bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronary Artery Disease in Lung Transplant Candidates: Role of Routine Invasive Assessment
Authors: Wild Johannes , Arrigo Mattia , Isenring Bruno Dieter , Buergi Urs , Kurowski Thomas , Schuurmans Macé M. , Huber Lars C. , Benden Christian
Published: January 2015

Background: An atherosclerotic disease burden sufficient to put lung transplant candidates at risk for end-organ disease after transplantation is considered to be a relative contraindication for lung transplantation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess our current practice of cardiac workup by coronary angiography in lung transplant candidates ≥50 years of age. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 50 consecutive lung transplant candidates ≥50 years of age in which coronary angiography was performed at the University Hospital Zurich (2009-2013). For every patient, the risk of developing an acute coronary event was estimated by using a recalibrated version of the PROCAM study calculator for the Swiss population. Results: The median estimated risk of developing an acute coronary event within 10 years in the study cohort (n = 50) was 4.2% (interquartile range 1.9-7.6), which is considered to be a low risk. Sixteen percent of patients were considered to be at intermediate risk. In 66% of patients, coronary angiography showed no coronary artery disease (CAD). In 28% of patients, CAD without significant stenosis was diagnosed. In 6% of patients, significant coronary stenosis was detected requiring percutaneous coronary intervention. No correlation between the coronary status and the risk score or cardiovascular risk profile was found. Conclusions: The high prevalence of asymptomatic CAD in lung transplant candidates without correlation to a common clinical risk score supports the important role of coronary angiography for the assessment of coronary artery status. This approach might prevent cardiovascular events and improve long-term survival after transplantation.
The University of Pennsylvania Curriculum for Training Otorhinolaryngology Residents in Transoral Robotic Surgery
Authors: Sperry Steven M. , O''Malley Jr. Bert W. , Weinstein Gregory S.
Published: January 2015

Purpose: To define a curriculum for the development of robotic surgical skills in otorhinolaryngology residency training. Methods: A systematic review of the current literature on robotic surgery training was performed. Based on prior reports in other specialties, a curriculum for otorhinolaryngology residents was created that progresses through several modules, including didactics, inanimate skills laboratory, and operative experience. Results: The curriculum for residents in otorhinolaryngology was designed as follows: didactics include an overview of the robotic device and instruments, a tutorial in basic controls and function, and a room setup and positioning. The anatomy and steps of transoral procedures are taught through books, videos, operative observations, and cadaver dissections. Skills are developed with a virtual reality robotic simulator and robotics labs. The operative experience progresses from case observation to bedside assistant to console surgeon. The role of the console surgeon progresses in a stepwise fashion, and the procedures of radical tonsillectomy, supraglottic partial laryngectomy, and base of tongue resection have been organized as a series of steps. Conclusion: A structured curriculum for training residents in transoral robotic surgery was developed. This training is important for otorhinolaryngology residents to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform robotic surgery safely.
Souvenaid Reduces Behavioral Deficits and Improves Social Cognition Skills in Frontotemporal Dementia: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Pardini Matteo , Serrati Carlo , Guida Silvia , Mattei Chiara , Abate Lucia , Massucco Davide , Sassos Davide , Amore Mario , Krueger Frank , Cocito Leonardo , Emberti Gialloreti Leonardo
Published: January 2015

Background: Souvenaid™ is a nutraceutical compound thought to positively enhance synaptic function. In line with this mechanism of action, Souvenaid™ has been shown to improve cognitive function in subjects with mild Alzheimer's disease in randomized clinical trials. To date, however, the potential of Souvenaid™ to improve cognitive functioning in subjects with other neurodegenerative conditions also characterized by synaptic loss has not been explored. Objective: To evaluate the impact of Souvenaid™ on executive functions, social cognition and behavioral disturbances in subjects with the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bv-FTD). Methods: Twenty-six subjects with bv-FTD were enrolled in the study and randomized to Souvenaid™ (125 ml/day) or placebo groups. After 12 weeks, subjects were switched between the two groups. All subjects, blinded to treatment, underwent clinical and cognitive evaluations at enrollment, after 12 weeks and after 24 weeks. Results: Treatment with Souvenaid™ was associated with a significant reduction of behavioral symptoms and an increase in Theory of Mind skills compared to placebo, which both returned to baseline when Souvenaid™ was discontinued. Souvenaid™ did not have an effect on executive functions. Conclusions: Our results provide evidence of the potential of Souvenaid™ therapy for the treatment of behavioral disturbances and social cognition skills in FTD.
Role of Immunity and Inflammation in the Pathophysiology of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Fakhoury Marc
Published: January 2015

Neurodegenerative diseases are the result of progressive loss of neurons and axons in the central nervous system (CNS), which can lead to cognition and motor dysfunction. It is well known that CNS inflammation and immune activation play a major role in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Although the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is able to protect the CNS from immune activation, it becomes more permeable during inflammation, which renders the brain vulnerable to infections. A better understanding of the interaction between inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, and the activated immune response, including astrocytes and microglia, is critical for the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. This review first describes the role of innate immune activation in neurodegenerative diseases and illustrates the factors that contribute to the communication between the CNS and the immune system. A closer look is given at the role of the BBB in inflammation and immunity, as well as at the animal models used to study inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, this review outlines the key pathways and biological mechanisms involved in CNS diseases, with a particular focus on multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Dysmetabolic Hyperferritinemia: All Iron Overload Is Not Hemochromatosis
Authors: Makker Jasbir , Hanif Ahmad , Bajantri Bharat , Chilimuri Sridhar
Published: January 2015

Disturbances in iron metabolism can be genetic or acquired and accordingly manifest as primary or secondary iron overload state. Organ damage may result from iron overload and manifest clinically as cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, endocrine abnormalities and cardiomyopathy. Hemochromatosis inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder is the most common genetic iron overload disorder. Expert societies recommend screening of asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals with hemochromatosis by obtaining transferrin saturation (calculated as serum iron/total iron binding capacity × 100). Further testing for the hemochromatosis gene is recommended if transferrin saturation is >45% with or without hyperferritinemia. However, management of individuals with low or normal transferrin saturation is not clear. In patients with features of iron overload and high serum ferritin levels, low or normal transferrin saturation should alert the physician to other - primary as well as secondary - causes of iron overload besides hemochromatosis. We present here a possible approach to patients with hyperferritinemia but normal transferrin saturation.
External validation of the HIT Expert Probability (HEP) score
Authors: Joseph Lee , Gomes Marcelo , Al Solaiman Firas , Miro-Casas Elisabet , St John Julie , Ozaki Asuka , Raju Manjunath , Dhariwal Manoj , Kim Esther
Published: January 2015

The diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) can be challenging. The HIT Expert Probability (HEP) Score has recently been proposed to aid in the diagnosis of HIT. We sought to externally and prospectively validate the HEP score. We prospectively assessed pretest probability of HIT for 51 consecutive patients referred to our Consultative Service for evaluation of possible HIT between August 1, 2012 and February 1, 2013. Two Vascular Medicine fellows independently applied the 4T and HEP scores for each patient. Two independent HIT expert adjudicators rendered a diagnosis of HIT likely or unlikely. The median (interquartile range) of 4T and HEP scores were 4.5 (3.0, 6.0) and 5 (3.0, 8.5), respectively. There were no significant differences between area under receiver-operating characteristic curves of 4T and HEP scores against the gold standard, confirmed HIT [defined as positive serotonin release assay and positive anti-PF4/heparin ELISA] (0.74 vs 0.73, p = 0.97). HEP score ≥ 2 was 100 % sensitive and 16 % specific for determining the presence of confirmed HIT while a 4T score > 3 was 93 % sensitive and 35 % specific. In conclusion, the HEP and 4T scores are excellent screening pretest probability models for HIT, however, in this prospective validation study, test characteristics for the diagnosis of HIT based on confirmatory laboratory testing and expert opinion are similar. Given the complexity of the HEP scoring model compared to that of the 4T score, further validation of the HEP score is warranted prior to widespread clinical acceptance.
ASTRAL-R score predicts non-recanalisation after intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Heldner Mirjam R. , Seiffge David , Mueller Hubertus , Eskandari Ashraf , Traenka Christopher , Ntaios George , Mosimann Pascal J. , Sztajzel Roman , Pereira Vitor Mendes , Cras Patrick , Engelter Stefan , Lyrer Philippe , Fischer Urs , Lambrou Dimitris , Arnold Marcel , Michel Patrik , Vanacker Peter
Published: January 2015

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) as treatment in acute ischaemic strokes may be insufficient to achieve recanalisation in certain patients. Predicting probability of non-recanalisation after IVT may have the potential to influence patient selection to more aggressive management strategies. We aimed at deriving and internally validating a predictive score for post-thrombolytic non-recanalisation, using clinical and radiological variables. In thrombolysis registries from four Swiss academic stroke centres (Lausanne, Bern, Basel and Geneva), patients were selected with large arterial occlusion on acute imaging and with repeated arterial assessment at 24 hours. Based on a logistic regression analysis, an integer-based score for each covariate of the fitted multivariate model was generated. Performance of integerbased predictive model was assessed by bootstrapping available data and cross validation (delete-d method). In 599 thrombolysed strokes, five variables were identified as independent predictors of absence of recanalisation: Acute glucose > 7 mmol/l (A), significant extracranial vessel STenosis (ST), decreased Range of visual fields (R), large Arterial occlusion (A) and decreased Level of consciousness (L). All variables were weighted 1, except for (L) which obtained 2 points based on β-coefficients on the logistic scale. ASTRAL-R scores 0, 3 and 6 corresponded to non-recanalisation probabilities of 18, 44 and 74 % respectively. Predictive ability showed AUC of 0.66 (95 %CI, 0.61–0.70) when using bootstrap and 0.66 (0.63–0.68) when using delete-d cross validation. In conclusion, the 5-item ASTRAL-R score moderately predicts non-recanalisation at 24 hours in thrombolysed ischaemic strokes. If its performance can be confirmed by external validation and its clinical usefulness can be proven, the score may influence patient selection for more aggressive revascularisation strategies in routine clinical practice.
Danger Signaling in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Zimmer Sebastian , Grebe Alena , Latz Eicke
Published: January 2015

All aspects of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis are critically influenced by the inflammatory response in vascular plaques. Research in the field of innate immunity from the past 2 decades has uncovered many novel mechanisms elucidating how immune cells sense microbes, tissue damage, and metabolic derangements. Here, we summarize which triggers of innate immunity appear during atherogenesis and by which pathways they can contribute to inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques. The increased understanding gained from studies assessing how immune activation is associated with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has provided many novel targets for potential therapeutic intervention. Excitingly, the concept that inflammation may be the core of cardiovascular disease is currently being clinically evaluated and will probably encourage further studies in this area.
Inflammation and Immunity in Diseases of the Arterial Tree
Authors: Libby Peter , Hansson Göran K.
Published: January 2015

The hypothesis that immunity and inflammation participate in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases has now gained widespread recognition and stimulated work around the globe. Broadening knowledge has extended the recognition of the role of immune and inflammatory mechanisms to all of the layers of the artery, to all levels of the arterial tree, and implicated virtually all arms, cellular players, and effector molecules and pathways involved in these crucial host defenses, that turn against us in disease. We provide here a guide to a compendium series of articles that aimed to look forward and broaden the traditional focus of immunopathogenesis of arterial disease, with the goal of integrating the players and the layers involved. Although the field has advanced remarkably, much remains to be done, and this commentary also aims to highlight some of the gaps that future research should strive to close on the participation of inflammation and immunity in arterial diseases.
NADPH Oxidase 4 Induces Cardiac Fibrosis and Hypertrophy Through Activating Akt/mTOR and NFκB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhao Qingwei David , Viswanadhapalli Suryavathi , Williams Paul , Shi Qian , Tan Chunyan , Yi Xiaolan , Bhandari Basant , Abboud Hanna E.
Published: January 2015

Background—

NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) has been implicated in cardiac remodeling, but its precise role in cardiac injury remains controversial. Furthermore, little is known about the downstream effector signaling pathways activated by Nox4-derived reactive oxygen species in the myocardium. We investigated the role of Nox4 and Nox4-associated signaling pathways in the development of cardiac remodeling.

Methods and Results—

Cardiac-specific human Nox4 transgenic mice (c-hNox4Tg) were generated. Four groups of mice were studied: (1) control mice, littermates that are negative for hNox4 transgene but Cre positive; (2) c-hNox4 Tg mice; (3) angiotensin II (AngII)–infused control mice; and (4) c-hNox4Tg mice infused with AngII. The c-hNox4Tg mice exhibited an ≈10-fold increase in Nox4 protein expression and an 8-fold increase in the production of reactive oxygen species, and manifested cardiac interstitial fibrosis. AngII infusion to control mice increased cardiac Nox4 expression and induced fibrosis and hypertrophy. The Tg mice receiving AngII exhibited more advanced cardiac remodeling and robust elevation in Nox4 expression, indicating that AngII worsens cardiac injury, at least in part by enhancing Nox4 expression. Moreover, hNox4 transgene and AngII infusion induced the expression of cardiac fetal genes and activated the Akt-mTOR and NFκB signaling pathways. Treatment of AngII-infused c-hNox4Tg mice with GKT137831, a Nox4/Nox1 inhibitor, abolished the increase in oxidative stress, suppressed the Akt-mTOR and NFκB signaling pathways, and attenuated cardiac remodeling.

Conclusions—

Upregulation of Nox4 in the myocardium causes cardiac remodeling through activating Akt-mTOR and NFκB signaling pathways. Inhibition of Nox4 has therapeutic potential to treat cardiac remodeling.
Resting Heart Rate and Risk of Incident Heart Failure: Three Prospective Cohort Studies and a Systematic Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Khan Hassan , Kunutsor Setor , Kalogeropoulos Andreas P. , Georgiopoulou Vasiliki V. , Newman Anne B. , Harris Tamara B. , Bibbins‐Domingo Kirsten , Kauhanen Jussi , Gheorghiade Mihai , Fonarow Gregg C. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Laukkanen Jari A. , Butler Javed
Published: January 2015

Background

The relationship between resting heart rate (
RHR
) and incident heart failure (
HF
) has been questioned.

Methods and Results

RHR was assessed at baseline in 7073 participants in 3 prospective cohorts (Cardiovascular Health Study, Health
ABC
study and Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Study) that recorded 1189 incident
HF
outcomes during 92 702 person‐years of follow‐up. Mean age of participants was 67 (9.9) years and mean
RHR
was 64.6 (11.1) bpm. Baseline
RHR
correlated (
P
<0.001) positively with body mass index (
r
=0.10), fasting glucose (
r
=0.18), and C‐reactive protein (
r
=0.20); and inversely with serum creatinine (
r
=−0.05) and albumin (
r
=−0.05). Baseline
RHR
was non‐linearly associated with
HF
risk. The age and sex‐adjusted hazard ratio for
HF
comparing the top (>72 bpm) versus the bottom (<57 bpm) quartile of baseline
RHR
was 1.48 (95% confidence interval [
CI
] 1.26 to 1.74) and was modestly attenuated (1.30, 95%
CI
1.10 to 1.53) with further adjustment for body mass index, history of diabetes, hypertension, smoking status, serum creatinine, and left ventricular hypertrophy. These findings remained consistent in analyses accounting for incident coronary heart disease, excluding individuals with prior cardiovascular events, or those taking beta‐blockers; and in subgroups defined by several individual participant characteristics. In a pooled random effects meta‐analysis of 7 population‐based studies (43 051 participants and 3476
HF
events), the overall hazard ratio comparing top versus bottom fourth of
RHR
was 1.40 (95%
CI
: 1.19 to 1.64).

Conclusions

There is a non‐linear association between
RHR
and incident
HF
. Further research is needed to understand the physiologic foundations of this association.
Aggression and sociality: conflicting or complementary traits of a successful invader?
Authors: Capelle Pauline M. , McCallum Erin S. , Balshine Sigal
Published: January 2015

Invasion biology research has identified two juxtaposing behavioural traits, aggressiveness and sociality, that may both increase the success of species invasions. Highly aggressive invaders can out-compete native species for resources, while social gregarious invaders can tolerate high conspecific density. In order to tease apart the effects of aggressive versus social tendencies on the success of invasive species, we studied round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), a highly successful invasive fish species now common in the Laurentian Great Lakes. While round goby are well known for being aggressive, much less is known about their tendency to affiliate with conspecifics, in spite of the fact that they thrive in extremely high densities in many of their invaded habitats. We collected round goby from Hamilton Harbour, ON, Canada and conducted three separate experiments to explore group-forming behaviour by measuring preference for conspecifics. We found that round goby have a strong preference to associate with a single conspecific, and that both males and females showed this preference. No overall preference was detected for large versus small groups of conspecifics. Females chose the safety of a shelter over associating with a conspecific but males were equally attracted to conspecifics as shelter. Our results provide new insight into how interactions between aggressive and social behaviours play a role in the rapid spread of invasive round goby.
Behavioural syndrome in juvenile eels and its ecological implications
Authors: Geffroy Benjamin , Sadoul Bastien , Bardonnet Agnès
Published: January 2015

Behavioural syndrome, which refers to a suite of correlated behaviours across differing situations, has been identified in numerous animals, including fish. The presence and conservation of a behavioural syndrome throughout evolutionary times suggests it confers various advantages at a population level. In eels, such as the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), activity and aggressiveness are important factors in their life history, since both traits influence dispersal and territoriality. In the present study we investigated whether these behavioural traits were consistent at both the nychtemeral scale (24 h) and over a long time period (7 months). In addition, we investigated if aggressiveness and activity were positively correlated. Both activity and aggressiveness were significantly repeatable, indicating that both behavioural traits could be considered as personality traits. Interestingly, nocturnal activity was correlated to diurnal activity, indicating that this personality trait was highly stable at the circadian scale. Both aggressiveness and activity were correlated in the course of the experiment, underlining the presence of a behavioural syndrome. The detection of two behaviourally distinct groups in juvenile eels: aggressive and active individuals versus their counterpart have implications in the understanding of the colonization profile of the watershed. We discuss these findings in relation to the ecology of this species.
Changes to web architecture of Leucauge volupis (Araneae: Tetragnathidae) induced by the parasitoid Hymenoepimecis jordanensis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Gonzaga Marcelo Oliveira , Rios Moura Rafael , Teixeira Pêgo Priscila , Lee Bang Davi , Meira Felipe André
Published: January 2015

Some new cases of ectoparasitoid wasps from the Polysphincta genus-group manipulating the behaviour of host spiders have been described in recent years, indicating that the modification of normal web structure is the rule rather than an exception as the outcome of these interactions. In most cases, orb web diameter and the number of adhesive spirals are reduced, which decreases the probability of web damage from the interception of insects on the viscid threads during the development of the parasitoid within the cocoon. In this study, we describe a new interaction between the host spider Leucauge volupis and the recently described parasitoid Hymenoepimecis jordanensis. Web modifications induced by larvae in their last instar, in this case, are different to those described for two other Leucauge species attacked by Hymenoepimecis spp., L. argyra and L. roseosignatha. The cocoon webs constructed by the parasitized L. volupis are similar to those webs constructed by immature individuals, presenting a lower tangle, which may increase the stability of the web or offer additional physical protection for the cocoon. As in other previously described cases, sticky spirals are absent from cocoon webs. However, the photographs of webs constructed by spiders carrying second instar larvae indicated that the reduction in spirals begins before the construction of the cocoon web. These webs remain functional, being substantially modified only when the larvae reach the third instar. Variation among cocoon web designs of congeneric hosts attacked by distinct Hymenoepimecis species indicate that the substance used for host manipulation may vary in concentration and/or composition. Alternatively, distinct host responses may occur to the same substances.
Early-life nutritional stress affects associative learning and spatial memory but not performance on a novel object test
Authors: Kriengwatana Buddhamas , Farrell Tara M. , Aitken Sean D.T. , Garcia Laura , MacDougall-Shackleton Scott A.
Published: January 2015

Developmental environments can have long-term effects on cognition. Multiple aspects of cognition may be affected by unfavourable conditions during development if underlying neuronal structures are maturing simultaneously. We investigated the effects of nutritional stress at different stages of development on adult associative learning, spatial memory, and behaviours towards a novel object in a songbird. Zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) were raised in consistently high or low food conditions until post-hatch day (PHD) 36 (i.e., nutritional independence), where half of the birds from each condition were switched to the other condition until PHD 61. Subjects were then tested as adults with two associative learning tasks, a hippocampus-dependent spatial memory task, and for responses toward a novel object. Surprisingly, low food treatment before independence facilitated spatial associative learning but impaired an aspect of hippocampus-dependent spatial memory. Responses to a novel object were not altered by treatments. This study demonstrates that developmental stress is able to influence learning without simultaneously affecting a measure of personality.
Chemosensory discrimination of conspecifics in the juvenile yellow-spotted river turtle Podocnemis unifilis
Authors: Ibáñez Alejandro , Vogt Richard C.
Published: January 2015

Chelonians are very promising models to explore the role of chemical communication in social contexts. However, it still remains unknown how chemical signals may influence most behavioural patterns in turtles. In this study, we examined whether juvenile yellow-spotted river turtles (Podocnemis unifilis) use chemical cues released into water by other conspecifics to orientate towards them. To test our hypothesis, we compared the behavioural response (i.e., activity level and latency time) of juveniles when exposed to chemical stimuli obtained from other conspecifics (i.e., other juveniles and adult females), as compared to their response in clean water (i.e., the baseline). The results obtained in the study showed that juvenile P. unifilis increased their activity in response to chemical cues of female adult conspecifics. These findings suggest that juvenile turtles may chemically orientate themselves towards adult females during migratory processes. Efficient detection of conspecific chemical cues by juveniles is necessary for particular individuals to aggregate before migrating to habitats with more abundant food resources. Our study provides a framework for future research that should disentangle the role of chemical cues in mass migration of freshwater turtles.
Non-State Actors and the Evolution of Humanitarian Norms
Authors: Ali Shahla , Kabau Tom
Published: January 2015

The Sphere Humanitarian Charter, a self-regulation instrument of humanitarian non-State actors, establishes principles and minimum standards in the provision of humanitarian assistance in select vital life-saving relief activities, especially in nutrition and health. The Charter articulates principles and minimum standards for facilitating the achievement of rights and obligations enshrined in various international legal “soft law” instruments. Due to the multiplicity of international legal instruments, the Sphere Charter provides a tool for a coherent understanding and application of relevant obligations, and therefore increases accountability and efficiency. The Sphere Charter bold human rights based approach to humanitarian assistance, including its articulation of a right to receive humanitarian assistance, may contribute to the evolution of the international legal regime into a more “victim centered” system. The central argument postulated in this article is that although the Sphere Charter is not a binding legal instrument, it has significant normative value that may contribute to progressive developments in the legal regime governing humanitarian assistance, and is particularly helpful in improving accountability and quality in the provision of nutrition and health relief. The Sphere Charter framework for local participation is particularly viewed as significant in engendering accountability in relief activities.
Promoting Access to Health Care in ‘Other Situations of Violence’
Authors: Massingham Eve , Thynne Kelisiana
Published: January 2015

In the last ten years or so, the international community has seen an increase in the suppression of revolutionaries or insurrectionists by authoritarian regimes. There has also been a growing urbanisation of violence, in which gangs infiltrate urban societies due to a lack of provision of State services. This landscape of violence continually morphs from one dominated by armed conflicts (to which international humanitarian law (ihl) applies) to one that increasingly involves ‘other situations of violence’ which fall short of the threshold of armed conflict (and which are not regulated by ihl). These ‘other situations of violence’, whilst wildly disparate in many ways, share the tragedy (also shared with armed conflict) of the impediments they place on access to health care by those left vulnerable as a result of the breakdown of domestic legal order. This paper reviews existing laws and principles, which could apply to ‘other situations of violence’ such as those found in ihl and human rights law. It makes the case that an international framework could have a stronger presence in the regulation of ‘other situations of violence’, in order to ensure the protection of those who need it most.
Prosecution of War Crimes by Invading and Occupying Forces
Authors: Kinoti Festus M.
Published: January 2015

The paper will consider prosecution of civilians protected under the Fourth Geneva Convention for war crimes, focusing on applicable legislation and competent courts. It will first focus on occupying forces looking at both the issue of applicable legislation and competent courts then shift its focus to invading forces. The paper will conclude by briefly recapping its findings and commenting on whether the same strike a proper balance between ensuring prosecution of war criminals and protection of protected civilians.
Protection for Resettled Island Populations
Authors: Tabucanon Gil Marvel P.
Published: January 2015

In the mid-1940s, Bikini Islanders were resettled to make way for the use by the United States of Bikini atoll as a nuclear weapons testing site. Although the relocation to another atoll was with the Bikinians’ ostensible consent, it was in truth a forced migration. The Bikinian resettlement is a significant case study on environmental migration in that it produced longstanding losses (cultural, material, and spiritual) and deep frustrations, the effects of which last up to today. How inadequate preparation, poorly conceived compensation, and the failure to understand the Bikinians’ deep attachment and connection to their island of origin produced profound irritations through the generations. The paper concludes that resettlement is not only about relocating to a new place, but about making such relocation sustainable. Both international and national law have a role to play in protecting indigenous peoples’ collective rights over their land, culture, and resources. If island communities are to be resettled at all due to unavoidable environmental conditions, policy and legal frameworks should minimize, if not avoid, expected material and cultural losses. Bikini’s experience continues to provide important lessons for environmental and climate change-induced migrations in the world today.
International Humanitarian Law in the Universal Periodic Review of the un Human Rights Council
Authors: Zhu Lijiang
Published: January 2015

In 2006 the un General Assembly established the Human Rights Council and its Universal Periodic Review (upr). The functions and procedures of the upr were mainly elaborated in Human Rights Council Resolution 5/1, adopted on 18 June 2007. The section of the latter resolution describing the basis upon which States’ compliance with human rights obligations and commitments is to be assessed includes a reference to international humanitarian law (ihl). However, ihl is mentioned separately from other bases of review in paragraph 2, and there is debate about whether or not ihlconstitutes a basis of review, properly speaking. Nevertheless, the inclusion itself is a positive contribution to ihl in that it incorporated ihl among the standards of reference for the upr mechanism. An empirical survey of reviews carried out to date shows that States’ compliance with their respective ihl obligations have been reviewed in this mechanism, and that those States which were actively opposed to the reference to ihl as basis of review before the adoption of Resolution 5/1 have been shifting to actively make recommendations to other States on the observance of ihl obligations. This demonstrates that ihl has been widely accepted as a basis of review, and that the upr mechanism has become the only State reporting system in the implementation of ihl.
Molecular phylogeny confirms the placement of enigmatic Stachys persepolitana in Lamium (Lamiaceae; subfam. Lamioideae)
Authors: Salmaki Yasaman , BENDIKSBY MIKA , HEUBL GÜNTHER
Published: January 2015

The main purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that Stachys persepolitana is extraneous in Stachys (tribe Stachydeae, subfam. Lamioideae, Lamiaceae) and instead belongs to the genus Lamium (Lamieae, Lamioideae). We investigated the phylogenetic position of S. persepolitana using plastid (rps16 intron, trnL-F and matK regions) and nuclear (nrITS) DNA sequence data with both parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic approaches. Plastid and nuclear data strongly support that S. persepolitana is extraneous in Stachys and belongs in fact to the genus Lamium. Morphological characters also corroborate its placement in Lamium. Most of the morphological features used to distinguish S. persepolitana from the rest of Stachys fit with Lamium. Anterior pair of stamens bending outward after pollination, anthers hairy and mericarps triquetrous are the most important characters correlating S. persepolitana to Lamium.
A taxonomic revision of Zamia montana and Zamia oligodonta, with notes on their conservation status
Authors: Calonje Michael , MORALES GUSTAVO , LÓPEZ-GALLEGO CRISTINA , ROLDÁN FRANCISCO JAVIER
Published: January 2015

The taxonomy of Zamia montana and Z. oligodonta, two poorly understood species occurring at high elevations in the Western Cordillera of Colombia, is discussed. Zamia oligodonta was recently synonymized under Z. montana, but information derived from recent field studies is provided showing the two species are quite distinct. A treatment of both species is presented, including discussion of the major morphological differences between them and also between other South American species with prominently-veined leaflets. The conservation status of both species is evaluated.
Revision of Errhomeninae and Aphrodinae (Hemiptera, Cicadomorpha) in Italy with remarks on their variability and distribution in adjacent regions and description of three new taxa
Authors: GUGLIELMINO ADALGISA , BÜCKLE CHRISTOPH
Published: January 2015

A revision of the subfamilies Errhomeninae and Aphrodinae in Italy is presented. Two new species, Anoscopus gorloppus and Anoscopus carlebippus, and one new subspecies Anoscopus albifrons mappus are described. Anoscopus dubius Gębicki & Bednarzyk is established as subspecies of Anoscopus flavostriatus (Donovan) (stat. nov.), Aphrodes siracusae (Matsumura) is transferred to the genus Anoscopus (comb. nov.). Anoscopus samuricus Tshmir is recorded in Italy for the first time. Information concerning ecology and regional distribution is given for all taxa present in Italy. Genital morphology and variability of colouration are figured for many taxa. A morphometric analysis based on measurements of aedeagus and body is conducted for the taxa of the Aphrodes bicincta group. Keys for the Italian species of Aphrodes and Anoscopus are given. Distribution and specific characters of Anoscopus assimilis (Signoret) and Anoscopus alpinus (Wagner) are presented. Differences between Italian populations and conspecific ones in other European regions, and reasons for the particularly high variability in the Alpine areas of Italy are discussed. A list of 19 species and two subspecies, presently recorded from Italy is given.
Catalog of the recent taxa of the families Epitoniidae and Nystiellidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda) with a bibliography of the descriptive and systematic literature
Authors: BROWN LEONARD G. , NEVILLE BRUCE D.
Published: January 2015

This catalog includes 1,487 names recent genera, subgenera, species, subspecies, varieties, and forms that have been referred to the families Epitoniidae and Nystiellidae as well as a bibliography of the descriptive and systematic literature associated with these names. For the names covered herein, we make a determination of whether the name is an available name, as that term is defined in the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (“ICZN”) and, based on a review of the literature listed in the bibliography, indicate whether the taxon is a potentially valid name or a probable synonym. This catalog includes not only includes a list of names, but also includes information on type material, type localities and species’ geographic, bathymetric and size ranges. We also suggest generic assignments for many of the species level taxa listed in this work. We herein designate Scalaria acuta J. Sowerby, 1812, to be the type species of Clathrus Agassiz, 1837, designate Scalaria raricostata G.B. Sowerby II, 1844b, to be the type species of Variciscala de Boury, 1909a, designate Turbiniscala sexcosta Jousseaume, 1912, to be the type species of Turbiniscala de Boury, 1909a, and designate Scala dubia ‘G. B. Sowerby II’ de Boury, 1912b to be the type species of Foliaceiscala de Boury, 1912b.
The non-Siphonophoran Hydrozoa (Cnidaria) of Salento, Italy with notes on their life-cycles: an illustrated guide
Authors: GRAVILI CINZIA , VITO DORIS DE , CAMILLO CRISTINA GIOIA DI , MARTELL LUIS , PIRAINO STEFANO , BOERO FERDINANDO
Published: January 2015

The majority of Hydrozoa is represented by not readily noticeable, small species. In recent decades, however, taxonomic knowledge of the group has increased worldwide, with a significant number of investigations focused on the Mediterranean Sea. Over more than two decades, 115 species of hydrozoans were recorded from coastal waters along nearly 300 km of the Salento Peninsula (Apulia, Italy). For each species, records from different collections were merged into single sheets of a general database.        For each species, the following information is reported: description, cnidome, biology, occurrence in Salento, worldwide distribution, and bibliography. Descriptions refer to the benthic hydroid stage and, when present, also to the planktonic medusa stage. The 115 species of Hydrozoa, recorded along the Salento coastline, represent 25% of the Mediterranean Hydrozoa fauna (totaling 461 species), and nearly 3% of 3,702 world's known species covered in a recent monograph. Four species are non-indigenous, three of them with invasive behavior (Clytia hummelincki, Clytia linearis, and Eudendrium carneum), and one species now very common (Eudendrium merulum) in Salento. The complete life cycle of Clytia paulensis (Vanhöffen, 1910) is described for the first time.
Pholcid spiders (Araneae: Pholcidae) from northern Vietnam, with descriptions of nineteen new species
Authors: YAO ZHIYUAN , PHAM DINH SAC , LI SHUQIANG
Published: January 2015

Five genera and 26 species belonging to two subfamilies Arteminae Simon, 1893 (one genus and one species) and Pholcinae C.L. Koch, 1850 (four genera and 25 species) are reported from northern Vietnam, including 19 new species of three genera: Belisana babensis sp. nov. (male, female; Bac Kan), B. cheni sp. nov. (male, female; Bac Kan), B. clavata sp. nov. (male; Ha Giang), B. curva sp. nov. (male; Vinh Phuc), B. decora sp. nov. (male, female; Ninh Binh), B. halongensis sp. nov. (male; Quang Ninh), B. phungae sp. nov. (male, female; Bac Kan), B. pisinna sp. nov. (male; Quang Ninh), B. triangula sp. nov. (male; Phu Tho), B. vietnamensis sp. nov. (male, female; Ninh Binh), B. zhengi sp. nov. (male; Vinh Phuc), Khorata dangi sp. nov. (male; Bac Kan), K. huberi sp. nov. (male, female; Bac Kan), K. protumida sp. nov. (male, female; Quang Binh), Pholcus bifidus sp. nov. (male, female; Quang Binh), P. caecus sp. nov. (male, female; Quang Binh), P. hochiminhi sp. nov. (male, female; Quang Ninh), P. phami sp. nov. (male, female; Bac Kan), and P. zhaoi sp. nov. (male; Ninh Binh). One genus Khorata Huber, 2005 and five species Belisana schwendingeri Huber, 2005, B. sepaku Huber, 2005, Khorata digitata Yao & Li, 2010, Leptopholcus podophthalmus (Simon, 1893), and Pholcus bangfai Huber, 2011 are reported from Vietnam for the first time. Additional new records are given for two species Leptopholcus huongson Huber, 2011 and Physocyclus globosus (Taczanowski, 1874).
Contribution to the taxonomy of the family Membracidae Rafinesque (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) in Colombia
Authors: FLÓREZ-V CAMILO , WOLFF MARTA I. , CARDONA-DUQUE JULIANA
Published: January 2015

The Membracidae are a relatively diverse group with nearly 400 genera and 3200 species. For Colombia 93 genera and 394 species were previously known. Study of the literature and 3744 specimens deposited in ten colections in Colombia, as well as non-systematic collections and field observations done in Colombia between 2011 and 2014, led us to record 116 genera and 474 species grouped in 9 subfamilies and 23 tribes, distributed in 24 departments. Thirteen genera were new country records. In addition, 1449 records of host plants and 262 records of associated Hymenoptera were obtained from literature, the examined collections and new, non-systematic field trips. For each genus a differential diagnosis is presented, as well as notes on biology, distribution and some taxonomic comments. Illustrated keys for the genera of Colombian Membracidae and known distributional maps are given. After examination of several Anobilia species, we propose the new combinations Stilbophora flava (Tode, 1966) n. comb., Stilbophora luteimaculata (Funkhouser, 1914) n. comb., Stilbophora sagitatta (Tode, 1966) n. comb., Stilbophora silvana (Tode, 1966) n. comb., Stilbophora tripartita (Fairmaire, 1846) n. comb., and Stilbophora variabilis (Tode, 1966) n. comb.  The male of Sakakibarella sinuosa Creão-Duarte is described.
Immigration in the Era of Color-Blind Racism
Authors: Douglas Karen Manges , Sáenz Rogelio , Murga Aurelia Lorena
Published: January 2015

For most of the history of the United States, race played an explicit role in immigration laws that designated only Whites (and later Blacks) as eligible for U.S. citizenship. Today, however, we are in a new era in race relations—one that Eduardo Bonilla-Silva refers to as “colorblind racism.” Color-blind racism provides a critical perspective for understanding the enduring role of race in immigration practices in the post–Civil Rights era. This article illustrates this enduring reality within immigration policies and practices utilizing the color-blind perspective. We begin by summarizing the key tenets of Bonilla-Silva’s color-blind racism. We then overview immigration policies and practices in effect during the era of explicit racialization. Next, we contrast policies and practices with the more subtle employment of racialization today. The bulk of our article is devoted to illustrating how the racialized impact of immigration policies and procedures serves as a mechanism for the reproduction of color blindness and a racially unequal social order. We conclude with a discussion on the difficulties of grappling with this reality in a racially stratified society that is reluctant to acknowledge it.
Pediatric Patient and Hospital Characteristics Associated With Treatment of Peritonsillar Abscess and Peritonsillar Cellulitis
Authors: Nguyen Thuy , Haberland Corinna Anke , Hernandez-Boussard Tina
Published: January 2015

Objective. To identify patient and hospital characteristics associated with the choice of treatment for pediatric patients who present in the acute setting with peritonsillar abscess/cellulitis (PTA/PTC). Study Design. A retrospective cohort study was performed using Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project emergency department, ambulatory, and inpatient state databases for the years 2010 and 2011. Children aged 0 to 17 years were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis code for PTA/PTC. The main outcome of interest was treatment received, which included medical therapy alone, incision and drainage (IND) or tonsillectomy. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to model non-clinical factors associated with treatment received after adjusting for age, hospital state, race, primary expected payer, existing chronic condition(s), and type of hospital. Results. We identified 2994 patients who presented with PTA/PTC. The most common treatment choice was medical therapy alone (30.8%), followed by IND (30.5%) and tonsillectomy (9.4%). There were significant associations between treatment choice and race, primary payer status, and type of hospital ( P < .05). We found that Hispanic patients, those with Medicaid as their primary expected payer, and those treated at a designated children’s hospital were 3 nonclinical factors independently associated with an increase in likelihood of receiving tonsillectomy as treatment. Conclusion. There are important nonclinical factors associated with treatment of children who present in the acute setting with PTA/PTC. Additional research is recommended to understand these observed differences in care and how they may affect health outcomes.
Citizen participation and bureaucratization: the participatory turn seen through a Weberian lens
Authors: Tholen Berry
Published: January 2015

Recently, many scholars in public administration have argued for a participatory turn: the introduction of deliberative arrangements to include citizens in policymaking. In this article, the arguments and likely consequences of these proposals are assessed by using Max Weber’s classical analysis of the interplay between democracy and bureaucratization. It is argued that advocacy for a participatory turn contains blind spots. In consequence, the proposed measures are likely to increase the problems that they were intended to remedy.

Points for practitioners

The conclusion for practitioners is that direct participatory arrangements are not the panacea to the multiple problems they are often presented to be. The view through a Weberian lens urges caution on those who consider introducing such arrangements, as they might lead to a diminishing of predictability and accountability of public administration, a decrease in (substantial) expertise within government, and a general dissatisfaction with arrangements that do not provide citizens with what they were led to expect. More direct participation, then, easily contributes to the problems they were meant to remedy.