bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Clostridium Difficile and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus contamination of environmental surfaces after an intervention to improve cleaning methods
Authors: Eckstein Brittany C , Adams Daniel A , Eckstein Elizabeth C , Rao Agam , Sethi Ajay K , Yadavalli Gopala K , Donskey Curtis J 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background
Contaminated environmental surfaces may play an important role in transmission of some healthcare-associated pathogens. In this study, we assessed the adequacy of cleaning practices in rooms of patients with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) colonization or infection and examined whether an intervention would result in improved decontamination of surfaces.

Methods
During a 6-week period, we cultured commonly touched surfaces (i.e. bedrails, telephones, call buttons, door knobs, toilet seats, and bedside tables) in rooms of patients with CDAD and VRE colonization or infection before and after housekeeping cleaning, and again after disinfection with 10% bleach performed by the research staff. After the housekeeping staff received education and feedback, additional cultures were collected before and after housekeeping cleaning during a 10-week follow-up period.

Results
Of the 17 rooms of patients with VRE colonization or infection, 16 (94%) had one or more positive environmental cultures before cleaning versus 12 (71%) after housekeeping cleaning (p = 0.125), whereas none had positive cultures after bleach disinfection by the research staff (p < 0.001). Of the 9 rooms of patients with CDAD, 100% had positive cultures prior to cleaning versus 7 (78%) after housekeeping cleaning (p = 0.50), whereas only 1 (11%) had positive cultures after bleach disinfection by research staff (p = 0.031). After an educational intervention, rates of environmental contamination after housekeeping cleaning were significantly reduced.

Conclusion
Our findings provide additional evidence that simple educational interventions directed at housekeeping staff can result in improved decontamination of environmental surfaces. Such interventions should include efforts to monitor cleaning and disinfection practices and provide feedback to the housekeeping staff.
Comparing primary prevention with secondary prevention to explain decreasing Coronary Heart Disease death rates in Ireland, 1985–2000
Authors: Kabir Zubair , Bennett Kathleen , Shelley Emer , Unal Belgin , Critchley Julia A , Capewell Simon 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background
To investigate whether primary prevention might be more favourable than secondary prevention (risk factor reduction in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)).

Methods
The cell-based IMPACT CHD mortality model was used to integrate data for Ireland describing CHD patient numbers, uptake of specific treatments, trends in major cardiovascular risk factors, and the mortality benefits of these specific risk factor changes in CHD patients and in healthy people without recognised CHD.

Results
Between 1985 and 2000, approximately 2,530 fewer deaths were attributable to reductions in the three major risk factors in Ireland. Overall smoking prevalence declined by 14% between 1985 and 2000, resulting in about 685 fewer deaths (minimum estimate 330, maximum estimate 1,285) attributable to smoking cessation: about 275 in healthy people and 410 in known CHD patients. Population total cholesterol concentrations fell by 4.6%, resultingin approximately 1,300 (minimum estimate 1,115, maximum estimate 1,660) fewer deaths attributable to dietary changes(1,185 in healthy people and 115 in CHD patients) plus 305 fewer deaths attributable to statin treatment (45 in people without CHD and 260 in CHD patients). Mean population diastolic blood pressure fell by 7.2%, resulting in approximately 170 (minimum estimate 105, maximum estimate 300) fewer deaths attributable to secular falls in blood pressure (140 in healthy people and 30 in CHD patients), plus approximately 70 fewer deaths attributable to antihypertensive treatments in people without CHD.
Of all the deaths attributable to risk factor falls, some 1,715 (68%) occurred in people without recognized CHD and 815(32%) in CHD patients.

Conclusion
Compared with secondary prevention, primary prevention achieved a two-fold larger reduction in CHD deaths. Future national CHD policies should therefore prioritize nationwide interventions to promote healthy diets and reduce smoking.
Horizontal transfer of a eukaryotic plastid-targeted protein gene to cyanobacteria
Authors: Rogers Matthew B , Patron Nicola J , Keeling Patrick J 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background

Horizontal or lateral transfer of genetic material between distantly related prokaryotes has been shown to play a major role in the evolution of bacterial and archaeal genomes, but exchange of genes between prokaryotes and eukaryotes is not as well understood. In particular, gene flow from eukaryotes to prokaryotes is rarely documented with strong support, which is unusual since prokaryotic genomes appear to readily accept foreign genes.

Results

Here, we show that abundant marine cyanobacteria in the related genera Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus acquired a key Calvin cycle/glycolytic enzyme from a eukaryote. Two non-homologous forms of fructose bisphosphate aldolase (FBA) are characteristic of eukaryotes and prokaryotes respectively. However, a eukaryotic gene has been inserted immediately upstream of the ancestral prokaryotic gene in several strains (ecotypes) of Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus. In one lineage this new gene has replaced the ancestral gene altogether. The eukaryotic gene is most closely related to the plastid-targeted FBA from red algae. This eukaryotic-type FBA once replaced the plastid/cyanobacterial type in photosynthetic eukaryotes, hinting at a possible functional advantage in Calvin cycle reactions. The strains that now possess this eukaryotic FBA are scattered across the tree of Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus, perhaps because the gene has been transferred multiple times among cyanobacteria, or more likely because it has been selectively retained only in certain lineages.

Conclusion

A gene for plastid-targeted FBA has been transferred from red algae to cyanobacteria, where it has inserted itself beside its non-homologous, functional analogue. Its current distribution in Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus is punctate, suggesting a complex history since its introduction to this group.
Hemodynamic goals in randomized clinical trials in patients with sepsis: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Sevransky Jonathan E , Nour Seema , Susla Gregory M , Needham Dale M , Hollenberg Steven , Pronovost Peter 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Introduction
Patients with sepsis suffer high morbidity and mortality. We sought to conduct a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the association between hemodynamic goals of therapy and patient outcomes.

Methods
We conducted a comprehensive search of the literature to systematically review hemodynamic goals used in clinical trials in patients with sepsis. We searched the literature using the Pubmed (1965–June 2006), Embase (1974–June 2006), CINAHL (1982–June 2006), pre-CINAHL, and Cochrane Library (2006, issue 3) electronic databases on 1 August 2006 for the following terms: sepsis, septic shock, severe sepsis, human clinical trials. We also hand-searched references and our personal files. Studies were selected if they met all of the following criteria: randomized, controlled trial study design; enrollment of adult patients with sepsis; presence of a hemodynamic goal for patient management; > 24-hour follow-up; and survival included as an outcome. Studies were independently selected and reviewed by two investigators.

Results
A total of 6,006 citations were retrieved, and 13 eligible articles were reviewed. Mean arterial pressure was a treatment goal in nine studies, and systolic blood pressure was a treatment goal in three studies. A goal for pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, central venous pressure, and cardiac index was given in four, three, and five studies, respectively. The range of hemodynamic goals used in the trials were: mean arterial pressure 60–100 mmHg, central venous pressure 6–13 mmHg, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure 13–17 mmHg, and cardiac index 3–6 l/min/m2. All trials that used a systolic blood pressure goal used 90 mmHg as the aim.

Conclusion
For those trials that specify hemodynamic goals, the wide range of treatment targets suggest a lack of agreement on blood pressure and filling pressure goals for management of patients with sepsis. There was also inconsistency between trials in which measures were targeted. Further research is necessary to determine whether this lack of consistency in hemodynamic goals may contribute to heterogeneity in treatment effects for clinical trials of novel sepsis therapies.
Why (only some) Compensation for Oocyte Donation for Research Makes Ethical Sense
Authors: Capps Benjamin , Campbell Alastair V 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn 2006, investigations into alleged scientific fraud by the South Korean stem cell scientist, Woo Suk Hwang, revealed that there were, among other concerns, contentious circumstances surrounding procurement of oocytes for research. Specifically, in the attempt to be the first to successfully clone a human embryo, Hwang had obtained oocytes from paid donors and junior members of his own research team, and he had lied about the conditions under which the oocytes had been obtained. This controversy emphasised the ethical concerns surrounding the degree to which incentives may be a part in the procurement of oocytes. While this apparently isolated incident was alleged by some to be a result of economic and political influences upon scientific independence and integrity, the case for inducements or incentives for consensual donation of cells, tissues and organs from healthy ‘donors’ remains a challenging ethical problem, and is exemplified by two opposing arguments. On the one hand, the donation, gifting or selling of body parts is seen as an expression of personal autonomy, reflecting
Policy and Attitudes towards Collection of Personal DNA in genetic databases in Japan
Authors: Suda Eiko , Macer Darryl 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis paper presents the results of public opinion research conducted in Japan on the willingness of persons to contribute their DNA to a genetic database, and the reasons behind their choices. The results are discussed in light of the Act Concerning Protection of Personal Information issued in 2003, and with reference to genetic database projects that have been conducted in Japan. There appears to be increasing concerns about privacy in Japan, despite a high level of support for science and technology. While 44% said they would agree to blood donation for a DNA bank, 28% were negative to donate, and another 28% answered they “don't know”. The reasons behind these choices and the concepts of storage of genetic databases are partially reflected in the guidelines applied to collection of genetic databases, but greater and more independent community engagement will be important to increase public involvement in large scale genetics projects in Japan.
Impacts of Water Quality and Hand-Picking of Dead Eggs on the Survival of Brown Trout and Atlantic Salmon Eggs
Authors: Sutela Tapio , Pasanen Pentti , Louhi Pauliina , Mäki-Petäys Aki 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
The effect of water source and removal of dead eggs by hand on egg survival of brown trout Salmo trutta and Atlantic salmon S. salar was studied experimentally in a hatchery trial, which started from fertilization in October and lasted until egg eye-up in early March; no antifungal chemical treatments were used. The experimental treatments were water source (surface water, filtered surface water, or groundwater), species, and hand-picking of dead eggs (used, not used); we used four replicates per treatment, resulting in 48 batches. Incubation of eggs in groundwater yielded higher egg survival to eye-up than incubation in surface water or filtered surface water. Hand-picking of dead eggs enhanced survival of eggs incubated in surface water but not those incubated in groundwater. The best combination for egg survival in both species was the use of groundwater incubation without hand-picking of dead eggs.
Fatigue and Recovery of Blue and Channel Catfish Fingerlings under Flow and No-flow Conditions
Authors: Beecham Rachel Venn , Minchew C Douglas , Parsons Glenn R 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
We compared the ability of fingerling farm-raised channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus and blue catfish I. furcatus to recover from fatigue in flowing and still water by measuring the time course response of plasma lactate, glucose, and cortisol, and muscle lactate concentrations after exhaustive swimming. A prolonged swimming protocol measuring time to fatigue (TTF) was used to compare the recovery ability of fingerling blue catfish (mean ± SE = 27.7 ± 0.3 cm total length [TL]) and channel catfish (27.6 ± 0.2 cm TL). Tested fingerlings were forced to swim at 60 cm/s in a swim tunnel until exhausted and then were allowed to recover either in still water or flowing water. No significant difference was found between flowing and still water recovery for either species. Plasma lactate, glucose, and cortisol, and muscle lactate levels did not differ between fingerling blue and channel catfish at 0 min (immediately after fatigue) or at 30–240 min after fatigue. Although blue catfish fingerlings fatigued more quickly than channel catfish fingerlings (mean TTF = 7.2 ± 0.8 versus 27.6 ± 2.8 min), both species recovered from fatigue in 2–4 h; thus, the time course recovery of plasma cortisol, glucose, and lactate, and muscle lactate metabolites after exhaustive swimming was not significantly different between the two species.
Transient Fluid and Heat Flow Modeling in Coupled Wellbore/Reservoir Systems
Authors: Izgec B. , Kabir C. S. , Zhu D. , Hasan A. R. 
Published: June 2007

Summary
This paper presents a transient wellbore simulator coupled with a semianalytic temperature model for computing wellbore-fluid-temperature profiles in flowing and shut-in wells. Either an analytic or a numeric reservoir model can be combined with the transient wellbore model for rapid computations of pressure, temperature, and velocity. We verified the simulator with transient data from gas and oil wells, where both surface and downhole data were available. The accuracy of the heat-transfer calculations improved with a variable-earth-temperature model and a newly developed numerical-differentiation scheme. This approach improved the calculated wellbore fluid-temperature profile, which, in turn, increased the accuracy of pressure calculations at both bottomhole and wellhead.
The proposed simulator accurately mimics afterflow during surface shut-in by computing the velocity profile at each timestep and its consequent impact on temperature and density profiles in the wellbore. Surrounding formation temperature is updated in every timestep to account for changes in heat-transfer rate between the hotter wellbore fluid and the cooler formation. The optional hybrid numerical-differentiation routine removes the limitations imposed by the constant relaxation-parameter assumption used in previous analytic-temperature models.
Both forward and reverse simulations are feasible. Forward simulations entail computing pressure, temperature, and velocity profiles at each wellbore node to allow matching field data gathered at any point in the wellbore. In contrast, reverse simulation allows translating pressures from one point to another in the wellbore, such as wellhead to bottomhole condition.
Managing Sand Production—The Key to Improved Gas-Well Deliverability and Extended Field Life
Authors: Enzendorfer C. K. 
Published: June 2007

Summary
This paper deals with a case study of a high-rate sour-gas field in Pakistan. The paradigm shift from sand control to sand management boosted production rates by more than 100%. At the same time, higher wellhead pressures and less drawdown will extend field life and ultimate recovery. Major investments such as wellhead or field front-end compression could be delayed and, thereby, appreciable cost savings could be generated.
After initial well test results, it was concluded that all wells in the Miano gas field will need gravel-pack installations to protect completion and surface equipment. Only after 2 years of production at high rates in excess of 50 MMscf/D was it found that the installed gravel packs reduce flow rates severely. The paper will demonstrate how, through reinterpretation of data that formed the basis for the previous decision to gravel pack the wells and a thorough evaluation of sand-production potential and risks, a successful sand-management strategy was deployed. Existing gravel packs were perforated, and later production wells have been completed without gravel packs beforehand. Rigorous monitoring of surface equipment by means of erosion probes, ultrasonic wallthickness measurements, and choke-performance charts has been introduced to ensure safe production operations.
Long-Term Performance of Sand-Control Completions in the Mokoko-Abana Field, Cameroon
Authors: Mason David , Evans Mike , Ekamba Blaise , Jones Colin , Cameron John 
Published: June 2007

Summary
Choosing the most economic sand-control system from the available options is a central component in field development planning. The choice of sand-control system depends on a number of factors such as production and sand-control performance, reserves recovery, reliability, ease of installation, and life-cycle economics. Logistical and health, safety, and environment (HSE) issues are also important, especially in areas with limited support infrastructure.
A key input to the process of sand-control-system selection is data on how the various systems compare in a given environment. Ideally, this comparison should be made over time to compare properly long-term performance and reliability. These data can be obtained only by analyzing existing installations fairly and objectively.
The Mokoko-Abana field is situated offshore Cameroon. It is a mature heavy-oil field with unconsolidated formations that require sand control from the onset of production. A wide variety of sandcontrol solutions have been used in this field, with varying levels of success and performance. Cased-hole internal gravel packs (IGPs), milled-casing openhole underreamed gravel packs (MCGPs), and cased-hole frac packs (CHFPs) have been used in vertical wells. Prepacked standalone screens (PPSASs), openhole gravel packs (OHGPs), and openhole expandable sand screens (OHESSs) have been used in horizontal and highly deviated wells.
Each of the completion options now has several years of production history. This allows their initial performance and their performance over time to be modeled and compared. The wells chosen for study were in the same sand body with an installation as close to perfect as possible. The MCGP had relatively good performance, as did the CHFP; unfortunately, however, the CHFP fractured into a water-bearing leg and only added water cut. The PPSAS had initially low mechanical skins, but its performance declined quickly. The OHGP had higher initial skins, but the rate of production decline was much slower. The OHESS had a very low initial skin with no impairment over the 5-year production period.
Mason et al. (2005) provide background information on the Mokoko-Abana field and look at the productivity performance of the PPSAS, OHGP, and OHESS techniques on initial completion and after 2 years of production. This paper follows on from that work and examines the operational, productivity, reliability, and economical aspects of the completion techniques over 5 years or more of production.
An Application of Vacuum-Insulation Tubing for Wax Control in an Arctic Environment
Authors: Singh Probjot , Walker Jack , Lee Hyun Su , Gharfeh Samir , Thomason Bill , Blumer David 
Published: June 2007

Summary
Several options (prevention and mitigation) for controlling wax deposition inside production wells operating in an Arctic environment are evaluated. Preventive measures include improved heat retention using vacuum-insulated tubing (VIT), active heating using electrical heating elements inside the well tubing, jet pumps using water as a power fluid, and downhole injection of paraffin inhibitors. In the field cases studied, none of these measures is 100% effective in preventing wax deposition. Mitigation methods include mechanical scraping using wireline tools and hot oiling. Again, the mitigation methods are not completely effective, and even a method with 99% effectiveness can damage the well seriously after several jobs. Cost of the wax jobs and the production downtime during the jobs are added losses. The current study showed that an optimal combination of appropriate prevention and mitigation measures is needed for adequate wax control and maximization of economic returns. Extensive field data (production rates and flowing wellhead temperatures) were collected to develop and tune the well thermal model. Laboratory flow-loop data were obtained for wax-deposition scaleup and predictions. The wax-deposition model was tuned to match the field data, including a production-rate decline attributable to wax deposition. An economic model was developed to evaluate the benefits of VIT with appropriate polyurethane coupling insulation in achieving higher production rates and lower production downtime during the wax jobs vs. the capital expense of the VIT segment. The results showed that it is highly beneficial to run the VIT, at least in the permafrost layer. Additional length of VIT below the permafrost layer has limited benefits.
Increased Assurance of Drill Cuttings Reinjection: Challenges, Recent Advances, and Case Studies
Authors: Guo Quanxin , Geehan Thomas , Ovalle Adriana 
Published: June 2007

Summary
The handling of drill cuttings and other wastes generated by drilling operations is both an environmental and economic issue. With ever-tightening environmental regulations and the green operation initiatives of operators, drill cuttings reinjection (CRI) into subsurface geology is often the preferred option, allowing operators to achieve zero discharge because oily cuttings are returned to their place of origin.
When the technology was introduced about a decade ago, injection into a single well had a maximum slurry volume of approximately 30,000 bbl. Now, particularly in very large projects, several million barrels of slurry can be injected into a single well. This represents more than 1,000 times the volume of a typical hydraulic fracturing job, or more than 100 times that of earlier cuttings reinjections. In some cases, the success of the CRI operation is critical, either because there are no backup options or because the economic and environmental impacts are too significant.
This paper describes the challenges faced in CRI projects, along with recent advances and experience gained in tackling these challenges through modeling, cuttings slurry and operational procedure design, monitoring, and verification. For example, much progress has been made recently in slurry rheology design and operational procedure selection such as suspension and displacement to avoid loss of injectivity and to maximize disposal capacity and minimize health, safety, and environment (HSE) issues.
The authors will also present a risk-based approach that integrates deterministic software and tools, available data, knowledge, and experience, for modeling of geological and operational uncertainties and potential risks to increase quality assurance. Case examples will be presented to illustrate the value of this integrated approach. Best-practice guidelines and recommendations will be provided for data collection, design and engineering, operation, and monitoring.