bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective Pressure Maintenance and Fluid Leak-Off Management Using Nanoparticle-Based Foam
Authors: Telmadarreie Ali , Li Shuliang , Bryant Steven
Published: March 2022

Hydraulic fracturing is the most effective stimulation process to maximize resource extraction in unconventional reservoirs. However, water leakoff into the matrix of unconventional reservoirs, whether from a frac stage or from a pad placed in a parent well and pressured up to prevent frac hits, results in relative permeability reduction, decrease in hydrocarbon production rate and possible formation damage.

This paper reports the application of a foam designed with an innovative combination of nanoparticles and surfactants to create a highly stable fluid with a low leak-off rate and non-damaging characteristics. A series of laboratory tests were conducted on tight core samples with variable permeability ranging from micro-to millidarcies, using different fluid systems including gas, water, and foam. A uniquely designed coreflood setup was used to imitate the wellbore/fracture-matrix condition. A fracture/matrix pressure difference of 1500 psi was used to evaluate the performance of each fluid with respect to maintaining pressure over time and minimizing leak off at a temperature of 80 °C.

The test results show that the laboratory-designed nanofoam can effectively maintain elevated pressure in the fracture sufficient to reduce frac hits. The pressure depleted to 50% of original pressure in less than 3 hours when using gas or water and less than 15 hours in case of surfactant foam. However, the nanofoam maintained a pressure higher than 50% of the original pressure for more than 70 hours. The leak-off volume of the foam was low, and the foam could be easily cleaned up with no formation damage (i.e., no change in core permeability).

This study reveals the potential of a highly stable foam as a fast and reliable method to prevent frac hit problems, saving operational cost and reducing water usage without compromising the well productivity. This foam can be potentially used as a base fracture fluid due to its high viscosity, high stability, and non-damaging characteristics.
An Experimental Investigation of Asphaltene Aggregation Under Carbon Dioxide Injection Flow in Ultra-Low-Permeability Pore Structure
Authors: Elturki Mukhtar , Imqam Abdulmohsin
Published: March 2022

One of the major problems during gas injection in unconventional reservoirs is asphaltene precipitation and deposition. Asphaltenes can reduce the pore throat in the reservoir and plug the surface and subsurface equipment during the production process, thus, result in oil production reduction with significant financial consequences. The impact of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas injection on asphaltene deposition in unconventional reservoirs still poorly investigated. This research investigates the impact of CO2 gas injection on asphaltene aggregation in ultra-low-permeability pore structures, mainly present in unconventional shale resources. First, the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) of crude oil with CO2 was determined using the slim tube technique. Then, several CO2 injection pressures were selected to conduct the filtration experiments using a specially designed filtration apparatus. All pressures selected were below the MMP. Various sizes of filter paper membranes were used to study the effect of pore structure on asphaltene deposition. The results showed that asphaltene weight percent was increased by increasing the pressure and a significant asphaltene weight percentage was observed on smaller pore size structures of the filter membranes. The visualization tests revealed the process of asphaltene precipitation and deposition and showed that asphaltene particles and clusters were precipitated after one hour and fully deposited in the bottom of the test tube after 12 hours. High-resolution photos of filter paper membranes were presented using microscopy imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis; these photos highlighted the asphaltene particles inside the filter paper membranes and pore plugging was observed. The study's findings will contribute to a better understanding of the main factors influencing the stability of asphaltene particles in crude oil under immiscible CO2 injection pressure, particularly in nano pores, which are predominant in shale unconventional resources.
Cyclic Solvent Process Commercial Optimization
Authors: Gong Xu , Shahandeh Hossein , Maclsaac Gordon , Motahhari Hamed , Beckman Mark , Dong Lu
Published: March 2022

Cyclic Solvent Process (CSP) is a non-thermal solvent-based heavy oil recovery technology that was invented and developed by Imperial Oil Resources Limited through a multi-year integrated research program. The commercial viability of potential development concepts and their associated uncertainties are also an active area of investigation. A key input to an economic model is the global (or development level) flow stream. The conventional approach of developing the global flow stream involves the determination of well schedule through a well prioritization algorithm that adheres to a set of flow stream capacity constraints. The resulting flow streams can then be passed to an economic tool to evaluate a set of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) in an uncoupled manner. One of the main challenges encountered in this approach is that it is difficult to optimize the overall economic performance due to (1) the absence of well-defined objective function, (2) the decoupling of the flow stream generation and the economic calculations, (3) the pre-defined characteristics of the well prioritization algorithm.

The main objective of this study is to develop a mathematical optimization model for CSP commercial projects. A two-stage optimization framework, which integrates Genetic Algorithm (GA) as master optimizer and Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) as sub-optimizer, is described. A conceptual commercial scenario is simulated as a case study and economic uplift is demonstrated.
Effect of Different Disinfection Protocols on The Resin Bond Strength to Dentin: In Vitro Study.
Authors: Aidaros Nawal , Badra Heba , Ashraf Reem
Published: March 2022

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) can be adopted as a modality for bacterial decontamination before cavity restoration to decrease the risk of secondary caries development. Trials to eliminate the microbial load using cavity disinfectants with no adverse effect on the bond strength of adhesive restoration geared toward the long-term success. C-phycocyanin is a safe photosensitizer to be used in disinfecting cavities before restoration especially in esthetic zone as it does not stain the tooth or the restoration as does the toluidine blue. (16) However no studies had evaluated the bond strength of resin to dentin disinfected with C-phycocyanin extracted from spirulina platensis. The teeth (n=48) will be allocated into 2 groups (n=24) according to the type of exposed dentin surface (coronal dentin and radicular dentin). Artificial caries affected dentin of coronal dentin (ACAD) will be induced after pH cycling for 14 days. Dentin surfaces will be disinfected either by using C-phycocyanin as photosensitizer activated using 635-nm diode laser or 2 % chlorohexidine or not disinfected (control group). Then one step self-etch adhesive will be bonded to coronal dentin followed by resin composite packing into the tygon tube applied perpendicular onto the coronal dentin.Self-adhesive resin cement will be bonded to radicular dentin by packing it into the tygon tubes applied perpendicular onto the radicular dentin. Microshear bond strength of self-etch adhesive to coronal dentin; and resin cement to radicular dentin will be tested. One sample from each group will be prepared for scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination.
International consensus to define outcomes for trials of chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer (CORMAC-2): Defining the outcomes from the CORMAC core outcome set
Authors: Samuel Robert , Sebag-Montefiore David , Adams Richard , Hawkins Maria , Das Pragnan , Dorth Jennifer , Guren Marianne , Renehan Andrew , Fish Rebecca
Published: March 2022

IntroductionAnal cancer is rare, but its incidence is increasing. Chemoradiotherapy is the primary treatment modality. Outcomes used in anal cancer trials vary which hinders evidence synthesis. Using a systematic review, patient interviews and a 2-stage Delphi consensus survey, the first CORMAC project brought together patients and healthcare professionals from across the world to agree shared priorities and make sure that studies of chemoradiotherapy treatments for anal cancer report outcomes that are meaningful to patients and health care professionals. CORMAC-1 established an internationally ratified core outcome set (COS) of 19 outcomes across 4 domains. These 19 outcomes are an agreed minimum that all clinical trials in chemoradiotherapy anal cancer trials should report. CORMAC-2 is the next phase which seeks to reach international agreement on the definitions for the 11 core outcomes in the domains of disease activity and survival. Agreeing definitions for these core outcomes will facilitate utilisation of the core outcome set, increasing outcome standardisation across trials thereby increasing the quality of data available for clinical decision-making and ultimately enhancing patient care.MethodsThe original CORMAC systematic review will be updated, focusing on 2 of the 4 COS domains, disease activity and survival domains. An international steering committee composed of international anal cancer trial experts will be formed. The committee will review the updated search results to develop a 2-stage Delphi consensus survey. The survey will be publicised through conferences, email lists, domestic and international bodies and will target healthcare and allied healthcare professional involved in the design, running, recruitment and publication of anal cancer trials. Following the 2-stage survey, a stakeholder meeting composed of the steering committee and selection of survey participants will ratify the results and agree a final set of core outcome definitions.Ethics and disseminationCORMAC-2 results will be disseminated through journal and conference publications to inform clinical teams and patient support groups to raise awareness and implementation of the core outcome set. Results will feed into the DECREASE study and it is registered with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) initiative (1,2). As per the University of Manchester ethic decision tool, no ethical approval is required. Further information is available at https://cormacstudy.wordpress.com.
ASCOT ADAPT study of COVID-19 therapeutics in hospitalised patients: an international multicentre adaptive platform trial
Authors: Denholm Justin T , Venkatesh Balasubramanian , Davis Joshua , Bowen Asha C. , Hammond Naomi E , Jha Vivekanand , McPhee Grace , McQuilten Zoe , O’Sullivan Matthew VN , Paterson David , Price David , Rees Megan , Roberts Jason , Jones Mark , Totterdell James , Snelling Thomas , Trask Nanette , Morpeth Susan , Tong Steven YC
Published: March 2022

Background
SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a significant risk of hospitalisation, death, and prolonged impact on quality of life. Evaluation of new treatment options and optimising therapeutic management of people hospitalised with SARS-CoV-2 infection remains essential, but rapid changes in pandemic conditions and potential therapies have limited the utility of traditional approaches to randomised controlled trials.
Methods
ASCOT ADAPT is an international, investigator-initiated, adaptive platform, randomised controlled trial of therapeutics for non-critically ill patients hospitalised with COVID-19. The study design is open label and pragmatic. Potential participants are hospitalised adults with PCR confirmed, symptomatic, SARS-CoV-2 infection, within 14 days of symptom onset. Domains include antiviral, antibody and anticoagulant interventions, with a composite primary outcome of 28-day mortality or progression to intensive-care level respiratory or haemodynamic support. Initial interventions include intravenous nafamostat and variable dose anticoagulation. A range of secondary endpoints, and substudies for specific domains and interventions are outlined.
Discussion
This paper presents the trial protocol and management structure, including international governance, remote site monitoring and biobanking activities, and provides commentary on ethical and pragmatic considerations in establishing the ASCOT ADAPT trial under pandemic conditions.
Combination of Problem Solving and Multi-organ Ultrasound. A Case Report of AL Amyloidosis Associated to Cardiac, Renal, Peritoneal, Mesenteric and Gastrointestinal Involvement
Authors: Tirotta Daniela , Cangini Delia , Girelli Francesco , Mazzeo Vincenzo , Tassinari Maurizio , Muratori Paolo
Published: March 2022

Introduction. Systemic amyloidosis AL is unusual disease that is heterogeneous in presentation. Clinical case. We present a case of systemic amyloidosis AL with unusual cardiac, mesenteric, renal, peritoneal and gastrointestinal involvement, in which the diagnostic hypothesis was formulated on the basis of problem solving and ultrasound (abdomen, lung, heart US).Conclusion. This case shows that multi-organ ultrasound, associated with problem solving, may be of very helpful in the diagnosis of systemic diseases, even unusual ones and even associated to non-specific clinical aspect, avoiding a long diagnostic interval length.
High-throughput sequencing reveals that microRNA from exosomes as potential pathogenetic factors and biomarkers of moyamoya disease
Authors: Huang Da , Qi Hui , Yang Hongchun , chen Meng
Published: March 2022

Background: As a progressive cerebrovascular disease, moyamoya disease is a common cause of stroke in children and adults; however, early biomarkers and the pathogenesis of moyamoya disease remain poorly understood. Objectives: We aimed to diagnose moyamoya disease by identifying noninvasive rapid liquid diagnostic biomarkers using plasma exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs).Materials and Methods: For the first time, frozen plasma samples from moyamoya disease patients, next-generation high-throughput sequencing technologies, real-time quantitative PCR, gene ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis analyses of exosomal miRNA-related target gene functions were used to identify plasma exosomal miRNAs as potential biomarkers of moyamoya disease. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of biomarkers for predicting eventsResults: The target genes of the different expression miRNA showed that they were mainly enriched in axon guidance, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and the MAPK signalling pathway. Ten miRNAs (miR-1306-5p, miR-196b-5p, miR-19a-3p, miR-22-3p, miR-320b, miR-34a-5p, miR-485-3p, miR-489-3p, miR-501-3p, and miR-487-3p) were found to be associated with the most sensitive and speciﬁc pathways for predicting moyamoya disease. Conclusions: Plasma exosomal miRNAs could be used to construct an accurate predictive model for improving moyamoya disease detection.
Structures for the care of people with dementia: A European comparison
Authors: Schmachtenberg Tim , Monsees Jessica , Thyrian Jochen René
Published: March 2022

Background
Dementia is a disease that impacts people with dementia, their families, and the health care system. In 2018, the number of people with dementia in the EU, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and the UK was estimated to be 9.1 million. National dementia strategies and publications by organisations such as Alzheimer Europe outline how dementia-specific care should be organised and designed. This study aims to provide a systematic overview of existing formal support and care structures, models of good practise, and gaps in dementia-specific care for people with dementia in 17 European countries.
Methods
The research is based on guided qualitative interviews with country-specific care experts. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim based on the transcription rules of Kuckarts (2010). For data evaluation, the qualitative content analysis model of Mayring (2014) was used. The content was structured with a combination of deductive and inductive categorisation, summarised, and presented descriptively.
Results
In all 17 countries, efforts for dementia-friendly care and models of good care practise exist. However, there are large differences between European countries regarding the spread of dementia-specific services. In some countries (Finland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the UK), there are already nationwide structures, while in other countries (Belgium, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Romania), services are only available in certain regions. Simultaneously, in all countries, areas with major care gaps exist. Several European states have an urgent need for action concerning the expansion of the provision of dementia-specific services in outpatient and inpatient care, the reduction of regional differences regarding the provision of care, the elimination of barriers to access to care, the dementia-friendliness of services, and the participation of people with dementia and their relatives in care and research.
Conclusions
To reduce the existing structural inequalities in care between and within European countries, and to establish quality-related minimum standards in the care of people with dementia, transnational concepts are needed. The EU, in cooperation with the parliaments of its member states, care planners, research institutions, care providers, and patient organisations, should develop European care guidelines or dementia plans that contain concrete measures, schedules, and budgets.
Regulation of aging by balancing mitochondrial function and antioxidant levels.
Authors: Yoshina Sawako , Izuhara Luna , Kamatani Naoyuki , Mitani Shohei
Published: March 2022

Aging is the deterioration of physiological mechanisms that is associated with getting old. There is a link between aging and mitochondrial function. In C. elegans, it has been reported that inhibiting the electron transfer system decreases ATP production and extends lifespan. However, it has also been suggested that energy loss due to mitochondrial dysfunction or impairment is a mechanism of diseases and aging. Thus, there is an unresolved relationship between ATP levels and aging. To address this issue, we administered febuxostat (FBX), an inhibitor of human xanthine oxidase (XO)/xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), to C. elegans. XO/XDH is an enzyme that participates in the in vivo synthesis of uric acid. When FBX is added to cells, the salvage pathway of purine metabolism becomes dominant, and the ATP concentration increases. Since humans and C. elegans but few mammalian species lack uricase, which degrades uric acid, we used C. elegans as a model to evaluate the effects of FBX and to challenge the enigma of the relationship between ATP and lifespan.In this study, we showed that FBX protects mitochondria and prevents age-related muscle deterioration in C. elegans. In addition, we showed that FBX administration could increase ATP levels without overloading the mitochondria while extending the lifespan. We also showed that the combination of FBX and an antioxidant as a protection against ROS prolongs lifespan more. We have shown that the antioxidant effects and increased ATP levels may lead to antiaging effects.
How can net petroleum importers achieve risk aversion in in a globalized world: A multi-regional input-output perspective
Authors: Wang Feng , Zhang ZaiXu
Published: March 2022

Paying attention to the national flows and drivers of embodied petroleum consumption in net petroleum importers are important for petroleum safety risk aversion and environmental protection policy formulation. This study utilized the multi-regional input-output model to determine the top five embodied petroleum net importers (i.e. the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom and France) under the economic globalization, and traced the flows of embodied petroleum consumption through international trade. Combined with the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index method, this study also deeply investigated the drivers of changes embodied petroleum in net imports. From the perspective of international trade, the United States was not only the largest importer but also the largest exporter of embodied petroleum. Among the trade flows of embodied petroleum, the largest trade flow was from China to the United States, which indicated that China was the world factory and the United States was the consumer power. The embodied petroleum trade markets of Germany, the United Kingdom and France was mainly distributed in Europe & Eurasia resulted from European economic integration. The largest contributor to the decrease of embodied petroleum imports in top 4 net importers was the petroleum intensity effect. Meanwhile, the import dependence effect was the largest contributor to the increase of France’s embodied petroleum net imports. In order to further avoid the risk of petroleum security, constructing the diversified petroleum product import strategy is an extremely effective path. Moreover, improving energy efficiency is another way to solve the contradiction between petroleum supply and demand.
Mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients during surges of SARS-CoV-2 alpha (B.1.1.7) and delta (B.1.617.2) variants
Authors: Zali Alireza , Khodadoost Mahmood , Gholamzadeh Saeid , janbazi Shahriar , Piri Hassan , Taraghikhah Nazanin , Hannani Khatereh , Looha Mehdi Azizmohammad , Mohammadi Gohar
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the death proportion and death risk of COVID-19 hospitalized patients over time and in different surges of COVID-19. This multi-center observational study was conducted from March 21, 2021 to October 3, 2021 which included the alpha and delta SARS-CoV-2 surges occurred in April and August in Tehran, respectively. The risk of COVID-19 death was compared in different months of admission. A total of 270624 (6.9% deaths) patients with COVID-19 were admitted to hospitals in Tehran province. Compared to patients admitted in March, a higher risk of COVID-19 death was observed among patients admitted to the hospital in July (HR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.40), August (HR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.28, 1.52), September (HR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.25, 1.50) and October (HR: 4.63; 95% CI2.77, 7.74). The ICU death proportion was 36.8% (95% CI: 35.5, 38.1) in alpha surge and increased significantly to 39.8 (95%CI: 38.6, 41.1) in delta surge. The risk of COVID-19 death was significantly higher in delta surge compared to alpha surge (HR:1.22 ; 95% CI:1.17, 1.27). Delta surge was associated with a higher risk of death compared to alpha surge. High number of hospitalizations, a shortage of hospital beds, ICU spaces and medical supplies, poor nutritional status of hospitalized patients, and lack of the intensivist physicians or specialized nurses in the ICU were factors that contributed to the high mortality rate in the delta surge in Iran.
Flood Hazards Vulnerability And Risk Of Food Security In Bait Community Flood-Prone Areas Of Punjab Pakistan: In Sdgs Achievement Threat
Authors: Ahmad Dilshad , Shah Salyha Zulfiqar Ali , Afzal Muhammad
Published: March 2022

Food security is a global concern while economic growth, hunger eradication programs, raising agricultural productivity, and public policy measures have played a significant role in improving food security. However, to a great extent of Pakistan’s population still experiencing poverty and hunger in their daily livelihood. Flood disasters have caused barricade agricultural production and interrupt livelihood routine matters so household-level food security is eventually affected by floods. This study investigated food security of rural flood-prone households of Punjab, Pakistan with a broader aspect in contrast to previous research work. Constructing the food security index composition of different IPCC and FAO factors with related dimensions of food security was used for the empirical estimation of this study. Composite food security index was developed through polychoric principal component analysis. To estimate the influence on the whole food security condition in the study area food security index was regressed on various independent variables. The finding of the study indicated as ¾ of the household respondents in the study area are confronted with the issue of food security with a changeable scale. Financing schemes, physical assets, and family type illustrated the positive influence on respondents' food security level whereas respondents suffering property losses owing to floods and having mostly status of female. Findings of the study suggested as integrated strategies necessitate adopting for well deal with issues of food security in the scenario of rising severity of flood disasters. In the scenario of Pakistan policymakers to deal with food insecurity tackled regarding flood hazards.
Odor-GCN: Graph Convolutional Network for Predicting Odor Impressions Based on Molecular Structures
Authors: Qiu Xiaofang , Cheng Yu , Luo Dehan , He Chunxia , WONG Angus K.Y. , Liu Qi
Published: March 2022

Predicting odor impression from molecular structure can help develop olfactory product such as perfumes, cosmetics and fragrances. At present, the methods of odor impression prediction can be divided into three categories: based on molecular physical and chemical characteristics, based on electronic nose, and based on mass spectrometry. In these methods, collecting odor data usually requires expensive equipment or time-consuming chemical and physical experiments. In order to overcome these difficulties, we proposed a molecular structure-based odor impression prediction method, which can be obtained in the existing chemical database (such as PubChem) without additional experiments. This greatly saves the time and cost of obtaining odor data. We believe that the olfactory information of odor is implicit in its molecular structure. First, molecules are represented as graphs, called molecule-graph, that is, atoms are regarded as the vertices of the graph, and covalent bonds are regarded as edges of the graph. Then a graph convolution network (GCN) was designed to extract olfactory information from molecule-graph. The GCN contains three con-volutional layers, an aggregation layer and a fully connected layer. In each graph convolution layer, vertices (atoms) can send message to the vertices (atoms) connected to it. The aggregation layer aggregates all the features of all vertices and calculates their average value. The fully connected layer outputs the odor impression value of the odor. Finally, we predicted the odor impressions (pleasantness , intensity and familiarity) for 476 odor single molecules. The best prediction of Pearson Correlation Coefficient for odor pleasantness impressions was r = 0.52 (p < 0.0000005), which is between the predicted and actual ratings, and the Mean Absolute Error was M AE = 8.53.
Immune phenotypes that predict COVID-19 severity
Authors: Liechti Thomas , Iftikhar Yaser , Mangino Massimo , Beddall Margaret , Goss Charles , O'Halloran Jane , Mudd Philip , Roederer Mario
Published: March 2022

Severe COVID-19 causes profound immune perturbations, but pre-infection immune signatures contributing to severe COVID-19 remain unknown. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified strong associations between severe disease and several chemokine receptors and molecules from the type I interferon pathway. Here, we define immune signatures associated with severe COVID-19 using high-dimensional flow cytometry. We measured the peripheral immune system from individuals who recovered from mild, moderate, severe or critical COVID-19 and focused only on those immune signatures returning to steady-state. Individuals that suffered from severe COVID-19 showed reduced frequencies of T cell, MAIT cell and dendritic cell (DCs) subsets and altered chemokine receptor expression on several subsets, such as reduced levels of CCR1 and CCR2 on monocyte subsets. Furthermore, we found reduced frequencies of type I interferon-producing plasmacytoid DCs and altered IFNAR2 expression on several myeloid cells in individuals recovered from severe COVID-19. Thus, these data identify potential immune mechanisms contributing to severe COVID-19.
The Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic On The Radiopharmacy Activities National And International Survey, The Standard Is Missing
Authors: Al-Saeedi Fatma J. , Rajendran Peramaiyan , Tipre Dnyanesh N. , Alqabandi Maryam Y. , Priya V. Vishnu , Ahmed Emad A
Published: March 2022

Background: The COVID–19 pandemic is confronting the business activities of radiopharmaceutical labs globally. This study aimed to find out the impact of COVID–19 on the radiopharmacy business, services, and research activities. Methods: This survey was conducted online among nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceutical staff. Results: Socio-demographic information was collected. A total of 140 health professionals from 23 countries participated in the study. We observed that the 18F–fluorodeoxyglucose was used frequently during COVID–19 pandemic. The radiopharmacy lab scheduling was reduced. The majority of the respondents were using the local departmental regulations. Conclusions: COVID–19 adversely affected the radiopharmaceutical business and nuclear medicine research.
Ionospheric elves powered by corona discharges in overshooting thunderclouds
Authors: Liu Feifan , Neubert Torsten , Chanrion Olivier , ZHU Baoyou , Lu Gaopeng , Lyu Fanchao , koehn Christoph , Dimitriadou Krystallia , Lei Jiuhou , Østgaard Nikolai , Reglero Víctor
Published: March 2022

Elves are rapidly expanding rings of optical emissions in the lower ionosphere, excited by the transient electromagnetic pulses from lightning in the clouds below. Narrow bipolar events (NBEs) are signatures in radio signals from intra-cloud discharges. They are thought to be fast streamer breakdown that may trigger the onset of lightning and blue jets. Recent observations from space suggest they may carry sufficient current to excite elves. Here, we report the first simultaneous observation of NBEs and elves that confirm this hypothesis. Three negative NBEs produced in a tropical storm are observed from the ground by a radio wave receiver located in China and their optical signatures from space by the Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) on the International Space Station (ISS). The NBEs are associated with flashes of emissions in N22P at 337 nm, with faint or no activity in the dominant lightning leader line OI at 777.4 nm, confirming their streamer nature. The elves are seen as delayed emissions in the near-ultraviolet of the Lyman–Birge–Hopfield (LBH) band. Our analysis suggests that negative NBE discharges can generate weak, but observable elves when the associated impulse current is above ~ 140 kA. The appearance of elves would provide a new method to estimate the currents of corona discharges at cloud tops, crucial for the characterization of chemical perturbations to greenhouse gas agents at the tropical tropopause.
Opposing Actions of CRF-R1 and CB1 Receptor on Facial Stimulation-Induced MLI-PC Plasticity in Mouse Cerebellar Cortex
Authors: Li Guang-Gao , Wan Peng , Wu Wen-Yuan , Chu Chun-Ping , Qiu De-Lai , Piao Chun-Jian , Li Shu-Yu , Wei Yu-Xuan , Zhao Guo-Hun
Published: March 2022

Background
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is an important neuromodulator in cerebellar cortex, which plays critical roles in modulating synaptic transmission and plasticity via its receptors. Activation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) controls the sensory stimulation-induced interneuron–Purkinje cell long-term depression (MLI-PC LTD) in mouse cerebellar cortex. However, the cellular actions of CRF on MLI-PC LTD are poor understand. We here investigated the effect of CRF on the facial stimulation-evoked MLI-PC long-term depression (LTD) in urethane-anesthetized mice by cell-attached recording technique and pharmacological method.
Results
Facial stimulation at 1Hz induced a LTD of MLI-PC synaptic transmission under control conditions, but it was not induced in the presence of CRF (100 nM). The CRF-abolished MLI-PC LTD was restored by a selective CRF-R1 antagonist, BMS-763534 (BMS, 200 nM), but it was not restored by a selective CRF-R2 antagonist, antisauvagine-30 (200 nM). Blocking cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor, abolished the facial stimulation-induced MLI-PC LTD, and revealed a CRF-R1 receptor activation-dependent MLI-PC long-term potentiation (LTP). However, the CRF-R1 receptor activation-dependent MLI-PC LTP was abolished by inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) with chelerythrine (5 µM) or depletion of intracellular Ca2+ with cyclopiazonic acid (100 µM).
Conclusions
The present results indicate that CRF opposes the CB1 receptor-dependent MLI-PC LTD produced by the facial stimulation train, which may be caused by triggering a MLI-PC LTP through CRF-R1/PKC and intracellular Ca2+ signaling pathway in mouse cerebellar cortex. Our results suggest that CRF-R1 and CB1 receptor play oppose actions on facial stimulation-induced cerebellar MLI-PC plasticity in vivo in mice.
Microbial induced corrosion in Zn-Ni-Cu and Zn-Ni-Cu-TiB2 coated mild steel
Authors: ALI sheikh Idrees , Ahmad sheikh Nazir
Published: March 2022

Zn-Ni-Cu and Zn-Ni-Cu-TiB 2 coatings were coated on a mild steel substrate utilizing a high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) thermal spray process. A field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) was used to examine the microstructural characteristics of both coated and uncoated mild steel samples. Immersion tests following ASTM G-31, ASTM G1-03, standards were performed in Escherichia Coli (E-Coli) bacteria medium for 28 days (672 hrs), the weight loss of uncoated mild steel specimen was 982.5 mg, for Zn-Ni-Cu coated mild steel it was 116.5 mg, and for Zn-Ni-Cu-TiB 2 coated mild steel it was 115.1 mg. The uncoated mild steel specimen showed well-developed bacterial colonies on the surface and floating colonies of bacteria were observed in the medium solution. The coatings performed well and limited the growth of bacteria. Very few colonies of bacteria could be seen in both coated sample mediums. The presence of Zn and Cu prevented the bacterial attachment with coated surface and hence prevented the underlying substrate from being corroded substantially. Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in Escherichia Coli (E-Coli) medium confirmed that coated samples were more corrosion resistant than uncoated mild steel specimens because the corrosion potential (Ecorr) values of both coated samples were higher than uncoated mild steel suggesting better anodic protection. The corrosion current density (Icorr) of both coated samples (Zn-Ni-Cu and Zn-Ni-Cu-TiB 2 ) were lower than uncoated mild steel specimens also inferring better performance of a coating in microbial induced corrosive environments.
Hydrogenotrophic bacteria of Arctic hydrothermal vent plumes belong to a novel cosmopolitan branch of aerobic deep-sea Sulfurimonas
Authors: Molari Massimiliano , Hassenrueck Christiane , Laso-Pérez Rafael , Wegener Gunter , Offre Pierre , Scilipoti Stefano , Boetius Antje
Published: March 2022

Members of the genus Sulfurimonas (phylum Campylobacterota) dominate microbial communities of benthic and pelagic redox clines, playing a key role in the biogeochemistry of these environments. Investigating neutrally buoyant hydrothermal plumes of the Central Arctic Ocean, we found a novel type of Sulfurimonas that inhabits hydrogen-rich and oxygen-saturated environments close to the freezing point. Using omics’ approaches, we compared the diversity and distribution of Sulfurimonas from Gakkel Ridge hydrothermal plumes with those from different Mid Ocean Ridges and other Sulfurimonas-hosting environments. A single and new Sulfurimonas species, USulfurimonas pluma, was found to be globally abundant and active in cold (<0-4 °C), oxygen-saturated hydrothermal plumes. US. pluma features substantial genome reduction and specific genomic traits (e.g., oxygen detoxification mechanisms, acquisition of A2-type oxidase, loss of nitrate and nitrite reductases) compared to other Sulfurimonas species. These traits are indicative for adaptation to an obligate aerobic chemolithotrophic life style in hydrogen-rich plumes, US. pluma dominates microbial communities of metal-rich neutrally-buoyant hydrothermal plumes, suggesting a so far neglected roles of Sulfurimonas in ocean biogeochemistry and food webs.
WILL (When to Induce Labour to Limit risk in pregnancy hypertension) – a multicentre randomised controlled trial - Adaptations to deliver a timing of birth trial during an international pandemic
Authors: Magee Laura A , Tohill Sue , Kirkham Katie Louise , Evans Ruth , Gkini Eleni , Moakes Catherine A , Stubbs Clive , Thornton Jim , von Dadelszen Peter
Published: March 2022

Background: As a pragmatic randomised timing-of-birth trial, WILL adapted its trial procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These are reviewed here to inform post-pandemic trial methodology. Methods: The trial (internal pilot) paused March 2020, re-opened July 2020, and is currently recruiting in 37 United Kingdom NHS consultant-led maternity units. We evaluated pandemic adaptations made to WILL processes, and surveyed sites for their views of these changes (20 sites, videoconference). Results: Despite 88% of sites favouring an electronic investigator site file (ISF), information technology requirements and clinical trial unit (CTU) operating procedures mandated ongoing use of paper ISFs; site start-up delays resulted from restricted access to the CTU. Site initiation visits (SIVs) were conducted remotely; 50% of sites preferred remote SIVs and 44% felt that it was trial-dependent, while few preferred SIVs in-person as standard procedure. The Central team felt remote SIVs provided scheduling and attendance flexibility (for sites and trial staff), the option of recording discussions for missing or future staff , improved efficiency by having multiple sites attend, and time and cost-savings; the negative impact on rapport-building and interaction was partially mitigated over time with more familiarity with technology and new ways-of-working. Two methods of remote consent were developed and used by 30/37 sites and for 54/156 recruits. Most (86%) sites using remote consenting felt it improved recruitment. For remote data monitoring (5 sites), advantages were primarily for the monitor (e.g., flexibility, no time constraints, reduced cost), and disadvantages primarily for the sites (e.g., document and access preparation, attendance at a follow-up meeting), but 81% of sites desired having the option of remote monitoring post-pandemic. Conclusions: COVID adaptations to WILL trial processes improved flexibility of trial delivery, for central and site staff, and participants. Flexibility to use these strategies should be retained post-pandemic.Trial registration: ISRCTN77258279
PTOV1 is a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated with Poor Progression in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Xie Si-An , Yang Yi , Bu Fan-Qin , Liu Si , Xu Jun-Xuan , Ning Ting-Ting , Zhang Nan , Wei Yan-Fei , Min Li , Chen Yi-Yang , Zhu Sheng-Tao , Zhang Shu-Tian
Published: March 2022

Background: The function of prostate tumor overexpressed 1 (PTOV1) as an oncogene has been reported in a growing number of publications. However, its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) is remain unclear.Methods: We using the online databases TIMER, SangerBox, TCGA, GEO, The Expression Atlas database, cBioPortal and GEPIA II to identified the relationship between PTOV1 and CRC tumorigenesis, progression, immunity, and prognosis. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect PTOV1 expression in CRC cell lines. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect PTOV1 expression in CRC tissues. By using real-time tracking assay, EDU staining, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assay to evaluated CRC cell line proliferation, migration and invasion functions. KEGG and GO analysis to get the significant differences pathways in enrichment of PTOV1 expression.Results: PTOV1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in most human cancers including CRC. A significant correlation was observed between PTOV1 expression and the poor prognosis of CRC patients. Moreover, PTOV1 mRNA expression indicated a positive correlation with tumor-infiltrating B cells and CD8+ T cells. And also, PTOV1 coordinated the expression of immune checkpoint (ICP) genes that was associated with immune cell infiltration and potentially represented a promising immunotherapy target. In addition, the expression of PTOV1 was much higher in CRC cells lines compared with human colon normal epithelial cells line. Functional experiments showed that PTOV1 remarkably increased the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of CRC cells. Conclusion: PTOV1 is differentially expressed in patients with CRC and affects the prognosis of patients. Besides, that implied that PTOV1 could be a potential prognostic biomarker for CRC progression.
Predicting conversion to Alzheimer’s Disease in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment using clinically transferable features
Authors: Rye Ingrid , Vik Alexandra , Kocinski Marek , Lundervold Alexander S. , Lundervold Astri J.
Published: March 2022

Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Early identification of underlying neurodegenerative processes is essential to provide treatment before the disease is well established in the brain. Here we used longitudinal data from the ADNI database to investigate prediction of a trajectory towards AD in a group of patients defined as MCI at a baseline examination. One group remained stable over time (sMCI, n = 357) and one converted to AD (cAD, n = 321). By running two independent classification methods within a machine learning framework, with cognitive function, hippocampal volume and genetic APOE status as features, we obtained a cross-validation classification accuracy of about 70%. This level of accuracy was confirmed across different classification methods and validation procedures. Moreover, the sets of misclassified subjects had a large overlap between the two models. Impaired memory function was found to be a core symptom in MCI patients on a trajectory towards AD. The prediction above chance level shown in the present study should inspire further work to develop tools that can aid clinicians in making prognostic decisions.
Biosynthesis of Valerenic acid by Engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zhao Mengya , Zhang Chuanbo , Wang Haibin , He Shifan , Lu Wenyu
Published: March 2022

Objective To produce valerenic acid (VA) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by engineering a heterologous synthetic pathway.Result Valerena-4,7(11)-diene synthase (VDS) derived from Valeriana officinalis was expressed in S. cerevisiae to generate valerena-4,7(11)-diene as the precursor of VA. By overexpressing the key genes of mevalonate (MVA) pathway ERG8, ERG12 and ERG19 and integrating 4 copies of MBP (maltose binding protein)-VDS-ERG20 gene expression caskets into genome, the production of valerena-4,7(11)-diene was improved to 75 mg/L. On this basis, VA synthases from Lactuca sativa was expressed to produce VA and the most effective VA production strain was used for fermentation, and the yield of VA reached mg/L in the flask and 6.8 mg/L in a 5-L bioreactor fed glucose and ethanol. Conclusions The heterologous synthesis of VA in S. cerevisiae increases the production of VA and provides a reference method for the biosynthesis of other sesquiterpenes.
Long-term prognosis and clinical course after choking-induced cardiac arrest: A population- based community study from the Shizuoka Kokuho Database
Authors: Miyoshi Takahiro , Endo Hideki , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Shimada Koki , Kumamaru Hiraku , Ichihara Nao , Miyachi Yoshiki , Miyata Hiroaki
Published: March 2022

Background : Choking is increasing with aging, and cases of choking-induced cardiac arrest are increasing. However, few studies have examined the prognosis of choking-induced cardiac arrest. The aim of this study was to reveal the long-term prognosis of choking-induced cardiac arrest after resuscitation.Methods : W We used the Shizuoka Kokuho Database. This database consists of claim data of approximately 2.2 million people during April 2012 to September 2018. From the database, we selected patients with choking-induced cardiac arrest who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the hospital.. Patients were excluded if they were under 20 years old, had an upper airway tumor, were on ventilator control, were fed enteral nutrition in the month prior to cardiac arrest. The primary outcome was death, and secondary outcomes were the 3-month survival rate, independence on devices. Descriptive statistics are presented and compared across age groups (20-64 years, 65-74 years, 75-84 years, 85 years and older), and survival time analysis (Kaplan-Meier method) was performed.Results : A total of 268 patients were analyzed: 26 patients in the 20-64 age group, 33 patients in the 65-74 age group, 70 patients in the 75-84 age group, and 139 patients in the ≥85 age group. The 3-month survival rate was 5.6% (15/268). For each group, it was 3.8% (1/26) in the 20-64 age group; 15.2% (5/33) in the 65-74 age group; 8.6% (6/70) in the 75-84 age group; and 2.2% (3/139) in the ≥85 age group. The 12-month survival rate was 2.6% (7/268). Of the 7 patients who survived 12 months, 3 were on ventilator management and 5 were on tube and intravenous feedings at 3 months. These survivors were still on ventilators and tube feedings in the hospital and had not been discharged at 12 months.Conclusions : The prognosis of choking-induced cardiac arrest was extremely poor when patients were not resuscitated before arrival at the hospital. Even if they survived, they were mostly dependent on assistive devices. In addition, none of the survivors dependent on assistive devices had discontinued the use of the devices even at long-term follow-up.