bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attracting Students to Sales Positions: The Case of Effective Salesperson Recruitment Ads
Authors: Deeter-Schmelz Dawn R. , Dixon Andrea L. , Erffmeyer Robert C. , (Kate) Kim Kyoungmi , Agnihotri Raj , Krush Michael T. , Bolman Pullins Ellen
Published: November 2018

Given the recent proliferation in sales programs, business colleges face a new set of challenges. Sales competencies are changing rapidly, and firms struggle with identifying and attracting sales candidates on campus. Therefore, it is important that we understand needed competencies and how the content of job advertisements may differentially appeal to various student populations. To do so, we develop a conceptual model, based on signaling theory, that focuses on how students formulate their intention to pursue a given sales position. Our research utilizes a two-study approach. First, we explore the desired entry-level sales skills communicated by employers through job advertisements. Next, we examine both student and advertisement characteristics and their distinct relationships with the satisfaction with the job ad and the intention to apply for a sales position. Our study is unique, as we examine distinct undergraduate groups’ (sales, marketing, other business, and nonbusiness students) responses to sales job advertisements. Our findings demonstrate that differences in job ad clusters and student group characteristics influence the intention to pursue a sales position. Specifically, different student majors perceive job characteristics communicated within job ads differently. As such, our research provides insight into academic programs as well as corporate sales recruiters.
Follow-Up Del Carcinoma Vescicale Superficiale: Approccio Integrato e Ipotesi Prognostiche
Authors: Moretti M. , Malcangi B. , Cichero A. , Pittaluga P. , Varaldo M. , Decensi A.
Published: November 2018

The follow-up of superficial bladder cancer, after TUR and endovesical administration of BCG or other drugs, involves many methods: we studied two groups of patients who underwent TUR for superficial bladder cancer. A group of 54 patients underwent cystoscopy, urine cytologic examination and cytometry; a second group of 30 patients underwent mapping too. The results of the three examinations were compared: high ploidy values were related both with recurrence and progression. The results of cytology plus cytometry were predictive of mapping results and bladder biopsies were useless in up to 50% of cases. Our results indicate that the association of cytology and cytometry reveals good sensitivity, specificity and prognostic indications.
Citometria a flusso nei tumori della vescica trattati con tecnica chirurgica endoscopica
Authors: Zoli W. , Zenico T. , Bajorko P. , Fabbri F. , Fiori M. , Gunelli R. , Flamigni A. , Magni E. , Landi A. , Maltoni G.
Published: November 2018

The Authors used flow cytometry to evaluate 62 patients who had undergone TURV for bladder tumour. The aim of the study was to investigate any relationship between an aneuploid polyclonal state and short-term local recurrence of the disease. Patients with recurrences after TURV had a high rate of aneuploidy. Despite the short follow up, these results show how important cytoflowmetry is in the clinico-therapeutic planning of bladder carcinoma.
Terapia del carcinoma vescicale nella terza età
Authors: Tombolini P. , Ruoppolo M. , Bellorofonte C. , Dell'Acqua S. , Mastromarino G. , Zaatar C. , Ferri P.M. , Tagliaferri A.
Published: November 2018

During the last year we have observed 57 patients aged over 70 years, affected by infiltrating bladder carcinoma. Cystectomy prevents haemorrhagic, septic and obstructive complications of the neoplastic bladder, with a better quality of life, but, except in the initial stages, is probably not able to heal the patient. Cystectomy is however the most effective therapeutic option and with an adequate preparation it is possible to operate elderly patients without serious complications.
Trattamento Palliativo Del Carcinoma Prostatico con Ipertermia: Nostra Esperienza
Authors: Dell'Acqua S. , Mastromarino G. , Bellorofonte C. , Ruoppolo M. , Zaatar C. , Tombolini P.
Published: November 2018

Between August 1992 and June 1993, 6 high surgical risk patients affected by prostatic cancer with serious irritative symptoms underwent prostatic transrectal hyperthermia (one application of 60 minutes twice a week for 5 times). Transrectal hyperthermic treatment showed good results in subjective symptomatology with rated changes in urinary flow, but without any change in the progression of the disease. Best results may be obtained in association with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Follow-up e considerazioni fisiopatologiche sulla fibrosi dei corpi cavernosi dopo autoiniezione con PGE1
Authors: De Rose A.F. , Oppezzi G.F. , Scotto S. , Repetto U. , Quattrini S. , Lillo M.
Published: November 2018

12 of the 24 patients who for 4 years have been practising PGE1 self-injection, underwent pharmaco-erection with papaverine (20 mg) then, two days after, with PGE1 (10 μg). In both bases we did an echoDoppler registration looking at arterial growth until the plateau was reached. In 6 patients corpus cavernosum biopsy was done using a 21 G bioptic needle. In this study the Authors suggest that the corpus cavernosum involution is caused not by the chemical-physical nature of the drug but by its hypertensive action. The PGE1 vasodilative action seems to be less quick than the papaverine one (50″ vs 10″). This fact would allow the cavernula to adapt more easily to the hypertensive state.
Priapismo ad Alto Flusso: Diagnosi e Terapia. Descrizione di un Caso
Authors: De Rose A.F. , De Caro G. , Scotto S. , Oppezzi G.F. , Cittadini G. , Lillo M. , Martorana G.
Published: November 2018

We report a case of high flow priapism observed last year. The diagnosis was essentially made through anamnesis (trauma) and echography. Afterwards superselective arteriography of the pudenda right artery showed an afferent branch to the right corpus cavernosum and the artero-cavernosum fistula. After the catheterisation of this branch, using a Berenstein 5 F catheter, we proceded with the injection of non-absorbable embolising material. The echoDoppler emphasised disappearance of the biphasic flow and after 30 days the patient reported the spontaneous recovery in sexual relations. The corpus cavernosum biopsy, done 3 months later, showed a fair fibrosis.
Lidocaina intravescicale nell'anestesia locale della vescica
Authors: Iannicelli P. , Rosa A.
Published: November 2018

We report our experience in using intravesical lidocaine for local anesthesia in 14 patients aged between 70 and 89 years (mean 76), undergoing bladder mapping and/or electrofulguration of small papillomas. In 10 cases the papillomas were less than 1 cm in diameter, while in 4 cases bladder mapping was carried out. 50 ml of 2% lidocaine were left in the bladder for 7-10 minutes. 10 patients tolerated the procedure well, 3 complained of slight suprapubic pain, while 1 had such intense pain that the same lidocaine had to instilled into the bladder submucosa in the area of the operation. Serum levels of lidocaine measured at 10-20-30 minutes were clinically insignificant. There were no cardiac arrythmias or significant variations in pressure during the operations.
La schistosomiasi vescicale. Descrizione di due casi
Authors: Franzolin N. , Grassi D. , Marzoli E. , De Siati M.
Published: November 2018

Urinary Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease, which is endemic in Africa and the Middle East. Very rarely observed in Europe, it is now becoming more frequently seen also in Italy, as a consequence of the immigration of many Africans. A brief review of the natural history of the disease is made by the Authors, who report two clinical cases. Both patients presented with hematuria and irritative symptoms. Microscopic examination of their urine and cystoscopy with bladder biopsies enabled diagnosis to be made. Medical treatment with Praziquantel was effective and well tolerated.
Ostruzione cervico-uretrale in una donna da scivolamento nell'uretra della mucosa vescicale
Authors: Dormia G. , Minervini M.S. , Mazza L. , Malagola G. , Castellani R. , Bertana F. , Gonnella G. , Luongo P. , Longo G.
Published: November 2018

We report a case of incomplete retention of urine, with normal cystometric reports but with cervical obstruction. The reason for obstruction was identified in a circular, concentric flap of mucosa sliding into the urethra from the bladder neck causing an occlusion of the urethra. The pathology was resolved by the endoscopical resection of the mucosa.
Rottura spontanea acuta di angiomiolipoma in rene unico chirurgico
Authors: Invernizzi S. , Butti A. , Cappoli S. , Locatelli G. , Pozza D. , Librizzi A. , Zuccoli E.
Published: November 2018

The Authors report a case of angiomyolipoma in sole surgical kidney (preceding right nephrectomy for neoplasia with re-examined diagnosis) in acute spontaneous rupture. Emergency nephrectomy has led to discussion about conservative surgery in cases of angiomyolipoma over 4 cm.
Riabilitazione del piano perineale nel paziente sottoposto a prostatectomia radicale
Authors: Ceresoli A. , Zanetti G. , Seveso M. , Trinchieri A. , Del Nero A. , Gelosa M.
Published: November 2018

The incidence of post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence has a range from 0.1 to 1%. There are two etiologic factors: urethral sphincter low activity and bladder instability. We treated 14 patients with Bladder training. Aim of this study is to describe our approach to this post-surgical problem.
Cinque anni di trattamento medico dell'impotenza erettile
Authors: Pastorini S. , Cocimano V. , Pugno E. , Perolino R. Marten
Published: November 2018

The Authors report their experience of five years in the medical treatment of impotence with PGE1 and papaverine. 83.9% of patients have been treated and the results are positive in 76%. There are no negative effects nor complications.
Studio delle alterazioni metaboliche dei pazienti sottoposti a neovescica ortotopica di sostituzione e reservoir urinario
Authors: Simeone C. , Zani D. , Pezzotti G. , Zanotelli T. , Cunico S. Cosciani
Published: November 2018

Urine exposed to intestinal mucosa changes its composition, as some substances are absorbed and others are secreted. Metabolic effects in 57 patients who underwent bladder substitution, augmentation cystoplasty or continent reservoir, were reviewed in our institute. Hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis was the most common effect. Even if the consequences are often limited by the body's compensatory response, the risk of long-term complications is always present and a close metabolic follow-up is mandatory.
Derivazione ortotopica continente tipo emiKock: Nostra esperienza
Authors: Tombolini P. , Ruoppolo M. , Bellorofonte C. , Dell'acqua S. , Mastromarino G. , Tagliaferri A. , Zaatar C.
Published: November 2018

Between May 1991 and October 1993, 16 male patients with bladder neoplasms underwent surgical hemiKock's technique of continent urinary reservoir: 7 patients were staged T1, 4 patients were T2, 3 patients were T3 and 2 patients were T4. 5 patients underwent neo-adjuvant M-VAC chemotherapy before surgery, 2 patients underwent radiotherapy and 2 patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery. Demolition of the bladder, prostate and seminal vesicles was made by both an ascending and descending manoeuvre, and was sectioned just below the veru montanum to spare the external urinary sphincter. In 7 patients we followed Walsh's technique to spare neurovascular bundles. 60 to 62 cm of small intestine was selected for reservoir construction, stopping 20-30 cm before the ileo-cecal valve. Particular care was adopted for construction of the antireflux nipple valve; uretero-ileal anastomosis was made following Wallace's technique. Mean term of surgery was 6 hours. Sovrapubic cystostomy was removed after 8 days, and urethral catheter after 21 days. After a mean follow up of 3-30 months our results are the following: 2 patients deceased for a pelvic relapse and general metastasis. In one patient we had a neoplastic relapse just on the ileo-urethral anastomosis, so permanent catheterism was necessary.
Ruolo del catetere intrauretrale (IUC) nei pazienti con ostruzione cervico-uretrale da ipertrofia prostatica benigna
Authors: La Marca F. , Pignatari G. , Marandola P. , Tronci A. , Fiordelise S. , Cappelli D. , Rovereto B. , Marcello G. , Paiusco A. , Valentino R.V.
Published: November 2018

There are several clinical conditions in patients with cervical urethral obstruction, that lead to postponing the disobstructive surgical procedure. In these patients the IUC of Nissenkorn is an effective alternative to the intraurethral catheter. The prosthesis was placed in 45 patients with chronic urinary retention; 10 (22.2%) had a catheter; 35 (77.8%) showed clinical and urodynamic signs of serious cervical urethral obstruction; 30 (66.6%) later underwent a deobstructive operation; 10 (22.2%) still have the IUC; in 5 patients (11.1%) the prosthesis was removed in the first week. During this period (1991-1993) a greater tolerance and a smaller incidence of infections compared to the traditional catheter was observed and, above all, a better compliance of the patient with regard to his relationships.
Predittività della stadiazione clinica nel carcinoma clinicamente localizzato: Clinical staging accuracy in clinically localised carcinoma
Authors: Zattoni F. , Vianello F. , D'Arrigo L. , Galetti T. Prayer , Dal Moro F. , Pagano F.
Published: November 2018

Usual clinical methods (DRE, CT, MRI) are poorly accurate in prostate cancer staging. In our experience on 265 patients with apparently localised prostate cancer eligible for radical prostatectomy, in 150 cases an extraglandular tumour extension was observed at the definitive pathological examination, with a 56.6% clinical understaging rate. Comparing pre-operative seric PSA and tumour grading with pathological stage we noted a lack of accuracy in correctly predicting tumour stage. In the near future it will be necessary to improve clinical staging methods in order to obtain a better selection of patients for radical prostatectomy. Transrectal ultrasound might be useful, when combined with the biopsy of the gland and the nearby tissues (bladder neck, seminal vesicles), in making the histological presurgical grading closer to the true tumour grade.
Oncogeni ed integrine nel carcinoma prostatico: Oncogenes and integrine in prostate cancer
Authors: Fontana D. , Fasolis G. , Cappia S. , Tarabuzzi R. , Mari M. , Leonardo E.
Published: November 2018

We studied the c-ras oncogene and p53 oncosuppressorgene products (p21, p53) and also some integrine in prostatic cancer and BPH patients to evaluate a possible prognostic value. p21 was detected only in cancer tissue without any significant difference between different stages and grades of prostatic disease. p53 was more expressed in prostatic cancer than BPH, without any statistical difference. No correlation between p53 expression and different stages and grades was demonstrated. Fibronectin receptor (integrin) was significantly higher in cancer than BPH (P < 0,05). p53 expression, only in stage D patients, was related to a significant shorter progression time (P < 0,0001). Fibronectin receptor correlated with a significantly higher progression risk (Odds Ratio = 2,5).
Apporto dell'ecografia transrettale nella stadiazione delle neoplasie vescicali: Transrectal ultrasound in the staging of bladder cancer
Authors: Casu M. , Larcher P. , Longoni E. , Bonfioli C. , Motta F. , Urani A. , Bergonzi M.
Published: November 2018

According to our results, even if they refer to a limited survey, we advise the use of transrectal ultrasound in the staging of bladder cancer on the floor and the posterior wall. Data obtained from transrectal ultrasound have been confirmed by histological examination of the surgical specimen.
Valutazione combinata ecourodinamica clinica e neurofisiologica per la predizione di efficacia riabilitativa in soggetti con incontinenza urinaria: Echourodynamic and neurophysiological screening in patients with urinary incontinence for the evaluation of rehabilitative prognosis
Authors: Di Giovacchino G. , Cellini M. , Guerri S. , Ledda A. , Pierangeli I. , Rossetti R. , Peresson M.
Published: November 2018

The rationale for the present work was to evaluate both neurophysiological and urological parameters and to predict the outcome of rehabilitative therapy. In this study 300 patients with various urological and neurological problems, all presenting altered micturition, were evaluated. In all patients a complete neurophysiological screening was carried out. A parallel urological screening was performed that included morphological and dynamic sonography and urodynamic tests. All the patients underwent rehabilitative therapy. In 91% of the treated patients we have obtained a satisfactory functionality. As expected the patients with stress incontinence, sensitivity urgency sindrome and neurophysiological alterations had less functional recovery. Our results show that combination of neurophysiological screening with traditional urological tests, represents a suitable tool to predict the prognosis in case of micturition disturbances.
Deficit erettile di “mantenimento” e fumo di sigaretta: “Maintenance” erectile deficit and smoking
Authors: Ledda A. , Rossetti R. , Di Giovacchino G. , Laurora G.
Published: November 2018

Smoke is one of the most important causes of vascular diseases; these pathologies are also the most important causes of death in industrialised countries. Smoke causes impotence because it provokes irreversible organic arterial and/or venous alterations. Sometimes however it seems that smoke is able to determine reversible functional alterations of the cavernous system. The aim of this study was to show the significance of smoke in the anamnesis of certain patients and the importance of giving up smoking for a definitive diagnosis and therapy of reversible or irreversible impotency.
Rottura spontanea dell'uretere: Due casi: Spontaneous rupture of the ureter: Two cases
Authors: Costa G. , Di Tonno F. , Capizzi G. , Cavazzana A. , Laurini L. , Ruvolo V. , Lavelli D.
Published: November 2018

Spontaneous rupture of the ureter is rare, usually ending in a periureteral abscess. Two cases of spontaneous rupture of the ureter secondary to calculosis in patients with ureterosigmoidostomy are described. Surgical management includes immediate drainage of the urinoma with urinary reconstruction (if necessary and possible) or radical surgery.
Mielolipoma non surrenalico associato ad adenocarcinoma renale: Extra-adrenal myelolipoma and renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Cavazzana A. , Di Tonno F. , Costa G. , Laurini L. , Di Pietro R. , Lavelli D.
Published: November 2018

Extra-adrenal myelolipomas are rare benign tumours composed of hematopoietic and adipose tissue. We report a case of retroperitoneal myelolipoma and renal cell carcinoma.
I presupposti di una comunicazione scientifica: “Come si archiviano i dati clinici”: Premises for a scientific report: “How to file the clinical data”
Authors: Mandressi A. , Antonelli D. , Chisena S.
Published: November 2018

Clinical data are filed to be retrieved whenever they are needed. They must comply with the following requisites: give access to all information regarding the matter of the study, be easy to record, be easy and quick to recover and offer the possibility of correct, easy analysis of the actual data. To identify the clinical data filing methods, it is necessary to identify the purpose for which the data are filed, what must be filed and the media available. The reasons are: to keep a record of patient data for clinical purposes; as a diagnostic and therapeutical reference for the medical examiner, and to recover data for a clinical review for scientific purposes. Depending on the purpose the collection of data should be organised by choosing both the type of data to be filed and exactly what should be filed from a data record. Records may be classified into 4 main types: numerical, logical, imaginal, descriptive: it should be borne in mind that a descriptive and/or statistical analysis is impossible when data filed are not digital or logical records. There are basically two means of filing: on paper and on a magnetic medium. Paperwork requires a copy of data and different filing methods depending on its future use, while direct filing of data on a magnetic medium by computer enables work to be optimised: just one recording/filing of data serves for any future purpose. Filing on a magnetic medium is good training for the work optimization because the collection of data must be organized in advance. This method offers excellent results and certainty, plus saving of time and resources. Filing on a magnetic medium is therefore the ideal method for organizing both clinical and scientific work.
Pilot study with combined alfuzosin + finasteride in BPH treatment
Authors: Morgia G. , Saita A. , Fondacaro L. , Giammusso B. , Motta M.
Published: November 2018

Today there are many types of therapies (medical and surgical) in BPH treatment. The Authors suggest dividing BPH into two components: a dynamic phase and a static phase. On the basis of this, they used an association of finasteride and alfuzosin in short and long-term therapy. Provided the rationale is correct, the results in terms of improved flow and symptomatology score suggest that this is an optimal solution.
Upper tract transitional cell carcinoma following or related to bladder cancer: Controversies
Authors: Cunico S. Cosciani , Frego E. , Scanzi M. , Zanotelli T. , Panizza E. , Martucci P.
Published: November 2018

— The incidence of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma (UTTCC) following a bladder cancer has been studied in 1731 urothelial tumours from 1984 to 1995. The UTTCC were 88: 59 primitive, 6 synchronous and 23 metachronous after a bladder cancer (1672). Of the 23 metachronous UTTCC, 17 followed TURBT (17/1310 = 1.3%): the latency period was very long (64.8 months); grading and staging were mostly similar to the foregoing bladder tumours. A vesicoureteral reflux raised the metachronous UTTCC rate to 17.6%. A neoplastic distal ureter was found during radical cystectomy in 2.24%. During the follow-up of 362 radical cystectomies 6 (1.65%) metachronous UTTCC were recorded. A metachronous UTTCC is always a poor prognostic sign. There are some controversies concerning this topic such as: the role of IVP and urine cytology in the follow-up of bladder cancer, the management of a vesicoureteral reflux in bladder cancer and the choice of a urinary diversion in the event of an upper urinary tract at high risk for UTTCC.
Conclusions
Authors: Pagano F.
Published: November 2018

— The progress made in the diagnosis and therapeutic possibilities of this type of tumour is underlined. Thanks to more precise pre-operative knowledge and staging of the neoplasm, nowadays a more selective as well as less invasive therapy can be applied (traditional, endoscopic and percutaneous surgery). In many cases topical pharmacological therapy can overcome recurrences of the disease while in particularly serious, extensive cases, extreme conservative surgery allows easy endoscopic access for endocavitary treatment during follow-up in order to avoid dialysis. There are many therapeutic solutions and methods for this type of tumour, but they must be studied in depth to be able to alternate them wisely, regulating the therapy according to the course of the disease.
Laser treatment of bladder cancer
Authors: Minari R. , Barbieri A. , Pozzoli G. , Monica B.
Published: November 2018

— Many authors have reported safety and efficacy of laser treatment, expecially Nd:YAG Laser, for superficial bladder cancer. The many advantages of this treatment include a presumed smaller recurrence rate, also favoured by better laser ability to achieve a limphatic blockage, and an undoubtedly very small treatment-related mortality. This induces laser photocoagulation to be considered a safe procedure, feasible with a mild anaesthesia and under Day Hospital management. On the other hand the main limits of this procedure are the great difficulties in the histological evaluation of tumoral specimens after laser treatment and poor effectiveness on deep bladder wall infiltrating tumours. A critical analysis of literature data follows and our experience in the laser treatment of superficial bladder tumours.
The combined implant of an endourethral prosthesis and artificial sphincter in post-operative urethral strictures involving the external sphincter
Authors: Passavanti G. , Pizzuti V. , Bragaglia A. , Onorato F. , Spinosa E. , Mengoni F. , Viggiani F. , Costantini F.M. , Paolini R.
Published: November 2018

— Urethral strictures still represent one of the most difficult urological pathologies to treat. This report deals with two cases of post-operative urethral strictures involving the external sphincter treated with a combined implant of an endourethral prosthesis and an artificial sphincter AMS-800. Two years after the implant, the urodynamic equilibrium is satisfactory. The relatively high cost of the treatment requires really favourable results in particularly motivated subjects.
Laparoscopic retroperitoneal renal tumorectomy
Authors: Grosso G. , Sidoti O. , Pecoraro G.
Published: November 2018

— The Authors report a case of renal tumorectomy by retroperitoneal laparoscopy in incidental left renal cell carcinoma with a diameter of 2.2 cm.
A case of giant urethral storie
Authors: Marzoli E. , Tigano G. , Andrisani C. , Cavarretta L. , Cacciola A.
Published: November 2018

— The Authors report a case of giant urethral stone, localised in one of the penile urethra diverticula. Statistically urethral stones are less than 1 % of all urinary stone cases and do not present particular diagnostic or therapeutic problems. We have presented this case solely for its rarity.
Unusual intravesical foreign body: Case report and literature review
Authors: Cossaro E. , Laganà F. , Sercia F. , Ronconi C. , Marchini M.
Published: November 2018

— There are several reports of intravesical foreign bodies, but those due to migration from adjacent organs or tissues are unusual. We report a case of an intravesical acetabular prosthesis in an 81-year-old woman, who 24 years before had a total left hip replacement for severe coxarthrosis, with subseguent removal of the femoral head 3 years later due to rejection. Our case is unusual for the long latency, lack of severe complications and absence in literature of reports of acetabular prosthesis as an intravesical foreign body.
Hemospermia: Minor andrological disorder?
Authors: Piediferro G. , Russo A. , Luciano G. , Crimi A.
Published: November 2018

18 patients with hemospermia were studied and 50% were found to have an infection of the urogenital tract. Other pathologies which came to light were: urethral polyps (11%), BPH (11%), K. prostate (5.6%), urethral varices (5.6%), and interesting prostatovesicular cysts (5.6%); idiopathic in 11% of cases. The proportion and persistence of the hemospermia in some cases would not suggest that this be considered a minor andrological symptom.
Subjective and objective parameters in the preliminary assessment of patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy
Authors: Tuccitto G. , Anselmo G.
Published: November 2018

The preliminary evaluation of a patient with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) usually starts in urological out-patient departments backed up by simple radiological and ultrasound examinations. In daily clinical practice, it is often this evaluation which guides the specialist in judging the seriousness of the case and therefore in choosing the most suitable therapeutic strategy. The Authors rapidly review the means available to the urologist, in the past and today, when approaching a patient with BPH, paying particular attention to the increasingly more popular questionnaires (the so-called Symptom scores “SS”). These are means which are capable of guaranteeing specialists use of a common language, of standardising therapeutic indications and of evaluating results in an analogous way. If their “valdity” is not checked, however, they have the drawback of being unsuitable for self-compilation given the social-cultural diversity of the population to be examined.
Laparoscopic surgical lymphadenectomies in urological tumours
Authors: Bianchi G. , Beltrami P.
Published: November 2018

In the last few years laparoscopie surgery has also been used in urological pathologies. Various types of operations have been performed with this technique, but only recently has there been an attempt to give precise indications. Laparoscopy is being used to carry out pelvic lymphadenectomy for cancer of the prostate, the penis and the female urethra, and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for non-seminomatous germinal cancer of the testis. The aim of this work, which reports the authors’ experience with this technique, is to define its advantages and limitations in order to identify correct indications.
Laparoscopic orchiectomy
Authors: Ciampalini S. , Lissiani A. , Belgrano E.
Published: November 2018

Laparoscopy has proved to be the most reliable technique in the diagnosis and treatment of nonpalpable testis found in almost 20% of cryptorchid cases. Possible applications are laparoscopic exploration in order to visualise a vanishing testis, Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy and orchiectomy. In orchiectomy, the use of laparoscopy is indicated in adults with single nonpalpable testis, while it is reasonable to use it in severely compromised cases when there is a bilateral nonpalpable testis. Finally it should be used when severe testicular hypotrophy is found. We performed laparoscopic orchiectomy in 6 men at the Departments of Urology of Sassari and Trieste from 1991 to 1996. The mean time of the operation was 1 hour and 50 mins with 1 day hospitalisation. No complications occurred.
Aspetti epidemiologici e demografici dell'invecchiamento della popolazione: Epidemiological and demographic aspects of an ageing population
Authors: Schiavone D. , D'Amico A. , Ficarra V. , Cicuto S.
Published: November 2018

An ageing population is mainly due to the reduction of births and the increase in life expectation. In Italy the percentage of people aged at least 65 years increased from 11.3% in 1971 to 15.3% in 1991. This increase mostly involved those aged 75 years and over. In the last four decades the average life span has extended by more than 11 years (from 65.5 to 76.9 years). The average life span in women is currently 80.2 years, almost 7 years longer than that of men. As age increases so does the incidence of various urological diseases requiring surgery, such as prostatic diseases (hyperplasia and carcinoma), urological tumours, urinary infections and incontinence. At the same time the probability of associated pathologies increases and consequently the risk of peri-operative complications, thus negatively influencing the prognosis. Surgery is only indicated in the elderly when it may increase life expectancy and/or improve the quality of life. A careful pre-operative evaluation of all the factors that may influence both life expectancy and quality of life is therefore indispensable, with particular reference to the actual disease and co-morbidity.
Basi fisiopatologiche e fattori di rischio nella chirurgia ricostruttiva dell'uretra nell'anziano: Physiopathological criteria and risk factors in urethroplasty in the elderly
Authors: Barbagli G. , Caselli B. , Palminteri E. , Daniele G.P. , Rizzo M.
Published: November 2018

There are no particularly important technical aspects to urethra reconstruction in the elderly compared to younger patients, but the surgical indications and especially the choice of technique must be carefully assessed. The risk factors which may influence the result of a urethroplasty in the elderly are: senescence of the urinary apparatus, ischemia, psychological instability. It is therefore vital not to jeopardise the urethral vascular fragility of elderly patients with an operation. The concept of vessel sparing is very important in urethroplasty in the elderly in order to preserve terminal vascularisation of the bulbar arteries as much as possible. A retrospective review of 98 patients (aged 12-82 years) who underwent urethroplasty showed that there is a greater risk of ischemia when free skin flaps exceeding 4 cm are used. Furthermore, urethroplasty divided into two sessions with temporary perineal urethrostomy can cause psychological disturbance in the elderly, often aggravating sub-latent clinical depression.
Impiego della cabergolina nella disfunzione erettile da prolattinoma: Cabergoline utilization in erectile dysfunction from prolactinoma
Authors: Coppola A. , Cuomo M.A. , Piediferro G. , Sorrentino F.
Published: November 2018

The authors report their experience in treating three men with cabergoline for micro- (one case) and macroprolactinoma (two cases). The clinical aspects plus hormonal and instrumental data prior to treatment are also reported. Clinical and hormonal evaluation was carried out 2, 3 and 6 months after therapy and CT after the sixth month. Results enabled the effectiveness of the drug to be checked.
Augmented tumor accumulation and photothermal ablation using gold nanoparticles with a particular cellular entry orientation
Authors: Noh Gwang Jin , Park Hongsuk , Lee Eun Seong
Published: November 2018

Gold nanoparticles with various functionalities have served as potential tools in nanotechnology for tumor ablation. In this work, we seek to design and develop gold nanoparticle with poly(ethylene glycol)-containing dopamine (hereafter termed as AuND), and to synthesize the AuND with one-sided Tat peptide expression (OT@AuND). We demonstrate the tumor cell-targeting ability on the basis of anti-nonspecific cell binding of OT@AuND and determine how the chemically modified gold nanoparticle–based product affects photothermal tumor therapy in vitro and in vivo. The OT@AuND with a particular cellular entry orientation–induced delayed endocytosis, which is advantageous for enhanced permeability and retention effect-based tumor accumulation. This is because the slower cellular interaction of OT@AuND allows it to have the time to be transported to and bind to the tumor site. In tumor cell lines, OT@AuND showed a lower cellular uptake than gold nanoparticles with full-sided Tat peptide expression (FT@AuND) in the early period (after its in vitro and in vivo administration), but the cellular internalization rate of OT@AuND caught up with that of FT@AuND in the late period. Importantly, the delayed cellular internalization feature of OT@AuND resulted in efficient tumor accumulation in tumor-bearing mice, because the time interval provided OT@AuND more chances not to bind to any cells, but to enter tumor cells, leading to selective photothermal tumor ablation. These data suggest that gold nanoparticles with a particular cellular entry orientation can be further explored as a potential photothermal therapeutic agent and as a strategy to treat tumors.
Unequal unions? A comparative decomposition of income inequality in the European Union and United States
Authors: Filauro Stefano , Parolin Zachary
Published: November 2018

This study applies improved household income data to measure and decompose trends in pan-European income inequality from 2006 to 2014. To contrast the relative significance of economic homogeneity versus the efficacy of welfare state and labour market institutions in shaping income distributions, we compare the structure of inequality in the 28 Member States of the European Union (EU-28) to that of the 50 United States. This comparison stands in contrast to the standard practice of evaluating the United States against individual EU Member States. Despite the greater relative heterogeneity of the EU-28 and our corrections for the underreporting of household income in the United States, post-fisc income inequality in the EU-28 remains lower than that of the United States from 2006 onward. Moreover, inequality appears to be rising in the United States, while it has remained stagnant since 2008 in the EU-28. In both unions, and particularly the United States, within-state income differences contribute more to union-wide inequality than between-state differences. In a counterfactual analysis, we find that if the EU-28 matched the between-state homogeneity of the United States, but maintained its relative within-country inequalities, pan-European inequality would fall by only 20 percent. Conversely, inequality in the United States would fall by 34 percent if it matched the within-country inequality of the EU-28. Our findings suggest that the strengthening of egalitarian institutions within the 28 Member States is more consequential than economic convergence in reducing pan-European income inequality. We highlight institutional challenges towards achieving a ‘more equal’ Europe and discuss implications for future EU policymaking.
Neuroscience Underlying Personality Traits, Spiritual Transcendence and Leadership Styles
Authors: Krishnan Rajshekar
Published: November 2018

After a brief introduction to the basic terminology of neuroscientific investigations, this article showcases the findings of neuroscientific investigations into each of the traits of the five-factor model of personality (FFM), namely openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. It further presents the findings of research on spirituality and meditation (S&M), and finally focuses on the neurological findings with respect to transformational leadership (TL). The article concludes with juxtaposing neurological research findings with behavioural research findings of FFM, S&M and TL, thereby opening up possibilities of hypothesis articulation for further research.
Profiling Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) Antibodies in Hospitalized Patients With and Without Diabetes
Authors: Prechel Margaret , Hudec Susan , Lowden Elizabeth , Escalante Vicki , Emanuele Nicholas , Emanuele Maryann , Walenga Jeanine M.
Published: November 2018

Heparin (H) anticoagulation in populations characterized by elevated platelet factor 4 (PF4) frequently elicits PF4/H antibodies, presenting a risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Recent studies have shown that anti-PF4/H enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) detect antibodies in individuals never exposed to heparin. Platelet factor 4/H cross-reactive antibodies may result from PF4-mediated defense responses to injury or infection. This study questioned whether patients with diabetes are more likely to develop the endogenous cross-reactive antibodies. A comparison of healthy volunteers versus hospitalized patients with or without diabetes showed no significant differences in the prevalence of PF4/H ELISA-positive results. However, the group of patients who had both diabetes and an infectious condition had higher median antibody titer compared to other patients with or without diabetes regardless of reason for hospitalization. Higher PF4/H titers were also associated with patients with diabetes who were not on any medical therapy. In the future, determining whether PF4/H cross-reactive antibodies sensitize patients to respond adversely to heparin anticoagulation or predispose patients to other complications may be relevant to diabetes care.
Noether’s theorem in peridynamics
Authors: Huang Zaixing
Published: November 2018

By introducing a new nonlocal argument, the Lagrangian formulation of peridynamics is investigated. The peridynamic Euler–Lagrange equation is derived from Hamilton’s principle, and Noether’s theorem is extended into peridynamics. With the help of the peridynamic Noether’s theorem, the conservation laws relevant to energy, linear momentum, angular momentum and the Eshelby integral are determined. The results show that the peridynamic conservation laws exist only in a spatial integral form rather than in a pointwise form due to nonlocality. In bond-based peridynamics, energy conservation requires that the influence function is independent of the relative displacement field, or energy dissipation will occur. In state-based peridynamics, the angular momentum conservation causes a constraint on the constitutive relation between the force vector-state and the deformation vector-state. The Eshelby integral of peridynamics is given, which can be used to judge nucleation of defects and to calculate the energy release rates caused by damage, fracture and phase transition.
Clinical relevance of bone remodelling around conventional and conservative (short-stem) total hip arthroplasty implants
Authors: Karachalios Theofilos , Palaiochorlidis Elias , Komnos George
Published: November 2018

Based on data from the existing literature, we can safely suggest that bone mineral changes around cementless and cemented conventional femoral stems, and conservative femoral stems, are not predictive of either satisfactory or unsatisfactory total hip arthroplasty long term clinical outcomes. Additionally, studies with a follow up shorter than 5–10 years are perhaps clinically irrelevant. These observations may be helpful in interpreting the existing literature.
Laser speckle flowgraphy can also be used to show dynamic changes in the blood flow of the skin of the foot after surgical revascularization
Authors: Kikuchi Shinsuke , Miyake Keisuke , Tada Yuki , Uchida Daiki , Koya Atsuhiro , Saito Yukihiro , Ohura Takehiko , Azuma Nobuyoshi
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Laser speckle flowgraphy is a new method that enables the rapid evaluation of foot blood flow without contact with the skin. We used laser speckle flowgraphy to evaluate foot blood flow in peripheral arterial disease patients before and after surgical revascularization.

Materials and methods

A prospective single-center study. Thirty-one patients with 33 limbs that underwent surgical revascularization for peripheral arterial disease were included. Pre- and postoperative foot blood flows were measured on the plantar surface via laser speckle flowgraphy and skin perfusion pressure. The laser speckle flowgraphy device was used to visualize the blood flow distribution of the target skin and processed the pulse wave velocity of synchronized heart beats. The mean blood flow, which was expressed as the area of the pulse wave as the beat strength of skin perfusion on laser speckle flowgraphy converted into a numerical value, was assessed as dynamic changes following surgery. Beat strength of skin perfusion was also investigated in non-peripheral arterial disease controls (23 patients/46 limbs).

Results

The suitability of beat strength of skin perfusion in non-peripheral arterial disease controls was achieved; the beat strength of skin perfusion value was significantly higher in every area of interest in non-peripheral arterial disease controls compared to that in peripheral arterial disease limbs at the preoperative stage (105.8 ± 8.2 vs. 26.3 ± 8.2; P < 0.01). Although the pulse wave before surgery was visually flat in peripheral arterial disease patients, the pulse wave was remarkably and immediately improved through surgical revascularization. Beat strength of skin perfusion showed a dynamic change in foot blood flow (26.3 ± 8.2 at preoperation, 98.5 ± 6.7 immediately after surgery, 107.6 ± 5.7 at seven days after surgery, P < 0.01 for each compared to preoperation) that correlated with an improvement in skin perfusion pressure.

Conclusions

Laser speckle flowgraphy is a noninvasive, contact-free modality that is easy to implement, and beat strength of skin perfusion is a useful indicator of foot circulation during the perioperative period. Further analysis with a larger number of cases is necessary to establish appropriate clinical use.
The effect of pre-admission immunosuppression on colectomy rates in acute severe ulcerative colitis
Authors: Patrick Desmond , Doecke James , Irwin James , Hanigan Katherine , Simms Lisa , Howlett Mariko , Radford-Smith Graham
Published: November 2018

Background:

Patients on immunosuppression at the time of acute severe ulcerative colitis have been suggested to be at a higher risk of colectomy than those who are treatment-naïve. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of immunosuppressive therapy on the risk of colectomy.

Method:

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study using prospective data examining the 30 day and 1 year colectomy rates of 200 consecutive patients with an index episode of acute severe ulcerative colitis as defined by the Truelove and Witts criteria.

Results:

Immunosuppression on admission was shown not to increase colectomy rate at 30 days post-admission (immunomodulator: p = 0.422, oral steroids: p = 0.555). A total of 24 patients underwent colectomy between 30 days and 1 year. A three-fold higher risk of colectomy at 1 year was seen in those requiring an immunomodulator prior to the index admission compared with those started de novo during the index admission [41% versus 14% odds ratio (OR): 2.93 (1.19–7.24 p = 0.016)]. Factors most predictive of colectomy at 30 days were abdominal radiographic colonic dilation ⩾5.5 cm, first presentation of ulcerative colitis, C-reactive protein ⩾ 45 mg/l on day 3 of therapy and bowel frequency ⩾8 on day 3.

Conclusion:

The need for an immunomodulator prior to admission with acute severe ulcerative colitis increases the medium-term colectomy rate by three-fold at 1 year. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and develop strategies to reduce the high risk in this subgroup of patients.
An exploration of the many ways to approach the discipline of enterprise architecture
Authors: Saint-Louis Patrick , Lapalme James
Published: November 2018

Despite growing interest in enterprise architecture (EA) around the world in recent years, a lack of common understanding is frequently described by EA researchers/practitioners. We conducted a systematic mapping study and it revealed that the extent to which the authors/researchers are focused on EA, the sectors in which they are working, the academic disciplines in which they have studied, the countries where their affiliated organizations are located, the subject areas of the journals/publishers of their publications and the way they have approached EA and its practitioners are some major elements that might influence the existing uniformity in EA. In addition, this study demonstrates how important it is to pay attention to the definition of ‘enterprise architecture’ itself. The contribution of this study is the organization of the EA literature according to three major questions concerning ‘who’ have been published in the literature, ‘where’ they have been located and ‘what’ their publications are about. This helps to better identify sources of variety which could be on the basis of the lack of common understanding in EA and provides practitioners and stakeholders a better understanding of this challenge. This also provides relevant directions for future studies.