Metformin use and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma outcomes: a narrative review.

Background: Metformin is a diabetes medication with anti-mitotic properties. A narrative review was performed to investigate people using metformin and the risk of developing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as well as survival outcomes in established PDAC.

Methods: Relevant studies on metformin use and PDAC were retrieved from PubMed including observational studies on metformin and the risk of developing PDAC and survival outcomes in PDAC, and randomized controlled trials of metformin as a treatment in PDAC.

Universal Hydrogel Carrier Enhances Bone Graft Success: Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation.

Orthopedic, maxillofacial, and complex dentoalveolar bone grafting procedures that require donor-site bone harvesting can be associated with post-surgical complications. There has been widespread adoption of exogenously sourced particulate bone graft materials (BGM) for bone regenerative procedures; however, the particulate nature of these materials may lead to compromised healing outcomes, mainly attributed to structural collapse of the BGM, prolonged tissue healing. In this study, a fully synthetic thermoresponsive hydrogel-based universal carrier matrix (TX) that forms flowable and shapable putties with different BGMs while spatially preserving the particles in a 3D scaffold at the implantation site is introduced.

Aprocitentan for Blood Pressure Reduction in Black Patients.

Background: Black individuals frequently present with resistant hypertension and disproportionately increased cardiovascular risk. We investigated the blood pressure (BP)-lowering effect of the dual endothelin receptor antagonist aprocitentan in Black individuals enrolled in the PRECISION study (Parallel-Group, Phase 3 Study with Aprocitentan in Subjects with Resistant Hypertension).

Methods: Patients with confirmed resistant hypertension were randomized to aprocitentan 12.

Multi-Institutional Comparison of Quality of Life Between Open Versus Endoscopic Skull Base Approaches.

Objectives: The primary objective of this prospective review was to compare quality of life between patients undergoing endoscopic and open skull base approaches.

Study Type And Design: Prospective Review.

Methods: Five centers recruited consecutive patients treated surgically for skull base neoplasms between 2012 to 2018.

Age-dependent phenotypes of cognitive impairment as sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Cognitive changes associated with PASC may not be uniform across populations. We conducted individual-level pooled analyses and meta-analyses of cognitive assessments from eight prospective cohorts, comprising 2,105 patients and 1,432 controls from Argentina, Canada, Chile, Greece, India, Italy, Russia, and the UK. The meta-analysis found no differences by country of origin.

Burnt Plastic (Pyroplastic) from the M/V Ship Fire and Plastic Spill Contain Compounds That Activate Endocrine and Metabolism-Related Human and Fish Transcription Factors.

In May 2021, the M/V ship fire disaster led to the largest maritime spill of resin pellets (nurdles) and burnt plastic (pyroplastic). Field samples collected from beaches in Sri Lanka nearest to the ship comprised nurdles and pieces of pyroplastic. Three years later, the toxicity of the spilled material remains unresolved.

Advanced Paediatric Life Support: A 25-year journey in Australia.

Over twenty-five years ago the first Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) course was held in Australia. Through the lens of quality culture in educational organisations, we can identify factors which have underpinned the evolution, sustainability and success of this course.

Age Is Just a Number? A Retrospective Review of Cause of Death in Patients 85 Years and Over Receiving Lung Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy.

Introduction: Patients aged > 85 years are under-represented in research that has established stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as the standard of care in early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) not suitable for or refusing surgery. With an ageing population in Australia, it is important to assess SBRT and cause of death (COD) in elderly patients receiving curative intent lung SBRT.

Methods: This is a multi-centre retrospective review of eligible patients treated across Australia from 2016 to 2022 with curative intent lung SBRT for early stage primary NSCLC, and aged 85 years or over.

Exploring and validating associations between six systemic inflammatory indices and ischemic stroke in a middle-aged and old Chinese population.

Background: Inflammation and maladaptive immune mechanisms have been substantiated as integral components in the critical pathological processes of the injury cascade in ischemic stroke (IS). This study aimed to explore the associations between six systemic inflammatory indices and IS in a Chinese population.

Methods: This was a case-control study based on the retrospective review of electronic medical records from two hospitals in Shandong Province, China.

Yearling laryngeal function grades II.2 and below are not associated with reduced performance.

Background: The relationship between Thoroughbred yearling laryngeal function (YLF) grade and race performance is unclear.

Objectives: To determine the effect of YLF on future race performance.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

A systematic meta-analysis of the efficacy of treatments for a global honey bee pathogen - the Varroa mite.

The western honey bee Apis mellifera is the world's most important managed pollinator. However, globally honey bees have been facing increasing colony losses due to a combination of stress factors. Foremost among these is the invasive mite Varroa destructor, which is the pathogen most commonly linked to colony losses.

The Renal Effect of 20% Human Albumin Solution Fluid Bolus Therapy in Patients After Cardiac Surgery. A Secondary Analysis of the HAS FLAIR II Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: To compare the effects of fluid bolus therapy (FBT) with 20% albumin to crystalloid FBT on the incidence of cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) and its severity and duration.

Design: Secondary analysis of the multicenter, parallel-group, open-label, randomized HAS FLAIR-II trial.

Setting: Six intensive care units.

Association of muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness with all-cause and cancer-specific mortality in patients diagnosed with cancer: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Objectives: To examine the association between muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with all-cause and cancer-specific mortality in patients diagnosed with cancer, and whether these associations are affected by type and/or stage of cancer.

Method: A systematic review with meta-analysis was carried out. Five bibliographic databases were searched to August 2023.

Australian guidelines for equine internal parasite management.

Over the past few decades, the emergence of resistance amongst intestinal parasites of horses to all available anthelmintic classes has emphasised the need for a paradigm shift in parasite control approaches within the Australian equine industry. Findings of a recent Australia-wide research project have provided new insights into intestinal parasites (i.e.

Effects of maturity status, training background and stereopsis on perceptual-cognitive skills from childhood into adolescence.

Perceptual-cognitive skills are determinant for sports performance in young athletes. The present study aimed to clarify how maturity status influences perceptual-cognitive skills with consideration of training background and stereopsis. One hundred and sixty-six 10- to 16-year-old male participants were divided into eight groups based on their training background (moderately-trained: 1-2 weekly sessions; well-trained: 4-5 weekly sessions) and maturity status (Pre-Pubertal < -2 years from APHV, Pre-Pubertal = -2 to -0.

Squash in Los Angeles: Heat Strain and Performance Considerations at the 2028 Olympic Games.

Background: The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will mark the debut of squash, a high-intensity sport characterized by repeated efforts, posing potential thermoregulatory challenges. The demanding nature of squash results in substantial metabolic heat production, with consequential heat strain exacerbated by the indoor environment of squash courts, where low to moderate evaporative potential limits effective cooling. Players often experience increased body-heat storage and thermal strain, with muscle cramps (an early warning sign of more severe heat-related illnesses) commonly observed during tournaments.

The moderating effect of diet on the relationship between depressive symptoms and Alzheimer's disease-related blood-based biomarkers.

Associations between mental health, diet, and risk of Alzheimer's disease highlight the need to investigate whether dietary patterns moderate the relationship between symptoms of depression and anxiety, and neurodegeneration-related blood-based biomarkers. Cognitively unimpaired participants (n = 89) were included from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle study (mean age 75.37; 44 % male).

Impact of Sex on Cardiac Functional Adaptation to Different Modes of Exercise Training: A Randomized Cross-Over Study.

Purpose: We hypothesized that male and female volunteers would exhibit distinct changes in cardiac morphology, systolic, and diastolic function following endurance (END) and resistance (RES) training.

Methods: Thirty-eight females and 26 males participated in a randomized cross-over design trial in which all participants completed 12-weeks END and RES, separated by a 12-week washout. Echocardiograms assessed morphology (left ventricular mass, LVM), systolic function (ejection fraction, EF, and global longitudinal strain, GLS), diastolic function (mitral valve velocities, E, A; tissue Doppler velocities, e', a'), and left atrial volume.

Lived experiences of empowerment in parents of trans children and adolescents.

The construct of empowerment is associated with beneficial outcomes in numerous populations with well-being across multiple domains. Within families, empowerment has been found to be related to both parent and child well-being. As such, empowerment appears to be a promising concept to support parents of young (< 18 years) trans and gender diverse children and adolescents; however, what empowerment means for parents of trans children and adolescents is not known.

Are we maintaining minimal residual disease in myeloma?

Minimal residual disease (MRD) has emerged as an important prognostic maker in patients with multiple myeloma at different stages of their treatment. Moreover, it is being increasingly incorporated as an endpoint in various clinical trials. Since maintenance therapy is an integral part of myeloma treatment, especially in the upfront setting post autologous transplantation, it is imperative to understand the role of MRD testing in the maintenance stetting.

Developing a co-designed, culturally responsive physical activity program for Pasifika communities in Western Sydney, Australia.

Pasifika communities in Western Sydney experience significant health disparities, particularly related to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions and diabetes. Physical activity is known to improve both physical and mental health, yet access to culturally responsive physical activity programs for Pasifika communities is limited. This study leveraged expertise from an Advisory Committee to adopt community-based participatory research (CBPR) through Talanoa to co-design a physical activity program specifically tailored for Pasifika people in Western Sydney.

Physical activity-the past, present and potential future: a state-of-the-art review.

This is a state-of-the-art review of historical developments, current approaches and recommended future directions in physical activity (PA) research, practice and policy. Since the early epidemiological studies in the 1950s, PA research has developed from within a biomedical paradigm. There is now a strong evidence base linking PA with positive health outcomes.