Edith Cowan University

The increasing release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, and industrial contaminants (indirect GHGs) such as SO₂ and H₂S has prompted significant global worries due to their role in climate change, air pollution, and harm to the environment. Ionic liquids (ILs) as green solvents have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional solvents because of their minimal volatility, high thermal stability, and adjustable physicochemical characteristics. Yet, limited gas solubility data in ILs is hindering their applications in carbon capture and air pollution control. Machine learning (ML) is a powerful tool for modeling and simulating the solubility of polluting gases in ILs. This research aims to critically review recent progress in ML modeling of pollutant gas removal by ILs. More importantly, a new ML model of genetic programming (GP) was developed to generate an explicit and accurate mathematical equation to predict the solubility of SO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O, CO, H 2 S and CO 2 in ILs, using a large dataset (3209) for different gas-IL systems. Using temperature, pressure, and structural related parameters of ILs and gases as input parameters, the model achieved a high accuracy (R 2 > 0.97). Finally, a simple Excel method for calculating gas solubility has been created for prediction and modeling purposes.

This study presents the design, fabrication, and mechanical performance of carbon fiber-reinforced polylactic acid (CF-PLA) bone plates incorporating auxetic and non-auxetic metamaterial architectures. Four lattice-structured bone plates (re-entrant, rotating square, tetrachiral, and hexagonal) were evaluated for their flexural, tensile, and compressive properties. The specimens were fabricated using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM). The tetrachiral structure demonstrated superior bending capacity, achieving a flexural stress of 17MPa and a modulus of 1214MPa. Under both tension and compression, it exhibited the highest strength (24.5MPa and 40MPa, respectively) and stiffness (1441MPa in tension and 2352MPa in compression), while the rotating square designs offered a favorable balance of flexibility and strength. CF-PLA metamaterial bone plates showed substantially lower stiffness compared to various metallic plates (e.g., Titanium (Ti), steel) indicating their potential to reduce stress shielding and promote bone healing. The auxetic geometries, particularly the tetrachiral and rotating square, exhibited superior tensile and compressive behavior compared to the non-auxetic hexagonal bone plates. The results underscore the potential of 3D-printed CF-PLA metamaterial structures as effective alternatives to metallic bone plates. With further optimization, such designs could enable patient-specific implants with improved biomechanical compatibility and healing outcomes.

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a common opportunistic infection in kidney transplant recipients, typically reactivating in the context of immunosuppression. Although asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, reactivation in transplant recipients can cause BKPyV-associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN), a leading cause of graft dysfunction and loss. BKPyV viremia affects approximately 10%-15% of transplant recipients, and once BKPyVAN is established, the risk of graft failure can exceed 50%. The current standard of care involves immunosuppression reduction to restore virus-specific immunity, but this approach increases the risk of acute and chronic rejection. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), which contains antiviral and immunomodulatory antibodies, has been proposed as an adjunctive therapy, although evidence supporting its efficacy remains limited to small observational studies. The BEAT-BK trial is a multicenter, adaptive, randomized controlled trial comparing standard immunosuppression reduction with or without IVIg in kidney and simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant recipients with BKPyV viremia or biopsy-confirmed BKPyVAN. The trial will enroll participants aged 2 y and older, randomizing them 1:1 to receive standard care alone or in combination with a total IVIg dose of 2 g/kg for 8 wk. An adaptive Bayesian design will permit interim analyses with the potential for early trial success or futility. The primary endpoint is a composite ordinal outcome at 12 wk, incorporating death, graft loss, estimated glomerular filtration rate decline, acute rejection, viral load, and degree of immunosuppression reduction. Secondary outcomes include viral clearance, development of BKPyVAN and donor-specific antibodies, infections, malignancy, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. This trial will provide the first high-quality evidence on the role of IVIg in BKPyV management and inform clinical decision-making in posttransplant care.

To systematically review and analyze the effects of photobiomodulation on oral mucositis, xerostomia, salivary flow rates, oral pain, and quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer. A systematic search of six databases was conducted up to April 2025. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examined the effects of photobiomodulation on the specified outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer. Pooled estimates (risk ratio [RR] and standardized mean difference [SMD]) were calculated using a three-level mixed-effects meta-analysis. Thirty-three articles describing 30 RCTs (n = 1748) were included. Photobiomodulation significantly reduced the risk of severe oral mucositis (RR 0.46, 95% CI: 0.29-0.71, P < 0.001) and severe oral pain (RR 0.35, 95% CI: 0.23-0.53, P < 0.001) compared with controls. Significant improvements were also observed for salivary flow rate (SMD 0.75, 95% CI: 0.03-1.46, P = 0.044). No significant effects were observed on xerostomia (SMD -0.07, 95% CI: -0.47-0.33, P = 0.646) and quality of life (SMD 1.06, 95% CI: -0.03-2.14, P = 0.060). The benefits were consistent across different photobiomodulation protocols for oral mucositis and quality of life. Photobiomodulation appears to be a promising supportive care intervention, reducing the risk of severe mucositis and oral pain, while potentially improving salivary flow rates and preserving quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer. However, the certainty of the evidence ranged from very low to low and most included studies presented a high risk of bias; therefore, these findings should be interpreted with caution.

In this Current Opinion, we revisit key terminological distinctions in sports sciences, emphasizing the implications of conflating related but distinct concepts, particularly range of motion (ROM) versus flexibility and flexibility training versus stretching. While often used interchangeably, these terms represent nuanced constructs with distinct physiological and practical implications. ROM encompasses both modifiable (e.g., soft tissue extensibility, neural control) and non-modifiable factors (e.g., bone structure), whereas flexibility is only one of several trainable components of ROM, largely referring to the extensibility of periarticular soft tissues. Misunderstanding these distinctions risks erroneous assessments and inappropriate exercise prescriptions. We also challenge the common practice of equating flexibility training with stretching. While stretching is effective to enhance flexibility, other methods, such as strength training at long muscle lengths and foam rolling, produce comparable chronic ROM gains. Furthermore, stretching has a diverse array of effects that extend beyond flexibility, including strength development and neural modulation. Mischaracterizing flexibility training as synonymous with stretching perpetuates myths and constrains innovation in training practices. By differentiating these terms, we advocate for clearer language in research and practice to avoid miscommunication and ensure effective training interventions. In summary, we propose that flexibility is only one component of ROM, and that flexibility training and stretching should not be equated. We hope this Current Opinion paper generates a healthy discussion within the sports science and medicine communities.