bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition Potentiates the Efficacy of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Blockade and Promotes an Immune Stimulatory Microenvironment in Preclinical Models of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Kirane Amanda , Huang Huocong , Sorrelle Noah B. , Burrows Francis J. , Dellinger Michael T. , Brekken Rolf A.
Published: October 2018

Resistance to standard therapy remains a major challenge in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Although anti-VEGF therapy delays PDA progression, therapy-induced hypoxia results in a less differentiated mesenchymal-like tumor cell phenotype, which reinforces the need for effective companion therapies. COX-2 inhibition has been shown to promote tumor cell differentiation and improve standard therapy response in PDA. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of COX-2 inhibition and VEGF blockade in preclinical models of PDA. In vivo, the combination therapy was more effective in limiting tumor growth and metastasis than single-agent therapy. Combination therapy also reversed anti-VEGF–induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition and collagen deposition and altered the immune landscape by increasing tumor-associated CD8+ T cells while reducing FoxP3+ T cells and FasL expression on the tumor endothelium.

Implications:

Together, these findings demonstrate that COX-2 inhibition enhances the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy by reducing hypoxia-induced epithelial plasticity and promoting an immune landscape that might facilitate immune activation.

Visual Overview: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/17/2/348/F1.large.jpg.
Genetic and Epigenetic Determinants of Aggressiveness in Cribriform Carcinoma of the Prostate
Authors: Elfandy Habiba , Armenia Joshua , Pederzoli Filippo , Pullman Eli , Pertega-Gomes Nelma , Schultz Nikolaus , Viswanathan Kartik , Vosoughi Aram , Blattner Mirjam , Stopsack Konrad H. , Zadra Giorgia , Penney Kathryn L. , Mosquera Juan Miguel , Tyekucheva Svitlana , Mucci Lorelei A. , Barbieri Christopher , Loda Massimo
Published: October 2018

Among prostate cancers containing Gleason pattern 4, cribriform morphology is associated with unfavorable clinicopathologic factors, but its genetic features and association with long-term outcomes are incompletely understood. In this study, genetic, transcriptional, and epigenetic features of invasive cribriform carcinoma (ICC) tumors were compared with non-cribriform Gleason 4 (NC4) in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. ICC (n = 164) had distinctive molecular features when compared with NC4 (n = 102). These include: (i) increased somatic copy number variations (SCNV), specifically deletions at 6q, 8p and 10q, which encompassed PTEN and MAP3K7 losses and gains at 3q; (ii) increased SPOPmut and ATMmut; (iii) enrichment for mTORC1 and MYC pathways by gene expression; and (iv) increased methylation of selected genes. In addition, when compared with the metastatic prostate cancer, ICC clustered more closely to metastatic prostate cancer than NC4. Validation in clinical cohorts and genomically annotated murine models confirmed the association with SPOPmut (n = 38) and PTENloss (n = 818). The association of ICC with lethal disease was evaluated in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) and Physicians' Health Study (PHS) prospective prostate cancer cohorts (median follow-up, 13.4 years; n = 818). Patients with ICC were more likely to develop lethal cancer [HR, 1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–2.49], independent from Gleason score (GS).

Implications:

ICC has a distinct molecular phenotype that resembles metastatic prostate cancer and is associated with progression to lethal disease.
Large but Nonstenotic Carotid Artery Plaque in Patients With a History of Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source
Authors: Komatsu Teppei , Iguchi Yasuyuki , Arai Ayumi , Sakuta Kenichi , Sakai Kenichiro , Terasawa Yuka , Mitsumura Hidetaka , Matsushima Masato
Published: October 2018

Background and Purpose—

This study’s objective is to determine if nonstenotic carotid plaque of <50% luminal narrowing predominantly develops ipsilateral rather than contralateral to the stroke site.

Methods—

This was a cross-sectional observational study. We identified consecutive patients with anterior circulation embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS), excluding stroke in multiple vascular territories. Using ultrasonography, we measured the internal carotid plaque size and stenosis for each patient. We dichotomized the plaque size at several predefined thresholds and calculated the frequency of the plaque size and morphology above each threshold ipsilateral versus contralateral to the stroke site.

Results—

We included 53 patients with unilateral anterior circulation ESUS. Initially, we found that plaque with a thickness ≥1.5 mm was present ipsilateral to the stroke site in 59% of the patients, and present contralateral to the stroke site in 42% of the patients (31/53 versus 22/53 patients;
P
=0.049). Plaque with low echo likewise had a similar prevalence when present ipsilateral (9%) and contralateral (4%) to the stroke site (5/53 versus 2/53;
P
=0.25).

Conclusions—

Internal carotid artery plaque with a thickness ≥1.5 mm but that is nonstenotic (<50%) is considerably more common when ipsilateral to the ESUS site than when contralateral to the ESUS site, especially in plaque with a thickness ≥2.6 mm. Large but nonstenotic carotid artery plaque is associated with anterior circulation ESUS.
Multi-Instance Dimensionality Reduction via Sparsity and Orthogonality
Authors: Zhu Hong , Liao Li-Zhi , Ng Michael K.
Published: October 2018

We study a multi-instance (MI) learning dimensionality-reduction algorithm through sparsity and orthogonality, which is especially useful for high-dimensional MI data sets. We develop a novel algorithm to handle both sparsity and orthogonality constraints that existing methods do not handle well simultaneously. Our main idea is to formulate an optimization problem where the sparse term appears in the objective function and the orthogonality term is formed as a constraint. The resulting optimization problem can be solved by using approximate augmented Lagrangian iterations as the outer loop and inertial proximal alternating linearized minimization (iPALM) iterations as the inner loop. The main advantage of this method is that both sparsity and orthogonality can be satisfied in the proposed algorithm. We show the global convergence of the proposed iterative algorithm. We also demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can achieve high sparsity and orthogonality requirements, which are very important for dimensionality reduction. Experimental results on both synthetic and real data sets show that the proposed algorithm can obtain learning performance comparable to that of other tested MI learning algorithms.
The Syrian Missile Strike and the Education of Donald J. Trump in the Art of Responsible Statecraft
Authors: Aslam Wali
Published: October 2018

This article conducts a normative evaluation of the American missile strike on a Syrian airbase in April 2017 to assess whether it could be described as a responsible action. Marking a departure from President Trump’s ‘America First’ approach, the missile attack was incessantly justified by administration officials using the terminologies of ‘rights’ and ‘responsibilities’. The article utilises the theoretical propositions of the English School of International Relations to clarify the three benchmarks of a responsible action: acting legally, legitimately and prudently. A detailed examination of the official statements and the global political developments surrounding the strike suggests that although the action cannot be justified on the grounds of legality, it may still be described as responsible on the grounds of legitimacy and prudence. On its own, the strike can serve as an example of responsible statecraft, although these findings cannot be applied to the rest of President Trump’s foreign policy.
Conceptualising Mass Atrocity Prevention, Nonviolent Resistance, and Politically Feasible Alternatives
Authors: Aloyo Eamon
Published: October 2018

I present an account of mass atrocity prevention based on just war theory precepts. This account entails comparisons among policy options and requires selecting the politically feasible option that has the greatest chance of avoiding atrocities. Adopting such an account of atrocity prevention highlights problems in influential mass atrocity prevention policy reports in that they fail to seriously consider nonviolent civil resistance as a mass atrocity prevention tool. Given that sometimes actors may be unwilling to live under the status quo, and agitate for reform by violent or nonviolent means, nonviolence is generally the preferable policy option. This is because under realistic scenarios, the empirical evidence generally indicates that nonviolent means are more likely to achieve positive outcomes across a range of indicators than violent ones. I illustrate my argument by applying it to strategies for democratisation, and rebut objections. Yet, nonviolent civil resistance is risky, and so revolutionary leaders and their supporters should weigh carefully the chances of success and the trade-offs of nonviolent resistance.
Improving LARC Access for Urban Adolescents and Young Adults in the Pediatric Primary Care Setting
Authors: Onyewuchi Uche F. , Tomaszewski Kathy , Upadhya Krishna K. , Gupta Priya S. , Whaley Natalie , Burke Anne E. , Trent Maria E.
Published: October 2018

The objective of this quality improvement study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of integrating long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) delivery services into an academic pediatric primary care practice. Adolescent medicine providers in Baltimore, Maryland, were trained in LARC placement with gynecology providers integrated to offer onsite LARC placement and procedural support. Referrals, appointments, and contraceptive method choice/receipt were tabulated. Of 212 individuals referred for LARC consultations, 104 attended appointments. LARC placement at the initial referral increased from year 1 (N = 1) to year 2 (N = 42; P < .01). Adolescent medicine providers placed more LARCs in year 2 (N = 34) than year 1 (N = 0; P < .01). Patients aged 18 to 24 years were less likely to have a LARC placed than those aged 13 to 17 years (unadjusted odds ratio = 0.47 [0.26-0.86]). In conclusion, provider training and service integration of LARC services within a pediatric practice is feasible, acceptable, and increases LARC access and placement.
How Evaluations of Multiple Percentage Price Changes Are Influenced by Presentation Mode and Percentage Ordering: The Role of Anchoring and Surprise
Authors: Davis Derick F. , Bagchi Rajesh
Published: October 2018

To advance theory, this study details how consumers evaluate multiple percentage price changes (discounts or surcharges). If they consider two discounts—for example, take 18% off the list price, then take an additional 12% off—consumers weight the two percentages to make their evaluations. Cues endogenous to the communication of those percentages also influence the weights applied, according to whether the two percentages appear presented at the same time (simultaneously) or temporally separated (sequentially) and whether the first percentage is larger or smaller. Depending on both the presentation mode and the ordering, consumers use different processes. In addition to providing practical guidance, this article extends understanding of anchoring and adjustment processes; information presented simultaneously leads consumers to anchor on the first piece of information. Sequential presentation instead induces surprise and shifts attention to the latter percentage change, which serves as the anchor in subsequent judgments. In addition to the underlying theory for these effects, this article delineates some boundary conditions and reveals the effects on consumers’ evaluations and choices, with findings from 11 studies.
Reward Network Modulation as a Mechanism of Change in Behavioral Activation
Authors: Nagy Gabriela A. , Cernasov Paul , Pisoni Angela , Walsh Erin , Dichter Gabriel S. , Smoski Moria J.
Published: October 2018

Behavioral Activation (BA) is a contemporary third-wave psychosocial treatment approach that emphasizes helping individuals become more active in ways that are meaningful to them as a means of improving mood and quality of life. BA has been designated as a well-established, validated treatment for depression by the American Psychological Association following several decades of accumulated empirical support demonstrating that BA techniques successfully reduce depression symptoms and produce other desirable outcomes across a variety of populations and contexts. The purported mechanism of change underlying BA treatment lies in increasing activation, which in turn increases contact with positive reinforcement thereby reversing the cycle of depression. Current studies are further investigating how increasing activation and subsequent contact with mood reinforcers can influence mood and behavior. Specifically, there is growing evidence that BA modifies function of reward-related networks in the brain, and that these changes are associated with clinical improvement. Herein, we provide a brief history of BA, describe the primary components of BA treatment, and describe BA’s purported mechanisms of change at behavioral, neural, and subjective activation levels. We present limitations as well as gaps in the current state of knowledge regarding mechanisms of action of BA.
The MTurkification of Social and Personality Psychology
Authors: Anderson Craig A. , Allen Johnie J. , Plante Courtney , Quigley-McBride Adele , Lovett Alison , Rokkum Jeffrey N.
Published: October 2018

The potential role of brief online studies in changing the types of research and theories likely to evolve is examined in the context of earlier changes in theory and methods in social and personality psychology, changes that favored low-difficulty, high-volume studies. An evolutionary metaphor suggests that the current publication environment of social and personality psychology is a highly competitive one, and that academic survival and reproduction processes (getting a job, tenure/promotion, grants, awards, good graduate students) can result in the extinction of important research domains. Tracking the prevalence of brief online studies, exemplified by studies using Amazon Mechanical Turk, in three top journals ( Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Journal of Experimental Social Psychology) reveals a dramatic increase in their frequency and proportion. Implications, suggestions, and questions concerning this trend for the field and questions for its practitioners are discussed.
Intranasal oxytocin does not alter initial perceptions of facial trustworthiness in younger or older adults
Authors: Grainger Sarah A , Henry Julie D , Steinvik Henriette R , Vanman Eric J
Published: October 2018

Background:

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide involved in a range of social processes, and prior research has shown that intranasal oxytocin (iOT) may enhance trusting behaviors. However, it is unclear whether iOT influences perceptions of whether a face is trustworthy. In addition, no studies in this literature have investigated whether the participant’s age may play a moderating role in the effects of iOT on trust.

Aims:

We aimed to examine for the first time whether iOT influences perceptions of facial trustworthiness and eye-gaze patterns and, if so, whether age moderates these iOT effects.

Methods:

One hundred and eighteen participants took part in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-groups study. Participants made judgments about the perceived trustworthiness of a series of faces while their eye movements were monitored.

Results:

Younger and older adults differed in their judgments of facial trustworthiness. However, most critically, iOT had no effect on these judgments for either age group. For the eye-tracking data, prior age effects in attending to the stimuli were replicated, with older adults gazing less at the eye region and more at the mouth region relative to younger adults. However, iOT had no effect on eye gaze.

Conclusions:

These findings are discussed in relation to the growing body of literature that suggests that the effect of iOT on social processing is complex and may not be as robust as first thought.
Intratympanic dexamethasone for managing pregnant women with sudden hearing loss
Authors: Fu Yaoyao , Jing Jianghua , Ren Tongli , Zhao Hui
Published: October 2018

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect and safety of intratympanic dexamethasone in pregnant women with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).

Methods

We performed a prospective study on pregnant women who suffered from ISSNHL and were treated in our clinic during 2016. The patients received intratympanic treatment three to four times a week. A pure tone audiogram (PTA) was performed before treatment and patients were followed up until 2 months after treatment was finished.

Results

A total of six pregnant women were included. All of the patients tolerated intratympanic treatment well. The mean improvement in hearing was 48 ± 7.33 dB. There were no complications, including permanent perforation of the ear drum or middle ear infection. Each patient delivered a healthy newborn.

Conclusion

Intratympanic dexamethasone is effective and safe for treating pregnant women with ISSNHL. Further randomized, controlled studies on this treatment need to be performed.
Qumrān and Qur'ān
Authors: Crowther Daniel J.
Published: October 2018

Until the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the dominant paradigm of the textual criticism of the Hebrew Bible was the quest for the original form of each of its books—the source texts (Urtext) from which all subsequent editions were copied. Since the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a number of scholars have proposed significant revisions to this paradigm. These proposals are presented by means of an analogy with David Living-stone's expeditions to find the source of the River Nile, and then evaluated by means of a comparison of the history of the text of the Hebrew Bible with the history of the text of the Qur'ān. According to Ibn Abī Dāwūd (d.928), the widespread oral memorization and recitation of the Qur'ān in the first Muslim generation led to the emergence of a multiplicity of textual and oral versions of its ‘original’ suwar. This, in turn, led to a series of (ultimately successful) attempts to standardize the text of the Qur'ān through the repression of all readings that differed from the one ‘official’ text. Applying a ‘Livingstonian’ text-critical model to the Qur'ān suggests that ongoing research into the earliest forms of the Qur'ān could be revolutionized if it sought to recover the early plurality that was consequent from its popularity. Applying an Ibn Abī Dāwūd text-critical model to ongoing research into the Talmudic and Masoretic periods of the Hebrew Bible suggests that it could be revolutionized if it sought to recover the history of the standardization of the variant texts. Under these paradigms, the purpose of textual criticism must be transformed from the pursuit of an imagined ideal text to become an enquiry into the nature of the texts that have been declared canonical.
When a Straight Road becomes a Garden Path: The ‘False Lead’ as a Pedagogical Strategy in the Book of Proverbs
Authors: Millar Suzanna R.
Published: October 2018

The book of Proverbs is filled with poetic devices, many of which are used to didactic ends. One such device is the ‘false lead’ or ‘garden path’. When reading a false lead proverb, one interpretation immediately occurs to the reader, but this interpretation jars with the worldview espoused in the book. The reader finds it unacceptable and realizes they have been led ‘up the garden path’. They must go back and reanalyse the proverb, searching for a better interpretation. This article analyses five proverbs containing this device, and suggests that it is a deliberate pedagogical strategy. The technique teaches the reader the limits of their own wisdom, and also their capacity to rectify mistakes. They are forced to exercise their skills of discernment and moral reasoning.
Air Cargo Forecasting in an Age of Electronic Retail
Authors: Hylton Peter , Ross Catherine L.
Published: October 2018

Airports face numerous difficulties in capital planning as a result of instability and unpredictable demand. Some trends such as excess bellyhold capacity have depressed demand for dedicated cargo flights, whereas others like growth in electronic retail (e-retail) are stimulating demand unevenly among airports. If e-retail distribution is following a different pattern from general cargo, then it may reshuffle cargo volumes among airports in a way that is unforeseeable by most forecasting approaches. It has been difficult to estimate whether e-retail shipments would follow the same geospatial patterns as general cargo because of the dearth of data on e-retail distribution networks. This study examines domestically oriented e-retail logistics to test its relationship with airport cargo throughput controlling for regional variables that also influence cargo volume. The regression models show that an airport’s accessibility to landside e-retail logistics activity helps predict that airport’s cargo volume in a way that access to traditional retail logistics does not. The findings support the alternative hypothesis that e-retail may reconfigure distribution networks and boost cargo volume at some airports, opening opportunities to gain market share for airports that are new to e-retail. Depending on the extent of the reconfiguration, e-retail growth could temporarily degrade the accuracy of common forecasting methods. Airports can respond by collecting qualitative and quantitative data where possible and adopting scenario-based, adaptive policy making that hedges risks.
Psychological Reactions to Cystectomy
Authors: Ruvolo V. , Rossaro P. , Trainito E.
Published: October 2018

In this chapter the Authors describe the results of an investigation about emotional reactions and various experiences in patients who underwent radical cystectomy due to bladder cancer but with different internal urinary diversion. Tests employed were the Coping Test and C.B.A. (Cognitive Behaviour Assessment). Some specific considerations are reported.
Atypical aspects in testicular tumors and differential diagnosis with benign lesion: Clinical case
Authors: Ferro G.
Published: October 2018

The author uses a clinical case to draw attention to some clinical and ultrasonographic aspects of testicular tumors, and in particular typical seminoma in stages I and II. Necrosis is prevalent in seminomas, which makes them difficult to differentiate from benign lesions.
Staghorn renal stone: Which therapeutic strategy?
Authors: Mobilio G. , Bianchi G. , Malossini G. , Beltrami P. , Carluccio G.
Published: October 2018

We report our experience in the treatment of renal staghorn stones. 74 patients were treated with PCNL followed, when necessary, by one or more ESWL treatments for residual fragments, achieving a stone-free status in 64/74 patients (86.5%). Treatment with ESWL monotherapy (6 cases) resulted in a stone-free status in 3 patients (50%). According to our experience, PCNL followed by ESWL, is the most adequate treatment for staghorn kidney stones. We reserve PCNL with multiple percutaneous access and ESWL monotherapy for selected patients.
Recombinant interferon alpha-2 in advanced renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Cozzoli A. , Cunico S. Cosciani
Published: October 2018

From January 1985 to December 1987, 26 patients (20 men, 6 women, median age 62 years, range 26–76 years) with advanced renal cell carcinoma were included in the study. In 8 cases (6 patients no surgery, 2 patients with retroperitoneal node-residual disease after nephrectomy) metastases were identified at initial diagnosis, and in the remaining 18 the occurrence of metastases was delayed by a mean disease-free interval of 12 months after radical nephrectomy. Recombinant interferon alpha-2 was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 9 milion IU three times a week for a period of at least six months. Informed consent was obtained from all patients before starting therapy. No patients achieved complete regression of tumors; two cases showed a partial response (one relapsed six months later, while in the other response continues at 38 months after discontinuation of therapy); 10 patients showed stabilization of disease for 6–10 months and in 14 the disease progressed immediately. In our experience immunotherapy with recombinant interferon alpha-2 did not significantly change the natural history of renal cell carcinoma.
Round Table: “Urological surgery by vaginal approach” Introduction
Authors: Pagano F.
Published: October 2018

— Urologists should regard the female lower urinary tract not as a separate entity, but as an inseparable genito-urinary area both from the therapeutic and physiologic point of view. The necessity for gynaecologists and urologists to co-operate is also underlined.
Female urethral diverticula
Authors: Anselmo G. , Merlo F. , Tuccitto G. , Maccatrozzo L. , Pagano F. , Cosciani-Cunico S. , Lembo A.
Published: October 2018

— Urethral diverticula are rarely found clinically, partly due to a lack of adequate examination by the urologist. The etiopathogenesis of this pathology is controversial, but the tendency at present is towards the hypothesis of infection. Over a period of 15 years (1976–1991) 97 cases of female urethral diverticula were treated in the Urological Clinics of the Universities of Padua and Brescia and the Urology Units of Treviso and Bergamo. 3 patients had forms of micro-diverticulosis, 89 had single diverticula and 5 multiple diverticulosis. Treatment for the 3 cases of micro-diverticulosis consisted of calibrating the urethra and a meatotomy, while 2 marsupializations and 92 diverticulectomies were performed on the remaining patients: there were no particular post-operatve complications. First-choice treatment by all units was the “typical excision”, which despite being laborious is “anatomic” and “economic” in the sense of sparing structures. The authors underline the fact that treatment must be based on a precise choice of indications and accurate surgery, aimed not only at obtaining immediate optimal results but also at preserving maximum urethral anatomo-functional integrity in case of future pathologies involving the distal area of the urinary tract.
Round Table: “Therapy of urological tumour metastases” - Biology of metastases
Authors: Coppi F. , Patelli E. , Seveso M. , Taverna G.L. , Pastorello M.
Published: October 2018

— The Authors show the sequential events of the metastasization process based on the most recent theories. They especially underline the importance of angiogenesis and organotropism of the neoplastic cells in “metastatic fall”. The deeper knowledge of all the biological and genetic mechanisms means new diagnostic and therapeutical approaches can be applied.
Round Table: “Comparison between laparoscopy-surgery in pelvic lymphadenectomy” - Introduction
Authors: Rossetti S. Rocca
Published: October 2018

Pelvic lymphadenectomy is a staging procedure for most urologists. It is therefore limited to the lymph nodes that can be approached in the easiest and least dangerous way. The dissection generally removes the lymph nodes situated below the bifurcation of the common iliac arteries; lymphatic drainage from bladder and prostate is also directed to pre-sacral nodes. As the main aim of lymphadenectomy is staging with minimal discomfort for the patient, the laparoscopic technique is clearly the most well-suited for this purpose. In the round table we will discuss the main features of “open” and laparoscopic lymph node dissection.
Feasibility of Pelvic Laparoscopic Lymphadenectomy in Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder
Authors: Severini G. , Suprani G. , Voce S. , Arnone S. , Cerullo G. , Pozzo C. Dal , Montanari F.
Published: October 2018

Pelvic laparoscopic lymphadenectomy should be the most reliable method for lymphatic staging of bladder cancer. Endoscopic nodal exploration procedures have already proved to be valid alternatives to conventional lymphadenectomy as a minimally invasive technique with lower morbidity. The Authors present a new protocol for bladder-sparing treatment of locally invasive transitional cell carcinoma and discuss the feasibility of laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy as a staging procedure.
Round Table: “Reconstruction of the penis and penoid construction”
Authors: Perolino R. Marten
Published: October 2018

The subject of this round table belongs, perhaps, to minor urology which is not, however, less challenging. The challenge involves the construction of an erectile cylinder capable of withstanding pressures in excess of 40 Kg on a surface of a few square centimetres: a condition occurring during sexual intercourse. The speakers will deal with the correction of a congenital penis malformation, the reconstruction of a penis which was amputated and the construction of an erectile phallus in gyno-androic transexualism.
Complex Reconstructive Corporoplasty
Authors: Austoni E. , Mantovani F. , Colombo F. , Fenice O.R. , Mastromarino G. , Vecchio D. , Canclini L. , Pisani E.
Published: October 2018

Congenital and especially recurrent complex pathologies of the corpora cavernosa need an integrated surgical approach (urological and plastic surgery). The fields of application of these techniques are: a) correction of congenital pathologies of the male genitalia; b) genital reconstruction after radical pelvic surgery; c) genital reconstruction after trauma. An adequate experience in surgery of flaps, the knowledge of their vascularisation and biology, the observance of particular intraoperative procedures and an accurate postoperative management are mandatory. This is also the case of surgery in female to male transsexuals. Different techniques have been proposed but few of them give aesthetically and functionally satisfactory results. In our experience clitoridal enlargement and urethral transfer, in anatomically selected patients and after substitutive hormonal therapy, give sufficient guarrantee of conservation of sensitivity and erectile capacity and have a positive psychological impact on the patient. When cosmetic dimensional emphasis is required as regards the neophalius the transfer of a rectal abdominal muscle flap with epidermal graft has given, in our experience, satisfactory results.
Bladder tumours in the young: Our experience
Authors: Spasari A. , Scalfari A. , Ventrice A.G. , Falvo F. , Pirritano D. , Ventrici F. , Lanza P.
Published: October 2018

In the last ten years (1983–1993) we treated 18 patients, 17 men and 1 woman, less than 40 years old, with bladder tumour: nine were 15 to 30 years old. The mean follow-up is 40 months. All the patients are living. Of the 18, 2 (more than 30 years old) have had resectable recurrences, in one (27 years old), cystectomy and continent urinary diversion was performed for invasive disease. We think that all patients regardless of age, should be treated as aggressively as necessary on the basis of the stage and grade of the tumour.
Role and limits of testicular phleboscintigraphy in the diagnostic evaluation of varicocele
Authors: Raimoldi A. , Berti G.L. , Giola V. , Leidi G.L. , Maccaroni A. , Cammelli F. , Bacchioni A.M.
Published: October 2018

The Authors wanted to check the reliability of testicular phleboscintigraphy in the diagnostic evaluation of varicocele, comparing it to Doppler ultrasonography. To this end, 98 patients affected by clinically evident left idiopathic varicocele were tested. The two methods gave equivalent results in all patients affected by 2nd and 3rd clinical degree varicocele, while testicular phleboscintigraphy gave false negative results in 7 patients with 1st degree varicocele, due to renospermatic retrograde flow. Therefore, in the Authors' opinion, the Doppler ultrasound technique can be considered as a first choice method in the study of varicocele, thanks to its high sensitivity associated with low cost, whereas testicular phleboscintigraphy can be used either when Doppler ultrasonography evaluation is not reliable or as a second examination to confirm the Doppler results, especially in patients with 2nd and 3rd clinical degree varicocele.
Autologous blood transfusion in prostatic surgery
Authors: Soldà A.M. , Capponi G. , Correggi G. , Calcagno T. , Campagnoli M. , Calcagno L.
Published: October 2018

Autotransfusion is becoming a more widely used technique as it avoids risks associated with homologous transfusions. The authors present results of a self-donation programme used for 1301 patients in prostatic surgery from 1982 to 1993. Selected patients made a blood pre-deposit of 350 to 450 ml prior to suprapubic prostatectomy, and two pre-deposits prior to radical prostatectomy. 93% of the patients did not require additional transfusions. 30% of the patients did not require any transfusion. The Hb value was satisfactory upon discharge from hospital (> 10 g/dl). The programme was successful in protecting the patients from infective and immunological risks associated with homologous transfusion.
Bladder hemangioma. Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Marcellini M. , Cantiani R. , Mainiero G. , Neri L
Published: October 2018

The Authors report a case of vesical hemangioma; it was typical for site and clinical presentation whereas the age of onset and gross appearance were atypical. A TUR biopsy was performed without complications, but did not confirm diagnosis. A partial cystectomy was performed. A one-year follow-up, negative for recurrence, confirmed this procedure as the definitive treatment of choice.
From confrontations to civil liberties: Newspaper photo framing of police brutality and riots in Los Angeles 1992 and Ferguson, Missouri 2014
Authors: Wan Anan , Mortensen Tara Marie , Zhu Yicheng , Li Jo-Yun
Published: October 2018

This study compares the news media’s visual framing of the Los Angeles Riots of 1992 and the Ferguson, Missouri, riots of 2014. A visual content analysis of 387 news images published in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and Atlanta Journal-Constitution was conducted. Results show that newspapers’ visual portrayals of civil unrest have shifted focus from the confrontation between protesters and the police to an emphasis on the depiction of morality, human interest and civil emotions.
Writing and Conceptual Learning in Science: An Analysis of Assignments
Authors: Gere Anne Ruggles , Limlamai Naitnaphit , Wilson Emily , MacDougall Saylor Kate , Pugh Raymond
Published: October 2018

This systematic review of 46 published articles investigates the constructs employed and the meanings assigned to writing in writing-to-learn assignments given to students in science courses. Using components of assignments associated with the greatest learning gains—meaning making, clear expectations, interactive writing processes, and metacognition—this review illuminates the constructs of writing that yield conceptual learning in science. In so doing, this article also provides a framework that can be used to evaluate writing-to-learn assignments in science, and it documents a new era in research on writing to learn in science by showing the increased rigor that has characterized studies in this field during the past decade.
Genotoxicity assessment of perfluoroalkyl substances on human sperm
Authors: Emerce Esra , Çetin Özge
Published: October 2018

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products. Because the presence of PFAS has been identified in humans and the environment in the last decade, human exposure to PFAS is a current public health concern. It has been shown that some PFAS lead to adverse health effects in the male reproductive system. However, there is no information about probable genotoxic effects of these chemicals on sperm cells. This study aimed to investigate the possible genotoxic damage on human sperm cells exposed to certain major PFAS compounds that were selected considering their extensive usage, high persistence in the environment, and high bioaccumulation in humans. These PFAS are perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). The alkaline comet assay was used to detect the DNA damage to sperm. Sperm cells were treated with 0.1–1 mM of each PFAS at 32°C for 1 h to obtain optimal survival. As a result of the experiments, it was discovered that the exposure to PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, and PFHxA did not cause significant levels of cytotoxicity and did not cause damage to sperm DNA under these conditions. The results suggest that the exposure to these PFAS did not interfere with sperm DNA. Indirect toxicity mechanisms should be taken into account to assess the association between the PFAS exposure and male reproductive toxicity.
A newly designed tympanostomy stent with TiO2 coating to reduce Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation
Authors: Joe Hosung , Seo Young Joon
Published: October 2018

Biofilm formation has been implicated as a cause of post-tympanostomy tube otorrhea in patients suffering from otitis media with effusion, and biofilms have been found to adhere to all available types of tympanostomy tubes (TT) made from silicone. In this study, we present a novel stent designed with a reduced surface area and a titanium dioxide (TiO2) coating to prevent biofilm formation. Using a radio frequency power supply, tympanostomy stents (TS) made from Nitinol (Nikel-titanium) were coated with TiO2 to form an oxide layer on the metallic target. We successfully reproduced biofilms with carbenicillin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain, PAO1-GFP (green fluorescent protein) on the tubes in vitro. We then compared the levels of biofilm formation by this strain on the two types of implants using several methods, including bacterial quantification, electron microscopy, and confocal laser fluorescent microscopy. Our results provide definitive evidence that the combination of the TiO2 coating and minimized surface area of the Nitinol stent inhibited the P. aeruginosa biofilm formation. The ability of the TS to prevent viable bacteria colonization (over 10 folds, compared to silicone TT) was verified by anti-biofilm test. Future studies will reveal more useful in reducing otorrhea and plugging complications as a novel tympanostomy tube.
Fabrication and characterization of 3D microtubular collagen scaffolds for peripheral nerve repair
Authors: Li Jianming , Gao Wen
Published: October 2018

Understanding the structure–function relationship in biomaterial constructs is critical in optimizing biological outcomes. For ensheathed structures such as peripheral nerve, engineering implantable tissue substitutes has been challenging. This is due to a unique geometry of thin-walled microtube arrays composed mostly of basement membrane. In this work, we propose a sacrificial templating method to create Matrigel scaffolds that resemble endogenous peripheral nerve. These paralleled microtube constructs possess high void space and membrane-like walls. Additionally, we investigated the effect of chemical crosslinking in altering the physical, mechanical, and biologic properties of Matrigel. Results show that both glutaraldehyde and genipin increased the modulus and failure stress of Matrigel while also improving degradation resistance. However, glutaraldehyde crosslinking induced some cytotoxicity whereas genipin showed good biocompatibility. PC-12 cells, Schwann cells, and primary chick dorsal root ganglia cultured onto microtube scaffolds demonstrated viability up to 10 days. Strong cellular alignment along the channels was observed in Schwann cells whereas neurite outgrowth in primary chick dorsal root ganglia was also biased along the major axis of the microtubes. This suggests that the microtubes may mediate cell orientation and axon pathfinding. This proof of concept study provides a tunable workflow that may be adapted to other collagen types.
Psychometric Properties of the Institutional Betrayal Questionnaire, Version 2: Evidence for a Two-Factor Model
Authors: Reffi Anthony N. , Pinciotti Caitlin M. , Orcutt Holly K.
Published: October 2018

Institutional betrayal reflects the failings of a trusted institution to prevent or respond appropriately to negative experiences. Following sexual assault, survivors who encounter institutional betrayal may experience greater distress and poorer functioning. The current study sought to assess the construct validity of the Institutional Betrayal Questionnaire, Version 2 (IBQ.2) and evaluate its factor structure. Survivors of sexual assault ( N = 426) were recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk and completed various questionnaires related to mental health, disclosure and assault characteristics, world beliefs, and rape myth adherence. The IBQ.2 demonstrated convergent validity with disclosure to formal support providers, assault severity, turning against reactions, and beliefs about self-control, and evidenced discriminant validity with disclosure timing, rape myth adherence, and beliefs about randomness and controllability of outcomes. Notably, the IBQ.2 was unrelated to measures of distress, including symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, providing mixed evidence for the IBQ.2’s construct validity. Confirmatory factor analyses failed to replicate the single-factor model of institutional betrayal found in a previous study, and, instead, suggested a two-factor structure of the IBQ.2 that delineates between the promotion of and response to sexual victimization. Post hoc analyses revealed that only one of the two factors (Response to Sexual Victimization) evidenced convergent and discriminant validity largely consistent with the single-factor model. The novelty of these relationships and factor structure of the IBQ.2 found in the current study warrants replication in future research.
Canadian Student Leaders’ Conceptualizations of Sustainability and Sustainable Universities
Authors: Elliott Heather , Wright Tarah
Published: October 2018

There are a growing number of university sustainability efforts, but the literature provides limited information to help universities decide if they are focused on sustainability aspects important to their stakeholders. To address this gap, Canadian student leaders’ conceptualizations of sustainable development (SD) and sustainable universities were investigated using a mixed methods approach with qualitative interviews and nested quantitative concept checklists. Themes were developed through thematic analysis and compared with support for checklist concepts to explore similarities and differences between the datasets. Conceptual variance existed between student leaders concerning sustainability; there was greater agreement between participants regarding conceptualizations of sustainable universities. Participants also believed that universities have a responsibility to lead by example and to educate both students and the greater community about sustainability. This research provides insight into the conceptualizations of a key university stakeholder, the importance of localized discussions of sustainability and encouragement for universities to engage in sustainability.
Association of plasma haptoglobin concentration and other biomarkers with bovine respiratory disease status in pre-weaned dairy calves
Authors: Moisá Sonia J. , Aly Sharif S. , Lehenbauer Terry W. , Love William J. , Rossitto Paul V. , Van Eenennaam Alison L. , Trombetta Sophia C. , Bortoluzzi Eduarda M. , Hulbert Lindsey E.
Published: October 2018

We conducted a nested, case-control study of pre-weaned dairy calves ( n = 477; 4 California dairy farms) to assess the association between bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and hematologic biomarkers, including plasma haptoglobin (Hp) and plasma bactericide (PB). At each location, heifer or bull dairy calves were observed 2–4 times per week until confirmed as BRD-positive using parallel interpretation of thoracic ultrasound examination and auscultation. In addition, control calves were enrolled after being confirmed as BRD-negative using ultrasound and auscultation. Complete blood counts (CBC), PB, and Hp concentrations were measured. Hp values were higher in calves with confirmed BRD than in controls ( p < 0.01). The area under the curve (AUC) for the various biomarkers was obtained from the corresponding receiver operating characteristic curves. The AUC for Hp was 0.68, a value greater than those for PB or the remaining CBC parameters, indicating that Hp may be the most useful biomarker of BRD in pre-weaned dairy calves. The cutoff value for Hp was 0.195 g/L.
Working With(in) the Shadow of Experiential Learning
Authors: Elmes Michael B.
Published: October 2018

This article explores the shadow dynamics of experiential learning using a psychodynamic perspective. It reviews the concept of shadow at the individual, group, and intergroup levels and draws on a short case from the author’s experiences to consider how shadow dynamics may arise quickly and unexpectedly to take over the experiential learning classroom. It considers what the author learned about the shadow from the experience and how he conducts the experiential learning activity differently now to facilitate greater self-understanding and deeper learning.
Ethical Issues in Experiential Learning
Authors: Bradford David L.
Published: October 2018

Experiential activities are a powerful pedagogical tool that have grown in popularity. But there are a series of ethical issues (the “shadow side”) that such activities raises. These include (a) inadequate (informed) student choice, (b) bias in what is covered, (c) lack of adequate debriefing, (d) personal exposure in class and community, (e) issues of deception, (f) role behavior being personalized (by self and others), (g) the negative impact of feedback (planned or spontaneous), and (h) the degree of “boundedness” of experiential activities These problems are not inevitable, but with instructor awareness can be lessened. This article also suggests other ways to address these issues.
Combined Subtalar and Naviculocuneiform Fusion for Treating Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity With Medial Arch Collapse at the Level of the Naviculocuneiform Joint
Authors: Steiner Caspar Samuel , Gilgen Andrea , Zwicky Lukas , Schweizer Christine , Ruiz Roxa , Hintermann Beat
Published: October 2018

Background:

A challenge in treating acquired flatfoot deformities is the collapse of the medial arch at the level of the naviculocuneiform (NC) joint. Triple fusions, being a treatment option, may lead to problems such as increased foot stiffness. We thus established a method that combines subtalar (ST) fusion with NC fusion while preserving the Chopart joint. We analyzed the radiographic correction, fusion rate, and patient satisfaction with this procedure.

Methods:

34 feet in 31 patients (female, 23; male, 8; age 67 [45-81] years) were treated with a ST and NC joint fusion. In 15 cases, a medial sliding-osteotomy was additionally necessary to fully correct hindfoot valgus. The following radiographic parameters were measured on weightbearing radiographs preoperatively and at 2 years: talo–first metatarsal angle, talocalcaneal angle, calcaneal pitch, talonavicular coverage angle and calcaneal offset. Fusion was radiologically confirmed.

Results:

All parameters, except the calcaneal pitch, showed a significant improvement. Fusion was observed after 1 year in all but 2 cases (94.1%). One nonunion each occurred at the ST and NC joint without needing any subsequent treatment. One patient developed avascular necrosis of the lateral talus with need for total ankle replacement after 1 year. All patients were satisfied with the obtained results.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that a combined fusion of the ST and NC joint was effective and safe when treating adult acquired flatfoot with collapse of the medial arch at the level of the NC joint. Although the talonavicular joint was not fused, its subluxation was significantly reduced.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.