Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Pilot Feasibility And Acceptability Study Evaluating Use Of Group Cbt-I In Improving Sleep And Fatigue In Older Adults, Aisling Smyth, Shehnas Alam, Sabine Pangerl

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: This paper describes a pilot study, in a small sample of older adults, designed to ascertain the feasibility, acceptability and potential effectiveness of group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy For Insomnia (CBT-I). Methods: Eleven older adults participated in a 3-week group CBT-I intervention with pre- and post-intervention outcome measures of sleep and fatigue. Acceptability was measured via post-intervention focus groups. Feasibility was measured via recruitment, retention and completion data. Subjective sleep outcomes were measured pre- and post-intervention using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Severity Index. Objective sleep outcome measures were obtained via pre- and post-intervention …

The Relevance Of Knowledge, Perception, And Factors That Influence Contraceptive Use Among Married Women Living In Uaddara Barracks, Ghana, Daisy Afra Lumor, Christian Obirikorang, Emmanuel Acheampong, Yaa Obirikorang, Hubert Owusu, Sam Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Contraceptive use has many advantages for personal growth and societal advancement, but there is still the problem of unmet needs for women, which highlights the gap between women's reproductive intentions and contraceptive use. This study investigated knowledge, perceptions, and factors that influence contraceptive use among married women living in a military base in Ghana. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 350 married women between the ages of 20 and 58 years at the Uaddara Barracks, Kumasi. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the background, knowledge, perceptions on contraceptive use, and contraceptive methods used by participants. Data was …

Weight Cutting In Female Ufc Fighters, Cassandra Evans, Charles Stull, Gabriel Sanders, Anthony Ricci, Duncan French, Jose Antonio, Corey A. Peacock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: It is common practice for fight sport athletes to use a variety of weight manipulation strategies to compete in desired weight classes. Although numerous studies have highlighted rapid weight loss (RWL) strategies and the magnitude of weight loss, few have focused specifically on weight loss in female fighters. The purpose of this study was to provide descriptive information on professional UFC female fighters engaging in RWL in all women’s UFC weight divisions: strawweight (52.2 kg): flyweight (56.7 kg); bantamweight (61.2 kg); featherweight (65.8 kg). Methods: All fighter’s weights were obtained at five separate time points: 72 hrs. pre-weigh-in, 48 …

Prognostic And Predictive Value Of Metformin In The European Organisation For Research And Treatment Of Cancer 1325/Keynote-054 Phase Iii Trial Of Pembrolizumab Versus Placebo In Resected High-Risk Stage Iii Melanoma, Oliver J. Kennedy, Michal Kicinski, Sara Valpione, Sara Gandini, Stefan Suciu, Christian U. Blank, Georgina V. Long, Victoria G. Atkinson, Stéphane Dalle, Andrew M. Haydon, Andrey Meshcheryakov, Adnan Khattak, Matteo S. Carlino, Shahneen Sandhu, James Larkin, Susana Puig, Paolo A. Ascierto, Piotr Rutkowski, Dirk Schadendorf, Marye Boers-Sonderen, Anna M. Di Giacomo, Alfonsus J. M. Van Der Eertwegh, Jean-Jacques Grob, Ralf Gutzmer, Rahima Jamal, Alexander C. J. Van Akkooi, Caroline Robert, Alexander M. M. Eggermont, Paul Lorigan, Mario Mandala

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Metformin is a commonly prescribed and well-tolerated medication. In laboratory studies, metformin suppresses BRAF wild-type melanoma cells but accelerates the growth of BRAF-mutated cells. This study investigated the prognostic and predictive value of metformin, including with respect to BRAF mutation status, in the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer 1325/KEYNOTE-054 randomised controlled trial. Methods: Patients with resected high-risk stage IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC melanoma received 200 mg of pembrolizumab (n = 514) or placebo (n = 505) every 3 weeks for twelve months. Pembrolizumab prolonged recurrence-free survival (RFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) at approximately 42 months …

Cannabis- And Substance-Related Carcinogenesis In Europe: A Lagged Causal Inferential Panel Regression Study, Albert S. Reece, Kellie Bennett, Gary K. Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Recent European data facilitate an epidemiological investigation of the controversial cannabis–cancer relationship. Of particular concern were prior findings associating high-dose cannabis use with reproductive problems and potential genetic impacts. Cancer incidence data age-standardised to the world population was obtained from the European Cancer Information System 2000–2020 and many European national cancer registries. Drug use data were obtained from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Alcohol and tobacco consumption was sourced from the WHO. Median household income was taken from the World bank. Cancer rates in high-cannabis-use countries were significantly higher than elsewhere ( -estimate = 0.4165, p …

Evidence-Based Guidelines For Intrapartum Maternal Hydration Assessment And Management: A Scoping Review, Lauren Kearney, Alison Craswell, Nellie Dick, Debbie Massey, Rachael Nugent

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Problem: Inconsistent practice relating to intrapartum hydration assessment and management is reported, and potential harm exists for laboring women and birthing persons. Background: Labor and birth are physically demanding, and adequate nutrition and hydration are essential for labor progress. A lack of clear consensus on intrapartum hydration assessment and management during labor and birth currently exists. In addition, there is an inconsistent approach to managing hydration, often including a mixture of intravenous and oral fluids that are poorly monitored. Aim: The aim of this scoping review was to identify and collate evidence-based guidelines for intrapartum hydration assessment and management of …

A Current Affair: Worker Perceptions Of Noise Exposure And Occupational Hearing Loss In Australian Coal Mines, Adelle Liebenberg, Jacques Oosthuizen, Sue Reed

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The objective of the online survey was to determine worker attitudes towards, perceptions on hearing loss, and management of workplace noise; and to identify barriers within current strategies that prevent effective management of hearing health in Australian mines. Design: This cross-sectional study utilized a modified survey design, initially designed for use by Safe Work Australia for a broader study published in 2010. Study Sample: The survey questionnaire was made available online to volunteer participants, recruited with the assistance of State and National Health and Safety, and mining organizations. Volunteer participants were required to be proficient in English, be employed …

Hybrid Delivery Of Cluster-Set Resistance Training For Individuals Previously Treated For Lung Cancer: The Results Of A Single-Arm Feasibility Trial, C. M. Fairman, O. L. Owens, Kristina L. Kendall, J. Steele, A. R. Schumpp, Christopher Latella, M. T. Jones, L. Marcotte, J. M. Dawson, C. M. J. Peddle-Mcintyre, K. K. Mcdonnell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Individuals with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are burdened by long-lasting symptoms (e.g., dyspnea and fatigue) post-treatment. These symptoms often reduce physical activity levels and increase the risk of functional decline. Though we have previously proposed cluster-set resistance training to mitigate symptom burden in lung cancer, there is currently no data on the feasibility or acceptability of this mode of exercise in cancer. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a hybrid-delivery home-based cluster-set resistance training program in individuals with NSCLC stages I–III (i.e., early stage). Methods: This study aimed to recruit …

Genetic And Immunological Insights Into Covid-19 With Acute Myocardial Infarction: Integrated Analysis Of Mendelian Randomization, Transcriptomics, And Clinical Samples, Zequn Zheng, Yueran Zhou, Yongfei Song, Pengxiang Ying, Xuerui Tan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Globally, most deaths result from cardiovascular diseases, particularly ischemic heart disease. COVID-19 affects the heart, worsening existing heart conditions and causing myocardial injury. The mechanistic link between COVID-19 and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is still being investigated to elucidate the underlying molecular perspectives. Methods: Genetic risk assessment was conducted using two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) to determine the causality between COVID-19 and AMI. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and machine learning were used to discover and validate shared hub genes for the two diseases using bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) datasets. Additionally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and single-cell RNA-seq …

Tackling Dementia Together Via The Australian Dementia Network (Adnet): A Summary Of Initiatives, Progress And Plans, Sharon L. Naismith, Johannes C. Michaelian, Cherry Santos, Inga Mehrani, Joanne Robertson, Kasey Wallis, Xiaoping Lin, Stephanie A. Ward, Ralph Martins, Colin L. Masters, Michael Breakspear, Susannah Ahern, Jurgen Fripp, Peter R. Schofield, Perminder S. Sachdev, Christopher C. Rowe

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In 2018, the Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT) was established to bring together Australia's leading dementia researchers, people with living experience and clinicians to transform research and clinical care in the field. To address dementia diagnosis, treatment, and care, ADNeT has established three core initiatives: the Clinical Quality Registry (CQR), Memory Clinics, and Screening for Trials. Collectively, the initiatives have developed an integrated clinical and research community, driving practice excellence in this field, leading to novel innovations in diagnostics, clinical care, professional development, quality and harmonization of healthcare, clinical trials, and translation of research into practice. Australia now has a national …

Investigating Pre-Professional Dancer Health Status And Preventative Health Knowledge, Joanna Nicholas, Sara Grafenauer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Dance is a highly demanding physical pursuit coupled with pressure to conform to aesthetic ideals. Assessment of health status and preventative health knowledge of pre-professional dancers may help inform educational strategies promoting dancers’ health and career longevity. The aim of this research was to establish a baseline understanding of dance students at a single pre-professional institution based on metrics focused on current health, nutrition, lifestyle, and wellbeing while also gauging knowledge of longer-term health implications. Methods: Adopting a cross-sectional study design, the Dance-Specific Energy Availability Questionnaire was tailored for Australian participants and administered online. Results: The response rate was …

The Effects Of Cognitive-Linguistic Interventions To Treat Aphasia In The First 90 Days Post-Stroke: A Systematic Review, Emily Eley, Maayken Van Den Berg, Miranda L. Rose, John E. Pierce, Abby Foster, Edwina Lamborn, Sarah D’Souza, Erin Godecke, Lucette Lanyon, Ciara Shiggins, Ian Kneebone, Caroline Baker

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Cognitive-linguistic interventions for aphasia are behavioural-based approaches to therapy that aim to treat language impairment skills post-acquired brain injury. The purpose of cognitive-linguistic intervention is to restore and rehabilitate language impairment skills through targeting phonologic, semantic and syntactic systems, which may support goals to improve everyday communication. Aims: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of cognitive-linguistic interventions on language processing for aphasia in the first 90 days post-stroke. Secondary aims include the investigation of the effects of these interventions on functional communication and quality of life. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across six …

Dosing And Therapeutic Conduct In Administration Sessions In Substance-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Systematized Review, S. B. Thal, M. Wieberneit, J. M. Sharbanee, P. M. Skeffington, R. Bruno, T. Wenge, Stephen J. Bright

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

While the potential of serotonergic psychedelics and related substances as adjuncts in substance-assisted psychotherapy (SAPT) has been investigated for the treatment of several disorders, evidence for the appropriate therapeutic conduct in administration sessions is sparse. In this article, we discuss the current evidence for best therapeutic practice during administration sessions with serotonergic psychedelics and entactogens as adjuncts to psychotherapy. We conducted a systematized review of the literature following PRISMA guidelines. PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Clinical trials, treatment manuals, study protocols, qualitative studies, case studies, descriptive studies, opinion papers, reviews, book chapters, and conference proceedings published until …

Hand Hygiene Knowledge And Demonstrated Technique Among Malawian Kindergarten Children: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Balwani Chingatichifwe Mbakaya, Maggie Zgambo, Fatch Welcome Kalembo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To evaluate hand hygiene knowledge and demonstrated technique before and after implementation of the hand hygiene programme and its sustainability among Malawian kindergarten students. Design: Quasi-experimental design, utilizing a repeated measure at three points, namely, before intervention (T0), soon after intervention (T1) and follow-up (T2). Methods: The hand hygiene programme consisted of integrating hand hygiene protocol into the school health curriculum, setting up proper handwashing facilities, training school teachers, health talks and developing reminders on hand hygiene. Fifty-three kindergarten children aged 3–6 years were enrolled in the programme. Data were collected at 3 months' intervals (T0, T1, and T2). …

Nurses' Experience Of Managing Adults Living With Multimorbidity: A Qualitative Study, Lisa Whitehead, Peter Palamara, Olutoyin Oluwakemi Babatunde-Sowole, Jennifer Boak, Natasha Franklin, Robyn Quinn, Cobie George, Jacqueline Allen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The number of adults living with two or more chronic conditions is increasing worldwide. Adults living with multimorbidity have complex physical, psychosocial and self-management care needs. Aim: This study aimed to describe Australian nurses' experience of care provision for adults living with multimorbidity, their perceived education needs and future opportunities for nurses in the management of multimorbidity. Design: Qualitative exploratory. Methods: Nurses providing care to adults living with multimorbidity in any setting were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview in August 2020. Twenty-four registered nurses took part in a semi-structured telephone interview. Results: Three main themes were …

Staff Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Managerial Communication During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study, Gemma Doleman, Linda Coventry, Amanda Towell-Barnard, Manonita Ghosh, Lucy Gent, Rosemary Saunders, Beverly O'Connell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims: This work aims to explore staff perceptions of (1) the effectiveness of organizational communication during the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) the impact of organizational communication on staff well-being and ability to progress their work and patient care. Background: Effective coordination and communication are essential in a pandemic management response. However, the effectiveness of communication strategies used during the COVID-19 pandemic is not well understood. Design: An exploratory cross-sectional research design was used. A 33-item survey tool was created for the study. Methods: The study was conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital in Western Australia. Convenience sampling was used to …

The Long-Term Impact Of Covid-19 On Nursing: An E-Panel Discussion From The International Network For Child And Family Centred Care, Mandie Jane Foster, Julie Blamires, Sarah Neill, Imelda Coyne, Guðrún Kristjánsdóttir, Veronica D. Feeg, Ann Marie Paraszczuk, Mohammad Al-Motlaq

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To explore the International Network for Child and Family Centred Care (INCFCC) members' experiences and views on the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the nursing workforce. Background: On the 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. While some countries adopted a herd immunity approach, others imposed stricter measures to reduce the transmission of the virus. Hospitals in some countries faced an avalanche of extremely sick admissions, whereas others experienced an early surge in cases or were able to control the spread. Design: Discursive paper. Methods: A web-based survey was e-mailed to 63 INCFCC members …

Toddlers May Be Getting Enough Iron In Long Day-Care Services After All, Michaela Johnston, Therese O'Sullivan, Amanda Devine, Ruth Wallace, Leesa Costello, Ros Sambell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Previous research has suggested that toddlers are not provided with adequate dietary iron in long-day care (LDC) services. However, the iron bioavailability provided is unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the amount and bioavailability of iron provided to toddlers aged 2–3 years at LDC services. Methods: A cross-sectional audit was conducted using a 2-day weighed food record of 30 LDC services. Iron provision (not child intake) in LDC services across Perth, Australia was compared with the estimated average requirements (EAR) and LDC services provision guidelines (50% of EAR = 2 mg/day based on a 14% bioavailability factor). Bioavailability …

Locally Performed Postoperative Circulating Tumour Dna Testing Performed During Routine Clinical Care To Predict Recurrence Of Colorectal Cancer, Ryan Cohen, Aaron Beasley, Melanie Mccoy, Cameron Platell, Katie Meehan, Elin Gray, Kathy Fuller

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Identifying patients at high risk for colorectal cancer recurrence is essential for improving prognosis. In the postoperative period, circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) has been demonstrated as a significant prognostic indicator of recurrence. These results have been obtained under the strict rigours of clinical trials, but not validated in a real-world setting using in-house testing. We report the outcomes of locally performed postoperative ctDNA testing conducted during routine clinical care and the association with the recurrence of colorectal cancer. Methods: We recruited 36 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer between 2018 and 2020. Postoperative plasma samples were collected at …

European Epidemiological Patterns Of Cannabis- And Substance-Related Congenital Neurological Anomalies: Geospatiotemporal And Causal Inferential Study, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Of the many congenital anomalies (CAs) recently linked with community cannabis exposure, arguably the most concerning are neurological CAs (NCAs). We therefore conducted a detailed study of this in fourteen European nations.

Methods. Congenital anomaly data were from Eurocat. Drug exposure data were from European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Income from World bank.

Results: The Netherlands, Spain, France and Bulgaria reported increasing rates of many NCAs. The NCA rate (NCAR) was: severe microcephaly 2.14 x 1013 higher in nations with increasing daily cannabis use when compared to those without (p = 0.0204, minimum E-value (mEV) = …

Barriers And Enablers Associated With Participation In A Home-Based Pragmatic Exercise Snacking Program In Older Adults Delivered And Monitored By Amazon Alexa: A Qualitative Study, Paul Jansons, Jackson J. Fyfe, Jack Dalla Via, Robin M. Daly, David Scott

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: ‘Exercise snacking’, which is characterised by shorter and more frequent exercise bouts compared with traditional exercise guidelines, may be an acceptable strategy for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour in older adults. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the enablers and barriers for older adults associated with participation in a home-based exercise snacking program delivered and monitored using an Amazon Echo Show 5 device (Alexa). Methods: This study used an interpretive description qualitative design to conduct semi-structured interviews following a 12-week pilot study in 15 adults aged 60–89 years with at least one chronic condition. …

“They Are Dealing With People’S Lives…”: Diagnostic And Post-Diagnostic Healthcare Experiences In Primary Progressive Aphasia, Tisha Ho, Anne Whitworth, Deborah Hersh, Jade Cartwright

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: The healthcare experience is a multifaceted and varied process, particularly for people living with complex conditions such as primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Different experiences influence pathways through the health system, impacting client outcomes. To our knowledge, no previous studies have directly explored the healthcare experiences of people with PPA and their families. This study aimed to explore the experiences of people living with PPA from the perspective of both the person with PPA and their families during diagnostic and post-diagnostic phases, and to identify factors influencing service access and perceptions of quality of care. Method: The study followed an …

Three-Dimensional Food Printing: Its Readiness For A Food And Nutrition Insecure World, Liezhou Zhong, Joshua R. Lewis, Marc Sim, Catherine P. Bondonno, Mark L. Wahlqvist, Amin Mugera, Sharon Purchase, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Michael J. Considine, Stuart K. Johnson, Amanda Devine, Jonathan M. Hodgson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Three-dimensional (3D) food printing is a rapidly emerging technology offering unprecedented potential for customised food design and personalised nutrition. Here, we evaluate the technological advances in extrusion-based 3D food printing and its possibilities to promote healthy and sustainable eating. We consider the challenges in implementing the technology in real-world applications. We propose viable applications for 3D food printing in health care, health promotion and food waste upcycling. Finally, we outline future work on 3D food printing in food safety, acceptability and economics, ethics and regulations. . .

Urinary Tract Infection And Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care At A Primary Health Care Facility In The Northern Region Of Ghana, Ezekiel K. Vicar, Samuel E. K. Acquah, Williams Wallana, Eugene D. Kuugbee, Emmanuel K. Osbutey, Abigail Aidoo, Emmanuel Acheampong, Gloria I. Mensah

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is frequently encountered during pregnancy and is associated with adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal effects. However, very little information is available on the prevalence of UTI among pregnant women in the northern part of Ghana, a region with a high birth rate. This study employed a cross-sectional analysis of the prevalence, antimicrobial profile, and risk factors associated with UTI in 560 pregnant women attending primary care for antenatal check-ups. Sociodemographic obstetrical history and personal hygiene information were obtained using a well-structured questionnaire. Afterward, clean catch mid-stream urine samples were collected from all participants and subjected to …

Machine Learning For Abdominal Aortic Calcification Assessment From Bone Density Machine-Derived Lateral Spine Images, Naeha Sharif, Syed Zulqarnain Gilani, David Suter, Siobhan Reid, Pawel Szulc, Douglas Kimelman, Mohammad Jafari Jozani, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Marc Sim, Kun Zhu, Nicholas C. Harvey, Douglas P. Kiel, Richard L. Prince, John T. Schousboe, William D. Leslie, Joshua R. Lewis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background

Lateral spine images for vertebral fracture assessment can be easily obtained on modern bone density machines. Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) can be scored on these images by trained imaging specialists to assess cardiovascular disease risk. However, this process is laborious and requires careful training.

Methods

Training and testing of model performance of the convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm for automated AAC-24 scoring utilised 5012 lateral spine images (2 manufacturers, 4 models of bone density machines), with trained imaging specialist AAC scores. Validation occurred in a registry-based cohort study of 8565 older men and women with images captured as part …

(Tn5-)Fish-Based Imaging In The Era Of 3d/Spatial Genomics, Liheng Yang, Yan Yan, Junlin Li, Cheng Zhou, Jinlan Jin, Tongmei Zhang, Haokaifeng Wu, Xingang Li, Wei Wang, Li Yuan, Xu Zhang, Juntao Gao

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

3D genomics mainly focuses on the 3D position of single genes at the cell level, while spatial genomics focuses more on the tissue level. In this exciting new era of 3D/spatial genomics, half-century old FISH and its derivative methods, including Tn5-FISH, play important roles. In this review, we introduce the Tn5-FISH we developed recently, and present six different applications published by our collaborators and us, based on (Tn5-)FISH, which can be either general BAC clone-based FISH or Tn5-FISH. In these interesting cases, (Tn5-)FISH demonstrated its vigorous ability of targeting sub-chromosomal structures across different diseases and cell lines (leukemia, mESCs (mouse …

A Comprehensive Examination Of The Evidence For Whole Of Diet Patterns In Parkinson's Disease: A Scoping Review, Joanna Rees, Jillian Ryan, Manja Laws, Amanda Devine

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurological condition, have broad-ranging impacts on nutritional intake and dietary behaviour. Historically studies focused on individual dietary components, but evidence demonstrating ameliorative outcomes with whole-of-diet patterns such as Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) is emerging. These diets provide plenty of antioxidant rich fruits, vegetables, nuts, wholegrains and healthy fats. Paradoxically, the ketogenic diet, high fat and very low carbohydrate, is also proving to be beneficial. Within the PD community, it is well advertised that nutritional intake is associated with disease progression and symptom severity but understandably, …

Ageing Reduces Persistent Inward Current Contribution To Motor Neurone Firing: Potential Mechanisms And The Role Of Exercise, Lucas B. R. Orssatto, Anthony J. Blazevich, Gabriel S. Trajano

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Nervous system deterioration is a primary driver of age-related motor impairment. The motor neurones, which act as the interface between the central nervous system and the muscles, play a crucial role in amplifying excitatory synaptic input to produce the desired motor neuronal firing output. For this, they utilise their ability to generate persistent (long-lasting) depolarising currents that increase cell excitability, and both amplify and prolong the output activity of motor neurones for a given synaptic input. Modulation of these persistent inward currents (PICs) contributes to the motor neurones’ capacities to attain the required firing frequencies and rapidly modulate them to …

Case Report: Sex-Specific Characteristics Of Epilepsy Phenotypes Associated With Xp22.31 Deletion: A Case Report And Review, Yi Wu, Dan Wu, Yulong Lan, Shaocong Lan, Duo Li, Zexin Zheng, Hongwu Wang, Lian Ma

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Deletion in the Xp22.31 region is increasingly suggested to be involved in the etiology of epilepsy. Little is known regarding the genomic and clinical delineations of X-linked epilepsy in the Chinese population or the sex-stratified difference in epilepsy characteristics associated with deletions in the Xp22.31 region. In this study, we reported two siblings with a 1.69 Mb maternally inherited microdeletion at Xp22.31 involving the genes VCX3A, HDHD1, STS, VCX, VCX2, and PNPLA4 presenting with easily controlled focal epilepsy and language delay with mild ichthyosis in a Chinese family with a traceable 4-generation history of skin ichthyosis. Both brain magnetic resonance …

Considerations For The Consumption Of Vitamin And Mineral Supplements In Athlete Populations, Peter Peeling, Marc Sim, Alannah K. A. Mckay

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Vitamins and minerals are of fundamental importance to numerous human functions that are essential to optimise athlete performance. Athletes incur a high turnover of key vitamins and minerals and are therefore dependent on sufficient energy intake to replenish nutrient stores. However, many athletes are poor at servicing their energy replenishment needs, especially female athletes, and although a ‘food first approach’ to meeting nutrient requirements is the primary goal, it may be important for some athletes to consider a vitamin and/or mineral supplement to meet their daily needs. When working to determine if an athlete requires vitamin or mineral supplements, practitioners …