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Paediatric Emergency Department Mental Health and Behavioural Presentations in Australia Before and After the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Retrospective Observational Study
No full textObjectives Although child and adolescent mental health and behavioural presentations to hospital emergency departments (EDs) increased during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 and 2021), little is known about the characteristics of these presentations. We aimed to compare demographic, clinical and psychosocial profiles of paediatric presentations to Australian EDs before and after the onset of the pandemic. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study of 100 randomly sampled presentations by children (6–11-year-olds) and adolescents (12–17-year-olds) to 10 Australian EDs between 1 January and 31 December 2019 (pre-COVID-19) and 1 January and 31 December 2021 (COVID-19). Using a multilevel factor model, we compared the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 cohorts regarding demographic characteristics, diagnoses, precipitants, time-to-treatment, length of stay, and discharge disposition. Results The COVID-19 period was characterised by increased presentations by adolescents and girls. Compared to the pre-COVID-19 cohort, the COVID-19 cohort experienced increased median waiting times (48 and 72 min, respectively), median length of ED stay (4.7 and 5.4 h), and likelihood of admissions to the ED short stay unit (9.5% and 12.9%). Patients in the COVID-19 cohort were more likely to present with self-harm and suicidal thoughts/behaviours, eating disorders, neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive disorders, and psychosocial stressors, and less likely to have diagnoses of disruptive behaviour, impulse control, and conduct disorders. Conclusions Young people presenting to the ED in 2021 for mental health reasons were more likely to wait longer, stay longer, have a diagnosis of intentional self-harm and/or a neurodevelopmental disorder, and report psychosocial stressors.Jackson Newberry-Dupe, Glenn Melvin, Kylie King, Marietta John White, Vicki Anderson, Franz E. Babl, Meredith L. Borland, Stuart R. Dalziel, Harriet Hiscock, Bruce J. Tonge, Paul Buntine, Brooke Charters, Megan Hamilton, Amit Kochar, Alastair Meyer, Viet Tran, Emogene Aldridge, Giles Barrington, Liam Hackett, Nicole Lowry, Joseph Miller, Sebastian Wrobel, Rohan Borschmann, Simon Crai
The neurobiological basis of emotions and their connection to facial expressions in non-human mammals: insights in nonverbal communication
No full textRecognizing that nonhuman animals are sentient beings has increased interest in studying their emotional state. Similar to humans, research has shown that some nonhuman mammals can modify facial expressions by contraction/relaxation of facial muscles according to their affective state. From a neurophysiological perspective, emotions are processed in several brain structures, mainly from the limbic system, such as the hypothalamus, hypophysis, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala. The converged pathways between the amygdala, the motor cortex, and its projections to the facial nerve control the movement of facial or mimetic muscles. Thus, facial expression is suggested to reflect the internal emotional state and could serve as an essential mode of nonverbal communication in mammals. In humans, the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) is a method that objectively analyzes facial movements using an anatomical base. In veterinary medicine, AnimalFACS is an adaptation of this system to eight animal species, including domestic animals (dogs, cats, and horses) and nonhuman primates (chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, macaques, and common marmosets). Considering these coded facial movements, current research aims to associate certain facial expressions with the animals’ emotional states and affective contexts. Thus, this review aims to discuss recent findings associated with the neurobiology of emotions and facial expressions in non-human mammals, using AnimalFACS to understand nonverbal communication. Characterizing each facial expression according to different contexts might help identify if the animal is expressing a positive or negative emotional response to the event, which can improve nonverbal human-animal communication.Daniel Mota-Rojas, Alexandra L. Whittaker, Cécile Bienboire-Frosini, Jhon Buenhombre, Patricia Mora-Medina, Adriana Domínguez-Oliva, Julio Martínez-Burnes, Ismael Hernández-Avalos, Adriana Olmos-Hernández, Antonio Verduzco-Mendoza, Alejandro Casas-Alvarado, Karina Lezama-García, and Temple Grandi
Understanding sediment nutrient cycling in a hypersaline coastal lagoon using hydrogel-based passive sampling techniques.
No full textData source: Supplementary data, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117714The Coorong, South Australia, is a Ramsar-listed hypersaline coastal lagoon system of significant ecological and cultural importance. Despite facing environmental challenges such as reduced river flow and eutrophication, there is limited knowledge of organic matter fate and nutrient cycling in this system. Understanding nutrient movement and transformation within the Coorong is crucial for effective ecosystem management. This study applied diffusive equilibrium in thin films (DET) and diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT) techniques to measure dissolved nutrients (ammonium and phosphate), dissolved ferrous iron, and sulfide in sediment porewaters across a strong salinity gradient. Sampling sites were selected to capture different environmental conditions, including areas colonised by microphytobenthos and the aquatic macrophyte Ruppia tuberosa (hereafter called Ruppia). Concentration profiles were examined in both light and dark conditions to assess biotic influences on nutrient dynamics and sediment redox conditions. Sediment porewaters in deeper sites of the South Lagoon exhibited high ammonium (941–1718 μmol/L), phosphate (83–171 μmol/L), and sulfide (66–79 μmol/L) concentrations, with negligible nitrate, indicating highly anoxic conditions unsuitable for most benthic fauna. Shallow sediments showed varying concentrations of ammonium, phosphate, dissolved ferrous iron, and sulfide across different sites and depths, influenced by Ruppia and microphytobenthos. The site colonised by Ruppia contained the lowest porewater ammonium concentrations (∼30 μmol/L), suggesting that macrophyte presence can mitigate nutrient buildup in sediments. These findings indicate that sediment quality and nutrient cycling in the South Lagoon may be improved by enhancing the presence and biomass of aquatic macrophytes and macroinvertebrates.Jianyin Huang, Orlando Lam-Gordillo, Luke M. Mosley, Christopher Keneally, Justin Brookes, David T. Wels
Observer-based event-triggered impulsive synchronization control of heterogeneous complex networks with bit-rate constraints
No full textAvailable online 5 May 2025This paper proposes an observer-based event-triggered impulsive control synchronization for heterogeneous complex networks under bit-rate constraints. An isolated target node and observer systems are introduced to derive synchronization and observation error dynamics. A dynamic quantization-based encoding–decoding strategy is designed for wireless communication with bitrate constraints, and the relationship between encoded error and bit rate is established. To conserve resources, a new event-triggered mechanism based on the sampling period is proposed. This mechanism reduces unnecessary triggers while ensuring effective impulsive control through a maximum triggering interval. Identical decoder models on both sensor and controller sides eliminate additional communication for control signal transmission. An impulsive controller is designed using decoded signals at triggering moments, and a new framework for closed-loop augmented error systems is constructed. Sufficient conditions for bounded synchronization are derived using hybrid systems theory and Lyapunov stability theory. The relationship among heterogeneity, bit rate, and synchronization error is demonstrated. An optimization algorithm is proposed to minimize a weighted sum of the upper bound of the augmented errors and the maximum triggering interval. Numerical simulations verify the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.Jing Guo, Ling Huang, Peng Sh
Factors Associated With Hospitalization for Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia Among Older People in Long-Term Care Facilities
No full textFirst published: 03 June 2025Background: Individuals with diabetes newly entering long-term care facilities (LTCFs) encounter changes in care needs and facility and care process-related factors, which potentially impact diabetes treatment outcomes. This study examined the 12-month incidence of hospitalizations for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in residents with diabetes and factors associated with these hospitalizations following LTCF entry. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included residents aged ≥ 65 years with diabetes who entered a LTCF between 2015 and 2018 using data from the Registry of Senior Australians. Cumulative incidence of hospitalization for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia in the 12 months following entry was evaluated. Factors associated with hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia hospitalizations were examined using a Fine–Gray model, accounting for the competing event of mortality. Subdistribution hazard ratios (sHRs) were reported. Results: Of the 55,734 individuals included (median age 84 years), 1.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9–1.1) were hospitalized for hypoglycemia, and 0.5% (95% CI: 0.4–0.6) for hyperglycemia in the 12 months after LTCF entry. Factors associated with a higher rate of hospitalization for hypoglycemia included high (sHR: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.61–4.17) or medium (sHR: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.61– 4.24) level of care needs, renal disease (sHR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01–1.49), prior hospitalization with hypoglycemia (sHR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.77–2.67) or hyperglycemia (sHR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.19–2.18), use of insulin (sHR: 6.15, 95% CI: 4.99–7.59), sulfonylureas (sHR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.14–1.74), or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (sHR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.02–1.47). Factors associated with a higher rate of hospitalization for hyperglycemia included preferred spoken language other than English (sHR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.02–1.93), dementia (sHR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.08–1.80), prior hospitalization with hyperglycemia (sHR: 3.88, 95% CI: 2.72–5.53) or hypoglycemia (sHR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.83–3.41), use of insulin (sHR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.51–2.69), or metformin (sHR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.10–1.84). Conclusions: The risk of hospitalization for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia may be reduced through diabetes care planning at LTCF entry informed by the identified risk factors for these complications.Yohanes A. Wondimkun, Gillian E. Caughey, Maria C. Inacio, Tracy Air, Catherine Lang, Michelle Hogan, Janet K. Slugget
The genetic history of Portugal over the past 5,000 years.
No full textBackground: Recent ancient DNA studies uncovering large-scale demographic events in Iberia have presented very limited data for Portugal, a country located at the westernmost edge of continental Eurasia. Here, we present the most comprehensive collection of Portuguese ancient genome-wide data, from 67 individuals spanning 5000 years of human history, from the Neolithic to the nineteenth century. Results: We identify early admixture between local hunter-gatherers and Anatolianrelated farmers in Neolithic Portugal, with a northeastern–southwestern gradient of increasing Magdalenian-associated ancestry persistence in Iberia. This profile continues into the Chalcolithic, though Bell Beaker-associated sites reveal Portugal’s first evidence of Steppe-related ancestry. Such ancestry has a broader demographic impact during the Bronze Age, despite continuity of local Chalcolithic genetic ancestry and limited Mediterranean connections. The village of Idanha-a-Velha emerges in the Roman period as a site of significant migration and interaction, presenting a notably diverse genetic profile that includes North African and Eastern Mediterranean ancestries. The Early Medieval period is marked by the arrival of Central European genetic diversity, likely linked to migrations of Germanic tribes, adding to coeval local, African, and Mediterranean influences. The Islamic and Christian Conquest periods show strong genetic continuity in northern Portugal and significant additional African admixture in the south. The latter remains stable during the post-Islamic period, suggesting enduring African influences. Conclusions: We reveal dynamic patterns of migration in line with cultural exchange across millennia, but also the persistence of local ancestries. Our findings integrate genetic information with historical and archeological data, enhancing our understanding of Iberia’s biological and cultural heritage
Hibbertia doleritica (Dilleniaceae), a new Tasmanian species related to H. basaltica
No full textPopulations of a Tasmanian endemic and range-restricted Hibbertia (Dilleniaceae) that are close to but consistently different in morphology from the endangered H. basaltica A.M.Buchanan & Schah. are described as the new species Hibbertia doleritica Schah. While separated geographically by at most c. 20 kilometres, and growing at their closest approach only c. 3 km apart, the two species occur on different substrates and are likely to provide a case study in ecological speciation driven by adaptation to specific soil types. Both species are range-restricted and occur in areas that have been largely cleared of native vegetation.Kevin Thiele, Richard Schahinger, Timothy A. Hamme
Influenza Vaccination Strategies in Patients with Hematologic Cancer
No full textCorrespondence - Letter to the Editor.Victoria G. Hall, Olivia C. Smibert, Sheena G. Sullivan, Chhay Lim, Ian G. Barr, Heidi Peck, Paula Fuge-Larsen, Jessica Demajo, Emily Klimevski, Surekha Tennakoon, Natalie R. Saunders, Trish Joyce, Ashley Whitechurch, Amit Khot, Mary Ann Anderson, Jason A. Trubiano, Michelle K. Yong, Leon J. Worth, Timothy Spelman, Monica A. Slavin, Benjamin W. Te
Archean Polymetamorphism in the Central Dharwar Craton, Southern India
No full textData source: Supporting information, https://doi.org/10.1111/jmg.12798Petrochronological investigations of granulite-facies metapelitic rocks from the eastern contact of the Closepet granite in the Central Dharwar Craton (CDC), southern India, provide new pressure–temperature–age (P–T–t) constraints on two seemingly discrete Archean metamorphic events during the Neoarchean and late Paleoarchean eras. Phase equilibrium modelling and conventional thermobarometry coupled with in situ monazite and garnet geochronology constrain Neoarchean (ultrahightemperature; UHT) metamorphic peak conditions to ~930°C and ~6.7kbar at c. 2.63Ga, then cooling and limited decompression to ~5.7kbar at ≤810 °C. Monazite inclusions in garnet least affected by Neoarchean recrystallisation have distinct positive Eu anomalies and yield ages of c. 3.2Ga, whereas garnet cores interpreted to have grown at the same time have slightly younger apparent ages of c. 3.1Ga. We interpret this age mismatch to be the result of extensive resorption of garnet during Neoarchean UHT metamorphism, which led to widespread modification of the initial Lu–Hf systematics in garnet to produce younger apparent ages. The effect of retention and inward intracrystalline diffusion of Lu on the isotopic composition of garnet is most pronounced close to the resorbed grain margins and decreases towards the core, as reflected by progressively younger apparent single-spot garnet dates from core to rim. Despite extensive overprinting of the sample at c. 2.63Ga, the trace element composition of Paleoarchean monazite indicates growth in equilibrium with garnet but in the absence of feldspar, which is predicted to occur over a broad stability range at P≥8kbar and T≤700 °C. Such P–T conditions are uncommon in the metamorphic rock record prior to the Neoarchean, but are typical of Barrovian-type metamorphism, which is considered to be an expression of accretionary-to-collisional orogenesis. Rocks of similar age and metamorphic grade have been reported from the core of the Western Dharwar Craton (WDC) and may reflect regional subduction at the margins of the CDC and WDC since the late Paleoarchean. Neoarchean UHT metamorphism in the Dharwar Craton is coeval with a cluster of other UHT occurrences at 2.7–2.6Ga, indicating the existence of globally elevated thermal gradients at that time.Jonas Kaempf, Chris Clark, Tim E. Johnson, Mudlappa Jayananda, Julian Alfing, Justin Payne, Krishnan Sajeev, Martin Han
The Adelaide Score: prospective implementation of an artificial intelligence system to improve hospital and cost efficiency
No full textBackground: The Adelaide Score is an artificial intelligence system that integrates objective vital signs and laboratory tests to predict likelihood of hospital discharge. Methods: A prospective implementation trial was conducted at the Lyell McEwin Hospital in South Australia. The Adelaide Score was added to existing human, artificial intelligence, and other technological infrastructure for the first 28 days of April 2024 (intervention), and outcomes were compared using parametric, non-parametric and health economic analyses, to those in the first 28 days of April 2023 (control). Artificial intelligence evaluated inpatients admitted under 18 surgical and medical teams, and patients of high likelihood of discharge were provided, on working shifts between Thursday to Sunday, to the Supportive Weekend Interprofessional Flow Team (SWIFT) comprising a senior nurse and pharmacist. Results: Two thousand nine hundred and sixty-eight admissions were included across intervention and control periods. Relative to the control group, use of the Adelaide Score in the intervention group resulted in significantly shorter median length of stay (3.1 versus 2.9 days, P = 0.028) and significantly lower seven-day readmission rate (7.1 versus 5.0%, p = 0.02). The 0.2 bed-day reduction in median length of stay produced a cost saving of 9 564 211.80 across a 52-week year. There was no significant difference between intervention and control groups in median length of stay for patients discharged on weekends, in-hospital mortality, or discharge to non-home destinations. Conclusions: The prospective implementation of the Adelaide Score was associated with improved hospital and cost efficiency, alongside lower readmissions, for patients across surgical and medical services.Joshua G. Kovoor, Brandon Stretton, Aashray K. Gupta, Alexander Beath, Mathew O. Jacob, John M. Kefalianos, Gavin J. Carmichael, Ammar Zaka, Gerry O, Callaghan, Shrirajh Satheakeerthy, Andrew Booth, Thomson Delloso, Thomas J. Hugh, Weng Onn Chan, Guy J. Maddern, Eva Balan-Vnuk, Michael Cusack, Toby Gilbert, John Maddison, Stephen Bacchi, and on behalf of the Adelaide Score Advisory Group (Adelaide Score Advisory Group: Amal Abou-Hamden ... Matthew Arnold ... Markus Trochsler ... Anton Van Den Hengel ... Andrew Zannettino ... et al.