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This design case details a seven-year iterative design process to create an app for use in online physical education classes. Each iteration addresses the shortcomings of the previous version. The most recent iteration of the app allows students to use Fitbit™ devices to record heart rate data, which each student sees as progress toward course goals on the homepage of the course. The current version of the app has evolved to provide a seamless student experience using a web application programming interface (API) and data standards such as learning tools interoperability (LTI). The student experience of using the app is thoroughly documented, as are design processes and principles for engaging in similar design processes.

This study aimed to understand the ways in which college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience and develop their understanding of emotions and emotional wellness. Semi-structured interviews with college students with IDD were conducted. The research team utilized consensual qualitative research (CQR) to analyze interviews and came to consensus in generating domains, core ideas, and a cross-analysis to answer the research question, "What are the experiences of college students with IDD in developing an understanding of emotions and emotional wellness?" Findings suggest college students with IDD have experience developing and maintaining their emotional wellness, though they may experience barriers prior to and during college enrollment. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.

ABSTRACTThis article provides an analysis and evaluation of peer-reviewed evidence on the contribution of crop biotechnology to climate change mitigation and adaption. While there is a range of agricultural technologies and products that contribute to climate change mitigation, this literature landscape analysis focuses on the development of genetically modified traits, their use and adoption in major commodity crops and responsive changes in production techniques. Jointly, these technologies and products are contributing to climate change mitigation, yet the technology, the literature and evidence is still evolving as more sophisticated research methods are used with greater consistency. The literature analysis is undertaken with consideration of the consequential impact that regulatory regimes have on technology development. This assessment utilizes the Maryland Scientific Methods Scale and citation analysis, concluding that GM crops provide benefits that contribute to climate change mitigation.

Background: Large introductory lecture courses are frequently post-secondary students' first formal interaction with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Grade outcomes in these courses are often disparate across student populations, which, in turn, has implications for student retention. This study positions such disparities as a manifestation of systemic inequities along the dimensions of sex, race/ethnicity, income, and first-generation status and investigates the extent to which they are similar across peer institutions. Results: We examined grade outcomes in a selected set of early STEM courses across six large, public, research-intensive universities in the United States over ten years. In this sample of more than 200,000 STEM course enrollments, we find that course grade benefits increase significantly with the number of systemic advantages students possess at all six institutions. The observed trends in academic outcomes versus advantage are strikingly similar across universities despite the fact that we did not control for differences in grading practices, contexts, and instructor and student populations. The findings are concerning given that these courses are often students' first post-secondary STEM experiences. Conclusions: STEM course grades are typically lower than those in other disciplines; students taking them often pay grade penalties. The systemic advantages some student groups experience are correlated with significant reductions in these grade penalties at all six institutions. The consistency of these findings across institutions and courses supports the claim that inequities in STEM education are a systemic problem, driven by factors that go beyond specific courses or individual institutions. Our work provides a basis for the exploration of contexts where inequities are exacerbated or reduced and can be used to advocate for structural change within STEM education. To cultivate more equitable learning environments, we must reckon with how pervasive structural barriers in STEM courses negatively shape the experiences of marginalized students.

Workshop on "Research Knowledge Transitions & Compound Hazards: Generating Ideas for Adapting Social Science to Your Workspace" What: This 2-day workshop brought together experts from NOAA, emergency management, and broadcast meteorology to discuss the processes and activities of transitioning social science research into their respective workplaces. The agenda for day 1 focused on eliciting participant experiences with new knowledge applications and the challenges of these processes and activities. The goal was to listen and let participants shape the conversation through small and large group discussions. Outcomes of this conversation included a better understanding of the top-down and bottom-up complexities of research transitions and the collaborative knowledge production activities that are a common motivator. Day 2 focused on sharing examples of successful and ongoing social science research that has or will be transitioned into various operational spaces. Outcomes highlighted participants' common motivations for applying new knowledge, primarily collaboration via engagement with stakeholders, partners, and the public. When: 6-7 June 2023 Where: Online KEYWORDS: Social Science; Operational forecasting; Broadcasting; Emergency response; Policy, Two reports spanning a history of 50 years summarize some of today's most relevant challenges and opportunities of the applicability and integration of social and behavioral sciences (SBS) within the [...]

Abstract Background National guidance recognises the key role of rehabilitation in improving outcomes for people living with chronic kidney disease. Implementation of this guidance is reliant upon an adequate and skilled rehabilitation workforce. Data relating to this is currently lacking within the UK. This survey aimed to identify variations and good practices in kidney physiotherapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT) and clinical exercise physiologist (CEP) provision; and to understand barriers to implementation. Methods An online survey was sent to all 87 UK kidney units between June 2022 and January 2023. Data was collected on the provision of therapy services, barriers to service provision and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The quantitative survey was analysed using descriptive statistics. Free-text responses were explored using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Forty-five units (52%) responded. Seventeen (38%) units reported having a PT and 15 (33%) an OT with a specialist kidney role; one unit (7%) had access to a CEP. Thirty units (67%) offered inpatient therapy services, ten (22%) outpatient therapy clinics, six (13%) intradialytic exercise, six (13%) symptom management and three (7%) outpatient rehabilitation. Qualitative data revealed lack of money/funding and time (both n = 35, 85% and n = 34, 83% respectively) were the main barriers to delivering kidney-specific therapy. Responders saw an increase in the complexity of their caseload, a reduction in staffing levels and consequently, service provision during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exemplars of innovative service delivery, including hybrid digital and remote services, were viewed as positive responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion Despite clear evidence of the benefits of rehabilitation, across the UK, there remains limited and variable access to kidney-specific therapy services. Equitable access to kidney-specific rehabilitation services is urgently required to support people to ‘live well’ with kidney disease.

Abstract Invasive cervical cancers (ICC), caused by HPV infections, have a heterogeneous molecular landscape. We investigate the detection, timing, and HPV type specificity of somatic mutations in 3929 HPV-positive exfoliated cervical cell samples from individuals undergoing cervical screening in the U.S. using deep targeted sequencing in ICC cases, precancers, and HPV-positive controls. We discover a subset of hotspot mutations rare in controls (2.6%) but significantly more prevalent in precancers, particularly glandular precancer lesions (10.2%), and cancers (25.7%), supporting their involvement in ICC carcinogenesis. Hotspot mutations differ by HPV type, and HPV18/45-positive ICC are more likely to have multiple hotspot mutations compared to HPV16-positive ICC. The proportion of cells containing hotspot mutations is higher (i.e., higher variant allele fraction) in ICC and mutations are detectable up to 6 years prior to cancer diagnosis. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of using exfoliated cervical cells for detection of somatic mutations as potential diagnostic biomarkers.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of various chronic inflammatory diseases, tracked across numerous fields of research. Despite this, a crucial aspect often overlooked in studies is the differentiation between IL-6 classic-signaling and trans-signaling, leading to potential confounding of their findings; less than half of selected IL-6 studies included differentiation. This review delves into the distinction between IL-6 classic- and trans-signaling and their role in chronic inflammatory diseases and endometriosis. The unique pro-inflammatory nature of IL-6 trans-signaling, contrasted with the anti-inflammatory character of IL-6 classic-signaling, presents significant implications for research methodology, particularly in studies investigating anti-inflammatory interventions or interleukin inhibitors. Diagnostic failure to account for these distinct pathways may inadvertently misrepresent beneficial immune responses or the efficacy of interventions, posing significant challenges in predicting health outcomes. Interventions that do not differentiate these pathways could face reduced efficacy or safety. This review proposes adjustments to research methodologies and stresses the importance of careful interpretation of inflammatory markers in IL-6-related research. Examples of differentiation issues are discussed across the topics of endometriosis and multiple inflammatory diseases. By addressing this methodological issue, researchers could potentially improve patient outcomes, enhance the efficacy of interventions, and contribute to public health advancements.

Abstract Wheat is an important source of minerals for human nutrition and increasing grain mineral content can contribute to reducing mineral deficiencies. Here, we identify QTLs for mineral micronutrients in grain of wheat by determining the contents of six minerals in a total of eleven sample sets of three biparental populations from crosses between A.E. Watkins landraces and cv. Paragon. Twenty-three of the QTLs are mapped in two or more sample sets, with LOD scores above five in at least one set with the increasing alleles for sixteen of the QTLs being present in the landraces and seven in Paragon. Of these QTLs, the number for each mineral varies between three and five and they are located on 14 of the 21 chromosomes, with clusters on chromosomes 5A (four), 6A (three), and 7A (three). The gene content within 5 megabases of DNA on either side of the marker for the QTL with the highest LOD score is determined and the gene responsible for the strongest QTL (chromosome 5A for Ca) identified as an ATPase transporter gene (TraesCS5A02G543300) using mutagenesis. The identification of these QTLs, together with associated SNP markers and candidate genes, will facilitate the improvement of grain nutritional quality.

Abstract Background High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection causes almost all cervical cancer. Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (Women living with HIV: WLWHIV) are at a six-fold increased risk of developing cervical cancer. This study assessed hrHPV types in cervical cancer by HIV status and histologic subtypes at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Tanzania. Methods This cross-sectional study used formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) archived tissue blocks of cervical carcinomas diagnosed in the Department of Anatomical Pathology at MNH from January to December 2020. Tissue sections were tested for 15 HPV genotypes (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68) using the Ampfire assay. The distribution of HPV genotypes was assessed and compared by HIV status and histologic subtypes. Results The mean age ± standard deviation (N = 227, with valid HPV results) was 55 ± 12.9 years, 28.6% (n = 65) were WLWHIV, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the most common histologic subtype (91.2%). Most cervical carcinomas (81.1%, n = 184) tested positive for hrHPV with HPV16 (44.1%), HPV18 (15.9%), HPV35 (8.4%) and HPV45 (5.7%) being the most common HPV types. hrHPV was higher among older women with 64.5%, 85.1% and 81.3% among 30–40, 41–60 and ≥ 61-year-old women, respectively (p = 0.033). HPV16 was more commonly detected in SCC (47.8%) than in adenocarcinomas (5%) (p

Background: Despite an increased risk of visual impairment (V.I.) among adults from minority ethnic communities in the UK, limited research has explored their wider life experiences. Methods: A secondary analysis of V.I. Lives survey data explored priority issues among a sample of 46 Asian, 22 Black, and 77 White adults who have visual impairment A list of 24 issues were grouped into 10 life domains. Issue and domain mean importance scores were calculated for each to facilitate ranking of importance. Results: Kruskal–Wallis tests showed that there were statistically significant differences between the three groups for 7/10 domains and 19/24 issues. Post hoc comparisons showed that this largely reflected group differences between Asian and White participants. While there were no statistically significant differences between Asian and Black participants possibly due to small sample sizes, there were statistically significant differences between Asian and White participants in 7/10 domains and 14/24 issues. Additionally, there were significant differences between Black and White participants in 5/10 domains and 7/24 issues, specialist workplace equipment being the only issue with a significant difference between White and Black but not Asian participants. There were no group differences for confidence in ability to do everyday tasks and opportunities to take part in more sporting and leisure activities. Overall, White participants generally rated all issues as less important than Asian and Black participants. The top-three domains for Asian participants were ‘accessible environments’/‘finances’, ‘technology’, and ‘public attitudes’. The top-three issues were accessibility of public transport, employer attitudes, and reduction of street clutter. The top-three domains among Black participants were ‘employment’, ‘accessible environments’, and ‘emotional support’. The top-three issues were employer attitudes/specialised education for young people with V.I., specialist V.I. equipment in the workplace, and confidence in ability to do everyday tasks/accessibility of public transport. Conclusions: Differences in priorities between the groups suggest that the needs of individual communities may be lost when grouping culturally diverse communities together, highlighting the need for more research with different minority ethnic communities.

Abstract Background Peer support involves people (mentors) using their own experiences to assist others (mentees). The impetus to include peer support in eating disorder recovery is high, however research on implementation of peer roles in eating disorder management is limited. A previous pilot study found positive but preliminary results for a Peer Mentor Program (PMP) for eating disorders. The PMP has since developed over time, including broadening its eligibility criteria and shifting to predominantly online delivery during COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the updated version of the PMP, on a larger and more diverse group of mentees. Methods Previously collected PMP service data from July 2020 to April 2022 (during COVID-19 lockdowns) was evaluated for fifty-one mentees using mixed methods. Data from program start (baseline), mid-point (3-months) and end (6-months) for measures of eating disorder symptoms as measured by the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and psychological wellbeing as measured by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) was evaluated. Frequency of eating disorder-related hospital admissions during PMP participation versus the 6 months prior, direct program costs and qualitative mentee feedback were also analysed. One way ANOVA’s with post hoc tests were used to evaluate symptom change and thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data. Results Program attendance averaged 12.12 (SD ± 1.57) of a possible 13 sessions. Statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements were demonstrated across all subscales of the eating disorder and psychological wellbeing symptom measures. EDE-Q Global score and DASS scores decreased significantly by program end. Fewer eating disorder-related hospital admissions were reported during PMP than the 6-months prior. Qualitative findings were positive and themed around the unique benefits of lived experience connection, a new kind of space for recovery, hope and motivation for change. Challenges with the time limited nature of the mentee-mentor relationship were expressed. Conclusions The important benefits of a PMP for individuals with eating disorders are further supported. There is a pressing need for high quality, co-produced research, utilising a mixture of designs and fidelity to core peer work principles, to inform further implementation of peer work into eating disorder policy and practice.

Abstract Background Growing evidence suggests that chronic inflammation caused by tuberculosis (TB) may increase the incidence of diabetes. However, the relationship between post-TB pulmonary abnormalities and diabetes has not been well characterized. Methods We analyzed data from a cross-sectional study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, of people 15 years and older who underwent chest X-ray and diabetes screening with hemoglobin A1c testing. The analytic sample was restricted to persons with prior TB, defined by either (1) a self-reported history of TB treatment, (2) radiologist-confirmed prior TB on chest radiography, and (3) a negative sputum culture and GeneXpert. Chest X-rays of all participants were evaluated by the study radiologist to determine the presence of TB lung abnormalities. To assess the relationships between our outcome of interest, prevalent diabetes (HBA1c ≥6.5%), and our exposure of interest, chest X-ray abnormalities, we fitted logistic regression models adjusted for potential clinical and demographic confounders. In secondary analyses, we used the computer-aided detection system CAD4TB, which scores X-rays from 10 to 100 for detection of TB disease, as our exposure interest, and repeated analyses with a comparator group that had no history of TB disease. Results In the analytic cohort of people with prior TB (n = 3,276), approximately two-thirds (64.9%) were women, and the average age was 50.8 years (SD 17.4). The prevalence of diabetes was 10.9%, and 53.0% of people were living with HIV. In univariate analyses, there was no association between diabetes prevalence and radiologist chest X-ray abnormalities (OR 1.23, 95%CI 0.95–1.58). In multivariate analyses, the presence of pulmonary abnormalities was associated with an 29% reduction in the odds of prevalent diabetes (aOR 0.71, 95%CI 0.53–0.97, p = 0.030). A similar inverse relationship was observed for diabetes with each 10-unit increase in the CAD4TB chest X-ray scores among people with prior TB (aOR 0.92, 95%CI 0.87–0.97; p = 0.002), but this relationship was less pronounced in the no TB comparator group (aOR 0.96, 95%CI 0.94–0.99). Conclusions Among people with prior TB, pulmonary abnormalities on digital chest X-ray are inversely associated with prevalent diabetes. The severity of radiographic post-TB lung disease does not appear to be a determinant of diabetes in this South African population.

Exposure to teachers and teaching-related activities is vital for young children's learning. When COVID-19 closed schools, teachers responded with a mix of live- and prerecorded lessons and one-on-one communication with students, which necessitated shifts in planning time. The current study identifies pre-COVID predictors of time teachers devoted to each of these teaching-related activities to illuminate actionable levers for supporting educators during widespread educational disruption. Teachers with higher prepandemic job commitment devoted more overall time to pandemic-induced remote teaching. Teachers' prepandemic executive functioning and observed classroom instructional and organizational quality--features of successful teachers during normal times--predicted more during-pandemic time remote teaching, while teacher older age and having more high-needs students was associated with less remote teaching time. These results contribute to an emerging literature that spotlights potential promising avenues for supporting teachers via professional development during normal times as well as in future widespread educational disruptions.

We conducted a qualitative review of the research literature on STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) related to high school students with disabilities (SWD). We selected and analyzed 53 articles to answer two questions: (1) How are high-school SWD prepared for careers in STEM? (2) How are educators prepared to support high-school SWD for opportunities in STEM? In answering the first question, four qualitative themes emerged: (a) barriers to STEM, (b) increasing STEM opportunities, (c) STEM readiness in college and career, and (d) STEM identity. In answering the second question, three qualitative themes emerged: (a) individualizing learning and supports for SWD, (b) using technology and collaboration among educators, and (c) professional development for educators. Limitations of this review related to search terms and inclusion criteria. Implications of this review related to the need for more research on STEM enrichment programs, STEM identity, and long-term outcomes.

Abstract This opinion deals with the re‐evaluation of saccharin and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts (E 954) as food additives. Saccharin is the chemically manufactured compound 1,2‐benzisothiazol‐3(2H)‐one‐1,1‐dioxide. Along with its sodium (Na), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) salts, they are authorised as sweeteners (E 954). E 954 can be produced by two manufacturing methods i.e. Remsen‐Fahlberg and Maumee. No analytical data on potential impurities were provided for products manufactured with the Maumee process; therefore, the Panel could only evaluate saccharins (E 954) manufactured with the Remsen‐Fahlberg process. The Panel concluded that the newly available studies do not raise a concern for genotoxicity of E 954 and the saccharins impurities associated with the Remsen‐Fahlberg manufacturing process. For the potential impurities associated with the Maumee process, a concern for genotoxicity was identified. The data set evaluated consisted of animals and human studies. The Panel considered appropriate to set a numerical acceptable daily intake (ADI) and considered the decrease in body weight in animal studies as the relevant endpoint for the derivation of a reference point. An ADI of 9 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day, expressed as free imide, was derived for saccharins (E 954). This ADI replaces the ADI of 5 mg /kg bw per day (expressed as sodium saccharin, corresponding to 3.8 mg /kg bw per day saccharin as free imide) established by the Scientific Committee on Food. The Panel considered the refined brand‐loyal exposure assessment scenario the most appropriate exposure scenario for the risk assessment. The Panel noted that the P95 exposure estimates for chronic exposure to saccharins (E 954) were below the ADI. The Panel recommended the European Commission to consider the revision of the EU specifications of saccharin and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts (E 954).

Abstract The EFSA Panel on Food Additive and Flavourings (FAF Panel) evaluated the safety of proposed changes to the currently permitted uses of the food additive steviol glycosides (E 960a–d) and of a proposed modification of the current acceptable daily intake (ADI) from 4 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day to 6 or 16 mg/kg bw per day, expressed as steviol equivalents. Currently, steviol glycosides (E 960a–d) are authorised in the EU in 32 different food categories (FCs). An extension of use was proposed for four new uses within FC 7.2 ‘Fine bakery wares’. In addition, an increase of the maximum permitted levels (MPLs) for FC 14.1.3 ‘Fruit nectars’ and for three uses within FC 14.1.4 ‘Flavoured drinks’ was requested. Consequently, the Panel updated the exposure estimates using the protocol for assessing exposure to sweeteners, developed to consider the specificities related to consumers' exposure to this functional class of food additives. Considering the proposed extension of use and increase of the MPLs, together with the currently authorised uses (at the MPLs) of E 960a–d, the highest 95th percentiles of exposure are 4.1 and 6.9 mg/kg bw per day for infants and toddlers, respectively. Based on the currently available absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) dataset for steviol glycosides (E 960a–d), the Panel concluded that that there is insufficient justification to increase the current ADI of 4 mg/kg bw per day, expressed as steviol equivalents. With respect to the proposed extension of use and increase of the MPLs, the Panel concluded that the calculated, conservative, dietary exposure would result in an increased exceedance of the ADI for toddlers at the 95th percentile.

This scoping review explored literature relating to employer attitudes towards employees and candidates with visual impairment (VI). Systematic searches identified 17 relevant articles published since 2018. Thematic synthesis highlighted findings relating to several themes: explicit and implicit attitudes of employers; employer concerns, including those relating to employee performance, and the experiences of both customers and colleagues; and factors which might impact on employer attitudes, such as gender and prior experience of having hired someone with VI. Findings indicate a tendency for employers to possess negative or, at best, neutral attitudes towards people with VI, and the central role that improved knowledge of VI and the capabilities of people with VI may play in generating positive employer attitudes. The review highlights the need for further exploration of this topic, particularly given the limited geographical spread of recent research, and a lack of consideration of the shared experience of employer and employee.

Field trials are critically important to the citrus industry because they provide scientific data from replicated plantings that can be used to determine which rootstock-scion combinations to plant. The field trial reported here was a semi-commercial-scale scion trial involving several selections of ‘Valencia’ and one ‘Vernia’ selection on the ‘Carrizo’ citrange rootstock. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate ‘Valencia’ and ‘Vernia’ scion selections from various sources to identify accessions that could complement the existing scion cultivar range and provide a wider harvest window. The scions consisted of advanced seedless somaclonal ‘Valencia’ selections, irradiated material, and an assortment of other selections, including accessions from Australia, Brazil, and California. Of special interest were young (juvenile line) sources. A secondary objective was to assess the relative response of the selections to huanglongbing (HLB), which was discovered in Florida during this trial. The location of this trial was Lake County, FL, USA, and the trees were planted in Mar 2000. A randomized complete block design was used with four replications of multiple tree plots. Data collected included total soluble solids, titratable acidity, sugar-to-acid ratio, pounds-solids per box, number of boxes per tree, pounds-solids per acre, cumulative pounds-solids per acre, and HLB rating. There were significant differences among the scions for several variables, including boxes of fruit per tree, pounds-solids per acre, HLB rating, and others. The findings of this research suggest that there are differences in performance among scion selections for a variety of horticultural traits important to citrus growers and processors.

Background: Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) refers to the experience of visual hallucinations occurring secondary to sight loss. Although there is an increasing amount of research on this phenomenon, CBS remains a lesser-known outcome of visual impairment, with limited research into the impact on the patient. Objectives: To explore the experiences and opinions of visually impaired military veterans with CBS regarding the impact of visual hallucinations. Design: Semi-structured qualitative interviews. Methods: Forty-six telephone interviews were conducted with members of Blind Veterans UK, a charity for visually impaired ex-service men and women. One-hundred and fifteen individuals at the charity with CBS were identified and invited to a semi-structured interview (participation rate – 40%). Qualitative data was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four overarching themes were identified: (1) impact of CBS (2) understanding and management of CBS (3) awareness of CBS (4) recommendations. Negative impact of CBS included feelings of fear, annoyance and disruptions to daily life and quality of life. Negative appraisal of CBS was not necessarily related to negative hallucination content. Participants expressed the value of increased awareness amongst patients and health care professionals. Knowledge and understanding of CBS provided reassurance and was considered an effective strategy to mitigate the negative impact of the condition. Conclusion: Regardless of hallucination content, CBS has a substantial impact on the lives of people with visual impairment. Increased awareness and information can help to support individuals to manage their CBS more effectively. However, the findings from this study cannot be generalized to people without a military background so further research is required to understand and optimize support for military veterans and civilians with CBS.

Understanding which detection methods to use is important to endangered species research and management and often requires a balance between costs and benefits. We investigated the efficiency and costs of camera-trapping, live-trapping, and sign surveys (vole feces, clippings, runways) as methods for detection of the endangered Amargosa voles (Microtus californicus scirpensis). Although each method documented the presence of voles, baited camera-trapping was the most sensitive method for detecting voles and provided insights into vole activity and behavior. Although live-trapping had 100% specificity and provided data and access to biological samples that could not be collected through other methods, it had reduced sensitivity (85.2%) compared to camera-traps and incurred potential risk to individual voles. Sign surveys were the least sensitive method (78.9%) and suffered in that some types of sign could not accurately be attributed to species. Additionally, sign surveys could not inform about how recently vole activity had occurred because Amargosa vole feces can persist in the environment for long periods of time and degrade 4.7 times faster in wetter marshes than dryer sites. Sign and fecal surveys are best suited for occupancy and distribution surveys at a coarse time scale (≥1-year intervals) but are likely to have low predictive values in years when vole abundance is low. Cost comparisons indicate the highest per session cost and moderate habitat impact for camera trapping, highest overall cost and highest impact to habitat for live-trapping, and lowest expense and habitat impact for sign surveys but relatively low yield in data quality.

Background: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is highly effective as focal treatment for brain metastases (BrMs), but whether it can promote anti-tumour immune responses that synergise with immunotherapy remains unclear. We investigated this by examining blood samples from a clinical trial for HER2-amplified breast cancer (HER2-BC) BrMs, matched with longitudinal HER2-BC BrM samples resected from the same location in the same patient. Methods: Blood samples from 10 patients taken pre- and 7–14 days post-SRS were analysed by mass and flow cytometry. One patient received pre-operative SRS for a BrM that recurred 7 months after resection, followed by planned re-resection 8 days post-SRS. Pre- and post-SRS tumours from this patient were analysed by bulk RNAseq, multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC), and TCR sequencing. Results: Monocytes, central memory CD8+ T and regulatory T cells were enriched in blood post-SRS, together with increased MHC-II expression on monocytes, conventional DCs, and monocytic MDSCs. In tumour, SRS upregulated antigen presentation, T cell proliferation and T cell co-stimulation signatures, alongside an influx of tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) and CD4+ T cells. Specifically, TAMs and CD4+ T cells, but not CD8+ T cells, demonstrated spatial co-localisation post-SRS. These TAMs were lowly PD-L1 expressing, but CD4+ T cells showed increased PD-1 expression. A sizeable proportion of T cell clonotypes were retained post-SRS, and four clones demonstrated significant, non-stochastic expansion. Conclusion: Systemic and local immunological changes in this homogenous patient cohort suggest that SRS may facilitate MHC-II-restricted T cell priming responses involving the monocyte-macrophage lineage and CD4+ T cells, which should be further explored.

Background It is unclear how rising obesity among people with HIV (PWH) impacts their risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (diabetes). We examined associations between HIV, prevalent diabetes and adiposity among South African PWH and their peers without HIV (PWOH). Methods HIV status was ascertained by antibody testing. Diabetes was defined as current use of oral hypoglycemics, insulin, and/or HbA1c ≥6.5%. Adiposity was measured by body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. Their associations were examined using sex-stratified multivariable fractional polynomial generalized linear models, reporting adjusted prevalence and prevalence ratios (adjPR). Results The mean age among 1,254 PWH and 4,381 PWOH was 41 years (95%CI 28, 56). The prevalence of diabetes among males was similar between PWH [11.3% (7.1, 15.5)] and PWOH [9.8% (8.5, 11.1); p=0.740]. By contrast, diabetes prevalence was higher among female PWOH [15.7% (14.4, 17.0)] than female PWH [10.5 (8.3, 12.8)%; adjPR: 0.67 (0.51, 0.82); p

Abstract The present opinion is the follow‐up of the conclusions and recommendations of the Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of silicon dioxide (E 551) as a food additive relevant to the safety assessment for all age groups. In addition, the risk assessment of silicon dioxide (E 551) for its use in food for infants below 16 weeks of age is performed. Based on the newly available information on the characterisation of the SAS used as E 551 and following the principles of the 2021 EFSA Guidance on Particle‐TR, the conventional safety assessment has been complemented with nano‐specific considerations. Given the uncertainties resulting from the limitations of the database and in the absence of genotoxicity concern, the Panel considered that it is not appropriate to derive an acceptable daily intake (ADI) but applied the margin of exposure (MOE) approach for the risk assessment. The Panel concluded that the MOE should be at least 36 for not raising a safety concern. The calculated MOEs considering the dietary exposure estimates for all population groups using the refined non‐brand loyal scenario, estimated at the time of the 2018 re‐evaluation, were all above 36. The Panel concluded that E 551 does not raise a safety concern in all population groups at the reported uses and use levels. The use of E 551 in food for infants below 16 weeks of age in FC 13.1.1 and FC 13.1.5.1 does not raise a safety concern at the current exposure levels. The Panel also concluded that the technical data provided support an amendment of the specifications for E 551 laid down in Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012. The paucity of toxicological studies with proper dispersion protocol (with the exception of the genotoxicity studies) creates uncertainty in the present assessment of the potential toxicological effects related to the exposure to E 551 nanosize aggregates.

Abstract The Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provides a scientific opinion re‐evaluating the safety of the two food additives argon (E 938) and helium (E 939). Argon (Ar) and helium (He) are two noble gases, highly stable single atoms. Their chemical inertness is well known. Their physicochemical properties have served as a basis for their previous evaluations by SCF and JECFA, which have considered the use of these food additives safe even in the absence of a toxicological evaluation. No business operator or other interested party provided information in response to the call for data published by EFSA to support the re‐evaluation of these two food additives with respect to their identity and specifications, manufacturing process (including the identification and quantification of potential impurities) and how they are applied to food to exert their technological function. One business operator replied to the call for data issued by EFSA reporting use levels of E 938 as a packaging gas in one food category. Based on their physicochemical properties, both gases are considered by the Panel to be of low toxicological concern when used as food additives. No information was available on the potential presence of impurities of toxicological concern resulting from the manufacturing process(es) applied to the production of the food additives E 938 and E 939. The Panel however noted that a minimum purity of 99.0% is required to comply with existing specifications. The Panel concluded that the use of argon (E 938) and helium (E 939) as food additives does not raise a safety concern. The Panel recommended an amendment of the existing EU specifications to introduce the respective CAS numbers.

Aims This systematic review aims to identify and synthesise the publicly available research testing treatments for mental health, cognition and psychological well-being in long COVID.Methods The following databases and repositories were searched in October–November 2023: Medline, Embase, APA PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, China National Knowledge Internet, WANFANG Data, Web of Science’s Preprint Citation Index, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Articles were selected if they described participants with long COVID symptoms at least 4 weeks after SAR-CoV-19 infection, reported primary outcomes on mental health, cognition and/or psychological well-being, and were available with at least an English-language summary. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for systematic reviews were followed.Results Thirty-three documents representing 31 studies were included. Seven tested psychosocial interventions, five pharmaceutical interventions, three natural supplement interventions, nine neurocognitive interventions, two physical rehabilitation interventions and five integrated interventions. While some promising findings emerged from randomised controlled trials, many studies were uncontrolled; a high risk of bias and insufficient reporting were also frequent.Conclusions The published literature on treatments for mental health, cognition and psychological well-being in long COVID show that the interventions are highly heterogeneous and findings are inconclusive to date. Continued scientific effort is required to improve the evidence base. Regular literature syntheses will be required to update and educate clinicians, scientists, interventionists and the long COVID community.