bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative evaluation of performance and usability of small-scale household composting with different geometric models
Authors: Dazzi Juliana Glicerio , Pires Poliana Daré Zampirolli , Korres Adriana Márcia Nicolau , Günther Wanda Maria Risso , Dadalto Fernando Servare , Bringhenti Jacqueline Rogéria
Published: February 2021

The evaluation of layout influence on the operational performance and usability of small-scale composters contributes to produce compact solutions with simplified operation and sanitary safety, suitable for reduced spaces and continued use. This study aims to report the influence of different designs on the composting process and the usability of compost bins. Five composters of similar scale (3 liters) and different geometric shapes were designed, manufactured, and tested. Bench tests were carried out for 60 days, and physical, chemical, and sanitary parameters were monitored, as well as the quality of the compost, according to agronomic parameters. The composters were filled with the same proportions of organic res-idues (food residues, dry leaves, and lawn trimming) to obtain the ideal C:N ratio. Three ge-ometrical layouts were tested concerning usability (hexagonal prism, cube, and parallelepi-ped) by volunteers for 50 days. The performed tests associated with the statistical treatment of results showed that the geometry of the prototypes interfered with the quality of the final compost and the composter operation. The hexagonal prism and the cube showed greater us-ability. The results represent a significant contribution to the advancement of solutions in decentralized composting.
Environmental health indicator for the evaluation of neighborhoods in urban areas: a case study in Caruaru (PE), Brazil
Authors: Duarte Armando Dias , Bezerra Saulo de Tarso Marques , Gonçalves Elizabeth Amaral Pastich
Published: February 2021

The environment, over the years, has been subjected to strong negative impacts caused by economic policies that have promoted an uncontrolled growth of urbanization in the cities and abusive exploration of the natural resources. In this context, developing socio-environmental indicators to subsidize the formulation of municipal public policies which consider, specifically, the environmental (in)salubrity of each neighborhood or locality of municipalities is imperative. The present paper presents the construction and application of an environmental health indicator for residential neighborhoods in two localities of Caruaru City, Pernambuco State. The data adopted in research were obtained from databases of City Hall institutions, from interviews with the population of the localities and water quality analyses. The results indicated that the neighborhoods analyzed presented characteristics of medium health; water supply, the disposal of solid waste, and socioeconomic aspects require attention and priority of public policies. In conclusion, the proposed indicator can be an instrument to assist in urban planning and environmental management of Brazilian municipalities, because it can guide the performance of public managers and the civil society to identify priority actions for improving the infrastructure of the most unhealthy neighborhoods. Keywords: healthiness; environmental health; environmental sanitation; environmental management; environmental health indicator.
Sewage treatment efficiencies estimation for urban areas located in the River Pardo’s watershed by associating nonlinear programming and water quality modeling
Authors: Rocha Lucas Gonçalves , Almeida Karinnie Nascimento de , Reis José Antonio Tosta dos , Mendonça Antonio Sergio Ferreira , Silva Fernando das Graças Braga da
Published: February 2021

Estimating efficiencies required for sewage treatment plants within a river watershed, where there are usually multiple sewage discharges and water withdrawals points in watercourses, presenting different quality conditions and sewage assimilation capacities, is a complex task. In this context, combined optimization techniques and water quality modeling can be important tools to support sewage treatment efficiencies appropriation processes. In the present paper, QUAL-UFMG water quality model and Nonlinear Programming (NLP) are jointly applied to sewage treatment levels selection for the river Pardo’s (watercourse located in Espírito Santo State, Southern region, Brazil) watershed different urban areas. Four different optimization models were tested for estimating the minimum organic matter removal efficiencies. The results indicate strong dependence between the estimated minimum organic matter removal efficiencies within the watershed and equity measures incorporated in the optimization models.
Benthic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators of environmental quality of Pará River estuary, a wetland of Eastern Amazon
Authors: Almeida Pinto Álvaro José de , Tavares Vanessa Bandeira da Costa , Pinheiro Samara Cristina Campelo , Lima Marcelo de Oliveira , Aviz Daiane , Lima Aline Maria Meiguins de
Published: February 2021

The study characterized and evaluated the use of the benthic macroinvertebrate community as an indicator of impacts in different estuarine environments around the Industrial Port Complex (IPC) of Vila do Conde (Pará State, Amazon region). Fauna of beaches and rivers, in sectors of the estuary under different degrees of environmental impact (high, medium, and low), was compared in different seasonal periods. Macrofauna was composed of typically fresh-water and estuarine groups. Beaches presented sediment with a texture ranging from medium to coarse sand, with a less rich macrofauna ( = 4.5 ± SE 0.3 taxa/sample) and dense ( = 1,838.1 ± 164.8 ind./m2) of organisms when compared to rivers ( = 5.9 ± 0.3 taxa/sample, and 3,248.9 ± 77.0 ind./m2), which were environments more muddy. For both environments, sites in the high-impact sector were less rich ( = 4.7 ± 0.3 taxa/sample) and dense ( = 2,812.9 ± 232.7 ind./m2) when compared to those in the low-impact sector ( = 7.6 ± 0.4 taxa/sample, and 3,314.3 ± 230.1 ind./m2). Richness ( = 6.4 ± 0.3 taxa/sample) and density ( = 3,859.4 ± 190.2 ind./m2) were higher in the rainier season when compared to the less rainy season ( = 4.8 ± 0.3 taxa/sample, and 1,933.0 ± 172.1 ind./m2). However, there were no significant seasonal changes in composition. Results indicated that the structure of the benthic macroinvertebrate community surrounding the IPC responds to the loss of environmental quality, with extreme effects of a drop in abundance and diversity. Taxa that are more tolerant (Namalycastis caetensis, Cirolana sp., Pseudosphaeromasp., Tubificidae, and Chironominae) and sensitive (Hydropsychidae and Eteone sp.) to impact conditions were identified and evaluated as potential bioindicators.
Application of machine learning algorithms to PM2.5 concentration analysis in the state of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Godoy Angela Rosa Locateli , Silva Ana Estela Antunes da , Bueno Mirelle Candida , Pozza Simone Andréa , Coelho Guilherme Palermo
Published: February 2021

Air quality monitoring data are useful in different areas of research and have varied applications, especially with a focus on the relationship between air pollution, respiratory problems, and other health hazards. The main atmospheric pollutants are: ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM). PM is one of the main objects of study when one intends to protect people from exposure to pollutants. This study contributes to the analysis of PM2.5 in 21 stations in the state of São Paulo monitored by the Environmental Company of São Paulo State (CETESB). It employs cluster analysis, a prominent data mining method for detecting patterns and discovering similarities which is important for assessing air pollution, especially in a geographically vast area such as that of the state of São Paulo, which does not follow a single pattern. Another data mining technique (association rules) supports the analysis of the relationship between pollutants and meteorological variables, as it allows identifying changes between elements that occur together, in a wide variety of data. Our objectives include determining stations with similar behaviors and exploring the temporal variety of the pollutant as it relates to the dominant meteorological factors in the periods of high concentration. The clustering algorithm automatically separates stations according to their monthly averages of PM2.5 concentration between 2017 and 2019. The clusters of stations that showed the highest pollution rates essentially included urban centers with emissions by industries and vehicles, while those with the lowest rates were located further inland. A cyclical behavior in pollutant variation was also observed in the three years under study and for both clusters. For the months with the highest concentration of PM2.5, association rule learning was applied to connect air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed with PM2.5 and carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations. The obtained results are useful to analyze the temporal and geolocation profiles of pollution by particulate matter, since they identify the behavior of the meteorological factors that predominate in periods of greater concentration.
The Effect of Hypnobreastfeeding on Increased Milk Production in Breastfeeding Mothers of Perlis Village, Tangkahan Durian District, of North Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: Hutabarat Julieta , Sihombing Kirana Patrolina
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND/AIM: To ascertain Hypnobreastfeeding on increased milk production in Breastfeeding Mothers of Perlis Village, Tangkahan Durian District, in Nort Sumatera of Indonesia.

METHODS: A Quasy experiment study with non-equivalen control group approach with purposive sampling. A total of 24 samples randomly selected become as many as 12 people were given hypnobreastfeeding treatment and 12 people were not treated with the inclusion criteria age of infants were10 days - 1 month, mother’s Hb ≥ 12 g% and infants were not given formula milk during the study. Data entry was done manually but the analysis was done with the SPSS version 12 programme. Results were presented as distribution frequencies.

RESULTS: Hypnobreastfeeding was significantly increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers (p value =0.001). The mean of initial breast milk in the hypnobreastfeeding group was 78.92 ml SD 2.15 and after treatment became 93.94 ml (SD=5.23). The findings of the study were compared with previous studies and the researchers showed how the relevant theories that guided the study were used to explain the findings.

CONCLUSION: Hypnobreastfeeding treatment could increased milk production of breastfeeding mothers. So, the counseling of Hypnobreastfeeding treatment was necessary to breastfeeding mothers even to mothers during pregnancy.
Radikalisierung und Deradikalisierung
Authors: Borstel Dierk
Published: February 2021

»Glatzenpflege auf Staatskosten« - an radikalen Positionen gibt es im Kontext der Deradikalisierung von Personen mit rechtsextremen Hintergründen keinen Mangel. Es handelt sich um ein Feld, in dem unterschiedliche Akteure Deutungsmacht für sich beanspruchen. Wie kam es dazu?
Soziale Arbeit unter Druck von rechts
Authors: Besche Julia , Boran Sevda , Pischel Yvonne , Raddatz Anna-Carla , Röh Elisabeth , Koopmann Micha , Beushausen Lars , Zick Lisa Marleen , Opitz Simon , Ferber Inga , Neiner Susanne
Published: February 2021

Der Einfluss recht(sextrem)er Strömungen auf die Gesellschaft nimmt zu. Auch Einrichtungen der Sozialen Arbeit werden gezielt unter Druck gesetzt - oftmals strategisch geplant und verdeckt.
Die juristische Lehre im New Normal – Remote Flipped Classroom, Story-Telling, Gamification, exemplarisches Lehren und Podcasts als Elemente digitaler juristischer Lehre im Sommersemester 2020
Authors: Eickelberg Jan
Published: February 2021

“If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.“, M. Andretti Vorliegend wird ein Lehrveranstaltungskonzept vor- und zur Diskussion gestellt, das kurzfristig konzipiert wurde, um auf die aktuellen Herausforderungen der Umstellung von Präsenz- auf Fernlehre zu reagieren. Im Fokus stand dabei das Ziel, (auch) unter den geänderten Umständen eine möglichst aktivierende und kompetenzorientierte juristische Lehre zu gewährleisten.
An Algorithmic Approach to the Node Selection Problem in Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Sonai Veeramani , Bharathi Indira
Published: February 2021

Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks (IWSN) are the special class of WSN where it faces many challenges like improving process efficiency and meet the financial requirement of the industry. Most of the IWSNs contains a large number of sensor nodes over the deployment field. Due to lack of predetermined network infrastructure demands, IWSNs to deploy a minimum number of sink nodes and maintain network connectivity with other sensor nodes. Capacitated Sink Node Placement Problem (CSNPP) finds its application in the Industrial wireless sensor network (IWSN), for the appropriate placement of sink nodes. The problem of placing a minimum number of sink nodes in a weighted topology such that each sink node should have a maximum number of sensor nodes within the given capacity is known as Capacitated Sink Node Placement Problem. This chapter proposes a heuristic based approach to solve Capacitated Sink Node Placement Problem.
Does Smart City Development Promote Urbanization in India?
Authors: Tripathi Sabyasachi
Published: February 2021

The recent explosion of urbanization is mainly driven by the developing countries in the world. Therefore, urban planners in less developed countries face huge pressure to create planned urbanization which includes the higher provision of infrastructure and basic public services. The part of this planned urbanization ‘smart city’ development is one of the important initiatives taken by many countries and India is one of them. In terms of the size of the urban population through India ranked the second position in the world but in terms of the percentage of the urban population, it ranks very low. Therefore, to promote the urbanization Government of India (GoI) has taken ‘Smart Cities Mission’ initiatives for 100 cities in 2015. In this context, the present chapter quantitatively assesses the impact of smart city development on the urbanization in India. Urbanization is measured by the size, density, and growth rate of the population of the smart cities. On the other hand, we use factor analysis to create infrastructure index by considering city level total road length, number of latrines, water supply capacities, number of electricity connections, hospitals, schools, colleges, universities, banks, and credit societies. OLS regression analysis suggests that infrastructure has a strong positive effect on urbanization. Therefore, the smart city mission is very much essential for the promotion of urbanization in India. Finally, we suggest that we need to have more smart cities in the future so that a higher rate of urbanization promotes higher and sustainable economic growth.
Cement-Based Piezoelectricity Application: A Theoretical Approach
Authors: A. Triana-Camacho Daniel , H. Quintero-Orozco Jorge , A. Perez-Taborda Jaime
Published: February 2021

The linear theory of piezoelectricity has widely been used to evaluate the material constants of single crystals and ceramics, but what happens with amorphous structures that exhibit piezoelectric properties such as cement-based? In this chapter, we correlate the theoretical and experimental piezoelectric parameters for small deformations after compressive stress–strain, open circuit potential, and impedance spectroscopy on cement-based. Here, in detail, we introduce the theory of piezoelectricity for large deformations without including a functional for the energy; also, we show two generating equations in terms of a free energy’s function for later it will be reduced to constitutional equations of piezoelectricity for infinitesimal deformations. Finally, here is shown piezoelectric and electrical parameters of gold nanoparticles mixed to cement paste: the axial elasticity parameter Y=323.5±75.3kN/m2, the electroelastic parameter γ=−20.5±6.9mV/kN, and dielectric constant ε=939.6±82.9ε0F/m, which have an interpretation as linear theory parameters sijklD, gkij and εikT discussed in the chapter.
The Commercial Value of Mangrove-Based Pigments as Natural Dye for Batik Textiles
Authors: Pringgenies Delianis , Ridlo Ali , Fatma Dewi Lutfianna , Djunaedi Ali
Published: February 2021

Mangrove, or bakau as it is known in Indonesia, is one of the vegetations commonly found along the shallow coasts, estuaries, deltas and protected coastal areas and are still influenced by rising tides. After the Aceh tsunami disaster, mangrove restoration was intensively conducted in coastal areas all over Indonesia and was made into a special conservation program by the government. Mangrove is distinguishable by its big, wooden stilt roots, sharpening tip in the form of supporting leaves. The roots of the mangrove tree are morphologically distinguishable into heart root which grows into the ground and the stilt root which appear to grabs onto the surface of the ground. Mangrove forests serve several important ecological roles: they act as filters which turns saline water into fresh water, buffer from seawater intrusion, prevent erosion and abrasion, hold sediments to form new habitats, feeding ground, nursery ground, and spawning ground for a number of aquatic wildlife. Mangrove forest also possess economical functions such as as source of income, industrial ingredients for the locals and as source of new mangrove seedlings. Mangunhardjo Village, Urban Community of Mangunhardjo, Mangkang Area, Kecamatan of Tugu, Semarang City, Indonesia was an area dotted with brackish water pond. However, the area had been suffering from the effects of climate change, being inundated by overflow of river and seawater intrusion (rob). These disasters caused decline in the productivity of the ponds in the area. In an effort to combat the adverse effect of environmental change in the area, the locals of Mangunhardjo village decided to shift their livelihood by restoring the surrounding mangrove forest. Mangrove conservation at Mangunhardjo Village was conducted through activities of the program such as mangrove planting, mangrove-based food production, and mangrove waste management by applications of bioactivator bacteria for mangrove composting and production of mangrove-based natural dye for batik fabric. Mangrove-based natural dye for batik fabric from Rhizopora mucronata mangrove waste is a quite promising product and increases people’s income.
An Observationally and Psychoanalytically Informed Parent-Toddler Intervention for Young Children at Risk of ASD: An Audited Case Series and Convergences with Organicist Approaches
Authors: Rhode Maria , Grayson Kate
Published: February 2021

In this paper we describe, with illustrative vignettes, an observationally and psychoanalytically informed parent-toddler intervention for young children at risk of ASD. The intervention was offered to children between 18 and 24 months who fell in the High Risk category of the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT), which carries an 83% chance of a diagnosis at the age of 3 ½. In the absence of pathways for children under 2, this preliminary case series comprised 8 children from a heterogeneous clinical population. A significantly lower proportion of treated children were later diagnosed than the CHAT would predict (p = 0.03, Fisher’s Exact Test), suggesting that this intervention merits further investigation with larger numbers of children and additional instruments. Scores on two routine outcome monitoring measures (the Goal Based Measure and the PIR-GAS) improved both in children who were later diagnosed and in those who were not. We consider these findings in relation to recent non-psychoanalytic research papers (including an RCT on a parent-mediated intervention) that demonstrate the prime importance of parent-toddler interactions, and we suggest that supporting parental confidence is essential to improvement. We discuss emerging convergences between psychoanalytic and organicist approaches, and the possible place of this intervention in conjunction with others.
Aerotechnogenic Pollution of Boreal Forests in Northern Europe
Authors: Evdokimov Alexander
Published: February 2021

This paper discusses the changes that boreal forest ecosystems undergo under the influence of gaseous waste from the processing of non-ferrous ores on the Kola Peninsula. These communities are represented primarily by pine forests growing on the northern border of their range. The main forest-forming species here is Scots pine main components for this local aeronautical emission are polymetallic dust and sulfur dioxide, which is the main by-product during the roasting of sulfide and polysulfide ores. The studies were carried out on the basis of materials obtained at 6 sample plots located at different distances from the pollution source. As a result, an exponential increase in the content of heavy metals in the soil, as well as in the assimilatory organs of the components of these communities, was shown when approaching the source of pollution (this pattern is different for each of the metals). Regularities of negative changes in the structure of some components of plant communities, such as phytomass, projective cover of the lower layers, and the vital structure of the tree layer were also identified.
Nondestructive Assessment of Citrus Fruit Quality and Ripening by Visible–Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: M. Cavaco Ana , Passos Dário , M. Pires Rosa , D. Antunes Maria , Guerra Rui
Published: February 2021

As non-climacteric, citrus fruit are only harvested at their optimal edible ripening stage. The usual approach followed by producers and packinghouses to establish the internal quality and ripening of citrus fruit is to collect fruit sets throughout ripening and use them to determine the quality attributes (QA) by standard and, in many cases, destructive and time-consuming methods. However, due to the large variability within and between orchards, the number of measured fruits is seldom statistically representative of the batch, resulting in a fallible assessment of their internal QA (IQA) and a weak traceability in the citrus supply chain. Visible/near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (Vis–NIRS) is a nondestructive method that addresses this problem, and has proved to predict many IQA of a wide number of fruit including citrus. Yet, its application on a daily basis is not straightforward, and there are still several questions to address by researchers in order to implement it routinely in the crop supply chain. This chapter reviews the application of Vis–NIRS in the assessment of the quality and ripening of citrus fruit, and makes a critical evaluation on the technique’s limiting issues that need further attention by researchers.
The Evaluation and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Alhelali Abdullah
Published: February 2021

The pharynx is composed of complex soft structures such as muscles and lymphoid tissues. These soft tissues cause the pharynx to collapse during sleep, eventually causing narrowing and obstructive apneas. Recently, sleep obstructive apneas have received increasing attention because many serious consequences can occur. Systemic diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery diseases, and cognitive dysfunction can occur. Despite its low adherence rate, continuous positive airway pressure is considered the most recommended management strategy for adults. In children, adenotonsillectomy is the primary intervention. Many other surgical interventions have been utilized. This chapter will cover the most essential types of pharyngeal surgery used to manage obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
Human Rights and the Vulnerability of Rights-bearers
Authors: Meyers Diana Tietjens ,   DePaul University
Published: February 2021

I seek to understand the relationship between human vulnerability and human rights as something more than a problem that respect for human rights solves. After characterizing vulnerability and noting that human rights are generally regarded as entitlements that respect the dignity of persons by securing their autonomous agency, I draw out the implications of these premises. I argue that human vulnerabilities are constitutive of the capacity for autonomous agency and therefore that the circumstances of respect for persons must include persons’ vulnerability to many sorts of harms. Given that the opportunity to lead one’s life in one’s own way—that is, the opportunity to exercise autonomous agency—is indispensable to human dignity, respect for persons entails respect for the vulnerability that underwrites autonomous agency. If so, rights-bearers are necessarily vulnerable subjects. I further defend this conception of rights-bearers by arguing that it comports with three types of human rights theory: agency-centered, needs-centered, and practice-based accounts of human rights.
A Liquid Concept—Do Classic Preparations of Body Cavity Fluid Perform Differently Than ThinPrep Cases?: Observations From the College of American Pathologists Interlaboratory Comparison Program in Nongynecologic Cytology
Authors: Moriarty Ann T. , Schwartz Mary R. , Ducatman Barbara S. , Booth Christine N. , Haja Jennifer , Chakraborty Subhendu , Williamson Beth
Published: February 2021

Context.—Newer liquid-based preparations differ morphologically from classic preparations (smears, filters, and cytocentrifuged preparations). Is adenocarcinoma more readily detected in liquid-based preparations? We reviewed responses from 16 750 fluid challenges of adenocarcinoma distributed in 2005 in the College of American Pathologists Interlaboratory Comparison Program in Nongynecologic Cytology (CAP NGC).

Objective.—To compare the performance of body cavity fluid liquid-based preparations with adenocarcinoma to that in classic preparations in the CAP NGC.

Design.—Responses for ThinPrep challenges were compared with classic preparations for exact match diagnoses of adenocarcinoma from pelvic washes, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, and peritoneal fluids in the 2005 CAP NGC.

Results.—A total of 13 690 pathologists, 8345 cytotechnologists, and 5958 laboratories submitted responses to fluid challenges in 2005. Adenocarcinoma comprised 16 750 of the fluid challenges; 88% were classic preparations, and 12% were ThinPrep challenges. The exact match to the reference diagnosis of adenocarcinoma was seen in 77% of conventional preparations and 81% of ThinPrep challenges when a general category of “positive for malignancy” was assigned. When “suspicious for malignancy,” an exact match diagnosis of adenocarcinoma was made in 5% and 4% of classic and ThinPrep challenges, respectively.

Conclusions.—ThinPrep challenges performed slightly better overall, but only pelvic washings and peritoneal fluids demonstrated statistically significant improved performance with ThinPrep challenges. Use of liquid-based preparation is widespread for nongynecologic preparations and performs as well, and sometimes better than, classic preparations in an interlaboratory comparison program.
AQUA Analysis of Thymidylate Synthase Reveals Localization to be a Key Prognostic Biomarker in 2 Large Cohorts of Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Gustavson Mark D. , Molinaro Annette M. , Tedeschi Greg , Camp Robert L. , Rimm David L.
Published: February 2021

Context.—Increased thymidylate synthase expression is a marker for decreased survival in colorectal cancer.

Objective.—Thymidylate synthase localizes to both the nucleus and cytoplasm, but how the relationship of these expression levels affects colon cancer outcome has yet to be determined.

Design.—Using AQUA, we assessed prognosis of thymidylate synthase expression as a function of subcellular localization in 2 retrospective cohorts of colorectal carcinoma. We used the first cohort (n = 599) as a training set, subsequently validating optimal expression cut points in the second cohort (n = 447).

Results.—A significant association between decreased 5-year disease-specific survival and increased nuclear expression (16% decreased survival [72% to 56%] for the top 60% of nuclear-expressing tumors [P < .001]) and cytoplasmic expression (12% decreased survival [70% to 58%] for the top 54% of cytoplasmic-expressing tumors [P = .02]) was observed for the training set. A higher nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio also correlated significantly with decreased survival (15% decreased survival [66% to 51%] for the top 25% of tumors [P < .001]). Applying these findings to the validation set, as a function of time to recurrence, only the ratio (P = .03 [expression ratio]; P = .18 [nuclear]; P = .71 [cytoplasmic]) showed a significant association with decreased time to recurrence. Additionally, the expression ratio significantly added to the prognostic value given by the primary tumor pathologic classification and nodal status.

Conclusions.—These data suggest the relationship of nuclear to cytoplasmic thymidylate synthase expression, given as a ratio of continuous AQUA scores, to be a strong predictor of colon cancer survival.
Stability of Tumor Necrosis Factor α, Interleukin 6, and Interleukin 8 in Blood Samples of Patients With Systemic Immune Activation
Authors: Friebe Astrid , Volk Hans-Dieter
Published: February 2021

Context.—Tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, and interleukin 8 serum/plasma levels are frequently used for the monitoring of patients with systemic immune activation/ sepsis. This requires comparability of test results over time. However, cytokines are usually not considered to be very stable after blood collection, which might artificially interfere with test results.

Objective.—To obtain better knowledge about stability of these cytokines in blood samples for interpretation of test results.

Design.—Blood of patients with systemic immune activation was collected in EDTA, lithium heparin, ammonium heparin, and serum tubes. Aliquots were analyzed after storage at room temperature for 2 to 8 hours. Additionally, storage conditions for separated serum/plasma for 24 hours and the reproducibility of repeated cytokine measurements by an automated DPC Immulite analyzer were tested.

Results.—Tumor necrosis factor α level was stable in EDTA plasma for 8 hours, while slightly increasing in heparin plasma and serum. Interleukin 6 concentrations were stable for 8 hours in all blood types, whereas interleukin 8 concentrations were stable only in EDTA plasma and were strongly increasing in heparin plasma and serum. Cytokine concentrations in separated serum/plasma were stable during 24 hours if stored at 4°C or frozen at −20 or −70°C. Reproducibility of repeated cytokine measurements revealed no significant differences for all blood types.

Conclusions.—Cytokine levels were most critically influenced by the period between blood collection and plasma separation, but its impact was strongly dependent on cytokine and anticoagulant. However, under appropriate conditions cytokine levels were surprisingly stable for up to 8 hours.
Mammary Myofibroblastoma: A Tumor With a Wide Morphologic Spectrum
Authors: Magro Gaetano
Published: February 2021

Context.—Myofibroblastoma (MFB) of the breast is an unusual benign tumor that belongs to the family of the “benign spindle cell tumors of the mammary stroma.” The name MFB reflects its cellular composition, comprising mainly stromal cells with fibromyofibroblastic and, less frequently, myoid differentiation. Since the original description, the morphologic spectrum of MFB has been expanded by the recognition of several unusual morphologic variants, such as the cellular, infiltrative, epithelioid, deciduoid-like, lipomatous, collagenized/fibrous, and myxoid variants.

Objective.—To review the literature on mammary MFB, discussing the main clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features helpful for diagnosis. Since MFB may show alarming morphologic features, which can lead to a misdiagnosis of malignancy, histologic figures of this tumor, including its more unusual variants, are provided to offer pathologists a practical approach to a correct diagnosis. Histogenesis and pathogenesis of this tumor are also proposed.

Data Sources.—Clinicopathologic data on MFB were extracted from all identified articles through PUB Medline– based research. Histologic figures have been taken from the personal archive of the author.

Conclusions.—The incidence of MFB diagnosis has increased in recent years, likely due to the mammographic screening. Accordingly, this unusual benign tumor may represent a potential diagnostic pitfall, especially when interpreting fine-needle aspiration and/or needle core biopsy. Pathologists should be aware of the wide morphologic spectrum exhibited by MFB to avoid a misdiagnosis of malignancy.
Combined Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma and Papillary Serous Carcinoma of the Endometrium With Pagetoid Spread
Authors: Posligua Lorena , Malpica Anais , Liu Jinsong , Brown Jubilee , Deavers Michael T.
Published: February 2021

Neuroendocrine carcinomas of the endometrium are rare tumors that can be pure, combined with endometrioid adenocarcinoma, or a component of malignant mixed müllerian tumor. Recently, a case of combined small cell carcinoma and papillary serous carcinoma of the endometrium was described for the first time. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of combined large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and papillary serous carcinoma of the endometrium, with an unusual pagetoid spread of the neuroendocrine component into normal endometrial and endocervical glands. The endometrial carcinoma had a small serous component, but most of the tumor was characterized by solid sheets of medium to large cells with abundant mitotic figures, numerous apoptotic bodies, and foci of necrosis. This component was diffusely positive for neuroendocrine markers. Following surgery, the patient was treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. She was without evidence of progression at 5 months of follow-up.
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Authors: Bhagavathi Sharathkumar , Wilson Jon D.
Published: February 2021

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an uncommon extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Its incidence has increased during the last 3 decades and has been reported in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. Immunocompromised patients are affected at a younger age compared with immunocompetent patients. It presents with raised intracranial pressure and focal neurologic and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The lesions are typically solitary. The majority of the lesions are located in the periventricular area, whereas in a few cases they are located in the supratentorial area. Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas constitute most PCNSLs, whereas T-cell, low-grade, anaplastic, and Hodgkin lymphomas are rarely encountered. The morphology of PCNSL shows a characteristic angiocentric pattern and is positive for B-cell markers by immunohistochemistry. The differential diagnosis of PCNSL includes central nervous system gliomas, metastatic tumors, demyelinating disorders, subacute infarcts, and space-occupying lesions due to an infectious etiology. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of PCNSL and the identification of molecular biomarkers have lagged behind that of systemic nodal lymphomas. Primary central nervous system lymphomas are treated with combined radiotherapies and chemotherapies. The prognosis for PCNSL is worse than for other extranodal lymphomas.
Micropapillary Variant of Urothelial Carcinoma in the Upper Urinary Tract: A Clinicopathologic Study of 11 Cases
Authors: Guo Charles C. , Tamboli Pheroze , Czerniak Bogdan
Published: February 2021

Context.—Micropapillary urothelial carcinoma (MPUC) is a rare variant of urothelial carcinoma. Most studies of MPUC have focused on the urinary bladder, but MPUC of the upper urinary tract remains to be investigated.

Objective.—To investigate the pathologic features and clinical significance of MPUC in the upper urinary tract.

Design.—We searched the pathology files at our institution and identified 11 cases of MPUC of the upper urinary tract. The histology slides were reviewed, and the clinical information was obtained by review of medical charts.

Results.—The average age of the patients was 64.2 years (range, 22–76 years). The tumors were located in the renal pelvis (n = 5), ureter (n = 4), and ureteropelvic junction (n = 2). In all cases, MPUC accounted for an average of 45% (range, 10%–80%) of the tumor and was associated with conventional urothelial carcinoma. Lymphovascular invasion was present in all cases, and metastasis to lymph node was present in 4 of 5 patients whose lymph nodes were dissected. Two patients presented with pT2 disease, and both were alive without evidence of disease at 85 and 119 months after surgery. The other 9 patients presented with pT3 or pT4 disease: 4 of them died of disease at an average of 18 months; 4 surviving patients developed distant metastases; and 1 surviving patient with limited follow-up (6 months) showed no evidence of disease.

Conclusions.—Micropapillary urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract often presents at an advanced stage with lymphovascular invasion and distant metastasis. The presence of MPUC, even focal, indicates a poor clinical course.
Guidelines for the Reporting of Nongynecologic Cytopathology Specimens
Authors: Crothers Barbara A. , Tench William D. , Schwartz Mary R. , Bentz Joel S. , Moriarty Ann T. , Clayton Amy C. , Fatheree Lisa A. , Chmara Beth Anne , Wilbur David C.
Published: February 2021

Context.—Gynecologic cytology terminology and report formatting have been nationally standardized since the implementation of The Bethesda System of 1988, but standard reporting for nongynecologic cytology has never been formally addressed on the same scale.

Objectives.—To promote patient safety through uniform reporting in nongynecologic cytology (including fine-needle aspiration cytology) and to improve communication between laboratories and health care providers.

Data Sources.—Sources include the College of American Pathologists Cytopathology Resource Committee; the College of American Pathologists Council on Scientific Affairs Ad Hoc Committee on Pathology Report Standardization; the College of American Pathologists Laboratory Accreditation Program inspection checklists; the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988.

Conclusions.—We describe the major elements of quality nongynecologic cytology reporting and discuss areas of controversy in cytology reporting. Standardized nongynecologic specimen reporting will expand the concept of common report elements already widely implemented in gynecologic cytology reporting. The intent is to improve communication with the health care team while remaining in compliance with federal mandates and accreditation guidelines.
Common Diagnostic Challenges in the Pathology of Nonneoplastic Lung Diseases: A Case-Based Review
Authors: Lagstein Amir , Myers Jeffrey L.
Published: February 2021

We use a case-based format to review 4 relatively common, diagnostic challenges in surgical pathology of nonneoplastic lung diseases. All cases are linked to virtual slides so that the reader can participate in a manner that simulates the breakout session held at the 2008 New Frontiers in Pathology course at the University of Michigan, from which, this material was excerpted. Brief clinical histories and a summary of radiologic findings are followed by a description of the pertinent histologic findings and a concise topic review, intended to focus on practical diagnostic considerations. Our goal is that readers gain a greater understanding of those features most helpful in recognizing usual interstitial pneumonia, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, aspiration pneumonia, and Wegener granulomatosis.
Primary Intraosseous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Jaws
Authors: Huang Jing-Wei , Luo Hai-Yan , Li Qiong , Li Tie-Jun
Published: February 2021

Context.—Primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma is a rare form of squamous cell carcinoma, arising within the jaws.

Objective.—To clarify the clinicopathologic and behavioral spectrum of primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma.

Design.—The clinical and pathologic findings, treatment, and follow-up data of 39 cases of primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma were collected and analyzed.

Results.—Of the 39 patients, 26 (67%) were men and 13 (33%) were women. The age at diagnosis ranged from 24 to 82 years (mean, 54 years). The tumors occurred predominantly (84.6%) in the posterior mandible. Microscopically, all tumors demonstrated general features of a squamous cell carcinoma; 19 of which (49%) also showed features suggestive of an odontogenic origin. The overall survival rates were 69.8% at 2 years and 36.3% at 5 years. Univariate analysis showed that tumors with or without odontogenic features, tumor grading, lymph node metastasis, and treatment modalities were significant prognostic factors for survival, but multivariate analysis showed that only histologic grading (relative risk, 4.43; P = .03) remained a significant prognostic factor. The cumulative probabilities of recurrence were 55.7% at 2 years and 75.9% at 5 years. Univariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis and treatment modalities were significant prognostic factors for recurrence. On multivariate analysis, however, only lymph node metastasis remained a significant prognostic factor (relative risk, 2.54; P = .05).

Conclusions.—Primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma is a high-grade malignancy with frequent, regional lymph node metastasis and high rates of recurrence and mortality. The tumor grading and regional lymph node metastasis may serve as useful indicators for prognosis.
p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Feng Yongdong , Wen Jianguo , Chang Chung-Che(Jeff)
Published: February 2021

Context.—p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling has been implicated in responses ranging from apoptosis to cell cycle, induction of expression of cytokine genes, and differentiation. This plethora of activators conveys the complexity of the p38 pathway. This complexity is further complicated by the observation that the downstream effects of p38 MAPK activation may be different depending on types of stimuli, cell types, and various p38 MAPK isoforms involved.

Objective.—This review focuses on the recent advancement of the p38 MAPK isoforms as well as the roles of p38 MAPK in hematologic malignancies.

Data Sources.—Review of pertinent published literature and work in our laboratory.

Conclusions.—In some hematologic malignancies, activation of p38 plays a key role in promoting or inhibiting proliferation and also in increasing resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. The importance of different p38 isoforms in various cellular functions has been acknowledged recently. Further understanding of these isoforms will allow the design of more specific inhibitors to target particular isoforms to maximize the treatment effect and minimize the side effects for treating hematopoietic malignancies.
Sarcomatoid Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma With Heterologous Sarcomatoid Elements
Authors: Quiroga-Garza Gabriela , Khurana Hema , Shen Steven , Ayala Alberto G. , Ro Jae Y.
Published: February 2021

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (CRCC) is a distinct subtype of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) that is well known for its relatively good prognosis. Sarcomatoid transformation in this tumor, although rare, has been well documented in the literature and, as in other types of RCC, carries an ominous prognosis for the patient. The finding of heterologous elements in the sarcomatoid component of CRCC is an extraordinary event, which has been reported in only 2 previous cases. Here, we present the third such case, occurring in the left kidney of a previously healthy 63-year-old woman. The nephrectomy specimen showed CRCC with extensive sarcomatoid changes displaying heterologous elements in the form of chondrosarcomatous and osteosarcomatous differentiation. As in other sarcomatoid RCCs, this tumor behaves aggressively, with frequent distant metastases. It is important to recognize the sarcomatoid component in these tumors because of its consequential adverse prognosis for the patient.
Crystal-Storing Histiocytosis as a Cause of Symptomatic Cardiac Mass
Authors: Sailey Charles J. , Alexiev Borislav A. , Gammie James S. , Pinell-Salles Paula , Stafford J. Lawrence , Burke Allen
Published: February 2021

Crystal-storing histiocytosis is a rare disorder that is typically associated with low-grade B-cell lymphomas and monoclonal gammopathy. We present a 64-year-old man with a prior history of weakness and weight loss and hematologic evaluation that had revealed immunoglobulin G κ monoclonal light chains in the serum and negative bone marrow biopsy. He presented with supraventricular tachyarrhythmia and a right atrial mass seen on echocardiogram and excised surgically. Histologically, the tumor was composed of sheets of macrophages infiltrating the atrial myocardium. The histiocytes were filled with multiple needle-shaped, periodic acid-Schiff–negative crystals. These cells and associated plasma cells failed to show clonal light chain restriction by in situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry, and there was no area of lymphoma in the tumor. Ultrastructural examination showed numerous sticklike, trapezoidal, or polygonal dense crystals in the cytoplasm of histiocytes corroborating the diagnosis of crystal-storing histiocytosis. Although rare, crystal-storing histiocytosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of heart masses in patients with hematologic conditions associated with monoclonal gammopathy.
Benign Fibroblastic Polyps of the Colon
Authors: Huber Aaron R. , Shikle James F.
Published: February 2021

Benign fibroblastic polyps of the colon are a recently described entity among mucosal polyps found in the colorectum. These polyps are typically discovered on routine screening colonoscopy within the distal colon. Benign fibroblastic polyps occur most commonly in adult women in the sixth decade of life. Histologically, benign fibroblastic polyps are bland spindle cell lesions that fill the lamina propria and displace the surrounding crypts. The spindle cell proliferation lacks atypia and significant mitotic activity. Hyperplastic changes are frequently present both in the adjacent epithelium and within the lesions. Immunohistochemically, the cells of benign fibroblastic polyps are invariably positive for vimentin with rare focal positivity for CD34 and smooth muscle actin. They are negative for CD117 and S100 protein. Ultrastructurally, benign fibroblastic polyps have features of fibroblastic differentiation. These polyps are benign with no reports, to our knowledge, of recurrence or metastasis.