Influences of water treatment agents on oil-water interfacial properties of oilfield produced water

The emulsion stability of oilfield produced water is related to the oil-water interfacial film strength and the zeta potential of the oil droplets. We investigated the effects of water treatment agents （corrosion inhibitor SL-2, scale inhibitor HEDP, germicide 1227, and flocculant polyaluminium chloride PAC） on the stability of oilfield produced water. The influence of these treatment agents on oil-water interfacial properties and the mechanism of these agents acting on the oilfield produced water were studied by measuring the interfacial shear viscosity, interfacial tension and zeta electric potential. The results indicated that the scale inhibitor HEDP could increase the oil-water interfacial film strength, and it could also increase the absolute value of the zeta potential of oil droplets. HEDP played an important role in the stability of the emulsion. Polyaluminum chloride （PAC） reduced the stability of the emulsion by considerably decreasing the absolute value of the zeta potential of oil droplets. Corrosion inhibitor SL-2 and germicide 1227 could decrease the oil-water interfacial tension, whereas they had little influence on oil-water interfacial shear viscosity and oil-water interfacial electricity properties.

Molecular targeting agents associated with transarterial chemoembolization or radiofrequency ablation in hepatocarcinoma treatment

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the fifth most common cause of cancer in the world.According to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer modified criteria,patients with early stage disease are candidate to radiofrequency ablation(RFA),while patients with intermediate stage HCC are usually treated by transarterial chemoembolization(TACE).TACE and RFA induce a transient devascularisation effect followed by strong neoangiogenic stimulus.In fact,after these procedures,it has been demonstrated an up-regulation of pro-angiogenic and growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor-A,which might contribute to accelerated progression in patients with incomplete response.Several studies have demonstrated that MAP-kinase and AKT pathways,in addition to neo-angiogenesis,have an important role in the development of HCC.In advanced HCC,anti-angiogenic therapy and tyrosine kinases inhibitors showed potential clinical benefit.Actually,a number of clinical studies are ongoing testing these agents in combination with TACE or RFA.In this paper,we have reviewed the most recent preclinical and clinical results of such trials.

Use of Oral Agents and/or Insulin in the Treatment of Diabetes during Pregnancy: An Examination of Outcomes in Pregestational versus Gestational Diabetics

The management of diabetes in pregnancy varies depending on whether the condition was first diagnosed during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or was diagnosed before pregnancy (pregestational diabetes). Little has been published comparing the relative efficacy of various oral agents for the treatment of gestational diabetes and the reported experience with the insulin pump in pregnancy for pregestational diabetes remains meager. We conducted a retrospective chart review of women managed in a specialized diabetic clinic to compare the results of treatment of gestational diabetes with oral agents, glyburide and acarbose, to those treated with split-mixed insulin and treatment of pregestational diabetes with either the insulin pump or conventional splitmixed insulin. Gestational diabetics treated with split-mixed insulin were hospitalized significantly more often (p < 0.001) than those treated with oral agents only. The incidence of several important pregnancy complications (growth restriction, preterm labor, preeclampsia, oligohydramnios) did not differ between groups. Pregestational diabetics managed with an insulin pump had comparable glycemic control, as measured by hemoglobin A1c, to those managed with split-mixed insulin. Infant birth weights and Apgar scores were similar in each group. There were no perinatal deaths in either group. Acarbose and glyburide showed comparable efficacy in treating gestational diabetics. In addition, our experience adds to the small number of pregnant women with pregestational diabetes who were managed with an insulin pump that have been reported in the literature.

Preliminary Findings on the Use of Targeted Therapy with Pazopanib and Other Agents in Combination with Sodium Phenylbutyrate in the Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme

The most common and aggressive type of brain tumor is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The prognosis for GBM remains poor with a five-year survival rate between 1% and 2%. The prospects for patients with recurrent GBM (RGBM) are much worse, with the majority dying within 6 months. This publication provides a brief description of the treatment of 11 GBM patients treated with sodium phenylbutyrate (PB) in combination with pazopanib, m-TOR inhibitors, and other agents. The treatment was associated with tolerable side effects and resulted in objective responses in 54.5% of cases (complete response 18.2%, partial response 36.3%) and 27.3% cases of stable disease. The preferable treatment regimen consisted of PB, pazopanib, dasatinib, everolimus, and bevacizumab (BVZ). For various reasons not all patients were compliant with the treatment regimen. In patients who strictly complied with the treatment plan, all responded as CR or PR. Based on preliminary findings, the authors propose further phase I/II clinical trials with PB in combination with pazopanib, dasatinib, everolimus, and BVZ in patients with RGBM who failed standard surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. With proper dose reductions, the treatment appears to be well-tolerated. Molecular profiling of patient subgroups with favorable genomic signatures may help to select patients for future studies.

Study of Water Treatment Residue Used as a Profile Control Agent

A large amount of residue from the water treatment process has gradually accumulated and thus caused serious environmental pollution in waterflood oilfields. The water treatment residue is a grey suspension, with a density of 1.08 g/cm^3, and mainly contains over 65% of light CaCO3, MgCO3, CaSO4, Fe2S3 and Ca（OH）2. This paper ascertains the effect of water treatment residue on core permeability and its application in oilfields. Coreflooding tests in laboratory were conducted in two artificial cores and one natural core. Core changes were evaluated by cast model image analysis, mercury injection method and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. Fresh water was injected into another natural core, which was plugged with water treatment residue, to determine the effective life. The results indicate that the water treatment residue has a strongly plugging capability, a resistance to erosion and a long effective life, and thus it can be used as a cheap raw material for profile control. In the past 8 years, a total of 60,164 m^3 of water treatment residue has been used for profile control of 151 well treatments, with a success ratio of 98% and an effective ratio of 83.2%. In the field tests, the profile control agent increased both starting pressure and injection pressure of injectors, and decreased the apparent water injectivity coefficient, significantly improving intake profiles and lengthening average service life of injectors. 28,381 tons of additional oil were recovered from these corresponding oil wells, with economic benefits of ￥3,069.55×10^4 （RMB） and a remarkable input-output ratio of 8.6：1.

Protection and Treatment of Landscape Plant Secondary Disasters (Deicing Agent Damage) Caused by Extreme Weather

Deicing agent is always applied to alleviate urban traffic pressure after snowing in winter,however,such a snow melting agent is extremely harmful for landscape plants.To eliminate or avoid such damages,we have been actively exploring protection and treatment means.By analyzing the protection of landscape plants before using the deicing agent and the treatment after being damaged by the salt,the paper described how landscaping industry of Beijing handled extreme weather and influence of certain urban environment on landscape plants in a high-efficiency and low-cost way,and then figured out the balance point of normal social life and healthy development of ecological environment.

Experimental Study on Application of A Charging Flocculation Agent for Treatment of Turbidity and Suspended Solid in Catfish Farming Water in Vinh Long Province

The electrically charged flocculation agent Kiyomaru was made on the basis of activating surface sand, clay, volcanic ash and then combined with strong electrical charge on the surface. Thus, it is the flocculant with natural and inorganic origin including 24.7% Na, 11.5% Al, 19.6% Si, 22.5% S, 1.8% K, 19.0% Ca and 0.9% Fe. The experimental results showed that the Kiyomaru is a flocculation agent with ability to treat the turbidity and suspended solid in the catfish farming waters with very high sedimentation rate and removal efficiency. The efficiency of turbidity removal is from 98.7% to 99.1%, while that for TSS removal is from 93.5% to 95.2% using 0.2 mg/L of the flocculation agent. Beside those, the agent can remove the organic matters （BOD, COD） from 21.4% to 26.7%, Total N from 32.4% to 33.9% and Total P from 85.4% to 89.3%. When the concentration of this flocculate agent is 0.2 g/L, turbidity treatment efficiency can range from 98.7% to 99.1%; TSS treatment efficiency can range from 93.5% to 95.2%. Besides, this flocculation agent is also capable of reducing 21.4%-26.7% of the organic matter, 32.4% to 33.9% of Total N and 85.4% to 89.3% of Total P.

Application of Plant-Based Coagulants and Their Mechanisms in Water Treatment:A Review

This review describes the mechanisms of natural coagulants.It provides a good understanding of the two key processes of coagulation-flocculation:adsorption and charge neutralization,as well as adsorption and bridging.Various factors have influence the coagulation/flocculation process,including the effect of pH,coagulant dosage,coagulant type,temperature,initial turbidity,coagulation speed,flocculation speed,coagulation and flocculation time,settling time,colloidal particles,zeta potential,the effects of humic acids,and extraction density are explained.The bio-coagulants derived from plants are outlined.The impact of organic coagulants on water quality,focusing on their effects on the physicochemical parameters of water,heavy metals removal,and bacteriological water quality,is examined.The methods of extraction and purification of plant-based coagulants,highlighting techniques such as solvent extraction and ultrasonic extraction,are discussed.It also examines the parameters that influence these processes.The methods and principles of purification of coagulating agents,including dialysis,freeze-drying,ion exchange,electrophoresis,filtration,and centrifugation,are listed.Finally,it evaluates the sustainability of natural coagulants,focusing on the environmental,technical,and economic aspects of their use.At the end of this review,the readers should have a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms,selection,extraction,purification,and sustainability of plant-based natural coagulants in water treatment.

Are treatment options used for adult-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus(equally)available and effective for children and adolescents?

Youth-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),influenced by an increase in obesity,is a rising problem worldwide.Pathophysiological mechanisms of this early-onset T2DM include both peripheral and hepatic insulin resistance,along with increa-sed hepatic fasting glucose production accompanied by inadequate first and second-phase insulin secretion.Moreover,the incretin effect is reduced.The initial presentation of type 2 diabetes can be dramatic and symptoms may overlap with those of type 1 diabetes mellitus.Therefore,immediate therapy should address hyperglycemia and associated metabolic derangements irrespective of ultimate diabetes type,while further therapy adjustments are prone to patients’pheno-type.New agents with proven glycemic and beyond glycemia benefits,such as Glucagon-like polypeptide 1 receptor agonists and Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors,used in the adult population of T2DM patients,might become increasingly important in the treatment armamentarium.Moreover,metabolic surgery is an option for markedly obese(body mass index>35 kg/m^(2))children and adolescents suffering from T2DM who have uncontrolled glycemia and/or serious comorbidities when lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions fail.In this mini-review,we will discuss the potential of treatment options considering new data available from randomized control trials,including individuals with adult-onset type diabetes mellitus.

Anti-Cancer Agents Associated Diarrhea:Current Status and Prospects

Cancer stands as one of the major threats to human life.Ensuring the safety of drugs is paramount,and the impact of adverse reactions on patients’quality of life and prognosis should not be underestimated.Diarrhea is a common clinical adverse event,and despite the absence of specific anti-diarrhea drugs,there is a pressing need for improvement.This article aims to provide a valuable reference for researchers in clinical drug use and scientific tumor treatment.It summarizes recent advancements in drug mechanisms and adverse reactions,whether in preclinical research or clinical diagnosis and therapy.

基于Agent的城市污水处理可持续发展工艺选型定量建模研究

从可持续发展的角度分析和研究中国目前的城市污水处理工艺,选出符合中国国情的工艺流程日益成为迫切需要解决的问题。在广泛调研和资料分析的基础上,基于可持续发展的原则,通过对中国城市污水处理的现状进行分析,建立了可供筛选的处理技术数据库,并通过基于生命周期的Agent模型,对每项组合工艺流程进行功能模拟和性能评价,按照所建立的评价模型和指标体系,综合考察各项处理工艺的污染物处理水平、投资成本和附属产物的环境影响等因素。按照可持续发展的技术准则进行判定,从而选择满足可持续发展要求的城市污水处理组合工艺。

污水处理智能化系统的Multi-Agent通信技术与实现

Agent通信是Multi-Agent系统能否高效运行的关键技术之一。FIPA-ACL是最新的Agent通信语言。为实现基于Multi-Agent的污水处理智能化系统中各Agent间的交互、协商与合作,解决污水处理这一复杂工业过程的控制问题,通过分析FIPA-ACL规范集合的系统组成、通信机制等,提出了一种基于FIPA-ACL的污水处理智能化系统的Multi-Agent通信技术,确定了其通信方式、通信策略与通信协议,并给出了具本实现方法。

Update on the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

To achieve good metabolic control in diabetes and keep long term, a combination of changes in lifestyle and pharmacological treatment is necessary. Achieving near-normal glycated hemoglobin significantly, decreases risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications. At present there are different treatments, both oral and injectable, available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM). Treatment algorithms designed to reduce the development or progression of the complications of diabetes emphasizes the need for good glycaemic control. The aim of this review is to perform an update on the benefits and limitations of different drugs, both current and future, for the treatment of T2 DM. Initial intervention should focus on lifestyle changes. Moreover, changes in lifestyle have proven to be beneficial, but for many patients is a complication keep long term. Physicians should be familiar with the different types of existing drugs for the treatment of diabetes and select the most effective, safe and better tolerated by patients. Metformin remains the first choice of treatment for most patients. Other alternative or second-line treatment options should be individualized depending on the characteristics of each patient. This article reviews the treatments available for patients with T2 DM, with an emphasis on agents introduced within the last decade.

Remodeling dendritic spines for treatment of traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury is an important global public health problem.Traumatic brain injury not only causes neural cell death,but also induces dendritic spine degeneration.Spared neurons from cell death in the injured brain may exhibit dendrite damage,dendritic spine degeneration,mature spine loss,synapse loss,and impairment of activity.Dendritic degeneration and synapse loss may significantly contribute to functional impairments and neurological disorders following traumatic brain injury.Normal function of the nervous system depends on maintenance of the functionally intact synaptic connections between the presynaptic and postsynaptic spines from neurons and their target cells.During synaptic plasticity,the numbers and shapes of dendritic spines undergo dynamic reorganization.Enlargement of spine heads and the formation and stabilization of new spines are associated with long-term potentiation,while spine shrinkage and retraction are associated with long-term depression.Consolidation of memory is associated with remodeling and growth of preexisting synapses and the formation of new synapses.To date,there is no effective treatment to prevent dendritic degeneration and synapse loss.This review outlines the current data related to treatments targeting dendritic spines that propose to enhance spine remodeling and improve functional recovery after traumatic brain injury.The mechanisms underlying proposed beneficial effects of therapy targeting dendritic spines remain elusive,possibly including blocking activation of Cofilin induced by beta amyloid,Ras activation,and inhibition of GSK-3 signaling pathway.Further understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying synaptic degeneration/loss following traumatic brain injury will advance the understanding of the pathophysiology induced by traumatic brain injury and may lead to the development of novel treatments for traumatic brain injury.

Drug treatment of male fertility disorders

Drug treatment remains an active domain in the therapy of male fertility disorders. Although there are only a fewconditions that allow causal treatment, rational approaches are possible in many cases. Best results are obtained in casesrequiring an anti-inflammatory treatment and in patients with an impaired sperm transport. High-dosage administrationof FSH is a promising new development, aimed particularly at improving the disturbed sperm structures. A careful di-agnostic work-up with elucidation of the underlying disease is essential to achieve a successful therapy.

Effect of Wet Surface Treated Nano-SiO_2 on Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene Composite

Nano-SiO2/polypropylene composite was prepared by melt-blending process. The nano-SiO2 particles were organized by wet process surface treatment with silane coupling agent KH-570. The effect of mass fraction of nano-SiO2 particles and dosage of KH-570 on the toughening and strengthening of PP matrix were investigated based on the fractography of impact notch and the analysis of crystal structure by X-ray and dispersive structure of nano-SiO2 by TEM. Results show that the impact and flexural strength and modulus of the composite are improved obviously with low loading of nano-SiO2 （3 wt%-5 wt%）, and the izod impact strength of PP increases twice with 4 wt% nano-SiO2. The nano-SiO2 particles treated can disperse into the matrix resin, which has evident heterogeneous nucleation effects on the crystallization of PP. The optimal toughening and strengthening effects of PP matrix can be obtained when the content of nano-SiO2 and KH-570 are 4 wt% and 3 wt%, respectively.

基于多Agent架构的电厂化学制水流程优化控制

为了进一步提高燃气蒸汽热电厂的化学制水效率,并且提高制水流程的信息化程度,针对燃气热电厂化学制水这一重要的生产流程开展相应控制架构的优化升级研究,研究中兼顾化学制水对电厂运行的可控性及安全性起到直接的制约作用,水的品质影响发电厂热力设备安全、经济运行的重要因素。在电厂当前APS联锁分布式自动控制系统的基础上,提出一种基于多Agent系统的智能化学制水管控模型。该模型采用分层结构对分布式水处理系统进行分散递阶控制,并以信息管理系统为主线,实现对下设系统模型层、响应层及评估管理层任务Agent的综合管理与控制,从而有效提高水处理工艺过程的自动控制程度和精准管理水平。

Current treatment of chronic hepatitis C in China: Dilemma and potential problems

Major advances have been made in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection with the advent of direct-acting antiviral agents(DAAs). China has the most cases of HCV infection worldwide, but none of the DAAs has been approved in China's Mainland so far, and interferon(IFN)-α-based treatment remains the standard of care. HCV patients without response or with contraindications to IFN-based therapy have no alternative options. However, many patients buy DAAs, especially the generic forms of sofosbuvir, from other countries or areas. Under these circumstances, the use of these drugs may cause many predictable and unpredictable problems in ethics, law and medical practice. Given the obstacles of legal accessibility to DAAs and the potential problems of obtaining and using DAAs in China, the early launching of the DAAs in China or the legalization of buying drugs from areas outside China and using these drugs in China is an urgent issue and needs to be dealt with as soon as possible, in the interest of the patients.

基于Multi-Agent的矿井人员疏散数值模拟

煤矿井下发生灾害时,井下应急疏散建模仿真可以验证疏散方案是否合理,从而为救灾逃生提供合理指导。目前在煤矿井下人员疏散研究中,对因个体差异导致不同疏散结果的认识和建模尚有欠缺,并且对不同路权评估方法下最低花费路径的选取也鲜有提及。针对煤矿井下出现安全事故时人员的安全疏散问题,基于Multi-Agent与Dijkstra算法,利用RepastJ3.0开发平台,建立了井下人员安全疏散模型,探讨了井下工作人员对巷道网络拓扑关系的认知差异性对疏散效果的影响,以及不同路权评估方法下最低花费路径的选取策略。疏散模型仿真结果表明,该模型能够直观呈现不同类型井下工作人员的动态疏散过程,可以为井下应急疏散方案的制定提供理论支持。

Albendazole versus metronidazole treatment of adult giardiasis:An open randomized clinical study

AIM:To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of albendazole and metranidazole treatment in giardiasis. METHODS:The open comparative randomized trial was carried out prospectively from December 1999 to July 2001 in Duzce City of Turkey.The diagnosis was based on the presence of signs and symptoms compatible with giardiasis including a positive stool examination of giardia cysts or trophozoite.Metranidazole group consisted of 29 patients and was given metranidazole 500 mg,three times a day for 5 d and albendazole group was consisted of 28 patients and was given albendazole 400 mg/d for 5 d. RESULTS:There were no significant differences in demographical and therapeutical effects and patient's compliance between both groups.But side effects were seen more in metranidazole group than in albendazole group. CONCLUSION:Albendazole is as effective as metranidazole in adults' giardiasis.Albendazole has less side effect potentials than metranidazole in the treatment of giardiasis.