Seroprevalence of SARS-COV-2 Exposure among “High-Risk” Populations (Healthcare Workers, People Who Attend Markets, and School Children) in Zanzibar

In Zanzibar, from the start of the pandemic in March 2020 to the time of sampling in December 2020, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence data was limited. We conducted a seroprevalence study to evaluate the magnitude of SARS-CoV-2 exposure among healthcare workers, school children, and people who attended general markets in Zanzibar. The objectives of the study were to analyse the total antibodies from selected higher-risk population groups in order to determine magnitude in SARS CoV-2 exposure. Blood samples were collected from eligible and consented participants (adults and children), and their serum was analyzed for total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using ELISA. A questionnaire was used to collect participants’ demographic and clinical data. The overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence across all age groups was 33%, and a higher seroprevalence was observed in the 40 - 49 years’ age group relative to other ages as well as in those who attended markets. A runny nose (18.8% of participants) was the most frequently reported SARS-CoV-2 infection-related symptom. Multivariable analysis showed significantly higher odds of infection in people living in urban districts. The findings provide insight into SARS-CoV-2 infection among school children, health workers, and people who attended markets in Zanzibar in the early stages of the pandemic. Exposure in these groups might have been influenced by infection and prevention strategies taken by the government, as well as shopping behavior, school overcrowding, and population density in urban settings. The study had methodological limitations, including cross-sectional design. Further, well-designed, longitudinal studies are recommended to understand exposure and transmission at a population level.

Pathogenesis of chronic enteropathy associated with the SLCO2A1 gene:Hypotheses and conundrums

Chronic enteropathy associated with the SLCO2A1 gene(CEAS)is a complex gastroenterological condition characterized by multiple ulcers in the small intestine with chronic bleeding and protein loss.This review explores the potential mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of CEAS,focusing on the role of SLCO2A1-encoded prostaglandin transporter OATP2A1 and its impact on prostaglandin E2(PGE2)levels.Studies have suggested that elevated PGE2 levels contribute to mucosal damage,inflammation,and disruption of the intestinal barrier.The effects of PGE2 on macrophage activation and Maxi-Cl channel functionality,as well as its interaction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs play crucial roles in the progression of CEAS.Understanding the balance between its protective and pro-inflammatory effects and the complex interactions within the gastrointestinal tract can shed light on potential therapeutic targets for CEAS and guide the development of novel,targeted therapies.

Effects of Anthropogenic CO2 and Thermally-Induced CO2 on Global Warming

Changes in CO2 and temperature are correlated, but it is difficult to observe which is the cause and which is the effect. The release of CO2 dissolved in the ocean into the atmosphere depends on the atmospheric temperature. However, examining the relationship between changes in CO2 caused by other phenomena and temperature is difficult. Studies of soil respiration (Rs) since the late 20th century have shown that CO2 emissions from soil respiration (Rs) are overwhelmingly greater than CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion. This is also noted in the IPCC carbon budget assessment. In this paper, the dependences of Rs on temperature, time, latitude, precipitation, seasons, etc., were investigated using the latest NASA database. The changes in temperature and Rs correlated well. There is also a good correlation between Rs and CO2 generation. Therefore, an increase in temperature results in an increase in CO2. On the other hand, there is no evidence other than model calculations that an increase in anthropogenic CO2 is mainly linked to a rise in temperature. The idea that global warming is caused by anthropogenic CO2 production is still a hypothesis. For these reasons, the relationship between global warming and anthropogenic CO2 should be reconsidered based on physical evidence without preconceptions. .

Role of renin-angiotensin system/angiotensin converting enzyme-2 mechanism and enhanced COVID-19 susceptibility in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a disease that caused a global pandemic and is caused by infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus.It has affected over 768 million people worldwide,resulting in approx-imately 6900000 deaths.High-risk groups,identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,include individuals with conditions like type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),obesity,chronic lung disease,serious heart conditions,and chronic kidney disease.Research indicates that those with T2DM face a hei-ghtened susceptibility to COVID-19 and increased mortality compared to non-diabetic individuals.Examining the renin-angiotensin system(RAS),a vital regulator of blood pressure and pulmonary stability,reveals the significance of the angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)and ACE2 enzymes.ACE converts angiotensin-I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin-II,while ACE2 counters this by converting angiotensin-II to angiotensin 1-7,a vasodilator.Reduced ACE2 exp-ression,common in diabetes,intensifies RAS activity,contributing to conditions like inflammation and fibrosis.Although ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can be therapeutically beneficial by increasing ACE2 levels,concerns arise regarding the potential elevation of ACE2 receptors on cell membranes,potentially facilitating COVID-19 entry.This review explored the role of the RAS/ACE2 mechanism in amplifying severe acute respiratory syndrome cor-onavirus 2 infection and associated complications in T2DM.Potential treatment strategies,including recombinant human ACE2 therapy,broad-spectrum antiviral drugs,and epigenetic signature detection,are discussed as promising avenues in the battle against this pandemic.

A review of interaction mechanisms and microscopic simulation methods for CO_(2)-water-rock system

This work systematically reviews the complex mechanisms of CO_(2)-water-rock interactions,microscopic simulations of reactive transport(dissolution,precipitation and precipitate migration)in porous media,and microscopic simulations of CO_(2)-water-rock system.The work points out the key issues in current research and provides suggestions for future research.After injection of CO_(2) into underground reservoirs,not only conventional pressure-driven flow and mass transfer processes occur,but also special physicochemical phenomena like dissolution,precipitation,and precipitate migration.The coupling of these processes causes complex changes in permeability and porosity parameters of the porous media.Pore-scale microscopic flow simulations can provide detailed information within the three-dimensional pore and throat space and explicitly observe changes in the fluid-solid interfaces of porous media during reactions.At present,the research has limitations in the decoupling of complex mechanisms,characterization of differential multi-mineral reactions,precipitation generation mechanisms and characterization(crystal nucleation and mineral detachment),simulation methods for precipitation-fluid interaction,and coupling mechanisms of multiple physicochemical processes.In future studies,it is essential to innovate experimental methods to decouple“dissolution-precipitation-precipitate migration”processes,improve the accuracy of experimental testing of minerals geochemical reaction-related parameters,build reliable characterization of various precipitation types,establish precipitation-fluid interaction simulation methods,coordinate the boundary conditions of different physicochemical processes,and,finally,achieve coupled flow simulation of“dissolution-precipitation-precipitate migration”within CO_(2)-water-rock systems.

Increased alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic:A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has significantly impacted health,mental well-being,and societal functioning,particularly for individuals with psychiatric conditions and substance use disorders.Recent evidence highlights a concerning increase in alcohol consumption during the pandemic,with a study spanning 2015-2020 indicating heightened usage,especially among young and middle-aged adults,for relaxation and tension relief.Additionally,addressing challenges exacerbated by the pandemic,another study underscored persistent barriers to healthcare access,resulting in increased alcohol and tobacco use rates and limited healthcare options.These findings shed light on the unique vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic,emphasizing the need to investigate further its impact on alcohol consumption in diverse non-urban American communities.AIM To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol abuse using socioeconomic and medical parameters in diverse non-urban community in America.METHODS Based on a cross-sectional analysis of 416 participants the United States in 2021,the study utilized The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition criteria to categorize alcohol consumption levels.Participants aged 21 years and above were surveyed through an online platform due to COVID-19 challenges.The survey was conducted from January 14 to January 31,2022,recruiting participants via social media and ensuring anonymity.Informed consent was secured,emphasizing the voluntary nature of participation,and participants could only take the survey once.RESULTS Out of 416 survey respondents,396 met eligibility criteria,with 62.9%reporting increased alcohol consumption during COVID-19.Males(68.8%)and ages 21-29 years(34.6%)predominated.Low alcohol consumption decreased by 2.8%(P=0.237),moderate by 21.4%(P<0.001),and heavy increased by 14.9%(P<0.001).Alcohol abuse rose by 6.5%(P=0.0439),with a 7%increase in self-identified alcohol abusers/alcoholics.Seeking treatment during COVID-19 rose by 6.9%.Easier alcohol access(76.0%)was reported,while 80.7%found it harder to access medical care for alcohol-related issues.These findings highlight the pandemic's impact on alcohol consumption and healthcare access,emphasizing the need for targeted interventions during public health crises.CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated alcoholism and abuse,with increased heavy consumption(P<0.001)and abuse(P=0.0439).Access to medical programs for addressing alcohol abuse declined,highlighting the need for targeted intervention.

A Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Study UsingΔP_(CO2)/Ca-v_(O2)as the Target to Guide Early Tissue Hypoperfusion in Sepsis in Plateau Areas

Objective:To explore the value of using the venous-arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure difference and the arterial-venous oxygen content difference ratio(ΔP_(CO2)/Ca-v_(O2))as targets to guide early tissue hypoperfusion in sepsis in plateau areas.Methods:90 sepsis patients admitted to the Third People’s Hospital of Xining and Golmud People’s Hospital from June 2017 to December 2022 were selected as the research subjects,and they were divided into the Scv_(O2)(central venous oxygen saturation)group and theΔP_(CO2)/Ca-v_(O2)group,with 45 cases in each group.The two groups were treated with early shock resuscitation according to different protocols.The hemodynamic characteristics of the two groups of patients before and after resuscitation were observed,and the volume responsiveness was evaluated.The ROC(receiver operating characteristic)curve was used to analyze the significance ofΔP_(CO2)/Ca-v_(O2),Scv_(O2),lactate,lactate clearance,and urine output in evaluating patient prognosis and the correlation betweenΔP_(CO2)/Ca-v_(O2)and the above indicators was explored.Results:Compared with before resuscitation,after fluid resuscitation,the heart rate(HR),mean arterial pressure(MAP),central venous pressure(CVP),cardiac index(CI),lactate,lactate clearance rate,and urine output of the two groups of patients were significantly improved(P<0.05);in terms of therapeutic effect,the 28-day mortality rate,6-hour fluid balance,and lactic acid clearance of theΔP_(CO2)/Ca-v_(O2)group were better than the Scv_(O2)group.The ROC characteristic curve showed that theΔP_(CO2)/Ca-v_(O2)value can effectively predict the prognosis of patients(AUC=0.907,sensitivity was 97%,specificity was 72.4%,and critical value was 1.84).ΔP_(CO2)/Ca-v_(O2)significantly correlated with Scv_(O2),lactic acid,and lactic acid clearance rate.Conclusion:TheΔP_(CO2)/Ca-v_(O2)value can be used to guide fluid resuscitation in early hypoperfusion in sepsis in plateau areas,improve patients’hemodynamics,reduce lactate indicators,and increase urine output.ΔP_(CO2)/Ca-v_(O2)level>1.84 can effectively improve patient prognosis.

Fifteen acute retrobulbar optic neuritis associated with COVID-19:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND A subtype of the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)is suggested to be responsible for the outbreak in Northern China since the quarantine was lifted in December 2022.The coronavirus disease 2019 virus is primarily responsible for the development of respiratory illnesses,however,it can present a plethora of symptoms affecting a myriad of body organs.This virus has been theorized to be linked to demyelinating lesions of the peripheral and central nervous system including transverse myelitis and acute retrobulbar optic neuritis(ARON).For example,magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)of the orbit and brain showed enlargement of the retrobulbar intraorbital segments of the optic nerve with high T2 signal,and no abnormalities were seen in the brain tissue.In this case series,we analyzed the connection between SARSCoV-2 infection and the onset of ARON.CASE SUMMARY Fifteen patients,and a teenage boy who did not have any pre-existing ocular or demyelinating diseases suddenly experienced a loss of vision after SARS-CoV-2 infection.The patients expressed a central scotoma and a fever as the primary concern.The results of the fundus photography were found to be normal.However,the automated perimetry and MRI scans showed evidence of some typical signs.Out of the 15 patients diagnosed with ARON after SARS-CoV-2 infection,only one individual tested positive for the aquaporin-4 antibody.CONCLUSION Direct viral invasion of the central nervous system and an immune-related process are the two primary causes of SARS-CoV-2-related ARON.

A Review on Technologies for the Use of CO2 as a Working Fluid in Refrigeration and Power Cycles

The use of carbon dioxide as a working fluid has been the subject of extensive studies in recent years, particularly in the field of refrigeration where it is at the heart of research to replace CFC and HCFC. Its thermodynamic properties make it a fluid of choice in the efficient use of energy at low and medium temperatures in engine cycles. However, the performance of transcritical CO2 cycles weakens under high temperature and pressure conditions, especially in refrigeration systems;On the other hand, this disadvantage becomes rather interesting in engine cycles where CO2 can be used as an alternative to the organic working fluid in small and medium-sized electrical systems for low quality or waste heat sources. In order to improve the performance of systems operating with CO2 in the field of refrigeration and electricity production, research has made it possible to develop several concepts, of which this article deals with a review of the state of the art, followed by analyzes in-depth and critical of the various developments to the most recent modifications in these fields. Detailed discussions on the performance and technical characteristics of the different evolutions are also highlighted as well as the factors affecting the overall performance of the systems studied. Finally, perspectives on the future development of the use of CO2 in these different cycles are presented.

Leveraging Nanotechnology for Addressing COVID-19: Revealing Antiviral Approaches and Hurdles

The emergence of COVID-19 has caused extensive harm and is recognized as a significant threat to human life worldwide. Currently, the application of nanomedicine techniques in pre-clinical studies related to various infections, such as respiratory viruses, herpes viruses, human papillomavirus, and HIV, has demonstrated success. Nanoparticles, due to their specific attributes, have garnered considerable attention in combating COVID-19. Strategies employing nanomaterials for COVID-19 prevention encompass the development of rapid, precise diagnostic tools, the creation of effective disinfectants, the delivery of mRNA vaccines to the biological system, and the administration of antiretroviral medications within the body. This article focuses on recent research regarding the effectiveness of nano platforms as antiviral measures against coronaviruses. It delves into the molecular characteristics of coronaviruses and the affected target systems, highlighting challenges and limitations in combating SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, it explores potential nanotechnology-based treatments to confront current and future variants of coronaviruses associated with COVID-19 infections.

Mechanistic investigation on Ag-Cu_(2)O in electrocatalytic CO_(2) to CH_(4) by in situ/operando spectroscopic and theoretical analysis

Silver-copper electrocatalysts have demonstrated effectively catalytic performance in electroreduction CO_(2) toward CH_(4),yet a revealing insight into the reaction pathway and mechanism has remained elusive.Herein,we construct chemically bonded Ag-Cu_(2)O boundaries,in which the complete reduction of Cu_(2)O to Cu has been strongly impeded owing to the presence of surface Ag shell.The interfacial confinement effect helps to maintain Cu^(+)sites at the Ag-Cu_(2)O boundaries.Using in situ/operando spectroscopy and theoretical simulations,it is revealed that CO_(2) is enriched at the Ag-Cu_(2)O boundaries due to the enhanced physisorption and chemisorption to CO_(2),activating CO_(2) to form the stable intermediate^(*)CO.The boundaries between Ag shell and the Cu_(2)O mediate local^(*)CO coverage and promote^(*)CHO intermediate formation,consequently facilitating CO_(2)-to-CH_(4) conversion.This work not only reveals the structure-activity relationships but also offers insights into the reaction mechanism on Ag-Cu catalysts for efficient electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction.

Application and prospects of spatial information technology in CO_(2)sequestration monitoring

This paper systematically reviews the current applications of various spatial information technologies in CO_(2)sequestration monitoring,analyzes the challenges faced by spatial information technologies in CO_(2)sequestration monitoring,and prospects the development of spatial information technologies in CO_(2)sequestration monitoring.Currently,the spatial information technologies applied in CO_(2)sequestration monitoring mainly include five categories:eddy covariance method,remote sensing technology,geographic information system,Internet of Things technology,and global navigation satellite system.These technologies are involved in three aspects:monitoring data acquisition,positioning and data transmission,and data management and decision support.Challenges faced by the spatial information technologies in CO_(2)sequestration monitoring include:selecting spatial information technologies that match different monitoring purposes,different platforms,and different monitoring sites;establishing effective data storage and computing capabilities to cope with the broad sources and large volumes of monitoring data;and promoting collaborative operations by interacting and validating spatial information technologies with mature monitoring technologies.In the future,it is necessary to establish methods and standards for designing spatial information technology monitoring schemes,develop collaborative application methods for cross-scale monitoring technologies,integrate spatial information technologies with artificial intelligence and high-performance computing technologies,and accelerate the application of spatial information technologies in carbon sequestration projects in China.

Molecular mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2 hepatotropism and liver damage

In coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2)primarily targets the respiratory system,but evidence suggests extrapulmonary organ involvement,notably in the liver.Viral RNA has been detected in hepatic tissues,and in situ hybridization revealed virions in blood vessels and endothelial cells.Electron microscopy confirmed viral particles in hepatocytes,emphasizing the need for understanding hepatotropism and direct cytopathic effects in COVID-19-related liver injury.Various factors contribute to liver injury,including direct cytotoxicity,vascular changes,inflammatory responses,immune reactions from COVID-19 and vaccinations,and druginduced liver injury.Although a typical hepatitis presentation is not widely documented,elevated liver biochemical markers are common in hospitalized COVID-19 patients,primarily showing a hepatocellular pattern of elevation.Long-term studies suggest progressive cholestasis may affect 20%of patients with chronic liver disease post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.The molecular mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection in the liver and the resulting liver damage are complex.This“Editorial”highlights the expression of the Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor in liver cells,the role of inflammatory responses,the impact of hypoxia,the involvement of the liver's vascular system,the infection of bile duct epithelial cells,the activation of hepatic stellate cells,and the contribution of monocyte-derived macrophages.It also mentions that pre-existing liver conditions can worsen the outcomes of COVID-19.Understanding the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with the liver is still evolving,and further research is required.

Histopathological impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the liver:Cellular damage and long-term complications

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),caused by the highly pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),primarily impacts the respiratory tract and can lead to severe outcomes such as acute respiratory distress syndrome,multiple organ failure,and death.Despite extensive studies on the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2,its impact on the hepatobiliary system remains unclear.While liver injury is commonly indicated by reduced albumin and elevated bilirubin and transaminase levels,the exact source of this damage is not fully understood.Proposed mechanisms for injury include direct cytotoxicity,collateral damage from inflammation,drug-induced liver injury,and ischemia/hypoxia.However,evidence often relies on blood tests with liver enzyme abnormalities.In this comprehensive review,we focused solely on the different histopathological manifestations of liver injury in COVID-19 patients,drawing from liver biopsies,complete autopsies,and in vitro liver analyses.We present evidence of the direct impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the liver,substantiated by in vitro observations of viral entry mechanisms and the actual presence of viral particles in liver samples resulting in a variety of cellular changes,including mitochondrial swelling,endoplasmic reticulum dilatation,and hepatocyte apoptosis.Additional ly,we describe the diverse liver pathology observed during COVID-19 infection,encompassing necrosis,steatosis,cholestasis,and lobular inflammation.We also discuss the emergence of long-term complications,notably COVID-19-related secondary sclerosing cholangitis.Recognizing the histopathological liver changes occurring during COVID-19 infection is pivotal for improving patient recovery and guiding decision-making.

Inhibiting SHP2 reduces glycolysis, promotes microglial M1 polarization, and alleviates secondary inflammation following spinal cord injury in a mouse model

Reducing the secondary inflammatory response, which is partly mediated by microglia, is a key focus in the treatment of spinal cord injury. Src homology 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2(SHP2), encoded by PTPN11, is widely expressed in the human body and plays a role in inflammation through various mechanisms. Therefore, SHP2 is considered a potential target for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases. However, its role in secondary inflammation after spinal cord injury remains unclear. In this study, SHP2 was found to be abundantly expressed in microglia at the site of spinal cord injury. Inhibition of SHP2 expression using siRNA and SHP2 inhibitors attenuated the microglial inflammatory response in an in vitro lipopolysaccharide-induced model of inflammation. Notably, after treatment with SHP2 inhibitors, mice with spinal cord injury exhibited significantly improved hind limb locomotor function and reduced residual urine volume in the bladder. Subsequent in vitro experiments showed that, in microglia stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, inhibiting SHP2 expression promoted M2 polarization and inhibited M1 polarization. Finally, a co-culture experiment was conducted to assess the effect of microglia treated with SHP2 inhibitors on neuronal cells. The results demonstrated that inflammatory factors produced by microglia promoted neuronal apoptosis, while inhibiting SHP2 expression mitigated these effects. Collectively, our findings suggest that SHP2 enhances secondary inflammation and neuronal damage subsequent to spinal cord injury by modulating microglial phenotype. Therefore, inhibiting SHP2 alleviates the inflammatory response in mice with spinal cord injury and promotes functional recovery postinjury.

The Capture and Catalytic Conversion of CO_(2) by Dendritic Mesoporous Silica-Based Nanoparticles

Dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles own three-dimensional center-radial channels and hierarchical pores,which endows themselves with super-high specific surface area,extremely large pore volumes,especially accessible internal spaces,and so forth.Dissimilar guest species(such as organic groups or metal nanoparticles)could be readily decorated onto the interfaces of the channels and pores,realizing the functionalization of dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles for targeted applications.As adsorbents and catalysts,dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles-based materials have experienced nonignorable development in CO_(2)capture and catalytic conversion.This comprehensive review provides a critical survey on this pregnant subject,summarizing the designed construction of novel dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles-based materials,the involved chemical reactions(such as CO_(2)methanation,dry reforming of CH_(4)),the value-added chemicals from CO_(2)(such as cyclic carbonates,2-oxazolidinones,quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones),and so on.The adsorptive and catalytic performances have been compared with traditional silica mesoporous materials(such as SBA-15 or MCM-41),and the corresponding reaction mechanisms have been thoroughly revealed.It is sincerely expected that the in-depth discussion could give materials scientists certain inspiration to design brand-new dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles-based materials with superior capabilities towards CO_(2)capture,utilization,and storage.

A multi-mechanism numerical simulation model for CO_(2)-EOR and storage in fractured shale oil reservoirs

Under the policy background and advocacy of carbon capture,utilization,and storage(CCUS),CO_(2)-EOR has become a promising direction in the shale oil reservoir industry.The multi-scale pore structure distribution and fracture structure lead to complex multiphase flow,comprehensively considering multiple mechanisms is crucial for development and CO_(2) storage in fractured shale reservoirs.In this paper,a multi-mechanism coupled model is developed by MATLAB.Compared to the traditional Eclipse300 and MATLAB Reservoir Simulation Toolbox(MRST),this model considers the impact of pore structure on fluid phase behavior by the modified Peng—Robinson equation of state(PR-EOS),and the effect simultaneously radiate to Maxwell—Stefan(M—S)diffusion,stress sensitivity,the nano-confinement(NC)effect.Moreover,a modified embedded discrete fracture model(EDFM)is used to model the complex fractures,which optimizes connection types and half-transmissibility calculation approaches between non-neighboring connections(NNCs).The full implicit equation adopts the finite volume method(FVM)and Newton—Raphson iteration for discretization and solution.The model verification with the Eclipse300 and MRST is satisfactory.The results show that the interaction between the mechanisms significantly affects the production performance and storage characteristics.The effect of molecular diffusion may be overestimated in oil-dominated(liquid-dominated)shale reservoirs.The well spacing and injection gas rate are the most crucial factors affecting the production by sensitivity analysis.Moreover,the potential gas invasion risk is mentioned.This model provides a reliable theoretical basis for CO_(2)-EOR and sequestration in shale oil reservoirs.

Comparison of Oral Manifestations in Hospitalized COVID-19 Positive Patients and COVID-19 Negative Dental Outpatients. A Case Series Study and Literature Review

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infectious disease, also named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which can cause various systemic manifestations that pose a threat to human life. Oral lesions in patients with COVID-19 may appear during or after the illness and may or may not be a consequence of the viral infection. Objective: In this case series we compare the oral manifestations in hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients and COVID-19 negative dental outpatients. Methods: 60 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 41 control patients, were examined for oral signs and symptoms. The controls were dental patients who visited the hospital for dental care without complaining of any problems related to the oral cavity itself. Results: We have observed a strong association between certain clinical findings and COVID-19, including alterations in taste (ageusia, dysgeusia, and hypogeusia), anosmia, hairy tongue, tongue imprints, red tongue, erythematous candidiasis, pseudomembranous candidiasis, and exfoliative cheilitis. A trend but not statistically significant association at the level of 5% was also noted for colored tongue, linea alba, and pale mucosa. On the contrary, fissured tongue and oral mucosa pigmentation were more frequent in the controls, statistically significant at the level of 5%. Conclusion: COVID-19 has been found to impact the oral cavity, resulting in various oral lesions that can be attributed to either the direct action of the virus or the patient’s immune response.

Carbon dioxide capture, enhanced-oil recovery and storage technology and engineering practice in Jilin Oilfield, NE China

This paper systematically presents the established technologies and field applications with respect to research and engineering practice of CO_(2) capture,enhanced oil recovery(EOR),and storage technology in Jilin Oilfield,NE China,and depicts the available series of supporting technologies across the industry chain.Through simulation calculation+pilot test+field application,the adaptability of the technology for capturing CO_(2) with different concentrations in oilfields was confirmed.The low energy-consumption,activated N-methyl diethanolamine(MDEA)decarburization technology based on a new activator was developed,and the operation mode of CO_(2) gas-phase transportation through trunk pipeline network,supercritical injection at wellhead,and produced gas-liquid separated transportation was established.According to different gas source conditions,liquid,supercritical phase,high-pressure dense phase pressurization technologies and facilities were applied to form the downhole injection processes(e.g.gas-tight tubing and coiled tubing)and supporting anti-corrosion and anti-blocking techniques.In the practice of oil displacement,the oil recovery technologies(e.g.conical water-alternating-gas injection,CO_(2) foam flooding,and high gas-oil ratio CO_(2) flooding)and produced fluid processing technologies were developed.Through numerical simulation and field tests,three kinds of CO_(2) cyclic injection technologies(i.e.direct injection,injection after separation and purification,and hybrid injection)were formed,and a 10×10^(4) m^(3)/d cyclic injection station was constructed to achieve"zero emission"of associated gas.The CO_(2) storage safety monitoring technology of carbon flux,fluid composition and carbon isotopic composition was formed.The whole-process anti-corrosion technology with anticorrosive agents supplemented by anticorrosive materials was established.An integrated demonstration area of CO_(2) capture,flooding and storage with high efficiency and low energy-consumption has been built,with a cumulative oil increment of 32×10^(4) t and a CO_(2) storage volume of 250×10^(4) t.

The photo-decomposition and self-restructuring dynamic equilibrium mechanism of Cu_(2)(OH)_(2)CO_(3)for stable photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction

Developing suitable photocatalysts and understanding their intrinsic catalytic mechanism remain key challenges in the pursuit of highly active,good selective,and long-term stable photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction(PCO_(2)R)systems.Herein,monoclinic Cu_(2)(OH)_(2)CO_(3)is firstly proven to be a new class of photocatalyst,which has excellent catalytic stability and selectivity for PCO_(2)R in the absence of any sacrificial agent and cocatalysts.Based on a Cu_(2)(OH)_(2)^(13)CO_(3)photocatalyst and 13CO_(2)two-sided^(13)C isotopic tracer strategy,and combined with in situ diffused reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy(DRIFTS)analysis and density functional theory(DFT)calculations,two main CO_(2)transformation routes,and the photo-decomposition and self-restructuring dynamic equilibrium mechanism of Cu_(2)(OH)_(2)CO_(3)are definitely revealed.The PCO_(2)R activity of Cu_(2)(OH)_(2)CO_(3)is comparable to some of state-of-the-art novel photocatalysts.Significantly,the PCO_(2)R properties can be further greatly enhanced by simply combining Cu_(2)(OH)_(2)CO_(3)with typical TiO_(2)to construct composites photocatalyst.The highest CO_(2)and CH_(4)production rates by 7.5 wt%Cu_(2)(OH)_(2)CO_(3)-TiO_(2)reach 16.4μmol g^(-1)h^(-1)and 116.0μmol g^(-1)h^(-1),respectively,which are even higher than that of some of PCO_(2)R systems containing sacrificial agents or precious metals modified photocatalysts.This work provides a better understanding for the PCO_(2)R mechanism at the atomic levels,and also indicates that basic carbonate photocatalysts have broad application potential in the future.