Sputum microbiology data and related clinical outcomes among adult Aboriginal Australians with bronchiectasis.

Background: Sputum microbiology is an integral aspect of managing patients with bronchiectasis. Adult Aboriginal Australians have a high bronchiectasis disease burden; however, as yet there is sparce literature detailing the sputum microbiology profile in this population.

Aims: To assess the sputum microbiology profile among Aboriginal patients aged ≥18 years with chest computed tomography-confirmed bronchiectasis in the Top End Northern Territory of Australia.

Harnessing hyperaccumulator plants to recover technology-critical metals: where are we at?

Since its inception over three decades ago, phytomining has finally reached the stage of commercial-scale implementation, at least for nickel. Much potential remains to be realised for other elements, notably cobalt, selenium, and thallium, but this requires scientific impetus leveraging recent advances in insights garnered from molecular mechanisms of hyperaccumulation, domestication and agronomic development. These advances will also enable us to (genetically) improve hyperaccumulators for use in phytomining by targeted breeding, as well as synthetic biology approaches.

Effect of Transformation of Non-Normal Fitness Trait Data on the Estimation of Genetic Parameters in Turkeys.

Fitness traits described as a ratio often display non-normal distributions; consequently, transformations are frequently applied to improve normality prior to the estimation of genetic parameters. However, the impact of different transformations on genetic parameter estimates depends on the dataset at hand. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of eight common transformations (z-score, log, square root, probit, arcsine, logit, Box-Cox and Yeo-Johnson) on genetic parameter estimates for non-normal fitness traits in turkeys.

Hemodynamics of Veno-Pulmonary Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation With Varying Right Ventricular Function in a Mock Circulatory Loop.

Veno-pulmonary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VP ECMO) is an emerging mechanical support therapy for patients with right ventricular (RV) injury. This study aimed to assess the hemodynamic impact of VP ECMO using a mock circulatory loop (MCL) to simulate patients with varying levels of RV injury and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Right ventricular injury was simulated by changing the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (47.

Virulence and biocontrol potential of entomopathogenic nematodes against soil-dwelling stages of the small hive beetle under laboratory and semi-field conditions.

Background: The small hive beetle (SHB; Aethina tumida) is a significant pest affecting honey bees and the global beekeeping industry. The harmful effects of chemical pesticides on bee health, non-target species and ecosystems highlight the need for sustainable SHB control methods. Soil applications of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) targeting the soil-dwelling life stages (wandering larvae, pupae and emerging adults) of SHB present a promising biological control approach.

The Impact of Metformin on Weight and Waist Circumference in Patients Treated With Clozapine: A One-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Metformin shows potential in combating clozapine-induced weight gain (CIWG). However, current evidence for its use remains limited. Through an audit we determined the prevalence of metformin use among clozapine-treated patients and its impact on weight and waist circumference (WC).

Comparison of Combined Motor Control Training and Isolated Extensor Strengthening Versus General Exercise on Lumbar Paraspinal Muscle Health and Associations With Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Study DesignProspective Randomized Controlled Trial.ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of combined motor control and isolated lumbar strengthening exercise (MC + ILEX) vs general exercise (GE) on upper lumbar paraspinal muscle volume and composition, strength and patient outcomes in individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP).Methods50 participants with nonspecific chronic LBP were randomly allocated (1:1) to each group (MC + ILEX or GE) and underwent a 12-week supervised intervention program 2 times per week.

HC070, a Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 5 (TRPC5) Channels Inhibitor Ameliorated α-synuclein Preformed Fibrils-Induced Parkinson's Disease: A Neurobehavioural and Mechanistic Study.

Alpha-synuclein pathology is a characteristic feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. As a result, reducing alpha-synuclein pathology is one of the mechanisms being looked at for the development of newer agents which target these diseases. In the present study, we investigated the potential of HC070, a transient receptor potential canonical 5 (TRPC5) channel inhibitor in reducing alpha-synuclein pathology in PD.

Insights from traditional fermented legumes towards the innovation of modern plant-based meat analogues.

There has been a major growth in the development of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) in recent years. However, current PBMA often contain ultra processed ingredients and numerous additives to be able to mimic animal-based meat (ABM) including the meaty (umami) flavour, characteristic firm/chewy structure and juicy mouthfeel. In this review, the potential of ancient fermentation techniques as a minimally processed alternative to ABM and current PBMA are explored.

Incidence and risk factors of cervical laceration following vaginal deliveries in Punakha, Bhutan.

Background: Cervical laceration is a critical health issue with significant maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of cervical laceration among mothers following spontaneous vaginal delivery in Punakha, Bhutan.

Methods: This retrospective study using a population-based sampling technique included 180 mothers who had spontaneous vaginal delivery.

Harnessing Lithiophilic Hetero-Interfacial Chemistry for Stable Lithium Metal Batteries with Low Negative/Positive Capacity Ratios.

Lithium (Li) metal batteries hold great promise for next-generation energy storage due to their high energy density. However, their application is hindered by uncontrollable Li plating/stripping, leading to limited cycle life, especially under practical conditions with a low negative/positive (N/P) capacity ratio. Here, it is demonstrated that stable cycling of low N/P ratio Li metal batteries can be realized by harnessing hetero-interfacial redox chemistry to regulate Li nucleation and deposition behavior.

Definitions, Diagnosis and Management of Postoperative Recurrence in Crohn's Disease Patients with Permanent Ileostomy - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background And Aims: Over 10% of patients with Crohn's disease require permanent ileostomy. We aimed to summarize the existing data on diagnosis, definitions of recurrence, and management of Crohn's disease patients with permanent ileostomy.

Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were searched from inception to February 6, 2024.

Expanding the Ingredient Basket in Aquaculture: Growth Performance and Feed Utilization of Australian Hybrid Abalone () Fed Methanotrophic Single Cell Protein.

There is growing interest in the use of single cell proteins (SCPs) derived from methanotrophic bacteria for inclusion in aquafeed to reduce reliance on other, potentially less sustainable proteins. This two-part experiment aimed to investigate first (i) the dose effect of replacing soy protein concentrate with SCP in Australian hybrid abalone diets () and second, (ii) the potential for improved palatability of the SCP by using commercially produced liquid protein hydrolysate (PH). This was assessed in a 2 × 2 factorial experimental design.

Cortical Activation and Functional Connectivity Response to Different Interactive Modes of Virtual Reality (VR)-Induced Analgesia: A Prospective Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) Study.

Aim: Virtual reality (VR) can be analgesic through intercortical modulation. This study investigated neural activities and correlates during different interactive modes.

Methods: Fifteen healthy participants (4M, 11F, age 21.

Asiaticoside-nitric oxide synergistically accelerate diabetic wound healing by regulating key metabolites and SRC/STAT3 signaling.

Background: Diabetic wounds pose significant clinical challenges due to impaired healing processes, often resulting in chronic, nonhealing ulcers. Asiaticoside (AC), a natural triterpene derivative from , has demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. However, the synergistic effects of nitric oxide (NO)-a recognized promoter of wound healing-combined with AC in treating diabetic wounds remain inadequately explored.

Dog agility tunnel risks for incidents.

Background: Flexible tunnels are the second most common obstacle on all dog agility courses, surpassed only by jumps. There has been a lot of debate and concern regarding risk factors associated with slips, falls and delayed exits (unseen slips, missteps, trips, falls). However, only one study was found which focused on the tunnel-related injuries, and it relied on handler reporting and did not consider base rates of the risk factors.

A N-of-1 social network approach to study the social dynamics of alcohol consumption.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate how the dynamics of the social environment impacted the alcohol consumption of individuals who self-identified as heavy drinkers.

Methods: A mixed methods approach including N-of-1 study with daily Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) followed by a social network egonet interview. Qualitative data was analysed using deductive and inductive approaches.

Cardiovascular Risk and Plasma N-terminal Pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide in Adults With Resistance to Thyroid Hormone β.

Purpose: People with resistance to thyroid hormone due to defective thyroid receptor β (RTHβ) exhibit adverse cardiovascular outcomes and premature mortality. Whether this reflects increased global cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk or hyperthyroxinemia-associated effects on cardiac rhythm and contractility is unknown. We determined CVD risk and plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations as a marker of reduced cardiac function in 99 individuals (mean age 41 years, 37% males) with RTHβ.

Secondary Meniere's Syndrome Following Excessive Noise Exposure.

Background: The effects of noise on the vestibular and balance function are under-studied. Studies have demonstrated that like the cochlea, the otolith organs are also sensitive to sound but the exact mechanism is unclear. Both impulse and continuous noise exposure may damage the cochlear and/or vestibular organ and lead to the formation of endolymphatic hydrops.

Digital physical activity intervention via the Kidney BEAM platform in patients with polycystic kidney disease: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: In people living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), physical inactivity may contribute to poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). To date, no research has elucidated the impact of a PKD-specific physical activity programme on HRQoL and physical health. This substudy of the Kidney BEAM Trial evaluated the impact of a PKD-specific 12-week educational and physical activity digital health intervention for people living with PKD.

Health system characteristics and evidence-based asthma care.

Asthma is a common and complex syndrome, and a major cause of morbidity and healthcare costs. Clinicians have an array of evidence-based investigations and effective interventions at their disposal, but outcomes have not improved as much as trial evidence would suggest they could. This article discusses drivers behind this discrepancy using illustrative examples to highlight information gaps and barriers that impair the delivery of community and emergency asthma care and appropriate referral to specialist asthma services.

Miliary Mesothelioma.

Miliary spread of mesothelioma is a rare but important manifestation of late-stage disease, likely due to hematogenous dissemination. This case highlights characteristic CT imaging findings, emphasizing the need for awareness among clinicians and radiologists. Recognizing this pattern can aid in diagnosis, prognostication, and appropriate referral for palliative management.

Evidence and Gap Map of Whole-School Interventions Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Risk Behaviours in Adolescence: Programme Component Mapping Within the Health-Promoting Schools Framework: An evidence and gap map.

Adolescence is a vulnerable period for the onset of mental disorders and risk behaviours. Whole-school interventions hold vast potential in improving mental health and preventing risk behaviours in this developmentally-sensitive cohort. Modelled on the World Health Organisation's Health-Promoting Schools Framework, whole-school interventions aspire for change across eight domains: (i) school curriculum, (ii) school social-emotional environment, (iii) school physical environment, (iv) school governance and leadership, (v) school policies and resources, (vi) school and community partnerships, (vii) school health services and (viii) government policies and resources.

Performance of ambiguity-resolved detector for GNSS mixed-integer model.

Teunissen (J Geod 98(83):1-16, 2024) proposed the ambiguity-resolved (AR) detection theory for GNSS mixed-integer model validation. In this contribution, we study the performance of the AR detector through analysis and simulation experiments and compare it with the ambiguity-float (AF) and ambiguity-known (AK) detectors. We describe how the detectors can be implemented and how to evaluate their performance by computing the power as functions of the model misspecifications' size.