Melbourne Health

The DLX/Notch axis is necessary for spatiotemporal regulation of neural cell fate

Neuronal-glial cell fate switch during forebrain development is highly regulated. DLX transcription factors are necessary for promoting GABAergic interneuron differentiation and migration but the mechanisms for concomitant repression of glial fate in neural progenitors remain elu...

Multi-pathogen situational assessment and forecasting of respiratory disease in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract Real-time analysis of epidemic trends and forecasts can help support public health planning and the response to seasonal respiratory disease. Here, we present two models that were used in a 2025 New Zealand winter situational assessment programme for three respiratory pa...

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia: a spatial and multilevel analysis

Abstract Background Although vaccines are becoming increasingly accessible, hesitancy is still a public health concern, particularly in reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. However, evidence regarding geographic distribution and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy remains l...

A systematic review of early neuroimaging and neurophysiological biomarkers for post-stroke mobility prognostication

Abstract Background Accurate prognostication of mobility outcomes is essential to guide rehabilitation and manage patient expectations. The prognostic utility of neuroimaging and neurophysiological biomarkers remains uncertain when measured early post-stroke. This systematic revi...

Redefining liver health: a multidimensional approach to preventing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a rapidly escalating global health challenge driven by complex interactions among metabolic regulation, nutrition, immune signalling, gut microbiota, and environmental exposures. Current disease-centric frameworks priorit...

Anxiety and mood disorders from childhood to adulthood in very preterm and term-born individuals

BACKGROUND: Very preterm (VP) birth has been associated with higher rates of anxiety and mood disorders, but the emergence and persistence from childhood to adulthood is unknown. This study examined prevalence rates and early risk factors of these disorders in VP and term-born in...

Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Deltoid Ligament Complex in Healthy Ankles: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction Up to one in two individuals who have a history of an ankle injury will develop chronic ankle instability, which subsequently increases the risk of osteoarthritis development. Although lateral ankle ligament injuries are the most common, recent research show...

Associations between lifestyle factors and 2.5-year clinical outcomes differ by time since multiple sclerosis diagnosis

BACKGROUND: Healthy lifestyle factors are associated with better health outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Whether these associations differ according to time since diagnosis remains unclear. Understanding this may inform optimal timing for lifestyle modification....

Diagnostic performance of a centrifugation-free stool processing kit in conjunction with Xpert®MTB/RIF Ultra for paediatric tuberculosis: a multicentre prospective study in five low and middle-income countries

Diagnosing paediatric tuberculosis (TB) remains challenging. Currently available diagnostic tests have limited accuracy, and most sampling methods are invasive. In 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) endorsed the use of molecular WHO-recommended rapid diagnostic tests (mWRD...

Efficacy of Vitamin C Treatment to Aid the Healing of Foot Ulcers in People With Diabetes: A Randomised, Placebo‐Controlled Double‐Blind Trial: The FOOT‐C Study Protocol

ABSTRACT Introduction Diabetes‐related foot ulceration (DFU) is a serious complication, serving as a leading cause of amputation, disability, hospitalisation and a significant contributor to healthcare costs. Deficiencies in vitamin C and other micronutrients are common in DFU. E...

Issues in the clinical assessment and management of people living with motor neurone disease (MND): a survey of Australian healthcare professionals

Objective: To inform the development of the Australian MND Guideline, this study aimed to identify challenges Australian healthcare professionals (HCPs) face in the clinical assessment and management of people living with MND (plwMND) including where practice varies from evidence...

Rethinking Muscle Wasting in Critical Illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Myofiber Size and Protein Turnover

OBJECTIVES: To identify biological findings underlying skeletal muscle dysfunction in adults with critical illness and meta-analyze myofiber cross-sectional area and protein turnover variables. DATA SOURCES: Six databases were electronically searched from inception to January 202...

From Testing to Treatment: A Mixed-Methods Study of Organisational Readiness for Intravenous Iron for Pregnant Women with Anaemia in Bangladesh

Abstract Anaemia affects over one-third of pregnant women in Bangladesh, leading to serious consequences including maternal death and stillbirth. Yet, only about half of pregnant women are tested for anaemia, and few receive intravenous iron – an effective treatment option. It re...