Anthropocene Conjunctures

The Anthropocene is the proposed name for a new geologic era in which humans are held to be a defining agent of planetary history. Largely the effect of fossil fuel use in industrial societies, this periodization has itself generated a minor academic industry of publications and theoretical formulations that have alternately challenged and reinforced disciplinary perspectives. In light of this, this chapter argues for a conjunctural approach to the Anthropocene concept, one that focuses on understanding its ‘meaning’ in relation to the political, geographical, ecological, economic, and institutional contexts where it is deployed. It draws on two examples, one from an ‘ecomodernist’ institute located in California, another from the indigenous Kichwa people of Ecuador.Peer reviewe

Metal determination in organic fluids of patients with stainless steel hip arthroplasty.

In 20 stainless steel Charnley hip arthroplasties (with a follow-up of 10-13 years) nickel, chromium and manganese levels were measured in blood, plasma and urine by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Skin patch tests for these metals, and clinical and roentgenographic results of arthroplasty were also assessed. Metal levels in organic fluids were plotted against a control population homogene- ous for age, residence and anamnestic conditions with the first, but which had never undergone a prosthesis or other metallic implant surgical procedure. Nickel levels in blood, plasma and urine, manganese levels in blood and urine and chromium levels in plasma were significantly higher in the hip prostheses popula- tion. Metal ion release from stainless steel prostheses is discussed with regard to implant failure, metal sensitivity and carcinogenesis

Concentrations of free radicals and beta-endorphins in repeat breeder cows

Repeat breeding (RB) is one of the major problems that affect the reproductive efficiency and economy of milk production in dairy animals. So far, the etiopathogenesis of this pathology has not been defined completely. Stress has been hypothesized to be a cause of impaired reproductive efficiency. Stress may cause an overproduction of beta-endorphins and free radicals; in particular, reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this work is to determine the concentrations of these substances in RB cows and to evaluate the correlation with the serum level of progesterone. The study was performed on 60 dairy cows: 26 RB and 34 control cows. Blood samples were collected on day 12 and day 16, after artificial insemination (AI) in all subjects, in order to assess the concentrations of progesterone, free radicals and beta-endorphins. The stressors, free radicals and beta-endorphins, that we considered, were higher in repeat breeders (day 12, 93.32(±1.91) UCarr and 0.50(±0.03) ng/ml; day 16, 94.42(±1.91) UCarr and 0.61(±0.03) ng/ml), with a lower level of progesterone, which probably is responsible for failure to conceive. The stress factors (free radicals and beta-endorphins) may actually enhance each other and induce an inhibition of progesterone synthesis in repeat breeders

Management of lymphoma survivor patients in Italy: an evaluation by Fondazione Italiana Linfomi

Several outpatient models for the follow-up of cancer survivors have been developed worldwide. A multidisciplinary approach is often necessary to guarantee the best monitoring of long-term toxicities. Guidelines also indicate a close education on healthy lifestyles. In this context, we have analyzed the Italian follow-up modalities of lymphoma survivors, with the aim to have a starting line to hypothesize and plan the best model for Italian hematology centers

Germinal ovarian tumors in reproductive age women: Fertility-sparing and outcome

MOGCTs (malignant ovarian germ cell tumors) are rare tumors that mainly affect patients of reproductive age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fertility and survival outcomes in young women with MOCGTs treated with fertility-sparing surgery (FSS).From 2000 to 2018, data from 28 patients of reproductive age with a diagnosis of MOGCT at the University of Bari were collected. Most received FSS, and in patients treated conservatively, the reproductive outcome and survival were investigated. Data of patient demographics, clinical presentation, oncology marker dosage, staging, type of surgery, histological examination, survival, and reproductive outcome were collected from hospital and office charts. All informed consent was obtained from all patients. The median age was 24 (range: 9-45 years). The majority of the patients had stage IIIC. Twenty-four woman received FSS consisting of unilateral ovariectomy and omentectomy, whereas only 4 women, based on their stage (IIIC), received a radical surgery (hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy, lymphadenectomy, and omentectomy). Our study shows that FSS in MOGCTs can produce good results both on reproductive outcomes and on survival. Indeed, in our group, there was only 1 case of exitus as result of recurrence. Furthermore, patients after FSS maintained normal ovarian function and 5 of 5 women who tried to get pregnant succeeded spontaneously. The median follow-up was 90 months (range 3-159).Conservative surgery for MOGCTs should be considered for women of reproductive age who wish to preserve fertility

Late Endocrine and Metabolic Sequelae and Long‐Term Monitoring of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma and Diffuse Large B‐Cell Lymphoma Survivors: A Systematic Review by the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi

Background: Overall survival after lymphoma has improved in recent years, but the high prevalence of late treatment‐related sequelae has been observed as a counterpart. Method: In this systematic review, FIL researchers aimed to: (i) estimate the incidence or prevalence of late endocrine‐metabolic sequelae, (ii) evaluate the effects of modern therapeutic approaches on incidence or prevalence of late endocrine‐metabolic sequelae, and (iii) determine whether there is evidence of follow‐up schemes for their screening/early diagnosis in the subset of long‐term classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) survivors treated at adult age. The MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles published up to October, 2020. The study selection process was conducted by three independent reviewers and was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane tool for randomized trials and the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Results: In the final analysis, eight studies were included, four of which focused on thyroid disease, two on gonadal dysfunction, one on bone disease and one on metabolic syndrome. Hypothyroidism was reported in up to 60% of adult cHL survivors and was frequently recorded even with modern radiotherapy approaches. Menopause occurred in 52–72% of women after chemotherapy. An 86% reduction in vertebral density was reported following R‐CHOP‐like chemotherapy. Sarcopenia and metabolic syndrome were reported in 37.9% and 60% of patients, respectively. No validated screening protocols were found for the early diagnosis of long‐term treatment‐related endocrine and metabolic sequelae, thus the authors finally suggest the execution of screening exams according to the risk category which were identified in the epidemiologic studies