Several epidemiological studies have shown that consumption of coffee and green tea is inversely associated with risks of death and disability; however, the relationship between caffeine consumption and these outcomes remains unclear. We examined these associations in Japanese older adults. This was a prospective study of 7708 adults (aged ≥ 65 years) recruited from the Kyoto–Kameoka study. Dietary intake was estimated using a validated FFQ. Caffeine consumption was classified into four categories. Disability and mortality data were collected between 15 February 2012 and 30 November 2016. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % CI of outcomes were calculated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. During the median 4·75-year follow-up period, a total of 593 deaths and 1379 disability incidents were recorded. After adjusting for confounders, caffeine consumption was inversely associated with the incidence of disability (< 100 mg/d: reference; 100–149 mg/d: HR, 0·91 (95 % CI 0·80, 1·04); 150–199 mg/d: HR, 0·84 (95 % CI 0·72, 0·99); ≥ 200 mg/d: HR, 0·75 (95 % CI 0·63, 0·89), Pfor trend = 0·001) but not all-cause mortality. High coffee consumption was inversely associated with mortality (≥ 3 cups/d: HR, 0·62 (95 % CI 0·43, 0·88)) and disability (≥ 3 cups/d: HR, 0·81 (95 % CI 0·65, 0·99)) compared with non-consumption. However, green tea consumption was not associated with mortality or disability. Caffeine and coffee consumption was inversely associated with disability and/or mortality. Further research is needed to clarify whether high caffeine intake is safe and effective for older adults.

This study aimed to identify and quantify the various stem-like cell types in dairy cows’ colostrum and milk at the onset of lactation. Five second parity Holstein cows were monitored from calving until the seventh-day postpartum. Mammary secretions were collected immediately after calving, then every 3 h until 12 h during day (d) 0, and during morning milking on d 1, d 2, d 4 and d 7. Cells were prepared from mammary secretions and analysed by flow cytometry using relevant cellular markers. The highest total and viable cell concentrations were observed in colostrum collected at calving and up to 6 h, with these concentrations decreasing substantially in samples collected later at d 0. Then, the concentrations of both total and viable cell populations continued to slowly decrease until d 7, the kinetic curves reaching a baseline plateau. Flow cytometry showed that the CD49fposCD24pos population, which identifies mammary epithelial stem cells, represented about 0.9% of viable cells at calving and about 0.1% 12 h later, the mammary epithelial stem cell concentration therefore being at its highest level in the very first colostrum. In contrast, the percentage of mesenchymal stem-like cells, defined as the population of CD34negCD105posCD90posCD29pos cells, was roughly constant (≈0.3%) during the first two milkings and decreased mainly during the first day to a basal level close to 0. Concerning haematopoietic stem-like cells, defined as the CD45negCD34posCD117posCD90pos cell population, they were only observed in the colostrum collected at calving. All the types of stem cells studied here were therefore only present in substantial quantities in the colostrum of the very first hours after calving, a period during which the calf’s intestine is permeable, possibly allowing the transfer and integration of these cells in the tissues of the newborn calf.

The family Glassiidae from Silurian and Devonian strata exhibits barrel-shaped and medially directed spiralia as primary characteristics. Membership in this family is small with five known genera, of which only two possess recognized spiralia. This paper aims to investigate the two Devonian glassiides: Karbous Havlíček, 1985 and Trigonatrypa Havlíček, 1990. In mature specimens, the type species K. aperinus Havlíček, 1985 and the species K. hassiacus (Siehl, 1962) show dorsally directed spiralia. Karbous is here placed in the family Karpinskiidae based on similar internal characteristics. The type species of Trigonatrypa was not available for study. A closely related species, T. baucis (Barrande, 1847), was sectioned and found to possess medially directed spiralia. The type species is likely to have the same kind of spiralia. Therefore, the case for placing Trigonatrypa in the Glassiidae is strengthened.

Food refusal behaviours in preschool children can significantly impact their nutritional status and overall quality of life. This study investigated the relationship between food refusal behaviours, compliance with the Mediterranean diet and quality of life in preschool children. Conducted as a cross-sectional study, it included 400 children aged 4–6 years and their parents. The Child Food Rejection Scale measured food refusal behaviours, The Children’s Mediterranean Diet Quality Scale (KIDMED) assessed compliance with the Mediterranean Diet and the Children Quality of Life-Questionnaire (Kiddy-KINDL) scale evaluated quality of life. The mean age of the children was 4·80 (sd 0·71) years. According to age-based BMI-Z scores, 71·0 % were normal, 15·5 % underweight, 9·0 % slightly overweight and 4·5 % obese. Parents’ average age was 34·65 (sd 5·35) years; 96·8 % were married, 88·8 % had a nuclear family structure, 58·0 % were university graduates and 69·8 % rated their income level as moderate. Girls had higher food refusal scores than boys (P < 0·05). Children who frequently fell ill also scored higher in food refusal (P < 0·05). Food refusal decreased with higher family income, larger family size and older parental age (P < 0·05). Parental nutrition education significantly reduced food refusal scores (P < 0·05). Higher KIDMED scores were associated with lower food refusal (P < 0·01), and children with low Kiddy-KINDL scores exhibited higher food refusal behaviours (P < 0·01). A positive correlation was found between KIDMED and Kiddy-KINDL scores (P < 0·01). No significant associations were detected between BMI Z scores and food rejection and its subscales. The findings suggest that compliance with the Mediterranean diet reduces food refusal behaviours in preschool children and increases quality of life, while low quality of life is associated with increased food refusal behaviours.

We investigated the potential yield of conducting active case finding for tuberculosis (TB) within a defined geographic radius (50 or 100 m) around the households of individuals diagnosed with TB at health facilities. In a well-defined geographic area within Kampala, Uganda, residential locations were determined for 85 people diagnosed with TB at local health facilities over an 18-month period and for 60 individuals diagnosed with TB during a subsequent community-wide door-to-door screening campaign. Ten of the individuals diagnosed through community screening lived within 50 m of an individual previously diagnosed with TB in a local health facility (TB prevalence: 0.98%), and 15 lived at a distance of 50–100 m (prevalence: 0.87%). The prevalence ratio was 1.4 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.7–2.9) for those <50 m and 1.2 (95% CI 0.6–2.2) for those 50–100 m, compared to >100 m. Using TB notifications to identify areas for geographically targeted case finding is at most moderately more efficient than screening the general population in the context of urban Uganda.

Increasing prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases in India is attributed to overconsumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor diets and ultra processed foods (UPF) may potentially contribute to this consumption pattern. Applying standard UPF definition and developing appropriate tools can better capture its consumption among Indians. This cross-sectional study aimed to validate the ‘Nova-UPF Screener (for India)’ and explore its potential to objectively capture UPF consumption among Indian adults. The screener, adapted in prior formative research study from a tool for Brazilian population, was subjected to content, face and concurrent criterion validation. Subject matter experts (n 74) participated in online consultations to determine its content validity. Adults (18–60 years) from different geographical regions of India were included for face (n 70) and concurrent criterion (n 304) validations. The screener comprised twenty-four UPF categories specific to Indian food environment. Critical inputs from experts on screener’s appropriateness were incorporated to enhance its content. For face validation, overall percentage agreement of 99·4 % for all questions indicated a strong agreement for retaining screener attributes in each question. Half the participants (49·4 %) who were administered the finalised screener had Nova-UPF scores between 2 and 4 out of 24. There was almost perfect agreement (Pabak index = 0·85) between distribution of participants based on Nova-UPF scores and fifths of dietary share of UPF (as energy %) assessed by 24-h dietary recall. Nova-UPF Screener (for India) is a valid tool to capture UPF consumption in India that can be used for rapid assessment of UPF consumption and informing policies to improve Indian diets.

An integrative approach addressing diet and other lifestyle factors is warranted in studying obesity and its related diseases. The objective of this study is to examine the associations of lifestyle patterns with overweight/obesity among children in the United Arab Emirates. Data were derived from a cross-sectional survey of children aged 4–9 years living in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi (n 426). Dietary intake was collected using a 24-h dietary recall and evaluated with the Healthy Eating Index. The Youth Physical Activity Questionnaire assessed physical activity, while other lifestyle factors included the presence of a live-in household helper, number of electronic devices in the child’s bedroom, eating while watching TV, family dinner frequency, fast-food and breakfast consumption and hours of sleep. Factor analysis was used to identify the lifestyle patterns. Two lifestyle patterns emerged: an unhealthy pattern marked by higher fast-food intake, eating while watching TV, having a live-in household helper and lower family dinners and a healthy pattern with higher physical activity, better Healthy Eating Index, more sleep, micronutrient supplements and breakfast consumption. The healthy lifestyle pattern was linked to a 30 % reduction in overweight/obesity odds (OR = 0·7, 95 % CI: 0·53, 0·93). A healthy lifestyle pattern, characterised by higher physical activity, better dietary quality, adequate sleep and breakfast consumption, is associated with lower odds of overweight/obesity among children in the United Arab Emirates. These findings highlight the importance of promoting comprehensive lifestyle interventions to effectively address childhood obesity in this population.

Attaining the target of <0.1% HBsAg positives in children aged <5 years in vaccinated populations by 2030 is a WHO indicator of hepatitis B elimination. We aimed to calculate the prevalence of HBsAg- and anti-HBc-positive children and adolescents in the low-prevalence country of Germany. In total, 3567 children and adolescents aged 3–17 years participated in a national population based cross-sectional study. Data were collected between 2014 and 2017 using questionnaires and health examinations, including blood samples. Applying a weighted analysis to account for survey design and participant characteristics, we calculated the HBsAg and anti-HBc prevalence and described them by anti-HBs positivity. In total, 3007 participants had all three sero-markers measured. None were found HBsAg and anti-HBc positive. Seven (0.3%, 95% CI: 0.1–0.8) were anti-HBc positive and HBsAg negative; six were also anti-HBs positive. All anti-HBc-positive participants were aged ≥7 years and three had no migration background. Four anti-HBc-positive participants had known vaccination status; three had been vaccinated according to national recommendations. This very low hepatitis B virus sero-prevalence among children and adolescents indicates that Germany is reaching some hepatitis B virus elimination targets. We recommend maintaining preventive measures, in particular a high vaccination coverage, in order to reach hepatitis B elimination.

Weed Risk Assessments (WRAs) aim to distinguish potentially invasive plants from non-invasive plants using traits such as the likelihood that the species will be introduced, establish, spread, and/or have negative impacts and (sometimes) whether it can be managed effectively. International standards for the criteria used to assess risk have been proposed to improve the sharing and transferability of WRA results. However, it is unclear whether existing WRAs follow these standards. Here, we compiled a global database of national-level and subnational-level (state/province) WRAs and evaluated their assessment criteria relative to an amended list of proposed minimum standards. We searched for WRAs in 240 countries and retrieved 20 unique assessments associated with 81 countries. The most comprehensive WRA was the “Guidelines for the Generic Ecological Impact Assessment of Alien Species” created by Norway, which satisfied 23 of 24 standards. The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Pest Risk Analysis Framework and the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) Express Pest Risk Analysis were also comprehensive, fulfilling 21 of 24 standards. All national-level WRAs included a description of the focal species’ taxonomy, a description of risk assessment area, an assessment of the likelihood of spread of the focal species, and an assessment of the likelihood of impact of the focal species. Conversely, it was rare for WRAs to include a history of spread of the focal species or an evaluation of the possible effects of climate change. States/provinces showed a similar pattern (i.e., rarely discussed climate change), but also frequently lacked assessment of impact on ecosystem services and metrics of uncertainty. Many WRAs are shared between countries, but few are shared between states/provinces. Adopting similar WRA standards would allow policymakers and governing bodies to more effectively share information and results from completed WRAs, improving consistency of regulated plants across jurisdictional borders.

Thyroglobulin (Tg) has been considered a measure of iodine status, but there is no global guidance. This analysis examines the relationship between serum Tg and spot urinary iodine concentration (UIC) data to identify Tg concentrations that correspond to current WHO thresholds for population iodine status. We analysed data from 730 non-pregnant Guatemalan women aged 15–49 years who had both UIC and Tg measurements. Correlations were examined. Bootstrap stratified finite sampling with replacement was used to generate cluster k-medians of UIC (mUIC) and Tg (mTg) that served as the population unit of analyses. Non-linear restricted cubic spline regression dose–response curve functions and ordinary differential equations were then used to derive the Tg threshold corresponding to WHO definitions for UIC. Mean age was 30·2 (sd 9·3) years. mTg was 10·4 ng/ml (9·9, 10·8), and mUIC was 148·7 μg/l (139·1, 161·0). Correlations between spot UIC and Tg were NS at the individual level, but correlations based on population k-medians were significant (Spearman r = −0·21 to −0·06, each P < 0·0001) and demonstrated a U-shaped relationship according to WHO categories. Derived mTg cutoffs were 14·2 ng/ml predictive of UIC insufficiency, 10·2 ng/ml for UIC adequacy, 8·5 ng/ml for UIC above adequate and 10·8 ng/ml for UIC excess. The significant and graded mUIC–mTg correlations suggest that Tg concentrations predictive of UIC categories are obtainable for non-pregnant Guatemalan women aged 15–49 years. The newly derived mTg cutoff may be more discriminant at a lower spectrum of UIC in terms of identifying iodine-deficient women, more so than in the UIC excess category.

The unique reproductive strategies of botryllid ascidians, which include both asexual and sexual mechanisms as well as an extensive capacity for regeneration, contribute to their fast population growth and wide-ranging ecological effects. These colonial organisms have unique ecological adaptations and responses to environmental factors, yet comprehensive comparative studies on their environmental preferences remain scarce. We conducted an experimental study to explore the asexual reproduction and regeneration response of Botrylloides niger and Botryllus humilis colonies to varying salinity (36.5–39.5 PSU) and temperature (26 ± 1–30 ± 1°C) levels. Experimental findings highlighted species-specific preferences and stress responses: B. niger demonstrated higher tolerance to elevated salinity (39.5 PSU) with optimal growth rates at 26 ± 1–30 ± 1°C, whereas B. humilis displayed a preference for lower salinity and tendencies towards vascular budding at higher temperatures (30 ± 1°C). These observations suggest potential niche differentiation and ecological success, particularly in Mediterranean conditions, implying possible coexistence without intense competition in similar habitats. This research offers insights into the adaptive mechanisms of these ascidians, shedding light on their ecological roles and potential implications in coastal ecosystems amid changing environmental scenarios.