Australian Program Research Articles

Genomic regions associated with spot blotch resistance in elite barley breeding populations

Spot blotch (SB), a prevalent foliar disease of barley, is caused by the hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana. Predominately occurring in humid growing regions worldwide, SB can result in yield losses of up to 30%. Genetic resistance remains the most effective strategy for disease management; however, most Australian barley cultivars exhibit susceptibility despite the previous identification of major resistance loci. This study investigates the genetic architecture underlying spot blotch resistance within an Australian barley breeding program. Resistance was assessed at both the seedling and adult growth stages using a single conidial isolate (SB61) across two consecutive years. A total of 337 barley lines were genotyped with 16,824 polymorphic DArT-seq™ markers. Two mapping approaches were employed: a single-marker genome-wide association study (GWAS) and a haplotype-based local genomic estimated breeding values (Local GEBV) approach. Both methodologies identified two major resistance-associated regions on chromosomes 3H and 7H, effective across growth stages. Additionally, the haplotype-based Local GEBV approach revealed resistance-associated regions on 1H, 3H, and 6H that were not detected by GWAS. Haplotype stacking analysis underscored the critical role of the 7H region for adult-plant resistance when combined with other resistance haplotypes, suggesting significant gene-by-gene interactions and highlighting the complex, quantitative nature of spot blotch resistance. This research confirms the presence of key resistance loci within Australian barley breeding populations, provides novel insight into the genetic architecture of spot blotch resistance, and emphasises the potential to enhance resistance through haplotype stacking and whole-genome prediction approaches.

The impact of the BreastScreen NSW transition from film to digital mammography, 2002-2016: a linked population health data analysis.

To assess the impact of the transition from film to digital mammography in the Australian national breast cancer screening program. Retrospective linked population health data analysis (New South Wales Central Cancer Registry, BreastScreen NSW); interrupted time series analysis. New South Wales, 2002-2016. Women aged 40 years or older with breast cancer diagnosed during 2002-2017 who had been screened by BreastScreen NSW and for whom complete follow-up information until the end of the recommended re-screening interval was available. Transition from film to digital mammography; 2009 defined as transition year (digital mammography becomes dominant screening modality). Population rates of screen-detected cancer, interval cancer, recalls, and false positive findings. The study cohort comprised 967 573 women; of the 2 741 555 screens, 1 535 184 used film mammography (2002-2010) and 1 206 371 used digital mammography (2006-2016). The screen-detected cancer rate was 4.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.75-4.97) cases per 1000 screens with film mammography and 6.11 (95% CI, 5.97-6.24) cases per 1000 screens with digital mammography (unadjusted difference, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.06-1.41] cases per 1000 screens). The interval cancer rate was 2.56 (95% CI, 2.48-2.64) cases per 1000 screens with film mammography and 2.84 (95% CI, 2.75-2.94) cases per 1000 screens with digital mammography (unadjusted difference, 0.27 [95% CI, 0.15-0.40] cases per 1000 screens). With the transition to digital mammography, the screen-detected cancer rate increased by 0.07 per 1000 screens, the sum of the decline in the invasive cancer rate (-0.21 cases per 1000 screens) and the rise in the ductal carcinoma insitu detection rate (0.28 cases per 1000 screens); during 2009-2015, it increased by 0.18 cases per 1000 screens per year. With the transition to digital mammography, the interval cancer rate increased by 0.75 cases per 1000 screens (invasive cancer: by 0.69 cases per 1000 screens); during 2009-2015, it declined by 0.13 cases per 1000 screens per year. The recall rate increased by 8.02 per 1000 screens and the false positive rate by 7.16 per 1000 screens following the transition; both rates subsequently declined to pre-transition levels. The increased screen-detected cancer rate following the transition to digital mammography was not accompanied by a reduction in interval cancer detection rates.

Closed genomes of commercial inoculant rhizobia provide a blueprint for management of legume inoculation.

Inoculation of cultivated legumes with exotic rhizobia is integral to Australian agriculture in soils lacking compatible rhizobia. The Australian inoculant program supplies phenotypically characterized high-performing strains for farmers but in most cases, little is known about the genomes of these rhizobia. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of symbiosis genes from inoculant strains to native non-symbiotic rhizobia frequently occurs in Australian soils and can impact the long-term stability and efficacy of legume inoculation. Here, we present the analysis of reference-quality genomes for 42 Australian commercial rhizobial inoculants. We verify and classify the genetics, genome architecture, and taxonomy of these organisms. Importantly, these genome sequences will facilitate the accurate strain identification and monitoring of inoculants in soils and plant nodules, as well as enable detection of horizontal gene transfer to native rhizobia, thus ensuring the efficacy and integrity of Australia's legume inoculation program.

How Does Transitioning to Primary Human Papillomavirus Screening Impact Colposcopy Services? Lessons From an Australian National Program.

In 2017, Australian's National Cervical Screening Program changed from 2-yearly cytology to 5-yearly primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. The Stakeholder Opinions of Renewal Implementation and Experiences Study (STORIES) aimed to capture stakeholder perspectives during implementation of the renewed National Cervical Screening Program. Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with key National Cervical Screening Program stakeholders 11-20 months following the change, either face-to-face, online, or via phone. Data related to colposcopy services were thematically analyzed using Proctor's conceptual framework for implementation outcomes. The authors identified 4 overarching themes: non-adherence to guidelines, lack of preparedness, unintended consequences, and mitigation strategies. While an initial increase in colposcopy referral was expected following transition, many stakeholders found increased referrals to be inequitably spread across services and exacerbated by confusion about, or overuse of testing for, symptoms. The study provides the first assessment of stakeholder perceptions and experiences relating to colposcopy services during a transition from cytology to HPV screening. Significant preparation is required to ensure equitable and timely access to colposcopy when transitioning cervical screening programs, including wide stakeholder communication to build confidence; clear guidelines, especially around symptoms; and adequate resourcing for colposcopy services to meet projected referral rates.

Updates in Human Papillomavirus Vaccination to Improve Medical Readiness in Active Duty Service Members.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and is associated with the development of genital warts, precancerous lesions, and cancers of the oropharynx, anus, penis, vulva, vagina, and cervix. HPV-associated diseases are preventable through vaccination. An Australian nationwide vaccination program will effectively eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern by the year 2035. Despite safety and efficacy data, vaccination against HPV is not mandatory for military service members. Active duty service women are more likely to test positive for HPV when compared to dependents, and veterans diagnosed with HPV-associated cancers have higher health care resource utilization and costs. Even if a patient has a prior HPV infection, vaccination at the time of HPV diagnosis or following treatment can reduce recurrence of HPV and dysplasia. In addition, patients with a history of cancer have a higher incidence of secondary HPV-associated malignancies and should be offered vaccination or re-vaccination if they received a hematopoietic stem-cell transplant. Improving HPV vaccination rates within the military health system requires a multidisciplinary approach. Providers should use every opportunity to recommend HPV vaccination, including recommending HPV vaccines for individuals who do not have a record of HPV vaccination. The electronic health record can be utilized to generate prompts for vaccine reminders, and clinics should stock HPV vaccines to allow for easy administration. Additionally, adoption of an opt-out policy for HPV vaccines rather than mandatory vaccination may be an acceptable alternative to increase HPV vaccination while allowing active duty service members to retain autonomy.

Australian Meningococcal Surveillance Programme Annual Report, 2023.

In Australia, both probable and laboratory-confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) are reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS). When compared to 2022, the number of IMD notifications in 2023 increased by 14% to 143. Laboratory confirmation of IMD occurred in 140/143 (98%) of these cases, with 64% (90/140) diagnosed by bacterial culture and 36% (50/140) by nucleic acid amplification testing. The serogroup was determined for 96% of laboratory-confirmed cases (134/140): serogroup B (MenB) accounted for 84% of infections (112/134); MenW for 8% (11/134); MenY for 8% (11/134). There were no infections attributed to MenC disease. Fine typing was available on 75% of the cases for which the serogroup was determined (100/134). In MenB isolates, 25 porA types were detected, the most prevalent of which were P1.7-2,4 (32%; 26/82), P1.7,16-26 (16%; 13/82) and P1.22,14 (9%; 7/82). All eight typed MenW infections identified as porA type P1.5,2, with two different multi-locus sequence types (MLST) present: ST-11 (5) and ST-1287 (3) from the clonal complex 11, the hypervirulent strain reported in outbreaks in Australia and overseas. In MenY, the predominant porA type was P1.5-1,10-1 (90%; 9/10), ST-1655 and from clonal complex 23. Peaks of IMD occurred in children aged less than 5 years and in those aged 15-24 years, accounting for 21% (30/140) and 26% (37/140) of laboratory-confirmed cases respectively. In children aged under 5 years, 93% of IMD (27/29) was MenB; in those aged 15-24 years, 97% of IMD (36/37) was MenB, with serogroup not determined for one case in each of these age groups. Of note, 14-15% of IMD occurred in each of the older age groups reported: adults 25-44 years (14%, 19/140), 45-64 years (14%, 20/140), and in those aged 65 years and older (15%, 21/140). Whilst MenB predominated in all age groups, the majority of MenY and MenW IMD cases were reported in adults aged 45 years and older. All cultured IMD isolates (n = 90) had antimicrobial susceptibility testing performed. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were reported using Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) interpretative criteria: 9% (8/90) were defined as penicillin resistant (MIC value: ≥ 0.5 mg/L); 71% (64/90) had intermediate susceptibility to penicillin (MIC values: 0.125 and 0.25 mg/L) and 20% (18/90) were susceptible to penicillin (MIC values: ≤ 0.064 mg/L). All isolates tested susceptible to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin and rifampicin.

Self-Collection for HPV-Based Cervical Screening: Knowledge and Attitudes of Australian Health Care Workers in an Area With Low Screening Rates, July-November 2023.

Cervical screening is crucial for early detection of and ultimately eliminating cervical cancer. Conventional methods for cervical screening that rely on clinician collection of specimens encounter barriers, including embarrassment, discomfort, accessibility, and cultural concerns. Self-collection offers a promising solution to promote cervical screening among underscreened populations. Both methods are available to screen eligible patients since changes to the Australian screening program in 2022. We surveyed Australian health care workers at medical practices in an area with low screening rates on their views about self-collection from July through November 2023. Findings revealed gaps in knowledge about appropriate test use and test accuracy. In addition, findings showed a preference for clinician collection and perceptions that their patients lack confidence in self-collection and lack the willingness to learn about self-collection for cervical screening. Lack of up-to-date information on self-collection logistics and accuracy and pessimistic views on the ability of patients to perform self-collection can hinder the use of self-collection for cervical screening. Addressing these concerns through comprehensive education, easy-to-access guidelines, and interventions designed to support self-collection as part of routine practice is essential, especially for improved participation among under- or never-screened patients.

''How do families know what makes a great bush kinder?'': understanding the provision of nature-based early childhood education programs in Victoria, Australia

Bush kinders, one example of a nature-based approach to early childhood education, is rapidly becoming a staple of Australian providers’ programs. Since the early 2010s, the Australian state of Victoria has been a place where these nature-based programs have been on the rise. With increasing bush kinder numbers due to government initiatives and a deeper community understanding of the benefits of young children spending time in nature, we began to investigate the factors, such as location, session frequency and age grouping of sessions (e.g. 3 or 4 year old children), would allow families to have a deeper understanding of the provision of these nature-based approaches to early childhood education and care. We probed the importance of socioeconomic factors and quality assessment processes in kindergartens to understand whether these factors determine the bush kinder program provision. We also sought to understand the publicly available resources that inform families and educators about bush kinder provision. This paper is informed by a longitudinal ethnographic study of bush kinders. It applies Naidoo’s stocktake approach to gather qualitative data drawn from a desktop review of web-based, publicly available secondary sources including academic publications, government reports, books, and electronic databases. Focusing on Victoria where bush kinders are proliferating partly due to state government initiatives, in this paper we ask, what measures exist to understand the provision of Australian nature-based early childhood education programs? The study finds that a detailed database of Australian bush kinders is needed for families to make informed decisions about services who offer nature-based programs as part of their ECEC. Location, socio-economic and quality assurance ratings data that allow us to understand characteristics of Australian nature-based early childhood education settings are of value for families to understand the bush kinder programs available to their children.

Exploring the introduction of remote external clinical teaching visits into Australian general practice.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way education was delivered. In Australian general practice training, external clinical teaching visits (ECTVs) had to be done remotely. This research explored that phenomenon from the point of view of the participants to answer questions about feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness. The experiences of ECTV visitors, registrars, supervisors and practice managers were invited initially by survey and then through interview and focus groups. Data were analysed using a constant comparative method giving four major themes and several subthemes. Remote ECTVs were well accepted by all participants. They are different to ECTVs done face to face, with both advantages and disadvantages. Remote ECTVs are feasible and effective and are likely to become part of the ongoing Australian general practice teaching program.

PCR36 Vaccinate or Not Vaccinate? Comparative Patient Reported Outcomes on the Severity of Influenza-like-Symptoms in an Australian Community Screening Program

PCR36 Vaccinate or Not Vaccinate? Comparative Patient Reported Outcomes on the Severity of Influenza-like-Symptoms in an Australian Community Screening Program

Promoting Teaching and Learning Through Research-Informed Professional Development: The Leadership for Learning Programme in Australia and China

The fragmented provision of training for early childhood educators has highlighted the imperative need for research-informed professional development (PD) programmes to enhance educator professionalism. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a research-informed in-service PD programme—“Leadership for Learning”—through cluster randomised controlled trials in Australia and China. In Australia, the study involved 83 early-years services, and 1346 4–5-year-old children. In China, the study adapted the PD programme both educationally and culturally, involving 24 preschools, 95 classrooms, 202 educators, and 547 children aged 3–5 years. The comparative findings revealed that the PD programme significantly improved scores on the ECERS-E and SSTEW classroom quality rating scales in both Australia and China. Regarding children’s outcomes, the Australian PD programme significantly enhanced children’s numeracy development, social–emotional development, and expressive language, but not vocabulary, while the Chinese adaptation improved literacy development but not numeracy. This study has important implications for the implementation of PD programmes and cross-cultural educational research, highlighting the need for context-specific adaptations to maximise the effectiveness of PD interventions.

P067 How much sleep medicine is taught to Australian and New Zealand medical students?

Abstract Background Sleep disorders are prevalent with wide-ranging consequences but often underdiagnosed. Previous research indicates low coverage of sleep topics in medical curricula and knowledge gaps in primary care physicians around the world. Methods The medical dean and one staff member from the 22 medical programs in Australia and New Zealand were surveyed about sleep content within the curriculum and barriers and facilitators to providing sleep education. Results Eleven programs responded (48% responding; 5 undergraduate-, 4 postgraduate-entry, 2 both) and reported a median of 4h of sleep education (IQR 1.0 – 5.9h). Most frequently covered topics were normal sleep (91% of respondents), sleep apnoea (91%), insomnia (55%), circadian disorders (51%), sleep and circadian rhythms as related to student wellbeing (45%), movement disorders (36%), hypersomnias (36%), and parasomnias (27%). More than half gave students the opportunity to meet a sleep specialist (55%), but fewer provided opportunities to attend a sleep clinic (36%), observe a sleep investigation (27%), or visit a sleep laboratory (18%). Most respondents (73%) believed sleep content could be increased; these institutions actually provided more sleep education than their counterparts (median 7.4h vs. 3.3h). Respondents suggested professional bodies can help by advising on educational frameworks, developing standard learning outcomes, and creating reference and teaching materials but noted the main barrier of limited space in the curriculum. Conclusions There is scope to improve sleep education in Australian and New Zealand medical programs, however, consensus on core topics and content integration with other disciplines are key, given limited curriculum space and time.

Meningococcal Surveillance Australia: Reporting period 1 January to 31 March 2024.

The reference laboratories of the Australian Meningococcal Surveillance Programme (AMSP) report data on the number of cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) confirmed by laboratory testing using culture and molecular based techniques. Data contained in quarterly reports are restricted to a description of case numbers of IMD by jurisdiction and serogroup, where known and expanded in 2024 to include antimicrobial resistance data for ceftriaxone, penicillin, ciprofloxacin and rifampicin. A full analysis of laboratory confirmations of IMD in each calendar year is contained in the AMSP annual reports.

Meningococcal Surveillance Australia: Reporting period 1 April to 30 June 2024.

The reference laboratories of the Australian Meningococcal Surveillance Programme (AMSP) report data on the number of cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) confirmed by laboratory testing using culture and molecular based techniques. Data contained in quarterly reports are restricted to a description of case numbers of IMD by jurisdiction and serogroup, where known and expanded in 2024 to include antimicrobial resistance data for ceftriaxone, penicillin, ciprofloxacin and rifampicin. A full analysis of laboratory confirmations of IMD in each calendar year is contained in the AMSP annual reports.

Centromeres are hotspots for chromosomal inversions and breeding traits in mango.

Chromosomal inversions can preserve combinations of favorable alleles by suppressing recombination. Simultaneously, they reduce the effectiveness of purifying selection enabling deleterious alleles to accumulate. This study explores how areas of low recombination, including centromeric regions and chromosomal inversions, contribute to the accumulation of deleterious and favorable loci in 225 Mangifera indica genomes from the Australian Mango Breeding Program. Here, we identify 17 chromosomal inversions that cover 7.7% (29.7 Mb) of the M. indica genome: eight pericentric (inversion includes the centromere) and nine paracentric (inversion is on one arm of the chromosome). Our results show that these large pericentric inversions are accumulating deleterious loci, while the paracentric inversions show deleterious levels above and below the genome wide average. We find that despite their deleterious load, chromosomal inversions contain small effect loci linked to variation in crucial breeding traits. These results indicate that chromosomal inversions have likely facilitated the evolution of key mango breeding traits. Our study has important implications for selective breeding of favorable combinations of alleles in regions of low recombination.

Australian link worker social prescribing programs: An integrative review.

Link worker social prescribing programs are gaining recognition in Australia for addressing health and social needs outside routine medical care. The evaluation of these programs is essential for informing future social prescribing programs, research and evolving policy. However, diverse outcome evaluation measures present challenges for benchmarking across link worker social prescribing programs. An integrative review was conducted to identify and describe outcome domains and measures, and the methodological approaches and evaluation designs of link worker social prescribing programs in Australia. Comprehensive searches of the literature on link worker social prescribing programs in Australia were conducted across 14 electronic databases. In order to reduce the risk of bias, study selection and data extraction were conducted independently by multiple authors, and included studies underwent quality and risk of bias assessment using the standardised Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Outcome domains were categorised into 'person-level', 'system-level' and 'program implementation' domains. Despite the variation in participant groups, the 'person-level' domains of global well-being and social well-being were consistently evaluated. While measurement tools varied significantly, the WHO Quality of Life Brief Assessment and short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale were most commonly applied. At the system level, health service utilisation was primarily evaluated. This integrative review reports on the current state of evidence in Australia, with the potential to track changes and trends over time. Developing a core outcome set, incorporating stakeholder and consumer contributions for benchmarking aligned with the healthcare landscape is recommended. The findings may guide the refining of social prescribing initiatives and future research, ensuring methodological robustness and alignment with individual and community needs.

Cat Caring Behaviors and Ownership Status of Residents Enrolling a Cat in a Free Sterilization Program.

Most cats entering animal shelters in Australia are less than 12 months old and emanate from low socioeconomic areas. Many are unidentified and may be either owned or semi-owned cats (cats cared for by someone who does not consider themselves the owner). In Australia, approximately 33% of cats entering shelters and pounds are euthanized annually, adversely affecting the mental health of staff involved. Our study investigated cat ownership and caregiving behaviors of cats enrolled in the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation's Community Cat Program, which included free sterilization, microchipping, and preventive healthcare. The suburbs targeted in Ipswich, Australia had a high per capita cat intake into animal shelters. We surveyed 1094 cat owners and semi-owners. Most cats were under 12 months old (79%), primarily domestic short-haired (69%), and acquired through informal channels such as friends, family, or as strays. Veterinary care was limited, with only 15% of cats having visited a veterinarian and 28% being vaccinated. Prior to hearing about the free sterilization program, 88.5% of participants identified as owners, while 11.5% were semi-owners. Before completing the survey, these semi-owners transitioned from an informal caregiving relationship to becoming owner of the cat/s. Of the semi-owners, 93% indicated that their transition to ownership was driven by feelings of responsibility, emotional attachment, and access to free sterilization services. These findings suggest that targeted interventions, such as accessible veterinary care and sterilization programs, are crucial in encouraging semi-owners to take full ownership of cats, improving cat welfare, and reducing unplanned breeding. Supporting this transition helps curb overpopulation and fosters improved caregiving, benefiting both cats and communities.

Fostering Faithful Praxis: Tracing Educators’ Affective Turning Points in an Australian Islamic Teacher Education Program

There has been a rise in Islamic schools in Australia, a trend similarly seen in other Western countries, and yet limited opportunities for teacher preparation on what it means to impart an Islamically grounded education. This study utilizes qualitative research methods, specifically portraiture to shed light on the experiences of in-service Islamic school educators, with varied backgrounds and religious affiliations in a cohort of the Graduate Certificate in Education (Islamic Education) program in Australia. This faith-based teacher education program aims to foster “faithful praxis”, and recenter the Divine in teaching and learning. The research focused on analysing transformative affective shifts as reflected in the program’s final portfolios. Portraits of four participants reflect a reconceptualization of education as a holistic process that aims to nurture the whole student: mind, body, and soul. The portraits also highlight awakening experiences that signify the role of reflexivity and self-reflection of the educator so that educational renewal is of the whole collective in the school community. Implications of this study signify the role of spirituality in teaching and learning and the importance of moving beyond conventional and secular models of teacher education programs.

The application of curriculum analytics for improving assessments and quality assurance in higher education

Curriculum mapping is a necessary process for establishing evidence of where learning outcomes are taught and assessed in higher education programmes. Mapping ensures the credibility of the institution and programme offerings and provides students with a clear understanding of what they can expect to learn and achieve during their academic studies. Well-mapped curricula that reference relevant standards and articulate aligned assessments are foundational for effective teaching and learning. Curriculum quality assurance measures are commonly accepted as a means of assuring accurate mapping. Assurance processes are, however, resource-intensive, error-prone and reflect human biases. Few studies have adopted an analytical approach to ensure programme quality assurance steps are traceable to a fundamental level of these maps: single courses and their assessment items. In this study, we adopted a novel curriculum analytics methodology to validate the mapping of professional standards to course-based assessments in a higher education degree program. Using an Australian initial teacher education programme as a case study, we applied and analysed results from a structured methodology that may be implemented across other disciplinary programs. Practical implications for quality assurance in higher education and the methodological contributions of this novel approach are further discussed. Implications for practice or policy: Quality assurance mechanisms in higher education serve to demonstrate that specific accreditation standards have been attained or maintained. An evidence-based approach is needed to ensure curriculum mapping and quality assurance. This study's novel curriculum analytics approach provides a robust foundation for demonstrating assessments’ compliance with accreditation standards at the degree program level. A data-driven approach for quality assurance presents opportunities for wider and scalable applications across other institutions.

Empowering general practitioners to diagnose and treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Insights from an Australian pilot program.

Empowering general practitioners to diagnose and treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Insights from an Australian pilot program.