bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Record of Coiled Tubing Reach in Open Hole Horizontal Wells Using Tractor and Friction Reducer in Saudi Arabia History: A Case Study
Authors: Bawaked Waleed K. , Beheiri Faisal I. , Saudi Mohammed M. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT
Energy sustainability is heavily dependent on sustainability of hydrocarbon production that in turn depends on maximizing the recovery and sweep efficiency. The natural energy supporting hydrocarbon production is facilitated by the dominant reservoir drive mechanism. Maintaining this energy drive at optimum level, calls for a continuous injectivity improvement and uniform distribution of injection. This could be achieved by drilling and stimulating extended reach horizontal injectors.Utilizing Drill Pipe (DP) for stimulating the extended reach interval proved to be ineffective and costly.Stimulation using Coiled Tubing (CT) is effective and less in cost; however, reaching the target depth is a challenge.
A new best practice, utilizing a combination of CT tractor and friction reducer agents, enabled the CT to reach the target depth and the stimulation fluid to cover the whole horizontal injection interval. This achievement was a result of proper production engineering planning and several meetings and technical discussions with the service provider.
Preparing the young professionals for the future is an important part of energy sustainability. Young professionals were involved in these activities to develop their skills and capability and get them ready for the future.
A new record of 9,448 ft were achieved which is the longest in Saudi Aramco history.
The application of this combination of techniques could be used in the future to avoid the expensive alternative of stimulation using DP while the rig is on location and to provide better post injectivity performance since it is proved so.
Optimizing Production Facilities Using None-Radio Active Source MPFM in Ghawar Field in Saudi Aramco
Authors: Al-Shuwaikhat Hisham I. , Al-Buhassan Shaker A. , Al-Saadoun Turki F. , Al-Driweesh Saad M. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Oil production facilities are continuously being optimized in Saudi Aramco to further simplify the production operations, increase the system efficiency, reduce the operational cost and improve the separated oil recovery. A Gas Oil Separation Plant (GOSP) in Saudi Aramco oil field is a key facility that separates the produced oil from the production stream. Technical enhancement in this facility has reduced the loss of recoverable oil and thus improved the revenue.
New technology item such as None-Radio Active Source Multi-Phase Flow Meter (NRAS MPFM) is being introduced to enhance the well testing and monitoring and to help in getting better results for quicker remedial action and decision making. NRAS MPFM will eventually replace the Radio Active Source Multi-Phase Flow Meter (RAS MPFM) which has been utilized in oil and gas market previously.
Wells are tested with faster frequency and necessary steps are being taken to optimize the well production rates. This paper will illustrate the challenges and successes of testing oil producer wells using NRAS MPFM in series with the existing GOSP conventional High Pressure Test Trap separators (HPTT). Proper training and education of employee has increased the general awareness on oil wastage. Moreover, uninterrupted well flow is being made possible by regular maintenance and checks of surface facilities which has improved the safety of operation and reduced the downtime.
Utilizing Mud Logs for Optimal Formation Evaluation and Guidance in Formation Testing Decisions
Authors: AlGhamdi Tareq M. , AlWaheed Hilal , Bradford Charles , Cheshire Stephen 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Mud logging technology has advanced to a stage where an increasing number of professionals use this data to perform quantitative reservoir evaluation and reservoir fluid typing. The use of mud logging services in Saudi Aramco prior to 2003 was limited to areas where H2S detection was of great importance in reservoirs where pyrolysis was being performed on cuttings to identify the presence of tar.
In Saudi Aramco Exploration & Delineation wells, well site geologists describe cuttings and mud engineers use simple gas detectors to monitor gas shows in the mud returns. To implement mud logging on a wider scale in Saudi Aramco represented a significant change in procedures. The mud logging unit had to improve formation evaluation, reduce well testing and/or aid in the discovery of reserves that might otherwise be overlooked.
The process of evaluating different mud logging suppliers and systems resulted in a large body of data across many oil, gas and water bearing reservoirs. Through a series of short case examples the benefit of using these systems is examined.
The Impact of the Downhole Formation Tester with Comprehensive Data Integration in Pre-Khuff Hydrocarbon Exploration
Authors: Al-Jeshi Hussain A. , Bradford Charles , Zeybek Murat 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The process of defining the fluid and reservoir properties of a hydrocarbon discovery represents a significant challenge to the industry. The practice of performing a drill stem test (DST) over a significant reservoir interval and attributing the properties of the produced fluid to a single reservoir fluid compartment is problematic. Overlooking the variation in fluid properties that can and do exist in what appears to be a homogeneous reservoir on a typical log analysis can lead to incorrect assumptions about the economic value of the hydrocarbon discovery, the production facilities required to produce the resource and the predicted ultimate recovery.
Recent advances in wireline formation testers have enabled the determination of several fluid properties, including fluid compositions in real time. In addition, mini-DST or Interval Pressure Transient Testing (IPTT) can be carried out at Downhole Fluid Analysis (DFA) stations to provide more representative and accurate mobility/permeability distributions of reservoir layers7 for reservoir characterization.
In this paper, examples illustrate how the use of this technology helped Saudi Aramco effectively address these challenges.
Hitting a moving target: evolution of a treatment paradigm for atypical meningiomas amid changing diagnostic criteria
Authors: Pearson Blake E. , Markert James M. , Fisher Winfield S. , Guthrie Barton L. , Fiveash John B. , Palmer Cheryl A. , Riley Kristen 
Published: April 2008

Object
The World Health Organization (WHO) reclassified atypical meningiomas in 2000, creating a more clear and broadly accepted definition. In this paper, the authors evaluated the pathological and clinical transition period for atypical meningiomas according to the implementation of the new WHO grading system at their institution.

Methods
A total of 471 meningiomas occurring in 440 patients between 1994 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed to determine changes in diagnostic rates, postoperative treatment trends, and early outcomes.

Results
Between 1994 and 2000, the incidence of the atypical meningiomas ranged from 0 to 3/year, or 4.4% of the meningiomas detected during the entire period. After 2002, the annual percentage of atypical meningiomas rose over a 2-year period, leveling off at between 32.7 and 35.5% between 2004 and 2006. The authors also found a recent trend toward increased use of adjuvant radiation therapy for incompletely resected atypical meningiomas. Prior to 2003, 18.7% were treated with this therapy; after 2003, 34.4% of lesions received this treatment. Incompletely resected tumors were treated with some form of radiation 76% of the time. In cases of complete resection, most patients were not given adjuvant therapy but were expectantly managed by close monitoring using serial imaging and by receiving immediate treatment for tumor recurrence. The overall recurrence rate for expectantly managed tumors was 9% over 28.2 months, and 75% of recurrences responded to delayed radiation therapy.

Conclusions
The authors documented a significant change in the proportion of meningiomas designated as atypical during a transition period from 2002 to 2004, and propose a conservative strategy for the use of radiation therapy in atypical meningiomas.
Radiation therapy and CyberKnife radiosurgery in the management of craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Lee Marco , Kalani M. Yashar S. , Cheshier Samuel , Gibbs Iris C. , Adler John R. , Chang Steven D. 
Published: April 2008

Object
Many benign intracranial tumors are amenable to radiotherapy treatment including meningiomas, schwannomas, pituitary tumors, and craniopharyngiomas. The authors present their experience in the treatment of craniopharyngiomas in 16 patients using frameless CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The authors discuss the role of radiation therapy in the management of these tumors, and more specifically, the role of CyberKnife SRS.

Methods
Sixteen patients were treated for residual or recurrent craniopharyngioma between 2000 and 2007 with CyberKnife SRS at Stanford University Medical Center. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging and visual and neuroendocrine evaluations before and at regular intervals after SRS. A multisession treatment regimen and a nonisocentric treatment plan for each patient were used with a mean marginal dose of 21.6 Gy and a mean maximal dose of 29.9 Gy.

Results
There were adequate clinical data to assess outcomes in 11 of 16 patients. Evaluation of patients between 13 and 71 years of age (mean 34.5 years) with a mean follow-up period of 15.4 months revealed no deterioration in visual or neuroendocrine function. Tumor shrinkage was achieved in 7 of these 11 patients, and tumor control in another 3. One patient had cystic enlargement of the residual tumor.

Conclusions
The authors' early experience with the application of CyberKnife SRS to residual or recurrent craniopharyngiomas has been positive; control or shrinkage of the tumor was achieved in 91% of patients, with no visual or neuroendocrine complications. Longer-term follow-up with a larger group of patients is required to fully evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this treatment modality.
Repeat posterior fossa exploration for patients with persistent or recurrent idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Amador Nelly , Pollock Bruce E. 
Published: April 2008

Object
Patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and persistent or recurrent facial pain after microvascular decompression (MVD) typically undergo less invasive procedures in the hope of providing pain relief. The outcomes and risks of repeat posterior fossa exploration (PFE) for these patients are not clearly understood.

Methods
From September 2000 to November 2006, 29 patients (14 men, 15 women) underwent repeat PFE. The mean number of surgeries per patient at the time of repeat PFE was 3.2 (range 1–6). The mean follow-up duration after surgery was 33.7 months.

Results
Compression of the trigeminal nerve was noted in 24 patients (83%) by an artery (13 patients, 45%), vein (4 patients, 14%), or Teflon (7 patients, 24%). Four patients (14%) who underwent operations elsewhere had incorrect cranial nerves decompressed at their first surgery. Only MVD was performed in 18 patients (62%) and a partial nerve section (PNS) was performed in 11 patients (38%). An excellent facial pain outcome (no pain, no medications required) was achieved and maintained for 80% and 75% of patients at 1 and 3 years after surgery, respectively. Patients with Burchiel Type 1 TN were pain free without medications (91% at 1 year and 85% at 3 years) more frequently than patients with Burchiel Type 2 TN (27% at both 1 and 3 years; hazard ratio = 5.4, 95% confidence interval 1.4–21.1, p = 0.02). Fifteen patients (52%) had new or increased facial numbness. Two patients (7%) developed anesthesia dolorosa; both had undergone PNS. Two patients (7%) had hearing loss after surgery.

Conclusions
Repeat PFE for patients with idiopathic TN has facial pain outcomes that are comparable with both percutaneous needle-based techniques and stereotactic radiosurgery. Patients with persistent or recurrent TN should be considered for repeat PFE, especially if other less invasive surgeries have not relieved their facial pain.
Ventricular catheter trajectories from traditional shunt approaches: a morphometric study in adults with hydrocephalus
Authors: Lind Christopher R. P. , Tsai Amy M. C. , Law Andrew J. J. , Lau Hui , Muthiah Kavitha 
Published: April 2008

Object
The purpose of this study was to compare the margins of error of different shunt catheter approaches to the lateral ventricle and assess surface anatomical aiming landmarks for free-hand ventricular catheter insertion in adult patients with hydrocephalus.

Methods
Four adults who had undergone stereotactic brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and had normal ventricles, and 7 prospectively recruited adult patients with acute hydrocephalus were selected for inclusion in this study. Reconstructed MR images obtained prior to surgical intervention were geometrically analyzed with regard to frontal, parietal, and parietooccipital (occipital) approaches in both hemispheres.

Results
The ventricular target zones were as follows: the frontal horn for frontal and occipital approaches, and the atrium/ posterior horn for parietal approaches. The range of possible angles for successful catheter insertion was smallest for the occipital approach (8° in the sagittal plane and 11° in the coronal plane), greater for parietal catheters (23 and 36°), and greatest for the frontal approach in models of hydrocephalic brains (42 and 30°; p < 0.001 for all comparisons except frontal vs parietal, which did not reach statistical significance). There was no single landmark for aiming occipital or parietal catheters that achieved ventricular target cannulation in every case. Success was achieved in only 86% of procedures using occipital trajectories and in 66% of those using parietal trajectories.

Conclusions
The occipital approach to ventricular catheter insertion provides the narrowest margin of error with regard to trajectory but has less aiming point variability than the parietal approach. The use of patient-specific stereotaxy rather than generic guides is required for totally reliable, first-pass ventricular catheterization via a posterior approach to shunt placement surgery in adults.
Cerebral oxygenation, vascular reactivity, and neurochemistry following decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Ho Chi Long , Wang Chee Meng , Lee Kah Keow , Ng Ivan , Ang Beng Ti 
Published: April 2008

Object
This study addresses the changes in brain oxygenation, cerebrovascular reactivity, and cerebral neurochemistry in patients following decompressive craniectomy for the control of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods
Sixteen consecutive patients with isolated TBI and elevated ICP, who were refractory to maximal medical therapy, underwent decompressive craniectomy over a 1-year period. Thirteen patients were male and 3 were female. The mean age of the patients was 38 years and the median Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission was 5.

Results
Six months following TBI, 11 patients had a poor outcome (Group 1, Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] Score 1–3), whereas the remaining 5 patients had a favorable outcome (Group 2, GOS Score 4 or 5). Decompressive craniectomy resulted in a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in the mean ICP and cerebrovascular pressure reactivity index to autoregulatory values (< 0.3) in both groups of patients. There was a significant improvement in brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO2) in Group 2 patients from 3 to 17 mm Hg and an 85% reduction in episodes of cerebral ischemia. In addition, the durations of abnormal PbtO2 and biochemical indices were significantly reduced in Group 2 patients after decompressive craniectomy, but there was no improvement in the biochemical indices in Group 1 patients despite surgery.

Conclusions
Decompressive craniectomy, when used appropriately in protocol-driven intensive care regimens for the treatment of recalcitrant elevated ICP, is associated with a return of abnormal metabolic parameters to normal values in patients with eventually favorable outcomes.
Traumatic brain injury during Operation Iraqi Freedom: findings from the United States Navy–Marine Corps Combat Trauma Registry
Authors: Galarneau Michael R. , Woodruff Susan I. , Dye Judy L. , Mohrle Charlene R. , Wade Amber L. 
Published: April 2008

Object
The purpose of this study was to characterize traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) among military personnel (primarily Marines) during the second phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom from early in the medical care chain of evacuation through Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, a Level 4 American hospital in Germany.

Methods
Data were obtained from the Navy–Marine Corps Combat Trauma Registry (CTR) and included both battle and nonbattle injuries. Follow-up of patients with TBI was conducted to examine the short-term medical and personnel-related effects of TBI among those surviving.

Results
Those injured in battle were more likely than those not injured in battle to have multiple TBI diagnoses, a greater number of all diagnoses, more severe TBIs, and to be medically evacuated. Intracranial injuries (for example, concussions) were the predominant type of TBI, although skull fractures and open head wounds were also seen. Improvised explosive devices were the most common cause of TBIs among battle injuries; blunt trauma and motor vehicle crashes were the most common causes among nonbattle injuries. Short-term follow-up of surviving patients with TBI indicated higher morbidity and medical utilization among the patients with more severe TBI, although mental conditions were higher among patients with milder TBI.

Conclusions
Data from the Navy–Marine Corps CTR provide useful information about combatants' TBIs identified early in the combat casualty process. Results may improve clinical care for those affected and suggest strategies for primary prevention. The CTR staff plans to conduct additional follow-up studies of this group of patients with TBI.
Phase II clinical trial of Wilms tumor 1 peptide vaccination for patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Izumoto Shuichi , Tsuboi Akihiro , Oka Yoshihiro , Suzuki Tsuyoshi , Hashiba Tetsuo , Kagawa Naoki , Hashimoto Naoya , Maruno Motohiko , Elisseeva Olga A. , Shirakata Toshiaki , Kawakami Manabu , Oji Yusuke , Nishida Sumiyuki , Ohno Satoshi , Kawase Ichiro , Hatazawa Jun , Nakatsuka Shin-ichi , Aozasa Katsuyuki , Morita Satoshi , Sakamoto Junichi , Sugiyama Haruo , Yoshimine Toshiki 
Published: April 2008

Object
The object of this study was to investigate the safety and clinical responses of immunotherapy targeting the WT1 (Wilms tumor 1) gene product in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

Methods
Twenty-one patients with WT1/HLA-A*2402–positive recurrent GBM were included in a Phase II clinical study of WT1 vaccine therapy. In all patients, the tumors were resistant to standard therapy. Patients received intra-dermal injections of an HLA-A*2402–restricted, modified 9-mer WT1 peptide every week for 12 weeks. Tumor size, which was obtained by measuring the contrast-enhanced area on magnetic resonance images, was determined every 4 weeks. The responses were analyzed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 12 weeks after the initial vaccination. Patients who achieved an effective response continued to be vaccinated until tumor progression occurred. Progression-free survival and overall survival after initial WT1 treatment were estimated.

Results
The protocol was well tolerated; only local erythema occurred at the WT1 vaccine injection site. The clinical responses were as follows: partial response in 2 patients, stable disease in 10 patients, and progressive disease in 9 patients. No patient had a complete response. The overall response rate (cases with complete or partial response) was 9.5%, and the disease control rate (cases with complete or partial response as well as those in which disease was stable) was 57.1%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) period was 20.0 weeks, and the 6-month (26-week) PFS rate was 33.3%.

Conclusions
Although a small uncontrolled nonrandomized trial, this study showed that WT1 vaccine therapy for patients with WT1/HLA-A*2402–positive recurrent GBM was safe and produced a clinical response. Based on these results, further clinical studies of WT1 vaccine therapy in patients with malignant glioma are warranted.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: matching minimally invasive surgical techniques
Authors: Nazzi Vittoria , Franzini Angelo , Messina Giuseppe , Broggi Giovanni 
Published: April 2008

✓In the past few years, several different minimally invasive surgical techniques have been proposed to decompress the median nerve at the wrist. Use of these techniques has become widespread due to fewer local complications, faster functional recovery, and reduced surgical time. In this paper the authors compare 3 different minimally invasive surgical techniques used at their institution in the past 13 years. Between January 1994 and January 2007, 891 patients underwent 1272 surgeries at the authors' institution for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), for which a minimally invasive technique was used. In 473 cases (Group A), the transillumination technique with a single wrist incision and a “carpalotome” (a modified Paine retinaculotome) was used; in 216 cases (Group B), transillumination was abandoned and a single linear wrist incision for access with the carpalotome was performed; and in 583 cases (Group C), the techniques were further modified by making a second incision in the palm using the carpalotome. All 3 groups of patients were homogeneous for age, sex, and duration of the symptomatology. In 90% of the patients in Group A, in 88% of those in Group B, and 99.8% of patients in Group C, complete remission of symptoms was obtained. Due to persistence of symptoms, 44 patients in Group A, 24 in Group B, and only 1 in Group C underwent a repeated operation with the open technique. The only surgical complication requiring repeated operation of the 1272 operations was a lesion of the primitive median artery (1 patient in Group C).
The technique of median nerve decompression at the wrist that was used for patients in Group C represents a valid alternative for treatment of CTS.
Toward reducing shunt placement rates in patients with myelomeningocele
Authors: Chakraborty Aabir , Crimmins Darach , Hayward Richard , Thompson Dominic 
Published: April 2008

Object
The prevalence of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus in patients with myelomeningocele has been reported to be in the region of 85%, and shunt-related complications are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. Since 1997 the authors have adopted a stringent policy with respect to shunt placement in patients with myelomeningocele, reserving this treatment for those with symptomatic hydrocephalus, severe ventricular dilation at the time of presentation, and/or unequivocal progressive ventriculomegaly after primary closure. They report their experience.

Methods
The authors reviewed all cases of myelomeningocele involving patients who presented to their institution over a 10-year period. They excluded cases in which the primary closure was carried out at another institution or in which there was not at least 12 months of clinical and imaging follow-up. Data regarding shunt insertion shunt-related complications, and clinical outcome were obtained from a review of the clinical records and analyzed.

Results
Fifty-four cases satisfied the inclusion criteria for this study. Shunt insertion was performed in 28 of these cases (51.9%).

Conclusions
Applying more stringent guidelines for shunt placement, permitting moderate ventricular dilation, and accepting some mild increase in ventricular size after myelomeningocele closure has resulted in a reduced rate of shunt placement compared with previous series. The rate is comparable to that reported following in utero closure of myelomeningocele.