Academic literature on the topic 'Rags Sharqi'

In this thesis, the ecological role of 26 species of abundant, rare and endangered chondrichthyans present in the western Mediterranean has been studied through the study of trophic ecology and main morphological characters. Due to the number of species included, this thesis constitutes the most complete research on the trophic ecology of sharks, rays and chimeras in the Mediterranean Sea. For this purpose, different methodologies such as stomach content analysis, review of available literature and new tools such as stable isotope analysis have been combined. The results reveal the importance of chondrichthyans in the western Mediterranean as mesopredators and top predators. The small sharks Scyliorhinus canicula, Etmopterus spinax and Galeus melastomus act as mesopredators of the ecosystem and, because of their abundance, they could be considered important species in the Mediterranean Sea. S. canicula presents intraspecific changes in relation to its trophic ecology and small individuals feed on different prey than larger individuals. The same occurs with males and females, probably because they feed on different areas of the continental shelf. These three species, along with Dalatias licha, do not present changes in their trophic ecology between areas with different degrees of human impact such as the Catalan Sea and an area restricted to fishing in the Gulf of Lions. This result is probably related to the fact that S. canicula, E. spinax, and G. melastomus are opportunistic species, being able to exploit different resources including part of the fishing discards. In addition, D. licha prey mainly on these opportunistic species. It may also be that the area of the Gulf of Lions has not recovered significantly after its declaration as an area restricted to fishing and does not show substantially different characteristics to the exploited area of the Catalan Sea. Other chondrichthyans that have an ecological role similar to the small demersal sharks are the different species of skates (Rajiformes), species that feed mainly on crustaceans. Other mesopredator rays, such as Mobula mobular and Myliobatis aquila, have a unique trophic role within the studied species: M. mobular is a filter feeding species and M. aquila feeds mainly on bivalves. As top predators are the sharks Alopias vulpinus and Galeorhinus galeus, the ray Gymnura altavela, Torpediniformes, Chimaeriformes and other medium-sized sharks of the orders Carcharhiniformes, Hexanchiformes and Squaliformes. The results present in this thesis have confirmed that the chondrichthyans of the Mediterranean Sea have different ecological roles, being a very important step in the knowledge of the trophic ecology of these organisms. In addition, it has to be emphasized the use of the stable isotope analysis in blood for the first time, a non-lethal technique, for the study of the trophic ecology of the shark S. canicula. This methodology could be very useful for investigating the trophic ecology and the ecological role in sharks and rays that are rare or endangered.
En esta tesis se ha avanzado en el conocimiento del rol ecológico de 26 especies de condrictios abundantes, poco comunes y en peligro de extinción presentes en el Mediterráneo occidental, mediante el estudio de la ecología trófica y de los principales caracteres morfológicos. Por el número de especies incluidas, la presente tesis constituye el trabajo de investigación más completo sobre ecología trófica de tiburones, rayas y quimeras en el Mar Mediterráneo. Para ello se han utilizado de manera combinada diferentes metodologías como el análisis del contenido estomacal, la revisión de la literatura disponible y herramientas novedosas como el análisis de isótopos estables. Los resultados encontrados ponen de manifiesto la importancia de los condrictios en el Mediterráneo occidental como mesodepredadores y depredadores apicales. Los tiburones de pequño tamaño como Scyliorhinus canicula, Etmopterus spinax y Galeus melastomus actúan como mesodepredadores del ecosistema y por su abundancia pueden ser consideradas especies relevantes en el Mar Mediterráneo. S. canicula presenta cambios intraespecíficos en relación con su ecología trófica. Los individuos pequeños de esta especie depredan sobre presas diferentes a los individuos de mayor tamaño. Lo mismo sucede con los machos y las hembras, probablemente porque se alimentan en diferentes zonas de la plataforma continental. S. canicula, E. spinax y G. melastomus, junto a Dalatias licha, no presentan cambios en su ecología trófica entre áreas con diferente grado de impacto antrópico como lo son el Mar Catalán y una zona restringida a la pesca del Golfo de León. Este resultado probablemente está relacionado con el hecho de que S. canicula, E. spinax y G. melastomus son especies oportunistas, pudiendo explotar diferentes recursos, incluidos parte de los descartes pesqueros. Además, D. licha depreda principalmente sobre estas especies de tiburones oportunistas. Puede ser también que la zona del Golfo de León no se haya recuperado significativamente después de su declaración como área restringida a la pesca y no muestre características substancialmente diferentes a la zona explotada del Mar Catalán. Otros condrictios que tienen un rol ecológico similar a los pequeños tiburones demersales son las diferentes especies de rayas del orden Rajiformes, especies que se alimentan principalmente de crustáceos. Otras rayas mesodepredadoras, como Mobula mobular y Myliobatis aquila, tienen un rol trófico único dentro de las especies estudiadas: M. mobular es una especie filtradora y M. aquila se alimenta principalmente de bivalvos. Como depredadores apicales se encuentran los tiburones Alopias vulpinus, Galeorhinus galeus y la raya Gymnura altavela. Otros deprededaores apicales son los Torpediniformes, Chimaeriformes y otros tiburones de tamaño medio de los órdenes Carcharhiniformes, Hexanchiformes y Squaliformes. En esta tesis doctoral se ha confirmado que los condrictios del Mar Mediterráneo tienen diferentes roles ecológicos y se ha dado un paso muy importante en el conocimiento de la ecología trófica de estos organismos. Además cabe resaltar el uso por primera vez del análisis de isótopos estables en sangre, una técnica no letal, para el estudio de la ecología trófica del tiburón S. canicula. Esta metodología puede ser muy útil para estudiar la ecología trófica y el rol ecológico en tiburones y rayas poco abundantes o en peligro de extinción.

The Red Sea has long been recognized as a global hotspot of marine biodiversity. Ongoing overfishing, however, is threatening this unique ecosystem, recently leading to the identification of the Red Sea as one of three major hotspots of extinction risk for sharks and rays worldwide. Elasmobranch catches in Saudi Arabian Red Sea waters are unregulated, often misidentified and unrecorded, resulting in a lack of species-specific landings information, which would be vital for the formulation of effective management strategies. Here we employed an integrated approach of fisheries dependent and independent survey methods combined with molecular tools to provide biological, ecological and fisheries data to aid in the assessment of the status of elasmobranch populations in the Red Sea. Over the course of two years, we conducted market surveys at the biggest Saudi Arabian fish market in Jeddah. Market landings were dominated by, mostly immature individuals - implying both recruitment and growth overfishing. Additionally, we employed baited remote underwater video (BRUVS) and longline surveys along almost the entire length of the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia as well as at selected reef systems in Sudan. The comparison of catch per unit effort (CPUE) data for Saudi Arabian Red Sea BRUVS and longline surveys to published data originating from non-Red Sea ocean systems revealed CPUE values several orders of magnitude lower for both survey methods in the Red Sea compared to other locations around the world. Finally, we infered the regional population structure of four commercially important shark species between the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean.We genotyped nearly 2000 individuals at the mitochondrial control region as well as a total of 20 microsatellite loci. Genetic homogeneity could not be rejected for any of the four species across the spatial comparison. Based on high levels of region-wide exploitation, we suggest that, for management purposes, the population structure of all four species should be considered as single stock in the three marginal seas surrounding Arabia. Overall, our combined results indicate a severe depletion of sharks in Saudi Arabian Red Sea waters, likely caused by drastic overfishing of elasmobranch populations.

Tese de Doutoramento, Biologia, 2 de Outubro de 2017, Universidade dos Açores.
[...]. A presente dissertação teve como objectivo aprofundar o nosso conhecimento sobre as populações de elasmobrânquios dos Açores, tendo em conta a sua importância para a região. O estudo abrangeu diversas temáticas como a pesca, a ecotoxicologia e o ecoturismo, visando 4 espécies principais, aparentemente capturadas acidentalmente (bycatch): a raia Raja clavata, o cação Galeorhinus galeus, o tubarão-azul Prionace glauca e o tubarão mako Isurus oxyrinchus. Mais recentemente, as espécies P. glauca e I. oxyrinchus são têm sido igualmente exploradas por uma nova indústria nos Açores – o mergulho com tubarões, uma alternativa económica à pesca, ecologicamente mais sustentável, que carecia de avaliação. [...].
ABSTRACT: Elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) evolution, over approximately 450 million years, shaped numerous successful species, developing at the same time specific life-traits (slow growth, late attainment of sexual maturity, long life spans and low fecundity), which made them particularly susceptible to human activities such as fishing, habitat degradation and pollution. In the Azores, in the middle of Northeast Atlantic Ocean, where many species occur or pass by, some constitute an important local, national and/or foreign socio-economic component as a food source and/or ecotourism resource. This thesis aimed to increase our knowledge on elasmobranchs occurring in the Azores, given their importance to the region. The study covered fisheries, ecotoxicology and ecotourism issues, targeting 4 main species usually landed as bycatch: thornback ray Raja clavata, tope shark Galeorhinus galeus, blue shark Prionace glauca and shortfin mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus. Each species presented different management challenges which should be addressed with some care, considering the Northeast Atlantic context and local, national and foreign interests. These high trophic level species are also known to accumulate alarming levels of pollutants such as persistent organic pollutants or heavy metals as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) or lead (Pb) potentially dangerous for elasmobranch health and especially for human consumption safety. In the overall, all four species shared the same trophic level in a pelagic-based food web and did not present relevant significant differences between genders or metals, except for As. The results also reflected bioaccumulation processes for As and Hg while Cd and Pb were not detected in muscle tissue. Metal content was related to the Azores volcanic nature although generally lower when compared to other less pristine areas from previous studies. Raja clavata was also analysed for Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) for both muscle and liver tissue. This species presented low concentrations of PCBs, especially the dioxin-like congeners, although always higher in liver and not correlated with size. None of these contaminants exceed European Union legislated limits except one individual of I. oxyrinchus, which presented Hg content above regulatory limits. The studied elasmobranch species demonstrated great potential to be used as biological sentinels of metal pollution, each presenting different characteristics regarding the key features that define a good marine bioindicator, allowing long-term monitoring at different temporal and spatial scales. Prionace glauca and I. oxyrinchus are also ocused by the recent shark diving industry in the Azores, an economic alternative to fishing which promotes an ecological and economical sustainable use of these species. The estimated generated income of shark diving in 2014 amounts to 1,983.347€ (around US$2,244.890) which may will easily increase considering the current fast expansion of (eco)tourism in the Azores and the activity infancy. Given the unique features of the Archipelago, socio-economic needs and potential and natural resources availability, this study focusing these charismatic species of the Mid-Northeast Atlantic region provided new important information for decision-makers to develop more efficient monitoring protocols, contributing to a better management and protection of these valuable marine resources.

Chondrichthyans—sharks, rays, skates, and chimaeras—influence top down control of food webs and connect disparate ecosystems, yet populations of many species around the world have experienced sharp declines in abundance. Marine protected areas (MPAs) have a long history of conserving marine biodiversity, but their effectiveness to protect representative and critical habitat for threatened species on a global scale is controversial and hindered by a lack of biological and ecological data for the majority of chondrichthyan species. In this thesis, I use non-invasive baited remote underwater video (BRUV) and citizen science diver data to explore diverse chondrichthyan communities in two countries, South Africa and Costa Rica, with data-poor chondrichthyan fisheries and limit conservation funding, and the relationships of these chondrichthyans to biotic and abiotic factors in their habitats in and around MPAs. First, through a literature review, I find substantial taxonomic and geographic biases in understanding of reef shark biology, ecology, and conservation, which impair ability to implement effective conservation measures for these species. After identifying these research gaps, I used BRUVs to explore the diversity of a chondrichthyan hotspot in South Africa, finding many poorly understood endemic chondrichthyans. I discovered strong associations of the chondricthyan community to different habitat types (sand versus reef and kelp habitat), which resulted in poor diversity within one of the region’s larger MPAs—a whale sanctuary whose focus on large charismatic whales left mostly poorer quality sand habitat protected. However, a high occurrence of chondrichthyans within a neighbouring MPA suggested even small MPAs can conserve a high abundance of smaller species, especially if residency can be demonstrated. I then used the BRUV data to examine the relationships amongst these chondrichthyans and the community of other marine animals within the region, finding strong co-occurrence patterns that suggest chondrichthyans, particularly the endemic catsharks, could serve as effective ‘umbrella’ species for conservation in this region where little other information is available for conservation planning and monitoring. Finally, at Cocos Island, an MPA off Costa Rica, I discovered similarly strong, species-specific associations to another aspect of habitat: temperature. I found significant and species-specific responses to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). For example, the scalloped hammerhead Sphryna lewini counts declined by 224.7% during strong El Niño conditions and by 14.7% with just a 1°C rise in SST, while the benthic whitetip reef shark Triaenodon obesus had a weaker response, dropping by only 7.9% and 4.4%, respectively. In general, strong El Niño events reduced sightings within the MPA, providing some of the first indications of how a rising frequency and intensity of these events will impact the spatial distribution of both chondrichthyans and their habitat in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Overall, this thesis provides insight into the factors influencing chondrichthyan abundance and diversity, demonstrating the importance of considering both biotic and abiotic factors during MPA design and the need to study these factors across diverse taxonomic groups and ecosystems.
Graduate
2021-05-08

A numerical investigation of accelerated boundary layers (BL) has been performed using linear and non-linear eddy viscosity models (EVM). The acceleration parameters (KS) investigated range between 1.5×10−6 and 3.0×10−6. The one equation (k-l), Spalart Allmaras (SA) and the two-equation Menter SST and Chien models in their standard forms are found to be insensitive to acceleration. Nevertheless, proposed modifications for the SA, Chien and the k-l models significantly improved predictions. The major improvement was achieved by modifying the damping functions in these models and also an analogous source term, E, for the Chien model. Encouraging agreement with measurements is found using the Launder Sharma (LS), Cubic and Explicit Algebraic Stress Models (EASM) in their standard forms. The cubic model best predicted the turbulence quantities. Investigations confirm that it is practical for Reynolds Average Navier-Stokes (RANS) models to capture reversion from the turbulent to laminar state albeit for equilibrium sink type flows.

In filamentous fungi, hyphal elongation, branching and morphogenesis are in many cases the key to successful saprophytic and pathogenic fungal proliferation. The understanding of the fungal morphogenetic response to environmental cues is in its infancy. Studies concerning the regulation of fungal growth and development (some of which have been obtained by the participating collaborators in this project) point to the fact that ser/thr protein kinases and phosphatases are (i) involved in the regulation of such processes and (ii) share common structural and functional features between saprophytes and pathogens. It is our objective to combine a pharmaceutical and a genetic approach in order to identify, characterize and functionally dissect some of the regulatory factors involved in hyphal growth, branching and differentiation. Using an immunohistochemical approach, a ser/thr protein kinase involved in hyphal elongation in both Neurospora crassa and Colletotrichum trifolii has been localized in order to identify the physical arena of regulation of hyphal elongation. The analysis of additional kinases and phosphatases (e.g. Protein kinase C, cAMP-dependent kinase, lipid-activated protein kinase, components of the type 2A protein phosphatase) as well as a RAS-related gene (an additional key participant in signal transduction) has been performed. In order to succeed in advancing the goals of this project, we have taken advantage of available elongation/branching mutants in N. crassa and continuously combined the accumulated information obtained while studying the two systems in order to dissect the elements involved in these processes. The various inhibitors/effectors analyzed can serve as a basis for modification to be used as anti-fungal compounds. Understanding the regulation of hyphal proliferation is a key requirement for identifying novel target points for either curbing fungal growth (as in the case of pathogenesis) or affecting growth patterns in various biotechnological processes. The major objective of our joint project was to advance our understanding of regulation of hyphal growth, especially during early events of fungal germination. Towards achieving this goal, we have coupled the analysis of a genetically tractable organism (N. crassa) with a plant pathogen o economic importance (C. trifolii). As the project progressed we believe that the results obtained have provided a reinforcement to our basic approach which called for combining the two fungal systems for a joint research project. On the one hand, we feel that much of the advance made was possible due to the amenability of N. crassa to genetic manipulations. The relevance of some of the initial findings obtained in Neurospora have been proven to be relevant to the plant pathogen while unique features of the pathogen have been identified in Colletotrichum. Most of the results obtained from this research project have been published. Thus, the main volume of this report is comprised of the relevant publications describing the research and results obtained.

Background Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death worldwide.(1) It is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia (12,741 cases diagnosed in 2018) and the leading cause of cancer death.(2) The number of years of potential life lost to lung cancer in Australia is estimated to be 58,450, similar to that of colorectal and breast cancer combined.(3) While tobacco control strategies are most effective for disease prevention in the general population, early detection via low dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening in high-risk populations is a viable option for detecting asymptomatic disease in current (13%) and former (24%) Australian smokers.(4) The purpose of this Evidence Check review is to identify and analyse existing and emerging evidence for LDCT lung cancer screening in high-risk individuals to guide future program and policy planning. Evidence Check questions This review aimed to address the following questions: 1. What is the evidence for the effectiveness of lung cancer screening for higher-risk individuals? 2. What is the evidence of potential harms from lung cancer screening for higher-risk individuals? 3. What are the main components of recent major lung cancer screening programs or trials? 4. What is the cost-effectiveness of lung cancer screening programs (include studies of cost–utility)? Summary of methods The authors searched the peer-reviewed literature across three databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Embase) for existing systematic reviews and original studies published between 1 January 2009 and 8 August 2019. Fifteen systematic reviews (of which 8 were contemporary) and 64 original publications met the inclusion criteria set across the four questions. Key findings Question 1: What is the evidence for the effectiveness of lung cancer screening for higher-risk individuals? There is sufficient evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses of combined (pooled) data from screening trials (of high-risk individuals) to indicate that LDCT examination is clinically effective in reducing lung cancer mortality. In 2011, the landmark National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST, a large-scale randomised controlled trial [RCT] conducted in the US) reported a 20% (95% CI 6.8% – 26.7%; P=0.004) relative reduction in mortality among long-term heavy smokers over three rounds of annual screening. High-risk eligibility criteria was defined as people aged 55–74 years with a smoking history of ≥30 pack-years (years in which a smoker has consumed 20-plus cigarettes each day) and, for former smokers, ≥30 pack-years and have quit within the past 15 years.(5) All-cause mortality was reduced by 6.7% (95% CI, 1.2% – 13.6%; P=0.02). Initial data from the second landmark RCT, the NEderlands-Leuvens Longkanker Screenings ONderzoek (known as the NELSON trial), have found an even greater reduction of 26% (95% CI, 9% – 41%) in lung cancer mortality, with full trial results yet to be published.(6, 7) Pooled analyses, including several smaller-scale European LDCT screening trials insufficiently powered in their own right, collectively demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in lung cancer mortality (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73–0.91).(8) Despite the reduction in all-cause mortality found in the NLST, pooled analyses of seven trials found no statistically significant difference in all-cause mortality (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90–1.00).(8) However, cancer-specific mortality is currently the most relevant outcome in cancer screening trials. These seven trials demonstrated a significantly greater proportion of early stage cancers in LDCT groups compared with controls (RR 2.08, 95% CI 1.43–3.03). Thus, when considering results across mortality outcomes and early stage cancers diagnosed, LDCT screening is considered to be clinically effective. Question 2: What is the evidence of potential harms from lung cancer screening for higher-risk individuals? The harms of LDCT lung cancer screening include false positive tests and the consequences of unnecessary invasive follow-up procedures for conditions that are eventually diagnosed as benign. While LDCT screening leads to an increased frequency of invasive procedures, it does not result in greater mortality soon after an invasive procedure (in trial settings when compared with the control arm).(8) Overdiagnosis, exposure to radiation, psychological distress and an impact on quality of life are other known harms. Systematic review evidence indicates the benefits of LDCT screening are likely to outweigh the harms. The potential harms are likely to be reduced as refinements are made to LDCT screening protocols through: i) the application of risk predication models (e.g. the PLCOm2012), which enable a more accurate selection of the high-risk population through the use of specific criteria (beyond age and smoking history); ii) the use of nodule management algorithms (e.g. Lung-RADS, PanCan), which assist in the diagnostic evaluation of screen-detected nodules and cancers (e.g. more precise volumetric assessment of nodules); and, iii) more judicious selection of patients for invasive procedures. Recent evidence suggests a positive LDCT result may transiently increase psychological distress but does not have long-term adverse effects on psychological distress or health-related quality of life (HRQoL). With regards to smoking cessation, there is no evidence to suggest screening participation invokes a false sense of assurance in smokers, nor a reduction in motivation to quit. The NELSON and Danish trials found no difference in smoking cessation rates between LDCT screening and control groups. Higher net cessation rates, compared with general population, suggest those who participate in screening trials may already be motivated to quit. Question 3: What are the main components of recent major lung cancer screening programs or trials? There are no systematic reviews that capture the main components of recent major lung cancer screening trials and programs. We extracted evidence from original studies and clinical guidance documents and organised this into key groups to form a concise set of components for potential implementation of a national lung cancer screening program in Australia: 1. Identifying the high-risk population: recruitment, eligibility, selection and referral 2. Educating the public, people at high risk and healthcare providers; this includes creating awareness of lung cancer, the benefits and harms of LDCT screening, and shared decision-making 3. Components necessary for health services to deliver a screening program: a. Planning phase: e.g. human resources to coordinate the program, electronic data systems that integrate medical records information and link to an established national registry b. Implementation phase: e.g. human and technological resources required to conduct LDCT examinations, interpretation of reports and communication of results to participants c. Monitoring and evaluation phase: e.g. monitoring outcomes across patients, radiological reporting, compliance with established standards and a quality assurance program 4. Data reporting and research, e.g. audit and feedback to multidisciplinary teams, reporting outcomes to enhance international research into LDCT screening 5. Incorporation of smoking cessation interventions, e.g. specific programs designed for LDCT screening or referral to existing community or hospital-based services that deliver cessation interventions. Most original studies are single-institution evaluations that contain descriptive data about the processes required to establish and implement a high-risk population-based screening program. Across all studies there is a consistent message as to the challenges and complexities of establishing LDCT screening programs to attract people at high risk who will receive the greatest benefits from participation. With regards to smoking cessation, evidence from one systematic review indicates the optimal strategy for incorporating smoking cessation interventions into a LDCT screening program is unclear. There is widespread agreement that LDCT screening attendance presents a ‘teachable moment’ for cessation advice, especially among those people who receive a positive scan result. Smoking cessation is an area of significant research investment; for instance, eight US-based clinical trials are now underway that aim to address how best to design and deliver cessation programs within large-scale LDCT screening programs.(9) Question 4: What is the cost-effectiveness of lung cancer screening programs (include studies of cost–utility)? Assessing the value or cost-effectiveness of LDCT screening involves a complex interplay of factors including data on effectiveness and costs, and institutional context. A key input is data about the effectiveness of potential and current screening programs with respect to case detection, and the likely outcomes of treating those cases sooner (in the presence of LDCT screening) as opposed to later (in the absence of LDCT screening). Evidence about the cost-effectiveness of LDCT screening programs has been summarised in two systematic reviews. We identified a further 13 studies—five modelling studies, one discrete choice experiment and seven articles—that used a variety of methods to assess cost-effectiveness. Three modelling studies indicated LDCT screening was cost-effective in the settings of the US and Europe. Two studies—one from Australia and one from New Zealand—reported LDCT screening would not be cost-effective using NLST-like protocols. We anticipate that, following the full publication of the NELSON trial, cost-effectiveness studies will likely be updated with new data that reduce uncertainty about factors that influence modelling outcomes, including the findings of indeterminate nodules. Gaps in the evidence There is a large and accessible body of evidence as to the effectiveness (Q1) and harms (Q2) of LDCT screening for lung cancer. Nevertheless, there are significant gaps in the evidence about the program components that are required to implement an effective LDCT screening program (Q3). Questions about LDCT screening acceptability and feasibility were not explicitly included in the scope. However, as the evidence is based primarily on US programs and UK pilot studies, the relevance to the local setting requires careful consideration. The Queensland Lung Cancer Screening Study provides feasibility data about clinical aspects of LDCT screening but little about program design. The International Lung Screening Trial is still in the recruitment phase and findings are not yet available for inclusion in this Evidence Check. The Australian Population Based Screening Framework was developed to “inform decision-makers on the key issues to be considered when assessing potential screening programs in Australia”.(10) As the Framework is specific to population-based, rather than high-risk, screening programs, there is a lack of clarity about transferability of criteria. However, the Framework criteria do stipulate that a screening program must be acceptable to “important subgroups such as target participants who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from disadvantaged groups and people with a disability”.(10) An extensive search of the literature highlighted that there is very little information about the acceptability of LDCT screening to these population groups in Australia. Yet they are part of the high-risk population.(10) There are also considerable gaps in the evidence about the cost-effectiveness of LDCT screening in different settings, including Australia. The evidence base in this area is rapidly evolving and is likely to include new data from the NELSON trial and incorporate data about the costs of targeted- and immuno-therapies as these treatments become more widely available in Australia.