Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Study Protocol For The N-Ice Trial: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study Of The Safety And Efficacy Of N-Acetyl-Cysteine (Nac) As A Pharmacotherapy For Methamphetamine ("Ice") Dependence, Rebecca Mcketin, Olivia Dean, Alyna Turner, Peter James Kelly, Brendan Quinn, Daniel Lubman, Paul Dietze, Gregory L. Carter, Peter Higgs, Amanda Baker, Barbara L. Sinclair, David Reid, Victoria Manning, Nina Te Pas, Wenbin Liang, Tamsin H. Thomas, Ramez Bathish, Margaret Kent, Dayle Raftery, Shalini Arunogiri, Frank Cordaro, Harry Hill, Michael Berk

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Background: There are currently no approved pharmacotherapies for managing methamphetamine dependence. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been found to reduce the craving for methamphetamine and other drugs, but its effect on methamphetamine use and other clinically related endpoints are uncertain. The N-ICE trial is evaluating the safety and efficacy of NAC as a take-home pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine dependence.

Methods/design: This is a two-arm parallel double-blind placebo-controlled three-site randomised trial (ratio 1:1) using permuted block randomisation, with variable block sizes. It is stratified by site, sex and whether the methamphetamine is injected or not. Participants (N = 180; 60 per site) …

Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure And The Resting Eeg: Exploring The Thermal Mechanism Hypothesis, Sarah P. Loughran, Adam Verrender, Anna Dalecki, Catriona A. Burdon, Kyoko Tagami, Joonhee Park, Nigel A.S. Taylor, Rodney J. Croft

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

There is now strong evidence that radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure influences the human electroencephalogram (EEG). While effects on the alpha band of the resting EEG have been repeatedly shown, the mechanisms underlying that effect have not been established. The current study used well-controlled methods to assess the RF-EMF exposure effect on the EEG and determine whether that effect might be thermally mediated. Thirty-six healthy adults participated in a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced provocation study. A water-perfusion suit (34 ◦C) was worn throughout the study to negate environmental influences and stabilize skin temperature. Participants attended the laboratory on four occasions, the …

Effect Of Cannabidiol On Endocannabinoid, Glutamatergic And Gabaergic Signalling Markers In Male Offspring Of A Maternal Immune Activation (Poly I:C) Model Relevant To Schizophrenia, Ashleigh L. Osborne, Nadia Solowij, Ilijana Babic, Jeremy Lum, Kelly A. Newell, Xu-Feng Huang, Katrina Weston-Green

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

The mainstay treatment for schizophrenia is antipsychotic drugs (APDs), which are mostly effective against the positive symptoms (e.g. hallucinations), but provide minimal benefits for the negative symptoms (e.g. social withdrawal) and cognitive deficits. We have recently shown that treatment with the non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), can improve cognition and social interaction deficits in a maternal immune activation (MIA) model relevant to the aetiology of schizophrenia, however, the mechanisms underlying this effect are unknown. An imbalance in the main excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABA) neurotransmitter systems in the brain plays a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Therefore, the endocannabinoid system …

Cortisol, Oxytocin, And Quality Of Life In Major Depressive Disorder, Ai Ling Tang, Susan J. Thomas, Theresa A. Larkin

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Purpose: Quality of life (QoL) is greatly impaired in major depressive disorder (MDD). These impairments are not fully accounted for by symptom severity, may persist beyond depressive episodes, and are a risk factor for poor outcomes. MDD is often associated with prominent neuroendocrine changes and increased risk of chronic disease. However, there is a lack of research examining whether biological factors are related to QoL in MDD. This research examined relationships between cortisol, oxytocin, symptom severity, and QoL in MDD.

Methods: Sixty adults meeting DSM-5 criteria for MDD and 60 healthy controls provided morning plasma samples which were …

Regional Differences In The Inflammatory And Heat Shock Response In Glia: Implications For Als, Benjamin Clarke, Rebecca San Gil, Jing Yip, Bernadett Kalmar, Linda Greensmith

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Preferential neuronal vulnerability is characteristic of several neurodegenerative diseases including the motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is well established that glia play a critical role in ALS, but it is unknown whether regional differences in the ability of glia to support motor neurons contribute to the specific pattern of neuronal degeneration. In this study, using primary mixed glial cultures from different mouse CNS regions (spinal cord and cortex), we examined whether regional differences exist in key glial pathways that contribute to, or protect against, motor neuron degeneration. Specifically, we examined the NF-κB-mediated inflammatory pathway and the cytoprotective …

Uncertainty Analysis Of Mobile Phone Use And Its Effect On Cognitive Function: The Application Of Monte Carlo Simulation In A Cohort Of Australian Primary School Children, Christopher Brzozek, Kurt Benke, Berihun Zeleke, Rodney J. Croft, Anna Dalecki, Christina Dimitriadis, Jordy Kaufman, Malcolm Sim, Michael J. Abramson, Geza P. Benke

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Previous epidemiological studies on health effects of radiation exposure from mobile phones have produced inconsistent results. This may be due to experimental difficulties and various sources of uncertainty, such as statistical variability, measurement errors, and model uncertainty. An analytical technique known as the Monte Carlo simulation provides an additional approach to analysis by addressing uncertainty in model inputs using error probability distributions, rather than point-source data. The aim of this investigation was to demonstrate using Monte Carlo simulation of data from the ExPOSURE (Examination of Psychological Outcomes in Students using Radiofrequency dEvices) study to quantify uncertainty in the output of …

Experiences Of Patient-Centred Care In Alcohol And Other Drug Treatment Settings: A Qualitative Study To Inform Design Of A Patient-Reported Experience Measure, Kathryn Hinsley, Peter James Kelly, Esther L. Davis

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Introduction and Aims: A growing body of literature supports the use of patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) to monitor the provision of patient-centred care to people accessing health services. However, there is an absence of research into PREMs in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) field. The aim of this study was to explore patient experiences of AOD care and to develop a PREM for AOD treatment settings. Design and Methods: Five focus groups were conducted with people accessing AOD treatment services in New South Wales, Australia (N = 39). Data were analysed using iterative categorisation. A draft PREM was developed …

Effectiveness Of Quality Incentive Payments In General Practice (Equip-Gp): A Study Protocol For A Cluster-Randomised Trial Of An Outcomes-Based Funding Model In Australian General Practice To Improve Patient Care, Gregory Peterson, Grant Russell, Jan Radford, Nicholas Arnold Zwar, Danielle Mazza, Simon Eckermann, Judy Mullan, Marijka Batterham, Athena Hammond, Andrew D. Bonney

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Background There is international interest in whether improved primary care, in particular for patients with chronic or complex conditions, can lead to decreased use of health resources and whether financial incentives help achieve this goal. This trial (EQuIP-GP) will investigate whether a funding model based upon targeted, continuous quality incentive payments for Australian general practices increases relational continuity of care, and lessens health-service utilisation, for high-risk patients and children. Methods We will use a mixed methods approach incorporating a two-arm pragmatic cluster randomised control trial with nested qualitative case studies. We aim to recruit 36 general practices from Practice-Based Research …

Application Of The Integrated Behavioral Model To Oral Self‐Care Behavior Of Community‐Dwelling Middle‐Aged And Older People In Taiwan, Mu-Hsing Ho, H.C. Chang, Yen-Kuang Lin, Victoria Traynor, Hung-Huey Tsai, Kathleen Buckwalter, Megan F. Liu, Chia-Chi Chang

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Objectives This study evaluated the Integrated Behavioral Model and examined oral self‐care behavior of community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older people. Design A cross‐sectional design was used. Sample Purposive sampling was employed to recruit middle and older age community‐dwelling individuals, with research locations in public health centers in northern Taiwan. Measurements Structured questionnaires comprised: participant demographics, oral health literacy, oral self‐care attitude, self‐efficacy, intention, and behavior, and significant others' perceptions and beliefs as well as environmental constraints. The Model verification was evaluated by path analysis. Results Two hundred and sixty‐three participants (N = 263) completed the questionnaire survey. Results identified significant direct …

Cannabidiol Improves Behavioural And Neurochemical Deficits In Adult Female Offspring Of The Maternal Immune Activation (Poly I:C) Model Of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Ashleigh L. Osborne, Nadia Solowij, Ilijana Babic, Jeremy Lum, Xu-Feng Huang, Kelly A. Newell, Katrina Weston-Green

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Cognitive impairment is a major source of disability in schizophrenia and current antipsychotic drugs (APDs) have minimal efficacy for this symptom domain. Cannabidiol (CBD), the major non-intoxicating component of Cannabis sativa L., exhibits antipsychotic and neuroprotective properties. We recently reported the effects of CBD on cognition in male offspring of a maternal immune activation (polyinosinic-polycytidilic acid (poly I:C)) model relevant to the aetiology of schizophrenia; however, the effects of CBD treatment in females are unknown. Sex differences are observed in the onset of schizophrenia symptoms and response to APD treatment. Furthermore, the endogenous cannabinoid system, a direct target of CBD, …

The Ubiquitin Proteasome System Is A Key Regulator Of Pluripotent Stem Cell Survival And Motor Neuron Differentiation, Monique Bax, Jessie Mckenna, Phuong Dzung Do-Ha, Claire H. Stevens, Sarah L. Higginbottom, Rachelle Balez, Mauricio E Castro Cabral Da Silva, Natalie E. Farrawell, Martin Engel, Philip Poronnik, Justin J. Yerbury, Darren N. Saunders, Lezanne Ooi

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) plays an important role in regulating numerous cellular processes, and a dysfunctional UPS is thought to contribute to motor neuron disease. Consequently, we sought to map the changing ubiquitome in human iPSCs during their pluripotent stage and following differentiation to motor neurons. Ubiquitinomics analysis identified that spliceosomal and ribosomal proteins were more ubiquitylated in pluripotent stem cells, whilst proteins involved in fatty acid metabolism and the cytoskeleton were specifically ubiquitylated in the motor neurons. The UPS regulator, ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 1 (UBA1), was increased 36-fold in the ubiquitome of motor neurons compared to pluripotent …

Beliefs About Safety Behaviours In The Prediction Of Safety Behaviour Use, Johanna Meyer, Alex Kirk, Joanna J. Arch, Peter James Kelly, Brett J. Deacon

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Background: Safety behaviours are ubiquitous across anxiety disorders and are associated with the aetiology, maintenance and exacerbation of anxiety. Cognitive behavioural models posit that beliefs about safety behaviours directly influence their use. Therefore, beliefs about safety behaviours may be an important component in decreasing safety behaviour use. Unfortunately, little empirical research has evaluated this theorized relationship. Aims: The present study aimed to examine the predictive relationship between beliefs about safety behaviours and safety behaviour use while controlling for anxiety severity. Method: Adults with clinically elevated levels of social anxiety (n = 145) and anxiety sensitivity (n = 109) completed an …

When I Relive A Positive Me: Vivid Autobiographical Memories Facilitate Autonoetic Brain Activation And Enhance Mood, Charlotte C. Van Schie, Chui-De Chiu, Serge A. R. B Rombouts, Willem J. Heiser, Bernet M. Elzinga

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Autobiographical memory is vital for our well-being and therefore used in therapeutic interventions. However, not much is known about the (neural) processes by which reliving memories can have beneficial effects. This study investigates what brain activation patterns and memory characteristics facilitate the effectiveness of reliving positive autobiographical memories for mood and sense of self. Particularly, the role of vividness and autonoetic consciousness is studied. Participants (N= 47) with a wide range of trait self-esteem relived neutral and positive memories while their bold responses, experienced vividness of the memory, mood, and state self-esteem were recorded. More vivid memories related to better …

An Audit Of The Nutrition And Health Claims On Breakfast Cereals In Supermarkets In The Illawarra Region Of Australia, Romi Sussman, Anne T. Mcmahon, Elizabeth Neale

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Nutrition and health claims can promote healthier food choices but may lead to consumer confusion if misused. Regular monitoring of claims is therefore required. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of nutrition and health claims carried on breakfast cereals in supermarkets, and to assess claim compliance with regulations. Nutrition and health claims on breakfast cereal products across five supermarkets in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia, were recorded in a cross-sectional audit. Prevalence of claim type and claim compliance was determined. Claims were compared across categories of breakfast cereal. Almost all (95.7%) products audited carried at least …

Alpha-2-Macroglobulin, A Hypochlorite-Regulated Chaperone And Immune System Modulator, Jordan Cater, Mark R. Wilson, Amy R. Wyatt

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Alpha-macroglobulins are ancient proteins that include monomeric, dimeric, and tetrameric family members. In humans, and many other mammals, the predominant alpha-macroglobulin is alpha-2-macroglobulin (α₂M), a tetrameric protein that is constitutively abundant in biological fluids (e.g., blood plasma, cerebral spinal fluid, synovial fluid, ocular fluid, and interstitial fluid). α₂M is best known for its remarkable ability to inhibit a broad spectrum of proteases, but the full gamut of its activities affects diverse biological processes. For example, α₂M can stabilise and facilitate the clearance of the Alzheimer’s disease-associated amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide. Additionally, α₂M …

Highly Sensitive Soft Foam Sensors To Empower Robotic Systems, Vitor Sencadas, Charbel Tawk, Gursel Alici

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Soft robots require seamless integration with sensors and actuators that are simple to manufacture at scale with low cost and minimum footprint. The sensor materials must be highly reliable, sensitive, and stable, and their mechanical features should match the sensing requirements of soft robots such as minimal response time and nonlinearity of hysteresis and relaxation. A resistive-type sensor based on the synthesis of poly(glycerol secabate) (PGS) with a foam-like structure and outstanding mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical properties is developed. These foam sensors present high sensitivity (gauge factor ≈ −9), very fast response (≤3 ms), negligible hysteresis, reliability, long lifetime ( …

Evaluation Of The Dietary Intake Data Coding Process In A Clinical Setting: Implications For Research Practice, Vivienne Guan, Yasmine Probst, Elizabeth Neale, Linda C. Tapsell

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Background High quality dietary intake data is required to support evidence of diet-disease relationships exposed in clinical research. Source data verification may be a useful quality assurance method in this setting. The present pilot study aimed to apply source data verification to evaluate the quality of the data coding process for dietary intake in a clinical trial and to explore potential barriers to data quality in this setting. Methods Using a sample of 20 cases from a clinical trial, source data verification was conducted between three sets of data derived documents: transcripts of audio-recorded diet history interviews, matched paper-based diet …

Barriers And Facilitators To The Implementation Of A Stepped Care Intervention For Personality Disorder In Mental Health Services, Melissa Pigot, Caitlin Miller, Robert N. Brockman, Brin F. S Grenyer

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Background: Individuals with personality disorders-particularly borderline personality disorder-are high users of mental health treatment services. Emergency service responses often focus on crisis management, and there are limited opportunities to provide appropriate longer term evidence-based treatment. Many individuals with personality disorders find themselves in a revolving cycle between emergency departments and waiting for community treatment. A stepped care approach may help to triage clients and allow access to interventions with minimal client, clinician and system burden. This study aims to understand the facilitators and barriers to real-world implementation of a stepped care approach to treating personality disorders. Methods: Managers and clinicians …

Multilevel Regulation Of The Glass Locus During Drosophila Eye Development, Cornelia Fritsch, F Bernardo-Garcia, Tim Humberg, Abhishek Mishra, Sara Miellet, Silvia Almeida, Michael Frochaux, Bart Deplancke, Armin Huber, Simon Sprecher

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Development of eye tissue is initiated by a conserved set of transcription factors termed retinal determination network (RDN). In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, the zinc-finger transcription factor Glass acts directly downstream of the RDN to control identity of photoreceptor as well as non-photoreceptor cells. Tight control of spatial and temporal gene expression is a critical feature during development, cell-fate determination as well as maintenance of differentiated tissues. The molecular mechanisms that control expression of glass, however, remain largely unknown. We here identify complex regulatory mechanisms controlling expression of the glass locus. All information to recapitulate glass expression are contained …

Identification Of Multiple Kinetic Populations Of Dna-Binding Proteins In Live Cells, Han Ngoc Ho, Daniel Zalami, Jurgen Kohler, Antoine M. Van Oijen, Harshad Ghodke

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Understanding how multiprotein complexes function in cells requires detailed quantitative understanding of their association and dissociation kinetics. Analysis of the heterogeneity of binding lifetimes enables the interrogation of the various intermediate states formed during the reaction. Single-molecule fluorescence imaging permits the measurement of reaction kinetics inside living organisms with minimal perturbation. However, poor photophysical properties of fluorescent probes limit the dynamic range and accuracy of measurements of off rates in live cells. Time-lapse single-molecule fluorescence imaging can partially overcome the limits of photobleaching; however, limitations of this technique remain uncharacterized. Here, we present a structured analysis of which timescales are …

Geographic Variation In Cardiometabolic Risk Distribution: A Cross-Sectional Study Of 256,525 Adult Residents In The Illawarra-Shoalhaven Region Of The Nsw, Australia, Renin Toms, Darren J. Mayne, Xiaoqi Feng, Andrew D. Bonney

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Introduction Metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) warrant significant public health concern globally. This study aims to utilise the regional database of a major laboratory network to describe the geographic distribution pattern of eight different cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs), which in turn can potentially generate hypotheses for future research into locality specific preventive approaches. Method A cross-sectional design utilising de-identified laboratory data on eight CMRFs including fasting blood sugar level (FBSL); glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c); total cholesterol (TC); high density lipoprotein (HDL); albumin creatinine ratio (ACR); estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); body mass index (BMI); and diabetes mellitus (DM) status …

Using Tetracysteine-Tagged Tdp-43 With A Biarsenical Dye To Monitor Real-Time Trafficking In A Cell Model Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Janice S. W Ng, Maya A. Hanspal, Naunehal S. Matharu, Teresa P. Barros, Elin K. Esbjorner, Mark R. Wilson, Justin J. Yerbury, Christopher M. Dobson, Janet R. Kumita

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) has been identified as the major constituent of the proteinaceous inclusions that are characteristic of most forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and ubiquitin positive frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Wild type TDP-43 inclusions are a pathological hallmark of >95% of patients with sporadic ALS and of the majority of familial ALS cases, and they are also found in a significant proportion of FTLD cases. ALS is the most common form of motor neuron disease, characterized by progressive weakness and muscular wasting, and typically leads to death within a few years of diagnosis. To determine how …

National Trends In American Heart Association Revised Life's Simple 7 Metrics Associated With Risk Of Mortality Among Us Adults, Liyuan Han, Dingyun You, Wenjie Ma, Thomas E. Astell-Burt, Xiaoqi Feng, Shiwei Duan, Lu Qi

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Importance: The American Heart Association (AHA) introduced the Life's Simple 7 (LS7) metrics to assess and promote cardiovascular health. However, several shortcomings of these metrics have been identified. Therefore, a revised set of LS7 metrics was developed. Objectives: To evaluate national trends in the metrics addressed by the revised LS7 and the individual and combined associations of the revised LS7 metrics with all-cause and cause-specific mortality and to compare these measures with the AHA recommended LS7 metrics. Design, Setting, and Participants: This national cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1988 to 2016. The …

Evaluation Of A Brief Intervention Within A Stepped Care Whole Of Service Model For Personality Disorder, Elizabeth A. Huxley, Kate L. Lewis, Adam Coates, Wayne Borg, Caitlin Miller, Michelle L. Townsend, Brin F. S Grenyer

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Background Although there is growing evidence that stepped models of care are useful for providing appropriate, person centered care, there are very few studies applied to personality disorders. A brief, four session, psychological treatment intervention for personality disorder within a whole of service stepped care model was evaluated. The intervention stepped between acute emergency crisis mental health services and longer-term outpatient treatments. Methods Study 1 used service utilization data from 191 individuals referred to the brief intervention at a single community health site in a metropolitan health service. Proportions of individuals retained across the intervention and the referral pathways accessed …

Patients With Drug-Naive Bipolar Disorder In Remission After 8 Weeks Of Treatment Had Decreased Serum Uric Acid Concentrations, Jingxu Chen, Ligang Zhang, Ke-Zhi Liu, Hongmei Chen, Shuang-Jiang Zhou, Ning Wang, Yun-Long Tan, Shao-Li Wang, Alison L. Jones, Fu-De Yang, Xu-Feng Huang

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Background: Evidence indicates that the serum concentration of uric acid (UA) in patients may relate both to the pathophysiology and therapeutics of bipolar disorder (BPD). The purpose of this study was to examine the changes and clinical significance of serum UA concentrations in first-episode manic patients suffering from BPD. Methods: Seventy-six drug-naive patients with first-episode bipolar mania and 76 age-and gender-matched healthy subjects were recruited. Young Mania Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were used to assess clinical symptoms. We tested serum UA concentrations by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and at the end of 8-week treatment in …

Suicide: Some Innovative Trends, Breakthroughs, And Challenges Ahead, Nagesh B. Pai

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Editorial

Cross-Sectional Study Of Area-Level Disadvantage And Glycaemic-Related Risk In Community Health Service Users In The Southern.Iml Research (Simlr) Cohort, Roger Cross, Andrew D. Bonney, Darren J. Mayne, Kathryn M. Weston

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Objectives. The aim of the present study was to determine the association between area-level socioeconomic disadvantage and glycaemic-related risk in health service users in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region of New South Wales, Australia. Methods. HbA1c values recorded between 2010 and 2012 for non-pregnant individuals aged 18 years were extracted from the Southern.IML Research (SIMLR) database. Individuals were assigned quintiles of the Socioeconomic Indices for Australia (SEIFA) Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage (IRSD) according to their Statistical Area 1 of residence. Glycaemic risk categories were defined as HbA1c 5.0-5.99% (lowest risk), 6.0-7.49% (intermediate risk) and 7.5% (highest risk). Logistic regression models were …

A Mediterranean-Style Dietary Intervention Supplemented With Fish Oil Improves Diet Quality And Mental Health In People With Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Helfimed), Natalie Parletta, Dorota M. Zarnowiecki, Jihyun Cho, Amy Wilson, Svetlana Bogomolova, Anthony Villani, Catherine Itsiopoulos, Theo Niyonsenga, Sarah Blunden, Barbara J. Meyer, Leonie Segal, Bernhard Baune, Kerin O'Dea

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Objectives: We investigated whether a Mediterranean-style diet (MedDiet) supplemented with fish oil can improve mental health in adults suffering depression. Methods: Adults with self-reported depression were randomized to receive fortnightly food hampers and MedDiet cooking workshops for 3 months and fish oil supplements for 6 months, or attend social groups fortnightly for 3 months. Assessments at baseline, 3 and 6 months included mental health, quality of life (QoL) and dietary questionnaires, and blood samples for erythrocyte fatty acid analysis. Results: n = 152 eligible adults aged 18-65 were recruited (n = 95 completed 3-month and n = 85 completed 6-month …

A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Vaporised Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol And Cannabidiol Alone And In Combination In Frequent And Infrequent Cannabis Users: Acute Intoxication Effects, Nadia Solowij, Samantha J. Broyd, Lisa-Marie Greenwood, Hendrika H. Van Hell, Dave Martelozzo, Kuna Rueb, Juanita Todd, Zheng Liu, Peter Galettis, Jennifer H. Martin, Robin Murray, Alison L. Jones, Patricia Michie, Rodney J. Croft

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Access to cannabis and cannabinoid products is increasing worldwide for recreational and medicinal use. Two primary compounds within cannabis plant matter, Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are both psychoactive, but only THC is considered intoxicating. There is significant interest in potential therapeutic properties of these cannabinoids and of CBD in particular. Some research has suggested that CBD may ameliorate adverse effects of THC, but this may be dose dependent as other evidence suggests possible potentiating effects of THC by low doses of CBD. We conducted a randomised placebo controlled trial to examine the acute effects of these compounds …

Overexpression Of Uhrf1 Promoted The Proliferation Of Vascular Smooth Cells Via The Regulation Of Geminin Protein Levels, Xia Chen, You-Li Zhou, Shi-Yu Liang, Yan-Chuan Shi, Shu Lin, Mao Shu

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Geminin is an inhibitor of DNA replication licensing and cell cycle. Our previous study demonstrates that Geminin plays an important role in regulating phenotypic diversity and growth of vascular smooth cells (VSMCs). Ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING Finger domains 1 (UHRF1) is an epigenetic coordinator, whose RING domain confers intrinsic E3 ligase activity, mediating the ubiquitination of several proteins and the protein-protein interaction. Aberrant expression of UHRF1 was related to aggressiveness of multiple human malignancies, where knockdown of UHRF1 led to decreased proliferation of cancer cells. However, it is unclear whether proper UHRF1 function is involved in aberrant proliferation and …