bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reasons pregnant people use cannabis to self‐treat health conditions during pregnancy: Results from a US population‐based survey
Authors: Zaugg Claudia , Terplan Mishka , Mailman Kieran , Roberts Sarah C. M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionLittle is known about reasons pregnant people self‐treat health conditions and pregnancy‐related symptoms with cannabis.MethodsWe administered a cross‐sectional survey to 3571 pregnant and recently pregnant people from US population‐based panels. Participants who used cannabis at some point during pregnancy were asked which health conditions or symptoms they used cannabis to treat and reasons they used cannabis for self‐treatment. We explored differences in reasons for self‐treatment by sociodemographics.ResultsNine‐hundred forty‐six participants indicated they used cannabis during pregnancy. Fifty‐seven percent (n = 578) of those who used cannabis during pregnancy indicated they used cannabis exclusively for health purposes; 39% (n = 347) indicated they used cannabis for health and recreation. The most common reasons for self‐treatment were believing cannabis was safer and more effective than other medications or treatments. Some participants reported not having health insurance or a health care provider as reasons for self‐treatment. Black and Hispanic people, and people with household income under $25,000, were more likely than White people and people with household income between $25,000–$49,999 to report barriers to other medications or treatments as reasons for self‐treatment. People with high school education were more likely than people with more education to report viewing cannabis as safe and effective for self‐treatment.Discussion and ConclusionsMost pregnant people self‐treating health conditions or symptoms with cannabis are doing so because they consider it safer and more effective than other medications or treatments. Some people, particularly people of colour and low‐income people, may also self‐treat because they face barriers to other treatments.
The prevalence and magnitude of price promotions in online alcohol retail outlets
Authors: Davies Tazman , O'Brien Paula , Bowden Jacqueline , Petticrew Mark , Pettigrew Simone 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionWe examined the prevalence of price promotions (i.e., proportion of products on price promotion) and the magnitude of price promotions (i.e., size of the price discount compared to the regular price) among online alcohol retailers.MethodsIn August 2023, we web‐scraped product information for all alcoholic beverages available for sale in the online stores of two leading alcohol retailers in Sydney, Australia. Products were classified into five primary alcohol categories: wine, spirits, beer, cider and premix drinks. We considered three types of price promotion: temporary price discounts (e.g., ‘was $5 now $4’), multi‐buy discounts (e.g., buy one get one free) and ‘any six’ discounts (e.g., 5% off when purchased in a bundle of any six similar products). The prevalence and mean magnitude of price promotions were estimated overall and by product category and price promotion type.ResultsIn total, data for 11,184 products were collected. Of these, 62% were the subject of at least one of the assessed forms of price promotion. The most frequently price‐promoted category was wine (91% of products), followed by spirits (35%), premix drinks (30%), cider (28%) and beer (21%). Of all price promotions, 61% were ‘any six’ discounts, 31% were temporary price discounts, and 7% were multi‐buy discounts. Across all price promotions, the mean magnitude of price discount relative to the regular price was 11% and ranged from less than 1% to 71%.Discussion and ConclusionsPolicymakers should consider restricting price promotions as part of a suite of strategies to reduce alcohol‐related harms.
Multi agent collaborative search algorithm with adaptive weights
Authors: Cao Li , Wang Maocai , Vasile Massimiliano , Dai Guangming 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a new version of Multi Agent Collaborative Search (MACS) with Adaptive Weights (named MACS‐AW). MACS is a multi‐agent memetic scheme for multi‐objective optimization originally developed to mix local and population‐based search. MACS was proven to perform well on a number of test cases but had three limitations: (i) the amount of computational resources allocated to each agent was not proportional to the difficulty of the sub‐problem the agent had to solve; (ii) the population‐based search (called social actions in the following) was using only one differential evolution (DE) operator with fixed parameters; (iii) the descent directions were not adapted during convergence, leading to a loss of diversity. In this paper, we propose an improved version of MACS, that implements: (i) a new utility function to better manage computational resources; (ii) new social actions with multiple adaptive DE operators; (iii) an automatic adaptation of the descent directions with an innovative trigger to initiate adaptation. First, MACS‐AW is compared against some state‐of‐art algorithms and its predecessor MACS2.1 on some standard benchmarks. Then, MACS‐AW is applied to the solution of two real‐life optimization problems and compared against MACS2.1. It will be shown that MACS‐AW produces competitive results on most test cases analysed in this paper. On the standard benchmark test set, MACS‐AW outperforms all other algorithms in 11 out of 30 cases and comes second in other 8 cases. On the two real engineering test set, MACS‐AW and its predecessor obtain same results.
Renal protective roles of macrophage matrix metalloproteinase‐12 in mice with obstructed kidneys
Authors: Hanai Shunichiro , Nakagomi Daiki , Suzuki Kotaro , Nakajima Hiroshi , Furuya Fumihiko 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMatrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐12 has been reported to have diverse functions, including regulation of immune reactions and anti‐inflammatory effects, but the potential roles of MMP‐12 in kidney injury have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine whether MMP‐12 contributes to tubulointerstitial injury in a unilateral ureteric obstruction (UUO) model. MMP‐12‐deficient (MMP‐12−/−) mice and C57BL/6J mice as controls (MMP‐12+/+) were subjected to UUO and analysed 7 days after UUO. To analyse the functions of MMP‐12 on monocytes/macrophages, we generated MMP‐12‐deficient, irradiated, chimeric mice (BM‐MMP‐12−/−) and performed UUO. Bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) were isolated from both groups of mice and used for investigations. MMP‐12−/− mice showed exacerbation of macrophage accumulation and interstitial fibrosis in the UUO‐kidney compared with control mice. BM‐MMP‐12−/− mice also showed exacerbation of kidney injury. UUO induced accumulation of Ly6C+ macrophages in MMP‐12−/− mice compared with control mice. Increases in inflammatory cytokine (tumour necrosis factor α, interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐6) levels from BMDMs after lipopolysaccharide stimulation were higher in MMP‐12−/− mice than in MMP‐12+/+ mice. MMP‐12 may play protective roles against kidney injury by UUO in mice, decreasing inflammatory cytokines from BMDMs and macrophage accumulation.
How the use of animated versus static emojis in online post‐purchase communication affects consumer attitude
Authors: Wang Tingyi , Chen Rong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe communication style between seller and consumer is an important component of post‐purchase communication, yet little research has examined the role of nonverbal language in online post‐purchase communication. Given the prevalence of emojis, which convey a sender's emotion, in both social and business communication online, this article aims to examine how the use of animated emojis in online post‐purchase communication differs from the use of static emojis. Through three laboratory experiments, this research shows that consumers' attitudes are more positive when they communicate with sellers who use animated emojis than with sellers who use static emojis in online post‐purchase communications (Studies 1 and 2). We also demonstrate that sellers' use of animated emojis, rather than static emojis, increases consumers' perceived emotional support, which subsequently boosts consumers' positive attitudes (Study 2). Notably, when consumers discuss embarrassing products in online post‐purchase communications, sellers' use of static emojis is more effective than that of animated emojis (Study 3). These findings therefore provide insights into why and when consumers prefer animated emojis and how sellers can use them appropriately in online post‐purchase communications.
Spray skin protectant versus standard moisturiser in the prevention of radiodermatitis in patients with anal canal and rectal cancer: A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Simões Fabiana Verdan , da Silva e Silva Thamiris , Pires Aline Aniceto , França Caio Ribeiro Muzzi , Velasco Nathália Sodré , Santos Valdete Oliveira , Moreira Katia , da Silva Marcelle Miranda , Brandão Marcos Antônio Gomes , de Oliveira Beatriz Guitton Renaud Baptista , da Silva Rafael Celestino 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe evidence on products for the prevention of radiodermatitis is limited. The primary objective was to analyse the effectiveness of the spray skin protectant ‘non‐burning barrier film’ in the prevention of radiodermatitis with moist desquamation in patients with the anal canal and rectal cancer followed in nursing consultations compared to a standardised moisturiser based on Calendula officinalis and Aloe barbadensis. Single‐blind randomised clinical trial. The study was performed in a hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with 63 patients undergoing anal canal and rectal cancer treatment, randomised into one of the following two groups: an experimental group, which used a spray skin protectant and a control group, which used a moisturiser. Data were collected using an initial and subsequent evaluation form and were assessed using descriptive and inferential analyses. Participants who used the spray skin protectant had a lower chance of presenting radiodermatitis with moist desquamation and a longer time without this outcome when compared to the control group. The overall incidence of radiodermatitis was 100%, with 36.5% being severe. Furthermore, 17.5% of participants discontinued radiotherapy due to radiodermatitis. There were no differences between the groups regarding the severity of radiodermatitis and the number of patients who discontinued radiotherapy. The skin protectant was effective in preventing radiodermatitis with moist desquamation amongst patients with anal canal and rectal cancer.
Interpretable machine learning models based on shear‐wave elastography radiomics for predicting cardiovascular disease in diabetic kidney disease patients
Authors: Dai Ruihong , Sun Miaomiao , Lu Mei , Deng Lanhua 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe risk of cardiovascular complications is significantly elevated in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Recognizing the link between the progression of DKD and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), it is crucial to focus on the early prediction and management of CVD risk factors among these patients to potentially enhance their health outcomes.ObjectiveThis study sought to bridge the existing gap by developing and validating machine learning (ML) models that utilize clinical data and shear wave elastography (SWE) radiomics features to identify patients at risk of CVD, ultimately aiming to improve the management of DKD.Materials and MethodsThis study conducted a retrospective analysis of 586 patients with DKD, dividing them into training and external validation cohorts. We categorized patients based on the presence or absence of CVD. Utilizing SWE imaging, we extracted and standardized radiomics features to develop multiple ML models. These models underwent internal validation using radiomics features alone, clinical data, or a combination thereof. The optimal model was then identified, and its feature importance was assessed through the Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) method, before proceeding to external validation.ResultsAmong the 586 patients analyzed, 30.7% (180/586) were identified as at risk for CVD. The study pinpointed six significant radiomics features related to CVD, alongside six critical pieces of clinical data. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) model outperformed others in both internal and external validations. Further, SHAP analysis highlighted five principal determinants of CVD risk, comprising three clinical indicators and two SWE radiomics features.ConclusionsThis study highlights the effectiveness of an SVM model that combines clinical and radiomics features in predicting CVD risk among DKD patients. It enables early prediction of CVD in this patient group, thereby supporting the implementation of timely and suitable interventions.
Factors influencing inpatient bowel preparation: a scoping review
Authors: Marchildon Marianne , Jackson Jennifer , Rankin Janet 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and AimInpatients undergoing colonoscopy experience a higher‐than‐average rate of inadequate bowel preparation (compared to outpatients) leading to canceled procedures, increased stress on the patient, increased time in hospital, and increased cost to the healthcare system. The aim of this scoping review was to identify research surrounding inpatient bowel preparation and to identify modifiable and non‐modifiable factors that influence the adequacy of bowel preparation in hospitalized patients undergoing colonoscopy and establish areas where nursing interventions may help improve overall bowel preparation rates.MethodsAn initial search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Embase was undertaken to identify seed articles, followed by a structured search using keywords and subject headings. Studies conducted between 2000 and 2022 and published in English were included. A total of 37 full‐text studies were screened for inclusion, with 22 meeting inclusion criteria.ResultsAdvanced age, decreased mobility, constipation, extended length of stay, and multiple comorbidities were identified as non‐modifiable factors associated with inadequate bowel preparation. Narcotic use, failure to follow preparation instruction, and delayed time to colonoscopy were identified as modifiable factors associated with poor bowel preparation.ConclusionsEducational interventions and interprofessional programs, using a multifaceted approach, increase the odds of adequate bowel preparation, including nursing tip sheets, troubleshooting flowsheets, and bowel movement assessment scoring.
Racial and ethnic disparities in potentially inappropriate medication use in patients with dementia
Authors: Zhu Carolyn W. , Choi Justin , Hung William , Sano Mary 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionRacial and ethnic disparities in potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use among older adults with dementia are unclear.MethodsData were drawn from the baseline visits of participants who were ≥60 years old and diagnosed with dementia in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set (NACCUDS) recruited from National Institute on Aging (NIA)‐funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADCs) throughout the United States. PIM utilization was evaluated using the 2019 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria for PIM Use in Older Adults. We estimated the association between race and ethnicity and the following outcomes and estimation models: (1) any PIM use, any PIM in each drug class, and any PIM best avoided in dementia patients using logistic regression models, (2) total number of medications, total number of PIMs, and anticholinergic burden scale (ACBS) using Poisson or negative binomial regression models, and (3) proportion of total medications that were PIMs using generalized linear models (GLM).ResultsCompared to White participants, Black, Hispanic, and Asian participants reported taking fewer total medications (incidence rate ratio [IRR] ± standard error[SE] = 0.903 ± 0.017, 0.875 ± 0.021, and 0.912 ± 0.041, respectively, all p < 0.01). Asian participants were less likely to be exposed to any PIM (odds ratio [OR] ± SE = 0.619 ± 0.118, p < 0.05). Compared to White participants, Black participants were less likely to be exposed to benzodiazepine (OR ± SE = 0.609 ± 0.094, p < 0.01) and antidepressant (OR ± SE = 0.416 ± 0.103, p < 0.001) PIMs, but greater antipsychotic (OR ± SE = 1.496 ± 0.204, p < 0.01), cardiovascular (OR ± SE = 2.193 ± 0.255, p < 0.001), and skeletal muscle relaxant (OR ± SE = 2.977 ± 0.860, p < 0.001) PIMs. Hispanic participants were exposed to greater skeletal muscle relaxant PIMs and had lower anticholinergic burden. Asian participants were exposed to fewer benzodiazepine PIMs.DiscussionSignificant racial and ethnic disparities in exposure to PIMs and PIMs by medication category in dementia research participants who have access to dementia experts found in the study suggest that disparities may be wider in the larger community.
Immersive virtual reality is more effective than non‐immersive devices for developing real‐world skills in people with intellectual disability
Authors: Franze A. , Loetscher T. , Gallomarino N. C. , Szpak A. , Lee G. , Michalski S. C. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundPeople with intellectual disability (ID) demonstrate persistent challenges around developing life skills. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) is gaining interest as a tool for training life skills as it enables individuals to engage in hands‐on learning in a safe, controlled and repeatable environment. However, there are concerns about the potential drawbacks of IVR, such as cybersickness and practical challenges with using the equipment, which may hinder its widespread adoption in educational settings. The current study aimed to compare the effectiveness of training in IVR and a non‐immersive virtual environment for improving real‐world skills in people with ID.MethodsIn the present study, 36 adults (16 female, 20 male) with ID were recruited from a disability organisation. Participants completed a real‐world assessment of waste management skills before and after training in either the IVR or non‐immersive group.ResultsConsistent with our hypotheses, the IVR group scored significantly higher in the real‐world assessment after virtual training (d = 1), and at the 1‐week follow‐up (d = 1.12), compared with the non‐immersive group. Further analyses showed that the IVR group, but not the non‐immersive group, significantly improved performance in the real‐world assessment across timepoints.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that IVR was more effective for improving and retaining real‐world waste management skills. This study supports IVR as a viable tool for professionals and caregivers to develop skills for independent living among people with ID.
Investigating the inhibitory effects of carotenoids‐fortified Helix aspersa slime on oxidative stress, collagenase and tyrosinase enzyme activities
Authors: Alkhadhrh Mohammed , Issa Reem , Al‐Halaseh Lidia Kamal , Alnsour Lilian , Alsarayreh Ahmad , Al Qaisi Yaseen , Matalqah Sina M. , Aladwan Safwan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe investigations of snail slime and its possible biological activities have been performed recently.AimThis study aimed to evaluate the properties of Helix aspersa snail slime (HAS), and carotenoids‐fortified slime (HASC).MethodsSnails were fed with carrots for 10 days. Slime was collected and extracted using water. Saponins identification, antioxidant, collagenase, and tyrosinase enzyme inhibition activities, carotenoids, total phenols, and flavonoids content, were determined. UHPLC–MS/MS analysis was performed for phytochemical characterization.ResultsSaponins were detected in the HAS extract only. However, HASC was shown to contain a higher carotenoid content than HAS (29.51 ± 0.4 vs. 18.11 ± 0.2 μg/g). similarly, total phenolic and flavonoid content were higher for the the HASC extract compared to the HAS (182.3 ± 5.2 vs. 150.28 ± 3.3 mg/g equivalent to gallic acid), and (77.62 ± 1.2 vs. 14.19 ± 0.9 mg/g equivalent to quercetin). As expected, the HASC extract exhibited higher antioxidant activity compared to the HAS, using DPPH and the ABTS assays (IC50 = 7.75 ± 0.14 vs. 20.1 ± 0.4 μg/mL), and (IC50 = 7.6 ± 0.26 vs. 19.57 ± 1.4 μg/mL). UHPLC–MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of several phytocomponents of which, hexadecanoic acid and ascorbic acid, were observed in the HASC extract. Furthermore, HASC extract exhibited superior inhibitory activity compared to HAS against collagenase and tyrosinase enzymes (IC50 = 8.4 ± 1.19 vs. 15.3 ± 1.12 μg/mL) and (IC50 = 30.1 ± 0.91 vs. 35 ± 1.3 μg/mL).ConclusionThese findings highlight the potential of HASC as a valuable ingredient in various pharmaceutical applications, due to their content of various phenolic, antioxidants, carotenoids, hexadecanoic, and ascorbic acids. The latter is well known for its great cosmeceutical applications used for slowing the process of skin aging.
Deceitful autocratization: Subverting democracy through electoral reform in Mexico
Authors: Monsiváis‐Carrillo Alejandro 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAntipluralist incumbents often resort to opaque and deceptive strategies to subvert democracy. One such strategy involves devising formal institutions that pretend to promote and deepen democracy while enforcing authoritarian rule instead. This study labels such a strategy as “deceitful autocratization” and argues that a case that illustrates how antipluralist presidents promote it is the electoral reform launched by Andrés Manuel López Obrador in Mexico. The analysis shows that López Obrador is a populist leader who also features prominent illiberal and antipluralist attributes. The article examines the political process that led to the legal modifications he introduced, which aimed at an overhaul of the country's system of electoral governance, one of the crucial foundations of Mexican democracy. The reform was supposed to democratize the regime, eliminate electoral fraud, and reduce the cost of elections. In fact, it represented a step forward in establishing competitive authoritarianism.