Publications by authors named "D M Whitehead"

We describe the identification of a candidate positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent for the NLRP3 protein. NLRP3 plays a critical role in the immune system and has proven a difficult target for the development of imaging agents due to its low and cell-specific expression profile. A recently described series of pyridazine-based inhibitors, with improved permeability and brain-penetration properties, was used as a starting point for the development of a suitable PET imaging agent.

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A regio- and stereoselective debenzylative cycloetherification (DBCE) reaction of protected hexoses to form stereodefined hydroxylated tetrahydrofurans of synthetic utility has been investigated under very mild room temperature reaction conditions. This study revealed the potential application of the DBCE reaction of simple, abundant starting materials to access stereochemically rich tetrahydrofuran compounds under mild reaction conditions.

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Current clinical small molecule x-ray CT agents are effective but pose risks such as nephrotoxicity, short blood circulation time, limiting scan durations, potential thyroid impact, and immune responses. These challenges drive the development of kidney-safe x-ray nanoparticle (NP)-based contrast agents (CAs), though translation to clinical practice is hindered by chemical complexities and potential toxicity. We have engineered an intravenous, injectable, and safe blood pool NP-based CT CAs at a clinical-equivalent dose of ∼300 mgI/kg (∼2 mL/kg), ideal for vascular and hepatic imaging which are limited by clinical agents.

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Planetary health is an emerging field that emphasises that humans depend on a healthy Earth for survival and, conversely, that the sustainability of Earth systems is dependent on human behaviours. In response to member demands for resources to support teaching and learning related to planetary health, the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) convened a working group to develop a set of planetary health learning objectives (PHLOs) that would complement the existing ten CUGH global health learning objectives. The eight PHLOs feature Earth system changes, planetary boundaries, and climate change science; ecological systems and One Health; human health outcomes; risk assessment, vulnerability, and resilience; policy, governance, and laws (including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement); roles and responsibilities of governments, businesses, civil society organisations, other institutions, communities, and individuals for mitigation, adaptation, conservation, restoration, and sustainability; environmental ethics, human rights, and climate justice; and environmental literacy and communication.

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Ageing in a non-native land brings numerous challenges that may complicate adaptation and health for older Latin American immigrants in Australia. While religiosity emerges as a protective factor for mental health, there is scarce research focused on exploring the multifaceted dimensions of religiosity in this population. As part of a broad Constructivist Grounded Theory study, the aim of this qualitative descriptive analysis was to explore and understand this population's religious practices and experiences, focusing on the impact on their mental health.

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