 % from the best parent. This suggests that improvements in yield components can be obtained from intermating R-lines.
Asporin Is Highly Expressed in CAFs of High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancinoma Patients and Predicts Poor Prognosis
Authors: Wang Lili , Zheng Xiangrong , Zhang Junhua , Zhang Wenwen , Huang Yan , Liu Yan , Jia Lin
Published: October 2021

Background: Tumor microenvironment is widely considered as a critical factor influencing prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. To further improve the unsatisfied clinical outcome of ovarian cancer patients, it is desperately needed to explore biomarkers with potential clinical value of ovarian cancer. Asporin (ASPN), as a member of the proteoglycan family in tumor microenvironment, has been proved to play a vital role in cancer progression by binding with CD44 receptor. However, there is still no report about the research of Asporin in ovarian cancer. The purpose of the present study was to explore the expression and prognostic significance of Asporin in high grade serous ovarian cancinoma(HGSOC). Methods: The expression level of Asporin and CD44 in 85 formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples of 85 HGSOC patients was detected by immunohistochemistry. The association between the expression of the two biomarkers and the clinicopathologic factors of HGSOC was assessed by χ² test. The survival analyses were performed by Kaplan-Meier.Results: Asporin was mainly expressed in CAFs of 85 HGSOC patients, while CD44 was mainly expressed on membrane of tumor cells. The positive rates of Asporin, CD44, and Asporin /CD44 co-expression were 43.53% (37/85), 34.12% (29/85) and 28.23% (24/85) in 85 HGSOC tissues, respectively. There were close associations between Asporin, CD44, Asporin/CD44 expression and CA125 level of blood, tumor differentiation, FIGO staging, chemoresistance of HGSOC patients. Further, univariate survival analysis showed that positive expression of Asporin and positive Asporin/CD44 co-expression of HGSOC indicated poor clinical outcomes, and multivariate survival analysis suggested that positive expression of Asporin and positive Asporin/CD44 co-expression were independent prognostic factors for disease–free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of HGSOC patients, respectively.Conclusion: Asporin was mainly expressed in CAFs of HGSOC patients. High expression of Asporin may identify a subgroup of HGSOC patients with more chemoresistance clinicopathological features and may be a potential prognostic predictor and therapeutic target for HGSOC patients.
In Vitro Evaluation of a Hypobromous Acid Hygiene Stabilized Solution in the Reduction of Bacterial Load Associated to Blepharitis Conditions
Authors: Silvani Ludovica , Bedei Andrea Campus , Castellini Laura , De grazia Giulia , Remiddi Stefano
Published: October 2021

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the periocular skin area and it is characterized by eye itching, burning, dryness and irritation, with progression to chronic dry eye syndrome, where the eyelids margins of blepharitis patients are frequently colonized by bacteria.The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro bactericidal activity (BA) of a stabilized active bromine solution (MDI-102) at neutral pH for the potential use in the treatment and prevention of blepharitis.The time kill assays have been conducted both in clean and in dirty conditions (by using bovine albumin solution as the interfering substance) at different ranges of concentration.The results show the topical solution to be capable of inactivating, in less than 0.5 minutes, more than 99.9% of several bacterial species involved in the clinical manifestations of blepharitis: Enterococcus hirae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Serratia marcescens. Dirty condition tests confirm the results shown without albumin (clean conditions).This study demonstrates that MDI-102 active bromine solution can markedly reduce (in vitro) the bacterial activity, responsible of clinical manifestation of blepharitis. Thus, MDI-102 can be considered a promising tool for the periocular area and eyelids cleaning for blepharitis patients.The use of this formulation may contribute in the long-term prevention and hygienic treatment of blepharitis condition. Furthermore, MDI-102 can be considered as an alternative to reduce the use and the abuse of topical antibiotics in the daily practice, which may contribute to the increase of resistance to the antibiotics in the clinical setting.
Evaluation of land suitability for Oilseeds crops (Sesame and Groundnut) using GIS and Multi-criteria evaluation: A case study of Diga District, East Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Merga Biratu Bobo , Moisa Mitiku Badasa , Gemeda Dessalegn Obsi
Published: October 2021

Sesame and groundnut crops are the major oilseeds crops produced for exports and local consumptions in the Ethiopia. This study attempted to evaluate land suitability for oilseeds crops using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-criteria evaluation (MCE), in the case of Diga district, East Wollega zone, Western Ethiopia. By integrating GIS and MCE techniques land suitability maps for sesame and groundnut were produced. Climate data (Temperature and rainfall), topography data (Slope), soil data (Soil texture, soil depth and soil drainage), infrastructure data (Road and market) were used in this study. The result of the study revealed that, about 252.1ha (0.4%) and 113.1ha (0.2%) were highly suitable for sesame and groundnut crops, respectively. Our results show that most parts of the study area were moderately suitable for sesame and groundnut production. Specially, the central and western parts of the study area are highly suitable and moderately suitable for sesame production. Findings of this study can support the farming communities and decision makers through providing highly productive areas for sesame and groundnut production.
Vertical Injection and Wideband Grating Coupler Based on Asymmetric Grating Trenches
Authors: Asaduzzaman Md , Chapman Robert J. , Johnson Brett C. , Peruzzo Alberto
Published: October 2021

A Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) perfectly vertical fibre-to-chip grating coupler is proposed and designed based on engineered subwavelength structures. The high directionality of the coupler is achieved by implementing step gratings to realize asymmetric diffraction and by applying effective index variation with auxiliary ultra-subwavelength gratings. The proposed structure is numerically analysed by using two-dimensional Finite Difference Time Domain (2D FDTD) method and achieves 76% (-1.19 dB) coupling efficiency and 39 nm 1-dB bandwidth.
Examination of main lymph node (No.253) metastasis in left colorectal cancer: A retrospective analysis of a single-institution cohort
Authors: Yoshida Takefumi , Fujita Fumihiko , Shida Dai , Koushi Kenichi , Fujiyoshi Kenji , Sudou Tomoya , Nagasu Sachiko , Ogata Suguru , Noguchi Takashi , Fukuda Junya , Koga Fumiki , Kikuchi Maako , Akagi Yoshito
Published: October 2021

Background.
The extent of lymph node dissection in advanced colorectal cancer varies according to regional guidelines. D3 lymphadenectomy is routinely performed in Japan but is associated with several risk factors. Metastases of the main lymph nodes (No.253 lymph nodes), which are located at the root of the inferior mesenteric artery, are rare in left-sided colorectal cancer. Tumor depth (T4) is an identifier of No.253 lymph node metastasis (LNM) risk, but other risk factors associated with No.253 LNM are unclear. This study was undertaken to investigate the frequency of No.253 LNM and to identify other clinicopathological risk factors associated with No.253 LNM in left-sided colorectal cancer. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical benefit of routine D3 lymphadenectomy in surgically treated advanced colorectal cancer.
Methods.
A retrospective database of patients with colorectal cancer who underwent D3 dissection and R0 resection at Kurume University Hospital from 1978 to 2017 was constructed and used to search for the frequency and risk factors of No.253 LNM to investigate long-term prognosis. Clinicopathological factors associated with No.253 LNM, including age, sex, tumor location, T stage, tumor diameter, carcinoembryonic antigen levels, and various dissected lymph nodes, were analyzed.
Results.
Among 1,614 consecutive patients, No.253 LNM was observed in 23 cases (1.4%). The presence of three or more regional LNMs was an independent risk factor for No.253 LNM (odds ratio: 26.8). The 5-year overall survival rate was 49.1% in the No.253 LNM-positive group and 78.4% in the No.253 LNM-negative group (p=0.002).
Conclusion.
In left-sided colorectal cancer, No.253 LNM was a poor prognosis factor, and three or more regional LNMs were a risk factor for No.253 LNM. The No.253 LNM-positive group had a poor prognosis, but there are cases of long-term survival, with a 5-year survival rate of 49%. D3 lymphadenectomy is suitable when three or more metastatic LNs are identified prior to surgery.
Hydrogen-Rich Medium Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharides-Induced Mitochondrial Fission and Dysfunction in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (Huvecs) via Up-Regulating HO-1 Expression
Authors: Xie Keliang , Mao Xing , Lian Naqi , Wang Yanyan , Wang Yuzun , Chen Hongguang , Zhu Ruqing , Yu Yonghao , Wang Guolin
Published: October 2021

Background

Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. It has been showed that the change of mitochondrial dynamics has been proved to be one of the main causes of death in patients with severe sepsis. And hydrogen has been proved to exert its protective effects against sepsis via heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). This study was designed to demonstrate that whether the benefit effects of hydrogen can maintain the dynamic process of mitochondrial fusion/fission to mitigate human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) injury exposed to endotoxin through HO-1.
Methods

HUVECs cells cultured with medium which contained Lipopolysaccharides (LPS), Saline, hydrogen, Mdivi-1 (a dynamin-related protein 1 [Drp1] inhibitor) or zinc protoporphyrin Ⅸ (Znpp) (a HO-1 inhibitor) were also used in the research. Cell death and apoptosis were assessed using FITC annexin V and PI. Mitochondria were stained with Mitotracker orange and observed by confocal microscope. Oxygen consumption rate was assessed by seahorse xf24 extracellular analyzer. Mitochondrial membrane potential monitored by JC-1 dye. The expressions of Drp1 and HO-1 were tested by Western blot. The co-localization of Drp1 and mitochondria was determined by immunofluorescence.
Results

LPS caused a decrease in ATP content, mitochondrial membrane potential, and maximal respiration rate. At the same time, increased expression of Drp1 were observed in LPS-stimulated HUVECs, concomitantly with excessive mitochondrial fission. We found that hydrogen-rich medium can increase ATP content, mitochondrial membrane potential and maximal respiration rate, and decrease the expression of Drp1 in LPS-treated HUVECs. Meanwhile, hydrogen can ameliorate excessive mitochondrial fission caused by LPS. Furthermore, hydrogen-rich medium had a similar effect to Mdivi-1, a mitochondrial fission blocker. Both of them rescued the up-regulation of Drp1 and mitochondrial fission induced by LPS, then normalized mitochondrial shape after LPS stimulation. But after Znpp pretreatment, HO-1 expression was inhibited and the protective effects of hydrogen were abrogated.
Conclusions

Hydrogen-rich medium can alleviate the LPS-induced mitochondrial fusion/fission and dysfunction in HUVECs via HO-1 up-regulation.
Various responses of pine marten morphology and demography to temporal climate changes and primary productivity
Authors: Wereszczuk Anna , Fedotova Anastasia , Marciszak Adrian , Popiołek Marcin , Zharova Arsenia , Zalewski Andrzej
Published: October 2021

Climate and environmental changes affect species’ morphology and ecology; however, the response of a species to changes in abiotic and biotic factors is not always consistent. Here, we tested how the structural body size of the pine marten and its population sex ratio changed over time and alongside climate change. We analysed temporal changes in morphological traits using 11 measurements of pine marten skulls collected between 1903 to 2020, linking them with climatic and primary production variations. We assessed demographic changes by calculating temporal sex ratio changes over 61 years. Skull size, as a proxy of body size, increased in response to warmer and less snowy winters, with a three-year time-lag. However, changes in primary productivity rapidly shaped postorbital constriction regardless of body size changes and without time-lags, potentially demonstrating increased diet diversity in pine marten. According to climate change, the population sex ratio has skewed towards males over time. Our results suggest that climate conditions and primary production affect skull structural size, highlighting the potential various responses of pine marten morphology and ecology in relation to climate change. Recently changing population demographics, as a consequence of these processes, may constitute a threat to marten populations.