19683 research outputs found
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An anion exchange membrane sensor detects EGFR and its activity state in plasma CD63 extracellular vesicles from patients with glioblastoma
No full textWe present a quantitative sandwich immunoassay for CD63 Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) and a constituent surface cargo, EGFR and its activity state, that provides a sensitive, selective, fluorophore-free and rapid alternative to current EV-based diagnostic methods. Our sensing design utilizes a charge-gating strategy, with a hydrophilic anion exchange membrane functionalized with capture antibodies and a charged silica nanoparticle reporter functionalized with detection antibodies. With sensitivity and robustness enhancement by the ion-depletion action of the membrane, this hydrophilic design with charged reporters minimizes interference from dispersed proteins, thus enabling direct plasma analysis without the need for EV isolation or sensor blocking. With a LOD of 30 EVs/μL and a high relative sensitivity of 0.01% for targeted proteomic subfractions, our assay enables accurate quantification of the EV marker, CD63, with colocalized EGFR by an operator/sample insensitive universal normalized calibration. We analysed untreated clinical samples of Glioblastoma to demonstrate this new platform. Notably, we target both total and “active” EGFR on EVs; with a monoclonal antibody mAb806 that recognizes a normally hidden epitope on overexpressed or mutant variant III EGFR. Analysis of samples yielded an area-under-the-curve (AUC) value of 0.99 and a low p-value of 0.000033, surpassing the performance of existing assays and markers
Assessing eDNA capture method from aquatic environment to optimise recovery of human mt-eDNA
No full textPrevious studies have shown that environmental DNA (eDNA) from human sources can be recovered from natural bodies of water, and the generation of DNA profiles from such environmental samples may assist in forensic investigations. However, fundamental knowledge gaps exist around the factors influencing the probability of detecting human eDNA and the design of optimal sampling protocols. One of these is understanding the particle sizes eDNA signals are most strongly associated with and the most appropriate filter size needed for efficiently capturing eDNA particles. This study assessed the amount of mitochondrial eDNA associated with different particle sizes from human blood and skin cells recovered from freshwater samples. Samples (300 mL) were taken from experimental 10 L tanks of freshwater spiked with 50 µL of human blood or skin cells deposited by vigorously rubbing hands together for two minutes in freshwater. Subsamples were collected by passing 250 mL of experimental water sample through six different filter pore sizes (from 0.1 to 8 µm). This process was repeated at four time intervals after spiking over 72 hours to assess if the particle size of the amount of eDNA recovered changes as the eDNA degrades. Using a human-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay targeting the HV1 mitochondrial gene region, the total amount of mitochondrial eDNA associated with different particle size fractions was determined. In the case of human blood, at 0 h, the 0.45 µm filter pore size captured the greatest amount of mitochondrial eDNA, capturing 42 % of the eDNA detected. The pattern then changed after 48 h, with the 5 µm filter pore size capturing the greatest amount of eDNA (67 %), and 81 % of eDNA at 72 h. Notably, a ten-fold dilution proved to be a valuable strategy for enhancing eDNA recovery from the 8 µm filter at all time points, primarily due to the PCR inhibition observed in hemoglobin. For human skin cells, the greatest amounts of eDNA were recovered from the 8 µm filter pore size and were consistent through time (capturing 37 %, 56 %, and 88 % of eDNA at 0 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours respectively). There is a clear variation in the amount of eDNA recovered between different cell types, and in some forensic scenarios, there is likely to be a mix of cell types present. These results suggest it would be best to use a 5 µm filter pore size to capture human blood and an 8 µm filter pore size to capture human skin cells to maximize DNA recovery from freshwater samples. Depending on the cell type contributing to the eDNA, a combination of different filter pore sizes may be employed to optimize the recovery of human DNA from water samples. This study provides the groundwork for optimizing a strategy for the efficient recovery of human eDNA from aquatic environments, paving the way for its broader application in forensic and environmental sciences
A coach's perspective on augmented feedback (and technology) in cricket
No full textCoaches utilise augmented feedback to help channel learning and skill acquisition in sports. However, the rationale and pedagogical approaches underpinning feedback (and technology) strategies employed by coaches remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to explore cricket coaches understanding towards the role of feedback, and how feedback (and technology) strategies are enacted within practice settings, viewed within pedagogical frameworks. An online questionnaire (Qualtrics) consisted of fixed-text and free-text questions. Fixed-text responses were analysed exploring associations (frequencies, chi-square) or differences (Mann-Whitney U) between coaching groups, with free-text questions examined through reflexive thematic analysis, exploring approaches to presenting athletes with feedback (and technology use). Overall, 134 coaches (94% male, 6% female) aged 18–69 years from 12 countries responded to the questionnaire. Following silhouette and k-modes cluster analysis, results were explored for two coaching groups: community cricket coaches (n = 84, 63%) and higher-performance coaches (n = 50, 37%). Significant differences showed greater coaching experience, qualifications, and time spent coaching per week for the higher-performance coaching group (p </p
Contested Waters: Maritime Security in Southeast Asia
No full textThe maritime region is becoming increasingly contested, particularly in Southeast Asia. From tensions rising in the South China Sea, grey zone issues, challenges to international law, and environmental issues such as sea level rise and overfishing, maritime security is important for Indo-Pacific security. As Melbourne hosts the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, this event will provide insights into maritime security issues in Australia and Southeast Asia and explore opportunities for collaboration and cooperation.</p
Centring traditional custodians in cultural heritage legislation reform: A view from Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Melbourne, Australia
No full texthttps://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:2ddd9825-bb20-3a32-9768-98fb125bf472&viewer!megaVerb=group-discover </p
Is there a gender paradox in the association between conduct problems and cannabis use? A cohort-study among Swedish adolescents
No full textIntroduction: Conduct problems (CP) predict cannabis use prospectively but the research is mixed as to whether this association is stronger among girls. A stronger association among girls would suggest a ‘gender paradox’ as both CP and cannabis use is less common in this group. This study aimed to assess whether the longitudinal association between CP and cannabis use in Swedish adolescents is stronger among girls. Methods: Data from two waves of a nationally representative cohort study of Swedish adolescents born in 2001 were used. Baseline measurements were collected in 9th grade (at age 15–16) and follow-up measures at 11th grade (at age 17–18). Results: CP at baseline were significantly associated with cannabis use at follow-up adjusted for hyperactivity problems, emotional problems, socio-demographics, parental monitoring, school grades and truancy at baseline (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.24) but not when also adjusting for substance use at baseline. Boys were more likely to have used cannabis during the past year, even when controlling for prior substance use (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.76–2.98). The association between CP and cannabis use was significantly weaker for boys (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72–0.95 in the fully adjusted model). The predicted probability of cannabis use was stable at 0.13 for boys across levels of CP, but ranged from 0.05 to 0.16 for girls. Discussion and Conclusion: The longitudinal association between CP and cannabis use was stronger among girls. The findings are indicative of a ‘gender paradox’ in the association between CP and cannabis use
Support for policies restricting alcohol exposure in films: Does feeding back the amount of alcohol in films increase support?
No full textIntroduction: Alcohol exposure is common in popular films, and research has demonstrated a link between alcohol exposure and use. The likelihood of implementing specific policies to reduce the amount of film exposure is dependent on the level of public support; however, evidence is currently lacking. This study investigated how supportive people are of film-related alcohol policies and whether providing information about the amount of film exposure increased support. Methods: Australian adults (N = 252) first provided estimates of how much alcohol they thought were in popular films and then were randomised to either see an infographic about the amount of alcohol in films or not. All participants rated how supportive they were of eight policies. Results: The items ‘alcoholic beverages and consumption should not be shown in G or PG rated films’ (M = 3.54) and ‘alcohol should not be glorified in films’ (M = 3.49) were rated significantly higher than the scale's midpoint of 3 (p < 0.001). Participants who were older, female or reported lower alcohol use were more supportive of the policies. Only one policy item, ‘information about alcohol sponsorship should be provided’ received higher support from those who received the infographic compared to those who did not (M = 3.53 vs. M = 3.05; t(250) = −3.09, p = 0.002). Discussion and Conclusion: Participants were relatively supportive of film alcohol policies. However, providing information about the amount of alcohol in films did not make a difference on the level of support for most film alcohol policies
Nonlinear analysis of square steel-reinforced concrete-filled steel tubular short columns considering local buckling
No full textThis paper presents a fiber element analysis model that simulates the structural responses of square steel-reinforced concrete-filled steel tubular (SRCFST) short columns under concentric compression including local buckling effects. The method of effective widths is utilized to model the gradual postlocal buckling of the steel tube walls of a SRCFST column loaded axially to failure. A new confinement model is developed for the concrete based on test results, considering the confinement induced by the embedded steel section. This confinement model is incorporated into the fiber model, and its accuracy is verified by experimental results. The accuracy of various confinement models proposed for concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) square columns in predicting the performance of SRCFST columns is evaluated. A parametric study is performed to investigate the performance of SRCFST columns with various parameters. The applicability of the design formulas specified in current standards for CFST columns to the design of SRCFST columns is examined. A formula is proposed to predict the strength of SRCFST short columns. The developed inelastic simulation model, confinement model, and design formula are found to yield performance predictions of SRCFST columns with good accuracy
Virome of Australia's most endangered parrot in captivity evidenced of harboring hitherto unknown viruses
No full textIMPORTANCE: The impact of circulating viruses on the critically endangered, orange-bellied parrot (OBP) population can be devastating. The OBP already faces numerous threats to its survival in the wild, including habitat loss, predation, and small population impacts. Conservation of the wild OBP population is heavily reliant on supplementation using OBPs from a managed captive breeding program. These birds may act as a source for introduction of a novel disease agent to the wild population that may affect survival and reproduction. It is, therefore, essential to monitor and assess the health of OBPs and take appropriate measures to prevent and control the spread of viral infections. This requires knowledge of the existing virome to identify novel and emerging viruses and support development of appropriate measures to manage associated risk. By monitoring and protecting these animals from emerging viral diseases, we can help ensure their ongoing survival and preserve the biodiversity of our planet
Moving between doing and being—Meanings of person-centredness as narrated by nursing home managers. A phenomenological hermeneutical study
No full textAim: This study aimed to illuminate meanings of person-centredness as narrated by nursing home managers in nursing homes rated as highly person-centred. Design: A phenomenological hermeneutical approach was used. Methods: Twelve nursing home managers in 11 highly person-centred nursing homes in 7 municipalities in Sweden were included in this interview study. The findings were interpreted, reflected and discussed through the lens of Ricoeur. Results: Meanings of person-centredness could be understand as moving between doing and being through knowing, sensing, sharing and giving for person-centredness. These aspects contributed via knowledge, understanding, interaction and action that involved doing for and being with older persons through these caring dimensions. By moving between doing for, being with and being part of the overall nursing home narrative, knowing, sensing, sharing and giving could support the persons' identity in different ways. This may also contribute to sense-making, preserving dignity and promoting self-esteem when aiming to provide a good life for older persons in nursing homes, within an ever-present ethical frame. No Patient or Public Contribution: This study illuminated meanings of person-centredness as narrated by nursing home managers. No patient of public contribution was investigated