Kinetic Hydrate Inhibition of Natural Gels in Complex Sediment Environments.

Natural gels are emerging as a hotspot of global research for their greenness, environmental-friendliness, and good hydrate inhibition performance. However, previous studies mostly performed experiments for simple pure water systems and the inhibition mechanism in the sediment environment remains unclear. Given this, the inhibition performance of xanthan gum and pectin on hydrate nucleation and growth in sediment environments was evaluated via hydrate formation inhibition tests, and the inhibition internal mechanisms were revealed via a comprehensive analysis integrating various methods. Furthermore, the influences of natural gels on sediment dispersion stability and low-temperature fluid rheology were investigated. Research showed that the sediments of gas hydrate reservoirs in the South China Sea are mainly composed of micro-nano quartz and clay minerals. Xanthan gum and pectin can effectively inhibit the hydrate formation via the joint effects of the binding, disturbing, and interlayer mass transfer suppression processes. Sediments promote hydrate nucleation and yet inhibit hydrate growth. The interaction of sediments with active groups of natural gels weakens the abilities of gels to inhibit hydrate nucleation and reduce hydrate formation. Nonetheless, sediments help gels to slow down hydrate formation. Our comprehensive analysis pointed out that pectin with a concentration of 0.5 wt% can effectively inhibit the hydrate nucleation and growth while improving the dispersion stability and low-temperature rheology of sediment-containing fluids.

New Zwitterionic Polymer as a Highly Effective Salt- and Calcium-Resistant Fluid Loss Reducer in Water-Based Drilling Fluids.

To control the filtration loss of drilling fluids in salt-gypsum formations, a novel type of zwitterionic polymer gel (DNDAP) was synthesized by free radical polymerization, which was used as a salt- and calcium-resistant fluid loss reducer for water-based drilling fluids (WBDF). DNDAP was prepared with N, N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAA), N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP), Diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DMDAAC), 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropaneonic acid (AMPS), and isopentenol polyether (TPEG) as raw materials. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) were used to characterize the composition and structure of the DNDAP copolymer. The thermal stability of DNDAP was evaluated by the use of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). WBDF with DNDAP was analyzed for zeta potential and particle size and the corresponding filter cake underwent energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The results showed that the thermal decomposition of DNDAP mainly occurred above 303 °C. DNDAP exhibits excellent rheological and filtration properties in water-based drilling fluids, even under high-temperature aging (up to 200 °C) and high salinity (20 wt% NaCl or 5 wt% CaCl2) environments. The strong adsorption effect of DNDAP makes the particle size of bentonite reasonably distributed to form a dense mud cake that reduces filtration losses.

Preparation of the Tetrameric Poly(VS-St-BMA-BA) Nano-Plugging Agent and Its Plugging Mechanism in Water-Based Drilling Fluids.

In response to the current problem that micron-scale plugging agents cannot effectively plug shale nanopores and fractures, tetrameric poly(VS-St-BMA-BA) nanoparticles were synthesized by the Michael addition reaction using sodium vinyl sulfonate, styrene, butyl methacrylate, and butyl acrylate as raw materials. The nanoparticles poly(VS-St-BMA-BA) were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, particle size analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. The particle size distribution of poly(VS-St-BMA-BA) at room temperature ranged from 62.17 to 96.44 nm, with a median particle size of 75.8 nm, and could withstand high temperature of 359.5 °C. The effects of poly(VS-St-BMA-BA) on the rheological parameters of drilling fluid and the effects of different temperatures on the median particle size were investigated by the drilling fluid performance testing methods and high-temperature stability testing methods. The results showed that the apparent viscosity, plastic viscosity, yield point, and high temperature and high pressure water loss of drilling fluid gradually decreased with the increase in poly(VS-St-BMA-BA) dosage; when the addition of poly(VS-St-BMA-BA) was 2.0%, the overall performance of drilling fluid was better, the filtration loss was 4.4 mL, and the drilling fluid had good water loss wall building performance. The median particle size of poly(VS-St-BMA-BA) was 132.60 nm (the particle size at room temperature was 75.8 nm) after standing for 16 h at 180 °C, indicating that poly(VS-St-BMA-BA) has good high-temperature stability and dispersion stability. The plugging performance and plugging mechanism of poly(VS-St-BMA-BA) under extreme conditions (high temperature) were investigated by the plugging performance test method and pressure transfer method. The results showed that the plugging rate of artificial mud cake and artificial core reached 48.18 and 88.75%, respectively, when the amount of poly(VS-St-BMA-BA) was added at 2.0%. In the pressure-transfer experiments, poly(VS-St-BMA)-BA) could invade the 2 mm position of the nanopore fracture on the core surface and form a sealing barrier layer to prevent the further invasion of liquid. Combined with the pressure-transfer experiment, it shows that poly(VS-St-BMA-BA) can enter the nanopore and fracture at a certain distance under the action of formation pressure and keep accumulating to form a tight blockage, which can effectively prevent the filtrate from entering the nanopore fracture of the shale formation. Poly(VS-St-BMA-BA) is expected to be used as a promising nano-plugging agent in water-based drilling fluids.

MicroRNA-20b Promotes Cardiac Hypertrophy by the Inhibition of Mitofusin 2-Mediated Inter-organelle Ca2+ Cross-Talk.

MicroRNA (miRNA) and mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) are important in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, but the target relationship and mechanism associated with Ca2+ handling between SR and mitochondria under hypertrophic condition is not established. Mfn2 expression, Mfn2-mediated interorganelle Ca2+ cross-talk, and target regulation by miRNA-20b (miR-20b) were evaluated using animal/cellular hypertrophic models with state-of-the-art techniques. The results demonstrated that Mfn2 was downregulated and miR-20b was upregulated upon the target binding profile under hypertrophic condition. Our data showed that miR-20b induced cardiac hypertrophy that was reversed by recombinant adeno-associated virus vector 9 (rAAV9)-anti-miR-20b or miR-20b antisense inhibitor (AMO-20b). The deleterious action of miR-20b on Mfn2 expression/function and mitochondrial ATP synthesis was observed and reversed by rAAV9-anti-miR-20b or AMO-20b. The targeted regulation of miR-20b on Mfn2 was confirmed by luciferase reporter and miRNA-masking. Importantly, the facts that mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) activation by Spermine increased the cytosolic Ca2+ into mitochondria, manifested as enhanced histamine-mediated Ca2+ release from mitochondrial, suggesting that Ca2+ reuptake/buffering capability of mitochondria to cytosolic Ca2+ is injured by miR-20b-mediated Mfn2 signaling, by which leads cytosolic Ca2+ overload and cardiac hypertrophy through Ca2+ signaling pathway. In conclusion, pro-hypertonic miR-20b plays crucial roles in cardiac hypertrophy through downregulation of Mfn2 and cytosolic Ca2+ overload by weakening the buffering capability of mitochondria.

Coronary Flow Reserve in Non-Infarcted Myocardium Predicts Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

PURPOSE: Coronary flow reserve (CFR) is recognized as an indicator of myocardial perfusion. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between CFR in the non-infarcted myocardium and the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled in the present study, and divided into MACE and non-MACE groups according to the incidence of 12-month MACEs. Left ventricular function and CFR were analyzed using two-dimensional echocardiography and myocardial contrast echocardiography at one week after PCI. Cardiac troponin I levels were assayed to estimate peak concentrations thereof. RESULTS: The MACE group was associated with lower CFR, compared to the non-MACE group (2.41 vs. 2.77, p<0.001). In the multivariable model, CFR in the non-infarcted myocardium was an independent predictor of 12-month MACE (hazard ratio: 0.093, 95% confidence interval: 0.020-0.426, p=0.002) after adjustment for baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. CONCLUSION: CFR in the non-infarcted myocardium is a useful marker for predicting 12-month MACEs in patients with AMI undergoing primary PCI.

LINE-1 hypomethylation is associated with the risk of coronary heart disease in Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Global methylation level in blood leukocyte DNA has been associated with the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), with inconsistent results in various populations. Similar data are lacking in Chinese population where different genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors may affect DNA methylation and its risk relationship with CHD. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether global methylation is associated with the risk of CHD in Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 334 cases with CHD and 788 healthy controls were included. Global methylation in blood leukocyte DNA was estimated by analyzing LINE-1 repeats using bisulfite pyrosequencing. RESULTS: In an initial analysis restricted to control subjects, LINE-1 level reduced significantly with aging, elevated total cholesterol, and diagnosis of diabetes. In the case-control analysis, reduced LINE-1 methylation was associated with increased risk of CHD; analysis by quartile revealed odds ratios (95%CI) of 0.9 (0.6-1.4), 1.9 (1.3-2.9) and 2.3 (1.6-3.5) for the third, second and first (lowest) quartile (Ptrend < 0.001), respectively, compared to the fourth (highest) quartile. Lower (

Coronary flow reserve in the remote myocardium predicts left ventricular remodeling following acute myocardial infarction.

PURPOSE: Coronary flow reserve (CFR) in the non-infarcted myocardium is often impaired following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the clinical significance of CFR in the non-infarcted myocardium is not fully understood. The objective of the present study was to assess whether a relationship exists between CFR and left ventricular remodeling following AMI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 18 consecutive patients undergoing coronary intervention. Heart function was analyzed using real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography at one week and six months after coronary angioplasty. Ten subjects were enrolled as the control group and were examined using the same method at the same time to assess CFR. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels were routinely analyzed to estimate peak concentration. RESULTS: CFR was 1.55±0.11 in the infarcted zone and 2.05±0.31 in the remote zone (p<0.01) at one week following AMI. According to CFR values in the remote zone, all patients were divided into two groups: Group I (CFR <2.05) and Group II (CFR >2.05). The levels of cTnI were higher in Group I compared to Group II on admission (36.40 vs. 21.38, p<0.05). Furthermore, left ventricular end diastolic volume was higher in Group I compared to Group II at six months following coronary angioplasty. CONCLUSION: Microvascular dysfunction is commonly observed in the remote myocardium. The CFR value accurately predicts adverse ventricular remodeling following AMI.

Hipometilação do LINE-1 está Associada ao Risco de Doença Cardíaca Coronariana na População Chinesa / LINE-1 Hypomethylation is Associated with the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Chinese Population

Fundamentos: O nível de metilação global do ADN de leucócitos no sangue tem sido associado ao risco de doença arterial coronariana (DAC), com resultados inconsistentes em diferentes populações. Faltam dados semelhantes da população chinesa, onde diferentes fatores genéticos, de estilo de vida e ambientais podem afetar a metilação do ADN e sua relação com o risco de DCC. Objetivos: Analisar se a metilação global está associada ao risco de doença coronariana na população chinesa. Métodos: Foram incluídos um total de 334 casos de DCC e 788 controles saudáveis. A metilação global do ADN de leucócitos de sangue foi estimada por meio da análise das repetições do LINE-1 usando pirosequenciamento de bissulfito. Resultados: Em uma análise inicial restrita aos controles o nível do LINE-1 diminui significativamente com a idade avançada, colesterol total elevado, e diagnóstico de diabetes. Na análise de caso-controle, a redução da metilação do LINE-1 foi associada ao aumento do risco de DCC, tendo a análise por quartil revelado uma odds ratio (IC 95%) de 0,9 (0,6-1,4), 1,9 (1,3-2,9) e 2,3 (1,6 3.5) para o terceiro, segundo e primeiro (o mais baixo) quartil (P da tendência < 0,001), respectivamente, em comparação com o quarto (o mais alto) quartil. A metilação inferior (< mediana) do LINE-1 esteve associada a 2,2 vezes (IC 95% = 1,7-3,0) o aumento de risco de doença coronariana. As estimativas de risco de DCC menores relacionadas com o LINE-1 tenderam a ser mais fortes entre os indivíduos com maior tercil de homocisteína (P interação = 0,042) e naqueles com diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial (P interação = 0,012). Conclusão: A hipometilação do LINE-1 está ...

Background: Global methylation level in blood leukocyte DNA has been associated with the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), with inconsistent results in various populations. Similar data are lacking in Chinese population where different genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors may affect DNA methylation and its risk relationship with CHD. Objectives: To examine whether global methylation is associated with the risk of CHD in Chinese population. Methods: A total of 334 cases with CHD and 788 healthy controls were included. Global methylation in blood leukocyte DNA was estimated by analyzing LINE-1 repeats using bisulfite pyrosequencing. Results: In an initial analysis restricted to control subjects, LINE-1 level reduced significantly with aging, elevated total cholesterol, and diagnosis of diabetes. In the case-control analysis, reduced LINE-1 methylation was associated with increased risk of CHD; analysis by quartile revealed odds ratios (95%CI) of 0.9 (0.6-1.4), 1.9 (1.3-2.9) and 2.3 (1.6-3.5) for the third, second and first (lowest) quartile (Ptrend < 0.001), respectively, compared to the fourth (highest) quartile. Lower (<median) LINE-1 methylation was associated with a 2.2-fold (95%CI = 1.7-3.0) increased risk of CHD. The lower LINE-1-related CHD risk estimates tended to be stronger among subjects with the highest tertile of homocysteine (Pinteraction = 0.042) and those with diagnosis of hypertension (Pinteraction = 0.012). Conclusion: LINE-1 hypomethylation is associated with the risk of CHD in Chinese population. Potential CHD risk factors such as older age, elevated total cholesterol, and diagnosis of diabetes may have impact on global DNA methylation, whereby exerting their effect on CHD risk. .