bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunogenicity and safety of COVID-19 vaccine in lung cancer patients receiving anticancer treatment: A prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Nakashima Kei , Ishida Masayuki , Matsui Hiroyuki , Yoshida Chihiro , Nagai Tatsuya , Shiraga Minoru , Nakaoka Hiroshi , Otsuka Yoshihito , Nakagama Yu , Kaku Natsuko , Nitahara Yuko , Kido Yasutoshi , Hirota Yoshio
Published: June 2022

Introduction

This study assessed the immunogenicity and safety of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in lung cancer patients receiving anticancer treatment using two immunoassays. Methods: We enrolled lung cancer patients receiving anticancer treatment and non-cancer patients with chronic diseases; all participants were fully vaccinated with the BNT162b2 vaccine. Blood samples were collected before the first and second vaccinations and 4 ± 1 weeks after the second vaccination. Anti-acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein S1 subunit receptor-binding domain antibody titers were measured using the Architect SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant (Abbott Laboratory) and Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S (Roche Diagnostics).

Results

Fifty-five lung cancer patients and 38 non-cancer patients were included in the immunogenicity analysis. Lung cancer patients showed significant increase in the geometric mean antibody titer, which was significantly lower than that in the non-cancer patients after the first (30 vs. 121 AU/mL, p<0.001 on Architect; 4.0 vs 1.2 U/mL, p<0.001, on Elecsys) and second vaccinations (1632 vs. 3472 AU/mL, p=0.005, on Architect; 213 vs 573 A/mL, p=0.002, on Elecsys). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for seroprotection was significantly lower in the lung cancer patients. Analysis of the anticancer treatment types showed that the adjusted OR for seroprotection was significantly lower in lung cancer patients receiving cytotoxic agents. Lung cancer patients showed no increase in the number of adverse reactions.

Conclusions

BNT162b2 vaccination in lung cancer patients undergoing anticancer treatment significantly increased antibody titers and showed acceptable safety. However, the immunogenicity in these patients could be inadequate compared with that in non-cancer patients.
COVID-19 DISEASE IN PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY ROOM: THE DILEMMA OF CYCLE THRESHOLD VALUE
Authors: Timur Demet , Demirpek Uğur , Ceylan Demirbaş Başak , Türe Esra , Korkmaz Muhammed Furkan , Timur Ahmet
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

The havoc of this SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was being distributed unequally. Children, of all ages, and in all countries, are being affected. Testing for infection with SARS-CoV-2, helps to determine what interventions may need to be put in place to control the spread of disease within a community. A PCR test for COVID-19 is a test used to diagnose children infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Cycle threshold (Ct) is a semi-quantitative value that tells us approximately how much viral genetic material is in the sample following testing by RT-PCR. Our aim was to evaluate how RT-PCR Ct values among children with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 compared with clinical, laboratory and demographic data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the study, demographic, laboratory, radiological and clinical characteristics and the effect of Ct value of patients with positive Covid-19 PCR test who applied to the Emergency Pediatric Service with the suspicion of infectious disease between May 3,2020 and August 3, 2020 were retrospectively examined.

RESULTS

There was no statistical significance between the patient’s hospitalization status, admission symptoms other than fever, and laboratory parameters and the mean Ct value. It was determined that the mean Ct value of the patients who had symptoms at the time of admission to the hospital was statistically significantly lower.

CONCLUSION

In this study, symptomatic patients had lower Ct than asymptomatic patients; this reflects the clinical impact of increased viral load. In our study, the low Ct values in symptomatic patients and higher values in asymptomatic patients; reflects the importance of the effect on the clinic with the increase of viral load. In evidence-based medicine practices, it will be useful to check the compatibility of complaints and findings with laboratory data while evaluating patients. In addition, if the patient is symptomatic and has a high ct value, co-infections should be considered.
Use of Chinese herbs to treat symptoms likely related to COVID-19: Survey analysis of licensed acupuncturists in the United States
Authors: Anderson Belinda J. , Zappa Melissa , Leininger Brent D. , Taylor-Swanson Lisa
Published: June 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the prescribing of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) by licensed acupuncturists in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A 28-question survey with nine branching questions was disseminated through collegial networks, paid advertisements, and a study website in April-July 2021. Participants indicated they were licensed acupuncturists that treated more than five patients for symptoms likely related to COVID-19 to gain entry to the full survey. Surveys were undertaken electronically through the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) system.

Results

The survey was undertaken by 103 participants representing all US geographic regions, and had an average of 17 years in practice. Sixty-five percent received or intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Phone and videoconference were the predominant methods of patient contact; granules and pill forms of CHM were the most commonly prescribed. A wide variety of information sources were used in devising patient treatments inclusive of anecdotal, observational, and scientific sources. Most patients were not receiving biomedical treatment. Ninety-seven percent of participants reported that they had no patients die of COVID-19, and the majority reported less than 25% of their patients developed long hauler syndrome (post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that licensed acupuncturists were treating COVID-19 infected individuals in the US during the early stages of the pandemic, and for many such patients this was the only therapeutic intervention they had access to from a licensed healthcare provider. Information disseminated from China through collegial networks, along with published sources including scientific studies, informed the approach to treatment for the vast majority of the acupuncturists surveyed. This study provides insight into an unusual circumstance in which clinicians needed to establish evidence-based approaches to the treatment of a new disease in the midst of a public health emergency.

Strengths and Limitations of the Study

Detailed survey that was widely disseminated through paid advertisements and a study web site

Data was only collected from licensed clinicians who had treated more than five patients with symptoms likely related to COVID-19

Survey was undertaken through the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) system

Statistical analysis was undertaken to determine associations between question responses

The survey was not psychometrically tested
Adrenal cortex size, homeostasis and tumorigenesis is regulated by gonadal hormones via androgen receptor/β-catenin signalling crosstalk
Authors: Lyraki Rodanthi , Grabek Anaëlle , Tison Amélie , Peitzsch Mirko , Bechman Nicole , Youssef Sameh A , de Bruin Alain , Bakker Elvira R.M. , Claessens Frank , Chaboissier Marie-Christine , Schedl Andreas
Published: June 2022

Female bias is highly prevalent among adrenal cortex hyperplasia and neoplasia, but the reasons behind this phenomenon are poorly understood. In this article, we show that overexpression of the secreted WNT agonist R-spondin-1 leads to ectopic activation of WNT/β-catenin signalling and causes sex-specific adrenocortical hyperplasia in mice. While female adrenals show ectopic proliferation, male adrenals display excessive immune system activation and cortical thinning. Using a combination of genetic manipulations and hormonal treatment, we show that gonadal androgens suppress ectopic proliferation in the adrenal cortex and determine the selective activation of WNT-related genes Axin2 and Wnt4. Notably, genetic removal of androgen receptor (AR) from adrenocortical cells restores the mitogenic effect of WNT/β-catenin signalling. This is the first demonstration that AR activity in the adrenal cortex determines susceptibility to canonical WNT signalling-induced hyperplasia.

Teaser

Activation of R-spondin signaling in the adrenal cortex leads to a sexually dimorphic phenotype causing tumors in females and immune cell recruitment in males
Effect of heterospecific and conspecific competition on individual differences in tadpole behaviour
Authors: Beyts Cammy , Cella Maddalena , Colegrave Nick , Downie Roger , Martin Julien G. A. , Walsh Patrick
Published: June 2022

Repeated social interactions with conspecifics and/or heterospecifics during early development may drive the differentiation of behaviour among individuals. This behavioural differentiation may occur through individuals behaving more different from each other on average and/or individuals behaving more consistently. Competition is a major form of social interaction and its impacts can depend on whether interactions occur between conspecifics or heterospecifics and the directionality of a response could be specific to different behavioural traits. To test this, we reared tungara frog tadpoles (Engystomops pustulosus) either in isolation, with a conspecific tadpole or with an aggressive heterospecific tadpole, the whistling frog tadpole, Leptodactylus fuscus. In each treatment, we measured the body size, activity, exploration and risk taking in the presence of a predator in focal E. pustulosus tadpoles six times during development. We used univariate and multivariate hierarchical mixed effect models to investigate the effect of treatment on mean behaviour and on among individual variance between and within individuals across behavioural traits. There was a strong effect of competition on behaviour, with different population and individual level responses across social treatments. Within their home tank, individuals were more consistent in their movements under conspecific competition but heterospecific competition caused more variance in the average movement among individuals. Behavioural responses were also trait specific as conspecific competition caused greater variability in movements among individuals in a novel environment. The results highlight that the impact of competition on inter-individual differences in behaviour is dependent on competitor species identity and is trait specific.
The cynosure of CtBP: evolution of a bilaterian transcriptional corepressor
Authors: Raicu Ana-Maria , Kadiyala Dhruva , Niblock Madeline , Jain Aanchal , Yang Yahui , Bird Kalynn M. , Bertholf Kayla , Seenivasan Akshay , Arnosti David N.
Published: June 2022

Evolution of sequence-specific transcription factors clearly drives lineage-specific innovations, but less is known about how changes in the central transcriptional machinery may contribute to evolutionary transformations. In particular, transcriptional regulators are rich in intrinsically disordered regions that appear to be magnets for evolutionary innovation. The C-terminal Binding Protein (CtBP) is a transcriptional corepressor derived from an ancestral lineage of alpha hydroxyacid dehydrogenases; it is found in mammals and invertebrates, and features a core NAD-binding domain as well as an unstructured C-terminus (CTD) of unknown function. CtBP can act on promoters and enhancers to repress transcription through chromatin-linked mechanisms. Our comparative phylogenetic study shows that CtBP is a bilaterian innovation whose CTD of about 100 residues is present in almost all orthologs. CtBP CTDs contain conserved blocks of residues and retain a predicted disordered property, despite having variations in the primary sequence. Interestingly, the structure of the C-terminus has undergone radical transformation independently in certain lineages including flatworms and nematodes. Also contributing to CTD diversity is the production of myriad alternative RNA splicing products, including the production of “short” tailless forms of CtBP in Drosophila. Additional diversity stems from multiple gene duplications in vertebrates, where up to five CtBP orthologs have been observed. Vertebrate lineages show fewer major modifications in the unstructured CTD, possibly because gene regulatory constraints of the vertebrate body plan place specific constraints on this domain. Our study highlights the rich regulatory potential of this previously unstudied domain of a central transcriptional regulator.
High accuracy indicators of androgen suppression therapy failure for prostate cancer – a modeling study
Authors: Meade William , Weber Allison , Phan Tin , Hampston Emily , Resa Laura Figueroa , Nagy John , Kuang Yang
Published: June 2022

Prostate Cancer is a serious public health concern in the United States. The primary obstacle to effective long-term management for prostate cancer patients is the eventual development of treatment resistance. Due to the uniquely chaotic nature of the neoplastic genome, it is difficult to determine the evolution of tumor composition over the course of treatment. Hence, a drug is often applied continuously past the point of effectiveness, thereby losing any potential treatment combination with that drug permanently to resistance. If a clinician is aware of the timing of resistance to a particular drug, then they may have a crucial opportunity to adjust the treatment to retain the drug usefulness in potential treatment combination or strategy. In this study, we investigate new methods of predicting treatment failure due to treatment resistance using a novel mechanistic model built on an evolutionary interpretation of Droop cell quota theory. We analyze our proposed methods using patient PSA and androgen data from a clinical trial of intermittent treatment with androgen deprivation therapy. Our results produce two indicators of treatment failure. The first indicator is calculated using our mathematical model with a predictive accuracy of 87.3% (sensitivity: 96.1%, specificity: 65%). The second indicator is calculated directly from serum androgen and PSA data with a predictive accuracy of 88.7% (sensitivity: 90.2%, specificity: 85%). The high sensitivity of the first indicator and the high specificity of the second indicator means they can complement one another in clinical settings. Our results demonstrate the potential and feasibility of using evolutionary tumor dynamics models in combination with the appropriate data to aid in the adaptive management of prostate cancer.
Chance-constrained programming with robustness for lot-sizing and scheduling problems under complex uncertainty
Authors: Hui Jizhuang , Wang Shuai , Bin Zhu , Xiong Guangwei , Lv Jingxiang
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper deals with a capacitated multi-item dynamic lot-sizing problem with the simultaneous sequence-dependent setup scheduling of the parallel resource under complex uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

An improved chance-constrained method is developed, in which confidence level of uncertain parameters is used to process uncertainty, and based on this, the reliability of the constraints is measured. Then, this study proposes a robust reconstruction method to transform the chance-constrained model into a deterministic model that is easy to solve, in which the robust transformation methods are used to deal with constraints with uncertainty on the right/left. Then, experimental studies using a real-world production data set provided by a gearbox synchronizer factory of an automobile supplier is carried out.

Findings

This study has demonstrated the merits of the proposed approach where the inventory of products tends to increase with the increase of confidence level. Due to a larger confidence level may result in a more strict constraint, which means that the decision-maker becomes more conservative, and thus tends to satisfy more external demands at the cost of an increase of production and stocks.

Research limitations/implications

Joint decisions of production lot-sizing and scheduling widely applied in industries can effectively avert the infeasibility of lot-size decisions, caused by capacity of lot-sing alone decision and complex uncertainty such as product demand and production cost. is also challenging.

Originality/value

This study provides more choices for the decision-makers and can also help production planners find bottleneck resources in the production system, thus developing a more feasible and reasonable production plan in a complex uncertain environment.
My dear handbags: materiality and networked constellations of consumption collections
Authors: Abarashi Jamal , Edirisingha Prabash Aminda
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to go beyond the market–consumer intersection and investigate consumer collecting as a network constellation, which includes a range of material and human actants.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a qualitative research process that includes non-participatory netnography and semi-structured online interviews to collect both textual and visual data. Researchers drew from the field of visual anthropology to analyse the visual data. In addition, thematic analysis was used to identify, analyse and report the patterns within textual data.

Findings

Findings of this research reveals key agentic properties of collection constellations and explains how they contribute to the development of seriality and the experience of novelty by shaping curatorial practices within collection pursuits. From the time a collection has been assembled to its countless re-configurations, the network that is composed of a focal collector and a host of other actants interacting within a particular collecting ecology plays an essential role in challenging the agency of the market and the individual collectors.

Research limitations/implications

Although this research investigated consumer collecting from a network perspective, it did not explore changes within those constellations and how such changes implicate collecting behaviour. Therefore, future research may benefit from investigating network transformations on consumer collecting, particularly on curatorial practices and how they shape the trajectory of consumer collections.

Practical implications

Understanding collecting as a relational and iterative “network constellation” enables marketers to engage with their consumers in a more meaningful way. By actively seeking to use the network agentic properties, brands can aid avid handbag consumers and passionate collectors to keep their collections relevant and meaningful. It allows brands to play a role beyond the purchasing stage that characterises the market–consumer intersection and build comprehensive relationships with their consumers. Particularly, by adopting a networked approach, brands can provide collectors with privileged and scientific brand knowledge to help them caretake and experience their cherished possessions.

Originality/value

This study goes beyond the market–consumer intersection and atomistic explanations of collecting phenomena in its investigation and theorises collecting as a relational and iterative “network constellation”. It challenges the subject-oriented ontology of collections literature through explaining how such network interactions inspire collecting behaviours, help collectors maintain and celebrate their cherished collections and change the trajectory of collections pursuits.
Revisiting the financial market interdependence during COVID-19 times: a study of green bonds, cryptocurrency, commodities and other financial markets
Authors: Rao Amar , Gupta Mansi , Sharma Gagan Deep , Mahendru Mandeep , Agrawal Anirudh
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to contribute to the existing literature by examining the nexus and the connectedness between classes S&P Green Bond Index, S&P GSCI Crude Oil Index, S&P GSCI Gold, MSCI Emerging Markets Index, MSCI World Index and Bitcoin, during the pre-and post-Covid period beginning from August 2011 to July 2021 (10 years).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs time-varying parameter vector autoregression and Quantile regression methods to understand the impact of events on traditional and upcoming asset classes. To further understand the connectedness of assets under consideration, the study used Geo-Political Risk Index (GPR) and Global Economic Policy and Uncertainty index (GPEU).

Findings

Findings show that these markets are strongly linked, which will only expand in the post-pandemic future. Before the pandemic, the MSCI World and Emerging Markets indices contributed the most shocks to the remaining market variables. Green bond index shows a greater correlation and shock transmission with gold. Bitcoin can no longer be used as a good hedging instrument, validating the fact that the 21st-century technology assets. The results further opine that under extreme economic consequences with high GPR and GPEU, even gold cannot be considered a safe investment asset.

Originality/value

Financial markets and the players who administer and communicate their investment logics are heavily reliant on conventional asset classes such as oil, gas, coal, nuclear and allied groupings, but these emerging asset classes are attempting to diversify.
Estimating a financial uncertainty index for Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ben Haddad Hedi , Altamimi Sohale , Mezghani Imed , Medhioub Imed
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study seeks to build a financial uncertainty index for Saudi Arabia. This index serves as a leading indicator of Saudi economic activity and helps to describe economic fluctuations and forecast economic trends.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts an extension of the Jurado et al. (2015) procedure by combining financial uncertainty factors with their net spillover effects on GDP and inflation to construct an aggregate financial uncertainty index. The authors consider 13 monthly financial variables for Saudi Arabia from January 2010 to June 2021.

Findings

The empirical results show that the constructed financial uncertainty estimates are good leading indicators of economic activity. The robustness analysis suggests that the authors’ proposed financial uncertainty estimators outperform the alternative estimates used by other existing approaches to estimate the financial conditions index.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt at constructing a financial uncertainty index for Saudi Arabia. This study extends the empirical literature, from which the authors propose a novel conceptual framework for building a financial uncertainty index by combining the approach of Jurado et al. (2015) and the time-varying connectedness network approach proposed by Antonakakis et al. (2020)
The magic of IPSAS accrual: the real without reality
Authors: Mkasiwa Tausi Ally
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study examines the controversial success of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) accrual implementation, using the case of Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews, documentary reviews and observations were used for data collection. This study draws on the spectacle theory for data analysis.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that IPSAS accrual was a spectacle during its production and consumption. The features and forms of the spectacle were revealed in IPSAS accrual during its production and affirmed by actors during its consumption. Further affirmation of IPSAS accrual as the spectacle was revealed through communication of good news and the hiding of bad news. The outcome was the alleged roles of IPSAS accrual.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited as it was conducted in only one country. The controversial success is global and calls for further research in other parts of the world.

Practical implications

The International Monetary Fund should stop recommending implementation of IPSAS accrual along with cash basis as the two systems are incompatible. Moreover, government officials should have alternative thinking presenting a different view of the world, so as to avoid being passive, and focus on reality rather than appearance.

Originality/value

This study is the first to explain the controversial success of IPSAS accrual implementation. It demonstrates the usefulness of spectacle theory in the field of accounting research, especially in the context of reform implementation. Moreover, this study confirms that IPSAS accrual is a spectacle (Uddinet al., 2011).
Exchange and moral capital of CSR disclosure and financial distress likelihood of family management firms: evidence from India
Authors: Oware Kofi Mintah , David Kweku Botchway King
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of moral and exchange capital of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure on the financial distress likelihood of family management firms in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The constructed data set (i.e. Morgan Stanley Capital International) and Kinder, Lydenberg and Domini social performance rating data format) consists of 66 firms with 655 firm-year observations for family-managed firms that practise sustainability reporting on the Indian stock market from 2010 to 2019.

Findings

The first findings show that current and previous year-two CSR disclosure reduces family management firms’ financial distress. The second findings show that the exchange capital of CSR disclosure does not influence the financial distress likelihood of family management firms in India. The third findings show that moral capital of CSR disclosure of the current year, previous year-one and previous year-two more than likely reduce financial distress likelihood of family management firms in India. This study is robust due to the lagged variables of the dependent variables.

Practical implications

Management investment must be high in moral capital to accrue social capital, but the success is dependent on a policy of continuous support for establishing family-related businesses. Similarly, society can benefit as the firm becomes attractive to green consumers as additions to the consumers of a CSR-driven firm. The consequences can cause firms to be more philanthropic to the community.

Originality/value

The novelty shows that to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no studies examine CSR disclosure’s moral and exchange capital on financial distress likelihood in India. Also, there is no evidence from the perspective of family management studies in CSR-financial distress likelihood nexus.
Researching sensitive topics when the participants are stigmatized, the culture is value-laden and the researcher is an insider-outsider
Authors: Adikaram Arosha S. , Weerakotuwa Subashini , Liyanage Dilusha Madushanka
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to revisit the debate on the insider-outsider positionality of the researcher in conducting qualitative research by highlighting the challenges of researching sexual harassment and harassment among stigmatized or hidden groups of individuals in a culturally value-laden backdrop in South Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors drew on a bricolage of methods to analyze and write this paper. First, the authors borrowed from the case study approach to select three research projects that would shed light on the argument raised in the study. Then, narratives, together with self and critical reflexivity were used to write reflective narratives, which served as data for this paper. Next, the authors used the thematic analysis method to analyze the reflective narratives. Finally, the authors drew from literature and the experiences to provide recommendations for the challenges thus identified.

Findings

The critical reflections highlight three overarching challenges the authors encountered as insider-outsiders in researching a sensitive topic among stigmatized/hidden groups in a value-laden cultural backdrop: 1) difficulty in recruitment, 2) internalized gender norms and 3) unconscious biases. Based on these challenges, the authors posit that what is pertinent is not whether a researcher is an insider, outsider or in-betweener per se, but how to maximize benefits and minimize pitfalls of being an insider or outsider and employing other means of overcoming the drawbacks. The authors also claim that being more sensitive to the culture, reflexive, flexible and experienced would help overcome challenges faced when conducting research of this nature as insiders-outsiders.

Originality/value

There appears to be little empirically derived inquiry on the insider-outsider positionality of the researchers at the intersection of sensitive topics, stigmatized participants and culture. Our reflections and suggestions address this lacuna while revisiting the simplistic use of insider-outsider dichotomy and proposing other means to overcome the drawbacks brought on by the researcher positionality.
Comparison of surgical morbidities between LigaSure™ and conventional techniques in inguinal or ilioinguinal lymph node dissection for skin cancer: A single center retrospective study
Authors: Umeda Yoshiyasu , Teramoto Yukiko , Asami Yuri , Matsuya Taisuke , Saito Shintaro , Sasaki Katsuhito , Baba Natsuki , Ishizuki Shoichiro , Kamimura Anna , Yamaguchi Buntaro , Kawahara Yu , Takai Sayaka , Izumi Teruaki , Doi Reiichi , Mori Tatsuhiko , Nakamura Yasuhiro
Published: June 2022

Skin cancer patients with clinical nodal disease or whose positive sentinel nodes had great tumor burden remain candidates for regional lymph node dissections. Among these patients, inguinal or ilioinguinal lymph node dissection is frequently required in clinical practice, which is associated with significant postoperative morbidity—including lymphatic leakage. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of LigaSure™, an electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system, in reducing lymphatic leakage in inguinal or ilioinguinal lymph node dissection. In total, 58 patients who received inguinal or ilioinguinal lymph node dissection (conventional group, 48; LigaSure™ group, 10) and shared similar characteristics were included in this study. Lymphatic leakage after drain removal was significantly lower in the LigaSure™ group than that in the conventional group (present ratio, 0% vs. 37%; p = 0.02). The daily lymphatic drainage volume also tended to be lower in the LigaSure™ than that in the conventional group, with significant differences on postoperative day 1 (p = 0.02). Other perioperative outcomes including the operating time, intraoperative blood loss, time to drain removal, duration of hospital stay, flap necrosis, and wound infection showed no significant differences between the two groups. The use of the LigaSure™ in inguinal or ilioinguinal lymph node dissection for the treatment of skin cancer could reduce the incidence of postoperative lymphatic leakage after drain removal.
Methods and Case Studies of Ultra‐deep Fault Seal Evaluation
Authors: CHEN Shuping , YU Yixin , CHEN Shi , WANG Xinpeng , FENG Guimin , YUAN Haowei , GOU Qiwei , XU Shidong , ZHAO Huaibo , KONG Linghua
Published: June 2022

Fault seals are significant for petroleum exploration and production. This study summarizes the fault sealing impacting factors, including lithological juxtaposition, mud smearing, fault rocks and the fault plane stress states, as well as evaluation methods like Allan maps and Shale Gouge Ratio (SGR). The seal evaluation for a wrench fault focuses on its particular structural features. The evaluation methods were applied to the Jinma–Yazihe structure and the Shunbei oilfield. The source rock is the Xujiahe Formation of the Upper Triassic, the reservoirs and caprocks being of the Shaximiao Formation of the Lower Jurassic. The fault sealing evaluations in major faults proved the reservoir formation processes in the wells Jinfo 1 (JF1) and Chuanya 609 (CY–609), based on the editions of the Allan map showing lithological juxtaposition, the calculation of SGR showing mud smear and analyses of fault stress states. The analyses of stress states were also applied to Shunbei 5 strike‐slip fault in the Shunbei area in Tarim Basin. The various sections along the fault were of different mechanical properties, such as compression and extension. Petroleum exploration has demonstrated that the extensional sections are more favorable for oil accumulation than the compressional sections. These evolutionary methods and other understandings will help in analyses of deep fault sealing.
Vertical Differential Structural Deformation of the Main Strike‐slip Fault Zones in the Shunbei Area, Central Tarim Basin: Structural Characteristics, Deformation Mechanisms, and Hydrocarbon Accumulation Significance
Authors: TIAN Fanglei , HE Dengfa , CHEN Jiajun , MAO Danfeng
Published: June 2022

Vertical differential structural deformation (VDSD), one of the most significant structural characteristics of strike‐slip fault zones (SSFZs) in the Shunbei area, is crucial for understanding deformation in the SSFZ and its hydrocarbon accumulation significance. Based on drilling data and high‐precision 3‐D seismic data, we analyzed the geometric and kinematic characteristics of the SSFZs in the Shunbei area. Coupled with the stratification of the rock mechanism, the structural deformations of these SSFZs in different formations were differentiated and divided into four deformation layers. According to comprehensive structural interpretations and comparisons, three integrated 3‐D structural models could describe the VDSD of these SSFZs. The time‐space coupling of the material basis (rock mechanism stratification), changing dynamic conditions (e.g., changing stress‐strain states), and special deformation mechanism of the en echelon normal fault array uniformly controlled the formation of the VDSD in the SSFZs of the Shunbei area. The VDSD of the SSFZs in this area controlled the entire hydrocarbon accumulation process. Multi‐stage structural superimposing deformation influenced the hydrocarbon migration, accumulation, distribution, preservation, and secondary adjustments.
Types, Petrophysical Properties and Pore Evolution of Late Ediacaran Microbial Carbonates, Tarim Basin, NW China
Authors: TANG Pan , CHEN Daizhao , QIAN Yixiong , WANG Yuanzheng , YANG Bo
Published: June 2022

The Upper Ediacaran microbial carbonates of the Tarim Basin are potential reservoir geobodies for future hydrocarbon exploration with rising interest in exploration for deeply‐buried reserves. However, little knowledge has been acquired on the types of microbial carbonates that are present, the properties of the reservoir and the pore evolution, hampering predictions of high‐quality reservoirs in these carbonates. Integrated with petrography and in‐situ U‐Pb dating geochronology analyses, this study aims to clarify the types of microbial carbonates present and to reconstruct the pore evolution processes of the potential reservoir rocks. The Upper Ediacaran microbial carbonates of the Tarim Basin can be divided into four types, based on their features in terms of different scales (macro‐ to micro‐): microbial laminite, stromatolite, spongiomicrobialite and microbial‐peloidal wackestone/mudstone. Petrophysical properties show that all these microbial carbonates have low porosity and very low permeability with poor connectivity. These carbonates were subject to long‐term and complex diagenetic processes, mainly consisting of dissolution, compaction, pervasive dolomitization, cementation and fracturing. The most important reservoir spaces are contributed by vugs and dissolution‐enlarged pores, which are likely to have been associated with the widespread uplift of the Aksu area in the terminal Ediacaran. In contrast, the cementation of the fine‐to‐medium crystalline dolomite greatly reduced the pre‐existing pores. Pore types are closely related to different microbial fabrics, which played an important role in the pore evolution of the microbial carbonates.
Sedimentary Environments of Cambrian–Ordovician Source Rocks and Ultra‐deep Petroleum Accumulation in the Tarim Basin
Authors: ZHANG Shuichang , SU Jin , WANG Xiaomei , MA Sihong
Published: June 2022

The Tarim Basin is the only petroliferous basin enriched with marine oil and gas in China. It is presently also the deepest basin for petroleum exploration and development in the world. There are two main sets of marine Source Rocks (SRs) in the Tarim Basin, namely the high over‐mature Cambrian–Lower Ordovician (∊ –O1) and the moderately mature Middle–Upper Ordovician (O2–3). The characteristic biomarkers of SRs and oils indicate that the main origin of the marine petroleum is a mixed source of ∊ –O1 and O2–3 SRs. With increasing burial, the hydrocarbon contribution of the ∊ –O1 SRs gradually increases. Accompanied by the superposition of multi‐stage hydrocarbon‐generation of the SRs and various secondary alteration processes, the emergence and abnormal enrichment of terpenoids, thiophene and trimethylaryl isoprenoid in deep reservoirs indicate a complex genesis of various deep oils and gases. Through the analysis of the biofacies and sedimentary environments of the ∊ –O1 and O2–3 SRs, it is shown that the lower Paleozoic high‐quality SRs in the Tarim Basin were mainly deposited in a passive continental margin and the gentle slope of the platform, deep‐water shelf and slope facies, which has exhibited a good response to the local tectonic‐sedimentary environment. The slope of the paleo‐uplift is the mutual area for the development of carbonate reservoirs and the deposition of marine SRs, which would be favorable for the accumulation of petroleum. Due to the characteristics of low ground temperature, the latest rapid and deep burial does not cause massive oil‐cracking in the paleo‐uplift and slope area. Therefore, it is speculated that the marine reservoirs in the slope of the Tabei Uplift are likely to be a favorable area for deep petroleum exploration, while the oil‐cracking gas would be a potential reserve around the west margin of the Manjiaer Depression. Hydrocarbons were generated from various unit SRs, mainly migrating along the lateral unconformities or reservoirs and the vertical faults. They eventually brought up three major types of exploration fields: middle and lower Cambrian salt‐related assemblages, dolomite inner reservoirs and Middle and Lower Ordovician oil‐bearing karst, which would become the most favorable target of marine ultra‐deep exploration in the Tarim Basin.
Effect of preoperative tramadol, ibuprofen, ibuprofen/acetaminophen on the anaesthetic efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis
Authors: Elnaghy Amr M. , Elshazli Alaa H. , Badr Amany E. , Elsaka Shaymaa E.
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this double‐blind clinical trial was to compare the effect of preoperative tramadol 50 mg, tramadol 100 mg, ibuprofen 600 mg, ibuprofen 600 mg/acetaminophen 1000 mg or placebo 60 min before the administration of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) of mandibular teeth in patients experiencing symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP). Two hundred and fifty emergency patients diagnosed with SIP were randomly divided into five groups and received medications. Endodontic access was begun 15 min after completion of the IANB, and all patients had profound lip numbness. The Heft‐Parker visual analogue scale was used to evaluate pain. Premedication with tramadol 100 mg significantly increased the success rate to 62% than the other groups (p < 0.05). The success rates of ibuprofen, ibuprofen/acetaminophen and tramadol 50 mg groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Premedication with tramadol 100 mg enhanced the anaesthetic success of IANB in mandibular molars with SIP.
Cetacean epidermal specialization: A review
Authors: Menon Gopinathan K. , Elias Peter M. , Wakefield Joan S. , Crumrine Debra
Published: June 2022

Cetacean skin continues to be the investigative focus of researchers from several different scientific disciplines. Yet, most research on the basic functions of lipo‐keratinocytes, which constitute most of the cetacean epidermis, providing the first layer of protection against various environmental aggressors (including an ever‐increasing level of pollutants), is restricted to specialized literature on the permeability barrier only. In this review, we have attempted to bring together much of the recent research on the functional biology of cetacean skin, including special adaptations at the cellular, genetic and molecular level. We have correlated these data with the cetacean permeability barrier’s unique structural and metabolic adaptations to fully aquatic life, including the development of secondary barriers to ward off challenges such as biofouling as well as exposure to extreme cold for the epidermis, which is outside of the insulation provided by blubber. An apparent contradiction exists between some of the reported gene loss for lipogenic enzymes in cetacean skin and the high degree of cetacean epidermal lipogenesis, as well as loss of desmocollin 1 and desmoplakin genes [while immunolocalization of these proteins is reported (Journal of Anatomy, 234, 201)] warrants a re‐evaluation of the gene loss data.
Primary dysmenorrhoea in adolescents and young women: A twin family study of maternal transmission, genetic influence and associations
Authors: Aouad Phillip , Bui Minh , Sarraf Sara , Donnelly Theresa , Chen Yuxi , Jaaniste Tiina , Eden John , Champion G. David
Published: June 2022

Aims

The extent to which maternal transmission of primary dysmenorrhoea is genetically determined in adolescents and young women has yet to be determined. We aimed to assess heritability and associations relevant to primary pain syndromes using a twin family study.

Methods

Participants were young menstruating female twins, and their oldest sisters and mothers, whose families were registered with Twins Research Australia and previously participated in a twin family study of primary paediatric pain disorders. Questionnaire packs were mailed, assessing current maximum and average menstrual pain intensity, current pain interference with activities and retrospective dysmenorrhea secondary symptoms.

Results

The sample comprised 206 twin individuals (57 monozygous (MZ) and 46 dizygous (DZ) pairs) aged 10–22 years, eldest siblings (n = 38) aged 13–28 years and mothers (n = 101) aged 32–61 years. The estimated regression coefficient of the relationship between mother–daughter and twin–sibling dyads indicated significant associations for the measures of dysmenorrhea and supported heritability. Adjusted for age, the within twin‐pair correlation for MZ twins was generally more than twice that of DZ twins. Heritability estimates were maximal pain intensity 0.67 (P = 3.8 × 10−11), average pain intensity 0.63 (P = 3.7 × 10−10), pain interference 0.57 (P = 1.8 × 10−8) and retrospective symptoms 0.57 (P = 1.8 × 10−8). Twin individuals with a lifetime (three‐month) history of iron deficiency and those with painless restless legs syndrome (RLS) were significantly more likely to have more intense pain associated with menstruation.

Conclusion

Primary dysmenorrhea in adolescents and young women was shown to be relatively strongly genetically influenced and associated especially with a history of iron deficiency and painless RLS which have potential therapeutic implications.
Surgical management of familial pancreatic cancer: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Bagias George , Kanavidis Prodromos , Vailas Michail , Despotidis Markos , Sotiropoulou Maria , Katsaros Ioannis , Maroulis Ioannis , Filippou Dimitrios , Schizas Dimitrios
Published: June 2022

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third most common cause of cancer‐related mortality. The fact that the vast majority of patients with PDAC are diagnosed at an advanced stage highlights the need of early diagnosis. As hereditary factors are associated with approximately 5% of all PDAC cases, a screening programme to these high‐risk individuals (HRI) has been proposed. The aim of screening methods is to identify selected group of patients with morphological abnormalities at an early stage, in order to be treated promptly. In this study, we evaluate the surgical outcomes and the appropriateness of pancreatic resection in HRIs who were selected for screening.

Methods

A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed. The clinicopathological features were recorded and evaluated.

Results

Six studies were selected for data collection. A total number of 77 patients were identified. Twenty‐one patients had a germline mutation, with CDKN2A being the most prominent one (15.6%). Distal pancreatectomy was the most common surgical procedure (42.8%), followed by pancreaticoduodenectomy (33.8%). The mean disease‐free survival was 23.6 months and tumour recurrence occurred in 9 patients (11.7%). Disease‐specific mortality was 17.8%, while overall mortality was 19.5%. The most frequently reported postoperative diagnosis was PDAC (28 cases, 38.9%), followed by IPMN (23 cases, 31.9%), whereas high‐grade PanIN lesions were found in 13 patients (18.1%).

Conclusion

High‐risk individuals for pancreatic cancer, who are eventually operated may have a relatively uneventful postoperative course, however the oncological outcomes are comparable to the general population.
Early care and education settings as contexts for socialization: New directions for quality assessment
Authors: Phillips Deborah A. , Johnson Anna D. , Iruka Iheoma U.
Published: June 2022

In this article, we aim to chart a path for a new generation of early care and education (ECE) quality assessments that accurately and equitably capture key inputs to the social–emotional well‐being of the diverse population of young children in ECE classrooms in the United States. We zero in on four promising, socially supportive features of center‐based ECE settings that are actionable for research, policy, and practice: teachers' classroom behavior‐management strategies, their scaffolding of peer interactions, aspects of their own well‐being that shape their capacities to support children's social–emotional development, and indicators of bias‐free and culturally responsive ECE environments.
Research into unaccompanied refugee minors in family foster care: Promoting adaptive functioning?
Authors: Trenson Roman , Vanderfaeillie Johan , Thiele Ann‐Kathrin , Trogh Lenny , Van Holen Frank
Published: June 2022

Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URMs) are at high risk for trauma and maladaptive functioning. Although foster care is best suited to come forth to their needs, obtaining a better understanding of the strengths and flaws of foster care for URM can help to improve their development and psychological wellbeing. Twenty‐seven URM cared for in family foster care filled in questionnaires measuring trauma, behavioural difficulties, resilience and contact with persons from the home and host country, whilst their foster care workers assessed the quality of the living environment. URMs had more trauma symptoms than other immigrants and Belgian adolescents. Furthermore, compared to Belgian counterparts, levels of resilience were low. However, URM did not have more behavioural problems. The quality of the living environment in kinship care was worse than the quality in non‐kinship foster care, and social support and cultural sensitivity were protective factors. This study found evidence for developmental risks for URM in foster care. Integration, social support and a connection with the home culture were protective factors. Contrary to other studies, no evidence was found of kinship foster care being preferential.