bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term management of recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma treated with lenvatinib for over 5 years: a case report
Authors: Imai Tsuneo , Kobayashi Hironobu , Senaha Tetsu , Imaizumi Toshiaki , Murata Yoshiharu
Published: January 2022

Background

Few reports exist of the long-term management of recurrent and progressive papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor for over 5 years.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old woman was referred to a psychiatric hospital for the treatment of schizophrenia. The patient had been diagnosed with a PTC at the age of 40 and subsequently underwent a left thyroid lobectomy. At 47, completion total thyroidectomy and lymph node dissection were performed and the patient assessed as radioactive iodine refractory postoperatively. External radiation therapy was performed for Rouviere lymph nodes. At 57, neck and mediastinal lymph nodes, and lung metastases had progressed, and the trachea became narrowed by para-tracheal lymph node compression. After 2 weeks of sorafenib therapy on an outpatient basis, the patient was discovered unconsciousness at home and transferred to hospital by ambulance; sorafenib therapy was stopped. The patient was diagnosed with reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome by brain magnetic resonance imaging. External radiation therapy to the site of the tracheal stenosis in the neck and mediastinum was performed. The patient’s mental symptoms worsened, and she was referred to a psychiatric hospital, Kachi Memorial Hospital, in July 2015. In September, the patient’s mental state stabilized and in November, after computed tomography revealed rapid disease progression, lenvatinib was commenced at a daily dose of 24 mg. Measurable solid recurrence sites were neck lymph nodes in the pre-laryngeal subcutaneous space, right lobe of the lung, and left adrenal. After 3 months, the tumors shrank in a partial response (PR). Because of several adverse events, occasional dose reductions or discontinuations of lenvatinib were sometimes necessary. Since re-starting lenvatinib, treatment with this for 51 consecutive months was achieved while maintaining a PR. Although a new bone metastasis was noted after 57 months of lenvatinib, treatment was continued for another 9 months. The patient subsequently passed away in June 2021.

Conclusions

The long-term treatment of recurrent PTC with lenvatinib was feasible, with manageable adverse events, for more than 5 years.
Modeling mesoscale fission gas behavior in UO2 by directly coupling the phase field method to spatially resolved cluster dynamics
Authors: Kim Dong-Uk , Blondel Sophie , Bernholdt David E. , Roth Philip , Kong Fande , Andersson David , Tonks Michael R. , Wirth Brian D.
Published: January 2022

Fission gas release within uranium dioxide nuclear fuel occurs as gas atoms diffuse through grains and arrive at grain boundary (GB) bubbles; these GB bubbles grow and interconnect with grain edge bubbles; and grain edge tunnels grow and connect to free surfaces. In this study, a hybrid multi-scale/multi-physics simulation approach is presented to investigate these mechanisms of fission gas release at the mesoscale. In this approach, fission gas production, diffusion, clustering to form intragranular bubbles, and re-solution within grains are included using spatially resolved cluster dynamics in the Xolotl code. GB migration and intergranular bubble growth and coalescence are included using the phase field method in the MARMOT code. This hybrid model couples Xolotl to MARMOT using the MultiApp and Transfer systems in the MOOSE framework, with Xolotl passing the arrival rate of gas atoms at GBs and intergranular bubble surfaces to MARMOT and MARMOT passing evolved GBs and bubble surface positions to Xolotl. The coupled approach performs well on the two-dimensional simulations performed in this work, producing similar results to the standard phase field model when Xolotl does not include fission gas clustering or re-solution. The hybrid model performs well computationally, with a negligible cost of coupling Xolotl and MARMOT and good parallel scalability. The hybrid model predicts that intragranular fission gas clustering and bubble formation results in up to 70% of the fission gas being trapped within grains, causing the increase in the intergranular bubble fraction to slow by a factor of six. Re-solution has a small impact on the fission gas behavior at 1800 K but it has a much larger impact at 1000 K, resulting in a twenty-times increase in the concentration of single gas atoms within grains. Due to the low diffusion rate, this increase in mobile gas atoms only results in a small acceleration in the growth of the intergranular bubble fraction. Finally, the hybrid model accounts for migrating GBs sweeping up gas atoms. This results in faster intergranular bubble growth with smaller initial grain sizes, since the additional GB migration results in more immobile gas clusters reaching GBs.
A review on the advancements in chemical examination of composition of latent fingerprint residues
Authors: Khare Vartika , Singla Anu
Published: January 2022

Background

There are notable developments in the field of DNA analysis and recognition, still fingerprint analysis remains the most preferred approach for obtaining substantial forensic evidences. The identification of individuals through pattern comparison has been used through ages, but it becomes less effective when the pattern is blurred, partial in nature or not found in database. Thus, recent advances in analytical techniques over the last decade will provide additional information to the evidence. In the view of forensic investigations, the compilation of individual chemical profiles with the pattern would enhance the evidentiary value of the latent fingerprints.

Main body

The review has been divided into different parts, describing the various influencing factors which affect the chemical composition of a fingerprint, i.e., lifestyle and occupation, age of an individual, types of substrate on which fingerprint is deposited, environmental conditions, contaminants, and the various advanced instrumental techniques utilized till now in the detection of chemical constituents of fingerprint have been discussed.

Conclusion

The present work aims to enlighten the missing gaps of knowledge in elucidating the detailed chemical composition of fingerprints and highlight the various analytical techniques used till date. Though, there are several analytical techniques employed till date to explicate the constituents of fingerprints, detailed information is still lacking. Therefore, advanced future research is need of the hour for identification of the fingerprints and determining their aging kinetics.
Correspondence regarding the Perspective “Addressing the importance of microplastic particles as vectors for long-range transport of chemical contaminants: perspective in relation to prioritizing research and regulatory actions”
Authors: Glüge Juliane , Ashta Narain M. , Herzke Dorte , Lebreton Laurent , Scheringer Martin
Published: January 2022

Important clarifications regarding the long-range environmental transport of chemical additives contained in floating plastic debris are presented.
Risk factors of postpartum depression and depressive symptoms: umbrella review of current evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies
Authors: Gastaldon Chiara , Solmi Marco , Correll Christoph U. , Barbui Corrado , Schoretsanitis Georgios
Published: January 2022

Background

Evidence on risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD) are fragmented and inconsistent.

Aims

To assess the strength and credibility of evidence on risk factors of PPD, ranking them based on the umbrella review methodology.

Method

Databases were searched until 1 December 2020, for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies. Two reviewers assessed quality, credibility of associations according to umbrella review criteria (URC) and evidence certainty according to Grading of Recommendations-Assessment-Development-Evaluations criteria.

Results

Including 185 observational studies (n = 3 272 093) from 11 systematic reviews, the association between premenstrual syndrome and PPD was the strongest (highly suggestive: odds ratio 2.20, 95%CI 1.81–2.68), followed by violent experiences (highly suggestive: odds ratio (OR) = 2.07, 95%CI 1.70–2.50) and unintended pregnancy (highly suggestive: OR=1.53, 95%CI 1.35–1.75). Following URC, the association was suggestive for Caesarean section (OR = 1.29, 95%CI 1.17–1.43), gestational diabetes (OR = 1.60, 95%CI 1.25–2.06) and 5-HTTPRL polymorphism (OR = 0.70, 95%CI 0.57–0.86); and weak for preterm delivery (OR = 2.12, 95%CI 1.43–3.14), anaemia during pregnancy (OR = 1.47, 95%CI 1.17–1.84), vitamin D deficiency (OR = 3.67, 95%CI 1.72–7.85) and postpartum anaemia (OR = 1.75, 95%CI 1.18–2.60). No significant associations were found for medically assisted conception and intra-labour epidural analgesia. No association was rated as ‘convincing evidence’. According to GRADE, the certainty of the evidence was low for Caesarean section, preterm delivery, 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and anaemia during pregnancy, and ‘very low’ for remaining factors.

Conclusions

The most robust risk factors of PDD were premenstrual syndrome, violent experiences and unintended pregnancy. These results should be integrated in clinical algorithms to assess the risk of PPD.
Elevated Coronary Artery Calcium Quantified by a Validated Deep Learning Model From Lung Cancer Radiotherapy Planning Scans Predicts Mortality
Authors: Atkins Katelyn M. , Weiss Jakob , Zeleznik Roman , Bitterman Danielle S. , Chaunzwa Tafadzwa L. , Huynh Elizabeth , Guthier Christian , Kozono David E. , Lewis John H. , Tamarappoo Balaji K. , Nohria Anju , Hoffmann Udo , Aerts Hugo J. W. L. , Mak Raymond H.
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) quantified on computed tomography (CT) scans is a robust predictor of atherosclerotic coronary disease; however, the feasibility and relevance of quantitating CAC from lung cancer radiotherapy planning CT scans is unknown. We used a previously validated deep learning (DL) model to assess whether CAC is a predictor of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of non–contrast-enhanced radiotherapy planning CT scans from 428 patients with locally advanced lung cancer is performed. The DL-CAC algorithm was previously trained on 1,636 cardiac-gated CT scans and tested on four clinical trial cohorts. Plaques ≥ 1 cubic millimeter were measured to generate an Agatston-like DL-CAC score and grouped as DL-CAC = 0 (very low risk) and DL-CAC ≥ 1 (elevated risk). Cox and Fine and Gray regressions were adjusted for lung cancer and cardiovascular factors.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 18.1 months. The majority (61.4%) had a DL-CAC ≥ 1. There was an increased risk of all-cause mortality with DL-CAC ≥ 1 versus DL-CAC = 0 (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.26; P = .04), with 2-year estimates of 56.2% versus 45.4%, respectively. There was a trend toward increased risk of major adverse cardiac events with DL-CAC ≥ 1 versus DL-CAC = 0 (hazard ratio, 1.80; 95% CI, 0.87 to 3.74; P = .11), with 2-year estimates of 7.3% versus 1.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this proof-of-concept study, CAC was effectively measured from routinely acquired radiotherapy planning CT scans using an automated model. Elevated CAC, as predicted by the DL model, was associated with an increased risk of mortality, suggesting a potential benefit for automated cardiac risk screening before cancer therapy begins.
FDA Approval Summary: Abemaciclib With Endocrine Therapy for High-Risk Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Royce Melanie , Osgood Christy , Mulkey Flora , Bloomquist Erik , Pierce William F. , Roy Arpita , Kalavar Shyam , Ghosh Soma , Philip Reena , Rizvi Fatima , Mixter Bronwyn D. , Tang Shenghui , Pazdur Richard , Beaver Julia A. , Amiri-Kordestani Laleh
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE

The US Food and Drug Administration approved abemaciclib in combination with endocrine therapy (ET) for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative, node-positive, early breast cancer (EBC) at high risk of recurrence and a Ki-67 score ≥ 20%.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The approval was based on monarchE, a phase III, open-label, 2-cohort, multicenter trial of patients with EBC randomly assigned to receive abemaciclib plus ET (n = 2,808) or ET alone (n = 2,829). Abemaciclib was given at 150 mg orally twice daily for 2 years.

RESULTS

Invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) in the intent-to-treat population was statistically significant at the second IDFS interim analysis (IA; March 2020; hazard ratio [HR; 95% CI], 0.747 [0.598 to 0.932]; P = .0096); however, only 12.5% of patients had completed adjuvant therapy, and the HR for overall survival (OS) was > 1. A prespecified, controlled analysis of IDFS in patients with Ki-67 ≥ 20% in cohort 1 was statistically significant at the final IDFS analysis (July 2020; HR [95% CI], 0.643 [0.475 to 0.872]; P = .0042). At the first OS IA (April 2021), the majority of patients had completed adjuvant therapy, IDFS remained consistent, and potential detriment in OS was not observed for this subgroup (HR [95% CI], 0.767 [0.511 to 1.152]). The HR for OS in the intent-to-treat population at OS IA remained > 1 (HR [95% CI], 1.091 [0.818 to 1.455]). More patients in the abemaciclib plus ET arm experienced treatment emergent adverse events (all grades 98.4% v 88.8%, grade 3 ≥ 49.7% v 16.3%).

CONCLUSION

The approval of abemaciclib in adjuvant EBC was limited to patients with high risk of recurrence and Ki-67 ≥ 20%, given their favorable benefit:risk with a statistically significant IDFS advantage and no observed detriment on survival.
Improved Gene Fusion Detection in Childhood Cancer Diagnostics Using RNA Sequencing
Authors: Hehir-Kwa Jayne Y. , Koudijs Marco J. , Verwiel Eugene T. P. , Kester Lennart A. , van Tuil Marc , Strengman Eric , Buijs Arjan , Kranendonk Mariëtte E. G. , Hiemcke-Jiwa Laura S. , de Haas Valerie , van de Geer Ellen , de Leng Wendy , van der Lugt Jasper , Lijnzaad Philip , Holstege Frank C. P. , Kemmeren Patrick , Tops Bastiaan B. J.
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE

Gene fusions play a significant role in cancer etiology, making their detection crucial for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and determining therapeutic targets. Current diagnostic methods largely focus on either targeted or low-resolution genome-wide techniques, which may be unable to capture rare events or both fusion partners. We investigate if RNA sequencing can overcome current limitations with traditional diagnostic techniques to identify gene fusion events.

METHODS

We first performed RNA sequencing on a validation cohort of 24 samples with a known gene fusion event, after which a prospective pan-pediatric cancer cohort (n = 244) was tested by RNA sequencing in parallel to existing diagnostic procedures. This cohort included hematologic malignancies, tumors of the CNS, solid tumors, and suspected neoplastic samples. All samples were processed in the routine diagnostic workflow and analyzed for gene fusions using standard-of-care methods and RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

We identified a clinically relevant gene fusion in 83 of 244 cases in the prospective cohort. Sixty fusions were detected by both routine diagnostic techniques and RNA sequencing, and one fusion was detected only in routine diagnostics, but an additional 24 fusions were detected solely by RNA sequencing. RNA sequencing, therefore, increased the diagnostic yield by 38%-39%. In addition, RNA sequencing identified both gene partners involved in the gene fusion, in contrast to most routine techniques. For two patients, the newly identified fusion by RNA sequencing resulted in treatment with targeted agents.

CONCLUSION

We show that RNA sequencing is sufficiently robust for gene fusion detection in routine diagnostics of childhood cancers and can make a difference in treatment decisions.
Role of Estrogen and Its Receptors in Adipose Tissue Glucose Metabolism in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Ahmed Fozia , Kamble Prasad G , Hetty Susanne , Fanni Giovanni , Vranic Milica , Sarsenbayeva Assel , Kristófi Robin , Almby Kristina , Svensson Maria K , Pereira Maria J , Eriksson Jan W
Published: January 2022

Context

Reduced estrogen levels in postmenopausal women predispose them to metabolic side effects, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes; however, the cellular mechanisms are not well understood.

Objective

This work aimed to study the expression of estrogen receptors in adipose tissue from pre- and postmenopausal women and the effects of estradiol (E2) on glucose uptake of adipocytes.

Methods

Subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) obtained from pre- and postmenopausal women (19-51 and 46-75 years old, respectively) were used to measure gene expression of ESR1 and ESR2. SAT tissue was incubated with E2, and glucose uptake and estrogen receptor levels were measured. Polymorphisms in ESR1 and ESR2 were addressed in public databases to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with metabolic traits.

Results

ESR2 expression was lower in pre- vs postmenopausal women, corresponding to lower ESR1:ESR2 gene expression ratio in postmenopausal women. In premenopausal women, the expression of ESR1 was higher in VAT than in SAT. In both pre- and postmenopausal women, ESR2 expression was lower in VAT than in SAT. In late, but not pre- or early postmenopausal women, E2 reduced glucose uptake and GLUT4 protein and increased expression of ESR2. ESR1 polymorphisms were associated with weight, body fat distribution, and total cholesterol, and ESR2 polymorphisms were associated with total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and with body fat percentage.

Conclusion

E2 inhibits glucose utilization in human adipocytes in late postmenopausal women. Changes in glucose utilization over time since menopause may be explained by a lower ESR1:ESR2 ratio. This can have clinical implications on the timing of estrogen treatment in postmenopausal women.
Functional Lactotrophs in Induced Adenohypophysis Differentiated From Human iPS Cells
Authors: Miyake Natsuki , Nagai Takashi , Suga Hidetaka , Osuka Satoko , Kasai Takatoshi , Sakakibara Mayu , Soen Mika , Ozaki Hajime , Miwata Tsutomu , Asano Tomoyoshi , Kano Mayuko , Muraoka Ayako , Nakanishi Natsuki , Nakamura Tomoko , Goto Maki , Yasuda Yoshinori , Kawaguchi Yohei , Miyata Takashi , Kobayashi Tomoko , Sugiyama Mariko , Onoue Takeshi , Hagiwara Daisuke , Iwama Shintaro , Iwase Akira , Inoshita Naoko , Arima Hiroshi , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: January 2022

Prolactin (PRL), a hormone involved in lactation, is mainly produced and secreted by the lactotrophs of the anterior pituitary (AP) gland. We previously reported a method to generate functional adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing cells by differentiating the AP and hypothalamus simultaneously from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). However, PRL-producing cells in the induced AP have not been investigated. Here, we confirmed the presence of PRL-producing cells and evaluated their endocrine functions. We differentiated pituitary cells from human iPSCs using serum-free floating culture of embryoid-like aggregates with quick reaggregation (SFEB-q) method and evaluated the appearance and function of PRL-producing cells. Secretion of PRL from the differentiated aggregates was confirmed, which increased with further culture. Fluorescence immunostaining and immunoelectron microscopy revealed PRL-producing cells and PRL-positive secretory granules, respectively. PRL secretion was promoted by various prolactin secretagogues such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and prolactin-releasing peptide, and inhibited by bromocriptine. Moreover, the presence of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive dopaminergic nerves in the hypothalamic tissue area around the center of the aggregates connecting to PRL-producing cells indicated the possibility of recapitulating PRL regulatory mechanisms through the hypothalamus. In conclusion, we generated pituitary lactotrophs from human iPSCs; these displayed similar secretory responsiveness as human pituitary cells in vivo. In the future, this is expected to be used as a model of human PRL-producing cells for various studies, such as drug discovery, prediction of side effects, and elucidation of tumorigenic mechanisms using disease-specific iPSCs. Furthermore, it may help to develop regenerative medicine for the pituitary gland.
Lipid Droplets’ Role in the Regulation of β-Cell Function and β-Cell Demise in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tong Xin , Liu Siming , Stein Roland , Imai Yumi
Published: January 2022

During development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), excessive nutritional load is thought to expose pancreatic islets to toxic effects of lipids and reduce β-cell function and mass. However, lipids also play a positive role in cellular metabolism and function. Thus, proper trafficking of lipids is critical for β cells to maximize the beneficial effects of these molecules while preventing their toxic effects. Lipid droplets (LDs) are organelles that play an important role in the storage and trafficking of lipids. In this review, we summarize the discovery of LDs in pancreatic β cells, LD lifecycle, and the effect of LD catabolism on β-cell insulin secretion. We discuss factors affecting LD formation such as age, cell type, species, and nutrient availability. We then outline published studies targeting critical LD regulators, primarily in rat and human β-cell models, to understand the molecular effect of LD formation and degradation on β-cell function and health. Furthermore, based on the abnormal LD accumulation observed in human T2D islets, we discuss the possible role of LDs during the development of β-cell failure in T2D. Current knowledge indicates that proper formation and clearance of LDs are critical to normal insulin secretion, endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis, and mitochondrial integrity in β cells. However, it remains unclear whether LDs positively or negatively affect human β-cell demise in T2D. Thus, we discuss possible research directions to address the knowledge gap regarding the role of LDs in β-cell failure.
The Game Theory of Sex
Authors: Wang Arthur Z.
Published: January 2022

Calculated sexual games play out across contemporary American popular media, from self-help books and advice columns to dating apps and reality television. This article argues that economic game theory subtends the saturation of popular culture with lay theories of sex as a “numbers game.” Game theorists contribute to the invisible ubiquity of this phenomenon by using sexual examples to demonstrate the range of their discipline’s models while downplaying the significance of exemplification. Lydia Davis’s short fiction—by taking for granted the economization of intimate relationships without disavowing, naturalizing, or objecting to it—registers the cultural footprint and vernacular intellectual history of the game theory of sex, and elaborates its key modes of fictionality, antinarrativity, and self-fulfilling prophecy. Ultimately, the game theory of sex offers a prehistory of sexual gamification that extends beyond its most immediate digital substrate.
Temperature- and Pressure-Induced Bilayer Phase Transitions of an Amide-Linked Phosphatidylcholine: A Contrasting Effect of Chain-Linkage Type
Authors: Nakao Toshiki , Goto Masaki , Kurashina Masashi , Tamai Nobutake , Yasuzawa Mikito , Matsuki Hitoshi
Published: January 2022

An unnatural phospholipid with two amide linkages, dipalmitoylamidodeoxyphosphatidylcholine (DPADPC), was synthesized and its bilayer phase transitions were observed by differential scanning calorimetry under atmospheric pressure and light-transmittance measurements under high pressure. The DPADPC bilayer membrane showed different phase transitions depending on the thermal history of the lipid sample under atmospheric pressure. The thermal-history dependent transitions were also observed under high pressure. The temperature–pressure phase diagram and thermodynamic quantities of the phase transitions of the DPADPC bilayer membrane were compared with those of bilayer membranes of hydrophobic chain-linkage isomers, ester-linked dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and ether-linked dihexadecylphosphatidylcholine (DHPC). The thermodynamic quantities of the main transition for these PC bilayer membranes were similar to one another, whereas the suppression of the interdigitation and great stabilization of the hydrated crystal phase were observed for the DPADPC bilayer membrane. Furthermore, the results of nuclear magnetic resonance measurements indicated that the motility of PC molecules in both gel and liquid crystal phases of the DPADPC bilayer membranes were much lower than those of the DPPC and DHPC bilayer membranes. From the above results, we concluded that the molecular interaction in the PC bilayer membranes increases in the order of ether-, ester- and amide-linkage isomers.
Evaluation of clinically involved lymph nodes with deformable registration in breast cancer radiotherapy
Authors: Turna Menekse , Rzazade Rashad , Canoğlu Mehmet Doğu , Küçükmorkoç Esra , Küçük Nadir , Çağlar Hale Başak
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

Modern radiotherapy (RT) techniques require careful delineation of the target. There is no particular RT contouring guideline for patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). In this study, we examined the distribution of pre-chemotherapy clinically positive nodal metastases.

Methods:

We explored the coverage rate of the RTOG breast contouring guideline by deformable fusion of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan. We retrospectively evaluated neoadjuvant chemotherapy patients. All PET-CT images were imported into the planning software. We combined the planning CT and the CT images of PET-CT with rigid and then a deformable registration. We manually contoured positive lymph nodes on the CT component of the PET-CT data set and transferred them to planning CT after fusion. We evaluated whether previously contoured lymphatic CTVs, according to the RTOG breast atlas, include GTV-LNs.

Results:

All breast cancer patients between October 2018 and February 2021 were evaluated from the electronic database. There were 142 radiologically defined positive lymph nodes in 31 patients who were irradiated after NACT. Most LNs (70%) were in the level I axilla. Only 71.1% (n:101) of the whole lymph nodes in 10 patients were totally covered, 22.5% (n:32) partially covered and 6.4% %(n:9) totally undercovered.

Conclusions:

The extent of regional nodal areas in the RTOG atlas may be insufficient to cover positive lymph nodes adequately. For patients with nodal involvement undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy, PET-CT image fusions can be helpful to be sure that positive lymph nodes are in the treatment volume.

Advances in knowledge:

RTOG contouring atlas may be insufficient to cover all involved lymph nodes after NACT. For patients with nodal involvement undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy, PET-CT image fusions may help to be sure that positive lymph nodes are in the treatment volume.
ATM technique - a novel radiographic technique to assess the position of buccal shelf implants
Authors: Prasad Arya S , Sivakumar Arvind
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

Success of the buccal shelf implants depends on its proper placement. Radiographic techniques like cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), posteroanterior cephalogram (PA cephalogram) have been used to evaluate the position of buccal shelf implant placement. However, these techniques have disadvantages like increased radiation exposure, metal artifact, less availability in dental offices and are more expensive. The aim of Arvind’s Trans Mandibular (ATM) technique is to overcome this drawback by using an intraoral periapical radiograph (IOPA) film or radiovisiography (RVG) sensor to assess the post-operative placement of buccal shelf implants.

Methods:

Radiographs were taken for four patients after the placement of buccal shelf implants. The IOPA sensor was placed beneath the lower border of the mandible using this modified extraoral technique to assess the position of the buccal shelf implants in relation to the adjacent molars. The findings from the IOPA image were verified with CBCT images.

Results:

The radiographic images taken using ATM technique were compared with the gold-standard CBCT technique. The ATM technique was able to accurately assess the postoperative buccolingual position of the implant with respect to the roots of molars in all the four cases. The proximity of the implant to the roots of the molar can be clearly visualized in all the cases.

Conclusions:

ATM is a novel radiographic technique using IOPA radiographic film or RVG sensor to assess the post-operative buccolingual placement of buccal shelf implants in relation to lower molar roots.
Navigating Ocean Literacy in Europe: 10 years of history and future perspectives
Authors: MOKOS MELITA , DE-BASTOS ELIANE , REALDON GIULIA , WOJCIESZEK DOMINIKA , PAPATHANASIOU MARTHA , TUDDENHAM PETER
Published: January 2022

Ocean Literacy (OL) emerged in the USA in the 2000s as a concept developed for the education system aimed at teachers. In 2011, it gained the attention of European educators who formed the first OL network in Europe, the European Marine Science Educators Association (EMSEA). Parallel to that initiative, Portugal started the first initiative to adopt OL content into formal education. Since then, there has been a major shift towards a more literate society in Europe. This paper reviews the development of OL in Europe elaborates the role of OL for the sustainable future of the European seas, and provides recommendations for OL actions.
“Percorsi nel Blu” (“Blue Paths”): a long-lasting project to integrate Ocean Literacy and Marine Citizen Science into school curricula
Authors: MIONI ERIKA
Published: January 2022

The “Percorsi nel Blu” project is a revolutionary “Blue School” model of well-integrated Ocean Literacy (OL) and Marine Citizen Science (MCS), promoted by a science teacher and independent researcher of the ISA2 secondary school institute of La Spezia, Italy. Since 2011 the Project has been setting up a network among schools, institutions, citizens, and a partnership with research centers for data collection activities within coastal sites located in the “Pelagos” Mammals’ Sanctuary, in the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas. The project focuses on the key points of OL and MCS, promoting a gradual implementation of scientific literacy in marine biology and coastal monitoring techniques in school curricula during a period of vertical and incremental long-lasting training, from kindergarten up to university. “Percorsi nel Blu” harmonizes the existing educational plans with the last recommendations of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda in order to improve the teaching of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM disciplines). The OL process follows the whole educational path, involving students more and more actively in the recognition of marine flora and fauna during research activities on the beach and scuba surveys in research campaigns. The great impact on the community, the remarkable number of participants, and the relevant scientific results of the first records of alien and native species increase students’ interest in STEM disciplines and marine science and encourage them to disseminate their experiences, thus creating the awareness of global citizenship which includes the whole community, both inside and outside school.
Patterns of spatial changes on demersal species in the Gulf of Cadiz and northern Alboran Sea
Authors: GARCÍA-RUIZ CRISTINA , DELGADO MARINA , HIDALGO MANUEL
Published: January 2022

The Gulf of Cadiz (GoC) in the Atlantic Ocean and the Alboran Sea (AS) in the Mediterranean Sea are part of an oceanographic complex system of extreme importance in the exchange of waters between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar. Besides its significant role as ecological transition system, it is unknown whether regional and local environmental drivers affect similarly species inhabiting these two adjacent and connected ecosystems. This study analyses the spatial shifts of representative demersal species and their response to the environmental and demographic drivers in these two regions using information from two trawl surveys carried out in the GoC and in the AS from 1994 to 2015. Species distribution trends were observed in both basins. However, they were more evident for GoC, where six out of eleven species presented temporal trends, than in AS, where only two species displayed significant distribution changes. These species showed geographic displacements in both basins towards Strait of Gibraltar. Also, a high percentage of species showed significant differences in mean depth distribution on both sides of Strait of Gibraltar. Our study shows a general heterogeneity and independence in the drivers influencing species distributions at both areas. GoC showed a high influence of both large and regional scale climate influence affecting several species, while in AS the diversity of drivers affecting was higher with species density being the most common driver. This study provides scientific basis to improve ecosystem-based management measures in these important transitional ecosystems.
The Rise and Fall of the Tide: Ocean Literacy in the United States
Authors: PAYNE DIANA L. , MARRERO MEGHAN E. , SCHOEDINGER SARAH E. , HALVERSEN CATHERINE
Published: January 2022

The words “Ocean Literacy” roll off the multilingual tongues of scientists, educators, and policy makers worldwide who understand the essential role of the ocean on this planet. However, this was not always the case. The Ocean Literacy campaign in the United States (US) was founded by individuals and institutions focused on raising awareness of the influence of the one global ocean on every living being on the planet. The original grassroots effort became a well-funded, well-organized campaign that spawned global initiatives that thrive to this day. Faced with a lack of critical resources, the US campaign currently relies on the services of dedicated members of the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) whose vision of making known the world of water is part of their collective DNA.
Heavy metal accumulation capacity of Axinella damicornis (Esper, 1794) (Porifera, Demospongiae): a tool for bioremediation of polluted seawaters
Authors: GRAVINA MARIA FLAVIA , LONGO CATERINA , PUTHOD PATRIZIA , ROSATI MODESTO , COLOZZA NOEMI , SCARSELLI MANUELA
Published: January 2022

Within the overwhelming increase of pollutants spilled into the sea, heavy metals are emerging contaminants due to their high toxicity, persistence, and accumulation in both the organisms and the environment. This study aims to assess the retention capability of lead and cadmium by the sponge Axinella damicornis under laboratory conditions. The sponges were exposed for 144 h to seawaters artificially polluted with Pb and Cd separately and with a mixture of the two metals. The retention efficiency of the sponge in removing the metals from seawater and the metal uptake in the sponge body at the end of the experiment were measured. The highest values were recorded for Pb: in the sponge, this metal resulted in 6 times and 9 times more concentrated than Cd, in the case of single and double contamination respectively. The metal concentrations, especially for Pb, were much higher in A. damicornis than in other organisms investigated in the sea. The synergistic effects of the mixture of Pb and Cd were also evaluated, and remarkable signs of stress and necrosis were recorded in the specimens exposed to the two metals combined. This study paves the way to the knowledge increasing on both the effective effects of heavy metal contamination on the organisms and on the possible use of A. damicornis as efficient tool for bioremediation of polluted seawaters.
First record of the Gracile lizardfish Saurida gracilis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) in Mediterranean waters
Authors: KHAMASSI FATEN , GHANEM RAOUIA , HASSAN BILEL , KARRAY SAHAR , EL BOUR MONIA , BEN SOUISSI JAMILA , AZZURRO ERNESTO
Published: January 2022

In January 2021 during a scientific survey to assess the economic impacts of a Mass Mortality Event, a single individual of the Gracile lizardfish Saurida gracilis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) was caught out of Korbous (Northern Tunisia). This observation, confirmed by genetic analysis, provides evidence on the occurrence of a new non-indigenous species in Mediterranean waters. The relevance of this finding for the current monitoring strategies implemented at the regional level are briefly raised and discussed.
Polyclinum constellatum (Tunicata, Ascidiacea), an emerging non-indigenous species of the Mediterranean Sea: integrated taxonomy and the importance of reliable DNA barcode data
Authors: MONTESANTO FEDERICA , CHIMIENTI GIOVANNI , GISSI CARMELA , MASTROTOTARO FRANCESCO
Published: January 2022

Polyclinum constellatum is a colonial ascidian with a pantropical distribution, recently introduced in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, indeed it was reported along Egyptian and Turkish coasts 2016 and 2018, respectively. In the present study we report its presence along the coasts of Greece and Italy (Eastern and Central Mediterranean Sea, respectively), using an integrated approach joining morphological and molecular analysis. Colonies of P. constellatum were collected from artificial substrata in the harbour of Taranto (Ionian Sea) in November 2018 and in the marina of Heraklion (Crete, Aegean Sea) in October 2019. Remarkably, several colonies observed and collected in the Heraklion marina appeared as two or more masses joined at their base or fused together, often with different colour morpho-types. Here we provide their detailed morphological description and molecular characterization using a long fragment of the mitochondrial COI sequence as DNA barcode. Furthermore, we present and discuss a comparative table of the main morphological features of all species of the genus Polyclinum known to date, and an accurate analysis of the reliability of the Polyclinum COI sequence currently available. Our study proves that P. constellatum is further spreading in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and already reached the Central Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, the present study reveals the presence of erroneously assigned Polyclinum COI sequences in public databases and a possible synonymy between the species P. constellatum, Polyclinum indicum Sebastian, 1954 (accepted as Polyclinum sebastiani Brunetti, 2007) and Polyclinum madrasensis Sebastian, 1952. Overall, our data provide a useful tool for the accurate and reliable identification of this expanding species in other non-investigated areas and suggest the most likely vector of introduction of this non-indigenous species in the investigated localities.
Τhe fish fauna in lentic ecosystems of Greece
Authors: VARDAKAS LEONIDAS , KOUTSIKOS NICHOLAS , PERDIKARIS COSTAS , PETRIKI OLGA , BOBORI DIMITRA , ZOGARIS STAMATIS , GIAKOUMI SOFIA , FITOKA ELENI , TOMPOULIDOU MARIA , TSIAOUSSI VASILIKI , KOMMATAS DIMITRIS , KONSTANTINIDIS EVANGELOS , ECONOMOU ALCIBIADES N.
Published: January 2022

This study provides an annotated checklist of the freshwater fish species recorded in lentic ecosystems of Greece. Species distributional data were derived from an extensive review of published and unpublished sources and were evaluated for their consistency, adequacy and reliability. Overall, 650 freshwater lentic ecosystems (149 natural and 501 artificial) were investigated from which, 480 were fishless or fish data were unavailable. In the remaining 170 ecosystems, 122 taxa were recorded (belonging to 22 families and 57 genera). Some of the records concerned species with extirpated populations, species of doubtful occurrences and taxa of uncertain taxonomic status. The highest species richness (52 species) was recorded in the Ionian ecoregion while endemicity was highest in the Macedonia-Thessaly ecoregion (43.75%). The Eastern Aegean ecoregion presented the highest level of introduced species (75%). Only eight ecosystems hosted 20 or more species, while 92 ecosystems had over 50% of introduced species. The most widespread native species (Anguilla anguilla and Luciobarbus albanicus) were two highly migratory species, highlighting the importance of connectivity of aquatic ecosystems. The most widespread translocated species was Cyprinus carpio due its high commercial and recreational value, whereas Gambusia holbrooki confirmed its high dispersal ability being the most widespread alien species. More than one third of the species recorded (37.23 %) are threatened based on the IUCN Red List. The ultimate contribution of this study is to support the coordination and dissemination of baseline information on the freshwater fishes of Greek lentic ecosystems, required by a range of users. This knowledge will enable further understanding of the regional assemblage structure and other biogeographical patterns of the ichthyofauna of Greece and will contribute to species conservation by prioritising areas hosting species in need of protection. Finally, this study reveals the high knowledge gap regarding species composition in many Greek lentic ecosystems and highlights the need for relevant primary research including more systematic and standardised samplings.
Working Paper 2: Multistakeholder initiatives to combat money laundering and bribery
Authors: Pieth Mark
Published: January 2022

Intensified economic globalisation has had positive and negative effects. It has left nation states struggling to deal with the negative fall-out. National regulation against abuses has, however, proven increasingly ineffective, especially since companies have the freedom to move their hazardous activities to under-regulated areas.

States have stepped up cooperation and coordination on a bilateral as well as a multilateral basis: international organisations and treaties become more and more relevant to the regulation of international trade relations. However, the traditional instruments of international law are frequently considered too cumbersome and slow.

Increasingly international law is created by unconventional means: ‘task forces’ prove to be far more expedient, since they prefer ‘soft law’ to treaty law. Political enforcement by peer-pressure becomes more relevant than by juridical instruments (e.g. courts and tribunals). Furthermore, regulation goes well beyond law-making by legislators and government bodies; non-state actors contribute extensively, especially in the area of regulating international trade relations.
Working Paper 8: The recovery of stolen assets
Authors: Attisso Kodjo
Published: January 2022

The recovery of stolen assets is a fundamental principle of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). By including this element in the said Convention, the international community recognizes the negative impacts on countries and populations deprived of the billions of dollars that are diverted each year by their corrupt leaders and public officials.

The confiscation and restitution of these illicitly acquired funds may benefit affected, generally poor, countries in urgent need of resources to finance, for example, social programs or infrastructural projects. As these assets are essential for the well-being of the population, their repatriation can thus contribute to repairing the damage caused by the embezzlement.

This paper intends to analyze the way in which fundamental human rights are susceptible to being violated by the illegal acquisition of personal wealth; these are essentially economic, social and cultural rights. Furthermore, the paper tries to identify who the victims are. It shows not only the necessity of punishing the perpetrators of corrupt practices but also underlines the need to guarantee that their fundamental rights, such as the presumption of innocence and the guarantee of property rights, are respected in the process of asset recovery.

Approaching the issue of asset recovery with a human rights perspective it becomes clear that asset recovery is a process whereby it is essential to respect not only the victims’ interests but also to preserve the rights of all persons concerned.
Working Paper 19: High Level Reporting Mechanisms in Colombia and Ukraine
Authors: Wehrle Frédéric
Published: January 2022

The responsibility for governments to address bribe solicitation derives from internationally recognised anticorruption standards all of which prohibit the ‘demand side’ of bribery, namely, the solicitation by a public official of an undue advantage.

So far however, most governmental anti-bribery efforts have focused on the offering or giving of bribes by companies and their employees. They have neglected practical solutions to support companies that are faced with explicit or implicit demands for bribes when dealing with public administrations, for example in the context of public contracts, business licensing or tax audits. Unless they pay these bribes, companies may risk losing business or face obstructions to doing business.

The concept of high level reporting mechanisms (HLRM) has been devised to help address this gap experienced by companies that are solicited for bribes or subject to other forms of extortion and unfair treatment. Two countries have pioneered the concept so far, namely Colombia and Ukraine.

This paper describes the underlying purpose and principles of the HLRM, reviews how this was translated into national mechanisms in these countries, and offers some initial comments on the lessons learned.
Working Paper 25: High Level Reporting Mechanisms
Authors: Aiolfi Gemma , Silva Valeria
Published: January 2022

This report discusses the different contexts and processes through which a High Level Reporting Mechanism (HLRM) has been designed and implemented in Colombia, Ukraine, Panama and Argentina, as well as initial interest in the HLRM model in Peru.

Its aim is to understand the specificities of each case and draw lessons applicable to future projects in other countries, whilst respecting the commitment to develop an HLRM that takes account of the specific country’s context.