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The Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia has a long history of palaeoenvironmental coral research. However, it can be logistically difficult to find the relevant research and records, which are often unpublished or exist as 'grey literature'. This hinders researchers' ability to efficiently assess the current state of coral core studies on the GBR and thus identify any key knowledge gaps. This study presents the Great Barrier Reef Coral Skeletal Records Database (GBRCD), which compiles 208 records from coral skeletal research conducted since the early 1990s. The database includes records from the Holocene, from ~8,000 years ago, to the present day; from the northern, central, and southern GBR from inshore and offshore locations. Massive Porites spp. coral records comprise the majority (92.5 %) of the database, and the remaining records are from Acropora , Isopora or Cyphastrea spp. The database includes 78 variables, with Sr/Ca, U/Ca and Ba/Ca the most frequently measured. Most records measure data over 10 or more years and are at monthly or lower resolution. The GBRCD is machine readable and easily searchable so users can find records relevant to their research, for example, by filtering for site names, time period, or coral type. It is publicly available as comma-separated values (CSV) data and metadata files with entries linked by the unique record ID and as Linked Paleo Data (LiPD) files. The GBRCD is publicly available from the NOAA National Center for Environmental Information's Paleoclimate Data Archive at https://doi.org/10.25921/hqxk-8h74 (Arzey et al. 2024). The collection and curation of existing GBR coral research provides researchers with the ability to analyse common proxies such as Sr/Ca across multiple locations and/or examine regional to reef scale trends. The database is also suitable for multi-proxy comparisons and combination or composite analyses to determine overarching changes recorded by the proxies. This database represents the first comprehensive compilation of coral records from the GBR. It enables the investigation of multiple environmental factors via various proxy systems for the GBR, northeastern Australia and potentially the broader Indo-Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study was to estimate adherence to urate‐lowering therapy (ULT), predominately allopurinol, from Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) claims database in association with (1) patient‐reported doses and (2) World Health Organization's (WHO) defined daily doses (DDD), namely, allopurinol (400 mg/day) or febuxostat (80 mg/day). Methods: Proportion of days covered (PDC) was calculated in 108 Gout App (Gout APP) trial participants with at least two recorded ULT dispensings in an approximately 12‐month period before provision of intervention or control apps. Adherence was defined as PDC ≥80%. We measured the correlation between the two methods of calculating PDC using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. Agreement between ULT‐taking status (self‐reports) and ULT‐dispensed status (PBS records) was tested with Cohen's kappa (κ), and positive and negative percent agreement. Results: Allopurinol was prescribed in 93.5% of participants taking ULT. Their self‐reported mean daily dose (SD) was 291 (167) mg/day. Mean PDC (SD) for allopurinol was 83% (21%) calculated using self‐reported dose, and 63% (24%) using WHO's DDD. Sixty‐three percent of allopurinol users were identified as adherent (PDC ≥80%) using self‐reported dose. There was good agreement between self‐reported ULT use and PBS dispensing claims (κ = 0.708, P <.001; positive percent agreement = 90%, negative percent agreement = 82%). Conclusions: Participant‐reported allopurinol daily doses, in addition to PBS dispensing claims, may enhance confidence in estimating PDC and adherence compared to using DDD. This approach improves adherence estimations from pharmaceutical claims datasets for medications where daily doses vary between individuals or where there is a wide therapeutic dose range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is one of the most important and also hazardous industries in Australia. Having a sound knowledge and understanding of the circumstance of injury events is critical to developing evidence-based intervention programs. This paper aims to provide a brief historical snapshot of the development of data systems underpinning the assessment of fatal farm injury in Australia and how it has impacted on safety policy and practice. The first Australian studies used coronial information to explore agricultural fatalities, these studies reviewed paper-based records (in-situ) and collected the information for analysis and reporting. This task was laborious and costly. When the National Coronial Information System (NCIS) was established in 2000, this allowed access to coronial records online. Information provided about the deceased includes demographics, contextual details on the nature of the fatality and autopsy, toxicology, and police reports, as-well-as the coroner's finding. Information from the NCIS, along with media reports, have been used to develop the farm fatality database. This information has been used to inform the safety goals and targets for farm commodity groups, identify key risks, provide long-term benchmark indicators and underpin the development of prevention materials and training resources. Without accurate, timely, concise and relevant data about injury occurring on farms, there is no evidence to drive policy and practice or to evaluate programs of work. As such, the continued utilization and extension of the NCIS data will prove crucial to further reducing the burden of preventable fatal injuries on Australian farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The shortfall in medical workers in rural and remote Australia has led to health discrepancies in these regions. The University of Wollongong's medical program was designed to encourage graduates to work in these regions to address this shortfall. Objective: To compare rural and regional locations of work and choices of speciality between University of Wollongong's graduates and graduates from all Australian universities. Design: We conducted a longitudinal analysis on data available from the Medical Schools Outcome database, with graduate exit surveys linked to registrations of location and speciality. Rural and remote locations were identified as MM2‐7 regions using the Modified Monash Model. In total, 716 graduates from the University of Wollongong and 26 915 graduates from all Australian medical schools completed the MSOD exit survey in 2010‐2021 and registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency in 2022. The main outcome was the relative likelihood (relative risk) of cohorts working in rural and regional areas and of cohorts choosing general practice as their speciality. Findings: University of Wollongong's medical graduates were 1.51 times or 51% more likely to work in regional or rural areas (RR 1.51, 95% CI 1.34 to 1.71, p < 0.0001). Respondents who were 10 or more years post graduation were 1.57 times or 57% more likely to specialise in general practice than all other Australian medical graduates (RR 1.57 95% CI: 1.40 to 1.79, p < 0.0001). Discussion: The University of Wollongong's medical school is producing graduates to meet Australia's rural health workforce needs. This may be due to a higher intake of rural students, and a higher percentage of students taking rural placements. Conclusions: Rural health workforce needs can be addressed through rural‐focussed education strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Data linkage is a very powerful research tool in epidemiology, however, establishing this can be a lengthy and intensive process. This paper reports on the complex landscape of conducting data linkage projects in Australia. Methods. We reviewed the processes, required documentation, and applications required to conduct multi-jurisdictional data linkage across Australia, in 2023. Results. Obtaining the necessary approvals to conduct linkage will likely take nearly 2 years (estimated 730 days, including 605 days from initial submission to obtaining all ethical approvals and an estimated further 125 days for the issuance of unexpected additionally required approvals). Ethical review for linkage projects ranged from 51 to 128 days from submission to ethical approval, and applications consisted of 9-25 documents. Conclusions. Major obstacles to conducting multi-jurisdictional data linkage included the complexity of the process, and substantial time and financial costs. The process was characterised by inefficiencies at several levels, reduplication, and a lack of any key accountabilities for timely performance of processes. Data linkage is an invaluable resource for epidemiological research. Further streamlining, establishing accountability, and greater collaboration between jurisdictions is needed to ensure data linkage is both accessible and feasible to researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Using case law, the aims of this study were to document the methods for trafficking of performance and image‐enhancing drugs (PIED) into Australia, and the characteristics of individuals and groups involved. Methods: Data was collected from judges' sentencing comments. Searches were conducted using the Australasian Legal Information Institute database across all states in Australia, for the period of January 2010 to December 2021. After removing duplicates and cases which did not meet the inclusion criteria, 31 cases were included in the analysis. Results: Across the 31 cases, 37 individuals were named as being involved in the supply and/or trafficking of PIEDs, with three cases involving an unknown number of individuals. One case named four actors involved in the supply and/or trafficking of PIEDs, three cases involved three actors, four cases involved two actors and 17 cases involved one actor. In 20 of the 31 cases, individuals operated alone. Over half (19 of the 37) of the individuals were health professionals. The majority (n = 17) of cases involved prescription as the method of acquisition, while seven cases involved the importation of PIEDs. Discussion and Conclusion: The small number of cases identified, with the majority involving only a single actor, and half of the cases involving those in the medical profession. The findings suggest that discrete occurrences of trafficking involves individuals or small groups that do not appear to be linked to large‐scale networks or networks involving the supply and trafficking of other illicit substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Australia has made significant progress towards achieving the UNAIDS's 95‐95‐95 cascade targets including HIV viral suppression. To investigate the burden of HIV viraemia, we assessed viral blips, low‐level viraemia (LLV) and virologic failure (VF) in an Australian cohort. Methods: We studied the proportion of people with viral suppression, viral blips, LLV and VF in the Australian HIV observational database (AHOD) between 2010 and 2021. The association between blips or LLV, and VF was investigated using Cox regression, and predictors of viral blips and LLV were assessed using repeated‐measured logistic regression. Results: Among 2544 AHOD participants who were in follow‐up and on antiretroviral therapy (ART) from 1 January 2010 (88.7% male), 444 had experienced VF (incidence rate: 2.45 [95% CI: 2.23–2.69] per 100 person‐years [PY]) during 18,125 PY of follow‐up (a median of 7.6 years). The proportion of people with VF decreased over time, whereas rates of blips and LLV remained stable. Participants with blips (hazard ratio, 2.89; 95% CI: 2.31–3.61) and LLV (4.46; 95% CI: 3.38–5.89) were at increased risk of VF. Hepatitis B co‐infection, longer documented treatment interruption duration, younger age and lower CD4 at ART initiation, and protease inhibitors‐based initial regimen were associated with an increased risk of VF. Common predictors of blips and LLV such as higher HIV‐1 RNA and lower CD4 at ART initiation, longer treatment interruption, more VL testing and types of care settings (hospitals vs. sexual health services) were identified. Conclusions: Blips and LLV predict subsequent VF development. We identified important predictors of HIV viraemia including VF among individuals on INSTI‐based regimens to help direct HIV management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Nations has declared 2021–2030 as the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. These declarations emphasise the importance of restoring degraded marine and coastal ecosystems and supporting research and knowledge. The number and scale of marine and coastal restoration projects have been increasing in Australia and New Zealand over the past 40 years. However, the lack of a central repository of projects and their results limits opportunities to share knowledge to improve effectiveness. To address this gap, we developed the Australian and New Zealand Marine and Coastal Restoration Database. Information for this database was gathered from publicly available documents (peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports) and discussions with key organisations that lead projects in Australia and New Zealand. For each project, we recorded the start date, duration, spatial scale, location, details on monitoring, and success criteria. The database includes information up until 1 June 2020. It is available online via the Australian Coastal Restoration Network website. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An elevated estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (eRVSP) identified on echocardiography is present in one-third of individuals with type 2 diabetes, but its prognostic significance is unknown. To assess the relationship between eRVSP and mortality, prospective data from 1732 participants in the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II were linked with the National Echocardiographic Database of Australia. Of this cohort, 416 (mean age 70.6 years, 47.4% males) had an eRVSP measured and 381 (91.4%) had previously confirmed type 2 diabetes. Receiver- operating characteristic analysis of the relationship between eRVSP and all-cause mortality was conducted. Survival analyses were performed for participants with type 2 diabetes diagnosed before first measured eRVSP (n = 349). Cox regression identified clinical and echocardiographic associates of all-cause mortality. There were 141 deaths (40.4%) during 2348 person-years (mean ± SD 6.7 ± 4.0 years) of follow-up. In unadjusted Kaplan–Meier analysis, mortality rose with higher eRVSP (log-rank test, p < 0.001). In unadjusted pairwise comparisons, eRVSP >30 to 35, >35 to 40, and >40 mmHg had significantly increased mortality compared with eRVSP ≤ 30 mmHg (p = 0.025, p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). There were 50 deaths in 173 individuals (29.1%) with eRVSP ≤ 30 mmHg, and 91 in 177 (51.4%) with eRVSP > 30 mmHg (log-rank test, p < 0.001). In adjusted models including age, Aboriginal descent, Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 3 and left heart disease, eRVSP > 30 mmHg predicted a two-fold higher all-cause mortality versus ≤ 30 mmHg. An eRVSP > 30 mmHg predicts increased all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes. Where available, eRVSP could inform type 2 diabetes outcome models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Co-ordinated, evidence-based policy and programmatic efforts are needed to respond to complex drowning prevention problems. Comprehensive, current, and robust data are vital for agenda setting, burden and risk factor identification, intervention design and evaluation, as well as setting policy. We aim to record methods used in, and identify impacts of, the development of a national fatal drowning database (NFDD) in Australia, including lessons learned across research, policy, and practice. Methods: We employ a case study method using process mapping and document review to explore the evolution, drivers and impacts of the NFDD. We analyse methodological approaches including those relating to data definitions, drowning case collection, and management, as well as tracking the various outputs of the NFDD. We describe a development timeline that presents impact of drowning prevention policy, and research agendas on database development, and research investments more specifically. Results: Our study identified that the collected variables grew 20-fold from 2002 to 2022, reaching 259 variables, and 5,692 unique cases of fatal drowning. The NFDD employs data triangulation methodology, combining keyword and targeted searches of coronial files, media report monitoring, and organisational data provision. Database development is influenced by the Australia Water Safety Strategy, policymaker and practitioner-initiated research agendas, and identification of knowledge gaps. We identified numerous outputs spanning publications, media, intervention development, and legislative submissions. Conclusion: A comprehensive and robust NFDD informed by policymaker and practitioner input can enhance surveillance, policy, and intervention development for drowning prevention. Employing mixed data collection and validation methods can supplement weaknesses in official data sources. There is a need for the NFDD to continue to evolve in its application while maintaining rigorous case identification and data quality assurance processes. Despite significant investment, the outputs and influence on drowning prevention practice in Australia has been extremely valuable and contributed to sizeable reductions in Australia's fatal drowning rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The aim of this study was to describe Australia's government-supported clinical knowledge and information resource portals and their alignment with government policies for digital health within an Australian context, and to clarify the role of hospital libraries in the public health system as an adjunct to state and territory portals. Methods. Government-supported clinical resource portals in Australian states and territories were examined and benchmarked. A comprehensive search of Australian state, territory, and federal government websites was conducted for strategies, policies, and projects relating to medical research, digital health, and health workforce education. These documents were screened for reference to clinical knowledge and information resource portals, clinical decision support tools, hospital libraries, or educational resources for the health workforce. Additionally, information was derived from relevant published Australian studies to provide context and additional information about access to evidence in public hospitals. Results. Clinical resource portals are a vital part of evidence-based health care in Australia; however, there are inconsistencies in these portals due to differences in policy, funding, and strategy between Australia's states and territories. Libraries in the healthcare sector play a key role in ensuring centralised clinical knowledge and information resource portals are easily available to clinicians, and in building on the initial portal collection, curate bespoke library collections for their individual organisations. Conclusion. This investigation highlights the importance of government-supported clinical knowledge and information resource portals and the role they play in the provision of safe, quality, evidence-based health care. These portals, in conjunction with hospital library activities, are an integral part of the clinical governance framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing complexity and scope of thoracic surgery warrants tools to monitor and improve the quality of surgical care provided to patients. Few data on the volume or outcome of thoracic surgical procedures are currently collected in Australasia. The Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Thoracic Registry (ANZTHOR) Steering Group have sought to rectify this by designing a REDCap-based thoracic clinical quality registry with improved patient care as its central goal. This centralised thoracic registry will benefit patients, clinicians, trainees, and the practise of thoracic surgery in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. With time, the registry will also facilitate high quality thoracic research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cubosomes have aroused growing interest recently due to their widespread applications in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic industries, etc. Especially, they demonstrate many advantages as drug delivery systems. However, no pharmaceutical products have been translated from bench to bedside so far. To promote the translation of the drug delivery system candidate, it is significant to accumulate fundamental and applied-fundamental knowledge of cubosomes. In the study, a bibliometric study upon cubosome research was carried out on the basis of Web of Science Core Collection database to figure out current and evolving knowledge domains of the published studies in a logical and robust way, summarizing the status quo and pointing out the future directions of cubosome research. Four questions which are pending addressed were answered by applying this research method and some conclusions were drawn: (1) Australia could be viewed as the most productive contributor for cubosome research. (2) Langmuir might be the most influential publishing media. (3) Using cubosomes as drug delivery carriers was a hot topic. (4) Adopting cubosomes as ocular drug delivery vehicles would continue to be a frequently studied aspect. In addition, cubosomes serve as alternative vector deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients to the brain and encapsulate active components extracted from herbal and traditional medicines in cubosomes are the burgeoning trends. By answering the four questions, productive contributors, influential publishing media, current research foci, and future directions were figured out. Hence, the current and evolving knowledge domains of cubosome studies were illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent mental health conditions managed predominantly by general practitioners (GPs). This study aimed to examine the management of anxiety by Australian GPs since the introduction of the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners initiative in 2006. Methods: We conducted secondary analysis of Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health data on GP encounters for anxiety from 2006 to 2016 (N = 28,784). We calculated point estimates and used multivariate logistic regression to explore the effect of GP and patient characteristics on rates and types of management. Results: The management rate of anxiety increased from 2.3% of GP encounters in 2006 to 3.2% in 2016. Over the 10-year period, increases were seen in referrals to psychologists (AOR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.07–1.11, p <.0001) and selective serotonin / serotonin-noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors (AOR = 1.05, 95%CI = 1.03–1.06, p <.0001), and benzodiazepines decreased (AOR = 0.94, 95%CI = 0.92–0.95, p <.0001). Systematic differences in management were found for patient and GP characteristics, including high rates of benzodiazepines in certain groups. Conclusions: Anxiety is accounting for more of the GP workload, year on year. GP management of anxiety has become more closely aligned with practice guidelines since 2006. However, high rates of benzodiazepine prescribing in certain groups remains a concern. Further research is needed into GP treatment decision making for anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to generate a baseline database of print media reporting on alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues prior to the release of the Mindframe guidelines in March 2019. Specifically, to: (i) describe the content associated with media entries that focus on AOD use in Australian news media; (ii) determine how the media entries compare to several domains associated with recently developed Mindframe guidelines for publicly reporting on AOD; and (iii) identify content factors associated with different scores. Methods: Media entries between July 2016 and June 2017 were searched for key AOD‐related terms using the Australian and New Zealand Newsstream database. Two coding schemes were developed to rate a stratified sample of 50% of the media entries against the Mindframe guidelines. Associations between content and total comparison scores were determined using linear regression models. Results: Detailed coding of the 2007 articles identified as relevant for the current study indicated that a majority (67%) were focused on one of three substances: alcohol, cannabis or methamphetamine. Most of the entries were either law enforcement (22%) or criminal justice related (19%). Entries that focused on methamphetamine scored significantly lower than entries on alcohol when compared to the Mindframe guidelines, similarly entries focused on crime/justice‐related topics scored significantly lower than entries focused on positive outcomes. Discussion and Conclusions: A disproportionate number of print media entries, particularly those related methamphetamine use, focused on crime or justice‐related topics, potentially further contributing to stigma, and emphasising the legal consequences of AOD use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to achieve a better understanding of the boundaries of the aviation education discipline and academic composition as well as patterns of research output in tertiary aviation education in Australia and New Zealand. This study developed a framework to identify aviation academics in Australia and New Zealand and operationalized a definition for aviation research. Based on these boundaries, a database of aviation academics and associated peer-reviewed research publications over a 5-year period between 2017 and 2021. From the database, this study was able to identify staffing profiles of aviation academics as well as patterns of research output at different levels of seniority to include the ratio of research publications that were considered aviation and nonaviation. Additionally, based on the relevant research area represented by journals of publication, aviation research disciplines were inductively developed. The study found that research outputs increase across levels until Level E, at which publications drop sharply, and that non-aviation research output was present at all levels but notably higher at Level C and Level D. It also found a research output profile for each level for both aviation and non-aviation research that can support performance benchmarking. In addition, the study identified seven aviation research disciplines based on the research area of periodicals in which aviation research was published. Lastly, the study highlighted the significant challenge of distinguishing aviation research and identifying aviation academics as well as limitations for external quantifying aviation research performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate Australian age stratified nationwide trends in vitreoretinal procedures. Nationwide retrospective analysis of vitreoretinal procedures in Australia over 2001–2019 using Australian National Hospital Morbidity Database for public and private hospitals. Age and gender-specific trends in selected procedures including pars plana vitrectomy for retinal detachment (PPV for RD), scleral buckle, intravitreal injections, and PPV unrelated to RD were analysed using negative binomial regression. Total included procedures increased from 8102 in 2001 to 136430 in 2019. Between 2001 and 2019, the incidence per 100,000 persons of PPV for RD increased from 7.5 to 20.7, whilst scleral buckling decreased from 10.5 to 4.0. Similarly, the incidence per 100,000 persons of PPV unrelated to RD increased from 18.4 to 67.1, and intravitreal injections increased from 5.6 to 446.0. The rate of scleral buckling decreased by 6% annually (p <.001), most pronounced in those 40 years and above. In contrast, PPV for RD increased by 5% annually (p <.001), also most pronounced in those aged 40 and above. PPV unrelated to RD increased by 7% annually (p <.001), and intravitreal injections increased by 21.0% annually (p <.001). Between 2001 and 2019, the rate of scleral buckling declined compared to an increase in PPV for RD. Our analysis suggests an increasing trend to PPV over scleral buckling for RD repair in Australia over the last two decades. Additionally, rates of PPV unrelated to RD and intravitreal injections increased across all age groups. Overall, these trends mirror those seen internationally and reflect changing practice patterns over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishery impacts pose threats not only to target species, but also to bycatch species. Nevertheless, choosing priorities for conservation or research in fisheries is often driven by economic value and most retained bycatch species such as sharks and rays have been historically of low profit. Traditional stock assessments usually require large quantities of data, financial support, and feasible study conditions. The multi-species nature of Chondrichthyan catch along with their relatively lower value and sparsity of fishery-independent data creates significant challenges to developing accurate impact predictions. This study introduces a novel technique to quantify the relative vulnerability of Chondrichthyan species taken as bycatch. The approach is based on spatial interactions between species and fishing activity (termed here the fishery interaction index, or FII) and is correlated to metrics of productivity. A database of 15 years of fisheries logbooks was used to apply the method to 20 bycatch sharks and target species in one of the largest fishing sectors of Australia's EEZ. Overall vulnerability based on the FII-productivity combinations obtained was found to agree considerably with the IUCN status of the assessed species, with only a few exceptions that reflected the local status differing from the general global assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bladder cancer (BC) outcomes are unacceptably poor. In Australia, BC survival is actually deteriorating. There is an urgent need to improve outcomes in BC patients, which requires a multipronged approach. One area deserving closer scrutiny is radical cystectomy. Audit is necessary to identify areas for improvement and without it, outcomes remain unknown. Evidence convincingly shows high‐volume surgeons and centers improve cystectomy outcomes including overall survival, yet centralization has still not occurred. The Australia and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate (ANZUP) Cancer Trials Group cystectomy database has been established to facilitate cystectomy audit in Australia and New Zealand. We present initial data from the ANZUP cystectomy database from a single high‐volume center, discuss the benefits of centralization and its challenges in the Asia‐Pacific context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Robotic oesophagectomy (RAMIO) is a novel procedure in Australia and New Zealand. We aimed to report the early operative and clinical outcomes achieved during the introduction of RAMIO into the practice of a single Australian surgeon and benchmark these against outcomes of patients receiving conventional minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIO) by the same surgeon. Methods: Data on all patients undergoing RAMIO, performed by a single high‐volume Australian surgeon, were collected from a prospectively maintained database. Operative, clinical and surgical quality outcomes were benchmarked on a univariable basis against those of patients receiving MIO. Learning curves were computed using quadratic and linear regression of operating times on case‐numbers and compared using Cox regression modelling. Results: 290 patients (237 MIO, 53 RAMIO (47% Ivor‐Lewis, 53% McKeon oesophagectomy)) were included. Compared with MIO, the median thoracic operating time was 20 min longer for RAMIO (P = 0.03). Following RAMIO, there was less blood loss (P < 0.01) and a shorter length of stay (P < 0.01).There were no differences in morbidity and quality of surgery following RAMIO compared with MIO. There were no deaths following RAMIO. Having progressed from MIO, the operating times for RAMIO improved after 22 cases compared with MIO (110 cases) (HR 0.70 (0.51–0.93), P = 0.01). Conclusion: With careful implementation, RAMIO may be safely performed within the Australian setting and is associated with a modest increase in procedure duration, but less blood loss and shorter length of stay compared with conventional MIO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the association between exogenous hormone use and the risk of cataract surgery among working‐aged Australian women. Methods: A total of 91 760 female participants aged 45–65 years and without prior history of cataract surgery were prospectively enrolled between January 2006 and December 2009 in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. A baseline self‐reported questionnaire was used to collect information on participant demographic, socio‐economic, lifestyle characteristics, medical history as well as the use of hormonal contraception and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Cataract surgery for these participants during 2006–2019 was determined according to the Medicare Benefits Schedule database. Cox regression was used to assess the association between exogenous hormone use and incident cataract surgery during the follow‐up. Results: During a mean follow‐up of 11.3 years, 10 444 participants underwent cataract surgery with a corresponding incidence of 11.4% (10 444/91 760). Compared with never users, ever and current users of HRT had a 22% and 14% increased risk of cataract surgery, respectively. A dose–response with longer HRT use resulting in a larger increase in cataract surgery risk was observed (p for trend <0.001). Among participants never used HRT, hormonal contraception had a protective effect against incident cataract surgery (hazards ratio: 0.87; 95% confidence interval: 0.80–0.94). Conclusions: Use of HRT significantly increased the risk of cataract surgery, and hormonal contraception use had a protective effect on cataract surgery among HRT non‐users. Further studies assessing the effect of different hormone types and doses are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Australia, the regional prevalence of difficult-to-treat asthma is unknown. We aimed to describe regional variation in difficult-to-treat asthma prevalence and oral corticosteroid (OCS) use. In this retrospective, observational, longitudinal study using data from March 2018–February 2019 in the NostraData longitudinal database, prescriptions dispensed for obstructive airway disease were processed through a high-level algorithm to identify patients with asthma. Difficult-to-treat asthma was defined by ≥2 high-dosage inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting beta-agonist prescriptions over 6 months. Patients who additionally received OCS prescriptions sufficient to treat ≥2 exacerbations over 6 months were classified as having uncontrolled difficult-to-treat asthma. Patient-level data were analyzed across 340 geographic areas in Australia to determine regional prevalence of difficult-to-treat asthma, uncontrolled difficult-to-treat asthma, and OCS use. Of 1 851 129 people defined as having asthma, 440 800 (24%) were classified as having difficult-to-treat disease. Of those difficult-to-treat asthma patients, 96 338 (22%) were considered to have uncontrolled disease. Between 29% and 48% of patients had difficult-to-treat asthma in 49 geographic areas, most frequently located in Western Australia. Between 26% and 67% of patients had uncontrolled difficult-to-treat asthma in 29 geographic areas (mostly in Eastern Australia). Overall, a wide variability of asthma severity and control was observed among regions. Despite global and national guidelines, regional differences in the prevalence of difficult-to-treat asthma and uncontrolled difficult-to-treat asthma and OCS use exist in Australia. Understanding these regional variations should inform policy and target management in the areas with the greatest unmet need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is no consensus on the optimal management of clavicle fractures, with advocates of both operative and non‐operative management. The objective of this study is to assess the trends in the management of clavicle fractures in Australia over the past two decades. Methods: The incidence of surgical fixation of clavicle fractures from 2001 to 2020 was analysed using the Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule database, reflective of operations performed on privately insured patients, thus excluding public patients and compensable cases. An offset term was utilized with data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics to account for population changes over the study period. Results: A total of 17 089 procedures for the management of clavicle fractures were performed from 2001 to 2020. The incidence of operative intervention increased from 1.87 per 100 000 in 2001 to a peak of 6.63 per 100 000 in 2016. An overall increase was seen in males (310%) and females (347%) over the study period, as well as across all age groups. A greater proportion of operative interventions was performed on males (n = 14 075, 82%) than females (n = 3014, 18%, P < 0.001). The greatest increase in intervention was noted in those aged 65 or older (14% increase per year, 95% CI 11%–17%, P < 0.05). In 2020, the incidence of operative intervention decreased to a level last seen in 2013. Conclusions: The incidence of operative interventions for clavicle fractures has increased in Australia over the 20‐year study period. This increase is in keeping with recent evidence suggesting several advantages when displaced mid‐shaft clavicle fractures are operatively managed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrary to approaching work and family as conflictual roles, a shift towards acknowledgement of the positive interaction between work and family has been detected. This research investigated whether married/cohabiting and divorced/separated parents differ in terms of work–family enrichment, considering their gender and relationship status after separation. Data from 3993 married/cohabiting and 1455 divorced/separated parents from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) database were analysed using regression analysis. The results revealed a complex interplay of relationship status and gender. Single mothers experience more work–family enrichment after a break-up than do mothers with a partner. No differences were found for fathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although prednisolone is a routinely prescribed medication in dogs, there is a lack of information regarding prednisolone prescribing practices by veterinarians. This study aims to describe characteristics of dogs receiving prednisolone, disease processes treated, doses prescribed as well as to identify factors influencing the dose rate in Australia. The VetCompass Australia database was queried to identify dogs prescribed prednisolone between 1 July 2016 to 31 July 2018 (inclusive). A random sample of 2,000 dogs from this population were selected. Dog demographic data, prednisolone dose and indication for prescription were collated. Indicated dose for the condition treated was compared to prescribed dose. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify patient-level characteristics associated with prescribed prednisolone dose. A large and small breed dog cohort, treated for the same disease process, were compared for differences in dosing. Median age of dogs was 73 (range 2 to 247) months and median body weight was 17 (range 1.56 to 90) kg. Median prescribed prednisolone dose was 0.8 mg/kg/day, with most dogs receiving an anti-inflammatory dose (0.3–1 mg/kg/day, 58%). Prednisolone prescriptions were predominantly for diseases of the integument (n = 1645, 82%) followed by unknown indication and respiratory disease. A total of 152 dogs (8%) were prescribed immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone for conditions where an anti-inflammatory dose would be recommended. Increases in bodyweight were associated with lower doses on mg/kg scale but higher doses on a mg/m2 scale (p < 0.001). Overall, prednisolone was primarily used as an anti-inflammatory in this population, with some inappropriate use of immunosuppressive doses. Increasing bodyweight was associated with a small reduction in dose in mg/kg, suggesting that clinicians are adjusting prednisolone dose rates based on dog bodyweight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Limb reduction is a dramatic evolutionary transition, yet whether it is achieved in similar trajectories across clades, and its environmental drivers, remain unclear. We investigate the macroevolutionary and biogeographical patterns of limb reduction in skinks, where limb reduction occurred more often than in any other tetrapod clade, and test their associations with substrate categories using a global database. We test for habitat associations of body shapes in a group of Australian skinks using quantitative habitat data. Location: Global (Scincidae), Australia (Sphenomorphinae). Taxon: Skinks, Australian Sphenomorphinae. Materials and Methods: We use morphological data to explore the patterns of limb reduction in the world's skinks, investigating how body proportions differ across skink clades and subfamilies. We examine the relationships between body shape and substrate (coarsely classified). Further, we investigate the relationships between body shape and high‐resolution soil and climate properties extracted from each species' distribution for Australian sphenomorphines. Results: Relationships between limb lengths and trunk elongation show idiosyncratic patterns across skink clades. Presacral vertebrae numbers positively correlate with trunk elongation in all taxa, except Glaphyromorphus. Skinks from sandy habitats show greater disparity between forelimb and hindlimb lengths than all other substrate categories. In sphenomorphines, shorter limbs and elongated trunks correlate with colder, more humid microhabitats and richer soils; high limb disparity correlates with hot, arid microhabitats and sandy, poor substrates. Main Conclusions: The evolutionary trajectories of limb reduction in skinks are clade‐specific and sometimes unique. Selection for specific limb proportions and body sizes in limb‐reduced forms changes across substrates. On poor, sandy substrates of arid environments, body shapes with longer hindlimbs may be more efficient for locomotion in a granular fluid (i.e. sand) and exploit the air–substrate interface than complete limblessness. On richer, more humid substrates, such morphology is rare, indicating that navigating cluttered substrates selects for more equal and shorter limb lengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Consumption of avocados has been suggested to be beneficial for weight control, however, limited research is available about the related food choices. Understanding the food choices associated with avocados at meal occasions may further aid behavioural strategies to lose weight. The present study used a systematic approach to develop an avocado-specific food database, with the aim to explore food choices related to avocados at meal occasions as reported by overweight and obese volunteers in weight loss clinical trials. Methods: The avocado-specific database was based on AUSNUT 2011–13 food composition database structure and was developed via a systematic approach, which determined the avocado content of Australian foods and beverages. Baseline usual food intake data was retrospectively pooled from four food-based clinical trials (n = 758). The Apriori algorithm of association rules, a two-step descriptive method was used to identify food choices associated with avocados at different meal occasions using a nested hierarchical food group classification system. Results: The avocado database identified 34 avocados and avocado-containing foods and beverages. The proportion of avocado consumers in the pooled cohort was 51.3% (n = 389), with an average avocado intake of 21.57 ± 36.75 grams per day. Avocados were found to be closely related to other food groups at all of the food group levels at main meal occasions. A total of 68 food items containing avocados were identified for avocado consumers at the breakfast, lunch and dinner meals. Conclusion: The avocado specific database provides a snapshot of the foods and beverages which contain avocados. Enumerating the full range of food choices in relation to avocado consumption should provide examples of food choices that people might consider in their efforts to increase their avocado consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate solar photovoltaic (PV) generation forecast is critical to the reliable and economic operation of a modern power system. In practice, due to various faulty issues in the sensor, communication, or database system, the historical and online measurement data may not be always complete, and the missing data could dramatically degrade the forecasting model's accuracy. To solve this problem, this paper proposes an integrated missing-data tolerant model for probabilistic PV power generation forecasting. Taking historical PV generations as input, this model is based on a recursive long short-term memory network (Rec-LSTM), which can provide multi-step ahead forecasting of the probability distribution of PV generation. The unobserved input data will be imputed recursively based on the model output at the previous time step. During the training process, the imputations and forecasting values are iteratively updated by the negative log-likelihood loss function. As a salient advantage, this method can deal with data missing scenarios at both offline and online stages. Numerical experiments are conducted on two one-year datasets from Australia and Singapore, respectively. Probabilistic forecasting for both large-scale and small-scale building-level PV power generation is tested at the time resolution of 15 mins. Testing results show the proposed method can achieve superior probabilistic prediction accuracy as well as strong robustness under various data missing scenarios, compared to other state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mortality attributed to fire and flame for children (0-14 years) over a fifty-year period has not been previously analyzed in Australia. The literature has focused on these deaths over a shorter time period or disaggregated with other causes of burns or deaths in one burns center. However, mortality associated with fire/flames affects this age group the greatest. The aims of this study are to: (1) develop a trends analysis of fire and flames mortality between1968 to 2016, using the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) mortality database and, (2) determine the association of interventions with fire and flames mortality using the Haddon's categorical intervention framework.Methods: International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes were extracted and code equivalencies between ICD 8, 9, 10 and the Australian Bureau of Statistics for fire/flames data between 1968--2016 were assessed. To determine whether population changes affected the risks of mortality, the frequency and, rates per 100,000 were used. A literature review was conducted that summarized the current knowledge of interventions associated with the major decreases in the fire and flames mortality rate.Results: In Australia, we found was a downward trend for the period although with significant variation from year to year when compared to external cause mortality. Additionally, there were multiple successful interventions associated with a sustained decrease in mortality. After 2016, child fire-related mortality remains a problem particularly in low socioeconomic groups and indigenous peoples. A combination of research, public awareness, engineering, legal enforcement, advancements in burns care and, evidence-based policy development all have a role to play in future injury prevention initiatives. Although direct causation to an individual is not possible, associations can be drawn from interventions on a population level to decreases in mortality.Conclusion: We found was a steady decline in both rates and frequency of childhood fire and flames mortality from 1968 to 2016 associated with multiple interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International frameworks have been put in place to foster chemical weapons nonproliferation and disarmament. These frameworks feature lists of chemicals that can be used as chemical weapons or precursors for their synthesis (CW-control lists). In these lists, chemicals of concern are described through chemical names and CAS Registry Numbers®. Importantly, in some CW-control lists, some entries, rather than specifying individual chemicals, describe families of related chemicals. Working with CW-control lists poses challenges for frontline customs and export control officers implementing these frameworks. Entries that describe families of chemicals are not easy to interpret, especially for non-chemists. Moreover, synonyms and chemical variants complicate the issue of checking CW-control lists through names and registry numbers. To ameliorate these problems, we have developed a functioning prototype of a cheminformatics tool that automates the task of assessing whether a chemical is part of a CW-control list. The tool, dubbed the Nonproliferation Cheminformatics Compliance Tool (NCCT), is a database management system (based on ChemAxon's Instant JChem) with an embedded database of chemical structures. The key feature of the database is that it contains not only the structures of the individually listed chemicals, but also the generic structures that describe the entries relative to families of chemicals (Markush structures). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Orbital compartment syndrome (OCS) is a time critical condition, with ischaemic complications occurring after 90–120 min. In the prehospital setting, the diagnosis and management of OCS is challenging due to complex environmental considerations, competing clinical priorities, and limited equipment. This study aims to provide learning points on performing lateral canthotomy and cantholysis (LCC) in the prehospital setting. Methods: We performed a retrospective audit of LCC in our service from January 2016 to December 2020 by retrieving demographic and clinical details from LifeFlight Retrieval Medicine electronic database using 'OCS' and 'LCC' as keywords. Results: Three cases out of 7413 trauma missions were identified over the 5‐year period. LCC was performed at the primary scene in two cases, while one patient underwent LCC at a rural hospital near the scene of injury. Clinical findings, aeromedical considerations, and radiological findings at the receiving facility, along with visual outcomes at time of discharge are discussed. Conclusion: Prehospital LCC is rare. The Australian aeromedical context often involves lengthy transfers of trauma patients. Clinical diagnosis and management of OCS are highly challenging in the prehospital setting. It is important that prehospital physicians have access to appropriate equipment to perform LCC. They should be provided with suitable training and supported by a standard operating procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited data suggest children with secondary steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (secondary SRNS) have increased risk of recurrence post transplantation. There are no data on the association between secondary steroid resistance and risk of transplant loss. Methods: Children who received kidney transplantation between 2000 and 2019 for either primary or secondary SRNS in Australia and New Zealand were included. Children presenting with nephrotic syndrome before 12 months were excluded. Data were gathered from chart reviews and ANZDATA. Transplant survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier estimator with Cox modelling used to explore predictors of survival. Results: There were seventy children, 38 (55%) male, median age at presentation 4 years (IQR 2–7) and 46 (66%) Caucasian. Median age at transplant was 11 years (IQR 7–15) and 39 (55%) received living donor transplant. Secondary SRNS occurred in 20/70 (29%). For those with secondary SRNS, 18/20 (90%) had recurrence post-transplant, compared to 18/50 (36%) with primary SRNS (p = 0.001). Every child with history of atopy (n = 11) or with hypoalbuminaemia at time of transplant (n = 13) experienced immediate recurrence. For children with secondary SRNS, 8/18 (44%) with post-transplant recurrence had no response to therapy. For children with primary SRNS, 4/18 (22%) with recurrence had no response to therapy (p = 0.3). Overall, 10-year transplant survival was 47% (95%CI 29–77%) for those with secondary SRNS, compared to 71 (95%CI 57–88%) for those with primary SRNS (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Secondary steroid resistance is strongly associated with SRNS recurrence. Atopy and hypoalbuminaemia at transplant may be novel risk factors for recurrence. Further research is needed to assess if secondary steroid resistance is associated with poorer transplant outcomes. "A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter discusses the marketing practices of pharmaceutical companies towards psychiatrists in Australia. The authors analyzed data from the Medicines Australia (MA) Code of Conduct, which requires the disclosure of payments made to doctors by pharmaceutical companies. They found that 2.3% of Australian psychiatrists received payments, with a total of AUD$515,437 transferred. The authors also noted errors in the MA database and called for greater transparency. They highlighted the potential influence of pharmaceutical payments on prescribing patterns and emphasized the need for psychiatrists to consider the ethical implications of their involvement with pharmaceutical companies. [Extracted from the article]

Background: There are multiple data sources relating to colorectal cancer (CRC) nationwide. Prospective clinical cancer databases, population‐based registries and linked administrative data are powerful tools in clinical outcomes research and provide real‐world perspective on cancer treatments. This study aims to review the different Australian data sources for CRC from the perspective of conducting comparative research studies using a PICO (patient, intervention, comparison, outcome) framework. Methods: Data dictionaries from the different data sources were evaluated for the types of exposure and outcome variables contained to highlight their differing research utility. Results: State or territory‐based cancer registries contain limited histology, cancer staging and treatment detail. They enable investigation of population‐level patterns in overall survival (OS) of cancer patients with different demographics. Prospective clinical cancer databases contain more detail, especially surgical. Their strength is in auditing short‐term surgical outcomes. They vary in the amount of data collected for other cancer treatments and completion of follow up data. Linked administrative databases have broad population coverage but less surgical detail. They provide population‐level data on treatment patterns, short‐term outcome measures and OS, as well as long‐term surgical outcomes such as identifying patients who did not undergo stoma reversal. These databases cannot assess disease‐free survival. Conclusion: Of the various CRC data sources within Australia, linked administrative databases have the potential to provide the widest population coverage combined with the broadest range of exposures and outcomes, and arguably the most research utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dead fuel moisture content assessed using a multi-modeling approach. • A global dataset of fire behavior experiments was used. • Vapor pressure deficit is a better predictor than temperature and relative humidity. • Semi-mechanistic models including vegetation type were the best approach. • Predicting fuel moisture content below 10 % was challenging. Dead fine fuel moisture content (FM) is one of the most important determinants of fire behavior. Fire scientists have attempted to effectively estimate FM for nearly a century, but we are still lacking broad scale evaluations of the different approaches for prediction. Here we tackle this problem by taking advantage or a recently compiled global fire behavior database (BONFIRE) gathering 1603 records of 1h (i.e., <6 mm diameter or thickness) dead fuel moisture content from measurements before experimental fires. We compared the results of models routinely used by different agencies worldwide, empirical models, semi-mechanistic models and also non-linear and machine learning approaches based on either temperature and relative humidity or vapor pressure deficit (VPD). A semi-mechanistic model based on VPD showed the best performance across all FM ranges and a historical model developed in Australia (MK5) was additionally recommended for low fuel moisture estimations. We also observed significant differences in FM dynamics between vegetation types with FM in grasslands more responsive to changes in atmospheric dryness than woody ecosystems. The addition of computational complexity through machine learning is not recommended since the gain in model fit is small relative to the increase in complexity. Future research efforts should concentrate on predictions at low FM (<10 %) as this is the range most significant for fire behavior and where the poorest model performance was observed. Model predictions are available from https://hcfm.shinyapps.io/shinyfmd/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When producing reservoirs in fluvial deposits, it is notoriously difficult to define pore volumes connected to completed well intervals from sparse subsurface data. It is equally difficult to forecast production behaviours like initial delivery rates and long-term drawdown curves. These prediction challenges reflect the wide variety of potential fluvial reservoir geometries, from isolated narrow shoestring sands to broad labyrinth sheets, and complex patterns of intra-reservoir heterogeneities. Improved subsurface predictions require detailed characterization of the fluvial system to define the scale and magnitude of grain size variations across a hierarchy of depositional scales. A fluvial reservoir architecture classification is used to improve subsurface characterization and is applied to the Triassic Mungaroo Formation, Northwest Shelf, Australia. Integration of a substantial database of 3D seismic and records from hundreds of well penetrations provides an exceptional opportunity to characterise a large fluvial system across the full hierarchy of scales from source to sink. The fluvial hierarchy and channel-belt classification, developed specifically to aid in subsurface modelling of fluvial systems, was partially created and tested using observations from the Mungaroo Formation. The fluvial hierarchy is defined as having progressively larger-scale depositional units termed: 1) Bed, 2) Bed set & Storey, 3) Element, 4) Complex, and 5) System. A channel-belt element is the typical subsurface modelling object composed of an amalgamation of channel bar and abandonment fill deposits (storeys) formed between episodes of river avulsion. Channel-belt elements are classified into four different channel-belt types with decreasing stream power: A to D. A-type channel-belts are high powered and dominated by downstream accretion deposits. B-type belts are moderately powered and feature a mix of down and lateral accretion deposits. C-type belts are moderately-low powered and dominated by lateral accretion deposits. D-type belts are low- to very-low-powered and feature oblique to downstream accretion deposition. High-quality 3D seismic data covering large parts of the basin allowed the mapping and interpretation of individual channel-belts over hundreds of kilometres in length to document downstream changes. Integration of seismic, core and well logs allow measurements of channel-belt width, thickness, and channel-belt edge rugosity geometry to estimate river bend wavelength. Mungaroo Formation C-type and D-type channel-belts average 1100 m wide (ranging from 150 to 3000 m) and 22 m thick (ranging from 5 to 68 m), which indicates these deposits formed in very large rivers. Along individual stratigraphic intervals, thicker, wider channel-belts with longer edge rugosity wavelength in the proximal part of the system pass down depositional dip into narrower, thinner, and lower wavelength rugosity belts. These spatial changes in channel-belt geometry are used to define changes in the fluvial system across a broad fluvial distributary system spanning hundreds of kilometres, including the branching of the trunk river into smaller distributaries that are typical of a distributive fluvial system. Channel-belt scaling relationships and detrital zircon provenance data indicate a continental-scale fluvial catchment comparable in size to large-discharge modern coastal systems like the Mississippi, Orinoco, and Parana rivers. The interpretation of the Mungaroo Formation as a large, low-gradient distributive river system, has significant reservoir modelling and hydrocarbon production implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rehabilitation outcomes in cardiac arrest survivors are largely unknown, with no data comparing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) and in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCA). This study aimed to describe and compare inpatient rehabilitation outcomes in these patients who were admitted from intensive care units (ICU).Methods: A retrospective linkage and analysis of cardiac arrest patients in the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database and the Australasian Rehabilitation Outcomes Centre inpatient dataset discharged to inpatient rehabilitation between January 2017 and June 2018. Primary outcome was the functional improvement during rehabilitation (difference between the Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) score on admission and discharge). Multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with functional improvement.Results: In the 240 (84 OHCA and 156 IHCA) patients included, the median length of inpatient rehabilitation was 15 days [1st-3rd quartile (Q1-Q3): 9-24]. OHCA patients were more likely to be admitted to rehabilitation for neurological issues (41.7%) and IHCA for medical reasons (51.9%). Median (Q1-Q3) change in total FIM scores was similar between the two groups (24.5[10-37]) vs 21[11-31], adjusted p = 0.20), with most of the FIM change seen in the motor items, and this was only associated with a lower admission FIM score. The majority of OHCA and IHCA patients were discharged home (91.5% and 89.7%, respectively), although with an increased need for a carer at home compared to baseline (27.2% to 55.6%).Conclusion: Patients discharged from ICU following OHCA and IHCA achieved reasonable and similar functional improvement during inpatient rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine trends in 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)‐related death rates across Australia, Finland, Portugal and Turkey and to analyse the toxicology and causes of death across countries. Design Analysis of MDMA‐related deaths extracted from a national coronial database in Australia (2001–19) and national forensic toxicology databases in Finland (2001–17), Portugal (2008–19) and Turkey (2007–17). Presentation of MDMA use and seizure data (market indicators). Setting: Australia, Finland, Portugal and Turkey. Cases All deaths in which MDMA was considered by the forensic pathologist to be contributory to death. Measurements Information collected on cause and circumstances of death, demographics and toxicology. Findings A total of 1400 MDMA‐related deaths were identified in Turkey, 507 in Australia, 100 in Finland and 45 in Portugal. The median age ranged from 24 to 27.5 years, and males represented between 81 and 94% of the deaths across countries. Standardized mortality rates significantly increased across all four countries from 2011 to 2017 during a period of increased purity and availability of MDMA. The underlying cause of death was predominantly due to drug toxicity in Australia (n = 309, 61%), Finland (n = 70, 70%) and Turkey (n = 840, 60%) and other causes in Portugal (n = 25, 56%). Minorities of all deaths across the countries were due to MDMA toxicity alone (13–25%). These deaths had a significantly higher blood MDMA concentration than multiple drug toxicity deaths in Australia, Finland and Turkey. Drugs other than MDMA commonly detected were stimulants (including cocaine, amphetamine and methamphetamine) (Australia 52% and Finland 61%) and alcohol (Australia 46% and Portugal 49%). In addition to MDMA toxicity, benzodiazepines (81%) and opioids (64%) were commonly identified in these deaths in Finland. In comparison, synthetic cannabinoids (15%) and cannabis (33%) were present in a minority of deaths in Turkey. Conclusions: Deaths related to 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) increased in Australia, Finland, Portugal and Turkey between 2011 and 2017. Findings show MDMA toxicity alone can be fatal, but multiple drug toxicity remains more prevalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about private-market opioid prescribing and how Australian opioid policies impact prescribing across public and private markets in Australia. We aimed to investigate publicly subsidised and private-market opioid prescribing from 2013 to 2018. We used prescribing records from MedicineInsight, an Australian primary care database, to examine trends in prescriptions for non-injectable opioid formulations from October 2013 to September 2018. We examined annual opioid prescribing trends overall, by opioid agent, and by market (public and private). We further examined patterns of fentanyl patch prescribing focusing on co-prescribed medicines and use in opioid-naïve patients. Opioids accounted for 8% of all prescriptions over the study period and 468 893 patients were prescribed at least one opioid of interest. Prescribing rates for oxycodone/naloxone and tapentadol increased, whereas those for fentanyl patches, morphine and single-agent oxycodone decreased over the study period. Private-market prescribing rates of codeine (schedule 4) increased notably following its up-scheduling to prescription-only status. Among patients prescribed fentanyl patches, 29% were potentially opioid-naïve and 49% were prescribed another opioid on the same day. The private-medicines market is a small but growing component of opioid use in Australia and one way in which prescribers and patients can avoid access restrictions in the public market for these medicines. Although fentanyl patch prescribing declined, there is room for improvement in prescribing fentanyl patches among opioid-naïve patients, and co-prescribing of fentanyl patches with other sedatives. The use of prescription opioids to treat pain has increased, but little is known about private-market opioid prescribing and how Australian opioid policies impact prescribing across public and private markets in Australia. Private-market prescribing rates of codeine (schedule 4) increased notably following its up-scheduling to prescription-only status. The private-medicines market is a small but growing component of opioid use in Australia and one way in which prescribers and patients can avoid access restrictions in the public market for these medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Epidemiological evidence suggests higher dietary flavonoid intake is associated with lower risk of several chronic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between intake of flavonoids and their subclasses, and incidence of hypertension among Australian women in two age cohorts. Methods: This population-based study included 6599 middle-aged (52.5 ± 1.5 years) and 6099 reproductive-aged (27.5 ± 1.5 years) women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Food frequency questionnaires were used to quantify intake of flavonoids by cross‐referencing with the Phenol-Explorer food composition database. Generalised Estimating Equation analyses investigated associations with incident hypertension, adjusting for demographic and dietary variables and hypertension risk factors. Results: There were 1645 cases (24.9%) of hypertension during 15 years follow-up in the middle-aged cohort and 336 cases (5.5%) during 12 years follow-up in the reproductive-aged cohort. Higher intakes of flavones [adjusted relative risk (ARR) for quintile 5 vs. 1: 0.82, 95% CI 0.70–0.97], isoflavones (0.86, 0.75–0.99) and flavanones (0.83, 0.69–1.00) were associated with a lower risk of hypertension in the middle-aged cohort. In the reproductive-aged cohort, higher intakes of flavanols (0.70, 0.49–0.99) were associated with a lower risk of hypertension. Key foods that provided these flavonoids were oranges, orange juice, apples, red wine and soy milk. Conclusion: Higher intakes of total flavonoids and subclasses were associated with a lower risk of hypertension in Australian women. These findings can be used in nutrition messaging and policies for improved cardiovascular health of women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate differences in presenting patient characteristics, investigation, management and related outcomes between culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and non‐CALD chest pain (CP) patients presenting to the ED. Methods: A cohort study of 258 patients was enrolled on presentation to Liverpool Hospital ED with a complaint of CP over a 2‐week period. Main outcomes included frequency and timeliness of diagnostic and radiological investigations, medication administered and ED length of stay. Administrative and clinical data were extracted and linked from Cerner EMR FirstNet®, PowerChart® and paper records. Results: There were 155 (60%) CALD and 103 (40%) non‐CALD patients. CALD patients were older by 10 years (95% CI 4, 15; P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in the number of pathology and imaging investigations carried out in each group, and similarly there were no significant differences in the number of patients administered analgesia or cardiac‐specific medications. Neither group differed in their ED length of stay (median 280 vs 259.5 min; P = 0.79) or hospital admission rate (median 56% vs 55%, P = 0.8). Conclusion: Both CALD and non‐CALD ED CP patients had similar test ordering, medication administration and clinical outcomes, but this was in the context of CALD patients being 10 years older together with a small study sample size. A larger cohort, matched for age, would provide further insights into potentially important differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is focused on the detailed lithostratigraphic facies characterisation of the paleo-environments of the uppermost Silurian through Lower Devonian Winduck Interval strata from the Bancannia South 1, Pondie Range 1 and Booligal Creek 1 and 2 wells, across the central Darling Basin of western New South Wales. Based on data from both wireline logs and drill cores and cuttings, an interpretation of paleo-environments and evolution of the depositional facies is presented. Our approach involves two key interpretations. The first outcome was the delineation of the Winduck Interval section (maximum observed thickness of approximately 1475 m) and formal subdivision into lower and upper Winduck Intervals, based on well data from the central Bancannia Trough, southern Pondie Range Sub-basin and northwestern flank of the Blantyre Sub-basin. The second outcome is based on the internal lithostratigraphy of the Winduck Interval represented by 11 sedimentary lithofacies organised into three lithofacies associations (LFAs). LFA-X1 is interpreted as distributary-channel sandstone complex deposits, LFA-X2 is interpreted as distributary mouth bar with small-scale braided delta plain complex deposits and LFA-X3 is interpreted as tidal channel sands with proximal delta front complex deposits. Subsurface lithostratigraphic facies analysis relationships and depositional environments of the Winduck Interval section have implications for evaluating the hydrocarbon potential and may assist future exploration efforts in the central Darling Basin, especially the Bancannia Trough and Pondie Range Sub-basin. A detailed lithostratigraphic facies characterisation of the paleo-environments of the uppermost Silurian–Lower Devonian Winduck Interval strata in the central Darling Basin is presented. Evaluation and interpretation of the Winduck Interval section in study area was subdivided into two informal stratigraphic units, a lower Winduck Interval and an upper Winduck Interval. Eleven distinct sedimentary lithofacies codes (LFs), which have been recognised in the internal lithostratigraphy of the Winduck Interval from the Bancannia South 1, Pondie Range 1 and Booligal Creek 1 and 2 wells, have been grouped into three lithofacies associations (LFAs). Lithostratigraphic facies analysis relationships and depositional environments of the Winduck Interval section has implications for evaluating the hydrocarbon potential and may assist future exploration in the Bancannia Trough and Pondie Range Sub-basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) is an area of increasing focus, particularly during the survivorship period, for paediatric, adolescent and adult cancer survivors. With the advent of immunotherapy and targeted therapy, there is a new set of mechanisms from which paediatric and young adult patients with cancer may suffer cardiovascular injury. Furthermore, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the survivorship period. The recently established Australian Cardio‐Oncology Registry is the largest and only population‐based cardiotoxicity database of paediatric and adolescent and young adult oncology patients in the world, and the first paediatric registry that will document cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapy and novel targeted therapies using a prospective approach. The database is designed for comprehensive data collection and evaluation of the Australian practice in terms of diagnosis and management of CTRCD. Using the Australian Cardio‐Oncology Registry critical clinical information will be collected regarding predisposing factors for the development of CTRCD, the rate of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction and transition to overt heart failure, further research into protectant molecules against cardiac dysfunction and aid in the discovery of which genetic variants predispose to CTRCD. A health economic arm of the study will assess the cost/benefit of both the registry and cardio‐oncology clinical implementation. Finally, an imaging arm will establish if exercise cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and VO2 max testing is a more sensitive predictor of cardiac reserve in paediatric and adolescent and young adult oncology patients exposed to cardiac toxic therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fundamental premise of river management is that practitioners understand the resource they are working with. In river management this requires that baseline information is available on the structure, function, health and trajectory of rivers. Such information provides the basis to contextualise, to plan, to be proactive, to prioritise, to set visions, to set goals and to undertake objective, pragmatic, transparent and evidence-based decision making. In this paper we present the State-wide NSW River Styles database, the largest and most comprehensive dataset of geomorphic river type, condition and recovery potential available in Australia. The database is an Open Access product covering over 216,600 km of stream length in an area of 802,000 km2. The availability of the database presents unprecedented opportunities to systematically consider river management issues at local, catchment, regional and state-wide scales, and appropriately contextualise applications in relation to programs at other scales (e.g. internationally)–something that cannot be achieved independent from, or without, such a database. We present summary findings from the database and demonstrate through use of examples how the database has been used in geomorphologically-informed river management. We also provide a cautionary note on the limitations of the database and expert advice on lessons learnt during its development to aid others who are undertaking similar analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Creation Multiple Sclerosis (MS) disease registries to comprehensive analysis and reduce the burden of the disease is important. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the structures of the MS registries and key features. Methods: This is a comparative descriptive study. The keywords used for the search including Multiple Sclerosis, MS, Registry system, Data bases and combination them with Boolean operators AND/OR. The relevant articles published in the English language were extracted, without any time limitation. Results: The Oslo, European database and German Pregnancy registry are local, Also Croatia and Australia registries are at the hospital and international level. Regular follow-up is done in ten registries. In the eight registries, the diagnostic criteria item is recorded. Conclusions: Knowledge of the incidence, survival, and death rate of MS disease enables health policymakers to identify at-risk groups and provide regular care for them. MS registry provide valuable information on the occurrence and distribution of MS in a specific area. So it appears that the identified information elements and use of them in the MS registries are at the core of the national MS control program and can lead to appropriate decisions at the national level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating disparate and distributed vegetation data is critical for consistent and informed national policy development and management. Australia's National Vegetation Information System (NVIS) under the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is the only nationally consistent vegetation database and hierarchical typology of vegetation types in different locations. Currently, this database employs manual approaches for integrating disparate state and territory datasets which is labour intensive and can be prone to human errors. To cope with the ever-increasing need for up to date vegetation data derived from heterogeneous data sources, a Semi-Automated Hybrid Matcher (SAHM) is proposed in this paper. SAHM utilises both schema level and instance level matching following a two-tier matching framework. A key novel technique in SAHM called Multivariate Statistical Matching is proposed for automated schema scoring which takes advantage of domain knowledge and correlations between attributes to enhance the matching. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed framework, the performance of the individual as well as combined components of SAHM have been evaluated. The empirical evaluation shows the effectiveness of the proposed framework which outperforms existing state of the art methods like Cupid, Coma, Similarity Flooding, Jaccard Leven Matcher, Distribution Based Matcher, and EmbDI. In particular, SAHM achieves between 88% and 100% accuracy with significantly better F1 scores in comparison with state-of-the-art techniques. SAHM is also shown to be several orders of magnitude more efficient than existing techniques. • The Integration of the National vegetation database is key for policy development. • A novel semi-automated hybrid schema matching framework, SAHM is proposed. • SAHM is a two-tiered matching solution that uses schema and instance information. • SAHM yields better schema matching results in comparison with the State-of-the-art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trait‐based approaches are increasingly used as a proxy for understanding the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Macrobenthic fauna are considered one of the major providers of ecosystem functions in marine soft sediments; however, several gaps persist in the knowledge of their trait classification, limiting the potential use of functional assessments. While trait databases are available for the well‐studied North Atlantic benthic fauna, no such trait classification system exists for Australia. Here, we present the South Australian Macrobenthic Traits (SAMT) database, the first comprehensive assessment of macrobenthic fauna traits in temperate Australian waters. The SAMT database includes 13 traits and 54 trait‐modalities (e.g., life history, morphology, physiology, and behavior), and is based on records of macrobenthic fauna from South Australia. We provide trait information for more than 250 macrobenthic taxa, including outcomes from a fuzzy coding procedure, as well as an R package for using and analyzing the SAMT database. The establishment of the SAMT constitutes the foundation for a comprehensive macrobenthic trait database for the wider southern Australian region that could facilitate future research on functional perspectives, such as assessments of functional diversity and changes to ecosystem functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This paper presents past trends in resident characteristics and usage patterns in residential aged care and explores implications for the future. Methods. Time series analyses were undertaken of national aged care administrative datasets and the Australian Bureau of Statistics Surveys of Disability, Ageing and Carers. Results. Although the number of people in residential care has continued to increase, resident profiles have changed as a result of higher growth rates in the number of men and of people aged 65-74 years and 90 years and over, and a decline in the number of women aged 75-89 years. Relative to population size, usage rates are declining across all age groups, the average length of stay is shortening, and dependency levels appear to be rising. Conclusion. Changing trends in residential aged care use, when combined with key trends in the broader population of older Australians, offer useful insights in planning for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate Western Australian (WA) data on the relationship between the prescription of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS), and the non-medical use of prescription ATS and other forms of meth/amphetamine, for both adults (18+) and minors (<18).Design and Methods: Two WA specific data sources were identified. The Stimulant Regulatory Scheme provided comprehensive ATS prescribing data from 2004 until 2017, and Australian Secondary School Alcohol and Drug (ASSAD) surveys provided details of non-medical prescription ATS use by WA adolescents (12-17). Other data sources included National Drug Strategy Household Surveys (NDSHS), the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program (NWDMP).Results: Over 95% of WA ATS prescribing has been for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). WA adults have consistently received prescription ATS at a much higher rate than other Australian adults. The most recent published data reported that in 2017 WA adults were 2.6 times as likely as other Australian adults to be supplied an ATS for ADHD. Drug treatment, NDSHS and NWDMP data indicate that WA adult rates of non-medical meth/amphetamine use have also regularly exceeded the Australian rate. Furthermore, the little data that exist on the non-medical use of prescription ATS by Australian adults suggests that it may also be disproportionately common in WA. From 1993 until 2002 the proportion of WA minors prescribed ATS grew rapidly and was the highest in Australia. Following regulatory reforms prescribing rates declined. By 2010 they were approximately half the 2002 rate. Over a similar timeframe there was a 72% fall in WA adolescent self-reported, past-week, non-medical amphetamine use. Since 2011 WA minor ATS prescribing rates have rebounded significantly. Unfortunately, useful data on adolescent meth/amphetamine use since 2011 is not available. Nonetheless, two ASSAD snapshots, in 2005 and 2017, suggest that more WA adolescents use prescription ATS non-medically than medically.Discussion and Conclusion: The data for WA adults suggest a correlation, but does not establish a causal connection, between ATS prescribing and the non-medical use of ATS and other forms of meth/amphetamine. Although it is clear that there is significant illicit prescription ATS use by WA adolescents, little is known about the contribution that the prescription of ATS makes to subsequent meth/amphetamine and other drug use. There is a critical need for research that investigates long-term, population-wide patterns and individual experiences of both those prescribed ATS and the broader population, to inform policy, prevention and treatment responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]