bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing the Challenges of Obsolescence and Extended Life Operations
Authors: Belshaw Martin
Published: September 2015

This paper examines the increasingly significant issue of obsolescence and its prevalence in the light of extended life operations in the offshore oil and gas industry. Obsolescence can be likened to an insidious creeping plaque; it hides in the wake of new and changing technologies to take everyone by surprise around 10 years into the system life cycle.

To mitigate this problem a robust system of obsolescence management is necessary. This view is endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which recommended last year that the energy industry develops a corporate culture that embeds an ageing life extension (ALE) philosophy into asset integrity management for the long-term future (Health and Safety Executive, 2014). An important part of this process is the establishment of comprehensive procedures, systems and recording that allow for continuous monitoring of assets plus anticipation of issues, so that these can be managed proactively.

A progressive approach to obsolescence assessment involves offshore site surveys, reporting and detailed design studies. The resultant inventory is then subject to further assessment, using established methodologies and weighting factors to determine vulnerability, impact and risk. Sophisticated database systems now available for the recording, storage and analysis of such “intelligent” inventories. These allow operators to gain a clear and realistic picture of their assets, their associated systems and their place in the lifecycle. Such databases also provide a platform to explore tactics and strategies for removing or mitigating any obsolescence risk.

Nervousness within the industry about the impact on everyday activities is largely unjustified: both obsolescence assessments and system migrations can be carried out with minimal intrusion on normal day to day operations. Today's innovative migration upgrades cause near zero disruption to field wiring. Furthermore, when the value of such exercises is considered in terms of accident prevention and safeguarding against future costly disruptions, there can be no question as to the validity of such investments.

With many assets remaining in production for over 25 years, their associated control and automation systems continue to be used well beyond their life expectancy. Technology marches on, process functionality changes, the availability of spare parts declines, and eventually manufacturers and third parties are unable to provide technical support. Collectively, these issues pose major risks to production, safety and the environment.
Skagerrak HPHT Well Test Analysis and Field Productivity Prediction
Authors: van der Post N. , Sikiru D. , Nishi K.
Published: September 2015

Technical Category: “Smarter and More Efficient Field Development”

The Culzean field is a high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) gas-condensate field located in block 22/25a in the UK sector of the central North Sea. In order to determine the appropriate well count and facility capacity, it is important to accurately assess the individual well mid and long-term productivity.

This paper presents analytical and numerical Pressure Transient Analysis for the Culzean field and several other Skagerrak formation HPHT fields and proposes a method to predict mid-term reser-voir performance from log data. Skagerrak reservoir productivity is shown to be typically tenfold lower than what is estimated from core permeability. It is also shown that the core permeability is not a good predictor of mid-term well performance: whereas the permeability distribution for vari-ous Skagerrak fields is very similar, their field performance is not. The Pressure Transient Analysis of the various Skagerrak fields also shows similar trends, and hence this cannot serve as a good predictor either.

What is driving mid-term well performance in Skagerrak is the sand-sand connection far away from the wells, which can be estimated from the well test build-up data using a reservoir simulation box model and automatic history matching. It is then shown that the net to gross estimated from the Neutron/density log forms a reasonable predictor of the sand-sand connectivity and hence mid-term well performance.
Pore Volume Analysis of Gas Shale Samples Using 3-D X-ray Micro Tomography
Authors: Mehrabi Mozhdeh , Pasha Mehrdad , Jia Xiaodong , Hassanpour Ali
Published: September 2015

Understanding the porosity of gas shale is of great importance in many applications such as for enhanced recovery in gas reservoir. The first step for understanding the above properties is the precise quantification of the structure of the porous media. The structure may be characterised using traditional surface area measurement or mercury porosimetry for pore size analysis. However, these methods would provide data rather on pore sizes rather than their structures and configuration within low permeable samples.

Modern 3D and non-destructive imaging techniques such as x-ray microtomography (XMT) provides a more convenient and intuitive alternative technique to scanning electron microscopy. The importance of quantitative pore structure characterization in understanding shale reservoir behaviors and lack of measurement techniques are the two main motivation factors behind this research.

In this research three-dimensional x-ray micro tomography (XMT) imaging techniques were used to carry out a three-dimensional pore volume analysis of shale samples based on pores size, structure, geometry and orientation.

Two samples with different properties (mainly in mercury intrusion porosity, MIP) were tested. It was found that the overall micro porosity obtained from XMT is about 0.7% and 0.3% for sample 1 and 2 respectively and significantly less than those of MIP. Both samples have very close structure orientation and geometry of the pores.
Training Techniques for the Internet Generation
Authors: Ross Martin
Published: September 2015

Ten minutes in the company most school or college-age people almost anywhere in the world today is enough to make it apparent that young people live in an always-on, Internet-connected, multi-tasking world. Mobile devices, cloud computing, gaming, multiple devices, Internet information and multi-channel entertainment have revolutionised the everyday experiences and expectations of the talent pool available to the oil and gas industry. To compete and retain the human capital needed to sustain the industry, new solutions for education and training that respect the changing expectations of the workforce are required. The rapid evolution of consumer electronics and the cloud-based computing platforms of the future are set to revolutionise the learning experience of the next generation.

Focusing on the role of the control room operator and the field technician in the oil and gas industry, this presentation explores methods and tools organisations can use to enhance the learning experience of the student, as a new recruit and throughout their continuous professional development. A framework is described that allows organisations to design learning and training experiences that will be engaging for the students and cost effective for the organisation.

By designing the student workbook using a theoretical framework it is possible for students to develop towards clear, well-defined goals at their own pace, while KPI-based feedback helps identify performance gaps and provides opportunities for active interventions. Examples show how “gamification” techniques such as virtual reality simulation, together with more traditional challenge and response scenarios, provide an enriched experience for both teacher and student. These new techniques motivate and engage students, increasing attainment of learning outcomes and improving retention of knowledge, skills and behaviours.

The economic and social imperative for safe, efficient production combined with the compulsion to grow shareholder value puts immense pressure on human capital. Education and training performance is an efficient lever to help respond to these challenges.
Importance, Development and Management of Critical Judgement for Engineers in the Offshore Industry
Authors: Morgan Neil
Published: September 2015

The ability to develop and use critical judgement defines and differentiates engineering excellence in our industry, yet it is one of the hardest skills to codify and replicate. This paper deconstructs the individual components and builds them into a framework that engineers and organisations can use day-to-day to develop consistently robust, pragmatic and timely decision making skills, whatever the situation. This is a key requirement for organisations to trust and empower people to perform effectively in increasingly unfamiliar contexts. Examples are given where critical judgement has influenced engineering situations and issues with the term ‘judgement’ are examined, including understanding the judgement of others, explaining your own judgement, importance of information to different experts; where the term ‘judgement’ is used to limit further engineering or analyses and the role of international codes and standards. After outlining the work of others, the paper provides a framework for critical judgement for engineers and other facilitators of judgement, such as managers or project managers, in the offshore industry and explains the key factors involved. These factors include scoping the problem, focusing on important aspects, practicalities, selection of methodology, sensitivity to assumptions, precedence/comparison, consequences of failure and pro's & con's and conservatisms & unconservatisms. Each of the factors within the framework can be used at any stage of a typical problem solving processs. It then outlines aspects of technical governance used within Lloyd's Register to consistently develop and manage judgement including technical authorisations and technical networks.
Cap Rock Restoration in Plug and Abandonment Operations; Possible Utilization of Aplite-Based Geopolymers for Permanent Zonal Isolation and Well Plugging
Authors: Khalifeh Mahmoud , Saasen Arild , Vrålstad Torbjørn , Larsen Helge B. , Hodne Helge
Published: September 2015

When a well reaches the end of its life-cycle, it is permanently plugged and abandoned. Since the first discovery in 1966 on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) till October 2014 nearly 5496 wells have been drilled. Of these wells, 3978 are development and 1518 are exploration wells. Of the development wells, 699 have permanently been abandoned and 279 are in temporary abandonment status. It is estimated that 3279 development wells need to be plugged and abandoned in the future. Besides, the number of wells which will be drilled in future should be added for plug and abandonment.

The costs of these P&A operations will be substantial. Hence, there is a need for technology development that will reduce the costs of all these operations. This development involves both techniques, tools and materials. The current work describes different plugging materials and important characteristics of permanent barriers with respect to long-term integrity. In addition, different roots of failure modes of permanent barriers have been discussed. Geopolymers are suggested as possible permanent plugging materials. Geopolymers are aluminosilicate materials, which solidify. A new geopolymeric material is introduced for the permanent zonal isolation and well plugging; an aplite-based geopolymer. Its placeability was studied by investigating the rheological behavior of the geopolymer slurries. The Bingham and Casson models selected to simulate the slurries' viscosities. Both models were fitted to the measured data. Strength development of the produced geopolymers showed sufficient compressive strength. X-ray powder diffraction was used to characterize the microstructure of the produced geopolymers. X-ray patterns showed formation of an amorphous phase. The measured permeability was in the range of nano Darcy. The initial result shows that the aplite-based geopolymer has the potential to be utilized as a permanent plugging material for well plugging and zonal isolation.
The Effect of Bending and Axial Compression on Pipeline Burst Capacity
Authors: Taylor Neil , Clubb Graeme , Matheson Ian
Published: September 2015

High-pressure high-temperature (HP/HT) reservoirs contain hydrocarbons at pressures and temperatures in excess of 10,000 psi (690 bar) and 300 °F (149 °C). The high pressure often requires the installation of a high-integrity pressure protection system (HIPPS) to facilitate a workable pipeline concept and to prevent over-pressurisation. Should the HIPPS fail to respond to an overpressure event, the pipeline may be exposed to pressures in excess of a code-allowable design. It is, therefore, important to fully understand the pipeline behaviour, especially the burst limit state, to ensure compliance with the pressure containment philosophy, i.e. “burst critical” or “no burst”, and the associated probabilities of pipeline failure due to bursting. Generally, a probabilistic analysis will be performed using existing models that predict the burst capacity of straight sections of pipe under the effect of internal overpressure.

In reality, pipelines are subjected to additional loads over and above pure pressure loading; for example, thermal loading will induce compressive axial loads in the pipeline due to pipe-soil frictional resistance. Pipelines are also frequently subjected to bending loads due to a variety of causes; for example, freespans, trenching induced bending, or lateral buckles. To understand the burst behaviour of a pipeline, the effects of bending and themally induced axial compression in conjunction with internal overpressure must be understood.

This work shows that finite element analysis (FEA) can accurately predict the occurrence of pipeline failure due to burst. The FEA is validated by subjecting models of a straight pipe to internal overpressure until burst occurs, and comparing the burst pressure and strains at burst to the predictions made by an analytical model. Subsequently, the FEA incorporates various magnitudes of bending (representative of the range of bending that may be induced by prop-type imperfections up to 0.5 m in height) before internal pressure is applied. Both displacement and load controlled bending are investigated, as well as cases that consider thermally induced axial compression. The burst behaviour of the pipe for the various cases is compared to confirm whether the analytical model is still valid in cases when bending and/or temperature are present.

Thermal loading and displacement controlled bending are found to have negligible effect on burst capacity, because the axial compressive and bending loads are “shed” as the pipe becomes plastic and reduces in stiffness. However, it is observed that there is a significant change in burst capacity for load controlled bending, and hence the analytical model is no longer valid. This is because the applied moment is, by definition, maintained and unable to be shed; instead, the imperfection shape changes significantly to satisfy the loading condition as cross-section plasticity and the associated reduction in stiffness are experienced.
Developing Talent to Meet Demand A Case Study of the Production Technology Discipline in Upstream International Operated
Authors: Godwin Chinyelu Aronu
Published: September 2015

Our industry is highly dependent on competent, innovative and motivated professional workforce to deliver the world energy needs now and years to come. Resourcing the business with the right numbers and skill level at all strata of the organization requires that we continue to develop our young professionals and also provide opportunities for the experienced professionals to continue to grow. This paper discusses current best practices deployed and the impact on the business, using the Production Technology (PT) Discipline as a case study.

Development of young professionals is achieved through 3 key ways: In-role development, mentoring and coaching and formal learning. These 3 mode of training follow the 70:20:10 approach to maximize learning where it is expected that 70% of learning occurs through on-the-job experience and learning as you carry out tasks; 20% through interactions with others (coaching, demonstrations, peer-to-peer sharing, etc.); and 10% through formal learning (e-learning, classroom, etc.).

Operator X Graduate Programme (SGP) and the Advanced Graduate Programme (SATP) are some of the recent modes deployed to ramp up the technical capabilities of new graduates. These have aided in cutting down the number of years to “autonomy” while maintaining the quality and efficiency of the technical professionals. For the more experienced staff, operator X has tailored their role specific needs through the technical learning portfolios which include the Project Academy and the Production Academy. The mode of delivery of the trainings is tailored toward the learning objective, for example – awareness training versus on-the-job learning support, etc. In many technical learning portfolios, the blended learning mode is more favored (with emphasis on adequate preparation prior to the classroom event (f2f), more hands-on during f2f and the continuation of learning after the f2f). The formation of Subject Matter Expert (SME) networks to address different subject areas in the Discipline has also helped in deepening the skills of the experienced staff while accelerating learning for the less experienced. The Production Technology career Path Plan provides a vehicle to deploy these tools and processes and consequently transform talented but in-experienced graduates to seasoned and motivated professionals.
Asset Integrity: Managing the Maintenance Burden
Authors: Arthur Neil , Lusher Jody
Published: September 2015

The UK Oil & Gas (O&G) faces significant challenges to ensure future economic potential is maximized. Current issues include escalating maintenance backlogs, facility unreliability; an inability to liquidate production-enhancing or important asset integrity workscopes and uncertainty of the rationale justifying existing maintenance programs. This paper presents the application of a novel maintenance optimization technology that has delivered performance improvement through the deterministic consideration of both commercial and reliability criteria when determining planned maintenance intervals. Real case studies are presented alongside the concomitant benefits. The technology was used to determine an optimized planned maintenance program for deployment in both existing operations and new facilities, and has delivered benefits when compared with traditional approaches to determining maintenance intervals. The technology marries both technical and commercial considerations when determining optimized planned maintenance and, in this way, the modulation of planned maintenance programs in response to changes in production, commodity value or equipment reliability is easily achieved. Based on results of the work carried out using the technology, it is proposed that there are significant benefits available to the UKCS through the adoption of similar techniques, as it is understood that many operators currently struggle to justify existing planned maintenance regimes, and to demonstrate a defensible means by which to alter these regimes in response to a changing economic and reliability criteria. Application of this new technology may provide a means of modulating maintenance in response to changing criteria and offer potential concomitant benefits in helping tackle backlog, bed space and production efficiency challenges.
Assessment of Production Engineering Workflows for Saudi Aramco Production Operations Surveillance Hub (POSH)
Authors: Al-Khelaiwi Faisal T. , Al-Amri Meshal A. , Al-Amri Nami A. , Al-Awajy Majed A. , Jama Ali Ahmed
Published: September 2015

Saudi Aramco's rapidly growing portfolio of fields and wells demands the employment of innovative approaches to manage its assets efficiently in today's challenging economy. One of the main strategies that the company has adopted is the creation of a highly interactive surveillance environment called Production Operations Surveillance Hub (POSH), that supports business collaboration and efficient decision making processes. POSH enables the business to exceed geography and time by consolidating multidisciplinary team knowledge, streamlining communication, providing real-time collaboration and facilitating quick decision making. The POSH also provides an e-workplace for oil and gas production automation and optimization that allows business team members and their partners (within and outside the company) to communicate and coordinate activities from anywhere in real time.

The creation of this environment started with a comprehensive assessment of the production engineering (PE) activities and processes. The assessment was conducted through electronic surveys, face-to-face interviews and interactive workshops to gather the required information from PE experts and develop a full understanding of their work processes. These “as is” processes were then transformed into “to be” workflows where technology applications were associated with each step of the process. A detailed design phase followed, which involved defining the engineering calculations, the communication protocol and the data exchange pathways among the different components of each workflow and between the workflows. A cataloging and organization phase followed in which four main themes were identified for the POSH and aligned with Saudi Aramco's intelligent fields' development strategy. The four focus areas include: well and field activities management; intelligent field equipment performance and real-time data health; electric submersible pumps (ESP) surveillance and pre-diagnostic; and well production and performance monitoring.

This paper describes the assessment planning and implementation process. The paper also illustrates the value of this process through elaboration on the assessment outcome and provision of details of the POSH themes and functions. This step is essential for the success of the deployment of Saudi Aramco's first POSH and similar collaborative environments.
Milestones, Lessons Learned and Best Practices in the Designing, Deployment and Installation of ICDs in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Madan Mohammed A , Gohari Kousha , Vicario Roberto , Jutila Heikki A , Mohammed Hesham A
Published: September 2015

Horizontal wells have provided operators a way to maximize reservoir contact, improve sweep efficiency and well productivity. Conventionally completed horizontal wells present a high risk of gas cusping and water coning that can significantly affect the well's effectiveness. Preventing early unwanted fluid breakthrough is key to the well's success, hence it is critical that an even production influx profile along the entire wellbore is achieved.

The production profile along the wellbore is affected by various parameters, including: heterogeneity with respect to the permeability and reservoir pressure along the wellbore, the presence of fractures, and frictional effects. Inflow control devices (ICDs) were developed to delay gas/water breakthrough, maximize sweep, and reduce — even potentially eliminate — future well intervention.

ICDs have become a mainstream completion tool in Saudi Arabia. With each ICD completion deployment, a better understanding is gained with respect to deployment and installation of the lower completion, as well as a greater insight to how to achieve optimum reservoir management. Analysis gained from the previous wells has helped capture a substantial amount of best practices and lessons learned.

This paper intends to capture the lessons learned after more than 10 years of deployment of inflow control completions in Saudi Arabia. The main topics that are to be discussed are: ICD types, the optimum operating envelope, and new technological advancementsOptimum ICD design approachOpen hole packersDeployment systemsBest operational practices and their potential impact

This paper provides a guideline for designing a well with ICD completions, and explains how the advancement in technology impacts cost, time and reservoir management.
Isolated fallopian tube torsion: A challenge for the timely diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Jokic Radoica , Lovrenski Jovan , Lovrenski Aleksandra , Trajkovic Velicko
Published: September 2015

Introduction. Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube is a rare cause of acute
lower abdominal pain and infrequent indication for surgical treatment. Case
Outline. A 16-year-old girl was referred to the hospital due to the
non-specific symptoms over period of a few months and pain acutization in the
right infraumbilical region lasting for two days. Complete laboratory
analyses were normal. Ultrasound examination revealed a round mass (23?14 mm)
within the right fallopian tube with color Doppler whirlpool sign, normal
ovary, and a simple ipsilateral paratubal cyst (50x40 mm). Laparoscopy showed
a dilated and two times torquated right fallopian tube, as well as signs of
chronic appendicitis. The tube was twisted about its longitudinal axis and it
was livid, but not gangrenous. After appendectomy, fallopian tube was
detorquated, cyst extracted and preservation of the tube was performed.
Postoperatively, antibiotic therapy was administered based on antibiogram. On
follow-up examinations within the next four months postoperative course was
uneventful. Conclusion. Since there are no pathognomonic symptoms, clinical
or laboratory findings, diagnosis of this condition is challenging.
Familiarity with Doppler whirlpool sign can enable a timely diagnosis and
treatment of isolated fallopian tube torsions. However, the diagnosis is
rarely made before operation. Unlike in our case, surgery is often performed
too late, and delay of intervention may result in failure to save the
fallopian tube.
Preface
Authors: Committee Organising
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 p.77
Paleoclimate of the Nepal Himalayas during the Last Glacial: Reconstructing from glacial equilibrium-line altitude
Authors: Asahi Katshuhiko , Watanabe Teiji
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp. 100-1
Numerical simulation of fault development in fold-and-thrust belt of Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Chamlagain D , Hayashi D
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp. 111
Miocene collision-related conglomerates near Dazhuqu and Xigaze, Yarlung Tsangpo suture zone, Tibet
Authors: Chan Angel On Kee , Aitchison Jonathan C , Bandengzhu Bandengzhu , Hui Lan
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp. 112
Intracontinental deformation in central Asia: Distant effects of India – Eurasia convergence revealed by apatite fission-track thermochronology
Authors: De Grave Johan , Buslov Michael M , Van Den Haute Peter
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp. 121-2
Linzizong Volcanic Rocks in Linzhou of Tibet: A Volcanic Petrologic Assemblage in Continental Collision Environment
Authors: Dong Guochen , Mo Xuanxue , Zhao Zhidan , Wang Liang , Zhao Su
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp. 128
The tectonometamorphic evolution of the Alpine metamorphic belt of the Central Pamir
Authors: Dufour MS , Miller Yu V
Published: September 2015

Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.2(4) Special Issue 2004 pp. 131
Multicriteria Assessment of Crosswalk Location in Urban Roundabout Corridors
Authors: Fernandes Paulo , Fontes Tânia , Pereira Sérgio Ramos , Rouphail Nagui M. , Coelho Margarida C.
Published: September 2015

Midblock pedestrian crossing areas between closely spaced roundabouts can affect traffic operations and may result in a trade-off between capacity, environment, and safety benefits. Even though research has been conducted on the impacts of traffic performance on pedestrian crosswalks located at isolated roundabouts, few studies have focused on how pedestrian crosswalks between closely adjacent roundabouts affect traffic operations. A microsimulation approach was used to examine the integrated effect of a pedestrian crosswalk on traffic delay, carbon dioxide emissions, and relative speed between vehicles and pedestrians at different locations between closely spaced two-lane roundabouts. The main purpose of the study was to develop a simulation platform of traffic (VISSIM), emissions (vehicle-specific power), and safety (surrogate safety assessment model) to optimize such variables. The fast nondominated sorting genetic algorithm NSGA-II was mobilized to identify an optimized set of pedestrian crosswalk locations for the roundabout exit section along the midblock segment. One acceptable solution that provided a good balance between traffic performance, emissions, and pedestrian safety benefits was locating the crosswalks at 15, 20, and 30 m from the exit section. Even at low pedestrian demand, crosswalk effectiveness (as determined by capacity and environment) gradually decreased near the circulatory ring delimitation (<10 m). Findings suggest that crosswalks in the midblock segment (55 to 60 m from the exit section) also must be considered, especially under high traffic demand.
Vulnerability of Ebola Virus outbreak in Bangladesh
Authors: Alamgir ASM
Published: September 2015

No Abstract Available Bangladesh J Infect Dis, 2014;1(1):1-2
Clinical Laboratory and Molecular Detection of Extended Spectrum beta lactamases: A Review Update
Authors: Rahman Mostaqimur , Rahman M. Mujibur , Jahan Waseka Akhter
Published: September 2015

Extended Spectrum ?-lactamases (ESBLs) can confer resistance to all extended spectrum cephalosporins, all penicillins and monobactam. Being plasmid and transposon mediated has facilitated the spread of these enzymes to other species of bacteria. This is a challenge for the laboratory to detect ESBL-containing Gramnegative bacilli because they can appear susceptible in vitro to certain beta-lactam antimicrobial agents yet result in clinical treatment failure. Till now there is no gold standard test for detection of ESBLs. CLSI recommended the phenotypic method as confirmatory test. However, the traditional methods need much labor and time for cultivation and require at least overnight incubation after isolated colonies are available from primary culture. Therefore, about 48 hours is required for ESBLs reporting by traditional methods. Molecular characterization of the isolated ESBL was also not possible in maximum laboratories due to lack of facilities. But rapid detection of ESBLs from the patient with severe infection is urgently required; otherwise it may be fatal. In this present review this diagnostic dilemma of ESBL has been discussed.Bangladesh J Infect Dis 2014;1(1):12-17
Surgical Site Infections by Mycobacterium after Cesarean Section in Bangladesh: A Case Report
Authors: Islam M. Saiful , Yusuf M. Abdullah , Ashraf Fatema
Published: September 2015

Surgical site infection is very common in Bangladesh which is due to several reasons. During caesareansection it is not unlikely that this type of infection can be happened. In addition to the common bacteriaatypical bacteria sometimes causes the surgical site infection like Mycobacterium species. In this casereport a cesarean section-acquired Mycobacterium surgical site infections has been reported in Bangladeshwhich was presented as repeated abscess formation at the site of the caesarean section. Pus was drainedfrom the abscess and Zeil-Neelsen staining was performed and was found slender rod, beaded appearance Acid-fast bacilli. Then the patient was treated with anti-tubercular drugs and was totally cured.Bangladesh J Infect Dis 2014;1(1):18-21
Validity of KAtex Test for the Diagnosis of Visceral leishmaniasis in Endemic Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Habib Zakir Hossain , Lutfor Afzalunnessa Binte , Jhora Sanya Tahmina , Ahmed Imtiaz , Akhter Hasina
Published: September 2015

Background: Early diagnosis of Kala-azar is of prime importance to reduce the transmission of the disease. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate KAtex test for the diagnosis of Kala-azar. Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out in Department of Microbiology at Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka for a period of one year from July 2007 to June 2008. Patients were selected clinically form all age and sex group hailing from endemic region of Mymensingh in a semi purposive manner excluding those who have already started taking medicine or refused to participate in the study.  Blood and urine samples were collected from the patients admitted in Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, Mymensingh Medical College and Bhaluka Health Complex, Mymensingh.  Result: Among 150 of the clinically selected patients, total 100 cases were confirmed to be positive for Kala-azar by rK39 ICT test. Age and sex matched 25 healthy persons each from endemic and non-endemic area was taken as control. Among the 100 sero-confirmed cases KAtex was positive in 87 (sensitivity of 87%). Among the 50 controls none were positive by KAtex test resulting in specificity of these tests 100% and 98% respectively. Conclusion: KAtex test has high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of Kala-azar patients at endemic region of Bangladesh.Bangladesh J Infect Dis 2014;1(1):8-11
Pandrug Resistance (PDR), Extensive Drug Resistance (XDR), and Multidrug Resistance (MDR) among Gram-Negative Bacilli
Authors: Islam Md. Rafiqul
Published: September 2015

No Abstract AvailableBangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases 2014;1(2):22-23
Frequency and Distribution of Gram Negative Bacteria among Hospital and Community Acquired UTI Patients
Authors: Islam Md. Badrul , Yusuf Md. Abdullah , Chowdhury Md. Shahjahan , Sattar AFM Arshaedi , Afrin Samia
Published: September 2015

Background: Gram negative bacteria create a great problem during the treatment of urinary tract infection patients. Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the frequency and distribution of Gram negative bacteria among the UTI patients. Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology at Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka from June 2007 to May 2008 for a period of 1(one) year. All the patients presented with the clinically suspected UTI at any age with both sexes were selected as study population. Patients who were hospitalized for at least 2 days or more received different antibiotics were designated as hospital acquired UTI; on the other hand patients who were attended in OPD for the first time were considered as community acquired UTI patients. All urine samples were inoculated in Blood agar and MacConkeys agar media. Gram negative bacteria were isolated and identified by colony morphology, Gram staining and biochemical tests. Result: A total of 220 urine samples were collected from patients suspected to urinary tract infections of which 116 samples were from hospitalized patients and 104 samples were from community patients. Among 220 samples, 132(60.0%) Gram negative bacteria were isolated of which 88(66.7%) isolates were from hospitalized acquired UTI and 44(33.3%) bacteria were isolated from community acquired UTI patients. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.0001). In hospitalized patients out of 88(75.9%) isolated Gram negative bacteria, 67(76.1%) isolates were Escherichia coli, 10(11.4%) isolates were Klebsiella species, 5(5.7%) isolates were Proteus species and 6(6.8%) isolates were Pseudomonas species. Among the isolated bacteria 44(42.3%) bacterial isolates were from community patients of which 36(81.8%) isolates were Escherichia coli, 4(9.1 %) isolates were Klebsiella species, 2(4.5%) isolates were Proteus species and 2(4.5%) bacteria were Pseudomonas species. Conclusion: In the present study, it was observed that considerable numbers of Gram negative bacteria were detected from urinary tract infection cases.Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases 2014;1(2):24-26
Biofilm Formation in Multi-Drug Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Isolates from Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Ghasemian Abdolmajid , Peerayeh Shahin Najar , Bakhshi Bita , Mirzaee Mohsen
Published: September 2015

Background: The biofilm production is an important phenomenon by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus that contribute to the multiple drug resistance. Moreover, biofilm formation by multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus causes evading from immune responses. Objective: The aim of this study was to detect biofilm formation and presence of several related genes among multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates of Staphylococcus aureus. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at a hospital in Tehran, Iran from July 2012 to January 2013. Patients admitted with the infections of the different sites of the body were selected as study population. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were collected from hospitalized patients and identified by conventional diagnostic tests. The multidrug-resistant MRSA isolates were detected by antibiotic susceptibility test. The phenotypic biofilm formation was detected by micro-titre tissue plate assay. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the mecA, Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec) types, accessory gene regulatory (agr) genes, the icaADBC and several genes encoding staphylococcal surface proteins including clfAB, fnbAB, fib, eno, can, ebps and bbp genes with specific primers. Results: A total number of 209 Staphylococcus aureus were isolated of which 64 (30.6%) isolates were methicillin-resistant; among which 36(56.2%) isolates were MDR. These isolates were resistant to amoxicillin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, erythromycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. All the isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid. All the MDR-MRSA harbored SCCmec type III. All the MDR- MRSA isolates were strong biofilm producers in the phenotypic test. Conclusions: Multidrug-resistant MRSA isolates produced biofilm strongly and the majority of these isolates harbored most of biofilm related genes.Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases 2014;1(2):27-31
Clinical and Microbiological Aspect of Wound Infection: A Review Update
Authors: Aftab Sharmina , Tarik Md. Monowar , Siddique Md. Abdullah , Yusuf Md. Abdullah
Published: September 2015

Wound infection is frequently found. Infection of the wound happened due to entry of the bacteria through breached skin. These bacteria stop healing and produce sign and symptoms. From the beginning of the civilization scientist are fighting against infection. It is evident that wound infection is a challenging situation for the physicians. Multiple organisms can cause wound infection. For the treatment of infection a large number of antibiotics are used. Both broad spectrum and narrow spectrum antibiotics are available nowadays. It is ideal to give proper antibiotic after culture and sensitivity of the wound swab, pus or infected tissue. Improper and irrational use of antibiotics and genetic and non-genetic drug resistant mechanisms of bacteria lead to drug resistance. Wound infection can be recognized by various sign symptoms. The inflammatory response is a protective mechanism that aims to neutralize and destroy any toxic agents at the site of an injury and restore tissue homeostasis. The classic signs of infection include: localized erythema, pain, heat, cellulitis and oedema. Other criteria include: Abscess, discharge, delayed healing, discolouration of tissues within and at the wound margins, friable & bleeding granulation tissue. Unexpected pain or tenderness, abnormal smell, wound breakdown wound pocketing are also seen in wound infection.Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases 2014;1(2):32-37
Concomitant Dengue Fever with Haemophilus influenza and Candida tropicalis in an Infant: A Rare Association
Authors: Kathwate Jagdish , Shah Ira
Published: September 2015

Dengue represents common endemic infection in tropical areas. Occurrence of bacterial and fungal superinfection or coinfection in patients with dengue is rare. In case of persistent fever in patients with dengue, co-infection with bacteria and fungi should be kept in mind and patients should be investigated accordingly. We report an unique case of an infant with severe dengue fever presenting as meningoencephalitis with co-infection with Hemophilus Influenza and Candida tropicalis.Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases 2014;1(2):38-40
The Evolution of Therapies in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Boolell Vishal , Alamgeer Muhammad , Watkins David , Ganju Vinod
Published: September 2015

The landscape of advanced non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) therapies has rapidly been evolving beyond chemotherapy over the last few years. The discovery of oncogenic driver mutations has led to new ways in classifying NSCLC as well as offered novel therapeutic targets for anticancer therapy. Targets such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements have successfully been targeted with appropriate tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Other driver mutations such as ROS, MET, RET, BRAF have also been investigated with targeted agents with some success in the early phase clinical setting. Novel strategies in the field of immune-oncology have also led to the development of inhibitors of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death-1 receptor (PD-1), which are important pathways in allowing cancer cells to escape detection by the immune system. These inhibitors have been successfully tried in NSCLC and also now bring the exciting possibility of long term responses in advanced NSCLC. In this review recent data on novel targets and therapeutic strategies and their future prospects are discussed.
Optimising the Encapsulation of an Aqueous Bitter Melon Extract by Spray-Drying
Authors: Tan Sing , Kha Tuyen , Parks Sophie , Stathopoulos Costas , Roach Paul
Published: September 2015

Our aim was to optimise the encapsulation of an aqueous bitter melon extract by spray-drying with maltodextrin (MD) and gum Arabic (GA). The response surface methodology models accurately predicted the process yield and retentions of bioactive concentrations and activity (R2 > 0.87). The optimal formulation was predicted and validated as 35% (w/w) stock solution (MD:GA, 1:1) and a ratio of 1.5:1 g/g of the extract to the stock solution. The spray-dried powder had a high process yield (66.2% ± 9.4%) and high retention (>79.5% ± 8.4%) and the quality of the powder was high. Therefore, the bitter melon extract was well encapsulated into a powder using MD/GA and spray-drying.
Quality of Drinking Water Treated at Point of Use in Residential Healthcare Facilities for the Elderly
Authors: Sacchetti Rossella , De Luca Giovanna , Guberti Emilia , Zanetti Franca
Published: September 2015

Municipal tap water is increasingly treated at the point of use (POU) to improve the acceptability and palatability of its taste. The aim of this study was to assess the bacteriologic and nutritional characteristics of tap water treated at the point of use in residential healthcare facilities for the elderly. Two types of POU devices were used: microfiltered water dispensers (MWDs) and reverse-osmosis water dispensers (ROWDs). All samples of water entering the devices and leaving them were tested for the bacteriological parameters set by Italian regulations for drinking water and for opportunistic pathogens associated with various infections in healthcare settings; in addition, the degree of mineralization of the water was assessed. The results revealed widespread bacterial contamination in the POU treatment devices, particularly from potentially pathogenic species. As expected, the use of ROWDs led to a decrease in the saline content of the water. In conclusion, the use of POU treatment in healthcare facilities for the elderly can be considered advisable only if the devices are constantly and carefully maintained.
Constructing Biopolymer-Inorganic Nanocomposite through a Biomimetic Mineralization Process for Enzyme Immobilization
Authors: Li Jian , Ma Jun , Jiang Tao , Wang Yanhuan , Wen Xuemei , Li Guozhu
Published: September 2015

Inspired by biosilicification, biomimetic polymer-silica nanocomposite has aroused a lot of interest from the viewpoints of both scientific research and technological applications. In this study, a novel dual functional polymer, NH2-Alginate, is synthesized through an oxidation-amination-reduction process. The “catalysis function” ensures the as-prepared NH2-Alginate inducing biomimetic mineralization of silica from low concentration precursor (Na2SiO3), and the “template function” cause microscopic phase separation in aqueous solution. The diameter of resultant NH2-Alginate micelles in aqueous solution distributed from 100 nm to 1.5 μm, and is influenced by the synthetic process of NH2-Alginate. The size and morphology of obtained NH2-Alginate/silica nanocomposite are correlated with the micelles. NH2-Alginate/silica nanocomposite was subsequently utilized to immobilize β-Glucuronidase (GUS). The harsh condition tolerance and long-term storage stability of the immobilized GUS are notably improved due to the buffering effect of NH2-Alginate and cage effect of silica matrix.
Dolch, L.-J. and Maréchal, E. Inventory of Fatty Acid Desaturases in the Pennate Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Mar. Drugs 2015, 13, 1317–1339
Authors: Dolch Lina-Juana , Maréchal Eric
Published: September 2015

We have found eight inadvertent errors in our paper published in Mar. Drugs [1].
Fusion of Plant Height and Vegetation Indices for the Estimation of Barley Biomass
Authors: Tilly Nora , Aasen Helge , Bareth George
Published: September 2015

Plant biomass is an important parameter for crop management and yield estimation. However, since biomass cannot be determined non-destructively, other plant parameters are used for estimations. In this study, plant height and hyperspectral data were used for barley biomass estimations with bivariate and multivariate models. During three consecutive growing seasons a terrestrial laser scanner was used to establish crop surface models for a pixel-wise calculation of plant height and manual measurements of plant height confirmed the results (R2 up to 0.98). Hyperspectral reflectance measurements were conducted with a field spectrometer and used for calculating six vegetation indices (VIs), which have been found to be related to biomass and LAI: GnyLi, NDVI, NRI, RDVI, REIP, and RGBVI. Furthermore, biomass samples were destructively taken on almost the same dates. Linear and exponential biomass regression models (BRMs) were established for evaluating plant height and VIs as estimators of fresh and dry biomass. Each BRM was established for the whole observed period and pre-anthesis, which is important for management decisions. Bivariate BRMs supported plant height as a strong estimator (R2 up to 0.85), whereas BRMs based on individual VIs showed varying performances (R2: 0.07–0.87). Fused approaches, where plant height and one VI were used for establishing multivariate BRMs, yielded improvements in some cases (R2 up to 0.89). Overall, this study reveals the potential of remotely-sensed plant parameters for estimations of barley biomass. Moreover, it is a first step towards the fusion of 3D spatial and spectral measurements for improving non-destructive biomass estimations.