School of Science - Te Kura Pūtaiao
Permanent link for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10292/1333
Research at AUT's School of Science - Te Kura Pūtaiao is focused on key scientific issues with regional and global significance. The common theme connecting all research areas is sustainability – in the broadest sense as it relates to environmental and human health. Our research is closely allied to teaching and learning opportunities at undergraduate and postgraduate level within the school.
Research is organised in six main areas:
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Recent Submissions
Item A Cautionary Tale of Disequilibria in Microlite-Melt Evolution Driven by Fast Crystallization Kinetics: Implications for Modeling Volcanic Processes(Elsevier BV, 2026-07-01) Wu, J; Pontesilli, A; Brenna, M; Cronin, SJ; Park, SH; Paredes-Mariño, J; Hamilton, K; Ribó, M; Adams, D; Huebsch, MAn intact submarine-quenched bomb collected from the globally impactful 2022 Hunga eruption served as a natural laboratory to investigate the role of syn- and post-eruptive magma cooling on microlite crystallization and, in-turn, melt composition in mafic-intermediate magmatic systems. We investigated chemical-textural gradients across the bomb and elucidated the crystallization kinetics and cooling history via thermal modelling. High crystal growth rates correlate with increasing chemical and textural disequilibrium of clinopyroxene and plagioclase microlites towards the bomb interior. These reflect unsteady crystallization kinetics and especially a transition from dominantly interface-limited to diffusion-limited growth regimes. These far-from-equilibrium processes are cause for caution in applying constant experimentally-derived crystal growth rates to explain natural fast-cooling processes, potentially leading to inaccurate magmatic timescales. In this single bomb, far-from-equilibrium crystallization processes drove compositional trends that could be mistaken for pre-eruptive fractional crystallization. If not thoroughly assessed, such compositional effects may impair our ability to reconstruct crystal-melt equilibrium pairs and retrieve accurate thermobarometric estimates. Our results suggest that before examining magmatic reservoir processes in mafic-intermediate systems samples should be checked for the overprinting influences of syn- and post-eruptive crystallization, particularly if textural examination reveals high microlite numbers and extreme crystal morphologies.Item Small Molecules Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 Axis for Cancer Immunotherapy(Ivyspring International Publisher, 2026-04-08) Yin, Jia-Yi; Liu, Hui-Min; Li, Shao-long; Ji, Xin-Qian; Wang, Jun-Jie; Fu, Meng-Jie; Liu, Cong-Jun; Wang, Ning; Lu, Guo-Liang; Li, Yan; Liu, Hong-Min; Zheng, Yi-Chao; Dai, Xing-Jie; Liu, YingPD-1/PD-L1 pathway, a key immune checkpoint, triggers T-cell exhaustion via binding and aiding tumor immune evasion. Although several anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been granted food and drug administration (FDA) approval, their high cost, poor oral bioavailability, and potential immunogenicity have led to a shift in research toward small molecules. This review summarizes the structure and function of PD-1/PD-L1 and, based on the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling process, focuses on three major classes of related compounds: small molecule inhibitors inducing PD-L1 dimerization or blocking PD-1/PD-L1 binding; PD-L1 degraders (e.g., Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and Lysosome-targeting chimeras (LYTACs)) via the ubiquitin-proteasome or lysosomal pathway, overcoming membrane protein targeting; and dual-target inhibitors that enhance therapeutic efficacy by exerting synergistic effects. While small molecule drugs have advantages over monoclonal antibodies, including oral administration and reduced immunogenicity, they face drug resistance and toxicity challenges. This review aims to provide insights into the discovery of safe and effective antitumor immunotherapeutic agents.Item Pacific‐Led Responses to COVID‐19: Lessons for Future Pandemic Preparedness(Wiley, 2026-04-26) Matenga‐Ikihele, Amio; Asafo, Fale; Tuesday, Ruby; Netzler, Natalie; Puliuvea, Chris; Percival, TeuilaThe COVID‐19 pandemic exposed deep inequities in health systems globally and in Aotearoa New Zealand, with Pacific communities experiencing a disproportionate burden of illness, economic hardship, and social disruption. Despite these challenges, Pacific communities demonstrated resilience, culturally grounded leadership, and the ability to meet community needs through collective action. This qualitative review of peer‐reviewed literature, government reports, and community‐led research identified five interconnected themes: (1) community partnerships; (2) Pacific‐centred approaches; (3) clear and trusted communication; (4) digital inclusion and literacy skills; and (5) economic support and sustainability. From these themes, key enablers were identified, which included community leadership, trusted communication strategies, and agile local systems, alongside barriers such as underinvestment, digital exclusion, reliance on unpaid labour, and limited inclusion of Pacific leadership in early planning. The findings highlight that Pacific‐led systems are not supplementary but an essential public health infrastructure. Embedding these approaches within national emergency planning, through sustainable funding, formal governance roles, and strengthened digital inclusion, offers a pathway to a more equitable, trusted, and resilient pandemic response.Item Factors Associated with Assistance and Baiting in Response to Threat of Suicide in an Online Forum(Mary Ann Liebert, 2026-01-23) Phillips, JG; Thakral, P; Mann, LOnline forums for potentially suicidal individuals are intended to provide peer help and support but may also lead to harassment and baiting. Factors associated with assistance (concern, suggesting seeking medication or treatment) and with baiting (taunting, encouraging self-harm) were investigated in an archival study of the Reddit r/sad forum during 2 months in 2023, in which N = 175 posts flagged suicidal ideas and intent. Assistance was offered in 158 cases (but suicide methods were also suggested to 11 cases), and no response proffered to 17 cases. Offers of assistance were more likely when the suicidal individual did not report substance abuse (r = 0.20) and had a larger audience (r = 0.22). Baiting was more likely when a suicidal person indicated a suicide method (r = 0.27), was receiving more audience responses (r = 0.21) and audience downvotes (r = 0.36). While assistance was much greater than baiting, the incidence of baiting (∼5 percent) and the potential for harm is a concern. Even moderated online forums may present a risk for potentially suicidal people.Item Age‐Based Population Dynamics of the Shoemaker Spinefoot Rabbitfish (Siganus sutor) From The Seychelles(Wiley, 2026-04-19) Sabetian, Armagan; Owen, Charlie; Pope, Ieuan; Haines, Leah; Das, Ayon; Lilkendey, Julian; Trip, Elizabeth DL; Zhang, Jingjing; Govinden, Rodney; Visconti, ValerioSpawning aggregations, schooling behaviour and twice-yearly recruitment make the shoemaker spinefoot rabbitfish (Siganus sutor) a major artisanal and subsistence fishery species in the Western Indian Ocean. However, published estimates of its maximum age and growth parameters vary considerably. In this study, we estimate the longevity of S. sutor at 4 years and an asymptotic length of 287.29 mm FL. When analysed by sex, males exhibited a larger L∞ (292.53 mm FL) than females (284.52 mm FL), yet likelihood-ratio tests and confidence ellipses formulated around L∞ and K values indicated no significant sex-based differences in growth profiles. Consistent with previous studies, S. sutor is short-lived, grows rapidly and experiences high mortality yet remains resilient to fishing pressure. However, given its importance to coastal fisheries throughout the Indian Ocean, we recommend a comprehensive, spatially comparative assessment of S. sutor life-history traits and population dynamics across its geographic range. This is necessary to determine whether inconsistencies in age and growth reported in the literature are due to the presence of a species complex with differing growth rates, mortality, behaviour or vulnerability to fishing.Item Client Experiences of Videocall-Delivered Therapy During COVID-19 Restrictions in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Qualitative Study(Wiley, 2026-04-15) Donkin, L; Jones, A; Van Kessel, KAim: Intermittent restrictions on personal movement were introduced in Aotearoa New Zealand in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As in-person therapeutic appointments became unavailable, psychotherapy, psychology and counselling services were increasingly delivered by phone or online, often via videocall. While there is a growing literature on therapists’ experiences of videocall therapy, fewer studies have examined clients’ experiences. Method: This study used semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of six clients who engaged in videocall therapy during COVID-19 restrictions in Aotearoa New Zealand. A Qualitative Description approach with reflexive thematic analysis was used to provide a low-inference account of participants’ experiences in language close to their own. Findings: Participants described videocall therapy as fundamentally different from in-person therapy. Therapeutic space was created through practices by both therapists and clients, including modifications to the client's physical environment and thoughtful communication that supported continuity and responsiveness. Participants valued the flexibility of videocall therapy and its capacity to support continuity of care, but also noted the limitations of reduced access to body language and non-verbal cues. Practices before, during and after sessions shaped how videocall therapy was experienced, including transition practices that helped participants move between the therapeutic space and everyday life. Conclusion: Although limited by a small sample size, these findings add an Aotearoa New Zealand client perspective on videocall therapy during COVID-19 restrictions. They suggest that perceived therapeutic efficacy may be influenced by practices before, during and after sessions, as well as by the creation and maintenance of a therapeutic space in the videocall environment.Item The Global Extent of the Grassland Biome and Implications for the Terrestrial Carbon Sink(Nature Research, 2026-01-27) MacDougall, AS; Vanzant, B; Sulik, J; Bagchi, S; Naidu, D; Muraina, TO; Seabloom, EW; Borer, ET; Wilfahrt, P; Slette, I; Hierro, JL; Pearson, DE; Abedi, M; Akasaka, M; Alberti, J; Aleksanyan, A; Amisu, AA; Anderson, TM; Arnillas, CA; Ayer, M; Bakker, JD; Basant, S; Basto, S; Biederman, L; Bloodworth, KJ; Boscutti, F; Boughton, EH; Bruschetti, CM; Buckley, HL; Buckley, YM; Bugalho, MN; Caldeira, MC; Campetella, G; Cannone, N; Carbognani, M; Carbutt, C; Carniello, MA; Cervellini, M; Chaudhary, T; Chen, Q; Clark, AT; Cousins, S; Dalle Fratte, M; Day, NJ; Deák, B; Dietrich, J; Dixon, A; Eisenhauer, N; Elgersma, KJ; Eren, O; Eskelinen, A; Estrada, C; Fay, PA; Fayvush, G; Flynn, KC; García Meza, D; Gargano, D; Gherardi, L; Girkin, NT; González, L; Graff, P; Hagenberg, LWC; Halbritter, AH; Havrilchak, NA; Herdoiza, N; Hersch-Green, E; Hopping, K; Jentsch, A; Jimoh, SO; Kerby, J; Kirkman, K; Knops, JMH; Koerner, SE; Koltz, A; Komatsu, KJ; Koura, BI; Kruse, S; Laanisto, L; Lannes, LS; Li, W; Liang, M; Lkhagva, A; López-Olmedo, L; Lorenzo, P; Lortie, CJ; Loydi, A; Luo, W; Macek, P; Malfasi, F; Mariotte, P; Martina, JP; Martínez-Blancas, A; Martinson, H; Martorell, C; Meave, JA; Medina-Villar, S; Mganga, KZ; Monsimet, J; Nerlekar, AN; Niu, S; Ohlert, T; Oliveras Menor, I; Oñatibia, GR; Ortega, YK; Osborne, B; Palpurina, S; Pascual, J; Pennings, SC; Pérez-García, E; Peri, PL; Petit Bon, M; Petraglia, A; Pijcke, F; Prober, SM; Quiroga, RE; Ramirez, JI; Reed, S; Rosado, BHP; Roscher, C; Rowley, DW; Sereda, I; Small, DM; Smith, NG; Song, Y; Stevens, C; Suarez Jimenez, LE; Te Beest, M; Tedder, M; Terry, RS; Thornton, KS; Tian, D; Titcomb, G; Valkó, O; 'Ciska' Veen, GF; Virtanen, R; Welti, EAR; Wheeler, GR; Wolf, AA; Wolff, P; Young, AL; Young, HS; Zeglin, LH; Zhu, K; Zong, S; Siewert, MBLand cover data are commonly used to model the terrestrial carbon (C) sink, yet these data have wide margins of error that significantly alter estimates of global C storage. Here we demonstrate this data vulnerability in grasslands, which are critical to C cycling but whose estimated distribution has varied by >50 million km² (3.5-42% of the Earth's terrestrial surface). Comparing multiple high-resolution land cover products with expertly annotated grassland data from six continents, we show sources of mapping error and discuss C implications based on 2023 United Nations (UN) FAO estimates. Past misidentification arose from inconsistent definitions on grassland identity and classification flaws especially relating to woody plant cover. Correcting these errors adjusted grassland coverage to 22.8% of the terrestrial land base (30.1 million km²), elevating UN projections of soil C stocks to 155.02 Pg (0-30 cm depth). These findings underscore the challenges of biome mapping for ecosystem accounting and policy, when lacking field-validated remotely sensed data.Item A Morphological Upscaling Approach to Modelling Patterns of Long Term Shoreface Change and Their Synoptic Climate Drivers in Southeast Australia(Elsevier BV, 2026-02-14) Mortlock, TR; Goodwin, ID; Ribó, MThis study presents a novel method to determine the long-term morphological response of the lower shoreface to regional climate forcing on wave-dominated coasts. By integrating synoptic wave climate typing, coupled wave-hydrodynamic-sediment transport modelling, and frequency-based morphological upscaling, the approach is evaluated using a rare, centennial-scale bathymetric dataset from Byron Bay, in Eastern Australia. Application to eight sites along the Southeast Australian coast, with detailed analysis at two erosion hotspots, suggests that the 30 to 35-m depth zone is the ultimate seaward limit of significant centennial-scale sediment transport under extreme storm conditions. This boundary has implications for both the design of coastal infrastructure, and the extraction of offshore sand. The study also demonstrates that only storms from directions normal to the coast can induce significant sediment transport on the lower shoreface, while storms clockwise of southeast are too oblique to facilitate long-term cross-shoreface transport. Results also indicate that the lower shoreface, like the upper shoreface on event timescales, can rotate in response to directional wave climate forcing on centennial timescales.Item Lion's Mane Mushroom: Nutritional Profile, Bioactive Compounds, Functional Properties, and Applications in Functional Food Systems(Wiley, 2026-03-29) Raja-Razali, Raja Balqis; Zahia-Azizan, Nur Asyiqin; Yee, Chong Shin; Ushidee-Radzi, Muhammad Ameer; Ilham, Zul; Hamid, Nazimah; Klaus, Anita; Wan-Mohtar, Wan Abd Al Qadr ImadLion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) holds a significant place in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), valued for centuries for benefiting various internal organs and overall well-being. It is also celebrated as a culinary delicacy in East Asia, prized for its fleshy, meat-like texture and mild, seafood-like flavor. High concentrations of glutamic and aspartic acids generate a pronounced umami taste, enhancing its culinary appeal and supporting its use as a natural flavor enhancer. Nutritionally, it provides dietary fiber, essential minerals, and high protein content, notably in the mycelial biomass (up to 42.5% dry weight), making it especially suitable as a protein source in meat alternative applications. The mushroom's therapeutic potential is rooted in its novel bioactive constituents. Hericenones (in fruiting bodies) and erinacines (in mycelia) are diterpenoids that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, supporting neuronal function. Furthermore, immunomodulatory β-glucans, antioxidant phenolic compounds, and ergothioneine contribute to its overall health benefits. However, these functional properties are predominantly supported by in vitro and animal studies. Despite growing interest in its medicinal properties, integrated evaluations of the nutritional composition, bioactive profile, and technological potential of H. erinaceus for modern food applications remain limited. By leveraging both its sensory attributes and scientifically validated functional value, H. erinaceus can be incorporated into beverages, staple foods, and meat substitutes. This comprehensive review examines its dual role as a medicinal and culinary mushroom, to hopefully enhance understanding of the mushroom and inspire its future applications in food technology.Item Tree Seedling-Recruitment in Temperate and Subtropical Species: A Systematic Narrative Review of Biotic and Abiotic Modifiers, and Experimental Treatments(Wiley, 2026-04-10) Bürli, Sarah; Buckley, Hannah L; Case, Bradley STree seedling recruitment, encompassing germination and growth, is crucial for natural and artificial propagation. Recruitment depends on the interplay of biotic and abiotic modifiers and can be influenced by experimental treatments and nursery methodologies, such as seed priming techniques and seedling treatments, which affect the success of forest restoration and nursery operations. Despite extensive research, the effects of natural modifiers and treatments across species remain poorly understood. We conducted a systematic review of 91 peer-reviewed articles to identify patterns and knowledge gaps on the effects of natural modifiers, seed priming, and seedling treatments on seedling recruitment. Our Scopus search focused on experimental studies of tree germination and seedling fitness in temperate and subtropical species. Starting with 266 articles, we critically appraised them for internal validity using two sets of criteria and independent evaluators. Data on tree responses of studies with internal validity were categorized and analyzed narratively. Most reviewed studies (60.5%) focused on abiotic modifiers. Seedling-focused studies (66.6%) outnumbered seed-focused ones (33.4%). Overall, 42.2% of the studies reported nonsignificant effects. Fertilization, temperature, precipitation, pollution, and light availability had mostly nonsignificant effects on seedling recruitment. Soil moisture, snow cover, and soil scarification had positive effects, while shading negatively impacted seedlings. Mixed biotic and abiotic modifiers showed inconclusive results. Mycorrhizal associations promoted recruitment, while competition had mixed effects. Seed stratification was more effective than scarification or chemical treatments in promoting germination. To advance understanding of tree recruitment processes, we recommend studies on seedling treatments, mycorrhizal associations, fertilization, warm stratification, scarification, and chemical treatment across species. Frequent nonsignificant results suggest reassessing ecological hypotheses, incorporating context-specific variables, and adopting more robust experimental designs. A trait-based approach seems essential for identifying broader patterns and enhancing conservation and restoration outcomes.Item Multiple Gastric Cancer Tissue Proteomic Identification Predicts CLU as a Biomarker for Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy(Elsevier BV, 2026-04) Zhang, Yu; Zhu, Hao-Yi; Ma, Cong-Cong; Wang, Ning; Li, Yan; Lu, Guo-Liang; Dai, Xing-Jie; Wang, Bo; Mamun, MAA; Li, Ying; Zhao, Xiao-Ying; Pang, Jing-Ru; Guo, Ning-Jie; Qi, Feng-Yu; Sun, Jian-Gang; Liu, Hong-Min; Liu, Feng-Wu; Herdewijn, Piet; Zhao, Long-Fei; Zheng, Yi-ChaoHighlights • Clusterin (CLU) is a new negative predictive biomarker for anti-PD-1 immunotherapy of gastric cancer (GC). • CLU is a pivotal regulator of both tumor-intrinsic proliferation and immune evasion in GC. • CLU abrogation in GC enhances the immune response, boosting T-cell killing ability activity and cytokine secretion.Item A Qualitative Study on Pacific Male Perspectives on Addressing Porn Use and Addiction in Aotearoa New Zealand(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2026-03-24) Erickson, Simon; Kito, Bale; Treharne, Gareth; Rodda, Simone; Kennedy, Rebekah; Fehoko, EdmondPacific experiences, in particular, male perspectives of pornography use remain significantly under-examined in contemporary behavioural health scholarship, despite growing evidence of its complex intersections with cultural identity, spirituality, masculinity, and community expectations in Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider Pacific region. This study critically investigates how Pacific males understand, navigate, and respond to pornography within the interconnected domains of church, culture, and community, three influential spaces that shape moral reasoning, gendered expectations, and collective wellbeing. Findings reveal that pornography use is framed not only as an individual behavioural issue but as a culturally embedded concern that disrupts relationships, challenges masculine identities, and amplifies shame and silence within faith-based and communal settings. Participants emphasised the need for culturally grounded, church-engaged, and community-led strategies that move beyond punitive moral narratives to foster compassionate dialogue, relational accountability, and culturally resonant education on sexuality and digital wellbeing. This paper argues that addressing pornography among Pacific males requires a holistic, strengths-based approach centred on cultural safety and collective responsibility. By foregrounding Pacific voices, the study contributes critical insights for culturally responsive intervention design, pastoral care, and public health policy, positioning Pacific worldviews as essential to understanding and addressing pornography-related harms in culturally meaningful and socially just ways.Item Evidence for the Network Theory of Mental Disorders in People at Ultra High Risk of and Diagnosed With Schizophrenia(University of California Press, 2026-03-16) Buchwald, K; Vignes, M; Sandham, M; Narayanan, A; Williams, M; Siegert, RThe network theory of mental disorders proposes that symptoms cause the expression of other symptoms. Research on the network theory is increasing, but empirical support is lacking. We aim to assess the viability of an integrated latent variable model and network model of psychopathology. We sourced 795 ultra-high-risk participants from the North American Prodromal Longitudinal Three Study and 1,446 participants with schizophrenia from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness study. We reconstructed a Bayesian network on the Scale of Psychosis Risk Symptoms and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale on five training samples and then estimated the parameters on five test samples from each study, respectively. We compared the three models (Network model, latent variable model, and integrated model) on the five test samples from each assessment (30 models). The integrated model had a significantly superior fit than the LVM and had a better fit than the network model in all test samples. This novel finding provides partial support that items may interact and that networks with latent variables may be used to model the structure of an assessment if there is a poor fit to the latent variable model structure.Item Ecological Momentary Assessment of Symptom Trajectories During Sugar Reduction: Application of Substance Use Disorder Criteria(Elsevier BV, 2026-03-27) Bijker, Rimke; Henry, Nathan; Rodda, Simone NExcessive sugar consumption and the difficulty faced in reducing intake have fuelled debate over whether sugar is addictive. This study aimed to identify the most prominent substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms experienced during sugar reduction and to determine whether distinct symptom burden trajectories emerged over time. Adults from New Zealand willing to quit free sugars (n=203) participated in an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study. A pre-EMA survey assessed food addiction symptoms, dietary intake, BMI, craving, self-efficacy, and psychological distress. Participants received five EMAs a day for two weeks to assess sugar consumption and DSM-5 SUD criteria reflecting impaired control, tolerance, withdrawal, social impairment and risky use. Nearly one-third of participants (31.0%) remained sugar-free throughout follow-up. Sugar consumption was reported in 9% of EMAs and peaked in the evening EMA (11.5%), primarily as snacks and desserts or baked goods. The most frequent symptoms were cravings, preoccupation and difficulty remaining abstinent. Common withdrawal symptoms were low energy, body aches and pains, and low mood. Group-based trajectory modelling identified a low (47%) and high (53%) symptom burden group. Pre-EMA assessment associated with high burden group membership included presence of food addiction as per Yale Food Addiction Scale, higher sugar consumption, BMI, craving, anxiety, and stress, as well as lower self-efficacy at. The findings indicate that SUD-like symptoms occur during attempts to reduce or stop sugar intake. To determine whether these symptoms persist and are associated with significant impairment or distress future research should extend the EMA protocol to include a pre-quit assessment and longer-term monitoring.Item Comparative Amplicon and Shotgun Metagenome Profiling of Soil Microbial Communities in Kauri Forests Affected by Phytophthora agathidicida(Wiley, 2026-04-01) King, Zoe; Buckley, Hannah L; Lear, Gavin; Seale, Brent; Lee, Kevin C; Schwendenmann, Luitgard; Lacap-Bugler, Donnabella CSoil-borne pathogens can influence microbial communities and ecosystem function, making it important to understand their broader ecological impacts. We investigated interactions between Phytophthora agathidicida (the causal agent of kauri tree dieback) and soil microbial communities, while also comparing detection and community-profiling methods. Soils from 60 kauri trees across three sites in the Waitākere Ranges, New Zealand, were analysed using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for pathogen detection, and 16S rRNA gene/ITS gene amplicon sequencing alongside shotgun metagenomics for community characterisation. LAMP detected P. agathidicida in 39/60 samples, while shotgun sequencing detected Phytophthora-associated DNA at low abundance across all samples. Microbial community structure and functional potential showed weak association with pathogen presence, though differential abundance testing identified several genera enriched in pathogen-detected soils, including taxa previously linked to disease suppression. Amplicon and shotgun profiles indicated broadly comparable patterns at higher taxonomic and functional levels, while differences between approaches emerged primarily at finer taxonomic resolution. Importantly, functional predictions from PICRUSt2 closely matched shotgun-derived profiles at broader scales, indicating its suitability as a cost-effective tool for broad-scale monitoring. These findings suggest limited direct pathogen effects on microbial communities and highlight how integrating molecular approaches provides complementary insights into soil microbiome-pathogen interactions.Item Cannabinoid Oral Mucosal Delivery: Approaches to Formulation, Fabrication, and Permeation Enhancement(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2026-03-06) Nagaraj, Anushree; Seyfoddin, AliCannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have garnered significant interest for their broad-spectrum pharmacological activity in managing chronic pain, neurological disorders, and cancer-associated symptoms. Despite their therapeutic promise, clinical translation remains hindered by poor aqueous solubility, extensive first-pass metabolism, and inconsistent systemic exposure following oral administration. Oral mucosal drug delivery systems offer a viable alternative by enabling transmucosal absorption, bypassing hepatic metabolism, and facilitating both rapid and sustained drug release. This review examines the evolution and design of oral mucosal dosage forms, including fast-dissolving films, mucoadhesive matrices, in situ gels, and particulate systems and highlights the critical role of formulation strategies in enhancing cannabinoid bioavailability. Fabrication techniques such as solvent casting, hot melt extrusion, and emerging 3D printing methods are also discussed, with a focus on their potential to enable personalized dosage forms. Furthermore, the integration of permeation enhancers like terpenes, and novel systems such as inclusion complexes and lipid-based carriers, presents new opportunities for improving the solubility and stability of lipophilic cannabinoids. Together, these innovations provide a framework for the development of stable, effective, and patient-centric oral mucosal cannabinoid delivery platforms with improved pharmacokinetic and therapeutic profiles.Item Rasch Analysis in the Development of Self-reported Outcome Measures to Assess Physical Function(Elsevier BV, 2026-03-14) Pierobon, Andrés; Krägeloh, ChrisINTRODUCTION: The assessment of physical function is central to clinical decision-making in rehabilitation and musculoskeletal care. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are widely used because they are simple, cost-effective, and patient-centred. However, many PROMs were developed using Classical Test Theory, which assumes equal distances between ordinal response options and overlooks differences in item difficulty and person ability. These limitations can reduce measurement precision and cause ceiling effects, particularly among individuals with high physical function. Rasch analysis, a modern psychometric approach based on Item Response Theory, addresses these issues and enhances the measurement properties of PROMs. PURPOSE: This article introduces Rasch analysis as a methodological framework for developing and refining PROMs to assess physical function. It explains the principles of the Rasch model, its application to dichotomous and polytomous data, and how it transforms ordinal scores into interval-level measurements. Example figures illustrate key outputs such as category probability curves, person-item maps, and threshold ordering. Advantages, limitations, and practical considerations for integrating Rasch analysis into outcome measure development are discussed. IMPLICATIONS: Rasch analysis enables clinicians and researchers to better understand item difficulty and estimate patients' functional ability with greater precision. Incorporating Rasch-developed PROMs enhances the validity, interpretability, and responsiveness of functional assessments. Clinicians can use these measures with increased confidence when monitoring progress and evaluating treatment outcomes, supporting more accurate goal setting and improved rehabilitation practice.Item Low-dose Naltrexone as an Adjunctive Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder: Findings From a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Hybrid Parallel-arm Study(Frontiers Media S.A., 2026-03-06) Moloney, BD; Forsyth, A; Sumner, RL; Glover, SC; Hoeh, NR; Sundram, F; Cavadino, A; Muthukumaraswamy, S; Lin, JCIntroduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of global disability. Current treatments are limited by poor efficacy in approximately one-third of patients. Neuroinflammation may be an underlying mechanism of MDD and represents a novel target for pharmacological therapy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a putative centrally acting anti-inflammatory agent, low-dose naltrexone (LDN), in MDD. Methods: Patients with MDD experiencing moderate depressive symptoms and receiving antidepressant treatment were randomized to receive 12 weeks of LDN (up to 4.5 mg per day) or 12 weeks of inactive placebo. The primary outcome measure was the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at 12 weeks, analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model adjusted for baseline. Results: Thirty-seven patients were randomized. At 12 weeks, MADRS scores (M ± SD) were reduced by 10.5 ± 5.6 in the LDN group and 9.8 ± 5.9 placebo group; with no difference between groups (p = 0.97). LDN did not affect high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels or exploratory measures of depression, behavioral activation, quality of life, sickness symptoms and mood. There was no evidence that baseline hsCRP modified the effect of LDN on MADRS score. Discussion: Adjunctive LDN does not appear to alter depressive symptoms in moderate MDD. Larger studies are warranted to evaluate LDN in a population with a higher likelihood of neuroinflammatory pathology, such as those with severe, treatment-resistant MDD or comorbid inflammatory conditions. Future studies should utilize stratification tools that are more sensitive and specific to neuroinflammation than hsCRP. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=383741&isReview=true, identifier [ACTRN12622000881730].Item Peroxyl Radical-induced Lipid Peroxidation in Bovine Plasma: Kinetic Parameters for Simultaneous Antioxidant Activity and Capacity Assessments of Foods(Elsevier BV, 2026-06-21) Granato, DanielConventional chemical antioxidant assays estimate antioxidant capacity but lack physiological relevance and fail to capture the complexity of oxidative processes in biological systems. This study standardised a kinetic bovine plasma lipid oxidation assay (BOPLA) in which AAPH-derived peroxyl radicals induce oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in bovine plasma, providing a biologically relevant model for evaluating food-related antioxidants in a lipoprotein oxidation system. A range of beverages (rosé and white wines, various fruit juices, teas, and coffee) was evaluated using chemical antioxidant assays, nitric oxide inhibition, and egg yolk lipid peroxidation inhibition. AAPH at 3 mM provided an optimal balance between radical flux and assay discrimination, producing stable oxidation kinetics over 120 min while maintaining sufficient dynamic range to distinguish partial and complete antioxidant inhibition. BOPLA parameters, antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and oxidation velocity, showed significant correlations with single-electron transfer assays, including CUPRAC, DPPH, Folin–Ciocalteu reducing capacity (FCRC), and iron-reducing capacity (IRAC), supporting the role of polyphenols in suppressing AAPH-driven lipid peroxidation. Ascorbic acid (0.50–250 mg/L) exhibited dose-dependent behaviour with excellent linearity (R2 = 0.9889–0.9997). Pomegranate juice showed the highest antioxidant potential, whereas lime juice concentrate displayed the lowest chemical antioxidant capacity. Importantly, the kinetic framework of BOPLA enabled discrimination of antioxidant behaviour, allowing samples to be classified as fast-acting, sustained, weak, inactive, or pro-oxidant according to their effects on lipid peroxidation kinetics. Overall, these findings highlight BOPLA as a high-throughput kinetic platform for characterising antioxidant activity and capacity in complex food matrices beyond conventional chemical assays.Item Artificial Intelligence Anxiety in Future Healthcare Professionals(Online Science Publishing, 2026-03-16) Brown, StephenThe purpose of this article is to review current literature on health professionals’ anxiety related to the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in the delivery of healthcare. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the delivery of healthcare presents a transformative opportunity to both enhance patient care, and operational efficiencies. However, apotentially negative consequence of this integration has concurrently given rise to Artificial Intelligence Anxiety (AIA) among healthcare professionals, stemming from concerns about job security, ethical ambiguities, data privacy, and perceived lack of professional preparedness. Our findings suggest that an essential role of education is to address artificial intelligence anxiety in future healthcare professionals by providing appropriate education and training. These educational interventions should develop literacy in artificial intelligence technologies, and cultivate a collaborative, human-centred approach that frames AI as an augmentation tool, empowering healthcare professionals rather than replacing them. The practical implications of effective educational strategies should aim to build a resilient healthcare professional workforce where human expertise and AI capabilities synergistically optimize care delivery. We further suggest that providers of education, along with other stakeholders in the preparation and training of our future healthcare professional workforce, also need to contribute to the establishment of regulatory frameworks and policies which ensure ethical governance of AI.