bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Relationship Between the Pore Structure Characteristics of Reservoir and Performance of Cr3+ Polymer Gel
Authors: Kang Xiaodong , Sun Zhe , Wang Xiujun , Zhang Jian , Zhang Shanshan
Published: November 2021

Cr3+ polymer gel flooding technology is very important for enhancing oil recovery and its field trails have obtained significantly oil increment effect. However, its laboratory physical simulation experiments are rarely carried out according to real reservoir conditions. Therefore, it is very important to carry out relevant research work.

Aiming at the reservoir condition of Bohai Oilfield (an offshore oilfield in China), the experimental studies on the pore structure characteristics of reservoir on the properties of Cr3+ polymer gel are carried out. The effect of different core permeability (500, 1500 and 5000 ×10−3μm2), clay content (4.5%, 9.0% and 18%), mineral type (kaolinite, montmorillonite and illite), oil saturation (79.2%, 65.4% and 49.3%) and dynamic gelation effect are thoroughly studied. Finally, its application is introduced and analyzed.

Research results show that, with the increase of reservoir permeability and pore throat size, the gelation effect improves. Also, the loose cementation degree is helpful for rapid gelation. In additional, with the decrease of the content of clay and oil saturation, the gelforming effect gets better. However, the dynamic gelation strength is very low in porous media. And after chemical injection, suspension of water flooding could promote the gel-forming performance. From the field test results, this technology has obtained good effect in Bohai oilfield, due to the high permeability, severe heterogeneity, loose cementation and high water cut.

In conclusion, it is very important to study on the gelation effect under the real reservoir conditions deeply. Therefore, the relevant experimental studies have been carried out comprehensively. And its mechanism are further explored. Furthermore, its field application has also been also summarized, which is vital to the success of this technology.
Optimize Internal Phase Salinity to Improve Wellbore Stability and Mitigate Lost Circulation
Authors: Zhang Jianguo , Rodgerson Alan , Edwards Stephen
Published: November 2021

Wellbore instability and lost circulation are two major sources of non-productive time (NPT) in drilling operations worldwide. Non-aqueous fluid (NAF) is often chosen to mitigate this and minimize the chemical effect on wellbore instability in reactive shales. However, it may inadvertently increase the risk of losses. A simple method to optimize internal phase salinity (IPS) of NAF is presented to improve wellbore stability and mitigate the increased possibility of losses. Field cases are used to demonstrate the effects of salinity on wellbore instability and losses, and the application of the proposed method.

IPS is optimized by managing bidirectional water movement between the NAF and shale formation via semi-permeable membrane. Typically, higher shale dehydration is designed for shallow reactive shale formation with high water content. Whereas, low or no dehydration is desired for deep naturally fractured or faulted formation by balancing osmotic pressure with hydrostatic pressure difference between mud pressure and pore pressure.

The simple approach to managing this is as follows:

The water activity profile for the shale formation (aw,shale) is developed based on geomechanical and geothermal information The water activity of drilling fluid (aw,mud) is defined through considering IPS and thermal effects The IPS of NAF is manipulated to manage whether shale dehydration is a requirement or should be avoided If the main challenge is wellbore instability in a chemically reactive shale, then the IPS should be higher than the equivalent salinity of shale formation (or aw,shale > aw, mud) If the main challenge is losses into non-reactive, competent but naturally fractured or faulted shale, then IPS should be at near balance with the formation equivalent salinity (or aw, shale ≈ aw, mud)

It is important that salt (e.g. calcium chloride – CaCl2) addition during drilling operations is done judiciously. The real time monitoring of salinity variations, CaCl2 addition, water evaporation, electric stability (ES), cuttings/cavings etc. will help determine if extra salt is required.

The myth of the negative effects of IPS on wellbore instability and lost circulation is dispelled by analyzing the field data. The traditional Chinese philosophy: "following Nature is the only criteria to judge if something is right" can be applied in this instance of IPS optimization. A simple and intuitive method to manage IPS is proposed to improve drilling performance.
Ultra-Low Dose Asphaltene Inhibitors for Offshore Applications: Myth or Reality
Authors: Da Silva de Aguiar Janaina Izabel , Mahmoudkhani Amir , Ibragimova Samal
Published: November 2021

In recent years, long-distance subsea tiebacks have become a preferred field development option for deep and ultra-deepwater production. However, conditions such as lengthy umbilical systems, high pressures and variable temperatures conditions pose challenges for the continuous injection of various flow assurance chemicals. Severe operating conditions often require relatively high volumes of diluted inhibitors to be stored and injected offshore, resulting in high CAPEX costs for the installation of large topsides chemical storage tanks and their associated weight increases. Alliance Engineering estimates a deepwater platform's topsides installed costs are within the range of $35,000-$50,000/ton. It is possible to achieve significant capital cost savings on new platform designs if the dosage rates and subsequently offshore storage volumes of the highest usage production chemicals such as asphaltene inhibitors could be significantly reduced. This paper presents information on a new class of biosurfactants that are bio-based and eco-acceptable with potentials for development of ultra-low dose asphaltene inhibitors for offshore applications. Asphaltenes were extracted from chemical free crude oil samples and a curve of solubility with different ratios of heptane was obtained for each sample in order to determine the best conditions to perform the screening tests. A new class of glycolipid biosurfactants (GLP-U) was developed as an asphaltene dispersants effective at low concentrations for use in offshore applications. The new GLP-U biosurfactants are eco-acceptable and soluble in the organic solvents commonly used in offshore production chemicals. GLP-U were proved to be effective in dispersing and preventing precipitation of isolated asphaltenes at dosage rates as low as 25 mg/L (active substance), while for comparison a dodecylbenzesulfonic acid-based inhibitor provided inhibition at significantly higher concentrations (at least 40 times more).
A Quantitative Study of Sr2+ Impact on Barite Crystallization and Inhibition Kinetics
Authors: Zhao Yue , Dai Zhaoyi Joey , Dai Chong , Wang Xin , Paudyal Samridhdi , Ko Saebom , Yao Xuanzhu , Leschied Cianna , Kan Amy , Tomson Mason
Published: November 2021

Scale inhibitors have been widely used for barite scale control. Our group has developed several barite crystallization and inhibition models to predict the crystallization and inhibition kinetics of pure barite with different inhibitors and calculate the minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC) required. However, instead of pure barite scale formation, the incorporation of Sr2+ can be frequently found in the oilfield, because of the coexistence of Ba2+ and Sr2+ in the produced water, which can influence the kinetics of crystallization and inhibition significantly. As a result, the MIC predicted could be off significantly. Therefore, in this study, the effect of Sr2+ on barite crystallization and inhibition kinetics is quantitatively investigated to evaluate the accuracy of MIC values under various conditions. The induction time of barite with different concentrations of Sr2+ was measured by laser apparatus without or with different concentrations of scale inhibitor diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) (DTPMP) at the conditions: barite saturation index (SI) from 1.5 to 1.8; temperature (T) from 40 to 70 ℃; and [Sr2+]/[Ba2+] molar ratios from 0 to 15, all with celestite SI < 0. The results show that the induction time of the barite increases with [Sr2+]/[Ba2+] ratio at a fixed barite SI, T and DTPMP dosage. That means the MIC will be overestimated if it is calculated by previous semiempirical pure barite crystallization and inhibition models, without considering the presence of Sr2+. Based on the experimental results, the novel quantitative barite crystallization and inhibition models that include the influence of Sr2+ were developed for the first time as follows:

Barite crystallization model with the influence of Sr2+:

l o g 10 t 0 B a S O 4 ,   S r = ( 1.523 − 10.88 S I − 895.67 T ( K ) + 5477 S I × T ( K ) + 0.829 × [ C a 2 + ] ) + ( 0.823 S I + 85.44 T ( K ) − 0.667 ) × ( [ Sr 2 + ] [ B a 2 + ] )

Barite inhibition model including the influence of Sr2+

l o g 10 ( t i n h B a s o 4 , S r t 0 B a S O 4 , S r ) = b B a S O 4 , S r × C i n h l o g 10 b B a S O 4 , S r = ( − 2.187 − 1.411 × S I + 1329.29 T ( K ) + 0.153 × p H ) + ( 0.0983 × S I − 74.66 T ( K ) + 0.099 ) × ( [ Sr 2 + ] [ B a 2 + ] )

These novel models are in good agreement with the experimental data. They are used to predict the induction time and MIC more accurately at these common Ba2+ and Sr2+ coexisting scenarios. The observations and new models proposed in this study will significantly improve the barite scale management when Ba2+ and Sr2+ coexist in the oilfield.
Green Well Stimulation Fluids for Enhanced Oil Recovery from Tight Sand Formations: Field Wide 70+ Wells Study Over 4 Years
Authors: Shumway Martin , McGonagle Ryan , Nerris Anthony , Aguiar Janaina I.S. , Mahmoudkhani Amir , Jacobs D. Marc
Published: November 2021

Legacy oil production from Appalachian basin has been in a decline mode since 2013. With more than 80% of wells producing less than 15 bbl/day, there is a growing interest in economically and environmentally viable options for well stimulation treatments. Analysis of formation mineralogy and reservoir fluids along with history of well interventions indicated formation damage in many wells due precipitation of organics and a change in wettability being partially responsible for production decline rates in excess of forecasts. The development and properties of a novel cost-effective biosurfactant based well-stimulation fluid are described here along lessons learned from several field trials in wells completed in the Upper Devonian Bradford Group. This group of 74 wells, completed in siltstone and sandstone reservoirs were presenting more than 12 well failures annually across the field, which was attributed to the accumulation of organic deposits in the tubulars. Based on these cases, batch stimulation treatments using a novel fluid comprising biosurfactants were proposed and implemented field wide. The treatments effectively removed organic deposits, changed formation wettability from oil to water wet and resulted in a sustained oil production increase. Well failures were significantly reduced as a result of this program and the group of 74 wells did not have a paraffin-related well failure for 18 months. Results from this program demonstrates the efficiency of the green well stimulation fluids in mitigating formation damage, reducing organics deposition and in increasing oil production as a promising method to stimulate tight formations.
Epoxy Resin Exhibits Long-Term Durability and Chemical Stability as a Well Sealant
Authors: Sabins Fred , Apblett Allen , Shafer Randall , Watters Larry
Published: November 2021

The necessity to verify epoxy resin sealant's reliability for well applications is amplified as its use increases. Limited data exists to confirm resin's long-term durability or chemical stability under exposure to well fluids at temperature and pressure. This paper presents laboratory results illustrating durability and stability of epoxy resin exposed to a range of well fluids over a span of temperatures. Additionally, results of accelerated thermal degradation testing further quantify long-term thermal and chemical stability. Epoxy resins formulated for a range of remedial and abandonment applications were cured in fresh water, CaCl2 brine, and hydrocarbon at 170°F up to one year. Additional samples cured in fresh water and water containing CO2 and H2S at elevated temperatures (220°F to 320°F) for up to six weeks to produce accelerated degradation reactions allowed the assessment of resin degradation verses temperature. Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) evaluated chemical and mechanical degradation verses time at temperatures ranging from 200°C to 400°C. Arrhenius calculations were performed to forecast long term stability of resins across their intended temperature ranges. Resulting data were analyzed to develop an inclusive assessment of resin stability and durability in well environments. Results indicate properly formulated epoxy resin is a mechanically, chemically, and thermally durable sealant for well applications.
Mechanistic Understanding of the Impact of EOR Polymer on the Inhibition Mechanism and Performance of Phosphonate Scale Inhibitors
Authors: Beteta Alan , Boak Lorraine , McIver Katherine , Jordan Myles , Shields Robin
Published: November 2021

With the current trend for application of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technologies, there has been much research into the possible upsets to production, from the nature of the produced fluids to changes in the scaling regime. The key question being addressed in this publication is the influence of EOR chemicals, such as hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM), on scale inhibitor (SI) squeeze lifetime for barium sulphate and calcium carbonate scale risk. Squeeze lifetime is defined as the duration of time (or produced water volume) before the minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC) is reached. This is controlled by the adsorption, and later release, of the inhibitor onto the reservoir rock and the MIC of the inhibitor selected for the produced brine. This paper builds on earlier published work investigating potential changes to inhibitor adsorption caused by polymer EOR produced and moves to the evaluation of the changes in MIC due to the presence of EOR chemical.

In the static inhibitor performance bottle tests, the EOR polymer alone appeared to show some degree of inhibition performance against BaSO4, but below a level required for effective scale management. However, in combination with the inhibitor (DETPMP) at near MIC levels, the inhibition efficiency was negatively impacted by the presence of degraded HPAM EOR polymer. During dynamic tube blocking tests, the inclusion of even low levels of HPAM (2.5 ppm) were shown to reduce the differential pressure build up suggesting barite scale inhibition or reduced adhesion to the coil. Furthermore, the scale morphology produced in these tests, examined under a scanning electron microscope, was clearly impacted in the presence of HPAM. For the CaCO3 system there appears to be increasing positive impact from HPAM on CaCO3 morphology with HPAM concentration and, as observed for BaSO4, an improved performance in dynamic efficiency experiments. However, at higher HPAM concentrations (500 ppm) the precipitate was amorphous and only a minor pressure rise was observed during the tube blocking experiments.

From these observations, it is clear that HPAM can impact the way both calcite and barite scale grow, especially at lower inhibitor concentrations (<MIC) and hence impacts the mechanism by which DETPMP can function to prevent scale nucleation and growth.

This study represents a comprehensive review of both inhibition performance in the presence of an EOR polymer and with these findings the implication to field treatment lifetimes and associated costs of scale management via scale squeeze in a field under HPAM flooding.
Dolomite Stimulation with Retarded Acids
Authors: Daeffler Christopher , Fernandez del Valle Julia , Elkhoury Jean , Panga Mohan , Nikolaev Max , Kamaletdinov Bulat
Published: November 2021

Globally, dolomite formations are important reservoirs for oil and gas. Acid stimulation is commonly used to extend the life of carbonate reservoirs, and a good understanding of the fluid performance is essential for effective treatment design. Three acids, hydrochloric acid (HCl), emulsified HCl, and a single-phase retarded acid based on HCl, were assessed for their ability to create wormholes in Silurian dolomite under laboratory conditions using a standard core flow experiment. Select cores were imaged by X-ray computed tomography to visualize the wormhole morphology. Similar experiments in Indiana limestone was used as a control. The core flow experiments showed that the pore volume to break-through (PVbt) values for the retarded acids in Indiana limestone were less sensitive to changes in temperature overall than unmodified HCl. For Silurian dolomite though, the opposite is observed. HCl has uniformly high PVbt values at lower (200 °F) and higher (325 °F). The emulsified acid and the single-phase retarded acid are more efficient than HCl, but the difference is smaller at 325 °F. Core images revealed that all three fluids had some degree of wormhole branching at 200 °F and much less branching at 325 °F. By visual inspection, the single-phase retarded acid has less ramification than HCl and the emulsified acid. Overall, the results show that retarded acids should make effective stimulation fluids for dolomite reservoirs.
More Local is Possible: Recommendations for enhancing local humanitarian leadership and refugee participation in the Gambella refugee response
Authors: Gidron Yotam , Carver Freddie , Deng Elizabeth
Published: November 2021

The Gambella region of western Ethiopia hosts over 300,000 South Sudanese refugees in seven camps. The refugee response is dominated by UN agencies and international NGOs and staffed mostly by Ethiopians from outside of Gambella, creating a gap between humanitarian actors and the people they seek to assist. In order to realize commitments to localization and refugee participation made in the Charter for Change, the Grand Bargain and the Global Compact for Refugees, it is critical for refugees and local populations to be more involved in shaping and leading the delivery of aid. This could be achieved through increasing the role played by Gambella-based NGOs, engaging with faith-based actors, facilitating diaspora initiatives and supporting the development of refugee-led organizations.
Acceptance of Disability, Coping Style, Perceived Social Support and Quality of Life Among Patients With Chronic Lymphedema: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Huang Zehao , Wu Siyu
Published: November 2021

Objective: To examine acceptance of disability, coping style, perceived social support, and quality of life and to explore the relationships between acceptance of disability, coping style, perceived social support and quality of life among Chinese patients with chronic lymphedema.Methods: Chronic lymphedema patients were recruited from five tertiary hospitals between May and July 2020 in China. Recruited patients were assessed for quality of life (QOL), acceptance of disability (AOD), coping styles, perceived social support (PSS), and sociodemographic and disease-related factors. Multivariate linear regression models were conducted to examine the multivariate effect of AOD, coping style, PSS, and sociodemographic and disease-related factors on QOL.Results: A total of 163 chronic lymphedema patients were recruited. The mean score of QOL was 2.23 (SD=0.68). AOD, number of symptoms, acceptance-resignation, avoidance, degree of pain, PSS, and educational level were found to be significant predictors of QOL.Conclusion: Chinese patients with chronic lymphedema had moderate levels of QOL. The QOL and specific domains of patients were affected by different factors. Special attention and targeted interventions should be given to improve patients’ QOL.
An Ethno Botanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used for Respiratory Tract Disorders in Northern Parts of Palestine
Authors: Shawarb Nuha , Badrasawi Manal , Qaoud Hassan Abu , Hussein Fatima
Published: November 2021

Background: There are many medicinal applications of natural plant remedies. Several illnesses are still being treated by Palestinian people using medicinal plants. This research was intended to study the use of natural plants to treat different types of Respiratory tract disorders. Method: In the Northern part of Palestine, an ethno-pharmacological study of medicinal plants used to treat respiratory diseases has been carried out. A questionnaire was circulated to 120 informants. The details gathered included the names of the plants, the parts used, the diseases for which the products were used, as well as the method of preparation. To evaluate results: percentages (%), Fic (factor of informant consensus) and FL (fidelity-level) was calculated. Results: A total of 120 participants were included in the final analysis. The highest percentage of herbal use was reported for flu (103 participants) followed by cough, while the lowest percentages of users were in bronchitis management. The study showed that 31 plant species of 19 families were used for respiratory disorders. 6 species are from Lamiaceae family, while 3 species from Apiaceae family, two species are from Amaryllidaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, Rutaceae and Zingiberaceae , while the rest of the families only one species was mentioned by the participants, The pieces used most commonly were leaves and fruits. Decoction was the technique of preparation and was taken as a hot drink.Chamomile, mint, sage , lemon and ginger all were in treatment of all of the five respiratory diseases.Conclusions: The information provided on medicinal plants, with maximum percents & FL values can serve as basic data for further research to identify the active biological ingredients in these plants., and to develop new drug preparations for the treatment of disorders of the resapiratory system.
Omitting the First Step of GLIM Framework Yielded Better Accordance With PG-SGA in Chinese Ambulatory Cancer Patients: a Prospective Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Wang Yanfei , Liu Ziqi , Wang yunyi , Chen Xiaoyan , Liu Zhongfen , Zheng Yanqun , Jiang Danfeng , Xia Lina , Fang Yu , Peng Zhi , Liu Wei
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims: The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria is a new framework for diagnosing malnutrition in combination of phenotypic and etiologic criteria after nutrition screening using validated screening tools. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of malnutrition screening tool (MST), malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST) and nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS2002) as the first step of GLIM framework in comparison to Patients-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) in Chinese ambulatory cancer patients.Methods: A single-center prospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Nutritional screening and assessment were performed within 4h after admission to the hospital using a structured questionnaire including MST, MUST, NRS2002, PG-SGA and GLIM, with supplement information of calf circumference (CC) measurement and body composition measurement using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Malnutrition diagnosis made by GLIM framework using MST, MUST or NRS2002 as the first step or without screening step were compared to PG-SGA separately. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values and κ values were used to evaluate performance of the screening tools.Results: Of the 562 included patients, Of the participants 62.8% (355/562) were male and 37.2% (210/562) were female, with a male to female radio of 1.69:1. The median age of the patients was 59.0 years (range, 21-82y; interquels range 52.0-65.0y). From the 562 patients included in the study, 41.8% of patients were evaluated as malnutrition (PG-SGA≥4) and 11.9% were diagnosed as severe malnutrition (PG-SGA D). For GLIM criteria, omitting the screening step yielded fair accordance with PG-SGA in diagnosing malnutrition (κ=0.623) and severe malnutrition (κ=0.515). Using MUST as the first step of GLIM framework has better performance (κ=0.614; κ=0.515) than using MST (κ=0.504, κ=0.496) or NRS2002 (κ=0.363, κ=0.503) as the screening tool regardless of severity gradings.Conclusions: Using PG-SGA as the standard, GLIM framework omitting first step has better performance compared with using MST, MUST or NRS2002 as the screening tool. Among the screening tools validated to be used in the first step of GLIM framework, MUST may be the better choice for ambulatory cancer patients.
FLOT; To Be Treated as a Highly Emetogenic Regimen or a Moderately Emetogenic One? Comparison of the Emetogenic Potential of FLOT versus FOLFOX and TAC Regimens
Authors: Ghorbani Marziyeh , Dehghani Mehdi , Fahimfar Noushin , Namazi Soha , Dehshahri Ali
Published: November 2021

PurposeThe current study aimed at investigating the efficacy of aprepitant-containing triple antiemetic regimen in FLOT (Fluorouracil+Leucovorin+Oxaliplatin+Docetaxel) recipients as well as the emetogenic potential of FLOT regimen, through comparison of nausea and vomiting rates in a moderately emetogenic chemotherapy, FLOT, and a highly emetogenic chemotherapy recipients.StudyPatients planned to receive one of FLOT, FOLFOX (Fluorouracil+Leucovorin+ Oxaliplatin/moderate-emetic-risk), or TAC (Docetaxel+Doxorubicin+Cyclophosphamide/high-emetic-risk) regimens were recruited. All patients were treated with the same triple antiemetic regimen containing aprepitant.ResultsA total of 165 chemotherapy-naïve patients (52 FLOT recipients) were eligible to enter the study. At the end of day five, “complete response” (primary efficacy endpoint) was achieved by 84.6%, 63.5%, and 61.5% of the FLOT-receiving patients in acute, delayed, and overall phases, respectively. A significant difference was seen among the odds of FLOT recipients and FOLFOX recipients concerning “complete response” achievement in delayed (p=0.014) and overall (p=0.017) phases, “no emesis” in delayed (p=0.018) and overall (p=0.010) phases, also “complete protection” in acute (p=0.023), delayed (p=0.009) and overall (p=0.006) phases; however, the difference between the odds of FLOT recipients and TAC recipients, in relation to achieving these endpoints was insignificant. FLOT group showed significantly faster time-to-antiemetic regimen failure and time-to-first emetic episode in comparison to the FOLFOX group, which was insignificant in comparison to the TAC group.ConclusionAccording to the findings, FLOT has to be considered as a high-emetic-risk regimen. To better management of highly emetogenic regimens, antiemetic guidelines recommend adding olanzapine to aprepitant-containing triple antiemetic regimen besides continuing dexamethasone and olanzapine administration on days 2-4.
Moderate-intensity interval training (MIT) can protect rats against Methamphetamine –induced injuries
Authors: Bafti Ahad Shafiei , Haghighi Amir Hossein , Askari Roya , Keyhani Alireza , Zadeh Mahla sadat Nabavi , Asadi-Shekaari Majid
Published: November 2021

Methamphetamine (METH) can cause neurotoxicity and increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease. This study aimed to investigate the effect of moderate-intensity interval training (MIT) on gene expression and antioxidant status of the hippocampus of METH-dependent rats. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (n=7): saline, METH, MIT, and METH+MIT. METH was injected intraperitoneally at 5 mg/kg for 21 days. The MIT (intermittent running) was performed on the treadmill 5 days a week for 8 weeks. Morris Water Maze test was performed to measure learning and memory. Then, the hippocampal tissue was extracted to evaluate changes in gene expression and biochemical enzymes. The data were analyzed using one-way and two-way ANOVA methods at P<0.05. The results showed that METH injection significantly reduced spatial memory and antioxidant enzymes and increased the expression of α-synuclein (α-syn), cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), tau and phosphorylated tau (p-Tau) genes compared to the saline group. MIT significantly increased spatial memory and antioxidant enzymes. However, it reduced α-syn, CDK5, tau and p-tau expression. Thus, METH caused neural damage, and MIT could protect the neural system against METH-induced insults in male rats.
HGCSG1902 Multicenter, Prospective, Observational Study of Chemotherapy-induced Dysgeusia in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Ito Ken , Yuki Satoshi , Nakatsumi Hiroshi , Kawamoto Yasuyuki , Harada Kazuaki , Nakano Shintaro , Saito Rika , Ando Takayuki , Sawada Kentaro , Yagisawa Masataka , Ishiguro Atsushi , Dazai Masayoshi , Iwanaga Ichiro , Hatanaka Kazuteru , Sato Atsushi , Matsumoto Ryusuke , Shindo Yoshiaki , Tateyama Miki , Muranaka Tetsuhito , Katagiri Masaki , Yokota Isao , Sakata Yuh , Sakamoto Naoya , Komatsu Yoshito
Published: November 2021

PurposeDysgeusia is an adverse event caused by chemotherapy. Although retrospective studies have shown zinc administration improves dysgeusia, there have been no prospective studies. The present study examined effects of zinc therapy on dysgeusia in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.MethodsThis multicenter, prospective, observational study enrolled patients with dysgeusia during chemotherapy treatment. Patients received treatment of no intervention (control), polaprezinc p.o., or zinc acetate hydrate p.o. and serum zinc levels were measured at 0 (baseline), 6, and 12 weeks. Dysgeusia was assessed using CTCAE v5.0 and Subjective Total Taste Acuity (STTA) criteria using questionnaires at baseline and 12 weeks.ResultsFrom February 2020 to June 2021, 180 patients were enrolled from 17 institutes. There were no differences in mean serum zinc levels in each group at baseline (67.3, 66.6, and 67.5 μg/dL in the no intervention, polaprezinc, and zinc acetate hydrate groups, respectively. P = 0.846) and the mean changes in serum zinc level in the three groups from baseline to after 12 weeks were −3.8, +14.3, and +46.6 μg/dl, respectively. The efficiency rates of dysgeusia were 33.3%, 36.8%, and 34.6% using CTCAE and 33.3%, 52.6%, 32.7% using STTA in the no intervention, polaprezinc, and zinc acetate hydrate groups, respectively. The polaprezinc group showed a significantly improved STTA score compared with the no intervention group (P = 0.045).ConclusionThere was no significant correlation between the degree of serum zinc elevation and improvement in dysgeusia, suggesting that polaprezinc, but not zinc acetate hydrate, is effective in improving chemotherapy-induced dysgeusia.Trial registration number UMIN000039653. Date of registration, March 2, 2020.
ELIoT: Enhancing LiFi for a Next Generation Internet of Things
Authors: Linnartz Jean Paul , Corrêa Carina Ribeiro Barbio , Cunha Thiago Elias Bitencourt , Tangdiongga Eduward , Koonen Ton , Deng Xiong , Wendt Matthias , Abbo Anteneh A. , Stobbelaar Pieter J. , Polak Piotr , Müller Marcel , Behnke Daniel , Martinez Marcos , Vicent Santiago , Metin Taner , Emmelmann Marc , Kouhini Sepideh , Bober Kai Lennert , Kottke Christoph , Jungnickel Volker
Published: November 2021

Communication for the Internet of Things (IoT) currently is predominantly narrowband and cannot always guarantee low latency and high reliability. Future IoT applications such as flexible manufacturing, augmented reality and self-driving vehicles rely on sophisticated real-time processing in the cloud to which mobile IoT devices are connected. High-capacity links that meet the requirements of the upcoming 6G systems cannot easily be provided by the current radio-based communication infrastructure. Light communication, which is also denoted as LiFi, offers huge amounts of spectrum, extra security and low-latency transmission free of interference even in dense reuse settings. We present the current state-of-the-art of LiFi systems and introduce new features needed for future IoT applications. We discuss results from a distributed multiple-input multiple-output topology with a fronthaul using plastic optical fiber. We evaluate seamless mobility between the light access points and also handovers to 5G, besides low power transmission and integrated positioning. Future LiFi development, implementation and efforts towards standardization are addressed in the EU ELIoT project which is presented here.
The Potential Influence Factors To Dengue Epidemic Changes In Different Countries During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fan Bo , Kang Tianhui , Wang Peigang , Sheng Ziyang , An Jing
Published: November 2021

Background During the swooped coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) not only controlled the pandemic of coronavirus, but also had impacts on other infectious diseases. Dengue has become a disease that calls for key detection with it spreading rapidly worldwide in recent years. This study aims to discuss the impacts of the potential influence factors on dengue during the coronavirus according to the data of dengue pandemic of different countries around the world. Methods We collected the data of 2019 and 2020 dengue cases from 57 countries around the globe. Through correlation analysis and rank sum analysis, we sought to discuss the potential effects of different factors during the outbreak of COVID-19 on dengue. Results The results showed that dengue case subtractions had a significant correlation with the territorial area, the suffered and the deceased number of COVID-19 cases. Further rank sum analysis indicated that there is a significant difference in the number of dengue fever cases between the two years, countries with different continental locations, 2019 and 2020 GDPs per capita, the gaps between two years, territory areas, populations and coronavirus occurrences. Conclusions The results altogether showed that the coronavirus pandemic affected dengue epidemic on a certain degree. Considering the epidemic of dengue is closely related to national economy, geography and demography, our results also further indicated that individual measures should be taken to suppress the development of dengue in different countries depending on their own circumstances, especially during major health events.
Long-Term Carbon Accumulation in Temperate Swamp Soils: A Case Study from Greenock Swamp, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Dazé Emily , Byun Eunji , Finkelstein Sarah A
Published: November 2021

Wetlands that develop peat are a globally significant pool of soil carbon. While some wetland types such as bogs and fens are well characterized by the consistent development of carbon-rich peat, swamps soils are more variable both in terms of their carbon densities and accretion rates. Subcategorizing swamps by forest type may be a useful way of understanding this variability. Here we provide a case study of carbon accumulation in two distinct forest stands of Greenock Swamp located in the Great Lakes – St Lawrence mixed forest region in Bruce County, Ontario, Canada: an Acer - Fraxinus (maple-ash) dominant stand (i.e., broad-leaved swamp) and a Thuja occidentalis (cedar) dominant stand (i.e., needle-leaved swamp). Organic matter and organic carbon contents were analyzed among seven Acer - Fraxinus soil cores and one Thuja occidentalis core collected from Greenock Swamp. The Acer - Fraxinus cores had peat depths ranging from 18-60 cm with a mean organic matter content of 54% and an organic carbon content of 34% of dry mass. The Thuja occidentalis swamp core had at least 4 m of almost homogeneous peat with a mean organic matter content of 89%. Radiocarbon dating indicates that the Acer - Fraxinus swamp accumulates peat episodically whereas the Thuja occidentalis swamp showed continuous peat accumulation since the Middle Holocene. Overall, both broad-leaved and needle-leaved swamps have important soil carbon stocks, and are prevalent wetland types in middle latitudes. Both need to be considered to fully represent the carbon pools and potential sink of temperate wetlands.
Empirical Assessment of Alternative Methods for Identifying Seasonality in Observational Healthcare Data
Authors: Molinaro Anthony , DeFalco Frank
Published: November 2021

BackgroundSeasonality classification is a well-known and important part of time series analysis. Understanding the seasonality of a biological event can contribute to an improved understanding of its causes and help guide appropriate responses. Observational data, however, are not comprised of biological events, but timestamped diagnosis codes the combination of which (along with additional requirements) are used as proxies for biological events. As there exist different methods for determining the seasonality of a time series, it is necessary to know if these methods exhibit concordance. In this study we seek to determine the concordance of these methods by applying them to time series derived from diagnosis codes in observational data. Methods: We compared 8 methods for determining the seasonality of a time series at three levels of significance (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1), against 10 observational health databases. We evaluated 61,467 time series at each level of significance, totaling 184,401 evaluations. Results: Methods of binary seasonality classification when applied to time series derived from diagnosis codes in observational health data produce inconsistent results. Across all databases and levels of significance, concordance ranged from 20.2% to 40.2%.Conclusion: The results indicate that researchers relying on automated methods to assess the seasonality of time series derived from diagnosis codes in observational data should be aware that the methods are not interchangeable. Seasonality determination is highly dependent on the method chosen.
Mito-nuclear selection induces a trade-off between species ecological dominance and evolutionary lifespan
Authors: Princepe Debora , Aguiar Marcus , Plotkin Joshua
Published: November 2021

Micro-evolutionary processes acting in populations and communities ultimately produce macro-evolutionary patterns. However, current models of species life histories -- including processes of speciation, persistence, hybridization, and eventual extinction -- rarely connect these two time scales. This leaves us with a limited theoretical understanding of the subtleties of diversification, such as the relationship between species abundance in an ecological community and species longevity over evolutionary time, or the impact of selection on patterns of speciation and extinction when structuring an ecological community. Here we present a model for evolution in spatially extended populations with a focus on selection for mito-nuclear compatibility. We find that mito-nuclear selection acting at the individual level decreases genetic variability among species in a radiation, reducing the total number of species and skewing species abundances distributions towards mono-dominance. Also, intraspecific diversity increases as species become more abundant, leading to frequent evolutionary branching that reduces species lifetimes. The equilibrium of such communities is characterized by high rates of speciation, extinction, and hybridization, i.e., high turnover rate. These theoretical results are in concordance with empirical patterns of diversity across latitudinal gradients. Model predictions in the absence of mito-nuclear selection resemble the tropics, with high biodiversity, old species, and low speciation and extinction rates. Whereas model predictions under strong selection, which we expect in the harsh environments of temperate zones, produce fewer species and elevated recent speciation rates.
Increases of Temperature Response for CO2 Emission in a Biochar-Amended Vegetable Field Soil
Authors: Huang Rong , Wang Zifang , Xiao Yi , Yu Luo , Gao Xuesong , Wang Changquan , Li Bing , Tao Qi , Xu Qiang , Gao Ming
Published: November 2021

To explore the effects of biochar application on CO2 and CH4 emission as well as the temperature response of CO2 emission, an one-year experiment was conducted with three treatments (Control; CF, chemical fertilizer only; BCF, biochar combined with chemical fertilizer) in a vegetable field. Results shown that (1) compared with CF, short-term application of biochar significantly enhancing the cumulative CO2 emission by 27.5% from soil-plant system, via increasing the soil microbial biomass (e.g., MBC) and C substrates (e.g., SOC). (2) A lowest emission of CH4 was observed in BCF treatment, and an increase CH4 consumption and reduce competition with NH4+ may be responsible for the significant reduction in CH4 source strength in biochar amended soil. (3) Activation energy (Ea) was identified as an important factor influencing the temperature sensitivity (Q10) of CO2 emission. Fertilization (CF and BCF) reduced the average Q10 and Ea values of CO2 emission by 9.0-26.7% and 23.5-10.1%, relative to the control, respectively. Besides, the average of Ea value in BCF treatment (51.9 KJ mol-1) was significantly higher than those in control and CF treatment. The increase in Q10 and Ea values following biochar application possibly contributed to the supplement of limit labile C and nutrient but highly resistant C following biochar application. Soil pH and crop cultivation may play key roles in influencing the change of Ea. Our study concludes that biochar amendment increased CO2 emission and temperature response of CO2 emission from soil-plant system, while reduced CH4 emission.
A qualitative exploration of attitudes to walking in the retirement life change
Authors: Searle Aidan , Herbert Georgia , Ness Andy , Foster Charlie , Waylen Andrea , Jago Russell
Published: November 2021

Background
Walking is a simple activity that could help to reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases in all populations. Furthermore, an inverse dose-response relationship exists between steps taken and risk of premature death and cardiovascular events in middle-aged and older adults. There is a lack of information on how to effectively engage older adults around retirement age in walking. This qualitative study explored attitudes towards walking in older people with regard to habits, intensity, preferences and strategies for increasing walking behaviour.
Methods
In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 26 older adults who were either close to retirement or recently retired. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted.
Results
Three themes were identified from the data; 1) Engagement and perceived value of walking; was focused on the meaning of walking for the participant and the attributes they associate with their walking practice. 2) Integration and connectivity of walking; was focused on how participants integrate walking in their daily lives and whether walking can be practiced as a viable means of connectivity. 3) Strategies to increase walking; was focused on what factors motivate participants in their walking practice and what strategies they perceived to be beneficial to increase walking distance and intensity at an individual level.
Discussion
The views of walking in people of retirement age were represented within 3 key themes. The factors contained in these themes that may influence future walking practice are discussed with regard to future strategies to promote walking in the retirement life change.
Conclusion
It may be beneficial to promote qualitative aspects of walking practice and strive for regularity rather than intensity of walking to accrue the social, psychological and intellectual benefits reported by individuals in the retirement life change.
Characteristics and Co-Admissions of Mothers and Babies Admitted to Residential Parenting Services in the Year Following Birth in NSW: A Linked Population Data Study (2000-2012).
Authors: Dahlen Hannah , Schmied Virginia , Fowler Cathrine , Peters Lilian , Ormsby Simone , Thornton Charlene
Published: November 2021

Background

There is a tiered healthcare system in Australia to support maternal and child health, including, non-psychiatric day stay and residential parenting services (RPS) such as Tresillian and Karitane (in New South Wales [NSW]). RPS are unique to Australia, and currently there is limited information regarding the healthcare trajectory of women accessing RPS and if they are more likely to have admissions to other health facilities within the first-year post-birth. This study aimed to examine differences in hospital co-admissions for women and babies admitted to RPS in NSW in the year following birth compared to non-RPS admitted women.
Methods

A linked population data study of all women giving birth in NSW 2000-2012. Statistical differences were calculated using chi-square and student t-tests.
Results

In total 32 071 women and 33 035 babies were admitted to RPS with 5191 RPS women also having one or more hospital admissions (7607 admissions). There were 99 242 women not admitted to RPS but having hospital admissions (136 771 admissions). Women admitted to RPS who had a co-admission to a hospital were significantly more likely to be older, admitted as a private patient, born in Australia, having their first baby and be socially advantaged (p≤.001) compared to non-RPS admitted women also having a hospital admission. They also experienced more labour and birth interventions (induction, instrumental birth, caesarean section, epidural, episiotomy), and were more likely to have multiple births, a male infant and babies admitted to Special Care Nursery/Neonatal Intensive Care (p≤.001). Additionally, these women were more likely to have another admission for mental health and behavioural disorders (p≤.001), and this appeared to increase over time. There was no between cohort differences regarding the number of women admitted to a psychiatric facility; however, women attending RPS were more likely to have mood affective, or behavioural and personality disorder diagnoses.
Conclusion

Women accessing RPS in the year post-birth were more socially advantaged, had higher birth intervention and more co-admissions and treatment for mental health disorders than those not accessing RPS. More research is needed into the impact of birth intervention and mental health issues on subsequent parenting difficulties.
Effects of Soil Exogenous Nitrogen on Bamboo Shoots, Photosynthetic Characteristics, and Nitrogen Metabolism in Dendrocalamus Latiflorus Munro
Authors: Lili Fan , Fan Lili , Tarin Muhammad Waqqas Khan , Han Yongzhen , Hu Wenfeng , Rong Jundong , He Tianyou , Zheng Yushan
Published: November 2021

BackgroundNitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient element that is involved in almost every aspect of a plant's physiological mechanism. Therefore, the current research aims to determine the optimal amount of N fertilizer to bamboo seedlings for better nutrient management practices to minimize N pollution in bamboo forests. We evaluated the physiological response of Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro grown under five varying levels of N fertilizer; such as N0, N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5 (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, and 7.5 g·pot-1, respectively). ResultsN4 treatment had a significant effect on the number of shoots, which was greatly correlated with net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and photosynthetic pigment (Car, Chls, and Chl a/b) as well as N-related indices [leaf N, leaf ammonium N (NH4+-N), and nitrate reductase (NR)]. N supply significantly increased soil carbon and N contents, which could be conducive to the accumulation of leaf chlorophyll content, improving leaf photosynthesis mechanism, and accelerating N metabolism and conversion through an enzymatic reaction. ConclusionsOverall, the N application of 6 g·pot-1 was advantageous to improve physiological characteristics and shoot production of seedlings. As a consequence, we suggest that optimal nitrogen supply can be effective to improve soil fertility to attain high bamboo production.