Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Status Of Vaccine Research And Development For Clostridium Difficile, T.V. Riley, D. Lyras, G. R. Douce

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Clostridium difficile associated disease is fundamentally associated with dysbiosis of the gut microbiome as a consequence of antibiotic use. This is because this sporulating, obligate anaerobe germinates and proliferates rapidly in the dysbiotic gut, which is an indirect consequence of their use. During its growth, C. difficile produces two toxins, toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB), which are responsible for the majority of clinical symptoms associated with the disease. Three parenterally delivered vaccines, based on detoxified or recombinant forms of these toxins, have undergone or are undergoing clinical trials. Each offers the opportunity to generate high titres of toxin …

Different Molecular Characteristics And Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles Of Clostridium Difficile In The Asia-Pacific Region, Yun Luo, Elaine Cheong, Qiao Bian, Deirdre A. Collins, Julian Ye, Jeong Hwan Shin, Wing Cheong Yam, Tohru Takata, Xiaojun Song, Xianjun Wang, Mini Kamboj, Thomas Gottlieb, Jianmin Jiang, Thomas V. Riley, Yi-Wei Tang, Dazhi Jin

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Molecular epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has been extensively studied in North America and Europe; however, limited data on CDI are available in the Asia-Pacific region. A multicentre retrospective study was conducted in this region. C. difficile isolates were subjected to multilocus sequence typing (ST) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Totally, 394 isolates were collected from Hangzhou, Hong Kong, China; Busan, South Korea; Fukuoka, Japan; Singapore; Perth, Sydney, Australia; New York, the United States. C. difficile isolates included 337 toxin A-positive/B-positive/binary toxin-negative (A+B+CDT-), 48 A-B+CDT-, and nine A+B+CDT+. Distribution of dominant STs varied geographically with ST17 in Fukuoka (18.6%), Busan …

A Panel Of Circulating Micrornas Detects Uveal Melanoma With High Precision, Mitchell S. Stark, Elin S. Gray, Timothy Isaacs, Fred K. Chen, Michael Millward, Ashleigh Mcevoy, Pauline Zaenker, Melanie Ziman, H. Peter Soyer, William J. Glasson, Sunil K. Warrier, Andrew L. Stark, Olivia J. Rolfe, Jane M. Palmer, Nicholas K. Hayward

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose: To determine if a circulating microRNA (miRNA) panel could be used to distinguish between uveal melanoma and uveal nevi. Methods: We report on a multicenter, cross-sectional study conducted between June 2012 and September 2015. The follow-up time was approximately 3 to 5 years. Blood was drawn from participants presenting with a uveal nevus (n = 10), localized uveal melanoma (n = 50), or metastatic uveal melanoma (n = 5). Levels of 17 miRNAs were measured in blood samples of study participants using a sensitive real-time PCR system. Results: A panel of six miRNAs (miR-16, miR-145, miR-146a, miR-204, miR-211, and …

Renal Abnormalities Among Children With Sickle Cell Conditions In Highly Resource-Limited Setting In Ghana, Enoch Odame Anto, Christian Obirikorang, Emmanuel Acheampong, Eric Adua, Sampson Donkor, Bright Oppong Afranie, Matthew Ofori, Emmanuel Akomanin Asiamah, Evans Asamoah Adu

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with progressive multi-organ failure especially, the brain and kidney and leads to high morbidity and mortality rate. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of renal abnormalities among children with SCD. This cross-sectional study recruited 212 sickling positive patients comprising of 96 Hb AS, 48 Hb SC, and 68 Hb SS phenotypes from the Pediatric Unit of Wassa Akropong Government Hospital, Wassa Akropong, Ghana. Early morning urine and venous blood samples were collected from each participant. Urinalysis was conducted and serum urea and creatinine levels were estimated. Estimate glomerular filtration rate …

Cannabis Consumption Patterns Explain The East-West Gradient In Canadian Neural Tube Defect Incidence: An Ecological Study, Albert Stuart Reece, Gary Kenneth Hulse

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

While a known link between prenatal cannabis exposure and anencephaly exists, the relationship of prenatal cannabis exposure with neural tube defects (NTDs) generally has not been defined. Published data from Canada Health and Statistics Canada were used to assess this relationship. Both cannabis use and NTDs were shown to follow an east-west and north-south gradient. Last year cannabis consumption was significantly associated (P < .0001; cannabis use–time interaction P < .0001). These results were confirmed when estimates of termination for anomaly were used. Canada Health population data allowed the calculation of an NTD odds ratio) of 1.27 (95% confidence interval = 1.19-1.37; P < 10⁻¹¹) for high-risk provinces versus the remainder with an attributable fraction in exposed populations of 16.52% (95% confidence interval = 12.22-20.62). Data show a robust positive statistical association between cannabis consumption as both …

Mouse Models Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Rodrigo Carlessi, Julia Köhn-Gaone, John K. Olynyk, Janina E. E. Tirnitz-Parker

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a major and steadily increasing global health challenge as the most common primary liver malignancy and leading cause of death in cirrhotic patients. The only hope for curative treatment or significant increase in life expectancy is early detection. Once patients have progressed towards end-stage HCC, effective treatment options are extremely limited on the background of a very high degree of heterogeneity in clinical presentation and outcome. Experimental chronic liver injury and cancer have been used extensively to mimic the human disease. In particular, mouse studies have advanced the field due to the ability to easily manipulate …

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors In The Treatment Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Tiffany Sandra Wai Ling Khoo, Arif Rehman, John K. Olynyk

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Locoregional therapy is used for early stage hepatocellular carcinoma. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been the mainstay of treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Sorafenib was the first drug approved based on data from two pivotal phase III trials. Although sorafenib provided a survival benefit, development of adverse events limits its use in some patients. These adverse events, such as hand–foot syndrome and diarrhea, have a significant impact on the quality of life and, in some circumstances, are severe enough to prompt cessation of the drug. In recent times, …

Vitamin B-12 Deficiency In Type 2 Diabetic Patients On Metformin: A Cross-Sectional Study From South-Western Part Of Ghana, Maryam Yakubu, Edwin Ferguson Laing, Paul Nsiah, Richard Anthony, Emmanuel Acheampong, Samuel Kojo Asamoah, Enoch Odame Anto, Gabriel Djokoto, Evans Adu Asamoah, Eddie-Williams Owiredu

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction: Metformin is the most widely administered anti-diabetic medication among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. However, metformin induces vitamin B12 malabsorption which may increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency among T2DM patients. We determined the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and related risk factors among Ghanaian T2DM patients on metformin therapy. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 196 T2DM patients attending the outpatient diabetic clinic at the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, Ghana. Fasting venous blood was collected for biochemical analysis. Vitamin B12 deficiency was defined as serum B12 < 100 pg/ml and methylmalonic acid (MMA) ≥ 0.4µmol/L. Results: The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency based on serum vitamin B12, MMA, and the combination of both methods were 32.1%, 14.8%, and 14.3%, respectively. Longer duration of metformin use [5-9 years, aOR= 2.83, 95% CI (1.03-7.81), p=0.045 and ≥ 10 years, aOR= 4.17, 95% CI (1.41-12.33), p=0.010], higher daily dose of metformin [1000-2000 mg/day, aOR= 1.34, 95% CI (0.25-2.74), p=0.038 and > 2000 mg/day, aOR= 1.13, 95% CI (0.39-2.97), p=0.047], and very high …

Attitudes Of Doctors And Nurses Toward Patient Safety Within Emergency Departments Of A Saudi Arabian Hospital: A Qualitative Study, Naif Alzahrani, Russell Jones, Mohamed E. Abdel-Latif

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: The attitudes of doctors and nurses toward patient safety represent a significant contributing factor to hospital safety climates and medical error rates. Yet, there are very few studies of patient safety attitudes in Saudi hospitals and none conducted in hospital emergency departments. Aims: The current study aims to investigate and compare the patient safety attitudes of doctors and nurses in a Saudi hospital emergency department. Materials and Method: The study employed a qualitative research design via semi-structured interviews with Saudi and non-Saudi doctors and nurses working in a Saudi hospital emergency department to determine their attitudes and experiences about …

Feasibility Of 12 Weeks Of Combined Aerobic And Resistance Training In Indigenous Australian Adults: A Phase I, Single Group, Pre-Post Intervention Study, Tuguy Esgin

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objectives: To investigate the feasibility and potential of an exercise program based on current recommendations for health to decrease cardiometabolic risk factors in Indigenous Australian adults in a metropolitan setting. Design: Phase I, single-group, pre-post intervention study. Methods: Sixteen previously inactive adults (55% female, mean age 32 y) undertook supervised exercise involving aerobic and progressive resistance training for 3 days per week for 12 weeks. Results: Eleven participants (69%) completed the exercise intervention with high exercise adherence rates (92% of sessions completed). Compared with baseline, there was a significant improvement with training in sub-maximal aerobic capacity (MD 5 ml/kg/min, 95% …

Home Childbirth Among Young Mothers Aged 15-24 Years In Nigeria: A National Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study, Emmanuel O. Adewuyi, Vishnu Khanal, Yun Zhao, Lungcit David, Olasunkanmi D. Bamidele, Asa Auta

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objective To estimate the prevalence and identify factors associated with home childbirth (delivery) among young mothers aged 15–24 years in Nigeria. Design A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Setting Nigeria. Participants A total of 7543 young mothers aged 15–24 years. Outcome measure Place of delivery. Results The prevalence of home delivery among young mothers aged 15–24 years was 69.5% (95% CI 67.1% to 71.8%) in Nigeria—78.9% (95%CI 76.3% to 81.2%) in rural and 43.9% (95%CI 38.5% to 49.5%, p < 0.001) in urban Nigeria. Using the Andersen’s behavioural model, increased odds of home delivery were associated with the two environmental factors: rural residence (adjusted OR, AOR: 1.39, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.85) and regions of residence (North-East: AOR: 1.97, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.34; North-West: AOR: 2.94, 95% CI 1.80 to 4.83; and South-South: AOR: 3.81, 95% CI 2.38 to 6.06). Three of the enabling factors (lack of health insurance: AOR: 2.34, 95% CI 1.16 to 4.71; difficulty with distance to healthcare facilities: AOR: 1.48, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.88; and < 4 times antenatal attendance: AOR: 3.80, 95% CI 3.00 to 4.85) similarly increased the odds of home delivery. Lastly, six predisposing factors—lack of maternal and husband’s education, poor wealth index, Islamic religion, high parity and low frequency of listening to radio—were associated with increased odds of home delivery. Conclusions Young mothers aged 15–24 years had a higher prevalence of home delivery than the national average for all women of reproductive age in Nigeria. Priority attention is required for young mothers in poor households, rural areas, North-East, North-West and South-South regions. Faith-based interventions, a youth-oriented antenatal care package, education of girls and access to health insurance coverage are recommended to speed up the reduction of home delivery among young mothers in Nigeria.

Population Data Centre Profile - The Western Australian Data Linkage Branch, Steve Hodges, Tom Eitelhuber, Alexandra Merchant, Janine Alan

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Established in 1995, the Western Australian Data Linkage Branch (DLB) is Australia’s longest running data linkage agency. The Western Australian Data Linkage System (WADLS) employs an enduring linkage model spanning over 60 data collections supported by internally developed and supported software and IT infrastructure. DLB has delivered, and continues to deliver, a range of significant data linkage innovations, many of which have been adopted elsewhere. A current restructure within the Western Australian Department of Health (which we will refer to as the Department of Health) will provide an improved funding model geared toward addressing issues with staff retention, capacity and …

Introducing The First Whole Genomes Of Nationals From The United Arab Emirates, Habiba S. Alsafar, Mariam Al-Ali, Gihan Daw Elbait, Mustafa H. Al-Maini, Dymitr Ruta, Braulio Peramo, Andreas Henschel, Guan K. Tay

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) provides an in depth description of genome variation. In the era of large-scale population genome projects, the assembly of ethnic-specific genomes combined with mapping human reference genomes of underrepresented populations has improved the understanding of human diversity and disease associations. In this study, for the first time, whole genome sequences of two nationals of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at >27X coverage are reported. The two Emirati individuals were predominantly of Central/South Asian ancestry. An in-house customized pipeline using BWA, Picard followed by the GATK tools to map the raw data from whole genome sequences of …

A Study Of The Food Environment At Australian Family Day Care, Ruth Wallace, Brennen Mills

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Overweight and obesity in childhood is a significant public health issue. Family day care (FDC) offers a setting where good eating habits can be nurtured in young children, yet often the food environment is unhealthy. This study aims to determine FDC educators’ knowledge and confidence about nutrition and the barriers and enablers to supporting healthy food environments. Australian FDC educators were recruited to a mixed methods study using self-administered e-surveys and qualitative in-depth interviews. The survey data (n = 188) revealed good knowledge about sugary foods, but poor knowledge of protein-rich foods. Nutrition knowledge was not associated with confidence …

Considerations When Assessing Endurance In Combat Sport Athletes, Oliver R. Barley, Dale W. Chapman, Stuart N. Guppy, Chris R. Abbiss

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Combat sports encompass a range of sports, each involving physical combat between participants. Such sports are unique, with competitive success influenced by a diverse range of physical characteristics. Effectively identifying and evaluating each characteristic is essential for athletes and support staff alike. Previous research investigating the relationship between combat sports performance and measures of strength and power is robust. However, research investigating the relationship between combat sports performance and assessments of endurance is less conclusive. As a physical characteristic, endurance is complex and influenced by multiple factors including mechanical efficiency, maximal aerobic capacity, metabolic thresholds, and anaerobic capacities. To assess …

Perceptions Of Climate Change And Occupational Heat Stress Risks And Adaptation Strategies Of Mining Workers In Ghana, Victor Fannam Nunfam, Jacques Oosthuizen, Kwadwo Adusei-Asante, Eddie Van Etten, Kwasi Frimpong

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Heavy physical workload for long hours coupled with increasing workplace heat exposure due to rising temperatures stemming from climate change, especially where there are inadequate prevention and control policies, adversely affect workers' health and safety, productive capacity and social well-being. However, variations in workers' concerns and awareness of occupational heat stress and climate change risks impede the effectiveness of heat stress management. A mixed method approach was used to assess climate change perceptions and occupational heat stress risks and adaptation strategies of Ghanaian mining workers. Questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to collect data from 320 respondents. Quantitative and …

Time-To-Event Analysis For Sports Injury Research Part 1: Time-Varying Exposures, Rasmus Oestergaard Nielsen, Michael Lejbach Bertelsen, Daniel Ramskov, Merete Møller, Adam Hulme, Daniel Theisen, Caroline F. Finch, Lauren Victoria Fortington, Mohammad Ali Mansournia, Erik Thorlund Parner

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

BACKGROUND: ‘How much change in training load is too much before injury is sustained, among different athletes?’ is a key question in sports medicine and sports science. To address this question the investigator/practitioner must analyse exposure variables that change over time, such as change in training load. Very few studies have included time-varying exposures (eg, training load) and time-varying effect-measure modifiers (eg, previous injury, biomechanics, sleep/stress) when studying sports injury aetiology.

AIM: To discuss advanced statistical methods suitable for the complex analysis of time-varying exposures such as changes in training load and injury-related outcomes.

CONTENT: Time-varying exposures and time-varying effect-measure …

Time-To-Event Analysis For Sports Injury Research Part 2: Time-Varying Outcomes, Rasmus Oestergaard Nielsen, Michael Lejbach Bertelsen, Daniel Ramskov, Merete Møller, Adam Hulme, Daniel Theisen, Caroline F. Finch, Lauren Victoria Fortington, Mohammad Ali Mansournia, Erik Thorlund Parner

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

BACKGROUND: Time-to-event modelling is underutilised in sports injury research. Still, sports injury researchers have been encouraged to consider time-to-event analyses as a powerful alternative to other statistical methods. Therefore, it is important to shed light on statistical approaches suitable for analysing training load related key-questions within the sports injury domain.

CONTENT: In the present article, we illuminate: (i) the possibilities of including time-varying outcomes in time-to-event analyses, (ii) how to deal with a situation where different types of sports injuries are included in the analyses (ie, competing risks), and (iii) how to deal with the situation where multiple subsequent injuries …

Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Nociceptive And Antipyretic Activity Of Young And Old Leaves Of Vernonia Amygdalina, Du-Bois Asante, Isaac Tabiri Henneh, Desmond Omane Acheampong, Foster Kyei, Christian Kweku Adokoh, Eric Gyamerah Ofori, Nelson Kwabla Domey, Emmanuel Adakudugu, Lokeswari Prathyusha Tangella, Elvis Ofori Ameyaw

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

Both young and old leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) are traditionally used to treat inflammation, pain and fever. However, the efficacy of young and old leaves for treating these ailments have not been compared till date.

Aim

To ascertain the effect of young and old leaves of VA in managing inflammation, pain and fever.

Methods

Both quantitative and qualitative phytochemical screening of ethanol extracts of young (EthYL) and old (EthOL) leaves of VA were performed. The anti-inflammatory activity of orally administered EthYL and EthOL (50–200 mg/kg) and Diclofenac (10 mg/kg) were evaluated in carrageenan-induced inflammation model in rats. Antipyretic …

Investigating The Relationships Between Hypothalamic Volume And Measures Of Circadian Rhythm And Habitual Sleep In Premanifest Huntington's Disease, Danielle M. Bartlett, Juan F. Domínguez D, Alvaro Reyes, Pauline Zaenker, Kirk W. Feindel, Robert U. Newton, Anthony J. Hannan, James A. Slater, Peter R. Eastwood, Alpar S. Lazar, Mel Ziman, Travis Cruickshank

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objective

Pathological changes within the hypothalamus have been proposed to mediate circadian rhythm and habitual sleep disturbances in individuals with Huntington’s disease (HD). However, investigations examining the relationships between hypothalamic volume and circadian rhythm and habitual sleep in individuals with HD are sparse. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the relationships between hypothalamic pathology and circadian rhythm and habitual sleep disturbances in individuals with premanifest HD.

Methods

Thirty-two individuals with premanifest HD and twenty-nine healthy age- and gender-matched controls participated in this dual-site, cross-sectional study. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed to evaluate hypothalamic volume. Circadian rhythm and habitual sleep …

Diets High In N-3 Fatty Acids Are Associated With Lower Arterial Stiffness In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Latent Profile Analysis, Richard J. Woodman, Leena R. Baghdadi, E Michael Shanahan, Inushi De Silva, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Arduino A. Mangoni

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Supplementation with n-3 fatty acids can influence inflammation and markers of arterial stiffness that are increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it is unknown whether specific patterns of dietary fatty acid intake are similarly associated. In a longitudinal study, eighty-six RA patients reported their dietary intake and had arterial stiffness measured using the augmentation index (AIx) at baseline and 8 months. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to characterise patterns of fatty acid intake using sixteen major fatty acids. Models for two to six profiles were compared using the Akaike and Bayesian information criteria. Associations between AIx and …

Doppler Radar-Based Non-Contact Health Monitoring For Obstructive Sleep Apnea Diagnosis: A Comprehensive Review, Vinh Phuc Tran, Adel Ali Al-Jumaily, Syed Mohammed Shamsul Islam

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Today’s rapid growth of elderly populations and aging problems coupled with the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other health related issues have affected many aspects of society. This has led to high demands for a more robust healthcare monitoring, diagnosing and treatments facilities. In particular to Sleep Medicine, sleep has a key role to play in both physical and mental health. The quality and duration of sleep have a direct and significant impact on people’s learning, memory, metabolism, weight, safety, mood, cardio-vascular health, diseases, and immune system function. The gold-standard for OSA diagnosis is the overnight sleep monitoring …

Using The Trajectory Of The Shuttlecock As A Measure Of Performance Accuracy In The Badminton Short Serve, Shayne Vial, Jodie Cochrane, Anthony J. Blazevich, James L. Croft

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Accuracy of a projectile is typically quantified as the proportion of successful target hits, or the distance an object finishes from the target. Serving in sports such as badminton differs since the shuttlecock is usually intercepted by the opponent before landing on the target (i.e. court surface). Therefore, landing accuracy measures are inappropriate and a new method of determining accuracy of the serve is needed. During interviews, elite coaches and players described an accurate short serve as crossing the net with low clearance and having an apex before the net. Three-dimensional trajectory of the shuttlecock was therefore tracked from eight …

Perspectives On Ethnic And Racial Disparities In Alzheimer's Disease And Related Dementias: Update And Areas Of Immediate Need, Ganesh M. Babulal, Yakeel T. Quiroz, Benedict C. Albensi, Eider Arenaza-Urquijo, Arlene J. Astell, Claudio Babiloni, Alex Bahar-Fuchs, Joanne Bell, Gene L. Bowman, Adam M. Brickman, Gael Chetelat, Carrie Ciro, Ann D. Cohen, Peggye Dilworth-Anderson, Hiroko H. Dodge, Simone Dreux, Steven Edland, Anna Esbensen, Lisbeth Evered, Michael Ewers, Keith N. Fargo, Juan Fortea, Hector Gonzalez, Deborah R. Gustafson, Elizabeth Head, James A. Hendrix, Scott M. Hofer, Leigh A. Johnson, Roos Jutten, Kerry Kilborn, Krista L. Lanctot, Jennifer J. Manly, Ralph N. Martins, Michelle M. Mielke, Martha Clare Morris, Melissa E. Murray, Esther S. Oh, Mario A. Parra, Robert A. Rissman, Catherine M. Roe, Octavio A. Santos, Nikolaos Scarmeas, Lon S. Schneider, Nicole Schupf, Sietske Sikkes, Heather M. Snyder, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Yaakov Stern, Andre Strydom, Yi Tang, Graciela Muniz Terrera Muniz Terrera, Yaakov Stern, Andre Strydom, Yi Tang, Graciela Muniz Terrera, Charlotte Teunissen, Debora Melo Van Lent, Michael Weinborn, Linda Wesselman, Donna M. Wilcock, Henrik Zetterberg, Sid E. O’Bryant, International Society To Advance Alzheimer’S Research And Treatment, Alzheimer’S Association

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRDs) are a global crisis facing the aging population and society as a whole. With the numbers of people with ADRDs predicted to rise dramatically across the world, the scientific community can no longer neglect the need for research focusing on ADRDs among underrepresented ethnoracial diverse groups. The Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART; alz.org/ISTAART) comprises a number of professional interest areas (PIAs), each focusing on a major scientific area associated with ADRDs. We leverage the expertise of the existing international cadre of ISTAART scientists and experts to synthesize a …

The Longitudinal Association Between Natural Outdoor Environments And Mortality In 9218 Older Men From Perth, Western Australia, Wilma L. Zijlema, Ania Stasinska, David Blake, Mila Dirgawati, Leon Flicker, Bu B. Yeap, Jonathan Golledge, Graeme J. Hankey, Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Jane Heyworth

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background/Aim: Natural outdoor environments may mitigate harmful environmental factors associated with city living. We studied the longitudinal relationship between natural (‘green and blue’) outdoor environments and mortality in a cohort of older men residing in Perth, Western Australia. Methods: We studied a cohort of 9218 men aged 65 years and older from the Health In Men Study. Participants were recruited in 1996–99 and followed until 2014, during which 5889 deaths were observed. Time-varying residential surrounding greenness based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, and the number and size of parks, natural space and waterbodies were defined to characterize the natural …

Effect Of Ice Slushy Ingestion And Cold Water Immersion On Thermoregulatory Behavior, Hui C. Choo, Jeremiah J. Peiffer, João P. Lopes-Silva, Ricardo N. O. Mesquita, Tatsuro Amano, Narihiko Kondo, Chris R. Abbiss

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Two studies were conducted to examine the effects of ice slushy ingestion (ICE) and cold water immersion (CWI) on thermoregulatory and sweat responses during constant (study 1) and self-paced (study 2) exercise. In study 1, 11 men cycled at 40–50% of peak aerobic power for 60 min (33.2 ± 0.3C, 45.9 ± 0.5% relative humidity, RH). In study 2, 11 men cycled for 60 min at perceived exertion (RPE) equivalent to 15 (33.9 ± 0.2C and 42.5 ± 3.9%RH). In both studies, each trial was preceded by 30 min of CWI (~22C), ICE or no cooling (CON). Rectal temperature (T …

Vegetable Nitrate Intakes Are Associated With Reduced Self-Reported Cardiovascular-Related Complications Within A Representative Sample Of Middle-Aged Australian Women, Prospectively Followed Up For 15 Years, J.K. Jackson, Amanda J. Patterson, Lesley K. Macdonald-Wicks, Peta M. Forder, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Catherine P. Bondonno, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Natalie C. Ward, Carl Holder, Christopher Oldmeadow, Julie E. Byles, Mark A. Mcevoy

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Nitric oxide (NO) facilitates anti-atherosclerotic effects. Vegetables are a major source of dietary nitrate. Experimental data indicates that dietary nitrate can significantly reduce major risk factors for atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD), as nitrate can be metabolized to produce NO via the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway. The purpose of this study was to prospectively investigate the association between habitual dietary nitrate intakes and the incidence of self-reported CVD-related complications within a representative sample of middle-aged Australian women (1946–1951 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health). Women free from disease at baseline who had completed the food frequency questionnaire data …

Specificity And Transfer Of Lower-Body Strength: Influence Of Bilateral Or Unilateral Lower-Body Resistance Training, Brendyn B. Appleby, Stuart J. Cormack, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Appleby, BB, Cormack, SJ, and Newton, RU. Specificity and transfer of lower-body strength: Influence of bilateral or unilateral lower-body resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 318-326, 2019-To examine the development of lower-body strength using either bilateral or unilateral resistance training. Developmental rugby players (n = 33; mean training age = 5.4 ± 2.9 years; 1 repetition maximum [1RM] 90° squat = 178 ± 27 kg) completed an 18-week randomized controlled training design (bilateral group [BIL], n = 13; unilateral group [UNI], n = 10; comparison, n = 10). The 8-week training phase involved 2 lower-body, volume-load matched resistance sessions …

Newborn Care Practices Of Mothers In Arab Societies: Implication For Infant Welfare, Diana H. Arabiat, Lisa Whitehead, Mohammad A. Al Jabery, Muhammad Darawad, Sadie Geraghty, Suhaila Halasa

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

INTRODUCTION: There are at least 22 Arab league states and sections in Northern Africa, southwestern Asia, and Europe that incorporate the vast Middle Eastern culture. The purpose of this study was to identify the cultural variations in newborn care practices, self-management of common illnesses, and their potential impact on infant welfare.

METHOD: A qualitative design using a focus group approach with 37 Arab mothers in Jordan was used.

RESULTS: Findings revealed strong similarities in terms of beliefs, care practices, and the experience of intergenerational conflict in establishing and maintaining traditional practices among mothers. Potentially harmful practices included restrictive swaddling, rubbing …

Risk Perceptions For Exertional Heat Illnesses In Junior Cricket In Sri Lanka, Prasanna Janaka Gamage, Lauren Victoria Fortington, Caroline F. Finch

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objectives Exertional heat illnesses (EHI) can occur when sport is played in hot and humid environments, such as those common across Asia. Measures to reduce the risk of EHI are important; however, causal data on EHI occurrence are limited and challenging to capture. To gain an initial understanding of EHI risks, we aimed to assess the risk perceptions of EHI of youth cricketers. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey, comprised of 14 questions on EHI risks, was conducted with 365 Sri Lankan junior male cricketers (age=12.9±0.9 years) who typically play in hot and humid conditions. Results For climate related risks, relative …