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The author’s aim in this review article is to highlight a few points that he finds intriguing, especially with regard to the classification of the texts and the question of genre, in the second volume of New Testament Apocrypha: More Noncanonical Scriptures, edited by Tony Burke and published by Eerdmans in 2020. He also reflects on what the process of rereading and reframing the narratives present in these texts entails. Choosing which texts to translate and which ones to read and analyse is a process that needs to be evaluated for various reasons. In conclusion, the author mentions a few areas of research that the volume pushes scholars to examine further.

Background: Randomized controlled trials have been unable to demonstrate noninferiority of minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to assess oncologic resection success, short- and long-term morbidity, and overall survival by operative approach in a homogenous early-stage rectal cancer cohort. Methods: This is a multicenter, propensity score-weighted cohort study utilizing deidentified data from the National Cancer Database. Individuals who underwent a formal proctectomy for early-stage rectal cancer (T1-2, N0, M0) from 2010 to 2015 were included. The primary outcome was a composite variable indicating successful oncologic resection stratified by operative approach, defined as negative margins with at least 12 lymph nodes evaluated. Results: Among 3649 proctectomies for rectal adenocarcinoma, 1660 (45%) were approached open, 1461 (40%) laparoscopically, and 528 (15%) robotically. After propensity score weighting, compared to open approach, there were no differences in odds of successful oncologic resection (ORadj= 1.07, 95% CI 0.9, 1.28 and ORadj= 1.28, 95% CI 0.97, 1.7). Open approach was associated with longer mean (± SD) length of stay compared to laparoscopic (7.7 ± 0.18 vs. 6.5 ± 0.25 days, p< 0.001) and robotic (7.7 ± 0.18 vs. 6.3 ± 0.35 days, p< 0.001) approaches. In regard to 90-day mortality, compared to open approach, laparoscopic (ORadj= 0.56, 95% CI 0.36, 0.88) and robotic (ORadj= 0.45, 95% CI 0.22, 0.94) approaches were associated with a reduced odd of 90-day mortality. This mortality benefit persists in the long-term for laparoscopic approach (p= 0.003). Conclusion: For individuals with early-stage rectal cancer treated with proctectomy, successful oncologic resection can be achieved irrespective of technical approach. Minimally invasive approaches provide short-term reduction in morbidity. Surgical approach must be tailored to each patient based on surgeon experience and judgement in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team.

Introduction: Recent data suggest patients with early-onset rectal cancer (EORC) receive neoadjuvant radiation above recommended doses without oncologic benefit. The use of excessive radiation may lead to worse outcomes and patient harm. We sought to evaluate predictors of aggressive neoadjuvant radiation (A-XRT) use in EORC patients and compare this to late-onset rectal cancer (LORC) patients. Methods: The National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2014 was queried for rectal adenocarcinoma patients undergoing surgical resection. Patients with stage 0 or IV disease, positive margins, and incomplete data were excluded. Standard neoadjuvant radiation (S-XRT) was based upon NCCN guidelines: 25–50.4 Gray for stage II/III patients and none for stage I. Excess radiation was considered A-XRT. Patients diagnosed at age < 50 years were labeled EORC; those ≥ 50 years were LORC. Categorical data were analyzed with chi-square test. Logistic regression was used to analyze clinicodemographic associations with A-XRT. Results: 45,403 patients were included: 7999 (17.6%) EORC and 37,404 (82.4%) LORC. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that A-XRT use among stage I patient was associated with male gender, age under 50, urban location, mucinous histology, and poor tumor differentiation. Among stage II and III patients, A-XRT use was associated with male gender, age under 50, higher education and income, and urban location. Cox hazards did not demonstrate a significant association of A-XRT use with survival. Conclusion: Our data reaffirm that EORC patients more frequently receive A-XRT and that use is based on demographic features independent of tumor characteristics. Reasons for A-XRT, particularly in EORC patients, should be clarified to promote adherence to guidelines and minimize patient harm.

Differentiating Crohn’s disease from ulcerative colitis may be a diagnostic challenge for clinicians due to overlapping features. However, the correct diagnosis may guide treatment options and considerations regarding surgery. This chapter reviews the common components of diagnostic evaluation of IBD. Additionally, this chapter provides a basis of understanding for the more complex aspects of the disease to be discussed in subsequent chapters.

The aim of this article is to show the advantage of submitting one biblical text to a variety of methodological approaches that will allow a reader to have a fuller understanding of the text. This article proposes to read a particular Pauline text (1 Corinthians 5:1–5) by using different methodological approaches that have been adopted and developed in biblical studies (the historical-critical approach, the “social-scientific” approach, the feminist and postcolonial studies approaches) to illustrate the benefit of using a multiplicity of exegetical tools in the hermeneutical tasks, instead of adopting just one.

Side effects of lifetime immunosuppression for cell transplants often outweigh the benefits; therefore, induction of transplant tolerance is needed. We have shown that cotransplantation with myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) effectively protect islet allografts from rejection without requirement of immunosuppression. This study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

The liver is an immunologic privileged organ; liver allografts are accepted across major histocompatibility complex barriers in many species. However, hepatocyte transplants are acutely rejected, suggesting a role for liver nonparenchymal cells in regulating the immunoresponse. We have shown potent immunoregulatory activity of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in mice. The aim of this study was to examine the immunoregulatory activity of human HSCs.

James W. Aageson, Paul, the Pastoral Epistles, and the Early Church, reviewed by Joan C. CampbellJames K. Bruckner, Exodus, reviewed by Shawn W. FlynnWalter Brueggemann, The Word that Redescribes the World: The Bible and Discipleship, reviewed by Hee Suk KimRhonda Burnette-Bletsch, Studying the Old Testament: A Companion, reviewed by Carmen PalmerCalum Carmichael, Illuminating Leviticus: A Study of Its Laws and Institutions in the Light of Biblical Narratives, reviewed by Wesley HuCarl S. Ehrlich and Marsha C. White, eds., Saul in Story and Tradition., reviewed by Gord OesteJeffrey P. Greenman et al., eds., The Sermon on the Mount through the Centuries: From the Early Church to John Paul II, reviewed by David Charles RobinsonRichard S. Hess, Israelite Religions: An Archaeological and Biblical Survey, reviewed by Mark W. HamiltonEdith M. Humphrey, And I Turned to See the Voice: The Rhetoric of Vision in the New Testament, reviewed by Ryan S. SchellenbergLloyd Kim, Polemic in the Book a/Hebrews: Anti-Judaism, Anti-Semitism, Supersessionism?, reviewed by Terence L. DonaldsonGary N. Knoppers and Bernard M. Levinson, eds., The Pentateuch as Torah: New Models for Understanding Its Promulgation and Acceptance, reviewed by Andrew B. PerrinPeter J: Leithart, Solomon among ihe Postmoderns, reviewed by Michael CarasikMatthew Levering, Ezra and Nehemiah, reviewed by Michael W. DugganAndrew T. Lincoln and Angus Paddison, eds., Christology and Scripture: Interdisciplinary Perspectives, reviewed by James R.A. MerrickWilliam Loader, Enoch, Levi, and Jubilees on Sexuality; Attitudes towards Sexuality in the Early Enoch Literature, the Aramaic Levi Document, and the Book of Jubilees, reviewed by Dorothy M. PetersFrank J. Matera, New Testament Theology: ExploringDiversity and Unity, reviewed by Duncan ReidJerome H. Neyrey, Give God the Glory: Ancient Prayer and Worship in Cultural Perspective., reviewed by Zeba A. CrookT.A. Perry, The Honeymoon Is Over: Jonah s Argument with God., reviewed by Donald PolaskiC. Kavin Rowe, Early Narrative Christology: The Lord in the Gospel of Luke, reviewed by Allison A. TritesShmuel Safrai, Zeev Safrai, Joshua Schwartz, Peter J. Tomson, eds., The Literature of the Sages. Second Part: Midrash and Targum, Liturgy, Poetry, Mysticism, Contracts, Inscriptions, Ancient Science and the Languages of Rabbinic Literature, reviewed by Gerbem S. OegemaKimberly B.Stratton, Naming the Witch: Magic, Ideology, and Stereotype in the Ancient World, reviewed by Ian H. HendersonJohn L. Thompson, Reading the Bible with the Dead: What You Can Learn from the History of Exegesis That You Can't Learn from Exegesis Alone, reviewed by Stephen G. DempsterDavid Toshio Tsumura, The First Book of Samuel, reviewed by Marie-France DionGraham H. Twelftree, In the Name of Jesus: Exorcism among Early Christians, reviewed by Ronald CharlesGerald H.Wilson, Job, reviewed by Stephen DempsterJohn D. Witvliet, The Biblical Psalms in Christian Worship: A Brief Introduction and Guide to Resources., reviewed by W. Derek SudermanBurkard M. Zapff, Jesaja 56—66, reviewed by Francis LandyAlvyn Austin, China's Millions: The China Inland Mission and Late Qing Society, 1832—1905, reviewed by A. Hamish IonMichael Brown, Charles I. McGrath and Thomas Power, eds, Converts and Conversion in Ireland, 1650—1850, reviewed by Paul FriesenMark Humphries, Early Christianity, reviewed by Junghoo KwonMarshall D. Johnson, The Evolution of Christianity: Twelve Crises That Shaped the Church., reviewed by Stuart MacdonaldPeter Matheson, ed., Reformation Christianity, reviewed by Stuart MacdonaldGlenn T. Miller, Piety and Profession: American Protestant ThealoRical Education 1870—1970, reviewed by M. Jean StairsDavid M. Scholer, ed., Social Distinctives of the Christians in the First Century: Pivotal Essays by E.A. Judge, reviewed by Allison TritesDuane R. Bidwell and Joretta J. Marshall, eds., The Formation of Pastoral Counselors: Challenges and Opportunities, reviewed by Joseph G. SchnerMichael L. Brown, What Do Jewish People Think about Jesus? And Other Questions Christians Ask about Jewish Beliefs, Practices, and History, reviewed by Darren J. DiasMatthew A. Elliott, Faithful Feelings: Rethinking Emotion in the New Testament, reviewed by James BroadheadEdward Farley, Practicing Gospel: Unconventional Thoughts on the Church's Ministry, reviewed by 3Jeffrey Gros and Daniel S. Mulhall, eds., The Ecumenical Christian Dialogues and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, reviewed by Michael A FaheyWalter C. Kaiser, Jr., The Majesty of God in the Old Testament: A Guide for Preaching and Teaching, reviewed by Richard MiddletonPaul Lakeland, Catholicism at the Crossroads: How the Laity Can Save the Church, reviewed by Michael A. Fahey, S.J.Kenneth P. Mottram, Caring for Those in Crisis: Facing Ethical Dilemmas with Patients and Families, reviewed by Kathleen O'NeillNeil Pembroke, Moving toward Spiritual Maturity: Psychological, Contemplative, and Moral Challenges in Christian Living, reviewed by Joseph SchnerJackie Sullivan, Pastoral Care with Young and Midlife Adults in Long-Term Care, reviewed by Bill James-AbraLogos Bible Software 3—Scholar's Library, reviewed by B.H.McLeanArun Bala, The Dialogue of Civilizations in the Birth of Modern Science, reviewed by Abrahim H. KhanBrian Arthur Brown, Noah's Other Son: Bridging the Gap between the Bible and the Qu'ran, reviewed by Kurt Anders RichardsonJohn W. Cooper, Panentheism—The Other God of the Philosophers: From Plato to the Present, reviewed by Sherri GoliskyPaul J. DeHart, The Trial of the Witnesses: The Rise and Decline of Postliberal Theology, reviewed by Alison Hari-SinghRobert K. Johnston, Reel Spirituality: Theology and Film in Dialogue. 2nd ed., reviewed by Alyda FaberEric S. Christianson, Peter Francis and William R Telford, eds., Cinema Divinite: Religion, Theology and the Bible in Film, reviewed by Alyda FaberPeter S. Oh, Karl Barth's Trinitarian Theology: A Study in Karl Barth's Analogical Use o/the Trinitarian Relation, reviewed by Don SchweitzerMichael J. Perry, Toward a Theory of Human Rights: Religion. Law, Courts, reviewed by Robert Adrien MartelSharon Portnoff, James A. Diamond, MartinD. Yaffe, eds., Emil L. Fackenheim: Philosopher, Theologian, Jew, reviewed by Victor ShepherdDorothee Soelle, The Mystery of Death, reviewed by Michael StoeberAlan J. Torrance and Michael Banner, eds., The Doctrine of God and Theological Ethics, reviewed by Don SchweitzerMichael Welker, ed., The Work of the Spirit: Pneumatology and Pentecostalism, reviewed by Jeff Nowers

Cryptococcal infection in man is widely disseminated and commonly involves the central nervous system. Primary bone involvement is rare. We report on 2 cases of localized cryptococcal osseous lesions treated successfully by surgery.