bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Artifacts and Cochlear Implant Positioning at 1.5 T In Vivo
Authors: Schröder Dirk , Grupe Gloria , Rademacher Grit , Mutze Sven , Ernst Arneborg , Seidl Rainer , Mittmann Philipp
Published: November 2018

Objective. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging with the magnet of the cochlear implant receiver/stimulator in place causes artifacts and hinders evaluation of intracerebral structures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the internal auditory canal and the labyrinth in a 1.5T MRI with the magnet in place. Study Design. Observational study. Setting. Tertiary referral center. Subjects and Methods. The receiver/stimulator unit was placed and fixed onto the head of three volunteers at three different angles to the nasion–outer ear canal (90°–160°) and at three different distances from the outer ear canal (5–9 cm). T1 and T2 weighted sequences were conducted for each position. Results. Excellent visibility of the internal auditory canal and the labyrinth was seen in the T2 weighted sequences with 9 cm between the magnet and the outer ear canal at every nasion–outer ear canal angle. T1 sequences showed poorer visibility of the internal auditory canal and the labyrinth. Conclusion. Aftercare and visibility of intracerebral structures after cochlear implantation is becoming more important as cochlear implant indications are widened worldwide. With a distance of at least 9 cm from the outer ear canal the artifact induced by the magnet allows evaluation of the labyrinth and the internal auditory canal.
Temporal Changes on the Risks and Complications of Posttransplantion Diabetes Mellitus Following Cardiac Transplantation
Authors: Iannino Nadia , Nasri Amine , Räkel Agnès , Ducharme Anique , Lachance Kim , Racine Normand , de Denus Simon , Tremblay-Gravel Maxime , Fortier Annik , White Michel
Published: November 2018

Background. Recent changes in the demographic of cardiac donors and recipients have modulated the rate and risk, associated with posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM). We investigated the secular trends of the risk of PTDM at 1 year and 3 years after transplantation over 30 years and explored its effect on major outcomes. Methods. Three hundred and three nondiabetic patients were followed for a minimum of 36 months, after a first cardiac transplantation performed between 1983 and 2011. Based on the year of their transplantation, the patients were divided into 3 eras: (1983-1992 [era 1], 1993-2002 [era 2], and 2003-2011 [era 3]). Results. In eras 1, 2, and 3, the proportions of patients with PTDM at 1 versus 3 years were 23% versus 39%, 21% versus 26%, and 33% versus 38%, respectively. Independent risk factors predicting PTDM at one year were recipient’s age, duration of cold ischemic time, treatment with furosemide, and tacrolimus. There was a trend for overall survival being worse for patients with PTDM in comparison to patients without PTDM (p = 0.08). Patients with PTDM exhibited a significantly higher rate of renal failure over a median follow-up of 10 years (p = 0.03). Conclusion. The development of PTDM following cardiac transplantation approaches 40% at 3 years and has not significantly changed over thirty years. The presence of PTDM is weakly associated with an increased mortality and is significantly associated with a worsening in renal function long-term following cardiac transplantation.
Bounding the Dynamics of a Chaotic-Cancer Mathematical Model
Authors: Valle Paul A. , Coria Luis N. , Gamboa Diana , Plata Corina
Published: November 2018

The complexity of cancer has motivated the development of different approaches to understand the dynamics of this large group of diseases. One that may allow us to better comprehend the behavior of cancer cells, in both short- and long-term, is mathematical modelling through ordinary differential equations. Several ODE mathematical models concerning tumor evolution and immune response have been formulated through the years, but only a few may exhibit chaotic attractors and oscillations such as stable limit cycles and periodic orbits; these dynamics are not that common among cancer systems. In this paper, we apply the Localization of Compact Invariant Sets (LCIS) method and Lyapunov stability theory to investigate the global dynamics and the main factors involved in tumor growth and immune response for a chaotic-cancer system presented by Itik and Banks in 2010. The LCIS method allows us to compute what we define as the localizing domain, which is formulated by the intersection of all lower and upper bounds of each cells population in the nonnegative octant, R+,03. Bounds of this domain are given by inequalities in terms of the system parameters. Then, we apply Lyapunov stability theory and LaSalle’s invariance principle to establish existence conditions of a global attractor. The latter implies that given any nonnegative initial condition, all trajectories will go to the largest compact invariant set (a stable equilibrium point, limit cycles, periodic orbits, or a chaotic attractor) located either inside or at the boundaries of the localizing domain. In order to complement our analysis, numerical simulations are performed throughout the paper to illustrate all mathematical results and to better explain their biological implications.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Depression in Women following Intrauterine Interventions in Complicated Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Mautner Eva , Kalchmair Hannah , Avian Alexander , Deutsch Maria , Greimel Elfriede , Klaritsch Philipp
Published: November 2018

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore maternal health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and depression following intrauterine interventions in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies at the Medical University Graz. Material and Methods: In a cross-sectional questionnaire survey, women with at least one liveborn infant following intrauterine intervention during 2011 and 2015 were matched with uncomplicated monochorionic and dichorionic pregnancies. All completed the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey to measure HRQoL and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to measure depression. Results were compared with local normative values. Results: There were no differences in physical and mental HRQoL as compared to those with uncomplicated pregnancy. However, the whole study population had significantly lower HRQoL scores (p < 0.001) than the normative sample. Additionally, 11% of the whole study population experienced moderate (6.2%) or moderately severe (4.6%) depression. Women following uncomplicated dichorionic pregnancy revealed more depressive symptoms compared to women with intervention. Discussion: Women with at least one surviving infant following intervention in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancy do not seem to have an impaired HRQoL as compared to women following uncomplicated monochorionic or dichorionic pregnancies. However, twin pregnancy itself appears to impair HRQoL, at least in the first 4 postnatal years.
Yoga in der supportiven onkologischen Therapie
Authors: Cramer Holger
Published: November 2018

Background: Many cancer patients suffer from symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Supportive treatments are increasingly used to alleviate distress in cancer. In this study, the effects of yoga on these symptoms are examined. Methods: We performed a randomized controlled study on cancer patients with mixed diagnoses comparing yoga therapy with a waiting list control group. We measured anxiety symptoms with the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, depressive symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), and fatigue with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Fatigue scale (EORTC QLQ-FA13). Yoga therapy was carried out in weekly sessions of 60 min each for 8 weeks. The program provided restrained body and breathing exercises as well as meditation. The control group did not receive any yoga therapy while on the waiting list. Results: A total of 70 subjects participated in the study. Anxiety was significantly reduced by the yoga therapy in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.005). However, yoga therapy did not show any significant effects on depression (p = 0.21) and fatigue (p = 0.11) compared to the control group. Conclusion: Yoga therapy may be used to alleviate anxiety symptoms in cancer patients and should be the subject of further research.
Exosomes from Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin-Activated Dendritic Cells Promote Th2 Differentiation through the OX40 Ligand
Authors: Huang Li , Zhang Xinxing , Wang Meijuan , Chen Zhengrong , Yan Yongdong , Gu Wenjing , Tan Jiahong , Jiang Wujun , Ji Wei
Published: November 2018

Objectives: Exosomes are extracellular vesicles released from various inflammatory cells, such as T cells, B cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and mast cells, which have been implicated in the modulation of immune response in asthma. This study aimed to investigate whether exosomes from DCs activated by thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) play a role in T-helper cell differentiation through the OX40 ligand (OX40L). Methods: Serum samples from patients with asthma were collected to measure the levels of OX40L, T-helper type 1 (Th1) cytokine interferon (IFN)-γ, and T-helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine interleukin (IL)-4 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Exosomes were isolated from TSLP-activated DCs and co-cultured with CD4+ T cells. Western blot and ELISA assays were used to measure the levels of OX40L, IFN-γ, and IL-4 in DCs and CD4+ T cells. Flow cytometry was applied to detect Th1 and Th2 cells. Results: OX40L and IL-4 were increased and IFN-γ was decreased in serum from asthmatic patients compared with healthy controls. TSLP induced DCs to express OX40L in released exosomes, which could promote proliferation of CD4+ T cells, elevate the level of IL-4, and promote Th2 differentiation. Conclusion: Blockade of OX40L in DC-derived exosomes could inhibit exosome-mediated CD4+ T proliferation and Th2 differentiation.
Comparison of Nocturnal Cough Analysis in Healthy Subjects and in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Radine Andrea , Werner Claudius , Raidt Johanna , Dougherty Gerard W. , Kerschke Laura , Omran Heymut , Grosse-Onnebrink Joerg
Published: November 2018

Background: Cough is a key symptom in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Objective: The study objectives were to test whether cough is related to parameters reflecting their disease severity and whether CF and PCD differ in cough frequency. Methods: In this prospective observational study, we used a microphone-based monitoring system (LEOSound® Monitor) to count the coughs in healthy subjects (HS) and in stable patients with CF and PCD (25 subjects per group) on 2 consecutive nights. Results: The median number of coughs/h in the HS, CF, and PCD groups was 0.0, 1.3, and 0.5 on the first night and 0.0, 2.3, and 0.2 on the second night, respectively. Patients with CF and PCD coughed more than HS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009, respectively) and CF patients coughed more than PCD patients (p = 0.023). A multivariable mixed model analysis revealed forced expiratory volume in 1 s as an independent risk factor for increased cough frequency in patients. The reliability for repeated measurements was higher for cough epochs/h than for coughs/h (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.75 and 0.49, respectively). Conclusions: Patients with CF cough more than patients with PCD. The cough frequency in CF and PCD is associated with parameters reflecting disease severity. Cough frequency is a possible endpoint in clinical trials and cough epochs/h may be more useful than coughs/h.
Derived Subendocardial Viability Ratio and Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ekart Robert , Bevc Sebastjan , Hojs Nina , Hojs Radovan
Published: November 2018

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a well-known mortality risk factor. The subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) is one of the pulse wave analysis parameters that constitutes a non-invasive measure of coronary perfusion. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of the SEVR for cardiovascular outcome in non-dialysis CKD patients. Methods: A total of 98 CKD patients (mean age 60 years) were prospectively followed up from the date of the SEVR measurement until their death or the start of dialysis/transplantation, maximally up to 7.1 years (mean 5 years). According to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding normal SEVR values, the patients were divided into a low SEVR group (SEVR ≤130%, n = 26) and a normal SEVR group (SEVR > 130%, n = 72). Results: During the follow-up period, 13 patients (13.3%) suffered fatal and 23 patients (23.5%) suffered combined (non-fatal and fatal) cardiovascular events. In the patients who died of cardiovascular causes, the SEVR values were statistically significantly lower (130 vs. 154%; p = 0.017) than in those who survived. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the cardiovascular survival rate in the low SEVR group of patients was statistically significantly lower (log-rank test: p < 0.001). Using an unadjusted Cox regression analysis, the patients in the low SEVR group had a 5.6-fold higher risk (95% CI: 1.8–17.3; p = 0.002) of fatal cardiovascular events and a 2.7-fold higher risk (95% CI: 1.1–6.3; p = 0.024) of combined fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events. In the adjusted Cox regression model, the patients in the low SEVR group had a 16-fold higher risk (95% CI: 1.2–9.7; p = 0.004) of fatal cardiovascular events and a 7-fold higher risk (95% CI: 1–9.7; p = 0.009) of combined fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events. Conclusions: An SEVR < 130% predicts fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events in non-dialysis CKD patients.
A Case of Stent Under-Expansion due to Calcified Plaque Treated with Shockwave Lithoplasty
Authors: Morabito Gaetano , Tripolino Cesare , Tassone Eliezer Joseph , Grillo Placido , Missiroli Bindo
Published: November 2018

We report the case of a stent under-expansion due to heavily calcified plaque treated with the shockwave lithoplasty system. A 77-year-old woman underwent coronary angiography, and intravascular ultrasound revealed stent under-expansion due to calcified plaque. Shockwave lithoplasty balloon was used to disrupt calcium deposits around the stent, thereby allowing a correct stent expansion with an excellent angiographic and intravascular ultrasound result.
Relation between Early Over- and Undertreatment and Behavioural Problems in Preadolescent Children with Congenital Hypothyroidism
Authors: Bongers-Schokking Jacoba J. , Resing Wilma C.M. , Oostdijk Wilma , de Rijke Yolanda B. , de Muinck Keizer-Schrama Sabine M.P.F.
Published: November 2018

Objective: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) per se, when not treated or undertreated, may lead to severe behavioural problems (cretinism), whereas overtreatment of CH seems associated with attention problems. Design and Methods: For 55 CH patients, prospectively followed from birth until 11 years, parents rated the Child Behaviour Checklist and teachers the Teacher’s Report Form at children’s ages 6 and 11 years. We related scores regarding Attention, Delinquency, and Aggression (ADA scores, indicative for attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome, ADHD), and scores regarding Withdrawn, Anxious, Social, and Thought problems (WAST scores, indicative for autism) to the occurrence of over- and undertreatment in five age periods. Over- and undertreatment were defined as free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations above/below the range of the patient’s individual fT4 steady state concentration. Results: ADA scores at 6 and 11 years for patients overtreated in the period 1–3 months postnatally were higher than those for patients who were not overtreated. Patients with severe CH undertreated in the period 3–6 months postnatally had higher WAST scores at 6 and 11 years than all other patients. Conclusions: This is the first study suggesting that permanent ADHD as well as autism in CH patients at ages 6 and 11 years are the result of early overtreatment and undertreatment, respectively.
Primary Tracheal Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Treated with a Water-Jet Hybrid Knife: A Case Report
Authors: Li Yishi , Jiang Jinyue , Herth Felix J.F. , Wan Tao , Zhang Rui , Xiao Meiling , Jin Xingxing , Xiao Yang , Guo Shuliang
Published: November 2018

Primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the trachea is very rare and is easily misdiagnosed as a bronchogenic carcinoma or benign tracheal tumor. Here, we report a clinical case where a new clinical approach involving a water-jet hybrid knife was employed in the diagnosis and treatment of primary tracheal MALT lymphoma.
The Effects of Direct Oral Anticoagulants, Warfarin, Aspirin and Thienopyridine on the Performance of Immunochemical, Faecal, Occult Blood Tests
Authors: Niikura Ryota , Yamada Atsuo , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Tanaka Kiyohito , Matsuda Koji , Saito Yutaka , Ohtsuka Kazuo , Oda Ichiro , Katada Chikatoshi , Kato Masayuki , Kida Mitsuhiro , Kobayashi Kiyonori , Hoteya Shu , Horimatsu Takahiro , Kodashima Shinya , Matsuda Takahisa , Muto Manabu , Yamamoto Hironori , Ryozawa Shomei , Iwakiri Ryuichi , Kutsumi Hiromu , Miyata Hiroaki , Kato Mototsugu , Haruma Ken , Fujimoto Kazuma , Uemura Naomi , Kaminishi Michio , Shinozaki Tomohiro , Tajiri Hisao , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: November 2018

Aim: To clarify whether antithrombotic drugs affect diagnosis using the immunochemical faecal occult blood test ­(iFOBT) of colorectal neoplasia. Methods: Using the Japan Endoscopy Database from 8 centres between 2015 and 2017, we analyzed data about patients who were iFOBT positive and had received direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC), warfarin, aspirin or thienopyridine. One-to-one matching-analogue propensity score weighted analyses were performed to compare the positive predictive value (PPV) of all neoplasms, invasive and non-invasive colorectal cancers and adenomas between drug users and non-users. All neoplasms included invasive and non-invasive colorectal cancer, and adenomas. Results: We analyzed 197 DOAC users and 196 non-users, 153 warfarin users and 153 non-users, 408 aspirin users and 415 non-users, and 97 thienopyridine users and 97 non-users. No significant differences were observed in the PPV for all neoplasms (56.67 vs. 50.43%), invasive cancer (4.32 vs. 3.53%), non-invasive cancer (15.58 vs. 15.56%) or adenoma (53.13 vs. 48.09%) between the DOAC user and non-user groups. No significant differences were observed in the PPV for all neoplasia, invasive and non-invasive cancer, or adenoma between warfarin, aspirin and thienopyridine use and non-users. Conclusions: DOAC, warfarin, aspirin and thienopyridine use did not decrease the PPVs of the iFOBT used to evaluate all colorectal neoplasia.
Neutrophil, Platelets, and Eosinophil to Lymphocyte Ratios Predict Gleason Score Upgrading in Low-Risk Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Ferro Matteo , Musi Gennaro , Serino Alessandro , Cozzi Gabriele , Mistretta Francesco Alessandro , Costa Beatrice , Bianchi Roberto , Cordima Giovanni , Luzzago Stefano , Di Trapani Ettore , Tagliabue Elena , Vartolomei Mihai Dorin , Terracciano Daniela , Cassatella Maria C. , Salvatici Michela , Conti Andrea , Sandri Maria Teresa , Cioffi Antonio , Turetti Matteo , Catellani Michele , Bottero Danilo , Matei Deliu Victor , Mirone Vincenzo , de Cobelli Ottavio
Published: November 2018

Background: Several biochemical and clinical markers have been proposed for selecting patients for active surveillance (AS). However, some of these are expensive and not easily accessible. Moreover, currently about 30% of patients on AS harbor aggressive disease. Hence, there is an urgent need for other tools to accurately identify patients with low-risk prostate cancer (PCa). Patients: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 260 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and were eligible for AS according to the following criteria: clinical stage T2a or less, prostate-specific antigen level < 10 ng/mL, 2 or fewer cores involved with cancer, Gleason score (GS) ≤6 grade, and prostate-specific antigen density < 0.2 ng/mL/cc. Methods: Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the association of patient and tumor characteristics with reclassification, defined as upstaged (pathological stage >pT2) and upgraded (GS ≥7) disease. A base model (age, prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, and clinical stage) was compared with models considering neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) or platelets to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte to lymphocyte (MLR), and eosinophil to lymphocyte ratio (ELR). OR and 95% CI were calculated. Finally, a decision curve analysis was performed. Results: Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that NLR, PLR, and ELR upgrading were significantly associated with upgrading (ORs ranging from 2.13 to 4.13), but not with upstaging except for MLR in multivariate analysis, showing a protective effect. Conclusion: Our results showed that NLR, PLR, and ELR are predictors of Gleason upgrading. Therefore, these inexpensive and easily available tests might be useful in the assessment of low-risk PCa, when considering patients for AS.
Effects of L-Carnitine on Mineral Metabolism in the Multicentre, Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled CARNIDIAL Trial
Authors: Mercadal Lucile , Tezenas du Montcel Sophie , Chonchol Michel B. , Debure Alain , Depreneuf Hélène , Servais Aude , Bassilios Nader , Assogba Ubald , Allouache Mahmoud , Prié Dominique
Published: November 2018

Background: The use of L-carnitine has been proposed in haemodialysis (HD) when deficiency is present to improve anaemia resistant to erythropoietin stimulating agent, intradialytic hypotension or cardiac failure. We tested the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on parameters of chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder. Methods: CARNIDIAL was a randomized, double-blinded trial having included 92 incident HD subjects for a 1-year period to receive L-carnitine versus placebo. Determinant factors of C-terminal fibroblast growth factor 23 (cFGF23) and intact FGF23 were studied including Klotho level. The L-carnitine effect on mineral metabolism was analyzed between groups by mixed linear models for repeated measurements. Results: Klotho was below the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) in 55% of the 163 samples. In multivariate analysis, cFGF23 was positively correlated with calcium and phosphate and was higher in subjects having Klotho > LLOQ. No correlation existed between Klotho and phosphate and phosphate was even higher in subjects having Klotho > LLOQ (p < 0.001). Both forms of FGF23 were not related to iron markers nor to IV iron dose. No L-carnitine effect was detected on parathyroid hormone (PTH) or FGF23 during the study period where PTH slightly decreased over time, whereas FGF23 increased. But calcium and phosphate increased more in the L-carnitine group. Conclusion: L-carnitine supplementation increased calcium and phosphate plasma concentrations with no detected downregulation effect on PTH and FGF23. (Clinical Trial 00322322, May 5, 2006).
Thrombocytopenia and Predisposition to Acute Myeloid Leukemia due to Mosaic Ring 21 with Loss of RUNX1: Cytogenetic and Molecular Characterization
Authors: Vormittag-Nocito Erica , Ni Hongyu , Schmidt Mary L. , Lindgren Valerie
Published: November 2018

Familial platelet disorder with predisposition to acute myeloid leukemia (FPD/AML) has been well documented in the literature and is a new entity within the latest revised edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues (OMIM). The disorder arises due to mutations within the RUNX1 gene in chromosome 21; mutations within the Runt-binding domain are the most commonly encountered anomalies that cause decreased platelet count and function. Rare cases of haploinsufficiency have also been shown to cause this disorder. Here, we describe a 12-year-old female with mosaicism for a ring chromosome 21 and monosomy 21 who was born with thrombocytopenia which is now explained by loss of the RUNX1 gene resulting in FPD/AML. We also comment on the structure of the ring and the mechanism of its formation.
C957T-mediated Variation in Ligand Affinity Affects the Association between11C-raclopride Binding Potential and Cognition
Authors: Karalija Nina , Papenberg Goran , Wåhlin Anders , Johansson Jarkko , Andersson Micael , Axelsson Jan , Riklund Katrine , Lövdén Martin , Lindenberger Ulman , Bäckman Lars , Nyberg Lars
Published: November 2018

The dopamine (DA) system plays an important role in cognition. Accordingly, normal variation in DA genes has been found to predict individual differences in cognitive performance. However, little is known of the impact of genetic differences on the link between empirical indicators of the DA system and cognition in humans. The present work used PET with11C-raclopride to assess DA D2-receptor binding potential (BP) and links to episodic memory, working memory, and perceptual speed in 179 healthy adults aged 64–68 years. Previously, the T-allele of a DA D2-receptor single-nucleotide polymorphism, C957T, was associated with increased apparent affinity of11C-raclopride, giving rise to higher BP values despite similar receptor density values between allelic groups. Consequently, we hypothesized that11C-raclopride BP measures inflated by affinity rather than D2-receptor density in T-allele carriers would not be predictive of DA integrity and therefore prevent finding an association between11C-raclopride BP and cognitive performance. In accordance with previous findings, we show that11C-raclopride BP was increased in T-homozygotes. Importantly,11C-raclopride BP was only associated with cognitive performance in groups with low or average ligand affinity (C-allele carriers of C957T, n = 124), but not in the high-affinity group (T-homozygotes, n = 55). The strongest11C-raclopride BP–cognition associations and the highest level of performance were found in C-homozygotes. These findings show that genetic differences modulate the link between BP and cognition and thus have important implications for the interpretation of DA assessments with PET and11C-raclopride in multiple disciplines ranging from cognitive neuroscience to psychiatry and neurology.
The Applicability of the Principle of Prevention to Climate Change: A Response to Zahar
Authors: Mayer Benoit
Published: November 2018

This is a response to Alexander Zahar’s article in the previous issue of Climate Law. Zahar argued that ‘the principle of prevention is neither applicable nor of relevance to the problem of climate change.’1 Firstly, I discuss Zahar’s scepticism toward state responsibility in the context of climate change. Secondly, I engage critically with Zahar’s claim that the preventive principle only applies to the type of environmental damage that occurs in a short timeframe and in a confined space. I show that some sources of international law do recognize the applicability of the preventive principle to damage to the global environment. Lastly, I dissent with Zahar’s qualification of the climate regime as a derogation to the principle of prevention. I argue that the principle of prevention is a necessary corollary of the rights of states to territorial integrity, although the modalities of application of the principle need to be refined.
An Economic Analysis of Liability and Compensation for Harm from Large-Scale Field Research in Solar Climate Engineering
Authors: Reynolds Jesse L.
Published: November 2018

Solar climate engineering is under increasing consideration as a potential means to reduce climate change risks. Its field research may generate knowledge to reduce climate risks to humans and the environment and will, at a large-enough scale, pose its own risks, some of which will be of the transboundary kind. Liability or compensation for harm is frequently referenced as a possible component of international regulation of solar climate engineering but has been insufficiently developed. This article offers an economic analysis of the possible interrelated roles of rules, liability, and compensation in the future international regulation of large-scale field research in solar climate engineering. Notably, the benefits, risks, and incentives of climate-engineering research are unlike typical high-risk activities. The analysis proposes a hypothetical international agreement that links general and procedural rules for research, an international compensation fund, and limited, indirect state liability with a duty-of-care defence.
Climate Geoengineering and the Role of Public Deliberation: A Comment on the us National Academy of Sciences’ Recommendations on Public Participation
Authors: Burns William C. G. , Flegal Jane A.
Published: November 2018

The feckless response of the world community to the mounting threat of climate change has led to a growing interest in climate geoengineering research. In early 2015, the us National Academy of Sciences released two major reports on the topic. While it is notable that both reports recommended some form of public participation to inform research, this article argues that the vagueness of these recommendations could mean that their implementation might not comport with optimal approaches for public deliberation. We outline some options for public deliberation on climate geoengineering and important design considerations.
The Paris Agreement: Historic Breakthrough or High Stakes Experiment?
Authors: Doelle Meinhard
Published: November 2018

This article offers an overview of the two key outcomes of the 2015 Paris climate negotiations, the Paris cop decision, and the Paris Agreement. Collectively, they chart a new course for the un climate regime that started in earnest in Copenhagen in 2009. The Paris Agreement represents a path away from the top-down approach and rigid differentiation among parties reflected in the Kyoto Protocol, toward a bottom-up and flexible approach focused on collective long-term goals and principles. It represents an approach to reaching these long-term goals that is focused on self-differentiation, support, transparency, and review. The article highlights the key elements of the agreement reached in Paris, including its approach to mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, finance, transparency, and compliance.
Legal Form and Nature of the Paris Outcome
Authors: Oberthür Sebastian , Bodle Ralph
Published: November 2018

This article analyses the legal form and nature of the Paris Agreement by exploring five core issues: (1) the status of the Paris Agreement as an instrument of international law; (2) the ‘housing’ of mitigation plans, actions, and targets within or outside the treaty; (3) the prescriptiveness and precision of the wording of specific commitments and provisions; (4) the nature of the commitments, in particular result versus conduct; and (5) the provisions to ensure accountability and promote effective implementation. We argue that the Paris Agreement constitutes an international treaty whose prescriptive and precise legal obligations are primarily procedural and focused on ‘nationally determined contributions’ (on mitigation) and the core transparency framework. Many other less precise and prescriptive obligations and provisions, including a number of rather programmatic statements, are best understood as establishing a political narrative that aims to guide the implementation and future evolution of the Agreement.
Human Rights in the Paris Agreement
Authors: Mayer Benoit
Published: November 2018

The Paris Agreement contains the first mention of human rights in a climate change treaty. This article recounts the build-up of human rights advocacy since the Cancun Agreements. It then discusses the significance of the inclusion of a provision on human rights in the preamble to the Paris Agreement and explores other relevant provisions adopted at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the un Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris in December 2015.
Paris, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development
Authors: Sindico Francesco
Published: November 2018

The Paris Agreement marks a significant moment in international climate law and policy. It represents a confirmation that the international community will continue to approach climate change multilaterally. However, climate change is not the only topic on countries’ agendas. The year 2015 will also be remembered for the adoption of the so-called Sustainable Development Goals (sdgs). This paper critically assesses the extent to which the Paris Outcome incorporates the sdgs or sustainable development concerns. It concludes that a close scrutiny of the Paris cop Decision and Agreement reveals both direct and indirect references to the sdgs and sustainable development (with the former being fewer in number than the latter). The close relationship between international climate law and the sdgs highlights the need to integrate the sdgs into the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
United States’ Options for Receiving Cross-Border Climate Migrants
Authors: Wyman Katrina M.
Published: November 2018

Although the current political climate in the United States is not especially receptive to welcoming displaced persons, the country has a history of oscillating between greater and lesser openness to immigration. This article seeks to establish that there are meaningful options for the United States to provide a refuge for climate migrants under existing us immigration law, contrary to suggestions in the literature that legislative change would be necessary for the country to provide a safe haven for such migrants. The article highlights three legal options that the United States could use to assist climate migrants from other countries under existing domestic law. In addition, it identifies recent precedents in the use of these options that could be helpful in adapting them to assist climate migrants.
When Climate Takes a Village: Legal Pathways toward the Relocation of Alaska Native Villages
Authors: Ristroph Elizaveta Barrett
Published: November 2018

In Alaska, indigenous rural communities face climate-related challenges to maintaining their physical and cultural continuity. Some of these communities are considering ‘co-relocation’, in which the population of an entire community relocates to a new site on nearby rural land where residents can continue to practice their subsistence lifeways. Some Alaskans have called for government-assisted co-relocation for Alaska Native Villages (anvs), whereby national and State of Alaska government agencies pay for and lead the construction of housing and infrastructure at the new site. This model of relocation has many challenges, including expense, delay, lack of support from those outside anvs, confusion as to which agency will do what, and the effect of continuing an unsustainable Western colonial pattern. The state and federal governments, in partnership with anvs, need to explore what alternatives are available to preserve these communities’ physical and cultural continuity. This article considers the legal and political framework for relocation alternatives, and suggests pathways that would not require major changes of law or the creation of new agencies. I draw on various legal sources as well as interviews with anv members, Alaska legislators, Congressional staff, federal and state agency directors, academics, planners, and others who make or influence policy that could affect co-relocation.
Beyond the icao’s corsia: Towards a More Climatically Effective Strategy for Mitigation of Civil-Aviation Emissions
Authors: Lyle Chris
Published: November 2018

Pursuant to a referral by the unfccc through the Kyoto Protocol, the International Civil Aviation Organization (icao) has developed a ‘basket’ of emission-mitigation measures for international aviation. Technical and operational measures proved inadequate to counter traffic growth, and finally, in October 2016, the icao adopted a framework for a market-based measure. The Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (corsia) is the primary emission-mitigation tool for international aviation. It aims at ‘carbon-neutral growth’ (cng) from 2020 onward. Yet, even with an increased use of alternative fuels and comprehensive implementation of corsia, the icao’s basket of measures will not produce a reduction in global aviation emissions. This article describes the legal and governance framework and the implementation process of corsia, assesses the scheme’s potential contribution to climate-change mitigation, and proposes a derivative but more ambitious strategy. This would include incorporation of international aviation emissions in the ndcs of parties to the Paris Agreement and a more direct role for the unfccc in determining eligibility of emission units and alternative fuels, with the icao remaining accountable for monitoring, reporting and verification.
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The United Nations Security Council and climate change: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Conway Darragh
Published: November 2018

The concept of climate change as a security threat is not new, and the idea of using the UN Security Council to combat this threat has long since been mooted by academic scholars. Yet in recent years a growing sense of urgency has led to an increased tendency to view the prospect in substantive terms. Despite the growing literature on the topic, however, the question of what measures would be open to and feasible for the Security Council to take were it to seek to engage in the climate change problematique remains underexplored. This paper seeks to begin to address this gap by analysing the core legal and practical issues surrounding the potential for Council action in three key areas: the creation of climate mitigation obligations; the avoidance of existing commitments which risk posing a “regulatory chill” on climate measures; and the enforcement of conventional commitments. In this way, it aims to facilitate a more nuanced understanding of the Council’s potential role in this area which can be applied to a variety of eventualities and as a variably proportioned element of the broader international framework.
Barriers to climate change adaptation in the Netherlands
Authors: Biesbroek Robbert , Klostermann Judith , Termeer Catrien , Kabat Pavel
Published: November 2018

Review of recent literature on adaptation to climate change and general literature on policy processes shows that there are a large number of barriers that hamper the development and implementation of climate change adaptation strategies. To reduce and manage the number of barriers and combine both streams of literature, we propose seven clusters of barriers to adaptation. Little is known, however, about the relative importance of these barriers to climate change adaptation policies and practices. An online survey was conducted between March 2010 and July 2010 among 264 scientists, policymakers, and private actors from different sectors and levels who are involved in climate change adaptation projects and programmes in the Netherlands. The survey aimed to gather their experiences with, and perceptions of, the barriers identified in the literature and encountered in their daily work. Both climate-related and non-climate-related barriers were included in the survey. Data were subjected to both qualitative and quantitative analysis. A survey feedback workshop was organized to discuss the results with several of the survey respondents. Results of this study revealed that respondents considered conflicting timescales as the most important cluster of barriers to adaptation. Other highly ranked barriers include conflicting interests; lack of financial resources; unclear division of tasks and responsibilities; uncertain societal costs and future benefits; and fragmentation within and between scales of governance. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrated that scales matter in understanding the barriers to adaptation: actors from lowlevels of governance seem to consider the barriers as more severe than actors from high levels of governance.
Climate change and the Puget Sound: Building the legal framework for adaptation
Authors: Huang Yee , Glicksman Robert L. , O’Neill Catherine , Andreen William L. , Flatt Victor , Funk William , Craig Robin Kundis , Kaswan Alice , Verchick Robert R.M.
Published: November 2018

Regardless of the efforts governments may take to mitigate the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions and other human activities on climate change, the need for society to adapt to climate change is unavoidable. Adapting to the myriad impacts of climate change will require actions at all levels of government. This article focuses on the anticipated impacts of climate change on the Puget Sound region in the northwestern United States as an example of the range of problems climate change will present and of the solutions available to governments and others interested in avoiding or minimizing the adverse impacts of climate change. As a guide for policy-makers, the article offers general principles for formulating climate change adaptation policies, suggestions for changes in decision-making processes that make them more suitable for addressing the unpredictable impacts of climate change, and strategies for adapting to three specific categories of climate change effects: impacts on the hydrologic cycle, sea-level rise, and altered meteorological conditions. The strategies and recommendations analysed in the article can provide a model for climate change adaptation policies, both in the Puget Sound region and more broadly, that are both environmentally protective and socially equitable.
Normative aspects of climate adaptation policies
Authors: Driessen Peter P.J. , van Rijswick Helena F.M.W.
Published: November 2018

Adaptation to climate change is a complex process of societal change and should be studied as such. Attention to issues of climate adaptation has increased considerably over the past few years. Until now, less attention has been paid to questions concerning normative issues of societal change. In this paper we will address three important questions on the normative level: (a) What kind of legal and policy principles should public and private actors take to heart when formulating and implementing adaptation measures? (b) Which societal interests should be protected by a climate-adaptation policy and in what order? (c) To what extent are governments responsible for adaptation to climate change and what are the responsibilities to be borne by private parties and citizens? We will treat these questions from a mix of legal, administrative, and economic perspectives. We conclude with some recommendations on how to deal with these normative aspects in policy-making processes.
California’s Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative as a model for state renewable resource development and transmission planning
Authors: Scaccia Brian
Published: November 2018

Given the lack of US federal leadership in climate change regulation, states have taken the lead in the implementation of aggressive policies to promote economic development, decrease dependence on foreign energy imports, and achieve broad environmental goals through increased reliance on renewable energy sources. The renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS) has become the most common tool used by states to achieve their particular policy goals; however, numerous barriers stand in the way of electricity providers seeking compliance with the RPS mandate. The California Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (RETI) was a statewide attempt to overcome problems related to transmission planning and costs, private and public land-use issues, and environmental impacts. By seeking the involvement of broad stakeholder groups in the identification and evaluation of potential renewable energy zones, RETI created a roadmap for future renewable energy development in California that is both economically and environmentally sound. Through a collaborative transmission planning process, RETI provides key insights into the challenges faced by states attempting to comply with their RPS mandates, including those relating to concerns about participant selection, locating transmission, permitting, and the timing of both the planning and implementation stages of the initiative. In this paper, I evaluate RETI’s success in achieving its stated goals while also identifying areas of concern not addressed by the initiative. The results of this analysis provide guidance for states implementing their own RPS programs.
Revision of Labidostomis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae: Clytrini) with large united elytral spot from Iran and adjacent countries
Authors: BEZDĚK JAN
Published: November 2018

The Labidostomis Chevrolat, 1936 species with large united metallic spot on elytra from Iran and adjacent countries are revised. Six species, all belonging to nominate subgenus, are recognized: L. elegans Lefèvre, 1876 (Caucasus, Turkey, Iran), L. kantneri Warchałowski, 2004 (Iran), L. limbata (Lacordaire, 1848) (Israel, Syria), L. luristanica Warchałowski, 2004 (Iran), L. shirazica Lopatin, 1979 (Iran), and L. regalini sp. nov. (Turkey). Colour photos of male habitus, mandibles and internal sclerites of aedeagus, as well as drawings of male and female genitalia are provided. Internal sclerites of aedeagus are used for species identification.
Review of the genus Jilinga Ghauri (Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Paralimnini) in Pakistan with description of two new species
Authors: NAVEED HASSAN , ZHANG YALIN
Published: November 2018

Species of the leafhopper genus Jilinga Ghauri from Pakistan are reviewed and two new species, Jilinga neelumensis sp. nov. and Jilinga truncata sp. nov. are described and illustrated with photographs. A key is given to distinguish all the species (males) of the genus from Pakistan.
Descriptions of two new leafhopper species of the genus Flaviata Lu & Qin (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) from Southern China, with a key to known species
Authors: XU YE , LU SIHAN , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H. , QIN DAOZHENG
Published: November 2018

Two new species of the empoascine leafhopper genus Flaviata, F. furcata Xu, Lu & Qin, sp. n. and F. sinuata Xu, Dietrich & Qin, sp. n., are described from southern China. Habitus photos and illustrations of male genitalia and a key to the known species of the genus, based on male genitalia, are also provided.
Description of two new idiocerine leafhoppers of the genus Chinaocerus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from southwestern China
Authors: ZHANG BIN , CHI WENFENG , WEBB M.D.
Published: November 2018

The leafhopper genus Chinaocerus Zhang & Li (Cicadellidae: Idiocerinae) currently includes three species, C. bispinatus Zhang & Li (type species), C. kangdingensis Zhang & Li and C. shii Zhang & Li from southwestern China. Two new species, C. tubulatus Zhang & Webb sp. nov. and C. sexspinosus Zhang & Webb sp. nov. from Yunnan Province, China, are here described and a checklist and key to species are provided.
Two new cavernicolous Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) from southern China
Authors: YIN ZI-WEI , ZHOU GU-CHUN
Published: November 2018

Two new cavernicolous pselaphines, Araneibatrus curvitibialis Yin and Zhou, sp. n. and Tribasodites biyun Yin and Zhou, sp. n., are described from southern China, with diagnostic characters illustrated. Both new species can be readily distinguished from their respective congeners by the male dimorphic features on the antennae, legs, and (or) metaventrite, as well as by the configurations of the aedeagi.