bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phased Pilot Approach Reduces Uncertainty in Carbonate Steamflood Development
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: December 2018

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 191695, “Results From a Phased Piloting Approach in the First Eocene Reservoir of Wafra: Reducing Uncertainties in Carbonate Steamflood Development,” by David Barge, SPE, Joel Brown, Raushan Kumar, Chris Lolley, SPE, Ruurd Bartlema, and Saleh Al-Ghamdi, Chevron, prepared for the 2018 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Dallas, 24–26 September. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

The First Eocene is a multibillion-barrel heavy-oil carbonate reservoir in the Wafra field, located in the Partitioned Zone (PZ) between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. After more than 60 years of primary production, expected recovery is low and provides a good target for enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) processes. A phased piloting approach has been used to reduce the uncertainties (subsurface and surface) related to application of thermal EOR processes in this field.

Introduction

Wafra is one of four major fields located in the PZ (Fig. 1). Because of the low primary oil recovery and large original oil in place of the Wafra Eocene reservoirs, a significant EOR opportunity exists. A detailed geological description of the reservoir is provided in the complete paper.

Because of key surface and sub-surface uncertainties, along with the high cost of implementing a full-field  steamflood-development (FFSFD) project, a phased, sequential approach, from piloting to FFSFD, was implemented. This approach was required so that critical uncertainties could be evaluated efficiently and sequentially in a time-frame consistent with overall reservoir- development objectives while managing capital exposure.

Pilot Planning and Design Steamflood Pilots. A specific set of objectives, primary and secondary, was developed for each of the continuous-steam-injection (CSI) pilots. Primary objectives were identified as being critical for progression to the next phase (piloting/FFSFD); secondary objectives were regarded as important in understanding identified uncertainties, but not necessarily project roadblocks. Success measures for the pilots were derived from the key metrics that were prerequisites for the next phase. These success measures were formulated to ensure that learnings gained will be used to support the design and operational planning of the next phase.

A five-spot pattern on a 1.25-acre steamflood-pilot, small-scale test (SST) was a continuation of the phased approach in managing and mitigating technical uncertainties related to implementing steamflooding. The primary objectives of the SST were to test whether Eocene-produced water could be treated to produce suitable feedwater for steam generation and to test steam injectivity in the First Eocene reservoir. The SST was conducted in First Eocene C Zone/Steam Zone 3 and successfully proved sustained injectivity using steam generated from the produced water. The SST was a pre-lude to a multipattern steamflood pilot known as the large-scale pilot (LSP).
Technology Focus: Well Integrity (January 2019)
Authors: Alcantara Santos Otto Luiz
Published: December 2018

Technology Focus

Since the beginning of deepwater operations, hydrocarbons in the riser, especially natural gas, have been a plague to the oil and gas industry. The reports of gas-in-riser-related accidents are many, including deaths, blowouts, damage to multimillion-dollar facilities, collapsing risers, and environmental effects. Most infamous was the Deepwater Horizon blowout. If there had been any timely means of detecting the gas coming up the riser, all of these events could have been avoided easily by closing the blowout preventer. Since the 1980s, many technical works have focused on improving the ability to detect hydrocarbons inside the riser and safely remove them from the system. This trend gained extra momentum with the advent of systems such as riser-gas handlers and managed-pressure drilling.

One very important recent development in terms of research on gas in risers is happening at Louisiana State University (LSU). LSU was awarded a $4.91 million grant by the Gulf Research Program, an independent science-based program managed by the National Academy of Sciences. The 3-year project, currently under way, will use an actual well at the LSU Petroleum Engineering Research and Technology Transfer Laboratory to be recompleted with modern distributed instrumentation in combination with other laboratory-scale experiments being performed at LSU and project partners at Texas A&M University. The experimental data will be very important in verifying the theoretical parts of the project. Faculty members of both institutions will conduct the research studies. This project is expected not only to bring scientific and technical dividends, but also to develop competence and expertise of the personnel involved with the project. Furthermore, it will provide LSU with research facilities that may be used in other related full-scale projects and training of industry personnel in the prevention and controlling of gas-in-riser events.

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

OTC 27242 Mitigating Gas-in-Riser Rapid Unloading for Deepwater Dual-Gradient Well Control by Zhaoguang Yuan, Schlumberger, et al.

SPE 180292 Mathematical Modeling of Gas in Riser by Ulf Jakob Flø Aarsnes, IRIS/DrillWell, et al.

SPE/IADC 189403 Well Integrity: Next Developments by Bjorn Brechan, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, et al.
Facilitating trial recruitment: A qualitative study of patient and staff experiences of an orthopaedic trauma trial
Authors: Phelps Emma , Tutton Elizabeth , Griffin Xavier , Baird Janis
Published: December 2018

Background: Qualitative research has been used to explore patients’ and healthcare professionals’ experiences of surgical randomised controlled trials (RCTs). From this research, reasons why patients accept or decline participation and barriers to engaging clinicians in trials have been identified. In a trauma setting, recruitment to surgical trials can be particularly difficult as patients may require urgent treatment and their ability to consider their options, ask questions and reach a decision may be hindered by the impact of their injury. Little research however, has explored patients’ and healthcare professionals’ experiences of surgical RCTs in a trauma setting. This study aimed to understand participants’ and staffs’ experiences of an orthopaedic trauma trial.
Methods: We carried out semi-structured interviews with 11 participants and 24 staff (10 surgeons and 14 research associates) participating in a UK multi-centre feasibility trial comparing intramedullary nails versus distal locking plates for fractures of the distal femur (TrAFFix). Interviews explored patients’ experience of TrAFFix and their reason for participating and staffs’ experience of recruiting to TrAFFix and trauma trials more generally. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: Three themes were identified. These were i) navigating research with patients after orthopaedic trauma, ii) knowing that it is the right decision and iii) making it work. These themes reflect: i) how research associates supported and guided patients through the consent process enabling them to participate, ii) the difficulty in engaging surgeons in a trial when individual equipoise and experience of the interventions is low despite the presence of community equipoise and iii) the way in which research teams worked together and encouraged the development of a research culture within the clinical teams in order to facilitate recruitment.
Conclusions: Our findings highlight the pivotal role of research associates (RAs) in facilitating trial recruitment. RAs supported patients to enable them to make a decision about participation and assisted in developing a research culture within the team by promoting studies and communicating research to clinical staff. Our findings also reinforce surgeons’ difficulty with equipoise and suggest that accepting community equipoise could facilitate recruitment.
Keywords: Qualitative, Interviews, experience, recruitment, trials,
Nitrogen Fertility and Cultivar Effects on Potato Agronomic Properties and Acrylamide‐forming Potential
Authors: Sun Na , Wang Yi , Gupta Sanjay K. , Rosen Carl J.
Published: December 2018

Core Ideas

Agronomic practices can affect compounds involved with acrylamide formation in processed potato

Increasing N rate increased tuber asparagine

Tuber reducing sugars were not consistently affected by N rate

Newly developed cultivars had lower acrylamide forming potential than Russet Burbank

Acrylamide is a potentially harmful compound when consumed in the human diet and is formed during potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) processing from the precursors reducing sugars and asparagine. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of N rate (135–404 kg ha−1) on tuber yield and quality and tuber reducing sugars and asparagine concentrations in newly released cultivars Easton and Dakota Russet, relative to the standard cultivar Russet Burbank. Tuber samples were collected at intervals from initial set through harvest during two growing seasons. Tuber yield of all cultivars increased quadratically with increasing N rate. Highest yield was produced by Easton, followed by Russet Burbank and Dakota Russet. Russet Burbank had more tubers per plant than the new cultivars. Specific gravity decreased with increasing N rate and was lowest in Russet Burbank both years. The new cultivars had a lower hollow heart incidence than Russet Burbank when environmental conditions were favorable for hollow heart development. Tuber‐reducing sugars changed during the growing season but were related more to cultivar and growing conditions than N rate. New cultivars had lower reducing sugars than Russet Burbank. In contrast to reducing sugars, asparagine increased with increasing N rate and was less affected by environmental conditions during the growing season. Easton had slightly lower asparagine concentrations than Russet Burbank and Dakota Russet. This study indicates that cultivar and growing conditions have a dominant effect on tuber‐reducing sugars, while N rate has a more consistent effect on tuber asparagine.
Episodic Master Recession Evaluation of Groundwater and Streamflow Hydrographs for Water‐Resource Estimation
Authors: Nimmo John R. , Perkins Kim S.
Published: December 2018

Core Ideas

Analysis of streamflow and groundwater hydrographs were combined using a single set of tools.

Calculation of hydrograph slope over time can quantify watershed storm response characteristics.

A structured iterative approach facilitates development of expert judgments.

Parameterization of hydrologic judgment criteria facilitates their transparent documentation.

Hydrograph analysis tools using a master recession curve (MRC) can produce many types of hydrologically important watershed‐response quantifications, including aquifer recharge and stormflow characterization. An MRC is the relation between the value of a measured response R and its rate of change with time, dR/dt, occurring on the falling limb when there is no infiltration or other water input. We have developed MRC and episodic hydrograph‐evaluation methods for multiple purposes, utilizing both water table and streamflow data. The determination of a parameterized MRC through a structured procedure provides a basis for quantification of hydrologic variables and characteristics that can be validly compared among different events, sites, and periods of time. Application of the MRC to needed hydrologic quantifications is done with our revised episodic master recession (EMR) method. Expert‐guided iterative procedures are used to quantify parameters needed in applying the MRC and EMR methods to a given site. Hydrologic judgments such as the significance threshold for response magnitude, and the time window within which the precipitation is assumed to be the cause of an observed response, inherently involve some elements of subjectivity. Our structured iterative approach, however, affords much flexibility in formulating expert judgments and serves to confine them to statements and procedures that can be quantified and documented. Parallel application to streamflow and water table hydrographs can produce new hydrologic insights and understanding, not least in the role of unsaturated zone processes in controlling exchanges among components of the water cycle.
Long‐Term Soil‐Water Tension Measurements in Semiarid Environments: A Method for Automated Tensiometer Refilling
Authors: Smith Joel B. , Kean Jason W.
Published: December 2018

Core Ideas

We provide details of an automated tensiometer refilling system.

The systems monitors soil water tension in a rugged, steep, and arid post‐fire debris flow source area.

Vadose zone processes are looked at through remote data acquisition and SCADA applications.

Tensiometer‐equipped data acquisition systems measure and record positive and negative soil‐water pressures. These data contribute to studies in hillslope hydrology, including analyses of rainfall runoff, near‐surface hydrologic response, and slope stability. However, the unique ability of a tensiometer to rapidly and accurately measure pre‐ and post‐saturation subsurface pressures requires maintenance techniques that have precluded their application to unattended sensor networks in semiarid regions. Under suction, the de‐aired water in the tensiometer is drawn from a porous cup. Under positive pressure, dissolved gases from pore water infiltrates the cup. Over time, both contribute to unreliable readings and/or poor signal response through cavitation. To address this problem, we used commercially available equipment to develop a simple system of solenoid valves and a water reservoir that enable automated in situ tensiometer refilling. We tested the system at two post‐wildfire hydrologic monitoring sites in the Angeles National Forest, southern California. We present example results from 3 mo of monitoring and show how the tensiometers can be refilled by a remote trigger. By remotely refilling the tensiometer, we were able to continuously monitor quasi‐saturated soil pore‐water pressures without making repeated and costly maintenance visits.
Impacts of Yongding River Ecological Restoration on the Groundwater Environment: Scenario Prediction
Authors: Hu Haizhu , Mao Xiaomin , Yang Qing
Published: December 2018

Core Ideas

Our method can estimate groundwater recharge through multiple contrasting lithological layers.

Both human activities and natural aquifer character impact groundwater flow and transport.

Geomembrane liners can effectively control the leakage from Yongding River.

The ecological restoration of Yongding River can alleviate the local water deficit.

Reclaimed water was discharged into the Yongding River channels as ecological water. Pollutants from such water may leak into the underlying aquifer and put the groundwater environment at risk. River leakage estimation under different possible river lining conditions and the established groundwater flow and reactive solute transport model were jointly applied to investigate the impact of the ecological restoration of the Yongding River on the local groundwater environment. Scenario‐based investigations were conducted since the channel reconstruction in 2009. The results show that the seepage from the Yongding River without liners can greatly raise the groundwater level. Leakage through liners constructed with geomembranes can effectively control the seepage of water and the spread of solutes in the aquifer. From June 2009 to December 2010, the leakage amount has been only 1.65 × 104 m3, and the unconfined aquifer shows a negative budget of 4.55 × 107 m3. The spreading extent of flow and potential pollutants increases with the amount of leakage from the river. Water management strategies, such as the South‐to‐North Water Diversion Project and Yongding River restoration could help alleviate the water deficit of the Yongding River alluvium fan (YRAF) by reducing groundwater exploitation and increasing groundwater recharge. The necessity of the maintenance of riverbed liners and control of the water quality of Yongding River were highlighted by the scenario analysis. The methods applied in this study could be used for reference in the other polluted rivers, especially with liner installation.
Rainfall Intensification Enhances Deep Percolation and Soil Water Content in Tilled and No‐Till Cropping Systems of the US Midwest
Authors: Hess Laura J.T. , Hinckley Eve-Lyn S. , Robertson G. Philip , Hamilton Stephen K. , Matson Pamela A.
Published: December 2018

Core Ideas

Rainfall intensification increased deep percolation in tilled and no‐till systems.

Rainfall intensification increased deep soil water content in both cropping systems.

A bromide tracer was detected at 1.2‐m depth sooner in no‐till than tilled systems.

The effect of rainfall intensification on surface soil moisture varied seasonally.

Globally, the proportion of total rainfall occurring as extreme events is increasing, which may have consequences for agriculture. In the US Midwest, we conducted a 234‐d manipulative experiment in 16 paired plots where we increased the proportion of rain falling in extreme events on tilled and no‐till cropping systems. We compared the effects of larger, less frequent rain events (“intensified” rainfall) vs. smaller, more frequent rain events (“normal” rainfall) on soil water content and deep percolation. The effect of intensified rainfall on the volumetric water content (VWC) of soil at the 10‐cm depth during the experiment varied seasonally: in spring, intensified rainfall decreased the average VWC at the 10‐cm depth by 0.05 ± 0.01 cm3 cm−3 compared with normal rainfall, but in summer and fall, it had no effect. In soil at the 100‐cm depth, VWC declined during the summer in normal but not intensified plots. A surface‐added Br− tracer was detected and peaked earlier in soil water at 120 cm under intensified rainfall vs. normal rainfall (by 6 ± 3 and 74 ± 33 d, respectively) regardless of tillage, although it was detected sooner in no‐till than tilled systems (by 9 ± 3 d). Also, less Br− was recovered in soil under intensified (8 ± 8% of total Br− added) vs. normal rainfall (21 ± 3%). Our results suggest that rainfall intensification will increase deep percolation and deep soil water content in cropping systems regardless of tillage. Such changes to soil water dynamics may alter plant water and nutrient availability.
CRITERIA FOR THE PROTECTING OF POPULATION AFTER RADIATION ACCIDENT: USE OF RADIATION RISK FOR ANALYSIS AND OPTIMAL DECISIONS MAKING TO LIMIT THE CONSUMPTION OF FOOD CONTAMINATED BY TECHNOGENIC RADIONUCLIDES
Authors: Repin V. S. , Repin L. V.
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this paper is to assess the compliance of criterion A, adopted in NRB-99/2009 as emergency level of dose intervention, to permissible values of specific activity of137Cs,90Sr and131I in food products in the first year after the accident. Assessments are made on the basis of comparison of the conservativeness coefficients by dose and the magnitude of the risk. The results of the evaluation showed that estimates of the doses and risks for137Cs,90Sr, calculated on the basis of weighting by the number of age groups, are equally conservative. For131I, the conservative factors for dose and risk vary significantly, which indicates that it is not appropriate to use an effective dose to optimization of radiation protection for the given radionuclide. The ratios of the risk-weighted average weighted by the number of individual age groups to the weighted average effective dose values for137Cs and90Sr are close to the nominal risk of death from malignant neoplasms for the population of 5×10-5, which confirms that nominal risk factors can only be used for the general population. Two variants of the criteria for optimization of the radiation protection of the population are proposed: 1) by the value of the average weighted by the number of individual age groups, the value of the effective dose, or 2) the value of the average weighted by the number of individual age groups of risk. It is shown that to optimize the protection of individual age groups, the more preferable criterion is the risk value calculated for a given age group, since the maximum effective dose of some age group does not always correspond to the maximum risk.
CLINICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE PATHOLOGY OF THE UPPER DIGESTIVE SYSTEM IN THE RESIDENTS PERMANENTLY RESIDING IN RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED AREAS
Authors: Dudarenko S. V. , Rozhko A. V. , Lopatin S. N. , Leontyev O. V.
Published: December 2018

The aim of the study was to study and evaluate the clinical and morphological characteristics of the pathology of the gastroduodenal zone of the digestive tract in the population of the radioactively contaminated areas in the immediate and remote observation periods after the Chernobyl accident. Methods: esophagogastroduodenoscopy, cytological examination of gastrobioptate, micronucleus test, dosimetric evaluation of gastrobioptates. To solve the problems of the interrelation of the accident factors at the Chernobyl and the state of the mucous membrane of the upper digestive tract, a medical statistical evaluation of the frequency dependence of the pathology of the upper gastrointestinal tract and environmental factors of the accident in the near and distant period was carried out. Results: it has been established that the main morphological types describing the state of the gastric and duodenal mucosa in the examinees are: erosive, edematic, fibrotic changes on the background of Hp infection, as well as the development of inflammatory cell infiltration. The frequency of occurrence of micronuclei in mucosal mucosa does not depend on the frequency of infection of Helicobacter pylori, as well as the total alpha and beta activity of biopsy specimens of the gastric mucosa, the density of contamination of the territory at90Sr and137Cs. The relationship between the frequency of gastroduodenal pathology and the levels of contamination of the territory of permanent residence by90Sr and137Cs, as well as statistical regularities of the evaluation of the total alpha and beta activity of gastrobioptates in residents of the radiation contaminated areas for a long period of observation are not statistically significant. Conclusions: the nature and clinical picture of the pathology of the upper digestive tract, the dynamics of the pathological process from inflammatory-dystrophic to atrophic changes in the gastric mucosa, the absence of a connection between this pathology and the indicators of ecological problems according to the isotope composition of the territories, I testify that the reason for the above-mentioned regularities may be the effect complex of factors of the Chernobyl accident.
PERCEPÇÕES FAMILIARES SOBRE A VISIBILIDADE DO ENFERMEIRO ATUANTE EM UNIDADE INTENSIVA NEONATAL E PEDIÁTRICA
Authors: Nunes Moura Lenize , Camponogara Silviamar , Pinno Camila , Nenê Loiola Constância , Silveira de Oliveira Carla , Loise Dias Gisele
Published: December 2018

Objetivo: conhecer a percepção dos familiares sobre a visibilidade do enfermeiro atuante em unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal e pediátrica. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo descritivo e exploratório com abordagem qualitativa. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevista semiestruturada com 12 familiares de pacientes internados nas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica e Neonatal, em um hospital universitário localizado no interior do estado do RS. A análise dos dados seguiu os pressupostos da análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Após a análise das entrevistas, emergiu a seguinte categoria temática: “Visibilidade do trabalho do enfermeiro em unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal e pediátrica”: os participantes mencionaram suas percepções sobre a Unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI), bem como sobre o trabalho do enfermeiro frente as atividades de assistência e gerência, na qual mencionam o reconhecimento da atuação do enfermeiro no cuidado direto aos pacientes, assim como no desenvolvimento de ações educativas, tendo como base uma prática humanizada.  Conclusão: O trabalho do enfermeiro alcança visibilidade no setor investigado, por meio da visualização de ações de cuidado direto e educativas, por parte dos familiares.
BIOTECNOLOGIA E ALIMENTOS GENETICAMENTE MODIFICADOS: UMA REVISÃO
Authors: Vargas Bruna Damaceno , Basso Arthur , Rodrigues Thais Valença , Silva Luana Bizzi , Gatzke Monica , Frizzo Matias Nunes
Published: December 2018

A biotecnologia é uma associação de conhecimento científico e tecnológico que usa parte dele para produzir bens e serviços para a humanidade e ambiente, bem como a criação de seres vivos a partir de práticas laboratoriais, abordando um avanço progressivo graças à pesquisa que estuda o DNA, empregando tecnologias como a engenharia genética, aplicado ao Projeto Genoma Humano, Transgênicos, plantas e animais, entre outros. A biotecnologia é hoje necessariamente uma ferramenta a mais à disposição do pesquisador, que permite a aquisição de plantas geneticamente modificadas de maneira mais previsível. Dessa forma, o presente estudo apresentou como objetivo realizar uma pesquisa bibliográfica sobre a relação da biotecnologia e agricultura para obtenção de alimentos geneticamente modificados. Para tal objetivo foi realizada uma revisão descritiva da literatura científica, abordando temas referentes a Biotecnologia, Agricultura e Organismos Geneticamente Modificados. A ciência aplicada à agricultura tem conseguido não somente aumentar a produtividade dos alimentos, mas reduzir, ou mesmo eliminar, danos ao meio ambiente. Técnicas agrícolas modernas estão aumentando a produtividade e, ao mesmo tempo, melhorando a fertilidade do solo e protegendo o meio ambiente, ar, água e terra. Os OGM são aqueles organismos, no caso as plantas, que têm seu material genético modificado pela introdução de um ou mais genes através da técnica de biologia molecular. Assim, genes oriundos de diferentes vegetais, animais ou microrganismos podem ser introduzidos em um genoma vegetal receptor, conferindo às plantas, novas características para a otimização da produção de alimentos, fármacos e outros produtos industriais.
PROCESSO DE AVALIAÇÃO DO PROGRAMA NACIONAL DE MELHORIA DO ACESSO E DA QUALIDADE DA ATENÇÃO BÁSICA: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA
Authors: Barbosa Milton Jorge Lobo , Rodrigues Pedro Paulo , Barbosa Aline Maria Lobo , Alencar Luciano Moreira , Maia Evanira Rodrigues
Published: December 2018

A Atenção Primaria a Saúde (APS) é definida como o primeiro nível de atenção à saúde da população do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), com a finalidade de oferecer a população uma atenção integral à saúde. Nesse contexto, o Ministério da Saúde criou em 2011 o Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ), voltado para o estabelecimento de mudanças no processo de trabalho que resultem na qualidade e no acesso dos serviços, articulado com uma avaliação e certificação. Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar aspectos de implantação do PMAQ-AB como sistema de avaliação profissional na APS. Trata-se de uma Revisão Integrativa, realizado de março a julho de 2018. Teve-se como questão norteadora: “Quais os principais aspectos de avaliação da atenção profissional foram implantados pelo PMAQ-AB no Brasil?”. Na seleção da amostragem foram incluídos os artigos originais e na íntegra, disponíveis, publicados no idioma português, inglês e espanhol e que retratam a temática em questão. Os resultados mostraram que o processo de avaliação da atenção profissional faz parte desse programa, levando a busca pela melhoria na prestação de cuidados. No que se refere à condição de porta de entrada preferencial, os resultados apontam uma percepção das equipes da ESF em geral mais positiva que a dos usuários. Destaca-se que o estudo apresenta como limitações o número restrito de bases, sugerindo-se pesquisas mais amplas sobre a temática e que abordem minunciosamente os componentes da equipe e seu desempenho.
COMPORTAMENTO DA INCONTINÊNCIA URINÁRIA PÓS PERDA DE PESO INDUZIDA POR CIRURGIA BARIÁTRICA: ESTUDO DE COORTE
Authors: Keller Kalina Durigon , Da Rosa Patrícia Viana , Klahr Patricia Da Silva , Pereira Elvio De Almeida , Da Rosa Luis Henrique Telles
Published: December 2018

Objetivo: Analisar o comportamento, prevalência e severidade da incontinência urinária (IU) ao longo do tempo, pós-perda de peso induzida por cirurgia bariátrica e seu impacto na qualidade de vida de mulheres obesas. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de coorte misto, de mulheres obesas que se submeteram a cirurgia bariátrica. A amostra foi composta por 83 mulheres obesas, com idade entre 18 a 59 anos, que ingressaram em momentos diferentes no estudo e realizaram cirurgia bariátrica, sendo organizada em dois grupos: Continente (GC) e Incontinente (GI). Os questionários utilizados foram o International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF) e o Kings Health Questionaire (KHQ), aplicados junto com a avaliação do índice de massa corporal (IMC) em 5 momentos, desde o pré-operatório até os 12 meses de pós-operatório.

Resultados: Identificou-se uma prevalência de IU nas obesas candidatas à cirurgia bariátrica e esta foi reduzindo ao longo de um ano de pós operatório passando de 60% para 34%. Relativo aos resultados do ICIQ-SF foi possível identificar a redução da severidade da IU onde a maioria era classificada com moderada no pré-operatório, e passou para leve na maioria das que ainda permaneceram incontinentes. Relativo ao KHQ, apenas observou-se melhora significativa da percepção geral da qualidade de vida.

Conclusões: Conclui-se que após a perda de peso induzida pela cirurgia bariátrica ocorre um comportamento de redução da prevalência e da severidade da IU ao longo de um ano de pós-operatório impactando positivamente apenas na sua percepção geral de qualidade de vida.
FATORES RELACIONADOS AOS CONHECIMENTOS EM NUTRIÇÃO DE PUÉRPERAS ACOMPANHADAS EM UNIDADES DE SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA
Authors: Garcia Lígia Rejane Siqueira , Cabral Caroline Sousa , Alves Karolinny Xavier , Vicente Tatiana Da Costa
Published: December 2018

Este estudo objetivou avaliar os fatores relacionados aos conhecimentos em nutrição das puérperas no pós-parto imediato. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com amostra definida por conveniência, totalizando 100 mulheres que foram entrevistadas utilizando com questionário de perguntas abertas e fechadas. Os conhecimentos em nutrição foram categorizados por níveis de conhecimento com base na quantidade de respostas corretas para as 17 perguntas realizadas sobre micronutrientes de importância para o período gestacional (ácido fólico, ferro e vitamina A). Nos resultados verificamos que 77% receberam orientações nutricionais. No que diz respeito à variáveis anos de estudo, percebe-se que puérperas que tinham mais de 10 anos de estudos apresentaram maior chance de ter conhecimentos sobre o ácido fólico e ferro. Já no que se refere ao recebimento de orientações alimentares, puérperas que vivenciaram esta prática durante o pré-natal apresentaram maior chance de conhecerem informações sobre o ácido fólico e a vitamina A. Os conhecimentos em nutrição de puérperas acompanhadas pelo pré-natal em Unidades de Saúde da Família são influenciadas por múltiplos fatores, dentre os quais: os anos de estudos, quantidade de consultas pré-natal, participação de palestras educativas, orientações alimentares e nutricionais. O que reforça a necessidade de fortalecimento de ações de educação alimentar e nutricional durante o acompanhamento pré-natal para favorecer a saúde materna e infantil.
ANÁLISE MICROBIOLÓGICA DE UM CENTRO DE MATERIAL ESTERILIZADO HOSPITALAR: IDENTIFICAÇÃO E RESISTÊNCIA A ANTIBIÓTICOS
Authors: Simch Bruna , Dresch Fabíola , Maciel Mônica Jachetti
Published: December 2018

Devido a influência da contaminação de superfícies hospitalares na disseminação de microrganismos patogênicos no ambiente hospitalar, este estudo objetivou identificar a microbiota presente em superfícies hospitalares de um Centro de Material Esterilizado (CME) antes e depois da higienização, e avaliar a suscetibilidade das bactérias encontradas frente a antibióticos usados em tratamentos para infecções. As amostras foram coletadas em diferentes superfícies de um CME antes e após a higienização. Os microrganismos foram identificados e após o isolamento, foi realizado o teste de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos pelo método de disco-difusão conforme padronização do Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).  No total de 10 superfícies analisadas em cada momento, foram encontradas 10 cepas antes da higienização e 8 após (n=18). Acinetobacter baumannii foi o microrganismo mais frequente, representando 50% das cepas encontradas; seguido de Yersinia pseudotuberculosis 11,1% e Staphylococcus coagulase negativa (SCN) 11,1%. O teste de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos foi realizado com as 18 cepas e todas apresentaram resistência a, no mínimo, um antibiótico. Diante dos resultados, concluiu-se que A. baumannii foi o patógeno encontrado com mais frequência, antes e depois da higienização. E os microrganismos que mais apresentaram resistência foram as cepas de A. baumannii, Proteus penneri e SCN, apresentando resistência a quatro antibióticos.
PRACTICE OF CURRENCY CONTROL CARRIED OUT BY CUSTOMS AUTHORITIES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Agapova A. V. , Maximova T. G. , Antipov A. A.
Published: December 2018

The article deals with the direction of currency control carried out by the FCS of Russia. The authors analyzed the directions of the currency control carried out by the FCS of Russia. The article presents an analysis of changes of the functions and powers that the FCS of Russia has in exercising such control in connection with the transfer of functions of the currency control authority to this service, as well as with the adoption of changes to the Federal Law 173-FZ, dated 10 Dec. 2003, «On Currency Regulation and Currency control». The results of checks of compliance with currency legislation conducted by the FCS of Russia for the period from 2010 to 2017 were analyzed. Conclusions about the structure of violations of currency legislation for the period 2014-2017 were made. It was concluded about the change in 2016 of the trend of the predominance of violations related to the failure by the resident of the duty to repatriate the currency of theRussian Federationor foreign currency over the violations related to non-compliance with the procedure for submission of forms of accounting and reporting on currency transactions. The analysis of changes in legislation on currency control in the submission of forms of accounting and reporting was carried out. The problems of the customs authorities arising during the currency control, particularly the problems of the existence of oneday firms, were identified, the areas of activity of the FCS of Russia that promote prevent the activities of one-day firms were examined.
WORLD ENERGY ECONOMY AS A TRADITIONAL SPHERE OF APPLICATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Matveev I. E.
Published: December 2018

The article considers the current state of the world energy development, assesses the prospects of modernization of the sector in the context of global digitalization policy, examines energy resources and approaches to their consumption. Technological and organizational aspects of the formation of the energy sector, changes in trade in fuel and energy products, the current state of the industry in theRussian Federationare also considered. It was noted that digitalization, the use of other advanced technologies allow to ennoble the appearance of this sector, to make improvements to the existing system of production relations, to stimulate global demand for electronic and power products and develop of a number of other high-tech industries. Highly likely, the creation of smart-grid has an impact on the energy landscape, international and local trade of oil, gas, coal, petrochemicals and electricity and can contribute to the development of existing and the creation of new market niches and technologies (for example, energy sharing), ways of capital application in its various forms. The next level of global energy development can be reached on new knowledge, approach and technologies basis. In the new world, the key approach to the production and consumption of energy can be the principle of «From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs».
Hybrid Imidazole-Pyridine Derivatives: An Approach to Novel Anticancer DNA Intercalators
Authors: Lungu Claudiu N. , Bratanovici Bogdan Ionel , Grigore Maria Mirabela , Antoci Vasilichia , Mangalagiu Ionel I.
Published: December 2018

Lack of specificity and subsequent therapeutic effectiveness of antimicrobial and antitumoral
drugs is a common difficulty in therapy. The aim of this study is to investigate, both by experimental
and computational methods, the antitumoral and antimicrobial properties of a series of synthesized
imidazole-pyridine derivatives. Interaction with three targets was discussed: Dickerson-Drew dodecamer
(PDB id 2ADU), G-quadruplex DNA string (PDB id 2F8U) and DNA strain in complex with
dioxygenase (PDB id 3S5A). Docking energies were computed and represented graphically. On them, a
QSAR model was developed in order to further investigate the structure-activity relationship. Results
showed that synthesized compounds have antitumoral and antimicrobial properties. Computational
results agreed with the experimental data.
In silico Prediction of Inhibitory Constant of Thrombin Inhibitors Using Machine Learning
Authors: Zhao Junnan , Zhu Lu , Zhou Weineng , Yin Lingfeng , Wang Yuchen , Fan Yuanrong , Chen Yadong , Liu Haichun
Published: December 2018

Background:

Thrombin is the central protease of the vertebrate blood coagulation
cascade, which is closely related to cardiovascular diseases. The inhibitory constant Ki is the most
significant property of thrombin inhibitors.

Method:

This study was carried out to predict Ki values of thrombin inhibitors based on a large data
set by using machine learning methods. Taking advantage of finding non-intuitive regularities on
high-dimensional datasets, machine learning can be used to build effective predictive models. A total
of 6554 descriptors for each compound were collected and an efficient descriptor selection method
was chosen to find the appropriate descriptors. Four different methods including multiple linear
regression (MLR), K Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Gradient Boosting Regression Tree (GBRT) and
Support Vector Machine (SVM) were implemented to build prediction models with these selected
descriptors.

Results:

The SVM model was the best one among these methods with R2=0.84, MSE=0.55 for the
training set and R2=0.83, MSE=0.56 for the test set. Several validation methods such as yrandomization
test and applicability domain evaluation, were adopted to assess the robustness and
generalization ability of the model. The final model shows excellent stability and predictive ability
and can be employed for rapid estimation of the inhibitory constant, which is full of help for
designing novel thrombin inhibitors.
Activity of Fenticonazole, Tioconazole and Nystatin on New World Leishmania Species
Authors: Yamamoto Eduardo Seiji , Jesus Jéssica Adriana , Bezerra-Souza Adriana , Laurenti Márcia Dalastra , Ribeiro Susan Pereira , Passero Luiz Felipe Domingues
Published: December 2018

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by protozoal parasites belonging to Leishmania
genus. Different clinical outcomes can be observed depending on the parasite species and health condition
of patients. It can range from single cutaneous lesion until deadly visceral form. The treatment of all
forms of leishmaniasis is based on pentavalent antimonials, and in some cases, the second-line drug,
amphotericin B is used. Beside the toxicity of both drugs, parasites can be resistant to antimonial in
some areas of the world. This makes fundamental the characterization of new drugs with leishmanicidal
effect. Thus, the aim of the present work was to study the leishmanicidal activity of drugs able to interfere
with ergosterol pathway (fenticonazole, tioconazole, nystatin, rosuvastatin and voriconazole)
against promastigote and amastigote forms of L.(L.) amazonensis, L.(V.) braziliensis and L.(L.) infantum,
and its impact on morphological and physiological changes in L.(L.) amazonensis or in host macrophages.
We observed that fenticonazole, tioconazole and nystatin drugs eliminated promastigote and
intracellular amastigotes, being fenticonazole and nystatin the most selective towards amastigote forms.
Rosuvastatin and voriconazole did not present activity against amastigote forms of Leishmania sp. In
addition, the drugs with leishmanicidal activity interfered with parasite mitochondrion. Although drugs
did not stimulate NO and H2O2, specially fenticonazole was able to alkalize infected host macrophages.
These results suggest well established and non-toxic antifungal drugs can be repurposed and used in
leishmaniasis.
Outcomes of Treatment and Predictors of Response to Sofosbuvir Plus Simeprevir in Hepatitis C Virus with Genotype-4 Infection
Authors: Ahmed Ossama A. , Elsebaey Mohamed A , Fouad Mohamed Hassan A. , Elkadeem Mahmoud , Badawi Rehab , Khayyal Ahmed , Soliman Shaimaa , Negm Manal Saad , Abd-Elsalam Sherief
Published: December 2018

Background & Aims:

Treatment plan of chronic HCV infection has dramatically improved
after the introduction of different groups of Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) drugs. These
drugs have been found to be safe and effective. Sofosbuvir (SOF) plus simeprevir (SMV) regimen
has been shown to be tolerable and effective in treatment of patients with HCV genotype 1. The
aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of combined sofosbuvir plus simeprevir
treatment in genotype 4 chronic HCV patients.

Methods:

This open-label multicenter prospective study was carried out on 381 Egyptian patients
with chronic hepatitis C virus- infection. Treatment experienced and treatment-naive patients were
included. Subjects administrated a regimen of sofosbuvir (400 mg/ day) plus semiprevir (150 mg
/day) for twelve weeks. Sustained Virological Response (SVR) was confirmed by undetectable
HCV RNA by quantitative PCR 3 months after the end of the treatment.

Results:

97.6% (372 /381) of patients had SVR. None of the studied clinical and demographic
characteristics were associated with the SVR status. However, patients who failed to achieve SVR
showed low albumin level and high total leucocyte. The most common side effects of the studied
regimen were headache, fatigue, itching, photosensitivity, and cough.

Conclusion:

Twelve weeks’ regimen of sofosbuvir plus simeprevir was considered to be safe and
tolerable in the treatment of HCV genotype 4; also it was associated with high SVR (97.6%).
Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Chagasic Myocardiopathy
Authors: Gabriela Gerrard , Belén Martí M. , Romina Diviani , Jose Ceruti M. , Susana Lioi , Juan Beloscar , Mabel D´Arrigo
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

The fact that only part of the population that lives in endemic areas gets Chagas disease and that only some of the patients with chronic infection develop symptoms, supports the importance of investigating the factors of each host in the susceptibility and the development of the disease. Chronic pathological processes and progressive inflammation lead to alterations in the cellular antioxidant status. This imbalance would contribute to the destruction of the parasite and would be related to the cardiac damage observed in patients with chagasic cardiomyopathy.

Objective:

The objective of the present study was to determine the plasma activity of oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers: SOD, CAT, GPx, TBARS and TNF-α in chagasic patients with and without cardiomyopathy and healthy individuals.

Aim:

The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the predisposition to severe forms of chagasic heart disease by quantifying the biomarkers mentioned in blood from the study population.

Results and Conclusion:

The results show significant differences in the enzymatic activities in the different groups of patients, which would mean at the cellular level, an alteration of the antioxidant capacity. Contrary to what we expected (a depletion of these enzymes), patients show an increase in antioxidant activity, that is, they respond to the generation of free radicals. The same trend is observed in the case of TBARS that are elevated in the case of chagasic patients, indicating a high degree of lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage. Regarding TNF-α levels, we found statistically significant differences, which show an active and chronic inflammatory state in these patients. Although we have found significant differences between the CN group and the other groups of patients, we should indicate that between the MCC and ECsinMCC groups, the results obtained did not show marked differences. This is important since it has been shown that patients infected with Tc have a marked antioxidant potential and are able to respond to the oxidative stress induced by the parasite, although this would not be decisive in the evolution of the disease.
Induction of S-phase Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in HeLa Cells by Small RNAs Fraction ofSolanum tuberosumL.
Authors: Yadav Sunny , Jahagirdar Devashree , Shekhawat Mamta , Sharma Nilesh Kumar
Published: December 2018

Background:

In cancer therapeutics, several new classes of small molecules based targeted drug options are reported including peptide mimetic and small RNAs therapeutics.

Objective:

Small RNAs represent a class of short non-coding endogenous RNAs that play an important role in transcriptional and post transcriptional gene regulation among varied types of species including plants and animals.

Methods:

To address the role of small RNAs from plant sources upon cancer cells, authors report on the effects of small RNAs fraction of potato in in-vitro model of human derived HeLa cancer cells. This paper reports the anti-proliferative and anti-survival effect of small RNAs fraction of S. tuberosum L. (potato) tuber tissue. Here, authors employed small RNAs fractionation protocol, cell viability, cell cytotoxicity MTT, PI stained cell cycle analysis and FITC-Annexin-V/PI stained apoptosis assays.

Results:

In this paper, small RNAs fractions of potato clearly indicate 40-50% inhibition of HeLa cell proliferation and viability. Interestingly, flow cytometer data point out appreciable increase from 7% to 14% of S-phase in HeLa cells by displaying the presence of an S-phase cell cycle arrest. Further, arrest in S-phase of HeLa cells is also supported by an appreciable increase in total <2N plus >4N DNA containing HeLa cells over 2N containing HeLa cells. For apoptotic assay, data suggest a significant increase in apoptotic HeLa cells from (5%) control treated HeLa cells to (18%) small RNAs treated HeLa cells.

Conclusion:

Taken together, findings suggest that small RNAs fractions of potato can induce Sphase cell cycle arrest and these agents can act as an anti-proliferative agent in HeLa cells. This paper proposes a huge scope for novel finding to dissect out the small RNAs target within HeLa cells and other cancer cell types.
Исследование влияния легирования железом на люминесценцию монокристаллов селенида цинка
Authors: Гладилин А.А. , Ильичев Н.Н. , Калинушкин В.П. , Студеникин М.И. , Уваров О.В. , Чапнин В.А. , Туморин В.В. , Новиков Г.Г.
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe effect of doping with iron (thermal diffusion from a surface) on the luminescence of zinc-selenide single crystals in the wavelength range 0.44–0.72 μm and on the spatial distribution of luminescence centers are studied. By means of two-photon confocal microscopy, planar and volume maps of edge (exciton) and impurity–defect luminescence in the above-indicated spectral range are obtained for both doped and undoped crystals. It is shown that crystal regions containing a high iron concentration exhibit low-intensity luminescence in this range. It is found that, in the process of diffusion, several types of impurity–defect centers distributed in a complex way within the crystal bulk are formed. The nature of these centers is discussed.