bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Calcium‐Binding Myeloid‐Related Protein‐8/14 in Saliva and Serum of Patients With Periodontitis and Healthy Individuals
Authors: Haririan Hady , Andrukhov Oleh , Pablik Eleonore , Neuhofer Michaela , Moritz Andreas , Rausch‐Fan Xiaohui 
Published: October 2015

Background: This study aims to investigate calcium‐binding myeloid‐related protein (MRP)‐8/14 in the saliva and serum of individuals with periodontitis and periodontally healthy individuals for the assessment of its role in the pathogenesis and clinical diagnosis of periodontitis.Methods: This cross‐sectional study includes 56 patients with periodontitis and 44 periodontally healthy individuals. Saliva and serum were collected for the detection of MRP‐8/14 and calcium levels. Periodontopathic bacteria were determined by polymerase chain reaction in saliva. Correlations between salivary and serum MRP‐8/14 levels and clinical parameters, bacteria, and calcium were analyzed with Pearson correlation in a multiple regression model. MRP‐8/14 levels were documented with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Results: Compared with healthy individuals, MRP‐8/14 levels were significantly higher in both the saliva and serum of patients with periodontitis, but calcium was increased only in saliva. A high diagnostic potential of salivary MRP‐8/14 was detected for periodontitis (ROC = 0.86). Salivary MRP‐8/14 levels correlated significantly with the presence of the periodontopathogen Treponema denticola, as well as with the clinical parameters of periodontitis.Conclusion: MRP‐8/14 in saliva might be a potential diagnostic parameter for periodontal disease.
The Association Between Periodontal Inflammation and Labor Triggers (Elevated Cytokine Levels) in Preterm Birth: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Perunovic Neda Dj. , Rakic Mia M. , Nikolic Ljubinka I. , Jankovic Sasa M. , Aleksic Zoran M. , Plecas Darko V. , Madianos Phoebus N. , Cakic Sasa S. 
Published: October 2015

Background: Periodontitis is considered to be a risk factor for preterm birth. Mechanisms have been proposed for this pathologic relation, but the exact pathologic pattern remains unclear. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to evaluate levels of four major labor triggers, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum samples between women with preterm birth (PTB) and full‐term birth (FTB) and correlate them with periodontal parameters.Methods: PGE2, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α levels were estimated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays in GCF and serum samples collected 24 to 48 hours after labor from 120 women (60 FTB, 60 PTB).Results: Women with PTB exhibited significantly more periodontitis, worse periodontal parameters, and increased GCF levels of IL‐6 and PGE2 compared with the FTB group; there were no significant differences in serum levels of measured markers. GCF levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and PGE2 and serum levels of TNF‐α and PGE2 were significantly higher in women with periodontitis compared with periodontally healthy women. Serum levels of PGE2 were positively correlated with probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) as well as with GCF levels of TNF‐α in women with PTB.Conclusions: Women with PTB demonstrated worse periodontal parameters and significantly increased GCF levels of IL‐6 and PGE2 compared with those with FTB. Based on significant correlations among serum PGE2 and PD, CAL, and GCF TNF‐α in PTB, periodontitis may cause an overall increase of labor triggers and hence contribute to preterm labor onset.
The Effect of Suturing Protocols on Coronally Advanced Flap Root‐Coverage Outcomes: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Tatakis Dimitris N. , Chambrone Leandro 
Published: October 2015

Background: The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to investigate whether suturing protocols (suture removal timing and/or type of suture material) influence root coverage outcomes in recession defects treated with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) procedure.Methods: Databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE) were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that assessed single‐tooth, Miller Class I/II recession defects, surgically treated by CAF. Mixed‐effects linear regression analysis evaluated differences on complete root coverage (CRC) between RCTs with early (<10 days postoperatively) and late (≥10 days) suture removal, as well as between RCTs using absorbable and non‐absorbable sutures removed ≥10 days postoperatively.Results: Seventeen RCTs were eligible for inclusion. Overall, data from 325 single gingival recession defects revealed a statistically significant superior proportion of sites exhibiting CRC when sutures were removed ≥10 days postoperatively compared to those in which sutures were removed <10 days (P = 0.03). Conversely, there were no significant differences in CRC outcomes between absorbable and non‐absorbable sutures when they were removed ≥10 days after surgery (P = 1.00). The majority of included RCTs (59%) reported use of non‐absorbable suture materials.Conclusions: Within the limitations of the available data, it can be concluded that early suture removal (<10 days) can negatively influence root‐coverage outcomes in single‐tooth defects treated by a CAF procedure. There is a strong need for studies designed specifically to investigate suturing protocols in root‐coverage procedures.
“Aging Out” of Dependent Coverage and the Effects on US Labor Market and Health Insurance Choices
Authors: Dahlen Heather M. 
Published: October 2015

Objectives. I examined how labor market and health insurance outcomes were affected by the loss of dependent coverage eligibility under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Methods. I used National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data and regression discontinuity models to measure the percentage-point change in labor market and health insurance outcomes at age 26 years. My sample was restricted to unmarried individuals aged 24 to 28 years and to a period of time before the ACA’s individual mandate (2011–2013). I ran models separately for men and women to determine if there were differences based on gender. Results. Aging out of this provision increased employment among men, employer-sponsored health insurance offers for women, and reports that health insurance coverage was worse than it was 1 year previously (overall and for young women). Uninsured rates did not increase at age 26 years, but there was an increase in the purchase of non–group health coverage, indicating interest in remaining insured after age 26 years. Conclusions. Many young adults will turn to state and federal health insurance marketplaces for information about health coverage. Because young adults (aged 18–29 years) regularly use social media sites, these sites could be used to advertise insurance to individuals reaching their 26th birthdays.
Continuing Need for Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics After the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Hoover Karen W. , Parsell Bradley W. , Leichliter Jami S. , Habel Melissa A. , Tao Guoyu , Pearson William S. , Gift Thomas L. 
Published: October 2015

Objectives. We assessed the characteristics of sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic patients, their reasons for seeking health services in STD clinics, and their access to health care in other venues. Methods. In 2013, we surveyed persons who used publicly funded STD clinics in 21 US cities with the highest STD morbidity. Results. Of the 4364 STD clinic patients we surveyed, 58.5% were younger than 30 years, 72.5% were non-White, and 49.9% were uninsured. They visited the clinic for STD symptoms (18.9%), STD screening (33.8%), and HIV testing (13.6%). Patients chose STD clinics because of walk-in, same-day appointments (49.5%), low cost (23.9%), and expert care (8.3%). Among STD clinic patients, 60.4% had access to another type of venue for sick care, and 58.5% had access to another type of venue for preventive care. Most insured patients (51.6%) were willing to use insurance to pay for care at the STD clinic. Conclusions. Despite access to other health care settings, patients chose STD clinics for sexual health care because of convenient, low-cost, and expert care. Policy Implication. STD clinics play an important role in STD prevention by offering walk-in care to uninsured patients.
Eco-Efficient Method for the Dissolution Enhancement of Heavy Crude Oil Using Ionic Liquids
Authors: Sakthivel Sivabalan , Velusamy Sugirtha , Gardas Ramesh L. , Sangwai Jitendra S. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The upstream petroleum industry faces operational and technical challenges due to the production of crude oil containing waxes, asphaltenes and aromatic compounds and also due to the formation of gas hydrates resulting in their deposition in the surface and production equipments and in offshore pipelines affecting the safer operations, in turn resulting in huge production losses, and threatening the environment. It is also estimated that, all over the globe there are more than double the times of reserves of heavy and extra-heavy crude oil than the lighter one. As the world's demand for light crude oil continues to increase tremendously, the supplies of these easily extractable crude oil continues to decrease although efforts have already been made to extract the heavy and extra-heavy oil that was previously considered uneconomical to produce and process. The main aim of this investigation is to finding greener-environmentally friendly methods for oil and gas industries, such as the use of aromatic and aliphatic based ionic liquids for the efficient dissolution of tank-bottom sludge, heavy crude oil and pipeline wax deposition. Ionic liquids, therefore, have a tremendous scope in the application of oil recovery by assisting in recovering valuable crude oil from the oily sludge which is otherwise lost due to dumping and burning. Moreover, the ionic liquids used could be recovered and can be recycled and reused several times. The enhancement in the solubility of heavy crude oil in solvent and ionic liquids mixture is investigated using UV-Visible, FT-IR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic techniques. It is observed that, the dissolution of heavy crude oil is more in the solution with ionic liquid than with the solvent alone. Solubility of heavy crude oil in the presence of studied ionic liquids and in the studied solvents increases about 65 %, when compared with the solutions of heavy crude oil in solvents without ionic liquids. The application of this method could also helps in the highly essential enhanced oil recovery industry.
Utilization of an Innovative Tool to Improve Hole Cleaning Efficiency in Extended Reach Wells in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Okot Mike , Campos Marlio , Muñoz German , Alalsayednassir Alawi G. , Weber Matt , Muneer Zahid 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Saudi Aramco operates one of the largest offshore oilfield developments in the world. This field is made up of 41 kilometers of causeway, 3 kilometers of bridges, 27 drilling islands, 13 offshore platforms, and 16 onshore drill sites. The magnitude of the field has pushed cutting edge technology and processes to the forefront of the industry. This new development has driven achievements in multilateral and extended reach directional wells. One challenge the operator faces is to maintain proper hole cleaning in extended 8½ in. tangent sections at a 85-87° inclinations, which are drilled in excess of 10,000 ft.
Historically, drilling very long tangent sections required the use of several tandem sweep pills, wiper trips, and reaming/back reaming to maintain hole quality and efficiently remove cuttings bed from the wellbore. The negative effects of poor hole cleaning can lead to tight intervals, increased torque and drag, and eventually stuck pipe.
In an effort to drill efficiently, utilization of a new technology to increase the cutting removal was trial tested on well A1 from an onshore location of the field. The ERD well, A1, was drilled to a total depth of 30,480 ft MD (8,650 ft TVD) into a stratigraphic environment composed of limestone, shale, and siltstone. The objective of the trial test for the tool was to improve the drilling efficiency. To obtain the best possible hole cleaning, a simulation was performed by placing the tools every three stands along the tangent section in the 8½ in. hole section.
The goal of the trial test was to achieve the following: Enhance hole cleaning by removal of cuttings bed.Reduce the frequency/number of tandem sweep pills.Reduce the frequency/number of wiper trips.Reduce torque and drag and compare it with the offset wells.Reduce drilling cost.
A service company installed a cuttings flow-meter system at the shakers, which was used to evaluate the hole cleaning efficiency and performance of the hole cleaning tools. This paper will demonstrate the systematic methodology, which Saudi Aramco and the service company used to approach the utilization of the hole cleaning tools to achieve a clean hole in well A1.
Injection Water Compatibility Study and Scale Prediction Analysis for a Low-Permeability Carbonate Reservoir Development Optimization
Authors: Osode P. I. , Bataweel M. A. , Alkhaldi M. H. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Injection water-induced formation damage evaluation is considered critical in a low-permeability (2 md) oil reservoir development because of the potential bridging of narrow pore throats by in-situ scale precipitates. This problem can be mitigated with processed low-salinity water, albeit at significantly high capital expenditure associated with water processing facility that could erode the economic margin of the project. Laboratory fluid compatibility tests and software simulation were therefore conducted to appraise the risk of inorganic scale deposition during water injection in an undeveloped carbonate reservoir with high-salinity formation brine (TDS ~205 g/L).
The laboratory experiments were initially carried out with both synthetic and actual field samples including formation water extracted from pressurized downhole fluid tester. Coreflood and fluid-fluid compatibility tests were carried out at estimated bottom-hole temperature of 150 °F and pressure of 1,000 psi. Comprehensive mixed-brine simulation software was also used to determine the inorganic scaling tendency expected with the use of seawater, produced water and diluted produced water for the planned injectors.
The study identified an inherently high calcium sulfate risk associated with the planned seawater injection in the new reservoir while the highest combined inorganic scale precipitation was observed at approximately 1:1 ratio for the formation brine-seawater mixture.
This paper discusses the laboratory fluid compatibility experiments and scale prediction analysis for different injection water utilization while providing an insight into the potential impact of scale risks associated with seawater injection in an onshore development reservoir with high divalent-salt content formation brine.
A New Technique to Increase the Performance of Organic Acids to Stimulate Carbonate Reservoirs at High Acid Concentrations
Authors: Mohamed R. Saber , Rabie Ahmed I. , Nasr-El-Din Hisham A. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Organic acids have been used to stimulate HP/HT oil and gas wells. However, these acids cannot be used above certain concentrations, which depend on the type of acid used. For example, 9 wt% is the upper limit for formic acid concentration, whereas acetic and citric acids can be used only up to 13 and 1 wt%, respectively. Using these acids above these limits causes a formation damage results from the precipitation of the acids' calcium salts.
A new technique was developed and experimentally proven to increase the concentration of organic acids that can be used in the oilfield without precipitation of the reaction products. This involves the addition of an environmentally friendly acid (gluconic acid) chelant to the selected organic acid under investigation. In a recently published paper (SPE-173751), the authors showed a significant improvement in the solubility of calcium lactate when lactic acid was mixed with gluconic acid to stimulated calcite rocks. The current work investigates the generalization of this idea for other organic acids such as: acetic, formic, citric, glycolic, and boric acids, with an objective to examine the effectiveness of the new acids to stimulate carbonate formation at 150-250°F and determine the optimum injection requirements.
Coreflood results showed that mixing gluconic acid with acetic acid increased the solubility of the resulted calcium salt and allowed using acetic acid at 15 wt% without the risk of precipitating calcium acetate. When mixed with formic acid, a minimum of acid pore volume was observed at a gluconic: formic acids molar ratio of 1:7. This allowed the use of formic acid at 12.5 wt% without any observation of calcium formate precipitation. Gluconic-citric and gluconic-boric acid mixtures required as high as 4 PV to breakthrough, indicating that the enhancement of product solubility depends on the type of the acid mixed with gluconic acid. Finally, a gluconic-glycolic acid mixture with a molar ratio of 1:1 showed the least acid pore volume required to breakthrough (2.35 PV) with similar results to what was previously reported for gluconic-lactic acid mixtures.
Digital core analysis of Lower Ahmadi to Upper Wara formations
Authors: Golab A.. , Deakin L.. , Ravlo V.. , Mattisson C.. , Carnerup A.. , Young B.. , Idowu N.. , Al-Jeri S. A. , Al-Rushaid M. A. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
A study was designed to confirm the formation properties obtained from available conventional RCA data and inferred from corrected wireline log data using digital rock analysis (digital RCA and SCAL analysis) on cores from the Greater Burgan field. This study was performed for Kuwait Oil Company, Fields Development Group (S&EK) by FEI Digital Rock Services in 2014.
As part of this study, 27 feet of whole core, from the Lower Ahmadi (AHL2) to Upper Wara (WU1) formations, were imaged by X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging, including 1 foot of partially preserved core. 14 plugs were extracted from these cores and imaged in 3D by a high resolution helical micro-CT. Analysis revealed stark differences in mineralogy, grain size and sorting and the presence of severe fracturing in some plugs due to the fragility and friability of the rock.
Sub-plugs were extracted from 10 of the 14 plugs (including one sub-plug from the partially preserved section) and imaged in 3D by helical micro-CT. 7 of the sub-plugs proved suitable for digital RCA and SCAL analysis. The 3D images were used to calculate digital RCA properties (porosity, permeability, grain density, grain size distribution and formation factor) and pore network models were built to perform digital SCAL simulations and predict multiphase transport properties such as Pc, kr and resistivity index for primary drainage and imbibition.
In addition, the in situ mineralogy of each plug was analysed using 2D SEM-EDS automated, quantified mineral mapping. The mineral maps, combined with BSEM images, contain rich textural information and were registered into perfect geometric alignment with the 3D micro-CT images.
A tight rock workflow was used to identify sub-resolution porosity in 3 of the plugs. Experimental MICP curves showed that substantial portions of the pore throats were below the image resolution, caused by large amounts of pore-filling materials. Hence, pore scale information could not be directly extracted from some images. Consequently, process based modelling was carried out on two plugs to generate pore-networks. A quasi-static pore-network model was used to simulate oil/water displacements and predict multiphase transport properties. Detailed imaging of oil-in-place and porosity was performed on a partially preserved plug to create a map of remaining oil which revealed that oil was retained in most porous grains and strongly retained in clay-rich zones.
The digital core analysis results are in agreement with available log and core data. The Lower Ahmadi (AHL2) section is good quality in terms of porosity, permeability and flow properties, whereas the Upper Wara (WU1) section is of poorer quality.
An Innovative Cup Seal Isolation Openhole Packer that can React to Wellbore Variations
Authors: Adan Iain , Robertson Bruce , Kamal Ramy , El-Tonsy Mohamed 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
A novel openhole packer system was developed and successfully field deployed following an extensive development and testing program. A gap within the industry was identified by two operators who determined that assured zonal isolation was a key requirement for future field developments. A design study was undertaken to determine possible sealing solutions. The intial concepts were adaptations of cased-hole technology that were confirmed to be inappropriate. A cup seal element system actuated by an innovative deployment system capable of handling variances in hole size and hole irregularities without excessively stressing the near well bore region was found to offer a robust sealing solution. A qualification program was developed and the packer has been field deployed successfully in a number of geographic locations.
Natural Down Hole Gas Separation for ESP wells
Authors: Al-Hassan A.. , Kumar P.. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Artificial lift is widely used by Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) to both accelerate and increase oil production. The electrical submersible pump (ESP) is one of the most commonly used artificial lift systems in oil and water wells. The ESP is a multistage centrifugal pump placed down in the wellbore, capable of delivering high pressure increments for large oil rates. Reservoir oil is always saturated with natural gas, which will be separated from the oil as the pressure is decreased below the bubble point pressure. Since oil production is based on pressure drawdown, ESPs are likely to experience free gas in the suction fluid. Due to free gas present, several gas locking and ESP trips are observed. This technology is taken into consideration to minimize the free gas produced into the pump. Application of this technology can lead to more stable flow, less ESP trips and increased its run life of ESP. More over, suitable cooling mechanism has to be set up for the motor protection.