Trafficking in Human Beings: a global and European overview

This theoretical paper is published by the EUCPN Secretariat in connection with the theme of the Italian Presidency which was Trafficking in Human Beings. Trafficking in Human Beings is a phenomenon which covers a very wide scope of criminal activities. This theoretical paper is thus written as an overview to increase the understanding of Trafficking in Human Beings. This paper has attention for the victims and traffickers and gives an overview of the different forms of Trafficking in Human Beings. Moreover attention also goes to the economics of the phenomenon. This theoretical paper will serve as base for a manual about THB in which we will look at the difficulties and attempts to prevent THB, at the main international weapons and what the international agencies already do against the phenomenon. Through these actions we hope to raise awareness concerning THB, to exchange good practices and hopefully to propose general guidelines for THB policy

European Crime Prevention Monitor 2013/2: Measuring and tackling domestic violence in the EU

In this fourth European Crime Prevention Monitor report, the focus is put on the main theme of the Lithuanian Presidency “Prevention in Domestic Violence”. Since this is an important topic, which is closely monitored by various organizations at the EU level, external contributions were made to this report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE). In their contributions they highlight their work and the recent efforts they have done to improve data collection and information exchange on domestic violence against women at the European level. Furthermore, based on the 2012 country report of Women against Violence Europe (WAVE), an overview is given on which type of data (survey data, national criminal and criminal justice data and healthcare system statistics) are collected and made publically available within the EU Member States. Also, some results of the 1999 and 2010 surveys of the Eurobarometer – and of the recently published FRA data – are discussed on the knowledge of European citizens on the existence of policy and legal measures to prevent and combat domestic violence against women in their country and at the EU level. In a final paragraph, some challenges related to the existing data and data collection on domestic violence are listed

The Value of Virtual Chromoendoscopy in the Workup of Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Second primary tumors (SPTs) significantly increase the mortality in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Virtual chromoendoscopy (VCE) could complement or replace lugol chromoendoscopy (LCE) for early esophageal second primary tumor (ESPT) detection. An overview of the existing techniques and their diagnostic performance in early detection of esophageal squamous cell neoplasms is provided. RECENT FINDINGS: Nowadays, LCE is the golden standard to detect ESPTs. Recently, multiple new VCE techniques have been developed. Especially narrow-band imaging (NBI) is promising. It shows similar sensitivity to LCE, but a significantly higher specificity. Patients with HNSCC are prone to develop ESPTs, both synchronous and metachronous, with a substantial negative impact on survival rates. Therefore, active screening and follow-up is necessary. LCE is an effective screening method, but has some disadvantages. Countering these drawbacks, NBI shows a high potential in early ESPT detection in high-risk patients. Additional multicenter studies are needed to compare diagnostic performance and cost-effectiveness of NBI and other VCE techniques with LCE.status: publishe

Validated prognostic nomograms for patients with parotid carcinoma predicting 2-and 5-year tumor recurrence-free interval probability

Introduction: Salivary gland malignancies are rare tumors with a heterogenous histological and clinical appearance. Previously, we identified multiple prognostic factors in patients with parotid cancer and developed prognostic indices which have repeatedly been validated internationally, demonstrating their general applicability and lasting relevance. Recently, nomograms gained popularity as a prognostic tool. Thus, in this research we aimed to construct nomograms based on our previous validated prognostic models. Material and Methods: Nomograms were constructed using the previously reported dataset of 168 patients with parotid cancer which was used to develop pre- and postoperative prognostic scores, PS1 and PS2, respectively. Concordance indices for PS1 and PS2 were previously estimated at 0.74 and 0.71, respectively, and are in line with other, widely accepted oncological nomograms. Results: Pre- and postoperative nomograms predicting 2- and 5-year tumor recurrence-free survival probability are presented. All previously multivariately identified and validated prognostic factors, are incorporated (T size, N classification, pain, age at diagnosis, skin invasion, facial nerve dysfunction, perineural growth, and positive surgical margins). Examples of clinical application and interpretation are given. Conclusions: The presented prognostic nomograms for predicting 2- and 5-year tumor recurrence-free probability in patients with parotid cancer are powerful, user-friendly, visual tools and are based on internationally validated prognostic indices. They allow for a reliable prognostic assessment and result in a more individualized estimate of the risk for recurrence than the prognostic grouping based on PS1 and PS2. This facilitates assigning trial-patients to risk groups, and may assist in therapeutic decision making and determining appropriate follow-up intervals in clinical practice.status: publishe