Social Marketing @ Griffith

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Assessing the Rise in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Incidence: A 38-Year Australian Study Investigating WHO Classification Influence

The incidence of thyroid cancer has shown marked increases globally over recent decades. This study investigated how the incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) subtypes and World Health Organisation (WHO) endocrine tumour classification changes have affected overall thyroid cancer incidence recorded in Australia. Using incidence data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare cancer registry (spanning 1982 to 2019), this descriptive epidemiological study employed joinpoint regression analysis to assess temporal trends in thyroid carcinoma incidence, focusing on PTC. Results were then compared with WHO endocrine tumour classification changes over the same period. The results showed increasing trends for the classic PTC subtype over the entire 38-year period and for thyroid microcarcinomas post-2003, while a declining trend for the follicular variant of PTC was observed commencing in 2015. Examination of PTC incidence also revealed distinct changes in trends that align with the WHO classification of papillary microcarcinoma as a subtype in 2004 and the reclassification of some encapsulated follicular variant of PTCs to non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) in 2016/17. Even when taking these WHO classification changes into account, significant increases in PTC over the last three decades are observed. These findings underscore the shifts in classification driven by improving diagnostic clarity influencing thyroid carcinoma incidence patterns. However, thyroid carcinoma cases in Australia have dramatically increased over the last three decades independent of WHO classification changes, suggesting a genuine increase rather than simply being a direct consequence of improved reporting and diagnostics.Full Tex

Tone deaf and a tin ear: political leaders and listening in disasters

Research alludes to the inability of some politicians to listen to people affected by disasters, sometimes with disastrous consequences for those caught up in disasters and for politicians. This article suggests a new approach to engagement by politicians with disaster affected communities – that of listening. It draws on interviews with senior emergency managers in Australia, the United Kingdom, North America, Iceland and Norway, to explore their views about the need for politicians to listen in disasters. Examples are provided of instances in which the perceived inability of politicians to listen disaster survivors drew significant public attention. This article suggests a variety of ways in which politicians might effectively listen to those effected by disasters. The findings of this article have ramifications for politicians, their advisors and disaster affected communities.No Full Tex

Mapping the risk environment for peers with lived-living experience working in the alcohol and other drugs sector in Queensland

Introduction Peer workers in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector play a vital role in harm reduction for people who use drugs (PWUDs); however, their experiences are often shaped by complex macro- and micro-risk environments. This study explores these environments and their implications for peer workers, particularly concerning stigma, legal barriers, and organisational culture. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 peers with lived-living experience of illicit drug use. Purposive sampling was employed, leveraging established peer networks and community organisations. Interviews (range = 42–90 mins) were conducted via Microsoft Teams, transcribed, and analysed. The iterative coding process involved deductive codes based on predetermined topics and inductive codes derived from identified themes. Results Participants identified key systemic challenges, including peer stigma, limited career prospects, and the complexities of navigating legal frameworks that criminalise drug use, thereby undermining the efficacy of peer work. The interplay between regulatory frameworks and societal attitudes creates barriers to employment, which disproportionately affects people with drug-related offenses. The significance of collective connection as a source of safety and support was also highlighted, particularly through peer supervision, which fosters enabling environments that promote wellbeing. Discussion Findings highlight the need for advocacy towards legal reform and the creation of inclusive organisational cultures. Recognising and valuing the LLE of peer workers is essential for enhancing harm reduction initiatives and promoting the wellbeing of PWUDs. Addressing these macro- and micro-risk factors, including the importance of peer supervision, can improve peer workers' efficacy in providing meaningful support within their communities.Full Tex

The acceptability, feasibility and adoption of a co-designed electronic post-injury psychosocial screening tool for carers of children admitted to hospital following injury

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and adoption of a co-designed electronic post-injury psychosocial screening tool for carers of paediatric trauma patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: A mixed methods approach with a parallel convergent design was used. The study occurred at a tertiary paediatric hospital in Australia, with data collected between April 2023 and February 2024. Data were collected through electronic surveys, semi-structured interviews, and the psychosocial screening tool. Participants included caregivers of hospitalised children and clinicians from the hospital's trauma service. RESULTS: Although both caregivers and clinicians found the tool feasible and acceptable, adoption rates were lower than expected. Key barriers included the tool's timing, which conflicted with caregivers' focus on physical recovery and emotional challenges discussing trauma. Clinicians viewed the tool as research-focused, limiting engagement. Logistical barriers, such as lack of clinician support and timing, further reduced adoption. CONCLUSION: The tool showed potential for improving psychosocial support post-injury, but adoption was hindered by timing, emotional challenges and clinician engagement. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians must prioritise the acceptability, feasibility and adoption of tools when implementing caregiver support interventions for children with traumatic injuries. Future research should focus on overcoming implementation barriers and optimising psychosocial screening tools. Subsequent versions should align with caregivers' recovery timelines, embrace trauma-informed principles, promote clinician buy-in and be culturally tailored. Enhanced integration into clinical workflows and greater clinician engagement will boost adoption and effectiveness.Full Tex

Impact of mild hypercapnia in critically ill patients with metabolic acidosis

Purpose Clinical trials focusing on critically ill patients with metabolic acidosis, a common exclusion criterion is the presence of a PaCO2 > 45 mmHg. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of mild hypercapnia on patient characteristics, severity, and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with metabolic acidosis. Material and methods Multicentre, retrospective, observational study conducted in 12 intensive care units (ICUs) in Queensland, Australia. Patients with metabolic acidosis and concurrent vasopressor requirement were included and the exposure of interest was the PaCO2 level at the time of meeting the eligibility criteria divided in two groups: PaCO2 ≤ 45 mmHg and PaCO2 46–50 mmHg. Primary clinical outcome was major adverse kidney events within 30 days (MAKE30). Results We studied 5601 patients, with 3605 (64.4 %) in the PaCO2 ≤ 45 mmHg group and 1996 (35.6 %) in the PaCO2 46–50 mmHg group. The incidence of MAKE30 was lower in the PaCO2 46–50 mmHg group (29 % vs. 34 %; OR, 0.79 [95 %CI, 0.69 to 0.90]; p < 0.001) as was the use of renal replacement therapy, and the incidence of acute kidney injury. After adjustment for confounders, no outcome was different between the groups. The maximum fall of pH associated with an increase of 1 mmHg of PaCO2 in the PaCO2 46–50 mmHg group was 0.006. Conclusion In patients with metabolic acidosis, after adjustment for potential confounders, mild hypercapnia does not increase the MAKE-30 rate and does not have a major impact on pH.Full Tex

Perspectives and needs of assistive technology advisors and suppliers in Queensland, Australia

Purpose An assistive technology ecosystem requires co-ordinated collaboration between policy, products, provision processes, and personnel. A needs assessment was conducted of the assistive technology sector in Queensland to examine these components from the perspective of all key stakeholders. Materials and Methods: This paper reports the findings of the expressed needs of the assistive technology sector as experienced by the AT advisors and suppliers. A sequential mixed methods design supported completion of a quantitative online survey (n = 29) followed by qualitative exploration with assistive technology advisors (n = 9) and suppliers (n = 6). Results There was an identified need to address the processes that led to delays or unfavourable outcomes for AT. Despite reporting confidence in the quality of services delivered, the advisors were worried about reduced access to expert consultation and a need to better build capacity and capability in the sector. Access to AT for hire or trial was problematic with conflicting tensions identified by the advisors and suppliers. However, both worried about the impact on the agency of the AT recipient in the process. Conclusions There are opportunities to enhance the personnel, provision, and policy aspects of the assistive technology ecosystem in Queensland. Pressure points are: workforce capacity and capability to meet the growing need; finding ways to support the trial of assistive technology required to ensure appropriate recommendations for assistive technology that is fit for purpose; and improving information from the bodies that manage funding to reduce the waste in the provision process.Full Tex

Unfolding the Potential of Pyrrole- and Indole-Based Allylidene Hydrazine Carboximidamides as Antimicrobial Agents

Antimicrobial drug resistance is a significant global health challenge, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths annually and severely impacting healthcare systems worldwide. Several reported antimicrobial compounds have a guanidine motif, as the positive charge on guanidine promotes cell lysis. Therefore, pyrrole- and indole-based allylidene hydrazine carboximidamide derivatives with guanidine motifs are proposed as antimicrobial agents that mimic cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs). A total of 72 derivatives having pyrrol-2-yl-phenyl allylidene hydrazine carboximidamide and indol-3-yl-phenyl allylidene hydrazine carboximidamide scaffolds were assessed for their inhibitory potential against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Analogs 1j, 1k, 1s, 2j, 2q, 4a, 4c, 4h, 5b, 6a, and 6d exhibited potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity better than the standard antibiotics. Also, these compounds showed no cytotoxicity up to 3-fold of the minimum inhibitory concentration, and structure–activity relationship was established. Further, the most active compound, 6a, showed a strong biofilm disruption, acted on the bacterial membrane, and lysed it. The further development of these compounds as novel antimicrobial agents is warranted.No Full Tex

Classroom data science: data and dataing for making sense of multivariate plant growth

What is considered data and how it is communicated publicly is rapidly changing. Participation in society involves multiple opportunities to engage with complex statistical concepts in media, in personal health, and regarding climate change. Children also are engaging with evolving data types in social media interactions and in educational contexts where they are the data. Yet little time is spent in classrooms supporting children to explore and make their own data decisions about various data types. This study investigates the role that fourth graders’ use of graphing conventions played in supporting their conceptual development of: non-traditional data and dataing during one lesson. The author hopes to contribute a new perspective in conceptualising dataing as enculturating statistical practices around data that involves multiple features, to communicate key information, involving tools for engaging with statistics to communicate a story. In this case study, a video clip presented an entrance point in exploring multivariate data (multiple variables). Video observation and student graphs revealed insights into children’s data and dataing experiences and processes involved with multivariate data, supported by a classroom culture that valued statistical processes as a creative and meaningful, story-telling endeavour. When students were tasked with representing plant growth using a graph, displays included a wide range of variables such as patterns of leaf growth and qualitative stages of plant growth. Engaging with multivariate data in exploratory ways supported students in this study to play with graphing conventions, establishing local mathematical practices involving non-traditional data.Full Tex

The role of oxidants in the activation of methane to methanol over a Ni–Mo/Al2O3 catalyst

A commercially available Ni–Mo/Al2O3 catalyst was evaluated for its effectiveness in the partial CH4 oxidation to methanol by using various oxidants, including O2, H2O, and N2O. The main products from the reactions were methanol, formaldehyde, hydrogen and carbon oxide gases. The study revealed that the one-step activation of CH4 into oxygenates on the Ni–Mo/Al2O3 catalyst depended on the type of oxidant utilized. The research examined how the mobility and storage of lattice oxygen within the catalyst influenced its performance in methane conversion. High oxygen storage and release improved catalytic activity but reduced selectivity. Methane conversion without oxygenated products occurred when H2O or N2O was used, while O2 promoted the formation of COx. The highest methanol yield was obtained at a 2 : 1 molar ratio of oxidant to methane, at reaction temperatures of 250 °C and 350 °C. When H2O was used, significant quantities of H2 and CO were produced, likely due to a simultaneous reforming reaction. Partial oxidation of nickel and molybdenum was observed under H2O and N2O conditions. Temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) indicated the transformation of higher-valence oxides into different sub-oxides. In temperature-programmed reduction–oxidation (TPRO), three peaks were detected, corresponding to oxygen surface sites and two framework locations. These peaks shifted to lower temperatures with N2O, suggesting improved oxygen migration from the bulk to the surface. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis identified an active α-NiMoO4 phase, which facilitated oxygen termination on molybdenum atoms. Under O2 conditions, nickel also underwent oxidation. Overall, the Ni–Mo/Al2O3 catalyst showed notable methanol productivity, reaching up to 9.85 g of methanol per gram of catalyst per hour with N2O as the oxidant, surpassing other catalysts reported in the literature.No Full Tex