bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adição de frutoligossacarídeo em dietas para leitões desmamados: desempenho, incidência de diarreia e metabolismo
Authors: Budiño Fábio Enrique Lemos , Castro Júnior Fernando Gomes de , Otsuk Ivani Pozar
Published: February 2011

Com o objetivo de verificar o efeito da adição do prebiótico frutoligossacarídeo sobre o desempenho, a incidência de diarreia e o metabolismo de leitões desmamados, foram conduzidos dois experimentos. Utilizaram-se três dietas contendo 0,2; 0,4 ou 0,6% de frutoligossacarídeo, formuladas a partir de uma dieta basal (sem adição de frutoligossacarídeo), totalizando quatro dietas experimentais. No experimento 1, utilizaram-se 96 leitões desmamados (5,89 ± 0,86 kg) para avaliação do ganho de peso, do consumo de ração, da conversão alimentar e da incidência de diarreia nos primeiros 15 dias pós-desmame. No experimento 2 foram testadas as mesmas dietas para avaliação do metabolismo energético e nitrogenado de leitões (17,93 ± 0,66 kg). Os níveis de frutoligossacarídeo tiveram efeito quadrático no ganho de peso, cujos melhores resultados foram obtidos com nível de 0,31% desse prebiótico. Não foram verificadas diferenças significativas na conversão alimentar nem na incidência de diarreia. O uso de frutoligossacarídeo em dietas para leitões não influenciou a digestibilidade nem a metabolizabilidade das dietas experimentais.
Aerobic stability of triticale silage in single culture or in mixtures with oat and/or legumes
Authors: Bumbieris Junior Valter Harry , Jobim Clóves Cabreira , Emile Jean-Claude , Roman Juliano , Silva Michele Simili da
Published: February 2011

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the aerobic stability and losses during the fermentation process of triticale silages in single crop or in mixtures with oats and/or legumes. The following crops were used for silage production: triticale (X. Triticosecale Wittimack), triticale intercropped with forage pea (Pisum arvense) and triticale intercropped with oats (Avena strigosa Schreb), forage pea and vetch (Vicia sativa). The dry matter content and its recovery did not differ among the silages. Buffer capacity was higher for tricale silage intercropped with oats, forage pea and vetch(88.67 m eq. NaOH/100 g DM) followed by triticale intercropped with forage pea (80.80 m eq. NaOH/100 g DM). Electric conductivity values were higher in the intercropped triticale silages. Triticale silage presented the lowest temperatures observed in the silos, and the silages of intercropped triticale silages presented higher heat retention and higher pH values. Silage of triticale intercropped with oats and legumes presented lower aerobic stability but it did not reduce the aerobic stability of the total feed. Dry matter recovery during storage and in stability evaluations in aerobiosis is similar among the silages.
Influência do peso vivo, da idade e do sexo sobre características de carcaças de equinos
Authors: Furtado Carlos Eduardo , Campos Melissa Calliari , Souza Vera Lúcia Ferreira de , Gasparino Eliane , Boso Karla Marielle de Oliveira , Nanni Marcos Rafael
Published: February 2011

Com o objetivo de avaliar as características quantitativas de carcaças de equinos, classificaram-se 72 equinos sem raça definida segundo o peso vivo, a idade e o sexo. Foram determinados o peso de carcaça fria, a quebra ao resfriamento, o rendimento de carcaça, os pesos de dianteiro e traseiro e a relação músculo/ossos. O modelo estatístico foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 3 x 3, com dois sexos, três faixas etárias e três faixas de peso vivo. A maior faixa de peso correspondeu a maior peso de carcaça, com média de 201,71 kg; e a maior relação músculo/osso, com 77,69%. A menor quebra ao resfriamento foi observada na menor faixa de peso, com 2,03%. A média para rendimento de carcaça foi de 51,20%, para dianteiro 54,86% e para traseiro 45,06%. Houve interação entre sexo e idade dos animais para a variável rendimento de carcaça, que foi maior nos machos jovens (até 8 anos) que nos mais velhos e nas fêmeas. Portanto, no abate de equinos, é recomendável priorizar animais jovens e mais pesados, por apresentarem maior quantidade de carne tipo exportação.
Desempenho e qualidade do ovo de codornas japonesas alimentadas com rações contendo sorgo
Authors: Moura Adolpho Marlon Antoniol de , Fonseca José Brandão , Rabello Carlos Bôa-Viagem , Takata Fátima Naomi , Oliveira Newton Tavares Escocard de
Published: February 2011

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos de codornas japonesas (Coturnix japonica) alimentadas com rações cotendo sorgo de baixo tanino em substituição ao milho. Foram utilizadas 210 codornas japonesas fêmeas com 65 dias de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco rações experimentais (0; 25; 50; 75 e 100% de sorgo em substituição ao milho) e seis repetições de sete aves. No experimento, cuja duração foi de 112 dias, não houve efeito significativo dos níveis de sorgo nas rações sobre nenhuma das características de produção. Com aumento dos níveis de sorgo na ração, houve redução linear da cor da gema e do custo da ração. O sorgo de baixo tanino pode substituir totalmente o milho em rações para codornas japonesas em postura.
Efeitos comportamentais, cognitivos e psicofisiológicos dos canabinoides: relevância para a psicose e a esquizofrenia
Authors: Sewell R. Andrew , Skosnik Patrick D. , Garcia-Sosa Icelini , Ranganathan Mohini , D'Souza Deepak Cyril
Published: February 2011

Avanços recentes no conhecimento sobre a função do receptor de canabinoide renovaram o interesse na associação entre cannabis e psicose. Linhas convergentes de evidências sugerem que os canabinoides podem produzir uma ampla gama de sintomas transitórios positivos, negativos e cognitivos assemelhados aos de esquizofrenia. Os canabinoides também produzem alguns déficits psicofisiológicos sabidamente presentes na esquizofrenia. É igualmente claro que em indivíduos com um transtorno psicótico estabelecido, os canabinoides podem exacerbar sintomas, desencadear recaídas e ter consequências negativas no curso da doença. Evidências crescentes sugerem que a exposição precoce e pesada à cannabis pode aumentar o risco de se desenvolver um transtorno psicótico como a esquizofrenia. A relação entre exposição à cannabis e esquizofrenia preenche alguns, mas não todos os critérios usuais de causalidade. Porém, a maioria das pessoas que utilizam cannabis não desenvolve esquizofrenia e muitas pessoas diagnosticadas com esquizofrenia nunca utilizaram cannabis. Portanto, é provável que a exposição à cannabis seja uma "causa componente" que interage com outros fatores para "causar" esquizofrenia ou outro transtorno psicótico, mas não é nem necessária nem suficiente para fazê-lo sozinha. No entanto, na ausência de causas conhecidas da esquizofrenia e com as implicações de políticas de saúde pública, se tal vínculo for estabelecido, as causas componentes, tais como a exposição a canabinoide, devem continuar sendo um foco de estudos futuros. Finalmente, são necessárias mais pesquisas para identificar os fatores subjacentes à vulnerabilidade à psicose relacionada a canabinoide e para elucidar os mecanismos biológicos subjacentes a esse risco.
Efeito da veloplastia intravelar sobre o fechamento velofaríngeo avaliado por meio da técnica fluxo-pressão
Authors: Yamashita Renata Paciello , Oliva Tathiane Roberta Teixeira , Fukushiro Ana Paula , Brustello Carolina Macedo Battaiola , Trindade Inge Elly Kiemle
Published: February 2011

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da veloplastia intravelar sobre o fechamento velofaríngeo de pacientes com fissura de palato reparada e insuficiência velofaríngea (IVF), por meio de avaliação aerodinâmica (técnica fluxo-pressão). MÉTODOS: Quarenta e sete indivíduos de ambos os gêneros, com idade entre seis e 48 anos, que apresentavam fissura de palato±lábio reparada e IVF, submetidos à veloplastia intravelar. Os pacientes foram avaliados, por meio da técnica fluxo-pressão, aferindo a medida da área do orifício velofaríngeo antes e, em média, 12 meses após a cirurgia, durante a produção do fonema /p/ inserido na palavra "rampa". O fechamento velofaríngeo foi classificado como adequado (0 a 0,049 cm²), marginal (0,050 a 0,199 cm²) ou inadequado (>0,200 cm²). RESULTADOS: Após a cirurgia, verificou-se melhora considerável no grau de fechamento velofaríngeo em 66% dos casos. Do total de pacientes analisados, 47% passaram a apresentar fechamento adequado, 23%, fechamento marginal e 30% permaneceram com fechamento inadequado. CONCLUSÃO: Estes resultados mostraram que a veloplastia intravelar levou à melhora do fechamento velofaríngeo na maioria dos pacientes analisados repercutindo na redução dos sintomas de fala da IVF.
Axé music: mitos, verdades e world music
Authors: Castro Armando Alexandre
Published: February 2011

O artigo discute a Axé music, oferecendo elementos na tentativa de desconstrução de três mitos nela evidenciados: monocultura, baixa qualidade técnica e sua decadência. A metodologia utilizada privilegia a análise de conteúdo, tendo como meios de verificação e coleta de dados entrevistas semi-estruturadas com músicos, técnicos, produtores e empresários musicais de Salvador, além de pesquisa documental relacionada ao campo musical baiano atual.
Alterações morfofuncionais musculares em resposta ao alongamento passivo em modelo animal de imobilização prolongada de membro posterior
Authors: Rocha Wanize Almeida , Gobbi Gustavo Abrahão , Araujo Vitor de Freitas , Santuzzi Cíntia Helena , Coutinho Gilma Correa , Nogueira Breno Valentim , Gonçalves Washington Luiz Silva
Published: February 2011

INTRODUÇÃO: O alongamento passivo ou estático (EAL) é frequentemente utilizado em programas de reabilitação e na área desportiva; porém, as alterações morfofuncionais ocorridas ainda não estão bem claras, principalmente após imobilização prolongada. OBJETIVOS: Examinar as alterações morfofuncionais musculares produzidas em resposta a três semanas de exercícios de EAL em um modelo animal de imobilização prolongada de membro posterior (MP) em posição encurtada. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 32 ratos Wistar divididos em quatro grupos (n = 8, em cada): A - grupo controle (CONT), B - grupo imobilizado por 21 dias (IMOB), C - grupo remobilizado por 21 dias (LIVRE), D - grupo alongados por 21 dias (ALONG). Foram comparadas as variações morfofuncionais entre grupos experimentais. As variáveis foram: peso corporal e muscular, comprimento muscular e ósseo, número de miofibrilas e quantidade de colágeno, determinadas através de histomorfometria muscular por contraste de cor. RESULTADOS: A IMOB do bíceps femoral em posição encurtada produziu uma importante hipotrofia com hiperplasia muscular compensatória, além do aumento (p < 0,05) na deposição de colágeno no perimísio e intramuscular de ratos. A remobilização livre ou o alongamento passivo reduziram significativamente (p < 0,05) estas alterações morfofuncionais observados no grupo IMOB. CONCLUSÃO: Através desses resultados, pode-se concluir que tanto o EAL quanto a remobilização livre promovem a restauração das alterações morfofuncionais no bíceps femoral esquerdo induzida pela imobilização prolongada, embora somente o EAL foi capaz de reduzir a relação entre colágeno/músculo.
Sobre a função das representações conceituais simbólicas na gramática do design visual: encaixamento ou subjacência?
Authors: Biasi-Rodrigues Bernardete , Nobre Kennedy Cabral
Published: February 2011

Nosso objetivo neste trabalho é discutir a função das categorias gramaticais atributo simbólico e portador na Gramática do Design Visual (KRESS e van LEEUWEN, 2006 [1996]). Para os autores, estes constituintes, pertencentes à metafunção ideacional, poderiam estar presentes ou não em estruturas conceituais simbólicas, conferindo a um participante um valor que o caracterizaria e/ou o conceituaria. Advogamos aqui que, decorrente dessa função, os atributos simbólicos e os portadores são responsáveis pela realização de inferências por parte dos leitores de imagens e, portanto, estão sempre presentes em quaisquer representações visuais. Em virtude disso, entendemos que as representações conceituais simbólicas não estão no mesmo nível de autonomia que as representações narrativas e conceituais classificatórias e analíticas, e sim num nível de subjacência.
Tratamento endovascular de pseudoaneurisma de artéria mesentérica superior: relato de caso
Authors: Nasser Felipe , Affonso Breno Boueri , Jesus-Silva Seleno Glauber de , Araújo Júnior Raimundo Teixeira de , Andrioli Mário Sérgio Duarte , Campos Juliana Carvalho de , Afonso Rogério Carballo , Ferraz-Neto Ben-Hur
Published: February 2011

O pseudoaneurisma de artéria mesentérica superior é uma doença rara, porém com alta taxa de ruptura e mortalidade. Sua etiologia geralmente é infecciosa e comumente o diagnóstico é feito por meio de achado nos exames de imagem. Historicamente, seu tratamento de eleição tem sido o reparo cirúrgico aberto; entretanto, é associado a inúmeras complicações e dificuldades técnicas. Relatamos um caso de pseudoaneurisma de artéria mesentérica superior em um paciente portador de abscesso hepático no qual, após resolução do processo infeccioso, foi empregado, com sucesso, um tratamento minimamente invasivo endovascular, com implante de micromolas e stent não-recoberto.
Aneurisma de artéria esplênica corrigido por embolização com molas
Authors: Pino Rafaele Maria Araújo de Sena , Gois Eduardo Alexandre Souza , Aragão Larissa Gouveia , Bomfim Filho Ângelo Mário de Sá , Wanderley David Campos
Published: February 2011

O aneurisma da artéria esplênica é uma entidade clínica rara, embora seja o mais frequente entre os aneurismas viscerais, sendo encontrado em 0,8% da população. Apresenta-se mais frequentemente em mulheres, na proporção de 4:1, e raramente provoca sintomas ou sinais clínicos. Desenvolve-se de forma assintomática e, na maioria dos casos, é diagnosticado por meio de exames indicados para elucidar queixas clínicas decorrentes de outras doenças ou quando apresenta complicações por vezes fatais, como a rotura. A possibilidade de rotura dos aneurismas de artéria esplênica com diâmetro inferior a 2 cm é baixa; entretanto, os que apresentam diâmetro igual ou maior que 3 cm são usualmente encaminhados para tratamento cirúrgico, devido ao alto risco de rotura. O tratamento eletivo é indicado nos casos não complicados, sendo a embolização com molas um método interessante por evitar o tratamento cirúrgico convencional.
E assim se fez o quantum. . .
Authors: Feldens Bruno , Dias Penha Maria Cardoso , Santos Wilma Machado Soares
Published: February 2011

Neste trabalho, é apresentada a história do nascimento do conceito de quantum de energia, por Max Planck. A história pode ser entendida como clarificadora de um conceito, pois ela mostra os problemas que os cientistas tentavam resolver e como os conceitos apareceram no decurso das soluções. Assim sendo, neste trabalho ênfase é dada ao problema da interação da radiação com a matéria e a solução estabelecida por Planck. Em particular, o conceito de distribuição é ilustrado pelos modos de distribuir partículas (bolas coloridas) em estados microscópicos (caixas).
Modelo de degeneração do disco intervertebral por punção da cauda de ratos Wistar: avaliação histológica e radiográfica
Authors: Pereira Ana Carolina de C. Issy , Castania Vitor , Jong Joost J. A. de , Defino Helton L. A. , Pitol Dimitrius Leonardo , Iyomasa Mamie Mizusaki , Del Bel Elaine
Published: February 2011

OBJETIVO: descrever a caracterização histológica e radiográfica do método de indução da degeneração do disco intervertebral da cauda de ratos Wistar induzida por meio de punção. MÉTODOS: ratos Wistar machos adultos foram anestesiados, radiografados e submetidos à punção dos discos intervertebrais localizados entre a sexta e a sétima e a oitava e nona vértebras coccígeas. Para a punção foi utilizada agulha de 20G, que foi introduzida até o ânulo fibroso, e foi realizada dupla rotação de 360º, mantendo-se a mesma posição durante 30 segundos antes da retirada. O disco intermediário aos segmentos lesados (7-8) não foi puncionado e foi utilizado como controle. Foi selecionado o período pós-lesão de 30 dias (n=9) para sacrifício e análise dos discos intervertebrais. Os animais foram radiografados 30 dias após a lesão para análise da altura do disco intervertebral. Os segmentos da cauda foram removidos, fixados e desmineralizados, processados e corados com Hematoxilina-Eosina para avaliação histológica. RESULTADOS: a análise radiográfica revelou a redução significativa da altura dos discos lesados em relação ao controle. A avaliação histológica revelou alterações no núcleo pulposo e ânulo fibroso dos discos lesados em relação ao controle. Não foram observadas diferenças na intensidade de lesão entre os discos proximal e distal. CONCLUSÃO: a degeneração do disco intervertebral da cauda de ratos Wistar induzida por meio de punção mostrou ser método reprodutível para estudo da degeneração do disco intervertebral. Esse modelo mostrou validade para avaliação experimental de novas intervenções terapêuticas nos processos de degeneração do disco intervertebral.
Targeted Therapy in Advanced Well-Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Raut Chandrajit P. , Kulke Matthew H.
Published: February 2011

Treatments for advanced neuroendocrine tumors were, until recently, rather limited. Salvage surgery and liver-directed therapy both have relatively limited impact, and systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy has minimal efficacy. In the absence of other effective treatments, somatostatin analogs have been used for years to control disease and neuroendocrine symptoms, without cytotoxic intent. Advances in targeted therapy for neuroendocrine tumors have opened several potentially new treatment paradigms in the management of these otherwise relatively drug-resistant neoplasms. Promising results have emerged from studies evaluating radiolabeled somatostatin analogs and inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways. This article reviews several of the more encouraging developments in this field.
Reflections on the Knife Edge
Authors: Murphy John Patrick Michael
Published: February 2011

Introduction

The accompanying article, written by John Murphy, a retired lawyer and lifelong outdoorsman from his beloved Colorado Rockies, draws the striking parallel between his experiences as a mountain climber and as a patient with metastatic melanoma facing the hope and uncertainty of experimental therapy. Both are life-threatening circumstances, demanding courage and hope, and challenging our soul in a way almost unique to human experience. Both involve a conscious choice to move forward into dangerous and uncertain territory, and require a determination to look death (John's “Reaper”) in the eye. Many remarkable books and films have been written about such experiences. I recall in particular the 2003 documentary film Touching the Void, about the incredible survival of a mountaineer who returned from a perilous fall in Peru. I highly recommend it to the reader. Another is Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption (Random House, 2010), about the survival of a prisoner of war, the celebrated miler Louis Zamperini. Again, unbridled courage and undeniable hope turned futility into future.

John Murphy's reflections remind us of the daily heroism of our patients who are holding tight to the lifeline offered by clinical research. Good climbing, John. All of us are with you on that Knife Edge, waiting for our turn to ascend… and hoping to be as courageous as you were then on Capitol Peak and are again now on the Knife Edge of a clinical trial. For our turn will come.
The Use of Light/Chemically Hardened Polymethylmethacrylate, Polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate, and Calcium Hydroxide Graft Material in Combination With Polyanhydride Around Implants in Minipigs: Part I: Immediate Stability and Function
Authors: Hasturk Hatice , Kantarci Alpdogan , Ghattas Mazen , Schmidt Marcella , Giordano Russell A. , Ashman Arthur , Diekwisch Thomas G. , Van Dyke Thomas
Published: February 2011

Background: The present study is designed as a proof‐of‐concept study to evaluate light/chemical hardening technology and a newly formulated polymethylmethacrylate, polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate, and calcium hydroxide (PPCH) plus polyanhydride (PA) (PPCH‐PA) composite graft material as a bone substitute compared to positive and negative controls in a minipig model.

Methods: PPCH‐PA (composite graft); PPCH alone (positive control), PA alone (positive control), and no graft (negative control) were compared. Four mandibular premolar teeth per quadrant were extracted; a total of 48 implants were placed into sockets in three minipigs. Abutments were placed protruding into the oral cavity 4 mm in height for immediate loading. Crestal areas and intrabony spaces were filled with PPCH‐PA, PPCH, or PA using a three‐phase delivery system in which all graft materials were hardened by a light cure. In the negative control group, implant sites were left untreated. At 12 weeks, block sections containing implants were obtained. Evaluations included periodontal probing, pullout‐force load, and stability measurements to determine implant stability, radiographs to examine bone levels, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)–energy‐dispersed spectroscopy to determine bone‐to‐implant contact.

Results: Probing measurements did not reveal any pathologic pocket formation or bone loss. Radiographs revealed that immediate implant placement and loading resulted in bone at or slightly apical to the first thread of the implant in all groups at 12 weeks. Stability test values showed a relative clinical stability for all implants (range: −7 to +1); however, implants augmented with PPCH‐PA exhibited a statistically significantly greater stability compared to all other groups (P <0.05). The newly formed bone in PPCH‐PA–treated sites was well organized with less marrow spaces and well‐distributed osteocytes. SEM revealed a tighter implant–socket interface in the PPCH‐PA group compared to other groups with reduced microfissures and implant–bone interface fractures during pullout testing, whereas implants treated with PA or no graft showed ≈10‐μm microfissures between the implant and bone with fractures of the intrathread bone.

Conclusions: The newly formulated chemically hardened graft material PPCH‐PA was useful in immediate implant placement after tooth extraction and resulted in greater stability and a well‐organized implant–bone interface with immediate loading, especially in those areas where cancellous bone was present. The results of this proof‐of‐concept study warranted further research investigating different healing times and longer durations.
The Effects of Low‐Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Exposure on Gingival Cells
Authors: Shiraishi Ryutarou , Masaki Chihiro , Toshinaga Akihiro , Okinaga Toshinori , Nishihara Tatsuji , Yamanaka Nobuyasu , Nakamoto Tetsuji , Hosokawa Ryuji
Published: February 2011

Background: Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been used in fracture treatment to shorten the time needed for biologic wound healing. Clinical trials applying LIPUS in implant dentistry have reported accelerated soft‐tissue healing and osseointegration. However, details of the clinical effects of LIPUS have not been well characterized. Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) plays an important role in wound healing and angiogenesis in periodontal tissue. In this study, we focus on the effect of LIPUS on gingival epithelial cells and the role of CCN2/CTGF therein.

Methods: Gingival epithelial cells (GE1) were cultured in six‐well cell‐culture plates for 24 hours at 37°C with 5% CO2, and then exposed to LIPUS for 15 minutes at 3‐MHz frequency and 40‐mW/cm2 power. Total RNA was extracted after LIPUS exposure and analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction to detect CCN2/CTGF. Additionally, total protein from each sample after LIPUS exposure was immunoblotted with anti‐CCN2/CTGF antibody.

Results: LIPUS exposure increased the mRNA level of CCN2/CTGF on exposure, and the level was significantly greater at 0 and 15 minutes after LIPUS exposure compared to the control. Western blotting analysis showed intense staining of CCN2/CTGF for 60 minutes after LIPUS exposure. The results demonstrate that LIPUS exposure accelerates soft‐tissue healing by increasing CCN2/CTGF on exposure, in addition to its effects on bone formation.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that LIPUS exposure accelerates soft‐tissue healing by increasing connective tissue growth factors via a mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway on exposure.
Responses of Human Neutrophils to Nicotine and/or Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Al‐Shibani Nouf K. , Labban Nawaf Y. , Kowolik Michael J. , Ruby John D. , Windsor L. Jack
Published: February 2011

Background: Tobacco smoking is considered a major modifiable risk factor for periodontal disease. Nicotine is the addictive ingredient in tobacco and has been shown to affect multiple cellular processes. Neutrophils are the first line of host defense and are critical cells in the maintenance of periodontal health through their role in the control of bacteria, but they can also contribute to the progression of periodontal disease by the production and release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Virulence factors from periodontal pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), stimulate the respiratory burst of neutrophils. The objective of this study is to explore the oxidative activity of neutrophils when stimulated with Pg, nicotine, or both.

Methods: Neutrophils were separated from buffy coats by the double dextran gradient method. The generation of ROS by neutrophils was determined using luminol‐dependent chemiluminescence assays. The reaction was followed for 90 minutes, and the neutrophil activation was recorded as the total integrated energy output.

Results: The Pg and Pg plus nicotine groups had a significantly higher active and peak chemiluminescence than the nicotine group (all with P <0.0001). The Pg and Pg with nicotine groups were not significantly different (P = 0.90).

Conclusion: In the presence of Pg, the nicotine did not further enhance the ROS release by the neutrophils, suggesting that the bacteria induced the maximum ROS release in this model system.
Thermal maturation and exhumation of a middle orogenic crust in the Livradois area (French Massif Central)
Authors: Gardien Véronique , Vanderhaeghe Olivier , Arnaud Nicolas , Cocherie Alain , Grange Marion , Lécuyer Christophe
Published: February 2011

Upper Carboniferous heating and melting of the middle orogenic crust associated with the emplacement of syntectonic granitoids are documented in the Upper Gneissic Unit of the Livradois area (central part of the French Massif Central). Crustal melting post-dates peak metamorphism conditions (800-625°C, 10-8 kb) dated at 360 ± 4 Ma (U-Th-Pb on monazite). The P-T evolution of the metamorphic series indicates that Barrovian metamorphism was followed by a decompression (from 10 ± 1 kbar to 6 ± 1 kbar) associated with either a decrease in temperature in the southern part of the series or with an increase in temperature (of about 150°C) in the northern part of the series. This evolution records the first step of the exhumation of the series coeval with granitoids intrusion, of which the emplacements were dated at 315 ± 4 and 311 ± 18 Ma (U-Pb on zircon). The final stage of the exhumation is associated with an isobaric cooling of the whole series. Similarity of 40Ar/39Ar ages for biotite in the paragneisses (307-300 Ma) and K-feldspar in the granitoids (306-300 Ma) document rapid cooling for this stage. Moreover dextral reverse mylonites, at the border and the northern part of the metamorphic series indicate north-south compression coeval with the unroofing of the series. Youngest 40Ar-39Ar ages on K-feldspar (274.6 ± 5 Ma) combined with normal shearing in mylonites limiting the Carboniferous Brassac-les-Mines basin document the late Carboniferous-early Permian stage of extension coeval with the upwelling of the Velay granitic dome.
Leadership in Health & Safety Phase Two & Three: Leading to Workforce Engagement
Authors: Matkin Darren B , Scotti Davide
Published: February 2011

To break through the safety performance plateau Saipem recognised the necessity of safety leadership in achieving an accident-free workplace, and establishing a solid culture of safety.

After one year of research, a very innovative Leadership in Safety Workshop was developed, and deployed toward the end of 2007. This first phase of LiHS has already seen the participation of more than 6000 senior leaders worldwide.

To support and sustain this cultural change process Saipem believed that going beyond management levels and targeting an engagement of the workforce was critical.

This paper describes the second two phases of LiHS. Firstly, the support provided toward management levels in terms of their engagement of the workforce, and outlining the actions they took in leading the process. And secondly, the tools employed to foster workforce engagement.
Successful Installation and Operation of Downhole Isolation Valve Combined with Pressurized Mud Cap Drilling to Safely Develop Sour Gas, Fractured-Limestone Reservoir in Gundih Field, Indonesia
Authors: Darmawan Ganesha Rinku , Susilo Surjanto Djoko , Toralde Julmar Shaun
Published: February 2011

The development of a sour gas reservoir (7000 ppm H2S and 20–25% CO2) in the Kujung fractured-limestone formation in the Gundih Field, Java, Indonesia faced challenges related to drilling operations that are prone to kick - loss cycles. Well control incidents were experienced on previous wells drilled in the area and large amounts of cement and lost circulation materials were used to mitigate severe and total circulation losses, which consequently reduced the productivity of the wells.

To further add to the complexity of the situation that the sour gas development project faced, the field's location is adjacent to a populated area, thereby increasing the requirement and need to prevent the release of sour gases during drilling operations. This condition ruled out the use of underbalanced drilling (UBD) to address circulation losses as bringing sour reservoir fluids to surface, even at a controlled condition, carried too much of a risk. In the process of finding a solution to these issues, the operator has identified that safety is the primary issue for the development of Gundih field, closely followed by the ability to drill these wells and maintaining reservoir performance. The solution developed involved the use of pressurized mud cap drilling (PMCD) techniques (along with a guaranteed and sufficient supply of sacrificial fluid, mostly water) and the installation of a downhole isolation valve (DIV), to isolate and prevent sour gas from the formation from reaching the surface, should severe losses and subsequent kicks be encountered.

The PMCD+DIV system has allowed recent drilling operations to properly address the situation where severe, total and immediate circulation losses are encountered, thereby concurrently minimizing reservoir damage and the amount of sour reservoir fluid released at surface while penetrating deeper into the fracture limestone reservoir. In one instance, the DIV was able to keep sour reservoir fluids from reaching surface during PMCD operations, undergoing as much as 47 open/close cycles during drilling, tripping, fishing and well test operations, all of which were performed while experiencing total loss of circulation.

The details of the PMCD+DIV system utilized will be presented in this paper, together with an assessment of how the system enhanced and improved the handling of health, safety and environment (HSE) issues during the drilling process, thereby assisting greatly in the accelerated development of the sour fractured-limestone gas reservoir in Gundih Field.
The Influence of Management's Leadership on Safety Culture: The Role of the Construction Contractor's Project Manager
Authors: Dumas Michèle Planeix
Published: February 2011

The Oil & Gas industry requires an accident free project. Today the international majors recognize that the last obstacle to achieving this is cultural.

This paper describes a research conducted on the link between leadership and safety culture, in the area of EPC projects, focusing on the construction contractor's project manager.

Construction project teams, whether on or offshore, are composed of several organizations coming together for the duration of the work. The main contractor project manager holds the position of a natural leader when it comes to gathering all the entities that make up the project across from the client: joint venture and consortium partners, and subcontractors. It's up to him to set the tone, to shape the safety culture.

How does the contractor project manager rally to a common safety vision teams with different cultural backgrounds? Are there limits to building a common culture, of what nature are they?

The research explores the link between leadership and culture, and derives a "cultural model" from a review of Industry "best practices". A set of interviews were conducted on three EPC projects in order to compare actual management practices with those of the model. The impact of the project social structure on these practices was studied as a factor having an impact on the extent to which the project manager's leadership can succeed in creating a common safety culture.

Projects that achieved a common safety culture did so by adapting management practices to the structure of the project. They were able to find the keys to cooperation with partner organizations, accross original cultural differences, in order to get safety vision buy-in from them.

This paper will be of interest to construction project managers, contractors and oil & gas companies alike, and CAPEX managers.
Robust Streamline Tracing Using Intercell Fluxes in Locally Refined and Unstructured Grids
Authors: Zhang Y. , King M. J. , Datta-Gupta A.
Published: February 2011

A robust, fast, and easy to implement streamline tracing algorithm for use in polygonal cells based upon cell face fluxes has been developed. This problem arises naturally as a post processing step for finite difference or finite volume reservoir simulators, where intercell fluxes are known but intracell velocities need to be interpolated and streamline trajectories calculated. Our proposed solution relies upon a refinement of the polygonal cells and provides a velocity field which is locally conservative, allows analytic calculation of the streamline trajectories, and does not require knowledge of the sub-cell permeability tensor or transmissibilities. Previous industry work on polygonal cells has used the corner velocity interpolation (CVI) method. We extend these results to support convex, nearly degenerate and non-convex polygons as may arise for complex grid geometries, and grids with local grid refinement. We also simplify the CVI construction through the use of a lower order velocity interpolation approach using sub-cell refinement. This allows an analytic calculation of streamline trajectories and time of flight on the sub-cells, instead of the numerical calculation required by CVI. The sub-cell refinement construction is very similar to the method of Prévost. The advantage of the proposed approach lies in the fact that it is solely based on the cell face fluxes and avoids the use of sub-cell permeabilities or transmissibilities. Instead it uses a "Minimum Velocity Variance" construction to obtain the smoothest possible velocity field. It is locally conservative and allows an exact analytic solution for streamline trajectories and time of flight.

In our study, eight different velocity interpolation schemes are evaluated. Each approach has identical normal velocities on the polygonal cell faces, but different interpolated velocities. The locally conservative schemes provide better streamline densities but introduce some degree of tangential velocity discontinuity at the sub-cell boundaries. The schemes with continuous velocity are not conservative. Higher order velocity models which are both continuous and conservative may also be used but are not robust for velocity reconstruction when utilized with lower order flux boundary conditions. The schemes are studied using single cell models and a quarter 5-spot case discretized using a polygonal (PEBI) grid.
Geophysical and Geochemical Methods Used for Safeguarding HSE When Constructing a Major Pipeline in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Hjorth Henriette
Published: February 2011

The paper presents a method for identifying chemical and conventional munitions on the seabed. The method has been used on the Nord Stream Pipeline Project, where a combination of geophysical and geochemical investigations was used to identify munitions along the pipeline routes in the Baltic Sea.

Traditional marine geophysical survey (comprising measurements with multibeam echosounder, side scan sonar, single magnetometer and seismic equipment) was combined with a newly developed instrument – a gradiometer array - that made it possible to detect ferrous objects on the seabed. The magnetic data was correlated with multibeam and side scan sonar data and this formed the basis of objects that were visually inspected with a ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle). The underwater footage of the objects made it possible to distinguish munitions from other objects on the seabed and to determine the type of munitions.

Geochemical methods were used to identify traces of chemical warfare agents from dumped chemical munitions. Sampling of sediment cores and pore water were conducted along the Nord Stream route near a dumping site in the southern Baltic Sea. Subsequently the samples were analysed in laboratory. The results from the analysis showed that only very few stations had evidence of traces from warfare agents.

The results from the geophysical investigations were the identification of a number of sea mines along the pipeline route. These were all cleared before the construction of the Nord Stream pipeline began, in order to safeguard HSE.

The applied method, using a combination of geophysical and geochemical surveys, for detection of munitions and chemical warfare agents can be used in other oil and gas projects in areas, were munitions has been dumped.
Change is Good ONLY If You Have Effective Software Configuration Management
Authors: Shafer Don , O'Grady Bill
Published: February 2011

Mission-critical processes such as drilling, dynamic positioning and well control now rely heavily on highly-integrated control systems software. Software, like other aspects of equipment, must be properly managed and maintained in order to avoid equipment failures and health, safety and environmental (HSE) incidents. Software changes (including patches, upgrades, and new configurations) happen frequently and are initiated by many different vendors. All of these factors make Software Configuration Management (SCM) critical and challenging.

Immature SCM policies and lack of adherence to SCM standard practices leave your fleet vulnerable to all of the risks associated with ad hoc installations and updates, inadequately tested software, and insufficient planning for software and hardware end-of-life (EOL). Risks include: equipment failure and corresponding HSE incidents, the inability to maintain or recover safe operations in the face of disasters such as hurricanes, and falling out of U.K. HSE and/or Norway PSA compliance.

To mitigate these risks, leading drilling and oil companies are instituting strong and comprehensive SCM policies and processes across their fleet. This paper includes real-life case studies practices proven to help drilling contractors and operators: Create and maintain a Software Configuration RegisterPlan for software and hardware End-of-Life (EOL)Implement a Software Configuration Change Control and Release PlanConduct Periodic Software Configuration Status Reports and Audits
The Work of the UK Helicopter Task Group
Authors: Burton Jessica
Published: February 2011

The Helicopter Task Group was created by the UK oil and gas industry in April 2009 to address helicopter safety issues, including those arising from the tragic helicopter crash off the north-east coast of Scotland on 1 April 2009. The task group included representatives from offshore operators and contractors, including those involved in the incident, as well as Oil & Gas UK, the offshore workforce, helicopter operator companies, regulators, emergency response organisations and trade unions.

Its purpose was to act on behalf of the industry as a communications focal point for sharing information, advice and learning across the industry and with other stakeholders on matters arising from this and other helicopter accidents. This included assisting the implementation of any recommendations from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) inquiries. The group also defined policies and practices for pan-industry implementation.

In the 16 months since the formation of the group, it oversaw a huge amount of work aimed at improving helicopter safety for UK offshore workers. This included the implementation of modifications and maintenance checks to helicopter gearboxes, the reintroduction and standardisation of personal locator beacons for all offshore workers and the launch of the world's first wide area multilateration system. The group also worked to address workforce confidence issues. This included communication guidelines, a dedicated email inbox, a helicopter operations training course for offshore safety representatives and a DVD distributed to all UK offshore locations.

The Helicopter Task Group is a unique example of collaboration and cooperation, with parties from all stakeholders working together towards a common goal of improving the safety of UK offshore helicopter operations. It has resulted in a number of significant safety improvements, as well as a much more open and constructive dialogue between the industry, aviation sector and regulators.
Innovative Fluid Storage and Blending Applications of Solvents, Acids, and Emulsified Acids Lead to Three-Year Spill-Free Operations in an Environmentally Sensitive Area
Authors: Maier Robert , Appicciutoli Danilo , Tedeschi Panfilo
Published: February 2011

In matrix acid treatments, the goal is to stimulate the formation as deep as possible while distributing the acid uniformly over the total zone of interest. Uniform distribution is becoming even more important when intervals are long, horizontal, or when several zones with natural fractures predominantly take the reactive fluid.

In an oil-producing field in Europe, located in an environmentally sensitive area, an operator was challenged to efficiently place solvent and acid treatments by following a zero-spill philosophy. The environmental challenges were affronted by (1) developing novel solvent blends, eliminating mixing operations on location, (2) strict-fluid transfer procedures for solvents in closed-loop systems into specially constructed storage tanks, (3) blending acids by adding chemicals transferred with the help of the venturi effect, and (4) pumping and emulsifying the liquids using closed-loop systems, thus reducing the risk of spilling to the absolute minimum.

The difficulties in creating an oil external/acid internal emulsion was resolved by blending the hydrocarbon phase and acid phase separately in adopted containment and creating the emulsion fly just before the fluid is pumped down hole.

This paper describes the engineered process in finding a solution to the HSE challenges, beginning with laboratory testing to develop and optimize the solvent part and create the innovative acid system. Further, it will provide an overview of the equipment and techniques applied to overcome operational difficulties in reaching a spill-free operation in an operation where in a 12-month period, up to 5,000 m3 of solvent and 1,000 m3 of acid and emulsified acid is pumped. This paper will also explain the equipment specification and setup for creating the acid and emulsified acid systems ready for field application in an environmentally sensitive area.
Using Business Continuity to Protect Operations and Reputation Through the Proactive Management of Significant Risks
Authors: Teed David , Smith Charlotte
Published: February 2011

Based on the authors’ experience and case studies drawn from 11 years of working with 14 North Sea operators, this paper will show how business continuity has been successfully implemented in the oil and gas sector to maintain continuity of operations.

Business continuity management (BCM) is based upon the ethos of determining business priorities and minimum resource requirements to protect critical activities pre-incident and ensuring that plans and solutions are pre-agreed to allow effective response to an incident which causes a loss of resource.

Business continuity planning in the oil and gas industry has traditionally focused on recovering onshore support functions and infrastructure in the event of loss of premises or IT. Now operators are expanding their business continuity scope to review other dependencies and their importance to maintaining the continuity of operations at exploration and production facilities. Consider for example, the implications of a disruption to pipeline or transport routes, loss of terminal or control room, or unavailability of critical spares.

Man made and natural disasters can impact both offshore and onshore operations as evidenced by the 2009 pandemic, the 2010 volcanic ash clouds and high profile oil spills. Rather than just focusing on incident management, a more effective approach is to take the learning points from real incidents, exercises and planning, understand how to mitigate the risks and adopt appropriate recovery strategies.

Organisations will then find themselves better placed to effectively manage communications with all stakeholders so that credibility can be maintained. Also, being able to demonstrate effective contingency planning helps persuade regulators that the risks associated with current and planned operations are understood.

This paper will set out the benefits of integrating BCM into the risk management process to understand potential threats and put in place effective strategies to ensure impacts are sustainable should the unexpected happen.
Developing Online Fatigue Awareness and Countermeasures Training for a Distributed Workforce
Authors: Jackson P. G. , Reglar J. M.
Published: February 2011

The Oil and Gas Exploration and Production industry is acutely aware of the dangers presented by fatigue. While fatigue has contributed to some of the most significant industrial disasters, even on a smaller scale, it can lead to injury or death, as well as loss of revenue and company reputation. For shiftworkers, particularly those involved in safety-critical tasks, working at times of the day when alertness is at a minimum can present a serious operational hazard.

One of the principal countermeasures against fatigue is training: to raise awareness of the dangers of fatigue; to highlight company and employee responsibilities with regard to the management of fatigue; and to provide employees with effective strategies to minimise the risks. Traditionally, this has been delivered via classroom-based seminars and workshops. While largely effective, this approach is impractical for a workforce that is geographically distributed or based in harsh or inaccessible environments.

In recent years, IT developments have made the Internet and company intranets accessible from even the most remote locations. With these advances, web-based training has become a viable option for many operators. The challenge, then, is to deliver a web-based training solution that is as engaging, interactive and effective as training delivered in the classroom.

This paper describes the development and delivery of BP's online Fatigue Awareness and Countermeasures Training programme (FACT), now being made available globally to employees involved in safety-critical work, or working extended hours. BP FACT is designed to reflect current operations, but will also accommodate the ongoing development of BP's fatigue risk management system and associated training needs. The paper highlights lessons learned from the development of BP FACT, provides recommendations for organisations seeking to develop online fatigue training and suggests strategies for developing an effective competency assessment.