bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
UN Targeted Sanctions, Counter-terrorism Measures and Standing Humanitarian Carve-out: A Lesson Learned?
Authors: Musmeci Daniele 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The article narrows in on the most recent development concerning the intersection of sanctions/counter-terrorism measures and humanitarian exemptions. Over the years, the humanitarian community pointed out that overly broad and improperly applied counter-terrorism measures have severely affected the ability of humanitarian organizations to provide life-saving services to conflict-affected communities already caught up in humanitarian crises. In order to address these issues, the article argues that a permanent humanitarian carve-out is to be incorporated in the sanctions regimes. After dwelling on the legal and operational issues connected to sanctions and counter-terrorism measures, the article undertakes a systematic analysis of the Security Council’s practice in relation to humanitarian issues. The analysis includes the newly established sanction regime (Haiti), which signals a development of the Security Council’s practice in that it permanently exempts from the assets freeze restrictions the funds devoted to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid. Finally, the paper carries out an in-depth analysis of the cross-cutting Resolution 2664, which provides a standing humanitarian carve-out across all UN sanctions regimes.
Three Patterns of Desovietizing International Law
Authors: Simonyan Artur 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article addresses three patterns of the desovietization of international law in the post-Soviet Eurasian space. By differentiating desovietization from decolonization, firstly, the relevance of local agency of post-Soviet Eurasian lawyers is revealed in the that process. Secondly, the repercussions of Russia’s post-imperial behaviour over the post-colonial process are examined. Finally, a region-specific – Eurasian – interpretation of the uti possidetis juris principle is provided as an empirical testimonial of the desovietization discourse.
Civilian Non-violent Defence against Russian Warfare – Eastern European Strategies and the Gap between Civilians and Combatants in Customary International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Millmann Saskia , Hüsch Pia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Russia’s war against Ukraine and the widespread documentation of civilian participation therein sheds new light on the role of civilians in national defence. This paper examines historic and contemporary Baltic and Ukrainian defence strategies against Russian and previous Soviet aggression and how national policies envisage and perhaps encourage civilians to engage in resistance and potentially in defence.
The focus rests on the role of civilians who are not employed or subcontracted by the military but engage in acts ranging from singing national anthems to launching offensive cyber operations. The paper examines when such civilian participation amounts to direct participation in hostilities and the types of legal implications which follow from such activities. This paper takes a closer look at recent civilian participation in hostilities as seen in Ukraine, particularly focusing on intelligence gathering and cyber activities as conducted by the Ukrainian information technology (IT) army to illustrate the risks to which civilians expose themselves.
This paper concludes that while there are legitimate reasons for States to include civilians in their defence strategies, it is key that where civilians engage in direct participation in hostilities, they must do so on an informed basis, setting out the legal implications of their actions. Where a State (passively) encourages such activities, it has at least a moral, if not also a legal obligation, to inform civilians of the risks of their actions.
Limiting the Right to Access Asylum: A Case Study of Latvia’s Response to the Migration Crisis on the Latvia-Belarus Border
Authors: Broks Edmunds , Buka Arnis , Buka Lolita , Kučs Artūrs 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
As the numbers of attempted illegal crossings on the Latvia-Belarus border soared in the summer of 2021, the Latvian government responded with a complete suspension of asylum applications as well as directing its security forces to push those trying to enter Latvia illegally back into Belarus. This Article provides a legal assessment of Latvia’s response to the migration crisis under the 1951 Refugee Convention, the European Convention on Human Rights and European Union law. The study focuses in particular on whether Latvia is breaching its international obligations by limiting the right to submit asylum applications. It considers the validity of the justifications invoked by Latvia. It also explores whether there are any legal implications from the fact that the influx of migrants is a part of a hybrid attack organised by Belarus to create pressure on the European Union’s borders. The conclusion is that the initial suspension of asylum applications breaches the obligation of non-refoulement. It also suggests that the regimen currently in force is not ensuring genuine and effective access to the asylum procedure and is, thereby, again breaching Latvia’s obligations under the principle of non-refoulement.
Subcutaneous adipose tissue/neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a potential biomarker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing liver resection
Authors: Li Shu-Xian , Bao Yan , Wang Tian-Cheng 
Published: December 2024

Objective Both subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Subcutaneous adipose tissue is an immunonutritional indicator, and NLR reflects the inflammatory status. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the validity of SAT/NLR as potential prognostic biomarkers in HCC patients who are undergoing liver resection. Methods This retrospective study encompassed the sequential enrollment of 682 patients diagnosed with HCC who underwent liver resection. The patients were categorized into high and low SAT/NLR groups using the median value, and forward stepwise logistic regression was utilized to ascertain independent predictors for one-year HCC recurrence. In order to minimize the influence of confounding variables, a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted between patients in high and low SAT/NLR groups. The Kaplan–Meier method was employed to assess and compare the recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) between the two groups. Results The study divided patients into two groups based on their SAT/NLR levels: high SAT/NLR (≥35.34) and low SAT/NLR (<35.34) groups. Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that low SAT/NLR ( p < 0.001), tumor size ≥50 mm ( p < 0.001), alpha–fetoprotein level >200 ng/mL ( p < 0.001), and presence of liver cirrhosis ( p < 0.001) were significantly associated with one-year recurrence of HCC. Moreover, the results suggest that RFS and OS were significantly shorter in the low SAT/NLR group compared to the high SAT/NLR group, both before and after PSM ( p < 0.05). Conclusions The preoperative biomarker SAT/NLR shows potential as a prognostic biomarker for one-year recurrence and prognosis in patients with HCC undergoing liver resection.
Spatial and temporal heterogeneity of depositional environment and vegetational cover in a salt flat of the Lickan Antay Territory of Toconao, Northern Chile
Authors: Aránguiz-Acuña Adriana , Alday-Galleguillos Gissel , Pérez Daniel H , Chávez Roberto O , Olea Matías , de Toconao Comunidad Lickan Antay , Prieto Manuel , Figueroa Valentina , Espíndola Christian , Tejerina Alberto , Galleguillos Félix , Sanzana Camilo , Núñez Lautaro , Loyola Rodrigo 
Published: December 2024

High-altitude wetlands (HAWs) are important aquatic ecosystems located more than 3000 m a.s.l. in the Andean Altiplano–Puna plateau that include springs, meadows, peatlands, saline lakes, and salt flats. This region experiences arid climate conditions with high evaporation rates, extreme daily and annual thermal variations, intense winds, and exceptionally high radiation levels, creating harsh conditions for life. HAWs depend hydrologically on groundwater and inputs from the scarce rainfalls, streams, rivers, or snowmelt, making them unique to the Andean Altiplano landscape. Since pre-Hispanic times, they have provided essential ecosystem, social, and cultural functions in arid zones. In this study, the spatial heterogeneity of surface sediments in Salar de Quisquiro-Loyoques, in the Puna plateau of northern Chile, was examined. Through an integrated analysis of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the normalized difference water index (NDWI) anomalies over the last 30 years supplemented by narratives from the Lickan Antay Community of Toconao about wet and arid events in the Quisquiro wetland, its relation to current and historical processes driven by exogenous forces was examined. Depositional conditions facilitate the formation or entry of sediments into these shallow water environments, making them highly dynamic. Differences in mineralogical, chemical, and magnetic properties were observed in inter- and intra-sampling points, where the salt flat was the most heterogeneous sub-environment analyzed. A close relationship between precipitation and water availability, and vegetation cover is suggested. Given the current potential for increasing non-metallic mining prospecting in the region, it is necessary to highlight the territorial rights, autonomy, and claims of the indigenous communities, who have preserved HAWs through their ancient identification with the territory and the use and comprehensive cultural and management practices in the past and at present.
Association of Marijuana Use With Psychological Distress Among Adults in United States
Authors: Pathak Mona , Findley Patricia A. , Mitra Sophie , Shen Chan , Wang Hao , Wiener R. Constance , Sambamoorthi Usha 
Published: December 2024

Purpose Determine the association of marijuana use with serious psychological distress (SPD) among adults aged 18 years or older using a large, nationally representative sample of US households. Design Cross-sectional analysis. Setting Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2021. Subjects 47,247 respondents representing 253.7 million adults (age>18 years) in the US. Measures Marijuana use was categorized as (1) None, (2) within the past month, (3) within 1 year, and (4) more than a year ago from the interview time. SPD was measured with the Kessler-6 distress scale. Analysis Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses accounting for complex survey designs were conducted. Results Among adults in the US, 50.9% never used marijuana, 13.7%, 6.0%, and 29.4% reported marijuana use in the past month, in the past year, and more than a year ago, respectively. Individuals using marijuana within the past month, within a year, and more than a year ago reported higher past month SPD (15.3%, 13.5%, and 6.8%, respectively) than never-users (4.9%). Adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that marijuana use in the past month, past year (1-12 months), and over a year ago is associated with higher SPD (AOR [95% CI] = 2.06 [1.72, 2.45]; 1.82 [1.50, 2.21]; 1.53 [1.26, 1.87], respectively) compared to no marijuana use. Conclusion Adults who used marijuana more recently were more likely to report SPD.
Algorithm-controlled RF power output for enhanced margin precision in liver cancer radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Gu Dandan , Liu Difang , Yao Haitao , Rui Danni , Yang Yifan , Zhou Yu 
Published: December 2024

Background Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a common method for treating liver cancer. Compared to other treatment modalities, RFA has a higher local tumor recurrence rate due to incomplete ablation. On the other hand, to ensure complete tumor removal, multiple ablations may be necessary, but this can lead to excessive thermal damage. Therefore, improving the precision of the ablation margin control is crucial. Objective This study aims to investigate an algorithm-controlled ablation mode that can precisely control the tumor treatment margins. This mode uses temperature and impedance as feedback parameters to adaptively adjust the RF power output, ensuring both effective tumor ablation and enhanced safety. Methods The study conducted finite element analyses and ex-vivo bovine liver experiments comparing traditional constant power ablation and the algorithm-controlled ablation mode. Simulations primarily analyzed the temperature changes and ablation area in biological tissue, assessing the effectiveness of the two ablation modes. In the ex-vivo bovine liver experiments, temperature and impedance were monitored in real-time to validate the feasibility of the algorithmic ablation mode. Results The findings indicate that the algorithm-controlled ablation mode effectively controls the rise in tissue impedance, preventing carbonization and charring. For ablation diameters of 10 mm and 20 mm, it precisely maintained the boundary temperatures within the range of 50–60°C, ensuring effective damage at the ablation margins while avoiding excessive damage to normal tissue. Conclusion This study developed an adaptive radiofrequency ablation algorithm for treating liver cancer, using temperature and impedance as feedback parameters. Preliminary results from finite element analysis and ex-vivo bovine liver experiments suggest that for small tumors with diameters of 10 mm and 20 mm, this algorithm may provide more precise control of the ablation zone, improving efficiency and safety compared to traditional constant power ablation.
Prediction of T Stage of Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Therapy by Multi-Parameter Magnetic Resonance Radiomics Based on Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Nie Tingting , Yuan Zilong , He Yaoyao , Xu Haibo , Guo Xiaofang , Liu Yulin 
Published: December 2024

Introduction Since the response of patients with rectal cancer (RC) to neoadjuvant therapy is highly variable, there is an urgent need to develop accurate methods to predict the post-treatment T (pT) stage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of multi-parametric MRI radiomics models and identify the most accurate machine learning (ML) algorithms for predicting pT stage of RC. Method This retrospective study analyzed pretreatment clinical features of 171 RC patients who underwent 3 T MRI prior to neoadjuvant therapy and subsequent total mesorectal excision. Tumors were manually drawn as regions of interest (ROI) layer by layer on high-resolution T2-weighted image (T2WI) and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted image (CE-T1WI) using ITK-SNAP software. The most relevant features of pT stage from CE-T1WI, T2WI, and fusion features (combination of clinical features, CE-T1WI, and T2WI radiomics features) were extracted by the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator method. Clinical, CE-T1WI radiomics, T2WI radiomics, and fusion models were established by ML multiple classifiers. Results In the clinical model, the LightGBM algorithm demonstrated the highest efficiency, with AUC values of 0.857 and 0.702 for the training and test cohorts, respectively. For the T2WI and CE-T1WI models, the SVM algorithm was the most efficient; AUC = 0.969 and 0.868 in the training cohort, and 0.839 and 0.760 in the test cohort, respectively. The fusion model yielded the highest predictive performance using the LR algorithm; AUC = 0.967 and 0.932 in the training and test cohorts, respectively. Conclusion Radiomics features extracted from CE-T1WI and T2WI images and clinical features were effective predictors of pT stage in patients with rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant therapy. ML-based multi-parameter MRI radiomics model incorporating relevant clinical features can improve the pT stage prediction accuracy of RC.
Influence of antiplatelet medication and anticoagulation therapy after dental extractions on hospitalization: a retrospective 10-year study
Authors: Katz Marie Sophie , Benidamou Rajae , Ooms Mark , Heitzer Marius , Bock Anna , Elvers Dirk , Steiner Timm , Peters Florian , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
The aim of this retrospective study was to identify high-risk dental extraction patients and the timing of postoperative hemorrhage to evaluate whether preventive hospitalization should be considered in patients on antiplatelet medication (AP) or anticoagulants.

Methods
Our study included 1595 procedures; 1319 were conducted under monotherapy (Group I: AP; Group II: indirect oral anticoagulant [IAC]; Group III: direct oral anticoagulant [DOAC]) and 276 under dual therapy (Group IV: double AP; Group V: AP and IAC; Group VI: AP and DOAC). We evaluated the incidence, frequency and timing of hemorrhage, hospitalization rate, and treatment of bleeding incidents.

Results
The incidence of hemorrhagic events was significantly higher in the dual therapy groups compared to the monotherapy groups (p < 0.001). Comparing the procedures under monotherapy, those on DOAC (Group III) had a significantly higher risk of postoperative bleeding than Groups I and II (p < 0.001) and a higher rate of repeated bleeding episodes (p = 0.035). Regarding bleeding incidents, 44% (dual therapy) vs. 51.1% (monotherapy) occurred on the day of surgery.

Conclusions
The bleeding risk after dental extractions is overall low and patients were often hospitalized preventively due to their comorbidities rather than actual bleeding risk. Patients should be instructed about local compression, and surgeries should be completed in the morning to avoid emergency visits. However, patients with cardiovascular diseases and dual therapy had a higher risk of postoperative hemorrhage. Thus, hospitalization is to be considered in these cases.

Trial registration
The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of RWTH Aachen (Decision Number 24-136). This was a retrospective clinical study designed to analyze postoperative bleeding and hospitalization rates after dental extractions in patients on AP or anticoagulation therapy.
Retrospective longitudinal study on the long-term impact of COVID-19 infection on polysomnographic evaluation in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome
Authors: Braun Sina , Laemmer Constanze , Schulte Sandra , Gohlke Bettina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
To evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on polysomnographic evaluation in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).

Patients and methods
A retrospective cohort study of two consecutive overnight polysomnograms (PSG) in 92 PWS patients (mean age 9.1, range 3.1–22 years). 57/92 participants (35 female) had a COVID-19 infection between the two consecutive examinations. 35 patients (21 female) had no infection (control group). Distribution of genetics was as follows: 13/57 (22.8%) deletion, 19/57 (33.3%) uniparental disomy, 2/57 (3,5%) imprinting defect, 3/57 (5.3%) non-deletion, 20/57 (35.1%) diagnosed by analyses of the methylation pattern of chromosome 15q11-13. Mean time interval between COVID-19 infection and post-COVID-19 evaluation was 96.2 days.

Results
Course of COVID-19 infection was asymptomatic 8/82 (9.8%), mild 63/82 (76.8%), medium 11/84 (13.4%). The five most frequently experienced symptoms in PWS patients were fever (56.1%); headache (45.1%); cold (42.7%); cough (31.7%) and body aches (21.95%). PWS patients who had COVID-19 infection had significantly lower mean oxygen saturation (SpO2) measured by pulse oximetry (post 94.8% vs. pre 95.7%, p = 0.001), lower detected lowermost SpO2 (post 86.2 vs. pre 87.3%, p = 0.003), and higher occurrence of hypopnoea (post 13.9 vs. pre 10.7, p = 0.001). Time in optimal SpO2 (95–100%) decreased significantly (post 54.3% vs. pre 73.8%, p = 0.001), whereas an increase was observed in time in suboptimal SpO2 (90–95%) (post 45.5% vs. 25.8%, p = 0.001) and in time in poor SpO2 (< 90%) (post 0.7% vs. pre 0.2%, p = 0.030). Body-Mass-Index (BMI)-SDS for PWS showed no differences between the groups at any time. BMI-SDS-differences showed no influence on differences in SpO2 evaluations. In the genetic subgroup with deletion there was a statistically significant effect on an increased number of OSA (p = 0.027). The genetic subgroup with uniparental disomy (UPD) was associated with a reduced risk of higher HF (p = 0.035) and less hypopnea (p = 0.011).

Conclusion
PWS patients predominantly experienced only mild to medium symptoms during COVID-19 infection without necessity of hospitalisation. However, on average three months after infection, differences in PSG evaluations were still apparent, manifesting in lower SpO2 and more frequent hypopnea. A long-lasting impairment of the pulmonary system due to the COVID-19 infection might be responsible.
Molecular characterization and risk analysis of Giardia duodenalis assemblages in corticosteroid-treated and non-treated patients in Ismailia, Arab Republic of Egypt
Authors: Ahmed Shahira Abdelaziz Ali , Mokhtar Amira Bakr , Mohamed Samar Farag , El-Din Marwa Ibrahim Saad , Phanis Catherine O’Dowd , Kazamia Stefani , Schou Chad , Gładysz Paweł , Lass Anna , Quattrocchi Annalisa , Karanis Panagiotis , Gad Samer Eid Mohamed 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background

Giardia duodenalis (G. duodenalis) is an intestinal protozoan parasite of human and animal hosts. The present study investigated and compared the assemblages of G. duodenalis-infected faecal samples in patients on corticosteroid therapy (POCT) and control patients-not on corticosteroid therapy (CONT) and differentiated its assemblages and/or sub-assemblages’ relationship with associated risk factors.

Methods
Utilizing multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) with three loci targeted—triosephosphate isomerase (tpi), ꞵ-giardin (bg), and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh)—G. duodenalis isolated from POCT and CONT were analyzed. Risk factors linked with Giardia infection and its assemblages were investigated.

Results
In total, 52 G. duodenalis-infected patients were enrolled: 21 POCT and 31 CONT. The mean age was 12.3 years, the majority were male (59.6%), and 73.1% lived in rural areas. The POCT group was 36 times more likely than the CONT group to have a concurrent parasitic infection. About 73% (38/52) of Giardia samples were genotyped and/or sub-genotyped in at least one of the three loci. MLST identified sixteen isolates (42.0%) as assemblage B, ten isolates (26.3%) as assemblage A, and twelve isolates (31.6%) as a mixed infection of A + B and B + E. Most individuals of the POCT group were infected with G. duodenalis assemblage A while most of the CONT group were infected with assemblage B. Sub-assemblage AII was identified by phylogenetic analysis in the isolates of both groups under investigation.

Conclusion
This research advances giardiasis epidemiology in Arab Republic of Egypt (ARE) and reflects how corticosteroid-treated patients differ from those non-treated in Giardia assemblage pattern and their susceptibility to concomitant infection. Overall, Giardia assemblage patterns in this research populations reflect anthroponotic and zoonotic transmission, emphasizing the importance of public health policy and giardiasis prevention of illness transmission, particularly among those on corticosteroid therapy in ARE.