Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Provision Of Non-Invasive Coronary And Carotid Vascular Imaging Results On Changes In Diet And Physical Activity In Asymptomatic Adults: A Scoping Review, Simone Radavelli Bagatini, Abadi K. Gebre, Mary A. Kennedy, Marc Sim, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Catherine P. Bondonno, Ben Jackson, James Dimmock, Marcus P. Schlaich, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua R. Lewis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Although a healthy diet and physical activity have been shown to prevent or delay cardiovascular disease (CVD) hospitalizations and deaths, most adults do not meet current guidelines. Provision of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and carotid ultrasound (CUS) imaging results may motivate beneficial lifestyle changes. We scoped the existing literature for studies providing non-invasive vascular imaging results and reporting diet, physical activity, and/or anthropometric measures to identify knowledge gaps and opportunities for further research. Methods: A systematic search was performed across three electronic databases, in line with PRISMA ScR guidelines and Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework. Results: Twenty studies …

Statistical Analysis Plan For The Stepped-Wedge Clinical Trial Healing Right Way - Enhancing Rehabilitation Services For Aboriginal Australians After Brain Injury, Elizabeth Armstrong, Tapan Rai, Deborah Hersh, Sandra Thompson, Juli Coffin, Natalie Ciccone, Leon Flicker, Dominique Cadilhac, Erin Godecke, Deborah Woods, Colleen Hayward, Graeme J. Hankey, Meaghan Mcallister, Judith Katzenellenbogen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Aboriginal Australians are known to suffer high levels of acquired brain injury (stroke and traumatic brain injury) yet experience significant barriers in accessing rehabilitation services. The aim of the Healing Right Way trial is to evaluate a culturally secure intervention for Aboriginal people with newly acquired brain injury to improve their rehabilitation experience and quality of life. Following publication of the trial protocol, this paper outlines the statistical analysis plan prior to locking the database. Methods: The trial involves a stepped wedge design with four steps over 3 years. Participants were 108 adult Aboriginal Australians admitted to one of …

The Agreement Between A Portable Contact-Mat And Force-Plates During Bilateral Vertical Jumps, Stuart N. Guppy, Yosuke Kotani, Jason Lake, Christopher Latella, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Kristina Kendall, G. Gregory Haff

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Force plates are commonly used when assessing vertical jumping performance but are not always affordable or practical tools for all testing situations. Twenty-four participants volunteered to take part in a study investigating the agreement between bilateral force plates and a new commercially available contact mat that records jump height, flight-time (FT), and FT of individual limbs during both countermovement (CMJ) and squat (SJ) jumps. Each participant performed six jumps of each type while standing on a contact mat placed upon a pair of in-ground force plates. When compared to the force plate via ordinary least products regression, the contact mat …

Tox And Detox: Are Teens' Smartphone Use And Non-Use Practices Fully Fungible?, Lelia Green, Debra Dudek, Lynne Cohen, Kjartan Ólafsson, Elisabeth Staksrud, Carmen Louise Jacques, Kelly Jaunzems

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The public sphere includes a range of credible discourses asserting that a proportion of teenagers (“teens”) has an unhealthy dependence upon continuous connection with media devices, and especially smartphones. A review of media discourse (Jaunzems et al.) in Australia, and a critical review of public discourse in Australia and Belgium (Zaman et al.), reveal both positive and negative commentary around screentime. Despite the “emotionally laden, opposing views” expressed in the media, there appears to be a groundswell of concern around young people’s dependence upon digital devices (Zaman et al. 120). Concerns about ‘addiction’ to and dependency on digital media first …

Effectiveness Of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Karen Edmond, Shelly Chadha, Cynthia Hunnicutt, Natalie Strobel, Vinaya Manchaiah, Christine Yoshinaga-Itano, Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (Unhs) Review Group

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background:

Permanent bilateral hearing loss (PBHL) is a serious condition in newborns, with a prevalence of at least one per 1000 live births. However, there has been no recent systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of universal newborn hearing screening programs (UNHS).

Methods:

We registered our study protocol on PROSPERO CRD42020175451. Primary outcomes were any identification of PBHL (ie, PBHL diagnosed at any time), age of identification of PBHL, and neurodevelopment. Two reviewers searched standard databases to March 2022 and extracted data. We used fixed and random effects meta-analysis to pool data and graded the certainty of evidence using …

Squat And Countermovement Jump Performance Across A Range Of Loads: A Comparison Between Smith Machine And Free Weight Execution Modes In Elite Sprinters, Irineu Loturco, Michael R. Mcguigan, Tomás T. Freitas, Fábio Y. Nakamura, Daniel A. Boullosa, Pedro L. Valenzuela, Lucas A. Pereira, Fernando Pareja-Blanco

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The aims of this study were to: 1) provide and compare the height achieved during Smith machine (SM) and free weight (FW) loaded jumps executed over a wide spectrum of loads (40–120 % of body mass [BM]); and 2) test the difference between loaded and unloaded squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) attempts in ten highly trained male sprinters. On the first visit, athletes performed unloaded SJ and CMJ, loaded SJ with loads corresponding to 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 % BM, and loaded CMJ at 100% BM using an Olympic barbell (FW). On the second visit, they …

Needs And Views On Healthy Lifestyles For The Prevention Of Dementia And The Potential Role For Mobile Health (Mhealth) Interventions In China: A Qualitative Study, Jinxia Zhang, Esmé Eggink, Xiaoyu Zhang, Xingming Li, Bin Jiang, Hongmei Liu, Siqi Ge, Wei Zhang, Jihui Lyu, Yixuan Niu, Yueyi Yu, Haifeng Hou, Xizhu Xu, Xiaoyan Ye, Wenzhi Wang, Ruben Terlou, Edo Richard, Wei Wang, Youxin Wang, Eric P. Moll Van Charante, Song Manshu, Prodemos Consortium

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives:

Over the coming decades, China is expected to face the largest worldwide increase in dementia incidence. Mobile health (mHealth) may improve the accessibility of dementia prevention strategies, targeting lifestyle-related risk factors. Our aim is to explore the needs and views of Chinese older adults regarding healthy lifestyles to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dementia through mHealth, supporting the Prevention of Dementia using Mobile Phone Applications (PRODEMOS) study.

Design:

Qualitative semi-structured interview study, using thematic analysis.

Setting:

Primary and secondary care in Beijing and Tai’an, China.

Participants:

Older adults aged 55 and over without dementia with an increased dementia risk, …

Exploring Discordant Low Amyloid Beta And High Neocortical Tau Positron Emission Tomography Cases, Natasha Krishnadas, Vincent Doré, Simon M. Laws, Tenielle Porter, Fiona Lamb, Svetlana Bozinovski, Victor L. Villemagne, Christopher C. Rowe

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Neocortical 3R4R (3-repeat/4-repeat) tau aggregates are rarely observed in the absence of amyloid beta (Aβ). 18F-MK6240 binds specifically to the 3R4R form of tau that is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We report four cases with negative Aβ, but positive tau positron emission tomography (PET) findings. Methods: All Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle study of aging (AIBL) study participants with Aβ (18F-NAV4694) and tau (18F-MK6240) PET scans were included. Centiloid < 25 defined negative Aβ PET (Aβ–). The presence of neocortical tau was defined quantitatively and visually. Results: Aβ– PET was observed in 276 participants. Four of these participants (one cognitively unimpaired [CU], two mild cognitive impairment [MCI], one AD) had tau tracer retention in a pattern consistent with Braak tau stages V to VI. Fluid biomarkers supported a diagnosis of AD. In silico analysis of APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, and MAPT genes did not identify relevant functional mutations. Discussion: Discordant cases were infrequent (1.4% of all Aβ– participants). In these cases, the Aβ PET ligand may not be detecting the Aβ that is present.

Dosage, Intensity, And Frequency Of Language Therapy For Aphasia: A Systematic Review-Based, Individual Participant Data Network Meta-Analysis, The Rehabilitation And Recovery Of People With Aphasia After Stroke (Release) Collaborators

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and Purpose: Optimizing speech and language therapy (SLT) regimens for maximal aphasia recovery is a clinical research priority. We examined associations between SLT intensity (hours/week), dosage (total hours), frequency (days/week), duration (weeks), delivery (face to face, computer supported, individual tailoring, and home practice), content, and language outcomes for people with aphasia.

Methods: Databases including MEDLINE and Embase were searched (inception to September 2015). Published, unpublished, and emerging trials including SLT and ≥ 10 individual participant data on aphasia, language outcomes, and time post-onset were selected. Patient-level data on stroke, language, SLT, and trial risk of bias were independently extracted. …

Sport-Specific Crossover Point Differences During A Maximal Oxygen Consumption Test, Joseph R. Stanzione, George A. Brooks, Michael L. Bruneau, Duncan N. French, Jennifer A. Nasser, Sinclair A. Smith, Stella L. Volpe

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction/Purpose: The crossover point occurs during exercise when one transitions energy substrates from fat to carbohydrate predominance. The crossover point varies in an intensity-dependent manner; however, less is known about its specificity in sports with varying metabolic demands. The purpose of our study was to determine if various sports yield differences in the time to crossover and heart rate and percentage of maximal oxygen consumption (V O2max) at crossover during a standardized exercise protocol.

Methods: A total of 77 athletes (39 women, 38 men; 39.1 + 10.4 yr of age) were measured for respiratory exchange ratio during a modified Taylor …

Gut Microbiota Diversity And Composition In Predicting Immunotherapy Response And Immunotherapy-Related Colitis In Melanoma Patients: A Systematic Review, Oliver Oey, Yu-Yang Liu, Angela F. Sunjaya, Daniel M. Simadibrata, Muhammad A. Khattak, Elin Gray

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Gut microbiome (GM) composition and diversity have recently been studied as a biomarker of response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy (ICB) and of ICB-related colitis. Aim: To conduct a systematic review on the role of GM composition and diversity in predicting response and colitis in patients with melanoma treated with ICB. Methods: The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42021228018. From a total of 300 studies, nine studies met inclusion criteria. Two studies were phase I clinical trials, while the remainder were prospective observational studies. All but one study has moderate risk of bias. In addition, we conducted a …

Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Preterm Birth Among Pregnant Women Admitted At The Labor Ward Of The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana, Enoch Odame Anto, Wina Ivy Ofori Boadu, Stephen Opoku, Ebenzer Senu, Valentine Christian Kodzo Tsatsu Tamakloe, Augustine Tawiah, Frank Ankobea, Emmanuel Acheampong, Agartha Odame Anto, Michael Appiah, Yaw Amo Wiafe, Max Efui Annani-Akollor, Christian Obirikorang, Otchere Addai-Mensah

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Preterm birth is a global epidemic and a leading cause of neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of preterm birth among women attending the labor ward for delivery at a tertiary hospital in Ghana. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among a cohort of 209 pregnant women admitted to the labor ward of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Pregnant women who delivered between 28 and 36 completed weeks of gestation were classified as preterm delivery whereas those who delivered after 37–42 completed weeks were described as term. Sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetric data were …

Impact Of Covid-19 Lockdown On Physical Activity Behaviours Of Older Adults Who Participated In A Community-Based Exercise Program Prior To The Lockdown, Kaoru Nosaka, Caitlin Fox-Harding, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study investigated the impact of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown on community-dwelling older adults attending a community-based exercise program to seek strategies to keep them active during self-isolated situations. A two-phase mixed methods approach included a survey followed by in-person focus groups. Forty-eight participants, with 32 starting a community-based exercise program before the lockdown and 16 joining the program after the lockdown, completed a questionnaire survey about physical activities before and during the lockdown. This was followed by three focus groups (26 participants in total) to identify factors influencing physical activity behaviours found in the survey. The survey found that …

A Translational Research Framework For Nurse Practitioners, Mary Ryder, Elisabeth Jacob

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims This study aims to explore a proposed translational research continuum for nurse practitioners. Background Nurse practitioners are acknowledged as clinical leaders responsible for transforming health care delivery. It is important that nurse practitioners contribute to health care knowledge using scientific processes for the implementation of evidence-based practice and evaluation of outcomes of interventions for their patient groups. Evaluation This paper provides a review of translational research literature including implementation science to align nurse practitioner activities to a modified translational research framework. Key Issues A translational research framework has the potential to strengthen nursing research in the nurse practitioner role. …

Overview Of Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Health Status, 2021, Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The main purpose of the Overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health status (Overview) is to provide a comprehensive summary of the most recent indicators of the health and current health status of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Overview has been prepared by HealthInfoNet staff as part of our contribution to supporting those who work in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector. The Overview is a key indicator of the HealthInfoNet’s commitment to authentic and engaged knowledge development and exchange. The initial sections of this Overview provide information about the context of Aboriginal and …

Summary Of Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Health Status - Selected Topics 2021, Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

...The HealthInfoNet has prepared this Summary as part of our contribution to support those who work in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector. Key health topics are summarised in plain language and an infographic style to enable readers to absorb data easily and quickly...

Associations Of Specific Types Of Fruit And Vegetables With Perceived Stress In Adults: The Ausdiab Study, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Marc Sim, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Nicola P. Bondonno, Catherine P. Bondonno, Richard Woodman, Joanne M. Dickson, Dianna J. Magliano, Jonathan E. Shaw, Robin M. Daly, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua R. Lewis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose:

Higher total fruit and vegetable (FV) intakes have been associated with lower perceived stress. The relationship between specific types of FV and perceived stress remains uncertain. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to explore the relationship between consumption of specific types of FV with perceived stress in a population-based cohort of men and women aged ≥ 25 years from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) Study.

Methods:

Dietary intake was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (n = 8,640). Perceived stress was evaluated using a validated Perceived Stress Questionnaire, with values ranging 0–1 (lowest to highest). …

Dual Contribution Of The Gut Microbiome To Immunotherapy Efficacy And Toxicity: Supportive Care Implications And Recommendations, Hannah R. Wardill, Raymond J. Chan, Alexandre Chan, Dorothy Keefe, Samuel P. Costello, Nicolas H. Hart

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (immunotherapy) is increasingly recognized to be linked to the composition the gut microbiome. Given the high rates of resistance, interventions targeting the gut microbiome are now being investigated for its ability to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. In light of recently published data demonstrating a strong correlation between the efficacy and toxicity of immunotherapy, there is a risk that efforts to enhance immunotherapy efficacy may be undermined by increases in immune-related adverse events (IrAEs) This is particularly important for microbial interventions aimed at increasing immunotherapy efficacy, with many microbes implicated in tumour response also …

Exercise In Preventing Falls For Men With Prostate Cancer: A Modelled Cost-Utility Analysis, Kim Edmunds, Paul Scuffham, Robert U. Newton, Daniel A. Galvão, Haitham Tuffaha

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction:

Men who receive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) are a vulnerable falls population due to the side effects of treatment. The purpose of this paper is to determine the cost-effectiveness of exercise in preventing falls and fractures for this high-risk population in Australia.

Methods:

A decision analytic model was constructed to evaluate the cost utility of an exercise intervention compared to usual care from a health system perspective. The intervention comprised two 1-h sessions of supervised exercise per week over 1 year for men with non-metastatic PCa receiving curative radiation therapy and ADT. A Markov model …

Future Perspectives Of Uveal Melanoma Blood Based Biomarkers, Aaron B. Beasley, Fred K. Chen, Timothy W. Isaacs, Elin S. Gray

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy affecting adults. Despite successful local treatment of the primary tumour, metastatic disease develops in up to 50% of patients. Metastatic UM carries a particularly poor prognosis, with no effective therapeutic option available to date. Genetic studies of UM have demonstrated that cytogenetic features, including gene expression, somatic copy number alterations and specific gene mutations can allow more accurate assessment of metastatic risk. Pre-emptive therapies to avert metastasis are being tested in clinical trials in patients with high-risk UM. However, current prognostic methods require an intraocular tumour biopsy, which is a …

Characterisation Of Lung Function Trajectories And Associated Early-Life Predictors In An Australian Birth Cohort Study, Francesca Sanna, Francesca Locatelli, Peter D. Sly, Elisha White, Jane Heyworth, Graham L. Hall, Rachel E. Foong, David Blake

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background There is growing evidence that lung function in early-life predicts later lung function. Adverse events over the lifespan might influence an individual’s lung function trajectory, resulting in poor respiratory health. The aim of this study is to identify early-life risk factors and their impact on lung function trajectories to prevent long-term lung impairments. Methods Our study included participants from the Raine Study, a prospective pregnancy cohort, with at least two spirometry measurements. Lung function trajectories from the 6-to 22-year follow-ups were characterised using finite mixture modelling. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between early-life predictors …

Cannabinoid And Substance Relationships Of European Congenital Anomaly Patterns: A Space-Time Panel Regression And Causal Inferential Study, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

With reports from Australia, Canada, USA, Hawaii and Colorado documenting a link between cannabis and congenital anomalies (CAs), this relationship was investigated in Europe. Data on 90 CAs were accessed from Eurocat. Tobacco and alcohol consumption and median household income data were from the World Bank. Amphetamine, cocaine and last month and daily use of cannabis from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Cannabis herb and resin Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol concentrations were from published reports. Data were processed in R. Twelve thousand three hundred sixty CA rates were sourced across 16 nations of Europe. Nations with a higher or …

Effect Of Auricular Acupressure On Acute Pain In Nursing Home Residents With Mild Dementia: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Study, Jun Jun Zhang, Li Yu, Jun Hui Mei, Hong Xin Wang, Hai Xiang Gao, Ju Fang Fu, Ye Cheng, Lu Lu Gao, Lei Bu, Jian Qiang Yu, Carol Chunfeng Wang, Yu Xiang Li

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction. Acute pain is a prevalent problem for dementia residents in nursing homes. A variety of intervention strategies have been applied to address this problem. However, there remains an issue of inadequate pain control. This study aims to explore the analgesic efficacy of auricular acupressure (AA) for dementia residents with acute pain in nursing homes. Methods. A multicenter, single-blind, randomized, and sham-controlled clinical trial was performed in three nursing homes in Yinchuan, China. All of the 206 eligible patients with acute pain were randomly divided into two groups for real AA therapy or sham AA (at sham point stimulation) therapy. …

Exercise Recommendations For People With Bone Metastases: Expert Consensus For Healthcare Providers And Clinical Exercise Professionals, Kristin L. Campbell, Prue Cormie, Sarah Weller, Shabbir M. H. Alibhai, Kate A. Bolam, Anna Campbell, Andrea L. Cheville, Mary-Ann Dalzell, Nicolas H. Hart, Celestia S. Higano, Kirstin Lane, Sami Mansfield, Margaret L. Mcneely, Robert U. Newton, Morten Quist, Jennifer Rauw, Friederike Rosenberger, Daniel Santa Mina, Kathryn H. Schmitz, Kerri M. Winters-Stone, Joachim Wiskemann, Jennifer Goulart

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Exercise has been underutilized in people with advanced or incurable cancer despite the potential to improve physical function and reduce psychosocial morbidity, especially for people with bone metastases because of concerns over skeletal complications. The International Bone Metastases Exercise Working Group (IBMEWG) was formed to develop best practice recommendations for exercise programming for people with bone metastases on the basis of published research, clinical experience, and expert opinion. Methods: The IBMEWG undertook sequential steps to inform the recommendations: (1) modified Delphi survey, (2) systematic review, (3) cross-sectional survey to physicians and nurse practitioners, (4) in-person meeting of IBMEWG to …

Saliva Cortisol In Girls With Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Dance And Yoga Intervention, Elin Areskog Sandberg, Anna Duberg, Ulrika Lorenzon Fagerberg, Evalotte Morelius, Stefan Särnblad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) are common among girls and has been associated with stress. Cortisol is one of the major stress hormones. Dance and yoga have been shown to reduce abdominal pain among girls with FAPDs. Aim: To investigate the effect of an 8-month intervention with dance and yoga on cortisol levels in saliva among girls with FAPDs. Methods: A total of 121 girls aged 9–13 years with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional abdominal pain were included in the study. Participants were randomized into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group attended a combined …

Strength Training In Swimming, Klaus Wirth, Michael Keiner, Stefan Fuhrmann, Alfred Nimmerichter, Gregory G. Haff

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This narrative review deals with the topic of strength training in swimming, which has been a controversial issue for decades. It is not only about the importance for the performance at start, turn and swim speed, but also about the question of how to design a strength training program. Different approaches are discussed in the literature, with two aspects in the foreground. On the one hand is the discussion about the optimal intensity in strength training and, on the other hand, is the question of how specific strength training should be designed. In addition to a summary of the current …

The Relationship Between Acute Exercise-Induced Changes In Extramuscular Connective Tissue Thickness And Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness In Healthy Participants: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial, Sarah Tenberg, Kazunori Nosaka, Jan Wilke

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background The extramuscular connective tissue (ECT) has been shown to play a significant role in mechanical force transmission between musculoskeletal structures. Due to this and owing to its tight connection with the underlying muscle, the ECT may be vulnerable to excessive loading. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of eccentric elbow flexor exercise on the morphology of the biceps brachii ECT. In view of the high nociceptive capacity of the ECT, an additional objective was to elucidate the potential relationship between ECT damage and the occurrence of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Methods Eleven healthy participants (♂ = …

Development Of A Food Composition Database For Assessing Nitrate And Nitrite Intake From Animal-Based Foods, Liezhou Zhong, Alex H. Liu, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Nicola P. Bondonno, Marc Sim, Richard J. Woodman, Kevin D. Croft, Joshua R. Lewis, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Catherine P. Bondonno

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Scope:

Nitrate and nitrite are approved food additives in some animal-based food products. However, nitrate and nitrite in foods are strictly regulated due to health concerns over methaemoglobinaemia and the potential formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. In contrast, plants (like leafy vegetables) naturally accumulate nitrate ions; a growing body of research reveals beneficial metabolic effects of nitrate via its endogenous conversion to nitric oxide. To refine the association of dietary nitrate and nitrite intake with health outcomes, reliable measures of nitrate and nitrite intake from dietary food records are required. While a vegetable nitrate content database has been developed, there is …

Supporting Premature Infants’ Oral Feeding In The Nicu—A Qualitative Study Of Nurses’ Perspectives, Evalotte Mörelius, Charlotte Sahlén Helmer, Maria Hellgren, Siw Alehagen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

One major task in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) involves ensuring adequate nutrition and supporting the provision of human milk. The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ experiences of the oral feeding process in the NICU when the infant is born extremely or very preterm. We used a qualitative inductive approach. Nine nurses from three family-centered NICUs were interviewed face-to-face. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis. Five sub-categories and two generic categories formed the main category: ‘A complex and long-lasting collaboration.’ The nurses wished to contribute to the parents’ understanding of the feeding …

Evaluation Of Virtual Screening Strategies For The Identification Of Γ-Secretase Inhibitors And Modulators, Alicia Ioppolo, Melissa Eccles, David Groth, Giuseppe Verdile, Mark Agostino

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

γ-Secretase is an intramembrane aspartyl protease that is important in regulating normal cell physiology via cleavage of over 100 transmembrane proteins, including Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) and Notch family receptors. However, aberrant proteolysis of substrates has implications in the progression of disease pathologies, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), cancers, and skin disorders. While several γ-secretase inhibitors have been identified, there has been toxicity observed in clinical trials associated with non-selective enzyme inhibition. To address this, γ-secretase modulators have been identified and pursued as more selective agents. Recent structural evidence has provided an insight into how γ-secretase inhibitors and modulators are recognized …