bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Stage SAGD Liner Intervention to Remediate a Liner System Using Concentric Coiled Tubing Jet Pump Technology
Authors: Winkler Steven , Luebke Garrett , Jensen Camille , Cross Ryan , Bradshaw Torrie
Published: November 2018

Excessive solids production and liner issues are familiar complications in maturing SAGD operations, potentially causing well integrity concerns. There are several factors that can occur, in isolation or in combination, to cause excessive solids production and/or liner failures in SAGD wells. Reservoir characteristics, well construction and known downhole conditions contribute to production results and potential liner degradation over time. The production strategy typically considers fluid mechanics, metallurgy, and thermal cycling to limit steam breakthrough, channeling, and/or low sub-cool events. Even with the best construction and production practices, the gradual accumulation of solids in a production well can limit optimal productivity. SAGD Operators may choose a downhole intervention to mitigate the potential of a future failure or require an intervention to prepare for liner remediation.

The paper begins by outlining common cleanout methods used in SAGD wells. Then, it discusses a SAGD downhole intervention in three stages: (1) a jetting venturi cleanout, (2) a gauge mill run, and (3) installation of a remedial liner system. The jetting venturi cleanout is comprised of concentric coiled tubing coupled with an engineered jet pump. It is designed to artificially lift wellbore materials, cleaning the SAGD wellbore while recording the volume of solids returned from a specific location. The gauge mill run confirms an acceptable diameter for smooth liner installation. These first two stages ensure seamless installation of the remedial liner system to mitigate detrimental mechanisms that limit production or impact well integrity.

Two case studies, in two heavy oil formations from two Operators, support the effectiveness of the SAGD liner intervention. The case summaries and results demonstrate the success of the SAGD liner intervention, corroborate its consistent and repeatable use and show its compatibility with remedial techniques in SAGD operations. The paper establishes the importance of effectively cleaning and clearing a SAGD wellbore in preparation for liner remediation and to provide insight into future well integrity operations.
Design and Application of a New High Performance Lightweight Thermal Cement
Authors: Taylor Jared , Iremonger Simon
Published: November 2018

Lightweight cements offer significant performance benefits over conventional higher density cement blends, including; improved mechanical properties and stress resilience, lower thermal conductivity, lower ECDs and improved returns to surface and potentially lower risk of casing collapse due to trapped annular pressure. However, a number of challenges exist in developing lightweight blends for thermal applications specifically concerning achieving short wait on cement at low bottom hole static temperature while also ensuring long-term chemical and mechanical stability at high temperatures. Here we report the development of a new lightweight thermal cement by utilizing hollow glass microspheres. Further fine-tuning of the desired slurry properties including controllable thickening times, zero free water, low fluid loss and short WOC was achieved through cost-effective additive adjustment, and the mechanical properties of the cement we validated by long term curing at both ambient and high temperaures (340 °C). To ensure that the high performance achieved in the controlled lab environment was maintained once deployed at full-scale field level an extensive QA/QC program was undertaken. This process involved collecting dry bulk field samples and confirming performance (thickening time, free water, rheology and fluid loss) prior to every job. After initial optimization of the blending process, a 100% success rate was achieved over the course of a more than a twenty jobs. Overall, a high quality lightweight thermal cement with excellent long-term mechanical properties was successfully developed and deployed.
Experience with the Vacuum Insulated Tubing VIT Utilization at Gas Fields in the Northern Part of Western Siberia
Authors: Belomestnov Alexander , Marchenko Kirill , Melnikov Igor
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Scope

Evaluating of VIT performance

Methods, Procedures, Process

Statistics, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Results, Observations, Conclusions

The utilization of Vacuum Insulated Tubing (VIT) is necessitated by the growing oil and gas development in northern regions of the Earth and application of thermal oil recovery methods. Conceptually, VIT consists of two (external and internal) pipes coaxially fixed at the ends, with the annular space filled with thermal insulation including getters (gas absorbers). After the pipes are assembled, air is evacuated from the annular space to create vacuum. Getters are fully activating within vacuumizing. Prior to commercial utilization at Gazprom, the VIT was tested at the Gazprom VNIIGAZ Institute (Russia) on a dedicated thermophysical testing bench. Tests were designed to measure the Coefficient of thermal conductivity (k-factor) of the VIT Vacuum Shield Thermal Insulation. Results obtained during the tests are as follows: with hot air (84…93°C) passing through the tube, the temperature of its external surface remained within the range of 28…35°C, while k-factor was 0.004…0.008 W/(m*K). Gazprom requirements k-factor with max. 0.012 W/(m*K). When VIT successfully passed bench tests, they were approved for utilization in the commercial development of the Bovanenkovskoye field operated by Gazprom. In order to gauge heat flux and effective k-factor of VIT walls at different gas flow rates and fluid temperatures, the design provides for satellite pipes to be installed within the gas well's cement column. At the moment, wellhead soil temperature observations are carried out regularly at VIT-equipped wells. Some gas wells have been monitored for 3 years now. The results of monitoring of 18 well pads (163 wells) the temperature stabilization of the permafrost soil at which is carried out only through the operation of seasonally active cooling systems (without the use of VIT) show temperature increases in the soil along the wellbore. Wells operated with VIT and cooling systems keep freezing temperatures within the cement column throughout the entire annual cycle. For steam injection technologies, may be used theoretically estimation about how temperature of steam decreases from top to bottom of well depending on VIT k-factor and length of VIT string. Such information needs for VIT well design.

Novel/Additive Information

Empirical information about VIT utilization
Flow Control Devices in SAGD - A System-Based Technology Solution
Authors: Burke Lyle , Ghazar Claude
Published: November 2018

Flow Control Devices (FCDs) in SAGD applications have succeeded and failed to varying degrees and their use has not been overly pervasive or fully accepted yet. However, recently it has been publicized that FCD technology has achieved upwards of 100% improvement in SAGD oil production and potential improvements in steam oil ratios (SOR), which has continued to spark interest in its application.

SAGD reservoirs are inherently heterogeneous and this presents distinct operational complexities when attempting to expedite the production of the oil while attempting to avoid steam breakthrough. Producing the steam reduces the thermal efficiency of the project which results in an increased SOR while also creating a high potential of compromising the mechanical integrity of the production liner. FCDs can mitigate the operational negatives and enhance the operational positives, however, they are not a ‘silver bullet’ for all ailments and their implementation needs to be carefully planned. This paper reviews FCD implementation workflows and highlights recent downhole instrumentation technology advancements that enhance FCD performance analysis and supports better deployment designs that should improve the economic viability of existing and upcoming SAGD projects.
SAGD Circulation Phase: History-Match of Field Data in Lloydminster Reservoir using a Discretized Thermal Wellbore Modelling Simulator
Authors: Ayala Daniel , Gates Ian
Published: November 2018

Steam circulation in the early stages of Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) is crucial for establishing hydraulic communication between the injector and producer well and for the future development of the steam chamber. Steam is the carrier of enthalpy to the reservoir, and thus, the evolution of pressure, temperature, and steam quality is important for heat transfer efficiency. In the simulation of the circulation phase (start-up), most companies in Alberta neglect the heat loss around the wellbore in the vertical/build section of the well and assume a steam quality for the lateral section of the well. Also, most of the simulations found in the literature assume a source-sink approach where the frictional pressure drops along the wellbore and the heat conduction between the wellbore and the reservoir are negligible. In this paper, the steam circulation phase of a SAGD well pair is examined in detail, taking into account heat loss around the wellbore in the vertical/build section and heat transfer and fluid losses in the lateral section of the well pair. In the model developed, wellbore hydraulics is also accounted for by using a discretized wellbore model within a fully implicit coupled thermal reservoir simulator. Field data from the circulation phase or warm up phase of a SAGD well pair at the Lindbergh SAGD project was history-matched to better understand the effect of wellbore hydraulics and heat loss between the dual completion string design and wellbore. This research will help Pengrowth Energy Corporation take into account new operating strategies for future SAGD well pairs.
SAGD Circulation Phase: Thermal Efficiency Evaluation of Five Wellbore Completion Designs in Lloydminster Reservoir
Authors: Ayala Rivas Daniel , Gates Ian
Published: November 2018

The main objective during the circulation phase (start-up) of Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) is to lower the heavy oil or bitumen viscosity, to create inter-well fluid communication between the injector and producer well and to uniformly warm-up the lateral section of the well pair to achieve uniform steam chamber growth during the life of the SAGD well pair. Typically, the circulation phase (start-up) lasts between three and six months and it is completed when the temperature between the producer and injector is high enough, generally greater than 80°C. It has been proven that during the circulation phase (start-up) of a SAGD well pair, the variations in thermal efficiency result from factors such as tubing size, well trajectory, well length, completion configuration, reservoir properties, and operating parameters.

There is not any published study performed in the Lindbergh area in Alberta, Canada that determines the thermal efficiency of different completion designs during the circulation phase (start-up) of a SAGD well pair in a Lloydminster formation. Therefore, in a previous study, a discretized thermal reservoir/wellbore modelling simulator (Exotherm, 2016) was used to history-match field data obtained from a SAGD well pair in the Lloydminster area, and, subsequently, this paper uses the simulation model to evaluate and compare the thermal efficiency of five different completion design cases during the SAGD circulation phase (start-up) in the Lloydminster formation. These completion designs include: bare tubing in a dual string, vacuum insulated tubing (VIT) in a dual string and single string, and gas blanket (methane) in a concentric string. The results show that completion design configuration impacts the heat transfer and thermal efficiency of the circulation process.
Optimization of Placement of Flow Control Devices under Geological Uncertainty in Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage
Authors: Nejadi Siavash , Hubbard Stephen M. , Shor Roman J. , Gates Ian D. , Wang Jingyi
Published: November 2018

Steam chamber conformance in Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) influences the efficiency and economic performance of bitumen recovery. Conventional SAGD well completion designs provide limited control points in long horizontal well pairs leading to development of a non-ideal steam chambers. Developing advanced wellbore completions and optimizing downhole tool settings is critical to achieve optimal steam distribution in heterogeneous reservoirs for optimal recovery.

This paper presents a workflow to optimize SAGD well completion design by using flow control devices (FCDs). Optimum FCD placement, and specifications are determined in consideration of reservoir heterogeneity. Uncertainties in spatial distribution of facies and rock types, reservoir rock and fluid properties are represented by multiple equiprobable deterministic and stochastic geological realizations using Monte-Carlo simulation. The methodology is based on constrained nonlinear optimizationtomaximize the net present value (NPV) as the objective function. A coupled wellbore/reservoir simulation model of a well pad is implemented in the study, and the efficacy of different scenarios with varied well designs are assessed from evaluating bitumen production, steam injection, and well completion expenses.

Results indicate superior performance of the wells equipped with FCDs compared to conventional concentric and parallel dual string well completion designs. For the cases examined, this translates to an average 7% increase of the expected NPV for different well completion designs when using FCDs. Furthermore, results show using zonal isolation in the well design is essential for compartmentalized reservoirs such aspoint bar deposits with their significant heterogeneity.

Advanced wellbore completions provide sufficient tools to constrain steam injection and liquid production into and from different well segments, and manage steam chamber conformance along the horizontal well pairs, improve production efficiency, increase bitumen recovery, and reduce operating costs.

A novel workflow is presented to optimize advanced wellbore completions utilizing flow control devices. This integrated assisted optimization approach considers uncertainties in geological properties, and determines the optimal FCD parameters and well completion design with acceptable computational effort. This integrated workflow allowed us to undertake a thorough evaluation of the key subsurface uncertainties, and design an overall development plan. The probabilistic nature of the results legitimize quantifying the uncertainties and identify associated risks for different completion strategies.
An Experimental Investigation into the Sand Control and Flow Performance of the Remedial Tubing Deployed Scab Liners in Thermal Production
Authors: Fattahpour Vahidoddin , Mahmoudi Mahdi , Roostaei Morteza , Nolan Patrick , Sutton Colby , Fermaniuk Brent
Published: November 2018

With the aging of the SAGD projects and growing number of wells with hot-spot and sand production problems, there is a growing interest in the remedial completion with Inflow Control Device (ICD) and tubing deployed scab liner. The current study aims at better understanding the annular flow, sand transport in the annular space and the expected pressure drops and the produced sand for tubing deployed scab liner sand control solution using a large-scale experimental well simulator.

A large-scale wellbore simulator was developed to study the performance of the tubing deployed scab liner screen as remedial sand control, where the sand entry point, the concentration and PSD of the sand in addition to the flow rate and the ratio of different phases could be controlled precisely. Two-phase flow of oil and brine along with sand could be injected through different ports along the clear pipe, emulating the slurry flow entering into the wellbore. Clear pipe allows visualization of the sand transport and sand accumulation above the tubing deployed scab liner during the fluid injection. An experimental study of the performance of Wire Wrap Screen (WWS) with different aperture sizes is presented in this paper.

Results indicated the requirement of a different approach for designing the correct aperture size for remedial scab liners since using the current design sand control criteria leads to large amount of solid production. It seems that the design of aperture size for scab liners should be more toward the lower bound in comparison with the common screen designs in thermal applications. The sand entry point distance from the tubing deployed scab liner screen position was found to be the critical parameter in the sanding and flow performance of the remedial sand control. Fluid flow in the annulus causes the segregation of sand grains; finer grains are carried with fluid, while coarser grains settle closer to the injection ports. The slurry flow regime in the annulus results in continuous sand production until a stable bridge and later a stable sand bed is formed on top of the tubing deployed scab liner screen. Moreover, results showed that the main pressure drop happens across the nozzles on the tubing, while the pressure drop across the accumulated sand pack in the annulus and coupon was less significant.

This paper introduces an experimental tool for evaluating the tubing deployed scab liner performance as remedial sand control in thermal applications. The developed experimental testing and facility could help to better design and evaluate the remedial tubing deployed scab liner sand control solutions.
CT Diagnosis of Well Trajectory and Completion Decision Guidance for SAGD Paired Horizontal Wells
Authors: Chen Xun , Sun Shouguo , Tong Deshui
Published: November 2018

The trajectory control quality is the key technology when using SAGD dual horizontal wells to produce heavy/super heavy oil. The systematic study of trajectory control, CT scanning diagnosis and completion decision has been carried out to guarantee the forming and keeping of steam chamber and enhance the drainage continuity and well-bore life so as to realize economical and effective development. In order to realize precise control of the trajectory of dual horizontal wells, the method with space rectangular target for dual horizontal wells and MGT magnetic-steering technology as its core, has been developed. The CT scanning diagnosis system of SAGD trajectory based on the medical technique has been developed to realize real-time scanning and predicting of the horizontal intervals of the paired horizontal wells. The timely warning and guidance of trajectory adjustment are available when the deviation of the relative position of the two wells from the space rectangular target occurs. After drilling, the space position relation of arbitrary cross-section along the trajectory axis is analyzed through the scanning diagnosis system, and scientific evaluation of the SAGD production is conducted using the SAGD efficiency coefficient method. If the relative position of certain intervals of the two wells is pretty near and there will be the risk of steam breakthrough, physical isolation of the intervals are recommended with casing and thermal packers. The technology has been applied in 12 well-groups in the Liaohe Oilfield, most of the dual horizontal wells have kept favorable position relations. During the injection well of Du-A well-group, due to the large formation dip, the scanning diagnosis system sent out warning signals when 2/3 of the horizontal interval had been drilled, then technicians adjusted the trajectory timely. After drilling, it was found that the distance between the two wells was less than 4m for a 4-meter interval at the 2/3 of the horizontal interval. During the design of completion strings, a blind tube is used to replace the screen in the interval. Two thermally-setting packers are designed respectively for the upper and lower end of the blind tube to realize physical isolation so as to ensure the formation of the steam chamber in the later period and guarantee favorable oil drainage. The overall production of the block has been increased by 15% compared to the wells in the earlier stage. After study, the SAGD trajectory control and completion decision technology with integral constraints of the space rectangular target, real time control of CT scanning diagnosis system and decision guidance after completion has been developed to successfully remove the potential developing troubles caused by trajectory control quality. With favorable applications in the field, the technology has become an important method to guarantee SAGD development effects.
Material Selection for Thermal Inflow Control Device Manufacturing to Minimize the Silica and Calcium Carbonate Scaling Potential
Authors: Qiu Xiaoyong , Pan Minfei , Gong Lu , Huang Jun , Mahmoudi Mahdi , Sabbagh Reza , Fattahpour Vahidoddin , Sutton Colby , Luo Jing-Li , Zeng Hongbo
Published: November 2018

Application of inflow control devices (ICDs) in a thermal producer has proven to be an effective solution to increase the wellbore performance and reduce production problems such as steam breakthrough. In challenging areas where the potential for scaling is greater, there is concern that the ICD could plug. Often, operators face severe nozzle plugging nozzles with silica and calcium carbonate scales. This work is intended to investigate the relative resistance of various materials to silica or calcium carbonate scaling. Bulk scaling tests on four types of coupons (4140 carbon steel, EN30B alloy steel, and two proprietary grades, proRC05 and proRS06) were conducted in the solution with similar chemical composition of common produced water in steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), cyclic steam stimulation, and steamflood projects in Western Canada. Both silica scaling and calcium carbonate scaling tests were carried out to evaluate the anti-scaling performance of the material commonly used in manufacturing ICDs for these projects. The microstructure of the scale on the coupons after scaling tests were completed was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Force measurement using the atomic force microscopy (AFM) colloidal probe technique was applied to interpret the microscopic interactions between different substrate surfaces and silica or calcium carbonate particles. The detailed investigation on evaluating the scaling resistance of different materials provides useful insights into the selection of suitable materials for projects where scaling exists as a major problem.
Reducing Operational Cost and Accelerating Oil in a Thermal Field with Cyclic Steam Stimulation Operation in South Oman
Authors: Mahrazy Khalfan , Alwazeer Abdullah , Salhi Khalid
Published: November 2018

Thermal recovery is becoming a main stream enhanced recovery method for heavy oil with unique challenges. The extreme nature of thermal recovery requires flexible and creative approach to address the unique challenges. One of the accepted recovery thermal methods is Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS). The thermal cycle starts with injection phase followed by soaking, and finally, production phase. Conversion from injection phase to production phase is considered a significant operational risk in addition to typical risks associated with oil production operations. The additional risk during the conversion to production from an injection cycle is due to the significant energy placement in the reservoir during steaming. If not controlled, high energy hydrocarbon fluids flowing back to surface can lead to loss of containment and harm to life or the environment.

Beam Pumps have been used predominantly in conjunction with insert down-hole pump and sucker rods. During injection phase, the well is operated as an injector without pumps or rods, and when the time comes to convert to a producer, rods and insert pumps are reinstalled. This conversion step from injector to producer is highest risk in the CSS well operation cycle.

After the injection cycle is completed, a significant energy is placed into the reservoir, the well is shut in for soaking period which is 1-3 days. Free flow is required after the shut in period to depressurize the well. Depressurization period extends in some cases to many weeks and would require killing the well where it's common that a well would not die off just by depressurization alone resulting in significant wait time. The amount of flow back and energy stored in the well is directly proportional to steam injection pressure and duration.

In many cases where well still retain some energy and pressure is still high for intervention, due to free flowing not subsiding, killing the well is utilized. Well killing procedures pose another set of challenges such as; pump start up challenges due to viscosity reduction, cost for brine mix and wrong pressure estimation leading to prolong interventions.

The challenges in CSS opened an opportunity for innovation where thermal wells could be attended for conversion with minimum rods taken out or rods added back in under high temperature and pressure. The new concept is a combination of dual rod Blow Out Preventer (BOP) and stripper seals set in series. A trial in November 2017 was conducted with positive results where the advantages of this innovation were clearly demonstrated. This paper is a summary of the design approach and the successful trial proving the concept.
Representative-Elementary-Volume Analysis of Two-Phase Flow in Layered Rocks
Authors: Sedaghat Mohammad H. , Azizmohammadi Siroos
Published: November 2018

Geological/flow properties computed from a heterogeneous rock sample represent the properties of the entire medium if the size of the sample is larger than the size of the representative elementary volume (REV) of the rock. Among these properties, relative permeability is believed to have the most influence on multiphase-flow behavior. Therefore, much care must be taken to ensure that relative permeability has been computed beyond the REV size. However, in the literature, experimental and numerical evaluations of relative permeability are mostly performed without such care, and the saturation functions are calculated at different flow rates while the length of the sample remains the same.

In this work, a series of numerical simulations of waterflooding are performed in a model made of alternating parallel layers of two rock types. Upscaled relative permeabilities are computed on samples at different lengths, changing from millimeter to kilometer scale. Flow behavior for different samples is analyzed according to capillary, viscous, and gravity effects, which are monitored during the simulation.

Although the REV size for some properties such as porosity seems to be the smallest replica block (unit block), our results show that the REV for relative permeability follows a power-law trend and changes with flow rate and scale. More importantly, for the first time, it is shown that the REV size is not necessarily identical for different phases. It is also demonstrated that especially at small scales, breakthrough can occur at layers where it was not expected. This study identifies the range of the length scale for which either experimental or numerical determination of relative permeability is valid.
Wastewater treatment plant performance analysis using artificial intelligence – an ensemble approach
Authors: Nourani Vahid , Elkiran Gozen , Abba S. I.
Published: November 2018

In the present study, three different artificial intelligence based non-linear models, i.e. feed forward neural network (FFNN), adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), support vector machine (SVM) approaches and a classical multi-linear regression (MLR) method were applied for predicting the performance of Nicosia wastewater treatment plant (NWWTP), in terms of effluent biological oxygen demand (BODeff), chemical oxygen demand (CODeff) and total nitrogen (TNeff). The daily data were used to develop single and ensemble models to improve the prediction ability of the methods. The obtained results of single models proved that, ANFIS model provides effective outcomes in comparison with single models. In the ensemble modeling, simple averaging ensemble, weighted averaging ensemble and neural network ensemble techniques were proposed subsequently to improve the performance of the single models. The results showed that in prediction of BODeff, the ensemble models of simple averaging ensemble (SAE), weighted averaging ensemble (WAE) and neural network ensemble (NNE), increased the performance efficiency of artificial intelligence (AI) modeling up to 14%, 20% and 24% at verification phase, respectively, and less than or equal to 5% for both CODeff and TNeff in calibration phase. This shows that NNE model is more robust and reliable ensemble method for predicting the NWWTP performance due to its non-linear averaging kernel.
Comparison of novel Ziziphus lotus adsorbent and industrial carbon on methylene blue removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Msaad Asmaa , Belbahloul Mounir , El Hajjaji Samir , Zouhri Abdeljalil
Published: November 2018

In this work, the use of a novel low-cost adsorbent derived from Ziziphus lotus (ZL) and industrial carbon (IC) has been successfully applied to the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The efficiency of this material was studied through Lagergren pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The process for the novel activated carbon and the IC were best represented by the pseudo-second-order rate model. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to describe the sorption equilibrium data. The Langmuir model turned out to be the most adequate and maximum capacities were measured to be 833.33 and 142.85 mg.g−1 for ZL activated carbon and IC from Sigma Aldrich, respectively. The thermodynamic study revealed that the sorption process is spontaneous and endothermic for the two adsorbents. To explain the effectiveness of MB removal, ZL activated carbon was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Therapeutic Potential of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) in Diabetes
Authors: Pittalà Valeria , Salerno Loredana , Romeo Giuseppe , Acquaviva Rosaria , Di Giacomo Claudia , Sorrenti Valeria
Published: November 2018

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar
levels. Different pathogenic processes are involved in the etiology of the disease. Indeed,
chronic diabetes hyperglycemia is often associated with severe long-term complications including
cardiovascular symptoms, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Although the
precise molecular mechanisms underlying diabetes are not yet clear, it is widely accepted that
increased levels of oxidative stress are involved in the onset, development and progression of
diabetes and its related complications. In this regard, the use of natural antioxidant polyphenols,
able to control free radical production, to increase intracellular antioxidant defense and
to prevent the onset of oxidative stress, can be of high interest. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester
(CAPE), a natural polyphenolic substance, is one of the main components of propolis. Due to
its multifaceted biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory,
antitumor, and immunomodulatory effects, CAPE has received great attention during the last
few decades. In the present paper the therapeutic potential of CAPE in diabetes is extensively
reviewed.
Advances in the Anticancer Value of the Ursolic Acid Through Nanodelivery
Authors: Manayi Azadeh , Nikan Marjan , Nobakht-Haghighi Navid , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: November 2018

Ursolic acid, a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid is commonly found in plants and
foods with promising biological and pharmacological activities. The compound has been
under the attention of researchers due to its considerable anticancer effects through suppression
of differentiation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells via different
pathways with low toxicity. Bioavailability of ursolic acid is poor due to poor solubility
of the compound in water. Low bioavailability and short plasma half-life of ursolic acid
along with non-specific distribution in the body are considered as impediments in the
therapeutic development of the compound. Nano-drug delivery systems may improve the
pharmacokinetic, bioavailability, and therapeutic activity of some medicines. The present
review has focused on recent developments regarding nano-drug delivery systems of ursolic
acid in cancer therapy.
Design and Discovery of New Antibacterial Agents: Advances, Perspectives, Challenges
Authors: Jampilek Josef
Published: November 2018

Background:

Emerging resistance of bacterial pathogens to clinically used drugs, including
not only first-choice but also second- and third-choice drugs, is alarming, but since the 1990s only a
modest number of new, first in class, drugs for systemic administration have been marketed for the
treatment of bacterial infections.

Objective:

This article provides a review of recently reported new antibacterial chemotherapeutics approved
for clinical practice, antibacterial chemotherapeutics in clinical trials and antibacterial agents
under development.

Discussion: Antibacterial agents include new antibacterial compounds of used drug classes and new
antibacterial agents with a novel mode of action. In addition, particular attention is given to agents decreasing
bacterial resistance, i.e. to compounds that do not have significant intrinsic bacteriostatic or
bactericidal activity, but in combination with antibacterial drugs are able to restore the effect of these
drugs or demonstrate synergistic antibacterial properties together with the drugs.

Conclusion:

This review is specifically focused on small molecules rather than on peptides and discusses
a wide range of various molecular scaffolds.
pLoc_bal-mPlant: Predict Subcellular Localization of Plant Proteins by General PseAAC and Balancing Training Dataset
Authors: Cheng Xiang , Xiao Xuan , Chou Kuo-Chen
Published: November 2018

Knowledge of protein subcellular localization is vitally important for both basic research and drug
development. With the avalanche of protein sequences emerging in the post-genomic age, it is highly desired to
develop computational tools for timely and effectively identifying their subcellular localization based on the
sequence information alone. Recently, a predictor called “pLoc-mPlant” was developed for identifying the subcellular
localization of plant proteins. Its performance is overwhelmingly better than that of the other predictors
for the same purpose, particularly in dealing with multi-label systems in which some proteins, called “multiplex
proteins”, may simultaneously occur in two or more subcellular locations. Although it is indeed a very powerful
predictor, more efforts are definitely needed to further improve it. This is because pLoc-mPlant was trained by an
extremely skewed dataset in which some subsets (i.e., the protein numbers for some subcellular locations) were
more than 10 times larger than the others. Accordingly, it cannot avoid the biased consequence caused by such an
uneven training dataset. To overcome such biased consequence, we have developed a new and bias-free predictor
called pLoc_bal-mPlant by balancing the training dataset. Cross-validation tests on exactly the same experimentconfirmed
dataset have indicated that the proposed new predictor is remarkably superior to pLoc-mPlant, the
existing state-of-the-art predictor in identifying the subcellular localization of plant proteins. To maximize the
convenience for the majority of experimental scientists, a user-friendly web-server for the new predictor has been
established at http://www.jci-bioinfo.cn/pLoc_bal-mPlant/, by which users can easily get their desired results
without the need to go through the detailed mathematics.
Hair Loss Prevention by a Scalp Cooling Device in Early Breast Cancer Patients: The Poliambulanza Preliminary Experience
Authors: Prochilo Tiziana , Huscher Alessandra , Andreis Federica , Mirandola Mara , Zaina Elisabetta , Pomentale Barbara , Pedrali Chiara , Zanotti Laura , Mutti Stefano , Zaniboni Alberto
Published: November 2018

Background:

The most effective agents in the treatment of breast cancer have a common
side effect, the hair loss. Some studies reported a reduction of hair loss with the use of the scalp cooling
device. Indeed, it decreases the drug accumulation in the hair follicles. We report our preliminary
experience with a scalp cooling device in reducing chemotherapy-induced alopecia and related distress
in breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods: Hair loss grading and treatment tolerability were evaluated during chemotherapy every 21
days and 3 weeks after the last cycle of chemotherapy via Dean’s scale by patients and operators and
a comfort analogic scale by patients. We administered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
questionnaire at the baseline and at the end of treatment to assess the distress related to chemotherapy-
induced alopecia.

Results:

Among the 46 patients identified, 27 accepted the device. The eligible chemotherapy regimens
included docetaxel+cyclophosphamide (TC), doxorubicin+cyclophosphamide (AC) and
paclitaxel (P) weekly+trastuzumab (T). 24 pts (89%) completed the treatment; 3 pts (11%) treated
with AC prematurely interrupted use of the scalp-cooling device due to inefficacy. After the last cycle
of chemotherapy, the number of patient who perceived a HL < grade 2 was 16 (59%). The hair
retention reported by operators has been higher (78%). 81.5% of patients well tolerated the treatment.

Conclusion:

In our study, the scalp-cooling device reduced chemotherapy-induced alopecia in taxane-
based chemotherapy. Furthermore, it suggests a discordance in hair loss perception between patients
and operators.
Association Between Pulmonary Hypertension and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Analysis of a Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database
Authors: Zoltowska Dominika M. , Agrawal Yashwant , Patel Nilesh , Sareen Nishtha , Kalavakunta Jagadeesh K. , Gupta Vishal , Halabi Abdul
Published: November 2018

Introduction: This study was done to review the association of pulmonary hypertension
(PH) with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedures done in the US for years
2010 to 2012.

Methods: We used Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data to extract data for patients who were
hospitalized with a primary/secondary diagnosis of TAVR as specified by International Classification
of Disease (ICD-9) codes 35.05 and 35.06. PH was identified with ICD-9 codes 416.0 and 416.8.
Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between PH and clinical outcomes
of TAVR.

Results:

A total of 8,824 weighted discharges were identified with a primary/secondary diagnosis of
TAVR, of which 1,976 (22.4%) also had PH. Mean age of patients undergoing TAVR with and
without PH was 81.4 and 81.1 years, respectively. More females had a diagnosis of PH with TAVR
when compared to males, (56.9% vs. 43.1). When controlling for demographics, diabetes and hypertension;
the association between PH and TAVR was statistically significant (p<.0001). Estimated
odds of TAVR with PH was 5.46 (95% CI: 4.63, 6.41) times greater than for TAVR without PH.
Similarly, the estimated odds for a length of stay greater than 1 week for TAVR with PH was 1.43
(95% CI: 1.12, 1.82; p=.0034) times greater than odds for TAVR without PH. PH was not statistically
significant for in-hospital mortality in patients receiving TAVR (p=0.7067).

Conclusion:

This study suggests that underlying PH does not influence the immediate mortality of
patients underlying TAVR. Further studies are needed to delve into the bearing of PH on TAVR.
Cucurbitacins as Anticancer Agents: A Patent Review
Authors: Hussain Hidayat , Green Ivan R. , Saleem Muhammad , Khattak Khanzadi F. , Irshad Muhammad , Ali Maroof
Published: November 2018

Background:

Cucurbitacins belong to a group of tetracyclic triterpenoids that display a wide
range of biological effects. In the past, numerous cucurbitacins have been isolated from natural sources
and many active compounds have been synthesized using the privileged scaffold in order to enhance its
cytotoxic effects.

Objective:

his review covers patents on the therapeutic effects of natural cucurbitacins and their synthetic
analogs published during the past decade. By far, the majority of patents published are related to
cancer and Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR) of these compounds are included to lend gravitas to
this important class of natural products.

Methods:

The date about the published patents was downloaded via online open access patent databases.

Results:

Cucurbitacins display significant cytotoxic properties, in particular cucurbitacins B and D
which possess very potent effects towards a number of cancer cells. Numerous cucurbitacins isolated
from natural sources have been derivatized through chemical modification at the C(2)-OH and C(25)-
OH groups. Most importantly, an acyl ester of the C(25)-OH and, iso-propyl, n-propyl and ethyl ether
groups of the C(2)-OH demonstrated the most increased cytotoxic activity.

Conclusion:

The significant cytotoxic effects of natural and semi-synthetic cucurbitacins make them
attractive as new drug candidates. Moreover, cucurbitacins have the capability to form conjugates with
other anticancer drugs which will synergistically enhance their anticancer effects. The authors believe
that in order to get lead compounds, there should be a greater focus on the synthesis of homodimers,
heterodimers, and halo derivatives of cucurbitacins. In the opinion of the authors the analysis of the
published patents on the cucurbitacins indicates that these compounds can be developed into a regimen
to treat a wide spectrum of cancers.
Antitumor Potential of Berberine and Cinnamic Acid against Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma in Mice
Authors: Almeer Rafa S. , Aref Ahmed M. , Hussein Romisa A. , Othman Mohamed S. , Abdel Moneim Ahmed E.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Berberine and cinnamic acid are natural compounds that exhibit potent anticancer activities
through distinct molecular mechanisms.

Objective:

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the proapoptotic potential of cinnamic acid and berberine in
cancer cells by examining their effect on the expression of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic genes. Moreover, the effects
of berberine and cinnamic acid on the antitumor activity of cisplatin were investigated in Ehrlich solid tumor-bearing
mice.

Methods:

For the study, 90 male mice were inoculated intramuscularly with Ehrlich ascites tumor cells (2.5 ×
106/mouse), and then on day 4, mice were randomly divided into six experimental groups (group 1-untreated Ehrlich
solid tumor (EST), group 2-EST treated CDDP, group 3-EST treated CA, group 4-EST treated BER, group 5-EST
treated CA + CDDP, and group 6-EST treated BER + CDDP).

Results:

The results showed that berberine and cinnamic acid significantly decreased tumor growth and tumor volume
(-74.8 and -75.5%, respectively) both as single agents and in combination with cisplatin. Moreover, both berberine and
cinnamic acid increased the ratio of tumor growth inhibition (-91.5 and -92.6%, respectively), mean survival time (61.5
and 26 days, respectively), and percentage increase in lifespan (559 and 263%, respectively) of the treated mice. Our
results also showed that both berberine and cinnamic acid-induced apoptosis by increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (74.1
and 45.1, respectively) and caspase-3 expression (14.3- and 11.6-fold increase, respectively). Additionally, berberine
and cinnamic acid decreased oxidative stress markers, as shown by the decrease in lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide
levels and an increase in reduced glutathione level.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that berberine and cinnamic acid have potential as antitumor and antioxidant agents
derived from natural sources, which could be used alone or in combination with regular chemotherapeutic agents, such
as cisplatin. These effects could be attributed to the proapoptotic activity of berberine and cinnamic acid.
Integrins as A New Target for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Łasiñska Izabela , Mackiewicz Jacek
Published: November 2018

:

Despite the great progress in the development of targeted therapies for different types of cancer utilizing monoclonal antibodies (e.g., cetuximab for colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer therapy), kinase inhibitors (e.g., sorafenib for kidney cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumours therapy), and immunomodulatory treatments (e.g., nivolumab and pembrolizumab for melanoma therapy and lung cancer therapy), there is still a need to search for new, more effective treatments.

:

Integrins are responsible for intercellular adhesion and interaction with the cellular matrix. The function of integrins is related to the transduction of intracellular signals associated with adhesion, migration, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Molecules targeting integrins that lead to cancer cell death have been developed. The most advanced molecules studied in clinical trials are abituzumab, intetumumab and cilengitide. There are different groups of anti-integrin drugs: monoclonal antibodies (e.g., abituzumab) and other such as cilengitide, E7820 and MK-0429. These drugs have been evaluated in various cancer types. However, they have shown modest efficacy, and none of them have yet been approved for cancer treatment. Studies have shown that patient selection using biomarkers might improve the efficacy of anti-integrin cancer treatment. Many preclinical models have demonstrated promising results using integrin visualization for cancer detection and treatment efficacy monitoring; however, these strategies require further evaluation in humans.
Eleveniszapok mikrobaközössége szezonális változásának vizsgálata kis- és nagyterhelésű szennyvíztisztító telepeken
Authors: Sipos Dóra , Sipos Dóra , Miseta Roland , Zseni Anikó
Published: November 2018

Tanulmányunkban az eleveniszapos szennyvíztisztítási rendszerek aerob medencéjében kialakult mikrobaközösség összetételételében történő változásokat követjük nyomon a hőmérséklet függvényében, egy nagyés két kisméretű illetve -terhelésű szennyvíztisztító telep eleveniszap mintáiban. Munkánk során 14 hónap adatait dolgoztuk fel. A minták elemzését illetve az adatok feldolgozását követően fény derült az ökológiai rendszer teljesítményére és évszakos devianciájára. A statisztikai eredmények azt mutatják, hogy a nagyobb telep mikrobaközösség-összetételében a szezonalitás kevésbé megfigyelhető, ami alapján feltételezzük, hogy a nagyobb kapacitású eleveniszapos medencékben stabilabb mikrobaközösség alakult ki. Emellett a kapott eredmények alapján összefüggéseket kerestünk az ökoszisztéma alkotói, az időjárás változása, illetve az eleveniszapok tisztítási hatásfoka között.
Электрическая перестройка усиления терагерцового излучения в периодической плазмонной графеновой структуре с инжекцией носителей заряда
Authors: Полищук О.В. , Фатеев Д.В. , Попов В.В.
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe dependence of the plasmon terahertz resonant frequency in the generation mode on the quasi-Fermi energy in the active (ungated) region of graphene with an inverse charge carrier population and on the Fermi energy in the gated p - and n -type regions in a periodic p – i – n structure based on graphene with injection pumping is theoretically investigated. It is shown that electrically frequency-tunable nanoscale plasmon graphene amplifiers and generators operating in a broad terahertz frequency range at room temperature can be designed.