Development of a novel gold immunochromatographic double-antibody sandwich assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen

Objective To develop a novel gold immunochromatographic double antibody sandwich assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen, and to evaluate the performance of major reagents. Methods Potassium carbonate, large colloidal gold and SARS-CoV-2 antibody were used to prepare colloidal gold antibody markers, SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentration was optimized to prepare the binding pad, SARS-CoV-2 antibody and goat anti-mouse IgG were coated on nitrocellulose membrane as detection line and quality control line, according to the process requirements to assembly the assay. The minimum detection limit, cross-reactivity, accelerated stability test and clinical evaluation of the antigen detection reagent were determined. Results The minimum detection limit of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated virus was 3. 3×10~2 TCID50/ml, and no cross-reaction was found in the samples containing 10 common pathogens. The results of 37 °C high temperature accelerated test for 28 d showed high stability of the reagent. The sensitivity, specificity and total coincidence rate were 92. 00%, 100. 00% and 98. 67% and the Kappa value of concordance test was 0. 939, P＜0. 01. Conclusion The developed antigen detection assay has high sensitivity and specificity, which is also simple to operate in a short time. It can be used as a rapid detection method for large-scale screening of novel coronavirus.

Development of Diphenyl carbonate-Crosslinked Cyclodextrin Based Nanosponges for Oral Delivery of Baricitinib: Formulation, Characterization and Pharmacokinetic Studies.

Background: The aim of the present investigation is to prepare baricitinib (BAR)-loaded diphenyl carbonate (DPC) ß-cyclodextrin (ßCD) based nanosponges (NSs) to improve the oral bioavailability. Methods: BAR-loaded DPC-crosslinked ßCD NSs (B-DCNs) were prepared prepared by varying the molar ratio of ßCD: DPC (1:1.5 to 1:6). The developed B-DCNs loaded with BAR were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), % yield and percent entrapment efficiency (%EE). Results: Based on the above evaluations, BAR-loaded DPC ßCD NSs (B-CDN3) was optimized with mean size (345.8±4.7 nm), PDI (0.335±0.005), Yield (91.46±7.4%) and EE (79.1±1.6%). The optimized NSs (B-CDN3) was further confirmed by SEM, spectral analysis, BET analysis, in vitro release and pharmacokinetic studies. The optimized NSs (B-CDN3) showed 2.13 times enhancement in bioavailability in comparison to pure BAR suspension. Conclusion: It could be anticipated that NSs loaded with BAR as a promising tool for release and bioavailability for the treatment of rheumatic arthritis and Covid-19.

Medicinal bismuth: Bismuth-organic frameworks as pharmaceutically privileged compounds

Historically organometallic compounds have been used to cure certain diseases with limited applications. Although bismuth belongs to the category of heavy metals, many of its derivatives have found applications in modern drug discovery research, mainly because of its low toxicity and higher bioavailability. Being an eco-friendly mild Lewis acid, compounds having bismuth as a central atom are capable of binding several proteins in humans and other species. Bismuth complexes demonstrated antibacterial potential in syphilis, diarrhea, gastritis, and colitis. Apart from antibacterial activities, bismuth compounds exhibited anticancer, antileishmanial, and some extent of antifungal and other medicinal properties. This article discusses major synthetic methods and pharmacological potentials of bismuth complexes exhibiting in vitro activity to significant clinical performance in a systematic and timely manner.Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd

Valorization of biomass ash for the effective removal of dipyrone from water: an efficient and low-cost option

Background: In order to propose a destination for the bottom ash generated from biomass burning, its morphology, functional groups and mineral phases were studied. Dipyrone has been extensively used as an antipyretic, increased due to cases of COVID-19, and due to excretion by urine, incorrect disposal and industrial effluents has been destined to wastewater, being harmful to human and animal life. The present study proposes using biomass ash for the adsorption of dipyrone. Result(s): The characterization of biomass ash shows a sufficient surface area size for adsorption, and a mainly amorphous structure with some peaks of quartz, calcite and other mineral phases. The results show that the kinetic model which best describes the adsorption is the pseudo-first-order model. The Langmuir model best fits at 25 degreeC, and the Freundlich model best describes the adsorption at 35 and 45 degreeC. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the process is endothermic with a maximum adsorptive capacity of 65.27 mg g-1. In addition, the adsorption is spontaneous, disordered and chemical. The ionic strength study reveals that the adsorbent is promising for real effluent treatment and there is evidence that electrostatic interaction is not the primary adsorptive mechanism, agreeing with the result obtained from pH testing. The proposed mechanism for dipyrone removal involves hydrogen bonds, pi bonds and electron donor-acceptor complex. Conclusion(s): The results are promising in comparison with recent literature and solve two environmental problems: biomass bottom ash disposal and pharmaceutical removal in aqueous medium. The ash may be regarded as a low-cost and environmentally friendly adsorbent. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Coronavirus pandemic: An opportunity to study the anthropogenic impact on micro-climate conditions and CaCO3 crystal morphology in the Nerja Cave (SE Spain).

Following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spanish Government restricted non-essential movements of all citizens and closed all public spaces, such as the Nerja Cave, until May 31, 2020. This particular condition of the closure of the cave provided a unique opportunity to study the micro-climate conditions and carbonate precipitation in this tourist cave without the presence of visitors. Our results show the significant effect of visitors on the air isotopic signature of the cave and on the genesis of the extensive dissolution features affecting the carbonate crystals formed in the tourist sector of the cave, alerting us to the possible corrosion of the speleothems located there. The movement of visitors within the cave also favours the mobilisation of aerial fungi and bacterial spores and their subsequent sedimentation simultaneously with the abiotic precipitation of carbonates from the drip water. The traces of these biotic elements could be the origin of the micro-perforations previously described in the carbonate crystals formed in the tourist galleries of the cave, but they are subsequently enlarged due to abiotic dissolution of the carbonates through these weaker zones.

Successful Drilling of the Deepest and Hottest HPHT Carbonate Well in Offshore Malaysia, its Lesson Learnt and Way Forward

HPHT wells are typically associated with high complexity, technically challenging, long duration, high risk and high NPT as many things could go wrong especially when any of the critical nitty- gritty details are overlooked. The complexity is amplified with high risk of losses in carbonate reservoir with high level of contaminants compounded by the requirement of high mud weight above 17 ppg during monsoon season in an offshore environment. The above sums up the challenges an operator had to manage in a groundbreaking HPHT carbonate appraisal well which had successfully pushed the historical envelope of such well category in Central Luconia area, off the coast of Sarawak where one of the new records of the deepest and hottest carbonate HPHT well had been created. This well took almost 4 months to drill with production testing carried out in a safe and efficient manner whereby more than 4000m of vertical interval was covered by 6 hole sections. With the seamless support from host authority, JV partners and all contractors, the well was successfully delivered within the planned duration and cost, despite the extreme challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper will share the experience of the entire cycle from pre job engineering/planning, execution, key lesson learnt and optimization plan for future exploitations which includes an appraisal well and followed by more than a dozen of development wells. Copyright © 2023, International Petroleum Technology Conference.

Cu(II)(PhOMe-Salophen) Complex: Greener Pasture Biological Study, XRD/HAS Interactions, and MEP

Abstract: PhOMe-salophen (1b) (salophen is N,N-bis(salycilidene)-1,2-phenylenediamine with two tert-butyl on each ring) and Cu(II) complex with PhOMe-salophen (1c) have been synthesized and characterized using various tools, including X-ray diffraction for the Cu(II)-complex (1c, C43H52CuN2O3)). The copper complex has been obtained by Cu2+ templated approach using 1b. PhOMe-salophen (1b) has been obtained in reasonably high yield using a mixture of the Schiff-base, 1a, Pd(OAc)2, PPh3, Na2CO3, 4-methoxyphenylboronic acid in benzene. We focus in this research work on the electronic and structural properties of the Cu–Schiff base complex. The tetra-coordinate τ4 index was calculated, indicating almost a perfect square planner in agreement with X-ray diffraction results. MEP reveals the maximum positive regions in 1/-associated with the azomethine and methoxyphenyl C–H bonds with an average value of 0.03 a.u. Hirshfeld surface analysis (HSA) was also studied to highlight the significant inter-atomic contacts and their percentage contribution through 2D Fingerprint plot. In a fair comparative molecular docking study, 1b and 1c were docked together with N-[{(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)-carbonyl}alanyl}-l-valyl]-N1-((1R,2Z)-4-(benzyloxy)-4-oxo-1-[{(3R)-2-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl}methyl]but-2-enyl)-l-leucinamide, N3 against main protease Mpro, (PDB code 7BQY) using the same parameters and conditions. Interesting here to use the free energy, in silico, molecular docking approach, which aims to rank our molecules with respect to the well-known inhibitor, N3. The binding scores of 1b, 1c, N3 are –7.8, –9.0, and –8.4 kcal/mol, respectively. These preliminary results propose that ligands deserve additional study in the context of possible remedial agents for COVID-19. © 2022, Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.

Successful Drilling of the Deepest and Hottest HPHT Carbonate Well in Central Luconia, Off the Coast of Sarawak, Offshore Malaysia

HPHT wells are typically associated with high complexity, technically challenging, long duration, high risk and high NPT as many things could go wrong especially when any of the critical nitty- gritty details are overlooked. The complexity is amplified with high risk of losses in carbonate reservoir with high level of contaminants compounded by the requirement of high mud weight above 17 ppg during monsoon season in an offshore environment. The above sums up the challenges an operator had to manage in a groundbreaking HPHT carbonate appraisal well which had successfully pushed the historical envelope of such well category in Central Luconia area, off the coast of Sarawak where one of the new records of the deepest and hottest carbonate HPHT well had been created. This well took almost 4 months to drill with production testing carried out in a safe and efficient manner whereby more than 4000m of vertical interval was covered by 6 hole sections. With the seamless support from host authority, JV partners and all contractors, the well was successfully delivered within the planned duration and cost, despite the extreme challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper will share the experience of the entire cycle from pre job engineering/planning, execution and key lesson learnt for future exploitations. Copyright © 2022, Offshore Technology Conference.

Was Covid Era a Blessing in Disguise for the Patient?

Background and Aims: In the Covid era, Continuous blood glucose monitoring(CGM) was used more frequently and it proved to be quite a helpful and accurate tool for glycemic regulation. Method(s): 75 yrs old Saudi gentleman, had Type 2 diabetes >30yrs, Hypertension, Primary Hypothyroidism, dyslipidemia, mixed polyneuropathy, Iron deficiency anemia, and benign prostatic hypertrophy. In March,2020 his BP and blood glucose readings were high at home. He had a past history of subdural hematoma with hydrocephalus(staus post-shunting). He was on Glargine, oral hypoglycemic agents, anti-hypertensives, Levothyroxine, Atorvastatin, Aspirin, iron fumarate, calcium carbonate and cholecalciferol. Fully conscious, and co-operative, of average built and height.BP 170/70 mmHg, pulse 93/m, RR 18/ m,O2sat 100%, afebrile, BMI 24.96 kg/m2. Fundoscopy normal. He had dry feet and impaired monofilament and vibration testing. Result(s): Hb% 13.1g/dl(12.6 before),MCV 93.8fl,S.Ferritin 10.5ug/l(30-400),Vit.B12 270 pmol/l(145-637),HbA1c 8%(6.4 in Feb.2020).The renal, liver and thyroid functions-intact. Albumin creatinine ratio 12.23mg/g(0-30). Nerve conduction study-mixed polyneuropathy. He continued to follow-up physically even during the Covid crisis due to the elevated SMBG and BP values. Gliclazide & antihypertensive doses were optimized and Glargine was started.On patient's follow-up in August, 2020, time in range had improved to 80%(33% in June,2020),average glucose was 147 mg/dl(200 before), glucose variability was 27.8%(28.9), hypoglycemia (54-79mg/dl) was 1%(0). On last follow-up on 27.06.2022 his HbA1c had climbed up to 8.3%(7.3 in September, 2021). He was compliant to the diabetes regime, but had stopped using the Libre sensor. Conclusion(s): The case signifies the advantage of a meticulous CGM usage during the Covid pandemic, that resulted in a reasonable glycemic control.

Synthesis of ester-free poly(trimethylene carbonate) bearing cinnamyl moiety for antibacterial biomaterials applications

Antimicrobial biocompatible polymers have highly desirable materials in medical technology to prevent any healthcare-associated infections from the in-dwelling on medical device that could pose a risk to patients, and this is gaining attention particularly in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, ester free type of poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) derivatives containing cinnamyl group has been synthesized. Also, several of alcohol-based initiators;benzyl alcohol, 2,2-dimethyl-1-propanol, 4-(2-hydroxyethoxy) benzaldehyde and 2-(p-tolyloxy)ethan-1-ol and polymer structure has been designed and analyzed its molecular weight on thermal and physical properties effect. The homopolymers and copolymers of PTMC derivatives with cinnamyl group had achieved with molecular weight up to 7400 — 12,300 g/mol with the improved physical state and glass transition temperature, Tg at 8 ֩C respectively. Different types of essential oil, which is thymol and carvacrol, have been incorporated with cinnamyl PTMC had resulted the suppression of E.coli and S.aureus growth. The results showed a promising of introduction of cinnamyl derivatives into ester free-type of PTMC derivatives, as well as create more alcohol-initiators for polymerization of trimethylene carbonate, for more advanced development in the future. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.

Mechanism-based approaches of 1,3,4 thiadiazole scaffolds as potent enzyme inhibitors for cytotoxicity and antiviral activity

Significant progress in understanding cancer pathogenesis, it remains one of the leading causes of death after cardiovascular diseases. Similarly viral infections have emerged from wildlife or re-emerged, generating serious threats to the global health. As a result, there is an urgent need for the development of novel, more effective anticancer and antiviral therapeutics. Scientists, medicinal chemists and researchers are continuously finding novel targets, mechanisms and molecules against theses severe and dangerous infections. Therefore, ongoing extensively study and research emphasizes 1,3,4 thiadiazole pharmacophore have versatile pharmacological actions. Due to mesoionic behaviour of 1,3,4 thiadiazole pharmacophore allows to enter and easily cross biological membrane which allow to interact various biological proteins. In this review study an attempt has been made of various mechanisms involved in cancer and viral prevalence with updated studies done so far. This review study also findings the role of 1,3,4 thiadiazole motif in the management of various cancers and viral infection. This study also highlighting research statics on clinical trials and various patents containing 1,3,4 thiadiazole derivatives. © 2022 The Author(s)

A green closed-loop process for selective recycling of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries

As the economy started to recover from the COVID pandemic, the price of Li2CO3 skyrocketed to its highest. This situation has aggravated concerns about the supply chain for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Recycling spent LIBs is a potential solution to alleviate the bottleneck of the supply chain and prevent environmental pollution, and has attracted lots of attention. However, lithium recycling is generally disregarded because of the complex recycling process and its low recycling efficiency. Here, in this work we developed a sustainable lithium recovery process, which can selectively leach and recover lithium with formic acid before recycling valuable metals. With the reported method, lithium can be 99.8% recovered from layered oxide cathode materials with 99.994% purity. In addition, this lithium recovery process is affordable, compared to the typical hydrometallurgical process, by saving 11.15% per kilogram of spent LIBs. Therefore, this research provided a new solution to eliminating the effects of lithium ions on valuable metal separation and the co-precipitation reaction and precluding the influence of other metal ions on lithium recovery. This simplified lithium recovery process provides new opportunities for sustainable recycling of LIBs and economical restoration of the lithium supply chain.

Calcium bicarbonate as an antimicrobial, antiviral, and prion-inhibiting agent (Review)

Calcium bicarbonate does not act as a disinfectant at neutral pH;however, it exerts strong antimicrobial activity after it is placed in a high-voltage electric field, whereby it assumes an alkaline pH (12.4). Moreover, the microbicidal activity of the resulting solution (named CAC-717) is not influenced by the presence of organic material or resistance of the agent to inactivation. When sprayed on the skin surface, the pH of CAC-717 decreases rapidly to 8.84. CAC-717 comprises fine particles of 50-500 nm. When these mesoscopic crystals are dissolved in water, they destroy the genomes of bacteria or viruses and neutralize the infectious properties of abnormal prion proteins produced in ScN2a cells. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has resulted in unprecedented international demand for disinfectants. A small titer of SARS-CoV-2 remains infectious even after 30 sec in growth medium at pH 12.4. CAC-717 has exhibited a strong virucidal effect (3.6 to 4.4 log10 decrease) against all examined SARS-CoV-2 isolates, including mutant forms. Similarly, human noroviruses also remain intact at pH 12.4;however, CAC-717 has been shown to cause a 3.25 log10 reduction in norovirus genomic RNA compared to untreated samples. Existing evidence suggests that an unidentified mechanism controls the virucidal activity of CAC-717. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Biomedical Reports is the property of Spandidos Publications UK Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Biomedical and Potential Therapeutic Aspects of Lithium Carbonate Use

Background: lithium carbonate salts are used in psychiatry for agitated states reduction and, above all, to prevent recurring manic and depressive episodes, as well as for the treatment of aggressive behavior. The pharmacological characteristics of lithium carbonate have not been fully studied. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the wider use of Lithium carbonate, in particular, in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, and even in viral infections. Objective: to present an overview of the earliest and late foreign studies covering the biomedical and potential therapeutic aspects of lithium off-label use as follows for Alzheimer’s disease and viral infections. Material and methods: the keywords “lithium carbonate, neuroprotection, toxicity, Alzheimer’s disease, coronavirus infection” were used to search for scientific publications in the databases MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus for the period 1970–2021. Conclusions: lithium carbonate can have significant effects on pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, which may be a good prospect in the treatment of this currently incurable disorder. It is also important to note the antiviral properties of lithium carbonate. Lithium carbonate is able to mitigate the immune-in ammatory activation observed during episodes of bipolar disorder, including the normalization of cytokine levels. It is also important to note the antiviral capabilities of lithium carbonate. The most interesting is the direct impact of lithium carbonate on some members of the coronavirus family, which is especially important in connection with the real problems a global public health crisis associated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. © 2022. Psychiatry (Moscow). All Rights Reserved.

Prescrire's ratings of new drugs in 2021: A brief review

Three new drugs, all based on messenger RNA or small interfering RNA technology, represented a major therapeutic advance in 2021. But the bigger picture is that most of the new authorisations that advanced patient care were adaptations of existing drugs. And that more than half of this year's new authorisations were not advances, and in fact about one-tenth represented a step backwards compared to existing options.

Calcium bicarbonate as an antimicrobial, antiviral, and prion-inhibiting agent (Review).

Calcium bicarbonate does not act as a disinfectant at neutral pH; however, it exerts strong antimicrobial activity after it is placed in a high-voltage electric field, whereby it assumes an alkaline pH (12.4). Moreover, the microbicidal activity of the resulting solution (named CAC-717) is not influenced by the presence of organic material or resistance of the agent to inactivation. When sprayed on the skin surface, the pH of CAC-717 decreases rapidly to 8.84. CAC-717 comprises fine particles of 50-500 nm. When these mesoscopic crystals are dissolved in water, they destroy the genomes of bacteria or viruses and neutralize the infectious properties of abnormal prion proteins produced in ScN2a cells. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has resulted in unprecedented international demand for disinfectants. A small titer of SARS-CoV-2 remains infectious even after 30 sec in growth medium at pH 12.4. CAC-717 has exhibited a strong virucidal effect (3.6 to 4.4 log10 decrease) against all examined SARS-CoV-2 isolates, including mutant forms. Similarly, human noroviruses also remain intact at pH 12.4; however, CAC-717 has been shown to cause a 3.25 log10 reduction in norovirus genomic RNA compared to untreated samples. Existing evidence suggests that an unidentified mechanism controls the virucidal activity of CAC-717.

TROMBO ATRIAL DIREITO ASSOCIADO AO CATETER EM PACIENTE COM LINFOMA DE HODGKIN

Sexo feminino, 25 anos, Linfoma de Hodgkin Esclerose Nodular (IVBX) bulky mediastinal, refratário a 6 ciclos de AVD, recaída precoce após 3 ciclos de ICE, resposta parcial após 4 ciclos de Brentuximab. Em Março/2021, diagnosticada com Covid-19, RT-PCR persistentemente positivo, sendo suspenso Brentuximab. TC de Tórax de 26/04/2021, devido a piora da dispneia, com sinais de TEP acometendo as porções distais das artérias pulmonares bilaterais;massa mediastinal com 13,6 x 9,7 cm, atividade glicolítica ao PET-CT (Deauville 4). Internou na Unidade de TMO do Hospital Monte Sinai para realização de TMO Autólogo. Coleta de células tronco periféricas em 01/05/2021. Realizado ecocardiograma prévio ao condicionamento em 07/05/2021: 2 imagens hiperecogênicas intra-atriais à direita (maior com 2,7 x 1,8 cm), sugestivas de trombos intracavitários, confirmados pelo ECO-TE, associados a cateter totalmente implantável fundidos à parede atrial. Função ventricular esquerda preservada e aumento de ventrículo direito. Pela gravidade do quadro e impossibilidade cirúrgica, indicado anticoagulação plena com Heparina Não-Fracionada em BIC e condicionamento iniciado em 11/05/2021 com esquema: Lomustina, Etoposide, Ciclofosfamida, Mesna. Infusão de CTP em 16/05/2021. Período de neutropenia sem maiores intercorrências, com pega medular em 26/05/2021 e alta hospitalar em seguida. Em 11/06/2021, intercorreu com febre e bacteremia, internada para tratamento de infecção associada a catéter de curta permanência (implantado para infusão de CTP) por S. hominis sensível à oxacilina. No dia 24/06/2021, apresentou piora clínica importante da dispneia e anasarca. ECO-TE: PSAP em 90 mmHg, aumento da disfunção de VD. Nova Angio-TC de tórax sem trombos novos. Iniciado Milrinone na Unidade Coronariana e discutido cirurgia de urgência, sendo novamente contra-indicados pelas equipes assistentes. Em 27/06/2021 paciente evolui com choque obstrutivo, evoluindo a óbito em 30/06/2021. Discussão: Cateteres totalmente implantáveis podem ser em pacientes com Linfoma de Hodgkin, pois têm menos infecção em comparação com outros cateteres. As complicações associadas aos cateteres são incomuns e incluem infecções e tromboses, porém a trombose atrial direita ainda é rara e potencialmente fatal. A formação desses trombos é assintomática e altamente associado a posição da ponta do cateter no átrio direito. A incidência é incerta, variando entre 3-23%. A mortalidade geral é de 27,1% e parece estar relacionada a sua associação com TEP grave e ao tipo de tratamento instituído. A presença do trombo cardíaco é um marcador prognóstico. O manejo ainda é controverso. As opções terapêuticas incluem anticoagulação com heparina, embolectomia cirúrgica ou trombólise. Sendo este último com taxa de mortalidade de 11,3% em comparação a 28,6% com anticoagulação e 23,8% com embolectomia. No caso relatado, foi contra-indicado o tratamento com trombolítico, pelo tempo da evidência do trombo em exame de imagem (mais de 14 dias), e o procedimento cirúrgico, por paciente apresentar massa mediastinal extensa. Portanto foi optado por manter a anticoagulação com heparina não fracionada. Conclusão: O diagnóstico de trombo em átrio direito é desafiador. O receio de complicações em um paciente grave, explica o tratamento conservador utilizado. Ainda não existe um consenso sobre o tratamento mais adequado, sendo necessária a avaliação individualizada dos casos.

Unilateral Massive Pleural Effusion as Manifestation of Severe Hyperthyroidism

Introduction: Non-cardiogenic pleural involvement in hyperthyroidism is rare, with unilateral involvement being rarer still. We present the case of a patient with Graves’ disease (GD) with thyroid storm criteria who presented right pleural effusion compatible with exudate. Case Description: A 40-year-old female patient, with a history of hyperthyroidism for 3 years without treatment for severe rash to thiamazole on two occasions. She was admitted to the emergency room of a private clinic due to dyspnea that progressed to respiratory failure, a massive right pleural effusion was found for which they performed evacuatory thoracentesis, prescribed lugol, bisoprolol and dexamethasone, and she was transferred to our hospital with a total of 45 points on the Burch-Wartofsky’s scale, had respiratory failure and jaundice. The analysis showed: Hemogram: Leukocytes 9700, Hemoglobin: 10.8 g/dl;CRP: 0.43 mg/dl;Glucose 157 mg/dl;Creatinine: 0.29 mg/dl, TSH: < 0.004 uIU/ml, Free T4: > 7.77 ng/ml;Free T3: > 16 pg/ml, Anti-thyroperoxidase: > 1000 IU/ml;Total bilirubins: 5.52 mg/dL;Direct bilirubin: 3.79 mg/dL. COVID infection was ruled out, the analysis of the pleural fluid was compatible with exudate, an echocardiogram showed LVEF: 60% and mild pulmonary hypertension. Thyroid ultrasound revealed diffuse hypervascularized goiter;thyroid scintigraphy showed diffuse hyper-uptake goiter. Dexamethasone with lithium carbonate was indicated with gradual improvement in thyroid function tests and cholestatic pattern. Once compensated she received 20mCi of 131I. She was discharged with an improvement in her symptoms. Her X-ray and her control chest ultrasound did not show the presence of pleural effusion. Discussion: GD is a pathology that presents with a variety of symptoms and signs due to its multisystemic involvement, which can become life-threatening, such as a thyroid storm, if it is not treated properly and in a timely manner. The fact of presenting unilateral massive pleural effusion is a rare presentation of hyperthyroidism reported in other cases.

Efficacy and Safety of Lithium Treatment in SARS-CoV-2 Infected Patients.

At the beginning of the pandemic, we observed that lithium carbonate had a positive effect on the recovery of severely ill patients with COVID-19. Lithium is able to inhibit the replication of several types of viruses, some of which are similar to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, increase the immune response and reduce inflammation by preventing or reducing the cytokine storm. Previously, we published an article with data from six patients with severe COVID-19 infection, where we proposed that lithium carbonate could be used as a potential treatment for COVID-19. Now, we set out to conduct a randomized clinical trial number EudraCT 2020-002008-37 to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lithium treatment in patients infected with severe SARS-CoV-2. We showed that lithium was able to reduce the number of days of hospital and intensive care unit admission as well as the risk of death, reduces inflammatory cytokine levels by preventing cytokine storms, and also reduced the long COVID syndromes. We propose that lithium carbonate can be used to reduce the severity of COVID-19.

Doubling its Production in One Year: Reviving a Brown Field in South of Oman

This paper summarises a ONE development success story of reviving a mature brownfield in South of Oman, Field β, just within ONE year through collaboration between different disciplines, comprehensive data analysis, optimising and recompletion of existing wells. Field β, comprised of multi-stacked clastic reservoirs, was put on stream in 1980s and peaked in early 1990s. Pilot water injection started in 1993 and full field water flooding continued in 1997. After more than 35 years since start of production, one can say the field was already in the tail end of its life. It had been stabilizing at low rate after 25 years and starting to decline further and at some point was one of the potential candidates to be decommissioned. A new FDP (FDP18) for part of the field was delivered in 2018 with the first well drilled at the end of that year. In 2019, despite drilling further wells on the FDP18, production was declining and was at 2018 rate towards the year end. Intensive data analysis and integrated reservoir reviews per reservoir layers were actively performed and new opportunities and data gathering were identified. FDP18 wells from 2019 onwards were then deepened to also acquire log data over deeper than the target reservoirs. Further synergy between asset and exploration teams also instigated in new discoveries including oil in shallower carbonate reservoirs, which were logged and sampled when drilling the FDP18 wells. Declining production, low oil price and COVID-19 crisis that hit 2020 challenged the team to be more resilient and with ONE development mindset between development and WRFM team, also between asset and exploration team, existing long-term closed in and very low productivity wells were utilised to tap these new opportunities. As a result, the field production has been increased by more than double, highest since 10 years ago, with a potential of triple its production rate, all achieved through optimizing and recompletion of existing wells within 1 year, at a very attractive low UTC. © Copyright 2021, Society of Petroleum Engineers