Carbonate pore type quantification through digital image analysis – dual-porosity reservoir example of the Arabian Gulf.

<p>The Barremian Upper Kharaib Formation reservoir unit was deposited in a carbonate ramp setting and shows moderate vertical facies variability, transitioning from a wackestone-dominated transgressive phase into a grainstone-dominated regressive phase. A dual-porosity system containing micro and macro-pores characterizes this reservoir, with microporosity as the dominant fraction of total porosity and holding large amounts of hydrocarbons in place. Porosity variations in the reservoir section shows no clear vertical trends, while permeability shows significantly higher values in the regressive phase sediments.</p><p>Digital image analysis (DIA) was done on this study using the different methods of visual estimation, colour selection based on histogram analysis and trained machine learning, with the measured area seen as a proxy for the total pore volume. A total of 285 images captured from 142 thin sections from 4 different wells were analysed. Colour selection through automated batch processing was done to quantify total macroporosity in all thin sections, using the petrographic images captured under XPL. Different RGB color codes and tolerance parameters were used in different runs on the same image, in an attempt to address the uncertainty in macroporosity measurements. Machine learning was applied using selected training images and manually classified pixel sets defining 2 classes (porous and non-porous space).</p><p>Total macroporosity is separated into interparticle and intraparticle/mouldic porosity (intrafossil porosity and probable dissolution of bioclasts/peloids/intraclasts) based on visual estimations, given that an unambiguous automated classification of these pore types is practically impossible to obtain. Microporosity is estimated to represent more than 60% of the total porosity. Considerable differences exist between the pore networks of the transgressive and regressive phase deposits, with the latter showing stronger heterogeneity and higher average interparticle macroporosity values in grainstone intervals containing coarser carbonate particles and small or no amount of interparticle micrite. These carbonate particles are, however, micritized and contain considerable volumes of microporosity within.</p><p>Pore type quantification through DIA can provide an objective, relatively quick and inexpensive methodology to provide useful insights into petrophysical relationships and to complement petrographic observations and core analysis results. Detailed depositional and stratigraphic models coupled with this quantitative data would help to better understand the depositional and diagenetic controls on rock properties variability.</p>

A review on Vranagranthi (Keloid) in Ayurvedic and Modern Aspect

Hypertrophic appearing scar tissue formation is known as Keloids. The growth of keloid is as compare to other raised scars is more rapid and progressive. If the keloid is formed then it grow much larger than the wound that caused the scar. Keloid is hypertrophic appearing scar that continue to evolve over the time without quiescent or regressive phase in the process of wound healing [1,2] The certain communities e.g. Africans having Keloid-prone skin. The cut, burn, pin prick or severe acne are the some examples that causes Keloid. A keloid can also form as chickenpox clear. Sometimes, a surgical scar becomes a keloid. In very rare cases, keloids form when people do not injure their skin. These are called “spontaneous keloids.” A keloid usually takes time to appear. After an injury, months can pass before this scar appears. A keloid can also form more quickly. Once it begins, a keloid can enlarge slowly for months or years. Ayurveda Vagbhatacharya described it is as Vrunagranthi. This review article is a comparative pathological study of Vrunagranthi with special references to keloid is found that having direct and much more identical Causes, features, pathology and prognostic between these.

Investigation of E2, E5, and E6 gene expression and DNA in situ fragmentation findings associated with progressive and regressive changes in benign neoplastic cutaneous lesions arising naturally from bovine papillomavirus-1 infection

This study investigated the progressive and regressive phases of bovine papillomavirus (BPV)-1-induced papilloma and fibropapilloma in terms of the distribution of viral antigenicity; E2, E5, and E6 gene activity and expression; and apoptosis (evaluated using DNA in situ fragmentation). All samples from 74 bovine cases of cutaneous lesions with suspected neoplastic changes collected from different skin areas were evaluated. The lesions were diagnosed as papilloma or fibropapilloma using routine hematoxylin–eosin and Mallory’s trichrome staining protocols. Feulgen reactions suggested a possible viral entity, and BPV-1 antigenicity was immunohistochemically observed in 22 cases. E gene expression in neoplastic tissues was evaluated using chromogenic in situ hybridization and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and the TUNEL method was used to evaluate DNA in situ fragmentation. Differences between progressive and regressive phases in these lesions were analyzed. Ultimately, the number of cases in the progressive phase (18) and regressive phase (4) were determined. Although E2 and E5 gene expression was observed in both phases, E6 gene distribution differed from the other E genes distribution in the progressive phase. E5 gene expression appeared stronger in oncogenic fibrocytes and fibroblasts, whereas E2 and E6 gene expression was weaker in epidermal cells and cells in the regressive phase. Apoptosis, considered the best indicator of neoplastic regression, was found to be associated with the regressive phase but was observed insufficiently in epidermal and dermal samples of the progressive-phase cases. In conclusion, this work provides significant insights on the molecular and immunopathological features of BPV-1.

A fungal proliferation near the probable Oligocene/Miocene boundary, Nukhul Formation, Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Moderately to well-preserved palynomorph assemblages were recorded from thirty samples of the Nukhul Formation (GH 404-2A Well), southern Gulf of Suez, Egypt. The taxa are dominated by highly diverse fungi, freshwater algae (e.g. Botryococcus, Pediastrum) beside a sparse record of spores and pollen. Marine palynomorphs, such as dinoflagellate cysts (dinocysts), are very rare. The stratigraphy and age of the Nukhul Formation is highly debated due to lack of diagnostic fossils (e.g. foraminifera, nannoplankton). It has been referred mostly to the Early Miocene; however, some recent publications interpret it as being of latest Oligocene–Early Miocene age. A prominent fungal proliferation composed of diverse and moderately well-preserved fungal spores, fungal fragments, fructifications and hyphae is recorded. This fungi-rich interval occurs mainly from 11370 to 11430 ft in the GH 404-2A Well. Such an observation has not been noted previously within the Nukhul Formation or its stratigraphic equivalents in Egypt. This putative ‘eco-event’ is probably associated with the well-known eustatic sea-level fall in the latest Chattian to early Aquitanian or at the Oligocene/Miocene boundary (OMB). It also seems possible that it may represent a more local event related to the rifting of the Gulf of Suez during this period. The high diversity of fossil fungi is interpreted herein as an indication of an episodic prevalence of humid climate at the end of a regressive phase, as also indicated by a lithological change near the top of the Shoab Ali Member of the Nukhul Formation. In addition, the co-occurrence of freshwater algae, mainly Botryococcus and Pediastrum, together with some aquatic fungal genera, such as Involutisporonites, Paragrantisporites, Quilonia, Striadiporites and Reduviasporonites, suggests the temporary existence of shallow, pond- or lake-like aquatic habitats, possibly related to tectonic activity.

Cell proliferation markers in the transplanted canine transmissible venereal tumor

Adult male mongrel dogs were subcutaneously transplanted with the canine transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) on the hypogastric region. Twelve specimens of tumors were collected, half during the proliferative phase and the other half during the regressive phase. Fragments of the tumor were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and routinely processed for light microscopy. Sections of 4µm were stained by Schorr or AgNOR or either immunostained for MIB1 (Ki67). Schorr stain, AgNOR and MIB1 showed an increased proliferative activity through mitotic index, nuclear argyrophilic protein stain and cycling tumoral cells in the growing tumors, respectively. All of the three cell proliferation markers were able to distinguish the TVT in both evolution phases. MIB1 monoclonal antibody was the best in the morphologic evaluation of growth and regression of TVT. This resulted in higher values than AgNORs counting and mitotic index. MIB1 immunostaining was the most effective parameter of the proliferative activity of TVT. However, a significant correlation has been detected only between mitosis counting and AgNORs.

The upper pleistocene of São Francisco do Sul Island coastal plain: geomorphologic, sedimentologic and evolutive aspects

The upper Pleistocene deposits (± 120 ky BP) outcrop in several coastal plains throughout the Brazilian coast. The occurrences in Santa Catarina State - Northern coast, where São Francisco do Sul Island is located are included in this context. The Pleistocene deposits which have marine and lagoon origin on the base and eolic origin on the top, characterize typical barrier island confined to crystalline basement elevations. The deposits outcrop on the central sector of São Francisco do Sul Island, close to the coastline, reaching up to 6 km of width and have variable heights from 12 to 17 m in elevations and 10 to 12 m in depressions. The geologic contact with the others coastal plain unities are interdigited and/or abrupt through scarps well defined that reach up to 4 m of vertical fall. The geomorphologic features consist in terraces exhibiting horizontal and undulated surface, dominating sandy sediments, fine to medium, well sorted, constituted by quartz and heavy minerals. These deposits were formed in higher sea level (8±2 m), between 18 to 120 ky BP, during regressive phase of the Sangamonian - Yarmoutian maximum transgression/regression, which is correlated to the interglacial Riss/Wurm, corresponding in Brazil to Cananéia transgression (SP), Penultimate transgression (BA) or barrier III (RS).