Genomic alterations in oral multiple primary cancers

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the predominant type of oral cancer, while some patients may develop oral multiple primary cancers (MPCs) with unclear etiology. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and genomic alterations of oral MPCs. Clinicopathological data from patients with oral single primary carcinoma (SPC, n=202) and oral MPCs (n=34) were collected and compared. Copy number alteration (CNA) analysis was conducted to identify chromosomal-instability differences among oral MPCs, recurrent OSCC cases, and OSCC patients with lymph node metastasis. Whole-exome sequencing was employed to identify potential unique gene mutations in oral MPCs patients. Additionally, CNA and phylogenetic tree analyses were used to gain preliminary insights into the molecular characteristics of different primary tumors within individual patients. Our findings revealed that, in contrast to oral SPC, females predominated the oral MPCs (70.59%), while smoking and alcohol use were not frequent in MPCs.Moreover, long-term survival outcomes were poorer in oral MPCs. From a CNA perspective, no significant differences were observed between oral MPCs patients and those with recurrence and lymph node metastasis. In addition to commonly mutated genes such as CASP8, TP53 and MUC16, in oral MPCs we also detected relatively rare mutations, such as HS3ST6 and RFPL4A. Furthermore, this study also demonstrated that most MPCs patients exhibited similarities in certain genomic regions within individuals, and distinct differences of the similarity degree were observed between synchronous and metachronous oral MPCs.

Risk stratification for radioactive iodine refractoriness using molecular alterations in distant metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer

Objective: Patients with radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer(RAIR-DTC) are often diagnosed with delay and constrained to limited treatment options. The correlation between RAI refractoriness and the underlying genetic characteristics has not been extensively studied.Methods: Adult patients with distant metastatic DTC were enrolled and assigned to undergo next-generation sequencing of a customized 26-gene panel(Thyro Lead). Patients were classified into RAIR-DTC or non-RAIR groups to determine the differences in clinicopathological and molecular characteristics. Molecular risk stratification(MRS) was constructed based on the association between molecular alterations identified and RAI refractoriness, and the results were classified as high, intermediate or low MRS.Results: A total of 220 patients with distant metastases were included, 63.2% of whom were identified as RAIRDTC. Genetic alterations were identified in 90% of all the patients, with BRAF(59.7% vs. 17.3%), TERT promoter(43.9% vs. 7.4%), and TP53 mutations(11.5% vs. 3.7%) being more prevalent in the RAIR-DTC group than in the non-RAIR group, except for RET fusions(15.8% vs. 39.5%), which had the opposite pattern. BRAF and TERT promoter are independent predictors of RAIR-DTC, accounting for 67.6% of patients with RAIR-DTC. MRS was strongly associated with RAI refractoriness(P<0.001), with an odds ratio(OR) of high to low MRS of 7.52 [95%confidence interval(95% CI), 3.96-14.28;P<0.001] and an OR of intermediate to low MRS of 3.20(95% CI,1.01-10.14;P=0.041).Conclusions: Molecular alterations were associated with RAI refractoriness, with BRAF and TERT promoter mutations being the predominant contributors, followed by TP53 and DICER1 mutations. MRS might serve as a valuable tool for both prognosticating clinical outcomes and directing precision-based therapeutic interventions.

Evaluation of the coupled impact of silicon oxide nanoparticles and low-salinity water on the wettability alteration of Berea sandstones

This study investigated experimentally the coupled effects of hydrophilic SiO_(2) nanoparticles(NPs)and low-salinity water(LSW)on the wettability of synthetic clay-free Berea sandstone.Capillary pressure,interfacial tension(IFT),contact angle,Zeta potential,and dynamic displacement measurements were performed at various NP mass fractions and brine salinities.The U.S.Bureau of Mines(USBM)index was used to quantify the wettability alteration.Furthermore,the NP stability and retention and the effect of enhanced oil recovery by nanofluid were examined.The results showed that LSW immiscible displacement with NPs altered the wettability toward more water wet.With the decreasing brine salinity and increasing NP mass fraction,the IFT and contact angle decreased.The wettability alteration intensified most as the brine salinity decreased to 4000 mg/L and the NP mass fraction increased to 0.075%.Under these conditions,the resulting incremental oil recovery factor was approximately 13 percentage points.When the brine salinity was 4000 mg/L and the NP mass fraction was 0.025%,the retention of NPs caused the minimum damage to permeability.

Integrating Aster Images Processing and Fieldwork for Identification of Hydrothermal Alteration Zones at the Oumjrane-Boukerzia District, Moroccan Anti-Atlas

Mapping from remote sensing has become more effective in the field of geology, mainly in lithological discrimination and identification of hydrothermal alteration zones. The use of this technique consists in obtaining information about the rock mass and the main ones existing in the inaccessible areas. Satellite data from the ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) sensor represent a favorable potential for detecting the spectral signatures of mineral zones and identifying their nature. These data are more reliable in places where the climate is arid with less abundant vegetation, as at the Oumjrane-Boukerzia mining district. This region which is part of the Eastern Anti-Atlas, is composed of several mineralized veins which still require detailed studies and exploration by the technique of remote sensing. In this work we applied several processing techniques on ASTER imagery such as Colored Composition, Principal Component Analysis and Ratio Bands. The use of the reports of the specialized Bands makes it possible to identify some hydrothermal alteration minerals within the mining district of Oumjrane Boukerzia. These minerals are represented mainly by iron oxides and hydroxides (Hematite, jarosite, limonite and goethite), carbonate minerals (dolomite, calcite), clay minerals (Illite, kaolinite and chlorite) and quartz minerals. This work allows us to produce a map of hydrothermal alteration zones which can be used as a valuable reference in the strategy of mining exploration for the base metals (Cu, Pb, Zn and Ba), in the mining district of Oumjrane-Boukerzia and in the entire Eastern Anti-Atlas.

Synaptic alterations as a common phase in neurological and neurodevelopmental diseases: JNK is a key mediator in synaptic changes

Brain synapses play a key role in neuronal communication:this“conversation”is at the basis of all brain activities and synaptic dysfunction leads to brain disorders.We study the modulators of this crucial synaptic function and we here present the evidence supporting the c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)pathway as a pivotal actor in this scenario.

Insight into the evolution of breast cancer driven by genetic alterations

Breast cancer originates primarily from the epithelial cells of the mammary gland.Repeated mammary gland expansion and degeneration are accompanied by an increased risk of genetic alterations in the breast1.These mutations in breast epithelial cells dynamically occur in response to pregnancy,labor and delivery,breastfeeding,and the menstrual cycle,with a decline in mutation rates after menopause,which may be related to a decrease in estrogen levels.The breast epithelial cell mutations are also consistent with epidemiologic observations2.

Wettability alteration of organo-vermiculites induced by layer charge and tailored bis-N-heterocyclic quaternary ammonium salts

Wettability is an important surface property that deserves to further explore the factors on its alteration.Series of bis-N-heterocyclic quaternary ammonium salts with different spacer length and N-heterocyclic headgroups(morpholinium(BMMB,BMMD and BMMH),piperidinium(BPMH)and piperazinium(BMPMH))have been synthesized and employed for altering the wettability of vermiculite and its derivates(Vts)treated by Li^(+)-saturated heating method.The results of X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),thermogravimetric analysis(TG-DTG),scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and N_(2)adsorption/desorption isotherms indicate that all of the bis-N-heterocyclic quaternary ammonium salts have been successfully inserted into the vermiculite layers,leading to the organic monolayer.The results of capillary rise tests combined with Lipophilic to Hydrophilic Ratio(LHR)values unveil the wettability alteration of the organo-Vts.As the layer charge decreases,the hydrophilicity of the organo-Vts gradually increases,which is probably caused by the decline in binding sites.As the result of the change in spacer length of modifier,the wetting properties of morpholinium-based organo-Vts change in order of BMMD-Vts>BMMH-Vts>BMMB-Vts,and difference in N-heterocyclic headgroups leads to the sequence of wettability:BMPMH-Vts>BPMH-Vts>BMMH-Vts.Layer charge of Vt,spacer length and the type of the N-heterocyclic headgroup of modifier have the synergistic effect on the regulation of the wettability.

ASTER Data Processing by Discrete Wavelets Transform and Band Ratio Techniques for the Identification of Lineaments and Hydrothermal Alteration Zones in Poli, North Cameroon

The aim of this study is to carry out hydrothermal alteration mapping and structural mapping using ASTER images in order to identify indices that could guide mining exploration work in the Poli area and its surroundings. To achieve this, the ASTER images were first preprocessed to correct atmospheric effects and remove vegetation influence. Secondly, a lineament mapping was conducted by applying Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) algorithms to the First Principal Component Analysis (PCA1) of Visible Near-Infrared (VNIR) and Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) bands. Lastly, band ratio methods were applied to the VNIR, SWIR, and Thermal Infrared (TIR) bands to determine indices of iron oxides/hydroxides (hematite and limonite), hydroxyl-bearing minerals (chlorite, epidote, and muscovite), and the quartz index. The results obtained showed that the lineaments were mainly oriented NE-SW, ENE-WSW, and E-W, with NE-SW being the most predominant direction. Concerning hydrothermal alteration, the identified indices covered almost the entire study area and showed a strong correlation with lithological data. Overlaying the obtained lineaments with the hydrothermal alteration indices revealed a significant correlation between existing mining indices and those observed in the field. Mineralized zones generally coincided with areas of high lineament density exhibiting significant hydrothermal alteration. Based on the correlation between existing mining indices and the results of hydrothermal and structural mapping, the results obtained can then be used as a reference document for any mining exploration in the study area.

Alteration Typology and Geochemical Signatures of the Napélépéra Gold-Bearing Granodiorite in South-West Burkina Faso (West Africa)

The characterization of the relationships between mineralization and hydrothermal alteration is an essential element in understanding gold deposits. In south-west Burkina Faso, the Napélépéra mineralisation, the mobility of chemical elements and alteration-mineralization relationships were studied by means of selected core drilling and geochemical analyses using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) and ICP-AES (Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy). The mineralised granodiorite is grey porphyroid with quartz, plagioclase, biotite and amphibole. It is metaluminous and located in the tholeiitic series. The Na2O + CaO versus Fe2O3 + MgO alteration diagram divides the samples according to alteration dominance. Chloritisation and carbonation are the main alterations. There is a relationship between gold mineralisation at Napélépéra and alteration, and the paragenesis of gold + pyrite ± carbonate ± silica ± sericite is the main characteristic. Carbonation is the result of fluid input in the shear corridor of the mineralised zone. The mass balance of comparative metals in the proximal and distal zones of the mineralisation shows the absence of metals, while As, Hg, Ag and Bi are strongly enriched from the distal zone to the mineralised zone. The oxides associated with the mineralisation are mainly NaO, SrO and CaO.

Investigation of the effect of diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid chelating agent as an enhanced oil recovery fluid on wettability alteration of sandstone rocks

This study used the diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid(DTPA)-seawater(SW)system to modify the sandstone rock wettability and enhance oil recovery.The investigation involved conducting wettability measurement,Zeta potential measurement,and spontaneous imbibition experiment.The introduction of 5%DTPA-sW solution resulted in a significant decrease in the rock-oil contact angle from 143°to 23,along with a reduction in the Zeta potential from-2.29 mV to-13.06 mV,thereby altering the rock surface charge and shifting its wettability from an oil-wet state to a strongly water-wet state.The presence or absence of potential determining ions(Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+),SO_(4)^(2-))in the solution did not impact the effectiveness of DTPA in changing the rock wettability.However,by tripling the concentration of these ions in the solution,the performance of 5%DTPA-SW solution in changing wettability was impaired.Additionally,spontaneous imbibition tests demonstrated that the 5%DTPA-SW solution led to an increase in oil recovery up to 39.6%.Thus,the optimum mass fraction of DTPA for changing sandstone wettability was determined to be5%.

心电图ST-T段异常对缺血性脑卒中的预测效能

目的 探讨心电图ST-T段异常(STA)对缺血性脑卒中的预测价值。方法 采用前瞻性研究方法,对3 027名体检人员(受试者)进行心电图检查,并随访60个月~120个月(随访截止2022年6月,或研究对象发生缺血性脑卒中则停止随访)。根据随访结果进行分组,将发生缺血性脑卒中的94例受试者设为研究组,将其余2 933例受试者设为对照组,统计STA发生情况。对缺血性脑卒中的影响因素采用单因素分析及多因素非条件Logistic回归分析,绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析STA对缺血性脑卒中的预测价值。结果 两组受试者性别、年龄、STA占比、左心室肥厚、脑卒中家族史比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。多因素非条件Logistic回归分析显示,年龄、STA、高血压、高血脂症、饮酒均是缺血性脑卒中的危险因素(P<0.05或0.01)。ROC曲线显示,STA预测缺血性脑卒中的曲线下面积为0.859,灵敏度为0.830,特异度为0.888,准确度为0.869;关联性检验显著(χ~2=138.706,P=0.000),优势性检验不显著(χ~2=0.432,P=0.511)。结论 STA可增加人群缺血性脑卒中的发病风险,对缺血性脑卒中的预测效能较高。

A Blade Altering Toolbox for Automating Rotor Design Optimization

The Blade Altering Toolbox(BAT)described in this paper is a tool designed for fast reconstruction of an altered blade geometry for design optimization purposes.The BAT algorithm is capable of twisting a given rotor’s angle of attack and stretching the chord length along the span of the rotor.Several test cases were run using the BAT’s algorithm.The BAT code’s twisting,stretching,and mesh reconstruction capabilities proved to be able to handle reasonably large geometric alterations to a provided input rotor geometry.The test examples showed that the toolbox’s algorithm could handle any stretching of the blade’s chord as long as the blade remained within the original bounds of the unaltered mesh.The algorithm appears to fail when the net twist angle applied the geometry exceeds approximately 30 degrees,however this limitation is dependent on the initial geometry and other input parameters.Overall,the algorithm is a very powerful tool for automating a design optimization procedure.

ST-T段改变患者心电瀑布图形态特征及其对心血管疾病的预测价值

目的探讨究ST-T段改变患者心电瀑布图形态特征及其对心血管疾病的预测价值。方法选择2020年6月1日至2022年6月1日在该院进行心电瀑布图及传统心电图检查的疑似心脏病患者970例作为研究对象,根据24 h动态心电图分为ST-T段改变216例及正常心电图754例。分析心电图ST段下降、ST段抬高、T波低平、T波负向、T波正向、T波双向波长中心电瀑布图形态特征;采用一致性检验法检测心电瀑布图、常规心电图与24 h动态心电图诊断ST-T段改变的一致性;采用四格表法检测心电瀑布图、常规心电图诊断ST-T段改变的灵敏度、特异度。结果正常心电图受检者心电图波及波群TP带、P峰带、PR峰、QPS带、ST带、T峰带、TP带心电瀑布图特征主要表现浅蓝色、亮蓝色、蓝色、红色/黄色/橙色、蓝色、蓝色/亮蓝色、浅蓝色。216例ST-T段改变患者中,156例患者心电图显示为ST段下降,其中68例患者为T波负向,心电瀑布图表现为深蓝色62例(91.18%)、蓝黑色6例(8.82%);73例患者为T波正向,心电瀑布图表现为蓝黑色66例(90.41%)、深蓝色7例(9.59%)。60例患者心电图显示为ST段抬高,其中51例患者为T波正向,心电瀑布图表现为亮蓝色43例(84.31%)、深蓝色6例(11.76%)、淡黄色2例(3.92%)。74例患者存在T波负向,心电瀑布图表现为蓝黑色;124例患者存在T波正向,心电瀑布图随T波幅度呈浅蓝-亮蓝-黄-红改变;12例存在T波低平,心电瀑布图上方随T波幅度呈浅蓝-亮蓝-黄-红改变,下方主要表现为蓝黑色。心电瀑布图诊断ST-T段改变的灵敏度、特异度、准确度分别为96.30%、88.73%、90.41%,常规心电图诊断ST-T段改变的灵敏度、特异度、准确度分别为83.33%、72.68%、75.05%。一致性检验结果显示,心电瀑布图与24 h动态心电图诊断ST-T段改变的一致性极强,常规心电图与24 h动态心电图诊断ST-T段改变的一致性较好。结论ST-T改变患者心电瀑布图具有明显特征性改变,其在诊断心血管疾病方面的价值优于常规心电图,可推广应用。

Multi-scale data joint inversion of minerals and porosity in altered igneous reservoirs—A case study in the South China Sea

There are abundant igneous gas reservoirs in the South China Sea with significant value of research,and lithology classification,mineral analysis and porosity inversion are important links in reservoir evaluation.However,affected by the diverse lithology,complicated mineral and widespread alteration,conventional logging lithology classification and mineral inversion become considerably difficult.At the same time,owing to the limitation of the wireline log response equation,the quantity and accuracy of minerals can hardly meet the exploration requirements of igneous formations.To overcome those issues,this study takes the South China Sea as an example,and combines multi-scale data such as micro rock slices,petrophysical experiments,wireline log and element cutting log to establish a set of joint inversion methods for minerals and porosity of altered igneous rocks.Specifically,we define the lithology and mineral characteristics through core slices and mineral data,and establish an igneous multi-mineral volumetric model.Then we determine element cutting log correction method based on core element data,and combine wireline log and corrected element cutting log to perform the lithology classification and joint inversion of minerals and porosity.However,it is always difficult to determine the elemental eigenvalues of different minerals in inversion.This paper uses multiple linear regression methods to solve this problem.Finally,an integrated inversion technique for altered igneous formations was developed.The results show that the corrected element cutting log are in good agreement with the core element data,and the mineral and porosity results obtained from the joint inversion based on the wireline log and corrected element cutting log are also in good agreement with the core data from X-ray diffraction.The results demonstrate that the inversion technique is applicable and this study provides a new direction for the mineral inversion research of altered igneous formations.

高血压患者心电图ST-T改变在早期鉴别诊断冠心病中的临床价值

目的探讨高血压患者心电图ST-T改变在早期冠心病诊断中的价值。方法选取2018年8月—2021年8月鹰潭市余江区人民医院诊治的60例高血压伴胸痛患者为研究对象,按心电图诊断结果将出现ST-T变化的28例分为动态变化组,未出现ST-T改变的32例分为无动态变化组。对所有患者施行心电图、冠状动脉造影术检查,分析冠心病阳性检出率,同时对阳性患者与阴性患者心率(heart rate,HR)、血压[收缩压(systolic blood pressure,SBP)、舒张压(diastolic blood pressure,DBP)]、血脂[三酰甘油(triglycerides,TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(high density lipoprotein cholesterol,HDL-C)]、血糖、体质量指数(body mass index,BMI)进行比较。结果动态变化组中的冠心病阳性检出率高于无动态变化组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);阳性患者HR、SBP、DBP、TG、血糖、BMI均高于阴性患者,而HDL-C低于阴性患者,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论高血压患者的ST-T改变对于早期判别冠心病有重要意义,可作为临床诊断冠心病的一项辅助检查手段,从而为临床制定更具规范性、针对性的治疗方案提供指导,以改善患者预后。

心电图ST-T改变在老年高血压合并冠心病的诊治中的应用价值

目的 探讨心电图ST-T改变对老年高血压合并冠心病的诊断价值分析,以期为临床早期诊断、制定干预方案提供参考。方法 选取100例郑州市第七人民医院2022年1月至2023年6月就诊的高血压患者作为研究组,另选取100例同期健康体检患者作为对照组,均行心电图检查,比较两组不同高血压分级及合并、未合并冠心病、不同冠脉病变支数、冠脉狭窄程度患者心电图ST-T改变情况(ST段缺血性压低、V1-V6T波直立V1T> V5T、V4-V6T波低平或倒置),分析ST-T改变情况与高血压分级、冠脉病变支数、冠脉狭窄程度相关性。结果 与对照组比较,研究组心电图ST段缺血性压低、V1-V6T波直立V1T> V5T、V4-V6T波低平或倒置检出率较高,差异均有统计学意义(P <0.05);不同高血压分级患者心电图ST段缺血性压低、V1-V6T波直立V1T> V5T、V4-V6T波低平或倒置检出率比较:高血压Ⅲ级>高血压Ⅱ级>高血压Ⅰ级,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);与未合并冠心病患者比较,合并冠心病患者心电图ST段缺血性压低、V1-V6T波直立V1T> V5T、V4-V6T波低平或倒置检出率较高,差异均有统计学意义(P <0.05);不同冠脉病变支数患者心电图ST段缺血性压低、V1-V6T波直立V1T> V5T、V4-V6T波低平或倒置检出率比较:多支病变>双支病变>单支病变,差异具有统计学意义(P <0.05);不同冠脉狭窄程度患者心电图ST段缺血性压低、V1-V6T波直立V1T> V5T、V4-V6T波低平或倒置检出率比较:重度狭窄>中度狭窄>轻度狭窄,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);心电图ST段缺血性压低、V1-V6T波直立V1T> V5T、V4-V6T波低平或倒置检出率与高血压分级、冠脉病变支数、狭窄程度均呈显著正相关,具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 心电图ST段改变可用于老年高血压合并冠心病诊断中,为临床早期评估高血压及冠心病病情提供参考,以针对性制定治疗方案。

心电图ST-T变化在冠心病诊断中的应用价值研讨

本研究旨在检验心电图ST-T变化在冠心病诊断中的运用价值。方法 在2022年1月至2023年3月期间,纳入47例确诊为冠心病的病患作为试验组。另抽取同期非冠心病患者,为参照组,共有47例。全部患者均接受心电图检查。对病人心电图检查结果进行回顾性分析。记录心电图ST-T改变的阳性程度。分析试验组病人病变情况与心电图ST-T变化之间的相关性。结果 (1)心电图ST-T改变阳性例数方面,试验组、参照组各为30例、19例,各组心电图ST-T改变阳性率为63.82%、40.42%,组间对比无统计学价值,P>0.05。(2)试验组不同心电图ST-T改变的发病情况可见,ST-T异常、正常病人的单支病变率各为30.00%(9/30)、76.47%(13/17);ST-T异常、正常患者多支病变率各为70.00%(21/30)、23.52%(4/17),ST-T异常患者的多支病变情况更为严重,有统计学意义,P<0.05,结论 心电图ST-T变化在冠心病诊断中价值显著,并且还可判断患者的病情严重程度,有助于指导临床治疗,评估患者预后。

Alteration of the esophageal microbiota in Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma

The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma(EAC) has increased in recent decades, and its 5-year survival rate is less than 20%. As a well-established precursor, patients with Barrett's esophagus(BE) have a persistent risk of progression to EAC. Many researchers have already identified some factors that may contribute to the development of BE and EAC, and the identified risks include gastroesophageal reflux(GER), male sex, older age, central obesity,tobacco smoking, Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) eradication, and the administration of proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) and antibiotics. The human gut harbors trillions of microorganisms, the majority of which are bacteria. These microorganisms benefit the human host in many ways, such as helping in digestion, assisting in the synthesis of certain vitamins, promoting the development of the gastrointestinal immune system, regulating metabolism and preventing invasion by specific pathogens. In contrast, microbial dysbiosis may play important roles in various diseases, such as inflammation and cancers. The composition of the microbiota located in the normal esophagus is relatively conserved without distinct microbial preferences in the upper, middle and lower esophagus. Six major phyla constitute the esophageal microbiota, including Firmicutes,Bacteroides, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria and TM7, similar to the oral microbiota. Streptococcus dominates the esophageal microbiota. However, the microbiota varies in different esophageal diseases compared to that in the healthy esophagus. The type Ⅰ microbiota, which is primarily composed of gram-positive bacteria, is closely associated with the normal esophagus, while type Ⅱ microbiota has enriched gram-negative bacteria and is mainly associated with the abnormal esophagus. These increased gram-negative anaerobes/microaerophiles include Veillonella, Prevotella, Haemophilus, Neisseria, Granulicatella and Fusobacterium, many of which are associated with BE. The microbial diversity in the esophagus is decreased in EAC patients, and Lactobacillus fermentum is enriched compared to that in controls and BE patients. Furthermore, the microbiota may be associated with BE and EAC by interacting with their risk factors, including central obesity, GER, H. pylori, administration of PPIs and antibiotics. Therefore, a large gap in research must be bridged to elucidate the associations among these factors. Some studies have already proposed several potential mechanisms by which the microbiota participates in human carcinogenesis by complicated interactions with the human host immune system and signaling pathways. The activation of the LPS-TLR4-NF-κB pathway may contribute to inflammation and malignant transformation. This exciting field of gastrointestinal microbiota allows us to unravel the mystery of carcinogenesis from another perspective. Further studies are needed to explore whether the microbiota changes before or after disease onset, to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis, and to find novel targets for prevention, diagnosis and therapy, which could offer more cost-effective and relatively safe choices.

Shear Alteration, Mass Transfer and Gold Mineralization: An Example from Jiaodong Ore Deposit Concentrating Area, Shandong, China

Taking the gold ore deposit concentrating area of Jiaodong area in Shandong, China for an example, based on geological analysis, and applying Gresens’ equation, Grant’s isocon diagram and O’hara microelement calculation method, a thorough study on shear alteration, mass transfer and gold mineralization was carried out. The authors also made mathematic simulation and geochemical analysis. The work reveals temporal spatial changing regularities of temperature field and velocity field of fluids, and also reveals fluid transport chemical reaction coupling metallogenic dynamics of the Jiaojia gold ore concentrating area. During shear alteration process of the Jiaodong gold ore concentrating area, all kinds of components transferred with different amounts, fluid rock ratio was rather high and volume strain was of dilation type. Fast flow of ore forming fluid favors the occurrence of mixed fluid. Shear fractured zones are places where there was strong transportation reaction coupling mineralization. Ore bodies were located in dilation space of shear structure where there was the greatest fluid flux. After the emplacement of the rock body, a convex heat field was formed around the rock body. It is one of the main metallogenic forces. The major reason for mineralization is the mobilization, migration and enrichment of ore forming elements induced by shear compressive extensional tectonism. Inclusion gold dominant low grade ores were formed in the early ore forming stage, while high grade ores, which contained fissure gold and polymetallic veinlets, were formed in late ore forming stage.

Surfactant induced reservoir wettability alteration:Recent theoretical and experimental advances in enhanced oil recovery

Reservoir wettability plays an important role in various oil recovery processes.The origin and evolution of reservoir wettability were critically reviewed to better understand the complexity of wettability due to interactions in crude oil-brine-rock system,with introduction of different wetting states and their influence on fluid distribution in pore spaces.The effect of wettability on oil recovery of waterflooding was then summarized from past and recent research to emphasize the importance of wettability in oil displacement by brine.The mechanism of wettability alteration by different surfactants in both carbonate and sandstone reservoirs was analyzed,concerning their distinct surface chemistry,and different interaction patterns of surfactants with components on rock surface.Other concerns such as the combined effect of wettability alteration and interfacial tension （IFT） reduction on the imbibition process was also taken into account.Generally,surfactant induced wettability alteration for enhanced oil recovery is still in the stage of laboratory investigation.The successful application of this technique relies on a comprehensive survey of target reservoir conditions,and could be expected especially in low permeability fractured reservoirs and forced imbibition process.