Hunter Medical Research Institute

Cost-Effectiveness of Annual Atrial Fibrillation Screening Compared with Current Opportunistic Screening in Australian Primary Care: A Model-Based Economic Evaluation

Although the guidelines recommend opportunistic screening for adults ≥ 65 years, screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) remains underutilised in Australia. The absence of guidance on how often to screen has resulted in variable practice and missed opportunities for AF detection....

Patient-reported gestational weight gain care provided by general practitioners: a cross-sectional study

Australian clinical practice guidelines recommend all pregnant people receive routine antenatal care for gestational weight gain (GWG). All antenatal care providers (ACP) including general practitioners (GP) are recommended to assess weight and provide advice on recommended GWG,...

Genome-wide analysis of social behaviour across social domains, reporters and developmental stages: a meta-regression approach

Abstract Social behaviour is a heritable trait linked to well-being and mental health, yet it varies across social context, including social domains, informants and development, which may shape its underlying genomic architecture. Here, we conducted a genome-wide meta-regression...

Don’t judge a sperm by its cover

Male fertility is primarily assessed using descriptive semen parameters, such as sperm concentration, motility and morphology. These conventional parameters provide an initial assessment of male reproductive health and may explain why a couple is struggling to conceive; however,...

Quality standards for preclinical research in cardio-oncology

Preclinical research in cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity (CTR-CVT) is a major domain of cardio-oncology and has provided biological explanation for the cardiovascular adverse effects of many cancer therapies. However, the choice of the experimental models to investi...

Implementing univerSal TeleprehabiliTation into cAnceR caRe pathwayS (STTARRS Trial): protocol for a hybrid type 1 multi-centre randomised controlled trial and nested sub study

Abstract Background Postoperative complications are common after major cancer surgeries, occurring in 25–50% of patients. They delay recovery and adversely affect both cancer-free and overall survival. Intervention to optimise patients’ physical and psychological wellbeing before...

A mixed methods evaluation of pleural procedural experience and training in intensive care trainees

Abstract Background Pleural procedures are key skills for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) doctors but can be associated with serious complications. We aimed to explore ICU junior doctors’ training, experience, and confidence in performing pleural procedures. Methods The study was a pro...

Prevalence of Healthy Eating Initiatives in Australian Primary Schools: A Cross‐Sectional Survey

ABSTRACT Issue Addressed Schools are recommended settings for promoting healthy eating, but to achieve population‐level impact, initiatives must be widely implemented. Limited data are available to assess the implementation of Australian school‐based healthy eating initiatives. T...

Diet and physical activity behaviours among people with insomnia symptoms: a cross-sectional survey to understand treatment needs and acceptability

Background High adherence to a Mediterranean diet and regular moderate-intensity physical activity (≥5 days/week, ≥30 minutes/day) reduce the risk of insomnia symptom onset and maintenance, yet engagement in these behaviours among adults with insomnia symptoms and the acceptabili...

Sitting Time and Physical Activity Correlate With Asthma Exacerbations in Adults: A Cross‐Sectional Study From the Australasian Severe Asthma Network

Summary Lower levels of sitting time were associated with a lower risk of severe asthma exacerbations in adults. High levels of physical activity eliminated the detrimental association of sitting time with severe asthma exacerbations in adults.

Terminology for describing the 24-h cycle of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep: a scoping review

Abstract Background Physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep are three behaviours which occupy the 24-h cycle and interact to influence a multitude of health outcomes. Different terms are currently used to describe these behaviours collectively (e.g., movement behaviours...

β1- and β2-adrenergic receptor mediated spontaneous contractions and ryanodine receptor channel opening in human failing heart

Abstract In heart failure, β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR)-Gsα-cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) signalling predisposes to delayed-afterdepolarisation-mediated arrhythmias. Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) hydrolyse cAMP, and PDE3 restrains β 1 -AR, β 2 -AR-mediated inotropic responses in failin...