Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in the UK (1-2). Low exposure to the sun in winter months, as well as higher risk of deficiency amongst some ethnic minority populations (1), means that fortification of food and beverages remains an important potential route to ensure optimal vitamin D status. However, it is unclear as to whether type of fortified food affects ability to raise vitamin D status. Animal foods (e.g. dairy foods) would be expected to lead to higher vitamin D absorption than would non-animal-based foods (e.g. bread, juice), due to their higher fat content. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effectiveness of animal and non-animal-based vitamin D fortified foods on raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D).

The literature search was conducted using PubMed on 23 January 2024. Inclusion criteria were as follows: data on non-pregnant/non-lactating adults or data on children, randomised controlled trial; data for 25(OH)D measurement. Initial search results retrieved 701 publications, and 593 ineligible records were removed. Next, 108 records were screened by title and abstract, with 63 records excluded, for the following reasons: off topic (n=54); pregnant or breastfeeding (n=6); non-human (n=1); preterm infants (n=1) and duration <4 weeks (n=1). After full text eligibility screening, 28 publications remained for systematic review and meta-analysis. Ethical approval was not required as this was a literature review.

The end point data meta-analysis showed (for all studies combined) a significant increase in 25(OH)D (+23.4 (95% CI 17.0, 29.7) nmol/L (24 studies)). For specific food types, results were as follows: ‘animal’ +21.7 (95% CI 14.1, 29.3) nmol/L (17 studies); mixture of ‘animal’ and ‘non-animal’ +26.1 (95% CI 10.8, 41.4) nmol/L (1 study); ‘non-animal’ +28.1 (95% 12.0, 44.2) nmol/L (6 studies).

Contrary to what would be expected, non-animal mode of fortification (e.g. bread, juice) had a similar effect size to animal modes (e.g. dairy), so can be considered equivalent in effectiveness in raising 25(OH)D concentration. Differences in dose, duration and population groups between the non-animal and animal modes (in terms of health and baseline vitamin D status) mean the results should be taken with caution, and future studies where these factors are standardised could be useful to provide further evidence of effectiveness.

We describe caudal analgesia agent, dose, reported adverse events, and outcomes in a single-centre, retrospective cohort study of 200 patients undergoing cardiac surgery from October 2020 to April 2023. Median (interquartile range) doses of clonidine and morphine were 2.7 (2.1–3) mCg/kg and 0.12 (0.1–1.12) mg/kg, respectively. Our findings suggest that a clonidine/morphine caudal was tolerated in cardiac surgical patients.

Multicenter clinical trials are essential for evaluating interventions but often face significant challenges in study design, site coordination, participant recruitment, and regulatory compliance. To address these issues, the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences established the Trial Innovation Network (TIN). The TIN offers a scientific consultation process, providing access to clinical trial and disease experts who provide input and recommendations throughout the trial’s duration, at no cost to investigators. This approach aims to improve trial design, accelerate implementation, foster interdisciplinary teamwork, and spur innovations that enhance multicenter trial quality and efficiency. The TIN leverages resources of the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program, complementing local capabilities at the investigator’s institution. The Initial Consultation process focuses on the study’s scientific premise, design, site development, recruitment and retention strategies, funding feasibility, and other support areas. As of 6/1/2024, the TIN has provided 431 Initial Consultations to increase efficiency and accelerate trial implementation by delivering customized support and tailored recommendations. Across a range of clinical trials, the TIN has developed standardized, streamlined, and adaptable processes. We describe these processes, provide operational metrics, and include a set of lessons learned for consideration by other trial support and innovation networks.

Following the recent report of strongyloidiasis caused by Strongyloides fuelleborni within a semi-captive colony of baboons in a UK safari park, we investigated the genetic relationships of this isolate with other Strongyloides isolates across the world. Whole-genome sequencing data were generated with later phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and nuclear ribosomal 18S sequences against 300 published Strongyloides reference genotypes. The putative African origin of the UK S. fuelleborni was confirmed and full-length mt genome sequences were assembled to facilitate a more detailed phylogenetic analysis of 14 mt coding regions against all available Strongyloides species. Our analyses demonstrated that the UK isolate represented a novel African lineage not previously described. Additional complete mt genomes were assembled for several individual UK safari park worms to reveal a slightly altered mt genome gene arrangement, allowing clear separation from Asian S. fuelleborni. Furthermore, these UK worms possessed expanded intergenic regions of unknown function that increase their mt genome size to approximately 24 kilobases (kb) as compared with some 16 kb for Asian S. fuelleborni; this may have arisen from unique populational founder and genetic drift effects set within the peculiar mixed species baboon and drill ancestry of this semi-captive primate colony. A maximum likelihood phylogeny constructed from 14 mt coding regions also supported an evolutionary distinction between Asian and African S. fuelleborni.

We undertake a comprehensive investigation into the distribution of in situ stars within Milky Way-like galaxies, leveraging TNG50 simulations and comparing their predictions with data from the H3 survey. Our analysis reveals that 28% of galaxies demonstrate reasonable agreement with H3, while only 12% exhibit excellent alignment in their profiles, regardless of the specific spatial cut employed to define in situ stars. To uncover the underlying factors contributing to deviations between TNG50 and H3 distributions, we scrutinise correlation coefficients among internal drivers (e.g. virial radius, star formation rate [SFR]) and merger-related parameters (such as the effective mass-ratio, mean distance, average redshift, total number of mergers, average spin-ratio, and maximum spin alignment between merging galaxies). Notably, we identify significant correlations between deviations from observational data and key parameters such as the median slope of virial radius, mean SFR values, and the rate of SFR change across different redshift scans. Furthermore, positive correlations emerge between deviations from observational data and parameters related to galaxy mergers. We validate these correlations using the Random Forest Regression method. Our findings underscore the invaluable insights provided by the H3 survey in unravelling the cosmic history of galaxies akin to the Milky Way, thereby advancing our understanding of galactic evolution and shedding light on the formation and evolution of Milky Way-like galaxies in cosmological simulations.

An estimated 129000 cases of Lyme borreliosis (LB) are reported annually in Europe. In 2022, we conducted a representative web-based survey of 28034 persons aged 18–65 years old in 20 European countries to describe tick and LB risk exposures and perceptions. Nearly all respondents (95.0%) were aware of ticks (range, 90.4% in the UK to 98.8% in Estonia). Among those aware of ticks, most (85.1%) were also aware of LB (range, 70.3% in Switzerland to 97.0% in Lithuania). Overall, 8.3% of respondents reported a past LB diagnosis (range, 3.0% in Romania to 13.8% in Sweden). Respondents spent a weekly median of 7 (interquartile range [IQR] 3–14) hours in green spaces at home and 9 (IQR 4–16) hours away from home during April–November. The most common tick prevention measures always or often used were checking for ticks (44.8%) and wearing protective clothing (40.2%). This large multicountry survey provided needed data that can be used to design targeted LB prevention programmes in Europe.

Two studies were conducted in 2022 and 2023 near Rocky Mount and Clayton, NC, to determine the optimal granular ammonium sulfate (AMS) rate and application timing for pyroxasulfone-coated AMS. In the rate study, AMS rates included 161, 214, 267, 321, 374, 428, and 481 kg ha−1, equivalent to 34, 45, 56, 67, 79, 90, and 101 kg N ha−1, respectively. All rates were coated with pyroxasulfone at 118 g ai ha−1 and topdressed onto 5- to 7-leaf cotton. In the timing study, pyroxasulfone (118 g ai ha−1) was coated on AMS and topdressed at 321 kg ha−1 (67 kg N ha−1) onto 5- to 7-leaf, 9- to 11-leaf, and first bloom cotton. In both studies, weed control and cotton tolerance to pyroxasulfone-coated AMS were compared to pyroxasulfone applied POST and POST-directed. The check in both studies received non-herbicide-treated AMS (321 kg ha−1). Before treatment applications, all plots (including the check) were maintained weed-free with glyphosate and glufosinate. In both studies, pyroxasulfone applied POST was most injurious (8% to 16%), while pyroxasulfone-coated AMS resulted in ≤4% injury. Additionally, no differences in cotton lint yield were observed in either study. With the exception of the lowest rate of AMS (161 kg ha−1; 79%), all AMS rates coated with pyroxasulfone controlled Palmer amaranth ≥83%, comparably to pyroxasulfone applied POST (92%) and POST-directed (89%). In the timing study, the application method did not affect Palmer amaranth control; however, applications made at the mid- and late timings outperformed early applications. These results indicate that pyroxasulfone-coated AMS can control Palmer amaranth comparably to pyroxasulfone applied POST and POST-directed, with minimal risk of cotton injury. However, the application timing could warrant additional treatment to achieve adequate late-season weed control.

Despite dietary guidance in over 90 countries and resources like the UK’s Eatwell guide, most individuals do not adhere to or achieve dietary aims(1,2). Specifically in the UK, population intakes of free sugars remain above the <5% recommendation, at around ∼10% of total energy intakes(3). To improve adherence to messages such as ‘reducing free sugars’, it may be helpful to identify barriers and facilitators to adherence whilst individuals attempt to modify their dietary patterns.

Participants were randomly selected from a randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of three different types of advice to reduce free sugars vs control on reducing free sugar intakes(4). A semi-structured interview explored barriers and facilitators to dietary adherence. Covariate adaptive randomisation ensured equal interviews at all timepoints across the 12-week study period and from participants in each trial arm. Data were analysed using framework analysis(5).

Sixty-two interviews were conducted across a 12-month period between 2021-2022. Seven themes for barriers and facilitators to recommendation adherence, encompassing 14 subthemes, were identified: 1) Proof and impact; 2) Realities of life; 3) Personal balance and empowerment; 4) Habitual approach; 5) Is it possible?; 6) Extensive awareness and viewpoint; and 7) Power of knowledge. Emergent themes sit within a context where individuals were challenged to reduce their intakes of free sugars and/or accurately record dietary intakes, thus they relate specifically to a dietary recording and free sugar reducing scenario. Participant interviews detected both internal and external environmental factors contributing to approaches to change. These factors were interrelated to self and community awareness, describing how individuals may utilise knowledge and understanding. Intervention participants reported all themes more than control participants; excepting the sub theme ‘limited impact.’ There were no observable reporting differences between the three intervention groups. Over the 12 -week study period, the positive sub-theme ‘enables’ within the theme ‘power of knowledge’ was more prominent at intervention delivery (week-1) than week-12. Additionally sub themes ‘active’ and ‘empower’ were reported more in those with higher adherence scores. These results suggest that dietary recommendations may need to be adapted to incorporate the stage at which dietary behavioural change takes place, with some focus also on maintenance as well as change. Overall, participant reports revealed that dietary advice needs to be appropriate for the person receiving it, easily understood, applicable, and actively engaging.

Our findings, when considered with the wider literature, may help us to better understand attempts to make dietary changes based on dietary advice, and support an individualised approach to dietary management. This greater understanding will help future advice to reduce free sugar intakes, including policy and public health initiatives.

Daily sodium intake in England is ∼3.3 g/day(1), with government and scientific advice to reduce intake for cardiovascular health purposes having varying success(2). Eccrine sweat is produced during exercise or exposure to warm environments to maintain body temperature through evaporative cooling. Sweat is primarily water, but also contains appreciable amounts of electrolytes, particularly sodium, meaning sweat sodium losses could reduce daily sodium balance without the need for dietary manipulation. However, the effects of sweat sodium losses on 24-h sodium balance are unclear.

Fourteen active participants (10 males, 4 females; 23±2 years, 45±9 mL/kg/min) completed a preliminary trial and two 24-h randomised, counterbalanced experimental trials. Participants arrived fasted for baseline (0-h) measures (blood/urine samples, blood pressure, nude body mass) followed by breakfast and low-intensity intermittent cycling in the heat (∼36⁰C, ∼50% humidity) to turnover ∼2.5% body mass in sweat (EX), or the same duration of room temperature seated rest (REST). Further blood samples were collected post-EX/REST (1.5-3 h post-baseline). During EX, sweat was collected from 5 sites and water consumed to fully replace sweat losses. During REST, participants drank 100 mL/h. Food intake was individually standardised over the 24-h, with bottled water available ad-libitum. Participants collected all urine produced over the 24-h and returned the following morning to repeat baseline measures fasted (24-h). Sodium balance was estimated over the 24-h using sweat/urine losses and dietary intake. Data were analysed using 2-way ANOVA followed by Shapiro-Wilk and paired t-tests/Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Data are mean (standard deviation).

Dietary sodium intake was 2.3 (0.3) g and participants lost 2.8 (0.3) % body mass in sweat (containing 2.5 (0.9) g sodium). Sodium balance was lower for EX (-2.0 (1.6) g vs -1.0 (1.6) g; P = 0.022), despite lower 24-h urine sodium losses in EX (1.8 (1.2) g vs 3.3 (1.7) g; P = 0.001). PostEX/REST blood sodium concentration was lower in EX (137.6 (2.3) mmol/L vs 139.9 (1.0) mmol/L; P = 0.002) but did not differ at 0-h (P = 0.906) or 24-h (P = 0.118). There was no difference in plasma volume change (P = 0.423), urine specific gravity (P = 0.495), systolic (P = 0.324) or diastolic (P = 0.274) blood pressure between trials over the 24-h. Body mass change over 24-h was not different between trials (REST +0.25 (1.10) %; EX +0.40 (0.68) %; P = 0.663).

Sweat loss through low-intensity exercise resulted in a lower sodium balance compared to rest. Although urine sodium output reduced with EX, it was not sufficient to offset exercise-induced sodium losses. Despite this, body mass, plasma volume and blood sodium concentration were not different between trials, suggesting sodium may have been lost from non-osmotic sodium stores. This suggests sweat sodium losses could be used to reduce sodium balance, although longer studies are required to confirm this thesis.

An experiment was conducted in 2022 and 2023 near Rocky Mount and Clayton, NC, to evaluate residual herbicide-coated fertilizer for cotton tolerance and Palmer amaranth control. Treatments included acetochlor, atrazine, dimethenamid-P, diuron, flumioxazin, fluometuron, fluridone, fomesafen, linuron, metribuzin, pendimethalin, pyroxasulfone, pyroxasulfone + carfentrazone, S-metolachlor, and sulfentrazone. Each herbicide was individually coated on granular ammonium sulfate (AMS) and top-dressed at 321 kg ha−1 (67 kg N ha−1) onto 5- to 7-leaf cotton. The check plots received the equivalent rate of nonherbicide-treated AMS. Before top-dress, all plots (including the check) were treated with glyphosate and glufosinate to control previously emerged weeds. All herbicides except metribuzin resulted in transient cotton injury. Cotton response to metribuzin varied by year and location. In 2022, metribuzin caused 11% to 39% and 8% to 17% injury at the Clayton and Rocky Mount locations, respectively. In 2023, metribuzin caused 13% to 32% injury at Clayton and 73% to 84% injury at Rocky Mount. Pyroxasulfone (91%), pyroxasulfone + carfentrazone (89%), fomesafen (87%), fluridone (86%), flumioxazin (86%), and atrazine (85%) controlled Palmer amaranth ≥85%. Pendimethalin and fluometuron were the least effective treatments, resulting in 58% and 62% control, respectively. As anticipated, early season metribuzin injury translated into yield loss; plots treated with metribuzin yielded 640 kg ha−1 and were comparable to yields after linuron (790 kg ha−1) was used. These findings suggest that with the exception of metribuzin, residual herbicides coated onto AMS may be suitable and effective in cotton production, providing growers with additional modes of action for late-season control of multiple herbicide–resistant Palmer amaranth.

To investigate the symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, their dynamics and their discriminatory power for the disease using longitudinally, prospectively collected information reported at the time of their occurrence. We have analysed data from a large phase 3 clinical UK COVID-19 vaccine trial. The alpha variant was the predominant strain. Participants were assessed for SARS-CoV-2 infection via nasal/throat PCR at recruitment, vaccination appointments, and when symptomatic. Statistical techniques were implemented to infer estimates representative of the UK population, accounting for multiple symptomatic episodes associated with one individual. An optimal diagnostic model for SARS-CoV-2 infection was derived. The 4-month prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 2.1%; increasing to 19.4% (16.0%–22.7%) in participants reporting loss of appetite and 31.9% (27.1%–36.8%) in those with anosmia/ageusia. The model identified anosmia and/or ageusia, fever, congestion, and cough to be significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Symptoms’ dynamics were vastly different in the two groups; after a slow start peaking later and lasting longer in PCR+ participants, whilst exhibiting a consistent decline in PCR- participants, with, on average, fewer than 3 days of symptoms reported. Anosmia/ageusia peaked late in confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (day 12), indicating a low discrimination power for early disease diagnosis.

We present and evaluate the prospects for detecting coherent radio counterparts to gravitational wave (GW) events using Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) triggered observations. The MWA rapid-response system, combined with its buffering mode ($\sim$4 min negative latency), enables us to catch any radio signals produced from seconds prior to hours after a binary neutron star (BNS) merger. The large field of view of the MWA ($\sim$$1\,000\,\textrm{deg}^2$ at 120 MHz) and its location under the high sensitivity sky region of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) detector network, forecast a high chance of being on-target for a GW event. We consider three observing configurations for the MWA to follow up GW BNS merger events, including a single dipole per tile, the full array, and four sub-arrays. We then perform a population synthesis of BNS systems to predict the radio detectable fraction of GW events using these configurations. We find that the configuration with four sub-arrays is the best compromise between sky coverage and sensitivity as it is capable of placing meaningful constraints on the radio emission from 12.6% of GW BNS detections. Based on the timescales of four BNS merger coherent radio emission models, we propose an observing strategy that involves triggering the buffering mode to target coherent signals emitted prior to, during or shortly following the merger, which is then followed by continued recording for up to three hours to target later time post-merger emission. We expect MWA to trigger on $\sim$$5-22$ BNS merger events during the LVK O4 observing run, which could potentially result in two detections of predicted coherent emission.