bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Labor market and institutional drivers of youth irregular migration in the Middle East and North Africa region
Authors: Dibeh Ghassan , Fakih Ali , Marrouch Walid
Published: October 2018

This article examines the drivers of youth irregular migration in the Middle East and North Africa region. A multinomial logit model is implemented to test the effect of labor market and institutional characteristics on the decision of youth to migrate using a unique and novel dataset covering young people aged 15–29 from five major Middle East and North Africa countries. Specifically, the article investigates the effect of micro determinants of irregular migration: individual socio-economic factors, wealth factors, adaptability factors, labor market factors, and institutional factors. The article finds that the labor market drivers matter more for regular rather than irregular migration amongst the youth from the Middle East and North Africa region. However, institutional settings are of great importance for any decision to migrate, be it regularly or irregularly. In addition, youth from wealthier households are more likely to express willingness to migrate using regular channels, whereas youth from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to consider the irregular route.
Online Reputation Mechanisms and the Decreasing Value of Chain Affiliation
Authors: Hollenbeck Brett
Published: October 2018

This article investigates the value of business format franchising and how it is changing in response to a large increase in consumer information provided by online reputation mechanisms. Theory has suggested that much of the value of chain affiliation to firms comes from the ability of chain partners to use the same name, imagery, logo, and marketing to create a common brand reputation and signal specific qualities in settings with asymmetric information between buyers and sellers. As more information becomes available, consumers should rely less on branding for quality signals, and firms’ ability to extend reputations across heterogeneous outlets should decrease. To examine this empirically, the author combines a large panel of hotel revenues with millions of online reviews from multiple platforms. Chain-affiliated hotels earn substantially higher revenues than equivalent independent hotels, but this premium has declined by over 50% from 2000 to 2015. This can be largely attributed to an increase in online reputation mechanisms, and this effect is largest for low-quality and small-market firms. Measures of the information content of online reviews show that as information has increased, independent hotel revenue has grown substantially more than chain hotel revenue. This result should be viewed as descriptive, with attempts to come to near causality including the use of machine learning to derive latent dimensions of firm quality from the text of online reviews. Finally, the correlation between firm revenue and chain-wide reputation is decreasing, whereas the correlation with individual hotel reputation is increasing.
Intercompetitor Licensing and Product Innovation
Authors: Jiang Baojun , Shi Hongyan
Published: October 2018

This article explores how intercompetitor licensing between an incumbent and an entrant affects market competition and the entrant’s optimal product quality. In the model, the incumbent has a noncore technology that is used for the noncore attribute of the final product, and the entrant has a new core technology to introduce a new, higher-quality product. For the noncore technology of its product, the entrant can either license it from the incumbent or develop it in-house. The authors show that a royalty licensing contract of the noncore technology between the incumbent and the entrant has a competition-alleviating effect. More important, the effect of such licensing on the entrant’s optimal quality depends on whether its core technology can significantly or only incrementally increase its product quality over the incumbent’s product quality. The royalty contract will tend to increase the entrant’s optimal quality when the entrant’s core technology can offer a significant quality improvement over the incumbent’s. By contrast, if the entrant’s technology can raise its product quality only incrementally over the incumbent’s product quality, the royalty contract will tend to reduce the entrant’s optimal quality. A wide range of royalty licensing contracts are mutually acceptable; the incumbent (entrant) can benefit from such a contract even when the entrant pays a total royalty fee that is lower (higher) than its alternative research-and-development cost. These results hold even when the incumbent endogenously chooses its royalty licensing fee. The main results are robust to several alternative modeling assumptions (e.g., alternative game sequence, endogenous quality decision by the incumbent, alternative licensing contract).
Inspired to Create: Awe Enhances Openness to Learning and the Desire for Experiential Creation
Authors: Rudd Melanie , Hildebrand Christian , Vohs Kathleen D.
Published: October 2018

Automated fabrication, home services, and premade goods pervade the modern consumer landscape. Against this backdrop, this research explores how the emotion of awe might motivate a consumer to partake instead in experiential creation (i.e., activities in which they actively produce an outcome) by enhancing their willingness to learn. Across eight experiments, experiencing awe (vs. happiness, excitement, pride, amusement, or neutrality) increases people’s likelihood of choosing an experiential creation gift (vs. one not involving experiential creation), willingness to pay for experiential creation products (vs. comparable ready-made products), likelihood of creating a bespoke snack (vs. taking a premade one), preference for experiential creation solutions (vs. solutions without experiential creation), likelihood of purchasing a product when it is framed as high (vs. low) in experiential creation, preference for high (vs. low) experiential creation meals, and likelihood of creating a knickknack (vs. taking a premade one). This greater desire for experiential creation is mediated by openness to learning and moderated by the need for closure. These findings, relevant for firms encouraging creation-oriented products and behaviors, offer fresh insights for engaging consumers.
Hierarchy salience and social action: disentangling class, status, and authority in world politics
Authors: Schulz Carsten-Andreas
Published: October 2018

Hierarchy is a persistent feature of international politics. Existing accounts recognize that there are many ways in which actors can stand in relation to one another. Yet they struggle to make sense of this complexity. This study considers Max Weber’s contribution to understanding international hierarchy. It discusses three ideal types of stratification based on the distribution of capabilities (class), estimations of honor and prestige (status), and command relationships (authority). Following the neo-Weberian approach, these dimensions matter because they make social action intelligible. Furthermore, Weber clarifies how class and status are connected and how these two dimensions relate to authority through the process of ‘social closure’. The study concludes that scholars who focus exclusively on authority structures miss the fact that authority typically derives from other forms of stratification: although based on different logics of social stratification, class and status hierarchies often coalesce into (legitimate) authority.
The Risk-Need-Responsivity Model: How Do Probation Officers Implement the Principles of Effective Intervention?
Authors: Viglione Jill
Published: October 2018

The advancement of evidence-based practices (EBP) and the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model suggests several key practices for probation agencies, including validated risk and needs assessments and appropriate treatment matching. Despite evidence supporting use of practices aligned with the RNR model to improve offender outcomes, research identifies significant implementation challenges in probation practice. Using 1,084 hours of ethnographic data, the current study sought to examine how probation staff implemented best practices aligned with the risk, need, and responsivity principles. Analyses suggest probation staff supervision practices misaligned with research evidence on RNR and associated agency trainings. Probation officers rarely used the risk and needs assessment to inform supervision decisions, creation of case plans, and referrals to treatment programs. Findings highlight the challenges associated with moving evidence on the RNR model to routine probation practice. Implications for policy and research are discussed, including a focus on perceived liability and implementation of best practices.
Assessing the trends of energy use of public non-domestic buildings in England and Wales
Authors: Hong S , Mylona A , Davies H , Ruyssevelt P , Mumovic D
Published: October 2018

Accessing sufficient data for understanding how energy is used in non-domestic buildings is deemed to be a challenge in many countries. In the UK, such a challenge has led to limited understanding of long-term changes in energy use of buildings. This study aims to develop a deeper understanding of the trends in energy use across the public sector non-domestic buildings in England. Display energy certificate (DEC) data which relate to 59,740 public sector non-domestic buildings in England and Wales were analysed. Statistical analyses were carried out to understand both the latest patterns of energy use and how they have changed between 2010 and 2016. The patterns of energy use of various public-sector buildings were found to have gradually changed over the seven-year period. An imminent release of a revised dataset was deemed necessary for understanding the performance of buildings to support the aspirations set out in the clean growth strategy. The study pointed to a need for regularly gathering and sharing data for understanding the changes in the patterns of energy use of the stock. Developing a framework that can facilitate this would enable various stakeholders make informed decisions for improving energy efficiency of the UK’s non-domestic buildings.

Practical application: Statistics on electrical and fossil-thermal energy use intensity provide up-to-date reference points for assessing operational energy efficiency of public sector buildings. Principles for developing a framework are provided to support various stakeholders make informed decisions on for example setting design targets or making capital investments.
A National-Level Analysis of the Relationship Between Nursing Home Satisfaction and Quality
Authors: Nadash Pamela , Hefele Jennifer Gaudet , Miller Edward Alan , Barooah Adrita , Wang Xiao (Joyce)
Published: October 2018

Little research has explored the relationship between consumer satisfaction and quality in nursing homes (NHs) beyond the few states mandating satisfaction surveys. We examine this relationship through data from 1,765 NHs in the 50 states and District of Columbia using My InnerView resident or family satisfaction instruments in 2013 and 2014, merged with Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting, LTCfocus, and NH Compare (NHC) data. Family and resident satisfaction correlated modestly; both correlated weakly and negatively with any quality-of-care (QoC) and any quality-of-life deficiencies and positively with NHC five-star ratings; this latter positive association persisted after covariate adjustment; the negative relationship between QoC deficiencies and family satisfaction also remained. Overall, models explained relatively small proportions of satisfaction variance; correlates of satisfaction varied between residents and families. Findings suggest that satisfaction is a unique dimension of quality and that resident and family satisfaction represent different constructs.
Effects of robot-(Morning Walk®) assisted gait training for patients after stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim JaYoung , Kim Dae Yul , Chun Min Ho , Kim Seong Woo , Jeon Ha Ra , Hwang Chang Ho , Choi Jong Kyoung , Bae Suhwan
Published: October 2018

Objective:

To investigate the effects of Morning Walk®–assisted gait training for patients with stroke.

Design:

Prospective randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Three hospital rehabilitation departments (two tertiary and one secondary).

Patients:

We enrolled 58 patients with hemiparesis following a first-time stroke within the preceding year and with Functional Ambulation Category scores ⩾2.

Intervention:

The patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: 30 minutes of training with Morning Walk®, a lower limb rehabilitation robot, plus 1 hour of conventional physiotherapy (Morning Walk® group; n = 28); or 1.5 hour of conventional physiotherapy (control group; n = 30). All received treatment five times per week for three weeks.

Main outcome measurements:

The primary outcomes were walking ability, assessed using the Functional Ambulation Category scale, and lower limb function, assessed using the Motricity Index-Lower. Secondary outcomes included the 10 Meter Walk Test, Modified Barthel Index, Rivermead Mobility Index, and Berg Balance Scale scores.

Results:

A total of 10 patients were lost to follow-up, leaving a cohort of 48 for the final analyses. After training, all outcome measures significantly improved in both groups. In Motricity Index-Lower of the affected limb, the Morning Walk® group (∆mean ± SD; 19.68 ± 14.06) showed greater improvement ( p = .034) than the control group (∆mean ± SD; 11.70 ± 10.65). And Berg Balance Scale scores improved more ( p = .047) in the Morning Walk® group (∆mean ± SD; 14.36 ± 9.01) than the control group (∆mean ± SD; 9.65 ± 8.14).

Conclusion:

Compared with conventional physiotherapy alone, our results suggest that voluntary strength and balance of stroke patients with hemiparesis might be improved with Morning Walk®–assisted gait training combined with conventional physiotherapy.
Neuroprotective effects of microglial P2Y1 receptors against ischemic neuronal injury
Authors: Fukumoto Yuichiro , Tanaka Kenji F , Parajuli Bijay , Shibata Keisuke , Yoshioka Hideyuki , Kanemaru Kazuya , Gachet Christian , Ikenaka Kazuhiro , Koizumi Schuichi , Kinouchi Hiroyuki
Published: October 2018

Extracellular ATP, which is released from damaged cells after ischemia, activates P2 receptors. P2Y1 receptors (P2Y1R) have received considerable attention, especially in astrocytes, because their activation plays a central role in the regulation of neuron-to-glia communication. However, the functions or even existence of P2Y1R in microglia remain unknown, despite the fact that many microglial P2 receptors are involved in several brain diseases. Herein, we demonstrate the presence and functional capability of microglial P2Y1R to provide neuroprotective effects following ischemic stress. Cerebral ischemia resulted in increased microglial P2Y1R expression. The number of injured hippocampal neurons was significantly higher in P2Y1 R knockout (KO) mice than wildtype mice after forebrain ischemia. Propidium iodide (PI) uptake, a marker for dying cells, was significantly higher in P2Y1R KO hippocampal slices compared with wildtype hippocampal slices at 48 h after 40-min oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD). Furthermore, increased PI uptake following OGD was rescued by ectopic overexpression of P2Y1R in microglia. In summary, these data suggest that microglial P2Y1R mediate neuroprotective effects against ischemic stress and OGD insult.
Transient selective brain cooling confers neurovascular and functional protection from acute to chronic stages of ischemia/reperfusion brain injury
Authors: Zhao Jingyan , Mu Hongfeng , Liu Liqiang , Jiang Xiaoyan , Wu Di , Shi Yejie , Leak Rehana K , Ji Xunming
Published: October 2018

Ischemic injury can be alleviated by the judicious use of hypothermia. However, the optimal regimens and the temporal kinetics of post-stroke neurovascular responses to hypothermic intervention have not been systematically studied. These gaps slow the clinical translation of hypothermia as an anti-stroke therapy. Here, we characterized the effects of transient selective brain hypothermia (TSBH) from the hyperacute to chronic stages of focal ischemia/reperfusion brain injury induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice. A simple cooling device was used to induce TSBH during cerebral ischemia. This treatment reduced mortality from 31.8% to 0% and improved neurological outcomes for at least 35 days post-injury. TSBH mitigated blood–brain barrier leakage during the hyperacute and acute injury stages (1–23 h post-reperfusion). This early protection of the blood–brain barrier was associated with anti-inflammatory phenotypic polarization of microglia/macrophages, reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and less brain infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages during the subacute injury stage (three days post-reperfusion). TSBH elicited enduring protective effects on both grey and white matter for at least 35 days post-injury and preserved the long-term electrophysiological function of fiber tracts. In conclusion, TSBH ameliorates ischemia/reperfusion injury in the neurovascular unit from hyperacute to chronic injury stages after experimental stroke.
Apparent diffusion coefficients measured using different regions of interest in differentiating borderline from malignant ovarian tumors
Authors: Lu Jing Jing , Pi Shan , Ma Feng Hua , Zhang Guo Fu , Wei Qiang Jin
Published: October 2018

Background

Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) measured using different regions of interest (ROIs) are widely used in differentiating ovarian tumors.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of ADCs with different ROIs in differentiating borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) from malignant ovarian tumors (MOTs).

Material and Methods

Thirty-five BOTs and 54 MOTs who underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were evaluated retrospectively. ADC values were independently measured using five ROI methods: round; rectangle; hot-spot; edge drawing; and five sample ROIs. The inter- and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), one-way analysis of variance, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and unpaired t-tests were used to perform the statistical analyses.

Results

The measurement reproducibility of the minimum ADC and mean ADC values were good or excellent for BOTs and MOTs (ICC = 0.70–0.95). The minimum and mean ADC value by the edge drawing ROI were significantly higher than those of the other ROI methods (both P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of the minimum ADC value was less than that of the mean ADC value from the five ROI methods, whereas the AUCs of the mean ADC values from the round ROI and five sample ROIs were significantly larger than those of the other ROI methods ( P < 0.05). The minimum and mean ADC values from the five ROI methods showed significant differences between BOTs and MOTs (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The ROI shape influences the diagnostic performance of ADC value for differentiating BOTs from MOTs. The mean ADC values from the round ROI and five sample ROIs have better diagnostic efficiency.
Diagnostic accuracy of digital radiography for the diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, revisited
Authors: Chee Choong Guen , Cho Jungheum , Kang Yusuhn , Kim Youngjune , Lee Eugene , Lee Joon Woo , Ahn Joong Mo , Kang Heung Sik
Published: October 2018

Background

The radiographic diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is challenging for radiologists.

Purpose

To measure the sensitivity and specificity of digital radiography for diagnosing ONFH and to evaluate the diagnostic value of the frog-leg view.

Material and Methods

Patients diagnosed with ONFH by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (n = 132) and normal controls (n = 69) were included. Two radiologists independently graded the likelihood of ONFH and subchondral fracture on radiographs. First, the anteroposterior (AP) and frog-leg radiographs were assessed as a whole. Subsequently, randomly ordered unilaterally cropped AP radiographs were analyzed. Sensitivity and specificity were measured using MRI as reference standard. A subgroup analysis for pre-collapse ONFH was performed. The effect of within-subject correlation was analyzed using a generalized-estimating-equation approach. Inter-reader agreement was assessed with κ statistics. McNemar’s test was used to determine the additional diagnostic value of the frog-leg view.

Results

Among the 402 hips from 201 individuals, 191 were classified as normal, 73 as pre-collapse ONFH, and 138 as post-collapse ONFH. The sensitivity and specificity ranges for ONFH were 76–89% and 77–97%, respectively. For pre-collapse ONFH, the sensitivity and specificity were 52–71% and 78–97%, respectively. The κ ranges for the likelihood of ONFH and pre-collapse ONFH were 0.59–0.66 and 0.35–0.59, respectively. The frog-leg view did not provide additional value for diagnosing ONFH.

Conclusion

Diagnostic performance of digital radiography for ONFH revealed low sensitivity and poor-to-moderate inter-reader agreement for diagnosing pre-collapse ONFH. There was no additional value of the frog-leg view.
Positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the diagnosis, staging, and prognostic evaluation of natural killer/T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Ding Jian-Jun , Chen Ya-Lian , Zhou Shui-Hong , Zhao Kui
Published: October 2018

Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that is associated with Epstein–Barr virus infection. The clinicopathological features of NKTL are unique among lymphomas. NKTL is an aggressive disease with a poor prognosis in the absence of effective treatment. Accurate diagnosis and staging are essential to ensure an appropriate treatment strategy and accurate prognosis of NKTL. 18F-Fluorodexoyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) is a valuable technique in the diagnosis, staging, and prognostic evaluation of various types of malignant tumors, including NKTL. PET/CT imaging studies of patients with NKTL have shown that NKTL is 18F-FDG-avid and that PET/CT is superior to conventional methods in detecting cutaneous and extracutaneous lesions. We herein review recent PET/CT studies that have provided considerable insight into the diagnosis, staging, prognostic evaluation, and treatment effectiveness in patients with NKTL.
Ahmose(-Sapair) in Dra Abu el-Naga North
Authors: Galán José M.
Published: October 2018

Prince Ahmose-Sapair was worshipped soon after his death and regarded as a memorable member of the royal family in Thebes for around five centuries. While his ancestry, remembrance and worship have been the subject of several studies by C. Vandersleyen and others, the location of his tomb has not been discussed in depth, despite the fact that it appears to be a significant aspect in his posthumous cult. This matter is hereby addressed, re-examining the data from earlier excavations and in the light of recent discoveries made by the Spanish mission working in Dra Abu el-Naga North, south-west of the open courtyard of the tomb chapel of Djehuty (TT 11). The archaeological context becomes significant in the analysis of each document and in the overall appraisal of their complexity. It will be argued that Ahmose-Sapair must have been buried in Dra Abu el-Naga North, only a few metres south-west of TT 11, contrary to what has been assumed since Winlock’s 1924 article.
Struggling with everyday life after mild stroke with cognitive impairments – The experiences of working age women
Authors: Alenljung Maria , Ranada Åsa Larsson , Liedberg Gunilla M
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The aim of this study was to explore how women of working age who have had a mild stroke resulting in cognitive impairment experience and manage their everyday lives.

Method

Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The participants consisted of 10 women of working age who had sustained cognitive impairment after a mild stroke. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Three main categories appeared: The everyday is affected by the symptoms, Living strategies, and The social environment effects and changes. Participants feel insecure about their abilities and capabilities, experience anxiety and fear in relation to work, and find it hard to live up to demands and expectations. They are required to plan their daily activities in a new way and to prioritise chores that benefit the family, rather than follow their own interests and social activities. In order to cope with everyday life, they need to allocate chores to other family members.

Conclusions

The constant impact of fatigue and cognitive impairments affects everyday life. The women said that they had to learn to continuously manage their limitations through their experience of everyday life, something that can be facilitated with occupational therapy.
Urinary diversion: Anatomo-physiological assumptions
Authors: Di Tonno F. , De Antoni M. , Ruvolo V. , Lavelli D.
Published: October 2018

The basic anatomical and physiological conditions needed for preparation of a good functioning urinary reservoir are analyzed according to current literature and personal experience. Owing to the need for a schematic and concise exposition, the text has been subdivided under five headings: (I) Metabolic considerations: a) the segment used; b) the duration of contact between intestinal mucosa and urine; c) the size of the exposed intestinal surface. (II) Renal function. (Ill) Physical properties of the reservoir: a) contractility; b) configuration; c) accommodation; d) viscoelasticity. (IV) Carcinogenesis: a) statistical considerations; b) ethiopathogenesis. (V) Clinical consequences of the removal of a normally functioning intestinal segment.
Urodynamic Aspects Compared
Authors: Laurini L. , Costa G. , Di Tonno F. , Capizzi G.
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study is to compare urodynamic and clinical (in particular night and daytime “dry” interval) parameters in patients subjected to urinary diversion with ileal orthotopic neobladder after cystectomy. Experiences with the techniques of Carney, Reddy II, Carney II and VIP have been compared. The progressive improvements obtained through these techniques, taken in chronological order, are clear, particularly from the urodynamic point of view.
Conclusions
Authors: Lavelli D.
Published: October 2018

Of all the urinary diversions, ureterosigmoidostomy, although remaining a technique with well-defined limits, in our experience gave different and better results than expected. Orthotopic bladder substitution definitely gives better results if accurate selection criteria are observed.
Cenni storici: History
Authors: Kustatscher M. , Galantini A.
Published: October 2018

Between the 60s and the 80s, research was carried out on the generation of shock waves as well as experimentation to evaluate their effectiveness in the disintegration of kidney stones at the Grosshaden Urology Clinic in Munich where in 1980 the first patient was treated with success. Lithotriptors were later progressively perfected.
ESWL and arterial hypertension
Authors: Gallmetzer J. , Mahlknecht A.
Published: October 2018

Two groups of patients with normal arterial pressure were studied; a retrospective group of 50, treated with Dornier HM3 at Salzburg Hospital and a prospective group of 23 treated with Lithostar Plus at Bolzano Hospital. It was concluded that therapy with ESWL did not bring about an increase in arterial pressure.
Treatment of urinary stones with ESWL: Our experience
Authors: Galantini A. , Kustatscher M. , Pisetta F.
Published: October 2018

During a period of 18 months we treated 469 urinary stones which included 364 ureteral-kidney stones in 340 patients (average = 1.62 treatments per patient). The total percentage of disintegration is 94.7% and 76.47% of the patients are stone free three months after the last treatment.
Organisation of a uro-nephrological “stone-center”
Authors: Merlo F. , Cicerello E. , Tuccitto G. , Anselmo G.
Published: October 2018

New therapeutic possibilities, recent etiopathogenetic knowledge and problems connected with complex calculosis necessitate a multi-discipline approach to urolithiasic patients; the importance of close constant teamwork between urologists and nephrologists is underlined. Operative methods for such teamwork are illustrated, as well as a computerised chart of management and data processing. A uro-nephrological study of over 1000 patients, who underwent various treatments (ESWL, percutaneous surgery, endoscopy, open surgery), has revealed different endocrine-metabolic anomalies (primitive hyperparathyroidism, hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria, hyperuricuria, etc.). This teamwork was also important for etiopathogenetic findings and for collecting and processing data (also helped by computisation); waiting times were reduced with undoubted social economic benefits.
Considerations and conclusion
Authors: Pisetta F.
Published: October 2018

Also in our experience, ESWL performed with Lithostar Plus has proved its efficacy and low complication rates. It does not need any anesthesia and may often be used as a day-hospital method.
Postpuberal evaluation of spermiogram and hormonal status in patients operated on for cryptorchidism and testicular ectopia
Authors: Legovini P. , De Menis E. , Foscolo G.C. , Breda F. , Schiavon G.C. , Pillon G.C. , Perrino G.P. , Conte N.
Published: October 2018

The pituitary-testicular axis and spermatogenesis, after puberty, have been evaluated in 93 patients, operated on for cryptorchidism and testicular ectopia, by the assessment of plasma testosterone, gonadotropins after GnRH stimulation and semen analysis. 12 healthy males formed the control group. Only bilateral cryptorchid patients showed abnormalities in the pituitary-Leydig cell axis with significantly higher basal and stimulated LH values than controls. Oligospermia was more frequent in cryptorchid cases (48%) than in ectopia (13%) and was accompanied by a significant increase of FSH concentration compared to controls. No relation was found between age at operation and sperm count. These data suggest that cryptorchidism and ectopia have different consequences on hormonal status and fertility.
Organ preserving surgery for renal cell cancer: Our experience
Authors: Rubino F. , Mori L. , Benelli R. , Torchiana B. , Giuliani Luciano
Published: October 2018

During the last 10 years, 18 patients affected by kidney neoplasia have been operated on conservatively (2 patients with bilateral carcinoma, 1 patient with damaged controlateral kidney, and 15 patients with controlateral healthy kidney). All the tumors were smaller than 5 cm. In 14 cases the histological examination showed the tumor as being renal cell carcinoma, in 3 cases oncocytoma and in 1 case angiomyolipoma. All the patients had a normal post operative course and are alive with a mean follow up of 21.1 months.
Inguinal hernioplasty according to Nyhus and simultaneous surgical prostatic adenomectomy
Authors: Corrada P. , Bacchioni A.M. , Torelli T. , Leidi G.L. , Ordesi G. , Zanitzer L. , Campo B.
Published: October 2018

Benign prostatic hypertrophy and inguinal hernia are frequently associated. 59 patients underwent transvesical prostatic adenomectomy and simultaneous pre-peritoneal hernioplasty by Nyhus' technique. Results lead the Authors to consider this technique effective, quick to perform, with a recurrence rate similar to that after inguinal hernioplasties.
Report on: “Urologica] surgery in elderly patients: Age or biological limits?”. Introduction
Authors: Pegoraro V.
Published: October 2018

The request for surgery for the elderly is increasing from year to year. In fact a longer average age has brought about the necessity to study the physiology of the ageing process. Increasing knowledge has led to a deeper understanding of geriatric physiopathology, so that 65 years is no longer considered the age limit to define a person “elderly”. On the other hand the elderly no longer accept being marginalized due to their infermity. On the contrary they ask for the same therapeutical measures which are used for younger people.
Urological nursing
Authors: Professionali Infermieri
Published: October 2018

The importance of pre and post-operative nursing of the elderly patient is emphasized. Careful and correct treatment of the patient is fundamental for good results following surgery in elderly and often weak patients. Some essential biological parameters are defined and the need for a correct approach and psychological support to the patient is considered.
“Blended” anaesthesia in urological oncological surgery: Our experience
Authors: Zucconelli R. , De Amici M. , Belmonte P. , Marzolini M. , Foglia A. , De Nobili E. , De Sabbata A.M. , Tonzar M. , Melchior L. , Malattia F. , Fiaccavento G.
Published: October 2018

Some major urological surgery may cause post-operative pain, which is difficult to control, as well as systemic metabolic stress. “Blended” anaesthesia, which is an association of regional anaesthesia and a light general anaesthesia, minimizes the stress on the neuro-vegetative system and reduces drug administration. We treated 39 patients: our data suggest that “blended” anaesthesia is very good for the elderly as well as for younger patients, expecially in Hospitals without a post-operative Intensive Care Unit.
Long-term Indwelling intraurethral catheters in elderly patients with prostatic obstruction. What are the true indications?
Authors: Takahashi H. , Takeda M. , Tsutsui T. , Go H. , Hatano A. , Obara T. , Komeyama T. , Kawasaki T. , Watanabe R. , Sato S. , Sasagawa T. , Sakata Y. , Hiraiwa M. , Ando T.
Published: October 2018

From July 1990 to September 1992, 32 elderly male patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy complaining of chronic urinary retention were treated with polyurethane intraurethral catheters (IUC). All of them were unfit for prostatic surgery due to several complications. Indwelling lUCs were left for more than 6 months in 20 (62.5%) patients, and the longest period was 1 year and 11 months. Indwelling lUCs could not be used in patients who had undergone previous operations for prostatic hypertrophy. Comparing urodynamic study findings prior to and after insertion of the IUC results in patients with an overactive or normal bladder were significantly better than those in patients with an underactive bladder (p<0.05, chi-square test). Nine patients were urine continent, and 2 of those patients in whom an indwelling IUC could be left for more than 6 months, complained of mild urinary incontinence. Urinary tract infection disappeared in 7 patients, and improved in 11 of the 20 patients. IUC placement was successful for more than 6 months without exchange in 7 of the 20 patients. Bladder stone formation was found in one patient and was the only complication in these 20 patients. In conclusion, IUC placement can be successful for more than 6 months in patients without underactive bladder or previous prostatic operation.
Prostate-specific Antigen and Prostate Cancer: How can We Improve Specificity and Predictive Power of the Marker?
Authors: Moretti M. , Cichero A. , Pittaluga P. , Varaldo M. , Bono Aldo V. , Bono Aldo V.
Published: October 2018

PSA is commonly used in diagnosing prostate cancer but it lacks both specificity and sensitivity; PSA values rise in benign prostatic affections and up to 30% prostate cancers show normal PSA values. Preliminary reports indicate that PSA DENSITY (PSAD), i.e. PSA/prostate-volume ratio, can improve specificity of PSA in diagnosing prostate cancer. We considered PSAD in 55 patients of 160 observed for prostatism: all of them underwent digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound and multiple biopsies of the gland. We found cancer in 19 patients (PSAD ranging from 0.17 to 1.77, with a mean value of 0.45), 26 prostatic hyperplasia (PSAD from 0.003 to 0.75, with a mean of 0.13), 6 dysplasia (PSAD from 0.07 to 0.30, with a mean of 0.19). In our experience PSAD > 0.17 or mean value > 0.45 indicate cancer in the absence of significant digital rectal examination and ultrasound findings or normal and borderline PSA values.
MRI of the female urethra and pelvic floor
Authors: Cosciani-Cunico S. , Simeone C. , Zanotelli T.
Published: October 2018

— MRI is the most powerful imaging procedure to visualize the structures of the pelvic floor. We have been interested in the use of MRI towards a better understanding of the pathophysiology of genuine stress incontinence due either to anatomical malposition of the pelvic viscera or to an intrinsically damaged urethra. Axial continuous images were obtained with T2 weighted spin-echo sequence in a total of 47 patients. In stress incontinent patients the urethra was usually more distant from the pubic bone than in normal controls. The urethro-pelvic ligaments were seen to extend downward in an oblique course. The levator sling was frequently deficient, usually thin or partially replaced by fat and connective tissue. In our experience, MRI provides information about the quality of the urethral wall and the pelvic floor. It is clearly superior to other radiological methods and will likely assume an even greater role in evaluating the urethra with paraurethral area and the female pelvis.
Orthopedic treatment of bone metastasis of urological tumours
Authors: Crova M. , Fumero S. , Grosso E.
Published: October 2018

— Over the last few years the life expectancy of patients with urological metastases is prolonged. The metastatic disease can be controlled and the Authors show the different orthopedic treatments of bone involvement.
Values and Limits of Pelvic Lymphadenectomy
Authors: Boccafoschi C. , Annoscia S. , Lozzi C. , Tiranti D.
Published: October 2018

Based on a literature review and their own personal experience, the Authors describe the usefulness of pelvic lymph node dissection in the case of bladder, prostate or penis cancer, and its four main aims: staging, cure, prophylaxis and debulking. While in the case of bladder cancer all the afore-mentioned aims may be taken into consideration, in the case of prostatic cancer only staging is of major importance; in the case of penis cancer, lymph node dissection has clearly defined indications.
Complications of pelvic Lymph Node Dissection: Laparoscopy vs Open Surgery
Authors: Moroni M. , Muto G.
Published: October 2018

Intraoperative and postoperative complications were assessed in 44 patients undergoing pelvic lymph node dissection for staging of prostatic cancer. In 24 cases an open surgical lymphadenectomy was performed and in the other 20 cases the lymphadenectomy was by laparoscopic approach. Complications in the surgical group were 3 (12%), more or less the same as those of the laparoscopic group (2 cases, 10%). In our opinion with experience of laparoscopic surgical principles, the risk of complications may be minimized so that laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy offers a reliable and minimally invasive alternative to open dissection in selected patients.
Histological Assessment of Lymph Node Metastases in Staging Lymphadenectomy for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Campobasso O.
Published: October 2018

Pelvic lymph node involvement in 44 patients with histologically confirmed prostatic carcinoma was assessed by open lymphadenectomy (24 patients) or laparoscopic lymph node dissection (20 patients). With open lymphadenectomy, node metastases were diagnosed on frozen section prior to radical surgery, in only 2 out of 7 patients. With laparoscopic dissection, metastases were correctly diagnosed in 6 out of 7 patients; one, however, was missed. Reasons for missing node metastases lie in the difficulty of recognizing nodes harboring carcinoma on gross examination. Indeed, metastases are often small and do not significantly alter the macroscopic appearence of the involved lymph node.
Hypertension and pulmonary oedema due to hyperreninemia - an uncommon presentation of blunt abdominal trauma
Authors: Szmuk P. , Guy M. , Ezri T. , Soroker D. , Eisenkraft S.
Published: October 2018

We present an uncommon case of a child with acute abdominal signs, hypertension and pulmonary oedema, following blunt abdominal trauma. The clinical picture was due to rupture of a renal cyst and excess renin secretion from a unilateral, obstructed hydronephrotic kidney. Three months after nephrectomy the patient was normotensive.
Receptorial characterization of adrenergic neuroregulation of micturition, ejaculation and erection. An up-to-date review
Authors: Alberti C. , Frattini A. , Ferretti S.
Published: October 2018

In the dynamics of the lower urinary tract, further knowledge has been gained above all concerning distribution and characterization of the adrenoceptors. Moreover recent results of both experimental and clinical research have focused attention on the role of the peripheral adrenoceptors in seminal ejaculation and related disorders. On the other hand, norepinephrine has been accepted as the principal neurotransmitter in the control of penile detumescence and flaccidity. The rationale of applying such knowledge to minctional, erective and ejaculative disorders is discussed on the basis of a literature review as well as of our own studies on the topic.
Cervical or trigonal transurethral resection in local advanced carcinoma of the prostate. Our experience
Authors: Fandella A. , Checchin P. , Maccatrozzo L. , Merlo F. , Faggiano L. , Tuccitto G. , Mangano M. , Anselmo G.
Published: October 2018

Gli Autori riportano l'esperienza riguardo alla resezione endoscopica prostatica o trigonale (TUR) nei pazienti con neoplasia prostatica non suscettibile di soluzione radicale e non rispondente localmente alla terapia ormonale, con sintomatologia ostruttiva o con estensione trigonale ed infiltrazione degli osti ureterali (fino all'insufficenza renale). Tale metodica viene ritenuta una valida alternativa ad una derivazione urinaria mediante cateterismo o nefrostomia, sotto il profilo di una migliore qualità di vita. Vengono considerati 63 pazienti, su 72 trattati in 6 anni, con follow-up medio di 36 mesi; il successo immediato della procedura è stato dell'83% per quel che riguarda la disostruzione cervicale (53 pazienti su 63), e del 55% per le resezioni trigonali. In base all'analisi della esperienza pur numericamente limitata, la TUR sembrerebbe non compromettere la prognosi a distanza, non accelerando la diffusione sistemica della malattia.

Patients with obstructive advanced prostatic carcinoma who don't respond to hormonal therapy, need a urinary drainage through an indwelling catheter or nephrostomy for a dilated kidney. The authors perform an endoscopic resection of the prostate with an associated trigonal resection if there is a dilated urinary system. Successful treatment, permits a better quality of life without a catheter or nephrostomies. We analysed 63 patients of 72 treated in 6 years with an average 36–month follow-up; the success of the procedure was 83% for cervical TUR and 55% for trigonal TUR. In our experience TUR in prostatic cancer appears to be a safe procedure; in fact in our series there is no postoperative mortality or morbility and the treatment doesn't increase cancer dissemination.
Gender and Dating Violence Perpetration and Victimization: A Comparison of American and Chinese College Students
Authors: Luo Xiaoshuang
Published: October 2018

Previous research has shown that violence in romantic relationships is a serious social and public health problem throughout the world among young adults. College students, as a vulnerable group, experience high rates of dating violence, irrespective of gender and nation. Yet, we still know relatively little about whether dating violence shows gender similarities or differences in different cultural settings. United States and China are both patriarchal societies but have diverse cultural background. There may be different gendered patterns of dating violence across these two countries. This study examined the gender differences in physical assault victimization and perpetration among college students in the United States and China, while controlling for dominance, jealousy, violence approval, and a number of demographic factors. Logistic regression analyses were conducted for a total of 5,631 individuals from the United States and China who participated in the International Dating Violence Study from 2001 to 2006. Results demonstrated that male and female college students in China were significantly less likely to be victims of minor physical assault compared with students in the United States. In addition, female students, both in the United States and China, were more likely to perpetrate minor and severe physical assault against their partners than male students in this sample. But Chinese females had a higher percentage of assault against their dating partners than females in the United States. This study contributes to the research on dating violence by exploring cross-cultural gender differences in both victimization and perpetration of physical violence among college students. The implications of findings and future research direction were discussed.
Exploring the Role of Aggressor’s Social Class in Rape and Its Relation to Right-Wing Authoritarianism and Social Dominance
Authors: Canto Jesús M. , San Martín García Jesús , Novas Fabiola Perles
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this research was to analyze whether the social class of the aggressor and the degree of right-wing authoritarianism and social dominance influence the blaming of the victim in a case of rape suffered by a woman. Participating in the study was a sample of 216 university students (82 men and 136 women). The participants read a rape scenario in which the aggressor’s social class was manipulated (high social class vs. low social class) and responded to a questionnaire about the blame of the victim, a questionnaire about right-wing authoritarianism, and a questionnaire about social dominance. The results show that the victim was blamed more when the aggressor was from a low social class and when the participants had high scores in right-wing authoritarianism and social dominance. They also reflect an interaction between the social class of the aggressor and social dominance: Participants who scored high in social dominance blamed the victim more when the aggressor was from a low social class.
Impact of a Nurse-Led Health Promotion Intervention in an Aging Population: Results From a Quasi-Experimental Study on the “Community Health Consultation Offices for Seniors”
Authors: Marcus-Varwijk Anne Esther , Peters Lilian L. , Visscher Tommy L. S. , Smits Carolien H. M. , Ranchor Adelita V. , Slaets Joris P. J.
Published: October 2018

Objective: The study evaluated the nurse-led intervention “ Community Health Consultation Offices for Seniors (CHCO)” on health-related and care needs–related outcomes in community-dwelling older people (⩾60 years). Method: With a quasi-experimental design, the CHCO intervention was evaluated on health-related and care needs–related outcomes after 1-year follow-up. Older people who received the intervention were frail, overweight, or were smoking. The comparison group received care as usual. In both groups, similar data were collected on health status, falls and fractures, and care needs. In the intervention group, additional data were collected on biometric measures and health-related behavior. Results: The intervention group and the care-as-usual group included 403 seniors and 984 seniors, respectively. Health-related outcomes, behaviors, and biometric measures, remained stable. After 1 year, care needs increased for both groups, but at a lower rate for the care-as-usual group. Discussion: The CHCO intervention showed no significant improvement on health-related outcomes or stability in care needs–related outcomes.