bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examination of the Effect of Salinity on the Recovery of Petroleum in the Course of Water Flooding: An Experimental Approach
Authors: Enoh S. N. , Salihu A. , Okafor I. , Oruwari H. , Gimba A. S. B.
Published: August 2024

Petroleum sector is actively and persistently involved in search of novel techniques to optimize petroleum extraction in the course of water flooding. The oil and gas industry is constantly searching for different methods to optimize oil recovery during water flooding. The type of core material or formation being studied and the salinity of the water injected are two crucial variables that can have a substantial effect on oil recovery. Little is known, nevertheless, about how salt affects petroleum or oil recovery during water flooding utilizing clay-containing core samples. This study investigated the impact of salinity on oil recovery carried out using two core samples obtained from shale rocks. The core sample labelled A was from Kogi state and core B was from Rivers State. Initially both core samples were dried in an oven at 88°C to cause natural fractures and connect the pore spaces then saturated with brine of 20g/l salinity and light crude oil of viscosity 3.35cp to simulate reservoir conditions within the core samples. The porosity of the samples was determined by liquid saturating method and the effective permeability was calculated using Darcy’s law. Core flooding tests were conducted by injecting brine and varying the salinity levels at 10g/l to 30g/l to displace 20 ml of light crude oil originally saturated in each core sample. The results and analysis of the tests showed that the core sample B recovered more oil than sample A. The recovery factor efficiency of core A was 24%, 31.5%, 51%, 53%. and the core sample B was 26%, 42%, 50.8%, 52.1%. The oil recoveries at breakthrough increased significantly with increasing salinity. The difference in oil recoveries for both core samples in breakthrough and final recoveries was observed at 30g/l of brine salinity where core B recovered 8.8% higher than core A. At 50g/l brine salinity, the oil recovery efficiency did not change for both core samples while changing the concentration of brine relative to the initial brine used. The findings of this study and the data retrieved shows the improvement of oil recovery factor increases as brine salinity increases which can be attributed to interfacial tension reduction and viscosity alteration.
Real-Time Subsurface Risk Re-Assessment During Exploratory Drilling: Case of a Deep Play Exploration in Niger Delta
Authors: Okpako Kelvin O. , Amoo Tope , Tichelaar Bart
Published: August 2024

Many wells drilled in Niger Delta up to depths around 12000 ftss are hydrostatic or near hydrostatic, but some wells have encountered very high overpressure. Beyond this depth, formation pressure gradient just below 0.9 psi/ft have been measured, near well Total Depth (TD). Drilling through highly over-pressured sands require robust drilling practices, since taking a kick could present more challenging drilling risks and potential to create HSE incidents.

This paper presents a case history of an exploration well with the above-stated drilling situation with unusual pressure trend. It has a near-hydrostatic overburden that terminates at depth in a sharp pore pressure ramp with significant overpressures. Below the ramp, pore pressure sharply decreased back to near-hydrostatic in a thick reservoir interval. Below this reservoir interval, pore pressure ramped back to high overpressure down to well TD. Given this abnormal occurrence in the Niger-Delta, there was the need to evaluate the potential risk of over-pressured gas crossflow from the geo-pressured reservoirs to the normally pressured reservoirs through the Open-Hole (OH) section of the wellbore. This was critical to the drill-ahead decision that had to be made to extend the well into the exploration target sands or call well TD, prematurely.

The result of a quick subsurface risks assessment carried out during drilling showed that the shallower sands are competent formations that can serve as natural thief zones for crossflowing over-pressured gas. The risk of reservoir pressure inflation that could lead to formation top seal failure and Internal blow-out in the subsurface was also evaluated. This provided a technical business solution that aided the timely decision to drill-ahead and extend the well into the planned exploration targets.

The well discovered significant gas volumes, and was considered, ‘a near-Big Cat volumes discovery’, which has significantly increased the Nation’s gas resources. Landing well TD prematurely, instead of drilling to planned TD, would have cost us the volumes from the deeper exploration target sands. This real-time intervention ensured a quick decision was made and eliminated Non-Productive Time (NPT) that could have resulted from idle time. Finally, the risk re-assessment further demonstrated the value of effective collaboration in decision-based subsurface uncertainty management.
Optimization of Well Workover Efficiency: A Case Study of Cost-Effective Adoption of Hydraulic Workover Unit Technology
Authors: Anyaehie James , Edirhin Eta , Omatsone Oma , Anagbogu Emeke
Published: August 2024

This study explores the strategic adoption of Hydraulic Workover Unit (HWU) technology by two leading indigenous energy firms in Nigeria. The objective was to achieve significant cost efficiencies while adhering to the highest safety protocols during well workover operations. The initiative began with collaborative brainstorming sessions to explore innovative methodologies beyond traditional rig operations. A thorough examination of rig-based activities and infrastructure identified opportunities for operational optimization and cost efficiency. The HWU emerged as a promising alternative, despite inherent challenges. Comprehensive risk and uncertainty mitigation analyses were conducted, leading to the development of a robust and safe HWU work module.

The inaugural deployment of the HWU on a shallow offshore well's initial completion was successful and incident-free. Encouraged by this success, the HWU operation was replicated in land locations, converting two oil wells to water injection wells through workover operations. The initial completion of the shallow offshore well achieved an impressive production rate of over 4,000 barrels per day and a 40% cost saving compared to traditional rig operations. The onshore conversions were executed within six weeks per well, at a cost of $4.5 to $6.0 million each, significantly lower than the conventional rig costs of $8 to $12 million.

These successful cases demonstrate the effectiveness of adopting HWU for workover operations across diverse environments (land and shallow offshore). This paper details the processes and methodologies employed, offering valuable insights into a potential avenue for cost reduction exceeding 50% for typical workover operations in the Nigerian context.
Application of Pressure Transient Analysis to Gas Material Balance for Multi Rate Production
Authors: Okafor I. S. , Ajibade A. A. , Jakada K. , Chior T. J. , Gimba A. B. , Nzerem P. C.
Published: August 2024

A producing field's oil and gas reserves are continually estimated throughout its lifetime. As more data about the reservoir is obtained over time, the uncertainty regarding the actual amount of reserves decreases. Various methods have been employed to determine these reserves, including the Material Balance Technique. The classical method applies the conservation of mass, which has evolved over time. This study aims to further enhance the gas Material Balance Technique by incorporating equations derived from analytical pressure transient analysis with multiple rate production. By combining transient analysis solutions with the linear Material Balance method, this approach offers the advantage of determining the initial gas-in-place, permeability, and skin of a reservoir simultaneously, without relying on independent sources for prior knowledge of any of these parameters. To streamline the process and facilitate analytical deductions, this work also utilizes Python programming for automation. Ultimately, this study develops a series of steps that were applied to a case study, enabling the simultaneous determination of the reservoir's permeability, skin-factor, and initial gas-in-place.
Exploring the Delicate Balance in the Optimal Execution of Concurrent Gas Cap Blowdown and Oil Rim Production in a Saturated Reservoir
Authors: Alaigba D. , Awani T. A. , Oyeleke Z. , Adebayo A. , Gbadamosi T.
Published: August 2024

As the global drive for providing cleaner energy for current and future generations intensifies, there is an increasing need to develop natural gas resources which are cleaner when compared with other liquid hydrocarbon sources. This is because hydrocarbon gases generally have lower carbon content compared to crude oils. Hydrocarbon gases can come from solution gas, associated gas (primary or secondary gas cap) or non-associated gas depending on the initial reservoir pressure, temperature, composition, and development phase of the hydrocarbon resource.

Imperatively, we have studied a field in which the reservoir sedimentation occurred in a wave-dominated fluvio-marine environment. These sands are usually capped by well-defined marine shales and the sands are predominantly rich in gas.

Natural gas production is traditionally limited to gas from non-associated gas reservoirs. However, a lot of oil accumulations around the globe have associated gas caps and these gas accumulations, often referred to as associated gas have historically been reserved to expand and provide pressure support for production from the oil rim while gas production from the gas cap is deferred to later in the reservoir life after the oil reserves have been produced. Forces related to economics and the global energy trilemma have seen an increasing interest in developing these associated gas resources together with the underlying oil volumes. Maximizing recoveries from oil rim reservoirs and their gas cap requires an understanding and optimization of the delicate balance that exists between the dynamics of production from both the oil and gas legs, associated aquifer support and secondary pressure maintenance scheme.

This study worked with a history-matched and calibrated three-dimensional reservoir model from a producing brown field in the Niger Delta to test different scenarios as follows; Assess the impact of oil rim production followed by gas cap blowdown on the ultimate recovery from both the gas cap and the oil rim, assess the impact of simultaneous gas cap blow down and oil rim production on the ultimate recovery from both the gas cap and the oil rim and finally assess the impact of gas cap blow down followed by oil rim production on the ultimate recovery from both the gas cap and the oil rim.

In each case above, sensitivities were run to determine the optimal gas cap blow down rates, production start-up time, well type configuration and impact of pressure maintenance. The results of this work have provided very valuable insights that result in the optimal development of both oil and gas resources from saturated oil reservoirs with gas cap resources.
Assessment of Polymer Resins as Alternative Abandonment Barrier Materials for High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) Wells: A Multi Criteria Decision Making Approach
Authors: Chukwuemeka Augustine , Njuguna James , Oluyemi Gbenga , Attar Suhail
Published: August 2024

Portland cement is the predominant material for permanent abandonment of oil and gas wells. However, resins are increasingly finding applications in the mix of barrier materials for plug and abandonment of wells because of unique features that enable their flow into areas where solid bridging makes cement ineffective, their superior mechanical properties and the chemical stability to reservoir fluid. This study demonstrates how multi criteria decision making techniques can be applied for the selection and ranking of polymers as barrier materials in a high-pressure high temperature well abandonment scenario. Four materials shortlisted through material screening in Ansys Granta materials selector are ranked using Technique for Order of Preferences Similar to Ideal Solutions (TOPSIS) againstResAMBER and ThemaSet resins which have been applied in well abandonment operations. A combination of bubble diagrams, a defined boundary/limit operating conditions reflective of HPHT wells, and material performance indices, were used for materials screening in Ansys Granta. A sensitivity test indicates that the top-ranking materials remain unchanged within reasonable variations of the weights assigned to the ranking criteria. The resulting materials ranking shows that the mechanical properties and chemical stability of materials from the Polyamide-imide (PAI), Phenol formaldehyde (PF) and Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) groups support their potential application as barrier materials for the abandonment of high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) wells. The simplicity of this combination of multi criteria decision making techniques and its proven application for solving material selection problems in other industries suggestthat this strategy suitable for application in plug and abandonment.
Effective Apani Marginal Field Development Strategy: A Review of Facility Design and Combined Construction Methodologies to Drilling Location Preparation
Authors: Nwagbo Kenneth C.
Published: August 2024

Oil and Gas resources continue to occupy the attention of the petroleum industry, policymakers, and the general public. It is one of the most important sectors, the most demanding, challenging, and exciting engineering, and technological advances, it is important to investigate the effective ways of developing new marginal field; a review of timely delivery of Apani Field location preparation projects (Drill site, Site camp, Access Road & Utilities) within a record time. Hence, via literature review, this paper is packed with the aim of reviewing the project lean construction management processes adopted in Apani Field development, by determining the oil and gas execution phase, as well as examining the project construction management approach based on the Apani Field Asset Development Plan. It is found that in the accelerated Apani Field drilling location preparation projects execution, a model and/or structure for systematic project management was developed with the aim to improve the decision-making process and overall timely project execution, where typically, the systematic Asset development consist of five main phases, mainly (1) Asset appraisal; (2) Concept selection and definition; (3) Planning phase; (4) Timely project execution and handover phase, (5) Drilling operation and production. Apani Field Asset development strategy is also found to be executed in the typical Oil and Gas projects development stages, namely: (1) Conceptual design; (2) Front-End Engineering Design; (3) Procurement; (4) Facility design; (5) Construction; (6) Installation; (7) Mechanical completion; and (8) Commissioning. The findings of this paper are expected to provide a clear picture and understanding, on how new oil and gas assets (including pre-drilled and plugged wellheads), should be effectively recovered and developed (timely project execution).
Well Placement Optimization for Improved Recovery of a Heavy Oil Reservoir – A Case Study of Heavy Oil Reservoir in Niger-Delta Area
Authors: Ehibor Idahosa Osahon , Maku Gbenga , Amafuna Magnus , Oyekade Suraju , Agbo Johnson , Goodhead Eresinkumo , David Onaiwu , Okoro Emeka , Olafuyi Olalekan
Published: August 2024

Efficient development tactics for oil fields, including well placement, pattern, and quantity, are critical to optimizing oil and gas production yields in mature reservoirs worldwide. However, because of the different API density of the crude oils in the reservoir, enormous number of grid blocks and multiple proxy tests that must be generated, optimizing well placement becomes difficult for reservoirs with significantly larger areal extent.

The objective of this study is to optimize the placements of injector and producer wells in the Field XY field, a heavy oil reservoir under chemical flooding and production in the Niger- Delta region, adopting NPV as the objective function. The optimal configurations of the injection and producer wells are chosen using the differential evolution approach and particle swarm optimization techniques. The technique was programmed for the numerical simulator CMG STARS. The outcomes of the numerical simulation is produced by the CMOST AI-based CMG artificial intelligence optimization technique.

The EOR project's net present value has increased by 57%, according to the optimization method's results. Additionally, following production and injection during a 20-year simulation period, the differential evolution optimization method outperformed the particle swarm optimization.
Developing Engineering Entrepreneurship for Maximizing Opportunities in the Midstream & Downstream Industries of Petroleum Sector
Authors: Oyekan Olugbenro
Published: August 2024

The connection between engineering and entrepreneurship may seem minimal or inexistent, but that would be only to a linear observer, or someone interested only in the spellings of both professions. Any practical observer and market eyewitness, academic or professional, would admit that the differences, in terms of stages and outcomes, between engineering and entrepreneurship are inconsequential. What engineers deal with in infrastructures, physical and technological projects, they are very similar to activities that entrepreneurs undertake in businesses, market, and economies. Ultimately, they like many other professional works, both contribute to the socio-economic development of societies through their abilities to provide solution to problems or inventions for markets.

This initial desk research bothers on the development of engineering professionals into business developers and managers, who can identify economic opportunities within the activities and problems that exist in the midstream and downstream industries of the petroleum sector.

Fortunately, learning is a universal concept by which all mammals can advance their skills and abilities through the intake of information, repetition of actions and formation of habits through interactions with one another despite their diversity. Learning provides a very reliable opportunity for physical, mental, economic, and social growth for development to occur in individuals, their organisations, and the larger human societies.
Epoxy Helicoid Sleeve for Conductor Casings: An Approach to Enhance Structural Integrity and Corrosion Resistance in Offshore wells
Authors: Oboh Stephen , Bakenne Sulaiman , Afamefuna Okenna , Ishomo Lucky , Ugwa Iheanyi , Aziz Ahmad Muzammil Abdul , Samsudin Muhammad Yunus Ahmad
Published: August 2024

Corrosion poses a significant challenge to the integrity and longevity of offshore structures, more severely will be at the splash zone environment. This is the zone where both marine and atmospheric conditions converge exposing structures to corrosive blend of seawater, waves, tidal actions and different atmospheric conditions.

A combined effect of metocean current due to high water depth, well design architecture and mechanical upward forces plays a significant role in the corrosion rate in conductor casings across the splash zone.

The corrosion rate according to Byron F. (Materials Performance Journal 2020); is highest across the splash zone ranging from 0.8 to 1.0mm/yr. with the least corrosion rate being at the subsoil zone ranging from 0.05 to 0.35mm/yr.

The Epoxy Helicoid solution is designed to address structural integrity and corrosion challenges in conductor pipes, the solution combines the benefits of epoxy coatings and helicoidal reinforcement to create a robust and corrosion-resistant system. The epoxy coating acts as a barrier against corrosive elements, while the helicoidal reinforcement enhances the structural strength of the conductor pipes, reducing vulnerability to external forces such as waves and currents.

The potential for increased service life and reduced maintenance costs presents a compelling case for the widespread adoption of this technology in offshore drilling operations.

In conclusion, the Epoxy Helicoid Solution emerges as a promising strategy to effectively mitigate conductor corrosion at the splash zone, contributing to the ongoing efforts within the offshore industry to enhance infrastructure durability and reduce maintenance costs in corrosive environments.
Application of Smart Well Technology in Polymer Flooding for Heavy Oil Recovery
Authors: Uyoyoh O. E. , Ojukwu I. N. , Taiwo O. A. , Olafuyi O. O.
Published: August 2024

This technical paper delves into the Application of Smart Well Technology in Polymer Flooding for Heavy Oil Recovery, with a focus on optimizing injection operations for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) in challenging reservoir conditions. The study involves a comprehensive analysis of reservoir properties, feasibility considerations, and cost-benefit assessments related to the integration of smart well technology. By incorporating real-time monitoring and control systems, smart wells autonomously optimize injection operations to maximize oil recovery while minimizing polymer consumption. The research encompasses a thorough analysis of polymer flooding, heavy oil recovery methods, and smart well technology, culminating in the development of a simulation model to evaluate the performance of smart well-assisted polymer flooding. Results and discussions from the simulation of polymer injection and production plans highlight the potential benefits and challenges of incorporating smart well. technology in polymer flooding operations. This study contributes to the advancement of enhanced oil recovery endeavors and provides valuable insights for future research and development in the field of heavy oil recovery.
Evaluating the Impact of Wellbore Type on Effective Recovery of Condensates in a Gas Condensate Reservoir
Authors: Ibe Alonge , Ehibor Idahosa , Anim John , Ekpah Innocent , Amaefuna Magnus , Olajide Olanike , Amaefuna Magnus , Olafuyi Olalekan.
Published: August 2024

The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of different wellbore types on the effective retrieval of condensates in a gas condensate reservoir. Two reservoir models were built using CMG (Computer Modelling Group) and IMEX reservoir simulation models. These models had similar rock and fluid parameters, but the only difference was the type of well used. Model A is equipped with a vertical well, while Model B has a horizontal well. The results revealed notable discrepancies in the recovery performance between the two types of wells. Model A, with a vertical well, displayed an initial decrease in output, commencing at a rate of 123 million standard cubic feet per day of gas and 350 barrels per day of condensates at the separator. By the third year, the rate of recovery sharply decreased to less than 20 barrels per day of condensate and 1 million standard cubic feet per day, indicating a dramatic fall in the productivity of the reservoir. On the other hand, Model B, which included a horizontal well, showed a more advantageous recovery path. Gas extraction has commenced at a rate of around 1000 million standard cubic feet per day, together with a strong recovery of 704 barrels per day of condensate in the separator. In contrast to the vertical well, the horizontal well demonstrated consistent and prolonged performance until encountering a decrease. The results emphasize the significant influence of wellbore type on the efficiency of recovering condensate in gas condensate reservoirs. Horizontal wells have shown improved performance in terms of enhanced recovery rates and sustained productivity when compared to vertical wells. This study provides useful information for enhancing the development and exploitation strategies of gas condensate reservoirs.
Production and use of crumb rubber for bitumen modification from end-of-life passenger car tyres in comparison with truck tyres: a comprehensive study on bitumen and asphalt performance
Authors: Swaney Michael , Lu Dai Xuan , Sun Da , Giustozzi Filippo
Published: August 2024

The use of crumb rubber (CR) from shredded end-of-life vehicle tyres in road engineering practices has become increasingly popular as a method of enhancing sustainability. Historically, crumb rubber produced from end-of-life tyres only used sources of rubber with high natural rubber content. This approach was believed to enhance the final properties of the crumb rubber modified binder, hence also providing betterments to the asphalt mix. The presence of a lower volume of textile fibre in radial truck tyres (TT) also contributed to the recycling of these type of tyres for road applications. However, with the development of more efficient recycling machines, and with the raised awareness that passenger car tyres are available in a much larger quantity, new research is needed to explore the suitability of recycling passenger car tyres (PCT) for bitumen modification. This study aims to evaluate the possible use of PCT in bitumen by studying its performance and comparing it to the performance of the same bitumen modified with TT and S45R (a commercial crumb rubber modified binder). Different percentages of PCT CR and TT CR were added to a neat binder, and their composition and performance were analysed through a series of physical, chemical, and rheological tests. The results indicate that adding PCT CR to neat bitumen can significantly improve the temperature susceptibility, elasticity, hardness, and stiffness of the binder, thus improving the rutting performance and resistance to fatigue similar to what TT CR can do. From a direct comparison, the performance of PCT CR modified binders is very similar to TT CR, especially at lower CR content (i.e. below 10%). Additionally, PCT CR in the approximate range of 13–16% by weight of bitumen would provide similar results to the commercially available S45R binder for most of the tests conducted. Consequently, selected binders and modified binders (with 15% and 20% CR) with a warm mix additive were used to produce a gap graded asphalt mix for mechanical behaviour evaluation on compactability, moisture resistance, non-damage viscoelastic behaviour, cracking, and rutting resistance. The study found minimal differences between the two sources of rubber (PCT and TT). Overall, PTC were found to be suitable to produce CR for bitumen modification through the wet process.
Brems1 mutation induced tapetum deficiency leading to male sterility in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis)
Authors: Liu Chuanhong , Wang Lin , Tan Chong , Zhao Di , Liu Zhiyong
Published: August 2024

Male sterile lines are ideal for hybrid seed production in Chinese cabbage. Herein, the complete male sterile mutants M5026 and M5073 were obtained through ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis in the cabbage double haploid line ‘FT’. Observation of paraffin sections showed that M5026 lacked the tapetum and had excessive microsporocytes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed abnormal exine formation in M5026 microspores. Genetic analysis revealed a single recessive nuclear gene caused the male sterility phenotype of M5026. Using Mutmap sequencing and Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) identification and gene cloning, BraA10g029920.3.5C, encoding EMS1 (Excess microsporocytes 1), a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase (LRR-RLK), was identified as the candidate gene of M5026 and named Brems1. A nonsynonymous G-to-A mutation in an exon of the Brems1 gene in M5026 resulted in the substitution of glycine with arginine. Employing Mutmap and cloning approaches, a C-to-T SNP was identified within Brems1 of M5073, resulting in premature translation termination. Both BrEMS1 and Brems1 were subcellularly localized at the cell membrane. qRT-PCR analysis indicated Brems1 exhibited the highest expression level in flower buds, while no expression was detected in roots. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that mutation in Brems1 reduced the expression levels of genes associated with the tapetum, pollen tube, and LRR-RLK family. These results suggested that Brems1 plays a critical role in pollen development and contributes to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying tapetum development and male sterility in Chinese cabbage.
Classification of Synoptic Weather Patterns associated with Extreme Wave Events in Different Regions of Western South Atlantic
Authors: Silva Matheus Bonjour Laviola da , de Souza Danilo Couto , Barreto Fernando Tulio Camilo , Tecchio Rodrigo , Pimentel Renan Freitas , Gramcianinov Carolina Barnez , de Camargo Ricardo
Published: August 2024

The identification of weather patterns and associated surface waves for the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean is the goal of the present work. For this purpose, a K-means algorithm was adopted to group data into similar atmospheric conditions considering 25 years of reanalysis data (1993-2017) of zonal and meridional wind components and geopotential height at 1000 hPa. Three points (Vitoria, Santos and Rio Grande) along the Brazilian coast were chosen to evaluate the wave extremes and which Weather Patterns are associated with the extremes in these three different regions. The knee point detection method was used to determine the ideal number of centroids for representing the Weather Patterns at each point. The dates corresponding to each WP were used to plot the average wave field associated with each WP. The results indicate that WPs are dominated by both cyclones and anti-cyclones in the domain. Cyclones with a south/southwest fetch induce extreme waves in Santos and Rio Grande, while for Vitoria, extreme wave generation is more dominant due to the influence of the post-frontal high.
Comparison of AI applications and anesthesiologist's anesthesia method choices
Authors: ÇELİK ENES , TURGUT MEHMET ALİ , AYDOĞAN MESUT , KILINÇ METİN , TOKTAŞ İZZETTİN , AKELMA HAKAN
Published: August 2024

Background: In medicine, Artificial intelligence has begun to be utilized in nearly every domain, from medical devices to the interpretation of imaging studies. There is still a need for more experience and more studies related to the comprehensive use of AI in medicine. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the ability of AI to make decisions regarding anesthesia methods and to compare the most popular AI programs from this perspective.
Methods: The study included orthopedic patients over 18 years of age scheduled for limb surgery within a 1-month period. Patients classified as ASA I-III who were evaluated in the anesthesia clinic during the preoperative period were included in the study. The anesthesia method preferred by the anesthesiologist during the operation and the patient’s demographic data, comorbidities, medications, and surgical history were recorded. The obtained patient data were discussed as if presenting a patient scenario using the free versions of the ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini applications by a different anesthesiologist who did not perform the operation.
Results: Over the course of 1 month, a total of 72 patients were enrolled in the study. It was observed that both the anesthesia specialists and the Gemini application chose spinal anesthesia for the same patient in 68.5% of cases. This rate was higher compared to the other AI applications. For patients taking medication, it was observed that the Gemini application presented choices that were highly compatible (85.7%) with the anesthesiologists’ preferences.
Conclusion: AI cannot fully master the guidelines and exceptional and specific cases that arrive in the course of medical treatment. Thus, we believe that AI can serve as a valuable assistant rather than replacing doctors.
Overexpression of the R2R3-MYB transcription factor GmMYB3a improves isoflavone accumulation in soybean
Authors: Xu ZiBo , Li JingWen , Zhang YongQiang , Wang Ying , Zhu YouCheng , Liu TianYi , Song Xue , He YuXuan , Liu YaJing , Wang QingYu , Yan Fan
Published: August 2024

We performed a comprehensive analysis of the R2R3-MYB subclass of MYB transcription factors in soybeans, focusing on GmMYB3a. Notably, we found that GmMYB3a shares high homology with MYB genes in Arabidopsis thaliana and is a MYB regulator of isoflavone biosynthesis in soybean. In our rigorous study, we have discovered that GmMYB3a exhibits nuclear localization, which concurs with its potential involvement in the biosynthesis of isoflavones. Furthermore, our analysis indicates a synergistic expression pattern between GmMYB3a and seed development, thereby strengthening the hypothesis of its critical role in the regulation of isoflavone synthesis. Transgenic experiments further demonstrated that GmMYB3a positively regulates isoflavone biosynthesis and leads to its overexpression. Moreover, GmMYB3a has been implicated in abiotic stress responses, thereby affecting soybean stress tolerance. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that GmMYB3a regulates downstream genes involved in isoflavone, flavonoid, and phenylalanine metabolism, especially the key chalcone synthase genes, CHS7 and CHS8. Moreover, GmMYB3a was shown to be tightly associated with GmCHS7 and GmCHS8 expressions, potentially regulating them directly. Yeast two-hybrid screening identified GmMYB3a interacting proteins crucial for the synthesis of physiologically active substances and abiotic stress responses. This study provided insights into the regulatory mechanisms of GmMYB3a and established a molecular network involving GmMYB3a, GmCHS7, and GmCHS8, thereby offering novel strategies for improving soybean quality and stress-tolerant breeding.
Clay-rich fault gouges become frictionally less stable at elevated temperatures
Authors: Ashman Isabel , Faulkner Daniel , Mariani Elisabetta
Published: August 2024

Large earthquakes nucleate on crustal faults that have accumulated significant slip displacement and field observations show that these faults are ubiquitously clay-rich. Earthquake nucleation requires a reduction in shear resistance for instability to develop. Previous laboratory friction measurements indicate that only stable fault creep should occur in clay-rich faults; a result at odds with observations of widespread earthquake behaviour on mature clay-rich faults in nature.
Here we show that the frictional stability of synthetic clay-bearing fault gouges decreases systematically with elevated temperatures commensurate with those found at typical earthquake depths. In materials containing ≤50% clay, the stability of slip decreases with increasing temperature so that gouges display unstable slip at temperatures between 100 and 180°C. At room temperature the same materials host only stable slip. This reduction in stability with increasing temperature coincides with a greater degree of localization observed in the gouge microstructure and with progressive loss of water adsorbed on clay surfaces.
Our results indicate that a broad compositional range of clay-bearing fault rocks, and therefore mature faults, can nucleate unstable slip at conditions common to the clay-bearing brittle crust; a result that resolves the apparent paradox that mature clay-bearing faults in nature can nucleate and propagate earthquakes.
A comparison of efficacy of erector spinae plane block versus serratus anterior plane block plus subcostal transversus abdominus plane block for bariatric laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial.
Authors: Wiseman Patrick N , Walt Michaela Van der , O'Riordan Michael , Brosnan Kieran , Shaikh Mujeeb , Cosgrave David
Published: August 2024

Background
Obesity is a rapidly growing global health concern. Limited long-term success of diet, behavioural modification and medical therapy have led to the increased performance of bariatric surgery. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, which permanently reduces the size of the stomach, has been shown to cause considerable weight loss, as well as improving or even eliminating obesity related medical comorbidities such as diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea and hypertension. Unfortunately, this surgery can also result in significant postoperative pain which, when combined with the dangers of perioperative opioid administration for bariatric patients, can lead to a significantly reduced quality of recovery. Opioid-sparing analgesia has been widely recommended for perioperative bariatric patients but research into the optimum regional analgesia approach for this surgery is lacking, with no trials to date comparing different regional analgesic techniques. This study protocol describes a randomised clinical trial aimed at answering this question, comparing the quality of recovery after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for patients who receive erector spinae plane block, versus those who receive serratus anterior plane block plus subcostal TAP block.
Methods
We propose a prospective, randomised, blinded (investigator) clinical trial in a tertiary hospital in Ireland. 70 patients presenting for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy will be randomised to two study groups – group A will receive bilateral erector spinae blockade, group B will receive left sided serratus anterior plane block plus subcostal TAP blocks. Both groups will receive the same dose of the same local anaesthetic and the different regional technique performed will be the only difference in their care. The primary outcome will be QoR-15 scores at 24 hours postoperatively, a validated international tool for assessing a patient’s overall postoperative recovery.
Discussion
Regional analgesia should be a mainstay of perioperative opioid-sparing analgesia where possible. This is especially important in the bariatric cohort who are particularly susceptible to the complications of perioperative opioid administration. To the best of our knowledge, this trial will be the first to compare efficacy of two different regional analgesia techniques for bariatric patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Trial Registration
This trial was pre-registered on clinicaltrials.gov, reference number NCT05839704, on March 5th 2023. All items from the World Health Organisation Trial Registration Data Set have been included.
Pollutions and Incidence of Liver and Breast Cancer in Damietta Governorate, Egypt: A Multiregional Analysis
Authors: Moawed Elhossein A , Gohar Omnia H , El–tohamy Wael S , Sharawy Heba O El , El-Zahed Mohamed M. , Atta Eman , Sadda Rana R. El
Published: August 2024

Cancer stands as a pervasive global health concern, ranking among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This paper addresses this challenge by presenting a focused analysis of liver and breast cancer incidence rates in Damietta Governorate, Egypt, utilizing statistical data from 2021.The study meticulously divided Damietta Governorate into distinct regions for comprehensive analysis. Medical records, comprising 128 cases for liver cancer and 100 cases for breast cancer, were diligently collected from Damietta Cancer Center's Oncology Institute and death records throughout 2021. Incidence rates for both cancers were meticulously analyzed, considering factors such as sex, age, occupation, location, stage, grade, and diagnosis. The results highlighted a significant increase in liver cancer incidence rates by 2021, signaling a growing burden in Damietta Governorate. Similarly, projections indicated an upward trend in breast cancer incidence rates, with distinct variations observed in types like duct carcinoma and infiltrating duct carcinoma across specific regions. Noteworthy differences were also observed in age groups, marital status, and occupation. This study contributes valuable insights into the escalating incidence of liver and breast cancer in Damietta Governorate, emphasizing the urgency of continued monitoring and intervention efforts. The specific nuances in breast cancer types and demographic variations underscore the necessity for targeted strategies to alleviate the escalating burden of these diseases in the region. Ongoing surveillance and effective interventions are paramount to combat the rising incidence of liver and breast cancer in Damietta Governorate. Our results suggest a potential correlation between environmental pollution and cancer incidence rates in Damietta Governorate. Given the region's industrial activities and environmental challenges, the link between pollution and cancer warrants further investigation. Understanding and addressing the impact of pollution on cancer rates is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Establishment of evaluation index system of high output health education for patients with middle and low rectal cancer undergoing preventive ileostomy
Authors: zhang siyuan , gao huanling , li hongmei , liu lihong , chen weijing
Published: August 2024

Objective We aimed to establish an evaluation index system for health education among high output stoma patients with low anterior resection of rectal cancer and preventive ileostomy.As a theoretical basis,this system may be applied by the clinical nurses to carry out targeted health education and guidance among prophylactic ileostomy patients with hight output stoma and to evaluta the effect of health education.
Methods From January to April 2024, We constituted a scientific research team, including clinical medical experts, ostomy nurses and international ostomies,et al,based on the theory of Knowledge-Belief-Practice.Literature review semi-structured interviews，as well as the Delphi method and Multi-dimensional Analytic Hierarchy Process，were used to establish a framework of the evaluation index system and set weighted value for each evaluation index.
Results The response rates of the 2 rounds of expert consultations are 75.0% and 86.7%.The expert authority coeddicients are 0.873 and 0.969, respectively.The total Kendall harmony coefficients of the 2 rounds of expert consultations are 0.267~0.338 and 0.377~0.397(P <0.05).As a result，we built up an evaluation index system of health education which comprised 3 first-level indexes，13second-level indexes and 63 third-level indexes for high output stoma patients with low anterior resection of rectal cancer and preventive ileostomy.
Conclusion The evaluation index system may provide evidence and a practice tool for clinical nurses in conducting a comprehensive and efficient evaluation of health education among high output stoma patients with low anterior resection of rectal cancer and preventive ileostomy.
Detectable episodic positive selection in the virion strand A-strain maize streak virus genes may have a role in its host adaptation
Authors: Oyeniran Kehinde A. , Tenibiaje Mobolaji O.
Published: August 2024

Maize streak virus (MSV) has only three genes : cp encoding the coat protein, mp encoding the movement protein and rep/repA encoding two distinct replication associated proteins from an alternatively spliced transcript. These genes have roles in encapsidation, movement, replication and interactions with the external environment and are thus prone to stimuli-driven molecular adaptation. We accomplished selection studies for these publicly available curated, recombination-free complete coding sequences for representative A-strain maize streak virus (MSV-A) cp and mp genes. We found evidence of gene-wide selection in these two MSV genes at specific sites within the genes (cp 1.23% and mp 0.99%). Positively selected sites have amino acids that are 60% hydrophilic and 40% hydrophobic in nature. We found significant evidence of positive selection at branches (cp: 0.76 and mp :1.66%) representing the diversity of MSV-A strain in South Africa that is closely related to the MSV-Mat-A isolate (GenBank accession number: AF329881) that is well disseminated and adapted to the maize plant in the sub-Saharan Africa. While in the mp gene, selection significantly intensified for the overall diversities of the MSV-A sequences, and those that are closely related to the MSV-Mat-A isolate. These findings have revealed that these genes, despite mostly undergoing non-diversifying selection, the detectable diversifying positive selection observed could have a major role in MSV-A host adaptive evolution that has over time, ensured a degree of pathogenicity that is sufficient for onward transmission rather than killing its host.
Role of mitochondrial lncRNA GAS5 in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis: interfering with the release of miR-651-5p-enriched exosomes from microglia cells
Authors: Mohajeri-Khorasani Amirhossein , Karimi Elham , Zarei Mahboobeh , Azari Hanieh , Beyer Cordian , Mousavi Pegah , Sanadgol Nima , Negahi Ahmad Agha
Published: August 2024

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) arises from immune system dysfunction and damage to the myelin sheath within the CNS. At various stages of MS, analyzing blood samples has the potential to help differentiate between individuals with MS and those without, detect the early onset of the disease, or distinguish between different types of MS. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5) serves a pivotal role in governing cell growth and arrest, as well as modulating the immune system by acting as the glucocorticoid receptor. This research aims to explore GAS5 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) patients and evaluate its targeted miRNAs in exosomes. Our findings revealed an elevated expression level of GAS5 in RRMS patients in contrast to control groups (P-value = 0.0121), and GAS5 demonstrated diagnostic potential for RRMS, with an AUC of 0.6498. The in-silico analysis revealed that hsa-miR-651-5p emerged as a central component in the regulatory network of GAS5, with its target genes primarily implicated in transcription and apoptosis regulation. Additionally, RUNX1, YY1, GSK3B, FMR1, and KLF2 were identified as entities linked to GAS5. In this regard, our findings indicate a significant association between redox imbalance and the dysregulation of GAS5 and miR-651-5p expression in the HMC3 cell line. Given the increased expression of miR-651-5p in exosomes under stress, the transport of miR-651-5p into serum exosomes may be varied and related to GAS5 expression in PBMCs of MS subtypes. In conclusion, GAS5 can serve as a mitochondrial marker for RRMS, and redox imbalance appears to influence its regulation, highlighting its role in the cellular stress response. Future research is suggested to focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying GAS5/miR-651-5p interaction to better understand this process.