bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AV Fistula Creation in Paediatric Patients: Outcome is Independent of Demographics and Fistula Type Reducing Usage of Venous Catheters
Authors: Matoussevitch Vladimir , Taylan Christina , Konner Klaus , Gawenda Michael , Kuhr Kathrin , Hoppe Bernd , Brunkwall Jan
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Even though early transplantation is still the first-line therapy in paediatric patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), up to 30% of these patients still require haemodialysis (HD). Creating an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is quite challenging, particularly in children, leading to disproportional use of catheters. In this paper, we describe our experience in the creation of AVF with currently no in-dwelling catheters in children and adolescents on HD.

Methods

From January 2009 to December 2013, there were 34 patients rated as unfit for transplantation for at least the next 6 months or who had already been on HD through a central venous catheter (CVC). Three patients aged between 12 months and 3 years and weighing 9-12 kg were not suitable for AVF. Finally 31 patients, from 6 to 19 years of age with a mean weight of 43.3 ± 14.5 kg (19-80 kg), were assigned to the alternative of AVF.

Results

During the above-mentioned time period, 31 patients were provided with 32 AVFs; 26 received a distal radiocephalic fistula, five a Gracz-type fistula and one a brachio-basilic fistula. All but two fistulae matured primarily, within an average time of 45 (range: 16-191) days until the first dialysis. The fistula's 1-year primary and primary assisted patency rates were 78% and 94%, respectively.

Conclusions

The creation of a native vascular access is an effective and durable procedure in paediatric and adolescent patients. It reduces using of CVCs and is appropriate both for long-term treatment and as a bridging procedure until renal transplantation.
Paclitaxel Drug-eluting Balloons to Recurrent In-stent Stenoses in Autogenous Dialysis Fistulas: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Swinnen Jan “John” , Zahid Assad , Burgess David C.A.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

To assess the effect of the Medtronic paclitaxel drug-eluting balloon (DEB) on re-intervention to in-stent stenoses in autogenous dialysis arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs).

Background

AVF is the optimum haemodialysis access. The commonest problem is stenosis, preventing maturation, causing inadequate dialysis or precipitating occlusion. Conventional angioplasty has a high recurrence rate. Successful drug elution in the coronary circulation led us to use DEBs in recurrent AVF stenoses since 2010.

Methods

This is a retrospective study, based on prospective audit data, using DEBs on recurrent in-stent stenotic lesions in the AVF circuit of our haemodialysis population. To analyse the effect of DEBs on re-intervention, we created two Kaplan–Meier curves. The first curve compares the last “disease-free-interval” pre-DEB intervention to the first “disease-free interval” post-DEB, giving us “re-intervention-free percentage at 12 months” pre- and post-DEB. The second curve takes into account the multiple pre- and post-DEB interventions to the index lesion, and uses a marginal proportional hazards model to estimate the hazard ratio for “DEBpresent vs. DEBabsent”.

Results

From 1 September 2010 to 1 December 2013, we treated 625 AVF stenoses with endovascular techniques. In 86 of these stenoses, DEBs were used. Of the 86 DEB interventions, 37 were included for this study, 49 were excluded. In the study group, there was a significant difference in “re-intervention-free percentage at 12 months” before and after DEB: 19% vs. 69%. The hazard ratio for “DEBpresent” vs. “DEBabsent” was 0.23 (95% CI 0.14 to 0.36, p<0.001).

Conclusions

This retrospective study suggests that DEBs significantly reduce re-intervention on recurrent in-stent AVF stenoses.
Effects of Prolonged Ethanol Lock Exposure to Carbothane- and Silicone-based Hemodialysis Catheters: A 26-week Study
Authors: Landry Daniel L. , Jaber Randa A. , Hanumanthappa Nandheesha , Lipkowitz George S. , O'Shea Michael H. , Bermudez Harry , Hathorne Adam P. , Braden Gregory L.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Antibiotic locks in catheter-dependent chronic hemodialysis patients reduce the rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), but may be associated with the development of resistant bacteria. Ethanol-based catheter locks may provide a better alternative; however, there are limited data on the long-term integrity of dialysis catheters exposed to ethanol.

Methods

We performed in vitro testing of two types of hemodialysis catheters—silicone (SLC) and carbothane (CBT) based—with a 70% ethanol lock (EL) versus heparin lock (HL) for 26 weeks. Lock solutions were changed thrice weekly to mimic a conventional hemodialysis schedule. We tested mechanical properties of the catheters at 0, 13 and 26 weeks by examining stress/strain relationships (SS400%) and modulus of elasticity (ME). Electron microscopy was performed to examine catheter ultrastructure at 0 and 26 weeks.

Results

Catheter integrity for HL versus EL in SLC (SS400%: 4.5 vs. 4.5 MPa, p = NS; ME: 4.6 vs. 4.7 MPa, p = NS) or CBT-based catheters (SS400%: 7.6 vs. 8.9 MPa, p = NS; ME: 9.6 vs. 12.2 MPa, p = NS) were all similar at 13 and 26 weeks. Scanning electron microscopy revealed no structural changes in the central and luminal wall internal surfaces of EL- versus HL-treated catheters.

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in catheter integrity between SLC or CBT catheters exposed to a 70% EL for 26 weeks. Given its low cost, potential to avoid antibiotic resistance and structural integrity after 6 months of high-dose ethanol, ELs should be studied prospectively against antibiotic locks to assess the efficacy and safety in hemodialysis patients.
Transradial versus Transfemoral Approach in Coronary Angiography: A Matched Pair Analysis of Cath Lab Equipment Costs
Authors: Plehn Gunnar , Örnek Ahmet , Gkiouras Georgios , Vormbrock Julia , Maagh Petra , Butz Thomas , Meissner Axel
Published: June 2015

Introduction

There is an ongoing struggle to understand the potential economic benefits that radial access may offer. Cost savings are thought to primarily occur after the procedure. The aim of our study was to analyze cath lab expenses resulting from transradial (TRA) and transfemoral approaches (TFA).

Methods

A total of n = 1890 matched pairs of patients were analyzed. A traditional Judkins catheter strategy was pursued for coronary angiography. Three large databases were merged to collect and compare procedural data as material, medication costs and fluoroscopy time.

Results

Compared to TFA diagnostic catheterization from TRA was associated with significantly lower procedural costs (€181.0 versus €167.5; p<0.001). Extra costs in TFA were primarily produced by frequent use of vascular closure devices (VCDs) in 86% of patients. However, the potential saving amount related to VCD use was only partly realized due to the higher number of extra catheters (0.53 ± 0.9 versus 0.23 ± 0.6; p<0.001) and hydrophilic guidewires (0.088 ± 0.3 versus 0.014 ± 0.1; p<0.001) used in TRA. Weak correlations were observed between the total number of cases and fluoroscopy time (r = −0.13; p<0.001) as well as material costs (r = 0.31; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Significant cost savings can be realized by TRA at the procedural level even when adhering to a conventional Judkins catheter strategy. Hydrophilic guidewires and additional catheters are the main cost drivers in TRA. In contrast to fluoroscopy time material costs steadily increase during the early stage of the TRA learning curve.
Bioinformatics Approach Reveals Systematic Mechanism Underlying Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Xiya , Zhang Wei , Hu Yunhua , Yi Xianghua
Published: June 2015

Background

The purpose of this work was to explore the systematic molecular mechanism of lung adenocarcinoma and gain a deeper insight into it.

Methods

Comprehensive bioinformatics methods were applied. Initially, significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed from the Affymetrix microarray data (GSE27262) deposited in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Subsequently, gene ontology (GO) analysis was performed using online Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integration Discovery (DAVID) software. Finally, significant pathway crosstalk was investigated based on the information derived from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database.

Results

According to our results, the N-terminal globular domain of the type X collagen (COL10A1) gene and transmembrane protein 100 (TMEM100) gene were identified to be the most significant DEGs in tumor tissue compared with the adjacent normal tissues. The main GO categories were biological process, cellular component and molecular function. In addition, the crosstalk was significantly different between non-small cell lung cancer pathways and inositol phosphate metabolism pathway, focal adhesion signal pathway, vascular smooth muscle contraction signal pathway, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway and calcium signaling pathway in tumor.

Conclusions

Dysfunctional genes and pathways may play key roles in the progression and development of lung adenocarcinoma. Our data provide a systematic perspective for understanding this mechanism and may be helpful in discovering an effective treatment for lung adenocarcinoma.
Delayed Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting in Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Patients: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Gonella Silvia , Di Giulio Paola
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) continues to be a problem in patients undergoing a hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) despite progress in antiemetic prophylaxis. This study investigated the clinical course of nausea and vomiting (NV) and retching over the 5 days following an autologous HCT in a transplant setting.

Methods

This longitudinal observational study was an exploratory analysis of data from a trial that assessed the efficacy of aroma in preventing NV related to dimethyl sulfoxide in 69 autologous HCT patients undergoing highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC; n = 56) or moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC; n = 13).

Results

Nausea started to increase on the second day after reinfusion, with a peak between 72 and 96 hours, and decreased on the fifth day. The pattern for vomiting was similar, while retching episodes remained unchanged after the third day following transplant. Nausea and emesis were observed in 73% (n = 41) and 64% (n = 36) of HEC patients, respectively, and in 85% (n = 11) and 62% (n = 8) of MEC patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Uncontrolled delayed CINV is still a challenge for autologous HCT patients. Nausea, vomiting and retching are 3 different symptoms that should be assessed and managed separately in routine clinical practice.
Long-Term Survival in Metastasized Leiomyosarcoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Schönknecht Christine , Hadjamu Miriam , Oechsner Markus , Andratschke Nicolaus , Duma Marciana-Nona
Published: June 2015

Background

Leiomyosarcoma of the mesosigma is a very rare entity, with low 5-year survival rates. Treatment consists of resection of the primary tumor and, if applicable, of synchronous or metachronous metastases. Local treatment options for metastatic disease should be exploited as long as possible, as response to chemotherapy is reportedly disappointing. Stereotactic radiotherapy is a fairly new locally effective treatment option which has been well established in stereotactic radiotherapy of lung tumors. Whether repeated stereotactic radiotherapy sessions for treatment of lung metastases can be safely and successfully performed over a long time period is not yet well documented.

Case report

We present the case of a 71-year-old female patient who had a primary diagnosis of lung metastases 12 years ago. Atypical resections of 4 lung metastases were performed in 2001 and 2002. Between 2004 and 2011, 7 sessions of stereotactic body irradiation of lung metastases were performed. All stereotactic treatment were tolerated well (no radiation pneumonitis, FEV1 was 1.3 L [67.8%] in 2004 and 0.99 L [56.3%] in 2011).

Conclusions

The present case could demonstrate that a repetitive treatment of lung metastases with multiple stereotactic radiotherapy sessions can lead to long-term survival with a good quality of life.
Progesterone Receptor Status and Clinical Outcome in Breast Cancer Patients with Estrogen Receptor-Positive Locoregional Recurrence
Authors: Bogina Giuseppe , Lunardi Gianluigi , Coati Francesca , Zamboni Giuseppe , Gori Stefania , Bortesi Laura , Marconi Marcella , Cassandrini Paola Agnese , Turazza Monica , Cortesi Laura , DeMatteis Elisabetta , Ficarra Guido , Ibrahim Toni , Serra Patrizia , Medri Laura , Giraudi Sara , Lambertini Matteo , Carli Franca , Foglietta Jennifer , Sidoni Angelo , Nunzi Martina , Ficorella Corrado , Diadema Maria Rosaria , Del Mastro Lucia
Published: June 2015

Aims and background

The aim of this retrospective multicenter study was to evaluate the impact of progesterone receptor (PgR) loss on locoregional recurrence in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive primary breast cancer and ER-positive locoregional recurrence.

Patients and Methods

Eight Italian oncology centers collected data from consecutive patients with ER-positive breast cancer and a subsequent ER-positive locoregional recurrence.

Results

Data were available for 265 patients diagnosed with breast cancer between 1990 and 2009. Median metastasis-free survival was 111 months in patients with PgR-positive primary tumors and locoregional recurrence (PgRpos), 38 months in patients with PgR-negative primary tumors and locoregional recurrence (PgRneg), and 63 months in patients with PgR-positive primary tumors and PgR-negative locoregional recurrence (PgRloss). In multivariate analysis, PgR status was independently associated with metastasis-free survival, with a hazard ratio of 2.84 (95% CI 1.34-6.00) for PgRneg compared with PgRpos, and 2.93 (95% CI: 1.51-5.70) for PgRloss compared with PgRpos.

Conclusions

PgR absence was found to be a negative prognostic factor in breast cancer patients with ER-positive locoregional recurrence. Thus, PgR status could be a biological marker in ER-positive recurrent breast cancer.
Isolated Cardiac Metastasis from Squamous Cell Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Abbate Maria Ida , Cicchiello Federica , Canova Stefania , Cortinovis Diego , Mariani Silvia , Maffini Fausto , Bidoli Paolo
Published: June 2015

Although heart metastases are uncommon and generally a sign of disseminated disease, they are up to 40 times more frequent than primary cancers of the heart, and typically arise from melanoma or primary mediastinal cancer, but also from lymphoma, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, and leukemia. They are usually asymptomatic and found only at autopsy. Symptomatic patients generally die within a few weeks of diagnosis and usual treatments are chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both. Surgical resection is recommended only for a single lesion, which is rare. We describe a 49-year-old man treated for squamous cell cancer of the esophagus in whom a single asymptomatic left heart metastasis was discovered incidentally during follow-up. The lesion was debulked surgically and multimodal treatment followed. The patient survived 1 year after diagnosis with good performance status during which time no other lesion was discovered. Cardiac metastasis is challenging and necessitates skilled multidisciplinary management to maximize the clinical outcome.
Adjuvant Chemoradiation in Gastric Cancer: Long-term Outcomes and Prognostic Factors from a Single Institution
Authors: Bruixola Gema , Segura Ángel , Díaz-Beveridge Robert , Caballero Javier , Bennis Mohamed Hassan , Palomar Laura , Giménez Alejandra , Mingol Fernando , García-Mora Carmen , Aparicio Jorge
Published: June 2015

Background

Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) improves relapse-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with resected gastric cancer. However, difficulties in standardizing an optimal surgical approach and a perceived higher toxicity compared with the perioperative approach have limited its widespread application in Europe. The aim of our study was to assess toxicity and long-term outcomes of adjuvant CRT at our institution.

Methods

A retrospective review (September 2001-January 2012) was completed of patients with resected gastric cancer who received adjuvant CRT (Macdonald regimen). Adverse events and completion rates, RFS and OS were estimated. Univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors for OS were performed.

Results

Eighty-seven patients were included. Most had diffuse (52%) and locally advanced tumors (stage III-IV; 66.7%). D2 lymphadenectomy was performed in 80.5%. The most frequent grade 3-4 toxicities were gastrointestinal (28%) and stomatitis (20%), with 78.2% completing treatment. With a median follow-up of 115 months, 58.5% had relapsed, most of them distantly. Median RFS and OS were 9 and 24 months, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that performance status, stage and lymph node burden were significant factors for OS. In the multivariate study, only stage and lymph node burden remained as independent OS predictors.

Conclusions

Our implementation of the Macdonald regimen achieved worse outcomes than those reported in the INT-0116 trial. The rate of distant relapse remains unacceptably high. Higher rate of positive lymph nodes and of diffuse tumors could explain some differences. The use of perioperative chemotherapy, especially in patients with a poorer prognosis, might improve these results.
Ethnic Difference in Risk of Toxicity in Prostate Cancer Patients Treated with Dynamic Arc Radiation Therapy
Authors: Guerra Jose L. Lopez , Matute Raul , Puebla Fernando , Sánchez-Reyes Alberto , Pontes Beatriz , Rubio Cristina , Nepomuceno Isabel , Acevedo Catalina , Isa Nicolas , Lengua Rafael , Praena-Fernandez Juan Manuel , del Campo Eleonor Rivin , Ortiz Maria Jose , Azinovic Ignacio
Published: June 2015

Aims and background

The objective of this study was to assess the influence of ethnicity on toxicity in patients treated with dynamic arc radiation therapy (ART) for prostate cancer (PC).

Methods

From June 2006 to May 2012, 162 cT1-T3 cN0 cM0 PC patients were treated with ART (primary diagnosis, n = 125; post-prostatectomy/brachytherapy biochemical recurrence, n = 26; adjuvant post-prostatectomy, n = 11) at 2 institutions. Forty-five patients were Latin Americans and 117 were Europeans. The dose prescribed to the prostate ranged between 68 Gy and 81 Gy.

Results

The median age was 69 years (range 43-87 years). The median follow-up was 18 months (range 2-74 months). Overall, only 3 patients died, none due to a cancer-related cause. Biochemical recurrence was seen in 7 patients. The rates of acute grade 2 gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicities were 19.7% and 17%, respectively. Only 1 patient experienced acute grade 3 GI toxicity, whereas 11 patients (6.7%) experienced acute grade 3 GU toxicity. Multivariate analysis showed that undergoing whole pelvic lymph node irradiation was associated with a higher grade of acute GI toxicity (OR: 3.46; p = 0.003). In addition, older age was marginally associated with a higher grade of acute GI toxicity (OR: 2.10; p = 0.074). Finally, ethnicity was associated with acute GU toxicity: Europeans had lower-grade toxicity (OR: 0.27; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest an ethnic difference in GU toxicity for PC patients treated with ART. In addition, we found that ART is associated with a very low risk of severe toxicity and a low recurrence rate.
Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy with CyberKnife in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer: Preliminary Results
Authors: Fan Chao-Yueh , Chao Hsing-Lung , Huang Wen-Yen , Lin Chun-Shu , Chen Chang-Ming , Lo Cheng-Hsiang
Published: June 2015

Aims and Background

Recent clinical reports of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) in the treatment of low-risk prostate cancer have been encouraging. Our study evaluates the efficacy and safety of SABR using the CyberKnife system for treating intermediate- to very-high-risk prostate cancer.

Methods and Study Design

Between May 2010 and June 2013, 31 patients (15 intermediate risk, 14 high risk, and 2 very high risk) without pelvic lymph node metastasis were enrolled retrospectively. The treatment consisted of 37.5 Gy in 5 fractions over 1-2 weeks using CyberKnife SABR. Twenty-five patients (81%) received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Biochemical failure was defined using the nadir + 2 criterion. Toxicity was assessed with the Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events (version 4).

Results

The median follow-up was 36 months (range 7-58 months). The median pretreatment prostate-­pecific antigen (PSA) was 13.5 ng/mL (range 4.5-124.0 ng/mL). The median PSA decreased to 0.09 ng/mL (range <0.04-5.38 ng/mL) and 0.12 ng/mL (range <0.04-2.63 ng/mL) at 6 months and 12 months after SABR, respectively. The 3-year biochemical relapse-free survival was 90.2% for all patients, 100% for the intermediate-risk patients, and 82% for the high- and very-high-risk patients (p = 0.186). No patient experienced ≥ grade 3 toxicity. There were 7 acute and 5 late grade 2 genitourinary toxicities and 1 acute and no late grade 2 gastrointestinal toxicity.

Conclusions

Our preliminary results support that CyberKnife SABR with ADT is safe and feasible in patients with intermediate- to high-risk prostate cancer. A further large-scale clinical trial with longer follow-up is warranted.
Interleukin-6 as a Prognostic Marker for Breast Cancer: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Lin ShuChen , Gan ZhiHua , Han Kun , Yao Yang , Min DaLiu
Published: June 2015

Aims and background

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been shown to promote tumor survival, metastasis, and angiogenesis, in addition to possessing antitumor activities. In light of the conflicting data, we sought to determine whether IL-6 could be used as a prognostic factor for patients with breast cancer.

Methods

Eligible studies describing the use of IL-6 as a prognostic factor for breast cancer were identified. Data describing overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and clinicopathologic features were collected and analyzed.

Results

Thirteen articles containing 3,224 breast cancer patients were identified. The results showed that IL-6 expression was not associated with lymph node metastasis, tumor size, or histologic grade. Moreover, there was no correlation between IL-6 expression and DFS. However, the combined hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for OS was 2.15 (1.46, 3.17). Sensitivity analysis further demonstrated that, for OS, the results of this meta-analysis were stable. A subgroup analysis showed that the source used to detect IL-6 levels may have altered the pooled results for OS.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results indicate that IL-6 expression is associated with poor prognosis for breast cancer and the prognostic role is affected by the source used to detect IL-6 levels.
Creating Beauty: The Experience of a Fashion Collection Prepared by Adolescent Patients at a Pediatric Oncology Unit
Authors: Veneroni Laura , Clerici Carlo Alfredo , Proserpio Tullio , Magni Chiara , Sironi Giovanna , Chiaravalli Stefano , Roncari Luisa , Casanova Michela , Gandola Lorenza , Massimino Maura , Ferrari Andrea
Published: June 2015

Aims and Background

Adolescent patients with cancer need psychological support in order to face the traumatic event of cancer diagnosis and to preserve continuity with their normal lives. Creative projects or laboratories may help young patients express their thoughts and feelings.

Methods

The Youth Project developed activities dedicated to adolescents to give them a chance to vent their creative spirit and express themselves freely. In the first project, the teenagers designed their own fashion collection in all its various stages under the artistic direction of a well-known fashion designer, creating their own brand name (B.Live), and organized a fashion show.

Results

In all, 24 patients from 15 to 20 years old took part in the project. The fashion project proved a fundamental resource in helping the young patients involved to regain a positive self-image and the feeling that they could take action, both on themselves and in their relations with others.

Conclusions

Facilitating the experience of beauty may enable hope to withstand the anguish caused by disease. This experience integrated the usual forms of psychological support to offer patients a form of expression and support during the course of their treatment.
Onabotulinumtoxina Intravesical Treatment in Patients Affected by Overactive Bladder Syndrome: Best Practice in Real-Life Management
Authors: Giannantoni Antonella , Proietti Silvia , Costantini Elisabetta , Gubbiotti Marilena , De Vermandois Jacopo Rossi , Porena Massimo
Published: June 2015

Purpose

We evaluated intradetrusorial OnabotulinumtoxinA (Onabot/A) treatment protocols in patients with idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB), in order to assess the care of patients before, during and after treatment.

Methods

In 64 OAB patients injected with Onabot/A, we reviewed the length of the hospital stay, frequency of catheterization, frequency of intraoperative and postoperative complications, and patients’ satisfaction to the proposed treatment protocol (as assessed by VAS). We also compared the results of the 3-day voiding diary, uroflowmetry with postvoid residual urine (PVR) and VAS to score the bother of urinary symptoms on quality of life (QoL) before and after treatment.

Results

Twenty-one patients were firstly treated in an ‘inpatient’ setting. The mean ± SD duration of hospitalization and catheterization was 39.4 ± 12.6 and 37.8 ± 10.6 h, respectively. The mean ± SD VAS values of treatment satisfaction and of bother of urinary symptoms on QoL were 6.3 ± 1.1 and 8.2 ± 1.3, respectively. The mean ± SD PVR value was 74.3 ± 15.2 ml. Frequency of UTIs was 2.4 ± 1.6. Forty-three patients were treated on an outpatient basis; the mean ± SD duration of catheterization, the ‘outpatient’ stay and the mean ± SD frequency of UTIs were lower than those of patients treated in an inpatient setting. The mean ± SD VAS value to score QoL was high.

Conclusions

Intradetrusorial Onabot/A injection is a simple and fast procedure that can be easily carried on in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia, with low rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications.
Tourism in European cities
Authors: Baldassin Luigino , Gallo Massimo , Mattevi Elena
Published: June 2015

The article provides new information on hotel prices and services in 26 European cities and investigates hotel price determinants. In a two-step estimation procedure, the authors first quantify the price effect of single room and hotel services and then examine the relationship between accommodation prices and city characteristics. They find that hotel services differ significantly from city to city and that room characteristics such as size, breakfast, air conditioning, and free-cancellation options are services for which customers are willing to pay a significant markup. Moreover, the service content of accommodation is negatively correlated with the value of the city center where the hotel is located: increasing competition on the European market seems to be producing partial price convergence via adjustment of service and quality content, so that cities with higher factor costs tend to cut service quality while “cheaper” towns improve it.
Accessing the Mind’s Eye and Ear: What Might Lab Experiments Tell Us About Film Music?
Authors: Donnelly K.J.
Published: June 2015

A psychological understanding of film music ought to be based on ideas derived from audiovisual phenomena in human perception and cognition, allied with experiments designed and calibrated specifically for film music rather than jerry-built from the prevailing methods in psychology and scientific analysis. Possibilities now exist for laboratory experimentation, which might change the way we understand film music and the approaches we take to it.
Audiovisual Styling and the Film Experience: Prospects for Textual Analysis and Experimental Approaches to Understand the Perception of Sound and Music in Movies
Authors: Langkjær Birger
Published: June 2015

Approaches to music and audiovisual meaning in film appear to be very different in nature and scope when considered from the point of view of experimental psychology or humanistic studies. Nevertheless, this article argues that experimental studies square with ideas of audiovisual perception and meaning in humanistic film music studies in two ways: through studies of vertical synchronous interaction and through studies of horizontal narrative effects. Also, it is argued that the combination of insights from quantitative experimental studies and qualitative audiovisual film analysis may actually be combined into a more complex understanding of how audiovisual features interact in the minds of their audiences. This is demonstrated through a review of a series of experimental studies. Yet, it is also argued that textual analysis and concepts from within film and music studies can provide insights and explanatory frameworks that have not yet been addressed in a sufficient manner by experimental approaches. Three such areas are identified: single film analysis, intramodal interactions, and questions of implied authorship. In these cases, concepts and analytic practices from within film and music studies can provide insights and afford great explanatory value. Accordingly, the point of this article is not only to address how experimental and textual approaches may benefit from each other but also to show that experimental studies of cross-modal interactions need to address issues and pose questions that are more intimately linked with present concerns within humanistic film studies.
Film, Music, and Experimental Psychology: Reflections and Further Directions
Authors: Rédei Anna Cabak
Published: June 2015

The final session of the two-day long Workshop on Film Music and Experimental Methods. How does Film Music Mean? took the form of a round table discussion. The exchange of views circled around the question of how experimental psychology might help to explain what film does and how it conveys meaning.
Trends in Cervical Cytology Screening and Reporting Practices: Results From the College of American Pathologists 2011 PAP Education Supplemental Questionnaire
Authors: Crothers Barbara A. , Darragh Teresa M. , Tambouret Rosemary H. , Nayar Ritu , Barkan Guliz A. , Zhao Chengquan , Booth Christine Noga , Padmanabhan Vijayalakshmi , Tabatabai Z. Laura , Souers Rhona J. , Thomas Nicole , Wilbur David C. , Moriarty Ann T.
Published: June 2015

Context

The College of American Pathologists periodically surveys laboratories to determine changes in cytopathology practices. We report the results of a 2011 gynecologic cytology survey.

Objective

To provide a cross-sectional survey of gynecologic cytology practices in 2010.

Design

In 2011, a survey was sent to 1604 laboratories participating in the College of American Pathologists gynecologic cytology interlaboratory comparison education program and proficiency testing programs requesting data from 2010 on the following topics: terminology/reporting, cytotechnologist workload, quality assurance, reagents, and ancillary testing.

Results

Six hundred and twenty-five laboratories (39%) replied to the survey. The nonstandard use of “low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion” is used by most laboratories to report the presence of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion with possibility of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Most laboratories also report the presence or absence of cells from the transformation zone. Most respondents do not limit cytotechnologist screening workload during the work shift. Only about one-third of laboratories (188 of 582; 32%) use image-assisted screening devices. Rapid prescreening as a quality assurance measure is used by only 3.5% (21 of 594) of the laboratories. When used for screening, most laboratories use the imager for retrospective review of slides to detect human locator and interpretive errors. Most laboratories receive both liquid-based cytology samples (mainly ThinPrep, Hologic, Marlborough, Massachusetts) and conventional Papanicolaou tests. Expiration dates of liquid-based cytology test vials are not usually recorded.

Conclusions

The field of gynecologic cytology is evolving rapidly. These survey results offer a snapshot of national gynecologic cytology practices in 2010.
Stephen Harper, Leo Strauss et la politique de la peur
Authors: Staring Scott , Dorion-Soulié Manuel
Published: June 2015

Cet article compare les idées politiques de Stephen Harper avec celles du philosophe politique controversé Leo Strauss. Il se concentre sur leur peur partagée des Nations Unies, utilisant la pensée de Strauss, plus pénétrante et systématique, pour clarifier les présupposés fondamentaux qui expliqueraient l’attitude de Harper à l’égard de l’onu. Le premier de ces présupposés est que le soutien des nations occidentales à l’onu est un symptôme de la faible volonté d’un libéralisme incapable d’affronter ses ennemis. Par ailleurs, le présupposé selon lequel c’est précisément par l’affrontement avec un ennemi mortel que l’État-nation peut retrouver sa santé morale et politique est tout aussi important. Ces idées, avance l’auteur, aident à expliquer une période en politique étrangère canadienne qui fut marquée par des relations notoirement tendues avec l’onu et une préoccupation constante pour la menace terroriste.
Les conservateurs canadiens, la question d’Israël et l’antisémitisme
Authors: Boily Frédéric
Published: June 2015

Depuis 2006, le gouvernement conservateur a donné à de multiples reprises son appui à l’État d’Israël. Ce soutien suscite de nombreuses controverses, parce qu’il est interprété comme une rupture par rapport aux positions traditionnelles du Canada face au conflit israélo-palestinien. Dans ce texte, nous examinons les positions conservatrices de Joe Clark et de Brian Mulroney pour évaluer en quoi l’approche actuelle de Stephen Harper s’en distingue ou non. Le texte revient en terminant sur les explications avancées pour comprendre cet appui à Israël et nous montrons que, s’il y a rupture, il existe aussi certaines continuités entre Stephen Harper et les autres conservateurs.
Instrumentalisation des droits humains en politique étrangère canadienne ?
Authors: Anzueto Marc-André
Published: June 2015

Les droits humains et les opportunités commerciales sont deux thèmes qui ont historiquement marqué la politique étrangère du Canada à l’égard du Guatemala. En dépit d’une promotion explicite des intérêts économiques canadiens dans le secteur minier et des tensions avec la société civile, pourquoi le gouvernement Harper insiste-t-il sur l’importance des droits humains au Guatemala ? Cet article propose une réflexion théorique sur l’instrumentalisation des droits humains sous le prisme du néoconservatisme et de l’internationalisme en analysant le cas guatémaltèque depuis les années 1980. En fait, l’instrumentalisation des droits humains s’inscrit dans un processus de (re)définition du tandem identité / intérêt national canadien.
Analyse d’une stratégie collective manquée. Le cas de 1001Libraires.com dans le commerce du livre
Authors: Poirel Carole
Published: June 2015

Cet article se propose d’analyser un cas d’échec stratégique, 1001libraires.com, en s’appuyant sur les travaux consacrés aux stratégies collectives. Si le projet réunissait initialement un ensemble de conditions économiques favorable à son succès, il n’a fonctionné qu’une année révélant les difficultés de management de l’action collective dans la profession. Les entretiens conduits auprès d’acteurs clés du portail, ont montré que les objectifs individuels n’ont pas été dès le départ, suffisamment convergents pour rendre le projet viable et que cette incompatibilité originelle a généré des choix stratégiques de compromis qui n’étaient en adéquation ni avec les besoins du marché ni avec les ressources financières mobilisées.
Pratiques coopétitives dans l’Open Innovation : Les enseignements des patent pools
Authors: Ayerbe Cécile , Azzam Jamal  Eddine
Published: June 2015

Cette recherche propose une relecture de l’Open Innovation sous l’angle de la coopétition. Une telle approche est encore très peu appréhendée dans la littérature existante. Ces logiques de coopétition sont analysées dans le cadre des ‘‘patent pools’’ qui constituent une forme organisée d’innovation ouverte que nous qualifions ‘‘d’ouverture à grande échelle’’, très peu étudiée par la littérature managériale. Nous montrons que les patent pools reposent sur le développement simultané de pratiques collaboratives et compétitives, que ce soit lors de leur constitution ou ensuite de leur fonctionnement et en tirons des enseignements quant à la coopétition dans l’Open Innovation.
Risk factors for pre‐term birth in a Canadian cohort of HIV‐positive women: role of ritonavir boosting?
Authors: Kakkar Fatima , Boucoiran Isabelle , Lamarre Valerie , Ducruet Thierry , Amre Devendra , Soudeyns Hugo , Lapointe Normand , Boucher Marc
Published: June 2015

Background

The risk of pre‐term birth (PTB) associated with the use of protease inhibitors (PIs) during pregnancy remains a subject of debate. Recent data suggest that ritonavir boosting of PIs may play a specific role in the initiation of PTB, through an effect on the maternal–fetal adrenal axis. The primary objective of this study is to compare the risk of PTB among women treated with boosted PI versus non‐boosted PIs during pregnancy.

Methods

Between 1988 and 2011, 705 HIV‐positive women were enrolled into the Centre Maternel et Infantile sur le SIDA mother–infant cohort at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte‐Justine in Montreal, Canada. Inclusion criteria for the study were: 1) attendance at a minimum of two antenatal obstetric visits and 2) singleton live birth, at 24 weeks gestational or older. The association between PTB (defined as delivery at <37 weeks gestational age), antiretroviral drug exposure and maternal risk factors was assessed retrospectively using logistic regression.

Results

A total of 525 mother–infant pairs were included in the analysis. Among them, PI‐based combination anti‐retroviral therapy was used in 37.4%, boosted PI based in 24.4%, non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) or nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor based in 28.1%, and no treatment was given in 10.0% of cases. Overall, 13.5% of women experienced PTB. Among women treated with antiretroviral therapy, the risk of PTB was significantly higher among women who received boosted versus non‐boosted PI (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.02–3.97). This remained significant after adjusting for maternal age, delivery CD4 count, hepatitis C co‐infection, history of previous PTB, and parity (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.05–4.51). There was no increased risk of PTB with the use of unboosted PIs as compared to NNRTI‐ or NRTI‐based regimens.

Conclusion

While previous studies on the association between PTB and PI use have generally considered all PIs the same, our results would indicate a possible role of ritonavir boosting as a risk factor for PTB. Further work is needed to understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved, and to identify the safest ARV regimens to be used in pregnancy.
Fabrication and evaluation of deep-proton-exchanged and annealed waveguides in MgO:stoichiometric-LiTaO3
Authors: Okazaki Masahide , Chichibu Takao , Yoshimoto Syuhei , Mizuno Hirofumi , Suhara Toshiaki
Published: June 2015

We developed deep-proton exchanged (DPE) and annealed waveguides in MgO:stoichiometric-LiTaO3 crystal. We performed DPE in pyrophosphoric acid at 230 °C for 20 min and measured mode size and depth dependent on the annealing duration. High-quality planar waveguides of a mode size as large as 20 µm, suitable for electro-optic spatial light modulators for 355 nm UV wavelength, were obtained by annealing for 200 h.
The influence of birth season on height: Evidence from indonesia
Authors: Sohn Kitae
Published: June 2015

Objectives:

Literature on the effect of birth month on height has generally considered regions in temperate climates. However, because many climatic conditions there change with seasons, it is difficult to isolate potential causes. This study estimated the effect of birth month and season on terminal height by analyzing the population of a country with only a few factors driving its climate.

Materials and Methods:

The sample was derived from nationally representative data of the Indonesian population. We considered 9,262 men and 10,314 women 20–50 years of age. We applied cosinor analysis to a time series of height by birth month. We then applied a more flexible approach by regressing height on a series of dummy variables for birth month (and, subsequently, season) and birth year fixed effects by sex.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference in height by birth month. However, although weakly significant, men born in the dry season (June–September) were 2.3 mm shorter than those born in the wet season (the remaining months). The corresponding figure for women was 2.6 mm, a statistically significant difference.

Discussion:

We eliminated some potential factors previously suggested in the literature, including insolation, the position of our planet with respect to the sun, food availability, and maternal workload. We speculate that babies born in the dry season were affected in the third trimester by the high disease burden that characterizes the wet season. Am J Phys Anthropol 157:659–665, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population‐based study of hospital costs for hospitalizations of infants, children, and adults with a congenital heart defect, Arkansas 2006 to 2011
Authors: Simeone Regina M. , Oster Matthew E. , Hobbs Charlotte A. , Robbins James M. , Collins R. Thomas , Honein Margaret A.
Published: June 2015

Background

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are common birth defects and are associated with high hospital costs. The objectives of this study were to assess hospitalization costs, across the lifespan, of patients with CHDs in Arkansas.

Methods

Data from the 2006 to 2011 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Arkansas State Inpatient Databases were used. We included hospitalizations of patients whose admission occurred between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2011, and included a principal or secondary CHD ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis code (745.0–747.49, except 747.0 and 745.5 for preterm infants). Hospitalizations were excluded if they involved out‐of‐state residents, normal newborn births, or if missing data included age at admission, state of residence, or hospital charges. Children were defined as those < 18 years‐old at time of admission.

Results

Between 2006 and 2011, there were 2,242,484 inpatient hospitalizations in Arkansas. There were 9071 (0.4%) hospitalizations with a CHD, including 5,158 hospitalizations of children (2.2% of hospitalizations among children) and 3,913 hospitalizations of adults (0.2% of hospitalizations of adults). Hospital costs for these CHD hospitalizations totaled $355,543,696. The average annual cost of CHD hospitalizations in Arkansas was $59,257,283 during this time period. Infants accounted for 72% of all CHD‐related hospital costs; total costs of CHD hospitalizations for children were almost five times those of hospitalization costs for adults with CHD.

Conclusion

Hospitalizations with CHDs account for a disproportionate share of hospital costs in Arkansas. Hospitalizations of children with CHD accounted for a higher proportion of total hospitalizations than did hospitalizations of adults with CHD. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:814–820, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ChemInform Abstract: 8 — N Rule and Chemical Bonding in Main‐Group MgAgAs‐Type Compounds.
Authors: Bende David , Wagner Frank R. , Grin Yuri
Published: June 2015

The chemical bonding in the compounds LiMgN, LiMgP, LiMgAs, LiMgSb, LiMgBi, LiAlSi, LiAlGe, LiInGe, LiInSn, and BeAlB is analyzed using the quantum theory of atoms in molecules based on DFT calculations.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure of cis‐Diamminebis(nitrito‐ϰN)platinum(II).
Authors: Kahlenberg Volker , Gelbrich Thomas , Tessadri Richard , Klauser Frederik
Published: June 2015

Single crystals of cis‐[Pt(NO2)2(NH3)2] are obtained by hypersaturation directly out of a plating electrolyte by slow H2O evaporation (2 months).
ChemInform Abstract: Estimation of the Concentration and Mobility of Mobile Li+ in the Cubic Garnet‐Type Li7La3Zr2O12.
Authors: Ahmad Mohamad M.
Published: June 2015

Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZ) garnet‐like Li‐ion conductors are prepared by a combination of calcination and intermediate ball milling of stoichiometric amounts of Li2CO3, ZrO2, and La2O3 (staged temperature schedule) prior to final calcination of the pelletized material (1200 °C, 15 h).
ChemInform Abstract: The Composite Material Based on Dawson‐Type Polyoxometalate and Activated Carbon as the Supercapacitor Electrode.
Authors: Mu Anqi , Li Jiansheng , Chen Weilin , Sang Xiaojing , Su ZhongMin , Wang Enbo
Published: June 2015

A supercapacitor electrode assembled from activated carbon and (NH4)6 [P2Mo18O62]·14.2H2O shows remarkable electrochemical performance.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Solid‐State Structural Characterization of a Series of Aqueous Heterometallic Tridecameric Group 13 Clusters.
Authors: Kamunde‐Devonish Maisha K. , Fast Dylan B. , Mensinger Zachary L. , Gatlin Jason T. , Zakharov Lev N. , Dolgos Michelle R. , Johnson Darren W.
Published: June 2015

The series of new heterometallic aqueous nanoscale Ga/In tridecameric clusters C6H96Ga11.8In1.2N15 O99, C6H96Ga10.27In2.73N15 O99, C6H96Ga10.3In2.7N15 O99, C6H96Ga9.1In3.9N15 O99, C6H96Ga7.7In5.3N15 O99, and C6H96Ga7In6N15 O99 is synthesized from Ga(NO3)3 and In(NO3)3 hydrates dissolved in MeOH in the presence of N‐nitrosodibutylamine (evaporation of the solvent in air at room temperature, 14 d, 20—63% yield).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Colloidal Dispersions of Vanadium Tetrasulfide (VS4).
Authors: Kozlova Mariia N. , Mironov Yuri V. , Grayfer Ekaterina D. , Smolentsev Anton I. , Zaikovskii Vladimir I. , Nebogatikova Nadezhda A. , Podlipskaya Tatyana Yu. , Fedorov Vladimir E.
Published: June 2015

VS4 is prepared by heating a 1:4.1 molar mixture of the elements (evacuated quartz tubes, 400 °C, 10 d).
ChemInform Abstract: The Phosphinoboration Reaction.
Authors: Daley Erika N. , Vogels Christopher M. , Geier Stephen J. , Decken Andreas , Doherty Simon , Westcott Stephen A.
Published: June 2015

The single P—B bond of novel phosphinoboronate ester (II) is highly reactive and readily undergoes addition to C=O and C=N bonds, respectively.
ChemInform Abstract: Atropisomeric [(Diphosphine)Au2Cl2] Complexes and Their Catalytic Activity Towards Asymmetric Cycloisomerization of 1,6‐Enynes.
Authors: Barreiro Elena M. , Boltukhina Ekaterina V. , White Andrew J. P. , Hii King Kuok
Published: June 2015

Investigation of atropisomeric [(diphosphine)Au2Cl2] complexes in the title reaction reveals an over‐riding electronic effect, e.g. more‐electron‐rich phosphines promote greater enantioselectivity.
ChemInform Abstract: Direct Photoinduced Electron Transfer from Excited State of Rhodamine B for Carbon‐Radical Generation.
Authors: Yoshioka Eito , Kohtani Shigeru , Jichu Takahisa , Fukazawa Takuya , Nagai Toyokazu , Takemoto Yoshiji , Miyabe Hideto
Published: June 2015

The photoinduced electron transfer from the excited singlet state of rhodamine B to alkyl halides effectively proceeds in the presence of water.
ChemInform Abstract: Cationic Zinc Organyls as Precatalysts for Hydroamination Reactions.
Authors: Chilleck Maren A. , Hartenstein Larissa , Braun Thomas , Roesky Peter W. , Braun Beatrice
Published: June 2015

A cationic zinc triple‐decker complex exhibits catalytic activity in intra‐ and intermolecular hydroamination reactions.