19683 research outputs found
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Extreme weather event attribution predicts climate policy support across the world
No full textAbstract: Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Yet, little is known about the relationship between exposure to extreme events, subjective attribution of these events to climate change, and climate policy support, especially in the Global South. Combining large-scale natural and social science data from 68 countries (N = 71,922), we develop a measure of exposed population to extreme weather events and investigate whether exposure to extreme weather and subjective attribution of extreme weather to climate change predict climate policy support. We find that most people support climate policies and link extreme weather events to climate change. Subjective attribution of extreme weather was positively associated with policy support for five widely discussed climate policies. However, exposure to most types of extreme weather event did not predict policy support. Overall, these results suggest that subjective attribution could facilitate climate policy support.</p
Disruption and inequity in work, family and mental health: a longitudinal study of Australian mothers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
No full textBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic was a time of major global disruption in work and family routines; yet experiences of disorder in jobs and home life, and related psychological distress varied across families. This study examined how inequities in socio-economic resources prior to the pandemic predicted working mothers’ work-family disruption and deterioration in mental health during the pandemic. Methods: Data was from a national cohort of 2,278 Australian mothers participating in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Participants were asked about work and household disruption during the pandemic and completed a measure of psychological distress (Kessler-6 Psychological Distress Scale) both prior to and during the pandemic. Results: Latent class analysis showed that indicators of work-family disruption during the pandemic clustered into two groups – ‘less disruption’ and ‘more disruption’. Multivariate logistic regression analyses identifying pre-pandemic predictors showed that mothers in the ‘more disruption’ group had poorer general health prior to the pandemic, lower relationship satisfaction, were more likely to work in low-intensity, insecure jobs, and to live in an urban area. They were also more likely to have more caring responsibilities, such as school-aged children and/or a household member with a disability. Linear regression analyses showed that mothers in the more disruption group had corresponding higher levels of psychological distress during the pandemic (controlling for pre-COVID distress levels) than mothers in the low disruption group. Conclusions: These results indicate that large-scale, social upheaval during COVID-19 was most disruptive for mothers with fewer resources (personal, relational and job-related) and greater caregiving responsibilities. Increased challenges negotiating work and family commitments were associated with poorer mental health. The findings reinforce the need for integration between social and public health policy, particularly in times of widespread crisis.</p
A smarter way to fund recovery: Why Ukraine needs GDP‑contingent loans
No full textAs Ukraine faces mounting debt and uncertain recovery, a new kind of loan could offer vital relief, one that grows with the economy and waits till it can pay, write Dr Jan Libich and Bruce Chapman.</p
Intraspecific variation in dorsal colour patterns of Amphibolurus muricatus lizards from the perspective of relevant observers
No full textThe visual environment animals occupy is often comprised of spatially distinct microhabitats featuring different and varying backgrounds, lighting conditions, temperatures, feeding opportunities and threats. For species employing colouration in some capacity, efficacy can vary substantially between these; thus, we expect some variation within species to adapt to the traits of specific microhabitats. Cryptic animals can be particularly sensitive to changes or choices in habitat and predation threats and often display intraspecific variation of their colour patterns. One such species, the Jacky dragon (Amphibolurus muricatus), occurs across a wide geographic range incorporating several distinct habitat types and possesses dorsal camouflage patterns that aid in avoiding detection from a range of potential predators. Here we investigate intraspecific variation of the dorsal patterns of A. muricatus within the context of relevant observers at multiple viewing distances. Using multispectral photography, contemporary analysis software and specifically constructed visual models for the Jacky dragon and two avian predators, we quantified patterns of individuals collected across the geographic range of the species. Larger lizards appear to have more distinct dorsal patches to lizards at close range, but avian predators see reduced pattern diversity and complexity. At a distance, both predators see fewer clusters, and size has less effect. Close-up, males show more distinct patches, contrast and luminance to lizards, but lower contrast to kookaburras. Furthermore, differences are also apparent between genetic clades and habitat characteristics, with lizards in coastal heath exhibiting greater pattern diversity and complexity to all observers. Importantly, these differences are mediated by observer identity, as significant effects are not consistent across different visual systems. Our results suggest that variation in the visual appearance of these lizards is multifaceted and in response to both general and local selection pressures.</p
Exploring Patient Mealtime Experience in an Acute Care Setting Using the Modified Austin Health Patient Mealtime Experience Tool
No full textAims: Malnutrition is prevalent in Australian hospitals, affecting 30%–40% of inpatients. Enhancing patient mealtime experience is a recognised strategy to support improved dietary intake and clinical outcomes. Yet, there is little published data on mealtime experience in acute hospital settings in Australia. This study aims to capture patient mealtime experience in an acute care setting at a regional Australian hospital, using a modified version of the Austin Health Patient Mealtime Experience Tool. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken across six acute care wards at Bendigo Health between July and September 2024. Patient mealtime experience was explored through interviewer-administered surveys, including 32 Likert scaling items and 6 open-ended responses. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, whilst deductive thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data to describe mealtime experience. Results: Eighty-one patients participated in the study. Patients were most dissatisfied with food quality, particularly sensory characteristics and variety, in both the quantitative and qualitative results. Patients were most frequently satisfied with staff interactions (90% ‘always’ or ‘often’ positive), although the qualitative results highlighted insufficient mealtime care. The physical environment was generally highly rated, with a majority of patients (> 70%) reporting that noise, visitors, room surroundings and smells and odours ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ impacted food intake. The food ordering system was rated favourably, with 89% of participants rating meal timing as ‘always’ or ‘often’ positive and 73% rating meal accuracy as ‘always’ or ‘often’ satisfactory. However, qualitative results revealed usability issues related to the electronic meal ordering system. Finally, qualitative responses identified nutrition impact symptoms as a barrier to mealtime experience and intake. Conclusion: Food quality, sufficient mealtime care, management of nutrition impact symptoms and improving usability of electronic ordering systems are areas highlighted for improvement in mealtime experience. Addressing these factors through targeted quality improvement initiatives can enhance mealtime satisfaction and support nutritional intake. Integrating patient perspectives into service planning is essential for fostering patient-centred hospital food services and improving patient outcomes.</p
Characterisation of an Influenza B virus-derived peptide presented by HLA-B*18:01
No full textThe influenza B virus (IBV) can pose a significant threat to global health. Despite this, IBV is understudied compared with influenza A virus (IAV). CD8+ T cells have proven highly effective in reducing influenza disease severity. In addition, pre-existing immune responses towards IAV epitopes may provide protection against homologous IBV-derived peptides due to T cell cross-reactivity. To exploit the advantages of T cells for future vaccine developments, a better understanding of the IBV-derived peptide presentation by the highly polymorphic human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is required. We previously determined that the IAV-derived PB1177-A peptide was presented by the HLA-B*18:01 molecule and induced CD8+ T cell responses. Here, we assessed the PB1177-A IBV homologue (PB1177-B). Intracellular cytokine staining assays showed that PB1177-B was unable to activate CD8+ T cells from several HLA-B*18:01+ samples tested. We determined that the IAVand IBV-derived PB1177 adopted different stability and conformation in the cleft of HLA-B*18:01. Molecular dynamics analysis on the crystal structure showed that PB1177-B had a central flexible region with a large hydrophobic patch formed by two phenylalanine residues, not present in PB1177-A. The flexibility and the lower stability of the HLA-B*18:01-PB1177-B complex may hinder CD8+ T cell receptor binding, underpinning the lack of CD8+ T cell activation observed. This provides additional insights into the differences between IAVand IBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses.</p
Hope, hustle, and hype: The rise and fall of Art Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
No full textThis article examines the technological emergence trajectory of Art Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), exploring their initial promise and then failure as transformative commodities disrupting art economies. Operating within an analytical framework of hope, hustle and hype, death and taxes, we investigate the interplay of technological, cultural, and economic trends shaping this trajectory towards failure. We identify the sociotechnical imaginaries clothing art NFTs and consider their relationship to both the acceptance and rejection of this technology. Our analysis contends that the desire to escape economic exclusion created a collective hope through which social adoption occurred. However, delving into the digital graveyards of Art NFTs, we identify external forces such as cultural shifts, social backlash, and regulatory interventions extinguishing the public’s ‘cruel optimism’, leading to the revocation of the social licence to operate for this emerging technology.</p
Nationwide Screening for Arthropod, Fungal, and Bacterial Honey Bee Pathogens: Utilizing Environmental DNA from Honey samples in Australia.
No full textThe European honey bee (Apis mellifera) significantly contributes to Australian agriculture, especially in honey production and pollination of key crops. However, managed bee populations are declining due to pathogens, agrochemicals, poor forage, climate change, and habitat loss. Major threats include bacteria, fungi, mites, and pests. With the increasing demand for pollination and the movement of bee colonies, monitoring these threats is essential. It has been demonstrated that honey constitutes an easily accessible source of environmental DNA. Environmental DNA in honey comes from all organisms that either directly or indirectly aid in its production and those within the hive environments. In this study, we extracted eDNA from 135 honey samples and tested for the presence of DNA for seven key honey bee pathogens, pests, and parasites - Paenibacillus larvae, Melissococcus plutonius (bacterial pathogens), Nosema apis, Nosema ceranae (microsporidian fungi), Ascosphaera apis (fungal pathogen), Aethina tumida, and Galleria mellonella (arthropod pests) by using conventional singleplex and multiplex PCR assays. N. ceranae emerged as the most prevalent pathogen, present in 57% of the samples. This was followed by A. tumida (40%), G. mellonella (37%), P. larvae (21%), N. apis (19%), and M. plutonius (18%). A. apis was detected in a smaller proportion of the samples, with a prevalence of 5%. Additionally, 19% of the samples tested negative for all pathogens and pests analysed. The data outlines essential information about the prevalence of significant arthropod, fungal, and bacterial pathogens and pests affecting honey bees in Australia, which is crucial for protecting the nation's beekeeping industry.</p
The Proteomic Landscape of the Coronary Accessible Heart Cell Surfaceome
No full textCell surface proteins (surfaceome) represent key signalling and interaction molecules for therapeutic targeting, biomarker profiling and cellular phenotyping in physiological and pathological states. Here, we employed coronary artery perfusion with membrane-impermeant biotin to label and capture the surface-accessible proteome in the neo-native (intact) heart. Using quantitative proteomics, we identified 701 heart cell surfaceome accessible by the coronary artery, including receptors, cell surface enzymes, adhesion and junctional molecules. This surfaceome comprises to 216 cardiac cell-specific surface proteins, including 29 proteins reported in cardiomyocytes (CXADR, CACNA1C), 12 in cardiac fibroblasts (ITGA8, COL3A1) and 63 in multiple cardiac cell types (ICAM1, SLC3A2, CDH2). Further, this surfaceome comprises to 53 proteins enriched in heart tissue compared to other tissues in humans and implicated in cardiac cell signalling networks involving cardiomyopathy (CDH2, DTNA, PTKP2, SNTA1, CAM, K2D/B), cardiac muscle contraction and development (ENG, SNTA1, SGCG, MYPN), calcium ion binding (SGCA, MASP1, THBS4, FBLN2, GSN) and cell metabolism (SDHA, NUDFS1, GYS1, ACO2, IDH2). This method offers a powerful tool for dissecting the molecular landscape of the coronary artery accessible heart cell surfaceome, its role in maintaining cardiac and vascular function, and potential molecular leads for studying cardiac cell interactions and systemic delivery to the neo-native heart.</p
Less is more: calorie restriction as a therapeutic for mental health disorders
No full textAnxiety, depression, and substance use disorders are prevalent mental health disorders that have debilitating health outcomes, and current treatment options are not always efficacious or tolerable. Calorie restriction (CR) has various health benefits, with research efforts focused on its effects in improving metabolic health and delaying biological aging. Recent studies have indicated that CR can also improve anxiety-, depression- and addiction-like symptoms and behavior. Similar benefits have also been observed in studies investigating a range of CR mimetics (CRMs) - molecules that mimic one or more of the physiological effects of CR without dietary restriction - indicating that both CR and CRMs could be used to assist in treating these symptoms. Here, we summarize the current evidence for the potential use of CR and select CRMs in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and addiction, as well as the possible molecular mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects. Finally, we propose novel molecular signatures that could be exploited to screen for novel CRM candidates.</p