bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migrants in the Mountains: Shifting Borders and Contested Crisis Experiences in Rural Germany
Authors: Bock Jan-Jonathan
Published: June 2018

When one million asylum seekers and other migrants entered Germany in 2015–2016, the situation was called a national crisis. This article examines the impact of an emergency reception centre on a small town, investigating how rural Germans debated crisis experiences, migration and borders. In the Harz Mountains, asylum seekers arrived in an area already suffering from decline. Accommodating newcomers became a specific challenge. The assumption of a European-wide emergency induced by the presence of foreigners neglects how contexts shape crisis perceptions. Social fragmentation occurred when some townspeople framed local developments as the Flüchtlingskrise covered by the media, whereas others used personal experience to critique the crisis concept. As new experts in emergency management, reception centre employees changed their political consciousness. The unsteady politico-spatial order, rather than asylum seekers as subjects, produced anxiety over marginalisation, since the reception centre shifted problematic border features – chaos and risk – into central Germany.
Figures of Crisis: The Delineation of (Un)Deserving Refugees in the German Media
Authors: Holzberg Billy , Kolbe Kristina , Zaborowski Rafal
Published: June 2018

This article examines how borders are discursively reproduced in representations of the ‘refugee crisis’ in the German media. Based on an extensive content and discourse analysis of German press representations in 2015 and 2016, we argue that the discourse of crisis obscures the reasons for migration and instead shifts the focus to the advantages and disadvantages that refugees are assumed to bring to their host country. More specifically, we contend that press discourses construct a figure of the (un)deserving refugee around three key themes: economic productivity; state security; and gender relations. In doing so, we illustrate how the framing of some lives as more deserving of protection than others directly mirrors and extends the humanitarian securitization of borders into public discourse.
The Flüchtlingskrise in Germany: Crisis of the Refugees, by the Refugees, for the Refugees
Authors: Karakayali Serhat
Published: June 2018

This essay explores the various ways in which the discourse about the refugee crisis in Germany was charged politically. While some interpreted it as an economic opportunity and saw the extraordinary events as signs of a positive change in Germany’s culture of receiving migrants, others saw the refugee crisis as a further event in the downward spiral of cultural decline.
Kρίση and Μετανάστευση in Greece: From Illegal Migrants to Refugees
Authors: Lafazani Olga
Published: June 2018

In this essay I outline the ways in which κρίση ( krísi – crisis) and μετανάστευση ( metanástefsi – migration) have been interrelated during the last decade in Greece. By being grounded in concrete times and places, I argue that these interrelations, far from being stable and fixed, take their form and meaning within wider social, economic and political contexts.
‘The Crisis Is Over? Maybe for the Rich, But Not for Us!’ Latin American Migrants’ Responses to the (Post-) Crisis Discourse in Spain
Authors: Neuhauser Johanna
Published: June 2018

The term ‘crisis’ is usually defined in relation to the concept of normality, marking discontinuity or the break of linearity. The current post-crisis discourse in Spain follows this pattern, since indicators of economic recovery are used to argue the end of the crisis. This article explores how Latin American migrants have responded to this (post-)crisis discourse. The narratives of the interviewed migrants not only point to the gender-specific effects of the economic crisis, they also shed light on the more general question of what is meant if we speak of ‘crisis’ or ‘post-crisis’. From the migrants’ perspective, the crisis is not a simple economic fact, but a social construction that depends on the socio-economic position of social actors. The article concludes that by taking into account the gendered responses of the migrants, a nuanced and empirically grounded understanding of (post-)crisis emerges that can enrich sociological concepts ‘from the bottom up’.
Beyond Crisis Talk: Interrogating Migration and Crises in Europe
Authors: Dines Nick , Montagna Nicola , Vacchelli Elena
Published: June 2018

Commencing with some recent examples drawn from Anglophone media, this introductory article reflects on the multiple ways in which crisis and migration have been interconnected over the last decade in public discourse, political debates and academic research. It underlines how crisis has not simply become a key descriptor of specific events, but continues to operate as a powerful narrative device that structures knowledge of migration and shapes policy decisions and governance structures. It explains the rationale for choosing Europe as a multidimensional setting for investigating the diverse links between migration and crisis. It ends with a summary of the contributions that are divided into four thematic strands: relationships between the economic crisis and migrant workers and their families; the Mediterranean in crisis; political and public discourses about the post-2015 ‘migration crisis’; and ethnographies of everyday experiences of the ‘refugee crisis’ on the part of migrants, activists and local people.
A human rights tragedy: strategic localization of US foreign policy in Colombia
Authors: Regilme Salvador Santino Fulo
Published: June 2018

How and to what extent do ideas and political discourses shape bilateral cooperation between a powerful state and its weaker ally? Why do weaker states act in ways that diverge from the expectations and preferences of the powerful state despite the contractual agreement borne out of bilateral cooperation? Drawing perspectives from constructivism and principal–agent framework, this article provides a conceptual-interpretative analysis of post-9/11 counterterror cooperation of the US government with Colombia – America’s long-standing ally in the region. The case study shows that the provision of security is not only conceived in the domestic levels but also produced in the transnational sphere; that security provision is not only a materially oriented political activity but also an ideational-discursive exchange where political actors legitimize and facilitate interstate cooperation; and, finally, that the power of dominant states is not only produced from within them but strategically reconstituted by weaker powerful states.
A Preliminary Evaluation of the Supervision With Immediate Enforcement Probation Program for Adult Gang–Affiliated Offenders in Texas
Authors: Boots Denise Paquette , Wareham Jennifer , Stevens-Martin Kelli , Barbieri Nina
Published: June 2018

As of 2012, it was estimated that there were more than 30,000 active gangs in the United States with at least 850,000 members. Despite significant challenges that criminal justice agencies and personnel face in treating and supervising gang members, few studies have examined adult gang member outcomes and the effects of community supervision on gang-affiliated offenders. Recent research demonstrates mixed evidence that high-risk offenders have better outcomes in smaller problem-solving courts and programs, which have dual emphasis on rehabilitation and deterrence-based approaches to corrections. This study evaluates the efficacy of the Supervision with Immediate Enforcement (SWIFT) Court Program for young adult gang–affiliated probationers compared with non-SWIFT gang members and high-risk non-gang offenders. Findings indicated SWIFT had a moderate deterrent impact on offending compared with alternative probation sanctions. Results and discussion related to problem-solving courts and policy-related issues surrounding gang-affiliated and youthful violent offenders are offered.
When Does Religion Matter With Regard to Crime? Examining the Relationship Between Genetics, Religiosity, and Criminal Behavior
Authors: Watts Stephen J.
Published: June 2018

Religiosity has been shown to be a predictor of initial criminal offending, reoffending, and desistance. To date, however, research has generally failed to assess the role that biological factors play in moderating the religiosity–crime relationship. The present study utilizes a nationally representative sample of male adolescents ( N = 4,053), to explore whether variants of the dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) and the monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA) interact with religiosity to affect self-reported criminal offending. Results of negative binomial regressions demonstrate that religiosity interacts with these genes to influence offending among males, net of controls. Importantly, once potential confounding variables are accounted for, a statistically significant effect of religiosity on offending among males is only evident for those who carry plasticity alleles for both DAT1 and MAOA (vs. carrying one or zero plasticity alleles). Thus, among males, whether religiosity is important for criminal offending depends partly on the individual genotype. Implications for theory and policy are discussed.
Implementation Intentions Reduce Implicit Stereotype Activation and Application
Authors: Rees Heather Rose , Rivers Andrew Michael , Sherman Jeffrey W.
Published: June 2018

Research has found that implementation intentions, if–then action plans (e.g., “if I see a Black face, I will think safe”), reduce stereotyping on implicit measures. However, it is unknown by what process(es) implementation intentions reduce implicit stereotyping. The present research examines the effects of implementation intentions on stereotype activation (e.g., extent to which stereotypic information is accessible) and stereotype application (e.g., extent to which accessible stereotypes are applied in judgment). In addition, we assessed the efficiency of implementation intentions by manipulating cognitive resources (e.g., digit-span, restricted response window) while participants made judgments on an implicit stereotyping measure. Across four studies, implementation intentions reduced implicit stereotyping. This decrease in stereotyping was associated with reductions in both stereotype activation and application. In addition, these effects of implementation intentions were highly efficient and associated with reduced stereotyping even for groups for which people may have little practice inhibiting stereotypes (e.g., gender).
Effects of a Robot Peer on the Acquisition and Observational Learning of Sight Words in Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Saadatzi Mohammad Nasser , Pennington Robert C. , Welch Karla C. , Graham James H.
Published: June 2018

The authors of the current investigation developed and evaluated the effects of a tutoring system based on a small-group arrangement to two young adults with autism spectrum disorder on the acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of sight words. The tutoring system was comprised of a virtual teacher to instruct sight words, and a humanoid robot which adopted a peer metaphor, where its function was to act as an emulated peer. With the introduction of the robot peer (RP), the traditional dyadic interaction in tutoring systems was augmented to a novel triadic interaction in order to enrich the social content of the learning environment and to facilitate observational learning (OL). The virtual teacher implemented a constant time delay strategy to instruct three types of sight words: (a) target words exclusive to the participant, (b) target words common between the participant and the RP, and (c) nontarget words exclusive to the RP. In order to examine the efficacy of intervention, a multiple-probe design across three word sets, replicated across two participants, was utilized. Results indicated that both participants acquired, generalized, and maintained target words with 100% accuracy. Furthermore, the participants made fewer errors and required less instruction time to learn the words common between the participants and the RP. Finally, the participants acquired, through OL, the majority of words taught exclusively to the RP.
Democracy disembedded
Authors: Dimitrijevic Nenad
Published: June 2018

Democracy is in serious difficulties. Three features of the crisis stand out. First is the dominant culture of disillusionment in democracy, which transpires as the mistrust in constitutionalist institutions and values. Second, political authority, both at domestic and international levels, is largely substituted by the rule of non-transparent and unpredictable social powers. Third, democratic states are deprived of much of their capacity to govern, but they retain a non-negligible capacity to coerce.

The article is structured as follows. Section I introduces Karl Polanyi’s concept of embeddedness and juxtaposes it to the theoretical defense of market disembeddedness advanced by the classical political economy. It then points to the challenge that the complexity of the contemporary society poses to the idea of embeddedness and identifies the need for further analytical clarification of the idea. Section II tries to explain why the idea of embeddedness is intuitively suspect. One reason is found in the dominant understanding of liberalism as a regime that rests on the separation between private and public realms. The section closes with a reference to internal tensions of this reading of liberalism. Section III provides a diagnosis of the contemporary condition of disembeddedness. The core claim is that the combination of neoliberalism and globalization has created a condition of multiple—normative, social, political and legal—disintegration, which questions the very survival of democracy. Section IV addresses the question of transformation, focusing on the need for the reconceptualization of liberal equality.
Students With Emotional–Behavioral Disorders as Cross-Age Tutors: A Synthesis of the Literature
Authors: Watts Gavin W. , Bryant Diane Pedrotty , Carroll Megan L.
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this quantitative synthesis was to evaluate the effectiveness and related outcomes of the cross-age tutoring model when students with or at risk for emotional–behavioral disorders (EBD) serve as tutors. Research questions were posed to identify the shared and unique components (e.g., dosage, tutor training) of the cross-age tutoring model; the extent to which students with EBD can effectively serve as cross-age tutors (i.e., fidelity of implementation and tutees’ improvement); the extent to which the model was effective in promoting desired academic and/or social–emotional–behavioral outcomes for tutees and tutors with EBD; the generalization, maintenance, and social validity of the effects; and the overall methodological quality and rigor of the included studies. Findings showed common training and instructional components across interventions and that tutors with EBD can implement cross-age tutoring procedures with fidelity. The cross-age model was shown to be effective in promoting academic and social–behavioral skills for the tutees as well as the tutors. Evidence for effectiveness in improving self-concept and attitude of the tutor with EBD was inconsistent. Implications and future research considerations are discussed.
Expression of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Markers in Canine Oligodendrogliomas
Authors: Kishimoto Takuya E. , Uchida Kazuyuki , Thongtharb Atigan , Shibato Tokuhiro , Chambers James K. , Nibe Kazumi , Kagawa Yumiko , Nakayama Hiroyuki
Published: June 2018

Oligodendroglioma is a common brain tumor in dogs, particularly brachycephalic breeds. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are suspected to be a possible origin of oligodendroglioma, although it has not been well elucidated. In the present study, 27 cases of canine brain oligodendrogliomas were histologically and immunohistochemically examined. The most commonly affected breed was the French Bulldog ( n = 19 of 27, 70%). Seizure was the most predominant clinical sign ( n = 17 of 25, 68%). The tumors were located mainly in the cerebrum, particularly in the frontal lobe ( n = 10 of 27, 37%). All cases were diagnosed as anaplastic oligodendroglioma (AO) and had common histologic features characterized by the proliferation of round to polygonal cells with pronounced atypia and conspicuous mitotic activity (average, 10.7 mitoses per 10 high-power fields). Honeycomb pattern ( n = 5 of 27, 19%), myxoid matrix ( n = 10, 37%), cyst formation ( n = 6, 22%), necrosis ( n = 19, 70%), pseudopalisading ( n = 5, 18.5%), glomeruloid vessels ( n = 16, 59%), and microcalcification ( n = 5, 19%) were other histopathologic features of the present tumors. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for Olig2 in all cases and for other markers of OPCs in most cases, including SOX10 ( n = 24 of 27, 89%), platelet-derived growth factor receptor α ( n = 24, 89%), and NG2 ( n = 23, 85%). The present AO also consisted of heterogeneous cell populations that were positive for nestin ( n = 13 of 27, 48%), glial fibrillary acidic protein ( n = 5, 19%), doublecortin ( n = 22, 82%), and βIII-tubulin ( n = 15, 56%). Moreover, cultured AO cells obtained from 1 case retained expression of OPC markers and exhibited multipotent characteristics in a serum culture condition. Overall, the findings suggest that transformed multipotent OPCs may be a potential origin of canine AO.
Histopathologic Features of Colorectal Adenoma and Adenocarcinoma Developing Within Inflammatory Polyps in Miniature Dachshunds
Authors: Saito Tsubasa , Chambers James K. , Nakashima Ko , Uchida Eri , Ohno Koichi , Tsujimoto Hajime , Uchida Kazuyuki , Nakayama Hiroyuki
Published: June 2018

Biopsy samples of colorectal polyps were collected and examined from 67 Miniature Dachshund dogs (including 35 cases with an additional biopsy). Histopathologic diagnoses of the initial biopsy samples were “inflammatory polyp” in 52 cases (78%), “adenoma” in 10 cases (15%), and “adenocarcinoma” in 5 cases (8%). Eight of 10 cases (80%) diagnosed as adenoma also had inflammatory polyp lesions in the same specimen. A second biopsy was performed in 25 cases (48%) initially diagnosed with inflammatory polyp. Pathologic diagnoses for the second biopsy were inflammatory polyp in 11 cases (44%), adenoma in 9 cases (36%), and adenocarcinoma in 5 cases (20%). The number of beta-catenin-positive nuclei in epithelial cells was significantly higher in adenoma (46%) and adenocarcinoma (75%) as compared with inflammatory polyp (6%). Normal epithelial cells and hyperplastic goblet cells in inflammatory polyps showed homogeneous positive cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) antigen. However, APC expression was decreased in areas of intense nuclear beta-catenin expression in adenoma and adenocarcinoma lesions. Foci of cytokeratin 5/6–positive squamous cell-like neoplastic cells showed intense beta-catenin nuclear expression that was similar to squamous morules described in human colorectal tumors. The results of the present study suggest that the inflammatory polyp in Miniature Dachshunds is a progressive disease that may develop into adenoma and/or adenocarcinoma. In addition, immunohistochemical findings suggest that aberrations of APC and beta-catenin expression may be involved in tumor development within the inflammatory polyp lesions.
How Useful is Travel-Based Multitasking? Evidence from Commuters in Portland, Oregon
Authors: Singleton Patrick A.
Published: June 2018

As research on travel-based multitasking—doing other things while traveling—becomes more common, some studies also investigate the quality or value of activity participation during travel. This idea of travel usefulness is a component of the positive utility of travel concept; understanding the benefits of travel-based multitasking is important for calculating accurate economic values trading-off travel time and other variables. This study analyzed travel usefulness and its potential determinants using a 2016 survey of about 650 commuters in the Portland, Oregon, area. Ordered logit models identified factors associated with subjective assessments of the overall usefulness of activity participation while on a recent commute trip. Around 90% of walk and bicycle commuters reported useful commutes, as did about half of transit commuters and auto passengers; however, half of auto drivers viewed their commutes as wasted time. Younger travelers, those with less frequent commutes, and people who reported “doing nothing” or more passive activities (window-gazing, daydreaming) on the trip were more likely to consider their commuting time to be a waste. Traveler perceptions were more closely associated with travel usefulness than sociodemographic characteristics. Results suggested that exercise and the physical activity benefits of walking and bicycling may be considered a useful form of travel-based multitasking. Overall, few common and traditionally productive multitasked activities appeared to be useful. Instead, commuters may be doing things more to pass the time than to make productive use of it. These findings offer implications for understanding travel behavior interventions and the potential use of autonomous vehicles.
Comparison of Head Impact Exposure Between Male and Female High School Ice Hockey Athletes
Authors: Eckner James T. , O’Connor Kathryn L. , Broglio Steven P. , Ashton-Miller James A.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Concussion incidence rates are higher among female than male athletes in sports played by both sexes. Biomechanical factors may play a role in observed sex-based differences in concussion incidence.

Purpose:

To compare head impact counts and magnitudes during sports participation between male and female high school ice hockey athletes.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Over 2 seasons, a total of 21 male and 19 female ice hockey athletes from a single high school were instrumented with impact-sensing adhesive skin patches worn over the mastoid process while participating in games and practices. The impact sensors recorded the number, magnitude (peak linear acceleration [PLA, g] and peak angular acceleration [PAA, rad/s2] of the head; Head Impact Telemetry severity profile [HITsp]), and location of impacts sustained during each instrumented session. Head impact counts, magnitudes, and locations were compared between the sexes.

Results:

Males experienced more head impacts than females during games (mean ± SD: 7.7 ± 3.0 vs 5.3 ± 2.0, P < .001) as well as practices (4.3 ± 1.6 vs 3.8 ± 1.1, P = .002). Mean impact magnitudes were greater for females for PLA (18.8 g ± 1.7 g vs 17.1 g ± 1.6 g, P < .001) and HITsp (19.7 ± 1.5 vs 17.7 ± 1.4, P < .001), while mean PAA was greater for males (3057.6 ± 2.0 rad/s2 vs 2778.3 ± 2.7 rad/s2, P < .001). Female athletes experienced higher PLA, PAA, and HITsp magnitudes for the top 10%, 5%, and 1% of impacts (all P < .050). Males experienced more impacts to the front (34.3%) and back (31.7%) of the head, while females experienced more impacts to the side (43.1%) and top (4.1%) (χ2 = 295.70, df = 3, P < .001).

Conclusion:

While male high school ice hockey athletes experienced more head impacts than females, impact magnitudes tended to be higher for females.
Medicine in British Frontier Policy
Authors: Dabi Tajen
Published: June 2018

Medical missions formed an important part of British colonial policy in the Northeast India. This study will trace the evolution of colonial medical policy from the early decades of twentieth century in Arunachal Pradesh. Considered to be on the fringe of the British Empire which was based in the Brahmaputra Valley, and thus outside the administrative limits of the colony, this study will provide a fresh vista to re-assess British frontier policy in the erstwhile tribal areas of Assam. Medicine, so far, has not been seen or understood to have been part of these colonial interventions in Arunachal Pradesh. The findings and the arguments of this study is primarily based on archival records.
Pleomorphic Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Spermatic Cord: An Unusual Site for Such a Tumor
Authors: Magro G. , Lopes M. , Cosentino M. , Cosentino V.
Published: June 2018

The authors report the clinico-pathological features of a rare case of pleomorphic malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the spermatic cord. A review on the topic is provided.
Reactive Pseudo-Glandular Mesothelial Hyperplasia of Testis Tunica Vaginalis: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: Lopes M. , Cosentino M. , Magro G. , Cosentino V.
Published: June 2018

The authors report a case of reactive pseudo-glandular mesothelial hyperplasia in the context of aspecific chronic vaginalitis. The distinctive clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical features as well as the differential diagnoses are described.
Nephron Sparing Surgery with the Ultrasonic Scalpel
Authors: Austoni E. , Kartalas Goumas J. , Grasso Macola G. , Cazzaniga A. , Ceresoli A. , Colombo F. , Dell'Aglio F. , Guarneri A. , Marcangeli P. , Pietra J. , Romanò A.L.
Published: June 2018

Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of treatment renal cell carcinoma. In the last 15 years a better understanding of tumor biology and the early diagnosis permitted an evolution of the surgical treatment towards a minimal invasive approach by nephron-sparing surgery. Together with absolute and relative indications, nephron-sparing surgery is performed also as an elective indication, in patients with small, localized, often incidental tumors and a normal controlateral kidney. The oncological outcome in these cases is identical with that of radical nephrectomy. In order to achieve a complete tumor resection with the maximal preservation of unaffected renal parenchyma, tumor enucleation is the best technique when feasible. With the use of the harmonic scalpel, clamping of the renal pedicle and renal ischemia can be avoided in most of the cases during enucleation of small tumors, while the thermal damage in the remaing renal parenchyma is minimal.
Early Prostate Cancer: Watchful Waiting
Authors: Fontana D. , Destefanis P. , Rosso R. , Timpano M. , Bisconti A. , Fiori C.
Published: June 2018

Prostate cancer is, today, the most frequent cancer and the second most frequent cause of death for cancer in USA. The watchful waiting approach, that has been traditionally proposed by urological communities in Northern Europe, is still matter of debate. The following review will consider the clinical studies published in Literature and will discuss the most controversial issues.
PTTA HIFU in the Treatment of Localized Prostatic Cancer
Authors: Tasso M. , Volpe A. , Ferrando U.
Published: June 2018

Transrectal prostatic tumor thermal ablation with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is an alternative treatment of prostate cancer in non surgical patients.

Material and Methods

From November 2001 and October 2003, 116 patients (89 with localized prostatic cancer and 27 re-treatments after surgery, radiotherapy or HIFU) were treated with transrectal HIFU at 3 MHz and 5 sec lesions (Ablatherm,) in our department. All patients were deemed unfit for or refused surgery. In 6 patients < 70 years old with a single positive prostatic biopsy, we used a nerve sparing strategy trying to save the neurovascular bundle of the non affected lobe. The procedure was always performed in spinal anaesthesia and combined with a TURP. Urethral catheter was always removed within 24 hours. A suprapubic tube was left for a longer period. The treatment was planned under ultrasound guidance and computer driven.

Results

49 patients reached a follow-up of 12 months. Median P.S.A. nadir was 0.1 ng/mL. At 12 months of follow-up prostatic biopsy were negative in 100% (5/5) low risk patients (LRP), 82.6% (19/23) intermediate risk patients (IRP) and 71.4% (15/21) high risk patients (HRP). 5 HRP with positive biopsy at 6 months were treated again with HIFU. 6 patients treated after anastomotic recurrency post RRP reached a follow up of 6 months: all biopses at 6 months were negative and mean PSA was 0,46 ng/mL. 8 patients with recurrency after external bean radiotherapy got local control of disease in 75% of cases with PSA ≤ 0,5ng/mL in 37.5% of cases.

Conclusions

HIFU is a feasible alternative treatment of localized prostate cancer in non surgical cases. It is well tolerated by the patients with a short hospital stay and acceptable side effects and does not contraindicate any other local treatment in case of failure.
Permanent Interstitial Brachytherapy in the Treatment of Localized Prostatic Carcinoma: The Piedmont Experience
Authors: Casetta G. , Vaccino D. , DE Libero A. , Bernardi D. , Tessa M. , Beltramo G. , Ricardi U. , Tizzani A.
Published: June 2018

The modern interstitial brachytherapy plays a first-rate role in the treatment of the organ-confined prostatic carcinoma as a substantial alternative to radical prostatectomy and external beam radiotherapy in selected patients.

Materials and Methods

In our Centre 50 patients with a localized prostatic carcinoma were treated with transperineal and transrectal ultrasound-guided permanent implantation of I-125 radioactive seeds. 35 patients also underwent a neoadjuvant hormonal-therapy. Main end points were the biochemical control of the neoplasia and the treatment complications during a 24 months follow-up.

Results

We had two biochemical neoplasia recurrences, both in the neoadjuvant group. The most frequently observed complications were: slight irritative symptoms (12%), severe irritative symptoms (30%), urinary retention (10%), hematuria (8%), loss of seeds (6%), erectile dysfunction (46%). Urinary incontinence, urethral stricture and proctitis were not observed.

Conclusions

So far no large clinical trial compared the clinical efficacy of interstitial brachytherapy versus the other “conventional” treatments options (radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy). The results of our study and the actual evidences, based on cohort observation studies and case-control ones comparing brachytherapy versus surgery or external irradiation, support the therapeutical value of permanent interstitial implant with regard to oncological results and complications.
Coinvolgimento Ureterale Bilaterale Nella Sindrome di Churg-Strauss: Descrizione di un Nuovo Caso
Authors: Minari R. , Poletti F. , Salsi P. , Frattini A. , Cortellini P.
Published: June 2018

We report a case of Churg-Strauss syndrome, with bilateral ureteral involvement. We describe the endourological approach to the disease and we also discuss the literature about this argument.
Massa Pelvica da Seminoma in Testicolo Ritenuto: Descrizione di un Caso
Authors: Zani D. , Simeone C. , Teppa A. , Tralce G. , DA Pozzo GP. , Cosciani Cunico S.
Published: June 2018

The cryptorchidism is associated with an increased incidence of testicular malignancy. We report a case of a 55-year-old man with a seminoma arising in an uncorrected abdominal undescended testis. The authors analyse the diagnostic aspects and management of seminoma of an undescended testis.
The Approach to the Ureter by Ureteroscopy
Authors: Zattoni F. , Zanin M.
Published: June 2018

Ureteroscopy has an important role in the practice of the modern urologist. The procedure is usually performed under locoregional anaesthesia even if general anaesthesia is still considered the standard.

Placement of a guide wire (safety guide wire) represents the starting point to perform safely a ureteroscopy, just in case of complications during the endoscopic manoeuvres. There is no consensus on dilation of the ureteral orifice and on ureteral stenting at the end of the procedure.

Dilation of the ureteral lumen directly under vision as well as the use of ureteral sheath can be considered in particular cases.

Ureteroscopy is largely performed in many urologic centers at the present, but it requires ability and experience.
Preoperative Prediction of Pathological Stage by Quantitative Histology in 102 Patients with Prostate Cancer (PCa) and Serum PSA ≤10 ng/mL
Authors: Pepe P. , Panella P. , Motta L. , Savoca F. , D'Arrigo L. , Candiano G. , Pennisi M. , Aragona F.
Published: June 2018

Purpose. To find a predictor of extraprostatic extension in clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa), preoperative ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsies and clinicopathological data were reviewed.

Materials and Methods

102 consecutive patients (median age 63 years) with serum PSA ≤10 ng/mL who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy were included. Preoperative prostate biopsies according to an extended protocol were performed and whole-mount prostatectomy specimens were processed. One or more of the following biopsy variables were considered predictive of locally andvanced PCa: more than 2/12 cancer-positive cores, total percentage of cancer (TPC) >20%, greatest percentage of cancer (GPC) >50%, bilateral PCa, presence of cancer in both lateral portions, Gleason score >6.

Results

Only 32/102 (31.4%) specimens showed an organ-confined PCa; the remaining were pT3a in 30 (29.4%) cases, pT3b in 6 (5.9%) and pT2–T3 with positive surgical margins in 34 (33.3%). Quantitative histology predicted an organ-confined PCa in 41.2% of patients. In all 102 patients and in 56 with T1c clinical stage, the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of biopsy findings, to predict an organ confined PCa, was 81.2 vs 92% and 91.6 vs 93.4%, respectively. The PPV and NPV to predict a locally advanced PCa was 92.8 and 86.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

Quantitative histology seems to be helpful for locally staging of PCa in patients with T1c clinical stage and PSA ≤10 ng/mL.
Radical Perineal Prostatectomy: Initial Experience of a Single Center and Comparison with the Retopubic Technique
Authors: Di Tonno F. , Omacini S. , Mazzariol C. , Frigo M. , Al-Rabi N. , Aresu L. , Malossini G.
Published: June 2018

The Authors present a comparison between the first 13 radical perineal prostatectomies performed in their Center and 14 retropubic radical prostatectomies, in order to describe the experience of a group adopting a new technique besides an already acquired one. The age of the patients ranged from 56 to 74 years (mean 67), the mean follow-up was 12 months. Both technique provided a disease-specific survival of 100% and absence of technique-related complicances. The perineal technique implies, at the beginning, worse –- although acceptable –- results as regards continence and erectile function and better results as regards duration of the hospital stay of the patient.
Samario 153 in the Treatment of Bones Pain Caused by Metastatic PCa
Authors: Elmi F. , Turci A. , Gerbino G. , Palucci Q. , Martinelli A. , Agostini M. , Riva P.
Published: June 2018

Treatment options in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) localized to the bones include the use of drugs making an attempt to improve their quality of life. In addition new therapies based on drugs with strong bone tropism have been developed. Samario 153 (Sm 153) is a radio-active compound that linked to a particular bifosfanate drug (EDTA) is able to reach and to bind to the bony-tessue carrying out its therapeutic effects. In this report we have analyzed the efficacy and the safety of a single treatment with Sm 153 in patients with metastatic bones spread of PCa causing a painful symptomatology.
Focus on 5 Years of the Acceptance and Adhesion to Prostaglandin El Auto-Intracavernosal Injection in Patients with Erectile Disfunction
Authors: Rosini R. , DE Luca V. , Teppa A. , Feroldi L. , Mirabella G. , Cosciani Cunico S.
Published: June 2018

From 5/98 to 5/03, of the 1310 patients taking a medical therapy for erectile dysfunction (E.D.), only 137 took autointracavernosal injection (auto. ICI). 134 patients were contacted by phone and were asked to answer a definite questionnaire.

Results

49 patients (36.5%) still perform auto-ICI therapy while 85 (63.5%) had given up. 53% of the patients still using auto-ICI make the injection 4, or more times a month, with an erection lasting a considerable time (30–60 minutes). Nobody referred the presence of corpora cavernosa fibrosis. The reasons put forward by patients who stopped the therapy were: a perception of ineffectiveness, therapy rejection, fear of injections and the appearance of intolerable side effects.

Conclusions

Auto-ICI therapy remains a valid option for patients with E.D. not responding to oral therapy but it needs greater involvement by the physician in order to evaluate the patient's psychological discomfort and reduce or eliminate intolerable side effects.
Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans: Presentation of a Case
Authors: Monica B. , Pozzoli G.L. , Larosa M. , Spagni M. , Morelli L. , Pusiol T. , Piscioli F.
Published: June 2018

Balanitis xerotica obliterans is a term applied to a chronic inflammatory disease of the glans penis and prepuce. The symptoms are usually a sudden FIMOSI, a reduction of the sensibility of the glans, a stenosis of the uretreal meatum and dysuria. The disease was thought in the past as a rare pathology, whereas recent reviews of the literature showed that its frequency is quite high. We present a case of a male patient who presented to the urological department of the Guastalla hospital for a sclerosing lesion of the glans. The lesion were biopsied, and the histological picture showed hyperkeratosis of the epithelium with atrophy of the malpighian layer, oedema of the upper dermis and inflammatory infiltrate of medium derma (lymphocytes and scattered histyocites). The early diagnosis and the following treatment of this pathology are very important for its resolution, although the surgery is not always needful (often it is sufficient the clinical diagnosis). The surgical excision shall be used always in case of differential diagnosis with a neoplastic and/or atypical or uncertain lesions (penis carcinoma).
Penis Strangulation by Metallic Rings
Authors: Marzorati G. , Ascione A.
Published: June 2018

Penile strangulation (“penile tourniquet syndrome”) is a rare serious injury that occurs mostly amoung children and may be accidental or intentional. In adults usually it is volontary as a consequence of sexual drive arousing manouvres. The severity of the strangulation depends on different elements such as: length of the lesions, materials used and degree of strangulation. In this report, we describe a psicopathic man with penis and two hand's fingers strangulation caused by the use of metallic rings placed 2 days before that caused a permanent urethrocutaneous fistula.
Survellaince Program for Prostate Carcinoma: Preliminary Results on 585 Blood Donors
Authors: Fandella A. , Maccatrozzo L. , Merlo F. , Collodel L. , Durante E. , Anselmo G.
Published: June 2018

Population screening for prostatic carcinoma (CP) is a struggled subject, and we don't know the real utility of it. Nowadays the Authors suggest only survey on little groups. In this study the male population of blood donors of our hospital between 45 and 65 years underwent a complete valutation for CP.

From this study we hope to obtain the following results: a) early diagnosis of CP (eradicable); b) eliminate keeper of neoplastic pathology from blood donations (theoretic risk of transmission of neoplastic cells in immunodepressed patients); c) studying the practicability, if we achieve a high percentage of ahdesions at this program, our model could be exportable.
Colpopromontoriosacropexy with Stratasis Bandage in Anterior Vaginal Prolapse in Kidney Transplanted Patients
Authors: Lasaponara F. , Squintone L. , Cucchiarale G. , Graziano M.E. , Ferrando U.
Published: June 2018

Women with kidney transplant and anterior vaginal wall prolapse should be operated early. Infact the anatomical and functional alteration of pelvis, in this case, can cause urological diseases which can deteriorate antireflux system of kidney transplant. These women can be submitted to colpopromontoriosacropexy using a Stratasis bandage.

Stratasis, is a biomaterial derived from submucosa of pig bowel. It is inert, not immunogenic, it does not cause sensitization or extra body reaction, it will be biotransformed, it is progressively colonised and substituted by tissue where it is placed. It is suitable to be used in transplanted patients, because of its early colonisation and rapid neo-vascularization, that means supply of nutritive substance and infection resistance. We operated with this technique two women with kidney transplanted six years before. They were 47 and 55 years old with III-IV degree cystocele. We made hysterectomy, adnexectomy and indirect colpopromontoriosacropexy with Stratasis bandage. Both patients have no complications, no urinary infections, no altered renal function, no changes in immunosuppressive therapy, bladder catheter was removed on sixth day. They were dismissed in eighth and fourteenth day. Patients have spontaneous and regular micturition, they are continent, post-micturition residual is less than 30 cc.
La Tossina Botulinica Tipo a Nel Trattamento Della Prostatite non Batterica: Studio Prospettico di Fase II
Authors: Lacquaniti S. , Fasolo P.P. , Conti E. , Sebastiani G. , Mandras R. , Puccetti L. , Fasolis G.
Published: June 2018

Nowadays aetiology, diagnosis and therapy of chronic non bacterial prostatitis are not still universally valuated in international urologic consensus. Recently, the National Institute of Health (N.I.H.) of USA suggested new staging of prostatitis. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of american botulinum toxin injected in external striated urinary sphincter in stage 3a and 3b patients according to NIH classification, with high medium and maximal closure pression of the external anal sphincter, demonstrated at the anorectal manometry.

Methods.

In our ongoing prospectic phase II study, the patients diagnosed to have 3a e 3b prostatis according to NIH classification after Meares-Stamey test, underwent ultrasonography of the whole abdomen, anorectal manometry, uroflowmetry, NIH symptom score (NIH-CPSI). Twentyone patients had elevated medium and maximal closure pressure of the striated anal sphincter and were included in the study. American botulinum toxin 100 unit intraperineal injection was given in these patients. One and six months control uroflowmetry and NIH-CPSI were evaluated. Results were processed with chi-square test (significant for p<0.05).

Results.

One and six months results were significant in respect to baseline values regarding TQ (p<0.0001), max TQ (p=0.0002) e NIH-CPSI (p<0.0001).

Conclusion.

Botulinum toxin is safe and effective in relieving symptoms of 3a and 3b prostatitis patients with high striated anal sphincter pressure.
Lumbar Ureteral Lithiasy: Therapeutical Options
Authors: Sebastiani G. , Fasolo PP. , Conti E. , Lacquaniti S. , Mandras R. , Puccetti L. , Fasolis G.
Published: June 2018

Patients with lumbar ureteral stones larger than 5 mm should be addressed towards ESWL. It is an effective nonintrusive modality with limited adverse effects.

In our study we matched treatment effectiveness and patients compliance in standard ESWL versus ureteroscopy with lithotripsy.

Material and Methods.

Since January 2001 to March 2003 72 patients with middle ureteral calculi underwent ESWL treatment, and 48 patients with the same stone location were submitted to ureteroscopy with lithotripsy. It was the first choice modality in strongly symptomatic patients. A 1–5 score system was employed to assess the compliance degree. Patients with the highest compliance were referred as 1 and patients with the lowest one were regarded as 5.

Results.

A 96% stone free rate (46/48) was achieved in the ureteroscopy arm. The stone was pushed back in the lower calyx of the kidney only in 2 (4%) patients. 37 (52%) out of 72 patients in ESWL arm were stone free at the 1st ESWL treatment. 14 (19%) patients were stone free at the 2nd one, and 8 patients (12%) were stone free at the 3rd one. 13 patients (18%) were never stone free and underwent ureteroscopy. The means of compliance degree were 1.6 in the ureteroscopy with lithoripsy, and 3.8 in the ESWL treatment.

Conclusions.

Ureteroscopy with lithotripsy may effectively replace ESWL in the lumbar ureteral lithiasy treatment, because of high stone free rate and low morbility. Expenditure is almost the same in both modalities.
Is Early Forceps Application Necessary in the Treatment of Distal Ureteral Stone with Dye-Laser and Pneumatic Lithotripsy?
Authors: Kiper A. , Tuygun C. , Imamoglu M. Abdurrahim , Yigitbasi O. , Eroglu M.
Published: June 2018

We report the success and complication rates of pulsed dye-laser and pneumatic lithotripsy methods, as well as emphasizing the importance of early forceps application.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated ureterorenoscopy performed in 900 patients, between April 1996 and May 2004, due to distal ureter stones. Following stone fragmentation, patients with stones ≤4 mm in diameter were accepted as stone-free and patients with stones >4 mm had them removed with forceps.

Results

In the laser treated group, the 1st stone-free rate in patients with a stone diameter ≤4 mm was 56.9%. In this group, when forceps were used in patients after fragmentation, the total stone-free rate increased to 96.8%. Likewise, while the 1st stone-free rate in the pneumatic group was 71.56%, the total stone-free rate increased to 96.73% after forceps application.

Conclusion

Both success and complication rates were found to be significantly higher in the pneumatic lithotriptor applied group.
Percutaneous Sclerotherapy of Giant Benign Renal Cyst
Authors: Pecoraro G. , Motta L. , Olivo G. , Pizzirusso G.
Published: June 2018

We report a case of giant benign renal cyst that was treated with percutaneous aspiration and sclerotherapy using 95% alcohol. A 8F catheter was inserted into the cyst under ultrasonographic (US) guidance, and was then left in place to drain the cyst contents (approximately 4 L). A gravity sinogram showed no connections between the cyst and the collecting system. The alcohol treatment involved repeated injections of decreasing amounts of alcohol according with US measurement of cystic volume. The patient's symptoms resolved and cyst drainage stopped after 3 successive days of therapy. Follow-up ultrasound studies showed a 3.5 cm residual cystic wall only.
Prostate Cancer with Testicular Metastasis: A Case Report and Mini-Review of the Literature
Authors: Fiorello M. , Fulcoli V. , Lavelli D. , Bortuzzo G.
Published: June 2018

A 64-year-old man, who had undergone a radical retropubic prostatectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for presumed local confined prostate cancer, was find to have a pT3bN0M0 Gleason 5 tumor. Seven year after the operation, patient complained a painless right testicular mass. Pathologic examination, after radical orchidectomy, revealed a testicular metastasis of the primary tumor.