A Review of Potentially Toxic Elements in Sediment, Water, and Aquatic Species from the River Ecosystems.

There is concern over potential toxic elements (PTEs) impacting river ecosystems due to human and industrial activities. The river's water, sediment, and aquatic life are all severely affected by the release of chemical and urban waste. PTE concentrations in sediment, water, and aquatic species from river ecosystems are reported in this review.

'It's Already Hard and It's Nearing Impossible': A Thematic Analysis of Submissions by Rural Veterinarians to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Veterinary Workforce Shortage.

There is a global veterinary workforce shortage, particularly in rural and regional areas. In response to this shortage in New South Wales (NSW), the State Parliament launched a Parliamentary Inquiry in 2023. The Inquiry received 205 publicly available written submissions, providing insights into the perceived challenges and barriers for veterinarians working in rural practice, and how the perceived impact of the feminisation of the workforce interacts with this.

Performance of a Point-of-Care Test Kit (Anigen Rapid) to Diagnose Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Infection in Domestic Cats Using Saliva Instead of Blood in Australia.

The primary aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of saliva as a proxy for blood in cats using Anigen Rapid FIV point-of-care (PoC) kits and as an easy collection technique applicable for all veterinary clinics and shelters. A secondary aim was to report FIV prevalence in various Australian states/territories and key cat risk factors associated with FIV infection. In total, 382 cats were recruited from patients presenting to private, shelter and teaching hospital veterinary clinics in Australia.

Effect of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) Concentration on Cryopreservation of Booroolong Frog Sperm with Evaluation of Post-Thaw Motility in Caffeine.

Reproductive technologies, including sperm cryopreservation, offer conservationists enhanced capacity to genetically manage populations and improve the outcomes of conservation breeding programs (CBPs). Despite this potential, the post-thaw quality of amphibian sperm is highly variable following cryopreservation, and research focused on protocol refinement is needed. The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to investigate the effect of the addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to the cryopreservation medium (pre-freeze), and (2) the effect of the addition of caffeine to the activation medium (post-thaw), on post-thaw sperm characteristics in the critically endangered Booroolong frog ().

Provider Preference, Logistical Challenges, or Vaccine Hesitancy? Analyzing Parental Decision-Making in School Vaccination Programs: A Qualitative Study in Sydney, Australia.

School-based immunization programs are crucial for equitable vaccine coverage, yet their success depends on parental consent processes. This study investigates patterns of vaccine decision-making within Australia's school-based immunization program, specifically focusing on human papillomavirus (HPV) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) vaccines offered free to adolescents aged 12-13. This qualitative study was conducted in the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (2022-2023).

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Uptake Among Australian Healthcare Professionals: An Archetype for Success.

Background/objectives: Qualitative research suggests there may be identifiable characteristics that form a health professional (HCP) archetype associated with habitual seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV). However, the validity of this archetype requires further investigation, ideally within a theoretical framework that can elucidate this association and its generalisability to other vaccines. This study aims to confirm key HCP archetype characteristics associated with SIV, as informed by prior qualitative research findings, and test the generalisability of the association between this archetype and SIV to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

Distinct Neutralising and Complement-Fixing Antibody Responses Can Be Induced to the Same Antigen in Haemodialysis Patients After Immunisation with Different Vaccine Platforms.

: Generalised immune dysfunction in chronic kidney disease, especially in patients requiring haemodialysis (HD), significantly enhances the risk of severe infections. Vaccine-induced immunity is typically reduced in HD populations. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic provided an opportunity to examine the magnitude and functionality of antibody responses in HD patients to a previously unencountered antigen-Spike (S)-glycoprotein-after vaccination with different vaccine platforms (viral vector (VV); mRNA (mRV)).

Recombinant Anti-PF4 Antibodies Derived from Patients with Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis (VITT) Facilitate Research and Laboratory Diagnosis of VITT.

Background/objectives: Adenoviral vector-based vaccines against COVID-19 rarely cause vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT), a severe adverse reaction caused by IgG antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4). To study VITT, patient samples are crucial but have become a scarce resource. Recombinant antibodies (rAbs) derived from VITT patient characteristic amino acid sequences of anti-PF4 IgG are an alternative to study VITT pathophysiology.

Controlled Capture of Magnetic Nanoparticles from Microfluidic Flows by Ferromagnetic Antidot and Dot Nanostructures.

The capture of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is essential in the separation and detection of MNPs for applications such as magnetic biosensing. The sensitivity of magnetic biosensors inherently depends upon the distribution of captured MNPs within the sensing area. We previously demonstrated that the distribution of MNPs captured from evaporating droplets by ferromagnetic antidot nanostructures can be controlled via an external magnetic field.

Innovations in TB Screening and Preventive Therapy Services for PLHIV in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia.

Tuberculosis preventive therapy (TPT) for people living with HIV (PLHIV) has been recommended by Indonesia's National TB Program since 2014 but has seen limited implementation. This study describes TB screening and TPT initiation from 2019 to 2022 among eight healthcare facilities supported by the Zero TB Yogyakarta (ZTB) project. ZTB assigned a dedicated nurse to assist with active TB screening among PLHIV and recommended the immediate initiation of TPT as an innovation implemented.

Laboratory Comparison of Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Tests for Lymphatic Filariasis: STANDARD Q Filariasis Antigen Test (QFAT) Versus Bioline Filariasis Test Strip (FTS).

Accurate rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are needed to diagnose lymphatic filariasis (LF) in global elimination programmes. We evaluated the performance of the new STANDARD Q Filariasis Antigen Test (QFAT) against the Bioline Filariasis Test Strip (FTS) for detecting antigen (Ag) in laboratory conditions, using serum (n = 195) and plasma (n = 189) from LF-endemic areas (Samoa, American Samoa and Myanmar) and Australian negative controls (n = 46). The prior Ag status of endemic samples (54.

Integrated Serosurveillance of Infectious Diseases Using Multiplex Bead Assays: A Systematic Review.

Integrated serological surveillance (serosurveillance) involves testing for antibodies to multiple pathogens (or species) simultaneously and can be achieved using multiplex bead assays (MBAs). This systematic review aims to describe pathogens studied using MBAs, the operational implementation of MBAs, and how the data generated were synthesised. In November and December 2023, four databases were searched for studies utilising MBAs for the integrated serosurveillance of infectious diseases.

The Deadly Details: How Clear and Complete Are Publicly Available Sources of Human Rabies Information?

Human rabies is preventable but almost always fatal once symptoms appear, causing 59,000 global deaths each year. Limited awareness and inconsistent access to post-exposure prophylaxis hinder prevention efforts. To identify gaps and opportunities for improvement in online rabies information, we assessed the readability, understandability, actionability, and completeness of online public rabies resources from government and health agencies in Australia and similar countries, with the aim of identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.

Mapping Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes in Hunan Province, China.

Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) remains a major public health challenge in China, with varying treatment outcomes across different regions. Understanding the spatial distribution of DR-TB treatment outcomes is crucial for targeted interventions to improve treatment success in high-burden areas such as Hunan Province. This study aimed to map the spatial distribution of DR-TB treatment outcomes at a local level and identify sociodemographic and environmental factors associated with poor treatment outcomes in Hunan Province, China.

Antimicrobial Resistance Associated with Mass Gatherings: A Systematic Review.

Mass gatherings are associated with the spread of communicable diseases. Some studies have suggested that acquisition of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) may be associated with attendance at specific mass gatherings. This systematic review aimed to synthesise evidence on the association between attendance at mass gatherings and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and assess the prevalence of AMR at mass gatherings.

Maternal Birth Satisfaction Relating to Intraoperative and Early Postpartum Skin-to-Skin Contact with the Neonate During Caesarean Birth: An Integrative Review.

: Mothers and their newborns experiencing caesarean birth often receive delayed or interrupted skin-to-skin care (SSC) despite the intervention being well recognised as beneficial to both mother and baby, with no associated risk for increased morbidity or mortality. Maternal birth satisfaction is recognised as an indicator of quality maternity care; however, most of the research has focused on early intraoperative SSC initiation and breastfeeding outcomes. : To collate and synthesise evidence for maternal satisfaction of intraoperative and early postpartum SSC during and immediately following caesarean birth.

Factors Associated with Adherence to Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Among Patients Attending a Nurse-Led Community Clinic in Australia: A Qualitative Study.

Despite the availability of screening services, the rate of diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening continues to be suboptimal in Australia, necessitating improvement. However, improving DR screening rates requires a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing adherence to the screening recommendations. This study aimed to explore the factors that influence adherence to DR screening among people with diabetes attending a community screening clinic in Australia.

: Co-Design of a Novel Approach for Engaging People with Dementia in Physical Activity.

Background: Promoting physical activity among people living with dementia is critical to maximise physical, cognitive and social benefits; yet the lack of knowledge, skills and confidence among health professionals, informal care partners and people with dementia deters participation. As the initial phase of a larger feasibility study, co-design was employed to develop a new model of community care, to facilitate the physical activity participation of older people living with mild dementia.

Methods: Co-design methodology was utilised with nine stakeholders (with experience in referring to or providing physical activity programs and/or contributing to policy and program planning) over three workshops plus individual interviews with four care partners of people with dementia.

Electrocardiographic Assessment of National-Level Triathletes: Sinus Bradycardia and Other Electrocardiographic Abnormalities.

Background: High-intensity endurance training induces specific cardiac adaptations, often observed through electrocardiographic (ECG) changes. This study investigated the prevalence of ECG abnormalities in national-level Australian triathletes compared to sedentary controls.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 22 triathletes and 7 sedentary controls.

Pilot-Scale Enzymatic Conversion of Low Stability, High Free Fatty, Squid Oil to an Oxidatively Stable Astaxanthin-Rich Acylglyceride Oil Suitable for Nutritional Applications.

Squid viscera, a byproduct of squid processing, contains oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids (up to 10% by mass) and the antioxidant astaxanthin. However, its high free fatty acid (FFA) content compromises stability. To address this, pilot-scale (200 L) enzymatic re-esterification of squid oil using immobilized lipase (Lipozyme RMIM) was demonstrated, resulting in high acylglyceride yields.

Correlation Between Infection and the Nasal Mycobiota in a Population of Free-Ranging Koalas () in New South Wales, Australia.

Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease in humans and animals, caused by the and species complexes. Clinical cryptococcosis primarily manifests as upper respiratory tract disease; however, dissemination to other organs, particularly the brain, can occur. Nasal colonisation and subclinical cryptococcosis are common in koalas () due to their shared environmental niche with : trees.

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning Mycovirus-Mediated Hypervirulence in Infecting .

Mycoviral infection can either be asymptomatic or have marked effects on fungal hosts, influencing them either positively or negatively. To fully understand the effects of mycovirus infection on the fungal host, transcriptomic profiling of four isolates, including EABb 92/11-Dm that harbors mycoviruses, was performed 48 h following infection of via topical application or injection. Genes that participate in carbohydrate assimilation and transportation, and those essential for fungal survival and oxidative stress tolerance, calcium uptake, and iron uptake, were found to be overexpressed in the virus-infected isolate during the mid-infection stage.

Isolated from Grapevine Is a Mycoparasite of .

The best known spp. are important pathogens of small-grain cereals and/or endophytes of diverse monocot hosts. This study is the first report of isolated from asymptomatic grapevine tissues.

From Natural Hosts to Agricultural Threats: The Evolutionary Journey of Phytopathogenic Fungi.

Since the domestication of plants, pathogenic fungi have consistently threatened crop production, evolving genetically to develop increased virulence under various selection pressures. Understanding their evolutionary trends is crucial for predicting and designing control measures against future disease outbreaks. This paper reviews the evolution of fungal pathogens from natural habitats to agricultural settings, focusing on eight significant phytopathogens: , , spp.

Is Breath Best? A Systematic Review on the Accuracy and Utility of Nanotechnology Based Breath Analysis of Ketones in Type 1 Diabetes.

Timely ketone detection in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is critical for the effective management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This systematic review evaluates the current literature on breath-based analysis for ketone detection in T1DM, highlighting nanotechnology as a potential for a non-invasive alternative to blood-based ketone measurements. A comprehensive search across 5 databases identified 11 studies meeting inclusion criteria, showcasing various breath analysis techniques, such as semiconducting gas sensors, colorimetry, and nanoparticle-based chemo-resistive sensors.