Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Genomic Characterisation Of The Relationship And Causal Links Between Vascular Calcification, Alzheimer’S Disease, And Cognitive Traits, Emmanuel O. Adewuyi, Simon M. Laws

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background/Objectives: Observational studies suggest a link between vascular calcification and dementia or cognitive decline, but the evidence is conflicting, and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we investigate the shared genetic and causal relationships of vascular calcification—coronary artery calcification (CAC) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC)—with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and five cognitive traits. Methods: We analyse large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics, using well-regarded methods, including linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC), Mendelian randomisation (MR), pairwise GWAS (GWAS-PW), and gene-based association analysis. Results: Our findings reveal a nominally significant positive genome-wide genetic correlation between CAC and AD, which becomes non-significant after …

Families' Experiences Of End-Of-Life Care In An Acute Private Hospital: A Qualitative Study, Rosemary Saunders, Susan Alexander, Julie Andrew, Anne Wilkinson, Karen Gullick, Ashwini Davray, Manonita Ghosh, Karla Seaman, Michelle Gay

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives This study explored bereaved relatives' experiences of end-of-life care (EoL care) in the last 3 days in an acute private hospital in Australia. Methods An interpretative qualitative study was conducted. Semi-structured interviews with 8 bereaved relatives whose family member had died at an acute private hospital shared their experiences of the EoL care during the last 3 days of life. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Bereaved family members had mixed experiences, and their primary concerns related to the need for improvements in support for the family; communication; and clinicians partnering with families. The need …

A Roadmap To Precision Medicine Through Post-Genomic Electronic Medical Records, Kevin M. Mendez, Stacey N. Reinke, Rachel S. Kelly, Qingwen Chen, Mark Su, Michael Mcgeachie, Scott Weiss, David I. Broadhurst, Jessica A. Lasky-Su

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The promise of integrating Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and genetic data for precision medicine has largely fallen short due to its omission of environmental context over time. Post-genomic data can bridge this gap by capturing the real-time dynamic relationship between underlying genetics and the environment. This perspective highlights the pivotal role of integrating EMR and post-genomics for personalized health, reflecting on lessons from past efforts, and outlining a roadmap of challenges and opportunities that must be addressed to realize the potential of precision medicine.

Development Of 24-Hour Rhythms In Cortisol Secretion Across Infancy: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Individual Participant Data, Laura Kervezee, Michelle Romijn, Kirsten N.G. Van De Weijer, Britney S.J. Chen, George L. Burchell, Marieke S. Tollenaar, Marcela Tamayo-Ortiz, Lauren E. Philbrook, Carolina De Weerth, Yang Cao, Joost Rotteveel, Rina D. Eiden, Rima Azar, Nicole R. Bush, Adina Chis, Grazyna Kmita, Melissa W. Clearfield, Roseriet Beijers, Michael Gröschl, Stefan A. Wudy, Andries Kalsbeek, Evalotte Mörelius, Martijn J.J. Finken

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Context: In adults, cortisol levels show a pronounced 24-hour rhythm with a peak in the early morning. It is unknown at what age this early-morning peak in cortisol emerges during infancy, hampering the establishment of optimal dosing regimens for hydrocortisone replacement therapy in infants with an inborn form of adrenal insufficiency. Objective: We aimed to characterize daily variation in salivary cortisol concentration across the first year of life. Methods: We conducted a systematic review followed by an individual participant data meta-analysis of studies reporting on spontaneous (ie, not stress-induced) salivary cortisol concentrations in healthy infants aged 0-1 year. A one-stage …

Genome Wide Association Study Reveals Novel Associations With Face Morphology, Aamer Alshehhi, Mira Mousa, Guan K. Tay, Naoufel Werghi, Habiba Alsafar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on the Middle Eastern population, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have been relatively limited. The present study aims to investigate genotype-face morphology associations in the UAE population through Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Phenotypic data (44 face measurements) from 172 Emiratis was obtained through three-dimensional (3D) scanning technology and an automatic face landmarking technique. GWAS analysis revealed associations of 19 genetic loci with six face features, 14 of which are novel. The GWAS analysis revealed 11 significant relationships between 44 face parameters and 242 SNPs, exceeding the GWAS significance threshold. These phenotypes were previously associated …

How Valuable Is An Implementation Toolkit For Midwives? An Exploratory Study, Annemarie (Annie) De Leo, Linda Sweet, Peter Palamara, Dianne Bloxsome, Sara Bayes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Incorporating evidence-based approaches in maternity care throughout the entire trajectory from pregnancy through to the postnatal phase is integral to good public health. Yet, despite developing theories, frameworks, and models to guide midwives’ implementation efforts, implementing new evidence-based practices in midwifery practice settings remains challenging. Methods: An exploratory study design was used to conduct an initial assessment of the appeal and suitability of an implementation ‘how to’ Toolkit for Australian change-leader midwives. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of the intervention by evaluating midwives’ experience of using the Toolkit, and report on the usability of the Toolkit in maternity …

Nursing Student Reflections On A Research Internship: A Reflective Discussion Following The Gibbs' Reflective Cycle, Francine Antoinette Ocampo, Brianne Genevieve Mcintyre, Debbie Massey, Rosemary Saunders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Evidence-based practice underscores the importance of utilising research-based skills in the delivery of care. However, entry-to-practice nursing curriculums in Australia currently do not provide students with practical research opportunities. Acknowledging this gap, an Australian university initiated a two-month summer research internship that aim to expose undergraduate nursing students to clinical research under the mentorship of a nursing academic. Aim: To understand the opportunities and challenges of a research internship and its contribution to developing research knowledge and skills for future nursing practice and leadership. Design: A reflective discussion following the six stages of the Gibbs' Reflective Cycle. Settings: A …

Consolidating The Evidence On The Effectiveness Of Strategies To Promote Vegetable Intake In Priority Settings: An Overview Of Systematic Reviews, Paige G. Brooker, Astrid A.M. Poelman, Katherine M. Livingstone, Clare E. Collins, Seema Mihrshahi, Ros Sambell, Jason H.Y. Wu, Gilly A. Hendrie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Effective interventions to increase vegetable intake are urgently needed. This systematic rapid review aimed to summarise the effectiveness of interventions targeting increased vegetable intakes across diverse settings. Methodology: The review was guided by the conduct of rapid reviews from the Cochrane Handbook. The literature was searched in February 2024 across PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Central for systematic review articles published since 2014. The Risk of Bias In Systematic Reviews tool was used and characteristics of reviews synthesised narratively with intervention effectiveness results were summarised. Results: A total of 20 systematic reviews met the eligibility criteria. Most targeted …

The Mascc Cog-Impact: An Unmet Needs Assessment For Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment Impact Developed By The Multinational Association Of Supportive Care In Cancer, Darren Haywood, Alexandre Chan, Raymond J. Chan, Frank D. Baughman, Evan Dauer, Haryana M. Dhillon, Ashley M. Henneghan, Blake J. Lawrence, Maryam B. Lustberg, Moira O’Connor, Janette L. Vardy, Susan L. Rossell, Nicolas H. Hart

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) can have a profound impact on the lives of cancer survivors. A multitude of subjective and objective assessment tools exist to assess the presence and severity of CRCI. However, no purpose-built tool exists to assess the unmet needs of cancer survivors directly relating to CRCI. This paper details the development and initial validation of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer - Unmet Needs Assessment of Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment Impact (the MASCC COG-IMPACT).

Methods: A multistep mixed-methods measurement development and validation approach was taken with a strong emphasis on co-design. Qualitative interviews were conducted …

A Child-Centred Research Checklist To Improve The Design And Reporting Of Paediatric Research Studies: A Descriptive Mixed Methods Study, Mandie Foster, Lisa Whitehead, Therese A. O'Sullivan, Julie Hill, Evalotte Mörelius

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: No internationally developed child-centred research checklist is currently available to enhance the quality and transparency of the development, reporting and evaluation of research undertaken with children. Objective: To develop an internationally relevant, expert informed child-centred research checklist. Design: A descriptive mixed methods study was undertaken in five sequential phases, including a Delphi component. Setting(s): Academic/international context. Methods: This study involved five sequential stages: 1. Literature review using four databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO) and analysis to identify key themes in child-centred research (January 2020). 2. Generate a questionnaire based on the key themes for international experts in child research …

Beyond Traditional Body Composition Metrics: Load-Capacity Indices Emerge As Predictors Of Cardiometabolic Outcomes—A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Zhongyang Guan, Marianna Minnetti, Steven B. Heymsfield, Eleonora Poggiogalle, Carla M. Prado, Marc Sim, Blossom C.M. Stephan, Jonathan C.K. Wells, Lorenzo M. Donini, Mario Siervo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The adaptive and independent interrelationships between different body composition components have been identified as crucial determinants of disease risk. On the basis of this concept, the load-capacity model of body composition, which utilizes measurements obtained through nonanthropometric techniques such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, was proposed. This model is typically operationalized as the ratio of metabolic load (adipose mass) to metabolic capacity (lean mass). In recent years, a series of load-capacity indices (LCIs) have been utilized to identify abnormal body composition phenotypes such as sarcopenic obesity (SO) and to predict the risk of metabolic, cardiovascular, and cognitive disorders. In this review, …

Differential Effects Of Stimulation Waveform And Intensity On The Neural Structures Activated By Lumbar Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation, Harrison T. Finn, Marel Parono, Elizabeth A. Bye, Janet L. Taylor, Simon C. Gandevia, Martin E. Héroux, Jane E. Butler

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Lumbar transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSS) evokes synchronized muscle responses, termed spinally evoked motor response (sEMR). Whether the structures TSS activates to evoke sEMRs differ when TSS intensity and waveform are varied is unknown. In 15 participants (9 F, 6 M), sEMRs were evoked by TSS over L1–L3 (at sEMR threshold and suprathreshold intensities) with conventional (one 400-ls biphasic pulse) or high-frequency burst (ten 40-ls biphasic pulses at 10 kHz) stimulus waveforms in vastus medialis (VM), tibialis anterior (TA), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles. TSS was paired with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the contralateral motor cortex at relative interstimulus …

Differential Risk Of Cardiovascular Complications In Patients With Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus In Ghana: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study, Christian Obirikorang, Evans Asamoah Adu, Anthony Afum Adjei Awuah, Samuel Nkansah Darko, Frank Naku Ghartey, Samuel Ametepe, Eric N.Y. Nyarko, Enoch Odame Anto, William Kwame Boakye Ansah Owiredu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim To characterize clinically relevant subgroups of patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) based on adiposity, insulin secretion, and resistance indices. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Eastern Regional Hospital in Ghana from July to October 2021 to investigate long-term patients with T2DM. To select participants, a systematic random sampling method was employed. Demographic data was collected using a structured questionnaire and fasting blood samples were taken to measure glycemic and lipid levels. Blood pressure and adiposity indices were measured during recruitment. The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was defined using Framingham scores and standard low-density lipoprotein thresholds. To …

Patient And Family Involvement In Nursing Bedside Handover: A Qualitative Descriptive Study Of Consumer Perceptions Of Nursing Care, Manonita Ghosh, Beverly O’Connell, Hien Thi Nguyen, Linda Coventry, Amanda Towell-Barnard, Olivia Gallagher, Karen Gullick, Lucy Gent, Rosemary Saunders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background/Objectives: Patient and family involvement in bedside handover is a requirement of the national standards on patient safety and quality in Australia. To ensure patient-and-family-centred care, it is essential to understand how patients and families perceive their involvement in nursing bedside handover and what difficulties they face when participating. This study aimed to explore patient and family perceptions of their involvement in nursing bedside handover. Methods: We employed a qualitative descriptive study design with in-depth and semi-structured interviews. Using purposive and convenience sampling, 24 patients and family members were recruited from two adult hospitals in Western Australia between November 2021 …

Patients' Perception Of Missed Nursing Care In A Tertiary Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study, Afia Achiaa Sarpong, Amanda Towell-Barnard, Lucy Gent, Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah, Diana Arabiat

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

AIMS: To identify types of patient-reported missed nursing care and adverse events and identify the factor associated with missed care in a Western Australian tertiary hospital. BACKGROUND: Research in the domain of missed nursing care has established the association between missed nursing care and unsafe patient outcomes. However, there is a paucity of evidence on patient perception of missed nursing care and associated factors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHOD: A study of inpatients in a tertiary teaching hospital in Western Australia was carried out. Ninety-eight patients admitted in 16 medical and surgical wards were sampled. The patient MISSCARE survey was used …

Protocol For A Field Trial Of A Hearing And Vision Support Intervention For People Living In Long-Term Care In Australia, Carly Meyer, Najwan El-Saifi, Naomi Rose, Kasia Bail, Colette Browning, Dayna Cenin, Antonio Ahumada-Canale, Megan Campbell, Tim England, Melanie Ferguson, Yuanyuan Gu, Reema Harrison, Chyrisse Heine, Lisa Keay, Sheela Kumaran, Iracema Leroi, Gerald Liew, Angelita Martini, Ralph Martins, John Newall, Smriti Raichand, Emma Scanlan, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Melinda Toomey, Johanna Westbrook, Piers Dawes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Hearing and vision impairments are prevalent among residents in long-term care settings. Hearing and vision impairments frequently go unsupported, affecting residents' quality of life and healthcare costs. This paper describes the protocol for a pre−post evaluation and process evaluation of a pragmatic sensory support intervention (SSI) that was developed with residents, informal caregivers and long-term care workers. Methods and Analysis: A prospective pre−post-intervention trial within long-term care will be conducted, including three groups: residents (n = 87), informal caregivers (n = 87) and long-term care workers (n = 40). Outcome measures include health-related quality of life and well-being measures …

The Effect Of Non-Pharmacological Interventions On Cognitive Function In Cancer: An Overview Of Systematic Reviews, Darren Haywood, Ashley M. Henneghan, Alexandre Chan, Raymond J. Chan, Haryana M. Dhillon, Maryam B. Lustberg, Janette L. Vardy, Moira O’Connor, Norah Elvidge, Evan Dauer, Oscar Y. Franco-Rocha, Shradha Vasan, James Murray, Megan Crichton, Helen Wilding, Susan L. Rossell, Nicolas H. Hart

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: A significant number of cancer survivors experience cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), which can impact their ability to think, reason, make decisions, and perform daily actions. In recent years, non-pharmacological interventions for CRCI have gained significant attention. These interventions include exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy, cognitive training/remediation, dietary, mind–body, and multi-modal/complex interventions. This umbrella review provides a critical overview to inform guidelines and current practice, identify the most promising interventions, and uncover gaps in the research literature.

Methods: This umbrella review of systematic reviews was pre-registered on Open Science Framework and PROSPERO. Six databases were searched. Systematic reviews (SR) assessing any …

Trajectories Of Supportive Care Needs For People Who Travel To Receive Cancer Treatment: A Longitudinal Study In Australia, Susannah K. Ayre, Elizabeth A. Johnston, Michael Ireland, Sonja March, Jeff Dunn, Suzanne Chambers, Belinda C. Goodwin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To describe trajectories of change in unmet supportive care needs over a two-year period among people diagnosed with cancer and assess whether these trajectories vary as a function of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Methods: This analysis used data from a longitudinal study of people in Queensland, Australia who travelled largely from regional and remote areas to metropolitan centres to receive cancer care (N = 784). Supportive care needs were measured at baseline, then at 3-, 12-, and 24-month post-baseline across five domains (‘psychological’, ‘physical and daily living’, ‘health systems and information’, ‘patient care and support’, ‘sexuality’) using the Supportive …

Ethical Issues In Conducting Health Research With People In Prison: Results Of A Deliberative Research Project Conducted With People In Australian Prisons, Paul Leslie Simpson, Jill Guthrie, Jocelyn Jones, Bridget Haire, Tony Butler

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Planning research involving people in prison raises concerns based on past abuses of incarcerated people amongst other factors. Despite the development of guidelines for the ethical conduct of research in prisons, researchers and advocates have questioned whether current approaches aimed at protecting incarcerated persons from unethical research unfairly exclude this group from participating in and benefitting from research. Discussion of these issues comes mostly from expert opinion. An absent voice is that of people in prison. This study identifies the key ethical issues according to people in prison for health research involving people in prison. Using a deliberative approach, citizens' …

Investigating The Impact Of Sorghum On Tau Protein Phosphorylation And Mitochondrial Dysfunction Modulation In Alzheimer’S Disease: An In Vitro Study, Nasim Rezaee, Eugene Hone, Hamid Sohrabi, Rasheed Abdulraheem, Stuart K. Johnson, Stuart Gunzburg, Ralph N. Martins, W. M.A.D.Binosha Fernando

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with poorly understood pathology. Elevated tau, phospho-tau and mitochondrial dysfunction are significantly correlated with an increased risk of AD and are therefore targets for disease-modifying therapy. In this study, we examined the effects of polyphenolic extracts from six different varieties of sorghum: Shawaya short black-1 (Black), IS1311C (Brown), QL33/QL36 (Red), B923296 (Red), QL12 (White), and QL33 (Red) on the attenuation of beta amyloid-induced phospho-tau levels, total tau levels, and mitochondrial dysfunction in neuronal cells. Method: Tau proteins (231 (pT231), Serine- 199 (pS199), and total tau proteins (T-tau)) were detected and quantified …

Mirnaome-Metabolome Wide Association Study Reveals Effects Of Mirna Regulation In Eosinophilia And Airflow Obstruction In Childhood Asthma, Rinku Sharma, Kevin Mendez, Sofina Begum, Su Chu, Nicole Prince, Julian Hecker, Rachel S. Kelly, Qingwen Chen, Craig E. Wheelock, Juan C. Celedón, Clary Clish, Robert Gertszen, Kelan G. Tantisira, Scott T. Weiss, Jessica Lasky-Su, Michael Mcgeachie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: There are important inter-relationships between miRNAs and metabolites: alterations in miRNA expression can be induced by various metabolic stimuli, and miRNAs play a regulatory role in numerous cellular processes, impacting metabolism. While both specific miRNAs and metabolites have been identified for their role in childhood asthma, there has been no global assessment of the combined effect of miRNAs and the metabolome in childhood asthma. Methods: We performed miRNAome-metabolome-wide association studies (‘miR-metabo-WAS’) in two childhood cohorts of asthma to evaluate the contemporaneous and persistent miRNA-metabolite associations: 1) Genetic Epidemiology of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (GACRS) (N = 1121); 2) …

Mental Health In Preprofessional And Professional Circus Artists: A Narrative Review, Melanie I. Stuckey, Stephanie Greenspan, Joanna Nicholas, Veronique Richard, Janine H. Stubbe, Fleur E.C.A. Van Rens

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Mental health has received little attention in preprofessional and professional circus despite the performance demands, cognitive skill, and emotional labor required. This review aimed to consolidate the literature, identify research gaps, and guide practice priorities for mental health in preprofessional and professional circus artists. A narrative review of the literature was conducted based on the International Olympic Committee’s 2019 consensus statement for mental health in elite athletes. Articles reported on mental health symptoms and disorders (n = 13) and interventions (n = 3) in preprofessional and professional circus contexts. Circus artists may experience more symptoms of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and …

Modifiable Factors For Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Evidence From Mendelian Randomisation Approach, Di Liu, Meiling Cao, Shanshan Wu, Yiwen Jiang, Weijie Cao, Tengfei Lin, Fuxiao Li, Feng Sha, Zhirong Yang, Jinling Tang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background The potential modifiable factors influencing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have not been thoroughly documented. We aimed to systematically investigate the modifiable factors associated with IBS, while accounting for the impact of unobserved confounders and coexisting disorders. Methods Genetic correlation and Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses were integrated to identify potential modifiable factors and coexisting disorders linked to IBS. Subsequently, multiresponse MR (MR 2) was employed to further examine these associations. Summary-level genome-wide association data were used. Modifiable factors and coexisting disorders (ie, gastrointestinal and psychiatric disorders) were identified based on evidence from cohort studies and meta-analysis. In all analyses, IBS …

Improving The Clinical Diagnostic Criteria For Genetically Confirmed Adult-Onset Huntington Disease: Considering Nonmotor Presentations, Ciaran M. Considine, Clare M. Eddy, Samuel A. Frank, Sandra K. Kostyk, Mayke Oosterloo, Annie Killoran, Erin Furr Stimming, Matthias Dose, Travis Cruickshank, Thomas D. Bird, Louise Vetter, Astri Arnesen, James Valvano, Herwig W. Lange, Daniel O. Claassen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

BackgroundHuntington disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder. Given the focus on motor manifestations, nonmotor symptoms are frequently underappreciated in clinical evaluations, despite frequently contributing to primary functional impairment.Recent FindingsA diagnosis of motor-onset as the definition of manifest symptoms misrepresents the complex nature of HD presentation. Despite recent attempt to integrate nonmotor diagnostic criteria, practical guidelines are necessary to inform clinical diagnosis. We propose an HD diagnostic framework and staging system that prioritizes genetic testing, integrates motor and nonmotor symptom considerations in the determination of clinical disease onset and severity, and acknowledges the secondary role of clinically indicated diagnostic assessments, …

Association Between Joint Exposure To Ambient Air Pollutants And Carotid Plaque: The Mediating Role Of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, Yunfei Li, Ze Han, Xiaoyu Zhao, Yueruijing Liu, Zhiyuan Wu, Jinqi Wang, Xia Li, Xiuhua Guo, Lixin Tao

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Research has shown that exposure to joint air pollution is related to atherosclerosis, but little evidence has been found for carotid plaques. Our objective is to assess the association between exposure to joint air pollutants and carotid plaque and explore the mediating role of cardiometabolic factors in this relationship. Methods: The Beijing Health Management Cohort (BMHC) study followed participants recruited from 2013 to 2014 until December 31, 2020. All participants underwent carotid ultrasound and were free of carotid plaque at baseline. A satellite-based land-use regression (LUR) model was applied to estimate air pollution exposure. The joint exposure to air …

Dose–Response Of Tdcs Effects On Motor Learning And Cortical Excitability: A Preregistered Study, Gavin Hsu, Zhenous Hadi Jafari, Abdelrahman Ahmed, Dylan J. Edwards, Leonardo G. Cohen, Lucas C. Parra

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Multiple studies have demonstrated that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) can influence corticospinal excitability and motor skill acquisition. However, the evidence for these effects is inconsistent, and a common neural substrate for these effects has not been directly demonstrated. To address this, we hypothesized that higher tDCS intensities would produce more robust effects, and uncover their relationship. In this preregistered study, 120 participants engaged in a motor skill learning task while receiving tDCS with posterior-to-anterior currents through M1. We employed a double-blind, between-subjects design, with groups of 4 mA, 6 mA, or sham stimulation, …

Faecal Excretion Of Thorium By Norm Workers, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin Ralph, Marcus Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Exposure to thorium-bearing dust in industries handling and processing monazite and other minerals can pose radiological risks to workers. This study aimed to reassess historical faecal bioassay data collected over 10 d from two monazite plant workers using updated biokinetic and dosimetric models. Another objective was to evaluate the feasibility of faecal thorium bioassay for contemporary operations involving naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). The retrospective analysis found that the bioassay-derived thorium intakes were significantly higher than those estimated via personal air sampling. The effective dose estimates for the two workers were similar and ranged from 0.95 to 2.40 mSv over …

Are We Underestimating Exposures From Norm Dust?, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin Ian Ralph, Marcus Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The inhalation of dust containing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) associated with mining and mineral processing operations may lead to potential long-term health impacts, including cancer and chronic lung disease, due to alpha particle-emitting radionuclides. This study evaluates the effectiveness of air sampling strategies used to estimate radiation doses from NORM exposure, with a focus on the Western Australian minerals industry. The objectives were to review current sampling and analysis protocols, identify factors contributing to over- or underestimation of dose, and propose adjustments to improve intake assessments. A review of research and guidelines applicable to NORM dust exposure was conducted, …

Translating Acceptability To Sustained Delivery: Clinician And Manager Perspectives On Implementing Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy In An Early-Supported Discharge Rehabilitation Service, Ashan Weerakkody, Erin Godecke, Barby Singer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) improves upper limb (UL) function after stroke. Despite up to one-third of stroke survivors being eligible, clinical uptake remains poor. To address this, a multi-modal behaviour change intervention was implemented across a large seven-site early-supported discharge (ESD) rehabilitation service. This study investigated the acceptability of mCIMT implementation within this ESD service and identified adaptations required for sustained delivery.

Methods: This qualitative study was nested within a mixed-methods process evaluation of mCIMT implementation. Four focus groups (n = 24) comprising therapists (two groups), therapy assistants (one group), and allied health managers (one group) were conducted. …

Igg N-Glycosylation Contributes To Different Severities Of Insulin Resistance: Implications For 3p Medical Approaches, Xiaohong Chen, Lois Balmer, Kun Lin, Weijie Cao, Ziyu Huang, Xiang Chen, Manshu Song, Yongsong Chen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Reliable biomarkers capturing immunometabolic processes in insulin resistance (IR) remain limited. IgG N-glycosylation modulates immune responses and reflects metabolic disorders, yet its role in IR remains unclear. This study investigated its potential for early detection, risk stratification, and targeted prevention within the framework of predictive, preventive, and personalised medicine (PPPM/3PM). Methods: A total of 313 participants were categorized into three groups based on the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR): insulin-sensitive (HOMA-IR < 2.69 without diabetes, n = 75), mild IR (HOMA-IR ≥ 2.69 without diabetes, n = 155), and severe IR (HOMA-IR ≥ 2.69 with type 2 diabetes, n = 83). Canonical correlation analysis was conducted to explore the overall relationship between IgG N-glycosylation and IR-related inflammation, indicated by tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin- 6, C-reactive protein, and adiponectin. Mediation analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of IgG N-glycans on IR. Ordinal logistic regression was used to assess the association between IgG N-glycans and IR severity, with discriminative power evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: Pro-inflammatory IgG N-glycoforms, characterized by reduced sialylation and galactosylation, along with increased bisecting N-acetylglucosamine, were observed as IR severity increased. IgG N-glycosylation significantly correlated with inflammatory markers in the insulin-sensitive (r = 0.599, p < 0.05), mild (r = 0.461, p < 0.05), and severe (r = 0.666, p < 0.01) IR groups. IgG N-glycosylation significantly influenced IR (β = 0.406) partially via modulation of inflammation. Increased glycoforms FA2[6]G1 (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.78–0.96) and A2G2S2 (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.82–0.94) were associated with a lower IR risk, with respective area under the curves (AUCs) of 0.752, 0.683, and 0.764 for the insulin sensitive, mild, and severe IR groups. Conclusions: IgG N-glycosylation contributes to IR by modulating inflammatory responses. Glycoforms FA2[6]G1 and A2G2S2 emerge as protective biomarkers, offering potential for predicting and preventing IR through primary prevention strategies within the PPPM framework.