Digital Commons Network^™

Climate Change And Malaria Control: The Importance Of Mitigation And A Call To Action, Emmanuel O. Adewuyi, Kazeem Adefemi

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Malaria has remained an important target for global disease control efforts for decades. The streams of funds and, consequently, availability of effective interventions for the disease have resulted in considerable reduction in its burden, globally. Despite the relative success of such global efforts, malaria remains a significant threat in over a hundred countries, worldwide, leading to about one million deaths and hundreds of millions of hospital visits, annually. Many researchers and health commentators have argued that global warming, a consequence of climate change, could be linked – directly or indirectly – to the persistence as well as the re-emergence of …

Muscle Damage And The Repeated Bout Effect In Male Bodybuilders Following Unaccustomed Resistance Exercise, Kennedy Blowfield

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study investigated muscle damage of bodybuilders who performed an unaccustomed intense resistive exercise bout. Ten male bodybuilders (age: 23 ± 2 y, height: 177.6 ± 6.3 cm, body mass: 85.7 ± 8.1 kg) with a minimum of 4-years resistance training experience performed 17 exercises targeting the pectoral muscles. Eight of the 10 bodybuilders repeated the same exercises two weeks later. Muscle function (bench press throw, maximal isokinetic elbow extension and flexion concentric torque: MVC torque), muscle soreness using a visual analogue scale (VAS: 100-mm), and plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity were assessed before, immediately after and 24, 48 and …

Impaired Energy Metabolism: Involvement In Neurodegenerative Processes And Cns Ageing, Veer B. Gupta, Vivek K. Gupta

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

World is experiencing a consistent and steady increase in the ageing population with even higher proportional differences in the developed countries. Increase in ageing populations is directly correlated with the increased prevalence of age-related degenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) such as Alzheimer’s disease and various other forms of dementias, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, retinal degenerative disorders, Huntington’s’ disease, multiple sclerosis, psychiatric and behavioural disorders amongst others.

Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides Change Membrane Fluidity With Relevance To Phospholipid And Amyloid Beta Dynamics In Alzheimer's Disease, Ian James Martins

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and their increase in plasma in individuals in the developing world has become of major concern. LPS can transform cells by their rapid insertion into cell membranes that partition into cholesterol/sphingomyelin domains. LPS alter cell phospholipid dynamics associated with the recruitment of the Alzheimer’s disease amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide with the promotion of toxic Aβ oligomer formation. The common pattern of naturally occurring phospholipids such as1-palmitoyl-2-oleolyl-phosphatidylcholine in cells confers cells with the rapid transfer of Aβ and phospholipids. Phospholipids such as dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) are poorly transported with delayed metabolism of Aβ oligomers. …

Coastal Connectivity And Spatial Subsidy From A Microbial Perspective, Christin Säwström, Glenn A. Hyndes, Bradley D. Eyre, Megan J. Huggett, Matthew W. Fraser, Paul S. Lavery, Paul G. Thomson, Flavia Tarquinio, P. D. Steinberg, Bonnie Laverock

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The transfer of organic material from one coastal environment to another can increase production in recipient habitats in a process known as spatial subsidy. Microorganisms drive the generation, transformation, and uptake of organic material in shallow coastal environments, but their significance in connecting coastal habitats through spatial subsidies has received limited attention. We address this by presenting a conceptual model of coastal connectivity that focuses on the flow of microbially mediated organic material in key coastal habitats. Our model suggests that it is not the difference in generation rates of organic material between coastal habitats but the amount of organic …

The Teaching Discipline Doesn’T Matter? An Assessment Of Preservice Teachers’ Perception Of The Value Of Professional Experience In Attaining Teacher Competencies., Peter Howley, Ruth Reynolds, Erica Southgate

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This paper is one in a series of papers interrogating some of the fundamental bases of what is seen as good professional experience in initial teacher education (ITE). This paper uses the case study of Health/Physical Education (HPE) students’ perceptions of their professional experience, compared to other teaching disciplines, in one regional university to examine the seemingly taken-for–granted view that professional experience in all teaching disciplines can be assessed according to generic professional standards. In this case when HPE students were surveyed on their views of their ability to satisfy the NSW Institute of Teachers’ Professional Teaching Standards during practical …

The Efficacy Of Periodized Resistance Training In Older Adults, Jennifer Anne Conlon

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Sarcopenia describes the slow and inevitable age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and consequent function. Fortunately, a continually growing body of research highlights the robust adaptability of the aging neuromuscular system in response to resistance training (RT). Yet, despite an abundance of research studies describing the benefits of RT in the elderly, there is a large variation in the type of training programs employed. Therefore, within the extensive range of beneficial RT stimuli, it is vital to confirm what organizational structure of acute program variables is most effective (i.e. the appropriate dose). The process of organizing a training program considering …

Exploring Ecosystems And Health By Shifting To A Regional Focus: Perspectives From The Oceania Ecohealth Chapter, Jonathan Kingsley, Rebecca Patrick, Pierre Horwitz, Margot Parkes, Aaron Jenkins, Charles Massy, Claire Henderson-Wilson, Kerry Arabena

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

This article highlights contributions that can be made to the public health field by incorporating “ecosystem approaches to health” to tackle future environmental and health challenges at a regional level. This qualitative research reviews attitudes and understandings of the relationship between public health and the environment and the priorities, aspirations and challenges of a newly established group (the Oceania EcoHealth Chapter) who are attempting to promote these principles. Ten semi-structured interviews with Oceania EcoHealth Chapter members highlighted the important role such groups can play in informing organisations working in the Oceania region to improve both public health and environmental outcomes …

Is Atar Useful For Predicting The Success Of Australian Students In Initial Teacher Education?, Vince J. Wright

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Quality teaching is the most significant systemic factor contributing to student achievement. Attracting, developing and retaining effective teachers are important goals for Australia as they are for all nations. Debate rages currently about criteria for selection of students into Initial Teacher Education (ITE). The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is promoted by some commentators as a useful selection measure. The data from six cohorts of students from undergraduate degree programmes at a Melbourne university campus were investigated to evaluate the validity of ATAR as a predictor of academic success and performance on school placement. ATAR was positively related to academic …

From Research To Praxis: Empowering Trinidadian Primary School Teachers Via Action Research, Charmaine S. Bissessar

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

An exponential body of extant research illustrates the symbiotic dyad action research, andragogy, reflective praxis, and transformative learning share. This paper contains a narrative review of 83 action research papers submitted to the researcher as part of the fulfilment of the Bachelor of Education degree from April 2011 to May 2013. Additionally, interviews via email and telephone with 42 of the 83 student-teachers on their perceptions of the importance of action research on their instructional practice are examined. The narrative review of student-teachers’ archival research action proposals was thematically coded to reflect challenges confronting primary school, special needs, and early …

Metaphors As Two-Way Mirrors: Illuminating Pre-Service To In-Service Teacher Identity Development, John Buchanan

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The transition from pre-service to in-service can be difficult for teachers. One means of looking into the minds and hearts of such teachers is to elicit the metaphors they adopt for themselves. Previous studies have indicated that during this transition much of the confidence, idealism and optimism of teacher metaphors is displaced by bleak and defeatist visions. These changes are usually explained by ‘praxis shock’ – a result of unrealistic prior views of teaching and equally unrealistic workloads and challenges. This research project asks if metaphors might reveal more about pre-service teachers’ views and vulnerabilities, and help avert or mitigate …

Effective Teaching Practices For Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Students: A Review Of The Literature, Natalie J. Lloyd, Brian Ellis Lewthwaite, Barry Osborne, Helen J. Boon

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This paper presents a review of the literature pertaining to the teacher actions that influence Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student learning outcomes. This review investigates two foci: the identification of teacher actions influencing learning outcomes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students and the methodological approach to how the influence of teacher behaviours on student learning has been determined. The literature review identifies that published literature in the effective teaching area is predominantly in the ‘good ideas’ category; that is assertions are made by authors with no research-based evidence for supporting such claims, especially through quantitative research which seeks …

Defining Young In The Context Of Prostate Cancer, Suzanne Chambers, Anthony Lowe, Melissa Hyde, Leah Zajdlewicz, Robert F. Gardiner, David Sandoe, Jeff Dunn

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The experience of prostate cancer is for most men a major life stress with the psychological burden of this disease falling more heavily on those who are younger. Despite this, being young as it applies to prostate cancer is not yet clearly defined with varied chronological approaches applied. However, men’s responses to health crises are closely bound to life course and masculinities from which social roles emerge. This paper applied qualitative methodology (structured focus groups and semistructured interviews with expert informants) using interpretative phenomenological analysis to define what it means to be young and have prostate cancer. Structured focus groups …

Overnutrition Determines Lps Regulation Of Mycotoxin Induced Neurotoxicity In Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ian J. Martins

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Chronic neurodegenerative diseases are now associated with obesity and diabetes and linked to the developing and developed world. Interests in healthy diets have escalated that may prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The global metabolic syndrome involves lipoprotein abnormalities and insulin resistance and is the major disorder for induction of neurological disease. The effects of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on dyslipidemia and NAFLD indicate that the clearance and metabolism of fungal mycotoxins are linked to hypercholesterolemia and amyloid beta oligomers. LPS and mycotoxins are associated with membrane lipid disturbances with effects on cholesterol interacting proteins, lipoprotein metabolism, and …

Evaluation Of A Mobile Phone Image-Based Dietary Assessment Method In Adults With Type 2 Diabetes, Megan E. Rollo, Susan Ash, Philipa Lyons-Wall, Anthony W. Russell

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Image-based dietary records have limited evidence evaluating their performance and use among adults with a chronic disease. This study evaluated the performance of a 3-day mobile phone image-based dietary record, the Nutricam Dietary Assessment Method (NuDAM), in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Criterion validity was determined by comparing energy intake (EI) with total energy expenditure (TEE) measured by the doubly-labelled water technique. Relative validity was established by comparison to a weighed food record (WFR). Inter-rater reliability was assessed by comparing estimates of intake from three dietitians. Ten adults (6 males, age: 61.2 ± 6.9 years old, BMI: 31.0 …

Butyrylated Starch Intake Can Prevent Red Meat-Induced O6-Methyl-2-Deoxyguanosine Adducts In Human Rectal Tissue: A Randomised Clinical Trial, Richard K. Le Leu, Jean M. Winter, Claus T. Christophersen, Graeme P. Young, Karen J. Humphreys, Ying Hu, Silvia W. Gratz, Rosalind B. Miller, David L. Topping, Anthony R. Bird, Michael A. Conlon

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Epidemiological studies have identified increased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk with high red meat (HRM) intakes, whereas dietary fibre intake appears to be protective. In the present study, we examined whether a HRM diet increased rectal O⁶-methyl-2-deoxyguanosine (O⁶MeG) adduct levels in healthy human subjects, and whether butyrylated high-amylose maize starch (HAMSB) was protective. A group of twenty-three individuals consumed 300 g/d of cooked red meat without (HRM diet) or with 40 g/d of HAMSB (HRM+HAMSB diet) over 4-week periods separated by a 4-week washout in a randomised cross-over design. Stool and rectal biopsy samples were collected for …

The Association Between Environmental Cadmium Exposure And All-Cause Mortality And Cardiovascular Disease In A Cohort Of Elderly Western Australian Women, Kane Deering

Theses : Honours

Introduction: Recent research suggests an association between environmental cadmium exposure and increased risk of, and death from, cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of mortality in Australia and worldwide. However, the research to date is neither comprehensive nor have there been any studies conducted on an Australian population. This study identified whether increasing concentrations of urinary cadmium in elderly West Australian women was associated with an increased odds of incidence of, and deaths from CVD, as well as all-cause mortality.

Method: Cadmium excretion was measured in urine samples collected at baseline (1998) from 1359 women from Perth who …

Resting Energy Expenditure Using Indirect Calorimetry In Individuals With Moderate To Low Burns: A Pilot Study Of Associated Factors, Patient Acceptability And Comparison With Predictive Equations, Janica Bell

Theses : Honours

Background: Energy expenditure increases following a burn injury. The extent of hypermetabolism is dependent on a range of factors including burn total body surface area. Moderate to low burn injuries (< 15% TBSA) represent majority of hospital admissions for burn injuries however, their energy expenditure remains unpublished. While indirect calorimetry (IC) is the gold standard for determining energy requirements, less accurate predictive equations are often used in practice. Acceptability of IC from a burn patient perspective has not been published.

Aim: To describe the resting energy expenditure (REE) of patients with a moderate to low burn injury using IC; compare measured REE to predictive equations; and determine the patient acceptability of IC.

Methods: Demographic, anthropometric and dietary data were collected for five male and three female burn patients. REE was determined using indirect calorimetry (Ultima CPX) and five predictive methods (Schofield, Harris-Benedict, Toronto and the Ireton-Jones …

Overview Of Australian Indigenous Health Status, 2014, Jane Burns, Samantha Burrow, Neil Drew, Michelle Elwell, Caitlin Gray, Millie Harford-Mills, Joanne Hoareau, Renee Lynch, Andrea Macrae, Trish O'Hara, Christine Potter, Kathy Ride, Avinna Trzesinski

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The main purpose of the Overview is to provide a comprehensive summary of the most recent indicators of the health and current health status of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It has been prepared by the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet as a part of our contribution to ‘closing the gap’ in health between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians by making relevant, high quality knowledge and information easily accessible to policy makers, health service providers, other health professionals including Health workers, program managers, clinicians, researchers, students and the general community.

The initial sections of this Overview …

Association Between Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics And Depression In Chinese Population : A Cross-Sectional Study, Zhikun Li, Xin Yang, Anxin Wan, Jing Qui, Wei Wang, Qiaofeng Song, Xizhu Wang

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The study aimed to examine the association between ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics and depression. We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study of 6,851 participants aged 20 years or older (3,525 men and 3,326 women) living in Tangshan City, China. Information on the seven CVH metrics (including smoking, body mass index, dietary intake, physical activity, blood pressure, total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose) was collected via questionnaires, physical examination and laboratory test. Depression status was assessed using the Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and a score of 16 or above was considered depression. The relationship between CVH metrics and depression was …

Utilization Of Anc And Pnc Services In Nepal : A Multivariate Analysis Based On Nepal Demographic Health Survey 2001 And 2006, Gehendra Mahara, Collins Asweto, Kai Cao, Ali M. Alzain, Andrea Sebastian, Jill Barr, Xiuhua Guo, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Maternal Mortality is a public health problem in Nepal, which was highest in 1990 among the South Asian countries. Associated factors of maternal mortality are various; among them maternal health sevices such as antenatal (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC) services are the main. Methods: A multivariate secondary data analysis out based on Nepal Demographic Health Surveys 2001 and 2006. Logistic regression models was performed to compare the utilization of the ANC and PNC services, with background characteristics of women aged between 15 to 49 years old. Results: A total of 8913 reproductive aged groups (15-49) women were taken f …

Global Measures Of Gender Empowerment: A Case Study Of Sri Lankan Export Processing Zone (Epz) Workers, Peter Hancock, Sharon Middleton

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

This pape r focuses on global measures of gender empowerment released a n- nually by the UNDP and the World Economic Forum. It discusses and critiques these measures on a global level and juxtaposes this analysis against research conducted among women who work in Sri Lanka's Export Processing Zones (EPZs). Global measures of gender equality show that in Sri Lanka gender-based inequality is increasing, despite the nation dramatically improving its economy and poverty levels and meeting some of the Millennium Development Goals. To explain this contradiction, we sampled 2,304 women to explore how they experienced gender and empowerment and to …

Maternal Fish Oil Supplementation In Pregnancy: A 12 Year Follow-Up Of A Randomised Controlled Test, Suzanne Meldrum, Janet A. Dunstan, Jonathon K. Foster, Karen Simmer, Susan L. Prescott

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

A number of trials have been undertaken to assess whether the intake of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) during pregnancy can influence the neurological development of the offspring, yet no consensus from these trials has been reached. We aimed to investigate the long-term effects (12 years) of fish oil supplementation in pregnancy on neurodevelopment, including cognition, language and fine motor skills. In a follow up of a previously published randomised controlled trial of 98 pregnant women, their children were assessed at 12 years of age using a battery of neurodevelopmental assessments. Fifty participants were assessed at 12 years, …

Reduced Cardiovascular Capacity And Resting Metabolic Rate In Men With Prostate Cancer Undergoing Androgen Deprivation: A Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Investigation, Bradley Wall, Daniel A. Galvao, Naeem Fatehee, Dennis Taaffe, Nigel Spry, David Joseph, Robert Newton

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objectives. To investigate if androgen deprivation therapy exposure is associated with additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic treatment-related toxicities. Methods. One hundred and seven men (42-89 years) with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy completed a maximal graded objective exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake, assessments for resting metabolic rate, body composition, blood pressure and arterial stiffness, and blood biomarker analysis. A cross-sectional analysis was undertaken to investigate the potential impact of therapy exposure with participants stratified into two groups according to duration of androgen deprivation therapy (≥3 months). Results. Maximal oxygen uptake (26.1 ± 6.0 mL/kg/min …

Overview Of Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Health Status 2015, Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The main purpose of the Overview is to provide a comprehensive summary of the most recent indicators of the health and current health status of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people. It has been prepared by Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet staff as part of our contribution to supporting those who work in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector. The Overview is a key element of the HealthInfoNet commitment to authentic and engaged knowledge development and exchange. The initial sections of this Overview provide information about the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, population, and various measures …

Pre-Altitude Serum Ferritin Levels And Daily Oral Iron Supplement Dose Mediate Iron Parameter And Hemoglobin Mass Responses To Altitude Exposure, Daniel A. Galvao, Laura A. Garvican-Lewis,, Chris R. Abbiss, Peter Peeling, Christopher J. Gore

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose : To investigate the influence of daily oral iron supplementation on changes in hemoglobin mass (Hb_mass) and iron parameters after 2–4 weeks of moderate altitude exposure.Methods :Hematological data collected from 178 athletes (98 males, 80 females) exposed to moderate altitude (1,350–3,000 m) were analysed using linear regression to determine how altitude exposure combined with oral iron supplementation influenced Hb_mass, total iron incorporation (TII) and blood iron parameters [ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT)]. Results :Altitude exposure (mean ± s: 21 ± 3 days) increased Hb_mass by 1.1% [-0.4, 2.6], 3.3% [1.7, 4.8], and 4.0% …

Bone Mineral Density, Adiposity, And Cognitive Functions, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Kristyn A. Bates, Michael Weinborn, Romola S. Bucks, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Mark A. Rodrigues, Sabine M. Bird, Belinda M. Brown, John Beilby, Matthew Howard, Arthur Criddle, Megan Wraith, Kevin Taddei, Georgia Martins, Athena Paton, Tejal Shah, Satvinder S. Dhaliwal, Pankaj D. Mehta, Jonathan K. Foster, Ian J. Martins, Nicola T. Lautenschlager, Francis Mastaglia, Simon Laws, Ralph Martins

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Cognitive decline and dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been associated with genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. A number of potentially modifiable risk factors should be taken into account when preventive or ameliorative interventions targeting dementia and its preclinical stages are investigated. Bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition are two such potentially modifiable risk factors, and their association with cognitive decline was investigated in this study. 164 participants, aged 34–87 years old (62.78 ± 9.27), were recruited for this longitudinal study and underwent cognitive and clinical examinations at baseline and after 3 years. Blood samples were collected for …

The Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (Child) Birth Cohort Study: Assessment Of Environmental Exposures, Tim K. Takaro, James A. Scott, Ryan W. Allen, Sonia S. Anand, Allan B. Becker, A. Dean Befus, Michael Brauer, Joanne Duncan, Diana L. Lefebvre, Wendy Lou, Piush J. Mandhane, Kathleen E. Mclean, Gregory Miller, Hind Sbihi, Huan Shu, Padmaja Subbarao, Stuart E. Turvey, Amanda J. Wheeler, Leilei Zeng, Malcolm R. Sears, Jeffrey R. Brook

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development birth cohort was designed to elucidate interactions between environment and genetics underlying development of asthma and allergy. Over 3600 pregnant mothers were recruited from the general population in four provinces with diverse environments. The child is followed to age 5 years, with prospective characterization of diverse exposures during this critical period. Key exposure domains include indoor and outdoor air pollutants, inhalation, ingestion and dermal uptake of chemicals, mold, dampness, biological allergens, pets and pests, housing structure, and living behavior, together with infections, nutrition, psychosocial environment, and medications. Assessments of early life exposures are focused …

Analysis Of Plant Analytes Using Capillary Electrophoresis And High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Umme Kalsoom

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Plants contain an enormous array of organic and inorganic components, the analysis for which may involve a wide range of methods. The focus of this study was to develop high performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis methods for the analysis of three classes of analytes: osmoregulants, minerals and amino acids.

Firstly, this study explored the potential of capillary electrophoresis for the analysis of three very common osmoregulants (proline, glycine betaine and mannitol). A diverse array of methods has been reported for determining each of these analytes, however, the literature on osmoregulants and their analysis is quite disjointed and traverses both …

The Regulation Of Human Iron Metabolism In Hypoxia, Andrew Govus

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Athletes commonly use altitude exposure in an attempt to improve their aerobic performance at sea level. Altitude exposure enhances erythropoiesis and iron-dependent oxidative and glycolytic enzyme production, for this reason, athletes must maintain a healthy iron balance at altitude. A negative iron balance at altitude may limit such physiological adaptations, potentially reducing the performance benefits of altitude exposure.

This thesis examined the regulation of iron metabolism during acute (~31 min, Study One) and prolonged altitude exposure (14 days, Study Two). Finally, Study Three examined how daily oral iron supplementation influenced haemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and iron parameter responses to prolonged, moderate …