bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel IoT-Based Method for Real-Time Detection of Spontaneous Leaks in Pipelines, Gathering Systems, and Offshore Risers
Authors: Grimes Matthew , Rensburg Nico Van , Mitchell Stuart
Published: December 2021

This paper presents on a non-invasive, IoT-based method for rapidly determining the presence and location of spontaneous leaks in pressurized lines transporting any type of product (e.g., oil, gas, water, etc.). Specific applications include long-distance transmission lines, gathering networks at well sites, and offshore production risers. The methodology combines proven negative pressure wave (NPW) sensing with advanced signal processing to minimize false positives and accurately identify the presence of small spontaneous leaks within seconds of their occurrence. In the case of long-distance transmission pipelines, the location of the leak can be localized to within 20-50 feet. The solution was commercialized in 2020 and has undergone extensive testing to verify its capabilities. It is currently in use by several operators, both onshore and offshore.
Integration Success Story in Shilaif Shale Oil from Vertical Pilot to Horizontal
Authors: Alharthi Amena Dhawi , Van Laer Pierre , Brooks Trevor , Goiran Pierre Olivier , Baig Muhammad Zeeshan , Lazreq Nabila , Abdelhalim Hamza , Al Marzooqi Hassan , Coscia Marco
Published: December 2021

The development of unconventional target in the Shilaif formation is in line with the Unconventional objective towards adding to ADNOC reserves. For future optimization of development plans, it is of utmost importance to understand and test and therefore prove the productivity of the future Unconventional Horizontal Oil wells.

The Shilaif formation was deposited in a deeper water intrashelf basin with thicknesses varying from 600 to 800 ft from deep basin to slope respectively. The formation is subdivided into 3 main composite sequences each with separate source and clean tight carbonates. The well under consideration (Well A-V for the vertical pilot and Well A-H for the horizontal wellbore) was drilled on purpose in a deep synclinal area to access the best possible oil generation and maturity in these shale Oil plays.

Due to the stacked nature of these thick high-quality reservoirs, a pilot well is drilled to perform reservoir characterization and test hydrocarbon type and potential from each bench. Fracturing and testing are performed in each reservoir layer for the primary purpose to evaluate and collect key fracturing and reservoir parameter required to calibrate petrophysical and geomechanical model, landing target optimization and ultimately for the design of the development plan of this stacked play. Frac height, reservoir fluid composition and deliverability, pore pressure are among key data collected. The landing point selected based on the comprehensive unconventional core analysis integrated with petrophysical and geomechanical outcomes using post vertical frac and test results. Well A-H was drilled as a sidetrack from the pilot hole Well A-V. This lateral section was logged with LWD Triple Combo while Resistivity Image was acquired on WL. Based on the logging data the well stayed in the target Layer / formation, cutting analysis data for XRD and TOC was integrated with the petrophysical results in A-H well.

Production test results from subject were among the highest rate seen during exploration and appraisal of this unconventional oil plays and compete with the current commercial top tier analog unconventional oil plays. Achieving those results in such early exploration phases is huge milestone for ADNOC unconventional exploration journey in UAE and sign of promising future development.
Data-Driven Spatiotemporal Modeling of Reservoir Pressure Dynamics in a Giant Saturated Oil Field in Libya
Authors: Dwivedi Saumitra , Suzanne Guillaume , Algadban Abdulhakim , Hameed Ibrahim A.
Published: December 2021

This paper aims to explore modern techniques based on artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, in order to produce data-driven workflows to analyze, model, and simulate reservoir pressure dynamics. In this paper, it was investigated a data-driven workflow to model reservoir pressure at any point in space and time from sparse pressure data observed at wells, without building a physics-based numerical model. This workflow was termed as spatiotemporal modelling of reservoir pressure. Spatiotemporal modelling of reservoir pressure was based on a three-step workflow including multivariate analysis of pressure data and relevant explanatory variables (features), pressure modelling and spatiotemporal interpolation. The overall workflow provided a comprehensive method to understand and map the reservoir pressure dynamics using data science tools. Several modelling techniques such as generalized additive models, artificial neural networks and spatiotemporal kriging were investigated for their applicability and accuracy. The workflow was applied to a real oil and gas reservoir case, for which the reservoir pressure prediction accuracy was optimized through a few experiments. The optimum experiment produced highly accurate prediction with a mean absolute error of 26.85 psi measured on the training dataset. Moreover, a portion of data used was kept to evaluate blind test accuracy, which amounted to a mean absolute error of 55 psi, for the optimum case. The proposed data-driven workflow was aimed to improve current methods of reservoir engineering and simulation. The suggested workflow showed high accuracy in reservoir pressure predictions with high efficiency in terms of computational resources and time. Additionally, the proposed workflow was developed using open-source libraries which pose no additional cost to computation, in contrast to extremely expensive industry standard physics-based reservoir simulation software. Finally, this workflow could also be used to model other reservoir variables such as production ratios (Water cut, and Gas-Oil Ratio), contacts (Water-Oil contact and Gas-Oil contact), among others.
A Semi-Analytical Geomechanical Approach for Forecasting Production Performance in Multifractured Composite Systems
Authors: Lamidi Abdul-Latif Benson , Clarkson Christopher R.
Published: December 2021

Stress-dependence of reservoir matrix and fractures can strongly affect the performance of multifractured horizontal wells (MFHWs) completed in unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs. In order to model fluid flow in unconventional reservoirs exhibiting this stress-dependence, most traditional reservoir flow simulators, and many simulators described in published work, use conventional reservoir fluid flow model formulations. These formulations typically neglect the influence of the rate of change of volumetric strain of the reservoir matrix and fractures, even though reservoir stress and pressure change significantly during the course of production. As a result, the effect of matrix and fracture deformation on production is neglected, which can lead to errors in predicting production performance in most stress-sensitive reservoirs. To address this problem, some studies have proposed the use of porosity and transmissibility multipliers to model stress-sensitive reservoirs. However, in order to apply this approach, multipliers must be estimated from laboratory experiments, or used as a history-match parameter, possibly resulting in large errors in well performance predictions. Alternatively, fully-coupled, fully numerical geomechanical simulation can be performed, but these methods are computationally costly, and models are difficult to setup.

This paper presents a new fully-coupled, two-way analytical modeling approach that can be used to simulate fluid flow in stress-sensitive unconventional reservoirs produced through MFHWs. The model couples poroelastic geomechanics theory with fluid flow formulations. The two-way coupled fluid flow-geomechanical analytical model is applied simultaneously to both the matrix and fracture regions. In the proposed algorithm, a porosity-compressibility coupling parameter for the two physical models is setup to update the stress- and pressure-dependent fracture/matrix properties iteratively, which are later used as input data for the fracture-matrix reservoir fluid flow model at each iteration step.

The analytical approach developed for the fully-coupled, two-way analytical model, using the enhanced fracture region conceptual model, is validated by comparing the results with numerical simulation. Predictions using the fully-coupled enhanced fracture region model are then compared with the same enhanced fracture region model but with the conventional pressure-dependent modeling approach implemented. A sensitivity study performed by comparing the new fully-coupled model predictions with and without geomechanics effects accounted for reveals that, without geomechanics effects, production performance in stress-sensitive reservoirs might be overestimated. The study also demonstrates that use of the conventional stress-dependent modeling approach may cause production performance to be underestimated. Therefore, the proposed fully-coupled, two-way analytical model can be useful for practical engineering purposes.
Gas Wells with Carbon Steel Completion, Can it Handle Sour Gas Production, Case Study
Authors: Gadelhak Abdelrahman , Yugay Andrey , Pimenta Gervasio , Allah Bux Adeel , Baslaib Mohamed , Jaiyeola Abiodun , Pangesto Yohannes , Yassien Diaa , Al-Badi Mohamed , Ahmed Mubashir , Al-Mahri Noora , Reddy Rathnakar , Al-Eid Bashar , Kumar Niraj
Published: December 2021

Title

Gas wells with Carbon steel completion, Can it handle sour Gas production, Case Study.

Objective/Scope

It is a successful case of producing sour gas (up to 18% H2S and 9.2% CO2) since 2016 wells with carbon steel tubing with maintaining downhole chemical injection of corrosion inhibitor.

Methods, Procedures, Process

During 2014 a group of new wells has been drilled in X giant onshore gas reservoir under ADNOC onshore company operating area to maximize gas production and to meet production mandate. Majority of wells has been drilled within the North and peripheral Area of the reservoir. All wells has been completed with a standard completion with a Top completion (+/-7000 ft.) in carbon steel with downhole chemical injection valve, and a corrosion resistant alloy section below the CIV.

After wells commissioning, high H2S contents were observed (Up to 18%), and Management initially instructed operations to shut in 9 wells and formulated a task force to study the applicable options and analyze the data to ensure asset integrity.

The TF recommendation was to flow the wells with close monitoring of wells integrity, in particular annulus pressure

A comprehensive downhole exercise has been done by

Results/Observation/Conclusion

Carbon steel completion with downhole chemical injection is a validated completion solution for such conditions.

Novel/ Additive information

Clearly, case is as a solid reference for sour gas production using conventional completion, sustaining Long-term production is adding more weight to the case conclusion.
Integration of Concentrating Solar Heat into Oil and Gas Operations for Increased Sustainability
Authors: Carnelli Lino , Lazzari Carla , Passera Tamara , Sartori Chiara , Epoupa Mengou Joseph
Published: December 2021

According to Eni's mission to reach carbon neutrality in the countries where it operates, the development of renewable energy could be a key element in the company's strategy for evolving the business model towards a low carbon scenario. In this context, concentrating solar technology can provide a real solution in order to goal the carbon neutrality. Solar thermal energy could be an alternative source to the fossil fuel in industrial processes and also in the oil&gas sector, where the upstream operations (dewatering, stabilization, sweetening…) require substantial amounts of heat. Usually this heat is easily produced by combustion of natural gas available at the oil&gas site.

Concentrating Solar Heat (CSH) technology allows to produce process heat by using specific collectors that concentrate the solar radiation onto a receiver where a heat transfer fluid is heated at medium/high temperature. A thermal energy storage can be added to the solar field to increase the solar fraction and reducing so the CO2 emissions. The fraction of thermal energy not covered by the CSH plant can be provided by a fossil source that acts as a back-up.

With this in mind, a pre-feasibility study was carried out for the integration of a medium temperature(∼200-300°C) concentrating solar plant with or without a thermal storage system and a back-up gas heater in an oil&gas site located in North Africa. The solar heat partially replaces the duty necessary to the heat exchangers that heat the crude to guarantee the separation from water and best stabilization.

Reflective areas of the solar field and total occupancy, thermal energy production during the year, solar multiple and preliminary evaluations of cost of investment are presented. Obviously, the reduction of CO2 emission increases with the solar fraction but the competitiveness and cost-effectiveness of the integration strongly depend on the local cost of natural gas, the presence of government incentives, CO2 credit tax, etc. In any case the proposed solution represents an important step towards energy transition.
Advanced Remedial Hydraulic Isolation by Perforate and Wash Technique
Authors: Yugay Andrey , Daghmouni Hamdi Bouali , Nestyagin Andrey , Abdulsallam Fouad , Morales Annie , Salem Gamal Yousef , Al Ameri Saleh , Suleiman Ali Yahya , Kumar Sandip , McPherson Daniel , Kjonnerod Andre , Bakri Mousa , ElMobaddr Ali
Published: December 2021

Well Cementing can be divided into two phases – primary and remedial cementing. Primary cementing may have 3 functions: casing support, zonal isolation and casing protection against corrosion. First two functions are commonly recognized while the third one might be a point of discussion, as the full casing coverage with 100% clean cement is not something common in most of the fields. In fact, poorly cemented areas of the casing may become negatively charged and create a zones of accelerated corrosion rate.

This paper is about main role of cementing - zonal isolation. The process of primary cementing assumes that cement slurry is being pumped into the casing and displaced outside. After wait on cement time (WOC) it becomes hard, develops compressive strength and creates impermeable seal that ensures hydraulic isolation. Old and well-known technique, it still remains one of the most challenging rig operations. It is unlikely to find a service company that would guarantee 100% cement displacement behind the casing all the way from top to bottom. Main challenges in this region are quiet common for many other fields – displacement in deviated sections, losses before and during cementing, exposure to pressure during cement settling. In case the main target is not achieved (no hydraulic isolation behind the casing) – we may observe behind casing communications resulting in sustainable pressures in casing-casing annuluses. In this situation the remedial cementing takes place. It's function is to restore isolation so the cement can work as a barrier that seals off the pressure source. Despite of the good number of sealants available on the market (time, pressure, temperature activated) that can be injected from surface to cure this casing-casing pressure, Company prefers not to do so unless there is a proven injectivity capability that would allow for the sealant to reach deep enough, to protect aquifers in case of outer casing corrosion. Otherwise that would be just a ‘masking" the pressure at surface. Therefore in general Company prefers rig intervention to cure the pressure across the cap rock in between the aquifers and the reservoir. Those aquifers are illustrated on the Figure 1 below:

More details on Company casing design, cement evaluation issues, sustained casing pressure phenomena and challenges have been mentioned previously [Yugay, 2019].
Enhancing Gas Injection Compressors Performance by Lateral Thinking Resulting in 0.62 Million Barrels Oil Per Year Additional Production Capacity at Zero Cost
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Al Jneibi Abdulla Mohammed
Published: December 2021

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4.0) in Oil & Gas Industry creates a dynamic landscape where Operational Excellence (OE) strives for stability, quality, and efficiency while continuing to serve an increasingly demanding customer. Operational excellence is a journey, not a sole destination.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Onshore, one of the South East Fields, oil production capacity was constrained due to the limitation of associated gas handling capacity of the compressors. Gas flow towards the compressor was not steady due to natural flowing wells non-steady behavior and this disturbance cannot be removed from the system. The situation was quite complicated. In order to produce oil, associated gas must be handled to avoid flaring. It was more than a challenge to increase the compressors effective capacity without any hardware modification.

Since flaring is not permitted in ADNOC and running of huge capacity standby compressor was not economically viable, therefore, Field Operations by lateral thinking transformed this challenging situation into an opportunity and enhanced compressor effective capacity by expanding its operating envelope to handle additional gas.

One innovative solution proposed by Field Operations was to expand the pressure-operating envelope of the machine to withstand high pressures without tripping. The idea was to increase the machine throughput by elevating the machine high-pressure trip set point along with Pressure Safety Valve (PSV) set point elevation.

This submission shares success story of an oil field Operations in house efforts to enhance the gas injection compressor effective capacity by 600 MSCFD which subsequently increased the oil production capacity by 1700 bopd or 0.62 million barrels oil per year by Operational Excellence.

Operational Excellence played its role with a value improvement objective. Rather than replacing successful practices and programs, Operational Excellence knitted them into a larger, fully integrated tapestry woven to increase value produced within the overall business strategy which is very evident in this scenario.

This case study is blend of Operations Excellence and innovation representing Management support to employee to solve complex problems. Such support is always beneficial for the company and employee. Management of change process for followed to study, analyze and implement the idea.
Improving Re-Fracturing Efficiency and Performance Through Targeted Candidate Well Selection
Authors: MacDonald Michael , Tymons Tobben , Roberts Glyn , Lilly Todd
Published: December 2021

This paper details how the application of a combination of video-led multi-sensor technology and advanced 3D modelling can help select the best candidate wells for re-fracturing. By shifting focus towards the higher-potential re-frac candidates, operators can maximize return on investment in a multi-billion-dollar market.

Deployment of high resolution, high frame rate video and multi-sensor technology enables the selection and prioritization of high-potential candidate wells, through rigless intervention performed as part of the planning phase. Rigorous, perforation-level analysis of this acquired data enables ranking with respect to unstimulated reserves and hazards that may affect re-frac performance to identify the highest potential candidates upon which a bespoke re-frac design can be applied and executed. This engineering-led approach is only possible with up-front data and knowledge gathering, prior to commencing re-frac operations.

The result to the operator is higher yields in production gains for an optimized operating expenditure, with production rates potentially reaching or exceeding initial production values. This significantly reduces the time to pay-back the required operating expenditure and increases long-term profitability for the operator.

The paper will use real-world case studies to demonstrate how the application of quantified visual analysis, multi-sensor measurements and 3D modelling makes it possible to plan for the best candidate wells for re-fracturing, thus improving the probability of success and increased economic return. The following problem areas will be analyzed in detail:

Production Enhancement: Understanding initial frac performance and identifying under stimulated or unexploited reservoir zones. Effective Diversion: Identifying zones of over-stimulation in order to select appropriate diversion solutions to isolate these. Well integrity: 360-degree quantified visual inspection of barrier integrity and evaluation of the limits of operation of the pressure envelope. Wellbore Access: Identifying obstructions such as proppant flow-back or milling debris to assist with wellbore clean-up or quantifying casing deformation for optimization of the plug and perforation BHA design to ensure that target depths are reached. Refrac Optimization: Evaluation and performance benchmarking of refrac stage designs for optimization of fracture initiation and refrac operational costs.

The techniques described in this paper involves the application of the world's first array side-view camera combined with auxiliary services, and bespoke data analysis and visualization suite to deliver the results in an intuitive and interactive platform. Further analysis of datasets is performed using patented 3-dimensional forward modelling techniques for computational analysis of well access.
Assessment of Sweep Efficiency and Breakthrough Using CO2, H2O, Carbon and Hydrogen Isotope Composition in a Water Alternating with Gas EOR Project in Onshore Abu Dhabi, UAE
Authors: Ahsan Dr. Syed Asif , Ali Mabkhout AlSeiari Reem , Koksalan Dr. Tamer , Bhushan Yatindra
Published: December 2021

Measuring sweep efficiency and understanding breakthrough are the most important parameters to assess an Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) project having Water Alternating with miscible CO2 Gas (WAG) injection. The objective of this study was to use CO2, H2O and isotope compositions to assess sweep efficiency and breakthrough in producer wells in an ADNOC Onshore field in order to take the necessary actions for project optimization (e.g., injector and/or future producer well location optimization). CO2 and H2O compositions, along with their respective carbon and hydrogen isotopes, was integrated with downhole pressure gauge data to evaluate the impact of WAG operation on EOR. It was understood at the start of the project that an isotopically distinct injected CO2, compared to the oil associated CO2, would assist in the evaluation of sweep efficiency and breakthrough. The injected CO2 used in the WAG comes from a steel mill that is isotopically very distinct (i.e., significantly light) from the oil associated CO2. CO2 and H2O are injected periodically in the reservoir through designated injectors distributed over the field. The initially produced oil associated CO2, H2O, carbon and hydrogen isotope values were available as reference to measure the extent of sweep efficiency and breakthrough. Injected H2O and CO2 compositions and their respective hydrogen and carbon isotope values are measured at each injection cycle (so called campaigns). This is then followed by periodic compositional and isotopic measurements of the same components in oil and water producer wells to measure the extent of breakthrough. CO2, H2O composition and carbon and hydrogen isotope measurements in injector and producer wells indicate that the injected CO2 is preferentially breaking through in certain parts of the field. This indicates heterogeneous reservoir quality distribution throughout the field with better reservoir quality (e.g. higher permeability) between injector and producer wells having faster breakthrough. The compositional and isotopic measurements are sensitive enough to register compositional changes in the producer wells relatively faster than assessed by downhole pressure gauges.
ASCAPE: A Flexible and Efficient Analytical Tool to Evaluate Aquifer Storage Capacity for CO2 Sequestration
Authors: Freni Fabrizio , Napolitano Vincenzo , Mancini Silvia , Buscaglia Roberto
Published: December 2021

In recent years, carbon neutrality has emerged as an important social and political focus globally, where carbon sequestration plays a key role. The present work is aimed at introducing ASCAPE (Aquifer Storage CAPacity Evaluation tool), a fast and flexible tool useful in case of CO2 aquifer sequestration to preliminarily evaluate the required storage capacity as a function of the maximum allowable pressure increment.

ASCAPE is based on the volumetric method included in SPE "Guidelines for Applications of the CO2 Storage Resources Management System" (SPE, 2020) for aquifer sequestration. The analytical formula was integrated to include additional physical phenomena as CO2 solubility in water, pressure control through water production, effect of gas pools connected to aquifer. The tool, implemented in Excel/VBA environment, allows to easily obtain a theoretical Pressure increment vs. Aquifer Volume curve useful to estimate the required aquifer volume to store a given quantity of CO2. ASCAPE results were validated comparing to a simplified 3D model simulated by a compositional commercial dynamic simulator.

The validation showed a very good alignment with the 3D dynamic simulation results under several conditions. Many tests were performed with and without the CO2 solubility model, demonstrating that this phenomenon acts as pressure increment reducer. The original volumetric model can be therefore considered slightly conservative, since it neglects this physical contribution, which allowed to improve the reliability of the proposed analytical model.

The proposed methodology is a general-purpose application being not related to a specified candidate and, therefore, it can be tailored on the specific scenario to be evaluated. ASCAPE was developed for preliminary screening of CO2 sequestration concepts in greenfield development areas, where the absence of brown or exhausted fields makes the storage in aquifer the only viable solution. Different aquifers were compared under certain assumptions of carbon to be stored with and without water production, allowing a preliminary evaluation that will be used to rank the concepts in terms of technical/economic feasibility.
Utility of Blood Biomarkers as a Predictor of Pathological Lymph Node Metastasis in Clinical Stage T1N0 Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ohsawa Manato , Hamai Yoichi , Emi Manabu , Ibuki Yuta , Kurokawa Tomoaki , Yoshikawa Toru , Hirohata Ryosuke , Kitasaki Nao , Okada Morihito
Published: December 2021

Background

Accurate preoperative evaluation of lymph node (LN) metastasis is important for determining the treatment strategy for superficial esophageal cancer. There have been reports on the clinical significance of blood biomarkers, such as the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), as predictors of LN metastasis for different cancers.
Methods

Patients (n = 185) with cT1N0M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who underwent esophagectomy with R0 resection between April 2003 and August 2021 were enrolled. This study investigated the ability of the pretreatment NLR, PLR, and LMR to predict pathological LN metastasis.
Results

The optimal cut-off NLR, PLR, and LMR values to predict pathological LN metastasis were 2.1, 122, and 4.8, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the primary tumor length, depth of invasion, and NLR were significant predictors of LN metastasis. Furthermore, similar to the five-year overall survival, the five-year relapse-free survival was significantly better in the low NLR group than in the high NLR group.
Conclusions

The NLR was the most useful predictor of pathological LN metastasis, which is difficult to predict by imaging for clinical stage T1N0M0 ESCC. Patients diagnosed with clinical stage I ESCC and with a high NLR require adequate LN dissection and may be good candidates for preoperative adjuvant therapy.
Defining the Concepts of a Smart Nursing Home and Its Potential Technology Utilities That Integrate Medical Services and Are Acceptable to Stakeholders: a Scoping Review
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Rokhani Fakhrul Zaman , Sazlina Shariff-Ghazali , Devaraj Navin Kumar , Su Jing , Chew Boon-How
Published: December 2021

Background and objectives:Smart technology in nursing home settings has potential to elevate an operation that manages a larger number of elderly residents. However, the concepts, definitions and scopes of ‘smartness’, integrated medical services and stakeholders’ acceptability of a smart nursing home are less clear. This scoping review aims to define a smart nursing home and examine the qualitative evidence on technological feasibility, integration of medical services and acceptability of the stakeholders. Methods:Comprehensive searches were conducted on stakeholders’ websites and 11 electronic databases for existing concepts of a smart nursing home (Phase 1), and on what and how technologies and medical services were implemented in nursing home settings, as well as acceptability assessment by the stakeholders (Phase 2). The publication year was inclusive of January 1999 to September 2021. The language was limited to English and Chinese. Included articles must report nursing home settings and related to older adults ≥ 60 years old with or without medical demands but not bed-bound. New technology developments and system designs were measured by Technology Readiness Levels. The analysis was guided by Framework Method and the smart technology adoption behaviours of elder consumers theoretical model, and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR.Results:A total of 177 literature (13 website documents and 164 journal articles) were selected. Smart nursing homes are technology-assisted nursing homes that allow life enjoyment of its residents. They used IoT, computing technologies, cloud computing, big data and AI, information management systems, and digital health to integrate medical services in monitoring abnormal events, assisting daily living, teleconsultation, health information management, and improving interaction between providers and residents. Fifty-five percent of the new technologies were proven ready for use in nursing homes (level 6-7), and the remaining were proven of implementation feasibility (level 1-5). Providers with higher education, tech-savviness, fewer years at work, and older adults with more severe illnesses were more acceptable to smart technologies.Conclusions:Smart nursing homes with integrated medical services have great potential to improve the quality of care and ensure elderly residents’ quality of life.
Profiling the Variability and Inequity in the Residential Environment in Cyprus According to Citizens’ Ratings: A Cross-Sectional Internet-Based “Place Standard” Survey
Authors: Kleopa Daphne , Panayiotou Andrie , Kouta Christiana , Kaiafa Chrystalla , Middleton Nicos
Published: December 2021

Background
The “Place Standard Tool” (PST) offers a practical framework for structuring conversations about physical and social dimensions of Place which can impact on health and well-being. While extensively used in the context of community engagement, its properties as a measurement tool haven’t been explored.
Methods
Under the auspices of the Cyprus Healthy Cities Office, an open call was addressed to citizens to rate their neighbourhood environment across the 14 PST items (1: large to 7: little room for improvement). Exploratory factor, cluster and regression analyses were used to explore the dimensionality of the scale, depict neighbourhood profiles and explore differences in ratings according to socio-demographic characteristics, area-level census indicators and residents’ assessment of neighbourhood social position on a 10-step ladder.
Results
With the exception of safety (M=4.4, SD=1.7), 492 participants (mean age 42, 50% residents for >10 years) from 254 postcodes (21.7% islandwide) did not rate other features favourably, with lowest scores for “influence and sense of control” and “public transport”. A stepwise pattern of dissatisfaction was observed along the social position continuum both for features rated less favourably as well as more favourably (e.g. social contact). For instance, among participants who placed their neighbourhood at the three top steps of the ladder 48.8% gave a low rating for “influence and sense of control”, while the equivalent figure was 81.0% at the bottom three steps (OR=4.5, 95% CI 2.3, 8.6). A clear dimensionality of Built (6 items, Cronbach’s α coefficient for internal consistency=0.798), Physical (3 items, α = 0.765), Social (2 items, α = 0.749) and Service (3 items, α = 0.58) environment was identified. A social gradient was evident according to objective census measures of socio-economic disadvantage (e.g. pre-1980 housing, single-parent households) with larger differences in terms of the built than the social environment.
Conclusions
The study profiled the variability and documented the inequity in the health-related neighbourhood environment across Cypriot communities. The readily interpretable dimensionality of the scale supports its construct validity, allowing calculation of composite scores. The PST can be used as measurement tool in research as well as public health practice to advocate for neighbourhood initiatives which support and enhance citizens’ participation.
Acute Methylglyoxal-Induced Damage In Blood-Brain Barrier And Hippocampal Tissue
Authors: Lissner Lílian Juliana , Wartchow Krista Minéia , Rodrigues Leticia , Bobermin Larissa Daniele , Borba Ederson , Dias Vitor Gayger , Hansen Fernanda , Quincozes-Santos André , Gonçalves Carlos-Alberto
Published: December 2021

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive dicarbonyl compound formed mostly by the glycolytic pathway. Elevated blood glucose levels can cause MG accumulation in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease, where the high reactivity of MG leads to modification of proteins and other biomolecules, generating advanced glycation end products (AGEs) appointed as mediators in those neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we investigated the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and astrocyte response in the hippocampus to acute insult induced by MG, administered ICV in rats. Seventy-two hours later, a loss of BBB integrity was observed, as assessed by the entry of Evans dye into brain tissue and albumin in the CSF, as well as a decrease of aquaporin-4 and connexin-43 in hippocampal tissue. MG did not induce changes in hippocampal contents of RAGE in this short interval, but decreased the expression of S100B, an astrocyte secreted protein that binds RAGE. The expressions of two important transcription factors of antioxidant response - NfkB and Nrf2, were not changed. However, hemeoxigenase-1 was upregulated in MG-treated group. This data corroborates with the idea that astrocytes, the main cells responsible for MG clearance, are targets of MG toxicity and that BBB dysfunction induced by this compound may contribute to behavioral and cognitive alterations observed in these animals.
Parent Satisfaction with Sustained Home Visiting Care for Mothers and Children: An Integrative Review
Authors: Kanda Kie , Blythe Stacy , Grace Rebekah , Kemp Lynn
Published: December 2021

Aim
To synthesise and analyse the existing literature regarding parent satisfaction with sustained home visiting care for mothers and children
Background
Sustained home visiting programs have been found to support improved health, wellbeing, and developmental outcomes for children and families. However, there is limited knowledge with regards to the level of parent satisfaction with care provided at home, and the factors and elements of care parents perceive to be critical to their satisfaction. It is important for healthcare practitioners to understand what practices and process parents consider to be a priority in securing their ongoing engagement.
Design:
Integrative review
Data sources:
PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO
Methods
A multi-step approach was used to search and retrieve peer-reviewed studies from the databases. Study selection, data extraction, data synthesis and critical appraisal were undertaken by two independent researchers.
Results
A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria, including nine quantitative and four qualitative studies. The review found that parents provided with home visiting interventions had higher levels of satisfaction with care than those who received routine or facility-based care. Service dose was a factor associated with parent satisfaction. Other elements of care parents perceived as important to service satisfaction included the strength of the nurse-client relationship, being treated with respect, empowerment, and emotional support.
Conclusion
While it is critically important that home visiting practitioners provide evidence-based care and interventions, it is equally important that services are delivered in the context of positive and empowering relationships. Further research is recommended to understand the care process and mechanisms that enhance parent satisfaction and positive experiences, providing optimal quality of care.
Trojan bacteria cross blood-brain barrier for glioblastoma photothermal immunotherapy
Authors: Sun Rong , Liu Mingzhu , Lu Jianping , Chu Binbin , Yang Yunmin , Song Bin , Wang Houyu , He Yao
Published: December 2021

Bacteria can bypass the blood-brain barrier (BBB) transcellularly, paracellularly and/or in infected phagocytes, suggesting the possibility of employment of bacteria for combating central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, the bacteria-based drug delivery vehicle crossing the BBB is still vacant up to present. Herein, we develop an innovative bacteria-based drug delivery system (dubbed Trojan bacteria) for glioblastoma (GBM) photothermal immunotherapy. Typically, Trojan bacteria are made of therapeutics internalized into bacteria (e.g., attenuated Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli). The therapeutics are composed of glucose polymer (GP) (e.g., poly[4-O-(α-D-glucopyranosyl)-D-glucopyranose])-conjugated and indocyanine green (ICG)-loaded silicon nanoparticles (GP-ICG-SiNPs). The GP-ICG-SiNPs can be selectively and robustly internalized into the bacterial intracellular volume through the bacteria-specific ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter. In an orthotopic GBM mouse model, we demonstrate that the intravenously injected Trojan bacteria could take therapeutics together not only to bypass the BBB, but also to target and penetrate GBM tissues. Under 808 nm-laser irradiation, the photothermal effects (PTT) produced by ICG allow the destruction of Trojan bacterial cells and the adjacent tumour cells. Furthermore, the bacterial debris as well as the tumour-associated antigens would promote antitumor immune responses that prolong the survival of GBM-bearing mice. Moreover, we demonstrate the residual Trojan bacteria could be effectively eliminated from the body due to the distinct photothermal effects. We anticipate the proposed Trojan bacteria system would catalyze innovative therapies for various CNS diseases.
Adherence to Inhalers and Associated Factors Among Adult Asthma Patients: an Outpatient Based Study in a Tertiary Hospital of Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Authors: Rafi Md. Abdur , Tahmin Chowdhury Ibtida , Tashrik Symom , Bonna Atia Sharmin , Jannat Ferdousy , Mily Sabrina Jahan , Shrestha Abhigan babu , Seemanta Senjuti , Rashid Afsana , Mahjabeen Mosarrat , Nura Nurunnahar , Shahriar Tasnim , Mahadi Ashrafur Rahaman , Ahmed Kawser , Hasan Md. Jahid , Haque Md. Azizul , Hossain Md. Golam
Published: December 2021

Background: Adherence to inhaler medication is an important contributor of optimum asthma control along with adequate pharmacotherapy. The objective of the present study was to assess self-reported adherence level and to identify the potential factors associated with non-adherence to the inhalers among asthma patients.Methods: This facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the medicine outpatient department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital from November 2020 to January 2021. A total of 357 clinically confirmed adult asthma patients were interviewed. Inhaler adherence was measured using the 10-item Test of Adherence scale (TAI). . Both descriptive and inferential statistics was used to express the socio-demographic of the patients and predictors of poor adherence to inhaler. Results: A substantial number of participants were non-adherent (86%) to inhaler medication. Patient non-adherent to inhaler medication are often younger (23.15, 95% CI 3.67-146.08), lived in rural area ( 23.28, 95% CI 2.43-222.66), less year of schooling (5.69, 95% CI 1.27-25.44), and belonged to the middle income (aOR 9.74, 95% CI 2.11-44.9) than those adherent with inhaler. Presence of comorbidities (12.91, 95% CI 1.41-117.61), prolonged duration of inhaler intake (5.69, 95% CI 1.22-26.49), consulting non-qualified practitioners (13.09, 95% CI 3.10-55.26) were the significant contributor of non-adherence.Conclusion: Despite ongoing motivation and treatment, non-adherence to inhalation anti-asthmatic is high and several factors have been found contributed. Regular monitoring and a guided patient centered self-management approach might be helpful to address the in long run.
Production of Recombinant Human EGFR CR2 Domain and Generation of Monoclonal Antibodies Discriminating The R and K Variants.
Authors: Marzouq Maryam , Alshammary Amal , Bourguiba-Hachemi Sonia , Raslan Waseem , Ashoor Dana , Fathallah M. Dahmani
Published: December 2021

Background: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was the first molecular marker to be targeted successfully in monoclonal antibodies-based cancer immunotherapy. The human EGFR displays two common natural genetic variants (R521K) located in the molecule extracellular CR2 domain. This polymorphism affects the outcome of cancer immunotherapy using anti-EGFR mAbs.Results: In this paper, we report the production, purification and characterization of recombinant forms of the EGFR/CR2-R and CR2-K variants as Glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein in E. Coli BL21. We used these two proteins to generate three different murine monoclonal antibodies to the EGFR CR2 domain (anti-CR2R, anti-CR2K and anti-CR2-RK). We carried out the molecular characterization of the anti-CR2-RK mAb. Analysis using Western blot, ELISA and Immunohistochemistry of various tumor tissues samples, showed that anti-CR2RK mAb was specific of the human EGFR CR2 extracellular domain and recognizes equally both the CR2-K and CR2-R natural genetic variants. In addition, the affinity binding of anti-CR2-RK mAb, as determined by Surface Plasmon Resonance, was equal to 27.7KD μM. Conclusions: We produced recombinant forms of the human EGFR CR2 domain R and K variants and generated mAbs that discriminate between them. These mAbs can be engineered into novel cancer therapeutic and or diagnostic tools tailored to the patients EGFR genetic makeup.
Microporous Polymer Adsorptive Membranes with Unprecedented Processing Capacity for Molecular Separation
Authors: Wang Zhenggong , Luo Xiaofan , Lu Kuan , Zhu Shouwen , Yang Yanshao , Song Zejun , Fang Wangxi , Zhang Yatao , Jin Jian
Published: December 2021

Trade-off between permeability and nanometer-level selectivity is an inherent shortcoming of membrane-based separation of molecules, while most highly porous materials with high adsorption capacity lack solution processability and stability for achieving adsorption-based molecule separation. We hereby report a hydrophilic amidoxime modified polymer of intrinsic microporosity (AOPIM-1) as a membrane adsorption material to selectively adsorb and separate small organic molecules from water with ultrahigh processing capacity. The membrane adsorption capacity for Rhodamine B reaches 26.114 g m−2, 10~1000 times higher than previously reported adsorptive membranes. Meanwhile, the membrane achieves >99.9% removal of various nano-sized organic molecules with water flux 2 orders of magnitude higher than typical pressure-driven membranes of similar rejections. This work confirms the feasibility of microporous polymers for membrane adsorption with unprecedented capacity, and provides the possibility of adsorptive membranes for molecular separation.
Hydrocoel Morphogenesis Forming the Pentaradial Body Plan in a Sea Cucumber, Apostichopus Japonicus
Authors: Udagawa Sumio , Ikeda Takafumi , Oguchi Kohei , Kohtsuka Hisanori , Miura Toru
Published: December 2021

Echinoderms constitute an animal phylum characterized by the pentaradial body plan. During the development from bilateral larvae to pentaradial adults, the formation of the multiple of five hydrocoel lobes, i.e., the buddings from the mesodermal coelom, is the firstly emerging pentameral character. The developmental mechanism underlying the hydrocoel-lobe formation should be revealed to understand the evolutionary process of this unique and highly derived body plan of echinoderms, although the morphogenetic mechanisms of hydrocoel lobes is largely uninvestigated. In this study, using the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, in which the hydrocoel is easily observable, the developmental process of hydrocoel lobes was described in detail, focusing on the cell proliferation and rearrangement. Cell proliferation was not specifically distributed in the growing tips of the hydrocoel lobes and inhibition of the cell proliferation did not affect the lobe formation. During lobe formation, epithelium of the hydrocoel lobes were firstly stratified and then transformed into single-layered, suggesting that radial cell intercalation contributes to hydrocoel-lobe formation.