Prognostic factors in patients with localized and metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. A report from two studies and two registries of the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe CWS.

Background: The histologic classification of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) as alveolar (aRMS) or embryonal (eRMS) is of prognostic importance, with the aRMS being associated with a worse outcome. Specific gene fusions (PAX3/7::FOXO1) found in the majority of aRMS have been recognized as markers associated with poor prognosis and are included in current risk stratification instead of histologic subtypes in localized disease. In metastatic disease, the independent prognostic significance of fusion status has not been definitively established.

Maintenance therapy with trofosfamide, idarubicin and etoposide in patients with rhabdomyosarcoma and other high-risk soft tissue sarcomas (CWS-2007-HR): a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled phase 3 trial.

Background: Rhabdomyosarcoma and other soft tissue sarcomas (STS) with high-risk features are still associated with an unsatisfactory outcome. We evaluated the efficacy of oral maintenance therapy added at the end of standard therapy in patients with high-risk rhabdomyosarcoma and STS.

Methods: CWS-2007-HR was a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled, phase 3 trial done at 87 centers in 5 countries.

[Working conditions in surgery and their impact : Results of a national survey].

Background: In surgical disciplines poor working conditions and a high level of dissatisfaction among surgeons in the various disciplines have been reported. The psychological consequences of these conditions on the surgeons themselves and the effects on their families have so far been inadequately considered.

Objective: The objective of this national survey of the Professional Association of German Surgery (Berufsverband der Deutschen Chirurgie e.

[Challenges and options for advanced training in surgery : An interdisciplinary position paper against the background of the hospital structural reform in Germany].

Background: Even now the further training in surgery faces considerable challenges. The planned hospital structural reform will result in new bureaucratic and organizational hurdles, which could lead to a considerable loss of quality in advanced surgical training across all disciplines.

Objective: The aim of this position paper is to describe the current and future challenges for advanced surgical training and to identify possible approaches and opportunities for the further development against the background of the planned hospital structural reform.

Synergistic effects of using sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and desiccation in surface inactivation for Toxocara spp.

Toxocara cati and T. canis are parasitic nematodes found in the intestines of cats and dogs respectively, with a cosmopolitan distribution, and the potential for anthropozoonotic transmission, resulting in human toxocariasis. Spread of Toxocara spp.