Meta-epidemiology and reporting characteristics of mapping reviews: a scoping review.

Objectives: To investigate the meta-epidemiology and reporting characteristics of mapping reviews.

Study Design And Setting: We conducted a scoping review of a sample of recent mapping reviews (2022-2023) by searching nine electronic databases and eleven institutional websites up to January 2024. A 28-item reporting checklist, developed by our team and based on existing guidance and methodological studies of mapping reviews, was employed to assess reporting characteristics.

Diagnostic performance of self-reported knee crepitus using a Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score item.

Objective: To assess the diagnostic performance of a single Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) item in evaluating the presence of knee crepitus.

Design: All 184 participants aged 18-40 years with a symptomatic knee, 9-36 months following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) who were prospectively enrolled in a post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis trial (ACTRN12620001164987) were included. Participants completed the KOOS and underwent physical examination for knee crepitus at baseline.

Associations of 24-hr Movement Behaviors With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Metabolic Syndrome in Adults Receiving Outpatient Rehabilitation: A Compositional Time-Use Analysis.

Background: Research suggests associations between physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and metabolic syndrome, but most has focused on healthy populations and individual behaviors. We investigated associations of 24-hr movement behavior compositions with cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome in adults receiving rehabilitation for other health conditions.

Method:  This cross-sectional study assessed 24-hr movement behaviors using thigh-worn accelerometers and metabolic outcomes via blood analyses in 145 adults attending outpatient rehabilitation.

Reallocating Time Between 24-h Movement Behaviors for Obesity Management Across the Lifespan: A Pooled Data Meta-Analysis of More Than 9800 Participants from Seven Countries.

Background: The distribution of time across physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleep appears to be essential for the management of obesity. However, the impact of reallocating time among these behaviors, collectively known as 24-h movement behaviors, remains underexplored.

Objective: This study examines the theoretical effects of reallocating time between 24-h movement behaviors on obesity indicators across different age groups.

A systematic review of peer support interventions to improve psychosocial functioning among cancer survivors: can findings be translated to survivors with a rare cancer living rurally?

Background: This study aimed to (1) summarise research on the impact of peer support interventions aimed at improving psychosocial functioning among cancer survivors, and (2) identify key components for developing a support intervention for patients with a rare cancer living in rural, regional or remote areas.

Methods: A comprehensive search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library identified papers that examined peer support interventions: (i) for rare cancer patients, or (ii) for those living in rural, regional or remote locations, or (iii) that provided support online or via telehealth. After screening, data on study characteristics, intervention components and impact on psychosocial functioning were extracted.

Practical solutions to resolve social barriers to hepatitis C treatment initiation among people who inject drugs: a qualitative study.

Background: We aimed to identify motivators for people who inject drugs to pursue treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and uncover opportunities that could make treatment more appealing.

Methods: Between November 2023 and January 2024, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 HCV RNA-positive individuals with a history of injecting drug use and self-reported as either untreated or treated but delayed treatment for more than 6 months. Thematic and framework data analysis was employed and interpreted using the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation (COM-B) framework of behaviour change.

Replicability of Strength Domains in Australian Rules Football Athletes.

Geneau, MC, Carey, DL, Gastin, PB, Robertson, S, and James, LP. Replicability of strength domains in Australian rules football athletes. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-Maximal lower body strength is a multidimensional construct defined as the maximum force application under specific task constraints.

Management of Osteoporosis in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurological disorder globally. Defining features include tremor, muscular rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, which in combination with nonmotor symptoms such as cognitive impairment and orthostatic hypotension increase the risk of falls. Along with low bone mineral density, fracture risk is high in PD.

Integrating oral health into primary care: a proof-of-concept for dry mouth management in the Australian community pharmacy setting.

Background: Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a common yet severe problem, causing difficulty with eating, speaking, dental caries, and discomfort. Access issues to dental services, including cost and availability of dental practitioners, can delay timely diagnosis and management of dry mouth. Thus, there is a need for innovative approaches to manage xerostomia, involving non-dental primary care health practitioners.

Efficacy of heel lifts for insertional Achilles tendinopathy (LIFTIT): A randomised feasibility trial.

Objectives: Insertional Achilles tendinopathy is a common and disabling condition. This trial aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting a parallel group randomised trial to evaluate the efficacy of heel lifts compared to a sham intervention for reducing pain intensity associated with insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Methods: Twenty-six people with insertional Achilles tendinopathy were randomised to either the heel lift group or sham intervention group.

Evaluation of effectiveness of bacteriophage purification methods.

The use of bacteriophages for therapy has increased over the last decade. While there is need for clear regulatory pathways for bacteriophage approval for mainstream use in clinical practice, practitioners and patients have been able to access bacteriophage therapy under compassionate grounds and through magistral preparations. However, there is currently no standard for purifying these bacteriophages to ensure safety, and good manufacturing practice certification may not be achieved in these emergency uses.

General practitioners experience multi-level barriers to implementing recommended care for hip and knee osteoarthritis: a qualitative study.

Background: General practitioners (GPs) play a key role in managing osteoarthritis, including referring to appropriate management services. Physiotherapist-led osteoarthritis management programs and advanced practice triage services are effective, but GPs views on them are largely unknown. This study aimed to explore general practitioner perspectives on: (1) managing patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis, and (2) physiotherapy-led osteoarthritis care and referral pathways.

Health literacy measurement: a comparison of four widely used health literacy instruments (TOFHLA, NVS, HLS-EU and HLQ) and implications for practice.

Background Health literacy has evolved from a focus on individual skills to an interactive process influenced by relationships and the health system. Various instruments measure health literacy, developed from different conceptions and often for different measurement purposes. The aim of this study was to compare the properties of four widely used health literacy instruments: Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA), Newest Vital Sign (NVS), European Health Literacy Survey (HLS-EU-Q47), and Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ).

Extraction of Total Protein from Cardiomyocytes and Western Blotting Analysis.

Using total protein lysates for Western blotting confers greater benefits than traditional approaches that use fractionated samples, where a portion of the sample is discarded during processing. By incorporating low-volume inputs, it is possible to identify any protein present in the sample where a suitable antibody is available. The inclusion of a calibration curve allows quantitative analyses to be undertaken.

Suitability of the -5 social anxiety disorder severity scale for autistic adults.

Mental health measures used with autistic adults are often only evaluated for use with non-autistic adults, which may cause inaccurate measurement. This is important when measuring social anxiety disorder as some features overlap with social characteristics of autism. This study evaluated one self-report questionnaire measure of social anxiety disorder, the Severity Measure for Social Anxiety Disorder.

Unveiling the versatility of the thioredoxin framework: Insights from the structural examination of DsbA1.

In bacteria the formation of disulphide bonds is facilitated by a family of enzymes known as the disulphide bond forming (Dsb) proteins, which, despite low sequence homology, belong to the thioredoxin (TRX) superfamily. Among these enzymes is the disulphide bond-forming protein A (DsbA); a periplasmic thiol oxidase responsible for catalysing the oxidative folding of numerous cell envelope and secreted proteins. Pathogenic bacteria often contain diverse Dsb proteins with distinct functionalities commonly associated with pathogenesis.

Saturated lysing efficiency of CD8 cells induced monostable, bistable and oscillatory HIV kinetics.

Effector CD8 cells lyse human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV)-infected CD4 cells by recognizing a viral peptide presented by human leukocyte antigens (HLA) on the CD4 cell surface, which plays an irreplaceable role in within-host HIV clearance. Using a semi-saturated lysing efficiency of a CD8 cell, we discuss a model that captures HIV dynamics with different magnitudes of lysing rate induced by different HLA alleles. With the aid of local stability analysis and bifurcation plots, exponential interactions among CD4 cells, HIV, and CD8 cells were investigated.

Clinimetric properties of field exercise tests in cystic fibrosis: a systematic review.

Objectives: Accurate measurement of exercise capacity is an important prognostic indicator for people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF); however, gold-standard, cardiopulmonary exercise tests are commonly unavailable. This review systematically describes the clinimetric properties of field exercise tests for pwCF.

Methods: A systematic review was undertaken for studies reporting field exercise tests in pwCF.

Research active medical imaging professionals in Australian metropolitan health services embrace opportunities and can overcome obstacles to engage in research: A mixed methods study.

Introduction: A minority of medical imaging professionals within Australian metropolitan healthcare services are engaging in research activity as part of an emerging research culture. This study aimed to explore the characteristics and experience of medical imaging professionals who engage in research to identify contextual and individual factors that empower them to participate in research.

Methods: A mixed methods observational study consisting of quantitative (survey) and qualitative (semi-structured interview) components using an interpretative description approach was completed with research active medical imaging professionals (radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists and sonographers).

Generative tension and social risk management surrounding sexualised drug use practice among men who have sex with men in highly stigmatised environments: A qualitative study from Jakarta, Indonesia.

Background: Global policies emphasise the need for tailored interventions to reduce the harms of sexualised drug use (SDU) among men who have sex with men (MSM), including taking account of local risk environments and the influence of social norms, drug and sexual minority stigma, and cultural and political conditions. To help guide the production of local SDU harm reduction interventions, this study aimed to explore the social and structural conditions that shape the practice of, and response to, SDU by MSM in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Methods: Informed by an interactionism theoretical perspective and socioecological frameworks, a reflexive thematic approach was used to analyse in-depth qualitative interview data from 20 MSM who practised SDU in Jakarta.

In People with Subacute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, earlier Physical Therapy Improved Symptoms at a Faster Rate than Later Physical Therapy: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Importance: There is unclear evidence on when to initiate physical therapy after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in non-athlete, adult population.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate physical therapy timing after mTBI through changes in patient-reported and clinically-assessed tools and objective and mechanism measurements of sensorimotor balance control.

Design: This study was an investigator-blinded randomized control trial (NCT03479541).

Prevention and Health Promotion Interventions for Young People in the Context of Digital Well-Being: Rapid Systematic Review.

Background: Increasing digital technology and media use among young people has raised concerns about problematic use and negative consequences. The formal recognition of a technology addiction (eg, gaming disorder) requires an understanding of the landscape of interventions designed to prevent this disorder and related technology addictions.

Objective: We conducted a rapid systematic review to investigate the current evidence on approaches to prevent problematic technology use and promote digital well-being, defined as the healthy use of digital media and technology and the absence of problems resulting from excessive use.

A blood-based mRNA signature distinguishes people with Long COVID from recovered individuals.

Introduction: Long COVID is a debilitating condition that lasts for more than three months post-infection by SARS-CoV-2. On average, one in ten individuals infected with SARS CoV- 2 develops Long COVID worldwide. A knowledge gap exists in our understanding of the mechanisms, genetic risk factors, and biomarkers that could be associated with Long COVID.

Evolocumab in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: study protocol for a single-arm, phase II trial, and initial experience with use of a validated lipid biomarker to direct therapy.

Background: Despite advances in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), primary and secondary resistance to current therapies remains. Elevated circulating sphingolipids are associated with poor outcomes in patients with mCRPC, including therapeutic resistance and shorter overall survival. PCPro is a clinically accessible, regulatory compliant plasma lipid biomarker of poor prognosis in mCRPC, which incorporates prognostic sphingolipids.