Review of the Perspectives and Study of Thermo-Responsive Polymer Gels and Applications in Oil-Based Drilling Fluids.

Thermoresponsive polymer gels are a type of intelligent material that can react to changes in temperature. These materials possess excellent innovative properties and find use in various fields. This paper systematically analyzes the methods for testing and regulating phase transition temperatures of thermo-responsive polymer gels based on their response mechanism. The report thoroughly introduces the latest research on thermo-responsive polymer gels in oil and gas extraction, discussing their advantages and challenges across various environments. Additionally, it elucidates how the application limitations of high-temperature and high-salt conditions can be resolved through process optimization and material innovation, ultimately broadening the scope of application of thermo-responsive polymer gels in oil and gas extraction. The article discusses the technological development and potential applications of thermo-responsive polymer gels in oil-based drilling fluids. This analysis aims to offer researchers in the oil and gas industry detailed insights into future possibilities for thermo-responsive polymer gels and to provide helpful guidance for their practical use in oil-based drilling fluids.

Overview of Chinese research on senile dementia in mainland China.

Studies of senile dementia (SD) on the Chinese mainland, done over the decades, have furthered the understanding of its epidemiology, basic and clinical medical aspects, and effects on health economics, to name a few areas. There are 6-7 million Chinese people with SD, with an incidence of 5-7% of people over 65 years of age. In this group, Alzheimer's accounts for 50-60% of SD. The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease has been investigated, and known risk factors include ß-amyloid, formaldehyde, acetyl cholinesterase, inflammation, neuronal dysfunction and death. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an independent risk factor of SD. Comprehensive treatment can improve clinical efficacy, and quality of life can be improved by appropriate and reasonable care and rehabilitation therapy. However, swallowing disorders, infection and systemic failure remain the main causes of death among SD patients. In the Chinese mainland, SD extracts a total annual economic loss of 83.5-97.4 billion yuan and is responsible for 51.3-59.8 billion yuan in annual healthcare costs. Despite the progress to date, basic research and drug development for SD are needed. Also, a more evidence-based approach to Chinese medicine research would be prudent. Such research results can hopefully provide valuable cues for governmental decision-making and assist in addressing and halting the incidence of SD in China.

Falls in aged people of the Chinese mainland: epidemiology, risk factors and clinical strategies.

Falls are a common and serious problem for aged people, causing an enormous amount of morbidity, mortality and burden to both the immediate family and the society in terms of healthcare utilization and costs. In the Chinese mainland, epidemiological data indicates a predilection for single falls, with women more at risk than men. A variety of risk factors such as weakness, unsteady gait, mental confusion and use of certain medications are associated with falls in the elderly. Addressing these risk factors can be expected to reduce rates of falling. Targeted fall risk assessments are the most effective preventive procedures, and include a plethora of assessment instruments that have been developed and designed for different purposes over the decades. Strategies for control of elderly falls have been established differently, taking into account the complex physiological and pathological conditions of the elderly. The optimal approach involves interdisciplinary assessments, physical exercise, medical intervention, environmental inspection and hazard abatement. In China, the 25 million falls suffered annually by the estimated 20 million elderly population exacts direct medical costs of about 5 billion yuan and social costs of 60-80 billion yuan. Fall-prevention strategies will thus have profound social and economic benefits.