bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preamble/Préambule
Authors: Schabas William A
Published: August 2024

This chapter presents the Preamble of Protocol 16 to the European Convention on Human Rights. It includes a brief commentary.
[Participation in proceedings]
Authors: Schabas William A
Published: August 2024

This chapter presents article 3 of Protocol 16 to the European Convention on Human Rights, which recognizes the rights of the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights and the State Party to participate in proceedings. It includes a commentary.
[Content and issuance of advisory opinions]
Authors: Schabas William A
Published: August 2024

This chapter presents article 4 of Protocol 16 to the European Convention on Human Rights, which deals with the content and issuance of advisory opinions. It includes a commentary.
[Relationship to the Convention]
Authors: Schabas William A
Published: August 2024

This chapter presents article 6 of Protocol 16 to the European Convention on Human Rights, which explains that provisions of articles 1 to 5 of this Protocol shall be regarded as additional articles to the Convention. It includes a brief commentary.
[Entry into force]
Authors: Schabas William A
Published: August 2024

This chapter presents article 8 of Protocol 16 to the European Convention on Human Rights, which deals with the entry into force of the Protocol. It includes a brief commentary.
[Designation of courts or tribunals]
Authors: Schabas William A
Published: August 2024

This chapter presents article 10 of Protocol 16 to the European Convention on Human Rights, which deals with the designation of courts or tribunals. It includes a brief commentary.
European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Lambert Elisabeth
Published: August 2024

This chapter reflects on the origin and development of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), before concentrating on its activities and case law as well as on the consequences of its judgments. The ECtHR has probably become the most famous, important, but at the same time criticised organ of the Council of Europe (CoE). Its importance and role have considerably increased throughout the years as a consequence of the enlargement of the Member States parties to the CoE. At the same time, the enlargement, which is one of the main reasons for the current overwhelming of the Court, has put more pressure on the Court and so has weakened the judicial organ. Consequently it has opened the path for many reflections and a certain number of reforms in order to adapt the Court to its new environment.
Group of States against Corruption (GRECO)
Authors: Rau Wolfgang
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines the anti-corruption monitoring body of the Council of Europe (CoE), the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO). GRECO was set up to complement the CoE’s six anti-corruption instruments with a suitable and sustainable monitoring mechanism. The latter has two pillars: an evaluation procedure which is based on on-site visits and the issuing of Evaluation Reports as well as country-specific recommendations, and a fully-fledged impact assessment (‘compliance procedure’) designed to appraise the measures taken by its members to implement the recommendations emanating from country evaluations. As is the case with other international monitoring bodies, GRECO has no authority to act on individual complaints, nor can it ‘investigate’ — on an ad-hoc basis — corruption scandals that hit the headlines in Member States. And unlike other international anti-corruption monitoring bodies, GRECO assesses Member States’ alignment with a whole package of anti-corruption instruments which cover different branches of law and areas of concern.
European Convention on Human Rights
Authors: Dörr Oliver
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Adopted by the Council of Europe (CoE) Member States on 4 November 1950, it represents one of the major achievements of international law in the 20th century: a treaty coupling a comprehensive catalogue of individual rights with an effective supervisory mechanism which includes the right to submit individual complaints. In the more than 60 years since its entry into force the Convention has developed from an international treaty on human rights to a quasi-constitutional reference standard in Europe. The ECHR regime is today the most important cornerstone of the rule of law in Europe, its human rights standard is an indispensable point of reference for many European constitutions, including that of the European Union. Consequentially it is with some right that the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) refers to the Convention as a ‘constitutional instrument of European public order’.
Conventions on the Protection of National Minorities
Authors: Oeter Stefan
Published: August 2024

This chapter details two treaty instruments for the protection of minorities: the Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ECRML). These place the Council of Europe (CoE) in a unique position, as they are the only legally binding, specific legal documents on the protection of minorities that exist worldwide. Although there are other organisations that deal with issues of minority protection, the CoE treaties are unique in that they codify binding obligations for states and initiate ambitious monitoring mechanisms intended to create a dynamic institutional set-up. Furthermore, the chapter shows how these two treaty instruments have a common ideational background, but developed out of completely different political contexts. In the drafting phase (and also in the ratification process) there was a clear political intention to stress the differences between the instruments.
Anti-discrimination Policy
Authors: Giegerich Thomas , Jötten Sara
Published: August 2024

This chapter outlines the legal and political instruments developed by the Council concerning anti-discrimination issues. It first discusses the legal instruments, most notably the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the European Social Charter (ESC), although some focus is also given to other forms of treaties. The chapter notes that the legal instruments reflect the rising awareness and importance of the fight against discrimination. Afterward, the chapter delves into the political instruments and institutions employed by the Council of Europe (CoE). It examines the development of an anti-discrimination policy at its organisational summits, before looking at the Gender Equality Commission (GEC), the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), and the Ad hoc Committee of Experts on Roma Issues (CAHROM). To conclude, the chapter offers some final insights on the CoE’s anti-discrimination policy.
Securing and Enhancing the Common Cultural Heritage
Authors: Odendahl Kerstin
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines the work of the Council of Europe (CoE) in the field of cultural heritage. At the same time, it examines the notion of a common European heritage, particularly with regard to the CoE Statute. Thus the chapter traces the genesis of this cultural work through the founding of the Council as well as the growing importance of the common cultural heritage. It then explores the systematic aspects of the Council’s efforts in cultural heritage, highlighting the role of the Council of Ministers (CM) in these proceedings, before looking towards outside institutions, particularly UNESCO and the European Union. Next, the chapter provides an overview of the legal basis for securing and enhancing the common cultural heritage. Finally, the CoE’s practices and influences in the field of the common cultural heritage are discussed, along with some brief concluding remarks.
Cross-border Cooperation
Authors: Niedobitek Matthias
Published: August 2024

This chapter looks at the Council of Europe’s (CoE’s) policy in the field of cross-border co-operation. It elaborates on the concept and terminology of cross-border co-operation, analyses the competence of the CoE to develop a policy in the field of cross-border co-operation, and explains the origins of that policy. Next, institutional issues of the CoE’s cross-border co-operation policy are addressed, namely intra-CoE issues and the relationship between the CoE and the European Union. Then, the CoE practice in the field of cross-border co-operation is being dealt with. A short assessment of the significance of the CoE policy in the field of cross-border co-operation concludes this chapter.
Programmes of Cooperation and Solidarity
Authors: Weiß Norman
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines the Council of Europe’s (CoE’s) social cohesion policies. It first takes a look at the role of the CEB’s activities with regard to social cohesion. Since the bank was established in 1956, the scope of its activity has broadened beyond the original, and now includes other sectors as it grants loans to finance projects with a social purpose, thus complementing the activities of other intergovernmental institutions. The chapter then turns to the broader internal social cohesion policies, before discussing the NSC’s role in external cohesion policies. The NSC is contributing to promote social cohesion in the countries of the South by a broad intercultural dialogue and by dealing with the role of women in society especially. To conclude, the chapter offers some insights on the future prospects for a social cohesion policy within the CoE.
Impact of the Council of Europe on National Legal Systems
Authors: Breuer Marten
Published: August 2024

This chapter attempts to measure the impact of Council of Europe (CoE) activities on national legal systems. In order to do so, the chapter first gives an overview of its methodology, which relies on the case study model of qualitative research. It then proceeds to enumerate the factors that determine the level of implementation of international engagements: binding versus non-binding instruments, self-executing versus non-self-executing norms, the hierarchical rank under national law, forms of indirect implementation, and a number of others described in brief detail. The case studies presented in this chapter are classified according to instrument, and include the following: the European Council of Human Rights (ECHR), the European Social Charter (ESC), the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, and the Venice Commission. The chapter then concludes with reflections on the above topics.
Special Agreements in International Armed Conflicts
Authors: Casey-Maslen Stuart
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses the scope and nature of protection of special agreements in international armed conflicts (IACs), their relevance in non-international armed conflicts (NIACs), and legal consequences of a violation. Special agreements address the myriad of situations and issues that may arise during an IAC. The notion of a special agreement covers a commitment by at least one party to an armed conflict to adopt or to refrain from certain conduct; to address certain acts; or to respond to the needs or behaviour of a specific group or specific groups above and beyond the protection afforded by the four 1949 Geneva Conventions. Special agreements are also used to detail additional measures to be taken in IACs (for example, with regard to means or methods of warfare, to those entitled to special protection, or to humanitarian measures, such as mine clearance), including, specifically, during a situation of belligerent occupation.
Search for Missing Persons
Authors: Petrig Anna
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses the core articles of the Geneva Conventions (GCs) and First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions (AP I) dealing with the issue of missing persons. These are Article 16 GC I, Article 19 GC II, Articles 17, 119, 122, and 123 GC III, Articles 133 and 136–140 GC IV, and Articles 32 and 33 AP I. These rules are explained in the context of the different obligations in international humanitarian law to prevent persons from going missing and to account for persons reported missing in situations of armed conflict or occupation. The chapter also covers obligations aimed at preventing persons from going missing in non-international armed conflicts (NIACs), or to clarify the fate and whereabouts of persons who have gone missing in a NIAC. Finally, the chapter discusses the legal consequences of a violation, both in terms of state responsibility and individual criminal responsibility.
Taking of Hostages
Authors: Tuck David
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses hostage-taking under the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. Informed by established definitions and interpretations of hostage-taking as a war crime in international criminal law, and also by scholarly opinion, this chapter proposes a definition of hostage-taking as it binds parties to armed conflict. Hostage-taking in non-international armed conflicts and the legal consequences of violation of the prohibition of hostage-taking are also covered.
Prohibition of Reprisals
Authors: De Hemptinne Jérome
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses the prohibition of reprisals against persons and objects under the Geneva Conventions. It addresses the following issues: the exact meaning and scope of application of these prohibitions; the determination of the conditions under which specific reprisals may be taken; the status under customary law of the prohibitions of reprisals and their exceptions; the application of these prohibitions in non-international armed conflict; and the possibility of invoking reprisal as a ‘circumstance precluding wrongfulness’, or as a defence to charges of war crimes. This chapter argues that, while a consensus is progressively emerging on the general prohibition of reprisals, certain reprisals are still permitted in limited circumstances. Deficiencies in the enforcement international humanitarian law should not, however, lead to the revival of reprisals; instead, they should prompt states to find adequate solutions to curtail reprisals by strengthening and improving the utility existing mechanisms, or by studying alternative solutions.
Who Is Wounded and Sick?
Authors: Bellal Annyssa
Published: August 2024

The legal protection of the wounded and sick in armed conflict situations is at the core of modern international humanitarian law (IHL). In fact, and quite symbolically, the Geneva Conventions of 1864, 1904, and 1928, as well as the first two Geneva Conventions of 1949, focus precisely on this category of persons who suffer most directly from the consequences of war. This chapter addresses the question of who should be regarded as wounded and sick, or in other words who are the beneficiaries of the legal protection afforded by the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. It discusses provisions for the protection of the wounded and sick members of the armed forces and civilians, the issue of rape, and the definition of the wounded and sick in Additional Protocol I.
The Use of the Emblem
Authors: Bouvier Antoine A
Published: August 2024

The idea of ‘neutralization’ of military medical services and their auxiliaries led to the idea of making them visible by using a distinctive sign that would be the same in all countries, that would be internationally recognized by treaty, and the misuse of which would be punishable by law. This chapter discusses the rules governing the use of the emblem in the Geneva Conventions. Despite the many different users and several possible uses of the emblem, all relevant rules have a common denominator. This conditions the use of the emblem on three basic requirements: the use must be authorized (no ‘autonomous’ use); it must be controlled; and, generally, in its protective function, display of the emblem must be limited to medical activities.
Maintenance and Re-establishment of Family Links and Transmission of Information
Authors: Spieker Heike
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses provisions for the maintenance and re-establishment of family links and transmission of information under Geneva Convention (GC) IV. The regulation of the maintenance and re-establishment of family links and transmission of information in the context of protected civilians is based on two concerns: first, to prevent protected persons from going missing; and, secondly, where a person is missing, to re-establish links through information, in particular to protect the family as a unit. The chapter covers the notion of ‘family’; privacy of information and data protection; communication of family news and facilitation of family enquiries; maintenance and re-establishment of family links; and tracing services and transmission of information.
The Right to Leave
Authors: Hylton Pamela Anne
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses the civilian’s right to leave a territory under Geneva Convention (GC) IV. The right to leave is not an absolute right, and limitations apply especially during armed conflicts. Under Article 35 GC IV, all protected persons are entitled to leave the territory at the outset of or during a conflict, unless their departure is ‘contrary to the national interests of the State’. State practice also demonstrates broader limitations on the right to leave, which arguably go beyond the circumstances envisioned in GC IV: as a matter of national sovereignty, states are adamant about maintaining control over the entry, exit, and free movement of people within their borders, as ‘no state will accept another’s dictate as to what constitutes national interest, especially in time of war’.
Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights in Occupied Territories
Authors: Giacca Gilles
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses the relationship between Geneva Convention (GC) IV and human rights norms relating to economic, social, and cultural (ESC) rights. The main legal issues addressed are: how GC IV’s rules of a socio-economic nature operate; how ESC rights apply in occupied territories, and how they may affect the assessment of the content of the obligations derived under GC IV; to what extent the application of human rights obligations adds substantive duties to those set forth in GC IV; how human rights obligations—which may entail important legislative, administrative, financial, institutional, or social measures—are to be implemented within this legal framework; and whether, and if so, to what extent, the prolonged character of an occupation influences or affects the interpretation and application of ESC rights.
Security Interests in Ships
Authors: Allsop James Leslie Bain
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses security interests in shipping and how they are regulated under maritime law. A ship’s security interests consist of mortgages, maritime liens, special legislative rights and charges, possessory liens, enforcement of maritime claims, and the creation of security interests. All these are part of a general body of maritime law concerned with the enforcement of maritime claims which can be divided into proprietary and non-proprietary or general claims. Proprietary claims can be claims as to ownership or as to security. Such security may arise as a consequence of a consensual arrangement, such as a mortgage, or it may arise by operation of law as an incident of a maritime transaction or the consequence of a maritime wrong, such as the possessory lien or the maritime lien. Non-proprietary or general claims may obtain some degree of priority or a secured characteristic by the method of enforcement in maritime courts.
Charterparties
Authors: Martin-Clark David
Published: August 2024

This chapter analyses charter parties-the term used to describe contracts for the use of ships in trade; it is often shortened to ‘charter’. The persons involved in a charter are the owners of the ship and the persons who require the use of the ship, the charterers. Sometimes there is a chain of charters relating to the same ship; in such a case, the first charterers will be described in the second charter as the ‘disponent’ owners while the second charterers will be called the sub-charterers. The chapter looks into the three main types of charter, namely the demise or bareboat charter, the voyage charter, and the time charter. In return for carrying the cargo, the charterers pay the owners a sum of money known as ‘freight’ which may be calculated at a given rate per tonne of the cargo carried or it may be a lump sum.
Law of Harbours and Pilotage
Authors: Agripino de Castro Osvaldo , Pasold Cesar Luiz
Published: August 2024

This chapter covers navigation safety in and around harbours and ports by presenting the main legal aspects involved in port activities. It emphasizes civil liability, adopting a comparative law approach and taking as examples two countries which follow the common law system—the UK and the United States—and two countries under the civil law system—Spain and Brazil. Regardless of the law system used, the rule of law on harbours and pilotage is a critical topic, particularly in view of the amount of capital invested in maritime transportation and the large volume of legislation and officials regulating this important economic sector. A comparative analysis between the two system reveals a wide discrepancy; while in civil law countries, the harbour master has control of navigation and the pilot is considered merely as an advisor, in common law countries the master delegates the conduct of the vessel to the pilot.
Intervention in the Highs Seas in Cases of Marine Pollution Casualties
Authors: Blanco-Bazán Agustín
Published: August 2024

This chapter explains the treaty law provisions regulating the exercise of coastal State intervention beyond territorial boundaries. The right of a coastal State to intervene within its territorial sea to counteract accidental pollution caused by foreign ships is widely accepted as an entitlement related to that State’s sovereignty over the belt of sea adjacent to its land territory and its internal waters. In this case, limitations to coastal State sovereignty are drawn by the universally accepted treaty rules governing innocent passage. However, the right to intervene beyond the territorial sea is acknowledged only as an exceptional remedy related to the concept of self-defence, in this case the need to protect vital maritime living and non-living resources and coastal interests against imminent and grave risks of pollution resulting from an accident involving foreign ships.
Piracy, Hijacking, and Armed Robbery Against Ships
Authors: Kulyk Markiyan Z
Published: August 2024

This chapter explores the history of maritime laws regarding piracy, as well as current international efforts to define and subdue it and other similar illegal acts against ships. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) piracy provisions, in particular Articles 100-107 and 110, form the foundation for the contemporary counter-piracy legal regime. They define the offence, rights, and obligations of States, including on cooperation in repression of piracy and on jurisdiction to prosecute pirates. The UNCLOS definition of piracy comprises four main elements: illegal act of violence; detention or depredation; private ends; involvement of two ships; and location at the high seas.
Maritime Terrorism and the Illicit Trafficking in Arms
Authors: Hamza Riyaz
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines two specific maritime security threats, namely, maritime terrorism and the illicit trafficking in arms, including weapons of mass destruction, as the two threats are to a large extent interconnected. It sets forth the definitions for terrorism-contrasting it with acts of piracy discussed in the previous chapter-as well as the international legal instruments used to combat terrorism. The illicit trafficking by sea of small arms and of biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons (BCN weapons) is also regulated by a number of international instruments. However, there is currently no global small arms control instrument specifically regulating trafficking by sea.
Military uses of the Sea
Authors: Ronzitti Natalino
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses the ‘hard security’ aspect of military use of the sea, which involves navies’ mobility, self-defence, and exercise of sea-power for a number of reasons, including resort to force, or simply showing the flag to assert a claim and countering other States excessive pretensions, and the use of the sea in wartime. It defines warships and their status—given that navies are the main military users of the ocean—as well as passage through territorial waters and coverage of the economic zone and other pertinent areas of the ocean. Additionally, this chapter covers other areas of hard security during wartime and peacetime negotiations, neutral or convention-exclusive zones and other forms of naval operations that extend as far as air defence.
Principle 3
Authors: Molinari Claire
Published: August 2024

This chapter analyses the rationale, travaux préparatoires, conceptual scope, and normative and jurisprudential influence of Principle 3 of the Rio Declaration. It pays particular attention to the shift from the initial assertion of a right of States to development to the subsequent emphasis placed on intergenerational equity.
Principle 6
Authors: Hébié Mamadou
Published: August 2024

This chapter analyses the rationale, travaux préparatoires, conceptual scope, and normative influence of Principle 6 of the Rio Declaration. It pays particular attention to how the special needs of developing countries stated in Principle 6 have been reflected in a number of international instruments, most notably with respect to least developed and environmentally vulnerable countries.
Principle 13
Authors: Fitzmaurice Malgosia
Published: August 2024

This chapter analyses the rationale, travaux préparatoires, conceptual scope, and normative and jurisprudential influence of Principle 13 of the Rio Declaration. It examines both the law of State responsibility for breaches of international law and the civil liability regimes established to compensate environmental damage, whether at the international or the domestic level.
Principle 15
Authors: Cançado Trindade Antônio Augusto
Published: August 2024

This chapter analyses the rationale, travaux préparatoires, conceptual scope, and normative and jurisprudential influence of Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration. It pays particular attention to the definition of the province of precaution as distinguished from that of prevention, as well as to the reception of precaution in treaty law and jurisprudence, both international and domestic.
Principle 25
Authors: Bellal Annyssa , Giacca Gilles
Published: August 2024

This chapter analyses the rationale, travaux préparatoires, conceptual scope, and normative relevance of Principle 25 of the Rio Declaration. It examines the role of environmental protection within the broader context of the pursuit of peace.
Introduction
Authors: Ryngaert Cedric
Published: August 2024

This introductory chapter begins by setting out the scope and method of the present study, which aims to develop a rule-based framework of jurisdiction under international law, from a transatlantic perspective. It then presents the structure of the study followed by discussions of jurisdiction as a concern of international law; the concept of jurisdiction in transnational domestic litigation; and the concept of jurisdiction in international human rights treaties.
The Territoriality Principle
Authors: Ryngaert Cedric
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses the territoriality principle, the most basic principle of jurisdiction in international law. Topics covered include the historical development of the territoriality principle in continental Europe; the territoriality principle in England; the territoriality principle in the United States; territorial jurisdiction over cross-border offences; territorial jurisdiction and the Internet; territorial jurisdiction over antitrust violations; territorial jurisdiction and securities regulation; territoriality and orders for discovery abroad; and territorial extension of domestic law.
A Reasonable Exercise of Jurisdiction
Authors: Ryngaert Cedric
Published: August 2024

This chapter first discusses how courts and regulators can rely on the principle of international comity to restrain assertions of jurisdiction. In its jurisdictional version, this principle limits the reach of a State’s laws by requiring that States (and their courts and regulators) recognize the laws of States with a stronger link with the case, and thus, that States with a weaker link with the case do not apply their own laws. Comity is, however, essentially a discretionary concept, and not a binding norm of customary international law. Attempts have been made to elevate comity to an international law status. This has most notably occurred in § 403 of the US Restatement (Third) of Foreign Relations Law, which proposes a rule of reason which States have to abide by, not as a matter of comity, but as a matter of international law. The actual customary international law status of the jurisdictional rule of reason is nevertheless in serious doubt, particularly in Europe where a standard of reasonableness, and its attendant requirement of balancing interests, may run counter to basic tenets of the continental system of judicial jurisdiction and private international law.
Introduction
Authors: Dugan Christopher F , Wallace Jr , Rubins Noah , Sabahi Borzu
Published: August 2024

This introductory chapter begins with a brief discussion of the growth of international investment and the emergence of new field of international law that defines the obligations of host states toward foreign investors and creating procedures for resolving disputes in connection with those obligations. This new law is primarily codified in a vast network of bilateral and multilateral investment treaties, supported by an ever-evolving body of customary international law. An overview of the subsequent chapters is then presented. The importance of investment flows for capital importers and exporters, and the purpose of investment protection is discussed.
Consent to Arbitral Jurisdiction
Authors: Dugan Christopher F , Wallace Jr , Rubins Noah , Sabahi Borzu
Published: August 2024

The jurisdiction of all international arbitration tribunals is based on the consent of the parties. The requirement of consent to arbitral jurisdiction in the context of investor-state arbitration is also a corollary of the principle that “there is no power superior to the states which can force a judge upon them.” There is nothing to preclude states from voluntarily submitting a dispute to a court or tribunal, however, and nothing can prevent them from making that submission irrevocable. This chapter discusses the fundamental concepts relating to consent, arbitration clauses in investment contracts, national investment legislation, investment protection treaties as consent to arbitration, and investment arbitration based on compromise
“Fair and Equitable Treatment” and “Full Protection and Security”
Authors: Dugan Christopher F , Wallace Jr , Rubins Noah , Sabahi Borzu
Published: August 2024

Among the most discussed standards of protection that investment treaties provide are “fair and equitable treatment” and “full protection and security.” These concepts and their relation to the minimum standard of treatment of aliens under customary international law have inspired significant debate. This chapter discusses the relationship of fair and equitable treatment and full protection and security to customary international law, the meaning of fair and equitable treatment, and full protection and security.
The enhancer RNA, AANCR, regulates APOE expression in astrocytes and microglia
Authors: Wan Ma , Liu Yaojuan , Li Dongjun , Snyder Ryan J , Elkin Lillian B , Day Christopher R , Rodriguez Joseph , Grunseich Christopher , Mahley Robert W , Watts Jason A , Cheung Vivian G
Published: August 2024

Enhancers, critical regulatory elements within the human genome, are often transcribed into enhancer RNAs. The dysregulation of enhancers leads to diseases collectively termed enhanceropathies. While it is known that enhancers play a role in diseases by regulating gene expression, the specific mechanisms by which individual enhancers cause diseases are not well understood. Studies of individual enhancers are needed to fill this gap. This study delves into the role of APOE-activating noncoding RNA, AANCR, in the central nervous system, elucidating its function as a genetic modifier in Alzheimer's Disease. We employed RNA interference, RNaseH-mediated degradation, and single-molecule RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization to demonstrate that mere transcription of AANCR is insufficient; rather, its transcripts are crucial for promoting APOE expression. Our findings revealed that AANCR is induced by ATM-mediated ERK phosphorylation and subsequent AP-1 transcription factor activation. Once activated, AANCR enhances APOE expression, which in turn imparts an inflammatory phenotype to astrocytes. These findings demonstrate that AANCR is a key enhancer RNA in some cell types within the nervous system, pivotal for regulating APOE expression and influencing inflammatory responses, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases.
The structure and interaction of polymers affects secondary cell wall banding patterns in Arabidopsis
Authors: Pfaff Sarah A , Wagner Edward R , Cosgrove Daniel J
Published: August 2024

Xylem tracheary elements (TEs) synthesize patterned secondary cell walls (SCWs) to reinforce against the negative pressure of water transport. VASCULAR-RELATED NAC-DOMAIN 7 (VND7) induces differentiation, accompanied by cellulose, xylan, and lignin deposition into banded domains. To investigate the effect of polymer biosynthesis mutations on SCW patterning, we developed a method to induce tracheary element transdifferentiation of isolated protoplasts, by transient transformation with VND7. Our data showed that proper xylan elongation is necessary for distinct cellulose bands, cellulose–xylan interactions are essential for coincident polymer patterns, and cellulose deposition is needed to override the intracellular organization that yields unique xylan patterns. These data indicate that a properly assembled cell wall network acts as a scaffold to direct polymer deposition into distinctly banded domains. We describe the transdifferentiation of protoplasts into TEs, providing an avenue to study patterned SCW biosynthesis in a tissue-free environment and in various mutant backgrounds.
Regional active transcription associates with homoeologous exchange breakpoints in synthetic Brassica tetraploids
Authors: Cai Chengcheng , Yang Yinqing , Zhang Lei , Cui Yinan , Wu Jian , Liang Jianli , Li Xing , Zhang Lingkui , Zhang Xin , Zhang Yiyue , Guo Zhongwei , Chen Shumin , Zhang Kang , Freeling Michael , Wang Xiaowu , Cheng Feng
Published: August 2024

Polyploidization plays a crucial role in plant evolution and is becoming increasingly important in breeding. Structural variations and epigenomic repatterning have been observed in synthetic polyploidizations. However, the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and their effects on gene expression and phenotype remain unknown. Here, we investigated genome-wide large deletion/duplication regions (DelDups) and genomic methylation dynamics in leaf organs of progeny from the first eight generations of synthetic tetraploids derived from Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata). One- or two-copy DelDups, with a mean size of 5.70 Mb (400 kb to 65.85 Mb), occurred from the first generation of selfing and thereafter. The duplication of a fragment in one subgenome consistently coincided with the deletion of its syntenic fragment in the other subgenome, and vice versa, indicating that these DelDups were generated by homoeologous exchanges (HEs). Interestingly, the larger the genomic syntenic region, the higher the frequency of DelDups, further suggesting that the pairing of large homoeologous fragments is crucial for HEs. Moreover, we found that the active transcription of continuously distributed genes in local regions is positively associated with the occurrence of HE breakpoints. In addition, the expression of genes within DelDups exhibited a dosage effect, and plants with extra parental genomic fragments generally displayed phenotypes biased toward the corresponding parent. Genome-wide methylation fluctuated remarkably, which did not clearly affect gene expression on a large scale. Our findings provide insights into the early evolution of polyploid genomes, offering valuable knowledge for polyploidization-based breeding.
Do wars abroad affect attitudes at home?
Authors: Klymak Margaryta , Vlandas Tim
Published: August 2024

Can foreign conflicts affect attitudes in nonbelligerent countries? A large literature studies the effects of conflicts and wars on countries that are directly involved, without considering the potential consequences for other nonbelligerent countries that might nevertheless be threatened. To address this question, we examine how the Russian invasion of Ukraine affected 12 economic and political attitudes using survey data covering eight European countries. We use a natural experiment whereby the timing of the invasion overlapped with the fieldwork of a cross-national individual-level survey in these eight countries. We find that the war increased support for democracy, redistribution, support for Europe, and immigration, while it reduced authoritarian attitudes. Our findings highlight the impact of foreign conflicts on a wide range of attitudes in countries that are externally threatened, but neither directly involved militarily, nor necessarily very close to the conflict.
Gateway to Dignity: Legal Name Changes for Transgender People in the United States
Authors: Bender-Baird Kyla
Published: August 2024

Since the 1960s, trans people in the United States have been petitioning courts for name changes and sex marker corrections. If, under English common law everyone has the right to change their name at will without legal procedure by simply adopting a new name, why do trans people bother to change their names through formal legal procedures? This article investigates that question through interviews with trans people around the United States who had legally changed their name as well as lawyers and advocates who assisted trans people in this process, many of whom were trans-identified. Participants reported that without a legal name change, trans people face regular challenges to their dignity. Therefore, I argue that legal name changes are a gateway to dignity by assisting trans people with establishing self-worth and facilitating respectful interactions. While participants stressed that everyone should be entitled to have their chosen name respected, when that dignity is not extended, law can be a powerful tool. Court orders reflecting a name change communicate with the force of law what is the correct name for a person.
A novel growth-promoting dark septate endophytic fungus improved drought tolerance in blueberries by modulating phytohormones and non-structural carbohydrates
Authors: Su Hongyan , Guo Yingtian , Gu Liang , Shi Xiaomeng , Zhou Yangyan , Wu Fanlin , Wang Lei
Published: August 2024

Drought is a significant global issue affecting agricultural production, and the utilization of beneficial rhizosphere microorganisms is one of the effective ways to increase the productivity of crops and forest under drought. In this study, we characterized a novel growth-promoting dark septate endophytes (DSE) fungus R16 (Dothideomycetes sp.) derived from blueberry roots. Hyphae or microsclerotia were visible within the epidermal or cortical cells of R16-colonized blueberry roots, which was consistent with the typical characteristics of DSE fungi. Inoculation with R16 promoted the growth of blueberry seedlings, and the advantage over the control group was more significant under PEG-induced drought. Comparison of physiological indicators related to drought resistance between the inoculated and control groups was performed on the potted blueberry plants, including the chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, root activities, malondialdehyde and H2O2 content, which indicated that R16 colonization mitigated drought injury in blueberry plants. We further analyzed the effects of R16 on phytohormones and non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) to explore the mechanism of increased drought tolerance by R16 in blueberry seedlings. The results showed that except for the gibberellin content, indole-3-acetic acid, zeatin and abscisic acid varied significantly between the inoculated and control groups. Sucrose phosphate synthase and sorbitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities in mature leaves, the key enzymes responsible for sucrose and sorbitol synthesis, respectively, as well as sorbitol dehydrogenase, sucrose synthase, cell wall invertase, hexokinase and fructokinase in roots, the key enzymes involved in the NSCs metabolism, showed significant differences between the inoculated and control groups before and after drought treatment. These results suggested that the positive effects of R16 colonization on the drought tolerance of blueberry seedlings are partially attributable to the regulation of phytohormone and sugar metabolism. This study provided valuable information for the research on the interaction between DSE fungi and host plants as well as the application of DSE preparations in agriculture.
Loss of periostin function impairs ligament fibroblast activity and facilitates ROS‐mediated cellular senescence
Authors: Rai Muhammad Farooq , Duan Xin , Yan Mingming , Brophy Robert H. , Cai Lei
Published: August 2024

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries pose a significant challenge due to their limited healing potential, often resulting in premature arthritis. The factors and mechanisms contributing to this inadequate healing process remain elusive. During the acute phase of injury, ACL tissues express elevated periostin levels that decline over time. The functional significance of periostin in ligament biology remains understudied. In this study, we investigated the functional and mechanistic implications of periostin deficiency on ACL biology, utilizing ligament fibroblasts derived from patients and a murine model of ACL rupture. Our investigations unveiled that periostin knockdown compromised fibroblast growth characteristics, hindered the egress of progenitor cells from explants, and arrested cell‐cycle progression, resulting in the accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase and moderate apoptosis. Concurrently, a significant reduction in the expression of cell‐cycle and matrix‐related genes was observed. Moreover, periostin deficiency triggered apoptosis through STAT3Y705/p38MAPK signaling and induced cellular senescence through increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mechanistically, inhibition of ROS production mitigated senescence in these cells. Notably, in vivo data revealed that ACL in Postn−/− mice exhibited a higher tearing frequency than wild‐type mice under equivalent loading conditions. Furthermore, injured ACL with silenced periostin expression, achieved through nanoparticle‐siRNA complex delivery, displayed an elevated propensity for apoptosis and senescence compared to intact ACL in C57BL/6 mice. Together, our findings underscore the pivotal role of periostin in ACL health, injury, and potential for healing.
Silicosis
Authors: Cena Ashley C. , Cena Lorenzo G.
Published: August 2024

Silicosis typically has been classified as a chronic disease that develops after at least 10 years of exposure to silica dust, and often is associated with miners and stone workers. As industries have changed over time, other types of workers (including those in artificial stonework, jewelry polishing, and denim production) have become exposed to high levels of silica, leading to the development of acute and accelerated silicosis. Acute silicosis can develop in as little as a few months, and accelerated silicosis can develop in as little as 2 years. No cure exists for any form of silicosis, and lung transplantation is the only lifesaving treatment. Primary care clinicians must understand when patients are at risk for developing silicosis and not assume that a short time of exposure precludes the development of silicosis.
Development of Postsurgical Pyoderma Gangrenosum with New Keloid after Keloid Resection
Authors: Saijo Yusaku , Kuwahara Hiroaki , Ito Keigo , Ogawa Rei , Akaishi Satoshi
Published: August 2024

Keloids are a dermal fibroproliferative disorder and can arise from trauma, acne, vaccination, and herpes zoster. Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a painful ulcerative skin disorder that is associated with neutrophilic dysfunction. However, the pathophysiologies of keloids and PG are not fully understood. The authors encountered an unusual case of a 24-year-old woman who presented with an anterior chest keloid that bore an ulcer. The keloid was resected along with the ulcer, and histology revealed the ulcer to be a neutrophilic PG ulcer. A year after surgery, another ulcer developed in the scar. The ulcer met the PARACELSUS criteria of a postsurgical PG ulcer. After treatment with systemic prednisone and adalimumab for 250 days, the ulcer re-epithelialized. However, relapsed keloids were then observed at the PG site. Corticosteroid taping may be the safest therapy for patients with a history of PG. Conversely, if there is suspicion that a patient is prone to keloid development, diagnostic biopsies and surgical management of PG ulcers should be avoided or conducted with care.
Wound Itch: An Update
Authors: Paul Julia C.
Published: August 2024

GENERAL PURPOSE

To present current evidence regarding the physiology, assessment, and management of wound itch.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES

After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:

1. Summarize current understanding of itch physiology.

2. Apply current evidence to the management of wound itch.

Background

Itch is a symptom that can be experienced by persons with open wounds. Whereas advances are being made in the understanding and management of itch, the molecular and cellular physiology of itch is still not fully understood.

Objective

To summarize recent literature to determine what developments have been made in terms of the physiology, assessment, and management of wound itch.

Data Sources

The literature was searched in PubMed and CINAHL Complete databases, limited to the last 5 years and articles in English.

Study Selection

Articles were selected based on reference to wound-related itch. The chosen articles and their references were thoroughly reviewed. Additional relevant studies were found in database alerts including Google Scholar and JAMA Online First: Medical News and in searching reference lists of associated articles.

Data Extraction

In addition to article author, title, and year of publication, extracted data included article type, purpose, results, recommendations, and limitations.

Data Synthesis

Findings related to wound-related itch, postburn itch, venous ulcers, itch physiology, itch assessment, and itch interventions are described.

Conclusion

The consensus is that wound-related itch is underevaluated and undertreated. The physiology of itch is not completely understood, and the effectiveness of treatments for wound itch is not known. Further studies with larger samples need to be undertaken to increase the understanding of wound-related itch; its etiology, physiology, and assessment; and treatment effectiveness.