Addressing the needs of older adults receiving alcohol treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 global pandemic resulted in major changes to the provision of alcohol treatment in the UK, these changes coincided with increases in the use of alcohol. This study sought to understand the impact of the pandemic on older adults in alcohol treatment, and to explore how changes in the provision of alcohol treatment were experienced. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were completed with older adults (aged 55+) in alcohol treatment, as well as alcohol practitioners providing support to older adults. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Alcohol use was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption (AUDIT-C). RESULTS: Thirty older adults in alcohol treatment and fifteen alcohol practitioners were recruited. The COVID-19 pandemic was found to result in both increases and decreases in alcohol use; changes in alcohol use depended on a number of factors, such as living arrangements, family support, physical and mental health. Many alcohol treatment services moved to a model of remote support during the pandemic. However, face-to-face service provision was considered to be essential by both older adults in alcohol treatment and alcohol practitioners. Engagement with online support was low, with older adults facing barriers in using online technology. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of face-to-face treatment and intervention for older adults in alcohol treatment. Addiction services may see increased demand for treatment as a result of the pandemic; it is important that services consider the needs of older adults, many of whom may be marginalised by a remote model of service provision.

Simulated Clinical Skills for Veterinary Students Supplement Limited Animal and Clinical Resources in Developing Countries.

As part of an OIE Veterinary Education Twinning Project linking The University of Queensland, Australia and Nong Lam University, Vietnam, the limited access to animal and clinical resources was identified as an impediment to high quality veterinary education at Nong Lam University. However, student focused, simulated learning spaces, which have been widely adopted in veterinary training, are a cost-effective opportunity to provide initial clinical skills to students in countries where resourcing is constrained. In clinical skills training facilities, students use models and simulators to practice their clinical skills to develop the confidence, competence and muscle memory to enter the clinical phase of their training. While high-fidelity veterinary simulators and models are expensive, effective models for foundational clinical skills development can be built in-house for students to practice their skills authentically. This article outlines the cost effective establishment of a veterinary clinical skills training facility at Nong Lam University.

Sharing Ideas and Practice: Institutional Partnership Influences Change in Approaches to Teaching to Enhance Veterinary Education in Vietnam in Conjunction with an OIE Veterinary Education Twinning Project.

A World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Veterinary Education Twinning Project was established between the veterinary schools at Nong Lam University (NLU) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and the University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia, as part of the scheme established to promote high-quality veterinary services through improved veterinary education. Included in the partnership's primary aims were building the capacity of veterinary teaching staff with respect to general teaching practice and also in response to identified deficiency areas, and to develop outcome assessment processes. One challenge facing the project was the different approaches and experiences of teaching and learning for the faculty and students between the two widely different historical and cultural contexts of Australia and Vietnam. The project enhanced the pedagogy capability in NLU faculty and introduced student-focused approaches to teaching. The NLU staff involved in the project strongly embraced a student-centered approach to learning and case-based teaching in particular, adopting these strategies in their own teaching. An analysis of students' approach to learning demonstrates that the majority preferred a deep approach to learning and that these students valued case studies, problem-solving exercises, and working in small groups during teaching sessions more than students who took a surface approach to learning. An improved recognition of the ways the Vietnamese students approach their learning in their home country will guide future teaching design, as well as give insight into the approaches to teaching for Southeast Asian students within the Australian veterinary science programs.

Genetic diversity of Koala retrovirus env gene subtypes: insights into northern and southern koala populations.

Koala retrovirus (KoRV) is a recently endogenized retrovirus associated with neoplasia and immunosuppression in koala populations. The virus is known to display sequence variability and to be present at varying prevalence in different populations, with animals in southern Australia displaying lower prevalence and viral loads than northern animals. This study used a PCR and next-generation sequencing strategy to examine the diversity of the KoRV env gene in both proviral DNA and viral RNA forms in two distinct populations representative of the 'northern' and 'southern' koala genotypes. The current study demonstrated that the full range of KoRV subtypes is present across both populations, and in both healthy and sick animals. KoRV-A was the predominant proviral subtype in both populations, but there was marked diversity of DNA and RNA subtypes within individuals. Many of the northern animals displayed a higher RNA viral diversity than evident in their proviral DNA, indicating relatively higher replication efficiency of non-KoRV-A subtypes. The southern animals displayed a lower absolute copy number of KoRV than the northern animals as reported previously and a higher preponderance of KoRV-A in individual animals. These discrepancies in viral replication and diversity remain unexplained but may indicate relative protection of the southern population from KoRV replication due to either viral or host factors and may represent an important protective effect for the host in KoRV's ongoing entry into the koala genome.

Commensal bacterial sharing does not predict host social associations in kangaroos.

Social network analysis has been postulated as a tool to study potential pathogen transmission in wildlife but is resource-intensive to quantify. Networks based on bacterial genotypes have been proposed as a cost-effective method for estimating social or transmission network based on the assumption that individuals in close contact will share commensal bacteria. However, the use of network analysis to study wild populations requires critical evaluation of the assumptions and parameters these models are founded on. We test (a) whether networks of commensal bacterial sharing are related to hosts' social associations and hence could act as a proxy for estimating transmission networks, (b) how the parameters chosen to define host associations and delineate bacterial genotypes impact inference and (c) whether these relationships change across time. We use stochastic simulations to evaluate how uncertainty in parameter choice affects network structure. We focused on a well-studied population of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus), from Sundown National Park, Australia. Using natural markings, each individual was identified and its associations with other kangaroos recorded through direct field observations over 2 years to construct social networks. Faecal samples were collected, Escherichia coli was cultured and genotyped using BOX-PCR, and bacterial networks were constructed. Two individuals were connected in the bacterial network if they shared at least one E. coli genotype. We determined the capacity of bacterial networks to predict the observed social network structure in each year. We found little support for a relationship between social association and dyadic commensal bacterial similarity. Thresholds to determine host associations and similarity cut-off values used to define E. coli genotypes had important ramifications for inferring links between individuals. In fact, we found that inferences can show opposite patterns based on the chosen thresholds. Moreover, no similarity in overall bacterial network structure was detected between years. Although empirical disease transmission data are often unavailable in wildlife populations, both bacterial networks and social networks have limitations in representing the mode of transmission of a pathogen. Our results suggest that caution is needed when designing such studies and interpreting results.

El análisis de redes sociales se ha postulado como una herramienta para estudiar la potencial transmisión de patógenos en fauna silvestre. Sin embargo, las redes sociales en fauna silvestre son difíciles de cuantificar. Es por esto que las redes basadas en el genotipo bacteriano se han propuesto como un método más rentable para estimar redes sociales o de transmisión, basado en el supuesto de que individuos en contacto cercano compartirán bacterias comensales. Sin embargo, el uso del análisis de redes para estudiar poblaciones silvestres requiere una evaluación crítica de los supuestos y parámetros en los que se basan estos métodos. En este estudio probamos (a) si las redes de bacterias comensales están relacionadas con las redes sociales y por lo tanto podrían actuar como proxy para estimar redes de transmisión. Exploramos (b) cómo los parámetros elegidos, para definir asociaciones entre individuos y delinear genotipos bacterianos, impactan en los resultados. Finalmente, examinamos (c) si estas relaciones cambian con el tiempo. Utilizamos simulaciones estocásticas para evaluar cómo la incertidumbre en la elección de parámetros afecta la estructura de la red. Nuestro estudio se basó en una población de canguros grises (Macropus giganteus), del Parque Nacional de Sundown, Australia. Cada individuo fue identificado usando marcas naturales, y sus interacciones con otros canguros se registraron a través de observaciones de campo durante dos años para construir redes sociales. Se recolectaron muestras fecales, se cultivó Escherichia coli, se determinó el genotipo mediante BOX-PCR y se construyeron las redes bacterianas. El criterio para conectar dos individuos en la red bacteriana, se basa en sí al menos un genotipo de E. coli es compartido entre dos individuos. Determinamos la capacidad de las redes bacterianas para predecir la estructura de las redes sociales observadas en cada año. Encontramos poca evidencia que sustente una relación entre la asociación social y la similitud bacteriana. Los umbrales, que determinan las asociaciones entre individuos en las redes sociales y los valores de corte de similitud para definir los genotipos de E. coli, tuvieron una importante influencia para inferir vínculos entre individuos. De hecho, encontramos que las inferencias pueden mostrar patrones opuestos dependiendo de los umbrales elegidos. Además, no se detectó similitud en la estructura de la red bacteriana general entre los años. Aunque los datos empíricos de transmisión de enfermedades a menudo no están disponibles para poblaciones de vida silvestre, los análisis de redes pueden potencialmente solventar dicho problema. Sin embargo, tanto las redes bacterianas como las redes sociales tienen limitaciones para representar el modo de transmisión de un patógeno. Nuestros resultados sugieren que se necesita tener cautela al diseñar este tipo de estudios e interpretar los resultados.

A pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial of an adjunct brief social network intervention in opiate substitution treatment services.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 3% of people receiving opioid substitution therapy (OST) in the UK manage to achieve abstinence from prescribed and illicit drugs within three years of commencing treatment. Involvement of families and wider social networks in supporting psychological treatment may be an effective strategy in facilitating recovery, and this pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of a social network-focused intervention for patients receiving OST. METHODS: A two-site, open feasibility trial randomised patients receiving OST for at least 12 months but still reporting illicit opiate use in the past 28 days to one of three treatments: 1) treatment as usual (TAU), 2) Brief Social Behaviour and Network Therapy (B-SBNT) + TAU, or 3) Personal Goal Setting (PGS) + TAU. The two active interventions consisted of 4 sessions. There were 3 aims: 1) test the feasibility of recruiting OST patients to a trial of B-SBNT, and following them up over 12 months; 2) test the feasibility of training clinicians to deliver B-SBNT; 3) test whether B-SBNT reduces heroin use 3 and 12 months after treatment, and to explore potential mediating factors. The primary outcome for aim 3 was number of days of heroin use in the past month, and a range of secondary outcome measures were specified in advance (level of drug dependence, mental health, social satisfaction, therapist rapport, treatment satisfaction, social network size and support). RESULTS: A total of 83 participants were randomised, and 70 (84%) were followed-up at 12 months. Fidelity analysis of showed that B-SBNT sessions were clearly distinguishable from PGS and TAU sessions, suggesting it was possible to train clinical staff to an adequate level of competence. No significant differences were found between the 3 intervention arms in the primary or secondary outcome measures. Attendance at psychosocial treatment intervention sessions was low across all three arms (44% overall). CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving OST can be recruited into a trial of a social network-based intervention, but poor attendance at treatment sessions makes it uncertain whether an adequate dose of treatment was delivered. In order to achieve the benefits of psychosocial interventions, further work is needed to overcome poor engagement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Trial Registration Number: ISRCTN22608399 . Date of registration: 27/04/2012. Date of first randomisation: 14/08/2012.

Measuring Health and Broader Well-Being Benefits in the Context of Opiate Dependence: The Psychometric Performance of the ICECAP-A and the EQ-5D-5L.

BACKGROUND: Measuring outcomes in economic evaluations of social care interventions is challenging because both health and well-being benefits are evident. The ICEpop CAPability instrument for adults (ICECAP-A) and the five-level EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) are measures potentially suitable for the economic evaluation of treatments for substance use disorders. Evidence for their validity in this context is, however, lacking. OBJECTIVES: To assess the construct validity of the ICECAP-A and the EQ-5D-5L in terms of convergent and discriminative validity and sensitivity to change on the basis of standard clinical measures (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure, Treatment Outcomes Profile, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, Leeds Dependence Questionnaire, and Social Satisfaction Questionnaire). METHODS: A secondary analysis of pilot trial data for heroin users in opiate substitution treatment was conducted. Baseline convergence with clinical measures was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Discriminative validity was assessed using one-way analysis of variance and stepwise regressions. Sensitivity to changes in clinical indicators was assessed at 3 and 12 months using the standardized response mean statistic and parametric and nonparametric testing. RESULTS: Both measures had the same level of construct validity, except for clinical indicators of well-being, for which the ICECAP-A performed better. The ICECAP-A was sensitive to changes in both health and well-being indicators. The EQ-5D-5L had lower levels of sensitivity to change, and a ceiling effect (27%), particularly evident in the dimensions of self-care (89%), mobility (75%), and usual activities (72%). CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the construct validity of both measures, but the ICECAP-A gives more attention to broader impacts and is more sensitive to change. The ICECAP-A shows promise in evaluating treatments for substance use disorders for which recovery is the desired outcome.

Mutation in the RmßAOR gene is associated with amitraz resistance in the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus.

We aimed to describe the evolution of resistance to amitraz in Rhipicephalus microplus in the field and to test the association between amitraz resistance and the frequency of a mutation in the ß-adrenergic octopamine receptor gene (RmßAOR). We established six populations of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks in similar paddocks by the admixture of ticks from strains known to be susceptible and resistant to amitraz and synthetic pyrethroids. Each population was managed using one of three acaricide treatment regimes: always amitraz, always spinosad, or rotation between amitraz and spinosad. We used microsatellites to elucidate population structure over time, an SNP in the para-sodium channel gene previously demonstrated to confer resistance to synthetic pyrethroids to quantify changes in resistance to synthetic pyrethroids over time, and a nonsynonymous SNP in the RmßAOR, a gene that we proposed to confer resistance to amitraz, to determine whether selection with amitraz increased the frequency of this mutation. The study showed panmixia of the two strains and that selection of ticks with amitraz increased the frequency of the RmßAOR mutation while increasing the prevalence of amitraz-resistance. We conclude that polymorphisms in the RmßAOR gene are likely to confer resistance to amitraz.

Faecal bacterial communities differ amongst discrete foraging populations of dugongs along the east Australian coast.

Gut bacterial communities play a vital role in a host's digestion and fermentation of complex carbohydrates, absorption of nutrients, and energy harvest/storage. Dugongs are obligate seagrass grazers with an expanded hindgut and associated microbiome. Here, we characterised and compared the faecal bacterial communities of dugongs from genetically distinct populations along the east coast of Australia, between subtropical Moreton Bay and tropical Cleveland Bay. Amplicon sequencing of fresh dugong faecal samples (n=47) revealed Firmicutes (62%) dominating the faecal bacterial communities across all populations. Several bacterial genera (Bacteroides, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Blautia and Polaribacter) were detected in samples from all locations, suggesting their importance in seagrass digestion. Principal coordinate analysis showed the three southern-most dugong populations having different faecal bacterial community compositions from northern populations. The relative abundances of the genera Clostridium sensu stricto 13 and dgA-11 gut group were higher, but Bacteroides was lower, in the southern dugong populations, compared to the northern populations, suggesting potential adaptive changes associated with location. This study contributes to our knowledge of the faecal bacterial communities of dugongs inhabiting Australian coastal waters. Future studies of diet selection in relation to seagrass availability throughout the dugong's range will help to advance our understanding of the roles that seagrass species may play in affecting the dugong's faecal bacterial community composition.

Improving patient experience for people prescribed medicines with a risk of dependence or withdrawal: co-designed solutions using experience based co-design.

BACKGROUND: Significant concerns have been raised regarding how medications with a risk of dependence or withdrawal are managed and how care is experienced by patients. This study sought to co-design solutions to improve the experience of care for patients prescribed benzodiazepines, z-drugs, opioids for chronic non-cancer pain, gabapentinoids and antidepressants. METHOD: Twenty patients and fifteen healthcare professionals from five different GP practices were recruited to take part. The study used Experience Based Co-Design. Patients and healthcare professionals completed semi-structured interviews and took part in feedback groups and co-design workshops to collaboratively identify priorities for improvement and to co-design solutions to improve the experience of care. RESULTS: Poor patient experience was common among people prescribed medications with a risk of dependence or withdrawal. Patients and healthcare professionals identified three main priority areas to improve the experience of care: (i) ensuring patients are provided with detailed information in relation to their medication, (ii) ensuring continuity of care for patients, and (iii) providing alternative treatment options to medication. Solutions to improve care were co-designed by patients and healthcare staff and implemented within participating GP practices to improve the experience of care. CONCLUSION: Good patient experience is a key element of quality care. This study highlights that the provision of in-depth medication related information, continuity of care and alternative treatment to medication are important to patients prescribed medicines with a risk of dependence or withdrawal. Improving these aspects of care should be a priority for future improvement and delivery plans.

Parallel evolution in an island archipelago revealed by genomic sequencing of Hipposideros leaf-nosed bats.

Body size is a key morphological attribute, often used to delimit species boundaries among closely related taxa. But body size can evolve in parallel, reaching similar final states despite independent evolutionary and geographic origins, leading to faulty assumptions of evolutionary history. Here, we document parallel evolution in body size in the widely distributed leaf-nosed bat genus Hipposideros, which has misled both taxonomic and evolutionary inference. We sequenced reduced representation genomic loci and measured external morphological characters from three closely related species from the Solomon Islands archipelago, delimited by body size. Species tree reconstruction confirms the paraphyly of two morphologically designated species. The nonsister relationship between large-bodied H. dinops lineages found on different islands indicates that large-bodied ecomorphs have evolved independently at least twice in the history of this radiation. A lack of evidence for gene flow between sympatric, closely related taxa suggests the rapid evolution of strong reproductive isolating barriers between morphologically distinct populations. Our results position Solomon Islands Hipposideros as a novel vertebrate system for studying the repeatability of parallel evolution under natural conditions. We conclude by offering testable hypotheses for how geography and ecology could be mediating the repeated evolution of large-bodied Hipposideros lineages in the Solomon Islands.

The characteristics and treatment outcomes of people with very late onset of problem drinking.

BACKGROUND: The characteristics and outcomes of people who begin to experience problems with alcohol later in life are not well understood. This study examines whether people with a very late-onset of problem drinking, defined as occurring after the age of 60, differ in their use of alcohol, mental health functioning, and alcohol treatment outcomes from people with an earlier onset of problem drinking. METHOD: Seven hundred eighty participants aged 50+ were categorized as either early onset (<25 years, n = 119, 15%), mid-onset (25-39 years, n = 200, 26%), late-onset (40-59 years, n = 376, 48%) or very late-onset problem drinkers (≥60 years, n = 85, 11%). Participants completed measures on alcohol use, mental health, and cognitive functioning. RESULTS: Eleven percent of participants had very late onset of problem drinking. After controlling for age as a covariate, age of onset of problem drinking was not associated with level of alcohol intake or cognitive functioning, but individuals with very late onset of problem drinking had significantly lower levels of depression and significantly better mental health well-being. Age of onset was not associated with treatment outcomes (i.e., change in alcohol use following treatment or treatment completion). CONCLUSION: People who first experience problems with alcohol after the age of 60 may have better mental health functioning than people with an earlier age of problem drinking. The results suggest that the age of onset of problem drinking may be a poor predictor of alcohol use severity and treatment outcomes and older adults can benefit from alcohol treatment irrespective of the age problem drinking began.

Fine-scale genetic population structure in a mobile marine mammal: inshore bottlenose dolphins in Moreton Bay, Australia.

Highly mobile marine species in areas with no obvious geographic barriers are expected to show low levels of genetic differentiation. However, small-scale variation in habitat may lead to resource polymorphisms and drive local differentiation by adaptive divergence. Using nuclear microsatellite genotyping at 20 loci, and mitochondrial control region sequencing, we investigated fine-scale population structuring of inshore bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) inhabiting a range of habitats in and around Moreton Bay, Australia. Bayesian structure analysis identified two genetic clusters within Moreton Bay, with evidence of admixture between them (F(ST) = 0.05, P = 0.001). There was only weak isolation by distance but one cluster of dolphins was more likely to be found in shallow southern areas and the other in the deeper waters of the central northern bay. In further analysis removing admixed individuals, southern dolphins appeared genetically restricted with lower levels of variation (AR = 3.252, π = 0.003) and high mean relatedness (r = 0.239) between individuals. In contrast, northern dolphins were more diverse (AR = 4.850, π = 0.009) and were mixing with a group of dolphins outside the bay (microsatellite-based STRUCTURE analysis), which appears to have historically been distinct from the bay dolphins (mtDNA Φ(ST) = 0.272, P < 0.001). This study demonstrates the ability of genetic techniques to expose fine-scale patterns of population structure and explore their origins and mechanisms. A complex variety of inter-related factors including local habitat variation, differential resource use, social behaviour and learning, and anthropogenic disturbances are likely to have played a role in driving fine-scale population structure among bottlenose dolphins in Moreton Bay.

Species boundaries and possible hybridization between the black mongoose (Galerella nigrata) and the slender mongoose (Galerella sanguinea).

Major climatic oscillations since the mid-Miocene climatic optimum are known to have played a key role in promoting speciation events. In this study we use molecular data to elucidate the evolutionary history of Galerella nigrata and link its divergence to known major climatic events. A total of 51 samples from G. nigrata and 17 from Galerella sanguinea were used to provide the first molecular evidence that G. nigrata may be a species in its own right. Both mitochondrial cytochrome b and the nuclear ß-fibrinogen intron seven sequences of G. nigrata form distinct monophyletic clades, separate from its sister species G. sanguinea. We estimate the divergence of these two species to have occurred 3.85-4.27 million years ago, coinciding with a period of the Plio-Pleistocene that was characterised by cooling global temperatures and strong aridity in southern Africa. However, evidence for potential hybridization between the two species was documented for ten individuals using phenotypic (pelage colouration) and/or molecular (nuclear and mtDNA sequences and microsatellite loci) data. There appeared to be a bias towards unidirectional hybridization with all potential hybrids showing mtDNA haplotypes from G. nigrata. We suggest that as the desert expanded across Namibia, G. sanguinea likely retreated with the savanna, leaving some mongooses stranded on the granite inselbergs of north-western Namibia. Subsequent adaptation of these mongooses to local conditions on granite inselbergs could have led to ecological speciation. Secondary contact zones would have been re-established with subsequent global warming events. It appears that the two species have not yet undergone complete reproductive isolation.

Prevalence of congenital hereditary sensorineural deafness in Australian Cattle Dogs and associations with coat characteristics and sex.

BACKGROUND: Congenital hereditary sensorineural deafness (CHSD) occurs in many dog breeds, including Australian Cattle Dogs. In some breeds, CHSD is associated with a lack of cochlear melanocytes in the stria vascularis, certain coat characteristics, and potentially, abnormalities in neuroepithelial pigment production. This study investigates phenotypic markers for CHSD in 899 Australian Cattle Dogs. RESULTS: Auditory function was tested in 899 Australian Cattle Dogs in family groups using brainstem auditory evoked response testing. Coat colour and patterns, facial and body markings, gender and parental hearing status were recorded.Deafness prevalence among all 899 dogs was 10.8% with 7.5% unilaterally deaf, and 3.3% bilaterally deaf, and amongst pups from completely tested litters (n = 696) was 11.1%, with 7.5% unilaterally deaf, and 3.6% bilaterally deaf.Univariable and multivariable analyses revealed a negative association between deafness and bilateral facial masks (odds ratio 0.2; P ≤ 0.001). Using multivariable logistic animal modelling, the risk of deafness was lower in dogs with pigmented body spots (odds ratio 0.4; P = 0.050).No significant associations were found between deafness and coat colour.Within unilaterally deaf dogs with unilateral facial masks, no association was observed between the side of deafness and side of mask. The side of unilateral deafness was not significantly clustered amongst unilaterally deaf dogs from the same litter. Females were at increased risk of deafness (odds ratio from a logistic animal model 1.9; P = 0.034) after adjusting for any confounding by mask type and pigmented body spots. CONCLUSIONS: Australian Cattle Dogs suffer from CHSD, and this disease is more common in dogs with mask-free faces, and in those without pigmented body patches. In unilaterally deaf dogs with unilateral masks, the lack of observed association between side of deafness and side of mask suggests that if CHSD is due to defects in molecular pigment pathways, the molecular control of embryonic melanoblast migration from ectoderm to skin differs from control of migration from ectoderm to cochlea. In Australian Cattle Dogs, CHSD may be more common in females.

A Missense Mutation in the KLF7 Gene Is a Potential Candidate Variant for Congenital Deafness in Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs.

Congenital deafness is prevalent among modern dog breeds, including Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs (ASCD). However, in ASCD, no causative gene has been identified so far. Therefore, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) of affected and normal individuals. For GWAS, 3 bilateral deaf ASCDs, 43 herding dogs, and one unaffected ASCD were used, resulting in 13 significantly associated loci on 6 chromosomes, i.e., CFA3, 8, 17, 23, 28, and 37. CFA37 harbored a region with the most significant association (-log10(9.54 × 10-21) = 20.02) as well as 7 of the 13 associated loci. For whole genome sequencing, the same three affected ASCDs and one unaffected ASCD were used. The WGS data were compared with 722 canine controls and filtered for protein coding and non-synonymous variants, resulting in four missense variants present only in the affected dogs. Using effect prediction tools, two variants remained with predicted deleterious effects within the Heart development protein with EGF like domains 1 (HEG1) gene (NC_006615.3: g.28028412G>C; XP_022269716.1: p.His531Asp) and Kruppel-like factor 7 (KLF7) gene (NC_006619.3: g.15562684G>A; XP_022270984.1: p.Leu173Phe). Due to its function as a regulator in heart and vessel formation and cardiovascular development, HEG1 was excluded as a candidate gene. On the other hand, KLF7 plays a crucial role in the nervous system, is expressed in the otic placode, and is reported to be involved in inner ear development. 55 additional ASCD samples (28 deaf and 27 normal hearing dogs) were genotyped for the KLF7 variant, and the variant remained significantly associated with deafness in ASCD (p = 0.014). Furthermore, 24 dogs with heterozygous or homozygous mutations were detected, including 18 deaf dogs. The penetrance was calculated to be 0.75, which is in agreement with previous reports. In conclusion, KLF7 is a promising candidate gene causative for ASCD deafness.

Factors influencing routine cognitive impairment screening in older at-risk drinkers: Findings from a qualitative study in the United Kingdom.

Cognitive Impairment (CI) screening is recommended for those engaged in harmful levels of alcohol use. However, there is a lack of evidence on implementation. This paper explores the barriers and facilitators to CI screening experienced across a service specifically for older drinkers. The findings draw on data gathered as part of an evaluation of a multilevel programme to reduce alcohol-related harm in adults aged 50 and over in five demonstration areas across the United Kingdom. It is based on qualitative interviews and focus groups with 14 service providers and 22 service users. Findings are presented thematically under the section headings: acceptability of screening, interpretation and making sense of screening and treatment options. It is suggested that engagement with CI screening is most likely when its fit with agency culture and its purpose is clear; where service providers have the technical skills to administer and discuss the results of screening with service users; and where those undertaking screening have had the opportunity to reflect on their own experience of being screened. Engagement with CI screening is also most likely where specific intervention pathways and engagement practices can be accessed to respond to assessed need.

Phylogenetics of the pademelons (Macropodidae: Thylogale) and historical biogeography of the Australo-Papuan region.

Australia and New Guinea share a common biogeographical history and unique vertebrate fauna. Investigation of genetic relationships among the wet forest-restricted pademelons (Macropodidae: Thylogale) provides insight into the historical connections between the two regions and the evolution of the Australasian marsupial fauna. Molecular phylogenetic relationships among Thylogale species were analysed using mitochondrial (12S rRNA and cytochrome b) and nuclear (omega-globin intron) sequence data with Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods. Australian species were resolved as well-supported, monophyletic clades, whereas endemic New Guinean species did not form clades consistent with current morphological taxonomy. Estimates of divergence using a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock model with standard mammalian nucleotide substitution rates indicated radiation of the genus in Australia in the mid to late Miocene. Persistence of Australian species of Thylogale in both southern temperate and northern tropical forests throughout the drying of the Australian continent can be attributed to their having a greater dietary flexibility than other browsing forest macropods. Divergence of the endemic New Guinean lineage occurred in the late Miocene to early Pliocene, indicating the presence of a partially forested landbridge connecting Australia and New Guinea during the Miocene. Mid-Pleistocene divergence between subspecies of the trans-Torresian T. stigmatica implies gene flow during glacial maxima between forest populations in the southern lowlands of New Guinea and the northern Cape York region of Australia. Complex structuring and relatively limited differentiation among populations of the endemic New Guinean species appears to have been influenced by the uplift of land and climate-induced redistribution of forest habitats during the late Pliocene and Pleistocene period. This is in strong contrast to the long evolutionary history and comparatively deep genetic divergence of Thylogale species in Australia. Further evaluation of the species status of the New Guinean Thylogale using more informative nuclear markers and extensive sampling is required.

Valuing families' preferences for drug treatment: a discrete choice experiment.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The burden on family members of those who are dependent on illicit drugs is largely unidentified, despite the presence of significant negative financial, health and social impacts. This makes it difficult to provide appropriate services and support. This study aimed to assess the preferences for treatment attributes for heroin dependence among family members affected by the drug use of a relative and to obtain a measure of the intangible economic benefit. DESIGN: Discrete choice experiment. Data were analysed using mixed logit which accounted for repeated responses. SETTING: Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Eligible participants were Australian residents aged 18+ years with a relative with problematic drug use. Complete data on 237 respondents were analysed; 21 invalid responses were deleted. MEASUREMENTS: Participant preference for likelihood of staying in treatment, family conflict, own health status, contact with police and monetary contribution to a charitable organization providing treatment. FINDINGS: All attributes were significant, and the results suggest that there was a preference for longer time in treatment, less family discord, better own health status, less likelihood of their relative encountering police and, while they were willing to contribute to a charity for treatment to be available, they prefer to pay less, not more. In order of relative importance, participants were willing to pay an additional A$4.46 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.33-5.60] for treatment which resulted in an additional 1% of heroin users staying in treatment for longer than 3 months, A$42.00 (95% CI = 28.30-55.69) to avoid 5 days per week of family discord, A$87.94 (95% CI = 64.41-111.48) for treatment options that led to an improvement in their own health status and A$129.66 (95% CI = 53.50-205.87) for each 1% decline in the chance of police contact. CONCLUSIONS: Drug treatment in Australia appears to have intangible benefits for affected family members. Families are willing to pay for treatment which reduces family discord, improves their own health, increases time in treatment and reduces contact with police.

Novel insights into viral infection and oncogenesis from koala retrovirus (KoRV) infection of HEK293T cells.

Koala retrovirus is thought to be an underlying cause of high levels of neoplasia and immunosuppression in koalas. While epidemiology studies suggest a strong link between KoRV and disease it has been difficult to prove causality because of the complex nature of the virus, which exists in both endogenous and exogenous forms. It has been difficult to identify koalas completely free of KoRV, and infection studies in koalas or koala cells are fraught with ethical and technical difficulties, respectively. This study uses KoRV infection of the susceptible human cell line HEK293T and RNAseq to demonstrate gene networks differentially regulated upon KoRV infection. Many of the pathways identified are those associated with viral infection, such as cytokine receptor interactions and interferon signalling pathways, as well as viral oncogenesis pathways. This study provides strong evidence that KoRV does indeed behave similarly to infectious retroviruses in stimulating antiviral and oncogenic cellular responses. In addition, it provides novel insights into KoRV oncogenesis with the identification of a group of histone family genes that are part of several oncogenic pathways as upregulated in KoRV infection.