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Background: Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a genetic condition with fragility of the skin and oral mucosal lining requiring appropriate care and management by dental health professionals. The objective of this scoping review was to comprehensively examine the specialised dental needs of children with Epidermolysis Bullosa and map evidence towards the type, availability, and accessibility of specialised dental care services within various health care systems. Methods: This scoping review was conducted using the JBI Methodology framework for scoping reviews. Five databases were used to source relevant literature: MEDLINE, Embase, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, Scopus, and Web of Science during the period 1963–2022. Results: Thirty three published case reports were identified reporting on 45 participants encompassing the dental care and management of children diagnosed with EB aged between 0–12 years of age from an Australian and international health care context. The findings reveal the need for greater awareness amongst health professionals in the management and specialised dental care needs of children and the need for further research, and care pathways for children with EB. Conclusion: There is a dearth of evidence which examines the dental needs of children, in particular referral pathways and timely access to dental health services and professionals. Dentists play an important role in monitoring and providing individualised and specialised oral care and treatment to the child with EB. It is vital that dentists as well as the wider multidisciplinary team have knowledge and understanding of the EB condition in meeting the specialised needs and management of these children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common performance limiting arrhythmia in racehorses. High dose exercise and airway disease promote AF in humans. Few studies have investigated epidemiological factors associated with AF in horses. Objectives: Explore variables relating to performance, exercise volume and postrace endoscopic findings in horses with AF. Animals: A total of 164 horses with poor race performance and postrace AF were compared to 321 horses with poor performance without AF (PP) and 314 horses performing to expectation (TE). Methods: Horse‐level and race‐level variables for horses racing in Australia and Hong Kong from 2009 to 2021 were compared using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Postrace endoscopic exercise‐induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) and tracheal mucus accumulation (TMA) grades for AF and PP horses were compared using chi‐squared analysis. Results: Variables that were significant in the multivariable model of AF compared to TE were distance (lengths) behind the winner, (odds ratio [OR]; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.41 [1.32‐1.51], P <.0001), cumulative prize money per start before the event (OR [95% CI] 1.02 [1.01‐1.03], P =.01) and age (OR [95% CI] 0.72 [0.55‐0.92], P =.01). More AF horses had EIPH grade ≥3 (23/109; 21.1%) than PP horses (7/213; 3.3%; OR [95%CI] 7.9 [3.3‐20.2], P <.0001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Acute race performance was substantially impaired by AF but career earnings before the event were not inferior. Exercise volume did not promote AF. Higher grades of EIPH found in AF horses suggests a mechanistic relationship between these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigeon circovirus (PiCV) is considered to be genetically diverse, with a relatively small circular single-stranded DNA genome of 2 kb that encodes for a capsid protein (Cap) and a replication initiator protein (Rep). Australasia is known to be the origin of diverse species of the Order Columbiformes, but limited data on the PiCV genome sequence has hindered phylogeographic studies in this species. To fill this gap, this study was conducted to investigate PiCV in 118 characteristic samples from different birds across Australia using PCR and sequencing. Eighteen partial PiCV Rep sequences and one complete PiCV genome sequence were recovered from reservoir and aberrant hosts. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that PiCV circulating in Australia was scattered across three different subclades. Importantly, one subclade dominated within the PiCV sequenced from Australia and Poland, whereas other PiCV sequenced in this study were more closely related to the PiCV sequenced from China, USA and Japan. In addition, PiCV Rep sequences obtained from clinically affected plumed whistling duck, blue billed duck and Australian magpie demonstrated natural spillover of PiCV unveiled host generalist characteristics of the pigeon circovirus. These findings indicate that PiCV genomes circulating in Australia lack host adapted population structure but demonstrate natural spillover infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) is a common debilitating condition. International evidence supports an exercise prescription for CRF. The majority of Australians with cancer do not meet recommended exercise targets. Aims: To analyse the effects of a guideline‐based supervised exercise programme on CRF among a representative private hospital cancer patient sample (n = 268). Methods: We collected data from 268 patients recruited from haematology and oncology over a 5‐year period. Participants underwent a 3‐month CRF exercise programme based on internationally recognised exercise guidelines. The programme, conducted by a multidisciplinary team, operated twice weekly sessions of 2 h duration comprising aerobic, resistance and balance exercises; hydrotherapy and condition counselling; fatigue management; and dietetic, speech pathology and swallowing education (head and neck cancers). The effect of the programme was measured in relation to the following outcomes: Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy, Fatigue (self‐reported fatigue); Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, general quality of life (health‐related quality of life in cancer); six‐minute walk test; and Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. Results: Multivariate outcomes showed statistically significant improvements in all four major outcome measures, plus a programme effect of greater than 0.7 for each outcome variable. The programme treatment outcomes were consistent over the 5 years of the programme. Conclusions: The outcomes of this programme contribute to exercise guidelines in Australia. Currently only position statements exist on the subject, but there are no programme guidelines. An exercise prescription is critical to cancer outcomes. This programme is likely to benefit cancer survivors experiencing CRF across private and public hospitals in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of the academic literature criticizes the inclusion of patent term extensions (PTE) and test data protection into the pharmaceutical provisions and/or intellectual property (IP) chapters of free trade agreements (FTAs), with many arguing that such provisions will increase the cost of pharmaceuticals for the implementing government. Such arguments are often backed by studies conducted prior to the conclusion of the relevant FTA. This is problematic for several reasons, most notably that the studies make assumptions that subsequently turn out not to be false and that the claims are not revisited and supported with empirical data following implementation. This article reviews the experience of two jurisdictions – Canada and Australia – in order to provide an analysis of legislative and judicial practices with a focus on implications and the cost of FTAs. The article examines how Canada and Australia have implemented their FTA obligations domestically and on the hereto ignored but important role of courts. One key finding is how courts in both countries are vigilant in narrowing the scope of obligations under FTAs to accommodate the need of the domestic market. The article ultimately concludes by calling on governments to conduct a detailed analysis of PTE and test data protection so as to better inform and prepare policymakers and, ultimately, improved FTA provisions and health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Columbid alphaherpesvirus 1 (CoHV1) is associated with oral or upper respiratory tract lesions, encephalitis, and occasional fatal systemic disease in naive or immunosuppressed pigeons. Clinical disease is often reported with CoHV1 and coinfecting viruses, including pigeon circovirus (PiCV), which may cause host immunosuppression and augment lesion development. A natural outbreak of CoHV1 and PiCV coinfection occurred in a flock of 60 racing rock pigeons (Columba livia), in which 4 pigeons succumbed within 7 d of clinical onset. Lesions included suppurative stomatitis, pharyngitis, cloacitis, meningitis, and tympanitis, with eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies consistent with herpesviral infection. In addition, large numbers of botryoid intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were present in the skin, oral mucosa, and bursa of Fabricius, suggestive of circoviral infection, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The concurrent viral load of CoHV1 and PiCV was high in liver, oropharynx, and bursa of Fabricius. We found PiCV in oro-cloacal swabs from 44 of 46 additional birds of variable clinical status, PiCV alone in 23 birds, and coinfection with CoHV1 in 21 birds. Viral copy numbers were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) for both viruses in clinically affected pigeons than in subclinical qPCR-positive birds. The CoHV1-induced lesions might have been exacerbated by concomitant PiCV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, nations have introduced energy efficiency regulations for new and existing buildings. This has been considered advantageous as more efficient building envelopes would reduce energy consumed to heat and cool home interiors to within accepted thermal comfort bandwidths. However, as these methods have been adopted, many nations have identified an unintended visible presence of surface and interstitial condensation and mould in new code-compliant buildings. In Australia, it has been estimated that up to 50% of Australian houses constructed in the last decade (2006–2016) have a presence of condensation and mould. Australia introduced its first condensation and mould-related building regulations for new homes in 2019. This paper reports on the hygrothermal and mould growth analysis of the most common low-rise residential external wall system, a timber-framed clay masonry veneer wall. A key component of this paper discusses the application of innovative methods in the Australian context. The external wall's moisture accumulation and mould growth were simulated for a period of ten years using the transient hygrothermal simulation tool, WUFI® Pro, and the mould growth model, WUFI® VTT. This study identified significant risks for this typical external wall system when constructed in a temperate climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laboratory testing forms an important part of diagnostic investigation in modern medicine; however, the overuse of 'routine blood tests' can result in significant potential harm and financial cost to the patient and the healthcare system. In 2018, a new protocol targeting the ordering of investigations was implemented within the General Surgical Teams of Wollongong Hospital in New South Wales, an Australian tertiary referral hospital, to reduce the number of 'routine blood tests' as a quality improvement initiative.Objective: To identify whether there was a reduction in the number of 'routine blood tests' and associated costs following implementation of the new protocol.Methods: The protocol involved regular review of the laboratory investigations being ordered for the following day with a senior team member. The medical records of all patients admitted under the general surgery service at Wollongong Hospital were retrospectively reviewed over two 10-week periods in 2017 and 2018 (control and study, respectively). The casemix was categorized into Minor, Intermediate, Major or Unscored, depending on case complexity coding.Results: A total of 838 patients were identified during the control period (2017) and 805 patients were identified during the study period (2018). Ten thousand and thirty tests were included in the control period, compared to 8610 over the study period, resulting in a 16% (or greater) reduction in 'routine blood tests' per patient, per day of admission and a 6% reduction in costs in the study group (P < 0.001).Conclusion: Targeted ordering of investigations with personalized education and feedback to junior staff during review of clinical status of each patient as a part of normal workflow can reduce inappropriate ordering of 'routine blood tests' and associated costs to the patient and the healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy efficiency performance requirements of the Australian National Construction Code have been regularly enhanced since 2003 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2010 research has increasingly raised a concern about high air moisture content, moisture accumulation and mould growth. Coincidently, in Australia, asthma is the leading cause of disease in children aged 0–14 years, accounting for 17.9% of the total burden in boys and 18.6% in girls. Many researchers have supported a connection between damp housing and childhood respiratory symptoms. The contemporary code compliant houses in Australia may have inadvertently created ideal interior environments that promote mould growth. If the built environment is promoting mould growth, leading to sick building syndrome, it is a matter of serious concern, resulting from the design or technical flaws in the building fabric. This paper attempts to bridge the gap between architectural and medical science perspectives in this area of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this descriptive study was to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients on active therapy for multiple myeloma in a tropical climate. We also tested for the association of vitamin D status on clinical outcomes.Methods: This was a single centre, observational study performed in Townsville, Australia, which has a sunlight heavy, tropical climate. Patients on active therapy for multiple myeloma underwent testing of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). Information on disease stage, skeletal morbidity and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy were collected from medical records and self-reported patient questionnaires.Results: A total of 41 patients were included. With a median disease duration of 38 months, 27% were found to be vitamin D deficient. Patients with vitamin D deficiency had a higher likelihood of peripheral neuropathy compared with their non-vitamin D counterparts (73% vs. 33%, P = 0.03). Although those with vitamin D deficiency had more skeletal morbidity, this was not statistically significant (73% vs 50%, P = 0.19). Reduced 25(OH) D was associated with a poor performance status (P = 0.003). There was no association between vitamin D status and stage of myeloma.Conclusion: There is a relatively high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with myeloma in our study. This is despite a sunlight heavy, tropical climate. We report an association between vitamin D deficiency and peripheral neuropathy. Prospective interventional trials are required to further assess this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neuroinflammation and human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) are thought to have a role in the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Therapy directed against endogenous retroviruses has demonstrated positive effects during in vitro and biomarker studies. Consequently, the present study was undertaken to assess the safety and tolerability of long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART), Triumeq (abacavir, lamivudine, and dolutegravir) exposure in patients with ALS, and efficacy against biomarkers of disease progression. Methods: Patients were observed during a 10-week lead-in period before receiving Triumeq treatment for 24 weeks at four specialist ALS centers. The primary outcomes were safety and tolerability. Secondary outcomes included HERV-K expression levels, urinary p75ECD levels, neurophysiological parameters, and clinical indicators. The ENCALS prediction model was applied to provide an estimate of the cohort survival. The trial was registered (NCT02868580). Findings: 40 patients with ALS received Triumeq and 35 (88%) completed treatment. There were no drug-related serious adverse events; one patient was withdrawn from the study due to a drug-associated increase in liver enzymes. A favorable response on HERV-K expression levels was observed, accompanied by a decline in ALSFRS-R progression rate of 21.8% (95% CI −4.8%–48.6%) and the amount of urinary p75ECD measured. One patient died five months after stopping treatment, while five were expected to have died during the treatment period (interquartile range 2–8). Interpretation: Long-term Triumeq exposure was safe and well tolerated in this cohort. There was suggestive indication for a possible biological response in some pharmacodynamic and clinical biomarkers. A larger international phase 3 trial will be deployed to assess the effect of Triumeq on overall survival and disease progression. Funding: Funding was provided by the FightMND Foundation; MND Research Institute of Australia; MND Association, United Kingdom, and GSK. ViiV Healthcare provided the Triumeq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information a roundtable discussion about the book "Post-multicultural Writers as Neo-cosmopolitan Mediators" by Sneja Gunew. Topics include identity politics, cultural traditions in Australia, and canonization.

Industrial activities and urbanization have had a major consequence for estuarine ecosystem health and water quality globally. Likewise, Sydney estuary has been significantly impacted by widespread, poor industrial practices in the past, and remediation of legacy contaminants have been undertaken in limited parts of this waterway. The objective of the present investigation was to determine the effectiveness of remediation of a former Pb-contaminated industrial site in Homebush Bay on Sydney estuary (Australia) through sampling of inter-tidal sediments and mangrove ( Avicennia marina) tissue (fine nutritive roots, pneumatophores, and leaves). Results indicate that since remediation 6 years previously, Pb and other metals (Cu, Ni and Zn) in surficial sediment have increased to concentrations that approach pre-remediation levels and that they were considerably higher than pre-settlement levels (3-30 times), as well as at the reference site. Most metals were compartmentalized in fine nutritive roots with bio-concentration factors greater than unity, while tissues of pneumatophores and leaves contained low metal concentrations. Lead concentrations in fine nutritive root, pneumatophore, and leaf tissue of mangroves from the remediated site were similar to trees in un-remediated sites of the estuary and were substantially higher than plants at the reference site. The situation for Zn in fine nutritive root tissue was similar. The source of the metals was either surface/subsurface water from the catchment or more likely remobilized contaminated sediment from un-remediated parts of Homebush Bay. Results of this study demonstrate the problems facing management in attempting to reduce contamination in small parts of a large impacted area to concentrations below local base level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangrove forests act as a natural filter of land-derived wastewaters along industrialized tropical and sub-tropical coastlines and assist in maintaining a healthy living condition for marine ecosystems. Currently, these intertidal communities are under serious threat from heavy metal contamination induced by human activity associated with rapid urbanization and industrialization. Studies on the biotic responses of these plants to heavy metal contamination are of great significance in estuary management and maintaining coastal ecosystem health. The main objective of the present investigation was to assess the biotic response in Avicennia marina ecosystems to heavy metal contamination through the determination of metal concentrations in leaves, fine nutritive roots and underlying sediments collected in fifteen locations across Sydney Estuary (Australia). Metal concentrations (especially Cu, Pb and Zn) in the underlying sediments of A. marina were enriched to a level (based on Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines) at which adverse biological effects to flora could occasionally occur. Metals accumulated in fine nutritive roots greater than underlying sediments, however, only minor translocation of these metals to A. marina leaves was observed (mean translocation factors, TFs, for all elements <0.13, except for Mn). Translocation factors of essential elements (i.e., common plant micro-nutrients, Cu, Ni, Mn and Zn) were greater than non-essential elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr and Pb), suggesting that A. marina mangroves of this estuary selectively excluded non-essential elements, while regulating essential elements and limiting toxicity to plants. This study supports the notion that A. marina mangroves act as a phytostabilizer in this highly modified estuary thereby protecting the aquatic ecosystem from point or non-point sources of heavy metal contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the dynamic behaviour of relative prices across seven Australian cities by applying panel unit root test procedures with structural breaks to quarterly consumer price index data for 1972 Q1-2011 Q4. We find overwhelming evidence of convergence in city relative prices. Three common structural breaks are endogenously determined at 1985, 1995, and 2007. Further, correcting for two potential biases, namely Nickell bias and time aggregation bias, we obtain half-life estimates of 2.3-3.8 quarters that are much shorter than those reported by previous research. Thus, we conclude that both structural breaks and bias corrections are important to obtain shorter half-life estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formal affiliation or subscription to a religious group presents an additional element or layer of trust that people negotiate throughout their experiences in purchasing and consuming food. This paper reports qualitative findings from an Australian pilot study of food and consumer trust, derived from in-depth interviews with nineteen participants across four religious groups. The grounded theory approach reveals that religion is, in varying degrees, an important arbiter of trust in food. The data also illustrate the diverse management of religious certification and dietary norms, as well as the unique content and character of foods that are prohibited among Jewish, Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist devotees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australians consume and enjoy a variety and abundance of meats. The preferred protein sources in the typical Western diet are flesh foods derived from cattle, sheep, pig, bird and aquatic species. There is, however, an emerging marketplace that offers alternatives. This paper explores the centrality of meat alternatives in the food habits and practices of Australian vegetarians and vegans. The term 'meat alternatives' refers to the variety of foods that are commonly referred to as 'mock meats'. They are plant-based products that approximate the aesthetic qualities and/or nutritional value of certain types of meat, and they are part of a quietly booming alternative food economy. The data reported here are drawn from a grounded theory study of alternative diets. A majority of the informants in this study discussed their consumption of a variety of meat-like foods. Of all 44 informants interviewed, 34 (77%) rely on and enjoy foods that they refer to as, 'burgers', 'hot dogs', 'chicken', 'schnitzels' and 'bacon'. This essay describes the social contexts in which these products are enjoyed, and explains their function, cultural meaning and ethical value to consumers. The potential significance of meat alternatives in modernity has yet to be fully accounted for in studies of food across disciplines. An explication and critical analysis of how meat alternatives challenge, accept, or subvert established gastro-ontological assumptions about what is 'real', healthy, ethically sound, or 'authentic', will therefore contribute to broader empirical and theoretical expositions of human cultures, and food and eating practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Romit Dasgupta lectured in Japanese Studies at the University of Western Australia until his untimely passing in 2018. He was posthumously awarded the Philippa Maddern Award in 2019 by the University of Western Australia Academic Staff Association. The citation described him as '[p]rofessional, highly organised and respectful to all ...proactive and willing to help others in regard to any issues, consistently demonstrating his passion in supporting his colleagues and students.' In the essays collected here, Romit's friends and colleagues reflect on Romit's qualities and his academic contributions. Romit Dasgupta's work ranged across gender and sexuality studies, queer theory, cultural studies, cultural history, Asian Studies and Asian-Australian Studies. Each of the authors discusses the inspiration they received from Romit Dasgupta's work in these fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]