bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perforation Cluster Efficiency of Cemented Plug and Perf Limited Entry Completions. Insights from Logging Based Diagnostics
Authors: Witt Darby , Barhaug Jessica , Propper Maarten , Jiang Wei , Jeff Jia Jeff , Hawkes Robert
Published: January 2022

It is now well established that production from horizontal wells with multi-stage hydraulic fracture stimulations performed through plug and perf completions is highly variable along the length of the wellbore. In addition to the elements of the completion design, such as fluid and proppant volume, injection rate, stage length, and the number and spacing of perforation clusters, subsurface conditions influence the performance of individual stimulated perforation clusters, intervals, and wells. Information about completion efficiency can be obtained using conventional well log measurements for fracture fluid mapping. Contemporary logging conveyance methods make this information gathering practical for modern horizontal wellbores. A log-based Perforation Cluster Efficiency (PCE) computational method will be presented.

These conventional open-hole logging measurements reveal insights into the Near-Wellbore Region (NWR), including annular cement density, and can be used to anticipate fracture behavior. Integrating well log measurements with Fiber Optic (FO) diagnostics provides insight into the performance of each perforation cluster and the factors controlling frac construction. This paper illustrates recent observations about PCE using traditional well log measurements with new conveyance methods and summarizes the results for several cemented plug and perforated completed Niobrara and Codell wells within the DJ basin. A comparison to interpreted FO DAS data is included, illustrating a good agreement for PCE.
Linking Flowback Recovery to Completion Efficiency: Niobrara-DJ Basin Case Study
Authors: Moussa Tamer , Barhaug Jessica , Witt Darby , Hawkes Robert , Dehghanpour Hassan
Published: January 2022

Near wellbore complexity is a current topic of discussion among geoscience and engineering disciplines across North America. Asset teams are constantly investing money and resources into the variety of near- and far-field wellbore diagnostic techniques to ascertain completion efficiency. These range from high-cost microseismic for far-field fracture placement to higher risk technologies such as fiber optics, cameras, and production logging tools. These techniques are generally used for parameter constraints for rate-transient-analysis (RTA) that requires months (and sometimes years) of production after post-frac flowback. Therefore, in this study we utilize flowback water-oil-ratio (WOR) as a diagnostic tool to provide early-time feedback for completion-efficiency evaluation.

We analyze flowback, post-flowback and completion-design data of 19 multi-fractured horizontal wells (MFHWs) completed in Niobrara and Codell formations that are classified into parent and child groups. Child wells are then sub-clustered into Zipper-1 and -2 completed with more and less intense completion strategy, respectively. First, we analyze the flowback rate and pressure profiles of the 19 wells to estimate initial pressure in the stimulated area around wellbore and validate it against the outcomes of diagnostic fracture injection test (DFIT). Second, we apply rate-normalized-pressure (RNP) diagnostic analysis to a) investigate flow regimes during flowback and post-flowback periods; and b) assess interference between parent and child wells. Third, we use WOR diagnostic plots to estimate ultimate load recovery (ULR) and calculate initial effective fracture volume as two indicators for completion efficiency. We also cross-check the estimated effective fracture volume with microseismic dimensions. Finally, we apply rate-decline analysis on oil production data to predict ultimate oil recovery (UQo), assuming a critical oil rate of 1 stbd, and use it as a third performance indicator to evaluate the completion-design efficiency of each group.

Child wells show 32% more load recovery compared with the parent wells. However, the parent wells show 38% and 50% more 9-months cumulative oil production (Qo) and UQo, respectively. For both the parent and child wells, more than 50% of the predicted ULR is produced back within the first three months of production. Although the intense completion-design strategy for Zipper-1 wells led to 35% larger effective fracture volume compared to Zipper-2 wells, both groups show similar oil recovery performance. Generally, Niobrara wells show less load recovery and effective fracture volume compared to Codell wells in each completion group.
Multi-Pronged Diagnostics with Modeling to Improve Development Decisions-An Operator Case Study
Authors: Kerr Erich , Haustveit Kyle , Scofield Reid , Estrada Erick , Johnson Andrew , Galuska Scott , Haffener Jackson , Landry Miles
Published: January 2022

The drive for capital efficiency in unconventionals has encouraged operators to understand subsurface interactions as effectively as possible. Combining multiple types of new and proven field technology systematically with advanced fracture modeling tools has led to continued improvements in field testing, understanding, and acreage development. Careful selection and application of these tools and technologies to understand subsurface characteristics and responses is a high priority when determining how to improve the net asset value. Diagnostic and modeling results will be integrated together to show how these learnings, when combined appropriately, equate to a sum greater than their parts.

Several field case studies will be provided to illustrate the benefits of the multi-pronged diagnostics with modeling approach. Fiber optic strain monitoring and Sealed Wellbore Pressure Monitoring (SWPM) tests will be combined and performed across multiple wellbore distances with multiple fracture design tests. Results will then be analyzed to understand fracture growth characteristics by using a hydraulic fracture simulator capable of convective particle transport, multi-fracture stress and strain shadowing, and complex fluid rheology. Select results will then be coupled with concurrent diagnostics that include microseismic, formation imaging, and casing caliper data to show how hydraulic fracturing interactions occur dynamically in the subsurface.

The geomechanics models will then be used to inform stage and cluster level details derived from field diagnostics that include stimulation and production performance behaviors, which incorporate combined non-Darcy and multi-phase flow impacts. Technologies will include erosion imaging diagnostics and permanent fiber optic warmback results.

Finally, a cluster-level analysis with downhole fiber optics strain data will be analyzed in conjunction with SWPM to inform subsurface dynamics and show how fracture treatment design optimization may be achieved by combining field learnings with the modeling.

These case studies are summarized to show how proper geomechanics modeling, application of field data, collection of the necessary diagnostics, and testing methods are used together to effectively improve completion designs, well spacing configurations, field diagnostics, and real-time stimulation and post-stimulation production analyses.
A Computational Model to Simulate Proppant Transport and Placement in Rough Fractures
Authors: Gong Facheng , Huang Hai , Babadagli Tayfun , Li Huazhou
Published: January 2022

Hydraulic fracturing creates rough fracture surfaces, instead of smooth ones, in subsurface formations. It is challenging to simulate the complex proppant transport phenomena in rough fractures due to the roughness effect as well as the complex nature of the coupled particle-fluid two-phase flow. This study first establishes realistic rough fracture models using digital scanning images of real fracture surfaces, and then conducts numerical simulations on the proppant transport and placement dynamics occurring on those rough surfaces. The digital scanning images of the artificially created tensile fractures are used to establish the geometry models of the rough fractures. The Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) method is adopted to describe the fluid flow, while the Discrete Element Method (DEM) is adopted to describe the particle motion. A resolved CFD-DEM coupling approach is established to simulate the fluid-granular interactions by properly modeling the momentum exchange between fluid flow and particle motion. We obtain the following preliminary simulation results: the proppant transport and settlement characteristics in rough fractures appear to be drastically different from those in smooth fractures, and the roughness feature tends to increase particle-wall and particle-particle contact. We observe an attenuated particle velocity in rough fractures compared to what occurs in smooth fractures. Additionally, the roughness increases the possibility of proppant settling when particles encounter a location with a large roughness height. Through comparison of the proppant transport phenomena in flat and rough fractures, it is observed that there is a great chance for the rough fractures to create tree-like proppant dunes, which would be beneficial for forming a proppant-filled flow channel with a higher and more sustainable conductivity.
Modelling of Parent Child Well Interactions
Authors: Ratcliff Dave , McClure Mark , Fowler Garrett , Elliot Brendan , Qualls Austin
Published: January 2022

We performed a modeling study calibrating a coupled "true" hydraulic fracturing and reservoir simulator to a complex set of observations from a parent-child well pad in the STACK play located in the Anadarko Basin area of Oklahoma. The model was constrained by sealed wellbore pressure monitoring, interference testing, pressure responses during frac hits, production data, and responses to chemical treatment. It was possible to match the full set of observations in a single, continuous simulation by calibrating the fracture toughness and leakoff, the permeability and relative permeability, a parameter related to proppant transport, and parameters related to a ‘fracture conductivity damage’ mechanism built into the simulator. The ‘fracture damage’ calculations mimic the reaction of frac fluid with the formation fluid as they mix in a hydraulic fracture during and after a frac hit. The interpretation of ‘fracture conductivity damage’ is corroborated by production impacts after frac hits, positive response to chemical mitigation treatments, and direct sampling of material from the wellbore. Because of the volume and quality of calibration data available, it is possible to constrain the key uncertainties of the model. It can now be used to design strategies to mitigate negative impacts from parent/child interactions.
Determination of the Perforation Hole Erosion Characteristics on Single and Dual Casing for Hydraulic Fracturing, in a Laboratory Test Setup Under Realistic Downhole Conditions
Authors: Loehken Joern , Fricke Bernd , McNelis Liam , Yosefnejad Davood
Published: January 2022

Numerous papers have dealt with the description and measurements of the erosion of perforation holes during a hydraulic fracturing treatment in single casing completions, but not much is known about the erosion of perforations in dual casing setups. This study addresses this topic and compares it to the erosion rate of single casing scenarios and how this is influenced by the backpressure, which is created by the fracture closure pressure.

The API 19B norm provides a guideline on how to test perforators under the most realistic downhole conditions. All casings used in our experiments were perforated in such a Section IV test set-up and subsequently installed in a specially designed high pressure flow apparatus. The casing holes were carefully measured, their hydraulic resistance was determined by a flow test and successively eroded by a slurry using high pressure pumping equipment. After each test, the holes were again geometrically measured, and their flow resistance was tested. In addition, the sand grain sizes were analyzed before and after the tests.

Our tests revealed a significant difference in the erosion characteristic of dual casing compared to single casing setups. Especially the diameter of the hole in the inner casing is critical for the progress of the erosion and the final hole diameters. Equal holes on both casings provide a better control of the treating pressures, especially after the first minutes of the treatment. The back pressure, which is created by the fluid in the fractures, influences mainly the flow rate through the perforation. For identical flow rates, the pressure differential becomes less with back pressure, however the erosion rate as a function of the cumulative energy pumped through the perforation, remains similar. Finally, the application and design of a bigger test cell was evaluated and will be discussed as well.

Although many perforating companies have started testing the charge performance for multiple casing completions, not much is known about the flow and erosion of two radially aligned holes in dual cemented casings during the fracture treatment and the influence of the back pressure created by the reservoir. The results will enhance the completion design and provide a better understanding of fracturing or refracturing through double-casings for hydraulic fracturing specialists and both operation and services companies.
Parent-Child Well Relationships Across US Unconventional Basins: Learnings from a Data Analytics Study
Authors: Cozby Joe , Sharma Mukul
Published: January 2022

Parent-child wells are horizontal wells drilled in close proximity to each other in unconventional basins. Simulation work in the technical literature demonstrates how depletion and fracture communication between parent and child wells can lead to child well underperformance. High-level, basin-wide data analysis of unconventional basins confirms this effect. However, as completion designs evolve and more state-of-the-art horizontal wells are completed in these basins, it is necessary to revisit this analysis and make adjustments and additions to the previous body of work. Specifically, initial production differences between parent and child wells need to be correlated to cumulative production differences, and more analysis regarding the effect of timing and spacing are needed. In this study, parent-child well pairs for wells completed within the last seven years in nine different unconventional basins are identified using a Python code applied to Enverus public data obtained in November 2020. These basins include the Bakken, Delaware, Eagle Ford, Haynesville, Marcellus/Utica, Midland, Niobrara, Powder River, and Scoop/Stack Basins. Our Python code also performs calculations to create the necessary comparative metrics for analysis. Four cumulative production proxies are created and First 12 Months BOE (barrel of oil equivalent) is chosen as the appropriate metric for analysis. Basin-to-basin comparisons are conducted, and the effects of well spacing and infill timing are investigated. The study finds that as stated in the technical literature, child well performance increases with spacing and decreases with infill timing. We show that parent cumulative production (BOE) at child well completion is a better indicator of child well performance. Overall, these assessments can help operators manage child well underperformance and can help them understand the effects of differing well spacing and infill timing on child well performance in different US unconventional basins.
A Rigorous Coupled Flow-Geomechanics Semianalytical Approach for Analyzing Early Flowback Data from Multifractured Horizontal Wells with Complex Fracture Geometry
Authors: Lamidi Abdul-Latif Benson , Clarkson Christopher R.
Published: January 2022

In this study, a rigorous coupled flow-geomechanics semianalytical approach is presented to analyze flowback data and forecast production performance in multifractured horizontal wells. Hydraulic fracture characterization using post-stimulation flowback data is of critical importance to the quantification of early-time well performance and for efficient development of unconventional reservoirs. However, conventional reservoir (flow) simulators can be challenging to setup for flowback analysis. Further, flow simulators usually approximate stress-dependence of fracture and reservoir parameters, the former of which is particularly important to capture for both the flowback and forward modeling problem, using porosity and transmissibility multipliers. However, in order to apply this approach, transmissibility multipliers must be estimated from laboratory experiments, or used as a history-match parameter, possibly resulting in large errors in performance predictions. The goal of this study is to provide a rigorous, coupled semianalytical workflow for hydraulic fracture characterization from flowback data, that utilizes a 3D coupled flow-geomechanics semi-analytical model as its basis.

A 3D semi-analytical coupled flow-geomechanical model is developed to capture the complexities of stress-dependence in order to forecast production performance from multifractured horizontal wells. The model can also be used to derive hydraulic fracture properties from early post-stimulation flowback data. An enhanced fracture region (EFR) conceptual model is applied for approximating complex fracture geometries. The fully-analytical fluid flow and semi-analytical geomechanical models are coupled for both the fracture and reservoir regions. The proposed approach requires simultaneous solutions of the fluid flow model (reservoir simulation) and geomechanics model, the latter capturing the stress and deformation behavior of the fracture and reservoir. Coupling between fluid flow and geomechanics is achieved by updating the pressure and stress-dependent properties through a porosity function (coupling parameter) in the flow model for each region (hydraulic fracture and reservoir) at each iteration step.

The coupled flow-geomechanics EFR model is validated with fully-numerical simulation. Fracture properties are estimated by using the proposed inverse model for analyzing flowback (water) data. The new flowback analysis approach is applied to synthetic field data and the results compared with the inputs of the synthetic model.

With this model, combined with the semi-analytical coupled flow-geomechanics workflow, a more confident estimate of hydraulic fracture properties is obtained.
Reservoir and Completion Characterization Leads to Improved Well and Field Economics in South Texas Eagle Ford Field
Authors: Schubarth Stephen , Gates Bruce , Spies Blaine , Lestz Robert
Published: January 2022

The capital investment required when completing horizontal, unconventional reservoir wells is significant. This capital pays for materials and services which help to improve the productivity and recovery from the well. The goal of our work is to identify the primary drivers in this capital spending that effects productivity and recovery and then optimize the spending to get the most revenue for the least amount of dollars. We will show how through the characterization of reservoir properties and completion effectiveness that we can maximize the profitability of a well and field development without sacrificing recovery or productivity. A case history from beginning evaluation to final results will be presented. Improving oil recovery and economic performance.

Our process begins by estimating key reservoir parameters such as Net Pay, Porosity and Water Saturation. We include the description of reservoir fluid properties. We then analyze the producing history from existing wells and determine formation average permeability, the average effective length of the fractures created along with the number of fractures producing along the lateral. The solution for this becomes unique if we have sufficient producing history. However, engineering judgement can be used to narrow down the potential range of values when sufficient production data is not available. From the results of our production analyses, we can determine the effect of treatment size on resulting effective length of fractures and then using physical based analytical reservoir models we can predict the producing life for wells completed in a wide variety of completion designs. Economics scenarios are then calculated, and the outcome plotted to form a "road map" for the direction of change in completion design that will result in improved economics.

Comparative results are complete from five wells drilled 1000 feet apart. Four were completed using past designs and one with the recommended design to improve economics. The results indicate that the optimized design is performing much like predicted and should produce over 20% more oil over its life while total well cost was reduced. The productivity of all of the wells is very similar. The results seen here agree with other projects where this process has been implemented. We conclude that through accurate reservoir and completion characterization, capital spending can be targeted to enable profitability to be improved significantly.

The methods presented in this work can be applied to every unconventional play to optimize completion capital spending, reducing the capital needed to develop a field by hundreds of millions of dollars, where applicable. This work has been performed in other areas with similar results.
Risk factors for acute brucellosis in patients on the day of admission at selected hospitals of Abbottabad, Pakistan
Authors: Hassan Laiba , Ali Shahzad
Published: January 2022

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease of ruminants. It causes severe health problems in humans and significant economic loss. Only a limited number of studies have been conducted in Pakistan to determine the prevalence of human brucellosis and related risk factors. The objectives of the current cross-sectional study were to determine the prevalence of anti-Brucella antibodies in sera collected from symptomatic patients at three hospitals of Abbottabad using a commercial slide agglutination test (SAT) and to determine risk factors for brucellosis for these patients. Five hundred blood samples were collected. A questionnaire was filled in for each patient to obtain information on age, gender, living area, brucellosis associated symptoms, pregnancy and abortion history. A total of 13.6% (n=68) patients were found to be SAT positive and in 83.3% (n=57) of these samples Brucella DNA was detected by genus specific BCSP-31 gene using real time PCR. Statistical analysis was performed to determine odd ratios, risk ratios, 95% confidence intervals and P-values. The prevalence of anti-Brucella antibodies was reported to be higher in women (14.6%, n=44) than in man (12.1%, n=24). The age group of 25-50 years was found to be at higher risk for brucellosis (14.5%, n=50). Animal contact was reported as the main risk associated factor followed by consumption of raw animal products. Thirteen pregnant women (9.9%) were found brucellosis positive. Of these, 23.8% (n=5) had an abortion history. The present study reports a striking prevalence of brucellosis among patients including pregnant women at three hospitals of Abbottabad. These findings may foster strategies for controlling human brucellosis at household level, raising of awareness about brucellosis in hospital and family doctors and finally in setting up an eradication program in the dairy industry.
Retina-Inspired Narrowband Perovskite Sensor Array for Panchromatic Imaging
Authors: Wang Kai , Hou Yuchen , Li Junde , Yoon Jungjin , Knoepfel Abbey , Yang Dong , Zheng Luyao , Ye Tao , Ghosh Swaroop , Priya Shashank
Published: January 2022

Retina, a thin layer of tissue, is the essential part of the human visual system that receives light, converts it to neural signal, and transmits it to the brain for visual recognition. The red, green, and blue (R/G/B) cone retina cells are natural narrowband photodetectors (PDs) sensitive to R/G/B lights. Connecting with these R/G/B cone cells, a multilayer neuro-network in the retina provides neuromorphic pre-processing for R/G/B signals before transmitting them to the brain. Inspired by this sophistication, in this study we develop the narrowband (NB) PD imaging sensor that combines the R/G/B perovskite NB sensor array (mimicking the R/G/B cone cells) with a neuromorphic algorithm (mimicking the intermediate network of the retinal system) for high-fidelity panchromatic imaging. Compared to commercial image sensors, we utilize perovskite intrinsic NB PD to exempt the complex optical filter array and thus avoiding issues such as color aliasing, limited quantum efficiency and demosaicing processing. Furthermore, we utilize an asymmetric device configuration to spontaneously collect photocurrent under zero external bias, enabling a power-free photodetection feature. Results of the novel perovskite image sensor along with the machine learning algorithm assisted image information correction, demonstrate a promising device for efficient and intelligent panchromatic imaging.
Pesticide Contamination of Fish Ponds in Relation To Crop Area in a Mixed Farmland-Pond Landscape (Dombes Area - France)
Authors: Sarrazin Benoit , Wezel Alexander , Guerin Mathieu , Robin Joel
Published: January 2022

Pesticides are still widely used by agriculture, leading to the exposure of surface water. This may be the case for fish ponds located in farmland landscapes. To address this issue, the present study investigated the contamination by pesticides of fish ponds located in the mixed agriculture-pond landscape of the Dombes area, France. 10 ponds were selected in water catchments with a gradient of 3-57 ha of cropland with maize and winter cereals as the dominant crops. 197 water samples were collected in the ponds during the fish production season over three years. Recently used pesticides were the most frequent residues occurring. Occurrences greater than 0.1 µg/l particularly concerned Chlorotoluron and S-Metolachlor. Maximum observed concentrations were slightly above 3 µg/l for S-Metolachlor, Acetochlor and Dimethenamide, all herbicides allowed for maize cultivation. Isoproturon and Chlorotoluron, herbicides allowed in cereal crops, reached up to 1.2 and 1.0 µg/l, respectively. We found a significant positive effect of crop area in catchments on the ponds contamination frequency by pesticides and more significantly on the contamination frequency by broad spectrum herbicides (glyphosate and AMPA residues). The cumulative antecedent rainfall was best correlated to the frequency of highest contaminations (> 0,5 µg/l). In such a hydrological context, crop area within catchment was identified as a good indicator of fish ponds exposure to pesticides residues. Finally, we proposed to adapt some mitigation measures to reduce fish ponds contamination.
Evaluating severe hypercholesterolemia in an uninsured, vulnerable population receiving care at a community clinic
Authors: Peedikayil Josh , Measom Clark , Wilson Brianna , Stuard Whitney , Valencia Angel , Lafferty Ashlyn , Jasani Reena , Ahmed Cat , Hurt Marcus , Khera Amit , Gimpel Nora , Ahmad Zahid
Published: January 2022

BackgroundIndividuals with LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL (severe hypercholesterolemia) require treatment with high-intensity statins and should be evaluated for underlying causes including Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH). The characteristics of patients with LDL-C ≥ 190 mg/dL has been reported in routine healthcare settings, but limited data exist about uninsured populations.ObjectivesTo examine the scope of LDL-C ≥ 190 mg/dL in a clinic serving uninsured populations.MethodsPatients with LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL at North Dallas Shared Ministries, a charity, community clinic in Dallas, TX, were identified via query of the electronic health record, and data was extracted from medical charts. Patients were interviewed to obtain family history and assess knowledge of cholesterol levels.ResultsAmong 662 patients with lipid measurements, 27 had LDL-C ≥ 190 mg/dL (67% female, 78% Hispanic, mean age 52 years). Median pretreatment LDL-C was 210.5 mg/dL. Almost all (93%) were prescribed a statin, but only 33% were prescribed high-intensity statin. Treated LDL-C was 141 mg/dL. No patients had an ICD-10 diagnosis of FH, and only 31% had laboratory tests for secondary causes of hypercholesterolemia. Only 15% had any documentation of family history of hypercholesterolemia and/or ASCVD. After interviewing, we discovered previously undocumented family history of hypercholesterolemia in 54% and ASCVD in 31%.ConclusionsAmong the uninsured with LDL-C ≥ 190 mg/dL in a community clinic, the use of high-intensity statins was suboptimal, and most were not evaluated for causes of severe hypercholesterolemia. Future efforts to address gaps and education are warranted to improve care for severe hypercholesterolemia patients in this vulnerable population.Condensed AbstractFew studies evaluate severe hypercholesterolemia in uninsured populations. We queried the electronic health record at a charity community clinic to characterize individuals with severe hypercholesterolemia. Our results suggest more education is needed for patients and providers regarding severe hypercholesterolemia and FH to better care for this vulnerable population.
Effects of Oyster Shell Powder on Leaching Characteristics of Nutrients in Latosol
Authors: Yang Xiaofei , Huang Yongxiang , Liu Kexing , Zheng Chao
Published: January 2022

In this study, we analyzed the effect of oyster shell powder of different proportions on the nutrient leaching characteristics of latosol, using an indoor soil column simulation test. Based on the optimized fertilizer application amount, we tested five different amounts of oyster shell powder in the test [0 % (control, CK), 0.1 % (T1), 0.2 % (T2), 0.4 % (T3), and 0.8 % (T4)] for analyzing the intermittent and dynamic leaching characteristics of nutrients in the soil samples. The results indicated that the loss of nutrients in urea, superphosphate, and potassium chloride (due to leaching) increased linearly with the amount of fertilizer. By adding oyster shell powder, the leaching loss reduced by 23.90–57.25 % for ammonium nitrogen, 6.31–10.07 % for phosphorus, and 17.08–26.58 % for potassium. However, the leaching loss for nitrate nitrogen increased by 2.5–5.8 times. In addition, the application of oyster shell powder to latosol provided acid adjustment and water retention enhancement, which increased the pH value of the soil by 3.77 (from pH 4.15 to 7.92) and reduced water loss by 2.52 %. Thus, the application of oyster shell powder can reduce the acidity of the surface soil and retain water and fertilizer to a certain extent; however, it may increase the potential risk of nitrate nitrogen pollution in groundwater.
Barriers and Enablers for Older Adults Participating in A Home-Based Pragmatic Exercise Program Delivered and Monitored by Amazon Alexa: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Jansons Paul , Fyfe Jackson , Via Jack Dalla , Daly Robin M , Gvozdenko Eugene , Scott David
Published: January 2022

Background
The remote delivery and monitoring of individually-tailored exercise programs using voice-controlled intelligent personal assistants (VIPAs) that support conversation-based interactions may be an acceptable alternative model of digital health delivery for older adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the enablers and barriers for older adults participating in a home-based exercise program delivered and monitored by VIPAs.
Method
This qualitative study used videoconferencing to conduct semi-structured interviews following a 12-week, prospective single-arm pilot study in 15 adults aged 60 to 89 years living alone in the community. All participants were prescribed an individualized, brief (10 minutes, 2-4 times per day), home-based muscle strengthening and balance exercise program delivered and monitored using an Amazon Echo Show 5 device (Alexa). Qualitative interview data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
Results
All 15 participants (aged 70.3 ± 4.3 years, mean ± SD) attended the semi-structured interview. Themes including enjoyability and ease of use, social engagement and motivation were enablers for participation in the exercise program. Errors in voice recognition, lack of feedback, and preference for other existing digital health modes of exercise delivery were barriers associated with the Alexa technology.
Conclusions
This qualitative study identified enablers and barriers associated with using an Alexa device to deliver and monitor an individualized, home-based exercise program in older adults living alone. Future interventions using VIPAs should focus on reducing technical errors, providing regular exercise feedback, and comparing participants’ experiences of exercise programs delivered by VIPAs to programs delivered via other digital health tools.
Comparison of Factors Influencing Fall Recurrence in the Young-old and Old-old: a Cross-sectional Nationwide Study in South Korea
Authors: Kim Mi Young , Kim Yujeong
Published: January 2022

Background: Elderly recurrent falls are a significant problem. Most elderlies experience injuries after falls, and elderlies over 65 years old who fall often require medical treatment for severe fall-related injuries, and the financial costs of fall-related injuries are significant. This study aimed to identify factors related to recurrent falls in community-dwelling young–old (65–74 years old) and old­–old (>75 years) elderlies in South Korea.Methods: This study used a cross-sectional, correlation design. Data from the 2017 National Survey of Older Koreans were used, and 5,838 young–old and 4,205 old–old elderly were included in the analysis. The questionnaire included general characteristics, fall experience, physical status, mental status, chronic disease characteristics items. A Χ2 test, ANOVA, and logistic regression were performed for data analysis.Results: In the young–old elderlies, limitations in activities of daily living (p<.001), visual aids (p=.002), cognitive function (p<.001), suicidal ideations (p=.005), number of chronic diseases (p<.001), and number of prescribed medications (p=.006) affected fall recurrence. In the old–old elderlies, spouse (p=.034), national basic livelihood security system (p=.025), exercise (p=.003), limitations in activities of daily living (p<.001), visual aids (p=.002), suicidal ideations (p=.015), number of chronic diseases (p<.001), and Parkinson's disease (p<.001) affected fall recurrence.Conclusions: This study identified differences in factors related to fall recurrence between young–old and old-old elderlies. Based on the findings, a risk assessment tool that can screen the recurrent falls that reflects the characteristics of each age group. In addition, appropriate interventions must be developed to prevent recurrent falls risk according to age group.
Exploring the Feasibility of Establishing a Core Set of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Indicators in Humanitarian Settings: Results From a Multi-methods Assessment in Jordan
Authors: Hammad Majd , Foster Angel M. , Aissaoui Anya , Clark Emily , Elamurugan Kaeshan , Rajendra Kanya Lakshmi , El-Mowafi Ieman , Kobeissi Loulou
Published: January 2022

Background: Reliable and rigorously collected sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (SRMNCAH) data in humanitarian settings is often sparse and variable in quality across different humanitarian settings. To address this gap in data quality, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed a core set of indicators for monitoring and evaluating SRMNCAH services and outcomes in humanitarian settings, and assessed their feasibility in the field in Jordan, in addition to three other countries; with the goal of aggregating information from global consultations and field-level assessments to reach consensus on a set of core SRMNCAH indicators for services and outcome evaluation in humanitarian settings among WHO global partners. Methods: The feasibility assessment in Jordan focused on the following constructs: relevance/usefulness, feasibility of measurement, systems and resources, and ethical issues. The multi-methods assessment included five components; a desk review, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, facility assessments, and observational sessions. Results: Findings suggest that there is widespread support among regional, national, as well as global stakeholders for developing a core list of SRMNCAH indicators for monitoring and evaluation of services and outcomes in humanitarian settings in Jordan. There are numerous resources and data collection systems that could be leveraged, built upon, and improved to ensure the feasibility of collecting this proposed set of indicators. However, the data collection load requested from donors, the national government, international and UN agencies, coordination/cluster systems must be better harmonized, standardized, and less burdensome. Conclusions: Despite stakeholder support in developing a core set of indicators, this would only be useful if it has the buy-in from the international community. Greater harmonization and coordination, alongside increased resource allocation, would improve data collection efforts and allow stakeholders to meet indicators’ reporting requirements.
A Blockchain-based Secure Storage Scheme for Medical Information
Authors: SUN Zhijie , Han Dezhi , Li Dun , Wang Xiangsheng , Chang Chin-Chen , Wu Zhongdai
Published: January 2022

Medical data involves a large amount of personal information and is highly privacy sensitive. In the age of big data, the increasing informatization of healthcare makes it vital that medical information is stored securely and accurately. However, current medical information is subject to the risk of privacy leakage and difficult to share. To address these issues, this paper proposes a healthcare information security storage solution based on Hyperledger Fabric and the Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) framework. The scheme first utilizes attributebased access control, which allows dynamic and fine-grained access to medical information, and then stores the medical information in the blockchain, which can be secured and tamperproof by formulating corresponding smart contracts. In addition, this solution also incorporates IPFS technology to relieve the storage pressure of the blockchain. Experiments show that the proposed scheme combining access control of attributes and blockchain technology in this paper can not only ensure the secure storage and integrity of medical information but also has a high throughput when accessing medical information.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of molecular expression pattern and intercellular interactions in glial scar responding to spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhou Songlin , Gong Leilei , Gu Yun , Han Xiaoxiao , Luan Chengcheng , Wang Xinghui , Sun Yufeng , Fang Mengya , Yang Shuhai , Xu Lai , Sun Hualin , Yu Bin , Gu Xiao-song
Published: January 2022

Nerve regeneration in adult mammalian spinal cord is poor because of the lack of intrinsic regeneration of neurons and extrinsic factors-the glial scar, triggered by injury and exerting confusing inhibiting or promoting regeneration function. Recent technological advancements in spatial transcriptomics (ST) provide a unique opportunity to decipher all or most genes systematically throughout scar formation, which remains poorly understood. Herein, we firstly constructed tissue-wide gene expression patterns of mouse spinal cords over the course of scar formation using ST after spinal cord injury (SCI) based on the transcriptomes from 32 samples. Locally, we identified gene expression gradients from leading edge to the core of scar areas that allow for re-understanding of the scar microenvironment, such as neurotransmitter disorder, activation of proinflammatory response, neurotoxic saturated lipids, angiogenesis, obstructing axon extension and extracellular structure re-organization. Additionally, we identified 21 cell types during scar formation and delineated the origin, functional diversity and the possible trajectory between subpopulations of fibroblast, glia and immune cell. Specially, we found some regulators in special cell types, such as Thbs1 and Col1a2 in macrophage, CD36 and Postn in fibroblast, Plxnb2 and Nxpe3 in microglia, Clu in astrocyte and CD74 in oligodendrocyte. Subsequently, we accurately defined the extent of scar boundary and profiled the bidirectional ligand-receptor interactions at the neighbor cluster boundary, contributing to maintain scar architecture during gliosis and fibrosis, and found GPR37L1_PSAP and GPR37_PSAP were the most significant gene-pairs between microglia, fibroblasts and astrocytes. Last, we quantified the fraction of scar-resident cell and defined four phases of the scar formation: macrophage infiltration, proliferation and differentiation of scar-resident cells, scar emergence and scar stationary. Together, the establishment of these profiles firstly uncovered scar spatial heterogeneity and lineage trajectory, provide an unbiased view of scar and served as a valuable resource for the central nervous system (CNS) injury treatment.
A multi-adenylate cyclase regulator at the flagellar tip controls African trypanosome transmission
Authors: Bachmaier Sabine , Giacomelli Giacomo , Calvo-Alvarez Estéfania , Vieira Larissa Rezende , Abbeele Jan Van Den , Aristodemou Aris , Lorentzen Esben , Gould Matthew , Brennand Ana , Dupuy Jean-Wiliam , Forné Ignasi , imhof Axel , Bramkamp Marc , Salmon Didier , Rotureau Brice , Boshart Michael
Published: January 2022

Signaling from ciliary nanodomains controls developmental processes in metazoans. Trypanosome transmission requires development and migration in the tsetse vector alimentary tract. Flagellar cAMP signaling has been linked to parasite social motility (SoMo) in vitro, yet uncovering control of directed migration in fly organs is challenging. Here we show that the architecture of an adenylate cyclase (AC) complex in the flagellar tip nanodomain is essential for tsetse salivary gland (SG) colonization and SoMo. Cyclic AMP response protein 3 (CARP3) binds and regulates multiple AC isoforms. CARP3 tip localization depends on the scaffold FLAM8. Re-localization of CARP3 away from the tip nanodomain is sufficient to abolish SoMo and fly SG colonization. Since intrinsic development is normal in ∆carp3 and ∆flam8 mutant parasites, AC complex-mediated tip signaling specifically controls parasite migration and thereby transmission. Participation of several developmentally regulated receptor-type AC isoforms may indicate the complexity of the in vivo signals perceived.
Effects of Genotype and Culture Conditions on Microspore Embryogenesis in Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Chen Yaru , Wang Yan , Xu Liang , Su Xiaojun , Zhai Lulu , Zhao Yanling , Zhang Cuiping , Liu Liwang
Published: January 2022

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.), an important annual or biennial root vegetable crop, is widely cultivated in the world for its high nutritive value. Isolated microspore culture (IMC) is one of the most effective methods for rapid development of homozygous lines. Due to the imperfection of IMC technology system, it is particularly important to establish an efficient IMC system. In this study, the effects of different factors on radish microspore embryogenesis were investigated with 23 genotypes. Buds with the largest population of late-uninucleate stage microspores were most suitable for embryogenesis, with a ratio of petal length to anther length (P/A) in buds of about 3/4~1. Cold pre-treatment was found to be genotype specific, and the highest microspore-derived embryo (MDE) yield occurred for treatment of the heat shock of 48 h. In addition, the supplement of 0.75 g/L activated charcoal (AC) could increase the yield of embryoids. It was found that genotypes, bud size as well as temperature treatments had significant effects on microspore embryogenesis. Furthermore, somatic embryogenesis-related kinase (SERK) genes were profiled by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis, which indicated that they are involved in the process of MDE formation and plantlet regeneration. The ploidy of microspore-derived plants was identified by chromosome counting and flow cytometry, and the microspore derived plants were further proved as homozygous plants through expressed sequence tags-simple sequence repeats (EST-SSR) and genetic-SSR markers. The results would facilitate generating the large-scale double haploid (DH) from various genotypes, and promoting further highly efficient genetic improvement in radish.
Demographic, Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Adult-Onset Minimal Change Disease in Turkey: Turkish Society of Nephrology-Glomerular Diseases (TSN-GOLD) Working Group
Authors: Aydin Zeki , Yilmaz Murvet , Sipahioglu Murat , Dervisoglu Erkan , Aydemir Nihal , Uzun Sami , Istemihan Zulal , Unsal Oktay , Tatar Erhan , Berktas Haci Bayram , Ozdemir Arzu , Sumnu Abdullah , Kumru Gizem , Cetinkaya Hakki , Kazan Sinan , Kocyigit Ismail , Gokalp Cenk , Hasbal Baris , Artan Ayse Serra , Ozelsancak Ruya , Taymez Dilek , Yadigar Serap , Alagoz Selma , Aslan Bilal Burcak , Yaylaci Selcuk , Jabrayilov Jabrayil , Turgutalp Kenan , Dursun Belda , Sahin Garip
Published: January 2022

Background: In our study, diagnostic and demographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with minimal change disease (MCD) by biopsy, clinical and laboratory findings in our country were investigated.Methods: Data were obtained from the Turkish Society of Nephrology Glomerular Diseases (TSN-GOLD) Working Group database. Demographic characteristics, indications for biopsy, diagnosis of the glomerular diseases, comorbidities, laboratory and biopsy findings of all patients were recorded. The data presented is cross-sectional and includes application data for the biopsy period.Results: Of 3875 patients, 233 patients with MCD (median age 35.0 years) were included in the study, which constitutes 6.0% of the total glomerulonephritis database. Renal biopsy was performed in 196 (84.1%) patients due to nephrotic syndrome. Median serum creatinine was 0.7(0.6-1.0)mg/dl, mean eGFR was 104±33ml/min/1.73m2 and median proteinuria 6000 mg/day. The number of patients under the age of 40 years was 139 (59.7%) (Group A), and the number of patients aged 40 years and over was 94 (40.3%) (Group B). Compared to Group A, global sclerotic glomeruli (24 vs. 43,p<0.001) interstitial inflammation (15 vs. 34,p<0.001), interstitial fibrosis (20 vs. 31,p=0.001, vascular changes (10 vs. 25,p<0.001) and tubular atrophy (18 vs. 30,p<0.001) were found to be significantly higher in Group B. There was no difference in immunofluorescent staining properties between the two groups.Conclusion: Our data are generally compatible with the literature. Chronic histopathological changes were more common in patients aged 40 years and older than younger patients. Studies investigating the effects of these different features on renal survival are needed.