bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing Precision Medicine Programs and Clinical Trials in the Community-Based Oncology Practice: Barriers and Best Practices
Authors: Ersek Jennifer L. , Black Lora J. , Thompson Michael A. , Kim Edward S.
Published: June 2018

There has been a rapid uptick in the pace of oncology precision medicine advancements over the past several decades as a result of increasingly sophisticated technology and the ability to study more patients through innovative trial designs. As more precision oncology approaches are developed, the need for precision medicine trials is increasing in the community setting, where most patients with cancer are treated. However, community-based practices, as well as some academic centers, may face unique barriers to implementing precision medicine programs and trials within their communities. Such challenges include understanding the tissue needs of molecular tests (e.g., tumor, blood), identifying which molecular tests are best used and when tissue should be tested, interpreting the test results and determining actionability, understanding the role of genetic counseling and/or follow-up testing, determining clinical trial eligibility, and assessing patient attitudes and financial concerns. The purpose of this article is to provide guidance to community-based oncology practices currently conducting clinical trials who want to expand their research program to include precision medicine trials. Here, we describe the core components of precision medicine programs and offer best practices for successful implementation of precision medicine trials in community-based practices.
Using a Neoadjuvant Approach for Evaluating Novel Therapies for Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Denduluri Neelima , Miller Kathy , O’Regan Ruth M.
Published: June 2018

Preoperative systemic therapy, though primarily used to downstage breast cancers, can offer, using pathologic complete response (pCR) as an endpoint, a rapid assessment of efficacy of a given therapeutic approach, particularly in triple-negative (TNBC) and HER2-positive breast cancers. Recently, this approach resulted in the approval of pertuzumab for HER2-positive cancers, in a considerably quicker timeline than would have been possible with its assessment in the adjuvant setting. However, the use of preoperative systemic therapy remains controversial, as the higher response rates noted with newer approaches have not routinely translated into improved longer-term outcomes, nor have they been confirmed in larger adjuvant trials. Almost all trials have demonstrated that pCR is a robust prognostic marker in patients with TNBC and HER2-positive cancers, so part of this discrepancy may be due to inadequate power in the preoperative trials and/or due to the heterogeneous nature of breast cancers. PCR following preoperative chemotherapy is not prognostic in many hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancers, especially those with a luminal A phenotype, which typically has minimal response to chemotherapy. Given this lack of response to chemotherapy, there is considerable interest in the use of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET). The rate of pCR to NET in HR-positive cancers is low, leading to the use of surrogate markers, including changes in Ki-67 and the preoperative endocrine prognostic index (PEPI) score, as biomarkers of efficacy. Overall, the use of neoadjuvant approaches offers a rapid assessment of efficacy of novel therapies and remains a useful research tool for drug evaluation.
Incorporating Genomics Into the Care of Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Kratz Jeremy , Burkard Mark , O’Meara Tess , Pusztai Lajos , Veitch Zachary , Bedard Philippe L.
Published: June 2018

Metastatic breast cancer is a very heterogeneous disease. Recent advances in genomic sequencing have revealed genetic diversity between patients and across distinct subclonal cell populations within the same patient that may evolve across metastatic tumor sites and during treatment. With the increasing availability of commercial and laboratory-developed tests that can detect genomic alterations from patient tumor and blood samples, translating this knowledge into improved clinical care remains a challenge. The goals of this review are to outline the clinical relevance of tumor genomic heterogeneity and clonal evolution, to help clinicians understand how to interpret genomic testing reports, and to provide an overview of recurrent genomic alterations that may be relevant for clinical trials with investigational drug treatments.
Art and Challenges of Precision Medicine: Interpreting and Integrating Genomic Data Into Clinical Practice
Authors: Madhavan Subha , Subramaniam Somasundaram , Brown Thomas D. , Chen James L.
Published: June 2018

Precision medicine is at the forefront of innovation in cancer care. With the development of technologies to rapidly sequence DNA from tumors, cell-free DNA, proteins, and even metabolites coupled with the rapid decline in the cost of genomic sequencing, there has been an exponential increase in the amount of data generated for each patient diagnosed with cancer. The ability to harness this explosion of data will be critical to improving treatments for patients. Precision medicine lends itself to big data or “informatics” approaches and is focused on storing, accessing, sharing, and studying these data while taking necessary precautions to protect patients’ privacy. Major cancer care stakeholders have developed a variety of systems to incorporate precision medicine technologies into patient care as soon as possible and also to provide the ability to store and analyze the omics and clinical data aggregately in the future. Scaling these precision medicine programs within the confines of health care system silos is challenging, and research consortiums are being formed to overcome these limitations. Incorporating and interpreting the results of precision medicine sequencing is complex and rapidly changing, necessitating reliance on a group of experts. This is often performed at molecular tumor boards at large academic and research institutions with available in-house expertise, but alternative models clinical decision support software or of virtual tumor boards potentially expand these advances to almost any patient, regardless of site of care. The promises of precision medicine will be more quickly realized by expanding collaborations to rapidly process and interpret the growing volumes of omics data.
Where We Stand With Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer: Deficient Mismatch Repair, Proficient Mismatch Repair, and Toxicity Management
Authors: Overman Michael J. , Ernstoff Marc S. , Morse Michael A.
Published: June 2018

With the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals of pembrolizumab and nivolumab for refractory deficient mismatch repair metastatic colorectal cancer, immune checkpoint inhibitors have now entered into clinical care for gastrointestinal cancers. Extensive ongoing efforts are exploring additional combinations of therapy in both deficient and proficient mismatch repair colorectal cancer. This review will outline the current status of such efforts and discuss the critical aspects of recognition and management of immune-related toxicities from checkpoint inhibitors.
Global Approaches in Myeloma: Critical Trials That May Change Practice
Authors: Moreau Philippe , Touzeau Cyrille
Published: June 2018

The treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has changed dramatically in the past decade with the introduction of new drugs into therapeutic strategies both in the frontline and relapse settings. With the availability of at least six different classes of agents that can be combined in doublet, triplet, or even quadruplet regimens and used together with high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation, the choice of the optimal strategy at diagnosis and at relapse represents a challenge for physicians. Also problematic is the lack of trials addressing questions, such as sequencing or the duration of maintenance. This review will focus on the results of recent clinical trials both in the frontline and relapse settings that have induced changes in clinical practice and will discuss the impact of important ongoing trials. A specific section will discuss therapeutic strategies when new drugs are not available.
Value and Cost of Myeloma Therapy
Authors: Rajkumar S. Vincent
Published: June 2018

Major advances have occurred in the treatment of multiple myeloma, including several new drugs that typically cost more than $100,000 per year. Although the gains in myeloma therapy improve overall survival considerably, they are available to only a fraction of the population of patients with myeloma in the world because of regulatory barriers and cost. Myeloma is an example of what is happening in cancer on a much larger scale. Many of the problems discussed call for a wider discussion across all cancers, but they are amplified in myeloma because of the need for multidrug regimens that combine three or more expensive new drugs for prolonged periods of time. In this article, the reasons for the high cost of cancer drugs and possible solutions are examined. The lack of correlation of value and price, the remarkable rise in prices of existing old medications over time, and the lack of access to lifesaving drugs across various countries are also discussed.
CAR T Cells and Other Cellular Therapies for Multiple Myeloma: 2018 Update
Authors: Cohen Adam D.
Published: June 2018

Cellular therapies are a rapidly evolving approach to myeloma treatment, which bring a unique mechanism of action with the potential to overcome drug resistance and induce long-term remissions. Two primary approaches are being studied: non–gene-modified strategies, which rely on the endogenous anti-myeloma T-cell repertoire, and gene-modified strategies, which introduce a new T-cell receptor (TCR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to confer novel antigen specificity. CAR T cells show the greatest activity to date. Multiple antigen targets, including B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), CD19, CD38, CD138, and SLAMF7, are being explored for myeloma, and BCMA has emerged as the most promising. Preliminary data from four phase I studies of BCMA CAR T cells, each using a different CAR construct, that involved 90 evaluable patients with relapsed/refractory disease have been reported. These data show response rates of 60% to 100%, including minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative complete remissions, at effective doses (> 108CAR-positive cells) after lymphodepleting conditioning. Response durability has been more variable, likely related to differences in CAR T-cell products, lymphodepleting regimens, patient selection criteria, and/or underlying biology/prognostic factors. In the two most recent studies, however, most patients remained progression free with median follow-up time of 6 to 10 months; some ongoing remissions lasted more than 1 year. Toxicities are similar to those from CD19 CAR T cells and include cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity that is reversible but can be severe. Multiple BCMA CAR T-cell studies are ongoing. Future directions include combinations with immunomodulatory drugs, checkpoint inhibitors, or other CAR T cells, as well as use of gene-edited cellular products to enhance the safety and efficacy of this approach.
Precision Medicine Versus Population Medicine in Colon Cancer: From Prospects of Prevention, Adjuvant Chemotherapy, and Surveillance
Authors: Hall Michael J. , Morris Arden M. , Sun Weijing
Published: June 2018

With the advances of technologic revolution that provides new insights into human biology, genetics and cancer, as well as advantages of big data which amasses large amounts of information for us to approach cancer treatment and prevention, we are facing challenges of organically combining data from studies based on general population and information from individual testing and setting out precisional recommendations in cancer diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. We are obligated to accelerate the adaptation of new scientific discoveries into effective treatments and prevention for cancer. In this review, we introduce our opinions on bringing knowledge of precision and population medicine together to guide our clinical practice from the prospects of colorectal cancer prevention, stage III colon cancer adjuvant therapy, and postsurgery surveillance.
From Burnout to Resilience: An Update for Oncologists
Authors: Murali Krithika , Makker Vicky , Lynch James , Banerjee Susana
Published: June 2018

Physician burnout remains a highly complex and topical issue. The negative impact of burnout on physicians, patients, and institutions has become increasingly apparent. Globally, a multitude of professional bodies and organizational leaders are giving this important subject much-deserved attention. In this review, we provide a summary of the latest evidence, with a focus on solutions and future strategies, while incorporating our own perspectives as practicing oncologists.
“My Patient Was Diagnosed With Nontargetable Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer. What Now?” Diagnosis and Initial Treatment Options for Newly Diagnosed Patients With Advanced NSCLC
Authors: Johnson Melissa , Pennell Nathan A. , Borghaei Hossein
Published: June 2018

Although lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States and worldwide, the rate at which Americans are dying from lung cancer is declining. Improving survival can be explained, in large part, by a growing understanding of the heterogeneous biology of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as well as recent successes of novel therapeutic strategies more effective and tolerable than platinum-based chemotherapy. We now recognize distinct subtypes of NSCLC, defined by molecular profiling and immunohistochemistry, with different treatment algorithms, including targeted small molecular inhibitors and immunotherapy for each. Both biomarker selection and preferred frontline strategies continue to evolve rapidly, making it difficult for many practitioners to keep up. In this review, we will first describe the recommended initial workup for a patient with advanced or metastatic NSCLC in 2018; next, we present an algorithm to aid oncologists in the selection of the most appropriate therapy for treatment-naive patients with NSCLC, and finally, we offer a look into future treatment options through a discussion of ongoing clinical trials.
Cancer Care for Refugees and Displaced Populations: Middle East Conflicts and Global Natural Disasters
Authors: El Saghir Nagi S. , Soto Pérez de Celis Enrique , Fares Johny E. , Sullivan Richard
Published: June 2018

Conflicts and natural disasters can cause major disruptions to people’s lives. Media and news agencies usually focus on immediate consequences of these events, including loss of life and injuries, environmental and property destruction, and relief efforts. In this article, we will examine the effects of conflicts (focusing on in the Middle East) and global natural disasters on patients already diagnosed with cancer and on those who are diagnosed with cancer during and in the immediate aftermath of these events. We will review the limited literature, provide situational analysis, and discuss medical relief efforts, governmental readiness, and the role of United Nations agencies and international nongovernmental organizations. We will also discuss treatment of patients with cancer in the context of prolonged displacements and limited resources.
Role of Germline Genetics in Identifying Survivors at Risk for Adverse Effects of Cancer Treatment
Authors: Morton Lindsay M. , Kerns Sarah L. , Dolan M. Eileen
Published: June 2018

The growing population of cancer survivors often faces adverse effects of treatment, which have a substantial impact on morbidity and mortality. Although certain adverse effects are thought to have a significant heritable component, much work remains to be done to understand the role of germline genetic factors in the development of treatment-related toxicities. In this article, we review current understanding of genetic susceptibility to a range of adverse outcomes among cancer survivors (e.g., fibrosis, urinary and rectal toxicities, ototoxicity, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, subsequent malignancies). Most previous research has been narrowly focused, investigating variation in candidate genes and pathways such as drug metabolism, DNA damage and repair, and inflammation. Few of the findings from these earlier candidate gene studies have been replicated in independent populations. Advances in understanding of the genome, improvements in technology, and reduction in laboratory costs have led to recent genome-wide studies, which agnostically interrogate common and/or rare variants across the entire genome. Larger cohorts of patients with homogeneous treatment exposures and systematic ascertainment of well-defined outcomes as well as replication in independent study populations are essential aspects of the study design and are increasingly leading to the discovery of variants associated with each of the adverse outcomes considered in this review. In the long-term, validated germline genetic associations hold tremendous promise for more precisely identifying patients at highest risk for developing adverse treatment effects, with implications for frontline therapy decision-making, personalization of long-term follow-up guidelines, and potential identification of targets for prevention or treatment of the toxicity.
Advances in Fertility Preservation for Young Women With Cancer
Authors: Smith Karen Lisa , Gracia Clarisa , Sokalska Anna , Moore Halle
Published: June 2018

Female patients of reproductive age with cancer often require treatment that can compromise their future fertility. Treatment-related infertility is an important cancer survivorship issue and is associated with depression and diminished quality of life. Recent advances in reproductive health care provide the opportunity to preserve fertility prior to the initiation of cancer therapy. Clinical guidelines recommend that oncology providers counsel patients about the risk of treatment-related infertility and fertility preservation options, and that they refer those who are interested in fertility preservation to fertility specialists. Guidelines endorse the use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) provided by reproductive endocrinologists to preserve fertility in young female patients with cancer. In addition, ovarian suppression with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists may be considered for ovarian protection during chemotherapy. This article reviews currently available and emerging ART for fertility preservation in female patients of reproductive age with cancer and current data supporting the use of ovarian suppression for ovarian protection during chemotherapy in this population. We also review the uptake of fertility services and discuss barriers to fertility preservation in female patients of reproductive age with cancer.
Identification, Prioritization, and Treatment of Mutations Identified by Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Mansfield Aaron S. , Park Ben Ho , Mullane Michael P.
Published: June 2018

Many targeted therapies—and, more recently, immunotherapies—have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with companion diagnostic tests. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms are now approved to screen for many of these abnormalities, and they are increasingly being applied to guide therapeutic decision-making outside of these intended uses. The results provided by NGS testing can vary significantly based on the exact test performed and the analysis of the sequencing data. Given the complexities associated with interpreting NGS test results and acting on them, academic and community molecular tumor boards have been developed to provide multidisciplinary expertise for this endeavor. NGS test results may identify FDA-approved therapies, guide clinical trial recommendations, or prompt consideration of expanded access to investigational agents or off-label use of therapies approved for other indications. Many clinical trials now include NGS testing to assign treatments to patients based on the molecular profiles of their tumors. Although NGS testing may eventually help realize the development of individualized treatment regimens based on combinations of targeted therapies, the use of unproven and nonapproved combinations can be toxic and expensive. Given the increasing reliance on genetic biomarkers to guide therapeutic recommendations for FDA-approved therapies or enrollment into clinical trials, NGS will remain an integral part of the evolving medical oncology practice.
Cardiac Toxicities in the Era of Precision Medicine: Underlying Risk Factors, Targeted Therapies, and Cardiac Biomarkers
Authors: Blaes Anne H. , Thavendiranathan Paaladinesh , Moslehi Javid
Published: June 2018

Cancer therapies can cause a variety of cardiac toxicities, including ischemia, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, myocarditis, arrhythmias, vascular disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Addressing cardiovascular risk at baseline, before initiating therapy, during cancer treatment, and in the survivorship period is imperative. It may be useful to risk stratify individuals with cardiovascular risk factors using biomarkers or imaging before they receive potentially cardiotoxic therapies. Additionally, new guidelines recommend cardiac imaging with echocardiography in the survivorship period 6 to 12 months after completing cancer therapy for these high-risk individuals. Close collaboration between cardiology and oncology in both clinical practice and future research is essential.
Challenging Cases: Management of Immune-Related Toxicity
Authors: Weber Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2018

The approvals of six checkpoint inhibitory antibodies since 2011 have established immunotherapy for cancer as a fifth treatment modality after chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and targeted therapy. Long-lasting responses have been observed in melanoma, non–small cell lung cancer, renal cell cancer, and head and neck cancer, to name a few, and more approvals for these drugs undoubtedly are coming in the near future. The application of checkpoint inhibitors has expanded well beyond melanoma, and, with wider use, the management of the immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that accompany these drugs has received increased attention. In this work, several patient cases are presented that highlight how to optimally manage these unique toxicities and that illustrate the basic principles of care for patients who receive checkpoint inhibition.
Frequent HIV and Young Age Among Individuals With Diverse Cancers at a National Teaching Hospital in Malawi
Authors: Horner Marie-Josèphe , Salima Ande , Chilima Chrissie , Mukatipa Matthews , Kumwenda Wiza , Kampani Coxcilly , Chimzimu Fred , Mukunda Bal , Tomoka Tamiwe , Mulenga Maurice , Nyasosela Richard , Chasimpha Steady , Dzamalala Charles , Gopal Satish
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Cancer surveillance provides a critical evidence base to guide cancer control efforts, yet population-based coverage in Africa is sparse. Hospital-based registries may help fill this need by providing local epidemiologic data to guide policy and forecast local health care needs. We report the epidemiology of patients with cancer recorded by a de novo hospital-based cancer registry at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawi, the sole provider of comprehensive oncology services for half the country and location of a high-volume pathology laboratory.

Methods

We conducted active case finding across all hospital departments and the pathology laboratory from June 2014 to March 2016. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment, and HIV status were collected. We describe epidemiology of the cancer caseload, registry design, and costs associated with registry operations.

Results

Among 1,446 registered patients, Kaposi sarcoma and cervical cancer were the most common cancers among men and women, respectively. Burkitt lymphoma was most common cancer among children. The current rate of pathology confirmation is 65%, a vast improvement in the diagnostic capacity for cancer through the hospital’s pathology laboratory. Among leading cancer types, an alarming proportion occurred at young ages; 50% of Kaposi sarcoma and 25% of esophageal, breast, and cervical cancers were diagnosed among those younger than 40 years of age. A systematic, cross-sectional assessment of HIV status reveals a prevalence of 58% among adults and 18% among children.

Conclusion

We report a high caseload among typically young patients and a significant burden of HIV infection among patients with cancer. In low- and middle-income countries with intermittent, sparse, or nonexistent cancer surveillance, hospital-based cancer registries can provide important local epidemiologic data while efforts to expand population-based registration continue.
Amniotic ectoderm expansion occurs via distinct modes and requires SMAD5-mediated signalling
Authors: Dobreva Mariya P. , Abon Escalona Vanesa , Lawson Kirstie A. , Sanchez Marina N. , Ponomarev Ljuba C. , Pereira Paulo N. G. , Stryjewska Agata , Criem Nathan , Huylebroeck Danny , Chuva de Sousa Lopes Susana M. , Aerts Stein , Zwijsen An
Published: June 2018

Upon gastrulation, the mammalian conceptus transforms rapidly from a simple bilayer into a multi-layered embryo enveloped by its extraembryonic membranes. Impaired development of the amnion, the innermost membrane, causes major malformations. To clarify the origin of the mouse amnion, we used single cell-labelling and clonal analysis. We identified four clone types with distinct clonal growth patterns in amniotic ectoderm (AmEc). Two main types have progenitors in extreme proximal-anterior epiblast. Early descendants initiate and expand AmEc posteriorly, while descendants of cells remaining anteriorly later expand AmEc from its anterior side. Amniogenesis is abnormal in embryos deficient in the BMP signalling effector SMAD5, with delayed closure of the proamniotic canal, and aberrant amnion and folding morphogenesis. Transcriptomics of individual Smad5 mutant amnions isolated before visible malformations, and tetraploid chimera analysis, revealed two amnion defect sets. We attribute them to impairment of progenitors of the two main cell populations in AmEc and to compromised cuboidal-to-squamous transition of anterior AmEc. In both cases, SMAD5 is critical for expanding AmEc rapidly into a stretchable squamous sheet to accommodate exocoelom expansion, axial growth and folding morphogenesis.
PDGF-A suppresses contact inhibition during directional collective cell migration
Authors: Nagel Martina , Winklbauer Rudolf
Published: June 2018

The leading edge mesendoderm (LEM) of the Xenopus gastrula moves as an aggregate by collective migration. However, LEM cells on fibronectin in vitro show contact inhibition of locomotion by quickly retracting lamellipodia upon mutual contact. We found that a fibronectin-integrin-syndecan module acts between p21-activated kinase-1 upstream and ephrinB1 downstream to promote the contact-induced collapse of lamellipodia. To function in this module, fibronectin has to be present as puncta on the surface of LEM cells. To overcome contact inhibition in LEM cell aggregates, PDGF-A deposited in the endogenous substratum of LEM migration blocks the fibronectin-integrin-syndecan module at the integrin level. This stabilizes lamellipodia preferentially in the direction of normal LEM movement and supports cell orientation and the directional migration of the coherent LEM cell mass.
Two-step mechanism and step-arrest mutants of Runella slithyformis NAD+-dependent tRNA 2′-phosphotransferase Tpt1
Authors: Munir Annum , Abdullahu Leonora , Damha Masad J. , Shuman Stewart
Published: June 2018

Tpt1 catalyzes the transfer of an internal 2′-monophosphate moiety (2′-PO4) from a “branched” 2′-PO4 RNA splice junction to NAD+ to form a “clean” 2′-OH, 3′-5′ phosphodiester junction, ADP-ribose 1″-2″ cyclic phosphate, and nicotinamide. First discovered as an essential component of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae tRNA splicing machinery, Tpt1 is widely distributed in nature, including in taxa that have no yeast-like RNA splicing system. Here we characterize the RslTpt1 protein from the bacterium Runella slithyformis, in which Tpt1 is encoded within a putative RNA repair gene cluster. We find that (i) expression of RslTpt1 in yeast complements a lethal tpt1Δ knockout, and (ii) purified recombinant RslTpt1 is a bona fide NAD+-dependent 2′-phosphotransferase capable of completely removing an internal 2′-phosphate from synthetic RNAs. The in vivo activity of RslTpt1 is abolished by alanine substitutions for conserved amino acids Arg16, His17, Arg64, and Arg119. The R64A, R119A, and H17A mutants accumulate high levels of a 2′-phospho-ADP-ribosylated RNA reaction intermediate (2′-P-ADPR, evanescent in the wild-type RslTpt1 reaction), which is converted slowly to a 2′-OH RNA product. The R16A mutant is 300-fold slower than wild-type RslTpt1 in forming the 2′-P-ADPR intermediate. Whereas wild-type RsTpt1 rapidly converts the isolated 2′-P-ADPR intermediate to 2′-OH product in the absence of NAD+, the H17A, R119A, R64A, and R16A mutant are slower by factors of 3, 33, 210, and 710, respectively. Our results identify active site constituents involved in the catalysis of step 1 and step 2 of the Tpt1 reaction pathway.
THE USE OF "ANTECEDENT PRECIPITATION INDEX" AND "DELAY FACTOR" TO ESTIMATE RUNOFF FROM RAINFALL; A CASE STUDY FROM EIGHT DRAINAGE BASINS - ACHAIA, PELOPONESSOS, GREECE
Authors: Nikas K. , Antonakos A. , Lambrakis N. , Kallergis G.
Published: June 2018

The present paper deals with the relationship between precipitation and runoff. Theresults from application of the "Antecedent Precipitation Index " (API) techniqueafter introduction of the "delay factor " in eight river basins from NE Achaia-Peloponessos are presented. Measurements of runoff in the exits of the basins werecarried out during the period 1996-1999. Precipitation measurements were usedfrom precipitation gauge stations lying in the river basins. Runoff seems to followthe course of rainfall with a time-lag varying from 30 to 60 days.After trial anderror technique the best fittings of runoff and precipitation graphs were defined.Based on the best fitting equations to calculate the "Antecedent Precipitation Index"the "delay factor" was compiled. High correlation degree between rainfall andrunoff was therefore achieved. The technique may be used to assess the expectedrunoff, based either on real rainfall dataset or on hypothetical scenarios. The "delayfactor" of the runoff response to the precipitation is highly correlated withgeomorphological and hydrogeo logical characteristics of the river basins.
BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC EVENTS IN A SHALLOW CARBONATE PLATFORM (UPPER CRETACEOUS, SOUTH PYRENEAN MARGIN)
Authors: Caus E. , Albrich S. , Berästegui X. , Bernaus J. M. , Boix C. , Villalonga R.
Published: June 2018

A detailed sedimentological and paleontological study of the Late Santonian-Late Campanian carbonate platform deposits of the Serres Marginals area (South margin of the Pyrenean Basin) has been performed. Three depositional shallow carbonate sequences have been distinguished (CI, C2 and C3). Within the shallow platform sequences moderate energy subtidal to intertidal, high energy sand-shoal, protected lagoon and restricted lagoon to lacustrine fades have been identified.
PALEOBATHYMETRIC EVOLUTION OF THE EARLY LATE MIOCENE DEPOSITS OF THE PRE-APULIAN ZONE, LEVKAS ISLAND, IONIAN SEA
Authors: Drinia H. , Antonarakou A. , Kontakiotis G. , Tsaparas N. , Segou M. , Karakitsios V.
Published: June 2018

The Manassi section in Levkas Island belongs to the Pre-Apulian (Paxos) zone, the most external domain of the Hellenic realm. Its Early Tortonian sediments contain a rich foraminiferal fauna dominated, in numbers of individuals, by planktic species. Its benthic foraminiferal assemblage is characterized by a high number of taxa, with low numbers of individuals. Their study provides a basis for interpreting the paleobathymetry of the basin.The Manassi section represents deposition in upper to lower bathyal depths, during a period of intense tectonic activity. Downslope transport of fauna by turbidity currents partly overprints the signal of paleobathymetrically-diagnostic foraminifera distribution. The recognition of allochthonous taxa is used, together with %P, to identify turbidite beds intercalated with in-situ marly sediments. The micropaleontological and paleobathymetrical analyses of the studied sediments indicate that these correspond to distal atypical flysch deposited in the foredeep depozone of the most external domain (Pre-Apulian zone) of the Hellenide foreland basin.
A CARBONATE RAMP EVOLUTION IN THE TRANSITION FROM THE APULIA PLATFORM TO THE IONIAN BASIN DURING EARLY TO LATE CRETACEOUS (NW GREECE)
Authors: Getsos K. , Pomoni-Papaioannou F. , Zelilidis A.
Published: June 2018

Facies analysis of Cretaceous carbonate sequences from the external and central Ionian zone revealed a homoclinal ramp model of evolution. During Berriasian to Valanginian, the carbonate ramp was differentiated to an inner-mid and outer ramp environment, which corresponded to the external and central Ionian zone, respectively, while the main inner ramp environment is assumed that was located in the Pre-Apulian zone. The external Ionian zone (inner-mid ramp) is characterized by muds tones-wackes tones with fragmented echinoderms, bivalves, radiolarians and rare aptychus considered to be deposited below the fairweather wave base (FWWB). Locally, thin graded storm deposits intervene, indicating deposition above the storm weather wave base (SWB). Minor occurrences of packs tonesgrainstones, with fragmented echinoderms, calcareous algae, tubiphytes, lagenid foraminifera and rare ooids occur, as well, considered to be deposited at the lowermost part of the inner ramp, near the constantly agitated fairweather wave base (FWWB). The central Ionian zone (outer ramp) is mainly characterized by mudstones-wackestones with abundant radiolarians and rare calpionellids and calcispheres, considered to be deposited below the storm wave base (SWB). No talus or breccias deposits were observed, during the mentioned time interval, in any part of the studied area. From Hauterivian to Turonian, continual sea-level rise, led to establishment of outer ramp environment in the external Ionian zone, over the previous inner-mid ramp, and outer ramp-basin environment, over the previous outer ramp, in the central Ionian zone. The transition from shallower to deeper conditions is characterized by an overall deposition of mudstones-wackestones with abundant radiolarians rooted in pure micrite.
PLIOCENE BRACHIOPODS FROM RHODES ISLAND (CAPE VAGIA SECTION)
Authors: Koskeridou E.
Published: June 2018

Six brachiopod species (5 terebratulids and 1 craniid) from the upper Pliocene sandy and calcareous deposits of the Cape Vagia (Rhodes Island) are described: Gryphus sp., Terebratulina refusa, Megerlia truncata, Megerlia truncata var. monstruosa, Argyrotheca cordata, Megathiris detruncata and Novocrania anomala. This is the first record of Megerlia truncata var. monstruosa from the Pliocene of Greece and of Megerlia truncata from the Pliocene of Rhodes. Megathiris detruncata, Terebratulina retusa and Argyrotheca cordata are described for the first time from the Pliocene of Rhodes. This brachiopod association displays close affinity with those from the Mediterranean province, where assemblages of similar composition are associated with shallow-water, high energy environments. However, the association of Gryphus sp., Terebratulina retusa and Novocrania anomala corresponds to deeper water moderate environments.
APPLICATION OF BED THICKNESS DISTRIBUTIONS IN LATE EOCENE-OLIGOCENE TURBIDITE DEPOSITS OF GREECE: SOME PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Authors: Pantopoulos G. , Konstantopoulos P. , Maravelis A. , Zelilidis A.
Published: June 2018

A simple application of bed thickness distributions was attempted in outcrops of Late Eocene-Oligocene turbidites in three dispersed localities of Greece. The three studied sections are located at Evinohori area (West Greece), Karpathos Island (SE Greece) and Limnos Island (NE Greece). All outcrops show similar sedimentological characteristics. Three types of plots were used: log-log, log-probability and frequency curves. Bed thickness data indicate similarity between West-SE Greece turbidites and discrimination from NE Greece turbidites which is attributed to different basin morphology due to different tectonic processes.
PLANKTON ECOSTRATIGRAPHY AND POLLEN ASSEMBLAGE ZONES OVER THE LAST 14 000 YEARS IN SE AEGEAN SEA (CORE NS-14)
Authors: Triantaphyllou M. V. , Antonarakou A. , Kouli K. , Dimiza M. , Kontakiotis G. , Ziveri P. , Mortyn G. , Lykousis V. , Dermitzakis M. D.
Published: June 2018

A quantitative analysis of coccolithophores, planktonic foraminifera and pollen assemblages was carried out on core NS-14 (SE Aegean Sea), recovered in the Western Kos Basin. Eleven coccolithophore (ACE 1-11) and ten planktonic foraminifera (APFE1-10) ecozones have been recognized during the last 14 000 yrs using calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifera abundances. Additionally eight pollen assemblage zones (PAZ 1-8) have been recognised. The established high resolution ecozonal scheme allows a detailed paleoecological reconstruction for the Holocene archive in the SE Aegean Sea, defining two warm and humid phases (9300-8600 yr caiBP and 7600-6400 yr caiBP) associated with the deposition of SI and a third one between 5200-4200 yr ca[BP.
PETRIFIED WOOD OCCURRENCES IN WESTERN THRACE AND LIMNOS ISLAND: MINERALOGY, GEOCHEMISTRY AND DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Voudouris P. , Velitzelos D. , Velitzelos E. , Thewald U.
Published: June 2018

The present study describes the geology and mineralogy of the main petrified wood occurrences in Evros-Rhodopi and Limnos and integrates them in a volcanichydro thermal framework taking into consideration the nature of hydrothermal solutions during the silicification process. In the Lykofi-Fylakto-Lefkymi area, quartz and opal-CT are the main silica polymorph within the wood. The hostrocL· exhibit a zeolitic alteration suggesting reduced and slightly alkaline fluids for the silicification of wood. At Kassiteres/Sappes area the presence ofsilicified wood within kaolinite± alunite altered tuffbreccias indicates that slight acidic fluids were involved in the silicification processes. In Limnos Island the fossiliferous Portianou, Varos- Roussopouli and Moudros-Roussopouli areas occur in the periphery of an eroded volcanic edifice exposed at Fakos peninsula. The silicified wood occurs: (a) within weakly altered pyroclastics and (b) associated to several horizons of sinters interbedded within the pyroclastics. Transformation of amorphous silica to opal-CT and then to quartz is postulated based on XRD and SEM studies. The studied areas represent unique natural monuments, comparable to the petrified forest of Lesvos island.
COST Action 625 Results: Monitoring of the Kaparelli fault, 2003-2006
Authors: Ganas A. , Drakatos G. , Bosy J. , Petro L. , Kontny B. , Stercz M. , Melis N. S. , Cacon S. , Papanikolaou M. , Pirentis A. , Kiratzi A.
Published: June 2018

Since November 2003 a collaborative group between Greek, Polish, and Slovak colleagues installed a dense network of non-permanent GPS stations and extensometers to monitor active faults in the eastern end of the Gulf of Corinth, central Greece. The network includes eleven GPS stations across the Kaparelli fault and the Asopos rift valley to the east and two TM-71 extensometers that were installed on the Kaparelli fault plane. The motions recorded by the TM-71 instruments show agreement with long-term fault kinematics. The GPS network has been measured in three campaigns (2004, 2005 & 2006) with very good accuracies (1-4 mm in the horizontal plane). Given that the total offset on the Kaparelli fault is small, and the geological data suggesting a segmented character of this fault, we expect in the near future to differentiate fault slip and strain accumulation among segments.
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CORRELATION OF THE HELLENIC NAPPES IN SW AEGEAN: THE GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF THE ARCHANGELOS REGION, RHODES ISLAND
Authors: Lekkas E. , Danamos G. , Skourtsos E.
Published: June 2018

In the region of Archangelos in central-eastern Rhodes, a nappe sequence from bottom to top consists of i) Laerma unit, an Oligocene age wildflysch, ii) Archangelos unit, a neritic limestone of Upper Triassic - Mid Eocene age grading through red pelites to a flysch sequence, probably combarable to Ethia unit of Crete, iv) the Profus Ilias unit, a pelagic sequence ofplaty limestones and radiolarites of Upper Triassic - Upper Cretaceous age, similar to Pindos Unit and v) the ophiolites. The emplacement of the nappes on the relative autochthonous Laerma unit was carried out in surface conditions and is due to gravitational sliding estimated during Lower Oligocene to Middle - Upper Oligocene.
STRESS INTERACTION BETWEEN THRUST FAULTS ALONG THE SW HELLENIC ARC (GREECE)
Authors: Messini A. , Papadimitriou E. E. , Karakostas V. G. , Baskoutas I.
Published: June 2018

The occurrence of strong earthquakes (M>6.3) and the evolution of the stress field along the southwestern part of the Hellenic arc since 1959 are examined by the calculation of Coulomb stress changes. The study area is characterized by low angle thrust faults and high seismicity as being part of the subduction interface. Coulomb stress changes were calculated assuming that earthquakes can be modeled as static dislocations in an elastic half-space, considering the co-seismic slip during strong events and the slow tectonic stress build-up along major fault segments due to the movements of the tectonic plates. The ruptures are modeled taking into account the strike, dip, and rake appropriate to each event examined. It is evaluated whether the stress changes brought a given earthquake closer to, or farther away from, failure. It was found that the majority of the events (strong and smaller) are located in stress enhanced areas.
LATE-AND POST-MIOCENE GEODYNAMIC EVOLUTION OF THE MESOGEA BASIN (EAST ATTICA, GREECE): CONSTRAINTS FROM SEDIMENT PETROGRAPHY AND STRUCTURES
Authors: Mposkos E. , Krohe A. , Diamantopoulos A. , Baziotis I.
Published: June 2018

In Attica, from the Miocene through the Quaternary, successive generations of detachment faults caused exhumation and denudation of Alpine HP rocks and – later on -formation of sedimentary basins. The Mesogea low angle detachment fault separates the HP rocks exposed at the southern flank of the Penteli Mtfrom the Late - post-Late Miocene Mesogea basin. Combined sedimentary-petrologic and structural analyses reveal the following: (i) Late Miocene sediments include material from unmetamorphosed source areas suggesting that, until then, parts of the HP rocks were buried under the (largely unmetamorphosed) Pelagonian nappe unit, (ii) Post-Late Miocene sediments exclusively contain clasts from high-P source areas and show downward bending of the layering that accommodates slip along a lis trie fault surface. Close to the Penteli Mt, within the post-Late-Miocene sediments gravity sliding-blocL· of metamorphic rocks occur. All this indicates post-Late Miocene activity along this detachment fault controlled rapid surface uplift/relief formation, denudation and fast erosion of HP rocks in the Penteli Mt.
TECTONO-SEDIMENTARY STRUCTURE AND LATE QUATERNARY EVOLUTION OF THE NORTH EVIA GULF BASIN, CENTRAL GREECE: PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Authors: Sakellariou D. , Rousakis G. , Kaberi H. , Kapsimalis V. , Georgiou P. , Kanellopoulos Th. , Lykousis V.
Published: June 2018

Systematic single channel seismic and 3.5 kHz profiling, gravity and box coring and Pb downcore analyses shed light to the structure and the Late Quaternary evolution of the North Evia Gulf graben. The latter is segmented along its axis in three distinct basins. The shallow, E-W striking western basin displays southward asymmetry. The NW-SE striking, deep central basin and the shallow southeastern one show NE-ward asymmetry and are controlled by the Aidipsos, Telethrion and Kandili fault zones. Sequence stratigraphie data and aragonite crystals in mud layers underlying Holocene deposits verifies that North Evia Gulf was a lake during the last glacial maximum with lake level at about 90m below the present sea level.
A non-invasive manual method for the assessment of pregnancy in female Scyliorhinus canicula catsharks
Authors: HOF MERCEDES , DAHLKE RENATE I. , DANDEKAR THOMAS , KALTDORF MARTIN , BECK LOTHAR A.
Published: June 2018

Enhanced survival of oviparous shark populations can rely on only one easily applicable method. We tested a powerful method to retrieve egg cases from dead oviparous females at the fish market which is non-invasive. We approved this method for Scyliorhinus canicula and Scyliorhinus stellaris (smallspotted catshark and Nursehound) in Valletta, Malta in 2014. Here, catsharks are landed in whole, whereas in many other Mediterranean countries sharks are already eviscerated when brought ashore. Saving egg cases bears the grateful opportunity to rescue shark embryos and this then helps again to restore fish stocks. The common work flow of fishermen is to throw away the egg cases when eviscerating the shark and so the embryos were left in the bin to die. To apply a non-invasive method is very important at fish markets where sharks are landed in one piece as fish brokers do not tolerate many dissections. So, our goal was to detect pregnant females with maximum accuracy and dissect only females with egg cases inside. Formerly, the common method used by members of Sharklab-Malta was to dissect females more or less randomly based on only two parameters (i) a total length above 40cm and (ii) a relatively corpulent body shape. This was not effective as many females were dissected without containing egg cases. This led to the more problematic fact that pregnant individuals were not found and so their offspring died in the end. The basic concept in our newly tested method is based on using a fixed touching pattern which allows to screen the belly of all females available simply by hand. To screen one female only 2 seconds are needed, and this works surprisingly well. We called this method “gotIt” simply because we got all available egg cases and could save all embryos. A validation underpinned the success and showed that gotIt works with 100% accuracy. After rescuing the egg cases they were transported to an aquarium. Egg cases were attached to a lanyard by their tendrils and left for development in the tank for 3-6 months (depending on their initial developmental stage at the fish market) at a water temperature of 15-19°C. After hatching, sharks were fed with squid and released into the sea. The number of rescued embryos arose significantly from five to above hundreds of shark pups which were saved and released by applying gotIt. Additionally, fishermen can be encouraged to use this method, as awareness programs can be promoted to encourage consumption of this sustainable fish, which can therefore increase the marketable prices. Widely applied, gotIt can help to preserve oviparous shark populations at fish markets where sharks are landed whole.