bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Optical Clearing for High-Throughput Analysis of Tumour Spheroids
Authors: Gunasingh Gency , Browning Alexander , Haass Nikolas
Published: November 2021

Tumour spheroids are fast becoming commonplace in basic cancer research and drug development. Obtaining high-quality data relating to the inner structure of spheroids is important for analysis, yet existing techniques often use equipment that is not commonly available, are expensive, laborious, cause significant size distortion, or are limited to relatively small spheroids. We present a high-throughput method of mounting, clearing, and imaging tumour spheroids that causes minimal size distortion. Spheroids are mounted in an agarose gel to prevent movement, cleared using a solution prepared from commonly available materials, and imaged using confocal microscopy. We find that our method yields high quality two- and three-dimensional images that provide information about the inner structure of spheroids.
Pretreatment Serum Levels of IL-1 Receptor Antagonist and IL-4 are Predictors of Overall Survival in Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with Bortezomib
Authors: Mikulski Damian , Robak Paweł , Perdas Ewelina , Węgłowska Edyta , Łosiewicz Aleksandra , Dróżdż Izabela , Jarych Dariusz , Misiewicz Małgorzata , Szemraj Janusz , Fendler Wojciech , Robak Tadeusz
Published: November 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the malignant proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow with an elevation in monoclonal paraprotein, renal impairment, hypercalcemia, lytic bony lesions, and anemia. Immune cells and associated cytokines play a significant role in MM growth, progression, and dissemination. While some cytokines and their clinical significance are well described in MM biology, others remain relatively unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of pretreatment serum levels of 27 selected cytokines on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in MM patients before first-line therapy with bortezomib-based regimens. Serum cytokine levels were assayed with a Bio-Rad Bio-Plex Pro Human Cytokine 27-Plex Assay on the MAGPIX Multiplex Reader and the Bio-Plex® 200 System (Bio-Rad) including IL-1β, IL-1Ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, Eotaxin, FGF, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, PDGF-BB, RANTES, TNF-α, and VEGF. A total of 61 MM patients were examined. Most patients received a bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (VCD) chemotherapy regimen. In the final multivariate model, IL-13 cytokine level (HR 0.1411, 95% CI: 0.0240-0.8291, p = 0.0302), and ASCT (HR 0.3722, 95% CI: 0.1826-0.7585, p=0.0065) significantly impacted PFS. Furthermore, ASCT (HR 0.142, 95% CI: 0.046-0.438, p=0.0007), presence of bone disease at diagnosis (HR 3.826, 95% CI: 1.471-9.949, p=0.0059) and two cytokine levels- IL-1Ra (HR 1.017, 95% CI: 1.004-1.030, p= 0.0091) and IL-4 (HR 0.161, 95% CI: 0.037-0.698, p = 0.0147) were independent predictors of OS. Three clusters of MM patients were identified with different cytokine profiles. In conclusion, serum pretreatment levels of IL-13 and IL-4 are predictors of better PFS and OS, respectively, whereas IL-1Ra pretreatment levels negatively impact OS in MM patients treated with bortezomib-based chemotherapy. Cytokine signature profile may have a potential influence on the outcome of patients treated with bortezomib.
A Herd Effect Detection Method Based on Text Features
Authors: Liu Tingzhen , Zhou Tong , Shi Yuxin , Liu Siyuan , Gao Jin
Published: November 2021

The herd effect is a common phenomenon in social society. The detection of this phenomenon is of great significance in many tasks based on social network analysis such as recommendation. However, the research on social network and natural language processing seldom focuses on this issue. In this paper, we propose an unsupervised data mining method to detect herding in social networks. Taking shopping review as an example, our algorithm can identify other reviews which are affected by some previous reviews and detect a herd effect chain. From the overall perspective, the cross effects of all views form the herd effect graph. This algorithm can be widely used in various social network analysis methods through graph structure, which provides new useful features for many tasks.
Analysis of Oscillating Fishing Tool Efficiency for Stuck Assembly Recovery in Field X
Authors: Bayuartha Pratama Wangsit , Sitorus Parluhutan Alvin , Sinaga Rahmat , Sugiarto Tomi , Tokoh Kristoforus Widyas , Muryanto Bonifasius , Manalu Dasa , Faksilanto Dyan , Hendarno Boby , Ardiansyah Taufiq
Published: November 2021

As conventional fishing assembly offers a degree of recovery chance, such chance can be increased by utilizing an Oscillating Fishing Tool (OFT). The OFT is a fishing Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) component that delivers low-magnitude; high-frequency oscillation. The continuous motion that the tool provides complements the impact generated by the fishing jar. This paper reviews the successful case history in Field X, which was in fact the first utilization of OFT for a fishing application in the field.

Method of analysis involve comparing fishing sequence without and with the OFT. The OFT was used in Offshore Field X to recover a mechanically stuck 550-meter long Tubing Conveyed Perforating Gun assembly inside 9 5/8" casing that could potentially lead to loss of access into the 6 oil reserves candidate perforation zones. Initially the assembly had been stuck for two days, during which conventional fishing BHA was used to retrieve it to no avail, even after jarring for most of that time. OFT was then incorporated in the final fishing BHA and operated in combination with jarring operation.

After around twelve hours of oscillating and jarring, the fish was able to be released from the initial stuck point. When tripping the string out, however, the assembly was stuck at high dog-leg severity area near the surface. At that point, in combination with applying substantial overpull, OFT was utilized further to recover the entire string. Upon fish retrieval, it was evident that post detonation, the TCP gun had swelled into 8.6 inches in diameter. In summary, oscillating and jarring for thirty-six cumulative hours successfully released the swelled TCP gun assembly from the stuck occurrences. In conclusion, the operation showed that the OFT serves as a higher level of fishing tool option that offers a particular excitation mode to the stuck assembly.

Stuck assembly in a cased hole presents potential loss of oil reserves. Particularly in offshore application, the situation can also be costly. With reduced chance of recovery as time passes by, operation is hindered from being able to proceed to the next completion phase. The case proved OFT to have played an important role in improving fishing probability of success and should be considered as standard fishing BHA in the future.
Integrity Evaluation and Management in High Temperature High Pressure and High Production Rate Wells in Southwest China
Authors: Zhu Dajiang , Fan Yu , Zhang Huali , Li Yufei , Zhang Lin , Wang Chuanlei , Wang Xiaolei , Chen Hao , Lu Linfeng , Duan Yunqi
Published: November 2021

The Longwangmiao (referred to as LM) gas field in southwest China has characteristics of high temperature (144~156 °C), high pressure(75~76 MPa), and high production rate (70~100×104 m3/d). Serious well integrity problems were encountered in the development process; 21% of 56 wells were subjected to sustained casing pressure (SCP)(≥20 MPa). Downhole leak detection logs indicated the main cause was tubing connection leakage at a depth range of 0~2400 m. Wellhead growth was present in 33 wells and 4 wells exhibited gas leakage through wellhead valves.

Theoretical analysis and field tests were conducted to investigate and manage well integrity problems. A method to calculate the allowable pressure for different annuli was proposed based on string strength analysis, and downhole leak detection was conducted using ultrasonic leak detection method. A multi-string mechanical model to predict wellhead growth was established and the threshold values were calculated under different gas rates. According to the structure of wellhead, a method based on ultrasonic phased array to detect the work state of the wellhead was adopted, which measured the actual thickness of key valves to evaluate service life. For wells with SCP, the allowable pressure for different annuli was calculated and the pressure management charts were drawn and all wells were in steady production. Downhole leak detection showed that SCP in the A annulus (annulus between the tubing and production casing) was caused by connection leakage of tubing. In newly completed wells, a premium connection was adopted based on tests under cyclic structural and environmental thermal loads that the connections may encounter at various production phases, and the total ratio of SCP in newly completed wells decreased by 31.4%. Wellhead growth was predicted and compared with actual data, which showed an increase in average accuracy of 20~30% compared to the results from the WellCAT software. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the length of un-cemented casing and the production rate were the critical factors affecting the wellhead growth. The valve leakage of FF level material wellhead was caused due to corrosion after the removal of the coating, and no leakage was detected in the HH level material wellhead. Thickness survey showed that the average reduction was 0.085 mm~0.23 mm for HH wellhead, and 1.12 mm~2.24 mm for FF wellhead.
Evaluation of Latest Technological Advances in Sand Control Completions: A Case Study
Authors: Bharadwaj Rishabh , Kumar Manish , Harsh Shashwat , Mishra Deepak
Published: November 2021

Sand control poses huge financial loses during production operations particularly in mature fields. It hinders economic oil production rates as well as damages downhole and surface equipment due to its abrasive action. Excessive sand production rates can plug the wellhead, flow lines, and separators which can result in detrimental well control situations. This paper will provide a comparative study on various sand control mechanisms by reviewing the latest advancements in sand management techniques.

This study evaluates the performance of through-tubing sand screens, internal gravel pack, cased hole expandable sand screen, modular gravel pack system, openhole standalone screen, multi-zone single trip gravel pack, slim gravel pack, and chemical sand consolidation mechanisms. Various field examples from Niger-Delta, Mahakam oil and gas block, and offshore Malaysia are examined to gain an insight about the application of aforementioned sand control methods for different type of reservoirs.

This study enables the operator to tackle the sand production problem according to the well construction changes during the life cycle of a well. The internal gravel pack completion system delivers a prolonged plateau production regime in shallow depths. In high drawdown conditions, chemical sand consolidation completion incurs early water breakthrough and elevated sand production. Chemical sand consolidation technique yields better results in deeper formations and its placement can be improvised by implementing coiled tubing and diversion techniques for multi-stage treatments. Depending on the well inclination, gas-water contact, producing zone type and thickness, well age, and economy, the completion types out of modular gravel pack, openhole standalone screen, slim gravel pack, and through tubing sand screen is recommended accordingly.

Acquiring offset data, well log analysis, particle size distribution and performing pressure tests will improve the data quality of the obtained reservoir properties. This will further help in the selection of the most suitable sand control method for the target reservoir.
Challenges and Lessons Learnt on Waste Management and Disposal from Mauritania Deepwater Abandonment and Decommissioning Campaign
Authors: Bin Ahmad Zaini Ahmad Hafizi , Bin Rahim M Khairi , Bin Razak M Hairi , Moir Steve
Published: November 2021

Abandonment and decommissioning activities of oil and gas assets had been on the increasing trend. As an activity of minimal to no economic value return, the investment into Abandonment and Decommissioning (A&D) should be properly strategized to ensure all objectives are met safely within available time and resources. This paper will discuss Operator's strategy in planning and handling waste from A&D activities of fifteen (15) deepwater subsea wells in Mauritania, West Africa.

The approach of this A&D project at a remote location was done in two separate campaign instead of a single campaign based on technical and commercial evaluations performed by Operator. Subsea structures, Christmas trees, tubulars and others are expected to be retrieved and disposed according to local and international standard. In general, Operator are expecting two (2) type of waste which are non-hazardous waste and hazardous waste due to hydrocarbon or naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) contamination.

Due to the limitation of capable hazardous waste handling and disposal in country, Operator decided to export waste to identified facilities outside of country at the end of the project via sea-freight. Operator appointed one contractor to provide a full-service related to the waste management and disposal that covers field services and onshore services that includes radiological monitoring to identify NORM waste, labelling, packaging at offshore, onshore storage, transportation and logistics that include Trans-Frontier Shipment (TFS).

The strategy of appointing one contractor for full service of waste management and disposal has promoted a single – point accountability to the contractor and this has enabled the objective been delivered effectively.

COVID-19 pandemic posed a great challenge on cross-border logistic planning due to additional measure been imposed by receiving country. Furthermore, the new development of United Kingdom exiting European Union (BREXIT) also posed some level of uncertainty to the contractor to obtain relevant approvals for waste export.

To reduce the amount of waste to be export, Operator continuously looking for and successfully found a local recycling facility that able to handle the non-hazardous waste while meeting local regulation, Operator's and industrial standard. All outlined strategy was proven to be effective for waste management in remote location, uncertainty on cross-border waste export challenge, as well as capitalizing on the limited local resources available.
Low Cost Plug and Abandonment with Hybrid Hydraulic Pulling Unit
Authors: Tengku Ahmad Tengku Khairul Izwan , Abdullah Abdul Hanif
Published: November 2021

Plug and Abandonment (P&A) operations with conventional Hydraulic Workover Unit (WHU) have an enormous benefit and impact on low-cost P&A campaign in Malaysia compare with using conventional drilling rig. Subsequently, this Hybrid Hydraulic Pulling Unit (HHPU) was the first successful deployed and safely delivered for P&A campaign together with conductor removal in offshore West Malaysia.

This paper presents case study that showcase the capability of HHPU for low-cost permanent P&A campaign by eliminate requirement for additional bringing rigging-up and rigging-down of casing jack unit for conductor removal operation. The unit manage to cut and pull-out the existing completion strings, setting cement plugs, cut and pull-out multiple strings of casing along with retrieving the 24″ conductors delivering the most advantageous outcome for P&A campaign safely, efficiently and cost effectively. It was invented from 340K HWU with improvise features that capable of pull-out existing completion string and removal of the conductor with size up to 36″.

This paper demonstrates a unique combination of techniques and equipment of a successfully low-cost P&A operation with excellent client satisfaction with no incident and accident were recorded. The end results may contradict traditional P&A methods, but the case history can be used for future reference or potential replication in South East Asia region.
The Deep Water Field Alpha Plug and Abandonment Campaign – An Integrated Approach to Optimize Operations and Costs
Authors: Robail Frederic , Tarmizi Nor Aiman Khalidah Ahmad , Bakar M Syahmi Aiman Abu , Sidid Adib Akmal Che , Zakaria M Hadi B , Zulkipli Siti Najmi Farhan Bt
Published: November 2021

After having been developed in the early 2000's and put on production since then, the deep water (700 M water depth) Field Alpha is now at the end of field life and in the plug and abandonment (P&A) process. Although this field-life phase does not make any money for an E&P operating company, it can be a liability and put the company's reputation at stake, if not done correctly. Therefore, like any other field-life phases, it requires a professional and multidisciplinary integrated approach to deliver it while reducing the company's exposure.

P&A campaign involves many stake holders: the local authorities, its technical and operational representative / auditor, the operator's well engineering community, the subsurface team, e.g., petrophysics team, and the operator's management. Understanding all their expectations and KPIs is primordial to prepare and successfully deliver such operations.

The P&A process relies on the placement of adequate "barriers" inside the well to guarantee blockade of any potential reservoir fluid communication either within separate reservoirs (to avoid any reservoir re-pressurization through cross flow) or with seabed / surface which could impact the environment. As part of the well barrier, annuli cement quality and efficiency must be checked by cement bond evaluation. The petrophysics team has the responsibility to both define, in collaboration with others team members, the cement quality criteria and then to evaluate the cement quality in timely and efficient manner.

In this campaign, which is expected to run for more than a year, with several petrophysicists involved both in the preparation phase and in the operation phase, e.g., execution and results validation, consistency in the process is of utmost importance.

This paper presents the workflow put in place by PETRONAS Carigali during the Field Alpha P&A campaign. It emphasizes on the petrophysicist role and responsibilities from the preparation phase, during the operations, and through the results validation.

The learnings and experiences acquired during the Deep-Water Field Alpha P&A campaign are now going to be transpose to domestic and international assets by means of corporate guidelines and workflows.
The Research on Decommissioning and Abandonment Engineering Practice of Onshore Oilfield: A Case Study of Block 1/2/4 in South Sudan
Authors: Liu Qi , Liu Huifeng , Wang Xi , Li WanJun , Yang Guobin , Bahedaer Baletabieke , Yan Long , Yan Jun , Yang Yifeng , Tian Huiying , Lu Peng
Published: November 2021

At the end of the lifespan of this onshore oilfield development, all wells and oil production system, transmission pipelines and all surface infrastructures shall be decommissioned in accordance with international guidelines for abandonment of oil and gas facilities.

The development and production period relevant to Block 1/2/4 shall be ceased in 2033 as the PSC law approved by South Sudan Government. Considering that South Sudan is located along the Nile River in Africa, necessary measures shall be taken with respect to activities in the field to ensure effective protection for the environment. In addition, difficulties which have negative impact on decommission assessment shall be taken into account, such as inadequate wells data, the destruction of the facility by war, high security risks of Block 1/2/4, costly decommissioning and abandonment fees and so on.

This paper combines the practice of Block 1/2/4 in South Sudan to introduce the decommissioning plan, abandonment working process, standard operation procedure for wells and surface facility disposal, and the calculation of the decommissioning fund. The decommissioning may include complete removal or abandonment in-situ which based on an evaluation of cost, safety and environmental impact. While a detailed decommissioning and abandonment proposal has been compiled and updated during the production phase of the project. When the final decommissioning and abandonment plans have been developed for upstream and midstream, the costs have been updated accordingly. These estimates had utilized by the operators to fund the decommissioning and abandonment obligations in accordance with the provisions of the oil company. The D&A task was successful and finally approved by the authority of government.

Due to the successful completion of the decommissioning task of Block1/2/4, a completed decommissioning and abandonment management system has been established, including D&A cost calculation and standard operation procedure for wells and facility disposal, which can lower the environmental risk and reduce the capital expenditure at the end of the project. It can be regarded as a classic practice in petroleum industry and has a strong reference value.
Repurposing End-of-Life Wells for Geothermal Energy Production: An Evaluation of Mississippi Wells
Authors: Mirabolghasemi Maryam , Heshmati Mohammad , Thorn Dakota , Shelton Blake , Diop Fatou
Published: November 2021

End-of-life production or injection wells may be converted into wellbore heat exchangers for geothermal energy extraction. Whether this conversion is technically and economically feasible depends on several factors such as geothermal potential of the formation, well depth, and working fluid circulation parameters. Here we present a case study where we analyze these parameters and determine their optimum operational brackets. We focus on repurposing active wells that are located in regions with high geothermal potential in the state of Mississippi.

Geothermal gradient map of the state of Mississippi was used to select potential candidate wells. Well logs of these candidate wells were used to find formation temperature and other properties such as well diameter and depth. Next, we conducted heat transfer calculations to estimate the temperature rise of various working fluids as a result of circulating inside these wellbores. We ran sensitivity analyses to determine the effect of circulation rate, tubing insulation, and time. Finally, we estimated the power production potential of each well.

Our results indicate that geothermal energy production through repurposed end-of-life wells may be viable depending on well depth and geothermal potential of the region. With insulated tubing, the thermal energy delivered by a number of candidate wells is sufficient for a small-scale binary power plant with organic Rankine cycle.
Reducing ABEX Uncertainties through Hybrid LSTK Contracting: A Factory EPSm Pilot Case Study in South East Asia
Authors: Canny Steven A.
Published: November 2021

Well abandonment and the associated abandonment expenditure (ABEX) are necessary stages in the post cessation of production (Post COP) phase of the asset lifecycles. There are significant risk factors present, which vary in the frequency and severity based on a multitude of factors pertaining to environment, age, well construction techniques and stratigraphy, to name a few.

In the case of well isolation and abandonment operations there are opportunities to innovate through factory project execution techniques and commercial approaches, which are enhanced where standardization and commonality of well architecture is present. These techniques focus on reducing risk factors and creating value where conventional thought suggests there is marginal cashflow benefit, in asset retirement obligation expenditure. Through a reduction in the total cost of ownership (TCO), project financial performance below the estimated provisions, can unlock cashflow from relief adjustments on long term liabilities.

The Engineering, Procurement, Services management (EPSm) lump sum partial turnkey contracting approach was developed to assist operators in unlocking cashflow in ABEX provisions, through risk reduction via front end well engineering and integration of service provision, allied to fixed price lump sum contracting to control project cost creep due to unforeseen events.

A pilot project was undertaken in South East Asia, delivering 64 permanently abandoned wellbores in 38 consecutive days, representing over 8,300-man hours and over 3,500 operating hours. The EPSm contracting approach delivered lump sum partial turnkey well abandonment services in a high-volume factory well abandonment retirement environment.

Operations were executed through a dedicated jack-up drilling rig trimmed to an asset retirement specification to reduce OPEX and increase efficiency. The operational project framework implemented pre-abandonment offline operations prior to rig arrival, then simultaneous operations (SIMOPs) concerning 2 primary worksites: the wellhead platform weather deck and the jack-up rig cantilever. Standalone concurrent Phase I slickline operations comprising of two units, were performed offline on the wellhead platform with pressure control equipment to execute primary reservoir isolation operations. Phase II & III operations were executed above, on the jack-up rig cantilever through the drilling riser and pressure control equipment, executing the overburden and surface isolation operations, minimizing online operating time of the jack-up rig.

Key Learnings from the pilot project are presented, along with pilot project key performance indicators. The project learning curve, and human performance factors provide insights to areas where there are synergies and opportunities to further reduce risk and the total cost of ownership through an Engineering, Procurement, Services management (EPSm) contracting approach.
Transplantation and Re-transplantation of Mouse Kidney Grafts to Study Local Immune Responses
Authors: Zhao Daqiang , Zhou Jiangqiao , Ali Adham Abu , Tieu Roger , Lakkis Fadi G. , Oberbarnscheidt Martin H. , Tevar Amit , Chen Zhishui , Abou-Daya Khodor I.
Published: November 2021

Mouse kidney transplantation is widely used to study the immune response to allogeneic grafts. This response includes a circulating systemic compartment and a resident non circulating one. A distinction between these compartments remains an important caveat to the interpretation of the resident or local immune response’s importance and function. Here, we describe re-transplantation as a method to functionally test the resident component of the primary immune response while also studying the secondary recipient’s response. Our detailed, stepwise protocol can be reliably replicated for both the primary and secondary, donor and recipient operations. The techniques in this protocol can be efficiently implemented by an individual proficient in mouse kidney transplantation surgical procedures.
The one-loop tadpole in the geoSMEFT
Authors: Corbett Tyler
Published: November 2021

Making use of the geometric formulation of the Standard Model
Effective Field Theory we calculate the one-loop tadpole diagrams to all
orders in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory power counting. This
work represents the first calculation of a one-loop amplitude beyond
leading order in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory, and
discusses the potential to extend this methodology to perform similar
calculations of observables in the near future.
Domestic institutional quality and the effectiveness of global Greenhouse gases mitigation
Authors: Tateishi Henrique , Bragagnolo Cassiano
Published: November 2021

This study addressed the effectiveness of Kyoto Protocol (KP) as an international institution and the interplay of domestic institutions and KP by employing a difference-in-difference estimation. The results indicated low effectiveness, in general, but not ineffectiveness. Regarding the KP, not only its formal and defined rules but also the demonstration of the intention to cooperate was bound to influence emissions’ reduction. Domestic institutions were more influential than the effects of KP international institution. However, political, legal rights, and economic institutional qualities presented distinct effects over emissions’ mitigation.
Papel de Think Tanks na Formulação da Política Norte-Americana para a Mudança do Clima
Authors: Balau Mariana , Dos Santos Leonardo Alexandre
Published: November 2021

A relevância dos think tanks (TTs) é relacionada principalmente à sua capacidade de influenciar a tomada de decisão na política internacional. Nos Estados Unidos, esses institutos (chamados de “TTs de advocacy”) têm notável participação na formulação de políticas públicas tanto domésticas quanto internacionais. O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a atuação de TTs norte-americanos nas negociações do Protocolo de Quioto. Conclui-se que a atuação dos principais think tanks conservadores financiados pela indústria petrolífera se deu tanto internamente (principalmente via ações no congresso estadunidense) quanto externamente (via propagação da incerteza quanto à natureza antrópica das mudanças do clima).
Caracterização do terraço de abrasão da falésia da Baronesa e sua utilização na cidade de Alcântara – MA
Authors: Silva Carlos Henrique Santos da
Published: November 2021

O presente trabalho faz um estudo a respeito do terraço de abrasão da falésia da Baronesa e sua utilização na cidade de Alcântara, Maranhão. A zona costeira do município é caracterizada pela presença de um conjunto singular de terraços de abrasão que são feições geomorfológicas desgastadas pelos agentes oceanográficos, sendo constituídos por diversos materiais. Na área de estudo o terraço de abrasão é formado por material solto, constituído por arenitos ferruginosos e dolomitos, sendo o clima, a geologia e os agentes oceanográficos os principais responsáveis por sua morfogênese e morfodinâmica. Sua constituição geológica está relacionada à Formação Barreiras e ao Membro Alcântara da Formação Itapecuru. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de apresentar uma caracterização sobre essa feição e identificar sua exploração e uso na cidade de Alcântara. Para a realização desta pesquisa utilizou-se a revisão da literatura, trabalho de campo para a observação in situ da feição, aplicação de ficha de campo e entrevistas com pescadores. Os terraços de abrasão são feições geomorfológicas de grande importância, pois são balizadores de amplas pesquisas, desde evidências de oscilações do nível do mar até planejamento turístico e inter-relação com outras feições geomorfológicas presentes na zona costeira.
Etnogeomorfologia e paisagem
Authors: Lopes Vanessa Martins
Published: November 2021

Relevo e paisagem se encontram visivelmente vinculados através de relações integradas e dinâmicas. A Etnogeomorfologia como novo campo de investigação, move esforços através da busca dos conhecimentos tradicionais sobre os aspectos geomorfológicos locais. Numa análise dos trabalhos etnogeomorfológicos já realizados, constatou-se que os conhecimentos não se limitam ao relevo e seus processos, mas abrange toda a teia de relações ambientais da paisagem. Assim a relação entre Etnogeomorfologia e Paisagem é claramente detectada através da descrição de uma série de processos geomorfológicos de maneira coerente, detalhada e integrada. Deste modo o principal objetivo deste trabalho é apontar que o conhecimento etnogeomorfológico que as comunidades locais possuem se encontra interligado aos demais elementos da paisagem, revelando assim que esses saberes não se encontram compartimentados, e se expandem muito além dos conhecimentos geomorfológicos propriamente ditos. Os trabalhos de Ribeiro (2012) e Lopes (2014) foram a base principal de análise, viabilizando a discussão aqui exposta.
Caracterização dos aspectos geomorfológicos do município de Irauçuba-ce como subsídio ao planejamento ambiental
Authors: Silva Francisco Liewton Felix da
Published: November 2021

Este trabalho apresenta a caracterização geomorfológica do município de Irauçuba-ce, com objetivo de subsidiar ações voltadas ao planejamento e gestão ambiental necessário à sustentabilidade dos recursos naturais. Tendo em vista que os conhecimentos geomorfológicos fornecem subsídios para compreender a relação entre as formas de relevo e o processo de ocupação do espaço. A metodologia utilizada foi baseada em levantamentos bibliográficos, uso de imagens de altimetria Shuttlle Radar Topografhy Mission (SRTM) e trabalho de campo. Tratando-se das características geomorfológicas existentes no estado do Ceará, o município de Irauçuba apresenta cerca de 1.165km² sob o domínio da depressão sertaneja, 238 km² representados pelos maciços residuais e cerca de 16 km² de planícies aluviais, com formas específicas para cada compartimento.
Análise Morfométrica da Bacia Hidrográfica do Riacho Jucurutu
Authors: Franco Virna Vieira
Published: November 2021

Este presente trabalho tem como objetivo fazer a caracterização morfométrica da Bacia Hidrográfica do Riacho Jucurutu, localizada no município de São João do Tigre-PB, a partir de alguns parâmetros físicos da mesma. As informações foram geradas a partir do MDE (Modelo Digital de Elevação) ASTER GDEM de 30 metros, onde foram processadas no software ARCGIS 10.2.2. Foi essencial a produção de mapas de declividade e altitude, para uma melhor representação da área. As variáveis definidas de acordo com a morfometria da bacia, como Coeficiente de Compacidade (2,19) e Índice de Circularidade (0,20) permitiram concluir que a bacia possui uma forma alongada tendo uma baixa propensão a enchentes, influenciando assim a dinâmica hidrológica.
Análise do processo de ocupação da unidade geomorfológica restinga no bairro do Recife Antigo - Pernambuco
Authors: Santos Leandro Diomério João dos
Published: November 2021

O Recife iniciou seu processo de ocupação no XVI com o povoamento da unidade geomorfológica restinga. Nesse contexto, o trabalho tem como objetivo primordial o estudo do processo de ocupação do bairro do Recife Antigo, o qual tem seu sítio urbano assentado na restinga. A pesquisa vem a contribuir para o entendimento do desenvolvimento do bairro e a modificação da dinâmica natural presente na área. O trabalho foi realizado através do estudo de material histórico de Pernambuco para verificar o quanto à área foi urbanizada. Posteriormente, com a seleção de imagens da restinga ao longo dos anos, foi realizada uma relação com a morfodinâmica da unidade restinga. Nos séculos XVI e XVII a ocupação foi se intensificando a medida que o comércio aumentou e surgiu a necessidade de mais espaço para a urbanização. Assim, começaram os aterros e as construções de cunho mais intenso na restinga e nos demais séculos houve mudanças bruscas tendo a dinâmica da restinga sido alterada para de uma ilha fluvial.
A dinâmica da rede hidrográfica da bacia do rio Sapucaia, Japaratuba/Pirambu-SE.
Authors: Santana Franciele dos Santos
Published: November 2021

Este artigo objetiva abordar a dinâmica da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Sapucaia em interação com os elementos que compõe esse sistema fluvial. Os estudos foram desenvolvidos de acordo com a concepção sistêmica e integrada (BERTRAND, 1972; BERTALANFFY, 1973; TRICART, 1977), com ênfase na análise de aspectos morfométricos (CRISTOFOLLETI, 1980), que conduzem a dinâmica da rede hidrográfica em suas interações com os condicionantes ambientais. As variáveis analisadas permitiram reavaliar os conhecimentos de Fontes (1984) sobre os recursos hídricos desta bacia hidrográfica costeira, de grande relevância para as atividades da população dos municípios de Japaratuba e Pirambu. Tais informações podem constituir subsídios importantes para o planejamento e gestão destes recursos.
Microclimas do município de Viçosa do Ceará: Uso da temperatura efetiva na análise do conforto térmico
Authors: Santos Júnior Jair Bezerra dos
Published: November 2021

A análise foi realizada no município de Viçosa do Ceará, cujos fatores geoambientais permitem um tipo climático de maior umidade e menor temperatura efetiva, de acordo com o constatado nas medições. O principal fator que se pode destacar é a altitude do município, que se diferencia em meio às áreas mais rebaixadas do Estado, que dão forma a depressão sertaneja. O objetivo da pesquisa é evidenciar como o conforto térmico é influenciado pelas diferentes zonas microclimáticas existentes dentro de Viçosa do Ceará. A escolha dos pontos visou averiguar as características naturais que causam diferentes microclimas, observar aspectos do constante crescimento urbano que afeta os climas locais de cada ponto em questão e prover uma comparação com os levantamentos de 2009, no período caracterizado como quente e seco. Estes foram analisados através do levantamento de dados de temperatura do ar, temperatura efetiva, umidade do ar e altitude durante a prática de campo do dia 08 de maio de 2016. Esse momento se constitui dentro do período do outono no hemisfério sul, correspondente aos meses de chuva no nordeste setentrional.
Effect of Disease Causing Missense Mutations on Intrinsically Disordered
Regions in Proteins
Authors: Nagarajaram Hampapathalu A. , Seera Suryanarayana
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

Disease causing missense mutations (DCMMs) destabilize protein structures.
However it is not known how they impact the intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) as these
regions do not adopt stable 3D structures under physiological conditions. It is therefore imperative
to investigate the effect of DCMMs on the functionally important IDRs.

Objective:

To investigate impact of DCMMs on functionally important IDRs in human proteins.

Methods:

We investigated the impact of the known DCMMs on three IDRs: a) an IDR with CRIB
motif from WAS protein , b) a proline rich IDR of p22 protein and c) an IDR horboring TRM motif
from SH3BP2 protein. Both the wild type and the mutant forms were subjected to detailed structural
investigations using MD simulations for 100ns.

Results:

MD studies revealed that the mutants adopt fewer conformational states as compared with
their wild-type counterparts of which one or two form the dominant conformational states. This result
was also corroborated by the free-energy landscapes of the mutants with a fewer minima as
compared with the wild-types. It was also observed that the side chains of the mutated amino acid
residues introduce new hydrogen bonding interactions that stabilize one or two of the dominant conformational
states.

Conclusion:

Our studies, thus, revealed that the disease causing missense mutations reduce the conformational
heterogeneity of the intrinsically disordered proteins and furthermore, they are
“locked” in one or two of those conformational states that presumably disfavour binding of the
IDRs with their cognate interacting partners.
Urinary Ethyl Glucuronide for the Assessment of Alcohol Consumption
During Pregnancy: Comparison between Biochemical Data and
Screening Questionnaires
Authors: Ceci Flavio Maria , Fiore Marco , Agostinelli Enzo , Tahara Tomoaki , Greco Antonio , Ralli Massimo , Polimeni Antonella , Lucarelli Marco , Colletti Roberta , Angeloni Antonio , Tirassa Paola , Ceccanti Mauro , Messina Marisa Patrizia , Vitali Mario , Petrella Carla , Ferraguti Giampiero
Published: November 2021

Background:

Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a metabolite of ethanol used as a
marker of alcohol drinking and is identified in urine. Gestational alcohol drinking harms
the fetus, so disclosing any form of use and abuse of this substance during pregnancy is
crucial. Many discovery methods have been planned to overcome this question, including
using screening questionnaires as the AUDIT-C, T-ACE/TACER-3, and TWEAK.

Aim:

The aim and novelties of this study were to compare biochemical data from urinary
EtG assays (cut-off 100 ng/mL for risking drinking behavior) with the outcome of questionnaires
and of a food diary routinely used in our hospital; moreover, for the first time,
we analyzed in pregnant women the EtG values normalized by the amount of creatinine
excreted according to methods previously established.

Methods:

Random urine samples were collected from 309 pregnant women immediately
after being interviewed. EtG was quantified using an enzyme immunoassay, and urinary
creatinine was assessed using an enzymatic colorimetric method. Women who had not
exhaustively answered one of the questionnaires or refused to provide urine samples were
excluded. Finally, 309 women were considered for this study. Urine creatinine measurements
were performed to determine if urine dilution might have resulted in false negatives
in the challenge study. In order to accomplish this objective, as urinary creatinine concentrations
are, on average, approximately 1 mg/mL, we used a normalized value of 100 ng
EtG/mg Creatinine.

Results:

Our data show that 20.4% of the pregnant women in the study were over the established
normalized cut-off value. Poor to null concordance (unweighted k < 0.2) was
found between EtG data and the screening interviews showed, on average, lower levels of
alcohol consumption.

Conclusion:

This study provides evidence that the assessment of maternal alcohol consumption
during pregnancy, only indirectly estimated with questionnaires and food diary,
can produce misleading results.
Concise Review of the Rationale for Pulmonary Embolism Treatment and
Endovascular Device Therapies
Authors: Chiang Caleb , Attanasio Steve
Published: November 2021

:

In the ever-changing landscape of device therapy for pulmonary embolism, it is important
to understand the rationale behind the ongoing explosion in the development of new device
therapies. There needs to be an in-depth understanding of risk stratification in pulmonary embolism
and indications for therapy. Selecting the ideal device for a particular pulmonary embolism subset
remains elusive and poorly defined. Knowledge of the risks, benefits, capabilities, and potential
limitations of each device is crucial.
Clinical Impacts of Juxtapapillary Duodenal Diverticulum Detected on
Computed Tomography
Authors: Dündar İlyas , Göya Cemil , Hattapoğlu Salih , Özkaçmaz Sercan , Özgökçe Mesut , Türkoğlu Saim , Türko Ensar
Published: November 2021

Background:

Diverticula are commonly observed in the duodenum. Duodenal diverticulum
(DD) usually does not give symptoms throughout life and is diagnosed by coincidence. However,
it may present with different symptoms in patients.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of DD and juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum
(JDD) and its association with other possible pathologies and to determine its clinical impact
by using Computed Tomography (CT).

Methods:

This retrospective observational study, which was taken consecutively between the years
of 2013-2020, was evaluated in the Radiology Department. The total number of cases was 4850
(male-2440; female-2410). CT images were evaluated by two experienced radiologists at the workstation.
DD and JDD prevalence and clinical findings in the hospital registry system were examined.

Results:

The age of the patients included in the study ranged from 17 to 92 years (mean age
46.94±16.42). In patients with DD (female-130; male-101), mean age was 62.24 ± 12.69 (21-92).
The prevalence of DD was 4.76% (n=231). The prevalence of JDD was 4.02% (n=195) and increased
with age (p<0.01). The average diameter of the JDD was measured as 23.29±8.22
(9.5-55.3) mm. A significant positive correlation was found between age and DD diameter
(p=0.039). DDs were found most commonly 84.42% (n=195) in the second segment of the duodenum
as JDD. In patients with JDD, the mean diameter of choledochus and wirsung canal were 6.7
± 2.4 (3-15.3) mm and 0.31 ± 0.1 (0.1-6.5) mm respectively. The choledochal diameter was correlated
with the JDD size (p = 0.004). Cholelithiasis (n=56), choledocholithiasis (n=20), cholecystitis
(n=52), diverticulitis (n=15), duodenitis (n=37), pancreatitis (n=5) and hiatal hernia (n=60) with
JDD were observed. Periampullary carcinoma was detected in one patient.

Conclusion:

Our study shows that cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis, cholecystitis, diverticulitis,
duodenitis, pancreatitis may be associated with JDD. Therefore, in contrast-enhanced abdominal
CT scans taken for various reasons, investigation of the presence and characteristics of JDD and detection
of pathologies that may be associated with JDD are important for patients to benefit from
early diagnosis and treatment opportunities and to take precautions against possible complications.
A Simple Scoring Model Predicting the Outcome of COVID-19 Patients: Tanta COVID Score
Authors: Elhendawy Mohammed , El-Kalla Ferial , Abd-Elsalam Sherief , ElSharawy Dalia , Soliman Shaimaa S. , Abdelhai Dina , Hagras Maha M. , Khalaf Mai , Esmail Eslam Saber , Kobtan Abdelrahman
Published: November 2021

Background & Aim:

COVID-19 is a worldwide pandemic with high rates of morbidity and mortality, and an uncertain prognosis leading to an increased risk of infection in health providers and limited hospital care capacities. In this study, we have proposed a predictive, interpretable prognosis scoring system with the use of readily obtained clinical, radiological and laboratory characteristics to accurately predict worsening of the condition and overall survival of patients with COVID-19.

Methods:

This is a single-center, observational, prospective, cohort study. A total of 347 patients infected with COVID-19 presenting to the Tanta University Hospital, Egypt, were enrolled in the study, and clinical, radiological and laboratory data were analyzed. Top-ranked variables were identified and selected to be integrated into a Cox regression model, building the scoring system for accurate prediction of the prognosis of patients with COVID-19.

Results:

The six variables that were finally selected in the scoring system were lymphopenia, serum CRP, ferritin, D-Dimer, radiological CT lung findings and associated chronic debilitating disease. The scoring system discriminated risk groups with either mild disease or severe illness characterized by respiratory distress (and also those with hypoxia and in need for oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation) or death. The area under the curve to estimate the discrimination performance of the scoring system was more than 90%.

Conclusion:

We proposed a simple and clinically useful predictive scoring model for COVID-19 patients. However, additional independent validation will be required before the scoring model can be used commonly.
Historical Sources on Epilepsy Surgery: From Antiquity Through the End 20th Century
Authors: Panteliadis Christos
Published: November 2021

The history of epilepsy is an associate of humanity, and the reports date back to antiquity. Almost all ancient cultures, including the Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Indians in pre-Buddhist period, Iranians, Chinese, and Byzantine epoch, bear witness to epilepsy. Therefore, the earliest beginnings of surgical treatment and epilepsy surgery can be traced back to antiquity. Trepanation as an attempt to treat the disease has often been found in prehistorical tombs (Neolithicum). In antiquity, fasting, a healthy diet, regulation of excretions, medical gymnastics and a decent lifestyle were used as treatment for epilepsy as a non-surgical solution. In the Middle Ages, the basis for treatment fell into three main categories: Conventional (diet and botanical remedies), magical (phases of the moon, trephining of the skull) and religious beliefs (fasting, prayer, exorcisms, and social marginalization).

The first neurosurgical operations on epileptic patients with focal semiology were performed during the early 19th century, and began with Godlee, Sommer, Macewen and later Horsley. From that time on, discoveries on epilepsy surgery progressed at a faster pace that started in a historical journey from ancient times until the end of the 20th century.