The Mediterranean diet has emerged as a promising dietary pattern for preventing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to examine the role of the Mediterranean diet on the risk of NAFLD in Turkish adults. A total of 252 individuals (126 NAFLD and 126 age- and sex-matched controls) participated in this case-control study. Dietary intake was assessed with a 24-h recall, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). Logistic regression models were applied to estimate odds ratios (ORs). The prevalence of NAFLD was higher in the lowest tertile (64.6%) and lower in the highest tertile (30.5%; p<0.001). Moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a 57.0% lower risk of NAFLD after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and energy intake. High adherence conferred an 86.0% reduction after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, energy intake, and comorbidities. Frequent consumption of butter, margarine, cream, (OR=2.75; 95% CI: 1.72–6.43) and sugar-sweetened beverages (OR=2.87; 95% CI: 1.20–6.87) significantly increased the risk. However, consuming nuts three or more servings per week was protective (OR=0.46; 95% CI: 0.21–0.99). In individuals who did not consume ≥3 servings of fruit daily, the risk of NAFLD was significantly reduced (OR=0.28; 95% CI: 0.16–0.69). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was strongly associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD, highlighting the importance of limiting saturated fats and sugar-sweetened beverages while promoting nuts as practical strategies for prevention.

Plant-based diets are favourable for both climate and health. However, not much is known about different barriers to adopting more plant-based diets across sociodemographic groups. This study examined the proportions of the population reporting a shift towards more plant-based diets and identified perceived barriers to these changes across different sociodemographic groups. The study was based on the Healthy Finland Survey 2022–2023, including 5390 participants aged 20–74 years. Participants responded to questions on plant-based diets using pre-defined response options. Results were presented as prevalences and 95% CIs. Women reported that they had changed their diets to more plant-based more often than men did (46% vs. 31%). Urban residents, higher educated participants, and those with higher income were more likely to have adopted more plant-based diets than others. Concerns about nutritional adequacy (women 20%; men 24%) and lacking skills to prepare tasty vegetarian foods (women 30%; men 28%) were common perceived barriers. In men, barriers included a dislike of vegetarian foods (23%) and a lack of interest (28%). In women, 17% cited the preferences of their close ones as a barrier. Barriers also differed between groups. Older participants were more concerned about the nutritional adequacy (29%), while younger participants struggled with cooking skills (35%). One third of men living in rural areas or with basic education reported a lack of interest in the topic. Tailored health promotion and food education strategies are critical to overcoming barriers to adopting plant-based diets in diverse sociodemographic groups.

Standard Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) methods, a type of rapid needs assessment (RNA) for collecting data on household needs and impacts following emergencies, are not always suitable for rural, destroyed, or severely damaged communities, or disasters affecting small geographical areas. The objectives of this modified RNA were to: (1) identify the strengths, limitations, and operational challenges for utilization of modified RNAs for post-disaster, quick response research; and (2) capture the acute mental and physical health impacts and lived experiences of communities affected by the 2024 Arbor Day tornado in Nebraska (USA). This field study tested modifications of the CASPER methodology in rural and inaccessible communities in Washington and Douglas County, Nebraska following the 2024 Arbor Day tornado. A 60-item survey was developed using validated questions, including on mental and physical health impacts. Survey completion rates for Washington and Douglas Counties were 57.3% and 89.3%, respectively. Exacerbation of existing conditions, worsening allergies, and stress were commonly reported following the tornado. Modified RNAs were useful and feasible approaches for capturing perishable data following the 2024 Arbor Day tornado outbreak. These findings can be used to inform not only public health response but also future planning and policy.

Mathematical modeling projects consequences of disasters based on algorithms and parameters, with explicit assumptions that can be varied to explore potential variation in outcomes. Modeling of mechanical trauma, thermal burn, and ionizing radiation injuries due to nuclear detonations has been used at the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (HHS/ASPR) to inform needs assessments for medical countermeasures. Physiological modeling for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) projects outcomes of injury from ionizing radiation combined with mechanical trauma and/or thermal burns including effects on physical capabilities, which are used to evaluate the population consequences of nuclear detonations. Public health response modeling explores the effects of variation in operational practices such as triage and allocation of resources for treatment, which informs decisions and practices toward improvement in planning for response to nuclear detonations. Research can inform assumptions and algorithms of modeling, and strategic use of modeling can further inform planning for such topics as shielding, survival, and survivor behavior like sheltering and evacuation.

We present the case of a 14-year-old male patient referred to paediatric cardiology for the incidental finding of a cardiac murmur and initially diagnosed with asymmetric septal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Due to deterioration in his functional class (NYHA II/IV), he was admitted to our institution for further evaluation. A hyperechoic mass measuring 35.7 mm × 39.4 mm was identified in the interventricular septum, with central vascularisation and a significant obstructive gradient in the right ventricular outflow tract (112 mmHg). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a highly vascularised lesion, hyperintense on HASTE, T1, and T2 sequences, with an extracellular volume of 67%, consistent with a cardiac haemangioma. Coronary CT angiography demonstrated perfusion by a septal branch of the left anterior descending artery. Given the anatomical involvement and the low feasibility of surgical management, cardiac catheterisation with embolisation of the septal branch using an Interlock Coil occlusion device was performed. Post-procedure angiography confirmed complete occlusion. Cardiac tumours in paediatrics are rare and generally benign, with haemangiomas being one of the least common neoplasms. Diagnosis relies on non-invasive imaging techniques, with echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging playing crucial roles. In this case, the combination of echocardiography, coronary CT angiography, and catheterisation allowed for a comprehensive characterisation of the lesion and the development of a therapeutic strategy while minimising risks. The patient remains stable under follow-up. This multidisciplinary approach optimises the management of paediatric cardiac tumours, enabling individualised therapeutic options.

Long-term pharmacological augmentation is central to care for treatment-resistant depression, yet until recently no adequately powered trials have examined it. With three such studies now published, we highlight the hope they offer for improving outcomes in this underserved population while highlighting caution in interpreting their collective findings without careful consideration of methodology and clinical context. We consider these issues and their implications for guiding more personalised treatment decisions aimed at sustained benefit in routine practice.