bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aptamer-Conjugated Extracellular Nanovesicles for Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Wan Yuan , Wang Lixue , Zhu Chuandong , Zheng Qin , Wang Guoxiang , Tong Jinlong , Fang Yuan , Xia Yiqiu , Cheng Gong , He Xia , Zheng Si-Yang
Published: December 2017

Extracellular nanovesicles (ENV) released by many cells contain lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids that contribute to intercellular communication. ENVs have emerged as biomarkers and therapeutic targets but they have also been explored as drug delivery vehicles. However, for the latter application, clinical translation has been limited by low yield and inadequate targeting effects. ENV vectors with desired targeting properties can be produced from parental cells engineered to express membrane-bound targeting ligands, or they can be generated by fusion with targeting liposomes; however, neither approach has met clinical requirements. In this study, we demonstrate that mechanical extrusion of approximately 107 cells grafted with lipidated ligands can generate cancer cell–targeting ENV and can be prepared in approximately 1 hour. This rapid and economic approach could pave the way for clinical implementation in the future.

Significance: A new and rapid method for production of drug-targeting nanovesicles has implications for cancer treatment by chimeric antigen receptor T cells and other therapies. Cancer Res; 78(3); 798–808. ©2017 AACR.
First-in-Human Phase I Study of Single-agent Vanucizumab, A First-in-Class Bispecific Anti-Angiopoietin-2/Anti-VEGF-A Antibody, in Adult Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Hidalgo Manuel , Martinez-Garcia Maria , Le Tourneau Christophe , Massard Christophe , Garralda Elena , Boni Valentina , Taus Alvaro , Albanell Joan , Sablin Marie-Paule , Alt Marie , Bahleda Ratislav , Varga Andrea , Boetsch Christophe , Franjkovic Izolda , Heil Florian , Lahr Angelika , Lechner Katharina , Morel Anthony , Nayak Tapan , Rossomanno Simona , Smart Kevin , Stubenrauch Kay , Krieter Oliver
Published: December 2017

Purpose: Vanucizumab is an investigational antiangiogenic, first-in-class, bispecific mAb targeting VEGF-A and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2). This first-in-human study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity of vanucizumab in adults with advanced solid tumors refractory to standard therapies.

Experimental Design: Patients received escalating biweekly (3–30 mg/kg) or weekly (10–30 mg/kg) intravenous doses guided by a Bayesian logistic regression model with overdose control.

Results: Forty-two patients were treated. One dose-limiting toxicity, a fatal pulmonary hemorrhage from a large centrally located mediastinal mass judged possibly related to vanucizumab, occurred with the 19 mg/kg biweekly dose. Arterial hypertension (59.5%), asthenia (42.9%), and headache (31%) were the most common toxicities. Seventeen (41%) patients experienced treatment-related grade ≥3 toxicities. Toxicity was generally higher with weekly than biweekly dosing. A MTD of vanucizumab was not reached in either schedule. Pharmacokinetics were dose-linear with an elimination half-life of 6–9 days. All patients had reduced plasma levels of free VEGF-A and Ang-2; most had reductions in KTRANS (measured by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI). Two patients (renal cell and colon cancer) treated with 30 mg/kg achieved confirmed partial responses. Ten patients were without disease progression for ≥6 months. A flat-fixed 2,000 mg biweekly dose (phamacokinetically equivalent to 30 mg/kg biweekly) was recommended for further investigation.

Conclusions: Biweekly vanucizumab had an acceptable safety and tolerability profile consistent with single-agent use of selective inhibitors of the VEGF-A and Ang/Tie2 pathway. Vanucizumab modulated its angiogenic targets, impacted tumor vascularity, and demonstrated encouraging antitumor activity in this heterogeneous population. Clin Cancer Res; 24(7); 1536–45. ©2017 AACR.
T Cells Expressing Checkpoint Receptor TIGIT Are Enriched in Follicular Lymphoma Tumors and Characterized by Reversible Suppression of T-cell Receptor Signaling
Authors: Josefsson Sarah E. , Huse Kanutte , Kolstad Arne , Beiske Klaus , Pende Daniela , Steen Chloé B. , Inderberg Else Marit , Lingjærde Ole Christian , Østenstad Bjørn , Smeland Erlend B. , Levy Ronald , Irish Jonathan M. , Myklebust June H.
Published: December 2017

Purpose: T cells infiltrating follicular lymphoma (FL) tumors are considered dysfunctional, yet the optimal target for immune checkpoint blockade is unknown. Characterizing coinhibitory receptor expression patterns and signaling responses in FL T-cell subsets might reveal new therapeutic targets.

Experimental Design: Surface expression of 9 coinhibitory receptors governing T-cell function was characterized in T-cell subsets from FL lymph node tumors and from healthy donor tonsils and peripheral blood samples, using high-dimensional flow cytometry. The results were integrated with T-cell receptor (TCR)-induced signaling and cytokine production. Expression of T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) ligands was detected by immunohistochemistry.

Results: TIGIT was a frequently expressed coinhibitory receptor in FL, expressed by the majority of CD8 T effector memory cells, which commonly coexpressed exhaustion markers such as PD-1 and CD244. CD8 FL T cells demonstrated highly reduced TCR-induced phosphorylation (p) of ERK and reduced production of IFNγ, while TCR proximal signaling (p-CD3ζ, p-SLP76) was not affected. The TIGIT ligands CD112 and CD155 were expressed by follicular dendritic cells in the tumor microenvironment. Dysfunctional TCR signaling correlated with TIGIT expression in FL CD8 T cells and could be fully restored upon in vitro culture. The costimulatory receptor CD226 was downregulated in TIGIT+ compared with TIGIT− CD8 FL T cells, further skewing the balance toward immunosuppression.

Conclusions: TIGIT blockade is a relevant strategy for improved immunotherapy in FL. A deeper understanding of the interplay between coinhibitory receptors and key T-cell signaling events can further assist in engineering immunotherapeutic regimens to improve clinical outcomes of cancer patients. Clin Cancer Res; 24(4); 870–81. ©2017 AACR.
Greater Experience of Negative Non-Target Emotions by Patients with Neurodegenerative Diseases Is Related to Lower Emotional Well-Being in Caregivers
Authors: Chen Kuan-Hua , Wells Jenna L. , Otero Marcela C. , Lwi Sandy J. , Haase Claudia M. , Levenson Robert W.
Published: December 2017

Background: Behavioral symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative diseases can be particularly challenging for caregivers. Previously, we reported that patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) experienced emotions that were atypical or incongruent with a given situation (i.e., non-target emotions). Aim: We tested the hypothesis that greater experience of non-target emotions by patients is associated with lower caregiver emotional well-being. Methods: 178 patients with FTD, AD, or other neurodegenerative diseases and 35 healthy individuals watched 3 films designed to induce amusement, sadness, and disgust, and then reported their emotions during the films. Caregivers of the patients reported their own emotional well-being on the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. Results: In response to the amusement and sadness (but not disgust) films, greater experience of non-target emotions by patients was related to lower caregiver emotional well-being. These effects were specific to patients' experience of negative non-target emotions (i.e., not found for positive non-target emotions or for negative or positive target emotions). Conclusion: The findings reveal a previously unstudied patient behavior that is related to worse caregiver emotional well-being. Future research and clinical assessment may benefit from evaluating non-target emotions in patients.
A Simplified Approach to Extravascular Lung Water Assessment Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Patients with End-Stage Chronic Renal Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Beaubien-Souligny William , Rhéaume Maxime , Blondin Marie-Christine , El-Barnachawy Shérine , Fortier Annik , Éthier Jean , Legault Louis , Denault André Y.
Published: December 2017

Background: Fluid overload leading to pulmonary congestion is an important issue in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study aimed to determine if a simplified method of extravascular lung water assessment using ultrasound provided clinically relevant information. Methods: This prospective study recruited 47 patients from a single hemodialysis center. Pulmonary ultrasound was performed before and after 2 hemodialysis sessions in 28 regions on the thorax. The B-line score was defined as the percentage regions where B-lines were present. Results: When B-lines were detected before hemodialysis, a significant relationship was found between fluid removal and the change in B-line score. Patients with a B-line score of ≥21.4% (4th quartile) after the second hemodialysis session were more likely to be hospitalized for pulmonary edema or acute coronary syndrome. Conclusions: A simplified pulmonary assessment using ultrasound provides relevant information about pulmonary congestion in hemodialysis patients and identifies patients at risk of hospitalization for heart-related problems.
Hormonal and Gynecological Risk Factors in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Buendía-Castaño Diego , Saceda-Corralo David , Moreno-Arrones Oscar M. , Fonda-Pascual Pablo , Alegre-Sánchez Adrián , Pindado-Ortega Cristina , Fernandez-Gonzalez Pablo , Vañó-Galván Sergio
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a condition that likely involves an interplay of autoimmune, hormonal, and environmental factors in its pathogenesis. There is a lack of comparative studies demonstrating the presence of hormonal background differences in FFA patients compared to the general population. Materials and Methods: A single-center case-control study was designed, including 104 female FFA patients and 208 controls. Patients and controls were interviewed, and extensive data regarding their gynecological and hormonal background were recorded. Results: One hundred four cases and 208 age-matched controls were included in the study. A significant difference of 2 years in the age of menopause was detected with a consistent mean increase in fertile life for the control group of 1.7 years. After the multivariate analysis, we found previous intake of tamoxifen to be a risk factor for the development of FFA (OR 14.89). The only protective factor identified was the previous use of an intrauterine device (IUD) (OR 0.22). Conclusions: An earlier menopause and tamoxifen intake might promote or maintain FFA, while the use of an IUD might protect from developing FFA. Our results support the previously proposed hypothesis of an underlying hormonal mechanism in the etiopathogenesis of FFA and point out low-estrogen environments as an ideal condition for FFA development.
Fenofibrate-Induced Lichenoid Drug Eruption: A Rare Culprit
Authors: Mohammed Fayeza , Wally Laura L. , Karaban Jeffrey E. , Reddy Vijaya B. , Lertratanakul Yongsuk
Published: December 2017

A lichenoid drug eruption is a rare side effect which can occur following the administration of several different medications. Here we describe a unique case of fenofibrate as the causative agent of a lichenoid drug eruption. This case highlights a rare and clinically significant dermatologic side effect of fenofibrate. In addition, we report a potential familial association which underscores the potential for underlying genetic mechanisms to be contributory to lichenoid drug eruptions. A reminder of the physical characteristics of lichen planus, knowledge of the temporal relation between administration of medications and a lichenoid drug eruption, recognition of the effect of UV exposure on lichenoid drug eruptions, and realization for the potential of symptoms to persist despite discontinuation of an offending agent can aid practitioners in promptly diagnosing lichenoid drug eruptions and initiating appropriate therapy.
Changes in the Spectrum of Kidney Diseases: An Analysis of 40,759 Biopsy-Proven Cases from 2003 to 2014 in China
Authors: Hou Jin-Hua , Zhu Hui-Xian , Zhou Min-Lin , Le Wei-Bo , Zeng Cai-Hong , Liang Shao-Shan , Xu Feng , Liang Dan-Dan , Shao Si-Jia , Liu Ye , Liu Zhi-Hong
Published: December 2017

Objectives: To evaluate the changing spectrum of kidney diseases over time in China using renal biopsy-proven cases. Methods: All patients over the age of 14 years who were diagnosed with a kidney disease by renal biopsy in the Renal Biopsy Registry of the National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases in Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, from 2003 to 2014 were included. Results: In total, 40,759 cases of renal biopsy were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 36.59 ± 14.12 years. 52.0% of the patients were male. Primary glomerulonephritis (PGN), secondary glomerulonephritis, tubulointerstitial disease, and hereditary renal diseases accounted for 67.1, 26.4, 2.9, and 2.5%, respectively. IgA nephropathy (IgAN), membranous nephropathy (MN), minimal change disease, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis were the leading PGN diagnoses. The frequency of MN increased significantly (p < 0.001) by doubling from 2003 to 2014. An analysis by age category indicated that the frequency of MN increased significantly over time (p < 0.001) in all age categories and increased by more than 2 times in the 14-24 age category. Lupus nephritis (LN) and Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) decreased significantly (p < 0.001), diabetic nephropathy (DN) increased nearly twice (p < 0.001), monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD) tripled (p < 0.001), and hypertensive nephropathy (HT) (p < 0.001) and renal amyloidosis (AMY) (p < 0.05) showed an upward trend. An analysis by age category showed that hepatitis B-related nephritis has significantly decreased in the 14-24 age category (p < 0.001). Conclusion: PGN continued to be the predominant kidney disease in China with IgAN being the most common PGN. The frequency of MN increased significantly, with a maximum increase in young adults. LN and HSPN decreased significantly, DN and MIDD increased significantly, and HT and AMY also showed an increasing trend. The kidney disease trends presented in this study serve as a reference point for patient care, disease prevention, and public health interventions.
Taurine Protects Mouse Spermatocytes from Ionizing Radiation-Induced Damage Through Activation of Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling
Authors: Yang Wenjun , Huang Jinfeng , Xiao Bang , Liu Yan , Zhu Yiqing , Wang Fang , Sun Shuhan
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: The increasing prevalence of ionizing radiation exposure has inevitably raised public concern over the potential detrimental effects of ionizing radiation on male reproductive system function. The detection of drug candidates to prevent reproductive system from damage caused by ionizing radiation is urgent. We aimed to investigate the protective role of taurine on the injury of mouse spermatocyte-derived cells (GC-2) subjected to ionizing radiation. Methods: mouse spermatocytes (GC-2 cells) were exposed to ionizing radiation with or without treatment of Taurine. The effect of ionizing radiation and Taurine treatment on GC-2 cells were evaluated by cell viability assay (CCK8), cell cycle and apoptosis. The relative protein abundance change was determined by Western blotting. The siRNA was used to explore whether Nrf2 signaling was involved in the cytoprotection of Taurine. Results: Taurine significantly inhibited the decrease of cell viability, percentage of apoptotic cells and cell cycle arrest induced by ionizing radiation. Western blot analysis showed that taurine significantly limited the ionizing radiation-induced down-regulation of CyclinB1 and CDK1, and suppressed activation of Fas/FasL system pathway. In addition, taurine treatment significantly increased the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in GC-2 cells exposed to ionizing radiation, two components in antioxidant pathway. The above cytoprotection of Taurine was blocked by siNrf2. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that taurine has the potential to effectively protect GC-2 cells from ionizing radiation- triggered damage via upregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.
MiR-212-5p Suppresses the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Targeting Prrx2
Authors: Lv Zhi-Dong , Yang Dong-Xia , Liu Xiang-Ping , Jin Li-Ying , Wang Xin-Gang , Yang Zhao-Chuan , Liu Dong , Zhao Jiao-Jiao , Kong Bin , Li Fu-Nian , Wang Hai-Bo
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype. Our study investigated the functional role of miR-212-5p in TNBC. Methods: Realtime PCR was used to quantify miR-212-5p expression levels in 30 paired TNBC samples and adjacent normal tissues. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the effects of miR-212-5p expression on the invasiveness of TNBC cells. Luciferase reporter and Western blot assays were used to verify whether the mRNA encoding Prrx2 is a major target of miR-212-5p. Results: MiR-212-5p was downregulated in TNBC, and its expression levels were related to tumor size, lymph node status and vascular invasion in breast cancer. We also observed that the miR-212-5p expression level was significantly correlated with a better prognosis in TNBC. Ectopic expression of miR-212-5p induced upregulation of E-cadherin expression and downregulation of vimentin expression. The expression of miR212-5p also suppressed the migration and invasion capacity of mesenchymal-like cancer cells accompanied by a morphological shift towards the epithelial phenotype. Moreover, our study observed that miR-212-5p overexpression significantly suppressed Prrx2 by targeting its 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) region, and Prrx2 overexpression partially abrogated miR-212-5p-mediated suppression. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that miR-212-5p inhibits TNBC from acquiring the EMT phenotype by downregulating Prrx2, thereby inhibiting cell migration and invasion during cancer progression.
O sangue das ruas. Sobre agência e normatividade na mobilização política da população em situação de rua.
Authors: Lemões Tiago
Published: December 2017

A partir de experiências etnográficas em espaços de organização políticae reivindicação de direitos, discutirei neste artigo a construção de elementosdiacríticos mobilizados por integrantes do Movimento Nacional da Populaçãode Rua (MNPR-RS), destacando a dimensão da agência contida na relação dossujeitos com instituições e agentes estatais e não estatais envolvidos na mobilizaçãopolítica. O destaque será dado para a dinâmica com a qual os militantesdo MNPR-RS classificam diferentes agentes de interlocução a partir da manipulaçãodas narrativas que envolvem a “experiência das ruas”, acionando discursosque ora positivam essa experiência, ora expõem sua dimensão perversa, de acordocom os agentes e as intenções em jogo, movimentando, também, determinadaspráticas, saberes e proposições que perpassam essas arenas de mobilização e reivindicação.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Understand Medial Arterial Calcification
Authors: Gourgas Ophélie , Marulanda Juliana , Zhang Peng , Murshed Monzur , Cerruti Marta
Published: December 2017

Objective—

Vascular calcification significantly increases morbidity in life-threatening diseases, and no treatments are available because of lack of understanding of the underlying molecular mechanism. Here, we study the physicochemical details of mineral nucleation and growth in an animal model that faithfully recapitulates medial arterial calcification in humans, to understand how pathological calcification is initiated on the vascular extracellular matrix.

Approach and Results—

MGP (matrix Gla protein) is a potent mineralization inhibitor. We study the evolution of medial calcification in MGP-deficient mice over the course of 5 weeks using a combination of material science techniques and find that mineral composition and crystallinity evolve over time and space. We show that calcium is adsorbed first and then amorphous calcium phosphate and octacalcium phosphate forms, which then transform into hydroxyapatite and carbonated apatite. These events are repeated after each nucleation event, providing a snapshot of the overall mineral evolution at each time point analyzed.

Conclusions—

Our results show that an interdisciplinary approach combining animal models and materials science can provide insights into the mechanism of vascular calcification and suggest the importance of analyzing mineral phases, rather than just overall mineralization extent, to diagnose and possibly prevent disease development.
Nicotinamide Riboside Preserves Cardiac Function in a Mouse Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Diguet Nicolas , Trammell Samuel A.J. , Tannous Cynthia , Deloux Robin , Piquereau Jérôme , Mougenot Nathalie , Gouge Anne , Gressette Mélanie , Manoury Boris , Blanc Jocelyne , Breton Marie , Decaux Jean-François , Lavery Gareth G. , Baczkó István , Zoll Joffrey , Garnier Anne , Li Zhenlin , Brenner Charles , Mericskay Mathias
Published: December 2017

Background:

Myocardial metabolic impairment is a major feature in chronic heart failure. As the major coenzyme in fuel oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation and a substrate for enzymes signaling energy stress and oxidative stress response, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD
+
) is emerging as a metabolic target in a number of diseases including heart failure. Little is known on the mechanisms regulating homeostasis of NAD
+
in the failing heart.

Methods:

To explore possible alterations of NAD
+
homeostasis in the failing heart, we quantified the expression of NAD
+
biosynthetic enzymes in the human failing heart and in the heart of a mouse model of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) triggered by Serum Response Factor transcription factor depletion in the heart (SRF
HKO
) or of cardiac hypertrophy triggered by transverse aorta constriction. We studied the impact of NAD
+
precursor supplementation on cardiac function in both mouse models.

Results:

We observed a 30% loss in levels of NAD
+
in the murine failing heart of both DCM and transverse aorta constriction mice that was accompanied by a decrease in expression of the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase enzyme that recycles the nicotinamide precursor, whereas the nicotinamide riboside kinase 2 (NMRK2) that phosphorylates the nicotinamide riboside precursor is increased, to a higher level in the DCM (40-fold) than in transverse aorta constriction (4-fold). This shift was also observed in human failing heart biopsies in comparison with nonfailing controls. We show that the
Nmrk2
gene is an AMP-activated protein kinase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α responsive gene that is activated by energy stress and NAD
+
depletion in isolated rat cardiomyocytes. Nicotinamide riboside efficiently rescues NAD
+
synthesis in response to FK866-mediated inhibition of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase and stimulates glycolysis in cardiomyocytes. Accordingly, we show that nicotinamide riboside supplementation in food attenuates the development of heart failure in mice, more robustly in DCM, and partially after transverse aorta constriction, by stabilizing myocardial NAD
+
levels in the failing heart. Nicotinamide riboside treatment also robustly increases the myocardial levels of 3 metabolites, nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide, methylnicotinamide, and N1-methyl-4-pyridone-5-carboxamide, that can be used as validation biomarkers for the treatment.

Conclusions:

The data show that nicotinamide riboside, the most energy-efficient among NAD precursors, could be useful for treatment of heart failure, notably in the context of DCM, a disease with few therapeutic options.
Relation Between Blood Pressure and Clinical Outcome in Hypertensive Subjects With Previous Stroke
Authors: Lee Chan Joo , Hwang Jinseub , Oh Jaewon , Lee Sang‐Hak , Kang Seok‐Min , Kim Hyeon Chang , Park Sungha
Published: December 2017

Background

This study investigated whether a mean blood pressure (BP) of <130/80 mm Hg is associated with further reduction in cardiovascular outcomes in treated hypertensive subjects with previous stroke.

Methods and Results

Subjects from the Korea National Health Insurance Service health examinee cohort diagnosed as having stroke and hypertension from January 1st, 2003 and December 31st, 2006 (N=2320) were grouped according to mean systolic (<130, 130–<140, and ≥140 mm Hg) and diastolic (<80, 80–<90, and ≥90 mm Hg) BP recorded during follow‐up health examinations. All‐cause and cardiovascular mortality over 11 years were compared. Compared with subjects with a systolic BP of ≥140 mm Hg (N=736), subjects with a systolic BP of 130 to <140 mm Hg (N=793) had a significantly lower risk of all‐cause death (hazard ratio [
HR
], 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47–0.79;
P
<0.001), cardiovascular mortality (
HR
, 0.39; 95%
CI
, 0.25–0.61;
P
<0.001), and fatal ischemic stroke (
HR
, 0.25; 95%
CI
, 0.10–0.63;
P
=0.003). Systolic BP of <130 mm Hg (N=791) was associated with lower risk of nonfatal hemorrhagic stroke. Subjects with a diastolic BP of 80 to <90 mm Hg (N=1100) had significantly lower risk of all‐cause death (
HR
, 0.60, 95%
CI
, 0.45–0.80;
P
<0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (
HR
, 0.45; 95%
CI
, 0.30–0.70;
P
<0.001) than those with a diastolic BP of ≥90 mm Hg (N=342). Diastolic BP of <80 mm Hg (N=878) was associated with reduced risk of nonfatal hemorrhagic stroke and further lowering of all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality.

Conclusions

BP of <130/80 mm Hg was associated with improved outcomes in hypertensive subjects with previous stroke.
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Its Protection of the Right to a Fair Trial
Authors: Mujuzi Jamil Ddamulira
Published: December 2017

Article 3(1) of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that: “[t]he jurisdiction of the Court shall extend to all cases and disputes submitted to it concerning the interpretation and application of the [African] Charter, this Protocol and any other relevant Human Rights instrument ratified by the States concerned.” Since its establishment, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has handed down judgments dealing, inter alia, with the right to a fair trial under Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. This article discusses these judgments to highlight how the Court has interpreted or applied Article 7 of the African Charter. The author will analyse the jurisprudence of the Court on the right to a fair trial and in particular discuss the following themes that have emerged from this jurisprudence: the Court’s interpretation of the components of the right to a fair trial; the right to be heard and the right to defend oneself; the right to legal assistance, including legal aid; manifest errors in the trial; the right to be tried within a reasonable time; and the role of a prosecutor in contributing to the fairness of the trial. The author also discusses how the African Court has invoked other treaties to interpret the relevant provisions of the African Charter and how the African Court has interpreted other treaties apart from the African Charter.
Distribution of Power within International Organizations
Authors: Schifano Adrien
Published: December 2017

Whereas international organizations show a wide variety in their functions, this does not prevent classifying them according to a common framework for analysing their internal power distribution. In this view, the vertical and horizontal models observed in states by constitutional theory have some merit. Since there are differences between states’ and international organizations’ powers, these two models are adapted to the latter by using the concept of function, which pertains to power within states and organizations alike. Combining these two models and their variations results in identifying nine potential regimes of organizations’ power distribution; among these, four are identified as being reflected in actual organizations’ power structures. It is concluded that building a framework for analysing power distribution within international organizations seems possible despite the variety in their functions, and that for this purpose state constitutional theory provides a valuable basis.
Greening Religion in Facebook: Can Digital Media Bridge the Gap Between Religion and Modernity?
Authors: Poveda Oriol
Published: December 2017

Through a case study of the Facebook page of a Jewish Orthodox environmental project based in Germany, this paper explores the ways in which religion and modernity might be made compatible and what role digital media plays in such interaction. On the basis of the empirical material gathered for this paper, the author presents a typology of religious-environmental processes of hybridization. The analysis draws from the concepts of multiple modernities, public religions and religious branding in order to discuss whether the combination of religion and modernity is enabled or compromised by the collapsing of boundaries between the public sphere and the marketplace in late modern societies. The findings suggest that Facebook and its affordances make possible the particular intersections of religion and environmentalism, of public sphere and marketplace, that are characteristic of the case under study.
An Ethnography of a Community's Re-appropriation of Yārsān in Cyberspace: The Facebook Phenomenon
Authors: Hosseini Seyedeh Behnaz
Published: December 2017

This article presents a nuanced approach for qualitative research on the Internet, based on the synthesis of qualitative data-gathering methodologies both online and offline, and contributes to recent knowledge of changing practices within Yārsāni communities around the world. Yārsān is a religious belief of Indo-Iranian origin that traces back to Hooraman, a region in Iranian Kurdistan. Yārsān thought, which Islamic Shiite authorities treat as heretical, has extensively used processes of adaptation and strategies of survival throughout the course of its history.

The research presented here makes a case for the significance of the Internet and, more specifically, social network sites in connecting Yārsānis in their homelands and in the diaspora. How does Facebook provide a new space for this minority group to disclose their beliefs to the world, thereby reassessing the clandestine nature of their religion, which is a tenet required by traditional belief and defined by their adage, “don’t tell the secret”?
A new species, two new combinations and notes on Fomitopsidaceae (Agaricomycetes, Polyporales)
Authors: SOARES ADRIENE MAYRA , NOGUEIRA-MELO GEORGEA , PLAUTZ JR HELIO LONGONI , GIBERTONI TATIANA BAPTISTA
Published: December 2017

Rhodofomitopsis roseomagna sp. nov. is described as a new species from the Brazilian Atlantic forest based on morphological and molecular analyses. The species is characterized by the brownish to lilac, pileate basidiomata, round pores (5–6 per mm), and cylindrical to subcylindrical basidiospores (4–5 × 2.0–2.5 μm). Phylogenetic analyses based on combined ITS and nLSU rDNA sequences show that the new species belongs to the recently described genus Rhodofomitopsis. We also propose Rhodofomitopsis flabellata and Fomitopsis bondartsevae as new combinations. Notes on some tropical species of Fomitopsidaceae, description and illustration of the new species, and a key to the species of Rhodofomitopsis reported from the Neotropics are provided.
Review of the African genera Arantia Stål and Goetia Karsch (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae)
Authors: HEMP CLAUDIA , MASSA BRUNO
Published: December 2017

The genus Arantia is reviewed, the distribution and distinguishing characters given. The three species of Goetia are assigned as subgenus to Arantia. Arantia gestri Griffini is transferred to this new subgenus and synonymized with G. dimidiata Bolívar. Other species synonymized are: A. accrana Karsch with A. rectifolia Brunner von Wattenwyl; A. gabunensis Brunner von Wattenwyl with A. regina Karsch; A. mammisignum Karsch and A. tigrina Bolívar with A. excelsior Karsch; A. ugandana Rehn is synonymized with A. fasciata (Walker). 6 species from Tropical Africa are newly described: A. (Arantia) quinquemaculata n. sp., A. (Arantia) ivoriana n. sp., A. (Euarantia) tanzanica n. sp., A. (Euarantia) tibiaspinosa n. sp., A. (Euarantia) bispinosa n. sp. and A. (Euarantia) griffinii n. sp. A key to the subgenera and species of Arantia is provided. The tribe Arantiini is synonymized with Holochlorini.
New species of Liolaemus (Reptilia, Squamata, Liolaemini) of the Liolaemus donosobarrosi clade from northwestern Patagonia, Neuquén province, Argentina
Authors: AVILA LUCIANO JAVIER , PEREZ CRISTIAN HERNÁN FULVIO , MINOLI IGNACIO , MEDINA CINTIA DEBORA , SITES JACK W. JR. , MORANDO MARIANA
Published: December 2017

Two new species of the Liolaemus donosobarrosi clade are described. Liolaemus tirantii sp. nov. and Liolaemus calliston sp. nov. differ from other members of their clade by a combination of coloration characters, morphometric and molecular traits. Liolaemus tirantii sp. nov. is known from three localities separated only a few kilometers from each other and Liolaemus calliston sp. nov. is known only from the type locality. Both species inhabit a region strongly impacted by oil and gas extraction but their conservation status is unknown.
A new species of Brachychalcinus (Characiformes: Characidae) from the rio Xingu basin, Serra do Cachimbo, Brazil
Authors: GARCIA-AYALA JAMES R. , OHARA WILLIAN M. , PASTANA MURILO N. L. , BENINE RICARDO C.
Published: December 2017

Brachychalcinus reisi, a new species of characid fish, is described from the rio Curuá, tributary of rio Iriri, rio Xingu basin, Serra do Cachimbo, Pará State, Brazil. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the presence of a series of longitudinal black wavy stripes on the entire body and by a lower number of longitudinal scale rows between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line (7–8 vs. 8–12). Additionally, the new species differs from B. copei, B. parnaibae, and B. retrospina by the lower number of branched dorsal-fin rays (9 vs.10). This is the first description of a new species of the subfamily since the revisionary study of Stethaprioninae, published almost 30 years ago.
Four new species of Phyllophaga Harris (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) from western Cuba
Authors: SERRANO ANNERY , MORÓN MIGUEL ÁNGEL
Published: December 2017

Four new species in the genus Phyllophaga Harris 1827, subgenus Cnemarachis Saylor 1942 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) from Cuba are described: Phyllophaga barroi new species, Phyllophaga guanahacabibensis new species, Phyllophaga pauli new species, and Phyllophaga sabanalamarensis new species. Each species is illustrated using photographs of the habitus, diagnostic features, and male aedeagi. A map is provided showing the geographical distributions of the new species.
Mesoscale Simulations of Australian Direct Normal Irradiance, Featuring an Extreme Dust Event
Authors: Mukkavilli S. K. , Prasad A. A. , Taylor R. A. , Troccoli A. , Kay M. J.
Published: December 2017

Direct normal irradiance (DNI) is the main input for concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies—an important component in future energy scenarios. DNI forecast accuracy is sensitive to radiative transfer schemes (RTSs) and microphysics in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. Additionally, NWP models have large regional aerosol uncertainties. Dust aerosols can significantly attenuate DNI in extreme cases, with marked consequences for applications such as CSP. To date, studies have not compared the skill of different physical parameterization schemes for predicting hourly DNI under varying aerosol conditions over Australia. The authors address this gap by aiming to provide the first Weather and Forecasting (WRF) Model DNI benchmarks for Australia as baselines for assessing future aerosol-assimilated models. Annual and day-ahead simulations against ground measurements at selected sites focusing on an extreme dust event are run. Model biases are assessed for five shortwave RTSs at 30- and 10-km grid resolutions, along with the Thompson aerosol-aware scheme in three different microphysics configurations: no aerosols, fixed optical properties, and monthly climatologies. From the annual simulation, the best schemes were the Rapid Radiative Transfer Model for global climate models (RRTMG), followed by the new Goddard and Dudhia schemes, despite the relative simplicity of the latter. These top three RTSs all had 1.4–70.8 W m−2 lower mean absolute error than persistence. RRTMG with monthly aerosol climatologies was the best combination. The extreme dust event had large DNI mean bias overpredictions (up to 4.6 times), compared to background aerosol results. Dust storm–aware DNI forecasts could benefit from RRTMG with high-resolution aerosol inputs.
Characteristics of Sundowner Winds near Santa Barbara, California, from a Dynamically Downscaled Climatology: Environment and Effects near the Surface
Authors: Smith Craig M. , Hatchett Benjamin J. , Kaplan Michael L.
Published: December 2017

Sundowners are downslope windstorms that occur over the southern slopes of the east–west-trending Santa Ynez range in Santa Barbara County, California. In the past, many extreme fires in the area, including the Painted Cave, Montecito Tea, Jesusita, and Sherpa fires, have occurred during sundowner events. A high-resolution 11-yr dynamically downscaled climatology was produced using a numerical weather prediction model in order to elucidate the general dynamical characteristics of sundowners. The downscaled climatology is validated with observations during the 2016 Sherpa fire. A sundowner index (SI) is computed from the climatology that quantifies the magnitude of adiabatic warming and northerly (downslope) wind component during sundowner events. The SI allows for the classification of historical events into categories of various strengths. The primary characteristics of strong sundowners from this classification include 1) internal gravity wave breaking over the Santa Ynez range, 2) initiation in the western Santa Ynez range with eastward progression over the course of a day, 3) a maximum likelihood of occurrence in April and May near 2000 Pacific standard time, and 4) a limited downstream extent for most events, such that the long-term historical weather station, Santa Barbara airport, often does not experience moderate events. Analysis of an operational forecast rubric composed of the surface pressure difference from Bakersfield to Santa Barbara indicates that this rubric is not skillful. However, offshore pressure gradients are skillful and are related to the strong northwesterly alongshore jet. The findings presented herein can be used to provide guidance for fire weather forecasts and support resource allocation during fire suppression efforts.
A Cross-Spectral Approach to Measure the Error Budget of the SWOT Altimetry Mission over the Ocean
Authors: Ubelmann Clément , Dibarboure Gérald , Dubois Pierre
Published: December 2017

The future Surface Water Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission aims to observe water bodies and short-scale ocean surface topography with unprecedented spatial resolution and accuracy. However, the topography estimates will be contaminated by errors of various signals (geophysical and instrumental) featuring, in large part, strong dependencies on the radar range direction (cross track). This study shows that a cross-spectral analysis performed along track for all cross-track combinations can detect most of these errors and can provide estimates of their power spectral densities. From a series of outputs of the SWOT science team simulator, a cross-spectral method was developed to simulate the estimation of the error budget compared to the actual error budget in the simulator. The study determined that the error spectra of the dominant terms can be estimated at very high accuracy. Beyond the obvious applications for the future SWOT data calibration and validation, the spectral estimates of the error budget will have applications for state estimate problems using SWOT data.
Improving Variational Data Assimilation through Background and Observation Error Adjustments
Authors: Mattern Jann Paul , Edwards Christopher A. , Moore Andrew M.
Published: December 2017

A procedure to objectively adjust the error covariance matrices of a variational data assimilation system is presented. It is based on popular diagnostics that utilize differences between observations and prior and posterior model solutions at the observation locations. In the application to a data assimilation system that combines a three-dimensional, physical–biogeochemical ocean model with large datasets of physical and chlorophyll a observations, the tuning procedure leads to a decrease in the posterior model-observation misfit and small improvements in short-term forecasting skill. It also increases the consistency of the data assimilation system with respect to diagnostics, based on linear estimation theory, and reduces signs of overfitting. The tuning procedure is easy to implement and only relies on information that is either prescribed to the data assimilation system or can be obtained from a series of short data assimilation experiments. The implementation includes a lognormal representation for biogeochemical variables and associated modifications to the diagnostics. Furthermore, the effect of the length of the observation window (number and distribution of observations) used to compute the diagnostics and the effect of neglecting model dynamics in the tuning procedure are examined.
The globalization of American criminal justice: The New Zealand Case
Authors: Martin Liam
Published: December 2017

The international influence of American criminal justice policy has been a central focus of research on policy transfer and comparative penology. With scholars divided between those emphasizing international convergence around United States policy, and others stressing ongoing American exceptionalism, it has become important to trace the extent of this influence not only across different countries but within particular national contexts. This article examines the impact of American criminal justice policy in New Zealand. I present three case studies exploring developments in different arms of the criminal justice system: the introduction of three strikes sentencing laws, the adoption of supermax principles of prison design and administration, and the use of zero tolerance and broken windows policing strategies. In tracing these changes, I find globalization opening new channels for the movement of policy that are often outside the control of the criminal justice establishment.
Returning Customers: The Hidden Strategic Opportunity of Returns Management
Authors: Röllecke Felix Johannes , Huchzermeier Arnd , Schröder David
Published: December 2017

Product returns are both a challenge and an opportunity for most retailers, since more than US$640 billion in revenue is lost each year because of preventable product returns. A major impediment to unlocking the full potential of these returns is the firm’s returns management program: the policies governing the customer-firm exchange process. Recent insights from research and practice have yielded the unprecedented opportunity to open the “black box” of developing effective programs. Yet, such development must address three main questions: What types of returns management programs exist? What misunderstandings impede returns management effectiveness? How can retailers develop effective programs? This article distinguishes among different types of returns management programs and discusses the managerial misunderstandings that reduce their effectiveness. It presents a framework for developing, implementing, and controlling effective programs that allow retailers to boost sales, reduce returns, and increase profitability.
Incidence of Hypoglycemia in Burn Patients: A Focus for Process Improvement
Authors: Hill David M. , Lloyd Sean , Hickerson William L.
Published: December 2017

Background: Glycemic control in burn patients is critical for reducing infection and mortality. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the incidence and outcomes of hypoglycemia during continuous insulin infusions (CII). Methods: This institutional review board–approved study was a retrospective, single burn center, electronic chart review. Patients admitted between January 1, 2013, and October 31, 2014, who received a CII were included. Patients with incomplete data or who received <24 hours of CII were excluded. Results: Thirty-eight patients met inclusion criteria; 6 were excluded. The average patient was a 52-year-old Caucasian male with a 33% total body surface area burn and an acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score of 20.Hypoglycemia was present for 87 of 6540 hours of CII therapy (1.1%). Two-thirds experienced a serum glucose <70 mg/dL and half <60 mg/dL. The most commonly assessed reasons for the hypoglycemic episodes were protocol violations (47%) and glucose variability (30%). After multivariable logistic regression, only history of diabetes remained a statistically significant risk factor with an odds ratio of 15.4 (95% confidence interval: 2.5-95.1). Four different CII protocols were prescribed. All protocols had a high glucose variability, as assessed by hours / day within goal range (13.1 ± 2.5, 14.1 ± 3.1, 14.3 ± 2.4, 9.8; P = .282). Conclusion: The amount of different protocols likely contributed to protocol violations and glucose variability. Our data demonstrate the need to create and consolidate usage to a single protocol in attempts to improve glycemic control.
Bag Valve Mask Ventilation as a Perceptual-Cognitive Skill
Authors: Mumma Joel M. , Durso Francis T. , Dyes Michelle , dela Cruz Rogelio , Fox Valerie P. , Hoey Mary
Published: December 2017

Objective

This study used a high-fidelity infant mannequin to examine the relationship between the quality of bag valve mask ventilation (BVMV) and how providers of varying levels of experience use visual feedback (e.g., electronic vital signs) to guide their performance.

Background

BVMV is a common and critical procedure for managing pediatric respiratory emergencies. However, providers do not consistently deliver effective BVMV. Efforts to improve BVMV have ignored the question of how providers effectively use feedback often available during BVMV.

Method

Six expert and six novice respiratory therapists completed two simulations of an infant requiring BVMV. In one, the technology failed to display SpO2, an important but somewhat redundant visual cue. Eye movements, verbal reports, and ventilation rate (in breaths per minute) were measured in each simulation.

Results

Regardless of SpO2 availability, eye movements and verbal reports suggested that novices depended strongly on electronic vital signs and when SpO2 was absent ventilated at a faster rate (exceeding the recommended range of ventilation rates) than when SpO2 was present. Experts’ ventilation rates were comparable and within the recommended range in both conditions. When SpO2 was absent, experts emphasized information from direct observation of the patient that novices neglected.

Conclusion

Individual differences in the use of feedback during BVMV contribute to the quality of BVMV. This work bears on the theoretical discussions involving the use of automation and nontechnological cues to guide performance.

Application

These results have the potential to expand the current understanding of factors underlying effective BVMV with implications for training novice providers.