Dietary patterns are increasingly recognized as crucial factors influencing the progression of MASLD. This study aimed to explore the association between dietary patterns and MASLD risk among adults, using Latent Class Analysis (LCA), to our knowledge, for the first time in this context. This cross-sectional study included 8,549 adults general population. Dietary intake data were collected using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and analyzed with Nutritionist IV software. A 3-step LCA was applied to determine distinct dietary patterns among participants using micro- and macronutrients. Liver fibrosis severity was evaluated using a validated non-invasive marker, FIB-4 Score. Our analysis identified three distinct dietary patterns, each significantly associated with the severity of liver fibrosis. Class 1(High-volume, high-fiber/mineral-rich pattern) was associated with the lowest risk of liver fibrosis. Compared to Class 1, participants in Class 2 (Moderate-volume, low-fiber/high-sodium/mineral-poor pattern) (OR = 1.24; p = 0.002) and Class 3 (Restricted-volume, nutrient-depleted pattern) (OR = 1.13; p = 0.027) had significantly higher odds of moderate-to-high liver fibrosis risk. Class-specific regression analysis showed that age and smoking were the most consistent predictors of fibrosis risk across all patterns. Dietary patterns rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential micronutrients appear effective in reducing the risk of liver fibrosis. Further longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings and determine practical clinical applications.

Dysregulation of fatty acids metabolism has been associated with the risk of osteoarthritis (OA), yet current evidence from epidemiological or genetic studies remains inconclusive. We aimed to investigate the phenotypic association and genetic architecture between total fatty acids (TotFA), saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and OA. Leveraging individual-level data from the UK Biobank, combined with the hitherto largest genome-wide association studies of fatty acids (N = 136 016) and OA (N = 826 690) in European individuals, we implemented a comprehensive analytical framework. This included observational and genetic analyses, incorporating phenotypic associations, genetic correlations, cross-trait meta-analysis, enrichment analysis and Mendelian randomization (MR). Observational analysis identified SFA as a risk factor, while MUFA and PUFA as protective factors for OA. Despite a lack of genome-wide genetic correlation, statistically significant local signals were detected within three specific genomic regions. Cross-trait meta-analysis identified 68 pleiotropic loci shared between fatty acids and OA, of which nine were novel. Enrichment analysis revealed the shared genes were enriched in lipoprotein metabolism, immune response, and inflammation regulation pathways. Two-sample MR provided evidence for a causal relationship of MUFA and PUFA on OA that survived false discovery rate correction. This study supports associations between circulating fatty acids and OA, with MUFA and PUFA exerting a protective role. Our findings provide new perspectives into OA prevention especially regarding the potential dietary interventions.

Dr. C. Norman Coleman initiated the establishment of a working group within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to explore ways in which federal planning and guidance could better foster effective and efficient nuclear detonation response, with initial attention to cytokine use in the public health and medical response. Dr. Coleman recognized the difference between planning guidance (what to do) and a strategy (how to do it). He developed actionable strategies to improve our nation’s nuclear preparedness, including scarce resources triage protocols,1 cytokine and evacuation priorities,2 and the Exposure And Symptom Triage (EAST) tool.3 Despite his absence and in his spirit, this working group, nicknamed “The Solutions Lab,” is continuing the work on actionable strategies for nuclear preparedness.

Various strategies across food systems are needed for a systemic change, with dietary shifts representing a meaningful pathway—particularly in high-income nations. Plant-based analogues (PBAs) that mimic animal-based foods, represent a promising strategy to facilitate such shifts because they require minimal behaviour adjustments. This review aims to synthesise nutritional, health and environmental evidence on PBAs by examining their benefits, challenges, and research gaps to inform and support evidence-based policy and practice. PBAs generally have lower greenhouse gas emissions, land use and water use than their animal-based counterparts. Nutritionally, PBAs are complex, varying across product brands, product types, processing techniques and primary ingredients. The limited health evidence shows that consumption of plant-based meat analogues tends to be associated with positive health outcomes, while consumption of some plant-based drinks can be linked to micronutrient deficiencies. Fortified PBAs can contribute to daily recommended intakes and sometimes provide more micronutrients than their animal-based counterparts, while also providing more fibre, and less energy and saturated fat. Despite these potential benefits, debates persist around processing classifications and their health implications. Given this complex landscape, assessing what kind of role PBAs could play in our food systems will demand product-specific evaluation, targeted dietary recommendations, and expanding the range of healthier PBAs. To advance the field and accelerate dietary shifts without unintended consequences, critical considerations include strengthening the nutritional evidence-base, classifying PBAs further for dietary recommendations and informed regulatory approaches, understanding processing effects and use of additives, and standardising environmental outcomes and research beyond single ingredients.

This field report describes the operational characteristics and system-level challenges observed during a real-world mass-casualty incident in Taiwan. A multisource reconstruction was conducted using post-incident debriefing records, on-scene observations, emergency medical services operational logs, and publicly available media reports, focusing exclusively on response processes without accessing patient-identifiable information. Sixteen casualties were initially identified following a vehicle—pedestrian collision near an elementary school, including 4 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. A total of 13 patients were ultimately transported to receiving hospitals. Although Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment was initiated promptly and all transports were completed within a short operational window, early triage decision-making occurred under conditions of high cognitive load and scene fragmentation. Digital support tools were available but were not activated during the initial response, necessitating reliance on handwritten notes and verbal communication for patient tracking and hospital notification. In addition, auxiliary personnel were present but not formally integrated into the incident command structure. These observations highlight execution-level challenges affecting triage coordination, information flow, and operational integration during real-world mass-casualty responses.

Radiological incidents are rare, but can have significant public health consequences. Coordination across jurisdictions, government agencies, and different fields is critical to ensure an effective response that minimizes health impacts. State and local government agencies face challenges in responding to radiological incidents such as constrained resources, siloed communications, and gaps in workforce training and capacity. The National Alliance for Radiation Readiness (NARR) is a network of experts composed of 20 member organizations and 10 federal partners. The NARR seeks to advance the nation’s capacity for radiation readiness through expert input, workforce training and capacity building, and increase communication and collaboration.