The Politics of Indigenous Participation Through “Free Prior Informed Consent”: Reflections from the Bolivian Case

This article explores the challenges of ethnic-based participation and its potential for creating inclusive and effective forms of decision-making for marginalized social groups. Empirically, it examines a recent attempt to establish more participative forms of resource and development governance for indigenous communities in Bolivia through Free Prior and Informed Consent/Consultation (FPIC). Rooted in international human rights law, FPIC aims at achieving more effective bottom-up participation by establishing an obligation to consult – or obtain the consent of – indigenous peoples before large development projects and legal reforms that would affect them can proceed. Interest in FPIC initiatives has been growing for reasons that range from efforts to build more equitable management of natural resources to attempts to introduce more effective local-scale practices of participation and active citizenship. We argue that the idea of prior consultation and FPIC itself are not neutral instruments; they will not automatically lead to better or more democratic governance and a more equal society. The way in which FPIC is currently being implemented and framed in Bolivia is in tension with broader ideas of representation and legitimacy, inclusiveness, and management of public and common goods because there is no real clarity as to who is entitled to participation, why they do, and whether they are doing so as a corrective to exclusion, a promotion of citizenship, or as a mechanism for redistribution. As we show here, FPIC implementation can have unintended consequences and consultation can sometimes embed existing social, cultural, and economic tensions. The paper offers some broader reflections on participatory governance and collective rights especially in relation to the tensions between inclusive participation and exclusive rights or – put differently – the challenges for building cultures of participation and inclusion in complex and ethnic diverse democracies

Indigenous peoples vs peasant unions: land conflicts and rural movements in plurinational Bolivia

Agrarian reforms do not constitute linear processes: rather, they are based on the interconnection between the crystallization of land governance in formal tenure rules and the way societies organize around a set of identities and power mechanisms. This paper focuses on how the misinterpretation of this two-way relationship, in setting up a new normative framework, can generate unintended consequences in terms of conflict. The recent wave of land conflicts in Bolivia shows how changes in the allocation of strategic resources inspired by the so-called ‘politics of recognition’ triggered processes of political ethnicization and organizational fragmentation, eventually contributing to fuelling new tensions between indigenous groups and peasant unions

Deviant and Over-Compliance: The Domestic Politics of Child Labor in Bolivia and Argentina

This article explores the reception of human rights norms on child labor in Bolivia and Argentina, countries where governments and civil societies express support for human rights. However, national responses after ratification of International Labor Organization’s conventions diverge significantly. In Bolivia, domestic interpretations of human rights have prevailed over attachment to ILO conventions (“deviant compliance”), while in Argentina national policies exceed ILO recommendations (“over-compliance”). We use the evidence presented here to call for a more nuanced understanding of what compliance with human rights principles is understood to mean and to stress the importance of domestic interpretations of international norms

On burning ground: theatre of the oppressed and ecological crisis in Bolivia

No abstract available

Lanosterol Synthase Genetic Variants, Endogenous Ouabain, and Both Acute and Chronic Kidney Injury

Rationale & Objective Studies of humans and animals have suggested that endogenous ouabain (EO) and related genes are mediators of acute (AKI) and chronic kidney injury. We sought to examine the relationship among EO levels, genetic variants in lanosterol synthase (LSS; an enzyme that catalyzes synthesis of cholesterol, a precursor of EO), and both AKI and chronic kidney injury. Study Design 2 prospective observational cohort studies and a cross-sectional study of kidney tissue. Setting & Participants (1) A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery, (2) measurement of EO concentration in kidney tissue removed because of an adjacent tumor, and (3) a prospective cohort study of patients with newly diagnosed essential hypertension. Exposure Missense variant in LSS (A instead of C allele at rs2254524), which leads to a valine to leucine substitution at amino acid 642. Outcomes Development of postoperative AKI in the cardiovascular surgery cohort, EO concentration in kidney tissue, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reductions in the essential hypertension cohort. Analytical Approach Logistic regression for analysis of postoperative AKI, analysis of variance for EO concentration in kidney tissue, and generalized linear models for changes in eGFR over time. Results AKI incidence following cardiovascular surgery was greater among those with the LSS rs2254524 AA genotype (30.7%) than in those with the CC genotype (17.4%; P=0.001). LSS rs2254524 AA kidneys had higher EO concentrations than CC kidneys (2.14±0.29 vs 1.25±0.08ng/g; P Limitations These associations do not necessarily represent causal relationships; LSS rs2254524 variants may have effects on other steroid hormones. Conclusions These findings support the potential value of LSS rs2254524 genotype–based risk stratification to identify patients at high risk for AKI before cardiovascular surgery, as well as predict accelerated eGFR in the setting of hypertension. These findings also suggest that LSS may in part drive EO-mediated kidney damage. EO may represent a new potential therapeutic target for the prevention of AKI and slowing of kidney damage in the setting of hypertension

Vascular dementia: neurological assessment and cardiovascular manifestations

Vascular dementia is a form of dementia caused by brain damage resulting from problems with blood flow to the brain. It is often associated with risk factors and cardiovascular manifestations, such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, among others. These factors may contribute to the development and progression of vascular dementia, as well as increase the risk of complications and mortality. Objective: to evaluate the relationship between vascular dementia and neurological and cardiovascular changes, as well as to identify the main strategies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Methodology: followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist, which consists of a set of recommendations to guarantee the quality and transparency of systematic reviews. Searches were carried out in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases, using the following descriptors: “vascular dementia”, “neurological assessment”, “cardiovascular manifestations”, “risk factors” and “treatment”. Only articles published in the last 10 years (from 2013 to 2023), in English or Portuguese, that addressed the topic of vascular dementia and its neurological and cardiovascular implications were included. Articles that were not original (reviews, editorials, letters to the editor, etc.), that did not present sufficient or reliable data, that had an inadequate methodology or that were not relevant to the objective of the review were excluded. Results: 17 studies were selected. The neurological evaluation of vascular dementia should include a detailed anamnesis, a complete physical examination, a cognitive and functional assessment, as well as complementary exams such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the skull. The cardiovascular assessment of vascular dementia must consider modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, clinical manifestations, and laboratory and imaging findings. Pharmacological interventions may include medications to improve cognitive function (such as cholinesterase inhibitors or NMDA receptor antagonists), to control cardiovascular risk factors (such as antihypertensives, hypoglycemic agents, or anticoagulants), or to prevent complications (such as anti-inflammatories). or antidepressants). Conclusion: Vascular dementia is a serious and prevalent disease that affects both the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Its prevention, diagnosis and treatment require an integrated and multidimensional approach, which considers the neurological and cardiovascular aspects involved. Carrying out more studies on this topic is essential to expand scientific knowledge and improve the quality of life of patients with vascular dementia.Vascular dementia is a form of dementia caused by brain damage resulting from problems with blood flow to the brain. It is often associated with risk factors and cardiovascular manifestations, such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, among others. These factors may contribute to the development and progression of vascular dementia, as well as increase the risk of complications and mortality. Objective: to evaluate the relationship between vascular dementia and neurological and cardiovascular changes, as well as to identify the main strategies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Methodology: followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist, which consists of a set of recommendations to guarantee the quality and transparency of systematic reviews. Searches were carried out in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases, using the following descriptors: “vascular dementia”, “neurological assessment”, “cardiovascular manifestations”, “risk factors” and “treatment”. Only articles published in the last 10 years (from 2013 to 2023), in English or Portuguese, that addressed the topic of vascular dementia and its neurological and cardiovascular implications were included. Articles that were not original (reviews, editorials, letters to the editor, etc.), that did not present sufficient or reliable data, that had an inadequate methodology or that were not relevant to the objective of the review were excluded. Results: 17 studies were selected. The neurological evaluation of vascular dementia should include a detailed anamnesis, a complete physical examination, a cognitive and functional assessment, as well as complementary exams such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the skull. The cardiovascular assessment of vascular dementia must consider modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, clinical manifestations, and laboratory and imaging findings. Pharmacological interventions may include medications to improve cognitive function (such as cholinesterase inhibitors or NMDA receptor antagonists), to control cardiovascular risk factors (such as antihypertensives, hypoglycemic agents, or anticoagulants), or to prevent complications (such as anti-inflammatories). or antidepressants). Conclusion: Vascular dementia is a serious and prevalent disease that affects both the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Its prevention, diagnosis and treatment require an integrated and multidimensional approach, which considers the neurological and cardiovascular aspects involved. Carrying out more studies on this topic is essential to expand scientific knowledge and improve the quality of life of patients with vascular dementia

Forest-linked livelihoods in a globalized world.

Forests have re-taken centre stage in global conversations about sustainability, climate and biodiversity. Here, we use a horizon scanning approach to identify five large-scale trends that are likely to have substantial medium- and long-term effects on forests and forest livelihoods: forest megadisturbances; changing rural demographics; the rise of the middle-class in low- and middle-income countries; increased availability, access and use of digital technologies; and large-scale infrastructure development. These trends represent human and environmental processes that are exceptionally large in geographical extent and magnitude, and difficult to reverse. They are creating new agricultural and urban frontiers, changing existing rural landscapes and practices, opening spaces for novel conservation priorities and facilitating an unprecedented development of monitoring and evaluation platforms that can be used by local communities, civil society organizations, governments and international donors. Understanding these larger-scale dynamics is key to support not only the critical role of forests in meeting livelihood aspirations locally, but also a range of other sustainability challenges more globally. We argue that a better understanding of these trends and the identification of levers for change requires that the research community not only continue to build on case studies that have dominated research efforts so far, but place a greater emphasis on causality and causal mechanisms, and generate a deeper understanding of how local, national and international geographical scales interact.This work was funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (grant number 203516-102) and governed by the University of Michigan’s Institutional Review Board (HUM00092191). JAO acknowledges the 520 support of a European Union FP7 Marie Curie international outgoing fellowship (FORCONEPAL). LVR was funded by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme (Grant agreement No. 853222 FORESTDIET). AJB acknowledges the support of an Australian Research Council Australia Laureate Fellowship (grant number 525 FL160100072). LBF acknowledges support from the European Union Marie Curie global fellowship (CONRICONF). PM was supported by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (Grant agreement No 677140 MIDLAND)

AIRO Breast Cancer Group Best Clinical Practice 2022 Update

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common tumor in women and represents the leading cause of cancer death. Radiation therapy plays a key-role in the treatment of all breast cancer stages. Therefore, the adoption of evidence-based treatments is warranted, to ensure equity of access and standardization of care in clinical practice.Method: This national document on the highest evidence-based available data was developed and endorsed by the Italian Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) Breast Cancer Group.We analyzed literature data regarding breast radiation therapy, using the SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) methodology (www.sign.ac.uk). Updated findings from the literature were examined, including the highest levels of evidence (meta-analyses, randomized trials, and international guidelines) with a significant impact on clinical practice. The document deals with the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of primary breast cancer, local relapse, and metastatic disease, with focus on diagnosis, staging, local and systemic therapies, and follow up. Information is given on indications, techniques, total doses, and fractionations.Results: An extensive literature review from 2013 to 2021 was performed. The work was organized according to a general index of different topics and most chapters included individual questions and, when possible, synoptic and summary tables. Indications for radiation therapy in breast cancer were examined and integrated with other oncological treatments. A total of 50 questions were analyzed and answered.Four large areas of interest were investigated: (1) general strategy (multidisciplinary approach, contraindications, preliminary assessments, staging and management of patients with electronic devices); (2) systemic therapy (primary, adjuvant, in metastatic setting); (3) clinical aspects (invasive, non-invasive and micro-invasive carcinoma; particular situations such as young and elderly patients, breast cancer in males and cancer during pregnancy; follow up with possible acute and late toxicities; loco-regional relapse and metastatic disease); (4) technical aspects (radiation after conservative surgery or mastectomy, indications for boost, lymph node radiotherapy and partial breast irradiation).Appendixes about tumor bed boost and breast and lymph nodes contouring were implemented, including a dedicated web application. The scientific work was reviewed and validated by an expert group of breast cancer key-opinion leaders.Conclusions: Optimal breast cancer management requires a multidisciplinary approach sharing therapeutic strategies with the other involved specialists and the patient, within a coordinated and dedicated clinical path. In recent years, the high-level quality radiation therapy has shown a significant impact on local control and survival of breast cancer patients. Therefore, it is necessary to offer and guarantee accurate treatments according to the best standards of evidence-based medicine

Il MEND: L'ultima fase della guerra del Delta = MEND: The Latest Phase of the Delta War

No abstract available

Recognition Politics: Indigenous Rights and Ethnic Conflict in the Andes

Recognition Politics provides an empirically grounded analysis and original theoretical framework to understand a new wave of widely overlooked ethnic conflicts that have emerged across the Andean region, coinciding with the implementation of internationally acclaimed indigenous rights. Why are groups that have peacefully cohabited for decades suddenly engaging in hostile and at times violent behaviours? What is the link between these conflicts and changes in collective self-identification, claims-making and rent-seeking dynamics? And how, in turn, are these changes driven by broader legal and policy reforms? The book argues that institutional reforms promoting the recognition of ethnic groups can strengthen identity boundaries and work as triggers of old and new social tensions. These tensions are rooted in the differential treatment that communities of rural poor receive under the new recognition framework. Recognition conflicts are particularly evident in those regions characterised by high socio-demographic heterogeneity, often resulting from migration and displacement, and by precarious livelihoods that increase competition over resources typically linked to recognition politics, such as land. To develop this argument, Fontana draws on extensive empirical material and case studies of conflicts from three Andean countries – Bolivia, Colombia and Peru – which have been global pioneers in the implementation of recognition politics