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Since asphalt pavement bleeding and raveling are significant threats to road safety, comfort, and service life, timely and accurate detection of them is desirable and cost-effective to develop pavement maintenance programs. Moreover, due to the fact that both of these distresses (i.e., raveling and bleeding) affect the texture of pavements, simultaneous classification of these distresses can provoke challenges. Thus, this study explores efficient texture analysis of 2D images for bleeding and raveling detection using tree-based ensemble methods. To this end, two scenarios of feature extraction are taken into account using Histogram Equalization (HE), Local Binary Pattern (LBP), and Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) techniques. Based on these two feature sets, four tree-based ensemble methods were evaluated for classifying the three classes of Bleeding, Raveling, and No-Bleeding & No-Raveling. The results confirmed that Feature Set B which derived from the integration of HE-GLCM and LBP-GLCM feature extraction provided the most favorable outcome, and gained the high performance of F1-Score ≅ 97 %. Finally, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models were constructed using the collected dataset and compared to the proposed method.

Other than location of the primary colorectal cancer (CRC), a few factors are known to influence the intrahepatic distribution of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). We aimed to assess whether the anatomy of the portal vein (PV) could influence the intrahepatic distribution of CRLM.

This study used scoping review as an approach to examine and determine the extent of studies undertaken in civic engagement roles of libraries and librarians in times of rapid growth of information disorders in the social media environment. The research identified concepts, and methods by providing a systematic examination of academic and scientific literature published in the field. The scoping review was prepared based on Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. After careful synthesis, a total of 22 documents were analyzed, and found that most research done in this area apply qualitative methods. The main concepts captured revolve around democracy, public sphere, civic engagement, and critical literacy. It is hoped that this scoping review provides a background understanding of the related concepts that appeared in this study. This study helps Library and Information Science (LIS) educators and librarians to discuss and collaborate in strengthening the practice of critical and information literacy.

Abstract Thoracic manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are rare, occurring in less than 1% of patients. Unlike most other extra-intestinal manifestations, they predominate in patients with ulcerative colitis rather than in Crohn’s disease. In most patients, thoracic involvement follows the onset of IBD by several years. However, thoracic involvement may also occur synchronously or even precede the onset of digestive symptoms. The thoracic manifestations of IBD include airway involvement and parenchymal lung abnormalities. Airways are the most frequent anatomical site for thoracic involvement in IBD. Airway manifestations usually develop several years after the onset of intestinal manifestations, preferentially when the latter are stable or in remission. Airway manifestations include bronchial wall thickening, bronchiectasis, small airway disease, and tracheal wall thickening. Parenchymal lung abnormalities are less prevalent in IBD and include organizing pneumonia, necrobiotic nodules, noncaseating granulomatous nodules, drug-induced pneumonia, and rarely interstitial lung diseases. The differential diagnosis between organizing pneumonia, necrobiotic nodules, and noncaseating granulomatous nodules is difficult and usually requires histopathological analysis for a definite diagnosis. Radiologists play a key role in the detection of thoracic manifestations of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and, therefore, need to be familiar with their imaging findings. This article aims to offer an overview of the imaging findings of thoracic manifestations in patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Critical relevance statement Thoracic manifestations of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis include tracheal involvement, bronchiectasis, small airway disease, and parenchymal lung abnormalities such as organizing pneumonia and necrobiotic nodules. These rare manifestations (

Background: Prenatal and postnatal depression (PND) is associated with adverse outcomes for mother, fetus, andchild. The aim of study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors of prenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms.Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional and hospital-based survey of 2305 pregnant women and post-partumwomen (18-48 years) that was registered in the Babol Pregnancy Mental Health Registry (BPMHR) database from June2020 to March 2021. Two questionnaires, including demographics and depression, were analyzed in this study. Also, theEdinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess the depressive symptoms. Independent t test and theanalysis of variance were used to compare the means. Multiple logistic regressions were used to determine risk factors fordepressive symptoms.Results: According to the EPDS scale, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 19.8% in the pregnant womangroup in comparison with the postpartum period (11.6%). Risk factors for antenatal depressive symptoms were parity(women with parity ≥ 4 vs. 1 parity, ß=1.808, P=0.020), two groups of gestational age (gestational age ≤12 weeks vs.28 weeks, ß=1.562 P=0.030) as well as (gestational age 21-27 weeks vs. 28 weeks (ß=1.586, P=0.033), and high-riskpregnancy (high-risk vs. low-risk pregnancy, ß=1.457, P=0.003). For postnatal depressive symptoms, none of the factorswere a significant risk.Conclusion: Prenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms should be screened, particularly for women in the first andsecond trimesters, with high parity, and those with a high-risk pregnancy, as recommended by the present study.

Abstract Background Providing supported self-management for people with asthma can reduce the burden on patients, health services and wider society. Implementation, however, remains poor in routine clinical practice. IMPlementing IMProved Asthma self-management as RouTine (IMP2ART) is a UK-wide cluster randomised implementation trial that aims to test the impact of a whole-systems implementation strategy, embedding supported asthma self-management in primary care compared with usual care. To maximise opportunities for sustainable implementation beyond the trial, it is necessary to understand how and why the IMP2ART trial achieved its clinical and implementation outcomes. Methods A mixed-methods process evaluation nested within the IMP2ART trial will be undertaken to understand how supported self-management was implemented (or not) by primary care practices, to aid interpretation of trial findings and to inform scaling up and sustainability. Data and analysis strategies have been informed by mid-range and programme-level theory. Quantitative data will be collected across all practices to describe practice context, IMP2ART delivery (including fidelity and adaption) and practice response. Case studies undertaken in three to six sites, supplemented by additional interviews with practice staff and stakeholders, will be undertaken to gain an in-depth understanding of the interaction of practice context, delivery, and response. Synthesis, informed by theory, will combine analyses of both qualitative and quantitative data. Finally, implications for the scale up of asthma self-management implementation strategies to other practices in the UK will be explored through workshops with stakeholders. Discussion This mixed-methods, theoretically informed, process evaluation seeks to provide insights into the delivery and response to a whole-systems approach to the implementation of supported self-management in asthma care in primary care. It is underway at a time of significant change in primary care in the UK. The methods have, therefore, been developed to be adaptable to this changing context and to capture the impact of these changes on the delivery and response to research and implementation processes.

Background: The CEA/PCI ratio, which evaluates tumour marker and burden, has been demonstrated as a prognosticator for patients with colorectal cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis. The aim of this study was to compare the CEA/PCI ratio with the Modified Colorectal Peritoneal Score (mCOREP) for overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS). There is no literature currently comparing both markers for RFS. Methods: Data was collected retrospectively for patients undergoing CRS and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) at the Peritonectomy Unit at St. George Hospital, NSW from January 2015 to December 2021. Results: From 187 patients, an increase in CEA/PCI ratio was associated with reduced OS (p 4 illustrated reduced RFS in patients with lower PCIs.

Abstract The food enzyme β‐glucosidase (β‐d‐glucoside glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.21) is produced with the non‐genetically modified Penicillium guanacastense strain AE‐GLY by Amano Enzyme Inc. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in four food manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the applicant has requested to extend its use to include three additional processes and to revise the use levels. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme when used in a total of seven food manufacturing processes. The dietary exposure was calculated to be up to 0.206 mg total organic solids (TOS)/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Using the no observed adverse effect level reported in the previous opinion (943 mg TOS/kg bw per day), the Panel derived a margin of exposure of at least 4578. Based on the previous evaluation, the assessment of the new data and the revised margin of exposure, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.

Abstract The food enzyme carboxypeptidase C (EC 3.4.16.5) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain PEG by DSM Food Specialties B.V. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in nine food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme‐total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 2.053 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. The toxicity studies were carried out with a xylanase obtained from A. niger strain XEA. The Panel considered this food enzyme as a suitable substitute for the carboxypeptidase to be used in the toxicological studies, because both strains were derived from the same recipient strain, the location of the inserts was comparable, no partial inserts were present and the production methods were essentially the same. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90‐day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 1850 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 901. A homology search for the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and one match with a wheat allergen was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, especially in wheat‐allergic individuals, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Abstract The food enzyme has four declared activities: endo‐polygalacturonase ((1–4)‐α‐d‐galacturonan glycanohydrolase (endo‐cleaving); EC 3.2.1.15), pectinesterase (pectin pectylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.11), pectin lyase ((1–4)‐6‐O‐methyl‐α‐d‐galacturonan lyase; EC 4.2.2.10) and non‐reducing end α‐l‐arabinofuranosidase (α‐l‐arabinofuranoside non‐reducing end α‐l‐arabinofuranosidase; EC 3.2.1.55). It is produced with the non‐genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain PEC by DSM Food Specialties B.V. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in three food manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the applicant has requested to extend its use to include four additional processes. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme when used in a total of seven food manufacturing processes. As the food enzyme–total organic solids (TOS) are removed from the final foods in one food manufacturing process, the dietary exposure to the food enzyme–TOS was estimated only for the remaining six processes. The dietary exposure was calculated to be up to 0.612 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. When combined with the no observed adverse effect level previously reported (204 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested), the Panel derived a margin of exposure of at least 333. Based on the previous evaluation, the assessment of the new data and the revised margin of exposure, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.

Abstract The food enzyme endonuclease (Aspergillus nuclease S1; EC 3.1.30.1) is produced with the non‐genetically modified Penicillium citrinum strain NP 11–15 by Shin Nihon Chemical Co., Ltd. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in the processing of yeast and yeast products. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme–total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.006 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90‐day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 1010 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 168,333. A search for homology of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, especially for individuals allergic to Penicillium. However, the likelihood of such reactions will not exceed the likelihood of allergic reactions to Penicillium. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Abstract The food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.3) is produced with the non‐genetically modified Aspergillus tubingensis strain NL151 by Shin Nihon Chemical Co., Ltd. The food enzyme was free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in six food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 0.278 mg total organic solids (TOS)/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90‐day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 1669 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 6004. A search for homology of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that, the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.

Abstract The food enzyme, a triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.3), is produced with the non‐genetically modified Limtongozyma cylindracea strain AE‐LAYH (B) by Amano Enzyme Inc. It is intended to be used in six food manufacturing processes. Since residual amounts of food enzyme–total organic solids (TOS) are removed in one process, dietary exposure was calculated only for the remaining five food manufacturing processes. It was estimated to be up to 0.315 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. As the production strain qualifies for the quality presumption of safety (QPS) approach of safety assessment and no issue of concern arising from the production process of the food enzyme were identified, the Panel considered that no toxicological studies other than the assessment of allergenicity were necessary. A homology search for the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to those of known allergens was made and one match with a honeybee venom allergen was found. The Panel considered that a risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure, particularly in individuals allergic to honey, cannot be excluded, but is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, the QPS status of the production strain and the absence of issues of concern arising from the food enzyme manufacturing process, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Abstract The food enzyme endo‐1,3(4)‐β‐glucanase (3‐(1–3;1–4)‐β‐d‐glucan 3(4)‐glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.6) is produced with the non‐genetically modified Talaromyces versatilis strain PF8 by Erbslöh Geisenheim AG. The food enzyme was free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in four food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme–total organic solids (TOS) was calculated to be up to 0.110 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90‐day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 2229 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 20,264. A search for homology of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and four matches with respiratory or contact allergens were found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.

Introducción: Este estudio explora los efectos toxicológicos de las nanopartículas de plata (AgNPs) y nanopartículas de óxido de hierro (Fe2O3NPs), que se utilizan como colorantes alimentarios (E-174 y E-172, respectivamente), al entrar en contacto con un medio acuoso que simula matrices alimentarias. Para ello se ha empleado el modelo biológico in vivo Caenorhabditis elegans. Metodología: Se evaluó el impacto de las NPs en parámetros fisicoquímicos, como el tamaño de partícula, el potencial zeta y la conductividad eléctrica. También se analizaron parámetros biológicos en C. elegans, incluyendo letalidad, estrés oxidativo y apoptosis o muerte celular. Resultados: El análisis fisicoquímico reveló cambios significativos en las propiedades de las NPs en contacto con el medio acuoso. Las AgNPs mostraron una mayor estabilidad, así como un aumento en su solubilización. Las Fe2O3NPs mostraron una mayor toxicidad aguda en comparación con las AgNPs, exponiendo tasas de letalidad más altas y mayor estrés oxidativo. El análisis de la apoptosis celular destacó aún más sus efectos tóxicos. Conclusiones: Los resultados del estudio mostraron el papel crítico de las características fisicoquímicas de las NPs y sus interacciones biológicas. Se demostró que las variaciones en la estabilidad de las NPs pueden aumentar su potencial tóxico cuando se utilizan como aditivos alimentarios. Los hallazgos requieren una investigación exhaustiva para comprender mejor el comportamiento de las NPs en las matrices alimentarias y los riesgos para la salud asociados, garantizando así la seguridad del consumidor. Financiación: Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia de la Comunidad Valenciana", a través del proyecto "Programa Investigo". Proyecto europeo "NAMS4NANO: Integración de Resultados de Nuevas Metodologías de Enfoque en Evaluaciones de Riesgo Químico: Estudios de Caso que Abordan Consideraciones a Escala Nanométrica", apoyado por la Agencia Europea de Seguridad Alimentaria (EFSA).

Abstract The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provides a scientific opinion on the safety of curdlan as a new food additive used as firming and gelling agent, stabiliser, thickener. Curdlan is a high molecular weight polysaccharide consisting of β‐1,3‐linked glucose units, produced by fermentation from Rhizobium radiobacter biovar 1 strain NTK‐u. The toxicological dataset consisted of sub‐chronic, chronic and carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity studies as well as genotoxicity. In vivo data showed that curdlan is not absorbed as such but is extensively metabolised by the gut microbiota into CO2 and other innocuous compounds. Curdlan was not genotoxic and was well‐tolerated with no overt organ‐specific toxicity. Effects observed at very high doses of curdlan, such as decreased growth and increased cecum weight, are common for indigestible bulking compounds and therefore considered physiological responses. In a combined three‐generation reproductive and developmental toxicity study, decreased pup weight was observed during lactation at 7500 mg curdlan/kg body weight (bw) per day, the highest dose tested. The Panel considered the observed effects as treatment‐related and adverse, although likely secondary to nutritional imbalance and identified a conservative no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 2500 mg/kg bw per day. Despite the limitations noted in the dataset, the Panel was able to conclude applying the margin of exposure (MOE) approach. Given that curdlan and its break‐down products are not absorbed and that the identified adverse effect is neither systemic nor local, no adjustment factor was deemed necessary. Thus, an MOE of at least 1 was considered sufficient. The highest exposure estimate was 1441 mg/kg bw per day in toddlers at the 95th percentile of the proposed maximum use level exposure assessment scenario. The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for the use of curdlan as a food additive at the proposed uses and use levels.

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to provide an evidence base and conceptual framework to inform new guidelines for achieving a balance between sports and employment commitments (i.e., dual career, DC) of the employee-sportspersons. To shape a DC discourse in the workplace, the distinct and combined views of the employee-sportspersons (i.e., the Employee), the managers (i.e., the Employer) were considered.MethodsFollowing a concept mapping methodology, 257 international participants (25% employers and 75% employee-sportspersons) sorted and rated 50 potential statements associated with DC circumstances and supports in the workplace.ResultsSix distinct clusters emerged, with the combined employers-employee co-creation scenario assigning 6 statements to the micro dimension (Cluster 1 = Workplace Benefits), 4 statements to the meso dimension (Cluster 2 = Role of National Sports Governing Bodies), 19 statements to the macro dimension (Cluster 3 = Dual Career Policy Development), 4 and 5 statements to the organizational dimensions (Cluster 4 = Employee-Employer Collaboration and Responsibility; Cluster 5 = Sport Career Integration), and 12 statements to the policy (Cluster 6 = Workplace Strategies for Dual Career Support) dimension. With respect to the employers, the employee-sportspersons showed higher scores (p

Accurate detection of low-level radioactivity is critical for decommissioning projects in nuclear facilities, particularly in the design of radiation monitoring systems with a low false alarm rate. Utilizing a non-parametric Bayesian continuous probability distribution enables reliable mapping of potential contamination. Our method introduces a statistical test based on a Pólya tree prior, applied to radiation detection. The detection efficiency of this proposed Bayesian test is quantified using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and compared to a Bayesian test based on the Kibble bivariate gamma distribution developed for the same purpose. The results demonstrate that the new Bayesian test generally outperforms the previous method in terms of detection performance under very low signal-to-noise ratios, with improvements ranging from 3% to 28% against both stationary and non-stationary radiological backgrounds, respectively. This superiority is further reaffirmed through comparisons with alternative Bayesian and frequentist hypothesis tests, with gains estimated at 52% and 4%, respectively.

Abstract To predict outcome to combination bevacizumab (BVZ) therapy, we employed cell-free DNA (cfDNA) to determine chromosomal instability (CIN), nucleosome footprints (NF) and methylation profiles in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Low-coverage whole-genome sequencing (LC-WGS) was performed on matched tumor and plasma samples, collected from 74 mCRC patients from the AC-ANGIOPREDICT Phase II trial (NCT01822444), and analysed for CIN and NFs. A validation cohort of plasma samples from the University Medical Center Mannheim (UMM) was similarly profiled. 61 AC-ANGIOPREDICT plasma samples collected before and following BVZ treatment were selected for targeted methylation sequencing. Using cfDNA CIN profiles, AC-ANGIOPREDICT samples were subtyped with 92.3% accuracy into low and high CIN clusters, with good concordance observed between matched plasma and tumor. Improved survival was observed in CIN-high patients. Plasma-based CIN clustering was validated in the UMM cohort. Methylation profiling identified differences in CIN-low vs. CIN high (AUC = 0.87). Moreover, significant methylation score decreases following BVZ was associated with improved outcome (p = 0.013). Analysis of CIN, NFs and methylation profiles from cfDNA in plasma samples facilitates stratification into CIN clusters which inform patient response to treatment.

Abstract Solid-state spin qubits within silicon crystals at mK temperatures show great promise in the realisation of a fully scalable quantum computation platform. Qubit coherence times are limited in natural silicon owing to coupling to the 29Si isotope which has a non-zero nuclear spin. This work presents a method for the depletion of 29Si in localised volumes of natural silicon wafers by irradiation using a 45 keV 28Si focused ion beam with fluences above 1 × 1019 ions cm−2. Nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of the irradiated volumes shows residual 29Si concentration down to 2.3 ± 0.7 ppm and with residual C and O comparable to the background concentration in the unimplanted wafer. After annealing, transmission electron microscopy lattice images confirm the solid phase epitaxial re-crystallization of the as-implanted amorphous enriched volume extending over 200 nm in depth.

Abstract Background Colorectal peritoneal metastases (CRPM) affects 15% of patients at initial colorectal cancer diagnosis. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) prior to cytoreductive surgery (CRS) has been demonstrated to be a safe and feasible option, however there is limited data describing its efficacy in advanced peritoneal disease. This study evaluated the effect of NAC on survival in patients with high volume CRPM undergoing CRS with or without HIPEC. Methods A retrospective review of all patients who underwent CRS with or without HIPEC for CRPM from 2004 to 2019 at our institution was performed. The cohort was divided based on peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) at surgery: Low Volume (PCI ≤ 16) and High Volume (PCI > 16). Results A total of 326 patients underwent CRS with HIPEC for CRPM. There were 39 patients (12%) with High Volume disease, and 15 of these (38%) received NAC. Patients with High Volume disease had significantly longer operating time, lower likelihood of complete macroscopic cytoreduction (CC-0 score), longer intensive care unit length of stay and longer hospital stay compared to Low Volume disease. In High Volume disease, the NAC group had a significantly shorter median survival of 14.4 months compared to 23.8 months in the non-NAC group (p = 0.046). Conclusion Patients with High Volume CRPM achieved good median survival following CRS with HIPEC, which challenges the current PCI threshold for offering CRS. The use of NAC in this cohort did not increase perioperative morbidity but was associated with significantly shorter median survival compared to upfront surgery.

Background. A promising method for early detection of myocardial dysfunction is the evaluation of mechanical dyssynchrony of the left ventricular myocardium, the prognostic value of which in the diagnosis of 3-vessel lesions was shown only in a single study and requires further confirmation. Purpose – to assess the relationship between the number of affected coronary arteries and the presence of mechanical dyssynchrony of the myocardium, and its significance in predicting 3-vessel lesions in patients with coronary heart disease. Materials and Methods. 134 patients who underwent coronary angiography with revascularization of coronary arteries were included in the study. Patients were divided into comparison groups depending on the number of affected coronary arteries (without lesions, one, two and three coronary arteries). Variables of mechanical myocardial dyssynchrony were determined for all patients by ultrasound examination of the heart using Doppler examination and synchronization with the ECG. Results. The largest relative number of patients with myocardial dyssynchrony was observed in the group with lesions of 3 coronary arteries – 23 (52%). The presence of myocardial dyssynchrony had a significant correlation with SYNTAX SCORE (r=0.18, p=0.035). The aortic pre-ejection interval in the group of patients with lesions of 3 coronary arteries was significantly longer compared to the group of patients without lesions of the coronary arteries, however, the pulmonary pre-ejection interval was the same in the comparison groups. As a result of this difference, interventricular mechanical delay was significantly greater in the group of patients with occlusion of 3 coronary arteries (54,8±36,6 ms; р=0,043). The time to peak systolic velocity in the group of patients with lesions of 3 coronary arteries was significantly longer (32,1±8,0 ms; р=0,021) compared to the group of patients without atherosclerotic lesions, which was confirmed by a positive correlation (r=0.190, p=0.003). The ROC analysis of the predictive capabilities of the combination of the factors of the presence of myocardial dyssynchrony, left ventricular ejection fraction, interventricular mechanical delay, root mean square deviation of the time to the peak of systolic velocity, and the E/A ratio in relation to lesions of 3 coronary arteries showed sufficient sensitivity (0.89) and specificity (0.87). Conclusions. Patients with lesions to 3 coronary arteries have a significantly higher relative frequency of mechanical myocardial dyssynchrony compared to patients without and lesions of 1 or 2 coronary arteries; correlation of myocardial dyssynchrony with 3-vessel lesions and SYNTAX SCORE was also found. The combination of variables of myocardial dyssynchrony in terms of predicting 3-vessel occlusion of coronary arteries has sufficient sensitivity and specificity.

Implementing effective conservation measures to manage migratory populations is challenging, especially in a relatively inaccessible dynamic environment such as the ocean. With limited financial and human resources, efforts must be intelligently prioritized to achieve conservation success and reduce uncertainties of conservation efforts. The southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) hosts some of the world’s most important breeding grounds for the Critically Endangered hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata. However, knowledge gaps remain about the movement patterns of this species. Between 2007 and 2022, we deployed 17 satellite tags onto hawksbill turtles from scattered locations in the SWIO: 16 nesting females—Granitic Islands, Seychelles (n = 9); north Madagascar (n = 5); Moheli, Comoros (n = 1); Juan de Nova, Terres australes et antarctiques françaises (n = 1)—and 1 female bycaught in fisheries (east Madagascar). We found strong variability in migratory movements amongst individuals, particularly in terms of distance and movement persistence. Detailed analysis of movement persistence reveals that these individuals behave differently in neritic and oceanic habitats, with a lower movement persistence in neritic habitats. We identified a total of 12 foraging areas scattered throughout the SWIO, both in coastal and open-sea neritic habitats. These results reinforce the need to consider the importance of neritic habitats, for both migration and foraging, in conservation policies. The quantification of the degree of migratory variability is particularly important to developing conservation plans and strategies at both the national and international level, including the delineation of regional management units (RMUs) in the Indian Ocean.

Abstract The food enzyme β‐galactosidase (β‐d‐galactoside galactohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.23) is produced with the genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain DSM 34099 by Kerry Group Services International, Ltd. (KGSI). The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. The production strain met the requirements for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach. The food enzyme is intended to be used in two food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 7.263 mg total organic solids/kg body weight per day in European populations. Given the QPS status of the production strain and the absence of concerns resulting from the food enzyme manufacturing process, toxicity tests, other than an assessment of allergenicity, were considered unnecessary by the Panel. A search for the identity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and one match with a food allergen from kiwi fruit was found. The Panel considered that a risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure to this food enzyme, particularly in individuals sensitised to kiwi fruit, cannot be excluded. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.

Abstract The food enzyme glucan 1,4‐α‐maltohydrolase (4‐α‐d‐glucan α‐maltohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.133) is produced with the genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain LALL‐MA+ by Danstar Ferment AG. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in the processing of cereals and other grains for production of baked products. Dietary exposure was estimated to be up to 0.014 mg TOS/kg body weight per day in European populations. Given the QPS status of the production strain and the absence of concerns resulting from the food enzyme manufacturing process, toxicity tests were considered unnecessary by the Panel. A search for the identity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and four matches were found, three with respiratory allergens and one with an allergen from mosquito (injected). The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.

Abstract The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP) assessed the safety of the recycling process Lietpak (EU register number RECYC327), which uses the EREMA MPR technology. The input material is hot caustic washed and dried poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) flakes originating from collected post‐consumer PET containers, including no more than 5% PET from non‐food consumer applications. The flakes are heated in a ■■■■■ reactor under vacuum. Having examined the challenge test provided, the Panel concluded that the ■■■■■ decontamination (step 2), for which a challenge test was provided, is critical in determining the decontamination efficiency of the process. The operating parameters to control the performance of this step are temperature, pressure and residence time. It was demonstrated that this recycling process is able to ensure a level of migration of potential unknown contaminants into food below the conservatively modelled migration of 0.1 μg/kg food, derived from the exposure scenario for infants, when such recycled PET is used at up to 100%. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the recycled PET obtained from this process is not of safety concern when used at up to 100% for the manufacture of materials and articles for contact with all types of foodstuffs, including drinking water, for long‐term storage at room temperature or below, with or without hotfill. Articles made of this recycled PET are not intended to be used in microwave or conventional ovens and such uses are not covered by this evaluation.

Abstract The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP) assessed the safety of the recycling process Ecopacking (EU register number RECYC324), which uses the EREMA Basic technology. The input material is ■■■■■ washed and dried poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) flakes originating from collected post‐consumer PET containers, including no more than 5% PET from non‐food consumer applications. The flakes are heated in a ■■■■■ reactor ■■■■■ before being extruded. Having examined the challenge test provided, the Panel concluded that the ■■■■■ decontamination (step 2), for which a challenge test was provided, is critical in determining the decontamination efficiency of the process. The operating parameters to control the performance of this step are temperature, pressure and residence time. It was demonstrated that this recycling process is able to ensure a level of migration of potential unknown contaminants into food below the conservatively modelled migrations of 0.1 and 0.15 μg/kg food, derived from the exposure scenarios for infants and toddlers, when such recycled PET is used at up to 100%. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the recycled PET obtained from this process is not of safety concern when used at up to 100% for the manufacture of materials and articles for contact with all types of foodstuffs, including drinking water, for long‐term storage at room temperature or below, with or without hotfill. Articles made of this recycled PET are not intended to be used in microwave or conventional ovens and such uses are not covered by this evaluation.

Abstract The food enzyme α‐amylase (4‐α‐d‐glucan glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.1) is produced with the non‐genetically modified microorganism Bacillus licheniformis strain AE‐TA by Amano Enzyme Inc. A safety evaluation of this food enzyme was made previously, in which EFSA concluded that this food enzyme did not give rise to safety concerns when used in eight food manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the applicant has requested to extend its use to include one additional process and to revise the use levels. In this assessment, EFSA updated the safety evaluation of this food enzyme when used in a total of nine food manufacturing processes. As the food enzyme–total organic solids (TOS) are removed from the final foods in two food manufacturing processes, the dietary exposure to the food enzyme–TOS was estimated only for the remaining seven processes. Dietary exposure was calculated to be up to 0.382 mg TOS/kg body weight per day in European populations. Based on the data provided for the previous evaluation and the revised dietary exposure in the present evaluation, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the revised intended conditions of use.

Abstract The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP) assessed the safety of the recycling process KGL (EU register number RECYC326), which uses the EREMA Basic technology. The input material is hot caustic washed and dried poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) flakes originating from collected post‐consumer PET containers, including no more than 5% PET from non‐food consumer applications. The flakes are heated in a ■■■■■ reactor under vacuum before being extruded. Having examined the challenge test provided, the Panel concluded that the ■■■■■ decontamination (step 2), for which a challenge test was provided, is critical in determining the decontamination efficiency of the process. The operating parameters to control the performance of this step are temperature, pressure and residence time. It was demonstrated that this recycling process is able to ensure a level of migration of potential unknown contaminants into food below the conservatively modelled migrations of 0.1 and 0.15 μg/kg food, derived from the exposure scenarios for infants and toddlers, when such recycled PET is used at up to 100%. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the recycled PET obtained from this process is not of safety concern when used at up to 100% for the manufacture of materials and articles for contact with all types of foodstuffs, including drinking water, for long‐term storage at room temperature or below, with or without hotfill. Articles made of this recycled PET are not intended to be used in microwave or conventional ovens and such uses are not covered by this evaluation.

Abstract The food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.3) is produced with the non‐genetically modified Penicillium caseifulvum strain AE‐LRF by Amano Enzyme Inc. The food enzyme was free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in four food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme–total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.013 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90‐day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 69 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 5308. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. However, the Panel noted that traces of ■■■■■, used in the manufacture of the triacylglycerol lipase, may be found in the food enzyme. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure could not be excluded, particularly in individuals sensitised to fish. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.