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 …

Association Of Sarcopenic Obesity With Dementia Risk In A Cohort Of Older Women, Zhongyang Guan, Blossom C.M. Stephan, Lorenzo M. Donini, Joshua R. Lewis, Carla M. Prado, Richard L. Prince, David Scott, Kun Zhu, Marc Sim, Mario Siervo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and aims: Longitudinal studies have explored the association between sarcopenic obesity (SO) and the risk of cognitive impairment, yet findings remain mixed. This study aimed to investigate the associations of SO with risk of incident dementia in older women, using two diagnostic models: the Sarcopenic Obesity Global Leadership Initiative (SOGLI) and the load-capacity model. Methods: We analysed data from 900 community-dwelling women (aged ≥70 years). SO was defined using two models: (1) the SOGLI criteria, based on low handgrip strength (HGS), low appendicular lean soft tissue to body weight (ALST/W) ratio, and high fat mass percentage (%FM); and (2) …

Can Dual-Task High-Velocity Exercise Training Improve Cognitive Function In Older Adults? Secondary Analysis Of An 18-Month Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial, Jamie L. Tait, Rachel L. Duckham, Timo Rantalainen, Catherine M. Milte, Luana C. Main, Caryl A. Nowson, Kerrie M. Sanders, Dennis R. Taaffe, Keith D. Hill, Gavin Abbott, Robin M. Daly

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Identifying strategies to mitigate age-associated cognitive decline is crucial. High-velocity power training enhances physical function in older adults and cognitive training has mixed cognitive benefits, however the combined effects of these interventions remain uncertain. Objective This 18-month cluster randomized controlled trial investigated whether dual-task functional power training (DT-FPT) enhances cognition in older adults and assessed if responses differ by apolipoprotein-E and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) polymorphisms. Subjects and Methods Twenty-two independent-living retirement communities (300 residents, ≥65y at increased falls risk) were randomized to 12-months of group-based DT-FPT (6-months supervised +6-months maintenance, 45–60 minutes, 2/week) performed simultaneously with cognitive and/or …

Effects Of Recreational Football On Body Composition, Cardiometabolic Health, And Functional Performance In Children And Adolescents: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Yanzhao Lei, Yanmei Ding, Bo Wang, Hengzhi Deng, Mingyue Yin, Kai Xu, Hengxian Liu, Meiling Tao, Yanfeng Li, Yilin Zhang, Yuhang Liu, Fanhao Meng, Hansen Li, Xing Zhang, Bitai Wu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: The systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of recreational football on body composition, cardiometabolic health, and functional performance in children and adolescents. Additionally, it explored potential moderators through subgroup analyses. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in six databases in May 2025. A random-effects model was employed for the meta-analysis, and effect sizes were reported as standardized mean differences (SMD, Hedges’ g). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine sources of heterogeneity. Results: A total of 20 studies (N = 2,906; age range: 8–17 years) were included. Of the participants, 1,524 (52.44%) were male, 1,174 …

Glycomedicine: Unveiling The Paracentral Dogma, Wei Wang, Gordan Lauc

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Gut Microbial Composition And Short-Chain Fatty Acid Metabolism In Cognitively Unimpaired Adults Stratified By Amyloid-Β Status, D. M.Sithara Dissanayaka, Thilini N. Jayasinghe, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Kevin Taddei, Colin L. Masters, Ralph N. Martins, W. M.A.D.Binosha Fernando

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by gut microbial fermentation influence host metabolism and neuroinflammatory processes implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the relationship between fecal SCFAs, microbial taxa, and cerebral amyloid-β (Aβ) burden in cognitively unimpaired individuals remains unclear. Fecal SCFAs were quantified using GC-MS, and microbial species were profiled by shotgun metagenomics in 87 participants. Associations between SCFAs, demographics, APOE ε4 status, and Aβ burden were tested using nonparametric statistics and multivariable regression. Microbial–SCFA links were evaluated using Spearman correlations and multivariate ordinations, with mediation analysis exploring potential indirect pathways. Acetate was the predominant SCFA and demonstrated the most …

Paternal Age Is Associated With Offspring Bone Health—But Not Soft Tissue Composition Or Fracture: The Vitamin D In Pregnancy Study, Mia A. Percival, Kara B. Anderson, Julie A. Pasco, Marc Sim, Sarah M. Hosking, John D. Wark, Natalie K. Hyde

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Summary: Emerging evidence suggests that paternal health may be associated with offspring later life heath. In this study, advanced paternal age at childbirth was associated with poorer offspring bone mineral density and content at age 11 years. These findings suggest that paternal age may impact childhood musculoskeletal development, warranting further investigation. Introduction: Maternal health during pregnancy is known to impact offspring’s later life health. However, emerging evidence suggests that paternal factors may also be important. Advanced paternal age is associated with poorer offspring outcomes, yet few studies assess musculoskeletal outcomes. This study investigated the association between paternal age at childbirth …

Predictors Of Quality Of Family Planning Counselling In Ethiopia: Multilevel Analysis Of The Spa Survey 2021/22, Kalayu Brhane Mruts, Tesfay Brhane Gebremariam, Amanuel Tesfay Gebremedhin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: High-quality family planning (FP) counselling is essential for informed contraceptive choice, reducing discontinuation, and improving reproductive health. However, many women in sub-Saharan Africa continue to face barriers. This study examined client-, provider-, and facility-level determinants of FP counselling quality in Ethiopia using nationally representative, multi-source data. Methods: We analysed data from the 2021/22 Ethiopia Service Provision Assessment, including 2,224 women who received or were prescribed injectables, pills, or implants. Counselling quality was assessed using a 15-item checklist derived from direct observations and client exit interviews. Multilevel ordinal logistic regression was applied to identify predictors at the client-, provider-, and …

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 6: Quality, Leadership And Governance (Version 1.0), Ros Sambell, Audrey Elford, Connie N. Ihlein, Lochie Clark, Amanda Devine, Helen Alexiou, Peter D’Cress, Kasie Jackson, Karen Hunter, Stacey Mckenzie, Avalon O’Dowd, Asha Rojahn, Blake Stewart, Henry Tan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Quality, Leadership and Governance are central pillars in the role early learning settings play in children’s growth, development and wellbeing. By meeting regulatory requirements and quality standards through stringent business procedures and continuous improvement practices, services can provide high-quality food environments for all children – shaping their thoughts, feelings, and practices around food and eating.

This Quality, Leadership and Governance (QLG) module aims to:

- Provide critical context for how the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) food environment is intertwined with National Law and Regulations.

- Support services to meet regulatory requirements, through specific resources and guidance.

- Provide …

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 …

The Best Practice Guide For Early Childhood Education And Care Food Environment: Module 2: Menu And Meal Quality (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, Penny Love, Stacey Mckenzie, Tamia Matthews, Merryn Netting, Ciara O’Flaherty, Asha Rojahn, Blake Stewart, Aimee Sullivan, Suzanne Tamone, Henry Tan, Sandra Vale, Jill Whelan, Erin Wild

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Menu and meal quality is central to the role early learning settings play in children’s growth, development and wellbeing. The food provided across the day shapes children’s nutrient intake, their developing relationship with food, and the eating patterns they carry into later life. At the same time, services must balance nutritional quality with food safety, food allergen management and dietary needs, cultural diversity, family expectations, and practical constraints such as budgets, time and access to supplies.

This Menu and Meal Quality (MMQ) module aims to:

- Support ECEC services to provide menus and meals that align with the Australian Dietary …

The Best Practice Guide For Early Childhood Education And Care Food Environment: Module 1: Mealtime Environment And Practices (Version 1.0), Ros Sambell, Audrey Elford, Connie N. Ihlein, Lochie Clark, Amanda Devine, Helen Alexiou, Lennie Barblett, Rebecca Byrne, Fiona Champion, Laine Chilman, Penelope Clark, Kathy Cologon, Wendy Cook, Kirsty Elliott, Leanne Elliston, Amanda Ferguson, Ricky Gelman, Jodie Gray, Natalie Gulberti, Shae Haylen, Judith Howard, Karen Krist, Deana Leahy, Eloise Litterbach, Jodie Mcgough, Stacey Mckenzie, Merryn Netting, Ciara O’Flaherty, Gabrielle Orr, Asha Rojahn, Hilary Smith, Aimee Sullivan, Suzanne Tamone, Henry Tan, Sandra Vale, Jill Whelan, Sally Whitaker

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Mealtimes in early learning settings are more than a routine to help children eat. They are important opportunities for connection, learning and development, and for supporting children’s confidence and comfort around food and eating. At the same time, services must balance safety, regulatory requirements, diverse developmental and cultural needs, family expectations and practical constraints such as time and staffing.

The Mealtime Environment and Practices (MEP) module has been developed to support Early Childhood Education and Care settings (ECEC), for children from birth to 5 years, to create mealtimes that are safe, calm, inclusive and responsive to each child, while reflecting …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Future Health Professionals' Dementia Knowledge And Perceptions Of Dementia-Related Technology Support, Helen M. Haydon, Melissa Taylor, Annie Banbury, Cindy Jones, Georgina R. Chelberg, Louise Horstmanshof, Richard Hicks, Centaine L. Snoswell, Melissa Carey

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: This research aimed to explore healthcare professional (HCP) students' dementia knowledge, perceptions of older adults' digital literacy, and perceived usefulness of digital health interventions for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore HCP student perceptions of cognitive ageing and their understandings of the relationship between technology and healthcare practice. Researchers also explored students' knowledge of dementia and their contemporary educational experiences.

Results: Findings revealed a lack of formal education regarding the use of technology in cognitive care associated with ageing populations. Students also reported limited experience with the use of technology in …

Diet And Physical Activity Behaviours Among People With Insomnia Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Survey To Understand Treatment Needs And Acceptability, Jacy Hyland, Moira Junge, Joseph J. Scott, David Cunnington, Mia A. Schaumberg, Mathew J. Summers, Timothy Baird, Claire M. Ellender, Caitlin Fehily, Emma Axelsson, Sara Winter, Jenny Bowman, Hattie H. Wright, Christopher D. Askew, Alexandra P. Metse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: High adherence to a Mediterranean diet and regular moderate-intensity physical activity (≥5 days/week, ≥30 minutes/day) reduce the risk of insomnia symptom onset and maintenance, yet engagement in these behaviours among adults with insomnia symptoms and the acceptability of lifestyle support are not well understood.

Methods: Objectives: (1) characterise diet and physical activity behaviours among people with insomnia symptoms, including adherence to the Mediterranean diet and physical activity guidelines (moderate-intensity physical activity on ≥5days/week for ≥30 minutes/day), as well as the regularity of these behaviours; (2) explore clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with these behaviours; and (3) investigate the acceptability …

Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives On Implementing Postoperative Care Alongside Phase 1 Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Descriptive Qualitative Study, Dima Nasrawi, Sharon Latimer, Debbie Massey, Brigid M. Gillespie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery, Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) implement postoperative patient care alongside Phase 1 Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR). Yet, HCPs’ experiences, including enablers and barriers to the implementation of postoperative care alongside Phase 1 CR, are largely unknown. This study aimed to explore HCPs’ perceptions of implementing postoperative care alongside Phase 1 CR, including assessing patient engagement, following CABG surgery.

Design: A qualitative study was undertaken using semi-structured interviews with 10 HCPs in a cardiothoracic unit at a large Australian tertiary hospital. Interview questions were underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Using purposive sampling, HCPs (registered …

It Will Only Work If Everyone Is On Board: A Needs And Context Assessment To Inform Exercise Oncology Implementation Within A Public Healthcare Organisation, Georgia L. White, Mary A. Kennedy, Bryan A. Chan, Hattie Wright, Grace L. Rose

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Exercise has well-established benefits across the cancer continuum for people living with and beyond cancer, yet the exercise oncology field faces a research-to-practice gap. Understanding the factors that influence implementation in any given context is essential to ensure implementation strategies have the greatest likelihood of success. The study mapped onsite exercise oncology services, staff-reported implementation barriers and facilitators, organisational readiness, and experiences reported by people living with or beyond cancer, across a large public healthcare organisation.

Methods: Staff and people living with and beyond cancer across cancer care centres within the public healthcare organisation completed an online survey. Data …

Knowledge, Intentions And Attitudes Towards Osteoporosis And Other Health Conditions Among Older Australians, Phuong Dung Lam, Satvinder S. Dhaliwal, Christina M. Pollard, Jonine M. Jancey, Richard L. Prince, Deborah A. Kerr

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Osteoporosis burden is underdiagnosed and undertreated. While increasing community awareness and education are recognised priorities, research on how older adults view osteoporosis is limited. The aim was to assess osteoporosis-related knowledge, intentions and attitudes in relation to other health conditions in Australian adults aged 50 years and older.

Methods: A validated online questionnaire, developed with an expert panel, was administered to 1432 healthy volunteers, (64.3 ± 9.5 years). The questionnaire assessed knowledge of osteoporosis risk factors, attitudes and intentions. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with low knowledge.

Results: Knowledge score across six topics was 29.5 ± 14.5 (100 …

The Evolution Of Match-Play In Major League Soccer From 2018 To 2023, Callum J. Mccaskie, Christopher Wing

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Major League Soccer (MLS) has experienced significant growth since its establishment 30 years ago. However, no research has investigated the on-field performance trends. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the evolution of MLS match-play via technical and tactical key performance indicators, and investigate the differences between teams according to league finishing position. MLS on-field performance indicators were obtained across six seasons from open-source website FBref. Mean game values were collected from 21 match performance indicators for every MLS team over six seasons. Teams were also classified according to their league finishing position at the conclusion of each …

Application Of The Lancet Commission Criteria For The Diagnosis Of Obesity To A Clinical Trials Population: The Leap Trial, Faith Anne N Heeren, Kathleen R Ruddiman, Courtney Simmons, Brian N White, Byron C Jaeger, Nicholas M Pajewski, Stephanie A Hooker, Deborah B Horn, Katy Martin-Fernandez, Kimberly A Gudzune, Caroline Blackwell Young, Jamy Ard, Kristina Henderson Lewis

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: This study aimed to apply The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology criteria for diagnosing obesity among clinical trial participants and understand participants' characteristics by obesity status.

Methods: The criteria were operationalized and applied to baseline data from the Long-term Effectiveness of the Anti-obesity medication Phentermine (LEAP) trial (NCT05176626). Excess adiposity, organ and tissue dysfunction, and limitations to daily activities were assessed. We examined differences between participants with "no obesity," "pre-clinical obesity," and "clinical obesity."

Results: Among the 860 participants, 0.8% had no obesity (mean BMI 29.0 kg/m2 [SD 0.6]), 18.7% had pre-clinical obesity (mean BMI 35.2 kg/m2 [SD …

Healthcare Provider Perspectives On A Clinical Decision Tool To Support Individualized Exercise Prescriptions And Discussions For Breast Cancer Survivors, Jinani Jayasekera, Oliver W. A. Wilson, Kaitlyn M. Wojcik, Eleanor M. Kerr, Rachelle Brick, David Berrigan, Jennifer Yeong-Shin Sheng, Takeo Fujii, Kathleen Thomas, Henri K. Parson, Padma Sheila Rajagopal, Richard L. Street Jr.

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Purpose: We evaluated healthcare providers' current knowledge, practices, and perspectives on a novel clinical decision tool (beta-version) to facilitate individualized exercise prescriptions and discussions in clinical settings.

Methods: We recruited healthcare providers who had treated or provided care to breast cancer survivors aged >= 35-years in the past 12 months. The participants were presented with a tool to provide individualized exercise recommendations considering women's individual, clinical, and contextual characteristics. Validated and reliable pre-existing instruments were used to survey providers' current knowledge, practices regarding exercise discussions, and perspectives on the beta-version (paper-draft) of the novel tool.

Results: The sample consisted of …

Physical Activity, Telomere Length, And Cardiometabolic Syndrome In Older Women: The Cardiovascular Health Study, Jeni Page, Melissa Richard, Elizabeth Lyons, Elizabeth Baumler, M Terese Verklan, Michelle C Odden, Elizabeth Lorenzo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) affects approximately 39% of US women and increases risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke. Telomere length, a biomarker of cellular aging, is associated with CMS and may be influenced by physical activity (PA), potentially mitigating telomere shortening. Black women have higher CMS prevalence compared to white women and may exhibit distinct telomere length dynamics influenced by interactions between CMS and PA.

Methods: Data were drawn from the Cardiovascular Health Study and included black and white women who provided data on PA, CMS risk factors, and telomere length (N = 417). Linear regression models examined the …

The Proposed Impact And Anticipated Barriers Of Establishing Food Action Groups In Rural, Regional, And Remote Western Australia, Stephanie L. Godrich, Jess Doe, Sarah Goodwin, Melissa Stoneham, Amanda Devine

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To identify Food Action Groups’ activities that positively impact local food systems, and anticipated barriers to establishing Food Action Groups in rural, regional, and remote Western Australia. Design: This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach. Nineteen focus groups were conducted. Setting: Rural, regional, and remote Western Australia locations, including 11 towns across 8 regions. Participants: A total of 92 participants (61 interest holders and 31 community members). Analysis: A thematic analysis was undertaken. Results: Priority activities included government advocacy to support local commercial food production, processing, and sales; retain food within its region of origin; and home and community …

Intravenous Infusion Of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (Nad+) Versus Nicotinamide Riboside (Nr): A Retrospective Tolerability Pilot Study In A Real-World Setting, Kirsten Reyna, Greer Heinzen, Nikita Patel, Marie Ritter, Alexandra Siojo, Henry Legere, Rachele Pojednic

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is a cofactor for NAD⁺-dependent enzymes that regulate DNA repair, cellular metabolism, and immune function. Supplementation with NAD⁺ and its precursors is commonly used to prevent age-related disease and extend healthspan. Commercial clinical and wellness settings increasingly provide intravenous (IV) NAD⁺ and nicotinamide riboside (NR) despite limited evaluation of safety and effectiveness. These considerations are important, as NAD⁺ and its precursors differ in reported side effects, cellular uptake, and metabolism. This study sought to compare commercially administered NAD⁺ IV and NR IV in humans by evaluating infusion …

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 …

Sugar Consumption In Aboriginal Children Explored From A Social Practice Perspective, Amy Budrikis, Angela Durey, Dan Mcaullay, Paul Ward, Hanny Calache, Thierry Ng, Roma Winmar, Linda Slack-Smith

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Australian Aboriginal children have higher sugar intake and are disproportionately affected by sugar-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes and dental caries than non-Aboriginal children. The intention of this paper was to highlight the need for approaches that can capture the complexity of health practices without reducing them to either individual choice or structural determination. We explore sugar consumption in Aboriginal children from a social practice perspective. Here, the unit of analysis is the practice, not the individual, where the elements of a social practice (competence, materials and meanings) are integrated into its performance. We conducted qualitative research using elements of …

Triglyceride Glucose Index And Modified Triglyceride Glucose Indices Are Instrumental To Optimize 3p Medical Management For Postpartum Cardiovascular Disease, Dong Lin, Haoxian Tang, Enoch Odame Anto, Yueran Zhou, Shenglan Zhang, Xiulian Deng, Cuihong Tian, Weijie Cao, Zhuoqiao He, Zhisheng Chen, Pengxiang Ying, Yequn Chen, Xuerui Tan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Postpartum cardiovascular disease (CVD) following hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) involves multifactorial mechanisms linking metabolic susceptibility to vascular damage. Identifying predictive biomarkers and modifiable risk factors is crucial for early stratification in the context of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM). We aimed to investigate the association of triglyceride-glucose (TyG) indices with incident CVD in women with prior HDP and to assess the causal relationship using Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization (BWMR) analysis, with a focus on the implications for PPPM strategies in postpartum management. Methods: In this longitudinal cohort study, 1,642 women with prior HDP from the UK Biobank …

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 …

Longitudinal Prediction Of Bmi Using Explainable Ai: Integrating Polygenic Scores, Maternal, Early-Life And Familial Factors, Fuling Chen, Phillip E. Melton, Kevin Vinsen, Trevor Mori, Lawrence Beilin, Rae Chi Huang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background/objectives: This study aimed to predict body mass index (BMI) trajectories from childhood to early adulthood using explainable artificial intelligence, integrating adult BMI polygenic scores (PGS), maternal, early-life, and familial factors to identify key predictors of obesity risk and inform prevention strategies. Subjects/methods: We analyzed longitudinal data from the Raine Study Gen2 cohort, recruiting 2868 participants. This observational study, without randomization or case-control design, collected BMI measurements at ages 8, 10, 14, 17, 20, 23, and 27 years. We applied Kolmogorov–Arnold Networks (KAN) alongside conventional machine learning models, integrating epidemiological variables (maternal and paternal anthropometrics, parental education, early-life skinfold measurements) …