Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Influence Of Age And Maturation Status On Sprint Acceleration Characteristics In Junior Australian Football, Toby Edwards, Jonathon Weakley, Harry G. Banyard, Ashley Cripps, Benjamin Piggott, G. Gregory Haff, Christopher Joyce

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

This study aimed to investigate the influence of chronological age and maturation status on sprint acceleration characteristics in junior Australian football (AF) players. Biological maturity of 109 subjects was assessed and subjects were grouped according to predicted years from peak height velocity (PHV) (pre-, mid-, and post-PHV) and chronological age (13 years, 14 years, and 15 years). A one-way multivariate analysis of variance and magnitude-based decisions were used to determine between-group differences. Instantaneous velocity was measured during two maximal 30m sprints via radar gun with the velocity-time data used to derive the force, velocity, and power characteristics. Chronologically, the greatest …

Employability As Sustainable Balance Of Stakeholder Expectations - Towards A Model For The Health Professions, Martin Cake, Melinda Bell, Liz Mossop, Caroline F. Mansfield

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

The conceptual complexity of employability remains a barrier for its integration into discipline-based curricula. In the health professions, a particular challenge lies in integrating employability with the dominant paradigms of competency and professionalism. In this study, we explore these contextual challenges, and present the rationale and conceptual basis for a potential re-framing of employability within the context of this discipline group. We propose a novel definition and a conceptual model of employability better aligned to the needs of health professions. While employability has proven difficult to define broadly, it is framed around the expectations of both the employer and employee, …

Wellbeing And Nature Connectedness For Emerging Adult Undergraduates After A Short Expedition: A Small Pilot Study, Michael J.A Down, Paola Chivers, Prudence Kirsch, Duncan Picknoll

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Issue addressed: Emerging adult university undergraduates are a vulnerable population due to various life stressors. Previous studies have reported a range of positive outcomes from outdoor expeditions for this population. This small pilot study aimed to investigate the impacts of an outdoor expedition on wellbeing and connectedness to nature and possible confounding by gender and living environment.

Methods: A sample of 54 Health and Physical Education emerging adult undergraduates in the second year of their four-year degree completed a 3-day/2-night immersion expedition. Pre-post differences and a repeated-measures analysis with confounders examined the expedition's impact on scores from the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental …

Operation Of The Basketball Jump Shooting Accuracy Test: Intra- And Inter-Rater Reliability Of Scoring Procedures And Floor And Ceiling Effects For Test Performance, Brenton J. Boddington, Ashley Cripps, Aaron T. Scanlan, Tania Spiteri

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

The purpose of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of scoring procedures used in the newly developed Basketball Jump Shooting Accuracy Test (BJSAT) and assess for floor and ceiling effects in test performance. Thirty-one semi-professional basketball athletes completed four trials of the BJSAT. The BJSAT contains one jump shot at eight different locations, equally distributed across two- and three-point shots. Intra-rater reliability was determined by assessing the level of agreement between scores live in-person and watching captured video by the same assessor. Inter-rater reliability was determined by examining the level of agreement between two assessors who …

Readiness To Train: Return To Baseline Strength And Velocity Following Strength Or Power Training, Alexander Vernon, Christopher Joyce, Harry G. Banyard

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

This study investigated the return to baseline of movement velocity and maximal strength following a strength-orientated session and power-orientated session in the free-weight back-squat performed with maximal concentric velocity. Fourteen strength-trained males completed a strength-orientated session (five sets of five repetitions @80% of a one-repetition maximum) and a power-orientated session (three sets of six repetitions @50% one-repetition maximum ) in a randomised order over two weeks (e.g. strength week 1, power week 2). The back-squat was then performed with loads of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 90% and 100% one-repetition maximum at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h following the strength …

The Well-Being Of Carers Of Older Aboriginal People Living In The Kimberley Region Of Remote Western Australia: Empowerment, Depression, And Carer Burden, Dina Logiudice, Cathryn M. Josif, Roslyn Malay, Zoe Hyde, Melissa Haswell, Melissa A. Lindeman, Christopher Etherton-Beer, David Atkinson, Dawn Bessarab, Leon Flicker, Kate Smith

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Objective: To describe demographic features and well-being of carers of Aboriginal Australians aged ≥45 years in remote Western Australia.

Method: Carer burden, empowerment, and depression were assessed in 124 Aboriginal carers in four remote Aboriginal communities.

Results: Carers were aged 38.8 ± 15.0 years, 73.4% were female, and 75.8% were children or grandchildren of the person cared for. The mean Zarit-6 score was 3.7 ± 3.6. Attending high school (odds ratio [OR] = 0.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.1, 0.7]) and feeling empowered (OR = 0.2; 95% CI = [0.1, 0.8]) were inversely associated with carer burden; female carers …

Mesothelial Cells Regulate Immune Responses In Health And Disease: Role For Immunotherapy In Malignant Mesothelioma, Steven E. Mutsaers, Fiona J. Pixley, Cecilia M. PrêLe, Gerard F. Hoyne

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Highlights:

• Mesothelial and immune cell interactions play a crucial role in tissue homeostasis in the serosal cavities such as the pleura.

• Mesothelin is viewed as an attractive target for solid tumors, including malignant mesothelioma.

• Checkpoint inhibitor therapy has shown variable efficacy against malignant mesothelioma.

• CAR T cell therapies are being evaluated for malignant mesothelioma.

• Treatment of malignant mesothelioma will require multimodality approaches with immunotherapy central to future therapeutic approaches.

The mesothelium when first described was thought to function purely as a non-adhesive surface to facilitate intracoelomic movement of organs. However, the mesothelium is now recognized as a dynamic cellular membrane …

Sprint Acceleration Characteristics Across The Australian Football Participation Pathway, Toby Edwards, Benjamin Piggott, Harry G. Banyard, G Gregory Haff, Christopher Joyce

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

The aim of this study was to compare the force, velocity and power profiles of a maximal sprint acceleration through different competition levels of the Australian Football (AF) participation pathway. One hundred and sixty-two junior AF athletes across five competition levels including State under 18’s (ST 18), State under 16’s (ST 16), local under 18’s (LOC 18), local under 15’s (LOC 15), and local under 14’s (LOC 14) participated in this cross-sectional study. Velocity-time data from maximal sprint accelerations were analysed to derive athlete’s sprint acceleration characteristics and split times. ST 18 showed a more force-orientated profile than the LOC …

Sprint Acceleration Force-Velocity-Power Characteristics In Drafted Vs Non-Drafted Junior Australian Football Players: Preliminary Results, Toby Edwards, Benjamin Piggott, Harry G. Banyard, G. Gregory Haff, Christopher Joyce

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

This investigation aimed to compare the maximal sprint acceleration profiles of drafted and non-drafted elite junior Australian football (AF) players. Nineteen players (10 drafted and 9 non-drafted) from an elite junior AF state team participated in this study. Instantaneous velocity was measured via radar gun during maximal 30 m sprints. The velocity-time data were analysed to derive individual force-velocity-power characteristics and sprint times. No significant differences existed between groups, however drafted players reached moderately faster maximum velocity (Hedges’ g = 0.70 [-0.08; 1.48] and theoretical maximum velocity (g = 0.65 [-0.13; 1.42]) than non-drafted players indicating a superior ability to …

Physical And Energy Demand Of Soccer: A Brief Review, Filippo Dolci, Nicolas H. Hart, Andrew E. Kilding, Paola Chivers, Benjamin Piggott, Tania Spiteri

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Soccer is a complex and exhaustive team-sport requiring a high level of tactical, technical, and physical ability to succeed. During a competitive match, a random combination of explosive and powerful activities, together with technical and tactical gestures, is performed in an intermittent manner over a 90-minute game. This review presents a detailed analysis and up-to-date synthesis of the literature describing activities and energy system contribution during soccer to provide to strength and conditioning coaches a clear understanding of soccer players’ physical needs during competition.

The Peer Experience For Older People Encouraging Other Older People To Engage In Resistance Training: A Qualitative Study, Elissa Burton

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Resistance training (RT) can maintain and improve physical and mental health in 2 older adults, but this population has low levels of participation in RT. Linking older people 3 already participating in RT (i.e. peers) with those who have not may promote and maintain 4 adherence to RT participation. This qualitative study explored the experience of peers in 5 encouraging participation in RT among older community-dwelling adults. Data were collected 6 using focus groups, researcher observations, and semi-structured interviews. Thematic 7 analysis was conducted. Older people (n=8) who had engaged in RT for at least two months 8 prior to …

The Potential Therapeutic Effects Of Creatine Supplementation On Body Composition And Muscle Function In Cancer, C M. Fairman, K L. Kendall, Nicolas H. Hart, D R. Taaffe, D A. Galvao, R U. Newton

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Low muscle mass in individuals with cancer has a profound impact on quality of life and independence and is associated with greater treatment toxicity and poorer prognosis. Exercise interventions are regularly being investigated as a means to ameliorate treatment-related adverse effects, and nutritional/supplementation strategies to augment adaptations to exercise are highly valuable. Creatine (Cr) is a naturally-occurring substance in the human body that plays a critical role in energy provision during muscle contraction. Given the beneficial effects of Cr supplementation on lean body mass, strength, and physical function in a variety of clinical populations, there is therapeutic potential in individuals …

Genetic Predictors Of Match Performance In Sub-Elite Australian Football Players: A Pilot Study, Ysabel Jacob, Paola Chivers, Ryan S. Anderton

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

The current study aimed to determine whether previously identified candidate polymorphisms were associated with match performance in sub-elite Australian Rules Football (ARF) players. The genotypes of thirty players were analysed along with 3x1-kilometre time trial results, ARF-specific skill assessments (handball and kicking), and match performance (direct game involvements) per minute (DGIs/min) to investigate if there was a relationship between any of the variables. Results support previous findings that aerobic time trials are a significant predictor of DGIs/min in sub-elite ARF players. Significant associations were found for genotypes ADRB2 CC (p = .001), PPARGC1A AA (p = .001), PPARGC1A …

Poly-Arginine Peptide R18d Reduces Neuroinflammation And Functional Deficits Following Traumatic Brain Injury In The Long-Evans Rat, Li Shan Chiu, Ryan S. Anderton, Jane L. Cross, Vince W. Clark, Neville W. Knuckey, Bruno P. Meloni

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

We have previously demonstrated that the poly-arginine peptide R18 can improve histological and functional outcomes following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the Sprague–Dawley rat. Since D-enantiomer peptides are often exploited in pharmacology for their increased stability and potency, the present study compared the effects of R18 and its D-enantiomer, R18D, following TBI in the Long-Evans rat. Following a closed-head impact delivered via a weight-drop apparatus, peptide was administered at a dose of 1000 nmol/kg at 30 min after TBI. Treatment with R18D, but not R18 resulted in significant reductions in sensorimotor (p = 0.026) and vestibulomotor (p = 0.049) deficits …

Proteomic Analysis Of Plasmodium Falciparum Histone Deacetylase 1 Complex Proteins, Jessica A. Engel, Emma L. Norris, Paul Gilson, Jude Przyborski, Addmore Shonhai, Gregory L. Blatch, Tina S. Skinner, Jeffrey Gorman, Madeleine Headlam, Katherine T. Andrews

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Plasmodium falciparum histone deacetylases (PfHDACs) are an important class of epigenetic regulators that alter protein lysine acetylation, contributing to regulation of gene expression and normal parasite growth and development. PfHDACs are therefore under investigation as drug targets for malaria. Despite this, our understanding of the biological roles of these enzymes is only just beginning to emerge. In higher eukaryotes, HDACs function as part of multi-protein complexes and act on both histone and non-histone substrates. Here, we present a proteomics analysis of PfHDAC1 immunoprecipitates, identifying 26 putative P. falciparum complex proteins in trophozoite-stage asexual intraerythrocytic parasites. The …

Vitamin D Enzymes (Cyp27a1, Cyp27b1 And Cyp24a1) And Receptor Expression In Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer, Natalie Nemazannikova, Gregory L. Blatch, Crispin R. Dass, Rodney Sinclair, Vasso Apostolopoulos

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

No abstract available for this paper.

Treatment, Prevention And Public Health Management Of Impetigo, Scabies, Crusted Scabies And Fungal Skin Infections In Endemic Populations: A Systematic Review, Philippa J. May, Steven Y.C Tong, Andrew C. Steer, Bart J. Currie, Ross M. Andrews, Jonathan R. Carapetis, Asha C. Bowen

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

We conducted a systematic review of the treatment, prevention and public health control of skin infections including impetigo, scabies, crusted scabies and tinea in resource-limited settings where skin infections are endemic. The aim is to inform strategies, guidelines and research to improve skin health in populations that are inequitably affected by infections of the skin and the downstream consequences of these. The systematic review is reported according to the PRISMA statement. From

1759 titles identified, 81 full text studies were reviewed and key findings outlined for impetigo, scabies, crusted scabies and tinea. Improvements in primary care and public health management …

The Validity And Reliability Of The Basketball Jump Shooting Accuracy Test, Brenton J. Boddington, Ashley Cripps, Aaron T. Scanlan, Tania Spiteri

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

The aim of this study was to examine the content validity, construct validity and reliability of the newly developed Basketball Jump Shooting Accuracy Test (BJSAT). Basketball athletes from different playing levels (State Basketball League [SBL], n = 30, age: 22.7 ± 6.1 yr; SBL Division I, n = 11, age: 20.6 ± 2.1 yr) completed four separate trials of the BJSAT with each trial consisting of shot attempts from two- and three-point distances at pre-determined court locations. Each shot attempt was scored utilising a criteria where higher scores were given when greater accuracy was exhibited. The BJSAT detected a significant, …

Validity Of The Falls Risk For Older People In The Community (Frop‑Com) Tool To Predict Falls And Fall Injuries For Older People Presenting To The Emergency Department After Falling, Marlon Mascarenhas, Keith D. Hill, Anna Barker, Elissa Burton

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

The aims of this study were to (1) externally validate the accuracy of the Falls Risk for Older People in the Community (FROP-Com) falls risk assessment tool in predicting falls and (2) undertake initial validation of the accuracy of the FROPCom to predict injurious falls (requiring medical attention) in people aged ≥ 60 years presenting to emergency departments (EDs) after falling. Two hundred and thirteen participants (mean age = 72.4 years; 59.2% women) were recruited (control group of a randomised controlled trial). A FROP-Com assessment was completed at a home visit within 2 weeks of ED discharge. Data on falls …

In Their Own Words: A Qualitative Study Exploring Influences On The Food Choices Of University Students, Michelle Lambert, Paola Chivers, Fiona Farringdon

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Issue addressed: University students generally make independent decisions regarding food choices. Current research about knowledge of Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG), sources of nutrition information and influences on food choices for this group is scarce.

Methods: Qualitative data were collected from gender‐separated focus groups comprising four female (n = 31) and four male (n = 18) to identify: knowledge of ADG; sources of nutrition information; factors that influence food choices; perceived relevant nutrition messages and how best to deliver them.

Results: Gaps in knowledge were identified particularly regarding number of serves and serving size for food groups. Social media was the …

Reducing Early Preterm Birth For 25 Cents A Day, Julie Quinlivan

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Editorial. No abstract available.

Embedding Of Psycho-Perceptual-Motor Skills Can Improve Athlete Assessment And Training Programs, Sean Müller, Fleur Van Rens, John Brenton, Khaya Morris-Binelli, Benjamin Piggott, Simon M. Rosalie, Matthew Burgin

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Practitioners in a variety of sports seek unique ways to train athletes to better prepare them for competition. In this position paper, we argue that inclusion of psycho-perceptual-motor skills, from the fields of sport psychology and sport expertise, is crucial, but underutilized in the assessment and training of athletes. First, a brief introduction is provided as to why psycho-perceptual-motor skill is vital for training athletes. Second, examples are discussed relating to key concepts. These include the following: assessment of expertise discriminators such as visual anticipation under pressure contexts, incorporation of sports analytics and performance analysis to aid reflection upon previous …

The Association Between Hysterectomy And Ovarian Cancer Risk: A Population-Based Record-Linkage Study, Suzanne C. Dixon-Suen, Penelope M. Webb, Louise F. Wilson, Karen Tuesley, Louise M. Stewart, Susan J. Jordan

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Background: Recent studies have called into question the long-held belief that hysterectomy without oophorectomy protects against ovarian cancer. This population-based longitudinal record-linkage study aimed to explore this relationship, overall and by age at hysterectomy, time period, surgery type, and indication for hysterectomy.

Methods: We followed the female adult Western Australian population (837 942 women) across a 27-year period using linked electoral, hospital, births, deaths, and cancer records. Surgery dates were determined from hospital records, and ovarian cancer diagnoses (n¼1640) were ascertained from cancer registry records.We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the …

Does Exercise Impact Gut Microbiota Composition In Men Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy For Prostate Cancer? A Single-Blinded, Two-Armed Randomised Controlled Trial, Robert U. Newton, Claus T. Christophersen, Ciaran M. Fairman, Nicolas H. Hart, Dennis R. Taaffe, David Broadhurst, Amanda Devine, Raphael Chee, Colin I. Tang, Nigel Spry, Daniel A. Galvao

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Introduction: A potential link exists between prostate cancer (PCa) disease and treatment and increased inflammatory levels from gut dysbiosis. This study aims to examine if exercise favourably alters gut microbiota in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for PCa. Specifically, this study will explore whether: (1) exercise improves the composition of gut microbiota and increases the abundance of bacteria associated with health promotion and (2) whether gut health correlates with favourable inflammatory status, bowel function, continence and nausea among patients participating in the exercise intervention.

Methods and analysis: A single-blinded, two-armed, randomised controlled trial will explore the influence …

Elevated Serum Homocysteine Levels Have Differential Gender-Specific Associations With Motor And Cognitive States In Parkinson’S Disease, Megan C. Bakeberg, Alexa Jefferson, Maddeson Riley, Michelle Byrnes, Soumya Ghosh, Frank L. Mastaglia, Malcom K. Horne, Sarah Mcgregor, Rick Stell, Jade Kenna, Sue Walters, Dana Hince, Ryan S. Anderton

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Background: Studies attempting to elucidate an association between homocysteine and symptom progression in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have had largely discrepant findings. This study aimed to investigate elevated serum homocysteine levels and symptom progression in a cohort of PD patients.

Methods: Serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels were measured in 205 people with PD and 78 age-matched healthy controls. People with Parkinson’s disease underwent a battery of clinical assessments to evaluate symptom severity, including motor (MDS-UPDRS) and cognitive (ACE-R) assessments. Multivariate generalized linear models were created, controlling for confounding variables, and were used to determine whether serum markers are associated …

Promoting Physical Activity In Regional And Remote Cancer Survivors (Pparcs) Using Wearables And Health Coaching: Randomised Controlled Trial Protocol, Sarah J. Hardcastle, Dana Hince, Ruth Jimenez-Castuera, Terry Boyle, Vinicius Cavalheri, Greg Makin, Patrick Tan, Stuart Salfinger, Jason Tan, Ganendra Raj Mohan, Michael Levitt, Paul A. Cohen, Christobel Saunders, Cameron Platell

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Introduction: Physically active cancer survivors have substantially less cancer recurrence and improved survival compared with those who are inactive. However, the majority of survivors (70%–90%) are not meeting the physical activity (PA) guidelines. There are also significant geographic inequalities in cancer survival with poorer survival rates for the third of Australians who live in nonmetropolitan areas compared with those living in major cities. The primary objective of the trial is to increase moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) among cancer survivors living in regional and remote Western Australia. Secondary objectives are to reduce sedentary behaviour and in conjunction with increased PA, improve quality …

The Influence Of Motor Competence On Adolescent Identity Health: A Mixed Method Study, Amanda Timler, Fleur Mcintyre, Caroline Bulsara, Elizabeth Rose, Beth Hands

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Our identity develops with age, and many impacting factors will determine whether it is healthy or unhealthy. A particularly fragile phase of identity development occurs during adolescence when level of motor competence may be influential, yet is rarely considered.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine male and female adolescent’s perceptions towards their motor competence and identity development. In-depth information was also collected to understand what factors are important towards identity development during adolescence.

Method: An explanatory sequential mixed methods study was used to examine the extent motor competence influenced the health of an adolescent’s identity. …

Morbidity After Surgical Management Of Cervical Cancer In Low And Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Emma R. Allanson, Aime Powell, Max Bulsara, Hong Lim Lee, Lynette Denny, Yee Leung, Paul Cohen

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Objective: To investigate morbidity for patients after the primary surgical management of cervical cancer in low and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Methods: The Pubmed, Cochrane, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, LILACS and CINAHL were searched for published studies from 1st Jan 2000 to 30th June 2017 reporting outcomes of surgical management of cervical cancer in LMIC. Randomeffects meta-analytical models were used to calculate pooled estimates of surgical complications including blood transfusions, ureteric, bladder, bowel, vascular and nerve injury, fistulae and thromboembolic events. Secondary outcomes included five-year progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Findings: Data were available …

Clinical Specialty Training In Uk Undergraduate Medical Schools: A Retrospective Observational Study, Hrisheekesh J. Vaidya, Alexander W. Emery, Emma C. Alexander, Angus J. Mcdonnell, Charlotte Burford, Max Bulsara

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

Objectives: To determine if increased exposure to clinical specialties at medical school is associated with increased interest in pursuing that specialty as a career after foundation training.

Design: A retrospective observational study.

Setting: 31 UK medical schools were asked how much time students spend in each of the clinical specialties. We excluded two schools that were solely Graduate Entry, and two schools were excluded for insufficient information.

Main outcome measures: Time spent on clinical placement from UK undergraduate medical schools, and the training destinations of graduates from each school. A general linear model was used to …

Altered Gut Microbiome In Parkinson's Disease And The Influence Of Lipopolysaccharide In A Human Α-Synuclein Over-Expressing Mouse Model, Anastazja M. Gorecki, Leah Preskey, Megan C. Bakeberg, Jade E. Kenna, Christi Gildenhuys, Gabriella Macdougall, Sarah A. Dunlop, Frank L. Mastaglia, P Anthony Akkari, Frank Koengten, Ryan S. Anderton

Health Sciences Papers and Journal Articles

The interaction between the gut microbiota and alpha-synuclein (αSyn) aggregation in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is receiving increasing attention. The objective of this study was to investigate gut microbiota, and effects of an inflammatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS) trigger in a human αSyn over-expressing mouse model of PD (Thy1-αSyn). Stool samples from patients with confirmed PD and Thy1-αSyn mice were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Compared to healthy controls, the relative abundance of mucin-degrading Verrucomicrobiae and LPS-producing Gammaproteobacteria were greater in PD patients. In mice, the abundance of Gammaproteobacteria was negligible in both Thy1-αSyn and wild-type (WT) animals, while Verrucomicrobiae were reduced …