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Volatile aromatic hydrocarbons, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), are widely used in paint manufacturing and can create occupational health hazards because of their toxicity and high volatility. This study assessed personal and exposure levels of BTEX compounds among workers in small- and medium-sized paint factories in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Air samples were collected using charcoal tubes and analyzed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Statistical analyses, including correlation and principal component analysis (PCA), were used to identify emission patterns and likely exposure sources. Benzene was not detected in any samples, whereas toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes were consistently present and frequently exceeded occupational exposure limits set by ACGIH and OSHA. The highest mean concentrations were found in mixing, grinding, and packaging operations, suggesting inadequate ventilation and direct solvent handling. Strong correlations between ethylbenzene and xylenes indicated shared emission sources from mixed solvent formulations. PCA showed that exposure variability was mainly process-related, with distinct components linked to blending and hardener-related activities. Chronic exposure to these levels may cause neurological, hepatic, and hematological effects, especially in workers with limited protection. The study highlights the need for engineering controls, worker training, and substitution with low-VOC or water-based products.

Assessing the suitability of unconditioned buildings for adaptive reuse as archival storages, particularly with respect to their microclimate behaviour, remains a complex and evolving methodological challenge. This study proposes a data-driven method using indoor and outdoor climate data to assess whether unconditioned buildings can be adaptively reused for specific functions (e.g., archival), based on their microclimate behaviour. The multi-step approach includes quality check, stationarity analysis, temporal decomposition, and buffering capacity analysis. This is applied to 5 years (2020-2024) of air temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) data (approximately 14 600 observations) from 10 thermohygrometers in the "Library Section for Special Collections (LSSC)" within "Dora I" (Trondheim, Norway), where conservation conditions of paper-based objects are considered satisfactory. Results indicate a very stable indoor climate with no significant trends or abrupt changes, with a mean temperature (T) and mixing ratio (MR) values of 17 ± 2 °C and 6 ± 1 g/kg respectively, and very low short-term variability, suggesting consistent conservation conditions and reduced need for active climate control. Indoor T and MR show delayed responses to outdoor conditions (up to 70 and 50 days), and buffering factors of 0.2 and 0.4, respectively, reflecting thermal inertia and moisture buffering. The proposed method captures the limited impact of site management on indoor climate and reveals structure-specific dynamics often overlooked in commonly applied evaluations.

Artificial riffles are increasingly used in river renaturalization to stabilize incised channels and enhance habitat diversity. However, their long-term structural stability remains under-researched, particularly in reservoir-impacted systems. This study evaluates the nine-year persistence of 12 artificial and 4 seminatural riffles in the regulated upland Bóbr River (Poland) using RTK GPS field surveys, hydraulic and grain size measurements, and hydromorphological assessments (River Habitat Survey). The results demonstrate a clear divergence in evolution based on construction quality. Well-executed riffles (n = 6) maintained high morphological and hydraulic stability (p > 0.05) throughout the monitoring period (2015-2023). In contrast, poorly-executed structures (n = 10) underwent significant degradation, characterized by a significant increase in mean channel depth (p = 0.037) and flow velocity (p = 0.014). In these structures, the winnowing of finer fractions led to a coarsening of the substrate, with the median grain size of the riffle runs increasing from 35 mm to 78 mm, resulting in a fragmented 'dragon's teeth' morphology. While artificial riffles proved to be a durable and nature-friendly alternative to traditional bed-stabilization works, their long-term success is strictly dependent on adherence to design grain size distributions (D50, D84) and proper substrate mixing. These findings provide critical technical benchmarks for the sustainable renaturalization of incised, gravel-bed upland rivers.

Shield tunnel launching adjacent to a river is a typical high-risk problem in urban underground engineering. As a novel reinforcement method for launching shafts, TRD (Trench cutting Re-mixing Deep wall) has been widely applied in shield launching projects, while its stability evolution and failure mechanism remain insufficiently understood. To address this issue, a coupled theoretical model based on Mindlin's elastic solution and the rigorous limit equilibrium method is proposed for stability analysis. Considering the high computational complexity and time consumption of conventional coupled analysis methods, the XGBoost machine learning algorithm is further introduced based on the proposed theoretical model to establish a nonlinear mapping relationship between input parameters and the safety factor, thereby enabling rapid intelligent assessment of excavation stability under complex working conditions. Furthermore, the SHAP method is employed to improve the interpretability of the prediction model by identifying the contribution of different parameters to the safety factor and validating the results against theoretical sensitivity analyses. The results indicate that the shear strength reduction coefficient of the TRD-reinforced zone (ke) has the most significant influence on the safety factor, with a contribution ratio of 65%. The horizontal vibration coefficient (kc) contributes approximately 20%, while the influences of shield thrust (P) and advancement distance (L) are relatively minor. During shield advancement, the evolution of the safety factor can be divided into three stages: rapid adjustment, high-impact dominance, and low-impact stabilization. The system gradually reaches a stable state after the shield advances approximately 15 m. The proposed method can provide theoretical support for the optimal design of TRD reinforcement, safety control during shield launching, and rapid on-site construction safety management.

Solid-state spins are promising as interfaces from stationary qubits to single photons for quantum communication technologies. Semiconductor quantum dots have excellent optical coherence, exhibit near-unity collection efficiencies when coupled to photonic structures, and possess long-lived spins for quantum memory. However, the incompatibility of performing optical spin control and single-shot readout simultaneously has been a challenge faced by almost all solid-state emitters. To overcome this, we leverage light-hole mixing to realize a highly asymmetric lambda system in a negatively charged heavy-hole exciton in Faraday configuration. By compensating GHz-scale differential Stark shifts, induced by unequal coupling to Raman control fields, and by performing nuclear-spin cooling, we achieve quantum control of an electron-spin qubit with a π-pulse contrast of 97.4% while preserving spin-selective optical transitions with a cyclicity of 471 (50). We demonstrate this scheme for both GaAs and InGaAs quantum dots, and show that it is compatible with the operation of a nuclear quantum memory. Our approach thus enables repeated emission of indistinguishable photons together with qubit control, as required for single-shot readout, photonic cluster-state generation, and quantum repeater technologies.

Pharmacists, while central to medication safety, face underestimated risks due to their daily exposure to toxic and explosive substances. In compounding pharmacies, handling carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR) substances such as chemotherapy drugs, anesthetic gases, antibiotics, and hormones poses significant health hazards. These substances can cause environmental and secondary contamination through fine powder dispersion or volatile vapors, leading to indirect exposure even with standard protective gear. Explosive and fire risks also abound, especially with volatile solvents like ethanol, acetone, and ethyl ether. These substances are flammable and require careful storage and handling. Accidental chemical reactions, such as the mixing of acids and bases or contact between unstable compounds like picric acid and friction, can result in toxic gas release or explosions. To mitigate these dangers, pharmacies must implement strict preventive measures. This includes the use of fume hoods, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and standardized protocols for hazardous drug preparation. Flammable substances must be stored in ventilated, ATEX-compliant cabinets, and chemicals clearly labeled with updated safety data sheets (SDS). Safe waste management and continuous staff training are also essential. Current challenges, such as drug shortages, force pharmacies to work with unfamiliar raw materials, increasing the risk of accidents. A notable example is potassium clavulanate, a fine powder prone to dust explosions if not carefully managed. Ultimately, ensuring pharmacist safety requires a culture of vigilance, continuous education, and adherence to safety protocols to manage both toxicological and explosive risks effectively.

The overdose crisis in the U.S is complex, with opioid overdoses compounded more recently with rising stimulant-involvement. Individuals who experience or witness overdoses often avoid calling 911 due to fear of criminal-legal system consequences. Many U.S. states have "Good Samaritan Laws" (GSLs) protecting those seeking help for overdoses, but research is lacking on the understanding and role of GSL in overdose response among people who use stimulants (PWUS) and criminal-legal populations. Our mixed-methods analysis focused on PWUS from a community-based sample in a state with GSL protections, Rhode Island, and participants incarcerated at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) for charges related to drug distribution. We analyzed survey and interview data to discern differences in knowledge and attitudes regarding Rhode Island's GSL in the two samples. Overall awareness of the GSL was widespread among the community sample (61.1%) and the RIDOC sample (63.3%); however, more RIDOC participants (70%) than PWUS in the community (42.9%) could accurately describe the law. Participants in both samples reported deeply rooted fears associated with the consequences of help-seeking and skepticism of protections provided by the GSL, particularly around criminal-legal consequences. While the Rhode Island GSL provides protections for probation or parole violations, many RIDOC participants were fearful that these protections would not apply to them, despite the law being amended to provide these protections. Additionally, participants from both samples reflected on differences in help-seeking behaviors among unexpected opioid and stimulant overdoses, discussing how their interpretation of overdose symptoms influenced decisions to call for help (e.g., call 911) or not. Varying degrees of understanding of the Rhode Island GSL, along with fears of police involvement in overdose situations, underscore the need for targeted interventions, policy change, and re-education efforts about overdose prevention and the GSL. Findings can inform policy and professional practices associated with GSLs.

Magnetic biomonitoring employing lichens transplants is a non-invasive and low-cost method to evaluate airborne particulate matter (PM) pollution originated from urban traffic. Within a preventive conservation framework, this approach enables the identification of potential conservation risks in cultural heritage sites, assessing the accumulation of vehicular particulate matter (PM) by means of outdoor vs. indoor mixed designs of lichen exposure. The present study was designed to assess the indoor deposition of traffic-related PM within the 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, employing lichen transplants exposed during two distinct periods of 11weeks each. Several magnetic measurements and analyses - including magnetic susceptibility, isothermal remanent magnetization acquisition, hysteresis loops and First-Order-Reversal-Curve (FORC) diagrams - were combined to infer the PM granulometry and to disentangle the emission sources. Magnetite-like particles constituted the dominant component of the magnetic PM, the highest concentration outdoors along the street and near the entrance and the southern façade of the Jerónimos Monastery. The hysteresis parameters indicated a mixed magnetic granulometry, with coarser metallic particles mainly accumulated outdoors. The application of magnetic analytical techniques provided a robust framework to infer the very limited diffusion of vehicular-derived PM inside the Jerónimos Monastery.

To examine the associations between ultra-processed food (UPF) intake, glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors, and gut microbiome in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In 253 adults with T1D, diet was assessed using the EPIC food-frequency questionnaire, and UPFs classified according to NOVA. Evaluations included lipid profile, HbA1c, and continuous glucose monitoring metrics. In a subgroup (n = 103), gut microbiota composition/function was analyzed using shotgun metagenomic sequencing and beta-diversity assessed by PERMANOVA. Associations were examined using multivariable regression models adjusted for age and Mediterranean diet adherence. Mean UPF intake was 15.5 % of total food intake. Higher UPF intake was independently associated with higher triglycerides (β per 20 g/1000 kcal = 3.62 mg/dL; 95 %CI 1.16-6.08) and lower HDL-cholesterol (β =  - 0.98 mg/dL; 95 %CI - 1.72 to - 0.24). Sugar/artificially sweetened beverages were positively associated with triglycerides and animal-based UPFs inversely associated with HDL cholesterol. In participants on multiple daily injections or open-loop systems, ready-to-eat mixed dishes were positively associated with HbA1c. Microbiome beta-diversity significantly differed according to UPF intake. Triglycerides positively associated with microbial pathways (ketogluconate, tetrapyrrole, and acetate metabolism). Higher UPF intake was associated with atherogenic dyslipidemia, poorer glycemic control in selected groups, and gut microbiome alterations in adults with T1D. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT05936242.

Frailty is a multidimensional syndrome associated with adverse health outcomes in older adults and is commonly assessed using the self-reported Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI). Although the TFI was originally developed with physical, psychological, and social domains, evidence regarding its factor structure and measurement invariance across cultures remains mixed. To date, no large-scale study has examined the factorial validity and measurement invariance of the TFI in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 428 community-dwelling Saudi adults aged ≥ 50 years. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using tetrachoric correlations and unweighted least squares was performed to examine dimensionality. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using weighted least squares mean, and variance adjustment (WLSMV) initially evaluated the original three-factor TFI structure, followed by additional models informed by EFA findings. Model stability was assessed using repeated 70/30 holdout cross-validation (200 iterations). Measurement invariance across gender, age group (50-64 vs. ≥ 65 years), and marital status was examined using multiple-group CFA. Exploratory factor-retention analyses yielded partially divergent recommendations regarding dimensionality; however, comparative evaluation of competing solutions supported retention of a three-factor structure corresponding broadly to physical, psychological, and social frailty, explaining approximately 57% of the total variance. CFA indicated that an adapted three-factor model retaining all 15 items demonstrated excellent fit (CFI = 0.971, TLI = 0.966, RMSEA = 0.046) and outperformed the original specification (CFI = 0.926, TLI = 0.913, RMSEA = 0.073). A three-factor 14-item model excluding item Q6 showed comparable fit in sensitivity analyses. Cross-validation confirmed the robustness of the adapted 15-item model (median CFI = 1.00, median RMSEA = 0.00). Multiple-group CFA supported configural and threshold invariance across all examined subgroups. This study provides substantial evidence for the factorial validity, stability, and measurement invariance of an adapted three-factor 15-item TFI among community-dwelling older adults in Saudi Arabia. The findings support its use for frailty assessment and subgroup comparisons in Saudi and similar Middle Eastern populations, while highlighting the importance of culturally informed interpretation of frailty domains.

Empowering nurses to discuss clinical trials with patients can increase recruitment rates. Clinical trials are essential for improving lung cancer patient outcomes; in the short term, they provide individuals access to new treatments and care regimens which, longer term, have the potential to advance clinical care. However, recruitment into lung cancer clinical trials is as low as 5%, and lung cancer nurses feel ill-equipped to signpost clinical trial opportunities to patients. This study aimed to pilot and assess the acceptability and utility of the 'Lung I-ACT tool': a newly developed resource comprising a patient-facing leaflet and a nurse-facing poster, designed to help lung cancer nurses initiate clinical trial discussions with patients. A 6-month, mixed methods, pilot study was conducted at seven NHS hospital sites in the UK; four were intervention sites, three were control sites. Data on self-efficacy, knowledge, confidence, awareness and current practice were collected using online surveys for nurses at baseline, 3 and 6 months, and online interviews with lung cancer nurses and patients from intervention sites. Survey data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and interview data were thematically analysed via Framework Method. Thirty-four nurse respondents were recruited to the survey. Survey findings indicated increased frequency of clinical trial discussions at the intervention sites, and increased nurse awareness, confidence and knowledge to navigate these discussions. Eleven nurses and four patients were interviewed; these data comprised five themes regarding lung cancer nurses' and patients' views of the Lung I-ACT tool: (1) content and format of the tool, (2) application and utility of the tool in practice, (3) perceived changes to practice, (4) knowledge, awareness and confidence to discuss clinical trials, (5) contextual and situational factors impacting the presentation of clinical trials. The Lung I-ACT tool improves nurses' confidence in discussing trials with patients through increasing their awareness of clinical trial opportunities and helping them to structure conversations.

Light carries both spin (polarization) and orbital angular momentum. Combining these degrees of freedom produces hybrid spin-orbit states that live in a high-dimensional Hilbert space, offering greater information capacity and robustness for optical communication, quantum technologies, and metrology. However, generating arbitrary states in these spaces and characterizing them efficiently has remained difficult. Here we show a compact metasurface that generates arbitrary spin-orbit states in a four-dimensional Hilbert space, visualized on a Poincaré hypersphere, with straightforward scalability to higher dimensions. Using a tetratomic unit cell, the single-layer device precisely controls complex amplitude, phase, and polarization. We further introduce an efficient interferometric scheme that reconstructs the full density matrix of any N-dimensional spin-orbit state using only three interferograms. This approach uncovers an intrinsic spin-orbit parity order that governs the symmetry of projected intensity patterns, independent of the weighting of the eigenmodes, and enables controlled mode transformations through higher-order geometric phases. These advances establish a versatile platform for high-dimensional photonic technologies.

Urban hospital closures have accelerated in the USA over the past few decades. These hospitals serve as safety-net providers, offering essential care and employment in resource-limited neighborhoods. Closure of these hospitals disproportionately affects socioeconomically disadvantaged and minority communities. Despite growing concerns, the effects of urban hospital closures on population health, access to care, and community stability are not fully understood. We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature examining the effects of urban hospital closures in the USA. Databases searched included MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, EconLit, Business Source Complete, Cochrane Library, and HCUP publications, covering 1961-2024. Studies were included if they evaluated the impact of full hospital closures in urban settings on access to care, health outcomes, or local economic indicators. Studies were assessed with the Quality Assessment for Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool. Twenty-four studies met inclusion criteria-17 quantitative and 7 qualitative. Closures were concentrated in socioeconomically disadvantaged and racially diverse neighborhoods. Quantitative outcomes included increased travel distances and wait times, reduced access to emergency and specialty care, and greater reliance on distant tertiary centers. Overall findings were mixed regarding population wide and infant mortality rates in areas affected by hospital closure. Qualitative outcomes included substantial disruptions to care continuity, workforce displacement, and loss of hospitals as community anchors. Impacts were greatest among uninsured, Medicaid, elderly, and minority populations. Urban hospital closures amplify existing inequities in healthcare access and outcomes. Anticipated federal Medicaid cuts, however, may further accelerate closures. Policy measures such as Medicaid stabilization, early identification of at-risk hospitals, and improved transition planning may mitigate harms related to closure.

This study establishes an in vitro protocol using the EpiOral three-dimensional human buccal oral mucosal model to assess potential irritation from oral medical devices and their leachables. EpiOral tissues were exposed to test substances (e.g., methyl acetate, Triton X-100, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), phosphoric acid, benzalkonium chloride) at concentrations relevant to dental materials, with exposure time for 50% tissue viability (ET-50) calculated from viability assays at 1, 4, and 18&#x202f;h. The application volumes of the test substances (40&#x202f;&#x3bc;L and 100&#x202f;&#x3bc;L), vehicle controls (saline, sesame oil), and a 50% viability cut-off were validated using linear mixed models (LMM), post-hoc comparisons, and ROC analysis with Youden's index. ET-50 assays correctly classified the test irritants: strong (e.g. SLS, phosphoric acid, ET-50&#x202f;<&#x202f;1&#x202f;h), moderate (hydrogen peroxide, 1.12&#x202f;h), and non-irritants (e.g., glycerol, polyethylene glycol >18&#x202f;h). No significant viability differences occurred between 40&#x202f;&#x3bc;L and 100&#x202f;&#x3bc;L for most substances (p&#x202f;>&#x202f;0.05), except hydrogen peroxide. Using a 50% viability cut-off for irritancy classification, all tested substances were correctly classified in this exploratory dataset (sensitivity/specificity&#x202f;=&#x202f;1.000). The in vitro testing protocol using the EpiOral model provides a structured experimental approach for oral mucosal irritation assessment. Under the conditions evaluated in this study, a 100&#x202f;&#x3bc;L application volume and a 50% viability threshold were found to be appropriate.

The health care system is a critical entry point for sexual violence response including care and linkages to auxiliary services. However, detailed data on quality and readiness of facility-based sexual violence care in African settings is sparse, hindering measurement and improvements. We report results from the first wave of longitudinal mixed-methods study conducted between July and September 2022 to assess readiness and quality of sexual violence services in 4 counties in Kenya supported by the Accelerate program. Health facility assessments were conducted within all (N=123) program-supported facilities in the 4 counties, including provider interviews; visual inspection and audit of essential infrastructure and commodities; and chart abstraction. We computed descriptive data summaries, and in-depth interviews from 40 purposively selected providers were analyzed thematically. Of 123 study facilities, 54% had a provider who received GBV in-service training in the past 12 months. Most facilities (85%) routinely offered GBV care. Of facilities offering GBV care, most stocked antibiotic for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (71%), any emergency contraception pill (ECP) option (88%), and tetanus vaccine (93%), and most provided GBV counseling (90%). However, availability of hepatitis B vaccine was low across facility tiers (14%-25%). Dispensaries/clinics documented low availability of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for children and adults (20% and 47%, respectively), SGBV register (20%), and post-rape care forms (27%). Of 285 abstracted charts, most were in hospitals (62%) and for survivors under 18 years (69%). Just 59% of survivors presented promptly, within 3 days, for health care services. Of survivors who were eligible for care, a considerable proportion missed psychosocial assessment (32%), PEP for HIV (22%), ECP (17%), and treatment for bacterial STIs (15%). Qualitative data revealed service delivery gaps driven by disruptions in supplies and provider capacity gaps. Many providers indicated concerns in the chain of evidence due to gaps in documentation and logistical support for health care providers when providing legal testimony in courts. Readiness to provide a minimum care package for sexual violence was low, with steep gradients across facility tiers. Delivery of timely and quality-assured sexual violence care requires addressing structural gaps driven by stock-out of supplies and inadequate providers' support including training. These corrective actions should be augmented by community-based interventions that link survivors to health care.

A prominent theory of psychedelics is that they increase brain entropy. Thirteen studies have evaluated psychedelic effects on fMRI brain entropy, each applying a distinct measure. Here we evaluated these metrics in an independent 28-participant healthy cohort with 121 pre- and post-psilocybin fMRI scans. We assessed relations between brain entropy and objective and subjective psychedelic drug effects using linear mixed-effects models. All metrics were evaluated using two parcellation strategies and 7 denoising pipelines. We observed consistent significant positive associations for Shannon entropy of the spatial eigendistribution of the time by voxel matrix, path-length, instantaneous correlations, brain-state switching, and sample entropy at short time-scales. We consistently did not observe significant effects for 8 of 14 entropy metrics and observe inconsistent positive effects for Lempel-Ziv complexity of the BOLD signal. Brain entropy quantifications showed limited inter-measure correlations. Our observations support a nuanced acute psychedelic effect on brain entropy, empirically demonstrating that these metrics do not reflect a singular construct.

Because P. falciparum and P. vivax coexist in the Gedeo Zone, accurate malaria diagnosis is essential for effective case management. Low parasitemia and pfhrp2/3 gene deletions limit the performance of conventional HRP2-based RDTs. The new Bioline Malaria multi-Ag Pf/Pf/Pv RDT, detecting HRP2 and dual pLDH for both species, addresses this limitation. This study evaluates its field performance in detecting low-density infections during peak transmission season using expert microscopy and qPCR as references. A health facility-based cross-sectional study enrolled 579 febrile patients from health facilities in Gedeo Zone during the major transmission period from October to December 2025. Venous blood was tested with the conventional and multi-antigen Bioline RDTs per manufacturer directions, alongside expert microscopy and qPCR. Diagnostic performance parameters were calculated, comparing RDTs to expert microscopy and qPCR. Among 579 febrile patients, malaria prevalence was 36.4% (211/579) by light microscopy, 33.2% (192/579) by multi-antigen RDT, and highest with qPCR 40.8% (236/579), which also detected a greater number of P. falciparum (20.7%), P. vivax (16.9%), and mixed infections (3.3%). Using microscopy as a reference, multi antigen RDT showed high sensitivity 86.2% (95% CI: 80.8-90.6%) and specificity 98.6% (95% CI: 96.8-99.5%) with almost perfect agreement (&#x3ba;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.87); however, against qPCR, sensitivity decreased for P. falciparum 77.1% (95% CI: 71.2-82.3%) and despite consistently high specificity 97.1% (95% CI: 94.7-98.5%), indicating missed submicroscopic infections. The Bioline Malaria Ag Pf/Pf/Pv RDT demonstrated high specificity and substantial agreement with microscopy but moderate sensitivity compared with qPCR, suggesting that low-density infections were overlooked. These findings highlight the need for more sensitive diagnostic techniques for malaria surveillance and control in endemic environments while supporting the clinical utility of RDTs for regular clinical diagnosis.

To explore the characteristics of musicians with current or previous troubling musculoskeletal symptoms associated with musician self-limitation of activity (often referred to as playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMSDs)), barriers and facilitators to PRMSD self-management, health needs and perspectives on digital health interventions (DHIs). The purpose of the study was to understand the unique needs of this population to effectively inform future DHIs to support this community. A mixed-methods study comprising an online survey and four online focus groups (2-3 participants per group). Survey data were analysed statistically, and focus group discussions were analysed thematically. Online survey and focus groups conducted via Zoom. UK-based musicians with current or previous PRMSDs. A total of 100 musicians participated in the survey study, and 10 musicians participated in the focus group study. Over a third (38%, n=38) of participants had experienced musculoskeletal symptoms that interfered with their ability to play at their usual level 0-2 times in the last 5 years, 24% (n=24) reported 3-5 episodes, and 38% (n=38) had experienced them more than five times. The majority of participants (67%, n=67) continued playing music while experiencing these symptoms. Several barriers to self-management were identified, including limited music-specific health education during training, financial and time constraints and insufficient accessible resources. Key facilitators and health needs included healthcare professionals who understood musicians' professional demands and performance pressures, personalised instrument-specific health support, peer support from fellow musicians and accessible digital resources including self-assessment tools, automated reminders, health tracking, motivational features, peer support forums and multimedia resources organised by condition or symptom stage. Addressing these needs could enable musicians to better manage their symptoms, maintain playing activity and make informed decisions about when and how to seek help. This study reveals unmet health needs in musicians and offers recommendations for designing DHIs that promote musicians' health and well-being. Key design recommendations include personalisation by instrument type, health tracking, peer support and consolidated multimedia resources. These findings can inform both intervention design and policy development to better support this population.

Digital technologies are central to healthcare quality and safety, requiring nurses to develop digital competence to access and apply evolving evidence in practice and education. Digital learning and knowledge platforms play a key role in nursing education and continuing professional development, yet little is known about prioritized functions and differences across qualification and educational pathways. To identify and prioritize functional features of a digital learning and knowledge platform for evidence-based nursing and to assess the digital competence of Austrian nurses and nursing students across socio-demographic and professional groups. An explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted. First, an online survey (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;238) assessed functional requirements, knowledge sources, and digital competence using the Digital Competence Questionnaire for Nurses (DCQ). Group comparisons and multiple regression models were performed. Second, semi-structured interviews (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;7) explored contextual factors shaping platform use and evidence access. Nurses prioritized fast retrieval functions - search (87.4%), filters (78.2%) - and visibility of new or updated content. Texts (90.8%) and short videos (86.1%) were preferred formats, with younger participants showing greater interest in interactive elements. Registered nurses and those outside direct care more frequently used formal evidence sources, while assistants and direct-care staff relied more on training and peer exchange. Digital competence was high overall (M&#xa0;=&#xa0;4.31 on a 5-point scale, higher values indicating greater competence), with assistants scoring lower than registered nurses. Interview participants emphasized the importance of transparent source referencing, visible update cycles, efficient navigation, just-in-time support, device accessibility, and learning-oriented design features for platform usability and trustworthiness. Across roles and settings, nurses emphasize rapid, trustworthy, and concise access to evidence. Platform design should prioritize transparent provenance, visible recency, and role-relevant filtering while offering diverse content formats. Qualification-related differences may point to varying support needs and tailored entry routes, particularly for assistant roles.