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Previous studies on the technique for using the remaining oil are incomplete and inaccurate according to the position of the interlayer of the Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) technique, and comparative studies of infilled horizontal wells are lacking. In this study, the SAGD well pair in the superheavy oil reservoir in the Z block in the Xinjiang Oilfield, China, was taken as an example. According to the reservoir's geological parameters and production parameters, a typical well group geological model was created for the first time. The model divided the well groups in block Z into three categories according to the position of the interlayer, the production degree of the horizontal section, the oil recovery ratio, and the available degree of reserve control. According to the geological classification results, different typical well groups without an interlayer, with an interlayer located above the steam injection well, and with an interlayer located between the well pairs were classified and analyzed using numerical simulations. This was the first time the infilled horizontal well technique was compared with the infilled vertical well-assisted SAGD technique. In addition, the steam chamber connection law of the infilled vertical well-assisted SAGD was clarified. The results show that for reservoirs without an interlayer, the use of infilled horizontal well-assisted SAGD could speed up the lateral connection of the steam chambers and reduce the residual oil saturation. For reservoirs with a low production degree in the horizontal section and that are affected by an interlayer, an infilled vertical injector could be used with the assisted SAGD technique to increase the oil recovery by 5%–13%. The results of this study provided strong guidance for the next step in using enhanced oil recovery techniques to achieve traditional SAGD production from superheavy oil reservoirs with an interlayer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We estimated the predictive effects of ART-related perceptions on the actual ART uptake behavior among ART naïve PLWH stratified by different time of HIV diagnosis under the new strategy. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted among ART naïve PLWH in Guangzhou, China from June 2016 to June 2017. Cox regression model was used to evaluate the predictive effects of ART-related perceptions on ART initiation among PLWH stratified by different timepoint of HIV diagnosis (i.e., before or after the update of the new treatment policy). Results: Among 411 participants, 150 and 261 were diagnosed before (pre-scaleup group) and after (post-scaleup group) the implementation of the new strategy, respectively. The ART initiation rate in the post-scaleup group (88.9%) was higher than that in the pre-scaleup group (73.3%) (p < 0.001). A significant difference of mean score was detected in each HBM construct between pre- and post-scaleup groups (p < 0.05). After adjusting for significant background variables, among all participants, only the self-efficacy [adjusted HR (HRa) = 1.23, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.43, p = 0.006], has a predictive effect on ART initiation; in pre-scaleup group, all constructs of HBM-related ART perceptions were predictors of ART initiation (HRa = 0.71 to 1.83, p < 0.05), while in post-scaleup group, no significant difference was found in each construct (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The ART initiation rate was high particularly among participants who diagnosed after the new treatment strategy. The important role of the time of HIV diagnosis on ART initiation identified in this study suggested that future implementation interventions may consider to modify the ART-related perceptions for HIV patients who diagnosed before the implementation of the new ART strategy, while expand the accessibility of ART service for those who diagnosed after the implementation of the new strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health problems such as depression and anxiety are highly prevalent among people who use drugs (PWUD). The positive psychological intervention (PPI) is a newly developed method which has been applied successfully in the general populations to improve mental health status. In this study, we designed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the feasibility and efficacy of the PPI in improving mental health status of PWUD attending methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). A total of 140 MMT users were randomly allocated into the intervention group (n = 70) which carried on the intervention (documenting "Three Good Things" every day for 2 weeks) and the control group (n = 70) which received booklets about mental health. Baseline, 2-week, 1-month, and 3-month follow-up interviews were conducted. Generalized estimating equations for repeated measurements were used to examine the efficacy of intervention. Data showed that at baseline, the prevalence of probable depression was 75.4% and 73.9% in the two groups respectively, while the prevalence of anxiety was 56.5% and 45.7%, and the prevalence of low satisfaction with life was 70.0% and 52.2%. About 60% of the intervention group members adhered to at least 50% of intervention. In the multivariate model, PPI was not significantly associated with probable depression (ORa = 0.75, 95% CI 0.27–2.12), anxiety (ORa = 0.99, 95% CI 0.47–2.06), or low satisfaction with life (ORa = 1.54, 95% CI 0.65–3.65). Efficacy of PPI was not observed in this study while PPI intervention is potentially feasible among some PWUD. Efficacy of PPI could be further test in studies with other innovative ways and longer intervention period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is prevalent in developed and developing countries, including China. However, few studies have examined the potential risk factors for albuminuria in normotensive older adults with type 2 DM and normal renal function. Methods: We recruited normotensive older adults (≥ 65 years) with type 2 DM and normal renal function from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January to December 2019. We stratified participants according to their urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) into the following groups: normal ACR (ACR1), microalbuminuria (ACR2), and macroalbuminuria (ACR3). Demographic characteristics, anthropometric parameters, and metabolic profiles were recorded. Creatinine clearance (Ccr) and homeostasis model assessment—insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Logistic regression was used to examine risk factors for albuminuria. Results: A total of 250 older adults were enrolled during the study period, including 124, 82, and 44 with normal albuminuria, microalbuminuria, and macroalbuminuria, respectively. We found that an extended duration of DM (odds ratio [OR] 1.085, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.012–1.164, P = 0.022), elevated systolic blood pressure (OR 1.049, 95%CI 1.018–1.081, P < 0.01), elevated glycated hemoglobin (OR 1.734, 95% CI 1.332–2.258, P < 0.01), low insulin (OR 0.871, 95% CI 0.804–0.944, P < 0.01), and low C-peptide (OR 0.365, 95% CI 0.239–0.588, P < 0.01) were independent risk factors for albuminuria. Conclusion: Elevated blood pressure, low insulin, low C-peptide, and poor glycemic control were significant risk factors for albuminuria. These parameters may serve as early indicators for intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the prevalence of intention to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately among people living with HIV (PLWH) in China and associated perceptions toward ART based on behavioral theories. The study was initiated after the launch of an expanded ART strategy. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 450 PLWH who were ART naive in the city of Guangzhou, China, from June 2016 to February 2017. Among the participants, 311 (69.1%) showed intention to start ART immediately. The summary logistic regression analysis indicated that intention to start ART immediately was significantly associated with perceived severity [multivariate odds ratios (ORm) = 1.62, 95%CI = 1.15–2.28, p < 0.01], perceived barriers (ORm=0.56, 95%CI = 0.38–0.84, p < 0.01), self-efficacy (ORm=2.90, 95%CI = 2.05–4.09, p < 0.001), and subjective norms (ORm=1.95, 95%CI = 1.17–3.25, p < 0.05). The intention to start ART immediately among PLWH in Guangzhou was below the 90-90-90 target. Further promotion research should focus on these perceptional factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people living with HIV (PLWH) benefits both individuals and societies. However, little is known about the intention to initiate ART among PLWH in China in the context of a scaling-up of treatment or how the recommendations of healthcare workers affect this intention.Methods: A total of 451 ART-naïve PLWH were recruited from communities in Guangzhou, China for this study. Data were collected by trained physicians via face-to-face interviews. Logistic regression models were fitted for the data analyses.Results: Of the participants, 93.8% were male, 72.7% were infected via homosexual behaviour and 68.5% reported an intention to initiate ART. In the latter category, 77.8, 41.9 and 20.0% of respondents received strong recommendations to initiate ART from healthcare workers at the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), community healthcare centres and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, depression, anxiety and strong recommendations from healthcare workers at the CDC and NGOs correlated significantly with ART intention. In the adjusted final hierarchical logistic regression model, the duration of infection [multivariate odds ratio (ORm) = 0.30, p < 0.001], route of HIV infection (ORm = 0.18, p < 0.01), infection status of the current spouse/regular sex partner (ORm = 0.21-0.23, p < 0.01), anxiety (ORm = 2.44-2.65, p < 0.05) and strong recommendations from CDC physicians (ORm = 3.67, p < 0.01) or NGOs workers (ORm = 3.67, p < 0.01) were independently associated with the ART intention, whereas a recommendation from a community healthcare centre physician was not.Conclusions: In Guangzhou, the prevalence of ART intention was below the 90-90-90 targets. Further studies aimed at an in-depth understanding and encouragement of health care workers' perceptions regarding early ART are warranted as a means of scaling up new ART strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The intake fraction (iF) is the portion of attributable population intake of a source emissions, and is used to link pollutant emissions and population exposure. This study is the first work that reported individual intake fraction of PM2.5 and NOX from vehicle emissions based on personal exposure data in China. We employed PM2.5 and NOX measurement data from 24-h personal exposure sampling and concentration monitoring in traffic environments in the urban area of Beijing to estimate the individual intake fraction (iF i ). iF i distributions are presented in microenvironments (traffic, work, home) for adults and children. The individual results are used to calculate the intake fraction for the children group and the adults group in the urban area of Beijing. The iF of PM2.5 for the whole population of these two groups in Beijing is 153 per million, which is significantly higher than those estimates in the United States (1–50 per million) and Mexico (23–120 per million). The iF of NOX is 70 per million, among which the intake in the traffic micro-environment ranks first compared to the iF in the home and office due to a high accumulation of NOX concentration in vehicles. PM2.5 and NOX intake fraction values from vehicle emissions in this study are from at least several times to one order of magnitude higher than those from other industry sources in China. This strongly suggests the health risk from vehicle emissions is significantly higher. Therefore, to protect human health, especially for the large number of people living in the cities of China, controlling vehicle emissions should be the highest priority. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study measures the 24-h exposure of taxi drivers and office workers to traffic-related pollutants, including particulates and nitrogen oxide using personal exposure monitors. The subway riders were exposed to the highest particulate, manganese, iron, and calcium concentrations and the taxi drivers to the highest nitrogen oxide and black carbon concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiyear inventories of vehicular emissions in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou from 1995 through 2005 have been developed in this paper to study the vehicle emissions trends in China''s mega cities during the past decade. The results show that the vehicular emissions of CO, HC, NO x and PM10 have begun to slow their growth rates and perhaps even to decline in recent years due to the implementation of measures to control vehicular emissions in these cities. However, vehicular CO2 emissions have substantially increased and still continue to grow due to little fuel economy improvement. Passenger cars and large vehicles (including heavy duty trucks and buses) are the major sources of vehicular CO2 and CO emissions while large vehicles were responsible for nearly 70% and 80% of the vehicular NO x and PM10 emissions in these mega cities. Motorcycles are also important contributors to vehicular emissions in Guangzhou and Shanghai. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The super-heavy oil reservoir with interlayers were classified quantitatively by geological and producing parameters. • New way was given for evaluating the development effects of SAGD during the mid-later stages in super heavy oil reservoirs. • Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method and analytic hierarchy processes were introduced firstly to the evaluating processes. • New standards the ranking of five producing parameters were determinated based on influences for developments effects. The problems of energy consumption and decreasing production are prominent during the middle and later stages of steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) in super-heavy oil reservoirs. Geological parameters and production parameters have an important impact on the development effects. However, there is no quantitative method to evaluate production effects of SAGD during the middle and later stages. In order to fill this gap, this study proposed a new approach to quantitatively evaluate the development effects of SAGD by considering the geological and production parameters for super-heavy reservoirs. Where, the primary factors controlling reservoir's characteristics and development effects of SAGD were determined by using numerical simulation method. There are 42 well pairs that have already entered the middle and later stages using SAGD in the Xinjiang oil field, China, which were taken as an example. Firstly, a fuzzy cluster analysis model was established to classify reservoir by considering three geological indicators. The results indicated the potential of production for each well pair. Then a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model was established to evaluate development effects by considering five production indicators. The new standards and ranking of evaluation indicators were quantitatively confirmed by using analytic hierarchy processes. Finally, the approach combined reservoirs classification and development effects evaluation to provide a quantitative and comprehensive evaluation of each well pair. The oil recovery ratio and utilization degree of the horizontal section can clearly reflect the development effects according to comprehensive evaluation results, which means that when the well group meets the recovery factor less than 3.0% and the utilization degree of horizontal section less than 85.0%, the development effects are evaluated as "Category III". Based on the evaluation results, the corresponding follow-up adjustment measures can be adopted. This study has guidance on the development of technical countermeasures for different types of well pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) were listed for elimination under the Stockholm Convention in 2017 due to their persistence and toxicity. Although Canada and other Stockholm signatories have prohibited the manufacture, usage and import of SCCPs since 2013, they can still be detected at high concentrations in indoor dust. To identify the sources of the SCCPs in the Canadian indoor environment, short-, medium- and long-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs, MCCPs, LCCPs, respectively) were measured using a sensitive LC-ESI-orbitrap method. SCCPs were detected in 84 of the 96 products purchased in Canada after 2013 (87.5%) including electronic devices, clothing, plastics (toys), and paintings. Concentrations of SCCPs were up to 0.93% (9.34 mg g -1 ). SCCPs were also detected in newly purchased toys at 0.005-2.02 mg g -1 , indicating the potential for children's exposure. Profiles of chlorinated paraffins differed among categories of products. For example, C 13 -SCCPs were most common in toys, while electronic devices like headphones showed comparable concentrations of SCCPs and MCCPs. Additionally, four new carboxylate derivatives of CPs were detected in an electronic device sample. These are the first data to show the ubiquitous occurrences of SCCPs in a wide range of products currently marketed in Canada, suggesting continuing indoor exposure to SCCPs despite their prohibition.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was performed to provide a deeper understanding of the associations between foetal and childhood exposure to famine and the risks of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), metabolic syndrome, hypertension, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, obesity, overweight, coronary heart disease, stroke, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adulthood. Both foetal and childhood exposure to famine were positively associated with the risks of T2DM (foetal exposure: RR 1.37, 95% CI, 1.23-1.52; childhood exposure: RR 1.33, 95% CI, 1.08-1.64), metabolic syndrome (RR 1.26, 95% CI, 1.07-1.50; RR 1.24, 95% CI, 1.13-1.35), hypertension (RR 1.30, 95% CI, 1.07-1.57; RR 1.33, 95% CI, 1.02-1.74), hyperglycaemia (RR 1.27, 95% CI, 1.11-1.45; RR 1.25, 95% CI, 1.10-1.42), dyslipidaemia (RR 1.48, 95% CI, 1.33-1.66; RR 1.27, 95% CI, 1.12-1.45), obesity (RR 1.19, 95% CI, 1.02-1.39; RR 1.13, 95% CI, 1.00-1.28), overweight (RR 1.17, 95% CI, 1.07-1.29; RR 1.07, 95% CI, 1.00-1.14), coronary heart disease (RR 1.22, 95% CI, 1.00-1.51; RR 1.21, 95% CI, 1.09-1.35), and moderate-to-severe NAFLD (RR 1.66, 95% CI, 1.07-2.57; RR 1.68, 95% CI, 1.41-1.99) in adulthood. No association was observed for the risks of stroke or mild NAFLD. Adjustments for age, alcohol, smoking, body mass index, and physical activity nullified some associations. The associations were generally stronger in women than in men. In summary, foetal and childhood exposure to famine may confer greater risks of developing certain cardiometabolic conditions in adulthood, particularly in women. The extent to which risks for cardiometabolic conditions are associated with early-life famine appears to be determined by certain factors in adulthood., (© 2020 World Obesity Federation.)

Rationale: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue. MFS has an incidence of about 2 to 3 persons per 10,000 population. MFS is characterized majorly by the involvement of the eyes, skeletal muscles, and cardiovascular system. There are limited case reports of co-existence of MFS and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)., Patient Concerns: A 16-year-old male patient who got admitted to our hospital with complaints of loss of vision from left eye for the last 3 days.Diagnosis of MFS along with luxation of left eye lens, and T2DM were made according to the patient's symptoms, signs, biochemical results, and ultrasonography., Interventions: The patient received "vitrectomy (posterior approach (left eye)) + cataract extraction (left eye) + intraocular lens implantation (left eye) surgery" for luxation of left eye lens. The patient received "Bentall Operation" for MFS, and was prescribed warfarin 5 mg qod and spironolactone 20 mg bid during the follow-up period. The patient received continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) during hospitalization, and then changed to insulin glargine preparation during the follow-up period., Outcomes: The vision was restored after the eye surgery and the patient also recovered well after the Bentall Operation. Additionally, there were no obvious complications during hospitalization and the follow-up period. Blood glucose levels were within normal range., Lessons: There is a need to improve the recognition of MFS among school and community doctors. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare disease can improve the quality of patient's life.

The maternally inherited obligate bacteria Wolbachia is known for infecting the reproductive tissues of a wide range of arthropods. In this study, we surveyed Wolbachia infections in Polytremis nascens (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from 14 locations in China by amplifying the 16S rRNA gene with a nested PCR method and revealed the effect of Wolbachia on host mitochondrial DNA. The results show that 31% (21/67) are Wolbachia positive among all specimens and mainly prevails in southern populations in China. No significant difference in the prevalence is found between the sexes. Notably, the nucleotide diversity of Wolbachia infected butterflies is smaller compared to that of uninfected butterflies. The mitochondrial DNA of infected group appear to be not evolving neutrally (Tajima's D value=-2.3303 and Fu's F values=-3.7068). The analysis of molecular variance shows significant differentiation of mitochondrial haplotypes between infected and uninfected specimens (FST=0.6064). The mismatch analysis speculated the different expansion pattern in Wolbachia infected specimens and all P. nascens specimens. These results suggest that the populations of P. nascens may have recently been subjected to a Wolbachia-induced sweep. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis differentiated the mitochondrial haplotypes of P. nascens into three major clades. The clades are in perfect agreement with the pattern of Wolbachia infection. One of the clades grouped with the butterflies infected with Wolbachia. The remaining two clades grouped with uninfected butterflies from the central-west of China populations and Eastern and Southern China populations respectively, which are isolated mainly by the Yangtze River. The analysis of haplotype networks, geographic distribution and population size change shows that Haplotype 1 in central-west of China is the ancestral haplotype and the populations of P. nascens are expanded., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Developing emission inventory for nonroad mobile equipments is the initiating step of nonroad mobile source emission control. NONROAD model developed by U. S. EPA was studied, and methods based on actual fuel consumption rate were established to calculate fuel consumption and emission inventory of excavators and loaders in China. Surveys were conducted on key emission parameters of typical construction equipments in China, including equipment inventory, annual activity, actual fuel consumption rate, and emission factor. Results show that diesel consumption of excavators and loaders was 1.21 x 10(7) t, accounting for 9.7% of total consumption of all sectors in China in 2007. Total emissions of NO, and PM from excavators and loaders were 6.81 x 10(5) t and 5.31 x 10(4) t, respectively. The data indicates construction equipments are important emission sources compared with motor vehicles. According to the results, it is necessary to tighten limits of exhaust pollutants for construction equipments in China and to bring them into effect.

In China, the health risk from overexposure to particles is becoming an important public health concern. To investigate daily exposure characteristics to PM2.5 with high ambient concentration in urban area, a personal exposure study was conducted for school children, and office workers in Beijing, China. For all participants (N = 114), the mean personal 24-hr exposure concentration was 102.5, 14.7, 0.093, 0.528, 0.934, 0.174 and 0.703 microg/m3 for PM2.5, black carbon, Mn, Al, Ca, Pb, and Fe. Children's exposure concentrations of PM2.5 were 4-5 times higher than those in related studies. The ambient concentration of PM2.5 (128.5 microg/m3) was significantly higher than the personal exposure concentration (P < 0.05), and exceed the reference concentration (25 microg/m3) of WHO air quality guideline. Good correlation relationships and significant differences were identified between ambient concentration and personal exposure concentration. The relationships indicate that the ambient concentration is the main factor influencing personal exposure concentration, but is not a good indicator of personal exposure concentration. Outdoor activities (commute mode, exposure to heating, workday or weekend travel) influenced personal exposure concentrations significantly, but the magnitude of the influence from indoor activities (exposure to cooking) was masked by the high ambient concentrations.