Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) refer to a heterogeneous population of cells with the capacity for self-renewal. BMSCs have multi-directional differentiation potential and can differentiate into chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and adipocytes under specific microenvironment or mechanical regulation. The activities of BMSCs are closely related to bone quality. Previous studies have shown that BMSCs and their lineage-differentiated progeny (for example, osteoblasts), and osteocytes are mechanosensitive in bone. Thus, a goal of this review is to discuss how these ubiquious signals arising from mechanical stimulation are perceived by BMSCs and then how the cells respond to them. Studies in recent years reported a significant effect of locomotion on the migration, proliferation and differentiation of BMSCs, thus, contributing to our bone mass. This regulation is realized by the various intersecting signaling pathways including RhoA/Rock, IFG, BMP and Wnt signalling. The mechanoresponse of BMSCs also provides guidance for maintaining bone health by taking appropriate exercises. This review will summarize the regulatory effects of locomotion/mechanical loading on BMSCs activities. Besides, a number of signalling pathways govern MSC fate towards osteogenic or adipocytic differentiation will be discussed. The understanding of mechanoresponse of BMSCs makes the foundation for translational medicine.
Wellbore instability is one of the most serious issues faced in the drilling process. During drilling operations, the cyclic loads applied on the fractured formation progressively modify the initial parameters (i.e., length and width) of the fractured formation, thus resulting into undesirable wellbore instability. In this paper, using a nonlinear finite element software (ABAQUS) as the numerical simulator, a poro-elasto-plastic model has been established which aimed at analyzing the influence of drill string vibration cyclic loads on the development of the wellbore natural fracture. The numerical results showed that the fracture width as a function of time profiles followed a sinusoidal behavior similar to the drill string vibration cyclic load profiles. For different cyclic load magnitudes with constant number of cyclic loads, the highest percentage increase of the fracture width after integration of cyclic loads was 64.77%. Interestingly, the fracture width increased with the fracture length in the near wellbore region while it globally decreased in the region far away from the wellbore. But for constant cyclic load magnitude with different number of cyclic loads, the biggest percentage increase of the fracture width after integration of cyclic loads was slightly lower representing 63.12% while the oscillating period of the fracture width increased with the number of cyclic loads. The parametric study revealed that the drill string vibration cyclic loads were relatively independent of the fracture length and the bottom hole pressure. However, the fracture width and the loss circulation rates were considerably impacted by the drill string vibration and the highest percentage increase of the loss circulation rate after integration of cyclic loads was 14.3%. This study provides an insight into the coupling of the fracture rock development and the continuous cyclic loads generated by drill string vibrations which is an aspect that has been rarely discussed in the literature.
The Baikouquan Oilfield is entering middle and later periods of development. Casing failure, caused by the quality of cementing and casing corrosion, affects the normal production of the well. The number of wells in this situation has been increasing in recent years. Some wells with a high aquifer have no way to achieve effective plugging. The conventional measures have short validity periods and low plugging strengths. They cannot meet the requirements of subsequent fracturing operations and long-term production. Therefore, a new type of plugging agent with high strength, temperature resistance, salt resistance and micro-expansion features was designed and developed. The field test was carried out on four wells in the Baikouquan block, including three wells with a strong water-flooded layer and one well with an upper casing leakage point. A field test showed that the leakage formation was successfully plugged under the condition that the oilfield pressure test value was 30 MPa, with a 100% success rate. The average fluid volume decreases by 51.4%, and the average oil volume increases by 270.8%. The average daily oil volume per well increases by 3.2 t/d. The new plugging agent has the characteristics of no regurgitation, fast cementing speed with the new interface, high cementing strength and construction safety. The above advantages are of great significance in reducing the operation cost of oil and water well production and enhancing oil recovery.
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