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The aim of this study was to describe the baseline clinical features, treatment patterns and outcomes in rectal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).This is a retrospective study of patients with rectal SCC treated at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Toronto, Canada) between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2020. Clinical factors associated with locoregional failure (LRF), distant metastases (DM), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), such as age, sex, HIV status, T-category, nodal status, grade and primary treatment, were investigated with univariate analysis (UVA).Twenty nine patients with rectal SCC were analysed with a median follow-up of 7.4 years (range 0.3-20.4 years). The median age at diagnosis was 52 years, with the majority presenting with clinical T3 disease or higher (n = 21, 72%) and positive regional lymph nodes (n = 16, 55%), while more than quarter of patients (28%) had metastatic disease. Definitive chemoradiation was the treatment modality of choice in more than half of all cases (n = 17, 59%) with a response rate of 100%. The 10-year cumulative incidence of LRF and DM was, respectively, 12% (95% CI 1.8%-32.9%) and 31% (95% CI: 12.0%-52.6%). The 5- and 10-year OS was 82% (95% CI 66.1%-100%). UVA revealed a trend towards an association of male gender (hazard ratio = 4.65, 95% CI 0.9%-24.1; p = 0.067) and primary surgical treatment (hazard ratio = 0.76, 95% CI 0.09-6.34; p = 0.061) with DFS.Definitive chemoradiation is an effective and preferred treatment for rectal SCC allowing for sphincter preservation with complete clinical response observed in all patients.

Locally advanced esophageal cancer has a dismal prognosis. Surgery remains the cornerstone treatment with 5-year survival rates of approximately 12-39%. Rates of local failure and distant metastases are high following surgical resection of locally advanced tumors. Neoadjuvant therapy (either radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination) prior to surgery carries the advantage of tackling micrometastases and improving complete resection rates. Neoadjuvant concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy are a favored approach with evidence for improved pathologic complete response (pCR) rates and improved survival compared with surgery alone. Randomized trials of the optimal neoadjuvant approach are ongoing.

IntroductionGrowing data support the safe and efficacious use of ablative radiotherapy in the setting of liver metastases, with some studies suggesting that patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBCa) do better than patients with metastases from other cancers. This study aims to retrospectively review clinical outcomes of patients with MBCa following liver radiotherapy (RT).Materials and MethodsPatients with MBCa who received liver hypo fractionated ablative RT between 2004 – 2020 were classified according to metastatic classification and treatment intent (i.e., oligo-metastatic (OM) or oligo-progressive (OP)). Demographics, disease characteristics and treatment characteristics were collated. Primary outcome was local control (LC) of treated metastases. Secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and time to next line systemic therapy (ST), analyzed by univariate (UVA) and multi-variable analysis (MVA).ResultsThirty MBCa patients with 50 liver metastases treated with 5 – 10 fraction ablative intent RT were identified for analysis. Median follow-up was 14.6 months (range 0.9 - 156.2 months). Mean age was 55.6 years (range 32.1 - 79.3 years); 53% were ER+/HER2-ve and 33% HER2+ve. Class of metastatic disease was described as – induced (12 patients, 40%), repeat (15 patients, 50%) and de novo (3 patients, 10%) (1 synchronous, 2 metachronous). Indication of treatment was OP (73%) and OM (27%). Median size of treated liver metastases (LM) was 3.1 cm (range 1cm – 8.8 cm) and the median dose delivered was 40Gy (range 30Gy-60Gy). 1 and 3-year LC rates were 100%. Median OS was 57.7-months with size of treated liver metastases predictive of overall survival (HR 1.35, p=0.023) on UVA. Median time to progression post treatment was 4.8 months (0.8 – 114.7). Patients with induced OMD had a significantly higher rate of progression (HR 4.77, p=0.01) on UVA compared to others, which trended to significance on MVA (HR 3.23, p=0.051).ConclusionHypo-fractionated ablative liver RT in patients with MBCa provides safe, tolerable treatment with excellent LC. Further studies assessing the impact, ideal sequencing, and indications of RT in each metastatic class in MBCa are required.

Climate models have projected an overall drying in Mediterranean climate zones, with the exception of California, where the models have been split between predicting wetter or drier future conditions. This uncertainty is problematic for a major economy, where water scarcity, especially in southern California, has been an issue of concern during the last few decades. Here we compare the future projections of California’s winter (December, January, February) precipitation changes from the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phases 6 (CMIP6) and 5 (CMIP5). Over northern California the models from both ensembles agree on wetter future conditions. However, over southern California the models are almost equally divided between wetter or drier conditions, with projections ranging from -30% to +70% in CMIP5 and -20% to +80% in CMIP6 for the end of the century. The CMIP6 ensemble indicates wetter overall conditions, and features a larger model disagreement compared to CMIP5.Interannual precipitation indicates more extremely wet or dry years over southern California in CMIP6 than in CMIP5. Some models even suggest that the five wettest years will account for as much as ~55% of the total 20-year rainfall considered, and the five driest for as little as ~5%. Dynamically, both ensembles project weakened subsidence over Baja California. This effect is stronger in CMIP6 than in CMIP5, consistent with the wetter mean conditions in CMIP6. In the western tropical Pacific our results point to strengthening of the Hadley circulation in CMIP6 that is not seen in CMIP5, and El Niño conditions prevailing over La Niña. CMIP6 models also project a stronger overall impact of ENSO on California’s precipitation than CMIP5 models.

The primary treatment for resectable vulvar cancer includes wide local excision of the primary tumor and surgical lymph node assessment. Following surgery, up to 40–50% of patients develop a local recurrence. Historically, the strongest predictor of local recurrence is a positive or close margin (defined as 5 mm. Nodal assessment is an important component of vulvar cancer management. A negative sentinel node is associated with a low false-negative predictive value (2% in patients with vulvar tumor 2 mm following sentinel node biopsy should undergo inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy followed by post-operative radiotherapy—based on the GROINSS-V II study, the 2-year isolated groin recurrence rate remains unacceptably high (22%) with radiotherapy alone. Retrospective studies suggest that the addition of concurrent chemotherapy to radiotherapy may improve survival. The ongoing GROINSS-V III study is investigating concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy dose escalation. The main goal of these post-operative treatments is to reduce the risk of local, and especially groin, recurrences, which are almost universally fatal.

Anal adenocarcinoma is a rare clinical entity for which the optimal management is not defined.This study aimed to describe the multidisciplinary management and outcomes of patients with anal adenocarcinoma.This is a retrospective cohort study.This study was conducted at a quaternary cancer center.Men and women with anal adenocarcinoma treated between 1995 and 2016 were selected.Fifty-two patients were treated with either chemoradiotherapy or trimodality therapy including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical resection.Local failure, regional failure, and distant metastasis rates were estimated using the cumulative incidence method. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate progression-free survival and overall survival. The multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the clinical predictors of outcome.There was a higher 5-year rate of local failure in patients treated with chemoradiotherapy compared with trimodality therapy (53% vs 10%; p0.01). The 5-year incidence of distant metastases was 29% (trimodality therapy) versus 30% (chemoradiotherapy; p = 0.9); adjuvant chemotherapy did not reduce the incidence of distant metastases (p = 0.8). Five-year overall survival was 73% (trimodality therapy) versus 49.4% (chemoradiotherapy; p = 0.1). On multivariable analysis, factors associated with worse overall survival were treatment with chemoradiotherapy, cT3-4 category disease, and node-positive disease.This study is limited by its small sample size and retrospective nature.Although treatment may continue to be tailored to individual patients, better outcomes with a trimodality therapy approach were observed. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B708.ADENOCARCINOMA ANAL: UNA ENTIDAD POCO FRECUENTE EN NECESIDAD DE UN MANEJO MULTIDISCIPLINARIO.El adenocarcinoma anal es una entidad clínica poco frecuente por lo que aún no se define el manejo óptimo.Describir el manejo multidisciplinario y los resultados de los pacientes con adenocarcinoma anal.Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.Centro de cáncer cuaternario.Hombres y mujeres con adenocarcinoma anal tratados entre 1995 y 2016.Cincuenta y dos pacientes fueron tratados con quimiorradioterapia o terapia trimodal que incluyó: radioterapia, quimioterapia y resección quirúrgica.Se estimaron las tasas de falla local, falla regional y metástasis a distancia mediante el método de incidencia acumulada. Se utilizó el método de Kaplan-Meier para estimar la supervivencia libre de progresión y la supervivencia global. Los riesgos proporcionales de multivariable Cox se utilizaron para evaluar los predictores clínicos de los resultados.Hubo una mayor tasa de falla local a cinco años en pacientes tratados con quimiorradioterapia en comparación con terapia trimodal (53% vs 10%; p0,01). La incidencia a cinco años de metástasis a distancia fue del 29% (terapia trimodal) versus 30% (quimiorradioterapia) (p = 0,9); la quimioterapia adyuvante no redujo la incidencia de metástasis a distancia (p = 0,8). La supervivencia global a cinco años fue del 73% (terapia trimodal) versus 49,4% (quimiorradioterapia); p = 0,1. En el análisis multivariable, los factores asociados con una peor supervivencia general fueron el tratamiento con quimiorradioterapia, enfermedad de categoría cT3-4 y enfermedad con ganglios positivos.Este estudio está limitado por su pequeño tamaño de muestra y su naturaleza retrospectiva.Aunque el tratamiento puede seguir adaptándose a pacientes individuales, se observaron mejores resultados con un enfoque TTM. Conslute Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B708. (Traducción- Dr. Francisco M. Abarca-Rendon).

To demonstrate the feasibility of treating cervical cancer patients with MRI-guided brachytherapy (MRgBT) using 24 Gy in 3 fractions (F) versus a standard, more resource-intensive regimen of 28 Gy in 4F, and its ability to meet EMBRACE II planning aims.A retrospective review of 224 patients with FIGO Stage IB-IVA cervical cancer treated with 28 Gy/4F (n = 91) and 24 Gy/3F (n = 133) MRgBT between 2016-2021 was conducted. Multivariable linear regression models were fitted to compare dosimetric parameters between the two groups, adjusting for CTVMost patients had squamous cell carcinoma, T2b disease, and were treated with intracavitary applicator plus interstitial needles (96%). The 28 Gy/4F group had higher CTVCervical cancer patients treated with 24 Gy/3F MRgBT had comparable target doses and lower OAR doses compared to those treated with 28 Gy/4F. A less-resource intense fractionation schedule of 24 Gy/3F is an alternative to 28 Gy/4F in cervix MRgBT.

The aim of this study was to test a biofungicide based on Bacillus subtilis Ch-13 and its effectiveness in the control of green mould disease of cultivated mushroom in comparison with the fungicide prochloraz. Biofungicide effectiveness in disease control and impact on yield were evaluated on Agaricus bisporus after its natural infection with Trichoderma aggressivum in a commercial mushroom growing facility. An assay for testing the microbial efficacy of the biofungicide was conducted in two different procedures involving either three or two split doses. The highest statistically significant effectiveness in green mould control was shown by the fungicide prochloraz (71.43%), followed by the biofungicide applied in tree split doses (53.57%), and finally its two doses (45.46%). The biofungicide significantly improved yield in comparison with an untreated control and the fungicide prochloraz. Three split applications of B. subtilis strain Ch-13 enhanced mushroom yield to a larger extent than its two split doses, although the same final amount was used in both procedures. Biofungicide application in three split doses increased the total mass of harvested mushrooms 8.41% compared to the untreated control, and 10.53% compared to the fungicide prochloraz. These results implied that the biofungicide should be applied in three split applications: 30 ml (second day after casing) + 15 ml (two weeks after casing) + 15 ml (after first flush, 20-25 days after casing). The biofungicide B. subtilis Ch-13 should be further investigated regarding its joint usage with chemical fungicides in different application procedures, as it showed remarkable characteristics both in terms of promoting mushroom yield and inhibiting the spread of mycopathogenic T. aggressivum.

Liver cancers are challenging to treat using image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) due to motion and deformation of target volumes and organs at risk (OARs), as well as difficulties in visualising liver tumours using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) based IGRT. Liver cancer patients may thus benefit from magnetic resonance (MR)-guided daily adaptive re-planning. We evaluated the dosimetric impact of a daily plan adaptation strategy based on daily MR imaging versus CBCT-based IGRT.Ten patients were studied who were treated with CBCT-guided five-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and underwent MR imaging before each fraction. Simulated reference plans were created on computer tomography (CT) images and adapted plans were created on the daily MR images. Two plan adaptation strategies were retrospectively simulated: (1) translational couch shifts to match liver, mimicking standard CBCT guidance and (2) daily plan adaptation based on reference plan clinical goals and daily target and OAR contours. Dose statistics were calculated for both strategies and compared.Couch shifts resulted in an average reduction in GTV D99% relative to reference plan values of 5.2 Gy (-12.5% of reference values). Daily plan adaptation reduced this to 0.8 Gy (-2.0%). For six patients who were OAR dose-limited on reference plans, couch shifts resulted in OAR dose violations in 28 out of 28 simulated fractions, respectively; no violations occurred using daily plan adaptation. No OAR dose violations occurred using either strategy for the four cases not OAR dose-limited at reference planning.MR-guided daily plan adaptation ensured OAR dose constraints were met at all simulated treatment fractions while CBCT-based IGRT resulted in a systematic over-dosing of OARs in patients whose doses were limited by OAR dose at the time of reference planning.

Twenty-two strains of Trichoderma spp. (T. harzianum species complex [THSC], Trichoderma aggressivum f. europaeum, Trichoderma pleuroti, and Trichoderma pleuroticola) causing green mold disease on edible mushrooms (button mushroom, shiitake and oyster mushroom), collected during 2004-2018 from four countries (Serbia, North Macedonia, Croatia, and Hungary) were examined. Based on their ITS (internal transcribed spacer) sequences, strains from shiitake mushroom in Serbia were identified as members of the THSC, while in samples obtained from Serbian and North-Macedonian oyster mushroom farms THSC, T. pleuroti and T. pleuroticola were detected, which represent the first findings in the region. In fungicide susceptibility tests, all examined Trichoderma strains were found to be highly sensitive to prochloraz (ED(50)0.4 mu g mL(-1)) and considerably susceptible to metrafenone (ED50 lt 4 mu g mL(-1)). The most sensitive taxon to both fungicides was THSC from oyster mushroom. The toxicity of metrafenone was satisfying and strains from oyster mushroom showed the highest sensitivity (ED50 lt 1.43 mu g mL(-1)), while strains originating from button mushroom and shiitake displayed similar susceptibilities (ED50 lt 3.64 mu g mL(-1)). After additional in vivo trials, metrafenone might also be recommended for the control of green mold disease in mushroom farms.

Nanosized Ag-doped ceria (Ce1-xAlxO2-δ)powders (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.04) were obtained by self-propagating room temperature reaction. The solid solubility of Ag into ceria lattice was the highest reported so far. X-ray diffraction analysis and field emission scanning microscopy results showed that the doped samples are single phase solid solutions with fluorite-type structure and all prepared powders were nanometric in size. The average size of Ce1-xAgxO2-▯ particles lies at about 4 nm. Raman spectra revealed an increase in the amount of oxygen vacancies with the increase of Ag concentration, such as is foreseen. The thermal stability of solid solution was followed by XRD. Microstructure development was studied by scanning electron microscopy. By controlling the processing variables, it was possible to obtain high density samples with homogeneous microstructure at low sintering temperature. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd

In this manuscript we analyze daily rainfall observational records from 22 weather stations located in different regions over Serbia in the period 1949–2007. We examine the characteristics of dryness by using the Dry Days Since Last Rain – DDSLR approach. In order to quantify the DDSLR we use three metrics for each weather station: severity, consistency and uncertainty. Results show that these three metrics vary independently of each other as well as that there is a weak relationship between them. Weather stations in the northern parts of Serbia, with moderate annual amount of rainfall less than 650 mm, present higher dryness conditions whereas the lowest values were obtained for central parts in Serbia. Limited number of studies examined drying tendencies in Serbia and neighboring countries so far. We consider Serbia as an area of particular interest because of its position in a frontier between Mediterranean conditions on the southwest and the continental inland. Дуги периоди без кише могу изазвати негативне последице на животну средину, економију и друштво. Суше несумњиво утичу и на водне ресурсе, пољопривреду, интензитет шумских пожара и деградацију земљишта. У овом раду анализиране су осмотрене дневне падавине у Србији у периоду између 1949. и 2007. године. Простор Србије је од посебног интереса с обзиром на његов географски положај између медитеранских и континенталних услова климе. У овом раду испитиване су карактеристике суше користећи приступ Dry Days Since Last Rain – DDSLR. За квантификацију DDSLR анализирана су три параметра на свакој станици: severity, consistency и uncertainty. Северни делови Србије, који имају релативно умерену количину падавина током године, показали су сушне тенденције. С друге стране, најниже вредности истраживаних параметара уочене се у централној Србији. Имајући у виду резултате истраживања може се закључити да суша није значајна климатска претња за Србију. Другим речима, како је Србија изложена утицајима медитеранске климе у њеним југозападним деловима, са вредностима медитеранског индекса од 1, могућност од појаве суша значајно је умањена. Појава суше у Србији изражена је у северним и источним деловима земље, равницама са најпродуктивнијим типовима земљишта. Због тога је боље разумевање ове појаве у Србији и њених друштвених и економских последица кључно у будућим истраживањима.

This study shows excellent NO2-sensing properties of tungsten oxide nanoparticles, prepared using a facile procedure which includes dissolution of metallic tungsten in hydrogen peroxide with subsequent low-temperature (400 ?C) heating. We also conducted a thorough literature survey on sensor properties of tungsten oxide prepared by various means and found that the sensor response towards NO2 registered in this work achieved the highest level. The most intriguing feature of the material obtained was a highly reproducible sensor signal at room temperature which was more than 100 times higher than any reported previously for WO3. The probable reason for such high sensor response was the presence of two WO3 polymorphs (-WO3 and h-WO3) in the material synthesized using a peroxide-assisted route. In order to further investigate synthesizedWO3 materials, sophisticated experimental (XRD, SEM, TEM, BET) and theoretical (B3LYP, HSE) methods have been used, as well as resistance and sensor response measurements at various temperatures.

The assessment of the potential use of renewable energy resources requires reliable and precise data inputs for sustainable energy planning on a regional, national and local scale. In this study, we examine high spatial resolution grids of potential insolation and solar duration in order to determine the location of potential solar power plants in Montenegro. Grids with a 25-m spatial resolution of potential solar radiation and duration were produced based on observational records and publicly available high-resolution digital elevation model provided by the European Environment Agency. These results could be further used for the estimation and selection of a specific location for solar panels. With an average annual potential insolation of 1800 kWh/m² and solar duration of over 2000 h per year for most of its territory, Montenegro is one of the European countries with the highest potential for the development, production, and consumption of solar energy.

Purpose: To describe a comprehensive workflow for MRI-guided online adaptive stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) specific to upper gastrointestinal cancer patients with abdominal compression on a 1.5T MR-Linac system. Additionally, we discuss the workflow’s clinical feasibility and early experience in the case of 16 liver and pancreas patients. Methods: Eleven patients with liver cancer and five patients with pancreas cancer were treated with online adaptive MRI-guidance under abdominal compression. Two liver patients received single-fraction treatments; the remainder plus all pancreas cancer patients received five fractions. A total of 65 treatment sessions were investigated to provide analytics relevant to the online adaptive processes. The quantification of target and organ motion as well as definition and validation of internal target volume (ITV) margins were performed via multi-contrast imaging provided by three different 2D cine sequences. The plan generation was driven by full re-optimization strategies and using T2-weighted 3D image series acquired by means of a respiratory-triggered exhale phase or a time-averaged imaging protocol. As a pre-requisite for the clinical development of the procedure, the image quality was thoroughly investigated via phantom measurements and numerical simulations specific to upper abdominal sites. The delivery of the online adaptive treatments was facilitated by real-time monitoring with 2D cine imaging. Results: Liver 1-fraction and 5-fraction online adaptive session time were on average 80 and 67.5 min, respectively. The total session length varied between 70–90 min for a single fraction and 55–90 min for five fractions. The pancreas sessions were 54–85 min long with an average session time of 68.2 min. Target visualization on the 2D cine image data varied per patient, with at least one of the 2D cine sequences providing sufficient contrast to confidently identify its location and confirm reproducibility of ITV margins. The mean/range of absolute and relative dose values for all treatment sessions evaluated with ArcCheck were 90.6/80.9–96.1% and 99/95.4–100%, respectively. Conclusion: MR-guidance is feasible for liver and pancreas tumors when abdominal compression is used to reduce organ motion, improve imaging quality, and achieve a robust intra- and inter-fraction patient setup. However, the treatment length is significantly longer than for the conventional linac, and patient compliance is paramount for the successful completion of the treatment. Opportunities for reducing the online adaptive session time should be explored. As the next steps, dose-of-the-day and dose accumulation analysis and tools are needed to enhance the workflow and to help further refine the online re-planning processes.

A previous study had confirmed good selective features of a biofungicide based on Bacillus subtilis Ch-13 regarding green mould disease control and increase in white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) production. The recommended application rate of the biofungicide in three split doses (30 + 15 + 15 ml m-2) enhanced mushroom yield by 8.41% and control of green mould disease (Trichoderma aggressivum) by 53.57%. A different application procedure of the biofungicide B. subtilis Ch-13 was then further investigated, involving six split doses (6 ? 10 ml m-2) of the same total dose of 60 ml which was previously tested in three split doses. The impact of the biofungicide on fruiting body yield and its effectiveness in disease control were evaluated on white button mushroom artificially infected with Trichoderma aggressivum f. europaeum in the experimental mushroom growing room (in vivo). No statistically significant differences in disease control efficacy were found between the fungicide prochloraz (71.08%) and the biofungicide applied either in six split doses (63.05%) or three (58.43%). As for the fungicide/biofungicide positive impact on mushroom production, no statistically significant differences were detected among treatments. The B. subtilis Ch-13-based biofungicide may be applied in three split doses, as well as in six split applications, depending on the watering or picking schedule during mushroom cultivation, as both schemes showed satisfactory efficacy in disease control and positive effects on mushroom yield.

This study investigates the impact of dosimetric parameters on acute and late toxicity for patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with image-guided intensity modulated radiation therapy (IG-IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy.Patients were enrolled in an observational cohort study between 2008 and 2013 (median follow-up 3.4 years). They were treated with standardized target and organ-at-risk (OAR) contouring, planning, and IG-IMRT. Radiotherapy dose, based on clinicopathologic features, ranged from 45 Gy to 63 Gy to gross targets and 27 Gy to 36 Gy to elective targets. Chemotherapy was concurrent 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C (weeks 15). Toxicity was prospectively graded using NCI CTCAE v.3 and RTOG scales. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between dose/volume parameters (e.g small bowel V5) and corresponding grade 2 + and 3+ (G2+/3 + ) toxicities (e.g. diarrhea).In total, 87 and 79 patients were included in the acute and late toxicity analyses, respectively. The most common acute G2 + toxicities were skin (dermatitis in 87 % [inguino-genital skin], 91 % [perianal skin]) and hematologic in 58 %. G2 + late anal toxicity (sphincter dysfunction), gastrointestinal toxicity, and skin toxicity were respectively experienced by 49 %, 38 %, and 44 % of patients. Statistically significant associations were observed between: G2 + acute diarrhea and small bowel V35; G2 + acute genitourinary toxicity and bladder DStatistically significant dose-volume parameters were identified and may be used to offer individualized risk prediction and to inform treatment planning. Additional validation of the results is required.

Patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are treated with sphincter-preserving radiation therapy and concurrent chemotherapy, achieving excellent oncologic outcomes. Patients, however, may experience treatment-related morbidity including sexual dysfunction. The objective of this systematic review was to review the literature on sexual dysfunction in female patients treated for anal cancer and to identify knowledge gaps.This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO prior to initiation. Databases searched included MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. There were no restrictions on the study time period. Studies were limited to English. All study designs were included except review articles, letters to the editor, and case reports with less than ten patients.In total, 1801 studies were retrieved and 19 met the inclusion criteria, including: 13 cross-sectional surveys, 3 prospective studies, 1 longitudinal intervention study, 1 retrospective chart review, 1 case control study. Sexual function was assessed using the female sexual functioning index (FSFI), EORTC-QLQ-CR30 and -CR38; response rates were low (50 % in most studies). Sexual dysfunction was reported by up to 85 % of women; the most common symptoms being dyspareunia (17-65 %), vaginal dryness (22-88 %), and loss of libido (38-95 %). Gastrointestinal issues, such as bowel problems, and body image concerns additionally affected sexual function and quality of life.Sexual dysfunction is a common issue affecting most female patients treated for anal cancer and there is a paucity of evidence on the management of this important survivorship issue. There is additionally a lack of ethnic, economic, and educational diversity and there are no studies addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ individuals - future studies should make a concerted effort to include a diverse patient population.

Highlights • A single biopsy may not accurately reflect the global hypoxia status of a tumor due to intratumoral heterogeneity. • Compared with individual genes, hypoxia gene expression signatures are generally more consistent across multiple biopsies from different regions of a tumor and may give a more reliable estimate of global hypoxia status. • Wherever possible, the use of multiple biopsies provides greater assurance in correctly classifying a tumor as more or less hypoxic., Background and Purpose Gene expression signatures are often used to identify hypoxic tumors. However, intratumoral heterogeneity raises concern that multiple biopsies may be necessary to assess global hypoxia status. The objective of this study was to compare the impact of heterogeneity on the discriminative capacity of several previously described hypoxia gene signatures and determine if a single biopsy is sufficient to obtain a reliable estimate of hypoxia in cervical cancer. Materials and Methods Multiple biopsies (33) were obtained from 11 locally advanced (FIGO IB to IVB) cervical cancers prior to treatment. Ten hypoxia gene signatures were analyzed. Variance component analysis was used to determine the ratio of within-tumor variability to total-tumor variability when one to five biopsies are available for analysis (W/T1–5). The mean standardized error in the signature scores was estimated by comparing the score using one biopsy randomly selected from each tumor to the ‘global’ score using all available biopsies. Results The ten hypoxia signatures were comprised of 6–99 genes each. The W/T1 ratios for individual genes commonly found in the signatures ranged from 0.17 to 0.73. W/T1 ratios for the signatures were generally lower (0.21–0.45), implying greater capacity to discriminate among tumors. With additional biopsies, the signature W/T ratios (ie W/T2-5) decreased further. The mean error in the signature scores varied from 0.27 to 0.40 of one standard deviation, suggesting high capacity to discriminate among tumors with different global hypoxia scores. Conclusions Compared with individual probes, hypoxia gene expression signatures are generally more consistent across multiple biopsies from different regions of a tumor and more tolerant of intratumoral heterogeneity.

Dose painting of hypoxic tumour sub-volumes using positron-emission tomography (PET) has been shown to improve tumour control in silico in several sites. Pancreatic cancer presents a more stringent challenge, given its proximity to critical organs-at-risk (OARs) and anatomic motion. A radiobiological model was developed to estimate clonogen survival fraction (SF), using 18F-fluoroazomycin arabinoside PET (FAZA PET) images from ten patients with pancreatic cancer to quantify oxygen enhancement effects. For each patient, four simulated five-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) plans were generated: 1) a standard SBRT plan aiming to cover the planning target volume with 40 Gy, 2) dose painting plans delivering escalated doses to FAZA-avid hypoxic sub-volumes, 3) dose painting plans with simulated spacer separating the duodenum and pancreatic head, and 4), plans with integrated boosts to geometric contractions of the tumour (GTV). All plans saturated at least one OAR dose limit. SF was calculated for each plan and sensitivity of SF to simulated hypoxia quantification errors was evaluated. Dose painting resulted in a 55% reduction in SF as compared to standard SBRT; 78% with spacer. Integrated boosts to hypoxia-blind geometric contractions resulted in a 41% reduction in SF. The reduction in SF for dose-painting plans persisted for all hypoxia quantification parameters studied, including registration and rigid motion errors that resulted in shifts and rotations of the GTV and hypoxic sub-volumes by as much as 1 cm and 10 degrees. Although proximity to OARs ultimately limited dose escalation, with estimated SFs (~10^-5) well above levels required to completely ablate a ~10 cm^3 tumour, dose painting robustly reduced clonogen survival when accounting for expected treatment and imaging uncertainties and thus, may improve local response and associated morbidity.

Background Despite persistently poor oncological outcomes, approaches to the management of T4 colonic cancer remain variable, with the role of neoadjuvant therapy unclear. The aim of this review was to compare oncological outcomes between direct-to-surgery and neoadjuvant therapy approaches to T4 colon cancer. Methods A librarian-led systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL up to 11 February 2020 was performed. Inclusion criteria were primary research articles comparing oncological outcomes between neoadjuvant therapies or direct to surgery for primary T4 colonic cancer. Based on PRISMA guidelines, screening and data abstraction were undertaken in duplicate. Quality assessment was carried out using Cochrane risk-of-bias tools. Random-effects models were used to pool effect estimates. This study compared pathological resection margins, postoperative morbidity, and oncological outcomes of cancer recurrence and overall survival. Results Four studies with a total of 43 063 patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared with direct to surgery, neoadjuvant therapy was associated with increased rates of margin-negative resection (odds ratio (OR) 2.60, 95 per cent c.i. 1.12 to 6.02; n = 15 487) and 5-year overall survival (pooled hazard ratio 1.42, 1.10 to 1.82, I2 = 0 per cent; n = 15 338). No difference was observed in rates of cancer recurrence (OR 0.42, 0.15 to 1.22; n = 131), 30-day minor (OR 1.12, 0.68 to 1.84; n = 15 488) or major (OR 0.62, 0.27 to 1.44; n = 15 488) morbidity, or rates of treatment-related adverse effects. Conclusion Compared with direct to surgery, neoadjuvant therapy improves margin-negative resection rates and overall survival.

Boron-rich phases like boron carbide and boron suboxide (nominally B6O), with high hardness, low density and chemical inertness, are used as an excellent thermal conducting material, as abrasives and for other high-wear applications. In addition, their application as a nuclear material is especially significant. This study presents a synthetic method for preparation of B6O at temperatures between 1200° and 1800°C. The synthesis was done in an argon atmosphere by using amorphous boron and boric acid in appropriate molar ratio. The evolution of the phase composition during thermal treatment was investigated by X-ray diffraction. A sample obtained at 1800°C consisted of B6O and B4C phases, revealing the intense reaction of B6O with carbon substrate in a vacuum. Sintering behaviour of the synthesized boron suboxide was followed with a scanning electron microscope

Biofungicides based on plant oils have some advantages compared to chemical fungicides, especially considering their harmful effect on the environment. Twenty-two essential oils from Germany and Albania were assayed for inhibitory and fungicidal activity against Verticillium dahliae Klebahn, the causal agent of Verticillium wilt of pepper, using the macrodilution fumigant method. The concentrations of oils obtained in the vapour phase were: 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.16 and 0.32 ?l ml-1 with determined minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations. The strongest activity was shown by two samples of mint oil (Mentha piperita L.) at 0.02 ?l ml-1 of air, both from Germany and Albania, followed by plant essential oils of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labilardie), black pine (Pinus nigra L.) and cade (Juniperus oxycedrus L.), and all of them were lethal to the pathogen. Nine oils: two samples of mint, cade, eucalyptus, black pine, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) inhibited the growth of Verticillium dahliae, while five oils (two samples of mint, eucalyptus, black pine and cade) showed fungicidal effects on the pathogen. These results showed that mint, eucalyptus, black pine and cade essential oils have a potential for further in vivo experiments against Verticillium dahliae.

Californian hydroclimate is strongly seasonal and prone to severe water shortages. Recent changes in climate trends have induced shifts in seasonality, thus exacerbating droughts, wildfires, and adverse water shortage effects on the environment and economy. Previous studies have examined the timing of the seasonal cycle shifts mainly as temperature driven earlier onset of the spring season. In this paper, we address quantitative changes in the onset, amounts, and termination of the precipitation season over the past 6 decades, as well as the large-scale atmospheric circulation underpinning the seasonal cycle changes. We discover that the onset of the rainy season has been progressively delayed since the 1960s, and as a result the precipitation season has become shorter and sharper in California. The progressively later onset of the rainy season is shown to be related to the summer circulation pattern extending into autumn across the North Pacific, in particular, a delay in the strengthening of the Aleutian Low and later southward displacement of the North Pacific westerlies. Plain Language Summary The rainy season over California is projected to show a distinct sharpening of the mean seasonal cycle, with winter precipitation increasing, and both autumn and spring precipitation decreasing. Our analysis of the past 6 decades of data for California suggests autumn decrease is already underway. A delayed start of the rainy season of 27 days since 1960s can exacerbate seasonal droughts and prolong the wildfire season. This delay occurs due to a number of conditions that controls precipitation: the summer circulation pattern has been extending throughout November across the North Pacific, and the wintertime strengthening of the Aleutian Low is delayed. Accordingly, the southward migration of the North Pacific jet stream as well as extratropical storm tracks, which marks the start of the California rainy season, are delayed. More work, using climate models, will be needed to provide a better understanding of atmospheric conditions across the North America and the North Pacific. However, our findings provide observational evidence for the projected rainfall change over California and inform ongoing discussion about the drying/wetting tendencies of the rainy season in California.

Adenocarcinoma of the anal canal is an uncommon malignancy, making it challenging to perform randomized controlled clinical trials to define best practices in care. For patients with localized disease, there remains a lack of consensus regarding the optimal management, with some physicians advocating for trimodality therapy (similar to the locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma paradigm) and others advocating for definitive radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy (similar to the management of anal squamous cell carcinoma). The objective of this clinical review is to describe the management and outcomes of patients with anal adenocarcinoma to help inform treatment recommendations.

Five essential oils isolated from plants originating from Serbia and ten combinations of the selected essential oils were assayed to test their inhibitory and fungicidal activity against Trchoderma aggressivum f. europaeum Samuels & W. Gams using two distinctive methods: microdilution and fumigant macrodilution methods. The strongest activity was demonstrated by spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) and thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) oils at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.25 ?l ml-1 using microdilution, and 0.16 ?l ml-1 of air using fumigant macrodilution method. The antifungal activity of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) was medium, while the oil extracted from St. John?s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) exhibited the lowest activity. None of the selected essential oils exhibited fungicidal effect at minimal fungicidal concentrations (?FC) of over 25 ?l ml-1 or 0.32 ?l ml-1of air, using micro- and macrodilution, respectively. When microdilution was used, the strongest antifungal activity was demonstrated by two oil combinations: spearmint-thyme and spearmint-peppermint, having MIC and MFC values of 3.75 ?l ml-1. The lowest activity was demonstrated by the basil-St. John?s wort essential oil combination, at 30 ?l ml-1 MIC, and MFC exceeding 30 ?l ml-1. The obtained results indicate possible synergistic effects of essential oils and their components.

Antifungal activity of two essential oils, cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merrill & Perry), was evaluated against Cladobotryum dendroides (Bull.) W. Gams & Hooz, and Lecanicillium fungicola var. fungicola (Preuss) Hasebrauk, the causal agents of cobweb and dry bubble disease of cultivated mushroom. Inhibitory and fungicidal activity of the selected essential oils was assayed using three methods: microdilution, macrodilution fumigant and macrodilution contact method. Comparing all three methods, clove essential oil showed stronger activity than cinnamon against both fungi, having minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at the lowest concentrations tested (1.56, 0.02 and 0.1 µl ml-1, respectively). However, cinnamon oil was more toxic to L. fungicola var. fungicola then to C. dendroides in all three methods. Both oils exhibited stronger antifungal effects when used in the macrodilution fumigant than in contact method. The results showed that both cinnamon and clove essential oils have the potential for further in vivo experiments against L. fungicola var. fungicola and C. dendroides and indicated a possible use of these oils in integrated disease management in mushrooms. Ispitana je antifungalna aktivnost etarskih ulja cimeta i karanfilića prema Cladobotryum dendroides (Bull.) W. Gams & Hooz, i Lecanicillium fungicola var. fungicola (Preuss) Hasebrauk, prouzrokovačima paučinaste plesni i suve truleži šampinjona. Antifungalna aktivnost odabranih etarskih ulja testirana je primenom tri različite metode: mikrodilucione, makrodilucione fumigantne i makrodilucione kontaktne metode. Etarsko ulje karanfilića je ispoljilo jači efekat od ulja cimeta na obe gljive primenom sve tri metode, sa minimalnim inhibitornim koncentrecijama pri najnižim testiranim koncentracijama (1,56, 0,02 i 0,1 µl ml-1). Ulje cimeta je pokazalo veću toksičnost prema L. fungicola var. fungicola nego prema C. dendroides. Ispitivana etarska ulja ispoljila su jače antifungalno dejstvo primenjena fumigantno nego kontaktno u makrodilucionoj metodi. Antifungalno delovanje etarskih ulja cimeta i karanfilića in vitro, ukazuje na potencijal za dalja ispitivanja njihove efikasnosti in vivo, kao i mogućnosti uključivanja ovih etarskih ulja u integralnu zaštitu jestivih gljiva od bolesti prouzrokovanih mikopatogenim gljivama L. fungicola var. fungicola i C. dendroides.

A significant amount of red mud generated as a by-product of the Bayer process in the aluminum industry may cause environmental problems if appropriate treatment is not carried out. The presented research dealt with the possibility of application of red mud as a pigment or as raw material for use in the construction material industry. In relation to the aim of this work, the physicochemical characterization was performed and the natural radioactivity of red mud as an industrial waste and a geopolymer sample based on it was determined. The presented research is a contribution to the potential solution for environmental protection through the synthesis of possible construction material based on red mud. The radiological hazard orginating from 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the samples was assesed throught the absorbed dose rate and the annual effective dose rate, calculated in accordance with the UNSCEAR 2010 report. Physicochemical characterization of all samples was conducted using X-ray diffraction and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. III 45012]

A biofungicide based on Bacillus subtilis QST713 was tested for impact on yield and efficacy against a Trichoderma aggressivum f. europaeum T77 strain from Serbia by coating mushroom grain spawn and comparing the results with the chemical fungicide prochloraz manganese in a mushroom growing room. The tested B. subtilis QST713 strain did not inhibit mycelial growth of Agaricus bisporus in plots free of the pathogen, showing an impact on yield of 91.95%, which was not significantly different from an untreated control. As for the efficacy of the fungicides used against T. aggressivum f. europaeum T77, there were no significant differences between a prochloraz manganese casing treatment, and B. subtilis QST713 coating on mushroom grain spawn, as the efficacy was 70.37 and 53.09%, respectively. These results implied that the biofungicide based on B. subtilis could serve as a harmless alternative to synthetic fungicides in mushroom production, especially during serious compost green muold outbreaks caused by T. aggressivum. Furthermore, the biofungicide should be applied alone because an antagonistic reaction was detected between the fungicide prochloraz and B. subtilis QST713. Biofungicid na bazi Bacillus subtilis QST713 je odabran za testiranje uticaja na prinos i efikasnosti u suzbijanju Trichoderma aggressivum f. europaeum T77 iz Srbije, kada je primenjeno za tretiranje micelije ('semena') šampinjona u poređenju sa fungicidom prohloraz manganom u oglednom gajilištu. Testirani soj B. subtilis QST713 nije inhibirao rast micelije Agaricus bisporus, u tretmanima bez prisustva patogena, sa uticajem na prinos 91.95% i nije se statistički značajno razlikovao od neinokulisane kontrole. U pogledu efikasnosti fungicida u suzbijanju T. aggressivum f. europaeum T77, nije bilo statistički značajne razlike među tretmanima sa fungicidom prohloraz manganom primenjenim na pokrivku i tretmanom B. subtilis QST713 primejenim na miceliju ('seme') šampinjona, sa odgovorajućim vrednostima 70.37 i 53.09%. Ovi rezultati ukazuju da se biofungicid na bazi B. subtilis može primenjivati kao alternativa sintetičkom fungicidu u proizvodnji šampinjona, posebno kod značajne pojave zelene plesni u kompostu za gajenje šampinjona koju izaziva T. aggressivum. Takođe, preporuka je da se biofungicid primenjuje samostalno jer je uočena antagonistička reakcija između prohloraz mangana i B. subtilis QST713.

CaO-TiO2-SiO2 (sphene) based ceramics has been prepared from a powder mixture (calcite, rutile and amorphous silica) using vibro-milling for homogenization and activation of the precursors. Sphene can be used for nuclear waste disposal. Although many approaches like multi-barrier, glass and ceramic waste forms are available for the nuclear waste disposal, the ceramic waste form is still attractive. In ceramics, because of its synthetic approach of immobilizing the radioactive waste, the radioactive nuclides are incorporated into solid solutions in an assemblage of synthetic mineralogical phase. Among various ceramic waste forms, synthetic rock (synroc) – sphene (CaTiSiO5) is currently receiving significant attention. The evolution of the phase composition during thermal treatment was investigated by thermal analyses and X-ray diffraction measurements. Also, morphology of was determined by scanning electron microscopy microscopy techniques.

The impact of a biofungicide based on Bacillus subtilis Ch-13 on mushroom yield and efficacy in suppression of Trichoderma aggressivum f. europaeum T77 from Serbia was estimated in comparision with a similar microbial fungicide, Bacillus velezensis QST713, and the chemical fungicide prochloraz manganese. The biofungicide B. velezensis QST713 is registered for treatments of mushrooms and other crops in many countries but it is not currently available on the Serbian market. The tested B. subtilis Ch-13 fungicide enhanced mushroom yield 12%, compared with an uninoculated control, and notably more than B. velezensis QST713 applied at its higher test concentrations. Regarding the efficacy of the biofungicides in control of the compost pathogen T. aggressivum f. europaeum, B. subtilis Ch-13 applied in concentration of 3 × 108 CFU per m2 showed higher efficacy than the higher concentrations (5 × 109 and 1 × 1010 CFU per m2) of B. velezensis QST713. The biofungicide based on B. subtilis Ch-13 should be further investigated regarding its different modes of application to ensure better efficacy in disease control as it showed beneficial features in both promoting A. bisporus production and suppressing the growth of the aggressive compost pathogen T. aggressivum, the causal agent of devastating green mould disease. Biofungicid na bazi Bacillus subtilis Ch-13 odabran je za procenu uticaja na prinos šampinjona i efikasnost u suzbijanju Trichoderma aggressivum f. europaeum T77 iz Srbije u poređenju sa sličnim mikrobiološkim fungicidom na bazi Bacillus velezensis QST713 i fungicidom prohloraz manganom. Biofungicid B. velezensis QST713 je registrovan u šampinjonima i drugim usevima u mnogim državama, ali nije dostupan na tržištu Sribje. Testirani B. subtilis Ch-13 je povećao prinos šampinjona 12% u poređenju sa neinokulisanom kontrolom i u značajno većoj meri od B. velezensis QST713 primenjenog u većim koncentracijama. U određivanju efikasnosti biofungicida u suzbijanju kompostnog patogena T. aggressivum f. europaeum, B. subtilis Ch-13 primenjen u koncentraciji 3 × 108 CFU po m2, ispoljio je veću efikasnost od B. velezensis QST713 primenjenog u većim koncentracijama (5 × 109 i 1 × 1010 CFU po m2). Biofungicid na bazi B. subtilis Ch-13 bi trebalo dalje testirati i proučiti različite načine njegove primene da bi se uspostavila veća efikasnost u suzbijanju patogena jer je pokazao značajne osobine u pospešivanju prinosa A. bisporus i zaštiti od agresivnog patogena iz komposta T. aggressivum, prouzrokovača zelene plesni šampinjona.

Twenty-two essential oil samples from Germany and Albania were assayed to test their inhibitory and fungicidal activity against Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr., the major causal agent of chestnut blight on chestnut trees, using the fumigant macrodilution method. Test concentrations of the oils in air phase were: 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.16 and 0.32 ?l ml-1, and minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations were determined. The strongest activity was shown by two samples of mint oil from Germany and Albania, and black pine at the concentration of 0.02 ?l ml-1 of air for both test isolates (M1 and 4S). The tested plant essential oils also included: eucalyptus, sage, silver fir and cade. Only three samples of EOs (mint (2) and black pine) were lethal to both isolates. Sage and silver fir oils were more toxic to the M1 isolate, while cade and eucalyptus oils were more toxic to the 4S isolate. Fifteen oils: mint (2), black pine, cade, eucalyptus, silver fir, sage, pine (4), oregano, lavender, and rosemary (2), inhibited the growth of Cryphonectria parasitica, and seven oils (two samples of mint, eucaliptus, black pine, sage, silver fir and cade) showed fungicidal effects on the pathogen.

Previous research conducted in Montenegro suggested an increase in maximum and minimum daily temperatures in the last decades, followed by growth of extreme events frequency. This study examines the relationship between temperature and atmospheric circulation fields in Montenegro using 9 WMO-CCL/CLIVAR extreme climatic indices. The data on atmospheric circulation refers to 11 teleconnection patterns analyzed by seasonal timescales. The assessment of the impact of certain teleconnection patterns has shown a significant connection to extreme events in Montenegro. Calculated results showed the strongest impact of EA, MO, WeMO, EAWR and AO during the winter season, while the weaker impact was calculated for NAO and SCAND. The best impact is obtained for EA and AO during spring, while summer temperature variations are connected to EA, AMO, EAWR, SCAND and NAO. The autumn season showed strong connection with EA, SCAND, AMO, EAWR, MO and AO.

Nanoemulsion technique, based on Ouzo effect, was applied for synthesis of the pure and silver doped (2.5 and 5mol%) calcium hydroxyapatite (HAp). After calcination at 500?C fully crystallized powders were obtained. X-ray powder diffraction analysis accompanied with Rietveld refinement revealed that the synthesized powders were single-phase hydroxyapatite. Raman spectroscopy also confirmed that the synthesized powders were single-phase. The obtained HAp particles were spherical in shape and their sizes were in the nanometer range which was revealed by field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis (FESEM). The successful synthesis of the single-phase Ag doped HAp showed that nanoemulsion method is a simple technique for obtaining pure and doped hydroxyapatite nanospheres.

Nanoemulsion technique was applied for synthesis of carbonated strontium hydroxyapatite (CSrHAp) at room temperature. X-ray powder diffraction analysis accompanied with Rietveld refinement reviled that synthesized powder were single-phase hydroxyapatite. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that the CSrHAp was A-type substitution. The carbonate amount substituting the hydroxide group in the synthesized apatite was estimated, from the corresponding CO2 weight loss in the range 600-1100 degrees C. According to this empirical formula of as synthesized CHAp is S-10(PO4)(6)(OH)(0.60)(CO3)(0.70). These results were confirmed by the Rietveld refinement analysis. Using scanning electron microscopy analysis it was found that the synthesized CSrHAp particles were spherical in shape and that their sizes were in the nanometer range. Nanoemulsion strategy procedure provides a simple pathway to obtain single-phase CSrHAp. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simple route was used for synthesis of nanostructured titania samples doped with 3 and 6 mol% of Cr3+ Titanium(IV)-isopropoxide and water were used as starting materials and as an agents for controlling hydrolysis and condensation reactions. The phase evolution of titania (TiO2) was followed by calcination at 400, 600 and 800 degrees C. The synthesized powders were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Single-phase anatase was obtained at low temperature (400 degrees C) in all cases. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 doped nanopowders was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet in aqueous solution. The present study indicates that this simple synthesis method can be an effective route to produce efficient photoactive doped anatase nanopowders. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.