Cryptosporidiosis, a disease caused by the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium, can lead to prolonged and chronic diarrhea in individuals with weakened immune systems. The zoonotic characteristics of this parasite may impose notable economic challenges. This study investigates the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in ornamental birds and their sellers in Isfahan, the central region of Iran.A total of 223 samples, comprising 193 bird faecal samples (86.55%) and 30 seller samples (13.45%), were collected from pet stores throughout Isfahan. The samples were microscopically examined using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. Positive samples were subsequently subjected to DNA extraction and nested PCR for Cryptosporidium species identification. Furthermore, a phylogenetic tree and a haplotype network were constructed to investigate the evolutionary relationships and haplotype network distribution patterns, respectively.The infection was detected in 4.66% (9/193) of ornamental birds and 13.33% (4/30) of bird sellers. Among the infected birds, 8 (4.15%) were identified as C. parvum and 1 (0.52%) as C. galli, while all infected sellers (4/30) harboured C. parvum. No significant correlation was observed between demographic variables and infection rates. Notably, in two pet shops, both birds and sellers were concurrently infected, indicating a potential zoonotic transmission link.This study reveals the presence of Cryptosporidium in pet birds and their sellers, emphasizing the potential for zoonotic transmission. By employing a One Health approach through phylogenetic tree construction and haplotype network analysis, the interconnectedness between human and pet bird populations is evident. As close contact between birds and their sellers may facilitate disease transmission, regular testing is highly recommended to monitor and prevent the spread of Cryptosporidium.
Firearms trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border is a major challenge. While studies have examined the effect of U.S. federal policies on firearms trafficking and mortality in Mexico, limited studies have examined the effect of state-level policies. We examine a recently released dataset on the origin of firearms recovered from crimes committed in Mexico from 2015 to 2024 and traced by Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives. These traces included the U.S. state where firearms were last purchased at a retail store. We describe this dataset and explore the association between U.S. state levels bans on assault weapons and the volume of firearms recovered in Mexico from January 2015 to July 2014. We ran analyzes based on three categories of time to crime (TTC; <1 year, 1 to 3 years, >3 years) and controlled for other firearm-related policies, whether states border Mexico, gun ownership, and the monetary value of exports to Mexico. Our results indicate that states that ban assault weapons are less likely to have firearms recovered in Mexico traced back to a retail seller. This magnitude is larger when examining shorter periods of TTC. Overall, our study highlights the importance of including the impact of firearm-related policies not just in studies of firearm-related violence within the United States but also beyond its borders, particularly to Central American and Caribbean countries.
Hemolytic anemia (HA) involves premature red blood cell (RBC) destruction and often occurs in dogs as immune-mediated HA (IMHA) and hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs). Developing an animal model is crucial for studying its mechanisms. Syngeneic grafts or xenograft blood can be used experimentally to induce hemolytic and autoimmune responses through self-antigen mimicry. This study aimed to examine the comparative effects of syngeneic graft and xenograft blood on HA induction in mice. There were three groups (n = 18 mice): a negative control, a syngeneic graft group, and a xenograft group. The syngeneic graft blood was obtained from mice of a different seller. Xenograft blood was obtained from a cat. Blood was injected intraperitoneally at 0.2 ml 5 times per week for 7 weeks. Mice were observed for 14 days after the last injection. Effects were evaluated based on complete blood count (RBC, WBC, Hb, and packed cell volume), blood chemistry [TPP, bilirubin, globulin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine], blood smear description, relative splenic CD4+ and CD8+ cells, and spleen, liver, and kidney histopathology. The results showed that the xenograft blood group had higher (p < 0.05) WBC, bilirubin, and BUN levels, as well as a higher number of splenic CD4+ and CD8+ cells, than the syngeneic graft blood group. Additionally, it had lower albumin and creatinine levels (p < 0.05) than the syngeneic graft. Both syngeneic and xenograft blood induced tissue destruction in the spleen, liver, and kidney. The research concluded that syngeneic graft blood induced a HTRs model, and xenograft blood induced an IMHA-like model.
Globalisation in the food system has led to interdependencies between countries for food security and has distributed the environmental impacts of the food consumption. In the UK, food imports account for nearly half of domestic consumption. However, there has been limited research quantifying the UK's current global land use footprint, and no previous work has explored how this might evolve under future scenarios. We provide an update on the historical land footprint of UK food and feed imports from 2010 to 2020 and produce spatially explicit estimates of the land footprint from 2020 to 2100. Food and feed demand, agricultural production and trade are simulated using a food system model under four global socioeconomic and climate scenarios. Using biophysical accounting, we estimate that 11 Mha of agricultural land is currently linked to UK food and feed imports. Across all scenarios, we estimate that the global land footprint of UK food and feed imports will reach 10-12 Mha of agricultural land by 2050 and 10-16 Mha by 2100. With 17 Mha of UK land currently used for agriculture, the land footprint of food and feed imports should be an important focus when evaluating the environmental consequences of UK food consumption.
Data on Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype distribution and antibiotic resistance in South Gujarat, India, are limited. This study investigated pneumococcal serotypes, antibiotic resistance patterns, and their associations with age and theoretical vaccine coverage. Among 550 processed clinical specimens, 27 (4.9%) yielded S. pneumoniae. Isolates were identified using VITEK 2 Compact, confirmed by conventional methods, tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, and serotyped. Age-wise serotype distribution and theoretical vaccine coverage were also analyzed. High resistance was observed for erythromycin (89%), followed by tetracycline (67%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (59%), and clindamycin (48%). Lower resistance rates were observed for benzylpenicillin (22%), cefotaxime (22%), ceftriaxone (19%), levofloxacin (7%), and moxifloxacin (4%). All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, tigecycline, rifampicin, chloramphenicol, and linezolid. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 67% of the pneumococcal isolates. MDR prevalence was highest (100%) among patients aged 45-65 years, whereas a lower MDR prevalence (40%) was observed among children aged 5-15 years. The S. pneumoniae 19F serotype was identified as the most predominant MDR serotype (26%), followed by serotypes 1 (11%), 3/9V/14/22F (7%), and 5/6A/6C/7B/10A/18C/19A/23B/24B (4%). The theoretical coverage rates of PCV7, PCV10, PCV13, Pneumosil, and PPSV23 were 44%, 59%, 74%, 63%, and 81%, respectively. The significant burden of MDR S. pneumoniae in South Gujarat highlights the need for antimicrobial stewardship and continuous monitoring of serotype distribution and resistance patterns in the region. These results provide important baseline epidemiological data for this region.
Machine learning (ML) shows promise in using clinical data to predict chronic diseases. However, its application in PMOP risk assessment using readily available clinical and biochemical parameters is underexplored. This study aimed to develop and validate an interpretable ML-based model for assessing PMOP using clinical features and laboratory biomarkers, and to identify factors associated with PMOP using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). A retrospective cross-sectional study included 1,717 postmenopausal women from two hospitals in Northwest China. PMOP was diagnosed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA T-score ≤-2.5). Data collected included demographics, clinical details, and various laboratory parameters, such as bone metabolism markers, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH)D], electrolytes, and routine blood counts. Ten ML algorithms were employed for feature selection and model construction on a dataset split into training (n = 1201) and testing (n = 516) sets. Performance was evaluated using the Area Under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and calibration. The Extra Trees (ET) model achieved the best test-set performance, with an AUC of 0.717 (95% CI: 0.682-0.752). SHAP analysis revealed that age was the most significant associated factor (SHAP value: 0.0648), followed by body mass index (BMI) (0.0243) and chloride ion levels (0.0209). Other top predictors included the use of antihypertensive drugs and years since menopause. The ET ML algorithm showed the best performance in assessing PMOP, with age, BMI, and circulating chloride levels as significant associated factors.
This study investigates the role of Digital Service Innovation (DSI) in enhancing environmental performance through its influence on Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) and supply chain agility in Egypt's industrial sector. The research examines how climate change anxiety motivates the adoption of GSCM practices and how DSI moderates this relationship. Using a survey of 511 professionals and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, findings reveal that climate change anxiety positively affects GSCM adoption, which in turn mediates the enhancement of supply chain resilience and robustness. The moderating effect of DSI indicates that higher levels of digital service capabilities shift the motivation for GSCM adoption from anxiety-driven reactions toward strategic and data-driven decision-making, thereby strengthening environmental outcomes. These results underscore the crucial role of GSCM as the operational mechanism translating psychological climate concerns into tangible improvements in supply chain agility and environmental performance. The study contributes to theory understanding by integrating Protection Motivation Theory, Dynamic Capabilities Theory, and the Technology-Organization-Environment framework to reveal how Digital Service Innovation transforms anxiety-driven motivation into systematic green practices, a novel integration that extends each theory into the digital sustainability domain. For practice, the findings demonstrate that fostering climate awareness alone is insufficient; strategic investments in digital service innovation are essential to convert psychological impetus into sustained environmental and operational gains. By providing empirical evidence from Egypt's industrial sector, the study also offers context-specific insights for emerging economies facing similar climate and digitalization challenges, thereby contributing to both academic knowledge and actionable policy guidance.
Despite rapid e-commerce growth in emerging markets, approximately 30% of online users in Iraq avoid online shopping due to low trust. Prior research has conflated distinct dimensions of store quality, and no study has specifically investigated how information quality, system quality, and service quality differentially influence customer perceptual attractiveness-a distinct construct comprising emotional attraction, wisdom in purchasing, and confidence when purchasing. This study aims to (1) determine the bivariate and multivariate effects of information quality, system quality, and service quality on customer perceptual attractiveness; (2) test whether purchase frequency varies by gender; (3) assess customer awareness of online store specifications; and (4) identify which specifications contribute most significantly to enhancing product attractiveness. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 350 customers of ten Iraqi online stores in Baghdad Governorate (February 3-20, 2025). Convenience sampling with stratified targeting was employed. Data were analyzed using a two-stage approach: PLS-SEM (SmartPLS 4.0) for measurement model validation (reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity via HTMT), followed by multiple regression (SPSS V.28) for structural path testing with Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) assessment for multicollinearity. The measurement model demonstrated acceptable reliability (Cronbach's α: 0.804-0.920; CR: 0.812-0.916) and convergent validity (AVE: 0.528-0.743). Discriminant validity was established (all HTMT values <0.85). Bivariate analyses showed significant positive effects for all three dimensions (IQ: β = 0.815, p < 0.001; SQ: β = 0.616, p < 0.001; SEQ: β = 0.787, p < 0.001). However, in multivariate analysis, information quality (β = 0.436, p < 0.001, VIF = 2.14) and service quality (β = 0.493, p < 0.001, VIF = 2.08) remained significant, while system quality became non-significant (β = -0.037, p = 0.493, VIF = 1.96). The combined model explained 67% of variance (R 2 = 0.674, F = 188.878, p < 0.001). No significant gender difference was found in purchase frequency (Mann-Whitney U = 6430.1, p = 0.442). Customer awareness of store specifications was moderate (M = 3.592, SD = 0.725 on a 5-point scale). Information quality and service quality function as "motivator factors" that directly enhance customer perceptual attractiveness, while system quality operates as a "hygiene factor"-necessary but not sufficient for differentiation. The suppression of system quality's effect in multivariate analysis is attributable to multicollinearity among the highly correlated dimensions (r = 0.62-0.71), not to theoretical irrelevance. This represents the first empirical demonstration of Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory in e-commerce perception research with appropriate multicollinearity controls. (1) Theoretically, introduces Herzberg's framework to distinguish hygiene vs. motivator factors in e-commerce; (2) Empirically, provides the first PLS-SEM analysis of e-commerce perception in Iraq with full discriminant validity and multicollinearity reporting; (3) Methodologically, demonstrates the necessity of VIF assessment when interpreting dimension-specific effects in multidimensional quality constructs.
Democratic challenges are often attributed to the spread of misleading, untrustworthy, or biased information, leading scholars to focus on minimizing exposure to such "bad" content online. Instead, we introduce a scalable intervention to put factual and verified public affairs information in users' social media feeds to make them better informed and more resilient to various online threats. We conducted 48 field quasi-experiments using Instagram ads targeting news non-users to enhance their belief accuracy, democratic attitudes, and behavioral intentions related to climate change, COVID-19 vaccines, media literacy, and election integrity. The treatment videos reached 2,496,878 Instagram accounts, 690,470 users watched at least 50% of the video, and 40,584 of those users completed post-test assessment. The intervention was effective: 46 out of 48 of the quasi-experiments had positive effect sizes and 40 out of 48 achieved statistical significance. The intervention predicted not only belief accuracy but also attitudes, media literacy, and - to some extent - behavioral intentions related to vaccination. These patterns emerged across topics, did not dissipate with time (two of three climate change quasi-experiments show continued effects), and were not contingent on persuasive appeals and format features presented in the ads.
The electrochemical analysis of dapsone (DP) was carried out using a poly-L-cysteine (poly-L-Cys) modified pencil graphite electrode (poly-L-Cys/PGE) by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The method was optimised by examining the experimental parameters, including how the scan rate, DP concentration, and pH affected the current response. The electrochemical behavior of DP at the modified electrode showed that the process mainly relies on adsorption. Under these optimised conditions, the anodic peak current from DPV measurements showed a linear relationship with DP concentrations between 1.0 × 10-6 and 12.0 × 10-6 M, yielding a detection limit (LOD) of 5.37 × 10-7 M. The method showed great sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. To test its practical use, the technique was successfully applied for the quantitative determination of DP in commercial tablet formulations and urine samples. Additionally, examination of the effects of common interfering substances confirmed minimal interference with DP detection. This electroanalytical approach offers a reliable, cost-effective alternative for routine DP determination in clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical analysis, and quality control.
Sinomenine (SIN), the main active ingredient of Sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehd. et Wils. Rhizomes, exhibits sensitive pharmacological activity against liver cancer. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, in vitro studies were conducted on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines SMMC-7721 and HepG-2. SIN's effects on cell viability, apoptosis, and expression of apoptosis-related genes and proteins were assessed. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting evaluated GRP78 cell-surface translocation and its role in apoptosis. SMMC-7721 cells were transfected with a GRP78 overexpression plasmid or treated with a GRP78 antibody to confirm the functional relevance of membrane GRP78 with SIN-induced apoptosis. Additionally, we examined the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in GRP78 translocation. In the results, SIN induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and mainly through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) apoptosis pathway. By increasing cellular ROS levels, the translocation of GRP78 from cytoplasm to cell membrane can be induced by SIN, and this translocation contributed to apoptosis. SIN promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells by inducing GRP78 membrane translocation, mediated by increased ROS levels. This study provides new insight into SIN-induced GRP78 targeted antitumor therapy, which has important theoretical significance and application value.
Transition-metal oxide/layered double hydroxide (LDH) electrodes often suffer from insufficient utilization of active sites, sluggish electron/ion transport, and limited cycling stability at high rates. Here, La-doped ZnCo2O4/MnCo-LDH nanoflowers serve as the positive electrode and Ti-supported Sb-doped SnO2 (Ti/Sb-SnO2) serves as the negative electrode for constructing an asymmetric supercapacitor. A stepwise hydrothermal route, La-doping regulation, and ethylenediamine-assisted morphology control transform stacked nanosheets into open porous nanoflowers with a specific surface area of 382.5 m2 g-1, thereby exposing more electroactive sites and shortening OH- diffusion pathways. La3+-induced lattice distortion and defect-related oxygen species further tune the electronic structure and improve interfacial charge-transfer kinetics. The optimized La-ZnCo2O4/MnCo-LDH electrode delivers 2130 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 and retains 1993 F g-1 after 10,000 cycles at 3 A g-1. The Ti/Sb-SnO2 negative electrode provides 673 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 and 302 F g-1 at 15 A g-1. The assembled device operates stably from 0 to 1.8 V in 2 M KOH and achieves 69 Wh kg-1 and 13,500 W kg-1.
Anophthalmia and microphthalmia (A/M) are severe congenital malformations that are responsible for ∼11% of childhood blindness. Despite clinical advances, approximately 70-80% of human A/M cases lack a molecular diagnosis. This study aims to characterize a spontaneous, non-syndromic model of the microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma (MAC) spectrum in the laboratory opossum (Monodelphis domestica), providing a novel experimental opportunity for embryonic developmental and ocular pathology research, as well as translational research into preventions and treatments of these conditions. We conducted comprehensive ophthalmic, macroscopic, and histopathological examinations of eleven laboratory opossums with clinical A/M. Serial coronal sections of the head and of major viscera were evaluated for other developmental and systemic anomalies. Genetic influence was assessed via pedigree analysis and heritability modeling. Histopathology revealed a spectrum ranging from true anophthalmia (absence of ocular structures and optic nerve) to severe microphthalmia with retinal dysplasia and aphakia. One female exhibited a posterior choroidal and scleral coloboma, confirming the model's representation of the MAC spectrum. Systemic evaluation confirmed the non-syndromic nature of the defects. Pedigree analysis identified a predominantly X-linked recessive mode of inheritance with reduced penetrance and an estimated X-linked heritability of 0.568. Subclinical pathology, including retinal atrophy and cataracts, was identified in the fellow eyes of unilateral cases, mirroring the variable expressivity. Monodelphis domestica is a unique mammalian model that parallels the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of human non-syndromic A/M. This model is particularly valuable for investigating X-linked candidate genes and autosomal modifier genes in relation to the molecular mechanisms underlying mammalian ocular embryogenesis.
Electroretinography (ERG) is a non-invasive technique used to assess retinal function via electrical responses to light stimuli. We established baseline ERG parameters and a standardized recording protocol for collared scops owls (Otus lettia). Twelve eyes of six owls were evaluated. In addition to the pre-release assessment, ocular reflex tests and basic ophthalmic examinations were performed before the induction of anesthesia. Routine radiographic and hematological examinations were performed under general anesthesia, followed by ERG recordings. Under scotopic -20 dB conditions, the a-wave amplitude was 1.78 ± 0.53 μV (implicit time: 37.83 ± 5.52 ms), and the b-wave was 41.59 ± 10.71 μV (100.88 ± 10.9 ms). For scotopic 0 dB mixed responses, the a-wave amplitude was 27.98 ± 5.9 μV (27.64 ± 2.71 ms), and that of the b-wave was 175.51 ± 13.82 μV (97.02 ± 7.01 ms). Under photopic conditions, the a-wave and b-wave amplitudes were 2.88 ± 2.06 μV (28.67 ± 2.77 ms) and 25.53 ± 10.61 μV (77.78 ± 16.18 ms). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to establish species-specific baseline ERG parameters for collared scops owls. These findings provide a valuable tool for assessing retinal function in raptors and may serve as a baseline framework for ERG evaluation in other avian species.
Commercial determinants of health (CDoHs) describe how corporate practices influence population health. This scoping review aimed to characterize the extant evidence base regarding how CDoH in the sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) industry affects health and health-related outcomes among Latinx populations in the United States of America (USA). The present study was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Overall, 1236 references were identified and imported for screening. After duplicate removal, screening, and full-text eligibility assessment, 33 studies met all inclusion criteria. SSB marketing and advertising was the most frequently examined CDoH (61%), including advertising exposure, messaging strategies, and warning label interventions. SSB taxation studies projected reductions in consumption and obesity prevalence. Outcomes associated with health focused primarily on perceptions of marketing and purchasing intentions (94%). Additional studies examined the impact on knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors (e.g., purchasing and consumption of SSBs) (66%), while a few studies included chronic disease (27%) or healthcare outcomes (6%). Evidence highlights several gaps in CDoH research associated with SSBs, with 94% of the included studies focused on understanding marketing exposure, signaling a need to examine other domains of CDoH, SSB industry practices, and impacts on health disparities. Findings suggest that structural policy interventions such as taxation and stronger regulation of commercial practices are necessary to address higher exposure to marketing and consumption of SSBs among Latinx populations in the USA.
While scolding is an often problematic form of workplace communication in Japan, little research exists regarding its impact on employees' mental health. This study investigated the associations between being scolded at work and psychological distress. Data from the Employee Cohort Study during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan (E-COCO-J) surveys obtained in September 2023 (14th wave) were used. Psychological distress was measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), with a cutoff of 13 points. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted by adjusting demographic factors, psychiatric treatment history, and workplace factors. A total of 758 participants were included in the analysis. Among the participants, 159 individuals (21%) reported having been scolded at least one time in the past month, and 116 individuals (15.3%) had a K6 score of 13 or higher. Compared to those who were not scolded, being scolded less than 1 day a week (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-3.11) and about more than 1 day a week (AOR 2.42; 95% CI, 1.23-4.76) showed significant associations with high psychological distress. This study suggested that being scolded has a negative impact on employees' mental health. Further study is needed to investigate effective methods of delivering constructive negative feedback rather than resorting to scolding.
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Against the backdrop of China's rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), and intelligent healthcare policies, the integration of AI into medical devices is reshaping healthcare delivery and innovation systems. Based on patent data on industry-university-research cooperation in the China AI medical device industry from 2019 to 2025, this study adopts social network analysis and geographical detector methods to systematically examine the spatiotemporal evolution and influencing factors of the innovation network across three dimensions. The findings reveal that at the microagent level, the early dominant pattern of enterprises has been gradually reconstructed by the participation of universities, research institutes, and medical institutions, with medical institutions rising from marginal participants to core intermediaries. At the provincial level, the network exhibits prominent unbalanced agglomeration characteristics. Beijing's status as a national hub has been continuously strengthened, and a multipolar spatial pattern has taken initial shape. At the level of the cooperation type, intraprovincial cooperation is dominated by industry-industry collaboration, while interprovincial cooperation has formed a cross-regional synergy framework with Beijing as the core, radiating to the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta. The value added of the financial industry, the volume of import and export trade, and the transaction volume of the technology market are revealed as the core factors explaining the network status of provinces, whereas the explanatory power of the proportion of education expenditure remains weak. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of China's AI medical device industry and offers practical insights regarding public health governance.
The perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as a representative of perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances is strictly regulated worldwide due to its persistent and bioaccumulative toxicity. At present, the conventional methods are unsuitable for rapid on-site PFOA detection due to they requiring bulky instruments and complicated pretreatment procedure. To address this issue, platinum cluster-supported manganese dioxide (Pt/MnO2) nanozymes with different crystal phases were prepared and applied to dual-mode colorimetric-photothermal detection of PFOA. Among the four polymorphs, Pt/β-MnO2 displayed the strongest oxidase-like activity. Spectroscopic characterization and density functional theory calculations indicated that the β phase promotes interfacial electronic coupling between Pt clusters and MnO2, leading to d-orbital modulation and faster charge transfer, thereby improving catalytic performance. On this basis, a self-calibrating dual-mode sensing platform was established. PFOA preferentially accumulates at the Pt/β-MnO2 interface through hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, blocking interfacial electron transfer and O2 activation, and causing synchronized changes in colorimetric and photothermal signals. The platform showed strong resistance to matrix interference and performed well in spiked tap water, lake water, and river water samples. This work demonstrates the role of phase-dependent interfacial electronic interaction in nanozyme catalysis and offers a practical strategy for PFOA detection in aquatic environments.
Prenatal cannabis use is increasing, and pregnant individuals often seek guidance from cannabis retailers. It is unknown whether budtender messaging varies by community social vulnerability. This cross-sectional mystery shopper study included 505 randomly selected California licensed cannabis retailers (2/26/2024-1/28/2025). Social vulnerability within a 15-minute drive-time buffer around retailers was measured by the CDC Social Vulnerability Index (SVI; range 0-1; four domains: socioeconomic status, household characteristics, racial/ethnic minority status, housing/transportation). The primary outcome was a 4-category prenatal cannabis risk communication measure: clear risk messaging [reference], mode-specific lower-risk messaging, no clear safety/risk messaging, and safety-affirming messaging. Secondary outcomes included product recommendations, fetal or infant health risks, information sources, and guidance to consult a clinician. Logistic and multinomial logistic regression models assessed associations between SVI and outcomes; SVI was multiplied by 10, so estimates reflect odds associated with a 0.1 increase in SVI. Greater household vulnerability was associated with safety-affirming messaging (OR=1.26;95%CI:1.01-1.56) and no clear safety/risk messaging (OR=1.25; 95%CI:1.05-1.50) versus clear risk messaging. Greater racial/ethnic minority vulnerability was associated with safety-affirming versus clear risk messaging (OR=1.21; 95%CI:1.00-1.47). Greater housing/transportation vulnerability was associated with mode-specific lower-risk messaging versus clear risk messaging (OR=1.42; 95%CI:1.06-1.91). Citing warnings was more common in areas with greater socioeconomic vulnerability (OR=1.23; 95%CI:1.01-1.51). Other outcomes did not differ by SVI. Budtenders in more vulnerable areas were more likely to provide safety-affirming, mode-specific lower-risk, or no clear safety/risk messaging rather than clear prenatal cannabis risk messaging. Findings highlight the need for consistent, evidence-based communication in retail settings.