Paternity sharing in insects with female competition for nuptial gifts.

Male parental investment is expected to be associated with high confidence of paternity. Studies of species with exclusive male parental care have provided support for this hypothesis because mating typically co-occurs with each oviposition, allowing control over paternity and the allocation of care. However, in systems where males invest by feeding mates (typically arthropods), mating (and thus the investment) is separated from egg-laying, resulting in less control over insemination, as male ejaculates compete with rival sperm stored by females, and a greater risk of investing in unrelated offspring (cuckoldry).

Out of control: The need for standardised solvent approaches and data reporting in antibiofilm assays incorporating dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO).

Bacteria in biofilm formations are up to 1000 times less susceptible to antibiotics than their planktonic counterparts. Recognition of the role of biofilms in ∼80% of chronic infections, their contribution to bacterial tolerance and development of antimicrobial resistance, and thus the search for compounds with antibiofilm properties, has increased greatly in recent years. The need for robust experimental methods is therefore critical but currently undermined by inappropriate controls when dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO) is used to enhance test compound solubility.

Otopathogen interactions in the nasopharynx of children, and the predictive value of nasopharyngeal aspirate culture for the aetiology of upper respiratory infections.

Aim: To evaluate nasopharyngeal aspirate cultures for screening otopathogen carriage in the adenoid in children 2-7 years of age.

Methods: Thirty-seven children, 2-7 years of age, scheduled for adenoidectomy were enrolled into this prospective study at Rockhampton, Australia. Adenoid biopsy and nasopharyngeal aspirate bacteriology were assessed by conventional culture.

Molluscan Compounds Provide Drug Leads for the Treatment and Prevention of Respiratory Disease.

Respiratory diseases place an immense burden on global health and there is a compelling need for the discovery of new compounds for therapeutic development. Here, we identify research priorities by critically reviewing pre-clinical and clinical studies using extracts and compounds derived from molluscs, as well as traditional molluscan medicines, used in the treatment of respiratory diseases. We reviewed 97 biomedical articles demonstrating the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties of >320 molluscan extracts/compounds with direct relevance to respiratory disease, in addition to others with promising bioactivities yet to be tested in the respiratory context.

The information-motivation-behavioral skills model explains physical activity levels for adults with type 2 diabetes across all weight classes.

Physical activity is an evidence-based, effective treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), yet insufficient numbers of adults achieve recommended daily levels, particularly amongst higher weight classes. This cross-sectional study assessed whether the Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills (IMB) Model explained physical activity levels in adults with T2D across different body mass index (BMI) levels (N = 381). Measures included the American Adults Knowledge of Exercise Recommendations (AAKER), Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-2), Barriers Specific Self-Efficacy Scale (BARSE) and the outcome measure, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-short form).

Positive reinforcement by general practitioners is associated with greater physical activity in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Objective: In a sample of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the aim of this study was to examine whether self-reported physical activity level is associated with recall of specific physical activity-related interactions used by general practitioners (GP).

Research Design And Methods: Adults with T2DM completed an online survey reporting physical activity behaviors and recall of 14 GP-patient interactions about physical activity, mapped onto discrete behavior change techniques (BCT). Stepped logistical regression examined associations between recommended physical activity (≥600 MET-min/week) and GP-patient interactions, controlling for body mass index, diabetes-related comorbidities, depressive symptoms and self-efficacy.

Comorbid elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes: Results from the International Diabetes MILES Study.

Aims: We examined: (a) the prevalence of comorbid elevated symptoms of anxiety/depression; (b) its demographic/clinical correlates; (c) associations with self-care behaviors, by diabetes type.

Methods: Cross-sectional self-report data of 6590 adults with diabetes (42% type 1; 58% type 2) from the Australian and Dutch Diabetes MILES studies were used. Elevated symptoms of anxiety/depression were defined as GAD-7 ≥ 10/PHQ-9 ≥ 10.

Regulatory T lymphocytes are associated with increased nasopharyngeal colonization in children.

Objectives: Regulatory T lymphocytes (T) have been linked to survival of commensal bacteria at mucosal sites, but their presence and role in chronic otitis media (COM) and their response to otopathogens has not been evaluated previously. We investigated the association between T lymphocytes and otopathogens in COM prone and non-COM prone children.

Methods: Forty children, 2-7 years of age, scheduled for adenoidectomy were enrolled into COM (n = 20) or non-COM (n = 20) groups.

GP-OSMOTIC trial protocol: an individually randomised controlled trial to determine the effect of retrospective continuous glucose monitoring (r-CGM) on HbA1c in adults with type 2 diabetes in general practice.

Introduction: Optimal glycaemia can reduce type 2 diabetes (T2D) complications. Observing retrospective continuous glucose monitoring (r-CGM) patterns may prompt therapeutic changes but evidence for r-CGM use in T2D is limited. We describe the protocol for a randomised controlled trial (RCT) examining intermittent r-CGM use (up to 14 days every three months) in T2D in general practice (GP).

A tailored intervention to promote uptake of retinal screening among young adults with type 2 diabetes - an intervention mapping approach.

Background: Young adults (18-39 years) with type 2 diabetes are at risk of early development and rapid progression of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in working-age adults. Retinal screening is key to the early detection of diabetic retinopathy, with risk of vision loss significantly reduced by timely treatment thereafter. Despite this, retinal screening rates are low among this at-risk group.

A call for inclusion of work-related diabetes distress in the spectrum of diabetes management: Results from a cross-sectional survey among working people with type 1 diabetes.

Aim: Diabetes distress captures a range of emotional responses and reactions to life with diabetes and is considered a part of the experience of managing diabetes and its treatment. Given the importance of the social context of work life for people of working age we set out to explore whether work-related diabetes distress is a distinct and important dimension of diabetes-related emotional distress in working people with type 1 diabetes.

Methods: A questionnaire with self-reported measures of psychosocial health and well-being at work was completed by 1126 working people with type 1 diabetes from a specialist diabetes clinic in Denmark.

Stigma Perceived and Experienced by Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: Linguistic Adaptation and Psychometric Validation of the Danish Version of the Type 1 Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale (DSAS-1 DK).

Objectives: We aimed to (a) culturally and linguistically adapt the Type 1 Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale (DSAS-1) from English (for Australia) into Danish and (b) examine psychometric properties of the measure among Danish adults with type 1 diabetes.

Methods: We performed a forward-backward translation, face validity interviews with experts and cognitive debriefing of the Danish version (DSAS-1 DK) with ten adults from the target group. The DSAS-1 DK was then completed by 1594 adults with type 1 diabetes.

The Use of Mobile Applications Among Adults with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Results from the Second MILES-Australia (MILES-2) Study.

Background: While the number of diabetes-specific mobile applications (apps) continues to grow, there is a lack of knowledge about their actual use.

Methods: The second MILES (Management and Impact for Long-term Empowerment and Success)-Australia study was a national cross-sectional survey of the psychological, behavioral, and social aspects of diabetes for adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Associations between diabetes-specific app usage and demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables were examined.

Validation of the WHO-5 as a first-step screening instrument for depression in adults with diabetes: Results from Diabetes MILES - Australia.

Aims: Screening for depression is recommended internationally. The World Health Organization's 5-item Well-being Index (WHO-5) is used clinically to screen for depression but its empirical suitability for this purpose is not well documented. We investigated the psychometric properties of the WHO-5 and its suitability for identifying likely depression in Australian adults with diabetes.

What factors influence uptake of retinal screening among young adults with type 2 diabetes? A qualitative study informed by the theoretical domains framework.

Aims: Young adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D, 18-39years) face increased risk of vision loss from diabetic retinopathy (DR). Retinal screening is essential to detect DR, yet screening rates for this group are low and little is known about the underlying factors influencing this important behavior. Using the theoretical domains framework (TDF) to guide data collection and analysis, we explored screening barriers and facilitator, contrasting them with a comparator group of older adults with T2D (40+ years).

Cohort profiles of the cross-sectional and prospective participant groups in the second Diabetes MILES-Australia (MILES-2) study.

Purpose: More research into the psychosocial aspects of diabetes is needed so that the health and quality of life of people with the condition can be improved. To fill this gap, we conducted the second Diabetes MILES-Australia study (MILES-2), a survey focused on psychological, behavioural and social aspects of diabetes. The aim of the MILES-2 study was to provide a (1) longitudinal follow-up of the original MILES 2011 study cohort; (2) cross-sectional assessment of a new cohort.

Associations Between Physical Activity and Depressive Symptoms by Weight Status Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: Results From Diabetes MILES-Australia.

Background: To examine associations between physical activity (PA) and depressive symptoms among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM), and whether associations varied according to weight status.

Methods: Diabetes MILES-Australia is a national survey of adults with diabetes, focused on behavioral and psychosocial issues. Data from 705 respondents with Type 2 DM were analyzed, including: demographic and clinical characteristics, PA (IPAQ-SF), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), and BMI (self-reported height and weight).

The Use of Mobile Applications Among Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: Results from Diabetes MILES Youth-Australia.

Background: The use of mobile applications ("apps") for diabetes management is a rapidly developing area and has relevance to adolescents who tend to be early technology adopters. Apps may be useful for supporting self-management or connecting young people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with their peers. However, outside controlled trials testing the effectiveness of apps, little is known about app usage in this population.

Diabetes MILES Youth-Australia: methods and sample characteristics of a national survey of the psychological aspects of living with type 1 diabetes in Australian youth and their parents.

Background: Type 1 diabetes is a complex and demanding condition, which places a substantial behavioural and psychological burden on young people and their families. Around one-third of adolescents with type 1 diabetes need mental health support. Parents of a child with type 1 diabetes are also at increased risk of psychological distress.

Measuring the Stigma Surrounding Type 2 Diabetes: Development and Validation of the Type 2 Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale (DSAS-2).

Objective: To develop and validate a self-report measure of perceived and experienced stigma for use with adults with type 2 diabetes: the Type 2 Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale (DSAS-2).

Research Design And Methods: An item pool was drafted based on qualitative data from 25 adults with type 2 diabetes and content from other health-related stigma questionnaires. Thirteen adults with type 2 diabetes completed 57 draft diabetes stigma items and participated in cognitive debriefing interviews.

The impact of insulin therapy and attitudes towards insulin intensification among adults with type 2 diabetes: A qualitative study.

Background: As type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a progressive chronic condition, regular clinical review and treatment intensification are critical for prevention of long-term complications. Our aim was to explore the personal impact of insulin therapy, both positive and negative consequences, and attitudes towards future insulin intensification.

Methods: Twenty face-to-face interviews were conducted, and transcripts were analysed using thematic inductive analysis.

'Are you sure you're going to have another one of those?': A qualitative analysis of the social control and social support models in type 2 diabetes.

While there is evidence that spouses can impact the self-management of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, less is known about the influence of the wider social network. This qualitative study explored the perceived impact of the family as well as friends and work colleagues on type 2 diabetes mellitus self-management. A total of 25 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus participated in semi-structured interviews regarding their social experiences of living with diabetes.

What is the best measure for assessing diabetes distress? A comparison of the Problem Areas in Diabetes and Diabetes Distress Scale: results from Diabetes MILES-Australia.

This study used Rasch analysis to examine the psychometric validity of the Diabetes Distress Scale and the Problem Areas in Diabetes scale to assess diabetes distress in 3338 adults with diabetes (1609 completed the Problem Areas in Diabetes scale ( n = 675 type 1 diabetes; n = 934 type 2 diabetes) and 1705 completed the Diabetes Distress Scale ( n = 693 type 1 diabetes; n = 1012 type 2 diabetes)). While criterion and convergent validity were good, Rasch analysis revealed suboptimal precision and targeting, and item misfit. Unresolvable multidimensionality within the Diabetes Distress Scale suggests a total score should be avoided, while suboptimal precision suggests that the Physician-related and Interpersonal distress subscales should be used cautiously.