bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Road to Well Completions Electrification to Support Sustainable Field Development
Authors: Le Menach M. , Sofyan M. , Padrao J. , Hiron S. , Schnitzler E. , Da Silva M.
Published: April 2024

TotalEnergies, Petrobras, and SLB have partnered in a collaborative venture with the goal of revolutionizing the way subsea wells are completed. Their aim is to introduce an innovative intelligent completion system in the context of multiple wells that replaces the conventional electrohydraulic systems that have been in use for decades by electrifying the process. This groundbreaking system not only represents a significant advancement in well technology but also holds the promise of making a profound positive impact on the environment and enhancing safety. To evaluate the reduction of carbon emissions through electric wells, an electrification road map was implemented. This comprehensive approach included data collection, case studies, and techno-economic analysis. By closely examining the existing assets, detailed specifications were developed outlining the environmental, operational, and financial contexts in which electrical completions can offer effective solutions. The objective was to eliminate the need for hydraulic systems entirely, from surface installations to completion. This required a complete redesign of the flow control valve, downhole safety valve, and all associated interfaces. One of the most notable achievements resulting from this technological advancement is the optimization of reservoir management and reduced water production. Electric wells surpass conventional systems in terms of precision and control, enabling improved reservoir management practices. This, in turn, enhances hydrocarbon recovery and overall asset performance. The second breakthrough paves the way for exploring fresh opportunities in the development of multizonal wells, lowering the overall number of wells needed. The third significant accomplishment involved streamlining the design, resulting in reduced rig time and enhanced safety for personnel. The transition to electric wells has demonstrated that completion technology can play a pivotal role in addressing environmental concerns within the oil and gas industry. It underscores the significance of ongoing innovation and collaboration among industry leaders to drive positive change. This initiative serves as a model for other companies and industry stakeholders seeking to reduce their environmental footprint while improving project economics. It illustrates that electrification can facilitate the coexistence of sustainable practices and profitability, offering a promising outlook for the future.
Single-Trip Multistage Proppant Fracturing System Reduces Operational Time and Cost to Enable Cost-Effective Production of Tight and Low-Permeability Reservoirs on the Norwegian Continental Shelf
Authors: Jøranson Håvard , Young Dustin , Koløy Tom Rune , Kennedy Neil , Tollefsen Trond , Berge-Skillingstad Marius , Letichevskii Alexander , Skrettingland Kjetil
Published: April 2024

As part of a strategic initiative to increase production from low-permeability mature assets on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, a single-trip, multistage proppant fracturing system was developed. A frac service tool assembly (STA) is deployed on a dedicated work string, and the fracs are pumped before installing the upper completion. With a new frac head concept, the system set a record for stage-to-stage frac time, achieving targets for reduced costs, operational time, and health, safety, and environmental (HSE) exposure.

Following several successful single-stage frac jobs in the field, a horizontal well was planned in the lower part of a low-permeability formation. A higher permeability formation at the top of the reservoir would be drained through multiple transverse fractures. An uncemented liner with frac sleeves and open-hole packers was designed for the completion. Detailed pre-job meetings were held with all involved parties to establish the requirements for the multistage frac system and fracturing program and to build procedures and contingencies for various stages of the operation.

The well was completed and stimulated in autumn 2022, with three proppant fracs placed in a single trip. The three stages were pumped as per the frac program. The under displaced slurry volume was reversed out before moving to the next zone. After stimulation, the upper completion was installed, and a wireline tractor was used to shift open the frac sleeves in a single trip. The new frac head stand was rigged-up and down in only 30 minutes, compared to 10 hours with a conventional frac head design. This greatly reduced time between stages and working at height and in the red zone. In addition, there were fewer potential leak paths, reducing the potential for downtime. The well was a successful proof of concept for stage efficiency, exceeding the target of performing two frac stages within a 24-hour period. Further efficiency gains could see stage time reduced to achieve up to four stages within a 24-hour period. A new well with seven stages is planned to be drilled and completed in the summer of 2024 using the same concept.

This paper presents the successful use of a newly developed single-trip multi-frac system. The system demonstrated a proof of concept for the further development of tight and low-permeability mature assets. Several new wells, including subsea wells, are expected to use this technology.
Qualification Approach of OCTG Connections for CCS Injection Wells Tubing and Casing
Authors: Mauger Pierre , Khoo Shaun , Bochkarev Vladimir , Martin Pierre , Rodriguez-Barrera Diana , Poitrenaud Hugues , Sofyan Muhammad
Published: April 2024

Carbon capture and storage is seen as a key solution to engage in the global energy transition, however the operating conditions of the CO2 injection wells brings new challenges to connections for tubing string such as extreme low temperatures (-78°C), quick variations of temperature as well as transient phase of the CO2 that may affect connections integrity, end-finish and lubricants used. Such conditions are not limited to tubing string but also reach casing string due to radial thermal propagation in the well. This may induce low temperature on casing string and freezing of the completion fluid inducing high pressure variation: internal pressure on casing and external pressure on tubing. The current paper describes a study of the thermal gradient that may occurs for different life scenario and present test protocols which focus on CCS specificity for both casing and tubing to efficiently assess OCTG premium connections.

A numerical simulation is primarily used to understand the impact of quick drop of temperature, due to the Joule-Thomson and phase changes effects during depressurization, on the connection integrity and sealability. To correlate this simulation, the tubing connection is submitted to a dedicated test protocol relevant to CO2 injection conditions which consider high number of pressure and temperature cycling, thermal shock and sealability with thermal gradient between Pin and Box. Latest work and simulations allow us to assess the radial heat transfer and estimate the casing temperature at different depth of the well. Based on these, a specific test protocol to assess premium connection on bigger diameter, used for casing string and demonstrate their suitability for CCS wells is proposed.

Thanks to numerical simulation and research collaboration, a complementary test protocol for casing was build and allow to fully cover CCS specific load cases. Tubing and casing test protocols both allow to guarantee the integrity and sealability of premium OCTG connections with a relevant process.

The combination of numerical simulation, material study, and dedicated test protocol allow to build a complete qualification approach and support to operators when designing future CCS well.
Influence of Soil Backflow and Punch-Through Phenomenon on Spudcan Penetration in Two-Layer Soil Formations
Authors: Radwan Ahmed Ma. , El-Araby Ibrahim A.
Published: April 2024

This study seeks to investigate the influence of backflow soil and punch-through phenomena on the bearing resistance profile of the Spudcan penetration. These factors have the potential to induce abrupt failures in jack-up barges during both installation and operation phases. A recently developed finite element technique called the Press Replace Technique (PRT) is being used to study this problem. The PRT has proven to be one of the most efficient techniques for assessing the stability of a Jack-up barge under the design vertical loads during installation and operation. This method ensures a satisfactory bearing capacity, an adequate embedded depth of a Spudcan foundation, and, consequently, a stable installation of a Jack-up barge. The study shows the main criteria and the basic assumptions to be considered in the finite element analysis using the PRT, including the modelling technique of the backflow phenomenon in case the surface layer is a clay soil. The study primarily focuses on double-layer soil conditions, particularly, the condition of stiff clay over soft clay and the condition of stiff clay over loose sand conditions, where Punch-Through of a Spudcan is more likely to occur. A practical case study analyzes a scenario where the Spudcan penetrates through a thick surface layer of soft clay over a layer of sand. The findings underscore the necessity of incorporating the backflow phenomenon in the numerical analysis, particularly in relation to the occurrence of punch-through. Furthermore, when considering double-layer with a surface clay layer, the results indicate that the bearing resistance of the surface layer is predominantly influenced by the type and thickness of the soil layer underneath.
Challenges and Approaches to Solutions for Green Decommissioning and Recycling of Offshore Facilities
Authors: Machado Carlos Alberto , Feijo Luiz , Igbadumhe Jane-Frances , Carreira Thais
Published: April 2024

The oil and gas industry is facing significant challenges with aging offshore units approaching the end of their service life. At this point, life extension or decommissioning becomes a strategically important decision. For the decommissioning pathway, in addition to safety concerns and financial impacts, the industry needs to perform their dismantling and recycling in a sustainable manner. Decommissioning and recycling projects involve aspects such as safety, environmental, regulatory, legal, and financial, all with complex interfaces and different risk levels. Effective planning is essential to enable the achievement of green recycling, targeting zero pollution and an accident-free environment. With the recent ratification of the Hong Kong Convention for ship recycling, increased attention from stakeholders will be given to the sustainable development goals ahead of the June 2025 effective date. Key steps followed by the integrated management of the project from the end-of-life decision to final waste disposal certificate are essential and will be addressed in this paper. Recognizing that green decommissioning of large offshore facilities is a complex task and mostly an untested field, rather than proposing generic discussions of the challenges that might be faced during decommissioning projects, this paper introduces the main topics by leveraging the expertise of experienced professionals. This paper reviews the technical, operational, and regulatory aspects of complex decommissioning projects and presents an informed process to mitigate the associated risks, as well as efficient management to achieve safety and sustainable KPIs within budget and performance levels. Then, it identifies the main challenges for sustainable decommissioning and recycling of offshore facilities and addresses solutions to mitigate them. Then best practices are proposed to manage the risks to successful completion in a safe manner and achievement of the important goal of a sustainable decommissioning and recycling process. The paper also discusses the main steps in executing a successful decommissioning and recycling project, covering identification of key drivers, efficient planning, and project strategies to mitigate risks.
Horizontal Direction Drill (HDD) 2km Trinidad East Coast (Onshore to Nearshore)
Authors: Rampersad George
Published: April 2024

This Paper explores the challenges faced and solutions implemented during the execution of the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Shore Crossing subset scope of the Trinidad Offshore Pipeline Replacement Project. The HDD length spanned approximately 2 km from Onshore Galeota to Nearshore Galeota, Trinidad. The chosen project location, connecting the offshore segment of the pipeline to the onshore Galeota Terminal in Trinidad, presented unique challenges that required innovative solutions. The project encountered several obstacles during execution, including the COVID-19 pandemic on offshore operations making it challenging to conduct key geotechnical surveys and mobilize assets. This resulted in the project making critical decisions on route selection, drill tooling selection, fluid properties and coating selection using geotechnical data from previous HDD projects completed close to Galeota Trinidad, without samplings from the actual proposed location.
Wells Efficiency Program - Early Conception and Technology Incorporation for Buzios Field Wells Campaign
Authors: Diab Alexandre José , de Souza Ana Paula M. , dos Santos Anderson R. , Castilho Carlos Alexandre B. , Coccoli Flávio C. , e Silva Jayme Eduardo M. , Abdu João Paulo S. , Leite Julio Cesar C. , Tolfo Marcos C. , Santos Rodrigo O. , Silva Tiago S.
Published: April 2024

This paper outlines a strategic approach to early-stage well configuration design, incorporating cutting-edge technologies to maximize value throughout Buzios Field wells campaign, with a target of 30% cost reduction with a strong emphasis on enhancing well safety, reliability, and cost efficiency, this process, named SELEPOQO, was initiated during Project Phase 1 (Opportunity Identification). SELEPOQO efficiently identifies optimal well configurations from a range of technologically mature options, aligning with production timelines to ensure maximum field value.

Our approach for the proposed paper involves a comprehensive review of the "Enhancing Well Efficiency " program within the context of the Buzios oil field development. We'll focus on detailing the key methodologies employed to incorporate innovative technologies. We'll analyze the achieved milestones, presenting both qualitative and quantitative results to demonstrate the program's impact on reducing well construction costs and improving equipment reliability. Additionally, we'll discuss the broader implications of the program for Petrobras, the oil industry, and future offshore well construction projects.

The results of the paper highlight the remarkable achievements of the "Enhancing Well Efficiency " Program in the development of the Buzios oil field. The program successfully incorporated cutting-edge technologies, resulting in a substantial reduction of well construction costs, in line with the ambitious 30% target. Equipment reliability improved significantly, leading to more efficient reservoir management, and positioning Petrobras as a leader in offshore well construction. The observations reveal that the early integration of technology selection, thorough planning, and collaboration with research centers enabled Petrobras to address challenges and expedite the implementation of innovative solutions. The results illuminate the importance of efficient processes in the adoption of technology, providing valuable insights for organizations seeking to expedite their technological integration efforts. The conclusions drawn from this study underscore the importance of proactive planning and technology integration in complex deepwater projects. The Enhancing Well Efficiency program model, with its focus on cost reduction and enhanced reliability, has set a benchmark for the industry, demonstrating the feasibility of early-stage technology adoption, even in challenging environments. This initiative not only strengthens Petrobras' competitive position but also underscores the significance of continuous innovation in optimizing project economics and ensuring sustainable operations in the oil and gas sector.
Application of Artificial Intelligence in Predicting Cement Thickening Time
Authors: Shamsan Abdulmalek. , Jimenez Walmy Cuello , Jandhyala Siva Rama Krishna
Published: April 2024

Cementing operations consists of placing cement slurries between casing-casing and casing-formation to achieve multiple objectives including zonal isolation, corrosion resistance, isolation of water bearing formations, etc. Cement slurries are tailored in the laboratory environment simulating downhole conditions to achieve the required placement times (i.e. thickening time) for the slurry to remain in a liquid state during pumping. This study presents an artificial intelligence model developed to predict the cement slurries thickening time based on historical experimental data, along with the ability of the model to continue learning based on the flow of output results.

Collected data sets of different input parameters were gathered and studied to estimate cement thickening time. Based on statistical analysis, only five inputs (Pressure (psi), measured depth (ft),bottom hole circulating temperature (°F), retarder additive concentration (%), and slurry density (ppg)) had a positive impact on the correlation coefficients between the inputs and target properties. A model was developed using Python programming language to predict the thickening time. The data was fed into the model to train and test the input factors impacting the target property using a neural network method.

The model expressed an integrated relationship between the training and validation data which resulted in an optimum learning performance revealed by a loss function plot. As a result, the scatter plot for prediction vs actual has illustrated the prediction of the thickening time with an average accuracy of 83% confirmed by the model box plot. The model validation consisted of employing a set of data to predict the thickening time for more than 11 slurries with an average absolute error of 6%.

Model implementation indicated that over 200 hours per month were saved due to reduced number of thickening time test iterations required to be run before executing the job which positively impacting operational efficiencies associated with cost, resource allocation, and investigation assessment. The outcome results from this model and the process used herein could be scaled up to consider other properties, i.e. ultra-sonic cement analyzer UCA, fluid loss, free fluid, etc.
Interpretation of Pressure Transient Measurements in Realistic Geological Models Using Bayesian Inversion and Surrogate Modeling
Authors: Jiang Lei , Kristensen Morten , Rajan Santa Kumar Teaga , Motaei Eghbal , Prioul Romain , Daungkaew Saifon , Dubost Francois-Xavier
Published: April 2024

Deep transient pressure testing, using a state-of-the-art formation testing platform, allows deeper investigation into a subsurface formation compared to previous wireline-conveyed testing techniques. Given the associated interaction of the pressure with more varied geological features, numerical reservoir models and simulations are generally required to capture the reservoir or formation heterogeneity that may be encountered during a test. However, the long computation time of such numerical simulation poses challenges for some critical interpretation tasks, such as model inversion.

We propose a novel method for the parameter estimation in geologically complex reservoirs by conducting Bayesian inversion with surrogate models. To account for the geology complexity, we utilize surrogate models constructed through the polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) method, to substitute for the numerical simulators. It allows simulating the pressure response in a timely manner while at the same time providing global sensitivity analysis for each uncertain parameter in the model. The Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method is then employed with the surrogate models for conducting the Bayesian inversion with pressure transient measurements.

We analyze the properties of PCE surrogate models and demonstrate that, for typical pressure transient interpretation tasks, sufficiently accurate surrogates can be constructed from an ensemble of 200 to 500 numerical model evaluations. These evaluations are performed concurrently in a cloud-based environment thus reducing the time-cost for surrogate model training to less than an hour. We then perform the Bayesian inversion on the pressure measurements and effectively characterize the model parameters with their associated uncertainties via the posterior distributions. The problem of MCMC inversion is solved in a few minutes using the surrogate models.

Through our studies, we demonstrate that the adoption of surrogate models considerably reduces the computation time required, allowing the Bayesian inversion to be completed within minutes, which was unachievable with the numerical simulators. Furthermore, this new method offers accurate parameter estimations and provides posterior distributions of uncertain parameters, as well as unveiling correlations among the parameters for the interpretation of measurement. These capabilities were lacking in the current inversion process utilizing numerical simulators. Finally, the new method lends itself well to workflow automation for history matching, thus reducing the workload on petrotechnical experts and addressing today's imperatives of faster and more cost-efficient field development.
Novel Machine Learning Approach for Predicting the Gel Strength of the Drilling Fluid While Drilling
Authors: Gowida Ahmed , Elkatatny Salaheldin
Published: April 2024

Accurately estimating gel strength is paramount for optimizing drilling operations and preventing cuttings from settling at the wellbore's bottom. Traditional methods rely on rotational viscometers, which are time-intensive, equipment-dependent, and lack real-time monitoring capabilities. This study investigates the use of machine learning (ML) techniques to forecast drilling fluid gel strength. A dataset comprising surface drilling parameters and laboratory gel strength measurements was gathered to construct ML models. Selected drilling parameters, such as mud weight and Marsh funnel viscosity, were chosen as model inputs due to their accessibility and cost-effectiveness during drilling. A neural network-based model was trained and assessed using statistical measures like R-squared and average absolute error (AAPE). Results showcased neural networks' ability to predict gel strength accurately, achieving an AAPE below 6.76%. Model validation using an unseen dataset demonstrated close alignment with actual gel strength values, boasting a prediction accuracy surpassing 93% and a low AAPE of 7.21%. Statistical scrutiny affirmed the reliability of the developed neural networks model for real-time gel strength forecasting. This study underscores the feasibility of leveraging machine learning as a practical tool for predicting drilling fluid gel strength, offering real-time monitoring and precise predictions to enhance drilling efficiency, safety, and automation initiatives.
Lufeng 22-1 Oil Field Redevelopment - Witness the Subsea Technology Evolution
Authors: Gao Shuang , Li Xiang , Chen Xiaoyan , Dong Hongkun , Steinnes Erling , Xiao Xiaolong
Published: April 2024

The Lufeng 22-1 oil field is in the South China Sea, at a water depth of approximately 330 m. It was first developed with a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit, subsea wells, and the first electrical submersible pump in the industry, moving subsea processing a giant step forward. After producing for 12 years, it became China’s first abandoned offshore field.

Recently, the field had its first oil for the second time, when the owner re-developed the same field using a different concept with a 19-km subsea tieback and new subsea boosting technology. In combination with an offshore platform, it enabled the economic development of the area for marginal fields.

The paper begins with a discussion of the development challenges of this field, and provides a holistic review of different development options, including a standalone development vs. a tieback development. It was pioneering act to adopt the first subsea boosting system, which has advanced significantly over the last two decades. In the past, the field was initially developed using five subsea pumps, with one for each subsea well. However, as a result of significant technological advances and maturation in the years since, it was more recently redeveloped using a single pump to process all flows. The comparison of the two development concepts allows for a rare opportunity to assess the impact of the technology advancement over time. The values brought by the technology are analyzed from both technical and operational point of view.

The re-adoption of the subsea boosting technology with a subsea tieback is of great significance to the offshore field development in China, where many marginal fields and long tieback fields can be enabled.
Prediction of Pile Run During Pile Driving - Analytical Model and Field Observations
Authors: Thijssen R. , Roelen S.
Published: April 2024

In offshore construction, geotechnical risk assessment of pile installation during the preparatory phase is of major importance. Pile driveability analyses are part of these preparations and provide, primarily, insights into the relation between hammer blow count, driving stresses, and the static soil resistance during driving (SRD). In case the total weight of the "pile driving system" (i.e. the combination of pile, follower and hammer) exceeds the SRD, a phenomenon referred to as "pile run" or "drop fall" might occur. Usually, at this point in wave equation analysis software, no hammer blow count is calculated until a depth is found where the SRD increases sufficiently to support the weight of the pile driving system again. For many (offshore) projects, with ever increasing weight of piles and hammers, the consequences of pile run to equipment and foundations could be significant. Moreover, once offshore, options for mitigation are limited or are met with high costs and/or significant delays. This paper elaborates on a model that was developed to predict the extent of pile run and velocity of pile and hammer during a drop fall. The model includes an approach that allows for assessment of effects from liquefaction during high velocity pile runs. A correction for strain rate dependent shear strength is also included. The model was validated by means of field observations of multiple controlled pile run events during construction of an offshore wind farm. More recently, pile run field observations from a monopile installation project became available to the authors, for which the model also proved satisfactory. The observed and analyzed pile run for this specific case is also reported. Use of the model provides insight into the extent of pile run and could provide a basis for assessment of mitigating measures. Sensitivity analyses were performed to determine which model parameters are key and what uncertainty bandwidth in pile run predictions should be taken into account.
Mineral Sulfite Scale Issues: Water Compatibility and Mitigation Assessment
Authors: Brenas T. , Vincent A.-L. , Lesage N.
Published: April 2024

This paper aims to study the compatibility of two mineral waters (containing sulfites and calcium) likely to produce large quantity of sulfites scale if they are mixed. This scale formation impacts the production facilities and is hardly recoverable. Consequently, this work is assessing the scale risks simulation and simple laboratory tests. The results of both methods show very high risks of precipitation likely to disturb process operations. The scale quantity is also very sensitive to pH modification.

Then, three different scale mitigations solutions were evaluated to prevent any deposit formation by working either on the sulfites of the first water or on the cations of the second one. These measures are: The formation water divalent cations sequestration thanks to Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as complexing agent.The early precipitation of sulfites thanks to CaCl2 or CaCO3 addition.The chemical scale mitigation by antiscalant injection.

The injection of scale inhibitors did not show any efficiency whatever the scale inhibitor and the concentration (30, 60 and 120 ppm) for process water at pH = 8 and 12. The sequestration requires a high amount of EDTA (5.9 g EDTA/g divalent cations) to be fully effective due to stochiometric conditions necessity. The early precipitation with 120 g.L-1 of CaCl2 remains the most effective solution and enables the easy separation of sulfites salts by physical methods such as settling. The most promising solution consists in a mix of early precipitation, acidification and scale inhibitor addition.
Could One Size Fit Most? A Right Sized Vessel for DSM Exploration in Remote Regions
Authors: Smit H. , Meyer L , van Eck G
Published: April 2024

The Cook Islands (CI) possesses within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) a massive field of polymetallic nodules representing one of the world’s largest undeveloped cobalt deposits, along with large quantities of other metals critical to achieving global energy transition targets. In February of 2022 the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) of the CI granted Moana Minerals a license to conduct our nodule exploration program. This paper describes how Moana Minerals chose to approach conducting exploration activities, one of the greatest challenges to Deep Sea Mining (DSM) development and the securing of the social license to advance to eventual mining of the resources, in an unconventional manner.

The remote location of the project poses logistical challenges in mobilizing to and operating in the region and is a significant cost driver. Historically, exploration campaigns mobilized large vessels from mainland Europe, the Americas, and Asia as this model works well when contemplating long duration and widely temporally spaced campaigns without the need to revisit. Moana Minerals, when considering these challenges determined a multi-year deep sea mining (DSM) exploration program conducted in such a remote location can be better optimized by the deployment of a smaller yet highly capable "exploration optimized" vessel that is dedicated to the task and is based full time in the Cook Islands.
Atti Sociali
Authors: (SEI) Società Entomologica Italiana
Published: April 2024

Atti Sociali
Acceptance to take COVID-19 vaccine and its relation to COVID-19 infection
Authors: Elsehrawy Mohamed Gamal
Published: April 2024

One of the biggest global health threats is vaccine hesitancy and it remains a global issue. The speed at which vaccines are developed and media misinformation contribute to vaccine reluctance. This study examined the relationship between vaccine acceptance and COVID-19 infection. A cross-sectional study was used with a sample of 1388 subjects including students and academic staff. Data were collected using the self-administered COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Behavior questionnaire, which has nine dimensions and 42 items and asks about COVID-19 infection frequency and timing. The mean COVID-19 vaccine behavior scores of hesitant subjects were low. Low trust in COVID-19 vaccines (25.4%) was the main reason for hesitancy. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is positively correlated with increased infection rates (P≤0.001). Acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine can reduce infection rates, protect vulnerable populations, and aid public health efforts to control the virus.
Exploring factors influencing the health-related quality of life of tuberculosis patients: a WHOQOL-BREF-based study
Authors: Kodical Surabhi Panduranga , Roy Rishabh , Shetty Deekshitha , UP Nandakumar , V Rajesh , Chand Sharad , Kolar Reshma , Jain Praneetha
Published: April 2024

As a chronic illness, tuberculosis is known to negatively affect patients' day-to-day functioning. Therefore, evaluating all aspects of their health is imperative to improve their quality of life. The current study was conducted to assess the quality of life of patients receiving tuberculosis therapy and to identify the associated risk factors. A prospective, cross-sectional study of six months was planned and conducted in 66 Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected patients who justified the pre-defined inclusion criteria. All pertinent data about the patients were collected in a precisely created data collection form. Further, the brief version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to evaluate the patients’ quality of life. Of the 66 patients who were enrolled, 42 (63.6%) were male, and 14 (21.2%) belonged to the age group of 61-70 years. The domains of physical, psychological, social relationships, and environment had mean scores of 46.76±20.15 standard deviation (SD), 55.02±16.12 SD, 54.83±13.91 SD, and 64.92±14.59 SD, respectively. All four quality-of-life domains were found to have statistically significant associations with a variety of sociodemographic and treatment-related variables. This study gives healthcare practitioners an insight into the need to evaluate patients' health-related quality of life, particularly for individuals with chronic illnesses.
LYMPHOCYTES IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC ACTIVE EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS INFECTION EXHIBITED ELEVATED PD-1/PD-L1 EXPRESSION AND A PREVAILING TH2 IMMUNE RESPONSE.
Authors: Sun Kang
Published: April 2024

Background And Objectives: Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV) is a lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by the increased numbers of EBV-infected T/natural killer (NK) cells and ongoing symptoms resembling infectious mononucleosis. Nonetheless, the exact correlation between peripheral lymphocyte subsets and the development of CAEBV remains uncertain. Methods: Consequently, we examined the levels of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, the status of EBV infection, and the frequencies of peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations in 24 patients with CAEBV and 15 EBV-seronegative donors using flow cytometry.
Results: Patients with CAEBV showed a notable rise in the expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 in peripheral T and NK cells compared to healthy donors (P < 0.05). The induction of PD-L1 expression was attributed to EBV infection. Moreover, most of the T cells infected with EBV displayed a memory phenotype characterized by the presence of CD45RO+. Additionally, patients with CAEBV showed markedly decreased frequency of helper T cells 1 (Th1) and naïve T (Tn) cells, and significantly elevated frequency of Th2 and effector-memory T (Tem) cells.
Conclusions: To summarize, EBV might evade the immune system by inducing PD-1/PD-L1 expression in peripheral T and NK cells, and promoting Th2 immune response dominance. Additionally, it may establish long-term persistence by infecting memory T cells in CAEBV.
Aspekte van plaaslike en streekgeskiedenis: Teorie en praktyk
Authors: Eloff C.C.
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
Some reflections on the history of Port Alfred in the aftermath of World War II
Authors: Hummel Chris
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
Bethelsdorp,1828-1945: Van Sendingstasie tot Stadsperiferie
Authors: Baines Gary
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
Merchants, Commissioners and Wardmasters: Municipal and Colonial Politics in Cape Town, 1840-1845
Authors: Coetzee E.R.
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
Women like meat: The folklore and foraging ideology of the Kalahari Ju/hoan
Authors: WiImsen Edwin N.
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
Mostert’s Mill – An Eighteenth Century Cape Windmill
Authors: Walton James
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
The White Death. Silicosison the Witwatersrand Gold Mines 1886-1910
Authors: Van Aswegen H.J.
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
South Africa in World War II: A Pictorial History
Authors: Viljoen Russel
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
Kirstenbosch: The final victory of botanical nationalism
Authors: McCracken Donal P.
Published: April 2024

No abstract available.
A Rare Case of Bilobed Gallbladder with Two Cystic Ducts
Authors: Sharma Piyush , Prakash Ved , Chaudhary Bhanoo
Published: April 2024

Bilobed or duplicate gallbladders are the rare anomalies of the biliary system occurring between the 5th and 6th weeks of embryonic life, of which Type 2 ductular variant is the commonest. Patients may be asymptomatic or symptomatic, with majority of the cases being detected intraoperatively or during re-operation. Once suspected a detailed preoperative evaluation is a must to avoid both intraoperative and postoperative complications. We report a case of a 34-year-old female who presented with acute onset of abdominal pain and was detected with symptomatic bilobed gallbladder (H Type) with cholelithiasis, with a resolution of symptoms after a successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The case emphasizes the importance of detailed preoperative evaluation in the form of ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography to be considered during the management of biliary pathologies to avoid any intra- and post-operative complications.
Enhancement of Health-related Quality of Life among School-going Adolescent Girls with Improvement in Menstrual Hygiene Knowledge and Practices
Authors: Goyal Akanksha , Agarwal Sunita
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim:

In India, among adolescent girls, the problem associated with menstrual hygiene management (MHM) has a deep impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Improvement in knowledge and menstrual hygiene practices may lead to enhancement in HRQoL. Therefore, the aim of the study was to enhance the HRQoL of adolescent school girls by improvement in menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices.

Materials and Methods:

The present study was an interventional, cross-sectional, questionnaire study conducted among adolescent school-going girls. The study was conducted among randomly selected five government secondary schools in Ajmer city and was conducted among adolescent girls of 7th–10th Class with the age group of 14–16 years. A total of 538 adolescent girls were surveyed in the pretest, and 503 was the sample size in the posttest with an attrition of 6.5%. Moreover, after the pretest, a workshop was conducted to educate adolescent girls about MHM.

Results:

A majority of the study participants (328 [61%]) had poor HRQoL after the pretest, which was improved to 195 (39%) of the study participants with good HRQoL after 3 months of the workshop during the posttest. The mean general health scores ([15.35 ± 0.38]) after 3 months of the workshop were significantly (P = 0.01*) higher among the study participants compared to the pretest scores ([10.93 ± 1.63]).

Conclusion:

From the above results, it has been concluded that there has been a significant improvement in knowledge, practice, and HRQoL among adolescent school-going girls of age 14–16 years when assessed after 3 months of the workshop on MHM.
Dietary Iodine Intake and Pattern of Thyroid Disorders among the Ethnic Population of Eastern Himalayan Ranges of India
Authors: Sonowal Trisha , Sarmah Jatin , Sarma Paresh Kumar
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim:

In the present study, dietary iodine intake and thyroid functioning were assessed among the ethnic adolescent group of Eastern Himalayan range with the hypothesis that insufficient iodine intake negatively affects normal thyroid functions. The aim of the study was to see the prevalence and relation between iodine deficiency and thyroid functioning.

Materials and Methods:

It is a hospital-based study conducted in the health care facilities of Dima Hasao district, Assam, from April 2021 to March 2022. The study included 821 subjects including both male and female of adolescent age group (10–19 years). The thyroid profiling, anti-Thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO Ab), and urinary iodine content (UIC) were carried out. Thyroid hormone analysis was carried out by chemiluminescence assay. The anti-TPO Ab was determined using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. The dietary iodine intake was measured on the basis of UIC and was determined by arsenic cerium catalytic spectrophotometry method by the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction.

Results:

The prevalence of thyroid disorder among the studied population was found to be 13.8%. Among different conditions of thyroid disorders, hypothyroidism was present in 10.6% and hyperthyroidism in 3.13%. 4.18% had elevated anti-TPO Ab. Among the euthyroid subjects with different thyroid disorders, 1.48% and 21% had anti-TPO Ab positivity, respectively. The median UIC was 99.97 µg/l. 25.78% of the population had iodine deficiency. Thyroid disorders were common in subjects with iodine deficiency (61.34%) than iodine sufficient subjects (20%).

Conclusion:

The work was an attempt to demonstrate how the dietary iodine intake influences thyroid functioning among the adolescent ethnic population of Eastern Himalayas which is manifested as high prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism with iodine deficiency. The work underscores region specific recommendation on iodine supplementation for populations living in geographically remote locations.
Synchronous dual haematological malignancies – Multiple myeloma and low-grade B-cell lymphoma – A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Moule Priyanka , Langer Sabina , Kotwal Jyoti , Gupta Deepika , Agarwal Chetan , Gupta Nitin
Published: April 2024

Synchronous diagnosis of two different haematological malignancies of a non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma (MM) is very rare. We report the case of the coexistence of low-grade B-cell lymphoma and MM. The patient was a 79-year-old male who presented with severe transfusion-dependent anaemia and had all CRAB features. Bone marrow flow cytometry revealed lymphocytes and plasma cells which both expressed different light chain restrictions with B-cell showing kappa light chain and plasma cells showing lambda light chain. Serum protein electrophoresis revealed an immunoglobulin G lambda band of 1.42 g/dl. The patient was evaluated extensively to rule out lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and other plasmacytic lymphomas with positron emission tomography-computed tomography and molecular workup. He was started on therapy with bortezomib–dexamethasone–rituximab. The patient unfortunately expired due to sepsis. The treatment of such an unusual presentation remains difficult. Few case reports of MM with synchronous non-Hodgkins lymphoma are present. We present this case due to the rarity of such a presentation.
Knowledge and practices among nurses and laboratory technicians towards biomedical waste management
Authors: Chitroda Sonal Mayur , Purohit Drashti
Published: April 2024

Background:

Unmanaged sanatorium waste carries a severe threat of nosocomial infections, which are contagious. Improper disposal of biomedical waste poses a significant environmental and health threat to healthcare facilities, staff and communities, highlighting the growing challenges of managing this waste.

Aims and Objectives:

The study was aimed at evaluating the adequacy of knowledge and practice concerning biomedical waste management amongst nurses and laboratory technicians.

Materials and Methods:

It was a cross-sectional study involving 101 participants, including 50 nurses and 51 laboratory technicians, from June 2022 to 2023, using a validated self-administered Google Form questionnaire. The study used the Chi-square approach to conduct intergroup comparisons amongst nurses and laboratory technicians.

Results:

Statistically significant P values were found for age, sex, qualification and years of experience in a survey, with the highest qualification being postgraduation (46.5%). However, 45.5% had <1 year of experience, indicating a diverse demographic distribution.

Conclusions:

Continuous learning and professional development are crucial in healthcare, with tailored interventions addressing knowledge gaps and waste management guidelines, ensuring successful implementation and accessibility for a diverse workforce.
Rehabilitation of a breast carcinoma survivor
Authors: Zaidi Sahar , Hussain Showket , Bhati Pooja , Sundus Habiba
Published: April 2024

A 37-year-old breast cancer survivor who had undergone primary treatment consisting of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy 5 years ago was recruited for the study. The patient was given a multicomponent exercise programme comprising aerobic, resistance and flexibility exercises for 12 weeks (three times per week). Sleep quality, muscle strength, functional capacity, the severity of oedema, pain and subjective fatigue were measured before and after the completion of the exercise programme. Considerable improvements in sleep quality (50%), fatigue (28%) and quality of life (172%), as well as slight improvements in muscle strength, oedema and functional capacity, were observed after 12 weeks of the multimodal exercise intervention. The multicomponent intervention was found to be effective in improving various physiological aspects associated with breast cancer survivors after the completion of primary treatment. However, in the future, there will be a strong need for adequately sampled, randomised and controlled trials to validate current findings.
Orbital cellulitis with pan-ophthalmitis post conjunctivitis in the recent epidemic
Authors: Barwar Gulshan , Kaul Akshita
Published: April 2024

A 20 years old male presented with severe pain, redness and watering since 4 days. Patients’ family members including mother, father and brother have conjunctivitis and are under treatment for the same. Patient had similar complaints as the rest of the family members initially, followed by sudden loss of vision and aggravation of symptoms within last 2 days. On clinical examination, patient had developed Orbital cellulitis with pan-ophthalmitis post conjunctivitis.
A rare case of bilateral keratoconus and granular corneal dystrophy managed with contact lens
Authors: Dutta Ronit , Agarwal Mamta , Subramanian Madhumathi , Subramanian Karpagavalli
Published: April 2024

Keratoconus (KC) is a bilateral, non-inflammatory, progressive thinning disorder of the cornea that results in high irregular astigmatism, distortion, and poor vision. Granular corneal dystrophy (GCD) is an autosomal dominant stromal dystrophy with onset in childhood that involves the entire cornea. KC associated with GCD is a rare combination that could occur due to abnormal synthetic activity of keratocytes and degeneration of defective basal epithelial cells. This case report shows the management of KC associated with GCD – an uncommon condition.
The role of AS-OCT in the diagnoses and treatment of retained Descemet’s membrane–endothelial layer complex after penetrating re-keratoplasty. A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Scotti Giacomo , Palumbo Francesca , La Tegola Maria Gabriella , Cardascia Nicola , Sborgia Alessandra , Alessio Giovanni
Published: April 2024

To report the successful management of a retained Descemet’s membrane–endothelial layer complex (DM-ELC) after penetrating re-keratoplasty in a patient with history of keratoconus and trabeculectomy. Femto-laser was used to cut both the host and the donor tissues. On postoperative day 1, a weak corneal suture and an endothelial detachment were detected. Rebubbling and substitution of the weak suture were performed. The persistence of the membrane the day after with a clear lenticule led to the diagnosis of retained DM-ELC. Intraoperative OCT, trypan blue staining, and shifting bubble technique were used for the surgical removal of the supernumerary membrane.