bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Reservoir Management Strategy via Limited Entry Multi-Stage Completion Boosts Production from Massive Carbonate Reservoirs in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Rahim Zillur , Al-Anazi Hamoud , Ahmed Mahbub , Al-Kanaan Adnan , El-Mofty Wael
Published: September 2013

Tight carbonate reservoirs have been successfully developed in various major plays around the world through the application of bespoke hydraulic fracturing and stimulation techniques performed in long horizontal sections drilled across these reservoirs. The main purpose of a typical stimulation program is to achieve the maximum and most efficient connectivity of the wellbore to the reservoir with the ultimate objective of long term productivity and recovery. Completion equipment design, efficient stimulation, and subsequent well performance have therefore gained attention starting from the early stages of design and planning.

Matrix acidizing of carbonate rock creates conductive flow channels also known as wormholes that possess much higher conductivity compared to the reservoir rock. These wormhole conductive channels transport reservoir fluids from within the formation matrix directly into the wellbore overcoming both low permeability and near wellbore damage. The treatment composition and more importantly the injection technique play significant roles in maximizing the number and depth-of-penetration of these wormholes and are among the most predominant design criteria for successful carbonate matrix acidizing, particularly in high pressure and high temperature environments.

One of the most successful technologies which has opened access to several major carbonate reservoirs and was recently tested is the limited entry matrix acidizing (LEMA) assembly. The assembly includes multiple jets in one selected interval flanked by isolation packers in an open-hole multi-stage completion designed to enhance controlled acid jetting (CAJ) into target sections. In principle, matrix stimulation is performed by placing acid treatments at the maximum possible rate, but at a pressure that is less than the formation fracture pressure. Diversion is achieved via limited entry placement of the acid treatment through multiple injection ports distributed along the stage length.

This paper presents an overview of the various methodologies used to stimulate moderate to high flow capacity carbonate reservoirs and the results obtained. An example of a purpose-built completion for more aggressive acid stimulation is presented and the results are discussed. The technique uses a system that is designed to run as part of the production liner to provide mechanical diversion at specified intervals, thereby allowing matrix acidizing treatments to be effectively placed in the target zones.
Case History: Sand Handling and Hydrocarbon Containment During a Coiled Tubing Cleanout of a Live Deepwater Well
Authors: Peruzzi Tave , Gagen Eric , Reynolds Randall , Cunningham L. E.
Published: September 2013

Procedures, photographs, diagrams, results and recommendations are shared from an operation to remove sand plugs from a high pressure deepwater well with a failed lower completion. Specific recommendations minimize risk and provide for the safe handling of sand on the surface as the oil passes below bubble point pressure and undergoes rapid expansion. This paper includes photos, diagrams and lessons learned from an operation conducted during the month of December 2011.

Removing sand plugs from a live well entails multiple risks. As the hydrocarbon is circulated to surface gas will evolve and expand rapidly, increase the velocity of the mixture and pose the risk of loss of containment due to erosion, especially if sand is entrained within the mixture. Any interruption to surface handling of wellbore fluids and sand creates the risk of stuck coiled tubing. Coiled tubing stuck inside production tubing in a live well would result in an unwelcome and probably difficult fishing job.

Literature Review

A number of papers on coiled tubing cleanouts are provided in the attached references. However none of the papers specifically address the safe handling of sand on surface.
Integrated Solution for Emulsion Diagnosis in Horizontal Production Logs
Authors: Ahmad Nawawi , Musharfi Nedhal , Zaouali Zouhir , Bawazir Mustafa , Al-Shabibi Hussain
Published: September 2013

Although various logging challenges in highly deviated and horizontal wells have been addressed in many previous studies, only a few investigations have focused on emulsion diagnosis and multiphase production log (MPL) solutions in such difficult conditions. The emulsion discussed in this paper is water-in-oil emulsion, in which water is present in the form of droplets dispersed in oil. This is generally expected to happen in a high velocity, turbulent flow regime, and in a low density contrast between oil and water. The impact of water emulsion is the inability to identify and quantify water entries using the standard holdup measurement arrays, because the water droplets have the same conductivity as oil and travel at the same velocity as oil, regardless of well deviation.

A novel workflow and methodology were established for successful diagnosis of this emulsion downhole to be able to perform inflow profiling for these problematic wells, using information from different sources of data: multiphase production logging tool (MPLT), pulsed neutron logging tool (PNLT), and surface fluid sampling. The workflow includes job preparation, real-time monitoring during logging operation, and post-job data interpretation.

The optimized workflow was applied to field examples for successful diagnosis of the emulsion and the integrated logging solution to overcome this challenge in horizontal wells. This led to the determination, with high confidence, of the downhole flow profile and to the accurate quantitative identification of the source of water production. The information can then be used to plan suitable well intervention, without which the reservoir and/or field development could not be optimized.
The Relationship Between Neck Pain and Physical Activity
Authors: Cheung Janice , Kajaks Tara , MacDermid Joy C.
Published: September 2013

Neck pain is a significant societal burden due to its high prevalence and healthcare costs. While physical activity can help to manage other forms of chronic musculoskeletal pain, little data exists on the relationship between physical activity and neck pain. The purpose of this study was to compare physical activity levels between individuals with neck pain and healthy controls, and then to relate disability, fear of movement, and pain sensitivity measures to physical activity levels in each of the two participant groups. 21 participants were recruited for each of the two participant groups (n = 42). Data collection included the use of the Neck Disability Index, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, electrocutaneous (Neurometer® CPT) and pressure stimulation (JTech algometer) for quantitative sensory testing, and 5 days of subjective (Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity) and objective (BioTrainer II) measurements of physical activity. Analysis of Variance and Pearson’s Correlation were used to determine if differences and relationships exist between dependent variables both within and between groups. The results show that individuals with mild neck pain and healthy controls do not differ in subjectively and objectively measured physical activity. While participants with neck pain reported higher neck disability and fear of movement, these factors did not significantly relate to physical activity levels. Perceived activity level was related to pain threshold and tolerance at local neck muscles sites (C2 paraspinal muscle and upper trapezius muscle), whereas measured activity was related to generalized pain sensitivity, as measured at the tibialis anterior muscle site.
Knowledge Translation Tools are Emerging to Move Neck Pain Research into Practice
Authors: MacDermid Joy C. , Miller Jordan , Gross Anita R.
Published: September 2013

Development or synthesis of the best clinical research is in itself insufficient to change practice. Knowledge translation (KT) is an emerging field focused on moving knowledge into practice, which is a non-linear, dynamic process that involves knowledge synthesis, transfer, adoption, implementation, and sustained use. Successful implementation requires using KT strategies based on theory, evidence, and best practice, including tools and processes that engage knowledge developers and knowledge users. Tools can provide instrumental help in implementing evidence. A variety of theoretical frameworks underlie KT and provide guidance on how tools should be developed or implemented. A taxonomy that outlines different purposes for engaging in KT and target audiences can also be useful in developing or implementing tools. Theoretical frameworks that underlie KT typically take different perspectives on KT with differential focus on the characteristics of the knowledge, knowledge users, context/environment, or the cognitive and social processes that are involved in change. Knowledge users include consumers, clinicians, and policymakers. A variety of KT tools have supporting evidence, including: clinical practice guidelines, patient decision aids, and evidence summaries or toolkits. Exemplars are provided of two KT tools to implement best practice in management of neck pain—a clinician implementation guide (toolkit) and a patient decision aid. KT frameworks, taxonomies, clinical expertise, and evidence must be integrated to develop clinical tools that implement best evidence in the management of neck pain.
Extending programming language to support object orientation in legacy systems
Authors: Mehta Hemang , Balaji S.J. , Janakiram Dharanipragada
Published: September 2013

The contemporary software systems written in C face maintainability issues
because of tight coupling. Introducing object orientation can address these
problems by raising the abstraction to objects, thereby providing better
programmability and understandability. However, compiling a C software with a
C++ compiler is difficult because of the incompatibilities between C and C++.
Some of the incompatibilities such as designated initializers are nontrivial
in nature and hence are very difficult to handle by automation such as
scripting or by manual efforts. Moreover, runtime support for features such
as global constructors, exception handling, runtime type inference, etc. is
also required in the target system. Clearly, the traditional procedural
language compiler cannot provide these features. In this paper, we propose
extending programming language such as C++ to support object orientation in
legacy systems instead of completely redesigning them. With a case study of
Linux kernel, we report major issues in providing the compile and runtime
support for C++ in legacy systems, and provide a solution to these issues.
Our approach paves the way for converting a large C based software into C++.
The experiments demonstrate that the proposed extension saves significant
manual efforts with very little change in the g++ compiler. In addition, the
performance study considers other legacy systems written in C and shows that
the overhead resulting from the modifications in the compiler is negligible
in comparison to the functionality achieved.
Influence of detergent and its components on metabolism of Fusarium oxysporum in submerged fermentation
Authors: Jakovljevic Violeta , Milicevic Jasmina , Stojanovic Jelica , Solujic Slavica , Vrvic Miroslav
Published: September 2013

The influence of detergent and its components (sodium tripolyphosphate and
ethoxylated cetyl oleyl alcohol) at 0.1 % concentration on the enzymatic and
metabolic activity of Fusarium oxysporum during exponential growth was
investigated in this paper. The fungus Fusarium oxysporum was isolated from
wastewater originating from households which contain detergent. The following
biochemical parameters were analyzed: pH, redox potential, proteolytic
activity, production of carbohydrates, free and total organic acids, proteins
and total dry weight biomass. The detergent had influence on the significant
decreasing of redox potential, slight increasing of pH and quantity of
glucose and total organic acids, while the proteolytic activity was triple
insensive in relation to control. The sodium tripolyphosphate had influence
on the slight decreasing of pH, significant increasing of redox potential and
quantity of glucose and free and total organic acids, whereas the proteolytic
activity was intsensive only 5th and 6th day. The total dry weight biomass of
the fungus F. oxysporum was slightly inhibited by ethoxylated alcohol but
significantly inhibited by detergent and sodium tripolyphosphate.
Ion selective electrodes in environmental analysis
Authors: Radu Aleksandar , Radu Tanja , Mcgraw Christina , Dillingham Peter , Anastasova-Ivanova Salzitsa , Diamond Dermot
Published: September 2013

An overview is given dealing with application of ion-selective electrodes
(ISEs) in environmental analysis. ISEs are placed into the context of the
trend of development of sensors for extensive and frequent monitoring.
Discussed are the issues such as sensing platforms and their mass-production,
improvement of precision, diagnostic of sensor?s functionality, and
development of reference electrodes and several examples of real-life
application of ISEs in environmental analysis are given. The main emphasis of
this article is directed towards summarizing recent of authors? results
during the past several years.
Ejection experience in Serbian air force, 1990-2010
Authors: Pavlovic Miroslav , Pejovic Janko , Mladenovic Jovan , Cekanac Radovan , Jovanovic Dalibor , Karkalic Radovan , Randjelovic Danijela
Published: September 2013

Background/Aim. Ejection injuries are the problem for air forces. The present
risk for injuries is still too high, approximately 30-50%. This study was an
effort to determine factors responsible for and contributing to injuries in
the Serbian Air Force (SAF) in the last two decades. Methods. All ejection
cases in the SAF between 1990 and 2010 were analyzed. The collected data
were: aircraft type, ejection seat generation, pilots ? age and experience,
causes of ejection, aeronautical parameters, the condition of aircraft
control and types of injuries. For ease of comparison the U.S. Air Force
Safety Regulation was used to define of major injuries: hospitalization for 5
days or more, loss of consciousness for over 5 min, bone fracture, joint
dislocation, injury to any internal organ, any third-degree burn, or
second-degree burn over 5% of the body surface area. Results. There were 52
ejections (51 pilots and 1 mechanic) on 44 airplanes. The ejected persons
were from 22 to 46 years, average 32 years. Major injuries were present in
25.49% cases. Of all the ejected pilots 9.61% had fractures of thoracic
spine, 11.53% fractures of legs, 3.48% fractures of arms. Of all major
injuries, fractures of thoracic spine were 38.46%. None of the pilots had
experienced ejection previously. Conclusion. Our results suggest to
obligatory take preventive measures: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
must be included in the standard pilot selection procedure and procedure
after ejection. Physical conditioning of pilots has to be improved. Training
on ejection trainer has to be accomplished, too.
Challenging the Research Base of the Common Core State Standards
Authors: Gamson David A. , Lu Xiaofei , Eckert Sarah Anne
Published: September 2013

The widely adopted Common Core State Standards (CCSS) call for raising the level of text complexity in textbooks and reading materials used by students across all grade levels in the United States; the authors of the English Language Arts component of the CCSS build their case for higher complexity in part upon a research base they say shows a steady decline in the difficulty of student reading textbooks over the past half century. In this interdisciplinary study, we offer our own independent analysis of third- and sixth-grade reading textbooks used throughout the past century. Our data set consists of books from 117 textbook series issued by 30 publishers between 1905 and 2004, resulting in a linguistic corpus of roughly 10 million words. Contrary to previous reports, we find that text complexity has either risen or stabilized over the past half century; these findings have significant implications for the justification of the CCSS as well as for our understanding of a “decline” within American schooling more generally.
An atypical hydronephrosis revealing urinary tract involvement in antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: De Moreuil Claire , Piette Anne-Marie , Hervé Jean-Marie , Camparo Philippe , Baglin Anne-Catherine , Blétry Olivier , Kahn Jean-Emmanuel
Published: September 2013

Urinary tract involvement is rarely described in APS. We report the case of a 40 year-old man with primitive APS who was diagnosed an arterial and venous unilateral ureteral ischemia, revealed by a hydronephrosis. He had been on oral anticoagulation for six years because of two deep venous thromboses. He developed then a massive splenic infarct and an acute myocardial infarct, which required intensification of his anticoagulation, add of aspirin and high doses of corticosteroids. Three months later, he was explored for a latero-thoracic pain. Biology found an acute renal failure and microscopic haematuria. CT scan showed hypoperfusion of the left kidney, an ostial defect on renal artery and left hydronephrosis. Retrograde pyelography found a proximal ureteral stenosis. A dilatation with stenting failed, leading to a partial left ureteral resection. Histology confirmed ureteral segmental organized arterial thrombosis and venous thrombosis. Evolution was favourable with stabilization of creatinine level.Urinary tract involvement is rarely described in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). We report the case of a 40 year-old man with primitive APS who developed an arterial and venous unilateral ureteral ischemia revealed by painful unilateral hydronephrosis. The patient was on oral anticoagulation for six years because of two deep venous thromboses. He developed then a massive splenic infarct and an acute myocardial infarct, which required the intensification of his anticoagulation and high doses of corticosteroids. Three months later, he was explored for a latero-thoracic pain. Biology found an acute renal failure and microscopic haematuria. CT scan showed a hypoperfusion of the left kidney, an ostial defect on renal artery and a left hydronephrosis. Retrograde pyelography found a stenosis of the proximal ureter. A dilatation with stenting failed, leading to a partial left ureteral resection. Histology confirmed ureteral segmental organized arterial thrombosis and venous thrombosis. Evolution was favourable with stabilization of creatinine. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v2i2.7659   Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2013;02(02):78-80
Liver Involvement Associated with Dengue Infection During A Major Outbreak in Central Nepal
Authors: Sedhain Arun , Bhattarai Gandhi R , Adhikari Shital , Shrestha Barun , Sapkota Abja
Published: September 2013

Background and Aims - Dengue is a systemic viral infection, which is caused by any of the four strains of dengue virus and is transmitted between humans by the bite of Aides aegypti mosquito. Hepatic dysfunction is common in dengue infection with varying degree according to the severity of the disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the spectrum of liver involvement in dengue infection during a major outbreak that occurred in central Nepal between September and December 2010. Methods - A hospital based prospective study was conducted in the department of medicine at Chitwan Medical College. Patients who had fever in the ten preceding days (acute febrile illness) who had serologic evidence of Dengue and had no clinical evidence of bacterial infection anywhere in the body, were included in the study. Clinical, biochemical and radiological evaluation was done among 414 serologically confirmed Dengue cases to assess the spectrum of liver involvement. Statistical analysis of the data was done with SPSS version 16. Results - Dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) were present in 79.3% and 20.5% of the patients respectively. Only 2 out of 414 patients had dengue shock syndrome (DSS). The spectrum of hepatic manifestations included elevation of transaminases (raised ALT and AST in 81.9% and 57.7% respectively), abnormal abdominal ultrasound (49.3%), Hepatomegaly (39.1%), and Jaundice (4.1%). The intensity of hepatic involvement was significantly higher among patients with DHF than those with DF. Conclusion: Liver is one of the major organs to be involved in Dengue infection. Significant difference existed in the spectrum of liver involvement between DF and DHF. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v2i2.8775   Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2013;02(02):42-46
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, its correlation with gastroduodenal diseases and the incidence of gastric cancer in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Umid Kumar , Ghosh Arnab , Alurkar Vijay M , Kohli Suresh C , Sapkota Subash
Published: September 2013

Background and aims: The Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) prevalence in Asian countries is highly variable, with higher seroprevalence shown in the previous studies of developing Asian countries. We aimed to determine the current H. pylori prevalence, correlate with gastroduodenal diseases and study gastric cancer incidence in Nepal. Methods: Among 3357 patients referred for endoscopy, 2820 eligible patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy; H. pylori was considered positive when either of Rapid Urease Test (RUT) or histopathology showed positive result. Results: The H. pylori prevalence was 29.4% in overall distribution, 41.1% in gastritis and or duodenitis, 69.5% in gastric ulcer, 84.7% in duodenal ulcer, 20.8% in gastric polyp and 11.5% in gastric cancer. The H. pylori infection was significantly associated with gastritis and or duodenitis [P<0.001; Odds Ratio (OR) 1.53, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.47-1.59], gastric ulcer (P<0.001; OR 18.62, 95% CI 12.40-27.81), duodenal ulcer (P<0.001; OR 48.89, 95% CI 25.23- 94.75), gastric polyp (P=0.001; OR 7.66, 95% CI 3.18-18.44) and gastric cancer (P=0.005; OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.82-7.86). The age-standardized (world) annual rate of gastric cancer in Kaski district of Nepal was 3.3 per 100,000. Conclusions: The H. pylori prevalence in Nepal was lower than that shown in the previous studies of developing Asian countries, but was significantly high in gastritis and or duodenitis, and peptic ulcers. Similarly, the gastric cancer incidence was also low in Nepal and was significantly associated with H. pylori. Further study is needed to establish the association of H. pylori with gastric cancer in Nepal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v2i2.8777   Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2013;02(02):52-60
Study of lipoprotein (α) in patients of acute coronary syndrome and effect of low dose nicotinic acid on its serum level
Authors: Rajbhandari Rajib , Raut Roshan , Rajbhandari Sujeeb , Malla Rabi , Maskey Arun , KC Man Bahadur , Limbu Yubraj , Bhatta Yadab , Sharma Deewakar , Sharma Ranjit , Baidhya Sajan , Adhikari Chandra Mani , Prajapati Dipankar
Published: September 2013

Background and aims - Lipoprotein(a) is not an established independent risk factor. This study aims to observe whether lipoproteina(Lpa) is significantly high in patients of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in comparison to healthy control. The second part of the study is aimed to know whether oral nicotinic acid treatment lowers Lpa level significantly. Methods - This is a prospective case control study with quasi-experimental design done on acute coronary cases admitted in our centre. Total 200 cases of ACS were included as cases and 46 healthy volunteers were controls. In later part of the study those patients who had high Lpa and were eligible were treated with nicotinic acid for 3 months and Lpa was measured again. Results - Mean Lp(a) level was 39.7mg/dl (±17) among the 200 ACS cases admitted in CCU with the maximum of 83 and minimum of 14. Among controls mean Lpa was 22mg/dl (±3.04) with maximum of 44 and minimum of 17mg/dl. Difference was significant with p value of < 0.01. It was observed that nobody discontinued the drug because of side-effects. In these patients there was significant reduction in serum Lpa level from 74.1mg/dl (± SD22.2) to 43.2mg/ dl (± SD21.9) p<0.01. Conclusion - The serum level of Lpa was significantly high in patients with ACS patients in comparison to control. This difference however was not significant between STEMI and NSTEMI patients. Low dose Nicotinic acid reduces Lpa significantly and is well tolerated by the patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v2i2.8778   Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2013;02(02):61-64
Femoral artery pseudoaneurysm, an avoidable complication of femoral catheterization for hemodialysis
Authors: Sigdel Mahesh Raj
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v2i2.8779   Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2013;02(02):65-66
Successful treatment of Acute Fulminant Liver Failure due to Hepatitis B virus with Entecavir in patients with contra-indications to liver transplant
Authors: Bhattarai Mukul , Bansal Pardeep , Komar Michael , Smith Robert E , Nepal Hitekshya
Published: September 2013

There are no randomized clinical trials on efficacy of Entecavir in Fulminant Hepatic Failure (FHF) due to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Definitive treatment of FHF remains Liver Transplant. However, availability of cadaveric donor organs is limited, and many of the patients with FHF may not be candidates for Liver Transplantation. There are only few case reports on beneficial effects of Entecavir in FHF due to HBV. We present 2 cases of FHF due to HBV. Both patients had severe liver cell damage among which one was immunocompromised. Transaminases were elevated up to 200 times the normal. Both were not transplant candidates, and were successfully treated with Entecavir resulting in significant clinical and transaminases improvement within 7 days of starting Entecavir. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v2i2.8780  Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2013;02(02):67-70
Coronary stenting using a 6 French diagnostic catheter: A case report
Authors: Dubey Laxman , Guruprasad Sogunuru , Subramanyama Gangapatnam
Published: September 2013

Guiding catheters have larger lumen diameter as compared to the same size diagnostic catheters, and thus provide adequate arterial blood flow and good visualization of the artery during percutaneous coronary intervention. However, feasibility of percutaneous coronary intervention via diagnostic catheters has been demonstrated in a few studies. This case reports the use of a 6 French diagnostic catheter for both the coronary angiography as well as coronary stenting in a 52-year-old male patient with critical mid left anterior descending artery stenosis on December, 2012. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v2i2.8781 Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2013;02(02):71-73
Retraction: Rajbhandari S, et al. Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy for Heart Failure. Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2012;01(02):65-8
Authors: Editor The
Published: September 2013

It was brought to our attention that the article, "Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy for Heart Failure" JAIM | volume 01 issue 02 | July-December 2012 page 65, contains this passage in its introduction: “Heart failure is a clinical syndrome resulting from a structural and functional disorder of the heart that impairs the ability of the ventricles to fill with or eject blood to fulfil the demands of the body, or does so in expense of increased filling pressures.” Unfortunately, this passage is not attributed and was taken from an earlier publication: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/9780203089965.001. There are additional instances of plagiarism in the article. Given the weight of evidence offered in the report by Jeffrey Beall (Associate Professor, Scholarly Initiatives Librarian, Auraria Library, University of Colorado Denver, 1100 Lawrence Street, Denver, Colorado 80204 USA), the article has been retracted from the journal JAIM | volume 01 issue 02 | July-December 2012, page 65-8. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v2i2.8783 Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2013;02(02):81
Publication Ethics Policies for Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine (JAIM)
Authors: Editor The
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v2i2.8784   Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2013;02(02)
Epidemiological as well as Microbiological Profile of Suppurative Keratitis and it's Outcome: A Prospective Hospital Based Study from Eastern Nepal
Authors: Patel S , Badhu BP , Khanal B , Arya SK
Published: September 2013

INTRODUCTION: Suppurative keratitis is the second most common cause of monocular blindness after unoperated cataract in some tropical developing countries. The etiological and epidemiological pattern of suppurative keratitis varies significantly with geographical  region,  patient's  population,  health  of the cornea.  The present  study  was carried  out to explore  the epidemiological  pattern, microbiological  profile and treatment outcome of suppurative keratitis at a tertiary care center in Eastern Nepal.MATERIAL AND METHODS:  It was a prospective cohort study carried out in patients presented with suppurative keratitis from 1 November 2007 to 31 October 2008. Detailed clinical history, general physical examination and meticulous ophthalmological examination were carried out in all the subjects as per pro-forma. Corneal scraping was performed under aseptic condition. Material obtained from corneal scrapping was smeared on three separate glass slides for Gram stain, Giemsa stain and KOH wet mount. Material obtained from scraping was inoculated directly on to sheep's blood agar, chocolate agar, BHI, SDA media and sent for microbiological examination. Patients were followed up after 1 week, 2 weeks and 1 month of starting therapy. RESULTS: Sixty patients with suppurative keratitis were evaluated. 39 (65%) patients were male and 21 (35%) patients were female. Mean age of the patients was 41.53±17.86 year. Mean duration of illness was 20.23±18.62 days. History of ocular trauma was present in 35 (58.33%)  patients.  corneal ulcer was more often seen during summer (May-July)  and winter (November-January)  months. During culture, growth was seen in 33 (55%) patients. Fifteen cases (45.45%) had a pure bacterial growth, 10 (30.30%) patients had pure fungal growth and 8 (24.25%) cases had mixed bacterial and fungal growth. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 15 (25%) cases. Among fungi Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium were the frequent isolates, found in 4 (6.67%), 3 (5%), 3 (5%) cases. Staphylococcus aureus was found in all the cases with mixed growth. Out of 60 patients 49 (81.67%) patients achieved, good out come in form of complete healing of corneal ulcer. Poor outcome was seen in 11 (18.33%) patients. CONCLUSION: Suppurative keratitis was more commonly seen in middle aged male from rural areas, involved in agriculture related work. Staphylococcus  aureus was the most common bacterial isolates. Aspergillus  was the most common fungal species. With treatment majority of patients (81.67%) had good out come in form of complete healing of the corneal ulcer.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i3.8757 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(3) 2013: 3-10
Non Union of Fracture Neck of Femur for Intertrochanteric Osteotomy
Authors: Singh GP
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND: Femoral neck fracture is a difficult problem in adult patients and without proper treatment leads to high functional impairment and frequent complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to see the functional outcome in patients with non union of fracture neck of femur treated with intertrochanteric osteotomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All 14 cases operated and non operated (neglected) fracture neck of femur were enrolled for the study 2003 to 2009 in National Medical College, Birganj and Janaki Medical College, Janakpur. Patients were treated conservatively and in some patients failure of fixation was used to evaluate the functional outcome. RESULTS: There were 14 patients with average age of 30 years with age range 14-50 years. 8 patients were male and six were female. 10 patients were previously treated conservatively and 4 patients presented with failure of fixation. Average duration of fracture was 7 months (2 months -3 years with pauwel angle of 32.8. CONCLUSION:  Neglected neck of femur fracture should be treated by three cancellous screw fixation with molded and angled narrow DCP plate, valgus osteotomy and autogenous bone grafting round the fracture to achieve a high rate of patient satisfaction and satisfactory functional outcome. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i3.8762 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(3) 2013: 33-36
Interaction of Ulocladium atrum, a Potential Biological Control Agent, with Botrytis cinerea and Grapevine Plantlets
Authors: Ronseaux Sébastien , Clément Christophe , Barka Essaid
Published: September 2013

The effectiveness of biological control agent, Ulocladium atrum (isolates U13 and U16) in protecting Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay against gray mold disease caused by Botrytis cinerea, and simulation of the foliar defense responses was investigated. A degraded mycelium structure during cultural assay on potato dextrose agar revealed that U. atrum isolates U13 and U16 were both antagonistic to B. cinerea, mainly when isolates were inoculated two days before Botrytis. Under in vitro conditions, foliar application of U. atrum protected grapevine leaves against gray mold disease. An increase in chitinase activity was induced by the presence of U. atrum isolates indicating that the biological control agents triggered plant defense mechanisms. Moreover, U13 has the potential to colonize the grapevine plantlets and to improve their growth. The ability of U. atrum isolates to exhibit an antagonistic effect against B. cinerea in addition to their aptitude to induce plant resistance and to promote grapevine growth may explain a part of their biological activity. Hence, this study suggests that U. atrum provides a suitable biocontrol agent against gray mold in grapevines.
Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties and Phenolic Composition of Fruit Tea Infusions
Authors: Şahin Saliha
Published: September 2013

The popularity of fruit tea is increasing in the world because of its antioxidant properties and attractive taste. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the antioxidant property and phenolic composition of 16 different fruit teas. The antioxidant property and total phenol content of fruit teas depending on the extraction condition (water temperature) were examined using the ABTS (2,2-azinobis[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid]) method and the Folin-Ciocalteu method, respectively. The contents of total flavonoid and total anthocyanin of fruit teas was determined by using the UV/Vis spectrophotometric method. The phenolic composition was determined and quantified by using high performance liquid chromatography and photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA). The highest total phenol content and antioxidant capacity were determined in pomegranate (I). The highest contents of total flavonoid and total anthocyanin were determined in peach (III) and blackberry (I), respectively. Chlorogenic acid, quercetin, myricetin, rutin, rosmarinic acid and ferulic acid were determined in fruit teas. A water temperature of 100 °C was the most effective to extract the highest contents of total phenols, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins and the highest antioxidant capacity in 16 different fruit teas. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of water temperature on the extraction and quantify the various phenolic compounds in fruit teas by HPLC method for industrial application in producing the extracts.
Variability and Reliability of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Islam Ahmad
Published: September 2013

Excellent electrical performance and extreme sensitivity to chemical species in semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon NanoTubes (s-SWCNTs) motivated the study of using them to replace silicon as a next generation field effect transistor (FET) for electronic, optoelectronic, and biological applications. In addition, use of SWCNTs in the recently studied flexible electronics appears more promising because of SWCNTs’ inherent flexibility and superior electrical performance over silicon-based materials. All these applications require SWCNT-FETs to have a wafer-scale uniform and reliable performance over time to a level that is at least comparable with the currently used silicon-based nanoscale FETs. Due to similarity in device configuration and its operation, SWCNT-FET inherits most of the variability and reliability concerns of silicon-based FETs, namely the ones originating from line edge roughness, metal work-function variation, oxide defects, etc. Additional challenges arise from the lack of chirality control in as-grown and post-processed SWCNTs and also from the presence of unstable hydroxyl (–OH) groups near the interface of SWCNT and dielectric. In this review article, we discuss these variability and reliability origins in SWCNT-FETs. Proposed solutions for mitigating each of these sources are presented and a future perspective is provided in general, which are required for commercial use of SWCNT-FETs in future nanoelectronic applications.
Assessment of the Economic and Environmental Impact of Double Glazed Façade Ventilation Systems in Mediterranean Climates
Authors: Valentín David , Guardo Alfredo , Egusquiza Eduard , Valero Carme , Alavedra Pere
Published: September 2013

Free convection is the most often used method in order to reduce solar load gains on a building with double glazed façades (DGFs). However, depending on the climate factors, the thermal performance of a DGF may not be satisfactory and extra energy costs are required to obtain suitable comfort conditions inside the building. Forced ventilation systems are a feasible alternative to improve the thermal performance of a DGF in Mediterranean climates where large solar gains are a permanent condition throughout the year. In this paper the feasibility of using diverse forced ventilation methods in DGF is evaluated. In addition, an economical comparison between different mechanical ventilation systems was performed in order to demonstrate the viability of DGF forced ventilation. Moreover, an environmental study was carried out to prove the positive energetic balance on cooling loads between free and forced convection in DGF for Mediterranean climates. For this investigation, a CFD model was used to simulate the thermal conditions in a DGF for the different ventilation systems. Results obtained for heat flux, temperature and reductions in solar load gains were analyzed and applied for the economic and environmental research.
Behavior of Heat-Denatured Whey: Buttermilk Protein Aggregates during the Yogurt-Making Process and Their Influence on Set-Type Yogurt Properties
Authors: Saffon Maxime , Richard Véronique , Jiménez-Flores Rafael , Gauthier Sylvie , Britten Michel , Pouliot Yves
Published: September 2013

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of using heat-denatured whey:buttermilk protein aggregate in acid-set type yogurt production. Whey and buttermilk (25:75) protein concentrate was adjusted to pH 4.6, heated at 90 °C for 5 min, homogenized and freeze-dried. Set-type yogurts were prepared from skim milk standardized to 15% (w/v) total solids and 4.2% (w/v) protein using different levels of powdered skim milk or freeze-dried protein aggregate. The use of the protein aggregate significantly modified yogurt texture, but did not affect the water-holding capacity of the gel. Confocal laser-scanning microscope images showed the presence of large particles in milk enriched with protein aggregate, which directly affected the homogeneity of the clusters within the protein matrix. Thiol groups were freed during heating of the protein aggregate suspended in water, suggesting that the aggregates could interact with milk proteins during heating.
Preparation and Characterization of Nanoliposomes Entrapping Medium-Chain Fatty Acids and Vitamin C by Lyophilization
Authors: Yang Shuibing , Liu Chengmei , Liu Wei , Yu Haixia , Zheng Huijuan , Zhou Wei , Hu Yaqin
Published: September 2013

The complex nanoliposomes encapsulating both a hydrophilic drug vitamin C (vit C) and hydrophobic drug medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) was prepared by combining double emulsion method with dynamic high pressure microfluidization. The complex nanoliposomes was further freeze-dried under −86 °C for 48 h with sucrose at the sucrose/lipids ratio of 2:1(w/w) in order to enhance its stability. The freeze-dried complex nanoliposomes under the suitable conditions exhibited high entrapment efficiency of MCFAs (44.26 ± 3.34)%, relatively high entrapment efficiency of vit C (62.25 ± 3.43)%, low average size diameter (110.4 ± 7.28) nm and good storage stability at 4 °C for 60 days with slight changes in mean particle diameter and drug entrapment efficiencies. The results of transmission electron microscopy of freeze-dried complex nanoliposomes also showed that the freeze-dried samples with sucrose were stable without great increase in their particle sizes and without destroying their spherical shape. The results indicated that sucrose presented well protection effects in MCFAs-vit C complex nanoliposomes, suggesting the possibility of further usage in commercial liposomes.
Advances in the Study of the Structures and Bioactivities of Metabolites Isolated from Mangrove-Derived Fungi in the South China Sea
Authors: Wang Xin , Mao Zhi-Gang , Song Bing-Bing , Chen Chun-Hua , Xiao Wei-Wei , Hu Bin , Wang Ji-Wen , Jiang Xiao-Bing , Zhu Yong-Hong , Wang Hai-Jun
Published: September 2013

Many metabolites with novel structures and biological activities have been isolated from the mangrove fungi in the South China Sea, such as anthracenediones, xyloketals, sesquiterpenoids, chromones, lactones, coumarins and isocoumarin derivatives, xanthones, and peroxides. Some compounds have anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, but the biosynthesis of these compounds is still limited. This review summarizes the advances in the study of secondary metabolites from the mangrove-derived fungi in the South China Sea, and their biological activities reported between 2008 and mid-2013.
Antimicrobial Peptides from Marine Proteobacteria
Authors: Desriac Florie , Jégou Camille , Balnois Eric , Brillet Benjamin , Chevalier Patrick , Fleury Yannick
Published: September 2013

After years of inadequate use and the emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) strains, the efficiency of “classical” antibiotics has decreased significantly. New drugs to fight MDR strains are urgently needed. Bacteria hold much promise as a source of unusual bioactive metabolites. However, the potential of marine bacteria, except for Actinomycetes and Cyanobacteria, has been largely underexplored. In the past two decades, the structures of several antimicrobial compounds have been elucidated in marine Proteobacteria. Of these compounds, polyketides (PKs), synthesised by condensation of malonyl-coenzyme A and/or acetyl-coenzyme A, and non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs), obtained through the linkage of (unusual) amino acids, have recently generated particular interest. NRPs are good examples of naturally modified peptides. Here, we review and compile the data on the antimicrobial peptides isolated from marine Proteobacteria, especially NRPs.
Evaluation of the in Vitro Anti-Atherogenic Properties of Lipid Fractions of Olive Pomace, Olive Pomace Enriched Fish Feed and Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) Fed with Olive Pomace Enriched Fish Feed
Authors: Nasopoulou Constantina , Gogaki Vassiliki , Stamatakis Giorgos , Papaharisis Leonidas , Demopoulos Constantinos , Zabetakis Ioannis
Published: September 2013

Given the pivotal role of Platelet-Activating-Factor (PAF) in atherosclerosis and the cardio-protective role of PAF-inhibitors derived from olive pomace, the inclusion of olive pomace in fish feed has been studied for gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata). The aim of the current research was to elucidate the anti-atherogenic properties of specific HPLC lipid fractions obtained from olive pomace, olive pomace enriched fish feed and fish fed with the olive pomace enriched fish feed, by evaluating their in vitro biological activity against washed rabbit platelets. This in vitro study underlines that olive pomace inclusion in fish feed improves the nutritional value of both fish feed and fish possibly by enriching the marine lipid profile of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) with specific bioactive lipid compounds of plant origin.
Screening Tests for the Rapid Detection of Diarrhetic Shellfish Toxins in Washington State
Authors: Eberhart Bich-Thuy , Moore Leslie , Harrington Neil , Adams Nicolaus , Borchert Jerry , Trainer Vera
Published: September 2013

The illness of three people due to diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) following their ingestion of recreationally harvested mussels from Sequim Bay State Park in the summer of 2011, resulted in intensified monitoring for diarrhetic shellfish toxins (DSTs) in Washington State. Rapid testing at remote sites was proposed as a means to provide early warning of DST events in order to protect human health and allow growers to test “pre-harvest” shellfish samples, thereby preventing harvest of toxic product that would later be destroyed or recalled. Tissue homogenates from several shellfish species collected from two sites in Sequim Bay, WA in the summer 2012, as well as other sites throughout Puget Sound, were analyzed using three rapid screening methods: a lateral flow antibody-based test strip (Jellett Rapid Test), an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a protein phosphatase 2A inhibition assay (PP2A). The results were compared to the standard regulatory method of liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS). The Jellett Rapid Test for DSP gave an unacceptable number of false negatives due to incomplete extraction of DSTs using the manufacturer’s recommended method while the ELISA antibody had low cross-reactivity with dinophysistoxin-1, the major toxin isomer in shellfish from the region. The PP2A test showed the greatest promise as a screening tool for Washington State shellfish harvesters.
Composition and Quantitation of Microalgal Lipids by ERETIC 1H NMR Method
Authors: Nuzzo Genoveffa , Gallo Carmela , D'Ippolito Giuliana , Cutignano Adele , Sardo Angela , Fontana Angelo
Published: September 2013

Accurate characterization of biomass constituents is a crucial aspect of research in the biotechnological application of natural products. Here we report an efficient, fast and reproducible method for the identification and quantitation of fatty acids and complex lipids (triacylglycerols, glycolipids, phospholipids) in microalgae under investigation for the development of functional health products (probiotics, food ingredients, drugs, etc.) or third generation biofuels. The procedure consists of extraction of the biological matrix by modified Folch method and direct analysis of the resulting material by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). The protocol uses a reference electronic signal as external standard (ERETIC method) and allows assessment of total lipid content, saturation degree and class distribution in both high throughput screening of algal collection and metabolic analysis during genetic or culturing studies. As proof of concept, the methodology was applied to the analysis of three microalgal species (Thalassiosira weissflogii, Cyclotella cryptica and Nannochloropsis salina) which drastically differ for the qualitative and quantitative composition of their fatty acid-based lipids.