bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Look-up the Rainbow: Table-based Implementation of Rainbow Signature on 64-bit ARMv8 Processors
Authors: Kwon Hyeokdong , Kim Hyunjun , Sim Minjoo , Lee Wai-Kong , Seo Hwajeong
Published: July 2023

The Rainbow Signature Scheme is one of the finalists in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) standardization competition,
but failed to win because it has lack of stability in the parameter selection.
It is the only signature candidate based on a multivariate quadratic equation. Rainbow signatures have smaller signature sizes compared with other post-quantum cryptography candidates. However, they require expensive tower-field based polynomial multiplications. In this article, we propose an efficient implementation of Rainbow signatures using a look-up table–based multiplication method. The polynomial multiplications in Rainbow signatures are performed on the 𝔽
16
field, which is divided into sub-fields 𝔽
4
and 𝔽
2
under the tower-field method. To accelerate the multiplication process on target processors, we propose a look-up table–based tower-field multiplication technique. In 𝔽
16
, all values are expressed in 4-bit data format and can be implemented using a 256-byte look-up table access. The implementation uses the
TBL
and
TBX
instructions of the 64-bit ARMv8 target processor. For Rainbow III and Rainbow V, they are computed on the 𝔽
256
field using an additional 16-byte table instead of creating a new look-up table. The proposed technique uses the vector registers of 64-bit ARMv8 processors and can calculate 16 result values with a single instruction.
We also proposed implementations that are resistant to timing attacks. There are two types of implementations. The first one is the cache side-attack resistant implementation, which utilizes the 128-byte cache lines of the M1 processor. In this implementation, cache misses do not occur, and cache hits always occur. The second type is the constant-time implementation. This method takes a step-by-step approach to finding the required look-up table value and ensures that the same number of accesses is made regardless of which look-up table value is called. This implementation is designed to be constant-time, meaning it does not leak timing information.
Our experiments on modern Apple M1 processors showed up to 428.73× and 114.16× better performance for finite field multiplications and Rainbow signatures schemes, respectively, compared with previous
reference
implementations. To the best of our knowledge, this proposed Rainbow implementation is the first optimized Rainbow implementation for 64-bit ARMv8 processors.
Effect of Undergraduate Business Students’ Entry Characteristics on Academic Success
Authors: Boateng Justice Kojo Gabriel Agyenim , Kwarteng Joseph Tufuor
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of undergraduate business students’ entry characteristics (West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE), Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE), General Certificate of Education (GCE) ordinary level certificate, and matured entry) on academic success in terms of cumulative grade point average (CGPA), competencies (soft skills), acquired, and overall academic performance. Through a cross-sectional survey, 382 final year business students were selected from two universities in Ghana to participate in the study. Academic records of the students were obtained and complementary primary data were collected from these same respondents through questionnaire administration. Data were analyzed using PLS–SEM. The only statistically significant results the study established were that WASSCE has a positive relationship with competences and overall academic performance, and mature entry also had a negative relationship with competence. The study recommended revisions to the current admission criteria as universities need to entrench individualized curricula to cater the diversity occasioned by the variety of entry qualifications students. While direct applicants (e.g., applicants with WASSCE) may follow the current curriculum, bridging courses may be necessary to bring the mature applicants to the level of the direct applicants to ensure parity of knowledge.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived from Dental Tissues-Related lncRNAs: A New Regulator in Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Zhang Yinchun , Chen Xuan , Yang XiaoXia , Huang Lei , Qiu Xiaoling
Published: July 2023

Odontogenic stem cells are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with multipotential differentiation potential from different dental tissues. Their osteogenic differentiation is of great significance in bone tissue engineering. In recent years, it has been found that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in regulating the osteoblastic differentiation of stem cells at the epigenetic level, transcriptional level, and posttranscriptional level. We reviewed the existing lncRNA related to the osteogenic differentiation of odontogenic stem cells and emphasized the critical mechanism of lncRNA in the osteogenic differentiation of odontogenic stem cells. These findings are expected to be an important target for promoting osteoblastic differentiation of odontogenic stem cells in bone regeneration therapy with lncRNA.
Woody Species Composition, Structure, and Diversity of Dindin Natural Forest, South East of Ethiopia
Authors: Lemi Tamiru , Guday Solomon , Fantaye Yosef , Eshete Abeje , Hassen Nesru
Published: July 2023

Information on species composition, structure, and diversity is essential to introduce and select different management activities to improve the forest productivity. Accordingly, species composition, structure, diversity, and regeneration status of trees were assessed in the Dindin natural forest. In this forest, trees or shrubs having ≥2.5 cm diameter at breast height and height >1.5 m were identified and measured in 35 quadrats of 20 m × 20 m. Regeneration status was assessed in 5 m × 5 m subplots that were laid within each main plot to sample seedling and sapling. Woody species diversity, density, basal area, and importance value index were calculated. To prioritize conservation efforts, the study utilized factors such as the importance value index, seedling and sapling densities, and population structure. A total of 42 woody tree species representing 30 families were recorded in the forest. The diversity and evenness of woody species in the Dindin forest were 2.66 and 0.70, respectively. Woody species density was 1403 individual ha−1, and the total basal area was 35.54 m2ha−1. About 480 seedlings per hectare were recorded in the Dindin forest. The research yielded practical insights into the dominance, population structure, importance value, and regeneration status of tree species. The analysis of population structure indicates that certain dominant species are experiencing inadequate regeneration. In addition, multiple nondominant shrubs and tree species within the forest are also at risk of extinction due to insufficient regeneration. Therefore, these important findings play a crucial role in the formulation and implementation of effective strategies to restore and rehabilitate the studied forest.
Meridional Variation of the Mascarene High and Atmospheric Transient Eddy Dynamical Forcing over the Southern Indian Ocean in Austral Winter
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Wen Zhiping , Li Xiuzhen , Chen Ruidan , Chen Guixing
Published: July 2023

This study reveals a close relation between the Mascarene high (MH), atmospheric transient eddies (hereafter transient eddies or eddies for short), and the sea surface temperature (SST) front over the southern Indian Ocean in austral winter. Climatologically, the subpolar westerly jet couples well with transient eddies via eddy–mean flow interaction and the anticyclonic vorticity to its north helps with anchoring the MH. On the interannual time scale, the MH exhibits a dominant meridional variation accompanied by intensity variability. When the MH moves poleward and intensifies, positive quasi-barotropic geopotential height anomalies associated with a warm temperature feature the southern flank of MH. As a result of the modified mean temperature gradient, the subpolar jet and transient eddies’ activity are enhanced near the jet exit; in contrast, the subtropical westerly jet and eddies are weakened over the jet entrance, mainly via the baroclinic energy conversion. As feedback, the anomalous transient eddies can trigger the poleward shift of MH by diverging the extended Eliassen–Palm (E-P) flux from subpolar to subtropical region and thus the intensification of subpolar jet and weakness of subtropical jet. Such positive feedback between the meridional variation of MH and transient eddies could be attributed to the underlying SST anomalies. Early SST warming appears over the southwestern Indian Ocean 3 months prior and shifts the Agulhas SST front poleward. The poleward Agulhas SST front could further induce a southward displacement of the activity of transient eddies by changing the low-level atmospheric baroclinicity. Hence, the SST anomalies over the southern Indian Ocean may trigger the meridional variation of MH via the positive eddies–mean flow feedback.
A mathematical analysis of the h-index and study of its correlation with some improved metrics: A conceptual approach
Authors: Borgohain Dhruba Jyoti , Lund Brady , Verma Manoj Kumar
Published: July 2023

This article aims to establish the h-index in different mathematical aspects and measure the correlation of the h-index with other metrics using the bibliographic data of selected journals in the Library and Information Science (LIS) domain. Using the concept of relation and function, the h-index is expressed. Data collected from authors in three major LIS journals, including h-index, g-index, m-index, total citations and total publications, are analysed using correlation and regression analyses. The findings indicate a high level of relationship between h-index and g-index scores and m-index at starting year of publication. Conversely, a lower level of relationship between the h-index, g-index, starting year of publication, the total number of publications and the number of citations. This is an original study and will be of interest to the researchers of LIS who wants to know this performance indicator in different aspects, the dependency/independency of the h-index with other metrics, and the impact/performance of the three journals over time in terms of h-index, m-index, total citations and the number of publications. The study is limited to analysis of performance-and-citation-related measurements h-index, g-index, m-index, total citations, and the number of publications.
Partner Proximity and Relationship-Specific Capital in Joint R&D Ventures
Authors: Ciccotello Conrad , Fu Richard
Published: July 2023

Geographic proximity between parties increases personal interactions and enhances the exchange of tacit information vital to success in collaborative innovation. In a sample of 582 joint R&D ventures, we observe that the distance between partners varies widely. Controlling for the self-selection among partners, we find that more geographically proximate parties tend to establish longer contract duration ex ante to address contracting risks associated with the increased sharing of tacit information. We argue that partner proximity in joint R&D leads to the creation of relationship-specific capital. Thus, the operative governance mode when partners are geographically proximate is organizational in nature.

JEL Classification: D23; L24
Refractive outcome in combined phacovitrectomy: Anterior segment changes and corrective factor for IOL power calculation improvement
Authors: Crincoli Emanuele , Savastano Alfonso , Ferrara Silvia , Caporossi Tomaso , Miere Alexandra , Souied Eric H , Savastano Maria Cristina , Kilian Raphael , Rizzo Clara , Faraldi Francesco , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To analyze differences in refractive outcome Δ (difference between postoperative and expected refractive error) and in anterior segment changes between cataract surgery patients and combined phacovitrectomy patients. We also aimed to provide a corrective formula allowing to minimise the refractive outcome Δ in combined surgery patients.

Methods

Candidates for phacoemulsification and combined phacovitrectomy (respectively PHACO and COMBINED groups) were prospectively enrolled in two specialised centres. Patients underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) assessment, ultra-high speed anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT), gonioscopy, retinal OCT, slit lamp examination and biometry at baseline, 6 weeks postoperatively and 3 months postoperatively.

Results

No differences in refractive Δ, refractive error and anterior segment parameters were noted between PHACO and COMBINED group (109 and 110 patients respectively) at 6 weeks. At 3 months, COMBINED group showed a spherical equivalent of −0.29 ± 0.10 D versus −0.03 ± 0.15 D in PHACO group (p = 0.023). COMBINED group showed a significantly higher Crystalline Lens Rise (CLR), angle-to-angle (ATA) and anterior chamber width (ACW) and a significantly lower anterior chamber depth (ACD) and refractive Δ with all 4 considered formulas at 3 months. For IOL power lower than 15, a hyperopic shift was observed instead.

Conclusions

Anterior segment OCT suggests anterior displacement of the effective lens position in patients undergoing phacovitrectomy. A corrective formula can be applied to IOL power calculation to minimize undesired refractive error.
States and their territorializations: Class, local dependence, and how geohistory matters
Authors: Cox Kevin R.
Published: July 2023

Despite its significance for social research, the territorial structure of the state remains a lacuna. States can vary quite significantly, but this is not something attracting attention. Understanding this variation depends first on a recognition of the capitalist form of the state. The result is that class conflicts have to enter into their division into sub-units and the powers and responsibilities accorded to them. These conflicts are never indifferent to questions of uneven development. Accordingly, the local or regional nature of class interests has to enter into struggles around the state's territorial structure. On the other hand, geohistory matters. Contemporary struggles unfold in conditions relayed from a pre-capitalist past or from the early years of capitalist development, and these conditions can vary very considerably from one country to another. These claims are illustrated by a comparison of the American and British cases.
Are They Really Chinese? Examining Chinese Audiences’ Emotions and Perceptions Toward Naturalized Athletes at the 2022 Winter Olympics
Authors: Li Bo , Scott Olan K. M. , Zhao Liang , Jin Su
Published: July 2023

As sport has become more globalized, there has been an increase in the number of athletes who have changed their nationality to maximize their chances to compete in international competitions. In order to maximize its chances at its home hosted Winter Olympic Games, the Chinese government authorized many foreign-born athletes to gain Chinese citizenship to compete for China. The purpose of the study was to explore how Chinese social media users perceived athlete naturalization of Chinese athletes during the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games. Through sentiment analysis and thematic analysis, results found that Chinese spectators generally had positive emotions toward these naturalized Olympians. Online discussions mainly focused on three topics: expressing their attitudes toward athlete naturalization, questioning the legitimacy of the strategy, and discussing athletes’ heritage and cultural identities. This research hopes to broaden our understanding of the sport migrant issue in China, the perceptions of athletes who have naturalized, and the sentiments that Chinese consumers have of naturalized athletes at the Winter Olympic Games that were held in their country.
The impact of competing stroke etiologies in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zietz Annaelle , Polymeris Alexandros A , Helfenstein Fabrice , Schaedelin Sabine , Hert Lisa , Wagner Benjamin , Seiffge David J , Traenka Christopher , Altersberger Valerian L , Dittrich Tolga , Kaufmann Josefin , Ravanelli Flavia , Fladt Joachim , Fisch Urs , Thilemann Sebastian , De Marchis Gian Marco , Gensicke Henrik , Bonati Leo H , Katan Mira , Fischer Urs , Lyrer Philippe , Engelter Stefan T , Peters Nils
Published: July 2023

Background:

Data on the impact of competing stroke etiologies in stroke patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are scarce.

Methods:

We used prospectively obtained data from an observational registry (Novel-Oral-Anticoagulants-in-Ischemic-Stroke-Patients-(NOACISP)-LONGTERM) of consecutive AF-stroke patients treated with oral anticoagulants. We compared the frequency of (i) the composite outcome of recurrent ischemic stroke (IS), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) or all-cause death as well as (ii) recurrent IS alone among AF-stroke patients with versus without competing stroke etiologies according to the TOAST classification. We performed cox proportional hazards regression modeling adjusted for potential confounders. Furthermore, the etiology of recurrent IS was assessed.

Results:

Among 907 patients (median age 81, 45.6% female), 184 patients (20.3%) had competing etiologies, while 723 (79.7%) had cardioembolism as the only plausible etiology. During 1587 patient-years of follow-up, patients with additional large-artery atherosclerosis had higher rates of the composite outcome (adjusted HR [95% CI] 1.64 [1.11, 2.40], p = 0.017) and recurrent IS (aHR 2.96 [1.65, 5.35 ], p < 0.001), compared to patients with cardioembolism as the only plausible etiology. Overall 71 patients had recurrent IS (7.8%) of whom 26.7% had a different etiology than the index IS with large-artery-atherosclerosis (19.7%) being the most common non-cardioembolic cause.

Conclusion:

In stroke patients with AF, causes other than cardioembolism as competing etiologies were common in index or recurrent IS. Concomitant presence of large-artery-atherosclerosis seems to indicate an increased risk for recurrences suggesting that stroke preventive means might be more effective if they also address competing stroke etiologies in AF-stroke patients.

Clinical Trial Registration:

NCT 03826927
Allostatic load and incident heart failure in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study
Authors: Park Christine , Ringel Joanna B. , Pinheiro Laura C. , Morris Alanna A. , Sterling Madeline , Balkan Lauren , Banerjee Samprit , Levitan Emily B. , Safford Monika M. , Goyal Parag
Published: July 2023

Background

Allostatic load (AL) is the physiologic “wear and tear” on the body from stress. Yet, despite stress being implicated in the development heart failure (HF), it is unknown whether AL is associated with incident HF events.

Methods

We examined 16,765 participants without HF at baseline from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort. The main exposure was AL score quartile. AL was determined according to 11 physiologic parameters, whereby each parameter was assigned points (0–3) based on quartiles within the sample, and points were summed to create a total AL score ranging from 0–33. The outcome was incident HF event. We examined the association between AL quartile (Q1-Q4) and incident HF events using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for demographics, socioeconomic factors, and lifestyle.

Results

The mean age was 64 ± 9.6 years, 61.5% were women, and 38.7% were Black participants. Over a median follow up of 11.4 years, we observed 750 incident HF events (635 HF hospitalizations and 115 HF deaths). Compared to the lowest AL quartile (Q1), the fully adjusted hazards of an incident HF event increased in a graded fashion: Q2 HR 1.49 95% CI 1.12–1.98; Q3 HR 2.47 95% CI 1.89–3.23; Q4 HR 4.28 95% CI 3.28–5.59. The HRs for incident HF event in the fully adjusted model that also adjusted for CAD were attenuated, but remained significant and increased in a similar, graded fashion by AL quartile. There was a significant age interaction (p-for-interaction < 0.001), whereby the associations were observed across each age stratum, but the HRs were highest among those aged < 65 years.

Conclusion

AL was associated with incident HF events, suggesting that AL could be an important risk factor and potential target for future interventions to prevent HF.
Blood culture contamination in a tertiary care hospital: a retrospective three-year study
Authors: Aiesh Banan M. , Daraghmeh Duha , Abu-Shamleh Nasreen , Joudallah Abdalmenem , Sabateen Ali , Al Ramahi Rowa’
Published: July 2023

Background

Bloodstream infections (BSI) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients worldwide. A blood culture is the primary tool for determining whether a patient has BSI and requires antimicrobial therapy, but it can result in an inappropriate outcome if the isolated microorganisms are deemed contaminants from the skin. Despite the development of medical equipment and technology, there is still a percentage of blood culture contamination. The aims of this study were to detect the blood culture contamination (BCC) rate in a tertiary care hospital in Palestine and to identify the departments with the highest rates along with the microorganisms isolated from the contaminated blood samples.

Method

Blood cultures that were taken at An-Najah National University Hospital between January 2019 and December 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. Positive blood cultures were classified as either true positives or false positives based on laboratory results and clinical pictures. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses.

Results

Out of 10,930 blood cultures performed in the microbiology laboratory from 2019 to 2021, 1479 (13.6%) were identified as positive blood cultures that showed microbial growth. Of these, 453 were blood culture contaminations, representing 4.17% of total blood cultures and 30.63% of the positive blood culture samples. The highest rate of contamination was in the hemodialysis unit (26.49%), followed by the emergency department (15.89%). Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most prevalent (49.2%), followed by Staphylococcus hominis (20.8%) and Staphylococcus haemolyticus (13.2%). The highest annual contamination rate was observed in 2019 (4.78%) followed by 2020 (3.95%) and the lowest was in 2021 (3.79%). The rate of BCC was decreasing, although it did not reach statistically significant levels (P value = 0.085).

Conclusion

The rate of BCC is higher than recommended. The rates of BCC are different in different wards and over time. Continuous monitoring and performance improvement projects are needed to minimize blood culture contamination and unnecessary antibiotic use.
Epidemiology of childhood tuberculosis and predictors of death among children on tuberculosis treatment in central Ethiopia: an extended Cox model challenged survival analysis
Authors: Burusie Abay , Enquesilassie Fikre , Salazar-Austin Nicole , Addissie Adamu
Published: July 2023

Background

Childhood tuberculosis (TB) was poorly studied in Ethiopia. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of childhood TB and identify predictors of death among children on TB treatment.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of children aged 16 and younger who were treated for TB between 2014 and 2022. Data were extracted from TB registers of 32 healthcare facilities in central Ethiopia. Phone interview was also conducted to measure variables without a space and not recorded in the registers. Frequency tables and a graph were used to describe the epidemiology of childhood TB. To perform survival analysis, we used a Cox proportional hazards model, which was then challenged with an extended Cox model.

Results

We enrolled 640 children with TB, 80 (12.5%) of whom were under the age of two. Five hundred and fifty-seven (87.0%) of the enrolled children had not had known household TB contact. Thirty-six (5.6%) children died while being treated for TB. Nine (25%) of those who died were under the age of two. HIV infection (aHR = 4.2; 95% CI = 1.9–9.3), under nutrition (aHR = 4.2; 95% CI = 2.2-10.48), being under 10 years old (aHR = 4.1; 95% CI = 1.7–9.7), and relapsed TB (aHR = 3.7; 95% CI = 1.1–13.1) were all independent predictors of death. Children who were found to be still undernourished two months after starting TB treatment also had a higher risk of death (aHR = 5.64, 95% CI = 2.42–13.14) than normally nourished children.

Conclusions

The majority of children had no known pulmonary TB household contact implying that they contracted TB from the community. The death rate among children on TB treatment was unacceptably high, with children under the age of two being disproportionately impacted. HIV infection, baseline as well as persistent under nutrition, age < 10 years, and relapsed TB all increased the risk of death in children undergoing TB treatment.
Enhancing long-term smoking abstinence among individuals with a history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cervical cancer (Project ACCESS): protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Vidrine Jennifer I. , Fennell Bethany Shorey , Simmons Vani N. , Sutton Steven K. , Jones Sarah R. , Woodward Honor W. , Hoogland Charles E. , Vidrine Damon J.
Published: July 2023

Background

The prevalence of smoking among cervical cancer survivors is high and evidence-based smoking cessation interventions are critically needed. This paper describes the study design, methods, and data analysis plans for a randomized clinical trial (RCT) designed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel, personally tailored SMS-delivered text-based digital treatment adjuvant designed to enhance the long-term efficacy of a “Motivation And Problem-Solving” (MAPS) approach for smoking cessation among individuals with a history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical cancer. MAPS is a phone counseling approach designed to facilitate long-term abstinence that comprises 6 counseling calls over 12 months. The current trial is evaluating the efficacy of MAPS+, which comprises all MAPS components plus a 24-month digital treatment adjuvant. This trial represents a logical extension of our previous RCT, which compared the efficacy of MAPS to a quitline control condition and found that MAPS resulted in greater than a 2-fold increase in smoking abstinence at 12 months (i.e., 26.4% vs. 11.9%). This treatment effect was no longer significant at 18 months, suggesting that efficacy dissipated as time from the end of treatment increased. The primary aim of the current trial is to compare the efficacy of MAPS + and ST in facilitating long-term abstinence.

Methods

Individuals who smoke and have a history of cervical cancer or CIN (N = 340) are recruited throughout Florida and randomly assigned to Standard Treatment [ST] or MAPS+. ST participants are electronically connected with the Florida Quitline. MAPS + consists of 6 proactive MAPS-based counseling calls over 12 months plus the novel, personally tailored, text message-based treatment adjuvant delivered over 24 months. All participants receive 12 weeks of combination nicotine replacement therapy (patch and lozenge) and are followed for 24 months. Participant recruitment commenced in December 2022 and is ongoing.

Discussion

This study builds on promising results from our recent trial which found that MAPS was associated with substantially higher abstinence from smoking at the end of the 12-month treatment period. Finding that this low-burden, personally tailored digital treatment adjuvant improves the long-term efficacy of MAPS would have important clinical and public health implications.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials Registry NCT05645146; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05645146; Registered on December 9, 2022.
Assessment of anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-obesity and antioxidant activity of Ocimum Basilicum seeds essential oil from Palestine
Authors: Eid Ahmad M , Jaradat Nidal , Shraim Naser , Hawash Mohammed , Issa Linda , Shakhsher Mohammad , Nawahda Nour , Hanbali Ali , Barahmeh Noor , Taha Basil , Mousa Ahmed
Published: July 2023

Background

Many modern pharmaceutical researchers continue to focus on the discovery and evaluation of natural compounds for possible therapies for obesity, diabetes, infections, cancer, and oxidative stress. Extraction ofOcimum basilicumseed essential oil and evaluation of its antioxidant, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities were the goals of the current study.

Method

O.basilicumseed essential oil was extracted and evaluated for its anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic properties utilizing standard biomedical assays.

Results

O.basilicumseed essential oil showed good anticancer activity against Hep3B (IC5056.23 ± 1.32 µg/ml) and MCF-7 (80.35 ± 1.17 µg/ml) when compared with the positive control, Doxorubicin. In addition, the essential oil showed potent antibacterial (againstKlebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, andPseudomonas aeruginosa) and antifungal (againstCandida albicans) activities. Moreover, as for the anti-amylase test, IC50was 74.13 ± 1.1 µg/ml, a potent effect compared with the IC50of acarbose, which was 28.10 ± 0.7 µg/ml. On the other hand, for the anti-lipase test, the IC50was 112.20 ± 0.7 µg/ml a moderate effect compared with the IC50of orlistat, which was 12.30 ± 0.8 µg/ml. Finally, the oil had a potent antioxidant effect with an IC50of 23.44 ± 0.9 µg/ml compared with trolox (IC50was 2.7 ± 0.5 µg/ml).

Conclusion

This study has provided initial data that supports the importance ofO. basilcumessential oil in traditional medicine. The extracted oil not only exhibited significant anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties but also antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects, which provided a foundation for future research.
Nurse-led interventions in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Wojeck Robyn K. , Arcoleo Kimberly , Hathaway Elizabeth C. , Somers Tamara J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Nurses play an important role in the management of patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Little is known about the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on patient-reported outcomes in this population. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the evidence of nurse-led interventions in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

Methods

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, and Embase for studies published from database inception to September 2022. Studies were included if they were published in a peer-reviewed journal in English and evaluated the effectiveness of a nurse-led intervention using a randomized controlled trial design in adults with a systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease. Screening, full-text review, and quality appraisal were conducted by two independent reviewers.

Results

A total of 162 articles were identified for possible inclusion, of which five studies were included. Four of five studies (80%) were conducted in systemic lupus erythematosus. There was significant variability in the types of nurse-led interventions; the majority included educational sessions and follow up counseling by a nurse (n = 4). The most common patient-reported outcomes were health-related quality of life (n = 3), fatigue (n = 3), mental health (including anxiety and depression) (n = 2), and self-efficacy (n = 2). The duration of the interventions varied from 12 weeks to 6 months. All studies included a nurse with specialized training and education and showed significant improvements in their primary outcomes. The majority of the studies (60%) were considered high methodological quality.

Conclusion

This systematic review provides emerging evidence for the use of nurse-led interventions in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Our findings emphasize the important role of nurses in providing nonpharmacological strategies to help patients better manage their disease and improve health outcomes.
LncRNA LZTS1-AS1 induces proliferation, metastasis and inhibits autophagy of pancreatic cancer cells through the miR-532 /TWIST1 signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Hui , Li Anshu , Zheng Qichang , Gu Jingyang , Zhou Wei
Published: July 2023

The 5 year survival rate after diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PANC) is less than 5%, and it is one of the malignant tumors with the worst prognosis. Identification of novel oncogenes involved in the occurrence of pancreatic cancer is of great significance to improve the overall survival of PANC patients. Our previous study found that miR-532 is a key factor in PANC occurrence and development, and this study further explored its mechanism. We found that the expression of lncRNA LZTS1-AS1 was elevated in PANC tumor tissues and cells, and correlated with poor prognosis. In vitro experiments confirmed that LZTS1-AS1 could promote proliferation, oncogenicity, migration, and invasion of PANC cells, and inhibit apoptosis and autophagy. However, miR-532 had the completely opposite effect, and inhibition of miR-532 counteracted the effect of LZTS1-AS1 on PANC cells. Dual luciferase gene reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay confirmed the targeting relationship between LZTS1-AS1 and miR-532, and their expression levels were negatively correlated in PANC tissues. Overexpression of TWIST1 could counteract the effect of miR-532 in PANC cells, and the expression levels of both were negatively changed in PANC tissues and cells. Our results suggest that lncRNA LZTS1-AS1 acts as an oncogene to promote the metastasis of PANC and inhibit autophagy, and its mechanism may be to regulate TWIST1 through sponge miR-532. This study provides novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PANC.
Comparison of robotic-assisted and laparoscopic-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction surgery in short-terms outcomes of middle rectal cancer
Authors: Ye Shan-ping , Yu Hong-xin , Liu Dong-ning , Lu Wei-jie , Wu Can , Xu Hao-cheng , Li Tai-yuan
Published: July 2023

Background

Surgery is becoming less invasive as technology advances. Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) ushered in a new era of minimally invasive techniques. At the same time, NOSES is gaining popularity in the world. With their distinct advantages, surgical robots have advanced the development of NOSES. The aim of current study was to compare the short-term outcomes between robotic-assisted NOSES and laparoscopic-assisted NOSES for the treatment of middle rectal cancer.

Methods

Patients with middle rectal cancer who underwent robotic-assisted or laparoscopic-assisted NOSES at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University between January 2020 and June 2022 had their clinicopathological data collected retrospectively. 46 patients were enrolled in the study: 23 in the robotic group and 23 in the laparoscopic group. Short-term outcomes and postoperative anal function in the two groups were compared.

Results

There was no significant difference in the clinicopathological data between the two groups. The robotic group had less intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.04), less postoperative abdominal drainage (p = 0.02), lower postoperative white blood cell counts (p = 0.024) and C-reactive protein levels (p = 0.017), and shorter catheter removal time when compared to the laparoscopic group (p = 0.003). Furthermore, there were no significant difference in mean operative time (159 ± 31 min vs 172 ± 41 min) between the robotic and laparoscopic groups (p = 0.235), but time to naked the rectum (86.4 ± 20.9 min vs. 103.8 ± 31.5 min p = 0.033) and time of digestive tract reconstruction (15.6 ± 3.88 min vs. 22.1 ± 2.81 min p < 0.01) in the robotic group were significantly shorter than laparoscopic group. The robotic group had lower postoperative Wexner scores than the laparoscopic group.

Conclusions

This research reveals that combining a robotic surgical system and NOSES results in superior outcomes, with short-term outcomes preferable to laparoscopic-assisted NOSES.
Barriers and enablers of vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) in physically inactive adults: a focus group study
Authors: Thøgersen-Ntoumani C. , Kritz M. , Grunseit A. , Chau J. , Ahmadi M. , Holtermann A. , Koster A. , Tudor-Locke C. , Johnson N. , Sherrington C. , Paudel S. , Maher C. , Stamatakis E.
Published: July 2023

Background

Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity (VILPA) refers to brief bouts of vigorous intensity physical activity performed as part of daily living. VILPA has been proposed as a novel concept to expand physical activity options among the least active. As a nascent area of research, factors which impede or encourage VILPA in physically inactive adults are yet to be explored. Such information is pertinent in the design of future interventions. We examined the barriers and enablers of VILPA among physically inactive adults using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) model as a conceptual framework.

Methods

We recruited a sample of self-identified physically inactive middle-aged and older adults (N = 78) based in Australia to take part in 19 online focus groups across three age groups: young-middle (age 35–44), middle (age 45–59) and old (age 60–76). We analyzed interviews using a critical realist approach to thematic analysis. Identified barriers and enablers were subsequently mapped onto the COM-B model components.

Results

The data generated 6 barriers and 10 enablers of VILPA that corresponded to COM-B concepts. Barriers included physical limitations (physical capability), perceptions of aging, need for knowledge (psychological capability), environmental constraints (physical opportunity), perceptions of effort and energy, and fear (automatic motivation). Enablers included convenience, reframing physical activity as purposeful movement, use of prompts and reminders (physical opportunity), normalization of taking the active option, gamification (social opportunity), sense of achievement, health improvements, personally salient rewards (reflective motivation), identity fit, and changing from effortful deliberation to habitual action (automatic motivation).

Conclusion

The barriers and enablers of VILPA span capability, opportunity, and motivation beliefs. Promoting the time-efficient nature and simplicity of VILPA requiring no equipment or special gym sessions, the use of prompts and reminders at opportune times, and habit formation strategies could capitalize on the enablers. Addressing the suitability of the small bouts, the development of specific guidelines, addressing safety concerns, and explicating the potential benefits of, and opportunities to do, VILPA could ameliorate some of the barriers identified. Future VILPA interventions may require limited age customization, speaking to the potential for such interventions to be delivered at scale.
Real-world outcomes of PD-L1 inhibitors combined with thoracic radiotherapy in the first-line treatment of extensive stage small cell lung cancer
Authors: Peng Jianfeng , Zhang Lemeng , Wang Liping , Feng Hui , Yao Dongmei , Meng Rui , Liu Xiaomei , Li Xiaohua , Liu Ningbo , Tan Bingxu , Huang Zhaoqin , Li Shanshan , Meng Xiangjiao
Published: July 2023

Background

The CREST study showed that the addition of thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) could improve the survival rate in patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), but whether TRT can bring survival benefit in the era of immunotherapy remains controversial. This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of adding TRT to the combination of PD-L1 inhibitors and chemotherapy.

Methods

The patients who received durvalumab or atezolizumab combined with chemotherapy as the first-line treatment of ES-SCLC from January 2019 to December 2021 were enrolled. They were divided into two groups, based on whether they received TRT or not. Propensity score matching (PSM) with a 1:1 ratio was performed. The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety.

Results

A total of 211 patients with ES-SCLC were enrolled, of whom 70 (33.2%) patients received standard therapy plus TRT as first-line treatment, and 141 (66.8%) patients in the control group received PD-L1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy. After PSM, a total of 57 pairs of patients were enrolled in the analysis. In all patients, the median PFS (mPFS) in the TRT and non-TRT group was 9.5 and 7.2 months, respectively, with HR = 0.59 (95%CI 0.39–0.88, p = 0.009). The median OS (mOS) in the TRT group was also significantly longer than that in the non-TRT group (24.1 months vs. 18.5 months, HR = 0.53, 95%CI 0.31–0.89, p = 0.016). Multivariable analysis showed that baseline liver metastasis and the number of metastases ≥ 3 were independent prognostic factors for OS. Addition of TRT increased the incidence of treatment-related pneumonia (p = 0.018), most of which were grade 1–2.

Conclusions

Addition of TRT to durvalumab or atezolizumab plus chemotherapy significantly improves survival in ES-SCLC. Although it may leads to increased incidence of treatment-related pneumonia, a majority of the cases can be relieved after symptomatic treatment.
Factors influencing junior high school students’ perceptions of attending school in Japan
Authors: Nakamura-Thomas Hiromi , Sano Nobuyuki , Maciver Donald
Published: July 2023

Background

School attendance is a crucial determinant of academic success. Our previous research has identified factors that influence elementary school students’ perceptions of attending school, but whether these factors apply to older students remains unclear. We investigated the extent to which the factors identified in the previous research apply to junior high school students and their attitudes toward attending school.

Methods

We hypothesized that students’ “perceptions of attending school” was directly influenced by their perceptions of “relationships with friends and teachers,” “current circumstances,” “subjective health status,” and “having people to share experiences and thoughts with.” We developed an original questionnaire with 19 items and analyzed data collected from 6245 junior high school students in Japan, using a structural equation model.

Results

The final model demonstrated a good fit. Students’ “positive perceptions of attending school” was directly and positively influenced by their “positive perceptions of relationships with friends and teachers” and directly and negatively influenced by their “perceptions of poorer subjective health status”. Other latent variables directly and positively influenced the perceptions of attending school, but not strongly. Students’ perceptions of “relationships with friends and teachers,” “current circumstances,” and “having people to share experiences and thoughts with” correlated positively with each other. These three latent variables also correlated negatively with “poorer subjective health status.”

Conclusions

The role of positive relationships with friends and teachers in shaping students' perceptions of school attendance, coupled with the negative impact of poorer subjective health status, underscores the need for educators to adopt approaches that specifically address these areas. It is crucial to provide support to students in cultivating positive relationships, fostering positive perceptions of school, and offering resources to those who are encountering mental or physical health challenges. Implementing the evidence-based questionnaire developed in this study is recommended to enhance student support and well-being.
Community-based lifestyle intervention for diabetes (Co-LID study) management in rural Nepal: study protocol for a clustered randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rawal Lal , Dahal Padam , Paudel Grish , Biswas Tuhin , Shrestha Rabina , Makaju Deepa , Shrestha Abha , Yadav Uday , Sahle Berhe W , Iwashita Hanako , Masuda Gaku , Renzaho Andre , Shakya Prabin , Shrestha Archana , Karmacharya Biraj , Sakamoto Haruka , Koju Rajendra , Sugishita Tomohiko
Published: July 2023

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased globally; with a disproportionate burden in South and Southeast Asian countries, including Nepal. There is an urgent need for clinically and cost-effective culturally adapted T2DM management programs. In this study, we aim to assess the effectiveness of community based culturally appropriate lifestyle intervention in improving the management and care of people with T2DM.

Methods

We will conduct a cluster randomized control trial to evaluate the effectiveness of community based culturally appropriate lifestyle intervention in improving T2DM outcomes. The trial will be conducted in 30 randomly selected healthcare facilities from two purposively selected districts (Kavrepalanchowk and Nuwakot districts) of Bagmati province, Nepal. The selected healthcare facilities are being randomized into 15 interventions (n = 15) and usual care (n = 15) groups. Those in the intervention will receive group-based 12 an hour-long fortnightly session delivered over 6 months period. The intervention package includes 12 planned modules related to diabetes care, ongoing support, supervision and monitoring, follow-up from the trained community health workers, and educational materials on diabetes self-management. The participants in the usual care groups will receive pictorial brochure on diabetes management and they will continue receiving the usual care available from the local health facilities. The primary outcome is HbA1c level, and the secondary outcomes include quality of life, health care utilization, and practice of self-care behaviour, depression, oral health quality of life, and economic assessment of the intervention. Two points measurements will be collected by the trained research assistants at baseline and at the end of the intervention.

Discussion

This study will provide tested approaches for culturally adapting T2DM interventions in the Nepalese context. The findings will also have practice and policy implications for T2DM prevention and management in Nepal.

Trial registration

Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12621000531819). Registered on May 6, 2021.
TB-IECS: an accurate machine learning-based scoring function for virtual screening
Authors: Zhang Xujun , Shen Chao , Jiang Dejun , Zhang Jintu , Ye Qing , Xu Lei , Hou Tingjun , Pan Peichen , Kang Yu
Published: July 2023

Machine learning-based scoring functions (MLSFs) have shown potential for improving virtual screening capabilities over classical scoring functions (SFs). Due to the high computational cost in the process of feature generation, the numbers of descriptors used in MLSFs and the characterization of protein–ligand interactions are always limited, which may affect the overall accuracy and efficiency. Here, we propose a new SF called TB-IECS (theory-based interaction energy component score), which combines energy terms from Smina and NNScore version 2, and utilizes the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm for model training. In this study, the energy terms decomposed from 15 traditional SFs were firstly categorized based on their formulas and physicochemical principles, and 324 feature combinations were generated accordingly. Five best feature combinations were selected for further evaluation of the model performance in regard to the selection of feature vectors with various length, interaction types and ML algorithms. The virtual screening power of TB-IECS was assessed on the datasets of DUD-E and LIT-PCBA, as well as seven target-specific datasets from the ChemDiv database. The results showed that TB-IECS outperformed classical SFs including Glide SP and Dock, and effectively balanced the efficiency and accuracy for practical virtual screening.