NMR spectroscopy derived plasma biomarkers of inflammation in human populations: Influences of age, sex and adiposity.

Understanding the distribution and variation in inflammatory markers is crucial for advancing our knowledge of inflammatory processes and evaluating their clinical utility in diagnosing and monitoring acute and chronic disease. 1H NMR spectroscopy of blood plasma and serum was applied to measure a composite panel of inflammatory markers based on acute phase glycoprotein signals (GlycA and GlycB) and sub-regions of the lipoprotein derived Supramolecular Phospholipid Composite signals (SPC1, SPC2 and SPC3) to establish normal ranges in two healthy, predominantly white cohorts from Australia (n = 398) and Spain (n = 80; ages 20-70 years). GlycA, GlycB, SPC1 and SPC3 were not significantly impacted by age or sex, but SPC2 (an HDL-related biomarker) was significantly higher in women across all age ranges by an average of 33.

Older people's perspectives on frailty screening in primary care settings - a citizens' jury study.

Background: As the world's population ages, there is a growing concern with frailty, marked by reduced strength and greater vulnerability to stress. Overcoming obstacles like reluctance towards screening methods in this process is crucial for identifying and addressing frailty at an early stage. Understanding older people's perspectives can help adapt screening procedures in primary healthcare settings.

Nationwide, Couple-Based Genetic Carrier Screening.

Background: Genomic sequencing technology allows for identification of reproductive couples with an increased chance, as compared with that in the general population, of having a child with an autosomal recessive or X-linked genetic condition.

Methods: We investigated the feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes of a nationwide, couple-based genetic carrier screening program in Australia as part of the Mackenzie's Mission project. Health care providers offered screening to persons before pregnancy or early in pregnancy.

Lipidomic Risk Score to Enhance Cardiovascular Risk Stratification for Primary Prevention.

Background: Accurate risk stratification is vital for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, traditional tools such as the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) may underperform within the diverse intermediate-risk group, which includes individuals requiring distinct management strategies.

Objectives: This study aimed to develop a lipidomic-enhanced risk score (LRS), specifically targeting risk prediction and reclassification within the intermediate group, benchmarked against the FRS.

Hypertension among people living with human immunodeficiency virus in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of hypertension in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We searched the PubMed, Google Scholar, African Index Medicus, and Embase databases to identify studies published from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2021. We used a random-effects model to estimate the pooled prevalence of hypertension and mean SBP/DBP level on a sex-specific basis.

A lipidomic based metabolic age score captures cardiometabolic risk independent of chronological age.

Background: Metabolic ageing biomarkers may capture the age-related shifts in metabolism, offering a precise representation of an individual's overall metabolic health.

Methods: Utilising comprehensive lipidomic datasets from two large independent population cohorts in Australia (n = 14,833, including 6630 males, 8203 females), we employed different machine learning models, to predict age, and calculated metabolic age scores (mAge). Furthermore, we defined the difference between mAge and age, termed mAgeΔ, which allow us to identify individuals sharing similar age but differing in their metabolic health status.

Development and validation of a plasmalogen score as an independent modifiable marker of metabolic health: population based observational studies and a placebo-controlled cross-over study.

Background: Decreased levels of circulating ethanolamine plasmalogens [PE(P)], and a concurrent increase in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) are consistently reported in various cardiometabolic conditions. Here we devised, a plasmalogen score (Pls Score) that mirrors a metabolic signal that encompasses the levels of PE(P) and PE and captures the natural variation in circulating plasmalogens and perturbations in their metabolism associated with disease, diet, and lifestyle.

Methods: We utilised, plasma lipidomes from the Australian Obesity, Diabetes and Lifestyle study (AusDiab; n = 10,339, 55% women) a nationwide cohort, to devise the Pls Score and validated this in the Busselton Health Study (BHS; n = 4,492, 56% women, serum lipidome) and in a placebo-controlled crossover trial involving Shark Liver Oil (SLO) supplementation (n = 10, 100% men).

Multidisciplinary, multicomponent interventions to reduce frailty among older persons in residents of residential care facilities: a scoping review.

Background: Frailty reduction and reversal have been addressed successfully among older populations within community settings. However, these findings may not be applicable to residential care settings, largely due to the complex and multidimensional nature of the condition. Relatively, few attempts at frailty prevention exist in residential settings.

Community views on the secondary use of general practice data: Findings from a mixed-methods study.

Introduction: General practice data, particularly when combined with hospital and other health service data through data linkage, are increasingly being used for quality assurance, evaluation, health service planning and research. In this study, we explored community views on sharing general practice data for secondary purposes, including research, to establish what concerns and conditions need to be addressed in the process of developing a social licence to support such use.

Methods: We used a mixed-methods approach with focus groups (November-December 2021), followed by a cross-sectional survey (March-April 2022).

Evaluation of an Integrated Fluency and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention for Adolescents and Adults Who Stutter.

Purpose: Developmental stuttering is a complex and multifaceted neurodevelopmental disorder that may cause pervasive negative consequences for adults who stutter (AWS). Historically, intervention for AWS has primarily addressed speech fluency, with less focus on the covert psychosocial aspects of the disorder. The purpose of this article is to report on a feasibility trial evaluating a novel integrated intervention that combines traditional stuttering management techniques with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for AWS.

Elevated blood pressure among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: More people from sub-Saharan Africa aged between 20 years and 60 years are affected by end-organ damage due to underlying hypertension than people in high-income countries. However, there is a paucity of data on the pattern of elevated blood pressure among adolescents aged 10-19 years in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to provide pooled estimates of high blood pressure prevalence and mean levels in adolescents aged 10-19 years across sub-Saharan Africa.

CONNECT 60+: A Wellness Program for Older Adults Delivered From a Community Hub.

Background: Community hubs offer a pragmatic approach to address the wellness needs for older adults at risk of social isolation and declining physical activity.

Objective: The current study evaluated the effectiveness of a wellness program delivered from a community hub (either in person or online) on exercise and social connections of community-dwelling older adults living in Australia during a time of social isolation imposed by COVID-19.

Methods: A single group pre-post quasi-experimental study was conducted online and in person from a community hub.

Plasma lipoprotein subclass variation in middle-aged and older adults: Sex-stratified distributions and associations with health status and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Background: Circulating lipids and lipoproteins mediate cardiovascular risk, however routine plasma lipid biochemistry provides limited information on pro-atherogenic remnant particles.

Objective: We analysed plasma lipoprotein subclasses including very low-density and intermediate-density lipoprotein (VLDL and IDL); and assessed their associations with health and cardiometabolic risk.

Methods: From 1,976 community-dwelling adults aged 45-67 years, 114/1071 women (10.

Serum 21-Deoxycortisol for Diagnosis of Nonclassic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in Women With Androgen Excess.

Context: Nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) requires exclusion before diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Increasing use of liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) necessitates revision of immunoassay-based criteria for NCCAH. Measurement of 21-deoxycortisol (21DF) may simplify the diagnosis of heterozygosity (HTZ), the presence of 1 affected CYP21A2 allele, which currently relies on complex molecular studies.

V-CarE-A Conceptual Design Model for Providing COVID-19 Pandemic Awareness: Proposal for a Virtual Reality Design Approach to Facilitate People With Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness.

Background: Virtual reality (VR) technology has been solidifying its ground since its existence, where engagement and a sense of presence are key. The contemporary field of development has captured the attention of researchers due to its flexibility and compatibility attributes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several research outputs have shown promising prospects of continuing research in the field of VR design and development-in health sciences including learning and training.

Does CGA Improve Health Outcomes in the Community? An Umbrella Review.

Objectives: To perform an umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses (MAs) examining the effectiveness of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) delivered within community settings to general populations of community-dwelling older people against various health outcomes.

Design: Umbrella review of MAs of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Setting And Participants: Systematic reviews with MAs examining associations between CGA conducted within the community and any health outcome, where participants were community-dwelling older people with a minimum mean age of 60 years or where at least 50% of study participants were aged ≥60 years.