85000 research outputs found
Sort by
Digital News Report: Australia 2024
No full textThis is the 10th edition of the Digital news report: Australia. To mark the occasion, the News and Media Research Centre has compiled a special lift-out, featuring ten of the most interesting trends to emerge in news consumption and attitudes, including the growth of distrust in news, the divergence of news interest between young men and women, and changing use of social media.
As debate continues locally and internationally about the role of social media platforms and how to regulate them, more Australians are using social media to access news. One quarter now rely on it as their main source of news, with young people and women using it the most.
In a positive light, due to these uncertainties, more Australians have been turning to news and consuming more of it. Despite financial pressures, the proportion of Australians paying for news remains steady (21%) and higher than the global average. The data confirms that quality journalism and transparency are the most important trust factors, and these influence people’s willingness to pay for high quality journalism.</p
Investigating the impact of boiling and pressure cooking on resistant starch levels in food
No full textResistant starch (RS) has been shown to manipulate food digestion and nutrient metabolism as well as being important in promoting gut health. However, the presence of RS varies across diverse food systems depending upon process conditions. To investigate this, chickpeas, potatoes, arrowroots, unripe bananas and oats were subjected to boiling and pressure cooking at various cooking durations and the RS% was determined. After 45 min of boiling and 15 min of pressure cooking, RS% of chickpeas increased by ~29% and ~41%, respectively. Increasing the cooking time, together with boiling and pressure cooking, led to higher RS% in chickpeas, mainly due to the retrogradation of starch after gelatinisation. In contrast, boiling and pressure cooking led to a reduction in RS% for potatoes, arrowroots, unripe bananas and oats, while a further decrease was encountered with the increase in processing time. After 45 min of boiling, RS% of potatoes, arrowroots, unripe bananas, and oats were reduced by 58%, 22%, 80% and 70%, respectively. After 15 min of pressure cooking, RS% of potatoes, arrowroots and unripe bananas were reduced by 41%, 22% and 83%, respectively. This was mainly due to the disruption of the ordered structure of starch molecules during thermal processing in the presence of water. This study clearly elucidates the impact of boiling and pressure cooking on RS% as a function of processing time and type of RS source.</p
Density functional theory and enzyme studies support interactions between angiotensin receptor blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme-2: Relevance to coronavirus 2019
No full textThe binding affinities and interactions between eight drug candidates, both commercially available (candesartan; losartan; losartan carboxylic acid; nirmatrelvir; telmisartan) and newly synthesized benzimidazole-N-biphenyltetrazole (ACC519T), benzimidazole bis-N,Nʹ-biphenyltetrazole (ACC519T(2) and 4-butyl-N,N-bis([2-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]) methyl (BV6), and the active site of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) were evaluated for their potential as inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and regulators of ACE2 function through Density Functional Theory methodology and enzyme activity assays, respectively. Notably, telmisartan and ACC519T(2) exhibited pronounced binding affinities, forming strong interactions with ACE2′s active center, favorably accepting proton from the guanidinium group of arginine273. The ordering of candidates by binding affinity and reactivity descriptors, emerged as telmisartan > ACC519T(2) > candesartan > ACC519T > losartan carboxylic acid > BV6 > losartan > nirmatrelvir. Proton transfers among the active center amino acids revealed their interconnectedness, highlighting a chain-like proton transfer involving tyrosine, phenylalanine, and histidine. Furthermore, these candidates revealed their potential antiviral abilities by influencing proton transfer within the ACE2 active site. Furthermore, through an in vitro pharmacological assays we determined that candesartan and the BV6 derivative, 4-butyl-N,N0-bis[20-2Htetrazol-5-yl)bipheyl-4-yl]methyl)imidazolium bromide (BV6(K+)2) also contain the capacity to increase ACE2 functional activity. This comprehensive analysis collectively underscores the promise of these compounds as potential therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2 by targeting crucial protein interactions.</p
The Effect of Therapeutic Doses of Culinary Spices in Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
No full textNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) place a significant burden on global health and the healthcare systems which support it. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for a large number of NCDs; however, treatments remain limited. Previous research has shown the protective benefits of edible dietary spices on key components of metabolic syndrome. Therefore we performed a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial to evaluate the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale), cinnamon (Cinnamomum), and black seed (Nigella sativa) consumption on blood glucose, lipid profiles, and body composition in 120 participants with, or at risk of, metabolic syndrome. Each participant consumed 3 g/day of powder (spice or placebo). Data related to different parameters were collected from participants at the baseline, midpoint, and endpoint of the intervention. Over the 12-week interventions, there was an improvement in a number of biochemical indices of metabolic syndrome, including fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, LCL, and total cholesterol associated with supplementation with the spices when compared to a placebo. This study provides evidence to support the adjunct use of supplementation for those at risk of metabolic syndrome and its sequelae.</p
Alterations in tryptophan metabolism and de novo NAD+ biosynthesis within the microbiota-gut-brain axis in chronic intestinal inflammation
No full textBackground: Inflammatory bowel disease is an incurable and idiopathic disease characterized by recurrent gastrointestinal tract inflammation. Tryptophan metabolism in mammalian cells and some gut microbes comprise intricate chemical networks facilitated by catalytic enzymes that affect the downstream metabolic pathways of de novo nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) synthesis. It is hypothesized that a correlation exists between tryptophan de novo NAD+ synthesis and chronic intestinal inflammation.Methods: Transcriptome analysis was performed using high-throughput sequencing of mRNA extracted from the distal colon and brain tissue of Winnie mice with spontaneous chronic colitis and C57BL/6 littermates. Metabolites were assessed using ultra-fast liquid chromatography to determine differences in concentrations of tryptophan metabolites. To evaluate the relative abundance of gut microbial genera involved in tryptophan and nicotinamide metabolism, we performed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of fecal samples from C57BL/6 and Winnie mice.Results: Tryptophan and nicotinamide metabolism-associated gene expression was altered in distal colons and brains of Winnie mice with chronic intestinal inflammation. Changes in these metabolic pathways were reflected by increases in colon tryptophan metabolites and decreases in brain tryptophan metabolites in Winnie mice. Furthermore, dysbiosis of gut microbiota involved in tryptophan and nicotinamide metabolism was evident in fecal samples from Winnie mice. Our findings shed light on the physiological alterations in tryptophan metabolism, specifically, its diversion from the serotonergic pathway toward the kynurenine pathway and consequential effects on de novo NAD+ synthesis in chronic intestinal inflammation.Conclusion: The results of this study reveal differential expression of tryptophan and nicotinamide metabolism-associated genes in the distal colon and brain in Winnie mice with chronic intestinal inflammation. These data provide evidence supporting the role of tryptophan metabolism and de novo NAD+ synthesis in IBD pathophysiology.</p
Tetrazoles: A multi-potent motif in drug design
No full textThe unique physicochemical properties and fascinating bioisosterism of tetrazole scaffolds have received significant attention in medicinal chemistry. We report recent efforts using tetrazoles in drug design strategies in this context. Despite the increasing prevalence of tetrazoles in FDA-approved drugs for various conditions such as cancer, bacterial viral and fungal infections, asthma, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, malaria, and tuberculosis, our understanding of their structure-activity relationships, multifunctional mechanisms, binding modes, and biochemical properties remains limited. We explore the potential of tetrazole bioisosteres in optimising lead molecules for innovative therapies, discussing applications, trends, advantages, limitations, and challenges. Additionally, we assess future research directions to drive further progress in this field.</p
Oropouche fever fatalities and vertical transmission in South America: implications of a potential new mode of transmission
No full textOropouche fever, caused by the Oropouche orthobunyavirus (OROV), represents a significant yet often overlooked public health issue in South and Central America, particularly in northern Brazil. The virus has been reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, and Peru, totalling 9852 cases as of September 6, 2024, with Brazil accounting for over 80.5% (7931) of those cases (Fig. 1). Up to September 7, 2024, the Ministry of Health of Brazil has reported 7931 cases of OROV infection, 3230 of them in the Amazonas state (40.72%), 1710 in Rondonia state (21.56%), and 886 in Bahia (11.17%). Furthermore, OROV belongs to the Simbu serogroup within the genus Orthobunyavirus, the largest genus of RNA viruses with over 170 named viruses across 18 serogroups and 48 species complexes. The Simbu serogroup includes 22 recognised viruses grouped into seven species complexes: Akabane, Manzanilla, Oropouche, Sathuperi, Simbu, Shamonda, and Shuni. Phylogenetic analysis of the S RNA, which encodes the nucleocapsid protein, has identified four major OROV genotypes (I-IV). Genotype I has been reported in Acre, Amazonas, Maranhão, and Pará in Brazil, as well as in French Guiana. Genotype II occurs in Amapá, Brazil. Genotype III is present in Pará, Brazil, and Panama, while Genotype IV exists in Rondônia, Brazil. Genomic reassortment, where related viruses exchange genetic segments, plays a key role in orthobunyavirus biodiversity. Typically, the S and L segments (coding for nucleocapsid protein and RNA polymerase) are inherited together, while the M segment (coding for viral glycoproteins) mutates more easily under selective pressure.</p
A methamphetamine vaccine using short monoamine and diamine peptide linkers and poly-mannose
No full textMethamphetamine (METH) substance use disorder is a long-standing and ever-growing public health concern. Efforts to develop successful immunotherapies are ongoing with vaccines that generate strong antibody responses are an area of significant research interest. Herein, we describe the development of a METH Hapten conjugate vaccine comprised of either two short-length peptides as linkers and mannan as an immunogenic delivery carrier. Initially, Hapten 1 (with a monoamine linker) and Hapten 2 (with a diamine linker) were synthesised. Each step of the Hapten synthesis were characterized by LC-MS and purified by Flash Chromatography and the identity of the purified Haptens were confirmed by 1H NMR. Haptens were conjugated with mannan (a polymannose), and conjugation efficiency was confirmed by LC-MS, TLC, 1H NMR, and 2,4 DNPH tests. The immunogenic potential of the two conjugated vaccines were assessed in mice with a 3-dose regimen. Concentrations of anti-METH antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All the analytical techniques confirmed the identity of Hapten 1 and 2 during the synthetic phase. Similarly, all the analytical approaches confirmed the conjugation between the Haptens and mannan. Mouse immunogenicity studies confirmed that both vaccine candidates were immunogenic and the vaccine with the monoamine linker plus adjuvants induced the highest antibody response after the second booster.</p
Cannabinoids and Genetic Epilepsy Models: A Review with Focus on CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder
No full textPediatric genetic epilepsies, such as CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD), are severely debilitating, with early-onset seizures occurring more than ten times daily in extreme cases. Existing antiseizure drugs frequently prove ineffective, which significantly impacts child development and diminishes the quality of life for patients and caregivers. The relaxation of cannabis legislation has increased research into potential therapeutic properties of phytocannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD's antiseizure properties have shown promise, particularly in treating drug-resistant genetic epilepsies associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome (DS), and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). However, specific research on CDD remains limited. Much of the current evidence relies on anecdotal reports of artisanal products lacking accurate data on cannabinoid composition. Utilizing model systems like patient-derived iPSC neurons and brain organoids allows precise dosing and comprehensive exploration of cannabinoids' pharmacodynamics. This review explores the potential of CBD, THC, and other trace cannabinoids in treating CDD and focusing on clinical trials and preclinical models to elucidate the cannabinoid's potential mechanisms of action in disrupted CDD pathways and strengthen the case for further research into their potential as anti-epileptic drugs for CDD. This review offers an updated perspective on cannabinoid's therapeutic potential for CDD.</p
Liminality When Grounded: Micro-mobilities in contemporary art practice during the COVID-19 pandemic
No full textThe colony of Australia often developed its laws, rules, and regulations by mirroring those of Britain. However, as Krista Maglen’s (2005) research has highlighted, the nation-state’s approach to the control of human disease spread diverged from Britain beginning in the early 1800s. Australia’s remoteness saw a rhetoric of ‘purity and vulnerability’ evolve and the development of strict quarantine processes, border controls and restrictions to movement. This experimental chapter sits within the current global pandemic context and specifically focuses on the Australian state of Victoria. Victoria’s capital city Melbourne spent over 260 days in lockdown during the first two years of the pandemic, making it one of the most locked down cities in the world at the end of 2022. Moreover, Australia’s international borders were closed for almost two years. In a country where 30% of residents are born overseas, this border closure, along with the many border closures between Australian states, profoundly impacted people’s transnational and local, social and cultural networks and mobility (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
By bringing photography and creative writing into conversation with mobilities and feminist and performance theory, this chapter analyses how the artistic practices of Pia Johnson and Clare McCracken responded to the pandemic landscape – a time marked by liminality. A particular emphasis shows how the extended lockdowns both renewed and altered their artistic methodologies to explore notions of locality, identity and place. The state’s response to the pandemic generated a new focus on connection to local places and shifting perceptions of identity, race, culture, belonging and otherness. The emphasis on borders has been particularly challenging for those who identify as transnational citizens or those who live and work across metropolitan/regional borders. Written from a female and motherhood perspective, this chapter argues that understanding how extended lockdowns shaped the micro-mobilities of everyday life is important, as one of the impacts of climate change is that it renders significant sections of the population immobile. Far from ‘returning to normal,’ forms of being locked-down in one’s home will be a part of everyday life in the era of climate change