This position statement provides guidelines for health professionals who are considering online or direct-to-consumer genetic testing for their patients. It presents the major issues around online and direct-to-consumer (DTC) testing including how it is accessed, motivations for accessing testing and how to return these results. Online or DTC recommendations include: (1) DTC testing should only be done by individuals/consumers who are well informed, aware of the risks, benefits and limitations of testing, and able to consent for their DNA to be collected, analyzed and potentially stored. Where possible, individuals/consumers should also be aware of the alternative option of undertaking testing through healthcare professionals in a clinical context, and the benefits of this. (2) Decisions about having a child tested should be based on peer-reviewed, published evidence. Genomics testing for children should be within a clinical context where parents are informed, have access to clinical support and professional genetic counseling about this decision, as well as support for the range of results received. (3) Parents considering direct-to-consumer testing on their newborn are counselled, or given information, to encourage them to have standard government funded newborn bloodspot screening testing on their newborn. (4) When choosing an online genomic test, preference should be given to tests undertaken in accredited laboratories offering tests accredited with the Therapeutic Goods Administration. (5) Results obtained through methods other than direct analysis from a laboratory accredited to perform genomic testing to inform human health and wellbeing should be interpreted with caution. The HGSA recommends that such results must be confirmed in an accredited diagnostic laboratory prior to relying on them to inform options for treatment, surveillance or risk reduction, or before undertaking cascade testing in family members. (6) When individuals are concerned about their health, they should consult an appropriate healthcare professional to decide whether an online genomic test is appropriate and discuss how useful test results could be to make health-related decisions.

Although many online-based dietary surveys have been developed in recent years, systems that easily survey the dietary balance based on the Japanese diet are insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between dietary balance scores from an online survey system based on the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top, and nutrient/food intake calculated using the weighing method from dietary records (DRs), as well as to assess the system’s utility and applicability. An online dietary balance survey and semi-weighted DR assessment with food photographs were conducted in Japanese participants (n = 34). Registered dietitians entered the balance scores into the system based on the participants’ food photographs, and the scores were calculated using the system. Significant positive correlations (p < 0.001) were found between the online dietary balance scores and nutrient/food intake from DRs; especially for ‘grain dishes’ and carbohydrates (r = 0.704); ‘vegetable dishes’ and the vegetable dish group (sum of potatoes, vegetables, mushrooms, and algae) (r = 0.774); ‘main dishes’ and protein (r = 0.661); ‘milk’ and the milk and milk products group (r = 0.744); and ‘fruits’ and the fruits group (r = 0.748). Bland–Altman analysis showed that the dietary balance scores obtained by this system tended to underestimate the intake compared with the weighing method. Although there are limitations to the accurate estimation of nutrient and food intake, the online dietary balance scores obtained from the online dietary balance survey system were useful for understanding the dietary balance in the Japanese diet.

Herbicide resistance poses a significant challenge due to the increasing number of weeds resistant to multiple sites of action (SOAs). Recently, smooth pigweed populations resistant to glyphosate have been confirmed in the KwaZulu-Natal Province in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). This study evaluated herbicide products with different SOAs to provide alternative options for controlling glyphosate-resistant (GR) smooth pigweed populations. Dose-response assays for preemergence and postemergence herbicides were conducted under glasshouse conditions at the University of Pretoria, RSA. Seeds of GR smooth pigweed populations from Bergville and Winterton, and a glyphosate-susceptible (GS) population from Hendrina, were used. For the evaluation of preemergence herbicides (mesotrione, atrazine, imazethapyr, and acetochlor), seeds were sown in pots and herbicides were applied 12 hours after sowing. Postemergence herbicides (mesotrione, atrazine, tembotrione and atrazine tank mixture, and chlorimuron-ethyl) were tested on potted plants at the 6-leaf stage. Herbicides were applied at 0×, 0.5×, 1×, 2×, and 4×, where × is the recommended field rate for the herbicide products representing each SOA. Preemergence herbicides provided greater than 90% control across all populations. For postemergence herbicides, mesotrione effectively controlled all the GR populations, whereas the GS population from Hendrina exhibited reduced sensitivity (>50% survival). Atrazine was effective at rates higher than the recommended field rate in the GR populations. The tank mixture of tembotrione and atrazine had an additive effect compared to the sole application of mesotrione and atrazine. Chlorimuron-ethyl was only effective on the GS population. These results suggest that incorporating effective preemergence and postemergence herbicides into weed management programs could improve control of GR populations of smooth pigweed.

This study investigated the effect of group size on tail damage and growth performance in growing-finishing pigs with intact tails. A total of 432 pigs were housed indoors on fully-slatted floors and assigned to either small (nine pigs per pen) or large (18 pigs per pen) groups, with equal space and resource allocation per pig. No environmental enrichment was provided. From nine to 23 weeks of age, pigs were monitored weekly for tail injuries using a 5-point scale (0 = no injury, 4 = partial or total loss). The most severe score observed during each four-week period was used for analysis, and outbreaks were defined as the occurrence of one or more pigs per pen with a tail score ≥ 2. Group size did not influence average daily gain, feed intake, or feed to gain ratio. However, pigs housed in small groups experienced more frequent and severe tail injuries, including a higher proportion of removals due to tail wounds. In contrast, pigs in large groups were more likely to receive healed tail scores (score 1) or mild injuries (score 2), and experienced fewer removals. While these results suggest that tail damage may be less severe in larger groups, the total number of pigs affected by tail biting was similar across treatments. These findings highlight the importance of managing tail-damage severity and suggest that group size can influence welfare outcomes in systems where pigs are raised with intact tails.

Kids SIPsmartER is a school-based behavioural intervention for rural Appalachia middle school students with an integrated two-way short message service (SMS) strategy for caregivers. When tested in a cluster randomized controlled trial, the intervention led to significant improvements in sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among students and caregivers. This study explores changes in secondary caregiver outcomes, including changes in caregiver SSB-related theory of planned behaviour constructs (affective attitudes, instrumental attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and intentions), parenting practices, and the home environment. Participants included 220 caregivers (93% female, 88% White, 95% non-Hispanic, mean age 40.6) in Virginia and West Virginia at baseline and 7 months post-intervention. Relative to control caregivers (n = 102), intervention caregivers (n = 118) showed statistically significant improvements in instrumental attitudes (Coef.= 0.53, 95% CI [0.04, 1.01], p = 0.033), behavioural intentions (Coef.=0.46, 95% CI [0.05, 0.88], p = 0.027), parenting practices (Coef. = 0.22, 95% CI [0.11, 0.33], p < 0.001), and total home SSB availability (Coef. = –0.25, 95% CI [–0.39, –0.11], p < 0.001), with specific improvements for sweetened juice drinks (Coef. = –0.18, 95% CI [–0.35, –0.01], p = 0.043) and regular soda/soft drinks (Coef. = –0.31, 95% CI [–0.55, –0.07], p = 0.010). In contrast, there were no significant between group changes for affective attitudes, subjective norms, or perceived behavioural control. Our findings highlight future research areas and fill gaps in intervention literature. This study is among the few to develop and evaluate a scalable, theory-based caregiver SMS component in a rural, school-based intervention. Combined with evidence that Kids SIPsmartER improved SSB behaviours, our results emphasize the potential of theory-guided SMS interventions to impact SSB-related outcomes.

Trial registration: Clincialtrials.gov: NCT03740113.

This study assessed the impact and cost-effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in reducing HIV infections and HIV-related deaths among four key populations in China: men who have sex with men (MSM). Female sex workers (FSW), people who inject drugs (PWID), and HIV-negative partners of serodiscordant couples (SDC). Decision-analytic Markov models simulated HIV transmission and progression in cohorts of 100,000 adults over 40 years under three strategies: no PrEP, daily oral PrEP, and on-demand oral PrEP evaluated nationaly and high-incidence provinces. Cost-effectiveness was measured using a willingness-to-pay threshold of US$37,653 per QALY. Across all populations, on-demand PrEP was the most cost-effective strategy. Among MSM, it was cost-effective both nationwide (ICER: $4,554/QALY) and in high-incidence provinces (ICER: $1,045-2,129/QALY), reducing new infections by 24.7%. Daily PrEP was also const-effective for MSM nationally and prevented 19.9% of infections. For FSW, on-demand PrEP was cost-effective in high-incidence provinces (ICER: $25,399-37,045/QALY), reducing infections by 21.8%-22.5%. For PWID, it was cost-effective in high-incidence provinces (ICER: $10,361-29,560/QALY), reducing infections by 15.5%-17.9%. For HIV-negative partners of SDC, on-demand PrEP was cost-effective both nationally and in high-incidence provinces, reducing infections by 24.0%. Overall, on-demand PrEP offers substantial health and economic benefits, particularly for HIV-negative partners of SDC and high-incidence regions.

The global ex situ conservation system reflects the collective efforts of individual genebanks, each influenced by its unique history, opportunities for acquisition and user demands. As a result, acquisition activities in most genebanks have been opportunistic rather than strategic to support representation of national crop diversity or driven by clearly identified conservation priorities.

The objective of this study was to characterize the composition of national collections in 20 countries within the global ex situ conservation system. It assessed the representation of crop genetic diversity that originated nationally within the global system and evaluated the composition balance, as it relates to duplication and gaps in conservation. Across these 20 countries, numerous genebanks are conserving large number of accessions for only a few genera, while a much smaller number of genebanks are conserving fewer than 10 accessions from a broader range of genera. The findings indicate that ex situ conservation, both nationally and globally, has significant potential duplications and gaps in the genetic resource coverage.

Individual institutes in the global system must carefully reconsider the composition of their collections, especially given the significant costs and limited financial and human resources available for long-term ex situ conservation. As national genebanks and the global system become increasingly important resources for the future, it will be essential for genebanks to ensure that the composition of their collections meets future demands.

Saissetia oleae (Oliver) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) is a major pest of olive trees that requires effective biological control methods. This study evaluated the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) for its predation efficiency against S. oleae eggs and nymphs under laboratory (25 ± 1 °C, 60 ± 10% RH) and screenhouse (25 ± 4 °C) conditions. Two laboratory trials were conducted over 6 days: Trial 1 assessed predation on S. oleae eggs, and Trial 2 on nymphs. Additionally, screenhouse trials tested four predator–prey ratios (T1: 1:2, T2: 1:4, T3: 1:8, T4: 1:10, adult A. swirskii to S. oleae eggs), with weekly observations over 10 weeks. Under laboratory conditions, A. swirskii caused significantly higher mortality in eggs (17.9 eggs consumed) than in nymphs (10.2 nymphs killed) by day 6, while mortality in control groups remained low (1.5 eggs, 2.0 nymphs). In screenhouse trials, A. swirskii significantly reduced S. oleae populations at all predator–prey ratios, with the 1:2 ratio achieving the greatest suppression, reducing densities to 0 eggs and 6 nymphs per plant by week 10, compared to 30 eggs and 110 nymphs in untreated controls. Predator populations increased in a density-dependent manner (T1 > T2 > T3 > T4). Treated plants maintained a high visual quality score (≥9.5 at week 10), whereas untreated plants showed a severe decline (0.9 at week 10). These results demonstrate that A. swirskii effectively suppresses S. oleae and holds promise as a sustainable biological control agent in integrated pest management for olives.

The Interplay of Genes and Environment across Multiple Studies (IGEMS) is a consortium of 21 twin studies from 5 countries (Australia, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and United States) established to explore the nature of gene–environment interplay in cognitive, physical, and emotional health across the adult lifespan. The combined data from over 145,000 participants (aged 18 to 108 years at intake) has supported multiple research projects over the three phases of development since its inception in 2010. Phases 1 and 2 focused on launching and growing the consortium and supported important developments in data harmonization, analyses of data pooled across multiple studies, incorporation of linkages to national registries and conscription data, and integration of molecular genetic and classical twin designs. IGEMS Phase 3 focuses on developing appropriate infrastructure to maximize utilization of this large twin consortium for aging research.

Hypertension (HTN) is the primary cause of preventable cardiovascular-related deaths globally, representing the most important modifiable risk factor for preventing such deaths. Nearly 700 million of the 1.3 billion adults with HTN worldwide remain untreated, most of whom live in low-and middle-income countries, including East Africa. Barriers to the diagnosis of HTN also impact treatment adherence after diagnosis and the initiation of treatment. This scoping review used a qualitative synthesis method to describe studies examining the cultural and contextual factors influencing HTN treatment adherence in East Africa and the lived experiences of patients with HTN to gain a better understanding of these factors in the region. A total of 34 studies, 25 qualitative and 9 mixed-methods designs from five East African nations were included in the final review. Reported influencing factors are classified into individual, structural, and social factors. Lack of HTN literacy and limited risk perception were often cited as individual barriers to adherence, along with mental health challenges, including fear of stigma, while trust and HTN literacy enhanced adherence. Inconsistent healthcare delivery, lack of access, and financial constraints were the most reported structural factors. Social norms surrounding health behaviours and attitudes towards HTN treatment were identified as key determinants of adherence at the social level. The findings underscore the complex interplay of individual, structural, and social factors associated with HTN treatment adherence in East Africa, offering practical ways to enhance adherence in the region at all three levels.

China accounts for over 90% of global alveolar echinococcosis (AE) cases caused primarily by Echinococcus multilocularis. If left untreated, AE can have a 10-year mortality rate of 94%. Understanding its epidemiological patterns is essential for targeted control strategies. Surveillance data from 2006 to 2020 were obtained from the Public Health Scientific Data Center, and spatial and temporal trends were analyzed using spatial autocorrelation, hot spot analysis, and centroid migration techniques. A total of 51,403 echinococcosis cases were reported from 2006 to 2020, with an average annual incidence of 0.25 per 100,000. Most cases (71.33%) occurred in individuals aged 20–60 years. High-incidence areas centred in western/northwestern provinces, including Qinghai, Xinjiang, Xizang, Gansu, and Ningxia. Incidence and cases increased until 2017, then declined steadily. Spatial autocorrelation revealed persistent High-High clusters in Gansu and Ningxia (2008–2018) and Xizang (2010–2020), while Low-Low clusters persisted in central/eastern China. Hotspot analysis confirmed sustained high-risk zones in western/northwestern regions. Trend surface and centroid migration showed a southward disease shift within Qinghai. Echinococcosis remains endemic in western/northwestern China, with a trend of southward expansion. Strengthened, tailored interventions are urgently needed, particularly in high-burden areas like Xizang and Qinghai.

Based on morphological and molecular data, we describe a new species of Diaphorocleidus parasitizing the nasal cavities of Tetragonopterus argenteus from the Lima Campos weir, municipality of Icó, state of Ceará, Brazil. Diaphorocleidus radius n. sp. resembles other congeners in the morphology of the accessory piece, all by having a bifurcated accessory piece (pincer-shaped), composed of two subunits articulated. However, the new species can be easily distinguished from all congeners by the morphology of the sclerotized structures of the haptor (ventral anchor with well-developed superficial root, ornamented deep root, recurved blade, elongated and lightning-shaped tip; and ventral bar robust, plate-shaped, truncated in lateral ends). Phylogenetic analyses of LSU rDNA and COI mtDNA sequences, conducted using Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood, placed Diaphorocleidus radius n. sp. within Diaphorocleidus, grouping it with species parasitizing acestrorhamphid hosts. Genetic distances between Diaphorocleidus radius n. sp. and other congeneric species such as D. armillatus and D. forficata showed clear differentiation. Both molecular markers support the distinctiveness of Diaphorocleidus radius n. sp., consistent with its recognition as a new taxon.

Despite the multiple advantages of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcifediol or 25(OH)D) compared to cholecalciferol, it is used sparingly. This study was planned to assess the safety and efficacy of supplementing daily 25 µg of calcifediol capsules vis-a-vis 100 µg (4000 IU) of cholecalciferol sachets in apparently healthy individuals with vitamin D deficiency in Chandigarh, India (latitude 30.7° North, 76.8° East). It was a prospective, interventional study to evaluate the effects of calcifediol vis-a-vis cholecalciferol. Following initial screening of 70 subjects in each group, 62 were included in the calcifediol and 41 in the cholecalciferol group. Forty-six from calcifediol and 37 from cholecalciferol group completed the 6-month follow up. There was a significant increase in serum 25(OH)D (355% in cholecalciferol & 574% in calcifediol groups, respectively, p < 0.001) and 1,25 (OH)2D (p < 0.001) with a marked decrease in iPTH (p < 0.001) and ALP (p = 0.016) in both groups. Though serum ALP decreased significantly more in the calcifediol group than the cholecalciferol group, no appreciable difference in other biochemical parameters was noted between the groups. No episodes of hypercalcaemia or incidence of new renal stone disease were observed during follow-up. However, hypercalciuria (spot urine calcium creatinine > 0.2 mg/mg) was noted in 8/46 individuals in the calcifediol group and 5/37 individuals in the cholecalciferol group at final visit with no significant difference between two groups. This study establishes the efficacy and safety of correcting vitamin D deficiency with daily 25 µg calcifediol capsules as an alternative to 4000 IU (100 µg) cholecalciferol sachets.