bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond pests: Biodiversity in the urban environment International Congress of Entomology 25-30 September 2016 Orlando, Florida, USA

Authors: HARTOP EMILY A. , BROWN BRIAN V.
Published: April 2018

Table of Contents
Some Hydroids (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) from the Great Australian Bight in the collection of the South Australian Museum
Authors: WATSON JEANETTE E.
Published: April 2018

This report adds to knowledge of the shelf hydroid fauna of the Great Australian Bight. Hydroids were collected by the South Australian Museum and Department of Primary Industries of South Australia (PIRSA). Well known species are annotated, poorly known species are redescribed and four new species are described.
Two new species of amphipod genus Stenothoe Dana, 1852 (Stenothoidae) associated with fouling assemblages from Nhatrang Bay, Vietnam
Authors: MARIN IVAN , SINELNIKOV SERGEY
Published: April 2018

Two new species of amphipod genus Stenothoe Dana, 1852 (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Stenothoidae) are described from hydroids collected in fouling communities of floating aquaculture platforms in Nhatrang Bay (Vietnam) representing the first record of the genus from coastal waters of Vietnam. The new species can be clearly separated from congeners by the structure of the mandible, maxilla II, the shape of gnathopod II, the armature of uropod III and the telson. The discussion is presented in the paper.
Notes on Mesocapromys sanfelipensis (Rodentia: Capromyidae) from Cuba
Authors: LÓPEZ LAZARO W. VIÑOLA , GARRIDO ORLANDO H. , BERMÚDEZ ALBERTO
Published: April 2018

The San Felipe Hutia, Mesocapromys sanfelipensis, is one of the most endangered species of rodents in the world, and little is known about its ecology, evolution, and ancient distribution. At present, this hutia has been found only in its type locality, Cayo Juan Garcia, a cay in the southwest Cuban insular platform. Here we report for the first time a well preserved fossil skull referred to this species, collected in Cueva del Indio, Mayabeque province, western Cuba. This specimen shows that the modern population of M. sanfelipensis is a marginal relic of its former distribution, a consequence of climatic, eustatic, and neotectonic changes in the last 8 ka years. Also, we reevaluate the cranial characters and measurements that correspond to M. sanfelipensis and found that two of the eight specimens referred to this species and deposited at the Instituto de Ecologia y Sistematica belong to Mesocapromys auritus. Finally, we include six unpublished photos of specimens of M. sanfelipensis captured in 1970 during two expeditions to Cayo Juan Garcia.
A Method for Identifying Midlatitude Mesoscale Convective Systems in Radar Mosaics. Part I: Segmentation and Classification
Authors: Haberlie Alex M. , Ashley Walker S.
Published: April 2018

This research evaluates the ability of image-processing and select machine-learning algorithms to identify midlatitude mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in radar-reflectivity images for the conterminous United States. The process used in this study is composed of two parts: segmentation and classification. Segmentation is performed by identifying contiguous or semicontiguous regions of deep, moist convection that are organized on a horizontal scale of at least 100 km. The second part, classification, is performed by first compiling a database of thousands of precipitation clusters and then subjectively assigning each sample one of the following labels: 1) midlatitude MCS, 2) unorganized convective cluster, 3) tropical system, 4) synoptic system, or 5) ground clutter and/or noise. The attributes of each sample, along with their assigned label, are used to train three machine-learning algorithms: random forest, gradient boosting, and “XGBoost.” Results using a testing dataset suggest that the algorithms can distinguish between MCS and non-MCS samples with a high probability of detection and low probability of false detection. Further, the trained algorithm predictions are well calibrated, allowing reliable probabilistic classification. The utility of this two-step procedure is illustrated by generating spatial frequency maps of automatically identified precipitation clusters that are stratified by using various reflectivity and probabilistic prediction thresholds. These results suggest that machine learning can add value by limiting the amount of false-positive (non-MCS) samples that are not removed by segmentation alone.
A Method for Identifying Midlatitude Mesoscale Convective Systems in Radar Mosaics. Part II: Tracking
Authors: Haberlie Alex M. , Ashley Walker S.
Published: April 2018

This research is Part II of a two-part study that evaluates the ability of image-processing and select machine-learning algorithms to detect, classify, and track midlatitude mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in radar-reflectivity images for the conterminous United States. This paper focuses on the tracking portion of this framework. Tracking is completed through a two-step process using slice (snapshots of instantaneous MCS intensity) data generated in Part I. The first step is to perform spatiotemporal matching, which associates slices through temporally adjacent radar-reflectivity images to generate swaths, or storm tracks. When multiple slices are found to be matches, a difference-minimization procedure is used to associate the most similar slice with the existing swath. Once this step is completed, a second step combines swaths that are spatiotemporally close. Tracking performance is assessed by calculating select metrics for all available swath-building perturbations to determine the optimal approach in tracking. Frequency maps and time series generated from the swaths suggest that the spatiotemporal occurrence of these swaths is reasonable as determined from previous work. Further, these events exhibit a diurnal cycle that is distinct from that of overall convection for the conterminous United States. Last, machine-learning predictions are found to limit areas of high MCS frequency to the central and eastern Great Plains.
Decadal Variability of the Meridional Geostrophic Transport in the Upper Tropical North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Zhou Hui , Yuan Dongliang , Yang Lina , Li Xiang , Dewar William
Published: April 2018

The meridional geostrophic transport (MGT) in the interior tropical North Pacific Ocean is estimated based on global ocean heat and salt content data. The decadal variations of the zonally and vertically integrated MGT in the tropical North Pacific Ocean are found to precede the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) by 1–3 years. The dynamics of the MGT are analyzed based on Sverdrup theory. It is found that the total meridional transport variability (MGT plus Ekman) is dominated by the MGT variability having positive correlations with the PDO index. The Sverdrup transports differ from the total meridional transport significantly and have insignificant correlations with PDO index, suggesting that the MGT variability is not controlled by the Sverdrup dynamics. In comparison, the simulated meridional transport variability in the models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) and the Ocean General Circulation Model for the Earth Simulator are dominated by the Sverdrup transports, having insignificant correlations with the simulated PDO indices. The comparison suggests that the non-Sverdrup component in the MGT is important for the predictability of PDO and that significant deficiencies exist in these models in simulating a realistic structure of the tropical ocean gyre variability and predicting the decadal climate variations associated with it.
Damping Acoustic Modes in Compressible Horizontally Explicit Vertically Implicit (HEVI) and Split-Explicit Time Integration Schemes
Authors: Klemp Joseph B. , Skamarock William C. , Ha Soyoung
Published: April 2018

Although the equations of motion for a compressible atmosphere accommodate acoustic waves, these modes typically play an insignificant role in atmospheric processes of physical interest. In numerically integrating the compressible equations, it is often beneficial to filter these acoustic modes to control acoustic noise and prevent its artificial growth. Here, a new technique is proposed for filtering the 3D divergence that may damp acoustic modes more effectively than filters previously implemented in numerical modes using horizontally explicit vertically implicit (HEVI) and split-explicit time integration schemes. With this approach, a divergence damping term is added as a final adjustment to the horizontal velocity at the new time level after completing the vertically implicit portion of the time step. In this manner, the divergence used in the filter term has exactly the same numerical form as that used in the discrete pressure equation. Analysis of the dispersion equation for this form of the filter documents its stability characteristics and confirms that it effectively damps acoustic modes with little artificial influence on the amplitude or propagation of the gravity wave modes that are of physical interest. Some specific aspects of the implementation of the filter in the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) are discussed, and results are presented to illustrate some of the beneficial aspects of suppressing acoustic noise.
Speaking out: Officers speaking about police misconduct in Ghana
Authors: Boateng Francis D , Makin David A , Abess Gassan , Wu Guangzhen
Published: April 2018

Historically, police administrators have argued that misconduct occurs among a few bad officers, undermining the notion that deviant acts transcend individual characteristics of officers to incorporate the characteristics of the department. The purpose of this study was to explore the state of police integrity within the Ghana Police Service by qualitatively analysing interview responses obtained from a select group of police officers in two police districts. Findings revealed that police misconduct in Ghana exists in different dimensions, and that officers are willing to engage in open discussions about deviant acts by their colleagues. Policy implication of the findings are discussed.
Cult books revisited: Karl Popper and the evaluation of religious knowledge
Authors: Buck Leslie
Published: April 2018

This paper outlines those aspects of the epistemology and the metaphysics of Karl Popper that appear applicable to the evaluation of religious knowledge. Their relevance is illustrated by reference to two specific topics: the existence of God and St Anselm’s doctrine of atonement. It is proposed that Popper’s epistemology and metaphysics offer a satisfactory alternative to the philosophy of reductive materialism prevalent in Western society.
Theology’s part-time future: A fresh initiative in theological education and religious literacy?
Authors: Marsh Clive
Published: April 2018

Recent drops in the number of full-time theology and religious studies students in the UK raise concerns for all universities with departments of theology and religion. Without denying the importance of efforts to increase those full-time numbers, this article argues that greater attention be paid to possibilities of expanding part-time theological education, and not only in the context of formal ministerial training. At a time when greater religious literacy is needed, and buoyed by evidence of what older learners want from their studies – personal growth rather than just better employment prospects – expansion of part-time study opportunities may prove an additional, and important, initiative required by theology and religion departments. In this way, they would not only improve their own financial positions but they would also make an even greater contribution to their local communities and to individual and social well-being. A commitment would be needed, however, from universities themselves to recognize this important ‘public good’.
“Bound Over to Satan’s Tyranny”: Sin and Satan in Contemporary Reformed Hamartiology
Authors: Ziegler Philip G.
Published: April 2018

What might be the shape of a Reformed account of sin that does justice to the soteriological necessity of conceiving of salvation as a “three agent drama” involving God, the human, and those powers inimical to God of which the Devil is a synecdoche? What role ought the figure of Satan play in contemporary hamartiology, and what is at stake in asking and answering such a question? In conversation with recent work in Pauline apocalyptic as well as the work of G.C. Berkouwer as a developed example of the treatment of Satan in modern Protestant soteriology, this article explores these questions with a view to discerning possibilities for constructive restatement.
The Word of the Cross and Christian Theology: Paul’s Theological Temperament for Today
Authors: Nelson R. David
Published: April 2018

In this article I explore the uneasy relationship between Paul’s word of the cross and the work of Christian theology today. I show that Paul’s understanding of the cross challenges the way we conceive the time of Christian theology. Paul’s own biography illustrates the sense in which theological existence is an intellectual journey that is fundamentally interrupted and radically shaped by the encounter with the crucified Christ. What we learn from Paul’s word of the cross, I argue, is that the cross stands over against our theological work as crisis and judge. Paul’s witness urges us to advance in theological knowledge while never moving our gaze from the cross as the original mystery of faith.
Ernst Käsemann and the Specter of Apocalyptic
Authors: Siggelkow Ry O.
Published: April 2018

Ernst Käsemann famously claimed that “apocalyptic was the mother of all Christian theology.” This claim is more than a merely historical remark about the origins of Christian theology. Käsemann’s work pointedly raises the question, What theological difference does it make to reclaim apocalyptic, not only as the historical-theological seedbed in which Christian theology was born, but also as the “mother” to which Christian theology today must return? I contend that Käsemann’s retrieval of apocalyptic provides an important corrective—or, more strongly put, a disruption—of what one might call the “ecclesial turn” in contemporary Protestant theology. In this article, the contemporary relevance of Käsemann’s distinctive theological voice is highlighted. I propose that the time is ripe for a Christian theology “with an apocalyptic sting.”
Divine Desire: Paul’s Apocalyptic God of Rescue
Authors: Bowens Lisa M.
Published: April 2018

In his apocalyptic understanding of the gospel, Paul weaves together the presence of hostile powers, warfare imagery, and a powerful description of a God who seeks to deliver humanity and creation from evil by means of divine rescue.
Une ville des jardins: The Consiglio d’Ornato and the Urban Transformation of Nice (1832-1860)
Authors: Moak David Geoffrey
Published: April 2018

This article examines the urban transformation of Nice in the early nineteenth century. It does so using the papers of the Consiglio d’Ornato (1832-1860), an urban planning committee charged with overseeing the development of the city at a time of demographic and economic growth brought about by tourism. This article argues that the Consiglio cooperated with private speculators to create a city rooted in a series of myths—Orientalist, Greco-Roman, and early Christian—that both shaped and were shaped by the expectations of world-wearied tourists. Nice was turned into a commodity whose purpose was to provide tourists with a feeling of fleeing a modern world characterized by instability and inauthenticity. Paradoxically, as a direct result, Nice became one of the earliest cities to experience a modern form of consumer capitalism in which people, places, cultures, and nature itself were packaged and peddled to the leisured classes.
The development of China’s public administration education
Authors: Li Xiufeng , Han Yadong , Kim Pan Suk
Published: April 2018

China’s practices and knowledge of administrative sciences have a long history, but modern public administration, as a relatively new discipline, has been established for less than a century. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to shed new light on the historical development of modern public administration education in China. This paper reviews and analyzes the development of China’s modern public administration education in two different periods, namely, before and after reform and the opening up of China. Finally, it dissects the current problems and challenges facing China’s public administration from an academic perspective and considers possible future trends for modern public administration in China.
The Wilderness as a Place of the New Exodus in Mark's Feeding Miracles (Mark 6:31–44 and 8:1–10)
Authors: Kim Sun Wook
Published: April 2018

This article investigates the role of the wilderness in Jesus' feeding miracles in Mark 6:31–44 and 8:1–10, which connects God's provision of manna in the original exodus with Jesus' feeding miracles, envisioning the new exodus. In the exodus story, the wilderness was a special place where the Israelites established their identity as the people of God by witnessing God's grace, punishment, and power. In the later biblical writings, the Second Temple Jewish literatures, and rabbinic writings, the wilderness had been re-interpreted symbolically, cosmologically, and eschatologically, implying a chaotic state that should be transformed by God's grace and a place where God's people are gathered and fed with the hope of a messianic banquet. Mark accumulates these images and implications of the wilderness into Jesus' feeding miracles, and presents the feedings of the multitude in the wilderness in light of the new exodus. The wilderness is portrayed as the place where green grass grows; in the wilderness Jesus as the eschatological shepherd leads and cares for his people with compassion and gathers and feeds them with a messianic banquet. Jesus is manifested as the Savior and Feeder who guides, cares for, and gives abundant food to his people, in which the new exodus is unfolded.
The Biblical World of Limited Good in Cultural, Social, and Technological Perspective
Authors: Oakman Douglas E.
Published: April 2018

Forty years ago, Bruce Malina led the way in applying social-scientific models and concepts to the study of the New Testament. He especially argued that respectful reading scenarios could be drawn from the cultural anthropology of the Mediterranean world, which offered the nearest contemporary analogy to biblical societies. His early work on limited good beliefs in biblical cultures is here extended to investigate links between cultural beliefs and conditions of agrarian economic production and to test several corollaries in the cases of the Jesus group in Palestine and Christ-followers in the Roman cities. It is argued that limited good beliefs in the New Testament are related to the actual conditions of the low-productive societies and social-stratification realities in which the Bible was inscribed.
Ethnicity and Intimate Partner Violence in Kenya
Authors: Kimuna Sitawa , Tenkorang Eric Y. , Djamba Yanyi
Published: April 2018

Anecdotal evidence in several sub-Saharan African countries, including Kenya, suggests a complex relationship between ethnicity and intimate partner violence (IPV). Yet very few studies examine the relationship between these two important variables. We use a sample of 4,512 ever-married women from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) to explore the relationship between ethnicity and three dimensions of IPV (physical, sexual, and emotional) among Kenyan women. Results show significant relationships between ethnicity and physical, sexual, and emotional violence. Compared with Kikuyu women, Luo and Luhya women were significantly more likely to report having experienced all three types of violence. The addition of socioeconomic variables reduced the risks of experiencing IPV among Luo and Luhya women significantly, but not completely. These findings suggest that beyond their socioeconomic vulnerabilities, there may be some intrinsic cultural characteristics that expose Luo and Luhya women to IPV in Kenya.
Relational and physical victimization, friendship, and social and school adjustment in Taiwan
Authors: Kawabata Yoshito , Tseng Wan-Ling
Published: April 2018

This short-term longitudinal study examined the differential pathways from relational and physical victimization to internalizing and externalizing problems and academic achievement as well as the roles of friendships and friendship quality in these pathways with a Taiwanese sample ( N = 471; 53.3% boys; mean age = 9.95 years). A multi-informant approach was used to collect the data. Relational and physical victimization and the number of friendships were assessed via peer nominations. Adjustment problems, achievement, and friendship quality were measured by mother, teacher, and child reports, respectively. Results of Structural Equation Modeling showed that the paths from relational victimization to adjustment problems were indirectly influenced by positive or negative friendship quality. Specifically, relational victimization was associated with negative friendship quality indexed by high levels of exclusivity and conflict, which in turn resulted in more severe internalizing and externalizing adjustment problems 6 months later. Lower levels of relational victimization were linked to positive friendship quality indexed by high levels of companionship, help, closeness, and intimacy, which in sequence contributed to better academic achievement. These indirect effects were not evidenced for the number of friendships or the paths from physical victimization to adjustment problems and achievement. There were no gender differences in the measurement or structural part of the model. These findings are discussed from developmental, social, and cultural perspectives.
Endobronchial stenting on VV-ECMO in a 6-month-old girl with right lung agenesis and severe stenosis of the left main bronchus
Authors: Vobruba Vaclav , Votruba Jiri , Bělohlávek Jan , Grus Tomas , Leden Pavel , Zaoral Tomas , Hřídel Jan
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

Lung agenesis is a rare disorder with a variable, but potentially very bad clinical course. It necessitates complex clinical management, especially in life-threatening situations.

Case report:

We describe a case of a 6-month-old girl with right lung agenesis who required venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) due to pneumonia complicated by exacerbated previously diagnosed left main bronchus stenosis. The stenosis was resolved by endobronchial intervention and X-ray-guided stent insertion, which enabled weaning from ECMO and was aimed at preventing such a life-threatening respiratory failure in the future. Unfortunately, even with the functional stent, the baby died 2 months post-procedure due to unresolvable bronchial spasms.

Discussion:

Despite high endobronchial stenting-related mortality in children, in cases where no effective pharmacological or surgical alternatives exist, stenting may be safely performed during VV-ECMO support and be a viable option to overcome critical respiratory failure caused by bronchial stenosis.
A novel case using femtosecond laser-acquired lenticule for recurrent pterygium: case report and literature review
Authors: Pant Om Prakash , Hao Ji-long , Zhou Dan-dan , Wang Fan , Lu Cheng-wei
Published: April 2018

Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is a minimally invasive, safe and flapless femtosecond laser technique used mainly to correct myopia through extraction of a corneal lenticule. Lenticules obtained in this way are transparent and of high quality, and thus, can be used to treat other corneal diseases. A 65-year-old male patient presented with recurrent pterygium complicated by thin cornea. The patient was treated surgically using a SMILE-extracted lenticule to avoid further complications and to maintain eyeball integrity. The lenticule was sutured over the thin section of cornea using 10-0 interrupted nylon sutures and enclosed by a single layer of amniotic membrane. The patient was evaluated using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and anterior-segment optical-coherence tomography. During an 8-month follow-up, the graft remained intact with no sign of rejection and corneal thickness was maintained. Tectonic keratoplasty using a SMILE-extracted lenticule appears to be a safe, cost-effective and reliable method for treating thin cornea due to repeated surgeries for recurrent pterygium. This is the first case of recurrent pterygium complicated by thin cornea managed surgically using a SMILE-extracted lenticule.
A Randomized Open-Label Parallel-Group Study Comparing Ondansetron with Ondansetron plus Dexamethasone in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer Receiving High-Dose Epirubicin. A Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group Study
Authors: Janinis Jim , Giannakakis Theodore , Athanasiades Athanasios , Fountzilas George , Bafaloukos Dimitrios , Kosmidis Paris , Nikolaides Kostas , Pavlidis Nicholas , Skarlos Dimosthenis
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

The purpose of this multicenter randomized, open-label, parallel-group study was to assess whether the addition of low-dose dexamethasone to ondansetron results in improved control of chemotherapy-induced emesis in patients undergoing first-line chemotherapy with high-dose epirubicin.

Methods & study design

Patients were randomized to receive either 24 mg of ondansetron or 24 mg of ondansetron plus 8 mg of dexamethasone administered as an intravenous infusion 30 minutes prior to administration of chemotherapy. Both groups of patients received 8 mg of ondansetron given orally from day 2 to 5 two times daily. Fifty-three patients received ondansetron and 50 received ondansetron plus dexamethasone. The patients recorded nausea and the number of vomits and retches daily on diary cards.

Results

Significantly more patients in the ondansetron plus dexamethasone group experienced neither vomiting nor retching during the first day of the first course of chemotherapy compared to those receiving ondansetron alone (79.6% vs 53.8%, P = 0.0062). Furthermore, there was a trend in favor of ondansetron plus dexamethasone in the control of nausea. There was no statistically significant difference between ondansetron plus dexamethasone versus ondansetron alone in protecting patients from emesis between days 2 and 5 of the first course of chemotherapy (66.7% vs 62.7%, P = 0.68). This was probably due to the small sample size. Ondansetron was well tolerated, with 15 patients (15%) reporting adverse events such as headache or constipation.

Conclusions

It appears that ondansetron given intravenously in combination with dexamethasone is more effective than ondansetron alone in the control of acute emesis in patients undergoing their first course of chemotherapy with high-dose epirubicin. No difference between the regimens was found with regard to nausea and delayed emesis control.
Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Continuous Infusion Interleukin-2 after Metastasectomy in 61 Patients with Melanoma, Colorectal and Renal Carcinoma
Authors: Fabbri Muller , Ridolfi Ruggero , Maltoni Roberta , Ridolfi Laura , Riccobon Angela , Flamini Emanuela , De Paola Franca , Verdecchia Giorgio Maria , Amadori Dino
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

Adoptive immunotherapy with tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) reinfusion plus continuous interleukin-2 (IL-2) infusion could represent an innovative way of treating immunogenic tumors. This study therefore recruited melanoma, colorectal and renal carcinoma patients whose metastases had been surgically removed.

Study design

The treatment was initially given to 22 patients with advanced disease and more recently to 39 disease-free (DF) patients after radical metastasectomy. The latter group was selected in view of a theoretically better lymphocyte/tumor cell ratio and with the aim to improve disease-free and overall survival (DFS-OS) in very high risk patients. The starting IL-2 dose was 12 MlU/day (West's schedule); doses were modulated on the bases of toxicity parameters. Even though patients received different total amounts of IL-2, all of them completed the treatment.

Results

The treatment was offered to 22 advanced-stage cancer patients (12 melanomas, 9 colorectal carcinomas, 1 kidney carcinoma). Few and short stabilizations were observed with a median survival of 12 months (range, 3-29). Subsequently, another 39 patients were treated in an adjuvant setting after radical metastasectomy (18 melanomas, 19 colorectal carcinomas, 2 kidney cancers). Eleven out of 17 DF melanoma patients (64.7%) are still free of disease after a median of 37+ months (range, 5+ - 69+). In the group of DF colorectal cancer patients eight (44.4%) are still DF after a median of 21+ months (range, 7+ - 67+ months). One of the two patients with kidney cancer is still DF after 28+ months. Two patients (1 melanoma and 1 colorectal cancer) had just been treated and were therefore not evaluable. Severe toxicity occurred in three cases but was rapidly resolved. There was a great diversity in IL-2 doses administered; comparison of the total IL-2 dose administered between the patients who are still DF and those who progressed revealed no difference between the two groups of colorectal cancer patients, whereas melanoma patients who progressed rebeived an average IL-2 dose of 6.5 MlU/day versus 15.8 MlU/day in DF patients. No differences were observed in any of the groups between the number of TILs reinfused and clinical response.

Conclusions

The study is still ongoing; it has been decided to focus on DF melanoma patients after radical metastasectomy, for whom the data seem to be encouraging. Further endpoints of the study are the role of IL-2 dosage in the adjuvant setting, and the possibility to make correlations between biological parameters and clinical results.
Cell Kinetics Analysis in Patients Affected by Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Treated with Primary Surgery and Adjuvant Radiotherapy
Authors: Corvò Renzo , Margarino Giovanni , Sanguineti Giuseppe , Geido Elio , Scala Marco , Mereu Paola , Cavallari Monica , Bonanno Salvatore , Garaventa Giacomo , Barbieri Marco , Giaretti Walter
Published: April 2018

Background

The increasing complexity of management strategies for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HN-SCC) calls for the investigation of new objective prognostic parameters to subdivide patients according to the tumor's biological aggressiveness.

Methods

We evaluated in 35 HN-SCC patients the pretreatment cell kinetics parameters and DNA ploidy after in vivo infusion of bromodeoxyuridine and flow cytometric analysis. Patients were treated with radical surgery followed by conventional radiation therapy. Locoregional control data are available for follow-up times above five years.

Results

We found that the likelihood of locoregional control for patients with rapidly proliferating HN-SCC characterized by a short potential doubling time (Tpot <5 days) was significantly smaller than for HN-SCC patients with slow tumor proliferation (Tpot >5 days). Moreover, when patients were stratified according to DNA ploidy and Tpot value, we found that the locoregional failure rate for rapidly proliferating tumors was significantly higher for diploid HN-SCCs than for aneuploid HN-SCCs.

Conclusion

The present data suggest that patients with resectable HN-SCC characterized by fast growth might have a worse prognosis after surgery and adjuvant conventional radiotherapy and might benefit from more aggressive radiother-apeutic modalities.
Association between Cutaneous Melanoma and Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Analysis of Three Clinical Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gallino Gianfrancesco , Belli Filiberto , Tragni Gabrina , Ferro Franca , Massone Pier Paolo Brega , Ditto Antonino , Leo Ermanno , Cascinelli Natale
Published: April 2018

The authors report a rare association between cutaneous melanoma and Von Recklinghausen's disease (NF-1) and analyze the possible meaning of this occurrence. Various types of tumors have been associated with NF-1, in particular those of neuroectodermal origin, such as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) and phaeochromocytoma.

The development of malignant melanoma in NF-1 patients is rare. Data from the literature is enable to demonstrate an increased incidence of cutaneous melanoma in patients with neurofibromatosis but the association of these two disorders seems reasonable in theory, as both are abnormalities of a neural crest origin.

The cases described may represent not only a clinical report of two rarely associated disorders, but may also confirm the biological mechanisms responsible for these infrequent diseases.
Chondrosarcoma of the Larynx. Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: De Stefani Antonella , Fadda Gian Luca , Cavalot Andrea , Nazionale Giuseppe , Mola Patrizia
Published: April 2018

Chondrosarcoma of the larynx is a rare tumor; worldwide only about 250-300 cases have been described in the literature. We present a clinical case of laryngeal chondrosarcoma manifesting as a swollen mass of 10 × 7 × 6 cm in the infrahyoid and left lateral cervical region. The patient underwent total laryngectomy, thyroidectomy and bilateral neck dissection. A review of the literature on this disease is also reported.
Primary Carcinoid Tumor of the Ovary: Report of an Unusual Case
Authors: Sabatini Tony , Rozzini Renzo , Morandi Giovanni Battista , Meriggi Fausto , Zorzi Fausto
Published: April 2018

Carcinoid tumors are endocrine malignancies that are often associated with a characteristic syndrome, the malignant carcinoid syndrome, which is most common in patients with small bowel tumors and liver metastases. In the rare instances when the syndrome is present without liver metastases the primary tumor is usually localized to the bronchus or ovary and secretes hormones directly into the systemic circulation. About two thirds of patients with carcinoid syndrome have evidence of carcinoid heart disease.

We report on a case of a primary ovarian carcinoid tumor with an unusual clinical presentation.
Colon Cancer in Pregnancy: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Balloni Laura , Pugliese Palma , Ferrari Silvia , Danova Marco , Porta Camillo
Published: April 2018

Most colon cancer cases occur in patients over 50 years of age, although about 3% of colorectal cancer patients are younger than 40. During pregnancy the incidence of this neoplasm is estimated to be 0.002%. To date only 32 cases of colonic cancer arising above the peritoneal reflection during pregnancy have been described in the literature. We report another such case, stressing the need for constant alertness on the part of physicians in the presence of abdominal pain and/or distension, a palpable abdominal mass, rectal bleeding and/or weight loss during pregnancy. In fact, the reportedly poorer prognosis of this cancer in pregnant patients is mainly due to the fact that the initial symptoms of the malignancy are usually attributed by the patient, but also by physicians, to normal pregnancy.
Lethal Midline Granuloma Starting as Granuloma Laryngis
Authors: Zamolo Gordana , Gruber Francesco , Manestar Darko , Šegon Marija , Kolić Zlatko , Jonjić Anto
Published: April 2018

We report a case of lethal midline granuloma in a 34-year-old male patient. The patient was referred to our hospital because of long-lasting hoarseness. He was treated for granuloma laryngis. After two years nasal obstruction developed followed by ulceration of the hard palate and destruction of part of the nose and the upper lip. A biopsy demonstrated polymorphic infiltrate consisting of small lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, atypical lymphoid cells and eosinophils. Radiotherapy was very effective and led to long-term remission. The different etiological aspects of this syndrome are discussed.
The Epidemiology of Selenium and Human Cancer
Authors: Vinceti Marco , Rovesti Sergio , Bergomi Margherita , Vivoli Gianfranco
Published: April 2018

The relation between the trace element selenium and the etiology of cancer in humans remains elusive and intriguing, despite the number of epidemiologic studies published on the topic. We address some methodologic issues, such as misclassification of exposure, particularly to single selenium compounds, effect modification, confounding, and other sources of bias, which may explain the inconsistencies in the literature. We also review the results of cohort studies, which have yielded either inverse or null or direct associations between selenium exposure and subsequent cancer risk. To date, no beneficial effect on cancer incidence at major sites, including prostate cancer, has emerged from the Finnish program begun in 1984 to increase the average selenium intake in its population. Populations exposed to unusually high or low levels of environmental selenium might offer unique opportunities to investigate if selenium exposure is related to the etiology of human cancer.
Age at Diagnosis, Extent of Disease and Breast Cancer Survival: A Population-Based Study in Florence, Italy
Authors: Barchielli Alessandro , Balzi Daniela
Published: April 2018

Background

The effect of age at diagnosis on the prognosis of breast cancer is still controversial. The study described the variation by age at diagnosis of some clinical-pathologic features and evaluated the relationship between age and survival, taking into account the effect of extent of disease.

Materials

The study comprised a large population-based series of 1,182 invasive breast cancers, incident in the period 1985–1986 in the province of Florence.

Results

The proportion of cases without nodal involvement progressively lowered from 59% in the age group ≤39 years to 22% in the age group ≥80 years. The extent of disease was unknown in 14% of cases aged 70–79 years and in 43% of those aged ≥80 years (other age groups: 3%–5%). A lower rate of surgical treatment and axillary surgery were the main reasons for inadequate staging in the elderly. Ten-year observed survival progressively decreased from 71% for age ≤39 years to 12% for age ≥80 years. Ten-year relative survival showed less evident differences, dropping from 72% for age ≤39 years to 57% for age ≥80 years. In the relative survival analysis, the differences in relative risks of death among age groups were not significant, either in the univariate or multivariate analysis. Nevertheless, the model with adjustment for extension of disease showed a flattening of the estimated relative risks in age groups over 59 years.

Conclusions

Age at diagnosis was not significantly related to 10-year breast cancer relative survival, suggesting that the worse prognosis in the elderly was largely related to the risk of death from other causes, rather than to a different malignant potential of the tumor. The worse distribution by extent of disease in older women indirectly suggested that diagnostic delays also influenced the different prognosis observed among age groups.
The Availability of Histologic Grading among 5,923 Italian Cancer Patients and Its Relationship with Survival: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Crocetti Emanuele , Barchielli Alessandro , Amorosi Andrea , Omer Francesco Bartoloni Saint , Biancalani Massimo , Giannini Augusto , Zolfanelli Lucia
Published: April 2018

Aim

The specific goal of the study was to evaluate the availability of the histologic grading of cancer and its effect on survival in an Italian population-based cancer series.

Methods

Data were drawn from the Tuscany Cancer Registry, active in central Italy since 1985. Among the cases incident during the period 1985 to 1989, bladder, prostate, colon, corpus uteri, rectum and stomach cancers, for which the proportion of graded cases exceeded 50%, were analyzed. Overall, 5,923 cancer cases were included. Ten-year relative survival rates by grade were computed.

Results

Overall, data on histologic grading was available only for 38% of cases. The sites most frequently graded were urinary bladder (80%), prostate (73%), colon (71%), corpus uteri (69%), rectum (65%) and stomach (56%). For all the cancer sites analyzed, the 10-year relative survival rates increased as the histologic grading improved. The grade distribution resulted related also to the disease extension, more limited the extension higher the proportion of well differentiated cases.

Conclusions

Due to the evidenced importance of histologic grading as a valuable prognostic factor, it should be requested by clinicians and reported by pathologists more frequently than has been done in the area.
Electrochemotherapy with Bleomycin in the Treatment of Hypernephroma Metastasis: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Serša Gregor , Čufer Tanja , Čemažar Maja , Reberšek Martina , Zvonimir Rudolf
Published: April 2018

A metastasis of hypernephroma was treated by electrochemotherapy with bleomycin. Electrochemotherapy consists of chemotherapy followed by local application of electric pulses to the tumor in order to increase drug delivery to the cells. In the course of a four-week treatment period, the subcutaneous metastasis of the hypernephroma was treated with three sessions of electrochemotherapy, each consisting of 9–10 runs of 8 electric pulses, 10 min after intravenous injection of bleomycin. This treatment resulted in stabilization of the tumor volume for 12 months, whereas the subcutaneous metastasis next to the electrochemotherapy-treated one that did not receive electric pulses progressed immediately.
Small Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Jereczek-Fossa Barbara , Airoldi Mario , Vasario Ezio , Redda Maria Grazia Ruo , Valente Guido , Orecchia Roberto
Published: April 2018

We present a case of small cell esophageal carcinoma (SCEC) treated with alternated chemotherapy (including cisplatin, etoposide, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin) and irradiation (36 Gy) followed by surgery. Despite a pathological complete response, the patient died of regional disease recurrence 29 months after the diagnosis. We reviewed the available literature on SCEC with regard to the incidence, clinical symptoms, radiological signs, diagnostic workup, therapeutic modalities and prognosis of this malignancy.
A Rare Case of Ceruminous Tumor of the Cerebellopontine Angle
Authors: Giudice Rossana Lo , D'Ambrosio Enrico , Lupo Ferdinando , Schiffer Davide
Published: April 2018

In this case report we describe the development in the cerebellopontine angle of a very rare tumor, ceruminous adenoma. In the few cases described in the literature this tumor occurred in the external acoustic meatus. In four cases it developed in the cerebellopontine angle by infiltration of the petrous bone or by subcutaneous spread. In the present case no connection was found between the cerebellopontine angle and the external acoustic meatus. The most likely pathogenetic hypothesis in this case is that of a tumor of dysembryogenetic origin.
Delay in Diagnosis of High-Grade Osteosarcoma of the Extremities. Has it any Effect on the Stage of Disease?
Authors: Bacci Gaetano , Ferrari Stefano , Longhi Alessandra , Mellano Danilo , Giacomini Stefano , Forni Cristiana
Published: April 2018

In 965 patients with high-grade osteosarcoma of the extremities, we investigated the correlation between diagnostic delay and the stage of the tumor at presentation. The mean interval between the onset of first symptoms and the final diagnosis was significantly shorter in patients with metastatic disease than in patients with localized disease at the time of the diagnosis. The difference was due to a late presentation of patients with localized disease to the physician and not to delays in performing radiologic examinations or in referring patients to a specialized hospital for biopsy and treatment. We conclude that in high-grade osteosarcoma of the extremity the shorter interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis observed in patients with disseminated disease at the time of the diagnosis reflects a more aggressive behavior of tumors that are metastatic at presentation.
A Phase II Study of Paclitaxel/Cisplatin Combination in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer Refractory to Anthracycline-Based Chemotherapy
Authors: Rosati Gerardo , Riccardi Ferdinando , Tucci Aniello , De Rosa Patrizia , Pacilio Giovanni
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

To investigate the safety and efficacy of a paclitaxel and cisplatin regimen in a selected group of metastatic breast cancer patients with primary or acquired chemoresistance to anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

Patients and methods

Thirty-eight consecutive women with metastatic breast cancer (PS ≤2) were entered in this phase II trial; all patients had been previously treated for metastatic disease with chemotherapy containing anthracyclines and had shown a progression of the disease during drug administration or after a clinical response lasting less than 6 months. Fifteen patients had received 2 or more chemotherapeutic regimens for advanced disease; 31 patients had ≥2 sites of metastatic disease. Paclitaxel (135 mg/m2) was administered iv by a 3-hr infusion followed by iv infusion of cisplatin (75 mg/m2) on day 1, every 3 weeks for 6 cycles. After the completion of the planned chemotherapy administration, 9 responsive patients continued to receive paclitaxel alone (175 mg/m2) iv, on day 1, every 3 weeks, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Results

A partial clinical response was recorded in 17 cases (45%; 95% CI, 30–64%). The median duration of overall response was 8 months; for the 9 responsive patients who continued treatment with paclitaxel alone, 4 had maintained the partial clinical response at the median follow-up of 24 months from the onset of therapy. The median time to progression was 6 months and median overall survival 8 months. Neurotoxicity was the most frequent adverse effect and caused treatment discontinuation in 5 cases for grade 3–4 paresthesia and/or an arthralgia/myalgia syndrome. Grade 3–4 neutropenia occurred in 16 patients (44%).

Conclusions

Paclitaxel/cisplatin is an active regimen for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer refractory to anthracycline-based chemotherapy. However, the cumulative neurotoxicity should limit the efficacy of prolonged paclitaxel monotherapy in responsive patients.
5-Fluorouracil plus Folinic Acid with or without Ifosfamide in Advanced Colorectal Cancer: A Phase II Randomized Trial
Authors: Sdrobolini Andrea , Contu Antonio , Massidda Bruno , Gasperoni Silvia , Recchia Francesco , Iannelli Annunziato , Tomao Silverio , Romiti Adriana , Raffaele Mimma , Ortu Salvatore , Campisi Costantino , Gebbia Vittorio , Olmeo Nina , lonta Maria Teresa , Angiona Sabrina , Di Costanzo Francesco
Published: April 2018

Aim

This phase II trial evaluated the biomodulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) plus folinic acid (FA) with or without ifosfamide (IFO) in chemotherapy-naive patients with colorectal cancer.

Patients and methods

Forty-eight patients were randomized to receive: FA (25 mg/m2 iv bolus days 1 to 3), followed by 5-FU (750 mg/m2 iv bolus days 1 to 3), arm A; or FA (25 mg/m2 iv bolus days 1 to 3), followed by 5-FU (750 mg/m2 iv bolus days 1 to 3) plus IFO (2,000 mg/m2 in 1000 mL 5% dextrose in a 2-hr infusion, days 1 to 3), arm B. Mesna was added during and after IFO to prevent hemorrhagic cystitis. Treatment was repeated every 21 days in both arms.

Results

Forty-five patients were assessable for response: in arm A, 5 patients achieved a partial response (overall response, 25%), and in arm B, 2 patients achieved a complete and 1 a partial response (overall response, 12%). Time to failure was 3.5 months (range, 1–38) in patients treated with 5-FU plus FA, and 3 months (range, 1–21) in patients treated with the IFO combination. The median survival time was 13.5 months (range, 1–49 months) in arm A and 16 months (range, 1–43 months) in arm B. Diarrhea, stomatitis and vomiting were the most common nonhematologic toxicities in both arms. The most notable hematologic toxicity was leukopenia; 15% and 20% of patients experienced grade 4 in arm A and arm B, respectively.

Conclusions

IFO does not increase the activity of the 5-FU plus FA combination in advanced colorectal cancer.