Fluorescence-based imaging and assays are essential in biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and materials science. The capabilities of these techniques are further expanded via metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF), which exploits plasmonic interactions to amplify emission signals and reduce photobleaching. However, the broad implementation of MEF is hindered by the need of a fine-tuned spacer around the metal nanoparticles to ensure optimal metal-to-fluorophore separation. Here, we demonstrate spacer-free MEF through nanomaterials that are electro-generated in a reactor consisting of an aqueous tetrachloroauric acid-fluorescein solution in contact with an ITO-glass working electrode that is strategically fouled with insulating oil droplets. Spectroscopic data indicate that the 1:4 complexation of Au(III) with zwitterionic fluorescein is critical to achieve the nanoparticle morphology that leads to optimal MEF. Microscopy data reveal that the application of an appropriate reduction potential to the reactor results in current-heterogeneity-induced convection toward the insulator-electrode-electrolyte interface (triple-point), thereby generating arrays of suitably spaced nanoparticle-fluorophore complexes and, consequently, a characteristic MEF "ring". More importantly, we report a maximum bulk fluorescence enhancement of 115%, which we attribute to potential-dependent nanoparticle growth and hyperbranching. This study lays the groundwork for spacer-free MEF and it advances the understanding of hydrophobic effects.

Pathogens can evolve rapidly, leading to the emergence of novel strains that can overcome commercially deployed host plant resistance. Understanding the genetic and phenotypic diversity and population dynamics of plant pathogens is crucial to inform breeding programs targeting resistance. Tan spot, otherwise known as bacterial wilt, caused by Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens, is an increasingly significant pathogen affecting beans and mungbean worldwide. Since the 1990s, several mungbean cultivars with partial resistance to tan spot have been released in Australia; however, cultivars initially rated as moderately resistant were later rated as moderately susceptible to tan spot. This study investigated the genetic and phenotypic diversity and temporal evolutionary dynamics of C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens in Australian mungbean fields. Whole-genome sequencing of 119 isolates collected from mungbean and other legumes (1986 to 2019) enabled analyses of pathogen evolution in Australia and in a global context. The results revealed that clonal expansion from standing genetic variation, rather than introduction of novel genotypes, has driven the evolution of this pathogen in Australia since the 1980s. Glasshouse trials confirmed the role of a plasmid in the pathogenicity of C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens but found no significant differences in aggressiveness between clonal lineages. Our research provides insights into the genetic and phenotypic diversity of this important plant pathogen and temporal changes in its population structure in Australia and highlights the need for further studies on the competitive fitness of isolates and characterization of private alleles linked to dominant clonal lineages.

Understanding the strengths and limitations of different environmental DNA substrates is essential for optimising terrestrial vertebrate surveys and monitoring. However, the performance of newly explored substrates (airborne eDNA, vegetation swabs, spiderwebs) compared to longstanding eDNA sources (water and soil) is uncertain. Using a metabarcoding approach, we assessed vertebrate eDNA diversity across seven substrates: three airborne DNA collection methods (a powered "active" fan system and two passive collection methods), spider webs, vegetation swabs (including swabbing tree trunks and leaves), water, and soil at Perth Zoo and Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary. Active air sampling and spider webs yielded the highest taxonomic richness (Zoo: 83 and 62 taxa; Karakamia: 44 and 40, respectively), with no significant difference in the community composition, suggesting they capture eDNA from similar sources; however, all substrates contributed unique taxa detections. Passive airborne DNA collection, though less efficient than active samplers (mean taxonomic richness per sample: Zoo: 14.8 vs. 5.8; Karakamia: 6.9 vs. 2.7), showed potential as their low cost and simplicity may enable increased replication or longer deployment times, potentially improving detections. Our direct comparison of terrestrial eDNA substrates shows that airborne DNA sampling offers a genuine advance for terrestrial vertebrate biomonitoring. However, substrate-specific biases were evident, with vegetation swabs favouring arboreal mammals, while water was dominated by aquatic and semi-aquatic species, highlighting the influence of species ecology on DNA deposition. eDNA studies targeting terrestrial vertebrates must consider the heterogeneity of vertebrate DNA distribution across ecosystems and the need for careful selection of eDNA substrates.

To examine injury prevention strategies and potentially modifiable risk factors (MRFs) for upper extremity (UE) injuries in female, woman and/or girl athletes (female/woman/girl). Systematic review with meta-analysis, semiquantitative analyses and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), APA PsycINFO (American Psychological Association Psychological Information Database), SPORTDiscus (Sports Discus Database), EMBASE (Excerpta Medica Database), and ERIC (Education Resources Information Center) (30 October 2023) and Cochrane Systematic Review Database and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (25 November 2023). Primary data studies with comparison group(s) assessing the association of prevention strategies and/or MRFs for sport-related UE injury, with ≥1 female/woman/girl in each study group. 55 studies (n=20 intervention, n=35 MRF) were included with 33 228 athletes (8642 female/woman/girl; 26%). Of these, 17 (31%) reported female/woman/girl-specific estimates and included five injury locations (n=3 general UE, n=12 shoulder, n=3 elbow, n=3 wrist/hand). One prevention strategy (n=5 shoulder-specific exercise programmes) and seven MRFs were identified, including less range of motion (n=6), less shoulder muscle strength (n=8), high training load (n=1), presence of scapular dyskinesis (n=3), high sport specialisation (n=2), equipment differences (n=1) and less sport-specific conditioning (n=1). Pooled data from three studies suggest that shoulder exercise programmes consisting of strength, stability/control and sport-specific exercises reduce shoulder injury rates by 51% (95% CI 0.30 to 079; I2 0.0%; very-low certainty evidence) across paediatric (≤18 years) and adult handball and volleyball players. Our understanding of female/woman/girl UE injury prevention is limited by heterogeneity across injury outcomes, interventions, MRFs and limited female/woman/girl athlete-specific data. Shoulder-specific strengthening and stability exercise programmes may be beneficial to reduce shoulder injury rates in female/woman/girl handball and volleyball players. Future research should prioritise female/woman/girl athletes to reduce the burden of UE injuries. PROSPERO CRD42024494967.

Quantitative markers of tuberculosis disease burden are essential for assessing treatment response and optimizing therapeutic strategies. This study evaluated the impact of antimicrobial plasma drug levels on time-to-positivity (TTP) trajectories in patients with drug-susceptible tuberculosis and explored the relationship between bacillary clearance and treatment outcomes. Patients with drug susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis initiating treatment were recruited in Worcester, South Africa. Weekly sputum samples were collected for 12 weeks, with bacterial load quantified using Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tubes, yielding TTP. Nonlinear mixed-effects modeling was used to empirically describe longitudinal TTP, assessing rifampicin exposure and other participant characteristics as covariates. TTP trajectories were stratified by treatment outcomes to identify trends between change in TTP and outcome. 402 participants were included, of whom 60% were male. Median age was 37 years (IQR 26-48) and 90% had successful treatment outcomes (were cured or completed treatment) at 6 months with 3% who experienced treatment failure, 2% died, 1% transferred and 4% were lost to follow-up. Baseline smear grade and lung cavitation decreased baseline TTP. Higher rifampicin concentration area under the curve (AUC) was associated with faster longitudinal change in TTP, while lung cavitation and older age were associated with slower longitudinal change. Further, slower change in TTP during the first 12 weeks of treatment was linked to treatment failure at six months. Our findings highlight the role of rifampicin plasma exposure in optimizing bacillary clearance and improving treatment outcomes, even within standard dosing regimens for drug-susceptible tuberculosis.

ABSTRACT Local governments in Sydney, Australia, are required to increase housing density, diversity and choice to accommodate population growth. While urban densification is a common strategy for dealing with population growth, residents’ perceptions of its impacts on health and wellbeing remain underexplored. The Highs and Lows Project explored experiences of residents in higher density communities regarding perceived health and wellbeing. This cross-sectional study involved mixed methods and a citizen science approach. Residents of medium and high-density households in Northern Sydney Local Health District were invited to submit texts and photos about features of their dwelling, building or neighbourhood that impacted their health and wellbeing. A debrief was held with residents and local government stakeholders to discuss results interpretation. Fifty-nine residents submitted a total of 283 texts or photos. Perceived facilitators of health and wellbeing included access to diverse amenities, public and shared outdoor spaces; walkability; a sense of community; intergenerational appeal; adequate indoor space; and accessibility. Perceived barriers included pollution; building design features that limited social interactions; and safety hazards. Future densification policies and actions should consider the features valued by residents with lived experience of higher density areas, which will require intersectoral collaboration for creating healthy higher density environments.

Sexual harm within nightlife settings is a public health concern. This study aims to investigate the nature and prevalence of sexual harm experienced by Australian nightlife patrons and examine sociodemographic and environmental factors associated with sexual harm. Street interviews were conducted with patrons (N = 232, 51.3% women) in one night-time entertainment precinct in Victoria, Australia. Logistic regression analyses examined individual (e.g., pre-drinking) and venue-level (e.g., lighting) predictors of sexual harm on the night of interview. In the past three months, over half (56.6%) of women and nearly one third (31.7%) of men reported experiencing nightlife-related sexual harm. Sexual harm most frequently occurred on the dancefloor, with the most common types of harm experienced on the night of the interview and in the past three months being unsolicited sexual comments, leering, and groping. Regression analyses indicated that participants who had experienced nightlife-related sexual harm in the past three months were more likely to experience sexual harm on the night of the interview (OR 6.12), while those who visited venues with brighter lighting (self-rated) were less likely to experience sexual harm (OR 0.73). The findings suggest that sexual harm is highly prevalent in Australian nightlife settings. To reduce nightlife-related sexual harm, future interventions should consider venue lighting levels and incorporate a more substantial security presence in high-risk areas.