bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of management on employees communication in medical and hospital centers in Sarajevo
Authors: Smajović Munib , Čaušević Redžo , Muftić Mirsad , Babić Slavica
Published: February 2015

Introduction: A person’s response and functioning under condition of stress and confl ict is fundamentally different from its usual behavior. Aim: To point out what type of attitude toward the management of healthcare institutions is worth developing as well as to determine which psychological dimensions of employed the best refl ect the efficacy of the management.Methods: The study included a sample of 52 subjects employed at the Clinical center at University of Sarajevo and 64 subjects employed in Healthcare clinic in Sarajevo Canton. Survey method and a method of a theoretical analysis were used in the data collection and processing.Results: The study concluded that there is no statistically significant gender difference in attitude about the value of talent development at managerial level as a factor in development of attitude toward communicationin healthcare. We find t-value of 2,213 for the Clinical center at University of Sarajevo and 2,210 for Healthcare clinic in Sarajevo Canton.Conclusion: No statistically significant results have been found for any of the factors considered in the study with respect to the gender differences.
Palliative care in the home: a case study of secondary histiocytic sarcoma in a 3-year-old child
Authors: Karabová Zuzana , Ilievová Lubica
Published: February 2015

This article describes the medical, psychological, and social challenges encountered during home-based, family-centred palliative care of a 3-year-old female with secondary histiocytic sarcoma diagnosed during treatment for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Histiocytic sarcoma is an exceedingly rare cancer in adults, but even less frequent and highly aggressive when presenting as a secondary cancer in children. Comprehensive, multidisciplinary paediatric hospice care services are not widely available across Slovakia,thus limiting the number of patients and families offered such highly specialized end-of-life care. This case study illustrates the primary benefits for the child and family of such a program as well as the impact on the medical and nursing professionals working in the fi eld of paediatric haematology-oncology.
Trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) expression is regulated by insulin and glucose
Authors: Barrera Roa Jose , Sanchez Tortolero Gabiela , Gonzalez Emanuele
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Trefoil factors are effector molecules in gastrointestinal tract physiology. They are classified into three groups: the gastric peptides (TFF1), spasmolytic peptide (TFF2) and intestinal trefoil factor (TFF3). Previous studies have shown that trefoil factors are located and expressed in human endocrine pancreas suggesting that TFF3 play a role in: a) pancreatic cells migration, b) β-cell mitosis, and c) pancreatic cells regeneration. We speculated that the presence of TFF3 in pancreas, could be associated to a possible regulation mechanism by insulin and glucose. To date, there are not reports whether the unbalance in carbohydrate metabolism observed in diabetes could affect the production or expression of TFF3.Methods: We determined the TFF3 levels and expression by immunoassay (ELISA) and semi-quantitative RT-PCR technique respectively, of intestinal epithelial cells (HT-29) treated with glucose and insulin. Also,Real Time-PCR (RTq-PCR) was done.Results: Increasing concentrations of glucose improved TFF3 expression and these levels were further elevated after insulin treatment. Insulin treatment also led to the up-regulation of human sodium/glucose transporter 1 (hSGLT1), which further increases intracellular glucose levels. Finally, we investigated theTFF3 levels in serum of diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) and healthy patients. Here we shown that serum TFF3 levels were down-regulated in T1DM and this levels were up-regulated after insulin treatment. Also, the TFF3 levels of healthy donors were up-regulated 2 h after breakfast.Conclusion: Our fi ndings suggest for the fi rst time that insulin signaling is important for TFF3 optimal expression in serum and intestinal epithelial cells.
The effect of mineral radon water applied in the form of full baths on blood pressure in patients with hypertension
Authors: Kapetanović Amila , Hodžić Samiha , Avdić Dijana
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Due to patients’ safety, increased blood pressure often restricts wider use of mineral water for therapeutic purposes in rehabilitation practice. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of radon mineral water applied in the form of full baths on blood pressure in people with hypertension.Methods: A total of 27 patients, average age 58.10 years with hypertension were included in the study. Balneotherapy was applied in the form of full baths with mineral radon water of neutral temperature. Values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured before and after twenty minutes therapy on the first and fifth day of treatment.Results: On the first day of treatment there was no significant change in blood pressure after the application of full baths with mineral radon water of neutral temperature (systolic pressure t = 0.697, not significant; diastolic pressure t = 0.505, not significant). On the fi fth day of treatment there was no significant changes in blood pressure after the application of medical baths with mineral radon water of neutral temperature (systolic pressure t = 1.372, not significant; diastolic pressure t = 1.372, not significant).Conclusion: The significant increase of blood pressure in patients with mild and moderate hypertension is not expected when Fojnica water (radioactive mineral water) is being used in the form of full baths of neutral temperature, which allows a broader application of this balneo procedure in rehabilitation practice.
Cognitive function recovery rate in early postoperative period: comparison of propofol, sevoflurane and isoflurane anesthesia
Authors: Hadžimešić Munevera , Imamović Semir , Uljić Vasvija , Hodžić Mirsad , Iljazagić-Halilović Fatima , Hodžić Renata
Published: February 2015

Introduction: There is no simple answer to the question as to when the brain function is back to normal after anaesthesia. Research done so far has identified different factors influencing the rate of cognitive function recovery and type of anaesthetic as one of those factors.Methods: This study encountered 90 patients hospitalized in neurosurgical department of University Clinical Centre Tuzla in period from October 2011 to may 2012 year. Aim of the study was to compare influence of three different anesthetics (propofol, isofl urane and sevofl urane) on recovery rate of cognitive performance 1, 5 and 10 minutes following extubation. Assessment of cognitive functions was preformed using the short Orientation-Memory-Concentration (OMC) Test. All patients included in the study underwent lumbar microdiscectomy surgery and were allocated to one of three groups: propofol, sevoflurane and isoflurane.Results: Trough comparison of OMC test values there is obvious superiority in recovery of cognitive functions between propofol group and inhaled anesthetic group, after 1 minute (p = 0.008) and after 5 minutes (p =0.009). Comparison of propofol and isoflurane anesthesia shows significantly faster recovery of cognitive performance in propofol group (after 1 minute p = 0.002, 5 minutes p = 0.004, 10 minutes p = 0.038). Faster recovery of cognitive function is present in sevoflurane compared to isoflurane group only 1 minute after extubation p = 0.049.Conclusions: Fastest recovery of cognitive performance appears after propofol anesthesia, than follows sevofl urane based anesthesia and after that isoflurane anesthesia.
Nurses and burnout syndrome
Authors: Obradović Zarema , Obradović Amina , Ćesir Škoro Ifeta
Published: February 2015

Introduction: The work of nurses is human. They help people in protection against diseases. Nurses are the largest group of health workers and all problems that appear in the health system are first recognized among them. Burnout syndrome appears among nurses very frequently. We present the leading factors for burnout among nurses in RMC „Dr Safet Mujic“ in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.Methods: It is a cross sectional descriptive study. We used an anonymous questionnaire with 20 questions. Our sample was random with 30% of all nurses which were working in this Medical Center in January-February 2012.Results: In our study 77.9% nurses work in the hospital. 52% have over 16 years of work experience. 34.6% of examinees are satisfi ed with interpersonal relationships, 31.7 % are satisfi ed with relationships with the superior. Motivation for work have 51% of examinees, a big number comes unwilling on work.For 83.7% overtime work is the reason for dissatisfaction 71.2% examinees think that they can't make progress on work. A high percentage of examinees doesn't think about problems related to work outside working hours, a good sleep have 38.5% and 56.7% wakes up tired. Many of examinees are not satisfiedwith workplace, and 58.7% would like to change it.Conclusion: Nurses employed in RMC „Dr Safet Mujic“ Mostar are exposed to many factors during work which can cause the burnout syndrome. It is necessary to expand the study on a larger group of nurses and to implement the measures for reducing risks of burnout syndrome.
Frequency of neonatal complications after premature delivery
Authors: Grgić Gordana , Brkičević Elvira , Ljuca Dženita , Ostrvica Edin , Tulumović Azur
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Preterm delivery is the delivery before 37 weeks of gestation are completed. The incidence of preterm birth ranges from 5 to 15%. Aims of the study were to determine the average body weight, Apgar score after one and five minutes, and the frequency of the most common complications in preterminfants.Methods: The study involved a total of 631 newborns, of whom 331 were born prematurely Aims of this study were to (24th-37th gestational weeks-experimental group), while 300 infants were born in time (37-42 weeks of gestation-control group).Results: Average body weight of prematurely born infants was 2382 grams, while the average Apgar score in this group after the fi rst minute was 7.32 and 7.79 after the fifth minute. The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome was 50%, intracranial hemorrhage, 28.1% and 4.8% of sepsis. Respiratory distresssyndrome was more common in infants born before 32 weeks of gestation. Mortality of premature infants is present in 9.1% and is higher than that of infants born at term.Conclusions: Birth body weight and Apgar scores was lower in preterm infants. Respiratory distress syndrome is the most common fetal complication of prematurity. Intracranial hemorrhage is the second most common complication of prematurity. Mortality of premature infants is higher than the mortality of infants born at term birth.
The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in the follow-up of patients after treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
Authors: Dimitrov Goran , Dzikova Elena , Dimitrov Gligor , Panov Saso , Aleksioska Irena , Babusku Gjorgji
Published: February 2015

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the role of human papillomavirus testing in the follow-up after treatment for CIN, as a prognostic sign for residual/recurrent cervical precancerous lesions.Methods: A hospital-based analysis was performed on 460 patients previously treated for CIN with cold knife conization, at the University Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics and General Hospital Remedika, in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, in a period of 3 years. The patients were followed-up with HPV testing in addition to cytology, colposcopy and/or biopsy. The first after treatment HPV testing was performed8 months after cold knife conization, proceeded by follow-up within 24 months after treatment, at 4 months intervals.Results: Among 460 treated patients, at the fi rst HPV and cytologic testing, 8 months after treat-ment, 69 (15%) were HPV+, and 391 (85%) HPV negative. From the 69 HPV+ patients, 41 (59.4%) were withcytologic abnormalities and 28 (40.6%) without abnormalities. 12 months after treatment, the number of HPV+ patients developing cytologic abnormalities raised to 45/70 (64.29%). Within the 24 months aftertreatment, the number of patients who had recurrent/ residual CIN from the HPV+ patients reached 50/71 (70.42%); which was 10.87% from all 460 treated patients.Conclusion: Persistence or clearance of HPV especially 8 months after treatment even in patients with normal cytology, is an early valid prognostic marker of treatment failure, and is more accurate than cytologyat the same follow-up intervals.
Pathomorphological Characteristics of Trophoblast and Serum Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Levels in Diagnosis of Partial Hydatidiform
Authors: Bogdanović Gordana , Muminhodžić Lejla , Ljuca Dženita , Babović Adnan
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Partial molar trophoblast degeneration is a benign disease characterised by numerous complications such as an invasive mole and malignant alteration.Methods: This was a retrospective study which recruited 70 pregnant women diagnosed with hydatidiform mole or with physiological pregnancy spontaneously aborted. The pregnant women had similar demographic features and were included in two groups. 35 pregnant women with a molar pregnancy diagnosed during the first trimester were included in the study group; while 35 pregnant women with miscarriages during the fi rst trimester were included in the control group.Results: Examined trophoblast changes were: type of atypia, amount and mass of trophoblast proliferation. Specifi c β HCG serum levels were observed in all pregnant women before the treatment. Pregnantwomen in the study group had statistically signifi cant higher levels of β HCG serum in comparison with the control group (both average levels 60191.37±49662.75 and levels according to gestational age). Statisticallysignifi cant changes of villous trophoblast were observed by the pathomorphological analysis: mild trophoblast atypia (57.14%); pronounced trophoblast mass (45.71%) and mild trophoblast proliferationamount (51.43%).Conclusion: Serum β-HCG level measurements and pathomorphological analysis of chorionic villi are reliable and effective methods in a partial mole diagnostics.
Epidemiological Factors and Pathomorphologic Characteristics of Hydatidiform Mole
Authors: Muminhodžić Lejla , Bogdanović Gordana , Ljuca Dženita , Babović Adnan
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Hydatidiform mole is a gestational trophoblastic disease characterized by a range of disorders of abnormal trophoblastic proliferation.Methods: This was a retrospective study of 70 singletone pregnancies until the 12th week of gestational age diagnosed with hydatidiform mole or spontaneously aborted physiological pregnancy. The pregnantwomen had almost similar demographic features and were divided into two groups. 35 pregnant women with a molar pregnancy were included in the study group; while 35 pregnant women with physiologicalpregnancy spontaneously aborted were included in the control group. Analyzed parameters included a pregnant woman’s age, blood type, parity and previous pregnancies (course and outcomes).Results: In the study group 11.43% of cases had hydatidiform mola during previous pregnancies as well as the advanced average gestational age of an ongoing pregnancy (9.63±1.83 in contrast to 8.25±2.03in the control group). The pregnant women with the hydatidiform mole were reported to have statistically significantly greater number of irregular villous borders (71.43%); slightly enlarged villi (54.29%); moderatedpresence of cisterns (65.71%) as well as mild avascularisation of villi (57.14%).Conclusion: It was concluded that a previous molar pregnancy represents the highest risk for hydtidiforme mole and the pathomorphologic analysis of vilous changes can be a reliable parameter for establishingproper diagnosis of partial hydatidiform mole.
Correlation between serum concentrations of homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Fisekovic Saida , Serdarevic Nafija , Memic Amra , Serdarevic Raif , Sahbegovic Sabina , Kucukalic Abdulah
Published: February 2015

Introduction: The role of hyperhomocysteinemia in psychotic disorder can be explained by partial antagonism of homocysteine on NMDA-glycine receptor. Plasma concentration of homocysteine is an indicatorof the status of the B-vitamins (folate, B12, B6). Folate deficiency may have different effects on the neurochemical processes of schizophrenia. This suggests that the association between elevated levels of homocysteine and schizophrenia is biologically very likely.Methods: The study was consisted of 20 patients with schizophrenia and 20 healthy controls. We investigated the levels of serum homocysteine concentration using AxSYM (Abbott), levels of folate assay istwo-step immunoassay to determine the presence folate in human serum using CMIA (chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay) technology and Axsym Holo Tc is microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA)for the quantitative determination of human holo TC in serum and determination defi cit of vitamin B 12.Results: The patients group has higher levels of homocysteine in compare with controls group for 3.85 μmol/L while the concentration of folate in the group of patients was lower for 9.17 ng/mL. The mean level of vitamin B-12 in investigation groups were in reference range 19.1-119 pmol/L, but patient group have lower average concentration of vitamin B-12 lower for 24.81 pmol/L compared to the control group.Conclusion: Our results showed that homocysteine concentration is inversely proportionate to folate concentration,i.e. as homocysteine concentration in serum increases, folate concentration falls. Shizophrenicpatients with elevated tHcy level and low folate levels should have vitamin supplementation with folic acid.
Lymphangiogenesis in breast carcinoma is present but insufficient for metastatic spread
Authors: Dorić Mirsad , Kuskunović-Vlahovljak Suada , Radović Svjetlana , Hukić Ajna , Babić Mirsad , Lazović-Salčin Edina
Published: February 2015

Introduction: The lymphatic vasculature is an important route for the metastatic spread of human cancer. However, the extent to which this depends on lymphangiogenesis or on invasion of existing lymph vessels remains controversial. The goal of this study was to investigate the existence of lymphangiogenesis in invasive breast carcinoma: by measuring the lymphatic vessels density (LVD) and lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation (LECP) and their correlation with various prognostic parameters in breast cancer, including lymphovascular invasion (LVI).Methods: Lymphatic vessels density was investigated in 75 specimens of invasive breast carcinoma by immunostaining for D2-40 using the Chalkley counting method. Endothelial proliferation in lymphatic vessels was analyzed by dual-color immunohistochemistry with D2-40 and Ki-67.Results: Decrease of intra and peritumoral LVD in invasive breast carcinoma compared to fibrocystic breast disease was detected (p=0.002). Lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation was significantly higher in invasive breast cancer (p=0.008) than in the fibrocystic breast disease. LECP showed a correlation with histological grade of the tumor (p=0.05). Involvement of axillary lymph nodes with metastatic tissue was in strong correlation only with existence of lymphatic vascular invasion (p=0.0001).Conclusion: These results suggest that development of breast cancer promotes proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells whose level correlates with histological grade of tumor, but in a scope that is insufficient to follow growth of tumor tissue that invades them and destruct them. This might explain the decrease of lymphatic vessels density.
Antibiotic combinatorial approach utilized against extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) bacteria isolates from Enugu, South Eastern Nigeria
Authors: A. Afunwa Ruth , C. Odimegwu Damian , I. Iroha Romanus , O. Esimone Charles
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Antibiotic options in the treatment of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria are very limited. The purpose of this study was to analyze several commonly applied antibiotics in quite various novel combinations for use against ESBL-producing bacteria isolates.Methods: Total of 460 samples of urine, throat and anal swab were collected from volunteers and patients from nursery, primary and secondary schools and from other individuals in the community. Hospital and community isolates comprised of 65% and 35% respectively. The identification and characterization of the isolates were done by standard culturing and in vitro antibiotic sensitivity procedures.Results: The antibiotic combination studies showed that the combination of gentamicin with the other antibiotics had predominantly synergistic effects. The percentage synergistic effect for the combinations of gentamicin/pefloxacin was 69%, gentamicin/[Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid] 72%, gentamicin/ceftriaxone 68%, gentamicin/cefuroxime 81.9%, and gentamicin/ciprofloxacin 80.6%, against the community and hospital derived ESBL producing organisms of both Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas species.Conclusion: Good antimicrobial monitoring exercise and corresponding antimicrobial screening activities should work towards a dynamic approach to generate effective treatment options using combination therapy.
Bilateral Epididymal Cyst in 14 year-old Boy: a case report
Authors: Akin Yiğit , Sarac Mehmet , Basara Isil , Yucel Selcuk , Kazez Ahmet
Published: February 2015

Bilateral epididymal cysts are rare in childhood. Clinically they may present as acute scrotum and should be differentiated from other pathologies. Here in, we report bilateral epididymal cysts in a 14-year-old boy. He was admitted to emergency department with symptoms of acute left scrotum. There was no history of trauma or infection. Blood analyses, including testis tumor markers were unremarkable. Bilateral epididymal cysts were diagnosed on ultrasonography evaluation. Medical treatment did not stop his scrotal pain. During scrotal exploration, there was no evidence of testicular torsion or any other pathology. An excision of cyst was performed. Histopathologically, the cyst wall was lined by columnar epithelia. As a result of these findings, a pathological diagnosis of epididymal cyst was made. The synchronized evaluation of clinical and ultrasonography findings with an appropriate histopathological evaluation can usually diagnose this rare pathology.
Adherence to oral anticoagulation therapy
Authors: Lekic Lana , Lekic Alen , Begić Alden
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Warfarin is the most frequently prescribed anticoagulant. Clinical treatment is demanding because of the narrow therapeutic range and considerable differences between the patients. The aim of this survey is to establish adherence to warfarin in subjects who have been prescribed warfarin as a long-term therapy.Methods: The survey included 30 subjects, and  was conducted at local pharmacy store. Statistical processing was carried out using the SPSS (ver. 21.) software. Used for qualitative variables was the Chi-square test, and for quantitative ones the ANOVA test. Data were provided in the form of tables and charts. Level of significance was p=0.05.Results: The survey included 30 subjects, 14 men and 16 women.  Of the total number of polled subjects, 15 were informed by a health care professional about the specificities of warfarin use, 7 said they were not informed, while 8 said they did not know. Most compliant in terms of regularly taking their medicines were pensioners, followed by the unemployed, χ2=13.231; p<0.05.  The number of subjects within the expected therapeutic INR range was 22 (p<0.05).Conclusion: Strict compliance with the warfarin regimen is important in order to increase its effectiveness, extend the time and strengthen the intensity of anticoagulant action in the body. That is why the target groups of patients, who use warfarin, need additional information before and during therapy, in order to avoid side effects, and at the same time maintain therapeutic efficacy of the medicine throughout the treatment.
Influence of coffee consumption on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with estrogen deficiency in menstrual history
Authors: Kapetanović Amila , Avdic Dijana
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Complex etiology of osteoporosis include genetic, hormonal, environmental and nutritional factors. The aim of this study was to examine influence of coffee consumption on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with estrogen deficiency in menstrual history.Methods: This prospective study included 100 postmenopausal women, aged 50-65 years living in Sarajevo area, with estrogen deficiency in their menstrual history. The controlled clinical trials were conducted. Two groups were formed (based on bone mineral density values). The examination group included 50 women who had osteoporosis, while the control group included 50 women without osteoporosis (osteopenia, normal bone mineral density). The lumbar spine and proximal femur bone mineral density was measured by Dual–Energy X–ray Absorptiometry using Hologic QDR-4000 scanner. Coffee drinking habits were assessed for each subject.Results: The average daily intake of coffee in women with estrogen deficiency in menstrual history was at 267.6 ml in the examination group and in the control group 111.6 ml. The difference in the average daily intake of coffee between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). There was registered significant correlation between intake of coffee and bone mineral density in examination (p < 0.01) and in control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: This study indicates that coffee consumption is a risk factor for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, aged 50-65 years living in Sarajevo area, with estrogen deficiency in their menstrual history. It was shown that the effects of coffee on bone mineral density are dose-dependent.
Average saturated fatty acids daily intake in Sarajevo University students
Authors: Catovic Amra , Dervišević Amela , Lepara Orhan , Gorčević Semir , Gorčević Jasna
Published: February 2015

Introduction: There are wide variations in diet patterns among population subgroups. Macronutrients content analyses have become necessary in dietary assessment. The purpose of this study is to analyze dietary saturated fatty acids intake in students, detect differences between men and women, and compare with nourish status and nutrition recommendations.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 60 graduate students was performed during the spring 2013, at the Sarajevo University. Food-frequency questionnaire was conducted during seven days. Body mass index was used to assess students' nourish status. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (version 13.0).Results: Mean age of males was 26.00±2.72, and of females was 27.01±3.93 years. The prevalence of overweight was more common among males compared to females (55.56% vs. 6.06%). Median of total fat average intake for men and women was 76.32(70.15;114.41) and 69.41(63.23;86.94) g/d, respectively. Median of saturated fatty acids average intake for men and women was 28.86(22.41;36.42) and 24.29(20.53;31.60) g/d, respectively. There was significant difference in average intake of total fat between genders (Mann-Whitney U test: p=0.04). Macronutrient data were related to requirement of reference person. Total fat intake was beyond recommended limits in 37.04% of males and 54.55% of females. Saturated fatty acids intake was beyond the upper limit in 55.56% of males and 51.52% of females.Conclusion: Diet pattern of the average student is not in accordance with the recommendations of saturated fatty acids contribution as a percentage of energy.
The role of natural supplement of apple vinegar and syrup in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Heljić Bećir , Velija-Ašimi Zelija , Bureković Azra , Karlović Vanja , Avdagić Azra , Ćemalović Murisa
Published: February 2015

Introduction: The increased risk of coronary artery disease in diabetics could be explained by the lipoprotein irregularities associated with diabetes mellitus. The primary aim of this study is to examine the role of apple vinegar and syrup in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: The interventional study included 500 participants (195 men and 305 women) with dyslipidemia and prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus, aged 50-70 years, living in Sarajevo area. Patients were recruited from 5 outpatient diabetes counselling departments and treated with natural apple vinegar and syrup supplementation over a period of five weeks. The patients have been evaluated before treatment and 5 weeks after the treatment. During the study, dosage of drugs for diabetes or prediabetes was not changed.Results: After 5 weeks of supplementation with apple vinegar and syrup waist circumference (p=0.016), total cholesterol (p=0.01), low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (p=0.008) and triglycerides (p=0.019) were significantly reduced, as well as blood pressure (-14%). Study results show decrease of mean fasting blood levels of glucose, but statistically not significant (p=0.058). The body mass index also decreased insignificantly (p=0.089). The high density lipoprotein cholesterol level was not increased significantly after supplementation (p=0.26).Conclusion: According to our results, apple vinegar has important role in reduction of total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and waist circumference in patients with type 2 diabetes. Also, it has positive effect on blood pressure.
A Network for Eating and Nutrition as a platform for cooperation over the organisational borders between healthcare sectors in Sweden
Authors: Pajalic Zada , Westergren Albert
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Requirements to implement scientific knowledge in practice within the Swedish health and social care sectors have increased during the last decades. One of these networks was the Network for Eating and Nutrition that began in 2003. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate how the Network for Eating and Nutrition has functioned during a period of ten years and in what way it has affected work practice.Methods: This is a descriptive qualitative study. Data sources for this study were meeting records collected over 10 years and two evaluation surveys (at five and 10 years).  Participants were members of the Network for Eating and Nutrition (n=12 at five years and n=10 at 10 years). The manifest qualitative content analysis was used.Results: The Network for Eating and Nutrition was seen as offering support for personal and organisational knowledge development. Further aspects of support from the workplaces of the members and the significance for the work places were described. Further the Network for Eating and Nutrition reached out to care receivers by using specifically tailored education programmes and material. The Network for Eating and Nutrition results and recommendations were described as important references for the development of nutrition routines.Conclusion: Networks between organisations with different professional backgrounds can form a basis for knowledge exchange both for focus on the specific topic but also on how to work with quality improvement, i.e. evidence based practice.
Binning Method for Mapping Irregularly Distributed Continuous Resistivity Profiling Data onto a Regular Grid for 3-D Inversion
Authors: Xu Tian , Dunbar John A
Published: February 2015

Continuous resistivity profiling (CRP) is an emerging direct current (DC) resistivity method that is increasingly used in shallow fresh water and marine environments to support hydrogeological and near-surface geophysical studies. CRP is popular because it allows efficient data acquisition. However, it is generally not possible to precisely control the spacing and orientation of profiles during CRP data acquisition, resulting in irregularly distributed data. For 2-D profiles, the irregular distribution is handled by extracting relatively straight segments for inversion and using either interpolation or irregular element widths in the inversion process to account for unevenly spaced data along the profiles. Three-dimensional (3-D) inversion of CRP data sets is more challenging because most commercial inversion codes are applicable only to parallel or sub-parallel survey lines, requiring data on a regular grid.

In this paper, we develop a technique for binning irregularly distributed CRP data onto a regular grid, suitable for most 3-D inversion codes. We evaluate the method on synthetic data sets, as well as field CRP data sets collected from two water reservoirs on Maui Island, Hawaii. Numerical results of the synthetic data inversion show that 20% and 10% model misfit between a “control group” and binned data can be achieved with data densities of 5 and 15 measurements in each bin, respectively. Also, the 3-D inverted resistivity volumes of the binned field CRP data sets show good agreement with independently collected 2-D profiles, resolving the same subsurface features.
Ultrasonic Testing of a Grouted Steel Tank for Debonding Conditions
Authors: Wu Yen , Cascante Giovanni , West Jeffrey S , Pandey Mahesh D
Published: February 2015

The non-invasive detection of debonding conditions and cavities beneath the wall of a steel tank are common applications in a variety of engineering and construction fields. Compressional ultrasonic waves have been used for the evaluation of steel plate thicknesses; however, they lack energy for penetrating a Portland cement grout in contact with a steel wall to detect debonding conditions. In this work, a joint analysis of surface waves and Lamb waves (high and low frequency) is used for the detection of debonding conditions in a scale model grouting steel tank. The propagation of high frequency ultrasonic waves generated by a 50-kHz transmitter along the side of the tank model is analyzed in the time domain and the frequency domain. In addition, using instrumented hammers with plastic or aluminum tips (low frequency sources) and a 50-kHz transmitter, three different configurations are used for the analysis of surface waves. The low-frequency Rayleigh waves generated by the hammer are used for void detection. Fourier spectra of the measured signals indicate that the effect of a void on the waves propagating through the medium is reduced when there is debonding. The comparisons of theoretical (high frequency) dispersion curves with experimental ones, computed from frequency wavenumber (FK) spectra, show that Lamb waves dominate the surface response in the wall of the steel tank. High frequency Lamb waves are successfully used in the detection of debonding between the tank wall and the grout because of the lower attenuation measured on top of the void.
Discovery of a Major Coal Deposit in China with the Use of a Modified CSAMT Method
Authors: Xue Guoqiang , Yan Shu , Gelius L-J , Chen Weiying , Zhou Nannan , Li Hai
Published: February 2015

Conventional use of the controlled-source audio-frequency magneto-telluric (CSAMT) method is based on calculating the apparent or Cagniard resistivity from the amplitude ratio of the horizontal electric and magnetic field components. However, direct comparison between these two components shows that the electric field is more sensitive to the underground medium resistivity than its magnetic counterpart. Thus, use of the electric component only should provide adequate information about the electric properties of the subsurface. The measurements typically belong to the far-field zone, but show a non-dipolar characteristic because of the source. In this paper, we therefore propose a simplified CSAMT technique based on measuring the electric field component only. As part of this new formulation, a related theoretical model for the electric field component accounting for the non-dipolar nature of the transmitter antenna is introduced. This is accompanied with a new apparent resistivity definition, including a procedure to transform it into pseudo-phase data, thus removing the static shifts.

The potential of this modified CSAMT method is demonstrated using a field case from the Shanxi province in China. Until recently, it has been thought that no coal deposits exist in this region. However, application of the single-component CSAMT technique as advocated for here, revealed a major coal deposit, which was verified later by drilling.
Evaluation and Current Results of the Seismic Acoustic Impact Monitoring Assessment (SAIMA) System
Authors: Hutchenson Kevin D , Conner Ray B , Johnson Lars B , Bennett Hollis H , Simms Janet E , Yule Don E
Published: February 2015

For the past several years, Quantum Technology Sciences (QTSI) and U.S. Army Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC) have been developing a system to actively sustain present and future artillery ranges at zero unexploded ordnance (UXO) gains. With the Department of Defense (DoD) using over two million high-explosive (HE) munitions per year with a significant fraction as UXO, reducing costly range remediation and environmental restoration efforts will offer significant savings. The developed Seismic Acoustic Impact Monitoring Assessment (SAIMA) system is not designed for past ranges, but as a complementary technology to detect, locate within two meters, and classify UXO in near real-time to aid existing cleanup technologies.

Feasibility and descriptions of system components have been previously provided ( VanDeMark et al., 2009 , 2010 , 2013 ). The current system is composed of multiple buried seismic arrays encircling a mortar or artillery impact area, communications from the arrays to a central processing station, and a processing unit that employs an algorithm suite based in the seismology and statistical analysis disciplines to detect, locate, and classify the HE or UXO impact.

Recent deployments of the SAIMA system have demonstrated hardware maturity and algorithm refinements to nearly enable the goal of locations within two meters. A field deployment at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, in June 2012 demonstrated acoustic locations at a large range ( QTSI, 2012 ). Subsequent systems tests with five arrays using a synthetic UXO source (kinetic source only; no acoustic phases) on a small field (80 m by 80 m) resolved locations within 0.5 m of ground truth with coverage ellipses at 0.1 m2 (time and azimuth). On a small mortar field, approximately 365 m by 480 m, simulated UXO (inert rounds) were located within an average mislocation distance of 4.1 m and confidence ellipses on the order of 5.8 m by 3.8 m. Scheduled field testing in the near future will validate the system.
Naked Ambition
Authors: Sprunt Eve S.
Published: February 2015

Guest editorial - No abstract available.
Thermal-Reconstruction Techniques Used to Unearth Best Drilling Sites
Authors: Wallace Rhea
Published: February 2015

Technology Update - No abstract available.
Techbits (January 2004)
Authors: JPT staff _
Published: February 2015

Techbits - No abstract available.
Spotlight on R&D: Petroleum Engineering Research and Development - Seeking Value Through Technology
Authors: Hill A.D. , Judzis Arnis
Published: February 2015

Spotlight on R&D series - This is the first of a series of articles on the state of research and development (R&D) in the major upstream technological disciplines. The Spotlight on R&D Series, comprising articles published in JPT during 2004 and 2005, is available as a collection on OnePetro (SPE-101432-JPT).
Overview: Mature Field Revitalization (January 2004)
Authors: Lagerlef David
Published: February 2015

Overview - No abstract available.
Mature Field Revitalization: Use of Multilateral Technology to Arrest Production Decline
Authors: Denney Dennis
Published: February 2015

This article, written by Technology Editor Dennis Denney, contains highlights of paper SPE 84029, "The Use of Multilateral Technology to Arrest Production Decline in a West Texas Gas Field," by Adeyinka Owodunni, SPE, Tim Travis, and Gary Dunk, SPE, ExxonMobil, prepared for the 2003 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Denver, 5-8 October.
Well Intervention and Control: Dynamic-Kill Procedure Considers Countercurrent Flow of Kill Fluid
Authors: Bybee Karen
Published: February 2015

This article, written by Assistant Technology Editor Karen Bybee, contains highlights of paper SPE 85292, "New Dynamic-Kill Procedure for Off-Bottom Blowout Wells Considering Countercurrent Flow of Kill Fluid," by F.S. Flores- Avila, SPE, Pemex; J.R. Smith, SPE, Louisiana State U.; and A.T. Bourgoyne Jr., SPE, Bourgoyne Enterprises Inc., prepared for the 2003 SPE/IADC Middle East Drilling Technology Conference and Exhibition, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 20-22 October.
Well Intervention and Control: Controlling Lost Circulation in Flowing HP/HT Wells: Case History
Authors: Denney Dennis
Published: February 2015

This article, written by Technology Editor Dennis Denney, contains highlights of paper SPE 81413, "An Effective Means to Control Lost Circulation in Flowing HP/HT Wells: Case History from East Mediterranean Sea Area," by Medhat Sanad, BP-Gupco, and Arshad Waheed, SPE, Halliburton Energy Services, prepared for the 2003 Middle East Oil Show, Bahrain, 9-12 June.
Shared Vision: The SPE Forum Series - Wisdom at Work
Authors: Paccaloni Giovanni
Published: February 2015

I remember that after I attended my fifth SPE Forum Series, as chairperson in 1993, I started considering the SPE mission statement. The part that talks about our mission to collect, disseminate and exchange technical information doesn’t completely define what SPE really does. When you get together 80 or so top experts from all over the world to discuss “frontiers of technology” on a given discipline, you don’t share only information—you share knowledge. As a result, at the end of a week of discussions, you leave the Forum with increased wisdom—i.e., with more chances to make the best decision from among several alternatives in your daily operations.

The following definition of “wisdom at work” applies very well to SPE Forums: “Wisdom at work is reflected in how successfully we learn, how consistently we can tap our deepest creative intelligence, and how effectively we develop the raw material of our inspiration into the insights, concepts, communications, and innovations that can be embodied and translated into action.”

The SPE Forum Series is one of SPE’s most effective programs in accomplishing the Society’s mission to provide a means for the exchange of technology. Forums provide an opportunity for technology leaders in the oil and gas industry to exchange ideas about what should or will be done in the future to accelerate development of technology. Each Forum Series event seeks to bring together the top technologists and managers working on a specific challenge the industry faces to discuss ideas and potential solutions—what are the issues, problems, and barriers, and how will the industry address them to provide future energy needs.

The objective of each Forum is to stimulate thought, accelerate innovation, and inspire the development of new technology. SPE Forums are for participants, not for spectators. Each Forum’s Steering Committee selects attendees on the basis of applicants’ ability to contribute ideas and insights gained from their own experience to the discussion. Attendance is limited to allow everyone an opportunity to have a say.

Discussion and interaction are the focus for all Forums. The physical setting and the technical agenda are both selected to create a climate for informal discussion. Dialogue on unpublished and incomplete results is encouraged, and an off-the-record format, where extensive note-taking and recording are prohibited, is strictly adhered to. Publication of Forum discussions is limited to a summary provided only to participants. Formal presentations are discouraged. Break-out sessions are often used to discuss a topic in smaller groups, which then report back to the full group. Breaks in the schedule allow casual opportunities for one-on-one exchange among participants.
Techbits (January 2005)
Authors: JPT staff _
Published: February 2015

The SPE Applied Technology Workshop on “High-CO2 Gasfield Development and Production” held in Hanoi, Vietnam, in September 2004 was attended by 79 participants from 11 countries. The keynote address, given by Joe Gregory, Gorgon Development Manager for ChevronTexaco Australia, highlighted the challenges of the Gorgon CO2 field, discovered 20 years ago.

The technical agenda included Characteristics of High-CO2 Gas Fields; Development, Production, and Monitoring Strategies; Surface Facilities and Removal Techniques; High-CO2 Pipelines and Disposal/Usage of Removed CO2; End-User Requirements; and Business Drivers. Emphasizing the importance of finding solutions to commercialization of high-CO2 gas fields in Vietnam and other countries, Nguyen Dang Lieu, Vice President of PetroVietnam, gave the opening address, and Lawrence Duhon of Unocal Thailand concluded the opening session by outlining participants’ expectations for the workshop.

Two breakout workshop sessions, a poster session, and general discussion completed the workshop. The 21-member Program Committee included Cochairpersons Nguyen Van Minh of PetroVietnam, Lawrence Duhon of Unocal Thailand, and Kanit Sangwongwanich of PTTEP. Committee members included Ahmad Hanif of Pertamina, Kemal Anbarci of ChevronTexaco Australia, Dale Coleman of ExxonMobil E&P Malaysia, Jeffrey Harris of Unocal Vietnam, He Jiangchuan of PetroChina, Huynh (Anthony) Bui of Chevron Offshore Thailand, Khairul Nizam Zaini of Petronas Carigali, Teddy Komaroedin of ConocoPhillips Indonesia, Christopher Lenn of Schlumberger UAE, Kamel Bennaceur of Schlumberger U.K., Nguyen Quynh Lam of Truong Son Joint Operating Co., Lincoln Patterson of CSIRO Petroleum, Phan Trung Nghia of PetroVietnam, Erik Puik of Shell Global Solutions, Hemanta Sarma of the U. of Adelaide, Suhardiman of Pertamina, Tam Thiam Guan of Shell E&P Intl., and Djebbar Tiab of the U. of Oklahoma.

Highlights captured during the workshop are summarized by session.
Rebirth of a Mature Carbonate Gas Pool
Authors: Bybee Karen
Published: February 2015

This article, written by Assistant Technology Editor Karen Bybee, contains highlights of paper SPE 88773, "Rebirth of a Mature Carbonate Gas Pool," by K.C. Carr, SPE, and M. Fiori, BP Canada Energy Co., prepared for the 2004 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 10-13 October.

Operation of a mature pool requires increasing cost control and infrastructure optimization and consolidation to maintain profitability. The decision to initiate this type of reservoir-management plan, sometimes described as “harvest,” is driven in part by reservoir-performance analysis and in part by commodity prices. The full-length paper presents the account of a 3.7-Tcf sour-gas pool in Alberta, Canada, and the technical impact of harvest on field operations, reservoir performance, and ultimate recovery. The combination of new production-decline analysis and a well workover with surprising results led to a complete change in reservoir interpretation.

Introduction

Management of mature pools is not a new challenge. In the Western Canadian basin, the surge of exploration and development activity in the 1950s and 1960s has left a legacy of very mature pools, with many of these 40- to 50-year-old pools still producing. Records show that of the 30,000 gas pools discovered in Alberta, 2,000 were discovered before 1970. In the aggregate, these pools represent 15 Tcf of remaining recoverable reserves. Each of these pools was at some point declared mature on the basis of the science of the day and treated as a harvest candidate (i.e., a pool with very limited upside where the best strategy is to control cost and produce what is left without further investment).