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As 2023, dawns we are faced with a very different world than at the start of 2022, COVID-19 is in the rear-view mirror, but we now face the war in Ukraine, energy prices and inflation. Perhaps this is a glimpse of the ‘new world’ where we will be continually challenged by crisis whether it be conflict, infectious disease or the impacts of global warming. On a more positive note it has been another busy and productive year for Veterinary Evidence as we strive to continually improve the journal whether you are a reader, author or reviewer. In April we said ‘goodbye’ to Daniel Edwards who had covered Bridget Sheppard’s maternity leave as Managing Editor. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Dan for all his hard work for Veterinary Evidence initiating a number of projects that have come to fruition through the year and to welcome Bridget back. As Veterinary Evidence has grown, we have been fortunate to be able to expand our staff to meet the need and ensure efficient turnaround of submissions so another welcome, William Smith has joined the team and is now a permanent full time Editorial Assistant. It is not just staff changes that happened in 2022, we have also improved the governance of Veterinary Evidence with the appointment of new board members and creation of a Deputy Editor-in-Chief position ably filled by Louise Buckley. We also submitted a successful application to COPE (The Committee on Publication Ethics) further strengthening the journal’s oversight and reputation. We have had a major website redesign, now live, which has greatly improved the look, feel, and functionality of Veterinary Evidence for all users. Readers can find relevant papers quickly and efficiently. Our student awards continue to be a success and I would like to thank the whole team of staff and reviewers for turning round these submissions so quickly. I had the pleasure of talking to the prize-winning authors and it was great to hear their enthusiasm but also how much they have valued the help and support from the journal. We have also been developing our processes for reviewing papers to make sure that papers are ready to go out for review. We are working on ways to make sure that, for papers requiring revision, authors respond to each of the comments made by reviewers, and reviewers can quickly see that there has been an author response to their comments and suggestions. A new submission system, Editorial Manager, has been implemented that should make life easier for everyone as well as provide accessible data on papers as they go through the system so we can see what we do well and where we can do better. None of this would be possible without the input from our reviewers and I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all our reviewers and everyone who has served on the Editorial Board this year for their tireless efforts on behalf of Veterinary Evidence – without your support the journal could not exist. This year the Board has again had three online meetings, which have been essential in helping develop the strategy for Veterinary Evidence such as how we ensure our Knowledge Summaries remain current, what literature should be included in Knowledge Summaries and how we improve the reviewer and author experience. Once again, a massive thank you to everyone who works for and supports Veterinary Evidence, wishing you all a safe and productive 2023. Kit Sturgess Editor-in-Chief

Abstract The noble false widow spider Steatoda nobilis is a globally invasive species with implications for public health and possibly for native ecosystems. Here, we report on a case of predation on a protected species of vertebrate, a pygmy shrew Sorex minutus in Britain. The importance and novelty of this report are: (1) this is the third documented case of S. nobilis preying on a vertebrate in five years, suggesting that small vertebrates are likely to be a more frequent component of their diet than previously thought; (2) this is the first case of a Theridiidae spider preying on a shrew in Britain; and (3) this is the first case of predation on shrews by the genus Steatoda globally. Overall, S. nobilis fits the profile of a habitual vertebrate‐eating spider.

Background and study aims Bile duct stones (BDS) represent approximately 50 % of the requirement for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) within most services. Significant variation in outcome rates for BDS clearance at ERCP has been reported, and endoscopy societies have set standards for expected clearance rates. The aim of this study was to analyze procedure outcomes across a national service. Patients and methods Using verified hospital episode statistics (HES) data for the National Health Service (NHS) in England, we analyzed all patients having first ERCPs for BDS from 2015 to 2017, and followed these patients for at least 2 years. Results In total 37,468 patients underwent a first ERCP for BDS, with 69.8 % undergoing only one procedure. This figure of less than 70 % of BDS cleared at first ERCP is below the Key Performance Indicators as set by the British Society of Gastroenterology (> 75 %) and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (> 90 %). Of 55,556 ERCPs done for BDS, 52.9 % were repeat procedures, with 11,322 patients needing multiple procedures. For hospitals performing significant numbers of ERCPs (more than 600 for BDS during the study period) patients undergoing repeat ERCPs for BDS ranged from 9 % to 50 %. Conclusions In this nationwide study, the performance at clearing BDS at first ERCP was suboptimal, with high numbers of repeat procedures required. This may have a negative impact on both patient outcomes and experience, and increase pressure on endoscopy services. Apparent variation of outcome between acute hospital care providers requires further analysis.

In February 2018, a full-time provider of gifted education opened in New Zealand with its initial cohort of children. This provider catered for learners from ages 1-15 years who did not 'fit' in mainstream education settings. This paper reports on a research project that focused on the effectiveness of the learning approach at this school in its inaugural year. Two sources of data informed this research, including semi-structured interviews with parents and learning and support staff, and an analysis of documents related to the philosophy, curriculum, and learning approach. This paper reports on benefits and limitations of the learning approach identified by the parent participants in the study.

BackgroundOne of the most debated questions in the COVID-19 pandemic has been the role of schools in SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The COVID-19 Schools Infection Survey (SIS) aims to provide much-needed evidence addressing this issue. ObjectiveWe present the study protocol and participation profile for the SIS study, aimed at assessing the role of schools in SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission within school settings, and investigating how transmission within and from schools could be mitigated through the implementation of school COVID-19 control measures. MethodsSIS was a multisite, prospective, observational cohort study conducted in a stratified random sample of primary and secondary schools in selected local authorities in England. A total of 6 biobehavioral surveys were planned among participating students and staff during the 2020-2021 academic year, between November 2020 and July 2021. Key measurements were SARS-CoV-2 virus prevalence, assessed by nasal swab polymerase chain reaction; anti-SARS-CoV-2 (nucleocapsid protein) antibody prevalence and conversion, assessed in finger-prick blood for staff and oral fluid for students; student and staff school attendance rates; feasibility and acceptability of school-level implementation of SARS-CoV-2 control measures; and investigation of selected school outbreaks. The study was approved by the United Kingdom Health Security Agency Research Support and Governance Office (NR0237) and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Ethics Review Committee (reference 22657). ResultsData collection and laboratory analyses were completed by September 2021. A total of 22,585 individuals—1891 staff and 4654 students from 59 primary schools and 5852 staff and 10,188 students from 97 secondary schools—participated in at least one survey. Across all survey rounds, staff and student participation rates were 45.2% and 16.4%, respectively, in primary schools and 30% and 15.2%, respectively, in secondary schools. Although primary student participation increased over time, and secondary student participation remained reasonably consistent, staff participation declined across rounds, especially for secondary school staff (3165/7583, 41.7% in round 1 and 2290/10,374, 22.1% in round 6). Although staff participation overall was generally reflective of the eligible staff population, student participation was higher in schools with low absenteeism, a lower proportion of students eligible for free school meals, and from schools in the least deprived locations (in primary schools, 446/4654, 9.6% of participating students were from schools in the least deprived quintile compared with 1262/22,225, 5.7% of eligible students). ConclusionsWe outline the study design, methods, and participation, and reflect on the strengths of the SIS study as well as the practical challenges encountered and the strategies implemented to address these challenges. The SIS study, by measuring current and incident infection over time, alongside the implementation of control measures in schools across a range of settings in England, aims to inform national guidance and public health policy for educational settings. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR1-10.2196/34075

An abscess of the thigh may be a sign of tracking intra-abdominal pathology, often from the gastrointestinal tract. Less frequently this can arise from the bladder, usually after a history of surgical intervention, radiotherapy or pelvic trauma. This case describes a patient with a history of bladder cancer who developed a bladder perforation communicating with the thigh which presented as an abscess. Incision and drainage was atypical with clear, odourless fluid drained. CT scan and retrograde cystogram confirmed bladder perforation and vesicocutaneous fistula. They later developed a rectal perforation secondary to the pelvic urinoma.

Summary: Background: There remains uncertainty about the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 among school students and staff and the extent to which non-pharmaceutical-interventions reduce the risk of school settings. Methods: We conducted an open cohort study in a sample of 59 primary and 97 secondary schools in 15 English local authority areas that were implementing government guidance to schools open during the pandemic. We estimated SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence among those attending school, antibody prevalence, and antibody negative to positive conversion rates in staff and students over the school year (November 2020–July 2021). Findings: 22,585 staff and students participated. SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence among those attending school was highest during the first two rounds of testing in the autumn term, ranging from 0.7% (95% CI 0.2, 1.2) among primary staff in November 2020 to 1.6% (95% CI 0.9, 2.3) among secondary staff in December 2020. Antibody conversion rates were highest in the autumn term. Infection patterns were similar between staff and students, and between primary and secondary schools. The prevalence of nucleoprotein antibodies increased over the year and was lower among students than staff. SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in the North-West region was lower among secondary students attending school on normal school days than the regional estimate for secondary school-age children. Interpretation: SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in staff and students attending school varied with local community infection rates. Non-pharmaceutical interventions intended to prevent infected individuals attending school may have partially reduced the prevalence of infection among those on the school site. Funding: UK Department of Health and Social Care.

Abstract Background This study reports findings from formative research conducted to assess the feasibility and inform the design and implementation of the Addressing Hidden Hunger with Agronomy (AHHA) trial. The AHHA trial was a randomised, controlled trial conducted in rural Malawi, in which participants were given maize flour biofortified with selenium or control flour not biofortified with selenium for a period of 10 weeks, after which blood samples were taken to measure selenium status. Methods Formative research was conducted in villages near to the AHHA trial study site 1 year before the planned intervention. A short questionnaire with adult women (n = 50), focus group discussions with male (n groups = 3) and female (n groups = 3) community members, and in-depth key informant interviews (n = 7) were conducted to understand community practices and perceptions. Findings Meals were typically cooked and eaten at home in this community, while participants reported that maize flour would be less readily sold than maize grain – important considerations for the design of the trial. Regarding intervention delivery, we identified potential concerns around effects on fertility, links between blood sampling and witchcraft, and the potential for social stigma if community members considered participants lazy for receiving free flour. Participants reported that involvement of the Malawi government partners including health extension workers would increase trust. Interpretation Following the formative research, the AHHA trial appeared feasible. However, community sensitisation would be essential to address potential fears and concerns; effective sensitisation would support recruitment and treatment adherence, and would protect the safety and wellbeing of participants and researchers. People in positions of authority and trust including village headmen, religious leaders, health and agriculture extension workers, and community care groups should be involved in community sensitisation.

Abstract The NA62 experiment reports the branching ratio measurement BR K + → π + ν ν ¯ = 10.6 − 3.4 + 4.0 stat ± 0.9 syst × 10 − 11 $$ \mathrm{BR}\left({K}^{+}\to {\pi}^{+}\nu \overline{\nu}\right)=\left({10.6}_{-3.4}^{+4.0}\left|{}_{\mathrm{stat}}\right.\pm {0.9}_{\mathrm{syst}}\right)\times {10}^{-11} $$ at 68% CL, based on the observation of 20 signal candidates with an expected background of 7.0 events from the total data sample collected at the CERN SPS during 2016–2018. This provides evidence for the very rare K + → π + ν ν ¯ $$ {\pi}^{+}\nu \overline{\nu} $$ decay, observed with a significance of 3.4σ. The experiment achieves a single event sensitivity of (0.839 ± 0.054) × 10 −11, corresponding to 10.0 events assuming the Standard Model branching ratio of (8.4 ± 1.0) × 10 −11. This measurement is also used to set limits on BR(K + → π + X), where X is a scalar or pseudo-scalar particle. Details are given of the analysis of the 2018 data sample, which corresponds to about 80% of the total data sample.

The merchant vessel Britannia, under captain William Raven, arrived in New South Wales in 1792 with government stores. Its account book for the years 1792-97 provides valuable insight into the maritime economy of the early settlement, including the role which convict and emancipist traders, (both women and men), tradesmen and seamen played in servicing the visiting ships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Searches for lepton number violating K+→π−e+e+ and K+→π−π0e+e+ decays have been performed using the complete dataset collected by the NA62 experiment at CERN in 2016–2018. Upper limits of 5.3×10−11 and 8.5×10−10 are obtained on the decay branching fractions at 90% confidence level. The former result improves by a factor of four over the previous best limit, while the latter result represents the first limit on the K+→π−π0e+e+ decay rate.

Abstract A search for the K + → π + X decay, where X is a long-lived feebly interacting particle, is performed through an interpretation of the K + → π + ν ν ¯ $$ {\pi}^{+}\nu \overline{\nu} $$ analysis of data collected in 2017 by the NA62 experiment at CERN. Two ranges of X masses, 0–110 MeV/c 2 and 154–260 MeV/c 2, and lifetimes above 100 ps are considered. The limits set on the branching ratio, BR(K + → π + X), are competitive with previously reported searches in the first mass range, and improve on current limits in the second mass range by more than an order of magnitude.

Plain English summary Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) describes the active involvement of patients and the public in the research process. Through PPI, patients and members of the public are increasingly involved in the design and conduct of clinical trials. PPI has been shown to improve the quality and relevance of research. During the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical trials have been playing a vital role in helping us find ways to prevent and treat the infection and improve our understanding of the virus. It is important that patients and the public are actively involved in deciding how COVID-19 research is carried out. Unfortunately, Research Ethics Committees in the UK have seen far less PPI for COVID-19 research studies compared with research before the pandemic. A key reason for this is that research is being designed much faster than normal and researchers may feel they do not have time to properly involve patients and the public. In this paper, we share our experiences of PPI for a COVID-19 clinical trial. We show that it is possible to rapidly involve patients and the public in COVID-19 clinical trials. We also explain how the design of the clinical trial was changed in response to feedback from public contributors. Lastly, we discuss the wider learning from this process which might be useful for researchers planning PPI activities for COVID-19 clinical trials in the future. Abstract Background: Clinical trials are playing a critical role in the global public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the increasing recognition of the value of PPI in clinical trials, just 22% of the COVID-19 research proposals reviewed by Research Ethics Committees in the UK at the start of the pandemic reported PPI. There is a perception that PPI might result in delays in delivering research and therefore delays in obtaining important results. In this paper, we report our experience of rapid PPI for a COVID-19 clinical trial. Methods: RAPID-19 is a COVID-19 clinical trial which was planned to be submitted for fast-track ethics review in the United Kingdom. During the development of the trial protocol, the PPI Panel at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Clinical Trials Unit was involved in the design of the study. The meeting with the PPI Panel lasted just over 1 h and was conducted by teleconference. Results: Although we only had a short period of time to explore the study with the PPI Panel, we were able to gain valuable insight into how the trial would be perceived by potential trial participants. Substantive changes were made to the trial to improve the acceptability of the research without compromising the study timelines. Having access to public contributors with relevant lived experience is an important resource for a Clinical Trials Unit and is critical for rapid PPI. The move to remote working due to lockdown required virtual discussions which helped to overcome some of the barriers to organising face-to-face meetings at short notice. Conclusions: PPI for clinical trials can be conducted in a time-efficient manner within the pressured environment of a pandemic. Involving PPI contributors at an early stage in protocol development maximised the opportunity to shape and influence the trial as well as limited potential delays which could occur if changes to the protocol had to be made at a later stage.

Abstract Background Reducing suicidal behaviour (SB) is a critical public health issue globally. The complex interplay of social determinants, service system factors, population demographics, and behavioural dynamics makes it extraordinarily difficult for decision makers to determine the nature and balance of investments required to have the greatest impacts on SB. Real-world experimentation to establish the optimal targeting, timing, scale, frequency, and intensity of investments required across the determinants is unfeasible. Therefore, this study harnesses systems modelling and simulation to guide population-level decision making that represent best strategic allocation of limited resources. Methods Using a participatory approach, and informed by a range of national, state, and local datasets, a system dynamics model was developed, tested, and validated for a regional population catchment. The model incorporated defined pathways from social determinants of mental health to psychological distress, mental health care, and SB. Intervention scenarios were investigated to forecast their impact on SB over a 20-year period. Results A combination of social connectedness programs, technology-enabled coordinated care, post-attempt assertive aftercare, reductions in childhood adversity, and increasing youth employment projected the greatest impacts on SB, particularly in a youth population, reducing self-harm hospitalisations (suicide attempts) by 28.5% (95% interval 26.3–30.8%) and suicide deaths by 29.3% (95% interval 27.1–31.5%). Introducing additional interventions beyond the best performing suite of interventions produced only marginal improvement in population level impacts, highlighting that ‘more is not necessarily better.’ Conclusion Results indicate that targeted investments in addressing the social determinants and in mental health services provides the best opportunity to reduce SB and suicide. Systems modelling and simulation offers a robust approach to leveraging best available research, data, and expert knowledge in a way that helps decision makers respond to the unique characteristics and drivers of SB in their catchments and more effectively focus limited health resources.

In the real world, the severity of traumatic injuries is measured using the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and is often estimated, in finite element human computer models, with the maximum principal strains (MPS) tensor. MPS can predict when a serious injury is reached, but cannot provide any AIS measures lower and higher from this. To overcome these limitations, a new organ trauma model (OTM2), capable of calculating the threat to life of any organ injured, is proposed. The OTM2 model uses a power method, namely peak virtual power, and defines brain white and grey matters trauma responses. It includes human age effect (volume and stiffness), localised impact contact stiffness and provides injury severity adjustments for haemorrhaging. The focus, in this case, is on real-world pedestrian brain injuries. OTM2 model was tested against three real-life pedestrian accidents and has proven to reasonably predict the post mortem (PM) outcome. Its AIS predictions are closer to the real-world injury severity than the standard maximum principal strain (MPS) methods currently used. This proof of concept suggests that OTM2 has the potential to improve forensic predictions as well as contribute to the improvement in vehicle safety design through the ability to measure injury severity. This study concludes that future advances in trauma computing would require the development of a brain model that could predict haemorrhaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Student-reported quality and coverage of school-based relationships and sex education (RSE) vary, with gender/sexual-minority and disadvantaged students reporting poorer provision. Experience of RSE among younger adolescents is under-explored. We examined student-reported RSE coverage and priorities and how coverage, and sexual-health knowledge and awareness of services, varies between students and schools. The data came from a pre-intervention survey of students aged 12–13 years within a trial of an RSE intervention involving 50 English schools. There was most coverage of basic information, such as puberty and safeguarding. There was least coverage of topics more appropriate for older students, such as sexual relationships, and topics teachers might find difficult to broach, e.g. pornography and masturbation. Girls, gay/lesbian students, students of bisexual/other sexual orientation, minority-ethnic students and students reporting lower academic commitment reported lower coverage than others. Knowledge of RSE-related topics and sexual-health services was generally low. Boys, students of bisexual/other orientation and students with higher school commitment had higher knowledge. Students of bisexual/other orientation and students of lower commitment reported lower awareness of services. Coverage and knowledge did not vary with school-level attainment or local deprivation. Future forms of RSE provision should ensure content and teaching methods meet the needs of all students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), also known as stress cardiomyopathy and broken heart syndrome, is a neurocardiac condition that is among the most dramatic manifestations of psychosomatic disorders. This paper is based on a systematic review of TTS and stress cardiomyopathy using a PubMed literature search. Typically, an episode of severe emotional or physical stress precipitates regions of left ventricular hypokinesis or akinesis, which are not aligned with a coronary artery distribution and are out of proportion to the modest troponin leak. A classic patient with TTS is described; one who had chest pain and dyspnea while watching an anxiety-provoking evening news program on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. An increase in the incidence of TTS appears to be a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the TTS incidence rising 4.5-fold during the COVID-19 pandemic even in individuals without severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Takotsubo syndrome is often mistaken for acute coronary syndrome because they both typically present with chest pain, electrocardiographic changes suggesting myocardial injury/ischemia, and troponin elevations. Recent studies report that the prognosis for TTS is similar to that for acute myocardial infarction. This review is an update on the mechanisms underlying TTS, its diagnosis, and its optimal management.

Abstract The NA62 experiment reports an investigation of the K + → π + ν ν ¯ $$ {K}^{+}\to {\pi}^{+}\nu \overline{\nu} $$ mode from a sample of K + decays collected in 2017 at the CERN SPS. The experiment has achieved a single event sensitivity of (0.389 ± 0.024) × 10 −10, corresponding to 2.2 events assuming the Standard Model branching ratio of (8.4 ± 1.0) × 10 −11. Two signal candidates are observed with an expected background of 1.5 events. Combined with the result of a similar analysis conducted by NA62 on a smaller data set recorded in 2016, the collaboration now reports an upper limit of 1.78 × 10 −10 for the K + → π + ν ν ¯ $$ {K}^{+}\to {\pi}^{+}\nu \overline{\nu} $$ branching ratio at 90% CL. This, together with the corresponding 68% CL measurement of ( 0.48 − 0.48 + 0.72 $$ {0.48}_{-0.48}^{+0.72} $$ ) × 10 −10, are currently the most precise results worldwide, and are able to constrain some New Physics models that predict large enhancements still allowed by previous measurements.

Background: Selenium deficiency is widespread in the Malawi population. The selenium concentration in maize, the staple food crop of Malawi, can be increased by applying selenium-enriched fertilizers. It is unknown whether this strategy, called agronomic biofortification, is effective at alleviating selenium deficiency.Objectives: The aim of the Addressing Hidden Hunger with Agronomy (AHHA) trial was to determine whether consumption of maize flour, agronomically-biofortified with selenium, affected the serum selenium concentrations of women, and children in a rural community setting.Design: An individually-randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted in rural Malawi. Participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either intervention maize flour biofortified with selenium through application of selenium fertilizer, or control maize flour not biofortified with selenium. Participant households received enough flour to meet the typical consumption of all household members (330 g capita−1 day−1) for a period of 8 weeks. Baseline and endline serum selenium concentration (the primary outcome) was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).Results: One woman of reproductive age (WRA) and one school-aged child (SAC) from each of 180 households were recruited and households were randomized to each group. The baseline demographic and socioeconomic status of participants were well-balanced between arms. No serious adverse events were reported. In the intervention arm, mean (standard deviation) serum selenium concentration increased over the intervention period from 57.6 (17.0) μg L−1 (n = 88) to 107.9 (16.4) μg L−1 (n = 88) among WRA and from 46.4 (14.8) μg L−1 (n = 86) to 97.1 (16.0) μg L−1 (n = 88) among SAC. There was no evidence of change in serum selenium concentration in the control groups.Conclusion: Consumption of maize flour biofortified through application of selenium-enriched fertilizer increased selenium status in this community providing strong proof of principle that agronomic biofortification could be an effective approach to address selenium deficiency in Malawi and similar settings.Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN85899451, identifier: ISRCTN85899451.

BackgroundFollowing the full re-opening of schools in England and emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant, we investigated the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in students and staff who were contacts of a confirmed case in a school bubble (school groupings with limited interactions), along with their household members.MethodsPrimary and secondary school bubbles were recruited into sKIDsBUBBLE after being sent home to self-isolate following a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the bubble. Bubble participants and their household members were sent home-testing kits comprising nasal swabs for RT-PCR testing and whole genome sequencing, and oral fluid swabs for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.ResultsDuring November-December 2020, 14 bubbles were recruited from 7 schools, including 269 bubble contacts (248 students, 21 staff) and 823 household contacts (524 adults, 299 children). The secondary attack rate was 10.0% (6/60) in primary and 3.9% (4/102) in secondary school students, compared to 6.3% (1/16) and 0% (0/1) among staff, respectively. The incidence rate for household contacts of primary school students was 6.6% (12/183) and 3.7% (1/27) for household contacts of primary school staff. In secondary schools, this was 3.5% (11/317) and 0% (0/1), respectively. Household contacts were more likely to test positive if their bubble contact tested positive although there were new infections among household contacts of uninfected bubble contacts.InterpretationCompared to other institutional settings, the overall risk of secondary infection in school bubbles and their household contacts was low. Our findings are important for developing evidence-based infection prevention guidelines for educational settings.

As 2021 draws to a close I suspect few of us could have foreseen the past year. In the early part of the year, as COVID-19 vaccination gathered pace, like many, I was hopeful that we would be seeing coronavirus in the rear-view mirror by the end of the year ― only then to find ourselves in the midst of another wave of cases. Despite all the headwinds of coronavirus and the impact of working from home, Veterinary Evidence has continued to flourish, publishing more papers this year than last. Published papers have covered an amazing range of different topics, illustrating not just the wide diversity of questions that are being answered, but the depth and breadth of the team of reviewers that give their time to extend veterinary knowledge, supported by a dedicated group of assistant editors and staff at the journal who coordinate activity, ensure standards, and continue to develop the journal. As a journal, Veterinary Evidence is maturing with two of the main focuses this year being to further develop our internal journal systems ― which has allowed us to apply for membership of COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) ― and work towards improving the discoverability and accessibility of our published papers. In order to achieve this, the team is working hard to redesign our current website and fulfil the criteria for inclusion in other citation databases beyond CAB Abstracts, such as Medline. We have been delighted this year to expand our Editorial Board ensuring, as the journal grows, we have the necessary range of skills on the Board to maintain high quality, effective reviews delivered in a timely manner. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our reviewers and everyone who has served on the Board this year for their tireless efforts on behalf of Veterinary Evidence – without your support the journal could not exist. This year the Board has had three online meetings, more than ever before, which have been essential in helping develop the strategy for Veterinary Evidence over the coming years, expanding the influence and reach of the journal with various strategic initiatives. Other key areas have included developing our policy on standard terminology, looking at the best ways to ensure Knowledge Summaries remain current and working towards making editorial decisions as consistent as possible. And finally… a huge thank you to everyone who works for and supports Veterinary Evidence, wishing you all a safe and productive 2022.

Abstract Background Micronutrient deficiencies including selenium (Se) are widespread in Malawi and potentially underlie a substantial disease burden, particularly among poorer and marginalised populations. Concentrations of Se in staple cereal crops can be increased through application of Se fertilisers – a process known as agronomic biofortification (agro-biofortification) – and this may contribute to alleviating deficiencies. The Addressing Hidden Hunger with Agronomy (AHHA) trial aims to establish the efficacy of this approach for improving Se status in rural Malawi. Methods A double-blind, randomised, controlled trial will be conducted in a rural community in Kasungu District, Central Region, Malawi. The hypothesis is that consumption of maize flour agro-biofortified with Se will increase serum Se concentration. We will recruit 180 women of reproductive age (WRA) (20–45 years) and 180 school-age children (SAC) (5–10 years) randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either maize flour enriched through agro-biofortification with Se or a control flour not enriched with Se. Households will receive flour (330 g per capita per day) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome is Se concentration in serum (μg/L). Serum will be extracted from venous blood samples drawn at baseline (prior to flour distribution) and end-line. Selenium concentration will be measured by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Discussion Findings will be communicated to policy stakeholders and participating communities and reported in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration The Addressing Hidden Hunger with Agronomy (Malawi) trial is registered (5th March 2019; ISCRTN85899451).