bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peanut Allergy in Spanish Children: Comparative Profile of Peanut Allergy versus Tolerance
Authors: Zambrano Ibarra Gabriela , Fuentes Aparicio Victoria , Infante Herrero Sonsoles , Blanca Miguel , Zapatero Remon Lydia
Published: January 2019

Background: Peanut storage proteins (Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 3) have been described as the major peanut allergens in children, although not all peanut-sensitized individuals have clinical reactivity after exposure. Objectives: We studied the sensitization profile of peanut-allergic and peanut-tolerant children in a pediatric cohort. Methods: The clinical features and sensitization profile to the peanut storage proteins Ara h 9 and Pru p 3 were compared between peanut-allergic and peanut-tolerant children using component-resolved diagnostics. Results: Thirty-three peanut-sensitized children were included: 22 allergic and 11 tolerant patients. Seventy-two percent of the peanut-allergic children were sensitized to at least one peanut storage protein. The rates of sensitization to Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 3 were 63.6, 68.1, and 68.1%, respectively, among the peanut-allergic children and 27.2, 18.1, and 45.4% among the peanut-tolerant children. IgE from the sera of 18% of the peanut-allergic patients recognized Ara h 9, whereas no sensitization to Ara h 9 was detected in the peanut-tolerant children. A total of 59% of the peanut-allergic and 27% of the peanut-tolerant children were sensitized to Pru p 3. Sensitization to Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 was more frequent among the peanut-allergic children (p < 0.05). Although the levels of specific IgE against peanut storage proteins were higher in peanut allergy, there were not statistically significantly different from the levels in peanut tolerance, probably due to the small number of patients included. Conclusions: In our population, the peanut-allergic children were mainly sensitized to peanut storage proteins, and Ara h 2 sensitization allows a more accurate diagnosis of clinical reactivity to peanuts. More than half of the peanut-allergic patients were sensitized to peach Pru p 3, and 50% of them had fruit allergy at the time of the study.
Premature Pubarche due to Exogenous Testosterone Gel or Intense Diaper Rash Prevention Cream Use: A Case Series
Authors: Ramos Carolina de Oliveira , Macedo Delanie Bulcão , Bachega Tania Aparecida Sartori Sanchez , Nascimento Marilza Leal , Madureira Guiomar , Latronico Ana Claudia , Brito Vinicius Nahime , de Mendonca Berenice Bilharinho
Published: January 2019

Background/Aims: Premature pubarche is associated with conditions such as virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen-secreting tumors, and exogenous exposure to androgen products. We describe the clinical and hormonal features of a series of children who were referred to endocrine evaluation due to premature pubarche. Methods: This is a retrospective case series study of 14 children with premature pubarche and/or virilization. Five were unintentionally exposed to testosterone gel (parental use). Nine patients were intensely exposed to diaper rash prevention creams. Clinical and laboratory data were revised. Results: Moderate to severe virilization was detected in the 5 patients (2 boys and 3 girls) who were exposed to testosterone gel. These patients had pubic hair development associated with clitoromegaly (3/3), penile enlargement (2/2), and accelerated growth (5/5). Testosterone levels were elevated in 4/5 patients associated with normal prepubertal gonadotropin levels and adrenal androgen precursors. The 9 children who were intensely exposed to diaper rash prevention creams had mild pubarche (intermediate hair) without any other clinical manifestation of pubertal development. Three of them exhibited pubic hair thinning after cream withdrawal. Conclusion: Unintentional topical androgen exposure or the intense use of diaper rash prevention cream should be ruled out in children with precocious pubarche and/or virilization signs to avoid misdiagnosis and expendable investigation.
Surgical Management and Outcome of a Bilateral Thalamic Pilocytic Astrocytoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Konar Subhas K. , Shukla Dhaval , Nandeesh Bevinahalli Nanjegowda , Prabhuraj Andiperumal Raj , Devi B. Indira
Published: January 2019

The incidence of bilateral thalamic glioma in children is not reported in the literature. The majority of cases comprise either diffuse astrocytoma, anaplastic astrocytoma, or glioblastoma. Partial surgical resection or biopsy followed by adjuvant therapy is the usual treatment for bilateral thalamic gliomas. Prognosis is dependent on tumor grade and extent of tumor spread to surrounding critical structures. We present a rare case of bilateral thalamic pilocytic astrocytoma. Endoscopic biopsy, septostomy, and placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was done followed by radiotherapy. The 36-month follow-up demonstrated radiological control of the tumor.
Two-Year Outcome of Aflibercept for the Treatment of Choroidal Neovascularization in Punctate Inner Choroidopathy
Authors: Arrevola Luis , Acero María Almudena , Peral María Jesús
Published: January 2019

Punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) is a rare inflammatory chorioretinopathy that predominantly affects young myopic women. Visual prognosis is generally good, but occurrence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is common and may be vision threatening. Case reports and short case series support the effectiveness of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents (ranibizumab and bevacizumab) for CNV associated with PIC given their anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. Evidence concerning aflibercept, a more recent intravitreal anti-VEGF, is limited to a single case report. In this case report, we illustrate the case of a 43-year-old myopic woman presenting with visual acuity loss and distortion in the right eye over the last 5 days in whom CNV associated with PIC was diagnosed. Treatment with 1 injection per month of intravitreal aflibercept for 2 months and full-dose oral prednisone for 1 week, being tapered afterwards, improved visual acuity and resolved CNV, with benefits lasting up to 24 months.
Treatment of Actinic Keratoses Facilitates Dermatoscopic Diagnosis of Early Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review
Authors: Balcere Alise , Karls Raimonds , Čēma Ingrīda , Rone Kupfere Māra , Vīksna Ludmila , Krūmiņa Angelika 
Published: January 2019

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation induces gradual changes in cutaneous morphology, which with increasing damage leads to the appearance of cancerous skin lesions. Among them, basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and actinic keratoses (AKs) are the most common entities. Both lesions often develop as two separate lesions in a single individual at a conspicuous distance, close proximity or as collision lesions, which are characterized by the coexistence of both cancers in the same anatomical site. Collision lesions in which AK precisely overlies BCC is a rarely reported entity. We report a case where the presence of BCC was dermatoscopically detected after an overlying AK was treated with topical chemotherapy, thus indicating that treatment of AK allows better visualization of other underlying malignancies.
Penetrating Eyelid and Ocular Fishhook-Related Injury
Authors: Choovuthayakorn Janejit , Chavengsaksongkram Pimploy , Watanachai Nawat , Chaidaroon Winai
Published: January 2019

Purpose: To report removal techniques and outcomes for a patient with penetrating eyelid and cornea complicating localized retinal detachment from a fishhook. Methods: This is a case report of a 35-year-old man who presented with a fishhook embedded in his right upper eyelid and globe while participating in a fishing competition. On initial examination, his right eyelid was opened with difficulty and limited evaluation could be performed. Results: In an operating room, a shank was transected and removed from a lacerated eyelid by a back-out technique. Then, a barbed hook was noticed to penetrate through temporal peripheral cornea, iris, and entrapped within ciliary body behind the lens. A successful surgical removal of a fishhook was performed within a primary operation. After that, additional operations to repair injured ocular tissues including a localized retinal detachment were performed. The patient achieved a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 at 10-month follow-up. Conclusions: The visual prognosis for a fishhook-related ocular injury is associated with various variables including size and location of lacerated wound and technique to remove a fishhook. In this case, a patient could achieve a favorable final visual and anatomical outcome. This removal technique could be taken into consideration when encountering a fishhook-related eye injury patient.
Communication along Milestones in Lung Cancer Patients with Advanced Disease
Authors: Villalobos Matthias , Siegle Anja , Hagelskamp Laura , Jung Corinna , Thomas Michael
Published: January 2019

Patients with advanced lung cancer and their caregivers are confronted with a complex situation as their disease-related burden comprises physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs. During the illness trajectory with limited prognosis, they are exposed to different multidisciplinary healthcare settings and providers that challenge the continuity and coordination of care. Additionally, decision-making between active cancer treatment and end-of-life care constitutes a continuous balancing act. Several studies have shown that early integration of palliative care and adequate advance care planning improve quality of life and satisfaction with care. For this strategy, the communication skills of healthcare providers and interprofessional collaboration should be strengthened. A longitudinally structured communication approach along pivotal milestones of the disease can empower patients by facilitating coping and prognostic awareness, and achieve early integration of palliative care and advance care planning. Good interprofessional collaboration and communication lead to better coordination and continuity of care.
Vancomycin-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in a Large Veteran Population
Authors: Gyamlani Geeta , Potukuchi Praveen K. , Thomas Fridtjof , Akbilgic Oguz , Soohoo Melissa , Streja Elani , Naseer Adnan , Sumida Keiichi , Molnar Miklos Z. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Kovesdy Csaba P.
Published: January 2019

Background: To determine the association of vancomycin with acute kidney injury (AKI) in relation to its serum concentration value and to examine the risk of AKI in patients treated with vancomycin when compared with a matched cohort of patients receiving non-glycopeptide antibiotics (linezolid/daptomycin). Methods: From a cohort of > 3 million US veterans with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, we identified 33,527 patients who received either intravenous vancomycin (n = 22,057) or non-glycopeptide antibiotics (linezolid/daptomycin, n = 11,470). We examined the association of the serum trough vancomycin level recorded within the first 48 h of administration with subsequent AKI in all patients treated with vancomycin and association of vancomycin vs. non-glycopeptide antibiotics use with the risk of incident AKI. Results: The overall multivariable adjusted ORs of AKI stages 1, 2, and 3 in patients on vancomycin vs. non-glycopeptides were 1.1 (1.1–1.2), 1.2 (1–1.4), and 1.4 (1.1–1.7), respectively. When examined in strata divided by vancomycin trough level, the odds of AKI were similar or lower in patients receiving vancomycin compared to non-glycopeptide antibiotics as long as serum vancomycin levels were ≤20 mg/L. However, in patients with serum vancomycin levels > 20 mg/L, the ORs of AKI stages 1, 2, and 3 in patients on vancomycin vs. non-glycopeptide antibiotics were 1.5 (1.4–1.7), 1.9 (1.5–2.3), and 2.7 (2–3.5), respectively. Conclusions: Vancomycin use is associated with a higher risk of AKI when serum levels exceed > 20 mg/L.
Gastrointestinal Involvement in Patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma: A Single Center Experience of Eighty-Five Patients
Authors: Lamm Wolfgang , Dolak Werner , Kiesewetter Barbara , Simonitsch-Klupp Ingrid , Puhr Hannah , Raderer Markus
Published: January 2019

Background: The frequency of endoscopically apparent gastrointestinal tract (GI) involvement in patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) at diagnosis is thought to be in the range of 30%. While reports on GI involvement in MCL patients exist, most series lack a strict GI assessment due to the often asymptomatic nature of GI involvement. Owing to the standardized staging routine at our institution including GI assessment at diagnosis, we have analyzed the rate and prognostic impact of GI involvement in MCL. Methods: In this retrospective single-center evaluation, we have investigated GI involvement in 85 consecutive patients with MCL. All data were collected from clinical records. Results: MCL with and without endoscopically detectable GI involvement was reported in 29 (34%) patients and 56 patients (66%), respectively. The colon was involved in 21 (72%) and the stomach in 8 (28%). Eight of 29 patients (28%) had symptomatic GI involvement, and the primary diagnosis had been established in the GI tract in 3/29 (10%) of our patients. No statistical differences could be observed between both groups in terms of gender (p = 0.474), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (0.428), and MCL international prognostic index (0.543). Overall survival was longer in patients with GI involvement (116.0 vs. 74 months), but not statistically significant (p = 0.825). Conclusions: In our single center cohort, we did not find a clinical impact of GI involvement on the clinical course of MCL and no GI complications occurred during chemotherapy in these patients. As most patients were also asymptomatic, these data argue against a routine GI assessment in patients diagnosed with MCL.
PRODUCTION OF MALTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES FROM HUTAN JATI VARIETY CULTIVAR TACCA (Tacca leontopetaloides) STARCH
Authors: Yopi Yopi , Rahmani Nanik , Putri Feby Heryani , Martin Andri Fadillah
Published: January 2019

This research aimed to extract and characterize the physicochemical properties of starch from Tacca tuber, to determine the optimum conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis to produce maltooligosaccharides, and to analyze the character of these maltooligosaccharides. The analysis was conducted by calculating the amount of reducing sugar, total sugar, and the degree of polymerization, and by using the TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography) and HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) analyses. The Hutan Jati variety cultivar of Tacca was selected from three Tacca variety cultivars (Hutan Jati, Pulau Katang and Gunung Batur) to produce maltooligosaccharides by enzymatic hydrolysis of crude Brevibacterium sp. Î±-amylase. The optimum conditions for the enzymatic hydrolysis of Hutan Jati variety cultivar Tacca starch for the production of maltooligosaccharides were obtained at a substrate concentration of 3% (w/v) and a ratio of 1:5 enzyme and substrate at 6 hours incubation time. From 250 mL of fresh hydrolysate, some 34.49 grams of powder maltooligosaccharide were produced. The TLC and HPLC results showed a similar yield of both the liquid and powder maltooligosaccharides with maltose, maltotriose, and maltotetraose as the main products. Considering its physicochemical characteristics and the product of its maltooligosaccharides, the starch from the tuber of Hutan Jati variety cultivar Tacca possessed strong potential for the future production of maltooligosaccharides particularly, Â maltotriose and maltotetraose, in food industries.
EFFECTS OF PHOTOPERIODS ON THE CLONED GTH GENES IN HARD-LIPPED BARB (Osteochillus hasseltii)
Authors: Prayogo Norman Arie , Pramono Taufik Budi , Siregar Asrul Sahri , Sukardi Purnama , Kawaichi Masashi
Published: January 2019

Photoperiod is one factor that regulates the endocrine glandâ€™s production of hormones necessary for gonadal growth and development, gametogenesis and reproductive cycles in fish reproduction. However, studies on the influence of photoperiod on tropical fishes are still limited. Hence, this study investigates the effects of photoperiod on the hard-lipped barb, particularly, the genetic expression of its cloned gonadotropin hormones I (GtH-I) and II (GtH-II) genes. Experiment was designed using three treatments; 14L: 10D (control), 8L: 16D (short photoperiods), and 18L: 6D (long photoperiods). Four aquariums with nine fishes/tank were used, serving as replicates. The fishes were kept under these different photoperiod lengths for eight weeks. Â Pituitary activities were observed by measuring the GtH genetic expression. Â The length of cDNA GtH-I was 222 bp, and the cDNA GtH-II was 354 bp. The GtH-I precursors encoded by cDNA consisted of 67 amino acids, including mature peptide. The level of GtH gene expression significantly increased as longer photoperiods were administered. The results indicated that photoperiod lengths affect the hard-lipped barb reproductive performance.
INTESTINAL HISTOLOGY OF THE GROUPER Epinephelus lanceolatus fuscogutattus ADMINISTERED WITH SIMPLICIA PAPAYA
Authors: Rostika Rita , Yustiati Ayu , Rizal Achmad , Rudyansyah Mochammad , Dewanti Lantun Paradhita
Published: January 2019

The grouper (Epinephelus sp) is a marine fish species that many people commercially cultivate, for hatchery and rearing, and showing such promising prospect. Fish intestine and growth histology are a function of internal and external conditions, namely water quality, feed quality and feed quantity. However, even though the protein content of its feed is high, the growth of the grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus fuscogutattus is quite low. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of simplicia papaya on Â the growth of the grouper particularly, absolute weight and the protein efficiency ratio. The research was conducted using Completely Randomized Design with 5 treatments and 3 replications (A: simplicia papaya 5% application, B: simplicia papaya 3.75% application, C: simplicia papaya 2.5% application, D: simplicia papaya 1.25% application, and E: 0% simplicia papaya). The groupers were cultivated in a floating net cage in Pangandaran Regency, Indonesia. The addition of simplicia papaya at 3.75% and 55% to the grouperâ€™s artificial feed had influenced the number of necrotic cells at 169 and 183 cells, respectively, and so were the number of goblet cells. The addition of simplicia papaya at 5%, 3.75% and 2.5% of the grouperâ€™s artificial feed had increased the absolute weight gain by 161.36 grams, 152.19 grams, 152.09 grams, respectively. The addition of simplicia papaya at 5%, and 3.75% of the grouperâ€™s artificial feed increased the protein efficiency ratio by 3.18% and 3.19%, respectively.
Delimitation of the new tribe Parartocarpeae (Moraceae) is supported by a 333-gene phylogeny and resolves tribal level Moraceae taxonomy
Authors: ZEREGA NYREE J.C. , GARDNER ELLIOT M.
Published: January 2019

Here we describe the new tribe, Parartocarpeae, within the Moraceae (mulberry family). The tribe comprises two small Malesian genera, Parartocarpus and Hullettia, and brings the total number of Moraceae tribes to seven. Evidence for this new designation comes from a phylogeny based on 333 nuclear genes sequenced using target enrichment via hybridization (hybseq). Morphological characters that set Parartocarpeae apart from other Moraceae tribes include the combination of the following characters: lateral nonamplexicaul stipules, spirally arranged leaves without annulate stipule scars, the presence of a single layer of involucral inflorescence bracts, and the lack of perianth tissue, wherein flowers are embedded in cavities of the receptacle. With the designation of Parartocarpeae, the tribe-level circumscription of Moraceae is now well-supported by phylogenetic methods. Because the phylogenetic markers employed here work well throughout Moraceae, they can facilitate much needed work at the genus level in the family.
Zingiber vuquangense (Sect. Cryptanthium: Zingiberaceae): a new species from North central coast region, Vietnam
Authors: LÊ THỊ-HƯƠNG , TRỊNH THỊ-HƯƠNG , ÐỖ NGỌC-ÐÀI , NGUYỄN VIỆT-HÙNG , LÝ NGỌC-SÂM
Published: January 2019

Zingiber vuquangense, a new species of Zingiberaceae, is described and illustrated from North Central Coast region of Vietnam. It is most similar to Z. cornubracteatum, but differs by its smaller plant, longer ligules and petiole, leaf shape, colour of bract, bracteole and flower, and fruit shape. Data on distribution, habitat, vernacular name and uses, a distribution map and a colour plate of the new species are presented.
Characterizations of juvenile stages of some semaeostome Scyphozoa (Cnidaria), with recognition of a new family (Phacellophoridae)
Authors: STRAEHLER-POHL ILKA , WIDMER CHAD L. , MORANDINI ANDRÉ C.
Published: January 2019

Phacellophora camtschatica has long been assigned to the semaeostome scyphozoan family Ulmaridae. Early stages (scyphistomae, strobilae, ephyrae, postephyrae, and young medusae) of the species were compared with those of several other semaeostomes currently assigned to Ulmaridae, Pelagiidae, and Cyaneidae. Juveniles of P. camtschatica did not strictly conform with characters of those of any of these families, and appeared intermediate between Cyaneidae and Ulmaridae. A new family, Phacellophoridae, is proposed to accommodate P. camtschatica.
A generic homonym concerning chordeumatid millipedes (Arthropoda: Diplopoda) and ophellid worms (Annelida: Polycheata)
Authors: BREWER MICHAEL S. , SIERWALD PETRA , BOND JASON E.
Published: January 2019

The Diplopoda is a megadiverse group, comprising > 12,000 nominal species with an estimate of total global diversity as high as 80,000 (Adis & Harvey 2000; Hoffman 1980; Sierwald & Bond 2007). An electronic, searchable database of the Diplopoda is currently being compiled at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, IL. This catalog, and others like it, provides the basis and quality assurance for future taxonomic works and larger initiatives like the Encyclopedia of Life (EOL). The catalog will contain the most up-to-date and researched account of millipede diversity and literature records ever compiled and will be made accessible online.
The new deep-sea families Cebocaridae fam. nov., Cyclocaridae fam. nov. and Thoriellidae fam. nov. (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Lysianassoidea)
Authors: LOWRY J. K. , STODDART H. E.
Published: January 2019

Within the Lysianassoidea three new families are established: Cebocaridae fam. nov. is established for the deep-sea bathypelagic genera Cebocaris J.L. Barnard, 1964; Crybelocephalus Tattersall, 1906; Crybelocyphocaris Shoemaker, 1945; Cyphocarioides Birstein & Vinogradov, 1970; Mesocyclocaris Birstein & Vinogradov, 1964; Mesocyphocaris Birstein & Vinogradov, 1960; Metacyclocaris Birstein & Vinogradov, 1955; Metacyphocaris Tattersall, 1906 and Paracyphocaris Chevreux, 1905; Cyclocaridae fam. nov. is established for the deep-sea demersal scavenging genus Cyclocaris Stebbing, 1888; and Thoriellidae fam. nov. is established for the abyssopelagic genera Chevreuxiella Stephensen, 1915, Danaella Stephensen, 1925, Parachevreuxiella Andres, 1987 and Thoriella Stephensen, 1915. The families Cebocaridae and Thoriellidae are reported from Australian waters for the first time, in the form of Metacyphocaris helgae Tattersall, 1906 and Parachevreuxiella justi sp. nov.
Revision of the New World Hendelia (Diptera: Clusiidae: Clusiodinae)
Authors: LONSDALE OWEN , MARSHALL STEPHEN A.
Published: January 2019

The New World species of Hendelia Czerny, 1903 (Clusiidae, Clusiodinae) are recognized as a single lineage (the “H. mirabilis clade”) and revised with the description of seven new neotropical species: H. boliviensis spec. nov., H. campa spec. nov., H. heliconiae spec. nov., H. masneri spec. nov., H. nigripalpus spec. nov., H. putealis spec. nov. and H. salebrosa spec. nov. The fourteen neotropical species are discussed, an identification key is provided, and new morphological and distributional data are given for previously described taxa. The unusual, and sometimes very large genal processes characteristic of several species are figured and discussed. This clade can be separated from other species of neotropical Clusiidae by the presence of one pair of well-developed interfrontal bristles, entirely reclinate fronto-orbital bristles, and derived male and female genitalia.
Addition to the known long-horned beetle fauna of the Bolivian Andes: A new lycid-like species of Mimolaia Bates, 1885 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Caliini)
Authors: PERGER ROBERT , SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO
Published: January 2019

Mimolaia batesi sp. nov. from Bolivian Yungas forest is described and illustrated. The new species likely displays Batesian mimicry associated with slender Lycidae species having black elytra and orange/reddish pronotum laterally.
Perceptions of EU mediation and mediation effectiveness: Comparing perspectives from Ukraine and the EU
Authors: Chaban Natalia , Elgström Ole , Knodt Michèle
Published: January 2019

A small but growing literature has started to analyse the European Union (EU) ‘as an effective peacemaker’. We make a contribution to this field by investigating EU mediation effectiveness in the Russia–Ukraine conflict. The focus is on perceptions of effectiveness. Based on information from semi-structured interviews, we compare EU self-images with Ukrainian evaluations of EU mediation efforts. How effective is the EU, including its Member States, deemed to be? What factors are believed to lie behind perceived (in)effectiveness? We concentrate on four such factors, derived from the mediator literature: perceived (im)partiality, coherence and credibility and, finally, evaluations of the EU’s mediation strategies. Both internal and external views singled out EU member states as the most effective actors in current mediation. The role of EU was seen in ambivalent terms by both sides. All the four determinants of mediation effectiveness are discussed in our material, but differ considerably in the degree of attention given to each of them. While (im)partiality is not a factor that is linked to effectiveness in any straightforward way, EU incoherence is associated with inconsistent and weak policies, notably in the Ukraine material.
Australian Electoral Law: ‘Free And Fair’?
Authors: Mercurio Bryan , Williams George
Published: January 2019

An essential feature of any democratic system is the holding of regular elections that lead to the creation of the government of a nation. It is often said that such elections should be ‘free and fair’. Some obviously fail this test. For example, observers, including representatives of the European Union (‘EU’) and the Commonwealth, found that in recent elections in Zimbabwe the number of polling stations was reduced in strong opposition areas, the body supervising the election was unqualified and the ruling party (Zanu-PF) used violence, intimidation, bribery and vote-rigging to secure re-election. Of course, elections need not be so blatantly violent or corrupt to fail the ‘free and fair’ standard. International observers and opposition parties have, for instance, criticised the recent Russian elections because the state run television station promoted the ruling party while criticising and defaming the challengers.
Public Funding and Expenditure Regulation of Australian Political Parties: Some Reflections
Authors: Tham Joo-Cheong , Grove David
Published: January 2019

Not so long ago, Australian electoral law was described as being in a Cinderella state, a neglected but promising field of inquiry. Some years down the track, it is clear that Australian electoral law is beginning to shed its Cinderella-status with scholars paying increasing attention to the legal regulation of elections.

In this burgeoning field, political finance laws assume critical importance. Indeed, it has been said that such laws probably pose ‘perhaps the central issue facing electoral law’. Arguably for this reason, this aspect of Australian electoral law, more so than any other, has been the subject of sustained scholarship. It is even showing signs of maturing into a distinct area of electoral law.
The Public Enforcement of Sanctions against Illegal Phoenix Activity: Scope, Rationale and Reform
Authors: Welsh Michelle , Anderson Helen
Published: January 2019

The loss suffered by unsecured creditors of all insolvent companies is the non-payment in full of amounts rightfully owed to them. This loss is all the more unacceptable to creditors when a company has been illegally phoenixed by the transfer from the insolvent company of assets at undervalue. One way of increasing the pool of funds available for distribution to creditors is to issue proceedings seeking compensation against directors alleging that their ‘phoenixing’ amounted to a breach of directors’ duties or insolvent trading. Such an action may be instigated by the liquidator and by ASIC. ASIC's enforcement role can be contrasted with the recovery role of the liquidator where the latter acts primarily in the furtherance of private interests, being those of the insolvent company's creditors; ASIC's mandate, on the other hand, is to act in the public interest. The purpose of this article is to examine the enforcement roles of liquidators and ASIC where suspected illegal phoenix activity has occurred. Following consideration of the difficulties faced by liquidators acting on behalf of creditors of phoenixed companies, this article considers whether it is appropriate, from a policy perspective, for the public regulator to promote private interests by exercising its enforcement powers for the benefit of creditors. The argument in favour of a publicly funded regulator seeking compensation for creditor losses is particularly compelling in the context of illegal phoenix activity, given the inability of creditors to bring enforcement proceedings themselves and the difficulties faced by liquidators when they seek redress for creditors’ losses.
What's Wrong with Cartels?
Authors: Crowe Jonathan , Jedličková Barbora
Published: January 2019

Cartels have a significantly negative impact on economic welfare. Anti-cartel competition law–such as the provisions of pt IV div 1 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)–tries to tackle this negative impact through civil and criminal remedies. The prohibition of cartels is most commonly justified on economic grounds. However, reference is also often made to broader moral grounds for proscribing cartels–for example, it is commonly stated that cartels are deceptive, unfair or engaged in a form of cheating. This article advances a unified account of the moral status of cartels that integrates both economic and moral factors. It does so by emphasising the relationship of cartel behaviour to the moral duty to promote the common good. Cartels are wrong because they undermine the role of open and competitive markets as a salient response to an important social coordination problem in a way that leads to seriously harmful economic outcomes. This combination of factors supplies a robust justification for both civil and criminal sanctions in appropriate cases, thereby affording a principled foundation for the current framework of cartel regulation in Australia.
Tiptoeing through the Tripwires: Recent Developments in Jurisdictional Error
Authors: Moss Aaron
Published: January 2019

Australian administrative law's continuing emphasis on the concept of jurisdictional error is increasingly unique amongst common law jurisdictions. This paper argues that recent developments in Australian jurisprudence have provided little guidance for administrative decision-makers, who are left ‘tiptoeing through the tripwires’ of judicial review. Combining a detailed analysis of primary decisions, academic publications and historical scholarship, this paper suggests that this lack of guidance is the result of a widespread judicial reluctance to engage with either the guidance or educative roles of judicial review. As this paper demonstrates, failure to do so encourages uncertainty, unpredictability and a general lack of clarity which inhibits judicial review's ability to guide decision-makers and contribute to the maintenance of effective governance, administrative justice, and the rule of law in Australia. Particular attention is given to the decisions of Minister for Immigration and Citizenship v Li, Plaintiff M61/2010E v Commonwealth, and NBMZ v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, which together encapsulate many of the most problematic aspects of recent jurisprudence. To avoid these consequences, this paper calls on senior judges and commentators to articulate a clearer framework which will be applied to guide the future development of the doctrine of jurisdictional error.
Who's the Legislator Anyway? How the Fatf's Global Norms Reshape Australian Counter Terrorist Financing Laws
Authors: Goldbarsht Doron
Published: January 2019

This article focuses on the Australian implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations, so-called ‘soft law’ instruments, which represent the international standards in Counter Terrorist Financing (CTF) but which force legislators to conform. The article will fill the gaps existing in the literature today by focusing on the origins and motives of broad CTF legislation in Australia, then detailing each of the FATF's CTF Recommendations and the ways in which they are implemented in Australia. This approach differs significantly from other literature in the field, which deals solely with Australian implementation of one of the FATF's components. The current paper's examination will reveal the CTF regime in Australia, a decade after the FATF's first CTF Mutual Evaluation Report on Australia, and its decisive influence.
Gone but not Forgotten: In Defence of Hickman
Authors: Waller Jacob
Published: January 2019

Judicial review of executive action is the stage upon which all three arms of government engage in stark interplay. The High Court, by virtue of s 75(v) of the Constitution, is vested with supervisory jurisdiction to undertake judicial review of executive action and to grant the constitutional writs of mandamus, prohibition and injunction. However, for centuries, legislatures have enacted privative clauses designed to limit the ability of courts to perform this function, thereby unshackling the executive from judicial restraint. In 1945, the authoritative approach in Australia to construing such clauses was established in the case of Hickman. This approach was substantially overturned by the High Court in 2003 in the case of Plaintiff S157. In this much lauded case, the High Court recognised that s 75(v) amounts to an ‘entrenched minimum provision of judicial review’ and constitutes ‘textual reinforcement’ of the rule of law. Notwithstanding this strong stance, by 2008 the High Court had given effect to a so-called no-invalidity clause which, although conceptually different from the privative clause, enabled Parliament to evade the reach of the High Court's constitutional jurisdiction. This paper seeks to defend Hickman on its own terms, arguing that it is consistent with the modern jurisprudence on statutory interpretation. It then proceeds to criticise the soundness of Plaintiff S157. Finally, it claims that a return to Hickman represents the best way in which to construe no-invalidity clauses.
Whistleblowing, National Security and the Constitutional Freedom of Political Communication
Authors: Ireland-Piper Danielle , Crowe Jonathan
Published: January 2019

Whistleblowers promote the values of responsible government and the rule of law by drawing attention to criminal or other forms of wrongdoing in publicly accountable organisations. This article explores the relationship between whistleblowing, national security and the implied freedom of political communication under the Australian Constitution. Legislation such as the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) (‘Crimes Act’), the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 (Cth) (‘ASIO Act’) and the Australian Border Force Act 2015 (Cth) (‘Border Force Act’) makes it an offence to reveal certain types of information obtained as a Commonwealth officer. The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 (Cth) (‘PIDA’) offers limited protection to whistleblowers in the Commonwealth public sector, but this protection does not extend to information relating to intelligence operations. We argue that blanket criminalisation of unauthorised disclosure by Commonwealth officers or contractors under s 70 of the Crimes Act, along with similar prohibitions in s 35P of the ASIO Act and s 42 of the Border Force Act, offend the implied freedom of political communication by failing to strike an adequate balance between national security and organisational secrecy, on the one hand, and public debate and discussion, on the other. The courts should read down these laws to protect disclosures that hold significant public interest for discussion and debate over government policy or the performance of government officials.
The Dilemma of Indigenous Self-Government in Canada: Indigenous Rights and Canadian Federalism
Authors: Stacey Richard
Published: January 2019

Canada's constitutional distribution of authority between the provinces and federal government leaves no room for Indigenous self-government, but there are increasingly vocal calls for change. Whether Indigenous peoples are acknowledged as one of Canada's founding nations alongside its English and French settlers, or are recognized as distinctive peoples within its multicultural society, these calls affirm Indigenous peoples as sovereign nations deserving of at least some of the powers that the provinces have. The Constitution Act 1982 provides a different mechanism of legal protection for Indigenous peoples, recognizing and affirming already existing Indigenous rights. Canada's Indigenous rights jurisprudence, however, pulls against the sovereignty that underlies federalism. The courts have understood Indigenous rights such that accessing their protections denies to Indigenous peoples the autonomy to define themselves as member nations of Canada's multicultural society. As a normative point, this paper argues that we should embrace constitutional Indigenous rights as a vehicle for Indigenous sovereignty, because it brings federalism and Indigenous rights together as a theoretically coherent foundation for Indigenous self-government in Canada. As a descriptive point, the paper argues that the jurisprudence itself already contains the resources to support a sovereignty-affirming reading of the Constitution's Indigenous rights provisions.
Whitlam as Law Reformer
Authors: Kirby M. D.
Published: January 2019

In this article Mr Justice Kirby outlines a number of important legal themes in the career of the former Prime Minister. Several issues were identified by him soon after Mr Whitlam entered Parliament and persisted with in Opposition and Government. Some of them led to important legislative reforms. The abolition of appeals to the Privy Council was achieved in part. The establishment of a new Federal Court, long predicted, has now been achieved. Major reform of family law and the establishment of a special Family Court was pioneered with the support of Mr Whitlam. The expansion of Commonwealth interests in commercial and business law coincided with facultative decisions of the High Court. The achievement of a single corporation law and of national compensation eluded the Whitlam Government but may yet be secured. The identification of the need for a new administrative law is instanced as the most original of Mr Whitlam's law reform preoccupations. The new body of Commonwealth administrative law was initiated during his Administration. This paper is a history not an evaluation. But it identifies a number of themes important for continuing law reform in Australia and illustrates Mr Whitlam's persistence, and in some cases successful action, towards achieving reform of the law.
Influence of covariates on heterogeneity in Hamilton Anxiety Scale ratings in placebo-controlled trials of benzodiazepines in generalized anxiety disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gale Chris , Glue Paul , Guaiana Giuseppe , Coverdale John , McMurdo Maeve , Wilkinson Sam
Published: January 2019

Background:

Generalized anxiety disorder is a common psychiatric condition that is associated with decreased quality of life and significant disability. Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs used widely in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. This study examines the influence of several variables on benzodiazepine efficacy in generalized anxiety disorder.

Method:

We performed a systematic review of placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials with benzodiazepines in generalized anxiety disorder. Fifty-eight studies were deemed eligible to include in the meta-analysis. The studies dated from 1977 to 2013 and included over 5400 participants. From each paper, we extracted: benzodiazepine name and dose, dosing regimen, baseline Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) score, change in HAM-A score at study endpoint, drop-out rate, year of study publication, diagnostic criteria used, study size, study duration, location, any conflicts of interest and side-effect profile. We then assessed the influence, direct and indirect, of individual variables on the primary outcome (mean difference at endpoint, HAM-A score).

Results:

Three factors were shown to be associated statistically with change in HAM-A; baseline HAM-A for benzodiazepine arm, baseline HAM-A for the placebo arm, and duration of the study. A higher baseline HAM-A in both arms was associated with a greater mean difference in HAM-A. A shorter study length was also associated with a greater mean difference.

Discussion:

The major factors determining benzodiazepine response was baseline anxiety level for the benzodiazepine arm and study duration. In any design of further meta-analyses and clinical trials for generalized anxiety disorder we suggest that these should be considered these as confounding factors.
Semaphorin 4D promotes the proliferation and metastasis of bladder cancer by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Lu Jian-jun , Su Yao-wu , Wang Chao-jun , Li Di-feng , Zhou Liang
Published: January 2019

The present study aimed to investigate the role of semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) in bladder cancer cell proliferation and metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Effects of Sema4D modulation on cancer cell viability and clonogenic abilities were assessed by MTT assay and colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis, cell cycle analysis, transwell assays, and wound-healing assays were also assayed. A mouse model of bladder cancer was established to observe the tumorigenesis in vivo. Our data showed that Sema4D was 4-fold upregulated in clinical bladder cancer tissues relative to noncancerous ones and differentially expressed in bladder cancer cell lines. Knockdown of Sema4D in bladder cancer T24 and 5637 cells significantly decreased cell proliferation, clonogenic potential, and motility. On the contrary, overexpression of Sema4D in bladder cancer SV-HUC-1 cells significantly increased cell viability and motility. Concordantly, knockdown of Sema4D impaired while overexpression of Sema4D promoted bladder cancer cell growth rates in xenotransplanted mice. Cell cycle was arrested by modulation of Sema4D. Cell apoptotic rates and the mitochondrial membrane potentials were consistently increased upon knockdown of Sema4D in T24 cells and 5637 cells. Western blotting revealed that epithelial–mesenchymal transition was promoted by Sema4D. The PI3K/AKT pathway was activated upon Sema4D overexpression in SV-HUC-1 cells, while it was inactivated by knockdown of Sema4D in T24 cells. All these data suggest that Sema4D promotes cell proliferation and metastasis in bladder cancer in vivo and in vitro. The oncogenic behavior of Sema4D is achieved by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Sexual Homicide Targeting Children: Exploring Offender, Victim, and Modus Operandi Factors
Authors: Skott Sara
Published: January 2019

Sexual child homicides are rare, even among sexual homicides, and no previous study has compared sexual child homicide with nonsexual child homicides. To address this gap in research, this study aims to compare sexual child homicide offenders ( n = 8) with two comparison groups: sexual adult homicide offenders ( n = 89) and nonsexual child homicide offenders ( n = 176) regarding victim, offender, and modus operandi factors. Using bivariate analysis, the results show that although sexual child homicide offenders appear more similar to other sexual homicide offenders than to homicide offenders, sexual offenders targeting children differ from both groups on certain variables. Sexual child homicide offenders more often used strangulation as a method of killing, had intoxicated victims, used multiple locations, and destroyed evidence after the murder. The study concludes that sexual homicide offenders targeting children should be considered distinct from other offenders and that the salient characteristics linked to sadism and instrumentality should be further examined.
Partial Meniscectomy for Degenerative Medial Meniscal Root Tears Shows Favorable Outcomes in Well-Aligned, Nonarthritic Knees
Authors: Lee Bum-Sik , Bin Seong-Il , Kim Jong-Min , Park Min-Ho , Lee Sang-Min , Bae Kun-Hyung
Published: January 2019

Background:

Arthroscopic meniscectomy has been commonly performed for persistent pain caused by degenerative medial meniscal posterior root tears (MMPRTs). However, risk factors that affect long-term outcomes and joint survivorship after meniscectomy are unclear.

Purpose:

To identify the risk factors associated with end-stage osteoarthritis after arthroscopic meniscectomy for degenerative MMPRT for middle-aged or elderly patients and to determine the joint survivorship according to the identified risk factors.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Data from 288 patients (24 male and 264 female), followed for at least 5 years after arthroscopic meniscectomy for degenerative MMPRTs performed between 1999 and 2010, were examined retrospectively. The modified Lysholm score was used for clinical evaluation. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess factors that affect joint survivorship when conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was taken as the endpoint; these factors were age, sex, body mass index (BMI), preoperative tibiofemoral alignment (varus [<2° valgus] vs well-aligned [2°-10° valgus]), preoperative Kellgren-Lawrence grade (0 or 1 vs 2 or 3), and the modified Outerbridge grade of the medial compartment. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test were used to compare overall survivorship with respect to each significant risk factor.

Results:

Mean age at the time of surgery was 58.9 years (range, 43-78 years). Sixty (20.8%) patients underwent TKA at 7.0 ± 3.6 years (range, 1.1-14.4 years) postoperatively. The mean follow-up time for those who did not undergo TKA was 8.9 ± 2.9 years (range, 4.5-16.5 years). The overall modified Lysholm score improved from 64.4 to 81.3 ( P < .001), but progression of radiographic arthritis was noted in 156 (61.9%) patients ( P < .001) at 2 years postoperatively. Age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.049), BMI (HR = 1.092), varus alignment (HR = 2.283), and Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or higher (HR = 2.960) were significant risk factors for end-stage arthritis requiring TKA. Well-aligned nonarthritic knees (n = 131, 45.5%) survived significantly longer before requiring TKA than did knees with varus alignment or radiographic arthritis ( P < .05). The 5- and 10-year survival rates in these low-risk groups were 97.7% (95% CI, 95.2%-100.2%) and 89.1% (95% CI, 82.4%-95.8%), respectively.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic meniscectomy is an effective treatment for degenerative MMPRTs, with favorable long-term survival in well-aligned nonarthritic knees. However, meniscectomy should be undertaken cautiously in patients with varus alignment and preoperative radiographic osteoarthritis.