bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting Emulsion Using Surface Temperature, Pressure, and the Application of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Esbai Rami , AlRumaidh Ahmed , Sharaf Sayed
Published: March 2019

Innovation in the analysis of oil well surface measurements has led to the discovery of an instantaneous and straightforward emulsion detection calculation. When applied in the Bahrain Field, this led to the treatment of emulsion in over 100 wells, resulting in a cumulative production gain of over 500,000 barrels to date at negligible cost. Artificial Intelligence (AI) was then employed to identify and understand factors related to emulsion and optimisation treatment programs. Once the wells were treated and the method was confirmed to prove emulsion existence, a focused approach was carried out to understand it further. Wells were categorised based on their production response to standard demulsifier bullheading.

In addition to a variety of well parameters, this data was used to build a machine learning model that helped identify patterns with regards to problematic zones, properties of wells with emulsion, and the best treatment method for each well. The results of the study were rather substantial and resulted in numerous new insights. Firstly, a model was built to predict the sustainability and economics of expected bullheading job treatments. This is currently being used to rank the priority of wells for either bullheading treatment or continuous chemical injection. Once the wells were classified into basic sub groups and sorted by zones, geographic analysis was carried out to identify wells with emulsion being formed as a result of waterflooding. This led to further insight into the nature of emulsion blocks, where in some cases, although it was found that these blocks exist downhole, traces of emulsion will flow to the surface and can have a unique signature.

This paper discusses in further detail insights into emulsion and the different types of AI algorithms used to answer questions raised as a result of the discovery. The necessity of using machine learning cannot be overstated enough and the observations made in the paper could not have been found if it were purely by observed by the naked eye.

The topic of emulsion is highly understudied, and the concept of using the emulsion detection calculation was not published before. In addition to highlighting this discovery, this paper can influence other operators to test their findings and have a real world application of machine learning in their fields.
A Comprehensive Review of Smart/Intelligent Oilfield Technologies and Applications in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Temizel Cenk , Canbaz Celal Hakan , Palabiyik Yildiray , Putra Dike , Asena Ahmet , Ranjith Rahul , Jongkittinarukorn Kittiphong
Published: March 2019

Smart field technologies offer outstanding capabilities that increase the efficiency of the oil and gas fields by means of saving time and energy as far as the technologies employed and workforce concerned given that the technology applied is economic for the field of concern. Despite significant acceptance of smart field concept in the industry, there is still ambiguity not only on the incremental benefits but also the criteria and conditions of applicability technical and economic-wise. This study outlines the past, present and the dynamics of the smart oilfield concept, the techniques and methods it bears and employs, technical challenges in the application while addressing the concerns of the oil and gas industry professionals on the use of such technologies in a comprehensive way.

History of smart/intelligent oilfield development, types of technologies used currently in it and those imbibed from other industries are comprehensively reviewed in this paper. In addition, this review takes into account the robustness, applicability and incremental benefits these technologie bring to different types of oilfields under current economic conditions. Real field applications are illustrated with applications in different parts of the world with challenges, advantages and drawbacks discussed and summarized that lead to conclusions on the criteria of application of smart field technologies in an individual field.

Intelligent or Smart field concept has proven itself as a promising area and found vast amount of application in oil and gas fields throughout the world. The key in smart oilfield applications is the suitability of an individual case for such technology in terms of technical and economic aspects. This study outlines the key criteria in the success of smart oilfield applications in a given field that will serve for the future decisions as a comprehensive and collective review of all the aspects of the employed techniques and their usability in specific cases.

Even though there are publications on certain examples of smart oilfield technologies, a comprehensive review that not only outlines all the key elements in one study but also deducts lessons from the real field applications that will shed light on the utilization of the methods in the future applications has been missing, this study will fill this gap.
Modeling of Unconventional Reservoirs: A Case Study from Bahrain’s Khalij Al-Bahrain Basin
Authors: Jackson Gregory , Almoulani Ghada , Al Ansari Yahya , Viamontes Jorge
Published: March 2019

Bahrain has begun exploring unconventional resources in the Khalij Al-Bahrain Basin for the Tuwaiq Mountain Formation. This work is a case study presenting the workflow for characterizing and modeling the unconventional development in Bahrain all the way from petrophysics through geology, completion modeling, and dynamic simulation.

The work scope consisted of petrophysical modeling 10 key wells including calibration to core data. The petrophysics showed that the lower Tuwaiq Mountain interval with its TOC signature is remarkably consistent across all of Bahrain. The wells modeled in a 3D geological model with reservoir properties distributed throughout the reservoir to confirm resource in-place estimates published in early 2018. Well stimulation treatment on Well 1 was modeled and tied to the production test. A dynamic model was subsequently built to history match the production test. While not unique in its production match, this calibration is an important step for future optimizations in lieu of microseismic data. All of this information was used to form the basis for optimal completions to refine the next appraisal wells with forecasted production rates.

The Tuwaiq Mountain reservoir has commercial potential in Bahrain, particularly in the western area where producibility has been proven. Producibility in the East has not been established as no production tests are available. In addition, future appraisal well locations were identified using the 3D geological model. The best trajectory was chosen such that the wells are estimated to yield EURs more than 500,000 bbls.

The results of this project are important for Bahrain as it highlights the unconventional resource and production potential in the country. For the industry, unconventional development is in its early stages outside of North America and Bahrain’s case study can be utilized to expedite the learning curve in many other basins.
Machine Learning and the Analysis of High-Power Electromagnetic Interaction with Subsurface Matter
Authors: San-Roman-Alerigi Damian , Batatseh Sameeh , Li Weichang , Othman Haitham
Published: March 2019

This work is an ongoing effort to design a numerical platform based on machine learning algorithms to characterize, predict, optimize and guide the interaction of [high power] electromagnetic (HPEM) sources (laser, microwave, RF, etc.) with subsurface matter (e.g. rocks, oils, brines, etc.). Advanced statistical analysis routines are essential to identify key variables and relations in the thermal- mechanical-electromagnetic coupling in heterogeneous and anisotropic materials.

Advanced statistical analysis and machine learning have been recently used to evince relations in complex environments and physical dynamics; e.g. fluid dynamics, P&ID analytics, and drill cuttings classification, to cite a few. The methods make use of sophisticated algorithms to classify and model problems in multiple areas, from image processing to certain optimization problems. In the realm of subsurface photonics, and in particular for high power electromagnetic (HPEM) interaction with subsurface matter, these routines could become essential to identify key variables, assess the environment and process, and evince models to predict the outcome of an inherently multiphysics and multi-dimensional problem.

Numerical models that capture the interaction between HPEM sources and subsurface matter are essential to predict, optimize, adapt, and evaluate the process prior to, and during, deployment in subsurface. These models can come as the solution to a set of coupled partial differential equations that fully describe the physical dynamics, or as the result of supervised-learning algorithms and analysis of experimental and field data. The former is highly sensitive to dynamic material properties, environmental conditions, and source parameters. In addition, it can be challenging to characterize the properties of subsurface materials over the wide range of temperatures and pressures observed in the process. Thus, a machine learning method could provide an ever-improving alternative that learns from the available data to build a numerical platform that can predict, optimize, and guide the process.

Machine learning and advanced statistics provide a compelling alternative to build numerical tools to predict, optimize, and control physical processes. This work introduces a variety of numerical approaches to identify essential variables, predict their impact, and optimize the outcome for subsurface applications. Combined, the methods described in this work can help guide the control of the governing dynamics and parameters for use in multiple applications. This numerical platform can be extended to other applications, enhance experimental prototypes, and advance the design of a comprehensive numerical tool for downhole HPEM operations.
3D Elastic Seismic Modeling of Large Scale Land Survey
Authors: Etienne Vincent , Tonellot Thierry , Janoubi Emad , Shakhs Husain
Published: March 2019

We present a software framework tailored to seismic applications embedding high performance features. Especially, we discuss the spatial cache-blocking algorithm for the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method and the protocol to find optimal parameters. We apply our modeling engine to perform 3D elastic seismic modeling on a large-scale 877 km2 land survey. The velocity and density models are built with geological stratigraphic forward modeling. In total, 162300 shot gathers are computed with a maximum frequency of 20Hz and a maximum offset of 5 km. The main trait of the computed data is the complexity related to the surface-waves, especially their long and dispersive wave-train obscuring other wave arrivals. Computations were performed on the Kaust supercomputer Shaheen II. The modeling campaign took one month to complete using in average 2434 compute nodes in parallel. This achievement represents a workload of 59.6 ExaFLOP on a current PetaFLOP/s machine. This indicates that the next generation of supercomputers targeting the ExaFLOP/s sustained performance, would allow reducing the run-time of our application to one hour or less. With such performance, it is reasonable to predict that 3D elastic imaging will be a routinely used algorithm by seismic exploration in the years to come, while nowadays it still requires leading-edge hardware.
Targeted Interventions to Prevent Chronic Low Back Pain in High Risk Patients: Development and Delivery of a Pragmatic Training Course of Psychologically Informed Physical Therapy for the TARGET Trial
Authors: Beneciuk Jason , George Steven Z. , Greco Carol , Schneider Michael , Wegener Stephen T. , Saper Robert , Delitto Anthony
Published: March 2019

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a public health concern because it is highly prevalent and the leading cause of disability worldwide. Psychologically Informed Physical Therapy (PIPT) is a secondary prevention approach that first aims to identify individuals at high risk for transitioning to chronicity and then provides tailored treatment to reduce that risk. Training models that are feasible to implement with acceptable training quality are needed to improve scalability for widespread implementation of PIPT. This manuscript describes the PIPT training program that was developed for training physical therapists providing PIPT in the TARGET Trial. Methods: The PIPT training program was developed, tested and modified using an iterative process. Content development consisted of stakeholder engagement, beta testing, modification of training and confirmation of final course objectives. Methods of delivery consisted of a website that included brief online educational modules followed by a live 8-hour workshop that included video-based mock case scenarios and case-based role playing. Attitudes, beliefs and confidence in implementing PIPT principles were assessed before and immediately after training to measure training quality and impact. Results: Early stakeholder engagement and beta testing indicated the need for increased emphasis on experiential learning opportunities and patient-centered communication training. Booster training varied extensively across TARGET sites with involvement of ‘clinician champions’ providing brief follow-up sessions identified as best practice. Favorable post training changes in physical therapist attitudes and beliefs toward biopsychosocial treatment orientation and increased confidence in implementing PIPT principles were observed. Conclusions: PIPT training for provider participation in the TARGET Trial was feasible to deliver. Course content was acceptable to physical therapists and resulted in improved beliefs and confidence in applying PIPT skills during clinical practice. Ongoing consultation and site-based continuing education were methods by which specific TARGET sites maintained or augmented PIPT skill training, however implementing ongoing training was challenging in general. Due to the pragmatic nature of the TARGET trial, it was not possible to directly measure the effect of PIPT training on treatment fidelity which was a limitation of our approach. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02647658
Protocol for a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of improving tuberculosis patients’ treatment adherence via electronic monitors and an app versus usual care in Tibet
Authors: Wei Xiaolin , Hicks Joseph P , Pande Pasang , Zhang Zhitong , Haldane Victoria , Liu Xiaoqiu , Yin Tingting , Wang Lixia , Shi Dachun , Ge Shiliang , Walley John , Upshur Ross , Hu Jun
Published: March 2019

Background: Treatment non-adherence is a serious challenge to effective tuberculosis (TB) control in Tibet. In this study we will pilot and evaluate the effectiveness of using new electronic monitors (e-monitors) and a smartphone app to improve treatment adherence among new pulmonary TB patients in Tibet.
Methods: We will use a multicentre, parallel-group, individually-randomized controlled superiority trial with blinded outcome evaluation and unblinded treatment. We will randomise new pulmonary TB outpatients (aged ≥15 years old and free from communication impairment) from Shigatse, Tibet to either the intervention or control arm in a 1:1 ratio at the time of their diagnosis. All patients will be treated according to the World Health Organisation standard 6-month TB treatment regimen and the China National TB programme guidelines. Intervention arm patients will be given their medication via e-monitors that have automatic voice reminders, and record medication adherence data and share it with health staff via cloud connection. Intervention patients will also be encouraged of receiving smartphone-based video observed treatment if their adherence is problematic. Control arm patients will receive their medication in e-monitors that will collect medication adherence history, but will have their reminder function deactivated and are not linked to the app. The primary outcome is the rate of poor adherence, measured monthly during treatment as a binary indicator where poor adherence means missing ≥20% doses in a month. We will conduct a qualitative process evaluation to explore operational questions regarding acceptability, cultural appropriateness and burden of technology use, as well as a cost-effectiveness analysis and an analysis of the long-term effects of the intervention on TB control.
Discussion: Our study is one of the first trials to evaluate the use of e-monitors and smartphone apps for customised treatment support in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). All intervention activities are designed to be embedded into routine TB care with strong local ownership. Through the trial we intend to understand the feasibility of our intervention, its effectiveness, its cost-effectiveness and its long-term impacts to inform future scale-up in remote areas of China and other LMICs.
Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN52132803, registered on 9 November 2018.
Insomnia and autonomic dysfunction may identify patients at risk for developing early Parkinson's disease dementia
Authors: Jurcau Anamaria , Nunkoo Vharoon Sharma
Published: March 2019

Background: The prospective study aims at identifying features predictive of early onset of dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: 89 non-demented PD patients underwent a complex evaluation (demographic data, UPDRS, Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale - UMSAR, Insomnia Severity Index - ISI, Neuro-Psychiatric Inventory - NPI, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale - HDRS, Mini Mental State Examination) at baseline and at 3-year follow-up. Results: At 3-year follow-up 43.8% of patients developed dementia. An ordinal regression of MMSE at follow-up showed that dementia developed in patients with autonomic dysfunctions (odds ratio 16.18, 95% CI 3.16 to 82.77, p = 0.001), old age (odds ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.39, p < 0.001), and insomnia (odds ratio 1.23, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.38, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with signs of autonomic dysfunction and insomnia are at higher risk for developing dementia and deserve closer monitoring of cognitive symptoms.
Validation of the REM sleep behavior disorder screening questionnaire in the Czech population
Authors: Bušková Jitka , Peřinová Pavla , Miletínová Eva , Dušek Petr , Růžička Evžen , Šonka Karel , Kemlink David
Published: March 2019

Background

Idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) affects 1 – 2% of people over 60 years of age, and presents a high risk of developing a neurodegenerative disorder from the group of synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy. Therefore, screening tools are needed. In 2007, the RBD screening questionnaire (RBD-SQ) was developed and has been translated into several languages. Aim of the study: The aim of study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Czech version of the RBD-SQ in a mixed population of sleep clinic patients, supplemented by healthy volunteers and RBD patients.

Methods

Participants included 81 RBD patients, 225 patients with other sleep disorders (obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder, other parasomnias, or central hypersomnias including narcolepsy) and 20 healthy volunteers.

Results

The mean RBD-SQ score in the RBD patients was 9.4 ± 2.8 points, and in the non-RBD group it was 4.5 ± 3.0 (P < 0.0001). Receiver -operator analysis yielded an area under the curve of 0.864, suggesting good diagnostic performance of the scale. When using a cut-off value for positivity of 5 points, sensitivity was 0.89 and specificity was 0.62.

Conclusions

The Czech version of the RBD-SQ is a sensitive tool for screening for RBD patients and helps to identify subjects for complete clinical workup.
Outcome prediction in disorders of consciousness: the role of coma recovery scale revised
Authors: Lucca Lucia Francesca , Lofaro Danilo , Pignolo Loris , Leto Elio , Ursino Maria , Cortese Maria Daniela , Conforti Domenico , Tonin Paolo , cerasa antonio
Published: March 2019

Background: To evaluate the utility of the revised coma remission scale (CRS-r), together with other clinical variables, in predicting emergence from disorders of consciousness (DoC) during intensive rehabilitation care.
Method: This is a prospective observational cohort study of consecutive 180 brain-injured patients with prolonged DoC upon admission to neurorehabilitation unit. 123 patients in a vegetative state (VS) and 57 in a minimally conscious state (MCS) were included and followed for a period of 8 weeks in the intensive care rehabilitation unit. Demographical and clinical factors were used as outcome measures. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were employed for examining potential predictors for clinical outcome along the time.
Results: VS and MCS groups were matched for demographical and clinical variables (i.e., age, aetiology, tracheostomy and route of feeding). Within 2 months after admission in intensive neurorehabilitation unit, 3.9% were dead, 35.5% had a full recovery of consciousness and 66.7% remained in VS or MCS. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the best predictor of functional improvement was the CRS-r scores. In particular, patients with values greater than 12 at admission were those with a favorable likelihood of emergence from DoC.
Conclusions: Our study highlights the role of the CRS-r scores for predicting a short-term favorable outcome.
Early ultrasound prenatal diagnosis of the Meckel — Gruber syndrome
in combination with 47,XYY
Authors: N.P. Veropotvelyan , E.S. Savarovskaya , T.V. Usenko
Published: March 2019

Meckel — Gruber syndrome (MGS) is a rare lethal autosomal recessive disorder characterised by occipital encephalocele, polydactyly and bilateral dysplastic cystic kidneys. A case of prenatal diagnosis of MGS
at 12 weeks of gestation is described. The previous pregnancy was terminated at 20 weeks due to polycystic
kidneys of the fetus. The transabdominal scan of the present pregnancy revealed occipital encephalocele of
the fetus. There was no oligohydramnios, but the fetal urinary bladder was not visualised and both kidneys
were enlarged. The transvaginal sonogram demonstrated intracranial space dilatation (6 mm) and encepalocele with posterior fossa cyst, protrunding from the occipital bone deffect. The kidneys had the polycystic
structure suggesting cystic dysplasia and there was no evidence of the hands and feet polydactyly. Based on
these findings the diagnosis of the MGS was made. Chorionic villus sampling revealed 47,XYY. The family
elected to terminate pregnancy and the diagnosis was confirmed by autopsy.
Pergeseran Orientasi dan Ekspresi Elit Pesantren di Kota Tasikmalaya
Authors: Satori Akhmad , Nurohman Taufik
Published: March 2019

This study focuses on the changing of orientation and expression among the elites of pesantren in Tasikmalaya in the effort to form a community life that is in accordance with the culture and values of Islamic teachings. To answer the questions, a descriptive-qualitative research method with a phenomenological approach is used in this study. The results of the study show that there are differences in views related to religious relations with the state, especially those which related to the intersection of Islamic Law with the legal system that applies among pesantren in Tasikmalaya. The first view states that to find solutions to various problems of society and in forming an Islamic society requires the involvement of the State; The second view states that to form an Islamic society does not need to involve the state. This view is more supportive of the implementation of religious ethics or morals with a cultural approach. The third view is the view which is a compromise between the two groups in the making of regulations.
Novel Pathways in the Treatment of Major Depression: Focus on the Glutamatergic System
Authors: Tomasetti Carmine , Montemitro Chiara , Fiengo Annastasia L.C. , Santone Cristina , Orsolini Laura , Valchera Alessandro , Carano Alessandro , Pompili Maurizio , Serafini Gianluca , Perna Giampaolo , Vellante Federica , Martinotti Giovanni , Giannantonio Massimo D. , Kim Yong-Ku , Nicola Marco D. , Bellomo Antonello , Ventriglio Antonio , Fornaro Michele , Berardis Domenico D.
Published: March 2019

Depressive disorders represent protean psychiatric illnesses with heterogeneous clinical manifestations and a multitude of comorbidities leading to severe disability. In spite of decades of research on the pathophysiogenesis of these disorders, the wide variety of pharmacotherapies currently used to treat them is based on the modulation of monoamines, whose alteration has been considered the neurobiological foundation of depression, and consequently of its treatment. However, approximately one third to a half of patients respond partially or become refractory to monoamine-based therapies, thereby jeopardizing the therapeutic effectiveness in the real world of clinical practice. Recent scientific evidence has been pointing out the essential role of other biological systems beyond monoamines in the pathophysiology of depressive disorders, in particular, the glutamatergic neurotransmission. In the present review, we will discuss the most advanced knowledge on the involvement of glutamatergic system in the molecular mechanisms at the basis of depression pathophysiology, as well as the glutamate-based therapeutic strategies currently suggested to optimize depression treatment (e.g., ketamine). Finally, we will mention further “neurobiological targeted” approaches, based on glutamate system, with the purpose of promoting new avenues of investigation aiming at developing interventions that overstep the monoaminergic boundaries to improve depressive disorders therapy.
Fatty Acids and Antioxidants in Multiple Sclerosis: Therapeutic Role of GEMSP
Authors: Ahumada-Pascual Pablo , Gañán Daniel G. , Montero Yasmina E.B. , Velasco Ana
Published: March 2019

Multiple sclerosis is a high-frequency neurological disorder in young adults. Although there are some genetic and environmental factors that have been related to the onset of the disease, these are still not completely understood and nowadays multiple sclerosis can neither be prevented, nor its symptom effectively treated due to disease heterogeneity. For this reason, the search of prognostic factors and new therapeutic compounds for MS has long aroused among clinicians and researchers. Among these therapeutic compounds, GEMSP, which consists of a mixture of functional constituents as fatty acids, antioxidants, free radical scavengers and amino acids linked individually to poly-L-Lysine (PL), is emerging as a promising drug for MS treatment. Pre-clinical studies using GEMSP have demonstrated that this drug strongly inhibits brain leukocyte infiltration and completely abolishes experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. In addition, in an open clinical trial in humans treated with GEMSP, in 72% of the cases, a positive evolution of the state of the MS patients treated with GMSP was observed. In this review a biochemical characterization of main constituents of GEMSP, which include fatty acids as oleic acid, linoleic acid or azelaic acid and the antioxidants alpha-tocopherol or ascorbic acid, will be provided in order to understand their proved therapeutic effects in MS.
Biosimilars in IBD: Will it Benefit to Patients, Physicians or the Health Care System?
Authors: Gonczi Lorant , Ilias Akos , Kurti Zsuzsanna , Lakatos Peter L.
Published: March 2019

The introduction of biological drugs has revolutionized the management of inflammatory bowel diseases
(IBD), however, the increasing financial burden of biologicals on the health care system is alarming.
Biosimilars are considered to be equivalent to the reference medicinal product (RMP) in terms of pharmacokinetic
properties, clinical effectiveness and safety. CT-P13 infliximab was the first biosimilar to be approved by
the regulatory authorities EMA and US FDA, and others are becoming increasingly available as patents expire on
the RMP. Emerging data suggests that one-way switching from the RMP to an approved biosimilar is safe and
acceptable, however data on multiple-switching, reversed switching, or cross-switching between biosimilars is
scarce. Accumulating data on biosimilars led to an increased acceptance amongst physicians and their use can be
expected to offer increased availability for patients, and also better control of economic sustainability. This review
discusses the available data on clinical efficacy and safety of approved biosimilar agents, and assesses the
current impact and future perspectives of biosimilars on the health care system.
Berberine Alleviates Amyloid-beta Pathogenesis Via Activating LKB1/AMPK Signaling in the Brain of APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Cai Zhi-You , Wang Chuan-Ling , Lu Tao-Tao , Yang Wen-Ming
Published: March 2019

Background:

Liver kinase B1 (LKB1)/5’-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, a metabolic checkpoint, plays a neuro-protective role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Amyloid-β (Aβ) acts as a classical biomarker of AD. The aim of the present study was to explore whether berberine (BBR) activates LKB1/AMPK signaling and ameliorates Aβ pathology.

Methods:

The Aβ levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry. The following biomarkers were measured by Western blotting: phosphorylated (p-) LKB1 (Ser334 and Thr189), p-AMPK (AMPKα and AMPKβ1), synaptophysin, post-synaptic density protein 95 and p-cAMP-response element binding protein (p-CREB). The glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was determined using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results:

BBR inhibited Aβ expression in the brain of APP/PS1 mice. There was a strong up-regulation of both p-LKB1 (Ser334 and Thr189) and p-AMPK (AMPKα and AMPKβ1) in the brains of APP/PS1 transgenic mice after BBR-treatment (P<0.01). BBR promoted the expression of synaptophysin, post-synaptic density protein 95 and p-CREB(Ser133) in the AD brain, compared with the model mice.

Conclusion:

BBR alleviates Aβ pathogenesis and rescues synapse damage via activating LKB1/AMPK signaling in the brain of APP/PS1 transgenic mice.
Effects of Fermentative Factors on Biochemical, Microbiological and Sensory Characteristics of Probiotic Iranian Fermented Milk (Doogh)
Authors: Ahmadi Elaheh , Mohammadi Reza , Hasanvand Sara , Rouhi Milad , Mortazavian Amir Mohammad , Sarlak Zahra
Published: March 2019

Background: Doogh is a traditional Iranian fermented milk drink that is currently a very
popular product in Iran. In the present study, the combined effects of incubation temperature, type of
starter culture, and final pH of fermentation on the viability of two probiotic strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus
La-5 (A) and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 (B)) and biochemical and sensory characteristics
of probiotic Doogh were investigated.

Method: Different treatments were prepared with yoghurt starter culture containing probiotics, using
reconstituted skimmed milk with 6% of solid nonfat. They were incubated at 38°C or 44°C until pH
4.0 or pH 4.5 and were kept for 21 days at 4°C or 8°C storage temperature. The biochemical properties
of treatments were evaluated during fermentation and refrigerated storage. The viable count and
sensory attributes of treatments were studied at the end of fermentation and at the end of storage.

Results: Results showed that the greatest mean pH drop rate, mean acidity increase rate and mean redox
potential increase rate and the shortest incubation time were observed in treatments incubated at
44°C with final pH of 4.5. The highest survival of both probiotic strains during storage was related to
treatments with fermentation temperature of 38°C and final pH of 4.5. Treatments ABY1-38°C-4.0
had the highest sensorial total acceptance at the end of refrigerated storage.

Conclusion: It would be concluded that the best treatment was ABY3-38°C-4 stored at 8°C in regards
of probiotics’ viability and sensory characteristics of Doogh. Thus, controlling the temperature of refrigerated
storage is the most importance factor during storage and distribution.
Multiplex PCR is a Rapid, Simple and Cheap Method for Direct Diagnosis of M. tuberculosis from Sputum Samples
Authors: Alnour Tarig M.S. , Abuduhier Faisel , Khatatneh Mohammed , Albalawi Fahad , Alfifi Khalid , Silvala Bernard
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

Rapid diagnosis of M. tuberculosis directly from sputum samples is a
challenging process. This study aimed to design and evaluate a multiplex-PCR method for direct
diagnosis of M. tuberculosis from sputum specimens.

Materials and Methods:

46 suspected tuberculosis patients and 25 apparently healthy individuals
were enrolled in the study. Sputa were collected from the study population and processed
by cold ZN stain. DNA was extracted from each sample and processed by Multiplex
PCR and Genotype Mycobacteria CM.

Results:

Out of the 46 Tuberculosis suspected patients, 22 (47.8%) revealed positive Acid
fast ba- cilli (AFB), while 19 (41.3%) showed positive by both multiplex PCR and Genotype
Mycobacte- ria CM. The overall sensitivity of multiplex PCR and smear microscopy were
100% while the specificity were 100, and 86.3%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Multiplex PCR method using two different sets of primers in combination with
other diagnostic tools such as X-Rays and smear Microscopy are cheap, rapid and reliable
methods for the diagnosis of M. tuberculosis from clinical samples and are able to identify
most of the smear positive cases with valuable accuracy.
Pengembangan multimedia pembelajaran berbasis role playing games (RPG) pada materi lingkaran untuk siswa SMP/MTs kelas VIII
Authors: Shofa Hilyatush , Surjono Herman Dwi
Published: March 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan: (1) menghasilkan produk multimedia pembelajaran berbasis RPG pada materi lingkaran untuk siswa SMP/MTs Kelas VIII yang layak digunakan dalam proses pembelajaran, (2) mengetahui efektivitas produk tersebut dalam meningkatkan pemahaman konsep, dan (3) mengetahui efektivitas produk tersebut dalam meningkatkan motivasi belajar. Penelitian pengembangan ini mengacu pada langkah-langkah yang dikembangkan oleh Alessi & Trollip yang meliputi tiga tahap: perencanaan, perancangan, dan pengembangan. Pada keseluruhan tahap tersebut, evaluasi berkelanjutan dilaksanakan untuk memantau kualitas produk yang dikembangkan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) produk multimedia pembelajaran berbasis RPG pada materi lingkaran untuk siswa SMP/MTs Kelas VIII dinyatakan layak digunakan dalam proses pembelajaran berdasarkan penilaian sangat baikyang diberikan oleh ahli materi dan ahli media, serta respon sangat positif yang diberikan oleh siswa; (2) produk tersebut efektif dalam meningkatkan pemahaman konsep, berdasarkan perolehan nilai gain sebesar 0,57; dan (3) produk tersebut efektif dalam meningkatkan motivasi belajar siswa, berdasarkan peningkatan rata-rata skor skala motivasi sebelum dan sesudah penggunaan produk sebesar 1,86%.Kata kunci: multimedia pembelajaran, game, RPG, lingkaran DEVELOPING A ROLE PLAYING GAME (RPG)-BASED INSTRUCTIONAL MULTIMEDIA ON THE SUBJECT OF CIRCLE FOR GRADE 8 STUDENTS OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLAbstractThis research aimed to: (1) produce a RPG-based instructional multimedia on the subject of circle for grade 8students of junior high school feasible to use in learning processes, (2) identify the effectiveness of the developed product to promote conceptual understanding, and (3) identify the effectiveness of the developed product to promote learning motivation. This development study referred to the model suggested by Alessi & Trollip. The developmental design was grouped into three steps, consisting of planning, design, and development. In all of the steps, on-going evaluation was done to monitor the quality of the developed product. The research findings revealed that: (1) the RPG-based instructional multimedia on the subject of circle for grade 8students of junior high school was feasible to use in learning processes based on the very good assessment given by subject matter experts and media experts, and very positive responses given by students; (2) the developed product was effective to promote conceptual understanding based on the gain score result of 0.57; and (3) the developed product was effective to promote learning motivation based on the increase of average score of motivation scale before and after the use of the product by 1.86%.Keywords: instructional multimedia, game, RPG, circle
Effectiveness of mHealth Interventions on Physical Activity and Physical Fitness in Outpatient and Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: A Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Nadarajah Sheeba , Buchholz Susan , Dickins Kristen
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Globally, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death. Cardiovascular mortality can be decreased by participation in cardiac rehabilitation. Researchers are exploring the use of mHealth technology in cardiac rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review is to examine the effectiveness of randomized controlled trials that use a mHealth intervention as a part of an outpatient and/or home-based cardiac rehabilitation program on improving physical activity and physical fitness outcomes.

METHODS

For this systematic review, mHealth interventions were limited to text messaging, mobile apps, and use of a mobile phone network for data transmission, used to deliver cardiac rehabilitation program. Using six databases, the search strategy included published English language studies through 2016. Data was extracted independently by two reviewers, and then synthesized.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 149 articles, of which 15 articles that represented nine studies met inclusion criteria. Articles were published from 2010 to 2016 and came from two continents. The majority (84%) of participants were male. Generally, the participant mean age was late 50s to early 60s. Text messaging was the most frequently used intervention. The results of the physical activity and physical fitness findings were mixed. Effect sizes for intervention as measured by the 6-minute walk test ranged from 0.46 to 0.58 and peak VO2 ranged from 0.03 to 1.35.

CONCLUSIONS

Globally, use of mHealth in outpatient and/or home-based cardiac rehabilitation is being studied with greater attention. However, these studies are limited by geography, gender, and age. Therefore, further research in the area of cardiac rehabilitation and mHealth is recommended, especially in developing countries, among women, and older adults.
Googling for Neurological Disorders: From Seeking Health-Related Information to Patient Empowerment, Advocacy, and Open, Public Self-Disclosure in the Neurology 2.0 Era (Preprint)
Authors: Martini Mariano , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi
Published: March 2019

UNSTRUCTURED

Since its introduction, the internet has played a major role in reshaping patient-physician communication and interactions, having fostered a shift from a paternalistic to a patient-centered model. Because of its dynamic nature, the internet has been used as a platform to not only disseminate knowledge—favored by improved access to an increasing wealth of available resources—but also to spread advocacy and awareness, contribute to fund-raising, and facilitate open, public self-disclosure of one’s own disease, thus eliminating any taboo and reducing the stigma associated with it. The era of Medicine 2.0 is characterized by openness, collaboration, participation, and social networking. The current situation is completely different from the time when Lorenzo Odone’s parents, after his diagnosis of adrenoleukodystrophy, decided to attend medical school in order to collect information about a devastating, unknown disease and had to contend with medical authorities at that establishment to convince them of the alleged effectiveness and safety of their discovered therapeutics. Orphan and rare neurological diseases have currently received recognition on web-based resources. However, while the intention is not to ridicule Odone’s family legacy and the “complicated lessons” they have reported, some issues should be carefully addressed by health authorities, such as the reputability, reliability, and accuracy of material available on the internet and prevention of the dissemination of material that could instill illusions and unjustified hopes in individuals seeking medical treatment. Neurologists should be aware of such digital resources, participate in web-based activities, and recommend select high-quality websites to their patients.
Design and pre-study assessment of a dashboard for presenting self-collected health data from patients with diabetes to clinicians (Preprint)
Authors: Giordanengo Alain , Torsvik Torbjørn , Woldaregay Ashenafi Zebene , Grøttland Astrid , Årsand Eirik , Hartvigsen Gunnar , Hansen Anne Helen
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Introducing self-collected health data from patients with diabetes into consultation can be beneficial for both patients and clinicians. Patients can be more proactive in their disease management and clinicians can provide more tailored medical services. In the best situation, EHRs should be able to receive self-collected health data in a medical data standard representation such as FHIR from patients systems such as mHealth apps and to display it directly to their users, the clinicians. However, while Norwegian EHRs are working on implementing FHIR, no solution or graphical interface is available today to display self-collected health data.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to design and assess a dashboard for displaying relevant self-collected health data from patients with diabetes to clinicians.

METHODS

The design relied on 1) consulting scientific literature dealing with health data presentation in combination with existing system providing self-collected health data to clinicians, and 2) workshops involving patients, clinicians and researchers to define which in-formation should be available and how it should be displayed. The assessment relied on presenting an instance of the dashboard populated with the data collected from one patient with diabetes type 1 (in-house researcher) face to face with six clinicians. We per-formed a qualitative analysis based on usability, functionality and expectation using responses to questionnaires distributed to the six clinicians at the end of the workshops and collected before the participants left.

RESULTS

We showed a dashboard permitting clinicians to 1) assess the reliability of self-collected health data, 2) list all collected data among medical calculations and 3) point out medical situations to investigate for improving the situation of the patients. The system uses a combination of tables, graphs and other visual representations to display the relevant information. The assessment showed that the clinicians think that this type of solution will be useful during consultations every day, especially for patients living in remote areas or the ones being technologically interested.

CONCLUSIONS

Displaying self-collected health data along with their reliability and extracted information can ease the introduction of self-collected health data during consultations with clinicians. The pre-study assessment showed that the system has been very well received by the participants and they were eager to start using it during consultations. The system is currently being tested in a medical trial since No-vember 2018 and the first results concerning its assessment in a real-life situation are expected in the beginning of next year (2020).
ENHANCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION AND STABILITY OF CANDESARTAN CILEXETIL–LOADED SILICA POLYMERS
Authors: Khanfar Mai , Al Taani Bashar , Mohammad Eman
Published: March 2019

Objective: To prepare stable amorphous solid dispersions of candesartan cilexetil (CAN) with different types of silica, including non-porous (aerosil 200) and porous silica (sylysia 350) using the spray-drying method.

Methods: various ratios of candesartan cilexetil (CAN) were spray dried with aerosil and sylysia. Powder x-ray diffraction (x-ray) differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), SEM were used to characterize the spray dried powders in addition to dissolution and stability studies.

Results: X-ray results showed that the spray–dried (CAN) in the prepared solid dispersion were in amorphous form irrespective of the used silica. In (DSC) analysis, the melting peak of spray-dried (CAN-silica) solid dispersion disappeared. Dissolution property of (CAN) was remarkably improved by formulating with silica particles. In comparing the effect of the type of the silica particles, the dissolution rate of (CAN) from the spray-dried (CAN-sylysia) was faster than that (CAN-aerosil 200) irrespective of the drug content. It was also shown that the spray-dried formulation with silica did not recrystallize when storing at severe storage conditions (40 °C, 75% RH) for three months, while spray-dried (CAN) without silica easily re-crystallized under the same conditions.

Conclusion: Spray drying of (CAN) with sylysia 350 is an efficient method to enhance the dissolution and stability of the drug.
FORMULATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF MATRIX TABLETS OF METOCLOPRAMIDE HYDROCHLORIDE
Authors: JAYA S. , S. DIVYA
Published: March 2019

Objective: The purpose of present study was to formulate oral sustained release matrix tablet of metoclopramide hydrochloride and to evaluate the effect of varying concentrations of hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers on drug release.

Methods: Drug–excipients compatibility studies were carried out by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression technique using Xanthan gum and ethyl cellulose alone and in combination as release retardant. Dicalcium phosphate was used as diluent. The prepared matrix tablets were evaluated for their physicochemical parameters such as weight variation, hardness, friability, content uniformity and in vitro drug release studies were performed using USP-type II (paddle) dissolution apparatus.

Results: Pre and post compression parameters were evaluated and all the parameters were found within the limit. The matrix tablets prepared with xanthan gum and combination of xanthan gum and ethyl cellulose were retarded the drug release upto 12 h. Ethyl cellulose alone could not control the drug release for 12 h. The Formulation with drug to xanthan gum (1:1.5), released 97.62 % of drug in 12 h. The kinetic treatment showed that the release of drug follows zero order kinetics (R 2=0.985). Korsmeyer and Peppas equation values of n were found to be in the range of 0.40-0.56, indicating that the drug release mechanism was diffusion.

Conclusion: Matrix tablet is the simple, efficient and economic method to sustain the release of metoclopramide to prevent extrapyramidal side effects.