19683 research outputs found
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Astringent Effects of Red Wine Associated with Responses of Aquaporins Found in Human Tongue and Salivary Tissues
No full textAquaporin (AQP) water channels facilitate fluid transport across cell membranes, are implicated in rodent oral water sensing, and were examined in the human tongue for their modulation by mouthfeel compounds and ensuing effects on perception and saliva tribology. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated abundant AQP1 and AQP2 and moderate AQP5 in human tongue and high AQP5 in salivary gland. Trained human tasting panels evaluated astringency intensities; results correlated with wine tannin measures and inhibition of AQP1 water flux (R2 ≥ 0.9). Wine tannin extract additions of 1 g/L reduced cell swelling −125 ± 20% (SE) (P < 0.0001), increased saliva-tannin friction coefficient 16.0 ± 1.9% (P < 0.0001) and astringency scores 17.3 ± 5.5% (P < 0.006). Osmotic swelling assays identified wines, red wine polyphenols, alum sulfate, and tannic acid─all archetypal astringents─as inhibitors of AQP1 and to a lesser extent AQP5. Astringent block of AQPs present in tongue and salivary gland suggests a mechanistic role of water flux in drying sensations, beyond the established changes in saliva resulting from tannin and proline-rich-protein interactions. Insights into AQPs as molecular components of mouthfeel could inform fundamental debates on how astringent phenomena arise and increase understanding of nutrient sensing and uptake as found within the digestive tract and throughout the body.</p
Hybrid-Dynamic Ehrenfeucht-Fraïssé Games
No full textEhrenfeucht-Fraïssé games provide means to characterize elementary equivalence for first-order logic, and by standard translation also for modal logics. We propose a novel generalization of Ehrenfeucht-Fraïssé games to hybrid-dynamic logics which is direct and fully modular: parameterized by the features of the hybrid language we wish to include, for instance, the modal and hybrid language operators as well as first-order existential quantification. We use these games to establish a new modular Fraïssé-Hintikka theorem for hybrid-dynamic propositional logic and its various fragments. We study the relationship between countable game equivalence (determined by countable Ehrenfeucht-Fraïssé games) and bisimulation (determined by countable back-and-forth systems). In general, the former turns out to be weaker than the latter, but under certain conditions on the language, the two coincide. As a corollary we obtain an analogue of the Hennessy-Milner theorem. We also prove that for reachable image-finite Kripke structures elementary equivalence implies isomorphism.</p
Who Really Leads? A Qualitative Exploration of Gender Equity in Leadership of Australian Newsrooms
No full textWhile recent research shows that women’s leadership in Australian newsrooms has grown, we have little understanding of how this change may have impacted career opportunities for women, or the newsroom more broadly. We draw from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with editorial leaders in newsrooms across Australia to understand how editorial leaders perceive the impact of women’s leadership on newsrooms. We find that Australian newsrooms have transformed in the last decade, with women dominating editorial leadership and staffing that is more reflective of gender equity. However, the interview data make clear that there are two exceptions—firstly, the executive C-suite of most mainstream news organisations is still dominated by men, and secondly, women’s leadership across reporting topics is still dominated by soft news. We, thus, provide evidence of just how much women’s editorial leadership roles appear to have resolved some of the gendered divisions in Australian newsrooms and the journalism they produce.</p
The Impact of Electronic and Conventional Cigarette Use towards Saliva Profile and Oral Microbiota in Adolescents
No full textObjective: To compare the salivary profiles of smokers (e-cigarette smokers, e-cigarette and former conventional cigarette smokers, dual users, and conventional cigarette smokers) and non-smokers in adolescents, focusing on acidity level, flow rate, viscosity, as well as the quantity of Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Candida albicans. Methods: This analytical observational study, with a cross-sectional design, involves collecting saliva samples from five groups through the draining method. Saliva viscosity was assessed visually, while saliva flow rate was monitored over a ten-minute period. Quantification of bacterial presence was performed using qPCR, and salivary acidity was determined using a digital pH meter. Chi square and t-test were used to analyze the data. Result: The total of 390 subjects (smokers n=195; non-smokers n=195), aged 17-25 years, participated in the study. Dual smokers exhibited a notable decrease in salivary pH (p=0.039) compared to non-smokers. Furthermore, significant reductions in flow rate (p</p
Pride in Prevention Program Guide: A guide to programming for primary prevention of family violence experienced by LGBTIQ+ communities
No full textThis guide builds on Pride in Prevention, which draws together existing research and policy frameworks and puts forward a conceptual model for understanding lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer experiences of family violence, along with priority actions for primary prevention. Additional practice guides on messaging, partnerships and evaluation outline additional principles, processes and practices required for effective primary prevention of family violence experienced by LGBTIQ communities.The Pride in Prevention Program Guide builds further on this work, this time focusing attention on programming. It provides clear and practical guidance for prevention projects that focus on, or include, LGBTIQ+ people and communities. It supports practitioners in the design and implementation of effective LGBTIQ+ primary prevention programs. This guide has been produced by the LGBTIQ+ Family Violence Prevention Project, a world-leading project led by Rainbow Health Australia and funded by Family Safety Victoria.</p
The Efficacy of the Family Wellbeing Program to Support Student Wellbeing and Develop Essential Social Work Skills
No full textCritical reflection, effective communication and self-awareness are essentials skills for effective social work and, consequently social work training. At La Trobe University, social work students engage in a Reflective Communication subject that integrates a First Nations Family Wellbeing Program (FWB). This program aims to develop these skills and promote wellbeing and mental health. This study used a qualitative research design with seventeen participants to explore whether students found the FWB component and subject as a whole effective in promoting wellbeing. Both students and tutors found the program effective in enhancing wellbeing, mental health, and student engagement. It effectively linked theoretical skills to practical application, encouraged active listening, and fostered a culture of acceptance. The subject’s content and processes contributed to these outcomes, emphasising the importance of a relational approach to learning in social work education.</p
Lower Limb Kinematics of People With Midfoot Osteoarthritis During Level Walking and Stair Climbing
No full textBackground: Midfoot osteoarthritis (OA) affects one in eight people over 50, yet its impact on foot and lower limb kinematics remains poorly understood. This study compared foot and lower limb kinematics during level walking and stair climbing between people with and without symptomatic radiographic midfoot OA. Methods: Symptomatic radiographic midfoot OA was defined as midfoot pain in the last 4 weeks and radiographic OA in one or more midfoot joints. Cases aged ≥ 45 years were matched 1:1 for sex and age (± 5 years) to controls. A 10-camera motion analysis system was used to capture foot and lower limb kinematics during level walking and stair climbing, which were analysed with a validated multi-segmental lower limb model. Group differences were analysed using independent samples t-tests and effect sizes for discrete angles, whereas statistical parametric mapping compared kinematic patterns between groups. Results: We included 24 midfoot OA cases (mean age 64.4, SD 9.5) matched to 24 controls (mean age 65.2, SD 10.1). During level walking, people with midfoot OA walked slower and displayed absolute joint angles that showed less hip extension throughout stance, less knee flexion in early and late stance, less ankle dorsiflexion throughout stance (medium to large effects), greater subtalar pronation in late stance, and greater tarsometatarsal supination during early stance (medium effects). There were few differences during stair ascent and descent. Conclusion: People with midfoot OA walk slower and demonstrate medium to large differences in sagittal plane hip, knee, and ankle kinematics, and medium differences in subtalar and tarsometatarsal kinematics. These findings offer insights into the walking patterns of people with midfoot OA and the mechanisms that may contribute to or result from the condition. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the temporal relationship between these factors and midfoot OA development.</p
Health Economic Evaluations in Prosthetics and Orthotics
No full textA thesis submitted in total fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.This thesis was a recipient of the Nancy Millis Award for theses of exceptional merit.</p
Individualised Physiotherapy Functional Restoration Management of Multifactorial Persistent Low Back Pain
No full textSubmitted in total fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.</p
A Quantitative Exploration of Australian Dog Breeders’ Breeding Goals, Puppy Rearing Practices and Approaches to Socialisation
No full textMillions of puppies are welcomed into the homes of families around the world each year. However, understanding the ways in which puppies are bred and raised by their breeders, as well as the perspectives and perceptions underpinning these practices, is still in its infancy. The current study administered an online survey to 200 Australian dog breeders to investigate their breeding program characteristics, breeding dog selection, understanding of the importance of early experiences in puppyhood, and the extent and diversity of their puppy rearing and socialisation practices. Results indicated that breeders were motivated by breed improvement and producing dogs for themselves rather than providing companion dogs, despite most of their puppies being placed in companionship roles. The participating breeders also acknowledged the important role they play in shaping puppies’ behaviour and temperament, which was reflected in both their breeding dog selection and in their rearing and socialisation practices. The majority of breeders housed their litters within their residence for the initial weeks of life but the socialisation experiences they provided were variable in type and frequency. Longer-term breeders and those with larger, more intensive programs reported providing human-focused socialisation experiences less frequently, though the correlational nature of these findings require cautious interpretation. Whilst future research should endeavor to explore these results more comprehensively among a more diverse sample, these findings provide valuable insight into the breeding, rearing, and socialisation process undertaken by dog breeders in Australia.</p