bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Experience With Brentuximab Vedotin in Treating Cutaneous T‐Cell Lymphoma: A Retrospective Review From China
Authors: Pang Zhiyu , Zhang Shan , Liu Zhaorui , Zhang Wei , Liu Jie
Published: November 2024

Brentuximab vedotin (BV) has been approved for CD30‐positive cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) after at least one previous systemic treatment in China. However, real clinical practice is still limited. We aim to retrospectively review our experience with BV in a cohort of Chinese patients with CTCL, focusing on its efficacy and safety. We included 17 CTCL patients treated with BV at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2021 to June 2024, including 12 with mycosis fungoides (MF)/Sézary syndrome (SS) and five with primary cutaneous anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma (pc‐ALCL). Patients had previously received a median of three treatment regimens (including acitretin, interferon, methotrexate, histone deacetylase inhibitors, phototherapy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy). Sixteen patients received BV treatment at an initial dose of 1.8 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks, either as monotherapy (7/17) or in combination with gemcitabine, chidamide, or multiagent chemotherapy. The median treatment cycle has six cycles. Two patients received BV as the last treatment before undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). The overall response rate (ORR) was 71% (13/17), with 18% (3/17) achieving complete remission (CR). In the MF/SS group, the ORR was 58% (7/12), while in the pc‐ALCL group, it was 100% (5/5). Adverse events (AEs) were observed in 12 patients, including peripheral neuropathy (PN) in three cases, fever in six cases, neutropenia in three cases, exfoliative dermatitis in two cases, and abnormal liver function in one case. Only one patient experienced ≥ Grade 3 AEs. Based on clinical experience in our center, BV, either as monotherapy or combined with chemotherapy, showed a good response in the treatment of advanced CTCL patients with good tolerability.
Enhanced Solar Power Prediction Models With Integrating Meteorological Data Toward Sustainable Energy Forecasting
Authors: Atiea Mohammed A. , Shaheen Abdullah M. , Alassaf Abdullah , Alsaleh Ibrahim
Published: November 2024

Sustainable energy management hinges on precise forecasting of renewable energy sources, with a specific focus on solar power. To enhance resource allocation and grid integration, this study introduces an innovative hybrid approach that integrates meteorological data into prediction models for photovoltaic (PV) power generation. A thorough analysis is performed utilizing the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre (DKASC) Hanwha Solar dataset encompassing PV output power and meteorological variables from sensors. The aim is to develop a distinctive hybrid predictive model framework by integrating feature selection techniques with various regression algorithms. This model, referred to as the PV power generation predictive model (PVPGPM), utilizes meteorological data specific to the DKASC. In this study, various feature selection techniques are implemented, including Pearson correlation (PC), variance inflation factor (VIF), mutual information (MI), step forward selection (SFS), backward elimination (BE), recursive feature elimination (RFE), and embedded method (EM), to identify the most influential factors for PV power prediction. Furthermore, a hybrid predictive model integrating multiple regression algorithms is introduced, including linear regression, ridge regression, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, Elastic Net, Extra Trees Regressor, random forest regressor, gradient boosting (GB) regressor, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) Regressor, and a hybrid model thereof. Extensive experimentation and evaluation showcase the effectiveness of the proposed approach in achieving high prediction accuracy. Results demonstrate that the hybrid model comprising XGBoost Regressor, Extra Trees Regressor, and GB regressor surpasses other regression algorithms, yielding a minimal root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.108735 and the highest R‐squared (R2) value of 0.996228. The findings underscore the importance of integrating meteorological insights into renewable energy forecasting for sustainable energy planning and management.
Clinical Characteristics and Remission Monitoring of 6q24‐Related Transient Neonatal Diabetes
Authors: McCullough Michael E. , Letourneau-Freiberg Lisa R. , Bowden Tiana L. , Kandasamy Balamurugan , Ray Angela , Wroblewski Kristen , del Gaudio Daniela , Mackay Deborah J. G. , Philipson Louis H. , Greeley Siri Atma W.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Transient neonatal diabetes mellitus (TNDM) is a heterogeneous subtype of neonatal diabetes that usually presents within the first days or weeks of life, spontaneously remits in infancy, but can recur in childhood or adolescence as a permanent form of diabetes. Approximately 70% of TNDM cases are due to overexpression of genes at chromosome 6q24 (6q24‐TNDM) caused by one of three potential mechanisms: paternal uniparental disomy (pUPD6), paternal duplication, or hypomethylation of the maternal allele. Our aim was to further elucidate the clinical characteristics of a relatively large group of individuals with this rare condition.

Methods: Participants with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of 6q24‐TNDM were identified through the University of Chicago Monogenic Diabetes Registry. Some participants had testing done on a clinical basis, with the remainder having received research‐based genetic testing. Clinical information was extracted from survey responses and medical records.

Results: There were 33 participants with 6q24‐TNDM (58% were male). Eight (24%) had hypomethylation of the maternal allele, seven (21%) had paternal duplication, 17 (52%) had pUPD6, and one individual had 6q24 hypomethylation of unknown etiology. The median age of initial diabetes presentation was 2 days (n = 33). Remission occurred at a median age of 3 months (n = 28). The median age of relapse was 14 years (range 12–31 years, n = 9). The majority (71%) of participants were born small for gestational age and 32% of participants were born before 37 weeks gestation. The most common extra‐pancreatic features were umbilical hernia (22%, n = 6/27), macroglossia (56%, n = 15/27), and speech pathologies (36%, n = 10/28). No significant differences in clinical characteristics were identified across the three genetic etiologies (pUPD6, paternal duplication, maternal hypomethylation).

Conclusions: Clinical characteristics were not different across underlying genetic mechanism groups, suggesting that genetic testing is required to definitively determine the mechanism and diagnosis of 6q24‐TNDM. Clarification of the specific underlying mechanism is strongly encouraged to clarify recurrence risk, but whether these subcategories may have other clinically relevant differences remains to be elucidated. Early assessment for speech therapy should be considered for this patient population. We recommend that patients in remission be equipped to check blood glucose levels as needed, such as during illness, and should continue seeing a diabetes provider at least occasionally, especially around the time of puberty and thereafter.
Adapt or Perish: Efficient Selenocysteine Insertion Is Critical for Metastasizing Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee Namgyu , Kim Dohoon
Published: November 2024

During metastasis, cancer cells detach from the primary tumor, circulate through the bloodstream, and establish themselves at distant sites, facing increased levels of reactive oxygen species that act as significant barriers to metastatic progression. Adapting to and surviving in these high reactive oxygen species environments are thus crucial for successful metastasis. A recent study by Nease and colleagues identified FTSJ1 as the methyltransferase responsible for methylation of the U34 position wobble uridine modification of selenocysteine (Sec) tRNA. This methylation enables efficient Sec insertion, leading to increased translation of a subset of stress-responsive selenoproteins that combat the oxidative stress encountered during the metastatic process. This study establishes FTSJ1 as an essential redox regulator during metastasis through its role in enhancing Sec insertion efficiency and introduces a potential therapeutic strategy against metastasis.
Phase I/II Study of the Aurora Kinase A Inhibitor Alisertib and Pembrolizumab in Refractory, Rb-Deficient Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Johnson Faye M. , O’Hara Madison P. , Yapindi Lacin , Jiang Peixin , Tran Hai T. , Reuben Alexandre , Xiao Weihong , Gillison Maura L. , Sun Xiaowen , Khalaf Alexander , Lee J. Jack , Sastry Jagannadha K. , Ghosh Soma
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

Effective therapy for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that is refractory to chemotherapy and immunotherapy is a considerable need. Aurora kinase A inhibition leads to apoptosis and immunogenic cell death in preclinical models of human papilloma virus (HPV)–driven cancers.

Patients and Methods:

Alisertib was administered orally twice daily on days 1–7 and pembrolizumab on day 1 of a 21-day cycle to adults with advanced solid tumors (phase I) or with immunotherapy- and platinum-resistant, HPV-positive HNSCC (phase II).

Results:

The recommended phase II alisertib dose was 40 mg, which had only the expected toxicity including cytopenia that led to dose reductions in two phase II patients at cycles 13 and 16. We saw no objective responses, but the combination led to prolonged stable disease (SD) in several patients, including two of 10 phase I patients (8 and 27 months). Eight of the 15 HPV-positive patients had SD, of which four (heavily pretreated) had ≥6 months, with median overall and progression-free survival durations of 16.8 and 1.4 months, respectively. In circulating immune cells and plasma, patients with SD had markedly higher levels of HLA de novo resistance–expressing NK cells than did progressive disease patients who demonstrated a more immunosuppressive and inflammatory profile. Pharmacokinetics did not indicate any significant drug-drug interactions between pembrolizumab and alisertib.

Conclusions:

The combination of alisertib and pembrolizumab was well tolerated and led to prolonged SD in some immunotherapy-resistant patients, supporting our hypothesis that Aurora kinase A inhibition can reverse immunotherapy resistance of retinoblastoma protein–deficient HNSCC.
Figure S3 from Spatial Context of Immune Checkpoints as Predictors of Overall Survival in Patients with Resectable Colorectal Cancer Independent of Standard Tumor–Node–Metastasis Stages
Authors: Kong Hao , Yang Qingxin , Wu Chunwei , Wu Xiangji , Yan Xinrui , Huang Li-Bin , Chen Lu , Zhou Zong-Guang , Wang Ping , Jiang Hong
Published: November 2024

Comparative analysis of CD8+ cell subtypes distribution across spatial clusters in unsupervised groupings
Figure S1 from Spatial Context of Immune Checkpoints as Predictors of Overall Survival in Patients with Resectable Colorectal Cancer Independent of Standard Tumor–Node–Metastasis Stages
Authors: Kong Hao , Yang Qingxin , Wu Chunwei , Wu Xiangji , Yan Xinrui , Huang Li-Bin , Chen Lu , Zhou Zong-Guang , Wang Ping , Jiang Hong
Published: November 2024

Workflow of mIHC analysis
Methotrexate-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder with Intraocular Involvement Improved with Intravitreal Methotrexate and Chemotherapy: A Case Report
Authors: Yamasaki Atsushi , Hoshi Futoshi , Yamada Fusae , Tamaru Jun-Ichi , Tokuhira Michihide , Obata Hiroto
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Although methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (MTX-LPDs) often develop in extranodal sites, such as the lungs and skin, their involvement in the eyes is quite rare. We report a case of MTX-LPD with subretinal involvement. Case Presentation: A 66-year-old woman had a 14-year history of rheumatoid arthritis and had been receiving MTX for 8 years. Multiple erythematous nodules had developed on both lower extremities during MTX administration, and the patient was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (DLBCL-NOS). Since the skin masses disappeared within a couple of months after MTX withdrawal, MTX-LPD was diagnosed. Although no recurrence of LPD was observed for 1 year, she suddenly presented with decreased visual acuity in the right eye. Fundus examination showed a swelling of the optic disc, vitreous opacity, and multiple widespread, subretinal, yellow-white, elevated lesions. Since the cytokine profile of the vitreous fluid indicated that interleukin (IL)-10/6 ratio was >1, relapse of MTX-LPD in the eye was diagnosed. Intravitreal injection of MTX (IVMTX) successfully reduced the LPD and led to improved visual acuity. However, a new mass developed in the left cerebellum. Open biopsy confirmed relapse of DLBCL-NOS, and six cycles of chemotherapy resulted in complete remission (CR). She has had no recurrence for 16 months after the last administration of IVMTX in the eye and other regions. Conclusions: Ocular involvement was observed in patients with MTX-DLBCL-NOS. Although IVMTX is effective for intraocular involvement, careful observation should be considered even after CR is achieved.
Homozygous PGAP2 mutation cause hyperphosphatasia with mental retardation syndrome-3 (HPMRS3): Genetic and clinical evaluation of the ultra rare inherited glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) biosynthesis defect
Authors: Küçükçongar Yavaş Aynur , Özbey Sümeyra Zeynep , Ergin Bora , Ünal Yasemin , Bilginer Gürbüz Berrak , Karaatmaca Betül , Özyürek Hamit , Oflaz Ofcan , Basan Hacer , Kasapkara Çiğdem Seher
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Inherited glycosylphosphatidylinositol biosynthesis defect is considered a subset of the congenital glycosylation disorder that result from mutations in the genes encoding proteins participating in glycosylphosphatidylinositol biosynthesis and modification. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor proteins play important roles in numerous cellular processes including neurogenesis, cell adhesion, immune response and signalling. Hyperphosphatasia with mental retardation syndrome-3 is one of the Glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor defects, characterized by moderate to severe intellectual disability, dysmorphic features, hypotonia, seizures and persistent hyperphosphatasia. The aim of this study was to investigating the clinical implications of the PGAP2 gene and identifying the severe phenotype.

Case Presentation: A male patient with dysmorphic features, neurodevelopmental delay, seizures, hearing loss, Hirschsprung disease, central fever and elevated alkaline phosphatase was included in the study. The magnetic resonance imaging showed cerebral atrophy, corpus callosum hypoplasia. The whole exome sequencing analysis of the individual, and Sanger sequencing were performed for segregation. Additionally, next generation sequencing, whole transcriptome sequencing and homology modelling and analysis were performed. Whole exome sequencing revealed a homozygous c.651C>G (p.His217Gln) in the PGAP2 gene. The Sanger sequencing confirmed the parents were heterozygous. There is no splicing variant was detected by whole transcriptome sequencing. The AlphaFold model was interpreted hypothetically. It was observed the substitution of histidine, with glutamine and may affect the stability of protein.

Discussion: Homozygous PGAP2 mutations in the patient we reported in our study resulted in a severe clinic including, severe developmental delay and intellectual disability, severe epilepsia, dysmorphic features, central fever, biochemical, hormonal and immunological abnormalities. This patient would be the youngest case published in the literatur. We showed that, the instability of mutant PGAP2 protein that cause Hyperphosphatasia with mental retardation syndrome-3 lead to more severe phenotypes.
Quanto mais projetos, melhor? Uma análise do nível de tratamento do programa Jovem de Futuro
Authors: Cunha Junior José Maria da , Soares Ricardo Brito
Published: November 2024

This study aims to investigate the intensity of the treatment the schools were exposed to, represented by the quantitative adherence to the methodologies offered by the Youth of the Future Program. To thisend, we analyze the Program's performance in its 2nd cycle in the state of Ceará, 2013-2015. Following the methodology proposed by Cerulli (2015), we estimate a Dose Response Function that considers the selection bias problem caused by nonrandomness of our continuous treatment variable. Our findings confirm the effectiveness of the Program with heterogeneity in the results.
Primeiro registro de Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz e Neiva, 1912) em Macapá, Amapá
Authors: Cavalcante Keison de Souza , Galardo Allan Kardec Ribeiro , Saraiva José Ferreira , Barbosa Tatiane Alves , Galeno Érika Oliveira , Nunes Marcio Claudio de Lima , Correa Ana Paula Sales de Andrade , Picanço Nayma da Silva , Galvis-Ovallos Fredy , Galati Eunice Aparecida Bianchi
Published: November 2024

Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) constitutes the most epidemiologically relevant vector of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the New World. On October 25, 2023, the Macapá Center for Strategic Information in Health Surveillance registered a case of VL in the Km9 neighborhood, in Macapá. This study aimed to describe the Phlebotominae species in this area to assist the confirmation of the autochthony of the case. In total, 12 specimens were collected, of which five belonged to the Lutzomyia longipalpis species, confirming the presence of the VL agent vector and the possible autochthony of the transmission.
Watershed survey of streams in western Bhutan with macroinvertebrates, water chemistry, bacteria and DNA barcodes
Authors: Battle Juliann M. , Sweeney Bernard W. , Currinder Bryan , Aufdenkampe Anthony , Fisher Beth , Islam Naimul
Published: November 2024

Bhutan in the eastern Himalaya contains some of the last pristine watersheds in the world, yet there has been limited monitoring of streams and rivers. Eighteen streams in three watersheds were surveyed for chemistry, bacteria, and macroinvertebrates in post-monsoon (2015) and monsoon (2016) seasons. Many water quality variables, including temperature, pH, specific conductivity, nitrite, nitrate, E. coli, and total coliform bacteria differed between seasons and between areas upstream and downstream of anthropogenic disturbance. In both seasons, total coliform bacteria and E. coli were significantly higher downstream of anthropogenic disturbance, with many urban sites having high coliform levels (>2000 cfu/100 ml) indicative of sewage inflow. A total of 50 insect families and six non-insect taxa were identified. During the post-monsoon, eight of 13 metrics (e.g., total richness, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) richness, % EPT, % non-insects, HKHbios, BMWP1983, ASPT1983, and ASPT2021) based on kick samples (qualitative) indicated impairment, while in the monsoon season composite Surbers (quantitative) had two metrics (e.g., total richness and Shannon) that differed between sites up and downstream of disturbance. DNA barcoding for cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) in 63 morphological species of mayfly, stonefly, and caddisfly indicated 18 additional species, 17 mayflies and one stonefly. Forty-two barcode species were new additions to the Barcode of Life Data database. Results suggest macroinvertebrates are a viable method for evaluating human impacts on Bhutan streams. Bhutan faces future challenges of sanitation management, climate change, and shared river systems, and monitoring will need to be expanded. The monsoon season may be an ideal time to measure water chemistry and bacteria due to increased runoff, but macroinvertebrate sampling should occur in the post-monsoon season to obtain the best sampling conditions and larger individuals. Increasing the knowledge of species in the region, potentially with the help of DNA barcodes, will document the diversity of the region and help amplify the capacity for macroinvertebrates with future biomonitoring.
First photographic evidence of the Chinese Pangolin Manis pentadactyla (Linnaeus, 1758) in Raimona National Park, Assam, India
Authors: Lahkar Dipankar , Ahmed M. Firoz , Sinha Bhanu , Talukdar Pranjal , Basumatary Biswajit , Basumatary Tunu , Begum Ramie H. , Medhi Nibir , Kalita Nitul , Harihar Abishek
Published: November 2024

The first photographic evidence of the ‘Critically Endangered’ Chinese Pangolin Manis pentadactyla in the Raimona National Park (RNP), Assam is presented. Three independent photo-captures of Chinese Pangolin were recorded, two on 30 January 2022 at 1213 h and 0239 h, and on 28 February 2022 at 0412 h at the Ranganadi area, at an elevation of 166 m, located in the western range (Raimona) of RNP, Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Assam. The photographs were obtained during the annual camera trapping surveys conducted between 12 November 2021 and 19 May 2022.
Decades of IUCN recommendations for biocontrol of invasive pest on the Guam cycad: you can lead policy-makers to conservation proposals but you cannot make them follow
Authors: Marler Thomas E. , Lindström Anders J. , Terry L. Irene , Deloso Benjamin E.
Published: November 2024

Guam’s cycad known as Cycas micronesica has been threatened by a coalition of invasive herbivore species, and the armored scale Aulacaspis yasumatsui has emerged as the primary threat. This lethal cycad pest invaded Guam in 2003, and the Species Survival Council of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) began publishing recommendations addressing protection of the cycad population in 2005. Sustained epidemic mortality caused the addition of C. micronesica to the United States Endangered Species Act in 2015. The need to establish a sustainable coalition of biological control organisms has been the constant advice throughout almost two decades of recommendations, yet the decision-makers who controlled the direction of policy and funding have not responded to the advice with success. Therefore, we describe the history of publications in which the IUCN has asserted that this singular conservation action is urgently required to save the cycad species. We then summarize contemporary recommendations to address the ongoing threats to this and other insular cycad species.
DNA barcoding and distribution of Osteobrama peninsularis (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in India
Authors: Laskar Boni Amin , Tudu Asha Kiran , Rath Shibananda , Kosygin Laishram
Published: November 2024

Osteobrama peninsularis has been reported in southern Indian drainages, particularly in the Krishna River drainage. This study provides new findings of O. peninsularis in two distant locations: the Kangsabati River (Suvarnarekha River drainage) in West Bengal and Wyra Lake (Godavari River drainage) in Telangana. This marks the first record of O. peninsularis in eastern India, specifically in West Bengal. The species can be distinguished from other Osteobrama members by its 28–31 branched anal-fin rays and 55–60 lateral line scales, along with other unique morphological features. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase C subunit I gene sequences from specimens collected in Suvarnarekha and Godavari River drainages cluster together in the phylogenetic analysis, indicating that the clade of O. peninsularis is distinct and maintains significant genetic distance from its congeners.
High Sea Freedoms Walking the Plank
Authors: El Mahmoud Khaled
Published: November 2024

This article examines whether and to what extent the concept of the common heritage of humankind (CHH) can be used to remedy the weaknesses of the high seas fisheries regime. Following a brief review of the circumstances in which the CHH emerged, the notion, legal status, and normative content of the concept are examined. Whether the CHH concept has been integrated into other international instruments, thus qualifying it as a general principle of law, is analysed. Subsequently, the high seas fisheries regime is examined closely to identify any existing gaps. The article then turns to the question of the applicability of the CHH as a limitation of the freedom of fishing and draw comparisons between Parts VII and XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, delineating the potential ramifications of such an application. The assessment submitted is based on a perspective sub specie legis ferendae.
Autonomy and Church Membership: Resolving Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Dilemma through John Zizioulas’s Ecclesiology
Authors: Chen Steven
Published: November 2024

This article explores the theological implications of being a church member in a contemporary context that highly values individual autonomy, by engaging with John Zizioulas’s ecclesiological framework. Initially, the article elucidates the notion of the ‘autonomous self’, drawing upon the intellectual contributions and life experiences of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. It posits that Rousseau’s dilemma of losing self or suffering from loneliness represents the challenge faced by those holding this autonomous anthropological assumption. The article subsequently employs John Zizioulas’s constructs of ontological personhood and communion ecclesiology as counterpoints to this quandary. It contends that Zizioulas’s trinitarian-informed theological anthropology offers an ecclesial means to surmount this existential dilemma, arguing that church membership is an act of participating in divine and familial communion.
‘Women Care More’
Authors: Frost Marie-Luise
Published: November 2024

Even though African Initiated Churches are often said to be particularly open to women, women are mostly absent from leadership positions. Based on interviews and focus group discussions conducted in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa between 2017 and 2019, this paper investigates which official positions women can or cannot assume in the churches’ hierarchies as well as the reasons behind the decisions. The material of 109 responses reveals that biblical references are used to legitimate both the acceptance as well as the rejection of women in leading positions. Apart from theological aspects, also understandings of gender roles in the wider society have an influence on the positions of women in different churches. The interviews provide insight into how perspectives on and positions of women inside and outside the church mutually affect, reinforce and challenge each other in different ways.
Making Jesus Viral: How Contemporary Churches Have Adapted to TikTok
Authors: Bluedorn Jenna L.
Published: November 2024

As the media landscape is constantly shifting, businesses and individuals alike must adapt their online presence to meet their potential audience across platforms. Very few churches have begun to adapt TikTok into their digital messaging strategies. Little research on church social media use has been conducted, with none having examined TikTok’s use. This research contributes to the larger body of work by filling the gap in TikTok research in general and helping to understand how TikTok fits into the larger social media world. An analysis of three churches’ TikTok presence is provided with recommendations on opportunities for further research.
The Legal Protection of Persons Affected by Sea-Level Rise
Authors: Galvão Teles Patrícia
Published: November 2024

Based on the work carried out by the United Nations International Law Commission’s Study Group on Sea-Level Rise in relation to International Law, of which the author is one of the co-chairs, this article looks at the elements that can form the basis for the legal protection of persons affected by climate-change induced sea-level rise. Such elements include human dignity, the protection of persons in vulnerable situations and displaced persons, non-discrimination, non-refoulement, the avoidance of statelessness and safeguarding of cultural heritage. The article also highlights the different obligations of different duty bearers, the importance of combining a needs-based and rights-based approach and the key relevance of international cooperation for the protection of persons affected by sea-level rise.
Restorative Justice as a Tool to Address Violence Against Women? An Assessment of the Italian Case in Light of the Practice of International Monitoring Bodies
Authors: Ollino Alice , Pertile Marco
Published: November 2024

This article examines the use of restorative justice (RJ) as an alternative to traditional retributive justice in addressing violence against women (VAW) in the Italian legal system. Amidst a broad crisis of retributive justice characterised by its abstract conceptualisation of retribution, restorative justice offers a personalised approach to repairing the harm between victim and offender. However, the implementation of RJ in VAW cases poses significant risks, including secondary victimisation, exposure to physical and psychological harm, and potential manipulation by offenders seeking to exploit RJ processes. This debate has been particularly pronounced in Italy following the adoption of the “Cartabia reform”, and previous legislation on mediation in family law. Against this background, the first part of the article analyses how international bodies such as the CEDAW Committee and GREVIO have assessed Italy’s international obligations under CEDAW and the Istanbul Convention in relation to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. After providing an overview of VAW in Italy and the country’s interactions with international monitoring bodies, the article discusses the concept of RJ in the context of VAW, followed by a comparative analysis of GREVIO’s interpretation of the concept of “mandatory mediation”. The second part of the article focuses on Italian alternative dispute resolution methods and the “Cartabia reform”. The authors argue that, while RJ measures may be beneficial in some contexts, in the specific case of VAW they could worsen the situation if not properly managed. In particular, mandatory RJ could mislead society into seeing women as mere participants in solving the problem thus ignoring their victimhood and leading to their secondary victimisation. Rather, response to VAW in Italy should include risk analysis, funding for anti-violence centres, appropriate training for the judiciary and police, and educational policies to challenge gender stereotypes and foster cultural change.
The Recent Italian Response to Migration: Everything must Change so that Everything can Stay the Same?
Authors: Mussi Francesca
Published: November 2024

In 2022, more than 100,000 migrants reached Italy, almost a 60% rise compared with the previous year. In response to such a massive increase in the number of arrivals, in 2023, Italy undertook a wealth of initiatives in the field of migration management. On the one side, the Government enacted several decree-laws addressing a wide range of migration-related issues. On the other side, the Prime Minister concluded a bilateral Protocol with Albania to establish two detention centres on Albanian territory, placed under Italian jurisdiction and financed by Italy, for the processing of international protection applications as well as for carrying out return operations for those who do not qualify. This contribution takes stock of the recent developments of the Italian practice related to the control of migration flows, assessing the main initiatives undertaken by the Government in 2023 from an international law standpoint, with a view to verifying if a real shift in Italian migration policy has been enacted. It is submitted that, despite some significant novelty in the practice concerning bilateral cooperation with third States, Italy’s overall approach seems to be characterised by a questionable continuity with the past.
An Analysis of the Interpretation of the Territorial Requirement in Investment Treaties by Arbitral Tribunals and the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties
Authors: Castro de Figueiredo Roberto
Published: November 2024

This article analyses the interpretation by arbitral tribunals of investment treaties’ provisions on the territoriality of the investment and its consistency with the general rule of interpretation of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. The first section focuses on the decisions rendered in Bayview and Canadian Cattlemen, where the tribunals inferred the existence of a territorial requirement not expressed in NAFTA’s Chapter Eleven. The second section deals with the decisions rendered in Fedax, Abaclat and Ambiente Ufficio, where the tribunals decided that, in cases concerning financial transactions, it was not necessary for the investment to be actually made in the territory of the respondent State even if the investment treaty expressly required the investment to made in the territory of the State. The article concludes that the tribunals misapplied the general rule of interpretation of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaty in these cases.
Conflicts between International Climate Law and Investment Arbitration: A Proposed Exception to the Full Reparation Standard without Moving the Goalposts
Authors: Wortmann Claudia
Published: November 2024

State responsibility is a foundational aspect of public international law that ensures, inter alia, that States pay compensation pursuant to the full reparation standard where they breach international standards of protection owed to foreign investors. Concerns about the application of the full reparation standard include the diminishing of regulatory power of States and the advent of ‘crippling’ or excessive compensation awards. In this article I argue that compensation awards may be reduced to the extent that a State policy is explicitly aimed at complying with international climate law. I argue that Article 55 of the ILC Articles allows for an exception to the full reparation standard, thereby limiting the amount of compensation payable. The Article 55 exception would allow tribunals to consider international climate law in awarding compensation, and avoiding claims of ‘moving the goalposts’ by retrospectively raising climate law defences for State breaches of investment protection standards.
A taxonomic account of Myrciinae (Myrteae, Myrtaceae): generic and sectional placement of forgotten species and a list of all accepted species
Authors: SANTOS MATHEUS F. , AMORIM BRUNO S. , BURTON GEORGE P. , FARIA JAIR E.Q. , FERNANDES THIAGO , FLICKINGER JONATHAN A. , GAEM PAULO HENRIQUE , LANDRUM LESLIE R. , LIMA DUANE F. , PROENÇA CAROLYN E.B. , ROSA PRISCILA O. , LIMA-DOS-SANTOS LEIDIANA , SETUBAL ROBBERSON B. , STADNIK ALINE M.S. , STAGGEMEIER VANESSA G. , VASCONCELOS THAIS N.C. , LUCAS EVE J.
Published: November 2024

The taxonomy of Neotropical Myrtaceae is known for the difficulties regarding specific and supraspecific taxonomic delimitations. In subtribe Myrciinae (tribe Myrteae) this situation is intensified due to the high diversity of species and relatively homogeneous morphology. Over the last two decades there has been a huge increase in Myrciinae systematic research. Following use of molecular phylogenetic works, several genera accepted in the 20th century were synonymised under a broader circumscription of Myrcia. Monophyletic sections that facilitated further taxonomic works were recognised. However, species with doubtful morphologies, scanty or missing data have remained untreated. This paper provides an update of the taxonomic status of these species as well as a list of accepted species of Myrciinae, assigned to sections of Myrcia. This work is based on a broad analysis of herbarium collections including types and the Myrciinae literature. Taxonomic comments are provided regarding species placement and features, and three new combinations, one new name, nine lectotypifications and two neotypifications are provided. Seven species are transferred to other genera or families. Thirty-seven species are listed as incompletely known due to absence of type specimens or any material that could clarify their taxonomic status. We currently accept 744 species of Myrcia (excluding the 37 species without known type collections and three species with uncertain generic placement), distributed between taxonomic sections as follows: Myrcia sect. Aguava (32 species), Myrcia sect. Aulomyrcia (162 species), Myrcia sect. Calyptranthes (248 species), Myrcia sect. Eugeniopsis (18 species), Myrcia sect. Gomidesia (67 species), Myrcia sect. Myrcia (158 species), Myrcia sect. Reticulosae (15 species), Myrcia sect. Sympodiomyrcia (28 species), Myrcia sect. Tomentosae (5 species), and clade 10 with nine species. Three species remain in Myrcia but are probably members of other taxa of Myrteae (M. cionei, M. skortzoviana) or other family (M. melastomoides), while two species of Myrcia (M. apiocarpa, M. sintenisiana) remain without a sectional placement. We highlight taxonomic issues to address in the future to improve systematic knowledge in Myrciinae.
Aureoboletus wusangongii (Boletaceae, Boletales), a new bolete from subtropical China
Authors: QIN HUA-ZHI , ZHONG QIAO-WEN , LIN WEN-FEI , HU LI-GUI , CHEN XIAO-LONG , LIANG ZHI-QUN , ZENG NIAN-KAI
Published: November 2024

Aureoboletus wusangongii (Boletaceae, Boletales) from Zhejiang, subtropical China, is described as new based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. An illustrated morphological description as well as comparisons with related species are presented. Additionally, a key to the accepted species of Aureoboletus in China is provided.
A nomenclatural correction in Libidibia (DC.) Schltdl. (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae) in Brazil
Authors: OLIVEIRA FILIPE GOMES , LEWIS GWILYM PETER , QUEIROZ LUCIANO PAGANUCCI DE
Published: November 2024

N/A
In-group we trust, no more? How senders’ legitimacy shapes the success of sanctions-based democracy promotion
Authors: Corda Tiziana
Published: November 2024

For decades, pro-democracy states and organizations have been using coercive measures such as sanctions to promote and uphold democratic governance worldwide, yet not always successfully. Recent research has improved our knowledge on such ‘democracy sanctions’, but our understanding of how the different identities of sanctioners shape their success is not complete yet. Focusing on Africa, one of the biggest recipients of such measures but also a primary sender of them especially through the African Union, this article aims to systematically compare how the sanctioning behaviour of regional and extra-regional actors has impacted on the democratic status of the continent since the 1990s. The empirical analysis reconsiders the comparative advantage of regional actors’ legitimacy to explain the likelihood of democracy sanctions success. It shows that ‘in-group’ democracy sanctions in which regional organizations are involved have bigger chances of success than those imposed by higher-capacity yet less-legitimate extra-regional actors only. However, it also shows in-group legitimacy can erode and that cooperation with such local organizations can help contain global democratic erosion, but hardly achieve democratic deepening, due to soft, face-saving compliance criteria and different understandings democracy and its promotion have across the world.
Decomposing Migrant Self-Selection: Education, Occupation, and Unobserved Abilities
Authors: Kauppinen Ilpo , Poutvaara Panu
Published: November 2024

The authors analyze self-selection and sorting of emigrants from Finland, using full-population administrative data. Their analysis focuses on employed Finnish citizens aged 25 to 54 years, who had no immigrant background. Findings show that emigrants are more educated, have higher earnings, and are more likely to have worked as managers or professionals when compared to those who did not emigrate (the stayers). These findings hold for short-term and long-term emigrants. Emigrant self-selection in terms of residual earnings is U-shaped, which holds when adding occupational controls, as well as when married and unmarried men and women are studied separately. Results also show strong evidence of sorting: Men who emigrate outside Nordic countries are considerably better educated, have higher earnings, and are more likely to have worked as managers or professionals than men who emigrate to other Nordic countries. Also, language is important: Swedish-speaking Finns are much more likely to emigrate to other Nordic countries than Finnish speakers.
Two fast algorithms for computation of h-index
Authors: Lathabai Hiran H. , Singh Prashasti , Srichandan Satya Swarup , Singh Vivek Kumar
Published: November 2024

Despite its many limitations, h-index is one of the popular productivity indicators used by many scholarly indexing databases and search engine tools. Apart from indicating scientific and inventive productivity at individual level, it can be used for other actors such as journals, institutions, countries and assignees. Though h-index is relatively simple to compute than most of the h-type indicators for a single actor profile, efficient algorithms are always useful to manage large databases or repositories that require handling and frequent updating of large number of such profiles. However, there are very few attempts to improve the computation of h-index. In this work, we introduce two new estimation-based algorithms for computation of h-index on sorted profile and compare it with two existing approaches using (1) the real dataset of scholarly profiles of 50 eminent researchers in the area of information science and scientometrics, (2) a real dataset of 4177 scholars with h-index greater than 100 and (3) three sets of simulated profiles of actors. Both the algorithms are found to be performing better than their existing counterparts. Furthermore, we attempt to provide guidelines for the choice of strategies to implement these algorithms to ensure maximisation of speed.
Book review: Hakim Sameer Hamdani, Shiʿi sm in Kashmir: A History of Sunni-Shi ‘i Rivalry and Reconciliation
Authors: Najar Mohammad Asif
Published: November 2024

Hakim Sameer Hamdani, Shiʿi sm in Kashmir: A History of Sunni-Shi ‘i Rivalry and Reconciliation (London: I.B. Tauris, 2023), xiii + 213 pp.
Early Dynastic Votives as Source for Late Middle Kingdom Iconography: An Archaeological Discovery at the Time of the Pharaohs?
Authors: Miniaci Gianluca
Published: November 2024

The material culture of the late Middle Kingdom is marked by an increased presence of figurines in different materials, pooled together by a common range of forms, types, and iconographic or stylistic motifs. The subjects and variety of these figurines do not find any precedent in the recent past, while – unexpectedly – the closest comparanda go back to the early/mid-third millennium BC, in the votive material of the so-called Early Dynastic temples with a gap of over half a millennium. The figurines from the Early Dynastic Period overlap with the corpus of the Middle Kingdom to a considerable and unexpected extent, so much that they could be possibly considered their forerunners or, indeed, their prototypes. During the late Middle Kingdom, royal initiatives to preserve and restore Early Dynastic sites and structures are well documented. This practice may have led to the rediscovery and absorption (by copying and reinventing) of earlier images and motifs into contemporary material production, as might be the case of the late Middle Kingdom figurines.

[Formula: see text]
A Socioecological Framing of the Experiences of Caregivers of Children With Cerebral Palsy in South Africa Post COVID-19
Authors: Adams Skye , Moosa Aneesah , Bhorat Razina
Published: November 2024

Background

Post COVID-19, caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in South Africa face unique challenges.

Methods

A qualitative exploratory approach was used. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Gauteng, South Africa. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Lockdown restrictions have had lasting effects on families’ routines and events, reshaping their internal and external functioning. The pandemic introduced new challenges, such as increased physical pain due to the child's weight gain, persistent emotional distress, and a lack of social and governmental support.

Conclusion

Post COVID-19, it is crucial to develop innovative support mechanisms for children with cerebral palsy and their caregivers, focusing on comprehensive health services, robust social support, and targeted interventions to address the ongoing and new challenges faced by these families.
Safety of Breastfeeding During Favipiravir Therapy: A Case Study
Authors: Wada Yuka Sano , Saito Jumpei , Yamamoto Wakako , Maegawa Yuka , Kamiya Taro , Mizuno Katsumi
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Favipiravir is a known anti-influenza agent that has been used globally, especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This drug has been important for treating influenza and other emerging infectious diseases, although it was ultimately proven to be ineffective for COVID-19. Currently, no studies have reported the human-milk transfer of favipiravir at doses of 1,600–3,600 mg/day in the treatment of diseases, including COVID-19.

Main Issue:

A 38-year-old mother gave birth at 38 gestational weeks because of severe respiratory distress caused by COVID-19. Considering her illness and the inadequate information available on the safety of favipiravir in breastfeeding, she chose formula feeding for her infant. However, she still provided human milk and blood samples for the analysis of drug concentrations.

Management:

Five concentrations of favipiravir in the mother’s milk and four in maternal blood were measured (3.0–80.9 and 3.5–78.4 μg/ml, respectively). Metabolites of favipiravir were not measured. The relative infant dose was 15.2%. The favipiravir concentration in human milk was as high as 80.9 μg/ml at 1.3 hours after the medication was given, when maternal blood levels are considered to be at their highest; however, favipiravir concentration was low in human milk immediately before medication administration (5.9–9.7 μg/ml).

Conclusion:

Breastfeeding is not contraindicated in mothers undergoing favipiravir therapy and would be safer immediately before medication. Avoiding feeding at the peak time (1.3 hours after medication) minimizes infant exposure.
Lactation Newsmakers: Documenting our History - Anwar Fazal—A Breastfeeding Advocate Extraordinaire
Authors: Seri Anwar Fazal Dato’ , Arendt Maryse
Published: November 2024

Anwar Fazal has been a driving force in the founding of several civil society organizations in the areas of health, human rights, environment, and peace, that have been at the forefront of activism locally, nationally, and globally. In this interview, he shares his journey of 6 decades, involving a multiverse of public interest issues, which led him into the breastfeeding movement. It began with the setting up of the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), a pioneering action that triggered the formation of Health Action International (HAI), Pesticide Action Network (PAN), and the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). Each of these resulted in several unique frameworks and codes relating to the marketing of infant foods, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. They also led to the formation of World Breastfeeding Week, now being celebrated globally. Anwar studied Economics at the University of Malaya and did his postgraduate studies in Education. Anwar has served as a visiting professor at the University of Science Malaysia and the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). He is the recipient of the Right Livelihood Award, popularly known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize,” for his work on breastfeeding and infant nutrition and other health, environmental, and consumer issues. La Leche League International (LLLI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have honored him with the International Health Award and the Millennium Development Goals Award. He has written extensively on breastfeeding. He is currently Chairperson Emeritus of the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and continues to speak out actively on protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding.