In the context of the rapidly evolving modern food environment, there is a need for dietary assessment tools to accurately assess current food intake. The objective of this research was to develop and validate a new food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). A 265 item web-based, self-administered FFQ (PREDICT-FFQ-v1) was developed using information from two FFQs and US and UK cohort level data. Over a 1-month period, 68 participants completed the PREDICT-FFQ-v1 and six 24-h recalls (reference tool; Intake24). Relative validity was assessed using Bland–Altman plots, cross-classification food group analysis, and Spearman’s rank correlation for food groups and nutrients. From the Bland–Altman plots, the median bias between the PREDICT-FFQ-v1 and Intake24 were energy (414 kcal (95%CI 289 to 609) (1734 kj (95% CI 1208 to 2549)), carbohydrate (2.3 %EI, 95%CI 0.08 to 3.68), fat (2.5 %EI, 95%CI 0.23 to 3.52), protein (−1.14 %EI, 95% CI −1.64 to −0.23), and fibre (1.86 g/1000 kcal, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.65). Cross-classification by quartiles of diet quality (plant-based diet index) categorised >76% of participants into the same or adjacent quartiles. Correlation coefficients for food groups assessed using both tools ranged from 0.38 (legumes) to 0.78 (meat), and for energy-adjusted nutrients ranged from 0.28 (total fat) to 0.82 (alcohol). The PREDICT-FFQ-v1 captures intakes of foods that are commonly consumed in modern diets, with greater resolution at the food level than previous tools. The PREDICT-FFQ-v1 has acceptable relative validity in comparison to 24-h dietary recall and provides a valuable alternative for assessing dietary intake in nutritional epidemiology.

Diets low in diverse fibre-rich plant foods contribute to the rise of chronic disease. The BIOME study (NCT06231706; 6-week parallel randomised controlled trial) in 399 adults (35–65 years; BMI 18·5–40 kg/m2; fibre intake < 20 g/d) investigated a whole-food plant blend containing > 30 ingredients, rich in (poly)phenols, fibre and micronutrients. Participants were randomised (1:1:1) to the blend (30 g/d), an isoenergetic control (bread croutons, 28 g/d) or probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, 15bn CFU/d). Analysts were blinded to allocation. The primary outcome was change in ‘favourable’ and ‘unfavourable’ gut microbiome species (ZOE Microbiome Health Ranking 2025); secondary outcomes included blood metabolites, symptoms, stool output, anthropometry, hunger, sleep, energy and mood. A crossover sub-study explored postprandial glucose, hunger and mood. Of 349 participants analysed (fifty excluded), self-reported adherence was > 98 %. The 30+ plant blend resulted in more species changing relative abundance at 6 weeks v. control (57 v. 14 species-level genome bins (SGB), P < 0·001) and probiotic (57 v. 4 SGB, P < 0·001). There were no significant between-group differences in microbiome health ranks of significantly changing species (increasing or decreasing). Blend participants self-reported reduced indigestion, constipation, heartburn and flatulence and increased energy v. control (all P < 0·05). Six related but no serious adverse events occurred. In the sub-study, adding the blend to a high-carbohydrate meal (v. meal alone) reduced hunger, increased fullness and energy (3-h incremental AUC, all P < 0·05), with no effect on postprandial glucose. This 30+ plant blend represents a simple strategy to modify gut microbiome composition and benefit gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adults.

Objectives/Goals: Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer with emergence of recurrent and resistant disease being frequent. We sought to identify novel ways to effectively kill chemotherapy-resistant forms of ovarian cancer and to prevent recurrence following curative intent with surgical and adjuvant regimens. Methods/Study Population: Our group identified CTPS1 as a novel dependency in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and ovarian cancer. We found CTPS1 was highly expressed in breast and ovarian tumor tissues and therapy-resistant models. We demonstrated siRNA knockdown of CTPS1 reduced proliferation in sensitive and resistant cell lines. In collaboration with Step Pharma, who developed the first CTPS1 inhibitor (STP938), we performed genome-wide CRISPR KO screens on STP938-sensitive and -resistant cells. Top synthetic lethal hits identified included TSC1, TSC2, and PPP2R2A. Synergy assays were conducted with STP938 in combination with mTOR inhibitors (Everolimus, Sirolimus, and Temsirolimus) and the PPP2R2A inhibitor LB-100 to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of combination therapies. Results/Anticipated Results: We identified CTPS1 as a novel vulnerability in many ovarian cancer cell line models, including models of chemotherapy and/or PARP inhibitor resistance. The first-in-class CTPS1 inhibitor (STP938) was shown to be a highly effective anticancer agent in sensitive and resistant forms of ovarian cancer, both in vitro and in vivo. Genome-wide CRISPR KO screens identified central components of the mTOR pathway (TSC1 and TSC2), as well as PPP2R2A, as synthetic lethal targets in the setting of STP938 exposure. We anticipate that combinatorial treatment of mTOR inhibitors and PP2R2A inhibitors with STP938 will further enhance efficacy and reduce the risk of recurrence when used in the adjuvant treatment of ovarian cancer patients. Discussion/Significance of Impact: This study will validate synthetic lethal interactions from our CRISPR screen, reveal genes that could be mutated in ovarian cancer patients that may be driving resistance to STP938, and uncover combination therapies that can be used to increase efficacy in ovarian cancer patients treated with STP938.

Precision applications of herbicides are gaining interest as a sustainable approach to managing turfgrass pests. For instance, controlling turfgrass weeds with precision application could effectively reduce herbicide volume without sacrificing weed control. Machine learning models have been a common method for precision application, but machine learning requires intensive labor and expertise to collect and label imagery. The objective of this study was to develop and test a new system that uses the dark green color index (DGCI) to precisely apply glyphosate to detect and spray winter weeds in dormant bermudagrass turf. For this study, a sprayer prototype was constructed that used machine vision and DGCI. The prototype consisted of three primary components: 1) a camera that streamed video frames, 2) a control system that stored computer code focused on the integration of DGCI, and 3) solenoid valves that activated upon detection of winter weeds growing in dormant bermudagrass. Four field trials with different weed species and weed densities were established to test the DGCI system among traditional application methods (i.e., broadcast application and manual spot application with a backpack sprayer). In the lowest weed density scenario, the DGCI system accurately detected and sprayed 90% of the weed population, reducing herbicide volume by 62% compared to a broadcast application. Additionally, the DGCI system required less time for treatment than the spot application with a backpack sprayer. The results from these trials suggest that vegetative indices, such as DGCI, have potential in dormant bermudagrass systems to optimize herbicide volume.

Concerns about the environmental impact of animal-source foods have led to a shift towards plant-based alternatives (PBA). While dairy products and seafood are rich in iodine, an essential nutrient for thyroid function and cognitive development, PBA often lack iodine fortification. As the market expands, there is increasing concern that individuals replacing dairy products and seafood with unfortified PBA may be at risk of iodine deficiency. This study assessed changes in the iodine fortification of plant-based milk, yogurt, cheese and seafood alternatives through a cross-sectional survey of UK supermarkets (2020–2024). Supermarkets were surveyed online each December, and product nutrition and ingredient data were extracted. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of PBA increased by 55 %, with 466 PBA identified in 2024, including milk (n 246), yogurt (n 81), cheese (n 110) and seafood alternatives (n 29). Iodine fortification was inconsistent: in 2024, 48 % of non-organic milk alternatives were fortified, while only 5 % of non-organic yogurt and 4 % of cheese alternatives contained iodine. In comparison, 28 %, 6 % and 0 % of non-organic milk, yogurt and cheese alternatives were fortified with iodine in 2020. No fortified seafood alternatives were identified. Fortified PBA provided 75–83 % of the iodine content of cow’s milk, but most remained poor iodine sources. Although iodine fortification has increased, it lags behind that of calcium and vitamin B12 (48 % v. 88 % and 71 %, respectively). Given iodine’s critical role in health, clearer public health guidance and improved fortification policies are needed. Increased reliance on PBA may exacerbate iodine insufficiency in the UK without intervention.

We examine the arguments made by Onitiu and colleagues concerning the need to adopt a “backward-walking logic” to manage the risks arising from the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) adapted for a medical purpose. We examine what lessons can be learned from existing multi-use technologies and applied to specialized LLMs, notwithstanding their novelty, and explore the appropriate respective roles of device providers and regulators within the ecosystem of technological oversight.

To combat the decline in North American grasslands and prairies, innovative strategies to establish new native grass and forb plantings must be considered. Integrated vegetation management entails the use of many practices to cultivate desirable vegetation along roadsides, including mowing, applying herbicides, burning, and replanting. Currently, only a limited selection of postemergence herbicides are available to improve native plant establishment along roadsides. A greenhouse herbicide screen that included four postemergence herbicides registered for use on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres and rights-of-way was conducted to test their safety for use on four native grasses (big bluestem, buffalograss, sideoats grama, and switchgrass) and seven forb species (ashy sunflower, black-eyed Susan, butterfly milkweed, desert false indigo, Illinois bundleflower, Mexican hat plant, and purple coneflower). Clopyralid (689 g ae ha−1), metsulfuron (4.18 g ai ha−1), and quinclorac (418 g ai ha−1) applied at labeled rates caused no injury to the native grass species or butterfly milkweed. However, florpyrauxifen-benzyl (38.4 g ai ha−1) caused significant injury to buffalograss and switchgrass. None of the herbicides tested were universally safe to use on all forb species evaluated in this trial, with each herbicide causing unacceptable injury (≥25%) to one or more forb species. None of the herbicides studied here would be completely safe for use on mixed stands of native grasses and native forbs at the seedling growth stage, indicating that prairie establishment must use alternative chemistries, plant mixes with fewer species, or avoid postemergence applications shortly after emergence of native forbs.

Study coding is an essential component of the research synthesis process. Data extracted during study coding serve as a direct link between the included studies and the synthesis results, allowing reviewers to justify claims about the findings from a set of related studies. The purpose of this tutorial is to provide authors, particularly those new to research synthesis, with recommendations to develop study coding manuals and forms that result in efficient, high-quality data extraction. Each of the 10 easy-to-follow practices is supported with additional resources, examples, or non-examples to help authors develop high-quality study coding materials. With the increase in publication of meta-analyses in recent years across many disciplines, a primary goal of this article is to enhance the quality of study coding materials that authors develop.

The adoption of anaerobic digesters (ADs) and technologies stacked with them (AD+) has the potential to offer benefits to dairy producers and the environment. Production of biochar, hydrochar, and bioplastics can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, offer economic benefits to farmers through the sale of value-added products, reduce the need for fertilizer purchases, and promote a circular economy for dairy producers. We use a diffusion of innovations framework augmented to include economic, environmental, social, and regulatory considerations in addition to the operational aspects of the technologies. We conducted interviews with 21 participants representing for-profit, not-for-profit, governmental, and community service agencies in Idaho, the third-largest U.S. dairy state. Semi-structured interviews explored participants’ experiences with and perceptions of how relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, observability, trialability, environmental, economic, and social factors may facilitate or hinder the adoption of AD and three related emerging AD+ technologies. Interviews were analyzed using inductive coding and thematic analysis. Results show that participants were familiar with the need to address dairy manure waste and were interested in the potential benefits to farm revenue and the environment. However, the same factors associated with the relatively low adoption of AD in Idaho may also hinder the adoption of newer AD+ technologies. These include a lack of observability and trialability, installation and maintenance costs, access to technology, uncertain environmental impacts, unrealized economic benefits to dairy producers, and regulatory burden.

In Georgia plasticulture vegetable production, a single installation of plastic mulch is used for up to five cropping cycles over an 18-mo period. Preplant applications of glyphosate and glufosinate ensure fields are weed-free before transplanting, but recent data suggest that residual activity of these herbicides may pose a risk to transplanted vegetables. Glyphosate and glufosinate were applied preplant in combination with three different planting configurations, including 1) a new plant hole into new mulch, 2) a preexisting plant hole, 3) or a new plant hole spaced 15 cm from a preexisting plant hole (adjacent). Following herbicide application, overhead irrigation was used to remove residues from the mulch before punching transplanting holes for tomato, cucumber, or squash. Visible injury; widths; biomass; and yield of tomato, cucumber, or squash were not influenced by herbicide in the new mulch or adjacent planting configurations. When glyphosate was applied at 5.0 kg ae ha−1 and the new crop was planted into preexisting holes, tomato was injured by 45%, with reduced heights, biomass, and yields; at 2.5 kg ae ha−1 injury of 8% and a biomass reduction was observed. Cucumber and squash were injured by 23% to 32% by glyphosate at 5.0 kg ae ha−1, with reductions in growth and early-season yield; lower rates did not influence crop growth or production when the crop was placed into a preexisting plant hole. Glufosinate applied at the same rates did not affect tomato growth or yield when planted into preexisting plant holes. Cucumber, when planted into preexisting plant holes, was injured by 43% to 75% from glufosinate, with reductions in height and biomass, and yield losses of 1.3 to 2.6 kg ai ha−1; similar results from glufosinate were observed in squash. In multi-crop plasticulture production, growers should ensure vegetable transplants are placed a minimum of 15 cm away from soil exposed to these herbicides.