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Background: Drug classes are grouped based on their chemical and pharmacological properties, but prescription and illicit drugs differ in other important ways. Potential differences in genetic and environmental influences on the (mis)use of prescription and illicit drugs that are subsumed under the same class should be examined. Opioid and stimulant classes contain prescription and illicit forms differentially associated with salient risk factors (common route of administration, legality), making them useful comparators for addressing this etiological issue. Methods: A total of 2410 individual Australian twins [Mage = 31.77 (s.d. = 2.48); 67% women] were interviewed about prescription misuse and illicit use of opioids and stimulants. Univariate and bivariate biometric models partitioned variances and covariances into additive genetic, shared environmental, and unique environmental influences across drug types. Results: Variation in the propensity to misuse prescription opioids was attributable to genes (41%) and unique environment (59%). Illicit opioid use was attributable to shared (71%) and unique (29%) environment. Prescription stimulant misuse was attributable to genes (79%) and unique environment (21%). Illicit stimulant use was attributable to genes (48%), shared environment (29%), and unique environment (23%). There was evidence for genetic influence common to both stimulant types, but limited evidence for genetic influence common to both opioid types. Bivariate correlations suggested that prescription opioid use may be more genetically similar to prescription stimulant use than to illicit opioid use. Conclusions: Prescription opioid misuse may share little genetic influence with illicit opioid use. Future research may consider avoiding unitary drug classifications, particularly when examining genetic influences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Artificial intelligence has the potential to innovate current practices used to detect the imminent risk of suicide and to address shortcomings in traditional assessment methods. Objective: In this paper, we sought to automatically classify short segments (40 milliseconds) of speech according to low versus imminent risk of suicide in a large number (n=281) of telephone calls made to 2 telehealth counselling services in Australia. Methods: A total of 281 help line telephone call recordings sourced from On The Line, Australia (n=266, 94.7%) and 000 Emergency services, Canberra (n=15, 5.3%) were included in this study. Imminent risk of suicide was coded for when callers affirmed intent, plan, and the availability of means; level of risk was assessed by the responding counsellor and reassessed by a team of clinical researchers using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (=5/6). Low risk of suicide was coded for in an absence of intent, plan, and means and via Columbia suicide Severity Scale Ratings (=1/2). Preprocessing involved normalization and pre-emphasis of voice signals, while voice biometrics were extracted using the statistical language r. Candidate predictors were identified using Lasso regression. Each voice biomarker was assessed as a predictor of suicide risk using a generalized additive mixed effects model with splines to account for nonlinearity. Finally, a component-wise gradient boosting model was used to classify each call recording based on precoded suicide risk ratings. Results: A total of 77 imminent-risk calls were compared with 204 low-risk calls. Moreover, 36 voice biomarkers were extracted from each speech frame. Caller sex was a significant moderating factor (β=-.84, 95% CI -0.85, -0.84; t=6.59, P<.001). Candidate biomarkers were reduced to 11 primary markers, with distinct models developed for men and women. Using leave-one-out cross-validation, ensuring that the speech frames of no single caller featured in both training and test data sets simultaneously, an area under the precision or recall curve of 0.985 was achieved (95% CI 0.97, 1.0). The gamboost classification model correctly classified 469,332/470,032 (99.85%) speech frames. Conclusions: This study demonstrates an objective, efficient, and economical assessment of imminent suicide risk in an ecologically valid setting with potential applications to real-time assessment and response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the contested terrain of protecting or providing biometric data in the workplace. Through a major case study in Australia, a decision to terminate employment on the grounds of non-consent for biometric data to be collected was overturned through the legislative system. The case is important in that it highlights the increased impetus to collect such data and the arbitrary nature of legal protection. However, the results of this significant case do provide improved clarity and guidance on the usage, collection, storage and management of biometric data. It also signals to management the need to understand employees' rights and their own obligations around the informational privacy of employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inconsistent reporting practices in third trimester ultrasound, the choice of reference charts in particular, have the potential to misdiagnose abnormal fetal growth. But this may lead to unnecessary anxiety and confusion amongst patients and clinicians and ultimately influence clinical management. Therefore, we sought to determine the extent of variability in choice of fetal biometry and Doppler reference charts and reporting practices in Australia and New Zealand. Methods: Clinicians performing and/or reporting obstetric ultrasound were invited to answer questions about fetal biometry and Doppler charts in a web‐based survey. Results: At least four population‐based charts are in current use. The majority of respondents (78%) report the percentile for known gestational age (GA) alongside measurements and 63% using a cut‐off of estimated fetal weight (EFW) < 10th percentile when reporting small for gestational age (SGA) and/or fetal growth restriction (FGR). The thresholds for the use of fetal and maternal Doppler in third trimester ultrasound varied in terms of the GA, EFW cut‐off, and how measures were reported. The majority of respondents were not sure of which Doppler charts were used in their practice. Conclusion: This survey revealed inconsistencies in choice of reference chart and reporting practices. The potential for misdiagnosis of abnormal fetal growth remains a significant issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To identify drug use typologies based on substances used and persistence of use over two time points, use a genetically informed design to explore twin concordance of and genetic influence on the use typologies and compare patterns of declined/discontinued ("desistant") and persistent drug use on drug use correlates. Design Latent class analysis was applied to data from a cross‐sectional self‐report survey on current and past drug use. Use characteristics, use disorder, and psychiatric problems were compared across classes. Setting: Computer‐assisted telephone interview in respondents' homes. Participants: A total of 3785 individual twins and siblings (1365 men, 2420 women; Mage = 32) from the Australian Twin Registry Cohort III. Measurements A comprehensive interview assessed prior to past year and past year use of cannabis, stimulants, cocaine/crack, hallucinogens, opioids, sedatives, inhalants, dissociatives, and solvents; age of first use; opportunity to use; peer drug use; attention deficit/hyperactivity, conduct, antisocial personality, depressive, and substance use disorders; and suicidality. Findings A five‐class solution emerged: no/low use (50%), desistant cannabis use (23%), desistant party drug use (18%), persistent prescription drug misuse (4%), and persistent polydrug use (5%). Twin concordances were higher among monozygotic (k = 0.30–0.35) than dizygotic pairs (same‐sex k = 0.19–0.20; opposite sex k = 0.07), and biometric modeling suggested that the persistent polydrug use class, in particular, was highly heritable (a2 = 0.94). Conduct disorder (OR = 2.40), antisocial personality disorder (OR = 3.27), and suicidal ideation (OR = 1.98) increased persistent polydrug use risk; depression (OR = 2.38) and lifetime suicide attempt (OR = 2.31) increased persistent prescription misuse risk. Relative to persistent prescription drug misuse, persistent polydrug use was associated with higher rates of cannabis and stimulant use disorder (OR = 6.14–28.01), younger first substance use (OR = 0.82–0.83), more drug use opportunity (OR = 10.66–66.06), and more drug‐using peers (OR = 4.66–9.20). Conclusions: Unique patterns of declined/discontinued ("desistant") and persistent drug use are differentially heritable and differentially associated with risk factors, psychiatric symptoms, and substance use disorder outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment represents a critical first opportunity for nurses to influence individual changes in health behaviour. As the global prevalence of cardiovascular disorders rises, so does the role of nurses in cardiovascular health promotion. This review applies Pender's Health Promotion Model (HPM) to an evaluation of the current research on the role of nursing assessment as an intervention to impact cardiovascular health. This scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA-ScR framework for scoping reviews. A search of electronic databases (CINAHL, psychINFO, Medline) resulted in 335 records, which were then screened for eligibility for inclusion using the criteria (a) English language, (b) publication between 2009 and 2019, and (c) nursing intervention studies. A total of ten articles met criteria and are included in this scoping review. Half (n = 5) of the articles cited a theoretical framework. While none of the articles explicitly used the HPM, all involved measurement of HPM constructs: perceived benefits of action, perceived barriers to action, perceived self-efficacy, interpersonal influences, and situational influences. The focus and methodology of the included articles was heterogeneous. Assessment tools used were self-report surveys, biometric data, qualitative interviews, or a combination of these measures. Results were generally positive and indicated that nursing assessment is effective at altering health promotion behaviour and attitudes. This scoping review demonstrated that the current body of literature on the impact of nursing assessment on cardiovascular health promotion behaviour is limited but consistent. Future research would benefit from thorough integration of the HPM into research design in order to more fully explain the causative mechanisms underlying behaviour change as a result of nursing assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic, Public Health England have developed a suite of real-time statistical models utilising enhanced pandemic surveillance data to nowcast and forecast a future pandemic. Their ability to track seasonal influenza and predict heightened winter healthcare burden in the light of high activity in Australia in 2017 was untested.Methods: Four transmission models were used in forecasting the 2017/2018 seasonal influenza epidemic in England: a stratified primary care model using daily, region-specific, counts and virological swab positivity of influenza-like illness consultations in general practice (GP); a strain-specific (SS) model using weekly, national GP ILI and virological data; an intensive care model (ICU) using reports of ICU influenza admissions; and a synthesis model that included all data sources. For the first 12 weeks of 2018, each model was applied to the latest data to provide estimates of epidemic parameters and short-term influenza forecasts. The added value of pre-season population susceptibility data was explored.Results: The combined results provided valuable nowcasts of the state of the epidemic. Short-term predictions of burden on primary and secondary health services were initially highly variable before reaching consensus beyond the observed peaks in activity between weeks 3-4 of 2018. Estimates for R0 were consistent over time for three of the four models until week 12 of 2018, and there was consistency in the estimation of R0 across the SPC and SS models, and in the ICU attack rates estimated by the ICU and the synthesis model. Estimation and predictions varied according to the assumed levels of pre-season immunity.Conclusions: This exercise successfully applied a range of pandemic models to seasonal influenza. Forecasting early in the season remains challenging but represents a crucially important activity to inform planning. Improved knowledge of pre-existing levels of immunity would be valuable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychological stress-related injuries within first-responder organizations have created a need for the implementation of effective stress management training. Most stress management training solutions have limitations associated with scaled adoption within the workforce. For instance, those that are effective in civilian populations often do not align with the human performance culture embedded within first-responder organizations. Programs involving expert-led instructions that are high in quality are often expensive., Objective: This study sought to evaluate a tailored stress management training platform within the existing training schedule of the Australian Defense Force (ADF). The platform, known as Performance Edge (PE), is a novel virtual reality (VR) and biofeedback-enabled stress management skills training platform. Focusing on practical training of well-established skills and strategies, the platform was designed to take advantage of VR technology to generate an immersive and private training environment. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of delivering the VR platform within the existing group-based training context and intended training population. In this setting, the study further aimed to collect data on critical predictors of user acceptance and technology adoption in education, including perceived usability, usefulness, and engagement, while also assessing training impacts., Methods: This study used a mixed methods, multisite approach to collect observational, self-reported, and biometric data from both training staff and trainers within a real-world "on-base" training context in the ADF. Validated scales include the Presence Questionnaire and User Engagement Scale for perceived usefulness, usability, and engagement, as well as the State Mindfulness Scale and Relaxation Inventory, to gain insights into immediate training impacts for specific training modules. Additional surveys were specifically developed to assess implementation feedback, intention to use skills, and perceived training impact and value., Results: PE training was delivered to 189 ADF trainees over 372 training sessions. The platform was easy to use at an individual level and was feasible to deliver in a classroom setting. Trainee feedback consistently showed high levels of engagement and a sense of presence with the training content and environment. PE is overall perceived as an effective and useful training tool. Self-report and objective indices confirmed knowledge improvement, increased skill confidence, and increased competency after training. Specific training elements resulted in increased state mindfulness, increased physical relaxation, and reduced breathing rate. The ability to practice cognitive strategies in a diverse, private, and immersive training environment while in a group setting was highlighted as particularly valuable., Conclusions: This study found the VR-based platform (PE) to be a feasible stress management training solution for group-based training delivery in a defense population. Furthermore, the intended end users, both trainers and trainees, perceive the platform to be usable, useful, engaging, and effective for training, suggesting end-user acceptance and potential for technology adoption., (©Murielle G Kluge, Steven Maltby, Caroline Kuhne, Nicole Walker, Neanne Bennett, Eugene Aidman, Eugene Nalivaiko, Frederick Rohan Walker. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 06.11.2023.)

Background: Severe fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a leading cause of adverse perinatal morbidity and mortality; however, in Victoria, 35% of severely growth‐restricted infants are undelivered by 40 weeks gestation. Aims: We aimed to identify factors associated with failure to deliver severely growth‐restricted fetuses by 40 weeks gestation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case‐control study of term singletons born <3rd centile for gestation at a single tertiary centre (2010–2017). Infants with a planned delivery for FGR between 37.0–39.6 weeks gestation ('planned birth' group; n = 187) were compared with those undelivered by 40.0 weeks ('undelivered' group; n = 233). Variables assessed included the presence of risk factors for FGR, model of care, symphyseal‐fundal height measurements and third trimester ultrasounds. Results: An equivalent proportion of women were 'high‐risk' for FGR on history (31.3% vs 38.0%, P = 0.187) in the planned and undelivered groups. Women booked under low‐risk models (shared care and midwifery‐led care) were significantly more likely to be in the undelivered group compared to those booked under traditional collaborative models (79.8% vs 37.4%, P < 0.001). Women in the undelivered group were less likely to have received a third trimester ultrasound (93.0% vs 40.3%, P < 0.001); however, they were more likely to have had a reassuring ultrasound with an estimation of fetal weight or abdominal circumference >10th centile (78.7% vs 16.1%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Failure to deliver the severely growth‐restricted fetus before 40.0 weeks is more likely to occur in the following situations: (i) failure to receive an indicated third trimester ultrasound; (ii) the presence of falsely reassuring third trimester ultrasound scan; and (iii) booking under a low‐risk rather than traditional collaborative models of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are global concerns regarding excessive caesarean rates, which could be reduced by identification of risk factors leading to preventative measures such as induction of labour. Aims: This study aims to describe the association between antenatal ultrasound and emergency caesarean section for: (i) failure to progress; (ii) other indications; and (iii) any indication. Materials and Methods: Women who had an ultrasound in pregnancy between 36(+0/7) to 38(+6/7) weeks at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital from January 2005 to June 2009 were included. Ultrasound parameters were linked to clinical parameters from the maternity database. Missing clinical data were imputed and multiple logistic regression performed. Results: Fetal biometry data were available for 2006 pregnancies. After adjusting for maternal age, height, body mass index, parity, previous caesarean section and diabetes, caesarean section for failure to progress was associated with estimated fetal weight (odds ratio (OR) 2.24 (95% CI: 1.76–2.84) per 500 g increase); or biparietal diameter (OR 1.51 (1.16–1.97) per 5 mm increase) and abdominal circumference (OR for the 4th quartile (>75th centile) compared with the 10–25th centile group was 2.09 (1.13–3.85)).* There were also non‐linear associations between components of fetal biometry and caesarean section for fetal distress and for any indication. Conclusions: Components of fetal biometry in the third trimester are associated with intrapartum caesarean section for failure to progress. These parameters could be incorporated into models to predict emergency caesarean section which could lead to implementation of preventative strategies. *[Corrections added on 29 January 2018, after first online publication, '(OR for the 4th quartile (>7th centile)' has been changed to '(OR for the 4th quartile (>75th centile)'.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Concussions are common in sports. Return-to-play protocols can be enhanced by objective biometrics., Objective: To characterize temporal changes of headpulse, a digital biometric, in athletes with sports-related concussion; to explore the association of unstructured physical activity with headpulse changes., Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study included headpulse measurements from players in the highest level of amateur Australian Rules Football in South Australia. Analysis included feasibility and validation phases, with the feasibility cohort recruited between August 5, 2021, and September 10, 2021, and the validation cohort recruited between May 5, 2022, and September 3, 2022. Data were analyzed October 2022 through January 2023., Interventions: Cranial accelerometry detected micromovements of the head following cardiac contraction (what we have described as "headpulse"). Headpulse was serially recorded for 1 month in concussed individuals., Main Outcomes and Measures: Headpulse waveforms underwent frequency transformation analysis per prespecified algorithm. Result Z scores were calculated. Headpulse Z scores exceeding 2 (2 SDs from control means) met an abnormality threshold. Headpulse sensitivity, timing, and duration of change were determined., Results: A total of 59 control and 43 concussed individuals (44 total concussions; 1 control also concussed, 1 concussed individual injured twice) provided headpulse measurements. The feasibility cohort (all male) included 17 control (median [IQR] age, 23 [19-28] years) and 15 concussed individuals (median [IQR] age, 21 [19-23] years). The validation cohort included 25 female (median [IQR] age, 21 [20-22] years) and 17 male (median [IQR] age, 26 [23-29] years) control individuals, and 8 female (median [IQR] age, 28 [20-31] years) and 20 male (median [IQR] age, 21 [19-23] years) concussed individuals. Headpulse reached abnormality threshold in 26 of 32 concussed individuals (81%; 9% on day 0, 50% by day 2, 90% by day 14). Headpulse alterations lasted 14 days longer than symptoms and were exacerbated by return-to-play or unsupervised physical activity., Conclusions and Relevance: In this study of 101 amateur Australian Rules Football athletes, the digital headpulse biometric was evaluated in 44 sports-related concussions. Compared with controls, new headpulse changes occurred after concussion; this objective metric may complement return-to-play protocols.

Clinical Relevance: The ocular biometry measures of the eye determine the refractive status, and while most refractive error develops during childhood, the ocular biometry measures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have not previously been reported., Background: To investigate the ocular biometry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, including measures important in determining refractive error and those which relate to the risk of ocular disease., Methods: Participants included 252 primary and secondary school children (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander: 101; non-Indigenous: 151), aged between 4 and 18 years. Habitual monocular distance visual acuity, cycloplegic autorefraction, and ocular optical biometry were measured in all participants and intraocular pressure measured in secondary school children using rebound tonometry., Results: The mean (±SD) spherical equivalent refractive error of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children was significantly less hyperopic than non-Indigenous children (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander: +0.52 ± 0.80 D; non-Indigenous: +0.86 D ±0.58 D; p < 0.001). There were no differences in axial length or axial length/corneal radius ratio between the two groups, however the mean lens power of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children was significantly greater than that of non-Indigenous children (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander: 23.62 D; non-Indigenous: 22.51 D; p < 0.001). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children had a thinner central corneal thickness (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander: 534 ± 37 µm; non-Indigenous: 543 ± 35 µm; p = 0.04), and lower intraocular pressure compared with non-Indigenous children (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander: 14.7 ± 3.8 mmHg; non-Indigenous: 16.0 ± 3.7; p = 0.02)., Conclusion: Differences exist in the refractive error, lens power, central corneal thickness, and intraocular pressure of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children compared to non-Indigenous Australian children which have potential implications for the development of refractive error and ocular disease later in life.

Aims To quantify the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to alcohol hangover. Design Biometric models were used to partition the variance in hangover phenotypes. Setting A community-based sample of Australian twins. Participants Members of the Australian Twin Registry, Cohort II who reported consuming alcohol in the past year when surveyed in 2004-07 ( n = 4496). Measurements Telephone interviews assessed participants' frequency of drinking to intoxication and frequency of hangover the day after drinking. Analyses examined three phenotypes: hangover frequency, hangover susceptibility (i.e. residual variance in hangover frequency after accounting for intoxication frequency) and hangover resistance (a dichotomous variable defined as having been intoxicated at least once in the past year with no reported hangovers). Findings Genetic factors accounted for 45% [95% confidence interval ( CI) = 37-53%] and 40% (95% CI = 33-48%) of the variation in hangover frequency in men and women, respectively. Most of the genetic variation in hangover frequency overlapped with genetic contributions to intoxication frequency. Genetic influences accounted for 24% (95% CI = 14-35%) and 16% (95% CI = 8-25%) of the residual hangover susceptibility variance in men and women, respectively. Forty-three per cent (95% CI = 22-63%) of the variation in hangover resistance was explained by genetic influences, with no evidence for significant sex differences. There was no evidence for shared environmental influences for any of the hangover phenotypes. Conclusions Individual differences in the propensity to experience a hangover and of being resistant to hangover at a given level of alcohol use are genetically influenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A web-based survey of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists fellows and trainees enquired about fetal femur length reporting and found: Heterogeneous (including unpublished) chart choices., Popular charts are not always of highest quality., z-score rarely used despite World Health Authority endorsement., Potential clinical risks include false-positive and false-negative diagnosis and confusion for both patient and staff. We recommend developing high-quality charts, publishing unpublished charts and describe methods to support best practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proper ascertainment of the history of alcohol consumption by an individual is an important component of medical diagnosis of disease and influences the implementation of appropriate treatment strategies that include prescription of medication, as well as intervention for the negative physical and social consequences of hazardous/harmful levels of alcohol consumption. Biological (biometric) diagnostic tests that provide information on current and past quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption by an individual, prior to onset of organ damage, continue to be sought. Methods: Platelet monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) protein was quantitated in 2 populations of subjects who had histories of different levels of alcohol consumption. Levels were assayed by immunoblotting or by ELISA. The development and evaluation of the new ELISA-based measure of platelet MAO-B protein levels is described. Results: One subject population constituted a nontreatment-seeking, cross-sectional subject sample, and the other population was a longitudinally followed, hospitalized group of subjects. An algorithm combining measures of platelet MAO-B protein with the plasma levels of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) and with liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase or γ-glutamyltransferase [GGT]) can detect hazardous/harmful alcohol use (HHAU) with the highest sensitivity and specificity in the cross-sectional nontreatment-seeking population. In the treatment-seeking population, low MAO-B protein levels at admission are associated with heavy drinking prior to admission, and these protein levels increase over a period of abstinence from alcohol. Conclusions: The platelet MAO-B protein measurement is particularly effective for male alcohol consumers. The combined use of MAO-B protein measures together with measures of CDT and GGT does, however, improve the diagnostic utility of both markers for ascertaining HHAU in women. Furthermore, measurement of changes in platelet MAO-B protein levels during treatment for alcohol dependence may help monitor the success of the treatment program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grass populations in tropical savannas are highly resilient in relation to different fire regimes, but the mechanisms conferring such resilience have been poorly studied. Here we examine one such mechanism, high adult survival during fire, for three perennial grass species in an Australian savanna: Eriachne triseta Nees ex Steud, Eriachne avenacea R.Br and Chrysopogon latifolius S.T.Blake. The study examined survivorship after 3 years, at plots subject to experimental fire regimes (experiencing 0, 1, 2 or 3 fires over the study period) at the Territory Wildlife Park near Darwin in the Northern Territory, Australia. Mean survivorship was 79.9%, 64.3% and 62.0% for E. avenacea, E. triseta and C. latifolius respectively. For the two species of Eriachne, mean survivorship was highest ( E. avenacea, 94.6%; E. triseta, 77.1%) in unburnt plots, whereas survivorship of C. latifolius was highest (71.7%) under highest fire frequency. However, variation in survivorship among fire regime treatments was not statistically significant for any of the study species. This negligible difference in survivorship among regimes points to fire tolerance (sprouting ability) as an important mechanism contributing to the resilience and persistence of perennial grasses in these savannas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper aims to provide an analysis of the current regulatory environment, at the federal level, of privacy protection concerning biometrics in Australia. The study only focuses on the federal Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Biometrics Institute Privacy Code. The discussion is based on the legal concerns of the use of biometrics, and an analysis is made concerning the implications of privacy protection sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since 1980, 856 Sooty Oystercatchers (Haematopus fuliginosus) have been caught and banded in Australia by the Victorian Wader Study Group (n=801, from southern Australia) and the Australasian Wader Studies Group (n=55 birds, all from north-western Australia). The biometric data collected were analysed for differences between sexes and ages and for geographical differences. Females were larger than males in all biometric dimensions, in all age-groups and in both geographical regions. For both subspecies – H. f. fuliginosusin south-eastern Australia and H. f. opthalmicusin north-western Australia – length of bill (exposed culmen) was the most discriminating parameter for determination of sex. Weights of adult females increased markedly towards the end of the moulting period. In south-eastern Australia, adult males considerably outnumber adult females in catches. Furthermore, adult males also outnumbered adult females in late autumn–early winter samples; at other times, and in other age-groups, the sex-ratio was more evenly balanced. Differential survival or spatial distribution of females and males are proposed as the mechanisms causing male-biased tertiary sex-ratios in catches. South-eastern Australian birds were larger and heavier than their northern counterparts. Furthermore, comparisons between Sooty Oystercatchers and the sympatric congener, the Australian Pied Oystercatcher (H. longirostris) showed the former to be significantly larger and heavier in both parts of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia was formed to address the shortage of biostatisticians in that country. Academic biostatisticians are geographically spread out, with no single university department having the capacity to offer a graduate program in biostatistics. Eight universities have formed a consortium to mount such a program, with all instruction being in distance mode. Students choose to enroll at one of the institutions, and the courses are each delivered by one of the institutions. Extensive use is made of an online learning environment, as well as more traditional course notes and textbooks. The program has been running successfully since 2001. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate pregnancy dating is vital to obstetric management. However, first trimester fetal charts commonly used in Australia rely on data reported more than three decades ago. This study reports first trimester dating and growth charts for crown-rump length between 5 and 14 weeks of gestation and biparietal diameter between 9 and 14 weeks of gestation on an Australia population using modern real-time ultrasound equipment. All consenting eligible women attending a large Sydney clinic for first trimester ultrasound between March 2005 and December 2006 were recruited. Measurements were carried out to Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine standard protocols. Statistical analyses were undertaken using polynomial regression models and thorough diagnostic checks made. Overall 396 eligible women consented to the study, with 268 between 9 and 14 weeks of gestation. The average participant age was 34 years (range 22–45 years), 371 and all yielded valid biometry measurements. Equations, means and 90% reference intervals for crown-rump length measurements and biparietal diameter measurements were derived using polynomial regression models. Thorough residual and diagnostic checks were made. Once validated by others, we believe they will warrant consideration for use by Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo examine the prevalence of refractive error and distribution of ocular biometric parameters among major ethnic groups in a population-based sample of 11–15-year-old Australian children.MethodsThe Sydney Myopia Study examined 2353 students (75.3% response) from a random cluster-sample of 21 secondary schools across Sydney. Examinations included cycloplegic autorefraction, and measures of corneal radius of curvature, anterior chamber depth, and axial length.ResultsParticipants mean age was 12.7 years (range 11.1–14.4); 49.4% were female. Overall, 60.0% of children had European Caucasian ethnicity, 15.0% East Asian, 7.1% Middle Eastern, and 5.5% South Asian. The most frequent refractive error was mild hyperopia (59.4%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 53.2–65.6), defined as spherical equivalent (SE) +0.50 to +1.99 D. Myopia (SE−0.50 D or less) was found in 11.9%, 95% (CI 6.6–17.2), and moderate hyperopia (SE+2.00 D) in 3.5%, 95% (CI 2.8–4.1). Myopia prevalence was lower among European Caucasian children (4.6%, 95% CI 3.1–6.1) and Middle Eastern children (6.1%, 95% CI 1.3–11.0) than among East Asian (39.5%, 95%, CI 25.6–53.5) and South Asian (31.5%, 95%, CI 21.6–41.4) children. European Caucasian children had the most hyperopic mean SE (+0.82 D) and shortest mean axial length (23.23 mm). East Asian children had the most myopic mean SE (−0.69 D) and greatest mean axial length (23.86 mm).ConclusionThe overall myopia prevalence in this sample was lower than in recent similar-aged European Caucasian population samples. East Asian children in our sample had both a higher prevalence of myopia and longer mean axial length.Eye (2008) 22, 649–656; doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702701; published online 2 February 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the familial correlations, heritability ( h 2) and common environmental components ( c 2) of myopia and ocular biometric traits (all treated as continuous outcomes) in families collected through the Genes in Myopia (GEM) family study in Australia. A total of 132 pedigrees (723 participants) were recruited for this study. All individuals completed a risk factor questionnaire and underwent a detailed eye examination including spherical equivalent (SphE) and ocular biometric measurements of axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and corneal curvature (CC). Familial correlations were calculated and h 2 and c2 were estimated using a variance component model that assumes a multivariate t distribution within each pedigree. Two definitions of common environments ( c 2) were considered: nuclear family (current) shared environment (Model 1) and sib-ship (childhood) shared environment (Model 2). Population ascertainment adjustment was performed using the Blue Mountains eye study dataset. The trends observed for familial correlations suggested that SphE is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors whereas AL, ACD and CC are predominantly genetically determined. This was largely confirmed by variance components modelling. Heritability estimates (adjusted for age, sex and years of education) from the best fitting ACE model (Model 2, childhood shared environment) were 0.50 ± 0.05 for SphE, 0.73 ± 0.04 for AL, 0.78 ± 0.04 for ACD and 0.16 ± 0.06 for CC. Childhood environmental effects were significant with c 2 estimated to be 0.33 ± 0.04 for SphE, 0.06 ± 0.03 for AL, 0.22 ± 0.04 for ACD and 0.10 ± 0.05 for CC. Age was associated with SphE, total years of education was associated with AL and sex was associated with all traits studied. We used a novel and conservative approach to account for and estimate common environmental effects by specifying either nuclear family or sib-ship environment when estimating heritability estimates and showed that all traits examined (SphE, AL, ACD and CC) are heritable, thus reflecting a genetic component. These traits therefore all represent candidates for quantitative trait linkage analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was to construct population-specific charts of gestational age (GA) from antenatal ultrasound biometry assessment using a large sample of normal Australian pregnancies when examination was carried out to a standard protocol by experienced operators. All consenting eligible women attending a large Brisbane clinic between January 1993 and April 2003 with GA between 15 and 41 weeks, determined before examination from the last menstrual period date and concordant with the biometric-derived gestation published within the Australian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM) policies and statements, were recruited into the prospective study if fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Biparietal diameter, femur length, abdominal circumference and head circumference measurements were recorded using ASUM standard protocol for mid and third trimester obstetric morphology scans. Statistical analyses were carried out using polynomial regression models and thorough diagnostic checks were undertaken. Included within the study were separate scans for 20 555 pregnancies from 17 660 women. Equations, means and 95% reference intervals for GA were derived for each sonographic measurement. These new population-specific regression equations complement those previously published in the same sample of Australian pregnancies. Once validated, we believe they should form the basis of a new Australian standard for ASUM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was to construct population-specific charts of fetal biometry for 11−41 weeks gestation in relation to known gestational age from a large population of normal Australian pregnancies when examination is performed to a standard protocol by experienced operators. All consenting eligible women attending a large Brisbane clinic between January 1993 and April 2003 were recruited. Menstrual history was taken prior to examination. Measurements were performed to a standard protocol. Prospective assessment was made about the association between gestational age from the last menstrual period and biometry. Exclusion principles were applied. Statistical analyses were performed using polynomial regression models and thorough diagnostic checks were undertaken. Included within the study were separate scans for 20 555 pregnancies from 17 660 women. Equations, means and 95th reference intervals were derived and reported for the following sonographic measurements: biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL). Population-specific regression equations for BPD, HC, AC and FL have been proposed for Australian pregnancies. Once validated by others, we believe they will warrant consideration for adoption by the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the repeatability and agreement of contact and immersion ultrasound (US) biometry of axial length.Setting: Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia.Methods: This prospective stratified randomized study comprised 36 patients with a preoperative refractive error less than 4.00 diopters (D) sphere or 2.00 D cylinder who were recruited before cataract surgery. Each of 3 operators measured both eyes of 12 patients by contact and immersion US techniques. A repeat measurement by both techniques was performed by the same operator in 6 cases and by a different operator in the other 6. Repeat and operator effects were examined.Results: The mean and standard deviation of the measurement sets were compared, and the differences between repeat measures were calculated. Axial length measurement was longer with the contact method than with immersion by 0.03 mm (P = .04). The repeatability of the 2 techniques was similar.Conclusions: When the measurement set was repeated, the precision of contact US biometry was comparable to that of immersion, with no clinically significant difference in mean axial length measurements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The causal effect of an exposure on an outcome of interest in an observational study cannot be estimated directly if the confounding variables are not controlled. Many approaches are available for estimating the causal effect of an exposure. In this manuscript, we demonstrate the advantages associated with using inverse probability weighting (IPW) and doubly robust estimation of the odds ratio in terms of reduced bias. IPW approach can be used to adjust for confounding variables and provide unbiased estimates of the exposure's causal effect. For cluster-structured data, as is common in animal populations, inverse conditional probability weighting (ICPW) approach can provide a robust estimation of the causal effect. Doubly robust estimation can provide a robust method even when the specification of the model form is uncertain. In this paper, the usage of IPW, ICPW, and doubly robust approaches are illustrated with a subset of data with complete covariates from the Australian-based National Bovine Respiratory Disease Initiative as well as simulated data. We evaluate the causal effect of prior bovine viral diarrhea exposure on bovine respiratory disease in feedlot cattle. The results show that the IPW, ICPW and doubly robust approaches would provide a more accurate estimation of the exposure effect than the traditional outcome regression model, and doubly robust approaches are the most preferable overall., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Purpose: To investigate the accuracy of IOL power calculation methods for refractive targets of myopia compared with emmetropia., Setting: Lions Eye Institute, Perth, Australia., Design: Retrospective analysis., Methods: Patients undergoing bilateral, sequential cataract surgery with a plan of modest monovision were analyzed. Target refraction was plano (distance eye) and -1.25 diopters (D) (near eye). Prediction error was determined by comparing the actual postoperative refraction with the predicted postoperative refraction, calculated by the Barrett Universal II (BUII), Hill-RBF version 2.0 (Hill-RBF 2.0), Haigis, Holladay 1, SRK/T, and Hoffer Q formulas. The dataset was divided into distance and near eye subgroups. Mean and median absolute error and percentage of eyes within ±0.25, ±0.50, ±0.75, and ±1.00 D of refractive target were compared., Results: The study included 88 consecutive patients. There was a consistent trend for lower refractive accuracy in the near eyes. BUII and Hill-RBF 2.0 were the most accurate overall and least affected by this phenomenon, with 1 (1.1%) and 4 (4.6%) fewer eyes, respectively, in the near subgroup achieving ±0.50 D of target. Haigis and SRK/T were most affected, with 14 (15.9%) and 11 (12.5%) fewer near eyes achieving ±0.50 D of target (P < .05). Holladay 1 and Hoffer Q occupied the middle ground, with 6 (6.8%) and 9 (10.2%) fewer near eyes achieving ±0.50 D of target., Conclusions: IOL-power calculation formulas appear to be less accurate when targeting myopia compared with emmetropia. BUII and Hill-RBF 2.0 represented good options when planning pseudophakic monovision as they were least affected by this phenomenon and can be used for both distance and near eyes.

Importance: Cataract and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) commonly co-exist, and cataract surgery is thought to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), the major modifiable risk factor of POAG., Background: Previous studies exploring the effect of cataract surgery on IOP are limited by retrospective design, lack of a control group, medication use and washout and loss to follow up., Design: Prospective, multicentre, matched case-control Australian study., Participants: 171 eyes of 108 POAG patients who underwent cataract surgery, matched to 171 control eyes., Methods: Serial longitudinal IOP measurements were compared before and after cataract surgery, and relative to the controls. A mixed-effect model was used for the longitudinal data., Main Outcome Measures: Change in IOP., Results: The mean follow-up time was 4.8 (1.4) years. Cataract surgery reduced mean IOP by 2.22 mmHg (95% confidence interval: 1.93-2.52 mmHg, P < .001) with 59 eyes (34%) achieving at least 3 mmHg reduction. Compared to matched controls, the mean reduction in IOP was 1.75 mmHg (95% confidence interval 1.15-2.33 mmHg; P < .001). Higher preoperative IOP and being on fewer topical glaucoma medications preoperatively were strongly predictive of a larger IOP reduction in a multivariable model. Anterior chamber depth was not associated with IOP reduction. Eyes with preoperative IOP ≥24 mmHg had a mean IOP reduction of 4.03 mmHg with 81% experiencing at least 3 mmHg reduction. Sub-analysis of medication naïve and pseudoexfoliation patients showed similar results., Conclusions and Relevance: Cataract surgery has a confirmed effect in reducing IOP in a "real world" setting of early glaucoma patients., (© 2020 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.)

Introduction: Eye diseases and visual impairment more commonly affect elderly adults, thus, the majority of ophthalmic cohort studies have focused on older adults. Cohort studies on the ocular health of younger adults, on the other hand, have been few. The Raine Study is a longitudinal study that has been following a cohort since their birth in 1989-1991. As part of the 20-year follow-up of the Raine Study, participants underwent a comprehensive eye examination. As part of the 27- and 28-year follow-ups, eye assessments are being conducted and the data collected will be compared with those of the 20-year follow-up. This will provide an estimate of population incidence and updated prevalence of ocular conditions such as myopia and keratoconus, as well as longitudinal change in ocular parameters in young Australian adults. Additionally, the data will allow exploration of the environmental, health and genetic factors underlying inter-subject differential long-term ocular changes., Methods and Analysis: Participants are being contacted via telephone, email and/or social media and invited to participate in the eye examination. At the 27-year follow-up, participants completed a follow-up eye screening, which assessed visual acuity, autorefraction, ocular biometry and ocular sun exposure. Currently, at the 28-year follow-up, a comprehensive eye examination is being conducted which, in addition to all the eye tests performed at the 27-year follow-up visit, includes tonometry, optical coherence tomography, funduscopy and anterior segment topography, among others. Outcome measures include the incidence of refractive error and pterygium, an updated prevalence of these conditions, and the 8-year change in ocular parameters., Ethics and Dissemination: The Raine Study is registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. The Gen2 20-year, 27-year and 28-year follow-ups are approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Western Australia. Findings resulting from the study will be published in health or medical journals and presented at conferences., Trial Registration Number: ACTRN12617001599369; Active, not recruiting., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

The authors reflect on forming research networks. The authors say that inefficiencies exist when researchers dealt in the same research, without realising that other groups in Australia work in the same area. They state centralisation of coordination and accumulation of data will allow clinical trials to be performed efficiently. They mention the roles of a research network, which include promoting of a research culture, addition value to clinical trials, and biostatistical support.

The Biometrics Institute, representing biometric companies in Australia and New Zealand, is calling for major improvements to Australia''s Privacy Act. The group is demanding mandatory Privacy Impact Assessments and Audits, no exemptions for any group, the inclusion of employee records in the Act''s coverage and a unified national privacy system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Biometrics Institute in Australia is offering a new service to its members and other key stakeholders: The Biometrics Institute Biometric Vulnerability Assessment Service (BVAS). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Australian politicians have debated the roll out of the biometric-based SmartGate passport system, which is set to be introduced at Australia''s international airports this year. The debate arose as part of the second reading on the country''s Migration Amendment (Border Integrity) Bill 2006. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tiger sharks were sampled off the western (Ningaloo Reef, Shark Bay) and eastern (the Great Barrier Reef; GBR, Queensland and New South Wales; NSW) coastlines of Australia. Multiple tissues were collected from each shark to investigate the effects of location, size and sex of sharks on δ 13 C and δ 15 N stable isotopes among these locations. Isotopic composition of sharks sampled in reef and seagrass habitats (Shark Bay, GBR) reflected seagrass-based food-webs, whereas at Ningaloo Reef analysis revealed a dietary transition between pelagic and seagrass food-webs. In temperate habitats off southern Queensland and NSW coasts, shark diets relied on pelagic food-webs. Tiger sharks occupied roles at the top of food-webs at Shark Bay and on the GBR, but not at Ningaloo Reef or off the coast of NSW. Composition of δ 13 C in tissues was influenced by body size and sex of sharks, in addition to residency and diet stability. This variability in stable isotopic composition of tissues is likely to be a result of adaptive foraging strategies that allow these sharks to exploit multiple shelf and offshore habitats. The trophic role of tiger sharks is therefore both context- and habitat-dependent, consistent with a generalist, opportunistic diet at the population level.

Biometrics at the border is seen as the most significant development in the industry in the past 12 months according to the 2011 survey carried out by Sydney-based Biometrics Institute. Increased user acceptance (seen as last year''s most significant development) is suggested as the most significant development for the next five years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article provides a summary of a doctoral research by Emma Gorrod on ecological and operational basis of vegetation condition assessments in Australia. The definition of vegetation condition was provided. Quantitative information on vegetation condition has been incorporated into Australian policies and legislation for native vegetation management. Indices of vegetation condition have been developed in a number of jurisdictions, including Habitat Hectares in Victoria and BioMetric in New South Wales.

Viisage, a US-based biometric technology company, has received an order for an unspecified number of electronic passport readers from the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) to be used in 25 overseas locations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

News of additional budget funding for the SmartGate project in Australia has been followed by the award of a contract to develop further the biometric-based passenger processing system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Calanoid copepods from billabongs near Wodonga, Victoria, Australia were found to be infested with a disc-shaped mobiline peritrich ciliate belonging to the genus Trichodina. Biometrical data, including mean body diameter (43.6 Mum), mean adhesive disc diameter (35.9 Mum), mean denticle ring diameter (20.1 Mum), modal denticle number (17), modal number of radial pins per denticle (9), and denticle shape and dimensions, indicate that the species is T. diaptomi Basson & Van As (1991). This is the first record of T. diaptomi from Australasia. Adults of Boeckella fluvialis and B. minuta were infected, but adult Calamoecia lucasi were not. Levels of infestation were higher on B. fluvialis (67.5% of females, 54.5% of males) than B. minuta (47.4% of females, 33.3% of males). Mean numbers of Trichodina per adult B. fluvialis were 7.68 (range 0-78) for females and 4.06 (range 0-43) for males,and differed significantly between sexes. Although calanoid copepodswere present in the plankton from January to early December 1991, Trichodina infestations occurred during October and November only, peaking during late November just before the copepods disappeared from the plankton. Whether the infestation was a cause of the copepod decline, developed because the copepods were rendered susceptible to infection by some other cause, or was determined by physical and/or chemical environmental factors is unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alexandercestus n. g. (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea) is erected for two cestode species found parasitising the two known species of lemon sharks (Carcharhiniformes: Negaprion spp.). This new genus differs from all other phyllobothriid genera except for Hemipristicola Cutmore, Theiss, Bennett & Cribb, 2011, Marsupiobothrium Yamaguti, 1952, Nandocestus Reyda, 2008, Orectolobicestus Ruhnke, Caira & Carpenter 2006, Orygmatobothrium Diesing, 1863, Paraorygmatobothrium Ruhnke, 1994 and Phyllobothrium van Beneden, 1849 in possessing uniloculate bothridia with an apical sucker and neck scutes. Alexandercestus differs from Orectolobicestus and Nandocestus in lacking marginal loculi on the bothridia, from Paraorygmatobothrium in possessing uninterrupted vitelline follicles at the level of the ovary and from Phyllobothrium in being euapolytic as opposed to anapolytic and in lacking posteriorly bifid bothridia. The new genus lacks the central accessory bothridial organ seen in specimens of Orygmatobothrium, and lacks the central bothridial accessory sucker of specimens of Marsupiobothrium. Alexandercestus spp. compare most favourably with specimens of Hemipristicola, especially with respect to aspects of proglottid morphology, but differ in possessing aristate gladiate spinitriches rather than serrate gladiate spinitriches on the proximal bothridial surface. In addition, the bothridia of Alexandercestus spp. are comparatively more fleshy and foliose than those in specimens of Hemipristicola. Two new species of Alexandercestus n. g. are described, Alexandercestus gibsoni n. sp. from Negaprion acutidens, collected from off northern Australia and the Marshall Islands, and Alexandercestus manteri n. sp. from N. brevirostris, collected off the islands of Bimini and the Florida Keys. The two new species differ in total length and vitelline follicle distribution. Bayesian inference and parsimony analysis of the D1-D3 region of the large nuclear ribosomal DNA of 17 published and seven novel sequences placed A. gibsoni as the sister taxon to a clade containing Hemipristicola gunterae Cutmore, Theiss, Bennett & Cribb, 2011 and species of Paraorygmatobothrium. This result supports the erection of Alexandercestus as a genus separate from Hemipristicola and Paraorygmatobothrium. At the present time, species of Alexandercestus are known only from hosts of the carcharhinid genus Negaprion Whitley; examination of extensive survey data suggests this may be the extent of the host distribution of this genus.