Promoting public engagement in interdisciplinary biological systems education by leveraging American sports-inspired bracket contests on social media and web.

The complexity of modern biology poses challenges in fostering interdisciplinary understanding, particularly between practicing scientists and the public. Furthermore, scientists often lack formal training in science communication, despite various motivations to engage the public. The science literacy of the public in the biological sciences can also vary across socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

The Carbon Footprint of Peritoneal Dialysis in Australia.

Key Points: Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) had a higher carbon impact than continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). This was due to higher emissions from the manufacture and disposal of APD consumables, and their higher weight, meaning greater transport emissions. Polyvinyl chloride recycling can partially mitigate peritoneal dialysis–associated emissions.

To bite the hand that feeds you: A case of thrombotic microangiopathy due to Tiger snake bite.

This report details the case of a 51-year-old man with a Tiger snake bite who developed systemic envenomation, coagulopathy and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) requiring renal replacement therapy. He received plasma exchange as additional therapy while awaiting confirmation of the cause of the TMA. We discuss clinical decision making in detection of systemic envenomation and management of the rare complication of TMA, as well as current Australian guidelines around antivenom administration.

Progressive resistance training in young people with Prader-Willi syndrome: protocol for a randomised trial (PRESTO).

Introduction: Preliminary evidence suggests that progressive resistance training may be beneficial for people with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic condition that results in muscle weakness and low muscle tone.To establish whether community-based progressive resistance training is effective in improving the muscle strength of people with PWS; to determine cost-effectiveness; and, to complete a process evaluation assessing intervention fidelity, exploring mechanisms of impact, understanding participant experiences and identifying contextual factors affecting implementation.

Methods And Analysis: A multisite, randomised controlled trial will be completed.

A randomized, double-blind trial of triheptanoin for drug-resistant epilepsy in glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome.

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate efficacy and long-term safety of triheptanoin in patients >1 year old, not on a ketogenic diet, with drug-resistant seizures associated with glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome (Glut1DS).

Methods: UX007G-CL201 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Following a 6-week baseline period, eligible patients were randomized 3:1 to triheptanoin or placebo.

Low versus high dialysate calcium concentration in alternate night nocturnal hemodialysis: A randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Higher calcium dialysate is recommended for quotidian nocturnal hemodialysis (NHD) (≥6 nights/week) to maintain bone health. It is unclear what the optimal calcium dialysate concentration should be for alternate night NHD. We aimed to determine the effect of low calcium (LC) versus high calcium (HC) dialysate on cardiovascular and bone parameters in this population.

cANCA-associated aortitis.

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is traditionally viewed as a small vessel disease. We report a patient with cANCA antibodies directed against proteinase-3 with asymptomatic aortic involvement, in combination with diffuse alveolar haemorrhage and pauci-immune, necrotizing crescentic glomerulonephritis. A review of the literature is discussed.

Benefits and limitations of plasmapheresis in renal diseases: an evidence-based approach.

In use for over 50 years, the rationale for plasmapheresis remains based largely on case series and retrospective studies. Recently, results from several randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and prospective studies have shown plasmapheresis may be of benefit in various renal diseases, and have provided insights into more rational use of this therapy. A multicenter trial by the European Vasculitis Study Group has shown it is the preferred additional form of therapy for patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated glomerulonephritis and severe renal failure.

Understanding distress and distressing experiences in patients living with multiple myeloma: an exploratory study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to gain greater insight into the symptoms and distressing experiences of patients living with myeloma.

Methods: A qualitative interview evaluation of distressing experiences in patients with myeloma, following a grounded theory approach, was used. Sampling was purposive, with particular attention to diversity in age and ethnic minority patients.

Unmet supportive care needs, psychological well-being and quality of life in patients living with multiple myeloma and their partners.

Purpose: The aim of this project was to identify the nature and range of needs, as well as levels of quality of life (QOL), of both patients living with myeloma and their partners.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was used, recruiting patients and their partners from 4 hospitals in the United Kingdom at a mean time post-diagnosis of 5 years. Patients completed a scale exploring their Supportive Care Needs, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the EORTC QOL scale with its Myeloma module.

Living with multiple myeloma: experiences of patients and their informal caregivers.

Goals Of Work: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of living with myeloma after completion of treatments in patients and their informal caregivers.

Patients And Methods: Qualitative interviews were carried out with 20 patients living with myeloma and 16 of their informal caregivers (mostly spouses), asking them through semi-structured interviews to talk about the effects of myeloma on their lives, issues and concerns, their supportive care needs and how they were coping in everyday life.

Main Results: Key findings indicate the significant impact myeloma has on patients' and caregivers' emotional, role, social and work-related areas of life.