bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensory processing, cognitive fatigue, and quality of life in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Colbeck Melissa 
Published: February 2018

Background. Quality of life for persons living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is significantly lower than population norms. Fatigue, both physical and cognitive, is one of the most prevalent and debilitating symptoms of MS that decrease quality of life. Cognitive fatigue presents similarly to sensory overresponsiveness, but the connection has not been explored. Purpose. This study aims to describe how sensory-processing preferences and cognitive fatigue relate to variances in quality of life for people with MS. Method. A cross-sectional design was used with 30 people living with MS to complete the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and RAND-36. Spearman’s coefficient measured nonparametric correlations between variables. Findings. People with MS who have high scores in low registration, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoidant quadrants of the AASP also have higher levels of cognitive fatigue and poorer quality of life. Those with high scores in sensory seeking experience greater quality of life and less cognitive fatigue. Implications. The findings shape clinical practice by supporting the assessment of sensory processing alongside fatigue, offering individualized intervention planning to shape fatigue management, and fostering hope and quality of life for persons living with MS.
“Chist’ è ‘o paese d’ ‘o sole”. La rappresentazione di Napoli in Rossellini e Martone
Authors: Coen Carlo 
Published: February 2018

La rappresentazione di Napoli nel cinema ha utilizzato spesso numerosi luoghi comuni. Tuttavia, piuttosto che facile stereotipo, è talvolta divenuta un complesso sistema di simboli, di carattere storico e filosofico. È il caso del rosselliniano Viaggio in Italia (1953), nel quale vengono contrapposte la civiltà della “toga” e quella del “vestito cucito”. Napoli diviene un personaggio che interagisce con Alex e Katherine Joyce, venuti dal Nord a confrontarsi con le profondità della civiltà mediterranea. Napoli è anche il luogo delle scene finali de Il giovane favoloso di Mario Martone, nelle quali Leopardi si confronta con la città e ciò che essa simboleggia. Napoli occupa una posizione centrale, come luogo al contempo reale e letterario-narrativo, in tutte le opere di Martone e ha contribuito ad ampliare le prospettive del regista proprio per la sua natura di città-simbolo. L’aspetto sonoro gioca un ruolo decisivo: vengono esaminati i testi di alcune canzoni della tradizione e l’uso il dialetto napoletano per ribadire ciò che Napoli ha significato per gli autori presi in considerazione. L’analisi di alcuni passaggi dei testi de L’amore molesto esplora in profondità la “napoletanità” dei due autori, intesa come rapporto con i luoghi della città.
Single-Layer Mass Closure of Major Laparotomies by Continuous Suturing
Authors: Pollock A V , Greenall M J , Evans Mary 
Published: February 2018

Surgeons who close major laparotomy incisions in a single layer (excluding skin) usually put interrupted sutures of non-absorbable monofilament material. In 305 consecutive patients we have, instead, used continuous deep-bite mass sutures with satisfactory results. The suture material, chosen at random, was either monofilament nylon, monofilament stainless steel wire or polyglycolic acid (PGA). The length of material used was measured, and this figure divided by the number of bites to give the mean distance from the cut edges at which the needle had been inserted. The ratio of length of suture material to number of bites ranged from 3-10 em (mean 5.90, s.d.I.46). There were no burst abdomens, but 26 incisonal hernias were detected within six months of operation; these were significantly associated with male sex, old age, long incisions, long operations, postoperative coughing and distension, blood transfusion and wound sepsis. Steel sutures were removed from 5 patients because of pain or sinuses, and nylon sutures from one. We conclude that laparotomy closure by a single continuous layer of sutures is satisfactory, and that there is little to choose among nylon, PGA and steel. The incidence of incisional hernias would be reduced by the elimination of wound sepsis.
Antithrombotic Therapy for Venous Thromboembolism and Prevention of Thrombosis in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery: State of the Art Review
Authors: Cramer John D. , Shuman Andrew G. , Brenner Michael J. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveThe aim of this report is to present a cohesive evidence‐based approach to reducing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. VTE prevention includes deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Despite national efforts in VTE prevention, guidelines do not exist for otolaryngology–head and neck surgery in the United States.Data SourcesPubMed/MEDLINE.Review MethodsA comprehensive review of literature pertaining to VTE in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery was performed, identifying data on incidence of thrombotic complications and the outcomes of regimens for thromboprophylaxis. Data were then synthesized and compared with other surgical specialties.ConclusionsWe identified 29 articles: 1 prospective cohort study and 28 retrospective studies. The overall prevalence of VTE in otolaryngology appears lower than that of most other surgical specialties. The Caprini system allows effective individualized risk stratification for VTE prevention in otolaryngology. Mechanical and chemoprophylaxis (“dual thromboprophylaxis”) is recommended for patients with a Caprini score ≥7 or patients with a Caprini score of 5 or 6 who undergo major head and neck surgery, when prolonged hospital stay is anticipated or mobility is limited. For patients with a Caprini score of 5 or 6, we recommend dual thromboprophylaxis or mechanical prophylaxis alone. Patients with a Caprini score ≤4 should receive mechanical prophylaxis alone.Implications for PracticeOtolaryngologists should consider an individualized and risk‐stratified plan for perioperative thromboprophylaxis in every patient. The risk of bleeding must be weighed against the risk of VTE when deciding on chemoprophylaxis.
Subcortical nuclei in Alzheimer’s disease: a volumetric and diffusion kurtosis imaging study
Authors: Wang Ming-Liang , Wei Xiao-Er , Fu Jian-Liang , Li Wei , Yu Meng-Meng , Li Peng-Yang , Li Wen-Bin 
Published: February 2018

Background Previous studies revealed that subcortical nuclei were harmed in the process of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Purpose To investigate the volumetric and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) parameter changes of subcortical nuclei in AD and their relationship with cognitive function. Materials and Methods A total of 17 mild AD patients, 15 moderate to severe AD patients, and 16 controls underwent neuropsychological tests and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Volume, mean kurtosis (MK), mean diffusivity (MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA) were measured in hippocampus, thalamus, caudate, putamen, pallidum, and amygdala. MRI parameters were compared. Correlation analysis was performed between subcortical nuclei volume, DKI parameters, and MMSE score. Results Significant volume reduction was seen in the left hippocampus in mild AD, and the bilateral hippocampus, thalamus, putamen, left caudate, and right amygdala in moderate to severe AD ( P < 0.05). Increased MD values were observed in the left hippocampus, left amygdala, and right caudate in mild AD, and the bilateral hippocampus and right amygdala in moderate to severe AD ( P < 0.05). Decreased MK values were observed only in the bilateral hippocampus in moderate to severe AD ( P < 0.05). No group significances were found in FA value. MMSE score was positively correlated with the volume of the bilateral hippocampus, thalamus, and putamen, and MK value of the left hippocampus ( P < 0.05). A negative correlation was found with the MD value of the bilateral hippocampus and left amygdala ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Mild AD mainly has microscopic subcortical changes revealed by increased MD value, and moderate to severe AD mainly has macroscopic subcortical changes revealed by volume reduction. MK is more sensitive in severe AD than mild AD.
Degenerative changes of the thoracic spine do exist in patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: a detailed thoracic spine CT analysis
Authors: Slonimsky Einat , Lidar Merav , Stern Myriam , Eshed Iris 
Published: February 2018

Background Degenerative intervertebral disease (DID) is an exclusion criterion in the Resnick and Niwayama radiographic classification for diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). However, although DID was previously described in DISH, no systematic computed tomography (CT) analysis has been reported so far. Purpose To assess for the presence and prevalence of such changes on CT examinations of the thoracic spine of individuals with DISH. Material and Methods Intervertebral space (D1–L1) on chest CT examinations of DISH patients was retrospectively evaluated for the presence of DID. Parameters evaluated were disc space height, disc protrusion, subchondral cysts/sclerosis, Schmorl nodes, vacuum phenomenon, and posterior elements including costovertebral and facet joints. Parameters were compared with two age- and gender-matched control groups of individuals whose entire spine CT lacked evidence of DISH (Control 1 individuals < 2 flowing osteophytes, Control 2 individuals < 4 and ≥ 2 flowing osteophytes). Results A total of 158 participants (DISH/Control 1/Control 2 = 54/54/50; 106 men, 52 women; average age = 70.6 years) were evaluated. Average intervertebral disc height was significantly lower in the DISH group compared with both control groups (DISH/Control 1/Control 2 = 4.55/5.13/5.01 mm, P < 0.001). Costovertebral degenerative changes were more prevalent in DISH patients ( P < 0.05) and, except for vacuum phenomenon (more prevalent in controls), other DID changes were as prevalent in DISH as in controls. Conclusion The presence of degenerative intervertebral changes on thoracic CT should not deter from diagnosing DISH. Thus, the radiographic Resnick and Niwayama DISH criteria cannot be directly adapted to CT.
Preoperative Chemoradiation and Intra-Operative Radiotherapy for Pancreatic Carcinoma
Authors: Macchia Gabriella , Valentini Vincenzo , Mattiucci Gian Carlo , Mantini Giovanna , Alfieri Sergio , Digesù Cinzia , Deodato Francesco , Trodella Lucio , Doglietto Gian Battista , Cellini Numa , Morganti Alessio Giuseppe 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background In recent years, preoperative chemoradiation has received growing interest for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In an attempt to improve resectability and disease control, we used preoperative radiation therapy and concomitant 5-fluorouracil in a combined modality therapy protocol. The aim of the study was to evaluate definitive results in terms of toxicity, response and clinical outcome. Material and methods Twenty-eight patients with unresectable (cT4,19 patients) or resectable (cT3, 9 patients) nonmetastatic pancreatic tumors received radiotherapy (39.6 Gy) plus 5-fluorouracil (continuous infusion, days 1-4 at 1000 mg/m2/day). After 4 weeks, patients were evaluated for surgical resection. In 9 resected patients, electron-beam intra-operative radiotherapy (10 Gy) was given before reconstruction. Thereafter, in resected patients, adjuvant chemotherapy was prescribed. Results During chemoradiation, 1 patient (3.6%) developed grade 3 acute gastrointestinal toxicity and 2 patients (7.1%) developed grade 3 hematological toxicity. Three of 19 patients with unresectable tumors had tumor downstaging (15.8%). Two patients showed partial response (response rate, 7.1%; 95% CI, 0.2-25.3) and 4 patients (14.3%) had minimal tumor response. Four patients (14.3%) showed progressive disease after chemoradiation. One postoperative death was recorded. The median survival time was 11.3 months (20.5 and 9.0 months in resected and unresected patients, respectively). Only one local failure was recorded in 8 patients resected with negative margins. Conclusions Although the response rate is still low, our preliminary results suggest that preoperative 5-fluorouracil chemoradiation is well tolerated and may result in tumor downstaging. Delivery of intra-operative radiotherapy seems to be associated with a low rate of local recurrences.
Anxiety Levels in Cancer Patients and “Life Sound” Experience
Authors: Aitini Enrico , Sempreboni Alessia , Aleotti Paola , Zamagni Donatella , Cavazzini Giovanna , Barbieri Roberto , Cengarle Rita , Rabbi Carla , Pari Franca , Vivorio Beatrice 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background For the hospitalized cancer patient, time takes on a rhythm which is very different from the external reality. Based on the idea that time represents a fundamental dimension of human existence and is connected to future plans, time spent waiting and memories, we carried out this experience entitled “Life Sound” project. The objectives of the project were to experiment different and unusual ways of spending time in hospital in order to improve the quality of life of the hospitalized cancer patient, to help the patient adapt to the hospital environment, to encourage awareness of self and to give a different meaning to time spent in the hospital. In particular, we evaluated the reduction in the levels of anxiety, in psychological suffering and the improvement in communication. Methods We met with patients, family members, friends, volunteers and department personnel (doctors, psychologists, nurses) in a room in the Oncology and Hematology Department set aside specifically for recreation activities such as having a cup of tea while listening to music, talking, joking, listening to people's memories and celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and other special days. The study, which involved 109 patients, was carried out through the use of the questionnaire STAI-Y distributed before and after the event. Results The results showed a statistically significant difference in anxiety levels 2 hrs before participation (mean = 38.33) and 2 hrs after participation (mean = 34.77) in the program. This variation was also assessed based on gender, age, cancer stage, time since diagnosis and performance status but did not result in any statistically significant difference. Conclusions The “Life Sound” project encourages the emergence of positive feelings, of a renewed willingness to invest in personal and caring relationships, which are connected to the patient's ability to face this illness, and the opening of new channels of communication with family members and hospital staff.
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Polymorphism and Lymphoma Risk
Authors: Cocco Pierluigi , Ennas Maria G , Melis Maria A , Sollaino Carla , Collu Stefania , Fadda Domenica , Gabbas Attilio , Massarelli Giovannino , Rais Marco , Todde Pierfelice , Angelucci Emanuele 
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background Evidence linking the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) polymorphism and risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is conflicting. Risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was increased in subjects expressing the G6PD deficient phenotype, whereas subjects under medication with statins, a lipid-lowering class of drugs partially mimicking G6PD deficiency, seemed to enjoy a protective effect. Methods We conducted a case-control study on lymphoma risk associated with the self-reported G6PD deficient phenotype in 122 lymphoma male cases and 116 male controls in Sardinia, Italy. The association with the GdMed+ genotype, the most frequent variant expressing a deficient enzyme activity, was also tested in 49 male lymphoma cases and 31 controls. The WHO classification was used to identify lymphoma subentities. Results Neither self-reported G6PD deficient phenotype nor the GdMed+ genotype showed an association with lymphoma risk or its subentities. Conclusions Our results do not confirm an association either positive or negative between the G6PD polymorphism and lymphoma risk.
Risk of Cancer of the Prostate and of the Kidney Parenchyma following Bladder Cancer
Authors: Fabbri Carla , Ravaioli Alberto , Ravaioli Alessandra , Bucchi Lauro , Balducci Chiara , Canuti Debora , Desiderio Franco , Foca Flavia , Panzini Ilaria , Falcini Fabio 
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background A registry-based cohort study of male patients with bladder cancer was conducted to determine the relative risk of second primary cancer of the prostate and kidney, the uni-/multivariate differences in relative risk according to patient characteristics, the cumulative risk by duration of the follow-up, and the prevalence:incidence ratio of prostate and kidney cancer cases detected in the first 6 months after the diagnosis of bladder cancer. Methods The complete case records of all male patients (n = 2025) diagnosed with bladder cancer between 1986 and 2002 were extracted from the database of the Romagna Cancer Registry: 1539 patients were eligible for analysis of the incidence of following prostate and kidney cancers, of the relative risk and the standardized incidence ratio specific for the time interval of follow-up. Results A total of 108 prostate cancer cases and 23 kidney cancer cases were observed during the follow-up. The relative risk of second primary cancer of the prostate and kidney was respectively 3.52 (95% CI, 2.89-4.25) and 3.90 (95% CI, 2.475.85). The absolute excess risk was 11.8 × 1000 for prostate cancer and 2.5 × 1000 for kidney cancer. The number of prevalent cases of prostate and kidney cancer detected was approximately 10 times greater than the expected number based on incidence rates from the general population. During the follow-up, incidence of prostate cancer stabilized at a level that was 3- to 4-fold greater than that expected. Despite fluctuations, a decrease was also observed for incidence of kidney cancer. Conclusions In summary, our study showed the relatively constant high incidence of prostate and kidney cancers in bladder cancer patients over time. The possibility of subsequent cancer implies that an appropriate long surveillance is required. The pertinence depends on the duration of the follow- up as well as the degree of surveillance.
Intermittent Capecitabine Monotherapy with Lower Dose Intensity in Heavily Pretreated Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Osako Tomo , Ito Yoshinori , Takahashi Shunji , Tokudome Nahomi , Iwase Takuji , Hatake Kiyohiko 
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background The purpose of the present retrospective study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of a lower dose-intensity capecitabine monotherapy regimen in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer. Methods Patients with metastatic breast cancer who had been administered capecitabine monotherapy between June 2003 and August 2004 at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Oral capecitabine (828 mg/m2) was given twice daily for three weeks followed by a one-week rest period; this was repeated every four weeks. Results One-hundred and two patients were assessed. Median follow-up of patients was 16.4 months. One hundred patients (98%) had been pretreated with either anthracyclines or taxanes, 81 patients (79%) with both anthracyclines and taxanes. Response rate was 17% (95% CI, 9-24%), and clinical benefit rate was 41% (95% CI, 32-51%). Median time-to-treatment failure was 4.9 months, and median overall survival time was 24.3 months. This regimen was well tolerated. The most frequent grade 3 or 4 adverse event was hand-foot syndrome (6%). Other grade 3 or 4 adverse events were seen in only 1%-3% of patients. Conclusions Intermittent capecitabine monotherapy with lower dose intensity achieved a high tumor control rate with low toxicity in heavily pretreated metastatic breast cancer patients.
Large Discrepancies between Planned and Actually Delivere dose in Imrt of Head and Neck Cancer. A Case Report
Authors: Piermattei Angelo , Cilla Savino , D'Onofrio Guido , Grimaldi Luca , Digesù Cinzia , Macchia Gabriella , Deodato Francesco , Morganti Alessio G 
Published: February 2018

The case is reported of a patient with locally recurrent carcinoma of the tongue treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) (simultaneous integrated boost) plus concurrent chemotherapy, who during the third week of radiotherapy developed grade 3 mucositis. Treatment was interrupted for 10 days until significant resolution of the symptoms. At the time of treatment resumption the patient showed 8% weight loss, and in vivo portal dose verification revealed large discrepancies between the computed and measured doses. A new CT scan showed marked tumor shrinkage and modifications to the critical structures. The comparison between the original plan and the hybrid IMRT showed a minimal dose increase in the new target volumes and a marked dose increase in the organs at risk. This case confirms the need for a robust quality assurance program when using IMRT, the feasibility and efficacy of in vivo dosimetry to detect significant discrepancies between planned and delivered dose, and the need to combine IMRT with 4-dimensional radiotherapy, at least for head and neck cancer.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation: A Case Report
Authors: Bajetta Emilio , Platania Marco , Catena Laura , Bichisao Ettore , Fabbri Alessandra , Procopio Giuseppe , De Dosso Sara , Buzzoni Roberto 
Published: February 2018

Background Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer with a very low incidence in the general population. MCC seems to be common in transplant recipients and 52 cases have been reported in the literature. Methods and results This report describes a Merkel cell carcinoma which developed in a liver transplant recipient. To our knowledge, this is the second such case reported, as Merkel cell carcinoma most commonly occurs after kidney and heart transplants. The treatment approach is described and the literature on the subject is reviewed. Conclusion There is currently no consensus regarding the optimal therapeutic approach to Merkel cell carcinoma. In transplant recipients, such tumors are more common and more aggressive but their treatment does not differ from the treatment of Merkel cell carcinomas in the general population.
Regional Estimates of Lung Cancer Burden in Italy
Authors: Inghelmann Riccardo , Grande Enrico , Francisci Silvia , Verdecchia Arduino , Micheli Andrea , Baili Paolo , Capocaccia Riccardo , De Angelis Roberta 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background The aim of this paper is to present the Italian regional and national estimates of the mortality, incidence and prevalence over the period 1970-2010 for lung cancer, one of the most common cancers in Italy and Europe, especially among men. Methods The estimates were obtained with the MIAMOD method, a statistical back-calculation approach to derive incidence and prevalence figures using mortality and relative survival data. Published survival data from the Italian cancer registries were appropriately modelled in order to estimate survival at regional and national level. Results For men, the Italian lung cancer mortality and incidence rates reached their maximum values during the late 1980s and steeply decreased thereafter. This pattern is quite uniform across all regions, even though the decrease was delayed and less steep in the South of the country. For women, both indicators appear to be increasing at the national level, even though a certain regional variability in incidence trends remains within the country: some regions (such as Lazio, Umbria, Marche, Campania, Sardegna and Friuli Venezia Giulia) present increasing trends, while in others a clear levelling off is visible. A total of 33,500 incident cases, 72,000 prevalent cases and 28,000 deaths are estimated in Italy in 2005. Conclusions This study produced an up-to-date description of lung cancer epidemiology both at national and regional level. The marked difference in lung cancer figures and trends between sexes suggests that prevention policies have led to changes in smoking habits for men, while for women they were lacking in efficacy. The attention should now focus on women, whose risk trend is the least favorable.