Digital Commons Network^™

Apolipoprotein D Modulates Amyloid Pathology In App/Ps1 Alzheimer's Disease Mice, Hongyun Li, Kalani R. Ruberu, Sonia Sanz Munoz, Andrew M. Jenner, Adena S. Spiro, Hua Zhao, Eric Rassart, Diego Sanchez, Maria D. Ganfornina, Tim Karl, Brett Garner

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Apolipoprotein D (apoD) is expressed in the brain and levels are increased in affected brain regions in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The role that apoD may play in regulating AD pathology has not been addressed. Here, we crossed both apoD-null mice and Thy-1 human apoD transgenic mice with APP-PS1 amyloidogenic AD mice. Loss of apoD resulted in a nearly 2-fold increase in hippocampal amyloid plaque load, as assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Conversely, transgenic expression of neuronal apoD reduced hippocampal plaque load by approximately 35%. This latter finding was associated with a 60% decrease in amyloid β 1-40 peptide levels, and a …

Development And Evaluation Of The Telephone Crisis Support Skills Scale, Taneile Kitchingman, Coralie J. Wilson, Peter Caputi, Alan Woodward, Tara Hunt

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Background: Although telephone services continue to play an important role in the delivery of front-line crisis support, published evidence of the standardized assessment of such services does not exist to date. Aims: To describe the development of the Telephone Crisis Support Skills Scale (TCSSS), an instrument to assess workers' intentions to use recommended skills with callers, and to evaluate its factor structure and reliability. Method: TCSSS items were mapped to a national telephone crisis support practice model. A national sample of workers (n = 210) completed the TCSSS as part of a larger online survey. Principal axis factoring was used …

The Archaeology, Chronology And Stratigraphy Of Madjedbebe (Malakunanja Ii): A Site In Northern Australia With Early Occupation, Christopher Clarkson, Mike A. Smith, Benjamin Marwick, Richard Fullagar, Lynley A. Wallis, Patrick Faulkner, Tiina Manne, Elspeth Hayes, Richard G. Roberts, Zenobia Jacobs, Xavier Carah, Kelsey M. Lowe, Jacqueline Matthews, S Anna Florin

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Published ages of >50 ka for occupation at Madjedbebe (Malakunanja II) in Australia's north have kept the site prominent in discussions about the colonisation of Sahul. The site also contains one of the largest stone artefact assemblages in Sahul for this early period. However, the stone artefacts and other important archaeological components of the site have never been described in detail, leading to persistent doubts about its stratigraphic integrity. We report on our analysis of the stone artefacts and faunal and other materials recovered during the 1989 excavations, as well as the stratigraphy and depositional history recorded by the original …

The Theory Of Planned Behaviour And Dietary Patterns: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Mairtin S. Mcdermott, Madalyn Oliver, Thomas Simnadis, Eleanor Beck, Tim Coltman, Donald C. Iverson, Peter Caputi, Rajeev Sharma

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Objective Promoting adherence to healthy dietary patterns is a critical public health issue. Models of behaviour, such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) allow programme designers to identify antecedents of dietary patterns and design effective interventions. The primary aim of this study was to examine the association between TPB variables and dietary patterns. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate average correlations. Meta-regression was used to test the impact of moderator variables. Results In total, 22 reports met the inclusion criteria. Attitudes had the strongest association with intention (r+ …

Uptake Of Nutrition Informatics In Australia Compared With The Usa, Kirsty Maunder, Karen L. Walton, Peter G. Williams, Maree Ferguson, Eleanor Beck, Elaine Ayres, Lindsey Hoggle

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Aim To determine the method and extent of health information technology (HIT) utilisation, roles in relation to HIT in the workplace and perceived barriers and benefits of HIT by dietitians in Australia and provide a comparison with dietitians in the USA. Methods A survey adapted from the 2011 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) was utilised and circulated electronically to Dietitians Association of Australia members and advertised through a professional nutrition website in 2013. The survey encompassed 25 questions on computer access and use, data sources, experience using HIT, organisational involvement and perceived barriers and benefits to HIT. Descriptive statistics, …

Primary Care Clinical Placements: The Views Of Australian Registered Nurse Mentors And Pre-Registration Nursing Students (Part 2), Susan Mcinnes, Kathleen Peters, Jennifer Hardy, Elizabeth J. Halcomb

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

An increased burden of chronic and complex conditions treated in the community and an aging population have exacerbated the primary care workload. Predicted nursing shortages will place further stressors on this workforce. High quality clinical placements may provide a strategic pathway to introduce and recruit new nurses to this speciality. This paper is Part 2 of a two part series reporting the findings of a mixed methods project. Part 1 reported on the qualitative study and Part 2 reports on the quantitative study. Forty-five pre-registration nursing students from a single Australian tertiary institution and 22 primary care Registered Nurse (RN) …

Trends In Uptake Of The 75+ Health Assessment In Australia: A Decade Of Evaluation, Aliza Haslinda Hamirudin, Abhijeet Ghosh, Karen E. Charlton, Andrew D. Bonney

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

In Australia, older adults aged 75+ years are encouraged to avail themselves of the comprehensive 75+ health assessment (75+ HA) to identify medical conditions and highlight potential risk factors for poor health. However, uptake of this item has been reported to be low. This study aimed to identify the uptake of the 75+ HA within regional areas of New South Wales and compare this against state and national trends over an 11-year period. Data on uptake of the 75+ HA for item numbers 700 and 702, from 1999 until 2010, were obtained from the Medicare Australia portal and Department of …

Risk Factors For Coronary Heart Disease Among Asian Indians Living In Australia, Ritin Fernandez, John X. Rolley, Rohan Rajaratnam, Subbaram Sundar, Navin C. Patel, Patricia M. Davidson

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

The aim of this study was to assess the coronary heart disease risk factors in the Asian Indian community living in a large city in Australia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Australia India Friendship Fair in 2010. All people of Asian Indian descent who attended the Fair and visited the health promotion stall were eligible to participate in the study if they self-identified as of Asian Indian origin, were aged between 18 and 80 years, and were able to speak English. Blood pressure, blood glucose, waist circumference, height, and weight were measured by a health professional. Smoking, cholesterol …

The Relevance Of Emotional Intelligence For Leadership In A Higher Education Context, Dominique R. Parrish

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

This paper reports on a case-study research investigation that sought to identify the relevance of emotional intelligence for effective higher education academic leadership. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, pre and post a leadership capacity development intervention, to gather broad data on participants' experiences, insights, and engagement in leadership and the utilisation of emotional intelligence in leading. The study found that emotional intelligence is recognised as a highly relevant and important requirement for academic leadership in higher education. Additionally, the investigation ascertained that emotional intelligence traits related to empathy, inspiring and guiding others and responsibly managing oneself were most applicable for academic …

Medication Management Concerns Of Ethnic Minority Family Caregivers Of People Living With Dementia, Robyn Gillespie, Lindsey Harrison, Judy Mullan

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

This qualitative study explored the medication management experiences of Australian ethnic minority family caregivers of people living with dementia. From the perspective of this group of caregivers, medication management was a source of stress resulting from the progressive loss of ability of care recipients to manage their own medications; the complexity of the medication regime and the caregiver's lack of trust of the care recipient to safely and effectively manage medications. Caregivers used various strategies to manage medications and avoid conflict with care recipients including being watchful and involving other family members in medication management tasks. Family caregivers indicated that …

Obese Older Adults Suffer Foot Pain And Foot-Related Functional Limitation, Karen J. Mickle, Julie R. Steele

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

There is evidence to suggest being overweight or obese places adults at greater risk of developing foot complications such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. However, no research has comprehensively examined the effects of overweight or obesity on the feet of individuals older than 60 years of age. Therefore we investigated whether foot pain, foot structure, and/or foot function is affected by obesity in older adults. Three hundred and twelve Australian men and women, aged over 60 years, completed validated questionnaires to establish the presence of foot pain and health related quality of life. Foot structure (anthropometrics and soft tissue …

Innovative And Collaborative Strategies To Reduce Population-Wide Sodium Intake, Karen E. Charlton, Kelly Langford, Jenny Kaldor

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

The World Health Organization promotes salt reduction as a best-buy strategy to reduce chronic diseases, and member states have agreed to a 30 % reduction target in mean population salt intake by 2025. This systematic literature review identified a number of innovative population-level strategies, including promotion of a substitute for table salt, provision of a salt spoon to lower the amount used in home cooking and social marketing and consumer awareness campaigns on salt and health. In high-income nations, engagement with the food industry to encourage reformulation of processed foods-whether through voluntary or mandatory approaches-is key to salt reduction. Legislation …

The Centre For Oncology Education And Research Translation (Concert) Biobank, Nicole J. Caixeiro, Morteza Aghmesheh, Paul De Souza, C. Soon Lee

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

The CONCERT Biobank was established as an open-access, multiple collection site biorepository designed to collect, process, store, retrieve and disseminate biological samples and health information for research projects following informed consent from participants diagnosed with cancer. Informed consent is obtained prior to surgery by either the nursing, medical or biobank staff. Tissues for biobanking are examined within the diagnostic anatomical pathology department of the participating hospital by qualified pathologists and tissues deemed in excess of diagnostic requirements are stored securely and anonymously by the biobank in anticipation of current and future research needs for broad and as yet unspecified cancer …

Telemonitoring Is Acceptable Amongst Community Dwelling Elderly Australians With Chronic Conditions, Elizabeth J. Halcomb, Renee Purcell, Louise Hickman, Elizabeth A. Smyth

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Background Telemonitoring is an innovative model of care being implemented to address the growing burden of chronic and complex disease. Objectives This paper explores the perceptions of community dwelling older people with chronic and complex conditions towards a general practice nurse-led telemonitoring intervention. Method A pre-test post-test intervention study was conducted with consumer surveys administered before and after the intervention. The telemonitoring intervention consisted of a period of home monitoring during which daily vital signs and symptoms were transmitted to the general practice nurse. Results 21 participants completed both pre and post-test surveys. There was a significant difference between pre …

Effectiveness Of A Rural Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship In Preparing Medical Students For Internship, Hudson H. Birden, Jane Barker, Ian G. Wilson

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Background: We interviewed graduates from the first two cohorts of a postgraduate medical program that had a senior year longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) in a practice setting in rural New South Wales, Australia to determine how well their training prepared them to be junior doctors (3-4 years after graduation), and what aspects of that training they thought were particularly useful. Methods: In-depth interviews. Results: Fourteen junior doctors were interviewed. Participants reported feeling well prepared in ability to develop close relationships with clinical supervisors, good clinical and procedural skills, ability to work autonomously and work in teams, knowledge of health …

Meropenem Versus Piperacillin-Tazobactam For Definitive Treatment Of Bloodstream Infections Due To Ceftriaxone Non-Susceptible Escherichia Coli And Klebsiella Spp (The Merino Trial): Study Protocol For A Randomised Controlled Trial, Patrick Na Narris, Anton Y. Peleg, Jon Iredell, Paul R. Ingram, Spiros Miyakis, Andrew J. Stewardson, Benjamin A. Rogers, Emma S. Mcbryde, Jason A. Roberts, Jeff Lipman, Eugene Athan, Sanjoy K. Paul, Peter Baker, Tiffany Harrisi-Brown, David L. Paterson

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Background Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli or Klebsiella spp. frequently cause bloodstream infections. There has been a worldwide increase in resistance in these species to antibiotics such as third generation cephalosporins, largely driven by the acquisition of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase or plasmid-mediated AmpC enzymes. Carbapenems have been considered the most effective therapy for serious infections caused by such resistant bacteria; however, increased use creates selection pressure for carbapenem resistance, an emerging threat arising predominantly from the dissemination of genes encoding carbapenemases. Recent retrospective data suggest that beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations, such as piperacillin-tazobactam, may be non-inferior to carbapenems for the treatment …

The Brave New World Of Older Patients: Preparing General Practice Training For An Ageing Population, Andrew D. Bonney, Lyn Phillipson, Sandra C. Jones, Julie Hall, Rashmi Sharma

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Aim Develop and pilot test evidence-based resources for general practice training practices to enhance older patients' (65+ years) interactions with General Practice Registrars (GPRs). Background In Australia, general practice trainees, referred to as GPRs, see fewer older patients and patients with chronic conditions than doctors who have completed their specialist GP training. This reduces learning opportunities for GPRs in the management of these important patient groups. Therefore, developing effective strategies to improve GPR-older patient interaction is critical to primary care training, to meet the current and future needs of an ageing population. Methods Adopting a social marketing approach, GPR practice …

Quit In General Practice: A Cluster Randomized Trial Of Enhanced In-Practice Support For Smoking Cessation, Nicholas Arnold Zwar, Robyn Richmond, Elizabeth J. Halcomb, John Furler, Julie Smith, Oshana Hermiz, Irene Blackberry, Upali Jayasinghe, Ron Borland

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Objectives. To evaluate the uptake and effectiveness of tailored smoking cessation support, provided primarily by the practice nurse (PN), and compare this to other forms of cessation support. Methods. Three arm cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in 101 general practices in Sydney and Melbourne involving 2390 smokers. The Quit with PN intervention was compared to Quitline referral and a usual care control group. Smoking cessation pharmacotherapy was recommended to all groups. Outcomes were assessed by self-report at 3- and 12-month follow-up. Uptake of the interventions is also reported. Results. The three groups were similar at baseline. Follow-up at 12 months …

Do Anaesthetists Believe Their Teaching Is Evidence-Based?, Damian J. Castanelli, Natalie Smith, Craig L. F Noonan

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Background: Knowledge translation (KT) and evidence-based practice are widely referenced in clinical medicine, with parallel calls for clinical teaching to better reflect best educational practice. How clinical teachers use medical education theory and evidence is largely unknown. Aims: To explore anaesthetists' attitudes to clinical teaching and medical education theory and evidence: whether they use it, what sources they access and attitudes to possible barriers to its use. Methods: Data were collected from anaesthetists via on-line questionnaire. Results: 364 anaesthetists (19% response rate) completed the questionnaire. Respondents preferentially approach colleagues and access short courses or workshops to improve their teaching. Twenty-eight …

Adult Attention Deficit Disorder And Aggressive Behaviour: An Exploration Of Relationships Between Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scales And The Aggression Questionnaire, Mitchell K. Byrne, Natalie Parletta, David G. Webster, Marijka Batterham, Barbara J. Meyer

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Aggressive and violent behaviour is often associated with a diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This article investigates the relationship between adult attention deficit disorder (ADD) and aggressive cognitions. The Aggression Questionnaire and the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scales were administered to two samples: a "low-risk sample" comprising university students (n = 60), and a "high-risk sample" of prison inmates (n = 117). The prevalence of "probable ADD" was found to be higher in the prison sample (33%), compared with the university sample (20%). There were moderate correlations >r = .5 (p < .01) between total ADHD and Aggression Questionnaire scores in both groups. There were also moderate to strong correlations between subscales of both measures, including cognitive processes such as attention and memory and various forms of aggression, which were particularly apparent in the prison sample. The relationship between ADHD and aggressive behaviour suggests that the treatment of adult ADHD may aid in the management of aggressive behaviour.

Consumer Satisfaction With Practice Nursing: A Cross-Sectional Survey In New Zealand General Practice, Elizabeth J. Halcomb, Deborah Davies, Yenna Salamonson

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

An important consideration in health service delivery is ensuring that services meet consumer needs. Whilst nursing services in primary care have grown internationally, there has been limited exploration of consumer satisfaction with these services. This paper reports a descriptive survey that sought to evaluate consumers' perceptions of New Zealand practice nurses (PNs). One thousand, five hundred and five patients who received nursing services at one of 20 participating New Zealand general practices completed a survey tool between December 2010 and December 2011. The 64-item self-report survey tool contained the 21-item General Practice Nurse Satisfaction (GPNS) scale. Data were analysed using …

History As Reflective Practice: A Model For Integrating Historical Studies Into Nurse Education, Kylie M. Smith, Angela M. Brown, Patrick A. Crookes

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

The role of history in developing professional identity in nursing is well known, and the discipline of nursing history research continues to flourish. Yet this work often struggles to find its way into undergraduate university nurse education courses. We put forward a model for "history as reflective practice" in which we suggest that historical studies can be used as a form of evidence to develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning, as well as situate nursing practice within its social and political context. In this model, we draw on historical scholarship related to the profession, practice and person, focusing on work …

Lesbian Women Choosing Motherhood: The Journey To Conception, Brenda Hayman, Lesley Wilkes, Elizabeth J. Halcomb, Debra Jackson

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Increasingly, lesbian women are choosing to have children in the context of a same-sex relationship, and their journey to conception and on to motherhood involves a range of decisions that are unique to lesbian couples. While creating a de novo family is burdened with decisions, choosing to be parents was a deliberate and conscious decision made by lesbian women participating in our study. The findings presented in this article focus on choosing which partner would be pregnant, donor decisions, as well as methods of conception used by lesbian women participating in a qualitative study that examined the experiences of lesbian …

"Stress Wasn't A Word": Australian Nurses' Recollections Of War-Related Trauma, Kylie M. Smith, Elizabeth J. Halcomb, Lorna Moxham

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Aim: This research explores the recollections of Australian nurses in regards to psychological injury among those who served in World War II (WWII) and the Vietnamese conflict.

Methods: Existing oral histories from WWII and Vietnam held by the Australian War Memorial were explored for recollections of issues related to psychological injury. A constant comparative method was used to allow themes to emerge across both cohorts of interviews.

Results: Findings indicate that nurses from both conflicts witnessed trauma among their patients in the field and experienced it among themselves upon their return from service. Three main themes emerged which related …

Satisfaction And Comfort With Nursing In Australian General Practice, Elizabeth J. Halcomb, Yenna Salamonson, Alexandra Cook

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

The practice nursing workforce has grown exponentially in recent years. Whilst evidence has shown the important contributions of nurses to general practice service delivery, the consumer perspective of nursing in general practice has received limited attention. Given that acceptability of nurses is influenced by patient satisfaction which can in turn improve both treatment adherence and clinical outcomes, this is an important area for investigation. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate consumer satisfaction with chronic disease management by nurses in general practice (NiGP) and comfort with the tasks undertaken by nurses in general practice. Consumers receiving chronic disease …

Giving Women A Voice - Narratives On Accessing (Or Not) Drug And Alcohol Services, Renee M. Brighton, Lorna Moxham, Victoria Traynor

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Abstract of a presentation at the ADDICTION 2015: the Australian & New Zealand Addiction Conference, Gold Coast, Australia, 20-22 May.

Clinical Placements In Australian General Practice: (Part 1) The Experiences Of Pre-Registration Nursing Students, Susan Mcinnes, Kathleen Peters, Jennifer Hardy, Elizabeth J. Halcomb

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

An international shift towards strengthening primary care services has stimulated the growth of nursing in general (family) practice. As learning in the clinical setting comprises a core component of pre-registration nursing education, it is logical that clinical placement opportunities would follow the workforce growth in this setting. Beyond simply offering placements in relevant clinical areas, it is vital to ensure high quality learning experiences that meet the educational needs of pre-registration nurses. Part 1 of a two part series reports on the qualitative study of a mixed methods project. Fifteen pre-registration nursing students participated in semi-structured interviews following a clinical …

Energy And Protein Intake Increases With An Electronic Bedside Spoken Meal Ordering System Compared To A Paper Menu In Hospital Patients, Kirsty Maunder, Carmel Lazarus, Karen L. Walton, Peter G. Williams, Maree Ferguson, Eleanor Beck

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Background and aims Electronic bedside spoken meal ordering systems (BMOS) have the potential to improve patient dietary intakes, but there are few published evaluation studies. The aim of this study was to determine changes in the dietary intake and satisfaction of hospital patients, as well as the role of the Nutrition Assistant (NA), associated with the implementation of an electronic BMOS compared to a paper menu. Methods This study evaluated the effect of a BMOS compared to a paper menu at a 210-bed tertiary private hospital in Sydney during 2011-2012. Patient dietary intake, patient satisfaction and changes in NA role …

Neuregulin 1 Expression And Electrophysiological Abnormalities In The Neuregulin 1 Transmembrane Domain Heterozygous Mutant Mouse, Leonora E. Long, Paul Anderson, Elisabeth T. Frank, Alex Shaw, Shijie Liu, Didier Pinault, Xu-Feng Huang, Tim Karl, Terence J. O'Brien, Cynthia S. Weickert, Nigel C. Jones

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Background The Neuregulin 1 transmembrane domain heterozygous mutant (Nrg1 TM HET) mouse is used to investigate the role of Nrg1 in brain function and schizophrenia-like behavioural phenotypes. However, the molecular alterations in brain Nrg1 expression that underpin the behavioural observations have been assumed, but not directly determined. Here we comprehensively characterise mRNA Nrg1 transcripts throughout development of the Nrg1 TM HET mouse. In addition, we investigate the regulation of high-frequency (gamma) electrophysiological oscillations in this mutant mouse to associate molecular changes in Nrg1 with a schizophrenia-relevant neurophysiological profile. Methods Using exonic probes spanning the cysteine-rich, epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like, transmembrane …

Striatal Atrophy In The Behavioural Variant Of Frontotemporal Dementia: Correlation With Diagnosis, Negative Symptoms And Disease Severity, Matthew Macfarlane, David D. Jakabek, Mark Walterfang, Susanna Vestberg, Dennis Velakoulis, Fiona A. Wilkes, Christer Nilsson, Danielle Van Westen, Jeffrey C. L Looi, Alexander Frizell Santillo

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Introduction Behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is associated with changes in dorsal striatal parts of the basal ganglia (caudate nucleus and putamen), related to dysfunction in the cortico-striato-thalamic circuits which help mediate executive and motor functions. We aimed to determine whether the size and shape of striatal structures correlated with diagnosis of bvFTD, and measures of clinical severity, behaviour and cognition. Materials and Methods Magnetic resonance imaging scans from 28 patients with bvFTD and 26 healthy controls were manually traced using image analysis software (ITK-SNAP). The resulting 3-D objects underwent volumetric analysis and shape analysis, through spherical harmonic description with …