bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the Effect Temperature, Foam Quality and Fluid Loss Agent have on the Fluid Loss Performance of Foam Cement
Authors: Pearl W. , Padilla L. , Patterson T.
Published: February 2024

Foaming a cement slurry is known to reduce the fluid loss compared to that of the unfoamed base slurry (McElfresh, P. M. and Boncan, G, 1982). This study looks to quantify the effect other parameters such as fluid loss additive concentration, fluid loss additive type (ie: film former, particle bridging or water viscosifier), foam quality and temperature have on the foamed fluid loss performance.

Base foam cement slurries were designed with in the density range of 16.6-16.8 ppg. Static fluid loss testing was conducted on all slurry designs without foaming. The slurries were conditioned in an HPHT consistometer at either 50, 66 or 90 °F and 6250 psi prior to conducting static fluid loss testing. Two fluid loss values for the base slurry designs were targeted (approx. 100 and 200 mL API) to quantify the effect fluid loss additive concentration has on foamed fluid loss performance. The designs were then foamed to foam qualities of 10% and 40% in a Multiple Analysis Cement System (MACS) analyzer and conditioned for 30 minutes before being transferred to a foamed fluid loss cell and tested.

The control slurry with no fluid loss additive was tested at 66 °F and foamed to a 10% and 40% foam quality. There was a significant decrease in fluid loss after foaming with an almost 86% reduction in fluid loss versus the uncontrolled blowout value obtained by the base design. In the absence of fluid loss additive in the slurry, the fluid loss values showed improvement with increasing foam quality. The slurries containing a fluid loss additive showed the same reduction in fluid loss once foamed but didn’t show a significant change in fluid loss between the 10% foam quality to the 40% foam quality. The trend was the same for the slurries that started with an approximately 200 mL and 100 mL fluid loss. Both saw reductions when foaming but no significant change between foam quality values. An increase in slurry temperature generally produced lower fluid loss values once foamed.

Foamed fluid loss was performed and compared between slurries with and without a fluid loss additive present. Some of the slurries with fluid loss additives didn’t have fluid loss performance that correlated to foam quality. Two of the tested fluid loss additives showed a strong synergy with foaming to reduce the fluid loss. In comparison, the slurry without any fluid loss additives had fluid loss performance directly correlated to foam quality presenting some operational complexity.
Enhancing Well Integrity: Spectral Acoustic Diagnosis and Biomineralization Remediation in the United States
Authors: Volkov Maxim , Griffin John , Avilez Samuel , Binde Hayden
Published: February 2024

Effective management of asset retirement obligations is a paramount objective for operators in the oil and gas industry. As the industry undergoes significant shifts in focus towards environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance, ensuring the efficient and thorough decommissioning of wells and the permanent sealing of potential reservoirs during plug and abandonment (P&A) procedures has become imperative. Operators seek additional assurances both before and during the P&A process to confirm the integrity of cement barriers and plugs, as well as the overall effectiveness of containment measures. (G. Ishmukhametova,2017)

In the pursuit of achieving long-term integrity in well abandonment while optimizing the utilization of limited rig resources, operators must grasp the intricacies of potential flow paths. This knowledge is critical for the strategic placement of the most effective barriers to prevent any future environmental or safety risks associated with well abandonment.

One of the primary challenges in well abandonment is the possibility of annulus pressure or fluid flow at the surface resulting from barrier failures. While surface diagnostic techniques such as flow checks and gas or fluid sampling can provide valuable insights into the origins of leaks, they often fall short in precisely identifying the source and leak path with complete certainty. In most cases, this ambiguity hampers traditional methods for re-establishing cement barriers, such as cement squeezing, section milling, or casing expansion.
Use of Operational Standard Practices to Generate Standardized Digital Well Programs and Work Instructions in Program Builder and Rig Site Execution Delivers More Competitive Wells
Authors: Jallorina J. , Ogbunamiri E. , Zimpfer D. , Sorensen C. , Myre J.
Published: February 2024

Standardizing well plans by utilizing Standard Practices (SPs) in the digital tools Program Builder (PrB) and Rig Site Execution (RSE) increases the competitiveness of wells operations. The process improves collaboration both within operators and with vendors, enables digitalization of data and workflows, and accelerates experiential learnings to produce more predictable outcomes. SPs are phase- or task-level operational procedures written by Franchise (Standardization) Engineers that are rig, well, and vendor agnostic which are made up of activities with operations codes, checks, and steps. SPs are categorized by Preliminary Well Designs (PWDs), and the Well Planning Report allows for definition of the sequence of SPs required for the operational plan given the PWD assigned to the well.

Once the program is initiated in PrB, the Engineer can add well, vendor, and rig specific details to the operational plan which was auto generated from SPs. The Engineer invites other collaborators, whether within the same company or a third-party, into the tool to contribute. When the draft program is ready, a review process is facilitated within PrB, and the program is assured. Next, the operational plan becomes the foundation of the work instructions, which the Supervisor owns. They enrich the program to transform it into a worksite-ready document for the wellsite staff. All edits made to the SPs are captured and become the basis of a feedback loop to continuously improve SPs. These performance improvements will naturally cascade through wells globally.

Use of Program Builder has already been demonstrated in Operations. The program was created by the Design Engineer within three weeks and was deployed to the worksite. Initial feedback from the field was strong, resulting in the decision to continue the process through work instructions. The tool was found to improve operational efficiency and drive full transparency between the office and the worksite.

Standardizing and simplifying programs reduces the administrative burden on the Engineer, allowing them to focus on higher-value aspects of the planning, and presents a single source of truth for the entire well execution process. Deriving the work instructions from the program ensures that the procedural guidance defined by Franchise through SPs is followed all the way to the worksite, leading to predictable outcomes and competitive well delivery.
Drilling Evolution in the Top Section Offshore Arabian Gulf
Authors: Kuravskiy D. , Alabi A.
Published: February 2024

This paper examines the progression of drilling performance in the top sections of offshore wells within the Arab Gulf region. Emphasis is placed on the evolution of well trajectory design, drill bit selection, directional bottomhole assembly (BHA) configurations, mud systems, and the application of advanced drilling optimization techniques. In the offshore fields under study, the top section typically involves drilling through formations at a range of depths with moderate inclinations. Despite the relatively straightforward technological requirements, such as using motor BHA in combination with rock bits and sea water as the base fluid, this section presents significant operational challenges.

Drilling Evolution in the Top Section Offshore Arabian Gulf

The initial drilling approach in these wells, characterized by frequent total losses and execution complications, led to considerable inefficiencies. Key challenges included dealing with anti-collision risks, managing complex geophysical dynamics, and addressing issues arising from soft formation drilling, such as lack of directional control and frequent stuck pipe incidents. The use of sea water as a mud system added to these complications, particularly in deeper sections where its inability to effectively transport cuttings increased the risk of pack-offs.
Applying Artificial Intelligence to Optimize Engine Power Demand
Authors: Trueheart L. , Koritala C. , Stopkoski C.
Published: February 2024

The oil and gas industry faces pressure to reduce emissions and minimize fuel consumption to decrease the carbon footprint of drilling operations. Like other players in the sector, drilling contractors have made a commitment to achieving measurable improvements that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the application of new technologies. The challenge is in identifying areas of operation with the greatest potential to deliver efficiency gains and finding ways to realize the reductions.

In evaluating rig operations, it became clear that optimizing engine usage has the potential to deliver considerable cost savings and at the same time improve drilling performance. Ideally, this would mean automating the process, but automating drilling processes is not straightforward. It requires in-depth knowledge of rig operations and an understanding of the interplay between the driller, who controls the drilling process, and the generators that power the rig.

One solution is to use artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze operational data to capture drilling insights that reliably predict power usage, ensuring operations can be executed as planned and that power demand never exceeds power availability. With the introduction of AI on AC drilling rigs, data monitored by the electronic drilling recorder (EDR) can be analyzed to correlate rig activities with power usage, enabling improvements in drilling efficiency and power management. Using AI changes the paradigm, making it possible to proactively forecast and deliver the correct amount of power to the rig as demand changes throughout the drilling process.

This paper delves into the application of AI and automation of the power generation system to demonstrate its impact in revolutionizing drilling operations by forecasting and delivering power needs to deliver efficient drilling programs that use less fuel, produce lower emissions, extend equipment service life, and make fewer demands on the driller and rig crew.
Establishing a Validation Process for Survey Correction Algorithms
Authors: Albright J.
Published: February 2024

The objective of this research is to establish a validation process for survey correction algorithms, primarily focusing on the application of Multi-Station Analysis (MSA). While MSA represents a mathematical approach to survey error reduction, the application can result in varying levels of achieved accuracy. The adoption of a validation process to assess the accuracy of an MSA provider’s algorithm and processes would provide a framework within which to evaluate different providers.

The research will give an overview of the error sources in the ISCWSA error model and their impact on MWD surveys. A simulated well with survey depths and six-axis data will give a true known position of a well’s bottom hole location. Using the error model, randomized errors will be applied to the six-axis values to create a corrupted bottom hole location. A 3rd party proctor will distribute the corrupted six-axis data of 12 wells in varying azimuthal directions to the MSA provider to process through their algorithm. The corrected wellbore position will be returned to the proctor.

A chi-squared analysis of the results will show if the corrected wellbore positions fall within the expected accuracy level based on the error model. Companies will be assessed on both speed and accuracy. The results of the validation trial will establish the accuracy level that the MSA provider is able to achieve under given circumstances. The levels will be determined using wells inside and outside of the East-West Exclusion zone. The validation process will provide clarity to which error models should be assigned to a set of survey data when using a particular provider. For example, a certain provider might be able to achieve MWD+IFR1 accuracy as opposed to MWD+IFR1+MS under certain conditions. Whether or not checkshots are necessary will also be assessed during the validation process. Additionally, only error sources contained in the ISCWSA error model will be evaluated, and the magnitudes will be within the bounds of what can be reasonably expected in field application. Validation is widely accepted across many industries, including the aerospace and pharmaceutical industries, as a benchmark to ensure the safety of those using their products. As for MSA, improper application could cause inaccurate well placement resulting in well-collisions, or unknowingly crossing lease lines.

When planning a well, an Oil & Gas company will be able to determine which MSA provider is qualified to provide accurate services based solely on the azimuthal direction of their wellbore and the target error model that they would like to achieve. The validation process will provide transparency to the MSA survey correction process and allow Oil & Gas companies to ensure that the purchased product is meeting the advertised accuracy level.
Maximizing Cut and Pull Casings for Plug and Abandonment
Authors: Samuel Robello
Published: February 2024

Plug and abandonment activity is expected to increase and remain an active service as wells need to be permanently abandoned and/or enable slot recovery. Throughout the life of a well, degradation of the mud system in the annulus can lead to migration of mud solids, which settle at areas of high deviation or increased dogleg severity or at above the top of the cement. In this process strong engineering model is needed in addition to the logging runs to maximize the length of the cut casings, to establish higher accuracy to estimate the cutting depth. Increased reliability for Cut and Pull in a single cut/trip is needed so that it provides safety to avoid flowing fluids to mitigate barrier breakdown. Cut and pull the casing pipe conditions require fast and accurate response. This paper describes an analytical model through which drag calculations are modified to determine: the force at the deepest cut point within the given limits of the pipe conditions; the measured weight or overpull within the margin required to pull; the measured weight required pull at any depth. The total drag is the sum of the mechanical frictional forces acting on the casing during the pull operation and the fluid frictional forces due to the fluid contact with the inside and outside of the casing. In addition, any solids packed around the casing will exert a frictional force with the outside of the casing. Kinetic friction and shear force required to break the bonding are also included. The percentage of solids and sediments and length of the contaminants are estimated through logs.
Supervised Machine Learning Applied to Cement Integrity Assessment – A Comparison Between Models and Feature Extraction Techniques
Authors: Ferreira G. R. B. , Camerini I. G. , Rodrigues A. S. , Correia Tiago M. , de Souza L. P. B. , Hidalgo J. A. S. , Penatti J. R. R. , Soares L. N. A. C.
Published: February 2024

The analysis of the interpretation of the integrity of the bond of the cement layer between the casing and the formation in oil wells has grown significantly as plugging and Abandonment operations also grow. Interpreting this analysis is important to ensure that the well is hydraulically isolated from the surrounding environment before permanently sealing the well. However, this interpretation depends on a specialist's ability to analyze a large demand of data, which is complex and acquired through logging operations. This fact makes this process prone to errors, human dependence, and time-consuming. These three challenges motivated Ouronova, in partnership with Repsol Sinopec Brazil, to develop software to help interpret acoustic profiling. Also inspired by the objective of optimizing the Plugging and Abandonment operations completely, the software also optimizes the planning and management of Plugging and Abandonment campaigns. The so-called plug and abandonment (P&A) Assistant software has proven to be a good tool that optimizes the Plugging and Abandonment process, using machine learning (ML) techniques to improve the accuracy and reliability and reduce the time for cement sheath integrity analysis. This paper then presents some supervised method techniques implemented in the software, such as Logistic Regression, k-Nearest Neighbors, Decision Trees, Random Forest, and Gaussian Naive Bayes. The results show that combining features derived from Cement Bond Log and Acoustic Impedance Log enables the construction of efficient models. The Gaussian model was the one with the best overall performance, achieving a Balanced Precise Accuracy equal to 0.50 and a Balanced Adjacency Accuracy around 0.88.
Multiscale Model for Hydrogen Transport and Storage in Shale Reservoirs
Authors: Wang Yanwei , Sun Qian , Chen Fangxuan , Wang Meng
Published: February 2024

Utilizing underground geological structures for hydrogen storage is an effective approach for energy transformation. The depleted shale reservoirs can be considered as promising options for large-scale hydrogen storage because of the vast storage capacity, high containment security, and low operation cost. However, it is challenging to characterize the hydrogen transportation mechanism and estimate hydrogen storage potential in shale formations from multiscale perspectives. In this paper, we propose a multiscale model for hydrogen transport and storage in partially depleted hydraulically fractured shale reservoirs, considering the effects of gas diffusion, adsorption, slip flow, and continuous flow. By the Laplace transformation and Pedrosa substitution, a computationally effective semi-analytical solution was derived and validated with a commercial numerical simulator. A hydrogen storage capacity (HSC) assessment workflow is proposed using a typical shale reservoir in the Appalachian Basin as a case study. The results indicate that the storage capacity can reach up to 31.92×108 m3 at a high constrained injection pressure. In addition, the HSC is strongly controlled by the adsorption property, diffusion coefficient, shale composition, flow capacity between different scale media, and mobility ratio. The influence of most reservoir parameters on storage potential is negligible at low constrained pressure but critical at high constrained pressure. Such a model can be used as a robust pressure predictor and storage capacity estimator for hydrogen storage projects in partially depleted shale reservoirs.
Binding of LncRNA-DACH1 to dystrophin impairs the membrane trafficking of Nav1.5 protein and increases ventricular arrhythmia susceptibility
Authors: Pan Zhenwei , Xue Gen-Long , Yang Jiming , Zhang Yang , Yang Ying , Zhang Ruixin , Li Desheng , Tian Tao , Zhang Xiaofang , Li Changzhu , Li Xingda , Yang Jiqin , Shen Kewei , Guo Yang , Liu Xuening , Yang Guohui , Lu Yanjie , Yang Baofeng
Published: February 2024

Dystrophin is a critical interacting protein of Nav1.5 that determines its membrane anchoring in cardiomyocytes. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the regulation of cardiac ion channels, while their influence on sodium channel remains unexplored. Our preliminary data showed that lncRNA-Dachshund homolog 1 (lncDACH1) can bind to dystrophin, which drove us to investigate if lncDACH1 can regulate sodium channel by interfering with dystrophin. Western blot and immunofluorescent staining showed that cardiomyocyte-specific transgenic overexpression of lncDACH1(lncDACH1-TG) reduced the membrane distribution of dystrophin and Nav1.5 in cardiomyocytes. Meanwhile, peak INa were reduced in the hearts of lncDACH1-TG mice than wild-type (WT) controls. The opposite data of western blot ,immunofluorescent staining and patch clamp were collected from lncDACH1 cardiomyocyte conditional knockout (lncDACH1-cKO) mice. Moreover, increased ventricular arrhythmia susceptibility was observed in lncDACH1-TG mice in vivo and ex vivo. The conservative fragment of lncDACH1 inhibited membrane distribution of dystrophin and Nav1.5, and promoted the inducibility of ventricular arrhythmia. Strikingly, activation of dystrophin transcription by dCas9-SAM system in lncDACH1-TG mice rescued the impaired membrane distribution of dystrophin and Nav1.5, and prevented the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia. Furthermore, lncDACH1 was increased in transaortic constriction (TAC) induced failing hearts, which promoted the inducibility of ventricular arrhythmia. And the expression of lncDACH1 is regulated by hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase subunit beta (hadhb), which binds to lncDACH1 and decreases its stability. The human homologue of lncDACH1 inhibited the membrane distribution of Nav1.5 in human iPS-differentiated cardiomyocytes. The findings provide novel insights into the mechanism of Nav1.5 membrane targeting and the development of ventricular arrhythmias.
Protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of preventive interventions versus any control intervention for parents with a mental disorder on offspring outcomes
Authors: Hestbaek Emilie , Kofoed Jeanne , Barlow Jane , Thorup Anne Amalie Elgaard , Sleed Michelle , Simonsen Sebastian , Georg Anna , Væver Mette MV , Juul Sophie
Published: February 2024

Background: Offspring of parents with a mental disorder are at high risk of developing a mental disorder and experiencing other adverse outcomes, highlighting the need for preventive interventions. However, it remains uncertain to what extent these interventions are effective in reducing offspring’s risk of developing mental disorders and other important outcomes. The main objective of this systematic review will be to assess the effects of preventive interventions versus any control intervention for parents with a mental disorder on offspring outcomes.
Methods/design: A systematic review with meta-analysis will be performed and reported as recommended by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), bias will be assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool-version 2 (ROB2), an eight-step procedure will be used to assess if the thresholds for clinical significance are crossed, trial sequential analysis will be conducted to control for random errors, and the certainty of the evidence will be assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. To identify relevant trials, we will search for published trials in several electronic databases from their inception to the present. We will also search for unpublished trials and grey literature. Two review authors will independently screen the articles, extract data, and perform a risk of bias assessment. We will include any published or unpublished randomized clinical trial comparing a psychological preventive intervention versus any control intervention for parents with any mental disorder. The primary outcomes, which will be assessed in the offspring only, will be quality of life and incidence of a mental disorder. Secondary outcomes will include internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, serious adverse events, out-of-home placement, and absence from school or daycare. Exploratory outcomes include trauma, socioemotional development, and language development.
Discussion: There is an urgent need for a comprehensive, updated systematic review of the beneficial and harmful effects of preventive interventions for children with parents with a mental disorder. The findings of this systematic review are expected to provide evidence-based information for policymakers, clinicians, and researchers to help them make informed decisions about the most effective interventions and guide future research for this highly prevalent population. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO: CRD42023463421
Improving Diabetes Equity and Advancing Care (IDEA) to optimize team-based care at a safety-net health system for Black and Latine patients living with diabetes: study protocol for a sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trial
Authors: Jacobs Jacquelyn , Labellarte Patricia , Margellos-Anast Helen , Garcia Lizbeth , Qeadan Fares , Dougherty Alyn , Wagener Christina
Published: February 2024

Background: Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. Inequities driven by structural racism and systemic oppression have led to racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment. Diabetes-self management training (DSMT), remote glucose monitoring (RGM), and tailored support from a community health worker (CHW) have the potential to improve outcomes. This study will examine the implementation of these interventions in a safety-net healthcare setting.
Methods: Using implementation science and racial equity principles, this study aims to (1) evaluate the appropriateness; (2) measure fidelity; and (3) compare the effectiveness of varying the combination and sequence of three interventions. An exploratory aim will measure sustainability of intervention adherence and uptake. This mixed-methods trial employs a sequential, multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) design, patient focus group discussions, and staff interviews. Eligible Black/Latine patients will be recruited using patient lists extracted from the electronic medical record system. After a detailed screening process, eligible patients will be invited to attend an in-person enrollment appointment. Informed consent will be obtained and patients will be randomized to either DSMT or RGM. At six months, patients will complete two assessments (diabetes empowerment and diabetes-related distress), and HbA1c values will be reviewed. “Responders” will be considered those who have an HbA1c that has improved by at least one percentage point. “Responders” remain in their first assigned study arm. “Nonresponders” will be randomized to either switch study arms or be paired with a CHW. At six months participants will complete two assessments again, and their HbA1c will be reviewed. Twelve patient focus groups, two for each intervention paths, will be conducted along with staff interviews.
Discussion: This study is the first, to our knowledge, that seeks to fill critical gaps in our knowledge of optimal sequence and combinations of interventions to support diabetes management among Black and Latine patients receiving care at a safety-net hospital. By achieving the study aims, we will build the evidence for optimizing equitable diabetes management and ultimately reducing racial and ethnic healthcare disparities for patients living in disinvested urban settings.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06040463. Registered on September 7, 2023.
Developing hazard scenarios from monitoring data, historical chronicles and expert elicitation: case study of Sangay volcano, Ecuador
Authors: Bernard Benjamin , Tadini Alessandro , Samaniego Pablo , Bevilacqua Andrea , Vasconez Francisco J , Aravena Alvaro , Vitturi Mattia de’ Michieli , Hidalgo Silvana
Published: February 2024

Sangay volcano is widely considered as one of the most active volcanoes worldwide. Nevertheless, due to its remote location and low-impact eruptions, its eruptive history and hazard scenarios are poorly constrained. In this manuscript, we addressed this issue by combining an analysis of monitoring data and historical chronicles with expert elicitation. The first allowed us to reconstruct the eruptive history of the last 400 years, subdividing it into periods of quiescence, weak and enhanced eruptive activity, punctuated by eruptive pulses. Expert elicitation enabled us to constrain the probability of occurrence and eruption source parameters for eruptive pulses, with a quantification of uncertainty. Sangay volcano has been mainly active since the 17th century, with weak eruptive activity the most common regime, although there have also been several periods of quiescence. During this period, eruptive pulses with VEI 1-3 occurred mainly during enhanced eruptive activity and produced far-reaching impacts due to ash fallout to the west and long-runout lahars to the south-east. Four eruptive pulse scenarios were considered in the expert elicitation: strong ash venting (SAV), violent Strombolian (VS), Subplinian and Plinian. The SAV scenario is considered the most likely event and is opposed to the Plinian scenario. The experts expressed great uncertainty about the probability of occurrence of the VS and Subplinian scenarios. Large uncertainties were also observed for eruption duration and bulk fallout volume for all eruptive pulses, while average column height was characterized by a relatively smaller uncertainty, particularly for SAV and VS. We interpreted these results as a consequence of the lack of volcano-physical data, which could be reduced with further field studies. Finally, this study shows how historical reconstruction and expert elicitation can help develop hazard scenarios with uncertainty assessment for poorly known volcanoes, as a first step towards the elaboration of appropriate hazard maps and subsequent planning.
Effects and mechanisms of supramaximal High-Intensity Interval Training on extrapulmonary manifestations in people with and without Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD-HIIT): study protocol for a multi-centre, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jakobsson Johan , Burtin Chris , Hedlund Matthias , Boraxbekk Carl-Johan , Vestman Jonas , Karalilja Nina , Stål Per , Sandström Thomas , Ruttens David , Gosker Harry , De Brandt Jana , Nyberg André
Published: February 2024

Background: Beyond being a pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with extrapulmonary manifestations including reduced cognitive, cardiovascular, and muscle function. While exercise training is the cornerstone in the non-pharmacological treatment of COPD, there is a need for new exercise training methods due to suboptimal adaptations when following traditional exercise guidelines, often applying moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). In people with COPD, short-duration high-intensity interval training (HIIT) holds the potential to induce a more optimal stimulus for training adaptations while circumventing the ventilatory burden often associated with MICT in people with COPD. We aim to determine the effects of supramaximal HIIT and MICT on extrapulmonary manifestations in people with COPD compared to matched healthy controls.Methods: COPD-HIIT is a prospective, multi-centre, randomised, controlled trial with blinded assessors and data analysts, employing a parallel-group trial. In Phase 1, we will investigate the effects and mechanisms of a 12-week intervention of supramaximal HIIT compared to MICT in people with COPD (n = 92) and matched healthy controls (n = 70). Participants will perform watt-based cycling 2–3 times weekly. In Phase 2, we will determine how exercise training and inflammation impact the trajectories of neurodegeneration, in people with COPD, over 24 months. In addition to the 92 participants with COPD performing HIIT or MICT, a usual care group (n = 46) is included in phase 2. In both phases, the primary outcomes are change from baseline in cognitive function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscle power. Key secondary outcomes include change from baseline exercise tolerance, brain structure and function measured by MRI, neuroinflammation measured by PET/CT, systemic inflammation, and intramuscular adaptations. Feasibility of the interventions will be comprehensively investigated.Discussion: The COPD-HIIT trial will determine the effects of supramaximal HIIT compared to MICT in people with COPD and healthy controls. We will provide evidence for a novel exercise modality that might overcome the barriers associated with MICT in people with COPD. We will also shed light on the impact of exercise at different intensities to reduce neurodegeneration. The goal of the COPD-HIIT trial is to improve the treatment of extrapulmonary manifestations of the disease.Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT06068322. Prospectively registered on 2023-09-28.
Intervention on Externalizing Problem in Junior Middle School Students With an Undercontrolled Personality Type
Authors: Yang Lizhu , Zhang Wen , Li Yaru , Wang Zhonghua , Liu Songhan
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to intervene on personality trait behavior related to the externalization of undercontrolled junior high school students.
Methods: using latent class analysis to filtrate undercontrolled junior high school students, using experiential group activities as a carrier, and formulating intervention activities including 30 activities around the seven traits related to the undercontrolled junior high school students' externalization problems. The effect of the intervention was tested by analysis of variance and T Test.
Result: After one semester of intervention, the intervention effect was significant. The test results of the undercontrolled participants in experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and in post-test, the personality score of experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group.
Conclusion: We discovered that he intervention program could ameliorate the externalization problem behaviors of undercontrolled junior high school students, and demonstrated a sustained promotion effect.
The impacts of cadmium exposure on epiphytic bacterial communities and water quality in mesocosmic wetlands.
Authors: Chen Deqiang , Adjei Lydia Adarkwa , Samwini Abigail Mwin-nea , Addo Felix Gyawu , Baah Wambley Adomako , Bofah-Buoh Robert , Manirakiza Benjamin
Published: February 2024

The damaging magnitudes of heavy metal pollution on freshwater ecosystems are well known, though research on the specific impacts of cadmium (Cd) on water quality and microbial communities in epiphytic biofilms is lacking. In this study, high-throughput sequencing and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to explore the effects of Cd on water quality and bacterial morphology, biodiversity, interactions, and ecological functions in epiphytic biofilms affixed to submerged plants that were natural and synthetic (Vallisneria natans, Potamogeton maackianus, and artificial macrophytes) in constructed wetlands. The results showed that Cd exposure significantly reduced the ability of natural and artificial plants to remove total nitrogen (TN) (5.7-50%), total phosphorus (TP) (12.5-97.1%), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) (9.45-21.8%), and affected the morphology of epiphytic bacteria. The bacterial β-diversity indices were significantly affected by Cd exposure, whereas bacterial α-diversity revealed a reverse trend. Notwithstanding Cd application induced the fluctuation (increase/decrease) in bacterial composition dynamics, but the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria spiked from 11.3-57.2% and 6.08- 94.35 %, respectively, in natural and artificial plants. Besides, Cd loading disturbed all bacterial network structures, with interactions particularly vulnerable in P. maackianus. Our study demonstrated that Cd exposure alters the bacterial diversity, food web structure, and predicted metabolic functions such as metabolism, translation, cell motility, signal transduction, membrane transport, and biodegradation of xenobiotics in epiphytic bacterial biofilms. These findings highlight the detrimental effects of Cd on epiphytic bacterial communities and nutrient removal in constructed wetlands.
Catechin-induced changes in PODXL, DNMTs, and miRNA expression in NALM6 cells: An integrated in silico and in vitro approach
Authors: Afgar Ali , Keyhani Alireza , Afgar Amirreza , Mirzaei-Parsa Mohamad Javad , Kermani Mahdiyeh Ramezani Zadeh , Rezaei Masoud , Ebrahimipour Mohammad , Langroudi Ladan , Bardsiri Mahla Sattarzadeh , Vahidi Reza
Published: February 2024

Background This study explored the impact of predicted miRNAs on DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and thePODXLgene in NALM6 cells, revealing the significance of these miRNAs in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Methods We employed a multifaceted approach comprising bioinformatic analyses (protein structure prediction, molecular docking, dynamics, ADMET study) and miRNA evaluations to explore the therapeutic effects of catechin compounds onDNMTs. Results Our evaluation revealed a nuanced relationship in which catechin treatment induced increased miRNA expression and decreasedDNMT1andDNMT3Blevels in NALM6 cells. This indirect modulation impactedPODXLexpression, contributing to cancer characteristics. Conclusion The overexpression ofDNMT1andDNMT3Bin NALM6 cells may promote ALL development via a mechanism regulated by microRNAs, particularly miR-548 and miR-200c. AlteredDNMT1andDNMT3Bexpression is correlated with decreased miR-548 and miR-200c expression before and after catechin treatment, respectively, leading to the dysregulation of tumor suppressor genes, such asPODXL, and cancer cell characteristics. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of catechin compounds targetingDNMTsand miRNAs in ALL treatment.
Persisting exercise ventilatory inefficiency in subjects recovering from COVID-19. Longitudinal Data Analysis 34 Months Post-Discharge Running title: Persisting Exercise Ventilatory Inefficiency in post-COVID Subjects
Authors: Dorelli Gianluigi , Sartori Giulia , Fasoli Giulia , Ridella Nicolò , Bianchini Nicola , Braggio Michele , Ferrari Marcello , Venturelli Massimo , Carbonare Luca Dalle , Capelli Carlo , Grassi Bruno , Crisafulli Ernesto
Published: February 2024

Background
SARS-CoV-2 infection has raised concerns about long-term health repercussions. Exercise ventilatory inefficiency (EVin) has emerged as a notable long-termi sequela, potentially impacting respiratory and cardiovascular health. This study aims to assess the long-term presence of EVin after 34 months and its association with cardiorespiratory health in post-COVID patients.
Methods
In a longitudinal study on 32 selected post-COVID subjects, we performed two cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPETs) at 6 months (T0) and 34 months (T1) after hospital discharge. The study sought to explore the long-term persistence of EVin and its correlation with respiratory and cardiovascular responses during exercise. Measurements included also V̇O2peak end-tidal pressure of CO2 (PETCO2) levels, oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) and other cardiorespiratory parameters, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. The presence of EVin at both T0 and T1 defines a persisting EVin (pEVin).
Results
Out of the cohort, five subjects (16%) have pEVin at 34 months. Subjects with pEVin, compared to those with ventilatory efficiency (Evef) have lower values of PETCO2 throughout exercise, showing hyperventilation. Evef subjects demonstrated selective improvements in DLCO and oxygen pulse, suggesting recovery in cardiorespiratory function over time. In contrast, those with pEvin did not exhibit these improvements. Notably, significant correlations were found between hyperventilation (measured by PETCO2), oxygen pulse and OUES, indicating the potential prognostic value of OUES and Evin in post-COVID follow-ups.
Conclusions
The study highlights the clinical importance of long-term follow-up for post-COVID patients, as a significant group exhibit persistent EVin, which correlates with altered and potentially unfavorable cardiovascular responses to exercise. These findings advocate for the continued investigation into the long-term health impacts of COVID-19, especially regarding persistent ventilatory inefficiencies and their implications on patient health outcomes.
First-in-human study of D6-[18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ, a novel VMAT2 tracer: whole-body biodistribution and brain PET comparison with [18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ (AV-133)
Authors: Zhao Ruiyue , Chen Jinhua , Ye Ting , Chu Jianmin , Li jingwen , zhang yan , Xu siran , Liu shaoyu , chen ling , Ploessl karl , Alexoff david , Kung Hank F. , Zhu Lin , Wang Xinlu
Published: February 2024

Purpose
In the central nerve system type 2 vesicular monoamine transporters (VMAT2) regulate the reuptake of monoamines into pre-synaptic vesicles, playing a critical role in assessing monoamine neuron integrity including Parkinson's disease (PD). This study examined the biodistribution and dosimetry of a novel deuterated VMAT2 radioligand, D6-[18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ, comparing it head-to-head with its non-deuterated counterpart, [18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ (AV-133).
Methods
Six (6) healthy volunteers received intravenous injections of D6-[18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ (325.9 ± 56.2 MBq) for whole-body PET/CT scans, and radiation-absorbed dose estimates were calculated using PMOD and OLINDA/EXM software. Another six (6) healthy volunteers received D6-[18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ (370 ± 30 MBq) for a 90-min dynamic brain imaging study, followed by a brain PET scan using [18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ two weeks later for comparison.
Results
In this study, D6-[18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ dosimetry revealed an effective dose of 37.1 ± 7.2 µSv/MBq, with the liver receiving the highest radiation dose (289.6 ± 42.1 µSv/MBq), followed by pancreas (185.2 ± 29.1 µSv/MBq). Brain imaging with D6-[18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ exhibited a significantly increased uptake in VMAT2-rich regions, particularly the striatum. In a head-to-head comparison between [18F]FP-DTBZ vs D6-[18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ, the latter exhibited approximately 15% higher uptake in the caudate, putamen, and nucleus accumbens.
Conclusions
D6-[18F]FP-(+)-DTBZ is a safe and improved VAMT2 specific imaging agent, which may be suitable for assisting the diagnosis of PD by evaluating changes of VMAT2 binding of monoamine neurons in the brain.
Enhancing Spectral Analysis in Nonlinear Dynamics: An Approach Based on Generalized Eigenfunctions from Continuous Spectra
Authors: Sakata Itsushi , Kawahara Yoshinobu
Published: February 2024

The analysis of complex behavior in empirical data poses significant challenges in various scientific and engineering disciplines. Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) is a widely used method to reveal spectral features of nonlinear dynamical systems without any prior knowledge. However, analyzing the continuous spectrum resulting from chaos and noise is problematic due to its infinite dimensions. We propose a clustering-based method designed to analyze dynamics represented by generalized eigenfunctions associated with continuous spectra. This paper describes data-driven algorithms for comparing generalized eigenfunctions using subspaces. To compute approximate generalized eigenfunctions from data, we use the recently proposed Residual Dynamic Mode Decomposition (ResDMD). To validate the effectiveness of our method, we analyzed 1D signal data affected by thermal noise and 2D time series of coupled chaotic systems exhibiting generalized synchronization. The results reveal dynamic patterns previously obscured by conventional DMD analyses and provide some insights into the complexities of coupled chaos.
Long-term renal outcome of Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) under anti-Interleukin-1 therapy
Authors: Russwurm Martin , Johannsen Sophia , Kortus-Goetze Birgit , Haas Christian S.
Published: February 2024

Objective: Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) are orphan hereditary auto-inflammatory diseases with various phenotypes, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Current therapies inhibit interleukin-1 (IL-1) to achieve clinical and serological remission; however, the effect on kidney involvement remains unclear. The objective of his study was to investigate the long-term efficacy of anti-IL-1 treatment with special emphasis on renal outcome.
Methods: We retrospectively analysed clinical, genetic and laboratory data of patients with CAPS under anti-IL-1 therapy from a single-centre university outpatient clinic.
Results: Patients with CAPS (n=28) were followed for a median of 11 (IQR 8.5-13) years. Four patients at various ages (19%), bearing the most common CAPS mutation R260W, had significant CKD at presentation. All affected patients were related; however, other family members with the same genetic variant did not develop CKD. While anti-IL-1 therapy was effective in lowering symptom burden and inflammatory parameters in all CAPS patients, two of the four individuals with significant CKD had persistant proteinuria and worsening kidney function. None of the patients without renal affection at therapy initiation developed relevant CKD in the follow-up period.
Conclusion: We showed that in patients with CAPS: (1) CKD is a common complication; (2) renal involvement shows familial predisposition beyond the mutational status and is independent from age; (3) anti-IL-1 therapy results in sustained improvement of inflammatory parameters and symptom load and (4) may prevent development of CAPS-associated CKD but not affect kidney involvement when already present. Overall, early therapy initiation might sufficiently prevent renal disease manifestation and attenuate progression.
A retrospective study about the impact of different treatments on prognosis of patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen ShuangYi , Ding XingChen , yu shui , Yu jinming , Hu Man , Cao XiuJuan
Published: February 2024

Objectives: The treatment approaches for patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HSCC) still lack standardized guideline. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the most beneficial non-surgical treatment options for patients with HSCC.
Methods: A total of 136 patients with stage III/IV LA-HSCC were enrolled. The treatment groups included concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT)(n=42), induction chemotherapy+CCRT (Indu+CCRT)(n=33), and induction chemotherapy+radiotherapy (Indu+RT)(n=61). We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate the survival of patients and examine the occurrence of acute adverse effects (AEs) using SPSS software.
Results: The overall survival (OS) rates were 37.9%, 34.4%, and 15.7% in CCRT, Indu+CCRT, and Indu+RT groups (P=0.043), while the 5-year PFS rates were 35.6%, 42.3%, and 19.2% respectively (P=0.045). Subgroup analysis (age≥61) showed that OS have no difference between CCRT and Indu+CCRT groups, but higher than Indu+RT group. Subgroup analysis of PFS revealed that Indu+CCRT group had better outcomes for patients with N2-3 stage or stage IV (P=0.011, P=0.025). About 97.0% patients in Indu+CCRT group occurred adverse events (AEs) and 48.5% occurred stage III-IV AEs, which were both highest among 3 groups.
Conclusion: The data indicate that there is no significant difference in survival benefits between CCRT and Indu+CCRT for LA-HSCC patients, but both higher than Indu+RT. However, CCRT was recommend to older patients (≥61 years), and Indu+CCRT was recommend to patients with stage IV disease or advanced N stage.
Predicting attitudes toward ambiguity using natural language processing on free descriptions for open-ended question measurements
Authors: Hitsuwari Jimpei , Okano Hirohito , Nomura Michio
Published: February 2024

Individual traits and reactions to ambiguity differ and are conceptualized in terms of an individual’s attitudes toward ambiguity or ambiguity tolerance. The development of natural language processing technology has made it possible to measure mental states and reactions through open-ended questions, rather than predefined numerical rating scales, which have traditionally been the dominant method in psychological research. This study presented three ambiguity-related situations and responses collected online from 591 participants in an open-ended format. After the analysis with bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT), correlations were calculated using scores from the numerical evaluation by conventional questionnaire, and a significant moderate positive correlation was found. Therefore, this study found that attitudes toward ambiguity can be measured using an open-ended response method of reporting everyday life states. It is a novel methodology that can be expanded to other scales in psychology and can potentially be used in educational and clinical situations where participants can be asked to respond with minimal burden.