Sun-Protective Clothing Worn Regularly during Early Childhood Reduces the Number of New Melanocytic Nevi: The North Queensland Sun-Safe Clothing Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

Numerous pigmented moles are associated with sun exposure and melanomarisk. This cluster randomized controlled trial aimed to determine if sun-protective clothing could prevent a significant proportion of the moles developing in young children (ACTRN12617000621314; Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Twenty-five childcare centers in Townsville (19.

Clonal hematopoiesis and cardiovascular disease: deciphering interconnections.

Cardiovascular and oncological diseases represent the global major causes of death. For both, a novel and far-reaching risk factor has been identified: clonal hematopoiesis (CH). CH is defined as clonal expansion of peripheral blood cells on the basis of somatic mutations, without overt hematological malignancy.

Circulating Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in Patients with Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated with Mild Hypothermia: A Biomarker Substudy of SHOCK-COOL Trial.

Background: There is evidence that monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels reflect the intensity of the inflammatory response in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and have a predictive value for clinical outcomes. However, little is known about the effect of mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) on the inflammatory response in patients with CS complicating AMI. Therefore, we conducted a biomarker study to investigate the effect of MTH on MCP-1 levels in patients with CS complicating AMI.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol efflux capacity and incidence of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The preventive effect of cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) on the progression of atherosclerotic lesions has been confirmed in animal models, but findings in the population are inconsistent. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to systematically investigate the relationship of CEC with coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiovascular mortality in a general population.

Methods: Four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase database, Cochrane Library, Web of Science) were searched from inception to February 1st, 2022 for relevant studies, without any language restriction.

The iron content of healthy diets for one day for breastfed babies and young children.

Aims: Early childhood anaemia due to iron deficiency is widespread in remote communities across northern Australia. Current recommendations for healthy food to complement breastfeeding at age 6 to 23 months include iron-rich and iron-enriched foods. An electronic nutrient analysis was undertaken to assess the iron content of hypothetical healthy diets for breastfed babies and young children aged 6 to 23 months in Australia, in comparison with their estimated requirements.

Integrating testing for chronic strongyloidiasis within the Indigenous adult preventive health assessment system in endemic communities in the Northern Territory, Australia: An intervention study.

Background: The life-threatening clinical manifestations of strongyloidiasis are preventable with early detection and effective treatment. The aim of this study was to assess if there was an increase to the number and proportion of persons tested for chronic strongyloidiasis, as a result of integrating Strongyloides stercoralis serology into the existing preventive health assessment system in four Aboriginal health services in endemic communities.

Methodology: A prospective, longitudinal, before-and-after intervention study was conducted in four Aboriginal health services in remote endemically infected communities in the Northern Territory, Australia, from July 2012 to December 2016.

Integrating pharmacists into Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (IPAC project): Protocol for an interventional, non-randomised study to improve chronic disease outcomes.

Background: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience a higher burden of chronic disease yet have poorer access to needed medicines than other Australians. Adverse health outcomes from these illnesses can be minimised with improved prescribing quality. This project aims to improve quality of care outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adult patients with chronic disease by integrating a pharmacist within primary health care teams in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs).

Early childhood anaemia more than doubles the risk of developmental vulnerability at school-age among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children of remote Far North Queensland: Findings of a retrospective cohort study.

Aims: Early childhood anaemia, usually attributed to iron deficiency, is associated with persistent detrimental effects on child development. This study investigates the association of anaemia between age six and 23 months with indicators of childhood development at school-age among children of remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of Far North Queensland.

Methods: The triennial Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) encompasses five domains of early childhood development-physical health and wellbeing, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills (school-based), communication skills and general knowledge.

Atrial septum biopsy for direct substrate characterization in atrial fibrillation.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to describe and illustrate the technique of performing interatrial septum biopsy and to demonstrate its use for direct histological substrate characterization in atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods And Results: Biopsies were performed in four patients who underwent AF catheter ablation. Bipal 7 bioptome was directed through a steerable sheath directly onto the septum.

Atrial fibrillation is associated with alterations in HDL function, metabolism, and particle number.

Increased morbidity and mortality in atrial fibrillation (AF) are related to the pro-fibrotic, pro-thrombotic, and pro-inflammatory processes that underpin the disease. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-thrombotic properties. Functional impairment of HDL may, therefore, associate with AF initiation or progression.

The effects of expressing antenatal colostrum in women with diabetes in pregnancy: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Some women with diabetes in pregnancy express and store colostrum in the antenatal period for the purposes of preventing and treating neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Aims: Our primary aim was to compare rates of neonatal hypoglycaemia in babies born to mothers who express and store antenatal colostrum to babies born to mothers who do not.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective cohort study involving 357 women with diabetes in pregnancy, who had live, singleton births delivered after 36 weeks gestation, in a regional hospital in North Queensland (2014-2015).

Effect of a Single Preoperative Dose of Oral Antibiotic to Reduce the Incidence of Surgical Site Infection Following Below-Knee Dermatological Flap and Graft Repair.

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) rates for below-knee dermatological surgery are unacceptably high, particularly following complex flap and graft closures. The role of antibiotic prophylaxis for these surgical cases is uncertain.

Objective: To determine whether SSI following complex dermatological closures on the leg could be reduced by antibiotic prophylaxis administered as a single oral preoperative dose.

Linking 'data silos' to investigate anaemia among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and children in Far North Queensland.

Objective: Data collection 'silos' can be linked for health research. Anaemia in early childhood is a long-recognised health issue in remote Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, but information is lacking for Queensland. The objective of this work was to compile existing information from health and education data collections to investigate anaemia among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and their children in Far North Queensland.

Association Between Energy Prices and US Hospital Patient Outcomes.

Objective: To evaluate associations between changing energy prices and US hospital patient outcomes.

Methods: Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze relationships between changes in energy prices and subsequent changes in hospital patient outcomes measures for the years 2008 through 2014. Patient outcomes measures included 30-day acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and pneumonia mortality rates, and 30-day acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and pneumonia readmission rates.

Community participation for individuals with spinal cord injury living in Queensland, Australia.

Study Design: Sequential mixed method design.

Objectives: Determine factors associated with community participation for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Setting: Queensland, Australia.

Diarrheal Diseases and Climate Change in Cambodia.

The DRIP-SWICCH (Developing Research and Innovative Policies Specific to the Water-related Impacts of Climate Change on Health) project aimed to increase the resilience of Cambodian communities to the health risks posed by climate change-related impacts on water. This article follows a review of climate change and water-related diseases in Cambodia and presents the results of a time series analysis of monthly weather and diarrheal disease data for 11 provinces. In addition, correlations of diarrheal disease incidence with selected demographic, socioeconomic, and water and sanitation indicators are described, with results suggesting education and literacy may be most protective against disease.

Protocol for a randomised controlled trial comparing aqueous with alcoholic chlorhexidine antisepsis for the prevention of superficial surgical site infection after minor surgery in general practice: the AVALANCHE trial.

Introduction: Surgical site infection (SSI) after minor skin excisions has a significant impact on patient morbidity and healthcare resources. Skin antisepsis prior to surgical incision is used to prevent SSI, and is performed routinely worldwide. However, in spite of the routine use of skin antisepsis, there is no consensus regarding which antiseptic agents are most effective.

Psychosocial and environmental distress resulting from a volcanic eruption: Study protocol.

Aim: To examine the psychosocial and environmental distress resulting from the 2010 eruption of the Merapi volcano and explore the experience of living in an environment damaged by a volcanic eruption.

Background: Natural disasters cause psychosocial responses in survivors. While volcanic eruptions are an example of a natural disaster, little is currently known about the psychosocial impact on survivors.

Cross-sectional survey of the disaster preparedness of nurses across the Asia-Pacific region.

Healthcare workers who have received disaster preparedness education are more likely to report a greater understanding of disaster preparedness. However, research indicates that current nursing curricula do not adequately prepare nurses to respond to disasters. This is the first study to assess Asia-Pacific nurses' perceptions about their level of disaster knowledge, skills, and preparedness.

Serum homocysteine is associated with the severity of primary chronic venous disease.

Objective: This study was conducted to assess whether serum homocysteine concentration was associated with the severity of primary chronic venous disease.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: A total of 282 primary chronic venous disease patients were enrolled from outpatient vascular services.

Psychometric evaluation of the Indonesian version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised.

The purpose of this research was to translate and to test an Indonesian version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (I-IES-R) as a measurement of psychological distress following a natural disaster. Sample of 30 Mt. Merapi residents participated in pilot testing and 110 survivors completed the test-retest of the I-IES-R.

The effect of balanced protein energy supplementation in undernourished pregnant women and child physical growth in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The beneficial effect of balanced protein energy supplementation during pregnancy on subsequent child growth is unclear and may depend upon the mother entering pregnancy adequately nourished or undernourished. Systematic reviews to-date have included studies from high-, middle- and low-income countries. However, the effect of balanced protein energy supplementation should not be generalised.

Tooth wear, body mass index and management options for edentulous black flying-foxes (Pteropus alecto Gould) in the Townsville district, north Queensland, Australia.

Objective: We investigated the relationship between a body mass index and tooth wear in the black flying-fox (Pteropus alecto Gould) to provide guidance on management of edentulous individuals by wildlife carers and veterinarians.

Methods: Flying-foxes brought into care because of injury were weighed, their forearms measured and the state of their teeth evaluated. Measurements were analysed by Chi-square, ANOVA, t-tests and regression to identify any relationship between the body mass index and the condition of canine and molar teeth, as well as in relation to sex and season.

Translation, cultural adaptation, and psychometric testing of the environmental distress scale with Indonesian survivors of a volcanic eruption.

Objective: The Mt Merapi volcanic eruption in October 2010 claimed more than 386 lives, injured thousands of survivors, and devastated the surrounding environment. No instrument was available in Indonesia to assess the psychosocial impact on survivors of environmental degradation caused by such natural disasters. We developed, translated, and tested an Indonesian version of the Environmental Distress Scale (EDS) for use as a tool to reliably measure environmental distress related to environmental damage in Indonesia.

Reliability and concurrent validity of knee angle measurement: smart phone app versus universal goniometer used by experienced and novice clinicians.

The use of goniometers to measure joint angles is a key part of musculoskeletal practice. Recently smartphone goniometry applications have become available to clinicians. This study examined the intra- and inter-measurer reliability of novice and experienced clinicians and the concurrent validity of assessing knee range of motion using a smartphone application (the Knee Goniometer App (Ockendon(©))) (KGA) and a standard universal goniometer (UG).