Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Topical Ginger Treatment With A Compress Or Patch For Osteoarthritis Symptoms, Tessa Therkleson

Research outputs 2013

Aim: This article is a report of a study evaluating changes in health status before and after topical ginger treatment for adults with moderate to severe osteoarthritis. Method: In 2011, 20 adults with chronic osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to one of two groups for 7 consecutive days of topical ginger treatment by trained nurses: Group 1 received a manually prepared ginger compress and Group 2 a standardized ginger patch. Participants had the option to continue self-treatment using the ginger patch for a further 24 weeks. A brief arthritis health questionnaire was completed weekly for 3 weeks and 4 weekly for …

Association Of Hematological Parameters With Metabolic Syndrome In Beijing Adult Population: A Longitudinal Study, Li-Xin Tao, Xia Li, Hui-Ping Zhu, Da Huo, Tao Zhou, Lei Pan, Yan-Xia Luo, Wei Wang, Zhao-Ping Wang, Dong-Ning Chen, Li-Juan Wu, Xiu-Hua Guo

Research outputs 2013

The purposes of the study were to estimate the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to systematically evaluate the relationship between hematological parameters and MetS in a 5-year follow-up of Beijing adult population. The longitudinal study included 3,180 adults, aged 20–65 years, who attended health check-ups in Beijing Tongren Hospital in 2007 and 2012. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to explore the associations between hematological parameters and MetS. The 5-year cumulative incidence of MetS in this sample was 10.82 % (14.22 % for males and 7.59 % for females). Among all the hematological parameters, white blood cell count (WBC) was …

Does The Cognitive Reflection Test Measure Cognitive Reflection? A Mathematical Modeling Approach, Guillermo J. Campitelli, Paul Gerrans

Research outputs 2013

We used a mathematical modeling approach, based on a sample of 2,019 participants, to better understand what the cognitive reflection test (CRT; Frederick In Journal of Economic Perspectives, 19, 25–42, 2005) measures. This test, which is typically completed in less than 10 min, contains three problems and aims to measure the ability or disposition to resist reporting the response that first comes to mind. However, since the test contains three mathematically based problems, it is possible that the test only measures mathematical abilities, and not cognitive reflection. We found that the models that included an inhibition parameter (i.e., the probability …

Monitoring Training Loads, Stress, Immune-Endocrine Responses And Performance In Tennis Players, R.V. Gomes, A. Moreira, L. Lodo, Kazunori Nosaka, A.J. Coutts, M.S. Aoki

Research outputs 2013

The study aim was to investigate the effect of a periodised pre-season training plan on internal training load and subsequent stress tolerance, immune-endocrine responses and physical performance in tennis players. Well-trained young tennis players (n = 10) were monitored across the pre-season period, which was divided into 4 weeks of progressive overloading training and a 1-week tapering period. Weekly measures of internal training load, training monotony and stress tolerance (sources and symptoms of stress) were taken, along with salivary testosterone, cortisol and immunoglobulin A. One repetition maximum strength, running endurance, jump height and agility were assessed before and after training. …

Reflective Practice: What Is It And How Do I Do It?, Abigail V. Lewis

Research outputs 2013

Reflective practice holds importance for health and education practitioners in Australia, as demonstrated by increased prominence in the revised Competency based Occupational Standards for speech pathologists. This paper explores the topic of reflective practice, in the clinical context, by addressing the following questions: What is reflective practice? Why is it an important skill for speech pathologists? What is the evidence base for reflective practice? How do practitioners and students engage in the process of reflection? In addressing the final question, four methods of facilitating reflection are outlined: journal reflection, reflection on a critical incident, reflection following professional development, and reflection …

Dietary Patterns Associated With Alzheimer's Disease And Related Chronic Disease Risk: A Review, Samantha L. Gardener, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Jennifer Keogh, Suzanne Mathieson, Ralph N. Martins

Research outputs 2013

The world’s population is growing older due to improved healthcare and nutrition. As a result, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) prevalence is rapidly increasing. The focus of the current research climate is shifting from understanding AD pathology and diagnosis to primary prevention and intervention strategies. Diet represents one potential intervention strategy accessible to all. Accumulating evidence suggests diet plays a major role in risk and development of AD and AD-related chronic diseases of the periphery like cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. This paper reviews studies that have explored the relationship between “a priori” dietary patterns, AD and AD-related chronic disease risk. The …

Neither Heavy Nor Light Load Resistance Exercise Acutely Exacerbates Lymphedema In Breast Cancer Survivor, Prue Cormie, Daniel A. Galvao, Nigel A. Spry, Robert Newton

Research outputs 2013

Resistance exercise has great potential to aid in the management of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), but little is known regarding the acute response of performing resistance exercises with the affected limb. Purpose. To examine the acute impact of upper body resistance exercise on the amount of swelling and severity of symptoms in women with BCRL and to compare these effects between resistance exercise involving high and low loads (heavier vs lighter weights). Methods. Seventeen women aged 61 ± 9 years with mild to severe BCRL participated in this study. Participants completed a high load (6-8 repetition maximum) and low load …

Exercise Medicine For Prostate Cancer, Robert U. Newton, Daniel A. Galvao

Research outputs 2013

Since initial reports in the mid-1980s, there has been increasing interest in the application of exercise as medicine for the prevention and management of cancer. A large number of high-quality, randomised, controlled trials with cancer survivors have confirmed both aerobic and resistance exercise to be highly beneficial for improving body composition, quality of life, mental health functional capacity and reducing risk of cancer recurrence and development of other chronic diseases. Such benefits have ultimately been realised in reduced cancer mortality between 30 and 60 % in large cohort retrospective studies. Treatments for prostate cancer are increasingly effective with quite high …

A Necrotic Stimulus Is Required To Maximize Matrix-Mediated Myogenesis In Mice, Drew Kuraitis, Maria Grazia Berardinelli, Erik J. Suuronen, Antonio Musaro

Research outputs 2013

Biomaterials that are similar to skeletal muscle extracellular matrix have been shown to augment regeneration in ischemic muscle. In this study, treatment with a collagen-based matrix stimulated molecular myogenesis in an mdx murine model of necrosis. Matrix-treated animals ran ≥ 40% further, demonstrating functional regeneration, and expressed increased levels of myogenic transcripts. By contrast, matrix treatment was unable to induce transcriptional or functional changes in an MLC/SOD1G93A atrophic mouse model. In vitro, satellite cells were cultured under standard conditions, on matrix, in the presence of myocyte debris (to simulate a necrotic-like environment) or with both matrix and necrotic stimuli. Exposure …

Papanicoloau Smear Uptake Among Substance-Using Mothers In Western Australia, Sadie Geraghty, Sara J. Bayes, Renate Mclaurin, Angela O'Connor

Research outputs 2013

Background: Papanicoloau (Pap) smear screening has helped to reduce cervical cancer rates significantly through the detection of premalignant cells (Bray et al, 2005). Uptake among women who use alcohol and other drugs (AOD) is known to be low (Chau et al, 2002) so they are at increased risk of being under-represented in the adequately screened population. AOD-using women experience disproportionately increased morbidity and mortality from cervical dysplasia and cancer (Nogara et al, 2013). Pregnancy may provide the midwife an opportunity to offer this vital screening test.

Objective: The audit investigated Pap smear uptake and results among AOD-using pregnant women.

Setting: …

The Genetic Contribution Of Cidea Polymorphisms, Haplotypes And Loci Interaction To Obesity In A Han Chinese Population, Jingjing Wu, Ling Zhang, Jie Zhang, Ying Dai, Lili Bian, Manshu Song, Alyce C. Russell, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2013

To investigate the association of tag-SNPs and haplotype structures of the CIDEA gene with obesity in a Han Chinese population. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1154588/V115F, rs4796955/SNP1, rs8092502/SNP2, rs12962340/SNP3 and rs7230480/SNP4) in the CIDEA gene were genotyped in a case-control study. Genotyping was performed using the sequenom matrixassisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry iPLEX platform. There were significant differences between the obese and control groups in genotype distributions of V115F (P>0.001), SNP1 (P = 0.006) and SNP2 (P = 0.005). Carriers of V115F-TT, SNP1-GG and SNP2-CC genotypes had a 2.84-fold (95 % CI 1.73-4.66), 2.19-fold (95 % CI 1.09-4.38) …

The Characterisation Of Pax3 Expressant Cells In Adult Peripheral Nerve [Journal Article], Judith Blake, Melanie Ziman

Research outputs 2013

Pax3 has numerous integral functions in embryonic tissue morphogenesis and knowledge of its complex function in cells of adult tissue continues to unfold. Across a variety of adult tissue lineages, the role of Pax3 is principally linked to maintenance of the tissue’s resident stem/progenitor cell population. In adult peripheral nerves, Pax3 is reported to be expressed in nonmyelinating Schwann cells, however, little is known about the purpose of this expression. Based on the evidence of the role of Pax3 in other adult tissue stem and progenitor cells, it was hypothesised that the cells in adult peripheral nerve that express Pax3 …

Reversibility Of Membrane N-Glycome Of Hela Cells Upon Treatment With Epigenetic Inhibitors, Tomislav Horvat, Martina Dezeljin, Irma Redzic, Darko Barisic, Maja H. Bosnar, Gordan Lauc

Research outputs 2013

Glycans are essential regulators of protein function and are now in the focus of research in many physiological and pathophysiological processes. There are numerous modes of regulating their biosynthesis, including epigenetic mechanisms implicated in the expression of glyco-genes. Since N-glycans located at the cell membrane define intercellular communication as well as a cellular response to a given environment, we developed a method to preferentially analyze this fraction of glycans. The method is based on incorporation of living cells into polyacrylamide gels, partial denaturation of membrane proteins with 3 M urea and subsequent release of N-glycans with PNGase F followed by …

Trkb Receptor Signalling: Implications In Neurodegenerative, Psychiatric And Proliferative Disorders, Vivek K. Gupta, Yuyi You, Veer Gupta, Alexander Klistorner, Stuart L. Graham

Research outputs 2013

The Trk family of receptors play a wide variety of roles in physiological and disease processes in both neuronal and non-neuronal tissues. Amongst these the TrkB receptor in particular has attracted major attention due to its critical role in signalling for brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT3) and neurotrophin-4 (NT4). TrkB signalling is indispensable for the survival, development and synaptic plasticity of several subtypes of neurons in the nervous system. Substantial evidence has emerged over the last decade about the involvement of aberrant TrkB signalling and its compromise in various neuropsychiatric and degenerative conditions. Unusual changes in TrkB signalling …

Loci Associated With N-Glycosylation Of Human Immunoglobulin G Show Pleiotropy With Autoimmune Diseases And Haematological Cancers, Gordan Lauc, Jennifer E. Huffman, Maja Pucic, Lina Zgaga, Barbara Adamczyk, Ana Muzinic, Mislav Novokmet, Ozren Polasek, Olga Gornik, Jasminka Kristic, Toma Keser, Veronique Vitart, Blanca Scheijen, Hae-Won Uh, Mariam Molokhia, Alan L. Patrick, Paul Mckeigue, Ivana Kolcic, Ivan K. Lukic, Olivia Swann, Frank N. Van Leeuwen, L. R. Ruhaak, Jeanine J. Houwing-Duistermaat, P. E. Slagboom, Marian Beekman, Anton J.M. De Craen, Andre M. Deelder, Qiang Zeng, Wei Wang, Nicholas D. Hastie, Ulf Gyllensten, James F. Wilson, Manfred Wuhrer, Alan F. Wright, Pauline M. Rudd, Caroline Hayward, Yurii Aulchenko, Harry Campbell, Igor Rudan

Research outputs 2013

Glycosylation of immunoglobulin G (IgG) influences IgG effector function by modulating binding to Fc receptors. To identify genetic loci associated with IgG glycosylation, we quantitated N-linked IgG glycans using two approaches. After isolating IgG from human plasma, we performed 77 quantitative measurements of N-glycosylation using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) in 2,247 individuals from four European discovery populations. In parallel, we measured IgG N-glycans using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) in a replication cohort of 1,848 Europeans. Meta-analysis of genome-wide association study (GWAS) results identified 9 genome-wide significant loci (P,2.2761029) in the discovery analysis and two of the same loci (B4GALT1 and …

Pathology Associated With Aav Mediated Expression Of Beta Amyloid Or C100 In Adult Mouse Hippocampus And Cerebellum, Eleanor S. Drummond, Jill Muhling, Ralph Martins, Linda K. Wijaya, Erich M. Ehlert, Alan R. Harvey

Research outputs 2013

Accumulation of beta amyloid (Ab) in the brain is a primary feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) but the exact molecular mechanisms by which Ab exerts its toxic actions are not yet entirely clear. We documented pathological changes 3 and 6 months after localised injection of recombinant, bi-cistronic adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV2) expressing human Ab40- GFP, Ab42-GFP, C100-GFP or C100V717F-GFP into the hippocampus and cerebellum of 8 week old male mice. Injection of all rAAV2 vectors resulted in wide-spread transduction within the hippocampus and cerebellum, as shown by expression of transgene mRNA and GFP protein. Despite the lack of accumulation of …

The Guinea Pig As A Model For Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease (Ad): The Impact Of Cholesterol Intake On Expression Of Ad-Related Genes, Mathew Sharman, Seyyed H.M. Nik, Mengqi Chen, Daniel Ong, Linda K. Wijaya, Simon Laws, Kevin Taddei, Morgan Newman, Michael Lardelli, Ralph Martins, Guiseppe Verdile

Research outputs 2013

We investigated the guinea pig, Cavia porcellus, as a model for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), both in terms of the conservation of genes involved in AD and the regulatory responses of these to a known AD risk factor - high cholesterol intake. Unlike rats and mice, guinea pigs possess an Ab peptide sequence identical to human Ab. Consistent with the commonality between cardiovascular and AD risk factors in humans, we saw that a high cholesterol diet leads to up-regulation of BACE1 (b-secretase) transcription and down-regulation of ADAM10 (a-secretase) transcription which should increase release of Ab from APP. Significantly, guinea pigs possess …

The Expected Number Of Background Disease Events During Mass Immunization In China, Youxin Wang, Lijuan Wu, Xinwei Yu, Feifei Zhao, Alyce Russell, Manshu Song, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2013

It is critical to distinguish events that are temporarily associated with, but not caused by, vaccination from those caused by vaccination during mass immunization. We performed a literature search in China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Pubmed databases. The number of coincident events was calculated based on its incidence rate and periods after receipt of a dose of hypothesized vaccine. We included background incidences of Guillain-Barre´ syndrome, anaphylaxis, seizure, sudden adult death syndrome, sudden cardiac death, spontaneous abortion, and preterm labour or delivery. In a cohort of 10 million individuals, 7.71 cases of Guillain-Barre´ syndrome would be expected to occur within …

Latrepirdine: Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Potential Therapeutic Roles In Alzheimer’S And Other Neurodegenerative Diseases, P R. Bharadwaj, K A. Bates, T Porter, E Teimouri, G Perry, J W. Steele, S Gandy, D Groth, R N. Martins, Giuseppe Verdile

Research outputs 2013

Latrepirdine (Dimebon^TM) was originally marketed as a non-selective antihistamine in Russia. It was repurposed as an effective treatment for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Huntington’s disease (HD) following preliminary reports showing its neuroprotective functions and ability to enhance cognition in AD and HD models. However, latrepirdine failed to show efficacy in phase III trials in AD and HD patients following encouraging phase II trials. The failure of latrepirdine in the clinical trials has highlighted the importance of understanding the precise mechanism underlying its cognitive benefits in neurodegenerative diseases before clinical evaluation. Latrepirdine has shown to affect …

The Acceleration Of Aging And Alzheimer’S Disease Through The Biological Mechanisms Behind Obesity And Type Ii Diabetes, Ian J. Martins, Wei Ling F. Lim, Andrea C. Wilson, Simon M. Laws, Ralph Martins

Research outputs 2013

The incidence of diabetes is predicted to increase to 21% by 2050. Currently, one third of US adults are obese and over 11% of these individuals have diabetes. Due to the growing need for therapeutic intervention to control and/or stabilize this increase in the incidence of diabetes in Western communities, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the association between obesity and Type 2 diabetes has become increasingly important to diabetes research. The increased cell senescence associated with diabetes has been associated with the limited ability of cells to divide, with indication of telomere shortening and genomic instability of the cells. Obese …

Molecular Insights Into Appetite Control And Neuroendocrine Disease As Risk Factors For Chronic Diseases In Western Countries, I J. Martins, Rhona Creegan, W. L. F. Lim, Ralph Martins

Research outputs 2013

Environmental factors such as stress, anxiety and depression are important to consider with the global increase in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, stroke, obesity, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Brain metabolic diseases associated with conditions such as obesity and diabetes require early intervention with diet, lifestyle and drug therapy to prevent diseases to various organs such as the liver with non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and other organs such as the heart, lungs thyroid, pancreas, brain, kidneys and reproductive systems. Behavioural stress and the molecular mechanisms that are involved in neuroendocrine diseases such as insulin resistance in obesity …

Increased Risk For Obesity And Diabetes With Neurodegeneration In Developing Countries [Journal Article], Ian J. Martins

Research outputs 2013

The incidence of global obesity and Type 2 diabetes has increased and is predicted to rise to 30% of the global population. Diet and lifestyle factors are incapable to resolve the increased incidence for obesity and diabetes in various populations of the world. Developing countries have come to the forefront because of the higher diabetic epidemic. The urbanization may possibly provide an explanation for the global diabetic epidemic. In Western countries the metabolic syndrome and non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have reached 30 % of the population and now at present NAFLD afflicts 20% of developing populations. Western diets …

High-Frequency Stimulation Of Nucleus Accumbens Changes In Dopaminergic Reward Circuit, Na Yan, Ning Chen, Honghua Zhu, Jianguo Zhang, Moira Sim, Yu Ma, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2013

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a potential remedial therapy for drug craving and relapse, but the mechanism is poorly understood. We investigated changes in neurotransmitter levels during high frequency stimulation (HFS) of the unilateral NAc on morphine-induced rats. Sixty adult Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: the control group (administration of saline), the morphine-only group (systematic administration of morphine without electrode implantation), the morphine-sham-stimulation group (systematic administration of morphine with electrode implantation but not given stimulation), the morphine-stimulation group (systematic administration of morphine with electrode implantation and stimulation) and the saline-stimulation group (administration of …

Ngala Healthy You, Healthy Baby: A Personalized Online Program To Support Healthy Weight In Pregnancy And Early Life, Margaret R. Miller, Lydia A. Hearn, Anna Fletcher, Lelia R. Green

Research outputs 2013

Perinatal maternal obesity is common and has significant child and maternal health consequences. Online resources have the potential to engage young mothers to adopt healthier lifestyles during pregnancy and postpartum. Intercept interviews with 53 pregnant women at antenatal clinics and focus groups with 67 new mothers at mothers’ groups and playgroups were conducted to determine preferred types and formats of online information and support. The expressed needs of women were matched to behaviour change theory to guide development of the Healthy You Healthy Baby website and Smartphone application. A mix of factual and practical online information, self-assessment, goal-setting and feedback …

Exercise As Medicine : Reversing Treatment Toxicities In Prostate Cancer Patients, Bradley A. Wall

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

A common treatment for prostate cancer, which is the most common form of cancer after skin cancer in Australian males, is androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). However, ADT is associated with an array of adverse effects including reduced bone and lean mass, loss of muscle strength, negative change in lipid profile, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as well as diabetes, all of which can compromise physical function and quality of life. Physical exercise has been suggested as a key lifestyle intervention for this group of cancer patients as it has enormous potential to limit and even reverse the effects …

Migration Matters : The Experience Of United Kingdom Registered Nurses Migrating To Western Australia, Caroline J. Vafeas

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This qualitative study uses heuristic inquiry to investigate the unique journey of 21 registered nurses (RN) who migrated from the United Kingdom (UK) to Perth in Western Australia (WA) between 2003 and 2008. The study explores the reasons for migration as well as the professional, social and psychological impact on each participant and their accompanying family during the first two years of settling in a new country.

In the contemporary climate of international nurse mobility, many employers are attempting to attract new employees, often with tantalising offers of an immediate visa and the enticement of a better climate and standard …

Muscle Damage And Metabolic Profiles Of Eccentric Cycling, Luis Penailillo

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Eccentric cycling, in which the knee extensor muscles perform eccentric contractions while trying to brake the backward rotational movements of the cranks of a cycle ergometer, has been shown to effectively increase muscle function and volume with a low metabolic cost. However, acute responses to repeated eccentric cycling bouts have not been well documented. Thus, the primary purposes of this PhD project were to investigate muscle damage and metabolic profiles of eccentric cycling in comparison to concentric cycling (Studies 1-3), and muscle-tendon behaviour (Study 4) during eccentric cycling in relation to muscle damage.

Study 1 compared muscle damage and metabolic …

The Identification Of Diagnostic Serological Autoantibodies For Cutaneous Melanoma, Pauline Zaenker

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Abstract not available.

A Model Of Management Learning For Occupational Therapists In Small Business In Australia, Jeannine Millsteed

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This research sought to identify factors that contribute to occupational therapists developing management competencies when they become small business owners providing professional clinical services. This is an important for several reasons and precipitated by the Australian government’s introduction of incentives that encourage health professions to move from employment in public hospitals into the private sector, coupled with a recognition that occupational therapists receive no formal business training in their professional education, and the reported high levels of business failure in the small business sector. A review of the literature established the value of small business to the Australian economy, growth …

Magnetocardiography In Unshielded Environment Based On Optical Magnetometry And Adaptive Noise Cancellation, Valentina Tiporlini

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This thesis proposes and demonstrates the concept of a magnetocardiographic system employing an array of optically-pumped quantum magnetometers and an adaptive noise cancellation for heart magnetic field measurement within a magnetically-unshielded environment.

Optically-pumped quantum magnetometers are based on the use of the atomic-spin-dependent optical properties of an atomic medium. An Mxconfiguration- based optically-pumped quantum magnetometer employing two sensing cells containing caesium vapour is theoretically described and experimentally developed, and the dependence of its sensitivity and frequency bandwidth upon the light power and the alkali vapour temperature is experimentally demonstrated. Furthermore, the capability of the developed magnetometer of measuring very weak …