bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activity of Corydalis solida
Authors: DULGER Gorkem
Published: September 2022

Aim: The present study, it was aimed to evaluate the bioactive properties of Corydalis solida.

Material and Methods: In the study, the anticancer activity of ethanolic extracts prepared from C. solida was determined on HCT116 colon cancer, AGS gastric cancer and HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and HUVEC cells, healthy control cell line. Well diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial properties of solida. For this purpose, ethanolic extracts were used for antimicrobial activity against four bacterial isolates (Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella oxytoca) and three yeast strains (Candida albicans, C. tropicalis and C .glabrata).

Results: Corydalis solida plant extract produced significant antiproliferative effect in HCT116 (colon cancer), AGS (gastric cancer) and HepG2 (liver cancer) cell lines. This effect was more remarkable in the HepG2 cell line. In addition, negligible cell death in HUVEC cells indicated that the plant was not toxic to healthy cells. Plant extract application also caused significant Caspase-3, 8 and 9 activation in HepG2 and HCT116 cells, consistent with the antiproliferative effect. Antimicrobial studies have shown that the extract made inhibition zone on bacteria.

Conclusion: In the study, it was determined that the ethanol extract of Corydalis solida had anticancer effect. In addition, the extract had inhibitory properties on bacteria. The data obtained from the study are qualified to support further pharmacological studies.
Analysis the Causes of High Food Costs and Food Cost Control Strategies at the Food and Beverage Product Department at the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton Bali
Authors: Made Artajaya  , Made Wahyu Chikara Wijaya  , I Gusti Agung Febrianto
Published: September 2022

The hotel's second largest revenue is food and beverage revenue. Four Points by Sheraton Bali Ungasan benefit from the sale of food and beverages, the income can be achieved maximally if the control of food cost effectively and efficiently. The objective of this study was to determine the cause of the high food cost at Four Points by Sheraton Bali Ungasan in 2020 and to determine the food cost control strategy by the food and beverage product department. Based on the percentage comparison between standard food costs and actual food costs period JanuaryDecember 2020, there is a difference of 4.03%. This study uses a qualitative descriptive analysis technique of triangulation of sources using the theory of Dittmer, Ojugo, and Wiyasha. The results of this study indicated the purchasing section was not applied standard purchase specifications and standard prices. The receiving section did not check the quality and quantity of food from suppliers. Foodstuff storage did not apply FIFO and the storage space did not mind the feasibility and temperature. The issuing section did not apply storeroom requisition. The kitchen section did not apply the standard yield, standard recipe and standard portion size optimally, this causes high food costs.
Measuring The Priority Of Tourism Village Development In The New Tourism Era
Authors: Dewa Ayu Made Lily Dianasar  , Ida Bagus Putra Negarayana  , I Gede Gian Saputra  , Dewa Ayu Nyoman Aridayanti
Published: September 2022

The study aims to analyze the priority of developing tourist villages during the new normal period in Petang District, Badung Regency Bali. The theory and concepts used to answer the problems in this research are the concept of tourism product components, the concept of a tourism village, the concept of new normal tourism. The research method used is qualitative research using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Sources of data in this study are primary data and secondary data obtained through the process of observation, interviews and focus group discussions. The results of this study indicate that the priority of developing a tourism village in Petang District in the new normal era is an ancillary aspect as the main development priority. Then, the order of priority aspects of development that can be done next is attraction, accessibility, amenity, available packages and activity. Related to ancillary as the main priority aspect, there are institutional sub-criteria as things that can be prioritized first compared to the development of additional services. Based on the analysis that has been carried out, the form of institutional development that will be implemented is by holding a collaboration between the Petang District Government and the tourism institutional where the assistance collaboration is carried out in stages starting with the establishment of a tourism management system.
The Paradox of Anthroponormative Restriction: Artistic Artificial Intelligence and Literary Writing
Authors: Bajohr Hannes
Published: September 2022

Artificial Intelligence, in the shape of stochastic machine learning models, has seen an increased use in artistic production in recent years. However, it makes an immense difference if such an ‘artistic Artificial Intelligence’ is conceived of as an autonomous agent or only as a tool in the context of a human-machine assemblage. This article introduces the distinction between a ‘ strong’ and a ‘ weak’ artistic AI, and suggests that each invites a specific aesthetic. The former is inherently anthropocentric, strives for the reduplication of existing artforms, and reproduces concepts of a postromantic tradition such as expression, genius, and creativity. The latter, on the other hand, allows for an experimental approach towards genuine artistic novelty unhampered by human models through, paradoxically, keeping a human in the loop. This point is illustrated by discussing Ahmed Elgammal’s ‘Creative Adversarial Network’ and the digital poetry of Allison Parrish and Zach Whalen.
JAPAN’S FOREIGN POLICY TOWARDS CHINA (2001-2006)
Authors:   International Relations of St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, QINGSONG TIAN , ZELENEVA IRINA
Published: September 2022

The article considers the dynamics of Japan’s foreign policy towards China at the beginning of the millennium. Its study was the purpose of this article. Its achievement presupposed the solution of the corresponding tasks: consideration of Japan’s multilateral diplomacy in other countries, characterization of the economic policy of the Koizumi cabinet in China. On the basis of the analysis carried out, appropriate conclusions were drawn. Since becoming Prime Minister of Japan, Junichiro Koizumi has made significant changes to his China policy. On the one hand, Koizumi believes that China’s economic growth and internal stability play a positive role for the Japanese economy. On the other hand, he sees China as a rising power that threatens Japan’s external environment and at the same time shakes its dominance in Asia. During Koizumi’s rule, Sino-Japanese relations generally showed a deteriorating trend: he actively deepened economic exchanges with China, but at the same time took a tough stance towards China in the field of foreign policy and security. Koizumi’s repeated visits to the Yasukuni Shrine seriously damaged Sino-Japanese relations, leading to the suspension of high-level visits between China and Japan. And Sino-Japanese relations have deteriorated to their lowest point since 1972.
Learning House for Elementary School Students Those Affected by Covid-19 in the Awuawu Street Community
Authors: Karmila Nita , Suchyadi Yudhie
Published: September 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact in various fields. One of them is in the field of education. Social changes that occur in the field of education due to the pandemic require all levels of education to adapt from offline learning to online learning. Of course this raises the pros and cons, resulting in various problems in the field. Among some of these problems, especially in the online learning of students at the elementary school level. This also happened to students in the Jl. Education II Babakan Gunung Gede Rt.01 Rw.01 No.55 whose majority of parents are from the lower middle class so that they become targets in this Community Service (PkM) activity. PkM activities are carried out for one month with a total of eight mentoring meetings. In each meeting students are given different materials accompanied by educational games that can increase learning motivation. The activity received a positive response from various parties so that it is hoped that similar activities can be carried out on an ongoing basis.
Security factor in the context of financial support for sustainable development
Authors:   SHEE “Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman”, OPARIN Valerij , VOLKOVSKYI Ievgen ,   SHEE “Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman”, VOLKOVSKA Natalia ,   Ministry of Finance of Ukraine
Published: September 2022

Introduction. The issue of timely response of the global financial community to escalating military threats in certain regions of the world through targeted investments or financial assistance depends largely on the actualization of the issue of security as a leading factor of sustainable development in the global economy. The solution to this problem is possible with the introduction of innovative financial instruments, which could provide timely financing of security infrastructure. Problem Statement. The onset of military conflict brings with it enormous losses of socio-economic development. To a large extent, the risk of military conflict and its consequences can be reduced by financing the necessary measures to improve the defense capabilities of the country. According to the worldwide trend of implementing the concept of sustainable development, such funding is possible within one of the seventeen sustainable development goals. Purpose. To determine the main sources of financial aid except for the governments‘ aid of the world countries, to search for the possibilities of applying innovative mechanisms of financial support for sustainable development in the event of an aggravation of the security situation. Methods. General scientific and special methods were used: analysis, synthesis, grouping, description, comparison, theoretical generalization and classification. Results. It has been found that the security factor as a separate goal of sustainable development was established seven years ago, accordingly, the financing of security risks and military conflicts is carried out according to the principle of elimination of consequences. Therefore, there is a problem that requires the development of new tools for guaranteeing peace, which should be bonds, which are a financial tool for sustainable development in the event of increased risks of military aggression. The mechanisms of issuance must take into account different levels of risk. Which, in turn, should determine the requirements for the possibility of issuing such bonds and the results to be achieved. Conclusions. Under the present conditions, Ukraine has a unique opportunity to act as a catalyst for the recognition of the security factor as one of the defining components of the sustainable development concept, without which the achievement of sustainable development goals in the environmental, social and governance components is impossible. This increased focus on the security factor will require the search for and application of innovative financial instruments, one of which should be peace bonds.
State regulation of critical infrastructure in Ukraine during martial law
Authors:   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”, BALAKIN Robert
Published: September 2022

Introduction. The conceptual foundations of state regulation of critical infrastructure of Ukraine are laid down in the Concept of creating a state system of critical infrastructure protection (2017). The legal basis for regulating this area is established by the Law of Ukraine “On Critical Infrastructure” (2021). Problem Statement. Russia's armed aggression has led to a major destruction of Ukraine's national infrastructure. Approaches to state regulation of its facilities have changed, the real possibilities of their financing at the expense of the state budget have narrowed, and the structure of state borrowings has been transformed. Purpose. To determine the features of state regulation of critical infrastructure of Ukraine in martial law, the main areas of financial support for its postwar recovery, taking into account the experience of member states of the European Union. Methods. Modern approaches to the analysis of critical infrastructure issues of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, specialized agencies of the European Commission are used. Methods of theoretical generalization, retrospective analysis, synthesis, grouping, description, comparison are used. Results. Approaches to state regulation of critical infrastructure facilities in wartime, real possibilities of their financing at the expense of the state budget are revealed. The improvement of the legislation applied in the EU aimed at increasing the sustainability of critical enterprises is analyzed. The main directions of financial support for the restoration and development of critical infrastructure of Ukraine in the postwar period are identified, taking into account the economic and fiscal policy of the EU. Conclusions. Increasing the role of external official creditors in the structure of government borrowing provides the dynamics of financing the urgent needs of the functioning of national infrastructure and addressing issues of social protection. At the same time grants of direct budget support alone cannot cover the state budget deficit in the medium and long term. Solving the problems of financing the restoration of critical infrastructure is possible by providing partner countries with guarantees to their companies to invest in Ukraine under the conditions of effective anti-crisis management.
Building intergroup trust through personal transfers: a field experiment in post-war Liberia
Authors: Jabateh Sekou , Barcelo Soler Joan
Published: September 2022

The erosion of intergroup relations in war-torn societies has important consequences, leading to harmful behaviors ranging from outgroup avoidance to discrimination to physical attacks. Urgent policy responses are required to overturn these patterns. In this project, we offer a novel approach. We theorize that a fundamental mechanism that underlies cooperation across individuals and groups is positive reciprocity. Ethnic wars disrupt mechanisms of intergroup reciprocal trust by making individuals wary of outgroup members, reinforcing patterns of intergroup prejudice and discrimination. Thus, we hypothesize that interventions that aim at shaping people’s beliefs about the cooperative preferences of outgroup members are likely to be effective at building trust and cooperation across members of opposed ethnic groups in postwar settings. For this purpose, we design and evaluate the effectiveness of a novel kind of intervention in reducing group-based prejudice in postwar Liberia: inter-ethnic personal transfers. i.e., cash transfers between individuals of different ethnic groups.
Sacred Ground: African American Slaves, Incidental Burdens, and the US Religious Freedom Paradigm
Authors: Earley Brady
Published: September 2022

The religious freedom narrative in the United States tells a story that often relies heavily on U.S. civil religion to color the perspectives of religious freedom. Even when taking account for the experience of minority groups, such as African American slaves, these experiences are often framed within a lens the minority group did not choose. This article contributes an account of religious freedom for African American slaves based on a shared crucial component of West African indigenous religion: burial rituals. This analysis highlights the ways that minority groups need not be persecuted or reviled to have their religious freedom removed. Simply failing to understand and accommodate their beliefs ultimately had the same effect. The article then traces this tendency through modern religious freedom case law making the case for proactive protection of religious freedom through focusing on responsibilities before making reactive repairs to rights violations.
Microbiome engineering: engineered live biotherapeutic products for treating human disease
Authors: Rutter Jack W. , Dekker Linda , Owen Kimberley A. , Barnes Chris P.
Published: September 2022

The human microbiota is implicated in many disease states, including neurological disorders, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. This potentially huge impact on human health has prompted the development of microbiome engineering methods, which attempt to adapt the composition and function of the human host-microbiota system for a therapeutic purpose. One promising method is the use of engineered microorganisms that have been modified to perform a therapeutic function. The majority of these products have only been demonstrated in laboratory models; however, in recent years more concepts have reached the translational stage. This has led to an increase in the number of clinical trials, which are designed to assess the safety and efficacy of these treatments in humans. Within this review, we highlight the progress of some of these microbiome engineering clinical studies, with a focus on engineered live biotherapeutic products.
Tectonics of kinetic architecture: Moving envelope, changing space and the shades of the shed
Authors: Akgün Yenal , Erkarslan Özlem Erdoğdu , Kavuncuoğlu Canberk
Published: September 2022

Buildings in our day are no more frozen pieces of music as ascribed by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. They can move, rotate, flip and perform various physical gestures. This paper aims to explore the spatial, aesthetical, and technical characteristics of kinetic buildings within the framework of the theory of tectonics, which is still far away from covering the art form of movement. The study has been organized into two phases. The first phase sets up the theoretical framework of the topic by exploring the main dichotomy of the tectonic discourse on “ontological and representational parts of the building” and introduces the main concepts of kinetic architecture related to the characterization of architectural space. The second phase is a case study on The Shed as also known as Culture Shed in Hudson Yards in New York City. This part focuses on the interrelations between tectonics and the physical movement of architectural elements. The results indicate that the type of movement and the role of moving elements change not only the architectural space but also the tectonic character of the building. While some movements and moving parts are directly related to the representational aspects, some change the ontological character of the building. The impact of the movement on the tectonic character is a topic that hasn't been well investigated yet and has the potential to be developed through further research. As a result, the theoretical findings of this study can contribute to tectonic thinking during the design process of kinetic architectural products.
De novo LAMP2 insertion mutation causes cardiac-only Danon disease: A case report
Authors: Wang James Jiqi , Yu Bo , Song Xiuli , Wang Hong
Published: September 2022

Danon disease is a rare disease caused by glycogen storage lysosomal disorder. It is related to the pathogenic mutation of the LAMP2 gene. In this case report, we present a patient with a novel pathogenic mutation (c.764_765insGA) with cardiac-only symptoms. Her family members do not carry the same mutation she does, suggesting this is a de novo mutation. Further tests revealed vacuoles and glycogen disposition in the patient's heart tissue and a significant decrease in LAMP2 protein expression. Protein structure remodeling of LAMP2 predicted that the mutant protein has conformational change lacking an important transmembrane domain, subsequently causing protein destabilization.
Approaches to priority identification in digital health in ten countries of the Global Digital Health Partnership
Authors: Cascini Fidelia , Altamura Gerardo , Failla Giovanna , Gentili Andrea , Puleo Valeria , Melnyk Andriy , Causio Francesco Andrea , Ricciardi Walter
Published: September 2022

Background

To promote shared digital health best practices in a global context, as agreed within the Global Digital Health Partnership (GDHP), one of the most important topics to evaluate is the ability to detect what participating countries believe to be priorities suitable to improve their healthcare systems. No previously published scientific papers investigated these aspects as a cross-country comparison.

Objective

The aim of this paper is to present results concerning the priorities identification section of the Evidence and Evaluation survey addressed to GDHP members in 2021, comparing countries’ initiatives and perspectives for the future of digital health based on internationally agreed developments.

Methods

This survey followed a cross-sectional study approach. An online survey was addressed to the stakeholders of 29 major countries.

Results

Ten out of 29 countries answered the survey. The mean global score of 3.54 out of 5, calculated on the whole data set, demonstrates how the global attention to a digital evolution in health is shared by most of the evaluated countries.

Conclusion

The resulting insights on the differences between digital health priority identification among different GDHP countries serves as a starting point to coordinate further progress on digital health worldwide and foster evidence-based collaboration.
Health professionals knowledge of telemedicine and its associated factors working at private hospitals in resource-limited settings
Authors: Wubante Sisay Maru , Tegegne Masresha Derese
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The appropriate implementation of telemedicine in the healthcare system has the potential to overcome global problems such as accessibility and quality healthcare services. Thus assessing the knowledge of health professionals before the actual adoption of telemedicine is considered a prominent solution to the problems.

Objective

This study aimed to assess healthcare professionals' knowledge of telemedicine and its associated factors at private hospitals in low-resource settings.

Method

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 health professionals at private hospitals in low-income settings in Ethiopia, from March to April 2021. Data collection was performed by pretested and self-administered questionnaires. This study employed statistical packages for social sciences software. This study employed multivariable logistic regression to determine dependent and independent variables associated with adjusted odd ratio and 95% CI.

Result

in this study about 65.8% of health professionals have good knowledge on Telemedicine .Computer literacy (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.8, 4.6), computer training (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.3), Internet availability at workplace (AOR = 2.1; 95%CI: 1.3, 3.4), had private laptop (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.9) were significantly associated with knowledge.

Conclusion and recommendation

In general health professionals had good knowledge of Telemedicine. Inclusive packages of capacity by training among health providers are fundamental for the successful implementation of telemedicine.
Quantitative provenance analysis through deep learning of rare earth element geochemistry: A case from the Liuling Group of the East Qinling Orogen, Central China
Authors: Zhang Zhenkai , Yang Na , Hong Zenglin , Yang Jianhua , Du Biao , Zhao Duanchang , Chen Ning , Zhou Tengfei
Published: September 2022

With the ever-growing availability of massive geo-data, deep learning has been widely applied to geoscientific questions such as sedimentary provenance analysis. However, randomly selected initial weights (and also biases) and possible loss of population diversity in traditional neural network learning remain problematic. To address this issue, in this study, we proposed a new deep neural network model by incorporating genetic algorithm (GA) and simulated annealing algorithm into the BP neural network, i.e., the GA-SA-BP model. We then applied this new model to rare earth element (REE) geochemical data of the Liuling Group of the East Qinling Orogen to investigate its provenance. Our results showed that among other deep learning algorithms, the new model presents the best performance with good measuring metrics (e.g., over 85% of accuracy, over 0.82 of F1-macro-average, F1-micro-average, and Kappa coefficient, and smallest (<0.15) Hamming distance). Here, we interpreted in accordance with the classification results that the southern margin of the North China Craton and the South Qinling Orogen are likely two major sources of the Liuling Group, suggesting a bidirectional deposition route of sediments from the north and south. Therefore, we proposed a foreland basin environment as the likely tectonic setting for the Liuling Group, which is consistent with current geological understanding. Our observations suggested that the GA-SA-BP model (or improved deep learning models) coupled with REE geochemistry is capable of provenance analysis.
Influence of vertical grouting steel-tube connection mode on anti-sliding performance
Authors: Wei Shaowei , Zhang Xinshang , Qin Chuan , Wei Peiyong , Qin Shangyou , Liu Li , Chen Qian , Yin Chuan
Published: September 2022

Steel-tube grouting technology has been widely applied in the slope control engineering. While the anti-sliding performances of different connection modes of grouted steel tubes still needs further investigation. In this paper, a large-scale model test was used to study the influence of three types of pile connections, namely a whole pile without connection, with a reinforcement welded connection, and with a casing connection, on the anti-sliding performance of multi-stage grouted steel-tube pile. The results showed that the slope could be reinforced by all multi-stage grouted steel-tube pile structures controlled by different pile connection modes, and the composite anti-sliding body of the “root-shape” cement column could be formed around the pile, which effectively improved the perimeter of the pile and enhanced the anti-sliding performance of steel-tube pile structure. The steel-tube piles with different pile connection modes all suffered from bending failure near the sliding surface. The horizontal anti-sliding force of the welded steel tube 6 m in length was 1.4 t per root, which was higher than that of the whole pile. The horizontal anti-sliding force of steel casing connected steel-tube with 6 m in length was 8.8 t per root, which was higher than that of the whole pile. The casing connected steel tube had stronger anti-sliding ability due to the increased diameter of the steel tube near the sliding surface. Therefore, it is recommended that the casing connection mode be used in the connection design of steel pipes, and the reinforcement of a pile body near the sliding surface should be strengthened to improve the flexural failure capacity.
Evaluating the sensitivity and influential factors of freeze-thaw erosion in Tibet, China
Authors: Fan Jianrong , Xu Fubao , Zhang Xiyu , Zhang Xiaoxue , Liang Bo
Published: September 2022

Freeze‒thaw (FT) erosion has gradually become more severe due to climate warming, and concerns about FT erosion in ecologically fragile areas (e.g., high-altitude and high-latitude areas) continues to grow. Tibet, located at the Third Pole of Earth, is also in a substantial part underlain with seasonally frozen soil and subject to FT erosion. Evaluating the sensitivity and influential factors of FT erosion in Tibet is warranted to manage the ecological environment and human production activities. In this study, we investigated the sensitivity and spatial distribution characteristics of FT erosion in Tibet based on advanced remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) technologies. To further explore the influence of each factor on FT erosion, we analyzed the sensitivity of FT erosion under each factor condition. Our results showed that the annual temperature range is the most influential factor on FT erosion among temperature, precipitation, topography and vegetation. In addition, we introduced the coefficient of variation (CV) to represent the stability of temperature and then used CMIP5 simulation data to estimate the susceptibility of FT erosion in Tibet over the next 30 years. The CVs in central and western Tibet were higher than those in other areas and thus need more attention to FT erosion in central and western Tibet in the future.
MKRN3 role in regulating pubertal onset: the state of art of functional studies
Authors: Palumbo Stefania , Cirillo Grazia , Aiello Francesca , Papparella Alfonso , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele , Grandone Anna
Published: September 2022

Puberty is a critical process characterized by several physical and psychological changes that culminate in the achievement of sexual maturation and fertility. The onset of puberty depends on several incompletely understood mechanisms that certainly involve gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and its effects on the pituitary gland. The role of makorin ring finger protein 3 (MKRN3) in the regulation of pubertal timing was revealed when loss-of-function mutations were identified in patients with central precocious puberty (CPP), which to date, represent the most commonly known genetic cause of this condition. The MKRN3 gene showed ubiquitous expression in tissues from a broad spectrum of species, suggesting an important cellular role. Its involvement in the initiation of puberty and endocrine functions has just begun to be studied. This review discusses some of the recent approaches developed to predict MKRN3 functions and its involvement in pubertal development.
Real-world use of once-weekly semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes at an outpatient clinic in Spain
Authors: Garcia de Lucas Maria Dolores , Miramontes-González Jose Pablo , Avilés-Bueno Beatriz , Jiménez-Millán Ana Isabel , Rivas-Ruiz Francisco , Pérez-Belmonte Luis M.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To investigate the use of once-weekly semaglutide in a real population of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in three Spanish hospitals.

Method

An observational, retrospective and multicenter clinical study was designed that included 166 participants with T2DM, distinguishing between a group naïve to GLP-1RA (n=72) and another switching from another GLP-1RA (n=94), all managed in the outpatient clinical setting. The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c from baseline to the end of the study. The secondary endpoints included changes in body weight and the proportion of people with T2DM, achieving HbA1c <7.0% and body weight loss >5%.

Results

After 24 months of follow-up, the reductions in HbA1c were -0.91 ± 0.7% (p<0.001) in the total cohort, -1.13 ± 1.38% (p<0.019) for GLP-1RA-naïve participants, and -0.74 ± 0.9% (p<0.023) for GLP-1RA-experienced participants. Body weight reductions were -12.42 ± 9.1% in GLP-1RA-naïve participants vs. -7.65 ± 9.7% in GLP-1RA-experienced participants (p<0.001). In the total cohort, 77.1% reached the objective of an HbA1c level <7%, and 12.7% reached between 7.1% and 7.5%. Additionally, 66.9% achieved a weight reduction ≥5%. Of all cohort, 90% received 1 mg of semaglutide once a week. The reported adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of semaglutide.

Conclusions

In routine clinical practice in Spain, the use of semaglutide once a week was associated with statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in HbA1c and body weight in a wide range of adults with T2DM, without notable adverse effects, which supports real-world use.
Land-use function evolution and eco-environmental effects in the tarim river basin from the perspective of production–living–ecological space
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Yin , Xia Tingting , Li Yang , Li Zhi
Published: September 2022

The identification of land type multi-functionality is a basic tool for the organization, coordination, and configuration of basin land, and provides a key criterion for determining the combination of land-use functions and the status quo of the ecological environment in the basin. However, a feasible identification method system for this purpose has not yet been established. Therefore, in this study, we construct a production–living–ecological space (PLES) classification system from the comprehensive perspective of land-use type and ecological environment. Based on remote sensing of PLES and statistical land-use status data for 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, we analyze the evolutionary characteristics of land-use function using the transfer matrix and center of gravity transfer methods. These are combined with the eco-environmental quality index to reveal the driving factors of eco-environmental quality spatial differentiation using the geographic detector model. The results indicate that the overall ecological environment quality index of the Tarim River Basin presents a downward trend, with a spatial differentiation pattern of high in the northwest and low in the southeast. Over the past 20 years, the ecological environment quality index has dropped by 0.852. The structural evolution and regional differentiation of PLES areas are remarkable, all of which expanded over the study period (except for the key ecological land). The center of gravity of production land presented the most obvious migration, with a total migration of 10,601.76 m to the northeast. Eco-environmental effects are found to be mainly driven by socio-economic factors, of which population density growth is the most important. The implementation of some ecological restoration projects has played a role in slowing down the degradation trend of the ecological environment quality in the Tarim River Basin; however, due to population increases and socio-economic development, the ecological environment degradation has overall been exacerbated.
Study on the location of unconventional outside left-turn lane at signalized intersections based on an entropy method
Authors: Liu Xijun , Shao Chaoyi , Yang Shuai , Zhang Ranyang , Pan Binhong
Published: September 2022

A good air environment and smooth traffic environment are important for smart city building and sustainable development. However, with the increase of urban population and traffic volume, traditional intersections often face serious congestion problems, which makes vehicle emissions increase greatly and seriously threatens urban air quality. To alleviate this problem, the unconventional design with an outside left turn lane on the right side of the through lanes has been widely used in China. However, there is little research and guidance on the location of unconventional outside left-turn lane settings. Therefore, this paper collects traffic data from a signalized intersection with unconventional outside left-turn lane design in Xi’an, and evaluates and analyzes the outside left-turn lane design at different locations using the entropy weight method (EWM). The simulation of the outside left-turn lane with different setting locations is performed in VISSIM and six indexes are analyzed. Finally, EWM is innovatively used to calculate the weights of the adopted indexes to achieve a comprehensive evaluation of different location schemes under different traffic scenarios. It was found that the differences in vehicle emissions were as high as 54.7% with different locations of the outside left-turn lane design, and the vehicles operated with different efficiencies. The unconventional design with the outside left-turn lane in the sub-outermost lane is suitable for most traffic conditions, while the design with the outside left-turn lane in the outermost lane performs better at high traffic volumes. The conventional outside left turn lane design is suitable for light traffic.
The impact of natural disasters on rural household wealth: Micro evidence from China
Authors: Wu Shaoyong , Zhang Rui , Wang Chuncao , Feng Dawei
Published: September 2022

Examining the factors that influence rural households’ wealth facilitates enhancing poor households’ happiness, improving their overall welfare, and narrowing the wealth gap between different households. Thus, this study analyzed data from the China Family Panel Survey (CFPS) using multiple linear regression and propensity score matching methods to examine the impact of natural disasters on rural household wealth. Our findings showed that natural disasters have a significant negative impact on rural household wealth, with a medium-to long-term effect. Additionally, the heterogeneity analysis indicated that natural disasters have a greater effect on the wealth of larger households and households with high-consumption levels. Mechanism results suggest that natural disasters affect rural household wealth by reducing household income and harming individual’s physical and mental health.
A theory of change to reverse the current Mexican freshwater fish extinction crisis
Authors: Contreras-MacBeath Topiltzin , Mejia Mojica Humberto , Rivas González Juan Manuel
Published: September 2022

Freshwater ecosystems are considered amongst the most imperiled on earth, since rivers, lakes, wetlands, and other surface waters receive most of the impacts from unsustainable human activities. This has had measurable impacts on freshwater species, and more specifically on freshwater fishes, as data from the Red List show that 23.5% of the 11,937 freshwater fish species evaluated so far, are classified as threatened. Mexico is not exempt from this situation, as a recent report demonstrates that 39.9% of Mexican freshwater fishes are threatened, and there are 21 lost species (extinct + extinct in the wild), the highest number for any country or region of the world. Here we develop a Theory of Change (ToC) to guide management interventions when seeking to prevent further freshwater fish extinctions in Mexico and reversing the current extinction crisis. We describe four thematic areas of intervention: (1) restoration and reintroduction aimed at eight extinct in the wild and four regionally extinct species, (2) conservation management prioritizing 39 critically endangered species, distinguishing between those inhabiting protected areas, water parks, and those with no management nor protection, (3) explorations to find eight possibly extinct species, and (4) communication and outreach to gain support for conservation interventions. The framework has been developed as a tool for conservation advocates and policymakers to implement and monitor change that prevents extinctions, but also to seek and attract funding. It is also meant to guide different levels of government in setting priorities for conservation interventions.
FDX1 expression predicts favourable prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma identified by bioinformatics and tissue microarray analysis
Authors: Huang Xing , Wang Tao , Ye Jiali , Feng Huayi , Zhang Xiangyi , Ma Xin , Wang Baojun , Huang Yan , Zhang Xu
Published: September 2022

Ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), an iron-sulphur protein, is responsible for electron transfer in a range of metabolic redox reactions. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is an aggressive cancer characterised by metabolic reprogramming, and FDX1 is a critical regulator of cuproptosis. However, the expression profile and prognostic value of FDX1 associated with clinicopathological features in ccRCC remain largely unelucidated. In this study, we integrated a series of public bioinformatic analysis to explore the mRNA and protein profiles of FDX1 across human cancers and cell lines and validated its expression and prognostic value, especially in ccRCC. In this study, FDX1 mRNA and protein expression were aberrantly downregulated and associated with ccRCC grade, stage, and nodal metastasis, whereas in adjacent non-tumour kidney tissue, it was abundantly expressed and cytoplasmically localised in renal tubular epithelial cells. Multivariate analysis indicated that low FDX1 expression contributed to unfavourable overall and disease-free survival. The functional enrichment of FDX1 co-expressed genes in ccRCC involved mainly mitochondrial dysfunction in various metabolic processes and biological oxidation, besides iron-sulphur cluster biogenesis. Furthermore, FDX1 modulates immunological infiltration to affect prognosis. Thus, FDX1 downregulation is mechanistically because of ccRCC tumourigenesis and is a promising prognostic biomarker to stratify patients with ccRCC.
Research into the biological differences and targets in lung cancer patients with diverse immunotherapy responses
Authors: Zhang Xunlang , Wu Xinhui , Huang Huang , Du Kangming , Nie Yingying , Su Peiyuan , Li Yuefei
Published: September 2022

Background

Immunotherapy has gradually become an important therapy option for lung cancer patients.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were responsible for all the public data.

Results

In our study, we firstly identified 22 characteristic genes of NSCLC immunotherapy response using the machine learning algorithm. Molecule subtyping was then conducted and two patient subtypes were identified Cluster1 and Cluster2. Results showed that Cluster1 patients had a lower TIDE score and were more sensitive to immunotherapy in both TCGA and combined GEO cohorts. Biological enrichment analysis showed that pathways of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), apical junction, KRAS signaling, myogenesis, G2M checkpoint, E2F targets, WNT/β-catenin signaling, hedgehog signaling, hypoxia were activated in Cluster2 patients. Genomic instability between Cluster1 and Cluster2 patients was not significantly different. Interestingly, we found that female patients were more adaptable to immunotherapy. Biological enrichment revealed that compared with female patients, pathways of MYC target, G2M checkpoints, mTORC1 signaling, MYC target, E2F target, KRAS signaling, oxidative phosphorylation, mitotic spindle and P53 pathway were activated. Meanwhile, monocytes might have a potential role in affecting NSCLC immunotherapy and underlying mechanism has been explored. Finally, we found that SEC14L3 and APCDD1L were the underlying targets affecting immunotherapy, as well as patients survival.

Conclusions

These results can provide direction and guidance for future research focused on NSCLC immunotherapy.
Durable disease control and refractory bullous pemphigoid after immune checkpoint inhibitor discontinuation in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Mari Roxane , Guerin Mathilde , Vicier Cécile , Walz Jochen , Bonnet Nathalie , Pignot Géraldine , Gravis Gwenaelle
Published: September 2022

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors deeply modified metastatic renal cell carcinoma’s management, and confront us to adverse events that we were not used to with conventional anti-cancer therapies. We report the case of a patient who received nivolumab as second-line treatment of a metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma and who developed bullous pemphigoid four years after nivolumab introduction, with persistent exacerbations even after its discontinuation.

Case presentation

A 66-year-old man was diagnosed with lung metastasis eight years after radical nephrectomy for a clear cell renal cell carcinoma. He firstly received an anti-angiogenic agent combination, and then received anti-programmed death 1 (PD1) nivolumab as second-line treatment. Nivolumab led to prolonged disease control, but after four years of exposure the patient developed skin lesions consistent with bullous pemphigoid. After seven years of nivolumab administration and perfect disease stability, nivolumab was discontinued and surveillance was proposed. Despite nivolumab discontinuation, the patient continued to develop bullous pemphigoid exacerbations. Metastatic renal cell carcinoma was still perfectly stable more than two years after immune checkpoint discontinuation with no further anti-cancer therapy.

Discussion

We report the case of a refractory bullous pemphigoid which occurred four years after nivolumab introduction and lasted despite nivolumab discontinuation, in a patient whose metastatic renal cell carcinoma is still controlled after more than two years without any anticancer treatment. This highlights the potential association between immune-related adverse events and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, and underlines the occurrence of late-onset and long-lasting immune-related adverse events even after discontinuation of treatment, which must encourage us to remain vigilant in the long term.
Consequences of sex differences in Type I IFN responses for the regulation of antiviral immunity
Authors: Pujantell Maria , Altfeld Marcus
Published: September 2022

The immune system protects us from pathogens, such as viruses. Antiviral immune mechanisms aim to limit viral replication, and must maintain immunological homeostasis to avoid excessive inflammation and damage to the host. Sex differences in the manifestation and progression of immune-mediated disease point to sex-specific factors modulating antiviral immunity. The exact mechanisms regulating these immunological differences between females and males are still insufficiently understood. Females are known to display stronger Type I IFN responses and are less susceptible to viral infections compared to males, indicating that Type I IFN responses might contribute to the sexual dimorphisms observed in antiviral responses. Here, we review the impact of sex hormones and X chromosome-encoded genes on differences in Type I IFN responses between females and males; and discuss the consequences of sex differences in Type I IFN responses for the regulation of antiviral immune responses.
Total factor productivity of China’s marine economy: A meta-analysis
Authors: Dong Jingxuan , Qiao Dan , Yuan Bei , Xu Tao
Published: September 2022

With the rapid development of the global economy and the depletion of land resources, the ocean has gradually become a new area for human society to seek resources and space utilization. In China, the marine economy also has become an essential part of the national economy. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate marine productivity to understand China’s marine industry’s input-output status and development level. We conducted a meta-analysis using 622 observations from 33 primary empirical studies to quantify the discrepancies in measurement findings and identify the influencing factors of total factor productivity (TFP) growth in the marine industry. The results indicate that: (1) In the existing literature, the mean TFP growth of China’s marine economy at the provincial level is 1.002, which is lower than that at the national level (1.022); (2) The time span of the data, the estimation model, the evaluation indicator, and the journal’s rank all have a significant effect on the estimation results of the marine economic TFP growth, whereas the year of publication does not affect the estimation results; (3) The TFP growth of China’s marine economy peaked during the Ninth Five-Year Plan period, after which it began to decline year after year; (4) The TFP growth of the marine economy in the Yangtze River Delta region and Circum Bohai Sea region is significantly higher than that in the Pan-Pearl River Delta region; (5) Economic factors such as gross ocean product, level of opening-up, level of marine science and technology, and industrial structure all have an impact on the marine economic TFP growth. Accordingly, the following insights were obtained: In terms of marine economic development policies, we should continue to enhance the investment in marine environmental governance, strengthen the construction of marine ecological civilization, and pay attention to synergistic regional development, opening up to the outside world, scientific and technological innovation, and industrial structure optimization. In addition, the follow-up study should use long-period sample data as much as possible, pay attention to the parametric SFA model, and strip the negative environmental impact by constructing a green evaluation index system.