Digital Commons Network^™

Alcohol Advertising At The Beach: Insights From Young People In Western Australia, Renee N. Carey, Gemma Crawford, Nicola D'Orazio, Gina S.A. Trapp, Lauren Nimmo, Tina Lam, Jonine Jancey, Justine E. Leavy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Advertising and marketing by the alcohol industry serve to normalise alcohol use, with exposure to alcohol advertising linked to earlier and riskier drinking among young people. Advertising that portrays alcohol use in and around waterways is of particular concern, with one in five fatal drownings being associated with alcohol. Objective: This study aimed to explore the types of alcohol advertising that young people were exposed to, and to determine whether exposure to alcohol advertising was related to their alcohol use in aquatic environments. Methods: We surveyed 102 young people aged 18 to 25 years attending a free event at …

Exploring The Dairy Milk Matrix Beyond Isolated Nutrients—A Narrative Review, Therese A. O’Sullivan, Analise Nicholl

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The concept of the food matrix considers individual components along with how they are structured, interact, and are modified during processing. There is increasing interest around the health effects of individual nutrients versus whole foods, creating a need to better understand how the matrix may influence health outcomes. This narrative review explores the dairy milk matrix and compares health effects with those of isolated components, with additional comparisons to plant-based milk alternatives. Comparative evidence suggests that while calcium from food and supplements generally has similar effects (depending on the form of the supplemental calcium), consumption of food-based sources such as …

The Best Practice Guide For Early Childhood Education And Care Food Environment: Module 5: Sustainable Food Practices (Version 1.0), Ros Sambell, Audrey Elford, Connie N. Ihlein, Lochie Clark, Amanda Devine, Helen Alexiou, Lennie Barblett, Caterina Benati, Fiona Champion, Bek Clancy, Penelope Clark, Kathy Cologon, Wendy Cook, Katie Dix, Kirsty Elliott, Leanne Elliston, Amanda Ferguson, Ricky Gelman, Jodie Gray, Natalie Gulberti, Lorraine Hingston, Karen Krist, Deana Leahy, Rebecca Lindberg, Stacey Mckenzie, Merryn Netting, Ciara O’Flaherty, Asha Rojahn, Blake Stewart, Leah Stuart-Douglas, Aimee Sullivan, Suzanne Tamone, Henry Tan, Sandra Vale, Jill Whelan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

ECEC food environments are uniquely positioned to support sustainability by implementing practices that can reduce environmental impacts while creating meaningful opportunities for children to experience and explore the interconnections between people, animals, plants, lands and water through food.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) (Version 2.0) recognises sustainability as an important consideration for children’s learning and development and that educators and children have active roles to play in contributing to more sustainable communities.1 Through the food provided, mealtimes, and food education, ECEC services can provide meaningful opportunities for children to experience and engage with sustainable food practices.

This Sustainable Food …

Aerobic Exercise Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf) In Sub-Acute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Christopher P. Mackay, Suzanne Kuys, Mia Schaumberg, Li Ann Leow, Sandy Brauer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key neurotrophin due to its role in neuron process outgrowth, plasticity, and neuronal survival. Aerobic exercise can induce BDNF release and may ultimately maximize post-stroke recovery. Objectives: This study aimed to determine if a program of moderate-to-high-intensity aerobic exercise increased concentrations of BDNF in subacute stroke survivors compared to usual care. Methods: A parallel-group, RCT was undertaken in people with subacute stroke undergoing rehabilitation. Participants were randomly allocated to usual care (control group) or usual care plus an 8-week program of moderate-high intensity treadmill walking (3 x 30 min sessions per week) (experimental …

Obesity Indices As Predictors Of Metabolic Syndrome: 1-Year Findings From A Peruvian Cohort Of Private Educational Institution Workers, Vicente A. Benites-Zapata, Daniel Fernandez-Guzman, Percy Herrera-Añazco, Enrique Moncada-Mapelli, Diego Urrunaga-Pastor, Carlos J. Toro-Huamanchumo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common condition marked by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. It has significant health and economic impacts, highlighting the need for early predictive markers. Objective: To compare the prognostic performance of various obesity indices in the 1-year incidence of MetS among adult employees of a private educational institution. Design: Cohort study. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted using data from adults employed at a private educational institution in Lima, Peru. Participants were enrolled in 2019 and followed for 1 year to monitor anthropometric and biochemical parameters. The outcome was the development of …

Transforming The Public Plate: A Menu Of Options For Public Food Procurement That Nourishes People, Place And Planet, Leah Galvin, Emma-Kate Rose, Stephanie Godrich, Dheepa Jeyapalan, Joanna Horton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Public food procurement stands as one of the most powerful, yet chronically underutilised, policy levers available to Australian governments. Every day, publicly funded institutions – hospitals, residential aged care facilities, long day care, prisons, schools, defence facilities and community food programs – purchase and serve food to millions of Australians. These are not simply transactions. Collectively, these purchasing decisions shape production systems, supply chains, diets, livelihoods and environmental outcomes. They determine who thrives within our food system and who is left behind. Transforming the Public Plate is an Australian first. It provides the most comprehensive national picture to date of …

Association Between Protein Intake From Animal And Plant Sources And The Presence Of Frailty In Community-Dwelling Australian Women, Trent Bozanich, Jack Dalla Via, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Cassandra Smith, Elsa Dent, Anthony Villani, Robin M. Daly, Michael Tieland, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Kun Zhu, Richard L. Prince, Marc Sim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

We investigated the cross-sectional association between total, animal and plant protein intake with the presence of a multidimensional measure of frailty in older women. Participants included 1380 community-dwelling Australian women, mean (SD) age 75.1 (2.7) years. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to determine total, plant, and animal protein intake. Frailty was assessed using a frailty index across numerous health domains (scored 0–1, ≥0.25 indicating frailty). Cross-sectional associations were analysed using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models. In total, 275 (19.9%) women were identified as frail. A non-linear inverse association was observed between higher intakes of total protein and the odds …

Insulin Resistance As A Mediator Of Physical Activity's Effects On Beta-Amyloid Accumulation And Tau Phosphorylation: A Scoping Review, Michael G. Slee, Joanne Scotney, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Kirk I. Erickson, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Giuseppe Verdile, Belinda M. Brown

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased Alzheimer’s disease risk and brain beta amyloid (Aβ) burden, suggesting an underlying mechanistic relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes. Animal studies show exercise reduces levels of brain Aβ and tau, and while human studies are somewhat limited, some studies have reported physical activity is associated with lower brain Aβ and tau levels. Exercise has well established links to reductions in insulin resistance; thus, as physical activity can impact both insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s disease pathology and/or biomarkers, it is reasonable to hypothesise that a mediating relationship may exist. The objective …

Aphasia Treatment Research: A Decision-Making Tool To Guide The Design Of Phased Trials From The Collaboration Of Aphasia Trialists (Cats) Trials For Aphasia Panel, Erin Godecke, Emily Brogan, Rebecca Palmer, Marian C. Brady, Frank Becker, Caterina Breitenstein, Sonia Brownsett, Julius Fridriksson, Katerina Hilari, Argye E. Hillis, Paola Marangolo, Miranda L. Rose, Shirley Thomas, Donna C. Tippett, Julie Bernhardt, Kathryn S. Hayward

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials with meta-analyses indicate that speech and language therapy for aphasia after stroke is effective in improving communication. However, high-quality evidence to identify an intervention’s target population (who), regimen (what), timing (when), and dose (how much) is lacking. The predominance of underpowered aphasia trials and comparative studies with design limitations may be attributed to: 1) the perceived complexity of designing trials of interventions for a complex behaviour such as human communication, 2) the lack of funded research in the field and 3) a lack of training and understanding in the field of aphasiology regarding …

Partial Post-Exposure Protection By Topical Inserts Containing Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate/Elvitegravir In A Macaque Model Of Rectal Simian Hiv (Shiv) Infection, Natalia Makarova, Tyana Singletary, M. Melissa Peet, Kristen Kelley, Ryan Johnson, Vivek Agrahari, Maria Mendoza, Yi Pan, Walid Heneine, Meredith R. Clark, J. Gerardo García Lerma, Gustavo F. Doncel, James W. Smith

CONRAD Publications

On-demand topical inserts for HIV prevention may be a good option for people who have a low frequency of sexual activity. We recently demonstrated in a preclinical macaque model that rectal application of inserts containing tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) and elvitegravir (EVG) conferred protection against SHIV infection (93% efficacy) when applied as pre-exposure prophylaxis 4 hours before SHIV exposure. Here, we show that the same inserts provide significant postexposure protection (82.9% efficacy) when applied 4 hours after SHIV exposure. Our findings further support the ongoing clinical development of TAF/EVG inserts for on-demand HIV prevention.

Coffin–Lowry Syndrome: A Systematic Review Of Rps6ka3 Confirmed Cases And Implications For Diagnosis And Counseling, Sabyasachi Maity, Miranda Montion, Danielle Boothe, Mona Attarpour, Ivy Mageto, Simran Agarwal, Rujul Patel, Chloe Lark, Bharathi Gadad, Nikhilesh Anand

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Coffin–Lowry syndrome (CLS) is a rare X-linked disorder caused by pathogenic variants in RPS6KA3, presenting with intellectual disability, distinctive facial and skeletal features, and variable systemic involvement. Advances in genomic technologies have expanded the mutation spectrum, yet genotype phenotype correlations remain incompletely understood.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of published cases (n = 72) following PRISMA guidelines. Demographic, phenotypic, and genotypic data were extracted, standardized, and summarized using descriptive statistics. Associations between mutation type and key clinical features were assessed with Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Diagnostic approaches and global distribution were also analyzed.

Results: The cohort …

Beyond Hemostasis: A Narrative Review On The Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential Of Ankaferd Blood Stopper, Salima E. Tibi, Muhammad Hashir Nazir, Saleha Nazir, Bhumi Daishik Patel, Gayatri Misra, Tirath Patel, Fatima Nasir, Muhammad Farhan, Nana Sardarova, Nikhilesh Anand

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Effective hemorrhage control is essential in managing trauma and surgical patients, with uncontrolled bleeding being a leading cause of mortality. Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS), a hemostatic agent historically used in Anatolia, has gained recognition for its ability to modulate red blood cell-fibrinogen interactions to form a stable protein network for rapid bleeding cessation.

Objective: This review explores the multifaceted applications of ABS, evaluating its efficacy, safety, and potential therapeutic roles across various medical fields, including hemostasis, wound healing, antimicrobial activity, and antineoplastic effects.

Methods: A comprehensive synthesis of clinical trials, case reports, and experimental studies was conducted to assess …

S-Methyl Cysteine Sulfoxide: Its Effects On Cardiometabolic Outcomes In High-Fat Fed C57bl/6 Mice And Relevance To Human Health, Caroline R. Hill, Balmer, Hayley Abbiss, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua R. Lewis, Armaghan Shafaei, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

S-Methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO) is an organosulfur compound with demonstrated hypocholesterolemic, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant benefits in rodents. However, the doses used have limited translatability for humans. We explored whether SMCSO could blunt development of diet-induced metabolic syndrome features in mice using doses that are potentially more translatable and achievable in humans. Male mice (C57BL/6; n = 54) were randomly assigned into one of five groups: [1] normal-diet; [2] high-fat-diet; or high-fat-diet with [3] 60 mg kg⁻¹, [4] 170 mg kg⁻¹, or [5] 350 mg per kg per body weight (BW) of SMCSO, respectively. Doses were administered …

Fgf19 As A Colorectal Cancer Serum Biomarker And Fgfr4 As A Mediator Of Anti-Her2 Resistance In Breast Cancer, Jordan Beardsley

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

The fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19)-fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) signaling pathway regulates hepatic metabolism, bile acid (BA) synthesis, and hepatocyte proliferation. This signaling axis also is implicated in promoting tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, and metastasis in certain cancers.

In colorectal cancer (CRC) there is a critical need for non-invasive biomarkers for disease detection and monitoring. We identified FGF19 as a candidate CRC serum marker through meta-transcriptomics and found FGF19 to be expressed and secreted by CRC cell lines. Tumor-derived FGF19 was detectable in mouse serum at levels correlating with tumor volume in a subcutaneous xenograft model. RNA sequencing …

Pioglitazone Uncouples Macrophage Inflammatory Signaling From Epithelial Oxidative Stress During Map Infection Mimicking Crohn’S Disease Treatment, Sabera Akter Bushra

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by intestinal inflammation, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and abnormal immune signaling. CD pathophysiology is increasingly linked to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection, which increases chronic macrophage activation and the production of inflammatory mediators that lead to epithelial damage. Among these mediators, CXCL10, TNF-α, and IL-6 contribute in inflammation, while NOX-1 and SERPINE-1 indicate epithelial oxidative stress and damage. Despite the role of macrophage-epithelial interaction in CD, selective pharmaceutical regulation of this axis remains unclear. Pioglitazone, an FDA-approved PPARγ agonist used for type 2 diabetes, is an appealing repurposing candidate, given …

Evaluating Novel Targeted Combination Therapies For Gastrointestinal Cancers, Joseph A. Goode

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers remain among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with therapeutic resistance continuing to limit the effectiveness of current treatments. Three complementary studies were conducted to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities and evaluate novel combination strategies in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and colorectal cancer (CRC).  First, dual inhibition of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling was investigated in PDAC models. A combination of targeted drug treatments reduced viability, clonogenic survival, migration, and suppressed signaling pathways involved in translational control. This supported a functional interaction between FGFR4 and PI3K-mTOR co-activation in …

Cardiovascular–Kidney–Metabolic Syndrome Through The Lens Of Gut‑Derived Uremic Toxins, Chudan Xu, Matthew Snelson, Francine Z. Marques

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Cardiovascular–Kidney–Metabolic (CKM) syndrome represents a complex, interconnected cluster of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. These conditions share overlapping metabolic, inflammatory, and vascular pathways, with the gut microbiome increasingly recognised as a key contributor and common underlying risk factor. Uremic toxins, traditionally considered waste products of host and microbial metabolism, are now recognised as active mediators of tissue damage across the CKM spectrum, particularly in the context of impaired renal function. Their production and accumulation are amplified by disrupted intestinal barrier integrity, chronic inflammation, and reduced renal clearance, collectively driving systemic …

Association Of Source-Specific Nitrate Intake With Inflammation And Cardiometabolic Health: A Cross-Sectional Study, Carolyn J. English, Catherine P. Bondonno, Liezhou Zhong, Anna Lohning, Nicola P. Bondonno, Dianne P. Reidlinger

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study aimed to explore whether health effects of dietary nitrate depend on its source, by investigating associations between plant and animal-sourced dietary nitrate groups with markers of inflammation and CVD risk factors. Among 100 non-smoking adults (mean age 49 ± 13 years, 31% male), dietary nitrate intake was assessed using food frequency questionnaire (n=100) and 3-day food diary (n=89), combined with nitrate food composition databases. Nitrate intake was classified into plant, naturally occurring animal and additive-permitted meat-sourced groups. Associations between source-dependent nitrate intakes and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting plasma lipids, anthropometry, and blood pressure were …

Enhancing Physical Performance With Ischemic Preconditioning: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Moderators And Performance Outcomes, Yilin Zhang, Kai Xu, Hao Kong, Mingyue Yin, Chenghao Liu, Yun Xie, Liam Kilduff, Gustavo R. Mota, Olivier Girard

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study examined the effects of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on physical performance, considering the influence of timing, warm-up (WU), participant characteristics, and IPC protocols structure. A total of 90 trials (1,439 participants) were retrieved from three databases and assessed using PICOS criteria. Multilevel meta-analyses with cluster-robust variance adjustments were conducted to calculate pooled effect sizes (Hedge’s g). Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using the RoB 2 tool and GRADE framework. IPC produced a trivial but significant improvement in physical performance (g = 0.13, P < 0.01), which persisted after excluding SHAM effects (g = 0.10; P < 0.01). Significant improvements were observed for maximum repetitions, time to failure, and power output, but not for jump ability, strength, or oxygen uptake. Comparable benefits were found for anaerobic (g = 0.15) and aerobic (g = 0.10) exercise, with greater effects in males and less-trained participants. Performance was further enhanced when IPC was followed by WU (g = 0.16), with the optimal IPC-to-WU interval being ~42 minutes. Without WU, the effective IPC window narrowed to 6–7 minutes. In practice, IPC can enhance physical performance, independently of sham effects, moderated by sex, training level, and WU. For competition or testing, the most effective strategy appears to be 3 or 4 × 5-min IPC protocol, followed by a 42-min interval, standardized warm-up, and endurance testing. For mechanistic studies, WU should be excluded, and testing conducted 6-7 minutes post-IPC. Future research should target women, middle-aged individuals, and elite athletes.

Lived Experience Of Secondary Vicarious Trauma Among The Tegaru Australian Diaspora In The Postwar Context Of Tigray, Hailay Abrha Gesesew, Fauk, Kiflu Gebremicael Tesfamicael, Gebremeskel Mamu Werid, Lillian Mwanri, Amanuel Gebremedhin, Kidane Gebremariam, Semira Hailu, Kalayu Brhane Mruts, Michael Musker, Fisaha Haile Tesfay, Azeb Gebresilassie Tesema, Paul Ward

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The war in Tigray has caused humanitarian and public health crises in North Ethiopia in addition to a high prevalence of mental health symptoms among the Tegaru (people from Tigray) diaspora in Australia. To date, there have been no studies that have explored mechanisms of vicarious mental health and resilience among Tegaru diasporas in Australia. Methods: We conducted 14 in-depth interviews with Tegaru people living in South Australia from September 2023 to June 2024. Data analysis involved an initial stage of open coding, followed by conceptual coding. We also applied “interanalyst validity” to validate the code of framework. Results: …

Barriers To Mental Healthcare In Rural Agricultural Communities, Monica Salonga

Research Honors

Mental health diagnoses have become increasingly concerning in the United States (US). In 2024, 60 million adults in the United States experienced a mental illness, and over 14 million adults stated they had suicidal thoughts (Reinert et al., 2025). The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports around 4,000 suicide-related deaths in the United States every year (CDC, 2025). One population that suffers from disproportionate rates of suicide is farmers and farm families. Farmers are ranked #4 in the United States regarding suicide rates (Miller & Rudolphi, 2022). Between 2003 and 2018, there were 1,935 suicide-related deaths committed by farmers (Miller …

Identifying The Best Cutoff Value Of The Fecal Occult Blood Immunochemical Test In The Detection Of Advanced And Neoplastic Colorectal Lesions [Identificación Del Mejor Punto De Corte De La Prueba Inmunoquímica De Sangre Oculta En Heces En La Detección De Lesiones Colorrectales Avanzadas Y Neoplásicas], Patricia Gaggero, Eduardo Fenocchi, Cecilia Silva, Juan C. Lopez-Alvarenga, Natalia Lambert, Fabian Batista, Sergio Sobrino-Cossio, Jonathan R. White, Adolfo Parra-Blanco

School of Medicine Publications

Objective: Screening is an effective tool for detecting colorectal lesions in asymptomatic subjects. There is a positive correlation between fecal immunochemical test (FIT) values and the size of tumors. Despite the efficacy of screening, the detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains low. The primary objective was to evaluate the best FIT cutoff value for detecting advanced adenomas and CRC among individuals at average risk in a country with a high incidence and morbidity from CRC.

Methods: This observational and prospective study analyzed consecutive cases in 1461 asymptomatic subjects with a positive FIT (≥ 100 ng hemoglobin [Hb]/ mL) referred for …

Breaking The Resistance: A Narrative Review Of The Evolution From Traditional Drugs To Precision Therapies In Epilepsy, Tirath Patel, Fathimathul Henna, Ashfaq Ahmed, Ayesha Ahmad, Noor Ul Huda, Syed Aaraiz Ul Hassan, Aiman Muhammad, Amna Javed, Maryem Filal, Nikhilesh Anand

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affecting approximately 50 million individuals globally. While conventional antiseizure medications (ASMs) control seizures in 70-80% of patients, about 30% experience drug resistance or intolerable side effects, necessitating alternative approaches.

Objective: To critically compare the efficacy, safety, and accessibility of conventional and emerging therapies for epilepsy, particularly in the context of treatment-resistant cases and global disparities in care.

Methods: This narrative review synthesized evidence from 120 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025. Literature was retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus using predefined search terms related to epilepsy …

Biological Performance Enhancement Of Ni-Free Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glass For Dental Implants Via Nitrogen Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation, Hsun-Miao Huang, Ying-Sui Sun, Ya-Lin Huang, Kai-Yi Lin, Thantrira Porntaveetus, Thanaphum Osathanon, Wei-Cheng Chen, Her-Hsiung Huang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Improving the biocompatibility of bulk metallic glass (BMG) alloys is critical for expanding their applications in biomedical fields, particularly in dental implants. This study systematically investigated the suitability of nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (NPIII)-treated Zr-based BMG alloy for next-generation dental implant applications, focusing on protein adsorption, platelet responses, and cell behavior.

Materials and methods: NPIII was employed as a surface modification approach to enhance the biological performance of a Ni-free Zr₆₂.₅Cu₂₂.₅Fe₅Al₁₀ BMG alloy. The effects of NPIII treatment on surface characteristics, including crystallinity, chemical composition, layer thickness, roughness, and hydrophilicity, were comprehensively analyzed. Protein adsorption …

Oral Pathogens Reprogram Endothelial Barrier And Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme2/Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase-Nitric Oxide Signaling To Promote Blood Pressure Dysregulation, Ming-Shou Hsieh, Tung-Nien Hsu, Chin-Sheng Huang, Ting-Yi Renn, Kuang-Tai Kuo, Kuo-Yao Lin, Wei Jen Chang

Journal of Dental Sciences

Background/purpose: Although periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, the endothelial mechanisms linking oral inflammation to vascular dysfunction remain unclear. We investigated whether Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) can directly disturb endothelial homeostasis and whether macrophage–endothelial crosstalk further worsens endothelial injury.

Materials and methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to Pg-LPS alone or co-cultured (transwell system) with Pg-LPS-primed human monocytic cells -derived macrophages. Endothelial dysfunction was assessed through nitric oxide (NO) production, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation, inflammatory and adhesion molecule expression, as well as junctional and cytoskeletal changes. Macrophage …

Systematic Review Of Ketamine Therapy For Treatment Resistant Depression, Amal Abdulkadir

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

a systematic literature review the results of 29 published studies from 2020-2025 that met specified inclusion criteria. The review identified costs and benefits of traditional algorithms for treating this problem, as well as the trend in research to include the use of ketamine. Studies have demonstrated a potential association between the use of ketamine therapy and significant clinical improvement in depressive symptoms. However, the current efficacy of ketamine therapy compared to treatment as usual, side effects and contraindications have not been addressed. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA, https://aura.antioch.edu/, and OhioLINK ETD Center, https://etd.ohiolink.edu/

Advancing Treatment Of Pleural Infection, Estee Pui Mun Lau

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Introduction: Pleural infection remains a major clinical concern, with an increasing incidence worldwide. The use of intrapleural tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) with deoxyribonuclease (DNase) therapy represents a major breakthrough as it offers an effective alternative to surgery for patients who fail conventional treatment. However, the optimal dosage of tPA is yet to be established. Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC)-related infections, especially IPC-related pleural infections are a significant concern and a barrier to the uptake of IPC. The development of a long-term preventative strategy is imperative to promote uptake and improve the quality of life of patients, particularly in those who have …

A Systematic Review On Niosomes: Composition, Preparation, And Applications, Sanket Gawade Mr., Sunil Attimarad, Vishakha Desai Ms.

Manipal Journal of Medical Sciences

Conventional drug carrier systems are restricted owing to poor bioavailability, weak stability and non-specific localization, which causes systemic toxicities and reduced therapeutic efficacy. Niosomes, one of the nonionic surfactant vesicular systems, have been suggested that value to overcome these constraints. In this review, we give an account of recent progress in niosome research, highlighting their merits, composition, characterization, and applications.

Niosomes offer several advantages including increased drug bioavailability, targeted delivery and reduced toxicity. Bilayered niosomes can entrap both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, therefore allowing simultaneous delivery of actives components. We provide an overview of various techniques for niosome preparation including …

Patient Experiences Of Receiving Home-Based Immunotherapy Infusions - A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study, Patricia Ann Cook

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Context: The treatment of cancer and chronic health conditions has been greatly revolutionised via intravenous immunotherapy infusions. Demand, both globally and in Australia, is increasing due to several factors including aging and increased populations, subsequent increases of cancer cases, new immunotherapy indications and increased survival rates.

In Perth, Western Australia, a private service provider commenced delivering a home based immunotherapy infusions model of care as a hospital substitution service provider in 2013 and the service has now been extended across Australia. The safety and efficacy of home-based infusions have been well documented in research, and an increasing number of patients …

Evaluation Of Sodium Butyrate As An Anti-Fibrotic Agent In Experimental Schistosomiasis Mansoni Infection, Rania Eladl Hassan, Manar Ezzelarab Ramadan, Nora Ibrahim Aboulfotouh, Ramy Ahmed Abdelsalam Sallam, Basma Hamed Othman, Soha Ibrahim Awad

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background: Schistosomiasis is a prominent neglected tropical disease that is caused by Schistosoma mansoni, and it is characterized by granuloma formation, which advances to hepatic fibrosis and serious liver damage. The standard medication is praziquantel (PZQ), but it has minimal effect on larvae and no effect on fibrosis which is a main pathological feature in schistosomiaiss. So, new alternatives were suggested, such as sodium butyrate (SB), which is a fatty acid salt with medicinal qualities.

Objective: This study investigated the anti-fibrotic effect of sodium butyrate (SB) in a mouse model of S. mansoni-induced liver immunopathology using …