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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Distribution and Taxonomic Composition of Leptocephali and Hydrographic Structure From New Zealand to the South Equatorial Current
(Elsevier, 2026-05-08) Miller, MJ; Watanabe, S; Schabetsberger, R; Behan-Kitto, N; Cawley, GF; Smith, N; Gill, AM; Che-Pelicier, A; Saul, JE; Sim, A; Miller, TC; Dissanayake, S; Stewart, AL; Sabadel, AJM
In October-November 2024, an interdisciplinary sampling survey of anguilliform leptocephalus larvae was conducted in the western South Pacific Ocean. Hydrographic measurements and net sampling using an Isaacs–Kidd Midwater Trawl (IKMT), a Rectangular Midwater Trawl (RMT) and a Multiple Opening/Closing Net and Environmental Sensing System (MOCNESS), were conducted across a broad region north and northwest of New Zealand, extending to the South Equatorial Current region. The hydrographic structure reflected the typical pattern of warmer low-latitude water with a low-salinity surface layer (Fresh Pool). Net deployments at 39 sampling stations (34 IKMT, 17 RMT, 24 MOCNESS) collected 367 leptocephali and six juvenile eels of ∼99 species from 13 families of eels and notacanths. The family Congridae was the most diverse, with ∼25 species including seven Ariosoma species-types. Conger leptocephali were widely present in the New Caledonia region, and recruitment-stage Gnathophis larvae were collected over the continental slope of northern New Zealand. There were also ∼21 species of Muraenidae leptocephali caught in the north, along with some larvae of other shallow water eel families (Ophichthidae, Chlopsidae, Moringuidae). The leptocephali of the mesopelagic eel families (Serrivomeridae, Nemichthyidae, Derichthyidae) were widely present at northern latitudes. Various rare types of leptocephali were also collected ( Scalanago lateralis , Congriscus , Type I) and importantly, nine Anguilla leptocephali were found exclusively at stations within the warmer, lower-salinity Fresh Pool. Together, these results provide a broad overview of leptocephalus diversity and distribution in the western South Pacific and demonstrate the value of combining multiple trawl types for sampling across size ranges.
Exploring Real-time Associations Between Momentary Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Gambling Behavior in Australian Adults: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study
(American Psychological Association, 2026-04-23) Hawker, Chloe; Dias, Stephanie; Merkouris, Stephanie; Rodda, Simone; Kang, Hyein; Ouaziz-Bouabdillah, Lina; Dowling, Nicki
OBJECTIVE: Guided by the dynamic model of relapse, this study examined whether momentary distress intolerance (DI) and emotion regulation (ER; maladaptive and adaptive strategy use) predict gambling behavior (episodes, expenditure, duration) in real time and whether momentary DI and ER interact with each other and with stable (problem gambling severity, high-risk situations) and momentary (psychological distress, state impulsivity) vulnerabilities in predicting gambling episodes. METHOD: A secondary analysis was conducted on an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study comprising a pre-EMA survey of stable variables followed by a 28-day period of twice-daily smartphone-delivered EMAs of momentary variables and gambling episodes. The convenience sample included 132 Australian adults (Mage = 29.9 years; 58.3% male; 94.7% endorsed gambling problems) who reported gambling in a typical month. RESULTS: Mixed-effects logistic regression analyses showed that momentary DI was associated with longer subsequent gambling duration (OR = 1.13, 95% CI [1.02, 1.25], p = .024), and maladaptive ER strategies were associated with both gambling episodes (OR = 1.24, 95% CI [1.03, 1.50], p = .023) and longer subsequent gambling duration (OR = 1.64, 95% CI [1.02, 2.65], p = .042). Adaptive ER strategy use was not significantly associated with gambling behavior. Only DI interacted with state impulsivity (OR = 1.11, 95% CI [1.03, 1.19], p = .005), whereby individuals with low impulsivity were more likely to gamble when DI was low, whereas those with high impulsivity were more likely to gamble when DI was high. CONCLUSIONS: These findings contribute to our understanding of DI and ER strategy use as dynamic, momentary vulnerabilities for gambling behavior and highlight their potential as real-time intervention targets, particularly for individuals with high impulsivity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
Systematic Review of Best Practice Guidance for Schools to Respond to Self-Harm
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2026-04-30) Bowden, Linda; Fortune, Sarah; Hetrick, Sarah Elisabeth; Meinhardt, Inge; Donkin, Liesje
Self-harm rates among adolescents continue to increase globally, placing an increased demand on schools to respond to and manage young people who engage in self-harm. Schools in developed countries report being ill-equipped to manage self-harm, and unsure of how to use the evidence available to guide them. The methods used in this systematic review are based on Cochrane methodology. We conducted a search of peer-reviewed publications from three databases; PsycINFO, (OVID) MEDLINE and EMBASE published in English from 1990 until 30 September 2022 and completed a grey literature search via Google. Two authors (LB and SH) extracted data from publications that provides guidance, actions and/or recommendations to school-based professionals (any school staff including school pastoral care) on the management of self-harm. The breadth of recommendations made to schools are discussed. Studies suggest schools need specific advice about role and responsibility to effectively respond to and manage self-harm in school settings. Evidenced based, action-oriented guidelines for schools to respond to self-harm is required.
International Competences for Undergraduate Psychology (ICUP): Highlighting the Value of Undergraduate Psychology Education in Personal, Work, and Community Domains
(American Psychological Association (APA), 2026-05-04) Hulme, Julie A; Cranney, Jacquelyn; Nolan, Susan A; Goedeke, Sonja; de Souza, Luciana Karine; Chukwuorji, JohnBosco Chika; Gullifer, Judith; Jia, Fanli; Job, Remo; Machin, Michael Anthony; Narciss, Susanne; Tchombe, Therese Mungah Shalo
The value of undergraduate psychology education has been questioned, especially in countries where most graduates do not pursue further training to become licensed psychologists. Partly to address this concern, the International Collaboration on Undergraduate Psychology Outcomes, involving 120 members from 47 nations, developed the International Competences for Undergraduate Psychology (ICUP) model. This model comprises 24 foundational competences across seven categories: psychological knowledge, psychological research methodologies and methods, psychology-relevant: values and ethics, cultural responsiveness and diversity, critical thinking and problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills, and personal and professional development. Designed to complement national models, ICUP highlights how psychology graduates can meaningfully contribute in personal, work, and community domains. In this article, we briefly describe the value of ICUP in each domain and answer commonly asked questions from stakeholders. We provide examples of educational approaches to demonstrate value for students (applying the competences in life and work), educators (using the competences to prepare students for life beyond graduation), employers (making explicit what competences psychology graduates offer), and communities (demonstrating how competences might foster psychologically literate citizenship). We assert that the ICUP model enhances the perceived and actual value of an undergraduate psychology degree by articulating its broad, foundational impact.
Sugar Habit Hacker: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial of Personalised Normative Feedback to Change Sugar Consumption
(SAGE Publications, 2026-05-14) Bijker, Rimke; Khullar, Hiranya; Te Ao, Braden; Rodda, Simone
Background: Excessive sugar consumption is a major public health concern, yet effective, scalable interventions remain limited. Aim: To explore the effects of a brief online intervention of personalised normative feedback (PNF) on sugar consumption, mental well-being, craving, and self-efficacy at one and two months in New Zealanders. Methods: Random assignment was to PNF on sugar consumption with feedback on mental wellbeing, craving, and self-efficacy scores, and information on strategies for change or a personalised summary of total sugar consumption and scores on measures. The main outcome was change in sugar intake from baseline, assessed using a self-reported Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Secondary outcomes were change in craving strength, craving frequency, self-efficacy and mental well-being. Results: A total of 605 participants were recruited over a four-week period. Most participants were female (86%), aged >45 years (56%), and consumed sugar within the recommended 10% daily energy intake limit (72%). Sugar consumption reduced by 10.2% at one-month post-intervention (Cohen's d = −0.27; 95% CI [−0.43, −0.11]), and this change was maintained at two months. Improvements were found for all secondary outcomes except mental well-being. There were, however, no significant group-by-time interactions for sugar intake or other outcomes. Conclusion: PNF shows promise in improving sugar consumption, but outcomes were similar to offering a personalised summary of scores alone. Given rapid recruitment and strong retention, future research should compare these conditions with a true control group that provides no feedback. Further work should also examine the reliability and validity of the FFQ for measuring sugar consumption.
Prediction of Emergence From Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness From Measures Within the UK Rehabilitation Outcomes Collaborative Database: A Multicentre Analysis Using Machine Learning
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2022-08-27) Siegert, Richard; Narayanan, Ajit; Turner-Stokes, Lynne
PURPOSE: Predicting emergence from prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC) is important for planning care and treatment. We used machine learning to examine which variables from routine clinical data on admission to specialist rehabilitation units best predict emergence by discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicentre national cohort analysis of prospectively collected clinical data from the UK Rehabilitation Outcomes (UKROC) database 2010-2018. Patients (n = 1170) were operationally defined as "still in PDOC" or "emerged" by their total UK Functional Assessment Measure (FIM + FAM) discharge score. Variables included: Age, aetiology, length of stay, time since onset, and all items of the Neurological Impairment Scale, Rehabilitation Complexity Scale, Northwick Park Dependency Scale, and the Patient Categorisation Tool. After filtering, prediction of emergence was explored using four techniques: binary logistic regression, linear discriminant analysis, artificial neural networks, and rule induction. RESULTS: Triangulation through these techniques consistently identified characteristics associated with emergence from PDOC. More severe motor impairment, complex disability, medical and behavioural instability, and anoxic aetiology were predictive of non-emergence, whereas those with less severe motor impairment, agitated behaviour and complex disability were predictive of emergence. CONCLUSIONS: This initial exploration demonstrates the potential opportunities to enhance prediction of outcome using machine learning techniques to explore routinely collected clinical data.Implications for rehabilitationPredicting emergence from prolonged disorders of consciousness is important for planning care and treatment.Few evidence-based criteria exist for aiding clinical decision-making and existing criteria are mostly based upon acute admission data.Whilst acknowledging the limitations of using proxy data for diagnosis of emergence, this study suggests that key items from the UKROC dataset, routinely collected on admission to specialist rehabilitation some months post injury, may help to predict those patients who are more (or less) likely to regain consciousness.Machine learning can help to enhance our understanding of the best predictors of outcome and thus assist with clinical decision-making in PDOC.
Exploring the Clinical Utility of the Music Therapy Assessment Tool for Awareness in Disorders of Consciousness (MATADOC) With People With End-stage Dementia
(MDPI AG, 2022-09-28) Magee, Wendy Louise; Lipe, Anne Wheeler; Ikeda, Takayoshi; Siegert, Richard John
Dementia is a major health concern globally and cross-culturally with progressive decline in cognition, mobility and communication. There are few interventions for end-stage dementia (ESD) although music interventions have been observed to be accessible for people with mid to late-stage dementia. The lack of protocols and measures suited to ESD has limited research into the effects of music therapy. Measure sensitivity to minimal responsiveness is one limitation to the use of existing music intervention measures with ESD. This exploratory study examined the clinical utility of the Music Therapy Assessment Tool for Awareness in Disorders of Consciousness (MATADOC) for use with people with end-stage dementia, including preliminary reliability and validity. The MATADOC is a standardized assessment for minimally responsive patients with disorders of consciousness and may be useful for ESD. Using repeated measures with blinded MATADOC-trained raters, MATADOC data were collected with a small convenience sample of people with ESD in a residential care setting. Clinical utility data were collected from the raters and evaluated using a multidimensional model. To explore its functionality, MATADOC outcomes were compared to another measure for music interventions in dementia. The MATADOC may be useful for assessing functioning and responsiveness to music interventions for people with ESD without the risk of floor effects. Modifying the MATADOC protocol and assessment documentation prior to testing with a larger sample will enhance its sensitivity specific to ESD and age-related needs, providing a new music-based ESD assessment.
Herbivorous Fish Feeding Dynamics and Energy Expenditure on a Coral Reef: Insights From Stereo-Video and AI-driven 3D Tracking
(Wiley, 2024-03-03) Lilkendey, Julian; Barrelet, Cyril; Zhang, Jingjing; Meares, Michael; Larbi, Houssam; Subsol, Gérard; Chaumont, Marc; Sabetian, Armagan
Unveiling the intricate relationships between animal movement ecology, feeding behavior, and internal energy budgeting is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem functioning, especially on coral reefs under significant anthropogenic stress. Here, herbivorous fishes play a vital role as mediators between algae growth and coral recruitment. Our research examines the feeding preferences, bite rates, inter-bite distances, and foraging energy expenditure of the Brown surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus) and the Yellowtail tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) within the fish community on a Red Sea coral reef. To this end, we used advanced methods such as remote underwater stereo-video, AI-driven object recognition, species classification, and 3D tracking. Despite their comparatively low biomass, the two surgeonfish species significantly influence grazing pressure on the studied coral reef. A. nigrofuscus exhibits specialized feeding preferences and Z. xanthurum a more generalist approach, highlighting niche differentiation and their importance in maintaining reef ecosystem balance. Despite these differences in their foraging strategies, on a population level, both species achieve a similar level of energy efficiency. This study highlights the transformative potential of cutting-edge technologies in revealing the functional feeding traits and energy utilization of keystone species. It facilitates the detailed mapping of energy seascapes, guiding targeted conservation efforts to enhance ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Parents' Disclosure to Their Donor-conceived Children in the Last 10 Years and Factors Affecting Disclosure: A Narrative Review
(Oxford University Press, 2024-04-30) Duff, Michelle; Goedeke, Sonja
BACKGROUND: Disclosure of donor conception has been advocated in several jurisdictions in recent years, especially in those that practice identity-release donation. However, research on disclosure decisions has not been consolidated systematically in the last 10 years to review if parents are telling and what factors may be impacting their decisions. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE: Are parents disclosing to their donor-conceived children, and what factors have influenced their disclosure decisions across different contexts and family forms in the last 10 years? SEARCH METHODS: A bibliographic search of English-language, peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2012 and 2022 from seven databases was undertaken. References cited in included articles were manually scrutinized to identify additional references and references that cited the included articles were also manually searched. Inclusion criteria were articles focused on parents (including heterosexual, single mothers by choice, same-sex couples, and transsexual) of donor-conceived persons in both jurisdictions with or without identity-release provisions. Studies focused solely on surrogacy, donors, donor-conceived persons, or medical/fertility staff were excluded as were studies where it was not possible to extract donor-recipient parents' data separately. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were included. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed and Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools for Systematic Reviews were used to assess article quality and bias. OUTCOMES: Thirty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria representing 34 studies and 4248 parents (including heterosexual, single, same-sex, and transsexual parents although the majority were heterosexual) from countries with anonymous donation and those with identity-release provisions or who had subsequently enacted these provisions (Australia, Belgium, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Middle East, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the USA) A general trend towards disclosure was noted across these groups of parents with most disclosing to their donor-conceived children before the age of 10 years. Further, the majority of those who had not yet told, reported planning to disclose, although delayed decisions were also associated with lower disclosure overall. Same-sex and single parents were more likely to disclose than heterosexual parents. There was recognition of disclosure as a process involving ongoing conversations and that decisions were impacted by multiple interacting intrapersonal, interpersonal, and external contextual and social factors. Methodological limitations, such as the different population groups and contexts from which participants were drawn (including that those parents who choose not to disclose may be less likely to participate in research), are acknowledged in integrating findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS: This review has reinforced the need for a theoretical model to explain parents' disclosure decisions and research exploring the role of legislative provisions, culture, and donor/family type in decision-making. Greater ongoing access to psychological support around disclosure may be important to promote parent and family well-being.
Connectome Embedding in Multidimensional Graph Spaces
(The MIT Press, 2024-06-04) Mach, Mathieu; Amico, Enrico; Liégeois, Raphaël; Preti, Maria Giulia; Griffa, Alessandra; Van De Ville, Dimitri; Pedersen, Mangor
Connectomes’ topological organization can be quantified using graph theory. Here, we investigated brain networks in higher dimensional spaces defined by up to 10 graph theoretic nodal properties. These properties assign a score to nodes, reflecting their meaning in the network. Using 100 healthy unrelated subjects from the Human Connectome Project, we generated various connectomes (structural/functional, binary/weighted). We observed that nodal properties are correlated (i.e., they carry similar information) at whole-brain and subnetwork level. We conducted an exploratory machine learning analysis to test whether high-dimensional network information differs between sensory and association areas. Brain regions of sensory and association networks were classified with an 80–86% accuracy in a 10-dimensional (10D) space. We observed the largest gain in machine learning accuracy going from a 2D to 3D space, with a plateauing accuracy toward 10D space, and nonlinear Gaussian kernels outperformed linear kernels. Finally, we quantified the Euclidean distance between nodes in a 10D graph space. The multidimensional Euclidean distance was highest across subjects in the default mode network (in structural networks) and frontoparietal and temporal lobe areas (in functional networks). To conclude, we propose a new framework for quantifying network features in high-dimensional spaces that may reveal new network properties of the brain.
Evaluation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy – Skills Training for Emotional Problem Solving for Adolescents (DBT STEPS-A) in Aotearoa New Zealand: Protocol of a Mixed-methods Evaluation of the Pilot Roll-out
(BMC, 2025-11-06) Donkin, Liesje; Thakral, Priya; Hindle, Shelly; Zeng, Irene; Kercher, Amy Jane
Background: Dialectical Behavior Therapy – Skills Training for Emotional Problem Solving for Adolescents (DBT STEPS-A) is a 30-week program adapted from the comprehensive DBT protocol for adolescents, to be delivered in schools, by school staff. This novel approach takes a preventative position wherein adolescents (aged 11–18) are taught social and emotional skills from DBT to equip them to navigate challenging situations with the premise that this may prevent the development of more severe psychological difficulties. Few studies exist evaluating the “real world delivery” of STEPS-A, and less so outside the United States of America. This protocol outlines the planned evaluation of the effectiveness of the STEPS-A program, as delivered by Marinoto Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (Health New Zealand|Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Method: This research will use a mixed-methods approach. Specifically, the evaluation of the program will be based on: (i) completed psychometrics pre- and post- program completion, (ii) perceived acceptability as expressed by participants, their families and the schools running the STEPS-A program during semi-structured interviews and focus groups, and (iii) the feasibility of the STEPS-A program in terms of the ability of participating schools to deliver it in an ongoing manner and (iv) any adaptations required to run the program in New Zealand in a culturally responsive manner. The proposed protocol has been peer reviewed by two independent academics and approved by a national health and disability ethics committee. A power analysis has also indicated that the estimated number of program participants will likely yield a sample that will be adequately powered for data analysis. Discussion: This research will evaluate the effectiveness, acceptability and feasibility of the STEPS-A program. Findings will highlight the challenges of implementation in a public health system and the suitability for use with an indigenous population.
Biological Sunglasses in a Deep-sea Squid: Pigment Migration in the Retina of Gonatus onyx
(MDPI AG, 2024-04-25) Howard, RB; Kniller, J; Bolstad, KSR; Acosta, ML
The outward migration of ommin pigment granules from the bases to the tips of the photoreceptors in response to light has been reported in the retina of several (mostly coastal) squid species. Following exposure to light and then dark conditions, we collected and processed retinal tissue from juvenile specimens of a deep-sea oegopsid squid, Gonatus onyx. We aimed to determine whether the ommin pigment returns to baseline, and to investigate the presence of glutamate neurotransmitter signaling under both dark and light conditions. We confirmed the presence of ommin granules but observed variability in the return of pigment to the basal layer in dark conditions, as well as changes in glutamate distribution. These findings provide support for the migration of retinal ommin pigment granules as a mechanism for regulating incoming light.
New Approaches to the Single-Interval Adjustment Matrix Yes-No Task
(Frontiers Media SA, 2024-11-22) Shepherd, Daniel; Hautus, Michael J
Two adaptations of the Single-Interval Adjust-Matrix Yes-No (SIAM-YN) task, designed to increase the efficiency of absolute threshold estimation, are described. The first, the SIAM Twin Track (SIAM-TT) task, consists of two interleaved tracks of the standard SIAM-YN that are run in the same trial with a single response. The second new task modifies the binary SIAM-YN task by using a six-point rating-scale (SIAM-Rating). In Experiment 1, data from three tasks estimating absolute thresholds were obtained using a 10-ms tone, the 2-IFC up-down procedure, SIAM-YN task, and the SIAM-TT task. The data support the use of the SIAM-TT as an alternative to the conventional two-interval and one-interval (SIAM-YN) tasks when used to estimate absolute thresholds. By presenting two interleaved SIAM-YN tracks on a single experimental trial, the SIAM-TT task possesses greater efficiency alongside its signal-detection tradition which confers less response bias. Similarly, in Experiment 2, which compared the 2-IFC adaptive, SIAM-YN, and SIAM-Rating tasks, there was no main effect of task upon threshold estimates. The findings replicate previous studies supporting the validity and efficiency of the SIAM-YN task, and extends the SIAM-YN toolbox to efficiently facilitate the generation of psychometric functions (the SIAM-TT task) and Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves (the SIAM-Rating task).
Lived and Care Experiences of Chronic Musculoskeletal Shoulder Pain in Australian Adults: A Qualitative Study
(Wiley, 2025-07-20) Ranelli, Sonia; Jordan, Joanne E; Ackerman, Ilana N; Thorpe, Alison; Persaud, Jennifer G; Woodhouse, Linda J; Chua, Jason; Horgan, Ben; Briggs, Andrew M
OBJECTIVES: Australian evidence on lived and care experiences of chronic musculoskeletal shoulder pain (CMSP), irrespective of disorder classification or disease, is limited. However, such evidence is important for person-centred care and informing local service pathways and care guidelines or standards. To address this gap, we explored i) lived experiences of adults with CMSP across domains of the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF) Framework, and ii) their care experiences, preferences and priorities for CMSP. METHODS: A qualitative study, applying a phenomenological approach and purposive sampling was conducted with adults experiencing CMSP. Individual semi-structured interviews, informed by ICF domains, explored lived and care experiences/preferences of participants. Data were analysed using an inductive approach, by objective. RESULTS: Twenty adults (50% women) with diverse CMSP conditions/diagnoses, clinical profiles and age (21-76 years) participated. Five lived experience themes were identified: 1) impact on body functioning; 2) impact on sleep, energy and drive; 3) impact on mental well-being and evolving sense of self; 4) coping with CMSP; and 5) social support and participation. Four care experience themes included: 1) care seeking choices; 2) interactions with healthcare professionals (HCPs); and 3) values and preferences for components of CMSP care. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with CMSP experience impacts across life stages in multiple domains of functioning (ICF categories) relating to personal and social dimensions. Clinical encounters, particularly interactions with HCPs, influence an individual's confidence and engagement in their care. Discussion, education and goal setting through shared decision-making are valued attributes of clinical encounters among people with CMSP.
Co-designing a National Family Handbook for Childhood Brain Tumor
(MDPI AG, 2025-08-26) Rolfe, Melanie L; Miller, Evonne; Donkin, Liesje; Ekberg, Stuart; Bradford, Natalie K
Background/Objectives: Parents report unmet information needs relating to childhood brain tumors. Existing research shows that providing information to families supports self-efficacy and well-being. The project therefore aimed to co-design resources tailored to the informational needs of families navigating childhood brain tumors in Australia. Methods: Mixed methods were used across multiple phases. A landscape analysis in Phase 1 confirmed the gap in Australian resources as well as the identification of international resources suitable to inform local solutions. Following the Double Diamond Design Framework, subsequent phases of the project aimed to discover and define the problems faced by families before developing and delivering the solution. Parents of children with brain tumors participated in a journey mapping workshop, content adaptation through feedback, and an online survey to determine the preferred delivery mode of information. Clinicians provided iterative feedback as the resource was developed and refined. Results: Nine mothers participated in journey mapping and iterative adaptation of the resource along with twelve clinicians. There were 46 respondents to the survey, which identified a preference for multi-modal delivery of information, and 23 clinical and consumer reviewers in the final revision phase. The process of adaptation is presented, providing transparency on the development of this national resource. Conclusions: The use of self-efficacy theory and co-design was pivotal in this project. Integration of concepts from self-efficacy moves beyond simply presenting information to empowering the audience to feel capable of the task ahead of them. Co-design ensured the content and tone of the resulting resource are fit-for-purpose from the perspective of both clinicians and consumers. The resource is available as a physical book, digital resource, and audiobook and disseminated through children’s hospitals, professional networks, and brain tumor support groups.
Real-time In Situ Imaging of Aggregation-induced Emission and Solvent-guided Morphogenesis of a “V-shaped” 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide Tröger's Base Supramolecular Scaffold
(Wiley-VCH, 2025-10-21) Shanmugaraju, S; Umadevi, D; Savyasachi, AJ; Hawes, CS; Kitchen, JA; McManus, GJ; Gunnlaugsson, T
The influence of solvent polarity on the self-assembly processes and its effect on the morphological outcome of self-assembled aggregates is another domain that requires a comprehensive study. The present investigation aims to address these issues by employing a unique “V-shaped” luminogen (TBNap, N-(3-pyridyl)-4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide Tröger's base), where the two 1,8-naphthalimide units are nearly orthogonal to each other. The TBNap is synthesized in high yield and fully characterized using standard characterization methods, including X-ray diffraction analysis, which reveals distinctly different structural arrangements of TBNap crystallized as different solvates in various solvent media. Furthermore, due to its internal charge transfer nature, the TBNap exhibits positive solvatochromism and solvent-guided morphogenesis. Given the unique structure, TBNap displays aggregation-induced emission enhancement in THF-H2O medium and forms self-assembled fluorescent nanoaggregates as imaged using different microscopic imaging techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, the latter is employed to demonstrate the in situ real-time visualization of these fluorescent nanoaggregates formations in native conditions and correlate the morphological outcome with SEM imaging.
What Triggered the Catastrophic 15 January 2022 Hunga Eruption?
(Elsevier BV, 2026-07-15) Wu, J; Cronin, SJ; Brenna, M; Paredes-Mariño, J; Park, SH; Huebsch, M; Pontesilli, A; Firth, C; Adams, D; Ubide, T; Hamilton, K; MacDonald, A; Califano, E; White, JDL; Plank, T; Ribó, M; Ukstins, I; Ramos, F; Mollo, S; Kim, J; Latu’ila, F; Kula, T; Vaiomounga, R
The 15 January 2022 eruption of Hunga caldera volcano was the most explosive volcanic event in the last 140 years, yet the erupted composition was similar to historical smaller-scale eruption episodes at this center. By analyzing the petrology and geochemistry of the full pyroclastic sequence, we infer the presence of two distinct magma storage zones. Early Surtseyan eruptions (29 December 2021 to 14 January 2022) tapped a resident shallow magma (A2) similar to the 2009 and 2014–2015 episodes and were of similar magnitude. A sudden increase in eruption magnitude over 16 h on 13–14 January 2022 was accompanied by the first arrival of a slightly more primitive and gas-rich magma (A1), along with sudden vent-subsidence below sea-level. Rapid magma withdrawal, subsidence and deep-fracture formation destabilized the upper magmatic system and allowed vesiculation and seawater penetration before the climactic eruption began ∼6 h later. There is no evidence of deep mafic recharge and instead plagioclase rims record a sudden decompression of A1 magma as it moved into the emptying shallow A2 reservoir. The catastrophic 15 January 2022 eruption was thus triggered by the high eruption-rates of depressurizing volatile-rich resident A1 magma, coupled with runaway phreatomagmatism. An overall narrow range of compositions suggests that the Hunga magmatic system is simple, without prolonged magma storage or segregation to produce evolved compositions. More primitive crystals and less-evolved magma appeared for the first time at Hunga in 2022, contrasting with the previous ∼1040–1180 CE caldera-formation cycle, which terminated with more-evolved magmas. This may suggest that repeated caldera collapses have reduced the lithostatic load of the edifice and possibly weakened the upper crust, allowing more primitive magmas to erupt.
Routine Cord Blood Platelet Counts and Potential for Severe Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopaenia (NAIT): A Cohort Study of 12 Yr. Experience at Middlemore Hospital, New Zealand
(Wiley, 2025-11-21) Vela, G; Meyer, JH; Meyer, MP
Background: Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopaenia (NAIT) is a rare but potentially serious condition where maternal antibodies result in destruction of foetal and neonatal platelets. At Middlemore Hospital in south Auckland, routine cord blood platelet counts were performed over many years. Aims: These were twofold: To determine the prevalence of severe thrombocytopaenia (TP) and severe NAIT and investigate platelet counts in siblings of infants with TP. Materials and Methods: Cord blood was collected on all hospital births over 500 g over a 12-year period (2005–2016) and term infants with TP (< 150 × 10⁹/L) selected. Records of infants with severe TP (< 50 × 10⁹/L) were reviewed for potential NAIT cases. Records of siblings of infants with any degree of TP were also reviewed to examine the potential for NAIT in affected families. Results: Of 68910 births, 62083 platelet counts were suitable for analysis and 641 term infants had TP (1%) with 16 having severe TP (0.025%). NAIT or potential NAIT was judged clinically to be present in half of these (0.013%). Most cases were of European ethnicity with a Maori infant and a Tongan infant also being possible cases. No serious complications were identified. 5% of siblings of infants with TP had low counts with only one infant having a likely diagnosis of severe NAIT. Conclusions: Severe TP was uncommon amongst infants born in south Auckland where mothers of Maori and Pacific Island ethnicity make up the majority of the population. Performance of routine cord platelet counts was of limited value in detecting potential cases of severe NAIT.
Seasonality Affects the Phenolic Composition and Erythroprotective Activity of Ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata) Leaves
(Wiley, 2025-12-19) Cruz, Thiago Mendanha; de Moura, Cristiane; Granato, Daniel; Marques, Mariza Boscacci
Ora-pro-nobis (OPN) is a food plant with polyphenol-rich leaves. However, the influence of seasonality on their quantitative phenolic composition and how it impacts their bioactivities is unknown. OPN leaves were harvested throughout 12 months, and their individual phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and erythroprotection were assessed. The highest total phenolic content was recorded in September (736 mg GAE/100 g), and the lowest in October (104 mg GAE/100 g). September also exhibited the highest rutin and protocatechuic, p-coumaric, and caffeic acids concentrations. Rutin was the major compound throughout the year. Protocatechuic acid contents were correlated with the air relative humidity, solar radiation incidence, and air temperature. June sample presented the best 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity (227 mg AAE/100 g), while August was the most efficient sample to Fe2+-chelating (450 mg EDTAE/100 g), and September exhibited the highest ferric reducing antioxidant power (285 mg AAE/100 g). The December sample showed the greatest protection of erythrocytes against osmotic stress (48% haemolysis). Under oxidative conditions, November extract reduced the most lipoperoxidation and haemoglobin oxidation, and July was the most effective against haemolysis. Thus, seasonality appears to be a crucial factor in the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds in OPN leaves, which alters their biological properties but not their safety for consumption.
Triggered Chain Reaction: The Meanings of Symptom Clusters for Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Cross-sectional Qualitative Study
(Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2026-05-04) Fei, F; Siegert, RJ; Zhang, X; Koffman, J
Purpose: Symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) commonly co-occur as ‘symptom clusters’, yet little is known about how patients interpret and make sense of these experiences. This study aimed to explore the meanings patients with COPD attribute to symptom clusters, their impact on health-related quality of life, and the strategies used to manage them. Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with a purposive sample of 30 patients with COPD recruited from a university teaching hospital in China. Data were analysed using the Framework approach, informed by the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms and the concept of biographical disruption. Results: Three interrelated themes were identified. First, participants understood symptom clusters as dynamic, interacting experiences, often organised around “trigger symptoms” (e.g., cough precipitating breathlessness and fatigue), rather than as isolated symptoms. Second, these clusters disrupted multiple dimensions of everyday life, including physical functioning, social participation, and sense of self. Third, participants actively negotiated symptom burden through a range of adaptive strategies, prioritising symptoms based on their perceived meaning and impact rather than clinical severity. These findings highlight how symptom experiences are shaped by both physiological interconnections and personal interpretations. Conclusions: This study provides novel insight into how people with COPD experience symptom clusters as interconnected, meaning-laden phenomena. Recognising the role of “trigger symptoms” and patients’ subjective prioritisation of symptoms has important implications for person-centred assessment and supports the development of targeted, mechanism-informed approaches to symptom management in COPD. I can’t walk long distances. I can’t go out and spend time with my friends. This is a big problem in my life. (69-year-old male, GOLD stage III) Other people can run around. They visit relatives or friends during the holidays. I can’t. I cough all day long and can only stay at home. (63-year-old female, GOLD stage IV)

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