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A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of MIP-1α and MIP-1β Chemokines in Malaria in Relation to Disease Severity
No full textDespite rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Thailand, including syphilis, data on its prevalence and associated risk factors among blood donors remain scarce. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of syphilis and identify the key risk factors among blood donors in Thailand to inform targeted interventions for enhanced blood safety.The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024560215) and conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive searches were performed across major databases, including ProQuest, Journals@Ovid, Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and MEDLINE, to identify relevant studies. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) for syphilis risk factors. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I² statistic, and meta-regression and subgroup analyses were employed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s regression test. A total of 23 studies involving 1,142,910 blood donors were included. The pooled prevalence of syphilis among blood donors in Thailand was 0.42% (95% CI 0.27–0.66%, I²: 99.3%, number of infections: 6,173), with a decreasing trend over time. Male donors were significantly more likely to have syphilis (P < 0.0001; pooled OR: 1.76; 95% CI 1.53–2.03; I²: 34.2%, 651,019 participants). First-time donors also had an elevated risk of syphilis (P = 0.02; pooled OR: 2.02; 95% CI 1.10–3.70; I²: 94.0%, 215,245 participants). Additionally, the analysis revealed a significant association between increasing age and higher syphilis risk among blood donors. The systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that syphilis prevalence among blood donors in Thailand is declining; however, male and first-time donors, as well as older age groups, remain at higher risk. To enhance blood safety, targeted interventions are needed, including refining donor screening questionnaires, expanding educational campaigns for high-risk groups, and incorporating advanced screening technologies. Strengthening and regularly updating national screening policies will ensure the effective mitigation of syphilis transmission among blood donors in Thailand
Validity and reliability of a novel impulse-based method to analyse human striking performance
No full textWe investigated the criterion validity and within- and between-day reliability of a novel method for human striking performance assessment. The Impulse Block Method allows the measurement and calculation of a range of striking variables using a load cell incorporating an impact absorption block and laser gate timer. To assess the criterion validity, we performed repeated drop tests and compared the relationship and agreement between predicted and measured velocity and initial momentum (calculated from impulse) with predicted values using linear regression and Bland-Altman plots (Experiment 1). In Experiment 2, 10 healthy adults performed palm strikes against the Impulse Block on two occasions, and within- and between-day reliability was calculated for impulse, initial momentum, velocity, effective mass, kinetic energy, and power. There was a strong linear relationship and high agreement between measured and predicted velocity and initial momentum (Experiment 1). In Experiment 2, the within- and between-day coefficients of variation were 4.95–10.2% and 6.15–12.1%, respectively, for all variables. Within- and between-day intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.72–0.99 and 0.92–0.99, respectively, for all variables, indicating moderate to excellent reliability. Our findings show that the Impulse Block Method is valid and reliable for analysing a range of striking performance variables in well-targeted and perpendicular linear strikes.</p
School funding and Students’ academic performance: New empirical evidence from Australia
No full textExamining the Visual Search Behaviour of Experts When Screening for the Presence of Diabetic Retinopathy in Fundus Images
Get PDFObjectives: This study investigated the visual search behaviour of optometrists and fellowship-trained ophthalmologists when screening for diabetic retinopathy in retinal photographs. Methods: Participants assessed and graded retinal photographs on a computer screen while a Gazepoint GP3 HD eye tracker recorded their eye movements. Areas of interest were derived from the raw data using Hidden Markov modelling. Fixation strings were extracted by matching raw fixation data to areas of interest and resolving ambiguities with graph search algorithms. Fixation strings were clustered using Affinity Propagation to determine search behaviours characteristic of the correct and incorrect response groups. Results: A total of 23 participants (15 optometrists and 8 ophthalmologists) completed the grading task, with each assessing 20 images. Visual search behaviour differed between correct and incorrect responses, with data suggesting correct responses followed a visual search strategy incorporating the optic disc, macula, superior arcade, and inferior arcade as areas of interest. Data from incorrect responses suggest search behaviour driven by saliency or a search pattern unrelated to anatomical landmarks. Referable diabetic retinopathy was correctly identified in 86% of cases. Grader accuracy was 64.8% with good inter-grader agreement (α = 0.818). Conclusions: Our study suggests that a structured visual search strategy is correlated with higher accuracy when assessing retinal photographs for diabetic retinopathy. Referable diabetic retinopathy is detected at high rates; however, there is disagreement between clinicians when determining a precise severity grade
Women as researchers in raising multi-vegetable gardens in Malwah, Sindh, Pakistan and the potential to build and scale out knowledge.
No full textCo-inquiry research led by women farmers assessed the difference in yields between mulched and non-mulched kitchen gardening plots used for growing multiple types of vegetable crops in Malwah, Sindh, Pakistan. This farmer-led research was part of a broader ‘Adapting to Salinity in the Southern Indus Basin’ (ASSIB) project, which used co-inquiry between researchers and farmers as part of a strategy for building and scaling out knowledge on how to ‘live with salinity’. An impact assessment of the ASSIB project found, among other things, that our approach of Stakeholder Engagement for Research and Learning (SERL) enhanced the knowledge and capacity of rural women farmers, led to changes in their vegetable cultivation practices, and built confidence for them to share their knowledge with women within and beyond their villages. Here we present an example from the ASSIB project where the co-inquiry research was led by women farmers living in a salinity-affected area at the tail end of the Malwah distributary. The women found that the highest production of vegetables was obtained from plots that had been mulched while minimum yields were obtained from non-mulched plots. Bed mulching was beneficial in controlling weeds and conserving soil moisture. These benefits combined to enhance vegetable plant growth and development. The women’s use of mulching and production of organic food that is free from pests and diseases is part of a much-needed shift towards sustainable agriculture. The strategy of growing multiple types of vegetables encouraged and enabled their families to eat a range of fresh vegetables daily for a healthier life. The families also saved money by not having to buy vegetables and by saving seeds from their crops for use in future cropping seasons. The results we present here demonstrate that farmers can indeed become researchers. We assert that enabling farmers to take a leading role in research can be an effective way to co-create knowledge for living more productively with salinity and has the potential to build and scale out knowledge
Evidence of pathogens associated with travelers' diarrhea in Thailand:a systematic review
No full textBACKGROUND: Thailand, a major tourist destination, exhibits variations in sanitation and food safety practices that can lead to cases of travelers' diarrhea (TD) caused by a plethora of pathogens. This systematic review synthesizes data on the pathogens associated with TD in Thailand, providing valuable insights into pathogen diversity and distribution, traveler profiles, and geographical regions of concern.METHODS: This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022346014). A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Journals@Ovid databases. The search included terms related to "diarrhea," "travelers," and "Thailand," without restrictions on publication date. Eligible studies focused on travelers to Thailand who developed diarrhea with identified specific pathogens. Data was extracted and synthesized using a narrative approach. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist.RESULTS: A total of 15 studies met the eligibility criteria, identifying that pathogens related to TD in Thailand were bacteria, particularly enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) (80%), followed by Campylobacter jejuni (33.3%) and Salmonella spp. (40%). Viral pathogens such as rotavirus and norovirus were also notable, with Giardia spp. being the most identified parasite. Pathogen distribution varied across different regions of Thailand, with tourism hubs such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi reporting a broader range of infections.CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review highlights the diverse range of pathogens associated with TD in Thailand, with bacterial pathogens, specifically ETEC, being the predominant cause in most studies. The findings underscore the importance of preventive measures, such as improved hygiene practices and food safety awareness, especially in high-risk tourist areas. Further research is needed to understand better the risk factors contributing to TD and to develop targeted interventions for prevention.</p
Mixed pre-cooling improves thermal strain but not running performance in female endurance athletes exercising in the heat across the menstrual cycle
No full textThis study investigated the effect of mixed pre-cooling (cooling vest and ice-slurry) on thermal and cardiovascular strain and performance in unacclimatized females exercising in the heat during menstrual cycle (MC) Phase-1 (low estrogen and progesterone) and Phase-4 (moderate estrogen and high progesterone). In a randomized crossover design, 11 runners completed two trials in each MC Phase: mixed pre-cooling (wearing a cooling vest around the torso for 30 min and ingesting 7.5 g.kg -1 of body mass of ice slurry), and control (equivalent slurry volume at ~20°C without a cooling vest), prior to a 10-km running time trial (TT) in 34°C and 60% relative humidity. Rectal temperature (T re), heart rate (HR), and perceptual responses were measured throughout the TT. Linear mixed models were fitted to estimate intervention and MC phase effects. Mixed pre-cooling had no effect on HR (1.06 [-0.83, 2.95] beats.min -1; p = 0.272) or TT completion time (-0.23 [-1.32, 0.86] min; p = 0.677) versus control. T re (-0.21 [-0.34, -0.07] °C; p = 0.003) and thermal sensation (-0.61 [-0.78, -0.44] au; p < 0.001) were significantly lower with mixed pre-cooling compared to control. Rise in T re (-0.1 [-0.3, 0.0] °C) and thermal sensation were attenuated in MC phase-4 (-0.57 [-0.81, -0.34] au; all p < 0.05). Mixed pre-cooling was effective at attenuating the rise in T re for a similar work rate, particularly in MC phase-4, where females may experience greater heat thermosensation. However, the magnitude of attenuated T re does not improve 10-km running performance in the heat, suggesting additional cooling and/or heat mitigation strategies may be required to improve performance. </p
A comparative evaluation of 23 projects on mental health and wellbeing for veterans and first responders
No full textBACKGROUND: Veterans and First Responders (VFR) are at risk of developing a range of mental health disorders because of cumulative exposure to critical incidents at work. Two Philanthropic organisations funded 15 organisations, which collectively implemented 23 highly heterogeneous and international early intervention mental ill-health and suicide prevention Projects. The aim was identify and collaborate with Projects with a multi-project evaluation. The evaluation examined multiple domains including intervention effectiveness but critically the implementation processes impacts for potential replication or scale up. This paper reports on the methods and evaluation results of implementation processes, impact analysis and sustainability.METHOD: The evaluation involved ecosystems and complex systems approaches using novel methods and tools. There was multiple preparatory evaluation steps including developing indices for complexity and context. The Global Impact Analytics Framework (GIAF) toolkit was used to evaluate the implementation processes. Methodological tools included qualitative analysis, descriptive statistics, GIAF ladders/scales and checklists (qualitative and quantitative data).RESULTS: We provide the results on characteristics (organisational, Project and participants), GIAF process components (planning, pre-engagement, pre-readiness/readiness, dissemination/diffusion, usability/sustainability, adoption and uptake). All Project interventions were assessed as usable, adoptable and have capacity to be sustained, with financial resources. Uptake of the intervention was mostly high.CONCLUSION: Complex multi-project evaluation of highly heterogenous Projects implemented in the real world across different countries is possible and provides valuable information and learnings. The evaluation results establish benchmarks including Project pre-engagement with potential end-users, continuous, frequent collaboration between Project and evaluation teams, adequate contract duration for sufficient recruitment and intervention.</p
NCDC Unearthed:architecture & landscape
No full textThis exhibition compiles research on significant architectural objects and landscape places designed by the NCDC from 1958 to 1988. It demonstrates how the NCDC’s ‘total design’ philosophy forged a sense of place, and unearths the overlooked, and the lost projects from the period. Through writing, drawing, models, and maps, it also invites visitors to record their memories of this unique moment in Canberra’s development