bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical Innovations and Important Guidelines for Demanding Drilling Applications
Authors: Jellison Michael , Chandler R. Brett , Sanclemente Leianne
Published: October 2011

Critical wells exceed the capabilities of S-135 drill strings. Drilling teams are evaluating advanced technologies to expand the drilling envelope. The paper details the development of ultra-high strength UD-165 drill pipe, provides comparisons with S-135, Al and Ti drill pipe and provides field trials summaries. New developments are necessary to drill and complete deeper and longer-reach wells. Rotary shoulder connections offer significant advantages when coupled with high-pressure seal technology for completion pipe and intervention risers. The paper provides details on critical applications that benefited from new connection technology.

With water depths over 10,000 ft, well depths exceeding 34,000 ft, and extended-reach targets over 35,000 ft, operators are setting larger diameter and heavier casing. These casing strings require landing strings with setting capacities approaching 2.5-million pounds that extend the limits of tubular manufacturing and handling capabilities. The paper describes the technology advancements required to develop and implement an ultra-high capacity landing string system. A 6-5/8 in. drill pipe based riser system for offshore completion and intervention work has been successfully used for several years. The primary advantage of the drill pipe based system relates to the rotary shoulder connections (RSC). RSC makeup and breakout quickly, are rugged, and are superior at resisting galling and handling damage compared to casing connections that are often used for risers. The use of these intervention risers in sour gas areas has been prevented because there were no fully Sulfide Stress Cracking resistant tubular systems with RSC. This paper presents the successful result to develop and qualify an SSC resistant friction weld for intervention risers. Industry advancement has led to an increasing trend of drill stem downhole friction heating failures. The paper includes characteristics of these failures with case histories and prevention methods.
Mitigating Loss Circulation And Differential Sticking Problems Using Silicon Nanoparticles
Authors: Javeri Saket M. , Haindade Zishaan W. , Jere Chaitanya B.
Published: October 2011

The most frequently encountered problems while drilling an oil or natural gas well are lost circulation; the uncontrolled flow of drilling fluids into a downhole formation and differential sticking; condition whereby the drill string cannot be moved along the axis of the wellbore. These problems in turn augment the non-productive time (NPT) causing substantial financial loss. These harms occur generally in the vicinity of porous & permeable zones. The proposed method incorporates using Silicon nanoparticles in drilling mud composition to decrease the mud cake thickness.

The advantage of Silicon nanoparticles is that, there is formation of more continuous and integrated mud cake. Hence, by having an integrated (having low permeability and low porosity) mud cake, there is less volume of filtrate entering the formation and therefore mud cake thickness is less than in normal cases. The consistent particle size distribution provides better compaction medium with constrained flow of liquid from the drilling fluid. Furthermore, a thinner mud cake reduces the probability of stuck pipe. The addition of Silicon nanoparticles does not have much effect on the drilling fluid viscosity and other properties.

Silicon nanoparticles have thermal stability upto 2500 degree Fahrenheit. Moreover, the use of Silicon nanoparticles does not have side effects on the environment. These nanoparticles are generally immediately available in the required volumes. These require simple application techniques, consequently providing an appropriate solution to problems like stuck pipe and loss circulation while drilling.

This technique will provide novel insight in the reduction of problems faced while drilling (both vertical and deviated) wells and help in countering those problems in a more efficient and environment friendly manner.
Performance Step Change: New 16" TCI Design Solves Multiple Middle East Carbonate Drilling Challenges
Authors: Al-Baghli Waleed , Al-Khaldy Ali , Al-Mutawa Faisal , Saradhi Vijay , Maliekkal Harish , Fayed Mustafa , Ghoneim Osama
Published: October 2011

Drilling the 16" hole section through mostly carbonates in southern Kuwait presents several distinctive challenges. Interbedded formations with vastly different compressive strengths that vary between 5-30 Kpsi and a significant amount of blind drilling can result in twist-off and lost-in-hole situations. The most common tungsten carbide insert (TCI) rollercone bit failures mechanisms are impact induced cutting structure damage, hydraulic inefficiency issues and bearing failure caused by high weight-on-bit (WOB) through the hard Dammam to Ahmadi carbonate sections.

To solve the challenges the operator's drilling team, working in conjunction with the bit supplier, launched a performance improvement initiative. The carbonate application was analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA) based dynamic simulation program to fully understand how to stabilize the bit in different downhole conditions and improve hydraulic efficiency. Based on the computer analysis and field run data, engineers conceived a new stable bit design. The technology platform includes improved hydraulics and a specialized cutter structure configuration with tougher insert carbide grades to mitigate impact damage. A high-aspect ratio seal employs two dynamic sealing surfaces (ID, OD) that reduces frictional heat and minimizes wear to improve bearing reliability.

The new rollercone bit was run with an optimized drilling plan with outstanding results establishing a performance step change in southern Kuwait's carbonate applications. The bit recently set a new 16" world cumulative TCI footage record of 12,656ft drilling three wells shoe to total depth (TD) and 531ft of a fourth well. The bit amassed a total 446 hours of on-bottom drilling time turning 2.4 million revolutions without a seal failure. The bit saved the operator 4.5 days of rig time plus bit spend. The new technology has enabled the operator to drill long footage intervals or multiple wells using a single bit with good penetration rates (ROP). The authors will discuss the formation challenges, application analysis and resulting performance improvement.
Two Years of Progress: Field Driven Rollercone Design Iterations Cut Conglomerate Formation Drilling Costs by 40% in Oman
Authors: Al-Farei Ibrahim Abdullah , Al-Sukaiti Abdullah Humaid , Al-Lawati Ali , Portwood Gary , Krishnamurthy Ram , Gatell Josh
Published: October 2011

The predominant drilling challenge in Oman's southern fields is efficiently penetrating the thick conglomerate sediments. The sedimentary section is encountered at depths ranging between 2500–3400m and is approximately 700–900m thick. The hard conglomerate sections have UCS values that range between 12–30 kpsi. The formations’ rounded clasts, pebbles, and/or boulders are deposited in a fine grained matrix and make rollercone (RC) drilling difficult. The major dulling issue is early gauge row cutting structure degradation that requires multiple bits/trips to complete the 12 ¼" hole section.

Over the last two years, a series of iterative design changes and subsequent field tests have led to optimized tungsten carbide insert (TCI) geometry and strategic placement of 100% diamond enhanced heal row inserts. A new-type of insert and layout geometry has also enhanced shirttail protection. The ever improving TCI design has significantly extended cutting structure life and improved borehole quality. New carbide grades, tougher inner row inserts and an advanced twin elastomer sealing system that protects the bearing have all extended bit life in high WOB conditions.

The field derived design iteration process has consistently improved performance over the last 12 years. In 1999 a typical rollercone used in Oman's conglomerate fields had a life expectancy of 10–20 hours. Currently, the operator can expect a rollercone bit to provide sustained ROP for 110–120 hours drilling in these same fields. The improved bit and motor technology has optimized drilling the build sections and dramatically reduced cost/ft by an average of 40% over the past two years. This paper will examine the bit development/design, parameter selection and the science that led to a significant increase in conglomerate drilling efficiency. Finally, the authors will outline new durability and ROP benchmarks and discuss reduced rig-time and resulting cost savings.
New Robust "High Torque" Casing Connection Reduces Risk and Cost
Authors: Sam G. , Szlachta M. , Schaffer M. , Winkler P.
Published: October 2011

Because of the fact of increasing complexity of well paths (higher deviations, longer horizontal sections), the demand of reasonably priced casingconnections with high capability of torque transmission is rising. On the one hand it would be useful to have the option to turn the casing-string during running in hole, in case it could not be lowered by its own weight, on the other hand the quality of the cement bond should be improved with rotating during cementing. The on the market available flush type connections, are normally high priced and have additional technical disadvantages like difficult handling and low connection efficiency and therefore seem not to be the right choice for marginal field exploration.

The paper shows the connection development and first practical use of a casing-string of the size 4½-in. 13.5 lb/ft of the grade L-80-1, with a torque capacity of 11,000 Nm and additional significant overtorque capacity. The connection efficiency is 100% and the connection is still compatible to standard API Buttress accessories like reamer shoe or landing collar.

Described is the development from the prototype to the serial connection type and its first field trial. Explained are the differences to the API Buttress thread and the performance tests this connection was subjected too. Torque-turn diagrams recorded during make-ups, which were carried out in the mill and in the field, are presented and discussed. Special attention is given to proper connect to API Buttress connections (reamer shoe, liner hanger packer, landing collar).

In the end an outlook about future possible applications and benefits for the oil industry is given. The connection fulfills the features: High robustness, reasonable cost-performance ratio and API Buttress compatibility and can also be used for casing drilling whereas special enhanced tightness due to gas was not a development goal.
A Holistic Approach to Drilling Parameters and Drill Bit Design Optimization Improves Rate of Penetration by 37%, Hassi Messaoud OMfield-Algeria
Authors: Doudou S. , Chafai R. , Benyoucef L. , Sekat L. B. , Zerari D. , Dhina O.
Published: October 2011

Drilling challenges in the Hassi Messaoud (HMD) oilfield have proven to be equal to the magnitude of its production. Historically, wells drilled in this field were vertical, moderate borehole diameters having a long 12 ¼"section. In order to increase production and to gain a better understanding of the reservoir, Sonatrach Drilling engineering moved to moderately deviated large diameter boreholes, delivering 1000 meters of drain in the reservoir.

Instead of the conventional 12 1/4’’ vertical section, 1800 meters was drilled in 16’’ diameter. This section consists of abrasive sands, inter-bedded evaporate/carbonate and sand/claystone formations prone to instability and collapse. In addition, there is a 30 meter band of extremely hard dolomite. Rock strengths vary widely from 5 Kpsi to 30Kpsi.

Since early 2000, Sonatrach and National Oilwell Varco (NOV) have been working as a team to rise to the challenges presented by the larger hole size. Most significantly drilling vibrations, slow penetration rates, increased trips to TD, severe bit and BHA damage and NPT due to stuck pipe while pulling out-of-hole.

This article describes first, the process by which significant performance improvement was achieved as a result of combining innovative bit design techniques and technologies, BHA optimization, optimization of parameters through BHA dynamics modelling, and formation Rock Strength Analysis.

Secondly, the article discusses optimized techniques introduced to enhance performance for the 16’’ section on rigs that have been recently equipped with VFD - AC top drives and properly deal with torque limitation issues.

This enabled Sonatrach to repeatedly set ROP drilling records as well as consistently making section TD in a single run. The net result was a 37% improvement in rate of penetration1.
Rapid Rig Design – A Cost Effective Innovative Design For Field Development
Authors: Peytchev Peter , Crighton Alan , Upadhyay Abhishek , Doodraj Sunil , Malik Sumit D. , Abraham Arun , Meempat Balu Govind
Published: October 2011

During the exploration and appraisal phase in the RJ-ON-90/1 block, operated by Cairn Energy India in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India, the company discovered numerous oil fields in the Barmer Basin spread over a huge area. The emphasis was to develop these fields with significant savings in both land and infrastructure costs while minimizing environmental impacts. A compact rig design coupled with a multi-well pad concept was the chosen solution.

The paper presents use of an innovative onshore pad drilling system which was implemented via a custom built Rapid Rig technology that allows fast, efficient drilling operations on multi-slot pads to enhance the success of the extensive drilling campaign for these oilfields.

The rigs are highly mobile, skid mounted, electrically driven 1,000HP "Super singles". They were custom built in Houston for Cairn to deploy in Rajasthan for the drilling of more than 350 development wells. The Rapid Rig's small footprint and self deploying design allows for ease of transport and faster onsite rig-up. These rigs are the first of their kind with wheels attached to the base structure. Unlike conventional rigs, these purpose-built rigs move easily and quickly (4hrs) between pad slots without rigging down, which in turn cuts well construction time and delivers greater efficiency at reduced costs. The fully automated rig floor coupled with an innovative pipe handling system reduces crew size and accident exposure (zero pipe handling LTI's) while providing a more comfortable and efficient work environment, leading to a substantial reduction in well construction time (1,2001,500m wells are drilled in 7 to 9 days).

The paper will explain detailed aspects of the custom made Rapid Rig design and its implementation including the pad drilling concept. It will also demonstrate how this significantly improved the well delivery, contributing to substantial cost and well construction savings without compromising HSE standards.
Control of Severe Loss and Kick Situations - A Case History of West Kuwait Wells DF-15 and MN-159
Authors: Al-Saleh A. M. , Al-Khaldy M. D. , Shehab A. A. , Altekar P. K. , Al Mulla D. A. , McKinnell D. C.
Published: October 2011

Kuwait has been drilling and producing from the deep, sour Jurassic reservoirs in the West Kuwait area during the past 25 years. The wells, which are mainly vertical, penetrate heavily fractured, highly pressured reservoirs and produce high quality light oil. New wells are planned to be added with more complex deviated and horizontal well profiles, in an attempt to intersect multiple fractures and fracture swarms.

Selective production has contributed to the depletion of certain reservoir intervals, which in addition to the pressure reversals in the lower reservoirs and their fractured nature presents increased complications and challenges to the drilling of these wells. The difficulty of drilling such depleted / fractured formations has presented the operator with new and complex challenges, especially in deviated and horizontal wellbores. These include partial / total losses, gas kicks, and mechanical / differential sticking, resulting in some instances in having to sidetrack the wellbore.

A case history of two recent West Kuwait directional wells, DF-15 and MN-159, is presented to explain the nature of the problems that have been encountered and the solutions that were successfully developed to handle them. The challenges of drilling in these environments were analyzed, with practices and materials being developed and adapted to enable drilling to continue through these troublesome zones. The new solutions and methodologies provide a basis for future optimization in subsequent wells.
Study on Pressure Measuring and Formation Evaluation Methods while Underbalanced Drilling
Authors: Li Gao , Meng Yingfeng , Chen Yijian , Zhu Kuanliang , Xu Xiaofeng
Published: October 2011

There are several instruments with which wellbore fluid pressure and flow parameters can be measured during underbalanced drilling(UBD). However, the real-time formation pressure test while drilling is yet a great challenge. Therefore, a much more precise pressure control drilling is not easy to be achieved. In this paper, technological methods and procedures are developed to obtain not only wellbore fluid pressure but also formation pressure while underbalanced drilling. Based on real-time pressure and fluids measuring during underbalanced drilling, methods to evaluate formation parameters such as permeability, porous media types and potential productivity are also developed. First, the pressure-while-drilling (PWD) methods, wellbore pressure calculation models and wellbore pressure rapid adjustment procedures are applied to get much more precise wellbore pressure profile and formation pressure while underbalanced drilling. Next, a surface real-time detection system is developed to detect the flux and fluid compositions while underbalanced drilling. Third, interpretation methods to evaluate formation parameters such as permeability, porous media types and potential productivity are also developed. These methods has been applied in three underbalanced drilling wells, one is a horizontal well and the others are vertical wells, which proved their significance at the first stage and reveal its potential in precise pressure control and formation parameters evaluation while underbalanced drilling.
Behaviour, the Final Frontier- A Proven Approach to Changing Organizational Behaviour
Authors: Cram Robert S , Sime Julie-Ann
Published: October 2011

A wise person once said "If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got". Never was it more true than in the field of safety. More of the same approaches to safety will give organisations exactly the same outcomes. That is why many complain their safety performance appears to be stuck on a plateau. Despite all of their efforts over months and in many cases years, they are not seeing any discernible improvements.

To get down the final slope towards a zero accident culture requires major changes in how companies and people approach safety in the workplace. To most managers, already besieged by deadlines, cost controls, staffing issues in an ageing workforce, national and international legislation, the idea of modifying corporate culture at the same time is perhaps a step too far.

A complete change is essential if the ultimate goal is to be achieved. Society is demanding that organisations and the management of these organisations are held accountable for their safety performance. Charges of corporate manslaughter are no longer theoretical penalties, they are a fact of life.

This paper discusses what is required of management to change safety behaviours and presents the results of a behavioural safety initiative which delivered tangible improvements in overall safety performance.
Well Interventions to Comply with the Upgraded Safety Code in a Maturing Field
Authors: Qadmani Marwan Ahmad , Lin Wei
Published: October 2011

During a typical field life of 30–50 years, significant changes occur in standard operating procedures, engineering, technology, standards, regulations, etc. Wells which met industry good practice and the relevant regulatory requirements when constructed can deteriorate over time so that they no longer meet the original requirements. Also as accepted good practice evolves and regulation improves, then wells which met the original requirements fail to meet today's improved requirements.

This is good as it demonstrates that as an industry, we are learning and improving.

The subject field produced since the 1960s, but was shut-in in early 2005 to conserve the driving energy of the reservoir.

However the operator carried out a review of the shut-in wells to evaluate their compliance with current industry well integrity practices and updated regulatory requirements. A major issue was that when originally drilled and completed it was not normal or required to have downhole safety valves.

A field survey was conducted to evaluate the integrity of the wells and the condition of safety barriers. At the same time the reservoir and surface shut-in pressures & fluid level were determined in each of the wellbores. This data formed the basis of a risk assessment, which concluded that a total 25 wells should be worked-over.

The asset team imposed a further requirement that, although the field was currently shut-in, the worked over wells should be available for future field re-development and capable of being produced if required. Consequently the well interventions were programmed and customized for each individual well. The individual well programs was reviewed in conjunction with the location of the wells on the jackets and the location of the jackets in the field. A plan was developed for both rig and rigless interventions. The workover schedule was optimized to carry out batch operations and minimize rig and vessel movements in the field.

The project has been implemented. A total of endangered 25 wells were intervened and integrity restored, in line with current industry practices. The operations were completed with no Loss Time Accidents (LTA) and 84 days ahead of the budgeted time. This case-history paper presents the development background and details of the optimized procedures which were developed and followed to set plugs in wells in an aging field to comply with upgraded safety requirements in the Gulf of Saudi Arabia. The planning and best practices that contributed to the success are detailed and explained.
A Different Approach in Handling Well Control Kick Circulation
Authors: Fan Kai , Akgun Ferda , Iddris Abukari
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a different approach in handling well control kick circulation. The existing method is to monitor the drill pipe pressure and manage the choke to hold the bottom hole circulating pressure above formation pressure while circulating the influx out of the annulus. However, this heavily relies on the experience of the personnel particularly if problems occur. In order to circulate a kick out with a safe bottom hole pressure, usually we control chokes by observing stand pipe pressure, which was calculated on a kill sheet. One of the major disadvantage of the existing method is that pressure wave needs a few seconds to travel from the choke which is located near the casing to the stand pipe pressure gauge (say pressure wave travels at 2000ft/s from the choke to standpipe gauge, applying the U-tube model, then the response time required for pressure wave to travel in 10,000ft well would be 10 seconds). In order to avoid this pressure retard we could calculate and monitor the casing pressure on the control panel, and calculate the stand pipe pressure in addition. One of the major advantages of this method is that it enables the choke operator to handle the complicated downhole situation with more accuracy and immediate responds. In addition, this method gives more accurate and timely detection of some of the well control problems such as Nozzle Plugging, Nozzle Washout Drill String Wash out, Choke Plug and Washout, etc. Well control problems such as nozzle and choke washout and plugging may lead to major well control issues if they are not detected timely. This heavily relies on the experience of the personnel. There is a need to detect these problems timely in order to avoid subsequent problems. The suggested method in this paper, presents a techniques that does not rely on the experience of the personnel.
Post-Expansion Characterization of ExpandableTubular: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Pervez T. , Khan R. , Qamar S. Z. , Al-Jahwari F. K. , Sanchez F. J. , Al-Abri B.
Published: October 2011

Although more than a decade of work is behind the successful use of Solid Expandable Tubular (SET) in oil and gas industry for a wide range of applications, a thorough review of literature indicates that most of the research and development work is based on finding a fit-for-purpose solution for specific field problems.

A significant aspect, which in certain circumstances is not well understood, is the pre and post expansion material and mechanical characterization of SET. Simple analytical and numerical models are developed to estimate the operational parameters like expansion force, length shortening, wall thinning etc., without having an appropriate understanding of material transformation and contact effects, which the tubular experiences during expansion. Although the calculated parameters are not optimum, these have significant effect on SET performance during its operational life in the well. In order to understand the critical mechanical properties and design accordingly, a predictive control of the material characteristics in the deformation process is essential.

The current study is based on the comparison of experimental and simulation results of the expansion process for SET. Experimental work done using expandable tubular test-rig and simulation using finite element analysis has been done on 174.625 mm, 177.8 mm and 182.88 mm inner diameter tubular for expansion ratios varying from 12% to 28%. However, only the results of selected tubular are presented. The results clearly indicate that the maximum expansion ratio is severely limited by the post expansion collapse pressure of the tubular. Simple calculations as well as numerical simulation show that the thickness reduction beyond 13% results in considerable reduction in collapse rating. The microscopic study of the tubular material after burst and fracture zone showed regions of overload, shallow dimples and fine microscopic cracks. The elongated dimples intermingled with fine microscopic voids are reminiscent of localized ductile failure.

These informations will lead to a better understanding of possible SET failure mechanism during its operational life and comprehensive data to manufacturers and scientists to seek improved material with higher ductility while maintaining strength after expansion. A good progress will result in extending the operational envelope of the tubular and its applications.
Managed Pressure Drilling Applications Proves Successful in the Middle East and North Africa Region
Authors: Qutob H. , Vieira P. , Torres F. , Arnone M.
Published: October 2011

There are no doubts that Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) technology is going to be applied in the near future as the conventional practice to drill what today are defined as un-drillable, hazardous and expensive wells. The several cases analyzed, applications and results obtained in the Middle East and North Africa region are clearly leading to this conclusion.

Managed Pressure Drilling, from the core concept point of view is a collection of drilling optimization techniques that correctly designed, planned and applied will improve the overall drilling performance, mitigate risks and reduce operating costs by proactively managing the hydraulic pressure profile and solving the problems associated with a high Non Productive Time (NPT) commonly experienced in conventional drilling practices. This simple concept is what promotes this technology to be the new standard and conventional drilling practice in the near future.

From the technical point of view, IADC defines MPD as an adaptive drilling process used to precisely control the annular pressure profile throughout the drilled wellbore. The objectives are to ascertain the downhole pressure environment limits and to manage the annular hydraulic pressure profile accordingly, avoiding continuous influx of formation fluids to the surface. Any influx will be early detected, managed and safely contained. MPD may include semi-automatic or full automatic control of annular backpressure, fluid density, fluid rheology, annular fluid level, circulating friction, hole geometry or combination thereof. MPD represents the ability to dynamically control annular pressures, optimizing the drilling process facilitating what might otherwise be economically unattainable prospects.

This paper summarizes the process used to visualize the ideal prospects, the conceptual development including re-engineering planning and design phases, the process to implement the technology and the results obtained, lessons learned and the range of opportunities this technology has created in the Middle East and North Africa region from year 2007 to early 2009.
Conceptualizing Community Development: Occupational Therapy Practice at the Intersection of Health Services and Community
Authors: Lauckner Heidi M. , Krupa Terry M. , Paterson Margo L.
Published: October 2011

Background. Despite occupational therapy's theoretical commitment to community development (CD) approaches, current practice models focus on individual interventions rather than community issues.

Purpose. This research examined three cases of Canadian occupational therapists working in CD to conceptualize CD from an occupational therapy perspective.

Method. Data collection occurred over 12–14 days at each site and included observations, document reviews, and interviews with 14 colleagues and program participants. Constructivist grounded theory informed data analysis.

Findings. A conceptual framework was developed that describes the contextual background to CD initiatives and the strategies used: nurturing community partnerships, building community capacity, influencing health services, and linking sectors. Underlying these strategies was the strategic use of self, which allowed the sharing of power and legitimacy to create opportunities for meaningful occupational engagement.

Implications. The conceptual framework helps articulate CD's underlying processes and can be used to understand and guide practice.
Differences of optic disc appearance between normal tension and high tension glaucoma patients
Authors: Stojcic Milan , Hentova-Sencanic Paraskeva , Stojcic Biljana
Published: October 2011

Introduction. The term glaucoma is used to cover a wide range of diseases,
whose main feature is optic neuropathy. According to the level of intraocular
pressure (IOP), the open angle glaucoma is arbitrarily divided into high
tension glaucoma (HTG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Objective. The aim
of this study was to investigate the differences of optic disc cup appearance
between patients with NTG and HTG. Methods. Prospective study included 30
patients (60 eyes) with NTG and 30 patients (60 eyes) with HTG. IOP was
measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry. Examination of optic disc head
was performed by indirect ophthalmoscopy with Volk 90 D superfield lens
through a dilated pupil to observe qualitative and quantitative parameters.
Visual fields were examined in all patients with the Octopus program G1, full
threshold strategy (Octopus 500 EZ, Interzeag, Switzerland). Results.
Vertical form of optic disc cup was present in 11 eyes with NTG (18.3%) and
three eyes with HTG (5%) (p<0.05). A disc with localized tissue loss (polar
notching) on the inferior pole was observed in eight eyes with NTG (13.3%)
and in one eye with HTG (1.7%) (p<0.01). Uniformly enlarged, round cup was
more frequent in patients with HTG than NTG: 93.3% and 68.3% respectively
(p<0.05). Conclusion. The perceived differences indicate a complex
multifactorial nature of glaucoma disease and a possible existence of two
pathophysiological ways of optic disc changes within the same basic disease.
Evaluation of the role of pathology in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of pulmonary and extrapulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Stojsic Jelena , Vucinic-Mihailovic Violeta , Jovanovic Dragana , Stojkovic Mira , Videnovic-Ivanov Jelica , Filipovic Snezana
Published: October 2011

Introduction. Sarcoidosis is a multisystem, granulomatous disease of unknown
etiology. Sarcoid granulomas appear as immunological response to a particular
but still unknown agent of the human body. Objective. The main purpose of
this study was to point out the important fact that the exact diagnosis of
sarcoidosis must be estimated by clinical and pathological correlation, and
team cooperation between the clinician and the pathologist. Methods. Of 751
patients referred with the suspected diagnosis of sarcoidosis, from 1995
to1999, 663 (431 female and 232 male) were analyzed and confirmed as having
sarcoidosis stage I-III based on biopsy findings obtained by bronchoscopy,
open lung biopsy, skin biopsy, liver biopsy or splenectomy. Results.
Diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made in 663 patients, 431 females and 232 males
(ratio 1.9:1). The average age of patients varied from 16 to 67 years, with
those below age 50 years being predominant (78.4%). The highest number of
patients was diagnosed in stage I of lung sarcoidosis (81.7%). Sarcoidosis
was the most common cause of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy (72.2%).
Conclusion. Biopsy is a necessary diagnostic procedure for pathological
diagnosis of sarcoid granu- loma before treatment even in patients where
clinical, radiological, biochemical and immunological tests imply the
diagnosis of sarcoidosis.
Diagnosis and treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis with bowel involvement: A case report
Authors: Sparic Radmila , Hudelist Gernot , Keckstein Joerg
Published: October 2011

Introduction. Deep infiltrating endometriosis is a form of endometriosis
penetrating deeply under the peritoneal surface causing pain and infertility.
Assessment of the pelvis by laparoscopy and histological confirmation of the
disease is considered the golden standard of diagnosis. Case Outline. We are
presenting a patient diagnosed with deep infiltrating endometriosis by
transvaginal ultrasound and treated with minimally invasive radical surgery
including segmental resection of the bowel. Conclusion. Transvaginal
sonography has an important role in detecting deep endometriosis of the
pelvis. Fertility sparing surgery is the treatment of choice in symptomatic
women wishing to retain fertility, since drugs used for endometriosis
interfere with ovulation. The success of the surgery depends on the accuracy
of the preoperative diagnosis. A multidisciplinary approach in managing deep
endometriosis is mandatory in order to offer patients the best possible
treatment using the combined skills of the colorectal and gynaecologic
surgical teams. The presented case exhibits the feasibility of laparoscopic
approach to severe pelvic endometriosis with bowel involvement.
Forensic psychiatry determination of mental capacity
Authors: Jovanovic Aleksandar , Milovanovic Srdjan , Jasovic-Gasic Miroslava
Published: October 2011

Forensic psychiatry determination is, ordered by a court, the analysis and
interpretation of medical facts with important legal implications. In that
sense, psychiatrists (or neuropsychiatrists), apart from their professional
expertise, must be familiar with legal, economical and social significance of
medical data, so that their forensic reports are clear and useful in the
context of legal procedure. This review deals with forensic psychiatry
aspects of mental capacity. In the introduction of the article, the
explanation of relevant concepts such as mental capacity, contractual and
testamentary capacity, informed consent, undue influence and forensic
determination in light of Serbian statutory law is presented. Further, the
authors present basic principles of making forensic reports on mental
capacity as well as contractual and testamentary capacity, and informed
consent for eventual medical examination and treatment.
Pharmacotherapy of stomach diseases in dogs
Authors: Trailovic Sasa , Jezdimirovic Milanka , Krstic Vanja
Published: October 2011

Stomach diseases have an important place in the clinical pathology of dogs. Etiological factors can be nutritive, chemical, or infective, but treatment implies certain common general principles and a certain number of therapy protocols which are most often used. On the other hand, a part of the medicines used in the pharmacotherapy of stomach diseases in dogs are taken from the palette of medicines intended for human use, so that a regular dosage and regime of implementation are the main precondition for the success of the applied therapy. Drugs used in the treatment of stomach diseases include antiemetics, prokinetics, antacids, mucoprotectives, anticholinergics, H2-antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, semisynthetic derivatives of prostaglandin E1, and others. The therapy of stomach diseases implies the simultaneous application of several drugs from different pharmacodynamic groups (for instance, an antiemetic, a prokinetic, an antacid, and an Hg antagonist or a proton pump inhibitor) when it is necessary to establish a correct regime of implementation because of possible interaction, which will also be discussed in this work.
Endoscopic and ultrasound diagnostics as contemporary method in diagnostics of dog stomach diseases
Authors: Krstic Vanja
Published: October 2011

The visualization of pathological processes in the dog stomach determines a correct diagnosis or differential diagnosis, which presents the basic prerequisite for rational therapy. In addition to the conventional type of clinical examination which covers the taking of anamnestic data, observation of the patient and laboratory tests, there are also certain computerized diagnostic methods (magnetic resonance and scanner) which are the most precise and most reliable in the verification of stomach diseases. However, the listed approaches are either insufficiently relevant in making the diagnosis or are too expensive and demanding for the everyday clinical practice. These are the reasons why veterinary medicine today increasingly resorts to the use of other forms of imaging diagnostics, and, as its representatives, the video endoscopic, ultrasound and X-ray examination of the digestive tract.
Hypertension in dogs and cats: Causes and effects
Authors: Stepanovic Predrag , Stefanovic-Nikolovski Zorica
Published: October 2011

During the nineties of the past century, several authors underscored the necessity of measuring blood pressure during a regular clinical examination of veterinary patients, because hypertension occurs as an accessory symptom in the course of diseased conditions. In addition to blood pressure measurements, most authors believe that it is necessary also to examine intraocular pressure, like in human medicine. Hypertension can be defined as a chronic increase of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Systemic blood pressure is proportionate to the heart rate and total peripheral resistance, while physiological control depends on the reninangiotensin system, aldosterone, prostaglandin, adrenergic and neurogenic factors. Some other factors can also have an influence on the measured values of blood pressure (such as age, sex, race, temperament, environment, and, in part, also how and where the pressure measurement was taken). It has been generally accepted in veterinary medicine than an animal can be considered hypertensive if the measured systolic/diastolic pressures are higher than 180/100 mm Hg. Hypertension can be primary (sometimes also defined as essential or idiopathic) when it is a consequence of several factors which include heart, neurological, kidney, endocrine, and metabolic aspects. Hypertension is defined as secondary when it occurs as a consequence of certain chronic disorders (such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, pheochromocytoma, and diabetes mellitus). Blood pressure can be measured in animals using direct or indirect methods. The oscilometric and the ultrasonographic methods are equally used in the world today. Following detailed studies by large numbers of authors, the physiological frameworks of blood pressure in animals have been precisely determined. Different treatments are applied in the therapy of hypertension in animals, such as: restrictive diets, diuretics, a, and (3 blockers, blockers of calcium channels, vasodilators, ACE inhibitors. Hypertension can also be a state that requires emergency treatment, when it is resolved with aggressive therapy.
Role of minerals in animal health disorders
Authors: Sinovec Zlatan , Sefer Dragan , Jokic Zivan
Published: October 2011

All mineral matter, essential or non-essential, can have a significant influence on production results and the health of animals, if large quantities of them are present in a feed ration. A maximally tolerant content depends on the animal specie and category. Many factors, such as physiological status (growth, lactation, etc.), nutritive status, content and ratio of nutritive matter in the ration, duration of exposure, and the biological level of utilization of elements, also affect the maximally tolerant content of mineral matter in feed. The content of certain mineral matter in plant feed significantly depends on the soil factor, as well as the content and level of utilization of mineral matter from the soil. Mn, Se and Mo can be present in plant feed in such quantities as to induce toxicosis. Industrial contaminants, Cd, Pb or F, can contaminate plants, in particular their leaves, in quantities which lead to the appearance of clinical signs of conventional toxicosis. Moreover, natural water can contain large quantities of S, F, Na, Mg, or Fe, and certain mineral matter can get into water through industrial waste. In addition to the above, it is possible to cause unwanted effects through the frequent, but primarily unprofessional use of mineral additives, since it is extremely important, besides meeting the mineral requirements of each individual element, to secure a ratio among the mineral matter themselves as well as with other nutritive matter. Mineral matter present in food are in mutual interference, and these relations can be synergistic or antagonistic. The sufficiency of a large number of mineral matter has a negative effect on the utilization of other matter (conditional and/or border deficiency), while certain elements cause the clinical appearance of toxic effects. The accidental intake of large quantities of certain mineral matter is revealed as clinical signs of acute toxicosis, which is very different from chronic effects caused by the intake of increased quantities of mineral matter over a longer time period.
Concept of protection of food of animal origin
Authors: Mijacevic Zora , Bulajic Snezana
Published: October 2011

The currently valid regulations (Official Gazette 26/2002) define the requirements for the quality of milk and milk products. The same legislature defines also the concept of composite products, that is, products in which part of the fat or proteins have been substituted with fat or proteins of different origin. A composite product must include the term composite in its name, and the part of the declaration which lists the contents of total proteins and fat must specify the part of plant proteins and fat in total proteins and fat of milk products. With the growth of the population and the concern for health, new requirements have been set, and consumers expect a food article to meet not only the nutritive requirements, but also to have certain functional characteristics, or that it is not burdened with components which have a negative effect on health (the presence of cholesterol, sodium chloride, a high percentage of saturated fatty acids). The complete substitution of one milk component results in a completely new product. A change in the traditional composition of a certain food article must be clearly declared, so as not to confuse consumers and to provide them with the possibility of choice. In our market, there have lately appeared products that are marked as imitations, alternatives, diet cheese, vegetable cheese. Modified products which do not meet the traditional identity standards must be marked as imitations, in case they are nutritionally inferior with respect to the traditionally standardized food articles, or as substitutes or alternatives, in the event that they are a nutritive equivalent to the traditional food articles. The lack of legal regulations for this category of product leads to the irregular declaration of such products, and consequently provides false information about the characteristics of such articles to the consumer. It is necessary to regulate this area with the respective laws in order to protect the consumer.
Role of etology in detecting environmental pollutants that affect changes in animal behaviour
Authors: Vucinic Marijana
Published: October 2011

A large number of chemical pollutants originating from industrial agricultural and urban through the direct or indirect disruption of endocrine gland and hormone function. That is why these pollutants are known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC). By disrupting endocrine function, the EDC change certain forms of animal behaviour. This is why a direct link can be established between etology, as a scientific discipline that studied the role, function, ontogenetic and evolutionary development of behaviour from the aspect of the animal's adaption to living conditions, and ecotoxicology. In this mutual connection, the role of etology is to identify changes in animal behaviour which will serve as the first bioindicator of the presence of EDC in a certain environment, and before the occurrence of organic changes that could have lethal consequences.
Para tuberculosis (Johnes disease): Basic characteristics and current situation locally
Authors: Jovanovic Milijan , Knezevic Milijana
Published: October 2011

Para tuberculosis or Johne's Disease, is a disease of the digestive tract of animals caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies Para tuberculosis (M. a. Para tuberculosis). Para tuberculosis has been registered in many countries and it today presents one of the most widely-spread bacterial diseases in ruminants that causes severe economic damages. In our country, Para tuberculosis has not been studied extensively. The disease was registered for the first time in Serbia in 1995 in an isolated herd of sheep of the II-de-France breed, and serologically positive cattle were determined in 2001. Infection with M.a. Para tuberculosis occurs mostly in young animals which are the most sensitive to infection. The main source of infection is the feces of diseased animals. Furthermore, colostrums and milk of diseased animals can contain micro bacteria, and there is a possibility also of intra-uterine infection. A long period of incubation, a chronic course, and not always clear clinical picture render diagnosis of Para tuberculosis very complex, in spite of the existence of numerous diagnostic methods. There are a number of serological tests with which it is possible to detect antibodies against M.a. Para tuberculosis in infected animals. The most frequently used are complement binding reaction (CBR), the agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID), and the immunioenzyme test (ELISA). The isolation of causes or parts of their genome, present important methods in the diagnosis of Para tuberculosis. Pieces of tissue obtained through autopsies or biopsies, feces or milk samples, can serve as material for isolation. A diagnosis of Para tuberculosis for dead or sacrificed animals is made on the grounds of path anatomical or path histological findings. Para tuberculosis of ruminants has certain similarities with Crohn's Disease in humans, from the clinical, morphological, and etiological aspects.