bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic geochemical characteristics and depositional environments of the Jurassic shales in the Masila Basin of Eastern Yemen
Authors: Hakimi Mohammed H. , Abdullah Wan H. , Shalaby Mohamed R.
Published: October 2021

In this paper, organic matter content, type and maturity as well as some petrographic characteristics of the Jurassic shales exposed in the Masila Basin were evaluated and their depositional environments were interpreted using organic geochemical and organic petrological studies. The total organic carbon (TOC) contents of shales in the Sunah, Wadi Taribah, and Kharir fields vary between 2.4% and 4.7% with high Hydrogen Index (HI) values. All shale samples display very low Oxygen Index (OI) values. The Sunah and Wadi Taribah shales contain Type II organic matter, while the Kharir shales contain Type II, with minor contributions from Type I organic matter.

Tmax values for the shales range from 428 °C to 438 °C and vitrinite reflectance values (%Ro) range from 0.52% to 0.80%. These values reveal that the Sunah and Kharir shales are at peak mature stage while the Wadi Taribah shales are early mature. This is supported by their biomarker maturity parameters.

The pristane/phytane (Pr/Ph) ratios range from 1.8 to 2.3. In addition, all shales show a homohopane distribution which is dominated by low carbon numbers, and C35 homohopane index is very low for all shale samples. All these features may indicate that these shales were deposited in a suboxic environment. Sterane distribution was calculated as C27>C29>C28 from the m/z 217 mass chromatogram for all shale samples.

The Sunah, Wadi Taribah and Kharir shales are believed to have good oil generating potential. This is supported by high total organic carbon content, hydrogen indices up to 400 mg HC/g TOC and early to peak mature oil window range.
Diagenesis and fluid system evolution in the northern Oman Mountains, United Arab Emirates: Implications for petroleum exploration
Authors: Breesch Liesbeth , Swennen Rudy , Dewever Ben , Roure François , Vincent Benoit
Published: October 2021

The diagenesis and fluid system evolution of outcrop analogues of potential sub-thrust Cretaceous carbonate reservoirs in the Musandam Peninsula, northern United Arab Emirates, is reconstructed during the successive stages of the Oman Mountains development. Detailed petrographic and geochemical analyses were carried out on fracture cements in limestones and dolomites mostly situated close to the main faults, which were the locations of major fluid fluxes. The main result of this study is a generalised paragenesis subdivided into four diagenetic time periods. Based on analyses of syn-tectonic veins and dolomites a large-scale fluid system is inferred with migration of hot brines with H2O-NaCl-CaCl2 composition along Cenozoic reverse faults. These brines were sourced from deeper formations or even from the basal decollement and infiltrated in the footwall. These results are compared with similar studies, which were carried out in other regions worldwide.

Furthermore some implications for reservoir characteristics and hydrocarbon scenarios could be postulated. It must be noted that the majority of the analysed rocks do not have sufficiently high porosities to be regarded as reservoir rocks. However, some diagenetic processes that can improve the reservoir quality were observed. For example dolomite recrystallisation occurred in patches at the carbonate platform border, which created poorly connected reservoirs. Other possible exploration targets could be the footwall blocks of the Cenozoic reverse fault zones. When the migration of hot brines along these faults and into the footwall would be combined with petroleum migration, the footwall block could act as a potential hycrocarbon trap sealed by the fault. The fluid system evolution is incorporated in a schematic model of the geodynamic framework of the region in order to summarise the different diagenetic and fluid events, which took place during the northern Oman Mountains evolution up to now.
Seismic modelling of a fractured carbonate reservoir in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ali Mohammed Y. , Worthington Michael H.
Published: October 2021

The problem of identifying and quantifying the brittle deformation of carbonate reservoirs both in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and elsewhere is addressed. Naturally occurring fractures may substantially increase or decrease the permeability and porosity of reservoirs, and therefore knowledge of location, orientation, density and connectivity of fractures is required to optimise hydrocarbon production. A rock containing parallel fractures can be seismically anisotropic, provided the vertical and horizontal extent and spacing of the fractures is small compared to the seismic wavelength. Seismic anisotropy may be detectable from attributes of pre-stack 3-D seismic data including reflection amplitude variation with offset and azimuth (AVOA). However, in carbonates seismic-velocity anisotropy can result from many different factors, including present-day horizontal stress anisotropy, sedimentological features such as clinoforms, and geological structure. We present a methodology for determining whether a proposed reservoir-fracture model is consistent with the observed seismic data. The approach includes modelling the seismic anisotropy where an essential input parameter is the compliance of the fractures. Since so little is known about this key parameter, we determine an upper bound to fracture compliance from well data and existing laboratory and field data and consequently obtain an upper bound to the seismic anisotropy that might be detected. We apply our method to data from an onshore carbonate oilfield in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where analysis of core, log and 3-D post-stack seismic data indicates that open or partially open fractures may be pervasive and could have a dominant influence on reservoir production. Due to poor AVOA data quality our results are inconclusive. However, this case study is a demonstration of the methodology that could be applied elsewhere.
Biostratigraphy and carbon-isotope stratigraphy of the uppermost Aptian to Upper Cenomanian strata of the South Palmyrides, Syria
Authors: Ghanem Hussam , Mouty Mikhail , Kuss Jochen
Published: October 2021

Biostratigraphic and carbon-isotope data were used to introduce a high-resolution stratigraphic reference section of the Upper Aptian to Upper Cenomanian platform carbonates of the South Palmyrides in Syria. We studied the biostratigraphic evolution of the Zbeideh to Abou-Zounnar formations in two sections, based on 42 species of benthonic foraminifera and 38 species of planktonic foraminifera. Comparisons with other Tethyan assemblages allowed determining 11 biozones; six are based on planktonic foraminifera, and five on benthonic foraminifera. Four hiatuses (earliest Albian, Middle–Late Albian, Late Albian–Early Cenomanian, and Mid Cenomanian) are marked by hardgrounds or dolomitic intervals. The planktonic biozones Ticinella bejaouaensis, T. primula, T. praeticinensis, Rotalipora subticinensis, R. globotruncanoides and R. cushmani co-occur with the following benthonic biozones: Mesorbitolina texana partial range zone, M. subconcava range zone, Neoiraqia convexa taxon-range zone, Praealveolina iberica interval zone and Pseudedomia drorimensis range zone. Within this biostratigraphic framework, a new carbon-isotope curve from the South Palmyrides was compared with δ13C records of the Tethyan Realm and England that allows identifying several biotic events and Oceanic Anoxic Events (OAE), recorded in the Upper Albian to Upper Cenomanian succession. The combination of sequence-stratigraphic interpretations and comparisons, with our results have led to an improved understanding of the Cretaceous platform architecture of the South Palmyrides that links the Arabian Platform to the east with the Levant Platform to the southwest.
MIDDLE EAST GEOLOGIC TIME SCALE 2013
Authors: Al-Husseini Moujahed I.
Published: October 2021

During the Aptian 28 to possibly 34 transgressive-regressive “fourth-order” sequences were deposited on the Arabian Plate. The sequences were controlled by sea-level fluctuations with a relative amplitude of 5–20 m. The fluctuations are interpreted as the glacio-eustatic response to orbital-forcing and assumed to have an average duration of 405 Kyr corresponding to the long-eccentricity orbital cycle. The sequences are referred to as “stratons” and calibrated in the orbital time scale of Matthews and Al-Husseini (2010, abbreviated M&H-2010). An independent study by Huang et al. (2010) counted nearly 33 cycles of 405-Kyr in a deep-marine Aptian succession in the Piobicco core in central Italy. The Italian cycles and Arabian stratons can be correlated in GTS 2004 by the position and age of the oceanic anoxic event OAE1a (Selli Interval, ca. 124.5–123.1 Ma). Two lowermost Aptian stratons and at least nine upper Aptian ones show stratigraphic geometries that imply 40–50 m box-like drops in relative sea level. They provide evidence for the formation of an ice sheet, mainly in Antarctica, that held several 10s of meters sea-level equivalent. The ca. 5-Myr-long late Aptian drop started at Global SB Apt 5 (ca. 117.9 Ma), which correlates to a major eccentricity minimum predicted at 118.2 Ma in the M&H-2010 scale. Similar minima are predicted to recur every 14.58 Myr (36 × 405 Kyr), and to cause major glacio-eustatic drops and regional sequence boundaries (SB). The youngest SB 0 is predicted at 1.586 Ma, and SB 8 (118.2 = 1.586 + 8 × 14.58 Ma) is interpreted to have triggered the late Aptian glaciation. The M&H-2010 scale was tested against the high-resolution sea-level curve derived from benthic foraminiferal δ18O isotopes for the late Miocene to Holocene (9.25– 0.0 Ma, Miller et al., 2005, abbreviated Metal-2005). Antarctica’s glacio-eustatic signature is interpreted as high-frequency sea-level fluctuations with a period of 41 Kyr (obliquity) above -20 m relative to present-day sea level. The fluctuations ride up-and-down on longer-period sea-level cycles (transgression-regression) with amplitudes of 20–40 m. The cycles are bounded by prominent lowstands, have durations of 325–545 Kyr, and an average duration of 405 Kyr. Sequence Boundary SB 0 (predicted at 1.586 Ma) is interpreted at 1.54 Ma, and correlated to Calabrian Global sequence boundary Cala1 (1.54 Ma).
Age and paleoenvironment of the Nukhul Formation, Gulf of Suez, Egypt: Insights from palynology, palynofacies and organic geochemistry
Authors: El Atfy Haytham , Brocke Rainer , Uhl Dieter
Published: October 2021

Palynological results of a detailed study carried out on 56 samples retrieved from two selected wells (GH 404-2A and SA-E6A) of the Hilal and Shoab Ali fields within the southern part of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt, are presented. This study is mainly focused on the poorly dated Nukhul Formation, for which very little information from palynology is available despite its importance from a petroleum viewpoint. The assemblages discovered in our study are moderately preserved and reveal a sparse but significant record of spores and pollen and dinoflagellates together with highly diverse fungi and algal taxa, e.g. Botryococcus and Pediastrum.

A latest Oligocene–Early Miocene (Chattian–Aquitanian) age has been suggested for the Nukhul Formation, based on compiling palynostratigraphic and ecologic data obtained from palynomorphs that have previously been assumed to be representatives for this period on a regional scale. In addition, the Oligocene/Miocene Boundary (OMB) could be lithostratigraphically defined within the studied formation, most likely at the boundary between the lower Shoab Ali Member and upper Ghara Member. A fungal/algal ‘event’ within the interval from 11,370–11,430 ft in the GH 404-2A Well may be associated with a strong regressive phase. Such a regression was previously observed in the Nile Delta and other locations around the Red Sea province, and may be assigned to the global Mi-1 glaciation event at the OMB. However, not only glacial-driven eustacy but also tectonic activity related to the Gulf of Suez rifting may have contributed in forming such an event.

Palynofacies investigations were carried out under both transmitted and fluorescence microscopy and the results were partly supplemented by existing organic geochemical analyses (GH 404-2A Well) involving Rock-Eval pyrolysis and total organic carbon (TOC) measurements. The analysis was used to interpret the depositional regime, paleoenvironment and thermal maturation history of the studied succession. These results support the temporary existence of shallow, pond- or lake-like aquatic habitats during deposition of the lower Shoab Ali Member that evolved into a shallow-marine environment with the onset of the deposition of upper Ghara Member of the Nukhul Formation.
Origin of gypsiferous intrusions in the Hawasina Window, Oman Mountains: Implications from structural and gravity investigations
Authors: Ali Mohammed Y. , Cooper David J.W. , Searle Michael P. , Al-Lazki Ali
Published: October 2021

Gypsiferous intrusions are exposed in road-cuts in the south-central Hawasina Window in the central Oman Mountains. They are located at lower structural levels in the allochthonous Hawasina Complex and lie along faults that cut Upper Cretaceous structures related to the obduction of the Semail Ophiolite and Hawasina Complex deep-water sediments onto the Arabian Plate. The intrusions form gypsiferous pods that are up to 200 m long, in which the gypsum occurs as a dark, fine-grained matrix that contains a pervasive network of anastomosing veins of gypsum and anhydrite. The intrusions contain abundant sub-angular to sub-rounded litharenites, and less common fragments of chert and fine-grained limestone. Although these clast types are undated, their petrographic characteristics suggest they originate from the local Hawasina (Hamrat Duru Group) country rock. Very well-rounded pebbles and cobbles of feldspathic litharenites, some of which show a well-developed cleavage, and rarer cobbles of well-rounded vein quartz appear to have come from the basement. Gravity investigations indicate salt diapirs are not present beneath the Hawasina Window. Instead, the gypsiferous intrusions are interpreted as having been brought up from depth during compression to form disconnected pods along deep-rooted faults, bringing with them small amounts of the basement country rock. Strontium isotope analysis and regional considerations, in particular the distribution, age and nature of other evaporite units on the eastern Arabian Plate, suggest the gypsum may have its origins in the Neoproterozoic (Ediacaran) to lower Cambrian Ara Group evaporites, perhaps from a previously unknown extension of the Fahud Salt Basin beneath the Hawasina thrust sheets.
Sequence stratigraphy of the Late Cretaceous–Paleocene Gurpi Formation in southwest Iran
Authors: Beiranvand Bijan , Ghasemi-Nejad Ebrahim , Kamali Mohammad Reza , Ahmadi Akram
Published: October 2021

Facies associations, microplanktonic diversity, palynofacies variations, geochemical data, and natural gamma-ray logs were analyzed from the Danial and Gurpi sections of the Campanian–Selandian Gurpi Formation in the Zagros Mountains, southwest Iran. The biostratigraphic data indicate that deposition across the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary was continuous in the Danial Section. In contrast, a minor stratigraphic break seems to be present in the Gurpi Section, where several planktonic foraminiferal subzones are not identified. Nine depositional sequences were interpreted and correlated between the two sections. They are apparently of great lateral extent because they closely correlate to the global sea-level cycles. The Maastrichtian maximum flooding surface MFS K180 (68 Ma) of the Arabian Plate was also identified. Detailed palynofacies analysis, integrated with standard tropical/subtropical planktonic foraminifera, indicate warm Neo-Tethyan upper-bathyal to middle-shelf depositional environments for the Gurpi Formation.
Neoproterozoic microbialites in outcrops of the Qarn Alam salt dome, central Oman
Authors: Mettraux Monique , Homewood Peter , Al Balushi Said , Erthal Marcelle Marques , Matsuda Nilo Siguehiko
Published: October 2021

Limestones and mixed limestone and dolomite facies from the Neoproterozoic to early Cambrian Ara Group are exposed as blocks and rafts by the surface-piercing Qarn Alam salt dome in central Oman. These limestones and dolomites compose laminite-stromatolite-thrombolite-evaporite shallowing-up successions, and are remarkable in that they contain well-preserved microbial textures and fossils (both calcite and dolomite with very small but significant silicates and other mineral species) as well as pristine syn-depositional to very early diagenetic cements from the first stages of sediment lithification.

The facies are described at scales ranging from outcrop (1–100 m) to the SEM (μm-scale). Outcrop-scale sedimentology and high-resolution stratigraphy are described in detail, and petrographic and geochemical analyses are recorded. The depositional environment is interpreted to have been shallow marine subtidal to intertidal and hypersaline supratidal, with low-energy tidal flats and channels, lagoons or salinas, and continental sabkhas.

Both calcitic and dolomitic phases show microbial fossils and structures with fabrics of mineralised extra-cellular polymeric substances (EPS). The occurrence of syn-sedimentary primary dolomitic matrix in thrombolites is interpreted to result from the degradation of a thicker microbial mat, during or after growth, which provided the right micro-environmental conditions for the precipitation of dolomite. A caliche crust and sabkha evaporites (the white band) cap the laminite-thrombolite succession and together with karst breccias, fracture fills and neptunian dykes, record an emersion at the top of each of the depositional units.

Stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen of the microbialite to evaporite facies show close values for δ13C (+2‰ to +4‰) but a broader range of δ18O (+0.5‰ to -5‰). These values, and their spread recorded within sets of laminae, indicate little to no diagenetic resetting and therefore should be close to original equilibrium values for seawater and early diagenetic fluids. Later diagenetic cements in fractures show entirely different values with δ13C in the range of -2‰ to -6‰, and δ18O from -7.5‰ to -11‰.

Whereas dolomite shows no post-depositional diagenetic modification and records preservation of finely detailed EPS mineralisation, the calcite of clumps of clots and mesoclots shows neomorphism with reorganisation into crudely fascicular-optic crystals that cut across primary sediment and early diagenetic cement fabrics.

Preservation of both sedimentary facies and the fossil record is remarkable for these ca. 540 million year old rocks and indicates that diagenesis had little effect on the microbialites at Qarn Alam.
Biovolume Method for Foraminiferal Biomass Assessment: Evaluation of Geometric Models and Incorporation of Species Mean Cell Occupancy
Authors: de Freitas Thaise Ricardo , Bacalhau Eduardo Tadeu , Disaró Sibelle Trevisan
Published: October 2021

Foraminifers are widespread, highly abundant protists and active participants in marine carbon cycling. Their biomass might represent almost half of the total meiobenthic biomass in the deep sea. Foraminiferal biomass is frequently assessed through geometric models and biovolume estimates due to its non-destructive nature, which allows estimates of individuals from palaeoecological, museum, and living samples. To increase the accuracy of foraminiferal biovolume and biomass assessment we evaluate and propose geometric models for 207 foraminiferal taxa and the species’ average cell occupancy of the test. Individual test dimensions were measured to calculate volume (µm³), and the percent of cell occupancy (PCO) of the test was measured to assess the biovolume (µm³). These data were converted into individual biomass measurements (µg Corg ind−1). Our high intra- and interspecific PCO variance suggest that a mean PCO for each species represents the natural variability of occupancy more accurately than a predetermined fixed percentage for the whole assemblage, as previously asserted in the literature. Regression equations based on the relationship between test dimensions and volumes are presented. The geometric models, the PCO adjustment, and the equations will reduce time, effort, and discrepancies in foraminiferal biovolume and biomass assessments. Therefore, these results can improve the use and reliability of foraminiferal biomass in the future, facilitating its use in (1) distinct approaches including carbon flux estimations, (2) determining the effects of climate change on the marine trophic webs, and (3) environmental monitoring programs.
A Scientometric Study of Foraminiferal Research in Brazil
Authors: Lima Vieira Beatriz , Patrocínio Letícia Rizzetto , de Oliveira Lessa Douglas Villela , Gomes Doriedson Ferreira
Published: October 2021

Scientometrics is a field of study that involves measuring and analyzing scientific literature and can be a valuable tool to assess and reveal major gaps in national scientific production. Among the major challenges for Brazilian science is the development of research in the extensive national marine realm. This paper provides a scientometric survey of papers involving foraminiferal research in Brazil. The metrics utilized were papers listed in “Capes Portal” and “Scopus” databases up to the year of 2019. A total of 324 papers were found and 177 were selected based upon criteria established. A generalized additive model (GAM) was used to establish a relationship between publications and time. Studies involving foraminifera increased in Brazil from 1952 to 2019. Most studies have been conducted in the southeast region. We identified the need for more research on foraminifera to be carried out in the Brazilian continental margin, especially in the north and northeast regions of the country.
Geochemistry and Isotope Composition of Paleoproterozoic Granites and Felsic Volcanics of the Elash Graben: Evidence of the Heterogeneity of the Early Precambrian Crust
Authors: Nozhkin A.D. , Turkina O.M. , Savko K.A.
Published: October 2021

—The paper presents results of a petrogeochemical and isotope–geochronological study of the granite–leucogranite association of the Pavlov massif and felsic volcanics from the Elash graben (Biryusa block, southwest of the Siberian craton). A characteristic feature of the granite–leucogranites is their spatial and temporal association with vein aplites and pegmatites of the East Sayan rare-metal province. The U–Pb age of zircon from granites of the Pavlov massif (1852 ± 5 Ma) is close to the age of the pegmatites of the Vishnyakovskoe rare-metal deposit (1838 ± 3 Ma). The predominant biotite porphyritic granites and leucogranites of the Pavlov massif show variable alkali ratios (K2O/Na2O = 1.1–2.3) and ferroan (Fe*) index and a peraluminous composition; they are comparable with S-granites. The studied rhyolites of the Tagul River (SiO2 = 71–76%) show a low ferroan index, a high K2O/Na2O ratio (1.6–4.0), low (La/Yb)n values (4.3–10.5), and a clear Eu minimum (Eu/Eu* = 0.3–0.5); they are similar to highly fractionated I-granites. All coeval late Paleoproterozoic (1.88–1.85 Ga) granites and felsic volcanics of the Elash graben have distinct differences in composition, especially in the ferroan index and HREE contents, owing to variations in the source composition and melting conditions during their formation at postcollisions extension. The wide range of the isotope parameters of granites and felsic volcanic rocks (εNd from +2.0 to –3.7) and zircons (εHf from +3.0 to +0.8, granites of the Toporok massif) indicates the heterogeneity of the crustal basement of the Elash graben, which formed both in the Archean and in the Paleoproterozoic.
Technology Focus: Oilfield Chemistry (September 2021)
Authors: Wylde Jonathan
Published: October 2021

As production chemists, we are all aware of the overall concepts of improved oil recovery (IOR) and enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Perhaps, though, fewer of us are aware of the different idiosyncrasies that exist within (and even between) these two broad categories of recovery and then how chemistry and chemicals can have an effect upon these processes.

I would like to propose that the lines once were quite distinct between IOR and EOR: IOR was a standard waterflood operation, and EOR (from a chemist’s perspective) was the addition of chemistry to that waterflood (typically polymer or surfactant). Nowadays, the science has evolved massively to create many sub-genres of IOR and EOR. A waterflood is rarely just a waterflood anymore. We can alternate water and gas injection. We can add chemical conformance aids to direct better the flow of water. We can change the salinity of the water to promote better wettability for higher recovery factors. The list goes on. One just has to search out the number of EOR papers vs. (pretty much) every other discipline of production chemistry to see the commitment this industry still has to the research of this discipline. In recent years, the focus has tended to move away from deep-reservoir EOR to focus on near-wellbore stimulation. Interestingly, the mechanistic considerations that we make as production chemists are nearly identical in all cases, and significant synergies exist between these subdisciplines.

Therefore, from the recent research published by SPE, two focused topics of IOR/EOR have arisen: the use of nanoparticles and the use of water-shutoff technologies. Nanoparticle use is gaining significant traction in the oil and gas industry, and field applications are now being reported. The area of IOR/EOR is no exception. Water shutoff is not a new technology area. However, are these established, production-sustaining IOR techniques seeing a resurgence caused by the headwinds our industry has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

OTC 30123 - Thermal and Rheological Investigations on N,N’-Methylenebis Acrylamide Cross-Linked Polyacrylamide Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Water-Shutoff Applications by Mohan Raj Keishnan, Alfiasal University, et al.

IPTC 20210 - Chemical and Mechanical Water Shutoff in Horizontal Passive ICD Wells: Experience and Lessons Learned in Giant Darcy Reservoir by Mohamed Abdel-Basset, Schlumberger, et al.

SPE 203831 - Efficient Preparation of Nanostarch Particles and Mechanism of Enhanced Oil Recovery in Low-Permeability Oil Reservoirs by Lei Zhang, China University of Geosciences, et al.
Low Complexity, Pairwise Layered Tabu Search for Large Scale MIMO Detection
Authors: CHAKRABORTY SOURAV , Sinha Nirmalendu Bikas , Mitra Monojit
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a low complexity pairwise layered tabu search (PLTS) based detection algorithm for a large-scale multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system. The proposed algorithm can compute two layers simultaneously and reduce the effective number of tabu searches. A metric update strategy is developed to reuse the computations from past visited layers. Also, a precomputation technique is adapted to reduce the redundancy in computation within tabu search iterations. Complexity analysis shows that the upper bound of initialization complexity in the proposed algorithm reduces from O(Nt4) to O(Nt3). The detection performance of the proposed detector is almost the same as the conventional complex version of LTS for 64QAM and 16QAM modulations. However, the proposed detector outperforms the conventional system for 4QAM modulation, especially in 16x16 and 8x8 MIMO. Simulation results show that the per cent of complexity reduction in the proposed method is approximately 75% for 64x64, 64QAM and 85% for 64x64 16QAM systems to achieve a BER of 10-3. Moreover, we have proposed a layer-dependent iteration number that can further reduce the upper bound of complexity with minor degradation in detection performance.
A Mixed-methods Approach to Understanding the Perspectives, Experiences and Attitudes of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for African American Patients with Type-2 Diabetes: A Randomized Parallel Design Pilot Study
Authors: Cornely Ronald M. , Subramanya Vinita , Owen Ashley , McGee Robin E. , Kulshreshtha Ambar
Published: October 2021

BackgroundAfrican American (AA) adults are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) and experience more complications than non-Hispanic White adults. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a technique that combines traditional care with cognitive and psychosocial techniques. We aimed to assess the effects of CBT integrated with motivational interviewing (MI) on glycemic control in AA participants and understand their perspectives, attitudes, and experiences toward CBT. MethodsUsing a randomized, parallel design pilot study (web-based group vs in-person group), 20 participants aged >18 years, identifying as AA, and having a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) > 8%, were recruited. CBT was administered in six sessions over three months. Participants completed baseline and follow-up assessments on measures for diabetes control (HbA1c), self-efficacy, generalized anxiety, depression, perceived stress, health-related quality of life and cognitive ability. Post-CBT focus groups were conducted to determine patient perspectives regarding the intervention. ResultsFourteen participants completed the study, their mean HbA1c improved from 8.5% to 7.7%. The Diabetes Distress Scale demonstrated decreased distress overall (t(26)=2.6; p- value=0.02). The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale demonstrated decreased generalized anxiety for all participants (t(26)=2.2; p =0.04). Themes identified in focus groups included: (1) intervention group social support through information sharing; (2) mental health and personal identities in diabetes understanding and management; (3) receptivity to CBT/MI Intervention positively impacts self-efficacy through improved health literacy. ConclusionGroup-based CBT intervention for type 2 DM care was positively received by AA participants and helped improve diabetes control, as demonstrated by the change in HbA1c. There were additional benefits of social support through group interactions and a stronger sense of self-efficacy due to health education. A comprehensive treatment plan like CBT, may be useful in promoting healthy diabetes self-management.Trial registrationThis trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT03562767. 70 Registered 19 June 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03562767?term=NCT03562767&draw=2&rank=1
Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance Between Fathers and Mothers and Across Three Time Points After Childbirth: Identification of Core Items of The Japanese Version of The Mother-To-Infant Bonding Scale
Authors: Baba Kaori , Kataoka Yaeko , Kitamura Toshinori
Published: October 2021

Background
The Japanese version of the mother-to-infant bonding scale (MIBS-J), a self-report of postnatal bonding disorder, is widely used in Japan. However, its psychometric properties, particularly measurement invariance, have rarely been reported, and the appropriateness of the use of the MIBS-J among perinatal fathers remains to be investigated. This study aimed to select and to validate MIBS-J items suitable for mothers and fathers at three time points (postpartum hospitalization period and 1 and 4 months postpartum) commonly used in clinical practice in Japan.
Methods
Postpartum mothers (n = 543) and fathers (n = 350) were surveyed at 5 days, 1 month, and 4 months postpartum. All participants were randomly divided into two subgroups, one for exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) and another for confirmatory factor analyses. Measurement invariance of the best model was tested using the entire sample, between fathers and mothers, and across the three observation periods.
Results
A three-item structure (items 1, 6, and 8) extracted through EFAs showed acceptable configural invariance. This model was accepted for scalar invariance between fathers and mothers and for metric invariance across the three time points.
Conclusions
This study showed that the three-item MIBS-J could be used reliably among Japanese parents in the first four postpartum months. Currently, all 10 MIBS-J items are used in clinical and research settings at various time points during the perinatal period. Our findings suggest that the MIBS-J with only three items is sufficient for diagnosis of postnatal bonding disorder, at least during the first four postpartum months.
Ethnic background and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among the healthcare workforces: Results of a large occupational cohort study in rural United Kingdom.
Authors: Inghels Maxime , Kane Ros , Lall Priya , Nelson David , Asghar Zahid , McCranor Tracy , Kavanagh Tony , Phull Jaspreet , Ward Derek , Tanser Frank
Published: October 2021

Black and South Asian healthcare workers have been found at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the United Kingdom. However, many studies do not consider all potential confounders (e.g., professional exposure, living environment) and those conducted during the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak remain scarce. Using 1-year-folow-up data from a cohort of 13,366 healthcare workers employed in 119 facilities in Lincolnshire, we aimed to quantify the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among ethnic minority healthcare staff and to elucidate pathways of infection. Overall, 1258 individuals (9.4%) recorded a positive SARS-CoV-2 test during the observation period, incidence per person-year was 5.2% [Cluster adjusted 95% CI: 3.6–7.6%] during the first COVID-19 wave (Jan-Aug 2020) and 17.2% [13.5–22.0%] during the second wave (Sep 2020-Feb 2021). Compared to Whites, Black and South Asian employees were at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection during both the first wave (Clustered adjusted Hazard Ratio, 1.58 [0.91-2.75] and 1.69 [1.07-2.66] respectively) and the second wave (HR 2.09 [1.57-2.76] and 1.46 [1.24-1.71]). Higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly persisted even after controlling on age, gender, pay grade, residence environment, type of work and time exposure at work. Higher adjusted risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection were also found among lower-paid health professionals. Black and South Asian health workers continue to be more exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to their white counterparts. Urgent interventions are required to reduce SARS-CoV-2 exposure with these ethnic groups.
Evolutionarily Conserved Core Rhizosphere Microbiota Promotes Host Performance and Fitness in Heavy Metal Accumulating Plants
Authors: Luo Jipeng , Gu Shaohua , Guo Xinyu , Liu Yuankun , Tao Qi , Zhao Heping , Liang Yongchao , Banerjee Samiran , Li Tingqiang
Published: October 2021

Background: Persistent microbial symbioses offer the potential to confer greater fitness to the host under unfavorable conditions, but manipulation of such beneficial interactions requires a mechanistic understanding of the consistently important microbiome members for the plant. Here, use five phylogenetically divergent heavy metal (HM) accumulating plants as a model, we examined the composition, assembly and relationships of the core and active rhizosphere microbiota across diverse soils with varying concentrations of HMs and further explored their roles in host performance.Results: Our results showed that the rhizosphere bacterial communities were primarily determined by soil type, with plant species having a stronger influence on the microbial diversity and composition than rhizocompartment and soil pollution level. We found that different HM accumulating plants harbored a unique set of core taxa in the rhizosphere with Sphingomonas and Burkholderiaceae shared among them. Use of RNA-SIP further revealed that the core rhizosphere taxa phylogenetically overlapped with the active rhizobacteria feeding on carbon-rich rhizodeposits, suggesting that the specific root exudate components driving the core microbiomes may be common across different plant species. Several keystone taxa were part of the core microbiota and facilitated plant metal tolerance and accumulation when inoculated with SynCom comprising the core cohorts.Conclusions: Our results suggest that a conserved core root microbiota has evolved with HM accumulating plants via root metabolic cues and exhibited potential to increase plant fitness and phytoextraction of HM. This study has important implications for harnessing the persistent microbiome members to improve host performance and accelerate the plant-assisted restoration of contaminated soil ecosystems.
Relationship of Cytochrome P450 Gene Polymorphisms With Blood Concentration of Hydroxychloroquine and Its Metabolites and Adverse Drug Reactions
Authors: Gao Beibei , Tan Tingfei , Cao Xi , Pan Menglu , Yang Chunlan , Wang Jianxiong , Shuai Zongwen , Xia Quan
Published: October 2021

Background: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a cornerstone therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to investigate the relationship of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) gene polymorphisms with blood concentration of HCQ and its metabolites and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in patients with SLE and RA. Methods: A cohort of 146 patients with SLE and RA treated with HCQ was reviewed. The ADRs of patients were recorded. The blood concentration of HCQ and its metabolites were measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in CYP450 metabolic enzyme involved in HCQ metabolic pathway was performed using a MassARRAY system. Chi-square test, T-test, and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze data. Results: Among 29 candidate SNPs, we found that CYP3A4 (rs3735451) was significantly associated with blood levels of HCQ and its metabolites in unadjusted model and adjusted model (patients taking HCQ for >10 years) (P<0.05). For CYP3A5 (rs776746), skin and mucous membrane ADRs associated with the TT genotype were a greater risk than for the CT+CC genotypes (P=0.033). For CYP2C8 (rs1058932), abnormal renal function with the AG genotype carried a greater risk than with the AA+GG genotype (P=0.017); for rs10882526, ophthalmic ADRs of the GG genotype carried a greater risk than for the AA+AG genotypes (P=0.026). Conclusions: The CYP2C8 (rs1058932 and rs10882526) and CYP3A5 (rs776746) polymorphisms are likely involved in the ADRs of HCQ. Gene polymorphism analysis of CYP450 and therapeutic drug monitoring of HCQ and its metabolites might be useful to optimize HCQ administration and predict ADRs.
In Silico Study of The Potential of Naturally Caffeoylquinic Acids From Lentinus Crinitus Basidiocarp With Zika Virus Inhibition Targets
Authors: Fonseca Aluísio Marques da , Soares Neidelenio Baltazar , Colares Regilany Paulo , Coelho Ethanielda de Lima , Ribeiro Paulo Riceli Vasconcelos , de Souza João Sammy Nery , Alexandre Jeferson Yves Nunes Holanda , Sousa Cleiton , Marinho Emmanuel Silva
Published: October 2021

The methanolic extract of the fungus Lentinus crinitus was submitted to biological assays, identification of the chemical composition by LC-MS, and in silico study by molecular docking with all identified compounds. The test against Artemis salina reached LD50 > 1000 μg/mL within 24h, and total mortality within 48 hours; the antioxidant test 62.4% inhibition in 1.0 mg/mL was obtained. Only 16 compounds were identified from the LC-MS analysis based on the comparison of reports already recorded in the literature. Most of the compounds identified here are described for the first time in the genus Lentinus. These results showed that the fungus is a producer of different classes of secondary metabolites biologically active. The results of the molecular docking simulation of the identified phytochemicals presented 1,13,4-di-O-Caffeoylquinic, as the leading promising candidate in the inhibition of the Zika virus.
Impact On Vegetables Irrigated With Municipal and Industrial Wastewater From Korangi Drain Near IoBM, Karachi
Authors: Rabab Nida , Farooqi Abdulrauf , Soomro Shan e Hyder
Published: October 2021

The present study was conducted to assess the Impact on Vegetables Irrigated with Municipal and Industrial wastewater from Korangi Drain near IoBM, Karachi. Some vegetables are grown using sewage and industrial wastewater laden with alarmingly high levels of heavy metals and bacteriological contamination. Maximum concentration of lead was found in spinach 8.20 mg/l as against safe limits of 0.01 mg/l and maximum Nickel concentration was found in banana 3.114 mg/l as against 0.02mg/l whereas all vegetables were invariably bacteriologically contaminated much beyond safe limits. Appropriate legislations in Sindh and competent manpower for rigorous monitoring to gage the harmful impact on vegetables grown with untreated municipal and industrial wastewater to effectively combat the problems of growing vegetables. The emptying of untreated municipal and industrial wastewater through Korangi Drain in fresh water bodies into Karachi cost should be banned to save the coast becoming hypoxic causing irreparable loss to marine life.
Effect of Geometry on the Electromagnetic Wave Transport Properties of Photonic Crystals: Comparison of Top-Flat and Top-Curved Refractive Index Profiles
Authors: Solaimani M. , nejati malihe
Published: October 2021

In the current paper, we try to engineer the refractive index profile in a one-dimensional photonic crystal as a powerful tool to manage the electromagnetic wave transmission properties. For this purpose, we have compared four sinusoidal, rectangular, triangular, and saw-tooth refractive index profile types. In this way, we have used a transfer matrix method accompanied by the discretization of the spatial domain. This method can readily be applied to any arbitrary continuous refractive index profile. Then, we have tried to address the effects of different geometrical and physical parameters, including the photonic crystal length L, dielectric permittivity εd, number of layers and plasma density np, etc. on the light propagation through the mentioned photonic crystals. In the proposed two-layer plasma/dielectric photonic crystals we could observe acceptable ranges of Omni-directional photonic band gaps that their position width and their number can be regulated. We determine the most and least tunable systems.
Microstructure and Mechanical Performances Analyses on Probeless Friction Stir Spot Welds of AA6061-T6 Aluminum Sheets
Authors: Guishen Yu , Xin Chen , Zitao Wu , Guanchen Zhang , Yixiong Chen
Published: October 2021

Probeless friction stir spot welding (PFSSW) is a variation of conventional friction stir spot welding (CFSSW), which solves the keyhole defect in CFSSW welds. In this work, four types of probeless tools were designed based on helix and spiral feature: small curvature helix (involute tool, IT), large curvature helix (archimedes tool, AT), spiral line (scroll tool, ST) and no feature (flat tool, FT). AA6061-T6 sheets with a thickness of 1.5 mm were welded using the designed probeless welding tools. The effect of tool shapes on the microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir spot welded AA 6061-T6 aluminum alloy sheets was investigated using different rotational speeds, plunging depths and dwell times. The Taguchi method was utilized to obtain the optimal welding parameter combination for the four tools. And, the tensile-shear mechanical properties of FSSW specimens were characterized under the optimal parameters. The results show that a basin-shaped profile appeared in the weld metallography using the groove tools. The tensile shear failure load (TSFL) of IT (~6.97 kN) was higher than that of ST (~6.49 kN), AT (~6.19 kN) and FT (~5.67 kN), sequentially. Three different fracture modes, interfacial fracture, plug fracture and mixed-mode fracture were observed in the tensile-shear tests of weld specimens.
The Relationship Between P16INK4A and TP53 Promoter Methylation and The Risk and Prognosis in Patients With Oesophageal Cancer in Thailand
Authors: Poosari Arisara , Nutravong Thitima , Namwat Wises , Wasenang Wiphawan , Sa-ngiamwibool Prakasit , Ungareewittaya Piti
Published: October 2021

DNA methylation can regulate the expression of tumour suppressor genes P16 and TP53, environmental factors, which are both important factors related to an increased risk and prognosis of oesophageal cancer (EC). However, the association between these two genes methylation status, as well as the effects of gene-environment interactions, EC risk remains unclear. A Hospital-based case-control study data were collected from 105 new EC cases and 108 controls. Promoter methylation status was investigated for P16 and TP53 genes using methylation-specific polymerase (MSP) chain reaction methods with SYBR green. Logistic and Cox regression models were used to analyse the association of P16 and TP53 promotor methylation status with EC risk and prognosis, respectively. Our results suggest P16, TP53 methylation significantly increased the risk of EC (OR = 5.24, 95 % CI: 2.57–10.66, P < 0.001; OR = 3.38, 95% CI: 1.17–6.67, P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, P16 and TP53 promoter methylation status and the combined effects between environmental factors and its methylations in tissue were correlated with the EC risk and prognosis of EC patients. As a new biomarker, the methylation of P16 and TP53 can serve as a potential predictive biomarker of EC.
Functional Role of RRS1 in the Chemosensitivity of Drug Resistant Breast Cancer Cell to Cisplatin
Authors: Peng Cuixiu , Wang Runze , Song Junying , Hua Yanan , Wu Qinglan , Deng Lin , Cao Yi , Zhang Li , Sun Fusheng , Hou Lin
Published: October 2021

RRS1(human regulator of ribosome synthesis 1), a critical nuclear protein participated in ribosome biogenesis, plays important roles in the genesis and development of breast cancer. Here, we reported that RRS1 was highly expressed in cisplatin resistant breast cancer cell MCF-7/DDP than that in parent MCF-7. RRS1 silencing increased the sensitivity of MCF-7/DDP cells to cisplatin, inhibited proliferation, affected cell cycle distribution and promoted apoptosis. Furthermore, in nude mice xenograft study, the content of RRS1 in cisplatin treatment group was significantly higher than that in saline treatment group. In addition, we found that RRS1 could bind to AEG-1 and subsequently strengthened AEG-1 abundance in breast cancer cells. Although AEG-1 did not affect AEG-1 gene transcription, it inhibited ubiquitination and subsequent proteasome-mediated degradation of AEG-1 protein. Our research in current study documented for the first time that RRS1 participated in the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to cisplatin through binding to AEG-1, indicating that RRS1 may be a promising target for the therapy of breast cancer.
Extremely Low Effective Impedance in Stratified Graphene-Dielectric Metamaterials
Authors: Hwang Ruey-Bing
Published: October 2021

The periodic reflections in frequency were observed in a stack of graphene layers and reported as a series of mini photonic bandgaps owing to the multiple interference by the graphene layers. In this research, the effective medium approach was employed to obtain the effective refractive index and Bloch impedance for understanding the wave propagation characteristic therein. Specifically, the pure real effective refractive index without attenuation as well as an extremely low Bloch impedance were found at the frequencies exhibiting periodic reflections. Some numerical examples were demonstrated to show that the series bandgap-like reflections in fact are attributed to considerable impedance mismatch caused by this ultra low Bloch impedance.