bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting STING to disrupt macrophage-mediated fibrosis in encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis.
Authors: Peng Hui , SUN JUAN , Sun Yuxiang , Guo Dandan , Ye Huolin , Huang Qiang , Zhou Hu , Li Canming , Liao Mei , You Yujia , Shang Hongli , Zhou Pan , Wu Dongxuan , Hu Zhaoyong
Published: November 2024

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a life-threatening fibrotic condition characterized by severe abdominal adhesions, chronic inflammation, and significant morbidity. The lack of effective treatments for EPS stems from a limited understanding of its underlying mechanisms. In this study, we developed a modified mouse model of PD-induced EPS and investigated the role of the STING signaling pathway in disease progression. Our findings reveal that STING activation in peritoneal mesothelial cells significantly increases the secretion of the macrophage chemokine CCL2, leading to enhanced macrophage infiltration and the formation of pathological adhesions. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of STING using the inhibitor H151 effectively reduced macrophage infiltration and fibrosis, demonstrating its therapeutic potential in alleviating EPS. These results identify the STING pathway as a critical mediator of EPS pathogenesis and suggest that STING inhibitors could offer a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent or reverse EPS, particularly in clinical settings such as peritoneal dialysis.
An antibacterial, antioxidant and hemostatic hydrogel accelerates infectious wound healing
Authors: Zhou Ziyi , Zhang Dengjun , Ning Xuchao , Jin Linbo , Lin Yijing , Liang Chen , Wen Xin , Huang Tianhao , Zhou Junli , Zhang Yiming
Published: November 2024

Hydrogel drug-delivery system that can effectively load antibacterial drugs, realize the in-situ drug release in the microenvironment of wound infection to promote wound healing. In this study, a multifunctional hydrogel drug delivery system (HA@TA-Okra) was constructed through the integration of hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA) matrix with tannic acid (TA) and okra extract. The composition and structural characteristics of HA@TA-Okra system and its unique advantages in the treatment of diverse wounds were systematically evaluated. TA, due to its unique chemical structure, is able to anchor within the HAMA network through interactions and cross-linking, conferring exceptional mechanical strength and stability to the hydrogel. Both TA and okra extract possess antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and when they two acts synergistically they can effectively scavenge free radicals, enhance antibacterial action, diminishing the risk of wound infection. In vitro experiments revealed that HA@TA-Okra system has superior properties, such as rapid gel response, remarkable swelling regulation, and potent antioxidant ability. Furthermore, the HA@TA-Okra system significantly outperformed conventional dressings in terms of hemostatic performance in a rat hemorrhage model. We further evaluated the repair role of HA@TA-Okra system in vivo by establishing an animal model of full-thickness skin defects and a model of infected total skin defects. The results confirmed its positive effects in fighting bacterial infection, reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing. In summary, the HA@TA-Okra system exhibits comprehensive properties such as antibacterial, antioxidant and hemostatic properties, which has a potential application in the field of tissue repair medicine.
DNA Detection in Biosensing: A Study on the Efficacy of Plasmonic Nanostructures in Improving Sensitivity
Authors: Moradi Omar , Sharifi Ahvan
Published: November 2024

Nanoparticles and nanostructures are widely used for the detection of micromolecules. These types of structures show high sensitivity in the vicinity of small molecules such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). In this work, the effects of the shape and dimensions of nanostructures on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect in the ultraviolet and visible bands for DNA detection were investigated. The SPR effect has been studied for metal nanostructures such as gold and aluminum in planar, vacuolar and spherical shapes via the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) method. The main goal of this research is to find the maximum sensitivity factor when the DNA molecule is placed close to the nanostructure. Accordingly, a bowtie nanostructure is proposed, which has a higher sensitivity factor than the other nanostructure shapes. The simulation results show that the sensitivity factor of the gold bowtie nanostructure is approximately 0.83. In other words, the nanostructure of the gold bowtie has a higher accuracy in detecting DNA molecules than other shapes of nanostructures introduced.
Each part of Coronary Artery Calcification Detection from non-contrast CT images using Real-time Segmentation by Spatial Attention and Parallel Convolution
Authors: Asakawa Tetsuya , Hashimoto Masashi , Miyaji Takeshi , Nomura Kei , Shimizu Kazuki , Aono Masaki
Published: November 2024

In medical imaging diagnosis, specialists take images of patients and make a diagnosis from the images. In particular, to detect calcification in the coronary arteries, coronary angiography is used. This method places a great physical burden on the patient because it uses contrast agents. Therefore, we attempt to detect calcification using real-time semantic segmentation of the coronary arteries using non-contrast CT images. And, semantic segmentation is an image recognition technique that classifies each pixel in an image. This technique plays an important role in the fields of automated driving and medicine. However, the computational resources available for its application are limited. The current challenge is to develop models that are not only accurate, but also lightweight and fast. DDRNet (Deep Dual-Resolution Net) is a real-time segmentation method inspired by HRNet, (High-Resolution Net), a highly accurate method with a multi-resolution substructure. DDRNet aims to achieve both accuracy 1 and real-time performance by by reducing the number of resolutions used in the subnetworks and by performing feature extraction more efficiently than HRNet. However, DDRNet is less accurate than non-lightweight models, especially in small object recognition. Therefore, this research aimed to improve the accuracy of DDRNet while maintaining its lightweight and high computation speed. We conducted experiments on a coronary calcification dataset using DDR-SAPC-U as our proposed model, which is a modified version of the proposed method specialized for medical imaging with the addition of a skip connection. Results, DDR-SAPC-U as our proposed used a self-created non-contrast coronary artery calcification dataset Dataset to evaluate IoU, mIoU, number of model parameters , and computational complexity (GFLOPs), and demonstrated superiority over conventional methods. In particular, DDR-SAPC-U as our proposed model improved the accuracy of left anterior descending artery calcification by 7.59 points compared to the conventional method. In addition, we visually confirmed the improvement in detection accuracy by visualizing the detection results.
Assessing the impact of group antenatal care on uptake of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy in Atlantique Department, Benin, 2021-2023: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gutman Julie R , Onikpo Faustin , Alao Manzidatou , Niemczura Julie , Suhowatsky Stephanie , Buekens Julie , Adeyemi Marie , Wolf Katherine , Dentinger Catherine , Binazon Alexandre , Amoussou Eunice , Alihounou Odette Aimee , Emerson Courtney , Hassani Ahmed Saadani , Houetohossou Camille , Affoukou Cyriaque D. , Winch Peter J , Ogouyèmi-Hounto Aurore
Published: November 2024

In 2022, an estimated 35.4 million pregnancies occurred in malaria endemic sub-Saharan Africa, but only 42% received the WHO recommended ≥3 doses of intermittent preven tive treatment (IPTp3). Group Antenatal Care (G-ANC) is a service delivery model associated with higher quality of and greater retention in ANC, in which pregnant women are enrolled into groups at their first ANC visit and subsequent care is provided in groups. A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in Atlantique Department, Benin, to assess whether G-ANC improved ANC retention and IPTp3 uptake at community level.
Forty purposively selected health facilities (HF) were randomized 1:1 to control (individual ANC) or G-ANC. Cross-sectional household surveys to measure uptake of ANC and IPTp were conducted in each HF catchment area before and after implementation among randomly selected women who had given birth in the previous 12 months. Changes in coverage were assessed using a difference-in-difference approach, adjusting for HF clustering.
At baseline (N=1259), coverage of at least 4 ANC visits (ANC4) and IPTp3 was 52.8% and 48.0%, respectively, in the intervention catchment, and 44.9% and 49.4% in the control catchment. Coverage of ANC4 improved in both arms by endline (N= 1280), to 56.7% in the intervention and 46.1% in the control, but the difference in the increase was not significant between arms (p=0.51). Coverage of IPTp3 increased non-significantly (p=0.26), to 53.2% (intervention) and 49.7% (control). Overall, only 140 (10.6%) surveyed women reported participating in G-ANC. Participation improved coverage of both ANC4 (65.0% vs 50.5%, p=0.002; odds ratio (OR) 1.9, 95% CI 1.4-2.5) and IPTp3 (64.0 vs 50.6%, p=0.004; OR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.6).
G-ANC increased ANC attendance and IPTp3 uptake among women who participated, but participation was limited. Understanding and addressing the barriers to participation is critical if G-ANC is to be used more widely to increase IPTp coverage.
Trial Registration: PACTR202405487752509 (retrospectively registered)
Hybrid ML-DL Approach for Android Malware Detection
Authors: Kumar Harsh , Chopan Aijaz Ahmad
Published: November 2024

Since the proliferation of Android malware has posed a major threat to mobile security in recent years, robust detection solutions need to be created. The main tool being utilized in this research to detect Android malware is app permissions. Information about the permissions that Android applications request is the primary signal in the dataset for distinguishing between malicious and benign applications. Through the use of a machine learning model developed by analyzing the connection between specific permissions and malware activity, apps are categorized as either safe or possibly dangerous. By using supervised learning approaches to evaluate the prediction potential of permission patterns, the proposed method offers a portable and efficient malware detection solution. Experimental results show that the model may accurately detect malware, providing a potential avenue to enhance permission-based Android security solutions.
Early peak of tannin content and gene expression related to tannin biosynthesis in table grape skin during berry development
Authors: Kang Yurim , Huh Sun Mi , Mun Jeong-Hwan , Kwon Ye-Eun , Im Dongjun , Kim Jiin , Choi Byung-Jae , Yim Bomi , Hur Youn Young , Yu Hee-Ju
Published: November 2024

Background
Low astringency, a consumer-preferred trait of table grapes, is primarily influenced by the type and concentration of condensed tannins in the skins and seeds of grape berries. Tannin biosynthesis in grapevines involves complex enzymatic processes and the expression of genes encoding these enzymes is temporally and spatially regulated during berry development. Since table grapes are consumed with their skins, the development of efficient tools to select table grape accessions with less astringent skins is of great benefit to breeding programs.
Results
To develop biochemical and molecular tools for rapid and accurate selection of less astringent grape genotypes, we investigated changes in polymeric tannin content (PTC) and the transcriptome in the berry skins of two table grape cultivars with different astringencies: Tano Red (non-astringent) and Ruby Seedless (astringent), throughout berry development at four time points. Using the methylcellulose precipitation assay, we found that Ruby Seedless had consistently higher total PTC than Tano Red at all developmental stages, peaking two weeks after full bloom (2 WAFB) and gradually decreasing until 15 WAFB. These patterns were also observed in two hybrid progenies from a cross between Tano Red and Ruby Seedless, as well as in four additional table grape cultivars. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the genes related to the tannin biosynthesis pathway were most highly expressed at 2 WAFB in Ruby Seedless compared to Tano Red, and these genes were correlated within a co-expression network. qPCR analysis confirmed early and elevated expression of genes involved in flavan-3-ol monomer formation (ANR and LAR) and its galloylation (SCPL-AT) at 2 WAFB in astringent table grape cultivars.
Conclusions
These results show that tannin accumulation and expression of tannin pathway genes in the berry skin peak in the early stage of berry development in the astringent table grapes. The correlation between total PTC and the expression levels of ANR, LAR, and SCPL-AT suggests that the combination of total PTC measurement with the expression levels of marker genes in the berry skin could serve as a practical selection tool for breeding less astringent grape cultivars.
D3A-TS: Denoising-Driven Data Augmentation in Time Series
Authors: Solís-Martín David , Galán-Páez Juan , Borrego-Díaz Joaquín
Published: November 2024

It has been demonstrated that the amount of data is crucial in data-driven machine learning methods. Data is always valuable, but in some tasks, it is almost like gold. This occurs in engineering areas where data is scarce or very expensive to obtain, such as predictive maintenance, where faults are rare. In this context, a mechanism to generate synthetic data can be very useful. While in fields such as Computer Vision or Natural Language Processing synthetic data generation has been extensively explored with promising results, in other domains such as time series it has received less attention. Previous works have proposed techniques like geometric transformations, interpolation, and generative models like GANs and VAEs for time series data augmentation. However, the use of denoising models, particularly Diffusion Probabilistic Models (DPMs), remains largely unexplored in this context. This work specifically focuses on studying and analyzing the use of different techniques for data augmentation in time series for classification and regression problems. The proposed D3A-TS methodology involves the use of DPMs, which have recently achieved successful results in the field of Image Processing, for data augmentation in time series. Additionally, the use of meta-attributes to condition the data augmentation process is investigated. The results highlight the high utility of this methodology in creating synthetic data to train classification and regression models. To assess the results, six different datasets from diverse domains were employed, showcasing versatility in terms of input size and output types. Finally, an extensive ablation study is conducted to further support the obtained outcomes.
GDNF alleviates depression in Parkinson's disease by inhibiting α-synuclein aggregation and facilitating DA transmission from VTA to NAc
Authors: Chen J , Ling Z , Lv MK , Xu W , Chen SZ , Shao L , Ma ZF , Wang CX , Song YJ , Tang CX
Published: November 2024

Background Dopamine (DA) transmission from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is strongly implicated in the development of depression in Parkinson's disease (PD). We have observed a decrease in DA levels caused by alpha-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation, which has received limited attention regarding its association with depression in PD. This study investigated the role of VTA-related α-syn aggregation in depression of PD, and explored whether gial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) can inhibit α-syn aggregation thereby improving depressive symptoms.
Methods Here, α-syn aggregation and GDNF overexpression were induced in the VTA of C57BL/6J mice using adeno-associated viruses (AAV-SNCA, AAV-GDNF). Depression-like behavior was then evaluated, and the distribution of VTA- and NAc-related proteins, along with DA levels, were quantified. Subsequently, AAV-SNCA, AAV-GDNF, and cis-tracer virus were delivered into the VTA of DAT-cre mice via a cannula. The fluorescence intensity of the tracer in the VTA and NAc, as well as its colocalization with glutamate decarboxylase 67 isoforms (GAD67), were observed. Finally, in D2-cre mice, AAV-SNCA was injected into the VTA, and chemogenetic virus was infused into the ipsilateral NAc; depression-like behavior was then assessed before and after intraperitoneal administration of Clozapine N-oxide (CNO) in these mice.
Results The mice with increased phosphorylated-α-syn (p-α-syn) in the VTA exhibited depressiion-like behavior, along with decreased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the VTA, reduced expression of synapse-associated proteins and dopamine D2-type receptor (D2R) in the NAc, and diminished levels of DA in both the VTA and NAc. However, GDNF overexpression in the VTA, led to a decrease in p-α-syn expression and reversed the aforementioned phenomena. Furthermore, results from cis-tracer virus and Immunofluorescence (IF) assay revealed a reduction in transmission of DA from the VTA to the NAc in mice with α-syn aggregation, which can be reversed by GDNF overexpression. Additionally, chemogenetic virus-induced activation of D2R in the NAc significantly ameliorated depression-like behavior due to α-syn aggregation in the VTA.
Conclusions The aggregation of α-syn within the VTA may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of depression in PD, while GDNF can alleviate depression by inhibiting α-syn aggregation.
Synthesis and structural analysis of dinucleotides containing 2′,3′-trans-bridged nucleic acids (2′,3′-trans-BNAs) with trans-5,6- or 5,7-fused ring skeleton
Authors: Obika Satoshi , Osawa Takashi , Nakasishi Ryota
Published: November 2024

Artificial nucleic acids in which the conformation of the sugar or phosphate backbone of the oligonucleotide is appropriately fixed can form stable duplexes. In this study, we designed dinucleotides containing 2′,3′-trans-bridged nucleic acids (2′,3′-trans-BNAs) based on the idea that the sugar conformation and torsions angles δ, ε, ζ, α, and β of the backbone can be controlled by a 5,6- or 5,7-membered trans-fused ring skeleton cyclized between the 2′- and 3′-positions of the sugar moiety. Given that the construction of trans-5,6-fused ring skeletons is synthetically challenging, the synthesis was optimized and a detailed structural analysis of these new bridged 2′,3′-trans-BNA systems was conducted. The 2′,3′-trans-BNAs could be synthesized from a commercially available D-glucose derivative with the key intramolecular gold-catalyzed cyclization reaction achieved using a cyclization precursor bearing an intramolecular hydroxy group and an internal alkyne. Structural analysis of the 2′,3′-trans-BNAs showed an N-type sugar conformation for all the derivatives, which is similar to that in RNA-duplex, and the ζ and α torsion angles for the 2′,3′-trans-BNAs were a characteristic feature of the compounds that differ from the corresponding angles of the natural duplexes.
Evaluation of the Age-Dependence of Conventional and Novel Photoplethysmography Parameters for the Identification of New Cardiovascular Ageing Indicators
Authors: Antali Flóra , Kulin Dániel , Kulin Sándor , Miklós Zsuzsanna
Published: November 2024

Background:Cardiovascular (CV) mortality increases with age partly due to physiological ageing of the CV system. Early vascular ageing raises CV risks. Personalizing CV risk assessment by defining CV age could reduce CV events. Photoplethysmography (PPG), analyzing the peripheral arterial pulse wave may be an effective method for estimating CV age. Ageing index and some other PPG parameters were proven to have age correlation; however, the age dependence of many other pulse wave parameters remains unclear. We aimed to identify age correlations of PPG indices and pulse rate variability (PRV) parameters including few novel parameters which were calculated to further investigate the various aspects of CV ageing.
Our study included 118 healthy (M/F:53/65, mean age:31.8±11.8SD) volunteers for PPG parameter calculation and 106 (M/F:44/62, mean age:32.6±12.2SD) for PRV parameters (age:19-74). 2-minute pulse wave recording was obtained using a pulse oximeter. An automated, proprietary software evaluated PPG and PRV parameter values, which were compared with age (Pearson’s correlation).
Results: PPG parameters describing cardiac ejection time positively correlated with age, while those indicating arterial elasticity showed negative correlation. Composite PPG parameters proposed as indicators of CV health and fitness had negative correlation. (p<0.001, IrI>0.4) Most PRV parameters exhibited negative correlation, indicating reduced adaptive capacity due to ageing. (p<0.05, IrI>0.3)
Conclusions: PPG-based pulse waveform analysis provides a wide range of age-related parameters, making it a promising method for estimating cardiovascular age. Future studies will include subjects with vascular ageing conditions beyond physiological values (e.g., hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease).
Nitrogen removal performance and changes in microbial community structure of a single-stage partial nitrification-anammox (PNA) process for treating municipal wastewater with an extremely low carbon- to-nitrogen ratio
Authors: Sun Yiqiang , Ma Yongguang , Cao Youwei , Liu Shiyue , Tian Xueyong , Dai Bowen
Published: November 2024

The high operating costs and energy requirements of the nitrification-denitrification method in municipal wastewater treatment cannot meet the goal of sustainable development. Therefore, it has become a research hotspot to achieve efficient and energy-saving nitrogen removal through an Anammox-based autotrophic denitrification process in mainstream wastewater treatment. In this study, a single-stage partial nitrification-anaerobic ammonia oxidation process with continuous anaerobic/anoxic feeding and N2H4 control was established. The nitrogen removal performance of two types of reactors with flocs sludge- fixed biofilm and fixed biofilm was compared. The flocs sludge-fixed biological carrier PNA process successfully reduced total inorganic nitrogen to 13.6 mg/L, with a nitrogen removal efficiency of 73.58% and a nitrogen removal load of 0.176 kg-N/m3/d, in a hydraulic retention time of 4.58 h. The fixed-biological-carrier PNA process successfully reduced the total inorganic nitrogen to 7.6 mg/L, with a nitrogen removal efficiency of 77.58% and a nitrogen removal load of 0.24 kg-N/m3/d, within a hydraulic retention time of 3.67 h. Overall, this study confirms that fixed-biomass technology has more efficient nitrogen removal performance and more stable bacterial enrichment than flocs-sludge-fixed-biomass technology through continuous feeding mode. These findings are of great significance for the engineering application of the mainstream anaerobic ammonia oxidation process.
Going More Deeper With Convolutions for Network in Network
Authors: kouka neji , khalfa jawaher ben , hajlaoui jalel eddine
Published: November 2024

Network in Network is an important extension of the deep convolution neural network that uses a shallow multilayer perceptron (MLP), a nonlinear function, to replace the linear filter. In this article, we propose to replace convolution layers with convolution modules. The main feature of this architecture is the improved utilization of computing resources inside the network. This has been achieved through a carefully crafted design that allows for increased network depth and width while keeping the compute budget constant. The experimental results on the CIFAR10 dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method
On the Stability of Mathematical Modelling of Influenza
Authors: Maji Dipak , Ghosh Aditya
Published: November 2024

In this work, a non-linear mathematical model is considered containing susceptible, Infected, vaccinated and recovered classes for influenza. Positivity and Boundedness is established for the model. The basic reproduction number is found for different equilibrium point and its effect on stability is established for disease free and endemic equilibrium point. An attempt has taken for global stability of the model also. Numerical simulation has been done for establishing the mathematical claim.
Potential causal relationships between leisure sedentary behavior, physical activity, and gastrointestinal diseases: a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Yang Qingluo , Wang Mingming
Published: November 2024

Objective: The present study aims to investigate the potential causal relationships between leisure sedentary behaviors (LSB), physical activity (PA), and gastrointestinal diseases (GDs) using Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. This will contribute to a better understanding of the effects of LSB and PA on gastrointestinal health.
Methods: Summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were utilized in a two-sample MR analysis to investigate the causal relationships between LSB and PA with 15 GDs. Three MR methods, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger, were employed to assess the causal effects of PA and LSB on GDs. Sensitivity analyses, such as WM, MR-Egger intercept, Cochran's Q test, and MR-PRESSO, were conducted to enhance robustness and address pleiotropy.
Results: The study identified potential causal links between LSB and specific GDs. Leisure television viewing was linked to increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease, acute and chronic pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, and cholecystitis with cholelithiasis. In contrast, computer use showed potential protective effects against gastroesophageal reflux disease and acute gastritis. Moderate-to-vigorous PA was protective against diverticular disease, while vigorous PA was protective against acute pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, and cholecystitis with cholelithiasis. Seasonal variations in outdoor activity were associated with varying GDs risks.
Conclusion: This MR study provides evidence supporting potential causal relationships between LSB, PA, and various GDs. These findings highlight the importance of reducing LSB, engaging in moderate PA, and considering seasonal variations in outdoor activity to promote gastrointestinal health. Further studies are warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and inform public health interventions.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the efficacy of a modified live virus vaccine Ingelvac PRRS® MLV against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in Asia
Authors: Li Chaosi , Kunze Marius , Zhou Lei , Sun Yingfeng , Li Xiangdong , Chai Weidong , Fang Shuhe , Chen Kai , Qian Jie , Fan Aihua
Published: November 2024

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an important swine pathogen affecting the global swine industry. The aim of this investigation was, through a meta-analysis, to review the published literature concerning the overall efficacy of Ingelvac PRRS® MLV in eastern and southeastern Asian countries. The review was restricted to studies investigating the efficacy of PRRSV vaccines in eastern and southeastern Asian countries published from 2014 to 2024. Important covariates were: type of challenge, age at vaccination, pathogenic PRRSV strains,the Lineage of PRRSV-2 infection, days of vaccine to and days of challenge to sacrifice (day 7, day 14, or day 21). A total of 18 papers met the inclusion criteria. Significant higher ADWG with an average of 116.81 g/ day and lower rectal temperature (-0.53 ℃) were observed in the vaccinated pigs than their unvaccinated counterparts. Overall MML score was significantly reduced by 19.05% points and the average maximum PRRSV RNA copies were 1.33 log10 lower in vaccinated pigs. These findings confirm the effectiveness of Ingelvac PRRS® MLV against heterologous PRRSV infection by improving growth performance, decreasing the duration of viremia, and reducing gross lung lesions under both experimental and field conditions.
Instagram data for validating Nothofagus pumilio distribution mapping in the Southern Andes: A novel ground truthing approach
Authors: Werner Melanie , Weidinger Johannes , Böhner Jürgen , Schickhoff Udo , Bobrowski Maria
Published: November 2024

The availability of valid, non-biased species occurrence data has always been a major challenge for biodiversity research and modelling studies. Data from open-source databases or remote sensing are promising approaches to increase the availability of species occurrence data. However, these data may contain spatial, temporal, and taxonomic biases or require ground truthing. In recent years, social media has received attention for its contribution to species occurrence data sampling and ground truthing approaches. The wide reach of social media platforms allows for rapid and large-scale analyses.

Here we introduce a novel Instagram ground truthing approach to validate the occurrence mapping of Nothofagus pumilio across its entire distribution range. The treeline species of the southern Andes has been extensively studied in small-scale studies, but large-scale modelling approaches are largely missing due to limited accessibility to treeline sites resulting in a lack of occurrence data. The content posted on the social media platform Instagram consists of images and videos in which the species N. pumilio and its location can be identified. By searching for suitable posts using hashtags and location tags, we created 1238 Instagram ground truthing points. We compared the performance of our dataset with open-source data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) through visual, quantitative, and bias analyses, acknowledging that both social media-based and Citizen Science data are subject to sampling and spatial biases due to collection in human-accessible areas. The Instagram ground truthing points were subsequently used to validate remote sensing occurrence data, generated using Sentinel-2 level 2A data and Supervised Classification. The combined approach – Instagram ground truthing and remote sensing – allows for the collection of occurrence data over the entire latitudinal range of N. pumilio, covering approximately 2000 km.

The use of social media content provides potentially important contributions to species occurrence data sampling and ground truthing

In our study we introduce a novel ground truthing approach for species occurrence data sampling based on Instagram data

Instagram ground truthing points, combined with Supervised Classification generate species occurrence data of Nothofagus pumilio over its entire distribution range in the southern Andes

The performance of the Instagram ground truthing points is evaluated by comparison with existing data from the GBIF database.

Our Instagram ground truthing approach demonstrates a new way of sampling species occurrence data and can be applied to other suitable species and study areas.
New evidence on blind snake presence in Sicily stress the need for targeted monitoring
Authors: Faraone Francesco Paolo , Di Nicola Matteo Riccardo , Barraco Luigi , Lillo Francesco
Published: November 2024

The Brahminy blind snake, Indotyphlops braminus , is the most widely introduced reptile globally. Its spread has been facilitated by the international plant trade, owing to its ability to inhabit plant pots. In Europe, I. braminus is found in Spain (mainland Spain and Canary Islands: Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and La Gomera), Portugal (Madeira Island), Malta and Italy (Ischia and Sicily Islands). This study presents data on the long-term persistence of I. braminus at the first occurrence site in Sicily (Paceco, western Sicily) and new records of the species in this region. Observations in Paceco from 2017 to 2023 suggest the possible survival of a population. Furthermore, individuals attributable to this species were observed in two additional sites, both in urban contexts: the island of Pantelleria (Sicily channel) where two specimens were found in the same site in 2023 and 2024 and Valderice (western Sicily). Our findings indicates that I. braminus may be significantly more widespread in Sicily than previously known. Therefore, further surveys in this area are necessary, and monitoring these sites could be crucial in assessing the survival of this species in Mediterranean climates.
Dyspnea in COVID-associated lung disease
Authors: Fan D. V. , Nekludova G. V. , Avdeev S. N.
Published: November 2024

Introduction. Covid-associated lung disease has become one of the leading problems of the COVID-19 pandemic, and early diagnosis of complications is complicated. Assessment of dyspnoea as a significant symptom is important, but its diagnostic ability in this lesion is poorly understood.

Aim. To study the features of dyspnoea in COVID-19-associated lung lesions and its diagnostic value.

Materials and methods. The study included 134 patients with COVID-19-confirmed pneumonia. Demographic and anthropometric data, subjective condition, dyspnoea severity according to Borg scale, concomitant pathologies, multispiral computed tomography (MSCT) data, arterial blood gas composition, capnometry and spirometry data, as well as disease outcomes (transfer to ICU, support ventilation, fatal outcome) were analysed.

Results. Dyspnoea was present in 43.3% of patients. Increased dyspnoea was associated with increased C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, lung tissue damage (MSCT), decreased forced vital capacity (FVC), and increased alveolar-arterial gradient (P(A-a)O2). Dyspnoea correlated with duration of hospitalisation and need for oxygen therapy (OR = 1.307, p = 0.008). 57.4% of patients with hypoxaemia did not complain of dyspnoea, but their outcomes did not differ between patients with dyspnoea and hypoxaemia. 32.2% of patients without hypoxaemia complained of dyspnoea. These patients did not have a significant increase in FGEF by the time of discharge, and it remained lower than in patients without dyspnoea and hypoxaemia.

Conclusion. Dyspnoea in COVID-19-associated lung disease is an important symptom correlating with clinical-functional, instrumental and laboratory characteristics of the disease. Comprehensive data analysis is necessary to identify patients requiring further observation.
Preventive Measures: Problems of Legal Regulation and Law Enforcement Practice
Authors:   Irkutsk Law Institute (Branch), University of Prosecutor`s Office of the Russian Federation, Lavdarenko L. I. , Plesneva L. P. ,   Irkutsk Institute (Branch), All-Russian State University of Justice, Votkin V. A. ,   Far Eastern Federal University
Published: November 2024

The article examines the problems of legal regulation and the practice of applying preventive measures in modern Russian criminal proceedings. The article examines the issues of the essence of preventive measures, the criteria for their allocation in the system of coercive measures into a separate institution, as well as into separate types. Preventive measures in the form of house arrest and prohibition of certain actions are considered in the context of ensuring both public interests and private interests of persons against whom these preventive measures are applied: suspects, accused. The shortcomings of the legal regulation of these preventive measures in terms of ensuring certain rights and legitimate interests of these participants in criminal proceedings are noted. The authors come to the conclusion that the prohibition of the suspect (accused) to leave the premises is an integral part of house arrest and in this regard there is no need to establish it as an independent preventive measure; that the established approach in legislation should be preserved – the application of only one preventive measure to a person. It is proposed to include such a measure as "prohibition of certain actions" in the list of other measures of criminal procedural coercion. Currently, house arrest cannot become an alternative to detention due to the cumbersome mechanism of its election and application, on the one hand, and on the other, unlike detention, it is less effective in achieving the goals of applying preventive measures.
About Some Issues of Taxation in the Russian Federation
Authors:   Institute of State and Law of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Mikhailova Е. V.
Published: November 2024

The article substantiates that the legal relations developing in the field of taxation of individuals and legal entities in the Russian Federation represent the most important element of administrative and legal regulation. The Constitution of the Russian Federation proclaims the most important legal principle of this sphere – the principle of legality, according to which only legally established taxes are levied. At the same time, the norms of tax legislation must meet the requirement of certainty, and clearly establish all essential features and the procedure for determining taxes payable. It is noted that citizens and organizations are obliged to pay only taxes directly established by law. Regulation of issues related to taxation in by-laws is unacceptable, taxation of citizens and organizations should be proportionate to constitutionally significant goals, including those related to the optimal regulation of economic relations, stimulation of a free market economy based on the principles of self-organization of business activities of entrepreneurs as important subjects, as well as appropriate guarantees of stability, predictability, reliability civil turnover. It is proved that the taxation of funds received by a legal entity undergoing insolvency (bankruptcy) procedure from the sale of property belonging to it violates both the rights of this legal entity and the rights and legitimate interests of its creditors, since the property is sold precisely in order to cover the debt owed to them. The procedure for taxation of income of legal entities undergoing bankruptcy proceedings established by the Letter of the Ministry of Finance does not meet the requirement of certainty of tax law norms. The uncertainty of the norms of tax legislation in terms of determining the taxation of legal entities undergoing bankruptcy proceedings has been revealed.
PRINCÍPIO DA DIFERENÇA DE JOHN RAWLS À LUZ DO DIREITO TRIBUTÁRIO
Authors: Borges das Neves Letícia
Published: November 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar, à luz do princípio da diferença preconizado pelo filósofo norte americano John Rawls, como as desigualdades sociais e econômicas são acentuadas através do sistema tributário brasileiro, que tem uma matriz tributária concentrada na tributação sobre o consumo de bens e serviços, que oneram a camada da população mais pobre.  Neste estudo, busca-se examinar as ideias principais da Teoria da Justiça de Rawls, a posição original e os princípios de justiça, dando destaque no princípio da diferença com enfoque no direito tributário. Para tanto, o primeiro capítulo examina a concepção de justiça como equidade preconizada por Rawls, bem como os princípios fundamentais que pautam a sua teoria da justiça e formam a estrutura básica da sociedade. O segundo capítulo, analisa com maior profundidade o princípio da diferença, o qual encontra fundamentação no princípio da igualdade, e pressupõe que as desigualdades são permitidas desde que beneficiem ao máximo os menos favorecidos na sociedade. O terceiro capítulo examina como o direito tributário pode ser um mecanismo social eficaz na redução das desigualdades socioeconômicas, não só por meio da redistribuição de renda, mas essencialmente através de uma tributação mais equânime, que onere menos o consumo de bens e serviços.
SOMOS TODOS HABITANTES DA TERRA
Authors: Nobre Junior Edilson
Published: November 2024

O presente artigo tem como objetivo a abordagem do instituto da apatridia, tomando como ponto de partida a natureza dinâmica dos direitos fundamentais, agora incrementada pelo arcabouço valorativo do Estado constitucional, dentre do qual se insere a dignidade da pessoa humana. É abordada a tutela que dispensa ao tema a Convenção sobre o Estatuto dos Apátridas, a qual se encontra incorporada ao direito brasileiro pelo Decreto nº 4.246/2002. A partir do julgamento de caso líder, é afirmado o caráter de fundamental do direito ao reconhecimento em favor do apátrida de uma capacidade jurídica, nota que há que ser percebida pelas autoridades administrativas e pelos juízes.
SUPRADIREITO OU O DIREITO DOTADO DE SUPRALEGALIDADE
Authors: Rebêlo Felipe
Published: November 2024

O supradireito é um conceito apontado pela doutrina, mas que encontra guarida na jurisprudência, apesar de ser verificada essa aceitação com gradações diferenciadas. Diante desse quadro, destaca-se como objetivo do presente trabalho estudar o caráter conceitual do direito supralegal, relacionando sua aplicação através da prática jurisprudencial – principalmente a jurisprudência da mais alta Corte brasileira, averiguando-se, ainda, a possibilidade de se estatuir o controle de constitucionalidade de normas constitucionais originárias com base nos supradireitos. Há também a possibilidade de se obter o aferimento de que o controle de constitucionalidade dessa natureza não seja possível, buscando-se delinear, em consequência, como os supradireitos são utilizados na prática de aplicação do direito constitucional, bem como se é possível se vislumbrar a sua instrumentalização no ordenamento jurídico de uma maneira diferenciada. Com esse mister, as doutrinas nacional e estrangeira serão consideradas, fornecendo-se espaço mais discreto à jurisprudência alemã, expressa pelo Tribunal Constitucional Federal e cortes inferiores. O marco teórico fundamental para o implemento do presente trabalho é a produção científica de Otto Bachof. O método de abordagem escolhido é o método hipotético-dedutivo, adotando-se como método de procedimento o levantamento bibliográfico.
PRINCÍPIOS CONSTITUCIONAIS COMO FORMA DE EFETIVAR O ESTADO DEMOCRÁTICO DE DIREITO NO BRASIL
Authors: Galvan dos Santos Mariana , Cecconelo Folle Ana Julia , Fasolo Pilati Adriana
Published: November 2024

O presente estudo tem como intuito entender os princípios constitucionais sob a perspectiva da efetivação do Estado Democrático de Direito no âmbito do Estado brasileiro. De forma inicial, estuda-se a história do Estado brasileiro, desde o Brasil Império até o Estado atual, passando por república e ditaduras. De forma secundária, analisa-se os princípios presentes na Constituição Federal de 1988, de forma a compreendê-los. Finalmente, realiza-se a conclusão de que os princípios são uma das formas mais eficazes de efetivar o Estado Democrático de Direito. Para a realização da pesquisa, foi utilizado o método dedutivo, com natureza qualitativa, e com uma pesquisa bibliográfica e histórica (utilizando como fontes: livros, artigos científicos, jurisprudências e mais).
A RELEVÂNCIA DOS INCENTIVOS FISCAIS DA LEI ROUANET PARA A EFETIVA GARANTIA DO DIREITO À CULTURA
Authors: De Oliveira Costa Silva Mireni , De Fátima Ribeiro Maria
Published: November 2024

RESUMO: A Lei 8.313/91 foi criada para servir de fomento à cultura brasileira, que, em uma concepção antropológica, tem configuração plural. A cultura foi consagrada como um direito na Constituição Federal de 1988, e é importante refletir sobre os mecanismos que o Estado brasileiro adota para garanti-lo. A Lei Rouanet criou possibilidades para dar efetividade a esse direito? O presente artigo objetiva discutir, além das bases legais que garantem o direito à cultura, a relevância dos incentivos fiscais previstos na Lei Rouanet para o acesso às manifestações culturais brasileiras. Para tanto, utilizam-se o método indutivo e a pesquisa bibliográfica, bem como a legislação pertinente. A cultura, aqui analisada sob o prisma de um direito, mostra-se relevante, na medida em que assegura a identidade do povo, assim como a possibilidade de inclusão social. Conclui-se que as políticas de fomento e incentivo à cultura promoverão, em síntese, o respeito pelas identidades plurais.
TRABALHO INFANTIL: GRAVE VIOLAÇÃO AOS DIREITOS HUMANOS
Authors: Teixeira de Souza Moura Marta , Ralo Monteiro Juliano , Augusto Galeão de Azevedo Thiago
Published: November 2024

O artigo tem como objeto a exploração da mão de obra de menores. Objetiva-se, analisar as suas principais tendências expostas nos últimos dez anos incluindo o período pandêmico da Covid-19. O procedimento metodológico aplicado neste estudo fez uso de revisão bibliográfica. A coleta de dados foi feita através de livros de caráter jurídico, sociológicos, monografias, leis e legislações que tratam do tema abordado. Ao final pretende-se fomentar reflexões acerca do trabalho infantil, demonstrando sucintamente as formas mais resistentes de trabalho infantil no Estado do Amazonas, como: o doméstico e o informal urbano. Conhecer os aspectos legais do trabalho infantil no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro. Descrever sobrea as piores formas de trabalho infantil e seus prejuízos na vida dos menores. Demonstrar a atuação dos responsáveis em garantir a efetivação desses direitos, tais como: do Estado por meio de seus órgãos públicos; da família, da sociedade; da comunidade; e do Sistema de Garantias de Direitos. Estimular a elaboração e promoção de ações de prevenção e erradicação dessa grave violação aos direitos humanos de crianças e adolescentes. Todavia, estudos apontam que, houve uma estagnação, pela primeira vez nos últimos 20 anos, na redução do trabalho infantil. Apesar disso, diversos países, inclusive o Brasil, assumem o compromisso de eliminar todas as formas de trabalho infantil até 2025
“CONTRA A PÁTRIA NÃO HÁ DIREITOS”
Authors: Nunes Diego , Rodrigues Kühl Raul
Published: November 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a mobilização dos conceitos de exceção e inimigo nos debates parlamentares durante o Governo Constitucional da Era Vargas (1934-1937), utilizando-se de categorias teórico-políticas desenvolvidas por Carl Schmitt como elementos interpretativos. A partir de uma abordagem histórico-jurídica, lidou com fontes normativas, com o acervo do Diário do Poder Legislativo e também historiografia e literatura sobre o tema. Como resultado, encontrou-se que há um fio condutor que liga a exceção e a definição do comunista como inimigo à instituição do Tribunal de Segurança Nacional, corte criada para reprimir o dissenso político no país, a partir de uma construção discursiva que consegue partir de um âmbito abstrato, nas primeiras discussões sobre a Constituição de 1934, e chegar à dimensão concreta do aparato repressor na forma de um tribunal de exceção.
PARADIGMA DE TRANSIÇÃO PARA UMA RACIONALIDADE AMBIENTAL NO BRASIL
Authors: Girardon dos Santos Denise Tatiane , Benedetti Rodrigues Domingos
Published: November 2024

A crise ambiental demanda medidas de enfrentamento, pautadas em paradigmas intergeracionais e ecocêntricos. Objetiva-se, a partir da Convenção da Diversidade Biológica, enquanto pressuposto internacional para a preservação do equilíbrio ambiental, e da Constituição da República Federativa do Brasil, apontar bases jurídicas para transição a uma racionalidade ambiental no Brasil. O Estado está compelido a assumir o viés de Estado de direito do ambiente na sua forma de atuação, antes as legislações internacional e interna, a educação ambiental e o desenvolvimento sustentável, nos seus aspectos jurídico, ambiental, político, cultural e social.  Metodologicamente, a pesquisa é qualitativa, descritiva e longitudinal. Conclui-se que o Estado de direito do ambiente constitui-se como alternativa para a construção da transição para racionalidade ambiental, pela promoção da educação ambiental e do desenvolvimento sustentável.