Oogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans
- Authors: Davis, Gregory , Hipwell, Hayleigh , Boag, Peter
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sexual Development Vol. 17, no. 2-3 (2023), p. 73-83
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- Description: Background: The nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans has proven itself as a valuable model for investigating metazoan biology. C. elegans have a transparent body, an invariant cell lineage, and a high level of genetic conservation which makes it a desirable model organism. Although used to elucidate many aspects of somatic biology, a distinct advantage of C. elegans is its well annotated germline which allows all aspects of oogenesis to be observed in real time within a single animal. C. elegans hermaphrodites have two U-shaped gonad arms which produce their own sperm that is later stored to fertilise their own oocytes. These two germlines take up much of the internal space of each animal and germ cells are therefore the most abundant cell present within each animal. This feature and the genetic phenotypes observed for mutant worm gonads have allowed many novel findings that established our early understanding of germ cell dynamics. The mutant phenotypes also allowed key features of meiosis and germ cell maturation to be unveiled. Summary: This review will focus on the key aspects that make C. elegans an outstanding model for exploring each feature of oogenesis. This will include the fundamental steps associated with germline function and germ cell maturation and will be of use for those interested in exploring reproductive metazoan biology. Key Messages: Since germ cell biology is highly conserved in animals, much can be gained from study of a simple metazoan like C. elegans. Past findings have enhanced understanding on topics that would be more laborious or challenging in more complex animal models. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.
Telomere length maintenance and cardio-metabolic disease prevention through exercise training
- Authors: Denham, Joshua , O'Brien, Brendan , Charchar, Fadi
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 46, no. 9 (2016), p. 1213-1237
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1009490
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- Description: Telomeres are tandem repeat DNA sequences located at distal ends of chromosomes that protect against genomic DNA degradation and chromosomal instability. Excessive telomere shortening leads to cellular senescence and for this reason telomere length is a marker of biological age. Abnormally short telomeres may culminate in the manifestation of a number of cardio-metabolic diseases. Age-related cardio-metabolic diseases attributable to an inactive lifestyle, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, are associated with short leukocyte telomeres. Exercise training prevents and manages the symptoms of many cardio-metabolic diseases whilst concurrently maintaining telomere length. The positive relationship between exercise training, physical fitness and telomere length raises the possibility of a mediating role of telomeres in chronic disease prevention via exercise. Further elucidation of the underpinning molecular mechanisms of how exercise maintains telomere length should provide crucial information on how physical activity can be best structured to combat the chronic disease epidemic and improve the human health span. Here, we synthesise and discuss the current evidence on the impact of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness on telomere dynamics. We provide the molecular mechanisms with a known role in exercise-induced telomere length maintenance and highlight unexplored, alternative pathways ripe for future investigations.
Health service planning and sustainable development: considering what, where and how care is delivered through a pro-environmental lens
- Authors: Desmond, Sharon
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Australian Health Review Vol. 42, no. 2 (2018), p. 140-145
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- Description: The aim of the present paper was to review the opportunities currently available to health service planners to advance sustainable development in their future-facing roles within health service organisation. Critical challenges and enablers to facilitate health services planners in adopting a pro-environmental lens are discussed. What is known about the topic? Despite its harmful effect on the environment, health has been slower than other industries to embrace the sustainable development agenda. The attitudes and knowledge base of health service planners with regard to environmental sustainability has not been widely studied. For health service planners, embracing pro-environmental considerations in sustainable model of care development is a powerful opportunity to review care paradigms and prepare for the implementation of meaningful, improved health and system efficiency. What does this paper add? This paper advances the case for health service planners to embrace a pro-environmental stance and guides health service leaders in the preparation and implementation of sustainable and improved health and system efficiency. What are the implications for practitioners? Health service planers are in an ideal position to champion the sustainable development agenda as they explore what care is delivered, how care is delivered and where care is delivered. External policy, health service leadership and carbon literacy are advanced as critical contextual factors to facilitate the key role that health service planners can play in building sustainable healthcare organisations.
Wearable sensor technology to predict core body temperature : a systematic review
- Authors: Dolson, Conor , Harlow, Ethan , Phelan, Dermot , Gabbett, Tim , Gaal, Benjamin , McMellen, Christopher , Geletka, Benjamin , Calcei, Jacob , Voos, James , Seshadri, Dhruv
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sensors Vol. 22, no. 19 (2022), p.
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- Description: Heat-related illnesses, which range from heat exhaustion to heatstroke, affect thousands of individuals worldwide every year and are characterized by extreme hyperthermia with the core body temperature (CBT) usually > 40 °C, decline in physical and athletic performance, CNS dysfunction, and, eventually, multiorgan failure. The measurement of CBT has been shown to predict heat-related illness and its severity, but the current measurement methods are not practical for use in high acuity and high motion settings due to their invasive and obstructive nature or excessive costs. Noninvasive predictions of CBT using wearable technology and predictive algorithms offer the potential for continuous CBT monitoring and early intervention to prevent HRI in athletic, military, and intense work environments. Thus far, there has been a lack of peer-reviewed literature assessing the efficacy of wearable devices and predictive analytics to predict CBT to mitigate heat-related illness. This systematic review identified 20 studies representing a total of 25 distinct algorithms to predict the core body temperature using wearable technology. While a high accuracy in prediction was noted, with 17 out of 18 algorithms meeting the clinical validity standards. few algorithms incorporated individual and environmental data into their core body temperature prediction algorithms, despite the known impact of individual health and situational and environmental factors on CBT. Robust machine learning methods offer the ability to develop more accurate, reliable, and personalized CBT prediction algorithms using wearable devices by including additional data on user characteristics, workout intensity, and the surrounding environment. The integration and interoperability of CBT prediction algorithms with existing heat-related illness prevention and treatment tools, including heat indices such as the WBGT, athlete management systems, and electronic medical records, will further prevent HRI and increase the availability and speed of data access during critical heat events, improving the clinical decision-making process for athletic trainers and physicians, sports scientists, employers, and military officers. © 2022 by the authors.
The Relationship between training load and injury, illness and soreness : A Systematic and literature review
- Authors: Drew, Michael , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Sports Medicine Vol. 46, no. 6 (Jun 2016), p. 861-883
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
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- Description: Background Clinically it is understood that rapid increases in training loads expose an athlete to an increased risk of injury; however, there are no systematic reviews to qualify this statement. Objective The aim of this systematic review was to determine training and competition loads, and the relationship between injury, illness and soreness. Methods The MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL and EMBASE databases were searched using a predefined search strategy. Studies were included if they analysed the relationship between training or competition loads and injury or illness, and were published prior to October 2015. Participants were athletes of any age or level of competition. The quality of the studies included in the review was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The level of evidence was defined as strong, 'consistent findings among multiple high-quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs)'; moderate, 'consistent findings among multiple low-quality RCTs and/or non-randomised controlled trials (CCTs) and/or one high-quality RCT'; limited, 'one low-quality RCT and/or CCTs, conflicting evidence'; conflicting, 'inconsistent findings among multiple trials (RCTs and/or CCTs)'; or no evidence, 'no RCTs or CCTs'. Results A total of 799 studies were identified; 23 studies met the inclusion criteria, and a further 12 studies that were not identified in the search but met the inclusion criteria were subsequently added to the review. The largest number of studies evaluated the relationship between injuries and training load in rugby league players (n = 9) followed by cricket (n = 5), football (n = 3), Australian Football (n = 3), rugby union (n = 2), volleyball (n = 2), baseball (n = 2), water polo (n = 1), rowing (n = 1), basketball (n = 1), swimming (n = 1), middle-distance runners (n = 1) and various sports combined (n = 1). Moderate evidence for a significant relationship was observed between training loads and injury incidence in the majority of studies (n = 27, 93 %). In addition, moderate evidence exists for a significant relationship between training loads and illness incidence (n = 6, 75 %). Training loads were reported to have a protective effect against injury (n = 9, 31 %) and illness (n = 1, 13 %). The median (range) NOS score for injury and illness was 8 (5-9) and 6 (5-9), respectively. Limitations A limitation of this systematic review was the a priori search strategy. Twelve further studies were included that were not identified in the search strategy, thus potentially introducing bias. The quality assessment was completed by only one author. Conclusions The results of this systematic review highlight that there is emerging moderate evidence for the relationship between the training load applied to an athlete and the occurrence of injury and illness. Implications The training load applied to an athlete appears to be related to their risk of injury and/or illness. Sports science and medicine professionals working with athletes should monitor this load and avoid acute spikes in loads. It is recommended that internal load as the product of the rate of perceived exertion (10-point modified Borg) and duration be used when determining injury risk in team-based sports. External loads measured as throw counts should also be monitored and collected across a season to determine injury risk in throwing populations. Global positioning system-derived distances should be utilised in team sports, and injury monitoring should occur for at least 4 weeks after spikes in loads.
Sports-related workload and injury risk : Simply knowing the risks will not prevent injuries : Narrative review
- Authors: Drew, Michael , Cook, Jill , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: British Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 50, no. 21 (2016), p. 1306-1309
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1058737
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Training loads contribute to sports injury risk but their mitigation has rarely been considered in a sports injury prevention framework. A key concept behind monitoring training loads for injury prevention is to screen for those at increased risk of injury so that workloads can be adjusted to minimise these risks. This review describes how advances in management of workload can be applied as a preventive measure. Primary prevention involves screening for preparticipation load risk factors, such as low training loads, prior to a training period or competition. Secondary prevention involves screening for workloads that are known to precede an injury developing so that modification can be undertaken to mitigate this risk. Tertiary prevention involves rehabilitation practices that include a graded return to training programme to reduce the risk of sustaining a subsequent injury. The association of training loads with injury incidence is now established. Prevention measures such as rule changes that affect the workload of an athlete are universal whereas those that address risk factors of an asymptomatic subgroup are more selective. Prevention measures, when implemented for asymptomatic individuals exhibiting possible injury risk factors, are indicated for an athlete at risk of developing a sports injury. Seven key indicated risks and associated prevention measures are proposed.
Injuries impair the chance of successful performance by sportspeople : A systematic review
- Authors: Drew, Michael , Raysmith, Ben , Charlton, Paula
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: British Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 51, no. 16 (2017), p. 1209-1214
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Background Cost-benefit analyses have been proposed for determining acceptable risk of injury regarding training and competition participation. Currently, there is no best evidence synthesis of the literature evaluating the relationship between injury/illness and chance of success or failure. Objective To evaluate the relationship between injury and/or illness and success and/or failure in athletic populations (individual and team sports). Methods This review was prospectively registered (PROSPERO CRD42016036729) and a systematic electronic search was conducted in May 2016. Inclusion criterion was any study design describing the association between injury and/or illness and success or failure in athletic performance. Two independent authors screened search results, performed data extraction and assessed methodological quality and strength of evidence using a modified Downs and Black appraisal tool and a modified van Tulder method, respectively. Results Of 10 546 titles identified, 14 satisfied the inclusion criteria and 7 had low risk of bias. Outcome measures associated with success and/or failure included: (1) availability of team members, (2) injury incidence, (3) injury burden, (4) squad utilisation and (5, 6) precompetition and in-competition injury. There was strong evidence that (1) increased availability of team members/athletes decreased the risk of failure and (2) precompetition and in-competition injuries were associated with increased risk of failure. Conclusions Injuries have a detrimental impact on team and individual athletic success. Increased player availability improves chances of success. Conversely, injuries sustained both prior to and during competition may increase risk of failure. Injury prevention should therefore be a priority for maximising athletic performance. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.
Utilization methods and practice of abandoned mines and related rock mechanics under the ecological and double carbon strategy in china—a comprehensive review
- Authors: Du, Kun , Xie, Junjie , Khandelwal, Manoj , Zhou, Jian
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Minerals Vol. 12, no. 9 (2022), p.
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- Description: Governance of abandoned mines has become a pressing issue for China. The utilization of abandoned mines is a technology that can solve the problem of governance and recreate the value of mines, which is in line with the current strategic goals of ecological protection and double carbon in China. In this paper, the various utilization models and the advances in rock mechanics of abandoned mines across the globe are summarized and reviewed. The utilization models of abandoned mines can be categorized into four aspects: Energy storage, Waste treatment, Ecological restoration, and carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration. There are a number of applications and uses of abandoned mines, such as pumped storage, compressed air storage, salt cavern gas/oil storage construction, carbon dioxide storage and utilization, radioactive waste disposal and treatment, and tourism development. Various progress practices of abandoned mines are discussed in detail with emphasis on the national conditions of China. The basic rock mechanics problems and advances involved in the construction of the facilities related to the utilization of abandoned mines are discussed and evaluated. The establishment of relevant research and experimental platforms will contribute to the sustainable development of China’s mining industry and the improvement of clean technologies. © 2022 by the authors.
First human impacts and responses of aquatic systems : A review of palaeolimnological records from around the world
- Authors: Dubois, Nathalie , Saulnier-Talbot, Emilie , Mills, Keely , Gell, Peter , Battarbee, Rick , Bennion, Helen , Chawchai, Sakonvan , Dong, Xuhui , Francus, Pierre , Flower, Roger , Gomes, Doriedson , Gregory-Eaves, Irene , Humane, Sumedh , Kattel, Giri , Jenny, JeanPhilippe , Langdon, Peter , Massaferro, Julieta , McGowan, Suzanne , Mikomagi, Annika , Ngoc, Nguyen , Ratnayake, Amila , Reid, Michael , Rose, Neil , Saros, Jasmine , Schillereff, Daniel , Tolotti, Monica , Valero-Garces, Blas
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Anthropocene Review Vol. 5, no. 1 (2018), p. 28-68
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- Description: Lake sediments constitute natural archives of past environmental changes. Historically, research has focused mainly on generating regional climate records, but records of human impacts caused by land use and exploitation of freshwater resources are now attracting scientific and management interests. Long-term environmental records are useful to establish ecosystem reference conditions, enabling comparisons with current environments and potentially allowing future trajectories to be more tightly constrained. Here we review the timing and onset of human disturbance in and around inland water ecosystems as revealed through sedimentary archives from around the world. Palaeolimnology provides access to a wealth of information reflecting early human activities and their corresponding aquatic ecological shifts. First human impacts on aquatic systems and their watersheds are highly variable in time and space. Landscape disturbance often constitutes the first anthropogenic signal in palaeolimnological records. While the effects of humans at the landscape level are relatively easily demonstrated, the earliest signals of humaninduced changes in the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems need very careful investigation using multiple proxies. Additional studies will improve our understanding of linkages between human settlements, their exploitation of land and water resources, and the downstream effects on continental waters.
- Description: Lake sediments constitute natural archives of past environmental
A systematic review of demographic and background factors associated with the development of children’s aquatic competence
- Authors: Duke, Charlotte , Calverley, Hannah , Petrass, Lauren , Peters, Jacqui , Moncrieff, Kate , Konjarski, Loretta , Matthews, Bernadette
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Injury Epidemiology Vol. 10, no. 1 (2023), p.
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- Description: Background: Globally, drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury and death among children. Teaching aquatic competencies (swimming skills and water safety knowledge) to children has been proposed as a prevention strategy. In Australia, however, many children are not meeting standard aquatic competency benchmarks. Exploration of the connection between demographic and background factors and aquatic competencies could provide insight into why differences in acquisition of aquatic knowledge and skills occur. Main body: A systematic literature review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was performed to identify studies that reported on the association between demographic and background factors and aquatic competencies. Nine databases were searched for English language peer-reviewed studies published since 2000. Fourteen studies fulfilled all inclusion criteria. Studies were quasi-experimental or cross-sectional in design, which is considered quality level III-2 or IV, respectively, on the National Health and Medical Research Council Evidence Hierarchy. Study quality was moderate, and risk of bias was high. While aquatic competencies can be taught, this review found that factors including age, gender, geographic residence, medical conditions/disabilities, socioeconomic status, and swimming frequency were significantly associated with the demonstration and/or acquisition of aquatic competencies. Conclusion: This review provides insight into demographic and background factors that are significantly associated with the development of aquatic competence. Whilst further investigation is required to increase the evidence base, these findings may assist in tailoring swimming and water safety programs to accommodate those at-risk of not achieving age-appropriate aquatic competencies. © 2023, Columbia University Center for Injury Epidemiology and Prevention.
The impact of sports participation on mental health and social outcomes in adults : a systematic review and the ‘Mental Health through Sport’ conceptual model
- Authors: Eather, Narelle , Wade, Levi , Pankowiak, Aurélie , Eime, Rochelle
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Systematic Reviews Vol. 12, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Background: Sport is a subset of physical activity that can be particularly beneficial for short-and-long-term physical and mental health, and social outcomes in adults. This study presents the results of an updated systematic review of the mental health and social outcomes of community and elite-level sport participation for adults. The findings have informed the development of the ‘Mental Health through Sport’ conceptual model for adults. Methods: Nine electronic databases were searched, with studies published between 2012 and March 2020 screened for inclusion. Eligible qualitative and quantitative studies reported on the relationship between sport participation and mental health and/or social outcomes in adult populations. Risk of bias (ROB) was determined using the Quality Assessment Tool (quantitative studies) or Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (qualitative studies). Results: The search strategy located 8528 articles, of which, 29 involving adults 18–84 years were included for analysis. Data was extracted for demographics, methodology, and study outcomes, and results presented according to study design. The evidence indicates that participation in sport (community and elite) is related to better mental health, including improved psychological well-being (for example, higher self-esteem and life satisfaction) and lower psychological ill-being (for example, reduced levels of depression, anxiety, and stress), and improved social outcomes (for example, improved self-control, pro-social behavior, interpersonal communication, and fostering a sense of belonging). Overall, adults participating in team sport had more favorable health outcomes than those participating in individual sport, and those participating in sports more often generally report the greatest benefits; however, some evidence suggests that adults in elite sport may experience higher levels of psychological distress. Low ROB was observed for qualitative studies, but quantitative studies demonstrated inconsistencies in methodological quality. Conclusions: The findings of this review confirm that participation in sport of any form (team or individual) is beneficial for improving mental health and social outcomes amongst adults. Team sports, however, may provide more potent and additional benefits for mental and social outcomes across adulthood. This review also provides preliminary evidence for the Mental Health through Sport model, though further experimental and longitudinal evidence is needed to establish the mechanisms responsible for sports effect on mental health and moderators of intervention effects. Additional qualitative work is also required to gain a better understanding of the relationship between specific elements of the sporting environment and mental health and social outcomes in adult participants. © 2023, The Author(s).
Sport4Me : a people focused approach to engaging Australians in sport
- Authors: Eime, Rochelle , Westerbeek, Hans , Pill, Shane , Reece, Lindsey
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living Vol. 4, no. (2023), p.
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- Description: The traditional model of community club-based sport is fine for those, particularly children and youth, who enjoy the competitive focus and have the skills and commitment to play. But societal preferences during leisure time have changed dramatically over recent decades. However, sport organisations have made limited progress in response to these changes in providing ways in which children and youth can participate outside the traditional competitive structures and environments. In this paper the context of community club-based structures is reviewed leading into an assessment of the associated impact of these structures on sport participation. Children and youth's current motivations to play sport including what makes sport fun to play, are considered. It is then demonstrated that the associations between motivations to play sport and the factors that contribute to fun and enjoyment, are often misaligned for many individuals, with a primary focus on competition-based structures to deliver community club sport. In the final part of the paper a model for community sport organisations where people are put first is proposed - Sport4Me. Sport4Me is about flexible, inclusive, equitable sporting opportunities that focus on friends, fun, physical literacy and play. The model would complement the traditional competitive club-based model and afford participants more choice whilst fostering an environment that promotes lifelong involvement in sport. This model will require structural and cultural changes to the sporting environment and include coaching practices. Sport4Me is an evidence-based model, but it is not radical in its conceptualisation but rather, builds on previously proposed approaches, considers the needs and wants of potential sport participants and widens the scope of sport delivery. 2023 Eime, Westerbeek, Pill and Reece.
A flourishing brain in the 21st century : a scoping review of the impact of developing good habits for mind, brain, well-being, and learning
- Authors: Ekman, Rolf , Fletcher, Anna , Giota, Joanna , Eriksson, Axel , Thomas, Bertil , Bååthe, Frederik
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Mind, Brain, and Education Vol. 16, no. 1 (2022), p. 13-23
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- Description: Emerging scientific knowledge such as the role of epigenetics and neuroplasticity—the brain's capability to constantly rewire with every action, experience, and thought—is fundamentally changing our understanding of the potential impact we can have on our brain. Our brain is formed by our habits in interaction with our body, the environment, influenced by our lifestyle, successes, failures, and traumas. Neuroplasticity proves that every student's brain is a work in progress, and it is never too late to take better care of one's cognitive fitness. This review presents a repertoire of good habits (GHs). Combined, we suggest that these GHs provide conditions for optimal brain health, by acting as a “Mental Vaccine” which enhances the brain's resilience to brain health-degrading challenges. We argue that schools have a crucial role to play in empowering students to increase their own stress resilience, well-being, and learning by developing their own GHs profile. © 2021 The Authors. Mind, Brain, and Education published by International Mind, Brain, and Education Society and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Recent advances in the microencapsulation of omega-3 oil and probiotic bacteria through complex coacervation : A review
- Authors: Eratte, Divya , Dowling, Kim , Barrow, Colin , Adhikari, Benu
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Trends in Food Science and Technology Vol. 71, no. (2018), p. 121-131
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- Description: Background Functional foods are a fastest growing sector of the food industry. The development of functional foods comprising omega-3 fatty acids and probiotic bacteria, through complex coacervation process is an emerging area of research and product development. Scope and approach We reviewed relevant literature concerning the use of complex coacervation in microencapsulation, focusing primarily on the inclusion of probiotic bacteria and omega-3 oils into a single delivery format. This review covers advantages and disadvantages of the complex coacervation process to microencapsulate bioactive ingredients, viability of probiotic bacteria and oxidative stability of omega-3 oil during the complex coacervation process, the bioaccessibility of omega-3 oil and probiotic bacteria during simulated gastrointestinal conditions and in-vivo testings. Key findings and conclusions The review describes the advantages of co-encapsulation using complex coacervation followed by spray drying. It also describes the technological hurdles that need to be resolved for further development of industrial applications of co-encapsulation of probiotic bacteria and omega-3 lipids. The co-encapsulation concept has been widely used in pharmaceutical delivery systems, but is a relatively new concept in food ingredient stabilisation and delivery. There is a commercial need of co-encapsulation of multiple bioactive ingredients within a single microcapsules, due to decreased cost and enhanced product quality. Complex coacervation has been shown to be a useful method for the co-encapsulation of multiple unstable bioactive ingredients. Although in-vitro evaluation deliver useful bioavailability information, additional in-vivo and clinical trials are needed to determine the efficacy of bioactive release, particularly for microcapsules containing multiple bioactive ingredients. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
The many facets of metzincins and their endogenous inhibitors : Perspectives on ovarian cancer progression
- Authors: Escalona, Ruth , Chan, Emily , Kannourakis, George , Findlay, Jock , Ahmed, Nuzhat
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Molecular Sciences Vol. 19, no. 2 (2018), p. 1-33
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- Description: Approximately sixty per cent of ovarian cancer patients die within the first five years of diagnosis due to recurrence associated with chemoresistance. The metzincin family of metalloproteinases is enzymes involved in matrix remodeling in response to normal physiological changes and diseased states. Recently, there has been a mounting awareness of these proteinases and their endogenous inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), as superb modulators of cellular communication and signaling regulating key biological processes in cancer progression. This review investigates the role of metzincins and their inhibitors in ovarian cancer. We propose that understanding the metzincins and TIMP biology in ovarian cancer may provide valuable insights in combating ovarian cancer progression and chemoresistance-mediated recurrence in patients. © 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Business simulation games in higher education : a systematic review of empirical research
- Authors: Faisal, Nadia , Chadhar, Mehmood , Goriss-Hunter, Anitra , Stranieri, Andrew
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies Vol. 2022, no. (2022), p.
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- Description: Over the last few years, business simulation games (BSGs) in higher education have attracted attention. BSGs tend to actively engage students with course material, promoting higher engagement and motivation and enabling learning outcomes. Increasingly, researchers are trying to explore the full potential of these games with an upsurge of research in the BSG field in recent years. There is a need to understand the current state of research and future research opportunities; however, there is a lack of recent systematic literature reviews in BSG literature. This study addresses this gap by systematically compiling online empirical research from January 2015 to April 2022. We followed PRISMA guidelines to identify fifty-seven (57) papers reporting empirical evidence of the effectiveness of BSGs in teaching and learning. Findings showed that BSGs improve learning outcomes such as knowledge acquisition, cognitive and interactive skills, and behaviour. The review also summarises different issues concerning the integration of BSGs into the curriculum, learning theories used in the selected studies, and assessment methods used to evaluate student achievement in learning outcomes. The findings of this review summarise the current research activities and indicate existing deficiencies and potential research directions that can be used as the basis for future research into the use of BSGs in higher education. © 2022 Nadia Faisal et al.
Glyphosate Resistance of C-3 and C-4 Weeds under Rising Atmospheric CO2
- Authors: Fernando, Nimesha , Manalil, Sudheesh , Florentine, Singarayer , Chauhan, Bhagirath , Seneweera, Saman
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Frontiers in Plant Science Vol. 7, no. (Jun 2016), p. 1-11
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- Description: The present paper reviews current knowledge on how changes of plant metabolism under elevated CO2 concentrations (e[CO2]) can affect the development of the glyphosate resistance of C-3 and C-4 weeds. Among the chemical herbicides, glyphosate, which is a non-selective and post-emergence herbicide, is currently the most widely used herbicide in global agriculture. As a consequence, glyphosate resistant weeds, particularly in major field crops, are a widespread problem and are becoming a significant challenge to future global food production. Of particular interest here it is known that the biochemical processes involved in photosynthetic pathways of C-3 and C-4 plants are different, which may have relevance to their competitive development under changing environmental conditions. It has already been shown that plant anatomical, morphological, and physiological changes under e[CO2] can be different, based on (i) the plant's functional group, (ii) the available soil nutrients, and (iii) the governing water status. In this respect, C-3 species are likely to have a major developmental advantage under a CO2 rich atmosphere, by being able to capitalize on the overall stimulatory effect of e[CO2]. For example, many tropical weed grass species fix CO2 from the atmosphere via the C-4 photosynthetic pathway, which is a complex anatomical and biochemical variant of the C-3 pathway. Thus, based on our current knowledge of CO2 fixing, it would appear obvious that the development of a glyphosate-resistant mechanism would be easier under an e[CO2] in C-3 weeds which have a simpler photosynthetic pathway, than for C-4 weeds. However, notwithstanding this logical argument, a better understanding of the biochemical, genetic, and molecular measures by which plants develop glyphosate resistance and how e[CO2] affects these measures will be important before attempting to innovate sustainable technology to manage the glyphosate-resistant evolution of weeds under e[CO2]. Such information will be of essential in managing weed control by herbicide use, and to thus ensure an increase in global food production in the event of increased atmospheric [CO2] levels.
Quantifying cricket fast-bowling skill
- Authors: Feros, Simon , Young, Warren , O’Brien, Brendan
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Vol. 13, no. 7 (2018), p. 830-838
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- Description: Objectives: To evaluate the current evidence regarding the quantification of cricket fast-bowling skill. Methods: Studies that assessed fast-bowling skill (bowling speed and accuracy) were identified from searches in SPORTDiscus (EBSCO) in June 2017. The reference lists of identified papers were also examined for relevant investigations. Results: A total of 16 papers matched the inclusion criteria, and discrepancies in assessment procedures were evident. Differences in test environment, pitch, and cricket ball characteristics; the warm-up prior to test; test familiarization procedures; permitted run-up lengths; bowling spell length; delivery sequence; test instructions; collection of bowling speed data; and collection and reportage of bowling accuracy data were apparent throughout the literature. The reliability and sensitivity of fast-bowling skill measures have rarely been reported across the literature. Only 1 study has attempted to assess the construct validity of its skill measures. Conclusions: There are several discrepancies in how fast-bowling skill has been assessed and subsequently quantified in the literature to date. This is a problem, because comparisons between studies are often difficult. Therefore, a strong rationale exists for the creation of match-specific standardized fast-bowling assessments that offer greater ecological validity while maintaining acceptable reliability and sensitivity of the skill measures. If prospective research can act on the proposed recommendations from this review, then coaches will be able to make more informed decisions surrounding player selection, talent identification, return to skill following injury, and the efficacy of short- and long-term training interventions for fast bowlers.
A review of sediment carbon sampling methods in mangroves and their broader impacts on stock estimates for blue carbon ecosystems
- Authors: Fest, Benedikt , Swearer, Stephen , Arndt, Stefan
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Science of the Total Environment Vol. 816, no. (2022), p.
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs), such as mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrasses, are attracting interest for their potential to mitigate climate change arising from their high rates of carbon accumulation and the significant carbon stocks in their sediments. However, current sediment carbon sampling methods present a mixture of approaches adopted from paleoenvironmental methods focused on historical reconstruction of carbon accumulation, and from soil science methods developed to provide highly accurate and spatially representative carbon stock measurements. Currently, no international standard method for sediment carbon stock analysis exists. Consequently, current estimates of sediment carbon stock values for BCEs may have large uncertainties due to variable methodology. We reviewed and analysed the methods used 217 studies included in two recent global syntheses of carbon stocks in mangrove forest ecosystems to illustrate a lack of consistency in sediment sampling. We then outline how the choice of study design and field sampling methods can introduce inaccuracies and uncertainties in sediment carbon stock analysis. We conclude with examples of how each of these challenges can be resolved and how greater carbon stock quantification accuracy and higher spatial integration can be achieved for blue carbon ecosystems in the future. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.
Revision of the competency standards for occupational therapy driver assessors : an overview of the evidence for the inclusion of cognitive and perceptual assessments within fitness-to-drive evaluations
- Authors: Fields, Sally , Unsworth, Carolyn
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal Vol. 64, no. 4 (2017), p. 328-339
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background/aim: Determination of fitness-to-drive after illness or injury is a complex process typically requiring a comprehensive driving assessment, including off-road and on-road assessment components. The competency standards for occupational therapy driver assessors (Victoria, Australia) define the requirements for performance of a comprehensive driving assessment, and we are currently revising these. Assessment of cognitive and perceptual skills forms an important part of the off-road assessment. The aim of this systematic review of systematic reviews (known as an overview) is to identify what evidence exists for including assessment of cognitive and perceptual skills within fitness-to-drive evaluations to inform revision of the competency standards. Methods: Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library, OT Seeker) were systematically searched. Systematic review articles were appraised by two authors for eligibility. Methodological quality was independently assessed using the AMSTAR tool. Narrative analysis was conducted to summarise the content of eligible reviews. Results: A total of 1228 results were retrieved. Fourteen reviews met the inclusion criteria. Reviews indicated that the components of cognition and perception most frequently identified as being predictive of fitness-to-drive were executive function (n = 13), processing speed (n = 12), visuospatial skills, attention, memory and mental flexibility (n = 11). Components less indicative were perception, concentration (n = 10), praxis (n = 9), language (n = 7) and neglect (n = 6). Conclusion: This overview of systematic reviews supports the inclusion of assessment of a range of cognitive and perceptual skills as key elements in a comprehensive driver assessment and therefore should be included in the revised competency standards for occupational therapy driver assessors. © 2017 Occupational Therapy Australia