bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new three-dimensional effective water-flooding unit model for potential tapping of remained oil in the reservoirs with rhythmic conditions
Authors: Zhu Weiyao , Zou Cunjia , Wang Jiulong , Liu Wenchao , Wang Jiqiang
Published: December 2021

After long-term water injection development, most of the oilfields in China have entered the stage of high-water cut, which has reached up to 90%. Due to the strong heterogeneity of the reservoir, more than 50% of the oil remains underground in most oilfields. Therefore, how to predict the distribution and content of remaining oil quickly and accurately in heterogeneous reservoir has become the key of EOR. In this paper, a new effective water-flooding unit model is established based on a three-dimensional flow function, which can characterize the influence of vertical heterogeneity on flow and the streamline distribution. In addition, two shape functions are defined in the model to characterize the oil–water two-phase flow characteristics in an injection-production unit. The results show that the streamline in the lower part of the positive rhythm reservoir is denser, which leads to the formation of dominant seepage channel with ease. However, for the reverse rhythm reservoir, dominant seepage channel forms in the upper part of the reservoir. Besides, for the two types of reservoirs, the greater the permeability difference is, the faster the water cut increases. Furthermore, under the same rhythm condition, the positive rhythm reservoir reaches 90% water cut half a year earlier than the anti-rhythm reservoir. This study provides new insight and guidance for the development of remaining oil in rhythmic reservoirs.
Hydrocarbon reservoir characterization of “Otan-Ile” field, Niger Delta
Authors: Fagbemigun Tokunbo Sanmi , Ayuk Michael Ayu , Oyanameh Olufemi Enitan , Akinrinade Opeyemi Joshua , Amosun Joel Olayide , Sanuade Oluseun Adetola , Hammed Olaide Sakiru , Oyebamiji Ajibola Rashidat
Published: December 2021

Otan-Ile field, located in the transition zone Niger Delta, is characterized by complex structural deformation and faulting which lead to high uncertainties of reservoir properties. These high uncertainties greatly affect the exploration and development of the Otan-Ile field, and thus require proper characterization. Reservoir characterization requires integration of different data such as seismic and well log data, which are used to develop proper reservoir model. Therefore, the objective of this study is to characterize the reservoir sand bodies across the Otan-Ile field and to evaluate the petrophysical parameters using 3-dimension seismic and well log data from four wells. Reservoir sands were delineated using combination of resistivity and gamma ray logs. The estimation of reservoir properties, such as gross thickness, net thickness, volume of shale, porosity, water saturation and hydrocarbon saturation, were done using standard equations. Two horizons (T and U) as well as major and minor faults were mapped across the ‘Otan-Ile’ field. The results show that the average net thickness, volume of shale, porosity, hydrocarbon saturation and permeability across the field are 28.19 m, 15%, 37%, 71% and 26,740.24 md respectively. Two major faults (F1 and F5) dipping in northeastern and northwestern direction were identified. The horizons were characterized by structural closures which can accommodate hydrocarbon were identified. Amplitude maps superimposed on depth-structure map also validate the hydrocarbon potential of the closures on it. This study shows that the integration of 3D seismic and well log data with seismic attribute is a good tool for proper hydrocarbon reservoir characterization.
Characterization and analysis of naturally fractured gas reservoirs based on stimulated reservoir volume and petro-physical parameters
Authors: Al-Rubaye Ali , Al-Yaseri Ahmed , Ali Muhammad , Ben Mahmud Hisham
Published: December 2021

Fracture is one of the most important geological phenomena that affect the production of hydrocarbon compounds in broken carbonate reservoirs. However, fracture controlling factors must be combined with well data to achieve accurate fracture modeling. Therefore, structural data, drilling data, well flow diagrams, cores data, wells production data, and dynamic reservoir data have been considered here. Finally, by combining the above-mentioned information and through statistical and mathematical methods, the mechanism of fracture creation, general trends, and dominant fracture patterns are determined. These patterns are directly related to the tectonic regime and the stresses governing the region. For the first time, in this paper, we divided Zubair carbonate gas reservoir into 10 zones based on porosity and water saturation, and shale volume variation. We conclude that just four-zone of these are economic producible. Besides, the dominant lithology of this formation is more than limestone and a small number of thin shale layers. We defined types of cross-sectional petro-physical graphs and confirmed them by the geological graphic diagram prepared at the head.
A coupling flow model for fractured horizontal well and anisotropic tight gas reservoir
Authors: Lian P. Q. , Ma C. Y. , Duan T. Z. , Zhao H. W.
Published: December 2021

The development of multistage fracturing technology in horizontal wells is a great impulsion to the successful development of unconventional resources. The hydraulic fractures distribute regularly along the horizontal wellbore, forming a seepage channel for fluids in tight gas reservoir and greatly improving the productivity of horizontal wells. Based on Green function and Neumann product principle, we establish a flow model of fractured horizontal well coupled with anisotropic tight gas reservoir under both unsteady state and pseudo-steady state and propose a method to solve this model. The calculation results show that flow rate of horizontal well under the early unsteady state is larger than that under the pseudo-steady state. There is no interference among fractures in the early unsteady state, and flow rate is in direct proportion to fracture numbers. Affected by frictional and acceleration pressure drop, flow rate of the end fractures is obviously larger than other fractures in pseudo-steady state. The permeabilities in different directions have great influence on well flow rate distribution. With the increasing Kx, the interference between the fractures is reduced, and the flow distribution is more balanced. When Ky becomes larger, the interference between fractures are stronger, and the “U” shape distribution of the wellbore flow is more significant.
Numerical simulation on the effect of fractures geometries for shale gas development with discrete fracture network model
Authors: Liu Songze , Wei Jianguang , Ma Yuanyuan , Liu Xuemei , Yan Bingxu
Published: December 2021

The shale gas reservoir is regarded as a dual medium consisting of fracture (hydraulic fracture and discrete natural fracture network) and rock matrix, the seepage process in the fracture and rock matrix is fully considered and a mathematical model of seepage flow in accordance with Darcy's law was established. The results show the influence order of hydraulic fracture geometry on the cumulative production. Compared with the hydraulic fracture aperture of 10–4 m, when the aperture is 10–5 m and 10–6 m, the cumulative production is reduced by 88.0% and 99.7%, respectively. Compared with the hydraulic fracture length is 100 m, when the length is 200 m and 300 m, the cumulative production is increased by 38.2% and 62.4%, respectively. The increase in the natural fracture aperture increases the fracture permeability, which make it more conducive to gas flow into the fracture, thereby increasing the cumulative production. The increase in the number of natural fractures makes the connectivity of the shale reservoir becomes better and the cumulative production increases more.
Research on numerical method for evaluation of vertical well volume fracturing effect based on production data and well test data
Authors: Xia Debin , Yang Zhengming , Li Daolun , Zhang Yapu , Zhao Xinli , Yao Lanlan
Published: December 2021

Volume transformation technology has become a key technology for developing low-permeability/tight oil and gas reservoirs. Evaluating the post-fracturing effect is very important for the development plan formulation and fracturing plan evaluation. In this paper, the vicinity of the main fracture is divided into the main fracture zone and the secondary fracture zone. The main fracture with infinite conductivity and the branch fracture with increased permeability are used to describe the transformation area. Based on this physical model, a numerical model considering the nonlinear seepage characteristics of the reservoir, stress sensitivity, wellbore storage and skin effects was established. Based on this numerical model, a comprehensive evaluation method for the fracturing effect of volume modification of vertical wells based on well test data and production data was established and this method was applied to three typical vertical wells. The results show that conventional vertical fracturing vertical wells can only form a single primary fracture and the range of equivalent permeability increase is very small. Volume fracturing can form a fracture network composed of primary fractures and secondary fractures, and increase the equivalent permeability of the fracture network area. The fracture half-length, equivalent permeability and reconstruction area of the volume fracturing well are dynamically changing and gradually decrease with the increase in production time and the fracturing effect becomes weak until it fails.
New proxy models for predicting oil recovery factor in waterflooded heterogeneous reservoirs
Authors: Al-Jifri Mohamed , Al-Attar Hazim , Boukadi Fathi
Published: December 2021

To predict the recovery factor (RF) in waterflooded layered oil reservoirs, two empirical relationships were derived. Both correlations use four independent variables. These are reservoir heterogeneity (characterized by permeability variation coefficient), permeability anisotropy (ratio of vertical to horizontal permeability), viscosity of the injected water, and water injection rate. One of the correlations estimates RF at water breakthrough time (RFBT) and the other evaluates RF at the end of project (RFEOP). Each correlation comes in an expanded form with more parameters and a reduced form with fewer parameters. Both models are based on the global linear model. Eclipse black-oil simulation was used to determine RF for generic reservoirs with different combinations of permeability variation, permeability anisotropy, injected water viscosities, and water injection rates. A total of 192 data sets have been generated. Out of these, 144 data sets (about 75% of the generated sets) were used for model development and 48 data sets (about 25% of the generated sets) were used for model testing and validation. The expanded forms of the new developed correlations gave reliable estimates of RFBT and RFEOP with absolute average percent difference (AAPCD) of 6.9 and 1.02, respectively. The reduced forms yielded slightly higher AAPCDs of 8.30 and 1.04, respectively. When tested against 48 simulation-generated data sets, the expanded forms yielded excellent fits for RFBT and RFEOP with AAPCDs of 14 and 6.5, respectively. The reduced forms showed comparable fit with AAPCDs of 16.9 and 6.70, respectively. The highest RFEOP of 50.6% was achieved for a generic reservoir with a permeability variation in V = 0.1 and a permeability anisotropy of kz/kx = 1.0. This particular reservoir needs to be waterflooded using a water viscosity of µw = 1.0 cp and a water injection rate of qi = 10,000 bpd. Finally, when tested against the Guthrie–Greenberger and the API statistical study, using a single field data set, the proposed correlations gave higher absolute percent difference of 22.9 and 22.7 compared to 0.758 and 19.2 for Guthrie–Greenberger and the API statistical study, respectively.
The implementation of Water Alternating (WAG) injection to obtain optimum recovery in Cornea Field, Australia
Authors: Abdullah Nurafiqah , Hasan Nurul
Published: December 2021

The Water Alternating Gas (WAG) process is a cyclic process of injecting alternating water followed by gas. The main purpose of WAG injection is to improve both macroscopic and microscopic sweep efficiency, maintaining nearly initial high pressure, slow down the gas breakthrough and reduced oil viscosity. WAG injection also decreases the residual oil saturation resulted from the flow of three phases and effects associated with relative permeability hysteresis. The study area is in the Cornea Field located in Browse Basin, Western Australia. This study is conducted because there is no investigation on WAG injection feasibility in this field. In this study, two-phase bounding imbibition and drainage relative permeability model (Stone 1 and Stone 2) along with two-phase hysteresis model (Land, Carlson or Killough) were used. From the result, Carlson two-phase hysteresis model with Stone 1 correlation shows more oil was recovered. Therefore, it is a feasible model to be used compared with other models. From sensitivity analysis, it shows that highest oil was recovered at WAG ratio 1:1. Since it is a miscible reservoir, 1:1 ratio is more efficient and it is insensitive to trapping. Also, oil production increased with the shortest WAG cycle time at 180 days due to minimum miscibility pressure reached. In addition, it is best to inject water as the first phase to be injected into the reservoir compared to CO$$_{2}$$

2

because water has high mobility ratio while CO$$_{2}$$

2

can result in early breakthrough in the reservoir.
On evaluating the potential of nanocomposites for heavy oil recovery
Authors: Inoue Hiroki , Nguele Ronald , Katia Nchimi Nono , Sasaki Kyuro
Published: December 2021

The present work investigates potential of nanocomposite (NCP) for enhancing the production in heavy oil formation. NCP was extracted from bauxite ore and the spectral characterization revealed that NCP was a crystalline material whose matrix consists of 64.5 wt.% alumina oxide (Al2O3), 15.7 wt.% iron oxide (Fe2O3), and 19.8 wt.% silica oxide (SiO2). The nanocomposite fluid, obtained by dispersing NCP into the targeted formation brine, showed a good dispersion over the two first days beyond which a hetero-aggregation, visible to the naked eye, was observed. Coreflooding assays, performed on Berea sandstone saturated with a heavy mineral oil (ρ = 0.854 g/cm3), revealed that 0.25wt.% of NCP dispersed in the formation brine yields a poor recovery. However, increasing the load in NCP from 0.25 to 0.75 wt.% and subsequently 1 wt.% using the same formation brine, showed an increase in the oil recovery up to 14.1% after the waterflooding stage. It was further found that the RF could be as high as 18.3% if 0.25 wt.% NCP was dispersed in a surface-active material (Polyvinyl alcohol, PVA in this study). The result was 4% higher than a scenario in which PVA was used alone. Moreover, it was shown that altering the composition of the preflush could increase the production to up to 11.3%. A comparative analysis with single nanoparticle revealed that the EOR using NCP was six-fold higher compared to that of SiO2 taken alone and 1.5-fold lower than those of Al2O3 or Fe2O3 taken alone.
Geomechanical analysis of formation deformation and permeability enhancement due to low-temperature CO2 injection in subsurface oil reservoirs
Authors: Khurshid Ilyas , Fujii Yoshiaki
Published: December 2021

Several benefits of CO2 injection are reported in the literature such as its ability to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and the increase in oil recovery at a low cost. However, the correlated reservoir-engineering problems with low-temperature CO2 injection including formation damage and leakage risk are still uncertain and has not been comprehensively investigated. This research examines the effect of low-temperature CO2 on lowering of formation breakdown pressure, and the associated formation damage from a geomechanical prospective. This study presents the coupling of the equilibrium stress equation, the system energy balance equation, continuity equation, and saturation equation to develop thermoporoelastic model for the reservoir rock. We determined the cooling-induced formation damage due to decrease in temperature and thermal stresses, formation contraction and tensile stresses, and examine its effects on formation properties, stresses, joint and fracture stability. We observed that low-temperature CO2 would create a low thermal stress region and thus the formation could fail in tension. This process might increase formation permeability but it would decrease the stability of reservoir, basement and caprock. We analyzed several factors affecting formation deformation such as injection rate for both miscible and immiscible CO2 flooding, formation porosity, depth, temperature, and formation breakdown pressure. We also compared our results and findings with experimental data, finding excellent match and similar consequences. Furthermore, as a sequence of low-temperature CO2 injection, the initial formation breakdown pressure was initially at 2560 psi and it reduced to 1928 for immiscible case and 1270 psi for miscible case in the selected case study. We also propose that shallow reservoirs should be avoided for CO2 capture and storage because of stability issues.
Source rock characteristics and hydrocarbon generation potential in Brunei-Muara district, Brunei Darussalam: a comparative case study from selected Miocene-Quaternary formations
Authors: Osli Liyana Nadiah , Shalaby Mohamed Ragab , Islam Md. Aminul
Published: December 2021

A comparative analysis on source rock properties has been carried out on the Miocene-Pliocene formations as well as the Quaternary terrace deposits using Rock–Eval pyrolysis results and organic petrography as well as some biomarkers results. Samples were obtained from outcrops of the Quaternary terrace deposits, Pliocene-aged Liang Formation together with the Miocene Miri and Setap Shale formations in Brunei-Muara district, with sample lithologies ranging from coal, coaly shale, shale and lignitic sand. High total organic carbon (TOC) and S2 values ranging from 41.8 to 62.4% and 7.40 mg HC/g rock to 122 mg HC/g rock, respectively, are identified in coals of the terrace deposit, Liang and Miri formations, making these as the best potential source rock due to the “good to excellent” generating potential. Meanwhile, a “fair to poor” potential is exhibited for the coaly shale, shale and lignitic sand samples as a result of their low TOC, HI and S2 values. The organic matter is composed of kerogen type III (gas prone) and type II-III (mixed oil and gas prone). Organic matter in all studied formations originate from a terrestrial-source, as proven by the abundance of huminite. Organic petrographical and biomarkers studies suggest that the coals and lignitic sand samples were deposited in a mangrove-type mire in a lower delta setting, under oxic and limnic to limnotelmatic conditions, except sample DD2-1, which is deposited in a less water-saturated environment. The samples display the presence of bi-modal and normal distribution of n-alkanes. For all of the samples, the dominating plant types in the palaeomire are of soft, herbaceous plants and this is supported by the low vegetation index and moderate Paq values. All the studied samples are thermally immature to early mature, as exhibited by the Tmax values that range from 300 to 437 °C and vitrinite reflectance readings of 0.22% to 0.46%.
Study on the practice of downhole dewaxing by in situ generated heat
Authors: Mao Xinyu , Li Nianyin , Chen Fei , Kang Jia , Guo Qian , Han Peihong
Published: December 2021

In situ heat systems are a technology that effectively solves paraffin deposition and improves oil recovery. Generally, the oxidation–reduction reaction of sodium nitrite and ammonium chloride generates a large amount of heat to promote the melting of paraffin. An in situ heat system combined with an acid-resistant fracturing fluid system can form an in situ heat fracturing fluid system, which solves the problem of the poor reformation effect caused by cold damage during the fracturing process of low-pressure and high-pour-point oil reservoirs. In this paper, with the goals of system heating up to 50 °C, a low H+ concentration, a high exotherm, and reduction of the toxic and harmful by-product NOX, the preferred in situ heat system was found to comprise 1.6 mol/L ammonium chloride, 1.0 mol/L sodium nitrite, and 0.8% hydrochloric acid. The effect of five factors on the heat production of the reaction was studied experimentally, and a reaction kinetic equation for the in situ heat system was proposed based on the results. The results showed that increasing the concentration of the reactants and lowering the ambient temperature produced more heat. The in situ heat system was used to conduct a crude oil cold damage elimination experiment, and the results of the removal experiments verified that the system could effectively but not completely reduce the cold damage. Overall, the in situ heat fracturing fluid system formed by the preferred in situ heat system combined with an acid-resistant fracturing fluid system could avoid cold damage in the formation during construction and increase the output.
Cement bond evaluation using well logs: A case study in Raniganj Block Durgapur, West Bengal, India
Authors: Saini Prashant , Kumar Harinandan , Gaur Tarun
Published: December 2021

Cement bond logs (CBL) and variable density log (VDL) are one of the vital logging techniques used to evaluate cement-casing-formation bonds before the well testing or execution of the production operation in the well. These logs are also crucial during the workover operation to maintain the integrity of the well. The logging techniques provide a clear view of the quality of cement bonds with casing and formation. The microannulus and other deviations in bonding between the cement and the casing or formation are recorded using this technique. Therefore, this technique is used by the regulatory authorities worldwide for the determination of the cement bond with casing and formation. In this paper, the CBL/VDL logging technique was used to determine the bonding between cement and casing and cement and formation at two different CBM wells from 850 to 1600 m depths in the Raniganj block of Durgapur, West Bengal. Two well, namely, A and B, were analyzed to determine the cement-casing-formation bonds in the study area's coal seam zone. The analysis was carried out at normal and pressure pass to investigate the integrity of the well using the CBL/VDL data. The normal and pressure pass in well A indicated the presence of microannulus in the bonding between cement and casing/formation in the coal seam zone. The corresponding analysis of well B showed poor cement and formation bond at the coal seam zone during the normal pass but good bonding after the pressure pass. Thus, it was observed that the CBL/VDL data were capable of determining the cement-casing-formation bonds in both the well of the study area and the well's integrity.
A review of the various treatments of oil-based drilling fluids filter cakes
Authors: Siddig Osama , Mahmoud Ahmed Abdulhamid , Elkatatny Salaheldin
Published: December 2021

Treatment of the filter cake layer after drilling is essential for better cement integrity and to retain the original reservoir permeability. Compared to water-based filter cake, oil-based mud filter cake removal is more sophisticated as oil encloses the filter cake’s particles. Therefore, oil-based mud clean-up requires wettability alteration additives (mutual solvents and/or surfactants) for permitting acid/filter cake reaction. With an appropriate acid, microemulsions were reported to be very efficient in cleaning oil-based filter cakes, due to their low interfacial tension and high acid solubility. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the different techniques and treatment solutions utilized in oil-based filter cake clean-up. Furthermore, a synopsis of the various treatments for drilling fluids densified with different weighting materials is presented. Subsequently, the research limitations and opportunities have been highlighted for future work. In the light of the review that has been presented in this paper, it's recommended to conduct further investigation on some areas related to filter cake removal. The removal of filter cake formed from weighting materials other than barite, calcium carbonate, ilmenite, and manganese tetroxide needs to be investigated thoroughly. Additionally, the overall efficiency of oil-based mud removal needs to be studied under wide ranges of temperature, salinity, and pH. The utilization of surfactant-free microemulsions in filter cake treatment could also be investigated.
Four Generations in Data Engineering for Data Science
Authors: Klettke Meike , Störl Uta
Published: December 2021

Data-driven methods and data science are important scientific methods in many research fields. All data science approaches require professional data engineering components. At the moment, computer science experts are needed for solving these data engineering tasks. Simultaneously, scientists from many fields (like natural sciences, medicine, environmental sciences, and engineering) want to analyse their data autonomously. The arising task for data engineering is the development of tools that can support an automated data curation and are utilisable for domain experts. In this article, we will introduce four generations of data engineering approaches classifying the data engineering technologies of the past and presence. We will show which data engineering tools are needed for the scientific landscape of the next decade.
Glycosidic flavonoids and their potential applications in cancer research: a review
Authors: Abusaliya Abuyaseer , Ha Sang Eun , Bhosale Pritam Bhagwan , Kim Hun Hwan , Park Min Yeong , Vetrivel Preethi , Kim Gon Sup
Published: December 2021

Purpose of review

Every year, the cancer patient registry increases, and the leading cause of death in a global context. Plant-based molecules are gaining attention in cancer research due to the side effects of chemotherapy. A glycosidic derivative of flavonoid (GDF) plays a significant role in cancer proliferation mechanisms. GDF inhibits cell proliferation by elevating the expression of apoptotic proteins, altering the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF- κB), and decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) in cancer cells.

Recent findings

Reported studies on the flavonoids orientin, vitexin, prunetionoside, chrysin, and scutellarein increased attention and are being widely investigated for their potential role in different parts of cancer research. Prunetionoside is a flavonoid with high cytotoxic potential and capable of inducing necroptosis in AGS gastric cancer cells. Similarly, scutellarein is a flavonol, induces an extrinsic apoptotic pathway and downregulates the expression level of cyclin proteins in HepG2 liver cancer cells. Vitexin is reported to be capable of deregulating the expression levels of p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p-PI3K in A549 lung cancer cells. Orientin inhibits IL-8 expression and invasion in MCF-7 breast cancer cells by suppressing MMP-9 in the presence of TPA via STAT3/AP-1/ERK/PKCα-mediated signaling pathways. It also induces mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in HT29 colon cancer cells. Chrysin is a flavonoid present in honey that has been shown to play an important role in cervical and colon cancer by suppressing the AKT/mTOR/PI3K pathway and increasing ROS accumulation, LDH leakage, respectively.
Users’ experiences of enhancing underwater images: an empirical study
Authors: Emberton Simon , Simons Christopher
Published: December 2021

Within the worldwide diving community, underwater photography is becoming increasingly popular. However, the marine environment presents certain challenges for image capture, with resulting imagery often suffering from colour distortions, low contrast and blurring. As a result, image enhancement software is used not only to enhance the imagery aesthetically, but also to address these degradations. Although feature-rich image enhancement software products are available, little is known about the user experience of underwater photographers when interacting with such tools. To address this gap, we conducted an online questionnaire to better understand what software tools are being used, and face-to-face interviews to investigate the characteristics of the image enhancement user experience for underwater photographers. We analysed the interview transcripts using the pragmatic and hedonic categories from the frameworks of Hassenzahl (Funology, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, pp 31–42, 2003; Funology 2, Springer, pp 301–313, 2018) for positive and negative user experience. Our results reveal a moderately negative experience overall for both pragmatic and hedonic categories. We draw some insights from the findings and make recommendations for improving the user experience for underwater photographers using image enhancement tools.
Intersynovial Communication between the Tendon Sheaths of the Extensor Pollicis Longus and Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis Muscles
Authors: ZBRODOWSKI ANDRZEJ , GAJISIN STANISLAV , GRODECKI JANUSZ
Published: December 2021

A communication was found between the synovial sheaths of the extensor pollicis longus and the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendons. The opening was at the level of the proximal row of carpal bones and permits passage of synovial fluid between the sheaths of these muscles.
Anatomical Study of the Ulnar Nerve in the Hand
Authors: BONNEL F. , VILA R. M.
Published: December 2021

This anatomical study is based on the dissection of fifty adult hands. The classic configuration of the ulnar nerve was found in thirty-nine cases out of fifty, and in eleven cases there were variations with respect to division. The levels of division of the different branches were precisely determined by an analysis of variations in the areas of muscular innervation.
Subtotal Reconstruction of the Thumb by Transposition of Index Finger
Authors: TAKAMI H. , TAKAHASHI S. , ANDO M.
Published: December 2021

A case of subtotal reconstruction of the thumb is described. The reconstruction was carried out as a staged procedure with an intact index finger transposition, followed by opposition transfer using the abductor digiti quinti muscle after three weeks. Twenty-eight months postoperatively, power grip and precision grip were restored despite destruction of the thenar muscles.
The Osteocutaneous Pedicle Forearm Flap
Authors: MATEV IVAN
Published: December 2021

Two patients treated by an osteocutaneous radial island flap with retrograde blood flow are described. Rotation of the flap and its distal vascular pedicle by nearly 180 degrees caused no impairment of the arterial flow, but it may interfere with the venous return through the radial veins, as observed in one of our cases. Therefore, it is safer to include in the skin flap an additional vein, suturing it to a superficial vein in the recipient zone, thus ensuring normal venous flow to the flap as well.

The purpose of this paper is to present two patients treated by the use of an osteocutaneous radial artery forearm flap.
Rheumatoid Arthritis at the Base of the Thumb Treated by Trapezium Resection or Implant Arthroplasty
Authors: KVARNES L. , REIKERAS O.
Published: December 2021

A clinical review is presented of patients with disabling rheumatoid arthritis at the base of the thumb treated by resection of the trapezium or by implant arthroplasty. Both methods resulted in good relief of pain, and the patients experienced better hand function. There were no great differences in results between the two methods.
Salvage of the Destroyed Wrist
Authors: ARAFA M. , ORTON C. I. , NOBLE J.
Published: December 2021

Two cases of complex limb threatening destruction of the wrist region and their reconstruction are described. The role of external fixation and composite vascular grafts in controlling infection and achieving bony union is outlined.
Swanson Silastic Wrist Arthroplasty. A Retrospective Study of Fifteen Cases.
Authors: McCOMBE P. F. , MILLROY P. J.
Published: December 2021

A retrospective study of fifteen Swanson silastic wrist replacements for rheumatoid arthritis (fourteen cases) and osteoarthritis (one case), with a mean follow up period of 28.3 months showed an increase in function in fourteen cases and no change in one case. An increase in range of movement was present in six cases, with no change in seven. Pain was improved in fourteen cases and unchanged in one case. Grip strength was improved or unchanged in twelve cases. There were two cases of prosthesis fracture.
Congenital Anomalies of the Little Finger
Authors: MIURA TAKAYUKI , TORII SHUHEI
Published: December 2021

Clinical features of congenital hypoplastic and extension contractures of the little finger were studied. There are eight groups. Characteristic features of each group are described. Each type has distinguishable clinical features in typical cases, but in some cases the condition of shortening of the phalanges and narrowing of the joint space is not clear.
Problems in Rheumatoid Wrist Fusion
Authors: TURNER P. G. , BOWKER P. , NOBLE J.
Published: December 2021

Two techniques have been developed to solve problems in performing fusion of the rheumatoid wrist.
The Occult Dorsal Carpal Ganglion
Authors: SANDERS W. E.
Published: December 2021

Chronic wrist pain has many causes, the diagnosis of which is often difficult. Clinical and anatomical research in this area has replaced the diagnosis of “wrist sprain” with a differential diagnosis including carpal chondromalacia, dynamic carpal instability, positive and negative ulnar variance, triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries, and early carpal avascular necrosis. The ubiquitous dorsal ganglion can also cause chronic wrist discomfort and the diagnosis of “occult dorsal carpal ganglion” should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Nine patients with chronic wrist pain were diagnosed clinically as having an occult dorsal carpal ganglion despite the absence of a palpable mass. Each was treated by limited dorsal capsulectomy with excision of a small portion of the dorsal scapho-lunate ligament, and small intracapsular ganglia and/or cystic mucinous degeneration of the capsule were found in all nine patients. Of the eight patients available for follow-up examination, the preoperative pain was relieved in seven of the eight and no recurrences were noted at follow-up averaging six months.
Acute Calcification in the Fingers
Authors: TRAIL IAN A.
Published: December 2021

A patient with acute calcification of the proximal interphalangeal joint is presented to emphasize its importance in the differential diagnosis of acute infection in the finger. The diagnosis is made both clinically and by x-ray. The calcification may not be seen on standard views and oblique views may be necessary. Treatment is conservative by immobilisation and the injection of local anaesthetic.
An Arm Elevating Dressing
Authors: DICKSON W. A.
Published: December 2021

An essential aspect of management of upper limb trauma (including burns), infection, and surgery, is elevation to reduce tissue swelling and to rest the injured part. Surgeons dealing with upper limb pathology each have their own method of elevating the arm. I wish to describe a type of arm elevating support which is used primarily for elevation of the upper limb postoperatively, but can be used as a sling in the ambulant patient.
Total Thumb Reconstruction by an Index Finger Transposition
Authors: TAKAMI H. , TAKAHASHI S. , ANDO M.
Published: December 2021

A case of total thumb reconstruction after traumatic amputation is described. The reconstruction was carried out as a staged procedure with preliminary application of a pedicle flap, and a normal index finger transposition, followed by opposition transfer using the abductor digiti quinti muscle. Twenty-seven months after the index finger poilicization, the reconstructed thumb had satisfactory function.
Partial Thumb Reconstruction using the Proximal Skin Paddle Radial Artery Island Flap
Authors: MATTI B. A. , QUABA A. , PAGE R. E.
Published: December 2021

Four cases of partial thumb reconstruction using the radial artery island flap are presented. The flap will provide in variable amounts all the elements required for reconstruction of a severely damaged thumb.
Single Stage Lengthening by Intercalary Bone Graft in Patients with Congenital Hand Deformities
Authors: FULTZ C. W. , LESTER D. K. , HUNTER J. M.
Published: December 2021

The experience with single-stage lengthening by intercalary bone graft in four patients with congenital hand deformities is presented. In all seven lengthenings the gap was bridged by a toe phalanx bone graft. The elongation of the ray ranged from 5–14 mm. Examination of patients followed from one to five years after the treatment showed a good appearance of the lengthened ray. One bone graft assimilation resulted in a pseudoarthrosis and another had osteopenia that resolved spontaneously. All others healed uneventfully. The quality of the skin sensitivity, vascular status and tendon balance is preserved after the lengthening.
Multiple Dislocations of the Carpometacarpal Joints
Authors: ONI O. O. A. , MACKENNY R. P.
Published: December 2021

A case of multiple dislocations of the carpometacarpal joints associated with low energy trauma is reported. Open reduction and internal fixation has produced a good result.
Fibrin/Fibrinogen and Fibrinolytic Activity of the Palmar Fascia in Dupuytren’s Contracture
Authors: MERLO G. , AMBROGGIO G. P. , CASTAGNA B. , MOSCA A. , OBERTO E.
Published: December 2021

Considering the proved interaction of fibrin with fibroblasts and the seemingly decisive role of structural and functional changes (“modulation”) of these cells in the evolution of Dupuytren’s contracture, research has been carried out in order to investigate the fibrinolytic capacity and the possible presence of fibrin/fibrinogen in the palmar fascia of subjects operated upon for Dupuytren’s Disease.

Fibrin/fibrinogen were detected by a direct immunofluorescence technique and fibrinolytic activity was assessed by a fibrin plate method. A remarkable decrease of fibrinolytic activity and the presence of fibrin/fibrinogen were observed in small nodules in the early stage of disease, whereas large nodules showed a high amount of plasminogen activator enzymes.

Small nodules seem to form and increase by progressive adhesion of fibroblasts to the polymerizing fibrin, while high fibrinolytic activity of large nodules probably results from “modulation” of many fibroblasts into contractile myofibroblasts and could therefore be considered as a biochemical sign of the evolutionary phase of Dupuytren’s contracture.
Antibodies to Collagen Types I–VI in Dupuytren’s Contracture
Authors: PEREIRA R. S. , BLACK C. M. , TURNER S. M. , SPENCER J. D.
Published: December 2021

Sera from 16 patients with Dupuytren’s contracture were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies to native and denatured human collagen types I, II, III, IV, V and VI. IgG antibody to at least one collagen type was found in 11/16 (69%) of these patients, compared with 27/96 (28%) normal adult blood donor controls. The prevalence of antibody to denatured type II collagen was raised, and although there was no overall increase in HLA-DR4 compared with a control population, this antibody was associated with HLA-DR4 in this patient group.
Dupuytren’s Contracture in the Negro
Authors: MENNEN U.
Published: December 2021

In 1979 the first Negro patient with Dupuytren’s Contracture who had no evidence of Caucasoid Admixture in his genetic make-up was reported on. Another five such cases are presented.
Dupuytren's Disease in the Thumb: Two Cases of a Central Cord
Authors: CLELAND HEATHER , MORRISON W. A.
Published: December 2021

Two cases of a pattern of Dupuytren's disease in the thumb not described before are presented. The more usual pattern of radial disease is discussed and compared with that in the fingers.
Elbow Arthrography in the Evaluation of Posterior Interosseous Nerve Compression in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: ROTH A. I. , STULBERG B. N. , FLEEGLER E. J. , BELHOBEK G. H.
Published: December 2021

This is a case report of a fifty-nine-year-old rheumatoid arthritic woman who developed lack in finger extension bilaterally. These deficits had two completely different aetiologies, Posterior Interosseous Nerve (PIN) Syndrome and extensor tendon rupture. No previous report in the literature has used elbow arthrography as a diagnostic tool in a patient with PIN Syndrome. Elbow arthrography confirmed the abnormality at this joint and aided in appropriate management.
Acute Cubital Tunnel Syndrome from Post Traumatic Calcific Neuritis
Authors: AMETEWEE K.
Published: December 2021

The normal ulnar nerve is not visible on radiographs of the elbow. An unusual case is described in which symptoms of ulnar nerve compression with a swollen, tender ulnar nerve at the elbow developed after relatively minor trauma. Radiology suggested “Calcific Neuritis”, but this was short lived with complete regression of the symptoms.
The Micropathology of the Typical Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: FAITHFULL D. K. , MOIR D. H. , IRELAND J.
Published: December 2021

The synovial membrane in the carpal tunnel of twenty-nine patients suffering from the typical clinical picture of carpal tunnel syndrome was examined microscopically over an eighteen month period with a follow-up of six months to two years. Unusual causes such as tendon sheath tumours and post-Colles fractures were excluded. Three micropathological pictures emerged. Oedema was found in twenty-four patients, chronic perivascular inflammation in three and fibrinous synovitis in two. No difference was detected in the clinical presentation in the three pathological appearances. The authors believe that oedema is the typical picture and the other two appearances could indicate irritation of the synovial membrane as a result of finger activity.
Isolated Palsy of the Nerve to Flexor Pollicis Longus
Authors: KLUGMAN D. J. , KALTSAS D. S.
Published: December 2021

Two cases of isolated paralysis of the nerve to flexor pollicis longus are described, both of which recovered after division of constricting fibrous bands. Anatomical considerations and treatment are described.
Malignant Transformation of a Benign Cutaneous Mixed Tumour
Authors: NATHER A. , SUTHERLAND I. H.
Published: December 2021

Whilst benign cutaneous mixed tumour is common, malignant cutaneous mixed tumour is rare. There are only eleven accepted cases of the malignant counterpart in the literature. In none was there residual benign tumour tissue present to suggest that they arose from malignant transformation of the benign tumour. We report a very rare case of a malignant transformation of a benign cutaneous mixed tumour in an eighty-four year old female. Other unusual features in this case included considerable involvement of bone in the primary lesion and the histological picture of extreme pleomorphism and active mitoses, not seen in other reported cases of the malignant tumour.
An External Fixator in Finger Reconstruction
Authors: ROSENBERG LIOR , KON MOSHE
Published: December 2021

A fast, simple and always available low cost external fixation device, made of two parallel plastic tubes and transverse Kirschner wires was devised and clinically tested.
Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Second Metacarpal
Authors: MUTALE C. B. , PATIL P. S. , PATEL J. B.
Published: December 2021

A case of low grade malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) arising from a metacarpal bone in a 21 year old African female is presented. The rarity of this disorder is emphasized with review of the relevant literature.
Pain after Radial Sensory Nerve Grafting
Authors: DELLON A. LEE , MACKINNON SUSAN E.
Published: December 2021

Four cases are described in which a nerve graft to the radial sensory nerve was successful in restoring sensibility to the dorsum of the hand but failed in controlling pain. All of these patients subsequently were successfully treated with excision of the nerve graft and proximal implantation of the radial sensory nerve into the brachioradialis muscle.
Tardy Ulnar Nerve Palsy Caused by Cubitus Varus Deformity
Authors: OGINO T. , MINAMI A. , FUKUDA K.
Published: December 2021

Clinical features and X-rays of thirty-four cases with cubitus varus deformity were analysed in order to explain the occurrence of tardy ulnar nerve palsy caused by cubitus varus deformity. Cubitus varus cases with tardy ulnar nerve palsy, compared to cases without it, were older at the first visit to the clinic for cubitus varus deformity. There were no other differences between the two groups in clinical features. Computed tomography showed that the olecranon moved to the ulnar side against the olecranon fossa. Operative findings showed that the medial head of triceps brachii shifted medially and covered the ulnar nerve. Both from computed tomography and operative findings we conjectured the possibility that tardy ulnar nerve palsy was caused because the ulnar nerve was compressed by the forward medial movement of the medial head of the triceps brachii caused by cubitus varus deformity.
Regional Bone Mineral Density Changes after Colles’ and Forehand Fractures
Authors: FINSEN V. , BENUM P.
Published: December 2021

Patients who sustain a second Colles’ fracture only in one of five instances refracture the previously injured wrist. In those who have sustained fractures of the metacarpals or phalanges of the hand (forehand) subsequent fractures of the forehand are twice as likely to be ipsilateral. We investigated whether persisting regional bone mineral changes could be the mechanism underlying these observations.

Bilateral bone mineral density measurements were performed on twenty patients who had sustained a Colles’ fracture and twenty-nine who had sustained forehand fractures more than one year previously.

Among Colles’ fracture patients there was an increase in bone mineral density in the distal radius of the fractured side when compared to the uninjured side of thirty-nine percent. The protection of these patients from subsequent ipsilateral Colles’ fracture seems to be due to increased bone strength induced by the healing process.

Among patients with forehand fractures no significant bone mineral changes could be demonstrated.
Abductor Digiti Minimi Opponensplasty in Hypoplastic Thumb
Authors: OGINO T. , MINAMI A. , FUKUDA K.
Published: December 2021

Ten cases of hypoplastic thumbs were treated by abductor digiti minimi opponensplasty in order to restore opposition of the thumb and reform the wasted thenar eminence. In eight of these ten cases operations were combined with multiple Z-plasty or rotation flap to correct the narrowing of the first web space. Adductor plasty using extensor indicis proprius was performed in six cases to restore the stability of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb and ligament reconstruction of the carpometacarpal joint in one hand. In all cases, the transferred abductor digiti minimi was strong enough to abduct the thumb and provide good functional and cosmetic results. We modified Littler’s procedure by transferring the origins of abductor digiti minimi muscle from the flexor carpi ulnaris to the palmaris longus tendon. Our modified method gave a better cosmetic appearance than that provided by Littler’s method.
Postburn Nailfold Retraction: A Reconstructive Technique
Authors: NGIM R. C. K. , SOIN K.
Published: December 2021

Postburn nailfold retraction often results in nail deformity and loss of distal interphalangeal joint flexion. A technique of reconstruction of the nailfold using a proximally based transposition flap is described in a patient with postburn nailfold retraction of the left thumb, index and middle fingers.