bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-world data of pyrotinib-based therapy for patients with brain metastases of HER2-positive advanced breast cancer: a single-center retrospective analysis and molecular portraits
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Qiaoyan , Zhang Mi , Zhang Juan , Ran Ran , Ma Yingying , Yang Jiao , Wang Fan , He Shujuan , Zhao Xiaoai , Wang Le , Zhang Lingxiao , Dong Danfeng , Yang Jin
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Pyrotinib is a novel irreversible pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). However, real-world data of pyrotinib-containing therapy in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and developing brain metastases (BMs) are limited, and the genomic profile of this subpopulation is almost undefined.

Methods and materials

Patients with BM of HER2-positive MBC (n = 35) treated with pyrotinib-containing therapy were enrolled in this analysis. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and toxicity profiles were evaluated. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for disease progression were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards models. Targeted next-generation sequencing of 618 cancer-relevant genes was performed on plasma and primary breast tumors from patients with BM and without BM.

Results

The median PFS time was 8.00 (95% CI, 5.98–10.017) months, and the median OS time was 23 (95% CI, 10.412–35.588) months. The ORR was 45.7%, and the DCR was 74.3%. In the Cox multivariate analysis, prior exposure to brain radiotherapy (HR = 3.268), received pyrotinib as third- or higher-line treatment (HR = 4.949), subtentorial brain metastasis (HR = 6.222), and both supratentorial and subtentorial brain metastases (HR = 5.863) were independently associated with increased risk of progression. The frequent grade 3–4 adverse event was increased direct bilirubin (14.3%), and two patients suffered from grade 3–4 diarrhea. In the exploratory genomic analysis, altered frequencies of FGFR3, CD276, CDC73, and EPHX1 were higher in the BM group. The consistency of mutated profiles of plasma and primary lesion in the BM group was significantly lower (30.4% vs. 65.5%; p = 0.0038).

Conclusions

Pyrotinib-containing therapy shows favorable effectiveness and tolerable safety in patients with BM of HER2-positive MBC, particularly in a population that is brain radiotherapy-naïve, received pyrotinib as first- or second-line treatment, and developed supratentorial brain metastasis. In the exploratory genomic analysis, patients with BM showed distinct genomic features from patients without BM.
Survival nomogram for high-grade bladder cancer patients after surgery based on the SEER database and external validation cohort
Authors: Li Yihe , Chen Tao , Fu Bin , Luo Yixing , Chen Luyao
Published: June 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive and effective nomogram for predicting overall survival (OS) rates in postoperative patients with high-grade bladder urothelial carcinoma.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with high-grade urothelial carcinoma of the bladder after radical cystectomy (RC) between 2004 and 2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were enrolled. We randomly split (7:3) these patients into the primary cohort and the internal validation cohort. Two hundred eighteen patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were collected as the external validation cohort. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were carried out to seek prognostic factors of postoperative patients with high-grade bladder cancer (HGBC). According to these significant prognostic factors, a simple-to-use nomogram was established for predicting OS. Their performances were evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

The study included 4,541 patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that T stage, positive lymph nodes (PLNs), age, chemotherapy, regional lymph nodes examined (RLNE), and tumor size were correlated with OS. The C-index of the nomogram in the training cohort, internal validation cohort, and external validation cohort were 0.700, 0.717, and 0.681, respectively. In the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts, the ROC curves showed that the 1-, 3-, and 5-year areas under the curve (AUCs) were higher than 0.700, indicating that the nomogram had good reliability and accuracy. The results of calibration and DCA showed good concordance and clinical applicability.

Conclusion

A nomogram was developed for the first time to predict personalized 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS in HGBC patients after RC. The internal and external validation confirmed the excellent discrimination and calibration ability of the nomogram. The nomogram can help clinicians design personalized treatment strategies and assist with clinical decisions.
CHMP4C as a novel marker regulates prostate cancer progression through cycle pathways and contributes to immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Hongtuan , Liu Dongze , Qin Zheng , Yi Bocun , Zhu Liang , Xu Shengxian , Wang Kaibin , Yang Shaobo , Liu Ranlu , Yang Kuo , Xu Yong
Published: June 2023

Background

CHMP4C is one of the charged multivesicular protein (CHMP), and is involved in the composition of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport III (ESCRT-III), facilitating the necessary separation of daughter cells. CHMP4C has been proposed to be involved in the progression of different carcinomas. However, the value of CHMP4C in prostate cancer has not yet been explored. Prostate cancer is the most frequently occurring malignancy among male and remains a leading cause of deaths in cancers. So far, clinical therapy of prostate cancer is more inclined to molecular classification and specific clinical treatment and research. Our study investigated the expression and clinical prognosis of CHMP4C and explored its potential regulatory mechanism in prostate cancer. The immune status of CHMP4C in prostate cancer and relative immunotherapy were then analyzed in our study. Based on CHMP4C expression, a new subtype of prostate cancer was established for precision treatment.

Methods

We studied the expression of CHMP4C and relative clinical outcome using the online databases TIMER, GEPIA2, UALCAN, and multiple R packages. Meanwhile, the biological function, immune microenvironment and immunotherapy value of CHMP4C in prostate cancer were further explored on the R software platform with different R packages. Then we performed qRT-PCR, Western Blotting, transwell, CCK8, wound healing assay, colony formation assay and immunohistochemistry to verify the expression of CHMP4C, carcinogenesis and potential regulatory mechanisms in prostate cancer.

Results

We found that the expression of CHMP4C is significant in prostate cancer and the high expression of CHMP4C represents a poor clinical prognosis and malignant progression of prostate cancer. In subsequent vitro validation, CHMP4C promoted the malignant biological behavior of prostate cancer cell lines by adjusting the cell cycle. Based on CHMP4C expression, we established two new subtypes of prostate cancer and found that low CHMP4C expression has a better immune response while high CHMP4C expression was more sensitive to paclitaxel and 5-fluorouracil. Above findings revealed a new diagnostic marker for prostate cancer and facilitated the subsequent precise treatment of prostate cancer.
The value of machine learning based radiomics model in preoperative detection of perineural invasion in gastric cancer: a two-center study
Authors: Gao Xujie , Cui Jingli , Wang Lingwei , Wang Qiuyan , Ma Tingting , Yang Jilong , Ye Zhaoxiang
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To establish and validate a machine learning based radiomics model for detection of perineural invasion (PNI) in gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

This retrospective study included a total of 955 patients with GC selected from two centers; they were separated into training (n=603), internal testing (n=259), and external testing (n=93) sets. Radiomic features were derived from three phases of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan images. Seven machine learning (ML) algorithms including least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), naïve Bayes (NB), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), decision tree (DT), logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and support vector machine (SVM) were trained for development of optimal radiomics signature. A combined model was constructed by aggregating the radiomic signatures and important clinicopathological characteristics. The predictive ability of the radiomic model was then assessed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration curve analyses in all three sets.

Results

The PNI rates for the training, internal testing, and external testing sets were 22.1, 22.8, and 36.6%, respectively. LASSO algorithm was selected for signature establishment. The radiomics signature, consisting of 8 robust features, revealed good discrimination accuracy for the PNI in all three sets (training set: AUC = 0.86; internal testing set: AUC = 0.82; external testing set: AUC = 0.78). The risk of PNI was significantly associated with higher radiomics scores. A combined model that integrated radiomics and T stage demonstrated enhanced accuracy and excellent calibration in all three sets (training set: AUC = 0.89; internal testing set: AUC = 0.84; external testing set: AUC = 0.82).

Conclusion

The suggested radiomics model exhibited satisfactory prediction performance for the PNI in GC.
A shared love: reciprocity and hopefulness in romantic relationships of young adults with chronic pain
Authors: Carter Bernie , Jordan Abbie , Forgeron Paula , Qualter Pamela , Saron Holly
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Chronic pain (≥3 months) creates pain-related challenges that may negatively affect how young adults perceive themselves, and, indeed, they often report feeling different compared to peers and prospective romantic partners. Most studies of romantic relationships in young adults living with a long-term condition (including pain), do not consider the perspective of their partner. We present the findings of a qualitative, exploratory interview study (Phase 2 of a mixed methods study). This qualitative phase aimed to explore how young adults with chronic pain and their partners navigate romantic relationships. We focused on how young adults perceive and experience their romantic relationships and the impact, challenges, and benefits associated with living with chronic pain.

Methods

This study used remote (videoconferencing) photo-elicitation interviews with a convenience sample of young adults with chronic pain (aged 18–25 years, UK and Canada) and their partners. Recruitment occurred via social media, pain-related websites and organizations, and professional networks. Five young adults with chronic pain from the UK and Canada formed the e-Advisory Group and provided detailed advice throughout the study. Data analysis used the principles of inductive reflexive thematic analysis to explore the dimensions and meaning of romantic relationships from the views of young adults with chronic pain and their romantic partners.

Findings

Sixteen young adults participated (seven couples plus two young adults with pain who were interviewed without their partner). The young adults with chronic pain were ages 18–24 years (mean 21.88 years, SD 2.23). Four major interpretive themes were generated: Kindred spirits—we just sort of work; Loving in everyday acts—it's not above and beyond, it's concerned supportiveness; It's OK to be vulnerable with each other—we can talk it through; and You can't see over the horizon—hopes and fears for the future.

Discussion

Hopefulness and reciprocity were key to the stories shared by the young adults in the current study. Despite the challenges and limitations imposed by chronic pain, their relationships were characterized by partnership and reciprocity, and they were able to be vulnerable with each other and offer each other support.
Percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation improves comorbidities in children with cyclic vomiting syndrome
Authors: Karrento Katja , Zhang Liyun , Conley William , Qazi Zeeshan , Venkatesan Thangam , Simpson Pippa , Li B U.K.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Children with cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) frequently suffer from disabling abdominal pain and comorbidities that impair quality of life. A noninvasive, auricular percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation (PENFS) device is shown to be effective for abdominal pain in children with disorders of gut–brain interaction. We aimed to determine the effects of PENFS on pain, common comorbidities, and quality of life in pediatric CVS.

Methods

Children aged 8–18 years with drug-refractory CVS were enrolled in a prospective, open-label study receiving 6 consecutive weeks of PENFS. Subjects completed the following surveys at baseline, during/after therapy (week 6), and at extended follow-up approximately 4–6 months later: Abdominal Pain Index (API), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-C), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Profile-37.

Results

Thirty subjects were included. Median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 10.5 (8.5–15.5) years; 60% were female. Median API scores decreased from baseline to week 6 (p = 0.003) and to extended follow-up (p < 0.0001). State anxiety scores decreased from baseline to week 6 (p < 0.0001) and to extended follow-up (p < 0.0001). There were short-term improvements in sleep at 6 weeks (p = 0.031) but not at extended follow-up (p = 0.22). Quality of life measures of physical function, anxiety, fatigue, and pain interference improved short-term, while there were long-term benefits for anxiety. No serious side effects were reported.

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate the efficacy of auricular neurostimulation using PENFS for pain and several disabling comorbidities in pediatric CVS. PENFS improves anxiety, sleep, and several aspects of quality of life with long-term benefits for anxiety.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03434652.
The spectrum of clinical presentation in haploinsufficiency of A20; a case report of a novel mutation in TNFAIP3 gene
Authors: Debeljak M. , Blazina S. , Brecelj J. , Avčin T. , Toplak N.
Published: June 2023

Haploinsufficiency of A20 was first described in 2016 as a new autoinflammatory disease that clinically presents as early-onset Behcet's disease. After the publication of the first 16 cases, more patients were diagnosed and described in the literature. The spectrum of clinical presentation has expanded. In this short report, we present a patient with a novel mutation in the TNFAIP3 gene. The clinical presentation included signs of an autoinflammatory disease with recurrent fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, and elevated inflammatory parameters. We will emphasize the importance of genetic testing, especially in patients with various clinical signs that do not fit a single autoinflammatory disease.
A two-center retrospective study: association of early caffeine administration and oxygen radical diseases in neonatology in Chinese preterm neonates
Authors: Ye Huiqing , Bai Liyang , Yang Manting , Yang Xiaoyuan , Zheng Maofei , Zhong Xiaobing , Yang Lifen , Chen Zhuanggui , Zhong Xinqi
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Since December 2012, the prophylactic use of caffeine to treat AOP in preterm infants has been approved in China. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between early caffeine treatment initiation and the incidence of oxygen radical diseases in neonatology (ORDIN) in Chinese preterm infants.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at two hospitals in South China, involving 452 preterm infants with gestational ages less than 37 weeks. The infants were divided into early (227 cases, initiating within 48 h after birth) and late (225 cases, initiating over 48 h after birth) caffeine treatment group. Logistic regression analysis and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the association between early caffeine treatment and the incidence of ORDIN.

Results

The results showed that extremely preterm infants in early treatment group had a lower incidence of PIVH and ROP compared to those in the late treatment group (PIVH, 20.1% versus 47.8%, P = 0.02; ROP, 70.8% versus 89.9%, P = 0.025). Very preterm infants in the early treatment group had a lower incidence of BPD and PIVH compared to those in the late treatment group (BPD, 43.8% versus 63.1%, P = 0.002; PIVH, 9.0% versus 22.3%, P = 0.001). Moreover, VLBW infants who received early caffeine treatment exhibited a decreased incidence of BPD (55.9% versus 80.9%, P = 0.000), PIVH (11.8% versus 33.1%, P = 0.000), and ROP (69.9% versus 79.8%, P = 0.043) compared to those in the late treatment group. Infants in the early caffeine treatment showed a reduced likelihood of PIVH (adjusted odds ratio, 0.407; 95%CI, 0.188–0.846) but did not exhibit a significant association with other terms of ORDIN. ROC analysis revealed that early initiation of caffeine treatment was associated with lower risk of BPD, PIVH, and ROP in preterm infants.

Discussion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates that early initiation of caffeine treatment is associated with a decreased incidence of PIVH in Chinese preterm infants. Further prospective investigations are necessary to verify and elucidate the precise effects of early caffeine treatment on complications in preterm Chinese infants.
Extracellular vesicles: pathogenic messengers and potential therapy for neonatal lung diseases
Authors: Wu Shu , Benny Merline , Duara Joanne , Williams Kevin , Tan April , Schmidt Augusto , Young Karen C.
Published: June 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous group of nano-sized membranous structures increasingly recognized as mediators of intercellular and inter-organ communication. EVs contain a cargo of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, and their cargo composition is highly dependent on the biological function of the parental cells. Their cargo is protected from the extracellular environment by the phospholipid membrane, thus allowing for safe transport and delivery of their intact cargo to nearby or distant target cells, resulting in modification of the target cell's gene expression, signaling pathways and overall function. The highly selective, sophisticated network through which EVs facilitate cell signaling and modulate cellular processes make studying EVs a major focus of interest in understanding various biological functions and mechanisms of disease. Tracheal aspirate EV-miRNA profiling has been suggested as a potential biomarker for respiratory outcome in preterm infants and there is strong preclinical evidence showing that EVs released from stem cells protect the developing lung from the deleterious effects of hyperoxia and infection. This article will review the role of EVs as pathogenic messengers, biomarkers, and potential therapies for neonatal lung diseases.
In vitro percutaneous penetration test overview
Authors: Shahinfar Sheeva , Maibach Howard
Published: June 2023

Skin is a detailed, organized, and intricate niche in the human body. Topical and transdermal drugs are unique, in that their absorption is quite different from other routes of administration (oral, intramuscular, intravenous, etc.,.). A robust amount of research is required to approve the use of a drug—in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo studies collectively help manufacturers and government agencies with approval of various compounds. Use of human and animal studies poses ethical and financial concerns, making samples difficult to use. In vitro and ex vivo methods have improved over the past several decades—results show relevance when compared to in vivo methods. The history of testing is discussed, followed by a detailed account of known complexities of skin and the current state of percutaneous penetration.
Research progress of sophoridine’s pharmacological activities and its molecular mechanism: an updated review
Authors: Chen Yiwei , Wang Xiang , Ye Dongmei , Yang Zhousheng , Shen Qingrong , Liu Xiaoxia , Chen Chunxia , Chen Xiaoyu
Published: June 2023

Background: Sophoridine, the major active constituent of Sophora alopecuroides and its roots, is a bioactive alkaloid with a wide range of pharmacological effects, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, analgesic, cardioprotective, and immunoprotective activities. Sophora flavescens Aiton is a traditional Chinese medicine that is bitter and cold. Additionally, it also exhibits the effects of clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and expelling insects.

Aims of the study: To summarize the pharmacological research and associated mechanisms of sophoridine, we compiled this review by combining a huge body of relevant literature.

Materials and methods: The information related to this article was systematically collected from the scientific literature databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, published books, PhD and MS dissertations.

Results: Its antitumor activity is particularly remarkable, as it can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis while inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Additionally, sophoridine also holds therapeutic potential for myocardial ischemia, osteoporosis, arrhythmias, and neurological disorders, primarily through the suppression of related inflammatory factors and cell apoptosis. However, sophoridine has also exhibited adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity. The antidisease effect and mechanism of sophoridine are diverse, so it has high research value.

Conclusion: As an important traditional Chinese medicine alkaloid, modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that sophoridine has prominent bioactivities, especially on anti-tumor anti-inflammation activities, and cardiovascular system protection. These activities provide prospects for novel drug development for cancer and some chronic diseases. Nevertheless, the understanding of the multitarget network pharmacology, long-term in vivo toxicity, and clinical efficacy of sophoridine require further detailed research.
Network pharmacology-based approach to explore the underlying mechanism of sinomenine on sepsis-induced myocardial injury in rats
Authors: Sun Linggang , Chen Zhiyun , Ni Yunjie , He Zhengfei
Published: June 2023

Background: Sepsis, a systemic disease, usually induces myocardial injury (MI), and sepsis-induced MI has become a significant contributor to sepsis-related deaths in the intensive care unit. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of sinomenine (SIN) on sepsis-induced MI and clarify the underlying mechanism based on the techniques of network pharmacology.

Methods: Cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) was adopted to induce sepsis in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Serum indicators, echocardiographic cardiac parameters, and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were conducted to gauge the severity of cardiac damage. The candidate targets and potential mechanism of SIN against sepsis-induced MI were analyzed via network pharmacology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed for detecting the serum concentration of inflammatory cytokines. Western blot was applied for evaluating the levels of protein expression. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP biotin nick end labeling assay was applied to assess cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Results: SIN significantly improved the cardiac functions, and attenuated myocardial structural damage of rats as compared with the CLP group. In total, 178 targets of SIN and 945 sepsis-related genes were identified, and 33 overlapped targets were considered as candidate targets of SIN against sepsis. Enrichment analysis results demonstrated that these putative targets were significantly associated with the Interleukin 17 (IL-17) signal pathway, inflammatory response, cytokines-mediated signal pathway, and Janus Kinase-Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway. Molecular docking suggested that SIN had favorable binding affinities with Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 8 (MAPK8), Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1), Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2), Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). SIN significantly reduced the serum concentration of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin 1 Beta (IL-1β), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 8 (CXCL8), lowered the protein expression of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1), JAK1, JAK2, STAT3, NF-κB, and decreased the proportion of cleaved-caspase3/caspase3. In addition, SIN also significantly inhibited the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes as compared with the CLP group.

Conclusion: Based on network pharmacology analysis and corresponding experiments, it was concluded that SIN could mediate related targets and pathways to protect against sepsis-induced MI.
Morphine pharmacokinetics and opioid transporter expression at the blood-retina barrier of male and female mice
Authors: Berezin Casey-Tyler , Bergum Nikolas , Torres Lopez Glenda M. , Vigh Jozsef
Published: June 2023

Opioids are effective analgesics for treating moderate to severe pain, however, their use must be weighed against their dangerous side effects. Investigations into opioid pharmacokinetics provide crucial information regarding both on- and off-target drug effects. Our recent work showed that morphine deposits and accumulates in the mouse retina at higher concentrations than in the brain upon chronic systemic exposure. We also found reduced retinal expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a major opioid extruder at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we systematically interrogated the expression of three putative opioid transporters at the blood-retina barrier (BRB): P-gp, breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp) and multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mrp2). Using immunohistochemistry, we found robust expression of P-gp and Bcrp, but not Mrp2, at the inner BRB of the mouse retina. Previous studies have suggested that P-gp expression may be regulated by sex hormones. However, upon acute morphine treatment we found no sex differences in morphine deposition levels in the retina or brain, nor on transporter expression in the retinas of males and females with a high or low estrogen:progesterone ratio. Importantly, we found that P-gp, but not Bcrp, expression significantly correlated with morphine concentration in the retina, suggesting P-gp is the predominant opioid transporter at the BRB. In addition, fluorescence extravasation studies revealed that chronic morphine treatment did not alter the permeability of either the BBB or BRB. Together, these data suggest that reduced P-gp expression mediates retinal morphine accumulation upon systemic delivery, and in turn, potential effects on circadian photoentrainment.
Enhanced heroin analgesic effect in male offspring of sires who self-administered heroin
Authors: Gao Wenjing , Pan Tao , Fan Guangyuan , Cui Jian , Wang Tingting , Huang Nan , Jiang Changyou , Ma Lan , Wang Feifei , Liu Xing , Le Qiumin
Published: June 2023

Introduction: A growing body of evidence suggests that parental substance abuse, even prior to conception, may induce phenotypic changes in offspring. Parental opioid exposure has been shown to affect developmental processes, induce memory deficits, and lead to psycho-emotional disorders in offspring. However, how parental, especially paternal, chronic drug exposure affects offspring remains unexplored.

Methods: Adult male rats were subjected to 31 days of heroin self-administration followed by mating with naïve females. Litter size and body weight of F1 offspring were recorded. Object-based attention tests, cocaine self-administration tests, and hot plate tests were used to test for potential effects of chronic paternal heroin seeking on cognition, reward, or analgesic sensitivity in the offspring.

Results: Body weight and litter size of the heroin F1 generation were not altered compared to the saline F1 generation. Furthermore, paternal chronic heroin self-administration experience had no significant effect on object-based attention tests or cocaine self-administration behavior in either sex. However, in the hot plate test, although no difference in basal latency was found between the two groups in either sex, a significant increase in the analgesic effect of heroin was observed in the male heroin F1 generation.

Conclusions: Taken together, these data provide evidence that paternal chronic heroin self-administration experience could sex-dimorphically increase the analgesic effect of heroin in male offspring, but had no significant effect on response to cocaine reinforcement or attentional behavior.
Lightweight and secure D2D group communication for wireless IoT
Authors: Miao Junfeng , Wang Zhaoshun , Xue Xingsi , Wang Mei , Lv Jianhui , Li Min
Published: June 2023

In recent years, wirless Internet of Things (IoT) technology has developed rapidly, and the reuse of spectrum resources, network efficiency, and the diversity of multi-communication scenarios have brought great challenges to the existing Internet of Things. And Device to Device (D2D) communication technology in 5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology (5G) has good application prospects in these aspects. Therefore, the combination with D2D can well solve the needs in the wirless Internet of things. However, safe and effective communication has become an urgent problem to be solved. In this paper, this paper proposes a D2D group communication protocol for wireless IoT in 5G. In this protocol, the Chinese remainder theorem is introduced into the protocol design, and a secure and efficient group authentication scheme is constructed based on secret sharing and Chebyshev Polynomials. The formal security proof using Burrows Abadi Needham (BAN) logic and informal security analysis show that our proposed protocol meets the security requirements. Through performance analysis, compared with other related schemes, this scheme not only provides better security, but also has obvious advantages in computation and communication efficiency.
Comparative transcriptome profiling of susceptible and tolerant citrus species at early and late stage of infection by “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus”
Authors: Gao Chenying , Li Cuixiao , Li Ziyi , Liu Yaoxin , Li Jiaming , Guo Jun , Mao Jiana , Fang Fang , Wang Cheng , Deng Xiaoling , Zheng Zheng
Published: June 2023

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” (CLas), is the most destructive disease threatening global citrus industry. Most commercial cultivars were susceptible to HLB, although some showed tolerant to HLB phenotypically. Identifying tolerant citrus genotypes and understanding the mechanism correlated with tolerance to HLB is essential for breeding citrus variety tolerance/resistance to HLB. In this study, the graft assay with CLas-infected bud were performed in four citrus genotypes, including Citrus reticulata Blanco, C. sinensis, C. limon, and C. maxima. HLB tolerance was observed in C. limon and C. maxima, while C. Blanco and C. sinensis were susceptible to HLB. The time-course transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant variation in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to HLB between susceptible and tolerant cultivar group at early and late infection stage. Functional analysis of DEGs indicated that the activation of genes involved in SA-mediated defense response, PTI, cell wall associated immunity, endochitinase, phenylpropanoid and alpha-linolenic/linoleic lipid metabolism played an important in the tolerance of C. limon and C. maxima to HLB at early infection stage. In addition, the overactive plant defense combined with the stronger antibacterial activity (antibacterial secondary and lipid metabolism) and the suppression of pectinesterase were contributed to the long-term tolerance to HLB in C. limon and C. maxima at late infection stage. Particularly, the activation of ROS scavenging genes (catalases and ascorbate peroxidases) could help to reduce HLB symptoms in tolerant cultivars. In contrast, the overexpression of genes involved in oxidative burst and ethylene metabolism, as well as the late inducing of defense related genes could lead to the early HLB symptom development in susceptible cultivars at early infection stage. The weak defense response and antibacterial secondary metabolism, and the induce of pectinesterase were responsible for sensitivity to HLB in C. reticulata Blanco and C. sinensis at late infection stage. This study provided new insights into the tolerance/sensitivity mechanism against HLB and valuable guidance for breeding of HLB-tolerant/resistant cultivars.
Advancing the automation of plant nucleic acid extraction for rapid diagnosis of plant diseases in space
Authors: Haveman Natasha J. , Schuerger Andrew C. , Yu Pei-Ling , Brown Mark , Doebler Robert , Paul Anna-Lisa , Ferl Robert J.
Published: June 2023

Human space exploration missions will continue the development of sustainable plant cultivation in what are obviously novel habitat settings. Effective pathology mitigation strategies are needed to cope with plant disease outbreaks in any space-based plant growth system. However, few technologies currently exist for space-based diagnosis of plant pathogens. Therefore, we developed a method of extracting plant nucleic acid that will facilitate the rapid diagnosis of plant diseases for future spaceflight applications. The microHomogenizer™ from Claremont BioSolutions, originally designed for bacterial and animal tissue samples, was evaluated for plant–microbial nucleic acid extractions. The microHomogenizer™ is an appealing device in that it provides automation and containment capabilities that would be required in spaceflight applications. Three different plant pathosystems were used to assess the versatility of the extraction process. Tomato, lettuce, and pepper plants were respectively inoculated with a fungal plant pathogen, an oomycete pathogen, and a plant viral pathogen. The microHomogenizer™, along with the developed protocols, proved to be an effective mechanism for producing DNA from all three pathosystems, in that PCR and sequencing of the resulting samples demonstrated clear DNA-based diagnoses. Thus, this investigation advances the efforts to automate nucleic acid extraction for future plant disease diagnosis in space.
Impact of the citizen science project COLLECT on ocean literacy and well-being within a north/west African and south-east Asian context
Authors: Severin Marine I. , Akpetou Lazare Kouame , Annasawmy Pavanee , Asuquo Francis Emile , Beckman Fiona , Benomar Mostapha , Jaya-Ram Annette , Malouli Mohammed , Mees Jan , Monteiro Ivanice , Ndwiga Joey , Neves Silva Péricles , Nubi Olubunmi Ayoola , Sim Yee Kwang , Sohou Zacharie , Shau-Hwai Aileen Tan , Woo Sau Pinn , Zizah Soukaina , Buysse Ann , Raes Filip , Krug Lilian A. , Seeyave Sophie , Everaert Gert , Mahu Edem , Catarino Ana I.
Published: June 2023

Plastic pollution is both a societal and environmental problem and citizen science has shown to be a useful tool to engage both the public and professionals in addressing it. However, knowledge on the educational and behavioral impacts of citizen science projects focusing on marine litter remains limited. Our preregistered study investigates the impact of the citizen science project Citizen Observation of Local Litter in coastal ECosysTems (COLLECT) on the participants’ ocean literacy, pro-environmental intentions and attitudes, well-being, and nature connectedness, using a pretest-posttest design. A total of 410 secondary school students from seven countries, in Africa (Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria) and Asia (Malaysia) were trained to sample plastics on sandy beaches and to analyze their collection in the classroom. Non-parametric statistical tests (n = 239 matched participants) demonstrate that the COLLECT project positively impacted ocean literacy (i.e., awareness and knowledge of marine litter, self-reported litter-reducing behaviors, attitudes towards beach litter removal). The COLLECT project also led to higher pro-environmental behavioral intentions for students in Benin and Ghana (implying a positive spillover effect) and higher well-being and nature connectedness for students in Benin. Results are interpreted in consideration of a high baseline in awareness and attitudes towards marine litter, a low internal consistency of pro-environmental attitudes, the cultural context of the participating countries, and the unique settings of the project’s implementation. Our study highlights the benefits and challenges of understanding how citizen science impacts the perceptions and behaviors towards marine litter in youth from the respective regions.
Public attitudes toward COVID-19 misbehaviors: Perceived seriousness of the misbehavior and perceived severity of the appropriate punishment
Authors: Levy Inna , Cohen-Louck Keren , Herzog Sergio
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This interdisciplinary study explores attitudes toward health-related misbehaviors from a criminological point of view by comparing attitudes toward COVID-19 misbehaviors to the attitudes toward reckless behaviors related to driving and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients’ sexual behavior and identifying the predictors of attitudes toward COVID-19 misbehaviors.

Methods

An online factorial survey included 679 respondents aged 18–89  years. The participants read various scenarios related to the violation of COVID-19 restrictions, reckless sexual behavior among HIV patients, and reckless driving. The participants evaluated the seriousness of each behavior and the appropriate severity of the punishment in each scenario. Within the scenarios about COVID-19 misbehaviors, we manipulated such variables as the type of COVID-19 misbehavior and violators’ gender, ethnicity, and religiosity. Additionally, participants answered questions about their demographic characteristics, vaccination, fear of COVID-19, and perceived contribution of COVID-19 misbehaviors to COVID-19-related morbidity.

Results

The results indicated that participants perceived COVID-19 misbehaviors as less serious (Mean = 8.11, S.D. = 2.49) and deserving a less severe punishment (Mean = 7.57, S.D. = 2.59) than reckless driving (Mean = 9.36, S.D. = 1.25; Mean = 9.09, S.D. = 1.30; respectively). Additionally, the key factor predicting public opinion regarding COVID-19-related misbehaviors was the perceived contribution of these misbehaviors to virus-related morbidity. The perceived contribution to morbidity explained 52% of the variance in the seriousness of misbehavior and 53% of the severity of appropriate punishment.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that it is critical to advocate for and reinforce the public’s understanding of the association between the increase in morbidity and the violation of restrictions preventing the transmission of viruses. Our findings also support the notion that the definitions of “crime” and “deviance” are not inherent or intrinsic but are created by the social context.
The effect of web 2.0 based technology applications on speaking skills and speaking anxiety in teaching Turkish as a foreign language: Voki example
Authors: Aktaş Elif
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of Voki, one of the web 2.0-based technology applications, on Turkish learners’ speaking skills and speaking anxiety. In the study, exploratory sequential design, one of the mixed design types in which quantitative and qualitative approaches are used together, was adopted. The study group of the research consisted of 61 students at A2 level (31 experimental group, 30 control group) who learn Turkish as a foreign language at the Turkish Language Teaching Center of a university located in the south of Turkey. Speaking Anxiety Scale and Speaking Skill Assessment Form were used as data collection tools. During the 6-week intervention, the experimental group used Voki in speaking lessons, while the control group did not use any technology-based web 2.0 tool. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, dependent and independent groups t-test were used to analyze the quantitative data collected in the study. Descriptive analysis and content analysis were used to analyze the qualitative data collected through a semi-structured interview form. As a result of the study, it was determined that the Voki application improved the speaking skills of the students in the experimental group and reduced their speaking anxiety. It was also determined that the students in the experimental group expressed positive opinions about the application. Therefore, the use of Voki application in speaking activities in foreign language teaching is recommended.
Impact of the war in Ukraine on resilience, protective, and vulnerability factors
Authors: Kimhi Shaul , Eshel Yohanan , Marciano Hadas , Adini Bruria
Published: June 2023

War or armed conflict is one of the most severe human-made adversities. The current study examines the resilience, protective, and vulnerability factors of a sample of Ukrainian civilians, during the current Russian-Ukrainian war. The level of resilience and coping indicators were compared with the responses of an Israeli sample following an armed conflict in May 2021. The data were collected by an internet panel company. A representative sample of Ukrainian residents (N = 1,001) responded to an online questionnaire. A stratified sampling method was employed regarding geographic distribution, gender, and age. The data concerning the Israeli population (N = 647) were also collected by an internet panel company during a recent armed conflict with Gaza (May 2021). Three notable results emerged in this study: (a) The Ukrainian sample reported significantly higher levels of the following: Distress symptoms, sense of danger, and perceived threats, compared with the Israeli sample. However, despite these harsh feelings, the Ukrainian respondents reported substantially higher levels of hope and societal resilience compared, to their Israeli counterparts, and somewhat higher individual and community resilience. (b) The protective factors of the respondents in Ukraine (level of hope, wellbeing, and morale), predicted the three types of resilience (individual, community, and social) better than the vulnerability factors (sense of danger, distress symptoms, and level of threats). (c) The best predictors of the three types of resilience were hope and wellbeing. (d) The demographic characteristics of the Ukrainian respondents hardly added to the prediction of the three types of resilience. It appears that a war that threatens the independence and sovereignty of a country may, under certain conditions, enhance the societal resilience and hope of the population under risk, despite a lower sense of wellbeing and higher levels of distress, sense of danger, and perceived threats.
Developing a questionnaire to evaluate the health information literacy in China
Authors: Yu Xuan , Luo Meng , Wu Shouyuan , Zhang Juanjuan , Guo Qiangqiang , Wang Xiaohui , Tian Youzhong , Zhang Zhizhong , Chen Yaolong , Wen Jianqiang
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Health information literacy is critical for individuals to obtain, understand, screen, and apply health information. However, there is currently no specific tool available to evaluate all four dimensions of health information literacy in China. Public health emergencies can present an opportunity to evaluate and monitor the health information literacy level of residents. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a questionnaire to evaluate the level of health information literacy and to measure the reliability and validity.

Methods

The development process of the questionnaire consisted of the determination of questionnaire items, expert consultation, and validation. Based on the National Residents Health Literacy Monitoring Questionnaire (2020) and the 2019 Informed Health Choices key concepts, the researchers drafted the questionnaire, including all four dimensions of health information literacy. Experts in relevant fields were invited to evaluate the draft questionnaire, and revisions were made accordingly. Finally, the reliability and validity of the finalized version were examined in Gansu Province, China.

Results

The research team preliminarily formulated 14 items encompassing the four dimensions of health information literacy. After consulting with 28 experts, modifications were made. A convenience sample of 185 Chinese residents was invited to participate. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.715 and McDonald's omega was 0.739 for internal consistency, and the test-retest intra-class correlation coefficient after 4 weeks was 0.906, indicating that the questionnaire content and measurement structure was relatively stable.

Conclusion

This questionnaire is the first evidence-based assessment tool developed for monitoring health information literacy in China, and it has shown good reliability and validity. It can help to monitor the health information literacy levels of Chinese residents, promote evidence-based decision-making, and guide interventions to improve health information literacy.
Understanding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in health care professionals in Central and West Asia: lessons for future emergency mass vaccination campaigns
Authors: Adambekov Shalkar , Bongers Alexander , Hare Jonathan , Popovic Dragoslav , Rajashekharaiah Harsha , Lawson Stefan M. , Riggall Giovanna , Kokareva Larissa , Chin Brian
Published: June 2023

A Quick Assessment of Vaccine Hesitancy approach was developed to collect population insights on vaccination hesitancy for low resource environments. Insights into COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were collected through online webinars with heads of healthcare departments and anonymized online surveys of healthcare managers (HCM) and primary healthcare workers (HCW) in four countries in Central and West Asia (Armenia, Georgia, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan) between 28 February 2022 and 29 March 2022. From the responses to the survey some key themes identified that underpinned in vaccine hesitancy across the region were perceived understanding of vaccine efficacy, conflict with individual religious beliefs, concerns for side effects, and the relatively rapid development of the vaccine and that improving communications strategies to address these concerns would be critical in combatting vaccine hesitancy through any future public health emergencies.