Patients and public are important stakeholders in health technology assessment but the level of involvement is low - a call to action.

Background: Health technology assessment (HTA) agencies have an important role in the evaluation and approval of new technologies. They determine their value within a health system so to promote equitable, quality care with available healthcare resources. Many HTA agencies have some mechanism for involving patients in their processes, but there is great variability and an absence of comprehensive, robust practices for involvement.

Unmet needs in the international neuroendocrine tumor (NET) community: Assessment of major gaps from the perspective of patients, patient advocates and NET health care professionals.

Due to the increasing incidence and prevalence of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), there is a need to assess any gaps in awareness and care. A survey was undertaken in 2017 to identify perceived unmet needs from the perspectives of patients/families, patient advocates and health care professionals (HCPs). The survey consisted of 33-37 questions (depending on type of respondent) across four areas: information, care, treatments and research.

Effects of dietary zinc exposure on the life history of the parthenogenetic springtail Folsomia candida (Collembola: Isotomidae).

The effect of zinc on growth and reproduction of the springtail Folsomia candida has been determined for individual animals exposed to contaminated food. Zinc caused a decrease in growth of the springtails, which resulted in a decrease in the estimated final fresh weight at the highest exposure level (20 mg/g dry food). Other effects were observed from 5 mg/g dry food and included an increase of the juvenile period, an increase of development time, a reduction in first-clutch size and egg viability, and a reduction in the number of individuals reaching the reproductive state.