Standardization of Particle Size for Floating Particle Wettability Measurement for Carbonate Rocks.

Misrepresentation of the wettability of a reservoir can lead to potentially low ultimate hydrocarbon recovery resulting in substantial economic losses. At the same time, it is impossible to determine the wettability of a reservoir across its length and breadth on a continuous basis using standard procedures. This work presents the development and standardization of a quick, easy, and low-cost wettability measurement method using the adherence tendency of rock particles in the oil or aqueous phase.

Indicators of Renal Glomerular and Tubular Functions in Patients with Beta-Thalassaemia Major: A cross sectional study at the Royal Hospital, Oman.

Objectives: There are limited data concerning the assessment of renal function in beta-thalassaemia major, with no study of such involvement in Omani patients. The objective of this study was to establish the pattern of renal glomerular and tubular function using traditional and specific laboratory tests in patients with beta-thalassaemia major.

Methods: This cross-sectional study, from January-July 2008, included 30 patients of the Thalassaemia Clinic at the Royal Hospital, Oman, with transfusion-dependent homozygous beta-thalassaemia major.

Comparison between Serum Holotranscobalamin and Total Vitamin B12 as Indicators of Vitamin B12 Status.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the usefulness of serum holotranscobalamin (holoTC), the fraction of vitamin B12 that is available for tissue uptake, compared with total vitamin B12 in patients investigated for vitamin B12 disorders.

Methods: Serum samples were randomly selected from 76 patients (48 females, 28 males; age range 12-69 years) referred to the Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Royal Hospital for the assessment of vitamin B12 status. For each patient, serum total vitamin B12 level was determined by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay on Architect 2000 analyzer and holoTC (active vitamin B12) level was determined by microparticle enzyme immunoassay on Axsym analyzer (both from Abbott, USA).

Serum myoglobin in patients with thyroid dysfunction.

Objectives: To assess the pattern of change in serum myoglobin concentration in subjects with thyroid dysfunction.

Methods: Serum samples were selected from 150 subjects with suspected thyroid disorder who were referred to the Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman. The subjects were 35 males and 115 females, aged 14-56 years with mean ± SD of 34.