bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successfully Application of RPM in Sand Control Treatments for Offshore Field: Challenges, Results and Improvements
Authors: Choodesh Attawit , Chantarataneewat Wiwan , Ramirez Cristian , Rosdi Mohd Hisyam
Published: August 2022

One of the offshore gas fields, the formations are comprised of mixed deltaic and young shallow marine clastic sediments, which are considered among the shallowest unconsolidated and poorly sorted formations, with a high percentage of fines. Along with the sand production issue is the multiple stacked reservoirs that consist of interbedded sand-shale and laminations having undergone gas-water contact (GWC). The proximity of a water leg to the gas column also indicates likelihood of early water production. Water breakthrough can cause significant reserve loss in the gas reservoir and can be even more serious in the sand control completion, which creates a challenge when the two problems combine water and sand.

Typical sand control treatments were high-rate water packs (HRWPs) and Extension packs (ExtPacs) or fracture for placement of proppant (FPP). The use of a pad is necessary to maximize the amount of proppant placed into the formation and help reduce overall skin using onsite data analysis. The gravel pack carrier fluid is a viscosified system with shear thinning rheological properties and efficiently suspends sand in static condition. Additionally, this fluid allows substantial flexibility in sand control design for varying degrees of sand support for gravel packing, fluid-loss control, friction-pressure reduction, and a low-damage fluid system (validated with laboratory testing using reservoir cores to validate return permeability values). The objective of the relative permeability modifier (RPM) in sand-control chemical treatments is to prolong hydrocarbon production over time using effective control of water production in one step as a prepad fluid, eliminating the cost and complexity of the water shutoff treatment stage later as part of well life

Applying the RPM process has not only reduced water production in these areas but has also resulted in more gas cumulative production. It is also important to monitor production for several months after the treatment to determine the success or failure of the application. Globally, this is the first successful application of RPM delivery in the same aqueous gravel-packing carrier fluid system using a pad fluid, consisting of high-grade xanthan polymer as a gelling agent. Implementation of this process provides the operator an additional tool to increase the possibility of hydrocarbon production from a reservoir that has not been considered viable. Use of the RPM technique in sand-control completions also an option to treat wells after sand-control treatments and control water production resulting from nearby GWC
Combination of Side Entry Sub, Pad Eye Sub, and Swivel Sub Prevents Damage to Wireline Cable and Allows Heave Compensation on a Semi-submersible Rig for Pipe Recovery Operation
Authors: Pinprayong Verapich , Htet Myo , Seleman Mohd Al-Amin , Lim Annie , Riaz Kevin
Published: August 2022

Wireline pipe recovery operation on a floater type offshore rig such as a semi-submersible or drillship can be challenging when heave motion affects the wireline cable, depth accuracy, cable tension, rig-up equipment positions, and well control. The heave motion compensator (HMC) unit connected on top of the top-drive system (TDS) has a narrow gap that allows a wireline cable to pass through and could cause damage to the wireline cable. Conventional processes in performing pipe recovery operations only permit operations to occur on the open end of the drillpipe while on the rotary table. With a long bailer arm, the cable will have enough clearance to pass through the elevator then enter the TDS body, but this process also prevents the operator from establishing a barrier for well control situations because the top of the drillpipe remains open. The other issue is depth accuracy, where heave motion causes both upward and downward movement on the cable while wireline is being run in hole (RIH) or pulled out of the hole (POOH). The depth shifts due to heaving motion could cause a back-off string shot to be fired off at depth.

To overcome these issues, the Smart Sub system—a combination of a special side-entry sub (SES), pad eye sub, and a swivel sub—allows heave motion to be compensated to the top sheave and enables the wireline cable to be positioned in front of the TDS unlike the conventional method where the cable remains in contact with the TDS. The real result of this combination is studied from the pipe recovery operation performed on semi-submersible rig in Myanmar.
Reducing Drilling Risk Associated with Running Casing through Challenging Borehole Conditions with the Adoption of a Scalable Ultra-High Speed Hydraulically Actuated Reamer Shoe Technology
Authors: Nkwocha Chimerebere , Yimyam Nipatsin
Published: August 2022

This paper presents lessons learned and best practices using a scalable hydraulically actuated reamer shoe system for casing deployment. The technology was used in a few wells to successfully run 7 inch casing through problematic geological horizons where it had been impossible to do so with conventional float shoes.

A scalable and customizable high speed reamer shoe technology was deployed in three wells right after a well in which the 7 inch long-string could not be deployed to objective depth and had to be set prematurely, leaving a lengthy rathole below the casing shoe. Consequently, the production zone had to be drilled and completed in 4 ½ inch. This ultra-high speed scalabe reamer shoe technology was then deployed in subsequent wells in an attempt to address this concern. Three 7 inch reamer shoes with two different configurations were deployed. Two were configured for LCM tolerance, whilst the third tool was tuned towards more optimal performance at lower circulating rates. The 7 inch casing strings were successfully deployed and cemented in all three wells.

Tools with two variants of a new scalable, dual-chamber drive mechanism from the manufacturer were used. The major difference being in the flow pattern between the chambers. The LCM tolerant tools were the latest variant of the drive mechanism with a minimum restriction of 15mm, while the tool with the earlier variant of the scalable drive chamber, had a minimum restriction of 8 mm and a by-pass valve arrangement made up of 4 x 20mm ports. Activation flow rates were low though significantly different. The earlier tool activated at +/- 60 gpm whereas the more recent drive mechanism in the latest variant, activated at 26 gpm, indicative of a significant improvement in tool performance though configured for higher flow rates. Operating pressures were significantly higher in the earlier variant compared to the more recent drive mechanism. The differences in activation flow rates and operating pressures are due to how flow is altered and channeled through the drive mechanism as configured in each tool. All three tools were used to run 7 inch casing at low circulation (< 180 gpm) and successfully reamed through any obstructions encountered and cemented at target depth.

The use of this technology was instrumental in successfully deploying all three 7 inch casing strings to objective depth. Due to its low flow capbilities (<180 gpm), PTTEP was able to successfully manage the tight pressure margin required to land casing and displace cement. Furthermore, the tool was evidently effective at circulating rates as low as 100 gpm and low operating pressures, making it ideal for most tubular deployment applications.
Laboratory Study and Field Application of Salt-Tolerant Nano-Emulsion for Enhanced Spontaneous Imbibition Oil Recovery
Authors: Wu Wenming , Hou Jirui , Xiao Lixiao , Qu Ming , Wang Weiju , Stephenraj Infant Raj , Wen Yuchen , Wu Weipeng , Liang Tuo
Published: August 2022

Spontaneous imbibition is an effective method to improve the oil recovery of tight reservoirs.The development and research of nano-emulsion provide a new technical direction for improving spontaneous imbibition oil recovery (SIOR) in tight reservoirs.The salinity has a significant effect on the properties and spontaneous imbibition of nano-emulsion, but the effect on the imbibition mechanisms is still unclear.In the paper, thelower nano-emulsion system with core-shell structures, called HS-LNE,is prepared by nano-emulsion dilution method.Afterwards,the properties and imbibition mechanisms of HS-LNE under different salinitiesare studied.Firstly,the particalsize andstability of the HS-LNE system are evaluated by centrifugation and spectroscopy. What's more, the interfacial tension (IFT), wettability,and adsorption experiments under diffierent salinitiesare carried out, and the salinity influences on the physicochemical properties of the HS-LNE system is systematically analyzed.At the same time, the SIORvariationlaw of the HS-LNE system under different salinitiesis comprehensively explored through static spontaneous imbibition experiments.The experimental results show that the HS-LNE system has excellent stability at high salinity. Moreover, as the salinity increasing, the IFT of the HS-LNE system decreased, and the wettability alternationincreased.However, the adsorption on solid interfaceswas not significantly changed and SIOR reached the highest value of 50.27% at the optimal salinity (50×103mg/L). Finally, the HS-LNE system with the optimal salinity was selected for the field test forpermeability enhancement and flooding in Well Gan 128 in Jilin Oilfield. The oil production was increased by 450 t after 5 months, with an estimated validity period of 24 months and a cumulative oil production increase of 1900 t.
Inspiratory muscle training combined with Tai Ji improves balance after stroke:a protocol for a Single-center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lei Wang Xiao , Su Jian-Qing , Zhu Lin , Wu Rui-Ren , Wang Wu , Feng Wei
Published: August 2022

Background Balance dysfunction is the main manifestation of patients after stroke in clinic, which leads to unstable gait and seriously affects the prognosis of patients. The first prerequisite to improve the balance dysfunction is to increase the exercise of lower limbs. Previous clinical studies have found that besides Chinese traditional Tai Ji training, inspiratory muscle training can enhance the intra-abdominal pressure, promote the stability of spine and pelvis, and improve the balance function of patients by enhancing their cardiopulmonary function. However, it still needs further proof from large sample research. The overall goal of this experiment is to further evaluate the clinical effect of inspiratory muscle training combined with Tai Ji to further improve the balance function of patients after stroke. Methods/design This trial is a randomized controlled trial, which will compare the superiority of Tai Ji training and inspiratory muscle combined with Tai Ji training in improving the balance function of stroke patients. Patients are randomly divided into two groups, namely Tai Ji group and inspiratory muscle training group. Recruit 62 inpatients with stroke who meet the test criteria, and observe the improvement of balance function after 4 weeks of intervention. The first evaluation index is American balance manager balance test system. The second evaluation index is diaphragm ultrasound, berg balance scale and trunk injury scale.Discussion: To evaluate the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training combined with Tai Ji in improving balance function of patients after stroke. The results of this study will provide more evidence for the clinical application of this therapy in the future.Trail registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR)， ID：ChiCTR2100054576，Registered on 20 December 2021.
Cold-induced asthma exacerbation through disruption of murine airway epithelial barrier
Authors: Zhou Tingyang , Liao Wenjing , Wang Xiaofen , Wang Yiyan , Yang Pingchang , Zuo Li , Zhong Nanshan , Han Demin , Zhang Xiaowen
Published: August 2022

Background: Cold exposure is a common factor to trigger asthma attacks. However, the underlying mechanism has not been thoroughly elucidated. We aimed to investigate the hypothesis that low temperature reduces occludin expression and compromises the epithelial barrier function in airways, which in turn, results in asthma exacerbation. Methods: We examined occludin expression in Beas-2B cells exposed to either 29 °C or 37 °C. The following drugs were administered prior to cold treatment: MG132 (a proteasome inhibitor), cycloheximide (a protein synthesis inhibitor), HC-067047 plus GSK2193874 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 [TRPV4] antagonists), or C4-ceramide (a glucocorticoid-inducible kinase [SGK1] activator). siNedd4-2 was transfected into Beas-2B cells to investigate the role that Nedd4-2 plays in mediating occludin instability induced by cold. In animal experiments, we treated ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice with a thermoneutral temperature of 30 °C or cold exposure (10 °C, 6 h/day) for 2 weeks. MG132, GSK2193874 or C4-ceramide was administered during the cold treatment. Occludin expression of the lung, pulmonary permeability, serum IgE levels, and lung inflammation were assessed. Results: Treatment at 29 °C for 1-9 h significantly reduced the expression of occludin in Beas-2B cells, which was rescued upon treatment with MG132, HC-067047 plus GSK2193874, C4-ceramide, or Nedd4-2 knockdown. Low temperatures affected occludin stability through SGK1/Nedd4-2-dependent proteolysis. In vivo mice data revealed that cold exposure compromised the airway epithelial barrier function, decreased occludin expression, and exacerbated lung inflammation, which was attenuated by the GSK2193874 or C4-ceramide injection. Conclusion: We identified a new mechanism underlying cold-induced asthma exacerbation involving Nedd4-2-mediated occludin proteolysis and epithelial barrier disruption.
Inhaled nitric oxide in premature infants for preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Yi , Wu Qi , Han Shuping
Published: August 2022

Background
The effectiveness of NO in the treatment of BPD is debatable. To conduct a meta-analysis to guide clinical decision making regarding the efficacy and safety of inhaled nitric oxide in the treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants.
Methods
Data from clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTS) published in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, CNKI, and VIP databases for premature infants were searched from the database's inception to March 2022. Review Manager 5.3 statistical software was used for heterogeneity analysis.
Results
There were 905 references in total, with 11 RCTS that met the screening criteria being meta-analyzed. The incidence of BPD was recorded in both the iNO and control groups, with the iNO group having a lower incidence (RR = 0.91, 95%CI 0.85–0.97, P = 0.006). At the initial dose of 5ppm, subgroup analysis revealed no significant difference in the incidence of BPD between two groups (P = 0.09). The group treated with 10 ppm iNO had a lower incidence of BPD (RR = 0.90, 95%CI 0.81–0.99, P = 0.03). The iNO group increased the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (RR = 1.33, 95%CI 1.04–1.71, P = 0.03). At the initial dose of 10 ppm, subgroup analysis revealed no significant difference in the incidence of NEC between the two groups (P = 0.41). NEC was more pervasive in the 5 ppm iNO initial dosage group than in the control group (RR = 1.41, 95%CI 1.03–1.91, P = 0.03). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of in-hospital mortality, intracranial hemorrhage (all grades) or leukomalacia, and pulmonary hemorrhage (PH).
Conclusions
INO can reduce the risk of BPD in preterm infants with a gestational age of ≤ 34 weeks who require respiratory support, but it has no statistically significant impact on BPD mortality and no serious adverse responses, although it may raise the risk of NEC. Simultaneously, when the initial dose of iNO ≥ 10ppm, the effect of lowering the incidence of BPD while lowering the incidence of NEC can be realized. However, scarcity of multi-center large-sample clinical research is still needed.
Agricultural Land Suitability Assessment towards Promoting Community Crop Production in Tolon-Ghana
Authors: Antwi Effah Kwabena , Setiawati Martiwi Diah , Tetteh Jacob Doku , Boakye-Danquah John , Owusu-Banahene Wiafe , (Apronti) Priscilla Toloo Yohuno
Published: August 2022

Continuous use of agricultural land without periodic assessment of its suitability or performance for the cultivation of a specific crop could degrade soil fertility and compromise the long-term sustainability of the land to support production. Our aim is to use an integrated approach to assess agricultural land suitability in a small-scale farming system in the semi-arid region of northern Ghana, identify limiting factors for optimum crop production, and recommend intervention options towards sustainable farm management. We developed a data-driven model for land suitability analysis based on the Generalized Additive Models (GAM) approach. We validated the model with the actual yield data for six food crops (maize, pepper, yam, rice, peanut, and cowpea) under various biological, physical and chemical soil conditions across six communities. The result showed that the farmlands across the communities were highly suitable for maize and pepper but not suitable for cowpea. A qualitative validation method based on the contingency table showed the accuracy percentage of 84–100% for POD (Probability of Detection) and 6–21% for FAR (False alarm ratio) for all crops type. Hence, our model could be considered excellent to predict land suitability for different crop types. We recommend that stakeholders in the agricultural value chain should collaborate to develop low-cost and effective means of helping farmers determine the suitability of soils for specific crops to ensure that farmlands are not of depleted nutrients. In addition, periodic farmer training on appropriate farm management practices, including the right use of fertilizers, is needed.
Effects of Feeding Artemia sp. and Artificial Feed Enriched with Bacillus sp. NP5 to Catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus on Growth Performance, Immune Responses, and Resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila Infection
Authors: Widanarni Widanarni , Aswandi Diar Setiawan , Rahman Rahman , Munaeni Waode
Published: August 2022

Motile Aeromonad Septicemia (MAS) is caused by Aeromonas hydrophila and often attacks juvenile catfish. Probiotics could be an alternative to prevent MAS disease. This study aims to determine the dose of probiotics to improve the survival, growth performance, and immune response of juvenile catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus to the A. hydrophila infection. This probiotic was contained in Artemia sp. and artificial feed enriched with Bacillus sp. NP5 at concentrations of 106 CFU.mL-1, 107 CFU.mL-1, 108 CFU.mL-1, and the control. Larvae with an average weight of 1.52 ± 0.06 mg and an average length of 0.46 ± 0.007 cm were reared for 28 days in aquariums filled with 10 L of water and a stocking density of 15 individuals.L-1. After the rearing period, the fish was challenged by the immersion of A. hydrophila with a concentration of 107 CFU.mL-1. This study has revealed that probiotics could increase the fish’s survival, length growth, daily growth rate, and feed conversion ratio. The total bacterial count in larvae and probiotics in juvenile fish is higher than those in the control. After the fish had been challenged with the probiotics at a concentration of 108 CFU.mL-1, they had a better survival rate and immune responses (including leukocyte differential, phagocytosis activity, and respiratory burst activity) than the positive control. Probiotic Bacillus sp. NP5 is effectively administered through bioencapsulated Artemia sp. and commercial feed.
Brucine-induced neurotoxicity by targeting caspase 3: Involvement of PPARγ/NF- κB/apoptosis signaling pathway
Authors: Lei Yaying , Hou Fangqin , Wu Xiaoyu , Yi Yang , Xu Fan , Gong Qihai , Gao Jianmei
Published: August 2022

Brucine, a weak alkaline indole alkaloid, is one of the main bioactive and toxic constituents of Strychnos nux-vomica L., which exerts multiple pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect. However, its potential toxic effects limited its clinical application, especially central nervous system toxicity. The present study was designed to investigate the neurotoxicity and mechanism of brucine. Our results showed that brucine significantly induced Neuro-2a cells and primary astrocytes death, as evidenced by MTT assay and LDH release. Moreover, transcriptome analysis indicated that PPAR/NF-κB and apoptosis signaling pathways were involved in the brucine-induced cytotoxicity in Neuro-2a cells. Subsequently, in fact, brucine evidently inhibited PPARγ, promoted phosphorylation of NF-κB. Furthermore, PPARγ inhibitor aggravated the neurotoxicity, while, NF-κB inhibitor substantially reversed brucine-induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, brucine also significantly induced neuronal apoptosis and triggered increase in ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, level of cleaved caspase-3, as well as its activity as evidenced by TUNEL staining and Western blot. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis predicted that brucine directly bound to caspase 3. Intriguingly, a caspase 3 inhibitor (Z-DEVE-FMK) largely abolished the neurotoxicity of brucine. Our results reveal that brucine-induced neurotoxicity via activation of PPARγ/NF-κB/caspase 3-dependent apoptosis pathway. These findings will provide a novel strategy against brucine-induced neurotoxicity.
Disutility of climate change damages warrants much stricter climate targets
Authors: Kulkarni Shridhar , Hof Andries , Wijst Kaj-Ivar van der , Vuuren Detlef van
Published: August 2022

Cost-benefit integrated assessment models (IAMs) inform the policy deliberation process by determining cost-optimal greenhouse gas emission reduction pathways based on economic considerations. These models seek to maximise economic utility and treat estimates of climate impacts (damages) and mitigation costs at par as GDP losses, having the same impact on utility reduction. However, prospect theory suggests that a certain level of climate damages could be valued higher by society than the same level of mitigation costs, as climate damages often occur as sudden unexpected events. In this paper, we show how this concept could be taken into account in cost-benefit IAMs and explore possible consequences on optimal mitigation pathways. Our results suggest that compared to the standard utility approach, capturing explicit aversion to climate impact incidence shows optimal pathways with earlier and deeper emission reduction, lowering both net-negative emissions and mid-century temperature peaks in line with stringent Paris Agreement targets.
Smoking-induced subgingival dysbiosis precedes clinical signs of periodontal disease
Authors: Wang Gary , Tamashiro Ryan , Strange Leah , Schnackenberg Kristin , Santos Janelle , Gadalla Hana , Zhao Lisa , Li Eric , Hill Emilie , Hill Brett , Sidhu Gurjit , Kirst Mariana , Walker Clay
Published: August 2022

Smoking accelerates periodontal disease and alters the subgingival microbiome. However, the relationship between smoking-associated subgingival dysbiosis and progression of periodontal disease is not well understood. Here, we sampled 233 subgingival sites longitudinally from 8 smokers and 9 non-smokers over 6-12 months, analyzing 804 subgingival plaque samples using 16 rRNA sequencing. At equal probing depths, the microbial richness and diversity of the subgingival microbiome was higher in smokers compared to non-smokers, but these differences decreased as probing depths increased. The overall subgingival microbiome of smokers differed significantly from non-smokers at equal probing depths, which was characterized by colonization of novel minority microbes and a shift in abundant members of the microbiome to resemble periodontally diseased communities enriched with pathogenic bacteria. Temporal analysis showed that microbiome in shallow sites were less stable than deeper sites, but temporal stability was not significantly affected by smoking status. We identified 5 taxa – Olsenella sp. 807, Streptococcus cristatus, Atopobium rimae, Prevotella sp. 301 and 308 that were significantly associated with progression of periodontal disease. Taken together, these results suggest that subgingival dysbiosis in smokers precedes clinical signs of periodontal disease, and support the hypothesis that smoking accelerates subgingival dysbiosis to facilitate periodontal disease progression.
Assessment on a blended teaching model for surgical laboratory course among international medical students in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study in a Chinese university
Authors: Wang Xin , Wang Yi , Liu Yuping , Xie Zhe , Li Jingfeng , Liu Xinliang
Published: August 2022

Background
With the ongoing crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic in China and the increasing online teaching platforms, the blended teaching model for international medical students is necessary. Our study aims at assessing the effectiveness of the combination of online and classroom teaching in surgical laboratory course among international medical students in a Chinese university.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a Chinese university. All international medical students enrolled in 2016–2019 were included in our study and were all third year undergraduate students majoring in Clinical Medicine for a 5-year program. At the final stage of the surgical laboratory course learning, the scores of OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) and the performance of usual learning and the skills practice from 2019 to 2022 were used as measures to assess the effectiveness. STATA 14 software was applied to conduct the relevant descriptive and statistical analysis. The statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results
A total of 29 international medical students from 14 developing countries were included in our study. The mean age of them was 25.5 ± 2.2 years. The mean scores of OSCE was 76.55 ± 21.91, and it was 76.80 ± 22.05 for the usual learning and skill practice among all the international medical students. The mean scores of OSCE was 75.69 ± 21.40 for the international medical students in the blended teaching model, close to that (77.47 ± 23.21) in the traditional teaching model. Besides, the mean scores of usual learning and skill practice for the international medical students in the blended teaching model was 74.40 ± 20.92, lower than that (77.43 ± 23.18) in the traditional teaching model (P > 0.0.05).
Conclusions
Our study as a preliminary study confirmed that a blended teaching model was effective like the traditional teaching model, which can reduce the disruption for the international medical students’ study during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online interactions between international medical students and instructors positively contribute to global health education. Better coordination of online and face-to-face blended teaching models is an important direction for global medical education.
Paramedic Practice in England with Adrenaline Following Return Of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC)
Authors: Webb Liam
Published: August 2022

Background Post-resuscitation shock is a condition witnessed by paramedics following out of hospital cardiac arrest. Paramedic practice within England is largely influenced by clinical guidelines from the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC). Currently JRCALC recommend local Ambulance Services to produce guidance for administration of adrenaline following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in out of hospital card arrest. Aims To understand what current practice is undertaken for adrenaline administration by non-specialist paramedics within England following ROSC. Methods An electronic anonymous survey shared on social media that is open to non-specialist paramedics in England. The survey involved frequency distribution questions, Likert ratings and a clinical scenario. Results The survey was fully completed by 98 non-specialist paramedics. The majority (75% n = 74) reported that they had a clinical guideline to follow from their employer. Paramedics experience of patients achieving ROSC varied. The survey found 83.67% ( n = 82) reported ROSC one or more times in the last 12 months. Over half of the respondents have given adrenaline following ROSC (57.14%, n = 56 ). A proportion of paramedics ( n = 8) have given adrenaline following ROSC without any local guideline available. Paramedics reported high levels of confidence in their ability to administer adrenaline in ROSC. However, the absence of a clinical guideline is the primary reason paramedics do not administer adrenaline. Following this respondents primarily chose to transport the patient to hospital. The majority of patients chose to administer 250ml sodium chloride within the first 5 minutes. The dose of adrenaline varies across paramedic practice. The main doses were 10mcg and 100mcg selected to be administered. Conclusion Non-specialist paramedic practice for post ROSC adrenaline administration is undertaken by paramedics within England. However, the availability of a local clinical guideline varies and reduces paramedics ability to administer this as a treatment option. Dosing of adrenaline in paramedic practice has a large variance from 10mcg to 100mcg. The standardisation of paramedic practice in a national clinical guideline should be explored further to ensure safe and equal availability of care to for patients across England.
Diabetic Retinopathy Progression from referral to treatment or vision loss: Development and Internal Validation of a Multivariable Prediction Model
Authors: Haider Sajjad , Subramanian Anuradhaa , Adderley Nicola , Snell Kym , Toulis Konstantinos , Moore David , Nirantharan Krish , Price Malcolm Price Malcolm
Published: August 2022

Background/ObjectivesPatients with referable diabetic retinopathy are treated or regularly observed for the need and timing of treatment and to prevent vision loss under hospital eye service/surveillance clinics. A small proportion progress, but presently there is no mechanism to easily identify these patients at higher risk of the outcome in this population. We aimed to develop and internally validate a risk prediction model for progression of retinopathy in patients with referable diabetic retinopathy population.Methods Anonymized data on 13,691 patients with diabetes joining the IQVIA Medical Research database (a structured primary care routine practice database with over 15 million patient records) from 2004 to 2018 were used to fit a Cox regression model. We used backward elimination with p< 0.2 to select predictors. Internal validation was performed using bootstrapping. Predictive performance was evaluated using the C-statistic and D statistic for discrimination as well as assessing calibration using the calibration slope and calibration plot at 5 years.ResultsThere were a total of 2079 outcome events in our dataset. The prediction model included Diabetic Retinopathy stage, eGFR, HbA1c, Cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, Insulin and Statin as final predictors, retinopathy stage being the strongest. The model had good discrimination (C-statistic=0.74) and very little optimism in the internal validation due to the large sample size.ConclusionThis new algorithm can calculate the absolute risk of progression from referable retinopathy based on an individual’s risk factors. External validation and net clinical benefit analysis will be required before use in clinical practice.
Gravity-Assist as a Possible Solution to Save Earth from Global Warming
Authors: Rahvar Sohrab
Published: August 2022

Global warming is one of the problems of human civilization and decarbonization policy is the main solution to this problem. In this work, we propose an alternative method of using the gravity-assist by the asteroids to increase the orbital distance of the Earth from the Sun. While this proposal is far from the present day technical potential however, we show that in principle this is a doable project.Let us assume manipulating the orbit of asteroids in the asteroid belt by solar sailing and propulsion engines to guide them towards the Mars orbit. A gravitational scattering from Mars can put asteroids in a favorable direction to provide an energy loss scattering from the Earth. The result would be increasing the orbital distance of the earth and consequently cooling down the Earth's temperature. We calculate the increase in the orbital distance of the earth for each scattering.
Loss of Interleukin–18 Negative–Feedback Associated with Severity and Mortality in Prospective Cohort Study of 206 Hospitalised COVID–19 Patients
Authors: Nasser Syed Muhammad Tahir , Rana Anas A , Doffinger Rainer , Kafizas Andreas , Khan Tauseef A , Nasser Shuaib
Published: August 2022

Background: Divergence between deterioration to life–threatening COVID–19 or clinical improvement occurs for most within the first 14 days of symptoms. Life–threatening COVID–19 shares clinical similarities with Macrophage Activation Syndrome, which can be driven by elevated Free Interleukin–18 (IL–18) due to failure of negative-feedback release of IL–18 binding protein (IL–18bp). We therefore designed a prospective, longitudinal cohort study to examine IL–18 negative–feedback control in relation to COVID–19 severity and mortality from symptom day 15 onwards. Methods: 662 blood samples, matched to time from symptom onset, from 206 COVID–19 patients were analysed by enzyme–linked immunosorbent assay for IL–18 and IL–18bp, enabling calculation of free IL–18 (fIL–18) using the updated dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.05 nanomoles. Adjusted multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between highest fIL–18 and outcome measures of COVID-19 severity and mortality. Results: Up to symptom day 14, mean fIL–18 levels increase in all patients. Levels in survivors declined thereafter, but remained elevated in non–survivors, due to IL–18 production without commensurate IL–18bp release. Adjusted regression analysis from symptom day 15 onwards showed a 100 mmHg decrease in Pa02/Fi02 (primary outcome) for each 37.7 pg/ml increase in highest fIL–18 (p < 0.03). Per 50 pg/ml increase in highest fIL–18, adjusted logistic regression gave an odds–ratio (OR) for crude 60–day mortality of 1.41 (1.1 – 2.0) (p < 0.03), and an OR for death with hypoxaemic respiratory failure of 1.90 [1.3 – 3.1] (p < 0.01). Highest fIL–18 was associated also with organ failure, with an increase of 63.67 pg/ml for every additional organ supported (p < 0.01) in patients with hypoxaemic respiratory failure. In this same sub-group, highest fIL–18 showed a direct correlation with Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio, with an increase in fIL–18 by 3.54 pg/ml (p < 0.03) for each unit increase. Conclusions: Loss of IL–18 negative–feedback control, from symptom day 15 onwards is associated with COVID–19 severity and mortality. ISRCTN: #13450549; registration date: 30/12/2020.
Causal impact of fire on expansion of a globally rare wetland plant: a 40-year Bayesian time series analysis
Authors: Landau Deborah , Cahalan Gabriel D. , Batley Prathiba Natesan
Published: August 2022

Background Canby’s dropwort ( Oxypolis canbyi (J.M. Coult. & Rose) Fernald) was listed as federally endangered in 1986, yet the species has continued to decline and is no longer found in 11 counties throughout its former range. The seasonal wetlands in which this forb occur are disappearing from the landscape, often closing in and transitioning to wet forest, drained, or converted to agriculture. We document the effects of reintroducing fire to the only population of O. canbyi in Maryland, and examine the resulting population increase using Bayesian interrupted time series analysis with a counterfactual. Results The slopes for the phases 1 (no intervention), 2 (cutting), and 3 (fire) were 2.57 [95%CI -1.05, 4.07], -2.96 [95%CI -6.29, 0.4], and 15.71 [95%CI 10.06, 21.33], respectively. After cutting woody vegetation, 3.74 times more stems of dropwort per year were produced over the baseline without intervention. Once fire was reintroduced, 10.80 times more dropwort stems per year were produced in comparison to the time period after cutting woody vegetation. The counterfactual prediction showed that in the absence of the fire intervention, dropwort stem production would likely have declined. Conclusions Cutting woody vegetation set the stage for fine fuels by increasing sun exposure on wetland grasses. It was only after fire was reintroduced that the population of plants expanded significantly in extent and flower production. A process for model selection with a directed acyclic graph followed by Bayesian interrupted time series analysis and a counterfactual was useful for causal inference. Application of fire is an important step in recovery of the federally endangered dropwort.
Prognostic factors for the long term outcome after surgical celiac artery decompression in MALS
Authors: Woestemeier Anna , Semaan Alexander , Block Andreas , Arensmeyer Jan , Dohmen Jonas , Kania Alexander , Verrel Frauke , Mücke Martin , Kalff Jörg C. , Lingohr Philipp
Published: August 2022

Background The median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare disease caused by compression of the celiac artery (ORPHA: 293208). Surgical treatment of MALS aims to restore normal celiac blood flow by laparoscopic celiac artery decompression. However, surgical success rates vary widely between patients, therefore adequate selection of patients is essential to improve surgical outcome. Symptoms of MALS might also overlap with other chronic multi-system disorders such as mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). So far, no clinical or radiological parameter was found to be predictive of the postoperative outcome. We therefore aimed to study preclinical parameters in one of the largest MALS cohorts with the aim to identify patients that would benefit from surgical MAL release. Results Analyzing 20 MALS patients that underwent surgical celiac artery decompression, we found 60% of patients (12/20) had a postoperative relief of their symptoms and a simultaneous decrease of analgetic use. No demographic, radiologic or operative parameter was able to predict postoperative symptom relief. However, mast cell activation syndrome correlated significantly (p=0.04) with persistent symptoms after the operation. Conclusions Overall, laparoscopic MAL release is the only effective treatment for MALS and can provide immediate symptomatic relief. Despite the missing predictive value of demographic and imaging data, our data show a correlation between persistent symptoms and a co-existing mast cell activation syndrome. This suggests that MACS symptoms might be interpreted as MALS symptoms in the presence of celiac artery stenosis and therefore surgical treatment should be evaluated carefully. Overall, selection of patients who are most likely to respond to surgical MAL release may best be accomplished by an interdisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, radiologists and surgeons.
Dynamical analysis of astrocyte-induced neuronal hyper-excitation
Authors: Ji Quanbao , Qie Xinxin , Ye Min
Published: August 2022

This paper introduces a computational model of integrated information in bidirectional neuron-astrocyte communication. Dynamical analysis and information transfer process are studied when stimulation of metabotropic glutamate is loaded into neuron and astrocyte in coupled model, respectively. The results show that the loading glutamate stimulus and coupling strength cause neuronal hyper-excitation, which is in some way linked to the epileptic instabilities. A period of sustained neuronal firing activities could continue after cessation of stimulation because of how long it takes for calcium concentration in astrocyte to decrease to the steady-state. Additionally, we also found that reducing the feedback of astrocyte could effectively inhibit neuronal seizure-like firing from the aspect of neuronal energy consumption in somatic firing.
Potential of Plantation Trees for Biomass and Carbon Sequestration in Foothills of Jakanari Forest, Coimbatore, Western Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Natarajan Hari Prasath , Arunachalam Balasubramanian , Muthuswamy Sivaprakash , Suthandhirajan Radhakrishnan , Ganesan Swathiga , Satheedan Anjali , Vellan Manimaran
Published: August 2022

Afforestation and reforestation have a greater potential for appropriate absorbtion of carbon from environment that helps in mitigating and reducing the global warming nature of both the developing and developed countries. Hence, the present study for assessing the carbon sequestration potential of 7 trees (Dalbergia latifolia,Albizia lebbeck,Dalbergia sissoo,Gmelina arborea,Swietenia macrophylla,Tectona grandis, andTerminalia bellirica) have been evaluated in Forest College and Research Institute (FC&RI), Mettupalayam in the surroundings of the Jakanari Reserve Forest, Northern part of Coimbatore for its biomass of trees, biomass carbon, ecophysiological (Photosynthesis and Transpiration rate) attributes and carbon isotope discrimination potential of trees. The study revealed thatDalbergia sissooandTectona grandishave the highest potential for biomass and biomass carbon production and as well as these two species also performed well under the eco-physiological condition by having the highest potential of growing in water scarcity conditions through carbon isotope discrimination identification.Dalbergia latifoliaandSwietenia macrophyllaare not able to cope with the prevailing dry condition; hence these species can be used for moist land conditions. Confirmation of the present study reveals that theDalbergia sissooandTectona grandisare the best suitable tree species recommended for maximum carbon sequestration potential.
pH of water intercalated into graphite oxide as determined by EPR spectroscopy
Authors: Yankova Tatiana S. , Chumakova Natalia A.
Published: August 2022

Two pH-sensitive spin probes 4-(methylamino)-2-ethyl-5,5-dimethyl-4-pyridine-2-yl-2,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-oxyl (DPI, also known as MEP) and 2,2,3,5,5-pentamethyl-2,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-oxyl (MTI) were used to measure pH of water intercalated in Brodie graphite oxide. pH value was found to be 2.25 ± 0.05 immediately after adding of water to graphite oxide and decreased to 1.75 ± 0.05 duringca.30 hours.
Using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Expanded (FRAME) to study lung cancer screening adaptations in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Strayer Thomas E. , Spalluto Lucy B. , Burns Abby , Lindsell Christopher J. , Henschke Claudia I. , Yankelevitz David F. , Moghanaki Drew , Dittus Robert S. , Vogus Timothy J. , Audet Carolyn , Kripalani Sunil , Roumie Christianne L. , Lewis Jennifer A.
Published: August 2022

Background: Lung cancer screening includes identification of eligible individuals, shared decision-making inclusive of tobacco cessation, and management of screening results. Adaptations to the implemented processes for lung cancer screening in situ are understudied and underreported, with potential loss of important considerations for improved implementation. The Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Expanded (FRAME) allows for systematic enumeration of adaptations to implementations of evidence-based practices. We used FRAME to study adaptations in lung cancer screening processes that were implemented as part of a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Enterprise-Wide Initiative.Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews at baseline and 1-year intervals with lung cancer screening program navigators at 10 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC) between 2019-2021. Using this data, we developed baseline (1st) process maps for each program. In subsequent years (year 1 and year 2), each program navigator reviewed the process maps. Adaptations in screening processes were identified, recorded and mapped to FRAME categories. Results: A total of 14 program navigators across 10 VHA lung cancer screening programs participated in 20 interviews. In year 1 (2019-2020), seven programs were operational and of these, three reported adaptations to their screening process that were either planned and in response to COVID-19. In year 2 (2020-2021), all 10 programs were operational. Programs reported 14 adaptations in year 2. These adaptations were both planned and unplanned and often triggered by increased workload; 57% of year 2 adaptations were related to identification and eligibility of Veterans and 43% were related to follow-up with Veterans for screening results. Throughout the 2 years, adaptations related to data management and patient tracking occurred in 6 of 10 programs to improve the data collection and tracking of Veterans in the screening process. Conclusions: Using FRAME, we found that adaptations occurred throughout the lung cancer screening process but primarily in the areas of patient identification and communication of results. These findings highlight considerations for lung cancer screening implementation and potential areas for future intervention.
Priming genetic explanations for addiction weakens the relationship between biological essentialism and stigma
Authors: Siddiqui Hasan , Rutherford M.D.
Published: August 2022

Drug addiction is stigmatized, and this stigma contributes to poor outcomes for individuals with addiction. Researchers have argued that providing genetic explanations of addiction will reduce stigma (Richter et al., 2019), but there has been limited research testing this. We presented participants with news articles that either provided genetic or anti-genetic explanations of addiction. Participants’ biological essentialism correlated with stigma in the context of both opioid and methamphetamine addiction. However, this relationship was attenuated when participants were presented with news articles that provided a genetic explanation for addiction. This suggests that the relationship between essentialism and stigma is malleable.
Dynamics of degenerate and nondegenerate solitons in the two-component nonlinear Schrodinger equations coupled to Boussinesq equation
Authors: Chen Xiang , Mihalache Dumitru , rao jiguang
Published: August 2022

The paper studies the dynamics of degenerate and nondegenerate bright solitons and their collisions in the two-component nonlinear Schr\"odinger equations coupled to Boussinesq equation. The degenerate solitons that have only single-hump profiles, exhibit both elastic and inelastic collisions, and their velocities are identical in the two short wave (SW) components and in the long wave (LW) component. The nondegenerate single solitons have two different forms: one of them has double- or single-hump profiles and identical velocities in all SW and LW components, and the other one only admits single-hump profiles and has unequal velocities in the two SW components. The collisions of nondegenerate solitons cannot result in the redistribution of soliton intensities. Three different types of collisions of nondegenerate two-soliton solutions are studied in detail.
Preparation, characteristics and cytotoxicity of green synthesized selenium nanoparticles using Paenibacillus motobuensis LY5201 isolated from the local specialty food of longevity area
Authors: Long Qian , He Sheng-bin , Sun Jian , Chen Quan-zhi , Bao Hao-dong , Liang Teng-yue , Liang Bao-yue , Cui Lan-yu
Published: August 2022

Selenium is an essential micronutrient element. For the extremely biotoxic of selenite, Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) is gaining increasing interest. In this work, a selenium-enriched strain with highly selenite-resistant (up to 173 mmol/L) was isolated from the local specialty food of longevity area and identified as Paenibacillus motobuensis (P. motobuensis) LY5201. Most of the SeNPs is accumulated extracellular. SeNPs were around spherical with a diameter of approximately 100 nm. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the purified SeNPs consisted of selenium and proteins. Our results suggested that P. motobuensis LY5201could be a suitable and robust biocatalyst for SeNPs synthesis. In addition, the cytotoxicity effect and the anti-invasive activity of SeNPs on the HepG2 showed an inhibitory effect on HepG2, indicating that SeNPs could be used as a potential anticancer drug.