bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supertoxicants: modeling of their formation and distribution caused by the oil spills on the objects of production and transportation of oil
Authors: Khaustov Alexander P. , Redina Margarita M.
Published: October 2012

The accidental oil spills are still one of the mostly serious problems in the Russian oil and gas complexes. But until today the approaches to the analyses of the consequences of oil spills can not be recognized as adequate, as well as the approaches to the planning and preparation to the localization and elimination of possible accidents. One of the reasons of this situation is underestimation of danger of the oil components and of the processes of their migration and transformation.

In the process of the geoecological estimation the main attention is mostly paid to the total concentrations of oil products, without considering the processes of the natural fractioning. The consequence of such approach is that the toxic properties of the oil components (incl. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and others supertoxicants) are underestimated, the environmental damages are undervaluated, the migration of hydrocarbons in the system "soil – atmosphere – grounds – plants" is inaccurate. The oil transformation products include persistent organic compounds – the individual group of xenobiotics, which main properties are toxicity, perstistence, high migration ability and cumulativeness.

The existing equations of hydrocarbons balance suggest the vertical migration of oil products with the moisture flow in the system "soils – subsoils – capillary zone – zone of saturation". But it doesn't taking into account that the phase transitions of substances are caused by the dominant processes: atmosphere – evaporation and chemical oxidation in soils – biooxidation and biodistruction; in grounds – sorption, diffusion; in capillary zone – formation of entrapped forms of hydrocarbons; in the zone of saturation – spreading of the lens and migration inside as a dissolved form. The age of the oil pollution, the anisotropy of the pollutants movement and their type are very important.

It is necessary to develop the system of the reliable indicators of landscapes' state, taking into account the transformation of oil products and building of the new compounds with the natural substrates, with the estimation of their toxicity and lifetime in the environment.

The multicomponent model of oil products migration with selection of the determined forms of transformation processes is proposed. The 4-zone structure of the upper part of section with oil products' forms and indicators of individual substances as well as natural fractioning processes is modeling. The geochemical markers are proposed – the final products of oxidation and biodestruction, diffusion and sorption of oil components in the environments.

The proposed solutions are necessary to use in the monitoring praxis, as well as for the selection of priority directions of remediation of the damaged landscapes. Considering the necessity of improvement of landscapes remediation efficiency, these studies are very promising.
The Optimal Parameters for Oil Field Development
Authors: Khasanov Mars , Ushmaev Oleg , Nekhaev Sergey , Karamutdinova Dinara
Published: October 2012

This paper describes a new method for selection of well spacing and production rate for an oil field. We express net present value (NPV) as function of well spacing and the production rate. Then we use partial derivatives of this function in order to find the maximum NPV. The equations for partial derivatives are solved numerically. We illustrate an application of our method with examples of Western Siberian oil fields.
Numerical Modelling of Salty Reservoir Waterflooding with Fresh Water
Authors: Bogachev K. Yu. , Milyutin S. V. , Dzuba V. I.
Published: October 2012

In this article, a reservoir waterflood numerical modelling problem is considered for the case when injected water salinity is different from formation water salinity, and taking into account mass transfer due to reservoir salt dilution. Based on a multiphase isothermal black oil model, a new mathematical model is proposed, taking into account the basic physical parameters of the underlying process, such as maximum salt concentration (saturated solution concentration), viscosity and water density dependence on salt concentration, porosity and permeability changes during dilution. It is assumed that dilution speed is proportional to current and saturated solution concentration difference. This model was programmed in a commercial parallel hydrodynamic reservoir simulator [1] and was tested on real field models, showing high numerical effectiveness.
Organizational Capability Development as a Unique Source of Company's Competitive Advantage
Authors: Potapova T.
Published: October 2012

The beginning of the 21st century features the ever increasing globalization, rapid technological and demographical shifts, and numerous mergers and acquisitions. All of the above factors heavily impact organizations forcing them to compete more intensely, to devise new strategies, and introduce new approaches to their operations and customer relations. Globalization offers foreign companies a chance to become local market players and thus pose a serious competitive threat to local operators. Technologies that replace each other at a fast pace make organizations to review their attitude to customers and consumers, and continuously look for new ways to meet their changing demands. Such demographic trends as aging populations and falling birth rates, particularly telling in Russia, are already ringing alarm bells of work force reduction, which triggers tough corporate competition for qualified personnel. All of these phenomena are already visible in Russian and international markets, including the oil industry: nowadays, companies have to fight for best human resources; the time it takes to headhunt world-level technical experts has increased to 12-18 months; and ever more sophisticated methods are used to recruit personnel. In addition, as quality of education offered by Russian petroleum universities deteriorates and the qualifications of their graduates decline, companies have to launch in-house training programs for young specialists.

All of the above factors show that in order to stay afloat and prosper, companies have to revise their attitudes and customs. Traditional approaches to competition are gradually losing their former significance. An organization's success no longer exclusively hinges on its ability to meet the needs of its customers or shareholders, but also on how effectively its processes help it in responding to environmental challenges and changes. Traditional ways of gaining a competitive advantage, such as offering better quality services and products at a lower price, using state-of-the-art technologies, research, etc., must now be complemented with developing an organizational capability or the company's ability to manage its human resources in such a way as to obtain competitive edge. Continuously changing external conditions and the growing significance of uniqueness to company operations have defined this paper's topic. Organizational capability development would enable the company to acquire a source of corporate uniqueness that can hardly be copied or imitated by its competitors.

This article describes a research project carried out within TNK-BP in order to assess the level of its organizational capability and design an organizational capability development program.
Methodology of Fluid Composition Calculation on the Basis of "Black Oil" Simulation
Authors: Devyatov A. , Filippova Y. , Nasibullin A.
Published: October 2012

The paper presents a methodology of hydrocarbon fuid composition calculation on the basis of gas and condensate profiles calculated in a black oil simulator. The methodology is based on the straight dependency of the condensate-gas factor (CGR) and the reservoir pressure (Pres). In order to determine a fluid composition a dependence function between a fraction of a hydrocarbon component and CGR is created using a PVT-simulator. Having a relationship between CGR and a hydrocarbon fraction a fluid composition can be calculated using the average CGR from black oil simulation results. This methodology gives a fraction of every individual component in comparison to composition modelling, where real components should be groupped in pseudocomponents.

Proposed methodology assumes several constraints – the methodology should be applied just for gas condensate reservoirs without oil rims and the reservoir should be developed on depletion. In the work black oil and composition simulation results were compared. The paper can be useful for reservoir engineers working with gas condensates because it allows reducing simulation time without losing information about fluid composition.
Development Options and Justification of Stimulation Techniques for Increased-Viscosity Oil Reservoirs within Messoyakhskoye Project in Difficult Conditions of Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District
Authors: Orlov Alexander , Klimov Mikhail , Samorokov Sergey , Osipenko Alexey , Lyamkina Olga , Bliznyuk Alexander
Published: October 2012

Nowadays Russian oil industry is characterized by oil production deceleration. An ever-growing part of produced fluid is being borrowed by hard to recover reserves, which can be effectively recovered only by means of new highly effective oil recovery increasing technology application. In current situation, the role of the last one has been increasing rapidly due to the fact that oil recovery in Russian oil fields can be increased only by one percent, they are equivalent to several large oilfield discoveries which can provide two or three year oil production in the country. Nowadays the largest Russian oilfields are in declining stage, therefore, the main conditions of oil production stabilization and further Russian oil industry development are implementation of new highly effective technology concepts for oil recovery growth from low permeability reservoirs and hard to recover reserves.

High viscosity oil production is part of hard to recover reserves. However, despite the large high viscosity oil reserves, they are being developed slowly. One of the main problem is the absence of approach to the field development technology selection. Screening of the suitable technology, calculation of technology and economical effectiveness are referred to considerable work efforts which are not feasible at the early stage of the project. This early stage supposes quick determination of several most suitable technologies and evaluation of their effectiveness.
Characterization of Naturally Fractured Reservoirs in Tatarstan Using Oriented Cores and Well Imagers.
Authors: Musin Kamil M. , Khisamov Rais S. , Dinmoukhamedov Ramil Sh.
Published: October 2012

Carbonate reservoirs which contains significant amount of the remaining oil reserves in the Tatarstan Republic and in Russia are normally always naturally fractured. The presence of natural fractures creates additional heterogeneity of the reservoirs structure and makes an essential impact on the development strategy for such reservoirs. An integration of modern logging methods and special studies of oriented cores can give better characterization of such complex reservoirs.

To estimate naturally fractured reservoirs' characteristics in carbonate deposits of the Tatarstan Republic the network of key wells were drilled with oriented cores recovered. To date ten such wells have been drilled. Core studies for qualitative and quantitative fracture system analysis have been made. Based on these studies main types, morphology and orientation of occurred fractures were identified. The depth, dipping angle, azimuth and distribution function has been determined for each fracture type from oriented core studies. Analysis of full-size core allowed estimating secondary porosity in intervals with caverns present. In the same intervals in addition to standard logging set special open hole logging was done including micro-resistivity and acoustic imagers, ultrasonic logging.

Core measurements and logging data was analyzed in specialized software FracaFlow. Based on this analysis it was shown that core data and log data are in good agreement to each other and can be used in combination for better reservoir description in carbonates. The core orientation technique works best for wells with high inclination while micro-imagers can only be used in low angle wells (less than 40°). Low aperture fractures can be successfully identified on core in thick formations however the core orientation method fails in thin interbedded formations. The enhancement for core orientation technique was suggested which uses formation dipping angle data.

Data received will help to evaluate carbonate reservoirs in more details. It will be taken in account while drilling new wells and for design of oilfields' development.
Display of Gas Deposits by Ob-Tazovskoe Shoal in Anomalies of Potential Fields
Authors: Boldyreva V. A. , Chernov A. A.
Published: October 2012

The gravitational field of Obsko-Tazovsky shoal and the adjacent areas is presented by large areas of positive and negative anomalies (fig. 1). In an average part of territory the positive gravitational field by places of mosaic character with display in it of large anomalies intensity to 30 mgl is observed.

Anomalies have various trend – mainly latitudinal strike, sometimes indistinctly expressed. To the majority of large positive anomalies of a gravitational field there correspond the same positive anomalies of a geomagnetic field. Their density, in the assumption of the basic structure, can reach 2.78–2.8г/cm3.

For example, large isotropic maxima gravitational and geomagnetic fields, located to West-Geophysical structure, and also maxima of fields of northwest trend to the north from Geophysical structure. These monogenetic maxima, most likely, are caused by influence of blocks of the base rocks combined by more dense and magnetoactive rocks. Their density, in the assumption of the basic structure, can reach 2.78–2.8g/cm3.

In whole, in the field of a positive gravitational field in an average part of investigated region presence of large negative anomalies to which there correspond the similar magnetic on a sign is marked. Judging by intensity (to -5mgl) adjacent gravitational minima and settlement density of rocks of the base (an order 2.58–2.65 g/cm3) the last are combined by sour rocks. Gravitational field basic elements well mirror a region structure. So, the configuration isoanomalies specifies in separateness of Hambatejsky and North Kamennomyssky deposits, and at the same time, on communication of it with Chugorjahinsky.

In the field of Kamennomyssky and Nulmujahinsky deposits sharp lifting of the base with 6km to 4.5km and to the West to 3.3km precisely corresponds further to accurately expressed abnormal zone in which limits character of a gravitational field essentially differs from the adjacent sites. This gradients zone of type of a gravitational step in which limits of value of a field decrease with +7 to-25mGal from the east for the West, i.e., base uplift is accompanied by gravity reduction.

And, within a zone of the raised base its surface remains concerning quiet. It gradually raises in east direction. At the same time the gravity field goes down in the same direction with very big gradient. In the east of investigated region the strip of the localised minima of gravity of northeast trend is traced. To the south this strip of anomalies is divided on two strips with the advent of two extensive minima of gravity over major fields of hydrocarbons: Jamburgsky and Nahodkinsky. To these deposits in a magnetic field correspond monogenetic minima.
Application of Seismoacoustic Methods for Mapping and Monitoring of Benthic Ecosystems in Arctic Shelf
Authors: Gubanova Yana , Isachenko Artem , Tzetlin Aleksandr , Tokarev Mikhail
Published: October 2012

This paper presents the results of mapping Rugozerskaya Bay of the White Sea, based on geophysical and direct observations data, and conclusions about the limits of applicability of geophysical methods for the area.

In world practice, of environmental engineering problems are given great attention, so the issues of studying the structure and distribution of sediments and biotopes are traditional.

The data were procured during a interdisciplinary marine traning in 2010. For mapping we used the following methods: high-resolution seismic (method of continuous seismic profiling), sidescan sonar, sampling and underwater observations, including underwater photo and video.

As a result, complex interpretation of the information obtained by direct methods was extended to the entire study area using geophysical data. The data used sonar to map lithological and biological differences; seismoacoustic given the opportunity to compare the ancient structures with the modern landscape.
Comparative Analysis of Different Techniques for Waterflood Efficiency Assessment
Authors: Ivan Arsenevsky , Maria Belyanushkina , Rustem Gareev , Andrey Gladkov , Danila Kondakov , Anton Lvov
Published: October 2012

The traditional waterflood management practice during the oil field development is to divide the production targets into blocks / elements / patterns. This allows us to estimate reservoir and production parameters, to identify problem blocks and plan for well activities, improving the reservoir development efficiency.

The input data for calculating key indicators of block energy state and waterflood performance are related to production and injection per blocks. Therefore, the cornerstone is the production / injection allocation for the wells located on boundaries of several blocks.

Generally, production / injection is allocated using the geometrical technique, where the contribution of a boundary wells into each block (described by an allocation factor) is proportional to the angle, open to flow in this well into the block. Furthermore, this proportion is retained during the entire field life. However, the development practice shows that actual allocation factors may differ significantly from the numbers, predicted by the geometrical approach. Moreover, these factors dynamically change over time with changes in performance of the wells, located inside the block.

In this paper, we describe the results of a comparative analysis on various static and dynamic techniques for calculating well allocation factors. We determined the limitations of various methods and estimated the performance factor accuracy for different waterflooding patterns.
Use of an Injectable Complex of β-Tricalcium Phosphate Granules, Hyaluronate, and Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 on Repair of Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures
Authors: Tanaka T , Kitasato S , Chazono M , Kumagae Y , Iida T , Mitsuhashi M , Kakuta A , Marumo K
Published: October 2012

We evaluated effects of an injectable complex of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) granules, hyaluronate, and recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 (rhFGF-2) on repair of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients. Twenty-five patients (range, 76-91 years) having 31.A2 fractures (AO classification) were treated with injection of the complex followed by intramedullary nails. Bone regeneration and β-TCP resorption, unions of intertrochanteric fractures and displaced lesser trochanters to the shaft, and varus deformity of the femoral neck were assessed by X-ray and CT scans. Fracture union occurred in all cases and union of the displaced lesser trochanter to the shaft was obtained in 24 cases by 12 weeks. It is of interest that β-TCP granules were completely replaced by bone and marked new bone formation around the lesser trochanter was observed in all cases compared to cases not treated with the complex. This complex is a paste-like material that is easy to handle, and it may be of considerable use in treatment of both unstable intertrochanteric fractures and other cortical bone defects with minimal surgical invasion.
Design Considerations for Instructional Computing Programs
Authors: Wager Walter
Published: October 2012

This article reviews four different CAI algorithms in light of an instructional theory based on the work of Robert Gagné. The author concludes that different types of CAI supply different events of instruction to the learner. This implies that different types of CAI are more or less complete as instructional strategies, and that different types of CAI are more or less appropriate depending on the nature of the capability to be learned. Designers should be aware of how the CAI programs will be used and work toward providing the instructional events necessary to be effective.
Structural Equation Modeling: An Alternative to Traditional Validation Techniques
Authors: Bell Margaret E. , Massey Jean A.
Published: October 2012

Validation of the sequencing of objectives is an important step in structural design. Prior statistical techniques, such as the reproducibility coefficient, have yielded only summary information. In contrast, structural equation modeling provides both goodness-of-fit indices and effect coefficients for links or paths between time-ordered events, i.e., objectives. Discussed here is the application of structural equation modeling to a set of objectives in a senior-level cardiovascular nursing course. Consistent with the theory-based requirement of structural equation modeling, the objectives were developed using Robert Gagné's conditions of learning. Also discussed is the use of “t” values, which indicate statistical significance of the paths, for testing instructional links in the learning model.
Coming to Terms with Bodily Losses and Disruptions Evoked by AIDS
Authors: Sandstrom Kent L.
Published: October 2012

This article uses interview data to examine (1) the prominent bodily losses and disruptions experienced by men with AIDS and (2) the effect these losses and disruptions have on friendships, work, and leisure activities. By focusing on these themes, the article illustrates some of the vexing self-challenges encountered by men with AIDS as their illness advances and alters their bodies and relationships. It also reveals the strategies they rely on to address these challenges and sustain a sense of self-value.
Living and Dying with AIDS: Special Concerns and a Mother's Perspective
Authors: Sanders Karen N. , McGee Marsha
Published: October 2012

A mother's story of her son's struggle with and subsequent death due to complications resulting from AIDS was compared and contrasted with the experiences of other AIDS patients. This article examines some of the particular problems faced by those dying of AIDS in regard to physical health and legal, social, and psychological issues, as well as changes in attitudes toward persons dying of AIDS. In conclusion, the article asks and proposes answers to the following question: What currently is being done to help people who are living with and dying of AIDS?
Healthy Children and Fears about Death
Authors: Wass Hannelore
Published: October 2012

Some explanations for the paucity of empirical studies of death fears in healthy, nonbereaved children are offered, and issues in studying this topic are discussed. Three major findings from the existing literature — occurrence, age/developmental differences, and gender differences in frequency, intensity, and quality — are presented, followed by a discussion of questions that remain largely unanswered and explanations that may need revision.
Group Design: Bereavement Group for Widows
Authors: Conrad E. Juliane , Brandon Carolyn R.
Published: October 2012

The death of a mate has been described as one of the number one stressors in our society today. This article proposes a group design for bereaved widows for the purpose of support and preventive and remedial interventions to help members learn to cope with loss and create a more meaningful life.
Death Rituals and Social Change among the Aymara of Peru: The Subversive Strength of Ritual
Authors: Cox Christopher W.
Published: October 2012

After six centuries of domination, first by the Incas then by the Spaniards and their heirs, the Aymara people have adapted and changed to survive. A critical step in that adaptation was the appropriation of a syncretic Catholicism during the Spanish Conquest. The rituals, especially those related to death, manifest a complex culture and provide strength for this people to face the challenges of modernity.
Illness, Identity, and Survivorship: Modern and Postmodern Breast Cancer Narratives
Authors: Hall Lisa Cox
Published: October 2012

Illness challenges identity. Sense of time and routine, relationships, and body undergo significant change. This article analyzes twenty intensive interviews with women who have had breast cancer, to assess how they responded to these challenges and changes. The main theme is survival, which seems to drive behaviors and decisions throughout the illness process. The particular means of communicating the desire to survive, and the specific ways with which identity is dealt, vary among women, however. Some tell stories of their illness in a modernist medical model; others, tell it in a postmodern voice. Additionally, some exhibit both modern and postmodern styles. Medical views, illness management, and gendered body image are central themes in the narratives and provide the framework for the article's organization. This article shows how modern and postmodern theory is applied to everyday illness experience and illustrates the implications of particular illness responses.
What's Wrong with the Cancer Treatment Process? A Breast Cancer Patient's Experience
Authors: Sengstock Mary C.
Published: October 2012

A year of treatment for breast cancer presents a sociologist with a unique opportunity to analyze the health care system from a patient perspective. Serious communication problems occurred not only between patient and professional but between different professionals as well. There is a general assumption that individual patients and professionals can control various aspects of the treatment process. However, many difficulties that arose are actually systemic problems that require a social systems approach for their solution. The problems observed may be responsible for many patients' reluctance to obtain early screenings or care for their medical conditions, or may even result in their terminating care prematurely. In many respects, the health care system is operating outside the control of health care professionals. Attention to the issues raised could make patient care more effective and perhaps more economical as well.
Ryean's Story: Coping with Illness, Trauma, and Pain
Authors: Krajewski Robert , Krajewski Lynn
Published: October 2012

This article describes the background and the grief, pain, illness, and trauma involved in the life of Ryean, a twenty-two-year-old young man with autistic characteristics. Replete with definitions of autism, the authors indicate which common characteristics of autism Ryean has and to what degree. Throughout the article, Ryean's professional educator parents integrate their own sense of coping with their son's condition and sensing hope for him. Illustrative of this hope are Ryean's current school-to-work transition and his parents overall goal of Ryean's growth and development through economic integration in the community.
Interdisciplinary Client Care with the Neuman Systems Model
Authors: Marett Kevin M. , Memmott Rae Jeanne , Gibbons W. Eugene , Bott Randy L. , Duke Lee
Published: October 2012

This article describes how the Neuman Systems Model (NSM) can be used in a two-step process to provide both the form and the function for interdisciplinary client care. The NSM proposes five dimensions of human experience as being necessary for a complete understanding of a client system. This article takes these five content areas—psychological, physiological, spiritual, developmental, and sociocultural—and extrapolates them to their respective disciplines (e.g. nursing, social work, religion, psychology, etc.) to create a comprehensive interdisciplinary model for client care. The NSM also provides a common language and conceptual paradigm, congruent with allied disciplines. A demonstration project incorporating the NSM in the formation and functioning of an interdisciplinary team is described.
Using Humor, Art, and Music with Dying and Bereaved Children
Authors: Cox Gerry R.
Published: October 2012

This article discusses using humor, art, and music with dying and bereaved children. All forms of artistic expression may be used to provide social support for children, to foster positive attitudes, and to allow for expression of emotions and grief. Children often lack verbal skills. Artistic expression allows the expression of thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. Many forms of artistic expression are available. Humor, art, and music are used as examples of what might be used to aid children.
SLA-driven adaptive monitoring of distributed applications for performance problem localization
Authors: Okanovic Dusan , Hoorn van , Konjovic Zora , Vidakovic Milan
Published: October 2012

Continuous monitoring of software systems under production workload provides
valuable data about application runtime behavior and usage. An adaptive
monitoring infrastructure allows controlling, for instance, the overhead as
well as the granularity and quality of collected data at runtime. Focusing on
application-level monitoring, this paper presents the DProf approach which
allows changing the instrumentation of software operations in monitored
distributed applications at runtime. It simulates the process human testers
employ-monitoring only such parts of an application that cause problems.
DProf uses performance objectives specified in service level agreements
(SLAs), along with call tree information, to detect and localize problems in
application performance. As a proof-of-concept, DProf was used for adaptive
monitoring of a sample distributed application.
Indexing moving objects: A real time approach
Authors: Lagogiannis George , Lorentzos Nikos , Sideridis Alexander
Published: October 2012

Indexing moving objects usually involves a great amount of updates, caused by
objects reporting their current position. In order to keep the present and
past positions of the objects in secondary memory, each update introduces an
I/O and this process is sometimes creating a bottleneck. In this paper we
deal with the problem of minimizing the number of I/Os in such a way that
queries concerning the present and past positions of the objects can be
answered efficiently. In particular we propose two new approaches that
achieve an asymptotically optimal number of I/Os for performing the necessary
updates. The approaches are based on the assumption that the primary memory
suffices for storing the current positions of the objects.
Accessibility algorithm based on site availability to enhance replica selection in a data grid environment
Authors: Jaradat Ayman , Patel Ahmed , Zakaria M , Amina Muhamad
Published: October 2012

A data grid functions as a scalable base for grid services to manage data
files and their scattered replicas around the world. The principal objective
of grid services is to support various data grid applications (jobs) as well
as projects. Replica selection is an essential high-level service that
selects a Grid location which verifies the shortest response time for the
users' jobs among numerous different locations. In the grid environment,
estimating response time precisely is not a simple task. Existing replica
selection algorithms consume high response time to retrieve replicas because
of miss-estimating replicas transfer times. This paper proposes a novel
replica selection algorithm that considers site availability in addition to
data transfer time. Site availability has not been addressed in previous
efforts in the same context this paper does. Site availability is a new
factor that can be utilized to estimate response time more accurately.
Selecting an unavailable site or selecting a site with insufficient time will
likely lead to disconnection. This in turn will require shifting to another
site to resume the download or to start the download from scratch depending
on the fault tolerance mechanism. Simulation results demonstrate that the
performance of the new algorithm is proved to be better than the existing
algorithms mentioned in literature.
Correlation between arterial and venous blood gas analysis parameters in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Novovic Milos , Topic Vesna
Published: October 2012

Introduction. Arterial blood gas (ABG) analyses have an important role in the
assessment and monitoring of the metabolic and oxygen status of patients with
acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Arterial
puncture could have a lot of adverse effects, while sampling of venous blood
is simpler and is not so invasive. Objective. The aim of this study was to
evaluate whether venous blood gas (VBG) values of pH, partial pressure of
carbon dioxide (PCO2), partial oxygen pressure (PO2), bicarbonate (HCO3), and
venous and arterial blood oxygen saturation (SO2) can reliably predict ABG
levels in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. Methods. Forty-seven
patients with a prior diagnosis of COPD were included in this prospective
study. The patients with acute exacerbation of this disease were examined at
the General Hospital EMS Department in Prijepolje. ABG samples were taken
immediately after venous sampling, and both were analyzed. Results. The
Pearson correlation coefficients between arterial and venous parameters were
0.828, 0.877, 0.599, 0.896 and 0.312 for pH, PCO2, PO2, HCO3 and SO2,
respectively. The statistically significant correlation between arterial and
venous pH, PCO2 and HCO3, values was found in patients with acute
exacerbation of COPD (p<0.001). Conclusion. When we cannot provide arterial
blood for analysis, venous values of the pH, Pv,CO2 and HCO3 parameters can
be an alternative to their arterial equivalents in the interpretation of the
metabolic status in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, while the
values of venous Pv,O2 and Sv,O2 cannot be used as predictors in the
assessment of oxygen status of such patients.
Risk factors for acute respiratory distress syndrome development in patients with type A influenza (H1N1)
Authors: Djordjevic Zorana , Lazic Zorica , Gajovic Olgica , Canovic Predrag , Todorovic Zoran , Mijailovic Zeljko , Bukumiric Zoran , Stolic Radojica
Published: October 2012

Introduction. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a significant
complication in patients with type A influenza (H1N1) due to the severity of
the disease and adverse outcome. Objective. The aim of the study was to
identify risk factors for the development of ARDS in patients with type A
influenza (H1N1) and outcome of ARDS. Methods. The research was conducted as
a case series study, and included patients admitted at the Clinical Center in
Kragujevac during the 2009 and 2010 flu season. Data for the study were
obtained from patients? medical records, inclusion criteria having been
determined in accordance with recommendations of the Expert Methodological
Guide for Controlling Spread of Pandemic Influenza in the Republic of Serbia.
Primary data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and a
statistical method for testing hypotheses. Dependence analysis was performed
using simple logistic regression. The statistical hypotheses were tested at
the 0.05 level of significance. Results. The case group consisted of 14
patients who developed ARDS, while the control group was composed of 34
patients with influenza but without ARDS (group alignment performed by age).
Simple logistic regression analysis identified the following risk factors for
the development of ARDS: diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2 (p=0.028), high levels
of C-reactive protein (p=0.004), aspartate-aminotransferase (p=0.006), urea
(p=0.028), creatine kinase (p=0.001), lactate-dehydrogenase (p=0.005) and
longer time elapsed from disease symptoms onset to the administration of
specific antiviral therapy administration (p=0.021). Conclusion. The research
showed that diabetes, late initiation of antiviral therapy and some
laboratory tests are risk factors for ARDS development in patients with type
A influenza (H1N1).
Higher dose of erythropoietin for anemia correction in Balkan endemic nephropathy patients
Authors: Lukic Ljiljana , Mitrovic Djordje , Kovacevic Sanda , Stanisic Momir , Pelemis Snezana , Tesic Jelica , Vakicic Slaven , Djukanovic Ljubica
Published: October 2012

Introduction. Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) patients maintained with
hemodialysis have more severe anemia than patients with other kidney
diseases. Objective. The aim of the study was to compare the improvement of
anemia in BEN patients and those with other kidney diseases during treatment
with human recombinant erythropoietin (rHuEpo). Methods. The study involved
240 patients on regular hemodialysis for more than one year. Out of them 146
had BEN and 94 other kidney diseases (21 glomerulonephritis, 20 hypertension,
18 diabetes, 10 policystic kidney disease, 5 obstructive nephropathy, 18
other diseases). Treatment with rHuEpo was carried out according to European
guidelines for the management of anemia. Results. Patients with BEN were
older and were less frequently treated with ACEi than patients with other
kidney diseases. At the onset of the study mean hemoglobin level (109.6?22.3
vs. 112.7?11.3 g/l) was significantly lower, but serum ferritin level and
rHuEpo dose (65.4?22.3 vs. 57.5?22.5 U/kg/week) were significantly higher in
BEN patients than in others. In prospective four months study these
differences in hemoglobin levels and rHuEpo doses maintained. The rate of
anemia improvement was examined in 15 BEN patients and 10 patients with other
kidney diseases at the beginning of rHuEpo treatment. No difference in the
rate of anemia improvement was found between the two groups but higher rHuEpo
doses were used in BEN patients. Conclusion. Patients with BEN on regular
hemodialysis had more severe anemia and required higher rHuEpo doses for
maintaining target hemoglobin level.
Quality of life and results of total androgen blockade alone and with radiotherapy in the treatment of nonmetastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Milovanovic Lela , Milovanovic Blagoje
Published: October 2012

Introduction. Hormonal treatment of prostate cancer (CaP) in the form of
total androgen blockade (TAB) with or without radiotherapy is applied in
metastatic disease and in patients with nonmetastatic and localized disease
as well. Objective. The aim of the study was to compare oncological results,
residual and newly developed symptoms during treatment and the quality of
life in patients with nonmetastatic CaP treated by using Tand in a group
treated both with Tand radiotherapy (RT+TAB). Methods. Retrospective
analysis of 126 patients with nonmetastatic CaP was performed. Follow-up was
36 months. Seventynine out of 126 patients were treated with Talone and 47
with Tand radiotherapy (TAB+RT). Overall survival, metabolic syndrome
appearance and the frequency of nonmalignant complications during treatment
were analyzed. Urinary, digestive and sexual symptoms were analyzed, as well
as the overall health condition of the patients. Results. Fatal outcome
and/or disease progression occurred in 29 out of 126 patients (23%). High
risk patients were significantly more frequent in the TAB+RT group (p=0.04).
Mortality rate was not different in both groups indicating that better
results of treatment were achieved in patients treated with TAB+RT. Metabolic
syndrome appeared in 51.6% of Tpatients and in 51.1 of TAB+RT patients,
and was significantly more frequent at the end of the follow-up than at the
beginning of the treatment (p=0.003 in Tand p=0.01 in TAB+RT group).
Urinary symptoms were more frequent than digestive symptoms in both groups.
The quality of life was slightly improved after the beginning of therapy to
be followed by the tendency of gradual decrease. Conclusion. Both modalities
of treatment were efficient. Therapy TAB+RT was more efficient in high risk
patients. Metabolic syndrome was more frequent after a long-term
administration of therapy than at the beginning. The quality of life was the
most affected in sexually active patients.
Ability of the childhood health assessment questionnaire in predicting outcome of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Susic Gordana , Stojanovic Roksanda , Djurovic Nada
Published: October 2012

Introduction. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory
disease associated with decreased functional capacity and potentially
long-term consequences. The establishment of early prognostic factors could
help in the prevention of joint damage and improve the quality of life in
children with JIA. Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the
functional status of children with JIA by using the Childhood Health
Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and to assess its ability in predicting the
outcome of the disease. Methods. The study included 87 patients, average age
14 years, under follow-up on the average of 3.7 years. Parents/ patients over
12 years completed CHAQ based on which disability index (DI) was calculated.
Disease outcome was determined according to the preliminary criteria for
clinical remission. Results. At the end of the follow-up period, functional
ability improved significantly (0.541 vs. 0.398; p<0.05). During the study,
in 52.8% of patients treatment with biologic drug etanercept was introduced.
CHAQ showed good predictive validity when a baseline DI was compared with
disease outcome at the final examination (F=18.349; p<0.001). Using the
patients with normal functional ability (DI=0) as the reference group, in
patients with moderate and more severe functional disability the odds ratio
for the disease to be active at the end of the follow-up period (DI?0.6) was
4.6 (p=0.044). Conclusion. Functional ability of patients with JIA
significantly improved during the follow-up period owing to the efficient
therapy. The questionnaire for the assessment of the functional status is a
simple tool, with good ability to predict disease outcome, and should thus be
used in everyday clinical practice with the aim to identify patients with
poor prognosis.
Orthograde endodontic retreatment of teeth with individual cast posts: Report of two cases
Authors: Ramic Bojana , Stojanac Igor , Premovic Milica , Drobac Milan , Petrovic Ljubomir
Published: October 2012

Introduction. The failure of primary endodontic treatment is manifested by
various clinical symptoms following endodontic therapy or, more frequently,
by the development of chronic inflammatory process in the apex region without
any subjective symptoms. In case of unfavorable outcome of the primary
endodontic treatment, orthograde endodontic retreatment is the method of
choice for a prolonged therapy. Outline of Cases. Two female patients, 47 and
44 years old, were presented at the Dental Clinic of Vojvodina for endodontic
retreatment of teeth 22, 23 and 13, within the repeated prosthetic
restoration. Intraradicular individual cast posts were removed using
ultrasonic instruments. Remains of gutta-percha were removed by engine driven
rotary re-treatment files, root canals were shaped and cleaned using the
crown-down technique, and obturated with gutta-percha and epoxy-resin-based
sealer using the lateral compaction technique. Conclusion. When there are
metal posts or broken instruments in the root canal, the use of ultrasonic
instruments is considered a safe method characterized by negligible tooth
substance loss and minimal root damage causing fractures and perforations,
and the entire procedure is effective and predictable. Non-surgical
orthograde endodontic retreatment, when properly performed in accessible and
penetrable root canals, achieves a high cure rate, good and lasting results
and eliminates the need for radical procedures, such as apical surgery or
tooth extraction. When nonsurgical endodontic retreatment is done, treated
teeth must be restored by full coronal coverage as soon as possible, to
prevent coronal leakage or fracture.
Surgical treatment of tibial nonunion after wounding by high velocity missile and external fixators: A case report
Authors: Golubovic Ivan , Vukasinovic Zoran , Stojiljkovic Predrag , Golubovic Zoran , Stojiljkovic Danilo , Radovanovic Zoran , Ilic Nenad , Najman Stevo , Visnjic Aleksandar , Arsic Stojanka , Todorovic Momcilo
Published: October 2012

Introduction. The missiles of modern firearms can cause severe fractures of
the extremity. High velocity missile fractures of the tibia are characterized
by massive tissue destruction and primary contamination with polymorphic
bacteria. Treatment of these fractures is often complicated by delayed
healing, poor position healing, nonhealing and bone tissue infection. Case
Outline. We present the management of tibial nonunion after wounding by high
velocity missile and primary treatment by external fixation in a 25-year-old
patient. The patient was primarily treated with external fixation and
reconstructive operations of the soft tissue without union of the fracture.
Seven months after injury we placed a compression-distraction external
fixator type Mitkovic and started with compression and distraction in the
fracture focus after osteotomy of the fibula and autospongioplasty. We
recorded satisfactory fracture healing and good functional outcome.
Conclusion. Contamination and devitalization of the softtissue envelope
increase the risk of infection and nonunion in fractures after wounding by
high velocity missile. The use of the compression-distraction external
fixator type Mitkovic may be an effective method in nonunions of the tibia
after this kind of injury.
Clinical significance of internal carotid artery restenosis following carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Radak Djordje , Tanaskovic Slobodan , Babic Srdjan , Aleksic Nikola
Published: October 2012

Carotid endarterectomy has been established as the preferred treatment for
symptomatic and asymptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis. Internal carotid
artery restenosis is defined as a specific entity with a great clinical
significance in carotid surgery due to accompanied increased future cerebral
ischemic events risk. Carotid restenosis is the result of neointimal
hyperplasia in the early postoperative period (within 36 months) or recurrent
atherosclerotic lesions at a later date. While the restenotic lesions caused
by neointimal hyperplasia are determined by ultrasound as smooth lesions,
atherosclerotic carotid stenosis has almost the same ultrasound and
angiographic characteristics as primary atherosclerotic lesions. Some authors
believe that patients with internal carotid artery restenosis have
insignificant risk of stroke or progression to total occlusion, and suggest
conservative treatment only. On the other hand, many surgeons have more
aggressive attitude towards the treatment of asymptomatic carotid stenosis
and indicate surgical treatment in asymptomatic patients with carotid
restenosis above 80%. The aim of our paper was to present a review of
literature available data concerning etiology, pathophysiology, clinical
significance and treatment of carotid restenosis following endarterectomy.
Numerous studies have reported satisfactory results of redo endarterectomy
and carotid angioplasty as treatment options of carotid restenosis. Carotid
angioplasty for primary atherosclerotic lesions treatment is accompanied by a
high carotid restenosis rate and therefore its role in primary carotid
symptomatic and asymptomatic stenosis treatment is still the issue of
numerous debates and the subject of extensive ongoing clinical studies
worldwide.