bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Focused Fracture Jetting for Tight Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Al-Rahbi Sataa. , Al-Aadi Fahad. , Al-Rawahi Abdulaziz. , Al-Hinai Mohamed.
Published: September 2023

This paper provides an overview of the trial implementation of Focused fracture jetting, a solution aimed at effectively stimulating long horizontal open-hole wells in the oil and gas industry. The goal of this method is to create multiple fractures that penetrate deeper into the reservoir, increasing the overall stimulated surface area. Previous techniques, such as HCl stimulations, delayed reaction acid, abrasive jetting, and fishbones, did not achieve the desired improvements in injectivity for microporous water injection and oil producer wells. As a result, alternative methods were explored, leading to the adoption of Focused fracture jetting. This methodology utilizes high velocity jetting and dynamic diversion to create controlled fractures etched with acid, providing permanent increases in effective wellbore area. This paper focuses on the trial implementation of Focused fracture jetting in two water injection wells and one oil producer, named as WI-1, WI-2 and OP#1. In WI#1, 25 stages were pumped over a 700m interval with 30m spacing between stages, while in WI#2, 20 stages were pumped over a shorter interval of approximately 500m with 25m spacing between stages and OP#1, 11 stages were pumped over a shorter interval of approximately 680m with 29m spacing between stages. The stimulation was successful in improving water injection rates, resulting in a significant increase in the initial rate and approximately doubling the stable injection rate as well as production was enhanced drastically from the oil producer OP#1. The deployment of Focused fracture jetting has the potential to unlock the microporous reservoir's development, particularly in tight reservoirs with long open-hole sections, offering competitive costs and sustainable results.
Successful Design and Execution of First Multi-Stage-Fractured Horizontal Pilot Well in Low Permeability Reservoir in Oman
Authors: Abdulkadir Ramzi , Lawati Hawraa Al , Al- Sulaimi Saleh , Zhan Lang , Hilling Scott , O'Brien Cris
Published: September 2023

Using hydraulically fractured vertical wells (HFVW) to develop low permeability flank area with poor reservoir properties lead to suboptimal production. In 2022, Shell Oman successfully drilled, cemented, completed, and tested the first multi-stage fractured horizontal well (MSFHW) pilot. The MSFHW delivered 1045m lateral length in MMQ sandstone at TVD of 5000+m with 12 fractures in 10 stages. A companion HFVW with 630m offset from the MFHW was drilled and logged for formation property control. A 3D hydraulic fracturing model was built based on logs in both wells, which was calibrated using a variety of measurements, such as DFITs, sonic logs, RA tracer logs in offset wells. The calibrated model provided fracture geometries and conductivity to be used in modelling of horizontal pilot fracturing. These results enabled to develop a comprehensive plan to systematically design, execute, monitor, and verify the hydraulic fracturing operation for the pilot well. Specifically, fracture height in the vertical well with a small perforation interval is assumed very close to transverse fractures along the MSFHW. This allows designing fracture height evaluation program in the VW to assess transverse fracture heights of the MFHW, which is imperative for success of the horizontal pilot. Integrated hydraulic fracturing and reservoir dynamic simulations were also conducted. The modeling results helped optimize HW hydraulic fracturing, improve well performance, understand advantages and limitations of MSFHWs over HFVWs and better develop poorer areas.

The paper will also address some of the unconventional technologies applied in fracture fluid and placement. For the first time in Oman application of pump down plug and perf for deep tight HPHT well, use of natural sand/proppant to enhance fracture placement and optimization of placement design will be discussed. Well tests results from both VW and MSFHW confirmed the pre-frac design and expectation of the well performances.
Is Single Stage Vertical Well the Only Option for Khazzan/Ghazeer? Hydraulic Fracturing Design Optimization Coupled with Production Simulations Provide Insights on Different Completion Approaches to Maximize Recovery, Production and Economics
Authors: Parada C. , Ligocki L. , Varahanaresh S. , Casero A. , Al Harrasi M. N. , Motealleh S.
Published: September 2023

Barik Sandstone is a well know condensate reservoir developed in several fields across Central Oman between Ghaba Salt Basin and Fahud Salt Basin. Its particularity lays in the vertical and lateral heterogeneity resulting from the fluvial-deltaic depositional environment and an associated quite unusually high stress differential across the different mudstone and sandstone members. Barik Sandstone is classified as Unconventional Tight Gas due to the low average permeability and requires hydraulic fracturing (HF) to economically exploit the natural resources.

Over the years, operators have applied different completion strategies, all including HF, spanning form vertical wells with multiple stages to vertical wells with single massive HF treatments and horizontal multistage wells, the paper will contain a literature review covering all these solutions including the rationale and areas overlapping. However, the common denominator to the success of the stimulation and completion strategy applied is the identification of an optimized HF design that maximizes recovery and economics, increases deliverability and reliability, while efficiently deploy capital expenditure.

This paper is focusing on the work done in the Khazzan and Ghazeer fields to optimize the HF through a full circle process that start from reservoir and Mechanical Earth Model descriptions to hydraulic fracturing modeling and sensitivities on different options, then exporting frac geometries to reservoir model and run production predictions, to compare economic analysis, and finally applying the findings to field operations.

In condensate gas reservoir, both length (geometry of fracture) and conductivity of fracture play important roles in gas rate and recovery. This study shows how dimensionless fracture conductivity design and increase in fracture length can be balanced to improve gas rate and recovery. Additionally, it provides guidance and sensitivities on the effect of permeability and number of frac stages on recovery and production uplift.

This paper presents a method integrating different disciplines including geology, petrophysics, stimulation, petroleum, and reservoir engineering, while using static and dynamic data. Static data such as vertical heterogeneity and stress profile and dynamic data such as HF treatment rate and pressure, well production data (rate and BHP), pressure build up data are integrated to provide the optimal stimulation approach with different optionality depending on project specific objective and constrains.
Thermal Fracturing Simulation for Flow Assurance in CCS
Authors: Park Jason , Berentsen Cas , de Pater C. J. Hans
Published: September 2023

CO2 injection into depleted gas fields causes long-term cooling of the reservoir. Therefore, even if injection pressure stays below the fracture initiation pressure, the cooled volume still creates an extensive stress disturbance that can induce propagation of large fractures over time. The enhanced injectivity after the onset of this thermal fracturing might jeopardize injection operations due to the risk of hydrate plugging in the injection well caused by the combination of low pressure and low temperature, and large fractures may also increase the risk of loss of containment. Modeling the fracture evolution provides an estimate of these effects and their timing.

Coupled simulation of CO2 injection provides the thermal fracture dimensions for a given uncertainty in the reservoir parameters. Simplified stress modelling is applied in the thermal fracture reservoir simulation, but a full 3D geomechanical model that was developed for fault slip analysis provides accurate estimates of the stress state after depletion and the subsequent evolution of the stresses during CO2 injection. For computation efficiency, sector models were used with locally refined grids to accommodate fractures in the reservoir simulation model. It was verified that the fracture models match the full-field simulation under matrix flow conditions. The fracture simulations were developed in close relation with flow assurance modeling to determine the operational windows that avoid hydrate formation while maintaining the required injection target.

Thermal fracture propagation by CO2 injection into the depleted Dutch offshore gas field has been simulated by using coupled simulation approach. The model has been developed with geomechanical properties and stresses obtained from various sources in neighboring fields. It was found that stress, thermal expansion coefficient, modulus and permeability distribution are the principal parameters that determine fracture growth. The forecast of thermal fracture propagation yielded in some cases very long fractures reaching compartment boundaries. Injectivity was enhanced by up to a factor of 4, which is significant for flow assurance. The coupled modeling of thermal fracturing provides mitigating measures in case the temperature and pressure drop into the hydrate formation window.
Strategy for Reducing Environmental Footprint of Hydraulic Fracturing Operations through Engineering Excellence and Operational Efficiency
Authors: Kurniadi S. D. , Ryan A. , Hamidon Z. R.
Published: September 2023

According to the IEA, the 1.5°C scenario hinges on reducing CO2 emissions to net zero by 2050. Energy industries will need to take a leadership role in developing sustainability development goals for this to happen. To be successful, all traditional emissions sources across our industry will need to be addressed. Hydraulic fracturing is considered one of the largest opportunities to reduce the CO2 footprint while delivering production enhancement. This paper focuses on specific strategies of reducing the CO2 footprint for hydraulic fracturing operations.

In hydraulic fracturing, where the energy consumption is more than that of a drilling rig, carbon footprint reduction is critical. The CO2 reduction commitment requires early engagement and close collaboration between the operator and the service company to maximize the impact. In hydraulic fracturing, the initiative has focused on four aspects: energy optimization, where operational efficiency, resource optimization, and mixed energy sources will be the main CO2 reduction contributors; logistics optimization, including the logistics methodology, sourcing, and real-time push logistics; material conservation, including water conservation, optimization of treatment design, and utilization of alternative materials; and the technology initiative, in which various technologies available in daily life can be adopted by the oil and gas industry, including digitalization to provide real-time information.

Various initiatives and technologies among the four aspects have already been implemented and successfully trialed around the world. These initiatives have not only been able to reduce CO2 emissions but have the potential to significantly reduce the cost of well delivery. These initiatives have also significant potential to boost in-country value, positively affecting local economics. Several initiatives will be presented, including their positive impact on CO2 reduction along with other values that were realized.

The information presented in this paper provides insight into the implementation of a dedicated strategy to reducing CO2 emissions in a rigless hydraulic fracturing program. Several examples are provided with the direct and indirect impact as a reference for the industry to accelerate the CO2 reduction in hydraulic fracturing and other activities in the petroleum industry.
Frac Pack Completions - Continuous Innovation Via Screenless Frac pack for Robust Sand Control and Improved Economics for Infill Drilling Projects Offshore Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Awang@Mohamed Zaidi , Abd Hamid Sufian , Roh Cheol Hwan , Tan Yvonne , Akbar Ali Anwar Husen
Published: September 2023

Frac pack has been implemented in brown field development in field D to improve both sand fines control effectiveness and productivity over previous conventional gravel pack completions. Marginal reserve in volatile economic situation required further innovation or approaches to improve project economics. To reduce well completion costs, screenless frac-pack was introduced recently which has improved project economics while testing robustness and longevity of such a completion. This paper focuses on the improvement efforts, design fine-tuning, experiences gained, valuable lessons learned, and the best practices.

One of the challenges with conventional gravel pack completion is the high completion cost and potential screen- plugging time. Screenless frac-pack eliminates the use of costly downhole sand screen, packer assemblies and subsequent RIH cost. The main frac-pack treatment utilized tip screen out method to create short fracture length and wide fracture width to maximize fracture conductivity. Resin coated proppant (RCP) was used to prevent proppant flowback during production. The job was successfully executed and well brought online in 2022 which continues to produce with good productivity and no proppant flowback observed.

Success criteria for this application is driven by two elements; first one is the ability to keep the proppant in fracture without flow-back during production life and the second one to meet the expected target production rate without production impairment. Post-treatment production results met both the criteria and based on this success of the first trial of the screenless frac-pack technology, its replication is being planned in more wells. Further reduction in well cost is also expected by applying the same frac design concept in monobore wells by creating more value from upcoming infill drilling projects and to improve economics of the multiple marginal reserve developments. Apart from that, there are learnings and concerns that we will highlight in this paper for future considerations during the replication of this design.
Invasive and native plants differ in their effects on the soil microbial community and plant-soil phosphorus cycle
Authors: Zeng Lingda , Zhao Mengxin , Sun Feng
Published: September 2023

Exploring the expansion mechanisms of invasive plants from plant and soil systems is an important ecological research objective; however, plant and soil phosphorus (P) cycling is not well understood. We explored the potential of the soil microbial community to mediate organic P mineralization and allocation to invasive and native plants in South China. Soil samples were collected from three invasive plants of M. micrantha, B. pilosa, and I. cairica and three native plants of Persicaria chinensis, Paederia scandens and Pluchea indica, and soil microbial communities, enzyme activities, and soil P fractions were examined. Plant P concentrations and foliar P fractions were tested to determine P allocation. The results showed that invasive species had higher levels of acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterase and induced a stronger acceleration of soil organic P decomposition. Moreover, the soil glucose dehydrogenase gene of the invasive species was more abundant than that of the native species, allowing it to mineralize more organic P. The invasive species had higher nucleic acid P and metabolic P in the foliar than in the native species because the invasive species allocated more P to photosynthesis. Our study suggests that invasive plants can enhance organic P decomposition by altering the soil microbial communities. In addition, invasive plants may have a higher P utilization efficiency than native plants. These results provide novel mechanistic explanations for the rapid expansion of invasive species in P-poor, lower latitudes.
Can functional MRI help differentiate invasive placentas in patients with placenta previa?
Authors: Lu Tao , Li Mou , Li Hang , Wang Yishuang , Zhao Yan , Hu Shikang , Wang Guotai
Published: September 2023

Introduction: To investigate if functional MRI can add additional diagnostic value in distinguishing invasive placentas in patients with placenta previa.
Methods: A total of 53 patients with invasive placentas and 20 patients with noninvasive placentas were retrospectively enrolled. DWI parameters were measured by volumetric analysis and MRI images were reviewed,respectively. The differences of DWI parameters and MRI features were compared. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the ability of different diffusion parameters and MRI features for distinguishing invasive placentas.
Results: Comparisons between patients with invasive and noninvasive placentas demonstrated D mean and D* min were significantly higher while ADC max and D max were significantly lower in patients with invasive placentas (p < 0.05). T2 dark bands, placental heterogeneity, abnormal intraplacental vascularity and placental bulge were associated with invasive placentas (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that D max was an independent risk factor for invasive placentas. The AUC was 0.79 with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 70%, 87%, and 78.5%, respectively.
Discussion: D max helps distinguish invasive placentas in patients with placenta previa.
WITHDRAWN: Establishment of a stratified recurrence risk model for patients with synchronous gastrointestinal cancer peritoneal metastasis after surgery
Authors: Gao Yifei , Tianjin Ximo Wang
Published: September 2023

Purpose Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is a common distant metastasis in gastrointestinal malignancies. The combination of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and cytoreductive surgery (CRS) has significantly increased the chances of recovery for patients suffering from peritoneal cancer. The objective of this research is to create a model for assessing the likelihood of recurrence after surgery for peritoneal metastasis in patients with concurrent gastrointestinal malignancies. This will be done by analyzing the risk factors and using the Nomogram.
Methods Our study analyzed data from 5887 peritoneal metastases from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER) from 2018-2020. Our goal was to identify predictors of overall survival (OS) using Cox regression analysis. The Nomogram model underwent validation through a calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified age, tumor size, grade at diagnosis, pathology type, TNM stage, and chemotherapy as independent predictors of OS. A predictive model was constructed using these factors and visualized through the Nomogram model. The ROC curve demonstrated good discriminatory ability and discriminant performance of the Nomogram model. The calibration curve showed good agreement between actual observation and Nomogram model prediction, and DCA indicated good clinical utility. A system was developed to classify patients into three risk groups based on their likelihood of recurrence. The low-risk group had a median overall survival of 24 months, the intermediate-risk group had a median OS of 11 months, and the high-risk group had a median OS of 2 months.
Conclusion A Nomogram model and corresponding recurrence risk classification system were constructed for patients with concurrent gastrointestinal malignancy, providing a risk assessment model with good clinical predictive value. With the assistance of this model, it is possible to identify patients who are at high risk and develop personalized treatment plans to meet their individual needs.
Capital Sharing and Socialization in an Interprofessional Student-Led Clinic: A Bordieuan Analysis
Authors: Roberts Chris , Khanna Priya , Burgess Annette
Published: September 2023

Background
Interprofessional student-led clinics provide valuable settings for authentic clinical experiences and collaborative patient care. However, there is a lack of theoretically informed research to optimize the factors impacting the sustainability of these clinics. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the dynamic relationships between students and patients in a co-creating student-led clinic for individuals living with Parkinson's Disease, using Bourdieu's theoretical framework.
Methods
The teaching focussed clinic was established in 2018 to emulate a clinical service. Semi-structured focus groups with participants (20 students from 5 disciplines and 11 patients) were conducted to gather in-depth insights into their clinic experience. A thematic analysis was guided by Bourdieu’s concepts of field, habitus, capital, and power.
Results
Our findings suggests that the student-led clinic emerged as a complex field intersecting with a patient support group, an aged care facility, and university-based healthcare disciplines. We developed three broad themes: Fostering students’ disposition to interprofessional care, Capitalizing on collaboration and empowerment and Culture of mutual capital exchange. Students and patients developed specific dispositions which enriched their habitus, by focused on meeting shared patient well-being goals. As participants engaged in interprofessional collaborative practice, they brought different forms of capital to the clinic. Social and cultural capital was exchanged among students, fostering trust and respect for disciplinary expertise and professional boundaries. Students gained cultural capital, acquiring interprofessional knowledge about and with patients. In a culture of mutual trust, patients felt empowered through their symbolic capital, investing in students' learning and recognizing the importance of their own well-being goals within the collaborative setting.
Conclusion
The findings highlight the collective symbolic power of the interprofessional student-led clinic, where the recognition and exchange of valued forms of capital among participants fostered student learning and enriched the habitus of both students and patients. Valuing and sharing different forms of capital other than economic, such as social and cultural capital, contributed to optimizing the participants' clinic experience. These insights can inform the development and sustainability of interprofessional student-led clinics, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust, respect, and shared goals between students and patients, and educators.
Laparoscopic Hepatectomy as a Feasible and Safe Choice for Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma Located at Favorable Location during the development period in a tertiary hospital: A case-control study
Authors: Lee Yi-Hsuan , Huang Yu-Ting , Kuo Tsai-Ling , Lee Ming-Che , Chen Yen-Cheng
Published: September 2023

Background
Laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been well-known for its advantages in the past 10 years, but little is known regarding its oncologic outcomes while the technique is being developed at an institution. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of LH for patients with primary HCC at favorable locations, focusing on postoperative short-, and long-term outcomes during the development period.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with primary HCC that underwent hepatectomy between January 2013 and December 2019 at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital. Patients with HCC at favorable locations (anterolateral segments) were collected and divided into laparoscopic and open hepatectomy (OH) groups. The primary end point was long-term oncologic outcomes, including overall, and disease-free survival, whereas the secondary end point was postoperative short-term outcomes.
Results
The review included 159 patients, and among which 42, and 44 patients with HCC in favorable locations were underwent open and laparoscopic hepatectomies. There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss (200 vs. 300 mL, p = 0.072), overall complication rate (57.2% vs. 36.4%, p = 0.083), major complication rate (11.9% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.080), and 90-day mortality rate (7.1% vs. 0.0%, p =0.071) between the two groups. The laparoscopic group had a lower transfusion rate (14.3% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.042), shorter postoperative hospital stay (10 days vs. 7 days, p < 0.001), and lower 90-day readmission rate (14.3% vs. 2.3%, p = 0,042). There were no significant differences in 12-, 36,- and 60-month overall survival and disease-free survival.
Conclusions
LH for favorably located HCC is the preferred surgical approach compared to OH due to the decreased transfusion rate, shorter postoperative hospital stay, and lower 90-day readmission rate. LH did not compromise the 90-day mortality rate with sustained long-term overall and disease-free survival. LH for favorably located HCC is a safe and effective surgical approach even during the development period.
Evaluation of a disability-inclusive ultra-poor graduation programme in Uganda: study protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial with process evaluation
Authors: Kipchumba Elijah , Davey Calum , Marks Sarah Alexandra , Mugeere Anthony , Banks Lena Morgon , Islam Kazi Eliza , Shakespeare Tom , Kuper Hannah , Sulaiman Munshi
Published: September 2023

Background There is little evidence on how to support ultra-poor people with disabilities to adopt sustainable livelihoods. The Disability-Inclusive Graduation (DIG) programme targets ultra-poor people with disabilities and/or women living in rural Uganda. The programme is an adaptation of an ultra-poor -graduation model that has been shown to be effective in many contexts but not evaluated for people with disabilities.Methods The DIG programme works with project participants over a period of 18 months. Participants receive unconditional cash transfers for six-months, training, access to savings-and-loans groups, and a capital asset that forms the basis of their new livelihood. The programme is also adapted to address specific barriers that people with disabilities face. Eligible households are clustered by geographical proximity in order to deliver the intervention. Eligibility is based on household screening to identify the “ultra-poor” based on proxy means testing – both households with and without people with disabilities are included in the programme. Clusters are randomly selected prior to implementation, resulting in 96 intervention and 89 control clusters. The primary outcome of the trial is per-capita household consumption. Before the start of the intervention, a baseline household survey is conducted (November 2020) among project participants and those not offered the programme; a similar endline survey is conducted with participants with disabilities at the end of programme implementation in July 2022; and a second endline survey for all participants in October 2023. These activities are complemented by a process evaluation to understand DIG programme implementation, mechanisms, and context using complementary qualitative and quantitative methods. Ethical approval for the research has been received from Mildmay Uganda Research Ethics Committee and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.Discussion DIG is a promising intervention to evaluate for people with disabilities, adapted to be disability inclusive across programme components through extensive consultations and collaboration, and has proven efficacy at reducing poverty in other marginalised groups. However, evaluating a well evidenced intervention amongst a new target group poses ethical considerations.Trial registration: Registry for International Development Impact Evaluations, RIDIE-STUDY-ID-626008898983a (20/04/22). ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN 78592382. Retrospectively registered on 17/08/2023, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN78592382.
Underwater image enhancement method based on
a cross attention mechanism
Authors: Xu Sunhan , Wang Jinhua , He Ning , Hu Xin , Sun Fengxi
Published: September 2023

Underwater image enhancement is a technique that improves the quality of underwater images, which makes them clearer and more realistic. However, because of the complexity of underwater environments, underwater image enhancement faces many challenges, such as the variation in underwater optical properties as well as low contrast, low brightness, and color distortion in underwater images. To extract underwater image features more effectively, this paper proposes an underwater image enhancement algorithm called Cross Attention-based Underwater Image Enhancement (CAUIE). The algorithm combines cross attention and dynamic enhancement modules to build a U-Net model. Cross attention uses a self-attention mechanism to capture the local and global information of underwater images, thus enhancing the semantic representation of the images. The dynamic enhancement module, by contrast, dynamically adjusts the enhancement parameters according to different regions of the image to acquire detail information. In addition, this paper introduces a contrastive regularization loss to construct a hybrid loss function for guiding the training and optimization of the model. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the comparison algorithm in both subjective visual and objective evaluation criteria. Moreover, the proposed model obtains PSNR and SSIM results of 34.86 dB and 0.996, respectively, increasing the results of the previous model by 7.97 dB and 0.099, which illustrates that the proposed algorithm can solve the color distortion problem and recover the contrast and clarity of underwater images.
Evidence for Alterations in Lipid Profiles and Biophysical Properties of Lipid Rafts From Spinal Cord in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Diaz Mario , Fabelo Noemi , Martin Virginia , Santos Guido , Ferrer Isidre
Published: September 2023

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is an age-dependent neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem whose etiopathogenesis remains unclear. Recent studies have linked major neurodegenerative diseases with altered function of multimolecular lipid-protein complexes named lipid rafts. In the present study, we have isolated lipid rafts from the anterior horn of the spinal cords of controls and ALS individuals, and analysed their lipid composition. We found that ALS affects levels of different fatty acids, lipid classes and related ratios and indexes. The most significant changes affected contents of n-9/n-7 monounsaturated fatty acids and arachidonic acid, the main n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA), which were higher in ALS lipid rafts. Paralleling these findings, ALS lipid rafts lower saturates-to-unsaturates ratio compared to controls. Further, levels of cholesteryl ester (SE) and anionic-to-zwitterionic phospholipids ratio were augmented in ALS lipid rafts, while sulfatides contents were reduced. Further, regression analyses revealed augmented SE esterification to (mono)unsaturated fatty acids in ALS, but to saturates in controls. Overall, these changes indicate that lipid rafts from ALS spinal cord undergo destabilization of the lipid structure, which might impact their biophysical properties, likely leading to more fluid membranes. Indeed, estimations of membrane microviscosity confirmed less viscous membranes in ALS, and well as more mobile yet smaller lipid rafts compared to surrounding membranes. Overall, these results demonstrate that the changes in ALS lipid rafts are unrelated to oxidative stress, but to anomalies in lipid metabolism and/or lipid rafts membrane biogenesis likely occurring in mitochondrial-endoplasmic reticulum- associated membranes.
Synthesis of multifunctional nano-drug with targeted delivery for the synergistic pathway of various inducers on inhibition of breast cancer cell line
Authors: Shafighi Shaghyegh , Zaefizadeh Mohammad , Jaafari Behbood , Alivand Mohammad Reza , Ghorbian Saeed
Published: September 2023

Background and objective: In recent years, interest has grown in the anti-cancer properties of natural compounds, particularly polyphenols including, Oleuropein, Quercetin, Coumarin (an aromatase inhibitor) and Valproic acid, with fewer side effects. Oleuropein stops the cell cycle in the G2/M phase by inhibiting metalloproteinase and increasing the expression of some caspases. Quercetin induces apoptosis by reducing the activity of the PI3K/Akt/IKK-/NF-B pathway. Valproic acid is an inhibitor of histone deacetylases which has a vital role in preventing the spread and progression of cancer. However, the therapeutic effects of polyphenols have constrained by their poor bioavailability. The goal of this study was creation of a natural magnetic nano-complex that is more bioavailable to examine how oleuropein, quercetin, coumarin, and valproic acid work in concert to limit cell growth.
Methods: In this work, a silicon bridge (sio-N-) was built using nano-magnetic iron and methoxy silane to create a magnetic nano-complex with four plant-derived substances: oleuropein, coumarin, quercetin, and valproic acid. These complexes were then analyzed using a variety of spectroscopic and size measures. Then, using the MTT technique and real-time PCR, the inhibitory impact and expression of apoptotic genes on the MCF7 cell line was assessed.
Results: FT-IR, SEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, DLS, and VSM techniques used to validate the synthesis of the nano-complex. The magnetic nano-complex exhibits a greater level of toxicity than the quadruple compound without nanoparticles, according to the MTT test findings. Moreover, compared to any of the materials or their combinations, the magnetic quadruple nanocomposite dramatically reduced the inhibition of cancer cells. Hoechst staining and flow cytometry cell techniques used to confirm this assumption. The quadruple combination and quadruple nanocomposite of magnetism induced overexpression of p53, bim, and bak and reduced BCL2 expression, according to real-time PCR data. Thus, our results showed that the nano-complex treatment increased the expression level of genes involved in apoptosis by up to two times.
Conclusion: Using plant-derived materials with various properties attached to magnetic nanoparticles can increase their toxicity against breast cancer cells and increase their concentration in the cell. Additionally, by creating a synergistic effect through various molecular pathways, it inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells and causes them to undergo apoptosis.
Hyperpyrexia and skin lesions caused by xylazine: a case report
Authors: Dai ping , Chen Yanqing , Zhang Tongyue , Zhou Zhiqiang , Wen Zixin , Shi Mengdi , Genjiafu Aerbusili , Jian Xiangdong
Published: September 2023

Background: Xylazine belongs to the 1,3-thiazide class and is structurally similar to phenothiazine (1,4-thiazide) and tricyclic antidepressants. Xylazine is pharmacologically similar to clonidine, and was initially used to treat hypertension; however, clinical studies discovered that it had serious inhibitory effects on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems, so it was not approved for use. Xylazine is, however, used in veterinary medicine as a sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxant. Related poisoning cases worldwide are rare. We, therefore, aimed to present a case of a patient who not only had severe depression symptoms of the central nervous and cardiovascular systems, but also had high fever and was observed skin scars during the treatment of xylazine poisoning.
Case presentation: We outline the course of the poisoning which led to death 4 days later, as well as our treatment. We also discuss the possible causes of death, including infection and illegal drug use.
Conclusions: From this case of xylazine poisoning, in addition to causing skin lesions and dependence, xylazine may also cause hyperthermia, which has not been reported so far in humans. We suggest that the management of narcotic drugs for human use should be strengthened, along with the control of narcotic drugs for animals.
Challenges and opportunities of translating animal research into human trials in Ethiopia
Authors: Abrhaley Askale , Giday Mirutse , Hailu Asrat
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: Although the goal of translational research is to bring biomedical knowledge from the laboratory to clinical trial and therapeutic products for improving health, this goal has not been well achieved as often as desired because of many barriers documented in different countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the challenges and opportunities of translating animal research into human trials in Ethiopia.
Methods: A descriptive qualitative study, using in-depth interviews, was conducted in which preclinical and clinical trial researchers who have been involved in animal research or clinical trials as principal investigator were involved. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic process.
Results: Six themes were emerged for challenges: lack of financial and human capacity, inadequate infrastructure, operational obstacles and poor research governance, lack of collaboration, lack of reproducibility of results and prolonged ethical and regulatory approval processes. Furthermore, three themes were synthesized for opportunities: growing infrastructure and resources, improved human capacity and better administrative processes and initiatives for collaboration.
Conclusion and recommendations: The study found that the identified characteristics/features are of high importance either to hurdle or enable the practice of translating animal research into human trials. The study suggests that there should be adequate infrastructure and finance, human capacity building, good research governance, improved ethical and regulatory approval process, multidisciplinary collaboration, and incentives and recognition for researchers to overcome the identified challenges and allow translating of animal research into human trials to proceed more efficiently.
Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with coffee consumption among female staff of a Medical Center in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Noghabaei Giti , Arab Maliheh , Payami Sara , Ghavami Behnaz , Nouri Behnaz , Parkhideh Roya , Dolatshahi Sina
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Several aspects can affect serum vitamin D concentrations. The present research was proposed to control the frequency of vitamin D deficiency amongst female staff of a medical center in Tehran, and to categorize the risk factors which predisposed them to advanced danger of vitamin D deficiency.
Methods: Six hundred fifty-one female staff of a Medical Center, aged between 20 and 67 years, were registered into this prospective cross-sectional study. Data including age, education, reproductive history and employment records of all the participants was entered in a questionnaire. Their daily consumption of different types of food and beverages was also recorded. Blood serum levels of 25-dihydroxy vitamin D was studied.
Results: We found that 400 out of 651 working staff (61.5%) had vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D level <20 ng/ml), while 46.4% suffered from severe deficiency (serum 25(OH) D < 12 ng/ml). No significant association was found between serum vitamin D levels and their daily dietary consumption of meat, nuts, vegetables, fruit, salad, and tea. It was discovered that coffee consumption had significant association with lower levels of serum vitamin D (P<0.05). Staff`s record of service and use of calcium-D and multivitamin supplements were found to be the factors inversely related to vitamin D deficiency. Each year increase in their duration of employment was associated with a 5% decrease in their risk of developing vitamin D Deficiency (OR = 0.953 (0.913-0.99; p = 0.0264)). Also, use of calcium-D and multivitamin supplements reduced the risk of vitamin D deficiency by 53% (OR = 0.479 (0.266-0.862); p = 0.014), and 52% (OR = 0.482 (0.271-0.856); p = 0.013), respectively.
Conclusion: The study revealed that vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent among working women of the medical center and was inversely associated with their age, duration of employment, and use of multivitamins and calcium-D supplements. We found that coffee drinking was significantly connected with lower serum vitamin D status in the studied population.
Endoscopic ultrasound miniprobe (EUS) and single balloon enteroscopy: a diagnostic innovative tool for small bowel lesions.
Authors: Cannizzaro Renato , Zoratti Caterina , Realdon Stefano , Maiero Stefania , Pelizzo Paola , Navarria Luca , Crocè Lory
Published: September 2023

Although small intestine is the longest tract of the digestive system, small bowel lesions are uncommon. However, when they occur, they represent a major challenge for the Gastroenterologist, since the small intestine is difficult to explore with standard endoscopic techniques. In this short report, we describe our experience using together the ballon-assisted enteroscopy (SBE) with the endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) through EUS miniprobe UM-3Y to investigate small bowel lesions.
Bioactivity of essential oil from Brassica oleraceae var. italic as an Alternative to Traditional Antibiotics
Authors: Vázquez-Quiñones Carlos Ramón , Natividad-Bonifacio Iván , Álvarez-Contreras Ana Karen , Parada-Fabián José Carlos , Hernández-Robles Marcos Francisco , Vázquez-Salinas Carlos , Quiñones-Ramirez Elsa Irma
Published: September 2023

Over the past decade, the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance and adverse drug reactions has spurred intense research efforts to uncover innovative antimicrobial agents. In this comprehensive study, our primary goal was to unravel the intricate chemical composition of the essential oil, hexane, alcoholic, and aqueous extracts from Brassica oleraceae var. italica. Subsequently, we embarked on a thorough assessment of their potent antibacterial activity against microorganisms of paramount public health significance. The essential oil, meticulously extracted via hydro-distillation, divulged a fascinating chemical makeup under the scrutinizing gaze of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Predominantly enriched with oxygenated compounds, notably butane, 1-isothiocyanate, and 4-formyl-1,3(2H) dihydroimidazole-2-thiol, the essential oil exhibited remarkable potential. Both the oil and ethanol extracts unequivocally exhibited potent bactericidal effects against the battery of tested bacteria. In a resounding denouement, we underscore the tremendous promise harbored by the essential oil sourced from the seeds of Brassica oleracea var. italica for the prophylaxis and therapy of pathogen-induced maladies in the labyrinthine world of the food industry.
Effects and mechanism of Kudingcha on obesity based on network pharmacology
Authors: Sui Xiaohui , Liu Jia , Gong Li , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2023

Context:
Obesity is the world's most high-profile public health problem. Kudingcha has been used in traditional medicine because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and weight loss properties. Quercetin and kaempferol are the main components rich in Kudingcha that are effective against obesity.
Objective
We used the method of network pharmacology to study the effects of quercetin and kaempferol to HepG2 cells on obesity.
Materials & methods
We obtained 20 hub genes through PPI results and the Cytoscape plug-in cytoHubba. The top 10 genes were found eventrully by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. The results showed that the insulin resistance, PI3K-Akt signaling pathways and adipocytokine signaling pathway might be the central pathways associated with the treatment of obesity by kudingcha. Next, we used Real-Time PCR to detect the expression levels of ISNR, SLc2a4 and APOE genes to study its mechanism.
Results
The results showed that compared with the blank group, the expression of ISNR and SLc2a4 increased and the expression of APOE decreased.
Discussion & Conclusion:
Our experiments confirmed that Kudingcha contains compounds that can improve insulin resistance and obesity. This can provide a reference for further research and application of Kudingcha in the treatment of obesity.
Interactive travel time scenario modeling tool to facilitate disaster response, demonstrated on the Idai disaster in Chimanimani
Authors: MAZHAWIDZA THERESA , Murwira Karin , Mazhindu Aldridge Nyasha
Published: September 2023

Disruption to critical infrastructure is of major interest to engineers, policy-makers and planners. A resilient transport system should be able to withstand the adverse impacts of undesirable weather conditions such as flooding, landslides etc and be able to function in such weather without posing further disaster to locals depending on such infrastructure for services. The focus of this paper is to study and model the loss of accessibility in terms of delay in travel time that was experienced during the Chimanimani Idai floods as a result of damage to the key bridges that linked the area. The model should be interactive in nature allowing the testing or modeling of different scenarios with different parameters and possibly be used by policy makers and site engineers during planning and disaster mitigation. In order to reduce or completely avoid the cascading effects of a disaster such as witnessed during Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani there is need to fully understand the behavior and dependency of transport infrastructure networks and possibly model methodologies and techniques which can be used to assess and weight different options targeted to reduce the impact of hazards.
Base Flipping Mechanism and Binding Strength of Methyl-damaged DNA during the Interaction with AGT
Authors: Koirala Rajendra Prasad , Adhikari Narayan Prasad
Published: September 2023

Methyl damage to DNA bases is common in the cell nucleus. O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyl transferase(AGT) may be a promising candidate for direct damage reversal in methylated DNA (mDNA) at the O6 point of the guanine. Indeed, atomic-level investigations in the contact region of AGT-DNA complex can provide an in-depth understanding of their binding mechanism, allowing to evaluate silico-drug nature of AGT and its utility in removing methyl damage in DNA. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was utilized to examine the flipping of methylated nucleotide, the binding mechanism between mDNA and AGT, and the comparison of binding strength prior and post methyl transfer to AGT. The study reveals that methylation at the O6 atom of guanine weakens hydrogen bonds between guanine and cytosine, permitting for the flipping of such nucleotide. The formation of a hydrogen bond between the base pair of methylated nucleotide (i.e., cytosine) and the intercalated arginine of AGT also forces the nucleotide to rotate. Following that, hydrogen bonding, electrostatics, and van der Waals interactions are the most important interactions in the formation of a stable complex of DNA and AGT molecules. The stronger binding of AGT with DNA before methyl transfer creates the suitable condition to transfer methyl adduct from DNA to AGT.