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Shales are low‐permeability caprocks that confine fluid, such as CO2, nuclear waste, and hydrogen, in storage formations. Stress‐induced fractures in shale caprocks provide pathways for fluid to leak and potentially contaminate fresh water aquifers. Fractured shales are also increasingly considered as resources for CO2 sequestration, enhanced geothermal, and unconventional energy recovery. Injecting reactive fluids into shales introduces chemical disequilibrium, causing an onset of a series of dissolution, precipitation, and fines mobilization mechanisms. The reactions have rapid kinetics and significant impact on porosity and permeability; consequently, flow and storage properties of caprocks. While previous research has explored the separate effects of these reactions, this study aims to uncover their simultaneous occurrence and collective influence. This study unveils these highly coupled transport and reactivity mechanisms by tracking and visualizing the reaction‐induced alterations in the matrix, microcracks, and fractures of shales over time. We conducted brine injection experiments sequentially at pH 4 and 2 in a naturally fractured Wolfcamp shale sample while simultaneously imaging the dynamic processes using X‐ray computed tomography (CT). CT images are validated by finer resolution images obtained using micro‐CT and scanning electron microscopy. We also tracked the sample permeability and fluid chemistry using brine permeability and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, respectively. Findings show that fluid primarily flowed through fractures, dissolving reactive minerals and mobilizing fines on fracture surfaces. Dissolution of fracture asperities under confining stress resulted in the closing of fractures. Clogging in narrow fracture pathways, caused by fines accumulation, diverted fluid flow into matrix pores. Plain Language Summary: Geological formations have significant potential to store CO2 and other fluids. Overlying low‐permeability shale caprocks prevent the upward movement of such fluids. Naturally occurring or induced fractures in caprocks may serve as potential leakage routes. Our research employs a range of experimental approaches to investigate the behavior of reactive fluids within shale rock fractures. Our findings indicate that, in the rock‐fluid system studied, fractures undergo a self‐sealing process due to a combination of geochemical and geomechanical phenomena. This discovery enhances our ability to assess risks and develop effective management strategies for fractured caprocks. Key Points: Permeability responds to changes in fracture characteristics as a result of reaction and stressFractures seal under confining stress when fracture‐propping minerals and fines dissolve or are displacedFracture clogging diverts injected fluid into matrix pores where it is sequestered [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the dark matter (DM) puzzle in a class of models with gauge symmetry SU(3)C ⊗ SU(3)L ⊗ U(1)N, taking into account the constraints coming from Planck observations of the DM relic density, direct detection searches with Xenon1T, and indirect detection using Fermi‐LAT data. The model has two possible candidates, a fermion and a scalar, which require, to evade the constraints set by Xenon1T and Fermi‐LAT, and have relic densities in the range measured by the Planck collaboration, a minimum vacuum expectation value to break the SU(3)L symmetry of 10 and 15 TeV, respectively. In this case, these particles have masses of order 1 TeV, for the fermion, and between 500 and 600 GeV, for the scalar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dark matter in the form of axions can be included in models with SU(3)C ⊗ SU(3)L ⊗ U(1)X symmetry with right‐handed neutrinos, where the strong charge‐parity (CP) problem can be solved. Different versions of the model have the appealing characteristic of giving the observed dark matter abundance, measured by the Planck collaboration, for suitable values of the parameters. We studied the constraints on the parameter space of the model obtained when the axion mass is calculated taking into account both quantum chromodynamics (QCD) effects and gravitationally induced operators, making a comparison of three different models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mindfulness-based narrative therapy (MBNT) is a therapeutic intervention for the treatment of depression in cancer patients. In a previous randomized controlled trial, MBNT was found to ameliorate anxiety and depression, improve functional dimensions of quality of life, and enhance treatment adherence. In this review, we describe MBNT and its technical characteristics in the context of other psychotherapeutic interventions for depression in cancer patients. We highlight needed adjustments to other narrative approaches and recommend clinical modifications tailored to the needs of cancer patients that are intended to encompass the client's initial depressive narrative. The narrative construction is supported by emotional regulation and attachment relationships on the one hand and by individual and social linguistic capabilities on the other. Through destabilization of the depressive narrative, MBNT facilitates the emergence of new meanings using both verbal and non-verbal techniques based on mindfulness. The attitude and practice of mindfulness are integrated throughout the therapeutic process. In summary, MBNT makes use of linguistic interventions, promotes mindfulness and emotional regulation, and can be adapted specifically for use with cancer patients. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message In this review, we describe mindfulness-based narrative therapy (MBNT) for the treatment of depression in cancer patients., In a previous controlled trial, we found significant benefits of MBNT in terms of reducing depressive symptoms and improving treatment adherence and quality of life in depressed, non-metastatic cancer patients., Narrative construction is socially and neurobiologically derived., MBNT makes use of linguistic interventions, promotes mindfulness and emotional regulation, and can be adapted specifically for use with cancer patients., MBNT is proposed as an interesting and promising intervention, particularly for patients with somatic pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare narrative therapy (NT) plus escitalopram versus escitalopram plus usual care on quality of life and depressive symptomatology of depressed patients with oncologic disease. Methods: A total of 72 subjects (mean age 54.6 years), predominantly female with non-metastatic breast, lung and colon cancer and depressive disorder (DSM-IV-TR) were randomized to receive treatment with NT plus escitalopram ( n=39) or escitalopram (10-20 mg QD) plus usual care ( n=33). Main endpoints were improvement in dimensions of quality of life measured by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C-30 and reduction of depressive symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at weeks 12 and 24. Results: The combined therapy group showed significantly greater improvement in all the functioning dimensions ( p<0.01), pain scale ( p=0.02), global health ( p=0.02), and global quality of life ( p=0.007) at weeks 12 and 24. There were no statistically significant differences in depressive symptomatology between the groups. From week 12 to week 24 study retention was higher in the combined treatment group ( p=0.01). Conclusions: Brief NT in combination with escitalopram was superior to usual care and escitalopram in improving functioning dimensions of quality life. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study which examined the diphenyl disulfide behavior in model compound vulcanization. The study used squalene as a model molecule of natural rubber and microwaves as a heating source. It suggested the possibility to control the diphenyl disulfide activity by controlling the reaction temperature and the microwave power.

The effect of four different enzymatic bioscouring systems for cotton have been compared in regard to the dyeability of reactive, cationic end acid dyes. The residual pectin content was determined and the results assessed in terms of dyeability against control samples prepared in the absence of enzyme. The capacity of a bifunctional reactive dye to cover the differences between fabrics treated with different bioscouring treatments was very good. Exhaustion of the cationic dye relative to alkaline scouring was increased by 27.5% and that of the acid dye decreased by 48.2%, indicating that pectin hydrolysis produced an increase in the negative charge on the fibre. The dye exhaustion differences between the four enzymatic systems studied were of significance and confirmed the hypothesis that each enzymatic system provides its own end-groups, resulting in differences in the response of the fibre to dyeing. Enzymatic bioscouring reduces the pollution level of the effluent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The edaphic microalga Neochloris oleoabundans (isolated from desert soil) was subjected to a salt-osmotic shock from 0 to 0.6 kmol m-3 NaCl. The effect of the osmotic upshock on the cell composition was determined. The cell dry weight and the lipid, glycerol and soluble amino acids contents remained unchanged during 5 d of osmotic upshock. The protein content increased after 2d of initial osmotic shock, and it appears to be a long-term haloadaptation process of the cells. The most important short-term effects of salt osmotic upshock were a decrease in polysaccharide content of Neochloris oleoabundans cells. Within the first 4h after the initial shock, there was a transfer of carbon units from polysaccharides to sucrose which was independent of photosynthesis. The increase of intracellular concentration of sucrose contributed to cell osmoregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the dark matter (DM) puzzle in a class of models with gauge symmetry SU(3)C ⊗ SU(3)L ⊗ U(1)N, taking into account the constraints coming from Planck observations of the DM relic density, direct detection searches with Xenon1T, and indirect detection using Fermi‐LAT data. The model has two possible candidates, a fermion and a scalar, which require, to evade the constraints set by Xenon1T and Fermi‐LAT, and have relic densities in the range measured by the Planck collaboration, a minimum vacuum expectation value to break the SU(3)L symmetry of 10 and 15 TeV, respectively. In this case, these particles have masses of order 1 TeV, for the fermion, and between 500 and 600 GeV, for the scalar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients aged 50 or above diagnosed with myeloid neoplasms (MNs) are typically not candidates for germline testing. However, approximately 8% carry pathogenic germline variants. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) remains an option for those aged over 50; neglecting germline testing could mask the risk for relative donor cell-derived MN. We propose a germline-augmented somatic panel (GASP), combining MN predisposition genes with a myeloid somatic panel for timely germline variant identification when initial testing is not indicated. Out of our 133 whole-exome-sequenced MN cases aged over 50 years, 9% had pathogenic/likely variants. GASP detected 92%, compared to 50% with somatic-only panel. Our study highlights the relevance of germline screening in MN, particularly for alloHSCT candidates without established germline-testing recommendations., (© 2024 British Society for Haematology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Purpose: In the era of precision medicine, genomic characterization of blind patients is critical. Here, we evaluate the effects of comprehensive genetic analysis on the etiologic diagnosis of potentially hereditary vision loss and its impact on clinical management., Methods: We studied 100 non-syndromic and syndromic Spanish patients with a clinical diagnosis of blindness caused by alterations on the retina, choroid, vitreous and/or optic nerve. We used a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel (OFTALMOgenics™), developed and validated within this study, including up to 362 genes previously associated with these conditions., Results: We identified the genetic cause of blindness in 45% of patients (45/100). A total of 28.9% of genetically diagnosed cases (13/45) were syndromic and, of those, in 30.8% (4/13) extraophthalmic features had been overlooked and/or not related to visual impairment before genetic testing, including cases with Mainzer-Saldino, Bardet-Biedl, mucolipidosis and MLCRD syndromes. In two additional cases-syndromic blindness had been proposed before, but not specifically diagnosed, and one patient with Heimler syndrome had been misdiagnosed as an Usher case before testing. 33.3% of the genetically diagnosed patients (15/45) had causative variants in genes targeted by clinical trials exploring the curative potential of gene therapy approaches., Conclusion: Comprehensive genomic testing provided clinically relevant insights in a large proportion of blind patients, identifying potential therapeutic opportunities or previously undiagnosed syndromes in 42.2% of the genetically diagnosed cases (19/45)., (© 2020 The Authors. Acta Ophthalmologica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation.)

Purpose: To elucidate the potential role of eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the most relevant lipid metabolism genes in Northern Spanish patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD)., Methods: A case-control study of 228 unrelated native Northern Spanish patients diagnosed with AMD (73 dry and 155 wet) and 95 healthy controls was performed. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood and genotyped for the SNPs APOE rs429358 and rs7412; CTEP rs3764261; LIPC rs10468017 and rs493258; LPL rs12678919; ABCA1 rs1883025; ABCA4 rs76157638, rs3112831 and rs1800555; and SCARB1 rs5888, using TaqMan probes. An additional association study of ε2, ε3 and ε4 major isoforms of APOE gene with AMD has been carried out., Results: The allele and genotype frequencies for each of the eleven sequence variants in the lipid metabolism genes did not show significant differences when comparing AMD cases and controls. Statistical analysis revealed that APOE-ε2 carrier genotypes were less frequently observed in patients with wet AMD compared to controls (5.8% versus 13.7%, respectively: p = 3.28 × 10 -2 ; OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.19-0.95). The frequency of the allele T of rs10468017 (LIPC gene) was lower in dry AMD cases compared to controls (15.8 versus 27.9%, respectively: p = 8.4 × 10 -3 OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.33-0.98)., Conclusions: Our results suggest a protective role for APOE-ε2 allele to wet AMD in the Northern Spanish population., (© 2019 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

While NLRP3-inflammasome has been implicated in cardiovascular diseases, its role in physiological cardiac aging is largely unknown. During aging, many alterations occur in the organism, which are associated with progressive impairment of metabolic pathways related to insulin resistance, autophagy dysfunction, and inflammation. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms through which NLRP3 inhibition may attenuate cardiac aging. Ablation of NLRP3-inflammasome protected mice from age-related increased insulin sensitivity, reduced IGF-1 and leptin/adiponectin ratio levels, and reduced cardiac damage with protection of the prolongation of the age-dependent PR interval, which is associated with atrial fibrillation by cardiovascular aging and reduced telomere shortening. Furthermore, old NLRP3 KO mice showed an inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy improvement, compared with old wild mice and preserved Nampt-mediated NAD + levels with increased SIRT1 protein expression. These findings suggest that suppression of NLRP3 prevented many age-associated changes in the heart, preserved cardiac function of aged mice and increased lifespan., (© 2019 The Authors. Aging Cell published by the Anatomical Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: According to randomized trials, contact after a suicide attempt lowers relapse risk. However, effectiveness studies based on real clinical data can provide additional external validity., Method: We conducted an observational study to determine if an emergency department (ED)-initiated intervention for suicide attempt risk reduction, consisting on scheduling a single added appointment within 7 days after discharge following a suicide attempt, can reduce the risk of relapse. The study included 1,775 patients who had been treated at a general hospital ED due to a suicide attempt. The principal outcome measure was ED return after a new attempt. We obtained Kaplan-Meier survival functions and used Cox proportional hazard regression models to estimate unadjusted and adjusted risks of relapse by treatment phase. Covariates included: age, gender, history of suicide attempts, history of psychiatric disorders, concurrent alcohol/drug abuse, number of attempts during follow-up, admission as an inpatient and family support., Results: A total of 497 (22.5%) attempts were followed by a relapse. Subjects exposed to the studied intervention had a lower risk of relapse after a suicide attempt, with a 24% adjusted risk reduction estimate., Conclusion: Our real-world results suggest that an additional early appointment, scheduled before discharging suicide attempters, reduces suicide reattempt risk., (© 2019 The American Association of Suicidology.)

Purpose: To elucidate the potential role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in complement factor H (CFH) gene in Northern Spanish patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD)., Methods: A case-control study of 130 unrelated native Northern Spanish diagnosed with AMD (46 dry, 35 neovascular and 49 mixed) and 96 healthy controls matched by age and ethnicity were enrolled. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood and genotyped for AMD-associated SNPs (rs3753394, rs529825, rs800292, rs3766404, rs203674, rs10671170, rs3753396 and rs1065489) using TaqMan probes and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The association study was performed using the HaploView 4.0 software., Results: The allelic frequency analysis revealed that rs529825, rs800292, rs203674 and rs10671170 were significantly associated with an increased risk for AMD. The haplotypes CGG (rs3753394, rs529825 and rs800292) and GCAG (rs203674, rs1061170, rs3753396 and rs1065489) were significantly associated with AMD while the haplotypes CAA (rs3753394, rs529825 and rs800292) and TTAG (rs203674, rs1061170, rs3753396 and rs1065489) were found to be protective. Small differ-ences in allelic frequencies were found between dry and neovascular cases; however, these differences were not significant and did not distinguish one form the other., Conclusions: This study found significant association of SNPs rs529825, rs800292, rs203674 and rs1061170 in the CFH gene with susceptibility to AMD. We identified haplotypes that confer protection or increased risk of AMD but not specific genetic variants in CFH capable to distinguish the different clinical forms of AMD in this cohort. Collectively, our results confirmed that CFH represents a strong genetic risk factor for this disease in the Northern Spanish population., (© 2015 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Glucocorticoid (GC) effects are mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Several studies have demonstrated that a lower number of receptors per cell were associated with poor GC response. The regulation of GR expression is complex; the levels of GR can be autologously regulated by its ligand and also by transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms. Using three human myeloma cell lines that parallel the development of GC resistance, this work describes the mechanism involved in the downregulation of GR expression. The decreased expression was neither due to mutations in the gene encoding GR, NR3C1, nor due to methylation of the promoters. A gradual decrease in NR3C1 transcripts was seen during the development of resistance, the level of expression of exon 1 to 2 RNA fragments remained the same in sensitive and resistant cell lines but a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that RNA polymerase II, detectable throughout exon 2 to 3 in the sensitive cells, was undetectable on exon 3 in the resistant variant, suggesting lower or no transcription at this site. These studies demonstrated that downregulation of NR3C1 mRNA in a resistant cell line involves a block to transcriptional elongation within intron B of NR3C1. This block may represent an important element in the regulation of GR expression.

Background: Lead impairs male fertility and may affect offspring of exposed males, but the mechanisms for this impairment are not completely clear. Protamine P1 and P2 families pack and protect mammalian sperm DNA. Human HP2 is a zinc-protein and may have an important role in fertility. As lead has affinity for zinc-containing proteins, we evaluated its ability in vitro to bind to HP2 and its effects on HP2-DNA binding. Methods and Results UV/VIS spectroscopic data indicated that HP2 binds both Pb(2+) and Zn(2+)(as chloride salts). They also provided evidence that thiol groups mainly participate for Zn(2+)-binding; however, HP2 has additional binding sites for Pb(2+). The mobility shift assay showed that lead interaction with HP2 caused a dose-dependent decrease on HP2 binding to DNA, suggesting that lead may alter chromatin stability., Conclusions: These in vitro results demonstrate that lead can interact with HP2 altering the DNA-protamine binding. This chemical interaction of lead with protamines may result in chromatin alterations, which in turn may lead to male fertility problems and eventually to DNA damage., (Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Bowlby has suggested that attachment behavior is not restricted to early childhood but can remain valid through the life span. This study was designed to test whether recall of parental rearing (Parental Bonding Instrument) and perception of marital relationship (Dyadic Adjustment Scale) is significantly different between 2 groups of women: one with non-bipolar depressive disorder (DSM-III-R) compared with another (control) of healthy women from a primary practice setting. We also examined the hypothesis that exposure to dysfunctional parenting is associated with negative intimate relationships in adulthood. Our results partially support these hypotheses. We discuss the significance of these findings in the prevention and treatment of depressive disorders.

Blood volume was measured continuously during hemodialysis using the authors' hematocrit continuous measurement system in an attempt to determine any relationship between dialysis-induced hypotension with acute onset and blood volume. Hypotension resulted approximately 3 h into dialysis in the present study. This point in time was that at which blood volume was more than 5% above the minimum level during the dialysis treatment, and in some patients it was more than 10% over the minimum level of blood volume. At the time dialysis-induced hypotension occurred or before, there was no sharp decrease in blood volume nor any change in the plasma refilling rate. This suggested that this hypotension is caused by a sudden breakdown of the blood pressure support mechanism compensating for decreased blood volume.