bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing online social support for alcohol use disorder: A mixed‐methods approach
Authors: Colditz Jason B. , Chu Kar‐Hai , Hsiao Lily , Barrett Erica , Kraemer Kevin L. , Pedersen Sarah L.
Published: November 2023

Background

Online social media communities are increasingly popular venues for discussing alcohol use disorder (AUD) and recovery. Little is known about distinct contexts of social support that are exchanged in this milieu, which are critical to understanding the social dynamics of online recovery support.

Methods

We randomly selected one post per day over the span of a year from the StopDrinking recovery forum. Direct responses to posts were double coded within an established theoretical framework of social support. Within a mixed‐methods research framework, we quantified the linguistic characteristics of 1386 responses (i.e., text length, complexity, and sentiment) and qualitatively explored themes within and among different types of social support.

Results

Emotional support was most prevalent (74% of responses) and appeared as the sole form of support in 38% of responses. Emotionally supportive responses were significantly shorter, less complex, and more positively valenced than other support types. Appraisal support was also common in 55% of responses, while informational support was identified in only 17%. There was substantial overlap among support types, with 40% of responses including two or more types. Salient themes included the common use of community‐specific acronyms in emotional support. Appraisal support conveyed feedback about attitudes and behaviors that are perceived as (un‐) favorable for AUD recovery. Informational support responses were composed primarily of recommendations for self‐help literature, clinical treatment approaches, and peer recovery programs.

Conclusions

Social support in this sample was primarily emotional in nature, with other types of support included to provide feedback and guidance (i.e., appraisal support) and supplemental recovery resources (i.e., informational support). The provided social support framework can be helpful in characterizing community dynamics among heterogeneous online AUD recovery support forums. This framework could also be helpful in considering changes in support approaches that correspond to progress in recovery.
Multi‐omics analysis of alcohol effects on the liver in young and aged mice
Authors: Zillich Lea , Wagner Josephin , McMahan Rachel H. , Park Lauren M. , Hodgkinson Colin , Kovacs Elizabeth J. , Lohoff Falk W.
Published: November 2023

Excessive alcohol consumption has detrimental effects on the entire organism, especially on the liver. The toxicity is partly dependent on age, as older individuals metabolize alcohol more slowly leading to increased cellular injury. This study aimed to investigate the effects of moderate binge drinking on the liver of young and aged mice in a genome‐wide multi‐omics approach. We determined DNA methylation (DNAm) using the Illumina MouseMethylation array and gene expression by RNA sequencing in 18 female Balb/c mice in a 2 × 2 design. The animals underwent three moderate binge drinking cycles (ethanol vs. vehicle) and liver tissue was harvested at 4 or 19 months of age. We tested differential gene expression (DE) and DNAm associated with ethanol intake in linear models separately in young and aged mice, performed enrichment analyses for pathways and GWAS signatures of problematic alcohol use, and analysed the overlap of DNAm and gene expression. We observed DE in young and aged animals and substantial overlap in genes such as Bhlhe40, Klf10, and Frmd8. DE genes in aged animals were enriched for biological processes related to alcohol metabolism, inflammation, liver fibrosis, and GWAS signatures of problematic alcohol use. We identified overlapping signatures from DNAm and gene expression, for example, Frmd8 in aged and St6galnac4 in young mice. This study offers converging evidence of novel age‐related targets in a moderate alcohol consumption model highlighting dysregulations in genes related to alcohol metabolism, inflammation, and liver fibrosis. Future studies are needed to confirm these results and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
The role of psychosocial factors in the interprofessional management of women with chronic pelvic pain: A systematic review
Authors: Klotz Susanne G. R. , Kolbe Clarissa , Rueß Miriam , Brünahl Christian A.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common pain disorder in women associated with negative biopsychosocial consequences. The multifactorial etiology and maintaining aspects of CPP logically require an interprofessional treatment approach. However, the effects of interprofessional treatment strategies on psychosocial factors remain unclear. The study aims to investigate how interprofessional therapy helps to treat psychosocial factors in women with CPP. The systematic review summarizes the current evidence of interprofessional treatment in women with CPP.

Material and methods

A systematic literature review was performed in six databases (Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PEDro, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) until February 2023. Studies were selected in a two‐step approach applying as inclusion criteria the search combinations of Chronic Pelvic Pain and CPP, synonyms for interprofessional therapies, and for female patients. Studies were excluded if they were not quantitative primary research published in English, if CPP was not defined appropriately, if the study population was not female adult patients, if the interprofessional intervention was not operationalized appropriately, if they were single case studies, and if outcomes did not include at least one of the psychosocial factors pain, depressive symptoms, pain catastrophizing, fear, or anxiety. Risk of bias of the included studies was rated with the McMaster Critical Review Form. Studies were summarized narratively. The review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023391008).

Results

Five studies with a total sample size of n = 186 women were included, three of them were uncontrolled retrospective before‐after chart review. Only one study used a randomized controlled design, the other study used a non‐randomized controlled group. The studies' methodological quality is adequate with perspective of study design. The multiprofessional treatment approaches used in the studies differed with regard to professions involved, therapy methods, and modalities. Psychosocial outcome measures were pain (five studies), depressive symptoms (three studies), and anxiety symptoms (four studies).

Conclusions

Although interprofessional treatment strategies for women with CPP are recommended in existing guidelines, available evidence is scarce and does not allow for identification of the best interprofessional treatment approach. The effect on psychosocial factors remains unclear. More research is needed determining the best practice interprofessional treatment option for women with CPP.
Computational investigation of outflow graft variation impact on hemocompatibility profile in LVADs
Authors: Zambrano Byron A. , Wilson Shannon I. , Zook Salma , Vekaria Bansi , Moreno Michael R. , Kassi Mahwash
Published: November 2023

Background

Hemocompatibility‐related adverse events (HRAE) occur commonly in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and add to morbidity and mortality. It is unclear whether the outflow graft orientation can impact flow conditions leading to HRAE. This study presents a simulation‐based approach using exact patient anatomy from medical images to investigate the influence of outflow cannula orientation in modulating flow conditions leading to HRAEs.

Methods

A 3D model of a proximal aorta and outflow graft was reconstructed from a computed tomography (CT) scan of an LVAD patient and virtually modified to model multiple cannula orientations (n = 10) by varying polar (cranio‐caudal) (n = 5) and off‐set (anterior–posterior) (n = 2) angles. Time‐dependent computational flow simulations were then performed for each anatomical orientation. Qualitative and quantitative hemodynamics metrics of thrombogenicity including time‐averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), endothelial cell platelet activation potential (ECAP), particle residence time (PRT), and platelet activation potential (PLAP) were analyzed.

Results

Within the simulations performed, endothelial cell activation potential (ECAP) and particle residence time (PRT) were found to be lowest with a polar angle of 85°, regardless of offset angle. However, polar angles that produced parameters at levels least associated with thrombosis varied when the offset angle was changed from 0° to 12°. For offset angles of 0° and 12° respectively, flow shear was lowest at 65° and 75°, time averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) was highest at 85° and 35°, and platelet activation potential (PLAP) was lowest at 65° and 45°.

Conclusion

This study suggests that computational fluid dynamic modeling based on patient‐specific anatomy can be a powerful analytical tool when identifying optimal positioning of an LVAD. Contrary to previous work, our findings suggest that there may be an “ideal” outflow cannula for each individual patient based on a CFD‐based hemocompatibility profile.
Probiotics for infantile colic: Is there evidence beyond doubt? A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Vaz Sáskia Ribeiro , Tofoli Marise Helena , Avelino Melissa Ameloti Gomes , da Costa Paulo Sérgio Sucasas
Published: November 2023

Aim

This study is a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials that employed probiotics and symbiotics for treating infantile colic.

Methods

We performed electronic systematic literature searches in Embase, PubMed and Web of Science, to identify articles published between 1950 and April 2023. Only RCT involving infants with infantile colic under 3 months were included. The treatment plan comprised 15 probiotics, which included Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Bifidobacterium animalis lactis BB‐12. The probiotics were administered alone or in combination with a prebiotic, vs. no intervention or a placebo.

Results

Probiotics resulted in an average reduction of 51 min of crying per day (p = 0.001). Further analysis of subgroups showed that the reduction was −39.30 min for vaginal delivery (p = 0.003), −64.66 min for Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (p = 0.03), −40.45 min for other strains (p < 0.00001), −74.28 min for exclusively breastfed infants (p = 0.0003) and −48.04 min for mixed feeding (p < 0.00001).

Conclusion

All probiotic strains seem effective in treating infantile colic. Exclusively breastfed infants have demonstrated more significant reduction in crying time. However, the available evidence on the effectiveness of probiotics in formula‐fed and caesarean‐born infants is limited.
Challenges in defining treatment‐resistant mania in adults: A systematic review
Authors: Gonzalez‐Torres Christina , Mulsant Benoit H. , Husain M. Ishrat , Alda Martin , Young Robert C. , Ortiz Abigail
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To review the definitions of treatment‐resistant mania (TRM) in the literature and propose criteria for an operationalized definition.

Methods

A systematic search of five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychInfo, Cochrane Central, and CINAHL) and data extraction of eligible articles.

Results

In total, 47 articles addressing the concept of TRM were included, comprising 16 case reports, 11 case series, 3 randomized clinical trials, 8 open‐label clinical trials, 1 experimental study, 7 narrative reviews, and 1 systematic review. While reviews discussed several challenges in defining TRM, definitions varied substantially based on different criteria for severity of mania, duration of mania, and use of specific therapeutic agents with minimal dosages and duration of treatment. Only a handful of the reviewed articles operationalized these criteria.

Conclusion

While the concept of TRM has been discussed in the literature for over three decades, we could not find an agreed‐upon operationalized definition based on specific criteria. We propose and discuss a possible definition that could be used by clinicians to guide their practice and by researchers to assess the prevalence of TRM and develop and test interventions targeting TRM.
Association between genetic variants of transmembrane transporters and susceptibility to anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity: Current understanding and existing evidence
Authors: Ni Ming‐Ming , Yang Ju‐Fei , Miao Jing , Xu Jin
Published: November 2023

Anthracyclines remain the cornerstone of numerous chemotherapeutic protocols, with beneficial effects against haematological malignancies and solid tumours. Unfortunately, the clinical usefulness of anthracyclines is compromised by the development of cardiotoxic side effects, leading to dose limitations or treatment discontinuation. There is no absolute linear correlation between the incidence of cardiotoxicity and the threshold dose, suggesting that genetic factors may modify the association between anthracyclines and cardiotoxicity risk. And the majority of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with anthracycline pharmacogenomics were identified in the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC) transporters, generating increasing interest in the pharmacogenetic implications of their genetic variations for anthracycline‐induced cardiotoxicity (AIC). This review focuses on the influence of SLC and ABC polymorphisms on AIC and highlights the prospects and clinical significance of pharmacogenetics for individualised preventive approaches.
Pollen associated with a Texas population of blow flies‐(Diptera: Calliphoridae) highlights underappreciated aspects of their biology
Authors: Rangel Juliana , Lau Pierre , Strauss Brandon , Hildinger Emily , Hernandez Betty , Rodriguez Stephanie , Bryant Vaughn , Tarone Aaron M.
Published: November 2023

Over 80% of agricultural crops rely on insect pollination. Thus, pollinator biodiversity is critical for augmented plant yield and quality.

Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are acknowledged pollinators of several crops. However, there are many open questions regarding their importance in pollination ecology. For instance, there has not been a comprehensive assessment of pollen use by blow flies, and thus, it is unknown whether individuals visit few or many plant types per trip.

At least one blow fly species (Lucilia sericata) can digest pollen and use the protein therein as an oogenic resource. However, it is unknown whether this is a commonly used strategy for protein acquisition, given that they are more commonly associated with faeces, carrion and myiasis.

We surveyed the pollen found in blow fly guts to determine whether blow flies (a) consume pollen, and if so, which types of pollen; (b) exhibit species‐specific pollen use and (c) demonstrate sex‐specific pollen use.

We collected blow flies from natural habitats around Central Texas from 2016 to 2019 and dissected their guts to look for the presence of pollen. We found widespread use of pollen from a variety of plants by six blow fly species and discovered a bias in the amount of pollen collected by female blow flies compared with males in some, but not all fly species.

Pollen represents a relatively underappreciated aspect of blow fly biology, with the potential for several underappreciated ecological impacts ranging from disease ecology to plant diversity.
A novel, post‐Soviet fire disturbance regime drives bird diversity and abundance on the Eurasian steppe
Authors: Bhagwat Tejas , Kuemmerle Tobias , Soofi Mahmood , Donald Paul F. , Hölzel Norbert , Salemgareev Albert , Stirnemann Ingrid , Urazaliyev Ruslan , Baumann Matthias , Kamp Johannes
Published: November 2023

Many grassland ecosystems and their associated biodiversity depend on the interactions between fire and land‐use, both of which are shaped by socioeconomic conditions. The Eurasian steppe biome, much of it situated in Kazakhstan, contains 10% of the world's remaining grasslands. The break‐up of the Soviet Union in 1991, widespread land abandonment and massive declines in wild and domestic ungulates led to biomass accumulation over millions of hectares. This rapid fuel increase made the steppes a global fire hotspot, with major changes in vegetation structure. Yet, the response of steppe biodiversity to these changes remains unexplored. We utilized a unique bird abundance dataset covering the entire Kazakh steppe and semi‐desert regions together with the MODIS burned area product. We modeled the response of bird species richness and abundance as a function of fire disturbance variables—fire extent, cumulative burned area, fire frequency—at varying grazing intensity. Bird species richness was impacted negatively by large fire extent, cumulative burned area, and high fire frequency in moderately grazed and ungrazed steppe. Similarly, overall bird abundance was impacted negatively by large fire extent, cumulative burned area and higher fire frequency in the moderately grazed steppe, ungrazed steppe, and ungrazed semi‐deserts. At the species level, the effect of high fire disturbance was negative for more species than positive. There were considerable fire legacy effects, detectable for at least 8 years. We conclude that the increase in fire disturbance across the post‐Soviet Eurasian steppe has led to strong declines in bird abundance and pronounced changes in community assembly. To gain back control over wildfires and prevent further biodiversity loss, restoration of wild herbivore populations and traditional domestic ungulate grazing systems seems much needed.
Biochar and manure additions increased above‐ and belowground wood decomposition, and soil enzyme activities in a sandy loam soil
Authors: Zhao Ruirui , Page‐Dumroese Deborah S. , Liu Yong , Wang Kai , Dumroese R. Kasten
Published: November 2023

While biochar and manure can provide considerable benefits to soil properties, how these amendments may alter soil microbial activity and decomposition processes remains unknown. In a split‐split‐split‐plot experiment, we amended a sandy loam soil with three rates of manure (whole plot; 0, 3, 9 Mg ha−1) and biochar (split‐plot; 0, 2.5, 10 Mg ha−1), and installed three species of wood stakes (split‐split‐split plot; triploid poplar, Populus tomentosa Carr.; trembling aspen, Populus tremuloides Michx.; and loblolly pine, Pinus taeda L.) on the soil surface and in the mineral soil (split‐split plot) to serve as a substrate for microbial degradation. Wood stakes were sampled 3 years after installation to assess decomposition rates (mass loss), and changes in wood carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). In addition, soil extracellular enzyme activities at the 0–20 cm depth were examined. Biochar alone, especially 10 Mg ha−1, increased wood stake decomposition and moisture content on the soil surface and in the mineral soil. Manure at the rate of 9 Mg ha−1 increased soil N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase, α‐glucosidase, and aryl sulfatase activities by 91%, 17%, and 48% respectively. Because of the synergistic benefits of biochar and manure, we suggest that, in this climatic regime and soil texture, 10 Mg ha−1 biochar can be used for soil C sequestration and soil quality improvement, and 9 Mg ha−1 manure can be used in combination with biochar to build soil organic matter in plantations.
Criticising as a disciplinary action: A problem for learners of Chinese as a foreign language?
Authors: Liu Fengguang , Shi Wenrui , Kádár Dániel Z. , House Juliane
Published: November 2023

In this study, we examine how criticising as a disciplinary action is conventionally realised in Chinese classroom contexts. By so doing, we provide a two‐fold contribution to the current special issue dedicated to Willis Edmondson. First, we examine criticising in an innovative way, by going beyond its traditional interpretation as a speech act, that is, we approach it as an interactional phenomenon which is conventionally realised by a cluster of expressions and speech acts. Second, we propose a bipartite approach to examine why and how instances of criticism as a disciplinary action in Chinese may puzzle foreign learners of Chinese.
CCR5 promoter polymorphisms associated with nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Lu Tianchang , Shi Yuhan , Wang Minyi , Liu Weipeng , Cao Yang , Shi Li , Ma Qianli , Liu Shuyuan
Published: November 2023

C–C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) plays a crucial role in the regulation of immune cell activation and migration as well as the progression of many cancers. We performed an in silico analysis using public data resources and found that the lung cancer patients with higher CCR5 expression had a notably better overall survival than those with lower CCR5 expression patients and CCR5 expression level is positive correlated with the infiltration of immune cells, such as B, CD8+ T and CD4+ T cells, in both lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell cancer. In the present study, we investigated the association between the promoter polymorphism of CCR5 and nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A case‒control study of 449 NSCLC patients and 516 controls of Chinese Han population was conducted, along with polymorphism detection using a sequencing method. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay system was used to analyse the transcriptional activity of CCR5 promoter variations. Our results showed that the frequency of rs1799987‐AA was significantly higher in the NSCLC group than in the controls in recessive model (p = .007, OR = 1.66 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–2.40, adjusted by sex and age); the G allele showed a significant associated with NSCLC in dominant model (p = .003, OR = 1.64, 95%CI: 1.18–2.28, adjusted by sex and age). Compared with haplotype H1 rs2227010–rs2734648–rs1799987–rs1799988–rs1800023–rs1800024: A‐T‐G‐T‐G‐C, haplotype H5: A‐G‐G‐T‐G‐C increased the risk of NSCLC by over 10‐fold (p < .0001, OR = 16.09, 95%CI: 5.37–48.20, adjusted by sex and age) and notably depressed the transcriptional activity of the CCR5 promoter in 293T, A549, H1299 and HeLa cells. In conclusion, CCR5 promoter polymorphisms are significantly associated with NSCLC by affecting the transcriptional activity of the CCR5 promoter.
Characterisation of lepidopteran geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase as a putative pesticide target
Authors: Katsavou Evangelia , Sarafoglou Chara , Balabanidou Vasileia , Skoufa Evangelia , Nauen Ralf , Linka Marc , Geibel Sven , Denecke Shane , Vontas John
Published: November 2023

Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (diphosphate) synthase (GGPPS) plays an important role in various physiological processes in insects, such as isoprenoid biosynthesis and protein prenylation. Here, we functionally characterised the GGPPS from the major agricultural lepidopteran pests Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa armigera. Partial disruption of GGPPS by CRISPR in S. frugiperda decreased embryo hatching rate and larval survival, suggesting that this gene is essential. Functional expression in vitro of Helicoverpa armigera GGPPS in Escherichia coli revealed a catalytically active enzyme. Next, we developed and optimised an enzyme assay to screen for potential inhibitors, such as the zoledronate and the minodronate, which showed a dose‐dependent inhibition. Phylogenetic analysis of GGPPS across insects showed that GGPPS is highly conserved but also revealed several residues likely to be involved in substrate binding, which were substantially different in bee pollinator and human GGPPS. Considering the essentiality of GGPPS and its putative binding residue variability qualifies a GGPPS as a novel pesticide target. The developed assay may contribute to the identification of novel insecticide leads.
Disentangling natural and anthropogenic drivers of native and non‐native plant diversity on North Sea islands
Authors: Walentowitz Anna , Ferreira‐Arruda Thalita , Irl Severin D. H. , Kreft Holger , Beierkuhnlein Carl
Published: November 2023

Aim

Biodiversity on islands is commonly explained by a set of natural drivers such as area, isolation and habitat heterogeneity. However, constant human impact has led to considerable changes in island floras worldwide. This is reflected, among others, in increased numbers of non‐native species. Barrier islands are discrete land units, strongly influenced by humans and not displaying significant evolutionary dynamics. This makes them highly suitable for studying contemporary patterns of species richness and underlying processes. We aim to disentangle the effects of established natural and anthropogenic drivers on native and non‐native plant species richness at the example of 31 European barrier islands.

Location

31 North Sea barrier islands located off the Dutch, German and Danish coast.

Taxon

Native and non‐native plant species (spermatophytes and ferns).

Methods

Individual relationships of natural and anthropogenic drivers with native and non‐native plant species richness are analysed with generalised linear models (GLMs). We use structural equation models (SEMs) to additionally account for interrelations between drivers.

Results

Island area was the strongest predictor of native and non‐native plant species richness but affected richness mostly indirectly through habitat heterogeneity (non‐native species) and island inhabitants (native species). Isolation had a slight negative effect on native and non‐native plant species numbers on islands.

Main Conclusions

The richness of native and non‐native plant species on islands is associated with different drivers, that is, habitat heterogeneity and island inhabitants respectively. This might be caused by distinct underlying processes forming native and non‐native richness patterns. Area was confirmed to be the most important driver of species richness but acting primarily through other natural and anthropogenic drivers of plant species richness. We encourage considering both natural and anthropogenic drivers and their interrelatedness to explain contemporary biogeographic patterns of species richness.
Left atrial appendage occlusion for atrial fibrillation and bleeding diathesis
Authors: Kailey Balrik Singh , Koa‐Wing Michael , Sutaria Nilesh , Mott Tom , Sohaib Afzal , Qureshi Norman , Shi Christine , Padam Pritpal , Howard James , Kanagaratnam Prapa
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and likelihood of bleeding can undergo left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) as an alternative method of stroke prophylaxis. Short‐term anti‐thrombotic drugs are used postprocedure to offset the risk of device‐related thrombus, evidence for this practice is limited.

Objectives

To investigate optimal postimplant antithrombotic strategy in high bleeding‐risk patients.

Methods

Patients with AF and high‐risk for both stroke and bleeding undergoing LAAO were advised their perioperative drug therapy by a multidisciplinary physician panel. Those deemed to be at higher risk of bleeding from anti‐thrombotic drugs were assigned to minimal treatment with no antithrombotics or Aspirin‐alone. The remaining patients received standard care (STG) with a 12 week course of dual‐antiplatelets or anticoagulation postimplant. We compared mortality, device‐related thrombus, ischemic stroke, and bleeding events during the 90 days postimplant and long‐term. Event‐free survival was assessed using Kaplan−Meier survival analysis, with logrank testing for statistical significance.

Results

Seventy‐five patients underwent LAAO of whom 63 patients (84%) had a prior serious bleeding event. The 42 patients on minimal treatment were older (74.3 ± 7.7 vs. 71.2 ± 7.2) with higher HASBLED score (3.6 ± 0.9 vs. 3.3 ± 1.2) than the 33 patients having standard care. There were no device‐related thrombi or strokes in either group at 90 days postprocedure; STG had more bleeding events (5/33 vs. 0/42, p = 0.01) with associated deaths (3/33 vs. 0/42, p = 0.05). During long‐term follow‐up (median 2.2 years), all patients transitioned onto no antithrombotic drugs (43 patients [61%]) or a single‐antiplatelet (29 patients [39%]). There was no evidence of early minimal treatment adversely affecting long‐term outcomes.

Conclusions

Short‐term anti‐thrombotic drugs may not be needed after LAAO implant in patients with high bleeding risk and could be harmful. Larger, prospective studies would be warranted to test these findings.
Postsearch uncertainty, product heterogeneity, and price divergence
Authors: Chen Yijuan , Hu Xiangting , Li Sanxi
Published: November 2023

We develop a consumer search model in which consumers may remain uncertain about product quality even after inspecting the product. We first consider the postsearch uncertainty regarding vertical quality, and characterize the separating equilibrium in which firms with different quality levels charge different prices. If quality information is not sufficiently transparent after the search, then prices between the low‐ and the high‐quality products can either diverge or converge as the search cost decreases, depending on the degrees of horizontal and vertical product differentiation. We further extend the model to include the postsearch uncertainty about the horizontal match value and to endogenize the firm's quality choice.
The role of registering trademarks on firms' innovation: Evidence from Chinese firms
Authors: Liu Yili , Sun Puyang , Zhao Yong
Published: November 2023

Firms are used to registering trademarks for intellectual property protection which ultimately increases their innovations. Using a novel data set tracking firm‐level trademark registrations of Chinese listed firms between 2005 and 2017, this article sheds light on the role of a firm's first trademark in its patents and the related provision's implication in the developing world. We implement a difference‐in‐difference model to find approximately a 30% increase in the number of a firm's patents after its first trademark application. Moreover, we take advantage of the latest amendment of China's Trademark Law in 2013 as an exogenous shock to investigate the influence of law protection on trademark‐induced innovations. The results suggest a strengthened effect of first trademark applications on patent numbers after the 2013 amendment.
Branding vertical product line extensions
Authors: Jungbauer Thomas , Schmid Christian
Published: November 2023

Firms that sell vertically differentiated products infrequently roll out multiple products at the same time. In fact, it is often a firm already selling a well‐established product that decides to expand up‐ or downwards when such an opportunity arises. A critical decision in this scenario is whether to introduce the new product under an existing brand. In this paper, we develop a game‐theoretic model in which firms expand their product line to cater to a different customer segment, choosing their branding strategy, new product quality, and prices. We find that the firm's optimal branding strategy depends on both the vertical direction of the expansion and the level of competition, and identify a novel interaction effect between these factors. In particular, firms engaged in direct competition employ branding as a commitment device to soften quality competition. When these firms extend their product line upwards, this creates a misalignment between firms' actions and consumer preferences. We also derive conditions under which firms, against conventional wisdom, choose to differentiate their products more when selling them under the same brand. Finally, we characterize the welfare effects of branding in this setting, and argue that our findings are consistent with observations from the car industry.
Connecting the disconnected: Leveraging an in‐home team member for video visits for older adults
Authors: Hawley Chelsea E. , Wagner Caroline , Venegas Maria D. , Genovese Nicole , Triantafylidis Laura K. , McCullough Megan B. , Beizer Judith L. , Hung William W. , Moo Lauren R.
Published: November 2023

Background

Older adults are interested and able to complete video visits, but often require coaching and practice to succeed. Data show a widening digital divide between older and younger adults using video visits. We conducted a qualitative feasibility study to investigate these gaps via ethnographic methods, including a team member in older participants' homes.

Methods

This ethnographic feasibility study included a virtual medication reconciliation visit with a clinical pharmacist for Veterans aged 65 and older taking 5 or more medications. An in‐home study team member joined the participant and recorded observations in structured fieldnotes derived from the Updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Age‐Friendly Health Systems. Fieldnotes included behind‐the‐scenes facilitators, barriers, and solutions to challenges before and during the visits. We conducted a thematic analysis of these observations and matched themes to implementation solutions from the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change.

Results

Twenty participants completed a video visit. Participants were 74 years old (range 68–80) taking 12 daily medications (range 7–24). Challenges occurred in half of the visits and took the in‐home team member and/or pharmacist an average of 10 minutes to troubleshoot. Challenges included notable new findings, such as that half of the participants required technology assistance for challenges that would not have been able to be solved by the pharmacist virtually. Furthermore, although many participants had a device or had used video visits before, some did not have a single device with video, audio, Internet, and access to their email username and password.

Conclusions

Clinicians may apply these evidence‐based implementation solutions to their approach to video visits with older adults, including having a team member join the visit before the clinician, involving tech‐savvy family members, ensuring the device works with the visit platform ahead of time, and creating a troubleshooting guide from our common challenges.
Circular life cycle sustainability assessment: An integrated framework
Authors: Luthin Anna , Traverso Marzia , Crawford Robert H.
Published: November 2023

Robust monitoring and assessment methods are required to assess circular economy (CE) concepts in terms of their degree of circularity and their contribution to sustainability. This research aimed to develop an integrated framework for the CE context—considering both the technical circularity and the complexity of the three dimensions of sustainability (environment, economy, and social). Two existing methods were identified as an appropriate foundation: CE indicators and life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA), combining life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle costing (LCC), and social life cycle assessment (S‐LCA). The developed circular life cycle sustainability assessment (C‐LCSA) framework added circularity assessment (CA) as an additional dimension to LCSA (C‐LCSA = LCA + LCC + S‐LCA + CA). The abundance of CE indicators required a systematic selection process to identify the most appropriate indicators for the framework which was built on criteria levels, performance, loops, unit, dimension, and transversality. The material circularity indicator, product circularity indicator, and longevity indicator were identified as most suited for C‐LCSA. Being developed for a single life cycle, the traditional life cycle approaches needed refinements for application to CE concepts, derived from discussions and proposed adaptions presented in the academic literature. The cut‐off approach was identified as the most suitable end‐of‐life allocation method for C‐LCSA, being in line with the technical system boundaries. C‐LCSA can be used by LCA practitioners to identify trade‐offs between an improved circularity and resulting impacts on the environmental, economic, and social pillars to provide a basis for decision making in industrial ecology.
Parenting in 2 Worlds: Testing improved parent–adolescent communication about sexuality in Urban American Indian families
Authors: Kulis Stephen S. , Tsethlikai Monica , Ayers Stephanie L. , Gresenz Kyle E.
Published: November 2023

Urban American Indian (AI) adolescents are more likely than non‐Natives to have early sexual debut, teen pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and inadequate sexual health information. A RCT in three Arizona cities, with 585 parents of urban AI adolescents, tested whether a culturally tailored parenting intervention for urban AI families, Parenting in 2 Worlds (P2W), increased parent–adolescent communication about sexuality, compared to an informational family health intervention that was not culturally tailored. P2W produced significantly larger increases on two measures: communication about general sexual health and about sexual decision‐making. The desired effects of P2W on the first measure were stronger short‐term for cross‐gender dyads, while for the second measure, they were stronger long‐term for both mothers and fathers of adolescent sons.
Gallic acid induces osteoblast differentiation and alleviates inflammatory response through GPR35/GSK3β/β‐catenin signaling pathway in human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Pham Thi Hoa , Kim Eun‐Nam , Trang Nguyen Minh , Jeong Gil‐Saeng
Published: November 2023

Background and Objective

Gallic acid (GA) possesses various beneficial functions including antioxidant, anticancer, anti‐inflammatory as well as inhibiting osteoclastogeneis. However, effects on osteogenic differentiation, especially in human ligament periodontal (hPDL) cells, remain unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the function of GA on osteogenesis and anti‐inflammation in hPDL cells and to explore the involved underlying mechanism.

Methods

Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg‐LPS) treatment was used as a model for periodontitis. ROS production was determined by H2DCFDA staining. Trans‐well and wound healing assays were performed for checking the migration effect of GA. Alizarin red and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) assays were performed to evaluate osteogenic differentiation. Osteogenesis and inflammatory‐related genes and proteins were measured by real‐time PCR and western blot.

Results

Our results showed that GA‐treated hPDL cells had higher proliferation and migration effect. GA inhibited ROS production‐induced by Pg‐LPS. Besides, GA abolished Pg‐LPS‐induced inflammation cytokines (il‐6, il‐1β) and inflammasome targets (Caspase‐1, NLRP3). In addition, GA promoted ALP activity and mineralization in hPDL cells, lead to enhance osteoblast differentiation process. The effect of GA is related to G‐protein‐coupled receptor 35 (GPR35)/GSK3β/β‐catenin signaling pathway.

Conclusion

GA attenuated Pg‐LPS‐induced inflammatory responses and periodontitis in hPDL cells. Taken together, GA may be targeted for therapeutic interventions in periodontal diseases.
Longitudinal change in sleep, functional, and behavioural characteristics in a cohort of children with Down syndrome
Authors: Chawla Jasneek K. , Bernard Anne , Staton Sally , Burgess Scott , Heussler Helen
Published: November 2023

This paper describes the longitudinal change in sleep, functional, and behavioural characteristics in a cohort of children with Down syndrome, including the effect of sleep interventions in a subset. A prospective longitudinal cohort study was undertaken in children with Down syndrome aged 3–16 years comparing (1) children referred to a tertiary sleep medicine clinic who received sleep hygiene advice and an additional sleep treatment (DSref_I) with (2) children attending the same clinic who only received sleep hygiene advice (DSref_N) and (3) children recruited from the community who, were not receiving any treatment (DScomm). Data collected included demographic and medical history information, Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire‐Abbreviated (CSHQ‐A), Life‐Habits Questionnaire (Life‐H) and Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) at baseline and then 6‐monthly for a total of 18 months. Any sleep interventions during this time were recorded. A total of 57 children were included (DSref_I, n = 16; DSref_N, n = 25; DScomm, n = 16). At recruitment, the median CSHQ‐A total score was high (>41) in all three subgroups, but highest in the DSref_I subgroup (median [interquartile range] Dsref_I score 58 [53–66] versus DSref_N score 49 [43–53], p = 0.019). Although improved, 80% of participants in the DSref_I subgroup still had a CSHQ‐A total score >41 at the last assessment point. The median total Life‐H and total CBCL scores were not significantly different between groups at baseline and there was no significant time, group, or interaction effect seen through the study. Over an 18‐month period, sleep problems were seen to persist in children with Down syndrome. Treatment resulted in only modest improvements in sleep.
Sex differences in the association of sleep spindle density and cognitive performance among community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older adults with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Pun Matiram , Guadagni Veronica , Longman Richard Stewart , Hanly Patrick J. , Hill Michael D. , Anderson Todd J. , Hogan David B. , Rawling Jean M. , Poulin Marc
Published: November 2023

Recent studies have found associations between obstructive sleep apnea and cognitive decline. The underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we investigate the associations between changes in micro‐architecture, specifically sleep spindles, and cognitive function in community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older adults, some with obstructive sleep apnea, with a focus on sex differences. A total of 125 voluntary participants (mean age 66.0 ± 6.4 years, 64 females) from a larger cohort (participants of the Brain in Motion Studies I and II) underwent 1 night of in‐home polysomnography and a neuropsychological battery (sleep and cognitive testing were conducted within 2 weeks of each other). A semi‐automatic computerized algorithm was used to score polysomnography data and detect spindle characteristics in non‐rapid eye movement Stages 2 and 3 in both frontal and central electrodes. Based on their apnea–hypopnea index, participants were divided into those with no obstructive sleep apnea (apnea–hypopnea index < 5 per hr, n = 21), mild obstructive sleep apnea (5 ≥ apnea–hypopnea index < 15, n = 47), moderate obstructive sleep apnea (15 ≥ apnea–hypopnea index < 30, n = 34) and severe obstructive sleep apnea (apnea–hypopnea index ≥ 30, n = 23). There were no significant differences in spindle characteristics between the four obstructive sleep apnea severity groups. Spindle density and percentage of fast spindles were positively associated with some verbal fluency measures on the cognitive testing. Sex might be linked with these associations. Biological sex could play a role in the associations between spindle characteristics and some verbal fluency measures. Obstructive sleep apnea severity was not found to be a contributing factor in this non‐clinical community‐dwelling cohort.
Refractive errors occurring with tilt of intraocular lenses
Authors: Atchison David A. , Cooke David L.
Published: November 2023

A thin lens technique was developed to determine how the effective powers of toric monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) are influenced by tilt and the refractive errors associated with the tilt. A series of steps determined the effective power of the cornea at the IOL, the IOL power, the effective power of the tilted IOL, the correction required at the front of the eye and the power of an IOL that would compensate for the tilt. The correction was determined by starting at the ideal reduced image vergence at the IOL, backwards raytracing to obtain a reduced image vergence at the cornea, and subtracting the cornea power from this reduced image vergence. Examples are presented for different situations where the IOL is either tilted about the vertical or an oblique axis. Raytracing with a thick lens verified the accuracy of the technique.
A coumarin‐modified graphene quantum dot‐based luminogen for the detection of cysteine in aqueous media
Authors: Sebastian Deepa , Ramakrishnan Kala
Published: November 2023

A biocompatible fluorescence sensor for cysteine detection receives wide appreciation recently, because of its importance in the medical field. Functionalized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are recently emerging biocompatible quantum dots, which are considered as suitable candidates for biomolecule detection. Motivated by this concept, here we have developed a versatile fluorescent probe based on 3‐aminocoumarin (AMC) functionalized GQDs for the detection of cysteine (Cys). Modification on GQD with AMC resulted in a stable fluorescent probe with an enhancement in quantum yield of about 84% and 40 nm redshift in emission peak compared with bare GQD. The modified GQD is then used for the sensitive and selective detection of cysteine in aqueous media. The detection of Cys within the linear range of 50 nM to 1.5 μM was achieved with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.86 nM. Here, the AMC‐GQD exhibit a turn‐off fluorescence sensing behavior. The quenching mechanism was also explored. The sensing process follows dynamic quenching mechanism, which is attributed to the photoinduced charge transfer from AMC‐GQD to Cys. The Stern–Volmer plot, energy‐level alignment obtained from cyclic voltammetry measurements and density functional theory predictions give a valid proof for this. Furthermore, the sensor was applied efficiently to the determination of Cys in real water samples.
Fermented black ginseng extract prevents UVB‐induced inflammation by regulating the nc886‐PKR pathway in human keratinocytes
Authors: Kim Yuna , Sim Junbo , Jeon Kyungeun , Ryu Dehun , Ji Youngeun , Kim Youngseok , Kim Junoh , Jeon Suwon , Park Deokhoon , Jung Eunsun
Published: November 2023

Background

Continuous exposure of the skin to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays can cause inflammation and photodamage. In previous studies, we observed that the upregulation of nc886, a noncoding RNA (ncRNA), can alleviate UVB‐induced inflammation through suppression of the protein kinase RNA (PKR) pathway. We aim to investigate the effect of fermented black ginseng extract (FBGE), which has been shown to increase the expression of nc886, on UVB‐induced inflammation in keratinocytes.

Methods

To confirm the cytotoxicity of FBGE, MTT assay was performed, and no significant cytotoxicity was found on human keratinocytes. The efficacies of FBGE were assessed through qPCR, Western blotting, and ELISA analysis which confirmed regulation of UVB‐induced inflammation.

Results

The analysis results showed that FBGE inhibited the decrease in nc886 expression and the increase in the methylated nc886 caused by UVB. It also prevented the UVB‐induced increase of metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Additionally, FBGE suppressed the PKR‐MAPK pathways activated by UVB.

Conclusion

These results implicate that FBGE can alleviate UVB‐induced inflammation through regulation of the nc886‐PKR pathway.
The effects of viscosity on the linear stability of damped Stokes waves, downshifting, and rogue wave generation
Authors: Calini A. , Ellisor C. L. , Schober C. M. , Smith E.
Published: November 2023

We investigate a higher order nonlinear Schrödinger equation with linear damping and weak viscosity, recently proposed as a model for deep water waves exhibiting frequency downshifting. Through analysis and numerical simulations, we discuss how the viscosity affects the linear stability of the Stokes wave solution, enhances rogue wave formation, and leads to permanent downshift in the spectral peak. The novel results in this work include the analysis of the transition from the initial Benjamin–Feir instability to a predominantly oscillatory behavior, which takes place in a time interval when most rogue wave activity occurs. In addition, we propose new criteria for downshifting in the spectral peak and determine the relation between the time of permanent downshift and the location of the global minimum of the momentum and the magnitude of its second derivative.