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Objectives: In this study, we explored the effects of chiropractic spinal adjustments on resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) recordings and early somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Methods: In this randomized cross-over study, 14 adults with Alzheimer's disease (average age 67 ± 6 years, 2 females:12 males) and 14 adults with Parkinson's disease (average age 62 ± 11 years, 1 female:13 males) participated. The participants underwent chiropractic spinal adjustments and a control (sham) intervention in a randomized order, with a minimum of one week between each intervention. EEG was recorded before and after each intervention, both during rest and stimulation of the right median nerve. The power-spectra was calculated for restingstate EEG, and the amplitude of the N30 peak was assessed for the SEPs. The source localization was performed on the power-spectra of resting-state EEG and the N30 SEP peak. Results: Chiropractic spinal adjustment significantly reduced the N30 peak in individuals with Alzheimer's by 15% (p = 0.027). While other outcomes did not reach significance, resting-state EEG showed an increase in absolute power in all frequency bands after chiropractic spinal adjustments in individuals with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The findings revealed a notable enhancement in connectivity within the Default Mode Network (DMN) at the alpha, beta, and theta frequency bands among individuals undergoing chiropractic adjustments. Conclusions: We found that it is feasible to record EEG/SEP in individuals with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, a single session of chiropractic spinal adjustment reduced the somatosensory evoked N30 potential and enhancement in connectivity within the DMN at the alpha, beta, and theta frequency bands in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Future studies may require a larger sample size to estimate the effects of chiropractic spinal adjustment on brain activity. Given the preliminary nature of our findings, caution is warranted when considering the clinical implications. Clinical Trial Registration: The study was registered by the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (registration number ACTRN12618001217291 and 12618001218280). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No clinician‐rating tool has formally been developed to assess the ICD‐11 model of personality disorder (PD) severity. We therefore developed and evaluated the 14‐item personality disorder Severity ICD‐11 (PDS‐ICD‐11) Clinician‐Rating Form. A combined sample of 195 patients was rated by mental health professionals or clinical research assistants in New Zealand using the PDS‐ICD‐11 Clinician‐Rating Form. Responses were subjected to item‐response theory analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. In a subsample, we examined interrater reliability and convergence with self‐ and informant‐reported measures of personality impairment, dysfunction in various psychopathology domains, and traditional PD symptoms. Item‐response theory and confirmatory factor analyses supported the item functioning and unidimensionality, respectively, of the PDS‐ICD‐11 Clinician‐Rating Form. The interrater reliability was very promising (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.94, p < 0.001). PDS‐ICD‐11 Clinician‐Rating Form scores were associated with established measures of personality dysfunction at large effect sizes. This initial development study suggests that the PDS‐ICD‐11 Clinician‐Rating Form constitutes a psychometrically sound instrument that provides a clinically based impression of the severity of personality dysfunction according to the official ICD‐11 description. More research is needed to corroborate its validity and utility, and a structured interview is warranted for diagnostic purposes. The final PDS‐ICD‐11 Clinician‐Rating Form is included as online supporting information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ICD‐11 has now taken effect and includes a new dimensional personality disorder (PD) diagnosis. The current study aimed to examine Aotearoa/New Zealand practitioners' perceptions of the clinical utility of the new PD system. A sample of 124 psychologists and psychiatrists completed a survey, applying the DSM‐5 and ICD‐11 PD diagnostic systems to a current patient, and completed clinical utility metrics on the DSM‐5 and ICD‐11 models. Additional open‐ended questions further elicited clinicians' perceptions of the strengths, weaknesses and potential application issues of the ICD‐11 PD diagnosis, and these responses were analysed through thematic analysis. Overall, the ICD‐11 system was rated higher than the DSM‐5 on all six clinical metrics, with no significant difference between psychologists' and psychiatrists' ratings. Five themes emerged: appreciation for an alternative to DSM‐5, structural barriers preventing ICD‐11 PD implementation, personal barriers to ICD‐11 implementation, diagnoses viewed as low utility, clinician preference for formulation and cultural safety considerations for implementation of ICD‐11 PD in Aotearoa/NZ. Overall, clinicians had positive opinions of the clinical utility of the ICD‐11 PD diagnosis, although expressed some concerns about its implementation. The study expands upon initial evidence that mental health practitioners have generally positive perceptions of the ICD‐11 PDs' clinical utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: No measure has formally been developed to assess the published ICD‐11 model of Personality Disorder (PD) severity. We therefore set out to develop and evaluate the 14‐item Personality Disorder Severity ICD‐11 (PDS‐ICD‐11) scale. Method: A representative U.S. community sample (N = 428; 50.9% women) and a New Zealand mental health sample (N = 87; 61.5% women) completed the PDS‐ICD‐11 scale along with a series of established PD and impairment measures. Results: Item response theory supported the unidimensionality of PDS‐ICD‐11 (median item loading of 0.68) and indicated that a PDS‐ICD‐11 score of 17.5 may serve as a benchmark for pronounced dysfunction. Correlation and regression analyses supported both criterion validity and incremental validity in predicting impairment and PD symptoms. The PDS‐ICD‐11 was particularly associated with measures of Level of Personality Functioning Scale (LPFS), Global PD severity, and Borderline PD symptom score. A comparison between clinical individuals diagnosed with an ICD‐11 PD vs. no PD supported diagnostic validity. Conclusion: This initial construction study suggests that the PDS‐ICD‐11 constitutes a promising instrument that provides a quick impression of the severity of personality dysfunction according to the official ICD‐11 PD guidelines. Clearly, more research is needed to corroborate its validity and utility. The PDS‐ICD‐11 scale is provided as online supporting information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study was to determine whether ventilator bias gas flow affects tracheal aspirate (TA) cytokine concentrations in ventilated extremely preterm infants. Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial in a tertiary neonatal unit in New Zealand. Preterm infants (<28 weeks' gestation/<1,000 g) requiring intubation in the first 7 days after birth were randomized to bias gas flows of 4 or 10 L/min. Cytokine concentrations in TA and plasma were measured at 24, 72, and 120 h after the onset of ventilation. The primary outcome measure was concentration of interleukin (IL)-8 in TA 24 h after the onset of mechanical ventilation. Results: Baseline demographics were similar in babies randomized to 4 (n = 50) and 10 (n = 45) L/min bias gas flow. TA IL-8 concentrations were not different between groups. Plasma IL-8 concentrations decreased over time (p < 0.05). Respiratory support and incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia at 36 weeks' corrected gestational age were similar between groups. Fewer babies ventilated at 4 L/min developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) ≥ stage 2 (n = 0 vs. n = 5; p = 0.02) and fewer died (n = 1 vs. n = 5, p = 0.06). Conclusions: Lower bias gas flow in ventilated extremely preterm infants did not alter TA cytokine concentrations but the lower incidence of NEC and mortality warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relative importance of different strategies to prevent dental caries is not known. Aim: We explored the relationship between oral health behaviours, diet, and the incidence of dental caries. Design: We conducted a study of children participating in the 'Growing Up in New Zealand' cohort. Exposures were oral health behaviours, a food frequency questionnaire, and sociodemographic characteristics that were recorded when the child was nine months and two years old. Outcomes were records of dental caries at ages four to seven years. Results: 4111 children had dental examination records from between the ages of four and seven years. High levels of dental caries were reported in children of Pacific, Asian, and Māori ethnicity. Food frequency questionnaire information was summarised into two principal components. The major axis of variation was in the intake of food and drinks with high concentrations of sugar and refined starch, with this component strongly associated with caries (multivariable incidence rate ratio of caries 0.48; 95% confidence interval: 0.38‐0.61, comparing the extreme quintiles of the first principal component). Conclusions: A diet high in sugar or refined starch was strongly linked to caries. Policies to reduce sugar and refined starch intake should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermally active submarine volcanoes are mineral-rich biological oases contributing significantly to chemical fluxes in the deep sea, yet little is known about the microbial communities inhabiting these systems. Here we investigate the diversity of microbial life in hydrothermal deposits and their metagenomicsinferred physiology in light of the geological history and resulting hydrothermal fluid paths in the subsurface of Brothers submarine volcano north of New Zealand on the southern Kermadec arc. From metagenome-assembled genomes we identified over 90 putative bacterial and archaeal genomic families and nearly 300 previously unknown genera, many potentially endemic to this submarine volcanic environment. While magmatically influenced hydrothermal systems on the volcanic resurgent cones of Brothers volcano harbor communities of thermoacidophiles and diverse members of the superphylum "DPANN," two distinct communities are associated with the caldera wall, likely shaped by two different types of hydrothermal circulation. The communities whose phylogenetic diversity primarily aligns with that of the cone sites and magmatically influenced hydrothermal systems elsewhere are characterized predominately by anaerobic metabolisms. These populations are probably maintained by fluids with greater magmatic inputs that have interacted with different (deeper) previously altered mineral assemblages. However, proximal (a few meters distant) communities with gene-inferred aerobic, microaerophilic, and anaerobic metabolisms are likely supported by shallower seawater-dominated circulation. Furthermore, mixing of fluids from these two distinct hydrothermal circulation systems may have an underlying imprint on the high microbial phylogenomic diversity. Collectively our results highlight the importance of considering geologic evolution and history of subsurface processes in studying microbial colonization and community dynamics in volcanic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glaucoma drainage devices are used in surgical glaucoma therapy. Success of controlling the intraocular pressure is limited due to fibrous implant encapsulation and fibrin coating on the implant which lead to drainage obstructions. An innovative implant with a magnetically adjustable valve was developed. The valve opening of the implant should eliminate inflammatory products from the outflow area and affect fibrous tissue formation to achieve a sufficient long-term aqueous humour outflow. Lifting of this valve should disturb cell adhesion by exerting mechanical forces. Before testing this hypothesis, the flow characteristics of glaucoma drainage devices, especially the outflow resistance by regular IOP, should be considered in a pilot study, as they are important in preventing too low postoperative intraocular pressure known as ocular hypotony. Therefore, two prototypes of the innovative implant differing in their valve area design were examined regarding their flow characteristics in a limited animal experiment lasting two weeks. Ten healthy New Zealand White rabbits were divided into two groups (A & B) with different implanted prototypes. Daily, tonometry and direct ophthalmoscopy were performed to assess the intraocular pressure and the inflammatory reaction of the eye. After two weeks, the rabbits were euthanised to evaluate the initially histological inflammatory reaction to the implant. In group A, one case of hypotony emerged. When considering the entire observation period, a highly statistically significant difference between the intraocular pressure in the operated eye and that in the control eye was detected in group A (p < 0.0001) in contrast to group B (p = 0.0063). The postoperative inflammatory signs decreased within two weeks. Histologically, a typical but low level foreign body reaction with macrophages and lymphocytes as well as mild to moderate fibrosis was seen after the short experimental period. Based on our tonometric results, prototype B seems to be the system of choice for further research assessing its long-term function and biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental caries, primarily a preventable disease, remains the most common chronic disease of childhood and one of the most common reasons for hospital admissions for children in New Zealand. The most vulnerable children are shouldering the burden of the disease, with Maori and Pacific children having greater experience and severity of dental caries. Early childhood caries has deleterious effects on a child's oral and general health and significant numbers of preschool-aged children experience pain and infection. Early identification by primary health care providers of children at high risk of developing early childhood caries can ensure these children are referred to the appropriate oral health services to receive appropriate and timely management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unusual andesitic suite from the Miocene volcanic arc in Northland, New Zealand, comprises pyroxene andesite and garnet-bearing hornblende–pyroxene, hornblende and biotite–hornblende andesites. Garnet crystals occur as 1–10 mm single crystals or more commonly as two or more annealed crystals and as garnetite lenses. The andesitic rocks also contain enclaves of high-MgO pyroxenite, hornblendite, and pyroxene–hornblende gabbro as well as high-Al2O3 hornblende gabbro, garnet–hornblende gabbro, and anorthosite. Garnet crystals in the andesitic volcanic rocks and in the enclaves show comparable compositional ranges, zoning patterns and inclusions, which indicate that they share a common petrogenetic history. They can be grouped into four distinct types on the basis of mode of occurrence, chemical composition and zoning patterns, which leads to their interpretation as antecrysts rather than orthocrysts. The compositions of the garnets, as well as their included mineral assemblages, reflect a petrogenetic trend from high-temperature pyroxene-bearing high-Mg garnet to low-temperature Fe-rich garnet at relatively constant pressure. Well-preserved zoning patterns, in particular those of the Ca- and Mg-rich garnets, reflect processes within a deep crustal arc environment. Later assimilation is suggested by some zoning patterns that show decreasing Ca and increasing Fe and Mn contents. The garnets are interpreted as being derived by disintegration of discrete but closely related cumulate material that formed at pressures of 8–10 kbar. The host volcanic rocks and their garnet crystals together with the enclaves thus represent a consanguineous mixture of liquid and solid components that developed where subduction-related magmas ponded and interacted at or near the base of the crust. Together they represent a rare snapshot of the processes and components that produce arc-type rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Polymorphisms in fruit colour are common in nature, but mechanistic explanations for the factor(s) responsible for their maintenance are for the most part lacking. Past studies have focused on frugivore colour preferences and fruit removal rates, but until recently there has been no evidence that these factors are responsible for the maintenance of the polymorphisms. For other types of genetic polymorphisms, habitat heterogeneity has been shown to play a role in their maintenance. Here we test the habitat heterogeneity hypothesis for a polymorphic New Zealand mistletoe. We show that red-fruited and orange-fruited morphs of the mistletoe Alepis flavida (Hook. F) Tiegh. (Loranthaceae) differ in their growth, mortality and flowering on forest edges and in forest interior. Red-fruited morphs, which are preferred by dispersers, grew, survived and flowered as well as orange-fruited morphs on edges, whereas orange-fruited morphs had much greater growth, survival, and flowering than red-fruited morphs in the forest interior. This is the first evidence that habitat-specific differences in growth and survival may contribute to maintaining fruit-colour polymorphisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]