Digital Commons Network^™

Beyond Peak Water Security: Household-Scale Experiential Metrics Can Offer New Perspectives On Contemporary Water Challenges In The United States, Wendy Jepson, Amber Wutich, Amber L. Pearson, Melissa Beresford, Alexandra Brewis, Alicia Cooperman, Jeremiah Osborne-Gowey, Jenny Rempel, Asher Y. Rosinger, Justin Stoler

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

The U.S. has moved beyond peak water security. Infrastructural degradation, institutional inertia, and climate change are reducing the ability of households and communities to benefit from near-universal safe, adequate, affordable, sustainable water services. Yet, current supply-side research tools, that focus largely on system performance, are not equipped to measure the prevalence and lived experiences of household water insecurity, thus limiting the evidence available to policymakers, utilities, and communities to make decisions about water services. We discuss how demand-side metrics, such as household-level water insecurity scales validated for high-income contexts, such as the U.S., can help stakeholders to better identify local …

Temporal Disparities In Diagnosis: The Critical Impact Of Laboratory Workflow Inefficiencies On Outcomes In Metabolic And Cardiovascular Disorders, Evans Dzreke, Celene Dzreke, Ramseyer Adekorang Asamoah, David Kanze

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Diagnostic delays and laboratory process inefficiencies constitute a common but unaddressed dilemma in contemporary healthcare, quietly undermining patient outcomes in metabolic and cardiovascular illnesses where immediate intervention is critical. This seminal work goes beyond traditional operational viewpoints to demonstrate diagnostic inefficiency as an independent, adjustable risk factor with far-reaching implications. We rigorously quantified the impact of delayed test processing and reporting on clinical outcomes using a comprehensive mixed-methods approach that included multi-center retrospective cohort analysis (N=128,743 patients), real-time workflow mapping across 37 laboratories, in-depth case reviews, and economic modeling. Our findings challenged conventional wisdom by indicating that each 24-hour increase …

Sinus Tarsi Versus Extended Lateral Approach For Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures: A Single Surgeon's Experience, Philip K Lim, Adam J Miller, Justin Haghverdian, Ramzy Meremikwu, M Kareem Shaath, John W Munz

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background

The aim of the study is to investigate the differences between the extensile lateral (EL) and sinus tarsi (ST) approaches for the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures as treated by a single surgeon.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study performed at a Level 1 trauma center. One hundred twenty-nine consecutive intra-articular calcaneus fractures from 2011 to 2018 that were surgically treated by a single surgeon. Primary outcomes were time to surgery, operative time, postoperative restoration of the critical angle of Gissane, postoperative wound complications, and need for unplanned re-operation.

Results

Patient characteristics, including demographics, mechanism of injury, and fracture …

Does Midbrain Atrophy Distinguish Progressive Supranuclear Palsy From Frontotemporal Dementia?, Mauro César Quintão E Silva Cunningham, Sarah Teixeira Camargos, Vinícius Ribeiro Jeunon, Natalia Pessoa Rocha, Antônio Lúcio Teixeira, Thiago De Oliveira Maciel, Elisa De Paula França Resende, Francisco Eduardo Costa Cardoso, Paulo Caramelli, Leonardo Cruz De Souza

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: The diagnostic value of midbrain atrophy for distinguishing behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is unclear.

Objective: To investigate whether measures of midbrain atrophy differentiate PSP from bvFTD.

Methods: We included four groups: healthy controls (n = 19), PSP-Richardson syndrome (n = 20), bvFTD (n = 19) and Parkinson's disease (PD; n = 12). The following quantitative and qualitative measures were calculated: Hummingbird sign rating scale [HBS-RS], global midbrain atrophy [GMA], midbrain area, midbrain/pons ratio, the Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index (MRPI), the MRPI 2.0 and brainstem volume.

Results: Compared to controls, PSP and bvFTD had …

A Systematic Clinical Framework For Postimplantation Monitoring In Thalamic Neuromodulation: Insights From Twiddler's Syndrome, Shalin Shah, Ganne Chaitanya, Jeston Chin, Nicholas Delcimmuto, Jay R Gavvala

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This case described a 25-year-old pregnant woman with refractory multifocal epilepsy, diagnosed in 2020 and treated with bilateral thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the centromedian and pulvinar nuclei. Prior to DBS, she experienced daily focal seizures, often progressing to generalized tonic-clonic seizures despite optimal medication. Presurgical evaluations revealed multifocal epilepsy with right hemispheric involvement and diffuse band heterotopia. Given the extensive neurophysiological and radiographic findings, DBS was chosen over resective surgery. Following implantation in December 2023, initial stimulation settings resulted in some seizure control but also development of new symptoms, including shock-like sensations down her neck. After 43 seizure-free …

Pre-Emptive Analgesia For Periodontal And Implant-Related Surgery: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Christos Gousias, Zainab Alsuwaiyan, Alissa Fial, Shengtong Han, Dimitris N. Tatakis, Vrisiis Kofina

Library Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

This systematic review aimed to answer the question: In patients undergoing periodontal and peri-implant surgery, gingival augmentation, implant site development or placement, are pre-emptive analgesics effective in controlling post-operative pain compared with patients not receiving pre-emptive medications?

Materials and Methods

After comprehensive electronic and manual literature searches, randomised placebo-controlled clinical trials on adults undergoing the aforementioned surgeries were included. A meta-analysis was performed comparing pain (standardised mean difference) between pre-emptive medication and placebo at post-operative hours 1, 3, 6, 8, 24 and 72.

Results

Two reviewers screened 1995 titles, included 18 studies in the systematic review (open flap debridement, …

Traumatic Brain Injury And Risk Of Malignant Brain Tumors In Civilian Populations, Sandro Marini, Amr R Alwakeal, Hunter Mills, Joshua D Bernstock, Ahmad Mashlah, Muhammad T Hassan, Jakob Gerstl, Farid Radmanesh, Gundolf Schenk, Sharat Israni, Rachel Grashow, E Antonio Chiocca, Cathra Halabi, Anthony Digiorgio, Stephen T Magill, Geoffrey T Manley, Saef Izzy, Ross Zafonte

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Importance: A 2024 US study reported that veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI) had an increased risk of developing brain tumors. However, studies among civilians have shown conflicting results and have not replicated the association between TBI and brain tumor risk.

Objective: To examine whether history of TBI in US adult civilians is associated with a risk of subsequent development of malignant brain tumors.

Design, setting, and participants: This retrospective cohort study used data from a tertiary academic medical center (Mass General Brigham [MGB]) patient data registry encompassing January 1, 2000, to January …

The Effect Of Maternal Antioxidant Vitamin Supplementation On Maternal And Cord Blood Adiponectin Concentrations, Jessica L Pippen, Paula Mcgee, James M Roberts, Leslie Myatt, Michael W Varner, Alan T N Tita, Ronald J Wapner, John M Thorp, Brian M Mercer, Beth A Plunkett, Sean C Blackwell, Anthony Sciscione, George R Saade

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Adiponectin is a hormone that modulates glucose regulation and fatty acid oxidation. Low adiponectin concentration has been associated with increased insulin resistance. Studies show a beneficial effect of vitamin E supplementation on insulin sensitivity. We aimed to investigate the association of prenatal antioxidant supplementation with increased adiponectin concentrations in pregnant participants and their newborn infants.Secondary analysis of a randomized control trial of prenatal vitamin C and E supplementation to prevent preeclampsia in low-risk nulliparous participants. Plasma of participants at time of randomization (9-16 weeks gestation) and delivery, and neonatal cord blood were analyzed by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for adiponectin …

Impact Of Non-Uniform Surface Temperature On The Apparent Radiative Properties Of Cavity Receivers, Ehsan Mofidipour, Matthew R. Jones, Brian D. Iverson

Faculty Publications

Radiative surface properties play a critical role in the design, analysis and optimization of solar–thermal systems. Cavity receivers increase the efficiency of solar–thermal energy systems through the cavity effect. The cavity effect refers to increased absorption of radiation due to multiple reflections within a cavity. Apparent radiative surface properties of a cavity characterize the effective interactions of radiation passing through an imaginary surface covering the cavity aperture. In this study, we investigate the extent to which the apparent emissivity of a cavity with a non-uniform surface temperature profile may be estimated using an isothermal enclosure model. A cylindrical cavity was …

Clostridioides (Clostridium) Difficile In Children And Adolescents In The Community In Cambodia, Lengsea Eng, Paul Turner, Kefyalew Addis Alene, Deirdre A. Collins, Su Chen Lim, Pisey Tan, Sona Soeng, Dylorng Hun, Sotera Yohn, Sarim Vong, Archie C.A. Clements, Thomas V. Riley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile transmission between community and healthcare settings has been increasingly reported. We aimed to identify the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of C. difficile colonising adolescents and non-hospitalised children in Cambodia. Methods: Stool samples were collected from 266 students at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) in Phnom Penh, between July and August 2022, and 246 children ≥1 year old visiting the outpatient department (OPD) at Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap, between January and August 2022. C. difficile culture, toxin gene detection and PCR ribotyping were performed. Results: Overall, C. difficile was recovered from 07/266 specimens …

Enhancing Person-Centred Care In The Final Years Of Life: Insights From Emergency Department Visits And Hospitalisations In Victorian Residential Aged Care (2015/16 To 2022/23), Janine J. Alan, Bridget Laging, Peter Cameron, Rohan Laging, James Boyd, Davina Porock, Sean Randall

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To explore emergency hospitalisations from Victorian residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of Victorian RACFs transfers to ED from 2015/16 to 2022/23. Main outcome measures: (1) ED event rate per 100 RACF beds; (2) Number of ED events, day/time, triage category, reason, comorbidity profile, length of stay, death within 12 months of ED presentation and costs; (3) Relationship between resident characteristics and total ED events; (4) Number of inpatient events, comorbidity profile, length of stay, intensive care use, preventable hospitalisations, diagnosis-related group, deaths and costs. Results: The rate of ED presentations from Victorian RACFs from 2015/16 …

New Insights Into The Beliefs Of Secondary Pre-Service Teachers About Mathematics, Vesife Hatisaru, Olivia Johnston, Julia Collins, Benjamin Rott

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Teachers’ beliefs about mathematics can shape how they approach teaching, learning, and assessment in mathematics classrooms. This study examined Australian pre-service teachers’ (PSTs’) epistemological beliefs about mathematics. A total of 18 PSTs enrolled in Bachelor of Education and Master of Teaching (secondary mathematics) programs participated in the study by answering prompt questions in an open-ended questionnaire. The participants’ responses were content analyzed by categorizing the views evident in the responses into four pre-defined mathematical orientations: formalism-related, scheme-related, process-related, and application-related. Findings have shown that the dominant beliefs for the participants reflected process- or application- related orientations to mathematics. These findings …

Blood Biomarkers Of Alzheimer's Disease In Australians Habitually Consuming Various Plant-Based Diets, Shaun Eslick, Grace Austin, Jessica J.A. Ferguson, Manohar L. Garg, Christopher Oldmeadow, Ralph N. Martins

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Evidence suggests that plant-based diets (PBDs) may be protective against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Objective: This study examined associations between blood-based AD biomarkers in individuals 30–75 years without current or diagnosed cardiovascular disease following different PBDs versus regular meat-eating diets (RMEs). Methods: This secondary analysis of the Plant-based Diets study measured Aβ1–42/Aβ1–40, p-tau181, NFL, and GFAP in 237 plasma samples using SIMOA from individuals following vegan, pesco-vegetarian (PVs), lacto-ovo vegetarian (LOVs), semi-vegetarian (SVs), or RME diets. Multivariable regression adjusted for age and sex. Results: Following adjustments for age and sex, plasma Aβ1–42/Aβ1–40ratio was significantly higher in …

Optimising Exercise For Managing Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy In People Diagnosed With Cancer, Dhiaan Sidhu, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Jena Buchan, Kellie Toohey

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common and debilitating side effect of cancer treatment. While exercise has shown promise in alleviating this burden, it remains underutilised in clinical practice due to the lack of accessible, clinician-friendly guidance. Aim: This review aimed to synthesise current evidence on exercise interventions for managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and provide practical insights to support clinicians in integrating these approaches into patient care. Methods: A search was conducted across MEDLINE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus using keywords related to exercise and CIPN. Studies were included if they involved adults receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy and exercise-based interventions. Two authors independently …

A General Bibliometric And Conceptual Structure Approach To Global Trend On Poverty Research In Islam Using Biblioshiny, Mohd Zaid Mustafar, Mohd Khairul Nizam Mohd Aziz, Dziauddin Sharif, Md Azzaat Ahsanie Lokman, Ashraff Bin Ruslan, Saiyidi Mat Roni

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study maps the intellectual landscape of research on poverty in Islam using a structured bibliometric approach with Biblioshiny (Bibliometrix) in RStudio. A Scopus search (TITLE-ABS-KEY “poverty” AND “Islam”) conducted on 1 September 2023 identified 279 English-language journal articles published between 1976 and 2023. The corpus spans 227 sources, 646 authors, and 10,262 cited references, with an annual growth rate of about 5%. Performance and science-mapping analyses reveal two “motor themes”—Islamic finance and healthcare/public health—while spiritually anchored constructs (e.g., maqasid, zakat governance, waqf, spiritual poverty) remain peripheral in co-occurrence and thematic maps. Citation patterns indicate higher field-normalized impact when studies …

Parenting In The Age Of Social Media: The Buffering Effect Of Parental Self-Efficacy On The Relationship Between Parental Social Media Use And Parent Child-Relationship Quality, Celeste Tipple, Cindy Branch-Smith

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The widespread use of technology in daily life has raised concerns about its potential to disrupt social relationships, particularly within one of the most important human relationships: the parent-child relationship. This study assesses whether parental social media use (measured by a novel parental social media intensity scale) affects the parent-child relationship (measured by the child-parent relationship scale – short form), and whether parental self-efficacy (PSE, measured by the parenting sense of competence scale) moderates this effect. A cross-sectional, online survey study using correlational methods was utilised, with a final sample of 89 parents and caregivers (71.9 % women), averaging 42.6 …

The Moderating Effect Of Dietary Patterns On The Association Of Depression And Anxiety With Cognitive Function, Hilal Salim Said Al Shamsi, Samantha L. Gardener, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Kevin Taddei, Colin L. Masters, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Ralph N. Martins, W. M.A.D.B. Fernando

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and aims: Investigating modifiable risk factors, such as diet, is crucial in understanding their effects on the relationship between Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related cognitive decline and related conditions. This study assesses whether dietary patterns moderate the relationship between symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive function in older adults. Given that biological and psychosocial differences between sexes may influence dietary behaviours, mental health symptoms, and cognitive outcomes, conducting sex-stratified analyses will allow for identification of differential associations. Method: Cross-sectional data from cognitively unimpaired older adults (n = 1174, age ≥60 years) from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study were …

Comparison Of Sodium Deoxycholate And Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate In Milk Fat Globular Membrane Protein Recovery, Manujaya W. Jayamanna Mohottige, Angela Juhasz, Mitchell G. Nye-Wood, Katherine A. Farquharson, Utpal Bose, Michelle L. Colgrave

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study aims to investigate detergent sodium deoxycholate (SDC) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) treatments, with a focus on each detergent's ability to enhance the extraction of immune-related proteins from camel milk fat globular membrane. Milk was separated into cream and skimmed milk. The cream was then treated using 0.4 % SDS, 2 % SDC, 6 % SDC or 10 % SDC. Extracted proteins were trypsin digested and analysed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Higher SDC concentrations (6 % and 10 %) resulted in marginal improvements in protein identification (44 unique protein groups). Protein abundance distributions showed minimal differences across …

Ed-Filter: Dynamic Feature Filtering For Eating Disorder Classification, Mehdi Naseriparsa, Suku Sukunesan, Zhen Cai, Osama Alfarraj, Amr Tolba, Saba Fathi Rabooki, Feng Xia

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Eating disorders (ED) are critical psychiatric problems that have alarmed the mental health community. Mental health professionals are increasingly recognizing the utility of data derived from social media platforms such as Twitter. However, high dimensionality and extensive feature sets of Twitter data present remarkable challenges for ED classification. To overcome these hurdles, we introduce a novel method, an informed branch and bound search technique known as ED-Filter. This strategy significantly improves the drawbacks of conventional feature selection algorithms such as filters and wrappers. ED-Filter iteratively identifies an optimal set of promising features that maximize the eating disorder classification accuracy. In …

Enhancing Gaas Solar Cell Efficiency Through Nanostructured Features: A Comprehensive Review Of Recent Advances, Challenges And Future Outlook, Mohammad Nur-E-Alam, Boon Kar Yap, Tiong Sieh Kiong, Mohammad Khairul Basher, Tarek Abedin, Mohammad Aminul Islam, Mohd Adib Ibrahim, Mayeen Uddin Khandaker, Narottam Das

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This article aims to provide a synopsis of recent advances in the use of nanostructured features to augment the conversion efficiency of gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells. GaAs are a very well-known and highly advantageous material for solar cells because they possess an extraordinary bandgap (i.e., approximately 1.4 eV), wide spectral absorption coefficient, and favorable carrier mobility. Numerous studies have explored the use of nanostructures, such as antireflection (AR) nanofilms/nanocoatings, nanoparticles (NPs), and nanogratings (NG), to improve the conversion efficiency of GaAs-based solar cells. These structures are generally designed to enhance light transmission capacity and absorption while reducing light reflection …

Impact Of Biodegradation On The Mechanical And Fatigue Properties Of 3d-Printed Pla Bone Scaffolds, Hamed Bakhtiari, Alireza Nouri, Muhammad Aamir, Mohadeseh Najafi, Majid Tolouei-Rad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

A proper degradation rate of bone scaffolds ensures optimal mechanical support and effective tissue regeneration. The present study examines the degradation effects of simulated body fluids (SBF) on the compressive and fatigue strength of 3D-printed PLA bone scaffolds. Scaffolds with varying surface-to-volume (S/V) ratios and identical porosity (60 %) were immersed in Hanks' solution for a maximum period of 30 days. Static and dynamic compression tests were performed at different immersion times to assess how S/V ratio influences the degradation process. CT images showed that scaffold pore structure remained interconnected after biodegradation, with no significant change in strut thickness or …

Endogenous Analgesia, Assessed Via Conditioned Pain Modulation, Is Not Different In People With Hip Osteoarthritis Compared To Controls: A Cross-Sectional Study, Myles C. Murphy, Molly Coventry, Ebonie K. Rio, Paola T. Chivers, Benedict Wand, Gordon Waddington, Andrea B. Mosler

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: In people with knee osteoarthritis, measures of pain sensitivity have been demonstrated to relate to both pain severity and treatment outcomes, dependent on the type of pain sensitivity being tested. Objective: Quantify if differences in the pressure pain thresholds (PPT) or conditioned pain modulation (CPM) effect exist between people with hip osteoarthritis and age-matched controls without hip osteoarthritis. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study across two geographic locations. PPTs at a local (hip) and remote (elbow) site were collected via a manual algometer. CPM was quantified using PPTs immediately prior to, and during ice water immersion of the hand …

Impact Of Geometrical Dimensions On The Shear Behaviour Of Uhpc Deep Beams Reinforced With Steel And Synthetic Fibres, Hossein Mirzaaghabeik, Nuha S. Mashaan, Sanjay Kumar Shukla

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is recognized for its exceptional strength, durability, and versatility in engineering applications, making it a reliable composite in the construction industry. The incorporation of fibres into UHPC enhances its mechanical properties. Non-metallic fibres offer a promising alternative to steel fibres due to their resistance to corrosion. While much research has focused on the shear behaviour of UHPC reinforced with steel fibres, there is a notable gap in understanding the impact of non-metallic fibres. This study aims to address this gap by comparing the influence of synthetic fibres to steel fibres on the shear behaviour of UHPC through …

A Single Bout Of Resistance Or High-Intensity Interval Training Increases Anti-Cancer Myokines And Suppresses Cancer Cell Growth In Vitro In Survivors Of Breast Cancer, Francesco Bettariga, Dennis R. Taaffe, Cristina Crespo-Garcia, Timothy D. Clay, Mauro De Santi, Giulia Baldelli, Sanjeev Adhikari, Elin S. Gray, Daniel A. Galvão, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women, highlighting the need for strategies to mitigate recurrence and mortality. We examined the effects of a single bout of resistance training (RT) versus high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on anti-cancer myokines and in vitro cancer cell suppression. Methods: Thirty-two survivors of breast cancer were randomly allocated to a single bout of RT (n = 16) or HIIT (n = 16). Blood was collected before, immediately post (0P) and 30 min post (30P) exercise. We measured serum levels of decorin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine …

Compassionate Self-Care For Nurses And Midwives: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed Methods Study, Mary Steen, Shwikar Othman, Jennifer Fereday, Annette Briley, Qunyan Xu, Rachael Vernon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Awareness of being kind and compassionate to yourself is often overlooked despite emerging evidence that high levels of self-compassion decrease levels of anxiety and improves well-being. Aim: To explore what being compassionate to yourself means to nurses and midwives and increase knowledge and understanding of how self-compassion may enhance well-being. Methods: Mixed methods study design was utilised to investigate and explore the influence of self-compassion on nurses and midwives' well-being. Phase 1 involved quantitative data collection and analysis. Phase 2 qualitative data were collected to expand on quantitative results. Results: Fifty-four participants responded to a pre-workshop questionnaire, 55 completed …

Digital Tools To Promote Or Measure Health Literacy In Children Aged 3–5 Years: Scoping Review, Caron Molster, Jennifer Irvine, Amanda Devine, Ruth Wallace, Lennie Barblett, Leesa Costello

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Health literacy is a determinant of health that should be promoted and measured in early childhood. In the era of digitalization, this could involve digital platforms. However, little knowledge exists on the extent, range, and nature of literature on digital tools for promoting or measuring young children’s health literacy. Addressing this gap, a scoping review was undertaken to explore what digital health literacy tools for children aged 3–5 years could be identified in the literature, what their key features were, how they were designed, whether children were codesigners, and whether the tools had been evaluated. Eligibility criteria included the literature …

Discordance Of Small Dense Ldl Cholesterol Beyond Ldl Cholesterol Or Non–Hdl Cholesterol And Carotid Plaque, Jinqi Wang, Xiaoyu Zhao, Yanchen Zhao, Rui Jin, Yunfei Li, Jiahe Wang, Yueruijing Liu, Zhiyuan Wu, Xiuhua Guo, Lixin Tao

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Different low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles exhibit distinct proatherogenic properties. Objectives: This study sought to evaluate associations of small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C), large buoyant low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (lbLDL-C), sdLDL-C/LDL-C ratio, and sdLDL-C/lbLDL-C ratio with carotid plaque (CP) risk in the general population, and to perform discordance analyses to determine which biomarker better reflects CP risk beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C). Methods: This study enrolled 20,369 participants from Beijing Health Management Cohort. Discordant sdLDL-C, lbLDL-C, or ratio metrics (sdLDL-C/LDL-C and sdLDL-C/lbLDL-C) relative to LDL-C or non-HDL-C, and discordant ratio metrics relative to sdLDL-C, were …

Exploring Behavioural Motivations Of Treatment Refusal In Cancer: A Q-Methodological Approach, Ruby Koyllor A. Gleeson, Nicolas H. Hart, Darren Haywood, Frank D. Baughman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Cancer treatment refusal is known to lower survival rates and increase cancer symptoms in individuals with cancer. Behavioural motivations of treatment refusal need to be elucidated for better cancer care. Using Q-methodology, a mixed methods research approach, we explored behavioural motivations of treatment refusal in individuals diagnosed with cancer. Method: Thirty-nine individuals (n = 39; age = 49.2 ± 12.2 years) were recruited from Australia, the UK, and the USA, who had refused cancer treatment within the past decade. Participants completed an online demographic questionnaire and a Q-sort activity which required the organisation and ranking of 44 statements on …

Knowledge And Perceptions Of Modifiable Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Among Indians: Scoping Review, Kunwar Kaur, Ma'en Zaid Abu-Qamar, Amineh Rashidi, Nilufeur Mckay, Rosemary Saunders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) causes a significant number of deaths globally. India has the highest IHD burden, with cases up 138% since 1990. Individuals of Indian descent face a greater risk of early IHD and poorer long-term outcomes. Indian people typically develop IHD a decade earlier than other populations, with 52% of IHD-related deaths occurring before the age of 70, compared to 23% in Western populations. Aims: This review aims to synthesise evidence on the Indian population's knowledge and perceptions of modifiable IHD risk factors and identify literature gaps. Methods: Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and the Preferred Reporting …

Skilled Migrants' Experiences Of Othering, Alterity And Language Policing, Uma Jogulu, Maggie Mcalinden, Melissa A. Parris, Juliana Mutum

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The Australian Permanent Migration Program and related settlement services have been critical to Australia's success as a stable, democratic and culturally diverse nation. However, emerging research has revealed that this success may come with a high price for as many as one in four skilled migrants who find themselves employed beneath their level of education, expertise and experience, which we define as underemployment. We designed a study that sought to understand the settlement experiences of 36 Asia-Pacific-skilled migrants working as managers. Incorporating Spivak's concepts of subalternity, othering and alterity as a theoretical framework, our analysis uncovered how migrant identity intersected …