Pulmonary fibroblast activation during infection enhances lung defense via immunomodulation and tissue remodeling.

is the etiologic agent of invasive aspergillosis, a life- threatening fungal pneumonia that is initiated by the inhalation of conidia (spores) into the lung. If the conidia are not cleared, they secrete large quantities of hydrolytic enzymes and toxins as they grow, resulting in extensive damage to pulmonary tissue. Stromal fibroblasts are central responders to tissue damage in many organs, but their functional response to pulmonary injury caused by has not been explored.

Factors influencing the decision to become a supervisor: A qualitative study of early-career general practitioners and rural generalists.

Background And Objectives: General practitioner (GP) training in Australia relies on accredited GP supervisors facilitating workplace-based training for GP registrars. There is a shortage of supervisors that is likely to worsen. This research aimed to elucidate the perspectives of early-career GPs and rural generalists (RGs) about the barriers, motivators and enablers to becoming a GP supervisor.

Sensitivity and specificity of Aboriginal-developed items to supplement the adapted PHQ-9 screening measure for depression: results from the Getting it Right study.

Objective: To determine the psychometric properties of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-developed depressive symptom screening scale.

Design: Prospective diagnostic accuracy study.

Setting: Ten primary health care services or residential alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services in Australia that predominantly serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Self-reported hearing loss in urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults: unmeasured, unknown and unmanaged.

Background Effective management of hearing loss in adults is fundamental for communication, relationships, employment, and learning. This study examined the rates and management of self-reported hearing loss in urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults. Methods A retrospective, observational study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged ≥15years who had annual health checks at an urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary healthcare clinic in Inala, Queensland, was conducted to determine self-reported hearing loss rates by age and ethnic groups stratified by sex.

Association of placental weight at birth with maternal whole blood concentration of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury, selenium, and manganese): The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).

Background: Lifelong health is dependent on prenatal growth and development, influenced by the placental intrauterine environment. Charged with dual functions--exchange of oxygen and nutrients as well as a barrier against toxins--the placenta itself is susceptible to environmental exposure to heavy metals.

Objective: To examine the use of placenta weight as a biomarker for heavy metal exposure using a large Japanese cohort of pregnant women.