bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improve Operator Effectiveness to Facilitate Effective Collaboration
Authors: Thalakkottur Livin Vincent , Dey Subhankar
Published: November 2018

The paper reviews how traditional control room designs, automation & controls and operational practices have become obsolete. With demand and supply fluctuations in the region, operating teams often find it challenging to achieve organization goals and production targets. And although the control room infrastructure may go through upgrades, situational awareness often is not improved. Today's world is at haste to achieve results, frequently compromising quality. The truth is that there are unhappy stakeholders whose operating environment doesn't meet their expectations.

Today, with advanced technology and human-factors engineering, control rooms can be better designed to improve operator effectiveness. In general, this enables various stakeholders to make better decisions, faster. This text reviews how operator effectiveness and collaboration is improved by carrying out interactive brain storming sessions to understand user requirements, manage competency, apply management of change, analyze complexity in various roles and evaluate human machine interface, console & control room designs. Benchmark studies expose the gaps and direct the user's attention to actions needed to achieve best results. In addition, the authors discuss how smart collaboration can be applied to prototype tests and virtual Factory Acceptance Tests.

The authors note that middle-eastern culture for operator effectiveness and collaboration is a bit laid-back when compared to competitors in the global market. However, the outcome of the methods described in this paper, when applied to an organization driven by leadership, secured better results. This paper reviews similar methods adopted by organizations which experienced greater Return-On-Investment. Moreover, market fluctuations increase the need to optimize and standardize processes to aid faster and smarter collaboration.
Field Case: Use of Autonomous Inflow Control Devices to Increase Oil Production in a Thin Oil Rim Reservoir in the Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Triandi Muhammad , Chigbo Ikenna , Khunmek Thanudcha , Ismail Isma Mohd
Published: November 2018

The Jasmine Field sandstone reservoir described in the paper is highly compartmentalized, has a sand thickness of about 30-40ft, reservoir pressure is supported by a strong aquifer, and most wells have high productivity. However, in the particular fault block of interest, a gas cap is present, which is normally not present in other fault blocks. This reduces the oil sand thickness to about 20 ft, with a big gas cap above and water below. To efficiently produce the oil rim in this area, a horizontal well was required, with an electrical submersible pumps (ESP) to aid lift. Since ESPs don't typically handle gas very well, the challenge was to ensure the well is economic by preventing premature gas breakthrough, and hence increase oil recovery.

The Autonomous Inflow Control Device (AICD) is an active flow control device that delivers a variable flow restriction in response to the properties (viscosity) of the fluid flowing through it. Water or gas flowing through the device is restricted more than oil.When used in a horizontal well, segmented into multiple compartments, this device prevents excessive production of unwanted fluids after breakthrough occurs in one or more compartments. The JS-06 well was drilled with almost 2000 ft horizontal length within the original thin oil column, with gas on top and water below. AICD flow loop testing, performance modelling, candidate selection, and completion design for this well was focused on gas production control, given that gas production was the main concern.

Post implementation and production, gas production has been controlled very well compared to the base case conventional completion. The gas oil ratio (GOR) observed from nearby wells was within the normal production range, which has allowed more oil to be produced from the JS-06 well. The production results observed were consistent with modelling and laboratory flow testing, thereby increasing confidence in the methods employed in designing the AICD completion for the well and in AICD modelling and candidate selection.

The successful implementation of AICD in this well has opened up another similar opportunity, which are currently being evaluated for the same application
Direct Multiphase Numerical Simulation on Mixed-Wet Reservoir Carbonates
Authors: Akai Takashi , Alhammadi Amer Mohamed , Blunt Martin Julian , Bijeljic Branko
Published: November 2018

To better understand local displacement efficiency, direct numerical simulations of water-flooding in a mixed-wet rock from a producing reservoir were performed using the multiphase Lattice Boltzmann (LB) method. Experimentally measured contact angles (AlRatrout et al., 2017) were incorporated into the simulation models using our previously reported wetting boundary condition for the LB method (Akai et al., 2018b). The simulation model was calibrated by comparing pore occupancy and fluid conductivity with results from an experimental water-flooding study where the fluid configurations were imaged at a resolution of a few microns (Alhammadi et al., 2017, 2018). Furthermore, to investigate the impact of several enhanced oil recovery (EOR) schemes on recovery, the calibrated simulation model was also used for a sensitivity study. Taking the calibrated model as a base case, three EOR cases were investigated; low salinity water-flooding, surfactant flooding and polymer flooding. For low salinity water-flooding, the wettability of pore walls was changed to be more water-wet than that of the base case. For surfactant flooding, the interfacial tension was reduced. For polymer flooding, the viscosity of injection water was increased. A significant change in oil recovery factor was observed in these cases. These results make it possible to better understand the impact of EOR schemes on microscopic recovery. We demonstrate the predictive power of our direct numerical simulation by presenting comparisons of the fluid distribution at the pore-scale between the experiment and simulation. Then, we show how direct numerical simulation helps understand EOR schemes. This work provides a comprehensive workflow for pore-scale modeling from experiments to modeling.
Proactive Integrity Management of Aging Wells with Sustainable Annulus Pressure SAP
Authors: Kumar Amit , Srivastava Manish , Abdulhai Walid , Gan Chee-Lam
Published: November 2018

Managing sustainable annulus pressure (SAP) is critical for maintaining well integrity since it poses significant health, safety and environmental (HSE) risks. For safe operation of the aging wells (40+ years old) beyond their design life, it is critical to accurately define maximum allowable annulus surface pressure (MAASP) limits, and manage SAP below MAASP to avoid casing burst, collapse and leak scenarios.

This paper reviews different industry standards, and recommends derating factors guidelines to account for corrosion in aging wells for MAASP and maximum allowable wellhead operating pressure (MAWOP) calculations. Corrosion rates are calculated by analyzing inspection data obtained using multi-finger caliper, ultrasonic and electromagnetic tools on various tubulars over their operational life. Corrosion rates are further used to define casing collapse and burst derating factors as a function of well age, cement conditions, annulus fluid and any known well integrity issues. Well specific annulus pressure limits have been developed and successfully implemented in the field to safely operate wells with annulus pressure.

Various industry standards such as API RP90, ISO 16530-2 and NORSOK D10 provide guidelines on MAASP calculations for annuli, but they differ in implementation of the derating of tubulars in aging wells due to corrosion/wear. Furthermore, most of these derating factors are independent of well age, annuli fluid and cement conditions, and typically require operators to use casing inspection data to define MAASP and MAWOP limits. Learnings from historical casing inspection and well operating environments are captured in the form of best practices and implemented in the form of an Excel model. Effects of cement conditions and annuli fluid on external corrosion of casing are also evaluated. Annuli fluid samples were collected and analyzed in the lab to measure corrosiveness, and further refine derating factors. This work enables a systematic approach to: Assess current integrity of wellsReduce HSE risks in wells with SAP by reducing injection pressureEstablish systematic well integrity monitoring and mitigation plansDefine remaining life of tubulars from a corrosion perspectiveEffectively plan the workover activities and minimize impact on production/injection rateConduct safe operations with reduced well failure incident probability including Crude/ gas leakageWell collapse or burst probabilityFormation fracture by proactive well monitoring
Zdatność do przyjęcia urzędu chrzestnego w Kościele łacińskim
Authors: JAKUBIAK TOMASZ
Published: November 2018

Misja chrzestnego jest urzędem eklezjalnym (ecclesiale officium) i jako taki może zostać powierzony temu, kto jest do tego zdatny – czyli posiada wymagane prawem przymioty (por. kan. 149§1 KPK). Warunki, jakie muszą spełnić kandydaci na chrzestnych, aby mogli zostać dopuszczeni do spełniania tego kościelnego officium, zostały zawarte w kan. 874§1KPK. Ustawodawca ustanawiając kryteria, jakimi należy się kierować przy wyborze chrzestnych – a które to w dzisiejszych zlaicyzowanych społeczeństwach, trzeba jasno to powiedzieć, nie są wcale takie łatwe do spełnienia – stara się zabezpieczyć przed nieroztropnym, lub wręcz fikcyjnym powierzaniem urzędu chrzestnego osobie, która nie jest w stanie wypełnić zadań spoczywających na chrzestnych w chwili chrztu i w przyszłości.W związku z pojawiającymi się wątpliwościami dotyczącymi realizacji normy zapisanej w kan. 874§1KPK, autor artykułu postanowił w niniejszym tekście przybliżyć jej interpretację. Jest to tym bardziej przydatne, gdyż stopień skomplikowania sytuacji życiowych nastręcza duszpasterzom trudności przy podejmowaniu decyzji o dopuszczaniu bądź nie dopuszczeniu osób do podjęcia przez nich urzędu chrzestnego.Dopuszczenie osoby do przyjęcia zadania chrzestnego nie jest jedynie uzależnione od jej zdatności. Ograniczenia mogą być wynikiem innych norm regulujących życie Kościoła łacińskiego, które również zostały przywołane przez autora.
Przestępstwo cięższe pornografii dziecięcej. Komentarz do art. 6 § 1 n. 2 Sacramentorum sanctitatis tutela z 2010 r.
Authors: SKONIECZNY PIOTR
Published: November 2018

Autor komentuje poszczególne znamiona – przedmiotowe, podmiotowe i legalne – przestępstwa z art. 6 § 1 n. 2 SST/2010. Postuluje rozszerzenie pojęcia pornografii dziecięcej również na tzw. pornografię wirtualną w myśl postanowień prawa międzynarodowego. Krytykuje sformułowanie przepisu (np. znamię turpe) i ograniczenie pornografii dziecięcej do małoletnich do 14 lat. Proponuje powrót do karania pornografii dziecięcej na podstawie art. 6 § 1 n. 1 SST/2010, zmieniając ten przepis: “delictum contra sextum Decalogi praeceptum cum minore vel in fraudem minori"
Przemoc seksualna wobec małoletnich i ich ochrona prawno-etyczna i kanoniczna
Authors: STAWNIAK HENRYK , JARZĄBEK-BIELECKA GRAŻYNA , BIELECKA-GĄSZCZ ANNA
Published: November 2018

W dobru wspólnym państwa i Kościoła mieści się troska o ochronę dzieci i młodzieży. Zadaniem tych społeczności jest najpierw uznanie i respektowanie praw nieletnich oraz troska o to, by stworzyć im bezpieczne środowiska rozwoju, wolne od wykorzystywania, przemocy i manipulacji. Społeczność państwowa i kościelna są zobowiązane do służby na rzecz rozwoju fizycznego, duchowego i emocjonalnego dzieci i młodzieży oraz wykluczania sytuacji, by w jakikolwiek sposób naruszano fizyczną lub psychiczną integralność małoletnich. Wszelkie nadużycia w tym względzie są przez obie społeczności powszechnie potępiane i wzbudzają słuszne oburzenie. W systemie prawnym państwowym i kościelnym czyny związane z przemocą wśród dzieci i młodzieży są uważane za ciężkie przestępstwa. Niepokojące zjawiska związane z molestowaniem seksualnym czy też pornografią dziecięcą spowodowały powstanie przepisów prawnych surowo penalizujących te przestępstwa. W artykule zostaną przedstawione przestępstwa przemocy seksualnej wobec nieletnich w systemie prawnokarnym i etycznym oraz kanonicznym. Ta komparatystyka zmierzać będzie do pokazania przestępstw w obu systemach, ofiar przestępstw i ich sprawców, sankcji karnych oraz rzeczywistej troski państwa i Kościoła o ochronę małoletnich.
Uprowadzenie bądź zatrzymanie małoletniego lub osoby nieporadnej w świetle art. 211 kodeksu karnego
Authors: MAJKRZAK KATARZYNA
Published: November 2018

W art. 211 kodeksu karnego w katalogu przestępstw przeciwko rodzinie i opiece, ustawodawca określił iż, kto wbrew woli osoby powołanej do opieki lub nadzoru, uprowadza lub zatrzymuje małoletniego poniżej lat 15 albo osobę nieporadną ze względu na jej stan psychiczny lub fizyczny, podlega karze pozbawienia wolności od 3 miesięcy do lat 5. Dobrem prawnym podlegającym ochronie prawnokarnej jest instytucja opieki i nadzoru. Przy czym opieka i nadzór ustanawiane są w trosce o prawidłowy rozwój i dobro osoby małoletniej lub nieporadnej. Przestępstwo niniejsze ma charakter skutkowy. Skutkiem jest pozbawienie uprawnionego możliwości sprawowania opieki lub nadzoru w stosunku do małoletniego poniżej lat 15 lub nieporadnego.
Recepcja Kodeksu Prawa Kanonicznego z 1917 roku w Polsce w okresie międzywojennym
Authors: GÓRALSKI WOJCIECH
Published: November 2018

Promulgowanie przez Benedykta XV w 1917 roku  Kodeksu Prawa Kanonicznego stanowiło doniosły moment w historii ustawodawstwa Kościoła Łacińskiego. Ten formalny zbiór prawa, stanowiący syntezę dorobku ustawodawczego Kościoła z dziewiętnastu stuleci, spotkał się z dużym uznaniem w świecie prawniczym. Wejście w życie Kodeksu Prawa Kanonicznego (19 maja 1918 roku) było trudnym zadaniem dla Kościołów lokalnych działających w poszczególnych krajach, między innymi dla Kościoła w Polsce. Obejmowało ono nie tylko dogłębne przestudiowanie przepisów Kodeksu, zwłaszcza przez biskupów, ale także potrzebę dostosowania do tych regulacji obowiązującego prawa partykularnego. Stąd też recepcja Kodeksu Prawa Kanonicznego w poszczególnych Kościołach partykularnych stała się koniecznością. Przyswojenie norm kodeksowych przez Kościoły partykularne, głównie przez synody, odbywało się w kontekście zwiększonej aktywności zarówno doktryny, jak i ośrodków, w których nauczano prawa kanonicznego. Dlatego też, ukazując proces przyjmowania Kodeksu Prawa Kanonicznego w Polsce w wyżej wspomnianym okresie (1918-1939), autor omawia jego przebieg w trzech podstawowych obszarach, w których miał on miejsce: w doktrynie kanonicznej (podręczniki i komentarze do Kodeksu Prawa Kanonicznego), w nauczaniu prawa kanonicznego (na uniwersytetach i seminariach duchownych), a zwłaszcza w Kościołach partykularnych (na przykładzie diecezji płockiej).
Prawo kanoniczne w formacji do kapłaństwa. między „tradycją formacyjną” a wyzwaniami współczesności w świetle „Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis” z 6 grudnia 2016 r.
Authors: ŚWITO LUCJAN
Published: November 2018

W dniu 8 grudnia 2016 r. Kongregacja ds. Duchowieństwa w dokumencie „Ratio fundamentalis institutionis sacerdotalis” dokonała nowelizacji ogólnych norm dotyczących formacji kapłańskiej dla całego Kościoła. Przeprowadzona nowelizacja zrodziła konieczność opracowania przez poszczególne Konferencje Episkopatów krajowego programu formacji kapłańskiej. Program formacji krajowej powinien między innymi na nowo określić program studiów seminaryjnych, uwzględniając specyfikę i potrzeby danego kraju. Prezentowany artykuł poprzez analizę współczesnych realiów społeczno-prawnych istniejących w Rzeczpospolitej Polskiej wskazuje na najbardziej palące problemy, które powinny być uwzględnione w procesie kształcenia alumnów w dziedzinie prawa kanonicznego i postuluje, aby prawo kanoniczne było wykładane z większym uwzględnieniem regulacji prawa świeckiego obowiązującego w Polsce, zwłaszcza prawa cywilnego i rodzinnego. Dokonana analiza wskazuje również na pewien anachronizm w zakresie uregulowań obrotu majątkiem kościelnym.
Cambios en el paisaje ocasionados por incendios forestales en la región de Madera, Chihuahua
Authors: Alva-Álvarez Gabriela Isabel , Reyes-Hernández Humberto , Palacio-Aponte Álvaro Gerardo , Núñez-López Daniel , Muñoz-Robles Carlos
Published: November 2018

El fuego es un factor de disturbio que influye en la conformación de los ecosistemas forestales al modificar su estructura. Las alteraciones en el paisaje ocasionadas por incendios forestales pueden ser evaluadas tomando como referencia la condición del paisaje previa al incendio. En este estudio se analizaron los cambios originados por incendios en las características del paisaje en el Municipio de Madera, Chihuahua durante el periodo 2000–2010 y su relación con el área siniestrada. Se delimitaron áreas incendiadas mediante índices espectrales derivados de imágenes Landsdat TM5 y OLI8 y se clasificó la vegetación y uso del suelo dentro de ellos. Se calcularon las métricas del paisaje de área promedio de parches, número de parches, índice del parche más grande y división del paisaje en los polígonos incendiados y se compararon con las métricas del paisaje preincendio. El área promedio de parches y el índice de parche más grande disminuyeron en los paisajes posincendio, mientras que el número de parches y el índice de división del paisaje aumentaron con respecto al paisaje preincendio. El área promedio y el número de parches se correlacionaron con el tamaño de los incendios. Los resultados muestran que después de los incendios los paisajes son más heterogéneos y fragmentados. Las características del paisaje relacionadas con el tamaño de los incendios pueden ser usadas para identificar los paisajes vulnerables a incendios forestales.
A Tablet App– and Sensor-Based Assistive Technology Intervention for Informal Caregivers to Manage the Challenging Behavior of People With Dementia (the insideDEM Study): Protocol for a Feasibility Study
Authors: Kernebeck Sven , Holle Daniela , Pogscheba Patrick , Jordan Felix , Mertl Fabian , Huldtgren Alina , Bader Sebastian , Kirste Thomas , Teipel Stefan , Holle Bernhard , Halek Margareta
Published: November 2018

Background

Despite the enormous number of assistive technologies (ATs) in dementia care, the management of challenging behavior (CB) of persons with dementia (PwD) by informal caregivers in home care is widely disregarded. The first-line strategy to manage CB is to support the understanding of the underlying causes of CB to formulate individualized nonpharmacological interventions. App- and sensor-based approaches combining multimodal sensors (actimetry and other modalities) and caregiver information are innovative ways to support the understanding of CB for family caregivers.

Objective

The main aim of this study is to describe the design of a feasibility study consisting of an outcome and a process evaluation of a newly developed app- and sensor-based intervention to manage CB of PwD for family caregivers at home.

Methods

In this feasibility study, we perform an outcome and a process evaluation with a pre-post descriptive design over an 8-week intervention period. The Medical Research Council framework guides the design of this feasibility study. The data on 20 dyads (primary caregiver and PwD) are gathered through standardized questionnaires, protocols, and log files as well as semistructured qualitative interviews. The outcome measures (neuropsychiatric inventory and Cohen-Mansfield agitation inventory) are analyzed by using descriptive statistics and statistical tests relevant to the individual assessments (eg, chi-square test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test). For the analysis of the process data, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology is used. Log files are analyzed by using descriptive statistics, protocols are analyzed by using documentary analysis, and semistructured interviews are analyzed deductively using content analysis.

Results

The newly developed app- and sensor-based AT has been developed and was evaluated until July in 2018. The recruitment of dyads started in September 2017 and was concluded in March 2018. The data collection was completed at the end of July 2018.

Conclusions

This study presents the protocol of the first feasibility study to encompass an outcome and process evaluation to assess a complex app- and sensor-based AT combining multimodal actimetry sensors for informal caregivers to manage CB. The feasibility study will provide in-depth information about the study procedure and on how to optimize the design of the intervention and its delivery.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/11630
NONANTIBIOTICS ENHANCE THE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF CEFTRIAXONE AGAINST METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
Authors: Krishnan Akilandeswari , Kandasamy Ruckmani
Published: November 2018

Objectives: Antibiotic resistance is one of the most persistent issues worldwide nowadays, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is one such issue where the standard therapeutic procedures involving powerful antibiotics have failed in controlling the infection.Methods: In the present study, the antibacterial potency of the nonantibiotics troxipide (TR), mebeverine hydrochloride (Hcl), and their combinations with ceftriaxone (CEF) against MRSA has been investigated using microbiological assays of microplate dilution method and combination index interpretations of the nonantibiotics with β-lactam antibiotic CEF and the zone of inhibition method.Results: The nonantibiotics ME and TR inhibited resistant strain tested in vitro in the checkerboard assay, where the results showed that CEF and TR exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at concentrations of 50 μg/ml and 318 μg/ml, respectively. Interestingly, CEF when combined with TR reduced the MIC to 8 μg/ml and 78 μg/ml. According to the results, CEF with TR exhibited synergistic interactions at the fractional inhibitory concentration of 0.36–1.4. ME and TR and its combinations, CEF with ME, and CEF with TR have considerable anti-MRSA efficacy, with synergism though at 36 h of incubation.Conclusion: ME and TR being antispasmodic and antiulcer drugs can also be used against MRSA infections, which could prove to be favorable in the reduction of dosage of antibiotics such as CEF, and cutting down the need for additional administration of antibiotics to the patients affected with multiple complications such as gastrointestinal ulcer, spasm difficulties, and infection.
YELLOW PITAYA (HYLOCEREUS MEGALANTHUS) FATTY ACIDS COMPOSITION FROM ECUADORIAN AMAZONIA
Authors: Jl Altuna , M Silva , M Alvarez , Mf Quinteros , D Morales , Carrillo Wilman
Published: November 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the composition of methyl esters fatty acids (FAMEs) in yellow pitaya (Hylocereus megalanthus) seeds cultivated in the Palora, Ecuador Amazonian region.Methods: Yellow pitaya oil was obtained from yellow pitaya seeds using the Soxhlet technique. FAMEs identification and quantification were carried out using the gas chromatography (GC) with mass spectrometry (MS) and the database Library NIST14.L to identify the FAMEs present in yellow pitaya oil.Results: Yellow pitaya oil from Ecuador Amazonian region was analyzed by GC-MS, to obtain the five main fatty acids, palmitic acid (11.52%), stearic acid (4.29%), oleic acid (11.09%), vaccenic acid (3.08%), and linoleic acid (69.98%). Omega 6 was the most abundant fatty acid, total content in yellow pitaya seeds oil.Conclusions: Yellow pitaya seeds content a good proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 6). For their fatty acid composition, yellow pitaya seeds can be considered as healthy food and can be used in the food industry for different purposes. Regular consumption of yellow pitaya can improve human health.
STUDIES ON HEPATOPROTECTIVE AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF COIX LACRYMA–JOBI (LINN)
Authors: S Geetha , Firdous Jannathul , T Karpagam , B Varalakshmi , Priya Shanmuga , J Sugunabai , S Gomathi
Published: November 2018

Objective: In the present study, evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of Coix lacryma-jobi by CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity test, and evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of by egg albumin-induced paw edema, and complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis model were done.Methods: Plant extract was prepared by mixing ethanol with powdered plant seeds and experiment was done as per the procedures of above-mentioned three models.Results: C. lacryma-jobi test extracts out of two doses, 400 mg/kg exhibited a significant reduction in serum cholesterol level as 33 mg/dl when compared to control groups. C. lacryma-jobi seed extract has restored various serological alterations following CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity and was capable of reversing the toxic effects of CCl4 on liver cells. Considerable reduction in the paw volume of exudates observed with C. lacryma-jobi extract, indicating significant anti-inflammatory activity.Conclusion: Therefore, this study shows that C. lacryma-jobs seed extract have anti-inflammatory activity in the models studied.
Complicated urinary tract infection with Extensive Drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae treated with combinatorial therapy of CSE-1034 along with Carbapenems. A case report and the review of literature
Authors: Saseedharan Sanjith
Published: November 2018

Colistin is considered one of the last available therapeutic options to treat infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP).However, with an increase in the use of colistin to treat CRKP infections, colistin resistance is emerging and there are no standard treatment regimensfor these type of infections. In the present case report, we are discussing a case of 64-year-old male patient having complicated urinary tract infection(cUTI) by CRKP, treated successfully with ceftriaxone+sulbactam+EDTA (CSE-1034) and carbapenem combination therapy. Conclusively, CSE-1034 incombination with or without carbapenems could be a successful therapeutic option for the treatment of CRKP cUTI cases.
ESTIMATION OF GUGGULSTERONE-Z IN GOKSHURADI GUGGULU USING REVERSED-PHASE HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: Gamit Kanan G , Vyas Niraj Y , Patel Nishit D , Raval Manan A
Published: November 2018

Objective: A study was aimed to estimate guggulsterone-Z (GZ) in Gokshuradi Guggulu (GG).Methods: An analytical method was developed and validated using Waters Alliance high-performance liquid chromatography system (Empower software), equipped with photodiode array detector. Separation was achieved using Phenomenex, C-18 (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μ) column. Mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile:water (70:30,v/v). Flow rate was set to 1 ml/min and detection was performed at 251 nm.Results and Discussion: Validation parameters such as linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection, limit of quantification, and robustness were performed. Amount of GZ was estimated using linearity equation.Conclusion: GG was found to contain 0.815±0.03 g% w/w GZ. Validated method may be used as one of the parameters to standardize the formulation.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF LIDOCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE CHEWABLE TABLET
Authors: Kasar Harshada Anil , Dev Asish , Dhal Subhakanta
Published: November 2018

Objective: The objective of this study was to formulate and optimize a chewable formulation of lidocaine hydrochloride using a 32 factorial design for optimized the superdisintegrant concentration.Methods: Various concentrations of sodium starch glycolate (SSG) (13.33 mg, 26.66 mg, and 40 mg) of superdisintegrant and starch (50 mg, 83 mg, and 116.66 mg) were added in the formulation; nine formulations were prepared according to 32 factorial designs and evaluated. The responses were analyzed for analysis of variance using Design-Expert version 10 software. Statistical models were generated for each response parameter. The models were tested for significance. Procedure to manufacture chewable tablets by direct compression was established.Results: The results show that the presence of a superdisintegrant is desirable for chewable formulation. The best-optimized batch F7 found the batch having starch of amount 116.66 mg and SSG 13.33 mg. All the prepared batches of tablets were within the range. Optimized batch F7 showed drug content 102.46±0.0543, wetting time 18±1.7320, friability 0.65±0.0216, and drug release rate 99.97±0.0124% at the end of 30 min.Conclusion: It can be concluded that 32 full factorial design and statistical models can be successfully used to optimize the formulations, and it was concluded that the trial batch F7 is the optimized formulation which compiles official specifications of chewable tablets. The optimized batch was evaluated for thickness, weight variation, hardness, friability, drug dissolution, and stability study for 3 months. The similarity factor was calculated for comparison of dissolution profile before and after stability studies. After 30 min the drug release rate for batch F7 was 98.97% (Table 6). Hence, the results of stability studies reveal that the developed formulation has good stability.
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF RHIZOME EXTRACTS OF COLEUS FORSKOHLII BRIQ
Authors: S Shanmugam , Rani V Usha , B V Pradeep
Published: November 2018

Objective: The present study was on the analysis of the phytochemical constituents of Coleus forskohlii which was collected from five different areas in Tamil Nadu, where it is grown for commercial purposes.Methods: C. forskohlii tubers were collected from five areas (Thiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram, Kallakuruchi, Salem, and Vandalur) of Tamil Nadu. Dried tubers were extracted with different solvents such as aqueous, ethanol, and acetone (polar) and petroleum and chloroform (non-polar). Extracts were evaluated for total phenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity evaluation by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reduction.Results: The highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (87.6%) was observed in ethanol extract of rhizome collected from Thiruvannamalai area. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were found to be, respectively, 38.82±0.22 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 21.34±0.32 quercetin equivalent/g.Conclusion: The study clearly indicated the antioxidative potential of different extracts of C. forskohlii and this property may be useful in the preparation of drug formulations, health tonics, and cosmetics.
COMBINED USE OF VIDEO LARYNGOSCOPY AND FIBEROPTIC FOR AIRWAY MANAGEMENT IN A PATIENT WITH FIXED CERVICAL SPINE
Authors: Moda Nupur , Kumar Niraj
Published: November 2018

Airway management may be difficult in patients with fixed cervical spine who have undergone previous spine surgery. Among the various techniques, fiber-optic intubation is a preferred method for securing the airway in such situation. However, it has some limitations also like identification of landmarks, especially in a case of distorted anatomy of the airway. To overcome this inadequacy, we used video laryngoscopy as a complement, to guide the tip of bronchoscope beneath the epiglottis into the trachea and thus achieving the goal. We present a case of difficult airway of fixed cervical spine with distorted anatomy in which combined use of fiberoptic and video laryngoscopy was performed to secure the airway. In our opinion, this technique can be utilized for other difficult airway case scenario also.
ANTIFERTILITY ACTIVITY AND CONTRACEPTIVE POTENTIAL OF THE HYDROALCOHOLIC RHIZOME EXTRACT OF TRILLIUM GOVANIANUM IN FEMALE WISTAR RATS
Authors: Sharma Shivam , Mehta Vineet , Sharma Parul , Jaggi Kritika , Udayabanu Malairaman , Sood Hemant
Published: November 2018

Objective: Trillium govanianum is used in several traditional containing steroids and sex hormones for the management of inflammation, menstrual disorders, sex-related disorders, and antiseptic. The present study was aimed to investigate the antifertility potential of hydroalcoholic rhizome extract of T. govanianum and to explore the possible mechanism of action. Methods: Anti-implantation activity of T. govanianum rhizome extract (125 and 250 mg/kg; p.o.) was performed in female Wistar rats with proven fertility, and its estrogenic/antiestrogenic effect was evaluated in ovariectomized females. 17-α-ethinylestradiol (1 μg/rat/day; s.c.) or plant extract was administered for 11 days after which animals were sacrificed. Percentage inhibition of implantation sites, serum estrogen levels, changes in body and uterus weight, and morphological alterations in the uterus and ovaries were evaluated. Results: T. govanianum treatment resulted in increased uterus weight and induced dose-dependent anti-implantation effect, with 100% implantation inhibition at 250 mg/kg dose. Anti-implantation effects of T. govanianum were associated with endometrial thickening and significantly elevated serum estrogen levels. Moreover, estrogenic/antiestrogenic studies revealed that T. govanianum possessed strong estrogenic effect; however, the effect was saturable. Conclusion: T. govanianum possesses antifertility activity which can be attributed to its strong estrogenic potential and uterine thickening. Moreover, it could find a clinical application as a safer and efficacious birth control herbal remedy.
ELTROXIN LIKE MIMIC ACTION OF WITHANIA SOMNIFERA LEAF EXTRACT IN HYPOTHYROID-INDUCED RATS
Authors: Purohit Abhilasha , Purohit Ashok
Published: November 2018

Objective: The present study was designed to examine the anti-hypothyroid activity of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)’s leaf extract on 6-n-propyl- 2-thio-uracil (PTU) induced hypothyroid rats.Method: Ethanolic extracts of W. somnifera leaf and Eltroxin were administrated to PTU induced hypothyroid rats. The animals were divided into control, PTU treatment, W. somnifera leaf extract treatment, and Eltroxin treatment groups for 60 days. The serum T3 and T4 were estimated, and biochemical and hematological parameters of the blood serum were also evaluated.Results: PTU induction caused a significant decrease (p≤0.001) in T3 and T4 level when compared with the control group. Adverse effects of PTU were also observed in blood sugar, cholesterol, alkaline phosphate, protein, albumin, globulin, liver function test, and renal function test parameters. Non-significant changes in LFT,RFT and Other parameters were observed. W.Somnifera’s leaf extract and Eltroxin treatment group recovered both of the thyroid hormone secretion as compare to control.
EVALUATION OF FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF MIMOSA PUDICA THORNS
Authors: R Lakshmibai , D Amirtham
Published: November 2018

Objective: Mimosa pudica is a traditional medicinal plant. The natural antioxidant compounds from plants mop up the free radicals causing cell damage and maintain the biological systems. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the free radical scavenging potential of the ethanolic and aqueous thorn extracts of M. pudica.Methods: The ethanolic and aqueous thorn extracts of M. pudica were analyzed for the phytochemicals and for free radical scavenging activity by 1, 1 diphenyl 1-2-picric hydrazine (DPPH), 2, 2’-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and nitric oxide free radical scavenging method.Results: Flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, and coumarins were the phytoconstituents revealed in ethanolic and aqueous thorn extracts of M. pudica. At 250 μg/mL concentrations, aqueous thorn extracts of M. pudica exhibited 73.41% radical scavenging activity by DPPH method and 26.10% inhibition by nitric oxide free radical scavenging method. However, the ethanolic extracts of M. pudica thorns exhibited 73.35% inhibition by ABTS free radical scavenging method at 250 μg/mL concentrations.Conclusion: The results obtained suggest that the plant extracts from M. pudica could serve as a potential source of antioxidant in slowing down the process of aging and age-related or oxidative stress-related degenerative diseases. Moreover, the isolation of bioactive principle responsible for the antioxidant activity and formulation of novel therapeutic agents can be further studied.
BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF ALTERNARIA SP. RL4 – A POTENT ENDOPHYTIC FUNGUS ASSOCIATED WITH RAUVOLFIA SERPENTINA L. BENTH.
Authors: Ghosh Ranjan , Barman Soma , Jgs Pavan Kumar , Mandal Narayan C
Published: November 2018

Objectives: Endophytic fungi are considered as an important source of bioactive metabolites. The present study focused on the isolation of potent endophytic fungal strains from well-known medicinal plant Rauvolfia serpentina L. Benth. having biological activities.Materials & Methods: Fungal endophytes were isolated from aerial parts of the plant and the potent strain was selected on the basis of antibacterial activities of cell-free supernatant (CFS). Ethyl acetate (EA) extraction of CFS was done and mode of action of EA fraction was checked against pathogenic bacteria. EA fraction was also analyzed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). In addition, antioxidant activity was checked by 1,1-Diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl-free radical scavenging assay and anticancer activity was checked against breast cancer cell line MCF-7 by MTT assay.Results: Among the different endophytic fungal isolates, CFS of Alternaria sp. RL4 produced prominent zones of inhibition against numbers of Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus (12±0.5 mm) and Listeria monocytogenes (17±2.0 mm). Massive reductions in bacterial CFS were noticed upon treatment with EA fraction (2 mg/ml). It also showed strong cidal mode of action against Gram-positive organisms. TLC analysis revealed the production of two different compounds with antibacterial potentials. In addition, EA fraction of RL4 showed very good antioxidant property with an IC50 value of 49.80±2.11μg/ml. MTT assay also suggested the anticancerous properties of EA fraction of RL4.Conclusion: Alternaria sp. RL4 could be a very good source of bioactive compounds for the development of new drugs.
VARIATION IN THE SIZE OF ABDOMINAL AORTA MEASURED ON COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Sharma Dolly , T Visakh
Published: November 2018

Objective: The normal size of the abdominal aorta is expected to be <3 cm though the size changes with age as well as workload. There is a need to know the variation in size of the abdominal aorta to avoid the formation of aneurysm and further complications.Materials and Methods: This study was carried out at Kasturba Medical College after taking 130 patients considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. 130 patients who all came for abdomen computed tomography (CT) were divided into 65 patients in each age group under 20–40 years and 40–80 years. The measurements of abdominal aorta were anteroposterior (AP) and right left (RL) measured at T12-L1 level on plain axial abdomen CT images on Extended Brilliance Workstation.Result: We observed that there was a statistical significant difference in the average AP diameter between the two age groups (p<0.001). Another finding was a statistical significant difference in the average RL diameter between the two age groups (p<0.001), and, hence the size of abdominal aorta varies with age.Conclusion: The proposed study concluded that there was variation in the size of abdominal aorta with age. These findings would be helpful in early detecting of aneurysm and in avoiding aortic dissection.
A COST OF ILLNESS STUDY OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN MANGALORE, KARNATAKA, INDIA
Authors: Adiga Usha , Adiga Sachidananda
Published: November 2018

Objective: The aim of the study was to study the cost of illness of uncomplicated and complicated type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: The non-interventional retrospective study was carried out in K.S. Hegde Medical Academy. Annual laboratory costs, pharmacy cost, consultation charges, hospital bed charges, and surgical/intervention costs of 340 diabetic patients were obtained from the medical record section of the hospital. Patients were divided into six groups, uncomplicated, diabetic retinopathy (DR), nephropathy, neuropathy, diabetic foot (DF), and those with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and different costs were compared. Correlation of costs with duration of the study and glycemic control were studied.Results: Uncomplicated patients had significantly lower costs (p<0.0001) compared to other groups. Patients with IHD had highest expenses (p<0.0001), followed by diabetic nephropathy (DN) and DF (p<0.0001). Cost incurred in diabetic neuropathy (DNeu) was almost the double compared to uncomplicated group, but annual medical cost (AMC) was minimum among other diabetic complications. DR had higher expenses compared to DNeu. The similar pattern of distribution was observed in other individual costs. A positive correlation was observed between the costs incurred and duration of diabetes, a negative correlation between the glycemic status and cost incurred. Cost incurred was double when compared to that of previous decade.Conclusion: The total AMC is significantly higher in complicated diabetic patients as compared to those without complications. Diabetic patients with IHD had the highest expenses, followed by DN, DF, DR, and DNeu which was least expensive.
ANTIOXIDANT STUDIES OF ONE AYURVEDIC MEDICINE ASWAGANDHARISHTAM
Authors: M Kotteswari , Krishna Rao Mudiganti Ram , K Prabhu , Kumar Siva , Shil Sampad
Published: November 2018

Objective: The present study deals with the antioxidant study of one Ayurvedic medicine Aswagandhrishtam by three different methods, namely reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays.Methods: Aswagandharishtam, which is a liquid medicine, was taken as such at various concentrations for all the three assays.Results: The results show that Aswagandharistam has good antioxidant potential when compared with ascorbic acid as standard. The IC50 values of reducing power assay were 250.142, that of DPPH were 103.607, and of ABTS assay were 197.79 as compared with that of ascorbic acid being 19.59.Conclusion: All the three assays indicated that Aswagandharishtam showed very good antioxidant results.
SERUM HOMOCYSTEINE AS A RISK FACTOR FOR STROKE: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY FROM A RURAL TERTIARY CARE CENTRE
Authors: Gupta Nitin , Joshi Sandeep , Narang Udit , Gupta Rosy Bala , Sharma Ruby , Singla Aseem
Published: November 2018

Objective: Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and long-term disability in both developed and developing countries. Serum homocysteine level is one of the emerging modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis which may result into a cerebrovascular accident. This study was designed to study the association of Serum Homocysteine level with the development of acute stroke at a rural tertiary care centre in North India.Methods: The present study was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Medicine, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Mullana, Ambala. The study population included 100 patients presenting with Stroke (either ischemic or hemorrhagic) in the indoor and outdoor facilities in the Department of Medicine. 50 age and sex-matched healthy individuals were taken as controls. Serum total Homocysteine level was measured in all the cases and controls.Results: Majority of the patients suffered from ischemic stroke (78%), while only 22% patients had hemorrhagic stroke. The mean Serum Homocysteine level in stroke patients (19.88±8.78 μmol/l) was significantly higher than in controls (10.48±4.39 μmol/l) (p<0.01). In a subgroup analysis, stroke patients with a positive history of smoking had significantly higher homocysteine level as compared to non-smokers (p<0.05).Conclusion: Increased level of Serum Homocysteine is significantly associated with risk of cerebrovascular accident, which is independent of the risk attributed to traditional risk factors.
MOLECULAR DOCKING ANALYSIS OF THIRTEEN COMPOUNDS AS MODULATOR OF IONOTROPIC GLUTAMATE RECEPTOR
Authors: Narayanaswamy Radhakrishnan , Hailu Merry
Published: November 2018

Objectives: Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) play a key role in the development and function of the nervous system. They also play an important in memory and learning process. They are implicated in various pathological conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s diseases. This prompted us to carry out the present study on 13 selected compounds.Methods: These 13 compounds were evaluated on the docking behavior of iGluR-2 (iGluR2) using PatchDock. In addition, molecular physicochemical, drug-likeness, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion analyses were also carried out.Results: The molecular physiochemical analysis revealed that all the 13 ligands showed nil violation and complied well with the Lipinski’s rule of five. ADME analysis showed that all the ligands (except ligands 1 and 12) predicated to have high gastrointestinal absorption property. Docking studies revealed that ligand 8 (dopamine) showed the highest atomic contact energy (ACE) (−78.14 kcal/mol), while ligand 9 (6-hydroxydopamine) showed the least ACE (−14.34 kcal/mol) with that of iGluR2. Similarly, ligand 8 (dopamine) has shown to interact with Ser 142 amino acid residue of iGluR2.Conclusion: Thus, the present study showed the potential of 13 compounds as a modulator of iGluR-2.
THE ROLE OF SURVIVIN AND RAF-1 KINASE AGAINST ENHANCEMENT OF PANCREATIC BETA-CELL APOPTOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Decroli Eva , Manaf Asman , Syahbuddin Syafril , Waspadji Sarwono , Dillasamola Dwisari
Published: November 2018

Objective: This study aimed to reveal differences in levels of survivin and Raf-1 kinase in prediabetes, controlled Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), uncontrolled T2DM, and their relationship with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and serum triglyceride levels.Methods: This study was an observational study with a cross-sectional design. The study involved 60 people with T2DM who visited the endocrine and metabolic clinic and 30 prediabetes patients. The variables were survivin levels and Raf-1 kinase enzymes that examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. HbA1c values are measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and triglyceride levels measured by enzymatic method.Results: Average levels of Raf-1 kinase were significantly higher in the prediabetes group, controlled T2DM, and uncontrolled T2DM (11.6±1.4 pg mL, 9.9±1.1 pg/mL, and 9.1±1.5 pg/mL). Survivin was significantly higher in the prediabetes group, controlled T2DM, and uncontrolled T2DM (5.4±0.4 pg mL, 5.0±0.2 pg/mL, and 4.7±0.1 pg/mL). There was no correlation between HbA1c with Raf-1 kinase levels (R=−0.215, p=0.250), but there was a correlation between HbA1c with serum survivin levels (R=−0.6, *p<0.05). There was a correlation between the levels of triglycerides with survivin but not with Raf-1 kinase (R=−0.267, *p=0.039).Conclusion: Survivin and Raf-1 kinase levels are lower in uncontrolled T2DM. This explained the role of survivin and Raf-1 kinase against enhancement of pancreatic beta-cell apoptosis in patients with T2DM.