bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rendering International Human Rights Law Fit for Purpose on Climate Change
Authors: Venn Alice 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The present article addresses the unique legal and operational challenges encountered in the adoption of a human rights-based approach to climate change under international law. It examines the suitability for purpose of the international human rights regime and outlines the key steps to be taken in the requisite advancement of recourse to justice in climate matters. Five central challenges are addressed, namely, of the exclusivity of climate law and international human rights law, the operational barriers within the UN human rights system, specific legal challenges facing the UN Treaty Body mechanisms, the causation challenges associated with attributing responsibility for climate harm to states and, finally, the extraterritorial application of international human rights law. These challenges represent some of the most significant hurdles emerging through the literature and practice, which need to be overcome to enable international human rights law to better provide recourse to justice to climate-vulnerable states, groups and individuals.
Liberal intervention's renewed crisis: responding to Russia's growing influence in Africa
Authors: Jacobsen Katja Lindskov , Larsen Karen Philippa 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Liberal intervention actors often understand Russian engagements in Africa through a great power vacuum logic. This logic sees Russian influence as resulting from Russia filling a vacuum where other (notably liberal) interveners downscale. This article unpacks that vacuum logic and explores its consequences and effects. On the one hand, the vacuum logic is central to representations of Russia as an entirely external ‘other’, which contribute to constituting a ‘liberal’ intervention approach and community. On the other hand, exploring Russia's presence in the Central African Republic (CAR) and in Mali challenges this representation, as examples of pragmatic co-existence between Russian and liberal actors become visible. The cases of Mali and CAR also illustrate other challenge, including how the vacuum logic dismisses host state agency and renders longstanding critique of liberal intervention seemingly unnecessary, legitimizing a one-directional critique of Russia's presence in Africa. Failing to appreciate the constitutive and dismissive effects of this great power vacuum logic risks confronting liberal interveners in ways that make them ill-equipped to address critical shortcomings of their own approach. Leaving shortcoming unaddressed may inadvertently provide further grounds for (rather than counter) Russian influence, where Russian actors may take advantage of anti-colonial sentiments and security shortcomings.
Climate change, international justice and global order
Authors: Sengupta Sandeep 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The world today faces an unprecedented climate crisis. This is not just an environmental challenge, but also a major threat to global order in the twenty-first century. One of its defining features is the sharp disconnect that exists between those responsible for causing the problem and those bearing its worst impacts, and the unwillingness of the former to take remedial action to the extent required. What is even more remarkable is the degree to which meaningful recognition and redressal of justice claims in the international climate debate have now been almost completely cast aside and relegated to the background, as was seen in the 2015 Paris Agreement. The article thus asks: can international order be sustained without meeting basic claims of climate justice? To answer this, it first goes back in time to recall how equity and justice considerations were incorporated in the original multilateral responses to climate change. It then reviews how these key elements of climate justice are reflected in the current climate regime. In examining the contrast between the past and the present, it also explores some of the other factors that have now complicated international climate justice claims. Finally, it assesses what this means from the perspective of global order and why the failure to substantively address key climate justice concerns poses significant risks to future global order and stability.
Promise or peril? Exploring the gender dimension of pragmatic peacebuilding
Authors: Donovan Outi 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
International efforts to manage conflict, instability and war-to-peace transitions have undergone a change. Where ‘liberal peace’ once informed peacebuilding strategies, international agencies now frame their work with recourse to ‘sustaining peace’. This change signals a shift towards pragmatism in thinking about conflict and peace-making in the face of the limitations of liberal peace. What is notable in the move to pragmatic modes of peacebuilding is the emphasis on women as agents of peace. While gender-sensitive peacebuilding is not a new concept, the prominent role it plays in the pragmatic peace merits attention. Drawing on feminist pragmatism, I argue that pragmatic peace represents a significant opportunity for shifting peacebuilding practice towards more gender-equal and gender-sensitive modalities. Yet, an investigation into the gender dimension of pragmatic peace in post-Gaddafi Libya, implemented through empowerment programs, finds the promise unfulfilled. While such initiatives have had some successes in supporting women's collective action, capacity-building programs have not only failed to create meaningful opportunities for exercising agency, but have instrumentalized women's participation and reinforced existing patterns of inequality among women. The experiences of those to be empowered suggest that empowerment initiatives fall prey to the type of technocratic and de-politicizing peril that has characterized liberal peace interventions.
Zone balancing: India and the Quad's new strategic logic
Authors: Tarapore Arzan 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
When a state faces a rising great power rival, it has a range of balancing options from which to choose. But a balancing state may consider many of the most common options to be either too costly or unduly provocative. Thus India, for example, considered 2020 to be a strategic watershed—with a clearly more aggressive China on the border, and a clearly more disorderly international system after the COVID pandemic—but has undertaken only modest military balancing. What alternative options do such erstwhile balancers have? This article addresses both those theoretical and empirical puzzles, by introducing the novel concept of ‘zone balancing’ as another option in a balancing state's repertoire. Zone balancing seeks to shape the international field of competition in which the balancer and rival operate—specifically, to build the capacity and resilience of third-party states, to shrink the rival's ability to coerce them. This article advances that concept and uses it to explain India's post-2020 strategic adjustment, and especially its warmer embrace of the Quad—the minilateral grouping comprising Australia, India, Japan and the United States. Zone balancing effectively explains the Quad's recently-clarified strategic logic, and predicts some of its limitations.
(s)INE: (soft-graft)-induced new entry tear after elephant trunk procedure
Authors: Lorenz Veronica , Muzzi Luigi , Tommasino Giulio , Tucci Enrico , Neri Eugenio 
Published: January 2023

AbstractElephant trunk and frozen elephant trunk are established procedures for the treatment of aortic arch pathologies, such as aneurysm or dissection. The aim of open surgery is to re-expand the true lumen, favouring correct organ perfusion and the thrombosis of the false lumen. Frozen elephant trunk, with its stented endovascular portion, is sometimes associated with a life-threatening complication: the stent graft-induced new entry. In the literature, many studies reported the incidence of such issue after thoracic endovascular prosthesis or frozen elephant trunk, but in our knowledge, there are no case studies about the occurrence of stent graft-induced new entry with the use of soft grafts. For this reason, we decided to report our experience, highlighting how the use of a Dacron graft can cause distal intimal tears. We decided to coin the term soft-graft-induced new entry to indicate the development of an intimal tear induced by the soft prosthesis in the arch and proximal descending aorta.
Two-staged surgical repair of Berry syndrome type 2B
Authors: Byeman Connor J , Young Krista , Ashwath Ravi 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBerry syndrome is a rare congenital heart disease that requires complete corrective surgery. In certain extreme cases, such as ours, a two-stage as opposed to single-stage repair is a possibility. In doing so, we also used annotated and segmented three-dimensional models for the first time in Berry syndrome, adding to growing evidence that such models enhance the understanding of complex anatomy for surgical planning.
Preoperative Levosimendan therapy reduces postoperative right ventricular failure in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Sugimura Yukiharu , Kalampokas Nikolaos , Arikan Metin , Rellecke Phillip , Dalyanoglu Hannan , Tudorache Igor , Westenfeld Ralf , Boeken Udo , Lichtenberg Artur , Akhyari Payam , Aubin Hug 
Published: January 2023

AbstractOBJECTIVESPerioperative mortality and complications still remain high after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, especially in highly compromised patient cohorts. Here, we evaluate the effects of preoperative Levosimendan therapy on peri- and postoperative outcomes after LVAD implantation.METHODSWe retrospectively analysed 224 consecutive patients with LVAD implantation for end-stage heart failure between November 2010 and December 2019 in our centre with regard to short- and longer-term mortality as well as incidence of postoperative right ventricular failure (RV-F). Out of these, 117 (52.2%) received preoperative i.v. Levosimendan therapy within 7 days before LVAD implantation (Levo group).RESULTSIn-hospital, 30-day and 5-year mortality was comparable (in-hospital mortality: 18.8% vs 23.4%, P = 0.40; 30-day mortality: 12.0% vs 14.0%, P = 0.65; Levo vs control group). However, in the multivariate analysis, preoperative Levosimendan therapy significantly reduced postoperative RV-F but increased postoperative vasoactive inotropic score ([RV-F: odds ratio 2.153, confidence interval 1.146–4.047, P = 0.017; vasoactive inotropic score 24 h post-surgery: odds ratio 1.023, confidence interval 1.008–1.038, P = 0.002). These results were further confirmed by 1:1 propensity score matching of 74 patients in each group. Especially in the subgroup of patients with normal preoperative RV function, the prevalence of postoperative RV-F was significantly lower in the Levo- group as compared to the control group (17.6% vs 31.1%, P = 0.03; respectively).CONCLUSIONSPreoperative Levosimendan therapy reduces the risk of postoperative RV-F, especially in patients with normal preoperative RV function without effects on mortality up to 5 years after LVAD implantation.
Computed tomography-guided aortic valve neocuspidization: details of preoperative assessment and surgical technique
Authors: Todurov Borys , Mokryk Igor , Batsak Bogdan , Ponych Nataliya 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe original Ozaki technique involves sizing and trimming the neovalve cusps during cross-clamp. It leads to prolongation of the ischaemic time, as compared to standard aortic valve replacement. We use preoperative computed tomography scanning of the patient's aortic root to develop personalized templates for each leaflet. With this method, autopericardial implants are prepared before the initiation of the bypass. It permits maximally adopting the procedure to the patient’s individual anatomy and to shorten the cross-clamp time. We present a case of a computed tomography-guided aortic valve neocuspidization and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting with excellent short-term results. We discuss the feasibility and technical details of the novel technique.
Prognostic implications of prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolite in resected non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Mikubo Masashi , Satoh Yukitoshi , Ono Mototsugu , Sonoda Dai , Hayashi Shoko , Naito Masahito , Matsui Yoshio , Shiomi Kazu , Matsuura Masaaki , Ito Satoru 
Published: January 2023

AbstractOBJECTIVESCyclooxygenase-2-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is highly involved in the promotion of cancer progression. The end product of this pathway, PGE-major urinary metabolite (PGE-MUM), is a stable metabolite of PGE2 that can be assessed non-invasively and repeatedly in urine samples. The aim of this study was to assess the dynamic changes in perioperative PGE-MUM levels and their prognostic significance in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).METHODSBetween December 2012 and March 2017, 211 patients who underwent complete resection for NSCLC were analysed prospectively. PGE-MUM levels in 2 spot urine samples taken 1 or 2 days preoperatively and 3–6 weeks postoperatively were measured using a radioimmunoassay kit.RESULTSElevated preoperative PGE-MUM levels were associated with tumour size, pleural invasion and advanced stage. Multivariable analysis revealed that age, pleural invasion, lymph node metastasis and postoperative PGE-MUM levels were independent prognostic factors. In matched pre- and postoperative urine samples obtained from patients who are eligible for adjuvant chemotherapy, an increase in PGE-MUM levels following resection was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio 3.017, P = 0.005). Adjuvant chemotherapy improved survival in patients with increased PGE-MUM levels after resection (5-year overall survival, 79.0 vs 50.4%, P = 0.027), whereas survival benefit was not observed in those with decreased PGE-MUM levels (5-year overall survival, 82.1 vs 82.3%, P = 0.442).CONCLUSIONSIncreased preoperative PGE-MUM levels can reflect tumour progression and postoperative PGE-MUM levels are a promising biomarker for survival after complete resection in patients with NSCLC. Perioperative changes in PGE-MUM levels may aid in determining the optimal eligibility for adjuvant chemotherapy.
The culture-promotion effect of multinationals on trade: the IKEA case
Authors: Bourny Dylan , Mirza Daniel , Turcu Camelia 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this article, we investigate how some MNEs which spread their home culture over time and space to the rest of the world are affecting, in turn, trade flows from home. By selling products embodying cultural information related to their country of origin, those MNEs embrace the role of ambassadors of their home country. We argue that IKEA offers an ideal case to identify a multinational’s culture-promotion effect on trade. We build a dataset on IKEA’s presence in foreign markets between 1995 and 2015 and merge it with disaggregated product level trade between pairs of countries. We find solid evidence of an externality linked to IKEA: a setting of an IKEA new store in a destination increases trade flows by around 2% from Sweden for products that resemble to what the multinational offers (despite being completely unrelated to that multinational). This result is driven primarily by the products identified to encompass a high-cultural content. Other robustness checks and tests seem to be very much consistent with the hypothesis of IKEA promoting the Swedish culture to the world.
Cryo-EXLO Manipulation of FIB Specimens for Cryo-TEM
Authors: Giannuzzi Lucille A , Colletta Michael , Yu Yue , Kourkoutis Lena F , Iams Andrew D , Beggs Kyle , Kassab Alain J 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This work describes cryogenic ex situ lift out (cryo-EXLO) of cryogenic focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) thinned specimens for analysis by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). The steps and apparatus necessary for cryo-EXLO are described. Methods designed to limit ice contamination include use of an anti-frost lid, a vacuum transfer assembly, and a cryostat. Cryo-EXLO is performed in a cryostat with the cryo-shuttle holder positioned in the cryogenic vapor phase above the surface of liquid N2 (LN2) using an EXLO manipulation station installed inside a glove box maintained at &lt; 10% relative humidity and inert (e.g., N2 gas) conditions. Thermal modeling shows that a cryo-EXLO specimen will remain vitreous within its FIB trench indefinitely while LN2 is continuously supplied. Once the LN2 is cut off, modeling shows that the EXLO specimen will remain vitreous for over 4 min, allowing sufficient time for the cryo-transfer steps which take only seconds to perform. Cryo-EXLO was applied successfully to cryo-FIB-milled specimen preparation of a polymer sample and plunge-frozen yeast cells. Cryo-TEM of both the polymer and the yeast shows minimal ice contamination with the yeast specimen maintaining its vitreous phase, illustrating the potential of cryo-EXLO for cryo-FIB-TEM of beam-sensitive, liquid, or biological materials.
Graded impact of obstacle size on scanning by RNase E
Authors: Richards Jamie , Belasco Joel G 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn countless bacterial species, the lifetimes of most mRNAs are controlled by the regulatory endonuclease RNase E, which preferentially degrades RNAs bearing a 5′ monophosphate and locates cleavage sites within them by scanning linearly from the 5′ terminus along single-stranded regions. Consequently, its rate of cleavage at distal sites is governed by any obstacles that it may encounter along the way, such as bound proteins or ribosomes or base pairing that is coaxial with the path traversed by this enzyme. Here, we report that the protection afforded by such obstacles is dependent on the size and persistence of the structural discontinuities they create, whereas the molecular composition of obstacles to scanning is of comparatively little consequence. Over a broad range of sizes, incrementally larger discontinuities are incrementally more protective, with corresponding effects on mRNA stability. The graded impact of such obstacles suggests possible explanations for why their effect on scanning is not an all-or-none phenomenon dependent simply on whether the size of the resulting discontinuity exceeds the step length of RNase E.
Acute Peritoneal Histoplasmosis Mimicking Ovarian Cancer and Review of the Literature on Histoplasma Peritonitis
Authors: Szvalb Ariel D , Yepez Guevara Eduardo , Euscher Elizabeth , Nahmod Karen A , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Peritoneal histoplasmosis is a rare entity with few cases reported in the literature. We present a case of isolated acute peritoneal histoplasmosis that mimicked an advanced ovarian malignancy in a patient undergoing antitumor necrosis factor therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. We also reviewed the literature on Histoplasma peritonitis.
Spectrum of auto-inflammatory diseases in Morocco: a monocentric experience
Authors: Souali Manal , Sakhi Asmaa , Benbrahim Ansari Ghita , Mikou Nabiha , Bousfiha Ahmed Aziz , Bouayed Kenza 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Objective
Auto-inflammatory diseases (AIDs) result from mutations in genes of the innate immune system leading to periodic multisystemic inflammation. We aimed to describe the clinical, biological and molecular features (when available) and outcomes of Moroccan patients with AIDs.

Methods
Patient data were collected retrospectively and analysed over a 13-year period.

Results
Among 30 patients, 60% had FMF, 16% mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD) and 24% other AIDs. The mean age at first consultation was 6.9 years, and the mean diagnostic delay was 3 years. Consanguinity was reported in 16 cases. IgA vasculitis was associated with 33% of FMF patients, in whom the main clinical features were fever (88.8%), abdominal pain (100%), arthralgias (88.8%) and arthritis (50%), and the most frequent mutation was M694V (66%). All FMF patients were treated with colchicine. Most MKD patients were confirmed by elevated urinary mevalonic acid levels, and four of five MKD patients received targeted therapy. Chronic recurrent osteomyelitis patients were confirmed by radiological and histological analysis. Two cases of Marshall syndrome were diagnosed according to validated criteria. A case of familial pustular psoriasis was diagnosed based on histological analysis and a patient with Muckle–Wells syndrome by clinical features. The outcome was favourable in 76%, partial in 13%, and three deaths were reported.

Conclusion
FMF and MKD are the most reported diseases. AIDs are probably underestimated because they are unknown to clinicians. The aim of this work is to raise awareness among paediatricians about AIDs and create a network for best practice.
REDUCTION OF THE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY DOSE TO THE GONADS OF ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT MALES THROUGH USE OF A TUNGSTEN-CONTAINING RUBBER SHEET
Authors: Kosaka Hiroyuki , Tamura Mikoto , Hattori Shota , Monzen Hajime 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study aims to measure the shielding effect of a novel tungsten rubber sheet (TRS) on the exposure of male gonads to ionizing radiation during upper abdominal and abdominal plus pelvic computed tomography (CT) examinations. The air kerma at the gonad with and without shielding was measured using an anthropomorphic body phantom. Gonads were shielded using: (1) 360° wrap with TRS (0.5-mm thick) and (2) 180° wrap with TRS. The air kerma at a position of male gonads in a pelvic scan was 21.8 mGy, even when the gonads were in the off-axis range. The TRS reduced the dose to the male gonads in abdominal plus pelvic CT examinations by 61% and 38% for the 360° and 180° TRS wrap, respectively.
In vitro study to identify ligand‐independent function of estrogen receptor‐α in suppressing DNA damage‐induced chondrocyte senescence
Authors: Zhang Xiurui , Xiang Shiqi , Zhang Yiqian , Liu Silvia , Lei Guanghua , Hines Sophie , Wang Ning , Lin Hang 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn osteoarthritis (OA), chondrocytes undergo many pathological alternations that are linked with cellular senescence. However, the exact pathways that lead to the generation of a senescence‐like phenotype in OA chondrocytes are not clear. Previously, we found that loss of estrogen receptor‐α (ERα) was associated with an increased senescence level in human chondrocytes. Since DNA damage is a common cause of cellular senescence, we aimed to study the relationship among ERα levels, DNA damage, and senescence in chondrocytes. We first examined the levels of ERα, representative markers of DNA damage and senescence in normal and OA cartilage harvested from male and female human donors, as well as from male mice. The influence of DNA damage on ERα levels was studied by treating human chondrocytes with doxorubicin (DOX), which is an often‐used DNA‐damaging agent. Next, we tested the potential of overexpressing ERα in reducing DNA damage and senescence levels. Lastly, we explored the interaction between ERα and nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) pathway. Results indicated that the OA chondrocytes contained DNA damage and displayed senescence features, which were accompanied by significantly reduced ERα levels. Overexpression of ERα reduced the levels of DNA damage and senescence in DOX‐treated normal chondrocytes and OA chondrocytes. Moreover, DOX‐induced the activation of NF‐κB pathway, which was partially reversed by overexpressing ERα. Taken together, our results demonstrated the critical role of ERα in maintaining the health of chondrocytes by inhibiting DNA damage and senescence. This study also suggests that maintaining the ERα level may represent a new avenue to prevent and treat OA.