bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complement System Activation Is a Plasma Biomarker Signature during Malaria in Pregnancy
Authors: Santiago Veronica Feijoli , Dombrowski Jamille Gregorio , Kawahara Rebeca , Rosa-Fernandes Livia , Mule Simon Ngao , Murillo Oscar , Santana Thais Viggiani , Coutinho Joao Victor Paccini , Macedo-da-Silva Janaina , Lazari Lucas Cardoso , Peixoto Erika Paula Machado , Ramirez Marcel Ivan , Larsen Martin R. , Marinho Cláudio Romero Farias , Palmisano Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) is a public health problem in malaria-endemic areas, contributing to detrimental outcomes for both mother and fetus. Primigravida and second-time mothers are most affected by severe anemia complications and babies with low birth weight compared to multigravida women. Infected erythrocytes (IE) reach the placenta, activating the immune response by placental monocyte infiltration and inflammation. However, specific markers of MiP result in poor outcomes, such as low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction for babies and maternal anemia in women infected with Plasmodium falciparum are limited. In this study, we identified the plasma proteome signature of a mouse model infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA and pregnant women infected with Plasmodium falciparum infection using quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics. A total of 279 and 249 proteins were quantified in murine and human plasma samples, of which 28% and 30% were regulated proteins, respectively. Most of the regulated proteins in both organisms are involved in complement system activation during malaria in pregnancy. CBA anaphylatoxin assay confirmed the complement system activation by the increase in C3a and C4a anaphylatoxins in the infected plasma compared to non-infected plasma. Moreover, correlation analysis showed the association between complement system activation and reduced head circumference in newborns from Pf-infected mothers. The data obtained in this study highlight the correlation between the complement system and immune and newborn outcomes resulting from malaria in pregnancy.
Abundance and Diversification of Repetitive Elements in Decapoda Genomes
Authors: Rutz Christelle , Bonassin Lena , Kress Arnaud , Francesconi Caterina , Boštjančić Ljudevit Luka , Merlat Dorine , Theissinger Kathrin , Lecompte Odile
Published: August 2023

Repetitive elements are a major component of DNA sequences due to their ability to propagate through the genome. Characterization of Metazoan repetitive profiles is improving; however, current pipelines fail to identify a significant proportion of divergent repeats in non-model organisms. The Decapoda order, for which repeat content analyses are largely lacking, is characterized by extremely variable genome sizes that suggest an important presence of repetitive elements. Here, we developed a new standardized pipeline to annotate repetitive elements in non-model organisms, which we applied to twenty Decapoda and six other Crustacea genomes. Using this new tool, we identified 10% more repetitive elements than standard pipelines. Repetitive elements were more abundant in Decapoda species than in other Crustacea, with a very large number of highly repeated satellite DNA families. Moreover, we demonstrated a high correlation between assembly size and transposable elements and different repeat dynamics between Dendrobranchiata and Reptantia. The patterns of repetitive elements largely reflect the phylogenetic relationships of Decapoda and the distinct evolutionary trajectories within Crustacea. In summary, our results highlight the impact of repetitive elements on genome evolution in Decapoda and the value of our novel annotation pipeline, which will provide a baseline for future comparative analyses.
Social Media and Adolescents’ Well-Being
Authors: Guo Sijia , Cheung Chau-Kiu
Published: August 2023

The call for articles for the Special Issue of Healthcare, entitled “Social Media and Adolescents’ Well-Being”, was proposed at the beginning of 2021 as part of multidisciplinary efforts to understand the complex interactions between social media usage and adolescents’ well-being [...]
Psycho-Behavioral Characteristics Perceived as Facilitators by Brazilian Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in a Public Health Service
Authors: Pecoli Priscila Firmino Gonçalves , Rosa Anderson da Silva , Gabbay Mônica Andrade Lima , Dib Sérgio Atala
Published: August 2023

Type 1 diabetes imposes a complex and challenging routine on patients and caregivers. Therefore, considering individual experiences and personal facilitators to promote assertive interventions is crucial. However, no studies have addressed these perspectives in the Brazilian adult population. We aimed to identify psycho-behavioral characteristics perceived as facilitators for coping with the condition. We used a biographical method to conduct semi-structured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews for each participant. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Participants (n = 22) were aged 18–57 years (mean: 30.2; standard deviation (SD): 8.7), and the duration since diagnosis was approximately 20.6 years (SD: 4.6). A total of 12 (54.4%) were women, 13 (59.1%) used insulin pumps, 14 (63.6%) had at least a college degree, and 13 (59.1%) had HbA1C (glycated hemoglobin) levels above 58 mmol/mol (7.5%). Five major themes emerged: (1) peer learning, (2) ownership, (3) welcoming experiences, (4) equity, and (5) reframing the path (P.O.W.E.R.). All themes appeared in the lived experiences shared by participants with HbA1C levels below 58 mmol/mol (7.5%). Improved glycemic control can be achieved, and the challenges encountered in diabetes care within similar socioeconomic contexts can be addressed by an interdisciplinary care team that takes P.O.W.E.R. into consideration when providing person-centered care strategies.
Assessment of Nutrient Levels Provided by General Hospital Patient Menus: A Cross-Sectional Study Carried Out in the Region of Murcia (Spain)
Authors: Barcina-Pérez Pablo , Lucas-Abellán Carmen , Abellán-Aynés Oriol , Mercader-Ros María , Victoria-Montesinos Desirée , Hernández-Sánchez Pilar , Serrano-Martínez Ana
Published: August 2023

Disease-related malnutrition remains a health problem with a high prevalence that increases the risk of poor patient outcomes, in addition to an elevation of healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional quality of the menus at Ribera Molina Hospital, including their adequacy regarding recommended daily nutrient intakes and the agreement with the theoretical nutrition information provided by catering. The mean levels of energy, macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals provided by the basal, diabetic, and soft diets were calculated through the weighing of plated food served throughout the first 14 days of February 2020. A nutritional overestimation was seen in the nutrition information provided by the catering compared to the values derived from weighing foods (p < 0.01). Despite this, the nutritional content calculated by weighing satisfied the energy and protein requirements of 203 hospitalized patients previously studied in the internal medicine area of the hospital. The mean age of these patients was 62 years, and the main causes of admission were lung, cardiovascular, renal, and digestive diseases. There seems to be an insufficient amount of vitamins E and D, as well as magnesium, on all the menus. A possible insufficient amount of calcium, potassium, zinc, and copper was observed in some of the menus studied. It is necessary to update the hospital prescription manual so the nutritional contents of the diets are accurate and based on the weighted and calculated values to improve the adequacy of diets prescribed to patients.
Inside the Bell Jar of Social Media: A Descriptive Study Assessing YouTube Coverage of Psychotropic Medication Adherence
Authors: Jawed Aysha , Zaim Nadia
Published: August 2023

The global mental health crisis is a longstanding one that impacts a multitude of patient populations worldwide. Within this crisis, psychiatric medication adherence is yet another complex public health challenge that continues to persist and contribute towards the chronic nature of the increased incidence and prevalence of psychiatric morbidities, which in turn result in the sequalae of substantial costs to humanity, the healthcare system, lost productivity, functioning and disability among patients with mental disorders. Psychotropic medication adherence is a significant part of psychiatric care and treatment across severity levels of mental illness. This health behavior is also filled with complexities, given the abundance of social and behavioral determinants as well as intrinsic and extrinsic factors that surround this health behavior. Examining contexts for promoting this health behavior change is crucial in determining directions for addressing it more optimally. There have been several published studies on considerations and interventions to address this health behavior; however, to date, no studies have been published on assessing coverage and directions of content across social media platforms, which trend as a rising health communication medium in our digital era. The present study is the first of its kind to dive into exploring the nature of widely viewed content and deliverers of this content on a prominent social media platform, YouTube, as the basis to determine potential directions for future intervention that can extend to reaching more patients struggling with this high-risk health behavior across the world, given the global reach of social media.
Anti-Diabetic Activity of Glycyrrhetinic Acid Derivatives FC-114 and FC-122: Scale-Up, In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Álvarez-Almazán Samuel , Solís-Domínguez Luz Cassandra , Duperou-Luna Paulina , Fuerte-Gómez Teresa , González-Andrade Martin , Aranda-Barradas María E. , Palacios-Espinosa Juan Francisco , Pérez-Villanueva Jaime , Matadamas-Martínez Félix , Miranda-Castro Susana Patricia , Mercado-Márquez Crisóforo , Cortés-Benítez Francisco
Published: August 2023

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the most common diseases and the 8th leading cause of death worldwide. Individuals with T2D are at risk for several health complications that reduce their life expectancy and quality of life. Although several drugs for treating T2D are currently available, many of them have reported side effects ranging from mild to severe. In this work, we present the synthesis in a gram-scale as well as the in silico and in vitro activity of two semisynthetic glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) derivatives (namely FC-114 and FC-122) against Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and α-glucosidase enzymes. Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxicity assay on Human Foreskin fibroblast and the in vivo acute oral toxicity was also conducted. The anti-diabetic activity was determined in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats after oral administration with FC-114 or FC-122. Results showed that both GA derivatives have potent PTP1B inhibitory activity being FC-122, a dual PTP1B/α-glucosidase inhibitor that could increase insulin sensitivity and reduce intestinal glucose absorption. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and enzymatic kinetics studies revealed the inhibition mechanism of FC-122 against α-glucosidase. Both GA derivatives were safe and showed better anti-diabetic activity in vivo than the reference drug acarbose. Moreover, FC-114 improves insulin levels while decreasing LDL and total cholesterol levels without decreasing HDL cholesterol.
Macrophage Profiling in Head and Neck Cancer to Improve Patient Prognosis and Assessment of Cancer Cell–Macrophage Interactions Using Three-Dimensional Coculture Models
Authors: Mhaidly Nour , Journe Fabrice , Najem Ahmad , Stock Louis , Trelcat Anne , Dequanter Didier , Saussez Sven , Descamps Géraldine
Published: August 2023

Tumor-associated macrophages are key components of the tumor microenvironment and play important roles in the progression of head and neck cancer, leading to the development of effective strategies targeting immune cells in tumors. Our study demonstrated the prognostic potential of a new scoring system (Macroscore) based on the combination of the ratio and the sum of the high and low densities of M1 (CD80+) and M2 (CD163+) macrophages in a series of head and neck cancer patients, including a training population (n = 54) and a validation population (n = 19). Interestingly, the Macroscore outperformed TNM criteria and p16 status, showing a significant association with poor patient prognosis, and demonstrated significant predictive value for overall survival. Additionally, 3D coculture spheroids were established to analyze the crosstalk between cancer cells and monocytes/macrophages. Our data revealed that cancer cells can induce monocyte differentiation into protumoral M2 macrophages, creating an immunosuppressive microenvironment. This coculture also induced the production of immunosuppressive cytokines, such as IL10 and IL8, known to promote M2 polarization. Finally, we validated the ability of the macrophage subpopulations to induce apoptosis (M1) or support proliferation (M2) of cancer cells. Overall, our research highlights the potential of the Macroscore as a valuable prognostic biomarker to enhance the clinical management of patients and underscores the relevance of a spheroid model in gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying cancer cell–macrophage interactions.
Atypical Intraparenchymal Meningioma with YAP1-MAML2 Fusion in a Young Adult Male: A Case Report and Mini Literature Review
Authors: Nobee Alisa , Xu Mei , Seth Anjali , Rong Yuan
Published: August 2023

Oncogenic Yes-associated protein (YAP) 1 fusions have been recently identified in several cases of meningioma mostly involving pediatric patients. The meningiomas harboring YAP1-MAML2, which is the most frequent fusion subtype, exhibit activated YAP1 signaling and share similarities with NF2 (neurofibromatosis type 2 gene) mutant meningiomas. We reported a rare case of atypical intraparenchymal meningioma with YAP1-MAML2 fusion in a 20-year-old male. The patient presented with an episode of seizure without a medical history. MRI revealed a lesion in the right temporal lobe without extra-axial involvement. The radiological and morphological findings, however, were indistinctive from other intracranial diseases, e.g., vascular malformation and glioma. Immunohistochemical results confirmed the presence of abundant meningothelial cells in the tumor and indicated brain invasion, supporting the diagnosis of atypical intraparenchymal meningioma. Targeted RNA fusion analysis further identified a YAP1-MAML2 rearrangement in the tumor. Non-dural-based intraparenchymal meningiomas are uncommon, and the careful selection of specific tumor markers is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, the detection of the fusion gene provides valuable insights into the oncogenic mechanism of meningioma.
Sodium Nitrite Attenuates Reduced Activity of Vascular Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and Vascular Hyper-Reactivity and Increased Systolic Blood Pressure Induced by the Placental Ischemia Model of Preeclampsia in Anesthetized Rats
Authors: Martins Laisla Zanetoni , da Silva Maria Luiza Santos , Rodrigues Serginara David , Gomes Sáskia Estela Biasotti , Molezini Laura , Rizzi Elen , Montenegro Marcelo Freitas , Dias-Junior Carlos Alan
Published: August 2023

Preeclampsia is a maternal hypertension disorder associated with vascular dysfunction and fetal and placental growth restrictions. Placental ischemia is suggested as the primary trigger of preeclampsia-associated impairments of both endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) and the vascular activity of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Reduced uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP) is a placental ischemia model of preeclampsia. Reduction of sodium nitrite to NO may occur during ischemic conditions. However, sodium nitrite effects in the RUPP model of preeclampsia have not yet been investigated. Pregnant rats were divided into four groups: normotensive pregnant rats (Norm-Preg), pregnant rats treated with sodium nitrite (Preg + Nitrite), preeclamptic rats (RUPP), and preeclamptic rats treated with sodium nitrite (RUPP + Nitrite). Maternal blood pressure and fetal and placental parameters were recorded. Vascular function, circulating NO metabolites, and the gelatinolytic activity of vascular MMP-2 were also examined. Sodium nitrite attenuates increased blood pressure, prevents fetal and placental weight loss, counteracts vascular hyper-reactivity, and partially restores NO metabolites and MMP-2 activity. In conclusion, sodium nitrite reduction to NO may occur during RUPP-induced placental ischemia, thereby attenuating increased blood pressure, fetal and placental growth restriction, and vascular hyper-reactivity associated with preeclampsia and possibly restoring NO and MMP-2 activity, which underlie the blood pressure-lowering effects.
Production, Exacerbating Effect, and EV-Mediated Transcription of Hepatic CCN2 in NASH: Implications for Diagnosis and Therapy of NASH Fibrosis
Authors: Li Xinlei , Chen Ruju , Kemper Sherri , Brigstock David R.
Published: August 2023

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by steatosis, hepatocyte ballooning, and inflammation and may progress to include increasingly severe fibrosis, which portends more serious disease and is predictive of patient mortality. Diagnostic and therapeutic options for NASH fibrosis are limited, and the underlying fibrogenic pathways are under-explored. Cell communication network factor 2 (CCN2) is a well-characterized pro-fibrotic molecule, but its production in and contribution to NASH fibrosis requires further study. Hepatic CCN2 expression was significantly induced in NASH patients with F3–F4 fibrosis and was positively correlated with hepatic Col1A1, Col1A2, Col3A1, or αSMA expression. When wild-type (WT) or transgenic (TG) Swiss mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the control of the CCN2 promoter were fed up to 7 weeks with control or choline-deficient, amino-acid-defined diet with high (60%) fat (CDAA-HF), the resulting NASH-like hepatic pathology included a profound increase in CCN2 or EGFP immunoreactivity in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and in fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells of the vasculature, with little or no induction of CCN2 in other liver cell types. In the context of CDAA-HF diet-induced NASH, Balb/c TG mice expressing human CCN2 under the control of the albumin promoter exhibited exacerbated deposition of interstitial hepatic collagen and activated HSC compared to WT mice. In vitro, palmitic acid-treated hepatocytes produced extracellular vesicles (EVs) that induced CCN2, Col1A1, and αSMA in HSC. Hepatic CCN2 may aid the assessment of NASH fibrosis severity and, together with pro-fibrogenic EVs, is a therapeutic target for reducing NASH fibrosis.
The Molecular Mechanisms Employed by the Parasite Myxobolus bejeranoi (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) from Invasion through Sporulation for Successful Proliferation in Its Fish Host
Authors: Maor-Landaw Keren , Avidor Itamar , Rostowsky Nadav , Salti Barbara , Smirnov Margarita , Ofek-Lalzar Maya , Levin Liron , Brekhman Vera , Lotan Tamar
Published: August 2023

Myxozoa is a unique group of obligate endoparasites in the phylum Cnidaria that can cause emerging diseases in wild and cultured fish populations. Recently, we identified a new myxozoan species, Myxobolus bejeranoi, which infects the gills of cultured tilapia while suppressing host immunity. To uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying this successful parasitic strategy, we conducted transcriptomics analysis of M. bejeranoi throughout the infection. Our results show that histones, which are essential for accelerated cell division, are highly expressed even one day after invasion. As the infection progressed, conserved parasitic genes that are known to modulate the host immune reaction in different parasitic taxa were upregulated. These genes included energy-related glycolytic enzymes, as well as calreticulin, proteases, and miRNA biogenesis proteins. Interestingly, myxozoan calreticulin formed a distinct phylogenetic clade apart from other cnidarians, suggesting a possible function in parasite pathogenesis. Sporogenesis was in its final stages 20 days post-exposure, as spore-specific markers were highly expressed. Lastly, we provide the first catalog of transcription factors in a Myxozoa species, which is minimized compared to free-living cnidarians and is dominated by homeodomain types. Overall, these molecular insights into myxozoan infection support the concept that parasitic strategies are a result of convergent evolution.
Multi-Sensor Fusion Target Tracking Based on Maximum Mixture Correntropy in Non-Gaussian Noise Environments with Doppler Measurements
Authors: Yi Changyu , Li Minzhe , Li Shuyi
Published: August 2023

This paper addresses the multi-sensor fusion target tracking problem based on maximum mixture correntropy in non-Gaussian noise environments exclusively using Doppler measurements. As Doppler measurements are non-linear, a statistical linear regression model is constructed using the unscented transformation. Then, a centralized measurement model is developed, and the mixture correntropy is determined, which contains the high-order statistics of state prediction and the measurement error caused by noise. Then, a robust fusion filter is proposed by maximizing the mixture-correntropy-based cost. To improve numerical stability, the information filter and corresponding square root version are also derived. Furthermore, the performance of the proposed algorithm is analyzed, and the selection of the kernel width is discussed. Experiments are performed using simulated data and automatic driving software. The results show that the estimation performance of the proposed algorithm is better with respect to outliers and mixture Gaussian noise than that of traditional methods.
Sn(IV)porphyrin-Anchored TiO2 Nanoparticles via Axial-Ligand Coordination for Enhancement of Visible Light-Activated Photocatalytic Degradation
Authors: Shee Nirmal Kumar , Kim Hee-Joon
Published: August 2023

A visible-light-active photocatalyst, SnP/AA@TiO2, was fabricated by utilizing the coordination chemistry between the axial hydroxo-ligand in the (trans-dihydroxo)(5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato)Sn(IV) complex (SnP) and adipic acid (AA) on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles. The SnP center was strongly bonded to the surface of the TiO2 nanoparticles via the adipic acid linkage in SnP/AA@TiO2, as confirmed by various instrumental techniques. SnP/AA@TiO2 exhibited remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of rhodamine B dye (RhB) in aqueous solution under visible-light irradiation. The RhB degradation efficiency of SnP/AA@TiO2 was 95% within 80 min, with a rate constant of 0.0366 min−1. The high degradation efficiency, low catalyst loading and high reusability make SnP-anchored photocatalysts more efficient than other photocatalysts, such as TiO2 and SnP@TiO2.
Distribution, Vertical Transmission, and Cooperative Mechanisms of Obligate Symbiotic Bacteria in the Leafhopper Maiestas dorsalis (Hemiptera, Cicadellidea)
Authors: Wu Wei , Lei Jia-Ning , Mao Qianzhuo , Tian Yan-Zhen , Shan Hong-Wei , Chen Jian-Ping
Published: August 2023

Many insects rely on ancient symbiotic bacterial associations for essential nutrition. Auchenorrhyncha commonly harbor two obligate symbionts: Sulcia (Bacteroidetes) and a proteobacterial partner that supplies essential amino acids lacking in their plant-sap diets. In this study focusing on Maiestas dorsalis, we investigated the distribution and vertical transmission of two obligate symbiotic bacteria, Sulcia and Nasuia, within the leafhopper. Sulcia primarily inhabits the external region of the bacteriome, while Nasuia is restricted to the internal region. Both symbionts progressively infiltrate the ovary through the epithelial plug, ultimately reaching the developing primary oocyte. Furthermore, co-phylogenetic analysis suggests a close correlation between the evolution of Auchenorrhyncha insects and the presence of their obligate symbiotic bacteria. Genomic analysis further unveiled the extreme genome reduction of the obligate symbiotic bacteria, with Sulcia retaining genes involved in basic cellular processes and limited energy synthesis, while Nasuia exhibited further gene loss in replication, transcription, translation, and energy synthesis. However, both symbionts retained the genes for synthesizing the essential amino acids required by the host insect. Our study highlights the coevolutionary dynamics between Sulcia, proteobacterial partners, and their insect hosts, shedding light on the intricate nutritional interactions and evolutionary adaptations in Auchenorrhyncha insects.
The Evolving Role of Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in the Era of Transcatheter Valvular Procedures
Authors: Juarez-Casso Fernando M. , Crestanello Juan A.
Published: August 2023

Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) has long been the standard treatment for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). However, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative; it was initially intended for high-risk patients and has now expanded its use to patients of all risk groups. While TAVR has demonstrated promising outcomes in diverse patient populations, uncertainties persist regarding its long-term durability and potential complications, raising the issue of the ideal lifetime management strategy for patients with AS. Therefore, SAVR continues to play an important role in clinical practice, particularly in younger patients with longer life expectancies, those with complex aortic anatomy who are unsuitable for TAVR, and those requiring concomitant surgical procedures. The choice between TAVR and SAVR warrants personalized decision-making, considering patient characteristics, comorbidities, anatomical considerations, and overall life expectancy. A multidisciplinary approach involving an experienced heart team is crucial in the preoperative evaluation process. In this review, we aimed to explore the current role of surgical management in addressing aortic valve stenosis amidst the expanding utilization of less invasive transcatheter procedures.
Analysis of Clinical Profiles and Echocardiographic Cardiac Outcomes in Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) vs. PPCM with Co-Existing Hypertensive Pregnancy Disorder (HPD-PPCM) Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nugrahani Annisa Dewi , Maulana Sidik , Tjandraprawira Kevin Dominique , Santoso Dhanny Primantara Johari , Setiawan Dani , Pribadi Adhi , Siddiq Amillia , Pramatirta Akhmad Yogi , Aziz Muhammad Alamsyah , Irianti Setyorini
Published: August 2023

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a form of new-onset heart failure that has a high rate of maternal morbidity and mortality. This was the first study to systematically investigate and compare clinical factors and echocardiographic findings between women with PPCM and co-incident hypertensive pregnancy disorders (HPD-PPCM) and PPCM-only women. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) framework. We used four databases and a single search engine, namely PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane. We used Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) 2.0 for quality assessment. Databases were searched for relevant articles published from 2013 to the end of April 2023. The meta-analysis used the DerSimonian–Laird random-effects model to analyze the pooled mean difference (MD) and its p-value. We included four studies with a total of 64,649 participants and found that systolic blood pressure was significantly more likely to be associated with the PPCM group than the HPD-PPCM group (SMD = −1.63) (95% CI; −4.92,0.28, p = 0.01), while the other clinical profiles were not significant. HPD-PPCM was less likely to be associated with LVEF reduction (SMD = −1.55, [CI: −2.89, −0.21], p = 0.02). HPD-PPCM was significantly associated with less LV dilation (SMD = 1.81; 95% (CI 0.07–3.01), p = 0.04). Moreover, HPD-PPCM was less likely to be associated with relative wall thickness reduction (SMD = 0.70; 95% CI (−1.08–−0.33), p = 0.0003). In conclusion, PPCM and HPD-PPCM shared different clinical profiles and remodeling types, which may affect each disease’s response to pharmacological treatment. Patients with HPD-PPCM exhibited less eccentric remodeling and seemed to have a higher chance of recovering their LV ejection fraction, which means they might not benefit as much from ACEi/ARB and beta-blockers. The findings of this study will guide the development of guidelines for women with PPCM and HPD-PPCM from early detection to further management.
Assessing the Connectivity Reliability of a Maritime Transport Network: A Case of Imported Crude Oil in China
Authors: Wang Jiashi , Wang Xinjian , Feng Yinwei , Cao Yuhao , Guo Zicheng , Liu Zhengjiang
Published: August 2023

Crude oil transportation is a vital component of the global energy supply, and the global Crude Oil Maritime Transportation Network (COMTN) plays a crucial role as a carrier for crude oil transportation. Once the network faces attacks that result in the failure of certain routes, a severe threat is posed to the crude oil supply security of importing countries. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the reliability of the COMTN. This study proposes a model for evaluating the reliability of the imported COMTN by analyzing the impact of node failures. Firstly, the network is constructed using complex networks (CNs) theory, with ports, canals, and straits as nodes, and shipping routes as directed edges. Secondly, based on the Weighted Leader Rank algorithm, a comprehensive evaluation metric for CNs is established, and a node importance assessment model is developed to rank the nodes accordingly. Thirdly, a case study is conducted using China’s imported COMTN as an example, evaluating the connectivity reliability (CR) under random and deliberate attack scenarios. Finally, measures and recommendations are provided to enhance the CR of China’s imported COMTN. The findings indicate that deliberate attacks pose a greater threat, and reliability varies across maritime routes, with the Americas route exhibiting higher reliability compared to the Middle East and Southeast Asia routes. The results of this study can provide relevant recommendations for policy makers. The model proposed in this study can also be applied to other countries and regions to assess the connectivity reliability of their local COMTNs and develop appropriate measures for the results.
Rethinking Man–Land Relations in China: A Multidisciplinary Perspective
Authors: Ma Li , Zhang Yingnan , Gan Muye , Shan Zhengying
Published: August 2023

Land constitutes a fundamental natural asset, vital for the sustenance, advancement, and ecological balance of human civilization [...]
New Insights into Urbanization Based on Global Mapping and Analysis of Human Settlements in the Rural–Urban Continuum
Authors: Li Xiyu , Yu Le , Chen Xin
Published: August 2023

The clear boundary between urban and rural areas is gradually disappearing, and urban and rural areas are two poles of a gradient with many continuous human settlements in between, which is a concept known as the rural–urban continuum. Little is known about the distribution and change trajectories of the various types in the rural–urban continuum across the globe. Therefore, using global land-cover data (FROM-GLC Plus) and global population data (Worldpop) based on the decision-making tree method, this study proposed a method and classification system for global rural–urban continuum mapping and produced the mapping results on a global scale in the Google Earth Engine platform. With the expansion of built-up areas and the increase in population, the global human settlements follow the pattern that develops from wildland to villages (isolated—sparse—dense), and then to towns (sparse—dense), and finally to urban areas (edge—center). From a regional perspective, there are some obvious differences: Africa is dominated by sparse villages; Asia has the highest proportion of densely clustered towns; the proportion of dense villages in Europe is high. Rural–urban continuum mapping and analysis provide a database and new insights into urbanization and differences between urban and rural areas around the world.
Evaluation of Urban Commercial Land Use Intensification Based on Land Parcels: Taking Wuxi City as an Example
Authors: Wang Haocong , Wu Kening , Feng Zhe , Zhao Huafu , Ai Hua , Meng Chao
Published: August 2023

Intensive land use assessment is a key research topic in urban land use, and most of the existing studies focus on macro-level assessment. There is a lack of research on the micro-level assessment of intensive urban land use, especially at the parcel level. The objective of this research is to propose a method for the parcel-based evaluation of urban commercial land intensification. The study uses a multidimensional evaluation framework and index system, comprehensive evaluation, and spatially exploratory analysis of urban commercial intensive land use based on “building intensity, use efficiency, compatibility, and diversity”. The study finds that (1) the average value of intensive use of urban commercial land is 13.01, the standard deviation is 5.11, and the median value is 13, which generally indicate a medium level. (2) The degree of intensive use of commercial land has obvious characteristics of a high, medium, and low level. The study shows that when evaluating the degree of land use intensification at the parcel level, it is also necessary to consider the influence of the compatibility and diversity of external land use. The research results can provide a basis for spatial planning and the optimal design of urban land resources to improve urban vitality.
The Effects of Urban Sprawl on Electricity Consumption: Empirical Evidence from 283 Prefecture-Level Cities in China
Authors: Li Qiangyi , Yang Lan , Huang Shuang , Liu Yangqing , Guo Chenyang
Published: August 2023

Under the urban development trend of sprawl, improving energy use efficiency is a proper way to promote green and low-carbon construction in cities. This paper uses panel data from 283 prefecture-level and above cities in China from 2008 to 2019 to measure the urban sprawl index, and analyze the spatial-temporal evolution law of urban sprawl and electricity consumption. The relationship between urban sprawl and electricity consumption is empirically examined, and the differential effect of urban sprawl on electricity consumption is analyzed. Finally, the impact of urban sprawl on electricity consumption based on a spatial perspective is explored in depth by establishing a spatial error model. We found the following: (1) The levels of urban sprawl and urban electricity consumption are on the rise. The spatial distribution of urban sprawl is more dispersed, and cities with high electricity consumption levels are mostly concentrated in the eastern coastal areas. (2) Urban sprawl exacerbates electricity consumption, and this conclusion is still robust after a series of robustness tests were conducted and endogeneity issues were taken into account. In terms of the influence mechanism, urban sprawl mainly affects electricity consumption by changing the allocation of land resources, increasing the dependence on private transportation, and inhibiting green technology innovation. (3) The incremental effect of urban sprawl on electricity consumption is more pronounced in cities with high sprawl levels, weak environmental regulations, and low green innovation levels, as well as in west cities. (4) Urban sprawl and electricity consumption both have a significant positive spatial correlation. Electricity consumption of cities is not only related to their own regions but also influenced by the adjacent regions, and the spatial correlation is mainly reflected in the random error term. This paper deepens the understanding of the basic laws of urban sprawl affecting urban low-carbon development, which also has implications for new urbanization strategies and green development.
How Does Capital Endowment Impact Farmers’ Green Production Behavior? Perspectives on Ecological Cognition and Environmental Regulation
Authors: Xu Xuezhen , Wang Fang , Xu Tao , Khan Sufyan Ullah
Published: August 2023

Enhancing rural ecological protection and promoting the adoption of environmentally-friendly agricultural production practices largely depend on the implementation of green production methods by farmers. This research paper focuses on the green production behavior of farmers in Hainan Province, China, drawing insights from survey responses provided by 543 farmers. The study examines how farmers’ capital endowment, ecological cognition, and environmental regulation impact their multiple green production practices, using the ordered probit model, mediation effect model, and moderation effect model for analysis and further applying the Ivoprobit_CMP, PSM, and other methods for endogeneity treatment and a robustness test. The study reveals several key findings. Firstly, only a small proportion of farmers consistently adopt green production practices throughout various stages of agricultural production. Secondly, the research shows that capital endowment, including natural, economic, human, and social capital, has a significant influence on farmers’ green production behavior. Thirdly, the study finds that ecological cognition plays a crucial role in mediating the relationship between capital endowment and its dimensions (human and social capital) and the adoption of green production practices. Additionally, the research discovers that environmental regulation positively moderates the relationship between ecological cognition and farmers’ green production behavior. Finally, the research indicates that factors such as ethnicity, fluctuations in agricultural production, and the location of the village agricultural waste collection site are all significant determinants of farmers’ engagement in green production practices. The study also identifies significant regional disparities in farmers’ adoption of green production practices. To address the issue of farmers’ low adoption of green production practices, the paper recommends promoting the overall green transformation of the entire agricultural production process. This can be achieved by enhancing farmers’ capital endowment in multiple dimensions and improving their ecological cognition through various channels. Additionally, creating a supportive external environment that aligns with green production practices is deemed critical.
Law and Children’s Decision Making: What Is the Rights Approach?
Authors: Tobin John
Published: August 2023

This paper outlines three broad models that have informed the relationship between the law and children’s involvement in decision making—the property/instrumentalist approach, the welfare approach, and a rights-based approach. It identifies and critiques contemporary legal practices that regulate children’s decision making against the standards required under a rights-based approach. The focus is on three contexts—(i) statutory bright line minimum age rules; (ii) presumptive age limits, and (iii) individual decision making involving children where there is often an interplay between the principle of Gillick competency and the parens patriae jurisdiction of a court. The key arguments advanced are that a rights-based approach tolerates minimum age rules and presumptive age limits under certain conditions. A rights-based approach also aligns closely with the principle of Gillick competency but offers a deeper and more nuanced insight into how to enable and support decision making with children across childhood. Finally, a rights-based approach also offers novel insights into how the parens patriae jurisdiction of common law courts, with its historical emphasis on the protection of children, could be developed to better protect children’s rights and decisional autonomy.
Life’s Mechanism
Authors: Pierce Simon
Published: August 2023

The multifarious internal workings of organisms are difficult to reconcile with a single feature defining a state of ‘being alive’. Indeed, definitions of life rely on emergent properties (growth, capacity to evolve, agency) only symptomatic of intrinsic functioning. Empirical studies demonstrate that biomolecules including ratcheting or rotating enzymes and ribozymes undergo repetitive conformation state changes driven either directly or indirectly by thermodynamic gradients. They exhibit disparate structures, but govern processes relying on directional physical motion (DNA transcription, translation, cytoskeleton transport) and share the principle of repetitive uniplanar conformation changes driven by thermodynamic gradients, producing dependable unidirectional motion: ‘heat engines’ exploiting thermodynamic disequilibria to perform work. Recognition that disparate biological molecules demonstrate conformation state changes involving directional motion, working in self-regulating networks, allows a mechanistic definition: life is a self-regulating process whereby matter undergoes cyclic, uniplanar conformation state changes that convert thermodynamic disequilibria into directed motion, performing work that locally reduces entropy. ‘Living things’ are structures including an autonomous network of units exploiting thermodynamic gradients to drive uniplanar conformation state changes that perform work. These principles are independent of any specific chemical environment, and can be applied to other biospheres.
Machining Temperature, Surface Integrity and Burr Size Investigation during Coolant-Free Hole Milling in Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy
Authors: Shanmugam Ragavanantham , Baloor Satish Shenoy , Koklu Ugur , Polishetty Ashwin , Bolar Gururaj
Published: August 2023

Modern Aircraft structures use titanium alloys where the processing of holes becomes essential to assemble aerospace parts. Considering the limitations of drilling, the study evaluates the helical milling for hole processing in Ti6Al4V. The experimental evaluation was conducted by considering burr size, surface roughness, machining temperature, and microhardness under coolant-free conditions. The axial feed and cutting speed were varied at three levels, and nine experiments were conducted. The results exhibit a lower machining temperature during helical milling than during drilling. In addition, the helical milling helped to lower the surface roughness and size of the exit burrs. However, helical-milled holes showed higher subsurface microhardness than conventionally drilled holes. The process variables were influential on machining temperature magnitude. The highest recorded temperature of 234.7 °C was observed at 60 m/min of cutting speed and 0.6 mm/rev feed. However, the temperature rise did not affect the microhardness. Strain hardening associated with mechanical deformation was the primary mechanism driving the increase in microhardness. Helical-milled holes exhibited an excellent surface finish at lower axial feeds, while chatter due to tool deformation at higher feeds (0.6 mm/rev) diminished the surface finish. The surface roughness increased by 98% when the cutting speed increased to 60 m/min from 20 m/min, while a moderate increment of 28% was observed when the axial feed increased to 0.6 mm/rev from 0.2 mm/rev. Furthermore, the formation of relatively smaller burrs was noted due to significantly lower thrust load and temperature produced during helical milling.
Molecular Dynamic Simulation and Experiment Validation on the Diffusion Behavior of Diffusion Welded Fe-Ti by Hot Isostatic Pressing Process
Authors: Gu Cheng , Zeng Sheng , Peng Weili , You Guoqiang , Zhao Jianhua , Wang Yajun
Published: August 2023

A reliable bonding interface between steel and Ti alloy is required for producing a steel/Ti bimetal composite. In this study, molecular dynamic simulations and diffusion welding experiments using the hot isostatic pressing process were conducted to study the atomic diffusion at the Fe-Ti interface. The simulation results indicate that the diffusion layer thickness is thinner in single crystals compared to polycrystals at the same temperature. This difference may be explained by polycrystals having grain boundaries, which increase atomic disorder and facilitate diffusion. The radial distribution function (RDF) curves for Fe-Fe and Ti-Ti exhibit a similar pattern over time, with a main peak indicating the highest atom density within a specific radius range and relatively strong binding between the central atoms and their nearest neighbors. The observed changes in the diffusion coefficient with temperature in the simulations align well with the experimental results. This study enhances the understanding of Fe-Ti interface diffusion mechanism and provides valuable insights for broader applications of steel/Ti bimetal composites.
Effect of Sepiolite on the Field-Dependent Normal Force of Magnetorheological Grease
Authors: Du Mengwei , Wang Huixing , Ye Xudan , Qian Kun , Wang Jiong
Published: August 2023

In order to investigate the influence of sepiolite minerals on the normal force of magnetorheological grease (MRG), a mixed sample (ALCH) on the basis of preparing an aluminum–lithium-based magnetorheological grease (base sample ALC), containing sepiolite was further prepared. The field-dependent normal force of the two samples was tested using a rotational rheometer, considering conditions such as magnetic field, time, strain amplitude, frequency, and temperature, and the results were compared. The results indicate that sepiolite limits the field dependent normal force of the magnetorheological grease under steady state shear, and is unaffected by magnetic field, time, temperature, and shear rate. Sepiolite has minimal impact on the transient response of the magnetorheological grease. Under oscillatory shear, the magnetic field is an important factor influencing the field-dependent normal force response of the sepiolite-magnetorheological grease (ALCH). At low magnetic fields, the field-dependent normal force of the sepiolite-containing sample (ALCH) is greater than that of the base sample (ALC), while this relationship is reversed at high magnetic fields, unaffected by other factors. Under long-term shear conditions, both samples exhibit good shear stability, as well as consistency at different frequencies and strain amplitudes. However, an increase in shear rate reduces the normal force, and temperature also affects the field-dependent normal force. The patterns of variation in steady-state and oscillatory shear modes are not entirely the same, but both exhibit a characteristic decrease with increasing temperature under high magnetic field intensities. Sepiolite can reduce the temperature sensitivity of the normal force of the magnetorheological grease. In conclusion, the introduction of sepiolite is beneficial for the application of magnetorheology in high-precision devices.