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The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a globally cultivated leguminous crop. Fusarium wilt (FW), caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli (Fop), is a significant disease leading to substantial yield loss in common beans. Disease-resistant cultivars are recommended to counteract this. The objective of this investigation was to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with FW resistance and to pinpoint potential resistant common bean accessions within a core collection, utilizing a panel of 157 accessions through the Genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach with TASSEL 5 and GAPIT 3. Phenotypes for Fop race 1 and race 4 were matched with genotypic data from 4740 SNPs of BARCBean6K_3 Infinium Bea Chips. After ranking the 157-accession panel and revealing 21 Fusarium wilt-resistant accessions, the GWAS pinpointed 16 SNPs on chromosomes Pv04, Pv05, Pv07, Pv8, and Pv09 linked to Fop race 1 resistance, 23 SNPs on chromosomes Pv03, Pv04, Pv05, Pv07, Pv09, Pv10, and Pv11 associated with Fop race 4 resistance, and 7 SNPs on chromosomes Pv04 and Pv09 correlated with both Fop race 1 and race 4 resistances. Furthermore, within a 30 kb flanking region of these associated SNPs, a total of 17 candidate genes were identified. Some of these genes were annotated as classical disease resistance protein/enzymes, including NB-ARC domain proteins, Leucine-rich repeat protein kinase family proteins, zinc finger family proteins, P-loopcontaining nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase superfamily, etc. Genomic prediction (GP) accuracy for Fop race resistances ranged from 0.26 to 0.55. This study advanced common bean genetic enhancement through marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) strategies, paving the way for improved Fop resistance.

Gemcitabine plus docetaxel is an effective treatment regimen for advanced soft tissue sarcomas (STSs). However, the prognosis for patients remains poor, and thus there is an urgent medical need for novel and effective therapies to improve long-term outcomes. The aim of the ANNOUNCE 2 trial was to explore the addition of olaratumab (O) to gemcitabine (G) and docetaxel (D) for advanced STS. Adults with unresectable locally advanced/metastatic STS, ≤2 prior lines of systemic therapy, and ECOG PS 0-1 were eligible. In Phase 2, patients were randomized 1:1 from two cohorts (O-naïve and O-pretreated) to 21-day cycles of olaratumab (20 mg/kg Cycle 1 and 15 mg/kg other cycles, Days 1 and 8), gemcitabine (900 mg/m2, Days 1 and 8), and docetaxel (75 mg/m2, Day 8). The primary objective was overall survival (OS) in the O-naïve population (α level = 0.20). Secondary endpoints included OS (O-pretreated), other efficacy parameters, patient-reported outcomes, safety, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity. A total of 167 and 89 patients were enrolled in the O-naïve and O-pretreated cohorts, respectively. Baseline patient characteristics were well balanced. No statistically significant difference in OS was observed between the investigational vs. control arm for either cohort (O-naïve cohort: HR = 0.95 (95% CI: 0.64-1.40), p = 0.78, median OS, 16.8 vs. 18.0 months; O-pretreated cohort: HR = 0.67 (95% CI: 0.39-1.16), p = 0.15, median OS 19.8 vs. 17.3 months). Safety was manageable across treatment arms. There was no statistically significant difference in the primary endpoint of OS between the two arms in the O-naïve population, and therefore based on hierarchical evaluation no other outcomes in this study can be considered statistically significant. No new safety signals were observed.

Abstract Background Herbal medicines used for male sexual disorders are widespread across the globe and have been noted as likely candidates for adulteration. To assure access to safe and quality herbal products, this study aimed at sampling some herbal capsules indicated for male vitality for quality analytical checks. Methods Herbal capsules sampled from two regions were subjected to physicochemical assessment, using pharmacopeial and regulatory standards. Microbial quality analysis was also performed on the selected products. A validated HPLC method for simultaneous analysis of sildenafil citrate and tadalafil was used to detect and quantify the possible presence of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in the selected products. Results Out of a total of 57 herbal capsules, 19 were indicated for male sexual related illnesses of which only 8 fulfilled the inclusion criteria of being used exclusively for male vitality. The majority (62.5%) of the herbal products failed the weight uniformity test but all of them disintegrated within the acceptable limit of 30 min. The moisture and heavy metal contents were within limits of acceptability. Majority (87.5%) of the herbal products failed the test for the aerobic bacteria count; however, none of the isolated bacteria was pathogenic. Sildenafil citrate was detected in the majority (87.5%) of the herbal products in concentrations of 0.98–33.95 mg/g. Two products contained both sildenafil and tadalafil. High batch-to-batch variability was recorded in some physicochemical parameters and pharmaceutical adulterants. Conclusion High incidence of quality fails and adulteration of herbal capsules for sexual disorders observed means there is a real risk of unintended dosing with phosphodiesterase inhibitors. This represents a public health issue and necessitates tighter monitoring of production standards by the regulator.

Abstract Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare Parkinsonian disorder, is characterized by problems with movement, balance, and cognition. PSP differs from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other diseases, displaying abnormal microtubule-associated protein tau by both neuronal and glial cell pathologies. Genetic contributors may mediate these differences; however, the genetics of PSP remain underexplored. Here we conduct the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) of PSP which includes 2779 cases (2595 neuropathologically-confirmed) and 5584 controls and identify six independent PSP susceptibility loci with genome-wide significant (P

Abstract Background Cervical cancer ranks third in terms of cancer incidence and mortality in Cape Verde. Understanding the factors associated with the age of cervical cancer screening (CCS) is essential because it helps identify populations at risk of delayed screening, enabling targeted interventions to ensure timely detection and treatment, ultimately reducing the burden of cervical cancer. We examined the factors associated with age at first screening for cervical cancer among adult Cape Verdean women. Methods Data from the 2020 WHO STEPs survey were used. We analyzed data from 1,082 women aged 30–69 years who had ever screened for cervical cancer. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were computed in STATA version 18. Results Overall, 30.6% of women in the study had their first CCS before or at age 30. Except for visits to the health facility within the last 12 months, all variables significantly predicted women’s first age for CCS in the crude model. In the adjusted model, women with tertiary education showed greater odds [AORs = 9.85; 95% CI: 4.12–23.54] compared to those with no formal education. Compared to those who were never married, previously married women had significantly lower odds of screening at an early age [AOR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.39–0.99]. Women without hypertension had higher odds [AOR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.18–2.34] of early screening compared to those with hypertension. Also, women who were currently working had significantly higher odds of early screening than those unemployed [AOR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.09–2.04]. Conclusion In conclusion, implementing targeted educational campaigns, addressing socio-economic barriers, and integrating cervical cancer screening into routine healthcare services can increase the early screening uptake among Cape Verdean women. There is a need to integrate CCS in the routine healthcare services of women living with hypertension. Also, the positive association between formal education and age at first screening, it is imperative for the Cape Verdean public health departments to implement comprehensive education programs within schools to promote awareness about CCS.

Abstract Introduction People living with HIV (PLHIV) have a 20-fold risk of tuberculosis (TB) disease compared to HIV-negative people. In 2021, the uptake of TB preventive treatment among the children and adolescents living with HIV at the Baylor-Uganda HIV clinic was 45%, which was below the national target of 90%. Minimal evidence documents the enablers and barriers to TB preventive treatment (TPT) initiation and completion among children and adolescents living with HIV(CALHIV). We explored the facilitators and barriers to TPT initiation and completion among CALHIV among adolescents aged 10-19years and caretakers of children below 18years. Methods We conducted a qualitative study from February 2022 to March 2023, at three paediatric and adolescent HIV treatment centers in Uganda. In-depth interviews were conducted at TPT initiation and after completion for purposively selected health workers, adolescents aged 10–19 years living with HIV, and caretakers of children aged below 18years. Results The desire to avoid TB disease, previous TB treatment, encouragement from family members, and ministry of health policies emerged as key facilitators for the children and adolescents to initiate TPT. Barriers to TPT initiation included; TB and HIV-related stigma, busy carer and adolescent work schedules, reduced social support from parents and family, history of drug side effects, high pill burden and fatigue, and perception of not being ill. TPT completion was enabled by combined TPT and ART refill visits, delivery of ART and TPT within the community, and continuous education and counseling from health workers. Reported barriers to TPT completion included TB and HIV-related stigma, long waiting time. Non-disclosure of HIV status by caretakers to CALHIV and fear of side effects was cited by health workers as a barrier to starting TPT. Facilitators of TPT initiation and completion reported by healthcare workers included patient and caretaker health education, counselling about benefits of TPT and risk of TB disease, having same appointment for TPT and ART refill to reduce patient waiting time, adolescent-friendly services, and appointment reminder phone calls. Conclusion The facilitators and barriers of TPT initiation and completion among CALHIV span from individual, to health system and structural factors. Health education about benefits of TPT and risk of TB, social support, adolescent-friendly services, and joint appointments for TPT and ART refill are major facilitators of TPT initiation and completion among CALHIV in Uganda.

Abstract Background Unilateral condylar hyperplasia (UCH) of the mandible is a rare condition characterized by asymmetric growth of the mandibular condyles. Bone scintigraphy with SPECT(/CT) is commonly used to diagnose UCH and guide treatment. Still, varying results have been reported using the traditional threshold of 55%:45% in relative tracer uptake. While absolute quantification of uptake on SPECT/CT could improve results, optimal correction and reconstruction settings are currently unknown. Methods Three anthropomorphic phantoms representing UCH were developed from patient CT volumes and produced using 3D printing technology. Fillable spherical inserts of different sizes (Ø: 8–15 mm) were placed in the condylar positions representing symmetrical and asymmetrical distributions. Recovery coefficients were determined for SPECT/CT using various reconstruction corrections, including attenuation and scatter correction (ACSC), resolution modeling (RM), and partial volume correction (PVC) using phantom measurements. Uptake ratios between condyles and condyle to clivus were evaluated. Finally, the impact of these correction techniques on absolute activity and diagnostic accuracy was assessed in a retrospective patient cohort for the diagnostic threshold of 55%:45%. Results The activity was only partially recovered in all spherical inserts (range: 22.5–64.9%). However, RM improved relative recovery by 20.2–62.3% compared to ACSC. In the symmetric phantoms, the 95% confidence interval (CI) of condyle ratios included the diagnostic threshold (57.6%:42.4%) for UCH when using ACSC potentially leading to false positives, but not for ACSCRM datasets. Partial volume corrections coefficients from the NEMA IQ phantom was positionally dependent, with improvements seen performing PVC using coefficients derived from anthropomorphic phantoms. Retrospective application in a patient cohort showed only a weak linear correlation (R²: 0.25–0.67) and large limits of agreement (9.6–12.5%) between different reconstructions. Up to 44% of patients were reclassified using the 55%:45% threshold. Using clinical outcome data, ACSCRM had highest sensitivity (91%; 95% CI 59–100%) and specificity (66%; 95% CI 47–81%), significantly improving specificity (P = 0.038). Conclusions Anthropomorphic phantoms were shown to be essential in determining optimal settings for acquisition, reconstruction, and analysis. SPECT/CT reconstructions with attenuation and scatter correction and resolution modeling are recommended and could improve specificity when using the 55%:45% threshold to assess condylar growth.

Abstract Background Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of aggregated tau proteins in astrocytes, neurons, and oligodendrocytes. Previous genome-wide association studies for PSP were based on genotype array, therefore, were inadequate for the analysis of rare variants as well as larger mutations, such as small insertions/deletions (indels) and structural variants (SVs). Method In this study, we performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) and conducted association analysis for single nucleotide variants (SNVs), indels, and SVs, in a cohort of 1,718 cases and 2,944 controls of European ancestry. Of the 1,718 PSP individuals, 1,441 were autopsy-confirmed and 277 were clinically diagnosed. Results Our analysis of common SNVs and indels confirmed known genetic loci at MAPT, MOBP, STX6, SLCO1A2, DUSP10, and SP1, and further uncovered novel signals in APOE, FCHO1/MAP1S, KIF13A, TRIM24, TNXB, and ELOVL1. Notably, in contrast to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we observed the APOE ε2 allele to be the risk allele in PSP. Analysis of rare SNVs and indels identified significant association in ZNF592 and further gene network analysis identified a module of neuronal genes dysregulated in PSP. Moreover, seven common SVs associated with PSP were observed in the H1/H2 haplotype region (17q21.31) and other loci, including IGH, PCMT1, CYP2A13, and SMCP. In the H1/H2 haplotype region, there is a burden of rare deletions and duplications (P = 6.73 × 10–3) in PSP. Conclusions Through WGS, we significantly enhanced our understanding of the genetic basis of PSP, providing new targets for exploring disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.

Abstract Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative movement and cognitive disorder characterized by abnormal accumulation of the microtubule-associated protein tau in the brain. Biochemically, inclusions in PSP are enriched for tau proteoforms with four microtubule-binding domain repeats (4R), an isoform that arises from alternative tau pre-mRNA splicing. While preferential aggregation and reduced degradation of 4R tau protein is thought to play a role in inclusion formation and toxicity, an alternative hypothesis is that altered expression of tau mRNA isoforms plays a causal role. This stems from the observation that PSP is associated with common variation in the tau gene (MAPT) at the 17q21.31 locus which contains low copy number repeats flanking a large recurrent genomic inversion. The complex genomic structural changes at the locus give rise to two dominant haplotypes, termed H1 and H2, that have the potential to markedly influence gene expression. Here, we explored haplotype-dependent differences in gene expression using a bulk RNA-seq dataset derived from human post-mortem brain tissue from PSP (n = 84) and controls (n = 77) using a rigorous computational pipeline, including alternative pre-mRNA splicing. We found 3579 differentially expressed genes in the temporal cortex and 10,011 in the cerebellum. We also found 7214 differential splicing events in the temporal cortex and 18,802 in the cerebellum. In the cerebellum, total tau mRNA levels and the proportion of transcripts encoding 4R tau were significantly increased in PSP compared to controls. In the temporal cortex, the proportion of reads that expressed 4R tau was increased in cases compared to controls. 4R tau mRNA levels were significantly associated with the H1 haplotype in the temporal cortex. Further, we observed a marked haplotype-dependent difference in KANSL1 expression that was strongly associated with H1 in both brain regions. These findings support the hypothesis that sporadic PSP is associated with haplotype-dependent increases in 4R tau mRNA that might play a causal role in this disorder.

Abstract Background Several diagnostic environments in Uganda lack real-time, robust and high-throughput technologies for comprehensive typing of microbes, which is a setback to infectious disease surveillance. This study combined various wet laboratory diagnostics to understand the epidemiology of pathogenic staphylococci isolated from animals in Uganda and the implications for global health security priorities. Methods A retrospective study was conducted employing records and pathogenic staphylococci (from animals) archived at the Central Diagnostic Laboratory (CDL), Makerere University, Uganda, between January 2012 and December 2019. The bacteria were speciated by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and tested for virulence factors [beta lactamases, lecithinase, deoxyribonuclease (DNase), haemolysins] and resistance to ten antimicrobials of clinical and veterinary relevance. Tetracycline and methicillin resistance genes were also tested. Results The prevalent diseases were mastitis in cattle and skin infections in dogs. Of the 111 staphylococci tested by MALDI-TOF MS, 79 (71.2%) were Staphylococcus aureus, 27 (24.3%) were Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and 5 (4.5%) were Staphylococcus schleiferi. All these strains expressed haemolysins. The prevalence of strains with lecithinase, penicillinase, cephalosporinase and DNase was 35.9% (14/39), 89.7% (35/39), 0.0% (0/39) and 87.2% (34/39), respectively. Staphylococci were primarily resistant to early penicillins (over 80%), tetracycline (57.7%), and chloramphenicol (46.2%). Minimal resistance was noted with cloxacillin (0.0%), ciprofloxacin (9.6%), and cefoxitin (3.8%). The prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) was 78.8% for general staphylococci, 82.2% for S. aureus, 73.1% for S. pseudintermedius, and 60.0% for S. schleiferi. Multidrug resistant staphylococci were significantly more prevalent in the cattle isolates than in the dog isolates (P

Abstract Background The proliferation of internet use in the 21st century has brought about a pluralistic effect on health. Users of the internet are more exposed to health information, thus, making them more health literate and more likely to adopt healthy behaviors. However, frequent use of the internet has been found to adversely affect mental health (e.g., depression), social wellbeing, and obesity. Yet, the link between internet use and physical health outcomes such as hypertension remains less explored. We examined the association between frequency of internet use and hypertension risk among women and men in Kenya using data from the 2022 Kenyan demographic and health survey. Results Overall, the prevalence of hypertension was higher among women (1,398 [8.69%]) compared to men (504 [3.49%]). Those who reported using the internet often reported higher prevalence of hypertension (women: n = 638 [10.49%]; men: n = 279 [3.98%]). The mean age was 29.3 years (SD = 9.6) for women and 29.9 years for men (SD = 10.9). After adjusting for potential confounders, women who reported often using the internet also demonstrated a significant association [AOR = 1.21; 95%CI: 1.03–1.43]. However, we found no significant association between frequency of internet use and hypertension among men after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion Our study concludes that frequent use of internet is positively associated with hypertension risk among women but not men. Policymakers may consider implementing guidelines or regulations to promote healthy internet usage habits and encourage breaks or limits on screen time, especially for individuals at risk of hypertension (i.e., older women of reproductive age, women with higher education, married and previously married women, those in affluent households, parous women, those who consume alcohol and those overweight/obese). Healthcare providers should educate patients about the potential health consequences of prolonged internet usage and incorporate discussions about screen time management into routine clinical encounters.

Initiation rites play a pivotal role in shaping cultural identity, reinforcing societal norms, and facilitating the transmission of cultural values from one generation to the next. Using a qualitative approach which was supported by interpretive philosophy, the study explored the initiation rites of a Fiasidi which involves a series of rituals, ceremonies, and teachings that are designed to prepare young girls or women for their ritual responsibilities in serving Torgbui Adzima shrines in Klikor, Ghana. A case study was used in the research. Observations, document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and audiovisual materials were used to gather data. The opinions and experiences of fifteen (15) participants, including high priests, priestesses, ritual functionaries, petitioners, and Fiasidiwo (initiates), were sampled using the purposive sampling approach. Thematic analysis was used to do an inductive study of the data. The study revealed that three main rituals feature in the initiation rites of a Fiasidi in Klikor. These are Godedegome (puberty rite), Gatete (Fiasidi’s homecoming), and Flaxoxo (purification rite). The study concluded that the Troxovi shrines are effective in ensuring social order and discipline and promoting African indigenous knowledge and spirituality among the Anlo-Ewe communities. It recommended that other ritual performances such as performing libation, wailing wall prayers, and traditional dance forms be explored by other researchers. The study has contributed to providing insights into cultural diversity, and spiritual identity and illuminating the significance of ritual practices in various fields including social anthropology, African aesthetics, and African traditional religion.

Syphilis is a chronic infectious disease, which dates back to the XV century and is caused by the spirochete treponema pallidum, capable of invading the central nervous system in any of its stages- Its incidence has increased in parallel to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and the synergism between both pathologies is such. that it has become a public health problem in recent years. Here we present the case of a 31-year-old female patient, who consulted for headache associated with decreased visual acuity and provided an unenhanced head CT showing hypodense lesions in both thalamic regions, serological tests for syphilis were reactive and those for HIV were not reactive. The brain MRI with spectroscopy was reported in favor of cerebral toxoplasmosis, which was later ruled out with a study of cerebrospinal fluid. Management with penicillin G sodium IV for 6 weeks was indicated, achieving complete imaging resolution of her lesions.

Abstract Introduction Community-driven research in primary healthcare (PHC) may reduce the chronic disease burden in Indigenous peoples. This systematic review assessed the cultural safety of reports of research on PHC use by Indigenous peoples from four countries with similar colonial histories. Methods Medline, CINAHL and Embase were all systematically searched from 1st January 2002 to 4th April 2023. Papers were included if they were original studies, published in English and included data (quantitative, qualitative and/or mixed methods) on primary healthcare use for chronic disease (chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes mellitus) by Indigenous Peoples from Western colonial countries. Study screening and data extraction were undertaken independently by two authors, at least one of whom was Indigenous. The baseline characteristics of the papers were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Aspects of cultural safety of the research papers were assessed using two quality appraisal tools: the CONSIDER tool and the CREATE tool (subset analysis). This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool. Results We identified 35 papers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. Most papers were quantitative (n = 21) and included data on 42,438 people. Cultural safety across the included papers varied significantly with gaps in adequate reporting of research partnerships, provision of clear collective consent from participants and Indigenous research governance throughout the research process, particularly in dissemination. The majority of the papers (94%, 33/35) stated that research aims emerged from communities or empirical evidence. We also found that 71.4% (25/35) of papers reported of using strengths-based approaches by considering the impacts of colonization on reduced primary healthcare access. Conclusion Research on Indigenous PHC use should adopt more culturally safe ways of providing care and producing research outputs which are relevant to community needs by privileging Indigenous voices throughout the research process including dissemination. Indigenous stakeholders should participate more formally and explicitly throughout the process to guide research practices, inclusive of Indigenous values and community needs.

Abstract This study focused on mapping agripreneurship curriculum and lecturers’ competencies in 8 African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), participating in the Strengthening Agri-Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement Training in East, West and North Africa (AgriENGAGE) joint Project. A sample of 194 lecturers from East, West, and North Africa participated in the study. The study employed a mixed method approach with concurrent nested research design methodology to collect information. Among the main results found in this study, the key aspects that were implemented in curricula were; business plan development (µ = 3.57), business opportunities identification (µ = 3.56), and communicating with value chain actors (= 3.51). Concerning the forms of entrepreneurship taught, most institutions focused on subsistence agripreneurship (µ = 3.23) with growth-oriented agripreneurship (µ = 2.50) and innovative-oriented agripreneurship (µ = 2.50) having the lowest rating. Regarding teaching methods within the provision of entrepreneurship education, most of the institutions were using traditional teaching methodologies with the common ones being formal lectures, field trips, in-class group discussions, and group project-based learning. Most lecturers had low teaching competencies concerning instructional quality and a moderate/average level of entrepreneurial competencies. The study recommends that universities should implement more professional development and pedagogical training over and above the subject competency to improve lecturers’ entrepreneurial competency.

Abstract Background Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in remote Australia have initiated bold policies for health-enabling stores. Benchmarking, a data-driven and facilitated ‘audit and feedback’ with action planning process, provides a potential strategy to strengthen and scale health-enabling best-practice adoption by remote community store directors/owners. We aim to co-design a benchmarking model with five partner organisations and test its effectiveness with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community stores in remote Australia. Methods Study design is a pragmatic randomised controlled trial with consenting eligible stores (located in very remote Northern Territory (NT) of Australia, primary grocery store for an Aboriginal community, and serviced by a Nutrition Practitioner with a study partner organisation). The Benchmarking model is informed by research evidence, purpose-built best-practice audit and feedback tools, and co-designed with partner organisation and community representatives. The intervention comprises two full benchmarking cycles (one per year, 2022/23 and 2023/24) of assessment, feedback, action planning and action implementation. Assessment of stores includes i adoption status of 21 evidence-and industry-informed health-enabling policies for remote stores, ii implementation of health-enabling best-practice using a purpose-built Store Scout App, iii price of a standardised healthy diet using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healthy Diets ASAP protocol; and, iv healthiness of food purchasing using sales data indicators. Partner organisations feedback reports and co-design action plans with stores. Control stores receive assessments and continue with usual retail practice. All stores provide weekly electronic sales data to assess the primary outcome, change in free sugars (g) to energy (MJ) from all food and drinks purchased, baseline (July-December 2021) vs July-December 2023. Discussion We hypothesise that the benchmarking intervention can improve the adoption of health-enabling store policy and practice and reduce sales of unhealthy foods and drinks in remote community stores of Australia. This innovative research with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities can inform effective implementation strategies for healthy food retail more broadly. Trial registration ACTRN12622000596707, Protocol version 1.