bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer: Optimizing Patient Selection and Treatment
Authors: Hahn Andrew W. , Higano Celestia S. , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Ryan Charles J. , Agarwal Neeraj
Published: June 2018

The treatment landscape for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) has rapidly evolved over the past 5 years. Although androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is still the backbone of treatment, the addition of docetaxel or abiraterone acetate has improved outcomes for patients with mCSPC and become standard of care. With multiple treatment options available for patients with mCSPC, treatment selection to optimize patient outcomes has become increasingly difficult. Here, we review the clinical trials involving ADT plus docetaxel or abiraterone and provide clinicians with guidelines for treatment. Although surgery and/or radiation are standard of care for localized, intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer, these treatments are not routinely used as part of initial treatment plans for patients with de novo mCSPC. Recent clinical data are challenging that dogma, and we review the literature on the addition of surgery and radiation to systemic therapy for mCSPC. Finally, the standard of care for oligometastatic prostate cancer (a subset of mCSPC with limited metastases) has not been established compared with that for some other cancers. We discuss the recent studies on metastasis-directed therapy for treatment of oligometastatic prostate cancer.
No Decision Is Final: Career Planning and Career Transitions
Authors: Boulmay Brian , Prowell Tatiana , Blaya Marcelo , Pietanza Maria Catherine
Published: June 2018

Several factors play a role in job selection after completion of a hematology/oncology training program, such as a fellows’ overall career goals, expected income potential, and limitations imposed by visa status, among many others. Training programs play an integral role in mentoring trainees in career selection. For many, the first job is often not career-long. In addition to considerations for a fellow considering a first job out of fellowship, physicians will consider a change because of dissatisfaction at one’s current position, desire for advancement opportunities, or a desire to work in a different sector. Other factors include non-occupational issues such as career opportunities for a spouse or desire for a different geographic location. Frequent employment changes are common with crossover between academia, clinical practice, industry, or government service. Possessing the skills needed to recognize one’s strengths, weaknesses, and goal prioritization can allow for more optimal job selection should a career transition into a different discipline occur. Recognizing opportunities that present themselves and potentially taking advantage of them can lead to professional and personal growth.
Evolution of Targeted Therapy in Breast Cancer: Where Precision Medicine Began
Authors: Meisel Jane Lowe , Venur Vyshak Alva , Gnant Michael , Carey Lisa
Published: June 2018

As we consider best practices and approaches to targeted therapy in the clinic and in terms of trial design, breast cancer can serve as a useful model for other disease types, because estrogen receptor–positive and HER2-positive breast cancer have been known entities for several decades. In this review, we provide a history of the development of anti-estrogen therapy and anti-HER2–directed therapy and we discuss our growing understanding of resistance to targeted therapy as seen through this lens. We highlight some of the recent breakthroughs that have enhanced our understanding of resistance to endocrine and anti-HER2 therapy, and we discuss some of the ongoing research in the field.
Communicating the Financial Burden of Treatment With Patients
Authors: Nipp Ryan D. , Sonet Ellen Miller , Guy Gery P.
Published: June 2018

In recent years, high health care costs and the financial burden of cancer care have received increased attention. In response to the financial burden of cancer care, patients may jeopardize their health outcomes by not properly adhering to prescribed therapies or even forgoing and delaying care in an effort to defray costs. In addition, the financial burden experienced by patients with cancer may negatively impact clinical outcomes, such as quality of life, physical and psychological symptoms, and potentially, even survival. Notably, in the current era of targeted treatment and immunotherapies for patients with cancer, the rising costs of cancer continue to remain at the forefront of patient concerns. Therefore, a critical need exists to determine how best to assist patients with the cost burden of cancer diagnosis and treatment
Personalizing Postoperative Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Maghami Ellie , Koyfman Shlomo A. , Weiss Jared
Published: June 2018

Head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment is a complex multidisciplinary undertaking. Although overtreatment can result in functional and cosmetic defects, undertreatment can result in cancer recurrence. Surgery and chemoradiotherapy are both accepted standards for the curative intent treatment of locally advanced mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, but are often prioritized differently depending on the site of tumor origin (e.g., oral cavity/sinonasal vs. oropharynx/larynx), tumor burden, tumor biology, quality-life considerations, and patient preference. Regardless of modalities chosen, failure to cure remains a considerable problem in locally advanced disease. For patients treated with primary surgery, high-risk pathologic features portend higher recurrence rates, and adjuvant therapy can reduce these rates and improve outcomes. This report details which tumor- and nodal-related factors are indications for adjuvant therapy, examines the impact of tumor HPV status on adjuvant treatment paradigms, and considers which systemic therapies should be used for which patients when trimodality therapy is indicated.
Patient-Clinician Communication Is a Joint Creation: Working Together Toward Well-Being
Authors: Gilligan Timothy , Salmi Liz , Enzinger Andrea
Published: June 2018

Oncology clinicians face a monumentally difficult task: to guide patients on what may be the scariest and most unpleasant journey of their lives. They must preserve their patients’ hope while at the same time giving them accurate information. And patients with cancer face a monumentally difficult task: navigating a path while confronting an often-terrifying disease. Communication between patients with cancer, their loved ones, and the treating clinicians presents many challenges. We must become better at communicating with each other; patients need easier access to information about their medical condition and their health care; and we must establish relationships that are stronger and more respectful, trusting, and empathic. If we are to deliver patient-centered or whole-person care, we must know who our patients are, what is important to them, and how they derive meaning in their lives. In this review, we discuss ASCO's first Patient-Clinician Communication guideline, the importance and value of patients having direct access to their medical record, and how to address spirituality and/or religion with patients with cancer.
State-of-the-Art Management of Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Feldman Darren R.
Published: June 2018

The state of the art management of germ cell tumors (GCT) in 2018 does not include novel agents targeting genomic alterations or exciting immunologic-based approaches but rather the avoidance of pitfalls in everyday practice. The relative rarity of GCT and high curability with correct management create the "perfect storm" for high-stakes errors to occur. This review focuses on several common pitfalls that should be avoided in staging and management of early-stage and advanced GCT in order to maximize patient outcomes. A particularly frequent misstep is to base treatment decisions on pre- rather than postorchiectomy tumor markers that, depending on marker directionality, can lead to either undertreatment with potentially inferior outcomes or overtreatment with excess toxicity. Another common mistake is the failure to consider the unique ability of GCT to differentiate and the distinct biology of teratoma (chemoresistance and lack of increased glucose uptake compared with normal tissue), which exerts a pervasive influence on nonseminoma management. This may lead to inappropriate use of PET scan to evaluate the postchemotherapy residual mass and, if negative, the conclusion that surgery is not needed whereas (FDG-negative) teratoma should be removed. It could also result in administration of additional unnecessary chemotherapy to patients with marker normalization but without robust radiographic response after 3 to 4 cycles of BEP. Finally, oncologists should strive to maintain standard chemotherapy doses, not substitute carboplatin for cisplatin, and refer to expert centers when expertise (e.g., RPLND) is not available locally in order to achieve optimal cure rates in advanced disease.
Best Practices in Oncology Distress Management: Beyond the Screen
Authors: Smith Sophia K. , Loscalzo Matthew , Mayer Carole , Rosenstein Donald L.
Published: June 2018

The field of psychosocial oncology is a young discipline with a rapidly expanding evidence base. Over the past few decades, several lines of research have established that psychosocial problems, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and cognitive complaints, are common and consequential in patients with cancer. The word “distress” was chosen deliberately to capture a broad concept; consequently, distress screening is meant to function as an initial step in the more targeted evaluation of the source(s) of the patient’s distress. In 2015, the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer mandated psychosocial distress screening as part of their accreditation process. Similar screening requirements are in place internationally, including in Canada, where screening for distress is endorsed as the sixth vital sign and a standard of care that must be met by any Canadian health care organization providing cancer services that seeks to be accredited. Over the past few years, cancer centers around the world have been exploring optimum ways to implement and evaluate distress screening initiatives. This paper presents three approaches to distress screening implementation: (1) a model that incorporates the importance of shared values, perceived benefits, and relevant outcomes in the implementation of distress management protocols; (2) a Canadian knowledge translation application to distress screening, including triage considerations and interventions; and (3) a novel approach to distress management via the use of a mobile application to manage post-traumatic stress symptoms. In closing, future opportunities and challenges associated with the emergence of technology will be discussed.
Breast Cancer in Latin America: A Map of the Disease in the Region
Authors: Cazap Eduardo
Published: June 2018

In the next few decades, breast cancer will become a leading global public health problem as it increases disproportionately in low- and middle-income countries. Disparities are clear when comparisons are made with rates in Europe and the United States, but they also exist between the countries of the region or even within the same country in Latin America. Large cities or urban areas have better access and resource availability than small towns or remote zones. This article presents the status of the disease across 12 years with data obtained through three studies performed in 2006, 2010, and 2013 and based on surveys, reviews of literature, patient organizations, and public databases. The first study provided a general picture of breast cancer control in the region (Latin America); the second compared expert perceptions with medical care standards; and the third was a review of literature and public databases together with surveys of breast cancer experts and patient organizations. We conclude that breast cancer is the most frequent cancer and kills more women than any other cancer; we also suggest that aging is the principal risk factor, which will drive the incidence to epidemic levels as a result of demographic transition in Latin America. The economic burden also is large and can be clearly observed: in countries that today allocate insufficient resources, women go undiagnosed or uncared for or receive treatment with suboptimal therapies, all of which results in high morbidity and the associated societal costs. The vast inequities in access to health care in countries translates into unequal results in outcomes. National cancer control plans are the fundamental building block to an organized governance, financing, and delivery of health care for breast cancer.
Supportive Care in Lung Cancer: Improving Value in the Era of Modern Therapies
Authors: Balboni Tracy A. , Hui Ka-Kit P. , Kamal Arif H.
Published: June 2018

Driven by a discipline-wide imperative to maximize patient centeredness and value, supportive care services have experienced remarkable growth and acceptance in oncology care. Two such services with a growing evidence base and examples of routine integration into usual oncology care are palliative care and integrative medicine. Both focus on the patient experience with cancer during and after cancer-directed treatments occur, from diagnosis through survivorship or end-of-life care. With a frame of increasing value for all in the oncology care ecosystem, we highlight the evidence for how these two disciplines can improve the experience of patients with cancer and their loved ones. We further highlight how additional focus in palliative care and integrative medicine can continue to build toward a shared vision of high-value, high-quality cancer care.
Supporting Caregivers of Patients With Cancer: A Summary of Technology-Mediated Interventions and Future Directions
Authors: Shin Ji Youn , Kang Tammy I. , Noll Robert B. , Choi Sung Won
Published: June 2018

This paper aims to review literature published on the support of cancer caregivers with health technology. Eighteen articles were reviewed to better understand cancer caregiving and categorized into four different themes: (1) design guidelines, (2) information facilitation, (3) social support, and (4) multicomponent interventions. Analysis of the current articles revealed that there are substantial gaps in knowledge regarding a range of health technologies that facilitate family caregiver support and its distribution to health institutions. Further research is needed in this area, as family caregivers are primary providers of essential elements of care to patients. Future studies should unpack existing barriers that interfere with the development of health technology interventions in cancer care.
Immunotherapy in Older Adults With Advanced Cancers: Implications for Clinical Decision-Making and Future Research
Authors: Kanesvaran Ravindran , Cordoba Raul , Maggiore Ronald
Published: June 2018

Immunotherapy has expanded the therapeutic landscape for advanced cancers, including solid tumors and lymphomas. For many patients with cancer, these agents have been shown to have substantial efficacy and favorable toxicity compared with cytotoxic agents, particularly in the second-line setting. With the advent of anti–PD-1 and anti–PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors, combination immunotherapy- and chemoimmunotherapy-based strategies have emerged as promising novel regimens to improve cancer-related outcomes. Older adults age 65 or older represent the growing majority of patients diagnosed with cancer. However, older adults are under-represented in clinical trials in general, as well as in the landmark studies that led to approval of these immunotherapy agents. Because of increasing age and attendant multimorbidity and impaired functional status, many of these patients seen in the community-based oncology practices would not have been considered eligible for such studies. Thus, the results of these studies are difficult to generalize to a broader patient population with these competing risks. Furthermore, robust evaluation of toxicities, effect on quality of life and functional status, and aging-related (i.e., immunosenescence) and immunotherapy-related changes affecting the immune system remain underexplored research areas for older adults. This review examines the role of immunotherapy and its unique issues, specifically in older adults with lung cancer, bladder cancer, and lymphomas.
Practical Methods for Integrating Genetic Testing Into Clinical Practice for Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cheng Heather , Powers Jacquelyn , Schaffer Kerry , Sartor Oliver
Published: June 2018

Recent advances clearly demonstrate the potential clinical relevance of germline genetic testing and somatic genomic profiling in identifying possible therapeutic and/or clinical trial options, particularly in advanced prostate cancer. In addition, if a germline genetic mutation/pathogenic variant is identified, there may be important family implications and possible life-saving changes to healthcare management. However, there is substantial debate and uncertainty about how best to offer genetic testing services, which tests to use, which patients to test, what sequence of testing, what timing, by whom, and with what kind of follow-up. To help address this new area of potential benefit and confusion, we provide a practical overview of recent advances, discuss options and considerations for both germline and somatic testing, and offer practical advice on what providers should understand before referring and/or ordering testing, key discussion points for patients and families, and available genetics resources.
Practical Considerations for Antibodies in Myeloma
Authors: Laubach Jacob P. , van de Donk Niels , Davies Faith E. , Mikhael Joseph
Published: June 2018

The development of the monoclonal antibodies daratumumab and elotuzumab has expanded treatment options for multiple myeloma and led to great improvement in patient outcomes. These agents have favorable safety profiles and synergize effectively with established agents used in the management of myeloma, namely immunomodulatory drugs and proteasome inhibitors. This article reviews the rationale for use of monoclonal antibodies in myeloma, current approved indications for daratumumab and elotuzumab, the manner in which these agents are used in the overall management of myeloma, and specific challenges associated with their use in the clinic. It also highlights other, emerging drug combinations that incorporate daratumumab or elotuzumab and profiles new therapeutic antibodies currently under development.
Recent Advances in Lynch Syndrome: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Cancer Prevention
Authors: Yurgelun Matthew B. , Hampel Heather
Published: June 2018

Identification of individuals with inherited predispositions to cancer, including Lynch syndrome, can help prevent cancer and cancer-related death by allowing for the uptake of specific cancer prevention and screening as well as the use of therapies directed toward the underlying neoplastic process for individuals with advanced cancer. In the 25 years since the discovery of microsatellite instability (MSI) and the first recognition of germline mismatch repair (MMR) gene variants as the etiologic basis of Lynch syndrome, there has been tremendous progress in the understanding of the spectrum of cancer risk associated with Lynch syndrome as well as in cancer prevention and risk-reduction strategies. The past few years, in particular, have brought transformative changes in the treatment of Lynch syndrome–associated cancers with immune checkpoint inhibitors. In parallel, advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies now allow rapid and scalable somatic and germline sequencing that promises to help identify Lynch syndrome in individuals who otherwise lack classic phenotypes. Last, real progress is being made to understand more sophisticated methods of precision cancer prevention, including chemotherapeutic prevention agents (e.g., aspirin) and strategies that leverage the immune system to facilitate primary cancer prevention in otherwise-healthy Lynch syndrome carriers.
Global Breast Cancer Research: Moving Forward
Authors: Barrios Carlos H. , Reinert Tomás , Werutsky Gustavo
Published: June 2018

Breast cancer is a major global health problem and major cause of mortality. Although mortality trends are declining in high-income countries, trends are increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Addressing global breast cancer research is a challenging endeavor, as notable disparities and extremely heterogeneous realities exist in different regions across the world. Basic global cancer health care needs have been addressed by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) proposed list of essential medicines and by resource-stratified guidelines for screening and treatment. However, specific strategies are needed to address disparities in access to health care, particularly access to new therapies. Discussions about global research in breast cancer should take into account the ongoing globalization of clinical trials. Collaboration fostered by well-established research organizations in North America and Europe is essential for the development of infrastructure and human resources in LMICs so that researchers in these countries can begin to address regional questions. Specific challenges that impact the future of global breast cancer research include increasing the availability of trials in LMICs, developing strategies to increase patient participation in clinical trials, and creation of clear guidelines for the development of real-world evidence-based research. The main objective of this review is to encourage the discussion of challenges in global breast cancer research with the hope that collectively we will be able to generate workable proposals to advance the field.
Care After Chemotherapy: Peripheral Neuropathy, Cannabis for Symptom Control, and Mindfulness
Authors: Teoh Deanna , Smith Thomas J. , Song Mihae , Spirtos Nick M.
Published: June 2018

As cancer therapies improve, patients are living longer. With these improvements in therapy comes a responsibility to optimize patients’ quality of life during cancer therapy and beyond. This report reviews three timely and important topics. The first section reviews the mechanism underlying chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and evaluates the evidence for interventions to prevent and treat peripheral neuropathy. It also provides a framework for approaching the diagnosis and management of this common and bothersome side effect. The second section addresses the controversial but effective use of cannabinoids for cancer and chemotherapy symptoms. Although clinical trials are difficult to conduct because of the political and social stigma of this class of drugs, this review provides evidence of the efficacy of cannabinoids for treatment of pain and nausea. The last section addresses the mind-body connection, with a focus on the negative emotions patients with cancer often experience. This section assesses the literature regarding mindfulness-based programs to improve cancer-related stress. These three topics may appear unrelated, but all address one common goal: treating the body and the mind to optimize quality of life during and after cancer therapy.
In locusanalysis of patterning evolution in the BMPR2 Wishful thinking
Authors: Marmion Robert A. , Yakoby Nir
Published: June 2018

Proper tissue patterning is an essential step during organ formation. During this process, genes are expressed in distinct patterns, defining boundaries for future functional domains. The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway sets the anterior domain during eggshell patterning. Previously, the Drosophila melanogaster BMPR2, Wishful thinking (WIT), was shown to be required for BMP signaling and patterning during eggshell formation. Expressed in a conserved anterior pattern, the width of wit patterning in the follicular epithelium is evolutionally divergent between Drosophila species. We used genome editing to demonstrate how the gene pattern divergence is controlled in cis within the wit locus of D. virilis. Furthermore, unlike direct targets of BMP signaling, we demonstrate how one transcription factor binding site shapes the pattern of WIT in D. melanogaster by negative regulation. However, changes in this site are not sufficient to explain the evolution of wit patterning, suggesting that a yet undiscovered positive regulatory element controls pattern divergence.
How the simple shape and soft body of the larvae might explain the success of endopterygote insects
Authors: Maddrell S. H. P.
Published: June 2018

The body forms of the larvae of most endopterygote insects are remarkably similar. I argue that their typical worm-like shape cuts costs; in particular, this allows the larvae to benefit from cheaper moulting and from less costly provision of fuel and oxygen to their respiring tissues. Furthermore, the shape confers a reduction of larval mortality in moulting. Together, these factors allow endopterygote larvae to grow fast and as this speedy growth reduces the dangers of predation, attack by parasitoids and disease before the larvae can reach adulthood, they increase offspring survival. I argue that this goes a long way to explain the very pronounced success of endopterygote insects.
PRELIMINARY SEDIMENTOLOGICAL RESULTS INDICATE A NEW DETAILED STRATIGRAPHY FOR THE FLORINA SEDIMENTARY BASIN AND RELATE THEM WITH C02 PRESENCE
Authors: Karakatsanis S. , Koukouzas N. , Pagonas M. , Zelilidis A.
Published: June 2018

Drill core analysis showed 41 sedimentary cycles in the sedimentary association of the Neogene to Quaternary Fiorina Basin, with a total thickness up to 560m. The lower part is the Base formation with an up to 297m thick, whereas middle part, Vevi formation is up to 127m thick and the upper part which corresponds to Lophon formation is up to 124m thick. The beginning of sedimentation in the basin, with alternated sand, clay and conglomeratic beds, with presence of xylite, at the lowermost part of Base formation, indicates a weak tectonic activity and low sedimentation rate. Tectonic activity increased and alluvial fans were formed in the rest part of Base formation. The 21 cycles within alluvial fans could be related mostly with 21 episodes of tectonic activity and sedimentation and less with climatic changes or autocyclic events. Depositional environment changed in the Vevi formation from terrestrial to lacustrine, where lacustrine and fluvio-lacustrine deposits were accumulated. Finally, the basin filled up with terrestrial deposits in the Lophon formation. So, the ratio of subsidence rate/sedimentation rate starts with <1, in Base formation, becomes =1 in the case of Vevi's formation and finally becomes again <1 in Lophon formation. Fluvial and alluvial fan environments can be used as CO2 storage sites, whereas the internal change of stratigraphy in the same environment of sedimentation does not allow the escape of CO2.
THE LATE EARLY CRETACEOUS TRANSGRESSION ON THE LATERITES IN VOURINOS AND VERMION MASSIFS (WESTERN MACEDONIA, GREECE)
Authors: Photiades A. , Carras N. , Bortolotti V. , Fazzuoli M. , Principi G.
Published: June 2018

Three stratigraphical sections from eastern Vourinos (Rhodiani area) to eastern Vermion massifs revealed the same age of the latérite events affecting the serpentinized ophiolite complex after its emplacement on the Pelagonian domain. All of them consist from their base upwards of serpentinized harzburgite slivers with lateritic unconformities on the top, followed by transgressive upper Lower Cretaceous neritic limestones. At Kteni locality (Rhodiani area), a laterite horizon, lying on top of serpentinites, is covered by transgressive neritic limestones with Salpingoporella urladanasi, assigning a Barremian - Albian age, followed by Orbitolinidae limestones. At Tsimodia locality (NNW to the previous), the latente horizon, lying on karstified Upper Jurassic reef limestones (which are the top member of a carbonate platform body tectonically lying on the ophiolites), is trans gres s ively overlain by iron-rich pisolith levels and Aptian limestones of the wackes tone-muds tone type, also containing Salpingoporella urladanasi, followed by Cenomanian Orbitolina limestones. Finally, the third examined locality, further north-eastward to the previous, is situated at the eastern slopes of Vermion massif and more precisely at the NWpart of Koumaria village. There, it can again be observed that the lateritized serpentinite slivers are overlain transgress ively by neritic limestones with Salpingoporella urladanasi, passing upwards into Upper Cretaceous recrystallized limestones with Orbitolinidae and rudist fragments and, finally, toflysch deposition. These features allow to recognize that the emersion and the consecutive lateritization of the thrust-emplaced ophiolites in Vourinos and Vermion massifs in the northern Pelagonian domain, starting from the Latest Jurassic, was followed by a marine transgression beginning from the Barremian - Albian, firstly under restricted and brackish carbonate platform conditions, marked by the presence of the dasycladalean alga Salpingoporella urladanasi, followed by normal salinity carbonate platform conditions. The neritic sedimentation was stable until the Early Cenomanian. Subsequently, a deepening, earlier at Vourinos and later at Vermion, resulted in deposition of pelagic and turbiditic carbonates and then offlysch.
GREEK COASTAL MIRES: A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE AGOULINITSA PEATLAND, WESTERN PELOPONNESE
Authors: Sofikitis E. , Siavalas G. , Chatziapostolou A. , Kalaitzidis S. , Christanis K.
Published: June 2018

The Agoulinitsa peatland formed on the western shore of the homonymous lake, which was drained in 1969 because of the emerging demand for agricultural land. This study is a preliminary attempt to determine the conditions that prevailed during peat formation. Shallow cores were obtained from the peatland and initial physical, chemical and mineralogical analyses were carried out. High ash yield and pH values indicate that peat accumulated under alkaline conditions with periods of high clastic material influx, while high electric conductivity values indicate increased influx of dissolved solids into the mire. The mineral matter consists mainly of clay minerals, quartz, calcite, halite, sylvite and pyrite. The distribution of these minerals with depth indicates that fresh-water conditions prevailed for a long period during peat accumulation at the central part of the peatland, whereas the sea-water influence was more intense to the south establishing slightly brackish conditions. All data suggest that the Agoulinitsa peatland was developed as a back-barrier mire formed at the southwestern part of the Agoulinitsa Lake, and hence it can be considered as a modern analogue of the Neogene lignite deposits occurring along the west coast of Péloponnèse
A LATE PLEISTOCENE ENDEMIC GENET (CARNIVORA, VIVERRIDAE) FROM AGHIA NAPA, CYPRUS
Authors: Theodorou G. E. , Roussiakìs S. I. , Athanassiou A. , Giaourtsakis I. , Panayides I.
Published: June 2018

The Pleistocene endemic fauna of Cyprus consists mainly of dwarf hippos and elephants, adapted to the insular environment. Among the rare elements of this endemic fauna is a small carnivore, the viverrid Genetta plesictoides, poorly known from scanty material that comes from two localities. Recent excavations in a rockshelter site at the area of Aghia Napa yielded —apart from a rich hippo sample—new skeletal remains (a partial skull and a tibia) of the cypriot genet. The dental morphology shows adaptations towards a more carnivorous diet in relation to the extant Genetta genetta.
THE BASEMENT FAULTS SYSTEM IN THE NORTHWESTERN ARABIAN PLATE, JORDAN
Authors: Al-Zoubi A. S.
Published: June 2018

Gravity and magnetic data are powerful tools utilized to detect the faults (lineaments). In Jordan, still the detailed analyses and reprocessing based on images, would effectively generate shaded relief of second derivative of potential filed, as the contour gravity and magnetic maps itself yield additional faults location. Accordingly new basements faults map focuses on faults crisscrossing Jordan that scrutinize the structural condition of Jordan indicating that the faults belong to distinct groups with different directions. However, these groups are representing a system of an "Orthogonal and Diagonal" network deem to be part of the pragmatic fracture system of the earth. It has been observed that the striking characteristics of these faults expressed by their (1) faults extension relatively extended for long distances and (2) intersection of these systems with each other possibly will help in defining their relative ages. Comparing the results of the current study with those of previous investigations provide an evidence to deem that these known faults in Jordan as supported by the geological or geophysical studies coincide in their positions with faults of linear characteristics as the new interpretation of the potential field maps indicates. However, a single system of this network shows a group of identical characteristics, as each system was formed at the same period of time, yet these different fault systems are concordant with the different phases of the tectonic activities of the region.
THE CORINI ACTIVE FAULT IN SOUTHWESTERN VIOTIA REGION, CENTRAL GREECE: SEGMENTATION, STRESS ANALYSIS AND EXTENSIONAL STRAIN PATTERNS
Authors: Ganas A. , Spina V. , Alexandropoulou N. , Oikonomou A. , Drakatos G.
Published: June 2018

The Corini normal fault is an active structure of Quaternary age in Southwestern Viotia. This is a region of low finite strain, located between the Quaternary rifts of the Gulf of Corinth and the Gulf of Evia. The fault is segmented into several segments with an average strike of N58°E and dip direction to the SE. The architecture of the fault zone is characterized by a 15 cm thick gouge rock, observed along the fault plane on the footwall side. At several localities along strike we observed a well-defined basal strip of un-eroded fault plane that represents the width (uplift) of the last co-seismic slip. The width of the strip ranges 20-30 cm. Slip inversion data show a mean orientation ofsigmaS (leastprincipal stress) as Ν328Έ which implies similar kinematics with the active faults of the south coast of the Gulf of Corinth.
LATE-AND POST-ALPINE TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE ATHOS PENINSULA, NORTHERN GREECE
Authors: Georgiadis G. Α. , Tranos M. D. , Mountrakis D. M.
Published: June 2018

The boundary between Internal Hellenides and the Hellenic hinterland is exposed in the southern part of the Athos peninsula as a NE-SW trending contact between the Serbomacedonian massif and the Circum-Rhodope Belt. The main tectonic features and deformation of the area during late- and post-alpine times have been investigated in order to understand better the late orogenic processes that led to the present arrangement of this boundary. The field study showed that the prevailing structures in the southern Athos peninsula are an asymmetric, SW-plunging, NWverging mega-scale antiform and a NE-SW striking left-lateral shear zone. These structures are the result of a transpressional deformation that initiated at least since the Eocene under ductile, syn-metamorphic (low-greenschist fades) conditions and progressively changed during the Oligocene-Early Miocene to brittle conditions with E-W striking reverse faults-thrusts and NNW-SSE striking right-lateral and NESW striking left-lateral strike-slip faults. This deformation waned in Middle Miocene changing to transtension with E- W striking, left-lateral strike-slip and NW-SE rightlateral oblique to normal faults. Since the Late Miocene an extensional regime dominates the area with the least principal stress axis (σ3) orientated NE-SW during Late Miocene - Pliocene andN-Sfrom Early Pleistocene -present
NEOGENE TECTONIC ROTATIONS IN THE VICINITY OF THE NORTH AEGEAN TROUGH: NEW PALAEOMAGNETIC EVIDENCE FROM ATHOS AND SAMOTHRAKI (GREECE)
Authors: Kondopoulou D. , Zananiri I. , Michard A. , Feinberg H. , Atzemoglou A. , Pozzi J.-P , Voidomatis Ph.
Published: June 2018

The present study focuses on two post-orogenic plutons, the Athos (Grigoriou) and Samothraki granites, as well as the Samothraki volcanics, located in the vicinity of the North Aegean Trough. A detailed palaeomagnetic study was carried out, with the aim of constraining the age and mechanism of tectonic rotations. In addition, anisotropy of low field magnetic susceptibility (AMS) was studied and isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) and thermomagnetic analyses were performed. Finally, a radiometric age for the Athos granite was obtained (43.3 ± 1.0 Ma K/Ar biotite). The measured declinations indicate clockwise rotations of the Athos (16.6°) and Samothraki (36.3°) blocks. The age of rotation is constrained to be <18 Ma at Samothraki, whereas the much smaller rotation of the Athos block can only be dated as younger than Eocene. Comparing the new palaeomagnetic data to the published dataset for Northern Greece, we suggest that the palaeomagnetically determined rotations in the vicinity of the North Aegean Trough are dominantly of post-Early Miocene age, and are controlled by major strike-slip faults and distributed "small" or minor faults.
REVIEW AND NEW DATA ON UPLIFT RATES AT THE W TERMINATION OF THE CORINTH RIFT AND THE NE RION GRABEN AREA (ACHAIA, NW PELOPONNESOS)
Authors: Palyvos N. , Sorel D. , Lemeille F. , Mancini M. , Pantosti D. , Julia R. , Triantaphyllou M. , De Martini P. M.
Published: June 2018

We review and present new geochronological data on the uplifted Middle-Late Pleistocene marine deposits at the western termination of the Corinth Rift and the Rion area. Geomorphological and geological observations define the general morphotectonic context of these deposits, which predicts a pattern of differential uplift. Uplift rate estimates based on previous geochronological data (ranging from 0.4 to 6 mm/yr) are discussed in the proposed morphotectonic context of differential uplift, together with estimates from new geochronological data. Based on the data available for post-MISl 1 marine deposits, we conclude that time-averaged uplift rates in the last 300-200 lea have been higher than ca. 1.8 mm/yr at the areas of faster uplift (e.g. Profus Elias, Ano Kastritsi). To define just how higher than 1.8 mm/yr they have been, and to cross-check the validity of very high uplift rate estimates (> 4 mm/yr) existing in the bibliography, more datings than those available are required.
GEOLOGICAL, GEOMORPHOLOGICAL AND TECTONIC STRUCTURE OF NE ATTICA AND SEISMIC HAZARD IMPLICATIONS FOR THE NORTHERN EDGE OF THE ATHENS PLAIN
Authors: Papanikolaou D. , Papanikolaou I.
Published: June 2018

A synthesis of geology, geomorphology and tectonics has been compiled regarding the NE part of Attica. This synthesis helps us clarify how old and new structures interrelate and interact to provide the present day setting. Geological, geomorphological maps, and cross-sections are provided to help us depict and extract data. The region of NE Attica forms a tilted tectonic block bounded by the Afidnai fault to the south and the Oropos fault to the north that rotates to the S-SW. This tilt produces southern trending flow directions draining the footwall within the block. Drainage basins are highly asymmetric due to the presence of active normal faults producing a combination of fault parallel and fault perpendicular flow directions. This block is also divided by a NNE-SSW detachment fault that separates the metamorphic units to the east from the unmetamorphic units to the west. It was active in Late Miocene-Early Pliocene and produced several hundred meters of debris-flow deposits. This detachment influences the geometry, style and intensity of deformation, but also the seismicity pattern. In particular, this detachment coincides with the line separating zone I (lowest category of seismic risk) from zone II of the national seismic building code. Finally, the Athens plain is bounded northwards by the active, but low slip-rate E-W trending, 14 km long, Afidnai fault.
IDENTIFYING FAULT ACTIVITY IN THE CENTRAL EVOIKOS GULF (GREECE)
Authors: Rondoyanni Th. , Galanakis D. , Georgiou Ch. , Baskoutas I.
Published: June 2018

Geological mapping on a 1:5.000 scale and a tectonic analysis in the wider Chalkida region of the Island of Evia and the adjacent Drossia area of Central Greece, have allowed the identification of a number of active and potentially active normal faults. These faults have been formed or reactivated during the Late Quaternary, since they affect Pleistocene brackish and terrestrial deposits. Some of the faults affect the contact of the limestone bedrock with the Quaternary formations, presenting characteristic polished surfaces. The faults, in places covered by the alluvial deposits of the Chalkida plain, are also detected by geophysical research. Among the identified faults, the most important are considered the Aghios Minas- Chalkida, the Avlida and the Lefkadi active faults. The first one extends from Drossia to the Chalkida area, crossing the sea straights, and has an ENE-WSW direction and a south dip. The other two, are parallel antithetic faults oriented WNW-ESE, and bound the South Evoikos Gulf on the Greek mainland and the Evia Island respectively. The mapping and evaluation of active faults in this region of moderate seismicity, with low topographic relief and consequent absence of morphotectonic features, is especially important from a seismic hazard point of view.
TECTONO-SEDIMENTARY EVOLUTION AND RATES OF TECTONIC UPLIFT OF THE SFAKIA COASTAL ZONE, SOUTHWESTERN CRETE
Authors: Skourtsos E. , Pope R. , Triantaphyllou M. V.
Published: June 2018

Sfakia lies within a narrow coastal zone at the southwestern foothills of the Lefka Ori Mt. Here a segment of the South Cretan margin is preserved onshore, a structure that represents a neotectonic structure with continuous activity since the Upper Miocene. This segment is characterized by a steep, E-W striking and south facing morphological escarpment that constitutes numerous E-W and ESE-WNW striking normal faults. Since the Late Miocene, marine sequences of Tortonian, Early Pliocene and Lower Pleistocene age were deposited along the coastal zone. Since the Middle Pleistocene multiple, coalescent alluvial fans covered both the alpine basement and the marine sediments. Fault-kinematic- and stratigraphie data combined with recently published palaeobathymetry reconstructions allow us to make relable estimates of both the uplift rates of fault blocks in the study area and the period that the faults that demarcate them were active. The results show that the study area is experiencing uplift already since the Middle Pliocene and that the uplift rates of the mountainous parts are higher than those of the coastal zone. The general uplift of the coastal zone seems to be controlled by offshore normal faults, south of Sfakia
MORPHOTECTONICS OF THE PSATHOPYRGOS ACTIVE FAULT, WESTERN CORINTH RIFT, CENTRAL GREECE
Authors: Tsimi Ch. , Ganas A. , Soulakellis N. , Kairis O. , Valmis S.
Published: June 2018

The study area is located on the western part of the Gulf of Corinth which is considered as a paradigm of an active rift system in Greece. This rift was formed by normal slip on big faults which extend the crust of the Earth in the N-S direction. The morphotectonic indices (hypsometric curve, hypsometric integral, drainage basin asymmetry, ratio of valley floor width to valley height) have been estimated using the 20-m digital elevation model of this area and the ARC software. The normal faults of the study area have been extracted by use of a DEM mosaic of 20-m pixel size, satellite images from Landsat 7 ETM+ and SRTM 90m. Our results highlight the recent activity of the Psathopyrgos normal fault on the basis of a series of morphotectonic evidence and suggest the existence of a single fault segment for a distance of 16 km.
Shedding light on an East-Mediterranean mesophotic sponge ground community and the regional sponge fauna
Authors: IDAN TAL , SHEFER SIGAL , FELDSTEIN TAMAR , YAHEL RUTH , HUCHON DOROTHEE , ILAN MICHA
Published: June 2018

Sponges are a diverse and abundant phylum, globally inhabiting many hard-bottom habitats. However, data on the East-Mediterranean sponge communities are scarce, outdated, and limited to the shallow waters. This study sought to expand the knowledge of the poriferan fauna along the Mediterranean shore of Israel. A newly-discovered mesophotic sponge ground at ~100 m depth was studied using a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV), in addition to shallow-water surveys conducted by scuba diving. In the mesophotic ecosystem, sponges, serving as environmental engineers, create complex 3D structures that attract invertebrates and fish. The results of the quantitative survey of this mesophotic sponge ground reveal that it maintains a rich and diverse community with an estimated 63 species, and a high sponge percent coverage (~35%). Several of the mesophotic species are documented for the first time from the Levant basin, while others might be novel species. Here we identified over 100 sponge species along the Mediterranean coast of Israel, 33 of which were sampled from the mesophotic sponge ground. The updated sponge list supports the hypothesis that the Levantine sponge diversity is not as species-poor, compared to other parts of the Mediterranean Sea, as has previously been considered. In addition, shallow and mesophotic sponge community compositions were found to only partially overlap.  Moreover, the latter harbors some species that have disappeared from the shallow habitats, and only a few species thrive along the entire depth range. We suggest that mesophotic sponge grounds may serve as refugia for species stressed by the rising temperatures in shallow waters and should be protected from anthropogenic influences such as oil and gas drilling.
By-catch in the commercial beam trawl fishery for Rapa Whelk in the Black Sea
Authors: ERYASAR AHMET RAIF , CEYLAN YUSUF , DALGIC GOKTUG , YESILCICEK TUNCAY
Published: June 2018

In this work, the by-catch was investigated in commercial beam trawls used in the rapa whelk (Rapana venosa) fishery, in trials at sea between September 1, 2015 and April 30, 2016. Four commercial boats using beam trawls were chartered and catch data was collected from a total of 87 hauls. Hauls were performed between 7.1–28.3 meters deep for a duration of 20–77 minutes and haul speed varied between 1.4 – 2.7 knots. A total of 28 by-catch species were identified, which amount in average to 11.4% of the total number of specimens in the by-catch. Two different groups were identified in the by-catch (G1: 7-18 m, G2: 19-26 m) according to depth. Although there is a reduction in the amount of by-catch for G2 group, no significant difference was found between groups (p>0.05). According to Generalized Additive Models (GAM) results, the variables affecting the by-catch amount were identified as fishing area, depth, haul duration, and amount of captured rapa whelk (p<0.01). In addition, a large proportion of immature individuals of striped venus clams (Chamelea gallina), blood cockles (Anadara kagoshimensis), Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and wedge clams (Donax trunculus) were caught as by-catch during the study. Finally, the impact of commercial beam trawls on the demersal macrofauna is discussed.