bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An audit of performance, interpretation, and influence of pretherapeutic MRI in rectal cancer: a Swedish population-based cohort study
Authors: Elliot Anders H , Blomqvist Lennart , Sigurdsson Arni , Martling Anna , Johansson Hemming , Glimelius Bengt , Nilsson Per J
Published: October 2018

Background

The performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interpretation and communication of findings and its implication on treatment decisions has not fully been explored in rectal cancer.

Purpose

To investigate in a region the adherence to MRI protocol standards and the relation between MRI interpretation and selection to preoperative therapy in rectal cancer.

Material and Methods

Data on consecutive patients who underwent elective rectal cancer surgery in the region from January to June 2010 were obtained from the National Colorectal Cancer Registry. Pretherapeutic MRI images were re-evaluated. Agreement between the original reports and the re-evaluation was compared using Cohen’s kappa coefficient.

Results

Among the 94 patients included, 81 (86%) had pretherapeutic MRI in accordance with defined imaging guidelines. In 34% of the original MR reports, data on extramural venous invasion (mrEMVI) and mrT category were not reported. Complete tumor staging was not possible because of missing data in 33 (35%) of the patients. The agreement between the original MR reports and the re-evaluation regarding tumor stage was moderate (κ = 0.48). For decided treatment compared to recommended preoperative treatment according to the re-evaluation, the agreement was fair (κ = 0.33).

Conclusion

Established MRI protocol standards were not universally applied. Missing data and inadequacies in original MRI reports resulted in moderate agreement between the original report and the re-evaluation indicating a risk of inappropriate treatment selection. The results call for further educational efforts in rectal cancer MRI acquisition and repeated audits of image protocol adherence and interpretation quality.
A Combination of Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Vincristine and VP 16–213 (NSC 141 540) in the Treatment of Bronchogenic Carcinoma
Authors: Cavalli Franco , Hasler Eduard , Ryssel Hans J. , Sonntag Roland W. , Brunner Kurt W.
Published: October 2018

Thirty patients with bronchogenic carcinoma were treated with an 8–week induction therapy consisting of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, vincristine and VP 16–213 (NSC 141 540). Those who achieved objective remission or tumor stabilization were then placed on an intermittent treatment schedule with the same drugs. Of the 30 patients, 17 had an objective response, 5 remained without change, and 8 progressed. Responses were more frequent among anaplastic (13/19) than epidermoid or adenocarcinoma (4/11). The toxicity consisted mainly of leucopenia, thrombopenia, alopecia, nausea and vomiting. The implications of these findings in the planning of further chemotherapeutic programs are discussed.
Alien Histocompatibility Determinants on the Cell Surface of Sarcomas Induced by Methylcholanthrene. II. in Vitro Serological Studies
Authors: Invernizzi Giovanni , Carbone Giusi , Parmiani Giorgio
Published: October 2018

In vitro serological studies were carried out in an attempt to identify the foreign histocompatibility antigens previously detected by transplantation methods on the cell surface of 2 methylcholanthrene-induced BALB/c fibrosarcomas (TZ15 and ST2). The reactivity of the anti-TZ15 and anti-ST2 syngeneic sera and of the C57BL/6J anti-TZ15 and anti-ST2 sera (the latters preabsorbed on normal BALB/c lymphoid cells) was evaluated on normal lymph node cells of C3Hf, C57BL/6J, DBA/2 and AKR strains by the complement-dependent cytotoxicity and on normal fibroblasts of C3Hf and C57BL/6J mice by the isotopic antiglobulin assay. The ability of in vitro-plated TZ15 and ST2 cells to bind BALB/c anti-C3Hf, anti-C57BL/6J, anti-AKR and anti-DBA/2 alloantisera was also examined by the antiglobulin assay. Contrary to the in vivo data, no cross-reactions were found between TZ15 and AKR normal cells, since both syngeneic and allogeneic anti-TZ15 sera were not cytotoxic to C3Hf, C57BL/6J or AKR lymphoid cells nor could BALB/c anti-C3Hf, anti-C57BL/6J or anti-AKR sera bind to TZ15 tumor cells in the antiglobulin assay. Both BALB/c anti-ST2 and C57BL/6J anti-ST2 sera were also ineffective in killing normal C3Hf, C57BL/6J, AKR and DBA/2 lymphoid cells in the complement–dependent cytotoxic assay, whereas a weak but significant binding of the syngeneic anti-ST2 serum to C57BL/6J but not to C3Hf fibroblasts was detected by the antiglobulin test. ST2 but not TZ15 cells were also able to significantly absorb the complement–dependent cytotoxic activity of a BALB/c anti-C57BL/6J but not of a BALB/c anti-C3Hf antiserum. In addition, BALB/c anti-C3Hf, anti-C57BL/6J and anti-AKR sera but not BALB/c anti-DBA/2 serum strongly bound to ST2 cells in the antiglobulin test; this binding activity was absorbed by C3Hf, C57BL/6J, AKR, and NIH but not BALB/c and DBA/2 lymphoid cells. Thus, among the cross-reactions observed in vivo between ST2 and normal cells of C3Hf, DBA/2 and C57BL/6J strains, only C57BL/6J normal antigens were detectable by serology. A new but still undefined system of alien normal antigens shared by C3Hf, AKR, C57BL/6J, NIH lymphoid and ST2 cells was revealed by the BALB/c alloantisera in the antiglobulin assay. The relationship of these findings with those previously obtained in the transplantation study with the same tumors is discussed.
Evaluation of Toxic Effects following Administration of Monoclonal Antibody MBr1 in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Cascinelli Natale , Doci Roberto , Belli Filiberto , Nava Maurizio , Marolda Raffaele , Costa Alberto , Ménard Sylvie , Terno Giovanni
Published: October 2018

Twelve patients with disseminated breast cancer were injected with monoclonal antibody MBr1 at the National Cancer Institute of Milan, Italy, from January 1983 to March 1985. The first seven patients had advanced disease and the remaining five operable breast cancer. In the first seven patients the initial dosage of MBr1 was 0.5 mg and was doubled in the next patient up to 16 mg. The last five women received 10 mg of MBr1. No general side effects such as broncospasm, hypotension, immediate or delayed allergic reactions were observed. Four patients who were injected with 10 mg or more experienced fever, shudder and vague abdominal and articular pain. The following tests were monitored: R.B.C., W.B.C., percentage of lymphocytes, blood glucose, urenitrogen and creatinine, serum levels of Na+, K+, Cl–, total proteins levels, albumins and globulins, bilirubin, GOT, GPT, alkaline phosphatase, LDH, amylase, γGT and CPK. No major modifications were observed: a limited increase of the transaminases, LDH and γGT was evident at the last check. An early temporary alteration of CPK was observed in the four patients who had symptoms. Serum levels of MBr1 are detectable immediately after injection starting from 4 mg, and all sera were negative 48 hours later. It is concluded that the scanty toxicity allows to continue clinical investigations to verify the linkage between MBr1 and Ca-MBr1 « in vivo » after a single injection of no more than 16 mg of the MoAb. The increase of this dosage as well as multiple injections do not seem safe at present.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Vincristine, Bleomycin and Methotrexate Combined with Radiotherapy in Advanced Head and neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Amichetti Maurizio , Bolner Andrea , Busana Lucia , Fellin Gianni , Pani Giuseppe , Piffer Silvano , Valdagni Riccardo , Ambrosini Gianni
Published: October 2018

From September 1980 to August 1981, 25 patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were treated at the Centro Oncologico, Trento, by a chemo-radiotherapeutic combination. The treatment protocol consisted of 4–6 courses of VBM (vincristine, bleomycin and methotrexate) followed by conventional radiotherapy (65 Gy). Only to VBM responders (15 patients) were administered 10 cycles of vincristine-methotrexate. At the end of induction chemotherapy an overall response of 60 % (12 % complete, 48 % partial) was obtained. At the end of radiotherapy the responses were 52.5 % complete and 35.5 % partial, for an overall response of 88 %. The overall survival at 60 months was 8 %. This combined approach, in spite of the satisfactory immediate local response rate, does not offer advantages for survival in comparison to conventional treatment modalities.
Excision of Oral Leukoplakias by CO2 Laser on an Out-Patient Basis: A Useful Procedure for Prevention and Early Detection of Oral Carcinomas
Authors: Chiesa Fausto , Sala Luigi , Costa Luigi , Moglia Daniele , Mauri Maurizio , Podrecca Stefano , Andreola Salvatore , Marchesini Renato , Bandieramonte Gaetano , Bartoli Cesare , Massara Giovanni , Molinari Roberto
Published: October 2018

Several epidemiologic studies have shown that oral cancer develops among individuals with a prior diagnosis of an oral premalignant lesion. Canceration chance in these patients is 17 %, with the greatest rate occuring in the second year of observation. Based on this data, since 1981, 92 leucoplakias have been treated by out-patient laser surgery at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milano. The therapeutic technique was laser excision to obtain a specimen for histology. Two groups were distinguished according to the diagnostic procedure. Thirtythree lesions (December 1981 to December 1982) were operated on without preliminary histologic examination, on the basis of a simple clinical diagnosis. Since January 1983 all leukoplakias have been biopsied in a systematic way and those negative for cancer treated with laser. Histology of the specimen showed 5 squamous cell carcinomas (15 %) in the group of patients who did not undergo preoperative biopsy. Postoperative histology showed malignancy in 6 of 59 (10.2 %) cases in spite of negative preoperative biopsies. Speckled and erosive leukoplakias had the highest canceration rate. Three of 11 patients with cancer were treated by knife excision or interstitial needle implantation because of margins in tumoral tissue or because they were unvaluable for injury by heat. Results have been satisfactory, only 2 of 54 followed leukoplakias and none of the cancers recurred during a 2 year follow-up.
Cep Regimen (Ccnu, Etoposide, Prednimustine) for Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin's Disease
Authors: Zinzani Pier Luigi , Barbieri Enza , Bendandi Maurizio , Perini Francesco , Gherlinzoni Filippo , Neri Stefano , Ammendolia Ilario , Salvucci Marzia , Babini Lucio , Fiacchini Mauro , Tura Sante
Published: October 2018

Aims and background

Although initial treatment of Hodgkin's disease induces a complete remission in most patients, approximately 50% of patients with advanced disease will not achieve a complete remission or will relapse following the first complete remission.

Patients and methods

Twenty-three patients with relapsed/resistant Hodgkin's disease, observed between January 1991 and October 1993, underwent CEP combination chemotherapy (CCNU, etoposide, prednimustine). All patients had previously received MOPP and ABVD regimens, in combination at diagnosis or sequentially (at diagnosis and at the first relapse).

Results

Thirteen (56%) patients achieved complete responses and 4 (18%) had partial responses. Two partial responders obtained a complete remission after a successive autologous bone marrow transplantation. The complete remission was not influenced by the timing of MOPP and ABVD treatments, presence of extranodal involvement or presence of bulky disease, but was affected by the presence of a primary disease refractory to the first standard programs. All the complete responders but 2 were alive and relapse-free at a median follow-up of 15 months; no major toxic effects were recorded.

Conclusions

These data suggest, as did those of other studies, that CEP is an effective regimen in patients with Hodgkin's disease in first or second relapse, also to reduce the tumor burden and to determine chemosensitivity before contingent bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell support.
Weekly Vinorelbine in Elderly Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Colleoni Marco , Gaion Fernando , Neili Patrizia , Colmellere Gian Mario , Manente Paolo
Published: October 2018

Aims and background

Many lung cancers are diagnosed in patients over 65 years of age, but limited data are available on the tolerance and activity in elderly patients of chemotherapy protocols designed for adults.

Methods

We therefore activated a phase II study in patients aged 65 years or older affected by stage IIIB-IV non-small-cell lung cancer in order to assess the tolerance and activity of vinorelbine administered weekly at a dose of 25 mg/m2.

Results

Since June 1992, 25 patients (20 males, 5 females; performance status ECOG, 0-2) have been included in the study and are evaluable for response and side effects. Two-hundred and twenty-eight cycles of therapy have been delivered (median/patient, 9 cycles). Four partial remissions (16%; 95% confidence interval 5–36%), 9 disease stabilizations, and 12 progressions have been observed. Median time to disease progression was 3 months, and median survival was 5 months (range, 2–25+). Mild or moderate side effects included leukopenia (6 cases), neutropenia (4 cases), anemia (4 cases), nausea (4 cases), infection (3 cases) and thoracic pain (2 cases). Grade III/IV toxicity consisted mainly of leukopenia and neutropenia observed respectively in 5 and in 7 patients. No significant difference in terms of tolerability has been observed for patients aged 65 to 70 with respect to patients aged 70 years or older.

Conclusions

The administration of vinorelbine in elderly patients does not seem to differ significantly in terms of response and tolerability from that recorded for adults. Selected elderly patients with good performance status and adequate organ function can be safely treated with systemic chemotherapy.
Retrospective Analysis of 156 Cases of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Evaluation of Prognostic Factors and Response to Different Treatments
Authors: Landonio Giuseppe , Baiocchi Claudia , Cattaneo Daniela , Ferrari Massimo , Gottardi Ornella , Majno Margherita , Ghislandi Enrico
Published: October 2018

Background

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma is a “capricious” tumor. Many prognostic factors have been evaluated, treatment is still controversial, and results are not coincident.

Methods

We reviewed 156 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Survival from the time of diagnosis was the end point of the study. The influence on survival of age, sex, nephrectomy, disease-free interval, performance status, site and number of metastases was analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis were done. Survival according to different therapies was also evaluated.

Results

In our study, no nephrectomy, a disease-free interval < 24 months, > 2 metastatic sites and a performance status > 2 proved to be risk factors. According to the number of risk factors, 3 groups of patients were identified (low, intermediate and high risk). We observed 3 kinds of responses to treatments: 1) in untreated patients (n = 48), median overall survival was 6 months, and the 24-month survival rate was 8%; 2) in patients treated with hormone therapy and/or chemotherapy (n = 73), median overall survival was 13 months, and the 24-month survival rate was 24%; 3) in patients treated with interferon and/or interleukin-2 (n = 35), median overall survival was 16 months and the 24-month survival rate was 34%.

Conclusions

Our results are only partially in accordance with those observed by other authors. Risk factors and treatment must be determined in more defined and selected studies.
Cloning and Expression of Functional cDNA Genes of a Mouse/Human Chimeric Antibody rcM4
Authors: Boyd Mark , Xiang Jim
Published: October 2018

Aim

The purpose of this study was to clone and express cDNA genes of heavy and light chains of the mouse/human chimeric antibody rcM4, which recognize the sialosyl-Tn epitope of the TAG72 antigen.

Methods

The cDNA genes of chimeric heavy-chain M4H2 and light-chain M4K4 were cloned from the cDNA library of the ccM4 transfectoma. The M4H2 and M4K4 genes were modified in polymerase chain reaction and ligated into mpSV2neo-EP-PA and mpSV2gpt-EP-PA to form the heavy- and the light-chain expression vectors mpSV2neo-EP-M4H2-PA and mpSV2gpt-EP-M4K4-PA, respectively. These two expression vectors were then co-transfected into the myeloma cell line SP2/0Ag14. Transfectants were selected in media containing G418 and mycophenolic acid. The rcM4 antibody was purified from transfectant culture supernates by protein A affinity chromatography.

Results

The yield of the recombinant chimeric antibody rcM4 from its culture supernates was 6 μg/ml. We demonstrated that the rcM4 antibody retained its binding reactivity for sialosyl-Tn and that it was able to mediate effective antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity to the human ovarian cancer cell line OVCAR 3 in a manner comparable to the original ccM4 antibody.

Conclusion

The cDNA genes of chimeric heavy-chains (M4H2) and light-chains (M4K4) could be functionally expressed in the SP2/0Ag14 myeloma cell line. They thus have potential utility in the construction of some novel hybrid proteins such as those containing both antitumor immunoglobulins and cytokine molecules for use in cancer immunotherapy.
Influences on uptake of a community occupational therapy intervention for people with dementia and their family carers
Authors: Field Becky , Coates Elizabeth , Mountain Gail
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Health policy promotes living well with dementia. Occupational therapists deliver interventions to support people with dementia and family carers to live well. This study aimed at identifying influences on uptake of a community occupational therapy intervention by people with dementia and carers, as little evidence about this topic exists.

Method

Seventeen semi-structured, paired interviews with people with dementia and carers were conducted as part of the ‘Valuing Active Life in Dementia’ research programme. A secondary, qualitative analysis of these interviews explored influences on uptake of the intervention.

Findings

Four main themes were identified: ‘Grabbing at straws and keen to take part’; ‘We’re trying to put a routine in’; ‘We didn’t know what to expect’, and ‘Give it a go’. Factors identified as potentially influencing uptake included whether the intervention was perceived as potentially meeting needs for support and activity, and whether participants were struggling to adjust or cope.

Conclusion

Despite limited expectations or apprehension, uptake of this intervention was demonstrated. Understanding why people with dementia and carers accept intervention offers can inform what occupational therapists provide and how it is offered. Further research is required to determine the occupational therapy interventions people with dementia and carers might find supportive at different stages of the disease trajectory.
Femoroacetabular Impingement in Professional Basketball Players: Return to Play, Career Length, and Performance After Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: Begly J.P. , Buckley Patrick S. , Utsunomiya Hajime , Briggs Karen K. , Philippon Marc J.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Previous studies have demonstrated that hip arthroscopy is an effective treatment for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in professional athletes across a variety of sports. However, the return-to-play rates and postoperative performance of elite basketball players after hip arthroscopy are currently unknown.

Purpose:

To determine return-to-play rates and postoperative performance among professional basketball athletes after hip arthroscopy.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Eighteen professional basketball players underwent hip arthroscopy (24 hips) for symptomatic FAI between 2001 and 2016 by a single surgeon. Return to play was defined as competing in a single professional game of equal level after surgery. Data were retrospectively obtained for each player from basketball-reference.com , ESPN.com , eurobasket.com, and individual team websites. Matched controls were selected from the websites to compare performances.

Results:

The mean age at the time of surgery was 25.6 years, and the mean body mass index was 24.4 kg/m2. All players returned to their previous levels of competition, with a mean number of 4 seasons played after surgery (median, 3; range, 1-12). The mean ± SD time between the date of surgery and return to a professional game was 7.1 ± 4.4 months. There was no change in player efficiency rating when pre- and postinjury performance were compared. When compared with controls, players undergoing surgery also had no significant decline in player efficiency rating.

Conclusion:

Elite basketball athletes who undergo hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAI return to their presurgical levels of competition at a high rate. These athletes demonstrate no significant overall decrease in performance upon their return to play.
Clinical and Radiographic Predictors of Acetabular Cartilage Lesions in Adolescents Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: McClincy Michael P. , Lebrun Drake G. , Tepolt Frances A. , Kim Young-Jo , Yen Yi-Meng , Kocher Mininder S.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Acetabular cartilage lesions are a known cause of poor outcomes after hip arthroscopy and are seen regularly among adolescents. However, studies identifying preoperative factors predictive of acetabular cartilage lesions have been limited to adult populations.

Purpose:

To assess clinical and radiographic predictors of acetabular cartilage lesions in a large cohort of adolescents undergoing hip arthroscopy.

Study Design:

Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for idiopathic femoroacetabular impingement or acetabular labral tears at a children’s hospital were reviewed. Demographic predictors were analyzed by use of univariate logistic regression with generalized estimating equations. A matched case-control analysis was subsequently performed to identify radiographic predictors of acetabular cartilage lesions through use of univariate and multivariable conditional logistic regression.

Results:

Four hundred two patients (446 hips) undergoing hip arthroscopy between 2010 and 2015 were analyzed. Median age was 16.7 years (range, 13.6-19.0) and 72% of patients were female. Ninety-five hips (21%) were found to have an acetabular cartilage lesion at the time of arthroscopic surgery. Age (odds ratio [OR], 1.7; 95% CI, 1.4-2.1), male sex (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.7-5.0), and body mass index (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.14) were found to be predictive of intraoperative acetabular cartilage lesions. In the matched case-control analysis, femoral alpha angle as calculated on a Dunn lateral radiograph was independently predictive of an intraoperative acetabular cartilage lesion (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.6). Additionally, the presence of a crossover sign was independently associated with a decreased odds of an acetabular cartilage lesion (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.7). On multivariate analysis, alpha angle (Dunn lateral) (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3-3.1) and crossover sign (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.7) remained independently associated with the presence of an acetabular cartilage lesion. The presence of an acetabular labral tear was not predictive of an associated cartilage lesion (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.39-3.47; P = .78).

Conclusion:

In an adolescent population undergoing hip arthroscopy, older age, male sex, and higher body mass index were predictive of acetabular cartilage lesions. From an imaging standpoint, increased alpha angle increased the likelihood of an acetabular cartilage lesion whereas the presence of a crossover sign decreased this likelihood. Predicting the presence of an acetabular cartilage lesion is important when considering a hip arthroscopy procedure to facilitate preoperative planning and to more accurately set patient expectations.
Aluminium Kinetics during Haemodialysis with the Redy 2000 Sorbsystem
Authors: Curtis J.R. , Sampson B.
Published: October 2018

Aluminium kinetics of the Redy 2000 Sorbsystem using D3260 cartridges and the latest pre-treatment protocol have been studied in vitro and in vivo. In 7 patients, aluminium kinetics were studied during haemodialysis using the Redy 2000 Sorbysystem, D3260 cartridges, S557 acetate concentrate and Gambro hollow fibre dialyser (cuprophane 120M). The same patients were also studied during conventional haemodialysis using the Gambro AK10 proportionating system with acetate dialysate and Gambro hollow fibre dialyser (cuprophane 120M).

There was no significant rise in plasma aluminium concentration during dialysis on the Redy 2000 Sorbsystem. The post-dialysis plasma aluminium concentrations were significantly higher after conventional haemodialysis, however, and the explanation for this is not clear but is not accounted for by differences in the degree of ultrafiltration during the studies.

A significant rise in dialysate aluminium concentration was observed after 4 hours of dialysis on the Redy 2000 Sorbsystem. The manufacturer's ammonia test papers appear to be too insensitive as indicators of cartridge exhaustion and dialysate pH may be better. The D3260 cartridges should be used for a maximum of 4 hours only. Further long-term studies of aluminium kinetics using this system are justified.
Cardiopulmonary By-pass in a Patient with Acquired C1 Inhibitor Deficiency
Authors: Castelli R. , Cicardi M. , Gardinali M. , Zingale L.C. , Savi C. , Munari M. , Agostoni A.
Published: October 2018

C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) regulates, complement, contact system, coagulation and fibrinolysis. Bleeding complications during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) have been described in a deficient patient. We report a 72 year old man affected with acquired C1-INH deficiency who successfully underwent CPB.
Le Valvole Congenite Dell'Uretra
Authors: Pagano Francesco , Ravasini G.
Published: October 2018

Prefazione

Un'intensa serie di ricerche, associata all'affinamento dei mezzi tecnici di indagine e terapeutici, hanno dato, in epoca relativamente recente, alla fisiopatologia dell'apparato urinario nell'infanzia un impulso tale da fare assumere a questa disciplina la fisionomia di una branca specialistica quasi “a sè stante”. Ancor oggi l'argomento è oggetto di un fervore di idee e di studi rivolti ai numerosi problemi eziopatogenetici, diagnostici, terapeutici che attendono una soluzione definitiva. Presso la Divisione Urologica dell'Ospedale Civile di Padova, da vari anni la materia in questione è stata oggetto di studi e l'esperienza ricavata ha consentito nel 1959 una relazione al XXXII Congresso della Società Italiana di Urologia, tenuto da Dell'Adami sulle “Alterazioni ostruttive delle vie urinarie nell'infanzia”.

Il dott. Pagano con questa monografia sulle valvole congenite dell'uretra porta un nuovo valido contributo alla conoscenza di questa particolare forma di ostruzione delle vie urinarie nell'infanzia, frutto degli studi che egli da anni conduce con particolare interesse su questo argomento cosi poco conosciuto della patologia infantile, specie in campo pediatrico.
Summaries from Literature
Authors: Urologia
Published: October 2018

Col presente fascicolo questa rubrica, grazie alla collaborazione di eminenti studiosi, assume maggiore importanza di quanto non l'abbia avuta fino ad oggi. Ci auguriamo che la nostra iniziativa volta a migliorare l'informazione, su quanto viene pubblicato nella letteratura mondiale e che può interessare l'urologo — indirizzo principale della rivista —, sia accolta favorevolmente ed abbia successo.
Changing contours of employment in England and Wales between 1921 and 2011: Industry, occupation, gender and locality
Authors: Penn Roger
Published: October 2018

The paper examines the contours of employment change in England and Wales between 1921 and 2011 using data from the respective Censuses of Population. The main focus of the analysis is on four related sets of phenomena: changing patterns of employment across industrial sectors, changes to patterns of gender and paid employment, changes to occupational segregation by gender and the changing contours of locality differences within England and Wales over the period. Various sociological debates about structural change are probed in detail. The paper concludes that whilst there have been a range of significant changes to these phenomena, there have also been some marked structural continuities.
Perceived Skills and Training Needs Among Singaporean School Personnel in Using Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavioral Interventions
Authors: Dutt Anuradha S. , Chen Iris , Nair Rahul
Published: October 2018

The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the level of skills and training needs reported by special educators and teaching associates in functional behavioral assessment (FBA) and behavioral interventions within special education (SPED) schools in Singapore. The Skills and Needs Inventories in Functional Behavior Assessments and Interventions (SNI-FBAI), a self-report inventory, was administered to 378 special educators and 38 teaching support staff across seven SPED schools in Singapore. Perceived ratings across both groups were obtained across 13 items for skills and six items for training needs in FBA and behavioral interventions. The results suggested that special educators and teaching associates indicated relatively lower ratings on their perceived skill in more items related to conducting an FBA when compared with items related to behavioral interventions. In terms of training needs, both groups rated developing skills in FBA and behavioral interventions for managing severe challenging behaviors as a priority area for training.
Shared steering control combined with driving intention for vehicle obstacle avoidance
Authors: Li Mingjun , Song Xiaolin , Cao Haotian , Huang Zhi
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a framework of shared steering control for vehicle obstacle avoidance, which is combined with the driver’s driving intention and risk assessment. The driving intention is recognized by a support vector machine model through the steering wheel angle, the relative lateral offset, and lateral velocity to the road center line. The elastic band theory is adopted to plan the obstacle avoidance path, which takes the driving intention and environment information into consideration. A linear model predictive control algorithm based on a bicycle vehicle model is used to realize path following. The risk assessment of current traffic situation is calculated by time to collision and the time required from the starting position of lane changing to the obstacle to collide. The shared steering control strategy is designed by the risk assessment and driving intention, simultaneously, so that the cooperative coefficient and the driving mode would be determined. In order to validate the framework proposed in this paper, the shared steering control system is tested on four obstacle avoidance scenarios, including the static and moving obstacles on a straight road and a curvy road. The results show that the shared steering control system could help the human driver avoid obstacles safely. Besides, both the path and steering wheel angle curve of the shared steering control system are smooth, and the vehicle stability performance also maintains well through a suitable shared strategy.
Blending and plasticising effects on the behaviour of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ε-caprolactone)
Authors: Khitas Nesrine , Aouachria Kamira , Benaniba Mohamed Tahar
Published: October 2018

Polymer blending is one of the most convenient methods to be used to overcome the limitations of some single properties of polymers and to achieve the combinations required for specific applications. Another feasible common practice is the incorporation of additives of low molecular weight such as plasticisers to impart flexibility, improve toughness and lower the glass transition temperature ( Tg). This study focused on the effects of blending and plasticising on the crystallisation behaviour of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). PCL with longer degradation time compared with other polymers was blended with PLA to overcome the limitation of its brittleness and poor thermal stability. Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) and acetyl triethyl citrate (TEC) were used as plasticiser in PLA/PCL blends. The rigid and plasticised blends at various ratios were analysed by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction. The results revealed a slight increase in the degree of crystallinity and a significant increase in the Tg of PLA due to the addition of PCL. The addition of ATBC has promoted a decrease in thermal stability of the blends. The slight increase in the degree of crystallinity suggested that PCL acted as a nucleating agent. The citrate plasticisers were shown to lower the Tg and have much more enhanced the crystallisation of PLA. Moreover, the rigid and plasticised blends were shown to be partially miscible.
Operationalization of patients’ rights in Sudan: Quantifying nurses’ knowledge
Authors: Abdalla Salma M , Mahgoub Esra AA , Abdelgadir Jihad , Elhassan Nahla , Omer Zulfa
Published: October 2018

Background:

Promoting patients’ rights is essential for defining the standards of clinical services within a country. Given their responsibilities, nurses can be the primary target for research to investigate the issue of patients’ rights within a healthcare system. As such, assessing the knowledge of nurses about patients’ rights is an essential step toward improving the quality of healthcare in limited resource settings like Sudan.

Objectives:

We aimed to assess the level of knowledge about patients’ rights among the nursing staff at Friendship Teaching Hospital in Sudan.

Methods:

This hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out at the Friendship Teaching Hospital in Sudan. We surveyed the totality of nurses (95) at the hospital using an amended survey. The data were analyzed in SPSS software using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Ethical consideration:

The study was approved by the Research Unit of Khartoum Ministry of Health and the Hospital administration. All respondents gave verbal consent prior to participating in the study.

Results:

Only 48.4% of the participants knew about the existence of the Sudanese Charter of patients’ rights. Nonetheless, our analysis found that 65.8% of nurses had acceptable level of knowledge (scored more than 75% of the total knowledge score) of patients’ rights, and none of the participant scored less than 50% of the total knowledge score. Finally, we found no statistical association between the knowledge score and demographic data, educational level, whether the participant knows about the existence of the Charter or not and a number of other factors.

Conclusion:

Nurses’ lack of knowledge about the existence of the Sudanese Charter of patients’ rights adopted in 2009 rights confirms the need for further efforts by Ministry of Health to promote the document. Furthermore, further research is needed to investigate the disconnect between nurses’ lack of knowledge about the existence of the charter and their awareness of the rights within the charter as well as the actual implementation of rights.
Health Literacy, Physical and Mental Health, and Activities of Daily Living Among Older Chinese Adults in Nursing Homes
Authors: Liu Yong-Bing , Xue Ling-Ling , Xue Hui-Ping , Hou Ping
Published: October 2018

It is very important to estimate the prevalence of inadequate health literacy and determine whether or not health literacy level differences predict the physical and mental health status of older adults. A cluster sampling method was selected. A total of 1396 older adults were interviewed. Three instruments were included: the Chinese Citizen Health Literacy Questionnaire, Short Form 36, and Activity of Daily Living (ADL) Scale. The health literacy scores were very low (71.74 ± 28.35). The physical and mental health scores were all moderate. The ADLs was ⩾22, which suggests that the ADLs of older adults were poor. The major influencing factors of physical health include health literacy, ADL, alcohol consumption, household income, marital status, and former occupation. The major factors influencing mental health included ADL, former occupation, age, and smoking. Health literacy was associated with physical health, but was not associated with mental health. Improving health literacy could increase health management and health status of older adults.
‘Authoritarian neoliberalism’ and the Australian border-industrial complex
Authors: Smith Cameron
Published: October 2018

What functions do the securitization and the militarization of the border serve under ‘authoritarian neoliberalism’ in Australia? Having pursued the policy of mandatory detention of all undocumented migrants since 1992, the Australian government has also increasingly sought to outsource, privatize, and offshore the construction and operation of its immigration detention facilities, whilst simultaneously engaging in increasingly authoritarian interventions via the militarization of border control. This article seeks to problematize these developments by constructing an emergent cartography of the various links between the ongoing processes of neoliberal structural adjustment, and the intensification of the policing and punitive apparatuses of the Australian border-industrial complex. Accordingly, using theoretical insights gleaned from emergent work on ‘authoritarian neoliberalism’ and from race critical theory as a cue, I outline in this article three functions of the border within punitive approaches to immigration control under neoliberal structural adjustment in Australia: first, as an apparatus of ongoing colonial power; second, as a technology of racial differentiation through its functioning as a ‘filter’ that privileges certain migrant bodies over others, and as an ‘insulator’ against popular dissent; third, as a site of profit and accumulation for transnational capital.
Exploring the motivations for building new digital musical instruments
Authors: Emerson Gina , Egermann Hauke
Published: October 2018

Over the past four decades, the number, diversity and complexity of digital musical instruments (DMIs) has increased rapidly. There are very few constraints on DMI design as such systems can be easily reconfigured, offering near limitless flexibility for music-making. Given that new acoustic musical instruments have in many cases been created in response to the limitations of available technologies, what motivates the development of new DMIs? We conducted an interview study with ten designers of new DMIs, in order to explore (a) the motivations electronic musicians may have for wanting to build their own instruments; and (b) the extent to which these motivations relate to the context in which the artist works and performs (academic vs club settings). We found that four categories of motivation were mentioned most often: M1 – wanting to bring greater embodiment to the activity of performing and producing electronic music; M2 – wanting to improve audience experiences of DMI performances; M3 – wanting to develop new sounds, and M4 – wanting to build responsive systems for improvisation. There were also some detectable trends in motivation according to the context in which the artists work and perform. Our results offer the first systematically gathered insights into the motivations for new DMI design. It appears that the challenges of controlling digital sound synthesis drive the development of new DMIs, rather than the shortcomings of any one particular design or existing technology.
Effective Team Reflection: The Role of Quality and Quantity
Authors: Otte Kai-Philip , Konradt Udo , Oldeweme Martina
Published: October 2018

In this study, we distinguished between quantity and quality aspects of team reflection and examine how they relate to team performance improvement. We hypothesized that teams that reflect little but deeply and thoroughly show greater performance improvements than teams that reflect a great deal but on a superficial level. In addition, we examined the extent to which team performance will improve if teams engage in both quality and quantity in reflection in different extents, and whether implementation explained additional variance in team performance. We examined these issues in a sample of 46 three-person teams in a lab-based hidden profile setting, using a repeated measure design. The results from Bayesian structural equation modeling confirmed our hypotheses. In addition, polynomial regression revealed that performance improved most when teams focused exclusively on the quality of team reflection and weakest when teams tried to engage in quality and quantity of reflection in the same extent.
School Nurses’ Perceived Barriers and Perceptual Influences When Implementing AED Programs
Authors: Boudreaux Sharon , Broussard Lisa
Published: October 2018

School nurses’ experienced barriers and benefits with perceptions of self-efficacy are important factors to consider for program implementation in the school setting. Little research has been done in the area of automated external defibrillator (AED) program implementation by the school nurse for the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest. The purpose of this study was to identify benefits of and barriers to AED program implementation in public schools and measure school nurses’ self-efficacy related to their role as a change agent in program implementation. Results revealed that school nurses are functioning with a high level of self-efficacy in their ability to influence major health-care decisions in the school setting, and despite barriers, AED program implementation is considered beneficial and a necessary component of emergency care.
Violence Against Women and Children Following the 2011 Great East Japan Disaster: Making the Invisible Visible Through Research
Authors: Yoshihama Mieko , Yunomae Tomoko , Tsuge Azumi , Ikeda Keiko , Masai Reiko
Published: October 2018

This study reports on 82 unduplicated cases of violence against women and children after the Great East Japan Disaster of March 2011. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from informants who worked with the disaster-affected populations. In addition to domestic violence, reported cases involved sexual assault and unwanted sexual contact, including quid pro quo assault perpetrated by nonintimates. Perpetrators often exploited a sense of fear, helplessness, and powerlessness and used threats to force compliance with sexual demands in exchange for life-sustaining resources. Findings point to the urgent need to develop measures to prevent and respond to postdisaster gender-based violence.
Vulnerabilities of BOT Scheme and Ways to Overcome Them Under PPP: Cross-Country Comparison of PPP Systems Among Selected Countries
Authors: Tsukada Shunso
Published: October 2018

Many developing countries have resorted to BOT (build–operate–transfer) scheme for infrastructure development. Although BOT scheme would bring significant benefits to developing countries, it conceals structural vulnerabilities. This has made the private sector hesitant in investing in BOT projects unless key risks are covered by governments under public private partnership (PPP) arrangements. Having seen this problem, developing countries have offered overly lucrative guarantees to private investors, which have ended up with huge payments at a later stage. The purpose of this study is to find a kind of PPP measures which would be effective in getting the private sector to participate in BOT projects with little public-sector support being offered. For this purpose, a cross-country comparison was conducted, which has identified that some of PPP measures adopted in India are effective. Although their applicability to other developing countries is limited, it was found possible if combined with appropriate measures and confined to right sectors.
Myxoid Lipoblastoma and Mimickers on Fine-Needle Biopsy in a Child
Authors: Asmandar Safaa , Ranganathan Sarangarajan , Ramirez Rodrigo , Chamond Olivier , Coulomb Aurore , Boudjemaa Sabah
Published: October 2018

Image-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy is a standard and safe procedure for the diagnosis of both solid and hematological malignancies in children. Despite recent improvements, nondiagnosis biopsies persist. Lipoblastoma is a benign adipocytic tumor composed of embryonal fat admixed with mature adipocytes and occurring before the age of 1 year in one-third of cases. Lipoblastoma is usually easily diagnosed, but in some cases, diagnosis may be difficult on percutaneous biopsies, when the lipoblastic component is not well represented or when the tumor contains a prominent myxoid component mimicking other myxoid tumors. We report here a case of lipoblastoma with a predominant myxoid component and discuss differential diagnosis of myxoid lesions of infancy. In such cases, pathologic examination enhanced by adjunct techniques, such as immunohistochemistry and cytogenetic or molecular genetic studies, is needed to achieve accurate diagnosis, particularly on fine-needle biopsies.
EA-DIVA score (Enhanced Adult DIVA score): A new scale to predict difficult preoperative venous cannulation in adult surgical patients
Authors: Civetta Giuseppe , Cortesi Sergio , Mancardi Mattia , De Pirro Antonella , Vischio Marta , Mazzocchi Marco , Scudeller Luigia , Bottazzi Andrea , Iotti Giorgio A , Palo Alessandra
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

Providing peripheral intravenous access is one of the most commonly performed technical procedures in hospitals and it is mandatory for all patients undergoing surgery. Obtaining peripheral intravenous access may be difficult and this may cause delays in patient management, increased risk of adverse events and hospitalization costs. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a scale to identify patients at risk of peripheral difficult intravenous access, applicable to any adult patient undergoing surgery.

Methods:

A monocentric, observational study was conducted on adult surgical patients between September 2015 and April 2016. The primary outcome was the identification of parameters that could detect peripheral difficult intravenous access. Several parameters were taken into consideration, including patient details, healthcare professionals, and setting. The sample data were randomly divided into two subsets: a multivariate analysis was performed on the first one to define the Enhanced Adult DIVA score; the second subset was used for its validation.

Results:

We included 1006 patients (607 in the derivation, 399 in the validation cohorts respectively). The peripheral intravenous access was difficult in 127 patients (12.6%). The EA-DIVA score was devised with a score ranging from 0 to 12. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area under the curve (AUC) in the validation subset was 0.94. The validation study suggested a cut-off score of 8, which maximizes sensitivity (85.5%) and specificity (89.2%) in detecting difficult peripheral intravenous access, with a positive predictive value of 56% and a negative predictive value of 97.5%.

Discussion:

The EA-DIVA score is a simple tool to identify patients at high risk of peripheral difficult intravenous access. Its implementation is recommended in order to optimize peripheral intravenous access procedures.