bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Ultrasound-Based Target Volume Delineation and Consequent Dose Calculation in Prostate Cancer Patients with Bilateral Hip Replacement: A Report of 4 Cases
Authors: Arcadipane Francesca , Fiandra Christian , Franco Pierfrancesco , Munoz Fernando , Lrgolini Paolo , Trino Elisabetta , Levis Mario , Guarneri Alessia , Ricardi Umberto 
Published: May 2015

Aim To investigate the role of 3D ultrasound (3D-US) in target volume delineation in prostate cancer radiotherapy. Methods Four patients with intermediate risk prostate cancer and metal artifacts on planning computed tomography (CT) due to previous bilateral hip replacement underwent 3D-US with the Clarity platform (Clarity System, Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden) to allow for image-guided procedures. Ultrasound and CT images were coregistered to allow for better delineation of the prostate gland and organs at risk (OAR). Electron density override (EDO) and standard electron density (EDS) methods were compared for appropriate dose calculation. Results 3D-US and planning CT minimized image artifacts, providing better evidence of patient anatomy, particularly regarding soft tissue visualization. Prostate gland and seminal vesicles were better delineated, particularly in the posterior aspect. Anterior rectal wall and bladder neck were more visible. No difference was found in terms of average planning target volume dose, D15%, or D25% for rectum or D15%, D25%, or D35% of bladder between EDO and EDS. Conclusions 3D-US proved to be a viable tool for target volume and OAR visualization in patients with prostate cancer with hip prostheses.
Concurrent versus Sequential Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer among Chinese Population: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Fang , Li Tao , Liu Li , Lv Jiahua , Song Yanqiong , Li Churong , Diao Peng 
Published: May 2015

Aims and background Esophageal cancer can cause substantial mortality and there is controversy about the effectiveness of concurrent and sequential chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for this disease. Methods and Study Design Based on established criteria, we searched electronic databases including PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), China National Knowledge Infrastruction (CNKI), Wanfang, and Weipu databases up to March 2014 to collect eligible studies. Relative risks (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Q and I2 test were applied to test statistical heterogeneities among studies. Publication bias of total effective rate was evaluated through a funnel plot and sensitive analysis was conducted. Results We identified 10 Chinese studies including 1024 esophageal cancer patients. The RRs of total effective rate and 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rate for concurrent versus sequential CRT were 1.15 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.24), 1.15 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.26), 1.44 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.73), and 1.66 (95% CI 1.37 to 2.01), respectively, all with statistically significant differences (p<0.05). With regards to incidence of leukocytopenia, the RR for concurrent versus sequential CRT was 1.14 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.26) with significant difference (p<0.05). However, the RR of incidence of radiation esophagitis was 1.09 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.22) for concurrent versus sequential CRT without significant differences (p = 0.17). Conclusions Concurrent CRT was superior to sequential CRT for esophageal cancer management among Chinese people. Though higher toxic effects were revealed in concurrent CRT, it was tolerable. Therefore, concurrent CRT could be applied into esophageal cancer treatments for Chinese patients.
Supraclavicular and Infraclavicular Lymph Node Delineation in Breast Cancer Patients: A Proposal Deriving from a Comparative Study
Authors: Cucciarelli Francesca , Kirova Youlia M. , Palumbo Isabella , Aristei Cynthia 
Published: May 2015

Aims and background Current advances in radiotherapy for breast cancer require knowledge of the anatomy of irradiated areas to minimize geographic miss and spare organs at risk. This study aimed at defining a contouring approach for supraclavicular (SC) and infraclavicular (IC) nodes after mastectomy or conservative surgery in patients with breast cancer. Methods and Study Design In 15 patients, SC and IC nodes were contoured on computed tomography slices according to Madu et al and Dijkema et al. After analyzing relapse sites, as reported by Reed et al, our approach was defined. The 3 methods were compared in all patients, quantifying differences in contours by percentage overlap (PO). Results In our approach, SC node delineation is similar to Madu et al in the ventral and medial landmarks, but includes the lateral SC nodes described by Dijkema et al. The lateral landmarks are the scalenus anterior and medius muscle lateral border and the clavicle. Dorsal boundaries are the scalenus anterior and medius muscle ventral and lateral surfaces and the subclavian artery ventral border. In IC node delineation, major differences emerged in cranial and dorsal limits which, in our approach, are the pectoralis minor muscle upper edge and the subclavian axillary artery ventral side. Our mean and median volumes and POs were between the other 2 methods. Conclusions This study contributes to standardizing draining node contouring, so as to reduce variability and minimize geographic miss.
Bladder Cancer Diagnosis: The Role of CT Urography
Authors: Capalbo Emanuela , Kluzer Anna , Peli Michela , Cosentino Maria , Berti Elisabetta , Cariati Maurizio 
Published: May 2015

Aims and Background To evaluate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography urography (CTU), we first compared it with cystoscopy and subsequently analyzed which CTU phase of acquisition has the highest diagnostic accuracy in identifying bladder cancer. Methods In 2013, 177 patients underwent both cystoscopy and CTU. For all acquisition phases, we calculated sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy, and positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV, respectively). We also evaluated the Cohen K coefficient. Results Computed tomography urography sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy, PPV, and NPV were as follows: 96.3%, 86.4%, 92.8%, 92.9%, and 92.7%; concordance calculated with Cohen K was good: 0.8413. The arterial acquisition phase showed the highest diagnostic accuracy, identifying 93.4% of all lesions. Conclusions Computed tomography urography is an accurate examination for the diagnosis of bladder cancer, and the arterial acquisition phase provides the best diagnostic information.
Efficacy of Capecitabine Monotherapy as the First-line Treatment of Metastatic HER2-negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Babacan Taner , Efe Orhan , Hasirci Ahmet S. , Demirci Fatih , Buyukhatipoglu Hakan , Balakan Ozan , Sarici Furkan , Kertmen Neyran , Esin Ece , Akin Serkan , Ates Ozturk , Aksoy Sercan , Sever Ali R. , Altundag Kadri 
Published: May 2015

Aims and Background Capecitabine is a potent and safe agent that can be used after anthracycline and taxane treatment in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of capecitabine monotherapy as a first-line treatment in human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2)-negative patients with MBC. Methods and Study design In this single-center trial, a total of 109 HER2-negative patients with MBC who received capecitabine monotherapy as first-line treatment between 2003 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was carried out for progression-free survival (PFS) and for overall survival (OS). Two-sided p values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Median PFS was 7.0 ± 0.67 (confidence interval (CI) 5.6-8.3) months and median OS was 30 ± 4.1 (CI 21.8-38.1) months. First-line capecitabine treatment for HER2-negative MBC was more effective in the estrogen receptor (ER)-positive patient population compared to the ER-negative group (median PFS 9 vs 4 months (p = 0.002), median OS 33 vs 21 months (p = 0.01)). Indeed, the overall response rate in the ER-negative group was 16%, while this was calculated as 38% for ER-positive cases. While most of our patient population was treated with a higher dose (1250 mg/m2), the observed grade 3-4 toxicities were lower compared to some previously reported phase II and phase III capecitabine studies. Conclusions Capecitabine monotherapy is an effective and safe regimen for ER-positive, HER2-negative patients with MBC. Its low toxicity profile compared to other intravenous cytotoxic agents and the ease of its oral administration make this agent a preferable option for both physicians and patients.
Application of the Holmium Laser Lithotripsy for Bladder Stones under Local Anaesthesia: A Prospective Analysis
Authors: Garg Manish , Kumar Manoj , Goel Apul , Sankhwar Satya Narayan 
Published: May 2015

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and the results of intracorporal holmium laser (HL) lithotripsy in patients with bladder calculus under local anaesthesia. Materials and methods From January 2009 to August 2012, 46 patients underwent HL lithotripsy for bladder calculus under local anaesthesia. Twelve patients who had associated medical comorbidity also underwent the procedure. The pain was evaluated with 10-point visual analogue scale during and 1 h after completion of the procedure. Foley catheter was inserted at the end of procedure in all the patients. Results In the present study, the mean stone size was 2.1 cm (1.1–4.2 cm) and the mean operative time was 43 min (range 23–57 min). All patients were rendered stone-free in a single sitting except one patient. The mean pain score intraoperatively and in the postoperative period was 3.84 and 1.47, respectively. There was no major complication during surgery. The procedure was well tolerated and most of the patients were discharged on the same day. After the follow-up period of 3 months, all patients were asymptomatic except one patient who developed a soft stricture in the bulbar urethra and was managed by internal urethrotomy. Conclusions Bladder stones can be safely managed by HL lithotripsy under local anaesthesia with a high success rate and minimal morbidity. The procedure is even feasible in high-risk patients with medical comorbidities without extra risk.
How to Regulate Cooperatives in the EU?
Authors: van der Sangen Ger J.H. 
Published: May 2015

How to Regulate Cooperatives in the EU? A Theory of Path Dependency
In this article, the phenomenon of path dependency has been addressed in view of the harmonization of cooperative law in the EU. The question is raised whether and how the legislative harmonization has an impact on co-operators in their efforts of setting up and maintaining efficient cooperative organizations and whether in this respect the Statute for the European Cooperative Society (hereinafter: SCE) is a helpful tool to facilitate the enhancement of national statutes on cooperatives as well as to provide the legal infrastructure to facilitate cross-border cooperation amongst and reorganizations of cooperatives in the EU.The case for the cooperative as a viable business form gained momentum in the EU policy debate with the development of the SCE Statute in 2003, the outbreak of the financial and economic crisis in 2008 and with the endorsement of the cooperative business concept by the United Nations and the International Labour Organization in 2012. If the sound development of cooperatives as an alternative legal business form vis-à-vis investor-owned firms is considered a policy instrument to enhance societal business activities – notably in the field of agriculture and social economy – it raises the question how cooperatives should be regulated to fulfil their function in this respect.The key argument presented in this article is that due to strong tendencies of path dependency a top-down approach of EU law-making was and is not a feasible option. The cooperative as a multifaceted institution requires a multifaceted approach taking into account the historical legislative developments of distinctive jurisdictions as well as the historical economic development of cooperative organizations in their specific jurisdiction. However, the existence of path dependency and the lack of regulatory arbitrage as well as regulatory competition prevent the market from generating efficient model statutes for cooperatives taking into account the specific needs of cooperatives and their co-operators.
Transnationalization of Agricultural Cooperatives in Europe
Authors: Bijman Jos , Pyykkönen Perttu , Ollila Petri 
Published: May 2015

Transnationalization of Agricultural Cooperatives in Europe
Agricultural cooperatives in Europe are increasingly expanding beyond their home countries. A number of these cooperatives have become transnational cooperatives, which means that they have members in more than one country. Examples can be found particularly in the dairy and fruit and vegetables industry. This article presents an overview of the recent internationalization and transnationalization processes among agricultural cooperatives in Europe and is the first academic publication that provides empirical data on cross-border membership. The article discusses the pros and cons of having members in several countries, as well as the different trajectories along which cooperatives may become transnational. Transnationalization entails substantial challenges for the member-cooperative relationship due to differences in culture, language, legislation and business practices. The professional management usually prefers an internationalization strategy above a transnationalization strategy. While further internationalization of agricultural cooperatives is expected, foreign membership will continue to be a major challenge for boards of directors.
To Recognize or Not to Recognize? That Is the Question!
Authors: Sucker Stefanie 
Published: May 2015

To Recognize or Not to Recognize? That Is the Question! Motherhood in Cross-Border Surrogacy Cases
This article describes the status quo in cross-border surrogacy cases, more specifically how national courts deal with the recognition of parenthood validly established abroad. As the recognition of motherhood is deemed to violate the national ordre public, the solutions so far, i.e. recognition of fatherhood and adoption, will be examined. Moreover, the arguments for an alleged ordre public-violation concerning motherhood will be presented. Finally, the question whether the European Human Right Convention has an impact on the interpretation of the best interest of the child will be answered.
Motieven voor decentralisatie
Authors: Raijmakers L. 
Published: May 2015

Reasons for decentralization in the Netherlands. In between normativity and pragmatics
This article focuses on the administrative relation between the levels of authority in the Netherlands while paying special attention to the distribution of administrative tasks and legislative power between government tiers. How has this process developed since the constitutional reform in 1848? Which motives have underpinned the fluctuating ways in which responsibilities and powers were divided? The constitutional reform of 1848 laid the foundation for the current administrative structure. A three-tier system forms the basis of its organization: national government, regional government (provinces) and local governments (municipalities). This article shows that in the Netherlands the leitmotiv for decentralization is to improve the governmental performance; efficiency, standardization and simplification are recurring objectives. Decentralization is also often used as an instrument to resolve specific policy issues. The article describes a discrepancy between the motives for decentralization, which can be explained by the differences between fundamental legislation involving the administrative structure on the one hand and legislation aimed at policy-making on the other hand.
Niemand slaapt bij ons op straat?
Authors: Staring R. 
Published: May 2015

With us nobody sleeps on the streets? On the refugee shelters for illegal aliens and the jousting between central and local government in the Netherlands
Dutch policies concerning the illegal stay of aliens are characterized by regular tensions between central and local governments. This article describes various concrete (proposals for) policy changes in the last twenty years and examines the reasons for these tensions while using the distinction between policy strategies based on denial versus strategies based on adaptation (Garland). When it comes to refugee policies, the central government works in the denial mode while local governments adapt and try to find solutions in order to bring problems under control. This attitude can be explained by the local governments’ duty to provide for in the case of humanitarian emergency situations.
Het Wetsvoorstel vereenvoudiging en digitalisering procesrecht: kanttekeningen vanuit de procespraktijk
Authors: Teuben K. , Jansen K.J.O. 
Published: May 2015

Het Wetsvoorstel vereenvoudiging en digitalisering procesrecht: kanttekeningen vanuit de procespraktijk
Deze bijdrage behelst een – deels kritische – analyse van het Wetsvoorstel vereenvoudiging en digitalisering procesrecht, vanuit het perspectief van de procespraktijk. Centraal staan de procedurele wijzigingen die het wetsvoorstel (naast digitalisering) teweegbrengt. De auteurs concluderen dat het wetsvoorstel enkele belangrijke praktijkvragen onbeantwoord laat en op verschillende punten niet leidt tot een vereenvoudiging, maar eerder tot (onnodige) complicatie van het civiele proces. Zij doen enkele suggesties ter verduidelijking en verbetering van het voorstel.
Tranexamic Acid in Patients Undergoing Liver Resection
Authors: Karanicolas Paul J. , Lin Yulia , McCluskey Stuart A. , Tarshis Jordan , Thorpe Kevin E. , Wei Alice , Dixon Elijah , Porter Geoff , Chaudhury Prosanto , Nanji Sulaiman , Ruo Leyo , Tsang Melanie E. , Skaro Anton , Eeson Gareth , Cleary Sean , Moulton Carol-Anne , Ball Chad G. , Hallet Julie , Coburn Natalie , Serrano Pablo E. , Jayaraman Shiva , Law Calvin , Tandan Ved , Sapisochin Gonzalo , Nagorney David , Quan Douglas , Smoot Rory , Gallinger Steven , Metrakos Peter , Reichman Trevor W. , Jalink Diederick , Bennett Sean , Sutherland Francis , Solano Edward , Molinari Michele , Tang Ephraim S. , Warner Susanne G. , Bathe Oliver F. , Barkun Jeffrey , Kendrick Michael L. , Truty Mark , Roke Rachel , Xu Grace , Lafreniere-Roula Myriam , Guyatt Gordon ,   HPB CONCEPT Team
Published: August 2024

ImportanceTranexamic acid reduces bleeding and blood transfusion in many types of surgery, but its effect in patients undergoing liver resection for a cancer-related indication remains unclear.ObjectiveTo determine whether tranexamic acid reduces red blood cell transfusion within 7 days of liver resection.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsMulticenter randomized clinical trial of tranexamic acid vs placebo conducted from December 1, 2014, to November 8, 2022, at 10 hepatopancreaticobiliary sites in Canada and 1 site in the United States, with 90-day follow-up. Participants, clinicians, and data collectors were blinded to allocation. A volunteer sample of 1384 patients undergoing liver resection for a cancer-related indication met eligibility criteria and consented to randomization.InterventionsTranexamic acid (1-g bolus followed by 1-g infusion over 8 hours; n = 619) or matching placebo (n = 626) beginning at induction of anesthesia.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was receipt of red blood cell transfusion within 7 days of surgery.ResultsThe primary analysis included 1245 participants (mean age, 63.2 years; 39.8% female; 56.1% with a diagnosis of colorectal liver metastases). Perioperative characteristics were similar between groups. Red blood cell transfusion occurred in 16.3% of participants (n = 101) in the tranexamic acid group and 14.5% (n = 91) in the placebo group (odds ratio, 1.15 [95% CI, 0.84-1.56]; P = .38; absolute difference, 2% [95% CI, −2% to 6%]). Measured intraoperative blood loss (tranexamic acid, 817.3 mL; placebo, 836.7 mL; P = .75) and total estimated blood loss over 7 days (tranexamic acid, 1504.0 mL; placebo, 1551.2 mL; P = .38) were similar between groups. Participants receiving tranexamic acid experienced significantly more complications compared with placebo (odds ratio, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.02-1.60]; P = .03), with no significant difference in venous thromboembolism (odds ratio, 1.68 [95% CI, 0.95-3.07]; P = .08).Conclusions and RelevanceAmong patients undergoing liver resection for a cancer-related indication, tranexamic acid did not reduce bleeding or blood transfusion but increased perioperative complications.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02261415
Screening and Supplementation for Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy
Authors:   US Preventive Services Task Force, Nicholson Wanda K. , Silverstein Michael , Wong John B. , Chelmow David , Coker Tumaini Rucker , Davis Esa M. , Jaén Carlos Roberto , Krousel-Wood Marie , Lee Sei , Li Li , Rao Goutham , Ruiz John M. , Stevermer James , Tsevat Joel , Underwood Sandra Millon , Wiehe Sarah 
Published: August 2024

ImportanceIron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia during pregnancy. According to survey data from 1999 to 2006, overall estimated prevalence of iron deficiency during pregnancy is near 18% and increases across the 3 trimesters of pregnancy (from 6.9% to 14.3% to 28.4%). An estimated 5% of pregnant persons have iron deficiency anemia.ObjectiveThe US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review to evaluate the evidence on the benefits and harms of screening and supplementation for iron deficiency with and without anemia on maternal and infant health outcomes in asymptomatic pregnant persons.PopulationAsymptomatic pregnant adolescents and adults.Evidence AssessmentThe USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient, and the balance of benefits and harms of screening for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in asymptomatic pregnant persons on maternal and infant health outcomes cannot be determined. The USPSTF also concludes that the current evidence is insufficient, and the balance of benefits and harms of iron supplementation in asymptomatic pregnant persons on maternal and infant health outcomes cannot be determined.RecommendationThe USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in pregnant persons to prevent adverse maternal and infant health outcomes. (I statement) The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of routine supplementation for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in pregnant persons to prevent adverse maternal and infant health outcomes. (I statement)