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Palaeo Down Under3 (PDU3), the now quadrennial conference of the Australasian Palaeontologists(AAP) association, was held in Perth, Western Australia, from the 10th–14th of July 2023. PDU3 showcased innovative research, outreach and education initiatives being conducted across Australasia and beyond by both local and international scientists. A total of 78 talks, 17 posters and 6 plenaries were presented across the five days, and covered a wide range of topics, geological timeframes, and fossil groups. AAP is proud to publish this compilation of PDU3 abstracts to illustrate the current and ongoing strength of Australasian palaeontology.Sarah K. Martin [Sarah.Martin@dmirs.wa.gov.au], Geological Survey of Western Australia, Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, 100 Plain St, East Perth, Western Australia 6004, Australia; Michael Archer [m.archer@unsw.edu.au], School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia; Heidi J. Allen [Heidi.allen@dmirs.wa.gov.au], Geological Survey of Western Australia, Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, 100 Plain St, East Perth, Western Australia 6004, Australia; Daniel D. Badea [badeadaniel.i13@gmail.com], Faculty of Geography and Geology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Bulevard “Carol I”, Nr.11, 707006, Iași, Romania; Eleanor Beidatsch [ebeidats@myune.edu.au], Palaeoscience Research Centre, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia; Marissa J. Betts [mbetts7@une.edu.au], Palaeoscience Research Centre/LLUNE, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia; Maria Blake [maria.blake@monash.edu], School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University, 9 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Phillip C. Boan [pboan001@ucr.edu], University of California, Riverside, Geology 1242, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521, U.S.A.; Tory Botha [tory.botha@adelaide.edu.au], School of Biological Sciences, Molecular Life Sciences Building, North Terrace Campus, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; Glenn A. Brock [glenn.brock@mq.edu.au], School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia; Luke Brosnan [Luke.Brosnan@postgrad.curtin.edu.au], WA Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre, The Institute for Geoscience Research, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Building 500, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; Jack Castle-Jones [jack.jones1@students.mq.edu.au], School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia; Jonathan Cramb [jonathan.cramb@qm.qld.gov.au], Queensland Museum, PO Box 3300, South Brisbane BC, Queensland 4101, Australia; Vanesa L. De Pietri [vanesa.depietri@canterbury.ac.nz], School of Earth and Environment, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; Sherri Donaldson [sherri.donaldson.oz@gmail.com], School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh, Grant Institute, The King’s Buildings, James Hutton Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FE, Scotland, U.K.; Elizabeth M. Dowding [dowdingem@gmail.com], Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loewenichstraße 28 91054 Erlangen, Germany; Ruairidh Duncan [ruairidh.duncan@monash.edu], Evans EvoMorph Lab, Room 226, 18 Innovation Walk, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Amy L. Elson [amy.elson@curtin.edu.au], WA Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre, The Institute for Geoscience Research, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Building 500, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; Roy M. Farman [r.farman@unsw.edu.au], School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia; Mahala A. Fergusen [mahala.fergusen@adelaide.edu.au], School of Biological Sciences, Benham Building, North Terrace Campus, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; Alyssa Fjeld [alyssa.fjeld@monash.edu], School of Biological Sciences, 18 Innovation Walk, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, and School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia; David Flannery [david.flannery@qut.edu.au], School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia; Timothy G. Frauenfelder [timothy.frauenfelder@gmail.com], University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia; John D. Gorter [johngorter1@gmail.com], PO Box 711, Claremont, Western Australia 6910, Australia; Michelle Gray [m.gray@research.deakin.edu.au], School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia; Nigel Gray [nlg2225@gmail.com], GPO Box 2902, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia; Peter Haines [peter.haines@dmirs.wa.gov.au], Geological Survey of Western Australia, Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, 100 Plain St, East Perth, Western Australia 6004, Australia; Lachlan J. Hart [lachlan.hart@australian.museum], Australian Museum Research Institute, 1 William Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; Brooke E. Holland [b.holland@uq.net.au], School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; James D. Holmes [jamesholmes83@gmail.com], Department of Earth Sciences, Palaeobiology, Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, Uppsala 752 36, Sweden; Lars Holmer [lars.holmer@pal.uu.se], Department of Earth Sciences, Palaeobiology, Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, Uppsala 752 36, Sweden; Ashleigh V.S. Hood [ashleigh.hood@unimelb.edu.au], School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; Alexey P. Ippolitov [ippolitov.ap@gmail.com], School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka, 21 Kelburn Parade, Wellington 6012, New Zealand; Christine M. Janis [christine_janis@brown.edu], Bristol Palaeobiology Group, School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Wills Memorial Building, Bristol, BS8 1RJ, U.K.; Benjamin P. Kear [benjamin.kear@em.uu.se], The Museum of Evolution, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 16, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden; Sophie Kelly [sophie.kelly@pg.canterbury.ac.nz], School of Earth and Environment, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; Justin L. Kitchener [jkitche3@myune.edu.au], School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia; John R. Laurie [john.r.laurie@gmail.com], Geoscience Australia, Symonston, Australian Capital Territory 2601, and School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia; Lucy G. Leahey [lucyleahey@hotmail.com], The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; John A. Long [john.long@flinders.edu.au], College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, PO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; Daniel Mantle [dan.mantle@mgpalaeo.com.au], MGPalaeo, Unit 1, 5 Arvida Street, Malaga, Western Australia 6090, Australia; David McB. Martin [david.martin@dmirs.wa.gov.au], Geological Survey of Western Australia, Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, 100 Plain St, East Perth, Western Australia 6004, Australia; Chris Mays [cmays@ucc.ie], School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, Cork T23 N73K, Ireland; Matthew R. McCurry [matthew.mccurry@austmus.gov.au], Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; Peter McGoldrick [p.mcgoldrick@utas.edu.au], CODES, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 66, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Corinne L. Mensforth [mens0009@flinders.edu.au], Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; Rhys D. Meyerkort [meyerkortr@gmail.com], University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia; Christina Nielsen-Smith [c.nielsensmith@uq.net.au], School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Ryan Nel [ryan2nel@gmail.com], Geology Department, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Jake Newman-Martin [jake.newman-martin@student.curtin.edu.au], Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; Yeongju Oh [yjoh@kopri.re.kr], Division of Earth Sciences, Korea Polar Research Institute, 26 Songdomirae-ro, Yeonsu-gu, 21990 Incheon, Republic of Korea, and Polar Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea; John R. Paterson [jpater20@une.edu.au], Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia; Jacob Pears [J.pears@imperial.ac.uk], School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; Stephen F. Poropat [steve.poropat@curtin.edu.au], Western Australian Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre, School of Earth and Planetary Science, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, and Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, Winton, Queensland 4735, Australia; Catherine M. Reid [catherine.reid@canterbury.ac.nz], School of Earth and Environment, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; R. Pamela Reid [preid@rsmas.miami.edu], Department of Marine Geosciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, U.S.A., and Bahamas Marine EcoCentre, Miami, FL 33158, U.S.A.; Stephanie A. Richter Stretton [srichte2@myune.edu.au], Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia; Ben Robertson [ben.t.robertson@adelaide.edu.au], School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Mawson Building Room 107, University of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; Helen E. Ryan [helen.ryan@museum.wa.gov.au], Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Western Australian Museum, 49 Kew Street, Welshpool, Western Australia 6106, Australia; Steven W. Salisbury [s.salisbury@uq.edu.au], School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Donna Satterthwait [Donna.Satterthwait@utas.edu.au], CODES, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 66, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Natalie I. Schroeder [Natalie.Schroeder@ga.gov.au], Geoscience Australia, GPO Box 378, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia; Yogmaya Shukla [yogmayashukla@bsip.res.in; yogmayashukla@gmail.com], Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow-226007, India; Miriam Slodownik [miriam.slodownik@adelaide.edu.au], School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, South Australia 5005, Australia; Patrick M. Smith [Patrick.Smith@austmus.gov.au], Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia, and Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia; Nile P. Stephenson [nps36@cam.ac.uk], Department of Zoology, Downing Pl, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, U.K.; Rachel L. Surprenant [rsurp001@ucr.edu], University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521, U.S.A.; Kailah M. Thorn [Kailah.thorn@museum.wa.gov.au], Department of Terrestrial Vertebrates, Western Australia Museum, 49 Kew Street, Welshpool, Western Australia 6101, Australia; Kenny J. Travouillon [kenny.travouillon@museum.wa.gov.au], Western Australian Museum, 49 Kew Street, Welshpool, Western Australia 6101, Australia; Kate M. Trinajstic [K.Trinajstic@curtin.edu.au], School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; Madison Tripp [madison.tripp@postgrad.curtin.edu.au], Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre, School of Earth and Planetary Science, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; Vikram Vakil [vikram.vakil@uqconnect.edu.au], School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Elizabeth A. Weldon [l.weldon@deakin.edu.au], School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia; Joshua White [Joshua.white@anu.edu.au], Research School of Physics, Department of Materials Physics, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, and Australian Museum Research Institute, 1 William Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; Robbert J. Willink [robblink@ozemail.com.au], 11 Coral Sea Court, Sunshine Beach, Queensland 4567, Australia; Gemma L. Wise [g.wise@uq.net.au], School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Christina R. Woltz [cwoltz@stanford.edu], Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Stanford University, 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305-2115, U.S.A; George Young [george.young@pg.canterbury.ac.nz], School of Earth and Environment, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand; Zhiliang Zhang[zhiliang.zhang@nigpas.ac.cn], Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, People’s Republic of China; Yong Yi Zhen [yong-yi.zhen@regional.nsw.gov.au], Geological Survey of New South Wales, 947–953 Londonderry Road, Londonderry, New South Wales 2753, Australia; Tim Ziegler [tziegler@museum.vic.gov.au], Museums Victoria Research Institute, GPO Box 666, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia.

AbstractFossil Bothriembryonspecimens were recovered from the northwestern edges of the Nullarbor Plain, Western Australia, ∼300 km inland from the current southern coastline. This locality is significant because extant species of Bothriembryonfrom the Nullarbor are confined to within 50 km of the coastline. Principle component analysis (PCA) was used to compare the Nullarbor Bothriembryonspecies with a morphologically comparable extant species from the Eucla Basin, Bothriembryon barretti, and geographically closest fossil species: Bothriembryon kremnobatesand Bothriembryon praecursor. Results showed strong support for a new fossil species herein described as Bothriembryon pilkiensissp. nov. Specimens were found as internal moulds within pisolitic calcrete overlying the early Miocene Colville Sandstone. The chronology of the pisolitic calcrete is poorly studied; here we discuss the results of palynological and U–Th disequilibrium investigations which attempted to constrain the time of deposition and fossilization, with palynology results suggesting the late Pliocene. The type locality of B. praecursor, Kangaroo Well, Northern Territory, was also re-evaluated in age to the early Miocene, using biocorrelation of two balbarid species to taxa found within Riversleigh World Heritage Area assemblages. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E33B1587-1023-419D-AFE8-11FD8C443A27Helen E. Ryan [helen.ryan@museum.wa.gov.au], Collection and Research Centre, WA Museum, 49 Kew Street, Welshpool, WA, 6106; Kenny J. Travouillon [Kenny.travouillon@museum.wa.gov.au], Collection and Research Centre, WA Museum, 49 Kew Street, Welshpool, WA, 6106; Lynne A. Milne [L.Milne@curtin.edu.au], School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA, 6102; Sarah K. Martin [sarah.martin@dmirs.wa.gov.au], Geological Survey of Western Australia, Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, 100 Plain Street, East Perth, WA, 6004; Kailah M. Thorn [Kailah.thorn@museum.wa.gov.au], Collection and Research Centre, WA Museum, 49 Kew Street, Welshpool, WA, 6106; Corey S. Whisson [corey.whisson@museum.wa.gov.au], Collection and Research Centre, WA Museum, 49 Kew Street, Welshpool, WA, 6106.

As postextubation dysphagia (PED) is correlated with pneumonia, feeding-tube placement, and in-hospital mortality, early identification is paramount. Endotracheal intubation duration of ≥48 h is independently predictive for PED. Therefore, a blanket intensive care unit (ICU) referral protocol was implemented to conduct PED assessment of patients intubated for ≥48 h.

The use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges to communication, with visual and sound barriers impacting the ability to interact effectively. This study evaluated the impact of (1) face masks on communication effectiveness and (2) a communication training program to enhance communication success in an acute hospital setting. A quantitative survey study design was implemented, and staff underwent education on multimodal communication strategies to enhance communication success in masks. Outcomes (staff and patient surveys, communication breakdown audit) were collected at three time points: before and after implementation of the training program and at 6 months. Sixty participants (23 nursing, seven allied health, and 30 patients) were recruited. Prior to training, communication breakdown was frequent (43%), with low staff confidence in communicating in masks. After training and at 6 months, a reduction in communication breakdown was observed (38% and 19%, respectively), with both staff and patients reporting greater confidence communicating in a face mask. Multimodal communication strategies can enhance communication success in face masks in the acute hospital setting.

The Active Kids voucher is a universal, state‐wide voucher program, provided by the New South Wales (NSW) Government, Office of Sport. All school‐aged children in NSW are eligible to receive a voucher to reduce registration costs of structured physical activity programs. This study explores reasons behind lower uptake among children who are overweight or obese, from cultural and linguistically diverse families and those living in low socio‐economic areas. Participants were recruited through a convenience sample of parent/carers who participated in the NSW Health Go4Fun program. Qualitative data were collected using focus groups. The Framework method was adapted for the analysis, taking an interpretive phenomenological approach. Study participants (n= 54) were all parents of children who were overweight or obese from both low and high socio‐economic status (SES). Most reported speaking a primary language other than English at home (65%). Parents were mostly aware of the Active Kids program (91%) and reported that the voucher had a positive impact on their children's participation in structured physical activity. A range of socio‐ecological factors, in addition to activity cost, influenced whether parents were able to use an Active Kids voucher and participate in structured physical activity. The Active Kids voucher does not alleviate all barriers, particularly for families living in low socio‐economic areas. Engagement of this population in structured physical activities using the Active Kids vouchers could be strengthened through the implementation of effective interventions which comprehensively address the remaining barriers, such as access and flexibility of programs with local stakeholders and activity providers.

In the past, results have shown the influence of oil-additive systems in the life of rolling bearings, also hypotheses have been formulated on the influence of lubricant formulation on the development of early bearing damage associated with white etching cracks. In some earlier work of the authors with different operating conditions, early damage, and white etching cracks had been generated by mechanical stresses. In this study, tests with custom-made lubricants have been performed on thrust as well as radial bearings to clarify some assumptions. The tested oils differ only by the presence of three additives, but only one oil has led systematically to white etching cracks despite the fact that both oils lead to similar mechanical stresses. The results confirm that under mixed lubrication conditions with certain lubricant formulations, early damage, in particular white etching cracks, can be influenced by the oil-additive system likely affecting the bearing steel. Hypotheses are formulated and the influence of different parameters is discussed. This paper, combined with earlier work of the authors, confirms that the understanding and solution to an early bearing damage associated with white etching cracks can only be validated using the appropriate test method.

Siversson, M., Cook, T.D., Ryan, H.E., Watkins, D.K., Tatarnic, N.J., Downes, P.J. & Newbrey, M.G. 5 June 2018. Anacoracid sharks and calcareous nannofossil stratigraphy of the mid-Cretaceous Gearle Siltstone and Haycock Marl in the lower Murchison River area, Western Australia. Alcheringa43, 85–113.Extensive bulk sampling over the past 20 years and greatly improved stratigraphic control permitted a meaningful revision of previously described anacoracid sharks from the ‘upper’ Gearle Siltstone and lower Haycock Marl in the lower Murchison River area, Western Australia. Isolated teeth of anacoracids are rare in the lower three (Beds 1–3) of four stratigraphic units of the ‘upper’ Gearle Siltstone but relatively common in the uppermost layer (Bed 4) and in the lower part of the overlying Haycock Marl. On the basis of calcareous nannofossils, Beds 1 and 2 of the ‘upper’ Gearle Siltstone can be placed in the uppermost upper Albian calcareous nannofossil Subzone CC9b whereas Bed 3 can be referred to the lowermost Cenomanian CC9c Subzone. Bed 1 yielded fragments of strongly serrated anacoracid teeth as well as a single, smooth-edged tooth. The samples from Beds 2 and 3 contained a few small fragments of serrated anacoracid teeth. Bed 4 is barren of calcareous nannofossils but the presence of a dentally advanced tooth of the cosmopolitan lamniform genus Cretoxyrhinain combination with the age of the overlying Haycock Marl indicate deposition within the younger half of the Cenomanian. The unit produced teeth of two anacoracids; Squalicorax acutussp. nov. and S. bazziisp. nov. The basal, laminated part of the Haycock Marl is placed in the uppermost upper Cenomanian part of CC10b. It yielded Squalicorax mutabilissp. nov. and S. aff. S. bernardezi. Exceptionally well-preserved teeth of the former species span a 5:1 size ratio range for teeth of comparable jaw position. The teeth reveal strong ontogenetic heterodonty with a large increase in the relative size of the main cusp with age and the transition from a vertical distal heel of the crown in very young juveniles to a sub-horizontal, well demarcated heel in ‘adult’ teeth. An isolated phosphatic lens in the lower part of the Haycock Marl produced calcareous nannofossils indicative of the CC10b SubZone, most likely the lowermost lower Turonian part. It contains teeth of Squalicorax mutabilissp. nov., S. aff. S. bernardezi, and S. sp. C.Mikael Siversson* [mikael.siversson@museum.wa.gov.au], Helen E. Ryan [helen.ryan@museum.wa.gov.au] and Peter Downes [peter.downes@museum.wa.gov.au] Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Western Australian Museum, 49 Kew Street, Welshpool, Western Australia 6106, Australia; David K. Watkins [dwatkins@unl.edu] Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA; Todd D. Cook [tdc15@psu.edu] School of Science, Penn State Behrend, 4205 College Drive, Erie, PA 16563, USA; Nikolai J. Tatarnic† [nikolai.tatarnic@museum.wa.gov.au] Department of Terrestrial Zoology, Western Australian Museum, 49 Kew Street, Welshpool, Western Australia 6106, Australia; Michael G. Newbrey‡ [newbrey_michael@columbusstate.edu] Department of Biology, Columbus State University, Columbus, GA 31907-5645, USA. *Also affiliated with: School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia. †Also affiliated with: Centre for Evolutionary Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009. ‡Also affiliated with: Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre, 111-B Gilmour Street, Morden, Manitoba R6 M 1N9, Canada.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:97D5131F-C0D5-4A7E-9C9A-0FDF13BFCBBBhttp://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:5977DCC2-355C-4732-8B0A-4BD0EABBA8DEhttp://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:2D7C4147-B756-4434-847A-B0C1C6D167DFhttp://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:33F3B55E-41E0-45B3-8296-A3B95C17B41D

Anecdotal evidence from teachers in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) indicated that many primary school children are regularly unable to participate in the Crunch&Sip®(C&S) program (breaks during class time to eat fruit and/or vegetables and drink water) as they do not bring produce from home. Actual reach of the program may therefore be currently overestimated, and inequitable. This study examined the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of providing school children supplementary, fresh free produce in supporting equitable participation in C&S. Free fruit and vegetables were provided for 10 weeks to four schools in a socioeconomically‐disadvantaged area in Western Sydney. WSLHD sourced the produce at a discounted rate and storage and distribution was arranged in partnership with industry. Schools determined methods of allocation to children who did not have fruit or vegetables for the C&S break. Pre‐ and late‐intervention (Week 9) classroom surveys provided quantitative data of intervention efficacy. Qualitative methods were used with key school persons to explore barriers and enablers to implementation. Participation of children in C&S increased significantly from 46.7% pre‐intervention to 92.0% in Week 9. The proportion of children bringing fruit or vegetables from home also increased significantly, from 46.7% to 54.0%. Schools perceived the supplementary strategy to be highly feasible and acceptable. Expansion of this equity strategy warrants consideration, although issues of sustainability would need to be addressed. The criteria for ‘full implementation’ should include high proportional participation by students in participating classes. Establishing a system by which schools in disadvantaged areas can supplement their C&S program would effectively increase access to fruit and vegetables among those children most at need. In NSW primary schools, classroom breaks for children to consume fruit or vegetables and drink water rely on parental provision of produce. This pilot intervention showed that provision of free produce to previously non‐participating children was required to ensure equitable reach of the C&S program.

To assess the performance of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) mortality prediction model in pregnant and recently pregnant women receiving critical care in low-, middle-, and high-income countries during the study period (1985–2015), using a structured literature review.

An increasing number of patients requiring surgery are presenting with chronic or end stage liver disease. The management of these patients demands anesthesiologists with in-depth knowledge of the consequences of hepatic dysfunction, the effects on other organs, the risk of surgery, and the impact of anesthesia.

The primary aim was to determine if respiratory and skeletal muscle strength and submaximal exercise capacity were reduced in subjects prior to sibling- or unrelated-donor hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT).

Improving the care of critically ill patients is a key objective of the Department of Health (DoH, 2000). Research findings and anecdotal evidence suggest that the key indicators of developing critical illness (respiratory rate and fluid balance) are being missed on busy general medical and surgical wards. In order to address this issue, the East Somerset NHS Trust critical care outreach team, in collaboration with ward staff, created the Amber Project. This project aimed to identify clearly patients who were at risk of deterioration and provide qualified nurses with a clear framework and minimum standard for assessment and observation. The project ran from June to September 2003. Results indicated that on the ward using the amber system the frequency of patient observations increased compared to those found on two other general wards. Nursing staff reported feeling more confident with regard to assessment and prioritizing care. Junior medical staff, physiotherapy and nursing staff reported that multiprofessional communication had improved, resulting in identification and treatment of critically ill patients. The authors suggest that the Amber Project, which incorporates the use of a ‘track and trigger’ warning system, has been an effective initiative in identifying patients at risk of developing critical illness on general wards. Its positive impact on the performance and confidence of qualified nurses working in difficult environments has resulted in the extension of the project to all other wards in the hospital.

ABSTRACTA field-scale tracer test was conducted to evaluate in-situ ventilation rates in a major collector sewer. The sewer under study was ~11 km long and ranged from 0.61 to 2.1 m in diameter. For the purposes of the tracer testing, the collector was divided into four reaches, each of which was tested individually. The tracer test involved injecting a measured volume of CO gas into a manhole over a short time period. CO concentrations were then measured in the collector headspace at selected manholes along the length of the reach.The technique employed successfully measured average headspace velocities over extended lengths of the collector. In a section that had a relatively stagnant headspace, ~1.1 km of sewer could be evaluated, with substantial tracer loss attributed to losses to manholes. In a section of the sewer with elevated headspace velocities, a section ~7.0 km long was successfully tested with one injection of tracer gas. The velocities observed in the collector varied substantially with time and location in the collector. The lowest velocities measured were in the upstream sections, with a minimum observed value of 3.8 m/min. The highest velocities were observed in the downstream sections, with a maximum value of 31.5 m/min. The presence of a substantial drop structure appeared to reduce the headspace velocity in the upstream reach. In general, there was an increasing trend in gas-phase flows with distance along the length of the collector. Flows at the discharge end of the collector were almost 2 orders of magnitude greater than those at the beginning.

Twenty-eight women performed two demanding sustained attention tasks in the premenstrual and intermenstrual phases of the menstrual cycle. Mood was assessed before and after performance. No effects of phase were found on perceptual sensitivity and response criterion, but response time on the less demanding of the two tasks was slower in the premenstrual phase. There were no effects of phase on pre-task mood, but following performance, premenstrual women were lower in energy and in pleasantness of mood. Moods varied with phase irrespective of usage of the contraceptive pill, but effects on response time were stronger in non-pill users. Performance data suggest that speed of visual discrimination varies with the cycle, but this finding is of little practical significance. The mood data suggest that the affective correlates of the cycle vary with situational stress, and, in the workplace, it may be desirable to reduce stress and workload during the premenstrual phase.

To evaluate the performance of the Modified Early Obstetric Warning System (MEOWS) to predict maternal ICU admission in an obstetric population.

Lansigan: Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Teva: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Spectrum: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Background:

The article presents answers to a question of what types of social networking tools fitness professionals use, including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Lansigan: Teva Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Spectrum Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding.

Background:

Background: High Dose Chemotherapy with Autologous Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Support (HDC/AutHPCS) is a cancer treatment which provides potential for improved survival and risk for short and long term treatment side effects. Self report of QOL outcomes can guide risk assessment and system improvements to optimize care and rehabilitation.

Background: High Dose Chemotherapy with Autologous Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Support (HDC/AutHPCS) is a cancer treatment which provides potential for improved survival and risk for short and long term treatment side effects. Self report of QOL outcomes can guide risk assessment and system improvements to optimize care and rehabilitation. Purpose: This study examined and compared over time, the quality of life outcomes for patients who have undergone this treatment. Design: The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant (FACT-BMT v.3) was the survey instrument used to measure QOL. Respondents were also asked to report their performance status based on the Eastern Co-operative Oncology Group (ECOG) and the New York Heart Association (NYHA) Performance status scales. Two open-ended questions were asked: what ”Good”, or “Bad” things occurred related to the treatment. Additional questions were asked about sleep problems that occurred after transplant, and whether a structured exercise program would have helped after discharge. Method: A survey was mailed in November, 2005. Sample: Patients (n=145) who had this treatment at our institution were contacted by mail. Diagnoses included acute myeloid leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, amyloid, breast cancer, and testicular cancer. Data analysis: Scores for the FACT-BMT were analyzed using SPSS 14 (SPSS Inc., Chicago IL). Qualitative responses were analyzed using NVivo v.7 software. Results: The return rate was 57% (n=81). The FACT-BMT Scores, subscales and total scores were comparable to other findings in similar studies and populations. FACT BMT SCORES 2006 FactG Score (Mean+/−SD) Range(0–112) 89.24+/−17.32 (45–112) FACT BMT Score (Mean+/−SD Range (0–40) 29.14+/−6.37 (16–40) FACTG/BMT Total (Mean+/−SD) Range (0–152) 118.29+/−22.78 (61–152) There were no statistically significant differences in scores from past studies with this population at this institution. Significant correlations were found between the scores of items in the FACT-BMT for which ≥ 25% of respondents reported low item ratings and the self rating ECOG and/or NYHA performance scales. Significant differences were also found when comparing the FACT-BMT Scores, subscales and total scores with demographic attributes such as, marital status, living situation, health insurance, employment status, and income. Twenty-five per cent (n=21) of respondents described new problems with sleep and 54% (n= 41) of respondents reported that a structured exercise program would have been beneficial for recovery. There were 21 respondents who participated in this survey (2006) and two prior surveys (1997 and 1999). Content and themes of their unsolicited and solicited written responses of their self reported lived experiences over time will be presented. Conclusions: Overall, participants reported good quality of life. Based on demographics, there were subgroups identified potentially needing assessments and interventions focused on physical, social, emotional, and functional well being. This could be accomplished through a more focused pre-admission and follow-up needs assessment to identify patients who would potentially benefit from additional resources for psychosocial support, sleep and exercise/activity issues.