Grandparent childcare and labour market participation in Australia

This study explores the intersection between grandparents’ childcare provision and their labour market and retirement decisions. In the context of an ageing population and the associated challenges this will pose, there is growing policy emphasis on keeping mature-age Australians engaged in the labour market. At the same time, many Australian grandparents are taking on considerable caring responsibilities for their grandchildren. In the context of these two major and potentially contradictory trends, there is as yet no research that explores the effect of intergenerational childcare provision on grandparents’ decisions about labour market participation or exit, and the policy implications. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study will address this gap in research. The study is motivated by the need to uncover what role grandparent childcare plays in grandparents’ work and retirement decisions, and the role for policy in supporting grandparents to make real choices about work and childcare

Analysis Of The Gut-Specific Microbiome Of Field-Captured Tsetse Flies, And Its Potential Relevance To Host Trypanosome Vector Competence

The tsetse fly (Glossinasp.) gut is colonized by maternally transmitted and environmentally acquired bacteria. Maternally transmitted symbionts are well characterized, but little is known about the origin and function of environmentally acquired bacteria inhabiting the tsetse midgut. To address this shortcoming, culture dependent and independent methods were used to characterize and quantify bacterial communities that reside within the midgut of tsetse flies collected at five geographically isolated locations in Kenya and Uganda. Bacteria were isolated from 83.33% of flies using culture dependent methods. In total, 38 strains were isolated. To increase the depth of this analysis, Illumina-based deep-sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene was used to determine the relationship between the type and number of bacteria present in Glossina pallidipes midguts and geographic location. The midgut was dominated by the obligate endosymbiont, Wigglesworthia, but a diversity of other microbiota in individuals that were unique to each location was also observed. This was consistent between trypanosome infected and uninfected samples. The results of this study will increase the understanding of the breadth and depth of tsetse\u27s midgut bacterial communities as they relate to the environmental acquisition of the fly\u27s microbiome and its correlation to trypanosome vectorial capacity. Future studies can then be performed to determine the specific molecular mechanisms that underlie bacteria-mediated trypanocidal immunity in tsetse\u27s gut

Development and usability testing of a data visualisation platform for an African trauma data registry

Introduction Trauma is a significant contribution to the global burden of mortality and disease, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The methods for tracking, recording, and analysing the incidence and causes of trauma are underdeveloped. To address this, The African Federation for Emergency Medicine (AFEM) developed a trauma form and Trauma Data Registry to collect trauma data in multiple sites in sub-Saharan Africa. We undertook a study to create, and assess the usability and functionality of, a trauma data visualisation platform for use in conjunction with the Trauma Data Registry. Methods We created a web-based trauma data visualisation platform for use with the AFEM Trauma Data Registry. This study involves a usability assessment of the AFEM Trauma Data Visualisation Platform to determine the specific website features and analytical needs of African trauma research facilities. This was done by surveying individuals from healthcare facilities that are currently using the AFEM Trauma Form. Two types of questionnaires were administered: Questionnaire I gathered information on the study population and their expectations for the platform, and Questionnaire II assessed the usability of the platform after it was introduced. Surveys took place in person and online, with the last group of questionnaires being administered on-site at the healthcare facility. Data were captured via Survey Monkey online and paper survey. The results were entered into Excel and analysed using descriptive statistics using Stata Version 14. Results A total of 45 healthcare practitioners from eight countries participated in the background survey. The greatest proportion were trained in Tanzania (14, 31.1%) and Ethiopia (14, 31.1%). The mean age of participants was 32.6 (SD=6.6). The mean number of years reported for working at their current facility is 3.7 (SD=3.5). The greatest number of participants in the survey were physicians (22, 48.9%) and specialists (11, 24.4%). Over half (53.3%, n=24) selected that they had moderate experience with data analysis, and the majority reported that they had less than three publications. A total of 34 HCPs participated in the usability study. The mean scores for the usability questionnaire portion were high, with all of the scores being above 6. Major positive themes of the participant comments included easy to use and time saving, major negative themes included feasibility concerns, and comments specific variable to add were common. Discussion There is a lot of heterogeneity in the data analysis and technology experience of participants. The participants were overall satisfied with the Trauma Data Platform. Participants’ comments and suggestions on elements to add indicate that there is still work to be done to design a Trauma Data Platform that is suitable for this setting. Conclusions Overall satisfaction with the Trauma Data Platform was high, and the user comments and suggestions will be incorporated into future versions of the platform. This research highlights the importance of considering the feasibility of health technology in its introduction

Understanding the Relationship between Genetic Markers and Skeletal Remains: Implications for Forensic Anthropology and Phenotype-Genotype Studies

Human identification techniques have been a leading tool to hold perpetrators accountable, give families closure, and reconstruct faces on skulls. This project is a pilot study to critically examine three disciplines that fall under the human identification umbrella: forensic anthropology, forensic genetics, and forensic art. Current facial research in genetics focuses on data from living individuals where specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that influence specific regions of the face have been found. This study assesses the translation of these same regions to craniometric dimensions (inter-landmark distances) of the underlying skull itself. The goal of this project is to provide information regarding the correlation of craniometric measurements and SNPs, as well as encourage interdisciplinary work within the forensic sciences. We examined a selection of candidate SNPs currently identified in the literature to determine if there were correlations between inter-landmark distances and those SNPs within the same individual. A series of 98 craniometric landmarks were collected from 17 documented skulls from the Texas State Donated Skeletal Collection using a 3D Microscribe digitizer. Criteria for inclusion in this study included European American ancestry, the presence of intact skulls, and presence of associated donor blood cards collected at the time of body donation. Using these blood samples, DNA from each individual was extracted, amplified, and sequenced through Next Generation Sequencing for the specific chosen SNPs. Afterward, bioinformatics tests were applied to observe the presence or absence of the major or minor alleles in the specific locations on the genome. After determining the presence or absence of an SNP (minor allele), a set of statistical tests were performed including: Spearman’s correlation between the craniometric measurements and the individual’s genetic data variables; two-way hierarchical clustering and Bootstrap Forest modelling between variables that demonstrated significant correlation; a principal component analysis was performed on the craniometric data (inter- landmark measurements) and genetic data (SNP presence/absence) in order to check the homogeneity of each data set; and finally, a pair-wise Procrustes analysis was completed on the correlation of the two data sets as different groups. The results indicate a correlation in various degrees between the targeted craniofacial regions and the targeted SNPs. There were 11 SNPs that showed significant correlation (p \u3c0.05). However, the correlations were not as expected and showed some interesting results. By group level there was no significant correlation, however, there was correlation at the individual level. While some SNPs affected the soft tissues only, others showed correlations with the skull (hard tissue), a finding that had not been previously known. By combining craniometric and DNA analyses to leverage genotype-phenotype associations, there is great potential to expand the discourse of current facial approximation and to, thereby, provide new investigative tools for human identification in forensic anthropology

Community-based models of care facilitating the recovery of people living with persistent and complex mental health needs: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of community-based models of care (MoCs) supporting the recovery of individuals who experience persistent and complex mental health needs. Method: We conducted a systematic review and narrative synthesis of MoC studies reporting clinical, functional, or personal recovery from October 2016 to October 2021. Sources were Medline, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases. Studies were grouped according to MoC features. The narrative synthesis was led by our researchers with lived experience. Results: Beneficial MoCs ranged from well-established to novel and updated models and those explicitly addressing recovery goals and incorporating peer support: goal-focused; integrated community treatment; intensive case management; partners in recovery care coordination; rehabilitation and recovery-focused; social and community connection-focused; supported accommodation; and vocational support. None of our diverse group of MoCs supporting recovery warranted a rating of best practice. Established MoCs, such as intensive case management, are promising practices regarding clinical and functional recovery, with potential for enhancements to support personal recovery. Emerging practice models that support personal and functional recovery are those where consumer goals and priorities are central. Conclusion: Evidence for established models of care shows that there is a need for inevitable evolution and adaptation. Considering the high importance of effective MoCs for people experiencing persistent and complex mental health needs, further attention to service innovation and research is required. Greater emphasis on the inclusion of lived and living experience in the design, delivery, implementation, and research of MoCs is needed, to enhance MOCs' relevance for achieving individual consumer recovery outcomes

Fatal Canine Intoxications Linked to the Presence of Saxitoxins in Stranded Marine Organisms Following Winter Storm Activity.

At the start of 2018, multiple incidents of dog illnesses were reported following consumption of marine species washed up onto the beaches of eastern England after winter storms. Over a two-week period, nine confirmed illnesses including two canine deaths were recorded. Symptoms in the affected dogs included sickness, loss of motor control, and muscle paralysis. Samples of flatfish, starfish, and crab from the beaches in the affected areas were analysed for a suite of naturally occurring marine neurotoxins of dinoflagellate origin. Toxins causing paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) were detected and quantified using two independent chemical testing methods in samples of all three marine types, with concentrations over 14,000 µg saxitoxin (STX) eq/kg found in one starfish sample. Further evidence for PSP intoxication of the dogs was obtained with the positive identification of PSP toxins in a vomited crab sample from one deceased dog and in gastrointestinal samples collected post mortem from a second affected dog. Together, this is the first report providing evidence of starfish being implicated in a PSP intoxication case and the first report of PSP in canines

Community-based models of care facilitating the recovery of people living with persistent and complex mental health needs: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the effectiveness of community-based models of care (MoCs) supporting the recovery of individuals who experience persistent and complex mental health needs.MethodWe conducted a systematic review and narrative synthesis of MoC studies reporting clinical, functional, or personal recovery from October 2016 to October 2021. Sources were Medline, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases. Studies were grouped according to MoC features. The narrative synthesis was led by our researchers with lived experience.ResultsBeneficial MoCs ranged from well-established to novel and updated models and those explicitly addressing recovery goals and incorporating peer support: goal-focused; integrated community treatment; intensive case management; partners in recovery care coordination; rehabilitation and recovery-focused; social and community connection-focused; supported accommodation; and vocational support. None of our diverse group of MoCs supporting recovery warranted a rating of best practice. Established MoCs, such as intensive case management, are promising practices regarding clinical and functional recovery, with potential for enhancements to support personal recovery. Emerging practice models that support personal and functional recovery are those where consumer goals and priorities are central.ConclusionEvidence for established models of care shows that there is a need for inevitable evolution and adaptation. Considering the high importance of effective MoCs for people experiencing persistent and complex mental health needs, further attention to service innovation and research is required. Greater emphasis on the inclusion of lived and living experience in the design, delivery, implementation, and research of MoCs is needed, to enhance MOCs' relevance for achieving individual consumer recovery outcomes

Uses of strength-based interventions for people with serious mental illness: a critical review

Background: For the past 3 decades, mental health practitioners have increasingly adopted aspects and tools of strength-based approaches. Providing strength-based intervention and amplifying strengths relies heavily on effective interpersonal processes. Aim: This article is a critical review of research regarding the use of strength-based approaches in mental health service settings. The aim is to discuss strength-based interventions within broader research on recovery, focussing on effectiveness and advances in practice where applicable. Method: A systematic search for peer-reviewed intervention studies published between 2001 and December 2014 yielded 55 articles of potential relevance to the review. Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies was used to appraise the quality of the studies. Our review found emerging evidence that the utilisation of a strength-based approach improves outcomes including hospitalisation rates, employment/educational attainment, and intrapersonal outcomes such as self-efficacy and sense of hope. Conclusion: Recent studies confirm the feasibility of implementing a high-fidelity strength-based approach in clinical settings and its relevance for practitioners in health care. More high-quality studies are needed to further examine the effectiveness of strength-based approaches