Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major disease worldwide, causing significant mortality and morbidity. Currently, in Aotearoa, New Zealand, there is a high prevalence of T2DM, with a disproportionate impact on Māori and Pacific populations(1). Moreover, it has been predicted that the prevalence will continually increase. Research has shown that insulin resistance (IR) has been reported to play a critical role in the development of T2DM and other related cardiometabolic diseases(2). Therefore, managing IR is crucial to reducing the development of T2DM. Notably, bioactive compounds in various diets are known to modify the risk of T2DM by regulating IR. Among such dietary compounds include kawakawa (Piper excelsum), an indigenous species used by Māori in traditional medicine (Rongoā). Kawakawa is shown to contain several bioactive compounds that are shown to have insulin-sensitising effects. Research by our group has recently shown kawakawa to have potential anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects in healthy human volunteers(3,4). However, how Kawakawa exerts these effects on insulin signalling and glucose uptake remains unknown. We hypothesise that kawakawa will enhance the glucose uptake in the treated cells and will differentially regulate key genes involved in insulin signalling pathways, including GLUT2, IRS-1, PPAR-γ, and PI3K/Akt, across various tissues. To test our hypothesis, we aim to investigate the mechanistic action of kawakawa extract on insulin signalling pathways in different cell models from metabolically active organs. We will use the same kawakawa powder sample shown to improve postprandial insulin in a healthy population. Cell models representing different insulin-responsive organs: liver (HepG2), skeletal muscle (L6-GLUT4myc), pancreas (MIN6), and adipose (3T3-L1) will be used. The cells will be treated with different doses of kawakawa extract, and glucose uptake will be measured. Key signalling pathways, including GLUT2, IRS-1, PPAR-γ, and PI3K/Akt, will be monitored using western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. The findings of this study have the potential to identify key targets of kawakawa action on insulin signalling in metabolically active organs. These outcomes will inform future research with kawakawa in clinical settings in people with cardiometabolic diseases such as T2DM and can form the basis for developing a dietary intervention for individuals at risk of these diseases. Additionally, Rongoā is an acceptable intervention by Māori, integrating this knowledge with evidence-based scientific interventions would aid in creating a holistic health paradigm that resonates within Māori communities.

Background: Schizencephaly is a congenital brain malformation involving a cleft in the cerebral hemisphere lined with abnormal gray matter with an estimated incidence of 1.5 per 100,000 live births. Methods: This study aims to characterize the radiological, etiological, and clinical features of schizencephaly, identifying factors predictive of patient outcomes. A retrospective cohort of 94 individuals, both adult and pediatric, was analyzed across four tertiary care centers. A neuroradiologist systematically reviewed imaging, while charts were reviewed for clinical features. Results: Several perinatal risk factors were identified, including young maternal age and prenatal infections. However, genetic testing yielded only one pathogenic COL4A1 mutation. MRI findings showed frequent additional malformations, including those in the pituitary, corpus callosum, and fornix. Clinical characteristics included neurodevelopmental delay (71.6%), seizures (50.0%), and motor impairments (53.3%). Outcomes were heterogeneous, with bilateral and open-lip clefts associated with more severe developmental delays, while seizure rates were comparable across subtypes. Conclusions: The complexity of schizencephaly is highlighted in the largest cohort reported with high rates of seizures, neurodevelopmental delays, and motor impairments, but outcomes varied widely based on imaging features, underscoring the importance of individualized management. The low yield of genetic findings emphasizes prenatal environmental risk factors as etiological contributors.

Background: TERT promoter mutation (TPM) is an established biomarker in meningiomas associated with aberrant TERT expression and reduced progression-free survival (PFS). TERT expression, however, has also been observed even in tumours with wildtype TERT promoters (TP-WT). This study aimed to examine TERT expression and clinical outcomes in meningiomas. Methods: TERT expression, TPM status, and TERT promoter methylation of a multi-institutional cohort of meningiomas (n=1241) was assessed through nulk RNA sequencing (n=604), Sanger sequencing of the promoter (n=1095), and methylation profiling (n=1218). 380 Toronto meningiomas were used for discovery, and 861 external institution samples were compiled as a validation cohort. Results: Both TPMs and TERTpromoter methylation were associated with increased TERT expression and may represent independent mechanisms of TERT reactivation. TERT expression was detected in 30.4% of meningiomas that lacked TPMs, was associated with higher WHO grades, and corresponded to shorter PFS, independent of grade and even among TP-WT tumours. TERT expression was associated with a shorter PFS equivalent to those of TERT-negative meningiomas of one higher grade. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the prognostic significance of TERT expression in meningiomas, even in the absence of TPMs. Its presence may identify patients who may progress earlier and should be considered in risk stratification models.

Background: Efgartigimod, a human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) antibody Fc fragment, reduces IgG levels through neonatal Fc receptor blockade. Efgartigimod PH20 SC (1000-mg fixed dose, coformulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20) is provided in a vial administered via a separate syringe (V+S). Here, we investigate bioequivalence, safety, and tolerability of efgartigimod PH20 SC administered via prefilled syringe (PFS) vs V+S in healthy participants. Methods: Bioequivalence was assessed in a phase 1, open-label study. Healthy participants (n=72) were randomized to receive one injection of efgartigimod PH20 SC via PFS or V+S in a crossover design. Separate studies evaluated feasibility of different injection speeds and usability of the PFS. Results: Bioequivalence between efgartigimod PH20 SC via PFS or V+S was established, as the 90% CI around the geometric least-squares mean ratio of Cmax and AUC0-inf was within predefined criteria (80.00%-125.00%). Most adverse events were mild to moderate. No observed differences in incidence of reported injection site reactions emerged. No serious adverse events or deaths occurred. Rapid (20-second) administration was feasible and the PFS could be safely prepared and administered by participants/caregivers. Conclusions: Efgartigimod PH20 SC administered via PFS is bioequivalent to efgartigimod PH20 SC administered via V+S, which may provide an additional convenient treatment option.

Background: RAISE-XT (NCT04225871; Phase 3 study) showed clinically meaningful and sustained improvements in myasthenia gravis (MG)-specific outcomes with zilucoplan, a macrocyclic peptide complement component 5 inhibitor, in patients with acetylcholine receptor autoantibody-positive generalised MG. Methods: Adults self-administered once-daily subcutaneous zilucoplan 0.3mg/kg. This post hoc analysis assessed durability of response to Week 120 in MG-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) and Quantitative MG (QMG) responders at Week 1 of two double-blind studies (NCT03315130, NCT04115293). Responder definitions: improvements of ≥3-points (MG-ADL) or ≥5-points (QMG) (interim data cut: 11 November 2023). Results: 93 patients were randomised to zilucoplan 0.3mg/kg in the double-blind studies; 43.0% (n=40/93) and 33.3% (n=31/93) were MG-ADL and QMG responders, respectively, at Week 1. Week 1 responders spent a median #of 98.9% (5.8–99.2) and 99.0% (2.5–99.2) time in response up to Week 120 for MG-ADL and QMG. Week 1 non-responders spent# a median #of 84.6% (0.0–98.3) and 66.7% (0.0–98.9) time in response up to Week 120 for MG-ADL and QMG, with most responding later in the study. Conclusions: Among early (Week 1) zilucoplan responders, time in response remained high (99%) up to Week 120. These data demonstrate rapid and sustained efficacy with long-term zilucoplan treatment.#

Background: The WHO grade of meningioma was updated in 2021 to include homozygous deletions of CDKN2A/B and TERT promotor mutations. Previous work including the recent cIMPACT-NOW statement have discussed the potential value of including chromosomal copy number alterations to help refine the current grading system. Methods: Chromosomal copy number profiles were inferred from from 1964 meningiomas using DNA methylation. Regularized Cox regresssion was used to identify CNAs independenly associated with post-surgical and post-RT PFS. Outcomes were stratified by WHO grade and novel CNAs to assess their potential value in WHO critiera. Results: Patients with WHO grade 1 tumours and chromosome 1p loss had similar outcomes to those with WHO grade 2 tumours (median PFS 5.83 [95% CI 4.36-Inf] vs 4.48 [4.09-5.18] years). Those with chromosome 1p loss and 1q gain had similar outcomes to those with WHO grade 3 cases regardless of initial grade (median PFS 2.23 [1.28-Inf] years WHO grade 1, 1.90 [1.23-2.25] years WHO grade 2, compared to 2.27 [1.68-3.05] years in WHO grade 3 cases overall). Conclusions: We advocate for chromosome 1p loss being added as a criterion for a CNS WHO grade of 2 meningioma and addition of 1q gain as a criterion for a CNS WHO grade of 3.

Background: We previously developed a DNA methylation-based risk predictor for meningioma, which has been used locally in a prospective fashion. As a follow-up, we validate this model using a large prospective cohort and introduce a streamlined next-generation model compatible with newer methylation arrays. Methods: The performance of our next-generation predictor was compared with our original model and standard-of-care 2021 WHO grade using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves. A nomogram was generated by incorporating our methylation predictor with WHO grade and extent of resection. Results: A total of 1347 meningioma cases were utilized in the study, including 469 prospective cases from 3 institutions and a retrospective cohort of 100 WHO grade 2 cases for model validation. Both the original and next-generation models significantly outperformed 2021 WHO grade in predicting postoperative recurrence. Dichotomizing into grade-specific risk subgroups was predictive of outcome within both WHO grades 1 and 2 tumours (log-rank p<0.05). Multivariable Cox regression demonstrated benefit of adjuvant radiotherapy in high-risk cases specifically, reinforcing its informative role in clinical decision making. Conclusions: This next-generation DNA methylation-based meningioma outcome predictor significantly outperforms 2021 WHO grading in predicting time to recurrence. This will help improve prognostication and inform patient selection for RT.

Background: The complement component C5 inhibitor, ravulizumab, is approved in Canada for the treatment of adults with AQP4-Ab+ NMOSD. Updated efficacy and safety results from the ongoing CHAMPION-NMOSD (NCT04201262) trial are reported. Methods: Participants received IV-administered, weight-based dosing of ravulizumab, with loading on day 1 and maintenance doses on day 15 and every 8 weeks thereafter. Following a primary treatment period (PTP; up to 2.5 years), patients could enter a long-term extension (LTE). Outcome measures included safety, time to first adjudicated on-trial relapse (OTR), risk reduction, and disability scores. Results: 56/41 patients entered/completed the LTE as of June 14, 2024. Median follow-up was 170.3 weeks (186.6 patient-years). No patients experienced an OTR. 94.8% (55/58 patients) had stable or improved Hauser Ambulation Index scores. 89.7% (52/58 patients) had no clinically important worsening in Expanded Disability Status Scale scores. Treatment-emergent adverse events (98.4%) were predominantly mild and unrelated to ravulizumab. Serious adverse events occurred in 25.9% of patients. Two cases of meningococcal infection occurred during the PTP, and none in the LTE. One unrelated death (cardiovascular) occurred during the LTE. Conclusions: Ravulizumab demonstrated long-term clinical benefit in AQP4-Ab+ NMOSD relapse prevention while maintaining or improving disability measures, with no new safety concerns.

Background: Meningiomas exhibit considerable heterogeneity. We previously identified four distinct molecular groups (immunogenic, NF2-wildtype, hypermetabolic, proliferative) which address much of this heterogeneity. Despite their utility, the stochasticity of clustering methods and the requirement of multi-omics data limits the potential for classifying cases in the clinical setting. Methods: Using an international cohort of 1698 meningiomas, we constructed and validated a machine learning-based molecular classifier using DNA methylation alone. Original and newly-predicted molecular groups were compared using DNA methylation, RNA sequencing, whole exome sequencing, and clinical outcomes. Results: Group-specific outcomes in the validation cohort were nearly identical to those originally described, with median PFS of 7.4 (4.9-Inf) years in hypermetabolic tumors and 2.5 (2.3-5.3) years in proliferative tumors (not reached in the other groups). Predicted NF2-wildtype cases had no NF2 mutations, and 51.4% had others mutations previously described in this group. RNA pathway analysis revealed upregulation of immune-related pathways in the immunogenic group, metabolic pathways in the hypermetabolic group and cell-cycle programs in the proliferative group. Bulk deconvolution similarly revealed enrichment of macrophages in immunogenic tumours and neoplastic cells in hypermetabolic/proliferative tumours. Conclusions: Our DNA methylation-based classifier faithfully recapitulates the biology and outcomes of the original molecular groups allowing for their widespread clinical implementation.

Background: The combination of PARP inhibitor and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been proposed as a potentially synergistic combinatorial treatment in IDH mutant glioma, targeting dysregulated homologous recombination repair pathways. This study analyzed the cell-free DNA methylome of patients in a phase 2 trial using the PARP inhibitor Olaparib and the PD-1 inhibitor Durvalumab. Methods: Patients with recurrent high-grade IDH-mutant gliomas were enrolled in a phase II open-label study (NCT03991832). Serum was collected at baseline and monthly and cell-free methylated DNA immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing (cfMeDIP-seq) was performed. Binomial GLMnet models were developed and model performance was assessed using validation set data. Results: 29 patients were enrolled between 2020–2023. Patients received olaparib 300mg twice daily and durvalumab 1500mg IV every 4 weeks. The overall response rate was 10% via RANO criteria. 144 plasma samples were profiled with cfMeDIP-seq along with 30 healthy controls. The enriched circulating tumour DNA methylome during response periods exhibited a highly specific signature, accurately discriminating response versus failure (AUC 0.98 ± 0.03). Additionally, samples that were taken while on treatment were able to be discriminated from samples off therapy (AUC 0.74 ± 0.11). Conclusions: The cell-free plasma DNA methylome exhibits highly specific signatures that enable accurate prediction of response to therapy.

Background: Attitudes toward aging influence many health outcomes, yet their relationship with cognition and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains unknown. To better understand their impact on cognition and AD risk, we examined whether positive attitudes predict better cognition and diminished risk on AD biomarkers. Methods: A subsample of older adults with a family history of AD (n=54; women=39) from the McGill PREVENT-AD cohort participated in this study. Participants completed the Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire (AAQ-24), providing three scores: psychosocial loss, psychological growth and physical change. Participants underwent cognitive testing (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, RAVLT; Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System-Color Word Interference Test, D-KEFS-CWIT), and AD blood-based biomarker assessments (p-tau217, Aβ42/40). Regression models tested associations, adjusting for covariates (age, sex, education, depression, APOE4), and were Bonferroni corrected. Results: Positive attitudes were associated with better recall and recognition (RAVLT) and improved word reading, colour naming, switching, and inhibition (D-KEFS-CWIT) (p<0.00077), while negative attitudes showed the opposite pattern. Negative attitudes were correlated with lower Aβ42/40 ratios, while positive attitudes were linked to lower p-tau217 (p<0.0167). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that positive attitudes predict better cognition and a lower risk profile for AD biomarkers, suggesting that life outlook may be an early disease feature or a risk factor.

Background: In the Phase 3 MycarinG study (MG0003/NCT03971422), one 6-week cycle of rozanolixizumab significantly improved myasthenia gravis (MG)-specific outcomes versus placebo. After MycarinG, patients could enrol in open-label extension studies (MG0004 then MG0007, or MG0007 directly). Methods: In MG0004 (NCT04124965), patients received once-weekly rozanolixizumab 7mg/kg or 10mg/kg for ≤52 weeks. In MG0007 (NCT04650854), after a cycle of rozanolixizumab 7mg/kg or 10mg/kg, subsequent cycles were based on symptom worsening at the investigator’s discretion. Pooled data are reported across MycarinG, MG0004 (first 6 weeks) and MG0007 (final data) for patients receiving ≥2 symptom-driven cycles (efficacy; ≤13 cycles) or ≥1 cycle (safety). Results: 196 patients received ≥1 rozanolixizumab dose of whom 129 received ≥2 symptom-driven cycles (7mg/kg: n=70; 10mg/kg: n=59). Treatment response was maintained from Cycles 1–13: mean change from baseline to Day 43 in MG-Activities of Daily Living score ranged from -3.2 to -4.9 (7mg/kg) and -3.2 to -6.7 (10mg/kg). Quantitative MG and MG Composite scores also improved. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) did not increase with repeated cyclic treatment, and most were mild/moderate; the most common event was headache. Conclusions: Rozanolixizumab showed consistent improvements across MG-specific outcomes up to 13 cycles and repeated cyclic treatment was generally well tolerated. Funding: UCB.

The First Large Absorption Survey in H i (FLASH) is a large-area radio survey for neutral hydrogen in and around galaxies in the intermediate redshift range $0.4\lt z\lt1.0$, using the 21-cm H i absorption line as a probe of cold neutral gas. The survey uses the ASKAP radio telescope and will cover 24,000 deg$^2$ of sky over the next five years. FLASH breaks new ground in two ways – it is the first large H i absorption survey to be carried out without any optical preselection of targets, and we use an automated Bayesian line-finding tool to search through large datasets and assign a statistical significance to potential line detections. Two Pilot Surveys, covering around 3000 deg$^2$ of sky, were carried out in 2019-22 to test and verify the strategy for the full FLASH survey. The processed data products from these Pilot Surveys (spectral-line cubes, continuum images, and catalogues) are public and available online. In this paper, we describe the FLASH spectral-line and continuum data products and discuss the quality of the H i spectra and the completeness of our automated line search. Finally, we present a set of 30 new H i absorption lines that were robustly detected in the Pilot Surveys, almost doubling the number of known H i absorption systems at $0.4\lt z\lt1$. The detected lines span a wide range in H i optical depth, including three lines with a peak optical depth $\tau\gt1$, and appear to be a mixture of intervening and associated systems. Interestingly, around two-thirds of the lines found in this untargeted sample are detected against sources with a peaked-spectrum radio continuum, which are only a minor (5–20%) fraction of the overall radio-source population. The detection rate for H i absorption lines in the Pilot Surveys (0.3 to 0.5 lines per 40 deg$^2$ ASKAP field) is a factor of two below the expected value. One possible reason for this is the presence of a range of spectral-line artefacts in the Pilot Survey data that have now been mitigated and are not expected to recur in the full FLASH survey. A future paper in this series will discuss the host galaxies of the H i absorption systems identified here.

The Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) offers powerful new capabilities for studying the polarised and magnetised Universe at radio wavelengths. In this paper, we introduce the Polarisation Sky Survey of the Universe’s Magnetism (POSSUM), a groundbreaking survey with three primary objectives: (1) to create a comprehensive Faraday rotation measure (RM) grid of up to one million compact extragalactic sources across the southern $\sim50$% of the sky (20,630 deg$^2$); (2) to map the intrinsic polarisation and RM properties of a wide range of discrete extragalactic and Galactic objects over the same area; and (3) to contribute interferometric data with excellent surface brightness sensitivity, which can be combined with single-dish data to study the diffuse Galactic interstellar medium. Observations for the full POSSUM survey commenced in May 2023 and are expected to conclude by mid-2028. POSSUM will achieve an RM grid density of around 30–50 RMs per square degree with a median measurement uncertainty of $\sim$1 rad m$^{-2}$. The survey operates primarily over a frequency range of 800–1088 MHz, with an angular resolution of 20” and a typical RMS sensitivity in Stokes Q or U of 18 $\mu$Jy beam$^{-1}$. Additionally, the survey will be supplemented by similar observations covering 1296–1440 MHz over 38% of the sky. POSSUM will enable the discovery and detailed investigation of magnetised phenomena in a wide range of cosmic environments, including the intergalactic medium and cosmic web, galaxy clusters and groups, active galactic nuclei and radio galaxies, the Magellanic System and other nearby galaxies, galaxy halos and the circumgalactic medium, and the magnetic structure of the Milky Way across a very wide range of scales, as well as the interplay between these components. This paper reviews the current science case developed by the POSSUM Collaboration and provides an overview of POSSUM’s observations, data processing, outputs, and its complementarity with other radio and multi-wavelength surveys, including future work with the SKA.

Submarine landforms in polar fjords provide essential insights into glacier responses to climate change in the Maritime Antarctic. This work aims to reconstruct the groundline of a palaeo-ice stream throughout the Holocene in Admiralty Bay, King George Island. The landforms were investigated using multi-resolution topobathymetric data based on seismic and multibeam surveys. The inner sector features shallow moraine banks and elongated glacial lineations, in contrast to the deeper moraine banks observed in the middle and outer regions of the fjord. Elongated glacial lineations indicate a north-east to south-west ice flow and a wet-based thermal regime. At ~9000 years bp, the grounding line was at the Admiralty Bay fjord’s mouth. In the middle of the fjord, a prominent morainal bank reveals the palaeoglacier’s grounding line. The grounding line significantly changed position after this stillstand in response to climatic variability (Mid-Holocene, at 4500–2800 years bp) and was conditioned by the deep bathymetry. The continued retreat of the ice in the Holocene possibly led to a division of the palaeo-ice stream into outlets or tidewater glaciers. MB7 and MB9 indicate the position of the grounding line during a major stillstand at the end of the inlets. The bedrock topography and fjord geometry influenced the deglaciation pattern of Dobrowolski Glacier in Martel Inlet, and the moraine banks recorded two final major stillstands. The retreat rates in Martel Inlet have increased due to the loss of anchoring points and rising temperatures after the Neoglacial period. The morainal banks present in the proximal environments at Martel Inlet are smaller, discontinuous and spaced, indicating the retreat behaviour in the last 7 decades.

Improving neonatal piglet survival is a key driver for improving pig production and enhancing animal welfare. Gestational diabetes is a risk factor for neonatal morbidities in humans, such as hypoglycaemia and respiratory distress(1). There is limited knowledge on the association of gestational diabetes with neonatal survival in commercial pigs. An early study suggested that the diabetic condition of late-gestating sows was positively correlated with the first-week newborn piglet mortality(2). Genetic selection in recent decades for heavier birth weight may have increased the prevalence or severity of gestational diabetes in pigs, considering the positive correlation between gestational diabetes and birth weight. We hypothesised that the diabetic condition of late gestating sows positively correlates with the neonatal piglet mortality rate in sows with modern genetics. Mixed-parity sows (1.5 ± 1.6 parity for mean ± standard deviation (SD); Large White × Landrace) from a commercial piggery in Australia were randomly selected and participated in an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during two seasons (118 sows in winter and 118 sows in summer). On the d109 day of gestation, sows were fed 3.0 g dextrose per kg of metabolic body weight after fasting overnight. Tail blood glucose concentrations were measured using a glucometer (Accu-Chek ®, Roche Diabetes Care Australia Pty) at −10, 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 105, 120 minutes relative to dextrose feeding. The glucose increment (2.5 ± 1.29 mM for mean ± SD) during OGTT was calculated using the maximum concentration substrating the fasting concentration of blood glucose. The 24-hour piglet mortality rate (5% ± 8.8% for mean ± SD) was calculated as the ratio between piglets that died during the first 24 hours and the total number of born alive on a litter basis. The effect of sow glucose increment, season (winter vs summer), glucose increment × season, number of piglets born alive, and sows parity on the 24-h piglet mortality rate as analysed using a Generalised Linear Model (SPSS 27th Version, IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk). Results showed that the 24-hour piglet mortality rate was numerically higher in winter than in summer although insignificant (5.7% vs 4.2%, p = 0.41). The glucose increment of gestating sows was positively correlated with the 24-hour piglet mortality rate during winter but not summer, as evidenced by an interaction trend between glucose increment and season (p = 0.059). The regression coefficient suggested that every extra unit (mM) of glucose increment during OGTT corresponded to a 1.4% increase in the 24-hour piglet mortality rate in winter. In conclusion, the diabetic condition of late-gestating sows is a risk factor for neonatal piglet mortality in winter. Developing nutritional strategies to mitigate the diabetic condition of late-gestating sows may benefit neonatal piglet survival.

A growing number of Australians are experiencing challenges accessing and affording healthy food due to climate-related disasters, global supply chain disruptions, and rapid inflation that is affecting the cost of healthy food(1). There is limited understanding of how participation community-based food cooperatives can address these challenges and improve food security and dietary intake. This study investigated the motivations for joining and impact of participation in a community-based food cooperative called Box Divvy on self-reported food security status and intake of fruits and vegetables among a sample of Australian adults. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Box Divvy members, that measured sociodemographic characteristics, motivations for joining, self-reported fruit and vegetable intake (serves/week), and food insecurity status (USDA 6-item short form(2)) before and while using Box Divvy. Participants were classified as being food secure, or experiencing marginal, moderate, or severe food insecurity. Logistic regression assessed demographic predictors and self-reported change in food security status, and ANOVA examined changes in dietary intake before joining and while using Box Divvy. Of participants (n = 2764, 37% aged 35–44 years, 83% European ethnicity, 92% New South Wales residents), most joined Box Divvy to support local farmers (87.3%), and save money on healthy foods (70.6%). Around half of respondents (50.8%) reported experiencing food insecurity before joining Box Divvy (24.5% marginal, 18.4% moderate, 7.9% severe food insecurity). Univariate logistic regression identified age, household structure, and income as significant predictors of food insecurity (p < 0.001). Participants experiencing food insecurity reported significantly lower consumption of fruits and vegetables prior to joining Box Divvy compared to those who were food secure (p < 0.001). While using Box Divvy, 28.2% of participants reported experiencing food insecurity (16.6% marginal, 9.6% moderate, 2.1% severe food insecurity). The odds of food insecurity while using Box Divvy were 62% lower than before joining (OR: 0.38; 95% CI 0.34–0.43; p < 0.001). On average, participants reported their fruit intake increased by 2.5 ± 5.6 serves/week (p < 0.001), and vegetable intake increased by 3.3 ± 5.7 serves/week (p < 0.001). The mean increase was significantly greater among moderately food insecure (fruit mean difference 3.2 ± 6.5 serves/week; vegetable mean difference 3.9 ± 6.9 serves/week) and severely food insecure groups (fruit mean difference 4.4 ± 6.9 serves/week; vegetable mean difference 5.5 ± 7.7 serves/week; p < 0.001). Participation in Box Divvy significantly improved self-reported food security status and fruit and vegetable intake among a large sample of Australian adults. Notably, fruit and vegetable intake significantly increased among those experiencing moderate and severe food insecurity. This underscores the potential of community-based food cooperatives to improve food security and promote healthier eating habits among Australian adults, especially households experiencing food insecurity.

Microbial mineral weathering has been predominantly investigated at shallow depths in humid and tropical environments. Much less is understood about its role in the deeper subsurface of arid and semi-arid environments where microbial weathering is limited by the availability of water and energy sources for microbial metabolism. However, the deep subsurface in these climate zones may host a microbial community that thrives on weathering of iron (Fe)-bearing minerals that serve as electron donors or acceptors.

To investigate the role of microorganisms in weathering of Fe-bearing minerals in a dry climate, we recovered a >80 m deep weathering profile in a semi-arid region of the Chilean Coastal Cordillera. The bedrock is rich in Fe-bearing minerals (hornblende, biotite, chlorite, magnetite and hematite) but lacks detectable organic carbon. We evaluated the bioavailability of Fe(III)-bearing minerals that may serve as an electron acceptor for Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms. Using geochemical, mineralogical and cultivation-based methods, we found enhanced Fe bioavailability and more in vitro microbial Fe(III) reduction at increased depth. We obtained an Fe(III)-reducing enrichment culture from the deepest weathered rock found at 77 m depth. This enrichment culture is capable of reducing ferrihydrite (up to 0.6 mM d–1) using lactate or dihydrogen as an electron donor and grows at circumneutral pH. The main organism in the enrichment culture is the spore-forming Desulfotomaculum ruminis (abundance of 98.5%) as revealed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

Our findings provide evidence for a microbial contribution to the weathering of Fe-bearing minerals in semi-arid environments. While microorganisms are probably not contributing to the weathering of Fe(II)-bearing silicate minerals, they are most likely of importance regarding reductive dissolution of secondary weathering products. The Fe(III) reduction quantified in this weathering profile by the in situ microbial community suggests that microorganisms are active weathering agents in semi-arid climates.