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The spatial distribution of dimethylated sulfur compounds among particulate, dissolved matter and mesozooplankton in the Black, Marmara, Aegean, and NE Mediterranean Seas were studied. Their estimates of the sea-to-air flux of DMS indicate that the ME Mediterranean can be an important source of biogenic sulfur to the atmosphere even in the low productive period of the region.

• HPV16 and HPV33 are more common in HIV-negative and HIV-positive women, respectively. • Co-infections with the HR HPV types are more common among HIV-positive women. • Women with cervical cytologic abnormalities are HPV+. To characterize high-risk HPV types associated with cervical precancerous lesions in women living in Yaounde, Cameroon, and to determine their distribution with HIV status. Women with abnormal pap smears recorded from February 2015 to May 2019 at Saint Martin de Porres' Health Centre, Yaounde, Cameroon, were recruited in this study after obtaining informed consent. Pap smears were collected and re-examined. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology was determined. HPV16, 18, 33, and 45 were assessed using standard PCR. All included participants (370) were HPV-positive and had either low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (67.03%) or high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (31.35%). They were subdivided into HIV-positive (N =102) and HIV-negative (N =268). In the HIV-negative subgroup, we observed 66.04% HPV16-positve, 41.79% HPV18-positve, 21.27% HPV33-positve and 8.21% HPV45-positve. In the HIV-positive subgroup, we observed 22.55% HPV16-positve, 5.88% HPV18-positve, 75.49% HPV33-positve, and 49.02% HPV45-positve. Married HIV-positive participants (47.14 ± 1.19) were older than both their single counterparts (34.94±1.22, P = 0.0008) and HIV-negative participants (41.43 ± 0.79, P = 0.0001). Single HIV-positive women reported higher numbers of miscarriages (P = 0.0023), and had later first sexual intercourse than HIV-negative (P = 0.0079) women. Our study suggested differential expressions in high-risk HPV types with HIV status and cervical precancerous lesions and warrants more extensive studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To validate the use of neck dissection as part of the management of patients with parotid carcinomas, we retrospectively reviewed pathological and clinical data from the head and neck pathology archive at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital on all patients who had primary parotid carcinomas resected between 1992 and 2014. The main outcome measure was the incidence of metastatic disease. A total of 54 of the 82 patients identified had neck dissections. Nodal metastases were detected in 10 with high-grade, invasive carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenomas, two with salivary duct carcinomas, one with a high-grade adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (NOS), one with an adenoid cystic carcinoma, and one with a high-grade acinic cell carcinoma. No metastases were found in those with a low-grade acinic cell carcinoma, low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma, or non-invasive carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma. The findings of this study support the use of routine neck dissection for the treatment of high-grade, invasive carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma, salivary duct carcinoma, high-grade adenocarcinoma NOS, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and high-grade acinic cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve our ability to predict cloud properties, radiative balance and climate, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms that trigger the formation of new particles and their growth to activation sizes. Using an array of real time aerosol measurements, we report a categorization of the aerosol population taken at Villum Research Station, Station Nord (VRS) in North Greenland during a period of 88 days (February–May 2015). A number of New Particle Formation (NPF) events were detected and are herein discussed. Air mass back trajectories analysis plotted over snow-sea ice satellite maps allowed us to correlate early spring (April) NPF events with air masses travelling mainly over snow on land and sea ice, whereas late spring (May) NPF events were associated with air masses that have passed mainly over sea ice regions. Concomitant aerosol mass spectrometry analysis suggests methanesulfonic acid (MSA) and molecular iodine (I 2 ) may be involved in the NPF mechanisms. The source of MSA was attributed to open leads within the sea ice. By contrast, iodine was associated with air masses over snow on land and over sea ice, suggesting both abiotic and biotic sources. Measurements of nucleating particle composition as well as gas-phase species are needed to improve our understanding of the links between emissions, aerosols, cloud and climate in the Arctic; therefore our ability to model such processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Around 10% of patients with non-medullary thyroid cancer (NMTC) will have a positive family history for the disease. Although many will be sporadic, families where 3 first-degree relatives are affected can be considered to represent true familial non-medullary thyroid cancer (FNMTC). The genetic basis, impact on clinical and pathological features, and overall effect on prognosis are poorly understood. Methods A literature review identified articles which report on genetic, clinical, therapeutic and screening aspects of FNMTC. The results are presented to allow an understanding of the genetic basis and the impact on clinical–pathological features and prognosis in order to inform clinical decision making. Results The genetic basis of FNMTC is unknown. Despite this, significant progress has been made in identifying potential susceptibility genes. The lack of a test for FNMTC has led to a clinical definition requiring a minimum of 3 first-degree relatives to be diagnosed with NMTC. Although some have shown an association with multi-centric disease, younger age and increased rates of extra-thyroidal extension and nodal metastases, these findings are not supported by all. The impact of FNMTC is unclear with all groups reporting good outcome, and some finding an association with more aggressive disease. The role of screening remains controversial. Conclusion FNMTC is rare but can be diagnosed clinically. Its impact on prognostic factors and the subsequent role in influencing management is debated. For those patients who present with otherwise low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer, FNMTC should be included in risk assessment when discussing therapeutic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatments for head and neck cancer are improving, yet they remain toxic and challenging. The incidence of some forms of head and neck cancer (e.g. oropharyngeal) is rising. This creates an enlarging cohort of survivors with complex needs. These needs may be overlooked and undertreated. This overview presents evidence for the unmet survivorship needs of head and neck cancer patients and identifies strategies for the recognition and remedy of these needs in the clinic. There is sufficient evidence to challenge services to redesign follow-up strategies around unmet need using the full multidisciplinary team and to widen focus away from a sole aim of recognition and treatment of recurrent disease. Problems presented include depression, comorbid disease, second malignancy, alcohol and nicotine dependence, eating and drinking difficulties (including dysphagia, dental problems, trismus and sense disturbance) and hypothyroidism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Primary adenocarcinomas of the parotid gland are rare and account for less than 5% of all head and neck malignant neoplasms. There is considerable variation in biological behaviour within this group; low-grade tumours exhibit slow growth rates with minimal or no local invasion. High-grade tumours, however, show a high incidence of local recurrence and distant metastasis. Aim: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the important prognostic indicators for this cancer. Methods: A systematic review was performed involving 19 published studies from 1987 to 2005 which included 4631 patients. T stage, grade of tumour, N stage and adjuvant radiotherapy on overall (5year) survival were analysed as prognostic indicators. Results: T stage (p =0.041, hazard ratio 1.8 (confidence interval 1.2–2.9)), N stage (p =0.05, hazard ratio 1.1 (0.2–1.8)), and high-grade (p =0.001, hazard ratio 2.1 (1.5–2.7)) were associated with a significantly worse survival. The effect of adjuvant radiotherapy was to improve overall survival: p =0.002, hazard ratio 2.9 (1.5–4.7). The mean 5year survival for advanced high-grade parotid cancer was 35%. Conclusion: High-grade advanced parotid cancers are associated with a poor survival. Adjuvant radiotherapy is indicated in these tumours and this improves survival. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presentation 8 Background: Follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) poses a challenge both in diagnosis and management. Classically impossible to distinguish from follicular adenoma on cytology, it also behaves pathologically distinctly from other differentiated thyroid cancers. Recently published studies have called for routine prophylactic central compartment lymph node dissection (PCND) in differentiated thyroid cancer, although the majority of this evidence comes from papillary thyroid cancer. We aimed to study the value of PCND in FTC. Method: Between 2000-2010, 42 patients were identified with a diagnosis of follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) (n=36), or Hurthle cell cancer (HCC) (n=6). Mean age was 50.7 years. Gender ratio was 12 male: 30 female. Retrospective review of clinical and pathological stage, operative approach, and long term follow up was conducted. Results: 24 of 42 (57%) patients were identified as thy 3 preoperatively. The remainder had frankly suspicious cytology (thy 4/5), presented with metastatic disease, or were discovered as an incidental finding.19 patients (45%) identified as thy3 preoperatively underwent PCND. All had negative nodes.3 patients (P1-P3) had clinically or radiologically suspicious nodes at presentation. P1 had level II-VII ND and P2 had a CND; both were node positive. P3 was treated palliatively.5 patients who did not undergo PCND had suspicious lesions flagged at radiological follow up. All underwent CND; all had negative nodes.5 patients developed recurrent disease. 3 of these patients had undergone PCND (recurrence rate with PCND= 16%; without PCND = 10%). All 5 patients underwent further neck dissection; all were negative for nodal recurrence. Conclusions: In this series, PCND had a 0% yield of positive nodes in the absence of preoperatively suspicious features. Given the potential for additional morbidity from CND and low risk of nodal disease in FTC, we would recommend further study of its usefulness in FTC before routine adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The 8th TNM edition has received growing attention in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). • We analyzed survival outcomes compared with 7th and 8th editions in OPC patients after radical chemoradiotherapy (CRT). • Our data showed a better OS stratification in OPC after definitive CRT. To evaluate whether the 8th staging system is a better discriminator of overall survival (OS) than the 7th edition for oropharyngeal cancer patients after definitive (chemo)radiotherapy (CRT). Data from oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with CRT with curative intent between 2010 and 2016 at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals were reviewed. Human papillomavirus (HPV) status was ascertained in all cases. Patients were staged using the 7th edition and the 8th edition TNM staging system. Demographics, tumor characteristics and treatment response data were included in univariate and multivariate analysis for OS. OS and disease-free survival (DFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. In addition, a multivariate survival Cox regression analysis of several clinical variables was performed. A total of 273 patients were included. The median follow-up was 4.7 years. Overall 63 patients died. In multivariate analysis, HPV status, complete response at 3 months and ≤21 units/week alcohol were prognostic for OS. For the entire cohort, the 5-year OS and DFS rates were 78.1% (95% confidence interval CI 0.719–0.831) and 73.9% (95% CI 0.677–0.792), respectively. Better stratification of OS and DFS was recorded by 8th edition for the entire cohort. In HPV-positive cases, risk stratification based on tobacco smoking and nodal stage resulted in statistically higher discrimination in OS rates (5-year OS 90.7% in low risk patients and 84.6% in intermediate risk, p = 0.05) and DFS rates (5-year DFS 91.5% in low risk and 76.1% in intermediate risk, p = 0.001). The 8th edition TNM staging system provides better OS stratification in oropharyngeal cancer after definitive CRT compared with the 7th edition. Other clinical variables, such as complete response at 3 months, alcohol and tobacco smoking, should also be considered in future classifications as they provide additional risk stratification information in both HPV-positive and HPV-negative disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we use cluster analysis of long term particle size distribution data to expand an array of different shorter term atmospheric measurements, thereby gaining insights into longer term patterns and properties of Arctic aerosol. Measurements of aerosol number size distributions (9–915 nm) were conducted at Villum Research Station (VRS), Station Nord in North Greenland during a 5 year record (2012–2016). Alongside this, measurements of aerosol composition, meteorological parameters, gaseous compounds and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity were performed during different shorter occasions. K-means clustering analysis of particle number size distributions on daily basis identified several clusters. Clusters of accumulation mode aerosols (main size modes > 100 nm) accounted for 56% of the total aerosol during the sampling period (89–91% during February–April, 1–3% during June–August). By association to chemical composition, cloud condensation nuclei properties, and meteorological variables, three typical accumulation mode aerosol clusters were identified: Haze (32% of the time), Bimodal (14%) and Aged (6%). In brief: (1) Haze accumulation mode aerosol shows a single mode at 150 nm, peaking in February–April, with highest loadings of sulfate and black carbon concentrations. (2) Accumulation mode Bimodal aerosol shows two modes, at 38 nm and 150 nm, peaking in June–August, with the highest ratio of organics to sulfate concentrations. (3) Aged accumulation mode aerosol shows a single mode at 213 nm, peaking in September–October and is associated with cloudy and humid weather conditions during autumn. The three aerosol clusters were considered alongside CCN concentrations. We suggest that organic compounds, that are likely marine biogenic in nature, greatly influence the Bimodal cluster and contribute significantly to its CCN activity. This stresses the importance of better characterizing the marine ecosystem and the aerosol-mediated climate effects in the Arctic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé But de l’étude La prévention de la transmission des infections transmises par transfusion sanguine dépend de la bonne sélection des donneurs et de la réalisation des tests sérologiques adéquats pour la détection des agents pathogènes, notamment les virus des hépatites B et C et le virus de l’immunodéficience humaine (VIH). Le but de cette étude était double : déterminer les séroprévalences des infections dues aux VHB, VHC, VIH et de la syphilis parmi les donneurs de sang de l’hôpital central de Yaoundé (HCY) et déterminer les caractéristiques sociodémographiques, afin de trouver des stratégies pour améliorer la sécurité transfusionnelle au Cameroun. Patients et méthodes Il s’agit d’une étude rétrospective ayant porté sur 9024 donneurs de sang consécutifs de l’HCY dans la région du centre, Cameroun, inclus de janvier à décembre 2013. Les données ont été recueillies sur les questionnaires de pré-don et des résultats des tests biologiques de qualification effectués sur les dons de sang au laboratoire de l’HCY avec des tests Elisa. Résultats L’âge moyen des donneurs était de 28 ans. Le sex-ratio M/F était de 14,8. Selon le mode de don, 97,2 % étaient des donneurs de compensation et 76,8 % étaient des nouveaux donneurs. Au total, 19,3 % des donneurs étaient positifs pour au moins un agent infectieux, parmi eux 1,5 % étaient positifs pour au moins 2 marqueurs viraux. Les séroprévalences globales de l’AgHBs, des anti-VHC, des anti-VIH et de la syphilis étaient respectivement de : 12,6 %, 3,2 %, 3,3 % et 0,2 %. Pour l’AgHBs, la prévalence était significativement plus élevée chez les hommes ( p = 0,001) et les nouveaux donneurs ( p = 0,003). La prévalence des anti-VHC était significativement plus élevée parmi les nouveaux donneurs ( p = 0,05). La prévalence des anti-VIH était significativement plus élevée chez les nouveaux donneurs (3,7 % vs 2,2 % ; p = 0,02). Conclusion Le profil du donneur camerounais est de type compensation et nouveaux donneurs. Les séroprévalences du VIH, du VHB, du VHC et de la syphilis parmi les donneurs de sang sont élevées et reflètent l’importance de ces agents dans notre milieu. Objectives Prevention of blood transfusion-transmitted infections includes blood donor screening and effective infectious markers screening for donated blood. This study had two main objectives: to determine seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV and syphilis in blood donors of the Yaoundé Central Hospital and to study sociodemographic factors of blood donors. Patients and methods A retrospective study of consecutive blood donors’ records from January to December 2013 was conducted. Seroprevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency viruses and syphilis were determined in 9024 whole blood donations collected in the Yaoundé Central Hospital in the centre region, Cameroon using Elisa kits. Results Mean age of donors was 28 years. The male to female ratio was 14.8. Most of blood donors were replacement donors (97.2%) and first-time donors (76.8%). Up to 19.3% of the donors tested positive for at least one infectious agent, in which 0.1% presented a positive test for three viruses (HIV, HCV and HBV). The overall seroprevalence in blood donors was 12.6% for HBsAg, 3.2% for hepatitis C antibody, 3.3% for HIV-1/2 antibodies and 0.2% for syphilis. The prevalence of HBsAg was significantly higher in men ( P = 0.001), among first-time donors ( P = 0.003), in blood group A ( P = 0.01) and those with the rhesus positive blood ( P = 0.01). The prevalence of anti-HCV was significantly higher among first-time donors ( P = 0.05). The prevalence of anti-HIV was significantly higher in first-time donors (3.7% vs 2.2%, P = 0.02). Conclusion First-time blood donors and replacement donors are the two types of donors in Cameroon. Replacement donors are considered as having a major risk of transmission of infections to recipients. The seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis among these donors is high and reflects how much these agents are present in Cameroon. Effective infectious markers screening and organization of blood donors into an association of volunteer's donors are necessary to secure blood transfusion in Cameroon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS: The follow-up of patients with head and neck cancer is an essential aspect of their management. Follow-up provides support and reassurance for patients and will allow early detection of recurrence and second primary tumours. However, there is little evidence of a survival benefit from follow-up. With prolonged follow-up periods, multidisciplinary teams may be under increasing pressure to see more patients and this could have a negative effect on the time and quality of consultations given to individual patients. The aim of the present study was to analyse the current trends in the follow-up of head and neck cancer patients after treatment with curative intent in the UK. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A postal questionnaire was sent to all members of the British Association of Head and Neck Oncologists. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-seven questionnaires were sent and 214 were returned, making a response rate of 65.4%. One hundred and ninety-eight (61%) of these were deemed appropriate for evaluation and of these 111 (56%) clinicians followed up patients for a minimum of 5 years with 25 (13%) following patients for 10 years and 44 (22%) for life. Within the set of clinicians following patients for 5 years, 24 (12%) followed up patients with salivary gland and thyroid malignancies for a longer period of time. All clinicians concurred that the reasons for follow-up are to support patients, to detect local recurrences or metastases, second primary tumours and to monitor and manage the complications of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the clinicians followed up their patients up to a minimum of 5 years, with a significant minority who followed up the patients treated for cancers of the head and neck for longer periods. More studies are needed to elucidate the rationale and evidence for follow-up and to determine the adequate period of surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]