bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approccio diagnostico ed atteggiamento terapeutico nei traumi del rene. Nostra esperienza
Authors: Fandella A. , Olteanu A.C. , Maccatrozzo L. , Merlo F. , Faggiano L , Checchin P. , Tuccitto G. , Mangano M. , Anselmo G.
Published: November 2018

Between 1983 and 1993, 198 patients (141 male, 57 female, mean age 26 years) with renal trauma were treated at the Division of Urology in Treviso, Italy. The causes of renal trauma were mainly traffic accidents (66.1%) and sports (13.6%). 39.3% of cases had concomitant skeletal (29.7%), respiratory, spleen, hepatic and peripheral nervous system (9.6%) injuries. Diagnosis was mostly done with ultrasound and abdominal CT; only two cases required an arteriography. 173 cases (82.3%) received conservative treatment, while in 25 patients (17.7%) surgical procedure was necessary. In 17 (68%) of these patients organ preserving surgery was possible; only in 8 (32%) was nephrectomy required. Analysis of postoperative complications after reconstructive surgical therapy showed that with medical therapy there were complications in 47% of the cases with grade III lesions; in patients who underwent surgical repair: 1 sectorial deficiency and 1 “scar” without sectorial deficiency (12%). Hemodynamically unstable patients require immediate surgical therapy, while hemodynamically stable conditions permit a conservative attitude with a complete study of the kidney and delayed surgery if there are serious lesions. From Authors’ data, surgical repair assures a reduced percentage of late complications.
L'enterocistoplastica nel recupero della funzione vescicale gravemente compromessa nella donna non neurologica. Nostra esperienza
Authors: Catanzaro F. , Pizzoccaro M. , Cappellano F. , Torelli F. , Baruffi M. , Pozzoli G.L.
Published: November 2018

The Authors report their experience in the recovery of bladder function in 8 female patients (5 of whom had undergone radical hysterectomy + CHT + RT for gynecological tumours) by means of ileovesicoplasty and bilateral ureteral reimplantation. They underline the improvement of bladder capacity (7/7), continence (7/7), voiding (good results in 5/7) and upper urinary tract function (5/7). All patients are satisfied at a mean follow-up of 31 months. The Authors propose this surgical procedure as an alternative to external diversion.
Nuovi aspetti medico-legali nella normativa a proposito del prelievo di organi (rene) a scopo di trapianto
Authors: Invernizzi S. , Cappoli S. , Locatelli G. , Butti A. , Librizzi A. , Pozza D.
Published: November 2018

The Authors re-examine the laws and ordinances related to the matter of cadaver organ removal for therapeutic transplantation. They highlight the main medico-legal aspects (proof of death, observation period, consent) and conclude hoping for up-to-date rules according to the recent ordinance by “Regione Lombardia” (April 1994).
ESWL ureterale “in situ” con MPL 9000
Authors: Martinelli A. , Turci A. , Farabegoli E. , Bruschi D.
Published: November 2018

We report our experience on MPL 9000 extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, with ultrasonography and radiographic targeting, in the treatment of 109 patients with single (103) or multiple (6) ureteral stones in a lumbar (72) or pelvic (37) position. This technique has proved to be the treatment of choice due to the high percentage of total stone elimination, lack of anaesthesia, few complications and excellent compliance by the patient.
Farmacoterapia intracavernosa e chirurgia venosa nella disfunzione veno-occlusiva peniena: Intracavernous drug therapy and vascular surgery in penile veno-occlusive dysfunction
Authors: Ledda A. , Rossetti R. , Di Giovacchino G. , Laurora G.
Published: November 2018

Veno-occlusive penile dysfunction is not always caused by true organic alterations of the penile venous system. Sometimes this pathology is caused by a dysfunction of cavernous tissue like the vasospasm. The aim of this study was to evaluate correctly this last pathology in order to discover true veno-occlusive dysfunction of the penis. It allows a better therapeutic strategy of these pathologies to be obtained.
Nefrostomia percutanea: Tecnica combinata eco-fluoroscopica: Percutaneous nephrostomy: A joint ultrasonographic and fluoroscopic approach
Authors: Larcher P. , Casu M. , Longoni E. , Tonazzi G.L. , Bonfioli C. , Motta F. , Urani A. , Bergonzi M.
Published: November 2018

This work describes a joint approach, i.e. ultrasonographic and fluoroscopic for performing percutaneous nephrostomy in treating hydronephrosis caused by obstructive uropathy. This technique has proved to be fast and simple, without any complications or only very slight ones (transitory haematuria) and has never lasted over 10 minutes, even for bilateral drainages.
Adenocarcinoma renale in cisti renale multiloculare. A proposito di 2 rari casi trattati con terapia chirurgica conservativa: Adenocarcinoma in multilocular renal cyst. A report of 2 cases treated with conservative surgery
Authors: Valerio S. , Antoniazzi G. , Petterle V. , Scarpa V. , Fornasiero G.F. , Bassi E.
Published: November 2018

The Authors present the surgical approach and the management of two new cases of adenocarcinoma in multilocular renal cyst treated with conservative surgery. The pathological and clinical findings are presented and the difficulty in differentiating benign versus malignant lesions is discussed.
Retroperitoneal haemorrhage secondary to spontaneous rupture of unknown renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Bordinazzo R. , Benecchi L. , Cazzaniga A. , Privitera O.
Published: November 2018

We report a case of massive spontaneous retroperitoneal haemorrhage from the rupture of an unknown, small renal cell carcinoma. The clinical presentation and management modalities are discussed.
A quale giornale inviare un lavoro scientifico: Sending a scientific paper to which journal?
Authors: Montorsi F. , Guazzoni G. , Trimboli F. , Rigatti P. , Pizzini G. , Miani A.
Published: November 2018

After having carefully examined research results, the next problem is to decide which urological, medical or surgical journal to send the work to. Having chosen the journal, it is then essential to observe the layout and style requested.
Errori da evitare: Mistakes to be avoided
Authors: Marconi A.M. , Bono A.V.
Published: November 2018

Scientific articles must fully describe the purpose of the research or whatever scientific subject is being presented, the results and their practical or conceptual application. The parameters used in research work, with regard to planning and type of randomisation, controls and experimental programme, must follow a logical sequence. Ignoring certain publishing rules, combined with inaccuracy and a lack of complete data, make pubblication in a scientific journal, above all at an international level, difficult. The following report therefore gives some practical suggestions for writing out papers, dealing in order with all the parts that a scientific article must have (title, abstract, etc.). Particular attention is paid to mistakes to be avoided.
Indici di proliferazione (Ki 67, TLI) ed espressione della p53. Introduzione: Proliferation indices (Ki 67, TLI) and p53 expression. Introduction
Authors: Minari R. , Monica B.
Published: November 2018

Histologic and pathologic findings are the most common and useful prognostic factors in transitional cell cancer of the bladder. Thus, clinicians know their peculiar limits very well. The Authors report the results of a literature review about an oncogenic-derivative protein (p53) and about indices of proliferation Ki 67 and TLI, which are frequently studied in bladder cancer.
Il trattamento chirurgico delle ipospadie nelle differenti età evolutive. Parte 1a: Età infantile: Hypospadias treatment in different ages of development. Part 1: Infancy
Authors: Bocchi A. , Caleffi E. , Giannotti G. , Baldassarre S. , Papadia F.
Published: November 2018

The Authors describe their diagnostic protocol for hypospadias in childhood, including the evaluation of associated malformations and degree of intersexuality. Treatment usually consists of a single-stage operation, except for perineo-scrotal hypospadias, and must be performed before the child is two years old.
Chemioterapia sistemica MVEC: 5 anni di esperienza: MVEC systemic chemotherapy: 5 years’ experience
Authors: Piediferro G. , Russo A. , Crimi A. , Luciano G. , Vanacore M.
Published: November 2018

The Authors describe their experience in treating 81 patients, suffering from urothelial cell carcinoma, with neo-adjuvant, adjuvant or final MVEC chemotherapy according to stage and localisation. The prospective results would seem to indicate conservative surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for pT3N0M0G1-2 bladder tumours, prognostic improvement, at least with regard to disease-free period, in pT3N0M0 cancer, the possibility of downstaging in T4N + M + cancer and more clinical remissions in transitional cell carcinoma in the upper urinary tract. Furthermore, the therapy proved to be relatively easy for the “non-oncologist” urologists. Side effects are mentioned.
Epidemiologia della patologia urologica: I dati della Sanità Militare: Epidemiology of urological pathologies: Medicals Corps data
Authors: Consigliere F.
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the Author indicates the incidence of urogenital pathologies in conscripts at the moment of the selective visit, which involves two categories of military personnel: a) personnel for compulsory enlistment, b) personnel for volontary enlistment, each with its own juridic state and different criteria of assessment. The task of military legal medicine is not only to select generally suitable individuals, but also those in good health at the beginning of the service and who must remain so in relation to the specific job. During these selective visits a considerable number of cases have been found in particular of pathologies involving the urogenital system. The Author examines the list of illnesses and imperfections and in particular those pertaining to section 29 and 35 regarding pathologies of urogenital system. The study was carried out on a sample of young men doing their National Service in the six-year period from ‘88-'93, who were visited in the hospitals of Verona, Padua and Udine.
Nd:YAG laser application in the treatment of upper urinary tract tumours
Authors: Gaboardi F. , Bozzola A. , Melodia T. , Galli L.
Published: November 2018

— 29 patients were referred to our Department for upper urinary tract tumours and underwent ureteropyeloscopy with laser irradiation of the neoplasm. All the patients had been selected for this treatment previously because of solitary kidney, bilateral tumours, poor renal function, refusal of nephroureterectomy. The tumours were treated with Nd:YAG laser irradiation at 25–30 Watts/3 sec. Before the procedure, the ureter and pelvis were accessed by a 0.035 inch guide wire or 4 French ureteral catheter. No important side effects were noted after the procedure in 27 of the 29 patients. Two patients developed ureteral stenosis; the first after several treatments, the other after the first treatment. Follow-up consists of endoscopic surveillance every three months in the first year then every 6 months in the absence of recurrences. At present 10 patients are tumour-free, 3 patients underwent nephroureterectomy for massive recurrences and the other patients underwent new laser irradiation.
Treatment of abacterial pseudomembranous trigonitis with Nd:YAG laser. Personal experience
Authors: Monica B. , Barbieri A. , Ziveri M. , Minari R.
Published: November 2018

— Pseudomembranous trigonitis is a syndrome characterized by urgency, frequency, dysuria, bearing down and dyspareunia, with a typical endoscopic appearance and repeatedly negative urine culture examinations. Cystoscopically it appears as a white patch on the mucosal surface, usually well demarcated and often irregular in shape. The lesion may be finely granular in appearance and extend upward toward the ureteral orifices. Histologically it is a squamous not keratinizing metaplasia. Fifty-four female patients were treated with Nd:YAG laser photocoagulation at our Urologic Department from January 1994 to June 1995. Cystoscopic follow-up showed uniform riepithelization, with linear healing, undoubtedly contributing to the relief of symptoms. In our experience, laser treatment gave good and lasting relief of symptoms like no other therapies; so, high patient compliance, easy technique and good results make Nd:YAG laser photocoagulation highly effective in PMT management.
Prostatic carcinoma and Nd:YAG laser treatment. Critical assessment of a new technology
Authors: Galli L. , Gaboardi F. , Bozzola A. , Zago T.
Published: November 2018

— The Authors describe the endourologic treatment of prostatic cancer. Nowadays the possibilities for the treatment of localized prostatic cancer include: radical prostatectomy, nerve sparing prostatectomy, radiotherapy and TURP plus Nd:YAG laser irradiation. All these modalities of treatment are discussed and the indications for endoscopic treatment in the early stage of a prostatic tumour are reported according to results in literature. The Authors summarize their experience with TURP plus Nd:YAG laser in 48 patients with early prostatic cancer, incidental prostatic cancer and PIN 2–3. According to the Authors this method of treatment presents results comparable to those of radical prostatectomy but without impotence or incontinence.
Lasers in Urology: Stone disease
Authors: Francesca F.
Published: November 2018

— Laser devices for endoscopic lithotripsy differ in their technical aspect from those designed for other urological applications. Their main characteristic is represented by the Q switched output to avoid the thermal effect, which is always associated with the continuous wave output of other lasers. The wave length allows the selective absortion of energy by the stone, greatly reducing the risk of tissue damage. At present three types of laser are available for endoscopic lithotripsy: pulsed dye laser (coumarine green); wave length: 504 nm. Pulsed dye laser (rodamine); wave length: 594 nm. Alexandrite laser; wave length: 750 nm. The pros and cons of laser lithotripsy compared to other methods for endoscopic lithotripsy are highlighted.
Correlation between atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, intraepithelial tumour and prostatic carcinoma
Authors: Gastaldi E. , Benvenuti S. , Mennini B. , Iacoviello M. , Caviglione M. , Rucci E. , Traverso G.B.
Published: November 2018

— The Authors report their experience on early cancer lesions of the prostate: atypical adenomatous hyerplasia and intra-epithelial tumour. Even though such lesions could develop long-term into a prostatic tumour, the Authors do not justify handling and treating such patients as affected by prostatic tumour. Nevertheless, strict patient follow-up is useful, including rectal examination and PSA testing every 3 months and transrectal prostatic sonography with cytological testing or gland biopsy every 6 months.
Surgical treatment of hypospadias at different ages. Part 2: Adolescents and adults
Authors: Bocchi A. , Caleffi E. , Giannotti G. , Papadia F.
Published: November 2018

— The Authors describe their diagnostic and therapeutic protocol for hypospadic patients in adolescent and adult age. Patients can be divided into: those who have received unsatisfactory treatment, those who have not yet been treated and patients with Penile curvature without hypospadia.
Personal experience in studying symptomatic BPH
Authors: Zucconelli R.
Published: November 2018

In an open randomised three-branch study without placebo control, an attempt was made to form a hypothesis regarding the most effective medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 195 patients were enrolled in the study according to precise criteria of eligibility and were evaluated after 6 months both subjectively (IPSS) and objectively (urodynamic study). 53 were treated with finasteride, 45 with alfuzosin and 49 with an association of the two drugs. A statistically significant improvement was noted in the main urodynamic parameters (B better than C and C better than A), clinical evaluation revealed a positive overall influence of the treatments on the IPSS without specific correlations with obstruction urodynamic parameters, which although showing improvement mostly remained at a pathological level.
An interview with 40 patients with stress urinary incontinence after uro-gynaecological rehabilitation
Authors: Olivo G. , Calisti A. , Carluccio G. , Poletti G. , Lotto A.
Published: November 2018

Uro-gynaecological rehabilitation is a sequential therapeutic cocktail of biofeedback, functional electrical stimulation and kinesitherapy of the pelvic floor. Results of an interview with 40 female patients after uro-gynaecological rehabilitation are reported, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment on the quality of life, the popularity of this method, its acceptability and the difficulty of the pelvic floor exercises. In our experience uro-gynaecological rehabilitation has several positive aspects compared to traditional surgical treatment; in selected cases of female urinary incontinence, this method is therefore proposed as a valid therapeutic alternative.
Right laparoscopic adrenalectomy
Authors: Belgrano E. , Trombetta C. , De Giorgi G. , Candido R. , Liguori G. , Fabris B.
Published: November 2018

The development of laparoscopic techniques, especially those allowing the removal of large organs such as the kidney and the spleen, also made endoscopic adrenalectomy technically feasible. Several authors report on successfully performed laparoscopic adrenalectomies. We describe a paradigmatic case of right adrenalectomy in a 41-year-old female patient with Conn's disease.
Il trattamento tradizionale dell'IPB nell'anziano: The traditional treatment of BPH in the elderly
Authors: Fiaccavento G. , Scialpi P. , Zucconelli R. , Belmonte P.
Published: November 2018

Longer life expectancy and the progress made in anaesthesiology have led to an increase over the last few years in the request for treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) in elderly patients. A retrospective analysis on 270 patients aged 75 years who underwent surgery on the cervico-prostatic district between 1989 and 1997 showed a rate of complications (10% overall) comparable with that in patients of any age undergoing the same operation. This reinforces the conviction that both open surgery and endoscopic procedures for treating symptomatic BPH are safe and reliable even in the elderly.
La cistectomia nell'anziano: Radical cystectomy in the elderly patient
Authors: Pegoraro V. , Invidiato F. , Pizzarella M.
Published: November 2018

It is certainly true that an increase in the average life span has caused a greater percentage of elderly people to visit urological departments. From April 1989 to December 1996, 52 patients over 75 years underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion. The numerical analysis of our experience has highlighted the fact that in operated patients the incidence and mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases were no higher than those found in other people of the same age.
L'eziopatogenesi della fibrosi retroperitoneale: Etiopathogenesis of retroperitoneal fibrosis
Authors: D'Amico A. , Ficarra V. , Porcaro A. , Puce R. , Cicuto S. , Malossini G. , Tallarigo C.
Published: November 2018

The etiopathogenesis of retroperitoneal fibrosis is still obscure and probably multifactorial. Among the secondary forms due to demonstrable causes, the one caused by aorto-iliac atherosclerosis has recently been recognised. Its pathogenesis is linked to the low density oxidised lipoproteins of the atheromatous plaque, which are responsible for a local immunologic reaction. The most common form is still idiopathic or primitive, hypothetically related to genetic, environmental, vascular and/or immunologic factors. Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis is sometimes associated with other sclerosing syndromes and/or systemic diseases. In such cases a common pathogenesis, probably immunologic may be postulated. After having illustrated the different categories of retroperitoneal fibrosis, the authors report their experience with 25 patients of whom 14 had idiopathic fibrosis and 11 secondary fibrosis. In the former group 11 patients (78.5%) smoked more than 10 cigarettes a day, while there was a history of prolonged professional exposure to asbestos in one case. The following associated pathologies were observed: hypertension in 7 cases (50%), ischemic cardiopathy in 2 (14.3%), diabetes mellitus in 2 (14.3%), multiple myeloma in 1 (7.1%) and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in 1 (7.1%). The disease was also associated with other sclerosing pathologies in 3 cases: sclerosing cholangitis in 2 and Dupuytren's contracture in 1. The location of the fibrosis was typically periaortic in 13 cases (92.8%), as shown by CT. Lastly, 10 patients underwent immunosuppressive therapy with a favourable response, suggesting the probable immunologic pathogenesis of the disease.
La fibrosi retroperitoneale idiopatica. Manifestazioni cliniche: Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis. Clinical features
Authors: Olivo G. , Monaco C. , Lotto A.
Published: November 2018

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is probably a partial manifestation of a systemic disease of the connective tissue. The clinical features of RPF are linked to the development of a retroperitoneal fibrous plaque which compresses and obstructs the ureters, the aorta, the inferior cava and the adjacent structures. Ormond's disease is characterised by two clinical stages: the early stage with signs and symptoms very similar to those of any subacute or chronic inflammation and the advanced stage with clinical features attributable to progressive ureteral obstruction, compression of the great vessels and involvement of the digestive apparatus.
La terapia chirurgica tradizionale della fibrosi retroperitoneale idiopatica: Traditional surgical treatment of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis
Authors: Comunale L. , Pianon R. , Motta L. , Ficarra V. , Puce R. , Porcaro A.
Published: November 2018

Surgical treatment of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis is indicated in the most advanced stages of the disease and aims at resolving the urinary obstruction by freeing the ureters of the compressing and enveloping fibrous plaque. The purpose of this study was to briefly review the traditional surgical techniques, while assessing the results of the main reports in literature.
Homohemodialysis: A technique of dialysis for the uremic animal
Authors: Shafik A. , Saleh M. , Mahmoud A. , Afify M.
Published: November 2018

As an alternative to kidney transplantation in conditions of renal failure, an in situ kidney of a healthy individual may be used. The present study utilizes the kidney of a healthy rabbit as a hemoperfusion unit for another, uremic, animal. The study comprised 17 experimental models, each of which consisted of 2 adult Newzealand rabbits. One animal of each model was rendered uremic by means of bilateral nephrectomy. The blood chemistry (urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, pH and base deficit) was examined pre- and 4-houriy post-operation. When, after 48 hours post-nephrectomy, the blood chemistry had reached a sufficient level to endanger the animal's life, homohemodialysis was performed. The anticoagulated blood was circulated from the uremic animal to the normal one and then back to the uremic animal through the femoral vessels using a tube system. The blood chemistry was determined every 10 minutes and pH and base deficit every 30 minutes. All animals died or were sacrificed within 21 hours after shunting was started, and autopsy was done. Serum sodium was the first to normalize within the first 10 minutes post-shunting, followed by serum potassium and pH in 30 minutes. Blood urea and creatinine reached normal levels in 40 minutes and base deficit in 60 minutes post-shunting. The pathologic examination of specimens from the vital organs of both the normal and uremic animals showed different degrees of cellular damage probably due to hypotension or acute effects of the unbalanced animal homeostasis. In conclusion, homohemodialysis proved to be effective in normalizing the concentrations of the different substances retained in the blood of uremic animals within only 60 minutes of dialysis.
La sindrome da incompetenza cavernosa e l'ipogonadismo secondario dell'andromiosi: Condizioni correlate o concomitanza occasionale?: Venous leakage syndrome and “andromiosis” hypogonadism: Are they correlated or are they an occasional coincidence?
Authors: Passavanti G. , Pizzuti V. , Spinosa E. , Balducci M. Tosti , Mascia D. , Paolini R.
Published: November 2018

The study of available case histories enables us to formulate some interesting hypotheses on the relationship between andropause hypogonadism and cavernous incompetence erectile deficit. Such conditions may well be connected to a similar degenerative or aging process which, provided both conditions are present, may be responsible for the worsening of the erectile deficit. Correction of the hormone deficit does not produce any recovery of spontaneous erectile activity but it significantly improves response to standard treatment for impotence.
Antibacterial activity, cell toxicity, and mechanical property of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene/chlorhexidine acetate–montmorillonite nanocomposite
Authors: Zhang Jun , Feng Fuling , Han Bing , Wang Dawei , Fu Lei , He Lei , Zhao Yue , Mo Hong , Shen Jian
Published: November 2018

Nanocomposites have been extensively used in many fields. Their properties can be improved or enhanced by the components in the nanocomposites. In this study, we reported the antibacterial activity, cell toxicity, and mechanical property of a three-component nanocomposite which consisted of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), chlorhexidine acetate (CA), and montmorillonite (MMT). This nanocomposite (UHMWPE/CA-MMT) maintained good short-term resistance to bacterial adhesion, and its long-term resistance to bacterial adhesion was significantly improved as the interlayer space in montmorillonite prevented effectively the agglomeration and precipitation of chlorhexidine acetate after the intercalation of chlorhexidine acetate into montmorillonite. Also, its cell toxicity was reduced as the interlayer space in montmorillonite inhibited the release rate of chlorhexidine acetate. In addition, the mechanical property of UHMWPE/CA-MMT was improved because of the synergistic optimization of these three components. These findings suggested that this three-component nanocomposite UHMWPE/CA-MMT may be a promising biomaterial.
Being a Self-Employed Older Woman: From Discrimination to Activism
Authors: Meliou Elina , Mallett Oliver , Rosenberg Shoshanna
Published: November 2018

This article presents an autobiographical account of an older woman’s lived experience of self-employment. Little is known about women who experience ongoing self-employment into their 50s and beyond. Shoshanna’s personal narrative describes her experiences and the challenges she has faced as she reflects upon her attempts to grow and sustain her business and the implications of ageism and gender inequality in laying a claim to entrepreneurship. The narrative proceeds to reflect on her activist work, as it is constructed through the creation of a social enterprise to support older people. Shoshanna’s narrative provides valuable insights into the intersection of age and gender in self-employment moving from discrimination to active support.
The decision to biopsy in a lung cancer screening program: Potential impact of risk calculators
Authors: Gilbert Christopher R , Carlson Alexander S , Wilshire Candice L , Aye Ralph W , Farivar Alexander S , Bograd Adam J , Gorden Jed A
Published: November 2018

Objective

The National Lung Screening Trial demonstrated the benefits of lung cancer screening, but the potential high incidence of unnecessary invasive testing for ultimately benign radiologic findings causes concern. We aimed to review current biopsy patterns and outcomes in our community-based program, and retrospectively apply malignancy prediction models in a lung cancer screening population, to identify the potential impact these calculators could have on biopsy decisions.

Methods

Retrospective review of lung cancer-screening program participants from 2013 to 2016. Demographic, biopsy, and outcome data were collected. Malignancy risk calculators were retrospectively applied and results compared in patients with positive imaging findings.

Results

From 520 individuals enrolled in the screening program, pulmonary nodule(s) ≥6 mm were identified in 166, with biopsy in 30. Malignancy risk probabilities were significantly higher (Brock p < 0.00001; Mayo p < 0.00001) in those undergoing diagnostic sampling than those not undergoing sampling. However, there was no difference in the Brock ( p = 0.912) or Mayo ( p = 0.435) calculators when discriminating a final diagnosis of cancer from not cancer in those undergoing sampling.

Conclusions

In our screening program, 5.7% of individuals undergo invasive testing, comparable with the National Lung Screening Trial (6.1%). Both Brock and Mayo calculators perform well in indicating who may be at risk of malignancy, based on clinical and radiologic factors. However, in our invasive testing group, the Brock and Mayo calculators and Lung Cancer Screening Program clinical assessment all lacked clarity in distinguishing individuals who have a cancer from those with a benign abnormality.
Dimensions of Product Brand Personality
Authors: George Jijo , Anandkumar Victor
Published: November 2018

The success of a brand relies on the extent to which it differentiates itself from the myriad of competitors. As brands seek to become distinctive, brand personality is viewed as a viable metaphor for understanding consumers’ perceptions of brands and for crafting a unique identity in their minds. Measurement and management of brand personality becomes significant in this regard. Most of the existing brand personality scales are either designed to measure the brand personality construct in general or to measure particular categories of brands. There is a lack of a scale which measures the personality of product brands as such. This research tries to fill this lacuna by creating a new product brand personality scale incorporating various advancements in the field of brand personality measurement. This study employs a mixed method approach and the important phases include construct definition, item generation, measure purification, assessment of reliability and validity, and development of a short version of the scale. Findings of this research reconfirm the consumers' tendency to attribute personality characteristics to brands. It also identifies seven dimensions of product brand personality with 26 items.
Executive Functions and Social Cognition in Juveniles Who Have Sexually Offended
Authors: Joyal Christian C. , Tardif Monique , Spearson-Goulet Jo-Annie
Published: November 2018

Although neuropsychological assessments provide valuable information for those working in forensic mental health, few neuropsychological studies concern persons who sexually offend, particularly juveniles who have sexually offended (JSO). It has been suggested that, contrary to current theories, executive function in JSO, as a group, is no more impaired than it is in juvenile delinquents in general. However, JSO with child victims seem to be more impulsive than JSO whose victims are peers or adults. To verify this potentially important (and unexpected) finding, a sample of adolescent males ( N = 134; 15.6 ± 1.5 years old) that included JSO, general delinquents, and underprivileged nondelinquents was assessed using a battery of behavioral and psychological tests that focus on impulsivity. No difference was found between groups regarding higher order executive functions as measured with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task but JSO with child victims were found to be the most impulsive subgroup as evidenced with the Iowa Gambling Task, the Stop-Signal Reaction Task, and the Impulsive scale of the Social Problem Solving Inventory. They also had the highest number of prescriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication. These results, which contradict hypotheses derived from assessment of adult sex offenders, illustrate an important difference between the cognitive profiles of adult and juvenile males who sexually offended. They also confirm that JSO whose victims are children appear to be more impulsive.
Muscular strength and function after total hip arthroplasty performed with three different surgical approaches: one-year follow-up study
Authors: Winther Siri B , Foss Olav A , Husby Otto S , Wik Tina S , Klaksvik Jomar , Husby Vigdis S
Published: November 2018

Background:

Surgical approach influences short-term muscular strength, and leg-strength asymmetry has been demonstrated after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We evaluated muscular strength, physical function and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) up to 12 months postoperatively, in patients operated on using 3 different surgical approaches.

Methods:

60 patients scheduled for primary THA were allocated to the direct lateral (DLA), posterior (PA) or anterior (AA) approach. The following parameters were evaluated: leg press and abduction strength, pain, 6-minute walking test, Harris Hip Score and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score - Physical Function Shortform (HOOS-PS).

Results:

Abduction strength in the DLA group was significantly more reduced than the PA and AA groups 12 months postoperatively ( p < 0.001). A significant interleg difference in abduction ( p < 0.01) and leg press ( p < 0.03) persisted in all groups up to 6 months, and up to 12 months in the DLA ( p < 0.05). In the AA group, interleg difference in leg press was present up to 12 months ( p = 0.01). Pain scores were higher in the DLA than the AA group at 6 months ( p = 0.01). Patients in the PA group had better HOOS-PS score than those in the DLA group 3 months postoperatively ( p = 0.02). No intergroup differences in pain or PROMs were found 12 months postoperatively.

Conclusion:

Patients operated via the DLA had reduced muscular strength, HOOS-PS scores and higher pain scores than those who underwent PA and AA type surgery. The non-operated leg was significantly stronger than the operated leg in all groups 6 months postoperatively and this persisted up to 12 months postoperatively for the DLA and AA groups. Clinical Trial Protocol number: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01506024).
An analysis of potential predictors of tunneled hemodialysis catheter infection or dysfunction
Authors: Coker M Austin , Black J Ryne , Li Yufeng , Varma Rakesh , Almehmi Ammar , Abdel Aal Ahmed K , Gunn Andrew J
Published: November 2018

Purpose:

To assess the ability of various clinical factors to predict infection or dysfunction of tunneled hemodialysis catheters.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all adult patients who had a tunneled hemodialysis catheter placed between 2012 and 2016 was performed. Tunneled hemodialysis catheters were considered infected based on clinical suspicion or culture-positive bacteremia. Dysfunction was defined as all other non-infectious causes for line failure. Time-to-removal or exchange was recorded. Clinical parameters analyzed as potential predictors of tunneled hemodialysis catheter infection or dysfunction, included the following: age, sex, site of placement, inpatient versus outpatient status at time of placement, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet count, white blood cell count, international normalized ratio, and partial thromboplastin time.

Results:

A total of 177 patients (95: female, 82: male; 71.7%: African American; mean age: 54.9 years) qualified for inclusion. The internal jugular vein was the site of placement in 97.1% of patients with 79.7% of lines being placed on the right side. One patient (0.5%) had minor bleeding after catheter insertion but no other complications were recorded. A total of 17 patients (9.6%) had lines removed or exchanged due to infection at a median of 86 (range: 13–626) days, while 68 patients (38.4%) had lines removed or exchanged due to dysfunction at a median of 42 (range: 1–531) days. A total of 92 patients (51.9%) had lines removed due to completion of therapy at a median of 68 (range: 7–433) days. Dysfunctional lines had a shorter time-to-removal than successful lines ( p = 0.007). No difference was seen in time-to-removal between infected lines and successful lines ( p = 0.16). Multivariate analysis showed that female sex ( p = 0.003) and left-sided line placement ( p = 0.007) were independent predictors of line dysfunction. No evaluated factors were predictive of tunneled hemodialysis catheter infection.

Conclusion:

Female sex and left-sided line placement were independent predictors of tunneled hemodialysis catheter dysfunction, but none of the evaluated parameters predicted tunneled hemodialysis catheter infection.
Keywords extraction in Chinese–Vietnamese bilingual news based on hypergraph
Authors: Zhai Jiaxin , Gao Shengxiang , Yu Zhengtao , Fan Zequan , Liu Li , Lai Hua , Zhang Yafei
Published: November 2018

The keywords extraction of bilingual news events in China and Vietnam has a very important role in understanding bilingual news events. It can quickly locate and briefly compare the news of the same events reported by the two countries. Chinese–Vietnam news texts are typically unstructured big data. How to extract the keywords that characterize the news in these unstructured data is the difficult problem of unstructured big data analysis. Bilingual documents are difficult to understand because bilingual Chinese and Vietnamese are not in the same language space. However, the hypergraph of the hypergraph model can better express the multiple relations of the vocabulary association and the entity association for bilingual news. Therefore, a method based on hypergraph for bilingual news keywords extraction is proposed. In this method, bilingual news words are extracted to construct a bilingual word set, and the words are taken as vertices. Chinese–Vietnamese sentences and bilingual words with the same semantic meaning as different types of hyperedges and the bilingual word frequency are used as the attribute to construct a bilingual news item word hypergraph model. Then, the directional diffusion algorithm in the wireless sensor network is used to iteratively calculate the weights of the vertices so as to realize the extraction of keywords in the Chinese–Vietnam bilingual news. The experimental results show that the proposed hypergraph method is better than the single-document extraction method, which can better obtain the keywords of the bilingual unstructured text data.
Visually framing the Gaza War of 2014: The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Twitter
Authors: Manor Ilan , Crilley Rhys
Published: November 2018

Recent years have seen the migration of Ministries of Foreign Affairs (MFAs) to social media in a practice referred to as digital diplomacy. Social media enable MFAs to craft frames so as to influence audiences’ perception of foreign affairs. Such framing is especially relevant during times of war as states seek to legitimize their policies. Notably, given that social media are inherently visual platforms, MFAs are now visual narrators. Few studies to date have extended the reach of framing theory to that of digital diplomacy during conflict. This study addresses this gap by analysing 795 tweets published by the Israeli MFA during the 2014 Gaza War. The authors’ analysis demonstrates that the Israeli MFA crafted 14 linguistic frames that were used to legitimize Israel’s policies. Notably, the MFA used images to support these frames and it is through images that the linguistic frames were made to resonate with Israeli strategic narratives. The authors pay attention to how images published by the Israeli MFA constitute three visual tropes and highlight how images function to augment frames (which focus on the present) to broader narratives that involve the past, present and future. Here, they explore how images invoke the past to illuminate the present and future, and create a shared identity in the context of the Gaza War.
Non-directed bronchial lavage is a safe method for sampling the respiratory tract in critically ill patient
Authors: Bonvento BV , Rooney JA , Columb MO , McGrath BA , Bentley AM , Felton TW
Published: November 2018

Ventilated patients are at risk of acquiring ventilator-associated pneumonia. Various techniques are available for diagnosing ventilator-associated pneumonia including bronchoalveolar lavage, protected specimen brush and non-directed bronchoalveolar lavage. There is a paucity of evidence regarding the safety profile of these techniques, particularly non-directed bronchoalveolar lavage. This service evaluation aimed to establish whether non-directed bronchoalveolar lavage is a safe procedure. A prospective service evaluation of non-directed bronchoalveolar lavage on our adult intensive care unit was undertaken by a senior physiotherapist trained into carrying out the procedure, measuring pre- and post-procedure vital signs including heart rate (HR), tidal volume (VT), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse oximetry (SpO2). Eighty-five episodes in 41 patients were included in the evaluation. There was a statistically significant difference between pre- and immediately post-procedure recordings for all vital signs measure. HR (min-1), means (SD) 87.1 (16.4), 91.5 (16.5), 87.5 (15.9), 87.7 (15.7) respectively pre, immediately, 5 min after and 30 min after procedure ( P < 0.01). SBP mmHg, means (SD) 133.9 (26.1), 142.1 (25.6), 136.9 (25.3), 134.8 (23.4) pre, immediately, 5 min and 30 min after procedure ( P < 0.01). VT mL, median (range) 0.523 (0.118–1.180), 0.512 (0.131–1.05), 0.519 (0.104–0.95), 0.534 (0.110–1.080) each pre, immediately, 5 min and 30 min post procedure ( P < 0.05). SpO2 %, median (range) 98 (89–100), 100 (96–100), 98 (92–100), 97 (90–100) again each pre-, immediately post, 5 and 30 min post-procedure time-points ( P < 0.0001). The statistically significant difference was not detected between pre-, 5 or 30 min post-procedure time-points. None of the changes observed were clinically significant and no untoward events happened to any of the subjects included. Non-directed bronchoalveolar lavage is a safe and inexpensive procedure that can be carried out easily in an intensive care setting by a trained physiotherapist, avoiding the need for invasive bronchoscopy.
Incidence of tenolysis and features of adhesions in the digital flexor tendons after multi-strand repair and early active motion
Authors: Moriya Koji , Yoshizu Takea , Tsubokawa Naoto , Narisawa Hiroko , Maki Yutaka
Published: November 2018

We report seven patients requiring tenolysis after primary or delayed primary flexor tendon repair and early active mobilization out of 148 fingers of 132 consecutive patients with Zone 1 or 2 injuries from 1993 to 2017. Three fingers had Zone 2A, two Zone 2B, and two Zone 2C injuries. Two fingers underwent tenolysis at Week 4 or 6 after repair because of suspected repair rupture. The other five fingers had tenolysis 12 weeks after repair. Adhesions were moderately dense between the flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus tendons or with the pulleys. According to the Strickland and Tang criteria, the outcomes were excellent in one finger, good in four, fair in one, and poor in one. Fingers requiring tenolysis after early active motion were 5% of the 148 fingers so treated. Indications for tenolysis were to achieve a full range of active motion in the patients rated good or improvement of range of active motion of the patients rated poor or fair. Not all of our patients with poor or fair outcomes wanted to have tenolysis.

Level of evidence: IV
Increased Levels of IGF-1 and Beta2-Microglobulin in Epithelial Lining Fluid of Preterm Newborns Developing Chronic Lung Disease: Effects of rhG-CSF
Authors: Capoluongo E. , Vento G. , Ameglio F. , Lulli P. , Matassa P.G. , Carrozza C. , Santini S.A. , Antenucci M. , Castagnola M. , Giardina B. , Romagnoli C. , Zuppi C.
Published: November 2018

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is involved in regulating the TH-l/TH-2 balance, favoring the development of the TH-2 compartment which enhances fibrosis, one of the main characteristics of Chronic Lung Disease (CLD) in premature newborns. Limited data is available concerning a possible association between early epithelial lining fluid (ELF) concentrations of IGF-1 (total and free forms), IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), b2-microglobulin (B2M) and subsequent development of CLD in preterm neonates. If neutropenic, preterm neonates are frequently treated with recombinant human Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (rhG-CSF). The objective of the study was to correlate ELF concentrations of IGF-1 and B2M during the first week of life both in non-neutropenic and in rhG-CSF-treated neutropenic preterm neonates, with subsequent development in CLD. Thirty preterm neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (6 with neutropenia) were studied. Eleven out of 24 non-neutropenic preterm infants (46%) and all of the six neutropenic subjects (100%) developed CLD. With the exception of first day values, there was a clear similarity in the behaviors of assayed molecules between non-neutropenic and neutropenic patients developing CLD. Non-neutropenic patients without CLD showed significantly lower values of free IGF-1 and B2M both on days 1 and 3. Total IGF-I and cell counts were different only on the 3rd day. Conclusions: 1) the mechanisms leading to CLD might be mediated by high levels of IGF-family molecules soon after birth 2) B2M could be a marker of increased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cellularity with potential inflammatory properties 3) G-CSF treatment induces an increased synthesis of IGF-1 molecules by cells recruited in the lung, with possible enhancement of the fibrogenic mechanisms.
The Expression of CD154 by Kaposi's Sarcoma Cells Mediates the Anti-Apoptotic and Migratory Effects of HIV-1-Tat Protein
Authors: Cantaluppi V. , Deregibus M.C. , Biancone L. , Deambrosis I. , Bussolati B. , Albini A. , Camussi G.
Published: November 2018

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a malignancy associated to conditions of immune system impairment such as HIV-1 infection and post-transplantation therapy. Here we report that HIV-1-Tat protein, at concentrations well below those detected in AIDS patients, up-regulates the expression of both CD40 and CD154 on KS cells. This occurred also in the presence of vincristine, that at doses shown to induce apoptosis decreased the expression of both CD40 and CD154 on KS cells. The treatment with a soluble CD40-muIg fusion protein (CD40 fp) that prevents the binding of CD154 with cell surface CD40, as well as the transfection with a vector for soluble CD40 (KS sCD40), decreased the anti-apoptotic effect of Tat. Moreover, Tat-induced motility of KS cells was inhibited by soluble CD40 fp. Tat also enhanced the expression of intracellular proteins known to transduce signals triggered by CD40 engagement, in particular TRAF-3. Tat as well as soluble CD154 (sCD154) prevented vincristine-induced reduction of TRAF-3 in KS cells transfected with a vector for neomycin resistance (KS psv-neo), but not in KS sCD40. Immunoprecipitation studies showed that Tat induced CD40 / TRAF-3 association and that this binding was abrogated upon the incubation with the soluble CD40 fp. These data suggest that Tat activates the CD40-CD154 pathway by enhancing the membrane expression of CD40 and in particular of CD154, and by activating the TRAF-3-dependent signaling pathway of CD40. These findings indicate that the CD40-CD154 pathway mediates the anti-apoptotic and migratory effects of HIV-1-Tat, suggesting the potential therapeutic benefits of blocking CD40 activation in HIV-1-associated KS.