bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conclusion
Authors: Aristova Ekaterina
Published: June 2024

This chapter concludes the discussion in the book. It highlights how transnational corporations (TNCs) became central players in international trade and commerce. It explains that the considerable size of TNCs became comparable in terms of wealth and influence with the nation states. The evolution of the business and human rights-related legal framework demonstrates that voluntary commitments by corporations to respect human rights are ineffective if not upheld by legally binding and enforceable mechanisms. Moreover, the adequate regulation of TNCs remains to be one of the intractable challenges of the global community in the twenty-first century. The chapter mentions the importance of providing victims with the opportunity to have their day in court and access a remedy.
Private International Law in English Courts 2e
Authors: Briggs Adrian
Published: June 2024

Private International Law in English Courts, in its Second Edition, provides a statement of the rules of private international law—jurisdiction, applicable law, and foreign judgments—which regulate and govern in proceedings before the courts of England and Wales in 2023. It seeks to explain the rules in a logical and accessible way, but also to question or criticize them where this is necessary for their better understanding. It makes reference to decided cases and other authority to the extent that this is necessary to vouch for the law as described, while being attentive to the risk of allowing the detail to obscure the principles. The greatest challenge will be seen to have been to deal with the untidy consequences—superficial as well as fundamental—of leaving the European Union, and the system of laws increasingly governing it, in these three areas of private international law. The aim is to produce a coherent statement of the law which can be relied on by those in legal practice as well as those aspiring to that calling. Assessed from that point of view the aim is very similar, but the product very different, from the First Edition.
Introduction
Authors: Briggs Adrian
Published: June 2024

This chapter introduces the foundational principles of English private international law which provide the intellectual basis for the law described in greater detail in the rest of the book. It shows how the common law has always had a fundamental respect for the principles of territoriality, sovereignty, and comity, while evolving rules of the conflict of laws which also, and increasingly, respect the intentions of those exercising their autonomy. It identifies the influence of pragmatism, and of the power of equity to operate in personam, on the development of private international law. It introduces the particular problems which may be encountered when rules of statute law, ambiguous or silent as to the scope and circumstances of their operation, are said to be applicable. It describes how, over the last 40 years, rules of European law were first inserted into a structure which was rooted in the common law, then came to reconstruct the very foundations on which the subject was built, only to be abruptly revoked, with only fragments being retained. The consequences are only gradually being worked out.
Property
Authors: Briggs Adrian
Published: June 2024

This chapter deals with the conflict of laws rules for property and for various kinds of transaction concerning property. The point of departure is to identify the various types of property recognised by the conflict of laws: immovable (for which the common law also has distinctive jurisdictional rules), tangible moveable, intangible moveable, and intellectual. The conflict of laws rules by which title to such property is determined are then examined, generally as well as in those cases in which there are successive or repeated dealings with the property. Consideration is given to whether ‘new forms of property’ need to be accompanied by specific conflicts rules. The particular issues arising from confiscation or expropriation of property are examined. The private international law of trusts is dealt with in this chapter, as the creation and operation of a trust is in reality a complex, and very particular, example of dealing with property. An account is given of the effect of marriage on property rights, of the effect on property rights, arising before or after the marriage, of a dissolution or annulment of the marriage, and of the private international law of succession to the property of a deceased person.
Children
Authors: Briggs Adrian
Published: June 2024

This chapter deals with the private international law of children: both the power of the English courts in relation to children and the effect of foreign proceedings and judgments in relation to children and their custody, welfare, and return. The point of departure is to consider the rules determining the habitual residence of a child who may be too young to have any independence, or even intention, in the determination of their residence. The manner in which the various factors (and non-factors) are balanced and evaluated is examined. The jurisdiction of an English court to make orders is examined by reference to domestic law as well as the various Hague Conventions given force in English law. The effect on English proceedings of orders made by foreign courts, in states party to and not party to an international convention, is examined with particular reference to the principle that an English court must be guided by the best interests of the child. The private international law of child abduction is also examined, the well-intentioned legislative interventions being shown to be only partially satisfactory. The question whether these issues are susceptible to being regulated by rules of private international law is raised.
OTC Derivatives Clearing Explained
Authors: Hasenpusch and Tina , Stegeman Rezah
Published: June 2024

This chapter discusses the concept of clearing, providing a definition of ‘clearing’ from various perspectives: a process view, a functional view, and a product view. The process view refers to clearing as a process that constitutes a vital part of the life cycle of a trade. The functional view focuses on clearing as a service and details the various value-chain components. Meanwhile, the product view concentrates on the peculiarity of clearing over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives. The chapter then looks at the different clearing services, including cleared trade confirmation, transaction/position management, delivery management, novation, netting, risk management, collateral management, and cash management. It also considers the benefits of central counterparty (CCP) clearing, which has become such an integral part of modern financial market structures. From a microeconomic perspective, CCPs provide benefits and value-added for individual market participants. In macroeconomic terms, CCPs are key infrastructures, playing a vital role by facilitating the smooth and frictionless functioning of financial markets, thus increasing their efficiency, supporting financial stability, and reducing systemic risks.
Segregation and Portability of Cleared OTC Derivatives in Europe
Authors: Zebregs Bas
Published: June 2024

This chapter assesses the segregation and portability requirements for over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives clearing in Europe under the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR). EMIR prescribes that client positions and assets should be held and recorded in segregated accounts at the level of the central counterparty (CCP). The segregation and portability regime aims to ensure that upon a clearing member (CM) default, these assets do not become part of the bankruptcy estate of the CM but can be transferred to another CM or returned to the client. The chapter then describes the segregation models as imposed by EMIR as well as the models that are actually offered in practice, including private omnibus models, value segregation models, and different margin models. This is followed by a description of the portability framework as well as the main hurdles—including any potential insolvency complications—that may prevent porting or the return of assets. The author concludes that, although the segregation and portability arrangements may appear to be robust at first glance, there are still several areas of concern.
Open Access for OTC Derivatives
Authors: Poilvet-Clediere Corentine , Jardelot Julien
Published: June 2024

This chapter studies the concept of non-discriminatory access or ‘open access’, which is widely recognized as beneficiary in the European Union (EU), not only in consideration of the fragmentation of EU capital markets but also in the introduction of clearing and trading obligations. It begins by tracing the origins of the concept, its implications, and how it works in practice. The chapter then looks into the expected benefits in terms of transparency, efficiency, innovation, settlement, and competition. Open access has proven to ‘open up’ barriers and enhance competition in the EU financial market infrastructure space without substantiated concerns to financial stability but quite the opposite, having a diversity of trading, clearing, and settlement venues available to market participants ensuring alternative choices and an overall increased resilience of the system. While it is established in equities and OTC derivatives, the concept of open access remains controversial when it comes to exchange traded derivatives, where it has never been applied in practice despite effectively entering into application.
Payment
Authors: Bridge Michael
Published: June 2024

The buyer’s duty to pay is the subject of this chapter. There is a short introduction to payment methods, including the use of negotiable instruments, but the bulk of the chapter is concerned with the use of letters of credit, mainly as instruments for obtaining payment but also as instruments guaranteeing performance by the seller. The rules of UCP 600 are discussed at length. Beginning with the buyer’s duty to open a conforming letter of credit in favour of the seller and the time when this has to be done, the chapter moves on to the presentation by the seller of conforming documents ad their examination by the nominated bank. The separation (autonomy) of the letter of credit contract from the sale contract is stressed as well as defences to payment (mainly, fraud).
The 2019 Hague Judgments Convention
Authors: Brand Ronald A , Coffee Michael S , Herrup Paul
Published: June 2024

The 2019 Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters has introduced international obligations of unprecedented sweep and power. This book provides the diplomatic background and the historical context for the Convention, discussing the law on judgments recognition in the absence of the Convention’s ratification. After recounting the twenty-seven-year history of the negotiations leading to the Convention’s conclusion, the book offers an article-by-article discussion of each provision. It also considers paths not taken, advancing possible solutions to address future pressures and developments. The book is designed to be an indispensable source for lawyers, judges, and legislators in the adoption, implementation, and use of the 2019 Hague Judgments Convention. It provides a clear understanding of the purpose behind each provision, any differences that might have led to compromise in the Convention’s language, and the positions stated by national delegations during the negotiations.
A Basic Introduction to the 2019 Convention
Authors: Brand Ronald A , Coffee Michael S , Herrup Paul
Published: June 2024

This chapter introduces the structure, core, context, and choices of the 2019 Convention. The Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters provides rules governing the recognition and enforcement of judgments from a court of one Contracting State presented to a court of another Contracting State. Moreover, the potential power of the Convention is constrained because of specific requirements for a judgment to be eligible for recognition or enforcement under the Convention. The chapter explains how Convention consists of a Preamble and thirty-two articles arranged in four chapters, followed by a jurat clause covering the official texts in English and French languages. It considers the resulting tensions of the Convention’s conditions of creation and choices.
Invalid Contracts
Authors: Bantekas Ilias
Published: June 2024

This chapter focuses on invalid contracts. It expounds on ṣaḥīḥ, fāsid, and bāṭil as the three types of contracts under Islamic law. Contracts whose essence and attributes are lawful and without defects in their elements (aṣl) or characteristics (waṣf) are determined to be valid. The conditions incorporated in a contract also determine the nature of the contract as either valid, irregular, or void. Moreover, the conditions for the formation (in’aqad) of a contract primarily relate to ṣīgha, contracting parties, and a subject matter. The chapter then looks into the causes, instances, and effects of a contract’s invalidity.
Bilateral Contracts
Authors: Oseni Umar A
Published: June 2024

This chapter focuses on bilateral contracts, which are one of the main types of contracts in Islamic law. In Islamic commercial jurisprudence, bilateral contracts are called ʿuqūd al-muʿāwaḍā. Moreover, bilateral contracts often reflect parallel, corresponding, and conforming promises made by the parties. The chapter enumerates the classification of bilateral contracts in Islamic commercial jurisprudence: general contracts of exchange (ʿuqūd al-muʿāwaḍāt); contracts of security (tawthīqāt); contracts of partnership (shirka); contracts of safe custody (wadīʿa); contracts relating to the utilization of usufruct (manfa ʿa); and ancillary contracts of services. It explains the bilateral contracts that involve sales-based contracts and other similar agreements in Islamic jurisprudence.
Ancillary Contracts
Authors: Ullah Ikram
Published: June 2024

This chapter explores ancillary contracts under Islamic law. It also examines the regulation and conditions of juʿāla contracts, ijāra, ṣarf, salam contracts, istiṣna, and tawarruq contracts, which were created based on the Qurān. Wakāla (agency) comprises ‘one person (principal) empowering some other person (agent) to perform an act for him, whereby the latter stands in the stead of the former in regard to the action. The chapter explains the legal implications and essential elements of the wakāla contract. It also clarifies that some contracts are based on the ideals of a fair and just Islamic society instead of their counterparts in Western legal systems.
Performance, Termination, and Rescission of Contracts
Authors: Ullah Ikram
Published: June 2024

This chapter tackles the notions of performance, termination, and rescission of contracts under Islamic law. The importance of contracts for the preservation of the Islamic umma dictates that termination is perhaps not as straightforward as in the civil law tradition, even if the parties are subjected to pertinent notifications. The performance of the underlying obligations becomes mandated upon parties when a contract becomes binding. The chapter explains how the termination of the contract (Inhā-al-ʿAqd) absolves the parties from their contractual obligations, despite the possibility of still being liable for damages or restitution. It discusses the modes of rescinding contracts if an acceptable justification is available.
Unfair Prejudice: Remedies and Valuation
Authors: Collingwood Timothy
Published: June 2024

This chapter discusses issues of remedies and share valuation. It reviews s 996(1) of the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006), which provides that the court gives relief in respect of the matters complained of if it is satisfied that a petition is well founded. It also highlights the discretion that arises if the court finds that the petition is well founded, which must be exercised judicially and on rational principles. The chapter explains how a judge, once unfair prejudice has been established, is obliged to consider possible remedies and choose the one which deals with the situation fairly. It emphasizes that there are some cases wherein certain unfairly prejudicial conduct has no appropriate remedy.
Appeals from Jurisdictional Rulings and Order 48
Authors: Tan Paul , Goh Nelson , Lim Jonathan
Published: June 2024

Section 10 discusses appeals from jurisdictional rulings under Section 10 of the IAA. The chapter begins with a discussion of Section 10(1), and the relationship and key differences between Section 10 of the IAA and Article 16(3) of the Model Law. It then discusses Section 10(2), which expressly states that the arbitral tribunal may rule on a plea that it has no jurisdiction at any stage of the arbitral proceedings. The chapter also discusses Section 10(3), which sets out the nature and ambit of the court’s power to rule on an arbitral tribunal’s jurisdiction. F The chapter follows with a discussion of the implications of the court’s power to make an award or order of costs under Sections 10(7) and 10(8), as well as a stay of arbitration under Section 10(9)(a) of the IAA. Finally, the chapter discusses the procedure that applies to appeals from jurisdictional rulings and other recourse to courts in matters related to the IAA, as set out in Order 48 of the Rules of Court 2021.
Court Powers in Aid of Arbitration
Authors: Tan Paul , Goh Nelson , Lim Jonathan
Published: June 2024

This chapter focuses on court powers in aid of arbitration. It examines Section 12A and Section 13 of the IAA to elaborate on the court’s complementary powers to issue interim relief in aid of the arbitral cycle. Section 12A empowers the Singapore courts to grant certain interim measures to a party to an arbitration. The chapter discusses the scope of the powers of a court to grant interim relief, anti-suit injunctions and the requirements for obtaining interim relief from court. Section 13 addresses the summoning of witnesses by subpoena to testify or produce documents. The chapter discusses the principles governing subpoena applications and the requirements to obtain subpoenas in aid of arbitration.
Contracts in Relation to the Exploitation of Intellectual Property Rights: Jurisdiction
Authors: Torremans Paul L C
Published: June 2024

This chapter explores the jurisdiction provisions of contracts concerning the exploitation of intellectual property rights. A contract for the exploitation of the intellectual property right is concluded between the owner of the right and the party that will exploit the right. The most common forms of exploitation of intellectual property rights are licences and assignments. Jurisdictional problems can arise fairly easily because the majority of licences and assignments are concluded between licensors and assignors in one country and licensees and assignees in another country. The chapter considers how the exploitation of intellectual property rights can give rise to more complicated contractual patterns.
Infringement: Preliminary Matters
Authors: Torremans Paul L C
Published: June 2024

This chapter focuses on the notion of infringement. It elaborates on the essence of what constitutes patent infringement according to section 60 of the Patents Act 1977. The obvious infringement case occurs when a sign identical to a registered trade mark is used without the authorization of the trade mark owner in relation to goods or services. The chapter also considers the provisions for copyright and designs based on the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and the special system for database protection introduced by the European Union’s Database Directive. It details the elements of the tort of infringement, which is mostly viewed as a wrongful act, and consequent damage.
Infringement: Jurisdiction Under the Traditional Rules
Authors: Torremans Paul L C
Published: June 2024

This chapter notes the jurisdiction of infringement under the traditional rules. It looks at how some traditional subject matter limitations concerning jurisdiction do not exist under the European Union/European Free Trade Association rules. Traditional rules revolve around finding a basis of jurisdiction in respect of a foreign defendant and whether the English court will exercise its discretionary powers to stay in action. The chapter then notes how the company may be served a claim form by any method permitted under the Civil Procedure Rules or by any of the methods of service set out in the Companies Act 2006. The chapter looks into infringement under the notions of validity, European patent, licensing agreements, and settlement agreements.
Complementary Torts and Other Causes of Action: The Applicable Law
Authors: Torremans Paul L C
Published: June 2024

This chapter explores complementary torts and other causes of actions under the applicable law. English substantive law provides a number of different causes of action which are complementary to infringement, which includes torts of passing-off, malicious falsehood, defamation, and causes of action. Moreover, the causes of action include breach of competition rules and breach of confidence. The chapter clarifies that the applicable law is less complex in respect of infringement. It considers unfair competition, delict, and anti-trust in correlation with foreign causes of action. The Rome II Regulation plays an important role after introducing a specific choice of law rule for unfair competition and restricting free competition.
Justifications for party autonomy in the context of asymmetric jurisdiction clauses
Authors: Marshall Brooke
Published: June 2024

This Chapter examines normative justifications, and the assumptions underpinning them, for the enforcement of asymmetric jurisdiction clauses. Drawing on the literature on private international law, political philosophy, and law and economics, the Chapter begins by identifying justifications for respecting autonomy in the context of asymmetric jurisdiction agreements. It critically evaluates those within the framework of two broadly defined conceptions of party autonomy: (1) an instrumentalist and, largely, efficiency-driven conception, and (2) a libertarian or rights-based conception, which tethers party autonomy to deontological approaches or to freedom of contract. The Chapter then relies on behavioural law and economics literature, and empirical scholarship to investigate the assumptions and conditions which must be satisfied for these justifications to hold. The Chapter contends that there are notionally multiple normative justifications for the enforcement of asymmetric clauses, but their cogency rises and falls with the truth of many assumptions that asymmetric clauses appear to challenge.
Summary and Way Forward
Authors: Grušić Uglješa
Published: June 2024

Chapter 11 presents an alternative view of tortious claims arising out of the external exercise of British executive authority as claims that concern public acts of the UK. It looks at the wider context in which the UK exercises its executive authority externally, which means that public law must also play a role in deciding tortious claims arising out of the external exercise of British executive authority. It also talks about mapping out the relationship between different jurisdictions and rules that are engaged by tortious claims arising out of the external exercise of British executive authority that confirms the allocative conception of the function of foreign relations law. The chapter reviews how private international law matters for tortious claims arising out of the external exercise of British executive authority. It focuses on the private international law aspects of claims that lead to important insights.
Requirements for protection of works and other subject matter
Authors: Rosati Eleonora
Published: June 2024

Neither international nor EU law define foundational requirements of copyright protection like ‘work’ or ‘originality’. In its case law, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has nonetheless defined and shaped both requirements and has pushed the boundaries of EU harmonization well beyond the text of the copyright acquis, with the result of also setting an EU-wide approach to fixation, categorization, and the (in)admissibility of requirements other than originality, e.g. artistic value or aesthetic effect. Chapter 4 reviews such case law and considers the implications thereof, including having regard to works of applied art. It also analyses CJEU case law that has enucleated the rationale of protection under related rights and explains how such rationale informs areas other than those specifically tacked by the CJEU in existing referrals for a preliminary ruling.
The framework for enforcing copyright and related rights
Authors: Rosati Eleonora
Published: June 2024

Moving from an objectively thin legislative framework, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has produced a substantial body of case law on the enforcement of copyright (and, more generally, IP rights). As a result, it has developed a principled framework in this area, including having regard to the online dimension of rights protection. Chapter 7 focuses on enforcement broadly intended, showing how the legislative framework alone—including the InfoSoc Directive, the Ecommerce Directive, and the Enforcement Directive—provides limited guidance regarding the construction of relevant concepts and available remedies. What has been key to the creation of an EU enforcement framework has been, once again, the role of the Court, which is particularly visible in respect of safe harbour availability and monitoring obligations of information society service providers (ISSPs), injunctions against intermediaries, costs and damages, and applicable law and jurisdiction in cross-border disputes.
UK copyright post-Brexit: The perduring legacy of CJEU case law
Authors: Rosati Eleonora
Published: June 2024

Chapter 8 shows how the UK’s tenure as an EU Member State has profoundly changed that country’s copyright system. The impact of the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) remains strong well after the completion of Brexit. More in detail, this chapter explores the extent to which this country’s copyright law has been shaped, not just by EU legislation, but also and most importantly by the CJEU’s interpretation of the EU acquis. Further to an overview of the default changes that the departure from the EU/EEA would have on any Member State, the analysis turns to the UK and the type of relationship that it has shaped with the EU going forward. The discussion subsequently moves on to reviewing the impact of CJEU case law on foundational aspects of UK copyright, including subsistence requirements and subject matter categorization, liability types, standards of infringement, exceptions and limitations, and enforcement (with particular regard to website blocking jurisprudence). More recent domestic case law further shows that, even in instances in which UK courts could have in principle ‘departed’ from CJEU case law, they have so far refused to do so. Overall, the UK experience does suggest that a clean break between a departing Member State and EU copyright law—standing compliance with international law provisions—might be possible in principle, but hardly realistic/feasible in a short- and medium-term perspective, especially lacking legislative amendment and/or repeal of the relevant domestic statutes.
Transient study using LoTSS – framework development and preliminary results
Authors: de Ruiter Iris , Meyers Zachary S , Rowlinson Antonia , Shimwell Timothy W , Ruhe David , Wijers Ralph A M J
Published: June 2024

We present a search for transient radio sources on time-scales of seconds to hours at 144 MHz using the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey (LoTSS). This search is conducted by examining short time-scale images derived from the LoTSS data. To allow imaging of LoTSS on short time-scales, a modern imaging procedure and fast filtering strategy are introduced. This includes sky model source subtraction, no cleaning or primary beam correction, a simple source finder, fast filtering schemes, and source catalogue matching. This new strategy is first tested by injecting simulated transients, with a range of flux densities and durations, into the data. We find the limiting sensitivity to be 113 and 6 mJy for 8 s and 1 h transients, respectively. The new imaging and filtering strategies are applied to 58 fields of the LoTSS survey, corresponding to LoTSS-DR1 (2 per cent of the survey). One transient source is identified in the 8 s and 2 min snapshot images. The source shows 1 min duration flare in the 8 h observation. Our method puts the most sensitive constraints on/estimates of the transient surface density at low frequencies at time-scales of seconds to hours; <4.0 × 10−4 deg−2 at 1 h at a sensitivity of 6.3 mJy; 5.7 × 10−7 deg−2 at 2 min at a sensitivity of 30 mJy; and 3.6 × 10−8 deg−2 at 8 s at a sensitivity of 113 mJy. In the future, we plan to apply the strategies presented in this paper to all LoTSS data.
Synchronous or metachronous breast and colorectal cancers in younger-than-average-age patients: a case series
Authors: Silverstein Jordyn , Wright Francis , Stanfield Dalila , Chien Amy Jo , Wong Jasmine M , Park John W , Blanco Amie , Van Loon Katherine , Atreya Chloe E
Published: June 2024

Background

The incidence of breast and colorectal cancer (CRC) in younger-than-average-age patients is rising and poorly understood. This is the largest study on patients with both cancers who are less than 60 years old and aims to characterize demographic, clinicopathologic, and genetic features and describe therapeutic dilemmas and management strategies.

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective medical records review of patients at the University of California San Francisco with both primary breast and CRC before age 60.

Results

Fifty-one patients were identified; 41 had detailed medical records. Median age of diagnosis with breast cancer was 43 (range 27-59) and CRC was 50 (28-59). Most were Caucasian (38, 74.5%) and never smokers (23, 56.1%); about half were current alcohol consumers (20, 48.8%) and about one-third had sedentary jobs (14, 34.1%). Average BMI was 25.8 (range: 14-49), and 30% were overweight or obese. Breast was the first cancer diagnosed in 36 patients (70.6%) and 44 (86.3%) had a metachronous CRC diagnosis. Breast cancer was early stage (0-2) in 32 (78.0%) patients whereas CRC was split between early stage (1-2) in 14 (34.1%) and later stage (3-4) in 19 (46.2%). Ten patients (24.3%) had a known germline mutation, although 23 (56.1%) had a family history of cancer in a first-degree relative.

Conclusion

Younger patients with both breast and CRC are a unique cohort, often without known risk factors. Alcohol consumption and sedentary jobs were the most common risk factors, and about one-quarter had a known genetic predisposition. Comanagement of both cancers requires individualized, multidisciplinary care.
Characterization of a Powdery Mildew Resistance Gene in Wheat Breeding Line Jingzi 102 Using Bulk Segregant RNA Sequencing
Authors: Xing Lixian , Gu Tiantian , Shi Fengyu , Jin Yuli , Fu Xiaoyi , Han Guohao , Xu Hongxing , Zhou Yilin , Liu Wei , He Mingqi , An Diaoguo
Published: June 2024

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important crops worldwide. Powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici is a destructive disease threatening wheat yield and quality. The utilization of resistant genes and cultivars is considered the most economical, environmentally friendly, and effective method to control powdery mildew. Wheat breeding line Jingzi 102 was highly resistant to powdery mildew at both seedling and adult plant stages. Genetic analysis of F1, F2, and F2:3 populations of “Jingzi 102 × Shixin 828” showed that the resistance of Jingzi 102 against powdery mildew isolate E09 at the seedling stage was controlled by a single dominant gene, temporarily designated PmJZ. Using bulked segregant RNA sequencing combined with molecular markers analysis, PmJZ was located on the long arm of chromosome 2B and flanked by markers BJK695-1 and CIT02g-20 with the genetic distances of 1.2 and 0.5 centimorgan, respectively, corresponding to the bread wheat genome of Chinese Spring (International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium RefSeq v2.1) 703.8 to 707.6 Mb. PmJZ is most likely different from the documented Pm genes on chromosome 2BL based on their physical positions, molecular markers analysis, and resistance spectrum. Based on the gene annotation information, five genes related to disease resistance could be considered as the candidate genes of PmJZ. To accelerate the application of PmJZ, the flanking markers BJK695-1 and CIT02g-20 can serve for marker-assisted selection of PmJZ in wheat disease-resistance breeding.
Optimization of Vancomycin Initial Dosing Regimen in Neonates Using an Externally Evaluated Population Pharmacokinetic Model
Authors: Blouin Mathieu , Métras Marie-Élaine , El Hassani Mehdi , Yaliniz Aysenur , Marsot Amélie
Published: June 2024

Background:

Vancomycin therapeutic monitoring guidelines were revised in March 2020, and a population pharmacokinetics-guided Bayesian approach to estimate the 24-hour area under the concentration–time curve to the minimum inhibitory concentration ratio has since been recommended instead of trough concentrations. To comply with these latest guidelines, we evaluated published population pharmacokinetic models of vancomycin using an external dataset of neonatal patients and selected the most predictive model to develop a new initial dosing regimen.

Methods:

The models were identified from the literature and tested using a retrospective dataset of Canadian neonates. Their predictive performance was assessed using prediction- and simulation-based diagnostics. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to develop the initial dosing regimen with the highest probability of therapeutic target attainment.

Results:

A total of 144 vancomycin concentrations were derived from 63 neonates in the external population. Five of the 28 models retained for evaluation were found predictive with a bias of

15% and an imprecision of

30%. Overall, the Grimsley and Thomson model performed best, with a bias of −0.8% and an imprecision of 20.9%; therefore, it was applied in the simulations. A novel initial dosing regimen of 15 mg/kg, followed by 11 mg/kg every 8 hours should favor therapeutic target attainment.

Conclusions:

A predictive population pharmacokinetic model of vancomycin was identified after an external evaluation and used to recommend a novel initial dosing regimen. The implementation of these model-based tools may guide physicians in selecting the most appropriate initial vancomycin dose, leading to improved clinical outcomes.
Enzymatic Debridement (Nexobrid) on Burned Hands: Retrospective Review from a Burn Referral Center in Spain
Authors: Lin Wu Zhan Q. , Bulla Antonio , Aguirrezabala del Río Jon A. , Rivas Nicolls Danilo A. , Aguilera Sáez Jorge , Serracanta Domènech Jordi , Barret Juan P.
Published: June 2024

Background:

In deep burns, the gold standard of treatment is surgical debridement and coverage, but in hands, this may lead to poor aesthetic and functional results due to the complexity of this anatomical area. Enzymatic debridement (Nexobrid) allows for the preservation of the dermal remnant and reduces the number of skin grafts when compared with surgical excision. The study aimed to analyze the patients with intermediate second-degree or deeper burns in hands who required surgical treatment after Nexobrid and those who avoided it.

Methods:

A descriptive retrospective study of all patients who underwent Nexobrid following hand burns between May 2015 and April 2020 treated in Vall d’Hebrón University Hospital was conducted. After the enzymatic debridement, the burn unit team determined if the burn required conservative treatment or surgery, based on the characteristics of the wound bed.

Results:

A total of 202 hands were collected. Most hands included in this study had deep second-degree burns (122; 60.4%). Almost half of the hands underwent surgery (99; 49%), and most had deep second-degree burns (61; 61.62%). During follow-up, 24 hands required surgery for sequelae (11.88%) and 62 did not undergo follow-up (30.69%). In the group that needed sequelae surgery, 21 needed surgery after Nexobrid and three of them were healed with conservative treatment after Nexobrid (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Nexobrid decreases the number of surgical procedures in deep burns of the hand because more conservative attitudes are adopted. Also, it seems to reduce the need of surgery due to burn sequelae.
Atopic dermatitis in women: special considerations in the childbearing years
Authors: Valentini Rodolfo , Shahriari Mona
Published: June 2024

Background:

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common inflammatory dermatoses in adults. Women are disproportionately impacted by AD and report significant impacts on quality of life compared to men.

Objective:

Given the absence of formal guidelines for the treatment of AD in women of childbearing age, we will review special considerations for treating women of childbearing age with AD to ensure consistent care and optimal outcomes for these patients.

Methods:

PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant articles from database inception through May of 2023.

Results:

There are several treatments including topical therapies, systemic therapies, and phototherapy that are considered safe during preconception, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Given the negative consequences of uncontrolled AD for both the mother and the unborn baby, the risks and benefits of potential therapies should be reviewed with all women of childbearing age suffering from AD.

Limitations:

The gold standard in recommending therapies is randomized controlled trials; however, pregnant and lactating women are often excluded from these trials.

Conclusion:

Through shared decision-making between the dermatologist, obstetrician, and patient, the risks and benefits of any therapy should be thoroughly discussed and considered with all women of childbearing age, to optimize care and outcomes for this unique population.
Thirteen Indians with camptodactyly-arthropathy-coxa vara-pericarditis syndrome
Authors: Singh Swati , Badiger Vaishnavi Ashok , Balan Suma , Nampoothiri Sheela , Rao Anand Prahalad , Shah Hitesh , Bhavani Gandham SriLakshmi , Narayanan Dhanya Lakshmi , Girisha Katta M.
Published: June 2024

Camptodactyly-arthropathy-coxa vara-pericarditis (CACP) syndrome (MIM# 208250) is a rare monogenic disorder, characterized by early onset of camptodactyly, progressive coxa vara, bilateral arthropathy and constrictive pericarditis. The syndrome is caused by biallelic loss-of-function variants in PRG4. Deficiency of PRG4 results in progressive worsening of joint deformity with age. Thirteen individuals with CACP syndrome from eight consanguineous Indian families were evaluated. We used exome sequencing to elucidate disease-causing variants in all the probands. These variants were further validated and segregated by Sanger sequencing, confirming the diagnosis of CACP syndrome in them. Seven females and six males aged 2–23 years were studied. Camptodactyly (13/13), coxa vara (11/13), short femoral neck (11/13) and arthritis in large joints (12/13) [wrists (11/13), ankle (11/13), elbow (10/13) and knee (10/13)] were observed commonly. Five novel disease-causing variants (c.3636G>T, c.1935del, c.1134dup, c.1699del and c.962T>A) and two previously reported variants (c.1910_1911del and c.2816_2817del) were identified in homozygous state in PRG4. We describe the phenotype and mutations in one of the large cohorts of patients with CACP syndrome, from India.
Central corneal thickness in new cases of dry eyes: A case-control study
Authors: Ghimire Rekha , Kaiti Raju , Dahal Manish , Marasini Sanjay
Published: June 2024

Significance

Loss of homeostasis and chronic inflammation result in ocular surface damage in dry eyes, which is also associated with corneal thinning in established cases. Yet, the correlation between corneal thickness and new cases of dry eyes remains inadequately supported by evidence.

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the central corneal thickness of new cases of dry eyes to that of age- and gender-matched controls.

Methods

A total of 45 dry eye patients were compared with 61 age- and gender-matched non–dry eye individuals. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was used to evaluate symptoms, and the central corneal thickness was measured with a Nidek CEM-530 specular microscope. Patients were grouped based on disease severity (OSDI scores), and the clinical findings were compared between groups for slit-lamp examinations, Schirmer's I test, and tear film breakup time.

Results

The median age of patients was 25.0 (interquartile range [IQR], 20.0 to 32.0) and 27.0 (IQR, 20.0 to 32.0) years in the control and dry eye groups, respectively (p=0.63). The median (IQR) values of the OSDI scores, tear film breakup time scores, and Schirmer's test measurements in the control groups were 10.4 (8.3 to 10.4), 12.0 (11.0 to 14.0) seconds, and 16.0 (13.5 to 19.5) mm, respectively, which differed from the dry eye groups (p<0.0001). These values in the dry eye group were 29.1 (25.0 to 39.5), 4.0 (3.0 to 8.0) seconds, and 8.0 (3.5 to 11.0) mm, respectively. Patients with dry eyes had lower central corneal thickness than controls (p<0.01). The mean ± standard deviation central corneal thicknesses in patients with dry eyes and the control group were 520.3 ± 26.8 and 545.3 ± 18.8 μm, respectively.

Conclusions

The central corneal thickness in dry eyes was significantly reduced compared with the control group. These findings may be useful in monitoring and managing dry eyes and should be considered in intraocular pressure measurements and refractive surgical procedures.
Optics of spectacle lenses intended to treat myopia progression
Authors: Atchison David A. , Charman W. Neil
Published: June 2024

SIGNIFICANCE

This is a review of the optics of various spectacle lenses that have been used in myopia control over the last 60 years, with emphasis on approximately the last 15 years.

Myopia has become an increasing health problem worldwide, particularly in some East Asian countries. This has led to many attempts to slow its progression in children and reduce its endpoint value. This review is concerned with the optics of spectacle lenses for use in myopia control, from bifocal lenses to multisegment and diffusion optics lenses. Treatments are based on theories of the onset or progression of myopia. These include the hypotheses that eye growth and myopia in susceptible children may be stimulated by (1) poor accommodation response and the consequent hyperopic defocus with near vision tasks, (2) relative hyperopic peripheral refraction, and (3) high retinal image contrast as occurs in urban environments. Using spectacle lenses to slow myopia progression has a history of about 60 years. The review is laid out in approximately the order in which different types of lenses have been introduced: bifocals, conventional progressive addition lenses, undercorrection with single-vision lenses, specialized progressive addition lenses, defocus-incorporated multiple segments, diffusion optics, and concentric bifocals. In the review, some of the lenses are combined with an eye model to determine refractive errors for peripheral vision for the stationary eye and for foveal vision for the rotating eye. Numbers are provided for the reported success of particular designs in retarding myopia progression, but this is not an epidemiological paper, and there is no critical review of the findings. Some of the recent treatments, such as multiple segments, appear to reduce the eye growth and myopia progression by better than 50% over periods of up to 2 years.
Periareolar Skin-Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Implant-Based Reconstruction
Authors: Zarei Melika , Carlson Grant W.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) is often used when tumor location prohibits performing a nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM). We examined a square excision of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) and an X-shaped purse string closure after implant-based reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on patients undergoing periareolar SSM and immediate implant-based reconstruction from January 2015 through December 2022, specifically identifying those patients who had square NAC excision and skin closure.

Results

Twenty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. They underwent 54 periareolar SSM and immediate implant-based reconstruction (bilateral 25, unilateral 4). Indications for surgery were cancer (30) and prophylactic (24; 2 patients had bilateral cancer). Reconstructive methods included tissue expander (TE) (36 [66.7%]) and direct-to-implant (DTI) (18 [33.3%]). The mean mastectomy weights and final implant sizes were similar between the 2 groups. Overall wound complications occurred in 13 (24.1%) of the breasts: mastectomy skin flap necrosis (MSFN; 10 [18.5%]) and infection (3 [5.6%]). Reconstructive failure occurred in 3 cases: TE, 1 (infection); DTI, 2 (MSFN/exposure). MSFN by reconstructive method: TE, 4 (11.1%); DTI, 6 (33.3%) (P = 0.05, comparing MSFN rates between TE and DTI methods). The mean initial TE fill volume was 247.1 cc; mean implant size in the DTI group was 417.8 cc (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The square NAC excision and closure can minimize the surgical incision in implant reconstruction. Two-stage TE reconstruction permits lower initial fill volumes, which reduces the risk of MSFN after box to X closure of SSM and implant-based reconstruction. It is useful in small- to moderate-sized breasts with mild ptosis in patients who are not candidates for NSM.
Local Infiltration Anesthesia Versus Ultrasound-Guided Pectoralis (PEC1) + Serratus Anterior Plane (SAP) Blocks on Postanesthetic Care Unit Pain Control in Patients Undergoing Primary Submuscular Augmentation Mammoplasty
Authors: Heffern Jadyn N. , Puyana Salomon , Hajebian Hooman H. , Kresofsky Kevin , Chaffin Abigail E. , Lindsey John T.
Published: June 2024

Background

Ultrasound-guided regional field blocks are not widely used in outpatient plastic surgeries. The efficacy of truncal blocks (PEC1 + SAP) has not been established in plastic surgery. The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcomes of these newer anesthetic techniques compared with traditional blind local anesthetic infiltration in patients undergoing breast augmentation.

Methods

This retrospective institutional review board-approved cohort study compared the outcomes of the different practices of 2 plastic surgeons at the same accredited outpatient surgery center between 2018 and 2022. Group 1 received an intraoperative blind local infiltration anesthetic. Group 2 underwent surgeon-led, intraoperative, ultrasound-guided PEC1 (Pectoralis 1) + SAP (serratus anterior plane) blocks. Patients who underwent any procedure other than primary submuscular augmentation mammoplasty were excluded from the study. The outcomes measured included operative time, opioid utilization in morphine milligram equivalents (MME), pain level at discharge, and time spent in the post anesthetic care unit (PACU).

Results

Sixty patients met the inclusion criteria for each group for a total of 120 patients. The study groups were similar to each other. Patients receiving PEC1 + SAP blocks (group 2) had significantly lower average MME requirements in the PACU (3.04 MME vs 4.52 MME, P = 0.041) and required a shorter average PACU stay (70.13 minutes vs 80.38 minutes, P = 0.008). There were no significant differences in the pain level at discharge, operative time, or implant size between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Surgeon-led, intraoperative, ultrasound-guided PEC1 + SAP blocks significantly decreased opioid utilization in the PACU by 33% and patient time in the PACU by 13%, while achieving similar patient pain scores and operating times.