Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Facial Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra, A Risk For The Development Of Pterygium And Myopia: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study In Ghana, Du Bois Asante, Korantema M. Tsegah, Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah, Samuel Kyei, Dunyah J. Dzidzor, Reindolf Anokye

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) affects sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, and trunk. The prevalence of pterygium and myopia in DPN patients in Ghana has not been studied. In this study, we examined the risk and protective factors for pterygium and myopia in DPN patients. Materials and Methods: The study involved 100 participants with facial DPN. A standard ophthalmic exam was performed using a portable slit lamp and a 3.5 X magnified loop. Participants completed a closed-ended questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to summarize the level of association between DPN, myopia, and pterygium, as well as demographic factors …

Ability Of The Australian General Public To Identify Common Emergency Medical Situations: Results Of An Online Survey Of A Nationally Representative Sample, Brennen W. Mills, Michella G. Hill, Alecka K. Miles, Erin C. Smith, Eben Afrifa-Yamoah, David N. Reid, Shane L. Rogers, Moira G. B. Sim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To investigate the Australian general public's ability to identify common medical emergencies as requiring an emergency response. Methods: An online survey asked participants to identify likely medical treatment pathways they would take for 17 hypothetical medical scenarios (eight emergency and nine non-emergency). The number and type of emergency scenarios participants correctly suggested warranted an emergency medical response was examined. Participants included Australian residents (aged > 18 years; n = 5264) who had never worked as an Australian registered medical doctor, nurse or paramedic. Results: Most emergencies were predominately correctly classified as requiring emergency responses (e.g. Severe chest pain, 95 % …

Abdominal Aortic Calcification, Cardiac Troponin I And Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease Mortality In Older Women, Ryan Teh, Richard L. Prince, Marc Sim, John T. Schousboe, Warren Raymond, Pawel Szulc, Wai Lim, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Kun Zhu, Douglas P. Kiel, Carl Schultz, Peter L. Thompson, Joshua Lewis

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objective:

Examine if two inexpensive measures of atherosclerotic vascular diseases (ASVD), abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) provide complementary information for 10-year ASVD mortality and all-cause mortality risk in older women.

Methods:

908 community-dwelling women without prevalent ASVD ( ≥ 75 years) were followed-up between 2003 and 2013. AAC and plasma hs-cTnI measures were obtained in 2003. AAC was assessed on lateral spine images using a semiquantitative method (AAC24). Linked health records were used for mortality outcomes.

Results:

Mean±SD age was 79.9±2.6 years. 276 (30.4%) women died during follow-up, including 138 (15.2%) ASVD-related deaths. AAC24 and …

Machine Learning Of Plasma Metabolome Identifies Biomarker Panels For Metabolic Syndrome: Findings From The China Suboptimal Health Cohort, Hao Wang, Youxin Wang, Xingang Li, Xuan Deng, Yuanyuan Kong, Wei Wang, Yong Zhou

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been proposed as a clinically identifiable high-risk state for the prediction and prevention of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. As a promising “omics” technology, metabolomics provides an innovative strategy to gain a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of MetS. The study aimed to systematically investigate the metabolic alterations in MetS and identify biomarker panels for the identification of MetS using machine learning methods. Methods: Nuclear magnetic resonance-based untargeted metabolomics analysis was performed on 1011 plasma samples (205 MetS patients and 806 healthy controls). Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to identify metabolic biomarkers …

Reap Success From Persistence, Cuihong Tian, Jingyi Yan, Xuerui Tan, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The road to success is long and arduous. Almost all Nobel prize laureates experienced tremendous efforts and countless failures before they made their scientific breakthroughs. Hypothesis-driven, independent and critical thinking, passion, repeated experiments and repetitive failures and running in circles on the entire scientific process finally approved their hypotheses.

Data Driven Classification Of Opioid Patients Using Machine Learning - An Investigation, Saddam Al Amin, Md Saddam Hossain Mukta, Md Sezan Mahmud Saikat, Md Ismail Hossain, Md Adnanul Islam, Mohiuddin Ahmed, Sami Azam

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The opioid crisis has led to an increased number of drug overdoses in recent years. Several approaches have been established to predict opioid prescription by health practitioners. However, due to the complex nature of the problem, the accuracy of such methods is not yet satisfactory. Dependable and reliable classification of opioid dependent patients from well-grounded data sources is essential. Majority of the previous studies do not focus on the users’ mental health association for opioid intake classification. These studies do not also employ the latest deep learning based techniques such as attention and knowledge distillation mechanism to find better insights. …

Relationship Of Cognition And Alzheimer’S Disease With Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders: A Large-Scale Genetic Overlap And Mendelian Randomisation Analysis, Emmanuel O. Adewuyi, Eleanor K. O’Brien, Tenielle Porter, Simon M. Laws

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Emerging observational evidence suggests links between cognitive impairment and a range of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders; however, the mechanisms underlying their relationships remain unclear. Leveraging large-scale genome-wide association studies’ summary statistics, we comprehensively assessed genetic overlap and potential causality of cognitive traits and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with several GIT disorders. We demonstrate a strong and highly significant inverse global genetic correlation between cognitive traits and GIT disorders — peptic ulcer disease (PUD), gastritis-duodenitis, diverticulosis, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but not inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Further analysis detects 35 significant (p < 4.37 × 10 ^{− 5}) bivariate local genetic …

Physical And Technical Demands Of Australian Football: An Analysis Of Maximum Ball In Play Periods, Christopher Wing, Nicolas H. Hart, Fadi Ma’Ayah, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: This study compares ball in play (BiP) analyses and both whole game (WG) and quarter averaged data for physical and technical demands of sub-elite Australian football (AF) players competing in the West Australian Football League across playing positions. Methods: Microsensor data were collected from 33 male AF players in one club over 19 games of the 2019 season. BiP time periods and technical performance data (e.g., kicks) were acquired from the Champion Data timeline of statistics, and time matched to the microsensor data. Linear mixed modelling was utilised to establish differences between maximum BiP periods and averaged data. Results: …

Assessment Of A Polygenic Hazard Score For The Onset Of Pre-Clinical Alzheimer’S Disease, Michael Vacher, Vincent Doré, Tenielle Porter, Lidija Milicic, Victor L. Villemagne, Pierrick Bourgeat, Sam C. Burnham, Timothy Cox, Colin L. Masters, Christopher C. Rowe, Jurgen Fripp, James D. Doecke, Simon M. Laws

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: With a growing number of loci associated with late-onset (sporadic) Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the polygenic contribution to AD is now well established. The development of polygenic risk score approaches have shown promising results for identifying individuals at higher risk of developing AD, thereby facilitating the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies. A polygenic hazard score (PHS) has been proposed to quantify age-specific genetic risk for AD. In this study, we assessed the predictive power and transferability of this PHS in an independent cohort, to support its clinical utility. Results: Using genotype and imaging data from 780 individuals enrolled in …

Bidirectional Associations Between Daytime Napping Duration And Metabolic Syndrome: A Nationally Representative Cohort Study, Jinqi Wang, Zhiyuan Wu, Xiaohan Jin, Rui Jin, Ze Han, Haiping Zhang, Zongkai Xu, Yue Liu, Xiuhua Guo, Lixin Tao

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: We aimed to examine the bidirectional associations between daytime napping duration and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study from 2011 to 2015, modified Poisson regression models were performed to explore the longitudinal associations of baseline napping duration with the occurrence and remission of MetS. Generalized estimating equation was conducted to explore the association between baseline MetS status with subsequent changes in daytime napping duration. Cross-lagged panel analysis was performed to further verify their bidirectional relationships. Results: During the four-year follow-up, among 5041 participants without MetS at baseline, extended naps were significantly …

Development And Feasibility Testing Of An Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy Program For Adults With Both Down Syndrome And Dementia, Sujatha E. Raj, Shylie Mackintosh, Jocelyn Kernot, Caroline Fryer, Mandy Stanley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper describes the development of a home-based occupational therapy intervention program for people with Down syndrome who experience early on-set dementia causing a decline in their performance skills and increasing care dependency on their informal caregivers. A six-step methodological process adapted from the Medical Research Council framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions was formulated to develop an evidence-based occupational therapy program for people with both Down syndrome and dementia and their informal caregivers. The first two steps gathered evidence through systematic reviews of the literature and determined the scope of current occupational therapy practice. The gathered evidence was …

Evaluation And Utility Of The King-Devick With Integrated Eye Tracking As A Diagnostic Tool For Sport-Related Concussion, Mark Hecimovich, Myles Murphy, Paola Chivers, Payton Stock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Eye-tracking technology for detecting eye movements has been gaining increasing attention as a possible assessment and monitoring tool for sport-related concussion (SRC). Purpose: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of a rapid number-naming task with eye tracking, the King-Devick Eye Tracking (K-D ET) assessment, in identifying SRC. Study Design: Cohort study. Methods: One female and 1 male team of United States collegiate rugby-15 players competing during the 2018 season were recruited. Variables assessed were total saccades, saccade velocity, total fixations, fixation duration, fixation polyarea, and test duration. A generalized estimating equation was used to examine group (concussion vs nonconcussion), time …

What Are The Odds? Identifying Factors Related To Competitive Success In Powerlifting, Daniel J. Van Den Hoek, Patrick J. Owen, Joel M. Garrett, Robert J. Howells, Joshua Pearson, Jemima G. Spathis, Christopher Latella

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The ability for athletes to gain a competitive advantage over their opponents is well recognised. At times, this advantage may be considered a marginal gain. However, in the context of competition, marginal advantages may be the difference between winning and losing. This investigation explores how competition factors influence the odds of competitive success (i.e. winning) in powerlifting (PL) to assist athletes and coaches in achieving a competitive advantage. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of competition data from raw/classic, Australian powerlifting competitions 2010–2019 was conducted. Data included 10,599 competition entries (males: n = 6567 [62%], females: n = 4032 [38%]). …

Treatment Fidelity Monitoring, Reporting And Findings In A Complex Aphasia Intervention Trial: A Substudy Of The Very Early Rehabilitation In Speech (Verse) Trial, Erin Godecke, Emily Brogan, Natalie Ciccone, Miranda L. Rose, Elizabeth Armstrong, Anne Whitworth, Fiona Ellery, Audrey Holland, Sandy Middleton, Tapan Rai, Graeme J. Hankey, Dominique Cadilhac, Julie Bernhardt

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Treatment fidelity is inconsistently reported in aphasia research, contributing to uncertainty about the effectiveness of types of aphasia therapy following stroke. We outline the processes and outcomes of treatment fidelity monitoring in a pre-specified secondary analysis of the VERSE trial. Methods: VERSE was a 3-arm, single-blinded RCT with a 12-week primary endpoint comparing Usual Care (UC) to two higher intensity treatments: Usual Care-Plus (UC-Plus) and VERSE, a prescribed intervention. Primary outcome results were previously reported. This secondary analysis focused on treatment fidelity. Video-recorded treatment sessions in the higher intensity study arms were evaluated for treatment adherence and treatment differentiation. …

Does A High Dietary Intake Of Resistant Starch Affect Glycaemic Control And Alter The Gut Microbiome In Women With Gestational Diabetes? A Randomised Control Trial Protocol, Cathy Latino, Emily J. Gianatti, Shailender Mehta, Johnny Lo, Amanda Devine, Claus Christophersen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background:

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is prevalent with lasting health implications for the mother and offspring. Medical nutrition therapy is the foundation of GDM management yet achieving optimal glycaemic control often requires treatment with medications, like insulin. New dietary strategies to improve GDM management and outcomes are required. Gut dysbiosis is a feature of GDM pregnancies, therefore, dietary manipulation of the gut microbiota may offer a new avenue for management. Resistant starch is a fermentable dietary fibre known to alter the gut microbiota and enhance production of short-chain fatty acids. Evidence suggests that short-chain fatty acids improve glycaemia via multiple …

Geotemporospatial And Causal Inference Epidemiological Analysis Of Us Survey And Overview Of Cannabis, Cannabidiol And Cannabinoid Genotoxicity In Relation To Congenital Anomalies 2001–2015, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background:

Cannabinoids including cannabidiol have recognized genotoxic activities but their significance has not been studied broadly epidemiologically across the teratological spectrum. We examined these issues including contextual space-time relationships and formal causal inferential analysis in USA.

Methods:

State congenital anomaly (CA) rate (CAR) data was taken from the annual reports of the National Birth Defects Prevention Network 2001–2005 to 2011–2015. Substance abuse rates were from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health a nationally representative longitudinal survey of the non-institutionalized US population with 74.1% response rate. Drugs examined were cigarettes, monthly and binge alcohol, monthly cannabis and analgesic and …

Analysis Of Plasma Proteins Using 2d Gels And Novel Fluorescent Probes: In Search Of Blood Based Biomarkers For Alzheimer’S Disease, Scott B. Laffoon, James D. Doecke, Anne M. Roberts, Jennifer A. Vance, Benjamin D. Reeves, Kelly K. Pertile, Rebecca L. Rumble, Chris J. Fowler, Brett Trounson, David Ames, Ralph Martins, Ashley I. Bush, Colin L. Masters, Paul A. Grieco, Edward A. Dratz, Blaine R. Roberts

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The Australian Imaging and Biomarker Lifestyle (AIBL) study of aging is designed to aid the discovery of biomarkers. The current study aimed to discover differentially expressed plasma proteins that could yield a blood-based screening tool for Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: The concentration of proteins in plasma covers a vast range of 12 orders of magnitude. Therefore, to search for medium to low abundant biomarkers and elucidate mechanisms of AD, we immuno-depleted the most abundant plasma proteins and pre-fractionated the remaining proteins by HPLC, prior to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The relative levels of approximately 3400 protein species resolved on the 2D …

Nursing Practicum Equity For A Changing Nurse Student Demographic: A Qualitative Study, Lesley Andrew, Julie Dare, Ken Robinson, Leesa Costello

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The nursing practicum (clinical practice) is an essential but often highly stressful aspect of the nursing degree. A review of the published literature reveals a strong focus on the stressors that originate within the practicum environment, rather than the student’s life outside the university and practice setting. This article reports on an Australian study, completed before the COVID-19 pandemic, of the university experiences of undergraduate women nurse students with family responsibilities. The findings reveal the importance of factors outside the university on the women students’ practicum experience and their ability to engage and achieve. Methods: The study was qualitative, …

Association Of Visceral Adiposity Index With Incident Nephropathy And Retinopathy: A Cohort Study In The Diabetic Population, Zhiyuan Wu, Siqi Yu, Xiaoping Kang, Yue Liu, Zongkai Xu, Zhiwei Li, Jinqi Wang, Xinlei Miao, Xiangtong Liu, Xia Li, Jingbo Zhang, Wei Wang, Lixin Tao, Xiuhua Guo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The association between visceral adiposity index (VAI) and diabetic complications has been reported in cross-sectional studies, while the effect of VAI on complication development remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the longitudinal association of VAI and Chinese VAI (CVAI) with the incidence of diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy using a Chinese cohort. Methods: A total of 8 948 participants with type 2 diabetes from Beijing Health Management Cohort were enrolled during 2013–2014, and followed until December 31, 2019. Nephropathy was confirmed by urine albumin/creatinine ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate; retinopathy was diagnosed using fundus photograph. Results: The mean …

Characterizing The Diversity Of Mhc Conserved Extended Haplotypes Using Families From The United Arab Emirates, Halima Alnaqbi, Guan K. Tay, Sarah El Hajj Chehadeh, Habiba Alsafar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aside from its anthropological relevance, the characterization of the allele frequencies of genes in the human Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and the combination of these alleles that make up MHC conserved extended haplotypes (CEHs) is necessary for histocompatibility matching in transplantation as well as mapping disease association loci. The structure and content of the MHC region in Middle Eastern populations remain poorly characterized, posing challenges when establishing disease association studies in ethnic groups that inhabit the region and reducing the capacity to translate genetic research into clinical practice. This study was conceived to address a gap of knowledge, aiming to …

Comprehensive Genetic Analysis Of The Human Lipidome Identifies Loci Associated With Lipid Homeostasis With Links To Coronary Artery Disease, Gemma Cadby, Corey Giles, Phillip E. Melton, Kevin Huynh, Natalie A. Mellett, Thy Duong, Anh Nguyen, Michelle Cinel, Alex Smith, Gavriel Olshansky, Tingting Wang, Marta Brozynska, Mike Inouye, Nina S. Mccarthy, Amir Ariff, Joseph Hung, Jennie Hui, John Beilby, Marie Pierre Dubé, Gerald F. Watts, Sonia Shah, Naomi R. Wray, Wei Ling Florence Lim, Pratishtha Chatterjee, Ian Martins, Simon M. Laws, Tenielle Porter, Michael Vacher, Ashley I. Bush, Christopher C. Rowe, Victor L. Villemagne, David Ames, Colin L. Masters, Kevin Taddei, Matthias Arnold, Gabi Kastenmüller, Kwangsik Nho, Andrew J. Saykin, Xianlin Han, Rima Kaddurah-Daouk, Ralph N. Martins, John Blangero, Peter J. Meikle, Eric K. Moses

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

We integrated lipidomics and genomics to unravel the genetic architecture of lipid metabolism and identify genetic variants associated with lipid species putatively in the mechanistic pathway for coronary artery disease (CAD). We quantified 596 lipid species in serum from 4,492 individuals from the Busselton Health Study. The discovery GWAS identified 3,361 independent lipid-loci associations, involving 667 genomic regions (479 previously unreported), with validation in two independent cohorts. A meta-analysis revealed an additional 70 independent genomic regions associated with lipid species. We identified 134 lipid endophenotypes for CAD associated with 186 genomic loci. Associations between independent lipid-loci with coronary atherosclerosis were …

Australasian Malignant Pleural Effusion (Ample)-3 Trial: Study Protocol For A Multi-Centre Randomised Study Comparing Indwelling Pleural Catheter (±Talc Pleurodesis) Versus Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery For Management Of Malignant Pleural Effusion, Deirdre B. Fitzgerald, Calvin Sidhu, Charley Budgeon, Ai Ling Tan, Catherine A. Read, Benjamin C.H. Kwan, Nicola Ann Smith, Edward T. Fysh, Sanjeevan Muruganandan, Tajalli Saghaie, Ranjan Shrestha, Arash Badiei, Phan Nguyen, Andrew Burke, John Goddard, Morgan Windsor, Julie Mcdonald, Gavin Wright, Kasia Czarnecka, Parthipan Sivakumar, Kazuhiro Yasufuku, David J. Feller-Kopman, Nick A. Maskell, Kevin Murray, Y. C. Gary Lee

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) are common. MPE causes significant breathlessness and impairs quality of life. Indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) allow ambulatory drainage and reduce hospital days and re-intervention rates when compared to standard talc slurry pleurodesis. Daily drainage accelerates pleurodesis, and talc instillation via the IPC has been proven feasible and safe. Surgical pleurodesis via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is considered a one-off intervention for MPE and is often recommended to patients who are fit for surgery. The AMPLE-3 trial is the first randomised trial to compare IPC (±talc pleurodesis) and VATS pleurodesis in those who are fit for …

Changes In Biceps Brachii Muscle Hardness Assessed By A Push-In Meter And Strain Elastography After Eccentric Versus Concentric Contractions, Mitsuyoshi Murayama, Takayuki Inami, Norihiro Shima, Tsugutake Yoneda, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Changes in biceps brachii muscle hardness assessed by a push-in meter (PM) and strain elastography (SE) were compared between eccentric (ECC) and concentric contractions (CON) of the elbow flexors to test the hypothesis that muscle hardness would increase greater after ECC. Ten men performed 5 sets of 10 ECC with their non-dominant arms and 5 sets of 10 CON with their dominant arms using a dumbbell corresponding to 50% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) force at 90º elbow flexion. Before and 1–4 days after the exercise, MVIC force, elbow joint angles, upper-arm circumference, and muscle soreness as muscle damage …

Multi-Block Data Integration Analysis For Identifying And Validating Targeted N-Glycans As Biomarkers For Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus, Eric Adua, Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah, Emmanuel Peprah-Yamoah, Enoch Odame Anto, Emmanuel Acheampong, Kwaafo Akoto Awuah-Mensah, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Plasma N-glycan profiles have been shown to be defective in type II diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and holds a promise to discovering biomarkers. The study comprised 232 T2DM patients and 219 healthy individuals. N-glycans were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The multivariate integrative framework, DIABLO was employed for the statistical analysis. N-glycan groups (GPs 34, 32, 26, 31, 36 and 30) were significantly expressed in T2DM in component 1 and GPs 38 and 20 were related to T2DM in component 2. Four clusters were observed based on the correlation of the expressive signatures of the 39 N-glycans across T2DM and controls. …

No Association Between Intravenous Fluid Volume And Endothelial Glycocalyx Shedding In Patients Undergoing Resuscitation For Sepsis In The Emergency Department, Stephen Macdonald, Erika Bosio, Nathan I. Shapiro, Lois Balmer, Sally Burrows, Moira Hibbs, Thomas Jowitt, Lisa Smart, Glenn Arendts, Daniel Fatovich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Endothelial glycocalyx (EG) shedding is associated with septic shock and described following intravenous (IV) fluid administration. To investigate the possible impact of IV fluids on the pathobiology of septic shock we investigated associations between biomarkers of EG shedding and endothelial cell activation, and relationships with IV fluid volume. Serum samples were obtained on admission (T0) and at 24 h (T24) in patients undergoing haemodynamic resuscitation for suspected septic shock in the emergency department. Biomarkers of EG shedding—Syndecan-1 (Syn-1), Syndecan-4 (Syn-4), Hyaluronan, endothelial activation—Endothelin-1 (ET-1), Angiopoeitin-2 (Ang-2), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1(VEGF-1) and leucocyte activation/inflammation—Resistin, Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) and …

Facilitation–Inhibition Control Of Motor Neuronal Persistent Inward Currents In Young And Older Adults, Lucas B. R. Orssatto, Gabriel L. Fernandes, Anthony J. Blazevich, Gabriel S. Trajano

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

A well-coordinated facilitation–inhibition control of motor neuronal persistent inward currents (PICs) via diffuse neuromodulation and local inhibition is essential to ensure motor units discharge at required times and frequencies. Present best estimates indicate that PICs are reduced in older adults; however, it is not yet known whether PIC facilitation–inhibition control is also altered with ageing. We investigated the responses of PICs to (i) a remote handgrip contraction, which is believed to diffusely increase serotonergic input onto motor neurones, and (ii) tendon vibration of the antagonist muscle, which elicits reciprocal inhibition, in young and older adults. High-density surface electromyograms were collected …

Salivary Cortisol Levels And Stress In Adults With Profound Intellectual And Multiple Disabilities Participating In The Structured Water Dance Intervention: A Randomised Controlled Crossover Trial, Lars-Olov Lundqvist, Marie Matérne, Andre Frank, Evalotte Mörelius, Anna Duberg

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The Structured Water Dance Intervention (SWAN) is a dance-oriented aquatic group activity directed to give opportunities for the joy of movement, relaxation, and reduced stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of SWAN on salivary cortisol and stress in adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). A total of 34 adults with PIMD at four habilitation centres in Sweden completed the SWAN intervention. The intervention was administered for 40 min once a week during a 12-week period. Saliva cortisol was collected in the morning and evening at baseline one week before the intervention, thrice during the intervention period, …

Interplay Between Foetal Haemoglobin, Micronutrients And Oxidative Stress Biomarkers In Sickle Cell Anaemia Children, Ama G. Owusu-Poku, Daniel Gyamfi, Eliezer Togbe, Stephen Opoku, Richard K. D. Ephraim, Jocelyn G. Asibey, Benedict Sackey, Wina I. O. Boadu, Max E. Annani-Akollor, Enoch O. Anto, Otchere Addai-Mensah

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Foetal haemoglobin (HbF) has been speculated to have an impact on the quantity of micronutrients and the latter also have a role to play in oxidative stress (OS) in sickle cell anaemia (SCA). No previous study in Ghana has examined the interplay of these factors together among SCA children. This study compared the levels of OS biomarkers (8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG] total antioxidant capacity [TAC]) and micronutrients (zinc and copper), and their relationship with HbF in SCA and sickle cell negative, apparently healthy children. This case-control study recruited 58 SCA (out-patients [n = 42] and in-patients [n = 16]) children aged 1–14 …

Association Of Cumulative Monocyte To High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio With The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective Cohort Study, Dan Wu, Yulong Lan, Yuancheng Xu, Songna Xu, Yuejun Huang, Lois Balmer, Gehendra Maharra, Wencan Xu, Wei Wang, Shouling Wu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Recent studies have established that monocyte-derived inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is unclear whether chronic metabolic inflammation, reflected by the cumulative monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (CumMHR), predisposes the general population to T2DM. Methods: This study included 40,813 participants without diabetes from a real-life, community-based cohort (the Kailuan Study) attending a 2-year cycle of health survey since 2006. Cumulative exposure was obtained from 2006/2007 to 2010/2011. Follow-up started at 2010/2011 and through 2020. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models were used to calculate the CumMHR-associated risk of incident T2DM. Results: Over …

Critical Thinking Development In Undergraduate Midwifery Students: An Australian Validation Study Using Rasch Analysis, Amanda G. Carter, Amanda Müller, Michelle Gray, Dianne Bloxsome, Kristen Graham, Dolores Dooley, Linda Sweet

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Well-developed critical thinking skills are required to provide midwifery care that is safe, evidence-based, and woman-centred. A valid, reliable tool to measure is required the application of critical thinking in midwifery practice. The Carter Assessment of Critical Thinking in Midwifery (CACTiM) has previously been psychometrically assessed using classical methods at a single site. This study aims to further evaluate the properties of CACTiM tools using Rasch analysis in a diverse group of midwifery students and preceptors. Methods: The CACTiM tools were completed by undergraduate midwifery students studying at three Australian universities and their preceptors. Midwifery students’ critical thinking was …