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Bacterial kidney disease (BKD) was assessed according to the criteria of the Animal Health Law (AHL), in particular the criteria of Article 7 on disease profile and impacts, Article 5 on its eligibility to be listed, Annex IV for its categorisation according to disease prevention and control rules as laid out in Article 9 and Article 8 for listing animal species related to BKD. The assessment was performed following the ad hoc method on data collection and assessment developed by AHAW Panel and already published. The outcome reported is the median of the probability ranges provided by the experts, which indicates whether each criterion is fulfilled (lower bound ≥ 66%) or not (upper bound ≤ 33%), or whether there is uncertainty about fulfilment. Reasoning points are reported for criteria with an uncertain outcome. According to this assessment, BKD can be considered eligible to be listed for Union intervention according to Article 5 of the AHL (66–90% probability). According to the criteria in Annex IV, for the purpose of categorisation related to the level of prevention and control as in Article 9 of the AHL, the AHAW Panel concluded that BKD does not meet the criteria in Sections 1, 2 and 3 (Categories A, B and C; 1–5%, 33–66% and 33–66% probability of meeting the criteria, respectively) but meets the criteria in Sections 4 and 5 (Categories D and E; 66–90% and 66–90% probability of meeting the criteria, respectively). The animal species to be listed for BKD according to Article 8 criteria are provided. This publication is linked to the following EFSA Journal articles: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8324/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8325/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8327/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.4783full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8028/full [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spring Viraemia of Carp (SVC) was assessed according to the criteria of the Animal Health Law (AHL), in particular the criteria of Article 7 on disease profile and impacts, Article 5 on its eligibility to be listed, Annex IV for its categorisation according to disease prevention and control rules as in Article 9 and Article 8 for listing animal species related to SVC. The assessment was performed following the ad hoc method for data collection and assessment previously developed by the AHAW panel and already published. The outcome reported is the median of the probability ranges provided by the experts, which indicates whether each criterion is fulfilled (lower bound ≥ 66%) or not (upper bound ≤ 33%), or whether there is uncertainty about fulfilment. Reasoning points are reported for criteria with an uncertain outcome. According to the assessment performed here, it is uncertain whether SVC can be considered eligible to be listed for Union intervention according to Article 5 of the AHL (45–90% probability). According to the criteria in Annex IV, for the purpose of categorisation related to the level of prevention and control as in Article 9 of the AHL, the AHAW Panel concluded that SVC does not meet the criteria in Section 1 (Category A; 5–33% probability of meeting the criteria) and it is uncertain whether it meets the criteria in Sections 2, 3, 4 and 5 (Categories B, C, D and E; 33–66%, 10–66%, 45–90% and 45–90% probability of meeting the criteria, respectively). The animal species to be listed for SVC according to Article 8 criteria are provided. This publication is linked to the following EFSA Journal articles: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8325/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8326/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8327/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.4783full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8028/full [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several vaccines have been developed against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), mostly inactivated whole‐virus vaccines for chickens. In the EU, one vaccine is authorised in chickens but is not fully efficacious to stop transmission, highlighting the need for vaccines tailored to diverse poultry species and production types. Off‐label use of vaccines is possible, but effectiveness varies. Vaccines are usually injectable, a time‐consuming process. Mass‐application vaccines outside hatcheries remain rare. First vaccination varies from in‐ovo to 6 weeks of age. Data about immunity onset and duration in the target species are often unavailable, despite being key for effective planning. Minimising antigenic distance between vaccines and field strains is essential, requiring rapid updates of vaccines to match circulating strains. Generating harmonised vaccine efficacy data showing vaccine ability to reduce transmission is crucial and this ability should be also assessed in field trials. Planning vaccination requires selecting the most adequate vaccine type and vaccination scheme. Emergency protective vaccination is limited to vaccines that are not restricted by species, age or pre‐existing vector‐immunity, while preventive vaccination should prioritise achieving the highest protection, especially for the most susceptible species in high‐risk transmission areas. Model simulations in France, Italy and The Netherlands revealed that (i) duck and turkey farms are more infectious than chickens, (ii) depopulating infected farms only showed limitations in controlling disease spread, while 1‐km ring‐culling performed better than or similar to emergency preventive ring‐vaccination scenarios, although with the highest number of depopulated farms, (iii) preventive vaccination of the most susceptible species in high‐risk transmission areas was the best option to minimise the outbreaks' number and duration, (iv) during outbreaks in such areas, emergency protective vaccination in a 3‐km radius was more effective than 1‐ and 10‐km radius. Vaccine efficacy should be monitored and complement other surveillance and preventive efforts. This publication is linked to the following EFSA Journal article: https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.p211001 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On request of the EU Commission, EFSA carried out an Extensive Literature Review (ELR) to provide a list of vector species or reservoirs species of pathogens of crustaceans, listed in Annex II to the AHL, aiming to update the Annex of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1882. In this Technical Report, the detailed review protocol of the ELR and assessment of potential vector and reservoir species is described of the crustacean pathogens listed in Annex II to the AHL: Taura syndrome virus (TSV), Yellow head virus (YHV) or White spot syndrome virus (WSSV). In total 2,530 research publications were collected for abstract screening and from these, 110 were selected for further full text analysis. In the final data collection and assessment 34 relevant research publications were used for extracting information on vector and reservoir species of the above crustacean pathogens. The results for crustacean species for which scientific evidence indicates that a role as vector species or reservoir species is likely are presented as tables in the supplementary material of this report. This publication is linked to the following EFSA Journal articles: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8172/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8173/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8174/full This publication is linked to the following EFSA Supporting Publications articles: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/sp.efsa.2023.EN-8123/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/sp.efsa.2023.EN-8124/full [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On request of the EU Commission, EFSA carried out an Extensive Literature Review (ELR) to provide a list of vector species or reservoirs species of pathogens of crustaceans, listed in Annex II to the AHL, aiming to update the Annex of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1882. In this Technical Report, the detailed review protocol of the ELR and assessment of potential vector and reservoir species is described of the crustacean pathogens listed in Annex II to the AHL: Taura syndrome virus (TSV), Yellow head virus (YHV) or White spot syndrome virus (WSSV). In total 2,530 research publications were collected for abstract screening and from these, 110 were selected for further full text analysis. In the final data collection and assessment 34 relevant research publications were used for extracting information on vector and reservoir species of the above crustacean pathogens. The results for crustacean species for which scientific evidence indicates that a role as vector species or reservoir species is likely are presented as tables in the supplementary material of this report. This publication is linked to the following EFSA Journal articles: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8172/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8173/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8174/full This publication is linked to the following EFSA Supporting Publications articles: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/sp.efsa.2023.EN-8122/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/sp.efsa.2023.EN-8124/full [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector or reservoir species of five mollusc diseases listed in the Animal Health Law were identified, based on evidence generated through an extensive literature review, to support a possible updating of Regulation (EU) 2018/1882. Mollusc species on or in which Mikrocytos mackini, Perkinsus marinus, Bonamia exitiosa, Bonamia ostreae and Marteilia refringens were detected, in the field or during experiments, were classified as reservoir species with different levels of certainty depending on the diagnostic tests used. Where experimental evidence indicated transmission of the pathogen from a studied species to another known susceptible species, this studied species was classified as a vector species. Although the quantification of the risk of spread of the pathogens by the vectors or reservoir species was not part of the terms of reference, such risks do exist for the vector species, since transmission from infected vector species to susceptible species was proven. Where evidence for transmission from infected molluscs was not found, these were defined as reservoir. Nonetheless, the risk of the spread of the pathogens from infected reservoir species cannot be excluded. Evidence identifying conditions that may prevent transmission by vectors or reservoir mollusc species during transport was collected from scientific literature. It was concluded that it is very likely to almost certain (90–100%) that M. mackini, P. marinus, B. exitiosaB. ostreae and M. refringens will remain infective at any possible transport condition. Therefore, vector or reservoir species that may have been exposed to these pathogens in an affected area in the wild or at aquaculture establishments or through contaminated water supply can possibly transmit these pathogens. For transmission of M. refringens, the presence of an intermediate host, a copepod, is necessary. This publication is linked to the following EFSA Journal articles: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8172/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8174/full This publication is linked to the following EFSA Supporting Publications articles: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/sp.efsa.2023.EN-8122/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/sp.efsa.2023.EN-8123/full, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/sp.efsa.2023.EN-8124/full [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The recent introduction of post-IR IRSL measurement protocols has prompted a resurgence in luminescence applications using feldspar, some of which are affected by anomalous fading related signal loss. Many fading-corrected feldspar ages are reported in the literature, however few of those ages have been corrected using the model of Huntley (2006) [Huntley, D.J., 2006. An explanation of the power-law decay of luminescence. Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter 18(4), 1359–1365]. Here we present a new R function that calculates fading-corrected ages using the model of Huntley (2006), implemented with either a single-saturating exponential (1EXP) or general-order kinetic (GOK) fit. We evaluate the performance of the model through (i) contrasting measured and modelled field saturation values for a suite of 41 published saturated samples, and (ii) through using the model to fading-correct feldspar ages of samples with independent age control. Our results indicate that when implemented with 1EXP this model has an accuracy of 10% for predicting sample saturation, but that independent ages may be overestimated when the model is used to fading-correct samples across a range of timescales. In contrast, providing that the dose response curve has been characterised beyond 600 Gy, implementing the Huntley (2006) model with a GOK fit yields accurate age estimations. Modelled age overestimation for 1EXP is associated with dose response curve deviation from a single-saturating exponential. Finally we contrast the laboratory measured light levels of a suite of 50 saturated samples with their corresponding fading rates. We show that these saturated samples may yield D e values below 2D 0 , and thus that 2D 0 is not an effective screening criterion for sample saturation where no anomalous fading correction is made. Highlights • Fading correction of feldspar luminescence is explored using known age samples. • Dose response deviation from a single saturating exponential causes age overestimation. • A general order kinetic fit results in accurate age determination. • 2D 0 cannot be used to evaluate feldspar saturation, unless fading is corrected for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss a study which reviewed the emergence of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in Great Britain and mainland European livestock, by Tarlinton and colleagues, published within the issue. They commend the researchers for demonstrating the relevance of scientific knowledge and resources, and of working together to address an outbreak. They also emphasize the role of disseminating peer-reviewed data relating to emerging diseases.

An assessment was conducted on the level of inactivation of relevant pathogens that could be present in processed animal protein of porcine origin intended to feed poultry and aquaculture animals when methods 2 to 5 and method 7, as detailed in Regulation (EU) No 142/2011, are applied. Five approved scenarios were selected for method 7. Salmonella Senftenberg, Enterococcus faecalis, spores of Clostridium perfringens and parvoviruses were shortlisted as target indicators. Inactivation parameters for these indicators were extracted from extensive literature search and a recent EFSA scientific opinion. An adapted Bigelow model was fitted to retrieved data to estimate the probability that methods 2 to 5, in coincidental and consecutive modes, and the five scenarios of method 7 are able to achieve a 5 log10 and a 3 log10 reduction of bacterial indicators and parvoviruses, respectively. Spores of C. perfringens were the indicator with the lowest probability of achieving the target reduction by methods 2 to 5, in coincidental and consecutive mode, and by the five considered scenarios of method 7. An expert knowledge elicitation was conducted to estimate the certainty of achieving a 5 log10 reduction of spores of C. perfringens considering the results of the model and additional evidence. A 5 log10 reduction of C. perfringens spores was judged: 99–100% certain for methods 2 and 3 in coincidental mode; 98–100% certain for method 7 scenario 3; 80–99% certain for method 5 in coincidental mode; 66–100% certain for method 4 in coincidental mode and for method 7 scenarios 4 and 5; 25–75% certain for method 7 scenario 2; and 0–5% certain for method 7 scenario 1. Higher certainty is expected for methods 2 to 5 in consecutive mode compared to coincidental mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) was assessed according to the criteria of the Animal Health Law (AHL), in particular, the criteria of Article 7 on disease profile and impacts, Article 5 on its eligibility to be listed, Annex IV for its categorisation according to disease prevention and control rules as in Article 9, and Article 8 for listing animal species related to IPN. The assessment was performed following a methodology previously published. The outcome reported is the median of the probability ranges provided by the experts, which indicates whether each criterion is fulfilled (lower bound ≥ 66%) or not (upper bound ≤ 33%), or whether there is uncertainty about fulfilment. Reasoning points are reported for criteria with an uncertain outcome. According to the assessment here performed, it is uncertain whether IPN can be considered eligible to be listed for Union intervention according to Article 5 of the AHL (50–90% probability). According to the criteria in Annex IV, for the purpose of categorisation related to the level of prevention and control as in Article 9 of the AHL, the AHAW Panel concluded that IPN does not meet the criteria in Section 1 (Category A; 0–1% probability of meeting the criteria) and it is uncertain whether it meets the criteria in Sections 2, 3, 4 and 5 (Categories B, C, D and E; 33–66%, 33–66%, 50–90% and 50–99% probability of meeting the criteria, respectively). The animal species to be listed for IPN according to Article 8 criteria are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Scientific Opinion concerns the welfare of Domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata domesticus) and their hybrids (Mule ducks), Domestic geese (Anser anser f. domesticus) and Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) in relation to the rearing of breeders, birds for meat, Muscovy and Mule ducks and Domestic geese for foie gras and layer Japanese quail for egg production. The most common husbandry systems (HSs) in the European Union are described for each animal species and category. The following welfare consequences are described and assessed for each species: restriction of movement, injuries (bone lesions including fractures and dislocations, soft tissue lesions and integument damage and locomotory disorders including lameness), group stress, inability to perform comfort behaviour, inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour and inability to express maternal behaviour (related to prelaying and nesting behaviours). Animal‐based measures relevant for the assessment of these welfare consequences were identified and described. The relevant hazards leading to the welfare consequences in the different HSs were identified. Specific factors such as space allowance (including minimum enclosure area and height) per bird, group size, floor quality, characteristics of nesting facilities and enrichment provided (including access to water to fulfil biological needs) were assessed in relation to the welfare consequences and, recommendations on how to prevent the welfare consequences were provided in a quantitative or qualitative way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Scientific Opinion addresses a European Commission's mandate on the welfare of dairy cows as part of the Farm to Fork strategy. It includes three assessments carried out based on literature reviews and complemented by expert opinion. Assessment 1 describes the most prevalent housing systems for dairy cows in Europe: tie‐stalls, cubicle housing, open‐bedded systems and systems with access to an outdoor area. Per each system, the scientific opinion describes the distribution in the EU and assesses the main strengths, weaknesses and hazards potentially reducing the welfare of dairy cows. Assessment 2 addresses five welfare consequences as requested in the mandate: locomotory disorders (including lameness), mastitis, restriction of movement and resting problems, inability to perform comfort behaviour and metabolic disorders. Per each welfare consequence, a set of animal‐based measures is suggested, a detailed analysis of the prevalence in different housing systems is provided, and subsequently, a comparison of the housing systems is given. Common and specific system‐related hazards as well as management‐related hazards and respective preventive measures are investigated. Assessment 3 includes an analysis of farm characteristics (e.g. milk yield, herd size) that could be used to classify the level of on‐farm welfare. From the available scientific literature, it was not possible to derive relevant associations between available farm data and cow welfare. Therefore, an approach based on expert knowledge elicitation (EKE) was developed. The EKE resulted in the identification of five farm characteristics (more than one cow per cubicle at maximum stocking density, limited space for cows, inappropriate cubicle size, high on‐farm mortality and farms with less than 2 months access to pasture). If one or more of these farm characteristics are present, it is recommended to conduct an assessment of cow welfare on the farm in question using animal‐based measures for specified welfare consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcitic snail opercula are a promising new material for thermoluminescence (TL) dating with the potential to cover the last ~3 Ma [1]. The ERC-funded Bridging Europe: a Quaternary Timescale for the Expansion and Evolution of Humans (EQuaTe) project aims to produce a secure dating framework for the earliest human occupation and expansion across Europe using this TL signal. Thermal lag is a key consideration for TL measurements and assessing the reproducibility of heating samples during TL measurement is an important but challenging issue. The potential magnitude of the problem is illustrated by Schmidt et al. [2] who reported a variation of ~60°C in the temperature of the "110 °C" TL peak from quartz grains when heating at 5 °C/s. It is unclear what proportion of this variability is due to thermal lag or incorrect calibration of hotplates. Duller et al. [3] showed that across eight different readers it was possible to reduce the variability in the "110 °C" TL peak from quartz to 2°C, and they suggested the temperature at which the TL peak was observed could be used to routinely assess the reproducibility of sample heating during measurement protocols. This relatively simple procedure involves measuring the TL glow curve and fitting the 110 °C TL peak with a Weibull function [see 4] thereby monitoring the peak position during a measurement sequence. The TL signal from calcitic opercula displays one low temperature peak (~100 °C, peak I) and two high temperature peaks (~275 °C and 350 °C, peak II and peak III respectively). Lifetimes of 7.4 x 107 and 1.4 x 1011 years have been reported for peaks II and III [1], and these are the signals that are of value for dating [e.g. 5, 6]. Little work has been published for peak I (~100°C). Here we present our investigation of the low temperature TL peak produced by Bithynia tentaculata opercula, and whether it can be used to investigate thermal lag and monitor temperature during TL measurements. The approach is used to assess the reproducibility of heating between different TL measurements during a single aliquot regenerative dose (SAR) procedure, and also to examine variability in heating between different opercula from a single sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the outcomes of follow-up visits after cataract surgery in developing countries. He discusses the importance of follow-up check-ups, where it ensures the success of the surgery and detects if there were postoperative complications. He is critical that several outcomes contribute in incomplete check-ups including the high-rate of comorbidity, absence of preoperative biometry, and limited resources.

The article discusses how the British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) assesses the risks of exotic diseases in Great Britain. Defra's International Disease Monitoring team refers to reports from other organisations for monitoring risks and following emerging trends in diseases. To calculate risk, the team makes use of a decision matrix that include factors such as the disease's presence in the country of interest, transmission pathways, and mitigation measures in the country of origin.

The author argues in favor of research findings that correlated a reduction in the incidence of breast cancer following a drop in hormone use among pre-monopausal women. She cites some studies which examined trends of breast cancer incidence and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use within a screened population. She asserts that caution is needed in prescribing hormone therapy to women who are already at high risk of breast cancer.

The article focuses on medical workers communicating with eye injury patients which includes involving people with the patient during the consultation, managing the anxiousness of patient and the family, and giving time to patients and carers to take in the prognosis.

A response by Bronagh Walsh and colleagues to a letter to the editor about their article "Trends in hospital inpatient episodes for signs, symptoms and ill defined conditions: observational study of older people's hospital episodes in England, 1995-2003," in a 2008 issue, is presented.

The author reflects on the types of hormone replacement therapy that are available for postmenopausal women and the risk of venous thromboembolism that is associated with them. She suggests that transdermal estrogen may be safer than oral estrogen. She argues that further investigation into the association between venous thromboembolism and estrogen is needed.

This editorial comments on a study in this issue of the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on menopausal women. The study showed hormone use increased the risk of venous thromboembolism and did not find the expected benefit in preventing cardiovascular disease. There was nothing in the study to change the current guidelines on the long-term use of HRT as the negative outcomes outweigh the positive benefits.

Presents a letter to the editor in response to the article "Older People's Use of Accident & Emergency Services," by A. Downing and R. C. Wilson, in a 2005 issue of "Age and Aging."

This article discusses the challenges for public health. There is still a long way to go in developing and implementing sound interventions at a community level. Even once it became accepted that physicians and surgeons could inadvertently do more harm than good, some areas of public health and health promotion occupied a privileged place. Over the past few years, randomised controlled trials of day care, social support in pregnancy, sex education, and smoke alarms are among the studies conducted in non-clinical settings, with a public health purpose.

Introduces a series of articles, which related to the history of Quaker involvement in commerce and industry.

Discusses the development of evidence-based clinical practice for emergency medicine for the management of patients with hip fractures. Steps for evidence-based clinical practice; Evaluations of guidelines in terms of their impact on the process and patient outcome; Problems of implementing clinical guidelines.

Editorial. Presents guidelines on male and female sterilization from the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Great Britain. Rate of sterilization in the country; Details of the guidelines; Factors associated with increased sterilization rate.

The article offers information on the Royal Meteorological Society conference in February 2014, focusing on the weather of 2013 worldwide. Topics include the coldest weather in northern India in January, hottest summer in Australia in February, and an early monsoon in India and Pakistan in June. Also mentioned are the effect of the Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in November, heavy snow in Peru in September, and ice storm in Toronto, Ontario in December.

Changes in East Asian summer and winter monsoon intensity have played a pivotal role in the prosperity and decline of society in the past, and will be important for future climate scenarios. However, the phasing of changes in the intensity of East Asian summer and winter monsoons on millennial and centennial timescales during the Holocene is unclear, limiting our ability to understand the factors driving past and future changes in the monsoon system. Here, we present a high resolution (up to multidecadal) loess record for the last 3.3 ka from the southern Chinese Loess Plateau that clearly demonstrates the relationship between changes in the intensity of the East Asian summer and winter monsoons, particularly at multicentennial scales. At multimillennial scales, the East Asian summer monsoon shows a steady weakening, while the East Asian winter monsoon intensifies continuously. At multicentennial scales, a prominent ∼700–800 yr cycle in the East Asian summer and winter monsoon intensity is observed, and here too the two monsoons are anti-phase. We conclude that multimillennial changes are driven by Northern Hemisphere summer insolation, while multicentennial changes can be correlated with solar activity and changing strength of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health and social care systems face difficulties in managing multimorbidity, disease burden and complex needs in long‐term conditions such as Parkinson's disease. Objective: This study aimed to develop a European understanding of how health and social care professionals can collaborate with stakeholders from different organizations and sectors to enhance the management of Parkinson's disease in a community setting by identifying the existing gaps in this process and how people with Parkinson's disease and their family carers could benefit from these partnerships. Methods: A mixed‐methods sequential study was conducted in Denmark, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom. The findings from the qualitative phase are presented. Individual semistructured interviews were analysed using Braun's and Clarke's thematic analysis. A meta‐ethnography approach was used to analyse and synthesize cross‐national findings. Results: A total of 41 healthcare professionals and 39 stakeholders from different disciplines and sectors were interviewed in the four countries. The participants acknowledged a lack of awareness of available resources and poor communication between the different support systems in the management of Parkinson's disease. To promote multiagency collaborations, the participants highlighted the need to organize services along the Parkinson's disease journey, patient involvement and strategic involvement of carers in organizing resources and Parkinson's disease care pathways. According to the participants, the benefits from multiagency partnerships could lead to an enhanced continuity of care and specialized knowledge, mobilization of resources in the community, personalized support and improved access to services. Conclusions: Policymakers are called upon to create formal structures that facilitate multisectoral collaborations to promote an integrated system of care for the management of Parkinson's disease in the community. To address this challenge, we propose five strategies showing how organizations can work together to optimize the use of resources and enhance the management of Parkinson's disease throughout the illness trajectory. Patient or Public Contribution: Patient and Public Involvement groups made up of stakeholders, healthcare professionals, patients with Parkinson's disease and family carers participated in the design of the study, the development of the interview guides and the validation of the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Scientific Opinion addresses a European Commission request on the welfare of calves as part of the Farm to Fork strategy. EFSA was asked to provide a description of common husbandry systems and related welfare consequences, as well as measures to prevent or mitigate the hazards leading to them. In addition, recommendations on three specific issues were requested: welfare of calves reared for white veal (space, group housing, requirements of iron and fibre); risk of limited cow–calf contact; and animal‐based measures (ABMs) to monitor on‐farm welfare in slaughterhouses. The methodology developed by EFSA to address similar requests was followed. Fifteen highly relevant welfare consequences were identified, with respiratory disorders, inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour, gastroenteric disorders and group stress being the most frequent across husbandry systems. Recommendations to improve the welfare of calves include increasing space allowance, keeping calves in stable groups from an early age, ensuring good colostrum management and increasing the amounts of milk fed to dairy calves. In addition, calves should be provided with deformable lying surfaces, water via an open surface and long‐cut roughage in racks. Regarding specific recommendations for veal systems, calves should be kept in small groups (2–7 animals) within the first week of life, provided with ~ 20 m2/calf and fed on average 1 kg neutral detergent fibre (NDF) per day, preferably using long‐cut hay. Recommendations on cow–calf contact include keeping the calf with the dam for a minimum of 1 day post‐partum. Longer contact should progressively be implemented, but research is needed to guide this implementation in practice. The ABMs body condition, carcass condemnations, abomasal lesions, lung lesions, carcass colour and bursa swelling may be collected in slaughterhouses to monitor on‐farm welfare but should be complemented with behavioural ABMs collected on farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the number of alcohol-exposed pregnancies in antenatal care in the UK, the CHAMPION study objective was to design appropriate training and resources to develop the midwifery skills and confidence required to have an effective conversation about alcohol with pregnant women. Women with lived experience of drinking during pregnancy and 'birth mums' of a child with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) were central to the co-creation process of the CHAMPION study. Some remarkable unintended positive outcomes resulted from this collaboration process for the women involved. They include increased confidence levels from newfound friendships with other mothers of children with FASD, and an acceptance that societal influences had a significant role to play in their personal situations. Reflecting on this authentic co-creation process has elicited important learning outcomes to inform future research design. The significance of excellent communication channels, robust support networks and genuinely valuing and respecting experts by experience as equal partners should not be underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epidemiological situation of SARS‐CoV‐2 in humans and animals is continually evolving. To date, animal species known to transmit SARS‐CoV‐2 are American mink, raccoon dog, cat, ferret, hamster, house mouse, Egyptian fruit bat, deer mouse and white‐tailed deer. Among farmed animals, American mink have the highest likelihood to become infected from humans or animals and further transmit SARS‐CoV‐2. In the EU, 44 outbreaks were reported in 2021 in mink farms in seven MSs, while only six in 2022 in two MSs, thus representing a decreasing trend. The introduction of SARS‐CoV‐2 into mink farms is usually via infected humans; this can be controlled by systematically testing people entering farms and adequate biosecurity. The current most appropriate monitoring approach for mink is the outbreak confirmation based on suspicion, testing dead or clinically sick animals in case of increased mortality or positive farm personnel and the genomic surveillance of virus variants. The genomic analysis of SARS‐CoV‐2 showed mink‐specific clusters with a potential to spill back into the human population. Among companion animals, cats, ferrets and hamsters are those at highest risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, which most likely originates from an infected human, and which has no or very low impact on virus circulation in the human population. Among wild animals (including zoo animals), mostly carnivores, great apes and white‐tailed deer have been reported to be naturally infected by SARS‐CoV‐2. In the EU, no cases of infected wildlife have been reported so far. Proper disposal of human waste is advised to reduce the risks of spill‐over of SARS‐CoV‐2 to wildlife. Furthermore, contact with wildlife, especially if sick or dead, should be minimised. No specific monitoring for wildlife is recommended apart from testing hunter‐harvested animals with clinical signs or found‐dead. Bats should be monitored as a natural host of many coronaviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scientific opinion focuses on the welfare of laying hens, pullets and layer breeders on farm. The most relevant husbandry systems used in Europe are described. For each system, highly relevant welfare consequences were identified, as well as related animal‐based measures (ABMs), and hazards leading to the welfare consequences. Moreover, measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate the welfare consequences are recommended. The highly relevant welfare consequences based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence are bone lesions, group stress, inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour, inability to perform comfort behaviour, inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour, isolation stress, predation stress, resting problems, restriction of movement, skin disorders and soft tissue lesions and integument damage. The welfare consequences of non‐cage compared to cage systems for laying hens are described and minimum enclosure characteristics are described for laying hens, pullets and layer breeders. Beak trimming, which causes negative welfare consequences and is conducted to reduce the prevalence and severity of pecking, is described as well as the risks associated with rearing of non‐beak‐trimmed flocks. Alternatives to reduce sharpness of the beak without trimming are suggested. Finally, total mortality, plumage damage, wounds, keel bone fractures and carcass condemnations are the most promising ABMs for collection at slaughterhouses to monitor the level of laying hen welfare on farm. Main recommendations include housing all birds in non‐cage systems with easily accessible, elevated platforms and provision of dry and friable litter and access to a covered veranda. It is further recommended to implement protocols to define welfare trait information to encourage progress in genetic selection, implement measures to prevent injurious pecking, rear pullets with dark brooders and reduce male aggression in layer breeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Scientific Opinion considers the welfare of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) related to the production of meat (broilers) and includes the keeping of day‐old chicks, broiler breeders, and broiler chickens. Currently used husbandry systems in the EU are described. Overall, 19 highly relevant welfare consequences (WCs) were identified based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: 'bone lesions', 'cold stress', 'gastro‐enteric disorders', 'group stress', 'handling stress', 'heat stress', 'isolation stress', 'inability to perform comfort behaviour', 'inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour', 'inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour', 'locomotory disorders', 'prolonged hunger', 'prolonged thirst', 'predation stress', 'restriction of movement', 'resting problems', 'sensory under‐ and overstimulation', 'soft tissue and integument damage' and 'umbilical disorders'. These WCs and their animal‐based measures (ABMs) that can identify them are described in detail. A variety of hazards related to the different husbandry systems were identified as well as ABMs for assessing the different WCs. Measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate each of the WCs are listed. Recommendations are provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of broilers and related to genetic selection, temperature, feed and water restriction, use of cages, light, air quality and mutilations in breeders such as beak trimming, de‐toeing and comb dubbing. In addition, minimal requirements (e.g. stocking density, group size, nests, provision of litter, perches and platforms, drinkers and feeders, of covered veranda and outdoor range) for an enclosure for keeping broiler chickens (fast‐growing, slower‐growing and broiler breeders) are recommended. Finally, 'total mortality', 'wounds', 'carcass condemnation' and 'footpad dermatitis' are proposed as indicators for monitoring at slaughter the welfare of broilers on‐farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify factors associated with contraceptive planning in the immediate postpartum period.Methods: Survey of those receiving inpatient postpartum care in two tertiary hospitals/associated birthing units (Auckland, New Zealand). Multivariable analyses using logistic regression examined independent predictors of contraceptive planning.Results: Of 571 participants, those who recalled both antenatal and postpartum contraception discussions were more likely to have a contraceptive plan than those who recalled neither (aOR 5.6(2.8-11.5)).Conclusion: Both antenatal and postpartum contraceptive discussions are associated with postpartum contraceptive planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines contrasting views on the role of parents in the early diagnosis of child health problems. Perception of mothers' effectiveness in interpreting their children's symptoms; Need to inculcate efficient risk assessment among parents.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article about a preliminary outbreak assessment of African swine fever (ASF) in backyard pigs and wild boar in Western Russia which increases the possibility of pig meat and pig meat products containing ASF virus in the human food chain.

Summary: Genomic screening is routinely used to guide the treatment of cancer patients in many countries. However, several multi-layered factors make this effort difficult to deliver within a clinically relevant timeframe. Here we share the learnings from the CRUK-funded Stratified Medicine Programme for advanced NSCLC patients, which could be useful to better plan future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The anorexia of ageing is important in the development of malnutrition, frailty and sarcopenia amongst the older population and is a particular problem for hospital inpatients. This study assessed appetite-related factors in a group of hospitalised older adults, to identify potential preventive strategies. Design Cross sectional observational study. Setting Eleven wards in one large hospital in England. Subjects Older inpatients aged ≥70 years, admitted non-electively. Methods Appetite was assessed using the four-item Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ). Associations between SNAQ score and appetite-related factors present in the dataset were assessed in continuous analyses, including habitual physical activity, mood, medication, cognition and living circumstances. Results 200 participants, mean age of 80.7 years (SD 6.9); 40% were women. Prevalence of poor appetite was 43%. In univariate analyses, lower medication count, higher habitual physical activity and better mood were associated with higher SNAQ scores during admission. In a multivariate analysis, independent associations of higher habitual physical activity and better mood with higher SNAQ scores during hospital admission remained. Conclusion In this group of older adults, better mood and higher habitual physical activity were independently associated with better appetite during hospital admission. These are potentially modifiable factors and could be targets for future research into interventions for the anorexia of ageing in the hospitalised older population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with Parkinson's disease (PD) may find it difficult to identify and access the wide number of services they need and are entitled to along their complex PD journey. As part of the project OPTIM‐PARK – Optimisation of community resources and systems of support to enhance the process of living with Parkinson's Disease, document analysis was developed to create overviews of existing resources and systems of support in Denmark, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom. Documents on community resources, policies, guidelines and professional recommendations were the main sources of information. They were sought systematically at official websites of the public sector (national and regional levels) and websites of non‐governmental organisations and scientific societies; searches were performed in October 2020 and updated in September 2021. A higher‐level cross‐national content analysis integrated all the country‐specific information. Data‐ and concept‐driven coding frames were developed; trial coding and peer review strengthened face validity and reliability. The analysis led to overviews of: (1) Key aims at patient and societal levels. (2) Key elements in form of professional approaches. (3) Community resources. (4) Legally anchored services. In general, clear descriptions of how to implement care pathways and tools to facilitate delivery were missing in the included documents, and pathways and guidelines did not include referral to general social support, social security support or labour and employment support. The results shed light on the complex support systems and resources and can inspire the planning of more comprehensive care pathways for people with PD and other long‐term conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To investigate ex vivo peripheral neutrophil extracellular trap ( NET) production and their subsequent degradation by plasma in chronic periodontitis patients, and periodontally and systemically healthy-matched controls. Materials and Methods Chronic periodontitis patient and control ( n = 40 pairs) peripheral blood neutrophils (PBN) were stimulated for NET quantification. A subset of patients received non-surgical periodontal therapy ( n = 19) and NETs were quantified 3 months later alongside controls. Blood plasma was collected from patients and controls to quantify plasma-induced NET degradation ( n = 19 pairs). Subsequent experiments quantified plasma concentrations of DNase-1, immunoglobulin G (IgG), free light chains ( FLCs), and cystatin C. Results No differences were observed in NET production between patients and controls. However, NET production decreased significantly in patients post-treatment. Plasma NET degradation was significantly lower in patients than controls, which may be due to significantly reduced DNase-1 levels as demonstrated, or potentially due to elevated IgG/ FLC concentrations in patients. NET degradation post-periodontal treatment was comparable between patients and controls. Conclusions NET production was comparable between patients and controls; however, non-surgical therapy causes attenuated NETs. NET degradation by plasma is impaired in untreated chronic periodontitis, potentially increasing the chronic NET burden, which may enhance antimicrobial function, or conversely, increase the risk of autoimmune/inflammatory responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kulshan caldera formed at ∼1.15 Ma on the present-day site of Mt. Baker, Washington State, northwest USA and erupted a compositionally zoned (dacite-rhyolite) magma and a correlative eruptive, the Lake Tapps tephra. This tephra has previously been described, but only from the Puget Lowland of NW Washington. Here an occurrence of a Kulshan caldera correlative tephra is described from the Quaternary Palouse loess at the Washtucna site (WA-3). Site WA-3 is located in east-central Washington, ∼340 km southeast of the Kulshan caldera and ∼300 km east-southeast of the Lake Tapps occurrence in the Puget Lowland. Major- and trace element chemistry and location of the deposit at Washtucna within reversed polarity sediments indicates that it is not correlative with the Mesa Falls, Rockland, Bishop Ash, Lava Creek B or Huckleberry Ridge tephras. Instead the Washtucna deposit is related to the Lake Tapps tephra by fractional crystallisation, but is chemically distinct, a consequence of its eruption from a compositionally zoned magma chamber. The correlation of the Washtucna occurrence to the Kulshan caldera-forming eruption indicates that it had an eruptive volume exceeding 100 km 3 , and that its tephra could provide a valuable early-Pleistocene chronostratigraphic marker in the Pacific Northwest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article Helen Roberts presents a case study of rural Kenya, kwale district were ten thousand people who were blind, thirty thousand with low vision, and about the same number with significant eye disease in the district. They began their work in kwale district eighteen years ago after a feasibility study. When people requested a safe means of getting from the main road to the eye center, they purchased a tuk-tuk (three-wheeled taxi) to provide a free shuttle service.

The author discusses the study by Shapiro and colleagues which assessed the impact of hormone therapy on the increase risk in breast cancer. She says that the study used epidemiological principles to determine the association of hormone therapy on the risk of breast cancer. She mentions that the findings from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) showed that oestrogen treatment can reduce the risk of breast cancer while Million Women Study (MWS) had design defects and contains multiple biases.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article regarding the appropriate outcome measures for care home populations, by Thomas J. Hoppitt, Cath Sackley and Chris Wright in the January 2010 issue.

QUESTIONS What are the attitudes of patients with terminal illness and their healthcare providers about truth-telling? What are perceived barriers to full information exchange? DESIGN Qualitative pilot study. SETTING 4 palliative home care centres in Belgium. PARTICIPANTS 17 patients >18 years of age who had advanced illness (cancer), life expectancy of about 3 months, and had been duly informed of their diagnosis and prognosis; 8 relatives of patients; and 29 healthcare providers (14 general practitioners [GPs], 10 nurses, 4 specialists, and 1 psychologist). METHODS Patients (and their relatives) participated in individual inter- views; 11 second interviews were held. Healthcare providers participated in 3 focus groups, which focused on GP-nurse relations, GP-specialist relations, and multidisciplinary coop- eration. Interviews and focus groups were audiotaped and transcribed. Analysis was informed by grounded theory and included an iterative process of coding emerging themes and constant comparison. MAIN FINDINGS Attitudes of patients towards truth-telling. Patient preferences varied about when and how they wanted to be informed. Most patients preferred information to be provided gradually, at a slow pace, and tailored to their emotional responses. Many could not tolerate bad news and detailed information. Impending death was the most threatening topic. A few patients wanted all available information about their medical condition and prognosis, but even these patients did not discuss expected conditions of death and end-of-life decisions. Some patients accepted that physicians might withhold or defer information "in the interest of the patient." All patients wanted their providers to be honest, but some expressed ambivalence about wanting to know "the whole truth." "... I know I am going to die. But being told it will be in two weeks' time is a different matter. I know I may die any day, but I'd rather not be told it's going to be tomorrow...Still, I like to know the truth. It's a bit paradoxical, isn't it, wanting one thing and the other?" Some patients not only wanted truth but also to be given some hope. Attitudes of heahhcare providers. The central theme of the focus groups was that truth-telling was a "dosed and gradual" process rather than a single act (ie, disclosing the complete truth in a single session, with no preparation or follow-up). Most providers allowed patients to set the pace of truth- telling, whereas others wanted to set the pace themselves. While they all agreed that lying to patients was unacceptable, they also felt that revealing all possible complications would put too much of a burden on patients. Barriers to communication. Perceived barriers to truth-telling identified by both patients and providers were physicians' lack of time and the limits of medical knowledge in terms of predicting time and circumstances of death. Providers also felt that the technicality of some information was beyond the capacity of some patients' understanding. CONCLUSIONS Patients with terminal illness and their healthcare providers preferred a dosed and gradual process of truth-telling. Barriers to truth-telling were physicians' lack of time, limitations of medical knowledge for predicting time of death, and patients' capacity to understand technical information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a study about the experiences of young people concerning their local health services. It features a case where a rapid action on the improvement of health was observed. Some of the ways of improving public health and the ways in which these improvements increase the health gap in children and young people are discussed.

The article focuses on the Taxi campaign of the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (RADAR) in Great Britain. The campaign is intended to offer accessible taxi policies to be introduced in all localities throughout the country. The author points out the inability of disabled people to access pubs, clubs and other public places because they face barriers like lack of personal support, difficulties with transport and a lack of respect and common courtesy.

Presents a letter to the editor which discussed the need for understandable consent forms.