A Novel Technique For The Quantitative Determination Of Wettability Of A Severely Heterogeneous Tight Carbonate Reservoir

The objective of this study is to accurately measure the wettability contact angle of a cretaceous carbonate reservoir in a vertical well set-up known for as an unconventional tight carbonate oil reservoir. Also, to investigate the relative heterogeneity of these samples using digitally captured images; these images accurately capture natural pore-system in this carbonate rock samples and their wettability performance attributed towards building a vertical depth wettability/heterogeneity model. To capture, measure and model natural tight matrix static contact angle wettability in order to understand their new physics that will advance unconventional tight oil reservoir characterization. Entire vertical well depth reservoir core rock samples, in the form of rock fragments, are selected, then imaged, and then characterized for porosity, permeability, tortuosity/heterogeneity, and pore/grain-wettability contact angle in 2D format utilizing SEM-BSE imaging techniques. The generated big data images will be quantified using pre-defined logic for tortuosity/heterogeneity and wettability contact angle measurement. Each rock sample will process several images captured at X40 (mm), X400 (μm), and X4000 (nm) magnifications and will investigate wettability/heterogeneity relationships for unconventional tight pore system from the entire vertical depth. From measured data and computed logics, the major portions of captured rock investigated show water wet tendency. The wettability distribution in the vertical 250 feet shows strong to medium and even weak water-wet system variation (θ = 10° - θ = 90°). The dominant wettability is medium-water-wet (θ = 30° - θ = 60°), and it is found in the middle section of the vertical column. Medium-water-wet indicates a good candidate for secondary recovery water injection development programs. This study includes tortuosity/heterogeneity quantifications from imaging 2D technology which is valuable in understanding vertical/horizontal fluid movements. The authors feel that this study will narrow the gap in understanding contact angle wettability, heterogeneity characterizations from static conditions viewpoint and hence, the reservoir crude oil recovery vertical profile history from vertical rock samples

Kuwaiti Carbonate Reservoir Oil Recovery Prediction Through Static Wettability Contact Angle Using Machine Learning Modeling

The objective of this study is to predict EOR efficiencies through static wettability contact angle measurement by Machine Learning (ML) modeling. Unlike conventional methods of measuring static wettability contact angle, the unconventional digital static wettability contact angle is captured and measured, then (ML) modeled in order to forecast the recovery based on wettability distribution phenomenon. Due to success in big data collection from reservoir imaging samples, this study applies data science lifecycle logic and utilizes Machine Learning (ML) models that can predict the recovery through wettability contact angles and thus identify the treatment of oil recovery for a candidate reservoir. Using developed morphological driven pixel-data and transformed numerical wettability contact angle data are acquired from Scanning Electron Microscope Backscattered Electron (SEM-BSE) for 27 fresh core samples from top to bottom of the reservoir. These samples are properly sequenced and then images are selected. Big data from imaging technology have been processed in a manner to train, and test the model accuracy. Applied Data Science Lifecycle technique, such as data mining, is utilized. Data Exploration Analysis (DEA) is implemented to understand and review data distribution as well as relationships among input features. Different supervised ML models to predict recovery are utilized and an optimal model is identified with an acceptable accuracy. The selected prediction model is applied to model the optimal recovery practice. Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm is utilized and found as a best-fit model for this Kuwaiti reservoir case practice. Moreover, decision tree and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models could provide acceptable accuracy. Other supervised learning models were attempted and were not promising to provide feasible accuracy for this carbonate reservoir. The novel of this unique solution of the data-driven ML model is to predict recovery based on static wettability contact angles (?°). The static wettability contact angles (?°) and pore morphological features introduce an insights method to support reservoir engineers in making value-added decisions on production mechanisms and hydrocarbon recovery for their reservoirs. Hence, it improves the field development strategy

Clinicopathological Features and Outcomes of Endometrial Cancer: A single institution experience

Objectives: This study aimed to report the demographic features, clinical presentation, pathological types and long-term outcomes of patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer (EC) in Oman. EC is the sixth most common cancer in women worldwide and the fifth most common cancer in women in Oman. Survival outcomes of EC have not been reported previously from Oman. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out on consecutive patients treated at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, between 2008 and 2020. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan and Meier method. Results: A total of 50 patients with EC were included. The median age was 61 years (range: 31–86 years), and 72% of the patients had type I histology. Most patients were diagnosed with stage IA and IB EC (49% and 20%, respectively), and the majority had grade 1 or 2 tumours (40% and 34%, respectively). Overall, the 5-year survival and 10-year survival rates were estimated to be 70% and 56%, respectively. Weight (>75 kg) and body mass index (>30 kg/m2) were significantly associated with better survival. Tumour histology (type I versus type II or carcinosarcoma), grade (1 versus 2 versus 3) and stage (IA or IB versus II–IV) were associated with better overall survival (P = 0.007, P <0.0001 and P <0.0003, respectively). Patients diagnosed with EC with co-morbidities, other than obesity, had inferior survival compared to those without co-morbidities. Conclusion: Median age at presentation, histological sub-type, clinical stage and outcomes are comparable to the published literature. Almost two-thirds of the patients were obese. These data could be used as a benchmark for outcomes of EC in the region. Keywords: Endometrial Cancer; Obesity; Cancer; Survival; Oman

Practical Imaging Applications Of Wettability Contact Angles On Kuwaiti Tight Carbonate Reservoir With Different Rock Types

This study focuses on a tight carbonate reservoir which is located in Northern Kuwait and is classified as an unconventional reservoir. A practical imaging technique of wettability contact angle (θ°) presents big data as well as relative-permeability (Krw and Kro) measurements. Also, modeling, through rock image technology, the vast well-documented grain/pore boundary morphology available inside fresh rock fragments have achieved good results. Conventional laboratory relative-permeability experiments are expensive and time-consuming. This study introduces a novel method to measure/calculate relative permeability through fast, less expensive, non-destructive, and environmentally friendly techniques of imaging technology. One tight carbonate reservoir is selected, imaged, processed, analyzed, and then modeled using several pore diameter morphological models. The images are captured using a backscattered electron microscopy BSE-SEM technology analyses. In this study, two-dimensional images are used to characterize the morphology of selected samples grains and pores, using a two-step technique. In the first step, the image is captured using a backscattered electron detector (BSE), digital electron microscopy imaging, and pore-counting processing technology. All of the sample grain/pore features captured in the image are reported in micrometer units. In the second step, the pore area of such features is scanned using image analysis software that can accurately measure several morphological parameters of pore and grain spaces. A robust technique of visual estimate is used, which has the advantage of speeding the image analysis process. The visual analysis software tool counts different pores and counts grains and also measures their shapes and sizes which are crucial for relative permeability calculations. Several pore morphological models have been considered for optimum accuracy comparisons, including pore/grain relationships (area/perimeter), pore contact angle (θ), and pore count. Relative permeability is calculated based on the area of the pore/grain features measured from two-dimensional images. The study objectives are to accurately measure the wettability contact angle of huge pore geometries using 2D image technology to understand the nature of the pore network in the candidate reservoir. To study the relative permeability of internal influences of pore and grain morphology needed for enhanced oil recovery/improved oil recovery (EOR/IOR) future programs. And, finally, to measure relative permeability faster and more accurately

Efficacy of Autologous Bone Marrow Concentrate for Knee Osteoarthritis with and without Adipose Graft

Introduction.We investigated the use of autologous bone marrow concentrate (BMC) with and without an adipose graft, for treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA).Methods.Treatment registry data for patients who underwent BMC procedures with and without an adipose graft were analyzed. Pre- and posttreatment outcomes of interest included the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), the numerical pain scale (NPS), and a subjective percentage improvement rating. Multivariate analyses were performed to examine the effects of treatment type adjusting for potential confounding factors. The frequency and type of adverse events (AE) were also examined.Results.840 procedures were performed, 616 without and 224 with adipose graft. The mean LEFS score increased by 7.9 and 9.8 in the two groups (out of 80), respectively, and the mean NPS score decreased from 4 to 2.6 and from 4.3 to 3 in the two groups, respectively. AE rates were 6% and 8.9% in the two groups, respectively. Although pre- and posttreatment improvements were statistically significant, the differences between the groups were not.Conclusion.BMC injections for knee OA showed encouraging outcomes and a low rate of AEs. Addition of an adipose graft to the BMC did not provide a detectible benefit over BMC alone.</jats:p

Anterior cruciate ligament tears treated with percutaneous injection of autologous bone marrow nucleated cells: a case series

INTRODUCTION: This was a prospective case series designed to investigate treatment for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears using an injection of autologous bone marrow concentrate. METHODS: Consecutive adult patients presenting to a private outpatient interventional musculoskeletal and pain practice with knee pain, ACL laxity on exam, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of a grade 1, 2, or 3 ACL tears with less than 1 cm retraction were eligible for this study. Eligible patients were treated with an intraligamentous injection of autologous bone marrow concentrate, using fluoroscopic guidance. Pre- and postprocedural sagittal MRI images of the ACLs were analyzed using ImageJ software to objectively quantify changes between pre- and posttreatment scans. Five different types of measurement of ACL pixel intensity were examined as a proxy for ligament integrity. In addition pain visual analog scale (VAS) and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) values were recorded at baseline and at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and annually postinjection. Objective outcomes measured were pre- to post-MRI measurement changes, as analyzed by the ImageJ software. Subjective outcomes measured were changes in the VAS and LEFS, and a self-rated percentage improvement. RESULTS: Seven of ten patients showed improvement in at least four of five objective measures of ACL integrity in their postprocedure MRIs. In the entire study group, the mean gray value, median, raw integrated density, and modal gray value all decreased toward low-signal ACLs (P=0.01, P=0.02, P=0.002, and P=0.08), indications of improved ligament integrity. Seven of ten patients responded to the self-rated metrics follow up. The mean VAS change was a decrease of 1.7 (P=0.25), the mean LEFS change was an increase of 23.3 (P=0.03), and mean reported improvement was 86.7%. CONCLUSION: Based on this small case series, autologous bone marrow concentrate shows promise in the treatment of grade 1, 2, and possibly grade 3 ACL tears without retraction. Further investigation using a controlled study design is warranted

A prospective multi-site registry study of a specific protocol of autologous bone marrow concentrate for the treatment of shoulder rotator cuff tears and osteoarthritis

INTRODUCTION: Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint in the general population. Bone marrow concentrate (BMC) injections offer promising potential as a minimally invasive approach for treatment of shoulder pain in degenerative disease. In this study, we investigated the clinical outcomes of the BMC injections for treatment of shoulder pain and disability due to osteoarthritis (OA) and rotator cuff tears in a treatment registry population. METHODS: A total of 115 shoulders in 102 patients were treated with autologous BMC injections for symptomatic OA at the glenohumeral joint and/or rotator cuff tears. Data were collected for factors potentially influencing outcome, including age, sex, body mass index, and the type of condition treated (ie, OA or rotator cuff tear). Clinical outcomes were assessed serially over time using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score (DASH), the numeric pain scale (NPS), and a subjective improvement rating scale. Baseline scores were compared to the most recent outcome scores at the time of the analysis and adjusted for demographic differences. We reported comparisons of pre- and post-treatment scores, the differences between osteoarthritis and rotator cuff groups, and the predictive effects on the clinical outcomes. RESULTS: At the most current follow-up assessment after treatment, the average DASH score decreased (improved) from 36.1 to 17.1 (P<0.001) and the average numeric pain scale value decreased (improved) from 4.3 to 2.4 (P<0.001). These changes were associated with an average subjective improvement of 48.8%. No differences were observed between outcomes among the shoulders treated for OA versus rotator cuff tears, nor did age, sex, or body mass index influence pain or functional outcomes. There were no significant treatment-related adverse events reported. DISCUSSION: We observed preliminarily encouraging results following BMC injections for shoulder OA and rotator cuff tears. These results serve as basis for the design of an adequately powered randomized controlled trial

Genotype- phenotype correlation and molecular heterogeneity in pyruvate kinase deficiency

Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is a rare recessive congenital hemolytic anemia caused by mutations in the PKLR gene. This study reports the molecular features of 257 patients enrolled in the PKD Natural History Study. Of the 127 different pathogenic variants detected, 84 were missense and 43 non- missense, including 20 stop- gain, 11 affecting splicing, five large deletions, four in- frame indels, and three promoter variants. Within the 177 unrelated patients, 35 were homozygous and 142 compound heterozygous (77 for two missense, 48 for one missense and one non- missense, and 17 for two non- missense variants); the two most frequent mutations were p.R510Q in 23% and p.R486W in 9% of mutated alleles. Fifty- five (21%) patients were found to have at least one previously unreported variant with 45 newly described mutations. Patients with two non- missense mutations had lower hemoglobin levels, higher numbers of lifetime transfusions, and higher rates of complications including iron overload, extramedullary hematopoiesis, and pulmonary hypertension. Rare severe complications, including lower extremity ulcerations and hepatic failure, were seen more frequently in patients with non- missense mutations or with missense mutations characterized by severe protein instability. The PKLR genotype did not correlate with the frequency of complications in utero or in the newborn period. With ICCs ranging from 0.4 to 0.61, about the same degree of clinical similarity exists within siblings as it does between siblings, in terms of hemoglobin, total bilirubin, splenectomy status, and cholecystectomy status. Pregnancy outcomes were similar across genotypes in PK deficient women. This report confirms the wide genetic heterogeneity of PK deficiency.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/154955/1/ajh25753.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/154955/2/ajh25753_am.pd

Characterization of the severe phenotype of pyruvate kinase deficiency

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/162766/2/ajh25926.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/162766/1/ajh25926_am.pd

Rethinking childhood ependymoma: a retrospective, multi-center analysis reveals poor long-term overall survival

Ependymoma is the third most common brain tumor in children, but there is a paucity of large studies with more than 10 years of follow-up examining the long-term survival and recurrence patterns of this disease. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 103 pediatric patients with WHO Grades II/III intracranial ependymoma, who were treated at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and Chicago’s Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital between 1985 and 2008, and an additional 360 ependymoma patients identified from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. For the institutional cohort, we evaluated clinical and histopathological prognostic factors of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) using the log-rank test, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards models. Overall survival rates were compared to those of the SEER cohort. Median follow-up time was 11 years. Ten-year OS and PFS were 50 ± 5% and 29 ± 5%, respectively. Findings were validated in the independent SEER cohort, with 10-year OS rates of 52 ± 3%. GTR and grade II pathology were associated with significantly improved OS. However, GTR was not curative for all children. Ten-year OS for patients treated with a GTR was 61 ± 7% and PFS was 36 ± 6%. Pathological examination confirmed most recurrent tumors to be ependymoma, and 74% occurred at the primary tumor site. Current treatment paradigms are not sufficient to provide long-term cure for children with ependymoma. Our findings highlight the urgent need to develop novel treatment approaches for this devastating disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11060-017-2568-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users