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The largest marine carbonate oilfield and gas condensate field in China have been found in the Ordovician limestones in the central Tarim Basin. They are defined as large "layered" reef-shoal and karstic reservoirs. However, low and/or unstable oil/gas production has been a big challenge for effective exploitation in ultra-deep (>6000 m) reservoirs for more than 20 years. Together with the static and dynamic reservoir data, we have a review of the unconventional characteristics of the oil/gas fields in that: (1) the large area tight matrix reservoir (porosity less than 5%, permeability less than 0.2 mD) superimposed with localized fracture-cave reservoir (porosity > 5%, permeability > 2 mD); (2) complicated fluid distribution and unstable production without uniform oil/gas/water interface in an oil/gas field; (3) about 30% wells in fractured reservoirs support more than 80% production; (4) high production decline rate is over 20% per year with low recovery ratio. These data suggest that the "sweet spot" of the fractured reservoir rather than the matrix reservoir is the major drilling target for ultra-deep reservoir development. In the ultra-deep pre-Mesozoic reservoirs, further advances in horizontal drilling and large multiple fracturing techniques are needed for the economic exploitation of the matrix reservoirs, and seismic quantitative descriptions and horizontal drilling techniques across the fault zones are needed for oil/gas efficient development from the deeply fractured reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pisa syndrome (PS) is rarely reported in Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The aim of this article is to investigate the prevalence rate of PS and the correlation with clinical features evaluated in patients with DLB.Methods: A total of 209 DLB patients were consecutively recruited and underwent standardized clinical evaluation in our multicenter study. The associations between PS and clinical factors were evaluated.Results: The prevalence rate of PS in patients with DLB was 15.3%, which was higher in the moderate and severe stages than mild cognitive impairment and mild stages (81.2% vs. 18.8%). Patients with PS had a longer duration of disease (P = 0.020) and parkinsonism (P = 0.003), higher scores of NPI (P = 0.028), ADL (P = 0.002) and UPDRS part III (P < 0.001), lower scores of clock drawing test (P = 0.009), visuospatial/executive abilities (P = 0.018), attention (P = 0.020), language and praxis (P = 0.020), registration (P = 0.012), greater H&Y stage (P < 0.001), and higher proportion of cholinesterase inhibitors used (P = 0.044) than those without PS. Longer disease duration (OR = 1.166, P = 0.023), presence of parkinsonism (OR = 7.971, P = 0.007), moderate and severe dementia (OR = 3.215, P = 0.021) were associated with the presence of PS. Patients had a longer duration of PS (P = 0.014) and lower mean age of onset (P = 0.040) in the group with severe lateral trunk flexion.Conclusion: The development of PS may be associated with longer disease duration, the presence of parkinsonism and severe stages of dementia in DLB. Cholinesterase inhibitors may have a correlation with PS. The severity of lateral flexion is related to the duration of PS and mean age of onset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous exploration has triggered a heated debate on hydrocarbon resource potential in the southern slope zone of the Kuqa foreland basin, and sources of the Mesozoic-Cenozoic oil and gas have become a key problem to be solved in this region. Composition and organic geochemical parameters of crude oil and natural gas from the southern slope zone of the Kuqa foreland basin were illustrated in order to reveal their origin by using a combination of gas chromatograph (GC), gas chromatogram-mass spectrum (GC-MS) and carbon isotope analyses. The characteristics of crude oil, such as low density, viscosity, solidification point and sulfur content, and high wax content, indicate that source of the crude oil is continental. The biomarker compositions of crude oil are characterized by low to medium molecular weight compounds (n-C12 to n-C20), high Pr/Ph ratios (>1.0), low phytane/n-C18 ratios (0.06–0.54), and predominant regular sterane C29. All biomarker parameters clearly indicate that the crude oil was derived mainly from algae and aquatic plankton and deposited under weak reduction-oxidation environment, and has the characteristics of mixed kerogens. The Cretaceous crude oil was mainly derived from the Triassic lacustrine source rocks, which also contributed to the Paleogene crude oil together with Jurassic coal source rocks. Natural gas is characterized by moderate methane content, high heavy hydrocarbon and nitrogen content, and no hydrogen sulfide. The methane and ethane in Paleogene natural gas are relatively rich in 13C with δ13C1 and δ13C2 values ranging from −37.3‰ to −31.2‰ (mean = −34.25‰) and from −25‰ to −21.3‰ (mean = −23.09‰), respectively, indicating the coal-derived gas from the Middle and Lower Jurassic strata. Hydrocarbon products in the southern slope zone of the Kuqa foreland basin are primarily generated from source rocks in the mature stage. The low-amplitude structural and lithologic traps with the updip pinch-out sand bodies or plugging secondary fault at relatively high tectonic positions are the most favorable areas for discovery and breakthrough in the study area. Results of this study will provide useful information for controlling factors of reservoirs and oil and gas exploration deployment in the southern slope zone of the Kuqa foreland basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) that produce 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase are capable of reducing limits to plant growth due to water-deficient conditions. Here, seven PGPR strains that can produce ACC deaminase were successfully obtained from the rhizosphere soil of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) in arid regions of China. The strains belonged to three different genera: Pseudomonas , Enterobacter , and Achromobacter , according to their 16S rDNA sequencing analysis. A drought tolerance experiment revealed two PGPR strains (DR3 and DR6) with exceptionally high phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, indoleacetic acid (IAA), and exopolysaccharides secretion potential. Both strains were selected for use in a pot experiment to evaluate their growth-promoting effects on grapevines under drought conditions. Each of these two PGPRs and their mixed inoculation into grapevines were expected to alleviate the comprehensive growth inhibition of grapevines caused by drought stress. The mixed inoculation was hypothesized to elicit the best growth-promoting effects. Inoculation with the PGPRs not only enhanced the root-adhering soil/root tissue ratios and soil aggregate stability, but it also increased the nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the soil and plant leaves. Further, inoculation with PGPRs significantly altered the plant height, biomass of shoot and root organs, relative water contents, and net photosynthetic rate of leaves, enabling grapevines to better cope with drought. Moreover, the contents of IAA, abscisic acid, and malondialdehyde in these grapevines under drought stress were significantly changed by PGPRs. They indirectly affected biochemical and physiological properties of grapevines to alleviate their drought stress. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the DR3 and DR6 PGPRs might be useful for effectively weakening the growth inhibition caused by drought in grapevines. The strains might also be applied as effective bioinoculants to maintain the quality of wine grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ventilation is commonly thought to be helpful for improving indoor air quality. However, this may not be true when the outdoor air is polluted. For example, in the event of fog or haze in developing countries, outdoor particulate matter (PM) can be drawn into rooms by ventilation systems. In such circumstances, ventilation must be accompanied by indoor particle filtration. This investigation incorporated a particulate-filtration model into the EnergyPlus software. The validated software was then used to evaluate ventilation together with indoor particle filtration in a typical Chinese residential apartment. The ventilation modes included natural, mechanical, and hybrid ventilation. Transient air change rate, indoor CO 2 and PM2.5 concentrations, air temperature, annual energy consumption, and utility costs were solved. For the mechanical systems, demand-controlled outdoor air rates and clean air delivery rates (CADRs) that ensure acceptable indoor air quality were also solved. It was found that indoor particulate filtration must be utilized in northern Chinese dwellings. A combination of natural ventilation and portable demand-controlled particulate filtration has the lowest operating cost, but the ventilation rate may occasionally be insufficient. Among the mechanical ventilation modes, decentralized systems operating only during the occupied period have great potential to minimize utility costs. Mechanical ventilation in demand-controlled operation and its hybrid with natural ventilation can further reduce energy consumption. Highlights • A particle-filtration model was incorporated into EnergyPlus. • Demand-controlled outdoor air rates and CADRs ensuring air quality were solved. • Natural ventilation plus portable filtration cost least but provide insufficient outdoor air. • Decentralized mechanical systems operating only in the occupied period save utility costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the existing literature, there have been only a limited number of efforts at empirically evaluating the degree of economic connections among ASEAN countries. The present study intends to fill this gap. The study is conducted through an investigation of regional trade connections and interest rate linkages. The results indicate that both the degree of trade interdependence and the interest rate linkages among ASEAN nations are comparable to those among EEC and NAFTA countries. Singapore plays a key role in ASEAN economic relations. Different from EEC and NAFTA, ASEAN appears to be heavily dependent on Japan and the USA, the two super economic powers outside the association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through new 3-D seismic data, we present relationship between maximum throw and fault length and fault segment length in fault zones, and relationship among length, width, throw and separation in overlap and tip zones of a conjugate strike-slip fault system in the intracratonic Tarim Basin, NW China. The results show that: (1) the major fault zones are in range of 23–76 km in length, and compose of 3–8 segments with low maximum throw less than 140 m; (2) a good power–law-scaling relationship of throw-segment length but not of throw-fault length; (3) more mature in NNW trending faults than in NNE trending faults; (4) the hard-linked overlap zones concentrate most deformation and exceptional high throws, with better linear correlation between throw and overlap zone length rather than soft-linked segments; (5) length/width, length/throw and separation/throw ratios from the transpressional overlap zones varies in a range of 4.6–11.2, 59–130 and 6.1–12.3, which are quite larger than those from extensional settings. Our study suggest that: (1) the fault growth depends on the stages of segment linkage (maturity); (2) the linear trends of scaling relationship between fault elements are mainly controlled by mechanical properties, while the scattered distribution of data is related to the stage of fault linkage and overlapping; (3) the deformation and displacement are localized in the overlap zones after hard-linkage following fault segments interaction; (4) fault elements could be useful to understanding fault growth and evolution stages in the deep subsurface. These results provide new insight into a better understanding of fault linkage and interaction from the subsurface seismic data in strike-slip fault zones. • Fault elements scaling in fault segments, overlap zones and tip zones from the seismic data. • Fault evolution in this area strongly depends on segment linkage. • The overlap zone growth in strike-slip fault zones is quite different from that in extensional settings. • Exceptionally higher displacements and lengths in the hard-linked overlap zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little information is available regarding the impact of air pollution on cognitive impairment in older individuals in developing countries. This study empirically tested the impacts of the air quality index (AQI), air pollution intensity (quantified by the number of days of extreme air pollution in a year), and different pollutants on the cognitive abilities of older Chinese individuals., Methods: A panel of 28,395 participants spanning 122 cities in 2015 and 2018 was used, based on 3-year follow-up survey data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) database. Data from the two phases of the CHARLS microsurvey were combined with relevant statistical data on air pollution in each region in the current year. These two surveys were used to investigate changes in basic health and macro-environmental indicators in older individuals in China, and a mean difference test was conducted. We then reduced the sample selection error by controlling for environmental migration and used two-way fixed and instrumental variable methods for endogenous treatment to avoid the estimation error caused by missing variables., Results: Air pollution had a significantly negative effect on the cognitive abilities of older individuals (odds ratio [OR]: 1.4633; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.20899-1.77116). Different pollution intensities(only AQI value is greater than 200 or more) had apparent effects on cognitive impairment, with an OR of approximately 1.0. Sulfur dioxide had significantly negative effects on cognitive ability, with OR of 1.3802 (95% CI: 1.25779-1.51451). Furthermore, air pollution impact analysis showed heterogeneous results in terms of age, sex, education, and regional economic development level. In addition, social adaptability (calculated using social participation, learning, adaptability, and social support) not only had a significant positive effect on the cognitive abilities of older individuals, but also regulated the cognitive decline caused by air pollution., Conclusions: Air pollution affects cognitive impairment in older individuals, especially in those with lower education levels, and living in economically underdeveloped areas. This effect is synchronous and has a peak at an AQI of > 200., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) significantly increases the economic burden on caregivers and society, but few studies have focused on the costs. This study aims to evaluate the current economic costs of DLB and its related factors., Methods: A total of 193 patients diagnosed with probable DLB were consecutively enrolled from 6 memory clinics between August 2017 to July 2021. Data were collected from August to December of 2021, patients' per capita annual economic costs related to DLB in the year preceding the interview were evaluated, and factors related to the costs were assessed using regression analysis., Results: Patients with DLB led to per capita annual total costs of US $21,378.3 in 2021, with direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs and indirect costs of US $3471.4, US $3946.4 and US $13,960.5, respectively, accounting for 16.2%, 18.5% and 65.3%, of total costs. Factors related to the costs of DLB showed that impairments in activities of daily living (ADL) and caregivers' subjective burden had a greater impact on the total, direct medical and indirect costs., Conclusion: The economic burden of DLB in China is huge, and indirect costs account for the largest proportion, serious impairment of the ADL and the subjective burden of caregivers, which possibly has a greater effect on costs. The substantial contributions made by family members and other unpaid caregivers of DLB should be fully recognized in strategic policy discussions and in case-level planning and assessments., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Anthropogenic pollution plays an important part in deteriorating the water quality of rivers all over the world, especially in urban areas of Africa where water quality monitoring is still seriously constrained by the limited test facility and capability. In this study, for evaluating the impact of urbanization on the river water quality, we investigated four typical urban rivers of Tanzania through the upper-urban-down gradient assessment approach and analyzed by water quality index (WQI) and statistical methods. The physicochemical indices monitored in these rivers revealed that the contents of those indicators of TN, TP, PO 4 3- , NH 4 + , COD Mn , and NO 3 - were accumulated significantly in the lower reaches of the cities, which indicated the life-type pollution characteristics in such urban rivers of Africa. The following main conclusions are achieved from this study. The water quality of 30% of the investigated river sections is in the medium to good status based on the subjective WQI with sensory factors included. Moreover, the sections with obvious water quality decline are mainly limited to the river segments within the urban central area, and severe pollution of water bodies is closely related to large cities, indicating an increasing pollution tendency with the quickly growing population. Therefore, to help formulate water pollution control policies in response to the rapid urban expansion in African countries, it is necessary to adopt an economical and feasible method to carry out early monitoring of surface water quality timely., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: Major depressive disorder is the second leading cause of years lost to disability worldwide. Anyu Peibo Capsule has been shown to be effective and safe in phase II trials., Methods: This clinical study is a multi-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase III trial of Anyu Peibo Capsule in China. The aim is to test whether the administration of Anyu Peibo Capsule compared to placebo improves clinical outcomes in adults (aged 18 to 65 years) with MDD. Patients will receive an 8-week treatment of Anyu Peibo Capsule 1.6 g per day or placebo. The primary outcome will be the change from baseline in the total score for the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale at the end of the 8-week treatment., Discussion: The trial aims to provide pivotal evidence for the efficacy and safety of Anyu Peibo Capsule in patients with major depressive disorder., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04210973 . Registered on December 26, 2019., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a heterogeneous disease, characterized by excess T helper (Th) 22 activation in Asian AD. Inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS) is crucial for T-cell activation and differentiation. However, the role of ICOS in AD and its effect on Th22 cells remain unclear., Objectives: To gain a better understanding of the role of ICOS and ICOS ligand (ICOSL) in the pathogenesis of Asian AD and its underlying mechanisms., Methods: We quantified ICOS and ICOSL expression in Han Chinese patients with AD and healthy controls (HC). Then, we assessed the proliferation and the production of the Th22 chemokines CCR4 and CCR10 by ICOSL-stimulated AD peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as well as their effects on keratinocyte filaggrin production. Finally, we explored the link between ICOS-expressing Th22 cells and disease activity and IgE levels in our patients with AD., Results: Our patients with AD showed higher levels of ICOS-expressing Th22 cells as well as ICOSL-expressing CD19 + B cells and CD14 + monocytes compared with HC. ICOSL increased the proliferation and expression of CCR4 and CCR10, and of interleukin (IL)-22 in AD PBMCs. ICOSL treatment also significantly increased the downregulation of filaggrin expression by keratinocytes cocultured with PBMCs from patients with AD. Finally, blood levels of ICOS + Th22 cells and ICOSL + B cells in this AD cohort were correlated with disease activity as assessed by the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis index and with total IgE levels. In Han Chinese patients with AD, circulating Th22 cells, serum levels of IL-22 and IL-22 + cells in lesional skin were all markedly increased., Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that ICOS/ICOSL expression and effects are linked to Th22 skewing and the pathogenesis of Han Chinese AD, which suggests ICOSL and ICOS as well as Th22 cells and IL-22 as new and promising therapeutic targets. What's already known about this topic? In Asian patients, atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by excess T helper (Th) 22 activation. Inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS) is crucial for T-cell activation and differentiation. What does this study add? This study demonstrates that circulating Th22 cells, serum levels of interleukin (IL)-22 and IL-22 + cells are all markedly increased in lesional skin in Han Chinese patients with AD. In Han Chinese patients with AD, ICOS and ICOS ligand (ICOSL) drive Th22 skewing and increase filaggrin downregulation, and ICOS + Th22 cells and ICOSL + B cells are linked to disease activity. What is the translational message? ICOS + Th22 cells and ICOSL + B cells are potential clinical biomarkers of disease activity in Han Chinese patients with AD. ICOS- and ICOSL-targeted treatment approaches may benefit Han Chinese patients with AD., (© 2019 British Association of Dermatologists.)